( Sorry about such the long chapter ;w; )

Britain shivered as he wrapped himself in a hug. France was going to be furious with him. He had to ask, he had to do it. She didn't know about any of it, she wouldn't know how to react. This was going to be the end of him.

Taking a shart left the prince ducked into his room, locking it quickly. He paced the room back and forth, nerves eating him up. How could he, no how would he do this! Thoughts flew through his mind as tears slowly pricked at his eyes.

All the dread and anguish had come back and it was choking him quietly inside that one dark bedroom. His feet started to stumble under him as he grabbed onto the crimson curtain and pulled himself back up on his feet. He could do this, he just had to. His throat burned as he coughed a few times, throwing the door to the balcony open and stumbling over to the rail. He let out a few more quiet gasps, tears falling over the rail and onto the roses below.

He looked down at the village below him shining brightly, though he couldn't make out much detail other than the blackness of the ocean on the other side.

The night air brought some calm relief to his anxiety as the pale moonlight showed over the landscape. He was such a baby, couldn't even go without crying. It was so hard to stay strong

He let out a short sniffle and looked down, hiding the pain in his eyes behind a gloved hand. Leaning over the rail he pulled out the little box and stared at the small diamond ring nestled in the red velvet. It glinted in the light, the fear in his eyes reflecting back on its smooth surface.

He took a few shaky breaths before looking back at the village.

He had to do this. He didn't want to.

But he had to

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

" Good morning Britain! '' Mina waltzed through the halls, a large stack of pillows in her hands. The prince didn't respond. At first he believed that he couldn't hear, but quickly noticed his drained and pale face.

" Sir are you alright? " She placed down the pillows and stood in front of him. Britain stared blankly at her, his large eyebags easy to notice. His voice quietly rasped a reply and Mina cringed. He must have been up all night.

" You look like death sir! Come on let's get you back to bed " she took his arm, gently leading the Prince back down the long winding halls. Mina glanced back and forth between his face and the red carpet, unsure of what had happened the prior night.

" What happened to you? I know that you couldn't just end up like this without a reason. Are you concerned about the wedding... " she asked, grabbing his tophat from the floor. Britain started ahead down the hall and slowly turned to face the servant.

" I have to do it. I can't do it. " he slumped. Mina raised an eyebrow.

" Do what sir? I dont understand " she stared questionly. Britain groaned slighty and pulled out the small velvet box from his pocket. Mina gasped slightly and took the box from his hands, opening it with a smile.

" Are you going to propose?! " Her voice was giddy and excited as she glanced at the flashy ring from inside. Britain shook his head in dismay.

" I'm-. I'm being forced to... We were invited to a masquerade ball for a United Nations meeting and.. and my father gave me this and forced me to do it or something bad would happen.... Something that could really hurt... I can't say anything else. " he snatched the ring back and shoved the object back into his pocket.

Mina let out a sigh spying a familiar face down the hall. If this prince was going to make it out alive he was going to have to build a bit of confidence and work together. She didn't want to hear any more complaining.

" Hello France! " she waved to the princess with a large smile. Britain perked up slightly at the mention of her name.

" Hello Mina... " she grimaced at the Prince that was standing a few feet away. Mina smirked, her plan was working perfectly.

" I'm sorry to interrupt you, my lady but will you please take the prince back to his room? As you can tell he isnt feeling the best and I have a lot of things to complete before tonight. I'm sure that he wouldn't mind either way. " she worked on giving her best smile and sweet voice. France blinked a few times.

" Im.. sure that the two of you could work out something.. " she starred in disgust towards Britain.. Mina placed a hand on her hip and pulled out the puppy eyes and France couldn't help it anymore. " Alright, fine but only this one time. I can't take him anymore... " She let out a sigh and snatched the Brits hand, pulling him forward.

" Did you have a little snore during the night? Or do you have a cold or something? You certainly seem to have lost your independence... " She sneered, continuing to tug him forth

. " I... " he paused, thinking on something, his voice frail.

" You what?! " her voice was firm but softened slightly at his tired posture.

" I... I'm just tired " he fumbled with the ring in his pocket. Even despite his lie the prince knew she would see right through it. Britain wasn't the type to ever be tired. She stared at him with a look that was meant to make him feel bad about his lie.

" I'm sorry, I.. " he mumbled again, his voice even worse than before. France rolled her eyes, quickly placing a finger on his lips.

" I don't want to hear another word out of you. Alright?! " she shook her head, turning back towards the hall. Britain felt his face warm up as she pulled her finger away, marching down the hall.

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

"My, my... There are too many people here... " France shriveled up farther from the Brit as she glanced around the grand ballroom. There were practically over a hundred countries, Empires, States, Cities, representatives, practically any person you could think of crowding the large room. In every corner, there was a collection of dignitaries, politicians, and businessmen that had joined in the celebrations, and all of them were enjoying the hospitality and good company of the ball.

