A Universe of Illusions by biancaharl

Chapter 1: One Past Encounter

Hello readers! The following is a translation of a very entertaining fiction in Spanish, I thought ya'll enjoy. I only changed the names and added a few details to make the story fit with our favorite couple. Actually, the main character's personalities are very identical to Kagome and Sesshoumaru. That is why it was possible for me to make the transition.

There appearances, on the other hand are very different. The actual female protagonist is English with amber colored eyes; the male's also English but dark-skinned with grey colored eyes.

Let me tell you one thing though: translating is hard! It really is not something you can just interpret word per word. Many words in Spanish, especially in metaphors, phrases, sayings, etc. don't make any sense after translating word per word. It's probably the same with other languages. Fortunately, I found websites that were able to help a great deal.

Well, I hope I'm not breaking any rules, though I know the following is not my original work, but by my stating it so in the disclaimer (and not claiming any royalties) it should be enough. (I think the story was originally in French but I really don't know)

Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own InuYasha and I also don't own Susanne's work.

Chapter 1: One Past Encounter

"Nani?! You're not interested? What do you mean you're not interested?"

In moments of great tension, the educated Ami Kodama had the tendency to recover her Japanese accent.

"Look darling, the whole world is after this contract. Do you realize what this means? It's not about the fortune, thanks to him, your career will sky rocket. I have gone to hell and back to get you into that list. Of course it has to interest you!"

"But, I... I'm sorry, Ami." Kagome said switching her cell phone to her left hand to allow the make-up artist to apply lacquer to the nails of her right, "I didn't even know you wanted to get me that contract. Besides, I doubt they'd pick me."

"Are you serious?" asked the incredulous agent. "Darling, from the moment I saw you appear at my office, I knew you were to become a great star. What is going on with you? This reaction of yours is not becoming of you. Do you realize there must be hundreds of girls who'll give a limb for Sesshoumaru Matsuki just to be the 'Shikon Girl', not to mention another part of their anatomy to add to the contract" Ami added with a slight laugh.

Kagome couldn't help but grin. Yes, she had no doubt there must be hundred of girls willing to give Sesshoumaru Matsuki anything he so desires, and not just to catapult their careers. She also knew he wouldn't doubt for a minute to take advantage of the cleverness of these girls.

Five years ago, Kagome came across Sesshoumaru only once, but she felt so ashamed of that encounter, she never told anyone, not even her dear friend and agent Ami. That evening was enough to let Kagome know she needed to abandon the Modeling Profession. If she was back as a model, it was only due to personal circumstances, and she's been particularly careful not to have any contact with him.

The truth is it had not been very difficult to avoid him. Sesshoumaru was considered one of the best photographers in the country; however, he was exclusively dedicated to his own publicity agency in which he never contracted novices. While her career progressed, Kagome had a feeling that sooner or later, she would be obligated to enter a contract with him, whether she was prepared or not.

"I appreciate everything you've done for me, Ami." she told her agent, "but... to be honest, the idea of working with him disgusts me. His reputation..."

"Are you referring to his personal or professional? Ami inquired.

"Both."

"Listen, darling," Ami smiled, "I believe that you can handle him. I know he's a bid of a womanizer, but you have never had any problems with hard work, you are the most serious girl I've ever worked with. And regarding the other topic, it's all due the overly large imagination of some silly girls. Plain wishful thinking, I'm sure."

In that moment, the photographer's assistant announced the commencement of the photo session; Kagome acknowledged with a nod.

"I'm really sorry, Ami, but we're about to begin the shoot." Kagome informed Ami.

"Wednesday, we will eat with him." Ami continued, not dissuaded by her declaration, "He's already seen your portfolio shots and that shampoo add. I suppose he wants to get to see you in person. Hey, you might not have to see him frequently; ultimately he spends most of his time glued to his cell phone and not with the camera. You only have to come so he can meet you, no more. I won't force you to do anything you're not comfortable with."

She sighed in resignation. There was no excuse she could come up with for Ami happen to possess Kagome's agenda with her. The truth is a contract such as that would be significantly beneficial to the Kodama Agency. Besides, Kagome felt indebted to her friend Ami who had contracted her without any prior experience and with twenty years of age, three to four years more than the majority of novices. It looked like the time to repay the favor.

