The Little Things [2/?]
anonymous
November 14 2009, 10:18:39 UTC
aklsjkafkljg Thanks to everyone for the support and now I’m paranoid I’ll just screw everything up and disappoint everyone OTL
No idea when the next update will be, but I’ll be trying to get a couple of these down before posting more just so I don’t spam the fill list ohohoho.
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two: attention
With a yawn, Greece crawled out from under the kotatsu, cat still clinging to the back of his shirt. He tilted his head a fraction and stared at the other’s back. Half a minute passed, and Japan had yet to turn around and ask him politely to refrain from doing such things. It could only mean one thing, when he considered where they were and the nature of the situation:
Japan was completely engrossed in his attempt to defeat another boss. It was quite obvious though, when one considered the roaring, the occasional explosion, and a muttered string of curses in Japanese.
As another cat chose to take refuge on the top of his head, Greece shuffled closer, almost cautiously. He knew from past experience that bothering the other in the middle of something of such importance (as far as Japan was concerned) never ended too well, though it was mostly due to the other apologising profusely for being a terrible host.
That was the last thing Greece wanted to happen; Japan was never bad company, but when he chose to act the host, something always seemed… lacking. Perhaps it was due to his belief that everyone was constantly judging another that the island nation would always be a little more restrained, a little less like his usual self. It took at least a day before he calmed down (the cats were a great help in that respect).
This Japan - whose attention fell solely on the television and an eight-headed dragon that refused to die - was one Greece watched with some interest.
He didn’t mind how committed the shorter nation was to it all (even if Japan himself was horrified at his own blatant disregard towards his guest) as he never tired to watching how quickly Japan’s expressions could change when caught up in the game. They were usually quite subtle, but Greece could always tell when it happened, even if he himself had no real interest towards whatever the other was playing.
He enjoyed seeing Japan like this (although he seemed rather frustrated for one reason or another). To him, this was just another moment between them. Like when they sat and watched the world move on without them, when their conversations seemed to jump from one topic to another simply because it could; to him, this was a way of getting to know the other.
Greece started a little when Japan uttered another curse, and he blinked away the drowsiness that fogged his mind while the other nation suddenly realised he was being watched; it was hard to ignore, considering that Greece had taken a seat beside him, and the cats watched with unbound curiosity in the background.
“A-ah, Greece-san, I-…” The controller dropped to the floor as Japan raised his hands, face turning red in a matter of seconds (whether in horror at his actions or embarrassment was hard to say. Then again, it was most likely a mix of both).
Not tonight, he thought, catching one of Japan’s hands in his own. This caused the other to jerk back a little at the contact, enough to stem the apologies that Greece had heard many times before.
He watched as Japan shifted, eyes flickering back to the television; having forgotten to pause, he was losing health. Fast. At the same time, though, a part of him was still caught up in apologising for being such an inconsiderate host and Japan seemed uncertain of what he was supposed to do next.
Intertwining their fingers for a moment, Greece let go. With a smile, he picked up the controller and pressed it back into the other’s hands.
Japan stared down at the object, then back at Greece (who had, by then, made himself comfortable as he watched on), uncomprehending. But as fireballs rained from the sky, his attention was soon drawn back to the battle at hand.
Further apologies would occur later, Greece knew, but for now he wanted things to remain this way. He was sure, one day, Japan would realise he didn’t mind this at all; but until then, he had no problem repeating himself.
The Little Things [3/?]
anonymous
November 14 2009, 10:23:28 UTC
three: visit
It had been cloudy, a sure sign of rain soon to come, but Japan had not expected the downpour before him. Leaning against the windowsill of the guest room, he stared out at the sheet of rain that obscured his view of the buildings beyond.
The small clock set on the bedside table struggled to be heard over the sound of rain that continued to pour down, and Japan barely registered the cat that slinked over to him with a quiet purr. He could not, however, ignore the arms that wrapped around his waist in a loose hug.
“Sorry about this,” Greece murmured into his shoulder, voice almost lost in the rain.
Japan blinked, unsure if he had heard right, before turning a little to look back at the other; for his part, Greece’s eyes never left the scene before them.
He hesitated for a moment, repeating the words in his mind before he spoke; “It is not your fault, Greece-san, you have no control over the weather. As for myself…” And my timing-
“Hm, but it’s not Japan’s fault either.”
