I'm almost done! OMG! By the way, I um… about the Spanish… I do apologize, it's my first language and I don't get to hear or speak it a lot these days so I just SPLURGE it out :'D Other than that, please enjoy!

Chapter 7

Austria had spent much of the day clutching onto Hungary's hand as they trailed around town with Liechtenstein who seemed more than happy to go store to store trying on different sweets.

"Mutti, could I get white chocolate too?"

Hungary glanced over to Austria who gave a weak smile and nodded and Hungary agreed to let her little girl have white chocolate. Just an outing; that was all Hungary wanted. She thought taking Austria out into town would cheer him up a bit, having been in a sour mood since he had awoken. Perhaps it was his phone call with Prussia the other night that distracted him so. The thought of Liechtenstein going away only worsened with the knowledge that one of the allies would personally take her away.

Perhaps that was the center of his mood. Or at least she thought that earlier.

But she could see now it wasn't. As Liechtenstein ran around the chocolate shop, Austria was leaning against the wall – his breathing a bit heavy and his skin paler than the other night. Ordinarily, she chalked it up to him being tired but after passing many shops that were closed and boarded up, more beggars on the street than before – she knew.

"Vati!" The small country ran up to her father suffering in the corner and handed him a small golden bag. "Here, I saw some caramel truffles and bought some. Stop sulking now." She said so cheerfully and smiled so bright, Austria only felt worse for his condition.

Hungary, who could barely stand it, walked over to them and grasped tightly onto Liechtenstein's shoulder. "Sweetie, how about you run along and put away the bags in the car? We'll join you shortly." Obediently, she went outside as her mother asked. Gently, Hungary ran her fingers through Austria's hair and smiled softly. "How much pain are you in?"

He chuckled lowly, the laugh not reaching his eyes. "A tremendous amount. Goes up by the hour, I'm actually surprised that I'm still standing." She leaned forward and laid her head upon his chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat. Even under his coat, she could feel his heated skin.

"It's alright, you've been worse before. I'm sure you'll get through it."

"Never been this bad before to be honest. I don't…" He didn't finish his thought, didn't really want to – there was enough panic between them regarding time, there was no need to add in the physical pain. "How are you holding up?" He knew she must've been in pain; the state of her people was getting just as bad as his – if not worse. But alas, she was always stronger than he was.

The low groan buried into his chest verified his suspicions; she was fairly well at hiding it.

() () () () () () () () () ()

Liechtenstein swiftly put her goods away into the car and took a quick look out the window. It was hard not to notice all the boarded up shops that were up and running at least a good month ago. She knew well enough that her parents had lost this war, could easily see that they were both getting sicker by the hour, and only wondered how long it would take for them to recover this time around.

She wasn't allowed to invest too much in the details of the conditions of surrender, part of the perks of neutrality. But she couldn't help but be curious on what they would lose this time.

Money?

Land?

Colonies?

She did wonder, as always but would never ask. Part of it being her role of a neutral third party and the other part was fear of knowledge she did not want. She had seen them lose much in many wars and she saw them through all the losses and pain. Liechtenstein would see them through this one too and they would pick up the pieces as always and be okay – they were always okay.

() () () () () () () () () ()

As much as Austria wanted the day to end so he could sleep the pain away; he wanted so desperately for the day to slow down, to take its time, to be lost for a moment longer. Without a warning, he heard loud clacking footsteps till suddenly a large weight jumped onto his back, holding tightly onto him. It took Austria his all, which at this point wasn't much, to support this new weight and not fall. "Vati!" The giggling high voice of his little girl chirped. "I'm playing hide-and-seek with Mutti, help me hide."

He grinned and grasped tightly onto her legs, now holding her more comfortably around him. "Alright then, be very quiet." Austria took her down many halls, some as just looping around or ducking corners when they thought they heard Hungary's footsteps. Soon, they managed to find Liechtenstein's room and quietly entered. "Under the bed Liech." He told her softly.

She dropped to the ground and tugged on his pant leg. "Hide with me Vati, please?" Her beaming smile and pleading eyes – oh, of course he would. He dropped down to the ground with her and they slid under the bed together, Liechtenstein holding tightly onto Austria's arm and giggling when he pushed aside the assortment of lost items under her bed.

He contemplated this; hiding her and Hungary. If he could hide them from the Allies, from the world and keep them here with him, safe – they would be happy. At least he'd like to think so. But no, hiding wouldn't work. The consequences would only be worse. Austria wanted to hide them, just like in this silly game they were playing now.

