Title: One Step Behind
Author: perfectioninmypride
Summary: It's hard to find words, when neither of them know what to say. They don't speak, but merely exchange a look. "So you're still chasing after him too…"

One Step Behind

One foot in front of the other…

"Hey brother!"

"Big brother!"

Always chasing, always rushing to catch up…

"Hey, slow down a little!"

"Wait for me, brother!"

But no matter how close they get…

"Leave me alone, aru!"

"Please… go away!"

They are always too far behind.

Sometimes Belarus questions her own sanity. It is not a thing she does often, but occasionally the thoughts slip out.

Every time Russia runs from her - every time he looks at her with fear and darkness in those beautiful violet eyes - it cuts her deep in that organ known as a heart.

She can't stop herself from chasing him though. Every rejection, every protest… it's all she knows.

Sometimes Korea wonders about his goals. He seldom does, but every once in a while, his mind brings up the point.

Onlookers would never know, would never be able to look behind his cheerful grin and see how with each of China's frustrated looks, his heart breaks a little.

He just wants to be noticed, for once. All he wants… all he's ever wanted.

Belarus will never stop loving Russia.

Korea has always loved China.

She sees Korea at a world meeting, literally bumping into him as she rounds a corner in her search for Russia, once again. It's not like she has never met him before. She knows him from a while back, when the Iron Curtain had not yet fallen, and Korea's mentality had been more broken than ever.

It's a time she doesn't like to remember.

He hasn't seen Belarus in a long time. They run in different circles and their relations are friendly, but distant. Seeing her brings back memories, which he bites down with a smile. His head hurts when he thinks about those earlier years, so he tries not to think about them.

Some things are better to forget.

How are you?

It's hard to find words, when neither of them know what to say. They don't speak, but merely exchange a look.

So you're still chasing after him too…

They lock eyes in silence, and that is enough.

I don't think we can ever catch up…

Sometimes… it's nice to find someone that understands.

Maybe it is time to stop running…

Short and a little strange. I know.