Whoa, it's been a year since I've updated :o. Terribly sorry, life's gotten in the way (yay sophomore year of college!) Now that summer's here, I will put forth an effort to update. Big thanks to all that's kept up with the story!
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
Kiku sighed as he carefully applied mascara to his eyelashes; today had been a rather interesting day. He hadn't expected to run into Alfred, especially while doing something so mundane as a shopping trip, though he found it sweet that Alfred would actually want to spend the afternoon with him. The American was certainly growing on him and he hoped that he would be there tonight. He picked up a small container of gloss and applied it, giving his normally thin lips a bit of a shine. He would have to remember to carry extra, in case Arthur decided to kiss him again.
After seeing Alfred off, Kiku had thought long and hard over what he was going to say to the Brit. He didn't want to be too blunt but he did want to get his point across. He wasn't sure how Arthur would take it and Kiku was desperately hoping that he would get his point. The last thing he want to do was offend his friend.
Kiku finished applying his make-up and carefully picked up the combs, fingering them lightly. Who knew such a small gift would cause so much trouble, he wondered to himself as he placed them in his hair. Satisfied with his appearance, he left the bedroom to join Yao in the main room. Yao had already gotten dressed, looking the picture of elegance in a simple black cocktail dress and his hair pulled back into a loose bun.
"How was your trip to the store, aru?" Yao asked, patting the spot next to him.
"It went quite well. Tamaguchi-san asked about you." Kiku said, taking the seat. They were waiting for Yong Soo to return from his outing with Eduard so they could all make the trek to the club together.
"That's nice. Did you see anyone else, aru?" Yao asked, inspecting his nails. Kiku looked suspicious; what did it matter who he ran into? Unless…
"Well, I did run into Alfred-san…" Yao looked up from his nails, giving Kiku a smirk.
"I noticed, aru." Kiku stared at him, seriously, did Yao have nothing better to do than comment on his friends? "I left the house pretty much after you did. Alfred is so cute the way he fawns over you, aru! He's like Ivan…"
"Alfred-san is nice…" Kiku said, remembering how nice the afternoon had been.
"And cute, too. He practically follows you around like a puppy, aru." Yao said, giggling. Kiku merely shrugged, he wasn't going to let their teasing get in the way of his friendship with Alfred.
"He is quite attractive…" Kiku was about to elaborate further when the door was suddenly thrust open by a beaming Yong Soo.
"Evening, ladies!" Yao and Kiku murmured their hellos, a bit taken aback by his sudden entrance.
"Good evening, Yong Soo. You're in a good mood tonight, aru." Yao said.
"Yes, well, that happens when you've had a good day." Yong Soo said, heading back towards the bedroom.
"I take it that you had an enjoyable time with Eduard?" Kiku asked, smoothing out the wrinkles in his dress. Yong Soo merely smirked before continuing on, coming back after few minutes with a pale yellow scarf to match his dress.
"What do you need that scarf for, aru? It's not that cold outside, is it aru?" Yao asked, narrowing his eyes.
"What, I can't accessorize with a lovely matching scarf?" Yong Soo shrugged, plopping down next to Kiku.
"Unless you're hiding something, aru…" Yao said, reaching over and tugging at the scarf to reveal Yong Soo's neck, which was littered with hickies.
"Yong Soo!" Yao admonished, slightly scandalized at the sight of Yong Soo's neck.
"Oh come off of it! Eduard and I just had a little fun…" Yong Soo protested, grabbing the scarf from Yao.
"Yong Soo, you really should be careful, aru…" Yong Soo gave another shrug, before turning to Kiku.
"I will, calm down, Yao. Anyway, Kiku, did you get me my Lucky Strikes?"
"I did…Tamaguchi-san asked after you as well, Yong Soo." Kiku said, reaching into his bag and pulling out the cartons and handing them to Yong Soo.
"Thank you. I've been craving these all day." Yong Soo sighed, slipping them into his bag for later. Yao rolled his eyes before motioning for them to leave.
Kiku was getting a bit antsy, normally Arthur was one of the first people to arrive at the club, but here it was an hour and a half after the opening and no sign of the Brit. On one hand he was a little worried because despite whatever happened between them, he still considered Arthur a very good friend, but at the same time, it gave him a bit more time to think on how he was going to let the man down.
"Hey, Miss Kiku!" Kiku was not going to lie, the sound of Alfred's voice did brighten his spirits a bit, especially when he saw the man make his way across the crowded club.
"Alfred-san, it is good to see you again!" Kiku said, bowing once Alfred got closer. Alfred grinned before pulling out a barstool and offering it to him. Kiku giggled before taking the seat.
"Was Alfred-san able to finish his work for the day? Or will he be leaving early again this evening?" Kiku asked once Alfred got settled.
"Got everything done before I left the office, Miss Kiku. I'll be able to stay by your side all night…" Mentally, Alfred kicked himself. Damn me and my accidental innuendo! Kiku merely giggled and Alfred relaxed a bit.
"That is good to hear, Alfred-san." Alfred grinned before asking how he could go about starting a tab. Tabs were generally seen as a big deal at the club, as it was way for them to earn a pretty decent commission.
