Here is that chapter I promised you guys. It's just under 4k characters. This chapter and last were totally unplanned but they fit well with the story and serve their purpose so I'm glad they happened. Hope you enjoy!

Retribution

Chapter 20

"Hello Kagome," Kakashi greeted, seeing her awake for the first time and noting that she has grey eyes. She was sitting next to the wall while he was across the table next to the aisle, ignoring the waitresses still twittering around.

"Hmm," her gaze shifted from the window to him, she glanced at the mess being cleaned up before addressing the new company they had. "Hello." She thought a few seconds, recalling he knew her name. "I'm sorry, but I don't know your name."

CRASH

"The service here is very clumsy." She commented as they looked at the spectacle the waitresses made. Looking expectantly at the new male at the table she waited for a reply.

"Forgive me, I am Kakashi Hatake," he nodded at her with what she perceived was a smile since a mask covered half his face.

Just then they felt a few noticeable thumps and they looked up to see a large man scolding the waitresses. Ignoring the commotion he asked her, "How do you like the food here?"

"Oh, the food is delicious; it's been so long since I have had such a great meal!" Her enthusiasm showed brightly on her face. "Thank you Itachi and Sasuke for bringing me here." They both nodded as a silent 'you're welcome' as she went back to eating and the other three began to join in seeing as how they had way more food than they needed.

"Delicious, did I hear this charming young lady compliment my food so generously?" The large man turned towards them. His eyes zeroed in on Kagome as she sat there about to eat another chunk, her eyes looking at him when she noticed she was being addressed. "Young lady, I must simply know your name and are you single?" His fingers crossed in front of him, not paying an ounce of attention to the three males. Kakashi and Sasuke instantly noticed Itachi's spine go straight.

"Huh," the sudden onslaught had her eyes wide. "Well, my name is Kagome Higurashi." She gave him a small wave and he instantly grabbed hold of her right hand, engulfing it with his large hands in a pleading gesture.

"Miss Kagome, would you please kindly wait here?" A bit confused she nodded as she watched the large man.

He stood straight and noticed the three males, more like he noticed that two of them were Uchiha and the other being Kakashi. 'Well they can't be all bad if they have such charming company with the young woman and someone as loyal as Kakashi.' Giving a nod of his head he disappeared around a corner.

Racket was heard in the kitchen before the man came pushing out what appeared to be the chef. He eagerly guided him to their table. "This young lady had given the cooking such a gracious compliment, she is so charming and my boy she is single. Having a beautiful young lady like her in the family would be perfect! I would have grandbabies to spoil in no time!"

"Actually, she is not single," Itachi commented, keeping calm. He was thoroughly ignored by them.

The new man came out and three waitresses behind him were love-struck, standing there with weak knees. Brown hair, green eyes, a tanned complexion, tall, and very built, his white shirt fit him to a T. The sparkle in his eyes as he somehow grabbed ahold of her left hand should have been enough to show what was coming. "My dear lady, would you do me the honor of voicing the compliment once more?"

"Oh, well umm," she racked her brain for whatever she had said. "I believe all I had said was the food is delicious and it has been a long time since I'd had such a great meal."

"She is one of my most favorite customers, isn't she lovely?" Little cupids flew around his head.

A certain customer overheard as he just sat down at a nearby booth, his eyes went wide and a moment later he was holding his hands together as he plead to the man, "please, please say you didn't just say that! I'm your most loyal of customers!"

"Not now Choji, I have such a charming woman eating at my restaurant." Suddenly thinking of something, "Miss is there anything I could get you?" Then an afterthought, "free of charge of course."

"Umm, well I'm getting kind of full sir..." she started.

"Oh, yes! Dessert, now why didn't I think of that? Now my boy, I want you to pour your heart out and make her something so delectable that she will hear wedding bells in the future. This will be one of our shining moments!"

"Yes Papa sir!" He then disappeared into the kitchen while Choji remained crying with snot coming out of his nose until he would suck it back up.

Kakashi turned his gaze at the Uchiha across from him, "Itachi, it was my understanding that you two are an item." Neither male, nor the females minus Kagome missed his level of interest in receiving an answer.

Feeling an ominous aura Kagome turned her head and noticed the deadly glares aimed her way by the majority of the female population. "Why do they look like they want to kill me?"

