Author's Note: Hey all! This chapter we see Hungary, America, and Italy just being girls and having fun.

Theme song for the chapter: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper

Also, I had an inquiry about America and Italy's names. This will be explained in the story later, but basically, America likes the name Alfred and sees no reason to change it. For those uncomfortable calling her Alfred she will insist they just use Al; even if it's still masculine it's less so than Alfred. Feliciano is a pretty easy name to change, as just changing the 'o' to an 'a' makes it feminine. Also, Feli is a fairly gender-neutral nickname.

Also, because I feel like Feli would have a nickname for Elizabeta I decided to use Liza. As far as I know she doesn't have an unofficial official nickname (like Matthew has Mattie) so that's what I'm going to use. Correct me if I'm wrong. Although, later on Alfred is going to call her Lizzy. I just feel like that's something America would come up with, whether Hungary liked it or not.

Anyways, major use of names later on in the chapter. Seriously, I go from half country name, half human name, to pretty much only human names. This is so long, if there is any mistakes I apologize. At this point I'm just done with this chapter.

I'm really sorry this chapter was late! I know I said I would update every week sometime between Friday and Sunday but I had a lot going on this past week and weekend. Seriously, finals and our Conference track meet in the same week! I actually wrote the bulk of this on the ride home from the meet. Next chapter will likely be shorter and will definitely be on time since I'm going home Wednesday (summer oh yeah!). So, to make up for this being late the chapter itself is nearly 7000 words (16 pages whut!?). You better enjoy it, darn it! But seriously, have fun reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or the characters of the manga/anime.

XXX

Chapter 6: Girl's Night

Alternative Title: Proper Introductions, Shopping, Nail Painting, and Girl Talk

XXX

The happy Italian was bouncing where she sat. Italy was currently riding in a taxi. Her destination: Hungary's house. She had been told to come over at 3:00 PM sharp, and have an outfit ready to go so they could go shopping as soon as she arrived. All of Italy's things were packed, with an outfit specifically for their public outing packed at the top. She couldn't wear it while traveling to Hungary's house, since that would mean she would have to leave dressed up, and that would make the neighbors suspicious. Plus, she couldn't very well change on the plane. So, she would just have to change at Hungary's place first before they headed out.

Feli was looking forward to tonight. It was going to be so much fun! It had been much too long since her and Elizabeta had last had girl time together. She couldn't wait to go shopping and have her hair played with (excluding the infamous curl) and paint her nails and actually wear a dress! That was probably what she was most excited for.

She had recently bought a cute summery green and white dress, which was currently packed at the top of her suitcase. It had been an impulse buy, actually. She had seen the dress in the store window display and had promptly decided to buy it. When questioned by the salesclerk she had explained it was for her twin sister (not a complete lie). Of course, she had to sneak it past Romano. Had he seen it he would have waited until she was gone and would have returned it, with or without a receipt. It wouldn't have been the first time either. In fact, most of the clothes she had packed were things she had smuggled past her brother and hidden well in the deepest recesses of her room.

The taxi stopped and Italy realized they had reached their destination. She quickly paid and thanked the driver and got her things. She hadn't even reached the front door when it swung open and Hungary flung her arms around the Italian girl in a fierce hug.

"Feli!"

"Liza!"

Both girls pulled back from the hug after a couple seconds and immediately began to giggle. It was amazing how childish the two could get when together. Elizabeta then ushered the other girl inside. "Come on in Feli, you need to get changed and then I have something important I need to talk to you about."

Feli quickly ran off for the guest bedroom, ready to really try on her new dress. She had tried it on only once to make sure it fit, and that had been in the dead of night when her brother had been out. She really didn't want it taken away (she had learned from experience). Once the dress was on she looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror in the guest room. It was amazing how just changing her clothes could transform her from a boy to a girl. Well, letting her natural curves show helped too.

Pleased with her appearance, she went back to Hungary's living room, wanting to show off her cute new dress. As expected, Elizabeta cooed over how cute she looked. "Oh Feli, that dress is so cute on you! It just reminds me of when you were still small and I could dress you up in those cute little outfits." At this she had that faraway look she would sometimes get whenever she was having a 'nostalgic' moment.

