Chapter 5: Hoping to Return

Kagome slowly opened her eyes; it was strange for her to think about a simple thing as awaking in the morning, hoping that the day wouldn't be her last.

As she woke she noticed everyone sitting around the morning fire talking over the cooking breakfast.

Shippo looked over and noticed that she was awake and he smiled and happily went over to her, "Kagome, good morning," he said cheerfully, he didn't want to seem sad around her even though inside he was very sad.

Kagome smiled warmly at the young kitsune, "Good morning Shippo," she replied back as she joined the others around the nice fire.

Kagome's smile turned into a saddened expression, the fire felt so nice and warm, to not be able to feel like this, she would miss a lot of things about being alive.

It seemed lately she was taking in things more noticeably and fearing that she would miss whatever it was, making her sad most of the time.

Inuyasha saw her depressed look and it pained him to see it, she looked so small and fragile, scared of what the day had in store. Inuyasha got up and sat next to her and not even caring who saw, put his arms around her shoulders comfortingly.

The others watched the sad scene.

Kagome felt Inuyasha's warmth and kindness and she wanted to stop time and stay that way with him, if only she could, but knowing she couldn't she laid her head against his strong chest and started to cry, 'Inuyasha, why do I have to leave you, I love you and I would miss you so much.'

There wasn't a smile or happy thought in the hut at that moment as Inuyasha hugged her closer to him, letting her cry against him.

Breakfast was done and Sango obliged to serve them all a helping of it, giving a little extra to Kagome, hoping it would keep up her strength through her depression.

Kagome wasn't really in the mood for eating, but for all she knew it would be her last meal so she halfway forced herself to eat.

After breakfast it was time for Inuyasha and Kagome to leave to see her family again and spend some time back in her own era.

With sad goodbyes, not knowing if she would come back they were ready to leave.

"Kagome," Sango spoke before they left.

Kagome turned, "Yeah," she asked as Sango came up to her.

It was out of character for Sango, but she gave Kagome a hug, "I just wanted to say thank you for being my friend and helping me in the past," she pulled from the hug and kept her eyes to the ground, she was going to miss Kagome, she had been like a sister to her.

Kagome smiled sadly, "You're welcome Sango, you've been there for me too," it was true all her friends were so special to her.

Kagome turned from Sango to Miroku, it was hard for her to say, but she managed to get it out, "If I don't return, I want you to take good care of Sango, you two are so lucky to have each other."

Miroku and Sango glanced at each other smiling before blushing.

Miroku went towards Kagome for a hug and after Kagome backed up a little Miroku chuckled, "Don't worry, I wont grab you," he promised.

Kagome believed him and returned the hug he gave her, "Thank you Kagome, for your advice and kindness," he pulled from the hug smiling at her.

This made Kagome want to cry more, she turned to Shippo, it was about to get harder, "Oh Shippo."

Shippo tried fighting back tears, but it wasn't helping much, 'I promised I wouldn't cry, I have to be strong,' but then he looked up at Kagome and broke down.

Shippo jumped up and gave Kagome a huge hug, not wanting to let go, "Kagome," he squalled, "You have to come back to us, please," he sobbed even harder.

Kagome started to cry now, "Shippo," but she couldn't think of what to say to him to cheer him up, she couldn't promise him something she didn't know herself, and she only wished she would be able to.

Kirara jumped on Kagome's shoulder and rubbed against her purring and Kagome pet her goodbye as she was still hugging Shippo.

After having to pry Shippo off of Kagome, Inuyasha walked beside her on the way that would lead them to the well where they would jump inside and be carried again through time, time that seemed to be slipping away from them, slowly, but surely.

Inuyasha glanced over to Kagome and slipped his hand around hers, remembering his promise the night before about giving her what she deserved.

A/N: alright, I know it's another short one, I wanted to get this chapter up and I need some ideas for a really special day for the two, but anyway, please review, thanks;)