Hello readers, I am sorry for the wait. I know you all are anticipating the continuation of the wondrous story done by TriforceandSheikahArts. Since Triforce did such a good job, I will leave the chapters unchanged (except for some grammatical errors and misspellings that I might find) and will just pick up from where she left off. I will try my best to do this story justice and hope you guys will enjoy it as much as Triforce's. So without further a due, here is chapter one, done by TriforceandSheikahArts.

DisclaimerInuYasha is property of Rumiko Takahashi and Fruits Basket is property of Natsuki Takaya. All characters, setting, etc. are the property of their respective owners. TriforceandSheikahArts, merely wrote this story for amusement. She received no profit from the creation of the story and is no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise relating to either InuYasha and/or Fruits Basket. No copyright infringement is intended

Author's Note: Kagome's adventures in Feudal Japan will occur in this story. Also, Kagome's parents are divorced.

Don't Be Gone Too Long

Summary and Prologue


Summary: Ten year old Sohma Hatsuharu and Higurashi Kagome thought they'd be friends forever. From their first encounter in elementary school, the two became inseparable; they did everything together. This led to speculations and rumors that both kids harbored feelings for each other. Although Kagome's feelings were mostly friendship, Haru, on the other hand, loved Kagome. Just when he was prepared to confess his feelings, he learns that Kagome will be moving to London, England, to live with her father. Meanwhile, Akito Sohma, the head of the Sohma Household, has ordered that Kagome must have her memories erased before her departure. Hurt, heartbroken and scared, Haru knows he can do nothing but watch as the most important person in his life forgets he ever existed.


"Higher Haru-kun!" a young girl laughed as she soared high into the air on a swing she was currently using in the park.

"Ugh, try this!" Hatsuharu Sohma cried, pushing her back with all his strength. "How's that?" he laughed watching her ascend.

"Amazing!" she giggled, enjoying the sensation of the wind tickling her face. "Haru-kun, you're so strong!"

He groaned, looking downwards

"Hmm?" she stopped swinging and noticed Haru studying his shoes. "Haru, what's wrong?" She jumped off the swing and crossed her arms over her chest.

"…"

Her eyes narrowed. Angered by the lack of response, she tried again. "Haru-kun, what's wrong?"

"…"

Her right eye twitched. Haru-kun, she snarled, her cheeks puffed. Why aren't you answering me! Stomping a foot in the sand, she slapped both hands onto his shoulders, shaking him senselessly. "Hatsuharu Sohma, you better answer me right now! Answer me! What's wrong?!"

He groaned and gently pushed her away. Avoiding her gaze, he mumbled, "Nothing's wrong, Kagome-chan, I'm just a bit tired, that's all."

She rolled her eyes. "Sure Haru-kun and I'm captain of the math club."

Haru cracked a grin. Everyone in their grade knew how much Kagome stunk at math.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he sighed. "Kagome-chan, its nothing… can we forget about this, please?"

Her jaw dropped. Haru-kun rarely used that word.

"Oh, um, okay…" Now she looked away.

Haru coughed. "Want to get some ice-cream?" He offered her a hand, "My treat."

Kagome grinned and clasped her hand with his. "How can I turn down such an offer?" She giggled, allowing him to lead them towards the ice cream parlor.


Walking hand in hand up the steps to Sora Shrine, Hatsuharu and Kagome talked quietly, recounting their favorite daily events.

"Kagome-chan, are you home?" Her uncle Higurashi Shimizu called.

"Hai, Oji-chan," she responded loudly. "Haru-kun's here too."

"How surprising," he responded, his voice playfully laced with sarcasm. "I haven't seen Hatsuharu in ages." The two watched as Shimizu emerged from the warehouse, sporting a typical pair of black Hakama and a matching white haori. His grey hair tied back in a ponytail curled towards the ends, as he walked towards them while adjusting his glasses.

"Hello there," he waved. "Kagome-chan, I'm happy you're home. Hatsuharu, it's a pleasure to see you. And I'm not surprised to see that you're always with my Mei. She is a beautiful girl, no?" He joyfully elbowed Haru's side.

