What's a better way of starting the week other than being late for work. 

That's what Germany was thinking while waiting at the traffic light. His alarm didn't go off, he woke up 30 minutes later, and he barely had time to do anything. He got dressed as quick as possible, shoved a piece of bread in his mouth and ran to his car. A really great day so far.

Germany reached the office building after a few minutes and luckily found a parking spot. He parked and rushed to the doors. He dashed to the elevator and took it to the top floor. The meeting room was in the end of the hallway. Germany quickly walked to the door and entered. Everyone was already there. Germany tried to ignore the stares and headed to his seat. 

France, who was seating on his left, greeted him with a smile.

"Good morning", she said. 

"Good morning.", Germany responded and sat down.

"Is everything alright? It's really unusual for you to be late."

"Yeah, it's just that my alarm didn't go off."

France nodded and went back to talking with Spain. Germany started sorting his papers. Then someone sat next to him. 

Germany looked up. Everyone had assigned seats and the seat on his right always stood empty. The German took a look at his new neighbor. He had not seen him before. His flag was white on top and red on the bottom. Maybe he was new? 

Germany was about to say something when the door opened and EU and UN entered the room. The meeting started.

Germany listened closely to UN's words, but wanted to take notes as well. Just in case he forgot something. He got out a piece of paper and started searching for a pen.

He didn't find one. Great.

Germany looked at France. She was writing notes in her notebook.

"Do you have a second pen?", Germany whispered. 

"No, sorry." France apologetically said. She glanced over Germany's shoulder. "He has a whole pencil case though, maybe he can lend you a pen?" She was talking about the new guy.

Germany turned around. Indeed, his neighbor had a pencil case. 

"Can I borrow a pen please?", he asked quietly. 

"Sure" the guy opened his pencil case and pulled a pen out. He handed it to Germany.

"Here you go!" he said with a smile. 

"Thank you."

Germany turned his attention back to UN.

***

"... and that concludes the meeting. Any questions?" 

"If everything is clear you're dismissed."

The countries started getting up and leaving. Germany turned to the guy. 

"Thanks for the pen" he said and gave it to him.

"No problem."

Germany looked at him.  

"Are you new? I haven't seen you around."

The guy chuckled nervously.

"Yeah, I started working here two weeks ago. I didn't have time to meet people. My name is Poland."

Germany smiled.

"I'm Germany. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too."

Awkward silence fell upon them. Poland started collecting his stuff. 

Germany cleared his throat.  

"So um... Do you maybe want to grab coffee with me?" wait what. What the hell Germany, you just met him!

"Sure, why not."

Germany managed to hide his surprise, smiled and got up. Poland followed him. They walked to the elevator and took it to the first floor. Germany couldn't stop himself from observing Poland. 

"You're short", the German remarked.

Poland rolled his eyes.

"You're like the 10th person to tell me this. I can't control my height, okay?" A smile appeared on his lips. "A woman even asked me if I was lost and offered to help me find my parents!" 

Poland chuckled.

"If she wants to find my parents, she's gonna have to go digging."

Germany's jaw dropped.

"Oh I'm so sorry for your loss-"

"It's fine", Poland interrupted him. "They didn't really care about me anyways."

Germany felt the need to say something, but he didn't have the chance. The elevator reached the first floor and Poland walked out. Germany had to jog to catch up with him. That guy sure was a fast walker. 

Germany led Poland to the nearby coffee shop. They entered and walked to the counter. Germany greeted the barista and ordered a latte. He turned to Poland.

"What do you want to get?", he asked. 

Poland shrugged.

"I don't know, same as you I guess."

"So two lattes?", the barista asked. Germany looked at Poland, seeking confirmation, and then nodded. 

"Your drinks will be ready in a few minutes."

Germany scanned the room. He spotted an empty table near the window. He and Poland sat down. Germany opened his folder and started reading one of the many documents. He had a lot of work to do today.

"It's kind of rude to bury yourself in your papers when I'm right here."

Germany looked up and met Poland's gaze. He smiled.

