Chick-a-dees! This is the last of the PruCan Holiday Series (for now)! It's unbetaed, so bare with me until I fix the grammar mistakes. Shout out to my reviewers: annipe, Guest with the Historical Note, Guest who is Curious, killerkitty15, and Missingwings. As well as those who favorited and/or followed.

Now, I have an anime convention to Geek Out at and you lovely readers have been waiting a few weeks for this so without further ado, Happy Valentine's Day Eve. Enjoy~

Warning: a lemon (with a plot point) right off the bat which of course means that sweet Man on Man kissing I know everyone likes, some long due angst, and a bit of foul language

Disclaimer: How much Fanfiction could a ficticious Fangirl fabricate if a Fangirl could fictitiously fabricate Fanfiction? Answer: A whole lot because we don't own the characters we write about. This is not mine.

"I c-can't -mmmm, that's nice- believe he's do-oing this."

Prussia persistently kissed along the column of his lover's neck, trying to ignore the ramblings from the slender man, but no such luck.

"It could have been any other time, but nooo -oh, oh maple, yes- it had to be V-valentine's Day weekend!"

Canada continued to rant to his lover between moans and gasps as the other nipped and teased the creamy flesh.

"We should be -ah, right there Gil, don't stop- alone to-together this weekend, n-not to be interrogated by each other's siblings!"

The Western country hadn't stopped ranting about the unfairness of it all since America's phone call yesterday, informing him that not only was he invited (read: being dragged) to spend Valentine's Day weekend on a romantic cruise courtesy of the big and blonde country, but the day before the lovely holiday would be spent with America meeting the man that, quote, 'turned his brother into a mushy giggling school girl' unquote.

Other country couples were invited as well, the maple loving country was told, but he knew it was just a poor attempt to disguise the interrogation that would be happening. On one hand, Canada was touched that his brother was concerned about who he was dating, but on the other...was it too much to ask for to spend Valentine's Day weekend alone with his lover? A holiday dedicated explicitly for lovers?

Well, apparently it was.

As soon as Prussia arrived to America's mansion the next day all packed and ready for a romantic cruise with his angelic lover, said lover dragged him upstairs to his usual guest bedroom (the same exact one from the Christmas Party) and started ranting about his brother's meddlesome ways. The heated statements were only intensified when the albino informed him that Germany was contacted by America the previous day and was invited specifically so they could all meet properly.

With it being nearly a month since they last saw each other, the nationless albino thought the prospect of reunion sex would take the other's mind off of the problem ailing him, but again, no such luck. While, it was true that the kisses stopped the other's ramblings for a moment, once their lips disconnected to remove their shirts, Canada was off again. Prussia tried to distract the other with firm caresses and bites to the collarbone, but still the blonde ranted, and frankly the taller man was a bit annoyed. Not only was it weird to be discussing their siblings in the middle of their activities, but more than that, it was a blow to his pride that his lover was more into complaining about his brother than the pleasure he was being given.

"That's it," Prussia finally relented, rising up from his position on the bed and leaning away from the other with his hands held up in surrender. "You are talking way too much for to be doing something right."

"Wh-what?" The sudden stop of pleasure cleared up the foggy haze over Canada's mind just a bit. "No, what are you saying, Gil?" he asked, reaching out to pull his lover back in, his body suddenly cold from the lack of combined body heat.

"Well, it seems like you're more interested in ranting about your brother than what we are doing now." No, he was not pouting. "Am I..." Prussia paused before pressing forward. "Is this not good enough for you?" His scarlet gaze was averted after he had spoken his concerns out loud, but he could still feel the blonde's gaze on him.

"Gil, how could...of course you...I..." The blonde's tongue was tied in disbelief as he stared incredulously at the other man. He didn't know that his lover harbored such doubts, and pointless ones at that.

"Gilbert," Canada tried again, his tone and eyes a matching softness as he raised a dainty hand to the other's cheek and forced their gazes to meet. "That's complete nonsense," the shy nation stated as firmly as he could. "Honestly, I've never," he continued, a blush on his face as he admitted the next part, but his gaze never wavering. "I've never felt such pleasure before, and when you left, almost every night since then," he turned even redder "I w-would play with my curl, wishing you were with me-e," he broke off with a hitch of his breath when Prussia pushed him flat on the bed and nearly devoured his mouth, the image the other created overriding his mind and senses.

Canada's curl was one of the blonde's most sensitive part on his body, and it wasn't often that the albino exploited its uses, preferring to bring his lover to a slow building orgasm. However, the thought of the Western country rubbing his curl (and maybe even stroking himself) while moaning his name had Prussia nuzzling into Canada's neck when they broke for air. The sensations of the action sent shivers up and down the blonde's spine and had his breath coming out in uneven gasps.

"It's not just the sex," the blonde said when he got control over his breathing, slipping both of his arms around his lover. "I missed being close to you." To prove his point, he pulled the other closer so that there was no space between their chests. "I missed waking up in your arms. I missed cuddling on the couch watching movies." He accented each point with an Eskimo kiss, his nose brushing across his lover's slowly. "I love you, Gilbert."

