![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
heroescutiesTitle: A Little Christmas
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Romance/Friendship/General
Rating: PG
Pairing: Greece/Japan, America/England
Word Count: 1,791
Summary: Japan convinces America to have a smaller Christmas party with just them and their boyfriends.
Notes: For![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
honeyhamster as part of the ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
giripan_xmas Secret Santa. The prompt was: Greece and Japan spending Christmas at America's house. (Some America + Japan BFFness and England/America would be awesome too ;3;) I'd love to see the four of them talking about/doing some Christmas traditions from their countries together :)
It was a mark of their friendship, Japan concluded, that he managed to persuade America to this change in plans.
America’s economy still wasn’t up to snuff, and Japan had reasoned that he just couldn’t help fund the younger nation’s large Christmas party with his own economic woes.
He’d pouted, that was for certain, but Japan made a suggestion for another celebration instead.
Japan didn’t want to impose, and by no means wanted America to feel obligated to agree, but he quietly suggested that perhaps a more Japanese styled Christmas might be all right.
“It would be just us, and I would bring Greece-san and you could bring England-san and…it would be a nice romantic Christmas for all four of us.”
America had gone silent on the other end of the phone, and Japan was just about to start apologizing for being so forward as to suggest this and inflicting his Christmas traditions onto America but…
Very quietly, America had replied.
“You know…I think England would like that.”
Which Japan knew, meant that America would be all for it.
They’d divvied up what they’d need (Japan offered to bring the main course, suggested Greece-san to bring the desserts and America said he and England could take care of the decorations).
And by the time they’d finished discussing it, America had gone from sounding disheartened that he couldn’t have his large party to extremely excited that they’d be sharing this ‘little Christmas’ (as he kept calling it) together.
Japan wished him well and was in a jovial mood until he realized one little detail he’d forgotten.
He’d have to personally invite Greece-san to this romantic Christmas instead of just arranging to meet up at America’s party like they usually did.
Flushing bright red, Japan hid his face with his sleeve as Pochi gave him an inquisitive yip.
“It’s quite all right, Pochi-san. I just…I must…” He flushed again, lifting up the phone. Pressing his cell phone’s speed dial for Greece-san, the small charm on his phone swinging back and forth as his hand quaked with nerves, Japan awaited the other nation’s voice with trepidation.
“…’ello?” Came a groggy greeting.
“Ah, Greece-san, konnichiwa.”
“Japan…are you calling ‘bout Christmas?”
His heart hammered away, hoping Greece-san hadn’t expected this, because deep down he was thinking it might be a nice surprise after all.
“Yes. I’m sorry if it’s not our usual arrangement, but America-san and I have decided on a… ‘little Christmas’ this year,” he explained. “So um… you see it’s a time of year for…for couples and…”
“I’d love to come with you, Japan,” Greece said and Japan swore he could hear him smiling over the phone.
“Really? I don’t want to impose! Oh and could you bring some of your cookies? I always enjoyed them so I thought that the others might…might…”
Greece chuckled, low and slowly. “If it’s something Japan likes, I’ll bring a lot.”
And so, after a few more nervously awkward arrangements as to when they’d meet up (Greece offered to meet him at the airport in America) and what exactly to bring, they wished each other well and hung up.
Japan slumped into a nearby chair and reached down to stroke Pochi between the ears. The little dog jumped into his lap and curled up.
With a sigh, Japan remarked, “It is a wonder that America-san can do this every year. It must be his young age…”
--------------------------
America’s house was decorated, as usual, to the fullest. Copious strings of lights and illuminated statues and inflatables outside and a large tree inside, covered in lights and a long winding paper chain.
“That was our doing,” he said proudly, wrapping an arm around England’s shoulder.
Behind his bluster and fuss, Japan knew England-san must have been very touched and was glad to see his friends had spent time working together on the decorations. Spending time with loved ones was the spirit of the holiday, after all.
Greece had brought three types of dessert for them to eat: melomakarona, kourabiedes and christopsomo.
