It began like any other day – the coffee was on, the breakfast was made, and two characters were still in bed.

Ludwig – otherwise known as the personification of Germany – had risen at an ungodly hour to begin his personal training. Call it a mental preparation, if you will, for the day's events. He always made sure to put on the coffee for himself and his charges, it didn't feel right to call them 'friends'. Japan and Italy may live in his house and train with him, but that didn't have anything to do with a relationship. It was only a national alliance…

Ludwig sighed as he looked up at the clock; five o'clock. It was time to wake up Italy and Japan. Or – he sighed again – try to.

Making his way to Japan's door, he gently and quietly knocked. He knew that Japan liked his privacy, after all. "Japan, it's time to begin training." Hearing a stirring from within and a yawn, Germany was satisfied and continued on his way.

Stopping at Feliciano's open door, Germany rapped sharply on the door frame. "Italy, it's time to get up for training." No response from the clearly occupied bed.

Germany walked quietly to the sleeping figure. "I once killed a man with a pair of chopsticks and my bare hands." Italy shot up immediately. "I'm awake!"

With an almost imperceptible smirk, Germany turned and began to walk out of the room. "Ve…Germany?" Germany did not really stop as he turned to respond, "You are training with Japan and I today and that is final." "B-but, Germany…" "No buts. That is my last vord on the subject." "Germany, I-"

Suddenly, Italy was out of his bed. He dashed past a bewildered Germany and ran into the bathroom down the hall. 'Vhat on Earth?' He looked across the hall at an equally surprised Japan. "Is Itary-San alright?" They both received their answer from the loud vomiting a few doors down.

Germany sprinted to the door and stopped outside. "Italy? Are you alright in there?" There was no answer but a murmured "ve". Opening the door, he braced himself for the stench.

"Ve…Doitsu, my tummy hurts." Germany didn't respond as he wet a rag and gave it to the shorter nation. "Here, you may need this." Italy took the washcloth with shaking hands. As he rubbed his face, Germany thought for a moment. "Perhaps you should take the day off. You seem sick."

Italy seemed shocked as he glanced at the serious nation. "B-but I wanted to train with you and Japan-""Please, you and I both know zhat you didn't vant to train. Besides, you are sick. I will talk with Japan about what medicines you should take and you will rest today. Zhat's an order." Not having the strength to argue, Italy merely groaned and leaned on the toilet.

A few hours later, the two healthy nations returned to the house for a lunch break. "Should we make Itary-san a bowl of soup? Perhaps it will help settre his stomach." "Hm, I agree. Zhat sounds like a good idea." Opening the kitchen door, they were met with a surprise. "Itary-san? What are you doing out of bed?"

Italy stood over a hot pot on the stove top, eyes lit with joy. "Ve~ I was-a feeling better! And I was hungry, so I made lunch for us all!"

"Oh, well zhat was nice. But aren't you still feeling a bit ill? You were throwing up this morning…" "Oh, I'm fine now! Why don't you guys sit down and I'll get us some stew!"

Japan and Germany froze. "Did- did you say 'stew'? I thought that it would be the usual pasta..." "Yeah! I thought up a new recipe while I was laying down this morning! It's chopped pork, elbow noodles, cheese, and roma tomatoes!" Suddenly, Italy's eyes turned into pools of tears. "Roma tomatoes are n-named after Grandpa Rome…" He sniffled, then started bawling. "I miss Grandpa Rome!" he wailed.

Japan and Germany glanced at each other, sharing a bewildered and shocked expression. "Uh, zhat's ok Italy. Vhy don't we just eat some stew and take a rest? Zhat always seems to help you feel better-"

"You don't care! I miss Grandpa Rome and you don't care!" He lifted hurt doe eyes to gaze upon the two offenders. "I-I haven't s-seen him in so long! I m-miss h-him!" He hiccupped and furiously wiped his eyes of tears.

"Itary-san, we care that you miss him. We know that he was your Grandpa, but do you think that he would rike to see you crying about him?"

Italy's eyes seemed to instantly empty of tears as he smiled softly. "No. But I know what he would like to see me do, though!" He lept over and hugged the two, excited grin returning to his face. "I love-a you two! I'm so glad that we're friends!"

Japan squirmed uncomfortably as Germany simply stared at the pasta nation in shock. "I-Italy, are you feeling alright?"

Italy instantly let go of the two and raised angry eyes to them. "I can't believe you! You think-a that I'm-a sick since I threw up! Now you think that something's wrong because I hugged you!" He whipped around and grabbed the pot off of the stove. "Well, I'll just eat all of my stew by myself and you two won't get any!" He stomped away from the confounded pair and slammed the door to his bedroom.

"Werr, that was odd." "Yeah, and I'm still hungry." One thought was shared between the two, what was wrong with Italy?

A.N. So, here's my first story! Please review! Constructional criticism is welcome, but please no flames! Thank you! :)