Disclaimer – Can I own him for…5 minutes? No? Ok, fine I'll just own my story instead!
Authors Note – I am now going to start replying to my reviewers (now that I actually have a few of 'em ok?) Also, my bad for the delayed update! Between the holidays and me not even having my computer, well you know!
KagomeHailzzYeahh – Thanks for actually giving me something constructive! Now, I know I started it slow, and I did that for a reason. My biggest problem in my writing is that I always start too fast, and then get bored, which is something I have come to hate…so that's why I did that. Thanks for the review! I hope you continue to enjoy it!
BlossomCutie – Well here is the next chapter! Enjoy!
Kagomehaily – CUZ LYFE IZ HECTIC! Hah I hope this chapter is up to your standards!
SkrillexOrDie – I'm glad you do! I'm sorry it took so long!
Hellokittyaniya – Aww thanks! Here it is!
Authors Note 2.0 – I know in previous chapters, I talk about Eri driving a Honda & then in this chapter talking about the driving age being 18 in Japan. Please excuse the mistake, as I didn't actually look the age up until this chapter. I will work in an edit in those chapters but figured you readers would want a new chapter more than an edited old one!
Chapter Four – Arrival
ooo
As the silent trio walked across the airport, Kagome was wondering how the men had gotten past security and come all the way to her gate – then it hit her, in America the laws surrounding minors were different. She felt like an idiot that she hadn't researched these types of things herself. She had been so caught up with taking care of her little brother and planning the funeral of her parents, she hadn't really thought about anything else. Especially since her attorney had done most of the planning directly with Mr. Takashi on how to get them here. Now it seemed she would either have to ask about the differences, and in doing so she would risk someone thinking she was a moron, or she would have to just avoid the topics until she was able to get close to a computer and figure it out herself.
As they reached the security check-point, Kagome had to stop since she was an international traveler. She set her bags on the conveyer belt and handed her passport to the female security guard who looked it over. The only place Kagome had been outside her country was France for a few weeks when she was 13, it had been the last family vacation she had taken. Sighing as the woman stamped the passport and handed it back to her, Kagome smiled lightly "Welcome to San Francisco." The woman said and Kagome nodded "Thanks."
She could hear her own accent, even though it wasn't very bad – it was still there. She wondered if she would be mocked for it, she knew how school worked even if this was in a different country. High schoolers were still high schoolers. As she reached for her things, Inuyasha's voice stopped her "You need some help with those?" It was the first time she had heard him speak and so she turned, mildly surprised. She had gotten the vibe of 'I'm too cool for everyone' from him when they met a few minutes before.
Nodding her head she said "Sure, if you don't mind." She kept one hand on her violin case for a moment; she was very protective of the instrument. More so now, her father had taken her out to buy it just barely a year ago and she would be devastated if anything happened to it.
"What's that?" Inuyasha said, coming up to her – already holding her dark purple suitcase in one hand. He seemed to be waiting for her to hand over the silver case.
Kagome brushed her hair behind her ear again and said "It's my violin; my…my father bought it for me." Her voice was soft and she refused to look at the hanyou before her, feeling the lump form in her throat.
He lowered his hand and said "Ok, you carry that one. I'll carry this one." He patted the suitcase in his hand and turned away from her.
Inutashio was standing about a dozen feet in front of them, watching. His arms were crossed across his chest. The long-sleeved white material stretching over the muscles of his arms as he waited with a gentle patience he never even showed to his own sons. If one knew the demon well enough they would see that he was mildly surprised, he knew better than any that his son was a rougher creature and didn't show pity or sympathy often. He wasn't sure what came over his son now 'Hopefully it lasts.' He thought before saying "Come on you two."
Kagome smiled softly at Inuyasha before whispering "Thank-you." She lifted the violin case and turned, walking briskly after Inutashio. With a shrug, Inuyasha followed suit.
ooo
When they exited the airport, Kagome was expecting to see a car or maybe even a taxi sitting in the 'pick-up' zone of the airport. What she was not prepared for was the long black limo that was sitting there, with a man leaning against the passenger door reading a newspaper. He looked up at them and smiled, folding the newspaper up and tucking it under his arm "Mr. Takashi," He nodded to the man and walked forward to the younger too "Lovely to meet you Miss Higurashi, may I take your bags?" Kagome giggled as his very British accent and nodded holding her violin case out, letting him place it in the trunk.
