Disclaimer – Rawr

Authors Note – I didn't want to test my luck and try all three chapters last night, plus it was already almost one am, so here I am a new day and a new chapter!

Authors Note 2.0 – I EDITED THE VERY END OF THIS CHAPTER TO MAKE IT MORE REALISTIC

Chapter Three – Final Farewells & First Meetings

ooo

Kagome looked over herself over in the mirror of Souta's room, which was where she was officially bedding down at night. It had already been a week since her first encounter with the attorney and the doctors had released her. There was a thin bandage across part of her forehead, but she knew that the wound under it was all but gone now. The one on her side still ached, but it was almost completely closed up, the stitches would dissolve on their own and a thin pink scar would be her only reminder of it. She had showered in Souta's room early that morning and was standing there – just staring at her reflection. She was still as stone. Finally she sighed and hung her head; she had been trying to see her mother's kind eyes in her own, or her father's strong cheek bones. She could see neither. All she saw was a sad and angry teenager.

As she brushed her hair and teeth, she recalled the conversation she had with Mr. Young just a few days prior. She had been sitting alone in her room, having just come back from Souta's room, and was listening to some music to relax. Relaxation was hard to come by these days…

"Miss Higurashi?" He had said, once she called for him to come in. Her eyes were closed, her hands folded across her stomach – she didn't have to look at him to converse with him did she? Sure it might be considered rude, but she really didn't care all that much. Her family was lost to her; she was allowed to be a bit rude. She frowned as she imagined what her mother would say to that "Kagome Higurashi, your father and I raised you better than this! You sit up and greet your guest now young lady!" So, Kagome had sat up and crossed her legs, smiling softly at him, brushing a lock of her dark black hair from her face as she spoke "Hello again Mr. Young." She said her words softly.

He looked nervous, like always, and said "Were you sleeping? I can come back…" He kept his hand on the door.

Kagome just shook her head and said "Oh no, just relaxing. Please, come in and have a seat. I'm sure we have a lot to discuss?"

Adjusting his tie he sat down in a chair beside her bed and sighed "So, I have spoken to Mr. Takashi, and he would like it if you and your brother came – he doesn't think it would be best for you to be alone right now," Kagome frowned and was about to object when he said "He has already arranged for your brother to be admitted to a very good hospital near his home. And he has also offered to pay for the funeral of your parents."

Kagome winced, she hadn't even thought about her parents and their funeral yet…she had been so focused on her brother and on taking care of him. She instantly felt like a bad daughter. A pang hit her heart and she sighed "That is very gracious of him; he sounds like a good man." She knew her parents wouldn't send her to live with a jerk or even a nice man who didn't have the means to support her and Souta.

Mr. Young nodded his head "He sounded like it when we spoke on the phone, have you thought about the funeral? Mr. Takashi has wired you plenty of money to get everything taken care of."

Kagome smiled "When I'm released from the hospital, I'll plan it for them…when, when does he want us?"

Smiling, Mr. Young stood up and said "Well, as soon as the funeral is over. He would like you to have some time to settle into your new home before you have to start school."

Kagome bit her lip, God…school? She had just been in school less than a week ago. Had so little time really passed? Since her life was destroyed. She took a sharp breath, closing her eyes. Once she had fought back all of the tears she smiled at the man "Thank you Mr. Young, you have done my family a great service here. I will make sure you are well compensated for all of it."

The attorney blushed, waving his hand "Mr. Takashi has paid all of my fees and then some, besides…I am not doing this for the money miss. Your parents were good people; I owe them this at least."

Kagome felt her eyes burn and nodded her head, unable to form words. Seeing her emotional state the man said "Get some rest, once you are released I will help you with the funeral preparations and then we will get you and your brother to your new home. You'll like it there, I've been once. It was pretty." He nodded to her and left the room, shutting the door softly behind him.

When she was alone Kagome rolled onto her side, with her back to the door and stared at the white wall before her, fighting tears the whole time.

