The Best Medicine, (3/?)
anonymous
July 7 2010, 13:43:55 UTC
*****
Germany ended up carrying Italy into the dorm building, into the elevator and over to Italy’s room. The student council members had single suites with a shared bathroom, kitchen and common room. Therefore, the elevator brought them straight to their common room, sparing Germany the trouble of having to struggle down a long, narrow hallway like he would if Italy was a normal student. Italy’s fingers clutched weakly at Germany’s blazer as he lingered in a state of half-consciousness. Germany laid him down on his bed and went to the dresser to look for a pair of pajamas to change Italy into so that he would be more comfortable. Given Italy’s known habit of sleeping naked, he shouldn’t have been surprised really when the drawers turned out not to contain any pajamas. Germany sighed and headed over to his own room to retrieve a pair to lend Italy. He couldn’t let him sleep naked when he was shivering like that.
When Germany returned to Italy’s side, Italy’s chocolate-brown eyes were half open. Italy’s slender, artistic fingers groped around hopefully on top of the sheets for Germany’s hand. The blond boy’s face flushed as he shyly closed the distance between their fingers, allowing the contact. Italy let out what appeared to be a tiny sigh of relief at being granted this small comfort, though it quickly turned into a coughing fit. Germany helped him sit up and patted his back. Italy slumped against him, miserable and shaking.
“You ok?” Germany asked quietly, not wanting to cause any more discomfort to Italy’s already hurting head.
Italy’s only answer was a little whine of agony. Germany stroked his hair sympathetically, wishing there was some way for him to relieve the little Italian’s pain. He hated seeing him like this.
“I brought you a sweatshirt and some sweatpants,” Germany continued. “They’re mine, so they might be a bit big, but… Can you get changed by yourself?”
Italy sniffled. “I’ll try…”
“Do you have any medicine?”
The smaller boy shook his head gingerly. “I gave the last of it to Romano niichan when he was sick last month.”
“I don’t have any either,” Germany recalled grimly. “I’ll have to go buy some. Is there anything else you want me to bring back while I’m out?”
“Please don’t leave,” Italy begged weakly. “If I fall asleep alone when I have a fever, I… I always have nightmares…”
Germany frowned as he considered the issue. Admittedly, he was pretty worried about Italy’s fever. It felt on the verge of being dangerously high and he really should give him something to bring it down. Then again, he couldn’t very well leave Italy alone when he was looking at him like that.
“I could wait until you fall asleep,” Germany offered. “I’ll only be gone for about twenty minutes.”
“I don’t need yucky medicine,” Italy croaked, clutching Germany pleadingly. “I just need Germany. Please… I don’t want Germany to go away…”
Germany drew a deep, shaking breath as his heart swelled rapidly at the sound of his beloved professing his desire to have him stay at his side. Honestly, there was nothing he wanted more than to grant that wish. At the same time though, he knew that if he could get Italy some medicine it would make them both feel better. He knew from experience that the best way to get Italy to do what he wanted was with bribes.
The Best Medicine, (4/?)
anonymous
July 7 2010, 13:45:23 UTC
“You’ll feel better faster if you have the medicine,” Germany reasoned.
“But if Germany’s here…” Italy paused to cough painfully, prompting Germany to rub his back, “if Germany’s here I can sleep… and sleep makes you feel better too, right?”
“I’ll make you some hot milk tea with honey to take it with.” Germany glanced down at the shorter boy and saw with some satisfaction that Italy at least seemed to be considering the proposal. Perhaps he just needed to sweeten the deal a little more to help him make up his mind. Germany’s cheeks pinked as an idea came to him. “And I’ll, ahem… I’ll hold you… w-while you sleep.”
That was a good offer, right? Italy was always asking for hugs.
“Germany…really?” Italy asked hopefully. “You’ll really hold me?”
“I-If that’s what it takes to get you to take some medicine,” Germany blustered, looking determinedly up at the ceiling.
Italy sniffled and hugged him feebly. “Ok… but you’ll hurry, right? I… I don’t like being alone…”
Germany ran his fingers soothingly through Italy’s hair. “Right, I’ll be back in twenty minutes or less.” He shifted Italy carefully out of his lap and helped him lie down. “Try to get changed while I’m gone.”