Taking it from her, the man also took her suitcase from Inuyasha and put them in the trunk before opening the back door for them. Inutashio held his hand out "Ladies first," Kagome felt like she was a princess, and people were staring – trying to figure out if she was famous or not. She bit her lip and slid into the backseat. Kagome scooted farther into the car so that the others could climb in after her. Once she was situated in the soft leather seat, she looked around.
There was a small television on the back wall and a mini-bar on the side. A thick dark window separated the back seat from the front, Kagome just stared at everything. Looking up she saw the sunroof and smiled. Once the Takashi's were inside, their driver shut the door and Inutashio smiled at Kagome's awed expression "First time in a limo?" He asked. His words resulted in Kagome snapping her eyes to him and a blush to cover her ivory cheeks.
She looked down, letting her hair curtain her face and Inutashio laughed "Inuyasha was much the same when he first rode in one," She heard a low growl come from the direction of the half demon being mentioned and couldn't stop the giggle that came from her throat.
Pressing her lips together she looked up and said "I wasn't aware you were so…" She didn't know what word to use that would be appropriate in this situation.
Inutashio sensed her hesitation and chuckled "Well off?" He offered and she nodded, feeling embarrassed.
"My parents never told me who they put on their will in place of my grandfather when he died, and I never really thought to ask. I was only 14, so it never came up." She chewed on her lip and said "So, I didn't really know anything about you. My attorney Mr. Young told me everything I know currently."
Mr. Takashi rested an arm on the back of the seat and faced the young girl, Kagome could see Inuyasha's ears swivel in her direction as well as the man said "So, what exactly do you know about me?"
Mentally cursing her former choice of words Kagome thought to herself 'It wasn't like Mr. Young told me anything bad, or a big secret. So I have nothing to worry about.' With that thought in mind she shrugged, as if it were nothing and said calmly "Not much honestly, um he told me about your two sons," She motioned to Inuyasha "Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, telling me that only one of them still lives with you. He told me that you and my father were business partners and that my father sold his shares to the company when I was born, and that your wife passed away which was why you moved to America." She glanced at Inuyasha as she said this, seeing as it had been his mother who had died so many years ago.
Kagome was lucky at least, she had grown up with both of her parents. Sure she was only 16, but that was better than losing your mother as a baby. Inutashio had been staring intently at her as she spoke and she wondered if she had said the wrong thing, running back over her words she frowned – nothing seemed out of place. Finally the man spoke; clearing his throat he said "Some of his shares." Kagome blinked at him, Inuyasha looked just as confused as she did at the random statement.
"What do you mean?" Kagome asked, not even noticing that they had long since started driving. She glanced from Inutashio to his son, hoping that someone could explain his odd words to her. Inuyasha shrugged and shook his head, showing that he too had no idea what his father was talking about.
Inutashio laughed "I'm sorry, let me explain." He chuckled and said "The business your father and I started, which is basically an international trade corporation, is not solely mine. Your father sold me enough shares that I would be the one to make the majority of the decisions, but he kept enough of them that he still had a say in the larger things impacting the company. And, as it just so happens…those shares must belong to you now, or they will once you become 18."
Kagome just blankly stared at him; she owned part of this man's multi-million dollar company? That didn't make sense; her family sure had been pretty well off but…limos and everything? No way. Shaking her head she thought it through 'Dad sold most of the shares, but not all of them. So he was still making money off it, just not as much as Inutashio obviously. Plus, mom and dad had put away a bunch of money for Souta and I, and then when grandpa got sick….they paid for so much for him.'
The two men in the car watched as the gears turned in Kagome's head, neither of them saying a word as she figured everything out. Finally she looked up and nodded her head "Ok, it makes sense."
She gave a lopsided smile and Inutashio chuckled "I won't press you to sell me your shares, since it is a form of income for you and your brother for as long as the company is up and running. Despite you being a minor, you will still be allotted the money your father was making. I am the owner of the company, I can really do whatever I want."