The first cookies were honey flavored, the second were flavored with almonds, and the last was a loaf of bread.
Japan noticed that there was a handful extra of the melomakarona and blushed, realizing Greece had done that especially for him, since they were his favorite of the three.
But the real sight was the large amounts of food Japan had brought for dinner. England seemed a bit shocked that the buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken and boxes of McDonalds were for the Christmas feast, but Japan politely assured him that this was the best Christmas food his country had to offer.
America, of course, was ecstatic.
“This is,” Japan said having Greece help him put out two large buckets, “a Christmas Party Barrel. I got one in traditional fried chicken for you two and one seasoned with garlic and soy for Greece-san and I.” The meal, which had eight pieces of chicken per bucket, also came with a Caesar salad and chocolate-mousse cake.
“And the McDonalds?” America queried, looking at the red and white box beside it.
Japan smiled slightly at his friend, wondering when he’d ask.
“Oh this is their new Christmas iCon'BOX. Three different types of chicken and a Mega sized order of fries.”
America gave the fries a skeptical look. “Mega sized? That’s supposed to be for…everyone? That’s like our super sized ones!”
Already aware of his friend’s confusion at the smaller portions in his country, Japan politely patted America on the arm. “I got two boxes, so you only have to share your fries with England-san. Is that acceptable?”
America blushed, darting his eyes over to England then back to Japan. “I guess I can share, if that’s okay with you England?”
England blushed as well. “Git. I’ll share my chips with you.”
Greece, who was eyeing the Shaka Shaka chicken curiously, picked one up. “Japan, this looks good. Can you show me how to eat it?”
“O-Of course,” Japan replied with a flush.
As the four settled around the table to eat, England cleared his throat. “Right, so America asked if I’d bring some of my festive things along that he likes so…”
He pointed to the four large crackers lying out on the table. “These are Christmas crackers. You pull one with a mate, and they have prizes inside.”
“And cool paper crowns too!” America added with a grin. “We can demonstrate, come on England!”
Picking up the first cracker, they each took an end and yanked. Finally a loud ‘pop’ resounded through the air and a small plastic toy went clattering onto the table. America had the larger half of the cracker and England handed the toy over.
“This one’s yours, love.”
Both of them went scarlet on realizing the endearment England used, but Japan and Greece just smiled at them. They’d wanted a small, romantic Christmas after all.
America busied himself assembling the very small plastic plane on his plate. “Awesome! Ooh, gotta look at my joke and get my crown on!”
After England took the next cracker, they politely encouraged Greece and Japan to open theirs. Soon enough, all four of them were wearing colorful paper crowns and Japan was fussing over the small rabbit finger puppet he’d gotten in his. Greece had, fittingly, gotten a small windup kitten.
America shot England a knowing look, which Japan noticed, and began to wonder if England had made these crackers especially for the four of them.
But as Japan looked from America and England sharing their mega fries, and blushingly helped Greece shake the Shaka Shaka chicken, his hand brushing over Greece’s as he did so, he felt a certain warmth bubble up in chest.
After dinner, they set up everything for Santa, but there was a bit of a matter with the fireplace…
Greece had insisted on putting a burning log upright in America’s fireplace to scare off the Kallikantzaroi that might come down it that night.
“But how will Santa get down the chimney?” America asked, obviously very concerned.
England, who was setting out a bottle of sherry and mince pies for Santa along with carrots for his reindeer, just shook his head. “America, don’t worry. Father Christmas can come through the front door. He’s a smart fellow, after all.”
“Just wouldn’t want a kallikantzaros hurting Japan or you guys during the night,” Greece explained.
“I’m sure it will be all right, America-san. Greece-san just doesn’t want his goblins to bother us,” Japan assured them all.
And giving England’s hand a squeeze, America just grinned. “Don’t worry you guys, I’m a hero so I can totally take care of any goblins or whatever if they manage to get in!”