Feli, however, wasn't going to let her have this moment; she was ready to hit the town. "Ve~! Those were fun times, even if Mr. Austria wouldn't give me pasta. But now we can go shopping!"

Had Hungary not grabbed her arm and pulled her back the excited Italian would have ran straight out the door, with or without her friend. "Wait! Not yet Feli. I have something I need to tell you. Something important."

Italy gave her a puzzled look and let out a confused "Ve~?". What was so important that they couldn't leave now?

Hungary led her excited friend over to the couch and sat down, still holding onto her friend's arm. Didn't want her to runaway now, did she?

"Feli, I'm going to tell you something and I want you to promise me you're not going to runaway, at least not until I've told you everything. Ok?" Elizabeta was giving her that serious, motherly look she would always get whenever she was going to try and explain something difficult. Italy didn't always like that look. However, she trusted her; after all, Hungary was like a big sister to her.

Italy gave Hungary a sincere smile, "Ok, I promise I won't runaway."

Hungary smiled in return. "Good, now listen closely. I recently got a visit from another country. I'm not going to tell you who yet though. Well, he told me he had something really important to talk to me about. I invited him over and we had a very interesting chat. You understand so far."

Italy nodded. It was easy to understand, although, she wasn't sure why Hungary was telling her this.

At this Hungary gave her a slightly more nervous smile, "Good, cause this is where things become a little... complicated. Well, this country confided in me a secret. Now, by telling you this secret you have to promise not to tell. Although, I'll think you'll understand when I tell you. You see this country, was not really a he, but actually a she."

Hungary paused. Italy tilted her head, "What do you mean? How can a boy be a girl if he is a boy?"

Hungary laughed, "What I mean to say, Feli, is that she is doing the exact same thing you are." She paused again, allowing this to sink in.

It took about three full seconds, and then, "Cosa! You mean there is another country who is pretending to be a boy when they are really a girl!" She sat there for a moment in shock, soaking in the information, and then excitement began to set in and she began to bounce a little where she sat. Hungary was reminded of America, who had done pretty much the same thing when she found out. The two really were alike in a lot of respects. She smiled when she thought about how good of friends the two could become because of this.

Italy then realized that Hungary hadn't told her a very important piece of information: who this country was.

"Who is it, Liza? We could get together and have pasta and talk about boy things and girl things since we have to know about both and we could become friends and we should invite her over to go shopping with us an-mmph!"

Hungary had abruptly put a hand over the excited Italian's mouth, a little surprised at how enthusiastic she had become. Really, she was taking the news very well. Now, however, was the true test. Would she chicken out when she realized who was coming over in the next ten or so minutes?

"Calm down Feli. I've already thought of that. I'm sorry I didn't tell you this earlier, but I was afraid you would chicken out on me. I actually already invited her over and she should be here in about ten minutes."

At this Italy nodded, accepting this, but still she asked, "That's ok, but who is it?"

Hungary took a breath, "America."

Italy started a little. She wasn't sure whom she had been expecting, but America certainly wasn't it.

Then she realized it was America, as in the United States of America, as in the nation who was one of the biggest military powers in the world, the nation that practically ended the war in Asia single-handedly during WWII, the nation who went toe-to-toe with Russia and won, the nation who was one of the world's top superpowers. That America.

All of her Italian instincts were telling her to get the heck out of there, but she had made a promise to Liza that she wouldn't. This didn't stop her from freezing up though, her body tensing up. "A-amer-ric-ca?" She couldn't stop herself from stuttering. In her mind she only saw the America she had always known, although, the one her brain imagined up at the moment was much more intimidating (with sharp pointy fangs and a deadly gun in hand). Then, she tried to imagine that same scary American as a female… and her brain started to hurt. She honestly couldn't get rid of the image of the tall, impossibly strong nation looming over her as she cowered in fear.

"Feli. Feli!"

Her thoughts were broken as she realized Hungary was shaking her. She had gotten lost in her imagination again.