Italy’s eyes slipped closed tiredly. He hoped Germany would be back soon so that they could cuddle and take a nap. Already he was starting to feel colder and more uneasy without Germany at his side. Germany touched his cheek softly, sympathetically, before hurrying out of the room. The sooner he left, the sooner he could return to Italy’s side again. *****
Germany’s stomach was heavy with guilt as he returned thirty minutes after his departure. He had tried his hardest to be back within the twenty minute mark, but the old lady who had been ahead of him in the checkout line at the grocery store had had to search her purse about four times for all her stupid coupons and had tried to pay in what appeared to be all pennies. Germany hoped that Italy wouldn’t be too upset. If he was lucky, the Italian would be asleep and completely oblivious to his tardiness. But as he approached Italy’s room, he quickly realized that luck had not been on his side in this case. He could hear quiet sobbing issuing from behind the door. Germany hastened to let himself inside.
Italy was lying on his side in bed, dressed in the sweatpants Germany had brought for him, clutching the sweatshirt like a lifeline, his top half naked. Tears and snot flowed freely and Germany couldn’t help wincing at the chapped, sore-looking skin on Italy’s lips and under his nose which was being worsened by contact with the wetness. Being only half-dressed made Italy shiver more violently than ever and the already existing red rims around his eyes were being intensified by the tears. In short, he was a perfect picture of absolute misery and it broke Germany’s heart to see him like that. He hurried to Italy’s side, snatching the box of tissues he’d just bought from the plastic bag so that he could clean Italy’s face.
“Italy!” he said desperately, wiping away the tears. “Italy, don’t cry! I’m sorry I’m late, ok? There was an old lady with a whole bunch of pennies and all the other lines were closed! Anyway, I’m really sorry, so don’t cry!”
Italy bit his trembling lower lip, trying to stifle his crying, but it wasn’t having much effect. Germany dabbed carefully at the chapped skin beneath Italy’s nose, causing the shorter boy to flinch away in pain.
“How do you feel?” Germany asked quietly. “Come here, I’ll help you with the sweatshirt.”
The Best Medicine, (5/?)
anonymous
July 7 2010, 13:47:47 UTC
Germany helped Italy sit up and tugged the sweatshirt gently over his head before scooping him into his lap and holding him close. Italy continued to sob quietly into Germany’s shoulder as the taller boy rubbed his back awkwardly in what he hoped was a comforting manner. He’d never been good at handling other people’s tears, and was even worse at it when he knew he’d caused them. Italy’s tears, in particular, were difficult for him to handle, and the frequency with which he saw them didn’t lessen that difficulty in the slightest.
“I… I had a scary dream,” Italy sniffled. “I was trapped in a box… and I couldn’t get out… I called and called for someone to help me… b-but no one came for a long time… And then Germany was there… Germany found the box and… and you s-said “what’s this trash doing here?”… Then Germany p-picked up my box and… and th-threw me away! And then I… I woke up and… G-Germany wasn’t here… and the clock s-said you were l-late… Germany’s n-never late! S-so I th-thought maybe…” Italy trailed off there, but Germany had a pretty good idea of what he’d been about to say.
“You thought I’d actually ‘thrown you away’?” he guessed.
Italy hesitated for a second before nodding slightly. Germany sighed and gave the feverish, shivering frame in his arms a gentle squeeze.
“Look, I… You don’t have to worry about that,” he muttered embarrassedly into Italy’s silky hair. “I’ll never throw you away, and… and that’s a promise, so… Anyway, just calm down and don’t cry.”
“Germany…” Italy croaked, wiping his eyes on his sleeve, and looking up at him with a thoroughly vulnerable expression. “Thank you, that… really makes me happy.”
Germany cleared his throat as the already moderate blush on his cheeks flared up even further. The face Italy was making caused his heart to pound furiously in his chest and made it difficult to breathe. The expression on Italy’s face took on hints of sadness and worry.
“Germany’s face is red…” Italy commented. “Are you ok? What if it’s a fever? Germany didn’t catch my cold, did you? Vee… I would feel so bad if that happened. I’m sorry, Germany!”
Germany started. “N-no! No, I’m fine! This is just…! Ah, anyway, you should probably take some of that medicine as soon as possible. I’ll make you some milk tea to go with it. You like milk tea, right? I’ll get started on that right away!”
