A/N; I was plagued with writer's block this whole chapter. On another note, for these past four weeks, I've been in a college art class. And today was SO HOT that my oil paints were drying on my palette IN FRONT OF MY EYES. Someone! Russia! France! Save New York! We're DYING in this heat! It's 110 degrees. We live in New York for cold, short summers, not the Sahara Desert. Anyway, enjoy! Sorry for such a late update. Art consumes you alive. Next chapter will be out in a week tops. Translations are at the end.

Disclaimer: Well now, if I owned Hetalia, I wouldn't be writing on 'FanFiction', would I? If I owned Tide, I would be like 'What the...'.

The rest of Germany's evening went as expected. The meeting promptly ended and all three began to get ready to leave. Ludwig had asked if Japan if he wanted to stay for dinner, but Kiku politely declined saying that he had to prepare for tomorrow.

The Eastern Asian took his light green scarf down from the coat rack that sat near the front door and carefully wrapped around the collar of his coat. He then proceeded to slip on his loafers.

Just before Japan's departure, Feliciano caught him at the entrance and told the Japanese man where he assumed the girl would be, despite Ludwig's yells of 'Italien! Schit down!'. Kiku thanked the brunette and explained that he would return with the girl tomorrow in the afternoon. He bowed in respect and went out into the cold, evening air. As the door closed shut, Italy turned around and squealed, hands clapping feverishly.

"Ve, Questo sarà così divertente! Non ho mai incontrato un cittadino comune che sa di noi! Non mi può attendere!"

Ludwig raised a hand to his head and sighed, feeling a vain pulsing in the back of his crown. "Italien, beruhigen Sie sich. If ve're going to have a young mädchen schtaying vith us, I vhant you to behave." the German declared with a stern face.

Italy gave put a serious face on and gave a salute. "Sì capitano!" Feliciano ran past his friend into the kitchen to get started on dinner and put away the lunch they never had. He swiftly pulled out a box of linguini and a pot for it. Setting the top of the stove to a good 5 to 6 on the dial, he began pouring cups of water into the pot. In the other room, Germany was massaging away his stress to no avail. Ludwig concluded that if they were going to have someone staying over, he should probably clean and set up a room, which will most likely help with his anxiety.

Out of the entry, past the foyer and up the stairs. Twenty-three steps later, he reached the landing and turn to the right to come face-to-face with a linen closet. Ludwig grabbed some lime-green bed, turned about and made a left into a long hallway containing only four doors. He opened the door to the first room on the left and sighed at the sight.

"Zhat good fur nothing. Vhen vill he learn to clean his room? Just because he has no vhork to do, does not mean he can just be lazy!" the German complained to himself while shaking his head. He shut the door to the first room and went into the next. Unlike the rest of the German-styled house, it was nearly barren. But, they hadn't had guests in awhile and this wasn't really their permanent house… so it really wasn't unusual that the guestroom was left unused. Still, it was nice - birch flooring under a matching dresser along with a small bed and a chair to accompany it. Ludwig started spreading the sheets out, then pulled out a comforter out from under the bed and shook the dust from it. He placed the comforter down and reached over to the bottom drawer of the dresser to find the duvet cover for the said comforter. After sipping the duvet on and finishing up, Germany went back to the linen closet to get some fresh towels for the bathroom that both rooms shared.

The door to the bathroom had been left open in the hallway and inside was in no better shape than the first room. There were towels strung all over the floor and some of the bottles on the counter were spilling over the edge of the counter. Ludwig stared at the sight, appalled.

"Unglaublich! Warum ich, Gott?" he complained to no one in particular. He gathered the towels, and threw them into the hamper a bit violently all while mumbling threats under his breath. Afterwards, he almost ripped the doors from the cabinet under the sink when getting a sponge to clean up the liquid-caked counter.

When the bathroom was brought up to decency, all new towels and a new bottle of foaming hand soap –just to decorate the area a little, he decided to get as much done as possible before his guest arrived and went into the previous room to make it decent as well.

MWH

While Germany was upstairs taking care of the rooms, Italy was downstairs working his cooking magic –some thyme here, some red pepper and a handful of flat-leaf parsley to go in this pot. By the end of a busy twenty minutes, there was a steaming pot filled with linguini in clam sauce. Feliciano beamed at the result of his work. Of course, all his dishes came out well, but there was just something about this particular work of cuisine that spoke to him. It was…. special. Maybe it was just the fact that he would be surrounded by many people in a few days, all of whom he would be cooking for. And possibly – they would be cooking with him. He turned his attention to the clock that sat just above the window which looked out onto the tiny spice garden outside.

