Wow, I can't believe it's been over a year since I've updated this. I'm sorry you readers had to wait so long. I swear this isn't abandoned; I just get busy in the most sporadic manner. Not to mention that the muses for my fanfiction stories tend to be fickle.

On the bright side, I'm gaining momentum on my original work, I got a car, I got my Associate's degree, I started an amazing university, and I feel like I'm getting my life on track :)

Anyways, thank you for those who left reviews and how all of you have been waiting so patiently. Here's chapter 14.

2020 edit: I didn't change much for this chapter. All I did was accommodate to the timeline. That's it.

Things were going surprisingly well between him and Lovi. Spain hated that he was surprised, but in all honesty, he didn't really expect for him and the feisty Italian to get along so wonderfully. He half-expected and dreaded that he'd somehow mess up their budding relationship and that his boyfriend (yup, it's official~) would be so furious with him that he'd want to break up.

Or worse, that Romano would one day just come to the conclusion that the former conquistador wasn't good enough and leave him.

Either way, Spain feared that their relationship would crumble to a point where even a friendship wouldn't be possible.

However, nothing of the sort happened. Lovino was his usual angry self, of course, but he never got truly enraged with the Spaniard. In fact, it had gotten to a point where Antonio was able to determine Lovi's vexations as anywhere between irritated, exasperated, or just plain embarrassed. He took all of his boyfriend's moods in stride and maintained his typical cheerful demeanor.

The relationship itself was somewhat like the two's friendship, except there was something entirely different about it. There was something more intimate about it that indicated that the two were closer than a pair of friends could ever be. There was a level of understanding and affection shared between them that was expressed through their body language, the glances they exchanged, how their hands immediately sought the other's, the extra brightness in Spain's demeanor and smile, the subtle softening of Romano's hardened exterior, how their souls seemed to intertwine with every kiss they share, and how they seemed to gravitate towards each other, even when separated.

Roma was very shy about kissing and holding hands in public and often cursed at or occasionally punched the Spaniard whenever he made contact. However, Spain could tell that the Italian secretly liked it. He could tell simply because he always, without fail, allowed the contact to linger at least, if not let stay.

Not to mention that the resulting punches didn't hurt that much.

That day, for instance, was a good example. Spain was currently (and very happily) holding his Lovi's hand as they walked through beautiful streets of Naples on a gorgeous day in March. Antonio was staying with his Roma and Ita-chan for a few days so he could celebrate their birthday as well as spend some time with his tomate. Ever since he and Lovino became official, the Spaniard just couldn't seem to get enough of the Italian.

They both led busy lives, yet made as time for each other as they could. In fact, just last month, Spain spent a few days with his Roma attending a music festival as sort of a semi-belated birthday present to himself. They spent five days and nights in Sanremo, watching a music competition unfold between talented Italian individuals. Romano had translated lyrics when necessary, and the two danced every night they were there.

So now, they were back at his Lovi's place. They had spent the Italy brothers' birthday at home, eating a ton of pasta and taking a siesta. Although Spain was always glad to see Italy, he couldn't deny his relief when he scampered off to spend time with Germany and Japan. He and his Roma then had spent the rest of their day gardening and harvesting tomatoes. Spain even managed to surprise his tomate with a cake that had cannoli acting as pseudo candles.

It had been an excellent day, and there were many more to come—Spain could just feel it.

In fact, he had felt it the second he got up that morning. Earlier, Romano had grumpily muttered that the city was having a street fair that a 'dumb ass' like him would enjoy. Spain interpreted that as Lovi asking him out so he readily agreed. Now, they were walking around enjoying the fair. They examined the different objects and exotic trinkets being sold, tried out some of the different foods, watched some of the street performers, and just admired what each tent had to offer.

At some point, Spain noticed one that stood out from the others. "Hey Lovi, check that out~" He pointed over to a periwinkle-shaded tent that was coated with numerous yellow stars and that had a sign in front of the flap that read 'Psychic: Journey in to seek your fortune.' "Look, a psychic's tent. Doesn't that look neat?"

Romano glanced over and rolled his eyes. "It looks stupid…and a waste of time. Now c'mon, let's find a stand that sells churros—I could really use one right now." He suddenly blushed and snapped, "Not because I like churros that much, bastard! Get over yourself! I just…happen to feel like having one right now! It's basically a curse that comes with dating you!"

Antonio internally swooned at how precious Lovi looked all red and flustered. "Of course it is, mi tomate lindo~" His smile and good mood didn't waver as the Italian flipped him off. "And it doesn't look stupid at all. I think it looks pretty cool! We should check it out!"

"Why the hell would you want to check out some ugly tent that holds some phony baloney 'psychic' that'll just bullshit their way through some 'life-changing' fortune which is just crap you want to hear?!"

"…Because it looks interesting…and fun."

"…"

"Please, Lovi? Let's just take a quick little peek~ Pretty please with tomatoes and churros on top?"

