Ch. 14 Return and Realization

As the movie played, the two enjoyed the other's presence far more than anything else. The movie ended soon enough but the lights remained off since neither of the two wanted to leave their spots. Mei was snuggled up tightly to Xiang, leaning her head on his shoulder and he with her.

"What should we do now?" Xiang asked softly.

"I'm not really sure. Are you up for anything?" she asked in return.

"If it's with you then I don't mind at all."

Mei smiled and began to press herself closer to Xiang. She gently wrapped her arms around his neck as she got closer to a confused Xiang. "M-Mei? W-what are you doing?" he asked nervously.

Mei smirked, "You said you were up for anything as long as it was with me right?"

"R-right."

"Then we're doing just that," she replied simply.

Mei leaned forward and gently pressed her lips against his as he exerted his own amount of pressure to hers. Mei could feel the warmth from him as he tenderly kisses her back. When they finally parted, both were breathless as they remained in each other's arms. Xiang slipped his arms around her waist as he pulled her in for another kiss. She returned it as he gradually deepened the kiss. She could feel her insides becoming hot as she melted into his arms. They slowly pulled away from each other panting slightly. Xiang fell back onto the couch as Mei allowed herself to fall into his arms as the two readied for another kiss.

The lights suddenly flashed on and interrupted the two's time together. Both turned their heads to the hallway as footsteps began to echo from it. Slowly a shadow appeared and began to enlarge until the figure could be recognized. Emerging from the hallway was Arthur and Alfred.

Xiang couldn't believe that he had returned but he also couldn't shrug off the thought that Arthur really had bad timing. But something was off about his usual demeanor. He was slightly hunched, his mouth opened and red appeared in his cheeks; he was drunk. Xiang used his elbows and pushed himself and Mei up so that they were once again sitting but they remained in each other's arms. Arthur looked at the two and held a smile to his face.

"Ah~ Hello Xiang, it's *hic* been a while hasn't it?"

"It has but why are you back now?"

"Oh don't worry about it~ I just decided to come back. I've been away for too long." Xiang looked suspicious. He couldn't believe Arthur would come back for no reason and also because he was drunk. "Oh who's your friend Xiang? She's pretty."

Xiang opened his mouth to answer but Alfred stepped in first. "Maybe you should go rest Artie."

"What are you talking about? I'm fine. And she's single~"

Mei blushed slightly as Xiang held her tighter and closer. "I think she's taken. And you should go rest, come on now."

"Aww… fine then." Arthur grudgingly began to head towards his room until he started to stumble into the furniture. Alfred sighed and helped guide Arthur to his room, leaving the two teens alone again. Mei leaned into Xiang's chest and sighed.

"Maybe I should go now…"

"Why?" he asked, surprised.

"I really shouldn't even be here. Remember what Kiku-nii said? I should leave." Mei stood up from her spot and began to leave until Xiang grabbed her wrist.

"Please stay."

"But Xiang…"

"Please Mei… I need you right now." Mei turned around to look at him and saw his desperate expression. She smiled softly and nodded to him.

"I'll stay then."

It was Xiang's turn to smile and he got up from the couch as well. "We should go to my room. We can talk more privately there." Mei nodded and the two went upstairs. Xiang closed his bedroom door as Mei plopped onto his bed. She patted the spot next to her and Xiang went over and sat down.

"So what are we going to talk about?"

"I think you know. Arthur."

"I thought as much… what about it?"

"It's just, I'm suspicious. Why would he come back now, of all times? There has to be a reason but we clearly can't get any answers from him right now, he's too loopy to be reasoned with."

"True, I can't blame you for not being suspicious. But you have to trust that he'll tell you eventually and if not, we could always ask Alfred if he doesn't mind."

"You're right and I didn't think of that. I'll ask first thing tomorrow then."

"Why not just go and ask Alfred right now?"

Xiang smirked and suddenly wrapped his arms around Mei. "Because, we couldn't finish what we were doing." Mei blushed but smiled.

"I guess you want to finish?" She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.

