Chapter Five: Numbers and Doctors
Written by ShadyMinion. Fear my drivel!
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Houjo gripped the glass tightly in his hand. He scowled. That bitch. That lying, deceitful creature. Loathsome really. He should have known how jealous Yumi could be. It was really too bad that he had led her on. He shook his head. He shouldn't have. He had been too good for her, but he had really wanted to get close to Kagome.
She seemed busy at the time, always sick and unable to go out with him. He had thought that through Yumi, certain friendly privileges might have extended to him as well while she was on her sickbed. Alas, she recovered and matured a the rather delicious creature, not that he was disappointed. He much preferred her healthy than sick. It was just that the thought of her weak and vulnerable, and him being the only male around her, truly appealed to him.
The glass in his hand cracked and his scowl deepened as he recalled the events earlier that day. He had decided to have a talk with Yumi at work to make it perfectly clear that she should stay away from both him and Kagome. How could she not see how much they cared for each other?
He had made it as far as the large glass window at the front of the shop when he peered in. He could see Yumi. She was trimming Kagome's perfect hair! He could watch their lips move as they spoke to each other. He couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he was sure that Yumi was turning his pure, sweet Kagome against him. She was poisoning Kagome's mind with her jealousy!
Well, he would have to deal with Yumi later, once he showed Kagome Yumi's true colors.
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Once outside the hospital, Kagome cursed herself. Why did she say she would call him? She didn't even have his number! But there was no way in hell she was going to go back there to ask him. The man would just stick his uppity little nose in the air and snub her. Especially after the stunt she just pulled. She hadn't seen the surprise in his face, but she just knew that she had shocked him. She had cleaned up nicely, much nicer than he had expected. Then she grimaced. Why did he have to be so difficult? Why was she so stubborn? She sighed. Well, it was time once again to visit Inuyasha.
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Within the hospital, Sesshoumaru's eyes snapped open as he had just come to much the same conclusion as Kagome; he had not given her his number. He did keep a cell phone on him as he did not like to receive his personal calls through the hospital line. The problem was, very few people knew the number for his cell phone, because he was picky about to whom he distributed the number. He wasn't sure if he had even given it to Inuyasha.
Well, that left it to that Kagome two options; she would either have to call him through the hospital line, or she would have to see him again for the number. He smirked. Knowing her and her pride, she probably wouldn't come to him. She would try and call through the hospital. Perhaps he should make it a bit difficult. He signaled to his nurse. He would have his hospital phone line disconnected, then a nap.
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Hiding behind a magazine, Sango smirked evilly. Kikyou tried to hold back a snort. It really seemed too convenient. It was like they were trying to get together without their interference. The girls smiled pleasantly on the outside. Really, it was too easy.
They watched as Kagome paced back and forth while Inuyasha shrugged, saying that he didn't have Sesshoumaru's number. He had his brother's home number, work number, work cell number, and hospital number, but not personal cell number. He could give her Sesshoumaru's work cell number, but he warned her that his brother would throw an absolute hissy fit if he used that number for anything else besides work. Though, Sesshoumaru's version of a hissy fit was to withdraw all personality altogether, lower his voice, and glare dangerously at anyone nearby while he answered his work cell phone for non-work matters. He would then repeat himself numerously about the importance of keeping his work cell line free for emergency calls, even though Inuyasha was really the only one to call him. It was the principle that mattered.
Kagome cursed the anal retentive elder Yamada. How many phones did a man need? Who was he talking to with that terrible personality of his. Better question, did that guy have anyone to talk to? It was hard to imagine him getting chummy with the local rabble. He simply didn't fit in, he also had a terrible personality, as in NONE.
Maybe he was two faced, or eight faced. Maybe when she was gone, he smiled and chatted it up with the girls and was only a total bastard toward her because it amused him. Kagome snorted. She wouldn't put it past the man to do that either, he just struck her as that type. She would introduce him to Jakotsu if that was the case. She frowned. She took that back, poor Jakotsu didn't deserve to meet with the likes of his terrible personality. Did she mention that he had a terrible personality?
