Xx 2000-Sydney, Australia xX
"Germany, Prussia, good to see you!" Australia waved as they entered the meeting area where the nations were gathering. "No hard feelings, I hope?" he asked as he shook their hands.
It took Germany a second to realize he meant Berlin's lost bid to host. He shrugged, "I wasn't the one who wanted it anyway, so it doesn't matter to me. But I'm glad you have the opportunity!" he hurriedly amended, realizing he was being rude.
"Yeah, I'm pretty excited," Australia admitted, "It's a pretty big thing, y'know? Hopefully everything goes okay."
"I'm sure it will." Germany assured him.
"Oh, there's England, I've got to go. You enjoy yourself while you're here, yeah?"
"Thank you." Germany turned to his brother as Australia excused himself, only to realize Prussia had already abandoned him. He sighed as he looked around for him, instead finding Italy standing by his side.
He startled at his sudden appearance. "When did you get here?" he asked.
"I've been here since yesterday." Italy chirped, grabbing his hand and pulling him further into the room.
"I meant next to me. Where are you taking me?"
"Oh, just places," Italy said cryptically. "Look, Germany's here!" He pushed Germany towards Japan, who looked just as surprised to see them appear as Germany felt. "Okay, I have some other things to do! You two catch up!" Italy chirped before disappearing back into the crowd.
"Well, that was weird…" Germany said.
"It is Italy…" Japan agreed, "How have you been, Germany?"
"Japan, can we not pretend to be polite right now?" Germany sighed, he was already tired of being at the Olympics, and they hadn't even officially started yet.
Japan hesitated, but then nodded, waiting for Germany to continue.
"I know things have been weird between us for a while now." That was an understatement, the frigid politeness that had existed between them for years, and turned into unsure awkwardness after they had almost had sex in Atlanta. "Can we just...forget all that? Everything that's come between us?"
Japan nodded again.
"Can we just be friends again?"
"Just friends?" Japan repeated. Germany nodded. "I suppose we can make that work."
"Good, good," Germany looked around, "I have to go find my brother, but we can talk more later, okay?"
"Okay." Japan quietly promised as he watched Ludwig walk away.
…
Germany was waiting for his chance to congratulate Australia after the game's conclusion when he felt someone bump against him. "I'm sorry," he said as he stepped back.
"Excuse me, I wasn't paying attention...oh…" Japan trailed off as he realized who he was speaking to. Despite their promise to be friends, they hadn't spoken again through the entire duration of the Olympics. "Hello, Germany," he said, "Did you enjoy the games?"
"I suppose so," Germany shrugged, "As much as anyone can. No, they were good! That's not what I meant-"
"You just don't like being here?" Japan concluded.
"I wouldn't say that. I…"
"Don't like being here?" Japan repeated himself.
"Can you please stop saying that?"
"Nobody would blame you if you admitted it." Japan insisted, "Not that I think you need to tell the whole world or anything, just that if you did say you don't look forward to doing this every four years, we would all understand."
"Would they all? I mean, really? Look at America, he's fine."
"You're not America, and nobody expects you to be like him. Just worry about yourself."
"It's…" Germany sighed, "This isn't about me. It never has been. Look, Australia put on an incredible show. I'm going to go congratulate him, and then I'm going to go home. I'll see you at the next meeting."
Japan nodded as he watched his friend leave, wishing there was more he could have said.
Xx 2004-Athens, Greece xX
Greece was personally greeting each of the nations as they arrived. He hadn't even spoken to Ludwig and Gilbert for five minutes, but Japan had been talking to him for nearly an hour by the time the next nation came in and he was able to excuse himself to come join their group.
Germany looked up at him as he sat down, "You looked like you were having a nice conversation." he offered.
Japan smiled, "I was. Greece is my friend."
"Why do I always forget that you're friends with Greece?" He asked conversationally.
"I don't know," Japan shrugged, "I have been friends with him for quite some time."
"What do you even talk with him about?" Prussia asked, not looking up from the game he was playing with Italy on a piece of paper between them.
"Cats," Japan turned to look at them, frowning as he tried to figure out what they were playing "Philosophy. He's very good at that."
"Really…" Italy stretched out the word as he joined the conversation, "Have you slept with him?"
Kiku blushed, stuttering at the abrupt question, "You don't want to know the answer to that."