Hatsuharu smiled politely while Kagome whined, "Oji-chan, don't say that, it's embarrassing!"

"But it isn't Kagome-chan." He shook his head. "I'm merely pointing out the obvious." He chuckled, removing his glasses. "Kumiko has already prepared dinner. We've been waiting for you to come home." Kumiko was Kagome's aunt, who possessed a large passion for cooking.

"I'll get washed up, Oji-san." Kagome regretfully withdrew her hand from Haru's grasp. "I hope you both weren't waiting too long." She offered a meek bow in apology.

Shimizu flicked his wrist, "Nonsense, no need to apologize. Kumiko finished cooking no less than five minutes ago. You're not late at all."

"Oh." She blushed. "That's good then."

Shimizu laughed. "Hatsuharu, would you like to join us? Kumiko always makes too much, and we always love your company—especially a certain someone." He shot Kagome a coy look. She retaliated by sticking out her tongue.

Haru snickered. "I'd like that very much, Shimizu-san."

He grinned. "Wonderful. Now then, both of you wash up and then join us in the dining room for dinner."

"Hai, hai…" they responded, following behind him into the house.


Stomach full, Haru left the Higurashi's and returned home an hour later. Entering the main portion of the Sohma house, he shut the sliding door behind him and recalled the wonderful meal he had with Kagome's family. He smiled upon remembering the multiple times Shimizu attempted to tease her, and Kumiko kept insisting she eat more food.

"Hatsuharu," Hatori, his older cousin, whispered, catching his attention. "Where have you been? You should have returned home hours before when school ended."

Haru shrugged his shoulders. "I'm sorry."

"No you're not," Hatori countered, enclosing the gap between them.

Haru looked away. Hatori continued to speak. "You were with your friend outside of the family, Higurashi Kagome, weren't you?"

Haru grunted a response. "What if I was?"

Hatori shook his head. "Hatsuharu, you should know better than getting close to someone outside of the family. It's not good. It will only result in pain." Thoughts of his past lover Kanna came to mind. "It's not good if you keep spending so much time with her. After all, it won't end well." He advised, speaking from experience.

Haru balled his hands into fists, trembling, but refused to say anything, understanding where his cousin was speaking from.

Hatori studied the boy and noted the balled fists. "Hatsuharu," he warned. "Don't get angry at me. I'm merely stating the truth."

Haru exhaled loudly, rubbing his temples.

Hatori spoke. "Akito-sama summoned me today. We had a discussion about you, concerning your friend." Haru's face paled. He continued. "Akito-sama wishes to see you tomorrow. He wants to speak with you. However, for now, we will speak in my study. Please follow me."

Haru growled through his throat but followed behind Hatori, already knowing where this conversation would lead.

Hatori watched his younger cousin out of the corner of his eye, frowning. Hatsuharu, I'm truly sorry, he thought. I hope you'll one day forgive me.


Hatsuharu dragged his backpack across the sidewalk as he walked to school. Passing through the park, he took small steps, lost in thought. How am I supposed to tell her? He wondered, heartbroken. How does someone tell their best friend they have to forget them?

Earlier this morning, Akito, the head of the Sohma household, called Hatsuharu and Hatori in for a discussion concerning Kagome. True to Hatori's words last night, Akito wanted Kagome's memories erased. He claimed that Hatsuharu's relationship with her was putting the family in danger, even though Kagome was the only one known to be able to hug members of the zodiac without causing them to transform.

"I don't care! I want her gone! Hatori, call her in soon and erase her memories! I want her out of Hatsuharu's life immediately!"

And just like that, she was to be erased from his life. All their happy and fun memories would be nothing more than a distant memory to Hatsuharu—and an unknown, forgotten past to Kagome.

Kagome-chan, I don't want you to forget me. Hatsuharu was beyond upset. He wanted no more than to punch and break something; release all this pent-up frustration he had brewing inside him. Black Haru, his other side, was more than ready to emerge and wreak unsuspecting havoc upon anyone who stood in his way. Eyes narrowed, he hissed and scanned the park area, searching for someone or something to punish… however, instead, he heard the sound of sobs.

