Oh, I feel so guilty for not updating! And all these lovely reviews from all my awesome, patient readers!

Disclaimer: You know, I just ate a scone. It was tasty, and I couldn't even afford to buy it myself. What message does that send you?

"How did you—what—how—"

"P-perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere else, Kagome-san," Japan said, glancing at America. He didn't want any other countries to know about Kagome's forays to the past, knowing that everyone (or at least Alfred and Ivan—and, god forbid, France) would pester both he and Kagome for information.

Besides, she was his.

… citizen.

"Oh," Kagome said, taking the hint. "Of course."

"Okay, I've got an apartment not that far from here!" America exclaimed, grinning. "Then you can tell me how you two know each other! And there's this awesome little hamburger place not far from there—"

"Um, Jones-san—"

"This is a matter that is strictly between Kagome-san and I, Alfred-san," Japan stated firmly.

America blinked in surprise. The other country rarely, if ever, put his foot down. This Kagome chick must be really important.

Realization struck.

"OMIGAWD, YOU'RE DATING SOMEBODY! AND SHE WAS CHEATING ON YOU WITH ME! IT'S NOT HER FAULT THAT I'M SO HOT, JA- I MEAN KIKU! DON'T DUMP HER!"

Japan could feel a blush forming on his cheeks. "We're not—"

"It's not like that, Jones-san," Kagome began, smiling a little uncomfortably. "Besides, I… probably won't be dating anyone any time soon."

"You're out on a date with me," America pointed out.

"You kidnapped me."

"Same thing."

"Anyway, Alfred-san, Kagome-san and I must be going," Japan cut in, slightly bothered by America's use of the present tense. "I'll see you at the next summit."

"Summit?" Kagome enquired.

America laughed uneasily. "It's this thing that a couple of dudes and I do every once in a while."

She nodded absently. "Let's go, Kiku-kun!" She grabbed Japan's hand, not seeing his flushed face, and dragged him in a random direction.

"Kagome-san?"

She flashed a smile at him. "Yes?"

Japan smiled hesitantly back. "The rental car is that way."

"Huh? Oh," Kagome said, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment. She gifted him with another apologetic little smile. "I think you'd better lead the way, Kiku-kun."

He nodded shyly, and turned around, bringing Kagome with him.

He didn't let go of her hand.

When they reached the car, Kagome stopped, causing Japan to look at her questioningly. She gave him another grin.

"As happy as I am to see you again, Kiku-kun, and I am, I think you'd better tell me what you and Jones-san are, as well as why you're still alive, ne?"