Kagome sighed, relieved, he was right. She would have no job for a while and despite the fact that she was now in the care of Inutashio, she wouldn't want him to pay for more than he had to. He had done so much for her family already. Smiling at him she said, almost bluntly "Thank-you, Mr. Takashi. I really don't know how to thank you for everything."
Inutashio smiled and reached over to pat her on the knee, a very fatherly gesture and said "Of course Kagome."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes, not that emotional and said "Listen, not to be mean or anything but…would it offend you too much if I stayed at the house while you guys went to the hospital?" Kagome blinked at him, unsure if he was speaking to her or his father.
Inutashio answered him though, saving her the trouble of having to do so "I think that would be ok. But I would like you to stay at the house, I have to go to the office tonight and I would like you to help Kagome get settled in."
Kagome blushed and shook her head "Oh, no it's ok. I don't want to put either of you out. I will probably spend the day unpacking anyways." She played with her fingers, not wanting to look up.
She could hear the sigh from Inuyasha, and realized that no matter what she said or what she planned on doing that afternoon and evening her host would still make his son stay. She felt guilty, but also a bit relieved. Despite Inuyasha's really rough exterior, she would rather someone be there at her new home than have to be there alone. Would they have a butler, or a maid? She shook her head at the thought, it didn't seem likely.
Inutashio smiled at them "I know Kagome, but you are in a new country and a new house. I want the transition to be as easy for you as possible."
Kagome looked up at him and smiled happily "I understand, and it means a lot to me, that you are putting so much effort into this…" Feeling embarrassed she brushed her hair back and looked out the tinted window at the passing scenery. She caught sight of her own reflection and touched the light pink mark along her forehead, her bangs hid the small scar for the most part and the doctors had assured her that it would barely be visible once it was completely finished healing. She was just glad there was no longer a large bandage taking up space on her forehead.
Adjusting her gaze to look past the window she smiled a bit; California was a beautiful place, from what she could tell. She had never been to America, but had done a report on the country once as a freshman in high school.
San Francisco was so different than Tokyo had been, but she tried really hard not to compare her new home with her old home – it would just depress her even more. She recalled being told that this part of the country had a large ethnic diversity and she hoped that was true. Obviously her and Inuyasha would be in the same school, and were both Japanese but would there be any other Japanese or Japanese-American students there? Maybe once her heart stopped thundering like a race horse she would get up the courage to ask Inuyasha about it and his friends.
Thinking about friends, she pulled her cell-phone out of her pocket. She opened it and starting typing out a text to her friends. She had her phone provider swapped to an American one with an international plan – so she could easily converse with her friends back home but still talk to those around her. She told her friends she had landed safely and was heading to her new house and then to the hospital to see her brother and she would talk to them later. It was 5am in Japan, so she doubted any of them would be up.
The rest of the ride went by in an easy silence more or less, the two men seemed to realize Kagome was lost in her own thoughts and decided to leave her alone. They chatted softly amongst themselves about random things during the remainder of the ride. Kagome noticed they were getting to the edge of the large city, the skyscrapers ending up in the rear view mirror "How far out of town do you live? I though you said the house was just a stop to the hospital?" She asked, turning her eyes from the window to the men just as their conversation came to a close.
"Not too far," Inutashio answered smiling "And there are two different ways to get to the hospital, given the time we thought this would be faster. So, I suppose the hospital isn't exactly on the way but it isn't too far out of the way. It'll take about 10 minutes to get there from the house." Kagome nodded just as the limo slowed onto a very green road, the amount of trees and shrubbery were astounding and the massive houses – more like mansions – that were hidden behind them caused Kagome's eyes to widen.
Having been born and raised in Tokyo, greenery wasn't something she was used to. There were some nice plants at the Shrine, especially the old tree she would miss the most. "Wow," she said "I haven't ever seen so many trees." She instantly bit her lip and glanced at them, feeling like a fool again. She must seem like a child to them, with her wide-eyed wonder. Inuyasha grinned at her, making her blush "I-well the city ya know…"
Inutashio chuckled "I understand," Nudging his son "You grew up here Inuyasha, so you don't remember Tokyo much."
The young man shrugged his shoulders "Yea, I know."