"Tomatoes and churros sound like a shitty topping combination so don't ever put them together again. And no, I don't want to waste my time on some scamming bastard!"

"Ple-e-e-e-e-ease, Lovi? Just real quick?" He tilted his head to the side and made sure that he had on his most charming expression, the one that not many people could say 'no' to.

It worked.

Spain had to hold back cheering when he noticed how his Roma went from surprised to frazzled to annoyed and resigned. "One quick look…that's it." The Spaniard barely let him finish before he grabbed onto a slim, tan hand and started pulling him along.

Once they reached the tent, Lovi quickly yanked his hand away and shoved the older brunette so that there was room between them. "Who said you could drag me along like that, bastard?!"

"No one, but it sure got us here faster~" Antonio glanced at the tent and grinned with excitement. "Oooh Romano~ isn't this cool? I wonder what the psychic is like. I wonder if he or she has one of those pretty crystal balls or if he or she can really see into the future. I guess there's only one way to find out~ C'mon, let's go inside!"

He grabbed his Roma's hand and started to walk them towards the entrance flap until he was yanked back. Lovino remained firmly in place with a stubborn scowl. "Hey! You said nothing about going inside, idiota! You only wanted to take a quick peek!"

"I know, Lovi, but now I really want to go inside and see what the fortune teller is like. I want him or her to tell me my future. I want to know if my tomato garden is going to grow bigger or if I'm going to have to do something extra so that it doesn't die…oh~ and I'd also like to know if I'm ever going to come into any money in my life. It would be nice if I did~"

Spain smiled at the possibilities while Romano didn't look so thrilled. "First off, those are stupid questions! Hell, my dumb ass fratello can answer them! And second off, talking to psychics is getting scammed at best and getting hexed by a witch at worst!" The former conquistador felt his heart flutter when Lovi made the sign of the cross.

He and his little quirks are so cute~

"Well, I'll tell you what," Antonio began. "If you come inside with me, then I'll protect you from any voodoo sorcery. I may not have my axe with me, but I can still ward off any evil spirits with my own means." Grinning, the Spaniard raised up his hands and wiggled his fingers. "Fusosososo~ There we go—now we're both protected with this charm I've conjured~"

Lovino looked at him with eyes that seemed both thrown off and dumbfounded. Antonio's smile brightened as he added, "Also, if you come with me, you can protect me from any phoniness that the psychic might try to pull on me. What do you think, Lovi? Does that sound like a fair deal?"

Roma looks so handsome when he's thinking something over…and when he makes that cute frowny face…and when he rolls his eyes…and when he breathes out hot air like that. "Fine, I'll go in with you. But only because you're so stupid that you wouldn't know phony if it smacked that stupid grin off your stupid face!" Despite the (empty) insult, Spain bit back a triumphant grin. Victory~ "And the moment something doesn't seem right, I'm dragging your sorry ass out and we're leaving! Do I make myself clear, tomato bastard?!"

"Crystal~ Now let's go inside!" Grabbing Romano's hand, Spain giddily held back the flap of the tent and led them in.

Once the two fully stepped in, Spain released the flap and they were instantly consumed by dimmed lighting. Romano's hand in his tightened a bit, and he gave the Italian a gentle squeeze in return. The only light within the semi-enormous tent were a few flickering candles and a crystal ball placed in the center that glowed an enchanting blue.

Sitting in a cushioned chair behind the crystal ball was a young, beautiful woman with tan skin, red lips, and curly black hair. She was dressed like any stereotypical fortune teller with a lacy red scarf tied around her head, a crisp white blouse, a long and multicolored skirt, and numerous rings on her fingers. Everything about her radiated mystique and intrigue, from her all-knowing, glittering brown eyes to how her presence seemed to outshine the brightly glimmered crystal ball.

"Well, at least she's not an eyesore," Spain heard Romano mutter, getting him to lightly chuckle.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," said the woman with a smile. To Spain and Romano's surprise, she spoke in the universal language, the one that the nations used to understand and communicate with one another. "Welcome to my altar."

Unlike his feisty Italian boyfriend, Spain managed to regain himself quicker and was delighted by this development. Maybe this is a sign that she's a real psychic~

With this in mind, the former conquistador smiled and greeted her in return. "Hola señorita~ Are you the psychic?"

Lovino snapped out of his shock and glared at him. "She just said that this is her altar, dumb ass! Of course she's the psychic! Who else could she be?!"

Antonio's response was left unsaid as the fortune teller chuckled. Looking at them with eyes that showed her amusement, she said, "Why yes, I am the psychic. You can call me Ingrid. Now, who are you two?"

"I'm Antonio," Spain immediately supplied, his excitement growing. "And this is mi novio, Lovi~"

"It's Lovino, dammit!" Roma snapped indignantly. "We've been over this about a million and one times! Get it right for once!"

