Whew, sorry for keeping y'all waiting! This chapter was pretty...odd to write. And long, too. Oh well -shrugs- Again, muchos gracias to all who have read/reviewed/faved/alerted!
Disclaimer: Still don't own Hetalia. I believe Himaruya-sensei is screening my calls.
The sound of rain falling outside the window woke Kiku up with a start; he was relieved to see that Yong Soo had eventually made it in and was curled up next to him, head resting lightly on his shoulder. Yao was still asleep as well, serene smile in place on his features, no doubt dreaming of what happened last night. Carefully, he slid from his spot and the middle with his usual care as to not to wake them and padded gracefully into the kitchen.
Breakfast was going to have to be light, Kiku noted as he opened the cupboards. A trip to the market was in order and it would definitely have to be today. He started the rest of the rice as well preparing the tea and by time Yao had made it up, breakfast was pretty much ready.
"Good morning, aru." Yao said, accepting the cup of tea Kiku offered him before sitting down.
"Good morning. I take it you slept well?" Kiku asked, thinking back to what he saw last night. Yao gave a dreamy smile before sipping his tea.
"I did, aru. Ivan-chan walked me home since Yong Soo decided to go out and you had already left. I hope I didn't wake you when I got home, aru." Kiku shook his head before taking a sip of his own tea.
"You were fine. I didn't even realize that you had came home." Kiku lied. Yao smiled before stretching his arms.
"So, Kiku…those combs on the table in the bedroom…where did they come from, aru?" Kiku swallowed hard, he knew that it was inevitable that someone was bound to notice the hair combs. To tell Yao about the hair combs would also mean telling him about the kiss.
"They were a gift…" He said as Yao raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? From Arthur, perhaps, aru?" There was no use in lying, so Kiku nodded his head in affirmation.
"Maa, Kiku that was sweet of him…as well as generous. Hand carved cherry wood isn't cheap, aru." Yao said, sly smile in place on his face.
"He gave them to me last night…he said he enjoyed my company." Might as well tell Yao the entire story. Better to do it now while Yong Soo was still asleep. Yao smiled and placed his hand on Kiku's arm.
"Aw, so sweet, aru!" Yao exclaimed, clapping his hands together. Kiku gave a wan smile before refilling Yao's cup.
"He also…well…Asa-san kissed me last night." The words spilled out of his mouth like water. It was weird, saying it out loud to another person. He was beginning to find that the more he said it, the more real it became.
"Aiya! He did? When? How long did it last, aru? What kind of kiss? Give me details, aru!" Yao gushed, grabbing Kiku's hands. Yao was a true romantic, Kiku noted.
"It wasn't much," Kiku confessed, "just a couple of pecks on the lip." If it were possible, the grin on Yao's face got wider.
"A kiss on the lips? Two of them? Ahh, so romantic!" Yao sighed, pouring tea into Kiku's cup. Kiku nodded in thanks before getting up to check on the breakfast.
"I guess…. Asa-san's fondness has been growing…he said that I was very special to him…" Kiku turned around quickly when he heard Yao beginning to choke on his tea.
"Nii-san, are you okay?" Kiku asked, concerned. Yao calmed down before giving Kiku a wide-eyed stare.
"Kiku! You didn't tell me that! This changes everything, aru!" Now it was Kiku's turn to stare. Yao had gone from approval to complete bewilderment in the span of thirty seconds.
"What are you talking about?" Yao brought up hand to his forehead and sighed dramatically.
"Aiyaaa, Kiku, Arthur is in love with you!" Kiku sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Well, I had figured that much last night…" Yao shook his head before grabbing the other man by the shoulders
"It's not just that, aru! If Arthur is in love with you and you feel the same way…well…didn't you say that Arthur has a fiancée, aru?" Now it was Kiku's turn to stare in bewilderment. Damn it! How could I forget that? He thought to himself.
"Ohh, Kiku don't tell me you forgot, aru…"
"I-I didn't mean to!" Kiku protested.
"Ahh, Kiku…don't be the other woman…" Kiku cringed, that had not been his intent to steal a woman's fiancée. And what was Arthur thinking, falling in love with him while his poor fiancée pined for him back home in England?
"This cannot happen…" Kiku murmured, staring at his tea and refusing to look Yao in the eyes. Yao nodded before placing a comforting hand on his arm.
