hetalia | [Fanfic] Educating America 9

Title: Educating America
Author: coffeefate
Genre: Humor/Romance(?)
Characters/Pairings: America, Romano. Some background pairings in passing.
Ratings/Warnings: PG13 for language, I guess. Rapid tense change. Awkwardness!
Summary: America wants to get to know Romano better. Romano just wants to fix the idiot's tastebuds.
Notes: Again, I'm not sure how this works yet, so if I screw anything up, just let me know.

"I really appreciate this." America said, as he followed Nino into the workroom. "I don't really know much about suits and stuff."

Nino laughed, "Don't worry, you're in very good hands. The best." he gestured exaggeratedly. Taking the tie and cufflinks from the nation's arms, he nodded to a screen set up in the corner of the room. "You can change behind there, and then come over and stand up here." he directed, indicating a small dias set up in the middle of the floor. America went behind the screen, dressing quickly.

When he emerged, Nino gave a low whistle. "Well," he grinned, eyebrows raised, "Lovino always did have an eye for beautiful things."

"It looks alright, then?" America asked, looking down at himself.

Laughing again, he nodded. "It's a start. Now, to make it perfect." he winked, gesturing to the dias. "Come on, let's get you measured."

America stepped up, and the tailor set to work, stretching the tape across his shoulders.

"You must be a good friend to Lovino, if he brought you here." he said conversationally, marking the measurements as he went."Raise your arms."

"I don't know about that," America confessed."I'm not sure he likes me much, yet. But, I'm working on it."

"Ah, is that so?" The elderly Italian smiled, amused. "Well, our Lovino doesn't always say what he means. His life has not been an easy one, I think. But he has a good heart." he glanced up. "But I think you know this already, yes?" America nodded, listening attentively. "Lovino is very kind to this old couple. He and his brother, Feliciano, they have always been so good to us. Looked after us. They look after many families, around here." he stepped back. "The jacket is done, take it off so I can do the shirt."

Putting the jacket aside, he went on."But some things, they cannot be easily changed. It is not his fault, of course. How could it be? People, they do what they will. Lift your arms." He worked quickly as he talked, measuring and pinning with practiced hands. "Lovino, especially, takes it hard, I think. He feels responsible for many things, many people. It is a difficult thing, to be the elder brother. So much rests on your shoulders. It is good to see that he is opening up."

"I hope so," America said. "I'd really like to get to know him better. I seem to be making a lot of mistakes, though. Like," he continued, gesturing at himself, "this suit thing. I know I did something wrong, but I'm not sure what. He tried to explain when I asked, but I still don't quite get it."

Nino looked up from where he knelt, pinning the cuffs of the slacks, and nodded understandingly. "You are an American." he said. "It is not surprising that you don't know." Seeing that America was listening, he continued. "You see what Lovino is wearing, tonight?"

"Um," he answered, brows furrowed, "I didn't really notice the clothes. I mean, I noticed that he looks really good, but..."

Nino chuckled. "That suit, I made for him. The shirt, too. Of all the suits I have made for him, it is my favourite. Each piece- the jacket, the slacks, the shirt- took over 60 hours to make. We discussed the material, what they should be made of. What colors would suit him. We decided on the cut, the movement, considered what he wanted each peice to say, the impression he wanted to make. He had to come in for measurements, two, three times, while they were being constructed."

"I made that suit for him, oh, many years ago. This is the first time he has worn it. You see?" He looked up into America's puzzled expression. Smiling kindly, he reached up to pat his knee. "It's alright. You'll understand soon enough." He stood. "Ok, we're finished with the measurements. Take it off, and I'll make the adjustments."

America obliged, and Nino set to work. America sat, chin in hand, as the old tailor measured and cut, tucked and folded, pinned and sewed. He worked swiftly, with a skill that was fascinating to watch. "This is really interesting." America commented."I mean, I have no clue what you're doing there, but I can tell you're really good at it."

Nino laughed. "Like many things, it can be confusing if you aren't familiar with it." He shot a knowing glance at the blond."You may not know from clothes," he said, slyly, "but I think perhaps you have an eye for other beautiful things, yes?"

America's eyes slid to the door which separated them from the others, and he blushed. Nino laughed.

"You come back another time, and I will make you other suits, yes? Italian suits, made just for you. Lovino won't be able to take his eyes off of you."

America hesitated. "I don't know...it's nice of you to offer, but...I'm not sure that would work."

Nino smiled, like he knew something America did not. "Perhaps, perhaps not." he conceded."You wear this suit, and see what you think after tonight."

"Haha, alright."America grinned.

Finally Nino declared the suit finished. America dressed behind the screen, complete with tie this time, and came out for appraisal.

"All good?" Nino looked him over, and nodded in approval. Then he frowned, seeing that America was standing in his socks.

"Hm...you need shoes." he rubbed his chin pensively, then brightened. He went over to a closet, digging inside for something. "Aha! You're in luck." He held up a box, beaming. "I bought these for my nephew, for his naming day. He's about your size. But I think they would look better on you."

"I can't take your nephew's shoes." America protested.

Nino waved a hand dismissively. "Pah. Of course you can. I'll buy him something else. He has many shoes. You, I think, need them more." When America still looked doubtful, he added, "Think of them as a gift, and humor an old man. A suit is nothing without the shoes. You want to impress Lovino, yes? These will help."

"Well...okay." America agreed after a moment's consideration. He took the box with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Nino. This means alot."

The elderly Italian waved it off again. "Pah, don't worry about it. To do this right, it is a small thing."

America slipped the shoes on, and straightened, arms spread. "So, what do you think? Am I saying the right things?" he asked, anxiously.

Nino smiled broadly. "Oh, I think he will get the message." he assured, eyes twinkling.

[Fanfic] Educating America 9

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