As Pictura

Chapter One

"bla" – talking
'bla' – thinking

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It was a nice day, one of those cloudless, perfect days nestled between heat of summer and the approaching winter chill, the kind of day when you enjoyed walking around. Kagome walked out the door of her apartment with her long wavy midnight blue braided hair so it couldn't get in her way. Her angelic white skin was a good contrast to her scarlet sweater and her black skirt. Clapping her portfolio under her arm she walked towards the gallery passing a mass of people on the way.

Rounding another corner she stopped in front of the gallery. The gallery was ensconced behind double sets of glass doors. The lettering on the door was small and plain, announcing "Takashi Gallery" and leaving it at that.

Sara who displayed all off Kagome's work - in her gallery – had called her that morning that she had set up a meeting with the Ito's knowing that Kagome hadn't sold anything for a month. Since she had started seeing ghosts two years ago it was getting harder for her to paint something descent. She could be happy that Sara cared about her artists.

Other gallery owners probably wouldn't care a squat but Sara was different. She did that for all the artists whose work she displayed which earned her a ton of money or maybe not. Actually it was Touga's wealth that made the gallery's profit.

Takashi Touga, Sara's husband. He and Sara seemed like such opposites. Sara was lovely, nice, with her sleek light brown hair and light brown eyes. She was a beautiful demoness but her true charm lay in her friendly personality, which came from what lay behind the face. Touga's nature seems a bit more cold and uncaring. Maybe the death of his first and second fiancé killed his happy side but how could she know, she didn't know him. Their marriage seemed to be mismatched although it held for over 10 years. The few times Kagome had seen them together, side by side it looked like it was merely by chance.

Opening the door she walked inside the gallery. As usual the first sight to greet anyone entering the gallery was Bankotsu. He was beautiful but also a little creepy. She guessed he filled the function of a receptionist, but she wasn't quite certain what his official title was. Judging from the way some female customers stared at him, it was enough for him just to be there.

He had long black hair in a braid, dark brown eyes and probably a muscular body. If she suspected right then he and Sara had a full-fledged affair or at least a fling. But she didn't really care. She and Sara weren't exactly the best friends she just liked Sara because of her warm and friendly attitude. Bankotsu left his seat and walked over to Kagome flashing her a bright white smile.

" Kagome. Wow." His gaze slid down her. "You are looking hot." The human had a faint Japanese accent. A little bit concerned, Kagome glanced down at herself. The scarlet sweater and the black skirt must had more punch then she realized. From now on she would be more careful about wearing that. Slightly touching her arm he continued

"The Ito's aren't here yet. Would you like a cup of tea while you're waiting?" His hand still lingered on her arm. Her concern edged towards alarm. Men were trouble, capital T, italicized and underlined. She didn't have time for men, especially for a 22 year old Casanova boy toy like Bankotsu. She was a person who functioned better alone. She shook his hand off as politely as she could and answered

"Earl Grey, one lump of brown."

"Coming right up." Bankotsu flashed his brilliant smile at her again and disappeared into the small alcove where the tea service was kept. Standing where she was, Kagome could see most of the gallery. It was two stores high, with regal curving stairs. The space was mostly open and wonderfully lit, which gave her an excellent view of the whole gallery.

Bankotsu returned with a steaming china cup of tea.

"Is Sara here?" Kagome asked, taking the cup from him.

"She's in her office with Touga." He glanced over his shoulder over at the closed door.
"I gather that the friendly proceedings aren't proceeding very friendly."

Kagome frowned into her cup "What proceedings?"

Bankotsu blinked at her. "The divorce of course."

"Divorce?" Kagome was startled and disappointed. She never thought that their marriage was perfect, but still, she hated to see people she knew break up.

"My God, don't tell me you didn't know. It's been in the works for almost a year. I can't believe you haven't heard anything about it." Despite her shock, she almost snorted. She didn't move in Sara's circles, maybe Sara didn't think it was important.

"Sara moved out of the town house just after last Thanksgiving, I think." Bankotsu's eyes shone with the joy of gossip. She had a Twelve days of Christmas party in her new apartment. Don't you remember?"

"I don't do parties," she said, as politely as possible.

"Well, you should have done this one." He moved closer to her, his fingertips once again touching the inside of her elbow. Scowling she lifted her arm away from his touch.

"Sorry. Like I said, you look hot. It was worth a try."

"Thanks," she growled. "I've always wanted to be worth a try." He laughed at her statement.

"Sure. That's why your 'Don't touch me sign is high, wide and flashing bright neon. Well if you are ever lonely give me a call!" He shrugged. "So, what have you been up to? How's been work doing. I haven't seen you for months?" She shrugged.

"I don't know. I am producing, but I'm not sure what I'm producing. I am trying some new techniques." That wasn't exactly the truth but she wasn't about to tell him how deeply disturbed she was by the direction had been taking her. She tried to do the same unique work she had done before but she couldn't no matter what.

"Oh, really." He was about to continue when suddenly Sara's office door was opened. Lilian turned around and for a brief moment found herself looking directly into Touga Takashi's eyes. It was like being touched with a cattle prod, an unwanted but electric connection. Then Sara appeared, her face pale with fury, gripping his arm and pulling him around as the door slammed shut again.

"Uh-oh," Bankotsu said with malicious satisfaction. "There's gonna be murder."

