|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 9:58 am
Heracles knew that Kiku was lying. He saw how much this hurt him, and that it must be extremely hard for him to do. "But, Kiku-kun..wouldn't that make you alone here?" The Greek had noticed that although Japan had been seated next to America, they were not speaking..and the Asian's other friends seemed too caught up in their own affairs to even notice him.
Heracles shook his head, smiling gently at his friend. Sitting down in the chair next to Japan's, he decided..he would not cause anymore pain today. "I'm not going to go back to Yao, Kiku. I..I've already caused so much pain today..and..I just can't stand it anymore. Going back to China now..would just cause all of us more pain...you, especially. So I'm staying here, like a true friend should." '..Regardless of the pain it causes me..' the Greek thought sadly to himself.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 11:40 am
Resisting the urge to do something overly childish like sticking his tongue out at the aristocrat, Gilbert instead turned away sharply and went back to staring out the window. A sigh slipped passed his lip, his eyes tracking the falling rain wearily. He dimly heard Roderich telling him that Ludwig wanted to talk to him, so he turned back and took his phone in a slightly trembling hand.
"What is it, West?" he asked, trying to keep the illness from marring his voice. Despite his best efforts, a faint slur still tainted them and he frowned slightly as he caught it.
He shifted a bit so he was leaning against the seat and the crook of where it met the door. It, unfortunately, meant he had to face Roderich a bit, but it was manageable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
High-functioning Ladykiller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High-functioning Ladykiller
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 11:49 am
Ivan watched with a slight irritation as the Greek spoke and caused Yao discomfort. He didn't let it show on his face, though, keeping his smile carefully placed and his eyes blanked. He was thankful when the man left, if only to spare the Asian from having to deal with anymore of this pain.
"Ah. I know that. But...am upset?" He spoke slowly, trying to make sure he was using all of the words and not making mistakes with his English.
The Russian shifted Yao so that the small man was sitting on his lap, wrapping one arm around him again. It was more comfortable this way, instead of having the Asian lean over to speak face to face.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 11:54 am
Ludwig was silent as the phone was passed over, his blue eyes holding a sort of worry. Of course, Gilbert would be fine if he was with Roderich. But... would Roderich be fine with Gilbert? He rubbed his temples slightly, just as his older brother answered the phone.
"Ah, are you all right? Why were you outside? Why didn't you use the umbrella?" he immediately asked, catching the slight slur in Gilbert's voice.
He sighed softly and shook his head slightly, closing his eyes as a wave of relief passed through him. "You had me worried, bruder," he admitted softly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 11:55 am
Straightening up, Kiku gave Heracles a smile that he meant. He could see that the Greek was genuinely concerned about him and that alone made Kiku feel slightly better. Nudging at the American beside him, Kiku tried to bring Alfred out of his daydreaming state so that they could talk.
"I'll be alright here, Heracules-kun," Kiku told the Greek, using his real name to emphasize his point, "I can talk with America-san. Believe me, I want you to befriend China-san."
Thinking for a moment, Kiku added, "It might lead to the possible reconciliation between the two of us if you are the mutual friend in between."
Kiku was being blantly honest about what he was saying to Heracles. If he was the mutual friend, maybe Kiku could learn to forgive Yao and Yao could learn to forgive Kiku. It would lead to strong ties between his nation and Yao's nation. Nodding at the thought, Kiku knew that he would be much happier and content if Heracles and Yao were friends.
"I won't be alone, Heracles-kun," Kiku assured the Greek, "Like I said, I could talk to America-san. Or maybe I could find Italy-chan. Kudasai*, go and talk to my...my brother..."
Saying that term directed towards China still felt bitter in Kiku's mouth, but he would endure the bitterness if it meant that Heracles would be happy. After giving the American beside him one last shove, Kiku stopped and looked around, noticing a few other nations approaching the meeting room. Kiku was good friends with a few of them as well, so he could talk with them if he were alone. Liking the conclusion that he had come up with, Kiku smiled -a true smile- at Heracles and shooed him away.
"Go and make amends with China-san. If not for you, then for me," Kiku ordered kindly, wanting nothing more than for Heracles to be happy.
*Kudasai- another term for please.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:05 pm
A slight smile tugged his lip as his brother worried and he shook his head, amusement in his red eyes. "Ja. I'm fine, bruderlain. I went out to think." The question about the umbrella made him roll his eyes and flash a dirty look at Roderich for even mentioning it to Ludwig. "I didn't want to use it. I didn't think I'd get ill, ya know."
He couldn't help the warm look that entered his eyes, even under the gaze of a person he'd rather not show weakness around. His brother was too adorable, acting all worried when he was fine. It really made him feel cared for, which he sometimes needed the reminder of.
"Ja," he answered in a soft voice, smile playing on his lips. "Sorry to worry you, Ludwig. I am all right, honest." He shook his head, sighing softly. "But I'm tired. And this is a damned long distance call. I'm going to let you go, 'kay? Tschüs*." Without waiting for any affirmative, he close the phone and slipped it back into his pocket.
