Amazing Grace
Spain never found the need to fall in love. That's when he met you, Maria. He never knew that there existed an Amazing Grace.
Title: Amazing Grace
Chapter: Part 2 of 6? 7? 8?
Characters: Spain, You/Maria, and the WORLD
Pairing: Spain x You/Reader/Maria
Rating: M – (rating would change depending on the chapter)
Warning: Swearing (warnings would change depending on the chapter), Adult Situations
Summary: After an exhausting Summits Meeting chaired by Germany and hosted by England, Antonio and his friends decided to unwind in a near-by bar in London. Christmas time was coming, and the Spaniard knew it was going to be another holiday celebrated in the same routine that he personally grew to love and not tire from. The Bad Touch Trio decided that they wanted to celebrate Christmas differently for once. He never thought that at that agreement, the change was going to start. Although the lack of change did not bother him much, he realised that despite having lived for centuries in a lifestyle that any immortal man would have enjoyed, he never witnessed a miracle. It was then that he met you, Maria, that he found the true meaning of Amazing Grace.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE READ "Behind Genesis"! In my fics, the personification of the countries is kept secret!
And here is a nice picture of the FAG trio celebrating Christmas their 'usual' way.
post/4448618062/party-hardy
Author's Note:
Hello everyone,
Please check my homepage for the news!
I haven't been updating this fic for a year, and for good reason. I am at my final year at University and would be graduating on December. :D YAY!
I have a few family problems that are affecting me and my studies together with my work :'( Also, my grandfather died on April and I had to fly to the Philippines for the funeral.
2013 hasn't been good to me at all, perhaps my graduation is the only thing I am looking forward to.
Anyways, this whole fic, together with the author's notes etc, is already 10,500 + words. I will be leaving a cliff hanger here and continue chapter 2 in another segment. I think 10,000 words for one chapter is already long enough. I have been told that. :P Aaaaannnnddd because of all the POSITIVE feedback I have been getting, I will be focusing on this fic more than the rest of my fics!
I WILL ALSO BE MAKING MORE CHAPTERS FOR THIS FIC THAN PLANNED!
Because I am cutting down 10,000 – 13000 words per chapter, this fic might take up to 6 or 7 chapters in total.
I am on a roll with this fic and I really wanted to finish it because I had the rest of the chapters organised in my head!
SO PLEASE KEEP THE FEEDBACKS COMING! I need reviews!
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE REVIEWED!
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT EVERYONE! XOXOX
"Many of us wish to live for eternity, and yet not many of us know how to live a single day to the fullest."
~ Jamine Isabel E. Uy
Recap:
As soon as Antonio was out of the dining area of the hotel, he whipped his phone back in to his grasp and sent a message saying that he had something that belonged to you.
What he didn't know was that soon enough, his heart and his mind would soon belong to you as well.
A few days after Part 1...
If it was possible, you and Antonio got considerably closer. The day he gave you your bills back he urged you to unwind before the weather got worse. You both conversed about the hilarious moments in your life. It wasn't a surprise when you found that Antonio had more of them than you did. It was not because you weren't aware he was no ordinary human, it was because you thought that with his kind of personality funny things do tend to happen.
You both started becoming comfortable with each other, even starting to pull a prank on one another. It was a surprise for you that someone you met the way you did with Antonio would become such a good close friend. As the days passed, your bond just got stronger and better.
One day, Antonio arrived at your apartment for your usual practice. You became so accustomed to each other that he felt that your apartment became an extension of his own home. He felt more at home in your presence and for being so far away from his land, he craved such feeling and change of company.
It was snowing outside and although it wasn't dreadful, he just wasn't used to the cold weather at all. He tried to shake off the large amount of snow on his coat, cradling a cardboard tray that contained two cups of drinks in his left arm. His left hand reaffirmed its grip of his guitar before giving your door a rhythmic knock with his right.
"Who is it?" he heard you say from behind the door.
The Spaniard raised a brow at this. You would have had a hint that it would be him judging by the amount of time he spent with you and his usual arrival by this hour. Then again, he realised that it was probably for the best if you asked who it was at the door. You were, after all, living alone. As he said before, a lady in any sort of premises would be vulnerable to many evil intentions when she has no company.
"It's Toni." He replied with the use of the nick name you gave him, a slight variance to his usual.
There was a pregnant pause.
"No, you're not." You finally replied.
Antonio raised both his eyebrows this time. "Chica, it really is me!"
"Prove it," You challenged.
Were you joking? He asked himself. Sometimes he just couldn't read the atmosphere. Romano kept pointing this flaw out to him, but he reasoned that he couldn't exactly change after centuries of exercising such skill, or lack thereof.
He came to a conclusion... Challenge accepted!
Antonio knelt down on one knee, placed the tray on the floor and started strumming his guitar to the tune of "Please Forgive Me" by Bryan Adams. He then sang,
So if you're feeling thirsty, oh!
I brought the drink you always want!
I promise that it tastes real good
So if you want it, a little more than I would
Please Maria, I know you want it too
Please Maria, I won't stop bothering you
Don't deny me, it's very VERY cold!
Please Maria, I need to use the loo!
Please believe me. Every word I say is true!
Please forgive me if I peed here 'cause o'you!
Before the Spaniard could start another verse, he heard an abundant amount of laughter coming through your apartment. Not long after when your laughter died down a little, you opened the door.
Still in a fit of giggles, you said "Alright! Alright! I believe you!"
Antonio smiled at this and stood up after taking the cups in his arms again.
"Get inside, Mr. Adams before you drink my chocolate," you said after taking the tray in your arms, "and before you wet your pants."
Antonio chuckled, "I just said that so you'd open the door quicker."
"Well it sure attracted a huge audience."
The Spaniard suddenly became all too aware of his surroundings. Looking around, he found a few of your neighbours out in the hall forming a small crowd around him. They all had amused expressions and some of the children were giggling. Antonio blushed, chuckled in embarrassment whilst scratching the back of his head. He bowed as he muttered an apology before entering your abode.
After closing the door, you prompted him to place his belongings in the living room with a gesture. "That was a pretty good song. I can't believe you came up with that spontaneously!"
You took your drink and placed the tray on the coffee table. As you took a sip the Spaniard replied, "Well, you did want some proof, si?"
Grinning at you, Antonio placed his guitar on the side of the love couch. Your home was comfortably warm due to the roaring fire in the fireplace. He walked towards the coat rack by the front door and proceeded to remove his coat, but not before taking out an item from his inside pocket.
