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hetalia2010-05-23 12:58 am
silvey.livejournal.com) wrote in hetalia2010-05-23 12:58 am
Entry tags:
Fanfiction - England/Japan - For Vegas 2/2
Title: For Vegas 2/2
Author/Artist: Silvey
Character(s) or Pairing(s): England/Japan.
Rating: PG
Summary: Japan demands that England take responsibility.
17/4/2010
England woke up to the smell of tea, which was one of his favourite things to wake up too. He rolled over lazily and glanced around the room. It took his sleep-addled brain a few seconds to process Japan sat there at the table by the window, a pot of tea in front of him. Of course, he guessed he’d have to get used to it...
“Good morning,” he mumbled, forcing himself to push the covers back and roll out of bed. Japan returned the greeting and poured him a cup of tea so he flopped down into the free chair gratefully and cradled the cup between his hands. Being married was obviously a good thing if you woke up and somebody had already brewed the tea for you.
“You you well this morning?” Japan asked, looking him over critically. England had the decency to blush, he really had been awful yesterday morning after all.
“Yes,” he mumbled. “Yes, I’m fine. Once I’ve had this tea I’ll be ready to face the world.”
“Good,” Japan said, nodding curtly. “I feel there are some matters we should discuss.”
England blinked a little, then took a deep sip of his tea. It would seem Japan meant business and if Japan did mean business he was going to need a lot more tea to face it.
“What is it you wish to talk about?” he asked. The oddly intense look on Japan’s face made him wish he’d taken the time to get dressed before sitting at the table, he just couldn’t meet a gaze like that in his pyjamas.
“I believe, at this point, it would be pertinent to discuss arrangements.”
“Arrangements?” England asked, trying to stifle a yawn.
“Yes. We are married now, correct England-san?”
“Yes,” England said, a brief smile flickering over his lips. He’d thought about it last night while trying to get to sleep, thought about it a lot and really it wasn’t going to be so bad. In fact, he was thinking he might enjoy it.
“Well, it seems natural that we should live in the same house, then. So that must be discussed. We must tell our bosses as soon as possible and then I believe it best to discuss living arrangements and such at this early stage in our relationship.”
“Just a second,” England mumbled. He leant forward and picked up the kettle, signed in contentment when he felt there was still some tea in it, poured himself another cup and drank it quickly.
“Ok,” he said, sitting back. “Ok, that’s all far too much for this time in the morning. I mean...yeah...I guess it does make sense for us to share a house. You know we have elections at my place soon, right? I can’t really leave there at the moment, not for too long at a time anyway...”
“It would be acceptable to make a base there for now, I think,” Japan said, nodding slowly. “Of course, we do not always need to be in the same place. When your situation is more stable we can alternate between our homes. With modern technology it is rarely pressing to be in the same country as those you are communicating with other then for time difference reasons...”
“Yeah,” England said with a sigh. Of course, he was still a little uncertain about the internet...but he was sure with Japan’s help he’d get the hang of it quickly enough. “I guess, for now, you should go home and talk to your boss and get some things, right? We can keep in touch while you’re away then you can come over when you’re ready...”
“That would be acceptable,” Japan replied, nodding. “As for the details of our living together...”
“Hey,” England cut in, leaning forward. “Look, my flight is pretty soon, I need to be going. We’ve sorted out the important things. I mean, there’s lots more to talk about but we can’t do everything now. We’ll keep in touch and talk it out later, ok?”
“Yes, that will be acceptable,” Japan said, nodding. The other nation stood and gathered himself and his belongings, then turned and headed towards the door. England blinked a few times before standing up and following him.
“So...call me when you get back to Japan?”
“I think that because of our time differences that would be a bad idea. I’ll send you an e-mail.”
“I guess that’s fine,” England replies, smiling softly. “Can...can I kiss you goodbye?”
The business-like approach suddenly dropped away from Japan and a blush spread over his cheeks. Slowly England leant in and, when the other man didn’t protest, pressed their lips together lightly. He knew better then to ask for too much too quickly this time so kept the contact light, soft, and Japan tilted his head to meet the kiss.
Then the kiss was broken and Japan was suddenly gone and England was left standing in his doorway watching the spot where his husband had been.
~*~*~*~
“What on earth is going on?” England found himself asking, though he knew none of the people stood around him were more equip to answer the question then he was. It had taken him an hour this morning to collect his possessions and negotiate his way out of the hotel. He’d been stopped twice by people wanting to wish him well, Lithuania and Italy, who had been backed up by a slightly bemused looking Germany. The trip to the airport had been hell, the roads in America were useless and he would never get used to driving on the wrong side, and now this.
Flights to Europe, cancelled. A lot of them. Either delayed or cancelled.
“Heard a volcano’s gone off in Iceland, mate,” a man next to him said. England turned to see the man was glaring up at the boards. “You heading to London too?”
“Yeah,” England said, scratching his head a little. A volcano in Iceland...Iceland had missed the meeting saying he was feeling a little unwell but a volcano?
“Don’t see why a volcano in Iceland means we can’t fly to London,” the man grumbled, but England was saved from having to reply when the national anthem started playing somewhere in his carry on luggage. He rummaged through the bad quickly and pulled out his phone, taking a second to notice it was Japan calling before he connected the call.
“Ja...Kiku, hello,” England said, glancing nervously at the man next to him who was looking kind of oddly at him. Didn’t do to go around calling people England and Japan and America in public, the general population didn’t tend to understand.
“Hello, Arthur-san.” So Japan was around people too. England found himself glancing around as if he expected Japan to emerge from the crowd. “I have just arrived at the airport and seen the departures, it would seem that returning to your home is not an option right now.”