The door creaked open and they both eyed the feet of the person who came in. The brown boots took slow footsteps which echoed on the wooden floor, making loud, slow creaks. "My oh my, where could my Germans be?" She sang out in a sing-song manner, trying her hardest not to show how she could hear the smallest hint of a giggle beneath the bed. "Hm… could they be…" She took a few steps around the room and toward another door. "In the closet? !" Hungary swiftly opened it and found nothing but clothes, or at least some seeing as how more and more were being packed by the day. "No, no one there. Hm, how strange." She took another tour around the room and toward the toy chest at the foot of Liechtenstein's bed. "Here maybe?" The chest creaked open and saw nothing but a few toys left.

The more Hungary looked in order to prolong the game to amuse Liechtenstein, the more empty drawers she found – the reality of the situation hitting her harder than before. "My, where on earth could my little Liech be?" Hungary sang out again. "Could she be…" Quickly, she dropped down to the ground at the side of the bed and pushed aside the bed-skirts, finding a giggling Liechtenstein clutching onto Austria. "Under the bed? ! And look what we have here?" Hungary reached over and grabbed her daughter, helping her out from under the bed. "My dear husband, I didn't realize you were playing too."

The corners of his mouth twinged upward a bit before he made his way out as well. "I was dragged into this little game." Yes, hide-and-seek wouldn't work. They'd all be found out.

"Hey Mutti," Liechtenstein started as she settled under her covers, "you said last night something about Spain?"

Austria's eyes widened.

"Oh yes! And now I have a rather good story to tell you! My first time meeting Spain."

"Hungary, no!" Austria pleaded. "Please no, it was embarrassing enough the first time around!"

Liechtenstein now looked all too eager to listen.

() () () () () () () () () ()

Hungary fumbled with her dress uncomfortably, lifting it up and trying to contort it to restrain her legs but alas, it was to no avail. "Do I have to wear a dress? I can do chores just fine in trousers." She knew now she had to retire from her former immature behavior and behave like a woman, but still… this was her very first dress and it felt too strange.

"No, you may not. You are a lady and will dress as such." Austria argued back. "And stop lifting your dress, it's indecent!"

"But it's so airy!"

Austria sighed. "Still though, lifting your skirts is indecent – especially when there is a man in the room." Hungary mumbled a quick apology and instead began fiddling with the sleeves. He couldn't help but feel the need to laugh at her discomfort, yet he pushed it back. As much as he wanted to indulge in his amusement, he knew she would only reply by striking him. Overall though, she did look much more like a lady now – not like one of the nobles he was always surrounded by, but just womanly. It was an interesting change for sure. Something's missing. Austria gestured for Hungary to come closer and she did, now standing right in front of him – hardly any space between them which she found strange.

He was not one to have ever put himself so close to her.

He smiled softly as he reached up and gently ran his fingers through her hair, pleased how soft the unruly hair finally felt with his touch. Hungary jerked away, surprised. "What are you doing?"

"Hold still." Austria commanded and pulled her back by her arm. "I'm just fixing your hair." Hungary grimaced as she stood still – waiting for his fingers to leave her hair, even if she did rather like how each time his fingers worked back into her hair, the strangest warm shivers ran up and down her spine. As he continued, she looked down onto her skirts and frowned. It wasn't as though she didn't want to wear them, no. She was fine with that.

But still… this was new and the uncomfortable feeling of having her legs free and feeling air on her bare skin was just odd. This would take a while to get used to. "And done." His fingers abandoned her hair as did the warm shivers she felt.

"What? What's done?" Quickly, she pushed her hands into her hair and tried to figure out what he had done. Instead Austria moved aside and gestured toward the mirror. Hungary looked up and searched again, wondering what was so different other than the fact that she was in a dress and clean with no signs of dirt or grass or… "What is this?"

"It's a decorative hair pin. Do you… do you not like it?" There was a nervous tone to his question.

She never had flowers in her hair. Well, she had. But usually they were just pedals off of wildflowers from whatever bush she hid in to attack. This pin though was a flower Hungary wouldn't find so easily in the fields she roamed in. "No no, I love it!" She yelped too enthusiastically and her face reddened as she turned away from the mirror. "Well, I don't love it, I do rather like it, just – not to say I'm ungrateful or anything but… thank you Austria."