It wasn't often that the shy nation took the initiative to say those 3 words first, so a bright and joyous smile always appeared on Prussia's face the rare times that it did happen. "I love you too, Matthew."

Canada couldn't help but return the smile, but it was tinted with guilt. "I missed you. I did, and I'm sorry about the ranting. Al just brings out the worst in me sometimes, you know?" Prussia snorted his response, because boy did he. The superpower seemed have a talent for that. "I'm really really sorry, Gil," Canada continued, trying to convey his sincerity through large violet orbs. "Forgive me?"

Crimson eyes softened in response. "Of course, I forgive you, Vögelchen."

"Really?" The Western country asked, releasing one hand for it to card through wild white locks. "Because you kind of stopped in the middle of something I really want to continue."

"Oh, do you now?" Prussia teased, one hand going to the blonde's zipper and adding a bit of pressure as he slowly unzipped them.

"Yeah, I really do," Canada whispered huskily, his own hands contributing with his lover's pants.

And that was all the other needed before clothes were finally shed and they allowed grunts and moans be their way of communication. Canada's thighs tightened around a muscled torso, trying to get the other to move deeper, needing to feel further connected. Prussia's hands griped a slender waist tightly, using it to drive deeper and harder into the pliant body beneath him. Lewd sounds grew louder and louder with each thrust, and a mix of English, French, and German filled the room as the pleasure soared to new heights and the end drew near.

The North American nation came first after encouragement from his lover, his body twitching sporadically from his orgasm which forced the other to follow as well. The pair both took in huge gulps of air to get oxygen back into their brains from such an intense climax. After slipping out, Prussia pulled the blonde firmly into his arms for a shameless cuddle. It was a few more minutes before either spoke.

"Shower?" Canada suggested, feeling the uncomfortable sensation of his lover's essence leaking out of him. They had stopped using condoms, and while it heightened the pleasure, it did cause for a more difficult clean up.

"Yeah," Prussia agreed and climbed off the other and out of the bed. Each bedroom in America's house featured its own bathroom with a walk in shower, just big enough for the two of them.

After waiting a few moments for the water to heat up, they both stepped inside, steam rising around them and fogging up the glass walls that encased them. Two fresh washcloths were already hanging on a rack and each took one and grabbed a bottle of soap to wash the other with. Canada picked the more rugged scent of Sandalwood for his lover while Prussia chose the tropical scent of coconut for his angel. Simultaneously, they started lathering each other up with the soapy washcloths.

It was all slow and methodical movements from the pair with chaste kisses exchanged between them. The strokes of the slightly rough fabric were a little stimulating, but nothing more besides cleaning was done between them. Once the process was complete, they each took turns under the spray of the shower to rinse off. It was then, wrapped up in a lover's embrace with skins flushed pink from the heat of the water and amethyst orbs stared adoringly into crimson ones, that they knew they were being ridiculously sappy, but they didn't care. They were in love.

The lovers stayed in the warmth of the water and each other just a little bit longer before returning to the guestroom, a towel wrapped around both of their waists'. The digital clock on the dresser told the pair that they still had an hour and a half before the cruise would start, so they took their time getting dressed. As the blonde was pulling on his dark Hugo Boss dress pants (it was a fancy romantic cruise after all) he realized exactly where he was.

"My brother is probably wondering where I am," he groaned to the other as he slipped a black leather belt through the slim loops on the pants.

"Oh, I'm sure he knows," Prussia responded smugly beside him, slipping his black Christian Dior blazer on over a deep yellow button up.

Canada paused in his buttoning of his crimson button up and stared at the other in growing horror. "Oh Maple, no," the North American country panicked. "I wasn't that loud was I?"

"Weeeeell," the albino drew out. "On a scale of 1 to banshee..."

"Gil!"

"I'm kidding, Vögelchen. Although," he continued tapping his chin thoughtfully, "that last scream..."

The maple loving nation groaned as he let himself fall backwards onto the bed behind him and threw his suit jacket over his burning face. "I can't face him!" he whined.

"Well, seeing as though we're going to be eating dinner together tonight, you don't have a choice." When his lover let out another dramatic whine the taller man tried to change tactics. "It's something you'll have to get used to. Gott knows how many times I've been privy to the sounds of mein bruder and the little Italian going at it when I lived with him. And you'd never guess that behind that innocent bubbly face was-"

"For the love of everything Maple, do not finish that sentence!" Canada shouted from underneath the fabric, writhing on the bed as of to fight off the images.

Prussia only laughed at the blonde's antics and slipped on black Jack Erwin dress shoes. After a few moments of deliberation the Western country finally removed himself from under his hiding spot and continued to dress, albeit with an embarrassed pout on his face. The albino saw this and promptly began kissing it away with small bird-like pecks until the other was laughing and swatting him away fondly.

