Hey everyone! Here's the chapter you've been waiting for! I guess you know who's Penny crush is now. If you think it's Japan: ding ding! Correct! Now let's see how this chapter will turn out. The MMT (matchmaker trio) is actually an OC group consisting of Jao Lan, Alisha and Alyan. It was mentioned in the ambassador drabbles. Also, Merry Christmas! Time for the chapter!

Chapter 27: Matchmakers

Well, there's no turning back now.

I picked up the phone and started to dial in a number I thought I would never dial. I mean I have before but not for this reason. I'm not the person who would resort to such stupid acts but what other choice do I have? I'm not all romantic. Who better- I mean, who other- then them can help me?

I pressed the last button and the phone began to rang: Brrr. Brrrrr. Then someone picked up the phone.

" Bonjour~ who is this?" France spoke through the phone.

" Hey France, it's Kristina. Can I speak to Alyan?" I said.

" Sure, sure. Alyan! Kristina's calling!" France called out in the background. Then I heard footsteps and then Alyan's voice " Hey gurl! Is you okay? Is you alright? Cause I really wanna know!" I smiled, Alyan always greet people this way.

" Hey Alyan. It's Kris. I need your help." I said.

" My help? Um, okay. What do you need help in." Alyan said.

" It's kind of personal…" I muttered.

" Please don't tell me you aren't sure of your choice and that you still have feelings for Japan." Alyan said. I blushed slightly and said " No! It's not that! Can I come over?"

" Sure, Alisha's here too. Is that okay?" Alyan told me.

" Yeah, the more the merrier." I said " Bye." Then I put down the phone. I took in a deep breath. Okay Kristina, there's REALLY no turning back now. Time to help Japan.

…

I was greeted by the door by Alisha who literally jumped at me and hugged me. Alyan did the same. I stumbled at the sudden welcome. " Woah! Hey guys." I said.

They both let go of me and then Alyan said " So… what's wrong?"

" Can we go inside, please? I don't want anyone else to hear this." Kristina said.

" See, I told you it's about Japan." Alyan said.

" No! I told you it's not that!" I said. " But something else, you were right it is about Japan."

" Let's go inside shall we?" Alisha said. We went inside the house and into Alyan's bedroom. It was really beautiful. Alyan's room was nicely styled and aristocratic-like. The floor was carpeted with a soft red carpet and the walls were painted with a bright white. There was a wooden cupboard in one corner, a vanity corner with make-up and such and a study table. At one side of the room was a large victorian styled bed with lots of pillows. The two girls jumped into it the moment we enter the room. Wow, this is impressive. Then I jumped into the bed behind them. We spent the next few moments hitting each other with the pillows.

" So, what is your problem?" Alisha asked after we got tired of pillow fighting.

" Alyan's right, it is about Japan. But not about my feelings for him, I passed that already. It's about Japan himself, I just feel so guilty for breaking his heart. I mean I know Japan's past and he's one of my closest friends here. So I thought…" I said.

" Thought what?" Alyan said. I started to hesitate, maybe it wasn't such a good idea.

" Maybe I should help him find a girl." I said quickly. Alyan and Alisha looked at each other, then at me. Then Alyan put her hand on my forehead and said " Are you feeling alright?"

" I'm fine. Yes, I'm not the type to do this. That's why I'm asking for your help. I don't even know who is suitable for Japan." I said. " Great now I sound like you two."

" Hey, what's that suppose to mean?" Alisha said.

" Well… I haven't thought much about who Japan should be with." Alyan said.

" At least we won that bet against Jao Lan. I swear he must be broke by now." Alisha said.

" Bet?" I asked.

" Oh, we made a bet on who you will choose. Jao Lan bet you will choose Japan while we said Italy. So we got something out of your choice." Alisha said.

" You made a bet out of my choice?!" I exclaimed, blushing " Alisha! Alyan!"

" Well, it was unpredictable." Alyan said " But I knew you would choose Italy so let's get back to business."