"You guessed right. But just for a bit longer." Xiang smiled and kissed her tenderly.

Later on into the evening, Mei had to return home since it was getting late. She gave Xiang a quick hug before leaving and wished him luck at his information gathering. Xiang walked back into the house after saying goodbye to Mei and saw Alfred sitting on the couch, his head hung. Xiang walked quietly over to Alfred and took a seat across from him. Xiang let out a soft cough, alerting Alfred of his presence.

"Oh hello Xiang. Did your girlfriend leave?"

"She did. But more importantly, I need to know, why are you guys now returning?"

Alfred sighed, "I knew I would get asked that. It's best if I explain from the beginning. It basically began after that trip. Arthur came to me but it wasn't the same Arthur I knew. He seemed lifeless… When I tried to ask him what was wrong he asked me to take him home. Actually more like he begged me to in that low tone he had. I did what I could and took him home. He didn't say a single word during the ride home. When we got back to his place he started writing a note and then afterwards he told me that he wasn't going to be home. At this point I really wanted to know what was up but he didn't want to explain and asked me if I could keep him company sometimes. I couldn't refuse him so afterwards we left."

"I kind of figured that that's what happened. But what happened after that is what I care about. What happened when he left? Why is he back now?"

"I was getting to that man. He started to live in a hotel close to work after wards. All he ever did was work and work. I checked up on him from time to time but all he did was work. It seemed like he was an empty shell. I tried talking to him but he wouldn't say much. Then finally one day I was able to convince him to go drink with me since he was almost working himself to death. After the first drink he started to spew things about what happened. About Matthew, him choosing Gilbert and his depression. I can't say I'm happy or sad about this though…"

"So that's what happened. Can't say what? If you don't mind me asking."

Alfred turned his head away from Xiang and seemed to be biting his lip. "I-I don't know if I should…"

"It's your decision. I won't push for it. If you want to tell me, then do so."

Alfred's cheeks began to redden. "F-fine. I-I really like Arthur. I care about him a lot. There I said it!"

Xiang blinked a couple of times before he realized what Alfred just confessed. "Y-you do?"

"Yes I do. I've been with him for so long and I've always tried to be his hero and be there for him. But he always seemed attracted to Matthew more than me… I guess Matthew and I switched places in this case. He never noticed how I felt about him."

Xiang's stoic expression softened after hearing this. "Is that so? I'm sorry for how it turned out for you. Now I know why you said that you were happy and sad. You're happy that Arthur didn't go with Matthew but you're sad to see Arthur in this state."

"That's right. I know it's completely selfish of me to be like this but I can't help it. But I hate seeing him like this. I can't do anything for him…"

"He just needs to realize what really matters. Don't worry Alfred; I'm sure you'll be able to make him feel better. In fact, I think I have an idea."

"Huh? What is it?"

"I can't tell you that just yet. I don't have everything planned out but I have an idea. I have to go make a call now."

"How do I know you won't just call your girlfriend and leave me hanging?"

Xiang chuckled. "That's exactly who I'm going to call to help you out." Alfred had a confused state on his face and Xiang began to head up the stairs. "Oh, also when Arthur wakes up, tell him I'm cooking dinner for tonight so don't worry about it." Xiang ran upstairs and took out his phone, calling Mei. The moment she picked up, he explained everything he heard from Alfred and they immediately started to plan for the next day.

The morning light came in through the window and covered Arthur's sleeping face. Soon, Arthur opened his eyes but shunned away from the sun light, burying his face in his pillow. He placed one of his hands on his aching head, cursing alcohol. After another hour of lying in his bed, his door burst opened with Alfred and his incredibly bright smile greeting Arthur.

"Hey Arthur! Get up! It's time for breakfast, and we won't have your cooking so we're waiting on you."

Arthur made a loud groan and he pulled his head out of the covers. "Be quiet you git. My head is killing me."

"Well maybe you shouldn't have drunken so much then."

"What? You're the one who told me that drinking that much would be okay," he retorted.

