Chapter Four: For a while

Author's Notes: Weehee!! I'm so very extremely happy right now! I passed math so that means I don't have to re-take it this summer. Only one more subject to worry about and that's English 2. Oh, I hope I get to pass that one too. ^_^


Disclaimer: Inuyasha and other characters in this work are not mine. I just borrowed them for my own purpose. All I have in my wallet right now is my school ID, a video shop membership card and a few coins. I'm just another poor fella' writing fanfiction to sustain herself.



"..." – Dialogue
'…' - Thoughts



On Holy Grounds
Chapter Four: INU 101: The Fundamentals of Inuyasha



--++OHG++--



When the ambulance arrived, Kagome was positioned in the corner of the room. She was terribly scared; she had never seen so much blood in her life. Her legs shakily stood as one paramedic approached to question her. She truthfully and completely answered all of them. From the corner of her eye, she could see others tending to Inuyasha. They hoisted him up on the stretcher. Kagome hoped they weren't too late; his heartbeat had slowed considerably during the past minutes.


They carried him outside and slid him inside the ambulance. A woman asked her if she wanted to ride with them. Kagome managed a small nod. She escorted the shaken girl inside and with a pull closed the ambulance doors.


Kagome was still hearing the siren echo while she ran with the paramedics towards the emergency room. She didn't notice the stares she received from the other people inside the hospital; everything was a blur. Relief filled her when they reached the front door of the ER. The last thing she heard was the nurse telling her the room was off limits before she gave in to her exhaustion and fainted.



--++OHG++--



Kagome felt sweat run down from her forehead to her face. She wiped it away with her right hand. She opened her eyes and realized she was lying in a bed; specifically a hospital bed. She felt weak, so weak, why? She sat and hugged the pillow to her chest. Inuyasha. That was it, she had come to bring him back his jacket but found him lying in a pool of blood instead. 'Where was he? Is he still alive? What happened to me?' She concentrated all her strength to stand up and got out of the room.


"Ah, you're awake. Miss Higurashi I presume?" The nurse was talking to her. Her head turned to face the white clad woman. Her hair was tied and a hair net covered the bun. She had bags under her eyes and looked tired too.


"Yes. Where is Inuyasha?" If it weren't for the movement of facial muscles Kagome could not have recognized her own voice. It was strained and low. "Is he…" Kagome fiddled with the ring on her finger, afraid to voice out her thoughts.


"The man with the long black hair? Just got out of the ER, he's still unconscious, mostly because of the anaesthesia. It was a close call; he lost so much blood a minute later he could have died."


A gasp escaped Kagome's lips. He was alive, unconscious but nevertheless alive. Thank God! The nurse patted her shoulders with tender hands. "He was lucky, you got there right on time."


"Can I see him?" The nurse looked at the clipboard she was holding. Of course not; Kagome knew only family and relatives were allowed to visit. She was about to turn down her head and leave when she heard the nurse say, "He's at room C-63. That's on the third floor. We're currently on the second. It's the fourth room from the left side of the elevator. He's very blessed to have you dear." At this she turned and left Kagome on her own.


Kagome didn't even think why she was permitted to see him or why the nurse said such things. She immediately ran to the elevator and entered. Kagome heard a ding and the doors opened. She instinctively hugged the jacket to her body while she walked towards Inuyasha's room. 'C-63, fourth door to the left.' She turned the knob of the room and entered.


The sight she saw melted her heart. Inuyasha lay unmoving on the bed, his hair a mess under his head and his face looked stressed even in sleep. His breathing was normal, she noted that.


She dragged a nearby chair near the bed and sat. For minutes she did nothing but watch the stranger in deep induced slumber. She wasn't aware when her hands had started stroking his damp hair. She blushed when she did notice but continued anyway. She wished she could somehow lessen his burden by her small ministrations.


Kagome let out a yawn and looked at the wall clock. 1:45 am. She lay her head on the bed and fell asleep.



--++OHG++--



It was 5:30 in the morning, Kagome read for the second time since she woke. The sun was shyly peeking through the clouds. She didn't know why but she just couldn't bring herself to sleep despite the great exhaustion. What a long day it had been. The train ride, the hyper kids, the train ride again and last but definitely not the least, Inuyasha.


Kagome looked at his sleeping form and instantly felt a wave of sympathy. What kind of burden was he carrying to give up his life like that? Kagome had never believed in suicide or euthanasia. Her faith was strong and she had long believed that the human will for survival should not be belittled. She thought that suicidal people only need to look at their situation in a clearer view.


