Narrator POV

Suddenly, Germany's lifeless body jolted upright, gasping for breath. His ribs seemed to reform and reconnect in a grotesque manner. The crowd looked either completely terrified, engrossed, or just plain weirded-out. Germany coughed a little blood up, and then wiped it from the corner of his lips. Some people had their cellphones out, videotaping it all. Germany got off of the roof of the car and winced at the sudden use of his foot.

"Heh," he chuckled nervously, "Nothing to see really… I'm fine," he held his side for good measure, though he felt no pain anymore. "Feli," he turned to his direction, "Can you drive me to the hospital?" he gave him the just-do-it look.

"Sure, Ludwig…" Italy walked slowly towards his companion, letting him lean on his shoulder. Germany pretended to limp as he walked back to Italy's house.

After many shouts of "What the heck was that?!" "He looked dead for a minute there!" "Dude is he going to be okay?" Italy and Germany made it out of their sight and Germany started walking on his own again.

"What the heck was that, Germany?! You had me scared sick!" Italy gave him a shove.

"What? You didn't know countries healed themselves?" Germany raised an eyebrow in his direction. "They can't die—at least not while they're still active and have land. They're immortal."

"How come I never knew that?! Gosh I thought I lost you…" he mumbled. Germany simply laughed at his ignorance and kept walking.

"Wait, if I would have healed, why did you push me out of the way?"

"Honestly, would you have pretended to be all weak if you felt fine? Also, you had no idea we healed apparently, so you would have been freaking out. We don't want the whole world knowing we exist you know."

"You say all that like you're so smart," Italy pouted.

"Are you saying I'm not?" Germany crossed his arms and feigned offense.

Italy laughed lightly as a real smile lifted onto his cheeks. Germany watched him in wonder before pushing a hand on top of Italy's head and ruffled his hair a little bit as if he were his little brother.

"You look cute when you smile," he said softly, then immediately regretting it as his face turned red, halting his steps. "I-I mean… Not like that way o-or anything! Not that it isn't attractive… I MEAN OF COURSE IT IS I JUST—" Germany just gave up and put his face in his hands to hide himself.

Italy hugged his side and snuggled into his arm. It's strange; Italy had always clung to Germany, but this time felt different. It felt soft and sweet. Germany felt his heart flutter for a minute as a smile graced his lips as well. They settled on the side of the hill in the grass under the shade of a tree. It was a lovely day just to laze around.

"Thank you for saving me," Italy said, "Even if I would have healed anyways… You're still my hero."

"T-That's… Erm... Your welcome?" Germany was feeling very flustered as he tried to pull away, but Italy's grasp only tightened as his smile fell.

"Can we just stay like this for a minute?" his voice was small and shy for once.

There were many firsts for Germany. The first time Italy wasn't all jumpy and smiling like a goofy clown. The first time Italy had seemed so genuine with his "Thank you." The first time Italy had held him so softly. The first time he felt so weird about being so close to the Italian.

"Okay…" Germany said softly as he watched the boy as he lay on his lap once more, clinging to his waist with his nose in his stomach. His legs curled up into a ball

Italy's POV

I felt as if I was going to melt. This was everything I've ever wanted. I've ever needed. Everything I've dreamt. Everything I've hoped for on each falling star—on each night at 11:11… Every time I blew a small breath onto the flames atop my birthday cake. This was everything I've ever wanted and I never wanted it to end.

I took a deep breath and was welcomed with the smell of Germany's cologne. I would have drowned in happiness right there. Caught up in the moment, I let a whisper escape my lips.

"You smell nice…" I said before I realized it myself, but at the moment, I didn't care. I was engulfed in pleasure. I could die happily right there and then.

Please… I begged, Never let go… Never wake up from this dream… Freeze time forever and let's stay here.

Germany POV

I stiffened as the words left his lips. What are these feelings I have? This isn't right… Why did that one comment send my heart down into a whirlpool? I felt like was about to drown in I don't even know what. I had so many conflicting opinions right now. His company made me happy, and all I wanted to do was protect him. It's only because he's so weak right? But every time I think I have my feelings figured out he does something like this… And I have no idea what to do. Every time I have him figured out he does something like what happened in his home. I have no idea what's going on or what will go on, all I know is I want Italy happy, and I want him to smile from the bottom of his heart. Smile because he is happy and not to make others happy. All I knew is I wanted the smile creased into his dainty face at the moment never to fade away. All I knew is that I was in love with Italy… What am I thinking? All that I can think is confusing, conflicting thoughts.

You're a man, he's a man. You cannot fall in love!

But I love him.

No you don't!

He loves me, too.

No he doesn't!

I want to hold him.

You're disgusting!

I need to hold him. I need to.

Italy's POV

I just snuggled in further as all my troubles melted to nothing. I couldn't help but notice the chain constricting my heart was still holding me tight, refraining me from admitting anything yet, or from admitting it to myself. I looked up to Germany I saw him trying his best to look away from me with scarlet cheeks and a pout. My smile lifted once more for that day as I looked to his palm where a key lied. The key that unlocked my heart. I was unsure whether or not if he knew it was there, or whether or not he was going to put it to use, all I knew was it was there. And the chains around my heart were becoming rusted. I'm not sure how much longer it can stand strong.

Hurray for fluffy chapters! I wrote this listening to Melt by Hatsune Miku :3 I hope you enjoyed! It was fun writing. I also get writers block sometimes so if you have any suggestions don't be shy!