A/N: This might suck a lot but oh well. I tried. Sorry about my grammar. I really hope you enjoy this story!

The spring has passed and the summer comes again.

The new leaves glisten and twinkle in lush green.

The end of spring came only about two days ago. It is quite beautiful to see the array of new flowers all around.

Beyond the fields and hills, where the fog dissipated

they rustle in the wind longingly

It's such a beautiful day, I must make the most of it by admiring nature's beauty.

It won't hurt to not bring my camera this once.  This is more of time to relax than to take pictures.

The sea of deep green burst into sprouts

as I walk along in a small lane

I walk along a trail far away from the down that became too loud for my liking. I'm quite fond of this trail. Isolated.

Although I can't help to think, how long has it been since I was close to someone? It would be nice to have a friend or two. But knowing how it ended last time, I'd rather keep to myself.

Before I realised, my mind silently drifts to remembrance

of things in my past that tinged my heart with joy

Arthur-san.. how long has it been? That night you were standing in the hill, thinking I chose Russia-san over you. You didn't know I wanted all along to stand by your side.

All those times where you taught me English in exchange to learn more about my culture. It made me happy to know you cared. Seeing the spark in your eyes when something peaked your interest always make my heart skip a beat.

"Do you still think about our time we spent together?" Muttering to myself.

I can hear poetry coming from a far distance

as the crisp-sounding echoes ring

When I asked to see some of the writing of your people you pulled out a poem entitled, 'I Loved You First'. You asked me to read it aloud to strengthen my English and an excuse to hear my voice more. But you wouldn't admit that just yet. The last two lines have always echoed in my head since then wondering if you were trying to get a point across.

I wandered back into reality overlooking the flowers when reciting the lines we both shared a love for:

Both have the strength and both the length

thereof,

Both of us, of the love which makes us one.

I am surrounded by the ever lasting nature

and the clear, fresh scent of the deep grove

The scent of this grove reminds me of the long walks we took in the country side of London. I took many photos of the views we encountered and many photos of you.

I still have the photo of us that I asked for that kind stranger to take. It's sitting by my bed.

The sound of bells jingling, "Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling"

as I wander through the fields and hills

You told me how in the year 1751, you gave America-san the Liberty Bell, as a symbol of their independence, and how America-san kept sending it back because his people didn't like the way it sounded.

You thought that America-san just didn't like it and that thought tore you up. You broke down crying in front of me yelling, "why did he have to leave? Why doesn't he like anything I give him?"

It was a nightmare to see you cry.

After comforting the best I could you said, "Thank you so much for helping me and making me not feel so alone anymore, Kiku. It means a lot. I- uh.. nevermind". I let it go trying not to think about what I thought he was going to say.

He wouldn't have said it, right? Although, his profound blush made me think.

The sound of old rivers, gushing and rushing, crisp and clear

my heart is soothed and calmed by them

Slowly but steadily, back then, I realised what I was feeling was much more than friends feel for each other. Was it wrong to feel that way? My boss would never approve.

"Arthur-san would have loved this scenery."

The white plumes of hares-tail cotton grass

The color the meadow whispering softly and swaying in the summer breeze

they gently take off and drift off in the air, surrounding me

All of these memories, why did they just suddenly come over me? Could it have been the colors of the meadow surrounding me?

I remember in as couple of months of our alliance, I invited you to come to bangohan (dinner) with me.

Dressing your best and told me that you hoped you didn't look too much of a mess. I simply said that you always looked wonderful.

Everytime I look back at I laugh about how red your face got, but you were always respectful even when flustered. It was one of the many reasons I loved you.

if you listen carefully, you can hear them

the rustling leaves singing a gentle song

the vast wetland that I feel with all my five senses

and the clear, fresh scent of the flowers

I don't often let myself think about my feelings for him for the sake of letting go and the threat of it coming in the way of trying to concentrate on my duties. What me and him once had is in the past. If he really wanted to see me again, he would have visited again. Or at least write.

