It's out of character for me to write something with the main focus on romance. Action, gore and mystery are what I am strong at, but I really wanted to give this a shot. I one hundred percent ship Kagome and Inuyasha.

This fanfic takes place around episodes 48-54; Kagome stumbled upon Kikyo and Inuyasha in the woods, which leads to argument, jealousy, sadness and distrust. I want to play with these emotions at the beginning of this fanfic.

I hope some of you-if not all-approve.

Chapter One

Kagome hid behind a tree, her massive bag full of new bandages and medicines for her injured friends weighting heavily on her back. Why did she have to come back at such a bad time? Why did she have to witness this? If only she had slept for a few more hours, then Kagome would never have stumbled across Kikyo and Inuyasha. She never would have saw their kiss, their embrace, their tormented faces when they pulled apart from one another, coming to terms with how far apart they really were.

Kikyo's soul collectors lifted her into the air as she departed. Inuyasha called out her name, begging her to stay with him, yelling that he would always protect her-and only her. The reincarnation of the priestess knew she shouldn't have seen what just transpired. It was too personal, too painful. Kagome planned on running back to the well and returning to her era. Kikyo had vanished from sight, and now was her chance to leave before Inuyasha ever knew she was there.

In her hast, Kagome forgot about the weight of her bag, and gasped when she accidently leant too far back. The weight meant that her balance was completely off. Kagome landed on her butt, making a high pitched squeal when a sharp rock dug into her thigh. Now was not the time to be clumsy, especially after what she just saw. Kagome wanted to get as far away from Inuyasha as she could.

'Kagome...?'

That was Inuyasha voice. And it was calling her name this time. Her head snapped up and met the golden eyes of the half demon. Kagome realised she was in plain view of him. Oh, no. She quickly jumped to her feet, forgetting about the dull throb in her thigh, hoisting her bag up with her. Neither of them said a word for what felt like forever. Inuyasha stared at her with an unreadable expression.

Inuyasha stepped forward, seemed to rethink his action, and then moved back to where he was standing. 'Kagome...I...' His eyes narrowed as he looked for the right words to say. But what could he say? He was sure she saw and heard everything. Her dark brown eyes were round and glassy, like she was on the verge of tears. Had he caused the moister in her eyes? 'Did you...?'

She shook her head and stepped back, once again almost falling from the heavy bag. 'It was a mistake. I'm sorry. I need to go home now.'

'Kagome, wait-.'

'Give these to Sango,' she cut in. Kagome slowly placed her bag on the grass, holding onto one of the straps, half bent over. The tears in her eyes were dangerously close to flowing over the edge. She didn't want Inuyasha to see her like this. 'It's the bandages. It should help.'

'I...'

'Inuyasha,'-his name was hard for her to say, and she fought back sobs that were threatening to give her emotions away-, 'please, you don't need to explain anything. I understand.'

This time he did take a step towards her, and then another. He hated the distance between them as much as he hated the hurt feeling in her voice. It was even worse because he knew he had caused her sadness.

'Understand?'

Kagome straightened her back and glanced over at Inuyasha, smiling through the tears she could feel falling down her cheeks. 'You still love Kikyo. There is no room in your heart for...someone else.'

'That's not...' How could he finish that sentence? Kagome was right, and they both knew it. Inuyasha still loved Kikyo, and would do anything for her. But Kagome was also wrong at the same time. His heart had enough room for affection towards someone else, too. 'Kagome-.'

But she was already turning to leave. 'I'm going home, Inuyasha.'

He considered stopping her, but knew there was nothing he could say or do to change what she saw. Inuyasha loved Kikyo-and Kagome. Did it make him a bad person to want both women he cherished? The Kikyo he knew now is not the same as the priestess from fifty years ago. She was dead, unreadable and dangerous, even putting Kagome's life on the line. She had almost killed her own reincarnation for a stupid jewel. Kagome would never do something so horrible. Kagome's soul was gentle and warm and full of love for everyone; exactly what Kikyo's heart used to be. But they weren't the same person. They never will be, and Inuyasha knows he can't keep them both. A decision must be made soon.

Kagome ignored the sounds the forest made during the night. Usually she would be with Inuyasha and feel safe, but as she walked back to the well, her nervousness gave way to her sadness. She kept walking at a quick pace, keeping her head low, trying to tune out the buzzes of bugs or howls of demons lurking in the distance. She knew she wasn't too far from the well. Besides, if she screamed Inuyasha would hear her and- No. Kagome shook her head. He was the last person she wanted to see.

Eventually she made it back to the well. The field was empty, with the glow of the moon bathing the open space in silver. It was such a nice scene. Kagome glanced up at the stars as she walked, trying to count as many as she could. That's probably why she didn't notice someone standing in her path, leaning against the stone of the well.

It was Kikyo.

