Choices, Choices...: Prologue-Life In Med School

 

 

A/N: Please don't ask what the shipping will be. You may think you have an idea by the end of the chapter, but it may not be what you think ;) . Yes, this is an AU fic, so if you don't like them, bugger off. But I suggest you give AU's a try. You may find that you like them. Thanks in advance to everyone who reviews/comments. I love ALL of my readers! ^_^

 

Also, I had to do a LOT of research for this story. A lot of the names of places, Doctors, classes, etc. are accurate. But there were some aspects that were not only totally confusing, but utterly impossible to follow. THAT is why I am not a med student. So please don't knock any of my names or whatever, `cause it was a lot of hard work. Thanks!

 

P.S. I don't own InuYasha and co. I wish I did, cuz I'd be rich, but I don't… T-T

I DO however, own the characters Nikki, Jason, and Sayuri! ^_^

 

 

 

Choices, choices…

 

 

 

 

 

Kagome Higurashi was happy.

 

Well, not ecstatic; just marginally happy.

 

She wasn't yet living the life that she wanted to, but it was acceptable. In Medical School, her fourth year, she was anxious to be an intern already. But she had a while to go. Popular and smart, Kagome wasn't dreading her first day back like so many other students coming back from taking the summer off.

 

She had always been great at school and ever since her family immigrated from Japan when she was ten, she excelled in the American schools. She had had some English courses while still in Japan, making life easier when they arrived. They had moved many times, starting off in the Japanese communities of New York City, and then settling in California for a while. They tried Texas, then Minnesota. Finally, they moved to Florida when Kagome was 15, and they found the climate to their liking. They bought a house, and Kagome resumed her studies, graduating from High School. Then, she shocked her family by announcing that she was accepted to, and would be attending the University of Miami. Orlando had several good colleges, and they didn't understand her choice, but they grew supportive and helped her move into a co-ed dorm. She loved that she was so near, yet so far from her family. It gave her a sense of freedom, without the homesickness. She had made friends quickly.

 

Kagome had spent the last summer working as a secretary for a nearby legal firm and spent her days off lazing on the beach, mostly with her two best friends. Sayuri shared a common heritage with Kagome, making them fast friends. She was Kagome's sense of reason. And there was Nikki, whom Kagome bonded with over their common interests. This was Kagome's sense of non-reason.

 

Kagome had had many boyfriends over the years, losing her virginity when she was a junior in High School. Her mother and grandfather knew nothing of it. As far as they were concerned, their Kagome was a perfectly angelic, virginal, student. But she shared her secret with her brother Souta, who hadn't been very happy about it, but complied, as he had his own secrets that he didn't want spilled. Now, Kagome was dating the accounting major Houjou, and they have been together for a little over a year.

 

Unfortunately, Kagome knew it wasn't love. Perhaps for him it was, but she always felt like she was simply biding her time until a guy came along that she felt she could spend her life with. Houjou was a great guy, but he was too apologetic, too nice, too soft, too willing, too… But for now, Houjou would do. In fact, they had plans tonight, where they would be celebrating the first day of the school year. She had invited Sayuri and Nikki, and Houjou had invited his longtime friend Jason. She knew it would make for an interesting night, for Nikki and Jason always flirted like crazy, but Sayuri always prevented, to her knowledge, the two of them from getting together. Maybe afterwards we can ditch the guys and go somewhere else, Kagome thought.

 

Leaving her apartment for her first class, Kagome said her goodbyes to her roommate, smiling as the half-asleep Nikki lifted an arm and mumbled something unintelligible from her bed. Hope she makes it to her first class on time, Kagome thought, rolling her eyes and giggling as she closed the front door. Sayuri used to live with them, but moved out a couple of years ago. She claimed that she couldn't deal with their constant partying. Kagome suspected that she just preferred living alone, but kept her thoughts to herself. Kagome and Nikki managed easily. The dorm was paid through the tuition, and whatever expenses they incurred, they paid with whatever money they earned during the summer.

