I'm back with a new chapter
I had to edit the last part due to losing some because my computer suddenly restarted
fluff ensues
Japan and England walked down the dimly lit street together. Taking in the Christmas lights strung through trees and the happy couples and friends strolling down the street together. Feeling the love and happiness that came with this time of year, sharing their joy and good will to those around them as one should.
Christmas was not just shared by family members, but lovers and friends. Students and work friends going out together to have fun and enjoy the festivities together. But many of the people they passed were indeed lovers. Making both Japan and England smile to see two people who shared such love for each other spend it together during Christmas.
Warming their hearts and filling them with a sense of joy. Both of them full bellied and cheerful after going out for a hearty meal and a few drinks. Japan had suggested they go for Ramen; a noodle based dish that was very popular in the western nations. Secretly wanting to impress England with his cuisine yet wanting it to be casual.
America had gotten into a fad of the stuff but tended to buy instant noodles and call it ramen instead of the real homemade stuff. But then he always tended to prefer junk food anyway. But he would never understand how someone who ate so much could still be as thin and muscular as he was. Wondering if he secretly owned a gym at home.
England always open to new things had agreed, finding it to be the most delicious thing he had ever consumed. The perfect blend of spice, meat stock, vegetables and noodles. It was not something he was used to eating back in his home country, a complete culture shock and change of pace compared to what he was familiar with.
He had never thought such things could go together. Especially with the odd assortments thrown in. Chopped spring onions, seaweed and egg, but it had blended all so well. He had eaten about 2 bowls of the stuff which had surprised Japan. Though England was not open about it, when he consumed alcohol he tended to develop the munchies.
A strong desire to consume an inhuman amount of food to ease his drunken appetite. It was probably the one thing anyone aside from Japan had seen him do while intoxicated. America or France were used to him getting nostalgic or starting a fight. Though that was not always what he was like when drunk.
Sometimes he just tended to attempt stupid antics or hanker for food. There was a reason British students filmed each other, because they were always getting up to mischief. The desire to film each other getting into trouble for the sake of amusement. Instead of pranks and running off like America's nations would.
"I do hope the bill wasn't too much for you Japan" England apologized. Though he had offered to split the bill being the gentleman he was, Japan had insisted he pay for the meal himself. Saying that he was his guest and while he was here we was supposed to indulge and simply enjoy his trip. Despite secretly wanting to spoil England.
Japan smiled gently "Not at all Arthur-san, it was surprisingly cheap compared to America-san" he replied in an amused time. Compared to America who had a bottomless pit for a stomach, England ate fairly light. The amount of times he had stressed out over bills or panicked over America's visit was endless. The man was good company but seemed to bring endless troubles along with him.
England chuckled to himself, since he was young America had always had a big appetite. No matter how much he fed him he always seemed to be hungry. Eating food portions far bigger than someone his own age should consume. That much hadn't changed even after he had gained independence as a nation.
He then gazed up at the gentle night sky, illuminated with stars and the lights of the city. Bringing out a warmth in his heart and his soul, peace washing through him. He had never thought he would feel so happy spending time with another person during Christmas. Usually he tended to hide in his home due to America being overbearing and overdoing everything.
But being with Japan like this during Christmas, the quaint pleasantness and simplicity of it. Making him remember how wonderful Christmas was without the loud obnoxious antics America often thought up. No loud DJ music, no secret Santa, no abrupt invites, no eggnog, no candy canes, no turkey. And no America running about in a Santa outfit annoying the hell out of everyone.
Simply enjoying cake, drinking tea, enjoying the snow and peacefulness. Enjoying each other's company and laughter together. The way Christmas should be without the commercialization. Simply to remember the small things instead of trying to outdo someone with how well one could decorate their house.
Japan saw the fond expression on England's face, an air of maturity radiating from the Englishman. His face heated with a blush as he felt his affections for the other male grow. "I've had fun today Arthur-san. Being with you" he confessed shyly. Around England he felt a sense of comfort he had never felt before. He never pushed him out of his comfort zone, always respecting his wishes.
He treated him as if he was something precious, making sure he never offended him. But carried a sense of mischief that warmed Japan's heart. To see another side of the supposedly grumpy Brit. Knowing this was the man whom had raised America with the same love, he felt truly blessed to be cared for by such a man.
