Chapter 7: Beer

Japan-

Watching the two brothers celebrate Romano-kun's victory was enough to bring a smile to even Japan's stoic face. Romano-kun not only allowed Feliciano-kun to hug him, but also gave him one in return. They began babbling together in Italian and Feliciano-kun danced merrily around his brother, swinging his arms over his head.

And why shouldn't they celebrate? Why shouldn't Romano-kun look so pleased with himself? Why shouldn't he hug those boxing gloves to his chest as though they were some grand trophy?

He had done it.

Finally, he had proven to himself that he could be strong. Perhaps the blow he'd landed on Germany had only been a small one, so small that Germany-san hadn't even let out a grunt, but it was a blow, nonetheless. He now understood that he was neither weak nor cowardly – he was untrained. He could learn to be just as strong as any of the world's great powers.

"Did you allow that blow?" Japan asked quietly as he moved to stand next to Germany-san. Together, they watched the rejoicing brothers.

With a blush, Germany-san looked away from the Italy brothers and Japan. "Self-confidence is a great motivation. If he believes he can accomplish a task, he won't have an excuse not to do it." Then he sighed and his shoulders slumped a little. "Feliciano isn't meant for war. It just isn't in him to fight. I'm glad that you suggested another vein of training for him. Lovino, however, has enough spirit to grow into a legend – like his grandfather."

"If I may ask, why do you call him 'Lovino' rather than 'Romano'?"

Germany-san shrugged. "You know I'm simple. I think it would get very confusing to call them both 'Italy'. And Feliciano doesn't mind that I use his personal name. If I use his, it seems only fair that I do the same for Lovino, doesn't it?" He paused and fidgeted a moment, glancing nervously at Japan. "And you… Do you think I should call you…? Ah! Not all the time, of course, I wouldn't in public, if you don't like, but…"

It was Japan's turn to flush. Even China, his own big brother, had never asked for the intimacy of using his personal name. But he trusted Germany-san as he trusted few others and Germany-san was nothing if not sincere. He would not ask if he didn't feel that they were close and, honestly, Japan was flattered by the question, rather than insulted. "I would be most honored if you were to call me Kiku. May I…?"

"If you wish, you may call me Ludwig."

Japan thought, as Germany-san blushed, again, that for all of Germany-san's strength and fierce disposition, he could just as adorable as either of the Italy brothers.

Clearly embarrassed by his blush (which only made him blush all the harder) Germany-san whipped around, away from Japan, and barked, "Enough of this lazing about! We haven't all day and training is important. Feliciano, you go with Japan to do your training."

Feliciano-kun blinked in surprise from where he sat on the grass with his arms around his big brother. "I'm not training with you?"

"No. I told you – you have different training, now."

Doubtfully, Feliciano-kun looked at Lovino-kun who was still beaming at his boxing gloves. He looked unhappy, but did as he was told and walked a short distance away with Japan. Once they were settled in the far corner of the garden, well away from Germany-san and Lovino-kun's boxing lessons, Japan sat on a large boulder and motioned for Italy-kun to sit with him.

"Germany-san and I have been discussing your training for some time now," Japan told Italy-kun. He paused, sorting out his thoughts and trying to make them sound as least insulting as possible. "Fighting… it's just not… you. Do you understand?"

Italy-kun smiled and nodded rapidly. "That's just what I thought!"

Japan blinked. He should have known that such a thing couldn't possibly insult Italy-kun. "I'm glad that we're in agreement. Germany-san was worried that you would be upset."

"He was?" Italy-kun's eyes went wide and he looked back over to where Germany-san had gotten Lovino-kun back on his feet. "Really?"

"Really. Now, you did such a very good job taking care of Germany-san when he was hurt that - "

"I did, didn't I?" But Italy-kun's bright face faded almost at once and he leaned a little closer to Japan. "He's still hurt."

"Germany-san is very smart and he knows how much everyone depends on him. He will take care of his health."

"But…" Italy-kun didn't have nearly so much tact as Japan and kept watching Germany-san. "Sometimes he doesn't take care of himself. He doesn't sleep enough and sometimes he forgets to eat. I don't think he cares much about himself."

That Italy-kun could be so perceptive was shocking. "Then you and I will have to look after him, won't we?"

"Yup! And big brother!"

"And big brother. Of course. Now, as for your new training – Germany-san and I have decided that you will be better suited to being our team's medic rather than another soldier."

It was a risky judgment, but Italy-kun had done a passable job cleaning Germany-kun up after he'd been injured and he was a caring, sympathetic sort of person, but he was also flighty and easily distracted. Still, Germany-san had insisted that Feliciano-kun was quite able to do the job.

No matter what Germany-san said, it appeared that Italy-kun had doubts. His eyes grew wide. "Ah… I don't think that's a very good idea."

