Germany watched as Italy stood there, the usually bright look inhabiting his face. The Italian man looked at Germany expectantly, waiting for the next set of instructions involved in the daily training. Next to him stood a calm and determined looking Japan, whose frown seemed to grow as he sensed the uneasiness that surrounded the air around the blonde nation.

Germany pinched his nose and sighed, feeling overwhelmingly tired. He wasn't really in the mood to be around the Italian man right now, and he certainly was not in any state to engage in heavy physical training.

Nein. Ve need to train as much as ve can.

Germany was yelled at by his crazy boss this morning. But it was really nothing new. The blonde nation was used to it by now, coming from the high strung and psychotic fuhrer. It's not like he had any choice but to obey the damn man anyways. He cursed his boss in his head for a few seconds before commanding half heartedly, "Alright, let's warm up with ten laps around the perimeter of the forest."

Italy's face fell and Germany braced himself for the complaints.

"But Germany-"

"Ack! Don't even start, Italy!" Germany burst out, losing his patience. He watched as the Italian nation jumped up in slight surprise, a panicked expression on his face before he took off running. The blonde nation watched his retreating figure, his mind swirling and his head ache increasing.

That little child with the dress he saw in the visions was definitely Italy. There was no doubt about it.

Whenever he found his minds around the little girl, he felt his heart beat against his chest, accompanied by a blush that crept up his neck. With the thought that the little girl that causes such emotions within him is actually not a little girl…and in fact Italy….well…it has caused Germany to unintentionally look at Italy in a different light.

A very different light.

Scheiße! I'm turning into a pervert!

Japan hadn't made any movement to run. The Asian nation just stood there, his eyes trained on Germany, a curious expression on his face. He knew that something strange was going on with the Aryan nation. The atmosphere was tense and strong enough to capture Japan's attention.

"Germany-san, are you okay?" he asked cautiously.

Germany grunted in response, rubbing his temples. His vision was filled with Italy's face. That bright smile, that innocent charisma, that annoying voice, that copper curl…

Then, he thought of Italy in a dress.

Germany's face flushed with heat and he immediately slapped himself across the face, earning a shocked look from Japan.

"Something is distressing you," Japan inquired.

Germany glared at the Asian nation and snapped, "It doesn't concern you, Japan! Shouldn't you be running?"

Japan simply stared at him for a few seconds longer, surprised by the amount of tension that surrounded his ally. He simply nodded and responded, "Hai."

With that, Japan started to jog in the same direction that Italy went. Germany let out a huge breath and rolled his shoulders. He attempted to rid his head of all ridiculous thoughts involving Italy in a dress, child or adult. He tried to forget about the visions and the confusing emotions, at least temporarily.

This is war. He couldn't let himself abandon that fact.

With that thought in mind, he started after Japan in a slow and steady jog. With each step, he increased his speed. Unfortunately for the Aryan nation, with the increase in speed came the increase in unwanted thoughts.

Italy's face bounced back before his eyes again and he gritted his teeth. The pounding of his feet against the ground sent tremors through his body and his frustration intensified. He felt like he was fighting against some sort of iron barrier.

I AM NOT A PERVERT! THAT'S FRANCE'S JOB!

Yet despite his inner tirade, everything else went swirling around his head like a massive tornado. There was little Italy with a broom and his dress; there was the interior of Austria's house, looking more massive than usual; there was the little boy with the big blue eyes, the dark hat and cape, staring back at him in the mirror; there was little Italy's eyes filling with tears as his face came closer and closer to his; that unnamed declaration of love that seemed to tear through his heart…

Just staring at the little child with the copper curl, surrounded by nothing but the fresh spring trees and grass… heart swelling with admiration, stomach swirling with those "butterflies," wanting nothing more than to kiss the beautiful little nation in front of him...repeating names back and forth…

"Oh, Holy Rome…"

"Oh, Italy…"

"Oh, Holy Rome…"

"Oh, Italy…"

"Oh, Holy Rome…."

Geschlechtsverkehr!

Germany came to a halt and bent over, panting. He placed his hands on his knees and squeezed his eyes shut, boiling frustration and embarrassment coating every recess of his mind. His skin felt extremely hot and he knew that it had nothing to do with the exercise…for he hadn't even finished one lap.

"Veh, Germany…you look like a tomato!"

Scheiße! Just the voice he wanted to hear.

Germany's eye twitched. He didn't look up at the Italian, who was hovering over him.

Italy spoke again, but his voice had a concerned edge to it. "Are you tired already? That's not normal for you, Germany! Do you not feel good?"

Germany felt pathetic. He knew that there was absolutely no excuse for him to cut training short like this. Nevertheless, he knew that it was inevitable. Shame crawled through his body and it intensified the blush that coated his skin.

Mein Gott! I'm abandoning my country!

He forced himself to stand up straight, but his limbs were shaking. His skin still felt extremely hot, and it didn't help when he looked into Italy's slightly concerned face.

