充满活力的明珠... ( Hong Kong/Seychelles )

Posts : 50 Join date : 2010-10-30

The last time they'd met, Seychelles had been very, very upset. It hadn't started out that way, but somehow things had quickly degraded into her crying and clinging to him in distress. Hong Kong had tried to comfort her as best he could, but somehow he didn't feel he'd done a decent job of it. He'd had very little experience with such things. Most women in his family were strong willed women that would rather claw out their eyes then let anyone see them cry. Vietnam had always been a strong willed woman -America had only found that out the hard way- and Taiwan had become hard and somewhat distant through necessity. Hong Kong couldn't blame her, sometimes he himself wished to distance himself from China as much as possible, but his closest sister was dearly missed none the less.

Seychelles hadn't even allowed him to walk her home. He had expected not to hear from her again, for her to kindly cut all casual ties even though she had said they'd get together. Hong Kong was no idiot, he didn't expect she'd want to see him again, and relive those feelings, but being the gentleman he was, Hong Kong had taken the initiative in seeking her out, and to his surprise she hadn't declined. So here he was, in a small park, waiting for her. She hadn't politely found something else to do like Hong Kong had expected, in fact it might have been safe to say she had sounded rather excited on the phone. It was better, then hearing her upset or even uncomfortable, it had sparked some sort of hope in him. He wanted to see how she had been doing, he wouldn't try to deny that he had worried about her. Hong Kong had really hoped that things with France would have change for her in the short time they had not seen each other, but had a sinking feeling it had not. If it had she would have no reason to meet him again today. They had never really been close before, she had once been a subordinate nation - he still very much was - and both were half way across the world from one another. The time had really never presented itself to be close.

And now Hong Kong was flung into her problems because she had a neglectful father figure. It almost stung that he was simply a replacement, but that had been most of his life, so it only almost stung. If he could help her along more, and she was a better person for it then all the better.

He fiddled on his phone for a few minutes, trying to keep his mind off of the subject all together. He checked a few things, posted a tweet and double checked the time once more. Flipping his phone closed Hong Kong clicked it to vibrate and shoved it into his pocket before pulling out his copy of 網上賺錢起錨術, and flipping to chapter five where he'd last left off. It shouldn't be long now until she arrived, but he should be able to get through the chapter at least, and it was quite the decent distraction.

It hadn't been until she was home, that she had realized her actions with Hong Kong could be considered rude. She had behaved normally, for the most part, she thought. Aside from her breakdown, which she was still very embarrassed about, she couldn't really think of anything abnormal about her behavior. England had told her once, that people in Asia were very different from those in the rest of the world.

She tried so hard to think what she may have done, but try as she might, nothing stood out. It had all been very normal, and if he had felt uncomfortable, he hadn't seemed it. Maybe she missed it? It wasn't unusual for England to point out that she was oblivious to other people's feelings about personal space. Something, he told her, she had picked up from France, and no matter what he did, she couldn't be broken of it.

Thinking of France made her sad. She hadn't heard from him since the last phone call. It hurt, so very much, to think that perhaps he just didn't care any more. Maybe, Canada was different from his past lovers, and he was too busy? That was a poor excuse, but it did make some of the hurt fade a bit. Not enough to keep her face from dropping, and her eyes water a bit, but enough that she could think more clearly.

When Hong Kong had called, she'd been so excited to have heard from him. She felt horrible for not having taking the initiative, and set things up first, but it felt nice to have someone else contact her. She readily agreed to meet him at a park, and it wasn't until the phone call had ended she realized something she could have done to have made him uncomfortable.

The first couple of time she had been visited by England, when he left, she had kissed both his cheeks. He always reacted badly to this, and she was usually punished. At first, she hadn't been able to understand why this was a bad thing. Papa France had always kissed her cheeks when he was going to leave, and it was expected that she return the gesture. When she did so for England, it lacked the affection she'd shown Papa France, but it was what she was conditioned to do.

She continued to do so, even after finding out England was bothered by it. A slight, spiteful action, a sign of her dislike for him, coated in sugar and sunshine.