"You are not only sitting with myself and Itachi but Kakashi is here and now the chef is smitten with you, I read an article in a magazine the other day that we are all in the top 10 most eligible bachelors. If their looks could kill you would be dead so I guess you can be glad it is us three that are at this table."

Kakashi gave Sasuke a peculiar look. "I didn't know you were into those gossip magazines."

Sasuke glared at him from the corner of his eye before replying, "I'm not, Kakashi-sensei, our names were on the front cover so I wanted know what was being written about us. I noticed earlier that the current Icha Icha book has a woman that looks remarkably like Kagome here."

Kakashi attempted to glare at Sasuke while Itachi was looking at him murderously and the other women were looking at Kagome like they wanted to torture her. Her face was a mixture of embarrassment and fright. That is when a loud commotion erupted and everyone's attention was directed back to the owner, who was still trying to get a crying Choji off him, who was now looking at Kagome in confusion and the Chef who rolled out a cart with a silver platter and cover containing the dessert.

He gave her an elaborate bow, "my name young maiden is Kuji, I am the Head Chef of this restaurant and son of the owner, Mister Kishimoto." Serving the dish he took off the cover to reveal several strawberries in hear shapes decorated in a heart shape around the chocolate fondue fountain and a chocolate mousse dessert surrounding them with whip cream, chocolate sprinkles, and topped with cherries. "I am certain the red string of destiny will appear after you try this dear."

Itachi noticed he began doing many uncharacteristic things since he came back home. His more peaceful demeanor was quickly fading away as he clenched his teeth and fingered a kunai in his pouch. He wasn't sure how much more of this he was going to be able to handle. It occurred to him that even though he made his intentions known he had never officially asked her to be with him. The quiet life with budding passion from the feudal era was non-existent with the constant distractions and interruptions. If he didn't get her out of here soon she will have just as many admirers as he does.

Kagome's eyes lit up after she took a bite of the mousse. With a happy smile she ate a few more bites before trying the strawberries and chocolate fondue. "Mmm, this delicious. I love chocolate mousse," she commented happily. Suddenly they heard church bells going off as she took another bite.

"I knew it; I knew it was meant to be. The bells are going off in favor of our love for one another! Papa, I did it!" His father rejoiced with him, they made quite the scene.

Sasuke sighed, annoyed by all this hassle. "Actually the church bells are going off because someone just got married. See, there goes the bride and groom right now. It was only just a coincidence."

He leveled them with a look, "Kagome is seeing my brother Itachi so she is not available and she has been unconscious for over two weeks and this is the first meal besides tea and broth that she has had since waking up. We would like the bill," he watched the two deflate and noticed Choji's angry expression at him.

"You didn't have to be so mean Sasuke." Choji clenched his fist as he spared another look at the owner and Chef.

Kagome was looking at the two men worriedly; she didn't want them to be upset. "The food really is great even though Sasuke is right. It nearly rivals my mother's cooking when she makes Oden for me."

The two perked up immediately and she gained Choji's attention. "Such an angel. So rare to find such a precious gem among shinobi. Son, it will be your mission in life to make this woman your wife! Now head back to the kitchen we must start preparing!"

"Yes papa!" The man's deep voice answered and they both headed off.

Choji remained looking at her and was soon joined by Ino and Shikamaru. "So you're up finally." Shikamaru commented as he watched her blush fade. She looked at him confused, another man that seemed to know her.

She tilted her head and the innocent action had their attention. "I'm sorry but do I know you?"

The female population looked at her in disbelief. Kakashi finally chimed in. "No, we're sorry Kagome for all of our lack in manners. See a lot had occurred while you were unconscious so many of the fellow shinobi already met you sort of. I would think Itachi and Sasuke would have introduced you to the ones who helped watch over you and help out. This is Choji, Shikamaru, and Ino, they are known as Team 10. Sasuke was part of the team I led, Team 7. Itachi had also been on a team I was captain of before he became a captain as well and then left the village for several years. I know you met Lady Tsunade, our leader, the Hokage of this village, her apprentice Shizune, and her other apprentice Sakura, who also helped make up Team 7. There will be others as well. I hope you will see that you are in good hands with us."

"Thank you Kakashi, I appreciate it and thank you everyone for your generosity towards me, I hope we can all be friends." Ino took one look at that smile and just knew she would be great friends with her, and if they both take on the Uchiha name then they will be sister-in-laws!

