SMILING LESSONS

Another day, another World Meeting ruined. The Meeting Hall sure was messy: chairs upside-down, snacks flying everywhere, nations shouting at each other, running, playing, chatting and some of them tried to keep the others quiet. A real hell, looking at it, but deep inside they were all having fun. France and England started a real war of snacks and most of the nations tagged along, choosing the side that seemed stronger. They used the chairs as shields and organized assaults to the enemy, taking with them everything that could dirty the suits.

-Give up Britain! You can't win against moi!

-We'll see about that, you wanker!

While the two kept insulting each other, Spain (on France's side) sneaked up behind England and silently took a cream cake. When England noticed it was already too late: the tan skinned country splattered the cake on his face, bursting out laughing. He removed the cream from his face with clearly angry movements and when he opened his green eyes it was as if Hell was in there. And Spain knew that it wasn't going to end well.

-You bloody wanker! Rule Britanniaaaaaaaaaa!

He took another cake from the buffet and literally threw himself on the poor Spanish guy, locking him to the ground. The food was splattered over his face brutally and sent down his throat, nearly choking him. Fortunately, the furious "gentleman" was stopped by Prussia and France who didn't want to end up being the Bad Touch Duo.

A few minutes after that attempted murder the quiet returned, even if the big room was a total mess. Germany was scolding everyone for being so childish... everyone except Russia who had his pipe in one hand, ready to kill whoever tried to make him regret what he did.

-I hope you understood what you did! We are here to solve problems, not to cause the World War 3!

-We are very sorry, Germany- answered the other nations, who all had been hit by Germany, bowing a little -We won't do it again.

-Well, I'm not sorry at all!- The rude voice came from a chair and sitting on it was a short nation, dark brown hair feel on his face covering his brown eyes a little, while he crossed his legs and arms bored. -It was fun and you can't tell me what to do, potato bastard!

The blond nation sighed -Romano, hasn't Spain taught you to be nice sometimes?

-I did!- Intervened Spain exasperated -But he just won't listen to me!

-Why should I do that? You are in a terrible crisis and I don't really want to be in such a state too!

-But we are trying to recover. You could help me, no?

-Are you crazy?! Me and Veneziano already have enough problems so ask that potato bastard to help you!

-Germanyyy~! Will you help me? I really need money! Por favor~!

-SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU! Mein Gott...- sighed the German -What about ending the meeting here? We have to calm down.

All nations agreed and started to head home or to their hotel. Only a few of them were still in the hall and that included both Italy brothers: -Hey, Veneziano, Why didn't you support me earlier? You had fun too, right?- Asked Romano sketching on a piece of paper a really ugly Germany and writing "Potato Bastard" on it.

His younger brother was a little surprised and embarrassed by the question: -Well, you see: Germany can be really scary sometimes and I feared that he would scold me if I joined your protest.

-So you let me alone? You're a terrible brother, you know?!

-Ve? B-But I was scared!

-So what? Together we could be stronger and maybe the other nations wouldn't always laugh at us!- His voice started to raise as he crumpled the paper and threw it away -I'm sick of being week, damn it! Why can't we be as good as the others?

-Fratello calm down, you're scaring me!- Said Veneziano as he was about to cry which made his older brother even angrier 'Tsk! This is why nobody notices us! It's not like we are Canada!'

Suddenly a hand was laid on Romano's shoulder and as he turned around he found Spain giving him a warm smile -Come on, Roma! Don't be so hard on Ita-chan. You both have an important role in Europe!

-Yeah, right. And that would be?- he replied crossing his arms and staring in the older nation's eyes, catching him by surprise.

-W-Well... You... Your food is amazing!

There was silence and then Romano turned away pouting -You idiot. Do you think that makes me feel better?

-Oh come on, Roma! Why don't you smile?

-'Cause there is not point in smiling now, idiot!

-Yes, there is! It makes you feel better, fratello!- Intervened Veneziano.

-Ita-chan got the exact point. So, smile Roma~!

-No! God damn it!

The Italian walked away, towards the exit, where his car was; he couldn't wait to get home and watch his beloved football match while eating pizza on the couch. But then Spain reached him and started walking beside him, smiling like an idiot. -Why are you following me?-

-I was thinking...

-Thinking what?

-That maybe all you need are smiling lessons.- The smaller nation stopped suddenly -What was that?!

The Spanish chuckled as he stopped too -Smiling lessons! I'll teach you. Just wait and see: you'll learn how to smile in no time!

-And why should I take lessons? For such a stupid thing too! Also I know far too well how to smile!

-Oh, is that so? Then, show me!- he said in a teasing voice. This request took the younger nation unprepared as he felt weird, uncomfortable. 'Come on, Lovino, you can do it.' he said to himself 'It's just a smile, nothing more. Spread your lips.' Unfortunately this action resulted much more difficult than he thought as he sighed heavily after trying to convince himself. -W-Why should I do that? It's stupid. Just like you, idiot!

