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Chapter 8: Come Together
When Inuyasha entered the kitchen, dressed in khaki pants and a blue patterned sweater vest with a white shirt underneath, he came upon a familiar sight. His eleven-year-old brother was sitting in his usual seat at the table, upright and proper like their father, yet texting away on his small phone under the table. He was joined by Inu-Taisho, who sat cattycorner to Sesshoumaru with the morning paper spread out on the table. The two of them looked so similar, both dressed in fine, dark pants and a white, button-up collared shirt, their faces void of emotion and posture perfect. Ever since Inuyasha could remember, Sesshoumaru had been striving to be like their father as much as possible. And it seemed to earn Inu-Taisho's favors, as Inuyasha was the complete opposite and rarely received praise like Sesshoumaru did.
For a moment, young Inuyasha was filled with a rush of jealousy as he watched his father hand Sesshoumaru a page of the news paper, which the older boy quickly went about reading. Why couldn't he and his father bond like that? Was he so strange to Inu-Taisho that the man couldn't find a way to relate? With a stubborn jaw, Inuyasha sulked into the kitchen and sat in his chair, across the table from his father. In the back, his mother was busy preparing breakfast with the maid, Blanca, and the smells of cooking eggs filtered through the air. Inuyasha stared at his father, eyes desperately searching his face for a sign of recognition, but Inu-Taisho just kept his gaze on the fine print of the news paper.
Finally, Inuyasha had enough. "Dad, can I read the paper too?" He asked loudly, voice clipped with annoyance. Inu-Taisho raised his eyes to meet Inuyasha's furious ones. Why was the boy so upset?
"Of course, Inuyasha. Here, read the comics." Inuyasha's mouth fell and eyes bugged out as his father tossed the comics page at him. Did he not think Inuyasha could handle a more substantial page? In truth, Inuyasha couldn't handle much higher level reading yet. He wasn't the brightest student and had trouble with larger words. Still, his father's utter dismissal and lack of understanding stung painfully. Hurt filled Inuyasha's large, golden eyes as he stared gloomily at the printed cartoons, barely paying attention to them. Then, the sounds of his brother's sniggering triggered an angry reaction. Quick as lightening, Inuyasha reeled his fist back and slammed it into Sesshoumaru's arm. The teenager quickly stopped his laughing to retaliate, throwing his own, more forceful, punches. This went on for about five seconds before Inu-Taisho intervened. "Boys!" he hollered loudly, strong voice rattling the nerves of his two sons. Both of them instantly sat back in their chairs and bowed their heads in shame.
"Sorry father," They said in practiced unison, never meeting Inu-Taisho's gaze. It was then Izayoi's calming aura put the awkwardness at ease. She had seen what had transpired between the men of the house, but knew it would resolve itself.
"Breakfast is served!" She said prettily, taking her seat across from Sesshoumaru, and between her son and husband. Blanca walked over to the table, arms full with plates, and skillfully placed one in front of each family member. Scrambled eggs steamed in their faces, accompanied with a slice of toast. It wasn't an extravagant breakfast, but it was enough for Inuyasha. He smiled at his mother, who smiled warmly back. She reached out and gently stroked his hair, brushing it out of his face caringly. Inuyasha only pulled his head away in retaliation, but there was that sheepish grin that betrayed his actions. He was indeed a mother's boy and adored her pampering. But there was someone at the table who couldn't stand the sight of it.
Sesshoumaru stared at Izayoi from across the table, disgust evident in his glaring eyes. After having her in his life for a little less than ten years, his displeasure with her presence was still as raw as the first memory he had of her. She was always doting upon Inuyasha and his father, catering to their needs. And even though she offered help to him and complimented him, Sesshoumaru saw the vile woman she was on the inside. She was the reason his mother had left them. If father had never met Izayoi, it would still just be them and his mother; no Izayoi or Inuyasha. The woman in question was currently chatting away with Inuyasha, pecking at her scrambled eggs, and steeling coy glances with his father. It was then she noticed Sesshoumaru staring and flashed a pretty smile his way, but all he could give back was a bratty eye-roll.
