Liechtenstein

I was sure I had never seen all the nations together before. And yet here they were – in my big brother's house! It was mine and Big Brothers' eighty-year anniversary of being united. None of the nations looked like they'd aged a day; especially me. Nations don't age in human years. I was still short and skinny and flat as a pancake.

I was wearing a knee-length pale green dress with matching shoes and hair ribbon. I was on the arm of Big Brother – Switzerland.
One of my other close friends, Hungary, was standing next to me. She was also wearing a green dress, but it was floor length and slightly darker, fitting her to perfection. She was talking to me and Big Brother but gazing in the direction of the orchestra - could it have anything to do with the fact that Austria was conducting? I smiled. How lovely to be in love… well, love that you could share. If I even could share my feelings with the person I loved, Big Brother would have shot him and probably me too.

"So I was at my tae kwon do last night and there was –" Hungary broke off.
"Miss Hungary, what is tae kwon do?"
There was no answer. I slowly watched her eyes follow Austria's conducting hand.
"Miss Hungary!" Her head snapped round.
"I'm so sorry, Lili. What did you say?"
"What is tae kwon do?"
"It's a martial art," she smiled. "I think you should come, Lili, you'd really like it."
"Lili you aren't going!" exclaimed Big Brother. "It sounds far too dangerous!"
"It's mainly saps like Latvia in the beginner class," giggled Hungary. "I think she's safe. Oh, Austria has stopped!" Without further ago she dashed off and jumped into his arms. He looked vaguely shocked but also happy.

"I need to go and speak to some people," Big Brother told me seriously. "Keep out of harms' way."
"Big Brother, I can't come to any harm at a party, can I?"
It was meant to be a joke but he looked serious. I sighed. I love Big Brother very much but would a time ever come that he realised that I wasn't a baby anymore?

When he was gone, I headed off in search of cheese fondue. I found Italy and Germany at the food table.
"Vee~" Italy was sighing, "No pasta…"
"Just deal with it," Germany told him sternly.
"I'm sorry if there is nothing you like at the table," I said politely. Why didn't I remember that Italy liked pizza and pasta? I mentally cursed myself.
Germany spun round and bowed. He was wearing his grey uniform and his blonde hair was slicked back in an orderly fashion. He looked neat… but very uptight. Not the type of person I could honestly be friends with, I felt.
"We are sorry if we seem ungrateful," he said stiffly, elbowing Italy in the ribs.
"Ciao, bella!" Italy grinned. "You look beautiful tonight, pretty girl."

Another person wandered over – a tall person with messy blonde hair and shining green eyes that I could get lost in. I was in love, ever since I saw him at the first World Meeting I'd attended.
"Flirting is supposed to be subtle, Italy," he said in his refined voice with clipped accent.
"England," greeted Germany unsmilingly. He did another little bow and then led Italy away. England inclined his head with a slight smile, before turning those eyes towards me.
We were alone.

"How – are – you – enjoying – t-the party?" I stammered, feeling my normally pale face flush pink.
"Wonderful," he replied, eyes searching my face. I now knew what they meant when they said 'The eyes are the windows to the soul'. I could see curiosity and gentle kindness in those round green irises, but also a hint of something else – worry? Nervousness? Why was he worried? I was going to ask him but by then he had looked at me so long that I wanted to melt. "Congratulations."

"Th-th-th…"
"You don't have to speak," he said gently, pressing a cool finger to my lips. "I can see that I'm scaring you – God knows what your brother has told you about me. I should leave now." He bit his lip and looked away.
His long white finger stroked my upper lip slightly before he drew back.
"Don't go!" I whispered. We stood in silence for a few seconds. I could feel my face heating up as I saw a smile tug at the edges of England's mouth. I had completely embarrassed myself…

"You seem rather flushed," he said. "Let me escort you outside," he offered, taking my arm. I allowed him to lead me onto the open balcony about five feet away, and revelled in the moment – my arm linked with England's, his strong shoulder sheltering me. Once outside, the cool breeze drew the red from my cheeks and I relaxed, leaning on the balcony.

"It was rather warm in there," commented England. I looked up at him. His blonde hair was choppy and messy, although there was evidence of attempted control. His green military uniform was crisp, but not stiff like Germany's – it was neat. It was wonderful.
And then he began to whistle a vaguely familiar tune.
"What is that song?" I asked. My voice sounded high and girlish, my accent playing with the words.
"God Save the Queen," he replied, his English accent articulating perfectly. "It's my national anthem." He whistled it again. Then I remembered.
"That's my national anthem!" I exclaimed. He looked confused.
"It is most definitely mine."
"It's mine as well!"
We both laughed, my own smile widening at the beautiful smile that graced his strong features. Suddenly a gust of wind blew, ruffling our hair and bringing out goosebumps on my bare arms. My teeth chattered.

"Are you cold?" England asked me, his voice filled with concern.
"No, no I'm not…" Before I could protest he shrugged off his jacket and put it round my shoulders. The goosebumps disappeared and warmth settled into my skin. England was left wearing just a long-sleeved white shirt and his green trousers.
"Is that better?" he asked gently. I nodded, meeting his gaze. His eyes looked into mine for a moment, before he cupped my chin in his pale hand. "I am glad to do you any service," he whispered. "I wanted to tell you something…"
"I, too, wanted to tell you something…" I whispered back before I could stop myself.
"When I saw you…"
"At the world meeting…"
"I just wanted to say…"
"I – I – I…" I stumbled over the words. He leant his face towards mine…

"What exactly is going on here?"