AN: I will have no written accents in this story. I tried, but it just seemed too racist.

I do not own Hetalia.

Chapter 4: Two Weeks and One Day

For the past two weeks Romano had woken to find himself on Germany's couch. This day was no exception. South Italy groaned and sat up, holding his lower back. Why the hell didn't he just leave and go sleep on his own comfy bed, back home where there were no disgusting potato bastards and potato breakfasts with their stupid potato stench...?

Oh. Right. Feliciano and Spain were probably there. Instead of wanting to crash at his house Romano felt the sudden desire to burn it to the ground. Speaking of burning, the scent of fried potatoes hung heavy in the air. That could only mean that Germany had beaten him to making breakfast again. Romano groaned and flopped back onto the couch. He pulled the blanket up over his head and willed himself to go back to sleep.

Quiet footsteps heralded someone's entrance to the room. Romano narrowed his eyes. Those were far too soft to be Germany's footsteps, or even Prussia's. A soft voice confirmed it when Romano heard, "Pardon me. South Italy-san?"

It was Japan. Romano quieted a sigh and pulled the blanket down. He looked over the Asian nation who stood in the center of the living room, dressed in a pristine pressed blue dress shirt and dark pants. "Whaddya want?" asked Romano tiredly.

"Germany-san has finished preparing breakfast," Japan responded. He stood there looking at Romano expectantly. The Italian rolled his eyes and sat up. He muffled a yawn. His arm flopped back to the couch and he glared up at Japan tiredly.

"I'll get there when I get there," muttered Romano, "So don't wake me up, ass." The Asian nodded and left, completely ignoring the insult. Romano's eyebrows furrowed together. Why hadn't Japan gotten offended or angry? Was Romano losing his touch? Was everyone getting used to his curses? Insensitive bastards, all of them.

Romano remained on the couch staring at the far wall. His mind drifted in and out of focus, telling him to go feed his aching stomach one moment before filling with dread and ordering him to return to sleep. But why? Something awful...someone coming to visit...but he never minded whenever Japan came over to see Feli-

"Oh shit." Romano jumped up and dashed into the kitchen. His sudden appearance made Japan jump and hold his chest. "I'm not here!" the Italian screamed at the startled man, as he ran to the basement door, "Tell them I'm at the hospital! Or I went to a meeti-No, say I'm taking a vacation somewhere in Africa!" Romano barely finished screaming before he dashed down into the darkness of the basement.

"S-south Ita...Romano-kun? What is wrong?" Japan asked. There was no response and the Asian nation looked at Germany for an explanation.

Germany looked completely unperturbed. He casually leaned back against the counter and sipped his black coffee. The man shrugged and said, "He does this often. Hunger or fear of the dark will drive him up eventually." Japan gave Germany a calculating look before sighing and returning to his seat.

"You have spent too long with the Italy brothers," Japan stated.

Germany shrugged and drank more coffee. "Perhaps you are right."

Japan hid a sad, knowing smile behind his own cup of tea. Poor Germany had not denied it. "What about Italy-kun's visit today? Will you be alright?" The German nation's eyes fell down to his drink. After a quiet moment of contemplation he nodded. Japan nodded back and returned to his breakfast of fried potatoes and fruit.

The doorbell rang.

Silence followed. Japan looked over at his host and stared in surprise. The German was hunched over, face contorted in concentration as he stared down into his coffee. Only the stiffness in his shoulders gave away his unease. A small and sympathetic smile spread over Japan's face as he stood. He placed a firm hand on Germany's broad shoulder and said, "I will show them to the living room. Join us when you are ready."

"I...I appreciate that, Japan." The Asian nation nodded and went to the front door.

The doorbell rang two more times. "Anyone home?" shouted a cheerful voice, "Germany? Fratello? Helloooooo!"

Japan opened the door and gave a small smile. "Italy-kun, Spain-san. It is good to see you," he said as he stepped to the side, "Please come in, Germany-san will join us in the living room shortly."