He transferred Italy hurriedly to the bed, jerked the covers up to his shoulders and made the quickest retreat that he could without making it look like he was running away. *****
The blond winced in sympathy as he poured the nearly completed milk tea into a mug. By the sound of things, Italy was sneezing and coughing up his lungs. Poor Italy really seemed to be in a lot of pain. Each time the shorter boy would blow his nose, it would be followed by a strangled whimper as the chapped skin underneath was aggravated by the tissue. Germany hurried to add the honey, lemon and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the tea so that he could return to Italy’s side and administer the medicine. When Germany entered, Italy was propped up in a half-sitting position, holding a tissue over his mouth and nose, tears trickling down his fever-flushed cheeks again.
“Italy!” Germany gasped when he spotted the tears. “Italy, what is it?! Why are you crying?! Are you ok?!”
Italy gave a very congested attempt at a sniffle and sneezed again before he was able to answer. “E-everythig hurts…”
Germany frowned worriedly as he gently wiped away Italy’s tears again. “Do you want me to take you to the doctor?”
Italy gave another whimper at the mere suggestion. “D-doctors are scary… I dod’t wadda go…”
“Are you cold? Do you need another blanket?” he asked, taking Italy’s hand between his and giving it a tiny squeeze. “You might feel better after soaking in the bath… Or maybe you’re hungry. I can make some soup.”
If Italy hadn’t been suffering so much Germany’s concern would have earned a smile from him. “I… thigk I just deed ode of Gerbady’s dice warb hugs ad a log siesta.”
The Best Medicine, (6/?)
anonymous
July 7 2010, 13:51:00 UTC
The taller boy sighed as he set the mug of milk tea on the bedside table, before joining Italy in bed, wrapping him up in his fleece blanket and pulling him into his lap once more. Italy laid his head wearily on Germany’s shoulder. He was so miserable that he hardly noticed the shy brush of Germany’s thick fingers against his cheek and forehead as he pushed Italy’s sweaty bangs away from his face before offering him the tea. A sip of the warm, sweet liquid running down his sore, parched throat brought a sigh of relief from Italy. The slightly thick and sticky mixture of tea and cream and honey calmed the tickle in his throat and made it just a little bit easier to breathe.
Germany took the medicine from the plastic shopping bag he had left on the bedside table and pushed a small blue gel caplet from its plastic and foil wrapping and into his hand. He knew that Italy was bad about taking medicine and prayed that giving it to him in pill form would allow them to avoid that issue. At least pills could be swallowed without being chewed so that they wouldn’t have to worry about the taste. Personally, Germany was a big fan of this brand of medicine; it always did the trick for him when he had a cold. He offered the caplet to Italy who shied away from it.
“Italy, I promise you’ll feel a lot better after you’ve had this medicine,” he said in his gentlest, most soothing voice. “You don’t chew it so there’s no bitter taste. Just put it on the back of your tongue and take a big drink of tea and it’ll all be over.”
Italy eyed the pill dubiously before looking up at Germany again with his wide, vulnerable brown eyes. “P-probise? Probise it doesd’t taste yucky?”
“I promise,” Germany nodded, trying to ignore the way his cheeks were heating up and his heart was pounding. “I always use this brand when I’m sick so I can personally recommend it.”
Italy tried to sniffle again as he reluctantly accepted the pill. He put it on the back of his tongue as Germany had instructed him and hastily took a gulp of tea. Germany watched him apprehensively for any sign that he was going to spit it out or choke on the caplet as it went down but Italy simply lowered his mug and rested against Germany, still shivering slightly in spite of the hot beverage he was drinking. The taller boy let out a tiny sigh of relief. He honestly hadn’t been expecting that to go quite so smoothly. He rubbed Italy’s shoulder affectionately as a means of offering silent praise.
Italy had almost finished his tea when his head began to nod. Germany couldn’t help smiling ever so slightly as Italy rubbed his eyes and mumbled some sleepy nonsense. Usually it annoyed him when the other boy acted like a child, but sometimes it was a bit endearing. Germany plucked the mug gently from Italy’s hands and set it on the bedside table. Now that Italy’s hands were free, he wrapped his arms loosely around Germany.
“Tired?” Germany asked quietly, tracing along the curve of Italy’s round, flushed cheek with his fingertip.
“Mm,” Italy murmured. “Gerbady… you’ll take a siesta with be, wod’t you?”