“No,” England said, sighing yet again. “Guess not. There’s a rumour going around about a volcano in Iceland...”
“Oh dear, I hope he is ok...”
“Me too,” England replied, almost guiltily. Of course, the thought hadn’t crossed his mind, but it should have. Iceland was a nice enough nation, after all. A little quiet but still. “Anyway, it looks like I’m going to be stuck here in America for a while...”
“Actually, that is why I called,” Japan said, a sudden note of hesitation in his voice. “Flights to Japan are still leaving. I wondered if, given the circumstances, you would like to come and visit my home?”
It took England all of ten seconds to consider the proposal. Hanging around the airport, having to listen to America...or going with Japan for a while. He could always get back from Japan when flights opened again.
“Thank you for the offer, that sounds wonderful.”
“Excellent, I’ll speak to my boss about a ticket for you and if you make your way towards the check-in area I’ll find you when that’s done.”
“Ah, don’t go to any trouble for me,” England said, biting his lip. “I mean, if you have to go and talk to your boss about it, I don’t want to put anyone out...”
“It is no problem,” Japan said, “After all, you are my husband so it’s no problem. I will talk to you soon.”
“Yes, thanks,” England said, ending the call. What on earth had he just agreed to?
~*~*~*~
The hop to Los Angeles had been edgy. To say that England was still unsure of how to act around his husband would be an understatement. Added to that, both nations were naturally quite polite so they spent a good portion of the flight apologising to each other, which is one way to kill an hour. They’d both been through Los Angeles International before, though England had this certain sense of confusion when presented with even the most familiar of his own airports that he wasn’t sure he would ever loose. He was somewhat gratified to see that there was still no way back to London. As much as he wanted to be home with his people at the moment at least now they’d have a chance to talk away from America before he had to face his boss.
In the airport there was plenty of space and they didn’t have any trouble but on the plane it suddenly seemed oddly claustrophobic to be sat this close to Japan. It was as though there was no way to avoid the other nation, and it was an eleven hour flight.
Of course, the good thing about that was it was impossible for them both to be nervous for eleven hours straight. After the obligatory apologising they decided to watch an in-flight movie so they didn’t have to make conversation. That proved to be rather a good move as it let them get used to being sat this close without the pressure of conversation. When it was over they’d both relaxed a little and were able to turn the conversation to international politics and such, things they normally discussed and were comfortable with.
After about the 5th hour of the flight they realised it was ok to be quiet together. England took out a book and, after some hesitation, Japan took a comic out of his bag and started to read it. England had heard of Japan’s comics in a vague way, something about tentacle porn, so he couldn’t help but glance over the other nations shoulder but it seemed perfectly normal to him.
Japan fell asleep somewhere in there, and England found himself able to look for the first time. There was something modest about Japan’s behaviour that stopped him looking when the other man was awake but once he was asleep it seemed fine to glance.
Of course, Japan was very pretty. All the nations were quite attractive, he supposed it came with being a nation. Japan probably wasn’t the most attractive nation, if he was being objective, but he was the only nation who’d really aroused England in quite a long time. Others had tried, he’d tried, but turning a nation on wasn’t as easy as it was for humans. And Japan turned him on.
Of course, it wasn’t that he wanted to preserve the marriage only for sexual gratification, if Japan’s behaviour so far was any indication that might be a long time in coming. No, it was more than that. He didn’t just want Japan in his bed, he wanted Japan. But in a strange way. Whenever he’d had a nation before he’d been the dominant force, but something about Japan was different, something about their relationship. Of course, he was a different nation now to who he had been, and Japan had become a quite gentle nation since the war...
Japan shifted a little in his sleep, his head tilted towards England shoulder and England moved quickly to oblige, slipping into a comfortable position and waiting until Japan settled again before releasing his breath.
There was something serious happening here.
~*~*~*~
From the airport they caught the train and England was forced to admit that Japan’s trains were much better than his. He’d known this, of course, but he’d not admitted it before. Japan had smiled when he did in a way that made England want to push him down and rip his clothes of...or at least kiss him.
England had, of course, visited Japan before. Many times, over the years. He hadn’t visited enough for it to be familiar though so he still felt very much like a guest when Japan showed him into the house and left him to make tea.
England took a few moments to walk around the room, taking it in. It was...it was traditional Japanese in parts, and strikingly western in others. It was as though Japan couldn’t decide how he wanted his house to be, but hadn’t found a way to make them both work without clashing a little yet. The odd western touches made him feel strangely at home and he finally sat down at the low table. He remembered visiting in winter once to find a table with a heater under it in Japan’s home, which he thought was a wonderful idea.
All in all, by the time Japan came back into the room he was feeling a lot more relaxed. It almost seemed like he could handle things better here, though he wasn’t sure why.
“Are you comfortable?” Japan asked, sitting down across the table from him and putting the tray down. England smiled at the scent of Earl Grey filled the air. Being married to Japan would certainly not be so bad after all.
~*~*~*~
England couldn’t sleep. He should, by all rights, be tired but he couldn’t sleep. Japan was lying a few feet away sleeping peacefully. England was starting to wonder how the other nation found it so easy to sleep at times like this. So far everything had been pleasant. They’d drunk tea and discussed what they’d actually achieved at the summit and England had phoned his queen to let her know where he was and that he’d make his way home as soon as possible. Then they’d retired to sleep.
It was odd, it had only been a few nights of course, but it felt strange to lie here almost next to Japan yet not sharing sheets. He supposed some part of his mind had already accepted Japan as his husband, someone who should be in his bed.
