Sweat beaded down his forehead, dripping down his face and falling off his chin. Nervously he licked his lips, his mouth dry. His digits were twitching slightly. Butterflies flit and fluttered around in his stomach. Dull brown eyes focused on vibrant chestnut ones. Only this time, his usually emotionless eyes were now filled with feelings and uncertainty as he stared at the confused amber pools.

"Kiku, what is it, aru?"

Kiku blinked and shook his head frantically, trying to get back on track. Here he was, standing in front of Yao's home, but more importantly, in front of Yao. The island nation felt himself fidgeting and moving uncomfortably under the gaze of the elder Chinese. Just say it! Just say what you want to!

Kiku swallowed the lump in his throat, locking eyes with his former caretaker. Suddenly feeling like a subordinate, he got to his knees, and bowed in front of China, much similar to how a servant would address his king. Yao blinked in shock at his action. Kiku took a large gulp of air, squeezing his eyes shut as he spoke.

"Y-Yao-san…I-I'm so sorry…I'm so sorry for everything I've done…I-I've never meant to hurt you…" Kiku was close to sobs, his voice beginning to crack. Yao listened to him with an emotionless expression. "What I've done is dishonorable…especially after everything you have done for me when I was young…p-please forgive me…I am nothing. I am merely the dirt you walk upon…I am not worthy for your presence…please accept my apology…I miss all the times we've shared together during out past…p-please…I want so badly to rebuild our relationship…please Yao-san…please…"

There was a long pause from Kiku's western neighbor, and the Japanese started to worry. Was he wrong for apologizing? Was it not good enough for the Chinese? Oh please dear god…he needed his forgiveness…he needed it!

"Stand up."

Kiku blinked, picking up his head to see Yao. Surprise was evident on the smaller man when he saw tears streaming down Yao's face, and…a smile? No, that couldn't be…he should hate him, shouldn't he? This didn't make sense…

"I said stand up, aru."

Kiku blinked his big brown eyes again, slowly standing up and facing the taller male. He expected a smack in the face, a barrage of curses and screams, or just a slam of a door in his face. Hanging his head in shame, he waited for Yao's response to his horrible apology.

Though Kiku did not except the arms that wrapped around him in a warm embrace.

"K-Kiku…" Yao's voice was plagued by sobs as he held Kiku close to his chest. Kiku could only stare up at the Chinese in shock as he continued, "…you don't know how much I've needed to hear you say that…y-you don't know how much…d-don't know how much…"

"Y-Yao-san…?"

"Kiku, I never stopped loving you, aru…"

W-What?

Kiku blinked in pure shock, his eyes as wide as saucers. N-No! This can't be happening! Why would Yao forgive him after everything he's do-

Wait a second.

Did he just say…he loved him…?

Stop everything!

"Y-Yao-san…? I-I don't understa-"

"Kiku…" Yao gently cupped his face with one hand, wiping the tears cascading down his face with the other. The look in his eyes was filled with - what was it…? - ah yes, love. Love… An emotion the Japanese man had not seen directed towards him in more that two thousand - almost three thousand - years. He only could remember hatred when someone was looking at him. Love…was a pleasant change. Oh please don't let it go away… he liked that look in Yao's eyes. And towards him was even better.

"Kiku…" Yao repeated again, snapping Kiku out of his thoughts. "I have always loved you…it's a fact, aru."

"B-But Yao-san…" Kiku whimpered, his fists balling up. "…e-even after everything I have d-done, y-you love me?"

"It is called unconditional love my dear Kiku…" Yao whispered, giving him a tight squeeze. Kiku blinked as what he said slowly sunk in. He…loved him…? Love… "…it means that no matter what you do I will always love you…"

…did he mean as a little brother? He was so confused…

"Wo Ai Ni Kiku, aru…"

Japan's eyes widened when he heard this. No, Yao did not mean as a little brother, he understood now. He meant as a lover…as something more. He was important. How confusing this was… Never had he felt this way. What was bursting in his chest…?

Was it…love?

"A-Aishiteru, Yao…-nii."