Japan pushed aside his own reservations. "You need to have more confidence in yourself. Wait here a moment." He went back into his house and brought out a book about basic first aide. Opening it to the first page, he set the book on the ground between the two of them. "We'll start on page one."

Later, after only a couple of hours of training, Germany-san called a halt for everyone.

"Yay!" Feliciano-kun cried, throwing his hands into the air. "Germany! My brain hurts – it's too full!"

"You'll live," Germany-san said, completely unrepentant. "Studying is good for you. Did you listen to Japan?"

"Yes, Germany. I was really good. Wasn't I?" He turned to look at Japan with hopeful eyes.

"Very." Japan closed the book he and Feliciano-kun had been studying out of. "You worked hard and you remembered most of what we read." In truth, Japan had been more than a little surprised that Feliciano-kun had remembered so much of their lessons. He seemed to remember better when they read the lessons aloud rather than quietly and he could easily memorize the diagrams and drawings in the book. "And now that morning training is over, I think we should all relax for our vacation. We only have today and tomorrow, after all."

Again, Feliciano-kun cheered. To Japan's surprise, he turned to Japan and took his hand. "Let's go sight-seeing! You saw all of my home and now I want to see yours. We can go, can't we? It'll be lots of fun and I think you must have some really nice museums here because I saw some of your art before and it was great except for the porn, that kind of surprised me and maybe scared me just a little, but that's okay because if you want to show it to me I want to see it. And maybe we could go see other things, too. And talk to people. I like talking to people and you've got so many here. And shopping! We should go shopping because I want to wear a pretty robe like yours. Do you think I can get one that's pink and green and black and orange and…"

"Eh?" Romano-kun wiped the back of his hand across his sweaty forehead. "You're going out? Take that one with you, too, then." He jerked his thumb at Germany-san. "Try to see if you can get him into something at least a little fashionable."

Feliciano-kun froze. He bit his lip, cast a cautious look at Germany-san before he inched a little closer to Japan. "Oh… oh, no. I'm sorry. It's sight-seeing for just me and Japan. Is…" He kept his eyes carefully on Germany-san. "Is that okay, Germany?"

"What the Hell do you mean – is that okay?" Lovino-kun burst out. "Number one, stupid little brother, you don't have to ask permission from him, it's Japan's house, isn't it? He's the one you should ask. Number two, you're on vacation. You shouldn't even have to do the damned lessons if you don't want to. What are you thinking? Oh, I forgot. You don't… ah." His words faded away when he noticed Germany-san watching him. "I mean…oh, damn."

"Of course you may go, Feliciano." Germany-san's face had gone frighteningly blank. "Have fun and be good. Call if you need me."

"We will!" Feliciano-kun was on his feet at once and pulled Japan to his. "And you and big brother have fun here. Big brother likes gardens and flowers so you should stay out here and enjoy the sun. And eat something good because that's always nice." Then he took off, running into Japan's house and holding Japan's hand all the while.

Japan said nothing as he was pulled and only when they were in the room that the Italy brothers shared did he ask, "I thought you might like to have Germany-san with us. You always seem to enjoy his company."

"Do you think I hurt his feelings? I didn't mean to." Feliciano-kun didn't look at Japan as he rummaged through his bag and pulled out clothes more appropriate for going out into public. "He should get to know big brother. They don't know each other much at all. And look how nice training turned out. Just a little while alone and big brother stopped calling Germany names. That's good, isn't it?"

"I'm sure Germany-san appreciates it." Japan hesitated, and then turned around to give Feliciano-kun some privacy (whether he wanted it or not) as he changed his clothes. "Perhaps Romano-kun simply needed more exercise to put him in a better mood. If it's what you wish, I am happy to show you around my home. However, I do think you should spend time with both your brother and Germany-san before we go back to Germany-san's house."

"I will, but I want them to have time together, now. I really want them to like each other. I want them to be happy." He stepped, now fully dressed, in front of Japan, smiling just as broadly as ever. It was a strained smile and there was no merry sparkle in Feliciano-kun's eyes. "Let's go now, yes? There's so much to see and I worked so hard this morning."

Japan knew he could say something about the tomato ring, but he felt fairly certain that Germany wouldn't be thankful for anyone, even Japan, to be sticking their nose into his business. Who was he to interfere in personal relations? It was just rude to assume that he knew best. After all, Germany HAD proposed and Feliciano-kun, for whatever reason, hadn't accepted. He would hope for their happiness, but little else. Of course, nothing said that he couldn't try to nudge things in a favorable direction. So he smiled and said, "We ought to get going or the shops will be full. I know a store that makes the most beautiful kimonos. You'll look nice with big, red flowers, I think. And maybe we can find one for Germany-san; perhaps something brown or green."

Germany-

Somehow, it wasn't much of a surprise.

