Vices

The ride to the hospital was a long one. Many times Inuyasha wanted to stop and stretch his legs and to get off his ass, but decided to keep going til they got to their destination.



Miroku had grumbled a few times about having to go and about the long ride, but soon found himself overcome with sleep. Miroku had slept for most of the ride leaving Inuyasha alone with his thoughts.



‘Must be nice,’ Inuyasha thought when he heard his friend’s soft snoring. He had to bite back a laugh that threatened to escape when Miroku’s head lulled with the movement of the car. It brought back memories of him being a kid and falling asleep in the car every time they went somewhere. His dad used to tell him that he could sleep through anything; he would even take corners so fast Inuyasha would slide all over the back seat, but he never woke up. For a split second, Inuyasha thought about doing the same thing to Miroku but decided to let him sleep, at least this way he did not have to listen to him bitch about the car ride.

About 30 minutes later Inuyasha pulled onto the dirt drive that led to NTT Kanto Hospital trying to be careful of all the bumps and potholes trying not to wake Miroku. Try as he might Inuyasha could not keep the car from jolting, when he hit a well-hidden pothole the car bounced causing Miroku to jar upward. Inuyasha had to plaster his ears to his head to drown out the obscenities coming from Miroku.



“Damn Inuyasha! Are trying to break my neck?” Miroku asked through clenched teeth. His neck felt like it was put in a vice and twisted in all directions.



“Oh yeah Miroku I wanted to break your neck! C’mon now you know better than that. You know if I wanted to break your neck I would have done with my hands,” Inuyasha laughed. He loved giving Miroku a hard time, and even through all of this, he is glad that has never changed, “We’re here!”



The sight before him dumbfounded Inuyasha. When he talked to the receptionist, he knew the place sounded nice but what he saw shocked the hell out of him. Even Miroku’s mouth was gaping. “Damn Inuyasha are you sure this is a hospital? It looks more like a resort to me,” Miroku commented staring at the beautiful colonial style building. It had an American feel with its white marble pillars, big windows to let the outside world shine in and the beautiful shrubbery lining the walk. They couldn’t believe this hospital. “This can’t be it,” they said in unison still in awe.

‘This might not be so bad,’ Inuyasha thought heading toward the door. “If we get treated like this place looks, then we might not want to leave,” Inuyasha said with a chuckle. Things were definitely looking up for him, starting with this place.



“I know what you mean,” Miroku said ogling two blondes that walked by, “I could definitely get used to this place.”



“You are such a perv, Miroku. We can’t go anywhere without you ogling women, can we?” Inuyasha glared at his friend.



“Aw c’mon man. I was just looking it’s not like I asked them to bare my children or anything,” Miroku responded with an innocent face.



“Whatever, it’s just the same. C’mon let’s go.” Inuyasha said grabbing Miroku by the arm.

Miroku quietly followed Inuyasha through the double French doors, and gaped at the interior of the building. It was just as beautiful inside as it was outside. The floors were covered with a beige tile while the walls were painted a deep russet color. At once Miroku felt at peace. This place was so relaxing to the mind and body and that made it even more like a resort instead of a hospital. He had never seen anything like it; the décor was refreshing as well. They had cream-colored furniture throughout the waiting room, a dark mahogany desk and vibrant colored paintings covering the walls. From what Miroku could tell, the art was Monet and Picasso. It was breath taking.



Inuyasha took in the room for a moment before heading to the mahogany desk. The receptionist was a beauty, and he knew you did not have to be Miroku to see that. She had gray-blue eyes that twinkled when she smiled, her jet-black hair rivaled that of a raven’s wing, and her smile made you feel welcomed. Though her beauty was something that would make any man proud Inuyasha could not help but think that there was no comparison when it came to ‘his’ Kagome.



“Welcome to NTT Kanto Hospital. Can I help you?” The beauty asked. Her smile touched their hearts.



“Yes My name is Taisho Inuyasha. I called this morning asking about your facility. I told the person I talked to that I would come by today to see the hospital.” Inuyasha responded quietly.



“That’s right. Mr. Taisho please have a seat and the Director will be with you momentarily.” The receptionist smiled once more before picking up the phone and calling the director in question.

Miroku had been on his best behavior while Inuyasha was talking to the receptionist but he couldn’t contain it any longer, “Oh gods Inuyasha she was beautiful. I wonder if she has a boy…” Miroku started but was interrupted by his uptight friend.



“Can it perv, we did not come here to meet women. We came to get help before the alcohol totally consumes us. Remember or does your brain break when you see a pretty girl?” Miroku mumbled an apology before following Inuyasha to the nearest couch.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Kagome sat by the open window letting the gentle breeze kiss her skin lost in her thoughts. With the recent turn of events, she had to reevaluate her life. Though her love for Inuyasha was still strong, she had to move on. She thought about taking some courses at the local college to get a better job. She knew that would keep her plenty busy, and help her move forward with her life. Kagome was so lost in thought that she did not notice Sango walk into the living room.