What the heck?

Curious, he began to follow the sounds until he reached a sight that tore his heart in two. Sitting on an empty bench with her backpack lazily tossed to the side was none other than Kagome. Mounds of crumpled tissue surrounded her feet and covered her lap. Haru's mouth hung open. All thoughts of anger vanished from within as he trudged forward and stood before her. Not waiting for her to speak, he knelt down and placed a hand on her knee. She jumped, startled, pieces of tissue scattering in all directions.

"H-Haru-kun?" she stuttered, her heart pounding.

"Kagome-chan, what's wrong?" He asked, not using to seeing her cry.

Her bottom lip trembled. "Last night I got a phone call," she whispered, "from my father." Haru tensed. Kagome rarely spoke of her father. All that Haru knew was that he was an executive who worked overseas in England.

"Well, what did he say?"

Kagome sucked in a shaky breath. "Don't get mad," she whispered. "Promise me you won't."

He titled his head to the side. "I promise."

She looked away. "Dad said he talked with Momma a couple nights ago… the two d-discussed things over and decided that I should no longer be living with Oji-san and Oba-san. Instead, they think I should live with Dad in England."

Haru's voice cracked. "That means that you'd be leaving Japan."

Kagome gulped. "Hai, Haru-kun… that's correct."

Right there and then, Haru knew his whole world had crashed in two. Unable to speak coherently, he merely fell to his feet, his gaze downcast. Kagome looked up, sniffling when noticing small droplets trailing from Haru's cheeks.

She leaned over causing more tissues to fall. "H-Haru-kun, don't c-cry. Seeing you cry makes me want to c-cry even more." Fresh tears lined her eyes. "Hatsuharu!" she croaked and launched herself forward causing them both to fall to the ground.

Haru leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. She buried her head inside his neck, crying and whimpering. Hatsuharu bit on the insides of his cheeks knowing he couldn't tell Kagome of Akito's orders.

I can't tell her, at least not yet… it would only break her already wounded heart…

Haru licked his chapped lips. "Kagome-chan, do you want to get some ice cream?"

She hiccupped. "Haru-kun, what about school?" she looked up through her tear-stained lashes, her cheeks bright red from crying.

He scoffed. "Forget about school today… at least for now."

For once Kagome agreed with him. "O-Okay, Haru-kun, let's go get ice cream."


Hatori Sohma sat at his desk, writing in a notebook. Eyes narrowed and lips pursed, his thoughts revolved around Hatsuharu and his little friend Kagome Higurashi.

Hatsuharu, what am I to do with you? He stopped writing his pen hovering in midair.

Just then, the telephone rang. Snapped out of his thoughts, Hatori reached for the phone and answered it. Much to his surprise, it was the secretary from the local middle school.

"Hello, is this Sohma Hatori? I am calling from Kaibara Middle School."

Hatori answered. "Yes, this is Hatori Sohma."

The secretary sighed in relief. "Splendid. I am calling to inform you that a member of your family, Sohma Hatsuharu, failed to arrive to class today. Is there a specific reason for his absence?"

His eyes narrowed. "Hatsuharu was not feeling well. I felt it was best to keep him home today. He will return to school tomorrow." He lied easily on the spot.

"Be sure to provide him with a note for his absence," the secretary informed him. "Sohma Hatsuharu will need it for when he returns to school tomorrow. As well, I hope he feels better."

"Thank you and I will write him a note."

"Good day—"

"Might I ask a question?" Hatori interrupted her from terminating the conversation. "I wish to ask a question. Is Higurashi Kagome absent?"

"Oh." She sounded surprised. "Why, yes, she is. In fact, I was going to call her home next."

"I see." It all made sense now.

"Is there a problem you have with this?" She sounded overly curious, Hatori deduced.

He answered in a natural tone, "There is no problem. I was merely concerned, that's all. Thank you for answering my question. Have a good day." He hung up before the secretary could respond. Fingering the phone's cord, he swiveled around in his chair to face the garden. A few seconds later, he arose from his seat and reached for his jacket and car keys.


