DISCLAIMER: I don't own Inuyasha or Naruto

PAIRING: Kagome/Sasuke

SPOILERS: None

SUMMARY: Sasuke was orphaned when his older brother killed his family. Kagome was orphaned when her family was murdered in a bank heist. They both are sent to the same orphanage, albeit different times, and after they meet they are inseparable... until they're adopted. Eight years later, they meet again, will sparks fly or will they simply go on with life without each other?

-CHARACTER AGES-

In the fic

WARNING: Some characters so out of character, it's scary.

SIDE NOTE: None

PAIRING REQUESTED BY: Vampire Kitty

Screams pierced the silent air of the night...

A dial tone rang throughout an apartment...

Cold eyes glared into the darkness...

A young boy with pitch black hair and obsidian eyes stared in horror as his older brother stood over the lifeless bodies of their parents...

The older brother took a step forward, lifting the knife in his hand and ran toward the boy-

A nine-year-old Sasuke shot up in his bed, covered in a cold sweat and tears streaming down his red cheeks. 'I-it was just a dream... just a dream...' he pulled his knees to his chest and began to cry like he did every night...

-Morning at the Orphanage-

One of the sisters of the orphanage, Sister Tsunade, was talking with what looked like a police officer who carried a sleeping little girl in his arms. She looked no older than eight. The officer looked at the little girl with a sad smile as he lightly shook her to wake. The little girl roused and striking blue orbs peeked from their eyelids. She rubbed her eyes in a groggy manner as her midnight bangs drooped in front of her face.

Tsunade smiled at the little girl. "Hello, dear. What is your name?" she asked.

The little girl looked up at the officer who nodded his head in reassurance. "Kagome Higurashi..." she answered in a small voice.

Tsunade smiled sweetly at Kagome as the Officer put her down. "Thank you very much for bringing her to us, officer Bankotsu."

Bankotsu smiled. "I wish I could do more for her, but I'm afraid I can't." He bent down to Kagome's eye level and cupped her cheeks with his hands. "Ok Kagome. This is where we say good-bye, alright?"

Kagome looked a little sad but she nodded and hugged Bankotsu. "-sniffle- Ok..."

Bankotsu rubbed her back comfortingly, before they both parted. He stood and reached into his left shirt pocket. "Here you go." he smiled as he handed Kagome a melon flavored chewy candy.

Kagome smiled brightly as she took the treat. "My favorite!" she smiled. "Thank you Mr. Bankotsu." she proceeded to hug his leg before walking over to Tsunade.

Both Bankotsu and Kagome waved with a smile as he got into his cop car and left.

Kagome kept waving before she slowly lowered her hand.

Tsunade smiled sadly at the girl. The poor thing had been orphaned just a week ago and Bankotsu had been taking care of her until he could find a suitable orphanage.

"Come along dear. Let's get you inside before you catch cold." Tsunade said as she ushered Kagome inside.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Sasuke was sitting in the orphanage's living room alone like he did every morning. He heard a car door shut and, being a little curious, he walked over to one of the many large Windows in the room. He peered out and searched the yard until his dark eyes landed on two- no wait threebodies standing outside near the entrance. There was a police officer with someone in his arms and Sister Tsunade. 'I wonder what she's talking to the policeman for? Is somebody new coming here...?' he thought as he trotted to the double doors once he saw Tsunade heading toward them with a little girl.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Tsunade pushed open the doors and let Kagome walk in first before shutting and locking the doors. Tsunade rubbed her shoulders giving a light shiver. "It's cold out there isn't it Kagome?"

Kagome looked up at Tsunade and nodded her head. "I have a scarf... do you want it?" she asked.

Tsunade laughed and gave a sweet smile to the little girl. "No, dear, I'm fine. How about you go and play while I fix up a spot for you in the bedrooms." she smiled and walked away, glancing at a plant with a grin.

Sasuke blushed lightly as he saw the girl up close. 'She's pretty...' he thought as he ducked behind the plant when Kagome looked over.

Kagome walked over to the plant and looked behind it to find Sasuke. She giggled and waved. "Hi! I'm Kagome. What's your name?" she smiled.