Most of the guests wandered around the room and stayed near the drinks while, NATO, ASEAN, EU, and the main boss United Nations sat up front behind a large, Victorian decorated table that sat in the front. They all wore fancy, but classy clothing of either black or gold and showed off their unconventional pride. The strong scent of alcohol drifted in the air mixed with the sweet scent of cakes and various assorted pastries, drifted dreamily around the room as France and Britain struggled to find an open table in the sea of crowded people. Some countries were already digging into the food with a smile on their face and drink in their hands.

It was a warm environment, in all, but there was a small cold breeze that blew up and ruffled his hair. The Englishman looked over at his partner with a slight smile on his face. France stood behind him quietly, surprisingly worried about the whole situation of being present at the ball. She had been strangely opposed to attending it in the first place and seemed to have harbored that feeling for quite some time. Mina had gotten frustrated with her after a few hours of begging France's guilt finally overtook her. She reluctantly tagged along, despite her own personal distaste for these kinds of situations.

It was peculiar to the Brit in more ways than one.

He had a suspicious feeling that she was hiding from something, but the way she shifted and looked through the crowd made him think it was rather someone than something. She was distracted and hurried about, listening to the conversations and behaving in an anxious manner. He would have asked about it but didn't want to be abused by a snippy princess in front of all these people. He was going to play it safe this time, something he had failed to do a lot.

France wiped the sweat off her forehead as she continued to weave through the lanes of people who towered over her. She was overreacting. There wasnt any excuse to be nervous or afraid of at this point. She knew that he always attended these kinds of things, but they hadn't seen each other in years. The princess closed her eyes as her breath slowly got faster. It might have just been the jitters from being around the prince at an extremely formal meeting for the first time. She hated the looks people were giving her around him. She was a strong independent woman with no need for a man and didn't want to be seen as needing or even wanting one. She just wanted all the eyes to disappear.

France sighed and looked around at all the people that were flooding the room. She felt so tight. It was terrible navigating through the crowd and her small frame was practically being crushed by the number of partiers that were cramped into the building. Her only lifeline to the outer world was Britain who was barely holding onto her gloved hand at this point. She swore, if he let go she would sure he never saw the light of day again.

Letting out a small uncomfortable noise, she pushed past a few other women in large dresses and tried her best not to have her own white and gold crinoline dress be stepped on. It had taken forever to make and the idea of such hard work being trampled on made her shiver. She wished that people would have a little more respect in these times. It was something everyone needed at this point. Standing on her tiptoes she barely stared at the back of Britians head, her own being drown out in the waves of silk.

" You know you could wait for me! " she stood on her tiptoes and tries to navigate through the labyrinth of people. Britain didnt respond to her complaining, the music was too loud for him to actually hear her. The filaments of lightning lit up the dark walls of the great hall as the two ventured further in. Felling her dress get stepped on once more she tried to gain the princes attention back, shoving a few people aside.

" Britain! " she yelled, tapping his shoulder with her other hand. He didn't even glance back. France grumbled to herself and raised her hand to smack him in the head when she grimaced as she felt something tug on her dress. Her head snapped around as she tugged it free from under a pair of red heels and turned around to find the prince was gone. Her face sat stunned as she bundled the white material into her hands.

She glanced around a few times, to short to see over the mountain of noblemen. " Britain! " she yelled again only to look upon with a few gazes from interested onlookers.

" Please mam, will you help me- " she talked to a random person but let out a small squeak when she was shoved onto the ground by a rather large man. He glanced down only to gaze at her with annoyance, a ring flashing from his finger.

" Watch where you're going " he voice snarled from above in such a manner France felt like a small child being scolded. He must have never had a clue that it was her. France swallowed hard and opened her mouth to apologize but found people stomping all over her without a care. She let out a small whimper, feeling someone stampede over her hand with a large pair of heels. Her eyes darted back and forth as she placed her hands over her head, feeling the people envelop her.

France watched in horror as they hurtled past her eyes, clearly knowing she was in trouble but too busy and ignorant to do something about it.

She pulled her feet up in an attempt to stand up but was pulled back to the ground in a matter of seconds.

She sat clearly helpless for a couple of seconds before a hand reached into the dome of people tries to help the princess. France looks at it confused for a few seconds then randomly takes it, her mind still jumbled. The hand takes a firm grip on hers and shes quickly tugged and taken out. She let out a yelp as her feet lost balance but then is in someone's hands. The princess glanced down, staring into a pair of honey yellow eyes.

"S-Sorry princess, I was just worried about you. They were trampling you in there... " An unfamiliar voice says. France looks a bit closer and realises it's a blue, white, and gold country.

"W-Who are you?" she pushed her frizzy hair back on her shoulders.

The smaller blue country seems confused then nervously chuckles. "You must now know me...right?..... I'm Kosovo. I'm a country in southeast Europe. I'm...I'm Serbia's kid." he slumps slightly.

France chuckled at how inevitably nervous the little guy seemed. She didn't blame him, he looked no older than 14-years-old.

" Thank you for saving me Kosovo. That was extremely brave of you " she took a small breath, feeling her breathing slow down once more. The blue country stared up at her, blush running across his face.

