"So what are you getting him for his birthday?" A voiced hummed from beside me as I closed my notebook, hoping that the person next to me did not catch the sketch that I had just doodled on the margin of the paper.

"Hmm?" I asked, not completely paying attention to the question.

"His birthday, it's coming up in two weeks. You know October 3rd."

"Oh, who said I was getting him something for his birthday?" I asked turning looking up at the barely visible country, Canada.

"But everyone is getting him something for his birthday, Italy asked really nicely, come one Wales." Matthew, aka Canada asked me holding his bear Kumo tightly, bright blue eyes staring at me.

"He insulted my football team, just because he won that last match does not make him the best in the world." I grumbled, feeling bitter still over last weekend's match. "Can't we do a donation pile and I'll put a little in?"

"No, it has to be a present from each of us, Italy was very insistent of it."

"Geez, that pasta lover I'm going to put a curse on his land." I muttered darkly, as a small doom cloud soared above my head.

My name is Ceri Evans of Wales, so I'm related to Arthur of England, distantly related. I have long black hair that is shiny and sleek, large emerald green eyes that generally get comments by the people that talk to me. I work for Japan at one of his Maid Cafes I was picked to work there after doing a modeling gig they saw me and instantly begged me to work there. So I am hostess of the secondary flag ship Kawaī Meido Kafe in Osaka where the main flagship store is in Tokyo. I would work at the main store but my Japanese isn't great so I stay at the secondary location that is meant for tourists. I love working there it gives me a lot to do and the interaction with the people is a lot of fun and I get to dress up in super cute clothes and cook. I'm not a great cook but I am getting better due to the job. But working at a maid cafe does not pay as well as modeling does so I had to move to a smaller apartment and don't wear as many name brand clothes as I use to wear.

"Well I got him a gift card." Canada said happily.

"Good for you." I said snarkily, feeling a bit annoyed by the small boy's reply.

The birthday person in question is Ludwig Beilschmidt aka Germany. He a tall blond hair blue eye military loving man with a thick accent in time of stress and exhaustion. It's not like we didn't get along or anything as our countries never really had any issues against each other it's just that we didn't talk much so I didn't know much about him. I had just recently saw him come to my place of work but he was always so nervous when he comes in all the girls go to talk to him doing their job of course and he gets all sorts of nervous and generally will say something rude. So a lot of the girls will either avoid him or do the bare necessities on his table. Though I generally took his table for the last few visits he made if he wasn't with Italy or Japan. If he was with Italy it was generally quiet for him as all the girls are talking to the boyish Italian fawning over his charms. The Italian had a natural attraction towards the girls who flocked to him and all his innocent compliments and excessive calling people 'amore'.

"Are you working today?" I heard a thick German accent ask me as I stood up getting up from my spot at the table.

We had just finished a World Meeting, I didn't have much to say it was mainly listening to America argue over gasoline prices from Israel. Looking up staring the German in the eyes, they were such a intense shade of blue, just a small blush gracing my face.

"Yes, - I have to run I am monitoring the latte art competition tonight we are in the semi-final rounds. I need to hurry there. . ." I said briefly the competition is a big thing going on right now I needed to be early so I wanted to see the competition beforehand.

"So you will be judging then?" Ludwig asked curious.

"Oh – no. I'm just making sure no one breaks the rules, that's all." I stated softly.

"What time?"

"Oh – it starts at seven, here is a spare flier I have it has a coupon on it too." I said handing him a flier for the competition, a brightly colored one.

"Ah – thanks very much Miss Wales."

"No problem at all, well I'll see you later – you should cheer on Italy he has made it to the semi-finals." I said giving him a brief smile and heading out of the room.

Germany's POV

She is clutching her notebook tightly to her chest as she is talking to Canada she looks a bit upset with him. Ludwig is a bit curious as to what is bothering Wales she is normally fairly cheerful and neutral about everything. She looks so pretty no matter what she wears, she use to be a model but now she works for Japan as a hostess at his maid cafe. Germany always had followed her work – so finding out that she had a actual job he made point to go and visit as much as possible. Wales is very beautiful, smart, funny, a decent cook, good at cleaning but was not very strong military wise. Her pet dragon Madfall was her only source of strength and he was old and foul tempered. Wales had to lean against England for a lot of help but that lame toss-bucket wasn't great help as he is too concerned about America and France to worry about her. Wales has a decent football team, his is better of course not as good as Brazil or Spain but a lot better than hers and England's team.

"Okay Ludwig – you can talk to her. . ." He said to himself he wanted to greet her before she went to work.