"I really hope so too Kagome. Maybe you can join me and girls at the beach or hot springs some time." Her eyes lit up at the sound of that.

"I would love to! Thank you Ino!" Itachi was a bit torn. He didn't want her to be out of his site but her making female companions would make her more comfortable here. She would be with several Kunoichi if she went and he knew he could go to the beach or be at the hot spring on the other side of the wall.

"Just let me know when Ino, I will make sure she is able to go." He could tell Kagome was a bit surprised. Looking at her he spoke, "I would like you to be comfortable and have female companions to spend time with. It would be good for you to enjoy your stay."

When the bill didn't show up for several more minutes, Itachi figured it must be on the house and left a generous tip but only because of Kagome's appreciation for the meal. They walked out and soon after her legs began getting tired so with bags in hand he carried her bridal style back to Sasuke's. By the time she finished freshening up her stomach was protesting at all of the solid food so she laid down on the porch, resting her head on his lap as Itachi and Sasuke told her stories of their pasts, the better ones.

Bright and early the next day she was up and on the front porch doing some exercises. She was determined to get her strength up so she could be prepared but also at the prospect of going to a beach or hot spring with Ino and her friends. She didn't want to be carried around forever; she could feel her muscles getting stronger every day. Today she decided she would do a lap around the pond. Itachi was sipping on tea thinking as he let her exercise to her hearts content. His thoughts mostly turned to her needing a swimsuit for the beach if they went and he could tell she was thinking about swimming in the pond. He didn't quite enjoy that thought but decided he would not stand in her way.

A few hours later and Sasuke found himself answering the door and greeting Ino and Sakura who were for once so focused on something else that they didn't even bicker amongst themselves or flirt with him. They wanted to take her shopping and go to the movies with a few other girls. "Come on in, she was out back exercising when I last checked."

They followed him through the house to an open door that led to the backyard. They noticed Itachi sitting there watching Kagome who insisted on making it around the pond on her own without him hovering or doing any ninja tricks. She was struggling to get up and finish the last turn around the pond. She was clearly exhausted, her shirt drenched in sweat and her body trembling with fatigue. It was actually her fourth lap.

"How long has she been out there?" Sakura asked, her green eyes narrowed as she studied the woman.

"Since shortly after sunrise. Ino's invitation sparked a fire in her; I guess she is really looking forward to making friends and doing something fun." Ino gave a little smile, happy that her invite meant so much to this woman. Sakura had filled her in on what she knew of her after she mentioned meeting her last night. They both had a plan too since they noticed Sasuke seemed happier having his brother around. "Are you here to visit her?"

"Yup, we would like to take her shopping, maybe get some ice cream and go see a movie. Since she isn't from here we figured she wouldn't have our currency for money and not a whole lot of girl things so we want to help her get a suit for swimming. A little girl time should make her feel more at home here." Ino's smile was genuine. Sakura and Ino began walking over to Kagome as she finally finished and slumped down in the grass. The two girls healed any scuffs she managed to get while they let her know the reason for their visit. Not long after they had her up and taking a shower.

Itachi sat in their room waiting for her to finish in the shower and come in. He still didn't like the idea of her being out of sight but she would be around several kunoichi while he went and took care of other things. Sasuke left to go get lunch; he wanted to make sure she ate since she skimmed over breakfast.

It irked him that his brother called him a 'mother hen' but he would ignore it for the time being. She is defenseless and the primary target, he couldn't afford to let his brother's words get to him. The shower turned off and a few minutes later she emerged from the bathroom and entered the bedroom, making sure to shut the door. Seeing Itachi in the room she blushed and made sure to keep her towel secured.

He really is handsome, she could never say otherwise. His onyx eyes looked at her and the smirk on his face was sinful. She could feel her body respond as she watched him looking her over before he got off the bed and approached. Wrapping his hand around her neck he pulled her towards him before claiming her mouth. His other hand rested on her bare shoulder. If it wasn't for the company he would have steered her towards the bed. He pulled back and gave her final soft kiss before he teased her and tugged on the towel lightly.

"You should get dressed. I thought you might enjoy wearing a summer dress with sandals." Seeing the creamy flesh of her neck he couldn't resist and pressed light kisses along it before sucking on it, being careful to not leave a noticeable mark. Running his hands up and down her back he pulled away and guided her to her outfit and turned around so she could dress. He held a comb in his hand to help do her hair once she was set. "I want to talk with you before you head out."