"It's your fault for listening to me," teased Alfred. "Anyway, hurry up, breakfast is getting cold." Arthur made no signs of getting out of bed so Alfred ran over to the Brit and threw him over his shoulders, taking him into the dining room, despite his protest. Arthur landed soundly onto the padded chair and looked forward at his plate. It was filled with your usual breakfast items of pancakes, bacon, eggs and sausages and a glass of orange juice on the side. Arthur looked up from his plate and saw Xiang sitting across from him, quietly eating his meal.

"Welcome back," he greeted casually.

Arthur smiled at the welcome they had for him and began to eat his meal. It had been a long time since he had eaten a home cooked meal since he had been going out to eat ever since he left the house. While eating, he was trying to remember what was happening when he got back to the house. His memories were still fuzzy as he tried to recall them. All he could remember was Alfred and Xiang sitting with someone… Suddenly, the memory hit him hard as he remembered Xiang was not just sitting with someone, he had his arms wrapped around her and he remembered it was the cousin of his hated rival.

"Xiang, why was that girl over here?" he asked.

Xiang seemed startled by the question but his face remained unchanged. "I was hanging out with her…"

"I thought I told you that she couldn't come over here."

"You never said that."

"What? You must be mistaken, I must have…"

"You said that I couldn't go to her house, not the other way around, so it's perfectly fine," he retorted.

Arthur let out a small scowl. "Fine, you're not in trouble then. But I don't want her coming over to this house anymore."

Xiang frowned at him but knew better than to argue with the stubborn Brit. Instead, Xiang quickly finished the rest of his breakfast and stood up. "Fine then. I'll be heading out then."

Arthur glared at his step-brother. "Where?"

"Just somewhere." Xiang pulled out a small business card and slid it across the table to Arthur. "You should go there sometime, it's a nice place to drink tea and think." With that, Xiang exited the room and the house.

Arthur picked up the card and looked at the contents curiously. A tea shop called the Pearl Blossom. He did enjoy drinking good tea and if Xiang suggested it, then it couldn't be that bad. Arthur finished off his breakfast when Alfred stood up from the table. Arthur raised an eye brow at him and he returned with a smile.

"Sorry Artie, I have to go to work. But if you don't mind, could you meet with me at six later?"

"Umm sure." Alfred's smile brightened and he headed out of the house, leaving Arthur alone in the home. Arthur couldn't go to work because his co-workers told him that he had to take a vacation because of his health, so Arthur sat by himself with the newspaper in front of his face, just trying to pass the time.

Xiang and Mei were busily running around town trying to make sure their plan went off without a hitch. Xiang had told Alfred in the morning to ask Arthur to meet him a six o'clock for a surprise "date". Alfred was unsure of it at first but after some convincing, he warmed up to the idea. Xiang already called Yao, telling them of their plan and his part in it; Arthur would most certainly go to the shop. Besides that part, it was the date that mattered and making Arthur feel better was the ultimate goal.

"Xiang, are you sure everything will work out?"

"I'm not sure but this has to at least make him feel better. He needs to enjoy himself instead of working himself to death or just lying around the house."

"Hmm I see, you're a good brother then. But what are we going to do after setting up everything?"

"That part is easy. We watch over them while we have some fun ourselves."

"Oh, that sounds great! I just hope this works out."

"Don't worry, I'm sure it will."

Arthur lazily lied on the couch with the newspaper covering his face. He had nothing to do in the house. Arthur removed the newspaper from his face and looked at his watch. He read six o'clock. He sighed and got up from his spot. He then took out the card that Xiang handed him this morning. Shrugging to himself, he stood up and grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.

The evening air was slightly chilly as it touched Arthur's face. Arthur tried to burry himself inside his coat as much as possible as he walked through downtown. Finally he reached the tea shop. He entered the shop and the alluring smell of tea entered his body. He found himself a seat and took off his jacket, hanging it on a spare chair. He looked around the shop as the Asian décor matched perfectly with the theme of the shop.

"Ni hao! Welcome to the Pearl Blossom ~aru. What would you like to order?"

Arthur looked up to see Yao, wearing his uniform. "Oh, I would like earls grey if you have that."

