Chapter 26
Murphy's a Dead Man
Inu Yasha had come to a decision. He fully intended to hunt down and gut whoever this "Murphy" character was. What was with him and his stupid laws? What was his life to that baka, a huge joke? Was he some puppet on a string? The memory dreams of late were getting more and more frequent. He could remember making some sort of bargain, agreeing to something, but what? It hadn't made him happy, he was sure of that much. When he and Kenmaru had been walking, a man had been training his dog. At the command "Osuwari," he'd cringed. What the fuck was that about? His hand ran around his neck for the millionth time, and cold sweat ran down his spine. There was supposed to be something around his neck, it belonged there, he could feel the weight of it, the warmth of it, feel the tug of his hair tangled in it. He could see the few faces he remembered clearly: Sango, Miroku, Sesshomaru, Rin as a kid, hell, even that stupid wolf. Still, the woman asking him not to forget teased his mind. Could she be the girl he kept seeing? Green pleated skirt, white sailors top with green trim, knee high socks and brown loafers. Just once he wished she'd turn around so he could see her face, but she was always running away from him, towards some well.
If that wasn't enough, he was frustrated beyond belief. Every, and he did mean every, time Kagome and he tried to have some... what did she call it... quality time, something happened. Kenmaru beating on his back. Damn pager or cell phone going off with an emergency call from the hospital. Ayume calling, first to cry about her finding her fiancé in bed with another man. Now it was more likely to be about Genken and what should she wear on her date, or how great the date was. He was tired of his best friends being "Rosy and her sisters". Ten minutes ago, his dear brother had barged in on them. Shaking his head to clear the bloodlust that was growing within him, he glared into the eyes of his victim and growled. "Ya ever fuckin hear of knocking?"
Sesshomaru looked impassively down at his brother, who had him pinned against a wall. "Have you ever heard of a lock, little brother?"
Releasing his hold, Inu Yasha stepped back. "If Rin wouldn't kill me..."
"I am quite sure you would do great bodily harm to me." He replied, smoothing the lapels of his jacket. "I wanted to inform you that my lawyer would be bringing the last of your identification to the hospital tomorrow."
"Keh, ya could have left a note!" Inu Yasha muttered, heading back to his wing. As he stepped into the hall, he saw Kagome racing by, "Kagome?"
"Resident ... sick ... I have to cover shift." She explained rushing past him.
His eyes followed her across the den and into her wing. "FUCK!!!", he paused, "FUCK, fuck, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!!!" he yelled. Stalking toward his rooms, he continued, "I'm going to take a shower."
That had been yesterday at seven o'clock. A single shift had turned into a double, that ended as her shift began, turning it into a triple. Frustration over his memory or rather lack thereof, and his sexual frustration had left the hanyou in an extremely foul mood. Add to the volatile mix: guilt. Guilt intensified by each sniffle from the boy standing in front of him. Kneeling to be at eye level, he said, "I'm sorry, pup" The small head remained bowed with ears drooped, and the smell of tears he'd caused made the guilt sky rocket. The pup had not deserved being yelled at for asking when his Mommy would be home. He hadn't been whiny, just curious. "You know your Uncle Sessho said something about papers being dropped off for me today at the hospital. What if you and I go pick them up, and see if your Mommy will join us for lunch?", he encouraged.
Another sniffle twisted Inu Yasha's heart. "Really? We could?" Inu Yasha nodded, wiping away tears and sniffles. A relieved smile crossed his face as Kenmaru's ears perked up moments before small arms encircled his neck. "Goodie!"
Her fingers absently played with the rosary as she waited for the elevator. When the door slid open she waited as the occupants exited. She was about to step in, when a familiar voice caught her attention, "Hello, Kagome." Looking up, she noticed the man in the suit, a briefcase in hand, his dark brown, almost black hair now sporting a trim, professional cut. His deep blue eyes watched her. He might have hidden his youkai features, but she knew him too well.
"Hello Kouga." she smiled, "How have you been?"
"Good. I hear Inu-koro's back. Has he remembered anything yet?"
The scents of the hospital assaulted his nose - the stench of decay, the tang of alcohol, the smells of blood and other bodily fluids. He saw several human's noses twitch at catching a scent as he and Kenmaru walked through the halls. What would they do if they had his nose? As he turned a corner, he froze. Before him, Kagome stood talking to a wolf youkai in a suit. Inu Yasha felt his hackles rise, and he forced back the growl that threatened to erupt. Everything about this wolf was familiar. By standing a fraction too close to Kagome, his subtle body language indicated his claim on her. The mere sight of him pissed him off. Inu Yasha's hands clenched into fists, claws digging into his palms.
A cry of "Mr. Kouga!" rang from his side. Before he could stop him, Kenmaru had dashed up to the wolf. The held back growl burst free of its constraints, as that same wolf lifted the pup.
His hand moved to his waist instinctively searching for what he didn't know. He began moving towards the small group. When the wolf turned to look, he recognized his face. He could almost hear his smug voice. Walking up he fought his youki, that demanded he attack the wolf. He could smell the controlled violence that came from the wolf. "Put the pup down, wolf." He growled reaching them, his eyes flashing red. He heard the wolf's low growl answering his own. Challenge given. Challenge accepted.
Kagome frowned at the all too familiar stance of each man. Five hundred years hadn't changed a thing. The proof of her decision stood looking up at the two of them, confusion filling his silver eyes. Stepping between them, she placed a hand on each chest. Her eyes locking with Kouga's, she took her hand from his chest and fingered the beads around her neck. "You need to leave, Kouga. I wear these now." Blue and gold eyes studied the necklace she was indicating. Kouga nodded, understanding what she was telling him.
Inu Yasha recognized the necklace she wore. He'd seen her in it many times, but this time was strangely different. He knew where it belonged, and it wasn't around Kagome's neck. "That's mine," he insisted.
"That's my Daddy's"
"Oh shit."
"I'll see you later, Kagome."