 

Walking through the campus, Kagome waved to several people she knew, stopping to talk to a few of them. She had known the first day or so would be hectic, and left extra early just in case. Continuing, she smiled up at the already hot sun as she made her way around the lake that stood between the medical building and her dorm, finding her Internal Medicine class. She had never met Dr. Rosenberg before, but had heard good things. He had experience in cardiology, which was exactly where Kagome wanted to be. Perhaps a good recommendation could be secured? At some point this year she had to write to Dr. Myerburg. He was in charge of the fellowship program, and a head start on an introduction wouldn't hurt, and neither would a letter of recommendation from a top cardiologist. Kagome found a seat, waving to a few students she recognized from classes they had shared over the years. As Professor Rosenberg started his lecture, Kagome lost herself in a world of Immunology and Molecular Biology.

 

***

 

Kagome had two other classes that followed IM. There was surgery, and Family Medicine-Geriatrics. The first two classes she would have eight weeks of, and the last would be six weeks long. Her next set of classes would be even harder. But she would get through them.

 

Now, it was time to go back to the dorm and get ready for the night out they had planned. She opened the door to an empty apartment, knowing Nikki would not be home for another hour. Her last class ends at 4:45. Locking the door behind her, Kagome slipped out of her clothes and entered her bathroom. Starting the shower, she left to pick out few items to put on when she got out of the shower. Not finding a shirt she liked, Kagome returned to the bathroom, washing quickly so she would have enough time to do her hair. Several minutes later, smelling like coconut and freshly shaved, she emerged from the shower, a towel around her body and another containing her hair. She walked to her bed where she had placed her clothes, but now, the more she stared at them, the less she liked them. She glared, almost hatefully, at the whitewashed jeans and silver strappy sandals. She hadn't minded her choice of bra and thong, but she felt like being a little more girly on the outside as well. She didn't know why this feeling haunted her, she just… had to.

 

***

 

“Hey…” Houjou teased when he came to pick up the girls. “To what do I owe the pleasure of such a beautiful lady?”

 

Kagome giggled, pushing her boyfriend away and shrugging her shoulders. She had already had a similar conversation with Nikki, and didn't feel up to having it again.

 

 

“Wow, you look great so far! Is there another occasion I should be dressing for?” Nikki asked, poking Kagome in the ribs with her elbow. “You finally breaking up with him?”

 

Kagome scowled, walking to her closet to find a top. “No, I'm not. And why would I dress up for that, anyways?”

 

The petite blonde just laughed, and it made Kagome giggle a little.

 

Kagome had decided on a denim miniskirt and mid-thigh high brown boots. They had practically called out to her, but there was no such luck with a top.

 

“Hey, ya know,” Nikki called from her own bedroom, “I've got the perfect top for that outfit…”

 

Her interest piqued, Kagome left her room, entering her friends' room. When Nikki appeared from inside her closet, she had a tight baby pink corset in her hands.

 

“Oh, no… I don't think I could…” she began, shaking her head.

 

“Ah, ah. I don't wanna hear it. You said you wanted a top, now here you go. Go fix your hair, and I'll help you put it on,” Nikki told her, frowning.

 

Kagome sighed as she snatched the hangar from her friend, returning to her bathroom to iron her hair. When she was done, Kagome removed the bra she had been wearing in anticipation of a top that was a little less… showy, and put the corset on, returning to Nikki's room for help with the many hooks and ribbon in the back. When they were finished, Nikki squealed with joy over her, and then jealously researched her own closet for an equally enviable outfit. She hasn't even done her hair or makeup yet, Kagome thought, sighing to herself. Knowing the routine, Kagome took off the boots to do some laundry, waiting for Nikki to finish, or Houjou to arrive. Whichever came first.

 

 

Now, seated at one of the tables in the bar area of a popular sports grill, they all talked of their respective first day, then jumping subjects.

 

“You look great tonight, Kagome,” Jason told the ebony-haired young woman.

 

She thanked him and complimented him on his new haircut. He seemed shy suddenly, and Kagome wondered why, he being such a player and all. Sayuri spoke next.

 

“So, Kagome-chan.” It was endearing to Kagome that her one Japanese girlfriend would use honorifics with her. “Was it Nikki that put you up to dressing like this?”

 

Kagome cringed, but knew it was Sayuri's upbringing that made her this way. Her family had been in America only half as long as Kagome's had, and her family, especially her father, was strict and unrelenting, still honoring their Japanese culture. The Higurashi family, on the other hand, had embraced American lifestyles and had tried to fit in, allowing many things that would have severe consequences in their homeland. So even though her comment would be considered rude by some, Kagome knew it was only Sayuri's way of caring for her.