After lying there for a few minutes he slid out of the covers as gracefully as he could, which was ‘not very’ but it was alright as Japan slept through it. He padded through the living room to the back door then out into the night air. It was oddly crisp, the trees in Japan’s garden were beginning to flower. If it wasn’t so dark it would be nice. He hesitantly made his way into the garden then across the vaguely familiar yard to where he knew the bath was. A bath would clear his head.
He was pleasantly shocked when he approached the water to see a familiar green figure there. He waved and shouted to attract his attention and the Kappa turned and bowed to him.
“Hello, England-san,” it said, standing up in the water to meet him. “It’s been a long time.”
“I know,” England said, feeling some of the tension he hadn’t even known was there drain out of him. Talking to Japan was...it was a little bit of a trial at the moment. Here was someone else, not another nation with their prejudices and their push and pull but another creature entirely. “It’s good to see you again, how are you doing?”
“Ah, so-so,” the Kappa replied, shaking his head. England climbed into the water and sighed at the warmth around him. Wonderful. “This is not the time of Kappa in this country, hopefully in the future our time will come again.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” England said, smiling.
The Kappa nodded and smiled then turned to settle in the water again. England settled in himself, letting out a deep sigh as the warm water relaxed his muscles, he’d not even realised how tense he was until then. Though it had been a stressful, well, few years really.
“Do you visit here often?” the Kappa asked. “I myself don’t make it down this far very often, this is the first time in years.”
“I wouldn’t say I visit often,” England said, rubbing his neck. “Though I guess that’s going to change. Actually, since you’re here, I wonder if I can get some advice...”
“Advice?”
“Yes. See, it’s a little strange but due to a drunken misunderstanding I married Japan a few days ago.”
“Really?” The Kappa asked, beaming. “That’s wonderful for you, congratulations on your marriage!”
“Thanks,” England mumbled, blushing. “I just...it wasn’t exactly planned and, I don’t know, the entire thing is such a bloody mess. I’m not even as close with Japan as I used to be...”
“So, you wish to dissolve your marriage?” the Kappa asked, tilting his head to the side.
“Not...not really,” England mumbled. “I mean, Japan’s a perfectly nice bloke. A little strange at times but what nation isn’t? He’s quiet and polite and he likes tea which is a bonus. I suppose it’s just unexpected. We’re not even used to being friends. Suddenly becoming husbands is a big jump.”
“I see,” the Kappa said, nodding slowly. “You’re not sure how to behave around him any more.”
“Exactly,” England said. “I could cope with a good ally, but it’s been a long time since I was closer then that with anyone and Japan’s so reserved...”
“He’s just shy,” the Kappa replied, waving dismissively. “Please try not to take it personally, he’s always been like this. He struggles to interact with other nations and even with his own people. He’s probably having all the same thought and doubts as you are but isn’t sure how to bring up the subject either. I mean, after all, it’s not as though it’s been a long time for him, it’s that he’s never had that kind of relationship before.”
“But what kind of relationship?” England asked, slipping further down in the water with a sigh. “I wouldn’t even know how to have a husband if it was someone who has more confident, I’m not sure how our relationship should work.”
“I’m afraid, England-san, that is something you and Japan will have to work out for yourselves. There is no answer to how a marriage works; you’ll have to find a way that works for you...”
“I suppose,” England sighed, dejectedly.
“England-san, if you would take a suggestion?”
“Gladly!”
“Well, it seems to me that if neither of you are able to build up the courage to talk about what’s happened and how you feel about each other than nothing is ever going to happen. Japan is a reserved country; I think in this case it might be better if you take the lead.”
“That’s easy to say but I don’t know where I’m leading us.”
“I know, but the answers won’t come magically, one of you has to take the first step, even if it’s an uncertain one...”
“I’ll think about it,” England said with a sigh, mentally admitting to himself that it was a good point. “Anyway, that’s enough about my marriage, how have you been?”
~*~*~*~
When England got back to the bedroom Japan was lying on his back, eyes open, staring at the ceiling. He looked at England and blinked a few times, then slowly sat up.
“England, are you well?” he asked, a look of concern passing over his face.
“Oh, yes, I’m fine,” England said, smiling softly as he crossed the room. He was more than fine, in fact. He’d been thinking about what the Kappa had said and of course it was right. He needed to take the lead, for now at least, or nothing was ever going to be resolved. “I just took a bath to clear my head.”
“Oh,” Japan said, looking a little confused. “Shall I make some tea or do you wish to go straight back to sleep?”
“Actually, I was hoping we could talk,” England replied, dropping on the floor next the other nation’s hip and pulling a leg up so he could lean forward on it. “I mean, I’ve been thinking and I think, if you feel up to it, well, the sooner the better.”
“You wish to leave me?”
“No! I wish you’d stop presuming that every time we talk,” England replied, tilting his head a little. “It’s just...neither of us seems to know what we’re doing right now, as husbands. We need to talk and I’m not sure how long I’m going to be feeling brave enough to start the conversation so I’d prefer we did it now.”
“I...if you wish...” Japan stuttered, flushing a little. “I’ll make some tea...”
“We’ve been hiding behind tea cups so far,” England said, smiling softly. “Look...this is horribly confusing...I don’t even know what kind of things you expect from a marriage. Hell, I don’t think I even know what I expect...”
Japan sat up, shifting back a little so he could sit facing England. For a moment he seemed to be trying to pull words together, though they seemed to be hard in coming to him. Finally he spoke.
“I think, what has been troubling me...do you expect me to act as a woman in this relationship?”
