I feel the blankets being pulled up gently over my legs. I always kicked the covers off most nights, whether from restlessness or the occasional kicking spell. Italy found it endearing, always pulling them back over me in the middle of the night. I feel a final lingering touch to my arm before the nation exits the room, the door barely making a sound as he closes it behind him. I wait to here the front door lock to click before sitting up in the bed, running a hand back through my hair. I sigh softly, looking over on the nightstand at the clock. I wasn't even 5 am yet.

I think about it, knowing Italy couldn't be going too far. We lived in one of the oldest parts of Venice. Anywhere he ever wanted to go or anything he wanted to do was always within walking distance, mind it was usually a long walk but Italy always loved to just walk around the city. Picking flowers, going to the market, sitting outside the cathedrals to listen to the neighborhood children sing. Italy was just simple like that; the smallest things could make him the happiest. And it was something that still baffled me to this day.

I get up, kicking the blankets off my legs, swinging them off the bed to stand. I make quick work of getting dressed, throwing on a casual white button up over my usual black undershirt and slipping into a pair of khaki pants. Once dressed, I pull on a thin jacket, giving Italy's discarded iron cross necklace a final glance, before slipping out onto the street. The chilled morning air greets me, dismissing the last bit of grogginess in my system, cooling my face considerably. I look around, not finding too many people out. Mainly just a few elderly tending to their plants or sitting outside their homes, humming unfamiliar tunes while sipping a cup of espresso and waiting for the warm sun to rise, enjoying the mild morning. I flash a small smile to each one as I walk by, receiving a nod in return. A few vendors are setting up shop as well, pushing their carts or hanging their signs, all working quietly, keeping the near stillness in the air.

I turn the corner, finally making it to the main street along the canal, I keep my eyes open for Italy, knowing the man couldn't have gotten much farther. I look out over the waters of the canal, seeing the tall buildings on either side, an early morning fog settled along the surface of the water between them. It was eerily picturesque and breath taking, the only other sounds besides the soft slapping of water and the occasional thumping of boats against the sides of the canal where footsteps.

My own and those around me.

Being a main street, I had expected it to be more crowded but even that didn't disrupt the near silent ambiance of the morning atmosphere. It was a wonder all in itself.

I hear a sound up ahead, that familiar warm chirping of Italy's voice. It's followed by a soft laugh. I finally see him in a flutter of pure white, short russet hair standing out against it. He's talking to an old woman, her gnarled hands clasped in his warmly. He talks to her sweetly in Italian, the sound like honey to the ears. Italy was regarded highly among the older citizens, for they held the essence of the nation itself. He continues to converse with her, the old woman giving his arm a small pat before pulling away, handing the nation a small package wrapped in brown paper and string, most likely a few pastries or some sort of sweet bead. He thanks her graciously before continuing on his way. I follow behind slowly, a warm blush rising in my cheeks. I knew it looked bad following him around like this but I was truly curious. I wanted to know what made today so special and why Italy felt the need to hide it, especially from me. I mean we've been together for so long now. Was it really something Italy couldn't entrust to me?

I quickly clear the thoughts from my head as I feel the questions lay heavy in my heart.

A/N: Hey there! Sorry for taking so long but between finding a new job and keeping up with life in general lol its kinda hard to get inspired to write :) I do hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as i loved finally writing it...next chapter will be better :) Please please please review! :D