"But Lovi, you haven't protested the nickname in such a long time. I thought you liked it~"

"Well I don't!" As if to make his point, Romano folded his arms over his chest in stubborn defiance.

The fortune teller, Ingrid, watched the exchange with beguilement before cutting in, "It's lovely to meet you both. I take it by your little lover's spat that you two are involved?"

"Yes, in fact we are!" replied Antonio with a huge, stardust grin. "I asked Lovi to be my boyfriend not too long ago~ It's funny because we've known each other for a very long time, but it took me forever to ask him out! We're actually here at the fair on a date! Lovi was cute enough to ask me out today and of course I said yes!"

His grin transformed into a grimaced yelp when Lovino punched him in the arm. "Would you shut up already, bastard?! You're practically telling her your life story! And I'm not cute, dammit!"

Regardless of the possible bruise forming on his arm, Spain regained his smile. "But you are~" He looked to Ingrid. "Isn't he just the cutest thing, Miss Ingrid?"

The woman beamed. "Sure, I believe he is."

Roma flushed a bright red yet managed to glare at Spain. "Don't get random people involved, jerk! I have a reputation around here!" When he turned to address Ingrid, his expression softened. After all, he would never disrespect a lady. It was just one of the many things that made his Lovi so endearing. "Disregard everything this idiot says. It's incomprehensible most of the time, anyways."

While Ingrid goodheartedly chuckled, Spain pouted. "So mean to Boss~"

Rolling his eyes yet having a faint smile tug at his lips, Romano responded, "Quit your whining and just ask the psychic for your fortune. I'd still like to get that churro before tomorrow."

"Oh, don't worry, Lovi, I'll get you that churro soon~" Spain smiled and took a step closer to Ingrid and the crystal ball. "Can you tell me my fortune, señorita? I have some questions about my future~"

"But of course. I can answer any questions you and your lover might have for me."

"Whoa, whoa," said Romano as he shook his head. "I hate to break it to you, lady, but I'm not going to be asking you any questions. I'm only here to humor my idiot boyfriend."

Spain couldn't help but make a small noise of delight at the word 'boyfriend.'

Ingrid tilted her head and inquired, "Are you sure? Cute couples get a discount."

Another noise of delight, this time louder, erupted from within Spain as he jubilantly beamed at the psychic. "You think me and Lovi are a cute couple? ¡Gracias, señorita! ¡Muchas gracias!" Then he turned to his blushing boyfriend. "Did you hear that, mi tomate?! Miss Ingrid thinks that we're a cute couple!"

"I know, I know, I'm right here! I heard her!" Romano snapped out of embarrassment.

"Now you have to ask for your fortune, too! Why not since we'll be getting a discount for being cute together! It wouldn't make sense if you didn't! What do you say, Lovi?"

For a moment, Roma seemed startled and looked between him and Ingrid since both seemed hopeful. Eventually, his hazel orbs softened in resignation, yet he immediately hardened them with a scowl. "Fine, I'll do it. But just so you know, I think this whole 'psychic' thing is a bunch of hoo-hah…no offense, Miss Ingrid."

The fortune teller smiled. "None taken. You seem like a smart, rational type of individual, so it's natural to be skeptical. I assure you though that my gifts are not 'hoo-hah' as you put it."

Romano gave her a wry smile in return. "Yeah? Then prove it."

Spain couldn't help but feel a sense of giddiness bubble from within him. What could possibly be more exciting than his beloved Roma joining him in this exciting little adventure? Talking to a psychic was going to be interesting as it was, but having Lovi by his side was going to make the experience even better and more magical.

"Gladly." Ingrid's easygoing mood dissipated and gave way to a more earnest expression. "Alright. Now, before we get started, I'd like to ask one of you to please step out of the tent for a few moments."

Both nations grew confused and were momentarily struck silent until Antonio asked the question that was on their minds. "Why?"

"I can get a better reading of your energies if your auras are separated for the time being," Ingrid responded. She gazed at the crystal ball before her, waved her hands over them, and shivered, as if feeling some cosmic force from it. "That way I can focus on one of you and read your destinies more clearly."

Silence briefly enveloped the interior of the tent before Spain turned to Romano. "Well…that makes sense to me. I'm fine with that if you are, Lovi."

Romano narrowed his eyes and grumbled, "Yeah alright, whatever, but since this is your brilliant idea, you can go first, tomato bastard." He then suddenly turned around and slunk through the exit. Before he left though, he turned to Spain and quipped, "Good luck you jerk. Have at it."

Once the flap closed behind him, Spain felt a fleeting sense of longing that was caused by his Lovi's departure, but he quickly perked up. After all, his tomate wasn't too far away and his palm still felt warm from holding the Italian's hand.

Smiling with bliss, Antonio looked back to Ingrid and chirped, "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get started. Read my palm!" The Spaniard then eagerly sat down in the chair opposite of the psychic and thrust his hand out to her.