" So… let's think of the possible people." Alisha said. Suddenly, Jao Lan burst into the room exclaiming " Hey girls!" I freaked out and threw a pillow in Jao Lan's direction. The pillow hit him square in the face. " What was that for?!"

" How did you get in?!" I exclaimed.

" France let me in, what else? Why are you here?" Jao Lan said.

" We're helping Kristina find a girl for Japan." Alisha said.

" Alisha!" I shushed her. Man, I should have told them to keep it a secret first.

" Kristina?! I never expected you will do this." Jao Lan said.

" I didn't expect myself to do this ether." I said. Then Jao Lan walked towards us and sat on the bed. We all moved away from him. " I'll help! This is such a rare occasion!" Oh no… this is why I called Alyan. She is the most sensible girl among the MMT( matchmaker trio). Jao Lan's the craziest. He makes the most horrible pairings.

We all thought for awhile. Then Alisha said " How about Kyanna?"

" Not really… I don't think she's interested in him." I said.

" Seychelles?" Alyan said.

" Not much." I said.

" Greece?" Jao Lan excitedly suggested.

" NOT MENTIONING THIS AGAIN." I growled. Jao Lan kept silent.

" Taiwan?" Jao Lan said, quickly changing his answer.

" No, they are related for goodness sake. Besides Bryan's going to ask Taiwan to be his girlfriend today." Alyan said.

" He's what?!" All three of us exclaimed.

" Yeah? Didn't you know? He's been trying to for some time now. Ever since the last party. The last time he wanted to try we had the dimension thing going on." Alyan said. So that's why he was so upset at that time.

" Oh! Do you think Taiwan will say yes?" Alisha said.

" Isn't Taiwan older than him, both in human and country years?" Jao Lan said.

" Yeah but it's cute don't you think?" Alyan said.

" Can we get back to the subject? Oh and please don't mention the good girl trio because that's the worst idea yet. Along with the guys." I mentioned.

" Aw, you made me run out of ideas!" Jao Lan said.

" That's why I didn't ask for your help in the first place." I said.

" Cambodia?" Alisha asked.

" No." I said.

" Laos?" Alyan suggested.

" Even worse." I said. " No offence."

" Belgium?" Jao Lan suggested.

" Definitely not." I said.

" Penny." A new voice said. We all jumped in shock. Then we looked at the doorway. It was Aria. She was wearing a orange sundress with white flats. She wore make-up and she let her hair down. " Hey Alyan, I came to return the earrings."

" Finally!" Alyan said as she threw her hands in the air. Then she went to Aria who gave her the earrings.

" How long have you been there?" I asked nervously.

" Enough to know what you're talking about." Aria said. I groaned, from something just between Alyan and I to a big project. Why me?

" Penny?" I repeated. Aria nodded. I thought about it for awhile. Hm… she might do it. I mean, Penny and Japan are good friends. I know that because I see them talk once in awhile. And she's a nice girl.

" Yeah. She likes him." Aria said. I looked at Aria. " Penny likes Japan?"

" I told her many times to take her chance but she's way too shy to confess." Aria said.

" Penny likes Japan?!" Jao Lan exclaimed " How did I miss that?!"

" I guess we go for Penny then." I said.

" Woo! I'll set the date." Alisha said.

" Wait what?" I said.

" You want to help Japan or not?" Alyan said " We're going to set a blind date for the both of them. Hopefully it will work." Then Alyan gave me a wink. Oh no… what did I do?

…

Penny was surprised to see me with Aria by the front door of her house. Aria gave Penny her usual greetings and I waved. She was even more confused when I went inside.

" Hey Penny." I said, smiling.

" What are you doing here?" Penny asked nervously. She seems a bit out of the edge. I wonder what's wrong with her. I swear I could hear her voice crack.

" I hope it doesn't make you feel uncomfortable but can you do a little favour for me?" I asked.

" She wants you to be Japan's blind date." Aria said straight away. I nudged her. Aria glared at me.

Penny jumped slightly off the ground with shock and said " Me?! On a blind date with Japan? I-I d-don't think so…" I saw her blushing a deep red. It made me feel like I was pushing her.

