My first ChinaxJapan so I hope you enjoy it regardless. ^^;


"China-san," Japan murmured. His blank eyes were fixed on China's gentle, sleeping face. China grumbled and turned over. "China-san, we'll be late for the meeting."

"Five more minutes, aru…" China mumbled before squirming inside the futon. "Go ahead, aru…"

"That's why you shouldn't drink so much Sake in one night," Japan sighed. He thought for a moment, and lied down beside the taller Chinese. China twitched, and turned around to see Japan's face right beside his. Slightly annoyed, he pushed the Japanese farther away.

"What are you doing, aru?" he grumbled. Japan gave a flicker of a smile. "You're supposed to be used to this." Japan mumbled in his ear. "After all, I usually did this before." As expected, China froze when he remembered. Japan's methods of waking someone up were drastic. Blushing, China got up.

"I get it, aru." He muttered, looking away. As he changed, Japan took in the sight of his former house. His face softened as his eyes rested on the futon he slept in before. The conference was held in China, so he decided he'd stay in China's house, to be convenient.

"Why don't you stay with America, or England, aru?" China's muffled voice came from the other room.

"It would be…intruding," Japan chose his words carefully "If a third person would stay in America-kun's apartment." For once, Japan was glad China wasn't in the room. He was rather awful at lying, as his face turned bright red. This in fact, wasn't necessarily true. He could stay with America, but he chose to stay with China. After all, he was more accustomed to China's house and cuisine rather than America's…environment.

"All right, aru." China finally said. His hair was slightly messy, but most of the strands sticking out were gone. He gave Japan an awkward pat in the back. "Let's go, aru." Japan nodded and set off. The walk wasn't that far, but the awkwardness always was the same.

After all, they were two nations at war.

"S-so…" China stuttered after a long lapse of silence. "How's it going back in your country, aru?"

"The economy could be better," Japan sighed. "The price of ingredients went considerably high." China nodded gravely. "That's sad, aru." He mumbled softly. They continued a walk. After another long silence, China snapped "Why are you so quiet, aru?!" Japan's eyes showed a trace of surprise, but instantly went thoughtful. China, as expected, couldn't keep quiet for more than two minutes.

"Well," he replied slowly. "I'm thinking."

"Thinking of…?" China prompted. Japan looked down and didn't respond. This frustrated China.

"If it's embarrassing, aru, it's okay since I won't say a word, aru." China vowed.

I can't say it because it's about you. Japan thought, ashamed. He knew that he was the one who initiated the war. He knew that he denied that they were brothers. Yet, he denied that he missed the older nation so much. Right now, he wanted to talk like back then; where everything was light and carefree. Somehow, Japan didn't feel that kind of feeling at all. Japan cleared his throat.

"I'm thinking of the old times," Japan mumbled. China was surprised.

"Really, aru?" Japan nodded. "Do you miss the old times?" China tried to keep his voice casual, but there was an undeniable streak of longing in his voice, as if he wanted to know that badly.

Japan knew his answer by heart, but he hesitated. If he said yes, he didn't know what China's reaction would be, but if he said no, the scenario right now would grow more awkward. Either way, there was no rational option but to say…

"How about you, China-san, do you miss them?"

China's face turned red. "W-Well," he said, embarrassed. "It's not like I regret them, aru." Japan raised his eyebrow. "Fine," China said, giving up. "I do, aru." Japan bit back his tongue. He wanted to burst. He wanted to say that he missed them so much. He wanted to say that he was sorry for everything that passed. Yet, he couldn't. Something inside held him back. But he swallowed his protest and took a chance.

"I—"Japan stammered, but they were already in the entrance of the building where the meeting was held.

"We're here, aru." China sighed. "What were you saying?"

"I-I wondered when we would arrive." He said quickly, his momentum was broken. Together, they entered the building, while Japan's unsaid words were building up.

When will he ever say it?


Whew! I'll continue this when I'm not lazy Cx