Feliciano clung to Japan's arm and held his hand. They sat comfortably together while studying, smiling and talking and laughing. Feliciano had been so happy to study with him and he'd been able to concentrate much harder than he'd ever been able to when Germany had sat with him and tried to make him read.

Feliciano was clearly in love with Kiku.

Could be worse. At least Kiku was trustworthy. He would take care of Feliciano and make sure that he stayed out of too much trouble. He would also make Feliciano very happy – they had many similar interests such as art and each had a rich, old culture. It was a good pairing, really. Certainly, Japan could offer Feliciano things that Germany couldn't, such as his unending patience and his calm disposition. It would be good for Feliciano to have someone close to him who wouldn't yell all the time – like Germany did.

The pain in his chest could easily be ignored.

"Hey," Lovino poked him on the arm. "You gonna cry?"

Germany snorted. "Of course not. Go take a shower and when you come out you may have some free time to relax." He started to turn, then stopped and turned to face Lovino with narrowed eyes. "You swore."

"Oh, come on!" Lovino started to back away. "It was only a little one!"

"Big or little, you'll learn to mind your mouth and remember the rules." Germany took Lovino by the arm. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? Or that I'd forget the rules?" That was, of course, pure foolishness. He rarely ever forgot anything and rules had always been important for him. He had to admit, though, that Lovino was showing admirable progress in a very short time. It was the boxing, he decided. A good dose of sweat did wonders to improve one's attitude; sweat and a soapy mouth.

After that little duty had been taken care of and Germany made a note to buy more soap the next time he went shopping, he allowed Lovino to shower while he spent some time organizing the last of his paperwork.

No matter how much he did, there was always more paperwork and -

A terrible howl rang through the house. "Germany!"

Germany ran. In the hall just outside of Japan's bathroom, a dripping wet Lovino huddled against the wall with a white towel wrapped around his waist. Several feet away from him stood a tall man wearing robes and a white mask that covered only his eyes. He was broad at the shoulders with stubble on his chin and was reaching one hand out towards Lovino. Without much thought, Germany charged.

There was kicking and punching and Lovino cheering from the side. Germany, who never did think much about 'playing fair' managed to knee the invader in the crotch before punching him in the side of the head. When his enemy went limp, Germany, huffing and puffing stood up and looked Lovino up and down. "Are you hurt?"

"No. Just…" He held the towel at his waist so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. "He just surprised me." Lovino's face turned red and he couldn't quite meet Germany's eyes. "I was gonna fight, but… he was just… there."

"Turkey has a fierce reputation. That he would just walk into Japan's house, though…"

"I walked in," Turkey groaned from the floor. "Because I have an open invitation. Japan happens to be a good friend of mine." He rubbed his head and sat up, scowling at Germany. "Boy, that's not very hospitable."

"I didn't invite you and therefore you are invading." Germany crossed his arms coldly and turned his head just enough to address Lovino without taking his eyes off Turkey. "Go get dressed."

Turkey chuckled as Lovino hurried away. "Such a cute kid."

"He's mine."

"Yours? You seem to be collecting a lot of nations lately, haven't you?" Despite his cheery smile, there was a coolness in Turkey's voice. "You've got the other Germanic nations, then the two Italy's, now Japan… my friend, Japan. My very good friend, Japan." Turkey didn't bother to stand, but sat, cross-legged on the floor where Germany had knocked him down. He leaned easily back on one hand and smirked up at Germany. "I'm welcomed in this house – you know I wouldn't be able to be here if I wasn't. So sit with me and talk, child."

Germany glared. "I am hardly a child."

"You're nothing but a runny-nosed brat who grew too fast." Turkey waved a hand in the air, negligently. "I was ancient before you took your first steps, so, to me, you are a child. Now, sit down like a good child, and tell Uncle Turkey what's got everyone in such a state."

"State? What state? And you are NOT my uncle!" That title was only ever – and only when they were alone – used for Austria; Austria who had given him his first puppy and taught him to bake and had held him when he'd had nightmares. This stranger was nothing more than an invader as far as Germany was concerned and until he could speak with Japan on the matter… no. Wait. He did remember Japan mentioning Turkey. Mentioning him quite often. "I should tie you to a stake and let Lovino use your stomach for target practice."

The grumbled threat made Turkey laugh which, of course, only worsened Germany's mood. "Saying things like that only makes you look more like a kid, child. Sit and relax." His eyes glittered behind his mask. "You know I'm no real danger to you or your allies – not now."

True. While Turkey had once been a grand empire, his power had significantly diminished over the centuries. Still, Germany didn't sit. "Well, you can't stay here. Japan is busy and as this is his house - "

"I told you, I'm not here to see my friend. I'm here to see my patient. Sit down and let me see your head, foolish child. It still hurts, doesn't it? And it's been what? Two days, now? From what Japan said, it wasn't a horrible wound. Just a bloody cut. And I see you're still bandaged. Sit and let me look at it." He waved at the floor in front of him, but when Germany didn't sit, Turkey laughed louder than ever. "Are you afraid of me? Big, strong Germany with his lofty ambitions? Afraid of this old man?"

