Chapter 5

China blow the surface of his steaming tea, graduating bringing his lips to the side and slipped at it. Japan nibbled on his sponge cake. "Hey!" The brothers shot up to the voice of France, England not far behind. Japan pushed out his chair and bowed "thank you for coming" in the background China was fuming, he didn't know what to do seeing England. His mind went blank, trying to act natural he proceeded to drink his beverage when the calling of his name made him twitch.

"Ok China let's go" China eyes full of surprise. "W..what aru" nearly spitting out a mouth full,swallowed it down then gasping for air. "Is something wrong?" France stared at the nation as he was trying to guide him to his where he had parked his vehicle.. "Right I didn't tell him" Japan apologized and sneaked over to China

"You'll be switching trainers for the time being, you go with Mr,France and I am taking Mr,England"

"What why!"

"Because you have been doing very well in the singing part, but still need to learn the staging and positioning when you do sing. On the other hand...England needs some help."

"What how come you didn't tell me aru"

"well…"

"no way I am going with that horny bastard aru."

"Hey thats hurts you know" France began pout. China sprung up and took a step back trying to make a run for it when he didn't realize the distance between him and the chair and tumbled to the ground. A couple of gasps could be heard.

A soft hand grabbed onto his wrist at the last second saving China from smashing his head against the concrete. Still closing his eyes, he caught the sound of a low groan. Forcing his head up which was quite uncomfortable he saw a man with messy blonde hair and bright green eyes. Looks like England saves the day (again) "Arthur aru!?" Japan and France soon came over to help their friends, getting his balance back he turned over to England who had been covered in scorching hot tea and a cake icing cried in discomfort. "Ahh hot hot hot" France searched for napkins and Japan helped him remove his coat to make it easier to clean. But his shirt was also soaked.

"I..I am sorry" China bolted over pulling off his light blue scarf he had been wearing to block out the spring air. Dabing a corner of the scarf it soaked up big spots of tea and cake "no stop you'll get your scarf dirty" he reached to grab China's arm, he slapped it away never breaking his gaze from England's shirt. A silent tension fell upon the two, both of their checks stained shades of pink. France stopped Japan from running over to aid him. China could feel passing pedestrians staring at the two "come on aru" yanking England's sleeve he pulled him inside the cafe "what",shoved him through the restroom door making him tumble over.

"What just happened?" Japan only gazed at the fallen coat and empty chair.

"Should we?"

"No no" Japan shook his head with his response. "Ok then, want to order something?"

"Sure" Shifting over to the table next over, they sat and laughed at the events that had just unraveled.

His back against the sink,China continued to smear the water soaked cloth on England chest. Both had quite flustered faces, "ah you don't hav.." China interrupted him. "You idiot! Why did you do that, you didn't have to catch me I could have saved myself." His expression went from anger to a tender smile "no" England grabbed the hand China was holding the cloth in and pulled him close. Holding him in a strong grasp, China stood in awe. Before nuzzling against his neck wrapping his arms around him. "I am sorry it's my fault aru" England smile trying to keep his embarrassment to a minimum. But it was a miracle to England, for he wasn't getting kicked or punched like usual. China was being nice. He enjoyed this moment and never wanted to let go of the delicate nation.

Suddenly the click of a door could be hear, China pushed away from England and ran out the door passing the man who had just walked in. "Yao" not stopping from his call he ran out of the front doors. "Let's go" France gulped down his slurp of coffee and coughed.

"what?"

"NOW!" Japan looked at him then France "what happened to England and why is your face so red...oh"

"NO NO" China waved his hands forward "nothing like that happened" China grabbed his bag and heaved France by the ear. "Where's your car" Struggling in pain he kicked his feet trying to get loose of China's deadly grip.

"Let go first!" Pulling harder, France whimpered "ok ok, over there." After being throw and hitting the cars hood. Probably leaving a dent, France had the chance to unlock the car and both men step in. One with an unnaturally red and puffy ear the other seeming embarrassed but acted grumpy. France grumbled under his breath and rubbed his sore ear.

The engine sprung to life and the speed through the streets of Tokyo, heading for the hotel once again.

After another week of practicing staging and singing, The trio was ready. Japan,Sealand and Netherlands had been randomly draw from a hat (except Japan of course). And now are the lovely judges for the evening.

The building began to swell up with countries. The seats had blocked off so each took a spot in the middle of the stadium where concrete decorated the floor. The bright overhead lights still alive and well. The stage was rimmed with tiny red and white. It was a normal rectangular stage. layers of circles topped each other in the middle leaving the smallest to the top. Behind it a giant torii gate shines in its gleaming red paint. Enormous balloons floated near the top, barely touching the ceiling. Each a well known symbol of a country. You could tell which was America's, for a jumbo hamburger hover over the entrance door. Right beside it was the Eiffel Tower, continuing clockwise a teacup,a panda,vodka,a platter of pasta and much more.

