*3rd POV*

"Maria, wait!" Maria turned to look at Britain, sitting on the couch reading a newspaper. "It says that there is a rapist running around, especially in this neighborhood. So be careful." Britain warned. Romania read over Britain's shoulder as Norway stared at Maria worriedly. "Okay. Thanks." Maria walked out as Norway set his coffee down and began slipping on his shoes. "Stalking?" Romania asked. "Ya." Norway answered but looked back at the Romanian, this time, paying attention to what he said. "I'm protecting her."

*Maria's POV*

I was walking to school, but I felt someone follow me. It started scaring me so I ran. "Maria!" I heard a familiar voice. I stopped in my tracks and turned to see Norway, running to catch up to me. "Were you just in your stalker mode?" I joked, trying to the lighten the mood. "Maybe." I smiled. "I'll walk you to school, come on." Norway suggested, taking my hand in his. The whole time, I looked the other way blushing and trying to suppress my squeals. I also tried to catch glimpses of him but I always end up staring and blushing.

*After School*

I walked out to see Norway at the entrance. "You don't have to Norway." I laughed trying to dissolve the awkward atmosphere between us. Actually, it kind of felt like he was Sweden and I was Finland, that kind of atmosphere. I looked at Norway in wonder, does he really care? Or, is he programmed to? I stared at the seemingly interesting pavement as I tried to push the sad thought away.

"I told you he went to get Maria!" We heard. I looked over to the couch to see a jumping Romanian pointing at us. "Norway, you didn't tell us where you went." Britain said. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking." Norway responded. I went to my room to get unpacked.

*Night*
*3rd POV*

"I'm going to go keep an eye on Maria." Norway informed, tucking his pillow under his arms. "Don't you mean, staring at her sleeping?" Romania teased. "I'm just simply protecting her just in case the rapist breaks in." Norway rolled his eyes as Britain chucked a pillow at Romania.

KNOCK KNOCK!

"Come in!" Norway entered the room to see Maria on her bed, reading a book. "Could I sleep here for the night?" Norway asked. "Why?" Maria raised a brow. "Just in case the rapist breaks in." He simply stated. Maria glanced at the floor, a blush flashing. "Thank you." Norway took that as an initiative, getting into the bed. "What are you reading?" Norway asked, scooting near to Maria looking at the page she was on. "Aren't these my fairy tales?" Norway inwardly smirked as a look of nervousness overtook her.

"Uh... It's, really interesting..." She muttered. "Let me tell you what. You can put the book away so I can tell you the stories, right from the country himself." Norway suggested. Maria smiled and nodded, she leaned to her desk putting the book away. She then snuggled up in her blanket as Norway began to tell her a story. Since his voice was very low and smooth, along with an interesting story, Maria soon fell asleep. But about midnight, Maria woke up. She sat up and touched her face, she noticed she was crying. But why? Maybe it's just a dream.

"Maria?" Norway got up and observed Maria. "Why are you crying?" "Just a dream." Norway took Maria into his arms, comforting her. "Thank you." Maria responded. "I really like you." Norway instantly blurted out. It took a minute to realize what he said. Norway's eyes widened as did Maria's. "I really like you too." Maria replied, smiling.

*Morning*
*3rd POV*

It took a few to remember what happened the night before. "Do you?" Norway asked. "Of course." Maria answered, blushing. Norway wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pecked her head. "Get dressed." Norway hauled himself out of bed, take his pillow, and walk back to his room. Maria smiled and silently squealed. Maria's morning turned out wonderful. Not unless Britain is cooking, or Romania messed up big time.

Well! There you go! Maria and Norway finally confessed! *sighs* Time to let the story flow. For a bit. Surprises coming ahead!