"Okay, okay. I get it, it's not the end of the world. Still embarrassing though," Canada muttered under his breath before adding, "You don't seem to be worried."

"What can he do to me? Declare war?" his lover asked rhetorically as he stared at his reflection in the full length mirror which lined the inside of the wardrobe the guestroom provided. From his vantage point he could see the frown threatening to overtake the blonde nation's face.

"...that's not funny."

"It's not. I know, I'm sorry," Prussia responded immediately, turning away from the mirror and making his way over to the displeased man. "But remember what I told you?" he asked, grabbing one of Canada's arms in a comforting grip, rubbing his thumb in small circles on the other's bicep.

While Prussia had long since come to terms with his nationlessness, his angel didn't like it when the albino poked fun at his lack of title. They had many disagreements over the issue before Canada confessed that he feared it might cause a divide between them. The crimson eyed man kindly told his lover that he was being stupid and that his status (or lack thereof) in the world didn't have any influence on their relationship. What Prussia didn't tell him, however, was that he sometimes had that fear as well. That one day the blonde would realize he could do better than a had been nation. Those doubts were always eradicated when he'd see that violet gaze filled with all the love in the world trained on him, and then he would laugh at his ridiculous thoughts.

"Yeah," Canada nodded, and sighed. "I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize, Matthew."

"I know, I'm so-" he cut himself off at Prussia's pointed look and smiled sheepishly instead.

"Need help dressing?" the albino smirked, letting his eyes wander up and down his half-dressed lover to try and lighten the tense atmosphere. It worked as the blonde snorted in disbelief.

"Are you sure you're not just looking for an excuse to touch me, Gilbert?" the other nearly purred in reply. It was like the last few moments never even happened with the pair.

"Not denying the probability of it happening," he admitted. "But we really should get going if we don't want to get a speeding ticket the day before Valentine's Day." At his angel's confused expression he pointed towards the digital clock with his thumb, pressing his lips together to keep in the laugh that wanted to escape when he saw the blonde's eyes widen comically.

"Sacré bleu!" the Western country hissed under his breath as he tried to simultaneously button up his jacket and put on his shoes. It didn't work out too well as he suddenly stumbled forward, the only thing stopping him from smashing his face against the floor were two pale muscular arms.

"So about that help...?" Prussia taunted and then laughed at the other's glare because come on, glares should not be that adorable on anyone.

Between the two of them, the Canadian was dressed fully in no time. They both grabbed their bags that held a weekends worth of clothing and anything else they wanted to bring along, including (unbeknownst to the other) a Valentine's Day gift. As the pair tumbled down the stairs in a rush, they discovered America tapping his foot like a annoyed parent. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the blue-eyed blonde looked at them with a mixture of bewilderment and agitation.

"I was just about to get you guys, what took so long?" he asked much to his brother's chagrin. The younger nation blushed and his lover smirked, making the superpower decide he really didn't want to know. "You know what? Never mind. Forget I asked. All the other couples are already outside, let's go. I'm assuming you don't know where the dock is, so I'm leading everyone there."

With those last words, America turned on his heel and strode over to the front door, Canada and Prussia following right behind him. The quiet blonde could have sworn that he heard his brother muttering something about burning sheets, but he must have been mistaken. Once outside, America punched in his security code and they walked over to Canada's Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren (the blonde had a feeling he would need it) getting in only after his albino lover was done drooling over the fine piece of machinery.

After a few minutes a blur of red, white, and blue streaked past everyone and came to a screeching stop in front of the main gate, causing them all to stare in annoyance and admittedly a bit of awe at the customized Ferrari FF's superfluous display. The driver's side window rolled down and a tanned arm hung out of the window casually. A second later the gate was opening and the arm gestured for everyone to follow before flooring the engine and jetting off its property. There was a pause before everyone (sans Canada who knew the sports car would be needed, his brother was so predictable) processed what just happened and got it into gear, pulling out of their parking spaces to race after their host and his brother who was already speeding behind the elder blonde.

It was crazy, dangerous, and just what everyone needed to start the weekend; a bit of excitement before Valentine's Day. Prussia was amazed at the ferociousness his angel displayed along the way as he handled the McLaren like a dream, racing after the superpower with amethyst eyes alight with joy. It made that warmth fill his heart again, a sensation he now knew to be love. The group didn't use any main roads for obvious reasons, so it took a bit longer to get to the docks than usual, but soon multiple cars were pulling into the designated parking site at the docks and staring at the bulking mass of metal in front of them in awe.

The USS Milk and Honey was a mid-sized luxury vessel that easily accommodated 500 people as well as the various facilities it housed and the professional crew that manned it. It was white up top with a navy blue hull; a thin red rim separated the two colors. After letting everyone gawk for a few moments, America informed the group that there was much more to see, and then it was another rush after the flashy host, this time up a long ramp that led to the cruise ship.

"Bloody hell!"

"Aman tanrım!"

"Dio mio!"

"天啊！"

"Mon dieu!"

