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heroescutiesTitle: Five for the Festival (and one that showed up late)
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Romance/General
Rating: PG
Pairings/Characters: America/England, Hong Kong/Taiwan, China, Korea
Word Count: 4,440
Summary: When both England and Hong Kong decide to invite guests over to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival, it brings together an unlikely group to honor the traditions and create some new ones.
Notes: For![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
museofepics's request on the ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
usxuk Autumn Love Party theme. She asked for a fic about America and England celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival. Also: This takes place in the 1980s, which is why Hong Kong's still a colony at the time.
“I thought you weren’t going to be here.”
The clash of accents made it sound as if, for a moment, the words were different. But the words, along with their scowls, were the same. It was quite obvious that neither one of them expected to find the other occupying the Victoria City house that day.
Setting down his cup of lapsang souchong tea, England cleared his throat. “I assumed you’d be visiting family.”
Hong Kong, who wasn’t about to back down, crossed his arms and calmly retorted, “And I thought you’d want to be oceans away from all our festivities. Considering how much you enjoy our fireworks…”
The elder nation noisily clattered his cup down. “I can appreciate them quite fine when they aren’t under my chair, Hong Kong.”
He allowed himself a slight smirk at that. “I’ll keep that in mind. But really England, why are you here? You know the Mid-Autumn Festival is for families and lovers. I highly doubt you brought the rest of the Isles along and as for your special relationship…”
The colony trailed off as he heard footsteps approaching.
“Hey, who else is here?” America’s voice called out as he rounded the hallway corner. On seeing the colony there, he smiled. "Ah, hey Hong Kong!"
Hong Kong raised an eyebrow. A move England knew all too well usually preceded the stoic boy one-upping him.
“Ah. I stand corrected. You did invite your boyfriend for the festival.”
England’s face heated up - part indignation, part embarrassment - and he was just about to correct his colony about a few things when America cut in.
“E-England, you actually told him you invited me here on a date?” He asked, sounding extremely touched.
The older nation deflated, shooting Hong Kong a surreptitious glare before shyly facing America.
Well, they had finally reached the stage in their relationship where things were a little more...open. With how close their current bosses were it was getting harder and harder to hide it around their fellow nations, after all.
Ever the gentleman, England calmly lifted his teacup and replied, “Yes. Well. No need to be secretive about it.”
America smiled dopily, and he bit back a comment on how England was so red he was surely boiling the tea. He deserved that much for not denying why America was there to Hong Kong.
“Sorry if you two wanted a weekend alone," Hong Kong deadpanned, effectively turning them both scarlet. “But I’ve invited guests over for the festival as well.”
England frowned. “China?”
Hong Kong nodded.
With a smile, America just shrugged. “Hey that’s fine! We’ve been working on those projects together recently, you know?”
The older nation sighed. He had, in all honesty, been looking forward to an evening alone with America away from the hustle and bustle of D.C. and London. And here he'd gone to all the trouble of inviting him to his home in Hong Kong for their festival just to find out they'd be sharing the household. Bollocks.
Though perhaps they could talk China into cooking for them rather than going out. That would be a plus...
A knock sounded at the door and a sweet female voice called out, “Hong Kong, are you there?” in Chinese.
It was now England’s turn to look smug as he casually remarked to America, “Looks like he invited someone special as well.”
Hong Kong just gave him an impassive glare, but there was a dusting of pink on his cheeks as he turned towards the door. “I’ll go see Taiwan in.”
America glanced after him, then to the windows which opened up to Victoria Harbor. Turning to England, he asked, “Do you think they’d like barbeque?”
“What?”
“China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. You said the festival was like a beach party or something and I always have BBQ at those and so I thought…” he dipped his head, as if he realized he was rambling excitedly and was trying to hold back, “well, maybe they might like it too?”
“Generally speaking America, long standing traditions are just that. You don’t just change or add things to them willy-nilly and…” England cut off his rebuke as he saw America’s expression drop as the younger nation sulkily turned fully to the window. Oh blast it all, he was trying to be better about this! Hesitantly, he placed his hand on America’s shoulder, coaxing him to turn back around.
When that didn’t succeed, he rested his chin on America’s other shoulder. That got his attention, as he turned with shocked wide blue eyes and a blush rising to his face.
“England?”
“Don’t make me reiterate this. But perhaps you should…ask them. Sometimes, sometimes old…things can use something new.”
America blinked, touched, the full sentiment sinking in as his smile erupted into a wide grin. He whirled around and swept England into his arms, excitedly nuzzling his hair like he was some sort of giant puppy.
“I’ll do that!” He practically cheered, spinning around as England spluttered out indignities. As he finally came to a stop, he dipped his head low for a kiss and was just about to follow through when he saw England’s wide eyes and scarlet red blush.
America looked over his shoulder and immediately saw the problem.
There in the doorway was Taiwan, Hong Kong and... it appeared China had arrived as well. Hong Kong looking highly amused behind his stoic façade, Taiwan politely hiding her giggles behind her large sleeve, and China giving them the same look that he always did back during World War II, a look he gave voice to now.
“While it is true couples tell each other a thousand things without speech, aru; I would prefer if you don’t do so while in witness of all.”
England nodded, and America just blinked and was about to ask what that meant when Hong Kong bluntly explained.
“In short, get a room, lovebirds.”
America flushed to his ears while England huffed. “We were doing nothing crude or lewd, thank you very much!”
“Y-Yeah,” America managed. “Kissing is okay, right?”
The three who had just entered exchanged a look. Finally China sighed. “America, kissing is like drinking salt water: you drink and your thirst increases, aru.”
The younger nation opened his mouth to protest, but slowly closed it again. He nodded meekly. China was right. One kiss with England would lead to another and another and…yeah.
“Maybe later?” He queried, hopefully.
China chuckled. “Yes, my friend. Much later would be a good time. Now it looks as if we have more work to do than I expected aru. So, let us make the most of our time before the sun sets.”
------------------------------
Thankfully for all involved, China was in a jovial enough mood not to be too upset by the two unexpected guests...much.
It was simple miscommunication that was all. England thought Hong Kong would be gone from the household in Victoria City for the festival while Hong Kong had invited his guests there to celebrate on Victoria Harbor.
China did insist on America helping him run back out to the market to buy more ingredients, more mooncakes and "I suppose we'll look into supplies for that barbeque you suggested as well, aru."
He also grumbled something under his breath in England's direction about getting certain nations more tea.
Taiwan offered to go along with them, leaving just England and Hong Kong at the house. Needless to say, neither was very pleased with this arrangement.
“I have important matters to attend to,” Hong Kong said, gathering up a bundle that had arrived along with China and Taiwan. “And I suppose you have tea to drink.”