"I asked, didn't I?"
Kiku avoided looking at him, but there was nowhere else to look as everybody else was watching him, "And I'm not going to answer."
"So that's a yes," Romano scoffed.
"Definitely a yes," America agreed.
Canada elbowed his brother, "Be nice." he hissed before getting up, picking up everybody's coffee cups, "Anybody want a refill?"
Germany shook his head, deciding to redirect the conversation to its original topic, "Is that all you talk about? Cats and philosophy?"
"We talk about history and our cultures too. We've discussed his mother. Oh, no, forget I said that…" Japan's blush darkened.
"His mother?" America laughed, "And you've slept with him?"
" I did not say I've slept with him."
"You said everything but that," America argued, "Germ-man, has Japan slept with Greece?"
"Why would I know that?" Germany stuttered, surprised at both the question and the name America had called him.
"That's true, he barely knows that France and Greece are fucking at these things." Italy chimed in again.
"How did you not know that anyway?" Romano laughed.
"Why would I have?"
"Everybody knows it," Spain added, "Because everybody's joined them at one point or another."
"I refuse to believe that," Germany argued, "I can not be the only one who hasn't joined France and Greece in their...activities during the Olympics."
Romano scoffed, "He can't even say sex," he whispered to Spain.
Germany glared at him, then at the rest of the group as he waited for someone to agree with him.
"Did it have to be with them both at once for it to count?" America clarified.
"What does it matter?" Germany snapped.
"Also, does it have to be specifically at the Olympics, or can it…" Italy's question died out as Germany glared at him. "Okay, point taken."
"Really? All of you?" Germany shook his head, "I have never been so disappointed in so many people at once."
Japan avoided looking at anyone, trying to avoid that he had practically answered their questions from earlier. Germany could tell he was trying not to laugh.
Xx 2008-Beijing, China xX
"Are you going to stare at him forever, or are you going to say something?"
Japan hid his face in his hands, "China, please," he begged, "Leave me alone."
"He's always staring at you too, you know."
"China-"
"I don't know why you don't do something about it. You could just tell him he's being a creep if you don't like it. But I know you do, so you might as well jump into bed with him."
"Yao!" Japan flushed bright red.
China shrugged, "Doesn't matter to me."
Germany looked over at them, distracted by the commotion China was creating.
"Well, here's your chance," China pushed Japan towards Germany.
"Please stop." Japan begged again.
"I have other important things to do right now, so you two have fun! Tell me how it goes!"
"His idea of important things to do is gossiping with France," Japan declared, "Watch." He nodded towards where China had gone, sitting next to France, immediately whispering as they watched Germany and Japan. "We have no privacy here."
Germany smirked as he looked down at Japan. His eyes were bright with suppressed laughter.
Japan crossed his arms and glared up at him, "What?"
"Forgive me for saying it, but despite all your protests that you're not related to China or Korea, they do treat you the same way my family treats me."
Japan sighed, "And here I've been thinking your family was more functional than that."
"We're really not." Germany assured him, "What was that about anyway?"
"Just...I don't know," Japan admitted. With their agreement to be friends, talking with Ludwig had become easier, but there was still an unspoken thing hanging between them. Something Kiku was becoming increasingly sure that everybody else was aware of too. "Do you want to...We could go watch some other event?"
"Sure, if that's what you want." Germany shrugged.
China and France both waved at them as they left. Japan glared at them.
"Anything specific you wanted to see? I think there's a swimming competition right now?"
"That's fine." Japan agreed, "I really just wanted something where there weren't so many of us around."
"Okay." Germany was quiet as they wandered through the stadium. "Are you okay?"
"I'm just thinking. Ludwig?"
"Hm?"
Kiku looked around before pulling Ludwig into a stairwell so they could have some privacy. "I know we agreed to put it behind us, but I really think we still need to talk about Los Angeles. Why did you kiss me? And please don't say it was a mistake again."
Ludwig exhaled. "Right. That. You're right. We've been putting that off for twenty years too long."
"And you're still stalling."
"I'm sorry," Ludwig replied automatically, "I'm really not sure why I did it."
"And why have we been trying so hard to pretend it didn't happen?"