And other such exclamations filled the afternoon air as the group took in the vast space before them. The pool deck (which indeed did have a pool) was decorated to the nine with red and white hearts and cut-out cupids covering nearly every surface except the multiple two seated tables that were draped with scarlet tablecloths. Lights were draped over their heads, reflecting the sun's rays until the fiery mass would set and then they would produce their own. From somewhere harps could be heard being played skillfully. It was the sappy romance that everyone liked, but was too proud to admit it, and that was just the lower deck. As the group ventured to the other levels of the massive vessel, they found the ultimate lover's getaway.

A spa complete with trained masseuses that were going to give a class on couple's massage later on. 3 medium sized Jacuzzis that were sectioned off from one another. A gym with a floor to ceiling rock climbing wall on one side. A fully stocked bar because alcohol consumption is required on any given weekend. A ballroom where dance classes would be held for the couples to learn a new way to move in sync. And an open kitchen with a trained patisserie to teach them how to make sweet desserts for one another.

Oh, and the rooms?

"Mein gott," Prussia groaned as he sunk into the large mattress. Canada giggled from his perch by the door, the key card that was given to them by America in hand.

"Like it?"

"Love it," the taller man replied, his voice slightly muffled from the blanket. "Never want to get up again."

"Well too bad, you don't want to miss the game do you?"

Each deck had a bulletin of scheduled events for each area and the group was pleasantly surprised to learn that included in the long list was a game of dodgeball that was set to start in half an hour. South Italy had immediately challenged Spain with a 'You are so on' to which the Spaniard responded with 'Pero mi tomato, I wanted to be on your team' which then led to a mouthy retort from the hot headed nation and a slightly perverted reply from Spain, and then some foul language from the other.

You know, the usual.

"Urgh..." Prussia groaned into the bedding. It felt like heaven against his skin. There was only one thing that would make it even better. He turned his head and peeked open one eye to leer at his lover. "Vögelchen?" Rough spoken German fell from his lips, knowing what effect it had on the other.

"Don't even think about it," the other cut off the request.

"Aber doch-"

"Nein."

The nationless albino huffed and turned his head away, pouting into the blanket. The pout deepened when he heard a sultry chuckle from behind him. It vanished, however, when he felt the bed dip periodically below him indicating that the other was making his way over. Prussia stayed silent as a fabric covered arm came into view, only a sliver of a creamy wrist could be seen before it disappeared into the plush bedding. There was pressure first, followed by heat as Canada pressed his torso against the other's back and kissed along the smooth pale column that was his lover's neck .

"What's this then?" Prussia murmured, feelings all kinds of content as he let the blonde have his way with him.

"A sneak peek of what's on tonight's menu." Was the sultry reply which was accented by a nip to the jugular and soft hands trailing sensually up the albino's sides.

"Hmmm...you mean after the dinner with our siblings?"

There was a pause as the Western country drew back sharply, now resting on the back of the other's thighs. "Oh gross, why did you have to mention that?!"

"Now, you know how I felt." Oh yeah, Payback's a bitch.

"That's not the same-"

"You're right , it was way worse."

"I...I-I didn't mea-" He started to hesitantly rise from the other's legs when he was cut off the second time.

"I know, no harm no foul. Well, except to my ego and pride," Prussia said, skillfully maneuvering himself onto his back and grabbing a hold of the other's hips to keep him in place. "Good thing they're plenty big already." He waggled his eyebrows for the blonde's benefit, and grinned in triumph when he received a chuckle. The pale man was good at diffusing situations of the like.

Canada nodded, letting the other know that he knew what he was trying to do and was thankful for it. "Come on, let's change," he said, pulling away again and this time his lover let him get up. "I have a feeling our suits wouldn't handle being pounded by rubber balls nicely." Prussia sent a perverted smirk the other's way, making the nation think back to his words. "Shut up! You know what I meant."

Prussia laughed because he did know, but it was fun to rile the blonde up, if only to see the blush that his lover sported oh so nicely.

A few moments later, the pair finally separated themselves from the soft as clouds bed and changed into casual clothes that they could play dodgeball in. When they arrived at the gym, they were 5 minutes late, but the other couples had held off the game just for them. Canada blushed at the treatment, not expecting anyone to remember that he wanted to play, and thanked everyone for the kind gesture. Prussia made a comment about how it wouldn't be a fun game without his awesome self anyway, causing Canada to elbow him in his side for being rude and the group to laugh at his expanse.

And then it was war.

They played three games in total: Couples vs Couples, where the couples had to simultaneous defend each other and attack other couples (Spain and South Italy won because the older brunet was crazy protective of his lover). Then it was Partner vs Partner, where they had to track down their significant other and take them out while trying not to get caught in the crossfire of another couple's game (it was a shock when the first person to get out was Germany having been hit rather hard in the gut by Italy). The last was Ultimate Dodgeball, where it was every man (and woman) for his (or her) self and there could only be one winner (Canada won by using his ability to slip by undetected to attack everyone, saving his smirking lover for last).