" N-No problem! P-Princess. "

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

Britain had given up searching for France at this point. He was tired and had practically searched everywhere, pushing his way through the excessive crowd in search of the missing princess. Britain knew he was probably wasting his time. He wouldn't doubt it if she had just run off from him when he wasn't paying attention. France was independent, to say the least, and would much rather be with her own friends and people than within five feet of him

This wasn't the first time she had run away from him. The last gala they went to he spent almost an hour searching for her when was talking with her own sister. He didnt even want to remember how embarrassing that was.

Walking to the outer walls of the room and out onto the balcony, the Brit pulled out a cigarette from his pocket. He didn't usually smoke but something about it seemed appropriate at the moment. He slumped against the wall, breathing the smoke deeply into his lungs, feeling it burn slightly. It was his fault that she was away running from him again and he didnt know how stop it.

She should be running faster at this point.

He was supposed to propose to her. Tonight. Tonight was the night.

And now here she was, stuck in the middle of a party without a princess, a clue, and a drop of love in his heart for her. How the hell was he supposed to suck up and say that he loved her when he didn't.

He didn't have a lot of options at this point. At least good options.

Marry her, rule the kingdom for his years, have kids, and hope that they could get along for their children or run away and face a world he had never seen let alone ever known.

He let out a long breath, feeling the smoke wrap around him again. It hurt to be denied, but who was he to blame. France, his father, himself? What was he doing wrong? Throwing the cigarette on the ground he angrily smashed it with his shoe, watching the glowing embers die from underneath him. Running a hand through his hair he glanced back into the window and watches as France started to dance with a 14-year-old country. He pulls another cigarette out in spite.

"She'd rather dance with a kid than me..." he grumbles, leaning against the rail. The wind whipped through the Brit's short hair as he pulled off his tophat and threw it to the ground near his feet. The cold night air stung at his face as he continued to enjoy the quiet and smoke that drifted around his face. He jammed his hands in his pockets only to pull out the small velvet box and stare at it with anguish.

" Man, that sucks. Got the girl a ring and she's not even here.. " a voice trailed from the other side of the balcony. The Brit glanced over slowly but doesn't pay much attention to the person in the end.

" I know. " Britian snarks, watching the glowing embers and smoke emerge from the darkness of the night. He knew this was private matters for him and France, but had no care who the person was at this point.

" You're going to be marrying her? '' the voice asks questioningly. Britain nodded, lighting his second cigarette and taking in a long breath. The voice from the corner coughed slightly, the embers dying in the dim moonlight.

" Who is she exactly... I can tell her daddy's trying to ship her off at this point, they never want their own children in the end. We're all just pawns on the chessboard for them, easy to get rid of and easy to replace. Despite this, whoever she is she got it lucky, not everybody gets to marry the prince of the British Empire. "

" It's the heir of the French Empire. France herself. " he responds blankly. The person on the other side makes a surprised sound, and taps their feet on the ground.

" France huh. She's a real beauty, nice skin, wavy brown hair, all the money from her daddy. Too bad, she doesn't have any desire to be a queen or something like that. "

Britain scoffed and stared at the glowing orange dot that floated in the dark. Whoever this person was had a real ego coming in and talking about France like they knew what she was ever like.

" How would you know. " he flicks a few ashes over the side of the balcony with an annoyed face. The person clears their throat as they step out of the dark into the faint light that casted from the window inside.

" Lets just say I've been following your story for a while. "a familiar Italian steped out into the light, his white striped suit crisp and clean, a white rose tucked into the breast pocket. Britains face slightly smiled.

" I knew it was you. Could tell out that voice from anywhere. " he chuckled slightly, placing the object back in his pocket. Italy nodded his head, stomping on the burned out cigarette.

" Its always me. I don't have a choice about attending these meetings, my friend. After running for a while people follow me around like a hawk. " he grumbled slightly. Britain handed the country another cigarette and a match.

Italy was an interesting character in Britians opinion. He had been the center of a lot of drama, and made him rethink about running away more than a few times. He was set to marry as any prince but ran away and feel in love with Isreal, a princess who was stripped of her title for something that Britain hadnt an idea of. The two ran away, lived in Italy and as far as he knew were still together to this day.
Maybe there was some hope if he ran away. Find someone like Itay did Isreal. He cleared his throat quietly, watching Italy stare out into the dark night.

" How's Israel doing? " the Brit stared at the silver ring in Italy's finger.

Italy hesitates and his face fills with sudden panic and he looks from Britain to the landscape, and stutters through a few words.

Britain gives a confused look. "What is it?"

"Wh... Well..." Italy rubs his neck. Then his mood shifts. Britain could feel it very clearly. Italy became sad. "She's... not mine anymore..."

Britain blinks before understanding what he said. "Not yours?! You two were perfect! You two... You two... We're meant to be together!" Britain remembers the giddy boy Italy was when he took Israel to look at the stars.

The once giddy boy just stood there with a pained smile. "Yeah... I know." He looks up at the starry sky. "She was an angel. My Angel." Italy felt the cold breeze wrap around him.

It's like something was hugging him, hoping to comfort him, but it only made him shiver.

Britain stares in disbelief. His mouth was left open as the other country looked away in shame. Britain looks down as he tries to think through it.

Israel and Italy were the couple that you expected to be perfect, have perfect kids, and just a perfect life together.

