Work Text:
“Hey Japan!” Italy waved to the Japanese man who sat on his futon. He seemed to be reading a book, deeply engrossed by the writing in it. Japan was so intent on reading the book that he didn’t even notice Italy talking to him at first.
“Japan?” Italy cocks his head to the side, confused on why the other male didn’t answer his greeting. Italy sat down next to the black haired male. He peaked over at the book that was apparently so interesting to Japan. Italy couldn’t read any of the words in the book, however, since it was in Kanji.
Japan glances up and is somewhat startled by the unexpected appearance of Italy next to him. “Oh..” Japan zoned off before looking at Italy once more. “What is it you want from me, Italy?” Japan questioned the Italian.
“I was wondering..” Italy looked directly at Japan, “Why is it that you don’t show much emotion or enthusiasm a lot?” Italy inquired.
Japan didn’t know how to respond to that question. He thought for a minute, “What do you mean by that?”
“Well, you don’t smile or laugh much,” Italy added onto the inquiry. The black haired man thought more about how to respond to the posed question.
“Um..” Japan can only stutter. He doesn’t know what to say. “I guess I’m just more of an introvert than the other countries.” Japan finally answered.
“But you should at least have a laugh from time to time, right?” Italy flashed a goofy smile. Japan looked at Italy, perplexed by his words.
“I guess.. that is true.” He looked back down at the book in his lap. Why was he so nervous about this, he wondered.
Italy stared at Japan as he went back to reading. That’s it! I know how to make him laugh, Italy chuckled to himself.
“Hey Japan, are you ticklish by any chance?” Italy asked, seemingly innocent. “Eh?” Japan looked up, “Yeah, I am. Why?” He interrogated the other.
“Nothing, Nothing!” Italy put his hands up in the air to symbolize that he wouldn’t do anything (but he will anyway).
“Hmm..” Japan hummed softly as he continued to get lost in the book. Italy had a sly look on his face. This is my chance, he thought, I can tickle him while he’s distracted!
Italy slowly and carefully stretched out his hand and moved it towards Japan’s neck. He moved closer in a way so that Japan wouldn’t notice. Once his hand made contact with the others neck, he began tickling him.
“Hey!” Japan had a scared look on his face as he looked up at Italy. “What are you doing?” Japan couldn’t help but laugh as he was tickled by the Italian man.
Italy grinned as he heard Japan laugh, and he moved his hands to tickle him in other vulnerable places, like his stomach and underarms. Japan laughed more and more with each area that was tickled.
“Bingo!” Italy stopped tickling him and did a little fist pump while looking triumphant. “Wha..What was that for?” Japan was still chuckling, trying to pull himself back together after that tickling fit.
“I wanted to make you laugh!” Italy admitted in a proud voice. “So you decided to tickle me?” Japan looked annoyed but also amused at the same time “Yep!” Italy smirked.
What an idiot.. Japan thought to himself before picking up the book once more.