A/N: Long time no see~ Sorry it took so long. And thanks so much for the reviews and favs, it's really appreciated.
…
1 year later~
The alarm clock was the first thing he realized when he came to from his good night sleep. The sun burned his eyes even before he even opened them. England rubbed his eyes, groaning as he turned on his side on the bed. At that moment he refused to get out of his bed and for only a 5 minute time span he was left alone.
"Sir England!" he door swung open quickly and there appeared a maid in black, "Sir England! You better get up now or you'll be late!" She scolded.
"Yes, yes I am aware."
She smiled gently, "You don't want to be late picking him up are you?" She closed the door and as she did she heard the bed creak and the sounds of speedy feet heading towards the bathroom. She giggled before walking to the kitchen to finish preparing the table.
"Ah!" He tidied up quickly, afraid of the lack of time he had left to get ready. He knew arriving late to pick someone up was not a thing a gentlemen did. Especially for someone as special as… The Britain smiled small as a flash of Japan's face ran through his mind.
He finished getting ready: his suit nice and tidy, his hair brushed and clean. England walked out of his room in a hurry and went straight to the door. As he was putting his shoes on the maid returned to his side, "You're not going to have any breakfast?"
He shook his head, "Ah, no I better not. If I do I'll be even later."
"You must have tea at least."
"N-," He thought about it. Surely he had to at least have his morning tea! He sighed, ashamed at his weakness as he rushed into the kitchen and sat at the end of the table. There prepared was a warm cup of tea waiting for him. As he took a sip he was wondering if Japan had been waiting for long…
…
England ran up the stairs towards Japan's house and has he did Japan slid open his door slowly. They both smiled at the sight of seeing each other. The Britain stopped at the door, kissing the Asian on the lips as he tried to catch his breath. "I-I'm sorry I'm so late!"
Japan shook his head, "Don't worry. You aren't too late." Japan's warm smile seemed like it had brightened up England's whole vision. He felt his heart skip beats constantly as he reached out to take the man's hand, "Shall we go?"
…
"About damn time!" The southern Italy yelled as England and Japan caught up with the awaiting nations. Spain and North Italy waved them over enthusiastically as most of the others waited for them with a smile. As soon as they were in arms reach of each other Feliciano pulled Kiku by the arm and hugged him tightly. "Now that we're all here…" He turned, poor, stunned Japan still in his arms, "Let's go!" Italy started making a break for it.
"Wha-what the hell!?" France, Finland and Sweden followed after them leaving Spain, Germany, Seychelles and a stunned England. Just as the Britain tried to follow after them, Spain and Germany grabbed him and pushed him through the opened door of the shop right next to them. "What the hell are you doing!?" Arthur turned to glare at the fellow countries. "What about Kiku?"
"Oh he'll be fine." Spain waved it off with a smile, "But you have more important things to do, like…" Antonio turned him around towards the vast selection of jewelry, "finding the love of your life an engagement ring."
"Wha-? Engagement!? Is that why you made me get all dressed up like this!?"
"Well you have to look good!" He replied, "Come on," Antonio and Seychelles dragged him over to one of the counters, "we already picked one out for you."
"Speak for yourself." Germany stated from behind.
"Fine, fine." He waved for an employ, "Ma'am! We came here awhile ago and put a ring on hold…"
While they all waited, England stared down at his formal attire, "Damn… if I had known… Do you guys know how embarrassing it was when Japan asked why I was wearing this on our way here!?"
"Oh, get over it!" Seychelles patted him on the back… hard, "You should be grateful we made you take the first step! Who knows how long it would've taken you to confess how you really feel!" She laughed.
"England look, look!" Spain called them over and they all leaned forward to stare at the sparkling jewel. It was a single, white gold ring with a diamond glittering at the top. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"It… it is." Just thinking about giving the ring to England made him embarrassed. Giving a ring… to-to a MAN!? "I-I can't do this… What if Japan isn't into stuff like this?"
"Oh, come on! You're talking about the guy who reads AND writes those school girl love stories. He'll love this!"
Arthur carefully took the ring out of the case and stared at the tag before he went wide-eyed, "F-five thousand!?"
"I-is it too much?" Seychelles asked.
The Britain didn't even have to reply to her question, "No way in hell." Just as he was about to give the ring back Spain quickly shoved the box in his hands.
"Well it doesn't really matter because you already paid for it."
"Wh-what!?"
"Here's your credit card back." Seychelles giggled.
"You-!"
"Your love cannot be measured in money." She replied, pouting.
He glared at the two nations as Germany stood behind, watching the whole thing, "Well it doesn't matter, because I'm going to return this."