The wound did need to be looked after, Germany conceded. Though he wouldn't admit it, it did worry him. He'd been gravely wounded before, but such a small injury shouldn't be lingering so. And Turkey was well known and respected as a healer of skill as great as Ancient Greece had been and China was. There was no one better suited.

Germany turned his head and bellowed, "Lovino!"

He didn't come running as Feliciano would have, but poked his head around the corner just enough to see what was going on. "What?"

"Get over here."

Lovino hesitated only a moment before he slunk, fully dressed, out from his hiding spot. He stood so that Germany was between himself and Turkey. Germany pulled out his pistol and pressed it into Lovino's hands. "Stand here," he took Lovino by the arm and moved him until he was standing next to Turkey. "He's going to examine my wound. If he attacks me, shot him in the head."

Lovino's eyes grew wide. "Now… just wait…"

"I know you can shoot."

"But what if I miss? You'll be right next to him and if I shoot you little brother will never forgive me, not that I care what he thinks! But he whines so much and I just know he'll cry, again, and this time he'll blame me! And if your head's still not well; shooting you can't do you any good. You might die!" Lovino was shaking, by then, though he kept Germany's gun pointed carefully at the ground and held his fingers well away from the trigger. "You die and I'll spit on your grave!"

It was just another case of Lovino getting himself worked up over nothing. Germany took Lovino by the shoulders and bent down far enough that he could look Lovino right in the eyes. "You won't accidentally shoot me. I won't die."

Lovino just shook all the harder and he scowled so darkly that he almost managed to hide the fear in his eyes. "I might shoot you on purpose."

While Lovino might run away if his fear overcame him, he wouldn't shoot Germany in the back. Germany knew that was so, because Lovino wasn't bad. He was angry and sad and felt so weak. He was undisciplined and spoiled. He was scared and bitter. Despite all of that, he wasn't bad. "You won't shoot me on purpose. There's nothing to be afraid of. You have the gun. You can blast his face off if you think he looks even a bit suspicious. I trust you."

For some reason that Germany didn't entirely understand, whatever he had said shocked Lovino into silence. He wiped his eyes with the heel of one hand, then gave Germany a sharp nod before he slipped a finger onto the trigger of the gun and stood just far enough out of the way that Turkey wouldn't be able to grab him if a fight did break out.

It felt downright wrong to have Turkey pawing at the back of his head, but Germany sat in front of the man and allowed him to do as he said he would. Once again, the bandage was unwrapped and he felt the stinging pain as the wound was inspected. To his credit, Turkey was far more gentle with his touch than Germany thought he would be.

"You're in trouble, child." Turkey rewrapped Germany's head and then gave Germany a light slap on the shoulder, signaling that he was done with the assessment. "That should be well-healed over by now."

"You think I don't know that?" Germany pushed himself away from Turkey and stood. A glance to Lovino showed that he was pale, but steady. His eyes and the muzzle of the gun were focused on Turkey with grave intensity. "Why don't you tell me how to heal it or why it isn't healing well?"

"Don't you have anything to smoke?" Turkey asked, abruptly. "Or drink? A coffee would be nice. Your sense of hospitality really is abysmal."

"I didn't ASK you to drop in!" Germany put a hand lightly on Lovino's arm and when Lovino finally drew himself out of his focus enough to look at him, Germany took the gun and told him, "You can go back to what you were doing. Good job, soldier."

Lovino flushed at the praise and scampered away as fast as he could. Not that Germany blamed him. To have only a few hours worth of training and then have an invader sneak into the house must have been nerve wracking, at the very least.

"And you," Germany scowled, again, at Turkey, whom he felt was entirely too at ease in Japan's house and, therefore, needed to be scowled at. "Even if I had any cigarettes or any coffee, I certainly wouldn't give them to someone who invites himself over without even a word of warning."

"That brother of yours did a lousy job teaching you manners."

"They were never his strong point."

"Clearly. Your head… there isn't a way to heal it. You can keep it clean and wrapped and treat it with care, but that's about all. Something is hampering your overall health – something to do with your people. Your head won't heal until that something is dealt with." He peered up at Germany. "And your eyes are blood-shot. You aren't sleeping well. When did you last eat?"

Too long ago, now that Germany thought about it. How long had it been since he'd eaten well?

"As I thought." Turkey said when Germany didn't answer at once. He stood and stretched his arms over his head. "Japan is as efficient as ever and followed my instructions, well. Take it easy for a while. You heed my advice though," He put a hand to his mask, as if to ensure that it was still in its rightful place. "Look after your people. They are you. If you want to be strong and healthy, then they need to be strong and healthy. Don't rely too much on your BOSS to do it for you."

