Helping Hands by LadyDaniTar

Moan-a Lisa

“The Moan-a Lisa… A true masterpiece of pleasure?” Kagome squinted at the small pink box in her hands, tilting it as if changing the angle would somehow make the words read differently. “Um… what exactly am I looking at?”

Across the desk, Kagura adjusted her sleek red-framed glasses and leveled her with a dry stare. “Are you serious?” Without waiting for an answer, she reached across, snatched the box from Kagome’s hands, and popped open the lid. “This little gem has been trending like wildfire.”

From within the box, she pulled out a smooth, sky-blue vibrator with a slight curve. She flipped it between her fingers like a fine pen before reading the tagline aloud with all the heat of a sultry ad narrator. "The Moan-a Lisa is an elegant, high-end pleasure device designed for those who appreciate both art and indulgence. Crafted with a sleek, sculpted design that mimics the soft curves of a masterpiece, this toy is both visually stunning and highly functional."

Kagome blinked. Then blinked again. Slowly, her gaze drifted between the salacious object and her editor’s deadpan expression. “No offense, Kagura, but I really don’t need to know every detail of your personal life.”

Kagura rolled her eyes, tossing the toy back into the box before shoving it toward her writer. “Don’t be ridiculous. You know I prefer something much bigger.”

Kagome choked. “Wha—I don’t—why—why would I need to know that?!”

Ignoring her horrified spluttering, Kagura leaned back in her chair. “Relax, prude. It’s not about me . This is your next assignment.”

Kagome's expression froze. “My what ?”

“I need an in-depth review for our readers by next Friday.”

Silence.

Then, Kagome let out a relieved laugh, shaking her head. “Good one, boss. You almost had me that time.” When Kagura didn’t so much as blink, Kagome’s laughter began to fade. “…This is a joke, right?”

Kagura clasped her hands together. “I’m afraid not, my little dove.”

The blood drained from Kagome’s face. “But—I run Sprinkle of Joy! I write about cute cafés, feel-good stories, and pet adoption drives!” She motioned wildly to the box like it was a live grenade. “This is not in my jurisdiction!”

Kagura sighed dramatically and rose from her chair, gesturing for Kagome to follow. “I know, I know. And normally, I’d never steal my starry-eyed writer away from her puppies and rainbows—”

“ Thank you— ”

“— but since Yura quit last minute, we’re down a writer for All Things Spice, and someone has to fill in.”

Kagome felt like she was about to be sick. “Kagura, I can’t write about—about this! I wouldn’t even know where to start! Shouldn’t you get someone with—experience?”

Kagura’s lips twitched. “Well, it’s not like you have anything better to do. We both know it’s been, what? Two years since you last got laid?”

Gasping, Kagome pressed a hand to her chest like she’d been personally victimized. “That is completely inappropriate workplace behavior!”

Kagura patted her shoulder and promptly shoved her out the door. “So is rejecting an assignment from your boss. Have fun, Kagome.” Before Kagome could even form a proper argument, the door shut in her face.