Spain pulled out a piece of paper and ripped it in front of his eyes, "Sorry, no returns without a receipt." He smiled. England's mouth hung open at the sight of the receipt pieces falling to the ground. He let out a long sigh, figuring out that he had lost this battle, "What the hell…?" He groaned.
"Since we have nothing left to do in this store we need to leave." Germany stated as he started out the door. England followed, defeated. Sweden was waiting for them outside and while he was putting the ring way Spain and Seychelles gave Sweden a thumbs up.
"Su-chan!" Finland rushed down the street and stopped right in front of his 'husband'. "D…id England ge…t the ring…?" He asked, out of breath.
Sweden nodded, "Mm."
"Where's Japan?"
"They're on their way back no…w." He let out a breathe, "See, you can see them now."
England looked across the street to see his other group of friends. "G-guys!" He started to panic more the closer they got. "I don't know if I can do this…"
"You can't back out now! You bought it now hurry up and give it to him!" Spain looked towards the crowd now several feet away from them. England could only see Japan now, his smile making his face blush.
Arthur panicked, looking away quickly as he hid the box, "I-it's only been a year! What if he thinks I'm rushing it!?"
"Love cannot be measured through time." Seychelles replied.
England stared at her bitterly, "Did you get that from a cereal box?" She glared at him, "Of course it can, you idiot! IT'S. TOO. SOON!"
"Jeez, no wonder you can't find a lover that lasts over a year, you're too slow! And for your information Brother France told me that!"
"Pssk. No freakin' wonder!" England laughed out loud while Seychelles glared at him with a reddened face.
"Sshh, you guys! They're here." Immediately North Italy ran over to Germany like he hadn't seen him in a long time.
Wait, wait. If I don't make the first move… maybe I won't have to do this today. That's what England kept saying to himself. So he waved lightly at Japan, trying his best to be as normal as possible.
But Seychelles had other plans, "Japan!" She hopped in between the two lovers, "England wants to talk to you for a second!"
The Britain froze, all the color draining from his face. Oh God, oh God…
Kiku cocked his head to the side, "Really?" Seychelles nodded and stepped aside.
She started towards France as she glared back at the stunned England, "Have fun!"
Japan stepped forward, "What was it that you wanted to talk about?"
"U-uh…" Arthur looked up at everyone's (almost everyone's) eager, awaiting faces and became even more nervous than before. He took the Asian's hand and walked a few feet away from the group. He paused for a moment, looking down the street to regain his nerve. Okay, okay just calm down… You can say a few words… He let out a sigh before turning around to see his lover's angelic face and just as quickly lost his nerve again. "U-uh…" His face turned crimson. Japan was cocking his head to the side again which only made the blond more nervous. Oh, why are they all doing this to me!?
"England-san… are you okay?"
"Y-yes, it's just… I'm just a little hot…"
"Well maybe you shouldn't have worn a suit in the middle of summer." He replied.
He laughed awkwardly, "Yeah, silly me…! Heh, heh." Those basards… He laughed more, finding that he became less nervous as he did. "A-actually, I'm wearing this suit because-" Just as he was about to pull out the box he froze, seeing a familiar face walking down the crowded streets. Al- He turned around quickly, watching the man disappear amongst the crowd.
"England-san?"
"I-I'm sorry, I'll be right back!" He started after the man, dodging through the flood of people. His heart was raising and his body became numb with anticipation. Was it really him? Did he come back? Why didn't he come see him!? Suddenly he saw the stranger and rushed towards him. Just as he was about to reach out for him he paused. He chuckled lightly, shaking his head as he put his hand back to his side. What am I doing? It can't be him… All these thoughts passing in his head suddenly became jumbled. He hadn't felt like this in months and now only desired for Japan to embrace him. But what could he tell him? I thought I saw America so I chased after him? Jeez, that doesn't sound good at all…
He started back towards the other countries, his eyebrows furrowed. What the hell… What's wrong with me? Chasing after some random blond… Before he realized it he made it back.
"England! What happened!?" Everyone crowded around him.
"Nothing… I thought I just… saw an old friend."
"A friend?" Japan replied.
He paused for a moment, "Yeah, I'm sorry."
"Well, that ruined the moment." Spain yawned, stretching, "Guess it can't be helped. It's getting late, we outta get goin'."
Everyone started down the street. "Were you able to meet your friend?" Kiku asked.
The Britain took his hand, smiling, "Sort of." He couldn't help, but silently look back.
