" ITALY, I DID NOT SAY JOG, NOW RUN! " Japan and Germany already had two laps over the Italian. Hands clenched into fists, every muscle bellowing for forgiveness as they were pushed to their limit. He had never had this problem before. Maybe at the beginning of training but surely not now after months of it. Maybe all that gelato had something to do with this. Ludwig yelled once more from the other side of the track. " ITALY, PICK UP THE PACE! "

He had been getting sick nearly every morning since the first time about two months ago, and sometimes at night. Medicine helped though, and especially anything Japan made with ginger in it calmed his quaking tummy. But Germany never took that as an excuse for the rest of the day. If he could eat pasta after throwing it right up, he could run five miles. Japan strut by the Italian, soft huffing replacing his panting. Then Germany rolled by. " We are THREE laps in front of you, Italy, THREE LAPS! "

Feli only let out a weak little noise, and slowed down further. His sweat-soaked amber hair didnt hide his expression well; one of giving up, loose eyes and somewhat tilted towards the sky. Germany ran by, and looked behind him. " If you think I'm-! " Italy's body gave out, and Doitsu watched as the male toppled into the dirt like a doll. Limbs laying where ever they fell, his only movement was the hard panting.

Ludwig dug his heels into the ground and quickly turned. Japan had never seen him run so fast to get to Italy's side, resting a hand on his back. " Italy? Italy! " Japan arrived as Germany was taking Feli's shoes off, tossing them to the side. Never had Honda seen such, tense eyes before. Tense, scared eyes. An Asian hand was set on Germany's shoulder. " He is overheated, Doitsu-san. We must get him into some shade. "

Cradling Italy in his burly arms, Germany rushed Feli below a densely branched tree. " Japan, get my water bottle. " Honda formed a curt bow and jogged to the spot where their workout had began. Meanwhile Ludwig untied his jacket from his hips and formed a small pillow out of it. He set it under Italy's feet instead of his head, guessing that was better for him. Once Honda arrived he handed the still-frigid water to Doitsu, who took it and nuzzled it against Feliciano's jugular artery. His body shivered softly, the only sign that the cold was getting to him.

Thirty agonizing minutes passed. Japan and Germany stayed at Italy's side loyally until the not-so-joyous boy awoke. He winced, brushing the cold bottle away from his neck and muttering. " Wh-what happened? " Japan used a sleeve of his jacket to wipe off dirt that had clotted on his face from sweat and condensation of the bottle. " You passed out during our training. "

Italy examined his face for a moment, seeing it wasnt red anymore. It had been a while since the workout then. He then looked to Doitsu. The nations met eyes for a split second, and Ludwig's eyes flitted away. Wincing, body was tense, ready for whatever the Italian wanted to yell at him. Ashamed of himself...

Italy raised a hand and set it on Germany's arm. " It's alright Doitsu. " Ludwig was quick to move away from his touch. " No it's not. Drink some water. We still have laps to do. " Feliciano set his arm back down, and sat up slowly. Instantly the world rocked, and he reached for that bottle of water in Honda's palm to get a drink. " D-Doitsu... "

He missed the bottle by about three feet before falling back onto his spine. A sickly noise came from deep in his throat. Kiku's eyes widened and jaw dropped somewhat, seeing that Italy was breathing still at least, before he looked up and glared to Germany. " That is it. We are taking him to a doctor. "