The house that they turned into was blocked off by a large stone wall, connected in the center by a black iron gate. There wasn't a security guard or anything, just an electric key-pad that required a specific code to get in. Once the tires of the limo touched the gravel and then slowed to a stop at the gate, Kagome tried to peer from her seat to the house, but the drive way was too winding and the car too long for her to even see more than just the lush mini-forest that surrounded her new home.
Once the mechanical gates moved away, letting them drive through, the trees gave way to a long, sloping front yard that was perfectly manicured. The driveway they were on consisted of small white pebbles and once they grew near the house it was lined with low white and red flowers at the end of their bloom. To the right was the large one-story garage with three doors, all of which were currently closed. It was connected to the three story house that was made of the same light stone that the wall surrounding it was made of.
The driveway that wrapped around in a circle before the large porch, was positioned around a small bubbling fountain, made of pure white marble and topped with statues of wolves. It was…beautiful. Her eyes went from the fountain to the porch. It had two sets of sloping stairs that came down from either end to end at the driveway and was topped by a set of large oak double doors. There were dozens of windows of varying sizes, about half a dozen balconies on the front of the house as well. To Kagome it looked like a castle, she was expecting to see turrets peering around the back of the manor, or a princess in a tower.
She realized that her new hosts were looking at her for a reaction and she shook her head "This is unreal. I mean…it is so beautiful." She looked at the demons and smiled "Souta would love that fountain, he loves wolves." She smiled sadly as the limo stopped, thinking about her brother hurt. A few moments later the driver had the door open for them and the men climbed out. Inutashio waited and helped Kagome out of the car. With a smile she bobbed her head in thanks and turned to the driver where he was getting her two small bags from the trunk of the car.
Inuyasha, without so much as a cue from his father, moved in and took the two bags from the driver and turned to Kagome and said, noticing her surprised stare "Uh, there are a lot of stairs in this house. And your room is on the top floor…"
He scratched the back of his head and she smiled "Well thank-you."
Turning to Inutashio she said "Where are my brother's things? You said you have to go to work today and I don't want to keep you any longer than needed."
The man waved a hand "There is no rush Kagome, but your brother has a room just across the hall from yours. It is set up with his bed and dresser – but I haven't unpacked the boxes. I assumed you would want to set up his room like he had it back in Tokyo. The same is said about your room, your bed, desk and dresser is set up but that is about it." He began to head up the stone steps to the door "Now, I have some keys for you and the codes for both the front gate and the home security system." Kagome nodded and followed him, Inuyasha was behind her.
She looked over at the garage, and wondered how many cars there were in there. Were they regular cars? Or sports cars? Inutashio was unlocking the front door and noticed her glance "Ah, that's another thing. I know the driving age is 18 in Japan for regular sized cars – but it is 16 here. Are you interested in getting your license?"
Kagome chewed her lip and sighed "Oh, um…" The thought of driving was a scary one – especially in a new country where the rules were different. "Well, I guess I should look into it, once things get settled." Rubbing her neck "And getting a car eventually too." She exhaled; it was so much to do.
Inutashio pushed the door open, and the small beeping caused by the alarm went off. Inuyasha slipped past the two and went to put the security code in. Inutashio put a hand on Kagome's shoulder and smiled at her "Kagome, I know there is a lot to do. But please, when I agreed to be in your parents will I made sure I would be up to everything that meant. Whenever you are ready to take that step let me know and you can use one of our cars until we can get you one of your own." Her eyes widened and she looked at him, opening her mouth to argue he held a hand up "Please, it is what your parents would have done. I do not wish to try and take their place emotionally, but let me do so financially. It would ease the ache of not seeing them for so long, and no longer being able to."
Kagome felt a lump in her throat and nodded, letting the demon lead her into her new home.
The majesty of the yard and exterior of the house seemed like nothing compared to the interior. The foyer had white marble floors, with an inlay of darker marble creating a circular pattern. There was a circular table of dark cherry wood topped with a crystal vase filled with white roses. There was an arch-way to the left that led into what appeared to be a sitting room, and one to the right that appeared to lead to a kitchen. There was a hall that ran down, with various doors and arches leading into various rooms.
