Hello everyone!
Thank you very much for your dear reviews; today I won´t be able to answer to them properly but just so you know, I loved every single one!
Here's chapter 4!
Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: All these characters are owned by Inuyasha's rightfull author. I merely own the story.
Chapter 4 - Working Day
Several days passed after the incident with Sesshomaru and Rin. That day, he had given the powder to Kagome and had left without a word. Rin had left shortly after, crying but also had refused to talk to anyone. Since then it had been complete silence, from both parts. Rin seemed absent as she worked and Sesshomaru hadn't called Kagome in days.
Still, no matter how worried Kagome was, she had her own share of bigger problems. And what big ones!
First of all, Naraku Onigumo, Shikon no Tama Hospital's Director introduced the new pharmaceutics of the hospital, right at the start of the week and two weeks after Rin and Sesshomaru's incident: Kikyo Hoshiomi.
Kagome knew she was meant to bump into her, someday. She had seen the other pharmaceutics, Jinenji, coming often to deliver the list of medication but not a sign of her yet. Until today, she hadn't bumped into her, for which she was grateful. Meanwhile, Kikyo wasn't the only problem she was facing in the hospital: Kaede, the head nurse, had been much stricter and exigent with them and the work kept on increasing.
After their shift change, three weeks after Hiroyuki's birthday, Kagome was redoing one of her patient's bandages when she was found out by Dr. Houjo Hitomi, much to her discontentment.
- Kagome, what a pleasant surprise! – he said, already blushing, walking in her direction his board on his hand and his white robe floating around him as he walked.
According to Ayumi, another nurse from Kagome's infirmary, Houjo had a crush on Kagome since she entered the hospital for the first time. He was pretty cute, even Kagome admitted that. Tall, good looking, brown eyes and brown hair… he had everything that, according to all the other nurses, a woman could want in a man. Still, Kagome couldn't help thinking of him as "boring".
- Good morning, Doctor.
- Please, call me Houjo. – he said, looking at her in a gentle way that she quickly averted by returning her attention to her patient.
- Well, miss Yuki's wound don't demonstrate signs of infection and she is recovering well from her abdominal surgery. Blood pressure and values stable. – she informed him, while paying attention in her task.
- Well, yes she is. – he said, as if waking up from his slumber. – We're only waiting for the latest exams for her to be discharged. Perhaps tomorrow, if we're lucky we'll be able to let you go, miss Yuki. Please call the Radiology to know what's taking them so long, Kagome.
- Yes, sir. I was thinking that perhaps we could already change her diet into a half-solid one…
- What was the previous one?
- Liquid.
- It's okay, she can already eat more solid things. You can perform the change.
After checking on her patient to see that everything was okay, she exited the room, ready to go to her next task, only to be stopped by him once more outside the room.
- Yes, doctor? Anything else?
- No nothing. I just… I wanted to talk to you…
- Oh… - she said, leaning a bit on the door frame.
- So… how are you?
- Fine, thanks.
- You seemed a little down this morning. Is it your son? Is he sick?
- No, no. He's fine. – she said, smiling. She always did, when she talked about her child. – I'm just worried about some personal problems…
- Oh, of course. Listen, Kagome… I was wondering… do you think that…
- Kagome! – called another voice, from the end of the corridor. Glancing around, she noticed a small woman, with a group of X-Rays in her hand, looking at her and a mischievous smile in her face. The girl had shoulder length natural white hair and deep black eyes. She did seem cold but Kagome knew that Kanna Kagami was nothing of the sort.
The orthopedist made her way till them, smiling openly at Houjo.
- Good morning, you two.
- Good morning, Dr Kanna.
- Morning Kanna. – said Kagome, taking chance of the opportunity her friend had made for her. – How are you today?
- Much better, thank you. We have plenty of work in our hands, which is perfect right now. Work is the best medicine, in some cases.
Kanna and her husband Byakuya, one of the most renowned cardiologists in the country had lost the baby they were expecting a few months ago and Kanna was still recovering. During that time, Kagome had supported her, since during her pregnancy she had almost lost her child too, in the earliest months. She knew how frightened she had been and believed that Kanna was feeling much worse than her.
- How is Hiroyuki, by the way? I've been meaning to ask you for weeks, but I just can't seem to find you… weren't his birthday a few days ago?
- Yes it was. He turned 5, 3 weeks ago.
- Oh, my! He's growing up so fast…
- Well, - said Houjo, feeling left out. – I see you have lots to talk about so I'll just get going. Is Byakuya here today, Dr. Kanna?
- Yes he is. He should be at the 7th floor today…
- Great, I really need to talk to him. See you later, Kagome.
- Yes, doctor.
