February Thirteenth
Title: February Thirteenth
Pairing: One sided Greece/Japan, America/Japan
Rating: PG
Warnings: Slash, Drama
Summary: De-anon from the hetalia_kink meme. (Prompt: Greece learns that Japan is in love with someone else.)
For the most part, World Conferences held on or before major holidays were not favored by the attendees. In fact, such scheduling would usually result in a staggering number of absences from those who were invited to the day's summit. As a consequence, such arrangements were avoided for fear of ending up with a conference where only two countries got together and discussed global issues. Valentine's Day, however, while still significant to most, was not as much of an issue. This was likely due to the fact that most nations were either already involved with or were intending to "hook up" with other nations who would be attending the conference and thus, most did not mind (too much) having to sit through a meeting the day prior to the holiday before going about their personal affairs the next evening.
The meeting held this February 13th had already adjourned, and although Greece had found himself sleeping through most of the deliberation, he still managed to leave the conference room feeling completely drained. He made his way into the hall with every intention of heading directly to his hotel room and going straight to bed, but he found his quest interrupted when he happened upon Japan, standing in a far off corner of the corridor fretting over something in his hands.
"Japan," he said in greeting as he approached his friend and fellow nation. Japan jumped slightly, startled by Greece's presence.
He watched as Japan glanced up at him, before turning away, a blush clearly spreading across his cheeks. "Ah, Greece-san," Japan started as a nervous twitter lightened his words. "I did not see you there."
Greece frowned as he came closer. It was unusual for Japan to be so nervous after a meeting, especially a particularly uneventful one such as this. "Is something the matter?" he asked, careful to keep his tone even as he did not want to make his friend feel as if he were prying. Yet when he came to stand beside Japan he found that there was nothing more than a bag of homemade chocolates cradled in his pale, trembling hands.
"It is nothing, I..." he began and then stopped himself. Japan looked down at the chocolates and sighed, holding the plastic bag as if it were a hefty, unwanted burden. "Do you think he will like them?"
The question caught Greece off guard. He blinked, playing the words over in his mind before asking "Who?"
If at all possible, Japan's blush deepened, spreading from the tips of his ears down to his neck. "A... America-san."
The name was like a knife to his heart as he took in the chocolates Japan was holding. They were perfectly molded heart shaped milk chocolate pieces decorated with white chocolate drizzles. Some of the sweets were adorned with little loops and swirls, others had "America" carefully written on them, while the rest had the country's human name "Alfred" on their glossy surface. Greece felt his hand reaching into his pocket in order to gently touch the chocolates that Japan had given him earlier that day. They were simple and neat and no different than the ones he had given to Germany or Italy or any of the other nations that Japan was on friendly terms with. It was clear that the chocolates that Japan still held on to were not meant as another polite gesture.
"I do not think," Japan went on, "he will understand the gesture." He frowned, his blush slowly fading as he considered his options. "Do you think he will understand?"
Greece didn't acknowledge Japan's question. He barely heard him speak. He could only feel the ache in his heart as he thought reflected upon their century long friendship. Greece thought back on all the long afternoons they had spent together sightseeing, dozing, talking, and playing with cats. Suddenly the thought of the billions of dollars he had spent over the years importing Japanese goods into his home made him feel foolish. Did their joint treaties mean absolutely nothing to Japan? Was their "private lesson" really meant as a way to help Japan improve his skills for America?
"I didn't..." Greece began, but stopped himself as he suddenly did not know how to finish that sentence. His mind was a jumble. He could only focus on how cheated he felt, as if someone had gathered up all his hopes and dreams and had grinded them into dust.
Why? Why was Japan telling him this? Why had he chosen America over him? Why couldn't he see that Greece had been in love with him since their first encounter?
He swallowed against the painful lump that had formed in his throat. "Does... does he feel the same way?"
Japan's fierce blush returned, his eyes darting everywhere except to Greece's face, and even without saying a word Greece knew his answer. It was only then that Greece remembered that Japan had known America long before a treaty had been inked between their two nations. It was then that he recalled all the visits Japan had made to America's home -- and vice versa -- to play video games and deal with all those hi-tech gadgets that Greece had no interest in. It was then that he realized that the reason Japan was telling him this was because he was his best friend.
His heart felt heavy, seemingly sinking straight to his feet as he mustered up the strength to say, "You should give them to him anyway."
Japan looked at him then, his brown eyes locking with his green ones. There was a hopeful flash in his gaze that was quickly swept away by fear and insecurity. "No," Japan whispered, shaking his head slowly. "No, he probably will not understand."
"You could... explain it to him," he suggested.
Japan's only response was to shake his head yet again. "No. No, it is... it is inappropriate." He sighed, his eyes flickering from the chocolates in his grasp to something just a few feet away. "I am being ridiculous. I should just go back to my room."