21:23

Ve, Time really seams to fly fast when there's news among nations. Italy skipped into the foyer and took a deep breath.

"Ve, Doitsu! Come down for dinner!"

He heard a faint grunt from another part of the house and then steps that gradually got louder. About half a minute later, Germany appeared through the door of the kitchen where Feliciano had returned to, and sat down in a chair. Italy looked over to his companion to find him deep in thought, clearly worrying over something. He decided to question it; "Doitsu?"

The German didn't say anything, much less move.

"Doitsu? Ve, Doitsu, what's wrong?"

Italy walked over to the table and sat down to get a better look at his unresponsive friend. The man's eyes were distant, as if he wasn't really there. Feliciano waved a hand in Ludwig's face. "Ve, Doitsu, why won't you sa-"

Germany's hand shot out, grabbing the other's wrist rather roughly; "Rühr mich nicht an!"

The Italian screamed and reeled back in his seat. He fell to floor, bringing Ludwig with him. After the two recovered from the drop, Italy began to wail. "V-ve! Doitsu is scary! I'm sorry! Please, don't be mad at me!" He knew the German didn't really mean it, but that didn't make it any less frightening. Ludwig sighed. Groß. I terrified him. Zhat's zhe last thing I need now.

"Entschuldigung, Italien. It's just…"

Feliciano tipped his head to the side. Germany was never, and he meant it when he said it, never, out of it. "Just what, Doitsu?"

The blond put a hand to his crown and began to rub his temples in an attempt to relieve his ever-growing stress. "Vhat are v'e going to do vith zhe ghurl? Are v'e keeping her for a day, or for a long vhile?"

Italy stared at his worried friend. That…actually was a…really serious…question… "Don't worry!" Feliciano assured, "I'm sure that she will be nice. And didn't Giappone say that she would stay here until the World Conference, and then come with us to return to Signore America?"

The other gave a slight nod of the head. "Ja. Ja, I guess."

The Italian clapped his hands together, happy that this problem was resolved. "Bene! Ora, now can we eat?"

Ludwig gave a small smile. "Ja."

NXT

The following day was spent in preparation, which was noticeably overshadowed by a growing anxiety. The guest room was dusted and all ready thanks to Germany. All there was left to do was to put a few things in the bathroom and to fill the closet with three or four outfits.

Since Italy was obviously the god of fashion here, the German decided to take care of the toiletries. A bottle of pear-scented body soap was set on a little shelf, which happened to be tucked away in a corner of shower, against its will – along with a back brush, and one of those fluffy scrubs. On the edge of the sink sat a little plastic cup next to a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste. The finishing touch was the few towels near the toilet.

In the next room over, Feliciano was having fun 'playing' fashion designer. The closet was now filled with two pleated skirts – one black, one plaid – a few dress shirts, two t-shirts and a knitted sweater. The brunette stuffed some panties and sock into a drawer with three polka-dotted panty hose.

Satisfied with his work, the Italian tidied the area and ran into the bathroom.

"Doistu~! I'm done putting clothes in the closet!"

Germany turned to find his friend poking out from behind the doorframe. "Gut. I'm also done here."

The other titled his head in thought; "Ne~ Doistu, what time is it?"

Ludwig pulled back the cuff to his shirt and took a peak at his wristwatch.

15:18

"It's 15:18. Japan should be coming now vith zhe gurl."

Italy clapped his hands in delight; "Meraviglioso! I'm sure that she will adore-"

He didn't have time to finish his sentence as the doorbell downstairs rung and then rung again. The Italian flew out of the guest bedroom and down the stairs, finally skidding to a stop at the entrance with Germany following him. The two could other voices from behind the door, one that was foreign to gheir ears.

No patience left, Feliciano flung the door open.

"So whose house is th-"!

DRN

The first thing Julie saw was a pair of two honey-brown eyes staring back at her own chocolate-brown eyes.

"Ciao bella!"

An Italian man stood in the doorway. His accent rolled off his tounge and the caramel-colored hair swished a bit from the force of almost ripping the door from its hinges. He was dressed in simple blue slacks and a white dress-shirt while the blond man behind him wore black slacks and a gray dress-shirt.

Japan stepped infront of the girl and bowed to his friends; "こんにちは、イタリア、 ドイツ。" Italy hugged the Japanese man much to the others distress. Germany could already feel the headache coming back. "Italien! Put Japan down and behave yourself!"

