I really can't stay
(But baby, it's cold outside)
I've got to go away
(But baby, it's cold outside)

This evening has been
(Been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice
(I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)

My mother will start to worry
(Beautiful, what's your hurry?)
My father will be pacing the floor
(Listen to the fireplace roar)

So really I'd better scurry
(Beautiful, please don't hurry)
But maybe just a half a drink more
(Put some records on while I pour)

The neighbors might think
(Baby, it's bad out there)
Say, what's in this drink?
(No cabs to be had out there)

I wish I knew how
(Your eyes are like starlight now)
To break this spell
(I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)

I ought to say no, no, no, sir
(Mind if I move in closer?)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
(What's the sense in hurting my pride?)

I really can't stay
(Baby, don't hold out)
Oh, but it's cold outside

It was a cold winter's evening when Italy ventured out of Austria's house into the dark unattended, his broom clutched in his hands and his eyes wide. With no coat or hat or scarf or gloves, the small nation felt like a big block of ice all alone, but the silhouette of an equally tiny something or someone in front of him made him determined to get to where he was going.

"H-hello? Holy Rome?" Italy tried to call out in the harsh wind, but it came as scarcely more than a little whisper. "You need to get inside. It's freezing out here…"

Italy kept moving forward, determined to help Holy Rome, but unheard and unnoticed as he made his way through the icy winds coming towards him. "Holy Rome? I know you're there, I saw you at the window in Austria's house over there, you need to get inside-"

Italy felt a warm hand in his, and looked up to see the Holy Roman Empire with a distraught look on his face. "Italy! You didn't need to come outside for me. You're freezing. Even I have a coat, silly."

Italy tilted his head downward and frowned. "I'm sorry, Holy Rome…"

"No, no, no, it's not your fault! You were trying to find me. Come on, you need to get warmer, let's get you in." Holy Rome insisted, dragging Italy along desperately towards Austria's house. They went in through one of the many back doors, through the long, winding corridors, and finally into a room with a giant fireplace. Holy Rome and Italy sat down, relieved to be inside, before Austria walked in.

Austria stood in front of Holy Rome, his arms crossed. "So, you know what to do now, alright?"

"Yes…" Holy Rome mumbled under his breath, staring at the floor. "Don't stay out in the cold."

"Good." Austria smiled lightly. "You should get going now, back to your house. OK?"

"OK." Holy Rome smiled a little back, before making his way through the door. "Bye, Italy. I'll be back soon."

"Bye!" Italy waved, grinning, still shivering and cold. It was almost night, and the stars were out.