Disclaimer: I don't own it, I just ship it.

Warning: swearing, male x male pairings, and a touch of OOC (which I'll try to avoid the best I can)

A/N – Guess who didn't have to go to work today for an unpaid meeting that would otherwise waste 2 ½ hours of her life? I know; I was really sad when it got cancelled too. So sad, that I decided to prance out of the building plotting about all the ways I could spend my bonus free time writing about attractive men in attractive positions.

I think the reoccurring theme in this chapter is 'tough love' and surprisingly, it doesn't come from either Romano or America.

oOo

News travels fast among the Nations, especially given the fact that some of them have a tendency to gossip like little schoolgirls. So when Italy heard about Romano's most recent rejection, he mentioned it to Germany and Prussia during his next visit. Italy hadn't intended to make a big deal of it, he was just curious for some outside opinions on where the in the world it went wrong. How can one person be so completely dense when it came to romance? Even Germany understood Italy's intentions when the Italian gave him flowers and chocolate. Germany, who's default emotions had been serious, stoic, and angry.

Neither German brother was sure why America wasn't getting the hint, but only the albino seemed interested in it. His blonde counterpart preferred to stay out of matters of the heart…or anything that involved relationships for the matter. Prussia had several ideas involving America being dropped on his head by England as a child or kicked in the head by a bronco during his cowboy days, but was otherwise unhelpful. Italy sighed and decided to make them all pasta to lift the dreary atmosphere.

Germany, who wasn't keen on playing Telephone with others, kept the Italian's worries to himself. His brother on the other hand, immediately picked up his phone and called his boyfriend, who just happened to be related to the thick-headed American in question.

Prussia told Canada the whole story, and the North American Nation was moved by how hard Romano was trying for his dork of a brother. Canada completely ignored Prussia's rant about Romano's crazy knife-throwing episode, as his mind was elsewhere. He knew how hard it is to get through to America and wanted to help South Italy if he could. As soon as he had said his goodbyes to Prussia ("Goodbye, Birdie! Looooove you!") he decided to visit his pain in the neck older brother. Canada had plenty of experience dealing with America's obliviousness over the years, so he was confident he could tell him how much effort Romano had put into getting him to like him.

oOo

When Canada made it down to America's main house (the one he built himself in Virginia), he decided to play things casually. The wavy-haired blonde made his brother some pancakes and they dug in.

"So how's it been going, America?"

"Mmm?" America looked up, mouth full of delicious pancakes. He swallowed before continuing (shocking Canada, who had never seen his brother instinctively chew and swallow food to avoid talking with his mouth open. Romano must have been a bigger and better influence than he knew). "Pretty good. Romano was just here last week to hang out!"

"Oh, really?" Canada smiled politely. "You two have been hanging out a lot more, lately. What did you do?"

"It was awesome! We met in Colorado and Romano brought his Ferrari!" America beamed. "Have you ever been in a Ferrari, bro? Those cars are amazing! Romano's the best!"

"That must have been fun. What else did you do?"

"After cruising around the Rockies, we headed back here and 'Mano gave me some chocolates," a dreamy look crossed America's face. "They were so good! If I knew you were visiting, I would have tried to save you a piece. 'Mano made them himself."

"America, if he made them for you; that means they were intended only for you."

"It's okay, I think it was just giri-choko."

"...What?"

America told his brother about the Japanese tradition of Valentine's Day and White's Day. Canada couldn't help but wince and thought 'Wrong Italy!' but managed to stay calm, feeling worse for Romano. When the short-haired blonde started rambling how he wanted to bring that tradition to the 'States, Canada cut him off.

"I thought North Italy was the one who was friends with Japan…"

"He is, but I think Romano is too. How else would he have gotten an English-translated copy of Tales of Final Dreams XIV?" America sighed. "Japan didn't even give me a copy and we've been friends forever!"

Canada resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"Actually, I heard that Romano translated that for you."

"'Mano did that?"

