Hulk and His Priestess

Chapter 18 One Less Nuisance

The next day Bruce and Kagome walk hand in hand into Taisho Industries. They go first to Kagome's office where Kagome was going to call Sesshomaru first and request an appointment to see him. But when they get to her office, Kagome's secretary has some news for her.

Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru is expecting you and Dr. Banner in his office, right now."

Bruce and Kagome look at each other, "Did he say what for?"

"No, he just wanted me to tell you not to dawdle."

"Okay, then we'll be right up."

Kagome went into her office to put up her purse and Bruce followed, "What do you suppose Sesshomaru wants to talk to us about?"

"Knowing him, he probably found out that Tony was at our apartment last night, and wants to know what's going on."

"You're probably right. Well, as he said, let's not dawdle."

Kagome takes Bruce's hand and together they walk to the elevator and take it to the top floor.

When they get there, Sesshomaru's secretary stands up, "Ms. Higurashi, Dr. Banner, Lord Sesshomaru is expecting you, go on in."

Bruce opens the door for Kagome and she walks in. Sesshomaru is standing by the window staring out at the city.

"Miko, I hear that Tony Stark was at your apartment yesterday."

"How did you know that?"

"I have my sources, Miko."

Kagome raised an eyebrow, "You don't have our apartment bugged, do you?"

"Hn, I would never stoop so low as to invade your privacy, nor does your intimate life interest me."

Kagome and Bruce let out a sigh of relief.

"But, that does not mean I am not interested in what Stark had to say, I can imagine that he asked you to come back to the Avengers, is that not so, Dr. Banner?"

Bruce swallowed hard, "Yes, he did."

"And you wish to return." It was not a question but a statement of fact.

"I would like to, but I know that I am under contract with you."

"You have fulfilled your end of the contract, you found the cure for cancer. If you wish to leave my employ you can with no hard feelings."

"Actually what we were hoping for was that you and Mr. Stark can perhaps partner up on some research that way Bruce could continue to work for you," Kagome suggested.

Sesshomaru turned around and walked back to his desk, he sat down and stared Bruce for a moment, as if surveying his worth. Bruce shifted uncomfortably under Sesshomaru's intense gaze.

Finally, Sesshomaru looked at Kagome, "Do you think such a merger with Stark would be of any benefit to us, Miko?"

"It could be, Tony Stark has made great advances in technology, just last night he was telling Bruce about using nanotechnology to improve his suits. Perhaps we can use that to further our own medical research." Kagome suggests.

"Fine, if Stark agrees to give us access to his nanotechnology, I will agree to this merger."

"What will Tony get out of this," Bruce asked

"He will get to work with you again, and have unlimited resources available to him."

Bruce nods his head.

"I am curious about something, Dr. Banner, what do you plan to do about the Accords?" Sesshomaru asked, "My understanding that the man that the Avengers work under is the very man who made it his life's mission to hunt you down."