"And what conclusive proof that was," You commented; smiling at him.
Plopping down on your couch with your drink on hand, you waited for your friend as you bathed in the warmth of the fire with closed eyes.
Before you could see what it was, he swiftly hid the item behind his back, away from your curious eyes.
"Guess what I have?" he asked you.
"Green eyes? Chocolate brown hair? I know what you don't have though, and that's facial hair." You replied comically.
Playfully, Antonio started touching his face as if in search of something. He released a gasp of horror before saying, "Madre Dio! You are right, chica!"
"Mm-hmm, but you know," you replied as you wrapped a friendly arm around Antonio's shoulders, "you still look great without them."
Antonio gazed at you, a playful pouty smile on his lips. "So you don't want me to grow a beard or anything?"
"Unless I can't braid it for you, you don't have to."
It earned you a healthy chuckle and you, in turn, reflected this with your own laughter. Antonio took out the blu-ray movie disc he was hiding behind his back. "I brought a movie with me. Would you like to watch before we practise?"
Your eyes lit at the sight of the title on the disc.[1] "That sounds fantastic! I'd go and get us some snacks, would you mind-"
Antonio raised a hand to pause you. "I'll handle it, chica, and no... of course I won't mind."
Smiling in response, you left for the kitchen while Antonio prepared the movie. You opened the pantry and took out a bag of pop corn. After placing the bag in the microwave, you took out some more snacks for you and Antonio to munch on.
"It's ready!" he exclaimed from the living room.
"Coming," you replied as you poured the pop corn on a large wooden bowl.
That's what she said, Antonio thought to himself before chuckling. He blamed Romano and his 'hip' comebacks... or was that Francisco?
Either way, he hoped he wouldn't blurt these thoughts out loud... hopefully.
You arrived in the living room, a hot bowl of popcorn in your hands. As you took your usual spot in the love seat, Antonio crawled on the floor to get to the couch.
Seeing him do so, you giggled and it caused the Spaniard to look up.
"Que?" [2]
You shook your head, all the while trying to stifle your giggles. "Sorry. It's just that you looked like a baby, crawling like that and all."
Antonio smiled and sat next to you. He playfully pinched your left cheek before replying, "Heh, are you saying I'm cute?" The Spaniard sent a playful wink and grin your way.
You slightly blushed at this and looked down. Sure you were on very friendly terms with Antonio, but you were also very aware that he was a VERY good looking man. You tried to create a comeback by deviating from his question.
"Ever thought the possibility," you said, looking into his eyes with a mischievous grin, "that someone thinking of you as a baby is NOT considered a compliment?"
You crossed your legs on the sofa and started poking the Spaniard's cheek with a pop corn.
Antonio sent you a childish pout the second time today. "Now you're starting to sound like Romano," he said before taking a bite of the pop corn between your fingers while he grunted a chomping sound.
"Hmm, who's Romano?"
Antonio took the remote from the coffee table before he answered nonchalantly. "Ah, yes. I haven't introduced you to him yet." He opened his mouth, prompting you to pop a pop corn in it and you obliged. He loved how he was being served like a supreme ruler once again. "You can say that I was his care taker."
Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You worked as a care taker? You never told me this."
Antonio pressed 'play' before replying, "I didn't? Sorry, chica. I'll introduce you to him and his brother next time."
"You baby-sitted both of them?"
"Nah, Austria took care of Italy."
The Spaniard placed his left arm behind your head on the sofa. Despite his insouciance, Antonio was subconsciously acting protective of you. Small acts such as him sitting between you and the space by the front door showed that.
'Showed what?' you ask. The possibility of a violent break in or intrusion by an uninvited guest; be they acquainted or not with either of you, would render such position effective of protecting you from them. The same way a gentleman would walk on the side of danger or on the side of the road when you're walking in a walk path.
Small little things like these were one of the small sparks that you loved about the Spaniard. Unfortunately for the nation's laid-back attitude, he subconsciously called both Roderich and Feliciano by their Country name. This made you furrow your eyebrows in confusion.
"Austria? Italy?"
Antonio, upon realisation, lost composure and became all far too aware of the atmosphere... surprisingly. He swallowed the pop corn. Beads of sweat formed on the skin of his temple, due to nervousness, as he tried his best to cover up his mistake. "Uh... w-well it is a habit of mine to call some of my f-friends by their nationality!"
He closed his eyes trying to will away the nervousness knowing that he wouldn't be able to keep up with the lie if he looked at you, eye to eye. A nervous and wry smile formed on his lips as he continued to explain. "Y-you see... Roderich is from Austria and that is why I call him that. Feliciano is Romano's twin brother and they're both Italians. So sometimes I call Feli, Italy."
Luckily for him, you trusted him well enough to believe what he said. As soon as he saw the smile on your face, he could feel his heartbeat relaxing. It was an indication that you believed his lie, and the thought of lying to you made him feel guilty inside.
In fact, he thought, how long would he be able to keep up with keeping such secret from one of his good friends? His train of thought was interrupted when you replied, "Aww... that's just adorable! And did you say that Romano is Italy's twin brother!?"
Call it weird but you loved the idea of twins. Not because of your hidden maternal instincts, no... it was because you found it fascinating to have two kins very similar in appearance and the idea that they share a strong and deep bond. "I bet they get along very well."
"Ehehe... well..." Antonio scratched the back of his head with the hand that was placed on the head of the sofa.
Before he could point out the contradiction of what you thought and the reality of the twins' relationship with each other, you gasped.
"Oh the movie is already starting. Sorry, I got carried away."
At that, you leaned on the couch and munched on the pop corn, your focus was on the image reflected on the screen of your television.
Antonio blinked at the sudden change of topic but smiled at you all the same, even though you were gazing at the T.V. and not him. He too, focused back on the T.V. and then placed his arm behind your head on the sofa once again.
A FEW HOURS LATER...
The movie ended with the pop-corn all but consumed, you stretched on the sofa as the Spaniard yawned, stretching his jaw.
"That was a pretty good movie," you exclaimed.
"It is, isn't it?" Antonio stood up and cracked his lower back, stretching his body all the more. "Bueno... it's time to practise."
The Spaniard retrieved his guitar on the side of the couch and started tuning.
You looked over your shoulder as you made your way to the kitchen to dispose of the bowl in the sink. "Hehe, now that I think about it; you sound like my coach-slash-caretaker."