" You don't have to accept. I mean if you don't like him that way I understand but I just want to help him. I feel so bad for rejecting him that I thought I should help him find someone. I'm fine ether way, really." I said.

" Are you trying to stop her or let her go along with it?" Aria said " Will you go or not."

" I don't know myself…" I murmured.

Penny was quiet for awhile. Then she went to me and asked " Didn't you yourself ever like Japan?"

" Yeah… I did." I said softly. " But I got over him."

Penny was quiet for awhile. Then she put her hand together and shouted " I'm sorry!"

I was surprised. Why was she apologising to me? I never did anything to her. " I'm so sorry I thought bad of you. I couldn't help myself. I know you are nice and all but seeing Japan like you and seeing that you might like him… I couldn't help it but get jealous! Every time I see you I can't help but stabbing you internally. I-I love Japan! But I know it was unrequited so I can only keep quiet. Please forgive me." Penny explained. She looks so… determined and… upset. I smiled, I soon find myself laughing.

Penny was surprised. Aria glared at me and exclaimed " You're ****** laughing?! How can you laugh at her. You damn *******."

" That's not it Aria." I said. " It's just that. All this time… before I used to like Liang Hao. I felt the exact same way as you did. I've always thought on how I should treat you kindly each time, only to feel bad afterwards. Then when it was over, I've always thought on how to apologise. Looks like our roles are switched. We're even okay." I said. Penny smiled and then found herself laughing along with me. Aria, confused, also found herself laughing. When we calmed down. I asked " So, you like Japan huh?"

" Yeah… for some time." Penny said as she fiddled with her hair.

" Well I don't mind. Do you want to go on the blind date?" I asked her.

" Okay." Penny said.

" I'll tell you the details. But now, let's forget all that for now. Can we give Kristina a make over. Please!" Aria begged. My eyes went wide. Oh no, not that.

" Of course! Come on, you need a huge one!" Penny said as she pulled my hand, then Aria took the other.

" Wait! I don't want one!" I exclaimed. The girls laughed. I rolled my eyes. Poor me.

The next thing I knew, I was in Penny's bedroom, with my hair being combed and Penny preparing the makeup. How did I end up doing this in the first place? Belgium found us in the room and happily joined in.

" Why is your hair so tangled?" Aria asked me as she tried to pull the brush out of my hair.

" Ow! Ow! Ow! I comb my hair okay!" I said as I tried to bare the pain.

" You didn't blow dry your hair?" Belgium said.

" Why should I?" I asked. Aria sighed. Then Aria said " You really need a makeover."

" I don't!" I said. I tried to run away but Belgium held me back. It was like suddenly Belgium became the perfect body guard. After half and hour, Penny and Aria stepped back and admired their work. I stared at myself at the mirror. I've been turned into a girly girl.

My hair was finally combed out and was nice and smooth. I wore a faint pink eyeshadow with eyeliner and a bit of blush. My lips were also a cherry red. There was a brown hair chip in my hair. I also wore a white singlet with short puffy sleeves, a pink mini skirt with pink flats. I didn't recognise the girl in the mirror. I tried to pull down my skirt and singlet a little further. They told me I couldn't wear short inside so I felt uncomfortable.

" Finally you look hot!" Aria said.

" Great improvement if you ask me." Penny said before she gave me a wide smile.

" Can I have my clothes back?" I asked instantly.

" No! You will not change until the sun sets!" Aria demanded. What?! I can't stand the entire afternoon with… these! I fell like there's mud on my face. Then I realised that Belgium was busy with her phone. Oh no… she didn't.

" Belgium, you didn't!" I said.

" I wonder what Italy will think of this." Belgium said before giving me a wink. I quickly ran towards her and she pressed something while saying " Sent!"

" BEL!" I exclaimed. Then I grabbed the phone and looked at it. It wasn't only sent to Italy… but to all my friends. I'm dead. Then I saw the messages appear.

Jao Lan: \o0o/

Liang Hao: KRIS IS A GIRL?!

Bryan: … never saw that coming

Yuna: FINALLY!

Bec: So?