Bemusement lit up the woman's eyes as she gently took his hand. "Very well, let us begin." She proceeded to open his palm a bit, and she lightly traced the lines with the tips of her fingers. Spain basically held his breath as Ingrid's expression grew concentrated. She then guided his hand to place on top of the crystal ball with her own covering it. "Hold still and take deep breaths while I read your energy waves."

Spain did as he was told, watching as the fortune teller closed her eyes and inaudibly began to mutter something. He couldn't tell if the resulting jolt of exuberance that flashed through his being was a sign of legitimate magic or if it was psychosomatic. Either way, it was thrilling.

Ingrid suddenly opened her eyes and Spain instinctively flinched. The woman blinked slowly a few times before she moved their hands off the crystal ball yet did not break their contact. After a moment, she looked directly at him with an expression of awe. "My, my…you are a complex individual, aren't you?"

Confusion struck Spain. He was complex? He always figured that how the world viewed him was how he was. He assumed that everyone saw him as a friendly, cheerful guy, and he felt that that was basically him in a nutshell. What could possibly be complex about a chipper Spaniard?

The fortune teller noted his befuddlement and elaborated, "I read into your energy and I saw quite a lot. I've noticed that your familial ties are weak and are practically nonexistent compared to the ties you have with your friends."

Spain winced, knowing very well that she was right. His relationship with Portugal was pretty strained and always has been for as long as he could remember. He could barely recall a time where the two had spoken civilly, if at all. That was hardly Spain's fault though. For centuries he never felt that Portugal was on his side and his brother always seemed to be against him, against anything he did or believed in.

Cutting through the painful memories that were slowly spreading across his horizon was faint surprise. Spain was shocked as it occurred to him that Ingrid had actually pinpointed something specific about himself, especially since this particular detail wasn't something he announced.

However, this was only the start to the surprises the clairvoyant was about to present.

"I also noticed that you've been through a lot in your life, both good and bad, and you've experienced things that were life-changing." Oh, you have no idea. "However, it appears that your cheerful disposition and your ability to see the sun within the storm serve as an anchor through your hard times. For the most part though, you generally view life and everything around you as good and delightful. I can see though that you're afraid that if you stop being happy, that life will cease to be wonderful. You fear…You fear that life and its many challenges will get to you and weigh you down. That's why you're determined to look at the world with positivity and how you tend to see the good in people. In fact, you seem to have become immune to most unpleasantries the world has to offer."

…

…

Wow…she nailed it…she nailed him.

Spain couldn't tell if he should be amazed or spooked.

It actually took him a few moments to find his voice. When he did, he whispered, "You…can actually figure all that out?"

Ingrid nodded. "Yes. Indeed, I can. I can also see some lighter pieces of your aura, like your immense loyalty to your loved ones and how you charm most people you meet. It's not hard to tell that you are generally well-liked."

Despite himself, Spain perked up, delighted. "Oh really? Cool~ I'm glad to know that people don't hate me. That would kind of suck."

Ingrid gently chuckled. "I suppose it would. But there's no need to worry. I can see that the future you hold with your friends is a happy one and that your bonds to them will always remain strong. Of course, you all will face some trials that will test your friendships. In the end though, you'll get through them together, and it will only strengthen the ties you hold with them."

The Spaniard nodded, understanding the trials Ingrid was referring to. As a nation, he never knew what could happen next to his country and was well aware that most of his decisions often affected the other nations and vice versa. For all he knew, another war could be looming in the future and his position could completely differ from his friends'. Or his boss could do something that completely changed the alliances he held with the other nations. Whatever the case may be, Spain knew that he was helpless to the desires of his people and to fate.

Though the thought was rather depressing, it was something he had grown used to over the centuries he's been alive.

Nevertheless, just because he was aware of these possibilities, that didn't mean that he paid them any mind or that he allowed them to overwhelm him. In the end, he learned to just roll with the punches and focus on one day at a time.

Catching onto the seriousness creeping up on him, Ingrid squeezed his hand and offered him a smile. "I see many other good things in your future if you'd like to hear them."

Feeling excitement and anticipation expanding within his being, Spain regained his cheerful temperament. "Oh yes please! I'd love to hear them! What do you see in my future?!"

"Well, I can see that you'll be fairly prosperous in all the right aspects of your life."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that you'll have good fortune in the parts of your life that you'll want it to be, such as your health and the relationships you have with others."

The word 'relationships' got Spain's palms to sweat, distantly wondering if Ingrid felt it. "Speaking of relationships, do you have anything to say about my love life?" It took sheer will for him not to turn around and look at the flap of the tent where Lovino was outside waiting for him. Even though the Italian was absent from his immediate proximity, Antonio could still sense him like if he was close by and his heart pounded with wonderful, delirious rhythm.

As if reading his thoughts (and Spain would not be surprised if she could), the psychic woman's expression softened. "I have plenty to say. Though my gifts cannot see exactly what the love of your life looks like, I can tell you how destiny will shape both your lives."