…
That night England wondered into America's old room. It was empty besides his bed and the dressers. A few months ago he was able to finally pack his stuff away. The sun was setting and it was dark, but he didn't want to turn on the lights. As he went further into the room he felt a rush of cold air pass through him. The blond walked over to the closet and opened it to see the vast collection of boxes that accumulated over the past few months. A thin collection of dust covered them. Why…? Why am I thinking about this now? I was just fine… I've been fine for over a year! He looked over at the single picture frame on top of the nightstand. It was too dark to see it by then, but England memorized that photo by heart. The picture that he had taken with Japan a few months ago, he could barely even remember where it was taken at the top of his head. He groaned, walking over to it. This is certainly unacceptable… He tipped the frame over.
…
"Ahh~ Finally the meeting's over!" Spain replied, being the first one to enter their favorite bar. "England why do you always have to drag them on for some long?"
"How the hell is it my fault!? If most of you guys made it on time we wouldn't have to finish later!"
"Whatever, whatever! We can finally have a drink so just, like, get over it." Poland replied, walking to his chair as Lithuania followed after.
"The usual!" Spain called as they all took their seats. The countries came here so often now that each employee knew what each of them wanted and if they were new, they were always given a list.
Arthur groaned, "I don't really feel like beer tonight though so…" As if they read his mind a hot, cup of tea was placed right in front of him as the others received their drink of choice. "Ah… I'm so tired tonight for some reason."
"Well it's no surprise to us." Germany replied after gulping down half of his beer, "You've been paranoid ever since you saw your 'old friend' last week."
"No I haven't!" England paused remembering how ever since he 'thought' he saw America, every little thing that reminded him of the boy just started appearing right before his eyes. Things he had never noticed before came crashing back at him. "Er… maybe…"
"Well that doesn't matter. It's all over and done with now." Spain chuckled, "But you know what isn't? Deciding where you two are going to spend your honeymoon."
"H-honeymoon!?" Arthur looked over at Japan who was staring at Spain with a pink face. "D-don't say that!"
"Why not? Didn't you give Japan that r-" The Britain reached over the table and covered his mouth. He put a finger to his lips and shook his head. England sat back down in his chair, "How much longer are you going to make him wait!?"
"Who?" Kiku asked.
"Uh-uh! No one! No one at all!" England laughed awkwardly as he fingered the boxed ring that sat in his pants pocket.
"Is someone waiting for you?"
"Of course~!" Northern Italy replied loudly, "What they mean is that y-"
His brother hit him across the head, "Don't ruin it 'ya idiot!"
"Ah, Lovi, you do care!" Spain replied, hugging him passionately, "Why won't you let me do it for you~!?"
"L-let go of me, drunk bastard!" The whole restaurant was in an uproar now, every nation talking over each other. Not many customers came the night that the countries did because they knew how they got. So it was very strange that someone suddenly entered the bar. Half of the countries saw who had entered and immediately shut up. England's table in particular was still bickering.
"It's so lively in here today!" The boy called suddenly, "I wanna get in on that! Room for one more?" Everyone paused to stare at the individual standing in the bar's doorway. All besides England who froze in his place. Most countries looked at him with concern as they saw that he was slowly facing the fact on who the voice belonged to.
Footsteps started coming their way and for a moment it almost seemed like the world stopped. England's slowly reconstructing heart quickly shattered once again and each step the person took the faster his heartbeat became. North Italy didn't like the silence and felt like breaking it as soon as possible. "A-America! So you've finally returned!" England jumped at the name and Japan stared at him worriedly. S-so it was Alfred last week…?
"Yup! Came back to drink a well deserved beer!" America stood by the table right behind where England was sitting, "Can I have some?" Arthur was stunned. Was this directed at him? He couldn't tell and even if it was he didn't have time to react and from the corner of his eye he saw Germany hand him a beer in his place. The sound of him opening the beverage was the only thing that could be heard in the bar until Alfred exhaled loudly, "That's refreshing!" He chuckled, "So, how's everyone been doing?"
"How've we been doing? We've been worried sick about you 'ya know." Spain replied for the rest of the group.
"Why? How long has it been?"
"Over a year you son of a bitch!" South Italy spoke up.
"Really? Time flies by fast, huh?" He took another sip of his beer as England gulped silently.
"Well it's good that you're back."
"Yeah, it's been too long." Everyone started to chat and laugh again that the atmosphere started to return to normal. It wasn't until this moment that the Britain took the time to look up at the now foreign face that stood before him.
The younger looked down at him and smiled brightly which made his heart pound hard against his chest. "Long time no see, Brother."
America looked different somehow. Well maybe not physically other than the fact that he looked like he had some struggles during his time alone. No one else could tell that he had grown up mentally. He was stronger, more independent and it was all because he was away for so long. He had grown up, even if it was just a little. "You… seem well."
Alfred nodded while Feliciano leaned against the table, "America, America! What were you doing all this time?"
