Encounter

A/N: Yes, I should be working on "Sacrifice", but I needed to get this out of my system. I promise the fourth chapter of "Sacrifice" will be up sometime over the Labor Day weekend, okay? I'm not going anywhere so it's probably going to be a good time for writing. -.-

Anyway, so I was reading this book about Pearl Harbor, and I realized I haven't written an America/Japan fanfic yet. And I really like that pairing too. It's really cute~ ^.^

So...yeah. Enjoy the story!

~*~*~ November, 1941

Alfred wants nothing to do with this Second World War. He has friends and family on both sides. America feels the same. The people still remember the devastation caused by the Great War.

But his leader, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, wants to send aid to England and France's fight against Germany and help China drive the Japanese out of his house. Even though Congress passed the Neutrality Acts, he has managed to get the Lend-Lease program going.

When Japan (no, Kiku) sends word that he and his leaders want to find a peaceful resolution so America and Japan won't have to go to war, Alfred is more than eager to let them come and talk things over with President Roosevelt, for more reasons than one. He and Kiku haven't seen each other in so long and they can't wait to see each other again.

The minute Japan steps off the plane, Alfred practically tackles him and wraps him in a tight hug. "I missed you so much, Kiku," he murmurs softly. Kiku blushes fiercely, whispering, "No, not here!" and extricating himself from Alfred's arms.

Alfred knows it's only because Kiku disapproves of public shows of affection; Kiku's dark brown eyes are shining with love and barely-restrained excitement at being with Alfred again. So Alfred just takes Kiku's hand and tugs him back to where a fondly-smiling President Roosevelt is waiting.

All too soon, Japan has to leave again. On their last night together, Kiku actually curls up in Alfred's arms, something he normally would be reluctant to do. (That is, unless Alfred puts on his adorable puppy-dog face. Then Kiku has no choice but to agree.) The two relax together in a comfortable silence, until Alfred speaks, hesitantly.

"Kiku..."

"Yes?"

"You know, this might be the last time we ever see each other." Kiku lifts his head to look at Alfred incredulously. There is no trace of humor in Alfred's sky blue eyes.

"Yes, I know. China...and Germany...they might attack." Kiku sighs. He hates feeling so useless, not even knowing who his allies are planning to attack.

Let's enjoy our time together while we can...

The thought hangs unspoken, yet somehow understood by both of them. Kiku snuggles deeper into Alfred's embrace. "Good night, Alfred," Kiku says, stifling a yawn; he's been busy these past few days.

"'Night," Alfred replies, watching Kiku slowly fall asleep, his silky black hair unusually rumpled.

Kiku has to wake up early the next morning to catch his flight. Alfred insists on driving him to the airport, if only to be able to spend a little bit more time with him.

Before Japan steps on the plane, he hugs America—in public!—and whispers something quietly into Alfred's ear. Alfred looks surprised but nods. He kisses Kiku lightly on the cheek before Japan turns and boards the plane.

Alfred is not looking forward to these weary months ahead without Kiku.

A/N

...I actually wrote fluff? Dang, I'm surprised. The next chapter's going to be sad, though. Seems like I can only write sad stories...xD

Just a side note: This is supposed to take place a few weeks before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, just in case you guys didn't figure that out. :) So...yeah.

Next chapter is going to be Alfred's point of view on Pearl Harbor/Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If possible, the third chapter is going to be Kiku's point of view on those events.

Okay, I know this probably sucked, but reviews (and constructive criticism) are welcome as always!

V.