All and all it was a blast, and after the last game only an hour had gone by, leaving everyone energized to do more activities. The group split, some going off to the gym to rock climb while others wanted to attend a salsa class in the ballroom. Prussia and Canada decided that food took precedence and went to the open kitchen to learn how to concoct delicious morsels...or something close enough to it. Okay, it was edible at least. The second batch turned out much better.

After that it was off to the spa to relax. The couples massage wasn't until the next day so they were tended to by professional masseuses. Although they laid within a meter of each other on separate massage tables, conversation flowed between them anyway, mostly about their opinions on how the night would go with each other's siblings. While Prussia was sure America was going to go full 'overprotective Daddy with a shotgun' on him, he was more worried about his brother's reaction to Canada. He really hoped that the two could resolve any past feelings between them.

Once the massage was completed, they slid off the tables with a pleased sigh, their muscles uncharacteristically pliant. As they walked down the halls to their room, they could see the dark sky from the windows they passed along the way. It was almost time for dinner. Once they got to the room, the pair showered (separately to avoid being late again), and put back on the suits they previously adorned. This time with an added item they picked up from the gift shop. A yellow pin on flower for Canada and an identical red one for Prussia to match each other's shirts. It was so cute and sweet, it was almost sickening.

Once they deemed themselves presentable, they left their room and made their was to the open-aired pool deck. Now that the sun had set, the lights that hung overhead shimmered from above like stars, which was perfect since the sky was so cloudy the moonlight barely peeked through. While some tables were empty, a good number of them were already filled with nation couples. Taiwan and South Korea sat near the pool, the florescent glow highlighting the female's pink traditional gown. Greece and Turkey sat near the harp player, the latter wearing his Christmas present for the former's benefit. Oh, the things they did for the sake of love.

Belarus and Lithuania were only a few tables away from where they were standing and the pair watched with amusement as the introverted nation smartly removed all the knives from the preset tableware while his date's back was turned. It was amazing that the pair even came along on the cruise. They had been an on-again off-again couple for the past few decades. More couples were seated and more were slowly trickling in like Canada and Prussia did. One pair, Switzerland and Austria, walked past them with flushed faces and secretive smiles. It seemed like the romantic cruise was doing it's job, giving the couples a break from the harsh world and the roles that they had to fill in it.

In the midst of the two person tables, were a few circular tables as well for those who wanted to be in groups. Only two were in use. One would be where America and Germany sat waiting for Canada and Prussia to join them for dinner. Italy was understanding enough to be left with his brother and Spain at the other circular table, though the earlier dodgeball incident may have been a indication of the Italian's thoughts on the matter. Still when the pair looked over they could see South Italy's reddening face while his brother and lover laughed on.

Once the pair sat down, a tense silence fell over the table. This was it, the moment of truth (and most likely embarrassment) for them. America boldly stared the nationless albino down while Germany looked everywhere but at the violet eyed blonde.

So a perfect start.

The silence continued until America decided that he's had enough, and the superpower breaks it with all the tact of an bull in a matador ring.

"What are your intentions towards my brother?"

Canada nearly spit out the water he was drinking. "Really, Al? Can't we at least order dinner first? Maple," he hissed as he grabbed a napkin to wipe up the water that managed to dribble down his lips. "You do not have to answer that," he said to his lover who was staring at the elder Western country with a small grimace.

Honestly, it's was like deja vu and Prussia's newly healed collarbone tingled as if reminding him the last instance that those words were uttered. He was saved from replying to either one of them by a waiter who came by to tell them of the short but no less appetizing menu. With the exception of Canada who chose fish, everyone at the table ordered steak. Once the staff member left, the silence was back with a vengeance until once again the daring nation broke it with an unforeseen question.

"Are you, or have you ever been, an axe murderer?"

"Al!" Canada shouted before the albino could answer, shocked by his brother's utter stupidity.

"Now, Mattie, as your older brother-"

"Oh Maple, do not start on that again," the shy blonde interrupted the age old dispute between the two.

"I became a country first-"

"By a century!" the maple loving nation scoffed, folding his arms stubbornly. "Besides, we were discovered at the same time," he added in a mutter loud enough for the table to hear.

America waved away the explanation. "Anyway, as your older brother," he repeated pointedly. "I have a right to know these things. Sooo," he turned his baby blue gaze on strikingly red ones. "Back to the question. Axe murderer?"

"No," Prussia responded in an 'are you serious?' tone of voice, sending his brother a quick glance that spoke of the same question. Germany only shrugged, there was nothing he could do about the other sibling, his tongue was still tied by the violet eyed blonde that say across from him. He didn't know how to start a conversation with the other, so he let America take the floor, hoping that he would find the right words in the meantime.

"Hmmm," the superpower mused. "So what do you do?" When the pale man raised his eyebrow in question, the North American nation clarified. "What do you do with your time? You know, since you don't have a country." In truth, America didn't realize how condescending his statement sounded to the rest of the table, he was only stating a fact and was curious about the answer.

