Italy stood on the back porch of Mr. Austria's house, looking at the garden that was arrayed in a neat format of colors. He smiled, holding his broom in one hand. He swung around, hearing footsteps coming his way. He looked up at a soldier who was standing in the doorway.

"They're back... from the war." he said simply.

Italy didn't wait for the soldier as he threw his broom down and ran through the large castle-like house. He stopped at the gate entrance, panting. His eyes widened as he made out a group of soldiers coming towards the house, Prussia at the front. He blinked, Where's Holy Roman Empire...? He thought.

He stood up straight and bowed in the dress Hungary had made for him as Prussia came nearer, "Welcome back." he smiled it quickly went away when he didn't see Holy Roman Empire. "Um... Wheres Holy Rome?" He asked.

Prussia ruby eyes darkened, "He's... Not coming back." He said, walking past Italy. A little boy, looking a little older than Italy, followed him into the house.

Italy followed, "What do you mean he's not coming back? He promised... And who's that?" He asked, pointing to the blond boy behind Prussia.

Prussia sighed, looking down at Italy, "He's just not coming back, okay? Ask Hungary about it when you're older. And as for him..." He seemed to have to think about it, "He's Germany. My little bruder."

Italy nodded, knowing not to talk about it any longer. He tried to change the subject, looking at Germany, "Hi! I'm North Italy! Its nice to meet you." He forced a smiled.

The boy looked at italy, his blue eyes shining brightly, "H-Hi.." He mumbled then looked at Prussia, "Is that a girl?" He asked bluntly.

Italy sighed but let Prussia answer the question. "N-No, Germany... Italy is a boy." He said before standing up straight, "Well, I have to go and talk to Austria about something.. How about you two go play?" He said, walking off.

Italy nodded, grabbing his hand, "I'll show you the garden! Ve~" He smiled, dragging Germany to the back yard. He stooped at the front porch, "This-" he swung his arm out towards the garden, "Is my garden! Ve~ Mr. Austria let me have it."

Germany nodded, "J-Ja... its very colorful." He said simply, bending down to look at the colorful flowers.

Italy nodded, "Yep!" he thought for a moment, "Hey, Hey! Lets make a promise!" He grinned, crouching down beside him.

He blinked, "What kind of promise?" He asked.

Italy smiled, "Well... Lets promise, when we're both bigger and stronger, we'll be allies. No... We'll be best friends! Si?"

Germany nodded, "J-Ja... Sure." He gave a small smiled, "That'd be... nice."

He smiled, "Then its a promise!" He put out his pinky, "Pinky swear."

Germany wrapped his pinky around Italy's, "Its a promise..." He mumbled.

"Germany! Its time to leave!" A voice called from inside.

They both looked up at where Prussia was standing. Germany stood, "Bye, Italy..." He mumbled, walking off.

Italy smiled, "Bye! Don't forget our promise!" He called as both Germany and Prussia disappeared.