As soon as he was away, Kanna turned around smiling and Kagome sighed:
- Thank you so much.
- Don't mention it. I saw he was almost "stalking" you so… anyway, how are things?
- Pretty messed up, actually. And the worst is that it became like that because of me.
- Why? What are you talking about?
- Well, Hiro turned 5, so I managed to give him a little celebration at my mother's house. Well, Sesshomaru was there, as was Rin and Hiro asked Sesshomaru why he couldn't marry Rin, so that she became his aunt.
Kanna laughed.
- Poor Sesshomaru! What happened?
- To make it short: yelling and more yelling between him and Rin. And now they don't even talk to each other or to me and I don't know what's happening! It's been three weeks and I don't know what to do!
- Oh God…
- Well, - Kagome sighed. – But enough talking about me. What about you…?
- Better, I think. It's our 3rd anniversary this weekend and… well, we're going out… - said Kanna, blushing. Kagome shrieked in happiness for her friend.
- That is wonderful!
- Byakuya thought it would do us well, to both, to get away from here. We'll be out for a couple of days and I even feel bad with myself…
- Why?
- There's loads of work to be done, Kagome! I know his intentions are good, but I can't…
- Stop right there! – Kagome interrupted her in an angry tune. – The most important work right now that you have to do is to repair your heart. That is your number one priority and I won't let you dull it, are we clear?
Kanna blinked, surprised and smiled sweetly.
- Thanks. I think I needed to hear that…
- At least you've come to your senses… - said Kagome while they walked towards the reception.
- … You do realize that Byakuya's intentions aren't any "good" at all? – Kanna whispered, while Kagome wrote some notes on a sheet.
- Of course I do. And it's already time, isn't it?
- Kagome! – she whispered embarrassed.
- What? You almost seem like a virgin! Tell you what, why don't you buy some black lingerie?
- What? – her friend asked, shocked, becoming redder.
- Well, it worked with me… - Kagome said, blinking an eye and grabbing the sheets of paper.
- You're impossible… - sighed Kanna, while leaving. – See you later…
Kagome spent most of her day checking on bandaged wounds and in the ICU, so she barely had time to have a proper lunch. She was about to check what was on the vending machines when a tall man, dressed in black jeans and a floral green and pink shirt appeared before her holding a cup and a sandwich.
- Ban sent me to take this to you. – he said, a smile on his face. He had brown eyes and dark brown hair and two blue stripes descended from both his eyes.
- Jakotsu, what…?
- Soup and a sandwich. He said that you had to eat everything and to NOT get near any vending machines. He'll be coming right up to talk to you…
- Gods, I already know why! Why don't you keep me company till then?
- If I can join you…
- You don't need permission for that! – she said, walking in the direction of the private room where some of the nurses that brought lunch from home used to eat. They weren't alone and Kagome greeted everyone around her, until she arrived at an empty table.
- So, how are things with you?
- Pretty well. I mean, I'm still single so I can date as much as I want!
- You sound pretty enthusiastic.
- I am. Can you imagine? This hospital is full of beautiful young men, how could I waste any chance?
Kagome giggled and as she talked more and more to Jakotsu she ended up knowing that Kaede was stricter because of Kikyo's presence.
- But why?
- Well, rumor has it that she and the pharmacist are sisters…
- Sisters!
- That's what they say. However, it has also been said that it was Naraku who personally invited her working here.
- Naraku? He doesn't get involved in that…
- Unless the person is of great value. – completed Jakotsu, a mischievous grin on his face. – Which has lead to other more interesting rumors…
- What? – Kagome said, slipping her spoon and diving for another one of soup.
- They say that this Kikyo is an older connection of Naraku, like… his previous girlfriend or lover…
- Impossible. – said Kagome really quickly, without thinking. Regret only came after.
- What? Why?
- Because… well, because I knew her previous boyfriend and actual fiancée…
- Oh… well, they say that she spends quite the time in the "Spider head's" office.
- Maybe they are just talking about her job…
- Perhaps… but you have to admit that that's suspicious…
- Anyway, - Kagome said, finishing her soup. – I have nothing to do with that lady anymore. I've already had enough troubles than to have to meet her once more…
- Seems like you weren't the best of friends…
Kagome smiled sadly, as she thought about the question. At the same time, Bankotsu made his entry till them. He was a young good looking guy, with black long hair usually held in a braid and deep blue shining eyes.
- Hey, Kagome!
- Hello Bankotsu! Thanks for the meal.
- It's nothing. I have to return quickly to my shift, so I have short time. But I really need to talk to you…
- Ok. Then I'm off, unless I want Kaede behind me the rest of the week…
- Thanks for the company, Jakotsu! – Kagome said, as he left the room.
