Hetalia One-Shots

Chibitalia x HRE : Make a Wish

The sky was clear. The air was warm. That night was the night I was going to tell Italy. She had to know, before it was too late. I couldn't afford keeping it all to myself.

I knocked on her door after making sure Austria and Hungary were asleep. Light footsteps approached and the door slowly opened. Her tired eyes peeked through the crack then lit up once recognizing who it was.

"Holy Rome! What are you doing here so late?" she asked in her small, high-pitched voice. I tensed up and fiddled with my fingers behind my back. I avoided her gaze at all cost as I spilled over my words.

"I-I have something to show... you," I stuttered, twisting the edge of my dark cloak. My eyes raised to see her tilt her head. I was afraid she would refuse, it was very late after all, and she did need her sleep.

"Yes of course, let me just grab a coat, I'll be right there!" She scurried back into her chamber and reappeared seconds later with an apple green cloak. "I hope this will do," she muttered tying it over her shoulders and closing the door. Italy walked up to me and waited for me to lead the way. I stepped forward and she followed closely.

"You know you ought to be careful, you can't just open your door to strangers in the middle of the night. It can be dangerous," I declared with an irritated frown. Italy skipped to catch up to my pace and held her hands together.

"But then how would I have known to come and meet you?" she asked quietly. I winced at the thought realizing if she had used her common sense we wouldn't be there at that moment.

"Y-yes... B-but you can't do it anymore alright? Never answer to anyone at night from now on, understood?" I asserted raising my head and closing my eyes confidently.

"But you'll always be there, Holy Rome, to save me. You'll always protect me no matter what, right?"

I flinched and froze momentarily. My sight lowered and sighed deeply. "I..." I clenched my fists and biting my lips. "Of course Italy. I'll always be there. But you still need to be careful, just in case," I whispered, pursuing walking. Italy caught up to me with a curious and confused expression.

"What do you mean-?"

"We're here," I cut off arriving at the docks. Italy looked up and gasped. The edge of the the Canal Grande was filled with hundreds of gondolas floating tranquilly. I walked up to one and stepped in. The shy nation watched stupefied as I extended my hand toward her. After a short hesitation, she took it and I led her on the boat. She squeaked in surprise as it swayed and clung onto me.

My breath caught in my throat and I stiffened. I sat Italy on a seat and untied the gondola. Taking the paddle in both my hands, I pushed us away from the edge and made my way to the back of the boat. Her hands grasped at the sides in fear as we drifted down the canal.

"You know how to steer these?" she asked as we turned to a smaller canal. I pushed us further carefully looking ahead.

"Yes. I learned." I didn't want Italy to know I did it for her, it wouldn't matter anyway. We glided through the waters calmly, discovering Venice by night. The occasional oil lamps cast their light on us but the moon was the brightest source of illumination we had. I stared dearly at Italy who sometimes muttered to herself in amazement. Her blushing features creating a growing warmth in my stomach.

We finally reached an opening and joined the Canale delle Fondamente Nuove. The houses became shadows and their lights mere dots. Italy looked around and leaned over the edge of the gondola. I laid the paddle down and sat next to her, admiring her smile as she played with the water. The small waves rocked us slowly. I rested my face in my hands and wished this moment would last forever. I didn't want to tell her. I didn't us to go back. Everything was so perfect, why should it come to an end?

"Holy Rome! Holy Rome! Look at the water, it has the stars in it!" Italy exclaimed pointing to the dark waters. I perched myself over the edge and contemplated the shimmering specks on the surface of the canal. I tapped Italy's shoulder as I raised my eyes to the clear sky. I heard her soft gasp upon seeing the sparkling canvas displayed over our heads for us to admire for as long as we pleased.

"It's beautiful," I breathed out, not having expected it to be so spectacular. Italy's small hand laid over mine.

"Thank you," she murmured with a bright smile. My heart throbbed and my cheeks burned. I looked away but kept my hand under hers.

"You're welcome..."

Our eyes drifted back up to the stars and our heads leaned on each other. My mind was rumbling through the right words to say before it was too late. I knew I had to tell her something otherwise she would be heartbroken. I finally came up with the perfect phrase and prepared myself to tell her.

Right as I was about to speak, she grabbed my arm and shook it. "Look, look! A shooting star! Quick make a wish," she cried out pointing to the sky. I scanned the sky and managed to catch a glimpse of the rare event. Italy clasped her hands together and closed her eyes tightly. I quickly did the same and thought of something to say.

"I wish... I wish I didn't have to go and that I can stay here with Italy for ever, please," I thought, screaming the words in my head. I slowly looked up to see every star in the exact position they were before. I let out a sigh and looked over to Italy.

Her eyes sparkled and her smile beamed. She was overflowing with joy, her small body trembling with it.

"I feel like we are in the sky, don't you?" I blinked in confusion. Italy stared at the moon while she spoke. "The stars are all over us. Look how they shine for us. I feel engulfed in their warm light, I feel powerful, fearless. The stars are what give me hope you know?"

My hands were on my knees as I waited for her to pursue. Her gaze remained up and her smile stayed wide.

"They show me that when it is dark, there is still the possibility to shine. They teach me a certain darkness is needed to see them. That is why I can't give up when things are hard. That's why I want you to know that you shouldn't either. You remember my old friend Mr. Galilei, he once told me: I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. I think that's beautiful."

I let the words sink in as the stars' light burned into my memories. She was right. Just because it was bad now didn't mean all hope was lost. It's in time of darkness where the stars shine best, it's when I'm at my lowest where I can grow stronger and glow brighter. And just like the sun every morning and the stars every night, I would return. It wasn't over. I could see Italy again. I would.

"Thank you."

Italy turned with a smile. "Why are you thanking me? You are the one who brought us here," she responded sweetly. I reached out to her hand without thinking and held it tightly.

"Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for reminding me what I so often forget," I explained. "One day Italy, you will be a grand and beautiful nation. Even greater than you are today. Your lands will prosper and your people will give out their knowledge to the world. You will rule the world."

Italy giggled which made me blush. I didn't intend to make it sound so sentimental. She squeezed my hand and added, "But I don't want to do it alone. I could never manage it. We could rule together. You can stay by my side forever! Will you, Holy Rome, rule forever with me?"

My insides clenched and burst. Her words were so sweet and sincere, there was no way I could ever refuse her something. I nodded and attempted to smile. Her face radiated with her cheery grin.

I cautiously stood up grabbing the paddle and made my way to the back of the gondola. Italy scooted over to the center of the boat and I began stroking through the shimmering water. I knew I should have at least said something to her before the following day, but no matter what I said to myself I just couldn't risk shattering her smile that night. Her happiness was what allowed me to stand for the next day. She would eventually understand. Or I at least hoped so.