Without warning, Greece watched as Japan tossed the candies over to a nearby trash bin before walking away. It was only thanks to his own quick reflexes that Greece had managed to catch the bag of chocolates before they could fall into the garbage, not noticing that he had dropped his own sweets in the process. When Greece looked up, he saw that Japan was already gone.
---
Greece wasn't at all surprised to find America in the dining hall. He was sitting with England, having an animated conversation. Well, from the looks of things, it seemed that America was having a conversation while England appeared to be having a fight. Nothing unusual from what he could tell.
"America," Greece began as he approached the two, interrupting their disagreement/discussion.
England glared at him, displeased at being cut off midsentence, as America turned around in his seat to look up at him. "Hey! 'Sup Greece?"
Greece sighed, pushing aside the anger bubbling in his stomach as a small part of him wondered why he was even doing this. "America, can I speak to you? In private?"
"Sure thing," he said, casual and upbeat as always.
Greece had to wonder if America thought this was strange at all since the two countries rarely ever spoke, but from his demeanor, America clearly saw nothing wrong with Greece suddenly wanting to have a private chat with him. Greece led America back into the hall, willing himself not to falter or change his mind. He was committed to seeing his plan through.
"So, what'd you want to say?" America asked once the two were completely alone.
"These are for you," Greece said simply as he handed America the chocolates that had been made especially for him. "They're from Japan. For Valentine's Day."
America's smile widened as Greece placed the bag of sweets into his hands. "Japan made these? Oh wow. He gave me a lot more than everyone else. What a great guy!"
Greece frowned. From America's reactions, it was clear that Japan's fears had been justified. He didn't seem to get the gesture at all. "America, I don't think you understand," Greece began. America -- who had already ripped open the plastic bag and was in the middle of eating two large pieces of chocolate simultaneously -- looked over at Greece, offering him his full attention. "You see, in Japan..." Greece stopped himself as he decided that a speech about the different types of chocolates handed out on Valentine's Day in Japan would only bore America. "Japan likes you... Do you like him, too?"
America swallowed the chocolate that he had been chewing before answering. "Of course I like Japan! We're buds. He always comes over to my place with the latest video games and lots of ice cream. He's awesome!"
He sighed. Suddenly Greece felt incredibly tired and frustrated and insulted. He couldn't understand why Japan had chosen this giant man-child over him. Perhaps America made Japan feel young. Perhaps he was charmed by America's boyish exuberance. Perhaps there was something to him that Greece simply couldn't see. Whatever it was, Greece knew that making America understand how Japan felt would make Japan happy and that's all that Greece wanted.
"You don't understand," Greece said, trying again. "You see... I think Japan ... has feelings for you. Romantic feelings."
America's eyes widened as realization finally dawned on him. "Oh," was his unusually quiet response as his face shifted from shocked, to thoughtful, then wistful. "Oh."
"Do you... feel the same way?" Greece asked, because his curiosity wouldn't let him avoid the question.
America said nothing. He merely offered Greece a soft smile as a rare blush painted his cheeks. It was all the answer Greece needed.
---
Somehow the simple act of knocking on Japan's door was the hardest thing he had done all day. Greece supposed it was because he knew what he would be forced to do once Japan inevitably answered the door and he quietly cursed himself for coming up with this plan in the first place.
"Who is there?" Japan's muffled voice came from the other side of the door.
"It's Greece," he said, struggling for his voice to remain above a whisper so that Japan would actually be able to hear him.
There was a soft thud that echoed in the hall as the lock slid away, before the door finally opened. Japan stood there, dressed as if he were only seconds away from slipping into bed, which was probably why he blushed so deeply when he saw that Greece was not alone in the hall.
"Hey Kiku," America began and Greece had to admit that his own heart pinged with regret at hearing Japan's human name come from another's lips. It was a level of intimacy that he had never been afforded and would likely never have. "Thanks for the chocolates."
"I... how...?" Japan stuttered, as his wide eyes glanced over at Greece before settling on America once more.
"I think we need to talk," America cut in.
Greece stepped aside as America entered Japan's hotel room. Japan only offered Greece an uncertain glance before stepping back inside and softly closing the door. Even from his place out in the hall, Greece could see very clearly what was going to happen next. Inside, Japan would continue to stutter and blush, trying his best to assure America that his gift had been a friendly gesture and nothing else. America, being the forward man that he was, would probably interrupt him either with words or a hug or a kiss or... or maybe something more.
His eyes stung as tears began to blur his vision and Greece allowed them to come, because for more than one hundred years he had been living and waiting for the day when he'd be the one in that hotel room. Now he could do no more than continue to wait patiently for Japan to be ready to let him in, even if took another hundred years.