“What, no!” England exclaimed, wrinkling his nose. “I mean, it’s the 21st century now! I don’t have any trouble with men being together...not really.”
“I believe I may,” Japan said with a sigh, bringing a hand up to rub on his forehead. “You see, in Japan marriage is still very traditional. The woman’s role is to care for the man, the man’s is to work. It seems to me that’s how it must be. Maybe I was hasty in entering this marriage. A marriage between two men, neither of whom wishes to take the female role, how does that work?”
“I guess,” England said, reaching out and gently taking Japan’s hand. The other nation blushed. “I guess for me it’s not so rigid. Being married isn’t about a man being the front unit with the woman for support, if you will. I mean, I guess it’s about supporting each other. Being there for each other’s troubles. Trusting each other...”
“That does sound nice,” Japan murmured. “Can it really work?”
“It’ll be hard,” England said with a sigh, squeezing his husband’s hand. “I think it’s going to take a lot of getting used to for both of us, we’re going to make some horribly embarrassing mistakes, I think...but if we talk it should be alright, shouldn’t it?”
“I hope so,” Japan said, gently returning the squeeze.
“Good. Look, I think if we’re going to make a real marriage of this we’re going to have to live together, so how about we alternate every month between my place and yours, until we find out feet? We’ll stay here until the end of the month, spend May in England, then come back here for June?”
“That would be nice,” Japan agreed, nodding slowly. “I don’t want to leave my home all together, though I understand you need to be in your country for the election...”
“Yeah,” England said with a sigh. “It’s getting a bit tense, but it’ll be ok. Anyway, I mean, I guess there are lots of little practical things to talk about but...can we just sort one thing about tonight?” England could feel the heat rising up his cheeks that would no doubt let his companion guess what he was thinking of. “Japan, how much am I allowed to touch you?”
“I’m your husband, you can touch me how you like,” Japan mumbled. England looked up to see the other nation had gone bright red.
“You see,” he said slowly. “I really can’t. We seem to have such different expectations and I know we have different experiences. I just don’t...I don’t want to do anything that’ll make you uncomfortable but I’m not sure what’s too much.”
“I...I have no experience,” Japan mumbled. “My body, though...It...it’s hard to describe. I enjoy your touch. You may do what you like with me but please be gentle.”
“I will,” England said fiercely. “Always. But you have to promise me, promise me that if I do something you don’t like or that makes me uncomfortable you’ll tell me and I’ll stop, ok?”
“yes,” Japan said, nodding softly. “Will you hold me now?”
England reached out and pulled Japan too him, it was easy when they were sitting so close. It was a little awkward with Japan knelt but Japan’s head came to rest on his shoulder and his arms around England’s waste and England held him tightly. For a few minutes they just sat there like that before England drew slowly back.
“Japan,” he said softly. “Do you think it would be ok if we shared the same sheets, if we held each other until we fell asleep.”
“That...that sounds fine,” Japan said, the nerves showing in his voice. England pulled away completely then and rearranged the futons so they could lie together, waiting until Japan was under the covers to slip in and reach out again. Japan was facing him so he slid an arm over the other man and lay their heads together.
“You’ve never been properly kissed before, have you?” England asked softly. Japan blushed and shuck his head. “I’ll show you,” England promised, smiling mischievously. “Tomorrow, I’ll show you. So for now let’s sleep, ok?”
“I...ok,” Japan whispered. He reached over the turn of the light above their heads then, after a second’s hesitation snuggled in England’s chest. England grinned and wrapped his arms tighter around his husband. This was damn nice.
15/4/2020
England watched the city race past outside. He’d always liked train journeys, and getting around Japan was so easy with the good train networks he kept. He’d arrived in Japan just after midnight and we currently greatly looking forward to seeing his husband again. Japan had headed on ahead of him a few days ago to open up the house for the spring and sort out some things with his boss. One of the many things England had learnt since marrying Japan was that spring in Japan was wonderful. He couldn’t wait until the cherry blossom watching started.
He almost hadn’t made the flight. At the last minute his boss had phoned for some advice on the latest developments between China and America, but he’d managed to deflect the questions and get on the flight. He would probably have been in a lot of trouble if he hadn’t made it.
Ten years. This time ten years ago he wouldn’t even have been thinking about marriage, let alone marriage to Japan...then he’d married him. Strange circumstances of course, but that kind of thing tended to happen when you were a nation. And ten years. In such a politically volatile world staying together that long was an achievement. Nothing to rival Finland and Sweden, of course, but something.
He could still recall the looks he’d got when he’d finally got home just after the general election all those years ago to meet his new boss and introduce his husband. He’d had to put up with Vegas jokes for quite a long time, but somehow it was worth it.
Of course, there were problems. One of them was that they didn’t fight. They were both so reserved, so withdrawn, it was rare for them to fight. Much more common for them to fall into silence and resentment and not speak for weeks until another nation intervened. Though they were getting better at that. They’d talked a lot, of course. Their pasts, their hopes. In so many ways they were the same but in so many others they were shockingly different. It had taken Japan years to fully grasp supporting each other, and it had taken England years to full grasp Japan’s honour.
Still, it worked. Oddly, at time, but it worked. They’d lived together, more or less, for ten years. Been husbands. He’d kissed Japan, made love to Japan, help him through the bad time and been held in return through his own bad times. It wasn’t a bad way to live.
The train pulled in and England hauled himself up, grabbing his bag and stepping of the train, then preoccupying himself with the business of finding his ticket and getting of the platform.
Japan was waiting for him in the station, looking sleepy. England smiled at him and they made their way to the car discussing the flight and the train ride. Once they were both settled in the car England leant over and kissed Japan quickly on the lips, the other nation blushed instantly.