"Right away ~aru." Arthur watched as the Chinese man ran back behind the counter and brewed his tea. Arthur sighed and leaned back into his chair. After a moment Yao returned and placed his tea in front of him. "Enjoy ~aru"

"Thank you." Arthur picked up the tea cup and sipped the tea. The flavor was deep and rich yet it was clean as well. He placed his cup back down. "This is very good tea."

"I'm glad you enjoy it ~aru." Yao did something unexpected to Arthur and sat down across from him. "There's something wrong with you ~aru."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh my name is Yao by the way. But anyway, it seems like you're… depressed about something ~aru."

"I am not. How dare you insinuate that?"

"It's written all over your face ~aru"

"Well… so what if I am?"

"Then you should try solving it."

"But I don't know how to… and it isn't something that you can just fix like magic… it takes time and something special."

"Ah, you understand that much ~aru. But maybe there's something else you're not seeing."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well how do you know you don't have the special thing right now? You haven't thought about it have you? Maybe you've been blinded by your depression. Unable to see pass the past tragedies. For all you know, that special thing could be right in front of you and you wouldn't ever realize that because you can't let go of that thing you lost. ~aru"

Arthur repeated the words that Yao just said over and over in his head. It's as if he knew exactly what happened to him and understood something about his depression. He has been longing in that depression. It's been on his mind for the longest time and it still is. He didn't let go to what he lost and never will have… Yet he still had people who cared about him. And now that he thought about it, one in particular stood with him through his time of darkness and that has been his friend for the longest time.

"I think you're right. I have been blinded." Arthur stood up from his seat and paid for the tea. "Thank you for your advice."

Yao smiled and also stood up. "It wasn't a problem umm what was your name again? ~aru"

"Arthur. Arthur Kirkland. Thank you again."

Arthur exited the shop and tried to return home as quickly as possible. Remembering that Alfred wanted to meet with him at six o'clock and it was close to that time. Arthur returned home with a minute to spare but his breathing was hard as he entered his home. Right on cue, Alfred emerged from his guest room.

"Hey Arthur, you ready?"

"Ready for what?"

"Ready to have fun, what else!" Alfred grabbed Arthur's hand and pulled him out of the house and into his car. Arthur went with Alfred without any complaints since he really did need it and he had something else he had to do to.

The two arrived at busy parking lot. Arthur wondered what Alfred was planned but he didn't show any signs of telling him. Although after a few minutes of walking, he figured it out himself, they were at a carnival.

"Alfred? What is this?"

"It's a carnival you idiot. Come on, let's go have some fun!" Again Arthur was taken by Alfred but they ran straight towards the park and began to enjoy themselves. They walked through the stands, looking at anything that might've interested them. Except that was an understatement. Alfred went to every stand and beat every challenge as they got to it. After about half an hour of playing, Alfred was already carrying a huge stake of prizes that he won.

"Well, you sure know how to play these things."

"I won them for you though."

Arthur was surprised as Alfred confessed this. "R-really?"

"Well yeah, I wanted you to have fun while here and I thought some of these would make you happier."

Arthur blushed slightly, "well um… thank you Alfred. They are nice."

Alfred smiled brightly as they continued on with their fun. Arthur wanted to try a water shooting game and at his first time, he failed miserably as he couldn't even aim correctly. He tried a second time only to begin the same as the first. Alfred chuckled at the sight and went behind Arthur, helping him aim his gun. Eventually the balloon popped, winning him a prize. Arthur won a large stuff bear but he offered it to Alfred.

"You helped me win it and I wanted to give it to you in the first place."

Alfred smiled and gratefully took the bear. "Thanks Arthur." The two continued to walk down to other stands, finding some treats along the way.

Unbeknownst to them, Xiang and Mei were close behind to them, watching them have their fun and making sure that nothing went wrong. They always remained a few stands behind just to make sure that they couldn't be spotted. At one point they thought they had been spotted but it was a false alarm.

