A/N: No excuses this time, really, except for the last week. I was grounded. Okay, that's the bad news.

The good news? I've figured out how this is going to end! Yes, I just have to come up with some decent fluff-filler, work in a couple more Suuichi-Kagome and Youko-Kagome scenes, and then this story is pretty much finished. And it hasn't even been a year yet! Wow.

Right then. Things to say...I was on a bit of a sugar high when I wrote this, so the thing about the dolphins...yeah, I wasn't quite myself.

Alright, I know there's more to say...Right. Updates. I'm trying to update as much as I can. The fact is, I'm a procrastinator. So if anyone feels like helping to kick me into writing some more, feel free!

Also, I thank all the new people who reviewed recently. I really enjoy seeing people keeping up with my story and coming into it again. It made me happy when I read some of them on a bad day.

Thanks to all my reviewers that keep coming back. To be honest, knowing that if I stopped this story (or if I think about stopping in the future) that I would disappoint all of my readers is the only reason I've gotten as far as I have. So I thank each and every one of you for keeping this story going.

Alright, just one final thing. I was looking at my reviews, and I found something amusing. For the past four chapters, the reviews have alternated between seventeen and nineteen reviews each. Funny, ne?

Alright, enough rambeling! Read already!

Kagome slowly woke from where she had fallen asleep with Suuichi on her couch. They had stayed up talking late into the night, mostly of life but also about themselves. She had enjoyed the red head's company immensly. Kagome didn't remember falling asleep, however, and flushed a bit as she thought of what kind of impression she must have made on Suuichi.

Sitting up, she squinted in the sunlight and looked around. It looked to be definately past noon. No doubt the only reason she hadn't recieved a phone call from her boss was because it was a Saturday. Kagome was also quite alone in her house.

She called out Suuichi's name quietly, but didn't expect an answer. Pouting only slightly, she folded her arms and flopped back onto the cushions. In all her dating experience, which wasn't much to begin with, no guy had ever stayed with her past two hours or so. Kagome made a mental note to change the record book to read 'Longest date with Kagome Higurashii: Suuichi, five hours, late Friday night. No note left, no goodbye, one night stand.'

She let her mind drift over the date. It would be a lazy morning. No doubt Yuuki would want to get out and--

Kagome sat up quickly. "Oh no, I totally forgot about Yuuki!" Kagome slapped her forehead, calling herself ten different kinds of idiot, and bit her tongue.

However, as if his name were a summons, the silver fox trotted into view and leapt up into Kagome's lap, where he proceeded to lick a dainty paw.

You're sure she'll find it? Youko asked. It doesn't seem to be in a very convinient spot, you know.

Suuichi huffed. Of course I'm sure! She has to leave by that way anyways. And if it looks like she's going to overlook it, you just have to act like you have an interest in it.

Youko stopped washing his paw. You mean I have to do the dirty work?

Suuichi rolled his eyes. It's hardly dirty.

I beg to differ.

As Youko and Suuichi were talking to each other, Kagome was just staring at them. "Wait a minute!" she cried, shoving her hands in front of her and knocking Yuuki from his perch. "Since when did you get back in?"

Yuuki laid down, putting his hands between his paws, and sighed. Kagome glared, not liking his answer.

Wagging a finger at him, she said in a scolding tone "You have a lot of explaining to do, mister. This is the second time you've disappeared."

Youko raised an eyebrow. You know, I think we should start distracting her from the fact that 'Yuuki' likes to disappear.

Suuichi nodded in agreement.

After giving Yuuki a small lecture, Kagome had decided to take Yuuki for a walk. She took a half hour out to shower and dress, then another five searching for her fox's leash. If she hadn't known any better, she would've sworn Yuuki had hidden it on purpose.

By the time she located the offending object (which had mysteriously made it's way onto one of the higher shelves on the book case), Kagome almost didn't think the trup worth the effort. By that time, however, Yuuki was already waiting expectantly by the door.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming," Kagome breathed. "You'd think a fox wouldn't be so pushy, wouldn't you?" Kagome nearly jumped as the silver canine almost nodded in agreement. Almost. It was a proven fact that foxes couldn't understand complicated human words and meanings. They were dumber than a dolphin, for crying out loud! At least dolphins could under stand 'Go through the hoop', 'get the ball' and 'One of you perform a tail-walk while the other does a pirouette and a double backflip over a third that splashes the audience'.

Shaking the amusing image of dolphins dressed in tutu's doing Swan Lake from her head, Kagome strapped the leash to Yuuki's neck.

Standing, Kagome grabbed the keys and went to unlock the front door. Her hand paused, inches away from the bolt, when she noticed it wasn't locked. "Well, that solves the question of how Suuichi got out," she muttered to herself.

Kagome shook her head and opened the door forcefully. This time she made sure it didn't bounce back into the wall. She stepped onto the walkway and turned to shut and lock the door firmly behind her.

Yipping got her attention and Kagome turned to see Yuuki's attention wrapped up in something left on the front doorstep.

Nudging Yuuki away with her foot, Kagome's eyes landed on a flower lying over a note. And not just any flower. It was a perfect, bright red rose.

Kagome smiled and picked up the flora and piece of paper. Bringing the rose to her face, Kagome took in the delicate fragrance. She flipped the note between her fingers momentarily, toying with the idea of not opening the note and just letting it sit there.

Yuuki's bark shook Kagome from her inner debate. She glared at him with half a heart before giving into curiousity and opening the letter.

It was written in fairly neat handwriting that curled very prettily. It gave off a distinctly feminine feel to it, belying the fact that it was written by a man.

'Kagome,

I apologize for having to leave so quickly and unannounced. Unfortunately, after realizing what time it was, I fear that life came back into play and previous engagements called me away. I would have woken you up and said goodbye properly, but you were sleeping so peacefully that I didn't have the heart to wake you.

I would like you to know, however, that I greatly enjoyed our time together. Only a busy life keeps me from the dating scene on a regular basis, otherwise I would ask you out again in the near future.

I would like to see you again. Therefore, I present this. If I'm ever in the neighborhood again and am free, would if be too much to ask for a second date from a beautiful woman such as yourself?

Suuichi'

Kagome blushed at the last line in Suuichi's letter. Her mind immediately changed her previous statement in The Record Book of Kagome Higurashii's Love Life to 'Longest date with Kagome Higurashii: Suuichi, five hours, left a love note, possible more to come. Check back again for future updates.'

Kagome blinked and noticed a post script. It read:

'P.S- Your fox was waiting outside when I left this and the rose. I hope you don't mind my letting him back in.'

Kagome smiled prettily, twirling the rose between her fingers. Speaking in a somewhat dreamy tone, she addressed Yuuki. "How about we go on that walk now."

As they walked down the driveway to the sidewalk, Kagome added a post script of her own in the Record Book. 'Survey says: A definate keeper.'

End Chapter
Note: Thanks to my friend Rose (Look, I used the right name! X3) and her guy friend for letting me use the rose thing. I really appreciate it!
Any questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please review!