Hey Bookworm213! I finally finished your request! XD And now that school is almost out I will be able to write more frequently! ...If I'm not lazy. /shot/

Song: So This Is Love

Canada/Ukraine

Ukraine adjusted her half mask and held on to Russia's arm. She looked at the dancing nations around her and marveled at their grace and elegance. This masquerade party seemed to have brought out the best in everyone. Fine silk dresses and perfectly tailored suits was the norm and nations that usually avoided one another danced together, safe behind their jeweled and feathered masks. Ukraine looked down at her own dress and sighed. To be sure, it was a stunning thing; light blue that slowly faded to a sunny yellow and dripping with small topaz and aquamarine stones. She was also grateful that Russia had had the foresight to have the chest area let out when he bought it for her, but… the fact her little brother had bought it for her bothered her. And she felt out of place in this flimsy thing, she would have much preferred her sturdy work boots to her slippers and her overalls to her feathered mask.

I probably look ridiculous, she thought sadly. Like a pigeon trying to wear peacock feathers. She let go of Russia's arm and moved to one of the sides of the room. She recognized almost everyone there; Mr. America was wearing his usual stars and stripes and Mr. England was wearing a green suit with a cloak. Miss Hungary looked lovely dancing with Mr. Austria (even if she glared at Mr. Prussia whenever he tried to cut in). Uh oh, Mr. France had spotted her! She looked around wildly, trying not to make eye contact. A flicker in the edge of her eyesight drew her attention to a shadow in a corner of the room. Ukraine watched as the shadow slid along the wall and walked out a nearby archway. She hesitated for an instant before she decided to follow it. If she stayed Mr. France would probably try to grab her tracts of land again. She slipped by a few dancing couples, her chest boinging slightly, and walked through the archway.

The balcony beyond was large and very open. Ukraine looked up and watched the stars and moon for a minute before she remembered why she came out here. Now where was… There! Leaning against the railing was her shadow. She tiptoed up to it and soon realized what it was. It was a man dressed in a red and white suit. His plain red mask hid most of his face but Ukraine could make out wavy blonde hair with a lone curl that stuck out. He turned to her and smiled softly, "Hello."

Ukraine blushed and tugged at the corner of her skirt. "A-ah…hello." He sounded so familiar! She just couldn't put a name to his face… "I'm sorry, but I d-don't remember your name…" she trailed off slowly.

He smiled again but this time it was sadder. "Eh, it's okay, I get that a lot. I'm-"

Ukraine cut him off. "Please don't get the wrong idea!" Her eyes filled with tears and she flailed her arms around in distress. "I know you! I've seen you but I just don't remember your name! Oh, I suck! I can't even remember names right!" The man placed a hand to her lips to shush her.

"You've seen me? Actually seen me?" He asked incredulously. Ukraine nodded and this time when he smiled it lit up his whole face.

"O-of course! Why wouldn't I?"

The man's smile grew sad again and Ukraine could have kicked herself for being the cause of it. "Oh…I'm just not noticeable I guess…"

Oh. Ukraine could understand that in a way. She often got noticed, but it was for two very big, very wrong reasons. She was never noticed for herself, it was a little depressing sometimes. The band inside finished their song and started up a new one. It was a slow, romantic song. The man held out a hand to her. "May I have this dance?"

Ukraine smiled, "Yes." She placed a hand on his shoulder and flushed when he put his hand on her waist and pulled her closer. As they waltzed Ukraine noticed how graceful her partner was. His movements were fluid and precise, whoever had taught him must have been very good. She felt like a farmer next to him, a clumsy, awkward farmer. But the man didn't look at her like she was just a farmer. He looked at her like she was something to be treasured. And better yet, not once did his eyes stray to her chest! He was looking at her and only her. Who was he?!

Another slow dance came, and another. By an unspoken consent on both sides they continued to dance. After a while Ukraine noticed he was humming along to the song, his voice was melodic but still masculine and it make her weak at the knees. This man was driving her crazy. Her heart was beating faster every second she was around him.