Romano: Kris…

Sam: O-O

Spain: Ah~ she's cute

Germany: … what?

Japan: … wow is all I can say…

Italy: Ve~ Bella is so cute~

I was silent while I looked at the messages. Penny and Aria were peaking over my shoulder. Then I started to type rapidly and sent my message.

Belgium: OH SHUT UP! IT'S NOT MY IDEA! ARIA AND PENNY FORCED ME TO DO THIS!

Belgium: … This is Kristina.

Liang Hao: Ooooh! Now that makes sense

I physically slapped my forehead. Then I muttered " Belgium… I'm going to kill you…" Belgium stepped away from me and said " Y-you better not."

" Return my clothes." I said.

" No." Penny said.

" Oh come on! Where did you hide them! Please tell me!" I begged.

" You just have to find it." Belgium said. I rolled my eyes, took my phone and said " Fine, then I'll call Japan about the blind date."

I saw Penny blush. Then Aria said " Fine then. You are going to ask him anyway right."

" Alisha gave me the job of telling them about the blind date. Well not so blind since you know you are going to meet Japan, Penny." I said as I dialed the number and put the phone next to my ear " I'm just glad I don't have to handle anything else."

Then I heard Japan pick up the phone. " Hello?"

" Hey Japan, it's Kristina." I said.

" Oh Kristina, why are you calling?" Japan said.

" Can you do something for me?" I said.

" Sure, what is it?"

" Um… you see… um… something happened and… um… can you go on a blind date this Sunday?" I asked nervously.

" A what?!" Japan freaked out. I jumped in shock.

" A blind date… this Sunday." I said. Japan was silent for awhile then he asked " Does it have to do with the picture of you earlier."

" No! Of course not. That was an accident. I never wanted that picture to be sent. This is completely different." I said.

" So you haven't changed into some girl I couldn't recognise?" Japan asked.

" Yes, thankfully." I said " So will you go?"

" I will think about it." Japan said.

" By that you mean no." I said.

" Well…" Japan said with hesitation in his voice.

" Please Japan? I sort of feel guilty of the last time. I know I'm in no position to do this but go on this one date, just this one and I will not bother you again. Okay?" I said.

Japan was silent for awhile, then he said " Just this once?"

" Just this once." I said.

Japan was silent for another moment before saying " Well… I do have some spare time during lunch…"

" Great! I'll tell you the details later. Bye Japan!" I said.

" Goodbye?" Japan said awkwardly before I ended the call. I smiled brightly. Then I saw Aria give me a thumbs up and Belgium clutching penny's shoulders tightly out of excitement. I saw Penny looking extremely shy and blushing hard. I smiled.

" Now, can you please return my clothes."

" NO."

…

I put down the menu and told the match maker trio( with Jao Lan beside me unfortunately) " What are we doing here again?"

We were inside the cafe. It was somewhere in France as Alyan arranged. Mainly France helped with the arrangements. But I got to admit Alyan did choose a nice place. It's not too flashy or casual. We were sitting on two sofa-like chairs at the side. The walls were of a rick brown and the tables were nicely polished white. We could see Penny down the isle, waiting patiently, looking worried.

" To see if it works well of course." Alisha said.

" I think I should leave." I said as I was about to get up.

" No!" All three of them said as Jao Lan pulled me down by pulling my arm. Ouch! That actually hurt.

" What!" I said.

" Come on, don't you wanna see how it turns out? If Japan is happy with this?" Alyan said. I was silent for awhile. Then I slapped Jao Lan's arm away and said " You guys will be paying for my drink okay?"

" Agreed! With the money we got from all those bets, it's no problem!" Alisha said.

" Stop acting so smug…" Jao Lan murmured.

" He's here." Alisha said. I quickly turned around and peeked over the wooden block that separated our small little alcove to the other.

" So she was interested." Jao Lan said.

" Oh shut up." I said. Japan walked into the cafe and looked around. Then he went to talk to a waiter. I saw Penny getting nervous and was trying to let herself calm down. I could see her wiping her palms on her blue knee-length dress. Japan was wearing a pale yellow dress shirt with a green hoodie and demin pants. The waiter led him to Penny's table. Japan looked surprised.

