Japan had already heard about his friends' predicament. At first, he thought it best to stay out of it. The closest he had ever gotten to a relationship was old Greece, and Japan hadn't seen him since his own economy skyrocketed and Greece's did everything but died. But now it was Christmas, and he had invited his old friends over to his house to celebrate, and he figured he would have to face it now. Germany had proposed a little over a month ago, and though they'd both spoken of it briefly, he hadn't heard much of it. He hoped they'd avoid it tonight for his sake.

Someone knocks on Japan's door. "Who is it?" he calls softly. The door opens softly. "Itaria!" He calls in delight. Italy smiles weakly at Japan. "But where is Doitsu?"

Italy's face falls. "He isn't coming."

Japan's face doesn't change, but his mind whirls. "But why?"

A tear drops down Italy's face. "He doesn't even speak to me anymore, Japan. He just can't seem to… I don't… I'm sorry."

Seeing Italy like this was unnatural. Usually Italy was bubbly and happy. Nothing made him sad. Afraid, maybe, but never sad. "Oh, Itary…" Japan says. But Japan was beyond comforting Italy. Japan had buried his feelings before he knew even China.

"I hurt my friend, Japan!" Italy wails. "I haven't felt this bad since… since I was a child. Since I lived with Austria. Can I ever repair it?"

"I don't know things rike that, Itary. I am not Germany. I cannot terr you he thinks. He was disappointed and heartbroken, you know." Japan thought it best to stop talking there. He wasn't helping.

Italy rubs his eyes. "I just can't believe… I have to have Christmas without him…"

Japan looks away. "Have you ever considered… retting go of Hory Roman Empire?"

"No!"

"Werr, then, how do you ever expect to rove anyone ever again?"

Italy shrugs. "I just… I do love Germany. He's my best friend."

Japan rolls his eyes. "Rerationships…" he mumbles under his breath. He pulls out some wine for Italy. "Here, come see what I bought you…"

No one else comes to Japan's house that night.