"U-uh... it's Sasuke..." He answered sheepishly.

"Do you want to play with me?" Kagome asked as she walked completely behind the plant to face the boy.

"Okay..." Sasuke slightly smiled as he walked out from behind the plant.

Kagome grabbed Sasuke's hand and dragged him off to play somewhere.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

The screams of betrayal...

The final cries of death...

Piercing eyes burned into the mind...

That murderous gaze, dead-set on killing something...

The cold knife against a throat as crimson blood slipped from warm flesh...

That taunting laughter-

Sasuke shot up in his bed covered in a cold sweat, tears streaming down his red cheeks as he gasped for breath. 'Just a dream... j-just a dream...' he pulled his knees to his chest and cried like he did every night...

But... what's this warm feeling?

Sasuke's tears continued to flow as he lifted his head. Concerned, bright blue met surprised, coal black in the dim light of a lamp.

Kagome was standing next to Sasuke's bed, a worried expression, and a small warm hand on his. "Are you okay Sasuke...? I heard you crying..."

Sasuke looked over to the empty bed not too far from his. He quickly wiped his tears away and looked back at Kagome with a fake smile. "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"

Kagome crawled onto the boy's bed, sitting next to him. "Did you have a nightmare?" she asked.

Sasuke's smile slowly faded away as his tears started coming back.

Kagome hugged her new friend as he cried, until soon they both fell back asleep.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

It has been almost a month since Tsunade walked in to find the cute scene. Sasuke hadn't had a nightmare since, knowing Kagome would watch him with a comforting smile until he fell asleep. The two had been inseparable since... until today... adoption day.

Kagome and Sasuke both sat together nervously as the people walked in to visit them.

Tsunade watched all the happy children leaving with their new families and a smile. As the double doors were opened again, a young man appeared and started looking around with a confused expression. She couldn't help a small giggle at the poor man as she walked over to him to see what was wrong. "May I help you?" she asked as she smiled.

"Uh... yes, I'm here to pick up Kagome and take her home with me today." the man answered, embarrassed.

Tsunade's smile brightened. "Ah! You must be Jakotsu. Bankotsu told me his brother had been wanting a child." She then glanced sympathetically at Kagome and Sasuke. 'I'm not so sure they'll enjoy being split up so soon...'

Jakotsu smiled sheepishly, "That brother of mine can't keep his mouth shut for long." he laughed. "He said Kagome is a sweet little girl and he told me how her parents were killed. Mine died in a similar way when I was younger... but I had no one to adopt me, and I don't want her to go through the same thing I had to."

Tsunade nodded. "Yes, she's the sweetest little girl. You'd never know she was orphaned in such a way. Come, she's right over here." she smiled again as she led the young man to said girl. "Here she is, Jakotsu. This is Kagome."

Kagome and Sasuke both watched all of the adults leaving with the once orphans. Kagome happened to notice Tsunade walking over to a man that had just walked in. He looked confused and Tsunade was trying to help. For some reason, though, Tsunade glanced in her and Sasuke's direction with a sympathetic look. 'I wonder why she looked over here...?' she thought to herself.

It wasn't until the man and Tsunade started walking in their direction did Sasuke notice them, and when they actually stopped where they were... the kids started getting a little anxious.

"Here she is, Jakotsu. This is Kagome." Tsunade said.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Sasuke and Kagome both looked at her with wide eyes.

Jakotsu smiled, "Hello, Kagome. I'm going to be your new Daddy!"

"...me!"

"...omeeeee!"

"Kagome, time to get UUUuuuup! You go to your new school today!" a cheerful voice, almost too cheerful this early in the morning, sounded.

A now 16-year-old Kagome opened her eyes halfway.

"Kaaagoooooomeeeeeeee!" Jakotsu's voice sang.

"Ungh..." Kagome moaned as she simply rolled over in her bed.

Jakotsu pouted at the side of the girl's bed, before an idea hit him. He giggled and left the room.