"Something on your mind then? I still find it hard to believe your letting me go somewhere without you." She slipped her sandals on and began pulling at the zipper of the dress. "Itachi, can you help me with the zipper?"

He turned around and closed the distance, smoothly guiding the zipper up. He sat down on the bed, pulling her with him and began working on her hair. "I have a few things to do and those women are all strong in their own right. I will be checking on you even if you don't see me. My main thought is reminding you of something. Remember when we first met and you wanted to see a demonstration of what I can do. You had seen me suck a clone of myself into a different dimension. That technique is Kamui, the second man; the one you had seen in your head had used that to abduct you right in a room full of high level shinobi. He wants you for keeps due to your blood, even more so now that you have traces of Uchiha blood in your veins. It's hard to track someone that uses that technique so I'm stressing to you the importance of not going anywhere without the group or even being at the back of the group. I want you to have fun but be safe."

She nodded her head in silent understanding. "There is one more thing. I know those two girls had mentioned buying you a suit for swimming but I was already planning to do the same. I have more than enough money here for you to have extra left over for another outing so I hope you find something you like."

"Where did you get this much money?" She questioned.

"I tend to be frugal in my spending habits and I never collected on the last missions I had for the village. This isn't even near the amount of what I actually have. It will be monthly payments so the actual amount is such a high payout. Anything I don't use will go to Sasuke should I not stay here." Finishing her hair he pulled out a hair pin and got in front of her to place it in her hair before pulling out matching earrings and putting them in as well. "Don't worry about money; I am from the once strongest clan of the village. I hope you enjoy your day and come back safely."

Holding out his hand he helped her up and let her finish up in the bathroom while he went out by their guests. He had already pressed with them to not let her overdo it and informed them that her purchases would be covered. Sasuke arrived shortly after and set out the food he bought for their midday meal.

Kagome came out shortly after looking beautiful as ever, the two girls didn't know until later that Itachi had bought her the accessories and combed her hair out. They were a bit envious that she found such a great guy in the elder Uchiha but still had their sights set on Sasuke. Well for Ino it was Sai and Sasuke, Sakura had begun to become torn by her two teammates Naruto and Sasuke.

Walking down the street the girls chatted as they went from one store to the next. TenTen and Hinata had joined them as well. They enjoyed spending time with Kagome and showing her different places. TenTen had learned about her priestess powers and her new ability to produce chakra so she dragged her into a building that stored weapons and insisted on her trying out a curved hand blade.

It reminded her of brass knuckles, these ones smaller for her petite hands, with a blade extending outwards in a curve. She channeled her power into it and 'awed' at how easy it was to infuse it. They checked with the shinobi at the station and she paid for them, hoping Itachi would approve of the weapons. After wrapping them up she put them in a bag with her other purchases and they left to get ice cream before continuing on.

Her day was great; she managed to keep up with the others, taking note of the many breaks they took. Though no one said anything she assumed it was due to the state her body had been in. They made it feel natural and she was grateful. She watched different ones on the street and noticed looks they would receive from different ones, none of them being bad in the least.

Hinata was more quiet but very pleasant to be with. She learned a bit about her clan and their eyes. She also learned her part in things when she was abducted and thanked the kind woman. She hoped maybe someday she could repay the village for its kindness.

Walking into the theatre they got ready to watch a chick flick. As the movie progressed she could tell the others were really into it. She found her mind going back to Itachi and some of their special moments.

She had not ever planned on pursuing a relationship of the sort but she couldn't help but think about how he ended up being exactly what she dreamed of in a man. He may be more of the silent type but he made up for it in thoughtfulness and he spoke to her often enough. Touching the earrings and hairpiece she smiled, he really was thoughtful.

After the movie finished the girls walked to another store to look at swimsuits. Each of them picked one out for her to try on and then shoved her into a changing room to start trying them on. Stepping back out Kagome sported a two piece yellow one before being shoved back in with another four swimsuits. Somehow, by the end of the day she managed to make it out of that changing room alive and even purchase a swimsuit.

Feeling a bit haggard at this point the girls began walking her back to the house, Itachi greeted them at the door and took her bags, noticing the weight of the one. He let them say their goodbyes before shutting the door and guiding her to rest in bed. He set her items down over by the wall and turned around finding her already in a light slumber. Sliding in behind her he wrapped an arm around her before letting his own eyes rest.