Kagome was instantly on her guard. The last time they were alone together, Kikyo stole her shard of the sacred jewel and then tried to kill her. The two women stared each other down, refusing to even blink. Wishing she had her bow and arrows, Kagome slowly slipped her hand into the pocket of her skirt, feeling a little more at ease when her fingers wrapped around the metal of her cell phone. It wasn't exactly a weapon, but it was something to throw. Being empty handed was worse; especially when your opponent was holding an arrow loosely in her slender hand.

Kikyo swirled the arrow in her hand, but Kagome was paying more attention to the bow slung over her shoulder. 'You have a habit of getting in my way. Inuyasha was about to be mine once again, but I sensed you close by.' Her dark eyes narrowed.

'He's all yours,' Kagome stated.

'Not for long, I suspect. He has feelings for you.' Kikyo's voice grew dark. She gripped her bow, hooked her arrow and then pointed it directly at Kagome's heart. 'It will be easier if you weren't around.'

Her heart was beating in her chest. Kagome knew Kikyo wasn't lying. At this point, though, her emotions were out of her control. 'I'm leaving anyway. I'll even give you my jewel shards so I can't come back!' She ripped the last shard she had managed to retrieve from around her neck and threw it on the ground. 'I never want to see Inuyasha again!' But her voice broke when she shouted his name, tears springing into her eyes again.

Kikyo ignored her words and drew back the arrow, taking aim. 'You're pathetic.'

The last thing Kagome saw was Kikyo's arrow flying through the air, purple light protruding from the sharp point, before something crashed into her from the side. She was shoved onto the ground, a heavy weight on top of her. Kagome smashed her head on the hard packed dirt and she twisted her right arm really badly. But the pain that followed seconds later was unbearable. Kagome screamed in agony, withering under the weight of whatever was on top of her. Where was the pain coming from? Her whole body felt like it was being ripped apart from the inside, burning fingers licking at her skin. The pain of her head and twisted arm were lost in the burning sensation.

Kagome heard Kikyo say, 'Damn, I missed,' just as the weight from on top of her shifted. The pure agony still created a burning sensation throughout her body, but at least she didn't feel like she was being crushed to death. Through the pain, Kagome shifted her head so she could see Kikyo. But something was blocking her view, something red. Could it be...? Her eyes struggled to gaze upwards, but she managed to catch a glimpse of silver hair before her head lolled back to one side. It was difficult to control her neck when her head felt like someone was bashing it with a brick.

Inuyasha's voice carried on the wind. He sounded pissed off, even to himself. 'Kikyo, why would you try to kill Kagome?'

'Because she is getting in our way.' Short, simple, and completely void of any sympathy or doubt that what she just did was wrong. 'Don't you see? If she keeps living, then we can't be together.'

'So you try to kill her?' He shouted back. With more restraint in his voice, Inuyasha added, 'You also tried to kill her the night you stole the sacred jewel shards, didn't you?'

'You already know the answer to that.'

Kagome managed to roll onto her side. 'Inu...yasha. Don't-.' A scream filled with agony as she tried to lift her head cut off whatever she was about to say. Her eyes became blurry and wet with tears of pain. Every breath she drew in, every slight movement, all caused immense pain to rupture through her body.

'The arrow,' Inuyasha gasped.

He thought he had saved her from Kikyo's arrow, but it had in fact changed course. The arrow was sticking out of her thigh, the blood around the puncture wound thick. The purified arrow from the priestess would no doubt cause the agony that Kagome was feeling. It was the reason she was withering in pain. How could he not have smelt Kagome's blood sooner? He was too focused on Kikyo. He was always too focused on Kikyo, the woman who was the cause of Kagome's suffering.

Inuyasha's hand twitched by his side, his claws digging into the fabric of his pants. 'Kikyo, you better leave.' His golden eyes were narrowed, and he moved to take up a protective stance before Kagome.

The priestess widened her eyes, disbelief written on her face. 'You would choose that girl over me?'

'Right now I am,' he shot back. Of course he would choose Kagome. She needed him; needed him to save her from the woman he holds so dear. 'You've had your fun, Kikyo.'

Kikyo glanced at the girl who looked so much like herself, lying motionless at Inuyasha's feet. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was gentle and even, a sign that she was unconscious. Kikyo looked back at Inuyasha, judging the seriousness in his eyes. 'Remember, Inuyasha, she cannot replace me. And you will be with me.'

What could he say to that? Inuyasha knew no one could ever replace Kikyo, and he wanted, more than anything, to be with her forever. But that conversation was for another time. Right now, Kagome was his main priority. And she had fallen silent behind him. Inuyasha's eyes remained on the woman he loved until she was completely gone from sight, using her soul collectors to rise into the night sky. He knew not where she was going, and at this moment he wasn't concerned about whether he would see her again.