That was a little over a week ago, and now she was no longer a patient of the hospital – merely a guest. The doctors knew all about her current situation and had been much more lenient about her staying in her brother's room for the last few days he was there. She looked over her shoulder at her brother's still form, oh how she wished he would move. Roll onto his side, mumble under his breath. She wished he was just napping, just resting his body – but no, she knew that wasn't it and wishing wouldn't help her brother. It was the day of the funeral, and although the idea of leaving her brother's side for any period of time scared her – she knew she had to go.

She was dressed in a pair of black slacks and a black button-up blouse that had long sleeves. Her black hair was brushed and dried, falling in its natural waves across her shoulders to the small of her back. She used simple make-up, never being one to over use the stuff. Walking back into the bedroom she smiled at Souta and sat beside him. Checking her watch she saw that she had a few minutes before Ayumi and her parents came to get her "Wanna see if we can finish the chapter?" She said, picking up their novel that was just about finished.

She sat down and flipped the book open and began to read. She used accents and changed her tones depending on who was speaking – the way her father used to read to her when she was little. She smiled and closed the book at the end of the chapter "The book is getting close to the end ya know Souta, if you wake up…we can go to the mall and I'll buy you a new one?" Her voice was soft, hopeful. The only sound in the room was the movement of the machines…the ones keeping her brother's heart beating. The ones that were indirectly keeping Kagome's heart beating as well.

ooo

The funeral was beautiful and not cheesy either. Kagome had made sure of that, she had been left directions in the will about what they basically wanted. Kagome was beyond glad for the help, because it wasn't something she ever talked about her parents with. What if they had wanted to be cremated? Or buried in the same coffin? She looked at her copy of the will often, re-reading their wishes, fighting tears as she looked over her mother's elegant script and her father's more clumsy hand-writing.

Sighing as she walked from the small Church near her home, it was the one her parents had been married in all those years ago. It was only natural that their place of final resting was to be there as well. That was what the will had said anyways. Ayame came up beside her and touched her shoulder saying "Wanna walk and get some food before you go back to the hospital, you've hardly left there at all…" She knew why her friend was always there, if Souta woke up Kagome would want to see him "You're gonna be leaving in a few days, I wanted to hang out a bit. Like old times?"

Eri and Yuka had walked up on either side of the pair and smiled "Yea!" Eri shouted

"Come on, it'll be fun. We won't keep you long." Yuka promised.

Kagome bit her lip in thought, they were right. Her flight had already been booked – courtesy of this mysterious Mr. Takashi – and so she was due to be leaving in three days' time. Sighing she smiled a sad, wobbly smile and nodded her head "You know what? I think that sounds like a blast. Let's go to Samara's – my treat."

The girl's eyes were all equally wide when Kagome mentioned the name of her restaurant choice – Samara's was one of the nicer places in Tokyo. Ayame fidgeted "K-kagome, I don't know…"

Kagome laughed and widened her eyes innocently "Please guys? My parents would haunt me if I didn't treat you to some real food before I left."

Eri and Yuka met glances before the latter of the two shrugged her petit shoulders "Well, I guess we are all dressed rather nicely."

Ayame laughed out loud "True, why not? Let's get going." Eri had driven herself to the funeral, so they all piled into her car. While they were driving Kagome, who had taken the front passenger seat like normal, turned on the radio and began to bob her head to the music – the girls all sang along like dorks and laughed at themselves and at each other. It was just like old times, and they all knew that was why they tried so hard for the normalcy that they lived and breathed for. Because they knew soon enough nothing would ever be the same, for any of them.

"There's some parking right there," Ayame said, leaning around Eri's seat and pointing at the now-vacant spot, the small sporting vehicle having just pulled away from it "We scored, good timing I suppose." Eri slipped her yellow and green little Honda into the space and turned the engine off – the ensuing silence was oddly chilling after the poppy high-pitched voice of the singer on the radio moments before.

Kagome was the first to break the silence by unbuckling her seat-belt – which she wore religiously now – and saying "I think this is going to be so good." She opened her door and was followed by her friends.

