002. Love

"China?" Japan sat, kneeling in front of the great nation, who was sipping away at a cup of tea. He had a smooth look on his face that was neither a smile nor a frown. "What is love?" he stared onwards, seeking an answer. In return, Yao spit out his tea and began to choke on it. He gasped for air as scolding tea slithered down his throat.

"L-L-Love, aru?" he asked, standing up from the position he had been sitting in. He reached over to grab a towel from beside him. The kitchen around the two was bustling with activity, and chefs were working hastily to prepare immaculate dishes for the guests that would be arriving soon.

"Yes, love. What is this love and why does it matter to people?" the young nation asked. He stood up as well and at this time only reached China's hip. The Chinaman looked down at Kiku and frowned as he finished drying himself off.

"My little Japan, love is something that someone feels when…...well," He stopped to think for a second, placing a hand on his chin and setting the tea cup on the counter next to him. "Love can be seen two ways, aru. The first way is something that is magnificent and is impregnable. It is like eating a hot meal after a long days work, only times four thousand. It is like the feeling you get after awaking from a nightmare. It's a relief." he smiled and reached over to grab another cup of tea. At that moment, a young cook tripped, thus releasing a whole cup of flour onto Yao's face.

Kiku laughed loudly in a small child's chuckle and pointed. "You look so silly! Is this what love feels like?"
China wiped the majority of the flour away with one of his long red sleeves and smiled. "No, but it's close, aru!"

Once they finished giggling, Japan struck another question. "Then, what is the second way to see love?" Yao frowned and leaned up against the countertop while slowly slipping down to Kiku's level. He took his two floury hands and put them on Honda's soft cheeks, rubbing them in a circular motion. The flour coated evenly over Kiku's cheeks, turning him a powdery white. China also stared deeply into his eyes, his own black pupils dilating.

"Love can also be a horrendous dragon. One that coils in its dark lair and waits for a helpless victim to stroll in, looking for treasure. It can shoot hot flames and burn your soul and heart with coals. It can destroy you." his voice was low and dark as he spoke. Kiku curved his face into a terrified expression and pulled his tiny hands to cover his mouth. He shook his head back and forth, letting his black hair sway to and fro.

"Love can't be that scary?!" he yelped while stepping forward, letting his blue kimono drag into the flour on the tiled ground. China opened his arms and let Japan snuggle into him. He enclosed them into a hug and kissed the top of his head.

"Love is only scary if you let it scare you. Dragons can be tamed."

"So it's not so scary after all?"

"No, it is the most precious thing you'll ever have."