Elizabeta looked a little worried. "It's ok Feli! Seriously, America isn't going to scare or hurt you, I promise. I want you to think for a moment Feli. America is in the exact same situation you are. She's been keeping this a secret for a long time and what she needs right now is a friend, and I believe you can be that friend. Please, just, give it a chance." She was giving her an imploring look, trying to convey some sort of hidden message to her.

Italy paused, and she did think about it. As hard as it was for her to imagine a feminine America she knew Elizabeta wouldn't lie to her, not about something like this. America… just needs a friend? She pondered this for a moment, and the more she thought about it the less scary her imaginary America became. She then remembered the normally loud but well-meaning America that she knew from the World Meetings, and suddenly it didn't seem quite so hard to picture herself and America as friends (even if she still had a hard time imaging 'him' as a woman). Maybe this won't be so bad.

However, she wasn't given any more time to think about it because there was a sudden knocking at the front door. Hungary stood up and put a comforting hand on Italy's shoulder. "There she is now. Come on, I think you two should be properly introduced." With that she grabbed Italy by the elbow and led the still apprehensive Italian to the front door.

XXX

America wasn't afraid of anything. (Well, except maybe ghosts… but they don't count!) After all, she was the hero! Everybody loved the hero! However, even heroes could be nervous and Alfred at that moment was beyond nervous. She was so anxious that she hadn't eaten anything all afternoon simply because she didn't want to risk throwing it back up (which was preposterous considering she had an iron stomach thanks to years of eating England's cooking, if she could stomach that she could keep anything from coming back up).

Hungary had assured her that she would take care of explaining things to Italy and would make sure she wouldn't be true to her Italian nature and run at the first sign of danger. This did not, however, make America feel any better. What if Italy doesn't believe her? What if she decides not to trust me anyways? What if I end up scaring her off and she doesn't want to talk to me?

Her anxiety had been plaguing her all week. What should I wear? What should I say? Should I go for a friendly approach with a hug, or keep it professional with just a handshake? Of course, she had turned to playing video games with Tony and eating unhealthy snack foods to try and distract herself from her nerves, but that only worked for so long.

Her biggest challenge had been deciding what to wear. Upon opening her closet she was reminded of the fact that all of her regular clothes were fitted for a man. Normally her clothes would suit her just fine (although, nothing was tight or fitted since she couldn't completely flatten her chest, no matter how tight she tried to bind it). However, since she was trying to convince Italy that she was in fact a girl she couldn't just dress as she normally would. But without the binding her clothes didn't fit right, since they were not made with womanly parts in mind. Plus, she realized, much to her embarrassment, that the only type of bra she owned were sports bras that she would wear when at home.

Finally, after much agonizing she decided that she would just wear a sports bra and whatever shirt fit the best. It turned out to be a simple white t-shirt that she would wear around the house, although it wasn't particularly flattering. Still, it was better than a lot of her other shirts and didn't hang quite so awkwardly. Also, it wasn't quite so bad when she threw on her trusty bomber jacket over top. Of course, she changed into her chosen outfit in a public bathroom somewhere in Hungary; she was too paranoid to risk being seen in the States.

Now, however, was the moment that had been causing her so much anxiety: she was standing at Hungary's front door. It was 3:15, right when Hungary told her to show up. Gathering her resolve, she finally knocked (minding her strength as she always did, she had unintentionally broken down enough doors to learn her lesson) and put on her signature 'I can do anything because I'm the Hero' smile.

She wasn't left waiting long before Elizabeta answered the door, smile on her face. "Hello Alfred, I hope your flight went well." America couldn't help but notice how she blinked and took a second glance, after all this was the first time she had seen her without the binding on her chest. Feeling more than a little uncomfortable Alfred gave a nervous laugh. "Hey, Elizabeta. My flight was alright, especially since I slept like a log the entire time." It was then that she noticed Hungary wasn't alone and felt herself doing the same thing Hungary had just done to her.

She had been trying to imagine Italy as a girl ever since she found out the secret, but it was nothing compared to actually seeing her for the first time. Actually, she was very pretty. As a guy she had always looked a little feminine, although she had still been cute (hey, she was still very much a girl and could still at least look even if she couldn't touch). As a girl, or rather as a woman, Italy was an attractive young lady, even with her short boyish hair. Alfred had also not expected her to be so dressed up, and as a result felt very underdressed for the occasion. Not that she could have dressed up in the first place, seeing as she didn't actually own any dresses.

