Italy wandered through the forest, humming happily as he picked some wildflowers. "I wonder what Germany's doing…"

The sound of clashing metal snapped him out of his reverie. He snuck a glance around the tree, peering into a small clearing. He watched as China leapt at Japan, frying pan raised. Honda ducked aside, katana at the ready. "Oh no! I need to get help…" He ran back toward the town as it started to drizzle.

Mei pulled her hood tighter around her head as she meandered through the streets. She had a hard time grasping what America had revealed to her. But, it would explain some of Honda's odd behavior around her, like a few nights ago…

Italy darted past, nearly knocking her over as he halted in front of Germany. "Doitsu! Doitsu! You have to stop them!"

"Who?"

"China and Japan! They're fighting!"

"Where?"

"In the woods! Come on!" Italy tugged on his arm, starting to drag him towards the forest.

"Wait! Italy!"
"Taiwan?"

"I need you to get America. He'll know what to do."

"But what-"

"I'll go."

Germany raised an eyebrow as he looked the woman up and down. "So what are you going to do?"

"Whatever I can." She dashed off, weaving her way through the crowd with ease.

Italy pulled on Germany's sleeve once again. "Come on!"

He sighed, allowing the hyper man drag him toward Alfred's residence.

Taiwan shuddered as the winds began to pick up, leashing the rain at her sideways. Her hood flew back, despite her attempts to hold onto it. Her exposed flesh stung as she ran swiftly. Mei cut through the small stream feeding into the meadow, the rising water tugging at her feet hungrily. She charged through to the edge of the trees. She panted, pushing away the hanging branches as she finally made her way into the clearing. "Please let me be in time…" She finally made it in, stopping just inside.

China panted, his frying pan out of arm's reach. He looked up Japan, sighing. His brother raised his sword, face impassive. He went to strike, taking a step forward.

Taiwan ran over silently, grabbing the blade with her hands. She ignored the pain of it cutting into her flesh and yanked the weapon from its owner's grip. She tossed it aside, breathing heavily.

Japan turned in shock and spotted her, his eyes growing wide. "Mei?"

"Stop this. It's pointless," she said, stepping between the two. "If you want to hurt each other, you'll have to go through me first."

Wang and Honda glanced at each other, nodding slightly. "Taiwan-"

"I know."

The pair fell silent. She clenched her fists, blood dripping onto the wet blades of grass. They sat in the rain, looking at each other.

"Was it really that hard to tell me?" she asked softly, looking up at Japan.

He lowered his gazing, sighing softly.

She took a few steps toward him, standing in front of him and wrapping her arms around him. "I love you, too…"

Japan hugged her back, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry. I just-"

"You don't have to explain it to me now," she muttered looking up at him.

He kissed her forehead softly, brushing her slick hair away from her face.

China stood, tucking his frying pan under his arm and grinning. "Finally!"

Mei turned toward him in surprise. "You… planned this?"

Wang beamed, nodding.

She glowered at him playfully, hugging Honda closer.

Japan smiled softly, resting his head against hers.

"You were in on this too, weren't you."

He just nodded.

She sighed, muttering under her breath.

Honda gently pulled away, holding her hands carefully. "We were not planning on this, however."

"You know me."

He smiled, glancing over at his brother.

"We should go."

"Before we do…" Taiwan mumbles, pulling her hands from Honda's. She leaned up and kissed him softly, smiling.

"Aw! True love at last!" France applauded, clapping his hands together.

Taiwan blushed and buried her face in Japan's chest, causing him to chuckle softly.

America grinned, fist pumping. "I told you!"

England rolled his eyes, shaking his head at his brother.

Italy smiled, hugging Germany and rumbling on about love and pasta.

France pulled out a rose from his shirt, crumbling the petals into his hands. He threw them toward the couple, smiling.

Japan shook his head, smiling softly. He leaned down and picked Mei up bridal style, causing her to squeak in surprise. He chuckled, glancing at China. "Thank you nii-san, for everything."

His brother nodded, grinning. "Anytime. Now get out of here. We're all going to blame you if we catch colds from standing out here."

Honda chuckled, carrying his love back to their home.

Taiwan settled deeper into his arms, closing her eyes.

Japan kissed her head softly, smiling. "Don't plan on me letting go anytime soon."

"Fine by me."

There you have it! I like this ending a whole lot better. :D Thanks for reading!