Patients is a Virtue

Chapter 1 - Simple

Summary: He came at me so fast, I didn't even have time to flinch. His long clawed fingers gripped my neck and slammed me against the wall. "What d-do you want?" I choked out. His hostile stare made it hard for me to look at him. He whispered, "You're flesh."

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Note: This story is first-person, told from Kagome's point of view. Also, there is some Spanish in this story. Translations will be at the end of the chapter. If you still don't understand, message me and I'll send you clearer ones. Enjoy! :D

-x-

It's a shame when you want to become a musician but take up medical school instead and become a nurse in an insane asylum. It really is. I grew up playing the piano and guitar, even writing actual songs and singing. I also could've taken up journalism or art. I write and draw. I read the newspaper, always curious as to what's going on in the world. The grass is green, the sky is blue, but I want to experience new things in life.

Ever since I was 6 years old, I wanted to play classical music myself. When you grow up listening to that stuff, art in general inspires you to do something. Everything you experience, it's like a dream and you just wanna keep going at it. You wanna do things yourself instead of sitting around listening to records. I try to write more, but when I think about it, I get depressed. I also learned some cool languages from back when I used to travel. I learned Spanish, French and German. So if you count speaking another language fluently as an art, there's another one I'm big on.

I have no life. My idea of socializing is staying at home every weekend with my cat, Buyo, and watching some random movie that I picked up from Blockbuster. I have friends, but they have real lives so I don't interfere with them.

As for my relationship and sex life, don't get me started.

In all honesty, my job isn't so bad. It's good pay and a lot of the patients I work with are really nice. A bulimic woman that I work with is always talking to me about life and whether and casual stuff. She was actually the first person here to ask me how my relationship life was going. I told her I didn't like to talk about it and she let it go. She's probably the most understanding person I ever talked to Besides my best friend, Sango.

Another one of my nice patients was named Paco. He was Spanish, of course and only spoke a teeny bit of English. I was trying to teach him more, so he enjoyed our little sessions. I taught him how to say phrases like "how are you" and "good morning." There were actually a lot of Spanish patients.

I enjoy helping people. I'd probably do it for free but i still look onto my dream career as an artist or musician. I'm a simple person so I live a simple life. I'm 22, a non-smoke and an extreme neat-freak. I moved out of Sango's apartment 2 weeks ago because her perverted boyfriend was moving in and I didn't wanna hear them fucking every night. I tried to convince her that Miroku is a sex addict but then again, she was too.

I've had this job for eight months now. I started as a secretary, buzzing in visitors. I was in medical school during my first 2 months and graduated so I became a nurse.

Of course there are downsides to my job. The lights in the hallways constantly buzz and flicker dim and it bothers my eyes. Sometimes my patitents get out of hand and I get slapped or punched. Then I'd have to hold them down while they get a shot. The uniforms are white -not such a good combination with black lingerie- and tight. The skirts were really short, so I asked my boss if I could wear white sweatpants instead, and of course he let me. He was in love with me for crying out loud.

Hojo was a nice guy, almost too nice. He was pretty good-looking too. He was tall, tan and had amazing swirly brown hair. I've never met a Japanese person with natural blue eyes but Hojo always surprised me. I guess you could say I was crushing on him, nothing too serious.

I was working late, this Thursday night. I was so busy today with all this other crap that I probably only get literally one minute with him. I was going to see Paco and hang out with him. I socialize more with My patients than I do with people outside the building. Most of them like me but the dangerous ones, Hojo doesn't trust me with them. He says I'm skinny and fragile and he doesn't want me to get hurt. As if I hadn't been slapped by patients enough.

On my way to Paco's room, I stopped at the ladies' room. When I flushed and washed my hands, the pipes clattered loudly. Another flaw this 67-year-old building had. I opened Paco's door and smiled when I saw him sitting on the bed, chewing on the carrot sticks he was given as a snack.

He looked at me and grinned. "Hola Kagome."