Though he had many relations with other nations as allies, he felt closest to England. Their personal similarities and love of tranquil silence was rather comforting. To know they had both been alone for so long and yet reveled in it. Not needing the constant buzz of company and human contact, making them feel less alone.
England peeked and saw the shy smile on Japan's face, causing him to feel his own cheeks heat with shyness. For the longest time, he had held feelings for Japan, even before joining him for Christmas. His polite reserved nature and hidden awkward side was rather adorable. Often loving to see the many reactions and emotions that he would be able to observe while with him.
His smile grew to one of affection and fondness "Me too Kiku. After being alone for so long… I forgot how nice it was to spend Christmas with someone else" he confessed. He had very much enjoyed learning about Japan's culture and experiencing the festivities. Though he was surprised his citizens love of fried chicken around this time of year.
But then again, every country had their own odd traditions regardless of what time of year it was. But that was just seen as something normal to them compared to how others saw it. Just like how his form of breakfast would be seen as barbecue food to the likes of America, it wasn't wrong it was simply different.
Japan then shyly reached out his hand, feeling his heart leap into his chest. Mounting all the courage he could muster inside of himself. Gently brushing against England's fingertips. England was surprised by the sensation of Japan's fingers against his gloved hands. Not pulling away but staring at the other male with a look of surprise, not expecting it.
Japan almost hesitated, wanting to pull back his hand. His cheeks redder than before at being caught by England as he attempted to show affection with him in public. He should have asked for consent do so before making a move. He had been too bold to assume that England would return it immediately. He felt so embarrassed about his actions.
England blinked then smiled, he then reached out his hand to take Japan's hand in his own. Unknowingly boosting Japan's confidence to know his feelings were mutually returned. He hadn't meant to upset him, he had just been so deep in thought that the sudden physical contact had snapped him back to reality and surprised him.
Japan gazed into the green orbs of the Englishman's eyes in a dazed state. That tousled blonde hair, cheeky smile and air of power he often radiated. He may not have been as buff as the likes of America or as charming as France. However, he had an air of mystery about him, that allured one in with first glance. How he could be silent for hours unless angered or in discussion. Often wearing a childish expression when around his "Imaginary friends".
"A… Arthur-san. Would it upset you if I said I found you attractive" he asked shyly. He had slowly but surely fallen for the Englishman hard. Drawn in by his natural charm like a bee to honey. The time he spent with him was always magical and entertaining. Though it was reassuring to know that England often daydreamed and zoned out as much as himself. Which made him feel less strange.
He always felt like he could be himself around England, never afraid of being judged. Knowing England was as imperfect as himself with flaws made it easier for him. Knowing they both accepted each other despite their insecurities, hobbies and embarrassing secrets. It made their relationship feel so much more comfortable.
England stiffened and froze on the spot, his eyes widening and going into a daze. Had he just heard Japan right? This felt like a dream or a scene from one of his romantic comedy movies. A scene where two people who had built up feelings finally confessed their love. Though it was often dramatized and blown out of proportion. Love was not always returned in the real world and one had to accept that.
All of his emotions seemed to rush through his at once. He then turned to Japan yanking his hand close to him and grabbing him around the back with the other. Wanting to be as close to him as possible. Pulling Japan close to him so that their faces were inches apart and their bodies were close together. Not caring who stared at them or what anyone else thought of them.
"Of course, I wouldn't. I love you too Kiku, I've loved you for so long I felt like I was going crazy" he replied anxiously his face bright red. He had held tender affections for him since they became allies. Though at first, he had simply sought to be friends with him, over time those affections became romantic. Finding himself falling in love with the Asian male rather deeply.
However, he had kept these feelings to himself, locking away his heart as he had so many times. Protecting himself in case his heart were to be broken and his feelings unrequited. But now he had no fear of Japan breaking his heart, sensing that he was as precious to Japan as the latter was to him. Which made him happy.
Japan felt his cheeks heat, this was certainly a scene from one of his Shounen/boy love comics made in his country. But he didn't mind, as he had read many of them and fantasized about such scenarios. Often finding himself thinking about the seme being England or himself. Imagining many a passionate scenario as well as many fluffy romantic scenes till his nose bled at the thought.