"That is his job."

Turkey was quiet for a long time. "Child, the BOSS of a nation is only human – small, weak, and fallible. Don't trust in him too deeply. After all," he pointed a finger at Germany's chest where, under his uniform, he wore the little star sewn to his shirt. "He makes you wear that mark, doesn't he? Then he yells at you because you wear it."

Germany felt himself go pale. It was supposed to be a secret. His BOSS was going to be so angry! "How… how did you know about that?"

"I'm old – not stupid. Have you figured out why he wants you to wear it?"

"It's a mark."

"Obviously. What's the mark for?"

"For some of my people."

Turkey leaned forward a little and whispered, "Why don't you take it off?"

"I can't do that!" Germany gasped, scandalized.

"Why not?"

"My BOSS told me not to!"

"So? You are Germany. You are your land and your people. Him? He's only some mortal man. He'll be dead soon enough and dust not long after that. Take off the star."

"He's not only a man!" Germany protested. "You don't understand. I was almost dead after World War I. I came so close to death that I could nearly taste it. I could hardly move and I was alone." His mind flashed back to that day when he knew he'd lost that war, when he'd been face-down in the mud of a silent battlefield. The pain… then numbness… such overwhelming fear. "He saved me! My BOSS came along and he saved me and all of my people. I owe him my life. I owe him my loyalty and obedience. I owe him trust and I will not question him on such petty things as a simple star sewn to my shirt. He has reasons for what he does. He might not tell me his reasons, but he has them. All that he does is for my good, in the end. After all, why would he save me, only to hurt me?"

Turkey's feelings were well hidden behind his mask. "I see. You really are an innocent child. Well, if that's how you feel… I think I'll be on my way, then. You tell Japan that I was here. I'll come again when I'm more welcomed. Imagine! Such thanks that I get for coming so far! Tumbled not five minutes after arriving. I wasn't going to hurt the boy."

"He seemed to think you were." Germany held his gun tightly, still suspicious and more than a little upset from the questioning about his star. Truthfully, he didn't understand why he needed to wear it, but if his people were forced to wear it, then he would, too. That was how it was – even if he was just a touch worried because his BOSS wasn't explaining everything. "Was that all you came here for?"

"All?" Turkey laughed and rubbed at the back of his neck. "All? Was that ALL I came for? Child, you really have no concept of your importance, do you?"

Importance? He wasn't important. Germany knew quite well that he was just a soldier. His BOSS made very certain that Germany never forgot his place.

"Japan," Turkey went on, "is my friend. He is one of my very few friends and you hold a good deal of sway over him. He listens to you. He respects you. When you go into battle together, he stands at your side, certain that you will do all that you can to keep him safe, just as he will do for you. He trusts in you, believes in you. To put it simply – his safety depends on you. I have to make sure you stay healthy so that he won't be endangered. So… yes," Turkey nodded, solemnly. "Seeing to your wound was all I came here for." He gave a slight bow. "Have a good day."

"Good day to you, too." Germany stood at the door of Japan's house and watched until Turkey had gone from sight, but as he stood there, he couldn't entirely believe what Turkey had said. Germany wasn't important. He was a soldier – a simple soldier. He obeyed orders and did his very best to keep things in his house in order, but that was all. And Japan surely didn't depend on Germany, he was far older and had a great wealth of experience that Germany couldn't hope to match. As for Italy, well, neither of them had to rely on him. Lovino showed signs of being a capable, respected nation. And Feliciano, well… he could be great, if he wished to. Not as a solider, surely, but he could be great in other ways. And, Germany knew, as soon, once Lovino was decently trained, Feliciano would undoubtedly turn to him for protection. Or perhaps Feliciano would go to Japan.

Turkey had gone from sight by the time that morose thought echoed in Germany's mind.

He didn't want Feliciano to rely on anyone else… no! Selfish!

Germany went back into Japan's house and did as he'd done just a short time ago in Italy's house – he started locking doors and windows. Turkey may have turned out to be relatively harmless, but China and Russia lived nearby and America wasn't too far away, either. He went around twice to double check the locks and then went to the room that Japan let him borrow to do the paperwork. There, huddled in a corner with his knees pulled up to his chest, Lovino sat in a corner of the room and glared as Germany. His arms were wrapped tightly around the boxing gloves Germany had given him, as if he would be stronger just by holding them.

"I wasn't scared!"

"You shouldn't lie to me. I may not be very smart, but I'm not an idiot."

Lovino started to tremble, but didn't take his eyes away from Germany. "Shoving a gun at me like that and saying you trust me? Trust me! I wanted him to attack you so bad!"