"How? You two..." Britain couldn't continue.

Italy sighs. The cold aura around him kissing his face. "She... was never mine to have... Someone else took her. Someone has her..."

Britain stares at him in confusion. " What do you mean someone has her. Just, start from the beginning so we can sort this out" he stiffeded slightly in front of his friend. Italy sighed and stared at the ground for a few seconds before speaking quietly.

" It was late when we got home, the sun had set and Vati had already fallen asleep and my Stellina had just put him to bed. She looked tired but happy. More than happy. The two of us sat on the couch downstairs, cuddled and talked about Rome, and possibly having another little one in time. Everything seemed so normal. She said she was tired, I kissed her goodnight and watched her leave up the stairs. It was a quiet night and I had a feeling. I knew something bad was going to happen.

I was so foolish to leave her alone because the next thing I know the windows are broken, my wife is missing, and my child is crying. She was gone, taken from me. A part of cuore mio is gone. " his voice broke slightly.

Britain listened quietly and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Then you need to get her back!" The Brit was fired up and was ready to fight. "You can get her back!"

Italy looks at the Englishman, his green and red eyes glistening in the starlight. "I know... I know who did it. It's too late now."

Britain slightly tilts his head. "Why aren't you fighting for her?"

Italy looks up at the stars again. It was better looking up at nameless faces than looking in someone's eyes.

"I am." He closes his eyes and the cold breeze circles around him once more.

Britain scoffed-laughed. "Then I can help! I can help get her back!" He paces. "We can get your love back! You don't have to hurt and she can be happy!"

Italy chuckles in his pain. "Britain." He looks back at the teen. Britain stops. Italy had tears running down his face but she still had somewhat of a smile.

"I'm not a fighter... Even if I was, it's the Spanish Empire. I-I.." He wipes a tear away and sniffs. "I'm not the one to take the first kill... I'm... Me... I'm Italy... I'm the poet with a story!" he chuckles and wipes more pouring tears. "I'm the one with a heart... If I strike anymore... I'll be the Italian Empire..."

" That... but Israel. You're just going to leave her? Leave her to Spain! You can have your love back, we-we just need a plan and.. And some help! "

Italy shook his head and took another inhale of his cigarette.

" It's not worth it. Why risk the lives of men in battle when Cara mia wouldnt want it. I don't have much else I can do." Italy says. "I'm not a killer... I'm a feeler... I don't want my amore... My star... To see me in a way I'm not..."

Italy knew he was being weak, but he knew what he could and couldn't do. He wasn't a gunner, sword man, or puncher. He was a speaker, a cook, and a father.

"Even if I fight my best, I'll surrender soon.."

"Why?!" Britain pleads holding his arms up in confusion. "Italy, it's your love!"

" ...Something you're going to learn is sometimes you have to let go of even the most beautiful things in the world. For the innocent." Italy looks inside the palace and sees Vati running around. "She... Couldn't let me leave him behind for her..."

Britain frowns and his fiery feeling burns out. Italy stares at the moon and kisses his ring gently, wiping his tears off on his suit.

Britain hugged Italy with no hesitation, his friend was hurt. So hurt.

Italy hugs back and sobs loudly.

" How... How are your kids doing...?" Britain backs up a few steps, giving his friend some room.

Italy sniffs and wipes his eyes. "I-I can't tell him..."

Britain nods understandingly.

"Britain..." he perks up and looks at the Italian. His voice was clear and not shaky as before. "Listen." Italy pauses. "If you love her... Hold onto her... Or you'll never get her again..."

Britain scoffs. "But she hates me!" He says looking inside as France drank wine while Kosovo talks to her.

Italy pauses. "It doesn't matter what she thinks." Britain looks at him again. "What do you think? Who do you love? Who is she to you? If you truly love her then don't take any moment for granted, you'll never know if they will be gone. " Italy spoke so firmly, even though he had all the power in the world to break and cry more.

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

Kosovo giggles and then stumbles slightly over his own feet. "Oops, sorry-..."

France smiles, holding onto his hand gently. " It's alright dear! It takes time to learn how to do it properly. Take your time, move back and forth one foot at a time. " she guides him slowly around the less crowded edge of the room.

Kosovo was still smaller than her, and could barley peak his head around the crowd. He looked confused but more than less excited about being taught something new. France wished she had the oppertunity to learn the same thing when she was a child. Dancing was never her thing.

Despite that, she found it quite cute that a 14-year-old was saving diffrent princesses at a party. It was a heroic and very, very, brave thing for him to do, especially seeing how some girls were these days.

Kosovo smiles and starts to get down the moves a bit more. He spun around slowly, doing his best to dip France down without dropping her. The princess let out a giggle as she pulls herself up.

Kovoso smiles and in his glee he glances out the large window and quietly watches two countries hugging outside. One of them looked pretty upset and the other was trying to be comfortaing with a cigattee still clutched in his mouth. He tries to catch the flags of the people, but trips over France's dress tumbling to the ground with a groan.

France giggles and helps him back up on his feet. A quiet song drifts throught the air as the two dance around.