He is a very attractive man. Of course, I'm just making an ovserva…

Germany mentally smacked himself before he could finish the thought. He quickly averted his eyes to his feet and stammered, "Training is canceled. I-I don't feel very vell…"

"Veh, you don't look to good, Germany! What you need is a nice bowl of pasta! Let's go to my house!" Italy burst out with that joyous voice of his.

Germany instantly panicked. He didn't think that he could handle going to Italy's house in this state. Not when he was so confused and disoriented. He breathed in shakily and said, "I-Italy, I don't think-"

"I'll make the potatoes again!"

Ugh….

Germany cursed himself. Italy was just being generous. It would be foolish to refuse him because of he was questioning his sexuality.

Plus, if he was cautious about it, he may be able to get the Italian to spill a bit more about his relationship with Holy Rome. Maybe Germany could even tell Italy about his visions. Maybe Italy knew something that could help him with this…

Still avoiding the other nation's eyes determinedly, Germany sighed and responded in a gruff voice, "Fine."

"Terrificante! I'll ask Japan if he wants to come too! Veh, we could have a party! Well…that is if you feel better. But don't you worry! My pasta can make anybody feel better!" Italy exclaimed.

Germany's insides fell. He didn't have a problem with the Asian nation, but he just…didn't want Japan to go to Italy's house as because he wanted to spend some time with just. ..

Nein! Nein! NEIN!

This is courteous acceptation of hospitality with an added opportunity of gaining knowledge about these damn visions! Nothing more, nothing less!

Italy is my ally! I don't see him any other way.

Really.

"Hey Japan! Japan!" Italy called out to the panting Asian nation, who was bending forward, his hands on his knees and sweat dripping down his face.

"Germany cancelled training today because he doesn't feel well. So we are going to my house for some pasta! Do you want to come?"

Japan's eyes trailed over Germany suspiciously and the Aryan nation immediately looked away. Japan already had the feeling that something was off about Germany today.

Japan stood up and winced slightly. "I am sorry Itary-san, but I have other business to attend to."

Italy sighed. "Veh, Japan, you are such a party pooper. Just because you are a decrepit old man doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself once and a while."

Japan looked like he wanted nothing more than to just leave. However, the Asian nation was used to the strange Western treatment of his allies by now, so he just shrugged it off.

"Maybe next time."

Germany instantly felt himself perk up at Japan's decline to the invitation. He would be with Italy all alone!

…Awkward silence…

Why was he so happy about this?

Anhalte, arschloch!

"Italy, I feel better. There is no need to…ACK!"

Italy smiled down at Germany, who was sitting on the red sofa at the other nation's house. To Germany's dismay, the Italian man had shoved a thermometer right into the Aryan nation's mouth.

"Veh, hold still Germany. I'm just taking your temperature…hmm…why are you so red?" Italy asked with a slight frown on his face.

Germany knew that his blush had nothing to do with his "illness."

Italy slipped the thermometer out of Germany's mouth and looked down at it, a cute frown still present on his face.

Cute? Nein. Absolutely not!

"You do have a bit of a temperature," Italy stated before he gently placed his hand on Germany's forehead. The blonde nation immediately stiffened under the other nation's touch and his heart started to pound violently against his chest. Every part of his skin tingled and he knew that if anything, his body temperature just skyrocketed by about ten degrees.

Italy withdrew his hand and the bright smile reappeared on his face. "I know what to do! Just lie down and make yourself comfortable! I'll be right back!"

With that, Italy bounced off toward the kitchen. Germany's eyes were glued to his back, his breathing hitched and his state of mind completely frazzled. The blonde nation breathed in and positioned his body so that he was lying on his back, his head against the arm rest of the couch. He felt extremely awkward in this position…almost vulnerable. He cleared his throat slightly and shifted his arm to the right. When that wasn't comfortable, he shifted his arm so that it was closer to his body.

A few minutes later, Italy came back with his characteristic smile and a wet towel in his hands. Germany groaned inwardly as Italy approached him and gently placed the freezing wet towel across his forehead.

"There! You'll be all better soon! The pasta is on the stove and I peeled the potatoes too!" Italy reassured Germany before sitting on the other end of the sofa, upon the armrest.

Germany sighed and closed his eyes. "Danke, Italy."

And he truly was thankful. Yes, the Italian man may be irritating, a bit useless at times, and cowardly, but he did have a big heart. He was honestly one of the nicest people that Germany has ever met.

And despite what Austria thought about his choices in allies, Germany wouldn't have it any other way.

After a few minutes of pondering, the blonde nation opened his eyes and let out another shaky sigh.

"Veh, what's wrong Germany? Do you feel alright?" Italy asked from the other end of the couch. Germany did feel a bit less flustered. The intense flush had disappeared and his heart had settled down. He felt content as he lay on the couch, with a good friend watching over him.

"I feel a lot better," he answered lightly.