Germany’s face heated up rapidly. “I-I promised, didn’t I?”
Italy smiled faintly at him before letting his eyes flutter shut as Germany nervously cleared his throat and crawled under the covers with him. Then the Italian frowned, his eyes easing open again grudgingly and he fixed Germany with an uncertain look.
“Gerbady will still be here whed I wake up, right?” he asked. “You wod’t leave be all alode agaid, will you?”
That comment made Germany a bit indignant. He had properly notified Italy of his intentions before he’d left and the only reason he’d gone in the first place was to buy medicine for the boy himself. Italy was making him out to be some selfish, heartless jerk. Was that really how Italy saw him?
“Of course I won’t leave,” he grumbled. “I already promised, didn’t I? I’m not the kind of person who would abandon someone who needs help; you should know that by now.”
Italy attempted a sniffle and coughed weakly. “I’b sorry… I did’t bean to bake Gerbady adgry… I just… dod’t wadt to have adother scary dreab…”
The Best Medicine, (7/7)
anonymous
July 7 2010, 13:53:11 UTC
Italy clutched his shirt urgently at those words, looking up at him, his eyes wide with surprise and hope. When Germany saw that look on his face, the next words tumbled from his lips before he even had time to consider not saying it. “Because I love you.” Italy let out a little whimper at those words and clung to Germany desperately, nuzzling him enthusiastically. Germany was pretty sure Italy was wiping his nose on his shirt, but at the moment, he was having a hard time caring. He was blushing so furiously that he wondered if he might actually be giving off light and his heart pounded like a angry wild animal trapped inside a too-small box. He’d actually said it, the words that had been trapped in his head and heart for far too long, echoing deafeningly in the confined spaces and begging to be let out. As embarrassed as he was, he also felt liberated.
“I’ve waited so log… to hear Gerbady say that,” Italy gasped. “I’ve loved Gerbady for such a log, log tibe ad… I was so worried that Gerbady did’t feel the sabe way…”
He looked up at the taller boy, his eyes shining with tears again. “I wish I was better so I could kiss you…”
Germany cleared his throat awkwardly before hesitantly leaning forward and touching a shy kiss to Italy’s burning forehead. “The sooner you sleep… th-the sooner you’ll get better,” he mumbled.
Italy wrapped himself around the German, sighing happily as he tucked his head under Germany’s chin and muscular arms curled around him protectively. In spite of the misery caused by his cold, he couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at his lips when he noticed how hard Germany’s heart was beating. There were no words adequate enough to describe the depth of his appreciation that Germany had battled his own shyness and nerves to tell him how he felt. He couldn’t wait until he got better so that they could go on a date together. There was also the kiss to look forward to, of course. Italy wanted to giggle in anticipation but knew it would only end in a painful coughing fit so he bit back the joyful sound.
“Gerbady?” Italy mumbled sleepily. “Cad you tickle by cheek? It helps be fall asleep…”
Germany’s lips curled into a hint of a smile as he touched another kiss to the top of Italy’s head and began to stroke the silken skin gently. Then he paused in surprise.
“Italy…” he began, his voice tinged with disbelief. He pressed his cheek against Italy’s forehead, checking his temperature more carefully. “I don’t know how it’s possible, but your fever is already starting to go down! I knew that medicine I gave you was good but I’ve never seen it work this quickly…”
“Gerbady’s love ad kisses are the best bedicide id the world,” Italy whispered, more asleep than awake.
“That’s impossible…” Germany muttered.
He checked his temperature again on a different spot on his forehead to make sure, but there was no mistaking it. Italy’s fever was starting to fade. It wasn’t gone, in fact it was still moderate, but it no longer felt on the verge of being dangerous. Not only that, but the smaller boy was no longer shaking quite so badly and he seemed to be breathing just a little easier. Germany shook his head slightly in wonder and disbelief as he began to tickle Italy’s cheek again.
At the same time, though, he couldn’t help smiling just a little. He knew it was silly and completely infeasible, but the thought that he could heal the one he adored with his love and kisses made him happy. Germany hesitated a moment before ghosting more kisses along Italy’s cheek and down his neck, just on the off chance that they really did have some sort of effect. After all, it couldn’t hurt and it might help. Italy snuggled closer in his sleep and mumbled Germany’s name. Germany pulled the covers up higher around them before nuzzling his nose into Italy’s downy hair and letting his own eyes slip closed.
