Author's Note
I just want to say thanks to all those who have read this far. I would like to dedicate this to two of my friends; for without you, I would never have watched Hetalia. Love you guys!
Mei hummed softly to herself as she arranged the freshly picked wildflowers in a small bouquet. She placed them in a small vase and took them to Japan's study, setting them on his desk. A few short knocks interrupted her tune, causing her to pause. She quietly went to the front door and slid it open, peeking outside. "Hello?"
"Taiwan? Wow! You've changed since I last saw you."
She sighed, opening the door completely. "Good to see you as well, Alfred. What brings you here?"
"I was hoping to talk to your Uncle."
"I'm sorry, but he's not here at the moment. Would you like to come inside and wait? He shout be returning shortly."
"If it's not too much trouble."
"It's not," she assured him, moving aside so that he could enter. She took him into the study, gesturing to the cushions. "Would you care for some tea?"
"No thanks. Tell me, Taiwan, what's it like living here?"
"It's quiet."
America chuckled, shaking his head. "That's not what I meant. What's it like living with him, seeing as how he took you from your home?"
"… I'm afraid I don't understand."
"They never told you why you came here?"
"They said I was to stay here so I could learn about both of cultures…"
"That's not all. Ya'see, China lost you in a battle against Japan. He asked you, among other things. He never said why, thought. Maybe he was lonely. Who knows?"
"Excuse me, but I am a person. I'm not a piece of property to be won or lost."
He sighed, scratching his head. "I didn't mean it like that…"
"I'm sure you didn't. But in the future, I advise you to think before you speak," she replied coolly.
"Mei, that was uncalled for."
She spun around in surprise at the tone of her Uncle. "Honda-san- "
"That was rude."
"I-"
"Please go to your room. I'll discuss this after I'm finished here."
She clenched her jaw, bowing in America's direction. "Pardon my behavior." She brushed past Japan and slid the door shut behind her. She hurried to her room, perching anxiously on the edge of her bed. She ripped off her apron and threw it to the floor, huffing angrily. She dug her fingers into her sheets, clenching her fist tightly. She waited, staring at the floor until she saw a familiar set of legs in front of her. "Why, Honda? Why me?" She glanced up at him, watching his eyebrows furrow together in confusion.
"Mei, what are-"
"Why did you want me? You always seemed to get along with Ryou more than me!"
"America mentioned something, didn't he. Please, let me explain-"
"Why should I? Everything I've been living has been a lie!"
"Not everything, Mei."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You were only a child then. You wouldn't have understood-"
"Really? Well do I look like one now?"
"No, but you are acting like one."
"… I'm waiting for the truth, Honda."
"Then you will be waiting for some time. I will come back in a few hours after you have calmed down and come to your senses." He strode quickly from the room, leaving her alone in her anger.
Taiwan groans in frustration, pacing her room. If he won't tell me, then I guess I'll have to get the answers from someone else. She slipped her long coat on, buttoning it up in a flurry of silent movement. She slipped out of her room and silently past the closed door of his study. She slid her boots on, starting to slide the door open. She set one foot onto the porch, stepping out into the freedom beyond.
"Mei, what are you doing?" He sat a hand on her shoulder, holding her back.
"Getting away from this place," she answered, shoving his hand away. She dashed over the threshold and down the street, sprinting as fast as she could.
If she would have looked back, she would've seen his heart shatter.