"How impolite of me", he said and put the document away. "Are you satisfied now?"

"Very."

Germany leaned back in his chair. He tried to think of something to talk about. He didn't want to sit in silence. So he decided to ask the simplest questions possible. Just so he could keep a conversation going and get to know Poland.

"What's your favorite season?"

"Out of all questions possible you chose this one?", Poland laughed. "The answer is summer. What about you?"

"Winter. It's so magical."

"Exactly the opposite of me." Poland tapped his chin. "My turn to ask. Um... what do you do in your free time?"

"Bold of you to assume I have any free time."

Poland looked at him, concern written on his face. Germany snickered at his expression.

"Okay, maybe I do have free time, not much though. I usually read a book or sketch something."

"Oh, you draw?" the Pole's eyes lit up with excitement. "What do you draw?"

"I draw nature. Plants, sceneries, animals even, but the animals never look good."

Poland nodded. 

"I also draw!", he stated. "I prefer drawing people. Somehow it's easier than anything else."

"Easier? I couldn't draw an anatomically correct person if my life depended on it!"

They both started laughing. Then Germany heard their names being called. He got up.

"I'll go get our-" Germany stopped talking when he saw that Poland already was on his way to the counter.

"Nevermind then" Germany sat back down. 

Poland soon returned with their coffees. They continued their conversation, talking about whatever came to their minds. Unfortunately, the two had to get back to work. Germany put his empty cup on the table and stood up, Poland following him. They made their way back to the building. 

Poland stopped in front of the elevator and pressed the button. He looked at Germany nd smiled.

"Thanks for taking me out for coffee."

"No problem. We can do it again if you want."

They entered the elevator. Germany pressed the button for the fifth floor. When the elevator stopped, Germany walked out, but stopped. He turned to Poland. 

"If... if you ever need anything, my office is here, on this floor. Room 55. You can come at anytime." 

Poland softly smiled.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

Germany returned the smile and walked away. He heard the elevator doors close behind him. The German got into his office, sat on the desk and turned the computer on. He had a lot of work to do today.

A few hours later

Germany stretched and looked at the clock. It was almost 1 pm. Time for a break, he thought. He got up from his chair, walked to the window and opened it. He leaned in the ledge and looked outside. There wasn't much  too see, just a street an many buildings. Germany sighed.

Then he heard a knock on the door. The German turned around and yelled: "Come in!". The door opened and to Germany's (pleasant) surprise Poland entered the room. A smile appeared on his face and he walked to Poland.

"Hi again", he greeted.

"Hi."

"What brings you here?"

Poland bit his lip and looked at the folder in his arms.

"Well um... I'm having troubles understanding some things. I thought that maybe you could help me? If you're not busy of course", he quickly added.  

"Don't worry, I'm not busy. How can I help? Actually wait, come sit and then we'll talk."

Germany guided Poland to his desk. He pointed to an empty chair in the corner and sat down in his own. Poland pulled said chair closer to Germany and sat down as well. He handed the folder to the German. Germany opened it.

"Let's see what we have here..."

***

"Do you understand now?"

Poland nodded. It had been almost an hour since he came to Germany for help. He felt that it was time for him to leave.

"Thank you so much. I don't think I would have figured it out myself."

"No problem. I was happy to help", Germany smiled warmly.

Poland got up.

"I'll be going now", he said and picked up the folder from the desk. "Thanks once again."

"It's nothing, really", Germany reassured. 

"If you say so... Well, see you around."

"Yeah, see you."

Poland left the room. Germany smiled and went back to his own work.

"Wait, I was going to take a break", he suddenly remembered. Then he shrugged. "Eh, whatever. I don't need one."

He started typing. The work won't do itself.

For the rest of the week Germany didn't see Poland. That upset him for some reason. He wanted to spend more time with the Pole. He kept reminding himself that they both have got no time for hanging out because of work, but the thought was still there. 

Luckily, it was Monday again, which meant having a meeting, which meant finally seeing Poland again. This time Germany made sure not to oversleep and took his time to get ready. He wanted to look good. Not because he wanted to impress Poland or anything. No no no. None of that. 

