Chapter 3
To Germany it seemed like his employee had experienced something terrible, for the day after Veneziano had come inside, Sweden had become more intimidating, but now with an heartbroken air around him. He was obviously troubled over something, but Germany didn't know how to get the tall man to speak, much less open up. When he got a simple and direct no to his question if Sweden was distressed, he concluded he couldn't really do anything more and left Sweden to himself. Which was both good and bad, because then Germany could keep an eye on their costumers but his mind was also filled with the possibility that Veneziano would in fact show up again. Germany was so engrossed in such thoughts he got irritated and annoyed at himself, telling himself to stop acting foolishly. At the end of the day, he once again was reminded that Sweden was out of his keen, when he nodded to Germany's question if he would work over even longer than they had. It had no doubt something to do with home, Germany thought. His family from home, or a partner? Germany didn't know so much about Sweden... Which was not so strange, given how enclosed he was to people. At home Germany heated up leftovers for dinner. Then he watched the news and changed into pajamas. When he was brushing his teeth his brother stormed into their apartment.
"I'm just getting some fresh clothes they I'm off again!" Prussia shouted, excitement ringing clear like a bell. Germany poked out his head through the bathroom door.
"Good day?" he asked.
"Hell yes! And the work is going to be incredibly awesome, because I'm going to be the star! And I hit on a woman with huuuuge breasts today. She seemed flattered being complimented by the awesome me, but we didn't get down to it, since she was in a hurry. Something about school kids. But next time I'm sure someone will fall into bed with me, I can feel it!" Prussia flew out from his bedroom, saluted to his gob smacked and speechless brother, before taking off. And out he was. Germany stood still for a minute, unable to move. Prussia was a disgrace! What would their grandfather had said about this? You didn't treat women like that... not men either! He would give Prussia a serious scolding next time they were free and lecture him about virtue and sexual harassment.
The next day Germany got two surprises. The first was Sweden offering coffee, the second happened after lunch. When lunch break was over the door to the shop opened and a happy voice called out, "Hello~?", and Germany almost fled out through the window. But he managed to hold back on the impulse and peeked out from the back room. And sure enough, in the middle path stood Veneziano, looking unwittingly happy and flawless. And when he discovered Germany sweltering in the doorway he brightened.
"Germany~! I'm so happy to see you~!" he exclaimed, bouncing up to the check register. Germany coughed and stepped out to the shop, crossing his arms over of his chest.
"Italy... Nice to meet you again", he responded.
"You can call me Veneziano. Only those who don't know me well call me Italy. My brother gets so nervous about it, though I don't see why." The boy traced his first-finger over the desk top in a pattern-less way.
"What brings you here? Did you get here by car?" Germany asked. Veneziano lit up again and made a victory sign with his left hand.
"Yes! I came here to buy something. And I manage to sneak out from home and convince China to take me to town", he conveyed with pride. Germany however doubted that was the case, convinced that Veneziano had really whined so much to the driver that he drove Italy downtown just to get him to shut up. Though Germany looked skeptical, he hummed in a form of encouragement.
"It's so boring at home, I'm always told to sit like that or don't eat that and don't sleep in meetings. I can't go to fun places or hang out with beautiful girls!" Veneziano cried, with tears in his eyes. Germany didn't know how to react to such an outburst. And all Veneziano's "rules" were decent and appropriate.
"Well, it's too bad you can't have fun, but that's how life is; you can't always have fun. And you're not supposed to sleep during meetings. ... You must do something you find funny..." Germany tried.
Veneziano pouted in misery, but at the end he grew thoughtful.
"Well, I get to eat pasta and pizza every day. And grandpa takes me to art exhibitions and museums once every other week where there is one. Since my brother got back home it has been even worse for him. Ve, he and grandpa fight even more and Romano is so upset about it all, poor fratello", he said a little down. "I also go to the hot water baths with Romano sometimes. That is fun." He smiled. "And all nights with my friends, ve~, when we play games and they argue about who has more money and who can get the biggest boat." Veneziano's statement and faraway happy look made Germany realize how different their environments' were. Veneziano's friends quarreled about who could get the biggest boat, while Germany only had money for things like food, rent, a ticket to a football play and savings for the store if anything should happen. Mortified he looked away, tensing up like a defense from his biased thoughts.
A high pling made him jump and Veneziano whimpered. The boy twitched as he glanced over his shoulder, looking like he thought zombies would well in to eat him.
"It's my grandpa. He wants me to do something with him and hence I must go home..." he said with his head hanging. Germany stood to attention.
"Oh. Then you should hurry back. You can come back here sometime, anytime you want", it slipped out before he even had time to register it, but he didn't regret the offer, and that had nothing to do with Veneziano shining like the sun, he would offer it to anyone. It was customers, for god's sake.