While Kagome's mind ran destructive circles about one particular Yamada and his terrible personality, her friends stifled giggles and Inuyasha watched them confused.
Sango was completely sure that Kagome needed a boyfriend, someone with which to forget her past boyfriend issues, and to move completely away from Houjo. Something about that boy rubbed her the wrong way. He came off as…creepy. He was polite and kind, but she just didn't trust him. Sesshoumaru was much better for Kagome, anyways. She decided that Sesshoumaru and Kagome were perfect for each other, they just didn't know it yet.
She needed an accomplice though, as the task to bring the fated couple together would be tough and arduous. Who better than Kikyou? The fiancée of the younger brother of said male, and the sister of said female! It was perfect! Kikyou had been a tad apprehensive at the beginning, but seeing this chemistry already after just two meetings, even if it was in the form of anger, was quite promising. Mayhaps she would get Jakotsu involved as well. That man's middle name was practically 'Meddlesome Cupid'!
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"Okay, you go on ahead, and I'll stay here." Kagome made furious shooing motions with her hands as she hid behind a pillar in front of the hospital. Sango rolled her eyes. Honestly, that girl was downright paranoid. It had taken a little over an hour to convince Kagome that there was no other way to get Sesshoumaru's number than from Sesshoumaru himself, especially since he didn't seem to be picking up his hospital line. Then, when finally convinced that she had to return to the hospital, she wouldn't go unless someone came with her. As Inuyasha had a clinic to run, and Kikyou had other business to attend to, Kagome dragged Sango along with her.
Now they both stood outside the entrance of said hospital, only, Kagome refused to enter it. She had pushed Sango to the door of the hospital, then retreated to behind the pillar. If she had been trying to save face by not going back to Sesshoumaru to request his number, she was certainly losing her dignity by acting like a small child. Sango sighed. But she had seen the look of stubborn determination on Kagome's face. Her friend would not re-enter that hospital today unless absolutely necessary. She might as well go for her, maybe grease the wheels of fate on the other end. She snickered silently.
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Some minutes later, Sango exited the hospital. Kagome had paced tiny circles in front, and when her friend reappeared again, she looked at her expectantly. Sango shook her head. "He said that if you want the number, you'll have to get it yourself. He doesn't trust me to not hand his number over to the first girl waving a fifty at me." She smirked.
Kagome's eyes widened. "Where would he get that idea? He can trust you. And if he doesn't trust you, why should he trust me? At least you guys work in the same office." She chewed on her fingernails and stared at hospital entrance.
Sango looked away, desperately trying to stifle her laughter. The truth of the matter was, that on his old cell phone, she had distributed his number out for fifty dollars a pop. Not only that, but she had also sold pictures of him in sets of five for twenty-five dollars a set. The idea had been partially Miroku's, and though, for the life of her, she never could find out how she had been swayed into doing such a thing, the profits that they had raked in that month allowed her some…frivolities she normally would have avoided. To say the least, she hadn't regretted it one bit. It also got back at that pompous bastard for being…well, a pompous bastard.
Eyes flitting to and from the door, Kagome threw her hands up and letting loose a shriek of frustration. She stormed into the hospital angrily, leaving her friend behind, still trying not to burst out laughing.
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Sesshoumaru had been sitting peacefully on his bed when a piercing shriek snapped his eyes open. He smirked, allowing his eyes to rest on an open window. He had been very glad that he had asked Sango to open it for him before she left. He had known that the little firecat, he knew was outside, wouldn't comply with his wishes quietly.
Judging from the shrillness and irritation behind that shriek, he wouldn't have to wait long before she came barreling into his room, demanding the number.
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Blindly running, Kagome shot through the corridors of the hospital. The faster she got there, the faster she could leave. With this thought in mind, she slammed right into a hard chest.
She bounced off and sat stunned on the ground. What the hell just happened?
