A/N: If on the last chapter I was shot, I will now be double-shot! I so completely butchered this chapter!

Anyways, lots of chrysanthemum kisses from Arthur~


The Diary of the Absolutely Invincible British Gentleman That is Me: Part Two

Chrysanthemum Kisses


Kiku,

Good morning. Here I am, dawdling as we got into our seats in third-period World History class. You must be currently shut up in the Biology lab, listening to the ever-boring discussion about the cells, the tissues, and the organs that was first taught when you were in your junior year 5. I know that feeling. That feeling of knowing the topic already but can't complain about it because everyone else's so bloody interested.

Well, I'm not so pernickety with details, so I'll just tell you that luckily, Alfred, the amazing gormless gump, heeded my advice for the first time and did not carry out his deep dark plans last night, since I even stood up late last night to guard him. I then figured he came into his senses, if there were any before. As such, I was yawning nonstop this morning.

Kiku, one day, I'd like to see you chuffed into bits, because that'll really make my day so grand. Indeed.

End of note.


Well, I did see Kiku around lunch break, standing in the garden with a really faraway look in his eyes. Honestly, he looked as if he was seeing things that others, like me, cannot see.

I just had to approach him. So I bloody approached him. As simple as that.

"Oi, Kiku." Sorry, Kiku. I'm not the suavest bloke in the world.

"Arthur-san." Oh, bollocks, Kiku's eyes just then almost scared my kecks off me. Hell. "What -?"

"Nothing at the moment." Can you tell that I'm nervous? Hopefully not...

"Ah, yes." Those dark eyes made a sort of downward flick and then startlingly rested on mine. I am going to so piss in my trousers... "Are you finishing up on your reading of my diary? I thought you were to return it after two days."

"Yeah. And my entries are so boring that you'll cry, I bet."

He laughed, so softly. "I rather think not." If only he'd sing again today. He had such a nice voice. I noticed that last time when I caught him practicing.

"Eh, whatever." I couldn't bloody think of anything to say. Oh, double bollocks.

Luckily, he seemed to take no notice of it. I walked over to the chrysanthemums again and looked over at his silent figure. He was... smiling, ever so slightly, as he saw me go toward them. Why?

"These chrysanthemums are so delicate and pretty," I said to break the silence, pressing on the center of one. It offered no resistance.

I heard a low laugh, like water rippling musically in the stream. It must be Kiku alone. No other.

"Yes. Although they are too delicate and pretty, if you ask me."

My eyes widened when he stepped beside me and touched the flower I have pressed on.

"In Japan, chrysanthemums are known as kiku flowers." He smiled at my expression. I must have looked really surprised. I am an idiot to forget that fact. It was on the diary, after all. "Delicate, pretty, complicated, pure. It is used to name the Imperial Throne. And the monarchy of the Chrysanthemum Throne is the oldest monarchy in the world." He traced a pale finger over the petals of the chrysanthemum, and I could not tear my eyes away. I am a hopeless git.

"It must be nice to be named after such a meaningful flower, then."

"I really... don't know." And with this, Kiku looked up at me with such clear eyes. "Normally, girls are the ones named after flowers, right? For me, flowers... are just for decoration only. No other purpose in life but to stand tall, look up, and make itself as pretty as possible so that no one steps on it accidentally." He looked down again. "I -"

At that moment, because this is my bloody life after all, the bloody bell rang. Kiku looked a little sorrowful, bowed at me, then walked away, my eyes following after his retreating figure.

I am such a hopeless idiot. And that was when I felt something in my heart click into place.


Kiku,

So your name is from that flower, eh? So what? All these thoughts were mixing deep within me. You looked so upset when you were telling me that you hated your name. Yeah, you didn't tell me that directly, but I just kind of got the gist.

Kiku, you are wrong. Flowers aren't for decoration only. They are also the ones that sometimes bring life to other people. That's why you normally buy flowers for sick people, right? To will their pain away. To make them feel better.

To assure them that, however gray their future may seem to them, there's always something that can bring back the color.

Read this, and understand that you aren't for decoration purposes only. Okay? Say you understand. And the next time you need them, don't worry - I'll try to be the first one to bring you the flowers that you so desperately need. In the metaphorical sense, of course.


This is starting to be less of a diary entry and more of a letter, huh. But hey, I can't really think of anything else but to tell you those things that I can't tell you in person. So while my chance lasts, I'll write and push out all the things that I want to say into the confines of paper.

Do you like to watch the birds fly? I do. And that is a sight that never fails to make me smile. After classes I usually goof out on the rooftop of the Main Building. And that is what I'm precisely doing now, looking at the sky, waiting for the occasional birds flying overhead, and writing on your diary.

I've been seeing glimpses of you for the past year, pushing through classes day after day, dealing with your siblings, and what else. I thought you had it pretty easy. And when I read your diary, I have been proven wrong. Well, a nice one from me for your strong sense of Yamato spirit!