Antonio chuckled at the thought. He did like taking care of people... how many colonies did he use to have? Too many to keep in track of but could easily remember if he listed down their names; which he knew by heart.
"Haha! Sounds nice, chica. We can start with you calling me, Spain the boss!"
Giggling at the thought of calling your good friend Spain the boss, you replied, "And you can start with calling me Queen of England."
"I didn't know the Queen was going to perform in church with a-" Antonio cleared his throat. ", ruggedly handsome Spaniard named Antonio playing le guitarra.[3]" He flicked his hair back in a way that reminded him of Franco.
You grinned. "But of course! I always have had a thing for Antonio Banderas."
You made sure you emphasised the actor's surname before anxiously waiting your friend's hilarious, and you knew it was going to be hilarious, reaction.
"Glad you admitted to my awesomeness, chica." Antonio turned to you, a very satisfied smile on his face as one hand gripped the front of his shirt in a I'm-the-man manner whilst the other held his guitar.
A pregnant pause filled the air as you tried stifling your laughter. A few seconds later, Antonio's eyes snapped open in realisation. "H-hey!"
"Pfft! Bahahaha!" Your laughter echoed in the small apartment.
Antonio childishly crossed his arms and pouted at you for what could be the tenth time that day. However, your laughter was so contagious he couldn't keep his charade and he laughed with you.
Moments like these, you thought, no matter how small made you and Antonio closer each day.
After starting your practice, you came to realise that Antonio adapted to your standard. It was the standard that kept you practising the whole night; that night you met the Spaniard for the very first time. At first, he wondered why you had to keep repeating particular lines in the lyrics. You continued to reply that you didn't reach the perfect pitch.
Gradually, Antonio listened until he could hear and understand the perfect pitches you were after. He really did become your coach. This made you contemplate the question: did he actually coach in Music before?
Although he was very encouraging and kind with his teachings, he was firm most especially with your schedule. A few weeks of being around you every single day, he knew you had the tendency to slack off. He, in fact, understood how much this meant to you and he wanted you to give it your all.
A few hours later, you finished the practise for the day. As Antonio stood up from the couch, you turned to your window to find a beautiful ray of sunshine peaking through.
"Look! The snow stopped."
On cue, Antonio looked at the windows and smiled. "Finally, some sunshine in London,"
You pulled back the curtains completely and opened the square window. You breathed in the fresh cold air outside as you leaned on the windowsill to savour the warmth of the sun.
The Spaniard stared at your form being bathed in golden light. With your closed eyes and satisfied smile on your lips, he felt himself smile back.
Antonio felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He took it out and checked the caller.
FRANCO
Shaking his head not feeling like talking to Francis, especially after all the teasing the French man and Gilbert shared on his expense regarding you, he didn't want to give Francis a chance to converse with you yet.
For now, he just wanted to spend time with you. After all, he had spent centuries with his other two best friends.
Antonio slid his finger on the touch screen, sending out a busy tone to Francis. He looked at you once more, and decided that such amount of sunlight should be enjoyed in the outdoors.
"Shall we take a walk, chica?"
Turning back to your best friend, you returned his soft gaze.
"Let's,"
In the Hotel
Hola. Has llamado al teléfono de Antonio Carriedo. No estoy disponible en este momento, pero si me deja su nombre, su número, y un breve mensaje me pondré en contacto con usted tanto pronto como posible. Gracias.[4]
"Mein Gott,[5]Bonnie-boy, stop calling him."
"Mais mon ami..."[6]
"He's not going to answer. It's obvious that he's out with that girl again."
Sighing and slumping his shoulders in defeat, the French man sat back down across the Prussian. "You're so restless, what's wrong?"
"Antonio barely hung out with us! Aren't you worried, Gilbert?!"
Gilbert chugged on his beer, wiped his mouth with his sleeve before replying monotonously, "No..."
"Pourquoi?!" [7]
"He's centuries old, he's not a kid."
"He's physically twenty-five in human years!"
"And your point is?" Gilbert raised an eyebrow, his hand still gripping the beer mug on top of the table separating him and the unnerved Francis. Sighing at the pitiful sight he chose his words. "France... twenty-five year old human guys can make responsible decisions for themselves."
Gilbert raised his mug to take a sip but quickly paused. "Don't tell me your age is getting to you that you forgot what it was like to be twenty-five?"
"Pardonais-moi?!" [8] Francis exclaimed at the insult.
"Wow, even your hearing is starting to falter?" Prussia mocked with a very serious face.
Before Francis could retort, a certain blonde intervened.
"Bruder, you really shouldn't drink bier und insult your freunds in ze morning."
"Vest! It's unusual to see you by yourself." Prussia exclaimed with a raised hand as if to welcome his brother.
Hanging out with Antonio and Francis for centuries almost made the Prussian's accent redundant, an obvious result of constant companionship. In fact, Francis felt that everyone's accents became redundant. However, Francis noticed that there were times when Gilbert's accent became more apparent when he talked to his brother, aside from being influenced by strong emotions.
"I should be asking ze same sing[9]. Vers Spain? You sree ver alveys inseparable. I haven't seen ze sree of you togezer for so long."
"SEE!? I told you so, Gilbert!"
"For fuck's sake, France," Prussia suddenly yelled in pain as he felt sharp claws sink into his pale skin. "OOOOOWWWW!"
Ludwig and Francis stepped back in surprise. Instinctively they bent down but found no need as Gilbert stood up from his chair and placed his dirty boots on the table to reveal two creatures.
"Hey, zat's Italy's cat!" Germany pointed at the sight of the brown cat.
From the entrance of the dining area, a rugged Australian came storming in.
"Kody! There y'ar mate! Oy've been looking everywhere for yew!" said Stephen (Steve) 'Aussie' Kirkland[10]; Arthur's younger brother.
Steve ran towards the three, worry evident in his green eyes as he locked gazes with his rather angry koala. His brown hair looked messy; a common appearance from the bush explorer. A band-aid was tapered around the bridge of his nose, and if anyone recalled correctly it had been there for a century now. Everyone concluded that the band-aid became a permanent part of the Australian's appearance.
"Get zis midget bear und cat off me!" Gilbert wildly shook his leg, trying to rid of the two creatures.
"He's not a midget bear! He's a Drop Bear or you can call him a sloytly evil koala!"[11]
Upon his struggle, tables were upturned and curtains were ripped off from the windows.