'Oh God...' Kagome thought groggily as she readied herself for-

"Kagomeeee!" Another man's voice rang in her ears as a body collided with her bed.

"WAH!" Kagome cried as the man landed on top of her. "Naruto you're heavy! You need to lay off some of that ramen!" she exclaimed as she tried to pry the man off of her.

Naruto made a cute pout as he continued to cling to the girl's stomach.

Kagome sighed as she plopped down on her bed. "Ok, ok I'm getting up already..." the grip was still their as a light whimper was heard. "And you're not fat Naru-chan, but you still need to lay off the ramen."

Naruto smiled brightly as he released his grip and stood by Kagome's bed to help her up.

Kagome smiled as she took the man's hand. "Now get out, I gotta get dressed."

Naruto kissed Kagome's cheek and walked out with a fox-like grin.

Once he was out of the room, she put on her new school uniform and went downstairs in their new house. About a week ago, Kagome, Naruto, and Jakotsu moved into Tokyo from Hokkaido due to Jakotsu's new job as a fashion designer. Now she was going to one of the best schools, and they were living in a large house like they'd wanted since after she was adopted.

"Hey Jak, do I smell chocolate chip pancakes?" Kagome asked when she was at the bottom of the stairs.

"Nope, chocolate chip muffins!" Jakotsu answered from the kitchen.

Kagome squealed and ran into the kitchen, sitting at the table immediately. "Oh, I like your new apron. Pink suits you."

Jakotsu blushed. "Naruto got it for me yesterday." he said glancing back at the man attatched to his back.

"Only the best for my husband." Naruto purred and kissed Jakotsu on the cheek before sitting at the table with Kagome.

Right as the muffins were done, Kagome decided to glance at the clock on the wall. "Oh crap! I'ma be late for school!" she jumped up from her spot and grabbed a muffin, hugging both men. "I love you both, and I'll see you after school with dinner ready!"

"Yay! Kaggy-chii is cooking dinner tonight!" Jakotsu exclaimed happily.

Kagome laughed as she ran out the door toward her new school.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

The imposing school stared down at Kagome with an intense glare... or at least that's what it felt like for her. "Maaaan... I'm not looking forward to this." Kagome moaned as she walked up to the school entrance. As she walked, she felt like she was being stared at again... but this time by a lot of people. Quickly glancing around she found it to be true. She had the attention of most of the school body outside.

"Who's she?"

"I dunno. She's wearing our school uniform, so... maybe she's a new student?"

"Oh I hope so! She's kinda cute!"

"-sigh- You think every girl is cute as long as she's not flat chested Jiraiya..."

The small conversation went unnoticed by the object of their gossip as she made her way in the school, and to the office. "Now... where's the office again?" She looked down each hall she passed with no luck. "Eerrrgh..."

"Need help?" a male voice asked from behind.

"Eep!" Kagome swung around to see who'd snuck up on her. It was a tall boy with dark hair and eyes, and strange red markings on his cheeks. "Don't do that! You scared me half to death... But... yeah I need help."

"I'm guessing you need to go to the office? Follow me." the boy smiled and started walking in the opposite direction she'd come. "My name's Kiba by the way."

Kagome trotted up to where she was walking beside him. "I'm Kagome... How'd you know I needed to go to the office?"

"There's rumors going around school about a new girl with bright blue eyes." He answered honestly.

Kagome grunted, "Rumors go around that fast!? Good Lord I just got here ten minutes ago."

Kiba laughed. "Unfortunately yeah they do, and they take forever to go away. Anyway, we're here."

Kagome walked up to the door, "Thank you, Kiba...um... would you mind waiting on me?"

"No problem." Kiba grinned.

Kagome walked into the office and met with the principal, coming out a few minutes later with a schedule. She looked around and found Kiba still waiting for her... but with someone else too? From what she could see, it was a boy with medium-long blond hair, tied back at the nape of his neck.

Kiba spotted Kagome and ran up to her. "Oh you're out already? That was quick. Lemme see what your schedule is." Kiba smiled as he took the schedule. "Hhmmm, you have all my classes! That works out great." Kiba grinned as he handed Kagome her schedule. "C'mon I'll show you to our first class."

