Hetaverse. Oneshot. Slight GerIta "if you squint". Surprisingly cute.

A/N: There's a lot going on it Europe right now what with the economic crises, so I thought I'd write something about it. I honestly hope all the best for the Eurozone right now, for all the world right now, and hope that we can look to the future optimistically. :)

Also, I'm going to be changing my username to "Flashback 1701" soon, so keep an eye out! :D

Ludwig slouched wearily in his seat, letting the low voices of the others wash over him. His stomach acids were eating away at what was left of his stomach, and the sharp pain made him grimace as he rubbed at dry, bloodshot eyes. Europe was in a state of chaos, and it was only getting worse.

To his left, Feliciano sighed heavily. All of his usual cheer seemed to have leaked out of him, leaving behind a weakened, bruised husk of a nation. A gauze-covered gash on his smooth, young brow marked the effects of the Rome riots, and it continued to twinge painfully, reminding him that the matter was far from resolved.

"Are you feeling well, Italien?" the German asked, his formal tone masking his concern.

"No, Germania, I'm sorry…" Feliciano murmured listlessly. "I feel really sick, but I'll be okay."

"Hang tight, Italia," Antonio winked from across the table, lacking the vivacious spark in his eyes. He, too, was suffering from a poor economy, all migraines and nausea, but he struggled to remain optimistic. "Things can't stay this bad forever, vale."

The pale-looking Italian smiled faintly. "Grazie."

As the tired European nations filed from the conference room in a hunchbacked, toe-dragging mob, Ludwig remained, mechanically filing away the loose documents that surrounded his area in neatly organized stacks.

"Are you okay, Ludwig?" Feliciano asked, hesitating behind the tall blonde. "I know it's bad now, b-but you're children are doing pretty well right now, right?"

"That's not the point, Feliciano." Ludwig shook his head and turned to rest a wide hand on the other's shoulder. With a stern but tired look, he continued, "I'm concerned for the others, for all of us. We're all headed for absolute disaster if this keeps up."

The Italian laughed gently, half-heartedly. "Don't be such a pessimist."

"Don't be a blind optimist."

"It won't help anyone to lose hope." He took the blue-eyed nation's hand in his and held it to his chest. "We all have to believe that things can get better."

"Look at you," Ludwig snorted, a mirthless smirk twisting his bitter mouth. "Even with your house in shambles you can tell me to have hope. You're incredible."

"We'll rebuild – we have before."

"And if you can't?"

"We won't give up so easily."

Impressed by the shorter male's resolve, the German's sneer turned into a genuine smile, though one that had faded with decades of disappointment and pain. "You never cease to amaze me."

"Good." Squeezing Ludwig's hand once more, Feliciano excused himself and left the other nation to his papers.

"He's right," mumbled the blonde in a voice edged with disbelieving laughter. "Who would have ever guessed that I would be reminded not to give up by Italien? Incredible."

He snapped his briefcase shut smartly and took it up by the worn handle, still shaking his head.

"I'll never figure that guy out."