"Get your bloody boots off the table!" Arthur Kirkland's voice thundered. "Steve, seriously... keep your koala away from others! That thing is bloody dangerous!"
"Aww, this little goy is only deynjerus if someone disturbs his biyuti sleep. Ain't that royt, Kody?[12]"
Steve tried to reach out to the red-eyed koala but it only hugged Prussia's leg tighter in slight agitation. His claws were lightly puncturing Gilbert, thankfully. However, Kody's strength was well pronounced upon his ability to cling to Gilbert.
"Gilbert! You have to stop shouting! You're only agitating the poor koala!"
"Are you fucking insane?! Poor koala, my ass! You try being in my situation, Francis! You'd cry like a baby girl man-boy! Und it's not gonna be awesome!"
Ludwig nervously took the cat off of his brother's leg and surprisingly it did not retaliate, much to his relief. Steve wasn't having much luck, however.
The Australian took out a jar of vegemite and tried to coax the koala out of Prussia's leg. "Oi Kody, look w'ot I got yew."
Kody, upon further agitation, took his claws out of Gilbert and started swiping it towards his care taker. Gilbert quickly backed away from the koala and ran from the room.[13]
"Gilbert, wait for moi!"
Francis quickly followed his friend whilst the others went on with their business.
"Look at this bloody mess!"
"Aww doynt be so agro, mate,"[14] said Steve as he firmly held the koala. "My animal friends would help clean this pl-"
"No! No more bloody animals in my hotel, Steve!"
Whilst the two brothers argued, Ludwig looked around as he stroked Italy's cat. Upon finding no trace of his brother he wondered aloud where Gilbert could be.
At the same time... somewhere in the streets of London
Two brunette headed men walked side by side as they toured the streets of London. One of them held the map so closely to his face that he couldn't see his surroundings. He was entirely dependent upon the man walking beside him, the one humming a certain tune that annoyed the hell out of his map-reading companion.
"Romano, are we there yet?"
"Almost..." Romano replied as he tried his best to concentrate on the map.
"We've been walking for almost half an hour. Britain said that it should be close to the hotel. Are you sure we're going the right way?"
Romano felt his grip on the map tighten. Not wanting to lose his composure in public in a foreign country, he gritted his teeth. "Feliciano... I would have been able to concentrate on the map if a certain someone would stop singing that stupid song regarding a certain potate bastardo![15]"
Suddenly, Romano collided with a lamp post whilst his brother Feli ran ahead of him. Feliciano stopped and started sniffing the air, almost as if he was trying to find the source of a particular smell that took his interest.
"Merde![16]" Romano yelled in agony as he rubbed his nose to ease the pain. "Why the hell didn't you warn me about that lamp post!?"
Unfortunately, Feli wasn't paying attention.
"Hey! Are you listening to me?"
"Veee~! Andiamo, fratello! [17]I could smell the pasta and the pizza!"
"Porca troia! Slow down, you stronzo!"[18]
With map on hand, Romano ran after his brother but not before taking notice of a couple walking side by side as they crossed the street.
"Hm? Is that...?"
A sudden exclamation of PASTA caught back his attention and he headed towards Feliciano before he could lose sight of his twin brother...
MEANWHILE
A very grumpy Prussian limped his way through a bustling crowd of late Christmas shoppers. He grumbled at his misfortune instead of focussing on the soreness of his leg.
"Gilbert, where are you going?"
"Well away from that demonic midget bear while trying to find Tonio!"
"What for," Francis asked as he took a step beside his limping friend.
"He owes me a big jug of beer because I'm awesomely pissed!"
Francis couldn't help but get more concerned of Gilbert's limping.
"Gilbert I think you should rest your leg for a bit, you're limping."
Without pausing the Prussian replied, "I'm fine."
"Let's just get that checked,"
"I said I'm fine! Why do you have to question my awesome healing ability, France!? It's so not awesome!"
Because of his friend's persistence, Francis suggested his second idea. "Well then, why don't we get something hot to drink first, hmm?"
Gilbert finally paused, although it was a sunny weather he could still feel the sting of the cold air. He also realised that he forgot his scarf in the hotel due to his mounting desire to leave the premises away from Steve's koala.
"Not a bad idea."
When the two countries arrived, they went straight to the cashier to order. Gilbert ordered his usual long black while Francis, being the pompous French he was, ordered a latté. He also, not surprisingly, asked the barista to design his latte in the image of the beautiful cashier he was just flirting with. The guy barista rolled his eyes whilst the cashier in question blushed at the thought.
Gilbert took a small metal stand that propped a number that designated their order. As soon as he and Francis turned away from the register to find a table, there they saw two familiar figures.
"Hey look! Isn't that the Italian brothers," Francis asked as he and Gilbert approached their table.
Romano, surprisingly, was having a calm lunch with his brother as they both sipped their hot beverages. A plate of pasta and pizza sat on their table, their meals half eaten.
"Fancy seeing you two here," said Francis as he took a table next to his fellow countries.
Upon seeing him, Romano moved his chair a little closer to Veneziano, trying to stay a safe distance away from the French.
"Fancy seeing you here as well, Messere Francy-pants and you, too Mister Germany's brother!"
Prussia felt a swell of annoyance, but kept his mood in check. "I have a name, you know? And it's Gilbert or you can call me the awesome Prussia."
Before Italy could reply, Romano cut in hushed whispers. "Watch what you two are saying! We shouldn't be talking about our real identities so openly!"[19]
"Yeah yeah..." Prussia waved off Romano, not feeling up to his usual debating self. "Hey Lovi-kins, have you seen Tonio?"
As if the previous conversation that almost enticed an argument didn't occur, Romano dropped his defences from Francis and raised an eyebrow as he replied, "That's funny... I was about to ask you two the same thing, and don't call me that!"
"He hasn't been hanging out with us for awhile," with shoulders slumped, Francis immediately interrupted as to not give any chance for an argument to occur. He thought for a moment how much he resembled his little sister Monique; Monaco, judging by how much of a worrier he was turning out to be.[20] "We thought, maybe, you would have an idea."
"Last time we saw him was during the meeting," replied Feli before slurping his pasta.[21]
Truly, although Francis and Gilbert were happy that their friend seemed happier than usual after being in your company, they were worried over the fact that they might be losing their friend.
