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minor flirting and England shows he has some unexpected skills

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England and Japan sat quietly at the sitting room table beside the garden. Warm and cozy, shielded from the bitter cold outside and safe inside the warmth of Japan's home. Sitting under the Kotatsu table as they watched the snow fall heavily outside. White petals covering the ground, small at first and slowly growing bigger and fatter by the minute.

Though it had been light and pretty earlier, slowly it had become heavier and thicker. But they had managed to hurry home before it got worse and they caught their death of cold. The wind not helping, causing it to chill them to their core and force them to take shelter inside. Reminding them of the harshness of nature, of how cruel it could be.

But it was something they both respected, as nations they had rather similar weather patterns so they knew how difficult weather could be sometimes. The sad part being England was teased more for it than Japan, saying he was always grumpy because sunshine was a rarity in his nation. Not knowing that Japan suffered the same problem as the blonde.

Christmas was fast approaching, it really didn't feel like England had been here for a few days already. Feeling like it was only yesterday that he had met England at the airport and welcomed his lover to his nation with open and affectionate arms. Time was quickly passing them by the more fun they had as each day passed.

Making new memories and learning new things about one another. Developing new tastes and having peace and quiet that they not often were able to enjoy. Both relating to the problem of America constantly harassing them. Though they shared him as a common ally, both were weary and often afraid of what strange shenanigans he would get up to next.

But seeing each other and cutting off from the rest of the world until the next world meeting had done them some good. Allowing them to clear their minds and feel better mentally. Able to relax and not feel suffocated under the constant demands of America wanting the company of others, not respecting their wishes or personal plans whatsoever.

While visiting his Asian boyfriend, England had not only learned more about his culture. But indulged in a childish nature that he believed to have long since given up after maturing. Remembering what it was like to have fun, remembering the little shit he used to be and how much he loved to play pranks. Though his were more harmless than America's.

The childhood he had been robbed of growing up, that America had. Unlike other kids, he was unable to play, make jokes or be spoiled. Instead he had been forced to protect himself from bigger nations and survive all by himself. Never knowing who to trust and always having to be on guard, often being picked on and overpowered by others for being so weak at the time.

But playing in the snow with him, going out for cake and the simple moments they had shared. It brought back nostalgia hard and fast, leaving him with many memories to share. Though his childhood had been anything but easy, that was not to say it had always been miserable and hardships. There were fond moments he looked back on as well.

Japan had been nothing but caring and understanding while he was staying here. Trying to show him everything he could and allow him to experience all sort of amazing things. He had been lost for words at all the things he had seen and felt. Like he was in a whole other world of bright lights and crowds. Causing him a childlike wonder that he hadn't felt in so long.

However, while he appreciated everything that Japan was doing for him. He felt the need to give something back to Japan, to show his gratitude for his hospitality. As well as to show affection. He had done nothing but give while he had been here, though he knew it was ok to be selfish and indulge. Knowing that he could want and crave affection from Japan and seek his love.

England looked up to smile at his lover, while they sat under the Kotatsu table together. Keeping them warm and cosy from the cold outside. Feeling closer than ever to his boyfriend. Just the two of them sat here alone with one another. Nothing and nobody to disturb them, cut off from the rest of the world until the new year. Here together and simply enjoying being here together.

"Kiku love" he replied fondly. He knew his cooking was not the best. But that didn't mean he hadn't talent in other places, though he would need Japan's help. As he could not do it all at once. He would need help getting it into the sitting room on a tray. It could be a bit of a handful and he had to concentrate an awful lot, so nothing would go wrong. It was possible to over-boil it.

Kiku hummed and looked up from his book, having been enjoying the quiet ambiance with his boyfriend. Though on opposites sides of the table. They still felt closer than ever before. He smiled at his lover, showing he was going to listen. Showing that he was still here if he needed him despite his silence. His kind nature showing through his quiet persona, easing his worries.

England smiled bashfully. Knowing he was not renowned for being a whiz in the kitchen. He was well aware of the rumours that other people said about him behind his back. Often being rather hurtful. "I uh... this may sound strange. But would you join me in the kitchen?" he asked shyly. He knew full well that saying this would cause his lover to panic. After having experienced many of his cooking disasters before.

Kiku shivered, expecting the worst. He had assured England that he didn't have to cook while he was here. But that didn't mean that England wouldn't try much to his dismay. Though he lacked the talent for cooking, that didn't mean he wouldn't try despite them almost always ending up in failure which the other nations always pointed out.

However, England was his guest as well as his lover. So, to hurt his feelings was not something he could bring himself to do. He then smiled nervously trying to hide his concern "H… Hai England-san" he replied nervously. It was a good thing he kept stomach medicine handy for moments such as these, or he would be doomed.


Japan stared in awe as England stirred a dark purplish red liquid in a pot on the stove. It smelled amazing, like herbs and spices making his mouth water just staring at it. Drawn in by its amazing colour and the various scents that were wafting up his nose. Was this some form of magic that England had summoned? How else could this be possible?