" Penny-san?" Japan said.

" Hi?" Penny said, blushing. Aw, that looks like of cute.

" What are you doing here?" Japan said.

" I'm your blind date I guess…" Penny said.

" I didn't expect it to be you. What a surprise. I was worried it would be some weird girl I do not know of." Japan said as he sat down.

" Same here." Penny said. We told her not to reveal that I told her Japan was gonna be her blind date. I didn't intend for her to tell at first but Aria spoilt the whole thing. Then the waitress brought our drinks. I was happily sipping my chocolate smoothie then.

" Looks like they are doing well." Alyan said.

" Aw~ so cute." Alisha said.

" If I had known of this sooner, I wouldn't be shipping you and Japan so much Kris." Jao Lan said. Then I started to choke. Not because of what Jao Lan said but because a huge chunk of ice was stuck in my throat.

" Kris, a-are you okay?! I'm sorry!" Jao Lan said.

" (kah!) It's not (kah!) that. I need (kah!) wa- (kah!)" I coughed.

" Waiter! Water! Quick!" Alisha called.

" Stupid Jao Lan, this is all your fault!" Alyan accused.

" Me?! She choked on her own accord." Jao Lan.

" G-(kah!) G-(kah!) guys~…" I said. Man… sooner or later they are going to attract too much attention.

" Well you were the one who- ah!" Alyan screamed as I pulled both Jao Lan and Alyan down. The waiter came with a glass of water and I drank it immediately. Damn… I wonder if Japan and Penny noticed us.

" Did you hear that?" Japan asked.

" Hear what?" Penny asked.

" Nothing." Japan said. Phew!

" Don't ever do that again…" I growled. I would like to say this is the last of our accidental slips but it's not. Lunch time was around the corner so we got something to eat. I ate a light sandwich. Alisha ate a salad and crêpe. Jao Lan ate a heavy burger meal. I wonder if he should learn how to save money… and weight, no offence.

" Ve~ hello bella!" A voice interrupted us. I looked up and blushed. It was Italy… what the heck was he doing here?!

" Italy!" I said.

" Ve~ it's nice to see you here! I was just going to have my lunch here!" Italy said.

" What are you exactly doing here?" Alyan asked, her eye twitching.

" I had some matters to settle with France. Hey… is that Japan and Penny? Hey guys-" before Italy could call out towards them. I stood up, grabbed his arm and pulled him towards me so that he would sit down. Italy fell unto the bench instead, his head on the cushion. Whoops… sorry…

" Move woman!" Jao Lan exclaimed as he pushed me off the chair. Italy and I then fell unto the floor, with me on top of him. I looked down at Italy and blushed, he was blushing too. Then I came to my senses. I quickly got up, helped Italy up and then quickly said to Alisha " Switch places! Before they notice!"

Alisha started to complain " But I don't wanna-"

" Too bad!" I said as I pulled her out, shoved her in my seat and we both sat down quickly. Italy was confused my my actions. I looked up, did they notice?

" Did you hear something?" Penny asked.

" No, why?" Japan said.

" I thought I heard Italy just now." Penny explained.

" You must be hearing things." Japan said. Phew…

" Ew… can you pass me the salad?" Alisha said. We switched out dishes and drinks, then Italy asked " Why did you do that?"

" We're spying on them. We don't want them to know we're here." Alyan said.

" Oh! You are playing spies? Can I play too?" Italy said.

" Um…" I said.

" Why not?" Jao Lan said " Wanna order something?"

" Jao Lan… he's bad at spying." I said, remembering the time how Italy exposed the both of us while we were spying on the allies in WW2.

" Well as long as he keeps quiet it's fine." Alyan said.

" That's how we got exposed the last time…" I muttered to myself as Italy called the waiter.

" You're his girlfriend, do something about it." Jao Lan said.

" What does that have to do with anything." I quickly countered.

