Tennessee Whiskey

Chapter 8: Arc 1 - Overture

I'm. SO. BORED!" Drones the American, floating on his back through the water. It's mid-noon, the day after their night of passion. The sun is scorching hot, and there's not a cloud in the sky that would give promise of shade. It's easily well over 100 degrees, and Alfred's continued whining is making the heat somehow even less bearable. How can he go from being such a passionate lover to acting like a petulant child stuck in the back seat of a car during a long drive?

In an attempt to hush the younger, Yao pass-aggressively splashes him.

"I'm sure Arthur and Francis are just busy decontaminating the house." He says flatly, scooping some water into his hands and dashing it across his face.

Alfred grumbles, glowering at the man who holds his affections. While Yao is rubbing his face, Alfred drifts closer, collecting salty water in his mouth as he goes.

"Besides, it's not so bad. I mean, there aren't any peopooAAAAAUHH - AIYAH!" Yao screams when he's suddenly assaulted with water expelled from Alfred's mouth. "That's... that is so disgusting!"

"Hahaaaa...Oh really? So it's only acceptable to use my mouth when I'm -"

"- Stop it right there." He deadpans, wiping his face in sheer revulsion. "You cannot compare violating my face with -"

"- violating that dick, straight up." He interjects with a smirk, returning to floating on his back and appearing completely relaxed. "Aw, chill out, man. If anything it's helping. It's healing water!"

"I was perfectly fine bathing myself, thank you." He says flatly, watching the other nation drift by.

"Mannnn... I thought fuckin' ya would make you loosen up at least a little." Alfred sighs, keeping his eyes shut. "And yes, I mean that in more ways than one." He adds with a goofy grin.

Yao frowns. Maybe he is being too... uptight?

All too suddenly, Yao feels something creeping up his throat, exuded from his mouth in thick, dark violet liquid. It tastes like lead and burns his mouth. He doesn't dare touch it, instead taking a few steps back from the water that becomes tainted by it. Blood seeps from his hairline, cascading down his face. Alfred loses his balance in shock, quickly standing up to assist the other.

"Woah, what the hell is going on?!" He panics, holding Yao up so he doesn't go under. He has no choice but to wait whatever it is out, since Yao seems completely unresponsive. The event lasts only a few more seconds before he snaps out of it. He coughs up the rest of it, almost gagging.

"Is this morning sickness?" Alfred jokes nervously, Yao gives him a strained side glance.

"Why is this...happening to me?" He chokes feebly, rubbing his throat and glancing to Alfred; who looks as pristine as ever. The younger forms no response, gathering water in his hands and using it to clean the black material away.

"Maybe its a good thing." He groans, leaning into Alfred's touch. "Maybe it's a sign that the toxins are leaving? I dunno..." He sighs, disheartened at his lack of knowledge on this certain subject.

Alfred examines Yao's tired body; it's still as lanky as ever but not as lustrous as it used to be. He keeps his observations to himself, however, and simply resigns to rubbing Yao's back trying to comfort him.