A/N: This was really hard to write. That's all I'm going to say. Oh and thanks to all the reviewers and those who favorited and put this story on their alerts list. Please enjoy the chapter~
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
Twisted Angels:
Japan
Diligence
There was time when Japan enjoyed watching the sun rise. The sight of the shimmering disc rising above the land, slowly turning the sky from a pallid gray to a light blue, was as comforting as it was inspiring. It signified the start of a new day, the beginning of new opportunities to rise and to succeed.
But then the day came when Japan could only see the blood red on the burning ball of fire and wanted to do nothing but hide from the scorching heat—hide from the day and whatever misery it would bring.
Still he went, bag in hand, out under the blazing inferno. He forced himself to smile—blistered lips stretching painfully—when the group of children ran by—late for class, but polite enough to call out morning greetings. He stifled a grimace when he bowed to his boss, the sticky, revolting feeling of sweat trickling down his back.
And when all the leaders were in attendance and the floodgates of politics and business were opened, Japan would tug lightly at his collar, wondering if he could dare to ask:
Is it hot in here?
The papers were so thin, so simply flammable as Japan took them in his hands, amazed that the edges did not blacken and curl until there was nothing left but ash.
"We have exceeded twice our original estimates, sir." One of his aides said proudly.
"Increase the output. We cannot be satisfied with such meager profits." These papers, how did they not burn when all Japan could feel was heat? Coursing through his veins, drying his skin. He cleared his throat and found it dry.
So dry.
"Double the workforce. Make sure these numbers see nothing but growth."
The aide bowed. "Of course, sir."
The man left, leaving Japan in smoldering idleness.
I cannot just sit here, he thought through the red haze of heat. The market sales will begin soon. Inventories must be accounted for, prices must be checked, so much to do…
So he went, still burning, out into the world.
The sun was an inescapable wraith. As long as she hung in the sky, there was no rest for the weary. There was no stop to the constant demand for productivity. The day held him captive and Japan was a most loyal prisoner.
"Will you have your lunch now, sir?"
Japan blinked slowly, barely registering the question, but made a dismissing gesture once he had processed it.
"I don't have time right now. Bring me the most recent stock reports." The aide moved to leave. "Wait." Japan's voice cracked and he struggled to speak even though it felt like sand was filling every corner of his mouth.
"Sir?"
"Is it…is it hot in here?"
The aide blinked, startled by the question. She was new and all the preparations she had conducted the night before—all the efforts to look and act with utmost professionalism—melted as she wrung her hands together nervously, unsure of how to answer.
"Is it?" Japan asked again.
"Sir," the woman said softly, "it's the middle of February and the buildings heat hasn't been working since morning."
Japan was silent and the aide squirmed nervously underneath the blank gaze.
"I see." He said finally. "You may go."
Bowing quickly, the woman fled from the room, shivering, but not from the frigidness of the building.
.
.
.
It was only when the sun sank beneath the horizon, when the final papers were packed into folders and the lights of the last office building snapped off, did the burning stop.
But as Japan watched the first stars twinkle in the inky blackness of the sky, his body cooled by the night breeze, he thought, with sadness and with pain:
I want to burn.
A/N: So remember kids, don't work too hard. It will make you crazy XD I was going to do Temperance next, but decided it would be Charity instead. So guess away my lovelies. Also I would advise you guys to look up what charity means because it's more than just giving away money. Yay for hints~
with love
-dancer