Japan was sitting outside of Greece's house, reclining in a cushioned chair, and shaded from the sun by the gazebo's roof. Just a stroll away, the pleasantly warm waves lapped at the shoreline, brilliantly blue turning foaming froth. Up ahead, extended their wings to the heavens, and took off gracefully against pale aqua of the sky. He sighed, soaking in the warm rays of the sun and enjoying the peaceful repetitiveness of the ocean. It was refreshing to escape from the anarchy of the past few days. Greece seemed to sense that Japan was feeling drained, both emotionally and physically, from the past couple of days. So, Greece welcomed him with open arms to come over to his private beach house for tea. Japan humbly accepted the invitation.

Greece walked out from the modest house, carrying a tray that clattered loudly as he walked down the uneven path of wooden planks that connected the two structures. Japan noticed that he was using the same tea set that he had gifted to him a few years ago for the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. He set down the tray on the small, round table that sat between the two chairs, and proceeded to pour a cup for the both of them.

Japan thanked him, raising the cup to his lips, and taking a sip of green tea. Greece looked at him curiously.

"Is it okay?"

Japan nodded. "Yes, you've made it quite good. Thank you."

Greece smiled at his response, and sat down, scooting his chair in.

"So," he said, easily. "How have you been doing?"

Japan took a minute to respond. "Honestly, it has been absolute anarchy these past few days. First China, then Italy…" He trailed off, a distant look in his eyes.

"I know this is a sensitive subject," Greece began, tilting his head in interest. "but would it be okay if you told me more about the incidents surrounding China and Italy? I've only heard rumors, but…"

He blushed and scratched his mop of wavy chestnut hair. "I'm sorry, you came here to get your mind off all of this."

"No." Japan said, expecting some curiosity from his sleepy friend. "I understand, it's okay to want to know what has happened. Unfortunately, I can honesty say that I probably only know as much as you do."

"I see…" he said thoughtfully.

The two sat in silence for a minute contemplating silently.

"You know," Greece said quietly, taking a sip of his tea. "There is a story in my culture that is similar to the rumors I've heard."

"Really?" Japan asked. Greece's stories always piqued his interest.

"Yes. Would you like to hear it?"

Japan nodded vigorously. "Absolutely."

Greece closed his eyes, as if reminiscing on some distant past life.

"There once was a man named Midas. He was a king of great fortune who ruled the country of Phrygia, in Asia Minor. He had everything a king could wish for: the luxury in a great castle, a life of careless abundance, and his beautiful daughter, whom he prized above all others."

"That sounds pretty nice, what happened to the king?"

Well, though he was very rich, Midas thought that his greatest happiness was provided by gold. He would spend countless hours locked away in his room, fawning over his riches, even counting all his gold coins! Sometimes, he would cover his body with gold objects, as if he wanted to bathe in them. Money was his obsession; his life's one desire. One day, the great god of wine and revelry, Dionysus, passed through the kingdom of Midas. One of his followers, a satyr named Silenus, got delayed along the way and decided to take a nap in the famous rose gardens surrounding the palace of King Midas. He was later found by the king, who recognized him instantly and invited him to spend a few nights at his palace. After that, Midas took him back to Dionysus. The god was very grateful to Midas for his kindness, and promised to satisfy any wish the old king might have. Midas thought for a while and then said:

I wish that everything I touch becomes gold.

Dionysus warned the king to think twice about his wish, but Midas was positive that he had made the right choice.

Dionysus could do nothing else and promised the king that from that following day everything he touched would turn into gold. The next day, Midas, woke up eager to see if his wish would become true. He extended his arm touching a small table that immediately turned into gold. He then touched a chair, the carpet, the door, his bathtub, and a table. The old king was practically buzzing with excitement. After all, he wish had been granted, and now, he would be rich forever."

"Well that doesn't sound too bad." Japan said, tapping his chin. "But there's usually more to these type of stories,isn't there?"

Greece nodded again. "You really have been listening to me. Well then, it won't surprise you that the very morning sat at the table to have breakfast. He reached for a rose from the centerpiece that sat on the table,so that he might smell it, but as soon as his fingers closed around its stem, the rose turned to gold. He was disappointed because the flower no longer smelled of the pleasant outdoors, but instead of hard meal. Without even thinking, he popped a grape into his mouth. Almost choking, he realized that it too had also turned into a gold nugget. The same happened with a slice of bread and a glass of water. Suddenly, he started to feel an overwhelming sense of fear. Tears filled his eyes as he fell to a muddled mess at the foot of his throne. Not even the servants would come near him!

That moment, his beloved daughter entered the room. Without him noticing, his daughter came up behind him, unaware of her father's new curse. Only did King Midas realize his daughter was so close to him was when she tackled him with a hug from behind. Horrified, he watched as she turned to gold, her terrified face frozen in time. Soon, she was nothing but a lifeless statue."

Just like China-san, Japan thought grimly

"Consumed with grief over what he had just done, the king raised his arms and prayed to Dionyssus to take the dreadful curse from him. The god pitied Midas, and told him to go to river Pactolus and wash his hands. The king did as the god instructed, and ran to the river. He was astonished to see gold flowing in bright streams from his hands as he dipped them in the water. When he turned home, everything King Midas had touched had become normal again. Midas hugged his daughter in joyous relief and decided to share his great fortune with his people. From that day on, the king became a better person, generous and grateful for all goods of his life, and followed loyally by his people until the day he died." finished Greece with the dramatic flourish of an experienced storyteller.

The two nations sat quietly with each other for a minute, silently sipping their tea and listening to the soothing song of the waves.

"So," Japan asked, "the moral of the story, as most of your stories usually have morals-"

"Don't give into greed." answered Greece, smiling slightly. "Be thankful for what you have, and more importantly, the people you share your life with."

Japan felt Greece's eyes staring intently in his direction, probably waiting for him comment on the moral. Maybe something more? There is so much more I wish to confess to you Greece-san.

Instead, he went for a more practical response. "There's much we can learn from your philosophies."

"I'm very glad you think so."

Japan glanced towards the tea set. While they were talking, he hadn't realized how much had been drank. The afternoon sun was already starting to dip into the sky above.

"It seems as if I had overstayed my welcome." he said, standing up, and bowing. "Thank you again for the tea."

"It's been no problem." Greece said, pushing in his chair behind him, and returning Japan's bow. "Can I walk you back to the main part of town?"

"O-of course." Japan stuttered, suddenly uncomfortable with the idea of Greece wanting to spend even more time with him. What was Greece trying to tell him?! Surely it was just him being a courteous host…. right?

Suddenly, his phone began to vibrate loudly in his pocket, breaking his excited stream of thoughts. Japan had forgotten it was on, and blushed before looking at the caller ID. Germany-san? What could he be calling about? Japan's stomach dropped with sudden realization.

"I'm sorry Greece-kun." he said, stumbling over his words as he rushed along the wooden pathway. "Maybe next time, I got to go. Arigatō!"

"You...too." Greece lazily waved back, confused and curious about his friend's need to rush off.

Just hang on a little longer Italia-chan, Japan thought as he answered the call, still running.

Just wait a little longer.