A/N: Hello, everyone. This is my first proper Hetalia story. I only have a vague idea of where this is going to go, so I hope it turns out well. As of right now, I don't think this is going to turn into a romance, but I'll let the writing take me where it wants to go. I'm trying out a new style of writing, so I hope you all like it. I also hope I don't slaughter Belarus' character. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I'm writing on a site that has the word 'fan-fiction' in its name. If that doesn't tell you that the characters aren't mine, I don't know what will.
It was on the rooftop of their school that Lovino had his first encounter with her.
The Italian was lying down on his back, looking up at the grey storm clouds that swirled in the sky. He knew he shouldn't be up on the roof - the cafeteria and the courtyard are the only places students were allowed for lunch - but he couldn't bring himself to care. A tupperware container of Pugliese casserole lay beside him, but he wasn't hungry. He didn't know why and didn't know if he wanted to find out why.
Lovino heard the loud creak of the door to the roof opening, and he turned his head to see his classmate standing in the doorway. Her long, platinum-blonde hair swayed with the wind, and her cold blue eyes settled on his lax form. They remained in a sort of staring contest for a few moments until she speaks.
"I didn't think anyone would be up here," she said, a thick, Eastern Slavic accent coating her words.
"Sorry to disappoint you," he answered, turning back towards the sky. He heard the door close, and he wondered if she left him alone.
He heard her footsteps move to the opposite side of the roof, and he barely managed to refrain from sighing. He hadn't counted on company, and now that he had some, he wished she'd go away.
A thick and awkward silence passed between them, and after a few minutes Lovino was unable to handle it. "What are you doing up here?"
"That's none of your business," she replied icily.
Another lengthy period of silence.
Lovino tried to make himself forget about her, and closed his eyes as he heard the deep rumble of thunder. He felt cool droplets of water on his skin and before he knew it, it was pouring. His clothes were soaked and his hair was plastered to his face, but he paid it no mind.
He waited to see if she would go back inside, but he didn't hear her footsteps. He forced himself into a sitting position and turned to look at her. She was sitting on the ledge, her long legs dangling off the side. Her hair was stringy, and the rain had caused her uniform to become semi-transparent.
Lovino stood up and made his way over to her, slipping off his uniform jacket as he walked. He took a seat a fair distance away from her, and offered her his jacket. She looked up at him, her cobalt blue eyes even more intimidating up close. He struggled to keep eye contact and was grateful when she turned her gaze away. She accepted the jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders.
"Thank you," she muttered.
He mumbled back a "You're welcome" and the two of them sat there, the rain hammering down on their heads.
"We should get inside," Lovino said after a few minutes. "We're going to get sick."
"I don't want to go inside," she answered bluntly.
He let himself lie down on his back again, closing his eyes. "Me neither."
"Then why did you volunteer the idea?"
He shrugged as well as his clingy clothing alllowed. "I thought you might be cold."
She scoffed. "I grew up with Belarusian winters. The cold doesn't bother me."
"Fair enough," he said. "What's your name?"
She turned her head to look at him with an arched eyebrow. "We're in the same class. You know my name."
"What's wrong with a proper introduction?"
"There's no point in asking a question you already know the answer to, Lovino."
"And there's no point in arguing with you is there, Natalya?" He replied to her statement, stressing her name like she did his. He didn't quite know how he was speaking to her so casually - they were practically strangers, after all, and she (to him, at least) was the most intimidating person in the whole school - but he found he didn't really mind. He felt like it's been ages since he's spoken so easily with someone.
"No, there isn't," Natalya answered. She stood up shortly after, and headed to the door that lead inside.
"I thought you didn't want to go inside," Lovino said, following her movement with his eyes.
"I didn't," she agreed. She looked back at him and pointed to her watch. "But if we don't go inside, we'll be late for English."
He mentally berated himself for forgetting and quickly scrambled to his feet, grabbing his untouched lunchbox on his way to join her at the door. "Ms. Kirkland will give us hell for tracking water in her classroom."
Natalya shrugged. "Let her."
A/N: Yes, it's short, I'm aware. I really hope I won't lose inspiration for this story; I'm really liking where it is so far. I apologize for any grammar or spelling slip-ups I may have made. Reviews would be appreciated, and I'm always open to constructive criticism. Anything to make this better.
Until next time!