He strode through the halls, his posture straight, and his long strides even. He didn't need to show verification at the front desk for his long white hair was clue enough to his identity. The nurses stood at his presence and bowed before him, a simple bend at the waist. Even people simply passing by him offered their respect. Golden eyes flickered over the white walls covered here and there with a few colored flyers promoting some kind of event. The brilliant orange and reds stung his eyes, but he didn't bow his head, simply looked ahead. His trench coat hung over one arm and his shoes made a soft clicking sound on the pastel laminate flooring. He passed numerous waiting rooms, some empty and others with a few occupants waiting. Hama Hospitals were efficient and usually one wouldn't be left waiting long.
Sesshoumaru was met halfway down the first hall by an attendant waiting personally for his arrival. Sesshoumaru after giving a nod to the nervous man's greeting turned his gaze ahead, listening lazily to the man's briefing on the situation. Sesshoumaru really couldn't trust an underling such as this. The young man was practically shaking, but there was an odd adoration and respect in his eyes. He wore a white lab coat with a green tee shirt underneath. Apparently he was one of the doctor's here by the name tag on the left lapel of his coat. The man pointed to a room on their right and Sesshoumaru paused at the door, not turning back, but posing his question none the less. But he always had that quality that made every question more like a statement.
"Your
name."
"Nani? Oh…OH, Shinsimi Jaken."
Sesshoumaru than entered the door without knocking. After all these people were waiting for him and were there at this meeting because of something they needed to discuss with him. Where was the necessity to knock? Stoic features darkened slightly at the sight of a certain woman sitting in a swivel leather chair at the head of the table. Her legs were crossed revealing more thigh than was needed under her skirt. Her dark eyes regarded him coolly and a small smirk played on her lips, as always. But Sesshoumaru could feel the almost electric tension in the room. The other men, the board members sat up straight and poised with the perfection their careers required. Many were older with whitening beards and greying hair.
"Hamasaki."
Sesshoumaru spoke plainly, his eyes reflecting his distaste clearly. His features spoke volumes of boredom, but under all those flipping pages interest sparked like the first flames of an eternal fire. Sesshoumaru knew that Kikyo could care less about this company and to show up, probably even set up, a meeting with him and her board of directors…was strange. It didn't suit her character just like the expensive two piece black and thin pinstripe suit she wore. Her high heeled foot swayed as she leaned forward to lean her elbows on the long table.
"Onegai, Sesshoumaru-san. Osuwari."
Sesshoumaru held in his scowl. If not for their possible merger, she would not be allowed any suffix less than 'sama.' As was proper for someone of his status, but she disregarded it and he would ignore it for now.
"I called you here…to speak of the new epidemic."
Kikyo snapped her fingers and at that Jaken entered the room, bowed, and turned off the lights. Then the man showed his intelligence by going over the major symptoms and what was known of the causes. He showed them slides of the diseased cells and a series of shots showing the progress of the illness from inside a patient.
Sesshoumaru paid apt attention; he was always one for a good puzzle. He almost smirked when he heard Kikyo yawn at the head of the table. The woman slouched in her seat where Sesshoumaru was sitting still and straight as always. One hand rested on the table in front of him and his eyes were completely focused on the screen. When all was finished Jaken flicked on the lights, bowed once again, and left the room. He had a triumphant grin seeing the slight flicker in his idol's eyes that could have been pride. Jaken had just gone through the motions and surprised himself when he didn't stutter like he normally did when he was nervous. For once he felt completely natural even with such a grand audience, perhaps this field was his niche after all. Jaken just wanted to follow Inutaisho's foot steps. The man was one of the most successful as a doctor and a researcher. Now his son was following him as well, earning Jaken's idolization like his father.
"That's
all."
"Hai, I though you might want to be aware of what feat
your people have to accomplish."
Sesshoumaru tilted his head the slightest to the side. He knew that Bankotsu's office had been working on this, more feverishly, since it involved young children, but he hadn't heard of any positive results.
"They've
only been here a day and already I've been informed that the ailed
children are speaking with them."
"That is odd."
"Well…hai,
the children, though they play among themselves, have been timid
around strangers including the nurses."
"Hn."
"Perhaps
you would like to take a walk down there? I'm positive Jaken won't
mind escorting you."
"Perhaps."
Sesshoumaru nodded his head to the other men in the room, for the good point of the meeting forgotten, but as the head of Hama Corp.'s operation they were required to attend all executive meetings…even ones as pointless as this. He almost pitied them as he could feel the underlying ire in the Hamasaki heir. Sesshoumaru could only wonder why. Kikyo was always quite the spoiled child, but what could have her so irked now?