After that, things went pretty smooth. Italy tried to order pasta but they didn't have any. He cried then, I had to suggest something else quick before he draws attention. Jao Lan a bad comment which made me hit him afterwards. Soon, we saw Japan and Penny got up. Then the matchmaker trio stood up too.

" What are you guys doing?!" I said.

" Following them." Alisha said as she got out of her seat.

" You can't just do that!" I exclaimed as I stood up.

" Ve~? What's going on?" Italy said.

" Too bad, you can't stop us!" Jao Lan said.

" You know that we knew you were there the whole time. Right?" A new voice told us. The four of us freaked out and looked at the the direction of the sound. Italy was oblivious to our reactions and waved at the two " Hi Penny! Hi Japan!"

" What are you doing?" Penny asked us.

The matchmaker trio, nodded and then said " Backup plan." Suddenly they all pointed at me and exclaimed " It was Kristina's idea."

I was clueless at first what they were talking about but then I snapped into my senses. I quickly freaked out " Itwasn'tmyideaitwasthosethreeidiots!"

" What?" Penny asked.

" It's not MY idea, it was THEIR'S. Wait a minute… you brought me here so you could put the blame on me?!" I exclaimed.

" Pretty much." Jao Lan said. Argh.

" Sorry, I didn't want to come in the first place. They forced me to. I'm leaving." I said. Italy stood up and I started to walk away. I stopped in my tracks, walked back to the table and took the smoothie with me. What? It's a good smoothie. Then I poked the three idiots foreheads and left.

I sighed to myself. I hope it turns out well for Penny and Japan. But I learnt my lesson… NEVER ASK THE MATCHMAKER TRIO FOR HELP EVER AGAIN.

Unknown P.O.V

Penny and Japan were walking out of the cafe. Then Japan told himself " Sigh… that was…"

" Weird?" Penny suggested.

" Hai, a new form of weird." Japan said. They were quiet for awhile. Japan was feeling slightly uncomfortable. Now what? " Well, I guess I should be going soon."

" Now?" Penny asked.

" I have some work to do." Japan said. Penny wanted to say something but she hesistated. Aria told her to do it now but… what if he laughs at her? No, what if he rejects her? What if… he still likes Kristina? Penny got even more nervous than Japan/

" Goodbye." Wait- not yet!

" Wait!" Penny called out and grabbed his hand. Japan turned to look at Penny then blushed. Penny realised what she did and let go, blushing also. " I promised myself to do it today…"

" Do what today?" Japan asked.

" I- I-… I-… Um…" Penny said, stammering. Japan was confused.

" I like you! A lot! I've wanted to go on this date… I knew it all along… I was too shy to say it. I thought you would reject me or something. I don't know. I really, really like you Japan. I've kept it secret for some time now. I thought I would never have a chance since you liked- or still like- Kristina. But… I can't…" Penny said before she kept her mouth shut. Japan was blushing. Yes Penny is a nice girl and she is a good friend. But he never thought she would like him.

" Penny-san?" Japan said.

" I know, you're going to say ' I'm sorry, I don't like you that way'. I know that." Penny said then she looked away. She was trying not to cry. Don't cry Penny… don't cry….

" I wasn't going to say that." Japan said. " P-Penny."

Penny looked at Japan. She realised that… he was blushing. What?

" Penny, it's not that I don't like you or I don't feel the same way but… I'm just not ready right now. I'm… not sure whether I'm ready for love yet." Japan said more boldly. Penny was quiet. " I only came because Kristina told me she wouldn't tell me to go to these things anymore if I go for this one. I have… problems."

" Problems?" Penny said. " Do you mean Kris?"

" It was before that." Japan said as he sat down on a nearby bench. Penny sat next to him. " I never wanted to love ever since I became a country. In my past life… I had a childhood friend named Yuki. She's nice, caring, beautiful… she's the only person who cared about me during my era. I was a disgrace. We fell in love and run away… but… then her fiance came and killed her while trying to take her away from me. I was heartbroken. I told myself not to fall in love again because it will only bring sadness in the end… I was right. I'm heartbroken again." Penny was quiet. Japan… told her about his past life. Well, briefly anyway. She knew how sensitive countries' past lives were.