Pairing: One sided Greece/Japan, America/Japan
Rating: PG
Warnings: Slash, Drama
Summary: De-anon from the hetalia_kink meme. (Prompt: Greece learns that Japan is in love with someone else.)
For the most part, World Conferences held on or before major holidays were not favored by the attendees. In fact, such scheduling would usually result in a staggering number of absences from those who were invited to the day's summit. As a consequence, such arrangements were avoided for fear of ending up with a conference where only two countries got together and discussed global issues. Valentine's Day, however, while still significant to most, was not as much of an issue. This was likely due to the fact that most nations were either already involved with or were intending to "hook up" with other nations who would be attending the conference and thus, most did not mind (too much) having to sit through a meeting the day prior to the holiday before going about their personal affairs the next evening.
The meeting held this February 13th had already adjourned, and although Greece had found himself sleeping through most of the deliberation, he still managed to leave the conference room feeling completely drained. He made his way into the hall with every intention of heading directly to his hotel room and going straight to bed, but he found his quest interrupted when he happened upon Japan, standing in a far off corner of the corridor fretting over something in his hands.
"Japan," he said in greeting as he approached his friend and fellow nation. Japan jumped slightly, startled by Greece's presence.
He watched as Japan glanced up at him, before turning away, a blush clearly spreading across his cheeks. "Ah, Greece-san," Japan started as a nervous twitter lightened his words. "I did not see you there."
Greece frowned as he came closer. It was unusual for Japan to be so nervous after a meeting, especially a particularly uneventful one such as this. "Is something the matter?" he asked, careful to keep his tone even as he did not want to make his friend feel as if he were prying. Yet when he came to stand beside Japan he found that there was nothing more than a bag of homemade chocolates cradled in his pale, trembling hands.
"It is nothing, I..." he began and then stopped himself. Japan looked down at the chocolates and sighed, holding the plastic bag as if it were a hefty, unwanted burden. "Do you think he will like them?"
The question caught Greece off guard. He blinked, playing the words over in his mind before asking "Who?"
If at all possible, Japan's blush deepened, spreading from the tips of his ears down to his neck. "A... America-san."
The name was like a knife to his heart as he took in the chocolates Japan was holding. They were perfectly molded heart shaped milk chocolate pieces decorated with white chocolate drizzles. Some of the sweets were adorned with little loops and swirls, others had "America" carefully written on them, while the rest had the country's human name "Alfred" on their glossy surface. Greece felt his hand reaching into his pocket in order to gently touch the chocolates that Japan had given him earlier that day. They were simple and neat and no different than the ones he had given to Germany or Italy or any of the other nations that Japan was on friendly terms with. It was clear that the chocolates that Japan still held on to were not meant as another polite gesture.
"I do not think," Japan went on, "he will understand the gesture." He frowned, his blush slowly fading as he considered his options. "Do you think he will understand?"
Greece didn't acknowledge Japan's question. He barely heard him speak. He could only feel the ache in his heart as he thought reflected upon their century long friendship. Greece thought back on all the long afternoons they had spent together sightseeing, dozing, talking, and playing with cats. Suddenly the thought of the billions of dollars he had spent over the years importing Japanese goods into his home made him feel foolish. Did their joint treaties mean absolutely nothing to Japan? Was their "private lesson" really meant as a way to help Japan improve his skills for America?
"I didn't..." Greece began, but stopped himself as he suddenly did not know how to finish that sentence. His mind was a jumble. He could only focus on how cheated he felt, as if someone had gathered up all his hopes and dreams and had grinded them into dust.
Why? Why was Japan telling him this? Why had he chosen America over him? Why couldn't he see that Greece had been in love with him since their first encounter?
He swallowed against the painful lump that had formed in his throat. "Does... does he feel the same way?"
Japan's fierce blush returned, his eyes darting everywhere except to Greece's face, and even without saying a word Greece knew his answer. It was only then that Greece remembered that Japan had known America long before a treaty had been inked between their two nations. It was then that he recalled all the visits Japan had made to America's home -- and vice versa -- to play video games and deal with all those hi-tech gadgets that Greece had no interest in. It was then that he realized that the reason Japan was telling him this was because he was his best friend.
His heart felt heavy, seemingly sinking straight to his feet as he mustered up the strength to say, "You should give them to him anyway."
Japan looked at him then, his brown eyes locking with his green ones. There was a hopeful flash in his gaze that was quickly swept away by fear and insecurity. "No," Japan whispered, shaking his head slowly. "No, he probably will not understand."
"You could... explain it to him," he suggested.
Japan's only response was to shake his head yet again. "No. No, it is... it is inappropriate." He sighed, his eyes flickering from the chocolates in his grasp to something just a few feet away. "I am being ridiculous. I should just go back to my room."