Movement on top of the patient's silver hair caught her attention. Oh, it's only his ears. She paused and quickly gathered her wits. He had been human last night and now he has reverted back to his what was that term again? Youkai, that's it! She knew little about this race since she only knew one that belonged; Kouga. She jerked her head to look at the clock again, a little past 5:45. The nurse on rounds could come unannounced any minute. What would she think once she saw the patient? How on earth could Kagome explain? She didn't even know the whole truth save the few that Kouga, the wolf demon, tried to impart her. From what she was told, humans didn't particularly take this race nicely.


His hair reverted to its silver colour. The triangular ears on top of his head moved every now and then. When did he change back? She didn't notice any transformation last night. Kagome was utterly confused, transformations were supposed to be flashy right? Like the Power Rangers or Sailormoon and he was practically under her nose all night! Surely she should have noticed that.


"Wake up! Come on, I know you're okay. Now for heaven's sake wake up Inuyasha!" His ears twitched again as Kagome continued to shake his body. She took precaution before doing that and checked on his wounds first. It was healed, though not completely but the cuts were already shallow; she had expected that, it was one of the things Kouga told her about youkai.


"You!" his voice was deep and accusing as he glared at the girl that woke him. A sharp feeling of sorrow filled his heart but he could not understand why. What confused him more was the unfamiliar scent that surrounded him. The girl, as if reading his thoughts said, "You're in the hospital. Do you remember last night? I was so worried."


Why was she worried? Her scent and facial expression confirmed that statement. His memories of last night were deprived of him. She stood and at once he felt hands going over his back to help him sit. "I don't need you're help." He spat his wince betrayed him though. She placed her right hand on her right hip and glared.


"Look, we can argue all day if you want but let's get out of here first before anyone sees you," her sentence ended as she pointed a finger to his ears to prove her point.


She took off the jacket she wore and Inuyasha cursed his male self for expecting more. "Here wear this, it's yours. Put the hood on and let's get you out of here." Surprisingly, the subject did as he was told and in his sitting position wore the blue jacket. It reeked of his scent but it also had a pinch of female smell in it as well. He saw Kagome go to the bathroom and got out holding a pair of denims. "It's still a bit wet but that will do. Blood stains were difficult to remove but were removed nevertheless." She proudly tossed the clothing she scrubbed since waking and turned her back to give him privacy.


Inuyasha caught his jeans and crawled out of bed. What the hell is she talking about? He searched his brain for something but still couldn't remember that associated him with blood. His head was currently a mess and he acknowledged that. He tucked the white hospital gown and zipped his pants. After buttoning up he declared he was finished.


Kagome turned and pointed at his sneakers. He looked at them for a moment as if thinking what to do. Her voice snapped him back from the zone, "Faster!" he frowned. Who was she to boss him around like that? He bent on one knee and finished tying the laces. If anything, he felt like a three year old under the scrutiny of an enraged mother.


He stood and walked over Kagome, whose hands were already on the door knob. She pressed her ears harder on the wooden door and listened. He was surprised when she grabbed his hands, opened the door and casually walked out of the room. They headed for the elevator and pushed the down button. It welcomed them and they steeped in.


Kagome looked at her companion and saw his confused expression. He was obviously trying to put things together. Another unknown pain tugged her heart.


The elevator door opened. They headed for the main door; neither talked to each other. They made it to the destination still hand in hand. The bills could wait, Kagome thought; they'd probably mail it to her tomorrow after they discover their absence. She did leave them her address after all and with the way Inuyasha had been last night, she was sure his hospital bill would cause a big dent on her meagre savings. All in a day's work, she thought. Kagome sighed as they stepped out of the building.



--++OHG++--



It was disturbing, how silent Inuyasha was. He had been so noisy during their previous encounter and it unnerved her so to see him behave like this. Kagome contemplated on walking all the way to his apartment but thought he may still feel strained after last night. Youkai or no youkai she wouldn't take any risks of reopening fresh wounds.


So there they were seated stiffly at the back of the taxi, hands now to themselves. She may have forgotten her wallet but Inuyasha apparently didn't. Little did the silver haired man beside her know that all his money were in the hands of the girl beside him, she found it when she was washing his jeans earlier.


