Yotsuba no Clover

Winter - Part I

Hi! Baby pink 'n Baby blue here! Please enjoy he second chapter ~

Winter - Part I (726 words)

POV: Britain 3rd Person - (Japan 3rd Person)

It was in the middle of the coldest season, the current year was ending soon. A figure wearing a warm black button-up coat was standing in front of an entrance. It was Britain, in his left hand, he held a brown paper-bag and with his right hand, he rang the doorbell.

After several seconds, he heard the sound of steps getting closer. Japan opened the door - he was surprised, because he had not expected any visitors for the rest of this month.

'Good morning, Igirisu-san. Did we planned on meeting today?' The Asian bowed, still standing behind the door.

England answered 'Hello, good morning to you too - and no, we did not plan to meet today.' he lowered his head and let his eyes wander, observing the little mounts of snow near the entrance of Japan's house. 'I was around this area and I thought that I could pay you a visit.'

'Ah, excuse me, it is rude to let a guest wait outside! Especially in this cold weather!' Japan hurriedly opened the door wider, so that the other nation could pass through.

Warmth welcomed them as they entered. Both took off their footwear - England's dark brown knee-length winter boots were placed alongside Japan's dark lined winter shoes, that had reached to his ankles. The Asian took a pair of dark green slippers out of the shoe rack at the right side. He himself had used dark blue ones earlier.

'You are an early riser, huh? England said. 'Did you shovel the snow out of you parking lot?'

'Hm..? Oh, yes I did.' Japan nodded. 'I woke up early in the morning - because of my high blood pressure... It is refreshing to be outside, surrounded by fresh fallen snow.' The Brit agreed.

They entered the living room and Pochi greeted them. 'Hey little guy, how are you?' England knelt down to the fluffy white-haired dog. Britain was good with magical beings, it didn't mean that he had a natural ability to befriend other creatures, such as dogs, too. Pochi looked at him intensely, he barked once. The dog seemed as distanced as his master when physical contact was involved. He rarely let anyone touch him, except Japan. He liked it when his slender fingers slid over his soft fur - every time he was pet, especially being scratched behind his ears, it felt like heaven.

The living room was built in a traditional Japanese manner - shoji doors, a tatami floor and even a kotastu.

As both men sat down at the low wooden table, Pochi curled himself at the left side of his Master. Said person gave him a small smile and started to glide his hand over the white ball of fur. It had a calming effect on him.

'I shall make us some tea. Please wait for some minutes.' the host bowed and left the room to where the kitchen was located.

England shifted uncomfortably. He tried to sit in seiza, but soon, he felt his legs and feet starting to get numb - that annoying tingling would follow after. Accidentally, his back bumped into the brown paper bag he placed behind him, so that the other wouldn't notice. With a quiet 'thud' it fell over.

Thanks god, Japan didn't seem to notice - he had a good hearing sense , he was only in the kitchen after all, only thin walls separating them.

England wanted to relieve a sigh as his heart almost stopped beating. That little dog's ears had perked up. They twitched as he stood up. Pochi slowly made his way to the mysterious fallen object. With great caution, he sniffed at the bag and stuck his nose into it.

'Oh no, no, no! You bloody dog - ' England whispered at him angrily. Pochi barked, a little louder than last time, apparently threatening the Brit. 'Shush, will you!' The moment England tried to push him away, it happened.

'Ouch, you little beast!' - it echoed through the whole house.

'I- Igirisu-san?' an alarmed voice asked 'What happened?' Japan stood in front of England, carrying a teapot and two teacups on a tray, his usually stoic eyes widened in shock at the sight in front of him:

Britain half laid on the floor, on his stomach a furious Pochi, who was still biting England's' left hand.

AN: This chapter was posted on ff.net on 18th February 2015.