Austria knew better than to try to ask what had gotten her so flustered so he backed off. "You're welcome. And now you are more than prepared to be a member of the household."

"Speaking of members… I have yet to see the other nations you spoke of. I'm beginning to think they don't exist."

He scowled. "They do! Spain must've looked after them while I was gone and whisked them away. He should return soon enough."

"Ah, so who else lives here besides us? Spain and I remember you saying something about a Romano once-"

"Actually, no." Hungary tilted her head to the side, confused. "Spain doesn't exactly live here with me. Sometimes he stays for a few months but nowadays his time is spent off in the New World or back in his lands."

She nodded and fiddled with her skirts again. "I see, and then who does live here?"

Austria explained, naming off many countries and Hungary could barely keep track of them all – there were too many. "Don't worry, they come and go. Italy is probably the only one other than myself and Holy Rome that stay here all time. You won't need to worry." Before she had a chance to open her mouth, they both turned their heads to the sudden noise outside. A commotion was heard on the other side of the door, muffles arguments turning clearer until the door busted open, the origin of the noise now before them. He was about Austria's height, bright green eyes and a head full of messy, untidy brown hair and wore simple clothing – something Hungary hadn't seen in a while and was rather pleased by it. A sunny smile beaned on his face as his gaze moved from Austria to Hungary. "Spain, there you are!"

This is Spain? ! Hungary was surprised; she hadn't expected Spain to look so… commonly. She expected a more regal country; he looked more like the servants she had been seeing all week.

"¿Esta es la mujer?" Spain pointed to Hungary and Austria nodded. She wanted to sigh in resignation; Spain had a language she was unfamiliar with, lovely.

"Spain, this is my very good friend Hungary." She smiled happily at her title yet somehow… she wasn't. "Hungary, I'd like you to meet-" Suddenly, Austria was shoved aside, falling into a nearby chair none too gracefully.

Neither he nor Hungary had noticed how quickly Spain moved across the room. Now he stood in front of her, his expression more playful and childish than moments ago. He stole her hand into his own, her pale skin contrasting against his tan. "Hola Hungría, soy el Reino de España." He side-glanced Austria – who looked terribly annoyed – before raising her hand to his lips and placing a chaste kiss upon it.

She retracted her hand quickly and slapped the Iberian nation hard across his face. Not being used to such force nor expecting it, Spain nearly fell over onto his side but caught himself in time. Spain held onto his quickly reddening cheek, feeling it dully throb against his hand. He was completely shocked by what Hungary had done, Austria though… he could only do his best to stifle his laughter and hide his wide grin at seeing another experience pain by Hungary's hands.

It was a… rather uncomfortable, awkward silence. Spain, all too shocked that he had been slapped, Austria enjoying the sight a bit too much and Hungary just did not know whether or not she was justified. A man just couldn't go up to a woman, grab her hand and kiss her, could he? At least, not what she had seen before. But she had to remember, Spain was a western country. Turkey has had dealings with countries far west and had told her how strange they were, this surely was a part of it.

Suddenly, unrestrained laughter erupted from the Iberian nation. "Ay, ¡que preciosa eres! También eres una mujer tan bonita y fuerte. Austria, tengo celos de tí." The annoyed look returned to Austria's face, all the previous amusement from before disappearing. "¿Porque no hablas?" He gasped slightly, finally understanding the question in her eyes. "¿No puedes entenderme?" Spain glanced again to Austria and smiled slyly.

"Spain…" A warning tone took over Austria's voice. He knew that look all too well, nothing good could come from this.

"Dígame Hungría," He swayed his head in Austria's direction, never keeping his eyes off of Hungary,"¿son amantes?"

"SPAIN!"

"What?" Hungary muttered softly, hardly registering the panic Austria displayed. She was more interested in trying to figure out what this weird country was saying.

"¿No son? Ah… entonces," Spain gripped softly onto her hand again and flashed his most playful smile, "¿quieres ser mía?"

Before Hungary could have a chance to open her mouth, Spain fell onto his side – a result of Austria swinging a rather heavy book to Spain's head. "You fool! Who gave you the right to ask such nonsense? ! And what have I told you about speaking that putrid language of yours? !" He panted heavily, his face now beet red and Hungary stifled her laughter. Nonsense? Like what?

Spain rubbed the side of his head and chuckled apologetically. "Lo sie – I mean, sorry. Really sorry about that querido, but I couldn't help it! The look on your face, how could I resist?"