Even as he tried to will the blush away from his face (like always, it was burning, and he had yet to find a way to stop it from happening) Japan could only place a hand over Greece’s.
He had no idea how long they remained like that, watching the rain as it continued to fall from above while the cats gathered by their feet, content to stay there despite the fact neither nation paid them any attention. It was as if time had stopped, leaving them to their own devices.
Then Greece pulled away, taking the other’s hand as Japan turned to face him properly. Ignoring the quizzical look the shorter nation gave him, Greece moved towards the bed.
“G-Greece-san, what are you-” Japan spluttered, unsure of what exactly was on the other’s mind, and could only yelp as he was dragged rather unceremoniously onto the bed. About to protest over such actions, he felt Greece shift his position so that they were lying comfortably, and stopped himself.
Closing his eyes, Greece pulled them closer together; “… just until the sky clears…”
They were too close, he told himself, but at the same time the warmth was welcoming, safe. It did not take long for the cats to join them, and Japan could only lie there, listening to the steady heartbeat, the purring that surrounded them, and the rain.
Strange, he thought, it’s not as loud as it once was…
Re: The Little Things [3/?]
anonymous
November 14 2009, 16:54:51 UTC
Adorable! I've never been a Greece and Japan fan, but I think you've changed my mind. I love the little vignettes you've written. I would love more too, please!
Re: The Little Things [3/?]
anonymous
November 14 2009, 22:50:58 UTC
I love Greece/Japan and am sad that there's not nearly enough fic for them out there, so this fill is a welcome discovery for me. You get Greece and Japan's dynamic down perfectly; how they fit so well together even when Greece can so easily make Japan flustered. They really are the kind of couple you think would be boring, but end up being lovely to watch when captured right, and something like this reminds me why I love them so.
In case you couldn't tell from the above paragraph, I'm eager to see what else you'll write for them, anon. <3 <3 <3
The Little Things [4a/?]
anonymous
November 21 2009, 06:17:39 UTC
Hrrrnnngggghhh, I love you guys~ Pfft, I might as well apologise beforehand, due to my brain occasionally dying while doing these. So if anything reads a bit weird or rambles on, or… you know yeah, that’s why. Maybe.
But seriously, all your support makes me giddy and embarrassed and, uh… I sort of worry myself. So yes, thank you all so much.
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four: red string
“Japan…”
“Hm? What is it, Greece-san?” He turned away from watching the sunset, careful to untangle the black and white kitten that had taken refuge on his head. It meowed in protest, but quietened down as soon as he placed it in his lap. Japan traced one ear gently as Greece took a seat beside him, fumbling for something in his pocket.
Once he found it, the brunet held it out for the other to see. Japan inclined his head, brushing his hair out of the way as he inspected the object with curiosity, and then honest confusion at the red string the other held (it vanished quickly, though, as if he had just realised he was making that expression).
Greece saw it, though, and nodded back; “Your right hand.”
“Eh?” Automatically, Japan raised said hand, only to pull back quickly when Greece reached for it, “Ah, what are you trying to do, Greece-san?”
He did not receive an answer, as the Mediterranean nation merely reached forward for the other’s hand; Japan pulled back a little more, but it only forced Greece to shuffle closer, unwilling to give up on whatever he had in mind. When Japan realised that, if he continued in this manner, they would end up in a highly awkward position (his face turned an instant shade of red, and he could only squash the images from his mind before they caused more damage), Japan allowed the taller nation to take a hold of his hand.
For a moment, it seemed Greece had not completely registered the action. Head tilted - too close, far too close (and no, it did not help that he was still red in the face) - he leaned forward a fraction, watching Japan’s reaction; the island nation bit his lip, turning away in favour of staring resolutely at the fading sunset.
Lips brushed lightly, barely there, against his cheek (which only caused Japan to wonder if it had actually happened, or if he only wanted to believe it had happened; no, no, how could he even think- but it was Greece, so…) before the brunet pulled back.
His grip around Japan’s wrist loosened as he instead took the other’s hand, fingers barely curling in a hold; with his free hand, he shook the string out to make sure there were no tangles.
