Right so, the "Shut up, he's your brother." came from Taiwan. You'll see why she's not there when Japan wakes up in a bit… And Japan's having flashbacks because of trauma. That's my story (literally), and I'm sticking to it.

I don't own Hetalia. Mostly because Belarus stole the letter to Santa from the mailman to use as a gift for Russia. Note to self: Don't use sunflower stamps.

Days passed, and slowly, Japan healed. Taiwan came to visit, explaining that China had asked her to avoid visiting with Korea, seeing as the nurses usually kicked them out for arguing. Vietnam and Thailand made appearances as well, catching up on news.

And then there was America. He showed up every other day, more often if he could "swing it". It wasn't that he didn't like the visitors. It was just that he had to keep pretending that he actually belonged. Every scar that he saw on his family and friends reminded him that even if they were not human, he was something far less.

Relax, Kiku, he would think, I know you are panicked, but you must remain calm. You do not want to worry anyone. It does not matter whether we are "human" or not. Calm down.

***

The days turned into weeks, and he was finally well enough to return home. Japan packed his bag, looking through everything that had been given to him during his stay. Last of all, he packed a bowl, a bowl that he had carefully washed clean (even though the nurses already had) the second he was well enough to walk.

Finally, he was ready to go. Japan bowed goodbye and thanks to his nurses. "Thank you for taking care of me." They fussed over him as he exited the building, dressed in his far more comfortable traditional attire. America had offered to drive him home, and he had accepted, praying that England had been telling the truth when he said that America was a good driver.

"Hey, Japan!" The blonde grinned as he opened the door to let Japan in. "Good to see you up and about and doing lots better!"

"Good morning, America-san." He entered the car, and America walked around to the driver's seat. "It is good to see you also."

"I already told you, call me Alfred!"

"Ah, thank you…"

"Anyway, I'm sorry that Germany or Italy couldn't drive you home. We kind of wanted to keep you guys separate during the demilitarization…"

"No, it is all right. I understand. Also, I do not think Italy or Germany would be recommended drivers for someone who is recovering." Japan shuddered, and America laughed, believing that he was joking.

"Anyway, we're going to have a few more formal meetings now that you're better. It'd probably be best if you were at them."

"Thank you, Alfred-san."

"No problem!" They had finally reached the airport, and America handed over the car to one of his people, who was wearing some sort of official's uniform. "Anyway, China has volunteered to check up on you, and the rest of your family will be visiting too. I…I'm sorry, I'll still send aid and stuff, but I can't visit much from here on out, gotta man the home fort. Things with Russia are heating up… stay away from him, okay?"

"I understand. Thank you for everything, Alfred-san." Japan exited the car and walked towards the airport, to catch the plane that would finally take him to his homeland.

***

When he entered his house for the first time in months, the first thing that Japan noticed was that it had been rebuilt. Of course, he thought, my house would not withstand the destruction if my nation could not withstand the destruction. The second thing he noticed was that the place had been swept clean.

Shrugging, Japan left his slippers at the door, facing out, and entered the house. "Tadaima!"

"Okaerinasai!" Someone called back the traditional greeting, and then footsteps raced through the hall and Taiwan was hugging him. "Kiku-nii, we came early and we wanted to clean everything up and surprise you before you got back! Actually, China sent me to stall y-Oops!" She blushed

"Don't worry, Taiwan! I already finished everything, aru!" China bounced out of the living room, as Japan stared in shock. "Sorry for invading your home, Nihon."

"I-it is all right?" Japan was still staring in shock, attempting to will himself to do something, and spectacularly failing. "Erm…If I may, what exactly did you invade my house to do?"

Taiwan and China grabbed his hands and pulled him towards the dining room. "C'mon Kiku-nii, you have to see it!" He entered the kitchen, stumbling a little.

There was a meal laid out, with all of his favorite foods. The pickled herring looked amazing, and for a second, he wondered why he hadn't smelled it from the entryway. His trained nose usually picked up scents perfectly. And then, Japan remembered his obvious injuries. So they decide to hinder me in this way also? "Thank you, Chi-I mean, Yao, and thank you as well, Taiwan-chan."

They both beamed at him. China, in his typical manner, gave the traditional order. "Eat up, eat up!"

"Itadakimasu." Said Japan and Taiwan simultaneously. They looked at each other and laughed.

"Ah, it's good to see you two getting along, aru." Smiling benevolently, China used his chopsticks to finish off the last of his rice. Japan was surprised; he had barely gone through half of his food. "I'll start washing up!" China walked off to the kitchen, humming some song as he walked.

"Kiku-nii, are you going to the meeting too? Hong Kong and I got permission to go, and everyone else will be there, of course."