Though he had been more than relieved to know that England was to save him from having to consume his cooking. Having been ready to pray to kami should he not survive the encounter. Though England was known for being bad at cooking, it seemed he held a talent when it came to alcohol. Given how his country had so many breweries that made their own beer.

England then opened some pots, dropping in some ingredients into the pot of liquid. One he recognized to be a cinnamon stick, but the other two were black and shiny. Which confused him. He had never seen such ingredients before, his own spices being very different to the likes of England or America. But none the less able to add flavour.

"Uh, Arthur-san. What are those small black balls you are putting in?" he aske curiously. He had never seen anything like them before. But they certainly smelled amazing, that he could admit. Perhaps England was making some form of potion? He knew he carried history of spells and magic, though he had become rather rusty in the current years.

England blinked, having been raised on magic. Herbs and spices came in handy for medicine and spells other than just cooking. Which was why he was so good at ingredients, but terrible at food. "Well love, their spices. Or also classed as another form of herb, they are used in all forms of cooking. The black balls are called juniper berries, and the spiky ones are called cloves. They came in handy during the Tudor era as medicine" he explained.

Though never as fancy as his European allies, he was by no means talent-less. He was still an amazing hunter as he had been growing up, as well as a natural in terms of medicine both natural and modern types. However, his skills were often overlooked due to being less flashy than the likes of France or America. However, Lovino and Mattie often praised them and actually asked advice now and again.

It was one of many reasons as to why he had such close relations with them. Aside from the fact they looked past his stubborn nature and saw him for what he really was. Stubborn, but not a bad guy. They respect his knowledge of medicine and healthcare towards his citizens, showing that he did indeed have a bigger heart than he let on.

Japan stared wide eyed, he had no idea that he shared a hobby and love of herbal medicine and natural cures. It was something he had inherited from China growing up, that later became part of his own culture. The scents and smells wafting up his nose were indeed pleasant and making his mouth water. Which was something he had never encountered before when it came to England.

England stared at Japan, watching his brown eyes widen with delight as he continued stirring. Bringing a sense of joy to see how happy Japan looked to try this new beverage. "Love, if you would be so kind. Would you make us some snacks or sweets to eat with this? Drinking Mulled wine on an empty stomach is not a good idea" he asked politely. Red wine certainly went to your head.

Plus, it was a ritual that when eating mulled wine, you consumed some form of food with it. Though they didn't have mince pies, Japan was indeed skilled when it came to sweets. So, it wasn't completely a disaster. He was only lucky to have a partner who was skilled in the ways of catering, otherwise they would indeed be buggered.

Japan blinked, having been taken aback by this. Then realized now why England had asked him to join him in the kitchen. "Hai!" he replied quickly and set to work. Not wanting to leave England waiting. He would not allow England to do all of the work, he was his guest more than anything. So he would do whatever he could to help him.

Meanwhile England smiled and continued stirring. Though he had offered to make this sort of thing for France and America before, they had both rejected him. Believing it to be as bad as his cooking. This had rather hurt England deeply. As he respected both of their criticisms and hoped to impress them. What with Frances love of red wine and America's love of many Christmas drinks.

But now he could share this with Japan, a cultural Christmas classic. Rich, flavourful and festive. Though he regretted not having any mince pies to eat, he didn't doubt in Japan's talent for baking. Having faith that things would go as well as he hoped they would. Making this truly a wonderful time of the year.


Japan and England sat at the table sipping their mulled wine. Soft and pleasant sighs escaping their lips and their taste buds dancing with the flavour of Christmas. A gentle aroma filling the air and a sense of comfort filling the room. No desire to move, simply to sit here and chat with another, over the simplest of things. Too happy inside to argue.

Japan had made some simple shortbread cookies, a favourite of England's. Though he had to secretly admit that Scotland made it the best. Having grown up eating them when he was young. So to taste them again after so long made him tear up a little, their soft crunch and buttery flavour bringing back many fond memories of his youth.

England gazed at his lover's face, his flushed cheeks from the warmth. taking a few minutes every time to savour the taste before taking yet another sip of wine. His eyes glazed over with happiness as he enjoyed his drink. Looking as happy as he did when watching his favourite anime. Truly an adorable sight to behold.

He doubted he would get such a reaction out of America, who would call him an old fart for drinking wine like France. Honestly, America could be such an uncultured little shit sometimes. "I take it you approve then love" he replied fondly nibbling on a biscuit. He was glad that Japan was enjoying it so much. He had put a lot of thought of thought into this after all.

Japan blinked and blushed, having dazed out from how good it tasted. All of the many flavours lingering on his tongue and warming him to his very core. He had never tasted anything like it before. He then gripped the cup tightly in his hands, liking how it warmed his hands. "Very much so. Arigato Arthur-san. It is truly a unique flavour" he replied gratefully. He even considered making it a new tradition in his nation.

England blinked then felt his own cheeks heat. Why was it that out of all the nations aside from Canada, whenever Japan spoke? He always seemed to genuinely mean whatever he said. He then bowed his head shyly, If America had been here. He would have teased by saying he was good for something after all. Not realizing how hurtful such words could be to someone.

