[ 1940, Current Timeline of Europe. ]

World War II has broken out, with Germany forming a pact with the Soviets of Russia and the Kingdom of Italy in a joint alliance known as the Axis Powers. The madman German had planned on taking over the majority of Europe, but promised to avoid invading areas of interest his allies would like to keep.

At some point during this time, you, the Kingdom of Italy would meet with a new face that wished to join this rad team of power-hungry beings, though the Russian didn't really interact with the rest of the lot. What a loser, you thought, being so lonely and distant despite being part of this.

Either way, you finally had a face-to-face conversation with this new face, his name was Japan, commonly referred to as the representation of the Imperial Japanese or Japanese Empire.

You two got along pretty quickly with shared interests and similarities in personality and soon enough the two of you had got it off, hanging out more often for weeks turned to cuddling and even hand holding... It was strange, and crazy even to grow such a bond in such a quick time...

[ 1942, Radio. Or something. ]

You called Japan for probably the millionth time, telling him about a dinner at the palace tonight...

[ 1942, The Imperial Palace. ]

It was now a quiet evening. The breeze lifted up into the air as the wind brushed across the pink and green palettes that surrounded the palace's grounds. Japan was simply minding his own business, sure, he should be in the middle of an important event right about now but there was something more important to her for the time being...

A friendly dinner, or at least what he rationalized it to be instead of a date night with one of his allies, Italy. He never had a real thought about him/her until then and now that he had thought about it, it made him feel confused and something else...

He wore his best uniform, pressed neatly and ironed to have no visible wrinkles in the clothing, green and with no badges and bands in sight, this was a special occasion that did not require the press and so forth there would be no reason to come all prepared as if he was about to lead his armies into righteous battle for the Emperor.

Japan took a heavy, nervous breath... His first ever date, he had never even done any sort of this situation, and it was driving him nuts. What to say, what to wear, what to even bring.as a gift of honoring.

“What to bring... What to say, there is so much to do, so little to give, what would the Italian even like...?”

He begrudgingly brushed the gift part off, this was supposed to be a big day, a big event that he and Italy would be able to enjoy without any pressure of expectancy. He marched his way over to the private quarters that were set for the guest's dinner and slammed open the doors with a long inhale.

Exhaling he would bow as he greeted, well, you... The Kingdom of Italy, or Italy for short...

"My apologies for... Being late, Italy, I was held up on important matters regarding traditional meeting and- Must I hold formalities...? Is this okay with you, Italia...?"

He watched you lightly nod and he exhaled softly, relieved you didn't find it too formal and stiff... Stepping ever so softly towards the table, he would be set on his knees and adjust himself to feel comfortable before readjusting to a more casual sitting position at the table in order to look like he didn't have a thumb up his ass.

"What is it do couples ask, r-right... So... How is it on your side of the globe? Italy? Is it bright and brilliant as ever?"

He patiently waited for an answer, tapping away at the premium wood of the table, often taking a moment to glance to the side, unaware of the surprise that you had brought to the table. You had asked the chef to cooperate alongside your own chefs of high esteem in order to create two sides of each other's cuisines, one of Italian food and the other being Japanese food. You wanted this to feel special, to connect to each other's understanding and bond through sharing the delicacies.