A beauty silently broods over a tiny cup of tea grasped within little hands. She stared at her reflection as she gently tips the chinese tea cup of tieguanyin towards herself. The corner of her lip twitched as she coolly scrutinizes the cup. Exactly who had handed her this? Surely it wasn't some sort of under handed..?
Lost within her own reflection, she silently seethes at the injustice of her situation, hardly noticing the foreign nations that had found refuge of some twenty feet distance. "Dude, she's still not snapping out of it!" Alfred whispered obnoxiously to the other two nations. "Honestly, I think she's handling it a lot better than I thought she would." Admitted Arthur who gazed at the nation who was curled up in the armchair with the cup of tea he had prepared for her.
"Someone fucking call 911! The French are gonna declare war on Russia if their personified Nation's killed! And on American soil!" shrieked Alfred. "Don't move his head!" shouted Arthur who was busily turning on the stove and hoisting a tea kettle onto the hot stove. "What are you doing?" Russia shouted trying to restrain Yao who didn't want to be within forty feet of the nations. "Just trust me!"
The three nations that weren't coldly knocked out stared. Although she didn't have her wok, which was left in the kitchen where cooking utensils usually were, she had a ladle. The nations weren't sure if Yao was only just slightly less dangerous than she usually was.
Just when they thought that it was going to take another forty five minutes of waiting for her to say something, Yao abruptly got up. "Get out. I need to get changed." She monotonously stated softly.
Yao had wanted to flee the country (literally and figuratively). Without any nations having spotted her, she could've easily left in absence and would've waited for all of this to blow over. However…they've always ruined her plans.
...
Wearing an incredibly large baggy sweater that clashed horribly with pants that didn't quite fit her as well - the asian nation felt a lot for comfortable and somewhat secure. Her long hair which was a real nuisance to her – she hadn't wore her hair that long since...? – was now unconventionally far too long. She had hastily tied her hair up so it was not as neat as it would normally be desired.
She had only one goal today thanks to a certain French man.
"Alfred, exactly where is the closest shopping mall?"
"..."
With that, they found themselves wandering the mall with Yao briskly walking forwards, although making sudden abrupt steps to mentally pull herself together. Arthur, with a careful distance between him and the silently fuming dark haired nation, couldn't help but notice the attention she drew to herself. Bemused, he could not help but agree that Yao looked like a homeless individual, and was at most, mentally unstable and disturbed. However, she attracted the attention of all the men and women. He narrowed his eyes as he silently regarded the men and women who threw furtive glances towards the dark hair nation that nibbled at the end of her sleeve, longing clearly evident within their eyes. He watched as jaws were dropped; Individuals continued to stare at her after they had just walked by, and tender soft expressions that exuded more than just intimate fantasies made him clench his jaw painfully. Shushed whispers and blushes were drawn, and …to his anger, dirty jokes and some rather racial and discriminatory remarks.
Yet, this little angel that was supposedly mentally unhinged walked forwards without any notice of this. Her eyes were always on her cellphone and a tiny list in her hand – only to occasionally look up at the name of the stores.
He sighed shaking his head as he recalled prior events before undergoing this journey to the mall.
It was not easy moving an unconscious Francis into the infirmary and having to call the country of France that their representative had suffered a minor head injury. If anything, they had to lie, in fear or economic and political retaliation, or worse.
Crying after the embarrassment of being caught without wearing the proper undergarments, she had gotten up and was about to run into the safety of the bathroom, when Francis enveloped her within his strong burly arms. Her eyes grew wide with fear as she immediately screamed in utmost horror as she was pressed against Francis with little clothing. Chest against chest, his arm was around her waist and another hand was placed on the small of her back, which then all too quickly began to travel further down along her… -her heart leapt to her throat and made her hair stand on end– In the split second that her eyes met his, her eyes pierced through the French nation in inscrutable rage and indignation. She felt her hand and wrist twist in ascertain anticipation when a gloved hand seized her…
Alfred had to check for vitals all the while threatening Ivan who merely sneered at each threat. He pinched his nose bridge and tightly closed his eyes. They had to confiscate Ivan's water pipe and of course that wasn't easy. Before things got real nasty, Arthur immediately phoned Ukraine. Needless to say, she had managed to reprimand him and calm the large nation down. Although it wouldn't be wrong to say a few idle yet sufficient threats and more than a few incentives were needed to call him down.