Feliciano pouted. "Ve, But Doistu!"

"Nein!" the blond shouted, starting to get fed up. "You're making a bad example infront of zhe mädchen!"

The girl poked out from behind Japan, who was currently 'dying' in Italy's arms. "Nah, it's okay. Personally, sometimes I'm more crazy than that."

Italy looked over at the girl and squeeled. He let go of Kiku and ran up to the child. Feliciano gave her two pecks; one on either cheek. She didn't sputter, like most would have, but instead returned the kisses in the same way he had given them. Germany looked at her with his jaw now hanging lose. She shrugged; "What can I say? I was raised by French people."

The Italian took her wrist and pulled into the house. He waited for her to take off her boots and proceed to pull her again. The two took seats on the couch in the foyer and the overjoyed country began to ask her questions. "Ve, What's your name?"

The girl stared at him and then started to laugh. But, Italy didn't get what was so funny. He didn't make a joke. "What's funny? Was it something I said? Ve..."

She tried to recollect herself and spoke in between laughs; "I can't tell you how many times people have asked me that question in the past two days. It's nice, being surrounded by people. Some people hate human company, some aren't too fond of it and some just don't care. But, really I couldn't be more grateful." She said trailing off.

Italy sat there dumbfounded. How many people had she seen today and yesterday? "Ve…. So, what's your name?"

The girl snapped out of her distant thoughts; "Oh! Sorry! I'm Julie, Julie Louise."

"Julie Louise. Che bel nome!" he said, hands clasped together. Julie gave him a blank look. "What does that mean in Italian?"

"It's means 'What a pretty name'!" This made the child blush a red that could rival one of Spain's tomatoes.

"M-merçi." She managed to sputter out. At this time Germany and Japan were also in the foyer with the other two. The conversation had started to interest Kiku and much out of his character, he decided to ask a few questions of his own. "ジュリーさん、"

Julie waved her hand; "You guys can just call me Julie, or Juje. Whatever tickles your peach." The other three gave her a look but quickly brushed it off. The Asian began again. "ジュリーちゃん、you shaid 'meerushi'. Trhat izu furenchu, ne?"

"Yuppers. My parents are French but I'm born in America. So, it goes without saying I can speak French. I can speak other things, but you know..."

No, they didn't know, yet they decided not to question it. Italy jumped up from the couch causing Julie to fall back on the couch. Feliciano didn't know what to do. He started to bawl, but stopped when he heard someone laughing. The girl was giggling, playing with her legs by hanging on to her ankles and moving her feet around. She looked up; "Oh! Sorry, you were going to say something?"

Italy nodded his head; "Sì. Would you like some pasta?"

"Italien! Nein!"

Julie sat up with a bit of a struggle. She stopped playing with her feet, but her hands didn't leave her ankles. "Pasta? What kind?" she inquired. Italy loved all types of pasta, so it didn't matter to him. "Ve, Fettuccine."

Julie tilted her head; "Fettuccine? What's that?"

The question almost gave Feliciano a heart attack. "Ve! Don't worry! You'll like it!" That was his last comment before dashing off to the kitchen to prepare dinner. It was 16:11. Germany stood up with a 'humpf' and placed his hand on the girl's head. "Ja, I'll show you to your room." The two went upstairs to her designated room. Ludwig explained to her of what they next few days would consist of and left to her own devices.

She decided to change into a pair of PJ's that entailed a pair of puffy, white shorts that were drawn closed by a yellow silk string and a frilly tank-top which were of the same style. Her previous clothes that lay on the bed in an unruly pile went to the hamper found in a corner of her guest bathroom. Italy gave a call for everyone to come to the dinner table and soon Julie found herself downstairs.

A head poked out from behind the arch that let into the kitchen. "Ve! Julie! Sembri carino!"

Julie stumbled through a 'thank you' with her small, rusty Italian vocabulary; "G-grazie? Is-is that how you say it?"

Feliciano's eyes light up with joy from the small word. "Sì! Sì, it is!"

Germany's head peered out from behind the Italian's. "Julie. Come dinner is ready."

The girl stood up strait with her hands at her sides and saluted the blond man. "Ja!" She ran pass the two into the kitchen. Ludwig didn't budge, surprised by what the other had said. He didn't know wether to be pleased or a bit insulted. He decided to leave it alone.

In the kitchen, the table was set. A big bowl of pasta sat in the center with three other bowls surrounding it accompanied by three glasses, three sets of utensils and a bottle of white wine. Under all of the place settings were white napkins. Julie looked at the table, then to Italy, then to the table and back to Italy. "Um, there's only three place settings."