She paused to gauge his reaction, as if silently asking him for his approval to continue, and he acquiesced with a nod. "The love of your life has…a lot of emotional walls that tend to keep many out and only themselves in. You will easily recognize these walls and you'll be able to see past them, giving you the opportunity to see this person for who they really are. Once you do, you'll fall head over heels. In return, the love of your life will keep you grounded and down to earth in all the right ways."

Spain felt his breath catch as he struggled to keep this in mind. It was a lot to take in, yet he was determined to remember. If Ingrid was right about many things related to him so far, then she surely couldn't be wrong about this.

"Señorita…" he softly began, "can you tell me when and how I'll meet mi amor? Or…Or have I already met them?!" He couldn't help whipping his head towards the flap of the tent.

What if…What if Lovi is…?

Ingrid gave him a sympathetic, understanding smile. "I'm afraid I can't answer those questions." Spain felt disappointment crash down onto him. "However, I can offer you some advice." The nation perked up with interest. "In cases such as this, when one meets another that has strong, emotional walls, many find it easier to crash them down. I have a feeling that you're meant to do something different, something that most wouldn't think of. I feel that you'll make the effort to actually climb over these walls rather than just ruthlessly smashing them down…that way you can show your love that you care for them and will go through great lengths for their sake. Does that make sense?"

Antonio took some time to consider what she said before slowly nodding. "I think so…"

"Just be sure to keep this in mind, but not to a point where you attempt to influence things to happen. You have a bright future ahead of you—strong friendships, good health, and general good will. Allow your destiny to run its course, and you should be fine."

Well now that made sense. Spain brightly smiled and eagerly bobbed his head in agreement. She's right. I'll just continue to live my life…and I'll keep dating Lovi. Who knows what'll become of us~?

Ingrid inclined her head as well, her smile retaining its genuine glow. "Excellent. Now why don't you send in your lover? I believe it's his turn to experience my gifts."

{~/~/~}

Romano impatiently tapped his foot as he waited for his ditzy Spanish boyfriend to have his fortune told. He felt as if he had been waiting outside for hours when in reality it was only a few minutes. Regardless, he hated waiting, especially if he's waiting for something stupid.

Releasing a bit of warm air, the Italian rolled his eyes and found himself looking at the clouds above him. He wasn't sure what possessed Spain to seek out this psychic, but he often didn't question the Spaniard's motives. Half the time they didn't make sense while the other half of the time they were just plain dumb.

He couldn't tell which one it was this time.

Lovino briefly considered trying to listen in on what Antonio and Ingrid were talking about, yet quickly tossed the notion aside. He didn't really believe in psychics and their ESP crap, and he made his skepticism quite clear earlier. After all, he knew exactly how these so-called fortune tellers worked—they told individuals what they wanted to hear based on how they profiled these people.

For instance, a psychic could take one look at a woman not wearing a wedding ring and tell her that she will soon be face-to-face with the love of her life. Or the psychic could tell a smartly dressed man that his business will do very well. The best bullshit though was when the psychic told their victim something broad that could apply to nearly anyone, like if they were to tell an individual that they were experiencing a loss or was currently happy about something.

And of course, these poor saps will eat that shit up.

The tomato bastard better not be one of those saps. I know he's a dumb ass, but even he's gotta have more sense than that.

"Lovi~!" Romano jumped when the man currently occupying his thoughts suddenly burst through the tent flap in an excited flurry. Once a pair of enthusiastic olive-green eyes spotted him, Spain immediately grabbed him by the hands to pull him close. "Oh Lovi~ Ingrid and I just had the most wonderful talk! She told me all kinds of amazing things about myself and my future! They were all just so nice~!"

The southern portion of Italy said nothing for the moment as his Spanish boyfriend gave him a goofy smile. He rolled his eyes again.

Scratch that, he doesn't.

"Of course they were nice, idiota. You wouldn't have believed her if they were anything but."

That seemed to fly over the Spaniard's head as he maintained that goddamned blinding smile of his. "No Lovi, you don't get it. I think Ingrid really does have psychic powers! She said so many things about me that not just anyone knew! It was so cool! You've just gotta see it for yourself!" Spain then started leading him towards the entrance of the tent. "And now you can since I'm done! Your turn~!"

"Wait, what?!" Lovino was suddenly pulled into the tent, and he soon found himself back inside the fortune teller's dimly-lit domain. "Oh shit…"

Ingrid seemed a bit caught off guard by his abrupt appearance but immediately threw on a smile. "Hello again. I'm glad you're here. Your lover's fortune was pretty interesting so I can only imagine what yours will be like." Her eyes flitted to look behind him. "If you could just give me and your boyfriend a few minutes, Antonio, then that would be appreciative."

Romano glanced over his shoulder to see the tomato bastard sticking his head through the flap of the tent, grinning happily. "Alrighty then, no problem! You two have fun~! And please be nice, Lovi! Miss Ingrid is really nice and knows what she's talking about~" And with that, that curly brunette head retreated back outside where the rest of him was waiting.

