After a few days in England they left for the next country. Italy wasn't happy they decided to go to Japan first, but he must have decided it was for the best because he left for home to "prepare". It made the most sense though, since they were ultimately going to end up back in Germany. Belle had asked that morning if it would be ok to see his country last.

"I'd feel bad if I went home without ever seeing Germany, especially since you've been traveling with me this whole time."

Her words vibrated in his ears as they dropped their things off at Japan's house. He had offered they stay there during their trip and they happily agreed. It was a whole new experience for Belle since she specialized in European architecture, so she had to ask Japan various questions as they toured around several of the much older, preserved towns.

Germany was also impressed by how fluent she was in Japanese. She liked to converse with the people, especially the ones who knew about the structures she was interested in. She spoke with so much confidence and enthusiasm that he couldn't take his eyes off of her. He found himself doing that a lot lately.

"Germany."

"Japan?"

"This is very improper…"

"Excuse me?"

"You know what the Countries think about relations with humans…I know it isn't my business but…"

Germany looked taken aback. Relationship? What relationship?

"I'm just taking Belle on her tour since so much has happened to her."

Japan looked doubtful, but Germany seemed to be speaking the truth. At least, what he thought was the truth.

After that question was out in the air Germany began warring with himself over whether or not it was true. It was against the rules for Countries to cultivate romantic relationships with humans. Well…It wasn't a written rule…but everyone kind of recognized it. It didn't stop some of the Countries from pursuing the opposite sex, but it never lasted. It couldn't last.

It couldn't last because Countries were immortal. They lived as long as their countries did, and nothing could end their life before that time. He could no longer count how many times he had been injured in battle, only to be perfectly fine in the next few days. They lived for hundreds of years…but humans die. They get sick, they have accidents, and they grow old. Many of the Countries knew well the pain of holding someone dear and then losing them to an unstoppable fate. Japan had a right to be so worried; Germany was one of the few who had never made that mistake before.

He watched Belle laugh at something the man she was speaking with said and felt his chest tighten. It was true that he was more comfortable around her than anyone else and that he admired her strong and kind will, but he didn't feel anything like that for her.

Right?

He shook the thoughts from his head. Of course he didn't. That would be against the rules.

That night Belle was wandering around Japan's garden. She had called home the day before to tell her family she would be gone longer than expected, though she didn't tell the exact details of how she had managed to "win a trip" to three more countries. They were excited for her, especially her grandparents who always wanted her mother to visit their homeland but never could fully afford it, but she felt kind of bad for lying. Then again, how could she explain that she was traveling with a man she barely knew? A man who was a Country?

She gazed into the little pond from the bench that sat under a vibrant tree. She had never seen a tree that was so pink before.

"Excuse me, Miss Belle?"

She looked up to see Japan standing near her. She was so lost in thought she hadn't heard him approaching.

"Oh! Hello, Japan."

"May I have a seat?"

"Of course."

They sat on opposite ends of the bench, the distance between them comfortable.

"Miss Belle, I do not mean to pry, but I must ask you a question."

"Of course, what is it?"

"Do you have…feelings…for Germany?"

She felt her face heat up and was thankful for the darkness. It was true she had become slightly attracted to him during their time together, but she would never act on it. He was a Country, and at most he was a friend.

"What? Why?"

"There is something you should know about Countries."

He told her about their immortality, and Belle hastily denied there being anything between her and Germany. It was true anyway, and she had assumed from the beginning that Countries had a certain agelessness, though not to the degree he explained.

Belle noticed, over the next few days they stayed in Japan, that Germany rarely looked at her anymore. He didn't investigate her sketches or sit beside her anymore, and he quit talking to her as much as he had before. She didn't know what Japan what said to him, but he was suddenly treating her differently. It startled her when she realized just how much she missed it.