"It's almost New Year's!" Scout cheered, bouncing up and down in her excitement. "Who're you gonna kiss when that clock over there strikes numero twelve?" I caught her glance at Romano.

"No one!" I choked out in shock. "What's the point of doing that anyway? It's stupid…"

I fingered the ruby on Adelaide's necklace. It was so beautiful. Definitely not fitting for me. But it was nice to get a gift from someone who wasn't my dad. I held it close to my chest, remembering Italy's words:

To remember me by.

I was never planning to leave this era. All the countries were so nice to me. Even America acted at least a little like an adult when I was around. In my own time, I had no one. Here, I had everyone. But I guess Italy saw through that, seeing when there was something sweet, there was always something bitter to go along with it.

"It's nine!" America (I invited several other countries) announced, pointing at the grandfather clock. "Who're you going to kiss, Bella?"

Everyone stared at me. "I…Nobody!"

"You have to kiss someone!" Spain pitched in.

"Oh, really?" I countered. "And who are you making out with on this fine evening?"

Spain's olive skin turned red around his face. "Oh, err…There are only boys around, aren't there?"

He looked at Romano and I rolled my eyes.

"She doesn't have to kiss anyone if she doesn't want to," Britain defended.

"But it's like a tradition at my place!" America whined. "And she's American. A man makes out with the lady when the clock strikes twelve."

"I don't want to!" I snapped, shuddering at the thought. I inched towards Italy. "Don't get any ideas," I said to him.

"Can I kiss someone?!" Scout shouted, flinging her arms out to her sides, putting herself out on display. "I call dibs on that one!"

She pointed to Germany. He frowned nervously and shook his head.

"Fine, ya wimp," Scout spat. "Hey, I may not be smart, but I'm a pretty somethin', aren't I?"

She showed off her jean shorts and tight T-shirt. With her striking features and flawless skin, she was a natural beauty. Her green eyes flashed in desperation, wanting someone to step forward and-

"I will, Scoutty!" France volunteered, already making a pet name for her.

Anyone but him.

Scout ran to Italy and hid behind him. (Not my first choice for protection, but not my issue.) I giggled, entertained by France's expression of pure, utter disappointment. (Just call me Satan. I love it when he gets soooooo upset!) I hummed a song from my time to myself: "Glowing" by Nikki Williams. If it was electronic dance music to awesome Vocaloid songs, I loved them all.

"What are you singing, Bella?" Hungary asked me. I failed to notice I was singing softly out loud.

"Oh, sorry," I apologized awkwardly. "I'll stop."

"No, continue," Hungary insisted. I looked around. Everyone was staring at me, anticipating the next note. I cleared my throat.

"I'm no singer, though," I protested.

"It's a song from my place, right?" America said excitedly.

"I guess," I muttered timidly. "But it's not the same without the music."

"You have a nice voice, though," Lithuania insisted.

"Just one more line?" Italy persisted. He opened his eyes, pouting and looking SO ADORABLE.

"F-Fine," I stammered, unable to resist another "cute attack." "But just a little." I met gazes with everyone in the room nervously, noting how many countries there were. Even ones I barely knew, like Latvia and Estonia. I couldn't help but glance at Romano.

I wonder if he's a good singer, I thought. After all, people in Naples are famous for singing, I think and it's in the South. Oh, well. Better start singing.

"This is my confessional," I sang hesitantly. Even though I was holding back, the notes were strong and clear. Maybe all those women singing on their balconies were rubbing off on me. "Seven seconds 'til I hit the ground, but you saved my life…"

Italy nodded approvingly, as if he was saying, "That's the girl living with me."

"Now I feel indestructible."

The nations around me leaned forward as if trying to listen better. I'm not sure if they liked the song or my voice better. But they apparently liked it. America crossed his arms arrogantly, proud of my voice. I was glad to give him a reason to like me.

"So protected when you're around, yeah you saved my life~." After I was done, the countries clapped and cheered. "I…I should stop," I sighed.

"No, keep going!" someone shouted.

"But next part is the chorus," I muttered. "My voice isn't strong enough."

"Just try," Italy encouraged me.

I nodded slowly and sang the first few lines before I had to let loose: "You make me, you make me feel so incredible…You and I, you and I feels unbelievable!" My voice got louder, stronger, more confident. And my mom always said my singing was so terrible…And here I was doing it! In front of an audience! One last line. "You make it, you make it so undeniable!"

"A million hearts~!" I belted. "You're the only one!"

Everyone cheered for me as I continued the song, now feeling better that I had a bunch of hot guys in the room for when twelve came. After all, the liked my song. As the song ended and I took a comical bow, allowing my audience to cheer for me, Belgium pointed to the clock.

"It's almost twelve, everyone!" she announced. "Ready?!"

"Ten!"

The throng of nations began the countdown and I looked left and right for someone to kiss. Even France had picked someone up. I shuddered as everyone had at least found someone to stand next to and I was all alone.

"Six!"

Even Britain was with America, shouting the numbers, for once happy together.