Snorting with mild annoyance, the Italian turned back to Ingrid. "There are times where I can't believe that I'm with that idiot."

The woman's smile brightened. "And yet I can tell that he makes you very happy."

Even if Romano wasn't feeling heat rise to his cheeks, the knowing glimmer in Ingrid's eyes informed him that he was blushing. "U-Uh…s-so what exactly are we supposed to be doing here?" He cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes. "For the record, I'm doing this under protest. There are a lot of things that I'd rather be doing than sitting here…no offense."

Lovino was a bit surprised to see Ingrid chuckle. "Once again, none taken. Besides, you did say earlier that you wanted me to prove that I have psychic gifts." She gestured to the seat before her, indicating that he should sit. "Now's your chance."

Despite himself, a wry smile planted upon the Italian's face. "You're on." He sat down and did his best to relax his tense shoulders. "You're the one with the psychic hoo-hah, so you take the lead here."

"Of course. Please extend your hand to me and we'll get started." Romano did as instructed and felt a smooth hand grab onto his. Ingrid then gently pulled his hand closer to examine it. The young male raised an eyebrow.

So, she's choosing to read my palm. Huh…I half-expected her to use this tacky crystal ball of hers…or maybe some stupid cards.

Ingrid took a few moments to study his palm, her free hand softly tracing the lines, and performed simple motions, like turning over his hand to inspect his knuckles. Her kind face furrowed into a thoughtful frown.

Romano patiently waited, briefly wondering exactly what kind of mumbo jumbo Ingrid was going to tell him. I wouldn't be surprised if she said something dumb like how I'm going to live a long life, or that my bad attitude will fuck me over one day.

Eventually, Ingrid met his gaze and though her eyes were soft and clear, the smile that she previously wore had vanished. "You…are definitely one of the more interesting individuals I've ever come across. Your energy waves are quite erratic, and though your aura radiates anger and ire, there's a lot more to it than that."

The southern portion of Italy resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Here we go…

"I can tell that life hasn't been so easy for you," the psychic continued. "Judging by the outer shell of your aura, you've experienced difficulties that required you to be strong. One of those difficulties involves how you're perceived by others."

Lovino raised an eyebrow. Just as I thought. Let me guess: now she's going to tell me that my attitude sucks balls and that it's the reason why I've gone through shit all my life.

The notion that it was the truth briefly flashed through his mind, and he ignored the jolt of pain that caused him to stiffen.

As if sensing this, Ingrid gave him a sympathetic expression. "All your life, you always felt that you were second best." Lovino's eyes widened fractionally. "There was always someone or something that seemed to be preferred over you, whether because of circumstances or personal opinion."

No…No fucking way…

"You always got the shorter end of the stick when it came to opportunities and certain conditions. It wasn't your fault though. I guess you can say that you're like a piece of silver—though you shine and are treasured in your own way, people often ignore that in favor of something that seemed 'better' in their opinion. In reality, they're losing out on something worth their while…and in your case, it's your companionship."

Romano's breath caught, suddenly aware of the small chunk of silver resting in his pocket that he had brought along with him. How did she…no, no that's impossible. She couldn't possibly know about the silver…

"People never really took that chance to get to know you because they thought they already did when instead they were misguided by their false perception of you," Ingrid proceeded. "As a result, you hardened yourself, made yourself strong, so that you won't be affected by pain. However, I can see in your eyes that you're still vulnerable on the inside, yet that you're capable of doing so much. You hold back though because you're afraid of being rejected, especially since you feel like you've been rejected all your life."

For some reason, it was getting a bit difficult for Romano to breathe in properly. He was surprised he hadn't passed out yet, but assumed that the blood racing through his veins was what kept him upright.

Something on his face must've indicated how he was feeling because Ingrid's caring face switched to one of concern. Romano hurriedly wiped his expression clear of whatever it had been showing and plastered on his usual scowl. "Alright, lady, let's get one thing straight here: I'm not believing a word you're saying. Most of it isn't even right! I mean, sure, life doesn't shit rainbows and butterflies for me, but it's nothing I can't handle! You're…You're wrong!" Shit, he hesitated. "I'm not afraid of anything, I don't give a flying fuck about what people think of me, and I didn't make myself strong because I'm already strong!"

He was slightly panting by the end of his little rant. His free hand was clenched so tightly that his tan skin had paled. He was vaguely aware that he was trembling a bit, but he didn't pay it any mind. The only thing he could really focus on was denying that he was lying to himself.

Ingrid didn't seem put off by his ire and calmly said, "Please relax. I'm not trying to offend you—I'm merely telling you what I see based on my gifts."

"I doubt you have any gifts," Romano muttered. "You're just…telling me nonsense."

