And now, a word from the Axis...

Italy's P.O.V.

I sighed and rested my head on one hand as Germany and Japan went on with their battle plans. I know Germany would beat me to a pulp if I said it out loud (or anything else for that matter), but I was absolutely bored to death, not to mention starving! Pasta… All I could think about was pasta… When they were done talking, I decided to go make Bolognese. I looked at the clock. Only a few minutes had passed since I last checked the time! There was no way I was getting out of here any time soon, and if I said anything or got up to leave, Germany would surely punish me…

So, I sat there, my stomach growling in protest of being empty. Germany and Japan talked about this and that, and whether their economy would balance out their military, and blah blah blah…

Finally, it was over. Germany and Japan went their separate ways, and I went straight for the kitchen! Delicious pasta would soon be mine! Only, I stopped for a minute as I passed Denmark and Norway's room. I heard a terrible cough, like someone was really sick. I walked back and pressed my ear on the door.

I heard Norway's voice on the other side. "Take it easy, Dane. Deep breaths…"

That's when I remembered Denmark was sick. I know he was our captor and everything, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Sure, sometimes he would scare me with his really loud voice, but so would Germany, and Germany's really not a bad guy once you get to know him. I tried to think of something I could do…

My stomach growled again, reminding me how hungry I was. I thought that Norway and Denmark must be hungry, too. They didn't really get much to eat, and when they did, it wasn't usually very good or nutritious, and with Denmark so sick, I knew he would need to keep his strength up. It couldn't hurt to share some pasta with them, could it? I had plenty of ingredients, and I could sneak it to them pretty easily. It's settled, I thought, Tonight, they'll have pasta!

Norway's P.O.V.

I sat with Denmark for a while, rubbing his back as he tried to get through another coughing fit. He had been doing that a lot lately. He could hardly breathe now. I knew I had to do something, but what? I was in captivity. It wasn't like I could go out to a local pharmacy and get him some medicine. I prayed that somehow, he would be ok…

As if my imagination was playing tricks on me, I thought I caught the faintest scent of pasta. I knew Italy was a pasta fanatic, but we weren't allowed to eat unless otherwise directed. It was only wishful thinking. There was no way—

Just when I thought it was impossible, I heard a soft knock on our door. Italy's voice called on the other side in a whispering tone. "Ciao? It's me, Italy! Please open up, I have something for you."

I eyed the door carefully. I knew Italy could be dense, but he was honest. Even if he was Germany's ally, he did have a heart. I looked back at Denmark once more, who just shrugged half-heartedly. I got up and answered the door to see Italy holding two plates of pasta. "I-Italy? What are you doing here? Won't you get in trouble?"

The Italian shook his head. "What Germany doesn't know won't hurt him, right? Besides, I figured you all were getting tired of just cheese and bread, so I made you something."

I looked down at the plate he held out to me. It looked and smelled delicious. I admit, not only was cheese and bread getting tiresome, it wasn't exactly very filling. I accepted the meal he had prepared and gestured for him to come in. "Thank you, really."

Italy smiled widely and stepped in, bringing the other plate to Denmark. "It's no trouble. I was just thinking to myself, 'I want to make pasta!' Then I thought about you guys, and I figured there would be plenty to share."

Denmark took a forkful and smiled. "Italy… this is very good. Thank you so much."

I took a bite as well. It was warm and delectable, and I knew the vegetables were good for Denmark's health as well as mine. We all sat on the bed for a while and talked. Denmark was the first to pipe up, as usual. "Have you heard anything about Greenland?"

Italy shook his head sadly. "No, nothing… I'm sorry. Germany doesn't seem to have much of an interest in her."

Denmark nodded and swallowed another small mouthful of noodles. "I suppose that in itself is a good thing."

I stared at my plate for a minute, before I could finally form the question into words. "Is there… any word on Iceland's whereabouts?"

Italy thought for a moment. "I remember Germany and Japan were planning an invasion…"

My heart nearly stopped. An invasion?!

"…but they decided it wasn't worth it, since Britain's troops were already stationed there. They figured it would just be too much trouble."

I relaxed again. So Iceland was safe. That was a good thing. Still, by Denmark's pensive look, I could tell that he was still worried about Greenland.

Italy noticed it, too. He put a hand on Denmark's shoulder. "Look… I'm really not supposed to do this, but if you want, I can try and get some information on how Greenland's doing if you want."

Denmark looked up at him with hopeful eyes. "Really? You would do that?"

Italy grinned again. "Of course! Germany would hardly notice I'm gone, and if he asks, I'm out on recon!"

I couldn't help but let go of a smile as a bit of warmth bloomed in my chest. "Italy… first, you make us a home-cooked meal, and then you offer us a glimmer of hope… Truly, you have a heart of gold."

Italy looked down bashfully. "It's nothing, really…" He took our empty plates for us. "I'll leave first thing in the morning and report back as soon as I can. Ok?"

Denmark smiled again. "Italy… Really, thank you."

He smiled again before leaving the room. "You're welcome. Sleep well."

I watched as he closed the door behind him. It was true, he could be lazy, as well as a bit of a numbskull, but he was a good person. He had a compassionate quality that gave him sympathy for others, even his enemies. He even risked his skin to get us information on our family. I hoped that one day, I would be able to repay him for his kindness.

Chapter 8 is done! What will happen in chapter 9? Guess you'll have to wait and see...