"Italy, I…"

I mentally yelled at myself. "A hot guy kisses you (passionately, may I add) and that's how you react?!" I could hear my mom's voice making fun of me for being so stupid with my response.

"That was…uh…"

You idiot!

I realized I was still clutching the front of Italy's jacket, but I made no attempt to let go. I didn't want to send the wrong message. I liked it. It was good. I wouldn't mind it happening again. But how could I say it?

"That was nice," I managed to say, giving him my cutest smile.

"Good, I'm glad," Italy said.

I glanced at where Romano was standing. He was gone. Germany had went over to talk to Japan. No one was really watching us. Still, I had that feeling that all eyes were on us. Italy sighed and bowed his head.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Wha-? For what?" I asked, getting flustered for some reason.

"I kind of forced you into it, didn't I?" he replied.

"No!" I protested. "I could've pulled away if I didn't want to!" I gave him a peck on the cheek. "See? It's okay."

I finally noticed he had his arms around my waist and I frowned, not because I was upset, but because I was nervous. I rested my head against his chest without thinking about it.

"Isn't this awkward?" I laughed. "I kissed Romano not too long ago and now here I am with his brother."

"To be honest, I was trying to get you two together," Italy explained, a hint of regret in his tone. "Because I saw the way he looked at you. But…I couldn't help it. You're the only one who understands me."

"That's…overdoing it a little, isn't it?" I stuttered.

"No," Italy countered. "Not to mention that you're pretty and kind to everyone…"

"I do try my best," I chuckled. I closed my eyes, taking in the first moment of being held by a boy, of being loved. I hadn't been this close to someone since I hung around my dad. And those moments were long gone.

"…" I saw Scout in the corner of my eye when I opened them. She gave me a thumbs-up and Belgium was next to her, clasping her hands to her chest and looking so happy.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" I suddenly asked. I groaned when I said it. The words just slipped out.

"What do you mean?" Italy asked.

I rested my chin on his chest so I could meet his eyes. "This is me we're talking about. There're a lot of girls out there."

"None like you," Italy replied.

"That's so cliché!" I laughed. "You couldn't say something else?"

"It's true, though."

I wondered if this was right. Falling for a boy I'd only known for a few weeks. But I knew no matter how much time passed, how much he'd be through, he'd still be the same. He'd always be innocent. He'd always be smiling.

And I hoped he'd always love me.

"I'll take you somewhere nice tomorrow," Italy offered. "I'll take you back to Venice. Have you ever been on a gondola?"

"No," I answered. "But I heard they're real nice. But you know when I want to go? Carnivale."

"You'll have to wear a costume, though," Italy said. "And you have to make it yourself."

"I have to be in it?" I gasped. "Well, they do wear masks…Fine. Deal. But tomorrow we're going to the canals, okay?"

"Okay," Italy replied. I glanced up at the clock.

"I should go to bed," I muttered groggily. "I'm usually asleep by now."

"I'll take you upstairs," Italy offered. He took my hand and led me to the second floor. When I entered my room, I sat on the edge of my bed and flopped down onto my back, letting my legs dangle off the edge. I was too tired to even climb up.

"Aren't you tired too?" I asked.

"No," Italy answered. "…Aren't you going to get under the covers?"

"I will," I sighed. "I'm too tired."

I involuntarily flinched as Italy picked me up. (Bridal-style. Smooth.) He set me down gently with my head resting on the pillow. I quickly grabbed the covers and pulled them over my face to hide it. (For the five trillionth time, I was blushing.) I felt a hand on my head, somehow calming me down.

It stayed there until I fell asleep.

Next Morning

"Good morning, Bella!"

I drowsily sat up and awakened to Italy looking down at me, seeming happier than usual. (And that was saying something.)

"We're going to Venezia today!" he announced. "Get ready! There's a lot of stuff I want to show you!"

"Okay," I muttered, sounding less excited than I actually was. I almost forgot about the events of the night before until Italy kissed my cheek.

"Hurry up!" He walked out of my room, allowing me to get dressed. As I was looking through my closet, I had a horrible, terrible realization.

D…Does this count as a date?! But I have nothing nice to wear! Oh, man, what do I do? I live so close to a fashion capitol of the world, but I never went there…I'm so stupid! This is as modern and pretty I'm gonna get, so…

I pulled out a short-sleeved blue knee-length dress with a white round collar and a green neck bow. It was very similar to the rest of my clothes, but it was one piece and wasn't pleated at the bottom. Not to mention it was very…flow-y, I guess. I quickly slipped it on and put on my heeled pumps. I gave my wavy hair a quick brushing and ran downstairs.

"I'm ready!" I almost screamed. Italy was waiting for me by the door. And there was Romano, sitting on the couch, glaring at me.

"…" He looked away the moment our eyes met.

Geez, tsundere much?

Italy took me by the hand and walked me out of the house and down the streets. I wondered if this really was a date. And if it was…

I prayed to God I wouldn't trip or something. It was then that I stumbled over a rock.

God obviously isn't on my side today.

*Aw, Red, you're right. It was unfair that Romano wasn't excited about you're comment. But since this is my story, I can make him do whatever I want.

Romano: Yeah, right. Like I'd do anyth- *pauses* I'm sorry, Red! You're comment was awesome and WHAT THE HECK AM I SAYING?!

Awww… I'm so happy that you guys liked the romance going on! I was a little awkward about writing it, but I think I'm getting better! :) You're all amazing and I love every single one of you!

Romano: Shadow-chan is amazing and I love her and I'm gonna call her "master" from now on AND STOP THAT!

K bye.*