Yuka giggled much like a young school girl "The only problem will be deciding what to get!" She said happily as they walked up the sidewalk to the front doors. When Ayame put her hand on the door they all wiped the goofy smiles from their faces and squared their shoulders. Walking in, trying to appear much older than 16, Eri felt the corner of her mouth twitch at the suppressed smiles.

Kagome lead them to the host podium and when the man looked them over, he arched an eyebrow at them and said "Table for 4…?"

Kagome smiled politely "Yes please." He picked up the menus and motioned them to follow, while her friends ogled at the décor of the place Kagome simply kept her eyes on the back of the host. When he held a hand out to the table and started to set the menus down each of the girls took to one of the black wrought-iron chairs. Kagome ran her fingers across the thick white tablecloth and smiled, it felt like the one her mother used during the holidays.

"Any drinks to start you with?" He asked once the women were situated, he had a polite smile on his face but Kagome sighed – all he saw them as were young children who shouldn't be there.

'Kill 'em with kindness.' Her mother's voice ran in her mind, a pang of sadness almost choking her. She took a deep breath and thought about how her mother would act right now, so she looked up and said "I'll have a Sprite please, oh and water for the table." Her friends looked surprised at her; the girl with the shortest temper was being polite? They took cues from her and each ordered a drink just as nicely.

When the man walked off Eri frowned "He was so rude!" She said lowly so the other lunch patrons couldn't hear her.

Kagome shrugged "Hey, it is his own tip he is messing with. I usually tip the host as well as the waiter, but he gets nothing." She grumbled and then looked at the menu, the prices were staggering but she didn't care for once. Tapping her chin she said "You guys want some mussels for an appetizer?"

Ayame nodded "Oh, totally. Those are tasty." She grinned "Here, I bet they will be even better!" Kagome laughed lightly at her friend's enthusiasm over the sea-food.

Yuka looked worried "Mussels? Sea-food?" She made a face and Eri patted her on the shoulder

"I don't like sea-food either, but I had some at my uncle's wedding and they are really good! Try something new, this will be our last time out with Kags here – so come on. Live a little!"

Looking into the faces of her smiling friends, Yuka nodded her head "Alright, something new sounds fun." Just then, the host walked up with their drinks and settled them down onto the table-top.

"Your waiter will be right along ok?" His voice was curt still, despite the obvious maturity of the young women.

Kagome nodded her head "Thank you very much." She didn't even look at the man; instead she took the drink in front of her and sipped on the straw. Her friends copied her nonchalant motions, each fighting a grin.

When he walked away, Kagome gave off a lopsided grin "Too easy. He was already fidgeting. He so knows he pegged us wrong."

Eri giggled softly and just then another man, about the same age as the host had been, walked up and said "Are you ladies ready to order?"

He smiled, but it wasn't a condescending smile. He seemed much friendlier than their host had been and Kagome sighed in relief and she said "We would like the mussels as an appetizer, are you guys ready to order?"

Each girl glanced at the menu, making both Kagome and the waiter smile before they all said that they were ready. Once all the orders were placed, the waiter collected the menus and walked off, leaving the young women to their thoughts and conversation.

Eri sipped her water absently and then asked "So, you've never met the guy you are supposed to be living with?" She asked, causing all eyes to turn towards Kagome who stirred her Sprite without looking up.

She slumped her shoulders and then said "Well, his name is Inutashio Takashi, him and my father were business partners but my father cashed out and sold most of his shares to Inutashio so he could focus on my mother and I. Inutashio's wife died just a year later, so InuTashio and his two sons moved to America. His oldest son, Sesshomaru I think his name is, doesn't live with him anymore – he's in his late twenties now. He was like 10 or 11 when they moved to America, the younger one, Inuyasha, who is 17 was just a baby."

The girls exchanged looks causing Kagome to frown "What?" The looks they shared were not new to Kagome, she knew them well and felt like she would be better to not know what they were all thinking 'I swear, these girls have the same brain.' She thought as Ayame cleared her throat.

"Does this, Inuyasha was it? Yes, well is he still living at home? Your soon-to-be home?"