Once breakfast had been eaten and Blanca had cleared the table, all that remained in the fancy, earth-toned kitchen were the four of them. Inu-Taisho had finished his paper, it was folded neatly in front of him, and Izayoi was currently fidgeting with her shirt, obviously distracted and troubled by something. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru looked at their parents curiously, wondering what had them so quiet and nervous. Finally, Izayoi cleared her throat and called forth everyone's attention.
"Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, there is something I need to tell you. Last night, as I was coming home from the opera, Tom hit a girl." She stopped when Inuyasha gasped suddenly, her cheeks turning red from shame. Sesshoumaru remained unemotional as ever, but was quite shocked to hear something like that come from her mouth. "We went with her to the hospital and so far the doctor says she's doing well. But your father and I need to go back to the hospital today at noon to speak with a social worker and figure out what we are going to do. The both of you will come, because I don't know how long this will take and I don't want you to be here alone for so long." Izayoi was promptly interrupted by both sons, who erupted in fits of displeasure.
Sesshoumaru was the first to speak up. "Father, I want to stay here. It's not my fault the driver hit some girl, so I shouldn't be punished for it." His voice was slow and calculated, but laced with hints of urgency and frustration. Inuyasha was quick to agree. He stood up, slammed his hand on the table, and glared his mother down with desperate, upset eyes.
"I was gonna go to Miroku's house! He's got the new Legend of Zelda game and you said I could go! Last week! You told me I could go over to his house if I finished all my homework and I did! Mom please don't make me go." He implored her, using his undeniable puppy-dog eyes against his mother. Izayoi had always been a sucker for the pout, but it seemed as if she was impervious to it today. She just remained seated in her chair, hands folded neatly on the table, and face calm as possible under the circumstances. She was used to both Sesshoumaru's and Inuyasha's treatment when something they didn't like was forced upon them. Inu-Taisho took this moment to step in. His gaze cut across the table to meet Inuyasha's, and just that made the eight-year-old shrink back into his chair.
"This is not up for discussion. Both of you will come with us, and you will not complain. You have until eleven thirty, and then we will leave for the hospital. Now go, both of you." His stern voice was the decider, and both sons knew that back-talk was never allowed. Inu-Taisho could be quite the disciplinarian when he wanted, and it was never fun to be on the receiving end. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru scrambled to get away from the kitchen table as quick as possible, both fighting all the way up the flight of stairs where the game room was. Their quarrelling could still be heard as they stomped all around the second floor, pushing and shoving each other aside to get to the room first. The one who got there first picked the game, and both hated the games the other chose.
As Inu-Taisho and Izayoi were left to their own devices in the kitchen, her shoulders slumped and head fell against the surface of the wooden table. She really had expected it to go worse, but then her nerves were still frayed from Inuyasha's small outburst. How was she going to handle him at the hospital while also speaking to the social worker? Inu-Taisho could sense his wife's distress. He knew this entire situation was much too much for her to handle, and yet she was doing it so gracefully. Could she do no wrong? Sliding his hand through her black hair, he rested his palm at the back of her neck and then began to massage the tense muscles, drawing small circles with his fingertips. A most please moan emanated from her, earning an amused chuckle from her husband.
"Dude! That's cheating! You can't just keep pressing the 'X' button!" A very frustrated Sesshoumaru yelled angrily as his fighter kept being relentlessly thrown into the air by Lizzardman, who was being controlled by a very pleased Inuyasha. He knew that by mashing the 'X' button he would certainly win, since he gave Sesshoumaru no time to recover. Sure it was cheating, but he would do anything to win. And when Sesshoumaru's fighter had been K.O.-ed for the third time, he could only laugh victoriously; even as Sesshoumaru pounded him into the floor of their game room. When Sesshoumaru had finished punching and kicking his younger brother, he returned to his beanbag seat and started another round, waiting for Inuyasha to stop laughing hysterically.
Finally, when Inuyasha had regained his composure, he pulled himself back up into his red beanbag, took hold of his controller, and selected his favorite fighter. He and Sesshoumaru began the round once more, but this time they no longer yelled and shouted at each other. They were both off in their own thoughts, able to play the game with minimal contemplation. Then Sesshoumaru opened his mouth.
