Chapter 1

America clutched small slips of paper to his chest as he wove through the tight crowd of citizens working his way towards a small restaurant on the curb. He panted slightly, as he approached a small, auburn-haired Italian who was already sipping on a hot drink at a table set for two.

"Yo Italy! Dude!" The American called, waving as Italy turned and gave him a bright smile.

"Ve, America!" The country froze as Feliciano sprang up and enveloped the American in a tight hug. Alfred blinked, surprised by Italy's affection but returned the hug with equal enthusiasm. He hardly knew the little country and they had only exchanged a few polite words, but America oddly enjoyed the friendly gesture.

Italy pulled back, a smile still imprinted on his cheerful features. America coughed an awkward few seconds later and held out one of his many papers for the Italian to take, which he did looking down at it with a curious expression. "Well, here you go dude! I'd really love it if you came!"

A though struck the American and he immediately began to babble. "You are going to make it right? I mean, what else would you do on the fourth of July? And who better to spend it with but the hero himself, a-and you wanted an invitation. But Italy!"

He gripped the now stunned country by the shoulders, his blue eyes going wide with panic. But before Italy could say anything Alfred cut him off yelling. "Bro, you have to come! It's your first time ever coming over to my house and I-"

"America!" Feliciano put two gentle hands on America's shoulders, trying to calm the panicking country as they were catching the eyes of nearly everyone in the restaurant at this point. Italy gave them a polite smile before turning back to America's cerulean blue eyes.

"Of course I'm coming!" He chirped watching in amusement as America's panicked expression melted slowly into a relieved smile, the worry dying in the American's chest. "Phew, that's great bro!"

Feli giggled, pulled America into the chair opposite his and hurried to sit in his own. The Italian crossed his legs and clasped his hands together in a way that made Alfred's heart flutter, he just looked too cute! He put his invitations down and gave Italy a huge grin.

"Aww you're so cute!" America exclaimed.

Feli blushed and leaned in a little, a shy smile on his face. "Hmn. I know! Your glasses are adorable as well!"

America laughed. "Sweet! I knew I rocked the glasses look!"

Their laughter rang out for another minute before they settled into a comfortable silence. America looked down at his watch and his eyes widened.

"Oh crap! It's almost past lunch." He scooped up his invitations and looked back up at Italy. "I should go, can't miss my afternoon grub!"

He didn't miss the disappointed look in the small country's eyes as he said that. "Ve, would you like to order lunch here then? Maybe we could chat a little longer…"

America thought this over for a second and his face broke out into another warm smile. "Oh yeah that's right. We are at a restaurant after all why not?"

He flopped back down in his seat and laid his invitations back down onto the table in a large, messy pile. "What do they serve here, anyway?"

The Italian giggled lightly and grabbed his mug of coffee taking a small sip before glancing down at the menu. "Ve, food I suppose! I'm not exactly sure, this is my first time being here…"

"Sweet I love food!"

They both laughed again and slipped into quick-paced small talk involving many wild hand gestures and much obnoxious laughter. But after only a few minutes American's stomach began to growl loudly and he smiled sheepishly up at Italy. "Ve, I think it's time to order something to eat."

America nodded enthusiastically and stared down at the menu. His face was screwed up in concentration as he looked over the different meals and prices. "You ready to order?"

Alfred looked up at Feliciano's warm chocolate eyes as the country leaned closer to him. America felt his cheeks heat up and smiled up at the Italian nation. He felt like the two of them were really clicking. Something about Feli and him was just working right now, it was hard to explain. America could see peace forming between the two country's. Then, feeling the need to voice this newfound discovery, the American spoke up in a cheerful tone. "You're so cute!" He felt like a broken record, but he was couldn't help saying it again. "We are going to be such awesome friends!"

America looked on, his smile faltered and his expression became confused as Italy pulled back. The blond was sure for a moment he saw hurt flicker across the nation's features. But he realized a moment later he might have just imagined it. "Ve, of course we will!

America let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding and looked back down at the menu. He stared at it for a good minute before closing it and staring nervously at the Italian across him. He hadn't realized this place was Italian. "Uh, I have no idea what any of this is."

The moment he lets those words slip out, he regretted saying them. He slapped two hands to his mouth and stared, wide eyed at the menu. This was all Italian food, what if Italy felt offended? What if he didn't want to be friends anymore? He had such a bad reputation for being racist and hating other countries (which wasn't true at all) and he didn't want Italy thinking of him like that…

So it surprised him immensely when he heard the nation giggle and call. "That's ok! I'll just order something for you, I'm sure you'd like-"

And the country went on to name and describe various different Mediterranean dishes that made Alfred's mouth water. It was a good five minutes until the country stopped and called a waiter over to take their orders. "So, you're not mad? Or offended?"

Italy cocked his head to the side (which made America want to express once again how adorable he found the little country) and inquired. "Ve, why would I feel offended?"

America gave a few wild arm gestures before answering, slightly desperately. "Because! Well… I just- I mean you love your food and I just… I mean you-"

He groaned frustration as he tried to convey his message to an ever-confused Italian, who eventually put the American out of his misery. "Its ok America. I know you didn't mean anything by it."

His blue eyes shined with appreciation. He hadn't offended his new friend! "Really?"

Italy blushed and leaned in a little closer. "It's ok. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll love it!"

"Of course I will Italian food is awesome bro!"

Italy blushed again and exclaimed happily. "Grazie America!"

"Oh my gosh did you hear about that big fight Iggy and France had the other day…"And they slipped easily back into their boisterous chit chat. American was delighted to find that they had a few things in common. The only big difference was, while America loved to jump into battle at any opportunity, Italy was content with running away and avoiding all possible confrontation with battle.