"Alright" Kagome decided. "Wednesday it is."

"Good girl." complimented Ami satisfied. "I knew you wouldn't let me down!"

"Kagome!" a voice called.

"Coming!" Kagome turned back to her phone, "Later Ami." she said and flipped her cell phone closed.

Kagome tried not to frown, keeping her freshly applied make-up intact, no need to let the long hours her make-up artist put in go to waste. The model stood from her seat, being careful with the perfect raven curls that spiraled on her back, she exited the dressing room.

She was wearing a chiffon dress that flowed over her curves sensually. The cherry color of the fabric in harmony with her perfectly golden tanned skin brought out her extraordinary stormy-blue eyes, irises she inherited from her father's side. But it was her own self-discipline which made it possible for Kagome to pose, without losing her smile for hours on end.

It wasn't strange that a crowd had gathered around the crew, now that the designated place was none other than Trafalgar Square. Several offices had spectators watching the shoot off of lights, camera and the elegant couple dancing a waltz on the border of one of the fountains of Lutyens, with the elegant stone architecture of the National Gallery in the background. From the outside, it looked like a dream full of glamour.

While dancing in front of the camera, clad in that expensive dress, memories floated in her mind of a time when she too felt this way. Seventeen and her head full of dreams, she had fled from Tokyo to Yokohama in Japan, her parents and the director of her boarding school being none the wiser.

And Sesshoumaru Matsuki didn't have a pang of conscience when he took advantage of her naïveté; on the contrary, he behaved like a total...

Flashback...

The studio was situated in Motomachi, a style and fashion district in Yokohama, Japan. It took a while for Kagome to locate said studio, lost as it was in between the many businesses attracting foreigners. Two times she had walked by before finally spotting the elusive door with the plate reading 'Matsuki Sesshoumaru-Photography Studio' in both English letters and Japanese Kanji. Just like Sesshoumaru feeling no need to announce his presence in a grandiose fashion.

Kagome inhaled deeply before pressing the buzzer. She was startled when a voice immediately questioned her business through an intercom. "Who is it?"

"Um... hi!" responded the nervous young lady, her voice trembling slightly, "I'm Sada-Higurashi Kagome. I have an appointment with Matsuki-sama Sesshoumaru."

"Second floor" replied the voice and instantly, the humming from the buzzer reach her ears as the front door was release.

After crossing the threshold, Kagome found herself at long corridor illuminated by industrial lamps hanging from the ceiling. The floor was made of soft hued wooden panels reflecting light from its lacquered surface. From the white walls hung many magnificent black and white photographs of sports cars taken from the most unusual angles.

Feeling unsure for a second, Kagome realized she was about to speak with the Sesshoumaru Matsuki face to face. Suddenly, the aspiring girl remembered she had dreamt of this very moment when she leafed through the countless pages of fashion magazines with the glamorous lives of Top Models that traveled around the world, from one catwalk to another, posing for the best photographers in the world. And in that moment, the idea of becoming just like one of them was very attractive.

In reality, if there was someone who could help Kagome realize her dreams and relieve her of the mundane routine of her charming but boring high class family and the tedious lectures from Sunset Boarding School, that person was Sesshoumaru Matsuki. He was the best, and as famous as any of those Top Models in those magazines. After all, now that she came all the way here, taking in mind how difficult it had been to escape the confines of her dormitory, she wasn't about to turn tail. Mustering all her courage, Kagome escalated the spiral staircase from the fist floor.

Kagome appeared at a large studio decorated in the same style as the entrance hallway. A grand window facing the Yamate Mansions close to the harbor was blocked by a gauzy fabric. There was a long table placed next to a corner in the dwelling where a man was sitting at the other side. Recognition sent shivers down her spine.

Everything she ever read regarding the stoic man lead her to believe Sesshoumaru was a man who didn't waste his time with imprudence and his intimidating appearance corroborated that impression. He must measure at least seven feet tall! The tall man was clad in a white silk dress shirt which didn't hide his broad shoulders. There was only one word that came to mind to describe the man, beautiful. His pale skin and regal features only added to his already breathtaking looks. Never in her life had she been witness to the combination of long white-silver hair and dashing golden-amber eyes. Sesshoumaru reminded Kagome of those mystical creatures she'd seen in one of the fairytale books about feudal Japan her grandfather had at his shrine. She felt her mouth completely dry.