 

“Well, the corset was her idea, Sayuri-chan,” Kagome said, standing, “but I was already dressed when Nikki came home,” she finished, placing a hand on Sayuri's shoulder and smiling. “I need a drink, I'll be right back.”

 

“The waitress will be back any sec...” Houjou started.

 

“I know, I'm just antsy,” Kagome answered, already walking away.

 

Arriving at the bar, Kagome waited until the bartender came to her before sitting. An attractive redheaded young woman asked what she would like to drink, and Kagome asked for an appletini. The bartender nodded, leaving her to tend to a few other customers before starting Kagome's drink. Kagome watched uninterestingly.

 

“What's your name?” Kagome heard to her right.

 

She whirled in the direction of the deep, scratchy voice and met with a pair of bright blue eyes that danced as they eyed her. Said eyes were attached to a rather attractive tan, chiseled face framed in chocolate brown hair that was brought into a low ponytail, which was further attached to a muscular yet lean and tall body. He had a very predatory-looking grin on his face, but something about him seemed so… sweet.

 

“Sorry, but I don't make a habit of talking to strange guys…” Kagome told him as she began to turn back to the bar.

 

“Even for handsome young guys that hit on you?” he said, grinning.

 

Kagome couldn't help but face him again. “Especially that kind,” she told him, smiling. She couldn't help but think that there was something different - special - about this guy that she shouldn't miss out on, so she allowed the conversation to continue.

 

“I'm Kouga,” he told her, noticing the surprise in her eyes at the Japanese name. “I go to UM. Sixth year.”

 

How did I never notice such a cute guy? she thought as she thought of something to say. She felt at ease with him, but had a fluttering in her stomach she couldn't ignore.

 

“My name's Kagome and I'm in med school at UM. It's my forth year,” she told him.

 

Kouga smiled at his small victory in learning her name. “Where are you from, Kagome?”

 

“My family is from Japan, but we moved here about twelve years ago. They live in Orlando,” she answered.

 

“I'm from Japan, too. Family is still there…” he informed her.

 

They talked for a while about their homeland and the different areas they were from when Kagome felt an arm over her shoulder. Frowning, she turned to see Nikki's angular face hovering over her.

 

“You've got some great company here, Kags,” Nikki said seductively, eyeing the brown-haired, athletic boy, “but don't you think you should get back to your party?”

 

Kagome looked down at the bar, wondering how long her drink had been sitting there in front of her, and reached into her purse, digging for some cash to pay the redhead with.

 

Kouga placed his hand on hers, causing her heart to skip a beat. “Let me take care of this,” he told her, smiling wryly. “See ya around campus.”

 

And he stood, turning to leave. Kagome took her drink in one hand and Nikki grabbed her other.

 

“He was fine, girl. You two were totally crushin' on each other!” Nikki whispered to her.

 

“Yeah, he was pretty cute. But you know how it is. I can't just jump into it,” she told her friend, who nodded understandingly.

 

They sat back down at the table, never noticing Kouga's grin as he listened to their conversation from the entrance of the restaurant. He had known she had been there with another man; he could smell the guy on her. And it wasn't right to ask her out when she was with a group of people. He would wait. Med student, huh? Well, there's no way I'm running into her in class… Kouga slipped out, going back to his dorm room that he lived in alone.

 

The group finished their meal and began to talk about what was next on the agenda.

 

“Hey Nikki, I heard Club Deep is doing something special tonight…” Jason said, arching an eyebrow in the direction of the blonde, causing Sayuri to give them both some rather icy looks.

 

Nikki shook her head. “I'm gonna go home with Kagome. I have the feeling she wants to get some sleep for her early class tomorrow,” she said with a wink that Sayuri missed. “Will you take us home, since Houjou is going the other way?”

 

He agreed, and since Sayuri lived closer to Houjou, she went with him, even though her boyfriend had dropped her off. They went their separate ways, saying their good-byes several times before they actually separated.

 

The two girls got into Jason's Nissan Maxima and enjoyed the ride home, blaring his radio and riding around with the windows down. When they arrived at the dorm, Kagome automatically got out, not looking back and walking towards the steps of the main entrance.

 

“You knew, huh?” Nikki said, an arm hanging out the window.

 

“Oh, come on. The bartender knew. Go on, you two. I'm going to bed,” Kagome told her, turning again towards the steps.