"Ahem... aren't you forgetting someone?" the person from before said with an annoyed look toward Kiba.

Kiba laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. "Oh yeah, heh? Kagome this is my best friend Deidara."

"Best friend my ass..." the blond mumbled.

Kagome cocked her head to the side cutely when she saw that Deidara had an eye-patch over his left eye. "Nice to meet you..."

Deidara chuckled, "I lost it in an accident." He answered her un-asked question.

Kagome's eyes widened when she realized she was staring. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to stare..."

Deidara laughed this time. "It's alright, it's alright. I didn't mind, I get that all the time." He smiled. "After all, it's not every day you see a teenager with one eye."

Kagome still felt sorry, but didn't dwell on it as they started walking to the classroom. "Hey... um... this might be weird but... would guys mind being my friends?" she asked and looked away with a scrunched face, ready for their rejection.

Kiba and Deidara stared at her, then each other, and then they laughed.

Kagome turned to face them again quickly with a sad expression. "You didn't have to laugh at me... I just wanted to make sure I had some friends..." she watched her shoes as she continued to walk.

"That's not why we laughed. It's not common for a pretty girl... no, anyone to want to be friends with us. We're considered... hmm... I guess you could say outcasts?" Kiba answered.

Kagome looked back up toward the boys, "Oh... eheh? Sorry, I jump to conclusions a lot."

"It's alright." Deidara said as he opened the classroom door, sitting down in the back with the other two. "There's no sitting arrangement in this class, so you can sit with us if you want." he smiled again.

"So... why are you guys considered outcasts?" Kagome asked curiously, sitting between the two boys. She noticed a lot of odd looks from the other students as she did so.

"Hm... how should we put this...?" Deidara started.

"We're looked at as bullies maybe? I don't know, the entire school doesn't like us and always tries to avoid us." Kiba continued.

"Not that we really mind." Deidara finished.

"Well that's stupid... I don't think you guys are mean..." Kagome said as she put her hand to her chin in thought.

"Well, actually it's not that far off..." Kiba said with his hand on the back of his head.

"Hm?" Kagome looked at him, confused.

"The truth is... we used to be in a gang." Deidara finished.

"Oh... so?"

The boys just stared at her.

"What? You said used to be right? You aren't still are you?" Kagome asked.

"No..." the boys chorused.

"Well even if you were, I still like you guys." Kagome smiled.

"Miss Higurashi please come to the front." the teacher called.

Kagome walked up to the desk.

Kiba and Deidara both kept staring at her, then each other with a smile.

"I can tell we're gonna get along just fine with her." Kiba grinned.

Deidara nodded in agreement.

"Alright, we have a new student today. Please accept her with kindness." the teacher announced. "You may sit down now." he smiled.

Kagome nodded and sat back down.

"Alright. I have a great announcement-" the teacher was interrupted when someone walked into the door. "Sasuke Uchiha! You're late!"

Kagome paused and looked up at the front of the room with wide eyes. "Sasuke..." All of a sudden she was filled with immense joy.

"Now, as I was saying..."

As soon as Sasuke sat down, Kagome tore a piece of paper out of her note book, scribbled something down and asked the person in front of her to pass it up to Sasuke.

"I have a great announcement for the upcoming week."

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Sasuke was sitting in the second seat in the middle row with his usual bored expression. Someone tapped on his shoulder and slipped him a note. "Hm?" He looked at it, about to throw it away, but something stopped him and told him he needed to read it.

"Next week we will be having our week-long class trip!" The teacher said with a smile as everyone cheered in the room.

Sasuke peeked inside the note. Long time no see Sasuke. I haven't seen you since I was adopted by Jak at the orphanage. His eyes widened at this. 'No way... it can't be... Kagome!' His entire body filled with hope as he turned around to look at the seats behind him. Then... there she was... in the last seat of his row with a huge smile on her face, waving slightly at him. His eyes widened even more as he quickly turned back toward the front as his heart seemed to skip a beat. 'Kagome... I can't believe it's actually Kagome! I've missed her so much all these years... and now I finally get to see her again... Kagome...'