"I assure you that I'm not. My gifts tell me a lot about you and points out your destiny. For instance, they show me how deep your capacity to love is, yet how you're afraid to express it and of the general concept of love. However, the love of your life will help you learn to be less afraid. This person will be your beacon for they will always be eternally dedicated to you, and they'll never give up on you. Life may not always be fair to you, but the love of your life will-"

"No, stop!" Romano instantly sprang up from his chair, gradually becoming frantic. "Just stop! I know you're screwing with me! I'm not meant to have a love of my life! There's…There's no one out there who could fall in love with me! I…I'm not…" He stopped himself before he could finish it.

I'm not good enough…and I never will be.

Lovino didn't have to deny this—he already knew this was the truth. He wasn't good enough to experience even the earthliest of pleasures, including being loved. He's known all his life. Romano did his best to ignore this, try and convince himself that things like that didn't matter to him, that he was strong enough to not need useless, trivial things like love.

An image of Spain's handsome, smiling face came to mind and Romano was startled as he felt his resolve falter, something that's never happened in the centuries he's been alive.

The Italian was pulled from his thoughts when Ingrid gracefully stood up. "I think your lover would disagree."

Romano's heart momentarily seized then began racing when she mentioned Spain. "That's…That's because that idiota is an optimist who has a heart-"

"And you have one as well," the psychic gently interrupted. "It's just a bit roughed up. After all, it's been through a lot. However, I can see that it warms up for your boyfriend and how it yearns for him."

"It does not!" He immediately denied. "You don't know anything about my heart! You don't know anything about my life or about the so-called 'love of my life' or about my fears! You know absolutely nothing about my relationship with the tomato bastard! You don't know how I feel about him or how he feels about me! You don't know how long we'll last…if this is even real or if this is just something temporary that'll go away the moment I wake up and get bitch-slapped by reality-!" His breath caught when he abruptly cut himself off, his hazel orbs widening with horror.

The tent was struck silent as Romano and Ingrid breathlessly stared at each other. The Italian's heart was pounding erratically now, and he couldn't understand how the candles managed to glow so brightly. Ingrid seemed outwardly calm, yet her eyes shined with shock and concern for him. Suddenly, he felt burnt by her gaze and briefly wondered if she actually was a witch and was currently hexing him.

Bearing that in mind, Lovino spun on his heel and bolted out of the tent. He ran past a startled Spain and maneuvered his way through the fair's maze of tents. He wasn't sure where he was heading, but he did know that he had to get away, away from that mysterious woman and her mumbo jumbo ESP.

More importantly, he had to get away from the truth and the hope that had teamed up to attack his walls.

{~/~/~}

Spain had no idea what happened.

He had been standing outside Ingrid's tent for a few minutes, humming "It's Now or Never" and wondering what that nice psychic was telling Romano. The Spaniard was pretty impressed with everything she had told him, so he was positive that she'll wow his skeptical boyfriend, too. While he had been waiting, he imagined possible fortunes that Ingrid could've been telling the feisty Italian. Whatever it was, it probably involved tomatoes…and Spain hoped that he was somehow in Lovi's future as well.

Antonio had been ripped from his thoughts when Lovino had unexpectedly burst out of the tent and had raced off. While he was taking a moment to process that, he was approached by an apologetic Ingrid. She sincerely said that she was sorry for she had no idea that what she predicted for Romano would upset him. Spain brushed it off, and once he paid her for her services, he rushed off in his Roma's direction.

Now he was currently looking for his tomate in the hazy maze of the fair. Spain darted in-between all the tents, calling out for Romano. His sharp green eyes scanned the area for the lithe, handsome Italian, mainly searching places that had food or other items that his Roma would enjoy.

So far though, he wasn't faring very well.

Spain passed by a tent selling handmade jewelry and called out, "Romano! Lovi, where are you?!" People nearby briefly stopped to look at him yet otherwise didn't pay him any mind.

The former conquistador sighed and stopped walking to scan the area. There was no sign of his wonderful boyfriend, and he was getting worried. He attempted to call Romano on his cell phone, but only got the voicemail. Putting his phone away with a disconcerted grimace, Spain strengthened his focus.

As he carefully surveyed the area, a certain tent caught his interest. Faintly smiling to himself, he walked over and purchased two of the tent's products. Gingerly holding the items in his hand, Spain renewed his search.

Eventually, he passed by some stores and noticed something out of the ordinary in a nearby alley—a flash of dark magenta that didn't quite go with the grey stone walls. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the color belonged to a familiar-looking shirt that went along with a black vest. Recognizing who wore those clothes, Spain grinned with overwhelming happiness as he realized that he had found his tomate.

Romano was sitting against the wall with his knees drawn to his chest so that they covered his mouth. His glowing hazel eyes were furrowed, yet they weren't as hardened as they usually were; if anything, they were bright with intense contemplation.

Antonio was confused as to what Lovino could possibly be thinking of and figured that there was only one way to find out. Taking a quick glance at the products in his hand and making a brief smile, the Spaniard ventured closer.