England scoffed, not liking the idea that his colony was implying him to be lazy. “If it’s something for the festival, I’m certain I can at least assist somehow.”
Hong Kong quirked an eyebrow, then shrugged. “Just don’t get in my way.”
Determined to be of some help, especially since his own guest was out getting supplies with the others, England picked up the bundle and easily lifted it onto his shoulder.
“All right then, where to?”
With a passive stare, Hong Kong nodded to the right. “I’ll need a lot of space, so the spare room over here should do.”
“What are you making?” England asked, honestly curious.
A bit surprised by the older nation’s genuine interest, Hong Kong blinked. A small smile quirked at his lips as he replied, “I’m making our paper lanterns. It’s a special craft that I am privileged to have been taught.”
Thinking to his own needlepoint and other handiwork that he’d learned over time, England understood the importance of such a skill for a nation or colony. It was an honor to know their cultural heritage and to be able to pass it along.
After setting out his supplies in a very specific manner (and constantly shooing England further away from his workspace) Hong Kong began. For nearly an hour, he delicately worked with the wooden rings and the colorful rice paper, asking England to hand him things from time to time.
As he began to adorn it with elaborate pink flowers, England cleared his throat and asked, “Are you making this one for Taiwan?”
Hong Kong’s hand froze where it was attaching one of the flowers, but otherwise he was calm in his reply, “Yes. Did you want to request a specific lantern for your guest?”
England was about to snap back that he honestly could care less if America had a special lantern or not, but he stopped himself. With a sigh, he gave Hong Kong a look, trying to gauge if he was toying with him.
With a light chuckle, Hong Kong continued working on Taiwan’s lantern. “It would make him very happy, you know.” As he put the final flower on it, he gave England a leveled look. “So you can stop pretending that you don’t want to make him happy. I wouldn’t believe it for a moment.”
With a huff, England crossed his arms. “What ever do you mean?”
Setting aside the finished lantern, Hong Kong began working on the framework for another. After a moment’s silence, he sighed and looked up at England. “He’s good for you, America is. Probably more so than you’ll ever realize.”
“Wh-what?” England stammered out.
“I’ve grown up with you around, England. I’ve seen how he’s changed you for the better.”
When the older nation remained silent, Hong Kong glanced up. England’s expression was one that might be hard to read by most, but as a colony, Hong Kong knew it well. He was sure all the colonies could easily identify that expression.
It was that odd combination of touched and shocked that seemed to come up when America surfaced as a topic. Of course, being as it was England, this was all being filtered through a scowl and furrowed bushy eyebrows.
“Then again, the same can be said of him. I’m glad you both finally got over yourselves and hooked up, you’re good for each other.”
England hid his flushed face behind his raised teacup and quietly mumbled. “Yes. Well. Perhaps an airplane. Or a rocket. He…he likes that kind of thing.”
Hong Kong gave a short laugh. “You’re such a sap, Laotou.”
“Hey now! Just because you switched to Mandarin doesn’t mean I can’t understand you!”
“Should I attach hearts to it with your name written on it?” he teased.
England stormed over to the table, snatched up the brush and delicately wrote out the symbols for Hong Kong’s name on a small flower near the base of Taiwan’s lantern. “Ha!”
Midway through something that vaguely resembled a Hello Kitty head, Hong Kong set it aside and grabbed up more wood for framework. “You do realize that this rocket is going to be covered in hearts now…”
Falling into the comfortable banter that he and Hong Kong had developed over the years, England held Taiwan’s lantern aloft. “Maybe this one needs some more loving messages added to it then.”
With a stoic glare, both of them quirked up a smirk. And in a flurry of colored paper and brush strokes, their lantern war began.
--------------------------------------------
When the others arrived home, Hong Kong quickly evicted England from his workspace, professing that he needed to focus. And since China had already outright banned England from setting foot anywhere near the kitchen, this left him alone with America and Taiwan.
America, who had gotten Taiwan pretty excited about the idea behind barbequing, was trying to show her out on the grill on the back porch overlooking the harbor.
“See, if you mix in some smoked wood with the charcoal, it creates more smoke.”
Taiwan frowned, “Isn’t that bad?”
America just laughed. “Nah, you want some smoke to give it flavor. You’re going to let it cook for a few hours just in the low heat and smoke. Makes the meat taste great!”
She smiled at him and nodded. “So can I try it then?”
With a flourish, America stepped back and let her closer to the grill. “Have at it. Just remember to put the barbeque sauce on about thirty minutes before it’s done!”
“All right!” She exclaimed, seeming equally excited about this as America was.
As she resolutely began fussing over the grill, America walked over to where England had been watching them. “Hey you.”
“Hallo,” he replied, the corner of his lips involuntarily quirking up into the slightest of smiles.
But America noticed it and gently tapped it with his fingertip. “Aha, caught you smiling. Do I win a prize?”
England flushed, swatting America’s hand away as he grumbled, “Git.”
“So uh…” America cleared his throat, suddenly seeming very interested in the wood floorboards of the porch. “China kinda told me a bit about the stuff with the festival and all, right?”
He swallowed, already a bit worried as to what the other nation had told him. “And?”
America stuffed his hand into the inner pocket of his battered bomber jacket and pulled out a small box. He shoved it into England’s hands. “It’s a mooncake,” he mumbled hastily. “You’re supposed to gift one to your loved ones on this day, so since I was out I…”
England gently took the small box from him and looked down at the intricate design on the small cake.
“Thank you,” he breathed out, his chest swelling with emotion.
America leaned closer. “You like it?”
He nodded, finally looking up to meet America’s eyes. “Do you even know what this says?”
With a pout, America rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, my Chinese is a little rusty. But I’m pretty sure it says ‘Unity’ unless China’s having a good laugh at me, that is.”
England shook his head. “No. He’s quite right. Unless he’s having a laugh at us both.”
They both allowed themselves a tiny smile at that. Unity. It seemed like it would never be a word they’d be able to so comfortably use about one another again. But there it was, on a mooncake at that, and it couldn’t have made either one of them happier.
“I didn’t get you one,” England finally blurted out. “So I suppose, well…” He tentatively reached out and placed a hand on America’s forearm. “We could share?”
America beamed, pulling England into a one-armed hug and excitedly pecking a kiss to his temple. “Y-yeah! Sharing is awesome!”
As they both pulled back, both unable to keep from smiling at least a little at the other, a voice cut in.
“America? Can you finish kissing England and come check on my barbeque?” Taiwan asked.
They both flushed. But, figuring he already had the permission, America nuzzled his nose against England’s and leaned in for a quick but passionate kiss.