When Japan finally managed to find some composure, he could only watch on curiously as Greece looped the string around his pinkie, taking another moment to tie it securely. He let go with a short nod and a vague smile, clearly pleased with his accomplishment.
Japan could only inspect Greece’s handiwork, somewhat lost.
The Little Things [4b/?]
anonymous
November 21 2009, 06:20:52 UTC
“Greece-san, this is…” He trailed off, as the nation held out the other end of the string towards him. A part of him had finally managed to connect the dots and work out what seemed to be happening; at the same time, however, he could help but continue to be confused. Almost as if he had misinterpreted something quite obvious.
Perhaps he does not know exactly what it symbolises…
Yes, somehow, such an explanation could only work for so long before it became obsolete, and Japan could not even remember when he had begun to argue with himself over such foolish matters; they enjoyed each other’s company, what was the point of recalling each and every detail, trying to find some hidden meaning that did not exist (most likely, though at times-)?
Forcing such thoughts out of his mind, Japan took the offered string and, after another moment, tied it around Greece’s pinkie, just as the brunet had done. He pulled back while Greece took the chance to look at the small bow, a cat taking residence on the top of his head while another draped itself over his left shoulder. Both watched Japan, but he ignored them (tried to, at least) as, while seemingly bored, the black and white kitten crawled out of his lap and pawed at the red string.
Connected.
Japan drew his knees to his chest, staring down at his hand. The sky darkened around them, the final rays of daylight near-gone, and Greece spoke up, breaking the silence between them.
“… An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,” he said it slowly, as if to make sure of his words.
Japan twisted around at this, while long shadows seemed to merge as one, sun practically gone from sight; “Did you hear that from China-san?”
A brief nod of affirmation, before a sudden thought seemed to occur to Greece and he turned to face the island nation; he held up his hand so that the string could be seen, “Is it no good?”
“I don’t-” Japan coughed into his sleeve, as if it would give him enough time to work out an answer he could live with, “-I mean, it would become quite an inconvenience if people were to be literally connected like so.” He raised his own hand as an example, as the kitten between them continued to paw at its newfound toy.
“Just this once, then…” Another nod of the head, as if coming to some sort of agreement Japan had not been completely aware of. Leaning back, Greece pressed his lips against the base of his pinkie, where the red string was tied; Japan turned away quickly, before he could be caught staring.
“The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break,” he breathed, repeating words he had heard a long time ago, even as the string around his finger tugged lightly and the kitten meowed in aggravation, struggling to get out of the mess it had made.
“Hm?”
Japan could practically feel Greece’s eyes watching him, curious, and could only shake his head, turning to face the other was a small smile; “It is nothing, Greece-san. I was just thinking.”
The Little Things [5/?]
anonymous
November 21 2009, 06:27:05 UTC
five: tracing
It seemed, no matter how hard he tried, Japan could not bring himself to make eye contact for any more than a few seconds. It was so rude, after all, to stare at whomever he happened to be conversing with, but it seemed such rules did not apply to other parts of the world. America, at least, found it amusing and England was used to it (decided that it was far too much work to try and help the other with something insignificant), but at the same time he could not help but feel awkward over the entire matter.
Though Japan could only wonder why the thought had occurred to him so suddenly, as the cat in his hands raised a paw and swiped it at his face (without claws, thankfully). Bemused, he set her back on the ground and she wandered off to where the other cats had gathered.
“That’s her way of showing affection.”
The Asian glanced to his side at the sound of Greece’s matter-of-fact tone, though the taller nation had both eyes closed, as he lay back on the grassy hill they occupied. Touching the spot where the paw had hit him, Japan could only shrug; “I suppose there are different ways to express such feelings, even for cats.”
A laugh this, though it did not seem to stem directly from his words. Japan, for his part, directed his gaze to the cloudless sky; it was nice to have a moment to themselves, after all, without politics and agreements, signing papers or reading lengthy documents to keep them occupied.
It was quiet here - just them, cats and nature - although, when one focused long enough, the hum of the city could still be heard (and if Japan wanted, really wanted to, he could hear the murmur of his people). Greece had, inevitably, drifted off once more, as his cats joined him; Japan watched with some amusement as they crawled onto the sleeping nation, leaving only his face uncovered.
They could remain like that for hours, if he allowed it. The weather was fair, typical for spring, and life seemed to go at its own pace, neither pushed nor pulled by external forces.