It's special class day tomorrow, so good luck on your siblings (especially that weird Xiao Chun bloke).

Once I return this to you, I'm almost sure that I can never write on it again. So let's get to point, shall we?

I think I now get the meaning of what you are trying to tell me by giving me this diary. My thoughts about you... You want to read them too, right? Because I really fail when it comes to straightforward talks. Can I give you some of them?

I think that... you are the most unreadable person I've met, but the easiest to discern in certain situations.

I think you have good eyes. They're sort of like black tea with a little milk added on it. No offence meant. Don't reply that my eyes look like green tea or something, because I'll really jump off the roof from my corniness.

I think that you have a nice complexion and hair. Well, I wouldn't say why I think so since it's my opinion, but never ever think that your hair is plain. Although it is true that dark hair is 'the' hair in Asia. But still.

I think that faeries do exist, and that they are going to grant me one wish right now.

I think that I now understand what Xiao Chun has to say, but I'll still pick that chrysanthemum that I have set my eyes on. Never fear.

And... I think that I ought to go and pick that chrysanthemum right now.

As in right NOW.


Kiku, why did you open the door before I had time to knock? Oh, I almost died of surprise and nervousness when you pulled that door half-open and looked at me.

"Arthur-san?" Well, one thing's for sure, you looked as surprised as me.

"Erm, h-hello," I said. During times like this, I admit that I'm the epitome of lameness.

Well, I was surprised that you didn't flinch or anything because of my aforementioned lameness, but there you are. "Do you need anything from me?" you replied. Well, yeah. I need something so badly from you.

But my lips just won't cooperate to voice out what I want to say. Bloody HELL!

Hell indeed. "Actually, I-I -" Okay, not the greatest scene in my life ever. "I just want t-to say that -" Then I took a deep, calming breath and looked at you. Hah, you looked so confused. "Hey, Kiku Honda, you already know that I can't say things that directly! And honestly, I really can't. Well, frankly, I can't put this into words. So I'll just -" Then I saw your dark eyes. Wide, and with a sliver of innocence remaining in them. I couldn't think straight.

And the next moment, I just kissed you through the doorway. Oh-so-freaking kissed you.

Since you don't have the diary right now, I'll just be the one to chronicle this... (blushing)

When we broke from the kiss, I swear I was so hot in the face that I felt like I was fainting already. And you were surprised, and looked a bit... amazed or something. Fortunately, I picked this moment when no one was at the hallway. Or else I would have died right there and then for pure shame at what I dared to do!

"Arthur-san, wha -?" Your voice was like, as amazed as I am.

"I-I'm sorry for my rudeness." If I can blush any more, I just did. "Er - uh..."

You blushed and looked rather as uncomfortable as I am. "Ano, Arthur-san, it's m-my -"

I gulped. "Um, good evening, Kiku."

You looked puzzled. "Arthur-san, I -"

I looked into the depths of your eyes, tore myself away before I run back and kiss your red face again, and went back hesitatingly to my room without saying the words I want to say so badly.

I love you, my little chrysanthemum. I love you, Kiku.

I know. I admit I am the biggest cowardly moron in the planet.

End of note number two.


I stabbed absently at my uneaten dinner with a fork, thinking about that moment when you-know-what happened. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice Alfred sitting in front of me, clearly bemused at my strange behavior.

"Oi. Arthur. Arthur."

My head snapped up, and I noticed his grinning face. "W-what?" I spluttered, going red in the face.

"You look strange, dude. Whazzup?" he said, leaning back into his chair and smirking. "What are you thinking of?"

"Bugger off, Alfred." I pushed back my plate and stood up. "And you can eat that for me. I'm not hungry."

He looked at me, puzzled, smugness washing away at my lack of argument. "Are you sick, bro? What's gotten into you?"

I scowled at him. "Don't ask if you don't want to get thrown out of the window later while you're sleeping, Al. Don't try my temper tonight." I stalked off and set straight for the boys' dormitories, hands deep in my pocket and blushing furiously.

I swore to myself that I wouldn't sleep tonight until I tell him. I've waited almost a year, so why not now?


I waited just outside of his room, nervous and as shaky as a leaf.

"Oi, ¡hola, Arthur."

Great timing, Antonio.

"What d'you want?"

The freaking Spaniard grinned. "What are you doing outside Heracles's door? Looks like someone wants to camp out tonight in the hallway, eh?"

"None of your bloody business, okay? Just go back to your bloody room and get some sleep. I think you need that because if Lovino was to bang at my door every night or so, I wouldn't get enough sleep either."

He chuckled good-naturedly. "Ah, yes, Lovinito is a noisy guy, but he's cuter when noisier, I think."

"You've got a twisted definition of what 'cute' is, then."

He laughed. "Ay, the British is pissed off."

I snapped, "Well, the Spaniard is bloody pissing him off."

