America arched a brow at Japan as England poured tea for Kagome and smiled at her.

"Dude, Kagome is smokin'. Why won't you let her come visit me?"

"She is happy here," he replied. "And she is free to do as she likes."

Shoving his hands into his pockets, America snorted. "Yeah, right. She barely goes to the bathroom without checking with you first."

Japan frowned, glancing to his rowdy friend. "Kagome has been my dearest friend for longer than you've even existed. I'll thank you not to prod at what you can't understand."

Taken aback by the normally docile nation's hard words, America stared at him and then the woman in question. A sly smirk slid onto his lips.

"Oooh, I get it. Way to go, dude!" he laughed, slapping him on the back.

Jolting forward, Japan grimaced and then straightened his uniform. "What are you talking about?"

"She's your girl! About time. I was beginning to wonder if Greece had scared you out of relationships for good!"

A scowl took his face as Japan turned on his friend. "Mr. Greece and I never had anything! I'm tired of pushing that point and being ignored! That night, Kagome got me back to my room and punched that braggart in the face."

Surprised, America rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh. Sorry."

Appeased, Japan waved it off and decided to join Kagome and England. He didn't want America to recover and begin asking more embarrassing questions. Especially as he was pretty certain that he'd been overly affectionate with the little priestess during the night in question. Foggy though his memories of that night might be, he could remember that she had looked wistful and amused. She'd simply helped him to his room and tucked him in, all while he was mumbling haikus and trying to pet her hair.

"Kiku!" She beamed, easily accepting him into her conversation with England. "We were just speaking of St. Andrew's. It sounds gorgeous."

Her English had improved greatly over the years. Taking a seat beside her, he smiled a greeting at both of them.

"Would you like to visit?" he asked.

That caught her off-guard. When she recovered, Kagome clasped her hands and leaned toward him.

"Really?"

Humming his agreement, he accepted a cup of tea from the other island nation. "If you like. I have duties for the next few months that will keep me here, but you are welcome to make the journey. I trust that it won't be an inconvenience, Mr. England?"

England had perked up and shook his head with a pleased expression. "Of course not. Kagome is very welcome, anytime."

Kagome was studying him, her smile having fallen a bit. "Thank you, Lord England, but I can wait until Kiku can come, too."

"There's no need for that," he assured her. "You go and have a good time. I'll see you when you return."

For some reason, that made her eyes dim. Still, she nodded and forced a smile when she turned back to England.

"As you wish. When will we be leaving?" she asked the blonde nation.

Kiku wondered if he'd somehow made a mistake.

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AN: Sorry about the delay. I've had internet issues. Bleh.