Without warning, Greece watched as Japan tossed the candies over to a nearby trash bin before walking away. It was only thanks to his own quick reflexes that Greece had managed to catch the bag of chocolates before they could fall into the garbage, not noticing that he had dropped his own sweets in the process. When Greece looked up, he saw that Japan was already gone.
---
Greece wasn't at all surprised to find America in the dining hall. He was sitting with England, having an animated conversation. Well, from the looks of things, it seemed that America was having a conversation while England appeared to be having a fight. Nothing unusual from what he could tell.
"America," Greece began as he approached the two, interrupting their disagreement/discussion.
England glared at him, displeased at being cut off midsentence, as America turned around in his seat to look up at him. "Hey! 'Sup Greece?"
Greece sighed, pushing aside the anger bubbling in his stomach as a small part of him wondered why he was even doing this. "America, can I speak to you? In private?"
"Sure thing," he said, casual and upbeat as always.
Greece had to wonder if America thought this was strange at all since the two countries rarely ever spoke, but from his demeanor, America clearly saw nothing wrong with Greece suddenly wanting to have a private chat with him. Greece led America back into the hall, willing himself not to falter or change his mind. He was committed to seeing his plan through.
"So, what'd you want to say?" America asked once the two were completely alone.
"These are for you," Greece said simply as he handed America the chocolates that had been made especially for him. "They're from Japan. For Valentine's Day."
America's smile widened as Greece placed the bag of sweets into his hands. "Japan made these? Oh wow. He gave me a lot more than everyone else. What a great guy!"
Greece frowned. From America's reactions, it was clear that Japan's fears had been justified. He didn't seem to get the gesture at all. "America, I don't think you understand," Greece began. America -- who had already ripped open the plastic bag and was in the middle of eating two large pieces of chocolate simultaneously -- looked over at Greece, offering him his full attention. "You see, in Japan..." Greece stopped himself as he decided that a speech about the different types of chocolates handed out on Valentine's Day in Japan would only bore America. "Japan likes you... Do you like him, too?"
America swallowed the chocolate that he had been chewing before answering. "Of course I like Japan! We're buds. He always comes over to my place with the latest video games and lots of ice cream. He's awesome!"
He sighed. Suddenly Greece felt incredibly tired and frustrated and insulted. He couldn't understand why Japan had chosen this giant man-child over him. Perhaps America made Japan feel young. Perhaps he was charmed by America's boyish exuberance. Perhaps there was something to him that Greece simply couldn't see. Whatever it was, Greece knew that making America understand how Japan felt would make Japan happy and that's all that Greece wanted.
"You don't understand," Greece said, trying again. "You see... I think Japan ... has feelings for you. Romantic feelings."
America's eyes widened as realization finally dawned on him. "Oh," was his unusually quiet response as his face shifted from shocked, to thoughtful, then wistful. "Oh."
"Do you... feel the same way?" Greece asked, because his curiosity wouldn't let him avoid the question.
America said nothing. He merely offered Greece a soft smile as a rare blush painted his cheeks. It was all the answer Greece needed.
---
Somehow the simple act of knocking on Japan's door was the hardest thing he had done all day. Greece supposed it was because he knew what he would be forced to do once Japan inevitably answered the door and he quietly cursed himself for coming up with this plan in the first place.
"Who is there?" Japan's muffled voice came from the other side of the door.
"It's Greece," he said, struggling for his voice to remain above a whisper so that Japan would actually be able to hear him.
There was a soft thud that echoed in the hall as the lock slid away, before the door finally opened. Japan stood there, dressed as if he were only seconds away from slipping into bed, which was probably why he blushed so deeply when he saw that Greece was not alone in the hall.
"Hey Kiku," America began and Greece had to admit that his own heart pinged with regret at hearing Japan's human name come from another's lips. It was a level of intimacy that he had never been afforded and would likely never have. "Thanks for the chocolates."
"I... how...?" Japan stuttered, as his wide eyes glanced over at Greece before settling on America once more.
"I think we need to talk," America cut in.
Greece stepped aside as America entered Japan's hotel room. Japan only offered Greece an uncertain glance before stepping back inside and softly closing the door. Even from his place out in the hall, Greece could see very clearly what was going to happen next. Inside, Japan would continue to stutter and blush, trying his best to assure America that his gift had been a friendly gesture and nothing else. America, being the forward man that he was, would probably interrupt him either with words or a hug or a kiss or... or maybe something more.
His eyes stung as tears began to blur his vision and Greece allowed them to come, because for more than one hundred years he had been living and waiting for the day when he'd be the one in that hotel room. Now he could do no more than continue to wait patiently for Japan to be ready to let him in, even if took another hundred years.