Ludwig sighed. "Kissing you in Los Angeles was an accident," Ludwig finally admitted, "But that doesn't make it a mistake. How we handled it in Seoul and Barcelona was a mistake. Trying something entirely physical in Atlanta was a mistake. Deciding to only be friends in Sydney was a mistake. Los Angeles was never a mistake."
Kiku nodded. "Thank you," he sighed.
"I love you." Ludwig said, as if he was realizing it himself for the first time.
"Oh," Kiku gasped.
Ludwig nodded, "And now that that's finally in the open...I feel a lot better, actually. I didn't realize how much that had been weighing on me."
Kiku nodded again. "I'm glad."
"...Glad that I got that out, or glad that I love you?"
"Both, I think," Kiku smiled, "I...I have wanted you for far longer than I care to admit," he continued, "And I tried to pretend that I didn't, or that it was only physical, but it's not. I love you too. More than I could ever explain."
"Oh," Ludwig said softly as Kiku gently took one of his hands in both of his own.
"I love you," Kiku repeated in a soft whisper, standing on his toes so he could kiss Ludwig.
It wasn't like any of the other times they had kissed before, there was no passion or desperation driving them, just gentle honest love. Ludwig took a deep breath as Kiku pulled away, lowering his head so his forehead was resting against Kiku's. Kiku smiled up at him as Ludwig squeezed his hands. "Stay with me?" he asked.
"Always." Kiku promised.
Xx 2012-London, England xX
Germany was surprised to find Japan was talking to Ukraine on the other end of the booth. He watched them for a while, thinking about going over, but also perfectly content to wait.
"What are you smiling about?" Italy pushed his shoulder as he sat down next to him.
"I'm not smiling," Germany argued.
"Yes you are. Are you enjoying yourself?"
"I've never enjoyed anything in my life."
Italy laughed, "That's not true." he rested his chin on Germany's shoulder, "You enjoy me!"
"That's a reach, even for you." he teased.
"Oh!" Italy smacked his arm, "That's mean! See if I ever do anything for you again."
"You've done things for me up to this point?"
Italy smacked him again. "I've done plenty of things for you. I can't believe you're making jokes at a time like this."
"Is there something you would rather I do?" Germany raised an eyebrow.
Italy made a face, "Nooo…" he said slowly, "But it's still weird."
Before Germany could respond, someone called Italy. He looked up to see America waving them over. "C'mere, you've got to see this!" he yelled.
Italy bounced up and looked down at him, "You coming?"
"No, I'm fine, you go ahead."
"Suit yourself," Italy shrugged before leaning down to hug him and then skipping away.
Germany smiled and shook his head at his friend. Japan was still talking with Ukraine, but she gave Germany a smile when she noticed him watching them, then reached down to squeeze Japan's hands and separated from him. Japan looked around to find him, a soft smile crossing his face as he came to sit next to him.
He took a deep breath as he sat down, a fraction of tension relaxing from his shoulders as he slowly let it back out. There were dark circles under his eyes, and his hands were shaking a little.
"How are you feeling?" Ludwig asked quietly, reaching over to hold Kiku's hand, "You look tired."
Kiku sighed as he looked down at the field, "I'm exhausted." he admitted, "To be perfectly honest, I did think about staying home this year. I could have sent someone else in my place."
"You could have," Ludwig encouraged him, "You don't have to be here. In fact, I could walk you back to your hotel, if you'd like?"
Kiku shook his head, "I really should be here."
"I don't think anyone would blame you if you weren't"
"I know," Kiku shook his head again. The two fell into a companionable silence, Kiku watching the field, and Ludwig watching Kiku, trying to be discreet about it. "Did I tell you Tokyo has a bid in for 2020?" Kiku asked after a while.
Ludwig thought for a minute, trying to remember if he already knew that or not. "I probably should have known that, but I don't pay much attention to these things anymore. I'm sorry."
"That's alright."
"Do you think you have a very good chance of getting it?"
"I don't know. I know Turkey and Spain want it too. And with everything else that's going on at home…"
"Don't sell yourself too short, you still have plenty of time to prepare."
Kiku looked up at him, "Spain really wants it."
"Give him hell." Ludwig responded automatically.
"I wouldn't do that." Kiku smiled. "What about you? You almost seem to be enjoying yourself?"
"You know you're the second person to tell me that? Italy was the first, just a few minutes ago."