The cat that had swiped at his face seemed to stare at him from her position on Greece’s stomach, and Japan could only return the look blankly; the cats that followed Greece everywhere were, no doubt, a little stranger than the usual. Though, it could have merely been nothing more than Japan over exaggerating a small matter out of boredom.
His eyes are like that, too, Japan mused, reaching over, as if to touch the sleeping nation’s hand, but stopping himself halfway. He drew back with a small sigh; occasionally prying and questioning, digging deeper out of mere curiosity, yet not overbearing. Is that even possible?
That, and Greece could hold another’s gaze as if it were natural, as if there was nothing awkward with the action. Japan felt he would never understand how or why, as he laced his fingers together and watched as the sky began to turn a shade of orange with the approach of sunset. A tabby nudged him and he allowed it to crawl into his lap with a satisfied purr.
But what did it matter? It was alright, like this.
It was only when the sun had set completely, night sky a murky grey with the barest tinge of blue that Japan chose to wake his companion. He received a murmur in reply and a lazy swat of the hand when he gave the taller nation a firm prod in the shoulder, before Greece finally opened his eyes to stare up at the other. Japan pulled back quickly, apology on his lips even as the Mediterranean nation took a hold of his wrist.
Another look - somewhat confused - even as Japan picked himself up; Greece had yet to let go and it only seemed right to offer a hand. The cats, perhaps irked by their loss of a bed, gathered by their feet as Japan pulled the other up. Their hands remained linked for a moment longer, Japan opting to glance at the cats below as Greece looked on with the barest tilt of the head, before he let go, allowing their hands to fall back to their sides.
Greece bent down, picking up the first three cats within his reach, placing one in Japan’s arms before the other could work out what was happening. He stared down at the feline, who swiped at his face in reply, as Greece tugged lightly at his sleeve and they made the slow trek back to his house.
The Little Things [6/?]
anonymous
November 21 2009, 06:31:26 UTC
six: a moment for you (even if years pass)
Japan sat up on the futon as he tugged his clothes back into place, while Greece watched on with half-lidded eyes. No matter how many years passed, the island nation could not help but be this way (modest, always careful of his words, and just… himself) but Greece knew he would never have it any other way. The murmur of life was muffled by the walls around them, closed windows keeping the night drafts out; a time and place where it seemed only they existed.
Then, for a single moment, despite how brief, Greece thought the other nation was about to stand and leave the room entirely, though it had not been something he had done in recent years. Even as he told himself that, Greece could only reach forward, while a small part of him questioned just how real this moment was - now now now, caught in the line between reality and dreams - and what it meant.
Silence.
Japan started a little at the light touch, even as Greece fought to remain awake. The island nation smiled at the gesture (affection, fondness, love- did words really matter to describe what was between them? Its existence was real, but, at the same time, completely intangible) and he lay back down. He rolled over, closer, as Greece draped an arm around the other’s smaller frame. They remained this way, embraced in warmth that was real and comforting, words unnecessary.
One hundred and ten years, Greece recalled, almost wistfully. It had been a long time - and yet not, when one considered their very existence - since the start of foreign relations between the two. With it came a steady friendship that had, at some point over the years, developed into something more. They didn’t speak of it, though; didn’t feel the need to, content to leave it as it was.
So while their people celebrated the anniversary - a remembrance of their ties through cultural exhibits - the pair had spent the day like any other: cats, small talk and long periods of silence as they merely enjoyed the company. Each moment was special, after all, to be cherished no matter how insignificant; because even if they lived forever, both present and past (moments without fighting, without pain and frustration) left its mark for all eternity. And yet it was so easily forgettable.
Japan shifted, waking Greece, as the island nation raised his hands to brush stray strands of hair out of the other’s face. Their eyes met and Japan offered a small smile, allowing himself a moment to be selfish; to indulge in thoughts and matters that never spoke words, because Greece would know - knew, in fact - though maybe, one day, he would no longer be restrained by certain views believed for so long.
Until then, he took the chance for what it was worth. Words broke the silence, truth undeniable:
“I love you. I love you…”
A murmur in the night, moonlight obscured, yet not completely swathed in darkness. Greece smiled, aware of how difficult it was for the other nation to freely express himself at times, even as Japan tugged him closer for a kiss, fingers tangling into hair.