Inuyasha stared at the night sky for a long time, wondering if he would be able to catch a glimpse of her. It wasn't until the wind shifted and he smelt Kagome's blood that he remembered what was really important. The half demon quickly crouched beside Kagome and started working to pull the arrow out. Once it was out of her leg, a massive gash left bleeding; he ripped off some fabric from his shirt to bandage her leg.

Kagome stirred, feeling a cool touch on her thigh. 'What...happened?'

Did she really lose consciousness? How weak, she thought to herself. Kikyo's arrow only hit her leg and the pain was enough to cloud her mind. Speaking of Kikyo, where was she?

The half demon leaning over the girl's leg, trying to stop the bleeding, didn't glance at her. He was too ashamed. Inuyasha knew she was injured because of him, because he was too weak to fight Kikyo. Kagome was struggling to look around, searching for any sign of the woman who had harmed her. When she bent her sore neck the wrong way and winced, Inuyasha's ears twitched at the sound. Hearing her in so much pain only made his guilt thicken.

Knotting the strip of cloth around her thigh, Inuyasha softly said, 'She's gone. I won't let her hurt you.'

'Huh.' Kagome tried to sit up, but realised that was a bad move. 'Kikyo...left... I thought you'd-.' She bit her lip.

Inuyasha sat back and glanced at her face, turned away from him, eyes staring into the dark forest. 'Kagome...'

She sighed and finally rolled her head so their eyes could meet. 'I thought you'd go with her. Inuyasha, I thought you'd leave me.' Tears sprang into her eyes, betraying her.

His eyes widened at the sadness in her voice and the moister in her eyes. Did he really cause her such pain? Even when on the verge of tears, Kagome was beautiful. 'Why didn't you run? When I saw you... You stood up to Kikyo.'

'That's because I was trying to tell her something. I was trying to get my point across.' The tears flowed over the rim of her eyes. Kagome used the back of her hand to wipe away the tears, using it as a decoy so she didn't have to look him in the eye when she said, 'I was trying to explain to Kikyo that I never wanted to see you again. That she could have you.'

Inuyasha froze. His heart started speeding up, his palms growing sweaty. Did she really just...? 'Kagome, what are you saying? You don't...want me around anymore?'

When she didn't answer, Inuyasha's anger began to boil. How could she say such a thing? After everything they've been through, she would give it all up just because of a little fight? Was she really so jealous of Kikyo? Inuyasha jumped to his feet, startling Kagome. She tried to sit up, but her mind fogged and her vision grew dizzy. The half demon boy was staring down at her, clinching his fists in irritation. It wasn't even his fault. He couldn't help loving Kikyo, and he couldn't help wanting to protect her. Why doesn't Kagome understand that?

After a painfully long minute, and his control on his anger slipping, Inuyasha spat out, 'fine,' before turning and stomping away.

Kagome's eyes widened. 'Inuyasha!' She once again tried to sit up, achieving her goal after a few breathless struggles. Black spots danced before her eyes. Kagome was too busy trying to stand, to go after Inuyasha that she didn't care about the pain of her leg or the dizziness of her brain. She wouldn't take back what she said, but she couldn't let that be the last conversation between them.

He heard her struggle to her feet, though continued walking without looking back. Inuyasha was too irritated to deal with her any longer. Sure, he wanted to take care of her and assure her everything would be alright, but he was so confused. Time to himself would be the best thing right now. He would fetch Sango to come and take care of Kagome while he thought things over.

'Ahh!' Kagome squealed when her foot hit a large rock, throwing her careful balance off. She had been ignoring the pain of her leg and focusing on catching up to Inuyasha, that she wasn't paying attention. Now she had fallen on her stomach with a thud, smacking her chin on the ground. Kagome tasted blood in her mouth and her thigh screamed in pain. Tonight was not going well at all.

Inuyasha whirled around to see Kagome sprawled on the grass. She had tried to follow after him. Instantly kicking himself for being so selfish and leaving her, he ran back to her side. When Kagome didn't try to raise her head or move, he gently rolled her over. Inuyasha stared into the calm face of the girl he cradled in his lap. It was obvious Kagome's pain had rendered her unconscious again. Her tolerance was worn thin, and her body had lost its fight to stay awake. She needed the rest. But she looked so beautiful, especially like this. Inuyasha stared at her thick eyelashes kissing her cheeks, the thickness of her black hair, the perfect portions of her lips. She resembled Kikyo so much, and yet, she had a beauty all of her own.

Smiling softly at the sleeping girl in his arms, the half demon boy rose easily to his feet and started heading in the direction of the village. Kagome was nestled perfectly in his arms, light as a feather, and completely oblivious to how much, in this moment, he cared about her.

A bit sappy than what I am used to writing. But there you have it! As the story progresses I intend to add some deaths, gore and sexual scenes (don't worry, not going all fifty-shades-of-grey on you). I hope this first chapter was alright, though. I know my writing can become difficult at times to understand. Need any help understanding or just wanna make a suggestion so it'll be easier for people to read, just give me a heads up !