Chapter 23: Aftermath

" I-Italy."

Silence. Tension seemed to fill up the room. I didn't want to stay any longer. I quickly got up and ran out of the room. I ran as fast as I can. I felt weary. Sorry Japan… I just kept on running. I didn't know where I was going, but so long as it's far away. I could hear a few loud noises from the hall but I didn't bother to look back. A few hot tears rolled down my cheeks, making them wet. What did I do?

Someone grabbed my hand and I stopped running. I quickly looked behind me, it was Italy. He was panting as hard as I was. I blushed a deep red. I tried to squirm out of his grasps but Italy held on tight. I just wanted to get away. I didn't want to know what happened. I didn't want anyone to get hurt. I-

Italy pulled me into a sudden embrace. I blushed even more, my heart was thumping wildly. What? Italy held me tight. Then he said " Kristina… what took you so long?"

I was silent for awhile. I didn't know what to say. Italy was holding me tight. Then I hugged him. This feels right, I know it. We were quiet for while, then I pulled away. We seem to be staring at each other for a long time. Then I looked down. How am I suppose to explain it?

" I like the both of you." I said. " I mean… I had feeling for the both of you. It made me feel like a slut. I didn't even know what I was feeling. I didn't want to hurt anyone, but love always hurts someone in some way… I didn't want to fall in love in the first place. So it took me some time to get my feelings straight."

Italy was silent then he stepped towards me and asked " Then… why me? Why me and not Japan?"

" Because I'm closer to you." I said " I mean you really care about me. You took care of me and even attempted to travel to my dimension. I guess I fell in love with you because you are not afraid you and we depended on each other. Japan is of course still a close friend but I'm afraid we are just close enough to be friends. It was you I'm in love with." I blushed a deep red, my heart pounding hard. It took all my will to say that. Then I took in a deep breath.

I took the courage to look straight at Italy. He smiled at me. He really looks handsome I admit. His orange eyes staring into my brown ones. My heart strings strung. Then Italy asked as he took another step towards me " You are sure now?" We were so close to each other, it was nearly uncomfortable, but it was fine for me. I smiled. I shrugged.

" Then let me tell you you're right." Italy said as he cupped my face. I looked at him. Something filled within me. I can only describe it as love. Then he kissed me. It was like the first time he kissed me. Soft, slow and many things swirled inside me. This time, I returned the kiss. My hand ran through his amber hair and he held me close. This is right, I know it. I didn't know how long it was.

When we pulled apart, we were both panting heavily. Our foreheads were touching. Then Italy said " Ti amo, Kristina."

I smiled and laughed softly. Being loved, something I thought will never happen to me. All this time, I was insulted, beaten down internally, rejected every time I love someone. Love is something which can hurt, yourself and others. Love is a fantasy. But when it's real… it's magical.

" Ti amo, Feliciano." I said, blushing and smiling. It took all of my courage but it tastes sweet in my mouth. Then I kissed him briefly. We were both smiling. Then Italy asked " Will you be my girlfriend?"

" Of course." I said and then we kissed again.

Unknown P.O.V
Kristina ran away, Italy ran after her. Japan could feel his heart breaking. He knew it, he knew all this time Kristina would go for Italy. He had distance himself a bit in the beginning and Italy did take care of her. Of course she's in love with Italy, not him. Japan squeezed his hands shut. He tried not to try. Never show weakness to the enemy… what enemy? Love? He knows this feeling, the feeling of heart break. A tear escape and fell unto his lap.

Everyone was silent. Germany stood standing looking at the doorway. Most of them was looking at Japan. Seeing Japan crying… was something you don't often see from a strong country. America managed to speak " Um… you okay?" Japan didn't answer. It was clear Kristina didn't stay to see Japan's hurt state.

" I don't know if this makes you feel better." France said " But she likes both of you. She kept it in so no one would think ill of her. She had to decide. I'm sorry."

France wasn't really close with Japan. Japan could only think Both of us? So she did like me? That fact didn't make Japan feel better, if not worse. France was silent. Then Yuna got up and exclaimed " This is all your fault!"

" How is this my fault?!" France exclaimed.

" You know it's a sensitive subject for Kristina! How could you?!" Hungary exclaimed, standing up.

" That's some confusing love triangle…" Alisha said.

" I was helping her!" France said.

