I don't own either InuYasha nor Iron Man characters.

"Is this really necessary?" Kagome held her arms out and looked down at herself, scrunching her nose as she did.

Somehow her boss, Tony Stark, had figured it essential for her to have a disguise when going out with him. Not only because he was the famous Tony Stark – playboy, billionaire and yadda yadda all that he was – but also because as the hero Iron Man, he wanted her to be as unrecognizable as possible. 'I have my enemies', he had said with an important lift of his chin.

She couldn't deny that he did. After all that business with Justin Hammer and Ivan Vanko wreaking havoc, Tony had not only been seen as a dangerous person by all who was there – since he was in a robot most of the time and worked with creating weapons of different kinds – he had lost the love of his life. Pepper simply couldn't bear seeing Tony – who she did love dearly – die because of his own weapons, simply because he couldn't give them up.

So he was overprotective. As such, Kagome could understand his need for her, his personal assistants, protection.

Still...

"Of course it's necessary!" the billionaire exclaimed. Tony reclined in his armchair, facing her who was standing in front of the large mirror. He looked her up and down before giving a nod of approval. "I must say, it's the best one yet!"

So far he had made her wear her normal workclothes – a simple, knee-length skirt and a blouse – but he had early on dismissed it. 'Too simple', had been the reason. She had shrugged at that, not really caring about his antics all that much anymore. The second costume he had brought her was a little different but not that bad; a summery dress that ended a little above her knees and jutted out around her as she twirled. Again he had shaken his head. 'Too... girlish.' After had followed an assortment of clothing; traditional kimonos, geisha costumes, a long red dress with dangerous neckline in her opinion, an all out goth hiccup and even a sailor uniform.

In the end she had stomped her foot and demanded to know what it was really about.

That had made her frown and demand what it was really about.

And that was when he took her into this store.

Filled with... suggestive clothing that she wasn't sure could be called clothes.

"You can't be serious," Kagome growled as she sent a scathing look at him. "I will not be going out looking like- like-"

"- an amazing piece of every man's desire?" Tony suggested innocently. His mouth twitched. She was going to kill him.

"Like a prostitute", she hissed, gesturing to her form as she did. She immidiately regretted the move as Tonys eyes followed her hand along her corset-like top that threatened to empty her bosom at any minute, and the miniature skirt that was better used as a napkin. "How in hell are this outfit supposed to be good for either of us?"

"Well firstly, you look delicious like that, my sweet tartar." He looked at her with a hopeful expression. She narrowed her eyes. "Secondly, with this look on you, no one will think to glare at me."

"And I repeat, why-"

He lifted a finger. "And thirdly. You look absolutely edible in that."

Kagome groaned and slapped her forehead. "Let me get this straight: You want me to wear this for two reasons – for you to ogle me and everyone else to ignore you."

"Well, simply put, yes. Except for the ladies of course, but I expect that it will all sort itself out."

'Count to ten, count to ten.' He had a happy grin on his face. 'Count to one hundred, one hundred.' "So. You mean that you want to share me with the rest of mankind, simply because you want some eyes to be averted from yourself?" She crossed her arms over her chest, careful not to amplify too much pressure. A cold feeling was settling into her stomach and slowly crawling up her throat. She knew this feeling all too well, ever since her travels to the past.

Disappointment ladled with loneliness.

They were both quiet for some time. Long enough for her cold feeling to slowly be replaced by something far warmer and closer to heart. Anger. But it had yet to become a blazinb fire, meant to burn everything in it's course out.

Right now it was simply annoyance.

"Right!" Kagome jumped, not expecting her boss's loud voice and the slap to his thigh as he stood. "Excuse me, miss? We'll take this outfit", Tony called to the shop owner.

"What?! Tony-"

"But we'll have to find some more costumes for you to try on," he continued and prowled over to her side. She stood perfectly still as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "After all, I can't stand the idea of someone else gazing upon my delicious tartar."

She stood frozen and beet red as he went to pay for the clothes.

Late. Again. I know. And there is no excuse. I can apologize and apologize, but the truth is I don't have all that much inspiration. While I still read a lot of fanfictions, regular books, play games and watch tv, that stupid muse of mine simply won't come back to me.

I suspect she is either twotiming, or has grown bored with me.

On another note, I have three differend courses to study via Internet this fall, Winter and then spring, so it isn't certain that I will get the time to write all that much.

But believe me! I will do my best to get my mojo back!

... unbidden, I began to think of Power Puff Girls.

Oh, and I just noticed something pretty fun (or freaky) about this story! Along with the next chapter - that is actually started on! - the document has right now 9 999 words. A sign for something, I wonder.