"Xiang, how long do we have to follow them?" No reply came. "Xiang?" Mei looked over her shoulder and saw Xiang at a stand, throwing a ball against some bottles. "Xiang? What are you doing?"

Xiang concentrated and threw his last ball, knocking down all the bottles. The proprietor came over and handed him a large tiger plushy. "I got this for you."

Mei smiled and took the plushy. "Thanks Xiang."

"It's nothing; we have to have some fun too right?" Mei nodded and they continued walking hand and hand.

Arthur looked at his watch and saw that it was past eight. He looked back up at Alfred. "Hey Alfred. Why did you want me to come with you to this place?"

"Didn't I tell you to have fun?"

"You did but… why me?"

Alfred seemed to stiffen slightly. "Because I really care about you Arthur. I didn't want to see you so sad."

Arthur pulled a small smile onto his face. "Is that so? Well thank you."

"Arthur… there's more to why I asked you to come here with me…" Alfred took a deep breath in as he readied himself. "Arthur I-"

"Wait Alfred. I need to say something first," interrupted Arthur. "I'm sorry for what I've put you through. I've been blinded… too blinded to see what you've been trying to do for me. And now that I've done something clear thinking, I want to tell you that I really care about you too. More than a friend…"

Alfred smiled and pulled Arthur close to him, making him blush deeply. "You didn't let me finish Artie. I wanted to say, that I've liked you for a long time."

Arthur blushed furiously but he leaned into Alfred's touch. Arthur looked up to Alfred and slowly they closed the distance between them and their lips connected. Their kiss lasted for only a brief moment but they slowly pulled away as a smile appeared on both of their faces.

The two began to walk down the path once again, much happier than before. They arrived at a Ferris wheel and decided to take one ride on the giant wheel. They got into their compartments and their slow and steady ride began. The two sat by each other, Arthur leaning his head onto Alfred's shoulder. The two were closely followed by Xiang and Mei who were riding on another compartment. Mei nodded towards Xiang and Xiang took out a small box and pressed the button on it.

From a distance, fireworks began to shoot into the sky, illuminating the dark skies with brilliant colors of all sorts. The sudden burst of colors and sound caught the two's attention. Thy turned their heads and silently watched the array of colors. Xiang and Mei smiled, satisfied that their mission was successful.

Xiang and Mei walked through the dark streets of the night. Neither said a word but both held a smile on their faces at the stunning night they had. "So you had fun?"

"I did. Except if I spent it with, how couldn't it be fun?"

Xiang softened his smile. "Yeah, I guess your right. I'm happy that you had fun and that we were able to help Arthur."

"Do you think he'd soften up to our relationship if we told him that we set everything up?"

"It's possible but then again, he is really stubborn to these things. Except when he found out this morning, he didn't seem completely against it. We should be fine with him."

"Oh I see, well as long as we can still be together."

"Yeah, is Kiku okay with this?"

"Umm, when I tried to tell him he went off reminding me that I'm not allowed to be associated with Arthur…"

"It'll be okay Mei." The two finally made it to Mei's house. They stood in front of the door but Mei pulled herself closer to Xiang. "Thanks for the wonderful night."

Xiang held her tenderly as he stared into her eyes. "It was my pleasure." As they began to close the distance between them, the lights turned on and they let go of each other. The next second, Kiku opened the door.

"You're finally home."

"Umm yeah, well bye Xiang." Kiku nodded and returned back into the house. As Xiang turned to leave, Mei quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Xiang returned the kiss with as much time as they could spare before they had to part.

"See you tomorrow Mei." The two smiled and Mei went inside, slowly closing the door as she waved to him. Xiang began his walk home, satisfied with the amazing night he had.

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

A/N: I finally updated again. Sorry it took so long people. School and stuff. Also I've been planning for the new fic after I finish this one, it'll be M rated for many reasons but I'll make sure to make it amazing. Also it'd really help if you guys went to the poll on my profile page, I can't decide an ending for it. Anyway, back to this story, next chapter will be about Kiku. Including that chapter, only 2-3 left so be ready for it. Well until the next update, review and thanks to the readers and reviewers. Bye for now.