"Oh wait, I think I see him now! With a pretty lady, no less," Feli exclaimed as he pointed out the window.
"So it was him," Romano whispered to himself.
It really was Antonio he saw awhile ago. Now, the question was... who was the girl? Romano contemplated for a moment. He grew up under the watchful and caring eyes of Antonio. He could go as far as to say that he thought of Antonio as a brother, if not a fatherly figure. Through all the times that he was with the conquistador, the only woman he saw Antonio spending time with so casually was Bella; Belgium. The other women he saw in the Spaniard's hacienda were not worth remembering.
The fact that he was out taking a leisurely walk in the park, with a girl's arm linked around his, made the Southern Italian wonder who the strange woman was. Spying on them crossed his mind and he knew that the other countries were thinking of the same thing.
"Let's go and follow him, Bonnie-boy," said Prussia as he dragged the French out the cafe.
Right on cue, he thought.
He was against the idea of following his caretaker. It wasn't any of his business, and he respected the Spaniard enough not to butt in his personal affairs no matter how tempted he was.
He chuckled at the irony how Antonio used to follow him when he wanted to visit Veneziano. Though, now that he was grown-up, he knew that Antonio only did so because he cared for him. It was a good thing, too because he had no idea that France was intent on taking custody of him as he journeyed home.
"Do we really have to?"
"Don't tell me you're not a least bit curious."
Francis tried to find a good reason but none came to him. Thus, he submitted in defeat. "I can't say I'm not."
"Then let's go before we lose them!"
With that, Francis and Gilbert left the café. The Italian brothers stared at the door as France and Prussia left. Once the duo could be seen outside the window running towards the park, the brothers continued to stare.
"What about you, Lovino? Aren't you curious about hermano España?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Then why didn't you go?"
Lovino sipped his tea to contemplate. "I respect him enough not to pry on his affairs. Besides, he'd tell us sooner or later when he's ready."
"Here's your order of latté and long black," said the waitress as she placed the two beverages on the table. She took the number that Gilbert had in his hands a few moments ago and left.
"They left before they even drank their coffees," said Feli as he stared at the two beverages. "Are you sure you don't want to know?" He was like a brother to us, after all. We can ask Sir Francy-Pants and Germany's brother. The two seemed very concerned about him, so shouldn't we?"
Lovino knew perfectly well why he entertained spying on his caretaker and doing otherwise. First of all, like he said he respected Antonio enough. The other thing was, in truth Romano had very few people in his life that he would consider family. His estranged grandfather, biological brother Veneziano and his father/elder brotherly figure; Antonio were practically the only ones he had.
Though to be honest, among everyone else he was sure that Antonio knew him the best among all three contenders.
Grandpa Rome spent more time with Feli. In fact, he came to a conclusion that everyone, including Grandpa Rome, favoured Feli over him.
When Feli spent more time with Ludwig, he felt the pang of jealousy surge through him. He was already envious that Feli was better than him in every way, and now that Ludwig took his bonding time with his own brother angered him all the more.
He didn't have to worry about Spain, in fact he took his affections for granted; which he regretted as he grew older. In all honesty, Antonio was the closest thing he had to a brother and a father, more than Feli. With his father figure acting stranger than usual, in all honesty it made him worry all the more.
Antonio never hung out with the same woman for more than a week. If he did, the Spaniard made sure he had other ladies in the side lines. Antonio always shared the stories of his escapades with his two best friends and at times with Romano himself. He even gave Romano a few pointers, which lead the Italian to be more than adept in seducing ladies with his Italian charms and his adopted Spanish wiles.
With Antonio being secretive about this woman only made him more ever more curious.
Romano took France's latté and drank it without thinking as he kept staring at Gilbert and Francis, who were downright shameful in their lack of stealth.
"Umm.. fratello, you're drinking mister Francy-Pants' latté," said Veneziano as he watched his brother sip the beverage.
Surprised, Romano spitted out the coffee with such force. He pushed the latté away from him, much to Feli's delight because he wanted to drink the latté in the first place. He grabbed Prussia's drink and gulped it all down. No matter how tempted he was to follow the Prussian and French, he still wasn't willing enough to be anywhere near the French.
IN THE PARK...
The park wasn't as lively as you thought it would be. Though there were some people around, the rare sunlight wasn't enough to entice others into the area. There were vendors of hot beverages outside and although you had too much in one morning, it was still too cold not to be tempted to drink a hot chocolate.
"Gracias," said Antonio as he received two cups of hot chocolate from the vendor.
You were staring at the large pine tree, covered in snow at the very centre of the park. It was filled with decorations, safely secured on each branch. A large star, the size of two heads, was perched on top of the park's Christmas tree. You felt yourself smile at the thought of Christmas being only a few days away.
"Here you go, chica."
Antonio extended one hot chocolate your way and you held the Styrofoam cup with both hands.
"Thank you," you said before turning your gaze back to the Christmas tree.
The Spaniard stood beside you, looking at the image that held your attention. "You're welcome," he whispered back.
Taking a sip of the hot chocolate, he rolled his eyes to see you without turning his head. "Nice tree, isn't it?"
"Yeah..."
"We should get one for your place."
You smiled serenely and nodded. "You'd help me find one?"
"Si! Of course I would. Need help decorating it, too?"
"Only if I get to put the star on top," you grinned mischievously and finally turned towards him.
Antonio pouted childishly and placed his right hand on his hips; the other holding his drink. "That's my favourite part."
You giggled and turned back towards the tree. "Well," you started, "I'm not that tall so maybe you could help me put it there?"
The Spaniard leaned down to you, his face close and a grin on his lips. "That still doesn't say that I would be putting the star on top."
Seeing how close he was to you, you blushed as your eyes expressed your surprise.
"Fine! We can put it there together. Happy?"
"Si! We just need to make sure that we get a really tall tree so I'm going to be the only one who could put the star there," Antonio sipped his drink in satisfaction before pausing once again. "Did I just say that out loud?"
You playfully punched his arm, which he melodramatically rubbed to soothe the pain.
"Can you believe it's almost Christmas?"
"Si," said Antonio. "Are you excited to perform your number?"
You subconsciously gripped your cup tighter. "Actually... I'm pretty nervous."
Antonio jerked his head your way again. You sipped your hot chocolate as you stared at the ground, a habit of yours when you're embarrassed.
The Spaniard placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. The gesture snapped your train of thought and looked back only to be met with the same gentle green eyes you grew accustomed to every single day.
