Someone New

By: Mitsukai04

Author's Note: Summer has been horribly cruel to me, along with my muse. And so, armed with a new computer and net connection, I feebly try to continue my neglected fanfiction! [sweatdrops before running away]

Kagome held onto Mamoru tightly as they sped through the streets of Tokyo, her confrontation with Inuyasha replaying over and over in her mind.

The look on his face before she walked away clearly told her that she had finally managed to strike a chord within the half-demon. Yet she didn't know if she was pleased or distressed at finally wounding him.

The tears that threatened to spill from her eyes told her that it was the latter.

No! I told myself I would not let Inuyasha ruin this for me! I deserve to be happy. If Kikyo wants Inuyasha so badly, she can have him. I don't care anymore...

With that, Kagome willed her tears away as a feeling of excitement began to take place over what Mamoru had planned for the night.

Mamoru had seen right through Kagome the minute she greeted him at the shrine steps. She had greeted him enthusiastically, smiled brightly, and acted as if she was without a care in the world. And he had seen right past it and caught a glimpse of sorrow within her eyes. Even as he drove with Kagome's arm securely around his waist and out of view, he could sense that she was having an inner battle over something, mostly likely over what had caused her sadness.

I know if something or someone is bothering her, she'll tell me. I shouldn't push the topic, no matter how upset she looks. I just want her to have a good time.

Deciding that this would be the best course of action, Mamoru easily maneuvered his motorcycle into the parking lot of the movie theater.

He swiftly turned off the bike and removed his helmet to see that Kagome had already done so. He smiled and took the spare helmet from her, putting both away. They both eased themselves off the seat, with Kagome falling into Mamoru's arms, her legs unsteady from the long ride.

Kagome slowly looked up at him, her face a bright pink.

How embarrassing! He probably thinks I was looking for an excuse to throw myself at him!

"I should have mentioned that it takes a while to get used to riding for a long period of time," Mamoru said with a chuckle. "Are you alright, Kagome?"

"A warning would have been nice, but I'm fine," she joked as her legs finally became used to holding her weight.

They stood quietly for another moment before Kagome realized that she was still in his arms and how close they were, causing her to blush yet again. It seemed that Mamoru had noticed as well, for he too was turning a light shade of red.

"Umm... I think... that we should go inside now," she whispered softly, willing herself to pull away from his embrace.

"Yeah... wouldn't want to miss the movie," he murmured, finally releasing her and offering his hand with a soft smile.

Kagome returned the smile and entwined her fingers with his as they walked into the building to watch the movie of their choice.

Inuyasha sat quietly in The God Tree, having returned to the feudal era some time ago. He watched the stars glitter above him, glancing at the well every now and then. The one person he wanted by his side at that very moment would not be coming through it any time soon. Knowing that he was the reason why Kagome probably had no intention of returning for the time being only served to lower his spirits.

His ears drooped at remembering the argument they had but a few hours ago in her time.

Could she have really meant everything she said? Has my spending with Kikyo wounded her that badly? What if I've lost her to this Mamoru guy... forever?

At his last thought, the hanyou quickly berated himself.

Who cares if Kagome wants to date some stupid human weakling anyway? I know I don't!

Another inner voice, namely his heart, decided to join in on his conversation.

If you didn't care, then you wouldn't be so jealous.

I'M NOT JEALOUS!

Yeah... right.

Nobody asked you!

Hey, I'm just stating the facts. Besides, I'm not the one who's talking to himself.

With a frustrated growl, Inuyasha ran a clawed hand through his hair and tried to clear his mind of any thoughts regarding the girl from the present day era.

"Inuyasha?" a feminine voice called out from beneath the tree.

With false hope, he quickly glanced down, only to see that it was Sango looking back up at him. Instead of yelling at the demon slayer for startling him, he simply looked away and growled softly.

"What do you want?"

Sango's brow furrowed as she tried to think of the best way of approaching the topic. Miroku had told her earlier that he had managed to convince the hanyou to visit Kagome with hopes of him apologizing so that she would return. Hours had passed and there was no sign of either one of them.

Hence, Sango had been designated to see if Inuyasha had returned empty-handed, and sure enough, she discovered him moping in the branches of the God Tree.

"I thought had you had gone to see Kagome with hopes of getting her to return," Sango started slowly. She received no response, taking that as a sign that she could continue.

"Since she isn't here, I take it that you two once again couldn't see eye to eye?" She heard the rustling of leaves and took a step back as Inuyasha landed quietly on the ground of her.

"What do you care, Sango?" he growled, crossing his arms and leaning against the trunk of the tree.

"I care because Kagome is my friend, and believe it or not, so are you," she said with a frown.

Inuyasha glanced at the demon exterminator, slightly surprised at her referring to him as a friend.

"Kagome's still mad at me for whatever reason and we got into another fight. She probably won't be coming back anytime soon," he said through gritted teeth before adding quietly, "Besides... she's found someone new."

"The reason Kagome is upset, Inuyasha, is because you NEVER take her feelings into consideration whenever you run off with Kikyo! Do you expect to just sit here and take that? Do you even SEE the look on her face when—"

Sango's tirade of words stopped short at hearing the last Inuyasha said.

"What do you mean, she's found someone new?"

"You heard me. She's found a human male that... wants to be with her," he replied softly.

Sango could only stand there, stunned at this piece of information. She knew how much Kagome loved Inuyasha. How could it be possible that she would even consider another man?

Maybe the wounds Inuyasha has inflicted on her run deeper than I thought...

Hearing Inuyasha speak again shook Sango out of her reverie.

"... went out on a date with him tonight. I caught her just before she left. I tried to stop her, but... she wouldn't have it. She said... she said that he can't hurt her, because no one can hurt her like I did."

He finally glanced up at Sango, startling her with the amount of sorrow and regret that were being displayed in his amber depths. The loud, rude half-demon she knew had been reduced to what could only described as a lost puppy. Sango instantly regretted what she had said before, seeing that Inuyasha was truly sorry for having hurt Kagome.

"Inuyasha, whatever Kagome may have said to you was out of pain. She may have only been trying to hurt you the way you have hurt her. If you are indeed sorry for what you've done, then you should return to her era and apologize."

"But what if it's too late? Miroku said..."

"Please forget anything that hentai monk had to say and go say you're sorry. Even with if Kagome has a new suitor, it doesn't change how deeply she still feels about you."

Inuyasha regarded her silently before nodding in agreement. He noted to himself that when it came to Kagome, he would have to turn to Sango for advice instead of that stupid monk.

He quickly moved towards the well, mentally preparing himself for confronting Kagome once again. Just as he was about to jump into the dry well's depths, he turned to the demon slayer behind him.

"Hey Sango?"

"Yeah?'

"...Thanks." And he was gone.

Sango only smiled slightly. "You're welcome, Inuyasha."

I can only pray that things will work out between them before it's too late.

Okay, so... that was all my brain could churn out for the time being. Like all my other chapters, it seems quite short and I apologize to anyone who takes the time to read this fanfic. Because of this chapter's length, '1st Date' has been divided into two parts. The 2nd part should be coming sooner than most might think, thanks in large to part to my new comp! [huggles her shiny new laptop] Until then, ja ne and please review!