“What...what was that for?” he asked. Starting the car.
“For Vegas.”
Author/Artist: Silvey
Character(s) or Pairing(s): England/Japan.
Rating: PG
Summary: Japan demands that England take responsibility.
17/4/2010
England woke up to the smell of tea, which was one of his favourite things to wake up too. He rolled over lazily and glanced around the room. It took his sleep-addled brain a few seconds to process Japan sat there at the table by the window, a pot of tea in front of him. Of course, he guessed he’d have to get used to it...
“Good morning,” he mumbled, forcing himself to push the covers back and roll out of bed. Japan returned the greeting and poured him a cup of tea so he flopped down into the free chair gratefully and cradled the cup between his hands. Being married was obviously a good thing if you woke up and somebody had already brewed the tea for you.
“You you well this morning?” Japan asked, looking him over critically. England had the decency to blush, he really had been awful yesterday morning after all.
“Yes,” he mumbled. “Yes, I’m fine. Once I’ve had this tea I’ll be ready to face the world.”
“Good,” Japan said, nodding curtly. “I feel there are some matters we should discuss.”
England blinked a little, then took a deep sip of his tea. It would seem Japan meant business and if Japan did mean business he was going to need a lot more tea to face it.
“What is it you wish to talk about?” he asked. The oddly intense look on Japan’s face made him wish he’d taken the time to get dressed before sitting at the table, he just couldn’t meet a gaze like that in his pyjamas.
“I believe, at this point, it would be pertinent to discuss arrangements.”
“Arrangements?” England asked, trying to stifle a yawn.
“Yes. We are married now, correct England-san?”
“Yes,” England said, a brief smile flickering over his lips. He’d thought about it last night while trying to get to sleep, thought about it a lot and really it wasn’t going to be so bad. In fact, he was thinking he might enjoy it.
“Well, it seems natural that we should live in the same house, then. So that must be discussed. We must tell our bosses as soon as possible and then I believe it best to discuss living arrangements and such at this early stage in our relationship.”
“Just a second,” England mumbled. He leant forward and picked up the kettle, signed in contentment when he felt there was still some tea in it, poured himself another cup and drank it quickly.
“Ok,” he said, sitting back. “Ok, that’s all far too much for this time in the morning. I mean...yeah...I guess it does make sense for us to share a house. You know we have elections at my place soon, right? I can’t really leave there at the moment, not for too long at a time anyway...”
“It would be acceptable to make a base there for now, I think,” Japan said, nodding slowly. “Of course, we do not always need to be in the same place. When your situation is more stable we can alternate between our homes. With modern technology it is rarely pressing to be in the same country as those you are communicating with other then for time difference reasons...”
“Yeah,” England said with a sigh. Of course, he was still a little uncertain about the internet...but he was sure with Japan’s help he’d get the hang of it quickly enough. “I guess, for now, you should go home and talk to your boss and get some things, right? We can keep in touch while you’re away then you can come over when you’re ready...”
“That would be acceptable,” Japan replied, nodding. “As for the details of our living together...”
“Hey,” England cut in, leaning forward. “Look, my flight is pretty soon, I need to be going. We’ve sorted out the important things. I mean, there’s lots more to talk about but we can’t do everything now. We’ll keep in touch and talk it out later, ok?”
“Yes, that will be acceptable,” Japan said, nodding. The other nation stood and gathered himself and his belongings, then turned and headed towards the door. England blinked a few times before standing up and following him.
“So...call me when you get back to Japan?”
“I think that because of our time differences that would be a bad idea. I’ll send you an e-mail.”
“I guess that’s fine,” England replies, smiling softly. “Can...can I kiss you goodbye?”
The business-like approach suddenly dropped away from Japan and a blush spread over his cheeks. Slowly England leant in and, when the other man didn’t protest, pressed their lips together lightly. He knew better then to ask for too much too quickly this time so kept the contact light, soft, and Japan tilted his head to meet the kiss.
Then the kiss was broken and Japan was suddenly gone and England was left standing in his doorway watching the spot where his husband had been.
~*~*~*~
“What on earth is going on?” England found himself asking, though he knew none of the people stood around him were more equip to answer the question then he was. It had taken him an hour this morning to collect his possessions and negotiate his way out of the hotel. He’d been stopped twice by people wanting to wish him well, Lithuania and Italy, who had been backed up by a slightly bemused looking Germany. The trip to the airport had been hell, the roads in America were useless and he would never get used to driving on the wrong side, and now this.
Flights to Europe, cancelled. A lot of them. Either delayed or cancelled.
“Heard a volcano’s gone off in Iceland, mate,” a man next to him said. England turned to see the man was glaring up at the boards. “You heading to London too?”
“Yeah,” England said, scratching his head a little. A volcano in Iceland...Iceland had missed the meeting saying he was feeling a little unwell but a volcano?
“Don’t see why a volcano in Iceland means we can’t fly to London,” the man grumbled, but England was saved from having to reply when the national anthem started playing somewhere in his carry on luggage. He rummaged through the bad quickly and pulled out his phone, taking a second to notice it was Japan calling before he connected the call.
“Ja...Kiku, hello,” England said, glancing nervously at the man next to him who was looking kind of oddly at him. Didn’t do to go around calling people England and Japan and America in public, the general population didn’t tend to understand.
“Hello, Arthur-san.” So Japan was around people too. England found himself glancing around as if he expected Japan to emerge from the crowd. “I have just arrived at the airport and seen the departures, it would seem that returning to your home is not an option right now.”
“No,” England said, sighing yet again. “Guess not. There’s a rumour going around about a volcano in Iceland...”