“Be right back, okay? We’re supposed to celebrate this festival together, after all,” he murmured in a breathless rush.
England just nodded. “All right then.”
And as America bounded back across the porch to help out Taiwan, England found himself looking down at the small cake with a smile once again tugging at his lips.
Hong Kong was right. He was a sentimental old man.
----------------------------------------------
After eating a very filling meal from China, supplemented by Taiwan’s newly acquired barbequing skills, the five of them had retired out to the porch. America and England were sharing space on one small blanket, while the three others had gathered on a larger blanket near by.
As the moon rose into the autumn night sky, China had passed out yòuzi to eat along with their mooncakes, the pale green citrus fruit very sweet to eat as they watched the moon together. It was a very tranquil moment, and England was just about to lean his head over on America’s shoulder when he noticed the three on the adjacent blanket all placing the yòuzi’s rind on their heads, like some strange green helmet.
“Oh yeah, England here!” America said, picking up his yòuzi rind and plunking it down on England’s head. He then quickly donned his own rind.
England scowled and America just poked his cheek. “Come on England, don’t be such a grump!”
Turning to the others, in hopes for some sanity, the older nation asked, “Um. No offense, but why are we wearing fruit rinds on our heads?”
China, very solemnly, pushed the rind up a bit on his forehead and replied. “It is a prayer for our youth of our countries, aru. Placing the rinds on our heads allows the moon goddess to see us better and hear our wishes.”
America piped up, having obviously been filled in by China earlier when they were out shopping, “And it’s fun and makes serious people like you and Hong Kong look silly.”
Taiwan giggled at that, turning to Hong Kong. “He’s right, you know.”
With a smile, China jokingly replied, “It is said that not every person has the dignity to wear a fruit upon their head, aru.”
The three of them laughed, while America leaned his head (rind and all) down to rest against England’s rind-hat. “See England, it’s fun!”
With a hint of a smirk, he replied, “I suppose Hong Kong does look rather ridiculous in it.”
Hong Kong shot back, “Probably because someone cursed me with their eyebrows.”
“It’s all right, you make them work,” both America and Taiwan said to England and Hong Kong almost simultaneously.
China chuckled, “Which merely proves that love is blind, aru.”
This earned him a scowl from the first two and a fervent blush from the other two.
Eager to change the subject, Hong Kong stood up and took off the rind from his head. “China, is it dark enough for the lanterns?”
Looking up, seemingly beyond the stars as if he was trying to see into the heavens themselves, China astutely nodded. “Yes, aru. The time is right.”
As they all took off their yòuzi rinds, Hong Kong went inside and returned with a collection of colorful lanterns all lit up with candles. First, he presented the one with the Hello Kitty-like design to China.
“Is this the design you were wanting?”
China smiled warmly, pushing aside his long sleeves a bit so he could reach out and embrace Hong Kong. “Aiyah! Shinatty-chan looks so great!”
Hong Kong smiled back, just slightly.
As he turned to Taiwan though, his expression turned back neutral with a hint of a blush. “And for you, Taiwan.”
She also excitedly embraced him, thanking him profusely for the beautiful purple and pink lantern adorned in elaborate paper flowers. And on spotting the small flower with Hong Kong’s name on it, she pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek in gratitude.
“It’s beautiful, Hong Kong. Xie xie ni.”
“Bu yong xie,” he replied in Mandarin for her.
Turning to America and England, he held out America’s lantern first. The hearts that he’d tried very hard to put all over it, England had managed to remove. But when one of them tore a hole in the lantern, that left one spot that Hong Kong had to repair.
This he had patched up with a small United States flag next to the United Kingdom’s flag.
America, who had been wide eyed with excitement since he saw the rocket-shaped lantern, grinned as Hong Kong gave it to him.
“England helped,” Hong Kong noted, thinking back to the hearts he’d torn off.
At this, America’s expression brightened even more. “R-Really?”
England waved it off. “Just told him you’d like a rocket, that’s all. Nothing special.”
But America obviously found this very special and important, for he’d immediately wrapped England in a warm hug and pressed a rather sloppy kiss to his cheek. “Thanks England!”
Still not relinquishing his hold on England, America turned to Hong Kong. “And thank you for making it look so amazing! It’s seriously one awesome rocket!”
Hong Kong gave a nod in America’s direction before holding the next lantern towards England. “For you.”
England blinked, noticing the distinct and elaborate design of a Keileon, a Chinese unicorn. As he took it, he gave it a warm smile before looking to Hong Kong.
“Your unicorn.”
“You’re always going on about seeing them, after all.”
Handing it to America for the moment, he reached out and gave Hong Kong a loose hug. “I appreciate it, Hong Kong. Even if you think I’m a crazy old man.”
Hong Kong chuckled, “Well, you are.”
“I see you have made a dragon for yourself,” England countered, pulling back.
He shrugged. “I can appreciate dragons without imagining them everywhere I go.”
“You know, I’m always trying to tell him that too!” America added in.
Everyone laughed at that, even England (who finally chuckled a bit at the whole situation). It was a night for togetherness, after all.
Armed with their lit lanterns, they seated themselves back on their blankets to gaze up at the full moon. America had feigned stretching, only to put his right arm snugly behind England’s back.
Shifting his lantern to his right hand, England snuggled back into America’s warmth. And as his bangs brushed against America’s cheek, he glanced up to see America smiling tenderly down at him.
China had stood up between the two couples, and cleared his throat. Softly and elegantly, he began to sing an old song.
Bright moon, when did you appear?
Lifting my wine, I question the dark night sky.
Tonight in the palaces and halls of heaven
what year is it, I wonder?
As he sang, Taiwan gently rested her hand atop Hong Kong’s hand on the blanket and gave him a smile, which he very subtly returned.
America had started bobbing his rocket lantern along with the rhythm of the song, but his attention was focused solely on England.
“Hey, England?” He whispered as quietly as he could.
England looked to him and gave a nod to acknowledge that he was listening.
“I…um. I’m glad I’m here with you. For this,” he laughed lightly to himself. “In fact, I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be right now than with you.”
“A-America…I…” England shifted, resting his head on America’s chest, over his heart. “I feel exactly the same.”
And as China finalized the last verse, no one noticed or commented on how America and England had been sharing a tender kiss for several minutes or more.
People have their griefs and joys, their togetherness and separation,
The moon has its dark and clear times, its waxings and wanings.
Situations are never ideal since long ago.
I only hope we two may have long long lives,
So that we may share the moon's beauty even though we are a three hundred miles apart.
-----------------------------
“Chiinnnaaa! Chinaaaa! Let me in!”