Inuyasha turned his head to look at the buildings they passed. He sure knew where he was, he assured himself that. This was the way to his apartment the road was familiar. He focused his thoughts on the girl beside him. He remembered her. He remembered well the hands that stroked his hair and the eyes that locked with his. He looked at the hands that lay across her lap. A shimmer caught his attention and he mentally gasped. He saw a ring. It was simple, the gold band fit her ring finger perfectly but what caught his attention most was the shaped diamond on top of it. Was he her fiancé? That could really explain the air of familiarity she seemed to have with him. And she had been so worried, she said so herself. He decided he could ask her later, all this thinking mad his head throb.


Minutes later, the taxi stopped in front of his building. He saw kagome produce money from an all too familiar source. "That's mine!" He abruptly snatched it from her hand when she finished paying the driver. She muttered her thanks and stepped out.


Inuyasha accusingly glared at her when the taxi left. "What?! I was going to return it after and beside, I forgot my wallet at home." He nodded in understanding. Kagome was caught off guard when he placed his palm on her back and urged her to walk. After conquering the last flight of stairs, they tiredly paced over his door.


"Inuyasha! Child, I was beginning to worry about you," the two stopped when they heard an elderly voice from behind. They turned their heads and saw an old woman, in her late fifties at least bend over to place a laundry basket on the floor.


"I heard sirens last night and when I entered your room to clean it up this morning blood was all over the carpet. Are you alright dear?" Both saw genuine worry on the older woman's eyes.


Inuyasha was first to speak, "Mrs. Hiroo, thank you for your concern. I'm fine now so there's no need to worry okay?" The seemed to scrutinize him first as she eyed him from the top of his head to his feet and back again. She let out a breath of relief, "I'm glad and won't pry any further. The carpet's in for cleaning. I'll send Taki-chan to bring it up tomorrow. I replaced it with the green one I found. I'll leave you and your lady friend now." Kagome and Inuyasha bowed to her before she scurried away with her basket full of laundry.


"Who's she?" Kagome questioned as Inuyasha turned the knob. It wasn't locked. He never locked his apartment for two reasons: he didn't want bringing keys and there wasn't anything inside that would interest anyone anyway so why bother? "Mrs. Hiroo's the apartment's cleaning lady." They both removed their shoes and set it aside.


The house was prim and proper. Not like the bloody river she saw yesterday. She was standing on the same spot she found his body when she remembered something. He didn't even invite her inside his house and there she was standing in the middle of it. Big deal, he didn't stop her so it was as good as any invitation right?


"Like it?" His voice broke her out of her reverie. She smiled and he gestured for her to take a seat. She refused and walked towards him. Holding his hand, she pulled him and led him to the couch. "No. You sit here while I prepare breakfast, you must be starving."


"Keh." Well his attitude sure was coming back. A little more rest and he'll be muttering profanities again for sure, she thought.


Kagome went to the kitchen, not really sure where to find what. This wasn't her house and he was nothing but a mere stranger to her so why did she have to cook him his breakfast? She already knew the answer to that; because he needed someone to. She was puzzled at herself, she perfectly knew that Inuyasha was anything but helpless still there she was in his apartment scavenging food from unfamiliar shelves to cook him breakfast.


This was what Sango was complaining about. Kagome was a good person, so good that she couldn't resist helping anyone in her path needing help. Sango would scold her often since she sometimes didn't eat so she could just give it away to some bearded dirty man in the streets who looked healthy enough to find a job.


Kagome set her mind back on the problem at hand. This was too confusing... Why couldn't he remember anything? Kagome thought as she closed the fridge door. She took two eggs and placed them on the table. Is it amnesia? But he still remembered Mrs. Hiroo… selective amnesia maybe? She grabbed the frying pan and turned on the stove.


Why was he behaving so casual around her and why did she act the same? Had he forgotten that he was nearly killed last night? He had looked so lost then, even during their first meeting, she saw the sadness in his eyes, and she had felt his grieving heart. The Inuyasha that was lounging on the coach didn't look lost at all. He looked at ease even. She found the plates and placed the cooked eggs in these.


She walked over the table and placed the plate on it. She went back to the kitchen to gather the water and the glasses; that was when she decided to help him in every possible way she can. His calm and easy behaviour disturbed her so. She didn't know why but she just had to.


When she came back to the table Inuyasha was already seated. His blue jacket was left sprawled on the floor. His elbows were rested on the table as he disdainfully looked at the sunny side up. "Well, that was the only food I could salvage on the fridge." She placed both eggs on his plate and propped her elbows on the table as well.


He knew he should have said something but his head was still aching. At the back of his mind a retort was waiting to be unleashed but it just remained there at the back of his mind. Inuyasha looked at her while she poured water from the pitcher and drank. Kagome seemed to notice his stare and looked at him. "What?!" Kagome asked. "Well, aren't you eating?"