Hands trailed lightly against skin, individual thoughts and feelings almost palpable as they took the chance to just be. Because it really was just them, in this place (this moment) that saw and heard nothing; by morning it would be as if it had never truly occurred - a dream, a wish, though three simple words would be whispered once more, in reassurance before it faded into obscurity, left as a memory - but they knew, would always know.
Greece would go outside to greet another day; the chill of dawn enough to keep him awake, questions and observations his form of company. Then Japan would join him, and they would watch the sun rise together. Words could come later (one could only guess what they would talk about) but, for now, it was enough.
Re: The Little Things [6/?]
anonymous
November 21 2009, 09:09:14 UTC
Anon, my love for you has reached impossible levels. You make Greece and Japan so themselves, so subdued and yet so vibrant, so utterly perfect for each other, that I fall in love with them all over again every time you update this fill. This fic should seriously be shown to anyone who's interested in Greece/Japan and even those who aren't.
Please, please do deanon this in the future, so that I can properly worship you.
No idea when the next update will be, but I’ll be trying to get a couple of these down before posting more just so I don’t spam the fill list ohohoho.
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two: attention
With a yawn, Greece crawled out from under the kotatsu, cat still clinging to the back of his shirt. He tilted his head a fraction and stared at the other’s back. Half a minute passed, and Japan had yet to turn around and ask him politely to refrain from doing such things. It could only mean one thing, when he considered where they were and the nature of the situation:
Japan was completely engrossed in his attempt to defeat another boss. It was quite obvious though, when one considered the roaring, the occasional explosion, and a muttered string of curses in Japanese.
As another cat chose to take refuge on the top of his head, Greece shuffled closer, almost cautiously. He knew from past experience that bothering the other in the middle of something of such importance (as far as Japan was concerned) never ended too well, though it was mostly due to the other apologising profusely for being a terrible host.
That was the last thing Greece wanted to happen; Japan was never bad company, but when he chose to act the host, something always seemed… lacking. Perhaps it was due to his belief that everyone was constantly judging another that the island nation would always be a little more restrained, a little less like his usual self. It took at least a day before he calmed down (the cats were a great help in that respect).
This Japan - whose attention fell solely on the television and an eight-headed dragon that refused to die - was one Greece watched with some interest.
He didn’t mind how committed the shorter nation was to it all (even if Japan himself was horrified at his own blatant disregard towards his guest) as he never tired to watching how quickly Japan’s expressions could change when caught up in the game. They were usually quite subtle, but Greece could always tell when it happened, even if he himself had no real interest towards whatever the other was playing.
He enjoyed seeing Japan like this (although he seemed rather frustrated for one reason or another). To him, this was just another moment between them. Like when they sat and watched the world move on without them, when their conversations seemed to jump from one topic to another simply because it could; to him, this was a way of getting to know the other.
Greece started a little when Japan uttered another curse, and he blinked away the drowsiness that fogged his mind while the other nation suddenly realised he was being watched; it was hard to ignore, considering that Greece had taken a seat beside him, and the cats watched with unbound curiosity in the background.
“A-ah, Greece-san, I-…” The controller dropped to the floor as Japan raised his hands, face turning red in a matter of seconds (whether in horror at his actions or embarrassment was hard to say. Then again, it was most likely a mix of both).
Not tonight, he thought, catching one of Japan’s hands in his own. This caused the other to jerk back a little at the contact, enough to stem the apologies that Greece had heard many times before.
He watched as Japan shifted, eyes flickering back to the television; having forgotten to pause, he was losing health. Fast. At the same time, though, a part of him was still caught up in apologising for being such an inconsiderate host and Japan seemed uncertain of what he was supposed to do next.
Intertwining their fingers for a moment, Greece let go. With a smile, he picked up the controller and pressed it back into the other’s hands.
Japan stared down at the object, then back at Greece (who had, by then, made himself comfortable as he watched on), uncomprehending. But as fireballs rained from the sky, his attention was soon drawn back to the battle at hand.
Further apologies would occur later, Greece knew, but for now he wanted things to remain this way. He was sure, one day, Japan would realise he didn’t mind this at all; but until then, he had no problem repeating himself.
