Author's note : Hello ! Miss me ? By the way, thank you for reading the fic this far ! I know I'm repeating myself, but reviews would be very appreciated ! Sorry if I'm annoying...

Chapter six : Happy birthday

Kagome's POV

Kagome stared lovingly at Inu-Yasha's sleeping form. Even now, with all these tubes connected to him and his skin almost as pale as his hair, he was still beautiful. Anyway, that was her opinion. Maybe she was thinking that because she was in love, but to her Inu-Yasha was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

She was waiting for the others. Today, everyone was coming, even Sesshomaru (usually, he was always coming alone). The reason was that today was a special day... It was sad that they had to pass it this way, but they couldn't ignore it, none of them. Today, Inu-Yasha was turning sixteen. It was his birthday.

They hadn't bought any presents. What would it serve, if the person you were buying it for was in a coma ? But they would all come see him. Right now, it was the only thing they could do that would truly mean something.

The door opened behind her. Kagome turned to see Sango and Miroku come in, followed by the tall figure of Sesshomaru. Miroku smiled to her, but it wasn't a true smile. Kagome could understand why. It wasn't really a happy birthday...

- Hi Kagome ! Sango said. How is it going ?

- Fine. And you ?

- Oh, just peachy !

It was a stupid conversation, and they knew it. But they had to say something to fill the unbearable silence ! Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru ; no improvements on his side either. He came to sit beside her and observed his brother without a word. She could see the sadness in his eyes, even if he was trying hard to hide it. She turned to her friends ; they just lifted their shoulders.

With a sigh, Kagome turned back to Inu-Yasha. Gently caressing his cheek, she whispered :

- Well, Inu-Yasha... happy birthday.

She saw Sesshomaru tense at her words. But he said nothing. After a while, Miroku asked nervously :

- Hum... anybody want something to drink ?

- I do, answered Sango. Bring me a soda, OK ?

- No problem. Someone else ?

- Yes, Kagome added. Could you get me an orange juice, please ?

Miroku nodded and exited the room. He already knew that Sesshomaru wouldn't want anything. A couple of minutes later, he came back with their drinks plus a coffee for himself. Kagome took her juice with a "thank you". She wanted to add something but she couldn't find anything to say. She took a sip of her drink while playing with one soft lock of Inu-Yasha's hair. And that's when she saw it : one small puppy ear twitching like if it had just heard a particularly surprising noise. Jolting on her chair, Kagome gasped and almost choked herself with her juice.

She started to cough and Sango came to pat her on the back. Everyone was looking at her and Miroku asked :

- Kagome, are you alright ? What is it ?

Swallowing and rubbing her watery eyes, she answered with her attention focused on Inu-Yasha's head :

- It's... it's Inu-Yasha's ear ! It moved !

Totally astonished, they stared at her, not knowing what to say. Finally, Sesshomaru spoke for the first time, asking hesitantly :

- Are you sure ?...

- Absolutely certain ! she retorted with a firm voice.

She stood up and bent over the metallic bar of the bed to get closer to Inu-Yasha's face. The others just looked hopefully, not making any sound. Kagome said softly :

- Inu-Yasha ? Do you hear me ?

The silence in the room was so thick you could've sliced through it with a knife. But nothing happened... "I know I saw it !" Kagome thought desperately. "It wasn't my imagination !" With an almost pleading tone, she asked again :

- Inu-Yasha ?...

And this time, taking everyone by surprise, both ears twitched cutely, reacting to the sound of Kagome's voice. Sesshomaru jumped on his feet, gripping the bed's metallic bar with both hands and staring at his brother. Sango's eyes were as big as tennis balls and Miroku exclaimed :

- Oh my God... It can't be...

Kagome was smiling madly. She turned to look at Sesshomaru when he said in a breath :

- Little brother ?

The little doggy ears moved toward the noise again. Sesshomaru clenched the metallic bar so hard his knuckles became white. That movement, that tiny movement, was representing the world to them. A wonderful hope begun to bloom in their hearts... Sesshomaru was speaking in a low voice, not addressing to anyone in particular :

- He's not suppose to do that, right ? He's not suppose to react to the outside world, that's what the doctor said... Except if... if...

Kagome could see that he was struggling with himself, not daring to believe... not daring to hope... He was afraid to be crushed again, and who knew if he could go through a second blast ? Kagome was a bit scared too, but she allowed herself to have faith... The feeling was so good...

Suddenly, Miroku exclaimed :

- I'll go get Dr.Kaede !

And with that, he rushed out of the room like the Devil was on his tail.

About ten minutes later, he was back with Kaede. The woman was now performing some tests on Inu-Yasha, the whole group standing behind her and holding their breath, waiting for her verdict. She checked the screens, noted something on her report, shone a light in the hanyou's eyes, took his pulse... Finally, she turned toward them with a smile. They had butterflies in their stomachs, sweating under the pressure. What were they gonna get ? Bad news or good news ? Kaede chuckled and then said :

- Don't look so worried, children, I think I have some good news for you !

They held on to each of her words like their lives were depending on it... and they were, in a way...

- Inu-Yasha's state has greatly improved, Kaede told them. You see, until now he was in coma's phase 3. It's not the worst phase but it's very far from good too. But according to the check-up I just made... of course it's just a quick look, we'll have to make some further exams... anyway, it seems like Inu-Yasha has reached back a little bit higher than phase 1.

- And... is that good ? asked Kagome.

- It's very good, my child. From now on, if I'm right... and I'm pretty sure I am... Inu-Yasha should wake up in a matter of days, maybe a week.

For a moment, they just stood silent, taking in this new information. And then... came the after-effects : Kagome started to cry, a bright smile on her lips. Miroku and Sango laughed happily and kissed each other passionately, like if they hadn't a care in the world. Sesshomaru just collapsed on his chair, totally stunned.

- Well, what do you know... Kagome whispered softly, looking at her lover. It is a happy birthday after all...

Who would've guessed ?

A/N : I just wanted to add that I usually update quickly, so you don't have to wait long for other chapters. Just check regularly and you'll see by yourselves !