"This year we will be going to one of the famous hot-springs in Hokkaido! You need to be packed, ready, and here at 6:00a.m. sharp on Sunday."

Kagome's smile slowly turned to a frown, and she put her hand back down. 'Huh...? I thought... maybe he'd be happy to see me too... is he mad at me? Does he even remember me? Sasuke...'

Kiba and Deidara were both looking at Kagome with a worried look.

-Sunday Morning Before the trip-

Kagome looked at her clock with a groan. 'It's already 4:50... I haven't been able to sleep aaaaaall weekend... I keep thinking about school... and Sasuke...' Sasuke had been avoiding her since that Thursday morning she sent him the note. Deidara and Kiba had spent the day together with her at the mall on Saturday, trying to get her mind off of it. 'I guess I should go ahead and start getting ready, they'll be here any minute...' Kagome quietly got out of her bed, not wanting to wake up Jakotsu or Naruto, and started getting dressed. She just decided to wear a simple Jack Skellington t-shirt and some loose blue jeans. She walked over to her dresser and smiled at a necklace sitting on it that both Kiba and Deidara had bought at the mall the day before in order to try and cheer her up. It was white gold and had a small butterfly charm with blue topaz wings to match her eyes.

A light rapping on the door took her out of her reverie. She opened her window and looked down to find the two boys she was just thinking about. "Hey guys, I'll be down in a second!" She whispered.

"Alright. Do you need any help with luggage?" Kiba asked.

"Um... yeah a little bit." she smiled sheepishly as she glanced at two gift bags she'd bought while the boys weren't looking. She grinned as she put her necklace on, grabbed her luggage, and tip-toed downstairs to let the boys inside. Before she reached the door, however, Jakotsu and Naruto met her in front of the door. "I'm sorry guys, did I wake you?" She asked.

They both smiled and shook their heads. "No we just wanted to make sure we got to say bye to you before you left." Jakotsu said.

"After all, this'll be the first time you'll have to be away from us for so long." Naruto sniffled.

"Aaaww, I'm only gonna be gone for a week. Don't worry I'll be fine, I'll have Kiba and Deidara with me." Kagome consoled as she hugged her foster parents. "I love you guys and I'll miss you." she smiled and walked toward the door.

"We love you too." They chorused with teary eyes.

Kagome couldn't help but giggle while opening the door to let the boys inside. "The rest is upstairs sitting on my bed." She grinned as she ran out to Kiba's Mom's car and waited for the guys to return. "Hello again Mrs. Inuzuka."

"Hi Kagome." Kiba's Mom smiled.

Kiba and Deidara came back down the stairs with grins and the gift bags in their hands. They got in the car along with Kagome, sitting on either side of her, and waved with her to Jakotsu and Naruto as they pulled away toward the school. Both of the boys turned to face Kagome and hugged her.

She laughed and hugged them back. "I'll take it you liked your gifts?"

"We haven't opened them yet." Kiba laughed.

"But we're just happy you like us enough to give us gifts." Deidara added.

Kagome smiled. "Of course. It may have been only a few days, but it turns out you guys are the best friends I've ever had. Now, open them and see what I got you."

Kiba opened his first and revealed a black dog collar. He gasped. "Hey! This is the one I saw in that pet shop! The one I wanted for Akamaru!" He nearly tackled Kagome in another hug. "Thank you!"

She laughed. "Your welcome." Then, turning to Deidara only to be hugged tightly again.

Deidara was holding a clay bird key-chain he'd fallen head-over-heals for in the mall. "Kagome you're the best!" he exclaimed.

Mrs. Inuzuka laughed. "Alright you three, we're here. I hope you have a good time!"

"Bye Mom."

"Bye Mrs. Inuzuka!" Kagome and Deidara spoke in tune with each other.

Sasuke got out of his foster Dad's car and waved as he left. "Man... I'm not looking forward to this trip..." he mumbled to himself.

"Bye Mrs. Inuzuka!" he heard Kagome's voice mixed with someone else's.

