---Sorrows of Yesterday--

Disclaimer: I do not own anything at all.

If you have any questions, PM me, because I don't want to make this so long. I'm still not over my writer's block... (Sorry this chapter is sort of short. I promise the next one will be... twice as long or more! XD)

Responding to an anonymous reviewer by the name of 'karis': (If you still remember. XD)

Even though I hate to say this…I decline your request, because for a fact, I have never watched Phantom of the Opera before… (Other than the fact that I can play the music on the piano, but…) so I have no idea what you're talking about, even though it seems like quite the storyline. I'm so sorry! (Cries)

Chapter 19: The Way it Was Meant to Be

The four entered the village again, to find that on a relatively nice day, it was quite quiet in Konoha, chatter-wise. It was, actually quite loud; hammers, drills, clonking and squeaks… They already knew that it was going to take a long time to repair the entire village from the destruction that the invasion had caused, not even counting the damage that the war had done too.

"Sakura! You're back!"

The kunoichi was nearly toppled over as a green blur rushed up to her, "Lee! It's great to be back." Sakura grinned.

Lee beamed, hugging her, "It's been a few days already, and I was beginning to worry!"

"Who's that?" Kagome whispered in Sasuke's ear, "He seems really close to Sakura…"

"Rock Lee. Boyfriend."

"Oh…" The miko nodded slowly, "That's great!"

Naruto looked away from the two, grumbling, "We have to report to Granny Tsunade before you start your mushy-gushy stuff."

Sakura rolled her eyes, breaking their hug. "You're right. Let's go; sorry Lee, later, okay?"

Lee grinned, giving her a 'thumbs up' as they rounded the corner, out of sight.

121212121212

"You can stop knocking on the door and come in now," Tsunade sighed. She looked up. "So how was the mission?"

"It's accomplished, Tsunade-sama." Kakashi nodded, the whole group stepping into the room.

She turned her gaze towards the miko, "I will not even bother to ask why you ran away."

Kagome bowed her head, mouth set into a grim line. "Yes…I understand. I won't do that again. I promise; you have my word."

Tsunade's gaze lingered on Kagome for a second before she shifted her eyes back to the paperwork in front of her, "Dismissed."

121212121212

"What do you want to do now?" Kagome sighed.

Kakashi glanced at Kagome, "Sleep? A mission does take its toll on you. I recommend we all get some rest today, and just relax. Tomorrow, we can meet up for training at seven in the morning again."

"That sounds acceptable," Sasuke muttered.

"Unless…anybody has other ideas?"

"No, that's just fine," Sakura agreed.

Naruto only paid his teacher half of his attention, but knew what was going on anyway. He yawned, 'And there's still training tomorrow,' he thought grumpily. "Maybe I'll visit Iruka-sensei today."

"Hmm…really?" Sakura asked, "Can I come?"

"Maa…why not?"

Kakashi nodded, "I'm sure he'd appreciate that. I've got some business to attend to, hopefully, you two," he glanced at Sasuke and Kagome, "can find something to do. I'll see you four tomorrow." He was gone in a puff of smoke, while Naruto and Sakura decided to walk to the Academy.

"Do you want to go with them, Sasuke?"

He shrugged, "Don't feel like it."

"Oh, alright."

"Any suggestions to where we should go?"

He turned around to shrug once again, but at that moment, something struck Kagome. "I didn't think he looked that good, but at this angle…" Her thoughts wandered. She froze. "No…nononono… what am I thinking? Why…ugh. Please not again. I don't want to ever be even a bit attracted to anyone again." Speechless, she turned away. "Ugh, what is wrong with me? Maybe I just haven't had any proper sleep in a while." "…On second thought, let's just go back to your place and get some rest."

Sasuke shot Kagome a peculiar look, and she tried to smile convincingly back. Kagome diverted her eyes. "I'm sure it's just the lack of sleep. I'll get some proper rest tonight."

His words seemed to be chosen carefully, because he took a moment longer to respond. "Okay. That would work too."

Exhaling, she was thankful he had accepted her offer. Kagome watched as he started a confident stride back to the mansion, hands in his pocket, and posture straight. Then, she followed after him, muttering and shaking her head.

Really short and probably crappy, I know. But, I just wanted to let you guys know that I am still very much alive.

Reviews would be appreciated, because I think my ego just died. (Cries) Thank you in advance.

-- Tenshi-Battosai