The loud knocking had already woken everyone in the household up, or the voice now calling out would have. America and England both stuck their heads out of their shared room (something England kept swearing Hong Kong arranged just to taunt him about), Taiwan groggily peered out of hers, and China marched out of his, leaving Hong Kong in the doorway looking very drowsy.
“Chinaaa, I’m here for the festival!” The voice called out even louder.
With a heavy sigh, China opened the front door to Korea’s wide smile and open arms.
“Happy Chuseok, China!” He said, wrapping the older nation in a crushing hug.
“Korea, it’s the middle of the night, aru.”
“I wanted to start the festival with you now! I celebrated the first day with my people, but I still have two more days!” He pushed his way inside and sat aside a bag full of stuff.
China turned to all the sleepy guests and just gave them a wan smile. “He does this every year, nothing to worry about, aru.”
“I brought the songpyeon and I wanna dance the Ganggangsullae with you, aniki! I invented in after all!”
Not allowing a word in edge wise, Korea dragged China across the household and out to the back porch. “Maybe we can make it until dawn this year!”
Holding China’s hands, Korea made a circle with him and began to sway clockwise to a rhythm he’d begun to hum.
America blearily blinked over at England. Willing to try anything once, he reached down and took England’s hand.
“May I have this dance?”
England was about to protest, but he figured if someone as old and wise as China was going along with Korea’s whims then nothing would hurt him to go along with America’s. It was as he said; sometimes old things could use a dash of something new and young.
With a small smile, he gave America’s hand a squeeze.
“Yes, America, you may.”
And as America led England out onto the porch in their pyjamas to join China and Korea in their moonlit dance, Hong Kong shook his head and went to stand in the back doorway to watch them all.
He started as he felt the brush of Taiwan’s hair against him, her head resting lightly against his shoulder.
“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, Hong Kong,” she murmured through a yawn.
Hong Kong put an arm around her as they watched the older nations dance.
“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to you as well, Taiwan.”
--------------
Notes:
[1] Victoria City, was one of the first urban settlements in Hong Kong after it became a British colony in 1841. It was often said to be the capital of Hong Kong, and almost all government departments still have their head offices located in the area.
[2] Lapsang souchong is a black tea originally from the Wuyi region of the Chinese province of Fujian.
[3] The Mid Autumn Festival,, also known as the Moon Festival or Zhongqiu Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese, dating back over 3,000 years.
[4] " With how close their current bosses were" refers to the heads of government in both countries during the early 1980s- President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher
[5] America's projects with China refers to: in 1980, U.S. dialogue with the People's Republic of China broadened to cover a wide range of issues, including global and regional strategic problems, political-military questions, including arms control, UN and other multilateral organization affairs, and international narcotics matters.
[6] Victoria Harbor is a natural landform harbor situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbor's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea was instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent development as a trading centre.
[7] Mooncake is a Chinese bakery products traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Typical mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm thick. A thick filling usually made from lotus seed paste is surrounded by a relatively thin (2-3 mm) crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs.
[8] Laotou means old man in Mandarin Chinese.
[9] In Taiwan, since the 1980s, barbecuing meat outdoors has become a widespread way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
[10] The pomelo (called a yòuzi in Chinese) is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. After munching the pomelo's sweet and juicy flesh, the Chinese don't dispose of the skin; instead, they put the pomelo rinds on their heads. The Chinese believe that by placing pomelo rinds on their heads, the moon goddess Chang'e will see them and respond to their prayers when she looks down from the moon.
[11] Xie xie ni is Thank you and Bu yong xie is You're Welcome
[12] The Keileon (Cantonese), also spelled Qilin (from Mandarin)and Kirin (from Japanese), is a mythical hooved Chinese chimerical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures. It is sometimes called the "Chinese unicorn" due to conflation with the unicorn by Westerners.
[13] China is singing a Shui diao ge tou, a traditional Chinese melody to which a poem in the cí style can be sung. The poem he's singing is the most famous, Su Dongpo, by Song dynasty poet Su Shi.
[14] Chuseok (Korean) is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Like many other harvest festivals, it is held around the Autumn Equinox. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon.
[15] Ganggangsullae is a 5,000-year-old Korean dance that was first used to bring about a bountiful harvest. Traditionally, this dance is performed only by women at night without any instruments. Young and old women dance in a circle at night under the moonlight. They go outside in traditional Korean clothing, hold each other's hands, make a circle, and start rotating clockwise. The dance can last until dawn.
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Romance/General
Rating: PG
Pairings/Characters: America/England, Hong Kong/Taiwan, China, Korea
Word Count: 4,440
Summary: When both England and Hong Kong decide to invite guests over to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival, it brings together an unlikely group to honor the traditions and create some new ones.
Notes: For
museofepics's request on the usxuk Autumn Love Party theme. She asked for a fic about America and England celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival. Also: This takes place in the 1980s, which is why Hong Kong's still a colony at the time.“I thought you weren’t going to be here.”
The clash of accents made it sound as if, for a moment, the words were different. But the words, along with their scowls, were the same. It was quite obvious that neither one of them expected to find the other occupying the Victoria City house that day.
Setting down his cup of lapsang souchong tea, England cleared his throat. “I assumed you’d be visiting family.”
Hong Kong, who wasn’t about to back down, crossed his arms and calmly retorted, “And I thought you’d want to be oceans away from all our festivities. Considering how much you enjoy our fireworks…”
The elder nation noisily clattered his cup down. “I can appreciate them quite fine when they aren’t under my chair, Hong Kong.”
He allowed himself a slight smirk at that. “I’ll keep that in mind. But really England, why are you here? You know the Mid-Autumn Festival is for families and lovers. I highly doubt you brought the rest of the Isles along and as for your special relationship…”
The colony trailed off as he heard footsteps approaching.
“Hey, who else is here?” America’s voice called out as he rounded the hallway corner. On seeing the colony there, he smiled. "Ah, hey Hong Kong!"
Hong Kong raised an eyebrow. A move England knew all too well usually preceded the stoic boy one-upping him.
“Ah. I stand corrected. You did invite your boyfriend for the festival.”
England’s face heated up - part indignation, part embarrassment - and he was just about to correct his colony about a few things when America cut in.
“E-England, you actually told him you invited me here on a date?” He asked, sounding extremely touched.
The older nation deflated, shooting Hong Kong a surreptitious glare before shyly facing America.
Well, they had finally reached the stage in their relationship where things were a little more...open. With how close their current bosses were it was getting harder and harder to hide it around their fellow nations, after all.
Ever the gentleman, England calmly lifted his teacup and replied, “Yes. Well. No need to be secretive about it.”
America smiled dopily, and he bit back a comment on how England was so red he was surely boiling the tea. He deserved that much for not denying why America was there to Hong Kong.