"You'll just have to tell Arthur that you can't do this, aru. It's wrong." Yao said emphatically.
"I know, I know. I guess I will talk to him about it tonight. Hopefully Asa-san will understand…"
"Make him, aru. Perhaps he doesn't quite realize what he's doing. Being away for so long, he probably has come to see you as a stand in." Kiku felt a little pang in his heart at that. That was certainly one way to look at it and he knew that it was his job to basically serve as a proxy for the women the men had left behind, but to say it out loud…and then what if Arthur truly saw him as some substitute? Romantic feelings aside, Kiku thought very highly of Arthur and considered him a very good friend.
"Ehh, Kiku? Are you alright, aru?" Yao's voice brought him out of his thoughts and back to the present. Kiku looked up at Yao and gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile.
"Y-yes. I'm just thinking on how I'm going to tell Asa-san."
"Tell Arthur what?" Yong Soo had finally gotten out of bed and had made it to the breakfast table. Kiku looked at Yao who merely nodded before pouring Yong Soo a cup of tea.
"Um, well, last night…" Kiku began, not really wanting to tell Yong Soo what had happened, but he knew it would be unfair to tell Yao and then keep the younger boy in the dark, even if Yong Soo would tease him about this for days.
"See…Asa-san kissed me. Twice." Yong Soo grinned before taking a sip of tea.
"Aww, how sweet! Tell me, was Bushy-brows any good?"
"It was just a couple of pecks on the lips…" Kiku said softly.
"It's still a kiss, aniki." Yong Soo said, flicking his ahoge. "Did he do anything else? I need details, Kiku. I don't have time to watch you all evening like Yao does." Yao shook his had at that comment, not even bothering to give a reply.
"Well, he gave me a set of hand-carved combs…" Yong Soo clapped his hands, before draping an arm over Kiku.
"Oooh, he wants something. If its what I'm thinking, make sure you get the radio before you do anything else—"
"Yong Soo, please. This is no time for joking about such things, aru. We think Arthur might be in love with Kiku, aru." Yong Soo snorted before ruffling Kiku's hair.
"Seriously? What did I say about tethering yourself to one when you can have many? Gosh, you're turning into Yao."
"That's not the point, aru! And what's wrong with that anyway?"
"It's so boring! Same man, every night. Get some variety, aniki. Francis says it's the spice of life. Besides, it makes you look more interesting to the boys…"
"Wha—I…I can't believe we're discussing this when we have something more important to take care of, aru. Arthur is in love with Kiku, but he already has a fiancée, aru!"
"So? He's not the only one. At least half the boys there are about to take the walk down the aisle." Yong Soo said, shrugging. Yao shook his head before turning back to Kiku.
"Do you know what you're going to say, aru?" Kiku shrugged before getting up to place breakfast on the table.
"I really don't know. Perhaps it will come to me before tonight." Kiku said, placing the rice on the table.
"I hope so, aru." Yao said while Yong Soo gave another shrug.
"Do what you want, aniki. I think you should give it a chance, he obviously cares a lot for you...hey, where's the rest of the food?" Kiku sighed, definitely going shopping after breakfast.
"This is it. We need to go shopping today."
"I can't go today, I'm meeting up with Eduard for lunch." Yong Soo apologized.
"I was going to wash up the clothes and get a few of them mended, aru." Yao said, picking up his chopsticks. Kiku gave another sigh, Yao and Yong Soo hated grocery shopping with a passion. If there were a way for them to avoid it, they would find it.
"I suppose I could do it alone…"
"If you want, aniki, I could reschedule. Though I don't know how to get in touch with Eduard…" Kiku waved him off.
"No, go and enjoy your time with him. It is no problem, it'll give me time to think." Kiku said, giving Yong Soo a reassuring smile.
"Thanks. Eduard promised to take me somewhere special and I really want to go." Yong Soo said before munching on some rice.
"Where's he taking you, aru?" Yao asked curiously. Yong Soo shrugged before going back to his food.
"No idea. Eduard said that I would enjoy it, so…"
"I take it that Eduard is quite attached to you, hmm?" Now it was Kiku's turn to tease.