Italy had been giving America the up down in return before her face broke out into a beaming smile. Seeing the American in person reminded Feli just how friendly she was; America was really very fun loving and good-natured even if she was overly loud and ate too many hamburgers. She also had proof now that America was in fact a female, even if it still was a strange sight to see.

Once she had convinced herself that America was indeed not a threat her true Italian charm and personality took over. Italy pushed past the still silent Hungary (who had been waiting for one of them to make a move) and she pulled the taller (and stronger) nation into a friendly hug. America was a little stunned but smiled nonetheless. The Italian pulled back and then began to talk very, very quickly, her cheerfulness and excitement taking over.

"Ciao America! I'm really excited that you'll be joining Liza and I on our girl's night. It is simply wonderful! I didn't think that there was any other nation like me, or was doing the same thing I was. I'm so happy to find I'm not the only girl nation who is pretending to be a boy. I was a little shocked when Liza told me but I am so excited now! It will be so much more fun with another girl to hang out with! This is going to be so much fun! Ve~! I can't wait for the three of us to go shopping and—"

She continued to babble on and on very rapidly and Hungary was beginning to think she would have to physically shut her up again. However, America beat her to it. The blond loudly interrupted her mid sentence (not that Italy really noticed or minded), "Good to see you too, Italy! I'm excited to be here. I was thrilled when Hungary here told me I wasn't alone either. I'm sure we're going to have a ton of fun." She returned the beaming smile, happy that Italy had accepted her so quickly.

Hungary couldn't help but smile as well. Deciding that they had dilly-dallied long enough she clapped her hands together decisively, gaining the other two's attention. "Alright ladies. I do believe it's time to go shopping! Alfred if you want you can just leave your bags in the living room, we can sort out sleeping arrangements later on."

America gave a quick mock salute and did just that, returning with just her phone and wallet. So, the three piled into Hungary's car and were off, ready to hit the town.

XXX

First thing on the agenda was to find Alfred an outfit fitting for a young lady. Elizabeta had been quick to interrogate the thoroughly embarrassed American about her wardrobe and had been appalled at the fact that she had next to nothing when it came to feminine attire. It did not help that she didn't really understand women's fashion either. Her flustered defense had been that she had found no need to keep up to date with the latest trends and didn't feel like doing so since she could never really wear it anyways. Either way, they were quick to get the flustered nation some Hungary-approved clothing.

America, although feeling embarrassed about her lack of knowledge with fashion, couldn't deny she was having fun. In fact, she was surprised at how much she was enjoying herself. Although, she did voice how strange she felt wearing such fitted clothing when she first put it on, especially since her new outfit emphasized her natural feminine figure. Standing in front of the mirror with her new outfit she couldn't help but stare. She looked so… different. Damn, she actually looked good! Despite how awkward she felt she decided it was worth how attractive it made her feel to be dressed up as a female. Her two companions couldn't help but pause and stare as well. It's not everyday that you see an attractive young man turn into an even more attractive young woman.

The more they shopped the more Feli began to realize what Elizabeta had meant. America, no, Alfred, really just needed a friend who could help her and understand what she was going through. Feli couldn't begin to imagine how she would have managed keeping her secret as long as she had without Elizabeta's help. It would have been impossible.

She couldn't help but admire Alfred (or Al as she insisted they call her) for her fortitude and endurance. She had managed to keep her secret, for the most part, by herself for a long time. All the nations knew just how quickly America grew up, practically skipping through adolescence at a pace unmatched by any other nation in history. Also, as a nation she had experienced a lot in her relatively shorter life. To handle all that stress along with keeping her secret safe, Italy couldn't help but admire her courage.

At the same time Feli was commending Alfred, the reverse was taking place as well. Alfred found herself looking at the Italian in a whole new light. For one, she hadn't realized just how smart the Italian could be. It was known fact that Italy was a cheery airhead who couldn't read the atmosphere and never took things seriously, but somehow she had managed to fool all of her neighbors and allies much longer than Alfred had. She had also managed to fool her two closest allies, Germany and Japan, who had spent a lot of time with her during WWII.

