(Flashback) A young China gazed at the magnificent black sky. It stretched to what seemed like the ends of the earth, never ending. The dark surrounded him, pressed on him, like he was underwater, but he could breathe. There was an incredible rush from gazing up at this great skyscape, but it was frightening at the same time. He felt as if the fantastically, frighteningly dark, huge sky would swallow him up, and he would forever be lost.
But there was something else. Tiny points of light contrasted with the great blackness. Like a thousand, a million flower petals on a pond they danced and floated, in the water of the black night sky. They were a tiny barrier, a bit of light to protect him. They smiled down at him, forming themselves into thousands of pictures. The softest breeze ruffled his dark brown hair, scented sweetly with apple blossoms as he gazed-
BREAK HERE!
A car horn beeped loudly, pulling China out of his reverie. He blinked, giving his head a shake before gazing up to the sky, through the window of the apartment. Below, car horns beeped and people shouted, in the warm night. But China wasn't listening to that; he was looking at the sky. It was as dark as ever, rightfully so as it was night, but there were only a few stars visible thanks to the smog and light pollution. He sighed deeply, trying to shake off the feeling that the great black sky would swallow him.
A moment later he felt arms gently encircle his waist from behind and a chin dropping onto his shoulder, lips kissing his ear. He turned slightly to see Russia hugging him from behind, leaning down so his chin rested on China's shoulder. Then a soft whisper, right in his ear: "Is there something wrong, Yao?"
China sighed once again. "I was just wondering, Ivan, Where have all the stars gone?"
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Russia considered this question. He soon was lost in a memory of his own, when was very young. Russia stood, as always, in the snow. He gazed forward. There were great white mountains, clearly imprinted against the black sky. He looked up. There was no moon, but a thousand, a million stars guided hid path. He breathed in the crisp cold air that bit his fingers and toes and stepped forward through the snow. He wore primitive snowshoes so as not to sink into the deep snow. With the stars to light the way, Russia stepped into the night.
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"Ivan? You okay, aru?" China broke into the nation's thoughts.
"Da, just fine." Now that he gazed up to this sky he felt a fear, with no light from the beautiful stars.
"You were thinking about the past." China suggested gently.
"Da, I suppose I was. Where have all the stars gone?"
They both sighed. Russia arms tightened a bit around China, and he responded by leaning back into the other. They turned and kissed softly, both thinking.
Russia: The stars may be gone, but with you as my light and guide…
China: The stars may be gone, but with you to protect me…
And they finished the thought together: With you, I think I'll be okay.
AN: DONE! \^o^/ 8D Got the inspiration for this when I was sitting outside at night, petting my cat and realized how many less stars there were than up at Shaw Island, where there is a bit less light pollution. Anyway, did it with China 'cuz he's the oldest. Review or Russia shall stretch you. Thanks for reading! :D