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It had been cloudy, a sure sign of rain soon to come, but Japan had not expected the downpour before him. Leaning against the windowsill of the guest room, he stared out at the sheet of rain that obscured his view of the buildings beyond.
The small clock set on the bedside table struggled to be heard over the sound of rain that continued to pour down, and Japan barely registered the cat that slinked over to him with a quiet purr. He could not, however, ignore the arms that wrapped around his waist in a loose hug.
“Sorry about this,” Greece murmured into his shoulder, voice almost lost in the rain.
Japan blinked, unsure if he had heard right, before turning a little to look back at the other; for his part, Greece’s eyes never left the scene before them.
He hesitated for a moment, repeating the words in his mind before he spoke; “It is not your fault, Greece-san, you have no control over the weather. As for myself…” And my timing-
“Hm, but it’s not Japan’s fault either.”
Even as he tried to will the blush away from his face (like always, it was burning, and he had yet to find a way to stop it from happening) Japan could only place a hand over Greece’s.
He had no idea how long they remained like that, watching the rain as it continued to fall from above while the cats gathered by their feet, content to stay there despite the fact neither nation paid them any attention. It was as if time had stopped, leaving them to their own devices.
Then Greece pulled away, taking the other’s hand as Japan turned to face him properly. Ignoring the quizzical look the shorter nation gave him, Greece moved towards the bed.
“G-Greece-san, what are you-” Japan spluttered, unsure of what exactly was on the other’s mind, and could only yelp as he was dragged rather unceremoniously onto the bed. About to protest over such actions, he felt Greece shift his position so that they were lying comfortably, and stopped himself.
Closing his eyes, Greece pulled them closer together; “… just until the sky clears…”
They were too close, he told himself, but at the same time the warmth was welcoming, safe. It did not take long for the cats to join them, and Japan could only lie there, listening to the steady heartbeat, the purring that surrounded them, and the rain.
Strange, he thought, it’s not as loud as it once was…
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In case you couldn't tell from the above paragraph, I'm eager to see what else you'll write for them, anon. <3 <3 <3
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But seriously, all your support makes me giddy and embarrassed and, uh… I sort of worry myself. So yes, thank you all so much.
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four: red string
“Japan…”
“Hm? What is it, Greece-san?” He turned away from watching the sunset, careful to untangle the black and white kitten that had taken refuge on his head. It meowed in protest, but quietened down as soon as he placed it in his lap. Japan traced one ear gently as Greece took a seat beside him, fumbling for something in his pocket.
Once he found it, the brunet held it out for the other to see. Japan inclined his head, brushing his hair out of the way as he inspected the object with curiosity, and then honest confusion at the red string the other held (it vanished quickly, though, as if he had just realised he was making that expression).
Greece saw it, though, and nodded back; “Your right hand.”
“Eh?” Automatically, Japan raised said hand, only to pull back quickly when Greece reached for it, “Ah, what are you trying to do, Greece-san?”
He did not receive an answer, as the Mediterranean nation merely reached forward for the other’s hand; Japan pulled back a little more, but it only forced Greece to shuffle closer, unwilling to give up on whatever he had in mind. When Japan realised that, if he continued in this manner, they would end up in a highly awkward position (his face turned an instant shade of red, and he could only squash the images from his mind before they caused more damage), Japan allowed the taller nation to take a hold of his hand.
For a moment, it seemed Greece had not completely registered the action. Head tilted - too close, far too close (and no, it did not help that he was still red in the face) - he leaned forward a fraction, watching Japan’s reaction; the island nation bit his lip, turning away in favour of staring resolutely at the fading sunset.
Lips brushed lightly, barely there, against his cheek (which only caused Japan to wonder if it had actually happened, or if he only wanted to believe it had happened; no, no, how could he even think- but it was Greece, so…) before the brunet pulled back.
His grip around Japan’s wrist loosened as he instead took the other’s hand, fingers barely curling in a hold; with his free hand, he shook the string out to make sure there were no tangles.
When Japan finally managed to find some composure, he could only watch on curiously as Greece looped the string around his pinkie, taking another moment to tie it securely. He let go with a short nod and a vague smile, clearly pleased with his accomplishment.
Japan could only inspect Greece’s handiwork, somewhat lost.