Re: The Best Medicine, (7/7)
anonymous
July 7 2010, 15:57:02 UTC
OP here: Thank you author!anon this was so sweet i loved it! And such a long fill - i enjoyed reading it a lot (GerIta is such a lovely pairing) You made me really happy with your fill! *hugs author!anon*
Re: The Best Medicine, (7/7)
anonymous
July 7 2010, 18:41:19 UTC
what IS this anon, so fluffy and cuddly and warm and GHHHHHH
i love you. it was so adorable. oh, germany (oh, freaky pervy france. XD lol), oh, italy. you're cute even when you're out of it. (oh, japan XDD)
it was perfect. and cute. and... oh, anon, i really don't know what to say except that i've loved reading this long, lovely fill and my heart is filled with this awesome. thank you X3
The Best Medicine, (6.1/?) Oops, I'm an idiot
anonymous
July 7 2010, 22:34:13 UTC
Germany sighed and pulled his friend’s sick, trembling body close and hesitantly wrapped his arms around him. “L-listen to me, Italy,” he commanded softly, his cheeks reddening steadily as he tried to steel himself for what he was about to say. “I won’t leave. When you open your eyes, I’ll still be right here. There’s… there’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you.”
Re: Authornon
anonymous
September 18 2010, 00:12:57 UTC
Awww! This was so cute, and sweet, and perfect! LOL at Japan being 100% sure, and also France's little cameo! And awwwww! Italy's sick voice, and Germany' confession <3 All in all, brilliant fic~
Germany ended up carrying Italy into the dorm building, into the elevator and over to Italy’s room. The student council members had single suites with a shared bathroom, kitchen and common room. Therefore, the elevator brought them straight to their common room, sparing Germany the trouble of having to struggle down a long, narrow hallway like he would if Italy was a normal student. Italy’s fingers clutched weakly at Germany’s blazer as he lingered in a state of half-consciousness. Germany laid him down on his bed and went to the dresser to look for a pair of pajamas to change Italy into so that he would be more comfortable. Given Italy’s known habit of sleeping naked, he shouldn’t have been surprised really when the drawers turned out not to contain any pajamas. Germany sighed and headed over to his own room to retrieve a pair to lend Italy. He couldn’t let him sleep naked when he was shivering like that.
When Germany returned to Italy’s side, Italy’s chocolate-brown eyes were half open. Italy’s slender, artistic fingers groped around hopefully on top of the sheets for Germany’s hand. The blond boy’s face flushed as he shyly closed the distance between their fingers, allowing the contact. Italy let out what appeared to be a tiny sigh of relief at being granted this small comfort, though it quickly turned into a coughing fit. Germany helped him sit up and patted his back. Italy slumped against him, miserable and shaking.
“You ok?” Germany asked quietly, not wanting to cause any more discomfort to Italy’s already hurting head.
Italy’s only answer was a little whine of agony. Germany stroked his hair sympathetically, wishing there was some way for him to relieve the little Italian’s pain. He hated seeing him like this.
“I brought you a sweatshirt and some sweatpants,” Germany continued. “They’re mine, so they might be a bit big, but… Can you get changed by yourself?”
Italy sniffled. “I’ll try…”
“Do you have any medicine?”
The smaller boy shook his head gingerly. “I gave the last of it to Romano niichan when he was sick last month.”
“I don’t have any either,” Germany recalled grimly. “I’ll have to go buy some. Is there anything else you want me to bring back while I’m out?”
“Please don’t leave,” Italy begged weakly. “If I fall asleep alone when I have a fever, I… I always have nightmares…”
Germany frowned as he considered the issue. Admittedly, he was pretty worried about Italy’s fever. It felt on the verge of being dangerously high and he really should give him something to bring it down. Then again, he couldn’t very well leave Italy alone when he was looking at him like that.
“I could wait until you fall asleep,” Germany offered. “I’ll only be gone for about twenty minutes.”
“I don’t need yucky medicine,” Italy croaked, clutching Germany pleadingly. “I just need Germany. Please… I don’t want Germany to go away…”
Germany drew a deep, shaking breath as his heart swelled rapidly at the sound of his beloved professing his desire to have him stay at his side. Honestly, there was nothing he wanted more than to grant that wish. At the same time though, he knew that if he could get Italy some medicine it would make them both feel better. He knew from experience that the best way to get Italy to do what he wanted was with bribes.