They all humored him as he insisted on leaving a note outside for Santa to remind him not to go down the chimney.
With that resolved, they settled down in the living room while America pulled out a huge pile of Christmas movies to watch together.
“It’s a tradition at my place to watch these,” he assured the group, running them through classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
America and England quickly cuddled up on one couch and after shooting embarrassed glances over at Greece, Japan finally worked up the nerve to scoot a little closer to him and take his hand.
“Japan?”
He started at Greece’s low voice, glancing over at him in the flickering light of the fireplace and the television.
“Yes, Greece-san?”
“Thanks for inviting me. I really enjoyed tonight.”
Japan flushed, bowing his head in hopes to hide it, and stammered out in reply, “I’m very glad to hear that, Greece-san.”
He tilted Japan’s chin up until they were looking at each other. “But mostly, I’m just glad I got to spend Christmas with you.”
If possible, Japan felt himself go even warmer- his ears most likely just a red as his cheeks with embarrassment. “G-Greece-san…”
Leaning his forehead down against Japan’s, he smiled. “Merry Christmas, Japan.”
“Merry Christmas, Greece-san.”
And although he was already expecting it, Japan’s heart still leapt in his chest when Greece closed the gap between them to press a warm kiss to his lips.
After that, Japan let Greece wrap his arms around him, his hands settling on his hip as they watched several more of America’s Christmas favorites.
Looking over to his friends and feeling very content, Japan smiled to himself. This was just the right kind of Christmas for him. Yes, it was quite small, and really no disrespect meant to America’s usual big parties, but this ‘little Christmas’ was all Japan felt he needed.
Spending it with his friends and…Greece-san, well, there wasn’t anything else he could ask for at all.
------------------------------
[Notes]
1) The Greek food is as follows: melomakarona, "honey macaroons", Christmas cookies soaked in a syrup of diluted honey (meli in Greek, thus melo-makárona), then sprinkled with crushed walnuts, kourabiedes, Greek butter cookies adorned with a single whole spice clove and christopsomo, Greek bread decorated with an early form of the Christian cross with ends that split and curl into circles.
[2] Through some sort of marketing magic, back in the '70s, KFC managed to convince the Japanese that Christmas means chicken (because turkey is hard to find in Japan). KFC chicken to be precise. Fast forward 40 years later and many a Japanese family pre-orders their Christmas dinners at KFC and wait in line on Christmas Day to pick it up. But this year, there is a challenger for KFC's Christmas supremacy. McDonald's is hawking their own Christmas-themed chicken dinner this year in the iCon'BOX, which features Shaka Shaka chicken.
[3] A Christmas cracker consists of a cardboard tube wrapped in a brightly decorated twist of paper, making it resemble an oversized sweet-wrapper. The cracker is pulled by two people, and, much in the manner of a wishbone, the cracker splits unevenly. The split is accompanied by a small bang. Typically these contents are a coloured paper hat or crown; a small toy or other trinket and a motto, a joke or piece of trivia on a small strip of paper. They are popular in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
[4] A Kallikantzaros (pl. Kallikantzaroi) is a malevolent goblin in Greek folk tradition. A massive log set on end in the chimney burning to keep the spirits from entering by the chimney.
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Romance/Friendship/General
Rating: PG
Pairing: Greece/Japan, America/England
Word Count: 1,791
Summary: Japan convinces America to have a smaller Christmas party with just them and their boyfriends.
Notes: For
honeyhamster as part of the giripan_xmas Secret Santa. The prompt was: Greece and Japan spending Christmas at America's house. (Some America + Japan BFFness and England/America would be awesome too ;3;) I'd love to see the four of them talking about/doing some Christmas traditions from their countries together :) It was a mark of their friendship, Japan concluded, that he managed to persuade America to this change in plans.
America’s economy still wasn’t up to snuff, and Japan had reasoned that he just couldn’t help fund the younger nation’s large Christmas party with his own economic woes.
He’d pouted, that was for certain, but Japan made a suggestion for another celebration instead.