Sesshoumaru didn't even bother acknowledging her presence. While Kagome crossed the dwelling, he kept on leaning over the table studying a series of contact sheets he was checking off with a red Sharpee.

"Jaken" Sesshoumaru called without lifting his white mane.

From a door behind the long table, a short man appeared wearing a brown cotton shirt and black slacks. He looked nervously at the imposing male hunched over his paperwork and then at the young girl.

"Konnichi'ha, you're the two o'clock appointment, ne?" Jaken addressed Kagome.

After greeting, Jaken picked up the agenda lying on the table.

"Let's see." Looking through the specks hanging around his almost undetectable neck, Jaken read the name for the two o'clock appointment. "Sada-Higurashi Kagome, pardon, but I don't have the name of your agency written here."

"I'm... er... not here on behalf of an agency." Kagome confessed. "I was the one who called for the appointment."

"Oh... Sesshoumaru-sama..." responded a disconcerted Jaken.

Sesshoumaru rose from his chair, without hiding his irritation at being distracted from what he had been busy with, he finally looked at Kagome. She felt the cold stare given off from those amber eyes.

"This Sesshoumaru only works with professionals." Sesshoumaru announced.

"Oh, gomen-nesai" Kagome said. "I... didn't know."

Her voice was hesitant, disconcerting due to Sesshoumaru's conduct and for something else not certain to define. Perhaps, it had to do with the way she was accustomed at awakening the admiration from the few boys she had allowed herself to associate with, and the indifference that at the very moment demonstrated a self-made man without feigning left her short for words.

"Well, now you do." The famous photographer said returning to his prior work.

His arrogance provoked Kagome.

"I could pay you." she insisted, slipping her hand in her shoulder bag. "In cash."

Kagome had saved her weekly allowance for a long time and, since she was ignorant to the price of a photo session, had withdrawn a large amount of yen just in case.

Slowly, Sesshoumaru lifted his head. First, he looked at the large wad of yen and then locked his golden eyes with her blue ones. The coldness in his stare succeeded in making her shake. Kagome realized he might take the gesture as an insult. She was about to apologize when the corners of his lips lifted into a smirk.

"So, you want to be a model, Sada-Higurashi-san?" Sesshoumaru asked maliciously. "Very well."

Sesshoumaru extended his hand and she gave him her entire wad of yen. Without bothering to count it, he placed the yen inside a box on the table.

"Lead her to the dressing room, Jaken."

Jaken looked at him confused, but shrugged it off and turned to Kagome.

"This way." Jaken said, leading her to a door.

A beautiful woman with her hair in a bun lounging inside the dressing room greeted them and Jaken gave her instructions to prepare Kagome for the photo session. Then turned on his loafer clad heel, and left the two females alone, closing the door behind him for their privacy.

"Have you brought any change of clothes?"

"Hai. An outfit with a jacket, a nightgown and a bathing suit." Looking hopeful she asked, "Is that enough?"

"Yes, it's fine. First, the outfit. After you've changed, then I'll apply your make-up. Normally, the agency sends us your kit, but..."

"But I wasn't sent by any agency." Kagome grimaced. "I'm so sorry. I hope... I mean, I wouldn't want to cause any problems."

"Oh no." assured Kagura, "Don't you fret. Look, don't let Matsuki-san scare you. If you get to know him better, you'll learn he's quite the charmer. His bark is louder than his bite. (t.n.: pun intended ^_^)

For the moment, Kagome saw it most prudent to keep her opinions to herself. Both women entered a small room profusely illuminated. There was a white table the length of the wall with a huge mirror surrounded by bright bulbs. On the opposite wall, hung another mirror; next to it were shelves upon shelves with varied collections of hats, stoles, and belts. Above the sink, another shelf housed many bottles of nail enamels in all the colors and all kinds of cosmetics.

