You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

written by: K.M.T.

CHAPTER ONE

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.... uh, derp!

"Kagome! Kagome!"

"What? What is it, Shippo?"

The small fox demon sat up in bed besides Kagome, panting. His eyes filled with tears, his face dripped with sweat, and Kagome guessed what had happened, "A nightmare?" she asked. The boy nodded. "It's okay, Shippo. Everything's fine," Kagome tried to reassure him, but little Shippo still cried.

"What's all the ruckus?" Inuyasha said in a half sleepy half angry tone. He had heard Shippo's crying just when he was finally about to fall asleep in the next room.

"I—had—a—a—a—bad—d—d—dream!" Shippo sobbed.

"Shut-up!"

"Inuyasha!" Kagome harshly whispered,"Nightmares can be very frightening for young children like Shippo!"

"Tshh, whatever." Inuyasha caught the angry glare of Kagome; he sighed, "Shippo, listen, it's just a dream.... Now... go to bed."

"Do you wanna talk about it, Shippo? Hmm?" Kagome said in a sweet mother-like voice. She wiped the tears from Shippo's face with her sleeve, "Go on and tell us."

Shippo shook his head.

"No?" asked Kagome, "Well, that's okay... do you wanna try to fall asleep now?"

Shippo nodded.

" 'kay, I'll stay awake until you fall asleep... I won't let anything happen to you."

Shippo smiled weakly,"Inuyasha, will you look after me, too?"

Inuyasha looked at Shippo with a harsh expression, but dropped the attitude when he saw Kagome's saddened face, "Yeah, sure...fine." He walked over and sat besides Kagome, "Just hurry up and fall asleep." Kagome smiled at him, and he could tell that he did good. He always tried to, even though he normally failed. It was hard to not show any sign of weakness and be the good guy at the same time; but if it meant a smile on Kagome's face, he tried his best.

Shippo giggled quietly.

"What's so funny, runt?" Inuyasha questioned.

Shippo yawned, "You two looking after me.... it reminds me of my mom and dad... they looked after me when I had nightmares...they..." the little demon fell asleep.

Kagome and Inuyasha sat besides each other silent for several minutes. Kagome smiled down at the peaceful Shippo, but Inuyasha's attention was on Kagome. He always felt this weird combination of both unsettled and easy feelings. It felt so right to be near to her, but his stomach was upset, as if being around her... alone with her... it made him sick.

"Inuyasha?"

"Huh? Oh... what?"

"He's asleep now... you can go back to bed."

"Oh, right," he scratched the back of his ear, "Er, good-night then."

"Good-night, Inuyasha," she paused, "Inuyasha?"

He stopped at the doorway, "What?"

"Thanks."

Inuyasha left.

Kagome crawled back underneath the sheets next to Shippo. She stared at the ceiling, wondering if Shippo was now dreaming of something friendlier. She thought that the next time she returned to her era, she would buy him some chocolate covered raisins... he hadn't tried those yet. Of course she would have to make sure to buy Inuyasha his own, so that the two wouldn't fight. Inuyasha... such an immature half-demon... so childish... so violent and rude... so hot tempered... so... beautiful. Kagome sighed... and so stubborn.

She had told him how she felt; she had breathed those three words: I love you... but the bastard had yet to say them to her. Inuyasha... he had to love her too, right? Well... he kissed her once... or did she kiss him? Well he kissed her back, so it's all the same.... right? Right... Why couldn't Inuyasha learn to just come out and say it. I love you, it's not that hard. Why couldn't he be a little more like Miroku? Well... maybe it was for the best. But then again, Sango and Miroku have had more romance than her and Inuyasha... "It's way too complicated and way too late," Kagome muttered to herself as she drifted to sleep.

After Miroku had convinced the villagers that the "ominous cloud" was well gone, the group continued on their journey back to the well, where Kagome could return home in time for her little brother, Souta's birthday. Souta had asked Kagome to invite Inuyasha, but the half-demon had yet to clarify whether or not he would come. Kagome ensured him that there would be cake, hoping it would sweeten the deal.

Inuyasha planned to go, whether there was cake or not. He just didn't want the others to know that he was willing and happy to do so.

When they reached their destination, Kagome was surprised and glad to see Inuyasha climbing into the well and offering his hand to help her into the portal. She took his hand, and the two were transported to the future.

A/N: So concludes the very first chapter of my very first fanfic! Squee! Thanks a lot for reading! Please, please, please, pleeeeeeaaassee review! Comments, criticism, praise... it's all good!