Spain grabbed his shoulders and leaned closer to his face, so close that his face turned red -See? I told you you can't smile! So, from now on, I'm going to be your teacher.

-Hey, you two!- Another loud voice was heard far away in the hallway and fast footsteps approached while another voice complained loudly. -Hey, guys! How's it going?- America stopped right in front of the two and Romano noticed England being dragged by the younger nation 'Lame.' He thought shaking his head in disapproval. -You git! Why the bloody hell did you drag me here?!

-Hey, Spain: can you teach England how to smile too? He really needs it!

-Hey, idiot! Don't ignore me!

-Sure, America. Why not? I bet Romano will enjoy England's company.

-Who says that, bastard! I could never stand that tea drinking bastard!

-Ok then.- Decided the blond and tall guy. -I'll leave England to you, then. I gotta go now. See ya in a few weeks!

-Wait America!- Shouted the two students but the he had already turned the corner, disappearing.

There was a shocked silence, which then turned into shouting from the two (Romano lost control and insulted in Italian, so none but him could understand what he said but they knew it was something hard).

After a while they calmed down: -Well, it can't be helped, I guess.- Said the Englishman sweeping some dust off his clothes and smoothing his hair -But where are we going to stay? I can't come from London every day.

-Of course not, England!- Answered the teacher confidently -We're staying at Romano's place!-

-Wait, what?! How the fuck did you get this stupid idea?!-

-We need a relaxing place and my home is having a few problems now. Also, eyebrow's place is so rainy! That wouldn't help you smile, it would make you depressed!

-My home isn't depressing! It's just as beautiful as yours.- He turned the other way rather offended while Romano sighed. -Ok, you can stay, but don't make a mess or else I'll personally break your fucking bones!

-I'll also need to do something for that foul mouth of yours, Roma.

-I don't need that, idiot!

So, after a very troublesome journey, they finally arrived. Luckily the meeting wasn't too far away so they arrived quite quickly.

Romano parked the car in front of his house, taking a look at it, happy to be back in a comfortable place. He merely smiled but when he realized he shook his head, hoping the other two didn't notice.

-Wow, Romano. I must admit that this place isn't so bad, after all.- Said England, protecting his eyes from the sun with his right hand, while in his left one he held the suitcase he brought from his place. The house was large and painted completely in white, with small windows and plants nearly all over the place, some of them were flowers, others were vines or small palms. Not to talk about the wonderful view behind the building: the house was situated in a village in a beautiful gulf, typical of Amalfi Coast, cobalt blue sea extending for miles and miles until the clear sky dived in it when reached the horizon.

The nation was very attached to that place: he chose personally where and how to build it. He helped making the project himself and furnished it with the most beautiful items he found. It was a little old but it was his favorite place in the whole world and he was most reluctant to share it with someone: even his brother lived in a different house, much more north, in Venice.

He walked to the door and unlocked it very gently, pushing it a little. The other two nations swallowed: it was strange to see Romano acting so calm and gentle. 'It's a good thing I chose to come here for the lessons.' Thought Spain, entering the house and somehow feeling as if he just stepped in a sacred building or something like that. Then he realized why the younger nation didn't want the to make a mess: it was so beautiful inside. The way the furniture was placed, the paintings at the walls, the simplicity of it all was so harmonic and relaxing. He left his luggage down and wandered around, he had never been able to really go there, since Romano didn't let him, and now he was really surprised. Suddenly his attention was attracted by a large window, more like a door, that led to a large balcony. Slowly he walked outside, leaning on the edge a gazing at the sea. Around him were flowers swinging in the breeze; a small round table with four chairs was in the middle of the balcony, already prepared for an afternoon snack and a tea pot.

The feelings that view gave the Spanish were difficult to describe with mere words. Maybe a song could have been better, he thought, 'I should have my guitar but I'll do that later'.

-Hey, are you ok?- Asked his host from the window, leaning on a wall and looking at him.

-Yeah, it's just that this place is so beautiful. You have good taste, Roma.

He looked down, a bit embarrassed by the comment -Thanks, but it's not that good. Veneziano's house is better.

-Don't say that! Your houses are different because you two are different. It's nearly impossible to find someone with the same taste as you. This place is special.

Some moments passed, none of them knew what to say next, until the brown eyed nation got up from the wall and headed to the kitchen saying: -I'm gonna make you something to eat. That English bastard could kill us if he tries to cook.

-I heard you!- Came a scream from the floor above.

-Very well, so you know what I think of you, bastard!

-I hate you, you wanker!

-I hate you too!

Spain chuckled, those two were really problematic 'But that's the way they are. And I can't change them so much.' He walked inside too and brought his luggage to the second floor after asking Romano where was his guest room. He unpacked it and then threw himself on the bed, waiting for lunch to be ready. His head became heavy and so his eyelids; without noticing he slowly drifted into a deep sleep.