"Yeah, Prussia told me he stayed up all night translating it at Germany's house after meeting Japan there."

"I…I didn't know that…" America had a whole new level of respect for his friend.

"There's a lot you don't know…" the polar bear enthusiast muttered, not realizing his inner voice had become his speaking voice.

"What'd you say?" his brother tilted his head.

"U-Um, that was really nice of him, wasn't it?"

"Yeah! He's the best friend ever!" America's smile lit up the room.

"You know…" Canada's face softened. "Romano really, truly cares about you, America. He isn't pulling some kind of joke or messing with you."

"What do you mean?"

"I know you're not used to that kind of attention and you might not know how to react to it, eh?" Canada continued. "Because some of the other Nations prefer to fight or yell at you, most of the time you tend to ignore them and the pain they bring. You're the king of not letting others rain on your parade, but you miss out on a lot because of that. Sometimes, you miss out on seeing how much the people closest to you really love you…like Romano."

By the end of it, America seemed stunned. It wasn't often that Canada saw his brother speechless like this.

"Do you understand?"

"Of course I do!" America brightened and jumped up, excited expression on his face.

"Good, because that's what Romano has been trying to tell and show you with his actions," Canada smiled. Maybe his brother wasn't such a lost cause after all.

"So, 'Mano's been doing all that because he wants to spend more time together!"

"Uh, yes, technically, but—"

"Then this weekend, we'll all have to have a movie night! My place! I've got the biggest TV! This'll be great! We can invite both Italies, Prussia, his brother… and popcorn! We'll need lots of popcorn!" The hero walked off putting details together, leaving his brother behind, shaking slightly in annoyance.

"A…America, you hoser!"

oOo

After getting the invite, Italy informed Romano that he already accepted for both of them

"You didn't even bother to ask me," snorted the tsundere.

"You'd really turn down another chance to see America?" the younger Italy crossed his arms knowingly.

"I might…" Romano looked away.

"Then call him right now and tell him that."

"What?"

Without another word, Italy swiped his brother's phone from the coffee table and dialed America's number, which was now on speed dial after himself and before their Boss.

"Here. Tell him you can't go," Veneziano tossed him the phone.

"What the fuck are you doing, Feli?! You can't just—"

"Hello?" America's voice picked up.

Romano glared at his brother, but managed to answer normally.

"Hi, bastard."

"'Mano! Did you get the invite about the movie night? You have to come!"

"U-Uh, about that…" he ignored his brother's smirk. Where'd he even learn to smirk like that anyway? Cazzo, maybe he really was a bad influence on him…

"I got a special popcorn maker, just like the one in the movie theaters! And we're watching The Avengers because you said you haven't seen it yet!" America happily informed his friend. "Oh, and if there's time, we can watch Captain America! He's one of my favorite heroes!"

"I bet he is…" Romano felt himself slowly smiling, despite himself.

"Yeah! So please say you'll come, 'Mano! It wouldn't be the same without you!"

Romano could feel his heart beat faster. America sounded so damned happy that he was going. Most people didn't care if he went to things one way or another, as long as North Italy was present. It was nice to feel…included for a change. America hadn't once mentioned his fratello either. He had only asked if Romano was showing up. The half-nation didn't want to be the one to ruin his day and tell him he was bailing because he didn't want to see him. He did want to see him…it just hurt a little.

"O-Of course, I'm going, idiot. I was just calling to see if you needed me to bring anything."

Italy had a full-on grin by this point. After another minute or two, Romano got off the phone with America and shot him a glare.

"Not another word."

oOo

They all gathered in America's Virginia house. Italy ended up having to drag the dejected Romano (who had a last-minute panic attack), until he threatened to ask Germany and Prussia to help him. That was all it took to convince Romano that his feet worked and he assured his Northern counterpart that no macho potato bastards were necessary.

Italy knew Romano still cared about America and while seeing the blonde may hurt, it would be for his own good. Besides, he had just picked both of them up a nice trademark Cerruti original shirt (nearly impossible to find these days). His own was green, while Romano's was red. Nobody could wear red like Romano.