"Pfft, not like Arthur is to you, Kiku. I haven't gotten groped in public yet." Yong Soo said with a smirk as Yao rolled his eyes.
"I'm so glad you decided to clarify it with the 'in public' part, aru."
"You can't grope the unwilling, aniki~"
"Well, I'm going out, is there anything in particular that you need?" Kiku called as he stepped into his geta before grabbing the umbrella and the basket by the door.
"Yeah, could you grab me a couple of packs of Lucky Strikes?" Yong Soo had recently taken up smoking after trying it with Francis. Yao thought it was a disgusting habit to take up and disliked the way the apartment would reek of cigarettes after Yong Soo had finished; Yao had asked him to stop smoking in the house and Yong Soo generally ignored it.
"I'm fine, aru. If I need anything, I'll pick it up. I need to go to the seamstress and get the hem of this dress fixed, aru." Yao said, waving Kiku off. Kiku nodded before sliding the door open and disappearing into the drizzle.
It was a good day to do his shopping, Kiku thought to himself as he walked down the narrow street. Since it was raining, the shops wouldn't be so crowded and he would actually be able to get something done. Very few people were out on the street, save for the occasional delivery boy or other person who had decided to pick up a few things. It was quiet and for once, Kiku found himself at peace. It wasn't very often that he had time to take walks by himself and he was determined to enjoy it. He smiled as he gripped his umbrella and slowed his pace down to a leisurely stroll. He was preparing to lose himself in his thoughts when he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
"Miss Kiku! Hey, Miss Kiku!" It was Alfred, of all people. Kiku immediately regretted his decision to wear the dingy yukata that he found in the closet; a hostess should always look her best in case she ran into a client. Kiku suddenly wished he had kept that rule closer to heart.
"Ah, Alfred-san," Kiku began, raising the pitch of his voice and bowing deeply, "I was not expecting to see you out here." Alfred smiled and returned the gesture.
"Oh, I'm just finishing up my rounds. What are doing out here on a day like this?" Alfred asked.
"I was just about to do some shopping, Alfred-san." Alfred was instantly struck by an idea: what if he was to accompany Kiku? Friends went shopping together and maybe Kiku would allow him to pay for her groceries…
"Well, I'm pretty much done here except for writing up my report, do you mind if I join you?" Alfred asked, eyes shining hopefully. Kiku couldn't help but smile softly at his request, thinking it cute how Alfred wanted to accompany him on a boring errand.
"I don't know, Alfred-san. I would hate to keep you from writing your report and have you leaving so early from the club, like what happened last night." Alfred's grin faltered just a bit as he remembered the events of previous evening; he quickly pushed all jealous thoughts out of his mind. Remember, Jones, be her friend.
"Aw, don't worry about it Miss Kiku. I'll make sure I get it done before tonight. I would hate to not be able to spend a full evening with such a beautiful girl like you." Kiku flushed pale pink at the compliment, there really was something about how the American was able to charm him so. It had to be look of confidence in his sky blue eyes coupled with that infectious grin that Alfred always seemed to sport whenever Kiku was near; Kiku was finding that he rather enjoyed Alfred's presence.
"Then it would be an honor, Alfred-san." Kiku said sweetly. Alfred grinned before offering her his arm in a gentlemanly fashion.
"If you don't mind, we can share my umbrella." Alfred said. Kiku smiled demurely before folding the umbrella and moving closer to Alfred, gently taking the proffered arm. Alfred felt a jolt of electricity at the contact and tried to fight off the blush that was slowly creeping on to his features. He swallowed hard before asking her to lead the way.
They continued down the narrow street in companionable silence before they arrived at the small shop where the siblings did most of their shopping. Alfred opened the door, allowing Kiku to enter first while he tried to wrestle his umbrella closed before offering to carry the basket that Kiku brought from home.
"Alfred-san, you don't have to…" Kiku began before Alfred held up his hand to stop him.
"It would be my pleasure, Miss Kiku." He said, gently taking the basket from Kiku's grasp. They shared a smile before they were interrupted by the shopkeeper.
"Irrashaimase! Oh, Honda-san! It is good to see you again!" The shopkeeper greeted, bowing deeply. Kiku returned the bow before initiating some small talk in Japanese about the shopkeeper's wife and son, while Alfred stood by awkwardly.