He then intertwined his fingers with England's hand, the one that held his own. Pressing the other free hand on his chest, able to feel his heartbeat within his chest. His cheeks warm from more than just embarrassment. He felt that in this moment their hearts were connected and he truly had been fated to fall in love with him.
A shy smile came across his face as he gazed into the eyes of the man he loved. The English male whom he had been crushing on since what felt like forever to him. Now he could finally speak the words he had longed to confess. "Aishiteru Yo, Arthur-san" he said affectionately. He had finally been able to express his feelings. As the snow fell around them after a date together, finally confessing their love.
England hummed and smiled, after having long connections with Japan he had learned about his language. Able to understand words and expressions he never had before. He pulled Japan closer to him, closing the gap between them "I love you too Kiku" he said tenderly. His heart ached with love for the Japanese male, feeling a kindred spirit he had long since sought out.
Slowly they drew closer to each other, hearts racing and breaths heavy in the cold winter air. Eventually locking lips passionately under the starry sky and twinkling Christmas lights. As they did, the hand that held their intertwined hands tightened. The grip around Japan tightened protectively, keeping him safe. Both enjoying the sensation of kissing one another.
Time seemed to stop and everything seemed to last forever. The noises around them turning to white noise as they blocked out everything around them in that one moment. Unaware of people staring, taking pictures of muttering to themselves. Not that they would have cared had they known. Unashamed of the strong affections they held for one another.
Slowly England pulled away, his eyes glazed slightly and his face as red as ever. Gasping for breath slightly and a look of love on his face. Happy to finally be able to say his feelings aloud. He felt like he was in a dream, still unable to believe this was truly happening. But he never wanted this moment to end, wanting to stand here forever holding him.
Japan gazed up at him shyly, his own brown eyes filled with adoration. A newfound shyness about him, yet he was truly happy. Not wanting to be anywhere but England's arms. However, their peace was to be short lived as more and more people began to stop and gather. Though the odd few simply walked along minding their own business as one should.
England was slowly growing aware of the crowd gathering around them. Somewhat stressed by the amount of unwanted attention they were slowly starting to receive. Seriously had they nothing better to do? He could see their judgmental eyes and confusion mixed with shock at seeing two men show affection for each other.
"We… should probably get home" England said awkwardly. It was getting cold and he was aware of people staring. Not that he was bothered by them, but he found their lack of manners rather annoying. Why was it when homosexual couples showed their affection for each other in public. People always tended to stare at them or act like they were there for their entertainment?
Japan blinked then realized the amount of people that were currently staring at them. Some people were even taking out camera's, which he found very embarrassing indeed. He wondered if there were any Fujoshi Otaku's amongst them. Young women who ended to fantasize about the romantic relations between two attractive males, mainly fictional.
England slowly released Japan from his embrace but not release his hand. Pushing away from Japan and leading him down the street, hoping to head somewhere more private. Somewhat annoyed at how a pleasant situation had been disturbed by nosy locals who were previously going about their own business beforehand.
Japan was disappointed at being separated from England's embrace but was relieved to know he did not release his hand. Following his lover silently down the dimly lit street. But was slightly amused at the flustered state of his lover, finding it somewhat amusing to watch. As he did not see England like this very often.
Japan and England sat silently on a bench together glad to have finally found a private hiding place in a park. Usually this was a place couples could go without fear of being interrupted. However, it was not easy to get away from prying eyes. Though England would have liked to hide behind the closed doors of Japan's home, he didn't want to deny Japan the rest of a romantic night.
Just because of one small situation they did not have to hurry back home and hide in shame. They would simply go somewhere else so they could have some peace and quiet. He would never understand why straight people had such a fascination with watching homosexual couples in public, did they now know how rude that was.
England looked apologetically at Japan "I'm sorry love, under pressure I get embarrassed" he apologized. He had always been awkward when stared at, ever since he was young. When put in uncomfortable situation he got easily stressed out and tended to lose control of his emotions. He feared he may say something ungentlemanly in front of Kiku.
Japan blushed and shook his head "Not at all. I apologize for my citizens being so rude" he said shyly. Honestly, he had no idea why his culture had a love of taking photos of everything. Though in certain situations taking photos was fine. But when invading someone else's privacy, taking photos without permission or consent was in fact very rude.