“Oh dear, I hope he is ok...”
“Me too,” England replied, almost guiltily. Of course, the thought hadn’t crossed his mind, but it should have. Iceland was a nice enough nation, after all. A little quiet but still. “Anyway, it looks like I’m going to be stuck here in America for a while...”
“Actually, that is why I called,” Japan said, a sudden note of hesitation in his voice. “Flights to Japan are still leaving. I wondered if, given the circumstances, you would like to come and visit my home?”
It took England all of ten seconds to consider the proposal. Hanging around the airport, having to listen to America...or going with Japan for a while. He could always get back from Japan when flights opened again.
“Thank you for the offer, that sounds wonderful.”
“Excellent, I’ll speak to my boss about a ticket for you and if you make your way towards the check-in area I’ll find you when that’s done.”
“Ah, don’t go to any trouble for me,” England said, biting his lip. “I mean, if you have to go and talk to your boss about it, I don’t want to put anyone out...”
“It is no problem,” Japan said, “After all, you are my husband so it’s no problem. I will talk to you soon.”
“Yes, thanks,” England said, ending the call. What on earth had he just agreed to?
~*~*~*~
The hop to Los Angeles had been edgy. To say that England was still unsure of how to act around his husband would be an understatement. Added to that, both nations were naturally quite polite so they spent a good portion of the flight apologising to each other, which is one way to kill an hour. They’d both been through Los Angeles International before, though England had this certain sense of confusion when presented with even the most familiar of his own airports that he wasn’t sure he would ever loose. He was somewhat gratified to see that there was still no way back to London. As much as he wanted to be home with his people at the moment at least now they’d have a chance to talk away from America before he had to face his boss.
In the airport there was plenty of space and they didn’t have any trouble but on the plane it suddenly seemed oddly claustrophobic to be sat this close to Japan. It was as though there was no way to avoid the other nation, and it was an eleven hour flight.
Of course, the good thing about that was it was impossible for them both to be nervous for eleven hours straight. After the obligatory apologising they decided to watch an in-flight movie so they didn’t have to make conversation. That proved to be rather a good move as it let them get used to being sat this close without the pressure of conversation. When it was over they’d both relaxed a little and were able to turn the conversation to international politics and such, things they normally discussed and were comfortable with.
After about the 5th hour of the flight they realised it was ok to be quiet together. England took out a book and, after some hesitation, Japan took a comic out of his bag and started to read it. England had heard of Japan’s comics in a vague way, something about tentacle porn, so he couldn’t help but glance over the other nations shoulder but it seemed perfectly normal to him.
Japan fell asleep somewhere in there, and England found himself able to look for the first time. There was something modest about Japan’s behaviour that stopped him looking when the other man was awake but once he was asleep it seemed fine to glance.
Of course, Japan was very pretty. All the nations were quite attractive, he supposed it came with being a nation. Japan probably wasn’t the most attractive nation, if he was being objective, but he was the only nation who’d really aroused England in quite a long time. Others had tried, he’d tried, but turning a nation on wasn’t as easy as it was for humans. And Japan turned him on.
Of course, it wasn’t that he wanted to preserve the marriage only for sexual gratification, if Japan’s behaviour so far was any indication that might be a long time in coming. No, it was more than that. He didn’t just want Japan in his bed, he wanted Japan. But in a strange way. Whenever he’d had a nation before he’d been the dominant force, but something about Japan was different, something about their relationship. Of course, he was a different nation now to who he had been, and Japan had become a quite gentle nation since the war...
Japan shifted a little in his sleep, his head tilted towards England shoulder and England moved quickly to oblige, slipping into a comfortable position and waiting until Japan settled again before releasing his breath.
There was something serious happening here.
~*~*~*~
From the airport they caught the train and England was forced to admit that Japan’s trains were much better than his. He’d known this, of course, but he’d not admitted it before. Japan had smiled when he did in a way that made England want to push him down and rip his clothes of...or at least kiss him.
England had, of course, visited Japan before. Many times, over the years. He hadn’t visited enough for it to be familiar though so he still felt very much like a guest when Japan showed him into the house and left him to make tea.
England took a few moments to walk around the room, taking it in. It was...it was traditional Japanese in parts, and strikingly western in others. It was as though Japan couldn’t decide how he wanted his house to be, but hadn’t found a way to make them both work without clashing a little yet. The odd western touches made him feel strangely at home and he finally sat down at the low table. He remembered visiting in winter once to find a table with a heater under it in Japan’s home, which he thought was a wonderful idea.
All in all, by the time Japan came back into the room he was feeling a lot more relaxed. It almost seemed like he could handle things better here, though he wasn’t sure why.
“Are you comfortable?” Japan asked, sitting down across the table from him and putting the tray down. England smiled at the scent of Earl Grey filled the air. Being married to Japan would certainly not be so bad after all.
~*~*~*~
England couldn’t sleep. He should, by all rights, be tired but he couldn’t sleep. Japan was lying a few feet away sleeping peacefully. England was starting to wonder how the other nation found it so easy to sleep at times like this. So far everything had been pleasant. They’d drunk tea and discussed what they’d actually achieved at the summit and England had phoned his queen to let her know where he was and that he’d make his way home as soon as possible. Then they’d retired to sleep.
It was odd, it had only been a few nights of course, but it felt strange to lie here almost next to Japan yet not sharing sheets. He supposed some part of his mind had already accepted Japan as his husband, someone who should be in his bed.