"That doesn't answer the question."
Ludwig squinted out at the field, trying to decide the best way to answer. "I don't know that I'd go as far as saying I'm enjoying myself...but maybe I'm not hating it."
"I think that might be good enough." Kiku nodded. He looked like he could fall asleep right then and there.
"...Or at least, it's better than the last time we were in London for the Olympics." Ludwig added.
"There is that." Kiku agreed quietly.
Ludwig watched Kiku for a minute. He was watching the event on the field, but Ludwig could tell he wasn't really taking it in. "Are you sure I can't walk you back to your hotel?" he offered again.
"No," Kiku slowly stood up, "I think you should. Thank you."
"It's my pleasure."
Xx 2016-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil xX
Kiku hung back as Ludwig read the inscription on the memorial, his fingers running over the words. His head was bowed like he was praying. Maybe he was. He watched Ludwig walk around the memorial before sitting in the grass, looking up at the brightly colored tree planted there. He went over to join him, sitting next to him and resting his head on his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Kiku asked.
"Yeah, of course. Why wouldn't I be? This isn't about me."
"I know."
They fell into a comfortable silence for a while. Ludwig had wanted to see the memorial while there weren't so many people around, so Kiku had accompanied him to the Olympic village while everybody else was at the games. Kiku wasn't even sure how long they sat there in the quiet before Ludwig's phone buzzed and interrupted them.
"It's my brother," Ludwig said as he read the message, "He's wondering where we are. We should probably go back." Ludwig kissed the top of Kiku's head before standing up and reaching down to help him up too. "Thank you for coming here with me."
Xx 2021-Tokyo, Japan xX
Kiku was focused on his phone as Ludwig approached him. He didn't even realize Ludwig was there until he cleared his throat.
Kiku looked up, his eyes surprised behind his mask, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were here already. Here, let me take that," he reached for Ludwig's suitcase, but Ludwig handed him his backpack instead.
"Careful, my computer's in there."
"This isn't a work trip, you don't need your computer." Kiku teased as he led Ludwig out of the airport.
"Yes, but I can video chat Gilbert, who will put me on with my dogs." Even without seeing Kiku's face, Ludwig knew Kiku was smiling.
"I suppose that's a fair point."
Kiku didn't look up from his phone much during the trip from the airport to his apartment. "Important business?" Ludwig finally asked.
"Somewhat. It's just something I was hoping to have completed before you arrived." Kiku finally put his phone away as they entered his apartment building. "There, I'm all yours for the next two weeks. I am sorry about that."
"It's fine," Ludwig assured him as Kiku unlocked his door. Pochi was there to greet them.
"Hey, Poch," Ludwig reached down to pet the little dog behind the ears, "It's good to see you again." He pulled his mask off as he stood up, then reached over to tug Kiku's down too so he could give him a hello kiss.
"You must be tired," Kiku said with a smile as he finally succeeded in getting Ludwig's suitcase from him, taking it to his bedroom. "I can make you some tea, if you'd like? And then you can get some rest. Or you could skip the tea, if you'd prefer."
"Tea sounds nice." Ludwig agreed. "Gilbert sends his regards." he added as Kiku started his kettle and set up a pair of tea cups for them, "He would have come if it wasn't for everything else."
Kiku nodded, "Him and everyone else, I think."
"Not many of the others coming then?"
"A few of them will, but no, most of them are staying home this year."
Ludwig nodded, "I'm sorry. I know this isn't really how you imagined this."
Kiku was silent for a while, "It's alright," he said as he poured their tea, "I'll have another chance, I'm sure. We'll rise again. We always do."
Historical notes:
2000: Apparently, the Sydney Olympics are considered the most successful Olympics. That's just a fun fact for you that doesn't have much to do with this fic.
2004:
2008:
2012: This is a little over a year after the Fukushima disaster, which is why Kiku isn't sure if he'll get the bid for 2020. Obviously he does.
2016: Ludwig and Kiku visit the Place of Mourning, which is a memorial built in the Rio Olympic Village to commemorate the victims of the Munich massacre.
2021: ...I don't think I need to explain the real life context of this section... The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed to 2021, due to the virus that shall not be named. Since it's still an issue, I don't think all of the nations would choose to attend the games themselves, considering that it's not a requirement for them to be there.