"Ve~! I will! It'll be fun, Germany. So I'll see you again soon~!" Veneziano almost sing-sang and he waved fervidly when he walked back to the door and left the store. Germany lifted a hand without knowing he was doing it and stared after the rich-man's boy. Only when he heard Sweden approach did he realize what he was doing, even after Veneziano had gone long ago. With red cheeks he informed Sweden he would sort out paper in the office in the back for the rest of the day. There he took out all his irritation, and when the day was over the whole place behind the shop was spotlessly tidied and all areas cleared, with all things were they belonged. Pleased but not entirely satisfied, Germany headed home. The apartment was quiet and peaceful, but Germany was too restless to fully appreciate it. So for that reason he baked a cake with chocolate and strawberries. Exactly when the last strawberry was finally placed on the chocolate cake, the door to his apartment banged open.
"Brother!" was yelled, and heard through the whole flat. Germany studied his masterpiece, then turned to his brother who came into the kitchen. Prussia smirked when he saw Germany.
"It never stops being entertaining seeing you in apron", he said, earning a glare from the taller man.
"Where have you been today?" Germany asked and carefully wrapped the cake in foil. Prussia leaned against the counter, next to him.
"Out. The gym, around friends... I met someone..." Germany's eyebrows shot up, but Prussia was to dazed to notice his brother's disbelief and surprise. "She owns a bakery, and she is so fierce and good-looking!" Prussia fell silent, while Germany stared at him, waiting for more.
"And someone attacked me with a swordfish before lunch today."
"Have you no shame in your body?" Germany yelled. "You can't hit on anyone you find attractive, there are things like personal space and a crime called sexual harassment!" Prussia held up his hands.
"I know, I know! Easy... I didn't in fact do anything this time. It was just a girl standing outside a store with a fish in her arms. I walked up to her to ask about the closest place to get something sweet and maybe if she had some trouble, but when I got near and opened my mouth to do so, she readied her fish and launched at me. I say, people these days." Prussia shook his head (much like a dog) and pushed himself off the counter, taking an apple from the bowl by the window. Germany huffed.
"Well, that's good. If you had done something more than what you have these last days I would've grounded you", he muttered.
"Like you could!" Prussia proclaimed scandalous. Germany gave him a narrow glance.
"I could take you keys and lock you in."
"But my work", Prussia argued, raising an eyebrow. Germany straightened.
"I come home before your work begins. But I think the club would survive even without you."
"Like hell they could, I'm the star there. Everyone there wants a peace off me; I'm too popular for anyone's good. If only the bakery girl from today could see it too", the albino dreamed. "Well, it will come..." Germany shook his head and apologized to whoever it was that would have to put up with his brother; amazed by his brother's ego and confidence.
"But you!" Prussia pointed at Germany. "I challenge you to a drinking contest! Then we shall see who's greater, huh?" Germany smirked.
"I'd love to, but I have work tomorrow." He looked at the clock. "And you have work now." Prussia punched him on his shoulder and stuck out his tongue.
"Then tomorrow on Friday", he concluded, leaving the kitchen to bring some stuff with him. If I'm free that day... Germany banged his head against the fridge once. No no no no, stupid! Don't make plans with someone who doesn't know, and have no reason being in your life in the first place!
"Sure", he answered, slamming the fridge door close after putting in the cake.
As he had expected, Veneziano did not show up the next day (to which Germany told himself he should not feel disappointed), and after he got home he and Prussia had their drinking contest, with beer Prussia had bought. Sometime when it was dark, around two, did Germany stir and remembered where he was. He was sleeping on the living room table. Prussia was knocked out on the floor under Germany's feet. Germany couldn't wholly make out who had won the match, only that they had been very even. He dragged a hand down his face, feeling the hangover coming over him. Well, he had had a fun night. Until now... From one second to another the headache turned on with an exploding intensity. Shutting his eyes and slithering down from the small table, Germany crawled past Prussia (giving him a good kick in his side) and towards the kitchen, where he somehow manage to get a large glass of water.
"What are you doing, bastard!?" Prussia shouted from the living room. Germany swallowed the water, filled the glass again and shuffled off to his bedroom. Where blissful sleep overtook him once his head hit the pillow.
The birds were too loud. The sun was too bright. The pillow too hard. But Germany rose from the bed, like every other morning and found his way to the kitchen. There Prussia was sitting, his chin in his right hand and sleeping, with a steaming mug before him. Germany smiled, rubbing his eyes, and taking out bread, butter and sliced sausages. He made two sandwiches and sat down. Prussia jerked awake, confused, until Germany handed over one of sandwiches.
"Man~, that was one night! And I don't know who won either", he said, devouring the food.
"I think we were all but equal..." Germany said.
"Kesesesese! You wish, baby brother!" Prussia laughed easily. Germany huffed, but did not bother to answer. In the morning Germany and Prussia just chilled (taking a fitness-program in front of the TV), then Germany ate lunch at 11 am and left for the shop. He had once asked Prussia why he was the one taking care of the affair, to which Prussia had said the Germany was the one who inherited it.