Kagome narrowed her eyes, seeing where this one was going and crossed her arms over her chest, as she opened her mouth to comment on the train of thought of her friends the waiter returned with their appetizer and smiled before walking away. Kagome glared at the mussel as she opened the shell fully and slipped the meat out. Once she had eaten one or two she sighed and leaned back in her chair and said, much calmer "Yea, Inuyasha still lives with his dad. It was his mom who died – he and his older brother are only half-brothers is what my attorney said." She had started referring to Mr. Young as "her attorney" since she had met the man.

Eri giggled "I wonder if he is cute." She said the words that all the others were thinking, making Kagome roll her eyes and decide to not even comment on it. Instead she sipped her drink, and ate a few mussels as she listened to her friends' debate over what he would look like.

"Wait." Ayame said, holding her finger up "He and his father share the name 'Inu' right?"

Kagome nodded her head "Yea? So?"

Ayame gave her friend a dead-panned look "Seriously? Gah, Inu means dog. As in…demon!" She kept her voice low "What if your father left you in the care of demons!"

Kagome's eyes widened, she had met her share of demons and half demons but wasn't really friends with any. Some were the stereotypical cruel, sadistic demons from stories – but so were plenty of humans. Others were just like every day people, just a bit stronger. She chewed on her finger nail and thought about it. Had Mr. Young mentioned that? She couldn't recall it.

Shaking her head she said "Who kn-" She paused "Wait. Inutashio's second wife, I remember being told she was human. So even if Inutashio is a demon, Inuyasha would only be half." Her friend's eyes widened as if they were figuring out some great mystery. Sighing, Kagome took a long drink of her icy water, the glass cold and wet against her skin. They all sat there in silence, each thinking of something different.

The thick silence was broken apart by the waiter returning with a tray of steaming plates "Here you ladies go!" He said happily, setting the plates in front of each of them.

Kagome smiled and took a deep breath, the heavenly scents wafting up into her nose. The waiter chuckled and asked "Is there anything else I can get you ladies?" When they said that they were fine, he nodded and walked off leaving the girls alone again.

"I'm glad you picked this place Kagome," Yuka said around a mouthful of food "It is so good."

Kagome grinned "Yea, I know. I love it."

The girls ate their lunch happily; constant conversation punctuated only when they were chewing or when their waiter came by to check on them. They were only there for about an hour, but to Kagome it felt like much longer. She loved the time out with her friends, but a nagging in the back of her mind made her feel guilty about being away from her brother all morning. When they were finally done with their food, and their conversations were winding down Kagome toyed with her bank card, waiting for the bill she had requested.

Paying for the food, she left the waiter a very generous tip. Standing she sucked the rest of her Sprite down and then set the glass back on the table, her friends stood with her. Ayame stretched for a moment before saying "So, back to the hospital?" Kagome nodded her head and the four of them went out to the Honda that they had arrived in.

ooo

Kagome wasn't going to be able to fly with her brother, due to his intense medical condition he had to be flown to American on a special helicopter. Kagome was panicking as she watched them load him, she knew he would beat her to their new country, and the thought of him arriving there alone terrified her. What if he woke up? Alone and in a new country? Her brother's lead doctor put a hand on her shoulder as the helicopter lifted off the ground and said "Don't worry Kagome he is going to be just fine. Trust me ok?"

Kagome nodded her head and moved back away from the landing pad as the whirring of the helicopter blades faded into the distance. She had to be at the International airport in just a few hours, so she returned to her brother's former room to grab her bag that was already packed. All of her and her brother's things had already been shipped over to America, and were waiting for her. All she had was her one small backpack that had a few things she would need until she could unpack; a few changes of clothes, her bathroom things. Stuff like that. Next to the backpack was a small silver case, inside it was her violin – an instrument she adored playing. She had actually started playing it for her brother once their book was finished.