"Japan!" shouted North Italy as he sprang forward and pulled the other nation into a hug, "I didn't know you'd be here! Ah, it'll be a party with six of us then!"

"Six...?"

Japan willed himself to relax in Italy's grip and looked over to the speaker. Spain stood on the doorstep smiling obliviously as usual. He wore a red jacket that suited his tanned skin-the couple had been spending a lot of time on the beaches, Japan had heard from a certain excitable Western country-and his hair was a mess as usual. North Italy himself did not look any different except for his matching red jacket. But it seems as if Spain had not expected an answer as he quickly commented on how nice Japan's clothes were. The Asian nation spoke his appreciation and led them inside.

As Japan brought the happy pair to the living room they recounted tales of their vacations together, occasionally meeting up with other countries to hang out or have a party. "Sounds like you two have had a very busy few weeks," commented Japan as he surveyed the room, noticing that all of Romano's things had been moved and the whole room had been tidied up. He inwardly applauded Germany's inhuman cleaning ability. "Please, sit down and relax."

North Italy and Spain sat down right next to each other and quickly held hands. "Where are fratello and Germany?" asked Italy, then quickly said, "Not that we don't like your company, Japan! I just haven't seen them in a while..." He looked down and Spain gave his hand a small squeeze.

"I'm sure they'll join us shortly. I want to see them too," said Spain with a gentle smile. Italy looked up and returned it.

Japan watched them talk quietly. He had never thought that Italy would find happiness in Spain, yet they were perfectly happy with each other. Japan, along with a few of his more...outgoing accomplices had always assumed that Italy and Germany would be the perfect couple. Then eventually Romano would fall to the attentions of Spain at the insistence of his brother. It had all seemed so certain! How had it changed? Perhaps Romano's insecurities had been right, perhaps Spain had been after his brother all along...which would make Romano and Germany rather undeserving victims. Japan suddenly hoped that Spain would just leave.

"I erm...I have brought some breakfast." Germany walked in and set a tray down on the coffee table.

"Germany!" shouted Italy happily as he sprang up and pulled the blond nation into a hug. A pained expression passed over the man's face. He slowly patted the other's back, hoping he would let go, yet felt his heart twist as Italy tightened his hold.

"Ja, it is me," Germany replied as he finally pulled back. It shouldn't have been so hard, he used to do it all the time. But things had changed so much since those days. "Surely you two are hungry after the drive up here?"

"I am!" said Italy as he took his seat beside Spain again. He grabbed a slice of apple off the tray and munched on it happily. "But where's fratello? I haven't seen him in weeks!"

"Yes, where is Lovino?" asked Spain, suddenly looking concerned.

"So he still refers to him using a personal name..." muttered Japan.

"Huh?"

"Oh, nothing. Do not mind me. I'm just going to go make some tea. Do either of you want some?"

"I do!" Italy said, "But you don't need to make any for Antonio, he doesn't drink tea." Spain nodded and picked up a cookie. With a nod in return Japan stood and walked to the kitchen.

Germany was left alone with Spain and North Italy. "So, Doitsu..." started Italy, looking curious, "Where is mio fratello? He was supposed to be here right?"

"He is here," Germany replied quickly. Romano was supposed to be there to make things less awkward, but he had run away. Typical Italian. "He...he is not feeling well, so he is in the basement. The sun was giving him a headache."

"What? He's sick? Poor Lovino!" Spain stood up. "We have to go make sure he's alright!" Italy voiced his approval and stood as well.

Germany sprang up and stood in the pair's way. "That's not a good idea," he said, thinking quickly. "Romano has been feeling ill for a while and the doctor said he...he said that Romano should not have too many visitors. It wears him out." A horrified expression formed on Italy's face.

"M-my own brother, sick this whole time...all while I was off having fun! I should have been here to help him!" cried Italy as he held his face. Spain gently pulled him into a hug, whispering to him softly and stroking his hair to make him relax.

Germany looked away. He cleared his throat and said, "I will check and see if Romano is up to having visitors."