"You can change here. I'll leave you alone, in ten minutes I'll be back to fix your hair and face." Just before opening the door Kagura said, "Ah, and I'll bring a card for you to sign. Matsuki-san always has an authorization signed such in case he wants to use the photos."

"Arigatou."

Kagome placed her shoulder bag on the floor and sat in front of the mirror. She felt a kind of fear at thinking of all the famous models that must have sat on this very chair. She wondered if someday she will get to be like one of them, if she will be sought after by the best fashion designers so she would represent their designs on a catwalk or occupy the front page of famous magazines. In reality, she would have preferred to run from there and not stop until she boarded the train that will take her back to Sunset Boarding School. But she wasn't about to let Sesshoumaru intimidate her. After all, he did accept payment and the idea of asking for the yen back was not attractive in the least.

Half an hour later, reserves forgotten, Kagome had been confident with her ability in applying make-up but the effect that Kagura achieved was brilliant. In a subtle way, Kagura had accentuated her cheekbones and emphasized the soft curve of her lips. Likewise, her stormy-blue eyes had acquired an air of mystery. The way she gathered her raven locks gave Kagome the appearance of being at least five years older.

"You look beautiful." complimented Kagura. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes." Kagome agreed with a sigh. "Arigatou gozaimazu."

"I'm going to let Matsuki-san know you're ready. He'll turn stiff as a rock when he looks at you." Kagura smiled proudly.

Kagome wasn't sure about that, Sesshoumaru has already photographed plenty of gorgeous women to actually end up impressed with her. In spite of this, the creature that could see from the other side of the mirror, the one that shared her same color of eyes, appeared to be up to the challenge.

Returning to the studio, Kagome's heart beat furiously when she found Sesshoumaru Matsuki positioning the lamps to illuminate a simple background set which consisted of a tall wooden stool in front of a screen made from a fabric hanging from the ceiling. Sesshoumaru didn't bother to look at her, he simply motion with his hand where she should be.

Kagome wasn't sure what she needed to do; therefore, she took a seat on the wooden stool, with one foot on the floor and both hands lying on her lap.

Sesshoumaru inclined to look through the camera's viewfinder.

"Try not to look like you are about to have a molar extracted." he said with a sardonic inflection in his voice.

Behind him, Kagura, trying not to let her boss notice, placed her hands on her hips and arched her back. Kagome imitated her with a smile.

"Better." admitted Sesshoumaru. "Lift your chin. Slide your left leg forward. Kagura" he turned to address his employee, "If you have nothing better to do, why don't you turn on some music."

Kagura pursed her lips, and obeyed. Seconds later, the dwelling filled with music from Genesis. She left the studio not before waving 'later' to Kagome.

The following two hours entailed for Kagome the greatest effort she had ever endured in her life. In her dreams this career was filled with enchantment, but that afternoon she understood that remaining in front of the camera for hours, repeating one after another the same movements, could provoke pain and cramps so profound she wanted to scream. As the afternoon elapsed, Kagome concluded Sesshoumaru had accepted the session just to teach her a lesson. His demands were implacable and he didn't have the slightest tact in his manner of correcting a posture or attitude. But, a part from nearing the point of crying, she couldn't allow herself to be defeated.

The splendid nightgown, black and strapless, how much had it cost?, did not awake a single complement from Sesshoumaru. Kagura had changed her make-up. Her lips were colored a darker shade and she added more shadow to her eyes, in a way to give her a sensual and sophisticated look. To him, it would have been the same had she been wearing a paper bag over her head.

When the time came to photograph her in her bathing suit, it was very late and Kagura had left to buy something to eat. She was an assistant, but the work she performed exceeded that of her functions and not a single thank you from her cold boss. She must be in love with him, Kagome reflected while loosening her tresses.

The blue-eyed beginner couldn't avoid certain shyness at posing for him in her rose swim wear which she had never dared wear before. Why, oh why did I bring this bathing suit? The cut around her bikini line was very revealing and the neckline to low from either side of her firm breasts; it was almost like a second skin. However Sesshoumaru Matsuki didn't show a single sign of attraction. His indifference was awfully humiliating. Everyone thought her to be extremely beautiful and couldn't stop suggesting she should be a model, but this man didn't appear to concur. Nevertheless, he must be right considering he was a professional.