"How's he doing Alfred? He still breathing?!" Arthur fought to steady himself. Yao sobbed as Arthur grabbed her in a bear hug – something he'd learnt from Alfred. He was growing hot from holding Yao against himself with his face flushing with embarrassment. He didn't know whether he was comforting her or trying to restrain her. "Yea! Knocked out cold - but he's fine!" Alfred shouted, now dialing for help. "Have you tried CPR?! Whatever you do, don't do it! You'll end up with his tongue down your throat!" Arthur shouted trying to hold Yao and keep her from leaving the couch and boarding any moving vehicle bound for the terminal.
Blearily, blinking at her surroundings and at the list in her hands, she finds herself walking with some objective at hand. Arthur who was stooping behind her with his hands shoved in his pocket, kept an eye on her. With a sideways glance at her, he could tell that she was still recuperating from Francis.
They were all fortunate that Alfred had managed to hold subdue Yao at the last moment. Although Ivan had helped in subduing China, he trudged grudgingly after the others, sulking because he was forced to leave his water pipe behind.
Yao was wearing an oversized green sweater from Alfred and wearing trousers that Arthur had provided, shuffling not without purpose in the mall in little Hello Kitty slippers. She was so doleful and docile looking that most of the former Allies were silent, trailing after the wandering nation. "Err…Yao?" Alfred called out hesitantly. Yao simply didn't hear him as she continued to hold her little check list of everything to buy in two hands, lost in her thoughts.
Arthur sighed as he wistfully took note of the attention that Yao unknowingly commanded; She was openly admired. Many people weren't ashamed at staring at the nation in admiration; while others were more scrutinizing. But Yao paid no attention, with her eyes on the names of some of the stores and occasionally poking her head into stores that sold swim wear; She didn't notice the men who stared unabashedly at her, admiring her pretty little face or the women who were scandalized with her outfit of choice.
She was still sorter than him too of course. He found himself grinning. She looked vulnerable – her petite frame weighed down by her clothes with such a despondent expression that tugged lightly at heart strings. With soft fawnlike brown eyes darting to the little list held within her sleeves and her cellphone.
Other onlookers completely disregarded the fact that those eyes were accompanied with furrowed eyebrows and a little pout – taking note of her translucent skin and the length of her hair…
It was fairly good that Yao was blessedly ignorant to some of the dirty comments and could care less about any snide remarks that were obviously loud enough for Yao to hear, but were ignored simply because they didn't register any level of relevance or any importance.
But if he had paid any more attention to his surroundings, he'd notice that plenty of people had their eyes fixated on him and the rest of the male nations as well. He did not notice the women giggle furiously as he walked by. With brilliant emerald green eyes - they were breathtaking. While Alfred ,whose muscular build was impressive, sported a most winsome smile with dazzling blue eyes that twinkled humorously. Ivan, though busily brooding, was as handsome as well as intimidating - arousing curiosity and blush inducing fantasies. Francis was the only one that took all of the admiration in stride...
The French man blew kisses to passing men and women that were more than interested. Some of them simply swooned, turned red, or was simply stunned. He couldn't help but feel comfortable under the adoring gaze of everyone. Being personified nations, they all embodied higher than above average attractiveness. It wouldn't be inappropriate to say that they were gorgeous, and reflected the ideal prospects of physical attractiveness and sexual appeal, that simply renders people speechless in admiration and longing.
The Brits thoughts were suddenly interrupted with an "Arthur, where's she going? Shouldn't she go to a hospital to get checked out?"
"What is she going to say?" said Arthur dryly. "I doubt anyone can really help."
"Dudes! She's stopped!"
They looked at Yao who stood at the mouth of the entrance, staring up at the sign and not moving. "I-is she alright?" They simultaneously looked at what she was staring at.
Oh.
No wonder Yao had vehemently fought against them having insisted of coming along on this espionage.
She had found herself in front of a lady's undergarment store. They were quiet staring at the dark hair nation who stayed rooted before the entrance of the store. She looked like she was being forced to enter but was currently fighting a losing battle within herself. They continued to watch the nation, who was thrown questioning glances and angry comments for not moving and being in the way.
Still she could not enter. Not surprisingly, they found themselves staring at the poor nation who stood there for no more than five minutes. Just when it looked like she was going to take a step back, Arthur began to walk over towards the nation.
Yao looked like she was mentally unhinged to say the least. She was unkempt and with the clothes she had borrowed, disgruntled and highly uncultured. The large sweater she had borrowed from Alfred hung heavily on her lithe frame, while the pants just didn't quite fit.