" Are you sure it's okay for me to hear this?" Penny asked. Japan looked at her and said " You are my good friend, I can trust you."

" But I want to be more than just friends!" Penny said loudly before she covered her mouth. She found herself blushing a deep red. She wanted to crawl into a hole and die right then. Japan looked at her and blushed, then he looked at the suddenly interesting ground. What should he do now? He knows… he did like Penny a little bit. Ever since he was rejected by Kristina, he was trying to have some 'alone time'. He talked to others more, trying to get his mind of her, but not completely of course. Most of the time, he spent his time talking to Penny.

He was the only other girl he was close with other than Kristina and Ariel. But Ariel is his ambassador so that's out of the question. She's a really nice girl and has comforted him when he was sad. He never thought all this time how Penny felt when he tried to confined with her about his feeling for Kristina. He… did like her, sort of.

Japan looked at Penny. She was looking away and gripping unto the sides of her dress. Japan blushed, took a deep breath and tried to do something he wouldn't usually do. He cupped his hand over Penny's face, turned it towards him and kissed her forehead. Penny was shocked. She quickly pulled away, blushing a deep red.

" Maybe not now Penny, but next time. Will… you soon be my girlfriend?" Japan asked. Penny couldn't stop smiling, then she found herself laughing. Then she said " Sure, soon I guess."

We'll leave the two for a bit of privacy now. Meanwhile, Ariel was at Germany's house for her last lesson for extra training. Germany told her to do a fitness test to check if she would be able to keep up with everyone else. Brandon was inside the house helping with Germany's work. Apparently he's really smart, smart enough to do some of Germany's easier work.

Ariel ran forward to complete the final lap of her test, Germany stopped the timer. Ariel collapsed on the floor, panting hard. Did she do it. Germany looked up Ariel and said " Congratulations, you passed."

" I did?!" Ariel said, still lying down.

" You did." Germany said. Ariel smiled wide, she passed. But she was too tired to cheer. Germany walked towards her and squatted beside her. Then he asked worried " Are you okay?"

" Fine… just tired." Ariel said.

" I got some ice cold water." Germany said. Ariel quickly got up and exclaimed " You do?! Can I have some?" Germany sighed and said " Get up, I'll get you some."

" Too tired~" Ariel complained. She really reminds him of Italy sometimes, especially during training. Ariel didn't bother to get up. Germany stood up and said " Do you want to do this the easy way or the hard way?"

" Easy?" Ariel said.

" Get up."

" No…"

" Then the hard way it is." Germany said. Germany then walked behind Ariel, stopped, then grabbed her wrists and pulled her up. Ariel freaked out and scream. Then she said " I'm up! I'm up! I'm up! Sorry!" Then Ariel quickly got up. Ariel walked towards a nearby bench and sat down. Germany went to get two bottles of chilled water and passed one to Ariel. Ariel quickly opened it and drank half it's contents. Germany sat next to her and drank his bottle too.

" Ah~ that's so much better." Ariel said.

" I can't see why it's so bad." Germany said.

" That's because you are some kind of hunk man! I'm just a girl who rather focus on books." Ariel said.

" At least you can keep up with everyone." Germany said. Ariel then asked " Hey, can I tell you something?"

" Why me?" Germany asked.

" No one else is here to hear me rant out. But I need someone to talk to." Ariel said. Germany was quiet then nodded.

" You know, I never expected to be here training at all. Right now I'll be rereading novels or studying for my exams. Instead I'm here with you. Crazy right? I thought I'll be homesick and desperate to go home each day. I still am homesick but it's not as bad as before. My friends are here, and my new friends too. It sort of feels like home. Now it's as if I don't want to leave. Is it… a burden that we're here? I mean countries have done a lot for their ambassadors and we are just here sitting around waiting for that time to go home. I'm sorry I took up your time." Ariel said.

" You are not a burden Ariel, nor any one of you." Germany said.

" But isn't it better if we never came here?" Ariel asked.

" No." Germany said " Don't say such things."