Enduring twenty minutes of work, Sesshoumaru allowed her a breather, while loading new film. With a sigh of relief, Kagome stood up, stretched her sore back and paced around the studio. The walls were covered with photos from Vogue and Harper's. Perhaps one day her place will be amongst them.

At the back of the dwelling stood a small table littered with folders. Kagome leaned over the table and opened one folder revealing many photos of women whose faces she'd just seen on the walls. They were in elegant poses, nude and seminude. However, there was nothing distasteful about those photos, actually they looked very artistic. Gorgeous women confident in the strength of their sensuality shot by a man who felt a sincere attraction and a great respect towards them.

"Do you like them?" Sesshoumaru asked suddenly.

He had gotten closer without Kagome's knowledge.

"Oh, yes" she replied startled. "They're... fabulous."

A strange light flashed across those hypnotizing golden orbs.

"Would you like for me to make you one in these styles?" asked Sesshoumaru inclining closer to the nervous girl.

Kagome blushed. The idea had already crossed through her mind. Maybe it would be the only way to rouse some interest in him. Nonetheless, she knew very well she shouldn't be stupid, she could never compete with all those beautiful creatures from those photos. And, besides, she felt terrified with the idea of removing her clothes in front of Sesshoumaru Matsuki.

"Oh, no. I could never."

"Whatever." the iceman responded. "I couldn't care less either way. In reality, I have no desire to encounter the sanctimoniousness of a schoolgirl. Do I look like a corruptor of minors? Good Kami!" he stated.

"Gomen-nesai, that's not what I meant." Kagome attempted to rectify.

"Look" began Sesshoumaru grinning and with a certain friendliness in his baritone voice, "See these women?" Kagome nodded absentmindedly, "Surely you know them. Do you believe they would have allowed this Sesshoumaru to make these photos if they did not trust me? I have no ulterior motives to hide. When I desire a woman, I do not need to resort to any kind of tricks, believe me. I want to make you a photo like these because you are very beautiful, there is no other purpose."

Kagome stared at him feeling trapped by the new light he open to her eyes. Could it be true he finds me very beautiful? Suddenly, nothing in the world mattered. The brusqueness in which Sesshoumaru had treated her up till that moment had been forgotten and the only thing Kagome wished was to please him.

"Al... alright" Kagome whispered, "I'll do it."

Gradually, a breathtaking smile form on his sensual lips leaving the young girl stunned. It wasn't a smile of triumph, but of recognition.

"There is a wrap in the dressing room. Wear it. That will be fine to begin with." Sesshoumaru commanded.

Kagome felt her mouth suddenly dry. There is nothing strange, she told herself, this isn't about a trap. Sesshoumaru Matsuki was one of the most respected males in the world of fashion. And, like he just said, if he desired a girl, there was no need to resort to any tricks. Surely, there were plenty of candidates for that. To think he would want to seduce her would be to be excessively presumptuous. In spite of everything, posing for him seminude still left her shaken.

The beach wrap was a square of cotton with a bright red, yellow and green print. She removed her swimwear and gathered the wrap around her hip. There was sufficient fabric to fold the wrap in half, but her hands trembled when she tried to tie it together.

"Ready." Inquired Sesshoumaru in that tone again that began to sound familiar.

"Hai. Coming."

Covering her bare chest with her arms, Kagome came out into the studio. She felt the heat from the lamps. Her knees were shaking so much; she had to sit on the wooden stool to keep herself from falling. Sesshoumaru, after adjusting the lens of a camera, looked at her.

"I will not be able to make anything good with you like that." he stated with acrimony. "Lower your arms."

Kagome obeyed with hesitation. Her breasts were firm and pert with the nipples like tiny rosy buds, but at the moment of exposing them, they appeared to hurt. Sesshoumaru's eyesight intensified and she realized that his conduct was not one of sorely professional as he had pretended up until now. She blushed; at any rate, Kagome had accepted to pose in that manner and she couldn't back down if she didn't want him to believe her to be a stupid and sanctimonious little girl. Her rapidly flowing blood almost caused her to faint and she had to grasp the stool roughly. In doing so, however, Kagome ended up in a more provocative pose.

