The Carnival was awesome and everybody was dressed so ridiculously good that America felt like he was going to blend in with his weird-ass costume. But he was kind of sad because the party wasn't on the beach like Italy had said… Maybe he was right and there couldn't be two beaches named Venice in the world.

"America, are you enjoying your first time in Venice?"

Italy asked excitedly, jumping away from Germany's tight embrace.

"It's really cool, dude. Congrats!"

"Thanks, although I don't know what the last word means!"

Italy exclaimed loudly, making America laugh. Suddenly, something bumped into him and he turned around to see the most beautiful spectacle ever (Considering he had been coming to every Mardi Gras celebration since the first one and was now in the middle of the Saint Mark's Square in the Venice Carnival): A beautiful girl was standing behind him, she was wearing a red and white lace crinoline with, white gloves, a red feathered hat and a golden eye mask.

"Forgive me, sir"

That voice and accent sounded awfully familiar to America, who couldn't think of anything while having that beautiful girl (Who was slightly taller than him, by the way) standing in front of him, looking all bashful and blushing.

"It's okay…?"

"Maria. My name is Maria, sir"

"I'm Alfred. Pleased to meet you, Maria"

He kissed her hand, making the girl giggle sweetly. He looked into her mesmerizing green eyes with a smile on his face.

"Let me say that you have the most beautiful costume, Maria"

"Oh, Mr. Alfred, you have a beautiful costume too. And I don't think that mine is the best around here"

"It is for me… And call me Alfred"

He whispered into her ear, making her blush darker (If that was even possible) and giggle, looking down at the floor.

"Thank you very much, Alfred"

America felt butterflies in his stomach when the girl said his name in such a sweet voice, which sounded like a whisper but was the only thing the love-struck American could hear.

"Why don't we go somewhere more private, Maria?"

Without waiting for a response, America took the girl's hand and led her carefully away from the crowd (Avoiding the looks, catcalls and whistles the other countries gave him) and to a gondola that was waiting to take some passengers.

They started sailing through the Grand Canal, observing the delightful spectacle in the Saint Mark's Square and the beautiful Venetian scenery. America started moving closer to the girl, who didn't seem at all offended by this and actually leaned closer! He caressed her soft cheek with his gloved hand and they both held their hands while connecting their mouths in a slow and passionate kiss. The girl tasted like strawberries and America loved strawberries! They started kissing deeper and his hands roamed over her covered thighs. She made a sound that made America's Florida spring to life. They broke apart for air and America took his chance to kiss down the girl's neck and attempt to take her mask off to reveal her beautiful face, but suddenly the gondola stopped and they realized they were back at the Saint Mark's Square.

"Sorry, I-I have to go. Thanks, Alfred… I will never forget you"

She grabbed his face with her hands and kissed him deeply, running away from the gondola without giving America time to realize what had happened.

"Wait, Maria…!"

The scarlet crinoline disappeared through the crowd and America sighed defeated. This couldn't be happening to him…