There was a wide, winding stair-case of polished marble with a white and soft looking rug running up the middle of it that vanished somewhere above them. Inuyasha was standing at the foot of the steps, right in front of the security key pad that had about as many buttons as Kagome's computer 'How am I ever going to figure out how to work that damn thing?' She thought as Inuyasha picked her bags back up and said "If you want I can show you where your room is?"
Kagome glanced from Inutashio – and his surprised look that was directed at the younger male – to Inuyasha and smiled "Sure, thanks. I can take one of those though, you don't have to lug around all of my stuff." She said as she walked to meet him, trying not to ogle at the room around her.
Inuyasha snorted "Please, I'm not some weak human. These are nothing."
She heard Inutashio clear his throat in a threatening manner but she wanted him to know that his father didn't have to defend her "Hey! I'm not weak either thank-you very much." She reached out and snagged both of her bags from his grip and stormed up the stairs "There are dozens of rooms, should I open every door to find mine or are you going to help me?" Her voice called as she reached the second floor. Recalling him saying her room was on the top floor, she ignored the equally impressive décor of floor number two and made her way up the next set of stairs.
Inuyasha stood where she left him, stunned into silence. Inutashio chuckled and said "Be mindful of that young woman Inuyasha, she is no damsel in distress. I'll be in my office when she is ready to leave, show her down please." The demon left his son and went down the hall. Inuyasha heard the door open and close before he turned and jogged up the stairs. Kagome was standing at the top of the stairs, both bags still secured in her hands, looking up and down the hall way, obviously unsure of where to go.
Coming up behind her and stealing the one bag she let him carry through the airport, ignoring Kagome's outburst, he said "This way. You and your brother are right by me. My dad figured it would be better than shoving you in the guess wing all by yourself. Or something like that." He shrugged and turned down the hall and led her past a few doors before stopping. Pointing to the left he said "That is your brother's room," To the door just opposite of that one he identified as hers. "Mine is the one just past yours." He finished before setting her bag on the floor "Uh, you have your own bathroom and everything but there is another at the end of the hall just in case. My dad is in his office, and said to take you to him when you are done so…you can do whatever you need and just let me know. I'll be in my room."
Without waiting for a response, he opened his door and vanished behind it. Kagome didn't even get a glance at what his room looked like. Sighing she scooped up her bags from where they were abandoned on the floor and opened her own door. Taking a deep breath as she entered the room, her chocolate eyes widened "Oh…my…God…" She whispered as she softly clicked the door shut behind her. The bedroom was almost three times the size of her one back home and while her bed had been brought it, the frame was new. It was now no longer just a queen mattress and a box spring, but now a luxurious canopy bed with long pale wooden posts that were adorned with white gauze.
Her bed was already made, and it appeared the canopy had been selected to match her own bed set of white and pink stripes. She set her things on the floor and moved through the sea of boxes to where her bed was and touched the gauze material that surrounded it. It was sheer, but the multiple bunched layers gave her bed a secluded feeling. Her matching dresser and desk of pale, sanded wood were set up almost exactly where she would have wanted them to be and she smiled – she could be very comfortable here. Shaking her head she released the flimsy white material and left her room. There would be plenty of time to unpack and organize later, now she needed to focus on Souta and his needs.
Crossing the hall, she was met with a similar styled room. His furniture was of a more natural toned oak and the canopy was of thicker, dark green drapery. A much more masculine twist on the traditionally princess-like bed set up. She chewed her lip as she looked at the mass of boxes before her, where to begin? But on further inspection, she realized the professional movers were very good at their job and the boxes were well labeled. Soon enough she had a duffel bag packed with some more of her brother's things and a few changes of his clothes. Now that he was in a more long-term care center, he could be free of the hospital gowns and into some more comfortable things.
Additionally, she grabbed a few of his pillows and a few soccer trophies from various boxes, and then some other small knick-knacks and a large blanket embossed with the team logo of his favorite soccer team. She pressed the blanket to her nose and took a deep breath; she could faintly smell her mother's perfume and literally almost broke down in tears right then and there. But no, she knew she had to remain strong. She couldn't risk them catching her being weak – just like Inuyasha claimed all humans to be. For her family's sake, she would be strong.
ooo
It was almost 30 minutes later, after Kagome had opened nearly every box in the room to double and triple check that she wasn't forgetting something vital – even though she knew she could be with her brother as often as she would like and bring him any and everything she wanted whenever she wanted. It was hard still, trying to define his entire 10 years of life into one duffel bag. What would he really want and need? What would he have chosen if he could? She hoped she was close enough to his own choices. With the bag over her shoulder and the large blanket in her arms she walked across the hall, shutting Souta's door behind her, and knocked softly on Inuyasha's door.
