I'll be interested in what you come up with. In some ways, Italy reminds me of you in your most flaily internet fannish moments. Only he's like that all the time, about everything, without anything sensible like lingustics or serious moments. And his brother is far less awesome than any of yours.

I think all the girl-chasing was a big influence. I pegged him as 'flaky young adult' pretty early. Now, in my head, he's the artistic boyfriend Germany's somehow acquired, who's never going to be serious, or get a responsible job, or make good money, but is really sweet and makes Germany smile, which is fine because Germany's done more than enough of the 'accomplished and responsible' stuff for both of them.