Spain swiftly turned his head and pinned Germany in place with a piercing stare. "How long has Lovino been ill?" The look sent an involuntary shiver up Germany's spine. But it was Spain...he wouldn't do anything. Yet the feeling of being scrutinized and judged did not leave. It left a cold feeling in the air between the two nations. North Italy did not notice the look as he clutched at the front of Spain's red jacket, tears forming at the corners of his eyes.

"He has not been sick long," Germany finally answered. There was no reason for him to feel uneasy in his own home, regardless of what Spain was thinking or how he held Italy so close or how Italy looked close to crying-no. Germany had to remain focused and keep up appearances. He could not afford to be so affected by the Italian and his new...friend. "He has only been here for two weeks. The doctor said that cooler weather and reducing his work load would help him recover." Please God don't let Romano come upstairs and be loud and annoying and healthy and let them know that it is all a lie.

As long as Germany was making ridiculous requests he might as well ask why he had not kicked out Romano. He would also like to know why he had allowed himself to be put in this awkward and painful situation with Spain and North Italy. How he wished none of this had ever happened in the first place...

"Then why would Lovino come here?" asked Spain, jerking Germany away from his silent prayers and confusion. His face held a gentle smile but the suspicion was obvious in his eyes. "We all know he has something against you. So why didn't he go stay with Japan? Or his other friend...the one...off to the west..."

"Am I correct in thinking you are referring to Canada-kun?" interrupted Japan. He brought over a cup of cooled green tea and held it out to Italy. The young man gave a small smile as he wiped unshed tears from his eyes and accepted the cup. "He offered to help-as a good friend of Romano-kun, he was concerned about him not feeling well-but we all decided it was wiser for him to remain here in Europe. Germany-san kindly offered to house him and we all agreed it would be best. All four of us decided to not tell you at the time because it would have spoiled your vacation."

The suspicion slowly left Spain's gaze as his smile grew. He said, "That's good. Canada was always a good friend for Lovi, he would make sure that he is taken care of. But I would still like to see him myself and make sure." Italy nodded as he quietly sipped his tea, no longer on the verge of crying.

Japan gave a small smile. "I will go check on him and see if he wants to come up and joining us. He's been feeling better so it should not take long," he said softly as he walked back into the kitchen.

The man's smile disappeared the moment he looked away. His brow furrowed in concern as he walked down the stairs into the dark basement. Something wasn't quite right. He could feel it. Why was Spain so suspicious? Surely his old concern for Lovino had been mostly replaced by his new relationship with Italy. If he acted that way around Lovino then he would only hurt the nation further. And the way he questioned Germany, but accepted Japan's word...he would have to call Canada soon, so he knew the situation in case Spain ever thought to check up on their story. Canada might be able to relieve Spain's possible suspicions about Germany better than Japan could. After all, Canada did not have the old bond of allied nations to sway his judgement.

Even so, why should it matter to Spain if Germany was housing Romano? They were both free, unlike Spain and Italy. Japan even suspected that freedom, their lack of other close relationships, was what drew them together right now. They were willing to put up with each other for over two weeks already, and why? To forget the changes they were suffering from and never have a free moment to think between the petty arguments and screaming. Surely they would have killed each other long before then if they did not feel, at least in a very deep part of themselves, that being screamed at was better than being alone.

Japan sighed and knocked on one of the basement doors. He could do nothing now. The damage had been done and he could only hope that South Italy and Germany could find a way to repair it, and that Spain and Italy's visit would not make it worse. "Romano-kun, I know you are in there. Please come out. We have a few things to discuss before you meet your brother and Spain."

AN: I finally wrote out this chapter! It took so long...I had to type it bit by bit on my friends' computers. And I finally have some plot forming, instead of just little snippets of relationship changes. I feel so proud...

To everyone who has reviewed: THANK YOU! I wouldn't have written anything this summer if not for knowing that some people out there were waiting. Thank you for your support and this chapter is dedicated to all of you!

On a content note...I feel I didn't get Japan quite right. He's being overly tactful and talkative in this chapter but it was necessary.