Japan didn’t want to impose, and by no means wanted America to feel obligated to agree, but he quietly suggested that perhaps a more Japanese styled Christmas might be all right.
“It would be just us, and I would bring Greece-san and you could bring England-san and…it would be a nice romantic Christmas for all four of us.”
America had gone silent on the other end of the phone, and Japan was just about to start apologizing for being so forward as to suggest this and inflicting his Christmas traditions onto America but…
Very quietly, America had replied.
“You know…I think England would like that.”
Which Japan knew, meant that America would be all for it.
They’d divvied up what they’d need (Japan offered to bring the main course, suggested Greece-san to bring the desserts and America said he and England could take care of the decorations).
And by the time they’d finished discussing it, America had gone from sounding disheartened that he couldn’t have his large party to extremely excited that they’d be sharing this ‘little Christmas’ (as he kept calling it) together.
Japan wished him well and was in a jovial mood until he realized one little detail he’d forgotten.
He’d have to personally invite Greece-san to this romantic Christmas instead of just arranging to meet up at America’s party like they usually did.
Flushing bright red, Japan hid his face with his sleeve as Pochi gave him an inquisitive yip.
“It’s quite all right, Pochi-san. I just…I must…” He flushed again, lifting up the phone. Pressing his cell phone’s speed dial for Greece-san, the small charm on his phone swinging back and forth as his hand quaked with nerves, Japan awaited the other nation’s voice with trepidation.
“…’ello?” Came a groggy greeting.
“Ah, Greece-san, konnichiwa.”
“Japan…are you calling ‘bout Christmas?”
His heart hammered away, hoping Greece-san hadn’t expected this, because deep down he was thinking it might be a nice surprise after all.
“Yes. I’m sorry if it’s not our usual arrangement, but America-san and I have decided on a… ‘little Christmas’ this year,” he explained. “So um… you see it’s a time of year for…for couples and…”
“I’d love to come with you, Japan,” Greece said and Japan swore he could hear him smiling over the phone.
“Really? I don’t want to impose! Oh and could you bring some of your cookies? I always enjoyed them so I thought that the others might…might…”
Greece chuckled, low and slowly. “If it’s something Japan likes, I’ll bring a lot.”
And so, after a few more nervously awkward arrangements as to when they’d meet up (Greece offered to meet him at the airport in America) and what exactly to bring, they wished each other well and hung up.
Japan slumped into a nearby chair and reached down to stroke Pochi between the ears. The little dog jumped into his lap and curled up.
With a sigh, Japan remarked, “It is a wonder that America-san can do this every year. It must be his young age…”
--------------------------
America’s house was decorated, as usual, to the fullest. Copious strings of lights and illuminated statues and inflatables outside and a large tree inside, covered in lights and a long winding paper chain.
“That was our doing,” he said proudly, wrapping an arm around England’s shoulder.
Behind his bluster and fuss, Japan knew England-san must have been very touched and was glad to see his friends had spent time working together on the decorations. Spending time with loved ones was the spirit of the holiday, after all.
Greece had brought three types of dessert for them to eat: melomakarona, kourabiedes and christopsomo.
The first cookies were honey flavored, the second were flavored with almonds, and the last was a loaf of bread.
Japan noticed that there was a handful extra of the melomakarona and blushed, realizing Greece had done that especially for him, since they were his favorite of the three.
But the real sight was the large amounts of food Japan had brought for dinner. England seemed a bit shocked that the buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken and boxes of McDonalds were for the Christmas feast, but Japan politely assured him that this was the best Christmas food his country had to offer.
America, of course, was ecstatic.
“This is,” Japan said having Greece help him put out two large buckets, “a Christmas Party Barrel. I got one in traditional fried chicken for you two and one seasoned with garlic and soy for Greece-san and I.” The meal, which had eight pieces of chicken per bucket, also came with a Caesar salad and chocolate-mousse cake.
“And the McDonalds?” America queried, looking at the red and white box beside it.
