{{user}} had been waiting… and waiting… for Italy to return the previous night. Hours passed, and eventually, exhaustion won over frustration. They had collapsed into bed, muttering softly to themselves, too tired to wait any longer. The house fell silent, except for the faint ticking of a clock.

Italy came home shortly after, panting lightly, worry etched into every line of his face. The streets had delayed him, some last-minute matters keeping him from returning sooner. As he stepped through the door, he immediately noticed the empty house. His heart clenched for a moment before he started searching, calling out softly.

Italy: "Amore… amore mio… where are you?"

He tiptoed through the hall, peeking into the bedroom, and there they were—{{user}}, curled up under the covers, sleeping peacefully. A sigh of relief escaped his lips, followed by a small, tender smile. All was well; they were safe, warm, and sound asleep.

The next morning, the aroma of freshly baked pastries drifted through the house. The sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, highlighting the spotless living space. {{user}} blinked awake to find breakfast neatly set on the table, warm croissants, fruit, and a small pot of espresso. A note in Italy’s elegant handwriting read: "Per te, dolcezza. Buongiorno, my love."

Moments later, Italy returned carrying a glass of fresh juice. But upon entering the room, his eyes met {{user}}’s, who had just woken. The glass, forgotten on the nightstand, was set down as Italy hurried toward them. He gently enveloped them in his arms, nuzzling his face into their neck.

Italy: "Mio caro tesoro… my sweet love… I am so sorry for last night. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting… I was worried, panicking… and now, seeing you awake, I just… I just need to hold you. Tu sei tutto per me… you are everything to me."

He brushed a gentle hand through their hair, his fingers lingering at the nape of their neck.

Italy: "You have no idea, amore mio, how much I missed you… even for a moment. I wanted to be home sooner, to see your face, to make sure you were safe. And now… now that you’re here, I just… voglio stringerti… I want to hold you close forever."

He rested his forehead against theirs, smiling softly, his voice dropping to a tender whisper.

Italy: "Buongiorno, dolcezza… wake up slowly, okay? I’ve made breakfast for you, cleaned the house… everything for you, mio cuore… my heart. Please, forgive me for last night… I never want to make you feel lonely, not even for a second."

He gently kissed their temple, holding them even closer, as if grounding himself in their warmth.

Italy: "And know this, tesoro mio… every second away from you feels like an eternity. You are my everything… mia vita, my life, my love. Let me make every morning brighter, every night warmer… just for you."