 

Nikki giggled as the black sedan sped away. Kagome readied the key that allowed access to the building, but heard her name, stopping her in her tracks. That's not Houjou; the voice is too deep, she thought, turning towards the voice. She smiled, finding Kouga in sweats running towards her. He had been far, but caught up quickly. Man he's fast, she thought to herself.

 

“Why are you up so late?” she asked, unable to find anything more intelligent to say.

 

“Practice,” he said simply. “I like to run at night. You just coming home?”

 

“Yeah,” she answered. “Practice for what?” she asked curiously.

 

Kouga chuckled, a little embarrassed he hadn't told her first. “Track. I've been an all-star since I started coming here. You do any sports?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “Oh, no. I'm not the athletic type. It's all up here…” she said, tapping at her temple.

 

“Coulda fooled me, with those legs…” Kouga said, obviously eyeing her and stepping a little closer, putting them a few feet apart.

 

Kagome blushed ever so slightly. She was used to compliments, but coming from such a hot guy…

 

“You're not so bad yourself. But I guess that's from all the sports, huh?” she fired back mischievously.

 

She saw a glint in his eye, followed by that grin of his, and the fluttery feeling she felt earlier returned.

 

He stepped even closer, grasping her hands in his. “Listen, Kagome. I like you, and I feel like you're diggin' me too. So what's up?” he asked, a more serious look on his face.

 

Now Kagome was really blushing. But she couldn't deny how she felt. Looking down at their joined hands, she spoke softly. “Yeah, I like you too, Kouga. But, I'm with someone. I mean, I've been wanting to break up with him for a while, now. I just haven't found it in my heart… I'm not the cheating type.”

 

She trailed off, and the corners of Kouga's mouth tugged just a little. She's so loyal… He ran a hand through her hair, and Kagome closed her eyes and almost pouted when she no longer felt his touch. But before she could react, his mouth was next to her ear, and his breath against her flesh made her stomach do somersaults.

 

“I'll wait,” he whispered.

 

Before she could reply, he turned and ran back towards his own home. Kagome was left feeling breathless.

 

***

 

Finally! Kagome thought, picking up her books as she exited the last class for the week. She and Nikki had made plans, but those plans could change more often than the weather forecast in Miami. It had only been a week, but they were tough classes. She hadn't seen or heard much of Houjou, who was busy with his own studies. She was grateful for his absence, but felt awful about thinking of Kouga when she was still with Houjou. But the tall, dark, handsome guy was running through her mind from time to time, excusing her own pun. Kagome laughed, giving herself a break for coming up with a joke. She walked across campus back to her apartment, leaving the door unlocked, knowing Nikki would be back soon. She went through her routine of starting the shower and laying her outfit on the bed. Knowing she would have plenty of time to get ready, she took an extra-long shower, relishing the water massager and mostly using it on her tense neck muscles. Exiting the shower, she reapplied her mascara and was fluffing her hair a little when she looked in the mirror and decided that one of these days, she would grow the balls to cut her hair. Even just a little. I need something new…

 

She looked at the clock on her nightstand, noticing Nikki was late and decided to put on a tee-shirt, in case her roommate wasn't alone. Then she decided this was just as good a time as any…

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hi, mama!”

 

“Kagome! How nice… Everything ok, dear?” Mrs. Higurashi asked.

 

“Yeah, mama. Everything is great. Just wanted to check in with you…” Kagome told her. “I know it's been a while.”

 

“It's okay, dear. I know it must be hard with those classes of yours. How was your first week?”

 

“It was… hard, mama. But it's nothing I can't handle!” she answered cheerfully.

 

They finished their conversation, and Kagome let out a huge sigh of relief as she flipped her cell phone closed. She loved her mother, but as she could be a little over-protective, and Kagome was enjoying the freedom of college life, she didn't always like to share every aspect of her life with her. Kagome had to watch what she said to her, and that was the most un-nerving.

 

Kagome had been sitting on the arm of their flowered sofa when there was a knock at the door. Kagome strutted across the room, cursing under her breath at her roommate. I swear, if she lost her key again… AND I left it unlocked… Kagome practically flung the door open, a faux-angry look on her face prepared for her very blonde friend. But the person in front of her wasn't blonde. In fact, the hair was silverish, if she had to describe it. And instead of her short, female friend, this was a tall, handsome man.

 

A tall, handsome man that was dressed in a very sharp suit, stoic and poised.