Chapter 3: Germany and Italy


"Alright Italy, that's enough training for today." Germany said, panting.

Italy let out an excited 've~' and ran into Germany's house. Germany shook his head, wondering how he could be that energetic in normal life but be so lazy when it comes to training. An hour later they say down in Germany's living room, watching some random Disney movie that Italy had put in. Japan wasn't with them, as it was his day off.

Before even half of the movie was over, Italy was asleep on Germany's shoulder. Germany stiffened at first but then relaxed, letting the Italian snuggle against him. Germany didn't really pay attention to the movie, instead he thought about random things and listened to Italy make his 've~' noises in his sleep. Germany's mind eventually wandered to the one thing that he didn't want to think about, the fact that he had to leave tomorrow morning.

His boss was making him go to war. He didn't know if he was ever going to come back. Unlike popular belief every time that a country goes to war there's a chance that they could never come back again. That's what happened to Holy Rome.

Before Germany knew it, the movie was over and Germany was left with a difficult decision. He debated over whether or not to wake up Italy and tell him that he was going off to war, or letting him sleep and let him discover why he wasn't there on his own. He eventually decided that it would cause more damage if he let Italy wake up alone. With a sigh he gently shook the Italians shoulders, making the Italian wake up from his peaceful sleep.

"Italy." Germany said, trying to use the softest tone possible.

"Ve~ Germany did I fall asleep?" Germany nodded.

"Okay, I'm gonna go to bed then." Italy tried to get up, but Germany grabbed his wrist, making the Italian look back with a confused look.

"Italy, I need to tell you something." Italy looked concerned, but back down. He knew Germany had something serious to talk about.

"Italy, my boss has called me to war." Germany could think of no way to sugar coat it. Italy looked shocked to say the least.

"W-what? You can't go! Germany-" Germany held up his hand, and Italy immediately stopped. Tears started to fall out of his eyes.

"I have to go, you know that." Italy nodded but he still cried. Germany awkwardly held him in his arms, trying to comfort him as best he could.

"What if you leave me to? I don't want you to disappear like Holy Rome." Italy barely whispered it, but Germany still heard him. Germany pulled Italy into his lap.

"I promise you, I will come back." Both knew it was just an empty promise, that there was a good chance that he could never come back, but Italy let the words comfort him.

Germany held him while he cried, murmuring words of comfort and rubbing his back. Eventually Italy cried himself to sleep, still clinging to Germany. Germany carried him to his room, tucking him in and gently kissing his forehead.

Germany was long gone before Italy awoke the next day. For a second Italy was happy, then he remembered how Germany was supposed to be off to war. Italy searched the entire house, calling out for Germany, he was nowhere to be found. Eventually he went back to bed, where he noticed that there was a piece of paper on the nightstand.

I promise you I will come back.

Italy would have recognized the handwriting anywhere. Germany must have left the note to reassure him. Still though, Italy cried himself to sleep.

He never saw Germany again.