"Masako-chan is doing well and Hiroshi is almost ready to resume school. Tell me, how is Soo-san and Yao-san?" The shopkeeper asked.
"They are doing well, Tamaguchi-san." The shopkeeper smiled before he finally noticed Alfred.
"Ah, forgive my rudeness for not noticing your friend, Kiku-san." Tamaguchi apologized before bowing to Alfred. Alfred smiled awkwardly, before giving his own short bow.
"Nice to meet you." Alfred said, getting a smile in return. The shopkeeper nodded before excusing himself to the back of the shop.
"He seems nice." Alfred said as they started shopping.
"Tamaguchi-san is very generous." Kiku said softly, remembering how the shopkeeper would allow the siblings to the day old goods before they had started working. Alfred smiled before asking Kiku what he needed to get.
"Rice, miso, salted salmon, various odds and ends…" Kiku said as they found the rice.
After a while, Kiku had finally loaded the basket up with the necessities, the two headed to the counter to get Yong Soo's cigarettes as well as pay for the goods.
"Is there anything else you need, Honda-san?" Tamaguchi asked, leaning on the counter.
"Ah, yes, two packs of Lucky Strikes, if you please." Alfred gave Kiku a puzzled look.
"Miss Kiku, I had no idea you smoked." Kiku blushed, shaking his head.
"Sorry, Alfred-san. The cigarettes are for my sister. I've never tried them before." Alfred chuckled at what Kiku said.
"No worries, Miss Kiku. I sometimes regret trying them, myself." Tamaguchi placed the two packs of cigarettes on the counter while Kiku moved to get out the pouch with the money when Alfred stopped him.
"No, Miss Kiku, let me pay for those." Alfred said, placing the basket on the counter. Kiku blushed at Alfred's offer and shook his head.
"Alfred-san, you really don't have to do that…it is not necessary…." Kiku said, focusing his gaze on the counter. Alfred laughed before pulling out his wallet.
"It's no problem, Miss Kiku. Think of it as a friendly gift." Kiku sighed before giving Alfred a small smile.
"If you insist Alfred-san."
"That will be eighty-six yen, Honda-san." Tamaguchi said after totaling everything. Kiku turned to Alfred and told him the amount.
"No worries, I've got enough to cover it!" Alfred said, leafing through his wallet. His smile turned into frown when he saw that he only had fifty.
"Oh no…" he muttered, embarrassment growing when he saw the questioning look on Kiku's face.
"Alfred-san, is everything okay?" Kiku asked, cocking his head to the side.
"Heh, well it, um, looks like I won't be able to pay…" Alfred said, not meeting Kiku's eyes. Kiku gently touched his arm in reassurance, telling him that it was alright before placing the money on the counter. Tamaguchi smiled as he accepted the money before handing Kiku a reciept.
"Take care, Honda-san. I shall hopefully see you again soon?" Kiku nodded before giving another bow. Alfred gave another awkward smile before picking up the basket of groceries and offering Kiku his arm. Kiku smiled in reassurance before leading him out the door and back onto the street; lucky for them it had briefly stopped raining.
"Erm, I'm really sorry about that Miss Kiku…I thought I had enough to cover it…." Alfred said, still not meeting Kiku's eye. How humiliating, he thought bitterly to himself, couldn't even remember to check to make sure he had enough!
Kiku thought it cute at how Alfred was acting. He's so kind, Kiku thought to himself, like Asa-san only…different.
"You're fine, Alfred-san. Really, you didn't have to…" Alfred shook his head vehemently.
"No! At least let me treat you to lunch, please?" Kiku sighed, small smile evident on his lips.
"Alright, Alfred-san. I know of a place that I think you will like."
Fifteen minutes later and Kiku and Alfred were seated at the counter at a noodle shop not far from Kiku's apartment, ready to tuck into the steaming hot bowls of udon. Kiku picked up his chopsticks, muttered itadakimasu, and gracefully picked up some noodles while Alfred was struggling to hold the chopsticks right.
"Is everything okay, Alfred-san?" Kiku asked after swallowing his udon. Alfred gave him a reassuring smile before telling him he was fine. Kiku continued to eat as well as watch the sight that was Alfred using chopsticks.
