A.N. I don't own Inuyasha or Naruto.

Sapphire irises sparkled with panic as the miko-nin felt sand coiling around her legs, teal eyes boring into her intensely. "K-kazekage-sama? What's wrong? Did I do something to upset you?" She knew the red haired male by reputation alone, and knew that when the sand started moving, one had to be cautious. I hope I haven't offended him...

"Hm... You will remain in Suna." Teal eyes bore into her sapphire in a way that left no room for argument before he disappeared.

Confusion overtook the woman, her lips tugging downwards into a thoughtful frown as she stood. What is all that about? I better send word to Tsunade-sama that Kazekage-sama wants me to stay. She formed a few quick hand signs and tying a scroll to the crane that appeared.

"Meow." Kirara rubbed against her legs, looking st the residual sand in curiosity and caution. She would protect her mistress.

Gaara glared at the wall, his hands clenched into fists. That woman... Why does she affect me so? I want her. She cannot leave... She is mine.

Deep inside, the Shukaku growled in agreement.

Kagome walked the desert streets, her inky blue black hair billowing behind her. This place... So different from Konoha... I suppose it shouldn't surprise me... This world isn't terribly different than my own.

"Oi! Konoha girl! What are you still doing here?"

Surprise flashed across her features as she turned, spotting the somewhat familiar ninja. "Ah, Kankuro, it's nice to see you again-Kazekage-sama ordered me to stay."

The male frowned, shrugging his shoulders. "That's weird... So, have you eaten dinner yet?"

Embaressment colored her cheeks as her stomach rumbled. "No, I actually haven't eaten since this morning-Know a place?" She reached up to scratch Kirara behind the ears as she jumped onto her shoulder.

"Yeah, sure. So, what's your name again?" He felt faintly embarrassed at his lack of knowledge as she recalled his name with ease.

"Higurashi Kagome."

"So..." Kankuro took a bite of his sandwich, gulping it down as he looked up at the stars. "So, how come we've never met before? I've been to Konoha plenty of times."

A certain sadness danced across her features as she sipped the stew he'd bought for her. "I dropped into Konoha about a year ago. Tsunade trained me so that I could become an kunoichi quickly."

"Where did you live before that?" He was genuinely curious as he regarded her.

Kagome slipped her little neko a few pieces of meat from her stew. "I don't remember... Amnesia." She avoided his gaze as she repeated the familiar lie. She knew that this was how it had to be, but it still made her feel horrible.

"You know, if you want to be an affective shinobi, deceit is a useful skill." Kankuro finished off his sandwich and eyed her in silence for a moment. "Ever been in the desert before?"

"No... It's beautiful though." Kagome tilted back, gazing into the sky as the wind caressed her face.

Sand stirred around the two, causing Kankuro to grow nervous and Kagome to go quite still.

"Enjoying your stay in Suna?" a cool voice questioned.

The miko-nin jumped a bit, quickly getting to her feet. "Oh, yes, of course Kazekage-sama."

Kankuro stood as well, feeling a lingering protectiveness for the young girl who seemed so foreign to this world. "Gaara, may I ask-"

"Leave Kankuro." The red haired man glared at his brother, wanting to be alone with the miko-nin.

Feeling confused once more, the miko looked between them for a few moments before Kankuro left them alone. "Kazekage-sama?" She tried to calm Kirara by rubbing her ears as the neko tensed. "What is it Kazekage-sama?"

"You will call me Gaara." He began to circle her, a predatory gleam within his teal irises.

"Gaara..." The name passed through her lips with uncertainty, sapphire orbs completely enveloped in shock. Why is he acting like this? That way he's looking at me is... "Gaara... I'm not Shukaku's mate... I need to get back to Konoha."

Disbelief flashed through the man's system. She knows... He could feel Shukaku fighting him, wanting to get out and show her who she belonged to.

Slowly, she began to back away, nearly screaming as she felt the sand wind around her legs.

Kirara growled, lunging at the Kazekage, only to have him and her mistress disappear into the sand.

Gentle fingers ran over the miko-nin's soft skin. "Kagome..." His eyes teemed with love and lust as he gazed at her.

Kagome bit her lip nervously, looking up at him. "Gaara... I need to get back to Konoha. I have a life there. I need to get back and see Naruto and-"

"No," the man growled, angered by the idea of his miko-nin being with the Kyuubi vessel.

A touch of fear entered her expression as he brought her up into his arms, the sand still constricting her movement. "Gaara, I'll hurt you if I have to." Her reiki rose around her, glowing with purity, ready to strike at the Shukaku within him.

Before she could speak another word, he kissed her, forcing his memories into her mind while simultaneously drawing her own to him. My Kagome...

Realizations dawned upon her, her arms wrapping around his neck as she nipped at his lips. Do I... Can I... Love him? Finally, she broke the kiss, caressing his face. She was uncertain... But she knew she wanted to be with him. "Gaara... You are mine."