Was this what love was?

Impulsively, Ukraine leaned in closer so their faces were mere centimeters from touching. Now Ukraine could see his eyes clearly, they were a deep indigo, almost purple. He leaned in too, now their lips were almost touching. Ukraine closed her eyes as the song came to an end and-

A clock struck midnight and they both jumped back in alarm. The man looked around and let go of Ukraine. "I-I-I'd better get going!" he stuttered. Ukraine watched wide eyed as he spun on his heel and ran off the balcony back into the ballroom. Her heart plummeted to the bottom of her stomach and she felt tears prick her eyes again. He was gone! And she didn't even know who it was! Someone walked towards her and for a split second her heart fluttered with hope…only to break again when she saw it was Hungary.

Hungary skipped to her and grabbed her hand. "There you are! It's time for the unmasking!"

Ukraine blinked, "What?"

Hungary laughed, "It's traditional to unmask and reveal yourself at midnight. It isn't really necessary since we all know one another but it's fun all the same." She tugged Ukraine into the ballroom where the other countries were taking off their masks (or trying to, Greece and Japan were trying to convince Turkey to take off his). Ukraine sighed and pulled off her mask in defeat. It was no use, even if she met him again after the ball, how would she know it was him? She pressed a hand to her heart, goodness, her pulse quickened at the very thought of him!

The countries slowly trickled out and the musicians finished their last song. Russia came up to her and held out his arm for her. Ukraine waved him away, "I'd like to walk home myself." His face took on a questioning expression, which soon turned to dread when he realized that he would have to walk with Belarus.

Said sister had already latched onto him. "Big brother~!" she purred. "Walk with me, walk with me, walk with me, walk with me, marry me, marry me, marry me, marry me!" Russia cringed and looked at Ukraine mournfully before he shook her off and ran out of the room with Belarus hot on his heels.

Soon enough Ukraine was all alone. She stayed rooted to the spot for quite some time as her mind tried to sort out her emotions. It was no use. She sighed again and started walking to the door. Unfortunately, Ukraine was still unused to walking in high heels and she fell to the ground after taking a few steps. The blasted slipper went spinning into a corner and her large skirts poofed around her like those movies about princesses. Yeah, some princess. "How on earth did I ever get through those dances?" she moaned, rubbing her tweaked ankle.

"I thought you were very beautiful."

Ukraine gasped and looked up in alarm as a familiar voice met her ears. He was there, kneeling next to her and holding her shoe. He gently slipped it back onto her foot and for a second Ukraine was reminded of the Cinderella story. Her whole face turned crimson when he helped her up, placing a hand on her waist to help steady her. Ukraine looked at him closely, drinking in every feature she could make out behind the mask now that the lighting was better. A flash of inspiration hit her and she reached up to grab the corners of his mask. "You didn't take it off…at midnight I mean," she chided shyly. The man's eyes widened in what appeared to be fear and his hand shot up to stop her.

"N-no! Please don't!"

Ukraine paused, "Why not?"

He swallowed and backed up a step. "I'm…not very noticeable, even with a mask. I don't want you to forget me, or even not be able to see me." His voice sounded so weary and forlorn; it tugged at Ukraine's heartstrings and she reached for the mask again.

"I could never forget you," she whispered. He looked at her solemnly for a moment before he closed his eyes and his shoulders slumped in resignation. Ukraine grasped the edges of the mask and ever so slowly pulled it off… "Canada!"

Canada peeked at her through half lidded eyes, "You remember my name?" His voice was incredulous and a bit hopeful. Ukraine brushed back some of his wavy hair out of his face and grinned timidly.

"Of course I remember."

Canada grinned back and offered his arm to her. "May I escort you home?" Ukraine gave a small curtsy and took his arm, interlocking their fingers and leaning her head on his shoulder. They both blushed at the contacted and both of their heart's fluttered with joy and something new as they walked together.

If this was love, they never wanted it to end.

I love how this turned out! I hope you guys enjoyed it too.

Please Review!