Later, when she didn't hate him quite so much, after her independence, and passed the phase where she did everything she could as a sign of 'I don't need you!', he explained her action more thoroughly. In most places in Europe, kissing someone's cheeks was an accepted action, but there were some who would find it far to personal, to affectionate for casual partings.

Even so, she had continued to do so, because of her love the warmth it left her with. She didn't so with England as often as she once had, no longer wishing to upset him, like she once had. Of course, it was a parting she always used with Papa, and Canada, sometimes even America, to watch him blush and stutter.

She couldn't help but wonder, how had Hong Kong taken the kiss. Had it been inappropriate? As she walked along a path in their chosen park, she thought she should have called England. Hong Kong had been his colony, and England had dealt with others from Asia, so perhaps he could have shone some light on the situation.

She shook her head, trying to focus. Trying to ignore the blush that came to her cheeks, as she realized he might have taken it as something more romantic than it was meant to be, and more importantly... would she mind if he did? The color on her face deepened, her hands taking nervous flight, one fisting in the blue material of her dress, and the other reaching up to fiddle with the vibrant red of a bow. She stopped, standing in the middle of the path.

She had never really thought much on her own interests in other people. Not romantic interests. It was more Papa's thing, than hers. She'd had fleeting feelings for Vietnam, and Belgium was very pretty... Romano was handsome, but he was obviously in love with Spain, even if he denied it wholeheartedly.

Maybe she just couldn't have feelings for those already interested in someone else? And Hei was very handsome, and intelligent, he wasn't a bad choice, was he? But he might not feel the same towards her, so she tried to push the feelings aside. They would do no good right now.

Taking a deep breath, and calming herself, her face cooling steadily, she began to walk again. Her eyes lighting up, when she spotted Hong Kong sitting on a bench, his nose buried in a book.

Her speed picked up, and she came to a sudden stop in front of him. Her hands clasped behind her back, a bright smile on her face, "I'm sorry, was I late? I hope you weren't waiting long," She said, after he finally looked up at her.

Posts : 50 Join date : 2010-10-30

Hei noticed when someone came into his range because a shadow fell over his books pages, but he chose not to acknowledge it until Seychelles spoke. He took note of which page he was on as he snapped the book shut. He'd have to pick up again at chapter 7. Once his book was closed he looked up at her and offered what he hoped was a soft smile. In his minds eye it looked sloppy at best, but he assured himself that there were few in the world that could read him, and though he had an extremely high opinion of Seychelles he didn't think she was, or would be, one of those people any time soon.

Hei hadn't taken the time to look over her appearance the last time they'd met, but for some reason he felt compelled to look. She looked happier this time, that was for sure, but now that he looked at her there seemed to be a waned feeling to her. As if she had lost weight and her clothes simply had not gotten the message yet. Or perhaps she hadn't noticed, goodness knows she was occupied with other things at the moment. There were little signs that she was doing better, but there were an equal amount of detailed that relayed to him that she was stressed, worried. Her appetite seemed to be suffering and she didn't seem to take enough notice to get clothes that would fit her more snugly, a sure sign that any woman had more pressing matters on hand. When he'd lived with Taiwan he remembered that every pound she lost was another reason to buy another pretty outfit. It was a generalization, surely all girls didn't worry about such things -he couldn't see Vietnam doing something so foolish- but Seychelles seemed like the type girl that liked to look young, pretty and attractive. It all seemed to fit, and Hei told himself that if he was truly going to help her then perhaps food would be the first matter of business.

He made sure his smile was still in place and shining subtly before he spoke "I haven't been waiting long. I prepared lunch for us, would a picnic be to your liking? It is a little chilly out, but I prepared a blanket just in case..." He placed the book away in his small messenger bag and brought out a large tingkat. He wasn't used to cooking for more than himself, but Hei loved to cook and took just about every opportunity to do so for guests, as infrequent as that was. He could usually eat most of what was placed in the tingkat on his own - he had a monstrous appetite when no one was watching - but he was a master of moderation in public, and this was no different.

If she refused he would be rather put off, but it would hardly be a set back, he'd simply know not to do such a thing in the future - if they did decide to get together again, which he was starting to hope would happen. After lunch he had various other options planned for what they might do, but best to let that go for now. He'd see what she said first.

