Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, but this story belongs to me.
Chapter Four: At First Glance
Kagome nervously stepped off of the plane. This is really happening. She would have thought that finally graduating would have been the highlight of her year, but it was strangely overshadowed by the meeting that was about to take place.
As soon as she stepped into the lobby of the airport she headed for the bathroom. Flying across the ocean hadn't exactly done wonders for her hair… or smell for that matter. Quickly she rubbed a damp cloth over her arms and legs, glad she was wearing a sundress. Satisfied with her impromptu bath (her mother calls them spit baths), she turned her attention to her reflection. Ug. After digging through her purse she thanked the stars above that she found her perfume, lip gloss, and a comb.
Five minutes later she came out of the ladies room feeling much better and ALMOST ready to face her friends. Nervous butterflies had her racing back to the bathroom to empty her stomach of airline food.
Ten minutes later she came out of the ladies room feeling… well, a little icky, but not quite so nervous.
On her way to retrieve her luggage she spotted a small group of people standing awkwardly together. She recognized the two males facing her direction, Miroku and the red haired Shippo. The other two boys she assumed were Inuyasha and Koga. She couldn't stop the grin spreading across her face. Her eyes met with the young woman's who was with them. It HAD to be Sango.
Kagome put her finger to her lips, suddenly feeling giddy and playful. She sent Sango a wink and strolled casually around the corner. She could overhear part of the conversation.
"Well, now we know that Sango is a girl. Anyone want to take bets on if Kagome is?"
"Of course she is!"
"I don't know about that…." Kagome smirked, that one came from Sango. She would bet that the first voice was Miroku, it sounded like something he would say. "Anyone can create a whole new personality online after all. Kagome's favorite movies are all action flicks, gets detention for punching guys, likes skateboarding, and couldn't boil a pot of water! Does that sound like a girl to you?"
"Punching a guy? She didn't tell me about that!"
"She told us about detention." That voice was younger than the rest, it must be Shippo.
"Yeah, but not about why. How did you find out Sango?"
Kagome tried not to giggle. After taking a deep breath she tried to make her voice as low and masculine as she possible could. "Hey guys! You're all here."
She heard a few curses, a feminine giggle, and one loud wailing sound. Then she stepped from behind her hiding place, smiled at them, and waved.
"Gotcha!"
That was the last word she said before she got the breath knocked out of her. Sango had her in a bone-crushing hug.
"Air… need… air…"
"Whoops!" Sango let her loose, only to be glomped on by the younger redhead.
One of the other young men, either Inuyasha or Koga, moved to hug Kagome as well, only to be blocked by the other. Miroku took the opportunity to give her a hug of his own.
"Welcome Kagome! I am Miroku. It is so good to finally meet you in person. You are as lovely as I pictured." He wrapped his arms around her for a hug.
"Nice to meet you too…. Uh… Miroku?"
"Hmmm…?"
"Is that your hand?"
Before Kagome had a chance to slap the man with the wandering hand he fell to the ground twin lumps on his head. Sango and one of the handsome young men were behind him glaring daggers.
"I warned you not to touch her, you pervert!"
Kagome smiled.
"Inuyasha?"
His frown disappeared as he gave her a smile. "Nice to finally meet you."
Kagome launched herself at her friend and gave him a hug with a squeal. It was difficult restraining herself from planting a kiss on his cheek. After he got over his shock, he hugged her back.
Once Inuyasha let her go she was turned to face the young man left. Koga. He grabbed her hands and held them to his chest.
"Kagome! You are even more beautiful than I imagined. I have longed for this day."
"Uh… thanks, Koga. It's nice to meet you, too."
"Well," Sango clapped her hands together, "I've been in this airport for hours now. How about we get your luggage and find our ride?"
It didn't take long to get the luggage. It did take a little bit more time finding their ride. Of course, the fact that they were having too much fun exploring and talking had little to do with their lack of success.
While Kagome, Shippo, and Sango were in the candy store picking out chocolates, Koga and Inuyasha were fighting over who should lead them out of there, and Miroku was flirting with every pretty girl who walked near him. Before another fist fight broke out, a tall beautiful, yet perturbed looking woman walked up to them.
"Are you the kids for the video game?"
"Yes," said Kagome, who was feeling a bit intimidated by the older woman.
"My name is Kagura. You were supposed to meet me down by the passenger loading area TWO hours ago!"
Kagome apologized and tried to explain, but Kagura wasn't listening. Finally she stopped talking and followed behind meekly as the woman stormed down the walkway. She was surprised when Inuyasha picked up her heaviest bag and secured it to his own.
"Thanks!"
"Keh." He blushed lightly. "I'm hungry!" he yelled to Kagura. "We better be stopping for some food soon!"