"Went back to my homeland and built a house there."
"Why? Did you not like living with England?"
He shook his head, "I just need to stand on my own for once."
The Britain groaned silently, taking a sip of his drink.
"Well that's too bad 'cause you've been missing out America!"
"Yeah, England has made a huge transformation since you left." England shook his head frantically, indicating them to stop, but South Korea ignored his signals and grabbed hold of Japan, "All because of this guy right here."
"Hm?" America looked confused and Arthur looked away with the urge to just punch someone in the face.
"We're going out now." Arthur replied without looking up at him.
"What… do you mean?" America appeared not to look too stunned at the unexpected situation.
"Just like I said…" The Britain looked up at him with strong eyes, "Japan and I are together." There was an awkward silence once again as the two stared at each other with discomfort.
"Is that so?" Alfred chuckled, smiling as he patted the fragile Asian on the back, "Well that's terrific!"
England's eyes widened. W-what?
"It's so good you finally found someone." America raised his half empty can of beer into the air. "Cheers to the couple!" Everyone cheered, raising their beverage and while America took his sip he eyed the Britain who was glaring back at him.
England looked away as he took a sip of his own drink. He glanced up at Japan who was smiling angelically and smiled himself.
…
"Bye everyone!" Feliciano waved out the car window as Germany started the engine. Romano was passed out in the back seat as Spain sat next to him. The rest waved a final goodbye as they drove off.
England sighed as he took his coat in one arm and stood up, "Ready to go?" Japan nodded and took his lover's hand and headed towards the door. America was standing there, smiling at him. When they were halfway out the door Alfred chuckled, "Nice to see you again, England."
Arthur tried not to appear too stunned at his words as he opened the car door for Kiku. The Asian looked up at him curiously and he smiled, assuring him that he was alright. Once the door closed his smile vanished and he looked out towards the road with a frown. Bastard… Showing up out of nowhere and expecting me to… to… He clinched his shaking fists and was oblivious to the fact that Japan was watching his every emotion through the tented window. England turned and forced a smile, "Nice to see you too, America." He then quickly went around to the driver's side and hopped in.
"England-san… a-are-?"
"I'm alright." He replied. "I'm just tired." He started the engine and while Japan waved goodbye to the long, lost country he just glared at him before driving off.
America wondered back into the bar and asked for one last drink. He leaned against the counter and while he waited for his drink he saw that one of the male employees was staring at a ring that sat comfortably in its box. "That's a nice ring you got." Alfred replied, "Gonna give it to your wife?"
"It isn't mine." He stated, "I found it on the floor over at that table."
"Which one?"
"It was where that English gentlemen was sitting."
"English? Let me see." He took the ring from the man's hand and looked inside. Right above wear the ring sat stood a small card that read, To Japan, with tons of love, England. And in small, fine print, Courtesy of Spain and Seychelles. "Hm… Things have really changed since I left…" The American replied as he finally got his beer.
…
They arrived at Japan's house a little while later. They sat in silence for a brief moment before Kiku spoke up, "Would you like to come in?"
"Um… Sorry. I think I'd better go home."
"N-not even for some tea?"
England stared at the Asian's concerned eyes before resting his hand on the other's cheek, "Not today. Don't worry, I'm okay." He smiled, kissing him goodnight.
Japan nodded, "Mata Ashita."
"Bye." He watched as Kiku started towards his house. The Britain sighed, leaning back against his chair. God… Though I am extremely grateful you brought him back safely… why did you bring him back to ME? He felt like crying, worrying about how awkward it's going to be now that he's back. But he didn't want Japan to worry about him anymore.
Japan. Japan I'm sorry… He looked back at the lonely Kiku still walking back to his house. You don't deserve to feel like this again… It felt like the longest moment just watching the other go and during that moment he noticed how lonely he felt just watching him go. He felt like he was going to disappear forever once he entered his home. His eyes widened. He felt lonely; he felt lost. He needed somebody and right when Japan opened his door England rushed out of his car, "K-Kiku!"
Japan turned around quickly, his eyes widened at the sudden sight of the blond running toward him. Before he could think England embraced him, breathing heavily. "E-England-san…?"
"Is it… too late to have that cup of tea?"
His eyes widened. "N-not at all." England smiled and looked back at him. The other smiled himself and suddenly he felt happy that he'd chosen to stay. He felt refreshed like Japan had the ability to just reset all of his emotions and replace them with even better ones.
He was going to make up his mind. That America would not change his mind set. He was in love with Japan and that's how it was going to stay.
Finally. Actually had 80% of this done for a few months, but haven't been able to work on it. Sorry for the wait.
