Chapter 7

Middle of Poland's and Lithuania's performance: Butterfly on Your Right Shoulder

The endless beat of "Butterfly on Your Right Shoulder" played in loud outside. Turns out the power started back up at the very beginning of the song. Just before they started, but it being a hassle to transfer back inside and a waste of Japan and his crew's effort they decide to stay outside. It was a beautiful stage and a rather dark evening which help show of the simple string lights decorating the stage and its rim.

This very song happens to be one of China's favorites. It was a so called classic, and sung along to most of the parts. As the end approached he felt Arthur grab him by the shoulder and spin him in his direction. "What are we going to do?!" In Yao's opinion he seem very stressed and worried. With a heavy sigh you avoid his gaze to the ground. "L.. let me handle it aru"

"But you can hear can't you, the rain is starting to come back. I don't want to put you in that kind of position."

"Just trust me ahen!" Arthur stopped shocked at his outburst. "I'll be fine, I have to get over this fear anyway. It's driving me insane, besides I have the perfect plan." Once again England stuffed him in his embrace. "Please, don't do this." A small grin appeared on China's face as he kissed England's check. "I promise I can do this aru" After what seemed forever he finally let go of China who was still in his earlier costume. "...Ok… but if anything happens.."

"I know I know" He waved a small gesture at him and giggled than running of the Japan who had just finished bringing in a small costume cart.

"Oh Nii-san do you nee…" In a blur he grabbed a what seemed totally random at the moment, China gave him a small solute accompanied with a cheeky wink and left to change.

"WAIT CHINA." Hearing England's loud call he froze and walked over to him. First thing he realized was he was blushing madly. Second was hiding something behind his back and third constantly looking side to side avoiding his gaze and checking for other countries."Yes Arthur aru?"

"I uh...j..ust wanted..to..g..ive you th...is." Instantly he shut his eyes and placed a small brown bag in front of him. "What is it?"

"Just take it will you" Not noticing his own face beginning to flare up he took the bag and pulled out a lovely pinkish-white peony hair click. Inside he melted it was truly beautiful. "Arthur how can I thank you it's beautiful, but why did you buy it for me aru?" He played with the petals, feeling the rough texture and experimented with the clip. "It's just a little something I bought just in case I did win and got the tkts in which I would have given to.."

"Who?"

'Ah hah.. you."

"Really aru me?" England nodded when he sudden end of the song shocked China he had to change and quick. "Sorry, I have to get ready!" And with that dashed off.

IT'S TIME: China's performing: SInging Seasonal Feathers (such a beautiful song)

"Up next we have China and England fighting for the crown, Worlds Voice Contest!" America howled through the microphone though most saying he didn't it because he was loud enough as it is. "Here they are!" Applause followed as a slim China walked out alone. Mimers passed the audience some about how he was alone others about the outfit.

He wore a red and white hanfu, with long vertical sleeves when his arms were lifted would reach waist length. The red was more of the skirt and under layer showing up around the inside rim of the neck and arms, as the white cover most off the top. The waist band was red and tiny plum blossoms decorated wherever white appeared on the hanfu. His hair in a loose bun leaving his bangs out and that peony clip on the side.

A faint sound of a piano played its melody before, a soft but strong voice broke throught. The piano slowed down its beat to a much similar pace. For once today he almost felt at peace. The piano began to pick up the complexity of the song. Familiar sounds dusted the music adding to the rhythm. The singing continued as its soft and gentle sound surrounded the crowd.

When a drum and other instruments began found its way into the chorus. Almost never moving from the front of the mic, distant rumbling of rain reflected in his eye. Finally with his last line thinking he might have to stop soon he, let the instrumental amuse the crowd for the time being. His eyes slightly widened. As he regained focus he sang with a faster pace as instruments and sound added and increased the volume and speed. This continued for awhile till another round of lighting and thunder sprung alive.

As the chorus rang again as he slowly rising his hands to his chest as to calm himself. That's when everything seem to go faster and faster till a small distance strike of lighting made him jump fairly bad some between the crowd noticed. Including England who had been watching with complete awe but as worry for he had seen this coming. But with a small stark of luck another instrument started as he ignored the words that we supposed to be sung. A loud shock of thunder run up and down China's spine.

He wanted to fall, and give in. He was scared and wanted to find someplace warm to hide. But a small glance at England gave him a let courage to go on. The words "I can handle this" rang through his ear as he found a hit of resolve. Ending with a small but effective scream. As somehow started up the last bits of the song he saw another flash and soon a crash. Some in the crowd also jumped.

He just couldn't take it anymore. He began to step back one after the other yet unconsciously still singing. His voice became jagged and quieter as he drew farther from the microphone. Barely able to stand he never noticed the footsteps creeping up behind him. All of a sudden someone scooped him up from behind holding him in a hug from behind. Keeping China's hands close to his chest. (If you watch the 30 seconds of the song,you'll see what I mean. That is if you are watching it or already know what's happening.)

As if it was practiced, at least that's what most nations thought. He continued the song effortlessly, still keeping a grip on the motionless China's as his tears spilled over.

The crowded cheered and screamed beyond belief as England carried the nation braidel-style of the stage. He continued to cry in his arms and apologizing for letting him down. Which Arthur thought outrageous.

"What are you talking about,you were so beautiful and you singing was breathtaking, Not to mention how you stayed up so long after the countless strikes of lightning and thunder. Ok? you have nothing to be ashamed of." Then looked up with the eyes of a child. "Re *hic* ally." Leaving a England's heart thumping faster. "Really." He said before meeting his lips with China's.