England then softened and moved closer to Japan, leaning against his shoulder affectionately. Aside from that small spot of bother he had indeed had fun this evening. "I'm so glad. I was so troubled as to what I would do if you didn't return my affections" England said in a relieved tone. He had often felt sick at the thought of losing Kiku to someone else.
There were many nations Japan shared allies with, ones he had known far longer than himself. Ones that would be far suited as a partner, but he felt honoured Japan had chosen him. He promised he would treat Japan with respect and remain loyalty to only him. Treating him as the angelic prince he thought him to be.
America was a loud, pushy often obnoxious twat. But he was a good leader and motivator. Full of confidence and childlike energy. He spent a lot of time with Japan and the two were close. He had often feared Japan would be swayed by his personality and end up with him. To know their relationship was solely platonic brought England so much relief. To know he didn't have to compete with America.
America was his ex-ward and he cared for him, but America was often cruel to him though probably not with intention. He had learned to forgive America for the actions he had held against him in the past. He hoped when America did eventually find out about them he would give his blessings as that would mean so much.
France was a charismatic and flirtatious individual as well as the self-proclaimed expert on romance. Being a bisexual everyone was free game to him, he desired to bed anyone he could get his hands on. He and Japan were very close and Japan had built a close friendship with him. Knowing France, he used his charms to tease Japan. The likes of him would have no problem stealing Kiku's heart.
To know despite the many choices, he could have with other nations. That he had chosen him to fall in love with out of all of them. That made England happier than he ever could have imagined. Seeing as to many others they seemed to only see him as a stubborn individual who was bad at cooking but had a nice ass.
Japan blushed, he had never expected he would grow these kinds of feelings for England. But over time they had become stronger to the point he could not deny them anymore. He had not only fallen for England, but he admired him as well. Amazed by his confidence and kindness despite the fact he was often the butt of everyone's jokes and labelled the black sheep of Europe.
America was a close friend to Japan and a long-time ally. But he found his pushy nature and childish nature to be very confusing and often times embarrassing. But he still cared about him as a friend. He would also be lying if he didn't appreciate his business relationship with America when it came to the anime industry.
Germany and Italy were also long-time allies. But he did care about them dearly as friends, sometimes hanging out together every now and again. But he was aware of the romantic relationship between the two. Honestly, he was surprised many others thought of them as friends when even Italy's own older brother could see they were a couple.
"Me too Arthur-san. I do not recall the last time I felt like this for anyone" he confessed shyly. Though he was shy to admit it openly, England was in fact his real first love. The first person he had ever developed romantic feelings for, he felt relieved that he had entrusted his heart to someone like England. Knowing he would never hurt him.
England then rested his head against Japan's shoulder shyly. Though he knew he was probably being too bold, he just wanted to sit here a while and enjoy the moment. Japan was taken aback by the gesture but he certainly didn't hate it. Still gripping England's hand tightly in his own. His heart racing fast inside of his chest like a bird.
"I never thought I could be this happy. Especially after America" he replied shyly. That day when America sought his independence, his heart has broken into a million pieces. The child he had raised so tenderly, had torn himself from him and stolen his land. Took what he needed from him then asked to become independent and forge his own nation.
It took him centuries to forgive America for what he had done and become an ally to him. His heart had been broken and he had needed time for his wounds to heal. To recover from the heartbreak of his betrayal and how he had left him in such a painful way. He still loved America and would always be proud of him, but he still had fights with him. But only when America was thoughtless or hurt him because he didn't think about the severity of his words.
Japan shifted, he knew America and England had a special bond as nations. The latter had raised him the same way Spain had south Italy and China had raised him too. He knew they had colourful history that carried pain and scars. But they had an inseparable bond and a strong brotherly affection for one another. England secretly being America's idol.
Japan softened and simply rested his head against England's silently. Gripping his hand tighter conveying a silent message of love to the blonde-haired male. Showing he understood. A small smile then spread across England's face. This had been the perfect end to what felt like to him a perfect date. Aside from the minor embarrassment of being spied on.
The two sat silently together in the park still holding each others hand. Happy to have each other, happy to have fallen in love. Able to forget that they had ever been alone. For now, they had each other. Their relationship had changed and yet remained the same, growing closer than ever before.
