The paperwork was so tall that it almost reached Germany's head. He frowned in his chair and pulled out his favorite pen, a gift from his brother on one Christmas day. It looked like this job would take several days at least. Germany took a second to plan it all out in his head. Nine to ten hours of paperwork everyday and Germany should have this done by the end of the week.

Assuming that there was no interruptions.

Right on cue, Italy barged through the door, bringing a chalkboard with him. The same one Germany used for showing his battle strategies. Italy placed it in front of Germany and then brought up a piece of chalk. Germany's annoyed frown was in great contrast from Italy's happy smile.

"Vat are you planning?"

Italy seemed happy with the question, like it gave him some reason to show off. He stood up with excitement and his smile mimicked a student about to present a well thought out project they had spent days on.

"I'm going to show Germany why gelato is so great."

It took Germany a second to remember. Oh, right. That ice cream that Italy was eating earlier. He was still trying to convince him to eat the stupid stuff?

"I told you. I don't like sweets. Now please leave, Italy. I need to do some vork in order to put pasta on your plate, so if you'll kindly-"

"Don't worry, Germany. This won't take long. I already thought out everything I'm going to say. Instead of winging and bullshitting it like I normally do," Italy wrote on the board with his sloppy handwriting, "Gelato is yummy and therefore, you should eat it."

Germany put his pen down to rub his temples. He was going to have to endure this for a few moments before he could have peace. Fine.

"I don't like the taste of sweets, so they won't be yummy to me. And besides, eating something because of the taste is one of the last reasons to consider. You also need to take into account nutritional values."

Italy frowned at the unsupportive response, the idea of eating something for anything else besides taste seemed to be odd for him. He wrote another word on the chalkboard.

"Gelato will make you smile."

"I don't need to smile. I don't want to be a lazy smiling jackwagon like a certain stupid Italian."

"Silly Germany. Romano's not a smiling jackwagon. But everyone needs to smile once in a while, even you Germany. Eat gelato, then you'll smile."

Germany glared at his friend, but Italy's grin didn't falter.

"How long do you plan to keep this up?"

"When are you going to eat gelato?" Italy asked.

"Never!"

This time, the grin did fall just a tad slightly.

"Then I'll never stop either. Why is Germany so cold? Wait a minute! Gelato is cold and so is Germany, so they will be perfect together."

Germany stood up and opened the door, ushering Italy away.

"Please leave so I can get some work done."

But Italy shook his head furiously, a terrified look on his face. He pointed to the chalkboard with insistence.

"But I brought the board! I always have to listen to Germany when he brings the chalkboard, so Germany should listen to me when I bring it."

Germany had to bite his lip to keep from yelling. They were wasting enough time as it was and Italy was only making things worse. But he didn't dare to get too angry with Italy. Whenever he did get too upset, Italy would be heartbroken and Germany would have to apologize.

"I did listen to your reasoning but I'm still not going to eat that ice cream."

"Wah!" tears flooded from Italy's eyes. Germany was now worried. He rushed toward his friend and gave his shoulders a comforting squeeze, closing in on his face to whisper in his ear.

"Italy. Vat's vong?"

"It's not ice cream. It's gelato! Germany shouldn't call it ice cream when it's much better. He insults the gelato."

The worried look on Germany's face was immediately replaced with a scowl. For a second he thought Italy was hurt but he was concerned for no reason. Italy was just acting like a toddler and throwing a fit because he wasn't having his way.

"I don't vant gelato or ice cream or vatever you're trying to force down my throat. I don't vant anything sweet, can't you understand that?"

Italy's sobs quieted down. Then something very strange happened as Germany saw something he would never imagined was possible. Italy's face was serious. Honest to God, when did Italy ever look serious?

"I'm not going to give up until Germany has gelato."

The German country let go of his friend's shoulders, as Italy was now radiating confidence. That powerful aura gave Germany newfound respect for his friend.

…If only that aura was ever present in battle, instead of appearing simply because Germany wouldn't try an Italian dessert. Germany let out a sigh as mixed feelings entered his chest. As much as he liked this new confidence, he wasn't about to let Italy take control of this situation.

"Listen to me right now, Italy. I vill not eat your treat. I don't like sweets. How many times do I have to tell you this? Nothing you can do vill make me eat it."

Italy smiled.

"I accept your challenge!"

"Challenge? It vasn't-"

But Italy was no longer listening.

"I will make sure Germany has gelato. Even if he's too scared to try it, I will still make sure he eats it."

With this siege of determination, Italy left the room, leaving a nervous Germany behind. He had never seen Italy more serious about getting anything done before. Maybe he should try it just to make his friend happy.

No, he mentally shook his head of that thought. He hated sweets and there was no reason to let Italy push him into eating some. He already had to eat pasta everyday and that was getting old. He would not let Italy assert any dominance over him.

He suddenly flushed at the choice of words that entered his head. He didn't mean it like that, of course. Dammit, Japan's dirty mind was getting to him.