A Man to Love

Having their relationship out in the open did wonders on her stress levels, Hungary found. She no longer had to worry about having to sneak out of her house and go on a date with Austria, or having to make up an excuse when Poland called wanting to hang out and she already had plans with her Austrian love. Sure, some of the members of the old Allied Forces gave them wary glances when the couple sat together and held hands at meetings, but she had learned to ignore them. And sure, Prussia bothered them about it every moment he could, but that was nothing a well-aimed frying pan could not fix.

Hungary had taken to staying over at Austria's house after their dates. At first he had been against it, saying the others would get the wrong idea. She had pointed out he had said the same thing about their relationship. Eventually, he relented.

This particular night was no different the other six or seven nights. Austria had surrendered his bathroom to let her take a shower before they slept. Hungary had showered, removing all traces of the makeup, hairspray, and perfume she had worn on their date. Now she was dressed in her pajamas, her wet hair tied in a loose bun.

There was a soft knock on the door and Austria pushed through cautiously, ready to close it if she was indecent. When he saw she wasn't, he entered the room fully. He was dressed in his own pajamas, a wifebeater and loosefitting pajama bottoms; his silver cross shined in the bright washroom light. Hungary thought he looked gorgeous.

One thing she had learned about Austria was that while he wasn't willing to show much affection in public or in the presence of others, he became downright affectionate when they were alone. Austria wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pressing a kiss to her crown.

"You look beautiful," he murmured against her hair.

"Oh stop," she told him, amusement in her voice. "I look a complete mess." But she turned and kissed him anyway. He kissed back gently, cupping her face and caressing her skin wit his thumb.

"I love you, Elizaveta..."

Hungary knew she had picked the right man to love. "I love you, too."