So she strode into the mall looked highly dismayed. She ignored the looks she were given and was solely focused on one task. She stood at the entrance of the store however she could not bring herself to enter. She jumped a bit when she felt someone nudge her from behind. Arthur couldn't manage to say anything, looking away and looking anywhere else that wasn't of employees and undergarments.
"Just go in." The thick British accent was laced with amusement.
"Y-yeah." Yao stuttered, before trying to look indifferent as she enters the store. The minute she stepped into the store, one of the sale associates that was laughing at her from behind a display approached her. "Can we help-"
"No. I'll be fine." Yao said curtly, although she could feel her face grow warm in embarrassment. What little pride she had, she had left at the entrance of the store. The employee smirked as she turned to the other sale's associates who was laughing as well and at Yao who clearly looked like she had no money to buy anything remotely affordable within the store.
Yao began to approach some of the items but could barely bring herself to touch them. She stared at the flashy underwear, growing slightly dizzy because of the heavy perfume. She blinked rapidly as she tried to steady herself under what felt like a spotlight that was drawn towards her. It was so obvious that she didn't belong here. She did not notice some of the sale associates whisper - some comments rather mean, spiteful, and laced with envy, while others were of curiosity and were trying to decide whether to approach her.
They were watching as she entered the store that was hot pink. Yao ignored the strange looks from the sale associates who asked her if she needed any help - which she answered stubbornly, however as politely as possible, no.
Trying to not look surprised at some of the positively scandalous undergarments, Yao picked up a silken garment. Yao took one look at it and promptly dropped the item. She looked at the garments in horror. What is that piece of string for? And where does it go?! Logic, though mostly the display, told her where but Yao could not for the life of him accept that women wouldn't feel uncomfortable in those, with it being wedged in there. Right between the cheeks!A wave of nausea hit her…she had just remembered that her sister Mei had some while she had been cleaning and sorting through cleaned laundry…
The Allies all felt like perverts- they were surrounded by silky lacy lingerie and the like. Some sparkled with rhinestones and charms. Ivan looked somewhat childish and curious- actually having picked up a purple pantie with lace. Arthur felt his face grow considerably warmer. With shaking hands, they could only pick up at bra with a strap -despite the staff's welcoming and warm smiles being directed at them.
"Yao! I like the purple ones! They look beautiful!" Ivan said picking a single bra. Yao looked up with horror at the Russian shamelessly holding up the shiny bra. Put it down! I don't need your help!"Oh sir, that one would be positively radiant! Would you like to look at some of the lace? They're simply darling!" said the nearest sale associate breathlessly, admiring his silver locks and at the thought of meeting her quota. Yao's jaw dropped before turning to Alfred where she began to look mortified -as Alfred was about to pick up some of the panties, with ketchup stained fingers! "W-wait! What-"
"There's some with sunflowers too Yao-Yao! I'll order the set for you."
"Wait Ivan stop!I don- ALFRED!" Yao dove forwards, slapping his hands which quickly retreated.
"Hey!"
"Alfred your hands are dirty!" Yao cried, looking around for Arthur to which she found him being surrounded by the sale associates who had become enamoured by him. "I mean no disrespect but I'm not interested." Arthur laughed nervously, before looking slyly away and grinning slightly behind his hand. He was old, centuries older, but the ladies still flock to him in droves.
"Oops. Sorry Yao. I did forget to bring the wet wipes." said Alfred grinning apologetically.
Yao didn't hear him, "Damn it ahen! You're supposed to take care of your idiot!"
She looked at the display and only then did she notice the price range for some of the items. Her jaw dropped. You have got to be kidding me…
She was startled when she turned around to find a woman who had approached her with sultry eyes looking down at her, smiling. "May I help you darling?" This woman was curvaceous and the amount of care that she put into her looks was phenomenal. However, Yao being a personified nation did not notice such things. Having been female for a whole morning, Yao didn't even realize the perfect hour glass figure that she was sporting but was totally engrossed with her long perfectly manicured hands. "Yes you most certainly can, could you possibly kick them all ou-" she froze as the other woman somehow began to almost position herself rather seductively in front of her. Yao stared at those rosy lips and thick eyelashes that fluttered before her. Wait, why does she look like she's trying to…? She took a step back. "Sweetie, you should really put more effort into your image…looking like that…such a pity!" the woman's heavily lidded expression accompanied by that sort of smile made her want to cry. No…you can't possibly be - ? N-no..not like this! No not like this-!