After a moment he opened the door and she smiled softly "I'm ready. Really if you just tell me where his office is I can go – you don't have to show me. I'm sure you have better things to do."
Inuyasha smirked "Damn right I do, but my dad told me to escort you down when you were done and I'm not about to get him mad at me. Let's go." He walked out, once again blocking her view of his room and eyed her bag "I doubt you will let me carry that, huh?"
Turning so her body was between him and her brother's things she said with tight politeness "I've got it." He made a noise in the back of his throat and led her back the way they had walked earlier; though they were together they walked in total silence. Kagome took in her surroundings and Inuyasha just not wanting to talk to her. Once they were in the foyer, Inuyasha led her down the hall and paused at a door before knocking. She heard Inutashio give them admittance and so the young teen opened the door and walked in "Here ya go, she is ready to go." Inutashio removed a pair of reading glasses from his nose and set them down "Wonderful, I hope you like your room and bed Kagome?"
The young woman couldn't help but grin at him "I loved it, it is…perfect." She glanced around the office; it oddly enough reminded her of home…though there was nothing similar between the room and her own home. This room had heavily dark paneled walls, covered with diplomas and certificates and awards of all sorts – though not all were in Inutashio's name. Some were given to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha and then two other female names she couldn't identify – but realized with a jolt they must have belonged to his first two wives.
The large thick cherry desk had deep engravings that Kagome desperately wanted to touch; the other furniture was a dark brown leather chair that looked soft and worn where it sat opposite the dark fireplace. Kagome would have loved to curl up in it and read on a rainy day, that urge was further pressed by the large book shelf that covered the remaining three walls. She saw many types of literature, most of them educational but not all. Where they all Inutashio's? She realized she had been staring when Inutashio cleared his throat.
She looked back with a heavy blush staining her cheeks "I'm sorry," She said instantly but the man was smiling.
"A lover of books I assume?" Kagome meekly nodded and could almost feel Inuyasha rolling his eyes but she didn't care if the bi-polar half-demon liked her or not, it was Inutashio's approval she dearly wanted. "Well, my books are yours. You are welcome to my private collection any time." He smiled and she returned it as he stood up "Remember Inuyasha, I would like you to remain here and without distracting company for the evening."
This time, Kagome actually saw the young man roll his eyes "No worries dad. Sango, the pervert and the slut aren't invited." Kagome gasped at the harsh names he used on who she assumed were his friends, she dared to wonder what he called his enemies.
Inutashio sighed, but was obviously used to the titles so he didn't say anything "Alright. We will be back in a little while." He motioned Kagome to follow him and she did, glancing over her shoulder at Inuyasha who simply watched her go.
Once they were outside again, and getting back into the limo Kagome felt a little more at ease. Inutashio was kinder than his son and she didn't feel so awkward around him "I feel bad for keeping Inuyasha at the house all by himself," She said hoping to convince him to let his son do as he wished. She didn't want Inuyasha to resent her; it wasn't her fault either way!
Inutashio chuckled "Oh no, he is never so dead set on leaving or having his friends over, he is just being difficult today because I am specifically asking him for once to remain home." The man smiled "I know things are going to be complicated but Kagome I don't want you to feel guilty about anything. When your parents called me to put me in their will, I accepted. I knew what I was getting into when I agreed and I knew it when Mr. Young contacted me after the accident. I could have denied you and your brother then, but I didn't. I would hope you can come to trust me, and my judgment. Inuyasha will come around soon as well; it has been just him and I for a long time. My oldest hasn't been around much since he moved out, so please forgive my son for his lack of courtesy."
Kagome just stared at him in astonishment for a moment but then smiled softly "Alright, fair enough. I know you wouldn't do anything to specifically cause problems for anyone and I do trust you Inutashio." She shook her head, using his first name felt so strange "It is just all very new to me. I guess I need time just as much as everyone else."