"Uh, you don't think they have any forks, do you?" Alfred asked after a few more unsucessful attempts. Kiku shook his head as he covered his mouth, trying not to let Alfred see him giggling at his predicament.
"I don't understand," he began, stabbing at his food, "how anyone could consider these practical."
"Alfred-san, would you like me to assist you?" Kiku giggled, carefully setting down his chopsticks on the holder. Alfred nodded sheepishly, expecting Kiku to actually show him what to do. He gave a small gasp when he felt Kiku's hands cover his.
Gently, Kiku positioned the chopsticks in the proper place in Alfred's hands. Alfred could feel the heat rising off his face as he tried not concentrate on how soft Kiku's touch was or how much his hands felt like pure silk. Really, the only thought he could focus on was how sweaty his palms were becoming.
"There you go. Just hold them like so and use this one to pick up your food like so." Kiku was saying as his hands slipped away to pick up his own pair, leaving Alfred's hand feeling oddly cold. He watched, fascinated, as Kiku picked up a bit of noodles and elegantly slid them into his mouth, focusing on how the udon slipped past his lips. He couldn't help but find it erotic.
Gah! Stop focusing on it, dammit! Miss Kiku is your friend! Quit lusting after Arthur's girl! Alfred just knew he was turning an obvious shade of red. He quickly began eating his udon, trying not to focus on the odd look that Kiku was giving him.
"Alfred-san…" Kiku was confused. Had he done something wrong when he showed Alfred how to use the chopsticks? He surely hoped he hadn't offended Alfred, that was the last thing Kiku wanted to do.
"I-I didn't offend, did I?" Kiku asked softly, gazing up at the American. Alfred nearly chocked on his food. Kiku silently handed him a cup of water before restating the question.
"No, no, Miss Kiku believe me when I say that you could never offend me. I'm just, uh, really not used to hands-on demonstrations. The military is all about look, don't touch, you know." Alfred lied. Kiku still seemed somewhat unsure but decided to let it go in favor of finishing the udon.
Alfred mentally slapped himself. Trying to be friends with Kiku was proving to be harder than he thought, especially when he knew his feelings were running deeper than friendship. Matthew was right, this was turning into a case of love at first sight. Too bad he couldn't act on it. He and Arthur may not have gotten along, but he would be damned if he would steal another man's girl.
"Alfred-san, is everything alright? You haven't been saying much." Kiku asked, pushing the empty bowl to the side.
"I'm fine, Miss Kiku. Just thinking about some things." Alfred said, patting Kiku's arm.
"Such as?"
"Oh, you know, random thoughts." Alfred lied, pushing the bowel away. He suddenly found that his appetite had disappeared. He smiled before cocking his head toward the door.
"Let's get you home before the rain starts up again. I'd hate for you to get wet." Kiku nodded before allowing himself to be led out the door and into the street.
They arrived at the apartment, Kiku leading them up the rickety stairs and into their unit. Alfred couldn't help but feel just a little privaleged at seeing where Kiku lived, however that feeling was short-lived when he realized that Arthur must have been here a countless number of times. They entered the apartment, Kiku gracefully stepping out of his shoes before nodding at Alfred, indicating that he should do the same.
"You can make yourself comfortable, if you'd like. After I put the groceries up, I can make us some tea." To both of their surprise, Alfred found himself declining.
"I'm sorry Miss Kiku, I would love to but I have to get back to the base. I gotta write up that report, you know?" Kiku nodded in understanding before setting the groceries down and walking over to Alfred.
"Of course, Alfred-san. I would hate to keep you from your duties. Perhaps some other time?" Kiku asked hopefully.
"Yeah! Definitely!" Alfred said, grabbing Kiku's hand to shake it.
"Then it is settled. Thank you so much for the lovely afternoon, Alfred-san." Kiku said, clasping his hand over Alfred's. The American blushed before sputtering that it had been "no problem at all." He quickly brought their hands up and placed a small kiss on Kiku's hand before excusing himself.
"I will see you tonight, Alfred-san?" Kiku asked before Alfred could walk out the door. Alfred flashed him a grin and a thumbs up before leaving quickly.
When Alfred got back outside, he noticed that it was beginning to rain again. Sighing, he opened his umbrella and began the slow trek back to the base, vowing not to let his feelings get in between his friendship with Kiku. It was going to be a hard vow to keep.
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