Hatsuharu and Kagome exited from the ice cream parlor appearing much happier than before. Although an aura of unease still lingered around them, the two seemed far more content. Kagome walked with her head leaning against Haru's shoulder, a small smile forming across her face.

"Thank you, Haru-kun," she murmured. "For helping me feel a bit better."

He opened his mouth to respond but stopped. Kagome noticed his stumped look and glanced up; noticing what caused the boy to halt. Standing less than ten feet from them was Hatori Sohma, looking beyond disappointed.

"Hatsuharu, Kagome," he hissed. "Why are you both not in school?"

They bore similar expressions each saying the same thing: Oh shoot!

"I want an explanation." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Why did you both skip school?"

"It's none of your concern Hatori!" Hatsuharu shouted, trying to remain calm in front of Kagome.

Hatori arched a brow. "That's not a good enough excuse, Hatsuharu. You both should know better." His eyes wandered towards Kagome. He then said, "I suppose the reason for your lack of attendance was because of the news Hatsuharu passed to you this morning, Kagome, no?"

Kagome blinked. "Excuse me?" What was Hatori talking about? Haru hadn't told her anything.

Noticing her lack of understanding, Hatori decided to elaborate. "If Hatsuharu has not told you yet, then I suppose I shall." Kneeling down to reach her height, he placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "Kagome, you are aware of our… family situation, correct?" She nodded. Hatori continued. "And you are also aware of our family's head, Akito-sama?"

"Hai." She didn't like where this was going.

Hatori adjusted his tie. "Well, Kagome, Akito-sama has decided that it's been long enough that you know our secret."

Kagome blinked, confused. "Hatori-san, I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean."

Hatori sighed. "To put it at best Kagome, your memory needs to be erased."

"I-I have to have my memory erased?" She repeated her voice crackling. "Are you certain, H-Hatori-san?"

He heaved a sigh, but nodded. "Yes Kagome, your memory needs to be erased."

Kagome's jaw dropped while tears flowed down her cheeks. She let go of Haru's hand before launching herself into his arms, hugging him as tight as she could. "No," she cried. "It's not fair."

Haru pulled her close, running his hands through her hair. Trying to remain calm, he glowered towards Hatori. "I hate you," he mouthed.

Hatori looked away, beyond hurt by Hatsuharu's words. But I suppose I deserve them, he realized with a frown. After all, I'm the one who will be taking his best friend's memories away from her for live. Breathing heavily, he clamped a hand atop his mouth and shut his eyes feeling a gust of wind trickle across his face.

Again, Hatsuharu, I am sorry… so sorry… maybe one day you will forgive me…


Hatsuharu sat in Kagome's room, watching as she gathered items she would be bringing with her to England. With her clothing already packed, all that remained were several smaller items to pack. Unbeknown to Hatsuharu however, Kagome had stopped packing for a moment and was busy staring towards something… a photograph to be specific.

Oh no. Fresh tears lined her eyes. Sniffling again, she reached for a tissue and blew her nose before turning around heading straight for Haru. She then thrust the photo into his lap, looking anywhere but in his direction. Haru arched a brow and looked down at the photograph. He stopped breathing.

"Kagome-chan, I—ah." He was tongue-tied and lost. Kagome's eyes drooped, and she chose to sit herself quietly on the bed right next to him. She leaned against him, her thumb running across the photo's frame.

"Nee, Haru-kun, will you promise me something?" She questioned.

He eyed her. "Of course, Kagome-chan, what is it?"

She sighed. "… Even though I'll be losing my memories of us tomorrow, will you promise that you'll never forget me?" She looked towards him with tear-filled eyes. Shoulders trembling, she tried to maintain some composure. Haru frowned, never liking the sight of seeing his best friend cry.

Reaching for her hands, he smiled sadly. "Of course I'll always remember you, Kagome-chan. You're my best friend … you're someone that I can never forget."

"I'm glad to hear that, Haru-kun," she sniffled. "That makes me smile."