"Sì." Feliciano mindlessly answer while tossing a salad.

She looked at him with slight frown; "Isn't Japan staying with us for dinner?" Italy stopped tossing the salad and turned around. "No, mi spiace."

Out of the kitchen, past the foyer and into the entry area, she saw Kiku putting on his scarf. "You're not staying? Even just for dinner?" He shook his head; "いいえ、私はお詫び申し上げます 。I have wurok to do."

At the last minute when the Asian was just about to leave, Julie wrapped her hands around his wrist. Shocked, he turned around only to come face to face with a pleading look. "When this whole thing gets settled, will you watch Gundam with me?" she asked. Japan could only stare, completely unused to the physical contact, no matter how much Italy hugged him. His shock slowly became a small, warm smile.

"確かに。" He looked up to face the other two he called good friends who were now in the entry area with Kiku and Julie. "I wirul be back in five days to pick you guruys up for the meeting." Japan left with 'Ciao's and 'Gute Nacht' in the midnight background. The remaining three went back to the aforementioned kitchen to start on the fettuccine.

SMW

"Hey Artie! 'Night!" America called out from across the hallway. The Brit was currently laying his designated room in America's house. It was done the way he had wanted it, with a four-post bed, old chests and doilies. Yes, doilies, like your grandmother has. England furrowed his massive brows in annoyance.

"Use proper vocabulary, you git! Good night!"

He heard that obnoxious laugh and then a 'click'. Alfred must of turned off his light. Arthur closed the book he wasn't really reading; the page hadn't turned in half an hour. The book was set on the night table, which stood next to the left side of the bed, and the lamp was turned off.

The blond snuggled into the comforter but he couldn't fall asleep. It had been nearly two days since Japan had contacted him. He just hoped that the girl was alright and that she hadn't fallen into the hands of any perverted/evil countries. Arthur closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "God, please keep her safe. I really don't need to hear that Russia has made her 'become one'."

Soon the darkness enveloped his vision and he fell into a deep sleep.

MWH

Dinner was finished, dishes had been washed and now they were getting ready for bed.

After washing her face and teeth, Julie fell into the puffy, dark blue, Tide smelling sheets. She breathed in deeply the scent and snuggled up in them like a giddy wife on her wedding night. She then actually got within the sheets and turned off her light. Germany appeared in the doorway and said 'Gute Nacht' before leaving to go to sleep himself. The girl smiled as her eyelids drooped from the fatigue. It had been a few days since she had sleep with such ease.

Translations ; There's alot of them.

[Italien!] Italy!

[Questo sarà così divertente! Non ho mai incontrato un cittadino comune che sa di noi! Non mi può attendere!] This will be so much fun! I've never met an ordinary citizen who knows of us! I can not wait!

[Italien, beruhigen Sie sich.] Italy, calm down.

[Mädchen] Girl

[Sì capitano!] Yes captain!

[Unglaublich! Warum ich, Gott?] Unbelievable! Why me, God?

[Doitsu] Germany (...really?)

[Rühr mich nicht an!] Don't touch me!

[Groß.] Great.

[Entschuldigung, Italien.] Sorry, Italy.

[Giappone] Japan

[Signore America] Mr. America (I give up.)

[Ja.] Yes.

[Bene! Ora,] Good! Now,

[Gut,] Good,

[Meraviglioso!] Wonderful!

[Ciao bella!] Hello beautiful!

[こんにちは、イタリア、 ドイツ。] Good Afternoon Italy, Germany.

[Nein!] No! (Like I said, I gave up.)

[Merçi.] Thank you.

[ジュリーさん] Miss Julie

[ジュリーちゃん] Julie-chan

[Mi spiace.] (I'm) Sorry.

[いいえ、私はお詫び申し上げます。] No, I apologize.

[確かに。] Sure.

[Gute Nacht.] Good Night.

I cannot tell you how much a pain-in-the-arse were these translations, especially when you're typing (and copying & pasting) on a phone. Thank you to everyone who has recentlyfavorite-ed, alert-ed and comment-ed on my story.
Aussi, un gros merçi pour les français qui ont lu mon histoire.
내 이야기를 읽은 한국 사람을 감사드립니다. Sorry if it's wrong or sounds weird. I used Google Translator. Which I do not own.

REVIEW! REVIEW! OR ALL THE COOKS SHALL BECOME BRITISH! No offense England, I love you guys.