Author's Note
If this looks familiar, here's why. I had posted most of this story before, but I'm re-uploading it. I've changed it, so hopefully it's less confusing. And, I've added a better ending.
Thank you to Sekainao for suggesting an idea for the ending. It really helped. :)
And just so you don't get confused, Taiwan and Hong Kong don't officially have human names like China (Wang Yao) or Japan (Honda Kiku). So for the sake of this story, I've chosen two for them. Taiwan is Mei, or plum blossom. Hong Kong is Ryou, meaning reality.
Anywho, enjoy the new updated version of "Running through the Rain."
"Honda-san? What are you doing out here?" Japan turned his head toward the approaching figure. "It's cold. You should come inside. You wouldn't want to catch a cold."
He smiled slightly at her tone. "You've grown, Taiwan, but you are not as old as I. You need not worry about me."
"But, Honda-san…"
"However, I believe you should be the one inside."
"And why is that? Is it because I'm so fragile?" she replied sarcastically. She lifted her skirt slightly, taking a seat next to him at the edge of the koi pond.
"A woman is supposed to be obedient and heed the advice of a man."
Mei sighed, dipping her toes beneath the water's surface. She watched the fish nibble on her toes, causing her to smile. "Well, I'm not a typical woman, now am I? That's why Wang-san taught me Kung Fu, and why you showed me Karate."
He glanced over at her, amused. "You have not changed, Taiwan."
"Some would say I've become… calmer, civilized, I guess."
"Your personality has not."
She gave him a mischievous smile. "That's true."
"Your manners may have improved, but you truly have not changed from the moment we have met."
She laughed softly, eyes twinkling. "You still remember that?"
"I could not forget.
"Honda-san! What a surprise! Hey you two, be careful!" Japan glanced over his brother's shoulder to observe two children running through his home. "I'm sorry, nii-san. I found them out in the forest while I was searching for herbs. I couldn't leave them there. Ryou, Mei, come here please. Children, this is my brother, Honda. Honda, this little one is Ryou," China said, patting the young boy on the head and ruffling his hair. "And this one," he put a hand on the girl's shoulder," is Mei."
Japan blinked in surprise and kneeled down in front of them. "Hello."
The small girl smiled and held out her small hand. "Hi. Nice to meet you, Honda-san."
He nodded, shaking it gently. "It's nice to meet you, too." He rose, gesturing toward the next room.
Wang nodded and whispered to the children, causing them to giggle and run off. He led Japan into the room and shut the door behind them. "Yes, nii-san?"
"Are you sure about this? Can you really handle two children on top of your duties?"
China laughed and nodded, setting a reassuring hand upon Japan's shoulder. "Don't worry, nii-san. I think I can."
Honda glanced over at the now half-open door. Two brown eyes disappeared with a small giggle as it closed once more.
Wang chuckled, silently walking over to stand beside the door. "They're curious little creatures, especially Mei. She's quite a handful." He watched as it slid open again and grabbed the small girl by the hand. He swept her up into his arms and carried her to cushions, dropping her onto them.
She shrieked with laughter as she sat up. "Wang-san!'
"Mei-chan!"
She giggled and stood up. She spotted Japan and skipped over, hugging him around his knees. "Honda-san, you should smile more. You look so serious all the time."
China chuckled, rushing over and gently prying her off. He nudged her toward the door. "Mei, I think you should go find Ryou-kun. It's almost time for dinner."
"Hai, Wang-san." She bounced out of the room, searching amid the growing shadows for her younger brother.
"I'm sorry, Honda-nii-san. I haven't had enough time to teach her all of the proper behaviors yet. She is something else."
Honda nodded, muttering, "Yes she is."
She laughed and splashed at him with her foot. "I remember someone," she splashed him again, "looking horrified after I hugged him."
Japan turned away, blushing slightly in the dimming light.
Taiwan tucked her legs beneath her and tilted her head, leaning closer. "Honda-san?"
"I'm sorry. We should go inside before it gets too dark." He stood, offering his down to her.
Mei smiled, gently setting her small hand in his. She allowed him to help her to her feet and brushed herself off. "Thank you, Honda-san."
He nodded, guiding her back to the house. She hugged him quickly before dashing to her room. He stood there for a moment before closing the door. "She is indeed, China. She is indeed."