“Hey Kagome, are you alright?” Sango asked quietly so to not startle Kagome. She knew this was all hard for her, but she could not take her mind off them man she met the last night. She could still feel his violet eyes gazing at her, his soft lips against her own and his muscular body pressed tightly against hers. ‘I can’t believe how far we almost went,’ Sango thought blushing. She was so close to giving this stranger all of her, and that was something she just didn’t do.



“Oh hey Sango. Yeah I’m fine, I just…” Kagome started but soon realized her friend’s mind was somewhere else, “Sango are YOU okay? You’re blushing.” Kagome said with a chuckle. She was used to seeing Sango blush, but there was something more this time. It was as if Sango was flushing with passion not just blushing with her insecurities.

Slowly Sango's eyes cleared and smiled warmly at your friend, “I’m fine Kagome, but there is something I have to tell you.” She sat on the couch and motioned for Kagome to sit with her so she would not have to speak across the open space of the living room.



“Kagome the other night when you called, I was not home I was… at a bar with your cousin,” Sango started turning a deeper shade of red, ‘and I met Inuyasha’s friend Miroku,’ Sango thought before she continued, “And I met this guy.”



“A guy huh?” Kagome asked with wide eyes, “So who is this guy is it someone I know.”



“Um… I didn’t get his name,” Sango said averting her eyes; she could only imagine what Kagome was thinking right now.



“Sango you whore, you didn’t even get his name! Wow that is not like you, he must’ve been something special.” Kagome laughed she could not believe what she was hearing. Sango never talked with stranger men, hell, she has only been with one man once and that did not last long, “Oh girl you have to tell me all about him, and please don’t spare any details!”

Sango was taken aback by Kagome's bluntness. Sango knew Kagome would be happy especially after the many attempts to set her up with someone. Of course which Sango always bailed, she was never good at meeting people especially men. “Well…” Sango started she paused a long moment to remember as much as she could. “He was very handsome. He had these violet eyes that could peer through your soul, and this charming demeanor that would make any woman swoon. When I first saw him at the bar I knew I had to get to know him.”



Sango what has gotten into you?” Kagome asked as her smile broadened, “Kikyo finally got you to go out with her and now look.” Kagome said with delight, she would have to praise her cousin for getting Sango out of the house.

Sango smiled she knew that little bit of information would not go unnoticed. “I know I couldn’t believe it myself. Anyway our eyes locked immediately, oh Kagome he astounded me. I was so unsure of myself I did not know what to do, then your cousin notice and took it upon herself to tell him to go talk to me because I was too scared to go to him, and before I knew it he was sitting on the stool beside me. We talked a lot and he bought me a few drinks. I found the more I talked to him the more I wanted from him. By the end of the night we were all over each other, and before I knew it we were driving to his apartment.”

Kagome just stood there with her jaw on the floor, “And?” Kagome finally asked when the fog cleared.



“And what, I told you everything,” Sango replied, she did not know if she could tell Kagome anymore she would be too embarrassed.



“C’mon Sango what happened when you got to his house.” Kagome could not help it she was so intrigued by the new Sango she had to know how far she went.



Sango let out a sigh she knew she could not hide this from her dearest friend so she continued, “Well he held my hand as he took me into his apartment but as soon as the door was closed he was all over me. I couldn’t contain myself, I ripped his clothes off of him pushed him on to the couch. Oh, Kagome I wanted him and I don’t know why. There was something about him that turned me on. Anyway, we were fooling around and about to go all the way. Unfortunately I had to go, you were on your way to my house and I wanted to get us some snack foods.” Sango did not dare mention Inuyasha called in the middle of their tryst so she reverted to her original story, “I really thought I would be back before you got here though.”



“I can’t believe this,” Kagome smiled, “but I am sorry you did not get to finish on the account of me. I hope you can meet up with him again.”



“Hey what are friends for, huh? I know you would have done the same thing for me,” Sango replied pulling Kagome into a hug, ‘of course I will see him again’, “Besides this was more important than that.”



“Thank you Sango,” Kagome replied pulling out of the hug, “this means a lot to me.”



“I was thinking we should go do something today. Maybe pamper ourselves, what do you say?” Sango said, she knew it would help Kagome relax.



“That sounds like a great idea! What did you have in mind?” Kagome asked.



“Well I was thinking we could go get a manicure and pedicure and then maybe some shopping. I just need to get you out of the house.” Sango answered standing up. She too needed to get out and ease her own mind.

As the girls were heading out the door Kagome's cell rang. She did not recognize the number and with uncertainty in her voice she answered, “Hello?”



“Hey Kagome it’s me.”