Bankotsu sat near Kagome and waited that she ended her sandwich.
- How did you know I was going to the vending machines?
- Intuition. – he said, smiling. Then, after her inquisitive glaze, he answered - When I didn't saw you on the line, I figured as much…
- Well, thanks anyway. So, what did you want to talk to me about…?
- It's Rin.
- What's with her? Is she okay? – Kagome said, suddenly worried.
- I don't think so. She's been weird…
- How weird?
- Like she's been avoiding me… didn't she talk to you?
- No, Ban. Sorry. She hasn't spoken to me in weeks now…
- Why?
- Well, we… we had a little discussion. Girl's stuff.
- Oh. Anyway, I'm worried. Can you please try to reach her and tell her I'm worried about her?
- You really like her, don't you? – asked Kagome, suddenly feeling like an awful person.
- I think so. She does understand me; I think… she's my best friend…
Kagome's memory was suddenly assaulted but old images and voices.
"You're my best friend, Kagome! No one in the world accepts me and understands me as you do…" and she recalled a smiling golden eyed hanyou hugging her tightly. She shivered in her place.
- Kagome? Are you alright?
- … Ye… yeah… yes, I'm fine…
- Can you do that?
- Do what?
- Talk to Rin?
- Oh, that! I'll… I'll try, ok? But I can't promise any good results…
- It's alright. Just try and I'll be able to put my mind at ease, somehow…
They left the room at the same time, as Kagome turned to return to her work, still perturbed by that memory.
- Kagome. – said a voice behind her. She turned around, surprised by seeing a middle aged nurse, standing behind her, with her grayish hair and her one eyed sight fixed upon her.
- Yes, head nurse?
- Can I talk to you a second?
- Sure. – she said, following Kaede inside her office.
- So… how are you?
- I'm good, thank you…
- At least you seemed with a renewed spirit these days…
- Yes, perhaps… was I inconvenient in any way? – she asked suddenly worried.
- No, not. Nothing of the sort… I merely wanted to update the situation on both patients from the room 23.
- Room 23? Oh, you mean Mr. Myouga and Mr. Toutosai, is it?
- Yes. How are they doing? I couldn't reach Dr. Suikotsu today so I'm out of date…
- Well, they are pretty stable, right now but Dr Suikotsu doesn't believe there is much more we can do unless minor their suffering…
- I see. Well, I'll try and talk to him tomorrow, because of the next chirurgical procedure they are going under… And how about your child? How is he? He's a boy, isn't he?
- Yeah, a tiny little devil. – Kagome said, smiling sweetly and Kaede turned to look at her more attentively. – He turned 5 a few weeks ago.
- What's his name again? I believe you'd already told me but…
- Hiroyuki. – she said, proudly.
- Hiroyuki. That's a fine name. Broad happiness, isn't it what it means?
- Yes, it does.
- It's a really good name. Maternity was good for you, no matter what were the circumstances. There's a fire in your eyes that I've never seen before but I like it. You seemed happier and relaxed, more than when you started working.
- Hiroyuki is my best medicine, and I often tell that to my mother. I may get home completely tired but I know that, once I see his smile, I'll have new strength instantaneously. Even if he destroys my entire apartment and paints in the walls…
Kaede smiled at the girl.
- Do you mind me asking why you didn't weaver on your decision?
- I don't understand…
- Well, your son… please, don't misunderstand me but he is a hanyou, is he not?
- Yes, he is. Oh! You're talking about the reasons why I carried this pregnancy on, is that it?
- Yes. And don't misunderstand me; I don't make that kind of distinctions…
- It's alright. The reason is personal but I can tell you this: I would never make an abortion, much less in a case where the baby was the one who wouldn't hold any responsibility.
Kaede smiled at the girl, once more and said:
- You have a pure heart, Kagome. Now, returning to work. I've been asked to dismiss some of my nurses for today to the ER: there has been a commotion and some of the cops have been wounded. They needed more stitching hands. Would you be able to go?
- Sure. When do they want us?
- Now. Take at least more 4 or 5 with you… it seems like there is more work than they estimated.
- Ok. Then, I'm off. Unless there is anything…
- No, no. You can go.
As soon as Kagome arrived to the ER, along with other nurses, she could easily see why they needed more help. There was work in every corner and she was quickly sent to stitch the man in the curtain nº1, hurrying as she went. As soon as she opened the curtain, a tall man came almost falling into her. In a quick motion, Kagome had him seated in the nearby chair and took a good look at him.