"Well, I think you're ready."
His smile, his stare, his hand, they were all encouraging. You couldn't help but smile and gaze at him in return and placed a hand on top of his.
"Thank you,"
BEHIND SOME TALL HEDGES
"Oh you gotta be fucking kidding me," Gilbert moaned in exasperation.
Francis, who was carrying Gilbert's weight on his shoulder, tried his best to stay sturdy and avoid rocking from side to side. Passersby stared at them in both suspicion and amusement.
"Quoi? What's happening, Gil?"
"They're making out!"
"QUOI?!"
"Now, Tonio's caressing her vital regions!"
The suspense was killing the French man and he yelled, "My turn!"
Dropping the Prussian on the floor was no hard feat for the French. Gilbert yelped in pain as he tried his best to stand up. The French man quickly climbed on the Prussian's shoulder, which earned him another yelp in pain, and scanned the area for any sign of love making in public with such gusto.
Disappointedly, he found you and Spain conversing like how normal friends would. The making out session that Gilbert claimed was when Antonio leaned down towards you. From their angle of sight, it seemed as if you both shared a kiss. The look of surprise and blush on your cheeks were evidence of such acts, despite being mistaken to be so.
Both nations were certain you were sharing a kiss then. Although, that wasn't why he was disappointed, both he and Gil knew that despite Antonio's carefree expression he was a very passionate lover. He should have known that Gil tended to exaggerate things... over exaggerate, in fact.
To them, you both did make out, but judging by what was happening he knew that Antonio didn't caress your vital regions as the Prussian claimed.
"No he wasn't!"
"But I saw them making out, you faggo-"
"I meant, he wasn't touching her vital regions!"
"What vulgarity!" yelled a mother covering her child's ears as they hurriedly walked past the two nations.
Francis and Gilbert blushed in embarrassment, both feeling as if they were truly reprimanded by their own mothers.
"Where are your manners?" she yelled once again before disappearing around a corner. "There are children about!"
"Sorry!" exclaimed the two nations, their blushes still apparent.
Back to Antonio and Maria
"Come, let's stop thinking about that for a while and enjoy the day," said Antonio as he pulled you by the hand towards a bench.
You lost your balance at the sudden pull that you almost spilled your drink. A minute later, you both arrived at what appeared to be a skating rink. The skating rink used to be a beautiful lake underneath a small arc brick bridge, with ducks swimming in liberty. Now that winter has come, the ducks were replaced by a group of people.
Children held their parents' hand as they glided across the rink. Couples held each others' hands whilst the other couples taught their significant other how to skate. Some of the other skaters were either amateurs or professionals.
As for you, you grew up close to a lake and ice skating became a hobby. If you had to be honest with yourself, you knew you were pretty good at it. Antonio however, held some reserves to a lot of winter sports. He loved the sunny weather back at his place, so much so that his own past time was taking care of his hacienda, most especially his tomatoes.
"Would you like to go ice skating, Toni?" you asked, not familiar of his reserves from the sport.
"I, uh... right now?"
"Not right now," you replied as the Spaniard wiped a nervous sweat off his forehead, "we don't have any skates. We can come back next time, hopefully when the rink isn't filled with people."
Antonio kept silent, not that he wanted to. He just didn't know what to say. He then moved forward nonchalantly, away from the skating rink. This was his very subtle way of pushing the idea of skating out of your mind and his.
In the background, Gilbert couldn't help but guffaw.
"What are you laughing about, Gil?" asked France, concerned that his friend had gone crazier than usual.
Gilbert looked at France in response. He then reminisced the times when Tonio would come out with an excuse every single time they asked him to go ice skating.[22]
Prussia's Point of View
It was the year 1810, Winter: Snowy. I was and will always be awesome. Bonnie-boy's midget-general Bonaparte hosted a big ass party on winter. Kesesese, to be honest he also had a big ass. Anyways, apparently, midget-boy loved ice skating ever since Louise XVI and Frenchy-boy brought the idea to Paris. I swear to my oh-so-awesome self that they just followed the trend that my ancestor; Holy Roman Empire, through Emperor Rudolf the red nose reindeer, started. They're such copy-killing-cats-of-unawesome.
I was told that Rudolf loved ice skating so much that his court held large carnivals to make the sport even more popular. Of course only such awesomeness could come from my heritage. I mean, we Prussians all descended from epic. That's why my awesomeness always explodes everywhere.
Anyways, I still don't understand why anyone would want to marry a royal chick from Austria's household. I told France that it was a bad idea but General midget was keen on marrying Archduchess Marie Louise. But of course, frilly ballerina girl attract midget ballerina boy. Why the hell Francis love wearing frills as much as that demon Austria, I will never know.
So there I was, in the party with my two best friends and that annoying baby girl man boy Austria and that homo Hungary.
For France's sake I tried not to insult the two. Besides, he was already having so much hassle from the Italian brothers because of their missing Pope. Francis said that he had no idea where the Pope was but he had a feeling that someone in his office was responsible. Antonio was too happy to attend the celebration mostly because Napoleon kicked Caterpillar-brow's ass back in Antwerp!
Though, he wasn't too happy when we asked him for the thousandth time to come skating with us. Bonnie-boy and I knew that Spain would give us another lame excuse. Sooooo not awesome of the Tomato-loving member of the group.
Surprisingly, Tonio didn't give us any excuse and just went along with it. This worried me and Francis, and to think nothing worries the awesome Prussia!
I have to admit, Bonnie-boy and I tried our best to stop from laughing. Spain the lame non-ice skating boss was horrible at it. Heck, he couldn't even pretend to be good at it.
He unwittingly injured 10 frilly-big assed-poof-heads [23] in the skating rink, almost drowned a dog by cracking the frozen lake, and broke his nose after colliding with a bridge made of bricks.
End of Journal Entry…
I'm sure, now after seeing a very similar bricked bridge in the park, the very same memories were rushing to his head. Kesesese...
This is going to be hilarious. I wonder if he's really going to be skating with this little girl.
As I was plotting of ways to embarrass my friend, Francis was fawning over the two.
"Aww! Isn't it nice that Tonio is finally having a proper date?"
Ugh... typical of Bonnie-boy. He can be such a romantic-pussy.
Tonio took Maria's hand again, pulling her away from the one thing he wasn't good at.
Apparently, Frenchy here didn't even hear the awesome un-piggy snort the awesome me just made. Because he kept on yapping how he's jealous of Spain's half assed date.
