A/N: So after that murderously long chapter I've decided to give you one little scene between Kagome and Kakashi. They are just so popular!

Chapter 15

Having ramen with Naruto and the others was amazing. Kagome felt so alive with them. Still, Inuyasha had loved ramen once and Kagome felt guilty after a half hour. She quietly excused herself before heading toward her shrine. Despite her guilt and sadness she felt peace. As she sat in the doorway looking up at her stars she caught herself thinking about the future beyond the Chunin exam and beyond Naraku. She had never asked herself what she would do next but now she could see it. There was light. She had Kakashi and the team for all that.

There was a puff of smoke and Kakashi had taken his place beside her. "How did I know you would be here?" He asked.

She laughed and met his gaze. Kakashi faltered a bit. She was happy, there was even a light in her eyes. He suddenly felt the need to protect it at all costs. Like it was the purest and most precious treasure in the world. He remembered the dark look in her eyes the first day that they had met and it seemed like there were two different girls. It was amazing how being around others had helped to heal the wounds of her past.

"I was sad and I missed them so I came here to be with them." She said.

"How'd the test go today?"

"We passed. Do you want to know why?" She asked. "Naruto. He wasn't intimidated by Morino's tenth question. He said that he refused to back down. I think we've all under estimated him. He could be one of the best ninjas in the world if he put more time into training."

"I agree. All four of you will be great."

"Sensei, you don't have to…"

"I'm not. I don't have to lie or find some small thing, you're good, Kagome. You went toe to toe with Zabuza an S-Rank missing-nin. No genin but you can really say that. The others danced around him while you fought with him using the same type of weapon." He looked at her seriously. "You are stronger than you think, Kagome."

She looked away up in to the night sky. Her peace gave way to unease. As much as she was learning to enjoy their little talks Kakashi was always getting to close to her and trying to find out about her past. The portraits in her shrine weren't of people who had ever lived in this world. If he found that out….she didn't want to go there with him. She didn't want to, couldn't afford to let him die. She stole a glance at him. He was becoming more and more like family to her. His sarcasm his willingness to put up with them, and his trust, it got her through life. She was living for him and the team now. The last time she had done that three people died.

"Kakashi, I….I can't have a family again." She said tears falling from her eyes. "I can't do it. They'd die. And…..and it would be all my fault."

He reached out and touched her shoulder gently. This crack in her armor startled him. He knew this was her reason for distancing herself from people but he had never expected her to show it. She barely moved except her silent sobs. Then without warning he flew into his arms. Her strength had dissolved. Just before he wrapped his arms around her he felt that someone was watching them again. Like before it wasn't malicious. Just watching. When he placed his hands on her back it was gone.

"I hate to tell you this but you already have a family, a strong one. Despite how hard you've tried to push them away they've just built themselves up around you. Asuma, Naruto, Sasuke, the Hokage, Sakura, myself and so many others will be there for you no matter what anyone else says." He said gently.

"Asuma? Everyone? No, I can't. He saved my life and I owe him so much. I don't want…." Her sobs interrupted her.

So selfless. Trying to protect everyone. He held her as she cried. Now that he had gotten over his shock he realized that she was no different than Naruto and Sasuke. Under her strength and conviction she was alone and scared. No matter how much she wanted anything she wouldn't indulge her desires.

"You should give us a chance, Kagome. We're strong and we protect our own. Asuma saved you and the Hokage took you in to this village, you belong here. If not this village, let me help you. Let me in. Please, just for a little while, just relax." He said.

She looked up at him and nodded. He smiled gently. They remained like that for a while longer until Kakashi realized that she had fallen asleep. He knew she was safe here but he wanted to take her home so she could be well rested for the exams tomorrow. He picked her up and carried her home. On his way he passed Asuma. The two shared a knowing glance. She was on the mend again and this time they would both work to make sure it lasted.

A/N: Sorry it took so long. I'll churn out another filler tonight to make up for it.