“Sorry if you two wanted a weekend alone," Hong Kong deadpanned, effectively turning them both scarlet. “But I’ve invited guests over for the festival as well.”
England frowned. “China?”
Hong Kong nodded.
With a smile, America just shrugged. “Hey that’s fine! We’ve been working on those projects together recently, you know?”
The older nation sighed. He had, in all honesty, been looking forward to an evening alone with America away from the hustle and bustle of D.C. and London. And here he'd gone to all the trouble of inviting him to his home in Hong Kong for their festival just to find out they'd be sharing the household. Bollocks.
Though perhaps they could talk China into cooking for them rather than going out. That would be a plus...
A knock sounded at the door and a sweet female voice called out, “Hong Kong, are you there?” in Chinese.
It was now England’s turn to look smug as he casually remarked to America, “Looks like he invited someone special as well.”
Hong Kong just gave him an impassive glare, but there was a dusting of pink on his cheeks as he turned towards the door. “I’ll go see Taiwan in.”
America glanced after him, then to the windows which opened up to Victoria Harbor. Turning to England, he asked, “Do you think they’d like barbeque?”
“What?”
“China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. You said the festival was like a beach party or something and I always have BBQ at those and so I thought…” he dipped his head, as if he realized he was rambling excitedly and was trying to hold back, “well, maybe they might like it too?”
“Generally speaking America, long standing traditions are just that. You don’t just change or add things to them willy-nilly and…” England cut off his rebuke as he saw America’s expression drop as the younger nation sulkily turned fully to the window. Oh blast it all, he was trying to be better about this! Hesitantly, he placed his hand on America’s shoulder, coaxing him to turn back around.
When that didn’t succeed, he rested his chin on America’s other shoulder. That got his attention, as he turned with shocked wide blue eyes and a blush rising to his face.
“England?”
“Don’t make me reiterate this. But perhaps you should…ask them. Sometimes, sometimes old…things can use something new.”
America blinked, touched, the full sentiment sinking in as his smile erupted into a wide grin. He whirled around and swept England into his arms, excitedly nuzzling his hair like he was some sort of giant puppy.
“I’ll do that!” He practically cheered, spinning around as England spluttered out indignities. As he finally came to a stop, he dipped his head low for a kiss and was just about to follow through when he saw England’s wide eyes and scarlet red blush.
America looked over his shoulder and immediately saw the problem.
There in the doorway was Taiwan, Hong Kong and... it appeared China had arrived as well. Hong Kong looking highly amused behind his stoic façade, Taiwan politely hiding her giggles behind her large sleeve, and China giving them the same look that he always did back during World War II, a look he gave voice to now.
“While it is true couples tell each other a thousand things without speech, aru; I would prefer if you don’t do so while in witness of all.”
England nodded, and America just blinked and was about to ask what that meant when Hong Kong bluntly explained.
“In short, get a room, lovebirds.”
America flushed to his ears while England huffed. “We were doing nothing crude or lewd, thank you very much!”
“Y-Yeah,” America managed. “Kissing is okay, right?”
The three who had just entered exchanged a look. Finally China sighed. “America, kissing is like drinking salt water: you drink and your thirst increases, aru.”
The younger nation opened his mouth to protest, but slowly closed it again. He nodded meekly. China was right. One kiss with England would lead to another and another and…yeah.
“Maybe later?” He queried, hopefully.
China chuckled. “Yes, my friend. Much later would be a good time. Now it looks as if we have more work to do than I expected aru. So, let us make the most of our time before the sun sets.”
------------------------------
Thankfully for all involved, China was in a jovial enough mood not to be too upset by the two unexpected guests...much.
It was simple miscommunication that was all. England thought Hong Kong would be gone from the household in Victoria City for the festival while Hong Kong had invited his guests there to celebrate on Victoria Harbor.
China did insist on America helping him run back out to the market to buy more ingredients, more mooncakes and "I suppose we'll look into supplies for that barbeque you suggested as well, aru."
He also grumbled something under his breath in England's direction about getting certain nations more tea.
Taiwan offered to go along with them, leaving just England and Hong Kong at the house. Needless to say, neither was very pleased with this arrangement.
“I have important matters to attend to,” Hong Kong said, gathering up a bundle that had arrived along with China and Taiwan. “And I suppose you have tea to drink.”
England scoffed, not liking the idea that his colony was implying him to be lazy. “If it’s something for the festival, I’m certain I can at least assist somehow.”
Hong Kong quirked an eyebrow, then shrugged. “Just don’t get in my way.”
Determined to be of some help, especially since his own guest was out getting supplies with the others, England picked up the bundle and easily lifted it onto his shoulder.
“All right then, where to?”
With a passive stare, Hong Kong nodded to the right. “I’ll need a lot of space, so the spare room over here should do.”
“What are you making?” England asked, honestly curious.
A bit surprised by the older nation’s genuine interest, Hong Kong blinked. A small smile quirked at his lips as he replied, “I’m making our paper lanterns. It’s a special craft that I am privileged to have been taught.”
Thinking to his own needlepoint and other handiwork that he’d learned over time, England understood the importance of such a skill for a nation or colony. It was an honor to know their cultural heritage and to be able to pass it along.
After setting out his supplies in a very specific manner (and constantly shooing England further away from his workspace) Hong Kong began. For nearly an hour, he delicately worked with the wooden rings and the colorful rice paper, asking England to hand him things from time to time.
As he began to adorn it with elaborate pink flowers, England cleared his throat and asked, “Are you making this one for Taiwan?”
Hong Kong’s hand froze where it was attaching one of the flowers, but otherwise he was calm in his reply, “Yes. Did you want to request a specific lantern for your guest?”
England was about to snap back that he honestly could care less if America had a special lantern or not, but he stopped himself. With a sigh, he gave Hong Kong a look, trying to gauge if he was toying with him.
With a light chuckle, Hong Kong continued working on Taiwan’s lantern. “It would make him very happy, you know.” As he put the final flower on it, he gave England a leveled look. “So you can stop pretending that you don’t want to make him happy. I wouldn’t believe it for a moment.”
With a huff, England crossed his arms. “What ever do you mean?”
Setting aside the finished lantern, Hong Kong began working on the framework for another. After a moment’s silence, he sighed and looked up at England. “He’s good for you, America is. Probably more so than you’ll ever realize.”
“Wh-what?” England stammered out.
“I’ve grown up with you around, England. I’ve seen how he’s changed you for the better.”
When the older nation remained silent, Hong Kong glanced up. England’s expression was one that might be hard to read by most, but as a colony, Hong Kong knew it well. He was sure all the colonies could easily identify that expression.