Alfred was reminded of just how young she was compared to so many other nations, (which usually bothered her a lot) however, she found she didn't mind so much with Feli. Maybe because she wasn't constantly rubbing it in her face (like some nations she knew, *cough*China*cough*) and she actually gave the young nation a lot of encouragement and didn't seem to mind at all that she lacked fashion sense and couldn't quite break all of her more masculine habits.

Elizabeta couldn't help but smile as the two nations interacted. They had, just as she predicted, become fast friends. At first, she had been the one taking the lead and helping Alfred figure out the difference between 'cute but still casual' and 'dressy enough for get-togethers but not classy enough for a business luncheon'. However, she had noticed Feli beginning to take the initiative, and Elizabeta decided that she would step back and let the two get to know each other better. She couldn't' help but give herself a silent pat on the back as she watched them feed off each other and begin to develop a close friendship. It really was turning out to be a great afternoon.

Two and a half hours later the three of them were all shopped out and ready for food. Alfred had actually been complaining the past 30 or so minutes about needing sustenance, while Feli had been whining for the past hour about wanting pasta. So, deciding they were done for the day Elizabeta drove them to one of her top restaurants to eat, the Rézkakas Restaurant. There they enjoyed great food, live music, and some fine wine while they talked about whatever came to mind. After dinner they headed back to Hungary's house to relax.

Once back they changed into some more comfortable clothes and Elizabeta popped in a movie. She then pulled out all of her nail polish and hairbrushes, announcing that she would play with their hair (or as best she could with both of them having such short hairstyles) and they would have to do each other's nails, all while exchanging juicy gossip about famous celebrities, political scandals, and, of course, other nations.

With the movie playing, the three did just that. Although, Elizabeta was a little surprised with Alfred's reaction when she initially went to begin brushing her hair. She had become very defensive when Elizabeta had declared she was going to, "take care of that damn cowlick!" She had gone so far as to place her hands over the piece of hair and shake her slightly pink face, responding with, "Sorry Lizzy, but no way, no how are you touching Nantucket." Of course, this led the ever-innocent Feli to ask why she had named the stubborn strand of hair and why couldn't Elizabeta brush it. This caused her blush to deepen a little more and she simply stuttered out a quick, "Same reason no one touches yours or your brother's curls." This caused Feli to turn slightly red as well, all the while Elizabeta just laughed good-naturedly at the two less fortunate nations.

After that, the three gossiped and chatted about this and that, while the movie played on in the background. It was obvious that Italy was the better of the two when it came to painting nails, although it wasn't all that surprising considering how artistic she was and her considerable skill with a brush, even a small one. However, she did not complain at America's lack of practice, and Alfred was thankful for it. She was still very new to a lot of this girl stuff and was glad that Feli didn't mind at all.

Finally, once the movie was over Elizabeta cleaned up the snacks (she had made popcorn before the movie started) and addressed the two other girls. "Alright, girl talk time."

At this, she received a questioning look from Alfred. "Girl talk time? Haven't we, ya know, been talking?"

Elizabeta gave a little laugh, "Girl talk is different Al. Girl talk is when we talk about girly things with each other and share girly secrets and stuff."

Alfred raised a skeptical eyebrow. "About what?"

Elizabeta gave her a devious smirk that Alfred decided she did not like. "About boys of course."

Alfred gave a nervous laugh, "Oh, is that all. That, that can't be so bad."

She was given a predatory look in return, and suddenly she felt like taking a leaf out of Italy's book and running for the hills. "Oh, well if it's not so bad, then why don't you go first?"

For a moment she had this deer-in-the-headlights look, until she smiled nervously and said, "I'm not sure I know what it is you want me to tell you. Why don't you or Feli go first? Since I don't know what girl talk is supposed to be like."

Well played, Elizabeta grumbled to herself. So, she turned to Feli, who had been silent throughout the exchange. The brunette gave a small squeak, knowing she had nowhere to hide from Elizabeta's figurative jaws. "Well then, how about you Feli? Tell us, what do you look for in a man?"

