China

Rather than Silver, I wanted Gold

On Scotland's order, Arthur was sent on a holiday to cool down and release his stress while his siblings would "Deal with the problem". England sighs as he stares out the window, Wales dragon Ruby wrapped up around his neck (for "insurance"). Believe it or not but Wales's dragon is not huge and scary. It's actually quite cute and the size of a cat. Basically you could mistake it for a red lizard had it not have wings. But since nobody can see her anyway, it really doesn't matter.

Well … nobody should be able to see her.

"Hey Jerk! Get your stupid lizard off my face!"

"Haha! Peter you should see your face! And what lizard? I can't see any. Can I hunt it?"

"Shut up Oz! You're too noisy!"

"Eh? You mean you're too boring, Kiwi!"

"…"

"Why are we going to Leon's place first anyway! Dad, you should come to my place!"

"Right, with the killing koalas!"

"My koalas are better than your stupid kiwi birds!"

"England! The dragon is pulling my hair!"

"Ha ha! Wy you look hilarious!"

"Shut up, Sealand!"

Arthur sighs again, ignoring the loud shouts the two kids seated in front of him, the arguments of the two "supposedly" adults seated behind him, and the Chinese teen typing on his phone next to him. The dragon skipped back from Wy's head to the blonde's shoulders and wrapped herself around his neck, yawning. Arthur distractedly scratched the reptile's neck, earning a low growl of satisfaction before the lizard fell asleep. His kids were still being too damn noisy on the too damn quiet plane at 3 damn am in the morning.

Yeah, the dragon is insurance. And the kids are just a poor excuse of an escort. So they think. Arthur is pretty sure that Scott was using them as a distraction and excuse for Arthur not to get bothered by his suitors. He didn't actually expect his brother to phone up all their ex-colonies just to go on a holiday!

Great plan Scottie!

"Dad, you don't look so well."

Arthur jumped as he suddenly heard Hong Kong speak. It had been hours now and Australia, New Zealand, Wy and Sealand were all fast asleep. Seriously, how come all his kids are so hyper-active (except Hong Kong and Canada)? He blames his brothers.

The Chinese teen's deep brown eyes showed an unusual spark of concern that made England smile fondly. It's amazing how sweet Hong Kong could be despite how could he appears!

"I'm fine lad. It's just this improvised holiday trip sounds more exhausting than relaxing. But hey, what do you expect coming from your uncles!" Arthur chuckled on that last part which made Leon break into a shy small smile as well.

"Yeah. When North suddenly called to ask if you could come over, I was really surprised."

"And Ireland just had to go tell everyone else in the common wealth too!" Arthur groaned.

"I thought that Scotland would have refused though …"

"You're joking? It was his bloody idea from the beginning! He and Wales baked up this half-arsed plan to get me out of Europe and somewhere in one of our old colonies. Their excuse is to give me a break but …" Arthur sighs.

Honestly, he didn't care anymore. If they want to kill everyone, then … whatever! Arthur was sick and tired of this dating game and just wanted to be done and over this issue. And if that means letting his siblings loose, then by all means go ahead! He'd rather let them go wild than let himself turn into a monster like last time … Let's not think about last time.

Arthur shook his head, clearing away the dark invading thoughts that polluted part of his brain. He didn't want to turn into a serial killer again! Last time Scotland had barely managed to bring him back to reason! And the time before was when he got into this senseless fight with Ireland for the Irish's independence … luckily North had been there. And before that in Roman times he … Wales and Scotland had to use both their strength keep him from losing it … Why is he still thinking about this! Forget it! Stop thinking about it!

Arthur tried to focus his mind on something, anything, as he felt the slow blanking out and the buzzing in his head grow. He needed to think. He needed to change topic. He didn't want to remember …

"Dad? Ruby is chewing on your shirt."

England blinked. He hadn't noticed that his vision had been blurred seconds earlier. Good thing Leon distracted him. The English nation looked down at the sleeping dragon that was indeed eating his shirt in her sleep. Thank you Ruby!

"Let her. If I tried to pull it out of her mouth, it'll only rip the shirt." Arthur sighed.

"Sounds like you tried once." Leon smirked, his own pet dragon suddenly peaked out from his bag pack and crawled up on his master's shoulders.

Smaller than Ruby, it was a typical Chinese dragon named Fuh. Of a scarlet red like Ruby, it had little golden patterns on his scales too and wrapped its long body like a scarf around Leon's neck, much like Ruby was cuddling Arthur.