Romano didn't look up as Spain approached him. "Go away, bastard."

Not discouraged, the older brunette stepped closer until he was merely inches away. "I was worried about you."

"…Well, you shouldn't have been. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can—it's just that I was worried about how you were doing. You freaked me out back there, you know, running away like that." Romano tensed up ever so slightly yet otherwise didn't move. Spain sighed and then slumped down next to the Italian, his back pressing against the wall. Roma didn't make a move and seemed to silently allow his company.

The two sat there for a few moments, each wondering what the other was thinking. Antonio eventually broke the stillness though by holding out the objects in his hands, presenting them in front of Lovino. The former colony blinked, having not been aware of them until now.

The Spaniard softly smiled before saying, "Here, you said you wanted a churro. I bought one for the both of us."

Romano glanced between the pair of churros and Spain until a quiet, rough chuckle slipped out. "So, you didn't forget." He then gently grabbed the one he deemed best and bit into it. Once he chewed and swallowed, he awkwardly looked to Spain from his peripheral vision and muttered, "…Thanks."

"No problem. It was nothing, really." Antonio bit into his own pastry-based snack and hummed. "Hmm, not bad. I mean, even though this isn't nearly as good as a homemade churro, it's still pretty tasty."

Nodding in agreement, Lovino took another bite. "It was sold at a stand at a cruddy fair…of course it isn't the best thing ever. We'll be lucky if we don't get sick later." He paused and stared down at the churro before emitting a sigh. "Look, I…I'm s-sorry for, uh, running off like that. I just…kind of freaked out. I'm good though."

A smile tugged at the corner of Spain's lips as he scooted a bit closer. "That's alright, Lovi. I'm just glad you're okay."

"Y-Yeah…just-just do me a favor and don't ask what that psychic told me. I don't want to talk about it."

"Sure, no problemo~ I wasn't going to ask anyways." Actually, that was a total lie, but Spain felt that he should be reassuring. "Just answer me this though: was it really that bad?"

Romano's eyes clouded over in thought before he slowly shook his head. "It wasn't…bad, it just…was a hell of a lot to take in. For being a phony, she sure knew what she was talking about."

"I think I see what you mean. Miss Ingrid knew quite a lot about me." Antonio uneasily chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "It was kind of cool yet kind of freaky. I can't tell if I should be impressed or spooked."

"Spooked might be a better word for it," Lovino mumbled before he nibbled the churro.

Spain sympathetically looked to his boyfriend, but then perked up at an interesting thought. "You know, I wonder what our friends would think of her and what she'd say about them. Like I wonder what Miss Ingrid would tell France? Maybe she'd say something that would make him freak out like how he and England did when they thought the world was ending. He's pretty superstitious like that. And then I wonder what Miss Ingrid would say about his love life. He…gets around, so it'd be tough for her to figure out."

Romano snorted, a dry smile drifting onto his face. "She probably wouldn't get the chance to figure him out because she will have kicked him out for being a pervert. The wine-sucking bastard hits on anything and anyone with legs."

Antonio chuckled and quipped, "Yeah, that's true. I hope Miss Ingrid would take it in good humor, though."

"I hope she wouldn't."

"Heh, heh, I then wonder what she would say to Prussia and how he'd react. Knowing him, he might just laugh and say something about being awesome."

"That's because that's all he's capable of doing. Hell, Ingrid would probably tell him something obvious, like how he's going to get totally wasted at some bar and then bother the potato bastard or Canada to drive him home. Knowing your dickwad friend, he'd probably be impressed, too." Romano wryly smirked as the Spaniard laughed.

For a while, they spent their time like this, imagining what Ingrid would tell their friends and how they'd react. They took turns coming up with real or bizarre fortunes for their fellow nations and had some good laughs.

However, even after they finished their churros and continued to explore the fair, what Ingrid the mysterious psychic had told them remained in the back of their minds, chanting her words over and over again. Not only that, but she managed to instill a question that thoughtfully resided within their minds.

Where will their relationship go from there?

Here we go. Progress~

I can't make promises on when I'll update next, but hopefully it won't be another year. Just bear with me. Thanks for your patience :)

2020 edit: I've seen a psychic. She got some things right, some things wrong. The things she did get right were a bit spooky (she caught on that I loved to write though I never clued her in to it); the things she got wrong were kind of funny (she mentioned I missed out on my soulmate…my ex and I were never soulmates, guaranteed).

Even so, I remain open-minded. People I know have met with psychics: some were able to predict things that my peeps have claimed happened (without any chance of self-fulfilling prophecies) and others left my peeps huffing.

Translations:

Spanish

tomate- tomato

mi tomate lindo- my cute little tomato

Hola señorita- Hello miss

mi novio- my boyfriend

muchas gracias- many thanks

mi amor- my love

no problemo- no problem

Italian

idiota- idiot

fratello- brother