The final short (and hopefully sweet) chapter. Just rounding things off, really. I'd hate to have ended it where they had just slept together! . I'll try to create as good an ending as I can, but I'll tell you this; even thought this story may have finished, I'll continue it with one shots. ^.^ Enjoy!

The white morning sun pierced Germany's closed eyelids. He opened them, using his arm as a shield. He moved his head so that he was no longer in the light's path. He watched tiny specks of dust float carelessly in the light, only to disappear when they were carried out of the illuminated air path.

His ears began to take effect, and the first thing he heard was a gentle snoring beside him. He turned with a small smile to see Italy lying on her side a few inches from him. Her mouth was wide open, showing she was content in her sleep. Her let - down hair was curled around her shoulders as if it were cradling her face.

Germany, as gently as he could, stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. Her skin was silky soft against his rough and weather beaten skin. He resisted the urge to kiss her, for he feared that would wake her up. He wanted her to sleep for as long as she wanted. Then again, Italy had once slept through him yelling at her for being late for morning training. That was probably down to selective hearing rather than deep sleep, though. Nevertheless, Germany refrained under the possibility. He carefully got out of bed, and headed silently for the shower.

As the buzzing water cleansed his skin, Germany cast his mind back to the night before. After a split second wonder as to whether it really did happen or not, he told himself that neither of them were clothed upon waking was proof enough that it did happen, and that worry vanished.

'Germany?'

The addressed man's head shot round to the soft voice. Italy was standing, leaning slightly against the shower door. Her face was still sleepy, and as if to prove Germany's observation, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands. She hadn't clothed herself, which no longer embarrassed Germany. Instead of recoiling with his face flaring, Germany allowed himself to admire how beautiful her figure was. He was allowed to do that now, he thought.

'Hey, Italy,' he returned, leaning out of the shower to kiss her. 'How are you feeling? I didn't wake you did I?'

She shook her head, and smiled softly. 'Ve~ I feel really good, Germany. How do you feel?'

'Never better.'

Italy cocked her head to the side, smiling coyly. 'Ve~ G-Germany?'

'Hhm?'

'C-can I have a shower with… you?' She blushed and played with a strand of hair shyly.

Germany chuckled. 'Of course.'

Morning crept into afternoon, and Germany was reading a book when he heard Italy enter the house from the garden. He listened to her movements, each little sound she made didn't go unnoticed. He heard her open the fridge door, and emit an excited 'Ve!' She must have found the gelato, he believed. He heard a drawer open and the following clink of metal as she ate it.

Her presence in the house was like music, Germany thought. It was better than the music Austria played on the piano.

'Ve~ Germany, she cooed as she entered the living room. Her slender arms wrapped around Germany from behind, and he knew she was leaning over the back of the chair.

'Hey, Italy,' he greeted, placing his book aside.

She nuzzled the side of his face, and Germany managed to kiss her. He saw she was draped over the back of the chair like he thought, and it looked uncomfortable. So, he turned slightly, enabling himself to wrap his arms around Italy's torso. He slowly and gently pulled her forward. Germany only needed to pull for a couple of seconds, because Italy soon slid on to his lap by herself.

'Ve!' she squeaked as she landed on his thighs. She still had her arms around Germany. She giggled.

They kissed for a few moments until Germany broke away to simply look at her.

'Ve? What's wrong, Germany?' she asked.

'Italy. I love you so much. You don't know how… happy you have made me. Looking back on our relationship - before we got to this stage - it's hard to think we… Back then I never thought we would become like this… It's incredible… And I'm so thankful for you.' Germany smiled, and felt himself soften and soften under Italy's gentle stare.

'Ve~ I pictured you as my lover sometimes, Germany,' she said. 'But I never thought we would actually become lovers.'

'Eh? You pictured me as… you lover? Really?' Germany asked, blushing.

Italy nodded. 'Hhm! Yeah! Just for brief moments, because I wondered what you would be like. Just a few times!'

He chuckled in spite of himself. 'A-and am I the way you pictured?'

Italy shook her head, and Germany's heart leapt.

'Nope. You're better. You're so much better,' she said, pressing her forehead against Germany's. 'Ve~ I love my Germany.'

The German kissed his lover. He stopped, stared at her for a couple of seconds, and kissed her again. He then hugged her. He moved his lips against her neck, and a tear rolled down his cheek. Germany wasn't ashamed of it, even as his hands started to tremble. He could feel Italy's hands stroke the back of his head and could hear her gentle, reassuring coos in his ear.

'I love you, Italy,' he said, just managing the words through shaky breaths. 'Thank you, Italy. I love you. Thank you so much for loving me, too.'

Well, that's it. I know this last chapter was very short, but it was really just to wrap things up. To all who reviewed this story (and may still, ^.^), thank you. To all those who fav'd this story, thank you. To all those who simply took the time to read it, thank you. I am so happy it was received as well as it was, and I hope it's received well by anyone who may discover it in the future. As I said, I'll write one shots as they come to me based on this story. Just little random (sexy, humorous ;) etc.) scenarios Germany and Italy will face now that they're a couple. I'll take Italy's perspective for some.

One last time: thank you all so much, and may we meet again! XxX