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“But if Germany’s here…” Italy paused to cough painfully, prompting Germany to rub his back, “if Germany’s here I can sleep… and sleep makes you feel better too, right?”
“I’ll make you some hot milk tea with honey to take it with.” Germany glanced down at the shorter boy and saw with some satisfaction that Italy at least seemed to be considering the proposal. Perhaps he just needed to sweeten the deal a little more to help him make up his mind. Germany’s cheeks pinked as an idea came to him. “And I’ll, ahem… I’ll hold you… w-while you sleep.”
That was a good offer, right? Italy was always asking for hugs.
“Germany…really?” Italy asked hopefully. “You’ll really hold me?”
“I-If that’s what it takes to get you to take some medicine,” Germany blustered, looking determinedly up at the ceiling.
Italy sniffled and hugged him feebly. “Ok… but you’ll hurry, right? I… I don’t like being alone…”
Germany ran his fingers soothingly through Italy’s hair. “Right, I’ll be back in twenty minutes or less.” He shifted Italy carefully out of his lap and helped him lie down. “Try to get changed while I’m gone.”
Italy’s eyes slipped closed tiredly. He hoped Germany would be back soon so that they could cuddle and take a nap. Already he was starting to feel colder and more uneasy without Germany at his side. Germany touched his cheek softly, sympathetically, before hurrying out of the room. The sooner he left, the sooner he could return to Italy’s side again.
*****
Germany’s stomach was heavy with guilt as he returned thirty minutes after his departure. He had tried his hardest to be back within the twenty minute mark, but the old lady who had been ahead of him in the checkout line at the grocery store had had to search her purse about four times for all her stupid coupons and had tried to pay in what appeared to be all pennies. Germany hoped that Italy wouldn’t be too upset. If he was lucky, the Italian would be asleep and completely oblivious to his tardiness. But as he approached Italy’s room, he quickly realized that luck had not been on his side in this case. He could hear quiet sobbing issuing from behind the door. Germany hastened to let himself inside.
Italy was lying on his side in bed, dressed in the sweatpants Germany had brought for him, clutching the sweatshirt like a lifeline, his top half naked. Tears and snot flowed freely and Germany couldn’t help wincing at the chapped, sore-looking skin on Italy’s lips and under his nose which was being worsened by contact with the wetness. Being only half-dressed made Italy shiver more violently than ever and the already existing red rims around his eyes were being intensified by the tears. In short, he was a perfect picture of absolute misery and it broke Germany’s heart to see him like that. He hurried to Italy’s side, snatching the box of tissues he’d just bought from the plastic bag so that he could clean Italy’s face.
“Italy!” he said desperately, wiping away the tears. “Italy, don’t cry! I’m sorry I’m late, ok? There was an old lady with a whole bunch of pennies and all the other lines were closed! Anyway, I’m really sorry, so don’t cry!”
Italy bit his trembling lower lip, trying to stifle his crying, but it wasn’t having much effect. Germany dabbed carefully at the chapped skin beneath Italy’s nose, causing the shorter boy to flinch away in pain.
“How do you feel?” Germany asked quietly. “Come here, I’ll help you with the sweatshirt.”
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“I… I had a scary dream,” Italy sniffled. “I was trapped in a box… and I couldn’t get out… I called and called for someone to help me… b-but no one came for a long time… And then Germany was there… Germany found the box and… and you s-said “what’s this trash doing here?”… Then Germany p-picked up my box and… and th-threw me away! And then I… I woke up and… G-Germany wasn’t here… and the clock s-said you were l-late… Germany’s n-never late! S-so I th-thought maybe…”
Italy trailed off there, but Germany had a pretty good idea of what he’d been about to say.
“You thought I’d actually ‘thrown you away’?” he guessed.
Italy hesitated for a second before nodding slightly. Germany sighed and gave the feverish, shivering frame in his arms a gentle squeeze.
“Look, I… You don’t have to worry about that,” he muttered embarrassedly into Italy’s silky hair. “I’ll never throw you away, and… and that’s a promise, so… Anyway, just calm down and don’t cry.”
“Germany…” Italy croaked, wiping his eyes on his sleeve, and looking up at him with a thoroughly vulnerable expression. “Thank you, that… really makes me happy.”