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Suikotsu was brought rudely back to reality when he felt something crash into him. He looked down at what had collided with him. Suikotsu's breath caught. She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen in his life. Fruitlessly fighting off the violent blush that threatened the consume all the blood in his body and render his brain useless, he bent down.
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An extended hand slipped into her view. She looked up surprised. The man bent above her smiled kindly. "Hello their, miss. I'm so sorry to have knocked you over. I guess I wasn't looking where I was going." His other hand fell behind his head, a light blush tinted his face.
"Ah! No, not at all!" Kagome replied quickly, taking the proffered hand and flushing. The man lifted her easily. "I was the one not paying attention. I was in…a bit of a rush." She explained lamely. "Ah! And, I'm Higurashi Kagome. Nice to meet you." She introduced herself with a slight bow.
She then noted the man's attire. Long white coat, stethoscope around the neck, a pair of circular glasses tucked into his collar, the man even had a pocket protector! Brilliant. She ran into a doctor. A very well built doctor, she mused quietly to herself as she rubbed her nose. It had felt like she had ran into a wall. She blinked as she realized, belatedly, the doctor had been speaking to her.
"…really hope you're alright. I guess I was spacing for a moment. It happens sometimes. Anyways, I'm Dr. Suikotsu. What brings you to West Hospital this fine day?"
Kagome almost winced. The way the man spoke reminded her a bit of Houjo. Maybe it was because they both smiled so kindly, or that they both had that naïve look in their faces. "Um…I'm visiting a…friend." She said, forcing a smile.
The doctor nodded. "Do you know where your friend is staying? I can you find the room." He offered politely.
Though Kagome had already memorized the quickest route to and from the room, she didn't find herself objecting. Rather, she took him up on his offer. "That would be great." She grinned. "Room 312."
Suikotsu's eyebrows rose a notch. Yamada was her friend? Odd. He had somehow slated the man as…the not-so-friendly type, especially not with such a gorgeous, bright, and outgoing girl such as Kagome. He tried to ward off another blush. Even her name was pretty.
He offered his arm. "This way, please." He said cordially.
Kagome grinned brightly. She slipped her arms into his playfully. "Why, thank you doctor." She replied.
Suikotsu smiled back.
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Sesshoumaru was slightly startled when the sound of tinkling laughter reached his ears. It was strangely pleasant. The door to his room opened, and Kagome appeared, looking behind her, smiling, and waving to someone.
Sesshoumaru felt a flash of irritation. What had made her so happy? He had fully expected her to burst into his room, face flushed with anger. It amused him to no end to see the emotions running stark and obvious across her face. A corner of his mouth curled downwards briefly. It…vexed him, somewhat, to find that pretty smile of hers shine for someone else.
He blinked suddenly. What was he thinking? He had known her for less than half-a-day. Well, it was a day and a half, but the time spent actually seeing each other could be counted as less than two hours, not that he had been counting or anything. Shit! He must be bored. The girl was amusing, but he didn't take a particular interest in her. She was just the only source of entertainment for him outside of the flirty nurses. The rational part of his brain told him that he was being moronic. He ignored it. Perhaps later her would find some other form of entertainment. For now though, as long as she was here, he would see how long it would take to rile her.
"You're late." He drawled slowly. "I expected you a full hour ago. Or did it take you that much longer to realize that you had no way of contacting me via phone as you wished?" Sesshoumaru taunted calmly.
Kagome's happy feeling evaporated almost instantaneously. Her face flushed darkly for a moment. Then she calmed herself. "No, I realized my mistake as soon as I left, but seeing as you seemed to be in no condition to be disturbed, I decided to allow you to return to your beauty sleep." She replied sweetly, a forced, but pleasant, smile plastered on her face.
Sesshoumaru's eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? How very considerate of you. I'm pleasantly surprised."
She didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she handed him her cell. "Your number, please." She said, still smiling.
Slightly disappointed in her lack of outburst, he took her cell. Flipping it open, he quickly added his number, taking a moment to scan her address book. Hn, she had his brother's number, as well as everyone else on his staff. It was a wonder he had never met her before. Somewhat peculiar too. With as big as a mouth as Inuyasha had, he figured he would have heard something of Kagome. Strange. He flipped the phone shut and handed it back to her. "I look forward to seeing you again," he said non-commitically before turning to face the window once more.