" How?!" Yuna exclaimed " You just hurt a bunch of people idiot!"
" He did help her." Alyan said. " Yuna, don't you realise it? The three have this uncertainty between them. Tensions are just going to get worse until Kris decide. Italy and Japan were sensible not to fight but who knows what might blow out. It's best for her to say it then to have unnecessary bad tensions."

" How-" Hungary was about to protest when Britain exclaimed " Will you four stop it! You bloody wankers keep arguing like no one else is here! Can't you see Japan is suffering and you still dare argue?!"

" Says the one who always start them." France said.

" Shut up!" Britain exclaimed and the two continued arguing. America and Germany went to comfort Japan. Germany could only pat Japan's back. America could only say " It's okay." Japan tried to be strong but the tears flowed anyway.

Holy Rome only stared at the door. He smiled. So Kristina said it. He didn't know about the love triangle but he did feel sad for Japan. He was also happy Italy found his happy ending. He hopes Japan will get up and find someone he will love, like how he is. He internally wished good wishes for the both of them.

Penny, on the other hand, was staring at Japan. One thought just kept running through her head. She choose Italy, She choose Italy. That means Japan… Penny mentally slapped herself. How can she think of such selfish thoughts? Japan's crying from heartbreak. How can she let her own feelings think of such things? Despite Kristina's decision, Penny left worse than before. Why did she have to…

Everyone looked at the door. It was both Italy and Kristina, holding hand in hand. Kristina was blushing a deep red. Kristina looked at everyone and gave a smile. It was debatable if it was a happy one… or a sad one.

Kristina's P.O.V

I wanted to see Japan, or maybe not. But I had to talk to him at least. It's the end of America's party and nearly everyone went home. All I know is that I need to talk to him. Italy is with Germany, waiting for me. I found Japan in the hallway.

" Japan." I called out. Japan stopped walking and looked at me. He blushed, I did but only slightly. I walked towards him then stopped. What am I suppose to say to him? Sorry? That's nothing.

" It's okay Kristina…-san." Japan said. It was a long time ever since he called me that.

" You know, you don't have to distance yourself from me." I said. Japan jumped in shock, freaked out and said " W-what do you mean?"

" I mean, we are still friends right? I don't mind if you call me Kristina." I said. Then I sighed and said " Sorry… I know about Yuki and all that. I didn't mean to break your heart again…"

" I said it's okay." Japan said. I looked at him. He looked calm, but he was blushing and I could see how he was hiding his tears. Is he willing to suffer it inside all alone? Just like that? It was sad… to see Japan heartbroken. And it was by me. Is love selfish too? Since it hurts so many?

" But are you okay?" I asked. Japan was quiet for awhile. Then he said " I will be Kristina. I'll get over it…" Guilt came over me, I caused him this.

" Japan, I hope you find someone else someday." I said, then I gave a smile… a sad one yet slightly happy. Japan looked at me and shook his head. Then he said " Countries like us can't love… it's not like I can be as lucky as you."

" Maybe one day Japan." I said " No one is that unlucky."

" But…" Japan said. I interrupted " I know, you have got a bad past and all. But I have a feeling you will be happy soon."

" How soon?" Japan asked me.

" Very." I answered. Japan smiled slightly and said " I will say it the last time, just to get over it. I love you."

I blushed slightly and said " I know."

" See you tomorrow." Japan said, then he walked off. I hope he's okay… I mean I just sort of rejected him. I hope one day he will find someone who he won't lose. I then went to find Italy, my boyfriend.

Unknown P.O.V

America was worried. He had to do his dare otherwise he would look wimpy. And how can a hero be wimpy? The hero has to have courage! Even if means confessing to your scary crush who might reject you. America sigh. He thought of Vietnam. He smiled, to see her flustered, angry face everyday… it was worth it. Then he felt like someone was watching him. America looked around.

Vietnam quickly hid behind the wall. Oh no! He spotted her! Vietnam contemplated if stalking America to find out who America confesses to was a good idea. What was she thinking? It's a bad idea! Vietnam internally begged America wouldn't find her. No luck.

America looked behind the wall and said " Vietnam?" Vietnam jumped in shock, blushing and then she exclaimed " What the heck are you doing here?!"

