Chapter 1

The city of Rome glittered in the evening air. The sun had set and every single light shone in its own unique brightness. The entire city glowed with an aura of beauty. The coliseum could be seen clearly, standing out from the rest of the ancient city. Its age and magnificence was being displayed in all its glory. The old city stood out too. Although its light was dimmer than the rest, it was still just as breathtaking. Looking at the view, one could almost hear the bustling crowds; the back street cafes and the flamboyant Italians expressing their language as though it was superior to everything else. One could almost smell the amazing variety of aromas erupting from the extravagant city.

Italy's eye sparkled as he watched his capital; the heart of him and his brother. He looked over it once, taking in everything he saw with a huge heart, before turning back to the man standing next to him, glowing himself brighter than the sun he was so proud.

"It truly is... wunderschön." Italy's smile widened – if that was even possible – when the words were spoken.

"Ve~ it is, isn't it?" Italy replied, although he wasn't looking at the view.

Now's the time, Italy's mind told him, the perfect time to tell him. The reason you both came up here. The reason you invited him over a day earlier than the rest. You'll never get another chance like this. You have to do it or you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

"But I'm scared," Italy whispered. He was staring at his hands now, fidgeting and fiddling with them. Perspiration had gathered on his forehead and his hands were beginning to feel clammy. His usual shining smile had disappeared for the moment.

"Huh?" The sound of another's voice made him jump. He looked up at his friend and managed a strained smile.

"Ve~? Oh, nothing."

Now's the time. He had to stop being a coward and gather up some courage...at least for now.

"Hey, Germany?"

"Hmmm. What?" He seemed distracted, probably by the picturesque view.

"You know, there's another reason I brought you up here," Italy said cryptically. Germany looked at him, an intrigued look on his face. Italy had his full attention now.

"Really? Why?" Italy paused, unsure how to word what he wanted to say.

"I-I wanted to tell you something."

"Tell me what?" Germany asked. Italy paused once again. He fidgeted a little under Germany's firm gaze.

"I wanted to tell you...it's just that..." Italy took a deep breath, readying himself. "I-I-I think I'm...in love with you, Germany." Italy's words were barely audible and if they were standing on a busy street they would have been lost to the noise. But they weren't. They were standing on a quiet hillside and the bustling streets of Rome lay far below. Germany heard the words as clear as day. He looked back out to the view.

"Ja. I know that, Italy. Best friends forever, riche?" Germany answered, feeling uncomfortable as he usually did when Italy displayed too much affection.

"No, Germany. I mean it. I know we're BFF's but I want to be...more...than..." Italy trailed off, his eyes focusing on his hands again. He hoped Germany would understand what he meant. He should. He's usually really smart.

"I-ah, you're kidding, right? ... You're joking." Germany began to laugh nervously. "I will never understand Italian humour," he muttered to himself.

By the sound of Germany's voice and laugh Italy could tell he wanted it to be a joke.

An unbearable pain erupted in Italy's chest. It felt like his heart had been ripped into a million pieces. Germany didn't want him. That was that. Tears stung at the edge of his eyes but he forced them back. He had to be strong in front of Germany. He knew if he so much as looked at Germany he wouldn't be able to stop the tears.

At least it's not so bad, Italy thought in a futile attempt to reassure himself, Germany still wants to be your friend and that's got to count for something, right?

Italy realised Germany was still laughing and began to laugh with him, but it even sounded fake and forced to his ears.

"Right. A joke." Italy's voice trembled as he spoke and it broke on the last word. He mentally kicked himself for even speaking. It was obvious now he hadn't been joking.

Germany had stopped laughing. Italy cautiously turned his head so he was staring into his shining, blue eyes. They portrayed no emotion but Italy could see understanding in them. He knew. Italy quickly looked back at the view, finding it much more comforting right now. He wouldn't cry.

He heard Germany sigh from beside him. "It wasn't a joke, was it?" Italy said nothing in reply. He simply stared out over his capital, not trusting his voice this time. There was silence between the two. Something glinted on Italy's cheek, glistening from light of Rome. It slowly slid down and dropped off his chin. The pain in Italy's chest persisted, making more and more tears spill from his eyes and down his cheeks. It seamed to him right now that just smiling – something he did every second of the day usually – was an impossible feat.

At length, Germany sighed again, breaking the unbearable silence on the hillside. Italy felt a strong hand grip his face. It pulled him so he was facing Germany again. He couldn't see Germany's expression, his view having been blurred by tears.

"Here." Germany said. He bent down and gently kissed Italy.

Italy was so shocked by Germany's action that he could nothing but stand there. He let Germany tenderly press his lips to his, enjoying the soft feeling of them. He closed his eyes. It felt so right for it to be like this. He felt the hand that had been gripping his face slowly loosen its grip and make its way to his cheek, round the back of his head and through his hair, pulling him even closer to Germany. His smell surrounded Italy's senses, filling his nostrils and his head so he could think of nothing else. It made feel dizzy, or maybe that was just from the lack of air. Italy didn't care if it was. He had dreamt of this moment for so long and he never wanted it to end.

Unfortunately though, after a few minutes Germany pulled away, his eyes never leaving Italy's. His breathing was quick and heavy. He felt hot and his heart was pounding in his chest at a million miles a minute. He felt the blood rush to his cheeks, making him go deep red. "Ve~" was all he could muster but the huge smile on face showed more then any words could say. Germany smiled, gently caressing Italy's cheek.

"Ich liebe dich, Italy." Germany's cheeks went slightly pink as he said the words. A warm feeling spread through Italy's chest. His smile grew infinitely wider.

"You really mean it?" Italy asked and when Germany nodded in response he couldn't believe it. He had been so convinced that Germany didn't want him that it felt like a dream. He threw his arms around Germany's neck, burying his face in it and laughing breathlessly. He felt Germany tense up a little beneath him – how he usually did when Italy displayed too much affection – but he ignored it. He was just too happy. To say it was a dream come true was a massive understatement.

"I love you." Italy whispered into Germany's ear.

First Hetalia fanfiction. Hope you like it. It's kinda mostly fluff and stuff but I'm thinking of continuing it. That's if you like it.

Please review :)