♡~Ice n' Rice~♡

Chapter 22. Next to you

The journey in the ship wasn't too long. The cruise had been sailing during all the night, but it arrived to Sweden's west coast in the early morning.

The pain that crossed Hong Kong's body like a furious wipe didn't let him sleep at all. That, along with the teenager's worry and inner uneasiness, it had been a sleepless night for the Cantonese.

The dark shadows under his eyes and his constant yawning revealed it, as much as Hong Kong insisted that everything was fine.

The stinging pain had settled in his chest, tiring his heart with each step he took. Also, in his head; the pounding got more and more painful as the night went on, turning into an unbearable roaring into the boy's temples.

The Asian cringed at the Swedish cold, used to the mild temperature back in the Chinese region. He shuddered as he saw the native pedestrians passing by, wearing thin jackets or just short-sleeved shirts.

"It must be spring for them...". He sighed, certainly glad to don't visit a Nordic country in winter.

He looked at a map of the country as soon as he got out the boat that had brought him there.

He watched in horror how he still had to reach the east coast to meet Iceland in Stockholm.

He wasn't sure he would be able to get there. He was running out of time, the raging pain that was spreading through his body was telling him.

But still, he had to try. He felt exhausted, and didn't have enough money to enjoy a can of soda or have a snack. His stomach growled, causing him an uncomfortable pain as a punishment.

The idea of walking through an unknown country wasn't too charming, so he managed to stop a taxi. Using English, both Hong Kong and the driver talked.

-Stockholm? Hm, that's pretty far from here, boy.
-I know, but I just want to get there. I have no money left, what can I do?
-Hmm... Well, that's a limit, I guess. You can't get there without money, unless you walk, of course.

Hong Kong glared at the driver.
-Well, no. Like, I'm not planning on walking there.
-Hm, you can always go hitch-hiking, but I wouldn't recommend it. It's a very old way of travelling, no one would stop and pick a boy up without knowing him.

The long talk was hurting Hong Kong's head more than necessary.
-O-Okay, okay... Just to know, how much would it cost for you to take me to Stockholm?
-Hmm... Around 3 or 4 hours. But it won't be cheap. I know you're in a desperate situation, so just give me what you have.
-Really?! -Hong Kong widened his eyes.
-Hmh. Get in, boy. -He smiled wide.

The Cantonese was soon into the taxi, paying the driver will all the money he had, glad to had exchanged his pounds into Swedish kronas in the cruise.

It was a long, tedious trip. The driver, called Måns, kept on asking Hong Kong about his name and life, trying to start some conversation. The teenager mumbled his answers, eventually falling asleep for the rest to the way there.

It was calm and quick, though, and they were in Stockholm before than originally originally expected. The driver woke him up and left him in the nice Swedish capital.

During the taxi ride, the pain had started to numb his toes, making him look paler and shakier.

He bit his lip, hoping to find Iceland as soon as possible. He swept through the streets, mumbling to himself. He could feel the rage and fear of his people in his stomach and bones, almost like a warning of how little time he had left.

His eyes widened as a well-known voice yelled his name, only to blur and blacken their vision just after catching glimpse of the voice's face.

♡~·~·*♡*·~·~♡

Everything felt better. The pain wasn't nearly as intense and stinging as before, and the air felt warm around him.

He wanted to open his eyes and discover what was making him feel better, but he couldn't. He was still waking up from his unconsciousness.

As his senses unnumbed, he could feel his people being calmer, even happy. He felt the softness of the blankets around him and the warmth of the fire.

He caught the stench of wood burning, cinnamon, and a well-known perfume.

The creaking of the fire and the ticking of a wall clock were the only sounds, until he could finally hear the sweetest voice.

-Hong Kong... Hong, please wake up...

The Cantonese opened his eyes slowly. He looked up at the ceiling, finding himself in a warm, cozy room. He turned his head towards the voice.

A slight smile appeared across his lips as he met a pale boy, with very light blond hair and an adorable, reddish blush on his cheeks, nose, and under his eyes; from the warmth and the tears that dripped from his beautiful violet eyes.

-H-Hong... -he gasped softly.
-Ice...
-I-It worked... -a smile grew in the weeping boy's lips, as he took Hong Kong's hand.
-Worked..?
-Y-You're alive... I-It worked!
-W-What did?
-The money transaction...
-Money...?
-H-Hong, you were about to... d-die when Norge and I found you. Y-Your economy was too weak, so we all donated money to your banks... Oh my God, it's been days!

For Hong Kong, it felt like he arrived to Stockholm about ten minutes ago. He sighed and nodded, smiling at him.

-Thank you... Thank you so much...
-It's nothing! -The Icelandic boy hugged the Cantonese, tearing up into his shoulder.
-Shh... I am alright... -Hong Kong hugged back, stroking his hair gently.

Actually, Hong Kong felt much stronger and healthy than he was when he arrived to the west of Sweden.

Suddenly, he remembered about the world. He could remember the countries that had allied together: England with his brothers, finally safe; the two Koreas as one; Japan and Taiwan...

-Ice... How's the world doing?
-Things are getting better... -Iceland smiled.
-How's... China?
-I'm glad you ask... He's allied with Japan, the Koreas and Taiwan. They're the Asian Union now
-R-Really?!
-Yes... Since they allied, everything has gotten better for them! Japan and China got married, and... they even sent you money too -he smiled.

Hong Kong's smile grew bigger, his eyes were bright.
-Married?! That's
great!

A knock on the door interrupted them.
-Iceland?! Is that Hong Kong, aru?
-Yeah, it is!
-Teacher!

The Chinese man ran into the room, smiling bright. He was followed by his husband, who smiled softly. China squeaked and ran to hug the Cantonese, almost in happy tears.

He could hear Taiwan's giggles, South Korea's loud voice and his twin's silence, which couldn't hear but could feel.

-You're all here! -The teenager wiped his eyes in happiness.
-Of course! We are one now!
-Are you okay now, Teacher?
-Shì de! It was quick! I phoned you a few days ago, what happened?

Hong Kong started to explain and tell everything, exchanging stories with them, getting information and finally feeling at home.

Soon, the rest of the Nordics joined them, happily having a nice talk. Hong Kong smiled, feeling happy. He held Iceland's hand tightly, glad to have the youngest Nordic next to him, the youngest Asian.

He couldn't figure a better moment. He would have wanted to pause the time forever, and eternally live in that instant; surrounded by his family and true love, in a warm, nice home.

The Asians smiled and looked at each other, some snickering and giggling could be heard. Even the stern Japan and the grumpy North Korea smiled.

-What's up, guys? -Hong Kong chuckled.

China smiled bright at him, his eyes warmly welcoming him. He gave voice to the Asians' mumbling.

-Do you want to join the Asian Union, aru?

They all stared at the teenager, expecting.