"Alfred," Canada growled in warning, looking like he wanted to do unspeakable things to his brother's vital regions. Preferably with an axe.

His lover's tone made the nationless albino pause the automatic sarcastic reply that was already on the tip of his tongue. If this were for any other partner, he would have answered with a 'screwing your brother', but this wasn't. It was for his angel and love of his life, so he would make it a point to be civil, even if the other wasn't.

"I actually have a job," he said smugly, enjoying the shock on the other's face.

"What?" Came from his side and he turned to see a slightly hurt expression on the quiet nation's face. The other didn't know anything about a job. Why didn't he know anything about a job?

Taking the other's hand, Prussia rubbed circles into the other's skin. "It just happened a few weeks ago," he started to placate the miffed blonde. "I was going to tell you when I arrived, but we were...preoccupied." The blush on Canada's face was telling, but the other two people at the table wisely kept their mouths shut on the matter.

"Oh, okay," he calmed down, the relaxing motions of the other's thumb left his skin helping as well. Smiling, the albino brought his lover's hand to his mouth and pressed the softest of kisses to the back of it, making the blush deepen.

"A job, hun?" America brought the conversation back from the nearly gag worthy PDA. "Doing what?"

"Teaching art at a middle school," Prussia replied, keeping a hold of his lover's hand underneath the clothed table.

"You're allowed around kids?" The question was out of the brazen nation's mouth before it could be filter by his brain, and soon a curse followed when his brother's foot connected with his unprotected shin.

While America grumbled under his breath about it being 'just a joke', Prussia turned towards his quiet younger sibling. "Bruder? Feel free to join in the conversation," he joked, but concern was clear in the other's scarlet gaze.

"I..." Germany started with a sigh, but broke off when he discovered three pairs of eyes trained on him. "I-I have to go to the bathroom." He stood up quickly, his broad form casting a shadow in the table, and walked briskly away from them.

Canada sighed and Prussia frowned. When the latter started to rise as well to follow his brother, however, a hand stopped him. "I'll be right back," his lover murmured and placed a small kiss on the other's pale cheek before rising from his seat. The Western country took a step and then paused, looking over his shoulder between the two of them.

"Behave," he half ordered, half warned.

"As long as he doesn't invade me, I'm fine," America commented offhandedly.

"As long as he doesn't bomb me, I'm fine," the albino shrugged.

"Can't bomb the nationless," the superpower snorted in response.

"Can't invade the insolent," Prussia fired back without pause.

The two of them looked at each other with a strange sort of respect reflecting in their eyes and Canada rolled his own. Oh yeah, they'll be fine on their own, he thought as he left them to sling insults back and forth. There were multiple restrooms aboard the USS Milk and Honey, but he found Germany after only checking two. The robust country was leaning against the sink, head hung low, and chest heaving from the deep breaths he took. This isn't how the shy blonde planned this particular conversation going, but beggers can't be choosers.

"Do you really hate me that much?" Canada asked quietly, but the words bounced of linoleum and echoed in the room, an almost haunted sound. Germany visibly flinched and rose his head to look at the other.

"I don't...I don't hate you," Germany finally spoke, albeit hesitantly.

Canada raised and eyebrow at the stressed word. "Okay, not me but...my people," he reasoned, trying to fit the fractured sentences together like puzzle pieces. "Is that it?"

"Nein, well...not exactly..." the European nation trailed off, making the other release his breath in a huff.

"Look, Germany, I don't want us to keep going on like this. Especially now that I'm...uh..with your brother," he blushed slightly before continuing. "I'm trying to fix this rift between us, but I need your cooperation." When the other nodded slowly in agreement he spoke again, this time almost carefully. "If this is about the war...I'm sorry. You know how it is with our citizens, I had no control over the situation. If I did, I wouldn't have done...those things to you."

Canada winced when he saw the physically larger country flinch momentarily, but pushed on. These things had needed to be said for a long time now. "I thought the establishment of the embassy in Berlin was a start to better relations. Not just between our citizens but between us as well, however, you're still...a way around me." The smaller blonde wanted to avoid saying words like jumpy or sensitive. "Basically, what I'm trying to say in a roundabout way is...can we get past all of that? Can we be civil with one another, if not friends?"

Silence followed the request, only broken by the puff of scented air freshener being released by a device mounted on the restroom wall. Just when the North American country was about to give up and leave the restroom defeated, the other spoke.

"I know you didn't mean it," Germany said, still not looking at the blonde. Canada nodded, urging the other go on. "But that doesn't change the fact that it happened...a-and the effects." The last part was almost whispered and another short pause followed. "I was bedridden for a month, but even after that...I-I had nightmares." He let out a bitter laugh. "I know, how pathetic."

The other shook his head. "No, it's not."

Germany continued as if the other hadn't spoken. "It took me a while to get over them, and that was only because I still had to see you at the world meetings, and only in small doses. It was kind of therapeutic to see you...calm," he finished lamely for lack of a better word. "When I had found out that you were dating mein bruder, they started up again."