" I could say the same thing. You took the words right out of my mouth." America said. Vietnam kept quiet. She felt stupid for following America. It wasn't worth following the jerk. America was confused, why was Vietnam here? Then he asked " Were you… following me?"

" Why would I? I just… lost something." Vietnam said. Then she started looking around. She was such a bad liar: That's what America thought. Vietnam was back into her green congsam and white pants. She looked like herself, that's how she suppose to be. America smiled. Vietnam noticed and snapped " What?"

" It's strange. I was looking for you and you followed me." America said. Vietnam was confused.

" Me? Why do you need to find me?" Vietnam said. America laughed. Vietnam got angry. Then she exclaimed " Are you here to insult me? Again?"

America took up all the courage he could muster and said " No, the opposite."

" Huh?" Vietnam said. America then put his hand on the wall, trapping Vietnam between the corner of the wall and himself. Vietnam blushed and said " What the heck are you doing jerk?"

" Nothing much. Remember the dare?" America said.

" What about it?" Vietnam said, crossing her arms.

" I love you Vietnam." America said sincerely. Vietnam blushed a deep red. Did she hear him right? The girl he likes is… her? She couldn't believe it. She wouldn't believe it. Then she exclaimed " You're pulling my leg aren't you. Come on jerk stop fooling around."

" Why would I be?" America said, staring at her.

" You always do. How in the world can you be?" Vietnam said, blushing hard.

" Well I'm being serious now. I love you." America said, then he chuckled and said " Man it's so strange saying it." Vietnam kept quiet. She rolled her eyes then she said " Like I can take that seriously."

" I am serious." America said, he did look serious now. He even looked like… he's in love with her. Vietnam's heart raced, what was she feeling? It's the same guy who annoyed her to death. " I love you, and I know you feel the same."

Vietnam's face heat up and exclaimed " Who says?!"

" I still remember that Valentines day. You said ' stop messing with me okay. Stop making me fall for you' or at least something along those lines. Am I right?" America said. Vietnam went into shock. He heard her… and he remembered. Vietnam attempted to run but America pushed her back.

" Why are you running?" America said. Vietnam panted… oh what the heck?

" Why…" Vietnam murmured. America tuned his ears.

" Why must it be you… from all people. You are the one who gets on my nerves, annoy me to death, make me angry all the time, you even attacked my country. I'm suppose to hate you… but yet at the same time I don't. No matter how many bitter insults I give, I can't get this feeling away. You are actually a good person, sometimes you make me laugh or smile. You helped me a lot, more times than I can count. Why do you make me feel this way!" Vietnam exclaimed. Then she covered her mouth. What did she just say?

America stifled a laugh. Vietnam looked at the american closely. Then he laughed out loud. What the? How could he?! It was pretty obvious America had no romantic charm in him. Then America looked at Vietnam and took her hand. He then said " Strange, cause that's how I feel too." Then he put Vietnam's hand on his chest. She could feel America's heart beating fast. She looked at America, he was blushing as hard as her. Then he stole a kiss from her.

Vietnam was surprised. He… kissed her. She wanted to pull away but America was persistent. Vietnam finally stopped and kissed him back. In an unexpected moment, she pushed America away. America fell unto the floor with a 'thump'. He looked at Vietnam in surprised. She was blushing a deep red.

" America… you idiot…" Vietnam said as she tried to stop laughing herself. She was crying too, out of happiness. America found himself laughing himself. Then he got up and asked " Well… um… I guess I should ask you if you wanna be my girlfriend."

Vietnam stopped laughing and looked at America like he was crazy. Then she slapped him. America was shocked, she smirked and said " Idiot, you are stupid aren't you?" America blinked, what did she just say. Was he rejected?

" Does that mean a yes or a no?" America asked. Vietnam blushed and said " I'm going home." Then she walked off, a smile plastered on her lips. America stared at the corridor for awhile. Then he told himself " I guess that's a yes."

Meanwhile, Yuna was waiting for Spain. Spain had decided to stay back for awhile. Italy, Kristina, Bryan and Romano had already went home. Yuna decided to stay back and wait for Spain. Yuna smiled. She's glad Kristina finally choose, and it was Italy. She knew the two would end up with each other, but was sad for Japan at the same time. Earlier Romano went to explain things to Philippines and somehow they started going out. Yuna also wondered who America is going to confess to. It seems like many couples are pairing up. Bryan tried his luck with Taiwan but she left before Bryan could talk to her. Poor Bryan…

Yuna saw Spain walk up to her. She smiled, but then blushed. She remembered how Spain had flirted with her earlier that day, he even attempted to kiss her. Yuna thought she was dreaming then. Get over it Yuna!

