Writer's note:

(ONGOING STORY!)

Konbanwa. New to this site. Not a good writer. This is basically a written-out storyboard for a video I wanted to do. I call Britain "England" because I watch subbed Hetalia and Igirisu sounds like England but I know he's Britain just bear with me I worked on this from 12-2AM for the past few days because BL is against my whole life. Dialogue intentionally omitted. Not good at researching history sorry about errors, it's pretty AU anyway. Thanks for reading! UK x JP

Japan couldn't breathe. It was way too tight. He gasped and gripped the edge of the dresser as he leaned over it. Relaxing his muscles sounded impossible at this point when he felt as if his body was about to break.

Without mercy, the corset squeezed around Japan's torso, making his body frame seem even smaller. His superior glanced at an instruction sheet for the corset that was delivered to them along with an elegant dress and pair of shoes from Great Britain as a gift. Japan had been invited to a party in Europe to become better acquainted with England, but (obviously) the gifted dress was a product of miscommunication between the two. With preexisting hikikomori conditions, Japan was already too afraid of leaving the Pacific island and insisted on wearing anything else to the event. His boss struck the suggestion down like lightening, reinforcing the idea that England would be offended by their denial of his extravagant gifts. It was an extremely sensitive matter - Japan's boss was already against the possibility of him befriending England, but turning down an invitation to a party hosted by one of the powers would be an unintelligible thing to do.

The two-and-a-half centimeter heels on Japan's feet were not difficult to walk in since his boots were just as high. The tips of his shoes peeked from under the hem of his white dress which seemed to give the illusion of a woman's curves. His chest and shoulders were bare, making his smooth, light skin look even more desirable… for a man. Japan could hardly look at his feminine reflection as warmth rose in his cheeks. His boss monotonously listed off orders and mannerisms Japan would exhibit for the duration of their stay in Europe. He was to keep silent as much as possible and leave the conversations to the appointed translator to upkeep his temporary guise as a woman. Hopefully, Japan's natural meek and polite tendencies would be enough to convince the Westerners.

A full orchestra filled the night with brilliant music. Sounds of excited chatter and laughter mixed with the silver clinking of forks and knives. Though it was a glamorous party, being surrounded by talkative foreigners exhausted Japan. He sighed and seated himself away from the group, letting his boss and translator deal with European officials for the time being. Japan's eyes blankly watched the dancing figures in the center of the floor until his view was suddenly overtaken by a glass of water. He automatically held the glass with both of his hands gratefully and subtly bowed his head as thanks before looking up.

Beautiful green eyes gently smiled at him. The man politely encouraged and gestured Japan to drink. With nervousness, Japan brought the glass to his lips. As he drank, he unconsciously glanced at the man, but the surprise of meeting his gaze shook him and he quickly averted his eyes. The European's eyes were as radiant and angelic as his blond hair. He looked very polished from head to toe, wearing a white uniform with gold accents. His next prominent feature was his uncommonly thick eyebrows. Though they were quite grand, they formed a tender expression on the man's face. Japan came to like that about him. Without as much as a word, the foreigner had him entranced without realizing it.

With a slight bow and one arm behind his back, the blond stranger offered his hand out to Japan. After a pause full of uncertainty, Japan slowly reached out for it, then slightly pulled back in hesitation. His other hand rested on his chest with nervousness as he felt his own heart race. What did this hand gesture mean in European culture? The man waited patiently for Japan's reply just as if he was coaxing a timid cat. An imaginary scene played in Japan's head of his superior fuming over good first-impressions with other nations. He looked up and was once again captivated by those kind, vividly green eyes. His smile was so reassuring, so welcoming, that Japan had already placed his hand over the foreigner's without noticing. He looked at his own hand in shock but it was too late; the blond man interpreted the response as trust being bestowed unto him and grinned in delight. His fingers slowly folded and closed around Japan's delicate hand with great care. Japan's cheeks involuntarily blushed as he was led to the dance floor. Wait… Dance floor?! He hadn't been taught to dance for this occasion!

The two slowly made their way between the other dancing guests toward an opening in the crowd. It came as a shock to Japan as he felt a hand placed on his lower back. The foreigner seemed to have noticed Japan stiffen and raised the hand a bit higher. Looking around in confusion, Japan observed the dancing female guests and rested his hand on the man's shoulder. His shoulders were broad. It wasn't a surprise that the European was also taller and at a nice height for a dance partner as well. Broad shoulders… Japan subtly spread his fingers over the shoulder in appreciation of the man's build while the blond chucked comfortably out of Japan's curiosity and amusement. A rosy tint reappeared in Japan's cheeks as he realized his rude actions, but his embarrassment was quickly replaced by disorientation as the man slowly stepped about, causing him to follow each movement. Japan was glad the other man was wearing gloves – the fact that this European dance required his hand to be held all throughout was unthinkable, especially by such a good-looking gentleman. Japan stepped about clumsily at first but over a short amount of time, he observed and induced a pattern.

With an earnest smile, the foreigner gave an encouraging nod as Japan quickly caught on. Just as he began to quicken the pace, he stopped altogether. A man with blue eyes and blond, wavy hair resting above his shoulders stood by them. He assumed the same gesture to invite Japan to dance with him, adding a wink. Without waiting for a response, he took hold of Japan's hand and pulled him away. Japan looked back at the green-eyed foreigner whose expression displayed a reluctant smile, his arm outstretched even after Japan's fingers had left his palm.

The orchestra suddenly seemed to play nonsensical music as the blue-eyed man took Japan by the waist. He pulled his slender body close to his own and began to dance. Japan looked about frantically in search for anything that could give him a sense of place, a sense of comfort, but the hall continued to spin chaotically and the languages spoken around him became even more alien. Violin strings were violently played faster and faster, as if to match the speed of their endless spinning. As if it wasn't enough, the long-haired man leaned over to smell Japan's hair, his hand that once rested on Japan's back sliding lower and lower.

There was a squeak of a boot and suddenly, the pervert had tripped and fallen onto a nearby dancing couple. A few exclamations were heard and a small commotion began to take place as the wavy-haired man fought to defend himself. Japan felt his hand being held gently and looked over his shoulder to find that smiling face he already came to love so much. A sudden feeling of relief and happiness overtook him as they reassumed their dancing position away from the accident. Overjoyed to see those warm green eyes again, Japan rested his head on the blond man's shoulder, bringing their bodies closer. He thought he felt the hand on his lower back twitch but dismissed the thought and watched the foreigner's dancing footsteps without noticing the horrible scuff on his right boot. He closed his eyes with the understanding that he now knew this foreign dance by heart.