"Oh who am I kidding", Germany muttered. He knew he was doing this for Poland. He started pacing around the room and talking to himself.

"I just met him!"

"But I already like him..."

"No! He's my friend! F-R-I-E-N-D! I can't ruin it!"

"He's so cute though..."

"NO! He's most likely straight! I'll make him uncomfortable!"

"But what if he's not?"

Germany wanted to scream. Seeing Poland again didn't sound appealing anymore. 

The German sighed, he had no time for this. He left his apartment and drove away. His anxiety grew as he got closer to the office building, but he had to collect himself. He had a meeting to attend.

Soon enough he reached his destination. Germany parked, got out of his car and  walked to the entrance. He had to remind himself that everything would be okay. 

'Just act normal', he thought.

Germany came to the top floor and hesitated for a second before entering the meeting room. He immediately spotted Poland. The Pole looked up, saw Germany and smiled. All of Germany's worries melted away. He quickly walked to his seat. Poland happily greeted him and they started a conversation. They talked until everyone arrived and the meeting started. Germany forced himself to pay attention to UN's words. 

After the meeting was over, Poland suggested to go get coffee together, just like last week. Germany gladly accepted the offer. The two went to the coffee shop, ordered their coffees, sat down and continued the conversation from earlier. After finishing their drinks Germany and Poland headed back to their workplace. 

Soon that became their Monday routine. Poland came to Germany's office more often. He didn't need help most of the time, he just wanted to be around the German, and when he actually needed help, Germany was more than happy to support him. Their bond grew stronger, and so did Germany's crush. His small crush turned into a big crush, the big crush turned into a huge crush, and the huge crush turned into love. 

Germany was fully aware of his feelings, but didn't know how to handle them. After weeks of stress, anxiety and fear he finally decided he needed help. And he knew just where to find it.

France. She was happily married, had four kids and her land was known as the country of love. If anyone could give Germany some advice, it was her. So now Germany was on his way to her office with a thumping heart. Saying he was nervous would be an understatement. He didn't have much time for worrying though, because he reached France's office. He hesitated for a second before knocking. 

"Yes?", he heard a female voice call from inside. Germany opened the door and entered the office.

France was sitting on her desk. She looked up and smiled.    

"Hello, Germany. I didn't expect to see you."

Me neither, Germany thought. Out loud he said:

"I really need some advice, and I thought maybe you could help me?"

France spun in her office chair and faced Germany.

"Of course, what's the matter?"

Germany fiddled with his fingers. He wasn't sure where to start. 

"Um... there's this person I like..."

"Is it Poland?", France immediately asked.  Germany's eyes widened.

"How did you know...?"

France chuckled.

"It's obvious, dear. You look at him like he's the only person in the room, you're constantly around him, you often touch his arm or shoulder, your face lights up when you see him... should I continue?"

At this point Germany was a blushing mess. He violently shook his head. 

"And I'm guessing you came for love advice?"

Germany nodded. He was too embarrassed to speak. 

"My advice is: confess to him."

The German chocked on air. He looked at France dumbfounded.

"Confess to him?!?! Are you crazy? NO! I can't do that!"

"Just hear me out you gay disaster." France rolled her eyes, but was still smiling. "He clearly likes you too. I say you shoot your shot. I'm 99% sure it will work out."

"And if it doesn't?"

"It will work out. Trust me"

Germany bit his lip. He still had doubts.

"What makes you think he likes me?", he asked.

France sighed and rubbed her temples. 

"How oblivious are you..." She muttered. Then she looked at Germany. "You have never seen how he stares at you when you're talking during a meeting. He's normally quiet, but around you he talks non-stop. He trusts you. Once somebody was badmouthing you in font of him. He went livid. If I wasn't there to stop him, he would have beaten up the guy. He cares about you. I decided to ask him how he feels about you-"

"You did what?", Germany interrupted France. He started regretting coming here. 

"I asked him how he feels about you", France repeated calmly. "He blushed and couldn't form a single sentence."

France chuckled. 