"That's good! I always get worried when you don't feel well…" Italy trailed off. Germany hoisted himself up to look at his ally with a curious expression on his face. There was something off about the other nation. Italy's usual boisterous voice seemed to be tainted with a sort of sadness.

Germany could see it in his posture as well. Italy's shoulders were slumped slightly and his face was tightened into one of concern. His eyes were fixed on nothing in particular, and he looked like he was reminiscing something.

"Italy? Are you okay?" Germany asked, frowning.

Italy immediately attempted to pull off a smile, but Germany could see that it did not reach his eyes, which were actually fully open for once…showing off the liquid amber that seemed to glow with intensity. Germany had to admit that he had incredible eyes.

"Veh, I'm fine. I'm just…well…a bit scared, that's all," Italy responded, his voice choking on the last few words.

Germany felt a curious feeling fill him. What was that? Pity? Empathy? Sentimentality?

He was not used to this at all and it scared him.

"Italy…" Germany started to say, but he was cut off by a small sniffle. To his alarm, he saw that tears started to spill out of Italy's eyes.

Dammit!

Germany didn't deal well with crying people. Yes, he has seen Italy cry before, but that was out of foolish cowardice…or if he ran out of pasta.

He had never had to deal with something like this before.

"I'm s-so a-afraid of being alone! I don't want t-to fight! Veehh, I don't w-want anybody to d-die! I don't like f-fighting against the other nations. I w-want it to stop…" Italy choked out.

Germany sat there, frozen. Part of him said that he should go over there and comfort him, but he knew that he would probably just make the whole think awkward. But he didn't want to appear insensitive…after all; the Italian nation was spilling his heart out to him.

Italy wiped his eyes and took a huge shuddering breath. He turned his head to look straight at Germany, who stiffened under the other nation's intense gaze. "Veh, I'm sorry, Germany. I've probably made everything extremely awkward."

He didn't know what it was. Maybe it was his vulnerable facial expression, his red cheeks, his wide tear-filled eyes. Nevertheless, Germany found himself scooting himself closer to Italy and hesitantly wrapping his arms around the Italian nation.

At first it was a strange feeling, showing open affection like this. Yet, Germany found that it wasn't hard for his muscles to ease into the embrace. Italy's bodily reaction reflected shock at first, but then his body also responded to Germany's embrace.

Immediately, the nostalgia engulfed him again. He was leaning in closer and closer to the little girl's face…the girl with the copper curl…no it was Italy. It was Italy…

Germany felt his heart beat increase once again and his skin was tingling. He allowed himself to look up into Italy's face. The other nation's eyes were still wide open, his mouth slightly open.

Suddenly, Italy looked away and his face was pained again. "I just hate being alone."

Germany sighed and slowly let go of Italy, setting his arms at his sides and staring forward. His mind was swirling, his cheeks were heated, and his heart was jumping to his throat.

Vhat is going on?

"Ever since the 900's, I have always loved you…"

That line had been replaying over and over in his head like an endless tirade. Germany didn't know how to feel about it. It caused a swirl of emotions to ignite his whole body…a swirl of emotions he knew was his…yet they weren't…

Italy sighed and said, "I'm afraid of losing you, Germany. I don't want you to die like he did…"

His voice sounded much more mature, losing its vibrant tone. Germany was shocked and didn't know what to say. He swallowed slightly and his throat seemed to thicken. His chest constricted and his eyes stung.

Mein Gott! Am I really crying?

Germany quickly wiped his eyes and gritted his teeth. He didn't realize how much he actually cared about his ally until now. He didn't like seeing Italy upset. Not at all.

And Italy may be known as a happy oblivious man, but Germany now understood that it wasn't necessarily true. His friend had a lot of fears… a fear of being alone, a fear of losing people he loves…

Because he lost someone when he was a child. It's only natural, isn't it?

He lost his Holy Roman Empire. And for whatever reason, Germany was receiving visions from this lost nation. Or…he thought he was.

Vhat do you vant me to do?

Germany knew that questioning a dead nation in his head wouldn't help, but he still did it subconsciously.

"You know…" Italy said in a quiet voice as he turned his head to look back at Germany, whose breath hitched under the other nation's gaze.

Italy sighed and said in a weak voice, "You remind me so much of him."

Germany gulped and opened his mouth to say something…anything…

But he didn't know what to say. His whole body was on fire. Did Italy just compare him with Holy Rome? How was he supposed to feel about that? The intense plethora of emotions overwhelmed the Aryan nation as he stared at Italy, his mouth dry and his heart jumping out of his chest.

Italy suddenly jumped up. The other nation's cheeks were blazing red as he attempted to wipe his tears away.

"V-Veh, I have to go check on the pasta. I think it's time to strain it…"

Germany was taken aback by the sudden flustered action from Italy. He just sat there, silent, staring at his ally, who was now stuttering violently.

He didn't know what to do.

So he just stayed where he was, frozen, and watched as the other nation turned around and quickly bounded toward the kitchen without another look backwards.