Her friends had shown up to drive her to the airport, but this time their car ride was a silent one. The radio was on low, a soft background noise to keep them all from going crazy in the silence. Luckily the airport was close to the hospital so the drive wasn't very long either. As Eri parked in the parking garage, Kagome quickly climbed out of the car. She felt the tell-tale burn of tears hit her eyes so she slipped her sunglasses on, smiling at her friends. It was a windy autumn afternoon; she smiled into the breeze as they exited the garage and crossed a bridge that went over the loading and unloading section of the airport.

Entering the building caused Kagome to remove her sunglasses. She heaved her bag higher onto her shoulder and walked right past the ticket stands, her ticket was tucking inside her pocket. When she reached the security gates she turned to her friends and smiled "Isn't it weird, I'm going to be going backwards in time. California is 17 hours behind us." Ayame grinned, Yuka wiped her eyes and Eri sighed half-heartedly.

Kagome pulled the girls into a hug and took a deep, shaky breath "I love you guys." She said softly as she felt the hug being returned "I'll miss you guys, a lot. I'll text you guys when I get there – because this whole time change is going to really mess with me."

Eri laughed and said "Yea, after an 11 hour flight, plus the 17 hour difference…I pity you!"

Kagome stepped away from the hug "Well figure out a way to see each other ok? The second Souta wakes up, him and I will come home. I won't be staying there any longer than I have to."

Her friends nodded, each knowing Kagome would keep her word. Especially with something like this. Sighing, Kagome pulled her phone from her pocket and looked at the time "Well, guys. I gotta go." She smiled at her friends and they all hugged one another again before Kagome turned and walked through the security check with ease, she had flown a few times so it wasn't new to her or anything. She looked back as she stepped through the metal detector and her friends were waving at her.

Yuka was jumping up and down excitedly and they called "Bye Kagome! Be safe, we love you!" She laughed, a tear falling from her eye and waved back.

She passed the detector and the security agent was looking at her, she ducked her head "Sorry." She mumbled and stepped back into her shoes.

The large man smiled "It's alright." He said "Have a nice flight." Kagome gathered her belongings and went off to find her gate.

It was a long flight, but Kagome was blessed – her new guardian had sprung for 1st class. She shuddered thinking about how much this all was costing him. Because she wasn't in coach, the food they served her wasn't all that bad, and the seats were more spacious and comfortable. She leaned back into her large seat, feeling the soft cushions that supported her back and slipped her ear-buds into her ears. She yawned, having had been up watching Souta all night, and then up early to prepare everything for the busy day.

She slept off and on during the flight, waking when dinner was served and a few other times. She would stare out her window as the afternoon light faded and it got dark, turning her light on she read a book she had brought with her and sighed, thinking about her brother most of the time. She nodded off a final time, and was surprised that when she awoke as they were preparing to land it was 10 in the morning, the day before. She felt vertigo hit her and shook her head. "Whoa…"

She gripped the armrests as the plane landed with a thud and as it was taxying to the airport she collected her iPod and book. Unhooking her seat belt she pulled her bag out from under her seat and held it on her lap as the plane rolled to a stop. When all of the other passengers around her stood and started to collect their gear and leave the plane Kagome shoved one ear bud into her ear, listening to a techno violin beat that she was quite fond of. When a space opened up she stood and got her violin out of the overhead compartment and then walked through the small cluster of people off the plane.

She hesitated in the tunnel that connected the plane to the gate and bit on her lip, a bad habit of hers. What was she expecting, some fierce looking demon holding a sign that said 'Kagome'? No. She had spent half the flight thinking about the man she would be living with, not to mention his son. Apparently her mother and father had sent him pictures of herself and Souta when they included him into their will. So, he would be able to spot her, but he would be a mystery.

Shaking her head she rejoined the people entering the airport, it was just as loud as the one had been in Tokyo. She was relieved that her parents had made both her and Souta learn fluent English from a young age, transferring wouldn't be that hard now. She of course would have a slight accent, but it wouldn't be too bad.

Once Kagome was past the gate she glanced around, seeing families hugging one another in greeting and stern business men walking briskly. She stopped where she was and turned in a full circle slowly, worry showing in the creases that appeared on her forehead. Had they forgotten? Her plane had been on time right? Yes, she recalled the pilot saying as much. Biting her lip she shifted her two items and suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder and spun around.