She blinked when he mentioned food. A picnic, at that, how sweet! And certainly unexpected. She felt bad that she hadn't thought of something similar. If he had told her that was his plan, she would have been able to bring something to contribute to this little meal. Though, when she thought of it, her kitchen was running a bit low again. She'd have to go shopping soon...

"A picnic sounds wonderful, Hong Kong." She gave him a bright smile, "If I had known that was what you had in mind, I would have made something too."

((>.< I'm so sorry it's sooooooooo short....))

Posts : 50 Join date : 2010-10-30

Hong Kong offered what he hoped was a charming smile as he rose from the bench. "There is no need to worry yourself, it is my pleasure to have a meal prepared. You did agree to meet me, so I, as your gracious host, came well prepared."

Was he putting on to much of a show? He wasn't sure. He knew he had a bad habit of saying to much, and using far to many words when he was nervous, but not many people could tell that. It was a defensive mechanism of sorts, something he'd picked up around England. When he'd talked like that it had usually gotten him what he wanted, and now, later in life it was a hard habit to break. Hong Kong hoped he didn't seem shallow, he was sincere, he did want her to enjoy her afternoon with him. She would return home that evening to the rest of her problems, but for now she was in his company and he intended to make it worth her while.

"There is a beautiful spot just beyond that hill. There is a pond and ducks that you could feed, if you so chose." He motioned towards it, offering his arm in case she wanted to take it. He'd seen western men do such things before, but he'd never tried it himself. It might be in poor taste, but he had a feeling Seychelles wouldn't begrudge him if it was. She'd just politely decline.

She nearly giggled at his words, he was just so polite, it was like something out of on of Papa's romance novels. It nearly brought a blush to her cheeks, and she silently thanked the heavens for her dark skin that always hid such a light coloring. "Well... Okay, but next time, I'll cook for us, alright?"

She took his arm, wrapping her own around his, smiling sweetly, feeling bit more excited than she normally would have been. Resting one small hand over his arm, "You really thought this all out, haven't you?"

It took her a second to realize just how close she was too him. Her side against his, pulling away just a bit, she hoped dearly that hadn't been too close. It was so hard, sometimes, to remember that not everyone liked to be so touchy. She could practically hear Arthur scolding her for being so foolhardy. Giving an apologetic smile, she let him make the next move.

Posts : 50 Join date : 2010-10-30

Her giggling was a good sign. It meant that he wasn't to stand offish, that his attempts to be warm and welcome were working at least on some level. Hei agreed to her suggestion to cook the next time with a slight nod. He was far to occupied with her being so close to him to give her much more of a response. He should have expected it. Really he should have, having offered her his arm and all it was only proper for her to take it. He stuck his courage to the sticking place and started to lead her in the direction of the place he'd deemed adequate for their engagement.

They walked for a few minutes, in which he tried to think of what to say, but really couldn't think of anything. Hei was sure if he tried he'd just sound like a prick any way, so best let her lead the conversation. Goodness knows he was good at following, and he trusted she would lead the talking.

Once they had gotten over the small hill he showed her to a small spot he'd picked out, and set to work placing the blanket out on the ground. Though he preferred to sit on the grass, it was hard this time of year, and any lady he'd ever met would rather sit on something other than dead grass. Once that was done he set to work getting everything ready, hoping that she would enjoy the atmosphere and the food once it was ready.

Glad he hadn't seemed too bothered by the closeness, Angelique let herself be led over the hill, and felt her smile brighten at the scene before her. It wasn't a perfect one, but it was very close to it, and she was quite thrilled by it. Giving a soft 'wow', she let her grip on Hong Kong's arm loosen a bit more, before she tightened it, and sped them up just a little bit. When they got closer to the pond, she let her hold slip away completely, moving forward so she could take a closer look.

There was a family of ducks, and she took a moment to just watch them swim. Her arms folded behind her back, and she turned to look at Hong Kong, smiling and looking very pleased. “I'm glad you called, I really wasn't sure if you would or not.”

The words blurted out without her meaning too. Her cheeks lit up a little, and she faltered a bit trying to fix her mistake, “Not that I didn't think you'd.. I... Um..”

Well, that was a horrible failure on her part.

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