" Really? You aren't lying just so I won't feel bad?" Ariel said.

" Actually, once in a while it is a pain in the neck…" Germany said. Ariel sighed, she knew it. She shouldn't have gotten too comfortable here. It was by accident right? So what right do they have to invade this world? Or even stay. She wouldn't know how to repay Japan for his hospitality no matter how hard she works. She's troubling the axis, troubling Germany.

" I knew it." Ariel murmured under her breath.

" But you are useful." Germany finished his sentence. Ariel blinked, she looked at Germany. Then she asked " How? I haven't really done anything."

" You ambassadors are really useful. You, Brandon and Kristina have been helping us Axis for a long time. It's a lot of help, especially Brandon. He can even do some of my simple work even! I can thank Kris for taking care of Italy. He does better when she's around. I haven't heard of a time when Japan hasn't praised you after you help him several times. You help me too." Germany said.

" Really? When?" Ariel asked.

" Well… remember the time I fainted. You accompanied me that time, and you helped me calm down. I was still trying to recover from the shock. You also helped me during the time the pictonians attacked. We wouldn't have found Italy, Kris and the others if you hadn't carried me that little bit of distance. There are also times when I'm sad and you cheer me up. Danke Ariel." Germany said. Ariel was surprised. All this time she was worried she was a burden and she never realised all the help she did. Was it really enough?

" You are also our friends. We always support each other. It's great to have you around. I mean the ambassadors…" Germany said as he looked away shyly. Ariel smiled and said " Thanks…"

" Ariel?" Germany asked. Ariel took a sip from her water bottle and nodded. " Will you forget about me?"

" No! I won't? What's with this suddenly?" Ariel asked.

" I was thinking about when you return to your world. Kris told us that she nearly thought her time here is all a dream, like it never happened. I don't think we'll be able to see each other again when you guys go back. I… was afraid Ariel. Afraid I wouldn't be able to see you again." Germany said.

" Me? Well… don't worry. I won't." Ariel said. " But why are you so afraid?"

Germany was silent at first. Ariel realised that he was blushing. Could he… actually like her? Ariel shoved that thought out of her head. No… she thought of that possibility many times but it couldn't be. It was a silly thought…

" W-well… um…" Germany said, stammering a bit." I sort of… um… yeah…"

" I don't get it." Ariel said.

" I think I've fallen in love with you." Germany said with all his emotional courage, damn, what did he do? Ariel's eyes widen, she started to blush, her heart raced. Did she hear properly? She must have heard wrong. He was always so strict with her during training. He looks down on her.

" U-Um w-"

" I really like you Ariel. There, I said it. I didn't want to say it because I thought I was showing weakness. All those times you help me or around me… I can't help but admire you. I tried to stop myself but I can't. Do you know how many times I tried to stop myself from kissing you?" Germany said. Then he realised what he just said and blushed even harder. He realised too that he was nearly yelling. " Sorry…"

Ariel put her hand over her mouth. She was trying not to get too excited. Germany likes her! He was actually in love with her! So her feelings weren't unrequited? It was almost too much for her to take in. She never felt so… happy. Then she took in a deep breath, put down her hand. Then she kissed Germany's cheek. Germany was surprised and looked at Ariel. She smiled and said " Funny, I fell the same way."

Germany actually smiled then. Then he cupped her cheek and kissed her. Ariel's heart was pounding. It feels so right…

Brandon opened the front door to the door and saw the uninterrupted scene. Brandon quickly closed the door and murmured to himself " I never saw that…"

Sorry Ariel! I just had to add that in! We had too much serious stuff in the past few chapters! :P :) Poor Brandon, I wouldn't want to be in his position ether. That's so cute! I need help now, can anyone tell me if there is an episode of Fantasia Hetalia? I can only find a short audio of it. If you do can you send the links to me? Thanks! I think we know the chapter preview now: An online game, created by Japan and America? Cool! Wait, why are they trapped there?! How can they get out?! It's not SAO people! Sorry, I recently watched SAO(sword art online) so yeah… :P Merry Christmas again!