I was poking around my computer when I came across these old files. Upon reading them over, I decided that they weren't as bad as I had thought originally (still pretty bad, though). So I posted them. They are Taiwan-centric and not intended to be romantic; they focus on the interactions between the countries. Also the stuff in here shouldn't be taken too seriously because I am very bad at current events. And I am biased.

Furthermore, the people involved are not always the usual people we associate with Taiwan (i.e. Japan, China, etc.).

So, please read.

The setting sun provided a nice backdrop for the busy scene, Taiwan thought, as she and England strolled through the night market. There was a general sense of hubbub. She could hear bits of happy conversation, and the vendors at their booths bustling around. Her companion gazed about them wonderingly.

"So, this is the night market?" Taiwan nodded.

"It's set up every evening and lasts for quite a long time. Oh—!" She dragged him to a nearby stand. "This is definitely worth trying!" To the vendor, she requested, "請 給 我 兩 個。" (1) England watched as the woman handed Taiwan two objects wrapped in paper. They proved to be something akin to hot dogs upon closer inspection. It reminded him of America's Independence Day.

"Uh, I'd rather not—" Upon seeing her eager smile, he stopped. She had bought it for him, and she was his gracious hostess on his trip to her house… When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And it did look pretty good. He hesitatingly took a bite. A delicious flavor filled his mouth, and England was momentarily stunned. It was not just a regular American hot dog. This was a tenderly grilled sausage contained in a sheath of fragrant glutinous rice and mouthwatering seasonings. He had never tasted anything like it before.

"Amazing," he said under his breath. Taiwan only grinned even more and led him further into the market. As they walked, she offered,

"Usually, the line at that stand gets very long during night market hours. It's a good thing that we arrived earlier." The British country nodded.

"Thank you for that. It was splendid."

"You're welcome! But there is still much more to explore." They passed by racks of garments, shops filled with little knickknacks that posed as souvenirs, and countless more booths and restaurants. Taiwan bade them stop at every stand that had something interesting to offer. Within the course of an hour, England had tasted everything from noodles to exotic fruits. As he polished off his last piece of guava, she brought him to another booth. There was a large, shallow tub of water there. An old man sat behind it. He seemed to be the stand's proprietor. Taiwan said something to him, and he gave her two wooden sticks that had hooked strings attached at the ends. She turned to him.

"I think you will enjoy this, Arthur 先 生. (2) At this stand, you use these sticks to fish for shrimp." Her graceful hand indicated the black creatures at the bottom of the tub. "You have to hook as many as possible before your string breaks. Afterwards, you can grill your catch over there." He looked towards the small grill situated in the corner.

"That sounds quite interesting," England replied. She told him slyly,

"I bet I can catch more than you."

"Really?" A smile of his own began to form. "Do I hear a wager?"

"Winner gets to choose the next destination. Loser pays for everything there."

"I must warn you, miss, that I can be quite aggressive in a competition." She smiled teasingly.

"Is that a "yes"?" His competitive streak took over.

"Let's go."

The bet ultimately ended in Taiwan's favor, seven to four. The two walked away from the stand munching on hot grilled shrimp. England griped good-naturedly,

"You only won because you were able to practice." Her laughter was like the chiming of bells.

"I won't deny that."

"Well, where to?" Her brow wrinkled in thought. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled.

"I know! Follow me." Taiwan took him to a small stand at the end of the street. The vendor was busy tending to a customer at the moment. As they waited in line, she introduced him to the next culinary wonder.

"I know how much you like tea, so I want to introduce you to a Taiwanese specialty. It's called bubble tea. Milk was added to regular tea, and tapioca pearls were put in as well." Their turn came. "我要兩個珍珠奶茶。" (3) She insisted on paying for them despite the wager. "It's my duty as a hostess," the country protested.

"And it is my duty as a gentleman. I have my dignity and honor to uphold," England told her, and plunked down the money defiantly. "謝謝," (4) he added to the vendor as an afterthought. Taiwan thanked him profusely and watched him take a sip. His murmur of approval lit up her face once again. They had sauntered on for a while when she suddenly asked,

"So, what are your thoughts on Taiwan's night markets?"

"They're wonderful, of course! Just…" He chewed on a tapioca pearl slowly.

"What's the matter?" She seemed genuinely perplexed. England paused before replying.

"All of the food is so superb. And my food—"His pride forced him to stop abruptly. "Some ignoramuses have the misconception that it's terrible. That is absolutely ridiculous, of course!" Fortunately, Taiwan had heard of his infamous cooking skills, and she sought desperately for a way to make him feel better. He was her guest, after all. Before she had a chance to think of an idea, he wrinkled his nose and inquired,

"What is that smell?" Taiwan also sniffed at the air. A grin appeared on her features.

"臭豆腐!" England checked his dictionary.

"Stinky tofu?" That doesn't sound very appealing.

"It's the unofficial national snack of Taiwan. Would you care to try some?" He blanched immediately, stammering,

"Oh no, I'm fine! You've already fed me so much food, heh… I don't want to impose on you!" She gave him a knowing smile and then noted the sparkle in his green eyes.

"You seem considerably more cheerful." The nation laughed it off.

"Oh, it's nothing," he said airily. I've finally found a food that is worse than mine, Taiwan. Unbeknownst to him, she knew what he was thinking. Years of facing the same situation had prepared her for this. And although she bristled a bit, she did not reveal the intricacies of making the tofu nor the praise that it garnered from Taiwanese citizens. She was the hostess, after all.

Because stinky tofu does stink, but it is really good. At least, to a Taiwanese tongue (though I'm American-born). Surprising, huh?

Here are translations for my mediocre Chinese *shame*:

(1) Please give me two.

(2) Mister

(3) I want two bubble teas.

(4) Thank you.

Once again, this interaction is totally fictional. Thought up in my own twisted mind.

Please tell me what you think!