"What do you think is going to happen at the hospital?" He asked monotonously while performing a combo attack against Inuyasha. The lights of the game flickered across their unexpressive faces, shining in their similar eyes. Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders flippantly.
"I dunno." He responded bluntly, more focused on knocking the other fighter off of the edge. But Sesshoumaru ducked and rolled out of the way too fast. "You think something is gonna happen?" Inuyasha spared a glance at Sesshoumaru's blasé expression and found it impossible to read.
"I don't care really." He said nonchalantly and managed to K.O. Inuyasha's character first, making the match restart in its second round. Inuyasha nodded his head in agreement with his older brother, and then once again slipped into a comfortable silence.
The ride to the hospital had been relatively uneventful. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru's texting needs had kept them away from each other's throats, Izayoi's nerves kept her preoccupied with worried thoughts, and Inu-Taisho was just glad there wasn't any bickering between his sons for once. And as he drove down the busy highways on the way to the prestigious hospital, he enjoyed the silence of the ride, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel to a tune stuck in his head. Every once in a while he'd look over at Izayio, who was leaning against her window, chewing on her nails again, and reassure her with a supportive pat on her knee. She'd jerk out of her daydreaming and smile at him sheepishly, but five minutes later would be back in her own little stressed out world he dare not venture in.
Inu-Taisho drove into the parking garage, the darkness of the concrete maze shading the inside of their S.U.V. as he ascended the many levels of parking spaces to find a suitable empty one. Inuyasha's eyes lit up as they were submerged in the cool darkness of the parking garage, enjoying the sensation of being in the dark during daylight hours. Sensing his joy, Izayoi turned in her seat to look back at her son with an endearing smile. He grinned right back at her, flashing a toothy smile. Sesshoumaru watched from his seat at the cheesy pair, rolling his eyes disapprovingly. This act was caught by Inu-Taisho through the rear-view mirror, and he sent Sesshoumaru a chastising look. His eldest son looked away, fixing his gaze on his lap sheepishly after being caught, but his scowl remained. He hated being stuck with Izayoi and Inuyasha in the same place. They were so gushing and mushy towards each other that it made his guts turn.
Finally, Inu-Taisho found an open space and promptly took it. The family quickly piled out of the vehicle and made their way towards the greatly appreciated elevator. Izayoi would have had a fit if she'd been forced to walk down a flight of stairs all the way to the floor entrance. They had climbed many levels and her makeup would have been pouring down her face by the end of it. Inuyasha raced towards the metal doors, intent on pressing the down arrow button first, even though there was no one else running to take that chance from him. Izayoi, who strolled after him alongside her husband, chuckled amusedly. Inuyasha was waiting impatiently for his family to catch up, holding the sliding doors open for them. They rode the descending contraption down to the floor level, where it was much busier. Izayoi took Inuyasha's hand in hers as they walked out of the parking garage and towards the hospital.
Once inside, the family was bombarded by the usual chaos that was the hospital. A multitude of people walked by and around them, many of which were dressed in identical blue and green scrubs. There were civilians sitting in waiting areas, arguing with desk workers, or pacing back and forth with a dark expression on their face. Inu-Taisho led his family through the throngs of people to the elevators, where there was a concentration of people. They waited behind a doctor in a lab-coat who was discussing a procedure in great detail with his intern. The doors whooshed open and a wave of people exited, allowing space for the Taisho family to occupy. They had to squeeze in with the other occupants inside the tight box, which displeased Sesshoumaru and his father greatly, but each kept his mouth shut about it.
Izayoi, who was nearly jumping out of her skin to get to the third floor pediatrics ward, was the first out of the elevator. With Inuyasha's hand still tightly clutched, she basically dragged him into the large expansion of room. It was busy now, with many parents sitting in the waiting area, holding each other or filling out papers. Some stood at the window of their child's room. But with all this gloom, the overall mood of this particular floor was very optimistic. There were happy posters taped up and pictures of nature scenes and rocket ships painted on the boring grey walls for the children's' attention and to keep their spirits up. Izayoi made her way to the helpdesk and asked for Dr. Meiner. Inu-Taisho stepped up behind her, letting her take control of the situation. The aging woman seated behind the counter picked up the phone in front of her, put it against her ear, pressed a key on the consol, and said into the receiver, "Paging Dr. Meiner, paging Dr. Meiner. You are wanted at the front desk." Her voice rang throughout the floor through the intercom system, sounded very robotic and cold.
