Japan woke at nightfall, his cat-like senses telling him that something was not quite right with the world. He smiled politely at Canada and offered to take the first watch.

"O-oh! You don't need to do that, Kiku! I-I'm fine staying up late!" The Canadian's halting argument was interrupted by yawns. He rubbed at his eyes, and then seemed to realize what he was doing, and began fiddling with his sweatshirt, embarrassed. "I want to help."

Japan shook his head. "You require rest, young Canada. I will take the watch." When the blonde had wriggled into a sleeping bag, Japan whispered "Sleep well" and then leaned against a tree to watch over the camp.

He, Lithuania, Canada, France, Spain, Greece, and Turkey were just beyond Switzerland's house, camping for the night until they could proceed with stealth. After the kidnapping of America and England, they were all much more cautious. Losing two of their own had shaken them, but they had discussed the matter earlier, and they knew it would be foolish to attempt a rescue so soon. Taiwan and Hong Kong were intelligent, capable fighters, and insanity had made them strong.

So deep in his thoughts, Japan didn't hear the rustle of the leaves behind him, and when he felt a presence behind him, it was too late to react. Before he could draw his katana or do anything at all, his back was pressed against the tree, and there were arms tightened around him, preventing escape.

"Ni hao, my Wa."

Japan's lips stiffened, his only reaction to China's sudden appearance.

"Good evening, China."

China freed one of his arms, and clasped Japan's chin playfully.

"Hmmm? Are you not going to comment on that nickname? It has been far too long since you've called yourself that. It is so much cuter than what you call yourself now."Instead of answering, Japan looked at the ground. China smiled at him, for all the world an older brother teasing the younger. "You don't like it? But it fit you so well. So short and stoic, and yet so fragile."

Japan sighed. "If I may ask, what do you wish to gain from visiting me here?"

Chuckling, China wrapped both of his arms around Japan's waist again. He ran his fingers across the soft fabric that made up the back of Japan's coat, and plucked a bit of thread from it. An imperfection. He slid his hand up to Japan's shoulder to get a view of the thing, which had the added effect of pressing Japan even harder against the tree.

Holding the thing up to the moonlight, China frowned. A red thread. He had been hoping for something more interesting. He dropped the thread, and watched it float back to cling to Japan's jacket stubbornly.

"Ah, my little Wa, I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to kill you." China smiled into Japan's eyes, his own eyes crinkling up at the corners. "Not now, and not soon. But someday, someday. As I would have said years ago, "Let's have fun, aru~!""

Japan made his move then, kicking out at China's kneecaps. As if anticipating the attack, China slid to the side, letting Japan's foot swing up into the air, knocking the younger nation off balance. China shook his head at the other, faking disappointment.

"I thought I raised you better than that, my Wa."

Japan tried to escape again, but China held him back. And again. And again, until they were both beginning to sweat, and heat pulsed where their bodies met.

They could have been lovers, the way they were, arms twining around each other's waists, leaning gently against the rough bark of the oak. For a moment, China's iron grip softened, and he leaned forward to place a kiss on Japan's forehead. And then he was gone, as quickly and silently as he had arrived.

Shivering, Japan drew his katana, and sat in the center of the camp, keeping an eye on everything around them until Canada woke, and it was his turn to sleep.