"I can help you in the back…and for you I strongly recommend the white floral designs.."
Yao stuttered, not knowing she was holding onto a pair of cotton panties and twisting them nervously in her hands -when all of a sudden she was seized from the behind. Yao cried having been lifted off her feet. "Sorry love. It's my stamp of approval that she's looking for." a thick British voice huskily answered the impressive woman, tickling her ear, "She'll be declining that offer." With that, the arms around her waist tightened as she felt somebody press against the back of her body firmly.
The sale associate laughed, looking slightly disappointed. "Sorry darling, I'm just doing my job." The woman smile benignly.
Arthur smiled as the sale associate, "on the contrary, that was a lovely idea. My girl would look simply stunning in white."
Wait…what? 'my girl'? Why of all the damn – Im the personification of CHINA. I belong to no one! Don't you mix me up with Seychelles!
Arthur was inwardly laughing as he grinned, feeling her tremble within his arms like a leaf. Unlike anyone's imagination of her being terribly flustered and embarrassed from being embraced so intimately, she was trembling due to holding herself back from throttling him. Like Hong Kong, she was quite a little firecracker.
However he couldn't help but frown. She looked suspiciously like the stories that Hong had told; of fairies, celestial maidens, and historical figures...Her appearance and soft features were alarming -as if a slight breeze could simply whisk the fairy like maiden off into the sky, slipping through his very fingertips.
Unconsciously he held on tighter. "Get your hands off me before I break your fingers off and shove each one up a nostril!" Yao hissed turning around. "Language darling…a young lady like you shouldn't use such foul language" answered the Brit haughtily. The sale associate was laughing out right now.
"I can help myself! I'm not a child!" cried Yao.
With that Yao chased them off to the food court with no help from the sale associates who shoot dirty looks at her for shooing away such handsome and maybe even potential customers. Yao simply ignored the glowering sale associates.
...
"You're going to eat another one?" Asked Arthur hollowly as Alfred bought not one but two big macs. "I'm hungry." came the light retort. Arthur sighed, "Do you honestly think she'll be alright by herself?" "Relax dude. The babe's over four thousand years old. She can handle a little shopping. It's what all girls love to do."
Alfred grinned, "Any updates on Francis?"
Arthur then realized his pocket vibrating. As he answered, his expression slowly became one of disbelief. Eyebrows furrowed, he answered with hushed tones: "He's fled the ER room…?" That French nation had the uncanny regenerative abilities to recover even from the most traumatic assaults inflicted. Quickly he thanked the person on the other line before turning to the Allies. "That idiot! Now we've got to notify the country of France that their representative has -" The Brit froze and stared with disbelief as his cellphone began to ring again. The name flashing unabashedly like the individual it belonged to.
Ivan looked over Arthur's shoulder and frowned, "How is it that he's managed to survive?"
"Guess you'll have to try harder Ivan." replied Arthur who then began to answer the phone, "Francis! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?! Get back to the hospit-"
"NO!" rasped the voice coming from the receiver," You don't know what you're doing! None of you do! N-now…where are you?!"
"What do you mean? We're at the mall and we're waiting for Yao in the food court."
"She's all alone?!"
"Yes…what's got your panties in a twist?"
"Merde! I knew this would've happened!"
The Allies looked at Arthur whose expression was one who took offense.
"Don't you dare call me the idiot." hissed Arthur who looked like he was about to crush his cellphone.
"An idiot and a delinquent – I had expected as much from Alfred and Ivan, but you I had given a benefit of the doubt."
"I'm going to hang up on you."
"No! Wait!Which mall are you at?! I have to give the taxi driver the address!"
Alfred who had managed to eavesdrop with no difficulty, plucked the cellphone out of Arthur's hands and promptly began to give him the directions all the while eating a hamburger.
Francis had arrived moments before Yao – practically hobbling over to them. He flinched seeing Ivan who merely smiled back at him. "Where is she?" he groaned softly as he sat down on a seat furthest from Ivan.
"She-oh, just turn around and look over there." Alfred replied pointing with a french fry in his hand.
She was smiling so happily and brightly, they held their breaths in. Yao happily holds the bags up triumphantly. "I got everything!We can get out of here now and- " "Wait. Give me those bags." interrupted Francis, who was stilling massaging his head.