Not five minutes later did the familiar woman come walking up to Izayoi, chipper smile apparent and bright, distracting pen still tucked behind her ear. She greeted the family again, introducing herself to the boys, and then turned to Izayoi.
"The social worker is still speaking with Kagome, but she should be done soon. Just wait a bit, I suppose." Izayoi nodded to the doctor. Iun-Taisho looked back at the room he knew to be Kagome's, but they were at such an angle that he couldn't see into the window. Returning his attention back to the conversation, he caught the last of what Meiner was saying, "-have a surgery to prepare for. I hope everything goes well." He watched as the woman briskly turned back around and headed for a swinging door that lead to a different part of the hospital. Izayoi seemed settled by the information and ushered the boys over to Kagome's room. Sesshoumaru pulled away from her hand, but it went un-noticed by her, or she pretended not to notice. Now wasn't the time or place to start an argument with the bitter teenager.
When they came to the large window, the curious family looked in. Izayoi and Inu-Taisho were very surprised to see Kagome sitting up in her bed, looking much better than the previous night. She still needed a nasal tube and the mask, but there was no longer an I.V. and the heart monitor wasn't attached either. In her hands was a pretty little doll, which she was admiring more than playing with. Her blue eyes sparkled with warmth as she traced her clumsy fingers across the face, through the stiff, artificial hair. Her own hair was still a clumped mess. But it was now pulled back into a pony-tail, which made her appearance all the more easy to look at. She had a rather cute face, even with the bandage still on her chin and the gauntness that was evidence of her malnourished state.
The social worker sitting beside her bed was a kind looking woman. She had a dark complexion and was portly, but dressed nicely and had pretty black hair that pooled at her shoulders. In her lap was a writing pad, pen poised to jot down more information Kagome let slip. Izayoi watched as the woman's lips moved as she questioned Kagome more, and then as Kagome answered back easily, eyes never straying from the doll's pretty face. This went on for about five more minutes. Then the woman looked up to the window, her gaze instantly meeting Izayoi's and then Inu-Taisho's. Kagome remained blissfully unaware; far too content with examining the doll. The social worker excused herself from Kagome and left the room, shutting the door behind her softly.
"Hello, I'm Amelia Turner. I've been assigned to Kagome's case. You must be the Taisho family." She stated bluntly, greeting the two adults with a handshake. Izayoi and Inu-Taisho introduced themselves, and then their children, one of which hadn't moved from his spot in front of the window since he stepped up to it. Amelia regarded them, and then looked back at Inu-Taisho. "If you will follow me, I've reserved a conference room for us to discuss things privately. Your sons can stay in the waiting room," She didn't wait for an agreement and began to make her way to the conference room on that floor. Inu-Taisho turned to Sesshoumaru and left him in charge of Inuyasha as Izayoi dragged him towards the room. Sesshoumaru sighed exasperatedly, crossing his arms stubbornly. If they were just going to be left behind, why bring them to the hospital at all?
Sesshoumaru turned around, speaking to Inuyasha. "Just sit down and don't –" He stopped mid-sentence when he realized Inuyasha wasn't standing there. For a moment he felt a sense of urgency, but with one glance back at where they had been standing, he spotted Inuyasha still there in his place at the girl's window. Walking up behind the oblivious little brother, Sesshoumaru's hand shot out and smacked the back of Inuyasha's head. "Don't do that again, stupid. Father left me in charge of you and I say you have to go sit down. Come on," Sesshoumaru tugged at Inuyasha's arm, but the younger boy wouldn't budge. He just stared into Kagome's room, wide-eyed and pale. It was now that Sesshoumaru realized. "What is wrong with you? It's just some girl." He looked between Inuyasha and Kagome, who was lying back in her bed, drifting off to sleep with the doll held tightly to her chest.
Inuyasha tore his gaze from Kagome and looked up at Sesshoumaru with the most broken and distressed eyes the older sibling had ever seen on his brother.
"Sesshoumaru, I'm in trouble."