Kagome frowned. It sounded as if he were dismissing her. Ass. She wasn't some servant he could just dismiss. Still she needed him for the article she had thoughtlessly promised her editor. Silently she bared her teeth at him and made a rude gesture before leaving, slamming the door shut behind her.
Sesshoumaru smirked, having seen her actions through the reflections on the glass of his window. Little vixen.
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"So…how did it go?" Sango asked upon seeing Kagome's return. She looked mad, but Kagome did have a bit of a short temper. It was something that both she and Inuyasha had in common, not that she would ever be the poor fool who pointed it out to them. Kagome did tend to be more reasonable that Inuyasha though.
"He's an ass even when polite!" She snapped, her suppressed ire rising to the fore. "I don't know how you can stand to work with him! Really!" She stomped past her friend.
Sango jogged beside her when she saw that Kagome was in no mood to stop. She gave a wry smile. "You'd understand if you've ever seen him work with animals. He's about as passionate as you are." She said placatingly. "It's just humans he doesn't get along with." She added with a grin.
Kagome paused. She really didn't know much about him, so maybe he wasn't a bad person. The idea that he was just mean to her seemed to become more and more plausible. "Well, he's still an ass." She replied, regaining her steam. "What's he in the hospital for, anyways? He seems perfectly healthy with that stick jammed so far up his ass."
They snickered.
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Suikotsu stood by the desk, files spread out around him. Setsuna was ready for discharge. Aoiki needed to get his sodium levels down. He wanted to run another blood test on Souma. Awayuki's lymphocyte count was still far too high. Yamada…he seemed ready to discharge soon. He sighed, signing the papers and making the appropriate notation.
He checked Yamada's chart again. His TH levels were a still a tad low, but they were acceptable. If he kept up with his medication, he should be released under moderate observation. Perhaps start up with a bi-weekly check-up.
Yamada's recovery rate was truly astounding, but he had been in and out of the hospital many times before. Sometimes for severe cases. This last visit had been a bad attack, and Suikotsu was wary of releasing the man prematurely. For some reason, Yamada's thyroid would act up occasionally, and he wasn't quite sure why yet. Yamada was unusually healthy in spite of his condition, but he did fall prey to some of the severe symptoms of an under-active thyroid.
Last year, the man had been in and out of the hospital, and one night had suffered a moderate case of seizing. Then two days later had completely forgotten the incident. Though seizures weren't uncommon in the major cases of hypothyroidism, amnesia was quite rare. It worried him, but there were no further incidents. After a month of observation, and a minor case of anemia, Yamada was released. It was strange how the man's thyroid would somewhat slow, then function normally again. He couldn't pinpoint a direct cause. The man had his share of stress working as a veterinarian at a respectable clinic. That certainly did not help matters.
He would have to release Yamada under the condition that he first take a break from work, perhaps two months of recuperation. Then he should not have regularly long hours at the clinic. Yamada would not be happy with this news. Suikotsu was well aware that any practicing medic absolutely despised to be kept away from their work. It was somewhat masochistic of doctors to work themselves to the bone, but the rewards were absolutely mind-blowing. He wouldn't trade his practice for anything else. The feeling of recovering and healing patients, sometimes from the brink of death, was phenomenal.
He glanced over the chart in his hand once more. Yamada…he would schedule him for release in perhaps a week or two. His mouth curved upwards. Maybe before then, he would see Kagome again. She was such a kind and beautiful girl. He bit his lip absently. He sounded besotted already, but he was truly taken with her. He beamed. Well, it was time to inform Yamada-san of the good news. He just might be released in a few weeks. And Suikotsu just might catch another glance of a particularly lovely young siren.
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End Chapter Five
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SM: Sorry it took so long. Got terribly busy and my life is in shambles. Huzzah! Next up is Pseudomonas! YAY!