~~ Time Skip ~~

I was in the changing room of the Kawaī Meido Kafe putting on the last of my make-up for the night's semi-final match for Latte Art. I was working as a Monitor for it, catching any rule breaking. Normally I would just be hosting towards the regular guests but Japan wanted me to do this event for him.

My outfit was a rather fancy sultry maid's outfit a black and white colored one. A black ruffle skirt that stopped at mid-thigh with white lace on the hem of it that came back in play on the shirt that playfully peeked out of the jacket. I didn't show off any direct skin from my chest – the jacket was tight and hugged my ample curves nicely just was letting my bare legs be all the skin they see. I was carrying a fancy notepad and a pen to jot down all the requests needed of me. Even if I am not actually serving tonight I kept my notepad with me just in case I am needed.

"Ve Miss Wales ya are here! Going to cheer me on, ya?" Italy asked cheerfully walking over to me carrying a bag of coffee beans.

"Of course I am here, Master Italy – I work here. I am making sure no one breaks the rules tonight."

"Ve I don't cheat Miss Wales! Watch out for Mr. France." Italy wailed giving me a pathetic look.

"Didn't say you did Master Italy, it's just my job for this event." I said pushing him playfully, I really wanted to call him a giant lump of pasta but I was working and that would be out of character for me to say at work.

"Miss Evans you are here early." France said smoothly in a purring tone as he was sipping some coffee as he was looking over a newspaper.

"Yes, Master France I came to see everyone before the competition started." I said putting on my full work tone sounding super sweet.

Everyone needed to be called Master and treated like royalty – each person as if they are center of attention at all times. To playfully flirt with everyone and to always be in character when you are dressed for work. There is cosplay events sometimes and you needed to be able to submerse yourself into your character to the point of you seriously thinking you were that character.

"Ah are you to cheer moi on mon-cher? I'll make a latte specially for you."

"Oh Master France – I couldn't even imagine having you do something that wonderful for little old me." I said playfully giving him a broad smile as I looked at the coffee cup collection he had going, he had been here all day.

"Ohonhon mon-cher let moi make you a cup – you enjoying one of moi coffees will give me good luck, oui." France said as he started making me a latte effortlessly pouring a thick layer of creamy foam on top.

"Master France thank you – merci." I said happily as I looked at the cute chibi version of me in the foam.

"Mon-cheri let moi take a picture of you with the coffee for moi portfolio." France said giving me a bright smile grabbing a fancy camera from the spot next to his news paper.

Normally cameras were not allowed in the cafe but for special events like this the Press and Bloggers were all over the place so the ban on cameras are lifted. I posed with the cup of coffee and France making sure I looked perfect for the camera. Having France forward a copy to the companies' phone so that our Social Media Handler could post it on the website.

"So what are you getting Germany for his birthday? You are getting him a gift, mon-cher?"

"I cannot speak of such matters here Master France. This tastes very good – a winner for sure!" I said happily breezing past his question.

"Hosutesu Evans!" A young Japanese girl shouted racing up to me, curly red hair bouncing everywhere as she looked up at me. (A:N/ Hosutesu means Hostess in Japanese)

"Hana why did you wear that wig? That is too long for you – it will get into the customer's food go change into a shorter one please." I pleaded with her quickly as I spotted crumbs in the lower end of the hair.

"But Master China says it's cute!" She piped up brushing the crumbs off the wig and onto the floor.

"ACK!" Jumping down I started to quickly clean up the crumbs brushing them into a pile in my hand, with a free hand I dragged Hana to the kitchens as I cleaned myself back up.

"Hana please, crumbs! This is not a pig stye so please keep it clean! This is your Master's second home not yours." I said angrily, I hated having to clean up others careless messes.

"Sorry Hosutesu Evans!"

"Now go change your hair to an appropriate length and get to managing your tables." I ordered her pointing back to the dressing rooms.

"Yes, Hosutesu Evans." Hana said bowing to me and rushing out of the kitchen to the dressing room.

I spent the night mingling around the competitors working in tandem with two other Monitors making sure that no cheating was taking place. There was many people watching France and Italy doing their artwork with the coffee as well, they were critiqued on the looks and tastes of the coffee as well. Italy and France are neck and neck in the competition so far tied for first at the moment. So far I have not caught anyone breaking any rules which made me happy, I disliked it when I found cheaters it ruined the game for me when people cheated.

