Thanks to Mondmaedchen and ScandinavianTrash for reviewing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
Japanada: Bookish
Kiku watched the young man approach, a new book in hand. Every week, the Canadian would come to the library that Kiku worked at to check out a new book. Kiku had never met someone who read this many books. It made his work somewhat worthwhile.
"Hello again, Matthew-san," Kiku said.
"M-morning, Kiku," Matthew returned the greeting. "H-how are things going?"
"They're the same as usual."
"G-good. I-I mean, it's g-good that things a-aren't worse, eh?"
"Indeed."
Matthew looked as though he wanted to say something, and Kiku waited patiently.
"A-are there a-any b-books that you recommend?" Matthew asked. "S-something y-you personally e-enjoy?"
Kiku gave a small smile. Every now and again, it was obvious that Matthew was trying to flirt. However, he apparently wasn't very good at it. Still, this was one of his better efforts.
He actually found it pretty cute.
"As a matter of fact, there is one," Kiku said.
He told Matthew the title and author of the book, asking the Canadian if he'd ever heard of it. Matthew denied any knowledge of it, but he certainly looked intrigued.
"As it so happens, we have a copy of that book," Kiku said. "Though, unfortunately, it's checked out at the moment, but it should be returned later this week. Provided the one that checked it out is as loyal as you."
Matthew blushed slightly, and he nodded his head.
"Do you think you could keep it on hold for me?" Matthew asked.
Kiku nodded, before he started tapping away on his computer. When it was done, he nodded to Matthew, handing over the book that he had intended to check out.
"Enjoy," Kiku said.
Matthew blushed again, nodding his head. He hugged the book to his chest, saying a quick 'goodbye' to Kiku before leaving.
Kiku chuckled lightly. The Canadian really was cute.
…
Matthew returned a week later, returning the old book and immediately going to Kiku's counter, hoping to get the book that Kiku said he liked. He was curious, and liked to read a lot of different books, but reading something that Kiku liked… Perhaps he could get to know the other a little more.
Heaven knew his attempts at flirting were pathetic. He's surprised that Kiku hadn't chased him off by now.
Kiku smiled as soon as Matthew walked up, ducking down behind the counter and placing the book on it.
"You're quite lucky, Matthew-san," Kiku said.
"Y-yeah," Matthew said.
Matthew wanted to say more, but he didn't want to have another disaster. At least not so soon. So with only the normal pleasantries, he checked out the book and left, kicking himself for not asking the other out for coffee. Again.
He hoped that Kiku didn't start thinking of him as some creepy stalker. That would just be the worst thing ever.
…
When Matthew returned home, he made a cup of tea before curling up with the book on his bed. But as he opened the book something colourful on the inside cover caught his attention. It was a sticky note, with Kiku's name and… a phone number?
Matthew's eyes widened. Did Kiku leave this here? For him?
The Canadian smiled. Perhaps he had hope after all.
The prompt is: 'Person A works at a library. Person B is the quiet, bookish type, but they have a definite crush on A. Occasionally, they will attempt to flirt with A, to disastrous results, but at one point A leaves a sticky note on the inside cover of a book that B put on hold with their (A's) phone number on it. What happens next is up to you.'
Okay, the characters with fewer than five pairing requests are: Thailand, Hong Kong, Sweden, Australia, Seychelles, Korea, India, Netherlands, Estonia, Turkey, Cuba, China, Greece, Latvia, England, Portugal, Lithuania, Luxembourg. And the following don't have any requests at all: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cyprus, Czech, Egypt, Hutt River, Seborga, Molossia, Macau, New Zealand, Slovakia, Taiwan. These are only official characters, and characters like Mexico, Israel and the UK siblings are excluded, even though they have requests (but feel free to make requests nonetheless with them). I've also excluded the younger characters because I'm a little uncomfortable with the age gaps. Point is, these are the characters that haven't been getting attention, and I would like to work with your requests. So, any pairing involving these, even if they're with those that I didn't mention here, would be nice. The reason why I keep asking is because it's sometimes difficult to think of a good story or find a suitable prompt, and the more options I have, the easier it becomes.