I shut the door behind me, "Que sucede?" (1)

He shrugged. "He estado esperandote por casi una hora. aunque casi pense que no ibas a aparecer." (2)

I grimaced. I knew it would be like that. "Lo siento pero tenia cosas que hacer. he estado ocupada todo el dia." (3)

His face suddenly perked up. "¿Puedes enseñarme mas ingles?" (4)

I laughed. He was always up for it. "Bien. que quieres saber?" (5)

He tapped his foot on the floor and thought for a moment. "Como se dice te amo?'" (6)

I laughed again. "I love you. "Porque. ¿a quien estas viendo?" (7)

He shrugged. "A nadie. simplemente me gusta ser cariñoso." (8) he looked around for a moment. "I love you." he said quietly. I laughed.

"I love you too." I said and winked. He laughed. then the intercom buzzed:

"Kagome Higurashi to the main office."

I groaned, recognizing Eri's voice and stood up. Paco's brow arched. "¿Que pasa?" (9)

I turned to look at him sadly. "Me tengo que ir a la oficina principal. No creo que regrese. Te ere mañana." (10)

"Paz." (11) he said softly. "I love you." he chuckled. I laughed quietly before leaving the room. What'd I tell you? That wasn't even a minute.

The doors were locked from the inside so the patients couldn't escape. I always thought it was pretty harsh. At least they had a bathroom in their rooms. I walked to the main office and sighed when I saw Hojo. He smiled when he saw me and I noticed he had the phone off the hook.

"Kagome, your mother is on the phone. She'd like to speak to you." he said politely as he handed me the phone. The only phone in this building that I was allowed to use. The others were for emergencies only.

"Hello?"

"Kagome, how are you dear?" my mother's sweet voice came through the phone like music.

"I'm fine." I said casually. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to let you know that your grandfather is recovering fast like magic." she said matching my tone. I mentally slapped myself for forgetting that he was in the hospital. I always told him he was too old to work in his shrine without help from my 13-year-old brother. The clumsy old man dropped a box on his own leg and broke it.

"I'm guessing your at the shrine." I said glancing at the clock. My shift would me over in 10 more minutes. "Let me talk to him."

There was a pause and some chattering in the back round before my grandfather's voice came through. "Yes, Kagome is it you?" he sounded like he was in a good mood.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I tried to ignore Hojo staring at me with a smile. "I heard you're getting better too."

"Yup." he sounded pleased. "My tibia is healing like magic. I'm trying to put pressure on it the strengthen it."

"That's not such a good idea, Gramps. Just relax. It'll get better." I tried to talk him out of killing himself. Of course, he wouldn't listen to me, even though I flew threw medical school. Yay me for having the most stubborn relatives in the world.

"I'll try." he lied. There was an edge to his voice when he said try.

"No, seriously. Don't try to downplay it. If you're in pain, just relax. Take some painkillers and go to sleep." I tried to sound convincing but he still didn't give in.

"Nonsense!" he said loud enough for Hojo to hear. He looked at me in shock and I rolled my eyes.

"Gramps, I'm serious. I don't want you doing anything with your leg until I can take a look at it. And I don't want you walking on that leg until it's out of the cast, understood?" I started to get impatient with him being stubborn.

Hojo was pressing buttons on the vending machine. I hard something fall into the vent but wasn't paying attention. I really had no patience when I was angry.

"Fine." my grandfather finally muttered. I beamed.

"Thanks. I gotta go. I'll visit you guys tomorrow after work, okay? Tell Souta I said hi." and I hung up before he could give me more smack. I turned around and Hojo was staring off into space, nibbling on a granola bar. He looked at me and smiled again.

"Why don't you leave now, Kagome. Your shift is just about over." he said. I smiled.

"Thanks." I walk over to the coat rack to get my sweater (it was summer so I didn't need a coat) and searched my purse for my keys when i felt a warm hand on my shoulder.

I turned around and found Hojo with the strangest expression on his face. "What's the matter, Hojo?"

He smiled. "Nothing really. What are you doing tomorrow night. I know you're usually alone on Fridays but I wanted to know if you'd wanna catch a movie or something?"

I smiled politely and nodded. "Sure. I could use some real social time with another person instead of Buyo." he laughed and my smile widened.

"How about six-thirty? I mean... you do get off at 4 tomorrow. Would that be enought time for you to get ready?"

I nodded. "Sure. I'll see you tomorrow."

He smiled. "Bye."