"Let's change subject … why the fuck did the others come along too?" Arthur groaned as he leaned forward to check on Peter (Sealand) and Kaitlin (Wy) on the seats in front of his and Leon's.

The Asian shrugged, glancing quickly at the Oz and Kiwi behind them.

"When the Irelands phoned us all, we all suggested you come to our place. It's impressive that they managed to cut down everyone to just these four. I assume they counted Wy, Australia and New Zealand as one same location. And Sealand just tagged along."

"That sounds really unlike him. Sealand hates me, why would he bother!" Arthur sighed as he sat back in his seat and shut his eyes, hoping to get some sleep before they landed. Time zones can be troublesome.

"I don't think he hates you." Leon muttered but noticed that his father had already fallen asleep.

Leon smiled contently as he watched his father sleep soundly. It had been so long since the Briton had come over to his land. Out the window, Leon Wang already started to notice China in the far distance.

Now then … all he needs now is a distraction.

China paced around his guest room frantically. Suddenly he moved to arranged a crooked painting that wasn't crooked. And paced again. He straightened the spoons and chopsticks on the table, checked the tea cups and went to remake hot boiling water for the tea … for the fifth time. And he paced again.

"Aiya … This is not a good idea … definitely not a good idea …" He muttered to himself, his pace quickening.

Suddenly, he decided altogether to just pack everything away and hide in his room! But the minute he considered that option, was the minute the doorbell rang and the monotonous voice of Leon called.

"Shifu … I know you're in there. Open up before the Islands come back."

"Leon, you shouldn't have sent them off like that …" Yao heard Arthur sigh. He sounded tired.

"Well, it's my airport. I can do whatever I want. And it's my mafia, so if they have any complain they can just bring their own, next time."

China frowned. Knowing his son, Hong Kong had gone and done something both crazy and ingenious but mainly dangerous. The Chinese man opened his door as he heard another sigh from the Englishman and was met with the very tired and very irritated face of the very very very attractive man he longed for in his dreams, with his very green emerald eyes.

"N-Niha … o." The Asian lost his voice mid-way in his greeting but England was in too much of a bad mood to notice.

"Hi, Yao, I'm tired so let's just skip the usual formalities, ok?" England spoke with what he hoped was a neutral tone but you could clearly hear his frustration.

Yao frowned. It hadn't been 2 seconds and the English bastard was already getting on his nerves! It's unfair! Why did Arthur have to look so amazing in his casual black shirt with a dragon design, and his dark jeans falling too low on his hips and revealing too much his dark boxers and the … shit, he has a nice ass. Why does he have a nice ass! Shit! Shit! Shit!

Yao forcefully looked up and plastered an irritated and disgusted expression on his face. He snapped back at the Englishman.

"Courtesy always was something you never seemed to acquire. Just a barbaric pirate as always, I see." Yao shrugged and moved back inside, leaving the door open for his guests to walk in.

Arthur felt a vein on his temple plop but he refrained from speaking back. He was too tired to argue with Yao today and just wanted to forget the fact that Leon had set up firecrackers in everyone's suitcase except himself and England's. That he had used his Cantonese Mafia connection to send everyone back on a plane all the way to god knows were and that he then got himself and England on a fast train to main land China all the way up to Beijing to visit … China.

This feels like the same trick Victoria tried to pull with Spain and Arthur was already irritated by it all. On his shoulders, Ruby hissed threateningly, not liking the foreign environment. Good thing Yao can't see magic. It helps when you bring along your brother's pet dragon as a guard-dog.

"I'm going to my room. I said I'd phone Iceland." Leon smirked at he spoke those words and rushed to lock himself in his room before anyone could stop him, leaving Yao and Arthur alone with tea in between them.

Arthur scratched the back of his head and sighed as he looked up at the grouchy Chinese host. Great … Yao looks in a terrible mood as well. This is not going to be pleasant.

China started pouring the tea, snappy and cold. He didn't dare to cross eyes with Arthur from fear that he might forget all about being angry with the Brit. Well, it's not like he's really angry or anything … he's mostly feeling really excited and anxious … but anger helps him hide this giddy feeling in him.

"How have you been?" Arthur tried to engage in conversation as he accepted the cup of tea.

"Well. Thank you. You?" Yao picked up his own cup.