*Slang for see you later*
|
|
|
|
|
|
High-functioning Ladykiller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:36 pm
Listening to his brother, relief found it's way into Ludwig's mind. It sounded like he was fine. He was a bit more restrained than usual, but that was always a good thing. If Gilbert was going to be a bit tame, that was never a problem. It could be concerning, but it was welcome. After all, there had been a time in the past when one of their leaders had tied the albino to the nearest pole in the government building just to keep him still and out of trouble.
Having been hung up on, he sighed and put the cellular phone back into his pocket. He was glad Gilbert was all right. He wished the Austrian a silent oath of luck, feeling a bit of pity for the man having to deal with his ill brother.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 1:25 pm
It seemed that Kiku didn't understand. Even though Heracles dearly wanted to make friends with Yao, he couldn't..not without angering Russia. Pain flashed through him once more, and he suddenly felt the need to sit down. He didn't want to go back out into the corridor, back to where those two were sitting...it would only make things worse. Sitting in the chair next to Japan's, Heracles forced himself to look at his friend. "Kiku-kun..I..I can't..make friends with Yao..." the Greek whispered. He desperately wanted Kiku to understand, that he wasn't trying to hurt him, he was just attempting to sort this mess out with as little pain inflicted as possible. "I..I don't think it's fair for me to just..push my way into Yao's life...he has Russia there, and it isn't right for me to..." the Greek trailed off, unable to finish. A lump had once again risen in his throat, and he could feel the tears would soon be evident in his eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 1:45 pm
Kiku sat in thought for a moment, remembering that Ivan, although frightening, was defeatable. He, himself, had done it once before, even though it cost all his money to do so. Also, Kiku knew Yao better than almost any nation, save for Korea and Taiwan. If Yao was bent on doing something, he would get it done, but upsetting Ivan...no, he knew that the Chinese man would never do that.
"China-san...If there's anything I know, Heracles-kun, it's that Russia-no-baka and China-san are good friends, but it is unfair to China-san that he cannot have any friends besides Russia-no-baka," Kiku told his friend, placing a comforting hand on his arm, "What I do know is that you are not forcing your way into China-san's life. If anything, he was welcoming the hope of a new friend. Things will work out in the end, Heracles-kun, I know they will."
Tapping his chin with his free hand's index finger, Kiku asked, "If you like, I can talk to Russia-no-baka. Maybe I'll even talk to China-san as well. I just want you to be happy, Heracles-kun."
Leaving Heracles to ponder his offer, Kiku turned his attention to the sulking Englishman. He had been extremely depressed looking since Kiku walked into the room and began sulking. If Kiku was to make more friends, perhaps it would work in his favor if he talked to Arthur. Clearing his throat, Kiku innocently tapped Arthur's arm from around Alfred, inwardly rolling his eyes at the still daydreaming American.
"England-san? Is something bothering you? You appear to be upset. I can listen, if it is not imposing," Kiku offered politely, hoping the British man wouldn't make him regret his offer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 1:53 pm
Arthur felt someone tap his arm and he blinked, glancing around America's bulk to spot Japan. Moving his chair back away from the table so he could see the Japanese clearly, a slight blush tinged his cheeks. "A-ah, n-no!" he sputtered, eyes widening. He ducked his head slightly and willed his blush away. "I-I'm just a bit hungover and have been going through something a bit...stressful," he replied, calming himself down.
He looked away quickly, staring down at his lap. All of China's talk about friends and alienating himself brought up unsettling memories. Even the man in front of him that wanted to help him out had betrayed him in the past century.
It was odd. Perhaps China was right when he said he was alienating himself. Japan used to call him by his first name, with -san, and he had called Japan by his name. Did the war change that? Or was it his own distancing that caused it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
High-functioning Ladykiller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:06 pm
Worry flashed across Kiku's eyes when he heard that Arthur was hungover. He recalled that the English man was quite the character when drunk, but was always depressed afterwards. Sensing that the man needed a friend, Kiku moved the hand he had on Heracles's shoulder to place it on Arthur's shoulder.
"If something really is bothering you, Arthur-san, I'd be glad to assist you," Kiku spoke kindly, referring to the nation in front of him by his real name, "You usually only drink to the point of a hangover when you're arguing, or competing, with France-san or if you are truly troubled by something."
Kiku put on a thoughtful face, "Then again...you were a pirate in your past, so I believe drinking is just in your blood, hai?"
The Japanese man knew the effects of alienating yourself from the others and it was not a good feeling. For two hundred years, Kiku lived alone and in solitude. Sure, his people now had the most advanced technology and were a head of the other nations when it came to that, but it cost Kiku two hundred years of loneliness to do so. Not wanting that same loneliness to befall another nation, Kiku now took it upon himself to try and help the other nations. After all, without an army to defend himself thanks to Alfred, Kiku needed all the friends he could get. Realizing that indeed having friends hurt, it was also nice to have them to lean on if you needed them.