Veneziano believed that if America had decided to invite Romano to the party, there was still a chance he understood how Romano felt. Especially after he found out that Prussia had told Canada all about it. Italy was able to stop the albino from telling Spain and France, because those two were the absolute last people on earth who needed to know. He could already picture France trying to take advantage of his fratello's situation while Spain would go on a rampage and quite possibly show up on America's doorstep with his battleaxe at the ready.

But Italy believed he could trust Canada (after Prussia reminded him who he was). Canada seemed like a good brother and wouldn't do anything to drive America away from Romano. He might even offer to help Romano, if he just asked. Italy now made it his mission to talk to Canada at the movie night and brainstorm…he'd just have to find him first.

oOo

"Canada~!" Italy hugged the person in front of him. "It's been such a long time! How are you?"

"Wow, I think that's the first time I've been mistaken for Canada!" America laughed.

"V-Ve?" Italy leaped back, trying not to notice the death glare his brother was sending him. "Mi dispiace, America! Um, excuse me!"

He quickly scurried off, allowing America to greet Romano.

"I'm so glad you made it, 'Mano!" the blonde wrapped his arms around the Italian in a giant bear hug.

"Hmph, it was only because you promised me 'the best popcorn in the world' and I had nothing better to do tonight…"

"Right this way, then…" America laughed and guided him down the hallway. "The popcorn machine's in the kitchen. Do you like your popcorn with butter, salt, or both?"

Canada resumed host duties and greeted the others at the door. It wasn't technically his job, but he knew how easily distracted his brother could be. He offered Germany a handshake and Prussia a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, Birdie!" the albino grinned. "By the way, I think Ita was looking for you."

"North Italy?" Canada tilted his head. "What did he want to talk about?"

"Not sure, but it seemed important."

And indeed it was. Italy was currently sitting in the corner with Kumajiro on his lap discussing all the ways they could try to hook up their older brothers. As he patted 'Canada's' hair/fur, he made sure to compliment him on how soft it felt. He clearly took after France's side of the family in that respect. Kumajiro thought the amber-eyed man was a few noodles short of a pasta dinner, but figured he could let him ramble on a little longer as long as he kept petting him.

Canada went off searching for North Italy, but found South Italy instead. He saw the blank look in Romano's eyes and immediately felt a twinge of guilt on his brother's behalf. Poor Romano…but his heart really went out to him whenever America was around. Even though he was clearly in pain, Romano's face lit up when America was near. His eyes regained their spark and he was quick to act like nothing was wrong. His distant look only resurfaced when the blonde had left the room or unable to see him in his current position.

Canada felt a new level of respect for the half-nation, who was giving his all for America, even though he was most likely thinking his feelings would never be returned. Canada decided then and there that this was the right person for America, and he was going to do what he could to help him.

oOo

"Hey, South! Movie's about to start!" Prussia shouted into the kitchen. "And I need you for something!"

"Why should I care, potato bastard?" Romano exited with another bag full of popcorn. Even he had to admit that America's popcorn machine was pretty good.

"I was just wondering if you knew why Ita has been talking to the food table for the last twenty minutes."

"What?"

Sure enough, they both looked at Italy, who was across the room, completely enraptured talking to a bottle of syrup at the folding table set up with pancakes, popcorn, pasta, and other goodies. After Italy laughed at some joke the syrup bottle made, both big brothers decided to let him be, Germany could deal with it.

oOo

As everyone gathered in front of the giant, wall-sized TV, America made a final speech about the glorious film they were going to watch. He mentioned all of the talented actors that made this film possible (expressing with great pride how Scarlett Johansson/Black Widow was in fact an American actress, not a creepy Russian one) and went on to praise the script, written by one of his favorites – Joss Whedon, the man behind Buffy, Dr. Horrible, Firefly, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. When Germany made the mistake of asking what 'Firefly' was, a loud shouting match began, wherein America nearly kicked him out and Prussia threatened to disown him. It was during that moment Canada made his move, skillfully swapping out the Avengers DVD with a scary movie, so terrifying it was outlawed in several theaters.