He grinned and walked off. "Make sure your sword stays sharp, amigo."

"I'm not a bloody friend of yours."

"Whatever."


I was considering to follow Antonio's advice of camping outside in the hallway for the night when Kiku came upstairs with Lovino's freaky younger brother.

"Ah, hello, Arthur-san."

"Hello, I guess."

"I better leave you guys, I'm so sleepy~" The Italian skipped off down. I sighed at the good riddance.

"You're here again, Arthur-san. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

"Yeah, actually, there is."

"Tell me then, before you run off like what you did before." He smiled.

"I didn't bloody run off! I just -" I can't think of anything to say to defend my side of the story. His smile turned really triumphant.

"See? You can't say anything." I just want to wipe that knowing smirk from his face. That's how competitive I am. "Anyway, excuse my impoliteness, but what is that urgent thing you want to say to me, Arthur-san?"

I took a really slow and deep breath before saying the words out loud.

"I - love you."

He stared at me with something akin to awe and amazement. I bowed my head, feeling like such a stupid moron when the latter didn't answer immediately. Hell, I'm so nervous that I was ready to throw up.

"Would you like to enter my room, Arthur-san? I think it would be better to tell me more inside."

I looked up quickly and met his eyes, which were smiling.

I grimaced. "Come on, don't make me feel like a total gump. And react properly to my confession... or something."

"I don't think that you are an idiot, Arthur-san. And to tell you the truth, I am really surprised." Such bright dark eyes! "Although it would be more prudent to discuss this matter inside."


I sat on the chair in his study table. He gently pushed a glass of cold tea in my hands, sat on the bed, and I noticed a faint blush dusting his cheek. I couldn't help blushing too.

"So, Arthur-san..."

I flinched slightly at Kiku's light tone. "Um..." Oh, great. The tension is building up, up, up!

"You came here to tell me that you love - me?" he asked, eyes carefully on the wooden floor.

I felt like one of those freaking heroes in those freaking cliché love novels that Francis always reads. Yeah.

"Um, that's about the gist of it." I took a sip of the tea, the chill of the ice in my throat.

He looked at me. I had no idea what was going on in that head of his. "And you came here without no fear of rejection?"

"Well, that was barely on my mind." And he smiled at my confidence.

"You are a bold one, Arthur-san. But I like it." He then switched to a serious tone. "Arthur-san, tell me. How can you be so sure that you love me? It's not even the end of the first quarter of the school year." He crossed his arms. "And to tell you the truth, whirlwind romances die fast."

"Well, if you think I just realized that I have feelings for you this year, well, I didn't. It started way back last year. I think you just didn't notice my attention, because judging from all those entries in your diary, you had a traumatic first year in high school." I leaned forward in my chair. "I really admired how you kept up with all the challenges that Fate throws your way. You just didn't let your fighting spirit bow you down."

He stared at me, dumbstruck. Then he remembered to speak. "You were... watching -?"

"Yeah." I was blushing again. "Um, I'm not a stalker, if you're thinking along those lines, but - well, I just noticed you whenever you're at the library, or when you were spending your time at the greenhouse, or any other old time when we pass each other in hallways..."

Oh, great. He was blushing so pink that I just had to laugh. He snapped his head up at me, annoyed.

"I'm sorry. You look really... adorable when you turn red like that." I backtracked when he didn't smile. "Sorry again."

He sighed and looked away, eyebrows drawn together.

"You okay, Kiku? Are you now irritated because I -?"

He shook his head. "Arthur-san, I am not irritated. I am furious." He gazed at me. "You have the gut to kiss me earlier in the day, but yet you passed the chance to tell me and ran. Pray tell, are you playing on me or something?"

"Bloody no!" I gasped, shocked. "I would never!"

His expression turned slightly amused at my reaction. "It seems as if you're telling the truth, Arthur-san," he remarked. "Seeing that you looked so desperate to convince me that your intentions are -"

"I have honest intentions," I said quickly.

He laughed with obvious amusement at my anxiousness. I froze, marveling at what musical sounds can come from stoic, icy Kiku Honda when delighted.

"I know, Arthur-san." He blinked at me benevolently. "I know."

At that moment, something smooth and slightly moist brushed on my lips. I couldn't think straight. I must be dreaming. But it's happening.

The sensation vanished.

A low whisper tickled my face. "I gladly accept your feelings, Arthur-san." He drew away, and I saw he was blushing. Cute.

"Does that mean that -?"

"I think so."


Good evening, Diary-san, if I may use that honorific. I am... well, I can't accurately describe the feeling. It was as if I am feeling all sensations at once. I think I'm going crazy with happiness.

I'll return you to your red-faced owner now. And may I ask you to tell him one thing?

Tell him I love him. Sincerely.

-Cheers, Arthur


A/N2: Review? This is the longest chapter so far! With a record of 3,500 words!