"That is very good. Stay like that." Sesshoumaru ordered and began to shoot. "Now, lift your left hand and bring your hair forward. Like that, but do not smile."

Kagome followed his orders almost unconsciously. It was as if Sesshoumaru had taken over her will power and could do with her as he wished. Very soon, it appeared he would command her to remove the wrap entirely leaving her completely naked and she wouldn't be able to deny him. In the intimacy of the studio, all her inhibitions had evaporated, dragged by the sensuality in the occasion.

"Kuso!" cursed Sesshoumaru suddenly. "The heat from the lamps has softened your nipples and they will not look good in the photos. We will have to do something about it."

Kagome's surprised was replaced with curiosity as she watched Sesshoumaru head over to a refrigerator. He opened it and brought out an ice cube.

"A small cube of ice should do the trick." stated Sesshoumaru with a grin.

Kagome gasped while he passed the ice cube over her breasts. Her rosy nipples responded immediately.

"I bet a piece of butter would not melt in your mouth" was Sesshoumaru mocking comment. "No, not even a cube of ice."

Before she realized, Sesshoumaru slipped the ice cube into her warm mouth. Instantly he captured her mouth with his own in an intense kiss. Slowly, with a persistent calmness he reached for the ice cube with his tongue and passed into his own mouth only to return it afterwards.

Kagome didn't even try to resist. Never had she experience such a sensation. It was as if all her dreams had come true in that occasion filled with euphoria. Sesshoumaru's large hands slid down her arms and taking hold of both her hands, he placed them around his neck. Then he wrapped his arms around her tiny waist and pulled her closer. Her bare breasts pressed onto his muscled chest. The thin silk fabric of Sesshoumaru's shirt deliciously rubbed those hard nipples. Kagome's body was about to burst into flames.

Kagome didn't want to know what would have happened next had they not been interrupted. The sensation of being consumed in flames had not happened in her imagination: one of the lamps had fallen against a paper wall and caught fire. By the time Sesshoumaru had controlled the flames, Kagome succeeded in calming down and returned to the dressing room. She dressed at high speed, put all her belongings inside her shoulder bag and escaped from the studio before he could follow. Her mind had changed, the frightened girl no longer wanted to be a model.

...End of Flashback

Kagome never told anyone what transpired during that evening. She went back to her boarding school as fast as possible and was lucky no one doubted her excuses. She buried herself in her school work with so much dedication she earned the highest marks and was accepted into a prestigious university in Japan to become a veterinarian.

She would have succeeded in becoming a great veterinarian if it were not for the second year into her career, the privileged life she had enjoyed up to that point ended abruptly. Kagome's father was found implicated in some fraud affair and, to not face the humiliation from a public trial, he committed suicide, leaving his family behind in the beginnings of poverty.

With her mother still under the effects of that terrible shock, Kagome found herself asking for aid from her father's older sibling only to find out how much they had disapproved of his marriage to her mother, which provoked an absolute rejection to any petition for help. Much less she could expect from the frigid and old fashion family from her mother's side, with the exception of Jii-chan, whose opinion was: everyone makes their own destiny and should not expect anything from anyone else. After having the phone rudely hung up on her by an uncle, she was left with little hope from receiving support from her family.

That is how, at the age of twenty, the heavy weight of the responsibility to find sufficient monetary means to keep her family under a roof and pay for her little brother's studies landed on her fragile shoulders. Forced to forget her own ambitions, Kagome abandon the university and took advantage of the only thing of value she had left: her precious body.

This time around, Kagome did things the correct way. She went straight to a modeling agency where she caught the attention of her now dear friend and agent, Ami Kodama. And in spite of her late commencement into the modeling profession, she managed to advance rapidly from the arduous variety of catalogs and into the frivolous world of catwalks that once upon a time she had been desperate to attain.

And now, in what look like an invincible destiny, Kagome's road came once again across that of Sesshoumaru Matsuki. She wondered why he kept her in his list of candidates. Perhaps he thinks that now that she has more experience, it will be easier to seduce her without her running out of his studio. Even if that is the case, he will soon find himself sadly mistaken. She won't be afraid nor will she run away, the now older Kagome has learned how to handle these types of dangerous situations. She was ready to surprise him.