"Alfred-san mentioned it to me. I believe I am well enough to go, so I will see you there." He smiled at his little sister, and she beamed back. Internally, though, he was already worried. How would Korea react to seeing him at the meeting? The last thing he needed was some kind of fight when he still had to readjust to society. Although it does not matter if he hurts me. I deserve it.

Japan stood, and entered the kitchen, hoping to seek guidance from China. "Yao, I was wondering, will you be at the meeting?"

"Of course! And don't worry about Korea, aru." Japan looked up in shock, to see a laughing China. "In your place, I would be worried too. But, at a meeting, I am certain he will be on his best behavior, aru. And if he isn't, I will take away his kimchi."

Japan bowed his thanks. "I appreciate the help."

"No problem, no problem. Don't let me see you bowing to me again, we're family, aru!" China waved a soapy ladle. "Now get out, I have to finish cleaning, and you need your rest!"

***

Japan straightened the tie in his mirror. I think I prefer my uniform, but I must bow to the wishes of the winners… Stepping out of the room, he spotted England, who had offered him a ride to the meeting. "Good morning, England-san!" He entered the car with care, making sure not to bump anything that would reward him with pain.

"Same to you, Japan." England smiled at him, then started up the vehicle. "Today is more of a formality, just more paperwork for our bosses. Actually, you don't really need to come, but we thought that you would prefer to be present."

"Thank you, yes." After buckling his seatbelt, Japan sat back and watched the road pass. "Where exactly is the meeting?"

"Er…I believe it's in the Imperial Palace." Japan froze in shock.

'Th-the Imperial Palace?" He managed to force out.

"Yes, is something wrong?" England was concerned.

I can not let something like this disturb me. "N-no, I was merely surprised to hear that everyone would wish to meet in somewhere so traditional. Would not one of the more modern buildings be suited to their tastes?"

With that, England blushed slightly. "Actually, we all agreed that it might be…easier, for you at least, if you were in a familiar environment."

"Oh. Thank you for thinking of me." Shame, Kiku, shame. They were trying to be kind and you are upset.

"It was nothing," replied England, a bit sharply. "We're here." He and Japan exited the car.

Japan stared up the palace, trying to clear his mind. After the fall of the Shogunate, he had moved into the Tokyo Imperial Palace with the royal family. After the war began, he had stayed in the military barracks, whenever he was home, at least. When the bombs had dropped, he was staying in the small house that had been built for him. Trying to be compliant, he had returned there once he had been released from the hospital. Still, he missed the Imperial Family. I only wish that I was not returning to them in defeat.

The two countries entered the building.

***

England was about to slam his head on the wall near the conference room. He would have, if it weren't for the fact that the pretty wall was made out of rice paper, and surely would not survive the encounter. "Argh, I can't believe it took us this long to find the meeting room! Japan, I thought your architecture was supposed to be simple!"

"Ano, sorry England-san…" Japan was flushed in exhaustion and embarrassment, and looking at him made England feel guiltier than he would like to admit.

"Er, well, it's all right." He blushed slightly himself, and then gruffly redirected the conversation. "Anyway, we ought to get inside. I mean, we are slightly early, but it is never a bad thing to be early." He slid the door open, to loud greetings from the already assembled countries.

"Hey, England, what took you so long?" America was grinning, already seated at the far side of the circular table.

"Shut up you git, I'm on time!" England was fuming, and Japan was making a mental note of his expression, it would suit his new doujinshi very well. "A-anyway, I had to get Japan!"

America got up and walked over, laughing. "Right, right. Hey Japan, the meeting's gonna start, go pick your seat."

"Ah, thank you Am-Alfred-san." He looked around the slowly filling meeting room, and noticed China, talking animatedly with Taiwan. "I will sit next to China-san." At this, America and England exchanged worried glances.

"Are you sure, Japan? I mean, you can sit next to one of us, and it might not be the best idea-" Japan interrupted America's frantic dialogue.

"I will be fine, thank you." Starting towards the area, he felt a glare directed at him. He looked up, only to see Korea, eyes focused in a hate-filled stare that he hadn't seen on anyone since Nanjing. Japan quickly looked down, and hurried his pace.

"Ano, China-san?" China looked up. "I-is it all right if I sit here?"

If Japan had thought that Korea's gaze was the most disconcerting thing he had seen up until this point, he had been horribly, horribly wrong. The look China was giving him seemed to be made of pure ice. "Of course, Japan. It is free seating, after all." And with that, the elder country turned away to speak to Taiwan, who was regarding the entire situation with a confused look. Japan felt the same way.

What on earth just happened?

Annnnnd now we're getting to the fun part! Also: not-so-cliffhanger means not-so-evil. So that's no reason to attempt auctorcide. At least, I think that's what it would be called… Oh, and for the record, the person who shouted "NIHON!" in chapter one was China, not America. Forgot to clear that up, sorry!