He peered over to where she was standing with Deidara and Kiba, the school outcasts. 'Kagome... I miss you so much, but... I don't know how to say it... What if you don't like me the way I am now? What if- What if you hate me the way I am now...' Sasuke looked down as he got onto the bus, walking all the way to the back.

"I hope we get rooms near each other." Kagome smiled

"Yeah me too." Deidara agreed as they loaded their things onto a large tour bus rented for the trip.

"Same here! I can't wait for this trip to start!" Kiba exclaimed excitedly.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

"UUuuggghhhhh, I can't wait for this trip to end!" Kiba moaned as he sprawled out in his chair.

Deidara bopped him on the head with his fist. "Ssshhhhh!" he then pointed to Kagome sitting between them, who had finally fallen asleep.

Kiba immediately sat up and covered his mouth, looking at Kagome worriedly. Uncovering his mouth he whispered, "I'm glad she finally got some sleep. Jakotsu and Naruto both said she hadn't slept since Thursday night. I noticed she seemed kind of tired on Saturday when we went to the mall."

Deidara nodded. "I'm surprised she didn't pass out at."

Both boys sighed.

"It's all because that guy is ignoring her. She thinks he's mad at her, or he doesn't even remember her so she's been tore up over it." Kiba growled, unknowingly making Sasuke flinch, who was only a couple seats behind them. "If I find out who he his, I'll pummel him to death." he glared at the back of the seat in front of him.

"You're tellin' me." Deidara agreed. "But right now we need to get some sleep ourselves or we'll be tired when we get to the springs."

Kiba sighed. "Yeah..." he then snuggled against Kagome and fell asleep.

Deidara just stared at him. "I swear... he acts just like her pet..." he also leaned against her and fell asleep.

Kagome unconsciously sighed in content in her sleep.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Sasuke noticed the boys silenced and hoped they had fallen asleep. He stood to get a water bottle from the teacher in the front of the bus. Once he came back, jealousy burned in his heart when he walked past Kagome and the others. Sasuke looked away as he sat back down into his seat. 'I've got to tell her soon...'

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Kagome slowly opened her eyes as she felt the huge bus stop. She felt two weights on her shoulders, looking to see both Deidara and Kiba leaning on her sound asleep. She laughed lightly, before waking them. "Hey guys, I think we're here."

Both boys opened their eyes barely enough to see, then looked up at Kagome.

"Did you sleep good Kagome?" Deidara asked as he sat up and rubbed his eyes.

She smiled in response, "Yes, thank you. What about you guys?"

"I slept like a rock!" Kiba grinned. "Has anyone ever told you you're really comfortable Kagome?"

Kagome laughed. "No, I've never been told that before!" she giggled.

"Well you are." Kiba smiled.

"Alright students, here's the deal. It's already almost 5:00p.m. We'll unpack the bus first, and you will go to your assigned rooms. Then we'll eat at 7:00p.m., and then you guys can take your baths. You all need to be in bed by 11:00p.m. Alright, you may go." The teacher said as he walked off the bus first.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Kagome lay sprawled out on the futon in her assigned room. Since she took the nap on the bus earlier, she now couldn't get to sleep, and it was almost 11:00p.m. Kiba's room was on one side of hers, Deidara's was across the hall, and Sasuke's room was also next to hers. That didn't help her in getting back to sleep any had decided to just play cards with herself until she felt tired enough to sleep, but before she could get her cards out of her suitcase, she heard something coming from one of the rooms next to her. It sounded like... someone was thrashing around in their room... the thing that immediately came to her mind was, 'Sasuke!' She stood up, quietly walked to his room, and quickly slid open the shoji screen. She ran over to Sasuke, who had started to cry in his sleep like he did that first night at the orphanage. "Sasuke. Sasuke!" she whispered desperately, but he wouldn't wake up. The next thing she tried, was hugging him. This time, it earned a reaction from the boy.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Sasuke had just come back from his bath, and he sat down next to his futon and rubbed his hair dry. After he did this, he looked at the clock and noticed it was already 10:35p.m. He then decided to go ahead and go to sleep since there wasn't much else he could do in 25 minutes.