Japan smiled slightly at his friend, wondering when he’d ask.
“Oh this is their new Christmas iCon'BOX. Three different types of chicken and a Mega sized order of fries.”
America gave the fries a skeptical look. “Mega sized? That’s supposed to be for…everyone? That’s like our super sized ones!”
Already aware of his friend’s confusion at the smaller portions in his country, Japan politely patted America on the arm. “I got two boxes, so you only have to share your fries with England-san. Is that acceptable?”
America blushed, darting his eyes over to England then back to Japan. “I guess I can share, if that’s okay with you England?”
England blushed as well. “Git. I’ll share my chips with you.”
Greece, who was eyeing the Shaka Shaka chicken curiously, picked one up. “Japan, this looks good. Can you show me how to eat it?”
“O-Of course,” Japan replied with a flush.
As the four settled around the table to eat, England cleared his throat. “Right, so America asked if I’d bring some of my festive things along that he likes so…”
He pointed to the four large crackers lying out on the table. “These are Christmas crackers. You pull one with a mate, and they have prizes inside.”
“And cool paper crowns too!” America added with a grin. “We can demonstrate, come on England!”
Picking up the first cracker, they each took an end and yanked. Finally a loud ‘pop’ resounded through the air and a small plastic toy went clattering onto the table. America had the larger half of the cracker and England handed the toy over.
“This one’s yours, love.”
Both of them went scarlet on realizing the endearment England used, but Japan and Greece just smiled at them. They’d wanted a small, romantic Christmas after all.
America busied himself assembling the very small plastic plane on his plate. “Awesome! Ooh, gotta look at my joke and get my crown on!”
After England took the next cracker, they politely encouraged Greece and Japan to open theirs. Soon enough, all four of them were wearing colorful paper crowns and Japan was fussing over the small rabbit finger puppet he’d gotten in his. Greece had, fittingly, gotten a small windup kitten.
America shot England a knowing look, which Japan noticed, and began to wonder if England had made these crackers especially for the four of them.
But as Japan looked from America and England sharing their mega fries, and blushingly helped Greece shake the Shaka Shaka chicken, his hand brushing over Greece’s as he did so, he felt a certain warmth bubble up in chest.
After dinner, they set up everything for Santa, but there was a bit of a matter with the fireplace…
Greece had insisted on putting a burning log upright in America’s fireplace to scare off the Kallikantzaroi that might come down it that night.
“But how will Santa get down the chimney?” America asked, obviously very concerned.
England, who was setting out a bottle of sherry and mince pies for Santa along with carrots for his reindeer, just shook his head. “America, don’t worry. Father Christmas can come through the front door. He’s a smart fellow, after all.”
“Just wouldn’t want a kallikantzaros hurting Japan or you guys during the night,” Greece explained.
“I’m sure it will be all right, America-san. Greece-san just doesn’t want his goblins to bother us,” Japan assured them all.
And giving England’s hand a squeeze, America just grinned. “Don’t worry you guys, I’m a hero so I can totally take care of any goblins or whatever if they manage to get in!”
They all humored him as he insisted on leaving a note outside for Santa to remind him not to go down the chimney.
With that resolved, they settled down in the living room while America pulled out a huge pile of Christmas movies to watch together.
“It’s a tradition at my place to watch these,” he assured the group, running them through classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
America and England quickly cuddled up on one couch and after shooting embarrassed glances over at Greece, Japan finally worked up the nerve to scoot a little closer to him and take his hand.
“Japan?”
He started at Greece’s low voice, glancing over at him in the flickering light of the fireplace and the television.
“Yes, Greece-san?”
“Thanks for inviting me. I really enjoyed tonight.”
Japan flushed, bowing his head in hopes to hide it, and stammered out in reply, “I’m very glad to hear that, Greece-san.”
He tilted Japan’s chin up until they were looking at each other. “But mostly, I’m just glad I got to spend Christmas with you.”