Kagome was numb with shock not hearing Bankotsu's words. She herself wasn't certain what had just happened, but she knew something had. For a moment, just a split second, it had been as if she and Touga Takashi were linked. She didn't like the sensation, didn't want that uncomfortable intimacy.

She had always enjoyed being alone, like a ball that rolled through life, bumping into other lives but not stopping. For a moment, just a moment the roll had been halted and she didn't know why. He was just an acquaintance, little more than a stranger. There was no reason for him to look at her as if he knew her. There was no reason for her to feel that funny jolt in her stomach. It was another one of the weird changes that had been going on in her life for the past two years. Damn it, she wanted things back the way they had been!

Before she could gather herself, the front doors opened behind her. Bankotsu's face lit with the smile he reserved for buyers. "Senator and Mrs. Ito," he exclaimed walking over to them. "How nice to see you. May I get you anything? Tea, coffee or something stronger?"

To Kagome's surprise she knew them. And as a matter of fact she disliked him on sight. She immediately knew she didn't want to paint his portrait. She didn't want to spend another time in his presence but still what a challenge to be able to draw him. Kagome stopped herself from being rude after all Sara had put herself out for this, so at least she could do was be polite.

Bankotsu returned with a tray full of coffee and tea and noticed Kagome standing there, joining the Ito's in silence. "I am sorry, I didn't introduce you," he exclaimed. "Senator, Mrs. Ito, this is Kagome, the portrait artist Sara wanted you to meet. Kagome, Senator Naraku and his wife, Kagura."

After exchanging handshakes with Kagura - the ruby eyed woman with short black hair –and Naraku – the ruby eyed man with long dark hair - who couldn't help himself but stare at Kagome 's breasts they stared at each other before the office door opened.

Sara swept out, her face tight with fury but changed it immediately as soon as she saw the Ito's. Touga loomed in the doorway behind her. His face was much more controlled than Sara's as if her upset hadn't touched him at all. Well some demons were known for their ability to hide their emotions.

He looked at the small group before him and walked toward them. He was a tall man, but didn't shamble; like an athlete, he was in control of his height and his body. The funny jolt tightened her stomach again as she tried to picture him without clothes. Yes the sight would be a good one indeed. In her mind she saw his naked muscular body on his back. Disturbed at the picture of herself, crawling over him, kissing every inch of him and there would be some places who would require a lot of attention—

"Naraku, Kagura, how good of you to come." Sara's voice jerked Kagome out of her perverted little daydream. Embarrassed she turned away knowing very well that he had caught her staring at him. Sara came toward them exchanging air kisses with Kagura and started talking about various news from some unimportant models.

"Touga," the Senator said heartily, overpowering Sara's and Kagura's voice. He held out his hand and saw the flicker in Touga's eyes that said he didn't want to talk to that ass but good manners compelled him to accept the senator's hand. 'A pissing contest' thought Kagome fascinated as she watched the senator's knuckles whiten, and than Touga's knuckles whiten.

"How's business?" asked the senator. Sweat broke out onto his forhead.

"It has to be good, with this economy. Amazing isn't it?" Touga was tiring of the game and ended the handshake abruptly.

Well, Kagome thought. She wouldn't have been surprised if the senator had challenged Touga to an arm-wrestling contest. The senator began talking to Touga again and Kagome tuned out. She wasn't really interested in stock options or the trip to Paris last week. She shifted restlessly, bored, ready to dispense with business at hand and get back to her apartment.

"I am glad you had this chance to meet Kagome," Sara's voice mentioning her name brought Kagome back into the real world. "I have an example of her work here if you'd like to see it, but unfortunately not any of her portrait work, as that's done only on commission." Kagome kept her mouth shut, and the portfolio firm under her arm. She hadn't the intention of showing them some of her work.

"It isn't important," Kagura said , bored. "I am sure she'll do, if you recommend her. What I am really interested in is the new Sacrelege you mentioned. I am sure the colours will do just marvellously in the living room." Kagome restrained herself from rolling eyes, but it was difficult.

'A Sacrelege?!' even a monkey could throw clumps of colour on a canvas and call it art.

"I am sure they will." Sara agreed, indicating with a graceful wave of her hand the direction of the Sacrelege.

Kagome had no intention in staying. "I have to go." she said gripping her portfolio. She really, really, really needed the job, and she had steeled herself to be polite and make arrangements to begin in a week or so. She opened her mouth.

"I am sorry, but I can't do your portraits. I am booked." The words even surprised herself but instead of telling them the truth she had given them a polite lie.

"What?" Kagura looked startled. Sara's lovely face looked first amazed, then alarmed. Turning on her heels Kagome nearly stormed towards the entrance glass door and made a move to open it when suddenly a dark clad arm shot out in front of her, blocking her way. Over her head a deep voice said, "Allow me. I was just leaving too. Good-bye, Senator, Mrs. Ito. Bankotsu."

Startled by Touga's closeness, Kagome nearly stumbled past Touga. Her stomach jittering again. Touga let the door close behind them and for a moment they were enclosed in silence. Then he stepped past her and opened the second door. He brushed her side while his cologne drifted into her nose and walked outside stopping in front of the gallery waiting for her.

Another jolt hit her. 'No this wouldn't do, this wouldn't do at all' were Kagome 's last thoughts before she stepped outside beside him.


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A/N: Me and a friend of mine wrote this so tell me if you like it and if I should continue.

Please review.
Ja ne Jibril