Hetalian Protectors

A Connection Through Sakura

I knew what they'd see. A large Japanese kotatsu followed by multiple futons spread across the floor, and similar cultural decor to that of Kiku's. The room was warm, comfortably so, and the soft sound of running water filled my ears. I watched as Kiku's mouth dropped open in shock.

I let out a cautious, timid laugh, "Surprise?"

*****

Scarlett's POV: Kiku's eyes stared down at me in shock for a long time when he finally returned my gaze. He had scanned my living area fully, taking in the large kotatsu and the multiple sitting pillows situated it. Japanese styled hanging ball lamps gave dim lighting from above, illuminating the pale, lightly hued violet walls. My sliding screen doors, which lead into the hall, were half-open, each decorated with the image of tree branches covered in different colored flowers, most of which were red, dark pink, and purple. Beyond them I could just make out the two well-sized bonsai trees that lined the beginning of the hall.

My small, nervous, and rather awkward chuckled died away, until only silence was left. I could feel them digesting the room, getting a first impression of what they were seeing. Wang Yao and the others were looking around in cautious curiosity, but I noticed that they had relaxed slightly at the familiar atmosphere. I instantly felt a little calmer, just knowing that they felt comfortable made me the happiest person in the world. My chest swelled in accomplishment.

That would be around the time I realized that I was still pinned beneath Kiku. Both of his hands were directly next to my head, one of his legs had gotten situated between my mine. His chest was just a few centimeters away from my own, his face similarly close. His dark brown eyes stared into my own, searching for something. I couldn't figure out what. Then, very gradually, his hand raised and came ever closer to my face. My breath caught and I froze completely, what little movement I was making coming to a stop. Just as fingers brushed against cheek, his body was yanked away.

"INDECENT, ARU!!!"

*****

Japan's POV: Her eyes were very hypnotizing, such a dark brown that they seemed black. I almost felt like I was being pulled into oblivion, my entire body starting to numb at the effort of holding myself up. My hand moved on its own, my fingers stretching out to touch her face. I felt her smooth skin against my fingers for a mere moment, before China's rough hands yanked me from where I was.

My airflow was cut off as China gripped my collar, pulling it taunt against my throat. I tried to fling him off as he hauled me across the sitting room, throwing me onto one of the many pillows, shouts of "INDECENT, ARU," yelled right in my ear. I hit the floor hard, though luckily I managed to land mostly on China's original target, only my elbow connecting with the ground. Taiwan rushed towards me, quickly helping me up as I grasped my elbow, a tingling pain running through my body.

"China-san, carm down!!" The older nation was running around, arms flailing as he tried to process my fall onto Scarlett. I wasn't going to do anything! I was just gonna touch her face. That's all!

Scarlett was getting to her feet, trying to approach me again, a concerned look dancing across her face. A pang shot through my heart at the guarded, but slightly frightful look in her eyes. I couldn't tell what she was thinking, and that's what bothered me the most. I couldn't read her like everyone else. She was blocking me so well, I could hardly make out any of her emotions at all. When I went to touch her face I wanted to see if I could get some reaction out of her what-so-ever. However, she had only stiffened, her eyes becoming completely blocked by whatever she had....shielding herself.

She held her arms out, aiming to show and tell China that she wasn't attempting to do any harm by me. "Wang Yao... Please forgive me... I didn't mean to cause any harm." China came to a halt, everyone in the room turning shocked gazes on her frail form. I saw Taiwan move her body a tad bit in front of me, suspicion flowing across her gaze. I felt myself tense when China's eyes narrowed.