If possible, Japan felt himself go even warmer- his ears most likely just a red as his cheeks with embarrassment. “G-Greece-san…”
Leaning his forehead down against Japan’s, he smiled. “Merry Christmas, Japan.”
“Merry Christmas, Greece-san.”
And although he was already expecting it, Japan’s heart still leapt in his chest when Greece closed the gap between them to press a warm kiss to his lips.
After that, Japan let Greece wrap his arms around him, his hands settling on his hip as they watched several more of America’s Christmas favorites.
Looking over to his friends and feeling very content, Japan smiled to himself. This was just the right kind of Christmas for him. Yes, it was quite small, and really no disrespect meant to America’s usual big parties, but this ‘little Christmas’ was all Japan felt he needed.
Spending it with his friends and…Greece-san, well, there wasn’t anything else he could ask for at all.
------------------------------
[Notes]
1) The Greek food is as follows: melomakarona, "honey macaroons", Christmas cookies soaked in a syrup of diluted honey (meli in Greek, thus melo-makárona), then sprinkled with crushed walnuts, kourabiedes, Greek butter cookies adorned with a single whole spice clove and christopsomo, Greek bread decorated with an early form of the Christian cross with ends that split and curl into circles.
[2] Through some sort of marketing magic, back in the '70s, KFC managed to convince the Japanese that Christmas means chicken (because turkey is hard to find in Japan). KFC chicken to be precise. Fast forward 40 years later and many a Japanese family pre-orders their Christmas dinners at KFC and wait in line on Christmas Day to pick it up. But this year, there is a challenger for KFC's Christmas supremacy. McDonald's is hawking their own Christmas-themed chicken dinner this year in the iCon'BOX, which features Shaka Shaka chicken.
[3] A Christmas cracker consists of a cardboard tube wrapped in a brightly decorated twist of paper, making it resemble an oversized sweet-wrapper. The cracker is pulled by two people, and, much in the manner of a wishbone, the cracker splits unevenly. The split is accompanied by a small bang. Typically these contents are a coloured paper hat or crown; a small toy or other trinket and a motto, a joke or piece of trivia on a small strip of paper. They are popular in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
[4] A Kallikantzaros (pl. Kallikantzaroi) is a malevolent goblin in Greek folk tradition. A massive log set on end in the chimney burning to keep the spirits from entering by the chimney.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-12-27 05:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-27 09:15 pm (UTC)America’s house was decorated, as usual, to the fullest. Copious strings of lights and illuminated statues and inflatables outside and a large tree inside, covered in lights and a long winding paper chain.
this. I can see it clearly :') Oh America.
Wow I had no idea about the KFC and Mcdonalds thing. *o* That's really interesting :'D The Greek food sounds absolutely delicious!
I really enjoyed them talking about the traditions with each other, and the little details like Greece preparing more of the melomakarona because he knew that it was Japan's favourite.
Thank you so much for this! <3
no subject
Date: 2010-12-27 10:10 pm (UTC)Loved the mention of the crackers. Those stupid little paper crowns are so nostalgic. <3
no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:01 pm (UTC)Gotta love the crowns XD
no subject
Date: 2010-12-28 12:21 am (UTC)Oh, and thanks for organizing this exchange! It was really well-run and I hope there's gonna be another year to come. Good job! ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:02 pm (UTC)I hope to run it again next year, so keep an eye out for it come autumn this year XD
no subject
Date: 2010-12-28 05:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-28 08:29 am (UTC)Also, thanks so much for organizing the event!
and a bajillion others teeheeMerry Christmas O/no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 09:07 pm (UTC)well done! two thumbs up! :3
merry christmas and happy new year ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-07 02:46 am (UTC)The inclusion of so much Christmas culture was genius =Db
no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-07 03:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-07 01:58 pm (UTC)But the part about McDonald and KFC shocked me a bit.
no subject
Date: 2011-01-11 11:05 pm (UTC)Yeah, the Japanese love of chicken for Christmas is a bit shocking!