After lying there for a few minutes he slid out of the covers as gracefully as he could, which was ‘not very’ but it was alright as Japan slept through it. He padded through the living room to the back door then out into the night air. It was oddly crisp, the trees in Japan’s garden were beginning to flower. If it wasn’t so dark it would be nice. He hesitantly made his way into the garden then across the vaguely familiar yard to where he knew the bath was. A bath would clear his head.
He was pleasantly shocked when he approached the water to see a familiar green figure there. He waved and shouted to attract his attention and the Kappa turned and bowed to him.
“Hello, England-san,” it said, standing up in the water to meet him. “It’s been a long time.”
“I know,” England said, feeling some of the tension he hadn’t even known was there drain out of him. Talking to Japan was...it was a little bit of a trial at the moment. Here was someone else, not another nation with their prejudices and their push and pull but another creature entirely. “It’s good to see you again, how are you doing?”
“Ah, so-so,” the Kappa replied, shaking his head. England climbed into the water and sighed at the warmth around him. Wonderful. “This is not the time of Kappa in this country, hopefully in the future our time will come again.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” England said, smiling.
The Kappa nodded and smiled then turned to settle in the water again. England settled in himself, letting out a deep sigh as the warm water relaxed his muscles, he’d not even realised how tense he was until then. Though it had been a stressful, well, few years really.
“Do you visit here often?” the Kappa asked. “I myself don’t make it down this far very often, this is the first time in years.”
“I wouldn’t say I visit often,” England said, rubbing his neck. “Though I guess that’s going to change. Actually, since you’re here, I wonder if I can get some advice...”
“Advice?”
“Yes. See, it’s a little strange but due to a drunken misunderstanding I married Japan a few days ago.”
“Really?” The Kappa asked, beaming. “That’s wonderful for you, congratulations on your marriage!”
“Thanks,” England mumbled, blushing. “I just...it wasn’t exactly planned and, I don’t know, the entire thing is such a bloody mess. I’m not even as close with Japan as I used to be...”
“So, you wish to dissolve your marriage?” the Kappa asked, tilting his head to the side.
“Not...not really,” England mumbled. “I mean, Japan’s a perfectly nice bloke. A little strange at times but what nation isn’t? He’s quiet and polite and he likes tea which is a bonus. I suppose it’s just unexpected. We’re not even used to being friends. Suddenly becoming husbands is a big jump.”
“I see,” the Kappa said, nodding slowly. “You’re not sure how to behave around him any more.”
“Exactly,” England said. “I could cope with a good ally, but it’s been a long time since I was closer then that with anyone and Japan’s so reserved...”
“He’s just shy,” the Kappa replied, waving dismissively. “Please try not to take it personally, he’s always been like this. He struggles to interact with other nations and even with his own people. He’s probably having all the same thought and doubts as you are but isn’t sure how to bring up the subject either. I mean, after all, it’s not as though it’s been a long time for him, it’s that he’s never had that kind of relationship before.”
“But what kind of relationship?” England asked, slipping further down in the water with a sigh. “I wouldn’t even know how to have a husband if it was someone who has more confident, I’m not sure how our relationship should work.”
“I’m afraid, England-san, that is something you and Japan will have to work out for yourselves. There is no answer to how a marriage works; you’ll have to find a way that works for you...”
“I suppose,” England sighed, dejectedly.
“England-san, if you would take a suggestion?”
“Gladly!”
“Well, it seems to me that if neither of you are able to build up the courage to talk about what’s happened and how you feel about each other than nothing is ever going to happen. Japan is a reserved country; I think in this case it might be better if you take the lead.”
“That’s easy to say but I don’t know where I’m leading us.”
“I know, but the answers won’t come magically, one of you has to take the first step, even if it’s an uncertain one...”
“I’ll think about it,” England said with a sigh, mentally admitting to himself that it was a good point. “Anyway, that’s enough about my marriage, how have you been?”
~*~*~*~
When England got back to the bedroom Japan was lying on his back, eyes open, staring at the ceiling. He looked at England and blinked a few times, then slowly sat up.
“England, are you well?” he asked, a look of concern passing over his face.
“Oh, yes, I’m fine,” England said, smiling softly as he crossed the room. He was more than fine, in fact. He’d been thinking about what the Kappa had said and of course it was right. He needed to take the lead, for now at least, or nothing was ever going to be resolved. “I just took a bath to clear my head.”
“Oh,” Japan said, looking a little confused. “Shall I make some tea or do you wish to go straight back to sleep?”
“Actually, I was hoping we could talk,” England replied, dropping on the floor next the other nation’s hip and pulling a leg up so he could lean forward on it. “I mean, I’ve been thinking and I think, if you feel up to it, well, the sooner the better.”
“You wish to leave me?”
“No! I wish you’d stop presuming that every time we talk,” England replied, tilting his head a little. “It’s just...neither of us seems to know what we’re doing right now, as husbands. We need to talk and I’m not sure how long I’m going to be feeling brave enough to start the conversation so I’d prefer we did it now.”
“I...if you wish...” Japan stuttered, flushing a little. “I’ll make some tea...”
“We’ve been hiding behind tea cups so far,” England said, smiling softly. “Look...this is horribly confusing...I don’t even know what kind of things you expect from a marriage. Hell, I don’t think I even know what I expect...”
Japan sat up, shifting back a little so he could sit facing England. For a moment he seemed to be trying to pull words together, though they seemed to be hard in coming to him. Finally he spoke.
“I think, what has been troubling me...do you expect me to act as a woman in this relationship?”
“What, no!” England exclaimed, wrinkling his nose. “I mean, it’s the 21st century now! I don’t have any trouble with men being together...not really.”