"That's ok dude not everyone is cut out to be an awesome hero like myself. There wouldn't be anyone to save from the bad guys!"

Italy smiled shyly. "And, would you save me?"

Alfred squared his shoulders and straightened his back, putting both hands on his hips and looking dramatically into the country's shimmering chocolate eyes. "Of course I would! You're my friend and that's exactly what hero's do!"

There! There it was again! America was certain that Feli's face fell, if only for a moment, before his smile was back full force. "Grazie America!"

It made him concerned, he didn't know Italy very well yet, but if something was bothering him, America wanted to know about it. "Italy? Are you alright bro?"

He looked, a little nervous now. "Ve, What do you mean?"

He shook his head. "It's nothing, I guess, you just looked a little…" The blond looked down, trying to find the right word. Sad? Anxious? Forlorn? "I dunno, maybe it was just my imagination." He laughed awkwardly, hoping Italy wouldn't press.

Italy just nodded and there was a very long moment of silence before, thankfully, their food arrived. America looked down at his dish with shimmering blue orbs. "Whoa! This looks awesome!"

He glanced over at Italy's plate and gasped. "Whoa! The sauce is white! What happened? Oh my freakin gosh it's albino like that Prussia dude!"

Italy laughed. "You Americans say some really funny things sometimes. It's so cute!"

"Thanks dude! But your food-"

"Its alfredo sauce, it's supposed to be white. Ve! Are you saying you have never even heard of it?"

"No way dude I thought all pasta sauce is like, red and stuff."

Italy smiled gleefully and chirped. "Well, would you like to try some?"

"Heck freaking yes!"

Italy's smile widened as he twirled his fork into the knot of noodles and held it out in front of Alfred's nose. America's mouth watered at the smell. He closed his eyes and leaned forward and just as he was about to try the strange new food-"Italia!"

Italy jumped back, nabbing the blond of his bit of food at the very last possible moment. He felt a slight pang of loss as Italy turned and screamed. "Germany!"

America bit back an exasperated sigh as Italy put down his fork and bounded over to the blond, muscle bound country and gave him a huge hug. The German froze for a moment before hesitantly wrapping his arms around the Italian's waist. "Ve, what is Germany doing here?"

The Germanic nation let Italy go and sent America a glare that made his blood boil. "You said you would only be gone a little while. When you did not return I got worried and came to see if you were alright."

Alfred didn't like the German's tone, nor did he appreciate the interruption. They never exactly saw eye to eye, but why was he so angry at Germany all of a sudden? "Aw Germany was worried about me!" Italy squeaked happily.

Germany coughed and looked down. "Yes, I suppose I was." He mumbled.

Italy giggled and pulled up another chair. "America and I were just going to have lunch, would Germany like to join us?"

No! America didn't want to break bread with Germany! Something about him was just making the American immensely irritated. He didn't like the person he was when he got angry. "Uh, well. I've already eaten but I suppose I could stay for a little while…"

Italy positively beamed while Alfred silently fumed. "You're being suspiciously quiet, American." Germany noted, as he sat down next to Italy.

America's eyes narrowed and he coughed, trying to hide his expression from Italy. This was the nation's best, and possibly oldest friend. It wouldn't look so good if he was openly hostile; even if it was no secret the two nations weren't exactly friends. So America plastered on a bright smile (hoping it didn't look too forced) and replied "What'cha talkin' 'bout dude? Italy and I have been going at it all afternoon!" Ludwig's eyes widened and America immediately realized his mistake. "Wait! No I didn't-"

"Ve, What are you talking about America?" Italy inquired, looking up at the young nation with those large, chocolate eyes as he cocked his head to the side in that adorable little way he did-

"It's nothing Italy." Germany assured, shooting Alfred a savage look as Italy turned back to his coffee.

"Oh Italy! Can I try the albino sauce now? Can I please-!"

"The what?" Germany growled, giving the American an irritated glare.

"You know, the alphorn sauce."

The brunette burst into laughter before he cocked his head to the side, a huge smile on his face and asked. "Ve, the alfredo?"

"Yeah! That thing!"

The Germanic nation promptly face palmed. "You American idiot! The least you could do is know what you're talking about-"

"Hey dude, no need for that, I didn't mean anything I just-"

"America you can have some!" Once again, Feli twirled the noodles into the creamy sauce and held it out for Alfred to eat, a sweet smile on his face. America watched as Germany's eye widened and the Italian leaned closer to the American nation. The spectacled country turned towards the Italian boy with his own triumphant smirk (why he felt so smug was beyond him at this point) and leaned closer, propping his elbow up on the table and resting his head on his hands as he took his first bite.

"Dude! This is amazing!" He exclaimed, as he chewed on the gooey noodles happily.

The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking about food and cooking. All the while Germany and America were locked in a never-ending battle of trying to keep Italy's attention while subtlety insulting each other. Eventually (And long after the food was gone) Italy looked down at the clock with a panicked looked in his eyes.

"Ve! I'm sorry America, Germany, I promised Romano I would meet Spain and him at 2:30, I have to go!"

The two blondes just nodded, stood up and exchanged one last secretive glare as the Italian paid for his part of the meal and ran around the table. Alfred felt the breath leave him as the little nation once again wrapped his thin arms around his torso and buried his face in the Americans lean chest. America grinned and returned the affection, placing one hand on the top of Feliciano's head and the other around his waist.

"Bye, bye America!" Italy chirped, looking up at the blond with a blinding smile. America cackled and they separated.

"See ya later bro!"

Italy turned and repeated the act with Germany before bounding off into the still bustling crowd.