The night sky dazzled overhead thanks to the clear glass down. Stars danced in circles as the moon smile. Still suspicious dark clouds began to gradually drift in. The arena suffocated to the amount of chatter and cheers. The judges table sat far in front of the crowd, to keep..safe from the other countries.

The lights began to dimin and the talk dialed down. A flash of a spotlight hit the middle of the stage, the circles in the middle was now outlined with alluring slowly changing colors. "HELLO EVERYBODY" America found in a black tuxedo held a microphone close to his mouth as the crowd yelled in response. "Welcome to this year's Worlds Voice Contest!" His energetic voice boomed throughout the room. "We had so many enters this year, isn't that great?!" The mob screams delighting America's ears. "First as you all know me I am America the hero and I'll be hosting you folk tonight. Is that awesome or what. Anywho first I want to say something very important." The room fell silent "Give it up for JAPAN, without him none of this couldn't have happened! You're awesome dude!" This time you could hear it a mile away a standing ovation even though they are already standing. Japan checks a stained red but no one notice.

BEHIND THE CURTAINS

"Aiyah!" China paced around England.

"China"

"what if I forget something ahen"

"China"

"or fall, or miss a move!"

"CHINA!" He stop gripping the hair brush and placed it near a costume chest. England stationed his hand around China's waist looking him in the eye". You will be fine,promise." The uproar of the crowd broke their grasp. After China's ranting he proceed to ask for England's help. "See that bow" England turned to spot a medium sized light shade of pink hair bow. "This one" he gently lifted it from the dresser. When he saw China sitting by one of the chairs his high ponytail facing him. "Can you pin it down ahen or must I find someone else capable of this simple task?" A smirk stretched over England's face as he grabbed two bobby pins.

There was a lot of space backstage and everyone had found their own little corner to prepare for their big performance. China and England were closest to the curtain but on the far right. Costume chest,mirrors and portable dressing rooms blocked off most of the view between them and the other countries. An awkward tension laid awake within the small gap between them. A stupid grin was slapped on the bastards face. Staying focus he fiddled with the accessory, feeling China's soft hair graze the back of his hand. England remembered hearing Japan and China before him and France slipped the door open. They argued consisted of whether China were to wear the blue wig that can with the costume. China heavily refused and Japan isn't one to yell so you know he won that delmia. "Ok done" He released and took a step back.

China poked at it, soon after tugging it somewhat to the right; fixing the angle. "Thank you aru" Scratching the back of his head he stuttered. "Ah yay no problem" when he noticed China trembling, "hey you ok?" China rolled out of his chair jumping at England. Who reacted fast enough to catch him with open arms. "China?"

"Just shut up stupid ahen"

"Let me guess you're nervous?" England felt jerk "what no." Giving him a doubtful look, China brushed if off with a tiny nod. "What are you singing anyway?" England wrapped his arms tighter hoping to reassure China. "Japan chose it, Suki Kirai which translates to.." England let go of China. "What but but.". He rolled on the heel of his foot, facing the opposite direction of China. "I knew it, he was up to something. I mean come on of course it is a partner song, ah I should have known!" He continued to lecture himself, China staring at him like he had gone insane. The whispery rant lasted a few minutes before China had figured it out and stumble backward but not significant enough for England to hear. "Spit it out already" his only option was to verify it. To truly find out if he had fallen for a dumb trick like that. England shifted to position his hand on his chin "AHH that France, remind me to kill him."

China who was now slumped over began to step sluggish to the side of the stage. And knowing him that's all he had to hear. Then sprinted down the staircase leading to the bottom where the judges table stands. He blinked back his tears and let his rage dry plots washed around his mind. Before he could dash toward stadium he was stopped by Hong Kong, doned in a black suit and dark sunglasses masked his eyes. "Hong Kong what are you don't here aru" afore his answer England ran up close behind, the same evil energy emanating off of him. "Well I am helping Japan with security" He deceased his arm, his emotionless face the same as always. "Well I have to speak to him aru" China took a step forward, but insanity blocked interrupted by his arm again. "Please Hong Kong" England stricted forward getting a firm grip on Hong Kong's shoulder. After a great sigh he proceed to let them in "very well just don't tell him I was here" with that he paced backstage.

England wiped his forehead stuffing his hand in his jean pocket, a dark nefarious feel began to build up inside his soul. Ever so slowly he brought his head up to see China had popped a few veins with a determined stand and his fist clenched together so hard you could hear it. England jumped in terror, a shaken grin appeared. Even in that adorable costume China could always scare the crap out of England. "Get ready Japan because you have some explaining to do!"