As soon as he fell asleep, however, his nightmares started again, just as they had ever since Kagome was adopted, but these dreams were worse. It was more like reliving the entire event. His face scrunched as it all started again...

--Dream...

A tiny unsuspecting Sasuke made his way toward his house that he lived in with his mother and father. He was excited because his brother was supposed to be visiting from college, and staying for a couple of days. Since he wasn't going to arrive until later that night, he was going to help his parents set up the guest room for him.

As he walked up his driveway, he noticed a certain car that wasn't there before. "Brother's back early!" he exclaimed excitedly and ran up to the front door. Before he could open it, he heard his mother's piercing scream from the window above. "Mother!" he threw open the door and then ran as fast as he could to the room where her voice had come.

His small eyes widened as he ran into the room. "Father!" he screamed. His father was lying dead on the ground in front of someone, while his mother was against the right wall, hunched over shaking and crying desperately. Sasuke then looked slowly up to his father's killer, who was moving toward his mother. His eyes filled with tears as he saw his brother's sinister grin as he made his way to their mother. "No... no..." he slowly shook his head.

Itachi grabbed his mother by the hair, not noticing Sasuke in the doorway yet, and pulled her up by it. She screamed in pain as he placed the cold knife in his hand, covered in his father's warm blood, and stuck it to her neck. His grin grew wider as he whispered, "Goodbye, dear mother." as he slit her throat.

"MOTHER!" Sasuke screamed at the top of his longs as he watched her fall to the floor, gurgling on her blood, her eyes slowly dimming. He dropped to his knees as more tears gushed from his red puffy eyes.

Itachi jerked his head in Sasuke's direction, and he grinned again. "It seems you've finally joined us, foolish little brother." he bit out as he walked slowly toward the little boy.

Sasuke looked up with immense fear in his eyes, as his brother took slow, evil steps toward his person. "No... no! NOOOOO!" He screamed again as he stood and ran down the stairs. Itachi caught his cheek with the knife before he escaped. He stumbled out of the house, tripping over the threshold.

Those malicious burned into Sasuke as Itachi raised the knife-

--Dream End...

Sasuke's eyes shot open as the tears continued to pour. He felt a warmth around him, and unconsciously embraced it, drinking in its familiar comfort he yearned for, for so long. He was clinging to it as his life depended on it.

Kagome hugged him tighter. "I'm right here..." she rubbed his back, trying to help calm him down.

He kept crying until his senses seemed to slowly come back. Finally, he noticed exactly who's shoulder he was leaning on when a familiar scent filled his nose. "Kagome..." he lifted his forehead from her shoulder, only to replace it upon her own forehead. "I've missed you so much... so much..." he finally admitted as a warm feeling he couldn't describe flooded within him.

Kagome smiled as she breathed a sigh. "I'm so relieved. For a while now, I thought you hated me. I've missed you too, for so long now."

"Kagome, I could never hate you, I'm sorry... I just didn't know how to say it... I felt so lonely without you, but now..." Sasuke touched his nose to hers, making them both blush unknowingly.

"It's alright. As long as I know now, I'll be here." She then lightly kissed his nose and touched her cheek to his as she hugged him again.

Again Sasuke felt that strange feeling, like butterflies in his stomach. His body seemd to move of its own accord, as he slowly reached his head up and caught her lips with his. It was a sweet lip-lock with no hunger for more, but it got the feelings across. His heart swelled with undying affections as Kagome slowly responded, and soon returned the pressure. Soon they both pulled apart for lack of air. Sasuke hugged her close once more and dug his face into her shoulder, muttering what he discovered the feelings to be. "I'm in love with you Kagome... I have been since we were little..." he whispered, realization hitting him.

Kagome's eyes widened, but soon after softened. "I... I love you too Sasuke." she smiled warmly and nuzzled into his own shoulder, returning his sweet gesture of affection. They stayed like that for who knows how long, until the day finally continued as usual, but with a certain pair not leaving each other's side.

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