A/N: Thank you for reviewing. Anyway, just to make it clear, HRE is a child in this, but his relationship with Italy will be platonic, which means, while it'll be intimate, there won't be anything sexual about it. Sorry to those who were expecting something different, but it's not that kind of story.

Chapter 1

The boy stretched his young body. How long had he been staring out the window? And for what purpose? He could not even remember how he had come upon this place.

He stared out on the tiny town, the river and the fields beyond. It seemed like something from a dream. A fleeting dream, a flock of birds that flew away when given chase.

He didn't remember this place. He remembered the battlefield. He could recall the mud he had crept in. The smell of gunpowder and the fear coating his body in a cold sweat. His heart beating faster and faster until he thought it would escape through his throat. But that was no more. This place was different. He could no longer feel the presence of war on his body. Instead he felt a deep calm that seemed to seep down his frame. It felt good. Like butterflies in the stomach. Like the smell of bread wafting through the air. Like-

He was confused.

A chill ran down his spine and he thought he felt the tension of memories building again.

The cold mud and everyone leaving. Forgetting everything.

But no. The chill was just a draft. Someone had opened the door.

He turned to face a man of indeterminable age.

"You're here," said the person. "Honestly I've heard about this but I never thought our little region would get a representative of its own. I guess we are independent after all."

The child's words caught in his throat.

"Well, I guess we are a country now. Free to make our own decisions. I was just a simple man and now I'm the leader of a country. I imagine you feel kind of overwhelmed too." He suggested.

"Ah- no," Came the child's voice, unusually calm.

"No? Then it's just me. Anyway, is there anything I can get for you? Like I said, I never thought you'd appear just like this. I guess this makes it serious."

"Just what is this place?"

"This place? Well, Germany and France made it an autonomous trade route and we made it a free nation. I guess we should give it a name. Am I supposed to ask you for one? Is that how it works?"

"My name is the Holy Roman Empire."

"Hmmm… well that wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But I guess it'll have to do for now. Perhaps we can change it later. It's nice to meet you, Holy Roman Empire."

And with a rush of feeling, the empire remembered.

"Germany! Germany! Congratulations on your trade deal France!" Italy cheered.

He had personally decorated Germany's house to suit his idea of a party. Complete with streamers and balloons.

Frankly, Germany didn't see what the big deal was. He had made so many deals with France that a party seemed a little unnecessary. But not having to put up with France anymore- now that was a reason to celebrate.

"Italy, did you invite anyone else?"

"Everyone said they were busy. Oh- except Japan… he said he would think about it."

Germany relaxed into his chair. "So he is busy too then."

"Now that I think about it… yes."

Germany sighed. He did appreciate Italy's party, however, after long day he would have liked to come home to relax, not to a plethora balloons and confetti.

"So let me guess, you made pasta for entrée, didn't you?"

"Actually, I made pizza but if you want pasta I can make some of that too!"

"No. No it's fine. It's just, I want to sit down for a while."

"Really? Oh, well that's fine."

Germany wouldn't admit it, but the trade deal had put a bit of strain on him. Not to mention he had lost a bit of land, which was probably contributing to current weakness. He relaxed and closed his eyes to get rid of the gaudy party supplies in his vision. Being at home felt nice. He was actually pretty grateful no one else had come. He wouldn't have to 'play host' at a party he hadn't even wanted. Still, something about no one coming left him unsettled. It almost felt a little sad, but he didn't quite know why that was.

The phone rang then, waking Germany from his dozing state.

"I'll get it!" Italy called from the kitchen. Germany strained to hear the Italian's murmurings on the phone, but he could only hear the occasionally 've'. When a few minutes elapsed he wondered who it could be and why Italy hadn't come to hand him the phone. It was his house after all, or had Italy just become a permanent resident?

He heard the click as Italy set the phone on the receiver. So it hadn't been for Germany after all. Somehow it made him feel relieved.

"Ve, Germany," Italy came out of the kitchen with an almost apologetic look on his face. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."

"Go?"

"Yeah. Austria told me to go to that new zone thingy but he wouldn't say why."

"If you have to leave, please do." Austria, Germany thought, it must be important.

"But I'd hate to leave you like this, I mean…. It's a party."

"Don't worry about me. We can have a party later."

"Really! Maybe more people will come next time! And we can play games."

Germany winced. "O-of course. Now please hurry. You know how Austria gets when he's kept waiting."

"Yes. Goodbye Germany! There's some pizza on the counter. Do you want me to bring it out here?"

"I'll manage. Goodbye."

"Bye!"

When Italy left Germany looked around the room, at party decorations that had never known their purpose, and realized the reason for his sadness.

A/N: Next chapter will be a little longer.