A Heart's Recompense by Time on my hands

Chapter 1

A Heart's Recompense

Chapter 1

Souta looked at his watch. He was early. Good. He wanted to make his first impression a favorable one. He really wanted this job. It was a ground floor opportunity with a lot of room for advancement. It didn't hurt that it was one of the most successful companies in the world.

He glanced at his reflection in the glass door and adjusted his tie as he walked in. With a confidence that was mostly a façade, he went straight to the receptionist's desk and introduced himself.

The petite young receptionist smiled at the young man standing at her desk.

"Good morning Mr. Higurashi. If you will follow me, please."

As she led him down the hall to a conference room, she apologized.

"I am sorry. Your interview will be delayed. The owner of our company is here today on an inspection tour and he wishes to sit in on the interviews. If you'll just have a seat, they will be with you shortly."

"Thank you."

She smiled at him again.

"Would you like some coffee or tea while you wait?"

"No. Thank you. I'm good."

"If you change your mind, just let me know. My name is Kimi,"

He nodded. He couldn't decide if she was just being polite or if she was flirting. If she was flirting, it was a waste of time. He was focused on the interview. If he got the job, then he might pursue the question. She was kind of cute.

Souta pulled out a chair as she closed the door. The owner, huh? If he could make a good impression on him, then he might have a future with this company. The job he was interviewing for is only an entry level job, but the pay is good. It was all he was currently qualified for since he had just graduated. But he had graduated at the top of his class. His professor had recommended him for this job. Maybe things were beginning to look up.

If he could land this job, then he could help his sister. Even if she objected. That's what brothers did. He had been determined to help her two years ago. She had really had a hard time of it. He would have dropped out of school to get a job in order to help her. But she had been adamant in her refusal. She had threatened bodily harm if he even considered it as more than a fleeting thought. Back then she had needed the help so much. If only he had been older, already out of school...

In an office a few doors down from the conference room, the short man sitting behind the desk was looking over a folder. He pushed his glasses up on his nose and addressed the stoic man seated across from him.

"I know you would prefer to hire a demon for the position, and I do have a few candidates to interview later today, but this human boy comes highly recommended. Professor Mitsuki says he is one of the brightest students he has had in years. He graduated at the top of his class. Looking at his credentials, I don't think even you can find fault with him."

The tall silver haired demon rose from his chair.

"I will reserve my judgment until I meet this young human. Shall we go? I believe we've kept him waiting long enough."

"Certainly, my lord."

Souta stood and bowed as heard the door open.

"Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Mr. Higurashi. My name is Yakihiro Itsaka. I apologize for keeping you waiting. Before we begin, I would like to introduce the owner of our company to you. This is Sesshoumaru Taisho."

Souta's head snapped up as he glared at the demon in front of him.

"You…" he snarled.

Sesshoumaru frowned when he heard the boy's name. Surely it was only coincidence. The snarl and the angry aura told him otherwise. Stoic mask firmly in place, he sat down fully intending to conduct a professional interview. He would try not to let the boy's family connections influence his decision. After all, the boy did come highly recommended. He resolved to remain impartial and give him a real chance.

"Shall we begin the interview?"

Souta, however, had other plans. The other man in the room was all but forgotten as Souta vented his anger on the unconcerned demon lord.

"This interview is over. There is no way in hell I would ever work for you, you coldhearted dishonorable bastard. Not after what you did to my sister. You aren't worthy of kissing her feet. I pity Kazuki."

He turned on his heel, yanked the door open, and slammed it behind him. He was fuming as he walked past the reception desk. He didn't even acknowledge Kimi's words as he headed for the front door. Damn it. He really needed that job. But then again, it's not like that bastard would have hired him anyway. It would just be another way to hurt his sister.

Itsaka was shocked at the young man's behavior. He glanced at Sesshoumaru to find the demon lord staring at the door with a contemplative frown on his face.

"Do you know what that was all about, my lord?"

Sesshoumaru rose from his seat and made his way to the door.

"I will take my leave. Finish your interviews for the position. The decision is yours."

Sesshoumaru took the elevator down to the private garage. It was a short walk to his black Lexus. Once he closed the door, he folded his hands over the steering wheel. He went over the boy's words again. He had obviously been given a false story of past events. And who the hell was this Kazuki? Why did the fact that the boy pitied this being have anything to do with him?

He had not thought of her in some time. At least not consciously. Not in the light of day. He had done his best to erase her from his life. It had been over two years since he had last seen her…

To be continued…