Hetalia is owned by Hidekaz Himaruya, this fanfiction is owned by me.

This was what he wanted, wasn't it?

So why was Antonio having a hard time believing that he was really being carried gently upstairs? By Arthur, the man he'd had the biggest crush on for ages, no less. Was it really so unbelievable that Arthur was holding his lean, graceful form protectively as he looked for the bedroom?

Perhaps. Because it was simply too good to be true.

How many times had Antonio fallen in love now, only to have been lied to, or made a fool of, or to have had his heart ripped to shreds? That didn't matter, he'd lost count long ago. All the empty promises and meaningless utterings of those three little words—'I love you'-, and shared moments that meant nothing to the countless men he'd tried giving his heart to. How many times had he told himself, I'm never letting myself fall in love again, as he bitterly wept, cursing his heart for leading him astray again? Of course, then, when he found someone else to fall in love with, he started repeating a different mantra. Maybe this one'll be good to me. Maybe this time I've found someone who really loves me...

It was such a vicious circle. And Antonio wasn't sure that he could keep putting himself through it for much longer.

So he was understandably scared when he realised he'd gone and fallen for Arthur, of all people. That prickly Brit wasn't exactly what you'd call, kind, or affectionate, or understanding. A relationship with a man like that was a risky affair...

But even so, Antonio had gladly agreed to go home with Arthur that night, letting the bitter blond hold him tightly and whisper honeyed words into his ear. It felt so nice to feel loved...Even if the nagging possibility that Arthur was lying to him ate at his mind...

He must have fallen asleep at some point, why else would Arthur be carrying him up to bed now? But he wasn't going to let Arthur know he was awake, not yet. He just wanted to hold onto this moment.

As Arthur places him gently in bed, Antonio can barely restrain his urge to smile as the Brit whispers, "Sleep well, love."

But why does he need to? He wants to trust Arthur. He knows he's putting his already fragile heart on the line again, but the nagging feeling that maybe Arthur really does care forces him to take action as he opens his eyes, just in time to catch the object of his affections trying to leave the room...

"Arthur!" Antonio cries out.

The blond spins around to find Antonio, approaching him with a hint of concern of his face. "Do you need something?" he enquires.

Antonio inhales sharply, letting his emotions guide him as he gets a tight grip on Arthur's porcelain hand. "Stay with me...Please," he begs.

Arthur nods deeply, a warm smile appearing on his face as he takes the graceful man's body into his arms. "Of course. I'll be right here," he assures, placing a delicate kiss on Antonio's cheek.

In that moment, Antonio gives his trust to Arthur, as just for one night, he wants to forget his fears and his past heartbreak. For tonight, he wants to let himself be loved...Loved truly, by Arthur.