Kagome stopped in her tracks when she heard his voice on the other side of the phone.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



“Mr. Taisho?” The director asked extending his hand, “My name is Kyoto Daisuke and I am the director of this hospital. I will show you around the facility and will answer any questions you might have. At the end of the tour, if you feel this is the best place for you then we will start the paper work. Now if you will follow me.”



“Thank you Mr. Kyoto,” Inuyasha said accepting his hand. “Please call me Inuyasha and this is my friend Shimane Miroku.”



“You can call me Miroku,” Miroku added offering his hand.



“Okay then Inuyasha, Miroku. Let’s get started shall we?” With that the director started the tour, “As you can tell this is our lobby, but if you follow me I will show you the rest.” Inuyasha and Miroku followed and listened as the director showed them the rooms where the patients stay. They could not believe how accommodating they were. Many of them were private rooms with double beds in the center, a chair by the window and a T.V. on the dresser. They were painted a warm brown and the carpet was light beige. The furniture was as beautiful as the ones in the lobby. The soft cream sofa and the deep mahogany bed made the rooms inviting and comfortable. After the bedrooms came the recreation room. That consisted of a pool table, a sitting area with a T.V., an air hockey table and other tables that could be used for board games or cards. The director had said this was the most popular room in the facility because it was a place to socialize and relax after sessions. The rest of the facility was just as welcoming, the counselor’s offices were warm and relaxing and the group session rooms were bright and vibrant in attempts to lighten everyone’s moods. The last things they were shown was the exercise room that connected to the poolroom and the cafeteria. The exercise room had anything and everything one might need to work out and the pool was Olympic size. They could see a few people making laps in the crystal blue water killing time before their next session began. As for the cafeteria was the dullest place in the hospital. The white and gray tile floor blended in with the start white walls.



“So what do you think?” Mr. Kyoto asked.



“I think this place is perfect, what do you think Miroku?”



“Yeah I would have to agree, since we have to do this I definitely want to be here.”

Inuyasha could not help but smile at Miroku’s comment, “Well Mr. Kyoto I believe you have yourself two new patients.”



“Well then how about we go and get started on the paper work. I presume you two want to be in rooms close together?”



“That would be great. We are in this together and need to be near each other for support.” Inuyasha answered, “And if is not a problem we would like to have the same group sessions as well.”



“That can be arranged. Okay here are the forms we need filled out and signed, and when those are finished you will be officially one of us. Did you bring any luggage with you?”



“Actually we did they are in the car.”



“I will have them brought to your respective rooms. Oh, there is one more thing, you two have voluntarily signed yourself in and you can sign yourself back out whenever you want. However, we do not agree with this but it is your decision alone to make.”

Miroku and Inuyasha nodded their head in understanding as they signed their names to the consents. “Is there a phone around here I can use?” Inuyasha asked thinking he should call Kagome and let her know what is going on.



“Yeah there is one in the recreation room, when you are finished here you are free to roam the campus.”



“Thank you Mr. Kyoto.” Miroku said offering his hand once more, and with that, they were heading to their rooms.

After unpacking their clothes, Inuyasha headed to the recreation room to make his call to Kagome. ‘I hope she is doing okay,’ Inuyasha thought dialing her number.



He could hear the uncertainty in her voice when she answered the phone. He could also noticed her sadness that was buried deep within her core. “Hey Kagome it’s me.”



“Inuyasha?”



“Yea its Inuyasha, listen Kagome I don’t have long to talk, but I thought I should call and tell you were I am.”



“What? Where are you?” Kagome quite understanding.



“I am at NTT Kanto Hospital, it is a detox facility.”



“How long will you be there?”



“I’m not sure I am meeting the Dr. in 15 minutes and I will no more then. I will call you back when I finish with the Dr. okay?”



“Okay,” Kagome could not believe what she was hearing. She pulled the phone away from her mouth so she could whisper to Sango what was going on.



“Oh and I made Miroku come with me, you were right Kagome I do need help. So I will be here until I can go more than a day without drinking.”



“Please call me back Inuyasha so I know what is going on. You know I will worry.” Kagome said that last line before realizing it. She was glad he decided to get help but he would have to prove to her that alcohol is out of his life for good.



“I will Kagome I promise,” Inuyasha smiled when she voiced her concern, “Oh and Kagome I just want you to know I love you,” with that he hung up the phone before she could reject him.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



“I love you too, Inuyasha,” Kagome replied when she heard the click of the phone and turned toward Sango, “Well I guess I made my point,” Kagome sighed. She hated that this was the only way to get him to listen but thankful he is getting help just the same.



“Yes you did and now he is getting help,” Sango added and smiled inward when she heard Miroku was there too, she did not know if she could tolerate the excessive drinking herself, “Well are you ready to go?”



“Yeah let’s go,” Kagome chimed heading out the front door.