The night ended in a complete tie with Italy and France as they couldn't come up with a contest to use to break the tie for first that wouldn't interfere with tomorrow's finals. So it broke down to Italy and France for first and America for second tomorrow it would come down to those three and one would win the grand prize.

I was exhausted there was so many people needing help on top of what I needed to do with the competition. I was constantly chasing after America picking up his mess as he was leaving crumbs from his outside food, I had argued with him for a good hour about not bringing outside food in the cafe but he pulled a huge fit about it and I was forced to follow him around and clean up the mess. I couldn't kick him out because he was technically entered in the competition but was just using a third party person to do the work for him after he had read through the paperwork and he found a loop-hole and had this thin older fellow named Howie make his coffee for him. So we were stuck with him going around making messes and talking smack about everyone.

I was going to leave through the front of the store despite it was against store policies for employees to leave through the front but the creepy delivery truck driver was there and he bothered me sometimes saying creepy things and doing strange things. He likes to touch my hair, running his fingers through it telling me that it is super soft and how his ex-wife use to have nice hair like that and missed it greatly. Making sure that my hair was pulled up in a bun no loose strands that would help deter him from touching my hair for sure! I was wearing a pair of blue jeans, light sneakers, a long tank top and a jacket pulled over half-way zipped up. My dragon pendant was snugly wrapped around my neck, I could feel the heat from Madfall's breath as he slept softly against me. My dragon was locked up in pendant form when he was sleeping and when I needed him he would be released from the pendant and take form. Madfall is a giant red dragon who breathes giant plumes of fire and smoke, he is fierce but very foul tempered sometimes. We fight sometimes but at least he remembers who I am! I just didn't want to wake Madfall for something trivial like this pervert bothering me, summoning a dragon could be a bit drastic.

I knew Japan would be upset if I did disobey rules, shaking my head I looked around to see if there was any other workers leaving yet but there wasn't anyone just me. I was really tired and really wanted some Welsh Rarebit to eat I had made some before work so all I would have to do is reheat it when I got home and be all set for the night! Plus my favorite t.v show was showing a new episode today and I would like to see it, hopefully China won't try to contact me with spoilers like normal.

"So just brave it, Ceri!" I whispered harshly to myself as I shook my head, feeling nervous.

The back door was of course propped open so the delivery man could bring in the product into the store-room. The night manager was ticking off items from the order humming under his breath as he looked at the manifest making sure it was all correct. Holding my purse close to me I moved through the doorway hoping the delivery man was in his truck retrieving product.

"Kon'nichiwa, kireina josei." (A:N/ Hello, pretty lady, in Japanese.) The delivery man said automatically reaching out a hand for my hair that is normally down to pet it.

"Oh not today. . ." I said looking at him wide eyed, dark green eyes staring at him intensely.

"Your hair, it is up – I do not approve of it ladies should wear their hair down at all times." He said in a darker tone, sounding very upset by it.

I managed to scoot away from him a few steps but he grabbed a hold of me tightly pulling at the band holding my hair up. Yanking out several thick strands of hair as he pulled out the hair band long black hair spilling out around my shoulders, I dropped my purse as I tried to push him away from me. Where was the night manager? I needed help! Letting out a yelp of fear as he started to feverishly play with my hair.

"I believe the lady does not like this attention, you should leave her alone right now." A thick German accent called out from beside me in the direction of the alleyway entrance.

"She has no say in it. . .ooff." The delivery man started to say but was smacked upside the head falling into a heap on the ground.

"Thanks Germany!" I shouted, my heart beat rising high up in my chest.

I was scared, trembling from fear of what had just happened to me I just stood there staring up at the tall German. He looked so dashing standing there, like a hero. Germany pulled off his large over coat noticing that my light weight jacket was not keeping me warm and he placed the large coat over my shoulders it weighing me down a little as it was very heavy. It smelled like beer and a bit of coffee it was a surprisingly good smell it brought a sense of instant relaxation to me, I instinctively pulled the jacket tight around me looking up at Germany.

"Shall I walk you to your car?" Germany asked nudging the unconscious delivery man with his foot, looking a bit shy.

"Umm, sure thanks Germany that was very nice of you. That man is always very creepy towards me – though this is the first time he has done something like that." I was still shaking feeling scared.

A large arm was wrapped around my shoulders all the sudden, Germany had quickly placed a hand on my arm giving it a reassuring squeeze. I gave him a bright smile as I headed towards my car walking slowly as I did, hoping he couldn't hear the slightly raised heart beat I was having right now. I knew it was dark enough so the small amount of blush that was rising to my cheeks was not visible to Germany, I hope. . .

