Over the next few days, Madeline stayed with Ludwig and Gilbert. Occasionally though, Ludwig would forget about the other two. As Madeline was used to this, she would shrug it off and move on. Gilbert on the other hand was much different. She could see how much it hurt Gilbert every time his brother failed to remember him. Madeline felt so bad for him. This is only the beginning too, she thought, It will only get worse.

That morning, Madeline was up and dressed before Gilbert's alarm clock went off. The two shared Gilbert's room – which he had cleaned up – her on the loft bed and him on the couch. She was dressed in Gilbert's old clothes again, a white T-shirt and to big cargo shorts; still no shoes. That was the reason she was awake though. The plan was for her and Gilbert to go out shopping for clothes.

He's done so much for me, with that thought, the Canadian woman went about making her morning coffee; with maple syrup of course. After making her cuppa, Madeline leaned back against the island countertop; a smile gracing her features. Gilbert decided to make an appearance at that moment.

Ah, she finally smiled, he thought as he leaned on the doorframe, a smile on his own face.

"Hallo Gilbert, you are avake early zhis morning." Gilbert jumped in surprise at his brother's voice. Hearing the commotion, Madeline turned with a small, "Maple!"

"Vhat vere you up too?" Ludwig went around Gilbert – still standing in the doorway – to get his morning coffee.

"I vas just vatching the maple syrup finally get some use! Kessesse!"

Madeline went crimson, "Eh?"

Ludwig had to stifle a chuckle at her reaction. "Everyone knows that you put maple syrup in your coffee Canada."

"Oh, r-right, of c-course,"

"Vell, just let me get some coffee, and ve'll head out, alright?" Gilbert asked, grabbing a mug for himself from the cabinet. "That's fine," the woman was still blushing but not as harshly as before. A comfortable silence settled between the three as they went about their breakfast routines. Germany broke the silence first.

"I vill be training Italy and Japan today, so do not vorry if I am home late."

"Zhat is fine. How are zhose guys' anyvay?" Gilbert asked, though he didn't expect his brother to choke on his coffee.

"Uggh, vell I suppose zhat Japan is fine."

"Vhat of Feli?"

"Vell,"

"Luddy!" Suddenly, Italy jumped up the stairs from Ludwig's basement bedroom – effectively cutting off Ludwig's sentence. Gilbert and Madeline simultaneously spit out their coffee: Gilbert from laughter and Madeline from shock.

"Mein Gott," The German nation groaned.

"Luddy, you weren't there when I woke up, I was worried about you, ve~"

"I am sorry Feli, I vas up early and did not vish to vake you." Ludwig hooked an arm around the small Italian's waist.

"Oh, okay!" Meanwhile, and older brother and Canadian woman looked on at the pair, slack jawed. Feliciano gave Ludwig a chaste kiss, "I'll go change!" Feli skipped back downstairs in one of Ludwig's shirts.

Once the Italian was gone, and awkward silence stretched in the kitchen. Gilbert started a slow clap, his smirk turning larger into a grin. "Congratulations, little Bruder."

"Ve did not do anyzhing dirty," Ludwig all but growled.

"I know, you finally found somezhing vorth keeping."

"J-Ja, I do. Danke Bruder." The brothers smiled and embraced each other. By now, Madeline had slipped out unnoticed. Now – standing in the doorway with a smile – Madeline understood what a family should be.