Talking was harder than ever.

Not that Ukraine was unpleasant, not at all, but she was… well, Ukraine. And Germany didn't know where to look.

But it was important that Germany talk, because Ukraine was really his last chance to ask, because talking about this to Prussia or Austria would be a disaster.

Now or never.

It couldn't be that hard, could it?

Germany took a deep breath.

"Ah— Miss Ukraine. I have a question."

Ukraine looked up from her mug of milky coffee. "Yes?"

"I— well— I have this— friend." Yes. That was a good start. "And he has this friend."

Ukraine nodded.

"And he wants to tell this friend that he l—" Oh no, he couldn't start blushing now, he'd give it away- "—that he l-likes him. A lot. But, uh, he's not sure how. And. Um. He's not really sure if his friend likes him t-that way either and. That's— that's his problem."

Ukraine smiled patiently. "Germany, if I were you, I'd just tell Veneziano."

"I— that's not—" Germany sighed defeatedly. "How did you know?"

She kept smiling. "Because America and Belgium and Seychelles and Spain and Taiwan and I held a meeting to discuss it. And also, I am sorry to say, everyone's known for years." She brightened. "I am glad you are finally acknowledging it!"

"Um."

"I am afraid I haven't seen much of Veneziano lately, but I'm sure he does like you. Why don't you ask him?"

Germany stared at the table and admitted "…don't know how."

"Hm." Ukraine tapped her chin. "You could ask if he wants to go out for… for coffee, as more than friends, and see what he says."

"What if he says no?"

"Ah. Hm. Oh! The world meeting's coming up in… a week, is it? You could ask him there, and we would all be there as moral support. How does that sound?"

"Okay. Um, whey you say 'we', you mean—"

"America and Belgium and Seychelles and—"

"—Spain and Taiwan and yourself. Right. Of course."

"Probably Hungary and Liechtenstein as well." Ukraine rested her chin in her hands. "Does that sound okay?"

"Yes."

"Oh, wonderful. I will see you in a week, then?" Ukraine stood, and then patted him on the shoulder. "You are a very nice young man, Germany. I am sure Veneziano will say yes."

Well. That made one person who was.