I've known him for centuries and even after all these years, no one has surpassed my awesomeness. Anyways, he's taking too damn long to make a move on her. He should have been groping her ass by now, or even shove her in a bush somewhere despite the cold and 'warm' her up. Francis told me of my mistake, about Tonio touching his date's vital regions. Oh well!
Although, a thought came to me as I looked around my surroundings. Yeah, I'm sure I could do some awesome blasting activity behind one... or two. Besides, every lady loves my five metres. Kesesese...
Fuck, how can the awesome Prussia not have shagged a lady for a while now? I think I know why, mostly because Tonio goes missing and does some unawesome stuff elsewhere without me to make it awesome; with or without Francis. Of course the awesome friend I am, I start waiting for him to show up.
My Prussian train of thought suddenly snapped and I realised that they've ventured too far for me or Francis to hear any strain of sound. As if on cue, to baptise the silence, Gilbird pops out of my front pocket.
"Cheep!" he chirped.
"Ugh, sorry Gilbird. I almost forgot about you."
The bird chirped once in a tone that depicted he was unhappy with that answer.
"Don't blame me!" I raised my hands up in surrender to my little yellow chick. "Blame Spain, he goes around frolicking with a girl in a park. Wish I could spare my awesome boots from walking around and spying on them."
Francis entered my line of vision as I crossed my arms and pouted as I replied to Gilbird's unhappy chirp. "Gilbird! Glad Gil finally let you out of his breast pocket. I thought you would have been frozen chicken by now."
Gilbird's eyes widened in fear. Ugh, why was Francis insulting my bird? As I made a retort back to Bonnie-boy, the yellow chick chirped in protest at the thought.
"Don't say that! He is too awesome and too tiny to be a frozen chicken. He could at least be a frozen nugget."
I teased, but apparently Gilbird wasn't pleased. Who wouldn't though? He'd been stuck in my breast pocket for how long? At least, he wasn't anywhere near my crotch cloth.
Poor Gilbird, he was shaking. I placed a gentle hand on my cute and awesome Chicky-bird, calming him down. "We're just kidding, Gilbird. I was wondering if you would be willing to do the awesome me a favour?"
Gilbird calmed down a little and gazed at me with his cute little beady eyes. Aww! He's forgiven me so easily, he is absolutely awesome! Second to me of course...
"I need you to spy on Tonio and his little girl friend. Can you do that?"
Gilbird did a little bird-wing salute and chirped in agreement.
"Hang on, mon ami. I want to see what Gilbird sees too!"
"Kesesese... I knew you would, Bonnie-boy. That's why I brought," From my back pocket I took out a bird sized head camera, "this."
I placed the band on Gilbird's head, making sure it wasn't loose or too tight.
"Where did you get that?
FLASHBACK
"Guten morgen, American!"
"Howdy, Albino-German!"
"It's Prussia..."
"Yeah that, whazzup?"
"Nothing much. I was just thinking about finding a camera that fits my bird, Gilbird."
"Who?"
I scratched the back of my head in annoyance.
"Gil-bird... my bird!"
"Dude! Eww!"
"Not that bird! Besides mine wouldn't even be a bird, it's 5 meters long!"
I said so proudly that I puffed my chest out and did a hero-pose...much better than the blonde American's because I am AWESOME!
"Oh really? Just that?"
"Eh… What do you mean by 'just that'?"
"You know, your bird!"
"Gilbird is not 5 meters! He's about 3 inches!"
"Your bird's only 3 inches?! I thought you said it was 5 meters!"
Oi… stupid American…
END OF FLASHBACK
"Eh… long story, Bonnie-boy. Long story…"
Francis could only give me his usual confused frog look, while I placed the camera on Gilbird.
END OF PRUSSIA'S POV
START OF ANTONIO'S POV
I looked at the very familiar looking bricked bridge, arching over the lake skating rink as my friend and I walked away from the haunting figure. I could tell Maria so desperately wanted to skate, but alas Spain the boss must admit only to himself that I cannot skate… AT ALL!
Good thing she didn't press the subject any further and instead opted for a friendly stroll in the park. I could tell I wasn't really subtle in avoiding the skating idea. I don't know if Maria felt my uncertainty or I was just getting better at bull-ing my way out of such situations. Either way I am very thankful, Dios mio…
As she and I walked past some bushes, oddly I could hear some sniggering.
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" asked Maria.
We were both silent and paused for a few seconds, the sound ceased. "N-nothing, must be my imagination."
After some strolling, we finished our hot beverages and decided to sit on a nearby bench. Maria sat first and I sat on her right, my left arm stretched behind her.
We just sat there, watching time pass by, the little children walking and skating around with their friends and parents. Despite my certain dislike for winter sports, I found myself relax at the sight of the little children playing in the snowy park.
I chuckled at the idea, Lovino always teased me that I was a paedophile. No matter how hard I try to convince him I was not, the teasing only grew worse. I love children in a very father-like manner, mind you.
"What's so funny?" Maria asked with an innocent yet curious smile on her face.
"I wouldn't say funny, chica. I guess you could say, I am very entertained in seeing a group of friends and family enjoying themselves outdoors."
She strained her neck to look at the sight in front of us, once more. Silence consumed us once more, satisfied with just observing, no words needed at all. "You seem to come from such a big family, Toni."
"How can you tell?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You just seem like a very family-oriented type of person."
"Very observant as usual," I replied.
"Thanks, I'm not as good as Sherlock Holmes but I learned a thing or two from him.
"Oh? Show me. What else can you tell about me, chica?"
Her expression changed. Her blue eyes wavered for a moment, her smile faded to a worried frown, and her cheeks sunk to express her hesitation. She was contemplating, I could tell.
I urged her with a look and a smile that said it was alright.
She took a deep breath.
"You're a very happy person, laid back, musically inclined but we already know that. You love the sun judging by your tan. Never married because your left ring finger doesn't have any difference in shade to the rest of your skin and neither does it have a specific curve that would indicate you were wearing a ring on that finger at all. The way you talk about kids would indicate you to have a great understanding and love of children, which would indicate the possibility that you can be just as childish."
She smiled my way. It was as if she was telling me that she could testify to that herself. She was spot on so far.
"That could also mean that you are very brotherly and protective of those you find to be rather child-like. You love making other people happy, and that is why you always have a happy disposition in life."