"Oh, Maple...I didn't-"

"I know."

"I'm sor-"

"I know. It's not your fault." The words 'not completely' seemed to be hanging in the air.

"Does Prussia know?" Canada asked tentatively, and the other shook his head in the negative. There was another silence as they each reflected on the words spoken between them.

"Danke," Germany broke the silence after a moment, startling the other from his thoughts.

"Hun? For what?" Eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Surely he wasn't speaking of the nightmares?

"For bringing my mein bruder back." When he received no reply the robust nation went on. "I've never seen him this happy since before...you know. He used to mope around my basement, get drunk nearly every night, and sleep...uh...all the time," Germany changed his words at the last minute and then hurried to continue. "But then you started dating, and now he's smiling every day. He bought an apartment and also found a job. He's...living, and it's all I ever wanted for him. So, danke, Kanada."

"You're welcome?" Canada laughed a little, not sure what to say to that (though he filed the information about apartment for later). "I feel like I should be the one thanking you for having such an awesome brother. Gilbert is..." There were so many things that could follow those words. Amazing, wonderful, kind, loving, and exclusively his to name a few, but there was an even better way for the Western country to express his feelings. "He's the best thing that has ever happened to me," the shy nation said honestly, blushing as he said his next words. "And I love him."

Finally, icy blue orbs rose to meet with amethyst ones and stared deeply for a long time, searching for...something. When it was found, Germany nodded. "I will try," he seemed to say to himself before repeating the words louder. "I'm not saying it will happen overnight, but...I will try."

A dazzling smile stretch across Canada's face at the spoken words and his eyes misted slightly from the immense relief that filled him. "Danke," he whispered when he found his voice. He wanted to go over to the broad nation and give him a hug or something, but it was too soon. Instead he let his thoughts on the matter show plainly on his face. "Danke."

After they exchanged hopeful smiles, the two of them returned to their table on the pool deck where their food and siblings were waiting patiently for their return, smoke still steaming from the plates and snickers still filling the air around them. Neither Canada or Germany wanted to know what caused the laughter.

The rest of the dinner was...pleasant. The food was divine and the entertainment was amazing as well, not that the group of siblings were paying a whole lot of attention to it. They spent their time exchanging historic blunders, the more juicy ones that weren't recorded in school textbooks. There was a particular loud shout of 'West' when Germany revealed his brother's unexpected defeat at the hands of Lithuania. America wasn't spared at all by his brother and the European brothers heard the tale of the humiliating Taiwan Expedition. The maple loving nation was on a roll recounting the idiocies of the superpower, and in the middle of another embarrassing story (the downright shameful retreat at Bladensburg) a familiar yell reached the table.

"You were flirting with that bimbo camarera, weren't you?" South Italy was shouted at his lover with an unmatched glare in his amber eyes.

"Talking, not flirting, mi amor. And she's a nice chica." Was Spain's desperate response. He reached out a tan hand, but it was slapped away by the shorter man.

"Talking? In back corner of the ship? Alone?" Doubt clung to every word.

"It wasn't how it looked," the Spaniard defended himself, and then visibly cringed as soon as the words left his mouth. "Mi tomato-"

"¡Cállate! Don't you dare!" The other's shouts were drawing in the attentions of the surrounding tables, but he didn't care. He was angry...and he was hurt. How could his lover do this to him? And on Valentine's Day weekend too!

"Lovino." There was a flinch from South Italy when he heard his human name, but Spain forged on. "Yes, I was talking to her, but not for the reason you think. I saw that she wore an engagement ring." At the look of slight horror and disgust on his lover's face, the green eyed nation hurried to clarify. "And I was asking how her fiancé proposed."

"Right," Romano snorted. "Why the hell would you want to know that anyway?" By the country's tone, it was clear that he wouldn't believe a word that came from the other's mouth.

"Well, I was hoping for some ideas," Spain answered honestly, rubbing the back of his neck with an almost pensive smile.

There was a pregnant pause as South Italy stared slack jawed. "¿Qué?" he asked when his tongue decided to work.

By now the entire pool deck was watching the spectacle unfold in front of their very eyes. Meals were ignored and even the jazz band stopped their performance in favor of viewing the two lovers.

"I guess now's a good time as any," Spain sighed as if defeated and dropped down to one knee.

Dropped.

To one knee.

And Hell just froze over everybody, because South Italy was speechless, floored by the action and stunned into silence. After a few moments of gaping like a fish he tried to speak. "Wh..." Romano sucked on his tongue to try and get some moisture back to his dry mouth. "What are...?" he trailed off, hopelessly confused as to the sudden turn of events.

"I love you," the usual happy-go-lucky nation said in an uncharacteristically serious voice, staring the other in the eye. "I was fond of you when you were under my care." Spain smirked, lost in the memory. "You were a whiny brat who didn't listen to a word I said, and made more messes than you actually cleaned up. But eventually you grew...as did my feelings for you. That fondness grew to love. Love for the times we've spent together, both good and bad. Love for the fierce loyalty you have to those you want to protect. Love for the amazing man you have become."