Germany blinked. "Why?"

"So I could shoot him! I really wanted to pull the trigger." Lovino's eyes were shining with angry tears. He tensed and Germany glanced around to make certain that there was nothing breakable in arms reach. Lovino started hitting his fists against the floor on either side on his legs. Over and over, he beat the floor, breathing raggedly and his face turning red with agitation.

Germany, who remembered how Lovino had hurt his hand by punching a wall, got down on the floor and grabbed Lovino's hands. It was easy enough to stop him from hitting the ground, it didn't stop Lovino's tantrum. He threw his head back and hit his head against the wall so violently that Germany was afraid for him and yanked Lovino away from the wall. As a parent might do with a small child, Germany pulled Lovino onto his lap. He slung one leg over both of Lovino's and wrapped his arms around Lovino, pinning his arms against him. The only thing Lovino could move was his head and then he could only hit it against Germany's chest – surely softer than a wall.

"Leave me alone! Stop it! Leave me alone!" Lovino shouted at the top of his lungs.

Germany ignored the yelling as well as the thrashing and twisting, but Germany held Lovino tight. When the fight seemed to ease away from Lovino, Germany asked,

"Are you calm, yet?'

"Yeah, yeah. Let go."

Hesitantly, Germany let go of his hold. As soon as he did, Lovino squirmed away. He picked up his fallen boxing gloves and, again, held them to his chest, like a child holding a doll. They sat in silence for a time until Lovino got himself together.

"Don't hurt yourself."

"Why not?" Lovino asked, not looking at Germany. "It's not like I'm hurting someone. It's only me."

"That's enough of a reason." Germany sighed and ran a hand over his hair. "I think I need to get you a punching bag so you'll have something to hit when you get angry. You don't want to upset Feliciano, do you? He'll cry if he sees you hurting yourself." It was a bit of a dirty trick, but Germany was bright enough to use what weapons he had. Feliciano was definitely Lovino's weak spot. "And if you truly want to be strong, then you need to take care of yourself. Hurting yourself makes you weaker." He gestured roughly to Lovino's hands. "Your hands are going to be sore for a bit – we'll have to postpone your next boxing lesson."

Lovino looked stricken. "It's all Turkey's fault!"

"He didn't make you hit the floor."

"I need a drink! You brought beer, didn't you?"

"I thought you didn't like beer."

"I'll like it for today."

Germany saw no reason not to share his beer, so he left Lovino alone and spent the rest of the morning working on his paperwork. He barely looked up from his paperwork when he heard Japan and Feliciano return, but he did, almost without thinking about it, put a hand to his chest. The tomato ring was just where it always was, safe under his shirt. With the promise he'd made to Hungry oddly fresh in his memory, Germany drew the ring out and let it rest against the outside of his shirt.

Feliciano bound into the room with a package under one arm. Germany, when he turned to face Feliciano, barely noticed the package. Feliciano was a rainbow. From head-to-toe he was dressed in all imaginable colors. He wore one of the elaborate kimono's that Japan was so fond of and it was covered in hundreds of multi-colored butterflies. Reds and greens and yellows and orange and purple… Germany felt like his breath had been stolen away.

"Look! Look!" Feliciano held his arms out at his sides, dropping the package, and spun in a circle. "Isn't it pretty? Japan bought it for me! I think it's really great, but the shoes are kind of funny." He hiked up the hem of the kimono to show off the sandals he wore. "It's so soft – Japan said that it's real silk. Do you like it?"

"Yes." Germany blinked and put a hand to his chest where the tomato ring lay. How fitting, he thought, that Japan would find something to show Feliciano off so splendidly. If they were going to be lovers, then it was only right that he should buy such rich gifts for Feliciano. "Very pretty. Beautiful."

Feliciano bent over to scoop up his package and held it out to Germany. "I'm so glad! Look, I got one for you, too. You should go put it on. I think…" He hesitated for only a moment. "I think big brother will like it on you."

"Me? Why- ?" He broke off abruptly when Lovino, three sheets to the wind, staggered in with an empty, glass beer bottle in one hand.

"Hey," Lovino slurred. "Your beer's rubbish."

Feliciano went to Lovino and poked his cheek with a finger. "Big brother? You sound funny."

"And you look funny." Lovino poked Feliciano on the nose. "You gots my face."

Feliciano wrinkled his nose. "Ew! You smell like Germany's beer!"

"And you smell like Germany's wurst." He burst out laughing hysterically. He stopped so suddenly that it was jarring. He shook his finger at Germany. "If that masked turnip shows up again, I'm gonna rip his ears off and throw them in the sea." He belched, loudly.

"Turnip?" Feliciano asked, puzzled.

