This is just an idea that came into my head when I saw a picture of Romano defending an injured Spain. It's not perfect, but I don't really care. I just wanted the idea out of my head.

Summary: Romano takes up a wounded Spain's ax to protect him.

My Turn Now

Romano is not a chibi. I posted the picture on my LJ, the website link on my profile, if you want to see it.

Romano watched helplessly from behind the cover of the trees as Spain blocked another blow with the handle of his ax. He could tell that the cheerful nation was faltering, his movements slowing even as his opponent seemed to gain strength with every hit he made.

"Give it up, Spain. The brat's not worth your life." The masked nation pressed forward, the smaller nation stumbling backwards to evade the swing of his blade.

"I would die before I let you lay one hand on him!" Spain spun the ax over his head, only just missing his opponent's stomach. Unfortunately, his actions left an opening that the other was quick to take.

The blade flashed, and Spain cried out in pain, nearly dropping the heavy ax to clutch the gash across his chest. Romano's eyes widened as the usually cheerful nation stood his ground, breathing heavily and barely able to lift his ax.

Another flash and Spain was on his knees, his hand dripping blood, the ax on the ground beside him. "You won't take Romano!" He cried as he fought to stand once again.

Turkey knocked him back down with a foot to the gut, leering at the fallen nation. "Maybe I'll just keep you then."

Romano wanted to run. Every molecule in his body was telling him to run, to get away from the giant of a man who had beaten Spain. And yet, the sight of Spain, struggling to rise to his feet, bruised and bleeding from his defense of a nation as weak and useless as Romano kept him riveted to the spot.

Romano watched as Turkey held a sword to the weakened nation's neck. "You're mine, Spain." And then Romano could watch no longer.

Before even he knew what he was doing, Romano had run out of the forest, snatching up the fallen ax from where it lay. It was heavier than he had expected, but he ignored the pain in his arms as he swung it towards the larger nation. "Leave him alone!"

"Ro-Romano?"

Romano could not wield the ax with anything even resembling ease or grace, but he swung it wildly enough to make Turkey back off. "You think you can take me on, brat?"

Standing between a bewildered Spain and his opponent, Romano glared, forgetting his fear for a moment. "Leave Spain alone!"

Turkey laughed derisively, moving to take a step forward. It was a purely lucky swing that moved the ax into line with his neck. The sharp point hovered millimeters above the skin. "Go!"

Behind Romano, Spain was rising, regaining his breath to be ready for another fight. Not knowing if he could best Spain a second time, nor liking the odds of two against one – even if one of them was Romano – Turkey backed away, spitting on the ground in front of the duo. "Che. You're not worth my time."

As the masked nation strode away, Romano's legs gave out and he fell to the ground, hands still clenched tightly around the haft of the ax. He was shaking from the pent-up terror at being so close to such a frightening nation. When arms wrapped around his shoulders from behind, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Gracias, Romano."

Romano blushed deeply, though he made no move to escape the warm embrace. "Idiot tomato bastard. I didn't do it for you. I just didn't want that masked bastard to get his filthy hands on me."

Spain laughed, a hearty sound. "Come on, Romano. Let's go home."

I know that Turkey facing Romano would probably win or at least not back down so easily, but this isn't Chibi!Romano. This is full grown (or at least almost full-grown) Romano in protective mode. Plus, it would defeat the purpose if they were both beaten.

What do you think?