" Oh Yuna, you're still here?" Spain asked. Yuna nodded.

" I was waiting for you, everyone else already went back home." Yuna said.

" You started calling our house your home." Spain said.

" Well, I got used to it. Since Bryan and Kris are starting to call it home I thought I should too." Yuna said. Spain smiled, she had waited for him. He smiled, a warm feeling came from inside his heart. He stepped closer to Yuna. Then he said " So we're alone."

Yuna looked around, it seems to be so. There weren't many people in the house left. Then she said " Yeah… what about it?"

Spain smiled, Yuna was slightly uncomfortable. What is he thinking… please don't tell her Spain was with the BTT before. Spain then trapped her against the wall and lifted her chin up. She was surprised, she didn't expect this. Her eyes stared into his. Her heart beat fast. Unknown to her, Spain was feeling the same way. Then he kissed her.

Yuna was shocked, but she closed her eyes. What was she thinking? She was never interested in love. She was too busy with her studies and her mother's high expectations. But she has strong feelings for the spaniard. She found herself kissing him back. Spain drew her close and hugged her. She found herself doing the same. They were panting heavily when they pulled apart. Yuna was confused, yet happy.

" What…?" Yuna murmured.

" I love you. Ever since I meet you that day on the road. I was attracted to you. You're such a fun, nice, friendly, pretty girl and when we became close friends, it took most of my will to resist kissing you, you know? I know… you aren't interested in these things but I am in love with you." Spain said. Yuna was even more confused.

" B-but I thought you like Malaysia." Yuna murmured again. Spain had a slight guilty look.

" Yeah… I admit, I did find Malaysia cute but it was just an infatuation. She's pretty so that's why I flirted with her. But you made me feel so many things I can't describe. Sorry I didn't say it sooner." Spain said. There was silence for awhile. Spain felt a little hesitant and started to move back. " But… maybe this is unrequited-"

" Spain." Yuna quickly said. Spain looked at her. She was blushed a deep red, it was clearly visible from her dark skin. She then stammered " I-I-I… I-I…"

" Yuna?" Spain asked. She shut her mouth. Then she opened her mouth but nothing came out. Spain realised what she was trying to say. Spain cupped her mouth, making her heart race even more. " You don't have to say it."

" I do." Yuna said " I-I l-love… you…" Spain blushed a deep red. Yuna snorted then said " I-I never wanted to like a guy. I-I-I just wanted to study, g-get a good job a-and live a good life. B-but as I stayed here… I-I-I started to fall for your cheerful, sociable attitude. I-it's stupid."

" It's not." Spain said. Then he kissed her again. Yuna didn't withdraw this time. She was happy. She never felt so… complete. They pulled apart, both panting heavily. Then Yuna heard a low whistle. The two looked at the direction of the voice. It was America tip-toeing away.

" Hey America!" Spain said cheerfully.

" How long have you been here!?" Yuna exclaimed.

" Dude, I was just checking if anyone else was left in the house, sorry for dropping in!" America said then ran off, laughing.

" America!" Yuna exclaimed, blushing a deep red.

" Don't mind him." Spain said as he held Yuna's hand. Yuna blushed. Then he said " Will you be my girlfriend?" Yuna was silent for awhile then she nodded. " Okay Spain."

" Call me Antonio." Spain said, blushing and smiling.

…

That night, Kristina didn't mind Italy was in her bed at all. I mean, it has been going on for some time right? She didn't even mind if Italy hugged her while he slept… it was fine. She left comfortable in his arms.

Awwwwww~ That's so cute! So Kristina choose Italy! That's so sweet. Poor Japan… It's okay, he won't be all alone. ;) I wonder who Penny's crush is, it's a bit obvious now who it is. Sorry guys, I didn't want to leave Malaysia alone. :P I hope you like this chapter even if it's a short one. Preview of next chapter: Countries have past lives. We've heard of the Axis' past lives. How about the Allies? Maybe Prussia? Hungary? Stay tuned! :)/p