Sesshoumaru was once again intercepted by Jaken who led him to an elevator. The lad was certainly bizarre. He was now the second person to be at complete ease in his presence, that wasn't related to him of course. Jaken pushed the button for six and their transport lurched into action. The silent lift was neither tense nor comfortable. It was terse quiet that Sesshoumaru knew Jaken felt he should fill, but the man simply closed his eyes and simply hummed a soft tune.
Jaken stood with his hands clasped behind him at the small of his back. He rocked forward gently with the soft hum in his throat. He hadn't been aware he was doing until he felt the executive's eyes one him. Jaken blushed slightly and muttered an apology. That was one of his faults, if you want to call it that. He'd heard this song on the radio and now it would be cemented in his head all day.
The sixth 'ding!' of the elevator alerted its occupants of their destination. The doors opened and Jaken gestured for his elder to exit first, but then he took the lead. Jaken's quick steps, not hurried though, took them to end at a noisy ward. Jaken peaked in one of the door's his eyes widening comically.
Sesshoumaru listened to the laughter coming from the room which he currently see into seeing as how Jaken was blocking the door, but even more so were the strange sounds erupting from the chamber. A quick tap to the shoulder caused Jaken to jump and with another quick apology moved. The two entered the room unnoticed. The beds had been pushed back as far against the walls as possible so as to allow more floor room. Sesshoumaru could only raise an eyebrow in disbelief.
There in the center of the room was his new intern; Hirakata, Sesshoumaru believed his name was. The man squatted close to the ground his hands fanning out for balance. His mouth was wide open and his purple eyes were glaring playfully at his opponent. Golden eyes flicked over the small girl. She had long dark brown hair that hit her mid-back and her long bangs were hanging parted in the middle, but still in her face. The girl had dark grey eyes, one of the symptoms he realized, and bared her teeth as she gave a weak growl in the back of her throat. Miroku looked shocked and her eyes danced happily as she leaped onto the older man.
Jaken gasped thinking the child would be injured, his first thought being how unacceptable this was. Sesshoumaru glanced over at the young M.D. and saw the disapproving look, but also the deep concern flashing in green eyes. His thin brown hair was short, almost spiky, with a few of the longer hairs near his forehead hanging over, but none reaching his eyebrows. Sesshoumaru crossed his arms and returned his gaze to the game.
Miroku had caught Miya as she leapt at him and spun her around in the air hearing her squeal excitedly, but his shoe got caught on one of the beds and he started to fall. Miroku, the quick thinker that he was, turned at the last second so that his back slammed into the laminate floor with the child hugged in his arms. A groan passed his lips as a collective gasp whispered through the now silent room. Miya sat up and looked down at him worriedly.
Sesshoumaru watched a woman get off from the bed she had been laying on with five or six other girls crowding around the space like it was an arena. Her long hair was pulled back into a flopping ponytail as she jogged over to the fallen man. Her bright indigo eyes caught and held his gaze. It was her, the one that saved Rin in the park. Once again her large caring eyes were concerned. But as she approached and saw the goofy grin spread on Miroku's lips, she visibly relaxed. Her shoulders loosened and a breath leaving her.
She then put her hands on her hips considering something. Then Kagome bent down and lifted the little girl's arm.
"I declare Miya-chan the winner!"
Kagome smiled brightly as a cheer circled from the crowd. Miroku stood up and started to protest. Seeing as how he had her complete attention, his slippery hand moved down to the rear clad in tight jeans. Kagome's face reddened and slapped that poor guy right across the cheek. This time it was hard enough to leave a red splotch all the way to his nose. Jaken was stunned and infuriated at such a display of sexuality in front of such young children, but then when the kids broke into busting laughter at the display, he only shook his head.
Kagome looked around at the laughing faces noting the two newcomers, as her anger melting away; she picked up the fallen Miroku. The ill children started to chant Kagome's name and a boy dressed in a too big, black and white striped referee shirt stood. The boy had a bull cut and his hair was a lightening blonde. His blue eyes directed their gaze around the room before he stated Kagome as the ultimate champion. At that Miroku lifted her hand into the air, but nothing more at the sight of her suspicious and almost threatening gaze.
"Okay! Come on settle down."
The room quieted and focused on their hero.
"We have guests."
Kagome bent over with her hands on her knees to address the kids before she stood up again and looked at the two men standing by the door. One was obviously a doctor with his green operator's outfit. And the other…Kagome released a gasp. It was Takarashi Sesshoumaru.
-I just seem to keep running into him.-
Kagome discreetly looked him over. The black suit fit closely, obviously tailored specifically for him. He held a trench coat over his arm as well as a brief case in his hand. His long hair had been tied back and his bangs hung to brush across his cheeks hiding his golden eyes that were at the moment fixed on her. Kagome looked down and blushed at her rude behavior.
She then bowed before introducing them.
"Konba'wa, Takarashi-sama."