"No", had Germany pressed, "we inherited it."
"Maybe on paper, but Gramps always knew you loved it and wanted you to take care of it", Prussia had smiled. "Besides, I do help out sometimes right?" He did, and that was all Germany really needed. His support was greater than Prussia actually forcing himself at the store. A Saturday was always hectic, but the workday was short. When Germany got home around six he found Prussia sloughing on the couch wearing nothing but boots and boxers, the black in stark contrast to his white skin and hair; his pose daring and his expression satisfied. Germany didn't dare look in his bedroom's direction.
"What have you done? And why are you so undressed?" he asked sternly, fearing the answer. A slow smirk spread over Prussia's face.
"Just did what I was born to do in this world. Let a girl get a piece of the brilliant me and loosened her up. We went wild", he said. Germany's face was redder than a tomato and he wished he could sink away through the floor.
"And... is she still here...?" he got out through clenched teeth. Prussia looked up at him and shook his head. He waved towards the front door and Germany relaxed a little.
"Was it the one you fancied yesterday?" Prussia sighed.
"No, I tried with her for hours, but she didn't relent. Said she was busy with her bakery and that she would hit me with a frying pan if I didn't leave and got out of her face. But her waitress saw my brilliance and fell for my charm." He winked at Germany, who smacked him on the head with the paper.
"Ouch!" Germany glared at his brother, feeling slightly disgusted.
"Get dressed", he ordered. He pinched the bridge of his nose, sensing the headache coming on again.
Prussia got up and swayed his hips as he walked back to his room. Where did I go wrong? Germany asked himself. He looked up in the ceiling and prayed for strength. He noticed Prussia was devastated over the fact that he hadn't ensnared the Hungary girl. Germany sighed and decided he wanted to eat out tonight.
"It was lucky you weren't home, Germany", Prussia teased from his room. "Your inexperienced and innocent mind would not have been able to bear it." Germany's left eye twitched. "When I think about it I've never taught you anything that can come in handy. And that's sort of mean since I'm the best there is... Belgium was nearly begging for more when her brother called her. That was awkward." Prussia barked with laugher.
"I'm sure it was. Hey, Prussia, I'm going to dine out tonight. See you later", he announced and slipped out of the flat again. When he got to the fancier streets downtown, he slowed his motorcycle down and circled the ground. When suddenly he detected two brown haired, identical youths coming out of a fine restaurant, one trying to glue himself to the other and the other protecting himself by pushing at the first's face. They were both speaking (and yelling) rapidly as they tried to get to their car, still standing on their feet. Germany stopped his bike, and after securing it, leaned forward over the steer. After the brothers came the big man, Rome. He had a woman at his arm to who he was taking wildly. Romano and Veneziano got into the car, miraculously without any damage. A Chinese man held the door open for their grandfather, who let the woman slide in first. Some seconds later the limo was wheeled out and down the road. Germany wondered what would've happened if Veneziano had seen him... Would he had waved and come over? Or made a something akin to chest fallen mien and pretend he hadn't seen him? Well, Germany would certainly never find out. He should just let it be forgotten and continue. After all, Germany was invisible...
He was startled out of his less than optimistic thoughts by his phone ringing.
"Germany! MY BIKE!? Where is my motorcycle?!" Prussia screamed in his ear.
"It's not yours; it's technically ours", Germany grumbled back.
"But I need it! I'm sorry for teasing you! I promise I will never bring a woman home ever again! Or a man! Or myself, I can stay out and live like a stray cat, if you want to!" Prussia wailed. "BUT I NEED THE BIKE! Germanyyyyy!" Germany ended the call and put the phone away. Then he kicked alive the motorcycle and drove to his usual dining area (where he could actually afford the food).
"Hey lad, you look down", his waiter in a white mask commented as he placed a plate of meatballs and potatoes in front of Germany. Germany sighed and started to mash the potatoes into a pulp. The man clapped down a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm Turkey. If you need a shoulder to cry on just tell Gramps", Turkey said. Germany gave him the odd glance, but Turkey didn't notice... or he didn't care.
"I'm fine", Germany said through clenched jaws.
"Clearly you are not!" Turkey objected. Why, Germany just wanted to eat in peace.
"I meant I don't need a shoulder to cry on", he clarified, hands slowly turning into fists. That seemed to take Turkey by surprise.
"Really? Well, if that's what you say, then I can leave... Call if you want something after your meal", he said as he walked away. Germany stabbed a meatball, glaring at nothing in particular. Even if all hell broke loose, he could constrain it back where it belonged. He was no weeping wimp. His military training had ensured that. So had his life...
Once home again he got an almost hysterical scolding from Prussia before the albino took off, forty seconds after Germany had arrived home. Germany sighed while massaging his neck. He threw off his clothes, folded them neatly and after watching a movie (with pajamas), he went to bed.