Whenever he had a chance the young country glanced out the window trying to gain another peak at the two, but found the balcony empty with all that was there being a few crushed cigarettes that lay disreguarded on the floor.

Not paying attention the teen stumbles a little after a few minutes and eventually loses balance and runs into France. "Oops! Sorry!" He had his hands on her shoulders and he was offly close. France blinked a few times, but brushed it off seeing his slightly embarrassed face.

" You alright? '' she straightened as the teen stood shocked still.

Serbia was drinking a bit of wine, as Croatia slowly talked to him at the edge of the room. He noded his head, not paying much attention to the entire conversation anyways.

Yes, he was a country and yes, he was supposed to pay attention to these kinds of thing but he really could care less about politics and Empires children being married. It just wanst his cup of tea in general. Glancing around he swore under his breath as he couldnt track down Kosovo. That child was always squirming away from under his hands.

It was a secreat that the two had their, isuess to say the least. Kosovo refused to be near him and Serbia tried his best not to loose his temper. He loved his son, but the stubborness was just something that managed to get under his skin so easly.

" Serbia...? What do you think about the whole situation..." Croatia spoke up a bit louder, poking the countries shoulder slightly. Serbia didnt pay attention for a few seconds but finaly turned around when Croatia waved a hand in front of his face.

" Im sorry. I was a bit distracted. My son ran off and I cant seem to find him " he flintched and quickly turned back to the fellow nation, doing his best to pay attention to what he was saying.

" Thats alright. I wanted to know your opinon about the bond between the heirs of the French and British empires. Do you have a stance on the situation? " Croatia waves his hand in the air.

Serbia took a small drink and started to reply but stopped when he looked over and squinted at a small child across the room. He spits out his drink when he relised who it was. He looks closer and sees his own son dancing with a princess.

Kosovo was fourteen and had no idea what he was doing. This could mean a lot of trouble.

" Excuse me " he hands Croatia is crystal galls and runs over towards the two. He stops in front of the two with a stone face and an unhappy glare. Sweat slowly trickled down his face as he watched the heir of France talk quietly to his son. Serbia knew he had to choose his words real carefully. The French Monarchy could do a lot of damage of any country if he felt like it.

It takes a few seconds for the two to relise but when Kosovo notices he scrambles and hides behind Frances's small body and slightly squeaks in peril. France blinks a few times, glancing in between the tenn behind her and much taller and formal country in front of her.

He looks decently civil, wearing a clean and fancy navy blue suit lined with pins and ranks of status. His face had a warm smile but a scar ran up and down his left eye, an eyepatch with a flag seal covering up the damaged quartz eye. France glanced up at him then remembered her manners.

" Good evening sir. '' She did a small courtesy out of respect, trying to remember all those lessons her parents had taught to her about treating other countries like more important beings.

"Hello, dear princess." Serbia smiled and bowed to her in return. "It's an honor to be in your presents, but I must take my son from you. I appoligize for any words that might have been spoken by him and be reassured he will be punished for this behevior. " Kosovo whimpers slightly and tugs on France's gloved hand.

" Oh no, please sir. He didnt do anything wrong, if anything he made my night better. Their is no need for punishment or even words. Please know that this child helped to save me from the crowd and I would feel terrible if anything was to happen to him. " France squeezed the hand of the young nations. Serbia listened to her in such a way that it made her look crazy. How could a measly 14-year-old save her? He chuckled awkwardly rubbing the back of his hands in an attempt to make sense of the whole ordeal.

" With all respect my lady, where is your prince?! I dobut that this little child could have saved you. He is barely able to dance at this point " He asks questiongly, laughing in spite. Kosovo perked up slightly at his name, crossing his arms.

"I am a prince!" he crosses his arms and slowly shuffles out from behind the princess. " And she was teaching me to dance! I was getting better at it.. " he fights back. Serbia growled slighty, letting the child know to be quiet and grabbed the young prince's arm. Kosovo flinched slightly, being pulled closer to his father.

"Her, prince. Not you, young man." His voice was cold and monotone. Kosovo stared up at him with a frown as France watched from a step away.
" Please father let me stay with France... I dont want to stay with Croatia" he slumps tugging away slightly. Serbia looks down and shakes his head.

" But- "

" Now, now " France cuts the teen off, understanding what his feeling were.

" I understand how you feeling but you must listen to your father. He knows whats best for you in the end. I thank you for your bravery and courage and hope to meet you again in the future young prince. " she pulled a flower from her hair and handed it to him before he was dragged away by an upset Serbia.

Kosovo though, once he was given the flower went from blue to red. He smiles as his father literally drags him away and he giggles the entire time and waves to France.

France waved politley back as the child dissapeared in the crowd. It was nice to know that there were still genune people in the world. France knew the last months had been terrible and she hadnt given anyone any credit for a lot of things, but there was still good in her heart. It just took one small act of kindness that helped her to see it.

The princess grabbed a drink of wine but was interrupted when someone tinked a spoon on their crystal glass. The entire crowd turned to face the front table as UN stood up, his wings retracting behind his back.

" Good evening everyone! Settle dow, settle down please, there is no need to yell. " he shushed the crowd as they all gathered around the table. UN smiled warmly.