It was that odd combination of touched and shocked that seemed to come up when America surfaced as a topic. Of course, being as it was England, this was all being filtered through a scowl and furrowed bushy eyebrows.
“Then again, the same can be said of him. I’m glad you both finally got over yourselves and hooked up, you’re good for each other.”
England hid his flushed face behind his raised teacup and quietly mumbled. “Yes. Well. Perhaps an airplane. Or a rocket. He…he likes that kind of thing.”
Hong Kong gave a short laugh. “You’re such a sap, Laotou.”
“Hey now! Just because you switched to Mandarin doesn’t mean I can’t understand you!”
“Should I attach hearts to it with your name written on it?” he teased.
England stormed over to the table, snatched up the brush and delicately wrote out the symbols for Hong Kong’s name on a small flower near the base of Taiwan’s lantern. “Ha!”
Midway through something that vaguely resembled a Hello Kitty head, Hong Kong set it aside and grabbed up more wood for framework. “You do realize that this rocket is going to be covered in hearts now…”
Falling into the comfortable banter that he and Hong Kong had developed over the years, England held Taiwan’s lantern aloft. “Maybe this one needs some more loving messages added to it then.”
With a stoic glare, both of them quirked up a smirk. And in a flurry of colored paper and brush strokes, their lantern war began.
--------------------------------------------
When the others arrived home, Hong Kong quickly evicted England from his workspace, professing that he needed to focus. And since China had already outright banned England from setting foot anywhere near the kitchen, this left him alone with America and Taiwan.
America, who had gotten Taiwan pretty excited about the idea behind barbequing, was trying to show her out on the grill on the back porch overlooking the harbor.
“See, if you mix in some smoked wood with the charcoal, it creates more smoke.”
Taiwan frowned, “Isn’t that bad?”
America just laughed. “Nah, you want some smoke to give it flavor. You’re going to let it cook for a few hours just in the low heat and smoke. Makes the meat taste great!”
She smiled at him and nodded. “So can I try it then?”
With a flourish, America stepped back and let her closer to the grill. “Have at it. Just remember to put the barbeque sauce on about thirty minutes before it’s done!”
“All right!” She exclaimed, seeming equally excited about this as America was.
As she resolutely began fussing over the grill, America walked over to where England had been watching them. “Hey you.”
“Hallo,” he replied, the corner of his lips involuntarily quirking up into the slightest of smiles.
But America noticed it and gently tapped it with his fingertip. “Aha, caught you smiling. Do I win a prize?”
England flushed, swatting America’s hand away as he grumbled, “Git.”
“So uh…” America cleared his throat, suddenly seeming very interested in the wood floorboards of the porch. “China kinda told me a bit about the stuff with the festival and all, right?”
He swallowed, already a bit worried as to what the other nation had told him. “And?”
America stuffed his hand into the inner pocket of his battered bomber jacket and pulled out a small box. He shoved it into England’s hands. “It’s a mooncake,” he mumbled hastily. “You’re supposed to gift one to your loved ones on this day, so since I was out I…”
England gently took the small box from him and looked down at the intricate design on the small cake.
“Thank you,” he breathed out, his chest swelling with emotion.
America leaned closer. “You like it?”
He nodded, finally looking up to meet America’s eyes. “Do you even know what this says?”
With a pout, America rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, my Chinese is a little rusty. But I’m pretty sure it says ‘Unity’ unless China’s having a good laugh at me, that is.”
England shook his head. “No. He’s quite right. Unless he’s having a laugh at us both.”
They both allowed themselves a tiny smile at that. Unity. It seemed like it would never be a word they’d be able to so comfortably use about one another again. But there it was, on a mooncake at that, and it couldn’t have made either one of them happier.
“I didn’t get you one,” England finally blurted out. “So I suppose, well…” He tentatively reached out and placed a hand on America’s forearm. “We could share?”
America beamed, pulling England into a one-armed hug and excitedly pecking a kiss to his temple. “Y-yeah! Sharing is awesome!”
As they both pulled back, both unable to keep from smiling at least a little at the other, a voice cut in.
“America? Can you finish kissing England and come check on my barbeque?” Taiwan asked.
They both flushed. But, figuring he already had the permission, America nuzzled his nose against England’s and leaned in for a quick but passionate kiss.
“Be right back, okay? We’re supposed to celebrate this festival together, after all,” he murmured in a breathless rush.
England just nodded. “All right then.”
And as America bounded back across the porch to help out Taiwan, England found himself looking down at the small cake with a smile once again tugging at his lips.
Hong Kong was right. He was a sentimental old man.
----------------------------------------------
After eating a very filling meal from China, supplemented by Taiwan’s newly acquired barbequing skills, the five of them had retired out to the porch. America and England were sharing space on one small blanket, while the three others had gathered on a larger blanket near by.
As the moon rose into the autumn night sky, China had passed out yòuzi to eat along with their mooncakes, the pale green citrus fruit very sweet to eat as they watched the moon together. It was a very tranquil moment, and England was just about to lean his head over on America’s shoulder when he noticed the three on the adjacent blanket all placing the yòuzi’s rind on their heads, like some strange green helmet.
“Oh yeah, England here!” America said, picking up his yòuzi rind and plunking it down on England’s head. He then quickly donned his own rind.
England scowled and America just poked his cheek. “Come on England, don’t be such a grump!”
Turning to the others, in hopes for some sanity, the older nation asked, “Um. No offense, but why are we wearing fruit rinds on our heads?”
China, very solemnly, pushed the rind up a bit on his forehead and replied. “It is a prayer for our youth of our countries, aru. Placing the rinds on our heads allows the moon goddess to see us better and hear our wishes.”
America piped up, having obviously been filled in by China earlier when they were out shopping, “And it’s fun and makes serious people like you and Hong Kong look silly.”
Taiwan giggled at that, turning to Hong Kong. “He’s right, you know.”
With a smile, China jokingly replied, “It is said that not every person has the dignity to wear a fruit upon their head, aru.”
The three of them laughed, while America leaned his head (rind and all) down to rest against England’s rind-hat. “See England, it’s fun!”
With a hint of a smirk, he replied, “I suppose Hong Kong does look rather ridiculous in it.”
Hong Kong shot back, “Probably because someone cursed me with their eyebrows.”
“It’s all right, you make them work,” both America and Taiwan said to England and Hong Kong almost simultaneously.
China chuckled, “Which merely proves that love is blind, aru.”
This earned him a scowl from the first two and a fervent blush from the other two.
Eager to change the subject, Hong Kong stood up and took off the rind from his head. “China, is it dark enough for the lanterns?”
