Lessons

A/N: And thus, Nicole Prower (former Miss Nicole Murder) has finally published something! I am new in the Hetalia Fandom... but I hope you enjoy this novella, told by the handsome Austria. Yes, my favorite character is him, and I am jealous of Hungary. Let us begin.

Chapter 1: The Nun In My House

Hello, dear visitor. My name is Austria. I am usually alone, as for lately... But ah, there is someone who still visits me, here, in this lonely house. Someone who meant something unearthly for me...

It was Hungary.

To think! She used to be a nun in my house. She used to play with me as kids. And she... she played only a little uncivilized.

No, not a little. My muse used to be a... what is that word? A tomboy. Yes, a tomboy. But I had always thought that I noticed that spark of female tenderness in that girl that bullied me...

And my inclination proved right. Hungary grew to become a beautiful maiden.

After being bitter rivals (allies against Prussia, though), we ended up under the Holy Roman Empire's domains. But before that, the ancient Roman Empire left me, one of Germania's oldest descendants,with the custody of his youngest grandchildren: Italy Veneziano and Italy Romano. My adoptive children were quite similar, when I saw them first. I confess, they were innocent, graceful babies.

Babies, I said?

I realized the consequences that these children could carry for me. Female help. That's what I needed. Women have that virtue that we men lack. They can control little rascals with love... and I was a cold stone in that. I required the help of a nun. After all, I needed time with my piano.

Now, do not stare at me like that. I was young and egotistic! I am not sexist, I say! And piano is sacred.

I received news. Ancient Rome had, in fact, left an appointed nun to help me with the babies' education and surveillance. And guess who it was? It was Hungary! Hungary was going to be MY servant!

For a moment, I felt a trace of vengeance towards her. Thanks to her rude battling with me, many of my perfect sets of clothing were ruined. I always ended up dirty, trounced and with a disheveled hair.

But then, I remembered that she thought that she was a boy. I wonder, who told her so? Who kept hiding her tender nature?

At any rate, the morning when Hungary arrived was somewhat rainy. Not minding, Hungary came with a dress with stamped flowers and a matching umbrella.

I confess, I was nervous. How should I treat her? My former enemy... my servant? To be polite? To be a tyrant?

"Welcome, Hungary."

That was all I could say. I immediately acted chivalrous by taking her heavy bags from her, not minding whether she was the poorest pauper on the world or anything else. I have been an aristocrat, born to receive but caring for women.

Not minding if it was Hungary. I do not know, I felt bland. I felt like melting, melting just as a lit candle does. And that confused me. Why didn't I hate her? Why did I acted so kindly? Was it because I was much more mature? Then, why was my chest so tight?

"Well, dear Hungary, you probably know why are you here..." I began.

"Yes. The kids."

"Correct. Also, you are to handle a few chores... but I am auto-sufficient. You only have to sweep the house everyday and once in a week, clear any dust from the furniture. And, of course, help me with the kids..."

The kids were coming later on. I was expecting Spain to bring them safely. When he arrived... that warm fuzzy feeling filled me. They were a charming sight.

Hungary and I took both of them, placing them carefully on their cribs. I understood that it was a male and a female. After watching how they played with a plush tiger, I made my assumption: Veneziano was the girl (Venice, it should have been) and Romano was a boy. A rebellious boy, Hungary commented.

The children grew in a short time. Hungary was an spectacular nun, and she was very successful with their education. Except for Romano.

Romano was my headache. Whenever Hungary brought tea into my library, Romano had to play any sort of trick. Once, he switched sugar for salt. And since I always add a teaspoon of sugar...

That little imp.

Hungary and I made the decision of designate him to Spain's surveillance, since he was eager to have someone under him. It was a great strategy, as all of my plans are. I am being honest, not arrogant.

And thus, Hungary became the nun for Venice-eano and myself.