Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

ChuWales: Similar, But Different

China wasn't looking forward to the Allies meeting. The Western nations were always acting so childish, especially when they were together, and Russia… Best not to say anything about Russia. China already had to deal with Russia looming over him. He had no interest in gaining even more attention.

He entered the meeting room to see that England was already there. China inwardly groaned. The last thing he wanted was to be alone with that arrogant Brit. He considered going out and walking a lap around the floor when he noticed a few strange things. First, England's hair seemed to be styled differently, and the shade wasn't right. Also, he kept looking around, as though he didn't know where anything was, which was strange, since he was usually the one to make arrangements.

Eventually, England turned around, but there was still something off about him. The eyes and the eyebrows were the same, but the rest of the face didn't look the same. He looked surprised for a moment before he smiled.

"You must be China," 'England' said. "I'm Wales."

China blinked, before it clicked. Of course, England was only one part of the UK. His brothers made up other parts of the UK. Why did it take him so long to remember this?

"Oh, right," China said. "Um, nice to meet you."

Wales beamed, before he looked around again. Now that China could see more of his profile, he noticed that Wales was clutching a sheaf of papers. Eventually, Wales turned to face China.

"Sorry to bother you," Wales said. "But… where does my brother sit? He asked me to bring him some important papers for the meeting while he deals with… other matters."

China crossed his arms.

"So irresponsible," he scoffed. "What could be so important that he couldn't bring them himself?"

"The bathroom, actually," Wales said. "Sorry, I was trying to be discreet. The Prime Minister invited Arthur for dinner last night, and I don't think the dinner quite agrees with him."

China shook his head.

"Are all the British bad at cooking?" he asked.

Wales winced, and China realised that it might have been insulting towards Wales as well. He sighed and went over towards the table, where he tapped at one of the seats.

"This is where he sits," China said.

Wales nodded and placed the papers at England's seat. That was when China saw a little charm around Wales's wrist. He frowned.

"Is that a Western dragon?" China asked.

Wales looked up at him and blinked, before he looked down at his wrist and smiled.

"Oh, yeah," Wales said. "The draig goch is my nation's symbol. It's one of the few things that… never mind."

China frowned as Wales's face darkened for a moment. He made a mental note to look into Welsh history later. He had a feeling that whatever it was that Wales had been about to say had something to do with his past. In four thousand years, China had seen that expression many times.

"Dragons are important in my country too," China said. "It's a symbol of strength, prosperity and good luck."

"It's also a symbol of strength for me," Wales said, raising his wrist and staring at the charm. "Along with bravery and fearlessness. You know they're not the same, right?"

China nodded. Yes, he was aware that there was a distinct difference between the two.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and China looked to see England finally arriving. He looked a bit pale and clammy.

"Ah, China," England greeted. "Good to see you're on time."

China felt a hint of irritation, which was normal when he was dealing with Western nations. England was the one who was late. Then again, the others weren't there yet either.

"Actually, he's early," Wales said. "Since he was here while you were in the loo."

"Wales," England said, his cheeks flushing. "You're still here?"

"I was just having a nice chat with China." Wales then ruffled England's hair, grinning widely. "Good luck with the meeting, little brother."

Wales winked at China, before he wandered out of the room. China watched him go, a small smile on his face. He hoped that he would be able to speak to Wales again sometime. China found him intriguing, which was something he hadn't said about another nation in a long time.