The deck was so silent that the rustle of fabric could be heard as Spain pulled out a small back box from his dress pants' pocket, and stared at it for a short while.

"I had bought this a while ago," he said, not looking back up just yet. "I wasn't sure if it was one of my spur-of-the-moment ideas, you know? I wanted to make sure it was what I wanted." Green eyes met amber. "I'm sure now. Although this may mean nothing in the eyes of the world, to me you are my world. I love you," he brought the speech full circle. "And so," the Spaniard said as he opened black box and held it up. "Lovino Vargas, will you marry me?"

South Italy stared at the simple gold band inlaid with small tomato shaped rubies, throat constricting at an alarming rate. No one had every said such nice words to him or even about him. Romano wasn't an idiot, he knew he wasn't well liked by everyone. He had a bad temper, used foul language, and snapped at any and everyone that suited his fancy. It was a mystery to the smaller man why Spain ever decided to court him in the first place, even stranger when the Spaniard first admitted just how deep his feelings went and the Italian didn't turn him away, and now the older man wanted...h-he wanted to-

"Lovino?" Spain's worried whisper brought the other out of his thoughts and back into the real world. The real world where his lover was waiting for an answer.

"Y-you...you bastard," South Italy struggled to say around the lump in his throat, his eyes were starting to mist as well. Before the other could misunderstand his words, he continued. "Yes." It came out no louder than a whisper.

"...yes?" Spain implored, praying to whoever was listening that he had not misheard the other.

"You heard me the first time, idiota," Romano snapped but the effect was dampened by the tears filling his eyes.

"I just want to hear it again," his lover pleaded and the other obliged.

"Yes." A little bit stronger. "Yes, I'll marry you."

A wide and beautiful smile stretched across Spain's face, causing the dam to finally break and the tears spilled from South Italy's eyes. Immediately, he sniffed a few times, wiping away the tears and then held out his left hand arrogantly. Chuckling, Spain removed the ring from its box with one hand and took the offered hand in his other.

Emerald orbs stared lovingly into amber ones, and without breaking eye contact, the European nation slid the ring on the other's finger. He gave his fiancé (oh how that word pleased him) a few seconds to admire how the gold was accented by his tanned skin and then jumped up, wrapping his arms around the smaller man and twirling him around, the whole time laughing in delight. Suddenly music filled the deck. The sound of piano, congas and trumpets interrupted the joyous union.

You can dance, every dance with the guy
Who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight

Recognizing the song, South Italy flashed the jazz band his middle finger before it was covered by Spain's larger hands. The other tucked the digit into a fist and then kissed knuckles presented to him, and just like that Romano calmed down, a blush adorning his face from the action. It deepened when the Spaniard maneuvered them into a dance position and forced him to sway along to the beat.

But don't forget who's takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling... save the last dance for me

Canada watched with rapt attention as other couples rose from their tables and joined, turning the pool deck into a makeshift dance floor. Movement from his peripherals brought his from his thoughts. He was shocked when a pale hand extended out towards him and blinked up at his lover.

"May I have this dance, Matthew?"

With a blush the blonde placed his hand in the albino's awaited one, letting the other pull him to his feet. They moved to a fairly open spot and started to dance along to the music.

Baby don't you know I love you so
Can't you feel it when we touch
I will never never let you go
I love you oh so much

They were standing close, close enough to feel the heat emitted off the other, close enough to get a whiff of each other's natural scent. It was comforting just to be near one another, to be with someone they loved. A sense of peace and joy filled the pair. Canada lifted his head from its perch on Prussia's shoulder and stared serenely into those crimson orbs that captured him entirely less than 3 months ago. The taller man stared right back, soaking in the natural beauty of his angel.

Neither knew who moved first, but soon their lips met in chaste kiss. Barely a brush against each other, but it caused a tingle to go through the both of them regardless. They kept their faces close, forehead to forehead with their breaths mingling as their bodies swayed. The pair kept their eyes closed and instead just focused on the feel of each other.

So don't forget who's taking you home
Or in who's arms you're gonna be

As if to emphasize the point, Prussia's arms squeezed tighter around Canada's midsection, making him giggle. The sound was cut off, however, by the other's next words.

"Je t'aime."

The maple loving nation jerked back to see the smug expression on his lover's face. It seemed to say 'you're not the only one who can learn another language' and if it were possible, the Western country just fell more in love with the other. He smiled softly at Prussia and returned the sentiment.

"Je t'aime aussi.

Oh, you make a promise
That you'll save the last dance for me
Save the last dance
The very last dance
For me

And scene! Gosh, I just love Spamano, if case you didn't catch on. There's one more chapter for you guys which will be released tomorrow morning before I go off to mingle with other con goers.

Reviews are much appreciated