Standing before her was a man who towered at least a foot over her. She wasn't tall, maybe 5'4. This man looked to be a good 6'6. Kagome's dark chocolate eyes widened and she stepped back a bit so she could see him better. He was thin, but muscle was rippling under his arms and across his chest. He had snow-white hair that fell all the way down to his knees. It was tied back into a pony-tail at the moment. His skin was a darkened ivory, he was obviously outside often enough to have gotten such a tan. He had a blue crescent moon on his forehead and mauve stripes edging his cheekbones on either side of his face. His eyes though, they were a light golden color. A metallic marvel. They looked molten though, not hard and scary…but soft.

He smiled when she stepped back "Kagome, right?"

The girl just stared up at him, and nodded dumbly before she found her voice and said softly "Y-yes, that's me. Is, has my brother arrived yet?"

Inutashio smiled softly "Yes, he arrived a few hours ago. He has been set up at the hospital. Would you like to go see him?"

Kagome nodded her head rapidly "Please. I would like to make sure he is comfortable." The knowledge that her brother had arrived safely took a huge weight of her shoulders, a weight Kagome herself didn't even know she was carrying.

Inutashio smiled at her "I'm sorry if I scared you, I often forget humans cannot sense my approach as easily." He ran a hand across the top of his head, smoothing an already smooth hair-style. He always had a soft smile on his lips, and Kagome felt secure and safe. Her parents had chosen well. "Would you like to stop by the house and drop your things off? The house is on the way to the hospital, so it won't take but a moment. And you can collect anything else of your brother's you think he'll need." Kagome felt tears touch her eyes, he knew exactly what she would want to do. She was worried that he would find it silly of her to decorate his room with things from home – but he didn't.

She realized she was being rude and held her hand out "I don't know how to thank you Mr. Takashi, for everything." She knew it sounded lame, but how else to explain all of the things he was doing now, and was going to do for her and her brother?

His smile was again the warm smile of a father and he took her small hand in his and shook it "Kagome, your father was a dear friend of mine. I'm very sorry I wasn't able to make it to the funeral. I just wanted to be able to stay here and get everything ready for you and your brother."

Kagome felt knots in her stomach, suddenly missing her parents more now than ever. She wouldn't even be able to go and visit their graves, though her friends had promised to keep them well stocked with flowers in her absence. She shook her head "Think nothing of it." Her voice was soft now and looking around she suddenly noticed a young man standing behind Inutashio.

As if suddenly remembering the boy behind him, Inutashio stepped aside and said "Kagome? May I introduce my son, Inuyasha?" Kagome looked at the boy who had to be about 6 feet tall, his skin a darker shade than his father's. And where his father had white hair, Inuyasha had silver hair. It fell to about his waist and the best part was that nestled into the top of his hair, were a pair of matching silvery dog ears that twitched to and fro at the noises of the airport. His eyes too, were similar to his fathers but they were a harder color…almost as if the molten gold in them had started to solidify.

Kagome smiled at him, being just as shy as she had been with his father and said "Hi, it is nice to meet you Inuyasha." He nodded his head at her absently, not really smiling or looking at her – he was looking around. His eyes finally landed on her and she looked up at him through her eyelashes. His eyes widened a fraction of an amount and he cleared his throat. Kagome brushed a long strand of black hair behind her ear and smiled shyly, not really knowing what to say.

He was handsome, that much was obvious and her friends had been right about him being a half demon and his father a full. Life would be interesting here to say the least.

Inutashio smiled at the odd and mostly silent exchange between the teens and said "Well, come on then. Let's go home."

Kagome looked up, surprised. Her mind grasping onto that word like a life-raft 'Home…?'

ooo

Are you people happy with 5300 words? I figured you all deserved it! Reviews people or no next chapter! Lots of love!

And yes, I did edit the whole "Kagome meeting Inutashio and Inuyasha scene" its better I think, what about you?

-PEACE OUT!