The kids looked up at him oddly before bowing following Kagome's example. They all repeated her greeting. Kagome looked up and smiled proudly. They all trusted her, she could only wonder why, after such a short time.
"And forgive me, but I don't know your name."
Her blue eyes fell on Jaken and he almost sputtered as all attention fell on him. Yes- this was a feeling he was used to. The welling nervousness and breaking out into a sweat, he really hated being put on the spot, but this was ridiculous. It was just some woman and a group of kids! But he was saved when one of the children recognized him, actually one he had had to run some tests on. Jaken didn't usually do it, but he was filling in for a co-worker whose wife had been in labor. Naturally Jaken offered to take his place so the panicked man could be with his wife.
"That's Jaken-sama!"
The little girl had shoulder length white hair that still had a few patches of darker blonde in it. Her hair was thin and flipped out slightly when it reached her shoulders. Her brown eyes were warm as she ran to him. Jaken kneeled with open arms and picked her up to his full, but short height. He was only 5'3 after all, but the girl talked to him happily.
"He took care of Kari when Kari had to take some scary tests! He told Kari it wouldn't hurt and it didn't!"
Her speech reminded him of Rin. Sesshoumaru's features relaxed somewhat at the thought of his little one, who was no doubt waiting for him. She should be home by now.
The girl was only three and still spoke in third person. It was adorable and Kagome couldn't help smiling, but she bowed and introduced herself.
"Konba'wa, Jaken-sama. I am Higurashi Kagome and my partner Hirakata Miroku."
"We were just trying to brighten their spirits." Miroku groaned when one of the boys jumped onto his back again.
"It seems that your wish was accomplished. Onegai, excuse me, but I must be leaving."
Kagome watched Sesshoumaru turn and walk out the door. She put down the child she had been holding with a promise to be right back. Kagome raced out the door towards Sesshoumaru's retreating back.
"Takarashi-sama wait!"
Sesshoumaru turned after he pushed the elevator button.
"Hai, Higurashi-san?"
Kagome blushed at the respectful suffix, but continued to voice her worries.
"Rin-chan…is she alright?"
"Hai, she is
fine."
Kagome sighed in relief.
"Good,
arigatou."
"She's been asking about you."
"Huh,
really? Doushite?"
"Come by to see her, Rin will want to see
that you are fine as well."
"Hai, how about tomorrow? Will
she be at the park?"
"If it does not rain."
"Sayonara,
Takarashi-san."
. n.n . n.n
Sesshoumaru knocked on the door. Almost instantly it flew open to the elatedly smiling face of his ward. The barest of slips in his façade occurred at the joy in her features at seeing him come for her.
"Let's
go home."
"Hai! Bai bai Kaede-obaa-san!"
"Sayonara
Rin-chan, Takarashi-san."
Kaede bowed shortly, her age not allowing the full waist bow, and Sesshoumaru bowed his head at a greater degree than normal. He showed respect for the kind woman given because of her age and good influence on his daughter. As the unlikely pair rode up in the elevator, Rin proudly gave his the mittens she had been working on for the past few days.
"Rin still has to finish the finger part."
The little girl had put them on so that the knitted fabric only covered her palm. They were a little big and fell down onto her thin wrist. Sesshoumaru chuckled as he picked up her backpack. It was light, but he still carried it for her. Rin skipped down the hall as soon as the doors opened, unlocking the apartment door and holding it open for her adoptive father.
"Higurashi Kagome will be coming to visit
you tomorrow at the park."
"Kagome-chan!"
Rin giggled happily as she spun around her idol singing 'arigatou' a million times per second. Then she hugged his knees which he responded with a pat on her head ruffling her hair. Rin released Sesshoumaru's legs with a contented 'tee hee' and grabbed her bag to haul off to her room.
Sesshoumaru sighed before running a hand through his hair, it was becoming a bad habit, his sighing, but after watching her so happy all the time he couldn't help it. Should he shelter her so? He couldn't help the little guilt in his heart and Sesshoumaru would only admit this because he did care for the girl so much. Rin's past was not pleasant, so the girl knew the real world and Sesshoumaru couldn't help wanting to shield her from it. But sooner or later, she had to grow up…grow up and leave him.
-When the time comes, I will let go, but for now she is mine and I will…treasure her.-
Even in his mind Sesshoumaru had paused thinking of the right word. He would let go, but he would still watch over her for she would always be his 'little one.'
Wow…. no Jaken bashing! I'm so proud of myself, but I was getting tired of the poor thing getting punted into a wall. Even if that is his true purpose in the series… a football! So…some convo, not much, but more next chapter (definitely).
Words to know:
Osuwari- rude way to say sit
(we should all know this one…evil grin)
Doushite-
why
Obaa-san- grandmother
Bai bai- bye bye (go figure)