Germany cleared his throat as the already moderate blush on his cheeks flared up even further. The face Italy was making caused his heart to pound furiously in his chest and made it difficult to breathe. The expression on Italy’s face took on hints of sadness and worry.
“Germany’s face is red…” Italy commented. “Are you ok? What if it’s a fever? Germany didn’t catch my cold, did you? Vee… I would feel so bad if that happened. I’m sorry, Germany!”
Germany started. “N-no! No, I’m fine! This is just…! Ah, anyway, you should probably take some of that medicine as soon as possible. I’ll make you some milk tea to go with it. You like milk tea, right? I’ll get started on that right away!”
He transferred Italy hurriedly to the bed, jerked the covers up to his shoulders and made the quickest retreat that he could without making it look like he was running away.
*****
The blond winced in sympathy as he poured the nearly completed milk tea into a mug. By the sound of things, Italy was sneezing and coughing up his lungs. Poor Italy really seemed to be in a lot of pain. Each time the shorter boy would blow his nose, it would be followed by a strangled whimper as the chapped skin underneath was aggravated by the tissue. Germany hurried to add the honey, lemon and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the tea so that he could return to Italy’s side and administer the medicine. When Germany entered, Italy was propped up in a half-sitting position, holding a tissue over his mouth and nose, tears trickling down his fever-flushed cheeks again.
“Italy!” Germany gasped when he spotted the tears. “Italy, what is it?! Why are you crying?! Are you ok?!”
Italy gave a very congested attempt at a sniffle and sneezed again before he was able to answer. “E-everythig hurts…”
Germany frowned worriedly as he gently wiped away Italy’s tears again. “Do you want me to take you to the doctor?”
Italy gave another whimper at the mere suggestion. “D-doctors are scary… I dod’t wadda go…”
“Are you cold? Do you need another blanket?” he asked, taking Italy’s hand between his and giving it a tiny squeeze. “You might feel better after soaking in the bath… Or maybe you’re hungry. I can make some soup.”
If Italy hadn’t been suffering so much Germany’s concern would have earned a smile from him. “I… thigk I just deed ode of Gerbady’s dice warb hugs ad a log siesta.”
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Germany took the medicine from the plastic shopping bag he had left on the bedside table and pushed a small blue gel caplet from its plastic and foil wrapping and into his hand. He knew that Italy was bad about taking medicine and prayed that giving it to him in pill form would allow them to avoid that issue. At least pills could be swallowed without being chewed so that they wouldn’t have to worry about the taste. Personally, Germany was a big fan of this brand of medicine; it always did the trick for him when he had a cold. He offered the caplet to Italy who shied away from it.
“Italy, I promise you’ll feel a lot better after you’ve had this medicine,” he said in his gentlest, most soothing voice. “You don’t chew it so there’s no bitter taste. Just put it on the back of your tongue and take a big drink of tea and it’ll all be over.”
Italy eyed the pill dubiously before looking up at Germany again with his wide, vulnerable brown eyes. “P-probise? Probise it doesd’t taste yucky?”
“I promise,” Germany nodded, trying to ignore the way his cheeks were heating up and his heart was pounding. “I always use this brand when I’m sick so I can personally recommend it.”
Italy tried to sniffle again as he reluctantly accepted the pill. He put it on the back of his tongue as Germany had instructed him and hastily took a gulp of tea. Germany watched him apprehensively for any sign that he was going to spit it out or choke on the caplet as it went down but Italy simply lowered his mug and rested against Germany, still shivering slightly in spite of the hot beverage he was drinking. The taller boy let out a tiny sigh of relief. He honestly hadn’t been expecting that to go quite so smoothly. He rubbed Italy’s shoulder affectionately as a means of offering silent praise.
Italy had almost finished his tea when his head began to nod. Germany couldn’t help smiling ever so slightly as Italy rubbed his eyes and mumbled some sleepy nonsense. Usually it annoyed him when the other boy acted like a child, but sometimes it was a bit endearing. Germany plucked the mug gently from Italy’s hands and set it on the bedside table. Now that Italy’s hands were free, he wrapped his arms loosely around Germany.
“Tired?” Germany asked quietly, tracing along the curve of Italy’s round, flushed cheek with his fingertip.
