"I'm lashing out at you!"

"Things are turbulent!"

"I'm lashing out at you!"

Italy watched as a poor Mr. Austria was yelled at and bullied by the countries that he was in control of and all he could do was sit there and take the abuse.

Although Mr. Austria was mean to Italy, it occurred to Italy that maybe he was mean to toughen Italy up so she wouldn't get upset or cry like she normally would. He was such a patient man that he took all the abuse of the countries.

"Stop! Stop it right now!" Italy opened the door and ran to Mr. Austria who opened his mouth in shock.

"Italy what are you…?"

"I'm sick of it! All the fighting and yelling! It hurts Hungary and Holy Rome and me, no more yelling!" Italy turned around and hit both of the taller, stronger countries' legs, "Leave us alone! Just because you can't do your jobs right, doesn't mean you can blame Mr. Austria!"

"Why you little brat!"

Italy flew back and landed on her butt, her cheek burning and stinging and feeling like someone put a white hot fire poker on the skin, "WA!~"

"That is it!" Austria slammed his hands down and pulled the countries out of the room, leaving Italy to hide under his desk.

'He's mad at me, and he'll punish me now.' "Ve~…"

"Italy! Italy, where did you go?"

Italy stayed quiet until Austria's feet appeared in front of her.

"Italy, come out from under there."

Italy crawled out and looked up at Austria, who held her chin to look at the red marked cheek.

"Why would you do that? Why would you try and help me?"

"…because you're only one person…and I don't want you to get hurt anymore…"

Austria sighed and picked Italy in his arms, carrying her to her room.

"That was out of line, Italy and very disrespectful to the other countries. I believe sending you to bed with no supper is acceptable punishment."

"Yes sir."

Normally Italy would wait in her nightgown for Hungary to tuck her in but Austria was the one this time to tuck her in and blow out the candle.

"Good night Italy, I will talk to Hungary and Holy Rome about your absence."

"Yes sir."

Italy settled into bed, tears misting her eyes as she still felt the pain on her cheek. She was waiting for Austria to close the door when he called out her name again, "Italy?"

"Yes sir?"

"…I'm proud of you for standing up for me…"

"Sir?" Italy sat up in bed and stared at the nation.

"I mean it Italy that was foolish but brave. I'm proud of you."

The door closed, putting the entire room to darkness but Italy was too happy to notice anything.

"Holy Rome! Holy Rome!"

Italy was cleaning out Holy Rome's closet when she found a painting of herself asleep on a chair. She looked so cute and so peaceful in the painting, which made her smile.

'So the lesson did help…'

"Italy! D-don't look at that!" Holy Rome tried running into the room when he saw that she already seen the painting, "I can explain!"

"You draw so well!" Italy beamed at the stunned empire, holding the painting like it was a treasure.

"What?"

"It's so good! It's amazing! I look so…cute!"

"But…but…" Italy gave the painting to Holy Rome and hugged him around the middle.

"I need to go clean the floors! Bye-bye Holy Rome!"

Italy ran quickly out of the room and down the hall like a bird flying through the air when she heard a loud yell.

"ITALY!"

"Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! Stop chasing me, Holy Rome!" Italy now ran with fear as she imagined the young nation chasing her.

"Don't you ever go into my room again! Come back here!"

"NO!"

"Ah, young love…" France cooed from the side. Germany glared at him and heard a stifled chuckle from Japan.

"Vhat?"

"…you have to admit…it's reary cute…" Germany couldn't believe what he was hearing!

Ok yeah sometimes Italy was girly and annoying. Ok most times. But he was anything but…cute...

"Ah Germany's getting annoyed. Vhat's the matter, brother? Do you not vant to know about all of Italy's lovers?"

And that's when Germany punched his brother in the mouth.

A/N: aw! Italy is so cute! I'm sorry I have not been around so much but I hope cute little italy makes up for it! Until next time!