Looking up, seemingly beyond the stars as if he was trying to see into the heavens themselves, China astutely nodded. “Yes, aru. The time is right.”
As they all took off their yòuzi rinds, Hong Kong went inside and returned with a collection of colorful lanterns all lit up with candles. First, he presented the one with the Hello Kitty-like design to China.
“Is this the design you were wanting?”
China smiled warmly, pushing aside his long sleeves a bit so he could reach out and embrace Hong Kong. “Aiyah! Shinatty-chan looks so great!”
Hong Kong smiled back, just slightly.
As he turned to Taiwan though, his expression turned back neutral with a hint of a blush. “And for you, Taiwan.”
She also excitedly embraced him, thanking him profusely for the beautiful purple and pink lantern adorned in elaborate paper flowers. And on spotting the small flower with Hong Kong’s name on it, she pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek in gratitude.
“It’s beautiful, Hong Kong. Xie xie ni.”
“Bu yong xie,” he replied in Mandarin for her.
Turning to America and England, he held out America’s lantern first. The hearts that he’d tried very hard to put all over it, England had managed to remove. But when one of them tore a hole in the lantern, that left one spot that Hong Kong had to repair.
This he had patched up with a small United States flag next to the United Kingdom’s flag.
America, who had been wide eyed with excitement since he saw the rocket-shaped lantern, grinned as Hong Kong gave it to him.
“England helped,” Hong Kong noted, thinking back to the hearts he’d torn off.
At this, America’s expression brightened even more. “R-Really?”
England waved it off. “Just told him you’d like a rocket, that’s all. Nothing special.”
But America obviously found this very special and important, for he’d immediately wrapped England in a warm hug and pressed a rather sloppy kiss to his cheek. “Thanks England!”
Still not relinquishing his hold on England, America turned to Hong Kong. “And thank you for making it look so amazing! It’s seriously one awesome rocket!”
Hong Kong gave a nod in America’s direction before holding the next lantern towards England. “For you.”
England blinked, noticing the distinct and elaborate design of a Keileon, a Chinese unicorn. As he took it, he gave it a warm smile before looking to Hong Kong.
“Your unicorn.”
“You’re always going on about seeing them, after all.”
Handing it to America for the moment, he reached out and gave Hong Kong a loose hug. “I appreciate it, Hong Kong. Even if you think I’m a crazy old man.”
Hong Kong chuckled, “Well, you are.”
“I see you have made a dragon for yourself,” England countered, pulling back.
He shrugged. “I can appreciate dragons without imagining them everywhere I go.”
“You know, I’m always trying to tell him that too!” America added in.
Everyone laughed at that, even England (who finally chuckled a bit at the whole situation). It was a night for togetherness, after all.
Armed with their lit lanterns, they seated themselves back on their blankets to gaze up at the full moon. America had feigned stretching, only to put his right arm snugly behind England’s back.
Shifting his lantern to his right hand, England snuggled back into America’s warmth. And as his bangs brushed against America’s cheek, he glanced up to see America smiling tenderly down at him.
China had stood up between the two couples, and cleared his throat. Softly and elegantly, he began to sing an old song.
Bright moon, when did you appear?
Lifting my wine, I question the dark night sky.
Tonight in the palaces and halls of heaven
what year is it, I wonder?
As he sang, Taiwan gently rested her hand atop Hong Kong’s hand on the blanket and gave him a smile, which he very subtly returned.
America had started bobbing his rocket lantern along with the rhythm of the song, but his attention was focused solely on England.
“Hey, England?” He whispered as quietly as he could.
England looked to him and gave a nod to acknowledge that he was listening.
“I…um. I’m glad I’m here with you. For this,” he laughed lightly to himself. “In fact, I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be right now than with you.”
“A-America…I…” England shifted, resting his head on America’s chest, over his heart. “I feel exactly the same.”
And as China finalized the last verse, no one noticed or commented on how America and England had been sharing a tender kiss for several minutes or more.
People have their griefs and joys, their togetherness and separation,
The moon has its dark and clear times, its waxings and wanings.
Situations are never ideal since long ago.
I only hope we two may have long long lives,
So that we may share the moon's beauty even though we are a three hundred miles apart.
-----------------------------
“Chiinnnaaa! Chinaaaa! Let me in!”
The loud knocking had already woken everyone in the household up, or the voice now calling out would have. America and England both stuck their heads out of their shared room (something England kept swearing Hong Kong arranged just to taunt him about), Taiwan groggily peered out of hers, and China marched out of his, leaving Hong Kong in the doorway looking very drowsy.
“Chinaaa, I’m here for the festival!” The voice called out even louder.
With a heavy sigh, China opened the front door to Korea’s wide smile and open arms.
“Happy Chuseok, China!” He said, wrapping the older nation in a crushing hug.
“Korea, it’s the middle of the night, aru.”
“I wanted to start the festival with you now! I celebrated the first day with my people, but I still have two more days!” He pushed his way inside and sat aside a bag full of stuff.
China turned to all the sleepy guests and just gave them a wan smile. “He does this every year, nothing to worry about, aru.”
“I brought the songpyeon and I wanna dance the Ganggangsullae with you, aniki! I invented in after all!”
Not allowing a word in edge wise, Korea dragged China across the household and out to the back porch. “Maybe we can make it until dawn this year!”
Holding China’s hands, Korea made a circle with him and began to sway clockwise to a rhythm he’d begun to hum.
America blearily blinked over at England. Willing to try anything once, he reached down and took England’s hand.
“May I have this dance?”
England was about to protest, but he figured if someone as old and wise as China was going along with Korea’s whims then nothing would hurt him to go along with America’s. It was as he said; sometimes old things could use a dash of something new and young.
With a small smile, he gave America’s hand a squeeze.
“Yes, America, you may.”
And as America led England out onto the porch in their pyjamas to join China and Korea in their moonlit dance, Hong Kong shook his head and went to stand in the back doorway to watch them all.
He started as he felt the brush of Taiwan’s hair against him, her head resting lightly against his shoulder.
“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, Hong Kong,” she murmured through a yawn.
Hong Kong put an arm around her as they watched the older nations dance.
“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to you as well, Taiwan.”
--------------
Notes:
[1] Victoria City, was one of the first urban settlements in Hong Kong after it became a British colony in 1841. It was often said to be the capital of Hong Kong, and almost all government departments still have their head offices located in the area.
[2] Lapsang souchong is a black tea originally from the Wuyi region of the Chinese province of Fujian.
[3] The Mid Autumn Festival,, also known as the Moon Festival or Zhongqiu Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese, dating back over 3,000 years.
