Hey! I just want to apologize for the first chapter being so short :( it was my fault because I have no experience with publishing onto fan fiction. Also sorry for cutting the first chapter off at a very unfitting spot. Well I guess there's nothing else to say, so on with the show!

Germany pov

The smell of garlic filled my nose. It should have repulsed me, but now it seemed almost comforting. His body was so soft and warm. He seemed so fragile under my muscular body even though his grip around my abdomen was so strong. This feeling that pulsed through my veins was so strange. It was like nothing else I had ever felt. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered as long as I had this moment. Not just the moment but the person I was sharing it with. One person could make all my troubles melt away. One singular person. That person was Italy.

His grip loosened and his arms feel. Did I do something wrong? Then why was he smiling? Maybe it was something else. All I know is that I wish he hadn't ended that moment. I wanted to stay there forever. Protecting him. Holding him. Just being in his presence was enough.

The sound of footsteps and talking snapped me out of my daze. It was England and France. They were walking and discussing something I couldn't hear. They seemed to be looking for something. Or someone. Suddenly I went into full on protection mode. I had overheard France talking about attacking Italy one day at the meeting. I knew they were after him and I would protect him no matter what the cost.

I had to move quickly before they spotted us. I turned from the bushes to see Italy with a distant questioning look on his face. Clueless as always. I grabbed his hand and yanked him to the ground with me. "Stay down" I murmured in his ear. He nodded and squirmed his way over to a concealed tree. Italy was lying at the trunk with a worried look on his face.

Dirt stained my knees and my large combat boots ripped through the wet grass. I could see England and France coming dangerously closer to us and I had to hide fast. I ran over to Italy making sure to squat as I ran. Damn I cursed in my head the tree trunk was too small to hide us both side by side. Only one other option I thought.

I straddled Italy and brought me head next to his. I could now hear France's obnoxious laugh growing closer to the bushes. Sweat beaded on my forehead with the fear of being seen.

The footsteps stopped. The voices ceased.

It was England who broke the silence. "Do you see Italy France? I could have sworn I heard something back here." England said. "You always hear things. Last night you told me you thought you heard a flying mint bunny in the kitchen." France said admiring his nails in the remaining sunlight of this now wasted day. "Fine. And you don't have to be so rude. I just know that Italy is around here somewhere." England said grunting. I heard there footsteps leave and fade off into the distance. My body relaxes into Italy's and I focused on his soft breathing.

His smell was intoxicating. I released my firm grip from around his wrists only to place them on either side of his head. His now free arms curled up in his small chest.

His eyes were indescribable as he looked up at me. Just once glance from him and my strong arms felt wobbly. I resisted the urge to crash my body into his. Instead I just looked away blushing.

"Germany" Italy whispered. At first I thought it my mind playing tricks on me but when I turned my face to see him he continued. "Are they gone yet Germany?" he asked quietly. "Yes, they are gone. You are safe now" I said emotionlessly. "Wow! Doitsu!" Italy exclaimed. "You are so strong" he finished placing an open hand on my chest. I instinctively grabbed his wrist to pull his hand away, but this time I stopped. His palm was warm and felt particularly good placed over my heart.

I moved one of my hands over his chest timidly. My hand covered ¾ of his whole chest. I was about to pull away embarrassed when I felt Italy's tiny hand grip around my wrist. His hand could only stretch around half of my huge wrist but he didn't seem to mind. "Ha-ha, our hearts beat as one Germany! Listen!" Italy instructed me happily. I obediently listened and found that he was right! Our hearts were beating in sync. "Looks like we're meant to be friends forever Germany" Italy said happily. "Yeah" I responded weakly "friends"

Italy sat up and sighed. He pushed himself against the tree trunk and took a few deep breaths. Finally he spoke "Germany, why do I feel wet?" he questioned adoringly. "Um, the grass is probably wet. Sorry for making you lay on it" I stuttered. "That's ok! You saved my life Germany" Italy rejoiced. He shifted under me and I realized I was still pinning him to the ground. I hastily removed my arms from around him and swung my legs over his slender body.

I rose to my feet and offered my hand to Italy who took it gratefully and stood next to me casually. "Oh Germany, I almost forgot" Italy exclaimed. Italy stood as tall as he could on the balls of his feet and lightly pecked me on my check. Italy sunk back down to his normal height and smiled "just saying thank you" he grinned.

"Right. now let's get you home so you can change out of these wet clothes." I said still shocked from the dainty kiss.

I sat alone at my desk. Italy was in the shower while his clothes were drying. Now is as good as ever, I thought to myself. Time to go over everything the happened today.

That feeling I got when I was close to Italy. It was so…comforting yet when I go over it in my head it seems so disturbing! I don't even understand myself! Italy is my friend why am I feeling this way? Japan is my friend yet I don't feel the same towards him. Maybe it's his personality. He's so closed off while Italy is so open minded and fun to be around. I find myself spending more and more time with him.

I know these feelings are wrong. I am trying desperately to fight them. It's just…when I see his smiling face all my worries seem to disappear. He takes away all the pain and only brings happiness. So why can't I let myself be happy?

I want to be happy. Italy is the only person who can do that. What if he doesn't want me? What if he rejects me? How can I know if my feelings will be returned? What if things don't work out? Will we still be friends? What would change if our relationship changed? Would Japan still like us? All these questions and still no answers. I want answers! I need to know now if things could ever work out between us! I want him. And I want him to want me back! Is that so much to ask! I slammed my fist onto the table causing my book to fall.

I sighed and picked it up. As I brought my eyes back up I noticed Italy standing in the hallway holding a towel around his waist. "Doutsu, are my clothes done yet?" he asked me innocently. I sighed "no they won't be ready until late you can just change into your night clothes" I said removing my glasses and shutting off my lamp. "Ok" he said simply and walked out.

"What a day" I said to myself as I lay in bed. "First he cries, then we hug, then enemies show up and we end with these feelings that just won't go away. I have to honor my beliefs. My customs are completely against this.

That is when I decided I would stay away from Italy at all costs.