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Perhaps he does not know exactly what it symbolises…
Yes, somehow, such an explanation could only work for so long before it became obsolete, and Japan could not even remember when he had begun to argue with himself over such foolish matters; they enjoyed each other’s company, what was the point of recalling each and every detail, trying to find some hidden meaning that did not exist (most likely, though at times-)?
Forcing such thoughts out of his mind, Japan took the offered string and, after another moment, tied it around Greece’s pinkie, just as the brunet had done. He pulled back while Greece took the chance to look at the small bow, a cat taking residence on the top of his head while another draped itself over his left shoulder. Both watched Japan, but he ignored them (tried to, at least) as, while seemingly bored, the black and white kitten crawled out of his lap and pawed at the red string.
Connected.
Japan drew his knees to his chest, staring down at his hand. The sky darkened around them, the final rays of daylight near-gone, and Greece spoke up, breaking the silence between them.
“… An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,” he said it slowly, as if to make sure of his words.
Japan twisted around at this, while long shadows seemed to merge as one, sun practically gone from sight; “Did you hear that from China-san?”
A brief nod of affirmation, before a sudden thought seemed to occur to Greece and he turned to face the island nation; he held up his hand so that the string could be seen, “Is it no good?”
“I don’t-” Japan coughed into his sleeve, as if it would give him enough time to work out an answer he could live with, “-I mean, it would become quite an inconvenience if people were to be literally connected like so.” He raised his own hand as an example, as the kitten between them continued to paw at its newfound toy.
“Just this once, then…” Another nod of the head, as if coming to some sort of agreement Japan had not been completely aware of. Leaning back, Greece pressed his lips against the base of his pinkie, where the red string was tied; Japan turned away quickly, before he could be caught staring.
“The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break,” he breathed, repeating words he had heard a long time ago, even as the string around his finger tugged lightly and the kitten meowed in aggravation, struggling to get out of the mess it had made.
“Hm?”
Japan could practically feel Greece’s eyes watching him, curious, and could only shake his head, turning to face the other was a small smile; “It is nothing, Greece-san. I was just thinking.”
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It seemed, no matter how hard he tried, Japan could not bring himself to make eye contact for any more than a few seconds. It was so rude, after all, to stare at whomever he happened to be conversing with, but it seemed such rules did not apply to other parts of the world. America, at least, found it amusing and England was used to it (decided that it was far too much work to try and help the other with something insignificant), but at the same time he could not help but feel awkward over the entire matter.
Though Japan could only wonder why the thought had occurred to him so suddenly, as the cat in his hands raised a paw and swiped it at his face (without claws, thankfully). Bemused, he set her back on the ground and she wandered off to where the other cats had gathered.
“That’s her way of showing affection.”
The Asian glanced to his side at the sound of Greece’s matter-of-fact tone, though the taller nation had both eyes closed, as he lay back on the grassy hill they occupied. Touching the spot where the paw had hit him, Japan could only shrug; “I suppose there are different ways to express such feelings, even for cats.”
A laugh this, though it did not seem to stem directly from his words. Japan, for his part, directed his gaze to the cloudless sky; it was nice to have a moment to themselves, after all, without politics and agreements, signing papers or reading lengthy documents to keep them occupied.
It was quiet here - just them, cats and nature - although, when one focused long enough, the hum of the city could still be heard (and if Japan wanted, really wanted to, he could hear the murmur of his people). Greece had, inevitably, drifted off once more, as his cats joined him; Japan watched with some amusement as they crawled onto the sleeping nation, leaving only his face uncovered.
They could remain like that for hours, if he allowed it. The weather was fair, typical for spring, and life seemed to go at its own pace, neither pushed nor pulled by external forces.
The cat that had swiped at his face seemed to stare at him from her position on Greece’s stomach, and Japan could only return the look blankly; the cats that followed Greece everywhere were, no doubt, a little stranger than the usual. Though, it could have merely been nothing more than Japan over exaggerating a small matter out of boredom.
His eyes are like that, too, Japan mused, reaching over, as if to touch the sleeping nation’s hand, but stopping himself halfway. He drew back with a small sigh; occasionally prying and questioning, digging deeper out of mere curiosity, yet not overbearing. Is that even possible?
