Chapter 2: Reaction
The voice from the television droned on when the shrill ring from the telephone permeated the stagnant atmosphere.

Nobody moved to pick it up until Miroku, who usually was the level headed one lifted the receiver.

A gruff voice sounded through, "May I speak to Mrs. Takahashi please?"

"She is otherwise occupied, would you like to pass a message?" Miroku's voice quivered, he knew for a fact that this call was an indication of Inuyasha's accident but refused to accept the fact that his best friend was more than likely laying bleeding and unconscious on a hospital bed, or even worse. Dead.

"This is Officer Umiyashi. I am sorry to inform you that Mr. Takahashi has met with a car accident and has been admitted into the hospital. He is now in surgery. Unfortunately, a small child has also been involved, his name is Shippo. We would like their family members to come down to the hospital to sign the admission papers also. Thank you for your time."

Miroku held on to the receiver even though the officer had already hung up. His clutch tightened until his knuckles turned white. Then he abruptly dropped the phone and pulled Kagome with him outside.

Kagome was more or less numbed by the whole situation. It was like she wasn't thinking or reacting anymore, her body didn't listen to her brain any longer. She just let Miroku pull her into the car that sped straight to the hospital.

When they pulled up at the doors of the hospital, Kagome seemed to wake up from her numb state. She flung the car doors open and ran to the counter, hysterically demanding the number of his room.

"I'm sorry miss, but he is not in his room at the moment. Since the surgeons are operating on him, he is currently at Operating Theatre 5, that is directly down the hall."

The nurse threw pitied looks at her as she sprinted down the hall.

"This couldn't be happening. NO!"

She plopped on the floor outside the operating theatre and rocked herself back and forth, whimpering continuously.

Soon, the others arrived. The girls comforted Kagome with gentle strokes on the back and arms while the guys sat on the chairs, occasionally swearing.

There were no words to describe the mood, only that silence was the best comfort right now.

Hours passed, and then the door opened.

Kagome jumped up immediately. "How is he Doctor?"

"We have referred him to ICU. He suffered a concussion the impact of the crash should have killed him instantly, but amazingly he was still conscious when we wheeled him in, only when the little boy, Shippo was taken care of that he lost consciousness. I am assuming you are Mrs. Takahashi?" At her nod, he continued, "I am sorry to inform you of the severity of your husband's condition. He is currently in a comatose state and nobody can be sure when he will wake, maybe never. Shippo however, although also sent to the intensive care unit may stand a better chance since he was shielded from the brunt of the accident. I will bring you to the rooms now."

When they arrived, the doctor said, "If there are any more questions or clarifications, you many visit in my office. Just ask the nurse at the counter for directions." And excused himself.

Kagome saw the state that Inuyasha was in. There were cuts all over him, his head and face was bandaged up. One of his arms was in a cast. The worse of all were the numerous machines connected to his body. He even has an oxygen mask to help him breathe.

"Hey baby, I love you. You can rest now but come back to me alright." Kagome whispered softly while stroking her fingers gently on his scarred cheeks. "You have to come back to me. We'll start on the family you were teasing me about, a family Inuyasha. A little baby with your unique silver hair and golden eyes. Wouldn't you like that?" She smiled softly at him, even though she knew he couldn't see her.

He still looked the most peaceful when asleep, she woke up early sometimes just to watch his face, where the frowns and scowls were smoothed out. But she didn't want to see him like this, this was an unnatural sleep.

She slipped her hand into his and stroked it. "Come back to me…"

The others stood silently. The Sesshomaru moved away from the crowd with Rin and made his way to Shippo, who was lying on the bed across Inuyasha's.

Sesshomaru gazed down at the little body that was inhaling and exhaling slowly. Memories of the rambunctious little boy erupted in his mind's eye, where he played pranks on the adults but almost always got away with it with Kagome babying him and Inuyasha giving in, in the end.

Now the little boy lay silently still. Strange, the turn of events.

"Get well soon buddy. I wont even pound our head or scold you when you drop ice cream down my shirt the next time."

Rin stood by his side, her arm looped around his waist. "You always were his favorite target for being so stoic, he just loved to see you reactions. How could this happen? Kagome is breaking apart…and I…"

Unable to say anymore, she buried her head in his chest, sobbing silently.

The rest returned home to rest, promising to come early so the other couples could take a break.

Kagome was numb again. Nothing mattered to her anymore, her life was lying motionless on the hospital bed, fighting for each breath he took. Sometimes, she was afraid to look at him. She was scared that she wouldn't get to see him draw the next breath.

Inuyasha's life was hanging by the line, the line from the monitor that beeped constantly, each jump from the monitor indicated life. The irony was, something that indicated life was just an appliance, nothing more.

Kagome never left his side, she practically lived at the hospital now. The others brought a change of clothes and other necessities for her everyday.

She was grateful for them, grateful that they did not abandon her when she needed them the most. She knew all of them mourned like she did, they knew Inuyasha their whole life, but they stood strong for her.

Sango and Miroku was at the canteen getting something to eat, promising to bring something up for her soon.

Kagome walked over to Shippo, her little boy. Her precious little boy. It had been two weeks and neither showed signs of waking up.

She gently stroked his cheek, a soft smile on her cheeks, "I let you out of my sight for a while and you and Inuyasha get into so much trouble. Were the two of you arguing like you always do, hm? Grandma Kaede is waiting for you at home you know. She's staying with Sango and Miroku now, did you know. They help take care of her too. I love you too, wake up soon alright…"

She was about to return to Inuyasha's side when she saw his index finger twitch. Gasping, she knelt at the bedside for a closer look and his finger moved once more. Then she heard him whimper, "Take it off…take it off…nng…"

She quickly took off his oxygen mask and stared as his beautiful emerald eyes fluttered open.

A/N: Here's another chapter, hope all of you enjoyed it!

This chapter's recommendation:

Finding You by Demonlordlover

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