"And don't think I haven't noticed how you pass notes during meetings."

Germany became red from embarrassment. He stared at his shoes. France softly smiled.

"I think it's adorable."

The German sighed. He took a step towards the door.

"Thanks for your help, I suppose. I'll confess to him on Monday."

"Good luck. Tell me how it went."

Germany nodded. He turned around and was about to leave when France said:

"And Germany? You're thinking too much. Don't think, feel."

Germany didn't reply. For a second he stood in his spot. Then he walked out of France's office.

For the rest of the week Germany made plans of how to confess to Poland. Finally, he came up with an idea. Now he had to wait for Monday to come. 

On Monday Germany entered the meeting room with a fluttering heart. Poland was already there, as usual. Germany sat down next to him. Poland greeted him and started talking. Germany could barely keep up with the conversation. All he could think about was his confession. Soon the meeting started.

This time UN didn't have anything to say that had to do with Germany, so the German quickly got bored. He looked at his watch and with the corner of his eye spotted Poland's hand rested on the armrest of his chair. A crazy thought popped up in Germany's head. What if he held his hand? No, he can't do that! Poland surely would be weirded out. What if Germany takes ahold of Poland's hand, but he pulls away? That would be so humiliating. And what if...

Germany inhaled sharply. France's words rang in his mind. You're thinking too much. Don't think, feel. 

Don't think, feel. 

Germany placed his hand on top of Poland's. He sensed the Pole tense up, but a second later Poland moved his hand and intertwined their fingers. 

Germany forgot how to breathe. The feeling of Poland's warm and delicate hand in his made his face feel hot and his heart beat fast. They held hands until the end of the meeting. After they were dismissed, Poland looked at Germany and smiled.

"Let's go get coffee", he said. Germany nodded. 

"Yeah, let's go."

Poland let go of Germany's hand and stood up. Germany got up as well and they headed to the coffee shop.

Once they were there, Germany ordered the usual: two lattes. But this time he wanted them to-go. Poland glanced at the German confused, he didn't say anything though. After some time their orders were ready. The two took their coffees. Germany made his way out of the coffee shop and Poland followed him, still confused. 

Germany led Poland to a near by small park. It wasn't even a park, more like a green space with benches between two buildings. Germany sat on one of the benches and patted the spot next to him. Poland took a seat.

"Nice spot", he commented.

"It really is."

Poland took a sip from his coffee.

"Not that I mind, but why did we come here?"

Germany straightened his back. Don't think, feel.

"I wanted to tell you something in private."

"Okay, I'm listening."

"From the day I met you, I liked you. You changed my boring everyday life. You made me feel things I haven't felt in a long time. I want to spend every minute with you. I want to hold you, kiss you, give you everything I have. I love you. And I hope you feel the same."

There, he said it. Straight from the heart.

Poland didn't say anything. He put his coffee down and faced Germany. They stared at each other for a few seconds. Then Poland moved forward and connected their lips in a sweet, passionate kiss.

Germany was taken aback for a moment, but kissed Poland back. The kiss quickly turned into a make out session. Germany pulled Poland on his lap. They didn't stop until they both ran out of breath. When they finally parted, Poland laid his forehead on Germany's. Neither of them spoke. Then Poland giggled.

"What's so funny?", Germany quietly asked. 

"It's just... I never thought that this... us... that it will ever happen", Poland whispered. "And in case I haven't made it clear, I feel the same. I love you too."

Germany softly chuckled.

"You made it pretty clear." 

Poland smiled and got off of Germany's lap. He sat down on the bench, this time a lot closer to Germany.

"So are we dating now?", he asked.

"Only if you want to."

Poland leaned on Germany. The German wrapped his arm around him in a protective way. 

"Yes, I want to date you", Poland's words made Germany smile wide. He kissed his forehead.

"You just made me the happiest man alive."

I'm still not dead and I'll keep throwing chapters at you.

This was a request by @dark_shadowling . I hope you like it!

And what the heck 500+ reads? Where are you coming from? 

Have a nice [insert time of day] and stay safe!

Word count: 3333