Everyone settled into their seats – Italy curled up besides Germany on the giant recliner, Prussia besides Canada on the aptly named loveseat, and America near Romano on the remaining couch. The Italian had hoped to keep some distance between the two of them (so he could actually focus on the movie and not his crush), but America happily plopped down next to Romano after hitting 'play' on the remote.

The movie began and Canada managed to convince the others who had seen the real movie that this was the 'Canadian Version' of The Avengers in order to keep it playing. Prussia immediately knew he was full of crap, but knew better than to call him out on it. After all, it wasn't every day that the wavy-haired Canadian actually lied about something. It must be important, so he made damn sure not to say otherwise and risk meeting the heel of Canada's hockey stick. America, who hadn't learned his lesson by now, blindly believed his innocent little brother.

He soon regretted that choice.

"C-C-Canada, are you s-sure this is The Avengers?" he whimpered, having pulled the blanket he shared with Romano up to his nose.

"Of course, America," Canada nodded politely. "It's the Canadian version, remember? You'll see Ironman in the next part.

Several screams were heard as a chainsaw roared to life and took the lives of several brainless actors.

As America was too horror-stricken to remove the movie from the DVD player, the gang continued to watch it. Canada was fine (he loves scary movies), Romano found himself sympathizing with the murderer who was rejected by his lover, Germany was a bit worried (holding North Italy a little tighter than intended), Prussia was freaked, while Feli and America passed the time by screaming in terror.

During the freak-out, America latched himself onto Romano. When he was that close to the Italian, he realized Romano's voice calmed him while his scent excited him. It reminded him of basil, oregano, and something sweet…it made him recall all of the meals they shared. America realized he'd never been this close to the brunette before and he didn't want to move. Even with the movie scaring the shit out of him, he felt safe with Romano.

Meanwhile, Romano was torn between feeling happy and feeling tormented by the guy who friend-zoned him and was now throwing himself at him.

"America, if you don't stop screaming in my ear, I'll shut you up myself," he warned him.

"I-I'm sorry!" America apologized, but once the killer popped out at the main characters with an army of ghosts, he lost it again.

"America…" Romano growled.

"S-Sorry!" he squeaked out an apology.

Somewhere in the middle of it, Romano decided to hell with it all.

"I told you I'd shut you up, and I'm a man of my word," the Italian interrupted him, leaning towards the blonde. America stared at him with an unreadable expression in his eyes. With that, Romano kissed him square on the lips, staying that way for a few seconds before pulling back.

Romano blushed, not sure what the blonde would do. He braced himself for the inevitable shove or kick that was sure to come…but it never did.

America stared into Romano's eyes for a few seconds, his senses completely overwhelmed. He couldn't process what was going on around him anymore, all he knew was that he wanted Romano and pulled him back in for more kisses. As their lips crashed together, the rest of the world faded away.

The ghosts couldn't get him as long as he had Romano there with him. They could stay that way for the rest of their lives as far as he was concerned.

oOo

A/N

Canadian matchmaking at its finest! Now I don't have to beat some sense into America! Hope you all enjoyed the fic, especially 91 RedRoses! I had a blast writing it! Although anything with Romerica is always a good time. There were a few strategies that I had for Roma in addition to the ones used in this fic, so they will appear elsewhere (most likely Coffeehouse Drabbles). Thanks for sticking around and supporting it until the end :)

-Rajikka

Translations:

Fratello – Brother (It.)

Hoser – A stupid, unsophisticated, or loutish person (Can.) I've also seen it described as something you'd call your brother when your parents don't allow you to swear.

Idiota – Idiot (It.)

Cazzo – Damn, shit, fuck, standard Italian curse word

Mi dispiace – I'm sorry (It.)