Feli squirmed a little under her friend's gaze. Honestly, she already knew what she wanted in guy, or rather, who she wanted. "I um.. prefer blonds," she said, her voice small.

Elizabeta perked up at this. "Really? You like the blond haired, blue eyed type?"

Feli blushed at the accuracy, but nodded. "Si. Someone with a handsome face and strong body as well."

Alfred, who was quickly catching on to how girl talk worked and had temporarily forgotten that she was the next victim, decided to ask the next question. "What about personality?" Elizabeta gave her an approving look, letting her know that was an acceptable question.

"Well, I like a man who is tough, but not a show-off. He should be smart, but not over-bearing when you talk to him. He needs to be loyal to his family and friends, and his people as well. He's calm and levelheaded, even if he is too serious most of the time and can be very scary when he loses his temper, which can happen when others are being uncooperative or noisy. Actually, most of the time he's pretty scary, and can be very loud too. On the surface he seems stern and humorless, but underneath he's really quite gentle and sweet, and really cares about those he trusts. He isn't the most trusting, but once he let's you in you know you're lucky to have earned such a dear friend. He looks out for those he holds dear and is very protective. And despite having a temper he can also be extremely patient and even gentle, especially when you're having troubles tying your shoes or when you want him to go do something fun but he just wants to work. He's very serious about work, but it's because he's a hard-worker and wants to do his best for others. He will do anything for his friends and family and would do anything for me, and I would do anything for him. Ve~!"

Feli was losing herself in German dreamland, and didn't notice the other two giving each other knowing looks. It was obvious that Feli already had her perfect man picked out, and even someone with only half a brain could see she head over heels in love with a certain blond haired, blue-eyed nation.

That devious smirk worked its way back onto Elizabeta's face. "You make Germany sound like some giant teddy bear. I'd go so far as to say you love him, don't you?"

Her response was a dreamy, "Si." Then she realized what Elizabeta had just said and her blush returned and she gave a little squeak.

Elizabeta laughed and smiled at the flustered Italian. "It's ok Feli, we won't tell. I knew you had a thing for Germany, but I didn't realize just how bad you had it. How long have you loved him?"

"Well, I didn't figure out I actually loved him until shortly after the end of World War II. But I think I started to fall in love much sooner than that... I just never realized it…"

"Aww Feli, that's so adorable. You two would make such a cute couple."

Elizabeta realized after it came out that she had said the wrong thing. Tears began to well up in Feli's hazel-brown eyes and not two seconds later she began to downright bawl her eyes out. She could have smacked herself in the forehead for making that kind of comment. Of course they couldn't be a couple. Germany didn't know the truth, and neither did anyone else for that matter.

Quickly she moved to Feli's side and pulled her into a comforting hug, which was gladly accepted (Italy was never one to hold grudges). "Oh Feli, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I just, forget sometimes when it's just us." She ran her hands through the short auburn hair, shushing her like a mother would a crying child.

Alfred sat awkwardly off to the side, not sure what do. Honestly, she wasn't sure what had set the Italian off so bad. Realization struck when the still upset Italian mumbled through her tears and Elizabeta's hair, "I wish I didn't have to hide so we could just be together. Ve~"

Feli really loved Germany, or rather Ludwig, with all her heart. But her love wasn't being returned, and Alfred felt her heart go out to the sweet Italian girl who she now considered a close friend. If only Germany knew the truth. But Alfred knew that wouldn't, couldn't, happen.

It took Feli a few minutes to calm down and stop crying. Every now and then she would sniffle, not completely recovered. Elizabeta had gotten her some Kleenexes as well as some chocolate, telling her it was the best medicine for an aching heart. Feli disagreed, telling her pasta could cure everything and anything, but she accepted the chocolate nonetheless.

Elizabeta gave her a sympathetic smile. "It'll be ok Feli. Don't give up hope, but don't let it get you down. You never know, someday may come when the two of you can be together." At this Feli smiled, but then the deviously playful Elizabeta suddenly returned, "Then you two can make out all you want."

The embarrassed and still a little depressed Italian blushed red and she proceeded to hide her face in her pillow, signaling she was done talking for a while.