I left the building and ran to the parking lot. Lucky me, it was raining and I had to drive a motorcycle home. My helmet was wet on the inside so I just stuck it on the back of my seat and rode home. I at least had some glasses that I could wear to keep the rain out of my face but i still looked forward to a hot shower when I got home. I parked my motorcycle in the garage and stepped into my house from there.

My house was pretty huge for someone who lived by them self. It had 2 stories plus an attic. When you first walked in my house there was the foyer, where my coat rack and big-ass, curly white staircase was. The railing was fine wood painted a tanish color to match the rest of the house. To the left of the staircase there was a wide door frame that led to my sitting room (or living room) where my TV and stereo and and white leather couches were.

I had another small room behind the living room where my piano and other instruments were. There was also a pool table in there for some reason. To the right of my staircase was the kitchen, which is the biggest room in the house. The were 4 bar stools to the left when you first walked in. That was in front of the window that you'd look through and see my living room. There was also a table with 4 chairs. Then there was my oven and island in the center where there were drawers for my utensils.

The counters were granite, very expensive. And my stove didn't have burners, just little circles that heated up. And there was a shower-less bathroom by the back door, which slides open. If you entered the house through the garage, you'd end up in the kitchen.

The upstairs was also massive. There were 3 bedrooms, a bathroom in the hallway and one in my room. One was the master bedroom, my bedroom, obviously and one was my office. Compute, desk, chair, fax machine and printer... blah blah blah. The last room was a guest bedroom for whenever my little brother wanted to sleep over. There were TVs in each bedroom and my bathroom. I couldn't fall asleep unless the TV was on.

The attic stair were pull-down. I hated that but I never really went up there anyway. My back yard was huge as well. When you stepped out the back door, you were on a huge dock. Step off the dock, you're in my underground pool. Two to eleven feet. But that was covered up until I'd have company again.

I guess you can say my house is one of the reasons I never go anywhere. I'm always cleaning it because I'm in love with its tan walls and pale white floors. And no, I'm not rich... my family just has a shit-load of money.

I stepped inside to hang up my sweater (now soaked) and placed my keys on the stool right next to the entrance. I kicked off my shoes and walked -or ran- up the stair with them. I didn't wanna soak my white floors. My bed room was dark but I felt my way up the wall to the light switch and darted into the bathroom.

My floor wasn't wet, thank goodness.

I ripped off my clothes and hopped in the shower, letting the hot water on full blast wash my troubles away. I tried to relax, thinking about my date with Hojo but it was overwhelming. I panicked anyway. I haven't been on a date in at least a months so I'm not and expert on men. I should know what to do, though. Look nice and talk about things that interest you, see how much we have in common.

I smiled at the comforting thought then my eyes went wide as I remembered how unbelievebly boring I am as a person. Who's want someone so stuck-up and blan like me?

Then again, Hojo already understands how I am. He was kind of the sam way. I didn't pay much attention to the TV as I wondered if Hojo would want to spend any holidays with me...

Hey, this is one of the stories that I really wanted to post. I hope you like it and don't leave me any bullshit comments. Can you guys do me a huge favor? Read the last review to my story, The Tutor, and tell me it's untrue. That is by for the most ignorant comment I've ever gotten on my stories. I just wanna ram a pair of scissors into that chick's eye sockets.

Seriously. Read it.

It's so fucked up I almost broke my computer cause I was so angry. If I ever get a comment like that again, I'm deleting that story. My heart is still beating fast from the anger I'm feeling. And please leave more reviews so I can't see that comment any more. Of course, I messaged her back and cursed her out. I even left ignorant reviews for her stories. I know It's stupid and childish but I'm not good at controlling my anger at all. So please do me that favor before I totally lose it? Thanks if you do and I hope you enjoy this story.

-Lexy4KagInu

Spanish Translations: (Let me know if they're not clear to you and I'll send you better ones.)

1- What's up?

2- I've been waiting for you for almost an hour. I almost thought you weren't gonna show up.

3- Sorry but I had things to do. I've been busy all day today.

4- Can you teach me some more English?

5- Okay. What do you wanna know?

6- How do you say 'I love you?'

7- Why? Who are you seeing?

8- No one. I just like to be affectionate.

9- What is it?

10- I have to go to the main office. I don't think I'll be back. I'll see you tomorrow.

11- Peace.