Over the next few days it took for us to get to Kyoto, we fell into a comfortable routine. We slept during the day, ate when we woke up, and ran during the day. I treated Hiei's wounds to make sure they would heal completely. And somehow, we completely evaded demon attacks. I was a little worried about what that meant, but I was still pleased.
And finally, we arrived in Kyoto.
I'd only been in Kyoto once or twice before. Just short trips with my family. The tall buildings, the bustling people, the temples…It was quite a lovely place.
But we didn't need to stay in Kyoto. Shi-Odori Hospital was five miles out of the city. Just barely far enough to be private, but quick to get to in case of an emergency.
I didn't allow Hiei to carry me to the hospital. In case this hospital was behind it all, he needed to be at full strength. I hailed a taxi and it drove us out there.
"Going in for a check-up?" The cabbie asked when I told him where we needed to go. I smiled and nodded, trying to seem like an excited mother-to-be. Hiei didn't seem as accommodating, though. He glared at the driver, which discouraged him from asking any more questions. I rolled my eyes. Maybe I was wrong about him changing that much.
The cabbie drove us to the hospital in silence, except for the music on the radio. I didn't recognize the song, but I hummed along to the obvious chord pattern. All too soon, we were there. I didn't know what to expect. Noting my worry, Hiei reached over and squeezed my hand comfortingly.
Shi-Odori Hospital looked creepier than your average hospital. It was only one level, and in a very squared shape. It was painted dark grey, and the sign in front was carved in an unusually eerie font. Well, I could certainly see why this hospital would treat demons. Even Hiei seemed to approve of the decorating.
He walked me in through the rotating doors, wary of any signs of danger. He stretched out his right hand as if dying to grab the hilt of his sword. I tensed as well, but tried to look natural.
The interior of the hospital looked far more inviting than the exterior. It was bright, with pictures and comfy chairs. The staff looked fairly normal too, although I detected a few of them with demonic or spiritual aura. I didn't sense any danger behind them, though.
I approached the receptionist, and she gave me a cheerful smile.
"Do you have an appointment?" She asked, in a very high-pitched voice.
I hesitated. Oops. I'd forgotten about that. I didn't want to have come all this way just to get stopped at the gate.
"No, we don't." Hiei took over for me, surprising me when he talked politely to the woman. "See, Mana here fell, and she got worried about the baby." He lowered his voice, leaning in closer to the receptionist. "We heard you treat demons here, so…"
The receptionist's eyes widened in recognition. "Of course," she replied calmly. "Today is fairly slow, so we should be able to get you into a doctor. I just have some questions to ask you. One moment."
She busied herself at the computer, and I turned to Hiei. "Mana?" I mouthed in confusion. He shrugged.
"I always liked that name," he responded in a voice so quiet I could barely hear. "I didn't think it wise to use your real name."
"Good call, sir." I turned my attention back to the receptionist as she cleared her throat.
"Name, please?" She asked.
"Mana…Kasumiso," I replied, naming myself after the Japanese name for the baby's breath flower. I hoped it wasn't too obvious.
"And the name of the father?" She asked.
Oops. I didn't know whether to supply a name for Kurama. But if I did, then they would think him a bad father, especially if I had come to the hospital with another man…
"Taki Kasumiso," Hiei said. Taki? Like...Waterfall? I blinked in surprise at him as he wound an arm around my waist to keep up appearances. He winked at me.
The receptionist smiled at the both of us, probably since she thought we were the happy soon-to-be parents. I hoped I could lie well enough seeing as I was raging with hormones.
She asked me several other questions, like my age, birth date, race, and other boring things. I answered all of those with the truth, since I doubt it would affect it much anyway. Hiei stayed by my side, silent, but continually watching for the first sign of danger.
After she had completed the form for us, the receptionist guided us to a small exam room. She took my heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, before informing us that a doctor would be in shortly.
When she left us alone, Hiei wandered about the room, opening drawers and cupboards to examine what they contained.
"Doesn't seem like the kidnapping type of equipment," He observed, yanking open a drawer full of bandages and cotton swabs.
I sighed, leaning back in the chair. "Yeah, I know. Maybe this hospital doesn't have anything to do with the kidnappings. Directly, at least. Maybe the kidnappers are getting the information from the hospital, or even faking it in the database…"
"So, you mean something indirect?" Hiei asked absentmindedly.
I blinked. That was a comment I would have expected out of Kuwabara. "Yes, Hiei. Welcome to the conversation." I said slowly. Hiei stared at the wall, as if just realizing the stupidity of his comment. I laughed at him, mentally tallying the score. Aya: 1. Hiei: 0.
Now that he had finished impolitely rummaging through the hospital's equipment, Hiei began to pace the room, as if trying to burn off extra energy. I smirked, thinking of another way to earn me a point.
"Why, Hiei! You're nervous!" I teased.
Hiei must've been much more worried that I thought. He looked up at me, not even angry. "Well, of course I am. I don't know what to expect, or even if I'll be able to protect you this time. If anything were to ever happen to you, I don't know what I'd…" Hiei exhaled in frustration. "Never mind. Just…Watch yourself, okay? Your safety is the most important."
Who knew Hiei could be this caring about another person? I smiled sweetly, trying to think up an adequate reply. But before I could, the door to the exam room swung open.
You know what I just realized? Kurama doesn't appear a whole heck of a lot in this entire story. I'm so sorry! It's not fair! When he does appear, I'll try to make it as fluffy as possible.