One down, one to go. Elizabeta turned to Alfred, who suddenly looked a little ill. "So, Al. How about you? Have any love-interests like our sweet Feli here?"

Alfred gulped and glanced around for some sort of exit. She really didn't want to talk about her own feelings involving guys. "Love-interests?" She stalled, trying to think of a way out of the situation.

Elizabeta wasn't going to let her get away. "Yeah, you know, like a crush. You can't look me in the eye and honestly tell me you haven't had a crush on a guy before?"

She squirmed a little where she sat. "N-no I guess not. I mean, I guess I've had, crushes before."

Elizabeta smirked. "Spill it girl. We've got all night. Why not tell us about your first crush?"

Great. Alfred thought a sarcastically. She took a deep breath, mustering her courage for what might come. "Well, my first crush was actually a nation."

At this point Feli had rejoined the conversation, interested in where this was going. "Really? Who?"

Alfred was blushing now, and she mumbled out, "Prussia."

Elizabeta gave her a wide-eyed, surprised look. "Prussia!? When was this?"

Alfred began to pick absentmindedly at her newly painted nails, "During my revolution. Him and some of his soldiers came over to teach my troops how to fight and, well, I just thought he was really cool at the time."

At this Elizabeta couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Don't you mean awesome." The three shared a laugh at this.

"Yeah, something like that. Well, at that point I hadn't met many other nations and he just, stood out. After awhile though, I started to look up to him more as a big brother figure than anything else. Besides, he wasn't there for long. After my revolution he headed back home and I didn't see him again for quite awhile."

Elizabeta could tell there was nothing more behind that story, but knew that she had more information to spill. "Alright, so you had a crush on Prussia. Who else?"

Alfred's blush, which had died a little, returned. "Well, I've only really had a few serious crushes after that. I had a small crush on Spain and Denmark at one point, but those were short lived. At one point, before the first World War, I actually had a really serious crush on Russia."

This surprised both girls. Elizabeta asked skeptically, "Russia!? Seriously? But you two are constantly fighting with vague insults and veiled threats, even after the end of the Cold War."

At this she shook her head. "This was before all that. There was a time, before he went communist and was plotting world domination, that we got along really well. In fact, we were fairly good friends, and I really liked him at the time. Although, I think even then I knew it would never really work out, even if we could, you know, actually date and all that. He's too controlling and I'm too independent. I'd be hard to make it work."

Elizabeta nodded at this, but she still had a hard time believing that. Although, it was hard to imagine America and Russia ever being good friends in the first place after having witnessed the Cold War for so many years. She was surprised when Feli asked the next question. "Ve~ So who else did you really like?"

At this Alfred blushed the brightest yet and suddenly avoided all eye contact, and Elizabeta could tell that this next crush was not just another past infatuation she could talk about in a detached manner. These feelings were still strong to get that kind of reaction. The predatory smirk was back. "Ohhh. I think a better question is, who do you currently have a crush on?"

Alfred squirmed where she sat, knowing she'd been caught. She really needed to work on her poker face. "It's nothing serious. Really, just a small crush, nothing more. I mean, he's one of my good friends and he's really cool, so it's makes sense that I like him, just a little bit. Really, it's no big deal."

Elizabeta curiosity had flared up and she was definitely going to get this information out of her if even if it took all night. "Obviously, it is a big deal. Who are you trying to convince here, Feli and I or yourself?"

Feli, who was just as curious as Hungary, piped up, "Don't worry, we won't tell. Your secret is safe with us. Ve~"

Alfred, knowing how tenacious Elizabeta could be to learn the truth, gave in, knowing she'd end up giving away the answer sooner or later. Really, all the other two had to do was start guessing and they'd hit the right answer eventually anyway. Plus, she knew that this knowledge would stay between the three of them. With an embarrassed groan she finally mumbled out, "I kind of like Japan…"

Feli was the first to react, smiling cheerily. "You have a crush on Japan? Oh, it actually makes a lot of sense! You and Kiku do spend a lot of time together."