"It's called maturity, try it one day!"

"Wait, I can understand you?" Hungary interjected.

The Iberian nation stood up slowly, backing up away from her and Austria to save himself from another injury. "Oh yes, forgive me Hungría – I love my language far too much. It annoys Austria here so it's even better." He laughed again and Austria groaned. "Allow me to reintroduce myself, I am Spain."

He bowed slightly to her and she smiled politely. "Well then… it's um, very nice to meet you. And I'm sorry about the slap-"

"Don't be, the fool deserved it." Austria put down the heavy book and sat down again, more irritated than before.

"I was only being polite, I deserved no such gesture!" Spain retorted while Austria merely rolled his eyes.

Hungary stepped forward. "No, I just am not used to the hand-kissing. I guess it's something you do?"

Spain scoffed. "Not just me, it's a custom most people do. Oh… but you are more of an Eastern country - that would explain. I suppose I did deserve that slap. You're very strong, it's rather terrifying." He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of what to do next until an idea came to mind. "You know what, I'm famished! I say we have tea now, Hungría," Spain offered his arm out for her to take, "if you please." Hungary smiled warmly and accepted his arm, looping hers comfortably around his.

"Hungary can't eat with us, she's my maid!"

"I'm asking her though, so she is como se dice… invited. And besides, I want to hear all sorts of stories about you back when you were little."

"They're rather embarrassing…" Hungary muttered, only guessing which side Spain had seen of Austria.

A toothy grin plastered onto his face. "Even better. Come along querido!" Spain and Hungary walked out, arm in arm and were followed by a fuming Austria.

() () () () () () () () () ()

Liechtenstein giggled. "Vati sounds jealous."

"He was, extremely."

"I was not!" Embarrassment flooded his cheeks. "Spain was simply much too inappropriate with you, saying such things."

"What did that mean anyways?" Liechtenstein asked with an innocent curiosity. Austria patted her head gently; incredibly thankful she did not have the chance to learn Spanish.

"I'll tell you in a bit." She ignored Austria's glare of disapproval. "Teatime was rather fun, I told Spain loads of stories he'd never heard before and the look on your poor Vati's face was much too adorable."

() () () () () () () () () ()

Spain's laugh echoed once more as Hungary finished up a story. "¡Dios mío! I can't believe this, no way!" His laughter died down slightly as he wiped the tears threatening to fall from the corner of his eye. "I never knew you were such a weak child querido. You're almost as bad as Italy."

Austria crossed his arms over his chest and clenched his fists tightly. Amusement was not in his vocabulary, at least not with Spain and Hungary getting along so well. "I am nothing like Italy! I face my fights!"

"You're right. Italy runs, you marry your fights. Completely different." The toothy grin Spain flashed only infuriated Austria further.

"Where is this Italy?" Hungary slightly hesitated in asking, not wanting to sound like a fool. "You mentioned him earlier," she directed to Austria, "but you never showed him to me and I have yet to see him."

"That is my fault!" Spain happily decreed. "No te preocupes – Ah, don't worry. I stole Italy away for a while, just while Austria was gone getting you." Hungary nodded. "So Hungría, you know no Spanish?"

"First time hearing it today."

"Or Italian?"

"What?"

Spain snickered. "Oh, you'll have to learn living in this household. But not to worry, unlike Austria and his…" He stopped himself from uttering what he truly wanted to say since the look Austria sent him was near lethal, "language, these are far more simple. You'll catch on in no time."

Hungary smiled at the notion of learning a simple language and Spain's sounded much less coarse than Austria's so already she was excited for this. "What is Italy like? A younger Austria?" A slight, abrupt clatter occurred next to her – Austria was simply not expecting such a statement.

"No, not like me at all." Austria muttered angrily, failing at hiding his damaged pride. "Italy is a selfish, food-stealing, troublemaking runt of a country. Comparing her to me, what a crock."

Hungary's eyes flared; another female country? She almost couldn't believe it; she had not had a chance to meet many female countries and was already prepared to take a liking to her. "And I can meet her… when?"

Austria shrugged. Spain took it upon himself to answer. "Right now if you want. Italy and Romano are down by the stream playing."

"What? !" The Germanic nation stood from his chair, fuming. All his anger directed toward the oddly cheerful Spaniard. "Why are they there unsupervised? ! You cannot be so careless!"

