ItalyxReader:If Everyone Cared Like You

        ______ sat under a large oak tree, out in the middle of nowhere. Looking up, she saw the arm of the Milky Way stretched out over the night sky. All that could be heard was the soft rustling of grass and the orchestra of crickets around you.
Looking over your right shoulder, you see your best friend and crush gazing up at the sky. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees you looking at him, and he turns toward you, smiling an adorable smile.
“Ve~ _____, are you enjoying yourself?” Italy asked happily
You nodded enthusiastically before gazing back up at the starry sky.
“Mmhm. This is amazing! Thank you for bringing me here.” You excitedly respond.
You heard a small, almost sad laugh come from your best friend.
“Ve~. This is the least I can do for you _____”
       You looked back at Italy and to your surprise, he had a small, sad smile on his face.
       “What do you mean by that Italy?” You asked concerned and confused.
       You saw him look down at the ground, his light brown bangs falling over his face. His shoulders began to shake gently, as a small tear fell down his cheek.
       “I mean, I’m useless in war. I don’t fight, I’m always in retreat, and I waste water by making pasta. All I am is a pathetic coward.”
       You were shocked by your friend’s words. Although it was true that he always ran away, you knew it wasn’t because he was weak. Sure he was a little air-headed at times, but it didn’t make him a pathetic coward.
       “Hey Italy, I’ve always wondered why you don’t fight. I know you’re more than strong enough to defeat any opponent, so why are you holding back?” You ask your best friend
       Italy looked up at you shocked for a moment, before looking back at the ground, his knees beginning to curl up towards his chest, as if he was trying to make himself smaller.
       “This is going to sound really stupid _____, but the reason that I don’t fight is because I don’t want to hurt anyone. I just want everyone to get along.”
       You were astonished by your friend’s explanation. He was so kind-hearted, and even though people always teased him about how weak he was, he never fought back. Instead, he would smile as if they had complimented him. You smile softly, moving next to your best friend. You pull him into a gentle hug.
       “Italy, listen to me. You’re not pathetic, you’re not weak, and you’re not stupid. You are the kindest, honest, and bravest person I’ve ever known.”
       “What are you talking about _____?” Italy asked confused
       “If everyone cared about their friends like you do, friendships wouldn’t be broken. If everyone loved their family like you love your brother, families wouldn’t fall apart. If everyone was as honest as you, people would trust more often. If everyone was as humble as you, people would be much friendlier. If everyone was as kind as you, the world would be a much better place.”
       Italy looks up into your (e/c) eyes, full of awe and respect.
       “You stick to your beliefs, even when it’s hard. While everyone else is crying out for war, you’re the one who shouts for peace. It takes a very brave person to do that. It takes a strong person to say no when everyone else says yes. You are not weak, because if anything, you are the strongest country out there.”
       Suddenly, you felt two strong arms wrap around your waist. You look down to see a sobbing Italy holding you gently.
       “Thank you bella[1]. Tu sei un dono del cielo.”[2]
       “Don’t worry about it. That’s what I’m here for.”
       Smiling, Italy wiped away his tears. For the rest of the night, you and Italy sat next to each other holding hands. The two of you laughing, as you sat watching the stars from underneath the trees.