This time his gaze drooped. Shutting his eyes, he leaned against her frame for support, beginning to tremble. Why—why can't we be happy? He wondered, breathing in her scent. Why… why is life so cruel? Why is life so unfair? And with that, a single tear streamed down his face.


The next morning


After picking up Kagome from her house for the last time, Hatori drove her to the Sohma compound where he escorted her into the main room. There stood a somber looking Hatsuharu. Locking eyes with him, Hatori led the duo to a small room where he closed the door behind him.

"Kagome, Hatsuharu," he addressed them. "You will have five minutes to say goodbye. Afterwards, I'll return to complete the task. Call me if you need anything." They watched him leave and shut the door, waiting until they could no longer hear his footsteps.

When Haru felt certain Hatori was gone, he turned to Kagome who was watching him with frightened eyes. Scooting close, he wrapped his arms around her hugging her tight.

"H-Haru-kun," she wheezed. "I don't want to forget!" She wept louder. Haru tried his best to console her, but he, too, felt the same. He didn't want Kagome's memories to be erased either.

Clutching her tighter, Haru held onto her for dear life as though she was a life preserver and he was a drowning victim.

"Haru-kun…" Reluctantly she pulled away from his embrace. "I have something I want to give you." Slowly removing the locket from her neck, she placed it into his palms.

His hands trembled. "No, I can't take this, it's yours." He protested.

She shook her head. "No Haru-kun, I want you to have it."

"But it's important to you!" He shouted. "It wouldn't be right if I kept it."

Kagome ignored his comments. "Here, let me put it around your neck." Before he could rebut, she snatched it from his grasp and moved to sit behind him, clasping the necklace to his neck. "There," she said, leaning her head against his shoulder. "It's on."

"Kagome-chan," he whispered, turning to face her. "I—"

She shook her head. "No more complains Haru-kun. I want you to have it." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. Pink sprinkled across his cheeks. She giggled. "Haru-kun, I want you to have it, that way whenever you miss me, you can just look at the locket."

"Kagome-chan, I—"

"Hatsuharu, Kagome," Hatori said, opening the door. "Your time is up. Please follow me."

Those words were the ending works for both Kagome and Hatsuharu.


"I apologize for all this, Kagome. I trust that you will one day find happiness again."

"Thank you, Hatori-san."

"Are you ready?" Nodding, Kagome sucked on her bottom lip and glanced towards Haru for what would be the final time. Haru stared towards her with sadness and was about to reach out for her, only to be stopped by Hatori. Glowering, he sent his elder cousin a look full of hatred and disgust. Hatori merely frowned and shook his head.

I deserve that for what I'm about to do, he thought gravely.

"Haru-kun," Kagome spoke, feeling Hatori place a hand on her forehead. "Thank you for being such a good friend and always being there for me… you were always so kind to me."

"Kagome-chan…" Haru sniffled, not knowing what else to say.

"You were my best friend and someone who I cherished dearly." She continued.

Hatori's eyes widened.

"Hatori-kun, I'm so sorry, I wasn't able to protect you. Forgive me."

"Hatori-kun, I'm so glad to have met you, and even happier to have fallen in love with you."

Kanna's voice rang through his mind and instantaneously caused him to frown. Casting a glance towards Hatsuharu, his frown grew at the sight of his younger cousin on the verge of tears. Suppressing his own, Hatori swallowed and pressed those thoughts to the back of his mind. Focusing on the task, he applied slight pressure to Kagome's head as a sign that it was time.

Sighing, Kagome offered Haru one last smile. "I'm so sorry, Haru-kun. I'm so sorry." Tears streamed down her face as she glanced towards her best friend with a sad grin. "I hope that you'll always remember me." A sudden light erupted within the room and seconds after, Kagome fell back hitting the ground with a thud.


A/N: The new title came for the song "Don't Be Gone Too Long", sung by Chris Brown and Arianna Grande. I thought the song fit the story perfectly and so put it as the title, plus it has been stuck in my head for the longest. I plan to be updating every three weeks, though plans might change, if nothing wrong happens this schedule will be kept. Until next time.

P.S. Sorry for the wait again, I just wanted to give myself enough time to plan where I want to take this