He had black hair, in a small ponytail and the clearest blue eyes she had ever seen and that were fixed upon her the moment she stepped aside for watching him. Wasn't for the weird look he was giving her, she would even think he was cute. He was wearing a police uniform and it looked good on him. Clearing her throat, she asked him:
- Mr. Kouga Nomura?
- Yes, but you can call me Kouga… - he said, grinning.
- Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Nomura. How are you feeling?
- Dizzy and it hurts.
- Where?
He placed her hand over his own heart and made a "puppy lost" look.
- Here, - he said – I've just been shot by the Cupid!
Rolling her eyes at the awful catch phrase she couldn't help but say:
- I'm sure that the Cupid himself will give you an antidote for your disease…
- It depends if you agree to have dinner with me.
"Pretty forward, aren't we?" Kagome thought, almost laughing at his expectant face.
- I'm sorry, - she said, while she leaned looking around and searching for the material she would need. He had a deep cut in his forehead that was bleeding and that needed at least 6 stitches. – but I already have plans for today.
- Oh. So you are taken, as I presumed…
- Taken? – she asked, suddenly taken aback. She had already realized he was a full youkai and knew how their noses could be effective; but she had been taking the powder Sesshomaru had given her and knew that there was no chance any of them would notice. – No, I'm not.
- Then, are you afraid?
- Of what?
He pointed his long ears and she understood.
- I know that you're a youkai. – she stated. – What does that have to do with anything?
- Wasn't that the reason why you said you had plans? Are you afraid I might eat you after dinner? Do I repulse you…?
- I don't have that kind of thoughts about races or respective places. We are in this world, - she said, surprising him as she stitched him, gently – for only a short amount of time. We'll never know when it's time for us to be leaving this planet. You could have died today, or I could when I crossed the street earlier. I mean, you never know when your life is coming to an end... why would I worry with such trivial things? If we're together in this world, it only means we have to co-exist with each other, humans, demons and half-demons. End of story.
She placed her hand on his face, bringing him into the nearby light of the lamp so that she could see if the stitches were holding up. He kept staring at her so she finally asked:
- What? Why do you keep staring at me that way? – she said, while stitching him once more.
- Nothing… it's just… you're the first person that approached me without fearing… for her life… I mean, every other want a demon nurse to do this so… it's kind of… different…
- Oh. – she said, surprised. She knew things were still unstable between humans and demons but they seemed much more peaceful for now.
- So, - he asked, bringing her from her thoughts – who is the lucky human who's having your company tonight?
- And how do you know it's a human? – she asked, suddenly feeling pleased for his conversation and forwardness. He did seem really nice and he was a lot cute.
- Well, I mean… you just refused me, a demon…
- That doesn't mean a thing. I refused you because I already had a plan and not because you are a demon. And as a matter of fact, I have a lot of demon friends and colleagues, as well as half demons. The man with whom I'm spending my time today is a half demon, by the way…
- Oh, he's a lucky bastard. – Kouga said a little disappointed. She did seem enthusiastic about the guy.
- No, I'm the one who's lucky. He's my son…
Kouga sat up suddenly, bumping his head in the lamp and stared at her, eyes wide open.
- Your… your… your son…? Son?
- Yeah. – she said, with a smile. Seeing the look in Kouga's face she suddenly asked, still smiling sweetly - What's the matter? Do I repulse you?
- Not at all! I just… I didn't know you were married… and mated… you don't smell like…
Kagome stiffen and end up her job saying:
- You ask too much questions for a stranger… you're all done… keep the bandage for safety today and tomorrow, then you can throw it away. The stitches will fall for themselves.
Kouga stared at her, surprised with her sudden change of conversation but understanding that his time was over. Lifting himself up, he went her way and said, almost hovering over her lips:
- I'm sorry… I didn't… I didn't mean to upset you…
She lifted her eyes and almost falls back at seeing him suddenly up close, since she hadn't heard him approach.
- Do you forgive me? – he asked, his eyes still holding hers.
She saw he was being sincere and gave a small smile.
- It's alright….
- Well, then… since I have such a powerful rival tonight, perhaps tomorrow we could grab a coffee…
She laughed for the first time and he stared in contemplation.
- Coffee would be ok…
- You laughed.
- What about it?
- I liked it.
She blushed and said, giving him a shift of paper.
- Pay the taxes and get your ass out of here. – she said, playfully.
He was about to do that when he realized something important:
- Hey!
She turned around to glance at him. He smirked.
- You never did tell me your name…
A sudden flash passed through her mind and she regretted the instant she recalled that:
"Oy, you wench! You didn't tell me your name…"
Kouga was still looking at her and she answered almost as if she was suffocating with the tears accumulated in her chest.
- Kagome. Kagome Higurashi.
Kouga smiled:
- It's a lovely name...
Please Review!