Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. All rights go to Hidekaz Himaruya


Ch. 2 Chrysanthemum

The morning was slightly chilly so Xiang decided to wear his long sleeved coat as he walked to Mei's house. It had been a long time since he lasted visited her home and every time he asked about her guardian she would always change the topic. He arrived to her front gate and rang the bell. After a few moments Mei opened the door and welcomed him in. They quickly ran up to her room and Mei already had paper laid out onto the floor with pencils and markers all around.

"I see you've been preparing."

"Hehe, yeah. I couldn't stop thinking about it and couldn't wait for the morning to come."

"So where is your cousin?"

"Oh he's out and won't be back till later so don't worry about it." Again she avoided the subject thought Xiang.

"So I was thinking that we somehow get them to confess to each other."

"I don't think it'll be that easy."

"I know that. That's why we're going to plan for something. Now start writing ideas down."

The two began scribbling down ideas and when they came up with something it would be heard by the other and thrown either in the possible pile or the trash bin. So far only one sheet laid in the possible pile and the trash bin was over half full.

"Gah, why is this so hard! Xiang what do we have?"

"Lock them in the shop and play romantic music. I don't think it's legal to keep someone in somewhere against their will."

"Relax, they'll be thanking us when it's all over. Anyway, since everything else sucked, let's focus on that one."

The two went into the afternoon, planning and developing their harebrained scheme. As much as Xiang disliked the fact that they were even doing such a thing, it would be useless to try and deny Mei. They finally finished their plan after several hours of planning (if you could call playing games and sleeping for over half of it planning anyway).

Suddenly the sound of a door opening and closing was heard downstairs and a yell was heard, "I'm home!" Mei rubbed her eyes as she woke up. After taking her hands out of her eyes she saw Xiang right in front of her and she flushed immediately but realized that he was just about to wake up. She quickly got up and realized what woke them up.

"Oh crap," whispered Mei. "He's back early."

"Who are you talking about?" Xiang said sheepishly.

"My cousin, he's back earlier than I thought. He doesn't know I have a friend over, much less a boy either."

"I'm sure he won't mind. I am your friend after all."

"You don't understand. He can be sensitive and a little over bearing when it comes to these things."

"Mei! Are you home?"

"Yeah! I'm just in my room," Mei yelled back.

"Why is there another pair of shoes at the door step? Do you have someone over?"

"Damn," whispered Mei. "Ehh yeah, we'll be down in a sec." Mei scrambled with all the paper and folded it and threw it into the desk draw. "Please be very polite when speaking okay?"

Xiang nodded in acceptance and she opened the door, "Come on."

Xiang got up and went with Mei. Her posture suddenly changed and she seemed…tense? They walked down the stairs and there waiting on the couch was a petit man. He had raven black hair and a calming aura. He wore a yukata so Xiang assumed he was Japanese.

"Welcome back Kiku-sama," announced Mei. Xiang was a bit surprised to hear this side of Mei. The flamboyant girl she knew was somehow replaced with this well mannered and polite girl.

"Ah Mei. Would you please introduce your friend there?"

"Yes. His name is Xiang."

"Hmm I see. Please have a seat." Mei nodded and Xiang followed her to a couch on the opposite side of Kiku. Xiang could somehow feel that he was about to enter a dangerous realm and the master is this man.

"So Mei, could you care to explain why this boy is here unannounced at my home?"

"We were working on a project and I forgot to tell you about it, I apologize."

"I see. So this is the same Xiang that you always talk about?"

"Umm, yes." Xiang could somehow feel the tension that was coming from Mei.

"So why is it have never met him before until now?"

"Every time I invite him over you're always at work," explained Mei. 'Also because I knew you'd act this way,' thought Mei.

"I see." Kiku turned his attention to Xiang now. Xiang heard a very soft sigh of relief from Mei but now Xiang could see why she was so tense. Kiku had the look that scanned for the slightest imperfections. A very fitting skill for the master of such a home thought Xiang.

"Let me properly introduce myself, my name is Honda Kiku. So Xiang, Mei's told me quite a lot about you. That you don't really talk much either."

Xiang nodded.

"So Xiang, who do you live with?" Mei suddenly became interested in the conversation. Just like how Xiang has never met or heard about Mei's guardian, she has never met or heard anything about Xiang's.

"I live with my step-brother," answered Xiang in his usual monotone voice.

"Your step-brother? May I ask what happened to your parents?"

Xiang stiffened, the subject of his parents was a very sensitive topic to him. "I'd prefer not to answer. It would bring up bad memories for me."

Kiku's gaze somehow softened to an apologetic stare, "Gomen, I didn't mean to bring up something that would cause you that much discomfort."

Mei stood up, "I'll go make some tea." She then walked off to the kitchen.

"It's perfectly understandable that you would ask that question."

Kiku pulled a small smile onto his face, "You're a fine young man. Please watch over Mei for me when I can't be around."

"I would even if you didn't ask me."

"I'm back. I made chrysanthemum." She set the pot down and began pouring it into a couple of cups. Xiang brought his cup close to himself and took a moment to enjoy the aroma before drinking.

"You made this well," complimented Kiku.

"Thank you." She sat back down next to Xiang and they spent their time enjoying some peace and quiet with tea.

Xiang turned his head to a clock and stood up, "I apologize. I have to go now."

"Mei, please show Xiang the way out." Mei nodded and led Xiang out of the house and to the gate.

"Woo, that went better than I thought," exclaimed Mei.

"What do you mean?"

"Well it's always so quiet at the house and I was really nervous that you wouldn't like Kiku or if he didn't like you."

"I think you were just overreacting."

"Shut up. I was worried okay?"

"Okay but just relax and be more relaxed next time."

"Right, so when do you think I can meet your brother now that you met my cousin?"

"Never."

"What? Why? I'm sure he can't be too bad."

"I'm not worried about him, I'm worried about you."

"Heh?"

"It's just that knowing you, it'd be embarrassing."

"Aww, you don't have to worry Xiang. I wouldn't do anything but act like myself."

"That's the embarrassing part."

"What! Is that supposed to mean something?"

"No nothing. Fine, come by tomorrow around noon."

Mei lightened up, "Yay!"

"Also I can't stress this enough but please make sure you eat your full until you come."

"Huh?"


Author's Note:

So Xiang finally meets Kiku and there's a little hint at his feelings and background. Also you can guess what Xiang's warning is can't you? Well if you can't then go watch or read more Hetalia. Thank you to those who've read this and reviewed.