I'm back~! I'll skip the ranting and get straight to it! Thanks again for all the support you guys!

America's P.O.V.

I didn't want Greenland to see it, but I really felt like crap. Of course, who wouldn't after having a gigantic piece of shrapnel lodged into their back and then waking up from surgery to remove it? But I didn't want her to know that. I knew she blamed herself for what happened, and I wanted to be strong for her. I wanted to let her know I could still protect her.

After a while, she fell asleep on me. She was always a heavy sleeper. I still had faint memories of our childhood together, just little tykes wandering around as newly discovered countries, Canada, Greenland, and me. Even then, she was generally quiet and reserved, despite being raised by Denmark. Of course, being older than her, I still got to show her how cool the world was.

Britain and Canada came into the room; Canada sat in a chair next to my bed and Britain stood leaning against the wall. "Well, looks like you've proven to the world once again that you're completely insane." He laughed a little. "Bloody git."

I laughed, too. "Sarcasm is your native language, huh, Iggy?"

He scowled a little. "Don't call me that, idiot."

Well, looked like I ruined the moment a bit, but I was always known to be a bit of a mood killer.

"Seriously, though," he said, "I know you were protecting Greenland, but you don't need to be so reckless. I realize you'll live through this easily, but in such a vulnerable state, how do you plan to protect her now?"

The question hit me like a punch in the chest. I looked down at the sleeping colony. Her face was still blissfully peaceful, her head resting on my chest. Britain had a point: as long as I was confined to a hospital bed, how would I protect her like I promised? I had to get better fast. She needed me to. I looked back at Britain. "As long as I'm breathing, I won't let anyone touch her. I made a promise. Even more so…" I smoothed out her hair. "I love her… way too much to let anything happen to her."

I saw his expression soften. He nodded and headed out, but stopped at the doorway and turned back to me. "Just… be careful. Alright?"

I stared blankly for a minute. I expected something more along the lines of "Hmph…" or "Bloody idiot". I just smiled back and nodded. "You bet."

Italy's P.O.V.

I had heard that America was struck down in the Allies attempt to relieve Denmark of some oppression. I knew I wasn't supposed to be exactly happy he was ok, but I was still glad he was well enough to protect Greenland. Still, I wanted to visit her again and see how she was doing. Since she was in a hospital, a public area, I didn't have to do as much sneaking around. I was just there as a visitor. Still, I was careful not to let any of the Allies spot me.

I was en route to America's room, when I saw Greenland coming from the lady's room, probably on her way to the same place. I couldn't help but smile and wave excitedly as I called out to her. "Mia bella!"

She turned to me and smiled back, rushing to hug me. "Italy! I'm so happy to see you!"

I wrapped my arms around her and felt relief wash over me as I saw she was ok. "I'm happy to see you, too. Are you well?"

She nodded. "Yes. You?"

I nodded as well. "Si. I came to check on you."

She looked up at me. "Denmark… Is he alright?"

"Si, mia bella. You're maneuver helped him a bit. Germany isn't too happy about it, but that attack slowed him down a little. He plans to make repairs before making his next attack."

We sat down together for a while. "Good. I still miss him, though…"

"He misses you, too," I said, "He speaks of you often. You're very dear to him, I can tell."

She nodded. I could see the emotion swell within her. "It's been so long… I wish I could see him…"

I put my arm around her in a gesture of comfort. She looked up at me, tears welling in the corners of her eyes. "I know you will see each other again. And I know he will be very proud of how strong you've become. And one day, you'll make a fantastic country, and he'll be even more proud of you."

She smiled and leaned her head on my shoulder. "Italy… There are so many things I don't understand about you, but… I know I'm lucky to have you as a friend. Even if we are on opposite sides… Thank you for everything."

"It's no trouble, mia bella. I'm happy to do so. After all, we are still friends, right?"

She smiled warmly. "Yes."

Japan's P.O.V.

Italy was still missing that day. Although, I had already known where he had gone off to. Since he was my ally, I didn't want to do this, but I had to report this to Germany. I knew he would be furious, and Italy would most likely be severely punished, but it had to be done, otherwise I would be punished as well for not informing him of the Italian's whereabouts.

I met him in the boardroom, where he was going over battle plans with his officers. He noticed me standing in the doorway and paused for a moment. "Japan? What is it?"

"Please forgive me; I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all, we were just finishing up here. What do you need?"

"I have some news on where Italy has been disappearing off to."

His expression became serious, and he dismissed his officers. He closed the door behind them. Apparently, he had the suspicion that something was off as well. "What did you find?"

I maintained a stern expression, but it was still difficult to put the information to words. "It appears that Italy… has been fraternizing with the enemy."

He turned away for a moment. I could tell he was deeply angered, but he wouldn't show it. He kept silent for a while before speaking. "Go on."

"He has been sneaking out to speak with Greenland from time to time. I'm not sure exactly what he has been telling her, but it doesn't seem to be any vital information."

"I see…" Again, he was silent.

I waited a while to see if he would say anything more. Seeing as he did not, I continued. "I was also able to find out about the condition of the Allies while trailing him. Particularly that of America."

He turned to me. "Really?"

"Hai. It seems he was gravely injured after the attack on your military bases in Denmark. He has been immobilized for a while."

"Hmm…" He became thoughtful for a moment. He walked over to the window and looked out at the landscape. He turned back to me. "Perhaps we could use this to our advantage. When do you suppose Italy will be paying Greenland another visit?"

"I'm not sure, but—" That's when I knew what his plan was. If we were to trail Italy, he would lead us straight to Greenland, and in America's weakened physical state, it would be near impossible for him to defend her. Capturing Greenland would be a tremendous blow to America's morale. Not only that, but since Greenland was so geographically close to America and Canada, we could easily make her an Axis Navy base, giving us more access to the Allies. I regained my composure and straightened up. "I will inform you once I am certain."

He turned back to the window. "Good. Well done, Japan."

"Arigato." I bowed before leaving the room. I supposed this meant Italy would not be punished.

No. Leading us to Greenland would be punishment enough.