"Oh, Alfred-san, you don't have to do that."
"No, I insist! Barkeep-" Wan was over instantly "—I'd like to start a tab. Major Alfred Jones, United States Air Force." Wan nodded as she took down his information.
"And for who would you like it under?" Alfred's smile got bigger as he looked at Kiku.
"Miss Kiku, of course! And I'd like to start it with a bottle of your finest sake and a Yebisu, please!" Wan was smirking at Kiku as she took Alfred's order, no doubt after she filled it that she was going to tell Yao and Yong Soo.
"See Miss Kiku, that wasn't so hard." Alfred said after they had been served. Kiku shook his head before pouring Alfred a cup of sake.
"Where is your friend, Matthew-san?" Kiku asked as Alfred drained the cup.
"He didn't want to come out tonight. Where's Arthur? Is he not coming either?"
"I'm not sure. Normally, he is here by now." Alfred felt slightly guilty, but he was glad that Arthur wasn't coming. More time to spend alone with Kiku.
"What a shame." Alfred lied. "How could anyone stand up a lovely girl such as yourself."
"Its alright, Alfred-san. I am sure Asa-san has work to take care of." Alfred was not the only one that was relieved; Kiku was still unsure of what he was going to say to Arthur about this whole situation. Perhaps one more day would help figure out what to do.
Alfred merely shrugged before pouring sake into Kiku's cup. He accepted it with a nod before pressing the cup to his lips, pretending to take a drink. Kiku was about to refill Alfred's cup when two arms snaked around his waist.
"Hello, love." So Arthur did show up. And with such a public way of announcing it, Kiku thought, praying that his brothers weren't watching.
"Asa-san. You have arrived!" Kiku said as Arthur rested his chin on Kiku's shoulder.
"Of coure I did. Got a bit held up, but I'm here. Alfred." Arthur said, acknowledging the other man's presence. Alfred nodded, trying not to let his disappointment show. He silently opened his beer and downed it. It was going to be a long night.
Arthur made himself comfortable on the other side Kiku, one arm never leaving his waist. He ordered a bottle of shouchuu and offered a toast.
"A toast to fate, Kiku." he said, holding up his cup. Alfred and Kiku sported matching looks of confusion.
"Fate, Asa-san?" Kiku asked, raising his cup.
"Never pegged you as someone who believed in fate, Arthur." Alfred said, pouring more sake into his cup. Alfred had a feeling he was going to need another bottle.
"Neither did I, Alfred." Arthur said, clinking his cup against Kiku's.
"What brought about this change, Asa-san?" Arthur smiled before throwing back his drink. He set the cup down before reaching into his uniform jacket and pulling out an envelope.
"Yesterday," He began, opening the envelope and pulling out a letter, "this came in the mail, from England. I was on my way to the club when I opened it." He handed the letter to Kiku. Reading-wise, his English was not that great, but he was able to make out the Dearest Arthur at the top of the letter. Kiku stared quizically at Arthur.
"It's from my fiancee. Well, ex-fiancee. She's moved on. Had moved on. His name is Charlie. He's an accountant." Kiku patted Arthur's hand compassionately.
"Aw, man, I'm sorry Arthur." Alfred said sympathetically. Arthur waved his hand, indicating it was okay.
"It's fine. Great, actually. While I was reading the letter, I happened upon this shop that sold trinkets. You know, jewelery and hair combs. They had a pair of the most beautiful combs I had ever seen," Arthur gently touched the ones adorning Kiku's hair, "and something struck me." Arthur smiled at Kiku before bring his hand down to Kiku's chin, tipping his face up.
"What am I doing, expecting Rosa to wait for me in Surrey. I have a great girl right here. She's moved on and it's time I did too. Have done." And with that, Arthur leaned in and kissed Kiku. It was a slow, sweet kiss, the taste of shouchuu on his lips. Arthur pulled away and looked at Kiku with darkened eyes.
"I'll say it again, Kiku. You are very special to me. Very." Arthur said, grabbing Kiku's hand. Kiku was fighting the urge to blush as he nodded.
"A-and you are special to me as well, Asa-san." Kiku said. Just not in the same way…
"I have something else for you, Kiku." Arthur said, reaching into his pocket.
"Oh no, Asa-san has already given me so much!" Kiku protested, shaking his head. He stopped when Arthur held up his dog tags.
"I want you to have these." Arthur said, slipping them over Kiku's head. "Wear them and think of me." Kiku was at a loss for words and would have stayed that way if not for Alfred clearing his throat. Arthur and Kiku looked at him.
"I would like to propose a toast." He said tightly, trying to ignore the pangs in his heart as he raised his cup. Kiku noticed something in his eyes that looked like a mix of jealousy and hurt. He filled the cups belonging to Arthur and him and quietly raised his own.
"To Arthur," Alfred swallowed hard, "and Kiku." They clinked their cups and Kiku paid attention to the all to quick way Alfred downed his cup.
"Thank you Alfred. That means a lot." Arthur said kindly.
"You bet it does." Alfred mumbled, pouring more sake in his cup.