[Hetalia] historical denial (Japan/America, PG-13)

[valmora]

pargoletta made some very astute observations regarding the fic I posted yesterday, which got me thinking, so I wrote this during my lunch hour. *cough*

I'm not entirely certain I'm happy with the physical location where I've set this piece, but I think it makes more sense than some of the alternatives I had.

There is a reference to a canon strip of Hetalia, which I attempted to find but couldn't. For those unfamiliar with the line, I apologize, and will link to the strip if I ever find it again.

Title: historical denial
Fandom: Hetalia
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Japan/America
Time period: 1970s or later. Ish.
Disclaimer: characters all belong to Himaruya Hidekaz, not to me, and I have made no money.
Summary: There can be no resolution if there is no acknowledgment (The Rape of Nanking).



"You know," America says, quiet into the night-darkness of Japan's hotel room, "you should apologize to China."

"For what?" Japan wishes America were like other male Nations and would fall asleep immediately after sex, instead of being invigorated by it. Conversations that Japan wouldn't want to hold during the daytime are even less welcome in bed.

"Nanking," America breathes into Japan's hair, fingers drifting over the back of his neck.

Japan sighs. Not this again, when there were already tribunals held. "I'd prefer not to discuss this now. It's late, and we both have to be awake early for the conference tomorrow."

As usual, America pays no attention to what anyone else says. "I know it was convenient for everyone to ignore it after the war, but it's time - "

"I'll examine the circumstances and consider it."

America's hands, resting on Japan's back, tighten, fingertip pressure against his skin.

"I've known you too long not to know what that means," America says. He might be angry; Japan has difficulty telling.

"I will review the idea at a time that is not when I should be sleeping, and I will consider your suggestion." Suggestion, ha. America only knows how to give orders, never to take hints. And Japan now is at his mercy, dependent upon America's need for war material to keep his economy strong.

America hisses out a breath over the shell of Japan's ear. "You say that now. In three days you'll pretend I didn't ask, or that you were asleep."

"I am not a coward," Japan informs him, pressing on America's arms until his embrace is broken and Japan can move away. "Now. I believe that you have your own hotel room, which is unoccupied. If you insist on keeping me from my sleep, I will have to ask that you leave. I am not as resilient as you are, so I must sleep."

"Fuck you," America says, rolling onto his back. Japan doesn't respond. Other Nations might retort in some cleverly petty way, You already have, and most pleasantly, perhaps. Japan does not.

Comments

[lksugui.livejournal.com]

I love (pre, during or post) WW II fics!

There's subtle sensuality in America's actions and Japan's quiet but solid denial to discuss the subject is very much IC. The only thing I have to point out is totally personal - I'd like this to be a tad longer, maybe working a bit more on Japan's feelings/memories of the Rape of Nanking.

Great job, thanx for sharing! :3

[pargoletta.livejournal.com]

I like this! I like how Japan tries to make the conversation all about his relationship with America rather than acknowledge that China is the actual topic at hand. And I especially love this line: I am not as resilient as you are, so I must sleep. It's that attitude that makes (real-life) China and Korea so angry at Japan whenever the issue of Nanking or the comfort women is brought up.