"Four!"

I felt a pair of hands take me by the shoulders.

"Three!"

Oh, good, I had someone! With my newfound confidence, I didn't really care who it was. I was actually excited!

"Two!"

The person spun me around, but before I could see who it was-

"One!"

Couples in the room kissed. Friends cheered. The man who had grabbed me pressed his lips to mine before I could find out who it was. Who cared? He wasn't a bad kisser. Better than the Mistletoe incident with Romano.

We finally parted after who-knows-how-long and I finally got a glimpse of my new love:

Italy.

*Fifty reviews already? That means it's time for shout-outs! Take it away, Romano!

Romano: Bemony'n'Menisha. We're glad you like the story, but…You review on all Shadow's stories…

And they're nice like that!

Romano: I suppose I should be thankful, but you should really not have that much free time.

*punches Romano like a German boss* I think you're awesome, Bemony! Like Prussia!

Russia: And Russia.

Holy Rome: UltimateOtakuGirl100. You're from Shadow's other story, so we're glad you're enjoying the stories and-

You can have Holy Rome's hat as a reward! *gives hat*

Holy Rome: But I need that! Uh-

And I'm glad you like the Fem!Germany x Italy pairing, and I'm planning to have it continue-

Readers: *go to Astrid FanFic*

T.T Next.

Britain: Fred and George Weasley Twins. You are correct. Prussia is an idiot. Wait, why am I doing this shout-out? Is it because I'm British? T.T Real creative, Shad.

Bella: Extended Experience! No, Shadow didn't name me Bella just so Italy would say "ciao, Bella!" It was a coincidence. I was named in reference to her mother's maiden name, which loosely means "beautiful family."

Scout: JCScannell. We're so glad you give us such nice reviews! I have to give you something. Uh, take Hachi.

Which one? The character from the Astrid FanFic or my bunny?

Scout: The bunny. *gives JCScannell bunny*

NOOO! You can take Hachi the character but not my rabbit!

Hachi (character): T.T

Hachi (bunny): I'm free! :'D

Italy: RedWhiteNBlue! We like your reviews too! (Actually…we like everyone's…) Here's pasta! *gives pasta* And it's okay that you're against waffles…As long as you're against waffles…as long as you're not against pasta.

Random guy: *bursts in* Italy's not Italian! He's Scandinavian! *leaves*

Italy: =_=

And that's the weirdness for this one. Next!

Germany: Here's our first ever comment here. From Maycie. We hope to hear from you again.

Japan: I've barely been in this story- Oh, is it my turn?

Duh. -_-

Japan: I love all yaoi.

Pfft! *laughs* Then Hetalia is for you, Nihon!

Japan: N-No! It's their name! Thanks and stuff… *blushes*

America: ItalyAllday! Oh, you want to spend the night with the brothers? Here, take 'em.

Bros: NOOOOOOOO!

Aw, you two are so cute when you're scared for your life! *smiles like a psycho*

Russia: TimelessNight. Yes. This story is cute. *smiles* The only thing better than it is when I'll be able to take over the world and watch all you suffer-

China: N-Next! *sweat* Master Derpy. Uh, we're glad you loved it. Can I go now?

Yes. *kicks China out* I've got za powa! *super epic mode*

France: Madam Natalya of Awesomeness. We don't like being compared to others, but we hope you like our story no matter how unrealistic it is.

Belgium: chibi-unicorn-girl. It is a nice story, isn't it? Shadow's amazing, taking the time out of her day to write for us. *looks at Shadow* Okay, I said it. Now where's my twenty bucks?

Romano: Don't corrupt Belgium, you heartless-

Spain: Crazycoco31! You like it? Good, we're happy!

…That's all you have to say?

Spain: :( Sorry. Uh, oh, you love every character! That includes me, right?

*punches Spain*

Prussia: JustMakeLeftTurns. You used two reallys in "I really really like this!" That means you must- Huh?

*makes left turn* *makes left turn* *makes left turn* *runs into wall* *makes left turn*

Prussia: …Let's just ignore it. You have to ignore unawesome stuff.

Romano: Me again? Oh, well. Red. So, you can connect with Bella? That's nice. I'm going to leave.

Bella: *grabs Romano's shirt collar* Stay.

Romano: T.T I hate you.

Holy Rome: S- Crazysquidgirl? Like, from the Astrid FanFic? Oh, hello again. Err…See you in the shout-outs for Astrid's story.

Bella: AnimeGamerChic117. Hm. You really like it, huh? Here, take Shadow. We don't need her.

No way! *cries* No one wants me…

America: To the guest! Oh, Holy Rome has a chainsaw? *takes out chainsaw* So do I!

Holy Rome: :D

Britain: GSFLIRT. "tAG YOUR FSCYKING OCS YOU MOTHERHECKER," you say?

I did!

Britain: Uh…Okay…

And last but not least, Ramengrl! I know, it is awesome, isn't it? But seriously, thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments! They make my day! Until the next time…

K bye.*