That, and Greece could hold another’s gaze as if it were natural, as if there was nothing awkward with the action. Japan felt he would never understand how or why, as he laced his fingers together and watched as the sky began to turn a shade of orange with the approach of sunset. A tabby nudged him and he allowed it to crawl into his lap with a satisfied purr.
But what did it matter? It was alright, like this.
It was only when the sun had set completely, night sky a murky grey with the barest tinge of blue that Japan chose to wake his companion. He received a murmur in reply and a lazy swat of the hand when he gave the taller nation a firm prod in the shoulder, before Greece finally opened his eyes to stare up at the other. Japan pulled back quickly, apology on his lips even as the Mediterranean nation took a hold of his wrist.
Another look - somewhat confused - even as Japan picked himself up; Greece had yet to let go and it only seemed right to offer a hand. The cats, perhaps irked by their loss of a bed, gathered by their feet as Japan pulled the other up. Their hands remained linked for a moment longer, Japan opting to glance at the cats below as Greece looked on with the barest tilt of the head, before he let go, allowing their hands to fall back to their sides.
Greece bent down, picking up the first three cats within his reach, placing one in Japan’s arms before the other could work out what was happening. He stared down at the feline, who swiped at his face in reply, as Greece tugged lightly at his sleeve and they made the slow trek back to his house.
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Japan sat up on the futon as he tugged his clothes back into place, while Greece watched on with half-lidded eyes. No matter how many years passed, the island nation could not help but be this way (modest, always careful of his words, and just… himself) but Greece knew he would never have it any other way. The murmur of life was muffled by the walls around them, closed windows keeping the night drafts out; a time and place where it seemed only they existed.
Then, for a single moment, despite how brief, Greece thought the other nation was about to stand and leave the room entirely, though it had not been something he had done in recent years. Even as he told himself that, Greece could only reach forward, while a small part of him questioned just how real this moment was - now now now, caught in the line between reality and dreams - and what it meant.
Silence.
Japan started a little at the light touch, even as Greece fought to remain awake. The island nation smiled at the gesture (affection, fondness, love- did words really matter to describe what was between them? Its existence was real, but, at the same time, completely intangible) and he lay back down. He rolled over, closer, as Greece draped an arm around the other’s smaller frame. They remained this way, embraced in warmth that was real and comforting, words unnecessary.
One hundred and ten years, Greece recalled, almost wistfully. It had been a long time - and yet not, when one considered their very existence - since the start of foreign relations between the two. With it came a steady friendship that had, at some point over the years, developed into something more. They didn’t speak of it, though; didn’t feel the need to, content to leave it as it was.
So while their people celebrated the anniversary - a remembrance of their ties through cultural exhibits - the pair had spent the day like any other: cats, small talk and long periods of silence as they merely enjoyed the company. Each moment was special, after all, to be cherished no matter how insignificant; because even if they lived forever, both present and past (moments without fighting, without pain and frustration) left its mark for all eternity. And yet it was so easily forgettable.
Japan shifted, waking Greece, as the island nation raised his hands to brush stray strands of hair out of the other’s face. Their eyes met and Japan offered a small smile, allowing himself a moment to be selfish; to indulge in thoughts and matters that never spoke words, because Greece would know - knew, in fact - though maybe, one day, he would no longer be restrained by certain views believed for so long.
Until then, he took the chance for what it was worth. Words broke the silence, truth undeniable:
“I love you. I love you…”
A murmur in the night, moonlight obscured, yet not completely swathed in darkness. Greece smiled, aware of how difficult it was for the other nation to freely express himself at times, even as Japan tugged him closer for a kiss, fingers tangling into hair.
Hands trailed lightly against skin, individual thoughts and feelings almost palpable as they took the chance to just be. Because it really was just them, in this place (this moment) that saw and heard nothing; by morning it would be as if it had never truly occurred - a dream, a wish, though three simple words would be whispered once more, in reassurance before it faded into obscurity, left as a memory - but they knew, would always know.
Greece would go outside to greet another day; the chill of dawn enough to keep him awake, questions and observations his form of company. Then Japan would join him, and they would watch the sun rise together. Words could come later (one could only guess what they would talk about) but, for now, it was enough.
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Please, please do deanon this in the future, so that I can properly worship you.
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This is beautiful.
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