"...You know, Arthur-san," Kiku began gently, "Isolating yourself from the other nations won't benefit you in the end. After spending two hundred years in isolation, I would know a thing or two about loneliness, hai? It's not a good feeling."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:15 pm
Arthur blinked when Japan set a hand on his shoulder, and then blushed as he commented on his drinking. "U-uh, no. Um... Gilbert came over yesterday and we...um..." he trailed off, knowing that the Prussian was enough of a drinker as well that it was obvious that the night ended with them drunk.
His blush darkened at the mention of his pirate past and he ducked his head slightly, glancing over at the American out of the corner of his eye. He really did not want to entertain the comments the lad would give at the moment.
He froze when the Japanese man commented on his isolation tendencies and stared at his lap, a slight pinkness still on his cheeks. "What is it with you Asians and that topic?" he muttered under his breath.
He already knew that alienating himself was a bad idea, but he couldn't help it. It was in his nature and he had been burned too many times in the past to get over it. That was one of the reasons why the "Splenid Isolation" occurred.
|
|
|
|
|
|
High-functioning Ladykiller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:27 pm
The silence of the ride was peaceful to the Canadian, all except for the odd looks the driver had given him. Matt guessed his usual driver was sick, and was glad that this one looked as though he was told about Kumajirou prior to this. Giving him a smile, he got into the back of the taxi.
Sighing, he looked out the window and watched the clouds. For some reason, they reminded him of memories long forgotten. Smiling, he looked back at Kumajirou and closed his eyes. Perhaps today things will be different. It would be nice if it were. One can always hope.
It seemed as though no time had passed before they finally reached the airport. Getting out of the vehicle, he thanked the driver before paying him. The man nodded and drove off once Matt was safely out of the vehicle, items in hand. Turning around, he and Kumajirou enter the airport.
After going through all the basic procedures of going onto the plane, Matt was finally able to relax in the waiting area. It was fairly quiet, which was nice, though he still had to wait an extra twenty minutes due to the delays. ‘At least it’s not an hour’, he thought, holding Kumajirou on his lap.
Taking a gaze at the window, he thought of how nice the weather might be in England right now. Perhaps it was as sunny as here. He hadn’t had time before to check the weather there, so he hoped it wasn’t raining.
Oh crud, what if it was raining. He didn’t even think about that. Darn it, he even left his umbrella at home. He could ask one of the workers here if there were extras, but what if people really needed them and they were one short because of him. No, he could deal with the weather, whatever kind it might be.
Several minutes passed by before a woman come up and told him his plane had arrived. Escorting him there, she handed him an umbrella. “Here. You may need it. I heard it raining in England. Wouldn’t want your little friend there to get wet, now would we?” she informed Matthew, before adding, “Don’t worry, we have more than enough extras in the back.”
Matt wanted to refuse, but he felt it might be best not to. She did go to the trouble of grabbing one. It even had his flag on it. Thanking her, they got onto the plane and Matt headed straight for his usual seat, setting Kumajirou beside him. Now all he had to do was wait and hope he wasn’t late.
A few hours passed and, due to the storm, he was running behind, again. Making sure he had everything, he rushed down the steps and to the main entrance. Taking a look outside, he could see that he would need that umbrella the one flight attendant gave him. As he walked the door, he quickly opened the umbrella and waited for his ride. He was grateful he didn’t have to wait long though.
Once at England’s Government Building, Matthew paid the man and ran as fast as he could to the conference hall. He hoped he didn’t miss much if they had already started. Opening the door to the room, panting, he tried to speak, but he was slightly too out of breath. Catching his breath this time, he looked over at them, more worried that he was late then what was going on. “I’m sorry that I’m late. The storm caused trouble for pilots, and I’m sorry I’m late,” he puttered, hoping they wouldn’t mind. Taking in another deep breath of air, he went and sat down, placing his briefcase on the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:30 pm
Kiku saddened at the thought that Arthur and Gilbert were alone and drinking with each other. It was obvious to any of the nations that the night ended with them drunk and probably together in a bed, on the floor, or on a couch. When Arthur glanced at Alfred after Kiku spoke about the English man's pirate past, Kiku thought it best not to say anything on that topic anymore. However, when Kiku mentioned isolation, he caught Arthur's body reactions over his response.
"The reason us 'Asians' talk about the topic of isolation is because all of us have been though it. I, for two hundred years, Korea-san has been through it, Taiwan-chan has been through it, Vietnam-chan has been through it as well as Hong Kong-san while China-san is going through it right now," Kiku explained to the English man, "Eto*...I just don't want any other nation to feel what us Asian nations have already gone through."
*Eto- Um
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:35 pm
Upon seeing Kiku turn away from him, Heracles thought about what he had said. Was he really that willing..even to talk to China..just for him to be happy? Rising to his feet, he tapped Japan's shoulder. "Kiku-kun? Thank you. I know how hard it must be for you to say that..but I'll go and talk to Russia and China myself, first." Smiling at his friend, the Greek returned to the corridor...
...Where China was to be found sitting in Russia's lap. Heracles' eyes widened slightly, but he acted perfectly normal. "I'm..I'm sorry to intrude, but, may I speak with you both?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