“I believe I may,” Japan said with a sigh, bringing a hand up to rub on his forehead. “You see, in Japan marriage is still very traditional. The woman’s role is to care for the man, the man’s is to work. It seems to me that’s how it must be. Maybe I was hasty in entering this marriage. A marriage between two men, neither of whom wishes to take the female role, how does that work?”
“I guess,” England said, reaching out and gently taking Japan’s hand. The other nation blushed. “I guess for me it’s not so rigid. Being married isn’t about a man being the front unit with the woman for support, if you will. I mean, I guess it’s about supporting each other. Being there for each other’s troubles. Trusting each other...”
“That does sound nice,” Japan murmured. “Can it really work?”
“It’ll be hard,” England said with a sigh, squeezing his husband’s hand. “I think it’s going to take a lot of getting used to for both of us, we’re going to make some horribly embarrassing mistakes, I think...but if we talk it should be alright, shouldn’t it?”
“I hope so,” Japan said, gently returning the squeeze.
“Good. Look, I think if we’re going to make a real marriage of this we’re going to have to live together, so how about we alternate every month between my place and yours, until we find out feet? We’ll stay here until the end of the month, spend May in England, then come back here for June?”
“That would be nice,” Japan agreed, nodding slowly. “I don’t want to leave my home all together, though I understand you need to be in your country for the election...”
“Yeah,” England said with a sigh. “It’s getting a bit tense, but it’ll be ok. Anyway, I mean, I guess there are lots of little practical things to talk about but...can we just sort one thing about tonight?” England could feel the heat rising up his cheeks that would no doubt let his companion guess what he was thinking of. “Japan, how much am I allowed to touch you?”
“I’m your husband, you can touch me how you like,” Japan mumbled. England looked up to see the other nation had gone bright red.
“You see,” he said slowly. “I really can’t. We seem to have such different expectations and I know we have different experiences. I just don’t...I don’t want to do anything that’ll make you uncomfortable but I’m not sure what’s too much.”
“I...I have no experience,” Japan mumbled. “My body, though...It...it’s hard to describe. I enjoy your touch. You may do what you like with me but please be gentle.”
“I will,” England said fiercely. “Always. But you have to promise me, promise me that if I do something you don’t like or that makes me uncomfortable you’ll tell me and I’ll stop, ok?”
“yes,” Japan said, nodding softly. “Will you hold me now?”
England reached out and pulled Japan too him, it was easy when they were sitting so close. It was a little awkward with Japan knelt but Japan’s head came to rest on his shoulder and his arms around England’s waste and England held him tightly. For a few minutes they just sat there like that before England drew slowly back.
“Japan,” he said softly. “Do you think it would be ok if we shared the same sheets, if we held each other until we fell asleep.”
“That...that sounds fine,” Japan said, the nerves showing in his voice. England pulled away completely then and rearranged the futons so they could lie together, waiting until Japan was under the covers to slip in and reach out again. Japan was facing him so he slid an arm over the other man and lay their heads together.
“You’ve never been properly kissed before, have you?” England asked softly. Japan blushed and shuck his head. “I’ll show you,” England promised, smiling mischievously. “Tomorrow, I’ll show you. So for now let’s sleep, ok?”
“I...ok,” Japan whispered. He reached over the turn of the light above their heads then, after a second’s hesitation snuggled in England’s chest. England grinned and wrapped his arms tighter around his husband. This was damn nice.
15/4/2020
England watched the city race past outside. He’d always liked train journeys, and getting around Japan was so easy with the good train networks he kept. He’d arrived in Japan just after midnight and we currently greatly looking forward to seeing his husband again. Japan had headed on ahead of him a few days ago to open up the house for the spring and sort out some things with his boss. One of the many things England had learnt since marrying Japan was that spring in Japan was wonderful. He couldn’t wait until the cherry blossom watching started.
He almost hadn’t made the flight. At the last minute his boss had phoned for some advice on the latest developments between China and America, but he’d managed to deflect the questions and get on the flight. He would probably have been in a lot of trouble if he hadn’t made it.
Ten years. This time ten years ago he wouldn’t even have been thinking about marriage, let alone marriage to Japan...then he’d married him. Strange circumstances of course, but that kind of thing tended to happen when you were a nation. And ten years. In such a politically volatile world staying together that long was an achievement. Nothing to rival Finland and Sweden, of course, but something.
He could still recall the looks he’d got when he’d finally got home just after the general election all those years ago to meet his new boss and introduce his husband. He’d had to put up with Vegas jokes for quite a long time, but somehow it was worth it.
Of course, there were problems. One of them was that they didn’t fight. They were both so reserved, so withdrawn, it was rare for them to fight. Much more common for them to fall into silence and resentment and not speak for weeks until another nation intervened. Though they were getting better at that. They’d talked a lot, of course. Their pasts, their hopes. In so many ways they were the same but in so many others they were shockingly different. It had taken Japan years to fully grasp supporting each other, and it had taken England years to full grasp Japan’s honour.
Still, it worked. Oddly, at time, but it worked. They’d lived together, more or less, for ten years. Been husbands. He’d kissed Japan, made love to Japan, help him through the bad time and been held in return through his own bad times. It wasn’t a bad way to live.
The train pulled in and England hauled himself up, grabbing his bag and stepping of the train, then preoccupying himself with the business of finding his ticket and getting of the platform.
Japan was waiting for him in the station, looking sleepy. England smiled at him and they made their way to the car discussing the flight and the train ride. Once they were both settled in the car England leant over and kissed Japan quickly on the lips, the other nation blushed instantly.
“What...what was that for?” he asked. Starting the car.
“For Vegas.”