Author's Note Time: (If You Don't Want To Read This Just Continue On To The Next Chapter):
So there has been a lot of "shipping wars" going on in my reviews for this story (good or bad? I don't know) and while I'm not into explaining myself because I believe that story will explain it for me, some people need a friendly reminder. First off, it's my story and I don't care if you ship it or not, appreciate the characters for who they are and what they do in my story not for who you think they are. But just in case some of you are lacking in the imagination department I'll help you.
But first let it be known that I went through a list of all Hetalia characters, did extensive research on their personalities, took notes, watched Hetalia episodes, read the official Hetalia manga and countless other things just to make sure that I had the perfect characters to accomplish what I needed to accomplish in this story. So I feel like I do (did?) a good job of making them believable and having the characters do things that are actually in character for them (usual goofiness of Hetalia characters aside of course), so please enjoy this explanation.
Belgium/S. Italy: (Laura/Lovino): S. Italy is described as being very rude, weak and cowardly (much like N. Italy) and "shows a hatred for those trying to get close to him" ( wiki/South_Italy). So with all of these qualities he sounds like a really unlikeable person, but has the potential to be much more (he likes to woo the ladies). If only there was a character that could push past all of his meanness and be nice enough to forgive him when he falls short and says the wrong thing! That's where Belgium comes in. It's claimed that "As a child, South Italy had a crush on the older Belgium, though he found himself unable to kiss her or tell her how he actually felt" ( wiki/South_Italy). So Belgium is definitely the mature lady that could make S. Italy behave so out of character because he is so hopelessly in love with her! Plus Belgium is cheerful and good-natured. She is complete contrast of the usually temperamental S. Italy. But I do believe that opposites attract and it's no different in the case of Belgium and S. Italy. Where one character's personality ends the other begins and they fill in the holes of each other's personalities. Definitely a perfect pairing if I do say so myself!
Liechtenstein/Spain: (Erika/Antonio): Possibly my favorite crack pairing to date! I know a lot of people don't understand why I chose this pairing at all, but upon a closer look it's plain to see why they'd be perfect for each other. Spain is described as someone who faced many hardships but his positive personality and optimism persevered and he never gave up ( story/1116983/Hetalia-Know-Your-Characters-Info-On-Hetalia-Characters/41/). Although he is sometimes insensitive and clueless he still means well. He's pretty easy going and makes a friend out of anyone because he is so cheerful and likeable. And as we all know he has a soft spot for children, and anyone who likes children has a good heart (in my experience). And then for Spain's love interest in my story there's Liechtenstein. She is described as being very mature and humble although she will stand up for herself when needed ( story/1116983/Hetalia-Know-Your-Characters-Info-On-Hetalia-Characters/28/). By Liechtenstein's attachment to her brother, Switzerland who saved her from economic ruin it's seen that she is very loyal. She also takes care of Switzerland and has a calming effect on her brother, who sees her as someone who needs protection and is naïve. Spain is definitely more outgoing than Liechtenstein and more talkative than her as well. Spain is known to be clueless as times and with Liechtenstein's humble and naïve personality the two can build a world with nothing but the two of them in it, oblivious to everything and everyone else. Spain loves children and Liechtenstein sometimes behaves like a child. She needs protection like a child and someone to watch over her because she is just as naïve as a child. Spain and Liechtenstein have both faced many hardships but that contributes to their understanding of each other. While Spain would be more likely to go out and socialize and Liechtenstein would be less likely to do so, the two could have a quiet but equally fulfilling relationship together based on mutual understanding and a love for each other. So, have I got you shipping Liechtenstein/Spain yet? Come on, be open minded.
Hungary/Austria: (Elizabeta/Roderick): Alright, do I really need to explain why these two are so perfect for each other? Austria is described as the quiet type who puts more work into his hobbies and is optimistic when compared to Germany ( story/1116983/Hetalia-Know-Your-Characters-Info-On-Hetalia-Characters/11/) of course he has a terrible sense of direction and enjoys the little things in life, like tea, cake, and music. Going back to his horrible sense of direction, who can help him when he gets lost? Hungary of course! She is described as being "manly" and strong willed ( story/1116983/Hetalia-Know-Your-Characters-Info-On-Hetalia-Characters/25/) and she spent most of her youth running wild until growing into a more docile creature as a servant in Austria's house. It is also said that she appreciates Austria's piano playing and respects his talent. No other country appears to respect Austria's talent to the extent that Hungary does and she even defends him on many occasions! Especially against Prussia! She even stands up for him and asks him to "consider his feelings" when Germany wants to annex Austria. Now if a concern and appreciation for one another isn't love, then I don't know what is! The series even alludes to Austria and Hungary having feelings for each other! It's practically cannon all you non-believers!
So those are my arguments, the biggest thing people complained about was that they didn't "ship" Liechtenstein/Spain and that they wouldn't read my story because of it (which is no excuse whatsoever). But at the end of the day, I don't really care if no one ships Liechtenstein/Spain because remember this story is based off of my studies in Germany. I had to pick a character that resembled me and my boyfriends at the time. The closest character to me was Liechtenstein and the closest character to my boyfriend was Spain. And well heck, if things worked out for us at the time then why can't it work out with two fictional characters?
You can decide to reject my pairings or appreciate them, but I honestly couldn't even care less. Just shut up and enjoy the story!