" I'm glad that you all decided to attend this diolmaic but classy ball tonight. I know many of you went out of your way to make it here tonight, but before we start I would like to thank some very important people you see before me. " his wings retracted back.

" A special thank you to the diplomatic and peaceful acts to which the European Union, The Association of Southern Eastern Asain Nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for working towards a more free and peaceful society for all " he announced as each Organization stood up and was shrouded in cheers, clapping.

" We are here tonight bound together by one common factor, working towards a better future. Each of us as countries, orginzations, businessmen, bussinesswoman, princes, princesses, kings and queens work all work in harmony to create a better future for our people and our children. I would like to congradulate the countries of France and Britain on making that large step to which a formal peace treaty has been signed and placed into affect. " he smiled, pointing a hand to France. The princess ducked her head from the crowd, waving nervously. Britain was inside but by the outside door staring in at her, longingly.

" We wish you all the best. " he concluded, moving on to more political matters to which France could care less about. She looked out the window once more but was unable to track down the Brit.

Slowly letting herself relax France took another sip of her wine, taking note of all the extravagent women and countries that resided in the building. She stood bored to death for a few minutes before a hand popped out of the crowd, hovering still in front of her face.

She flintched at first, afraid of where it had come from but eventually relised who it was. It had taken the Brit long enough to find her. He was in for a real ride when they returned back home.

" Where have you been? " she crossed her arms, but eventually took the hand " If this is your idea of a joke its not funny.."

Everything was normal for all of a second but she felt slightly awkward as the hand seemed to realised that she had held on closing hers in a sort of protective manner. Something was weird about this. Britain wasn't this affectionate. Starting to become confused she tried tugging her hand away but it wouldnt let go. This wasnt Britain, she knew it for a fact now. Feeling a slight panic rise inside of her she tired to pull away once more but let out a squeak when the other grip tightened even harder.

" let me go!.. " she spoke to the wall of people, unable to do anything as the hand tightened again. France didn't have time to respond as she could feel her body being pulled forwards.

She gasped, her heart rising in her chest as a hand came to rest on her cheek, her feet swept off the ground. Her eyes blinked for a few seconds ajusting to the light before she caught sight of the red and white flag staring down at her.

" Its been to long my dear~ " The voice replied, a hand running through her long brown hair. France knew that voice, she knew that crisp deep voice anywhere. She swallowed, feeling a cold rush pass over her and let out a shaky breath. It was her worse nightmare, her past love, a piece of her heart.

It was Reich.

" I-...I" she stuttered slightly, feeling his hand wrap around her hip. She was frightened as the memories started to come back, remembering how close they had been. She remembered how they had smiled, how he would rest his head on her shoulder and kiss her every time they came back from a day at work. All of the times they had snuggled up and slept together as they went to sleep. It was all coming back in one terrible vision.

" You look stunning as always my dear. " he stood her upright, twirling the princess around in her trance.

" Can't believe its been four years hasn't it? " he added lightly, smiling at the young woman.

" It-it has.. " she stared into his nectar eyes. She could barely tell who was real anymore, the man in front of her or the boy that used to be there. The overwhelming scent of alcohol drifted from his person as they stood in the darkened area of the building

. " Four years and you still look as beautiful as you did on the day we met. I was your love, I was always faithful. I never cheated on you , and it's taken me four years to get over losing you." he said, dragging her forward. France felt her heart jump in her chest, catching her off guard.

" I-..I left for a good reason. You were crazy, out of your mind" her confidence started to fizzle back in a little spurt of realizion. The man looked away for a few seconds but turned back to France with the same sly smile.

" My dear, I was crazy about you~ I wanted nothing but to protect you from this terrible world. From the dangers of Empires and other countries such as the one you are chosen to wed. I simply wanted to see you safe my love. " he said softly, lacing their fingers together.

France stared into Reich's eyes her voice quivering with fear and resentment.

" Your a terrible liar " she felt hot tears pricking at her eyes. She felt weak and vulnerable once again. Germany was cunning and deceving, able to draw her in with promises of the life she had always wanted for the woman he had wanted. He had only used her for his own gain. " I wanted to give you the world " He looked into her eyes.

" You never gave me anything Allemagne. You tried to keep me locked up. You kept me from the world. Find someone else thats not me " she once again tried to pull away. The taller man held her close.

" There's nothing more I wanted but you. I had showed you the world my love, are you feeling arlight. You seemto have your details mixed." he stepped closer and placed a hand of her forehead. France pushed back in recoil. The German shook his head slightly with a chuckle.

" You were the best thing that ever happened to me. And the worst thing. You gave me the best years of my life, but I never felt truly happy. And now I've been sitting here for four years without you and I'm fine. You could easily find some other girl Reich" France wiped her eyes, her voice a solid hiss at this point.

" Yes my dear its true that I could find another woman but, no one would ever even come close to you. You are perfection, my precious treasure. We've grown apart with the years and now we need to spend a little time together. " He played with a strand of her hair. France gulped.