"They're not alone, Holy Rome is there." As Austria continued to yell at Spain for his reckless actions, Spain merely nodded absent-mindedly with his attention directed elsewhere. More so on the out of place maid next to Austria and oh, he knew this would be fun. Her living alongside them. "You're right querido, I should be responsible. And I shall start right now." Quickly, he stood from his chair and pushed back Austria – bored of his reprimands and outstretched his arm to Hungary. "Hungría, why don't you accompany me to fetch them?"

Cheerfully, she nodded and accepted his hand. All the thoughts she previously had of Spain, of how much she hated him for monopolizing Austria drifted to the far corners of her mind. Spain was nothing if not walking sunshine and Hungary couldn't help but be drawn to him. "I'd love to."

Spain helped her out of her seat and sent a wink to Austria, who did not take it nicely. "You will not!"

The Spaniard sighed. "¿Por que? ¿Tienes celos?" Hungary held the questioning look on her face, slightly recognizing a word Spain had said earlier but still unclear upon the meaning. Though it must've meant something as a light blush took over Austria's cheeks.

"It's not that, it's just… you have no spine when it comes to Romano. You'll both end up out there for hours on that brat's say so." Austria walked over to them both and immediately stole Hungary's hand out of Spain's. "No, I'll take her to get them." He gripped her hand tighter and strolled off without another word, not looking back to see the much too amused expression Spain sported.

It wasn't often that she got to see Austria this flustered over a few words or determined from how fast he took her away from Spain and the manor. Of course, it was rarer to see him mumbling under his breath about Spaniards and cutting off tongues. "From now on, don't go near that idiot. Or at least don't listen to him."

Hungary chuckled with uncertainty. "Austria, don't be unreasonable." She tugged on his hand to finally slow him down from the fast pace he had set. "I think he's rather funny."

"Funny to you, but he lives to irritate me." Austria stared down between them and released her hand slowly from his hold, his fingertips lingering down against her own. "They're um… the stream is this way." His strict and stern composure was back, the same one he took as she told the embarrassing stories to Spain about him but this felt less angered but more guarded.

My, the Twerptrian has changed. "So," Hungary started as she kicked the soft grass and swayed, "you and Spain seem close." Austria scoffed. "No, really! It's rather sweet to see you have another friend!"

The corner of his mouth twitched. "Well, 'friend' isn't exactly the term I would use to describe Spain to me."

"Oh really? Pest of the century, is that better?" Hungary joked and nudged Austria in the side.

Awkwardly, he glanced downward to his shoes and murmured softly. "Husband actually." Hungary stopped her playful kicking and swaying, her eyes nearly bulging out of her sockets. That wasn't… the response she was expecting. "Spain and I are um… well, have been married for quite a while now. Exactly why he is so… no, that's not true. He's always like this excitable."

Hungary was at a loss for words. She had known Austria had a knack for marrying off his children but not… himself. Was this a new practice? Was Spain this special to him or to his bosses? Was this for power? Were they in love? Was this Austria in love? So many questions ran through her mind and suddenly, Hungary felt as though she knew nothing about Austria. He didn't tell her this before, the reasoning behind why though was a mystery. "You two seem happy."

He shrugged. "When you're with someone for a while, it's best to try and find common ground. Though I am frequently annoyed by him, I can't say that I dislike him."

"Well good then, I rather like him. And if I'm to live here, then I should get along with your dear husband." Hungary nudged his side again.

"I'd prefer if you didn't refer to him as that. It's more of a partnership than what a marriage is meant to be. But enough of that, talking about Spain gives me a headache. A migraine actually, damn fool." Austria pushed up his glasses and Hungary picked up her skirt again, twirling them around and staring down at her feet. The amount of free range she had with her legs was still surprising to her. "Don't do that." She perked up to Austria's scolding.

"Why not?"

"It's… indecent, as I've said."

Hungary tilted her head to the side and twirled her skirt again. "How?"

"Because ladies don't lift their dresses and bare their legs."

"Then give me trousers."

Austria groaned; the subject of lady-like Hungary appeared to be more irritating to him than anything else. "No! And another thing, stop stomping on the ground and kicking – ladies do not strut around like a brute."

She snorted and dropped her skirt. "And you would know this so well because…"

Hungary began to walk on ahead before Austria stepped in front of her and gripped her by her shoulders, catching her attention. "Because unlike you, I've spent my fair share of time learning manners and etiquette." She narrowed her eyes at him, not pleased with the implication of him calling her a uncivilized urchin. "And proper ladies do not stomp on the ground like they're charging for battle nor do they lift up their skirts for anyone to see."