The man nodded his head and smiled before leaning back "Did you find everything you needed for your brother?"
Kagome nodded and patted the bag sitting on the seat beside her "Yea, the boxes were well labeled. It made it much easier. Thank you for paying for the movers, it took a lot off my shoulders."
Inutashio smiled again and said "Well, I couldn't very well have you pack all of your things on top of just getting released from the hospital and planning a funeral, could I?"
Kagome laughed a bit and shook her head "Well I suppose you could have, but I am glad you didn't." She looked out the window and fiddled with a piece of her hair, letting a comfortable silence fall over the car. Inutashio was right; the ride from his home to the hospital was a short one. The limo pulled to a stop right in front of the large imposing building of tan stone. Kagome looked up at the numerous windows and wondered which one was her brother's room. Chewing her lip she waited for Inutashio to climb out of the car and then followed him, holding the blanket and bag close to her heart. Her heart that was galloping away in equal parts fear and equal parts relief.
He was here, and he was safe. She shouldn't worry, he had the best doctors that money could buy looking after him and Kagome was only ten minutes away herself. She tried to picture her brother sound asleep and content in a cozy bed, but she couldn't. Her mind was playing cruel jokes on her and she was imagining her brother thinner, and weaker. As if he had been in a coma for months rather than days. She felt paralyzed by fear as she stood before the hospital building, staring up at it like it was a prison. She looked up when Inutashio rested a hand on her shoulder "He is going to be fine Kagome, come. I will prove it to you." She nodded and forced herself to walk through the doors.
She couldn't exactly recall how they had gotten from the doors to her brother's room, and she knew that was foolish of her but she couldn't drag her eyes away from her feet as she shuffled along the hall way behind Inutashio. When they stopped at his door, Kagome moved in and pushed it open before the man could "I know this will sound rude…" She said her hand on the door "But may I please have a moment with him alone?"
Inutashio simply smiled and said "I will go and speak with his doctor;" Pointing down to the Nurse's Station he said "Come have them page me when you are ready to leave."
Nodding her head, the demon walked away and Kagome walked into the room. It was much nicer than the one he had in Tokyo, much larger and more spacious. More accommodating. And despite her terrible walking nightmares, her brother looked just as he had the last time she saw him when he was put into the helicopter. Shutting the door behind her she moved towards the bed "Hey Souta…nice place you got here."
There was a larger, soft looking chair positioned beside his bed, most likely for her use. She sat there and took the bag in her lap "So, I met Mr. Takashi and his youngest son." She unzipped the bag and began pulling things out "You would really like him, Mr. Takashi I mean, and he is really nice. He understands, or at least he is trying to." She laid the blanket across him and tucked it in around him. Smoothing the hair from his forehead she kissed the exposed skin there.
Giving him his teddy bear, she moved and began setting up pictures and knick-knacks of his on counters and window sills. Smiling she pulled out a new book and returned to her seat beside the young boy "Ok, so this isn't a Dean Koontz novel, but the guy in the airport book store said they are pretty similar and I figured we could expand and try some new kind of books." Cracking open the new book she leaned back and began reading.
She only read for about a half an hour, knowing that Mr. Takashi had to go to work eventually. She looked at the clock, it was only 11:30am, and it was a Saturday but she guessed that running a large business required him to work odd hours.
Closing the book, she set it on the table by his bed and kissed his cheek one more time and stood up "I have to go and unpack, oh Souta you would love the house. If you wake up…I can show you it. You just…you have to wake up Souta. Then we can go home, we can go back to Tokyo…" She rubbed her hand across her eyes, feeling the tell-tale sign of tears. Standing swiftly she took a deep, shaky breath and left the room to go and find her guardian. Glancing at the door as it closed behind her she sighed "Well, home sweet home I suppose." She mumbled, heading off to the Nurse's Station to page Inutashio.
It was going to be hard to deal with everything, especially without her brother but she knew she would have to try.
ooo
*GASP* 6600 words?! I know that this chapter was well past overdue, but that is how I am some time. Deal with it & review!
I have been gifted by my beautiful muse these last few days, and wrote the last 4000 words in like 2 hours. Plus I know where the next chapter is going. Soo review & I will be more motivated to post!