Germany walked beside me quietly as we made it to my car, I was expecting him to barrade me with questions like most people do when they are near me. He wasn't like the others that is for sure, it was sort of relieving in a way. We stopped at the front of my car as I fished for the key chain that carried all my keys, the grand three of them and my little baubles that hung on the chain. I heard Germany chuckle at the baubles on the key chain, there was so many that you could hardly see the keys themselves. I batted at him playfully with a broad smirk on my face flashing the correct key at him as I went to unlock the car.

"Thanks again, that was very kind of you to do that. I guess I'll have to file a report on him?" I questioned looking up at the tall blond staring into his eyes.

"Yes, that would be the wise thing to do, liebling." He said reaching forward a bit to retrieve his over-coat.

"Liebling?" I queried, I did not know what that meant, I knew it was German but it's meaning I was clueless.

"What?" He asked, turning a dark shade of red at what I had said.

"What does liebling mean, you just said it to me." I asked head cocked to the side, I had repeated it just like he had said it.

"I said that. . .? It. . .what does the dummkopf want now?" Germany got distracted by his phone ringing, it was being sung in Italian, perhaps it was Italy calling.

"Ve Germany it's time to go!" I could hear Italy screaming through the phone, apparently he was waiting for Germany to give him a lift home.

"Fine – yes I'll be right there." He muttered shaking his head looking irked.

"Well I'll let you go, don't want to leave him alone for too long he might surrender to someone for no reason." I said with a laugh, Italy and his un-ending supply of white flags.

"Are you sure you are safe?" Germany asked as he pulled his over-coat back on his large frame.

"Yes, I am thanks, I owe you one."

"Go to - - dinner with m-m-me." Germany stuttered looking nervous as he asked me that question.

"Dinner?"

"Yeah you can join me to dinner, if you want to do that. . ."

"Of course I will, that would be fun." I said noticing he looked like he regretted saying what he had just said as he trailed off and offered me a way out of it.

"Really? Fun. . .yes it will be fun. How often do you get to eat with a model?"

"Daily." I said with a smirk, inwardly laughing at my joking reference. "Here is my number so call me when you pick a date."

I handed him one of my business cards, even though I wasn't actively modeling now I still carried the cards around just in case something came up. I still did the occasional shoot when I wasn't working at the cafe. Germany looked over at the card reading my info, he gave me a smile that sent my heartbeat racing it was so pleasant – and sexy it caused me to blush a deep shade of red. He waved to me as I pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.

Arriving home I locked my doors firmly and did a check around the small apartment even though I know that the guy doesn't know where I live I just felt the need to make sure things were safe. My phone buzzed as I had placed my dinner in the microwave turning on the t.v changing it to the right channel for my show. Looking down at the screen it was a text I didn't recognize the number but I opened it up and read it.

'It's Ludwig – uh – Germany. Hope you made it home fine. I know they are having a party for me on the day before my birthday and people will be there and such – but on my actual birthday I am not doing anything important. Would you like to have dinner with me that day?' It was from Germany, how sweet he wanted to make sure I was okay.

'I made it home fine I checked the house all is safe. I would be honored to have dinner with you on your birthday. Where do you want to go?'

'I will let you know about the details later. . .have a good night.'

"Should I ask him what that word means?" I hesitated on asking since it almost sounded like he had said it by accident that it might not mean something nice, he did say mean things sometimes at work.

"Nah, I'll just Google it." I said shaking my head and opening up a browser on my phone and asking Google what liebling meant.

The translator told me it means darling, why did he call me darling? That is a fairly intimate nickname to call someone that you don't know too well. I understood France and Italy saying something like that to people, it was just a part of their personalities to do so, it was common for France to call someone love just as it was common for America to refer to one as dude. Felt a bit strange coming from Germany, did he like me? I mean he is good looking, smart, talented, strong and brave. Wait did I just gush over him? Looking down at my empty plate, I had scarfed down my food quickly as I was starving. I wasn't really focusing on my show someone just died, oh geez what happened? Annoyed with myself that I missed an integral part of the episode because I was thinking about Germany and his looks. . .and his smell his jacket smelt so good. Ceri stop! Shaking my head trying to rid the good looking German from my thoughts I turned off the t.v I would just have to watch it on the internet later hopefully China won't try and ruin anything on me, I'll just wait until I can actually focus on it.

"What should I get Ludwig for his birthday?" I asked as I cleaned up my mess and headed to bed. "Oh perhaps a private room at the cafe? One of the VIP rooms that do the special events and such that would be nice."