" Come back to Berlin with me, you can make a fresh start, just for the two of us. Leave the wedding, leave the treaty, leave Britain and everything else. I'll take care of you, we'll spend the rest of our lives making up for lost time" he promised, wiping her tears for her. France eyed the growing look of pain and hopelessness on his face, the two still hiding in the dark area of the building.

France shook her head with a slight shake. " No I couldn't. My family and my country, are more important to me than potential love life. Im not willing to put my heart and my life on the line for an insane madman."

The German snorted, " You can be just as irrational as me my dear. I want to take you away from all this, and give you back to the real world. Make you a normal girl again. "

" Unhand me Reich. Now. '' France hissed.

" You're an even worse liar my dear. You still love me, its just buried under all this anger and bitterness. Lets make this right. "

" I dont love you." France hissed in protest.

"You want to hate me and this is all your way of coping with it. Ill bring you back, you deserve a second chance. Ill make it up to you. Just trust me and come with me, let's take this madness out of your system." The German held his hand out.

"Let me go." France glared at him.

"You cant stop me." He smiled, the sparkle in his eyes proving his point. France gulped, frantically looking around her.

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

" You sure... I dont think thats right. " Kosovo kicked his feet back and forth, stitting at one of the beige tables that were set up. Vatican City nodded his head from the otherside of the table, a bright smile on his face despite having a few missing teeth.

" Of course! My dad's the strongest Empire here! Ive seen him fight with others before and hes really strong! Like really- " the child threw his hands in the air, almost entraped in a fantasy world. Kosovo rolled his eyes slightly staring at the yellow on his flag.

" I dont know. France is here. I hear she's really strong. " he shrugged. Vati slumped slightly.

" She's not as strong as my dad. " he crossed his arms with a pout. Kosovo let out a small giggle, shaking his head at the younger kid in front of him. He thought this was hilarious.

" Hmm.... what about the leader of Great Britain? The military experts say he's really smart and strong. He's won a battle in every continent. " Kosovo paused, waiting for his reaction. Vati stared in confusion.

" Who's great Britrain " he tilted his head slightly. The blue and gold country shook his head.

" He's not a train Vati. Its Britain-. He's the prince to one of the strongest empires in all of the world. " he stared out into the crowd, searching through the sea of people.

" See, there he is! " the teen pointed to the Englishman as he talked with Romanina towards the front. Vati's face lit up.

" Cool! How do you know that.. " he questioned? Kosovo shrugged moving on.

"There's your dad, and next to him is China! He had one of the biggest amounts of trade imports. Over there, that's Japan, and hey look its France!.... " his voice slowly faded as he stared at the blur from a few feet away. A man with red hair and a black suit? France was supposed to be with Britain, not this guy. The teen watched closer as France stared back at him, trying to pull herself away from his grasp. Kosovo's eyes widened and he jumped out of his chair.

" What! No. She's supposed to be with Britian " he tugged on his father's suit slightly.

" Quiet down child. " Serbia turned around, scowling him slightly. Kosovo shriveled up slightly and dragged himself back to the chair. He thought maybe they were just friends but something felt so wrong about it. He couldn't just stand around anymore.

" Vati, you see that girl over there, the one with the really pretty dress? " he snuck over closer to the smaller country. Vati nodded with a goofy smile.

" That guy with her, I think he wanted to hear about your dad! Why don't you go tell him how big and strong your Papa is. " he pointed at the man that towered over France. Vatican looked nervous for a few seconds but complied and slipped through the crowd with a giggle. Kosovo jumped up the second Vati left, searching for Britain.

" Come on.... Where are you. " he whispered to himself.

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

" This is completely unnecessary Reich " France shivered as she felt his breath on her face. What was he thinking? A country could get into a lot of trouble if they seemed to slink around some other man's woman. People had started wars and died over things like that. Of course, she didnt wants a war and knew that Britian was to diplomatic to do such a thing. Her feet stumbled slightly as Reich dragged her to the side.

" You leaving me was also unnecessary my dear. As some say, your actions come back to haunt you in the future my love. Here I am. " he twirled the girl around dancing quietly in the corner.

" Ill make sure my father hears about this. " she made an empty threat to which the German cackled back at.

" I would love to see his reaction " he retorted, placing a hand on her face. France pulled back, upset at her treatment. She was helpless. She couldn't stand up to Reich, at least not by herself. A part of her wished that Mina was here to tell Reich off but another part didn't want to drag her best friend into such a mess. This was between her and the German and no one else.

" If you dont let me go Reich, I swear- "

" You swear what. " he cut her off, his voice slick and smooth but cold and deceptive.

" You are such a snake " she growled, her heels clacking against the floor as the Germent held her close with a fox-like smirk.

" Enought with the flatery my dear. " He deflected everything she shot at him. " I know that you love me your just to stubborn to show it. That was something I always adored about you. Your fighting spirit. I always knew that it would be fun to- "

France blinked a few times as Reich's annoyingly low voice stopped talking and glanced down at the floor in confussion. France slowly turned her head to the floor and almost chuckled at who stood before them. It was a little boy, his face half yellow and half white. He tugged on Reich's long black coat and stared up at the two in questioning but astonished look.