"Well, if you're not against it. I… could teach you more" he offered. Given they were allies as well as lovers, it was only right that they share cultures and ideas with one another. Besides, he felt like Japan would respect him as well as enjoy them. Not being so quick to judge like America would, saying how his cooking was a joke and he should just give up.

Japan's eyes lit up, England had more recipes like this delicious beverage? Though he had been skeptical, his curiosity could not allow him to give this up. He looked at England eagerly with eager eyes. "Hai! I would like that very much!" he replied quickly. Maybe he could alternate some of these recipes into his own cooking, which would allow him to grow. And he could thank Arthur for the ideas.

England couldn't help but smile at the childish yet eager look on Japan's face. Looking like a child who was being told the story of Santa clause or the tooth fairy for the first time. How long had it been since he had experienced fun like this? Honestly, he didn't know. But he was enjoying it.


"So, every November, my country and the rest of my family. We celebrate something called Bonfire night. Or Guy Fawkes night" England explained was a rather large and important celebration in his culture, being celebrated every year religiously. And people or nations called him such a boring old git.

But they failed to realize how dark some of his nursery rhymes were. If you listened long enough, they became rather creepy. Though, not many of his allies ever realized this. He had a long culture of not just being a punk, but also one of torture and darkness. Such as shown with the plague/black death or many of his past rulers. Showing how cruel his people could be.

Japan stared in wide eyed, England liked to celebrate fireworks the same as he? He had read up on it some time ago, hearing that it was indeed a big festival. But the cuisine eaten was less than his own. Baking potatoes and eating them with butter and cheese, making a sweet treat known as treacle toffee. And fireworks being set off.

"A long time ago, a Spaniard attempted to burn down the houses of parliament. Using gunpowder. However, as you can expect he failed. Thus, was burned at the stake for his crimes against the crown" England explained. In the modern era, his citizens celebrated with fireworks and even had a rhyme for it. However, very few of the nation's actually remembered it, unless they had been around for some time.

Japan stared in awe, he knew that England had a lot of rivals and enemies. But he had no idea such severe crimes once took place in his country. That must have been very scary. It was amazing that some of the original ancient nations could remember this even happening. Though it would undoubtedly cause tension because of it.

"Remember, remember the fifth of November. Gunpowder treason and plot. I see no good reason, why this filthy treason. Should ever, ever be forgot" England hummed quietly. It was a rhyme he had known since he was a young boy, having been taught it by the other nations Scotland and Ireland. They too celebrating this event with him.

Though he was by no means perfect, there were a lot of nations who had attempted to do his people harm. Thus, he had retaliated with harsh punishment as payback for their crimes. Teaching them not to mess with the British Empire should they want to suffer another painful event like this one. Showing what he was capable of.

Though rather passive and somewhat peaceful in his modern era. Japan did not judge England for crimes he had committed in the past, as he was not one to make such accusations given his own. But like England he was trying to move on from them and undo any tension and hatred. Wanting to repair the damage he had done and prove his loyalty and sorrow for his actions.

England saw Japan's shocked face and felt ashamed. He was often embarrassed or hesitant to bring up his past as it was not always colourful or happy. Often times, it could be very dark. He bowed his head in shame and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly "Sorry love. Its Christmas and I brought up something very depressing" he apologized. Just when things had been going well.

Japan was surprised by this and shook his head "No! Not at all England-san. I love that you are sharing this with me. Even if the memories are unpleasant" he replied. It was a part of his culture just the same. He too carried many dark memories of his past he would rather forget, ones he was not proud of but remembered all the same.

England blushed, feeling a sense of comfort. Knowing Japan would not judge him for his past and simply accept him as he was. A sense of comfort he had longed for nearly all his life. He then smiled warmly. How he had longed for such happiness as a child, having someone who understood him. Someone who made the loneliness in his heart go away and make him happy.

Though he and France had been close as kids, minus the teasing. Over time they had become distanced and France was no longer the person he remembered. Causing the gap between them. But they still reminisced now and again about their past together. But ever since the civil war and his growing relationship with America, their relationship with one another had changed.

But he had truly found someone to confide in with Japan. Someone to share his secrets with and never having to worry about being judged. Knowing that he had found someone he truly loved. "That makes me happy love. I've never…. At Christmas. I never thought I could feel so happy" he replied fondly. It's funny that a change of pace became the most wonderful season of his life to date.

Japan blushed, glad that England was enjoying himself so much. Truthfully, he never wanted this moment to end and wished he could stop time. He then shifted in his seat awkwardly gazing into the red beverage shyly. "M… maybe next year I could come to your place" he asked shyly. He would love to experience the culture of England's nation at Christmas. To try something new and experience his traditions.

England blushed, he would like that very much. To see Japan in a Santa hat, to help deck the house with holly. Maybe share a cheeky kiss underneath the mistletoe. He then averted his gaze to his own mug. "I'd like that a lot love" England replied gratefully. Though used to loneliness, not having many visitors to show they still cared did cause him a lot of emotional pain. Wondering if anyone still remembered him or even gave a shit. To have Japan around for his own Christmas, nothing would make him happier.