"No, you need it more than I do, I'm still full anyway." Her stomach decided to growl at the same moment. Kagome's blushing face looked at Inuyasha. "Who're you fooling? You're stomach's been growling since we left the hospital, here" He sliced a piece and fed Kagome. She was surprised when he sliced another piece and jabbed the same spoon in his mouth.


Did he really do that? Okay, he must have a really hard stomach OR he didn't care of my germs infecting him because he has strengthened immune system. She knew, Kouga told her so.


Kagome circled her right palm on the glass and brought it to her lips as she continued to watch Inuyasha. The cool water slid down her dry throat. "Are you my fiancée?" His sudden question made Kagome to sputter liquid. After a coughing fit, she looked at Inuyasha and saw him impatiently waiting for an answer. He raised his eyebrow. "Well, are you?"


"What made you think that?" It was such a simple question and she could have answered no but Kagome could not understand why she suddenly felt nervous. He was looking at her eyes and she felt so small under his inspection.


Inuyasha slouched and pointed to the ring of her hand. "That and because you seem to know me, are you or are you not?"


She felt sweat run down from her forehead. "Can't you remember?" Tis another simple question she could not answer. Why? Why? This was confusing her so. "Well, if I did I wouldn't be asking right? Look Kagome, just answer the question okay?"


How did he know my name? That means you knew it all along, but how? How can he forget last night and still remember me? She looked back at him and squared her shoulders.


"No, I'm not your fiancée Inuyasha. This ring is from---someone." For a moment she could have swore she can saw disappointment in his eyes. He slouched further and shrugged. "Figures, you're not my type anyway."


Type? What was he talking about? Kagome's mood turned from confusion to anger. The stress from the day before was beginning to take toll on her mentally. He was still talking, more like raving but her mind didn't register any of his words. All she could think of right now was his indirect insult, her aching back, her sleep deprived eyes and pure exhaustion all these his fault.


She struggled to restrain herself. Here in front of her was a sick man who was deprived of a few memories. She kept silent for a few seconds and gathered all her cool. Then again he's acting more like himself during our first meeting so that should be a good sign right?


"And what exactly do you mean by that?" He straightened his position and supported his head with his elbows. "I like women hot, curvy and well proportioned. You're so scrawny your bones show."


For a man err… youkai who has been near death in less than 24 hours he sure did act coolly though a bit annoying. How dare he insult her womanly features! She stood up, hovering over his seated body, brows furrowed and face flushed. "I better get going. I have things to do." With that Kagome walked over the door, wore her shoes and closed it leaving an amused Inuyasha on the table.


Another insult she was afraid she would snap at him. Kagome knew better than that, all her life she was taught to be gentle and understanding and normally she was, it came naturally to her anyway. There was just something about Inuyasha that agitated her easily. Maybe it was just her tired mind working but he did look so arrogant when he talked to her. 'Sleep, that's all I need right now and maybe this head ache would subside and I can think clearly.'



--++OHG++--



He followed Kagome with his eyes as she closed the door. He was alone now. 'Alone…,' the word made his heart wrench so painfully he clutched his chest. He breathed hard and the pain slowly subsided. He looked again at the half finished meal Kagome made him and that was when he remembered! He had kept a box full of instant ramen in his room. He happily headed to his quarters, his mouth watered in anticipation of the ramen's uniquely savoury taste.



--++OHG++--




Author's Notes: Weehee! I got it out at last! I hope you liked it, and as for the dear people who reviewed this fic I'd like to spend a few moments to thank them.

Maggie – Thank you so much! Good luck with that toddler of yours. :p

Mucomi9 – I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you so. I wrote it under a bad writer's block, I just had to update my sister told me so, said it wasn't good to leave things in the air. I'll kill her later. It's all her fault this chapter was a bit crappy. ^_^

Namiko-Daughter of Sekhmet – I'm glad you loved it. ^_^

tenshin_no – Know what sis, just go on and write the fic you were talking about and leave me alone! *FYI, she's my for real sister and I'm going to strangle her later with the mouse chord when I'm done with this.*

Arrenne – I'm delighted you think this fic's getting better.

CardMistress Sakura – I am an amateur. Though I've been lurking on ff.net and fanfic mailing lists for a while now. Hope you keep on reading!


Thank you so much again. I promise to make the next chappy a little more interesting. Chiao!!!!!!


maybe_marce