Solemnly, Lovino told him, "Not allowed to swear. Get soapy mouths for swearing. I wanted to. That turnip deserves to get sworn at. That jerk! He grabbed me, once. I was real little." Lovino's eyes lightened and he leaned against the wall, looking away, as if there was something that only he could see. "Spain came, you know. All dressed in his fine armor… he was shining in the sunlight. Turkey was so much bigger than he was and he fought… for me. Just for me." Lovino gave a small, shy smile at the memory as he stared into midair. "He was strong and bright, all valor and goodness. He fought to keep me safe and he got hurt doing it, too, but he didn't care." Lovino's smile faded and he swallowed hard, as if it pained him. "I was so happy that he came for me. And now that…"

While Lovino wasn't quite at the point of falling down drunk, he was nicely tipsy and that, obviously, made for a talkative Italian.

Germany asked, "How much of my beer have you drunk?"

"Not enough." Lovino giggled and then suddenly looked like he'd cry. He sniffled. "I don't like this. I feel yucky."

Being nicely tipsy also, obviously, made a childish Italian.

Feliciano hugged Lovino and didn't let go, as if he were afraid that Lovino would fall without him. "Why were you drinking? You hate it when people drink."

"But I got scared and angry and I wanted it to go away and Spain drinks and he never remembers anything," Lovino whined. Fat tears slid down his cheeks. "He got drunk and he didn't even remember!

That night. Said he didn't know why I was angry. Stupid, stupid Spain." He leaned against Feliciano and closed his eyes. "He could hardly stand up and he was laughing and his laughing shouldn't be scary."

And then Lovino was bawling. He rushed at Germany and Germany suddenly found himself with an armful of soggy Italian that was NOT Feliciano.

Germany patted Lovino's back and waited as patiently as he could for the crying to lessen, but it didn't. In fact, Lovino kept sobbing for such a long time that Germany started to worry for him. Lovino dropped the beer bottle and didn't so much as flinch when it clanked loudly on the floor and rolled away. He kept his face pressed against Germany's shoulder and his hands clenched at Germany's shirtsleeves. Germany felt the tears soak through his shirt. Lovino began to gasp, as if he couldn't breathe because he was crying so hard and he started to shake.

Naturally, Lovino's distress panicked Feliciano. Poor Feliciano tried to comfort Lovino with hugs and stroking his arms and even a kiss to the temple. He begged Lovino not to cry and told him that everything would be alright. None of it did any good and Feliciano ended up crying, too.

Germany, who prided himself on always being prepared for whatever emergency might pop up, did the only logical thing he could think of. He held Feliciano and Lovino tightly and bellowed, "Japan!"

"No! Don't tell!" Lovino struck Germany on the chest, even as he kept crying. He seemed to be trying to talk, but he couldn't. His breathing got more and more ragged, the more he cried. His legs went out from under him and Germany ended up lowering both Lovino and Feliciano to the floor as gently as he could.

When Japan arrived, he took in the scene with a glance, then left the room and returned a moment later with a glass of water. "Romano-kun?" He sat on his knees next to them and gently patted Lovino's cheek. "You need to take a drink. It will help you calm down." It took a bit of encouragement, but Japan managed to coax Lovino off Germany and had him take a few sips of water which did seem to help. "I think this has been a rough day for you."

Lovino shook his head and held the glass with both hands. "Bad night. Bad week. Bad life. I hate him!" He slung back the rest of the water and gulped it down. Then he looked at his lap and his lips started to quiver as he tried to fight back more tears. "Why… I don't understand."

Ever sensitive, Japan took the glass from Lovino and set it aside. He took Lovino's hands and held them. "Spain can't touch you, here. My shores are far from his land and his power. My house is well-guarded. No matter how he hurt you, it is over, now. You can stay in my house forever, if you wish. You are safe here -safe to rest and think and decide what you wish to do without the world pressing at you."

Lovino stared at Japan while he was speaking. "Rest? I'm so tired. Always tired. There's always fighting and I'm always scared." He suddenly lay down and used Japan's lap as a pillow. "I like your house. It's quiet."

On any other circumstance, Japan would have been mortified to have been used as a pillow. However, Germany held up the empty beer bottle for Japan to see and pointed at Lovino. Then he pantomimed chugging the empty bottle. Japan almost smiled and nodded his understanding. He continued patting Lovino's back. "Why don't we get you to bed, then? Time for a good, long sleep."

"Don't want to sleep. He was drunk, then. I think I'm drunk," he gave a pitiful sort of giggle and raised a hand up to wipe at his wet face. "He went out drink and when he came back he got in my bed." Lovino sniffled. "He never did that, before. It was dark and maybe he was being stupid because he was drunk, but he woke me up and I was scared." Lovino pressed his face into Japan's lap. "He's not supposed to do that! Not supposed to scare me! Supposed to be safe with him."

"And you didn't feel safe when he got in your bed?" Japan asked, softly.