“Mm,” Italy murmured. “Gerbady… you’ll take a siesta with be, wod’t you?”
Germany’s face heated up rapidly. “I-I promised, didn’t I?”
Italy smiled faintly at him before letting his eyes flutter shut as Germany nervously cleared his throat and crawled under the covers with him. Then the Italian frowned, his eyes easing open again grudgingly and he fixed Germany with an uncertain look.
“Gerbady will still be here whed I wake up, right?” he asked. “You wod’t leave be all alode agaid, will you?”
That comment made Germany a bit indignant. He had properly notified Italy of his intentions before he’d left and the only reason he’d gone in the first place was to buy medicine for the boy himself. Italy was making him out to be some selfish, heartless jerk. Was that really how Italy saw him?
“Of course I won’t leave,” he grumbled. “I already promised, didn’t I? I’m not the kind of person who would abandon someone who needs help; you should know that by now.”
Italy attempted a sniffle and coughed weakly. “I’b sorry… I did’t bean to bake Gerbady adgry… I just… dod’t wadt to have adother scary dreab…”
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“I’ve waited so log… to hear Gerbady say that,” Italy gasped. “I’ve loved Gerbady for such a log, log tibe ad… I was so worried that Gerbady did’t feel the sabe way…”
He looked up at the taller boy, his eyes shining with tears again. “I wish I was better so I could kiss you…”
Germany cleared his throat awkwardly before hesitantly leaning forward and touching a shy kiss to Italy’s burning forehead. “The sooner you sleep… th-the sooner you’ll get better,” he mumbled.
Italy wrapped himself around the German, sighing happily as he tucked his head under Germany’s chin and muscular arms curled around him protectively. In spite of the misery caused by his cold, he couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at his lips when he noticed how hard Germany’s heart was beating. There were no words adequate enough to describe the depth of his appreciation that Germany had battled his own shyness and nerves to tell him how he felt. He couldn’t wait until he got better so that they could go on a date together. There was also the kiss to look forward to, of course. Italy wanted to giggle in anticipation but knew it would only end in a painful coughing fit so he bit back the joyful sound.
“Gerbady?” Italy mumbled sleepily. “Cad you tickle by cheek? It helps be fall asleep…”
Germany’s lips curled into a hint of a smile as he touched another kiss to the top of Italy’s head and began to stroke the silken skin gently. Then he paused in surprise.
“Italy…” he began, his voice tinged with disbelief. He pressed his cheek against Italy’s forehead, checking his temperature more carefully. “I don’t know how it’s possible, but your fever is already starting to go down! I knew that medicine I gave you was good but I’ve never seen it work this quickly…”
“Gerbady’s love ad kisses are the best bedicide id the world,” Italy whispered, more asleep than awake.
“That’s impossible…” Germany muttered.
He checked his temperature again on a different spot on his forehead to make sure, but there was no mistaking it. Italy’s fever was starting to fade. It wasn’t gone, in fact it was still moderate, but it no longer felt on the verge of being dangerous. Not only that, but the smaller boy was no longer shaking quite so badly and he seemed to be breathing just a little easier. Germany shook his head slightly in wonder and disbelief as he began to tickle Italy’s cheek again.
At the same time, though, he couldn’t help smiling just a little. He knew it was silly and completely infeasible, but the thought that he could heal the one he adored with his love and kisses made him happy. Germany hesitated a moment before ghosting more kisses along Italy’s cheek and down his neck, just on the off chance that they really did have some sort of effect. After all, it couldn’t hurt and it might help. Italy snuggled closer in his sleep and mumbled Germany’s name. Germany pulled the covers up higher around them before nuzzling his nose into Italy’s downy hair and letting his own eyes slip closed.
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Thank you author!anon this was so sweet i loved it! And such a long fill - i enjoyed reading it a lot (GerIta is such a lovely pairing)
You made me really happy with your fill!
*hugs author!anon*
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i love you. it was so adorable. oh, germany (oh, freaky pervy france. XD lol), oh, italy. you're cute even when you're out of it. (oh, japan XDD)
it was perfect. and cute. and... oh, anon, i really don't know what to say except that i've loved reading this long, lovely fill and my heart is filled with this awesome. thank you X3
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LOL at Japan being 100% sure, and also France's little cameo!
And awwwww! Italy's sick voice, and Germany' confession <3
All in all, brilliant fic~
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