She nodded in understanding and bit her lower lip. "…That sounds about right. I don't need to skip around frolic through a field of flowers, do I? I've seen village girls do that before and it looked silly to me and-" Austria laughed outright and released her shoulders, shaking his head as he walked away. "What? !" Hungary yelled and ran to catch up to Austria. "What's so funny? !"

"You, skipping, in a flower field." Austria laughed again but this time Hungary elbowed his side, which Austria took none too kindly. "And ladies especially do not hit!"

"You also don't insult ladies, right?" Austria opened his mouth to retort but quickly closed his mouth, not finding any reason to prove her wrong. Hungary grinned triumphantly and held her chin up high, finally dropping her skirt. Mindful now of her footsteps, she tried for her footing to be softer and more 'ladylike' but it seemed her steps got slower. This is idiotic. First the dress and now how I walk. How do ladies walk anyways? Lost in her thoughts, she had failed to notice Austria stopping and bumped right into him. "Hey, why'd you-"

She noticed immediately why he stopped. A group of three children, one blonde in noble attire and two brunettes in servants clothing, were heading toward them, the blonde and one of the brunettes in a fierce argument. "You cheated!"

"I did not!"

"Did so!"

"Did not!"

"Did so!"

"Says the farmland half!"

"Says the useless empire!"

The child following closely behind them sighed.

Hungary stared, almost wanting to go up and hug the children coming toward her and Austria. She hadn't gotten too many opportunities to interact with children over the years and seeing this many sent happy flutters throughout her body. Living with Austria got better by the minute. "You stop that, all of you!" Austria finally bellowed out as the children stopped a few feet from them. They finally ceased their squabbles, even if the child next to the blonde was grumbling and kicking the grass.

"Bruder!" The blonde child perked up instantly and ran over to Austria, who stepped down and rested on one knee – now at eye level with the child. "Where were you? ! I had to babysit Spain, Spain of all people! And I was stuck with Romano and he's just a loud-mouth who never lets – who is she?" The child pointed over Austria's shoulder to Hungary who looked intrigued by him.

"First, you promise to be polite,"

"I'm always polite."

Austria nodded and sighed, moving aside and gesturing for Hungary to come down as well. "This is my little brother, the Holy Roman Empire but you can just call him Holy Rome." The child puffed out his chest, trying to make himself seem bigger than he actually was.

"You have another brother?" She uttered in disbelief. "Well, at least this one has the benefit of being adorable." Holy Rome turned red at her compliment.

Austria chuckled softly. "Right, and Holy Rome, this is my very good friend Hungary."

"Hungary? !" His tone quickly turned hostile. "I thought Hungary was a man! Why is he in a dress? ! And here no less! Get off my land you barbarian!" The small empire attempted to get close to Hungary but Austria pulled him back and pinched his arm in order to quiet him down.

"You said you'd be polite! And Hungary is here to live with us, I expect you to treat her kindly." Hungary wanted to laugh, she really did. Austria talking sternly toward this child whose eyes were welling up with angry tears – it was an interesting sight to say the least. "Apologize right now or I promise you, you will be punished later."

Holy Rome balled up his fists and stomped over to the woman who was kneeling down, ready to humor the small empire. "I'm… I'm Holy Rome." He gritted out. "And I hope you enjoy your time here."

Hungary smiled and patted him on his head, the redness on his face growing by the second. "So you're Holy Rome. Well, I know we've battle before but I never got the chance to meet you. I hadn't imagined you to be so small." He pouted at her comment and she laughed, but her laughter and smile was not to belittle him. "If it makes you feel better, I am sorry. And however you were hurt, you can rest assured that I won't fight you little one."

Again, Holy Rome puffed out his chest and sighed. "Apology accepted, I guess."

Hungary grinned and stood up back to her feet, Austria now introducing her to both Italy and Romano. Italy took a quick attachment to her, holding onto her skirt and jumping up and down which she took the hint as wanting to be lifted. Romano though, ignored her and simply went back to arguing with Holy Rome who wouldn't stop glancing over to Hungary and more importantly Italy, who was resting comfortably in Hungary's arms.

They were making their way back to the manor, watching the children run around as Italy rested her head on Hungary's shoulder. "Hey Austria, can I um… ask you something?"