Suddenly, Germany remembered Lovino's accusation on the night he'd gone to Italy's house to help with their tangled hair. When he'd started to get into their bed so he could help them more easily, Lovino had accused him of being just like Spain. Lovino's reaction made a good deal more sense, now.

"He always takes care of me. Protects me. 'Love you, Lovi. Let me cuddle, just a little. You love me, Lovi?' He kept touching…" Lovino started to cry, again. "I was scared and it was dark and I didn't know what to do. I was scared… so scared."

Japan had always had a very good 'empty' expression. No matter what he felt, he could always keep it under control. This time, however, there were sparks of anger dancing in his eyes. "Did Spain invade you, Romano-kun?"

He'd denied it when Germany had asked him, but as he was so tipsy and talkative, he surely wouldn't deny the truth, now.

"No." Lovino nuzzled into Japan's lap, bringing a bright blush to Japan's face. "I cried. And then I kicked him in the family jewels. He fell asleep and drooled on my pillow." Lovino closed his eyes and muttered, "Damned 'Tonio." Then drifted to sleep.

Germany, scowling so darkly that he may as well have had a thundercloud hanging over his head, took a deep breath. "Japan… Kiku. Please, forgive my poor manners, but would you mind playing host to Feliciano and Lovino for another day?"

"It would be my pleasure, but why?"

Germany stood and pulled out his pistol from its holster. A quick check proved that it as loaded. "I need to have a word with Spain."

"Wait." Japan gently eased Lovino onto the floor. "I would be honored if you would allow me to go in your place."

Germany raised an eyebrow. "You wish to speak with Spain about this situation?"

"If you go, then I think you may not be able to stop yourself from killing Spain. It is my belief that Romano-kun would not appreciate that, despite what he just confessed."

Japan did have a point, Germany had to admit. He didn't really intend to have a nice, civilized conversation. His plan lay more along the lines of threats, blood, and a lot of screaming on Spain's part. He had a feeling that it would relieve a good deal of his anxiety to see Spain as a blubbering mess on the ground.

The idea of Japan going on such a mission, to discuss such an offense against their ally, was troubling – and not just because it would deny Germany the satisfaction of shooting Spain in the face. Japan was even smaller than Italy and he was rather delicate. If Spain had, as Germany suspected, reverted to his older, more violent ways, then Japan could very well be in danger. He was such a soft-spoken, gentile person. Of course, Germany knew that Japan was a respected warrior, but still… he was small and cute and, as Lovino could testify, Spain wasn't to be trusted around small, cute nations.

"You do trust me, don't you, Germany-san?"

"Of course."

"Then trust me with this task. You get Romano-kun cleaned up and to bed. I will speak with Spain." The lack of an honorific – either a 'san' or 'kun' wasn't lost on Germany. When Germany said nothing, for a moment, Japan stepped closer to him and lightly touched his sleeve. "Please? Italy is MY ally, as well, and I would be most grateful if I were allowed to speak in his defense."

It would be insulting to forbid Japan to do as he wished. "Spain is not weak." Germany reached a hand up to rub at his head. "My head still rings from that blow he dealt me. You must be careful."

Japan smiled, softly. "I am always careful. And, as I said, I do not intend to fight him. If you will pardon me, I think I will change into more appropriate clothing for this meting." He gestured down to his customary outfit. "I think something more formal would be more suitable."

When Japan had left the room, Germany picked Lovino up. Together, he and a strangely quiet Feliciano put Lovino to bed to let him sleep the spirits off. When that was done, they returned to Japan's front porch just in time to see Japan walking down the street. "I'm sure he won't be long," Germany said to reassure Feliciano, who would undoubtedly be worried. "He's stronger than he looks and… Feliciano?" He turned around, but found that he was alone as Feliciano had dashed out of the house and towards Japan. "Feliciano? Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm going to go with Japan," Feliciano announced, cheerily.

"After what Spain did to your brother? You are not!"

"Don't worry. Spain won't do it, again."

"Feliciano, don't be silly. Hey!" Germany shouted when Feliciano ignored him and raced away. "Get back here!"

"I have to catch up with Japan! Bye-bye! Take good care of big brother!"

Germany was torn. He wanted so badly to chase Feliciano down and drag him back, but Lovino was drunk and vulnerable and, for all that Germany knew, Turkey was still lurking about. He couldn't leave Lovino unprotected. Feliciano would be with Japan; he'd be safe. They'd both be safe. His decision made, Germany shouted, "Stay with Japan and do what you're told!"

Feliciano waved, again, and then was gone, running as fast as he could.

Germany shook his head. He just KNEW it was going to end badly. When he heard furious cursing followed by the rather unpleasant sound of retching from where he'd left Lovino, he sighed. "The things I do for my allies." Again, the retching. "Hold on! I'm coming!"

To be continued…