Elizabeta, however, wasn't satisfied. There was more Alfred wasn't telling them. "So, you have 'small crush' on Japan. Mind telling us when this all started?"

Alfred, thinking she had been done, looked even more uncomfortable. "I'm not entirely sure honestly. I guess, I've just always been… attracted to him, although it wasn't always really, you know, like a crush."

"What do you mean, ve~?"

"I mean, I'd first heard about him through England all those years ago, and I wanted to meet him. I knew his country was in isolation and I was honestly just curious. Of course, there were political reasons for establishing contact with Japan, but me personally, I was really interested in learning more about his country. When I first met him I was, fascinated. His culture was so different and interesting after being closed off from the outside world for so many years. It intrigued me. After that initial meeting we became friends and I had the opportunity to learn more about his people and culture."

Elizabeta nodded and laughed a little, "You persistent Americans were able to do something a lot of his neighbors weren't able to do. So, when did you start to develop a crush on him?"

Alfred seemed to get very uncomfortable at this. "Well… I kind of had a small crush on him for a while after that, until…" a pained look crossed her face, "… World War II."

Both Hungary and Italy flinched at the mention of the war. Most affected countries did when the war was verbally mentioned. It was not a happy memory for any of them. America noticed the reaction and quickly moved on.

"Sorry, I'll just, uh, skip over that part, since you both know how that went. So, anyways, after that things were kind of tense between Kiku and I. The war had left us both on edge with each other. Finally things came to a head when he just snapped and we had this really intense argument. It was the first time I ever heard him yell… but we both calmed down and were able to talk about things and basically agreed to put what happened behind us. We were able to fix up our broken friendship and somehow we became closer friends because of it. Somewhere along the way I ended up developing these… feelings for him again."

Still not satisfied, Elizabeta asked, "Well, when did you notice that you liked him?"

"Sometime in the 90's…"

At this Elizabeta gave her this slightly skeptical look, before it became a knowing one. "Really? Nearly two decades, hmm? How long did all your other crushes last? Certainly not as long."

Alfred simply gave her a tentative shake of the head.

Elizabeta felt a smirk make its way onto her face. "I think you've been denying your feelings, Al. If you're 'little crush' has lasted this long I would say that those feelings are much stronger than you claim they are."

Alfred turned bright red and looked a little horrified. "Nononono. I, I don't, it's just a crush, nothing more. I can't, I'm not in love with Kiku." She choked when she realized what she said. Elizabeta raised an eyebrow, enjoying this much more than she should. "Mmhmm. Just remember, I wasn't the one who mentioned love, you were."

Flustered and thoroughly embarrassed, Alfred decided to try and take the offensive. "W-well, what about you, Lizzy? What's your opinion on boys?"

Elizabeta smirked; Alfred would have to do better than that. "Me? Well, I, unlike you two, have actually been in a serious relationship, and even though Roderiech and I had to politically cut ties we are still very much together."

Apparently, Alfred did have better, because the next thing she said made Elizabeta choke and sputter. "Oh, so then Gilbert was lying to me when he told me that story about the two of you getting ice cream that one time?"

In response a pillow made sudden contact with her face, taking her completely by surprise and knocking her backwards. Elizabeta was merciless and didn't hold back anything in her righteous fury. Alfred quickly retaliated, grabbing her own pillow and whipping it around at Elizabeta's face, laughing as she did so. It wasn't long before Feli was dragged into the fray and the three were soon laughing and giggling as they bludgeoned each other with pillows. It wasn't long before Feli pulled out a white flag from who-knows-where. Where it came from and how she could pull it out of thin air, neither Elizabeta nor Alfred knew. Either way, it didn't matter. The three girls just talked and laughed the rest of the night before finally falling asleep, happy and relaxed in each other's company.

XXX

Author's Note: Oh my gosh… I hope you all enjoy this chapter, because it was a lot to write. Goodness... I don't even want to write this note.

So, we see a developing friendship between America and Italy. I think the two, male or female, could be really good friends and I tried to play on that in this chapter. So yeah. Hope they're still in character throughout the whole thing.

I don't really feel like writing anymore for this right now. I might update it later with some actual notes about the chapter… maybe…

Have a fantastic day everyone!