"Terrible." Arthur snarled and downed his tea like a shot, surprising Yao.

"More." The blonde ordered as he handed his cup back to the Asian. He really was in a terrible mood. Usually, Arthur would never drink tea in such an uncouth way!

Yao nodded silently, and refilled his cup. Three shots of tea later, the English nation finally seemed a bit calmed down and less on edge to attack anyone that glances his way. Ruby had long left his shoulders to go play with the gold statue of a Chinese lion outside in the garden. Not real gold. Just cheap golden looking statue. In the past Yao used to have riches beyond imagination but now … well, losing your empire does that. Arthur knows the feeling all too well.

"Better?" Arthur's green eyes snapped open and he glanced at the Chinese that was watching him calmly and with an unreadable expression.

"Yeah." He nodded and China only seemed to find all interest in the English disappear.

"Good. Now you can leave. And don't bother coming back. I only allowed you this time because Hong blackmailed me to."

"Blackmail? What did he have that was so awful you would willingly let me in your house?" Arthur teased with a smirk though he was a bit curious.

Yao's face suddenly flushed deep scarlet, surprising the Englishman and both found no way to speak. A heavy silence dragged on, both male finding time to be a real bastard for walking so slowly.

"Whatever. It probably wasn't even interesting." Arthur huffed, dismissing the heavy atmosphere away along with the previous topic.

Yao felt his heart clench. Of course, he couldn't exactly tell Arthur about the poems he wrote of him. He couldn't tell him that it was "not interesting". But it still hurt to hear Arthur dismiss his feelings like that … but then again, the blonde has no way of knowing about this.

"Yeah. It's not worth your time." Yao smirked at his own words.

He's never been much worth of Arthur's time. Maybe they live too far apart … or maybe he just can't please the Englishman enough … or maybe they are just too different to get along. Arthur never came out of his way for him even during their trading partnership. The Englishman always kept a distant tone with him and never seemed to react to Yao. Maybe he was just too boring? That would explain why Arthur preferred visiting India or Japan.

"I decide what's worth my time or not!" Arthur snapped with a growl.

He didn't like seeing Yao with such a face. In fact, it infuriated him! He always hated the way Yao assumed things on his own all the time! The guy just doesn't get a clue, does he? Never mind. He hates him so why should Arthur even try to befriend someone who hates him? It's just like their passed relationship. There was always that wall of misunderstanding and doubt floating between them. It seems that no matter what the one did, the other interpreted it wrongly. Can you blame them for not trusting each other anymore?

"Thanks for the tea." The blonde sighed heavily. This had been a complete waste of his time.

Yao suddenly looked up with wide golden eyes.

"You're leaving?"

Now Arthur may be paranoid or crazy … or both but he swore he heard longing in China's voice. This doesn't sound good … not that he doesn't like China! But this sounds like a dangerous road that neither were ready to take on again. Look at the result of last time!

"Yes. As you seem to wish to get rid of me so eagerly!" Arthur snarled back acidly. Why? Why did he have to sound so irritable and aggressive when talking to China?

The Chinese immediately frowned, glaring angrily at the English. What the hell? Why did he even care if the Opium Bastard wants to leave? Let him leave! It'll be better if he never comes back!

Walking up to the door, China ignored the painful tearing of his heart as he guided his visitor towards the door and out. He ignored the feeling that wanted him to just beg Arthur not to leave. He wanted to lock the blonde in his room and never let him go. But his stubborn pride want to see the blonde's head on a stick. What contradicting feelings …

"Here. Please don't come back." Yao glared as he spoke those cold words.

"I'm not intending to." Arthur replied, his emerald as cold as the actual stones with a beautiful shine to them. Yao always wondered how Arthur could have such strange eyes and strange hair. Glittering like gold.

Precious stones and gold.

What a treasure among treasures …

He really … wished to touch it one last time … the beautiful foreign treasure.

Arthur froze and he felt a hand run through his hair. Glancing back he noticed Yao's dazed stare on him as the man was gently caressing him. He should yell at him. Snap at him. Hit him. But he didn't. Arthur didn't find it in him to push back the Asian. Maybe because of the hidden nostalgia in Yao's gesture. It almost felt like China was releasing him like a bird leaving his cage.

Yao's hand ran down his face.

Then slowly traced his lips.

The nostalgia started to fade … replaced by something different. Possession. Wistfulness. Desire.