"Sure. Now your other question is…?"

Hungary made a face, not amused by his quip. "You understand Spanish, right?" He nodded slowly, not sure where this was going. "I feel too embarrassed to ask Spain what he said to me but what he said before you hit him with the book… what did he say, exactly?"

Austria's face paled, in a manner she had never seen before. "Well, um… he asked um…" His throat went dry and he could barely look her in the eye. Hungary sighed and put Italy down to play with Romano and Spain while Holy Rome went back inside the manor. She was getting annoyed now, especially since it was a simple question. She placed both hands on each side of his face and forced him to look directly at her.

"Tell. Me. Now."

Her determined gaze and stern expression convinced him enough and he sighed in resignation. "The idiot asked if you and I were… lovers." Hungary gasped. "And then asked if you wanted to be his and… it was an incredibly inappropriate joke and I assure you, he will never say that again."

Her face reddened at the implication. Spain asking such a thing, even jokingly… western countries were odd, she was sure of it now. "Right, definitely a… wildly inappropriate joke." She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes but Austria hadn't noticed as he walked down to the manor meeting up with Spain. She watched them talk, Spain laughing with Romano at his feet and Austria seeming relaxed.

Lovers, eh? Hungary shuffled her feet along the grass and lifted up the skirt again, her ankles exposed to the cool air once more. We can't be lovers; I'm barely a lady to him. That's just a joke. The joke, as innocent as she knew it was, sent a course of pain to her heart. Not a lover or a lady, just someone who barely had a place within the Austrian manor. She wanted a place though, within their little family. It looked happy and joyful and serene, perfect. Being a lover was impossible, that was for sure. But a lady, she could do that. She could most definitely do that.

As Hungary made her way down to meet the Spaniard and the Twerpstrian, she realized something. Austria never… denied them being lovers and only reacted when Spain asked her for himself. Austria wasn't… jealous, was he? A possessive Austria, the idea made her laugh more than anything.

() () () () () () () () () ()

Liechtenstein leaned back into the bedding, yawning and her eyelids growing heavier by the second. "You were both… jealous." She muttered as she sunk her head deeper into the bedding.

"As much as Austria denies it, yes. With good reason though." Hungary parted the young girl's bangs and pressed her lips on her forehead. "Goodnight sweet Liech and sweet dreams."

Austria stared down at his sleeping daughter, watching her breathing soften and slow down. He had watched this same action many nights before and he remembered each time he watched her fall asleep and he would remember this time as well. The second to last night he would watch her fall asleep. Filed under memories he hated but would cherish nevertheless.

He kissed her cheek softly and pulled the blanket up further to prevent shivers, and left the bedroom with Hungary. "Is her um, are her things packed?" Austria nodded. Hungary sighed and pressed her forehead against his chest, listening once again to her husband's rapid heartbeat. "Tomorrow's her last day here."

"I know."

"I know you know but…" Her thoughts trailed away, the question barely making sense in her mind and dying on her tongue. "What happens… afterwards?"

He sighed and leaned his head back, making a soft thud against the wall. "Then we wait. Count down till you leave."

"And after that?" Her voice cracked.

Austria closed his eyes, a number of scenarios running through his mind – each one worse than the next. The thing was, he didn't know. He didn't want to know.

¿Esta es la mujer? = Is this the woman?

Hola Hungría, soy el Reino de España = Hello Hungary, I am the Kingdom of Spain

Ay, ¡que preciosa eres! También eres una mujer tan bonita y fuerte. Austria, tengo celos de tí. = Oh, how precious! You're a beautiful and strong woman too! Austria, I'm jealous.

¿Porque no hablas? = Why don't you talk?

¿No puedes entenderme? = You can't understand me?

Dígame Hungría, ¿son amantes? = Tell me Hungary, you lovers? [the implication is to her and Austria of course…]

¿No son? Ah… entonces, ¿quieres ser mía? = You aren't? Well then, want to be mine?

Querido = Dear, darling [it's a pet name, take your pick]

como se dice = how do you say

¡Dios mío! = Oh my God!

¿Por que? ¿Tienes celos? = Why? You jealous?

OMG, I AM SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SORRY FOR TAKING NEARLY 4 MONTHS TO UPDATE THIS! It should not have taken me so long but I got writer's block for the longest while and then school got really busy and I'm really sorry guys… But on the plus, this really is almost done! Just two more chapters! Review please! xD