" Hello sir! " his voice was cheery and excited. Reich raised an eyebrow.

" Uh. Hello. " he stopped, gripping tighter on France in an effort to dampen any escape plans. The little kid stared up at him with a big wide grin.

" Do you know my dad?! " he asked throwing his hands in the air. The German let out an interesting noise and shook his head, turning back to France.

" Yes I do... I'm busy right now child, run along. " he shoed the mini country but he didn't budge.

" Is my dad cool to you? " he asked again. Reich rolled his eyes with a groan and stared down at his feet. He had more important things to deal with. " Italy! Come get your child " he yelled into the crowd and contined with France.

" As I was saying- "

" Excuse me sir... " Britain called from a few steps away, causing the German to stiffen as he cut him off.

" What now?! " Reich turned to face him. The second their eyes locked a dark shrowd cast over the room. The German glared angerly at the Englishmen as he stood tall and observing, his hands planted behind his back and a few military rank pins on his hat and suit.

France turned her head back a slight hopeful smile washing over her face. Germany shifted slightly, his grip still firm on France's waist as he kept her from moving any further. Rage boiled inside his mind as he dared to keep his temper in such a public celebration. As he stared at the Brit he saw that flag that he so greatly had wanted to destroy.

" Britain... " France whimpered sticking her hand out towards him, but pulled it back quickly when Reich shot her a terrible scowl, a warning gleam in his eyes. The two were the same age, the same height, and about the same amount of power. If this was to end in war, it would be a fair fight.

" Great Britain. It is good to see you once more my old friend. " The German said grinning widely, the same smile the two had exchanged countless times before on the battlefield.

" It is a pleasure." Britain shook the German's hand in a good friend kind gesture. France looked in between the two men with a small cry, but they remained stoic.

" I apologize to interrupt you, but what would you be doing with my dame. " Britain motioned towards the princess with a nod. Reich raised an eyebrow, his eyes reflecting cold winter moons.

" I was about to have a drink before I saw this beautiful woman wandering around on her own. I was hoping to take her for a drink and a dance. I couldn't just let her march around by herself, there are to many terrible people in the world for that. For a person of her status and beauty, shouldn't she be with her price at all times? " The German questioned. Britain responded sharply, his hands firmly planted behind his back.

" I suppose... But if anyone is to know I expect that you would be aware of how independent and strong-willed she is. I have no doubt in my mind that she is quite capable of taking care of herself." The Brit snorted slightly with condescending pride. France continued to stare at him, her mind struggling with every word. Reich cleared his throat the tension between the two rising. Reich growled, feeling cornered into a wall with the Brit.

" I apologize for this minor inconvincenence. I have placed a great deal of my time and attention upon keeping her safe over all these years. Its been four years since we have seen each other and I still uphold my belief to protect her. Despite the time we have been apart, she still maintains certain feelings for me and is not as submissive as I first thought she would be.

Despite your ' formal agreement ', I will take the time out of my day to make it very clear to you thatyou and your empire do not own her. I doubt your 'dame' has been open enough to share of the past love we shared and how much she means to me as a whole. You can fight all you want to take her, but Ill make sure that she ends up rightfully back in the hands of my blood. You love her only for the money. " Riech sneared, towering over the shorter Englishman who stood quietly, holding his ground. Britain stood quietly for a faint second but quickly defended himself in such a manner that he would seem rather as the king.

" I have only ever wanted France to be happy and I am sure that whatever use she may have for you is insignificant compared to the years that she has missed with you. I understand your frustration for the situation, but you must come to see that she is in the accommodation of the British crown and such threats will not be tolerated or appeased. If you wish to further this dispute swift and discreet action is in order. In the meantime, I advise you to allow me the time to convey to her how much we are willing to let go and that all compromise lies with her, not you. "

Reich growled one last time, ultimately defeated by the quiet resolve of the British heir. He looked at France with a longing glance and left the Brit with a string of parting words. France felt a weight being lifted off of her shoulders as she scrambled to the protection of Britian and caught her breath standing in the warmth of his aid. Reich had gone to far and she wouldn't want to know what he would have done otherwise.

" Are you alright dear? " Britain turned around, placing his hands on her shoulders to which she swiftly pushed off. France's heart was thumping in her chest in a frantic fury of conflicting emotions.

" Im alright, and don't call me dear.... " she wanted to sound strong but heard her voice faultering with fear and appreciation for the prince's words. Britain felt the back of his mind itch, the ring in his pocket burning holes in his mind.

" I appoligze for his behavior. We as countryhumans feel as was have so much power its alright to overtake and scare each other into understanding. It's wrong either way and she should come to understand in time. Are you sure that your feeling alright. He didn't do anything to you did he...? "

" No, no, you got it all wrong.. Reich has always been like this. I knew he would show up once more, it was just a matter of time. You never really got to know what kind of a person he would be. " France stared at the floor still in partial shock. The two stood together for a few seconds before Britain took France's hands in his and breathed in a big breath.

It was now or never.

" France. I ask you for the benefit of both nations and the overall wellbeing of the peace and protection of the world, from one royal to another....."

France's lavender eyes widened.

" Will you marry me...? "