"Yao …" Arthur didn't get to finish his sentence than the smaller man had pulled him down into a slow and mournful kiss. It felt like China was begging him to both leave and stay at the same time.

Really … what a confusing person.

Arthur kissed back, not really sure of what he was meant to do. Yao felt his hesitation and his reluctance. It always was like that. Arthur never seemed interested in him. So why did he bother kissing back? Why did he not just push him away? Why was he so addictive?

Hungry from that light taste, Yao wrapped his arms around the Briton's neck and deepened their kiss. Arthur allowed his hands to hold Yao's sides but he didn't grip him as desperately as Yao did. Running his hands through the golden hair, Yao was amazed at the softness of it. He was amazed at how sweet Arthur tasted. He was amazed at how addictive his scent was.

How long has it been since he last could do this?

As suddenly as they started. They stopped. Yao stared in Arthur's greens and Arthur stared in Yao's golds. None of them spoke. It was like in the past, with an invisible wall of misunderstanding between them. Just as they are now, with Yao standing inside the house and Arthur outside, sharing a moment over a doorway. Like they always do. With neither fully sure if he dare take a step fully in or fully out.

"This won't work, Yao."

Yao didn't answer. His attention was entrapped by the hallow of sunlight surrounding the blonde. He really did look like a sun-god. Had it been for something like this, Yao would probably have not complained about the opium. Had it been for something so desirable, he would have traded all the tea in the world.

"Yao … let me go."

He hadn't notice that he was still gripping Arthur's shirt. The blonde looked pained and awkward but he would not go back on his decision. Why? Why are you leaving again? Why is it so hard to keep your attention? Why can't you stay? Even for one more second?

"I'm going now. Tell Hong Kong that I enjoyed our time together but I really need to go back."

"Why?"

Arthur glanced down in surprise at the odd tone of voice of Yao.

"Because my brothers are up to something and I feel bad of leaving them alone to deal with my problems." Arthur chuckled, amused by his own words. It was odd that he could never stand his siblings when back home but that he misses them so much abroad. That's mainly why he never stayed for too long with his colonies and constantly travelled around.

China gripped the blonde's shirt tighter, fighting the aching of his heart. Why was it that he felt so much hate and jealousy towards this man while at the same time, he loved and desired him so much? What is wrong with him? Why can't he choose one or the other? Why can't he just either hate him or love him? Why must it be so complicated?!

"Yao … I'm not going to give us a try." Arthur spoke coldly, slicing through Yao's confused heart.

"… I know. I'm not worth your time. I never was."

"That has nothing to do with it, you idiot!" The blonde growled suddenly, forcing Yao to look him in the eye.

"Why are you always so …! God, I can't understand you! I just can't! One minute you wish me to stay and the other you want me to leave! You kiss me and then you stop! You let me in and you kick me out! Just what exactly do you want, Yao? I tried! I tried to understand you and I tried to give you what you wished but each time you gave me confusing signals! Yao! I can't go out with someone who doesn't even know what he wants!"

"I want … you."

"If that were true … would I be standing where I am now?"

Yao looked down and saw the thin line separating the grounds outside from the inside of the house. With only a doorway between them … it felt like a huge gap. It scared him to cross it. But it also scared him to see Arthur edge closer to his side.

What did he want?

He wanted Arthur. Yes. He did.

But he also wanted him away.

"You can't have everything, Yao. I thought I could get everything too once but it doesn't work like that … that's why I'm leaving Leon in your care." Arthur smiled sadly. So very sadly.

"But if we …" Yao tried speaking but was silenced by Arthur's serious look.

"If you are serious about this …" He stepped back and out of China's reach. "Then stop me."

Yao stared without moving a muscle as the Englishman sighed and turned away, walking out of his life like he always does. He was sure to have heard hope in Arthur's voice earlier … but why could he not respond to that hope? Why could he not just choose?

He watched the back of the man walking away, followed by a small red flying lizard which Yao couldn't see anyway. Looking at the European, the Asian couldn't stop thinking how much he loved gold.

But how much silver was also so fine.

"Shifu … you're an idiot." Leon sighed as he looked out his window, once again feeling like he was torn away from his family. Like in the past. That time when Yao came to fetch him back, Leon had almost hoped for Yao and Arthur to get back together. But just like back then, Yao had never been able to make up his mind.

And now, he had lost both the gold and the silver.