The water surface that glitters under the sunlight shining through the leaves

shines in a vibrant copper green

I took a seat by small pond so I could rest up before the walk back home.

"Today was a very relaxing day."

I looked down in the pond to see koi fish swimming up to greet me. I put my finger in the pond only for them to nibble at it. I giggled. Arthur-san always enjoyed the koi in the pond at my house.

In fact, that's where he confessed his love for me.

"The sun is setting. I better get home before it gets dark."

When I gaze upon it from a small lane lined with Japanese White Birch,

my soul is healed by the world of soft colors

I made it back to the town I resided in before it was too dark. The flashback of Arthur confessing his love played in my mind over and over.

(Flashback)

"I love watching these fish swim around. What are they called again?" he asked feeding them so they would come up to the surface.

"Koi. They often symbolize will power, luck, and passionate love." Arthur tensed up at the word love. I place a hand on his forehead. His face was red. Was he getting sick?

"Arthur-san, are you feeling alright? Your face is awfully hot." He pushed my hand away from his face and held it and didn't let go. I had, what they call, butterflies in my stomach.

He took a big gulp of air and told me, "I think.. I love you. I've been able to act myself and be comfortable around someone for once without getting made fun of. I haven't been able to act like that since Alfred was a kid. Kiku, I think you're wonderful in every possible way. I feel so genuinely happy being around you. My only wish is to make you as happy as you've made me." His smile was soft, pleasing to the heart. I knew I had to be honest with him and myself.

"Suki daisuki.."

"Excuse me?" His blank expression is so adorable. I don't care what my boss says. I love Arthur Kirkland.

I built up some confidence and leaned in to kissed him. I could feel his smile when our lips connected. His lips were quite soft, like the colors of the early summer surrounding us. When we pulled out, I muttered the words "I love you too."

(End of flashback)

I look up towards the hill of fresh grass

and the blue-purple flowers that cover it

I snap back into reality to some loud yelling as I walked towards my front door.

"KIKU OPEN UP! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!! YOU KNOW, IT'S GETTING DARK!" There was a crack in the person's voice.

"Um.. may I help you?" The yelling man turned towards me. I couldn't believe my eyes. After all this time. "Arthur?"

"I thought you were inside. Haha. Forgive me for my harsh tone," by his voice I could tell he was embarrassed.

"Say that to my door." We both laughed.

I've missed you.

I'm surrounded by all these beautiful vivid colors

and the clear fresh scent of the early summer

Arthur-san and I caught up that night. He claimed that he didnt speak to me after our alliance was terminated because of his boss. Do I believe him? Yes. He would never lie to me. He has no reason to.

~

The next morning after breakfast we sat outside under the Sakura trees in front of the pond at my house.

"I've been thinking lately," I had his full attention from this statement, "Do you still love me?"

He looked up at me, "Way to be straight forward, Kiku," he raised his voice a bit from being so flustered. "But of course I do. That's why I came to see you even though my boss begged me not to. I couldn't stand not seeing you anymore. Do you?" I gave a nod. He smiled at me. The same warm smile that I remember.

"This is the same spot where I told you I loved you."

"Huh. What do you know?" I looked around just to see the wind carrying petals off the Sakura tree.

"Japan is really such a beautiful place. Hey, I've been wondering, what made you get the courage to kiss me?"

"You were just too cute I couldn't resist."

"I'm not cute!! I'll have you know I am very manly" I couldn't help but laugh at him. Something about him just made me smile. "Even if I am cute. I love my little Kiku". Arthur brought me into his warm embrace, something I missed very much surprisingly.

I wouldn't want to share these intimate moments with anyone else.

"I missed you." I stated still in his embrace.

"I don't plan on leaving anytime soon."

"I'm okay with that," smiling at that thought.

The whole rest of the day we enjoyed each other's company and love. There was never a day left where I had to wonder if he still cared. We always made sure to make it known. With the vivid colors fading into the night and the fresh scent of early summer, new memories were formed that would stick with us for a lifetime.