"W-what? I've already went through everything on the receipts. I got everything half off. I couldn't go back to that store. Everything was overpriced there." said Yao who hesitantly gave her bags over. Francis's expression looked grave. "I-I saved a lot of money!" cried Yao. Without any hesitation, he simply plucked a bag out of her hands and sifted through the items – ignoring angry retorts and protests. Francis's jaw dropped. "Non! Mon lapin en sucre!*" He shook his head firmly sided to side, groaning softly in disappointment.
His face uncharacteristically grave, he said, "darling, please give me those items…" Yao stopped staring trying to figure out how he had managed to recover so quickly. Nervously biting her lip, she hesitantly handed over the other bags. "You sicken me you damn pervert." Arthur said in disgust quickly reaching to grab the bags away. Francis shot him a look and snapped his fingers, "Tais-Toi!*" He immediately started picking the items out, pulling out the bras.
"What are you doing you pervert?! Put those things back into the bags!" blasted Arthur, "we're in the middle of the bloody food court! Don't just pull those things out into the open!" Francis ignored the Brit as he stared at the cup size and at the straps. "Aww Yao. You should've bought the purple ones…" sighed Ivan who looked disappointed. Yao was blushing brightly and was about to retaliate when Francis spoke up, "Arthur, my poor little naïve black sheep of Europe. Has it ever occur to you that our darling has bought the wrong cup size?" said the French nation bluntly.
"E..h, wha-wait! What do you? What- how did you even know she's bought the wrong cup size?!" shot the Brit, whose face was furiously turning red. He turned to Yao who looked stunned, "you bought the wrong cup?" Realizing it was such a personal question, he immediately looked away, only to realize that the majority of the food court was staring at the blonde French man who had bras draped over his entire arm shaking his head sadly. "Put those back in the bag!" cried Yao, "everyone's staring!"
"How did you end up with the wrong cup size?!"
"I don't know…I just grabbed the ones that fit!" "Wha, you mean you've actually worn them? Then how did you get them wrong?" "W-wait. I d-didn't really..!" Yao was bright red now.
Yao picked out the white bras and then quickly looked around. Seeing no one, she hesitantly pushed the cups right against her, erm, body and scooped…! Yao was now crying and thoroughly humiliated. She was on the verge of throwing up…this was how women chose bras, right?! Quickly coming to a conclusion that it'd fit she just threw them into the cart and fled.
Exactly how could she explain..?
"I…I did try them on…"Yao said defensively, shuffling her feet. France held one up that was most likely an unlikely fit and clearly far too big for her, raising an eyebrow. "W-what?" She shot hesitantly, "do you want me to say that I was feeling optimistic?" Arthur and the rest of the Allies stared at the bra with the much larger cup size.
"...You guys seriously enjoy picking on me, don't you?"
Alfred laughed. Yao groaned softly, burying her face into her hands.
"Fear not my pet." crooned Francis, "unlike the rest of these insensitive men, I can surely be of great help."
"I just want to get this over and done with…"Yao slumped over her bags and pouted off into the distance, "Um, do you think I can go back and return these? I still have the receipt." Yao showed them the receipts. Francis shot the receipts with a degrading look. "Non." He then looked within his jacket and patted the procured items nestled within the pockets.
"We are leaving now."
"Wait, where are we going?"
"We're going home darlings."
Tieguanyin- iron goddess tea
Tais toi- I'm guessing its shut up in French and etc. Sorry. I'm never good at explanations. I also don't know French.
Ah…I've waited for how many months to update? Sorry. Big warning, I take months to update. I write based on how I feel. I also just wanted to say that I wanted to say that I've been very moved and motivated from listening to EXO's Miracles in December. I simply fell in love with the Chinese version.
Thank you for following or reviewing (or even favoriting)! –hugs you guys- I'm happy I made you happy (you know who you are. But out of respect for your privacy, I won't address you by username)! I honestly would hate to disappointment you guys and I'm already sorry for taking so long to update….ugh, I'm not good with stress…
But thank you so much darlings. If I managed to make you smile I think I've accomplished quite a feat! I just hope I won't/didn't disappoint you guys. Oh, I also don't like sending messages. I like to respond to you guys in the a/n? Please inform me in any way if you don't want me to reply to you in such a manner though.
Oh, and I tend to ramble. Props to you if you've managed to read this far keke.
Oh and another big warning. This is rated M so I automatically feel that I'm free to do what I want. Also I do not update very often since I write only when I feel like it. I write according to how I feel and how motivated I am.
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And FINALLY: I just wanna say I wish you a Happy New Year. I wish you good health, happiness, and good fortune!