Welcome to 2015!

Yes, I know it's not Halloween. But the prompt is different clothing style, and I couldn't think of any other way for that to happen.

Disclaimed.

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Day 15: In a different clothing style

"I look ridiculous," Lukas muttered, straightening his bunad.

"No, you-" Kiku looked over, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, you kind of do, I'm sorry." He frowned. "The style itself is alright, but… why is it so… red?"

"Mathias," the Norwegian sighed. "He insisted. I have a suspicion that that's why he suggested we all wear traditional clothing for Halloween."

"Mm." Kiku stared critically at his reflection in the mirror. "I feel stupid."

"You look great," Lukas assured him. The Japanese had decided on the outfit of a Shinto priest, and it suited him very well. Apparently he'd been a priest for a few years, before the Second World War had broken out. Well, why not? Countries always got involved in religions and such, despite making countless resolutions not to.

"You're just saying that." Kiku shook his head, tugging at the hakama fastened around his waist. "I should just stay here."

"Oh no. If I have to go, so do you. Come on, you look fine! Better than me, I'm sure." He took the raven haired man's hand and led him towards the door. Kiku dug his heels into the floor.

"Lukas-kun, please? I look ridiculous, and it's not like anyone will notice anyway…"

Lukas stared at him. "'No one will notice'? I think you're underestimating your importance. At the very least, Italy will panic if you're not there, then Germany will yell at him in an attempt to hide his worry, and America will flip out, and-"

Kiku smiled sheepishly. "Which is why I already called Germany-san and told him something has come up, so I can't go."

"You- When did you find time to do that?!"

The Japanese shrugged, still smiling in that endearingly awkward way of his. "While you were changing. I went to the washroom, remember?"

Lukas shook his head. "Honestly, Kiku…" Cunning little shit, of course he had an escape plan. "I think I'll call Mathias," he decided. "I'll tell him a… friend of mine is hiding in his house, so I have to hang around and drag him out somewhere," he added over his shoulder as he went to the kitchen, where he'd left his phone. He dialed the number with ease drawn from too much practice.

"Hey, Lukas! What's up?"

"Mathias. Hi. Look, it's about that Halloween thing."

"What about it?"

"Something's come up. I can't go." He glanced back at the living room. Kiku was now perched on the back of the couch, watching him for any sign of semi-disparaging remarks. He was paranoid like that. "I'm sorry."

"But it won't be the same without you! Tell him, Icey!"

"Not a chance."

Oh, right, Emil was still mad about the incident with Hong Kong, Kiku, and blackmail. "I can't skip out on this, Anko. We'll talk later."

"But-" He hung up and went back to the living room.

"Mathias will be sulking for weeks now. I hope you're happy." He sighed, sitting on the couch. Kiku slid off the back to settle behind him.

"I never said you had to stay as well." He paused as a thought struck him. "Anko?"

"Shut up." The two sat in silence for a minute. Kiku's phone rang. He glanced at it and sighed softly.

"One second…" He picked up quickly. "Hai, Italy-kun, what is it? …Yes. I know. Mmhm. No, it's fine. It's not a big deal. Calm down, Italy-kun, I'm fine, it's just a meeting. Yes, a meeting. Yes. Alright. Understood. …Ah, Germany-san. No, he wasn't bothering me. Yes, I'm fine. Listen, I have to go now. Yes, see you soon. Sayonara." He hung up. "They're my friends, and I do like them, but they can be a bit overbearing." He pocketed the phone and leaned back against the cushions. "So what do we do now that we've gotten out of the Halloween party?"

Lukas shrugged. "We could do whatever. We've got all day, I'm sure."

"So, anything?"

"Yes."

"Anything?"

The Norwegian raised an eyebrow. "You're dressed as a priest, kjære. No amoral activities."

Kiku pouted. "I don't do 'amoral activities', Ai. Besides, I was just thinking we could go to bed or something along those lines." He raised an eyebrow. "Besides, I'm sure this outfit will be gone by the time we get to your 'amoral activities'."

Lukas chuckled. "Probably true. Shall we watch a movie?"

"Oh, let's."

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Those two spend a ridiculous amount of time on that couch. Also, yes, it was awful again. I'm sorry, I did it last night, and you know, New Years Eve and all that…

While I'm talking, I've been considering writing an as-of-yet-unnamed Gerpan fic, featuring Chibitalia, England's magic, espionage, cross dressing, and truly awful parenting courtesy of Ludwig and Kiku, not necessarily in that order. So if anyone's interested in that, let me know and I'll give it a shot. It shouldn't interfere with any of my other stuff.

Next up: During their morning ritual(s).

See ya~!

-Bird