[4] " With how close their current bosses were" refers to the heads of government in both countries during the early 1980s- President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher
[5] America's projects with China refers to: in 1980, U.S. dialogue with the People's Republic of China broadened to cover a wide range of issues, including global and regional strategic problems, political-military questions, including arms control, UN and other multilateral organization affairs, and international narcotics matters.
[6] Victoria Harbor is a natural landform harbor situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbor's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea was instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent development as a trading centre.
[7] Mooncake is a Chinese bakery products traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Typical mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm thick. A thick filling usually made from lotus seed paste is surrounded by a relatively thin (2-3 mm) crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs.
[8] Laotou means old man in Mandarin Chinese.
[9] In Taiwan, since the 1980s, barbecuing meat outdoors has become a widespread way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
[10] The pomelo (called a yòuzi in Chinese) is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. After munching the pomelo's sweet and juicy flesh, the Chinese don't dispose of the skin; instead, they put the pomelo rinds on their heads. The Chinese believe that by placing pomelo rinds on their heads, the moon goddess Chang'e will see them and respond to their prayers when she looks down from the moon.
[11] Xie xie ni is Thank you and Bu yong xie is You're Welcome
[12] The Keileon (Cantonese), also spelled Qilin (from Mandarin)and Kirin (from Japanese), is a mythical hooved Chinese chimerical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures. It is sometimes called the "Chinese unicorn" due to conflation with the unicorn by Westerners.
[13] China is singing a Shui diao ge tou, a traditional Chinese melody to which a poem in the cí style can be sung. The poem he's singing is the most famous, Su Dongpo, by Song dynasty poet Su Shi.
[14] Chuseok (Korean) is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Like many other harvest festivals, it is held around the Autumn Equinox. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon.
[15] Ganggangsullae is a 5,000-year-old Korean dance that was first used to bring about a bountiful harvest. Traditionally, this dance is performed only by women at night without any instruments. Young and old women dance in a circle at night under the moonlight. They go outside in traditional Korean clothing, hold each other's hands, make a circle, and start rotating clockwise. The dance can last until dawn.
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Date: 2010-10-06 04:49 am (UTC)MOONCAKE FESTIVAL. MOONCAKE FESTIVAL ;A; /totally memes this into keeping.
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-06 08:01 am (UTC)And it's the Mid Autumn Festival! With lanterns! I was half expecting someone to accidentally set their lantern on fire and go Q_Q about it, especially when America started bobbing along with the song. I used to always see at least one incident like that every year in the park XD But yay, all the pretties! Taiwan's lantern sounds lovely. Shinatty-chan might just be a little scary though, it'll look more reminiscent of a Jack-o'-lantern, what with that smirk XD
Bonus points for that song!
I don't think I've seen 'laoren' used that way before...I've seen stuff like 'laotou' when using it for direct address...I think 'laoren' is often used as a term to describe a certain age group, often in writing, not usually in direct address.
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Date: 2010-10-06 01:53 pm (UTC)I'm glad you enjoyed it though!
Ahhh, thank you for catching that! I saw both laoren and laotou when I tried to find the word for that and figured it was a tense difference. It does seem laotou is more what I need here, so switching it out. Thanks!
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Date: 2010-10-06 08:38 am (UTC):>b
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-06 11:14 am (UTC)And it's lovely; how grumpy and affectionate England is, the banter between him and Hong Kong (+100 for snarky!Hong Kong), America's face when he's presented that lantern (with the little flags! <3). I think you've really captured the spirit of Mid-Autumn here and how it's a day for spending time with your friends and loved ones
and playing with lanternsALSO, YOU HAD A QILIN IN IT. I LOVE THOSE THINGS.
*Goes off to cuddle fic*
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:40 pm (UTC)Thank you so much for giving out such a lovely prompt that inspired me <3
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Date: 2010-10-06 12:22 pm (UTC)Hong Kong and England's conversation while making the lanterns was so fun to read. I love the little sweet details like England giving in to America's request to have a barbeque, the rocket-shape lantern, the mooncake with the word Unity and all the kisses they share ♥. And I just love the atmosphere of this whole fic, especially the part where they were watching the moon with the singing and all. I felt this calm, relaxing vibe while reading that part. And ffff the Korea appearance was a welcome surprise XD (at least for me who didn't pay much attention to the title ffff orz;;).
Also, have I mentioned that I love China's one-liners? I love this: America, kissing is like drinking salt water: you drink and your thirst increases, aru.. I don't know if that's a true saying but it sure is wise XDDD. And this part:
“It’s all right, you make them work,” both America and Taiwan said to England and Hong Kong almost simultaneously.
China chuckled, “Which merely proves that love is blind, aru.”
I honestly laughed aloud while reading that part XDD.
Anyways, just loved this ♥♥♥!
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:42 pm (UTC)I'm so glad the atmosphere of this worked for you so well!
Ahhh, I love writing China. A lot of those are based directly or indirectly off Chinese proverbs. XD
Thank you again! ♥ ♥ ♥
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Date: 2010-10-06 02:54 pm (UTC)And, just such an adorable fic, so enjoyable to read <3
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-06 06:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-15 08:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-06 08:23 pm (UTC)lol I love it when Hong Kong and England interact XDD The Asian countries really need to interact with the Europeans more! Their friendship is awesome~ I loved this fic to bits ~~~~~
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:43 pm (UTC)Ahhh, I couldn't agree on this more. I really wish there was more fanworks involving Europeans/N.Americans with Asians/Southern Hemisphere characters.
Glad you enjoyed it! <3
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Date: 2010-10-07 04:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-15 08:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-07 11:38 am (UTC)Anyway, I'm pleasantly surprised that someone requested a Mid-Autumn Festival fic on the autumn love party post. (I didn't celebrate at all on the day. orz)
lol! Laotou! XD As usual, I enjoy your fics. And I like how you depicted England and Hong Kong's relationship. And your dose of USUK-ness in your fic was also satisfy. ^^
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-07 07:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-08 03:40 am (UTC)ANd Hong Kong/Taiwan...there is not enough of this pairing.
Great work with this! <3
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:45 pm (UTC)And oh yes, I sorely wish there was more Hong Kong/Taiwan. They're so cute <3
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Date: 2010-10-08 04:20 pm (UTC)Ahaha and I never expected Arthur to get a Qilin lantern, that's so appropriate!
Man, this is the first time I've heard of the pomelo rind custom. I mean, we do eat it on the day itself but I've never been made to wear it? /FAILS AT TRADITION.
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Date: 2010-11-15 08:47 pm (UTC)(it seems to be an older custom from what I can tell? Or only done in certain areas? I just put in it because it sounded so silly XD)
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Date: 2010-10-10 09:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-15 08:47 pm (UTC)