"So far so good," I complimented, but she cut me off as she said,
"And yet, this desire to make others happy and putting them before you could mean that you bottle up certain emotions and thoughts. Your laid-back nature but alert protectiveness over others you care about would indicate that you do take notice of certain issues and your surroundings. You just decide to ignore them and think about them at a later date, usually when you're alone or when something triggers it."
I stared hard at her. She was right, absolutely, and positively right. She was, in fact, the very first person to have noticed. Then again, I don't really communicate with others outside my social circle for long.
This made me think, was I that transparent?
No, others didn't say anything. Only Gilbert and Francis know. Possibly Lovino, but still.
"Toni?" Maria's voice sounded as if she was panicking inside, and indeed she was. "I'm so sorry! I went too far!"
I only stared at her as she continued to ramble on her apology. For someone so young she was very observant. She was only twenty, and many women of her generation and age did not have the same innocence and keen observation. She is most definitely intriguing, very much so.
I gently placed a hand on her cheek, which effectively stopped her from rambling. I slowly closed the gap between our faces, and I could see a blush creeping up on hers. How adorable!
Our faces were about a few inches away, the closer I got to her the bigger my grin seemed to grow. When I was close enough, I smirked and immediately pinched her cheeks while my other free hand gently twisted her nose.
"OW!" She yelped in pain and I couldn't contain my laughter.
"Toni!" Maria yelled as she punched my arm in retaliation.
"Dios mio, chica! You looked so adorable I couldn't stop myself! Lo siento! Lo siento!"
She continued to give me her so called 'evil glare', her pout was evident as she crossed her arms in displeasure. This sight only made me cackle harder.
A few seconds of laughter, I could tell she was trying to suppress a smile. "I'm so sorry, chica. I had to do that because you looked so adorable! Honestly, querida… You don't have to be so sorry."
Maria blinked her eyes, all her displeasure seemed to melt away. "Didn't I touch a very sensitive topic?"
I smiled in reply. "It was such a long time ago. I am very much over it."
I leaned back on the bench and placed my left hand on her head. Although I told her that it was not a big deal, she hung her head as if she still felt guilty about what she said.
"My… parents died when I was very young. You could say my adopted brothers took care of me."
She did touch a nerve, I admit. However, it wasn't the type of nerve that would get me in an angry frenzy. It was the sort that would make me stop and think, "She's right".
I never talked about my family. Lovino and the rest of the nations I took care of were the only ones I have… er had. Despite the fact that they reached their independence, we still kept close ties. However, I do not remember the last time I had a big brother or big sister I could call my own. I couldn't even remember my own parents.
Us, nations… living both the life of a human and a country, are we abominations?
My train of thought was cut short when I felt Maria's hand on my knee. She was looking at me almost pleadingly, asking me to continue only if I feel the need to. I acquiesced.
"I don't even remember my own parents, anymore." I said, reflecting back to what I just thought about. "All I had were my friends, brothers, and some others whom I took care of since we were young. I guess that is why, I have such values, but didn'-"
"but didn't like to talk about it…" Maria continued for me.
I turned to face her.
She was such a refreshing change from my usual company. A new face, a new person, a new friend… I believe she was all I needed at this stage of my life. Looking deep in her eyes, it made me realise something.
I need her.
I needed the kind of person that knows only of the pain of humanity, not of a country like me. All my life, the only things I did to succumb myself to human-thinking were only a small portion of what being a human was like.
I failed to notice that I did not even go beyond the primal human desire. I did not interact with humans the same way I interact with Maria. Thought of primal urges did not exist between Maria and I. It was pure friendship, the kind of friendship that an immortal would not value as much. Although humans live such short lives many of them wake up every day, getting older, getting more tired, but they live their life the way they want it and live it to the fullest.
Us immortals, time is of no essence. We tend to take things for granted.
Sometimes, I used to think about why I became the way I am; a country personified as a human. Maybe it's time for me to think human to better serve my people.
Her friendship made me feel human, and appreciate being one.
Perhaps, this was why I was destined to meet her. I just wish, there were many more like her. Someone who could open me up and make me think about the things I didn't use to.
"You are the very first person to have noticed that about me."
"About…?"
"People just assume that I have a great family because I am a very friendly person. My enthusiasm and laid back nature usually deviates a person from asking such questions. You, querida, are one of the very few people who could literally open me like a book. Our friendship only started a few weeks ago, but I can tell that you value it as much as I do and that is why you were able to tell me things not many people can."
Certain feelings surged through me, and I couldn't stop myself from embracing Maria.
"Thank you, Maria. I was finally able to let these thoughts out."
I know for sure that she was smiling, she always was. She stroke my hair very gently, and whispered "That's what friends are for, Toni. I'm always here to listen."
Always… the word came to my head. She's not immortal and yet, the way she said that she would always be there for me, it was so genuine that I could believe she and I could be friends for eternity.
END OF CHAPTER 2
1 It can be any movie you want.
2 "What?"
3 The guitar
4 Spanish for: Hello, you have reached Antonio Carriedo. I am not available at this time, but if you leave your name, number and a brief message I will contact you as soon as possible. Thank you.
5 German: My God
6 French: "But my friend..."
7 Why?!
8 "Excuse me?!"
9 "thing"
10 I know the fandom use the name Jack, but I really do prefer the name Steve for Aussie. :D
11 slightly
12 "Aww, this little guy is only dangerous if someone disturbs his beauty sleep. Ain't that right, Kody?" - It's hard to write how Aussies talk! I live in Australia so I know. :P Hahah! Though some Aussies do have a British accent, but bear in mind not ALL Australians sound like Steve Irwin! However, if you lived here long enough you will easily spot the difference of their accents.
13 Refer to wiki/Drop_bear
14 Agro: Aussie slang for angry
15 Italian for "potato bastard" if you haven't guessed it yet.
16 "Shit!"
17 "Let's go, brother!"
18 "Fucking hell! Slow down you turd!"
19 Like I said... read Behind Genesis. I will be rewriting it but I wrote it in fanfiction anyway so you guys would have an idea of what I'm talking about in my Hetalia fics.
20 Monaco doesn't have a human name yet but I thought I might as well give her one. Monique is one of my childhood friend's name and I thought it was a name that very much resembles the nation's name.
21 Just to be clear, Italy has many names: Veneciano, Veneziano, Feliciano, or Feli.
22 wiki/Ice_skating
23 The nobles