Disclaimer- dont own hetalia
Note- thank you for all the wonderful reviews
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Leos stood in a dirt field, fenced in with barbed wire, the sky grey and bleak stretching to the horizon. In his hands was the lamb Germany had given to him. Still in his night gown he panicked.
"Papa Germany? Where am I? Papa!" He called and began to walk the length of the field. On the other side of the fence was Germany. Leos ran to him, crying. Germany held his hands out for him to stop.
"Halt! Leos!" Just before the fence, Leos stopped. Germany looked long and sad into Leos' eyes. A butterfly passing in between them.
"Don't you want me anymore Papa Germany?" Leos asked, the butterfly landed on the barbed wire, a horrid hissing sound and a pop, the insect was zapped and fell dead on the ground.
"Pa... Papa?" Leos whispered. Germany reached through the gap in the barbed wire and held out his hand. Leos laid his hand in Germany's, sobbing on the sleeve on his uniform. Germany leaned forward more, his face tired. Slipping, he fell on the wire.
"Papa!"
"Papa!" Leos screamed, he clutched his stuffed lamb and leaned forward into his quilt. From down the hall Germany's heavy footsteps rushed to his room. He felt the warm, muscular arms of Germany wrap around him. The scent of his sweat, the soap his clothing was washed in, and the musky natural smell he always carried with him calmed the boy. Leos leaned into Germany's chest, listening to his heart.
"Did you have a bad dream?" He whispered,
"Yes," Leos whispered back,
"Would you like to talk about it?"
"No," He curled up against Germany. Sighing Germany pet the boy's hair and waited for him to settle down.
"Would you like to sleep in my bed tonight?" Germany offered, Leos nodded and Germany scooped him up.
"Tonight only, okay?" Germany had said that phrase about three times in the past month. About once per week, Leos had a nightmare bad enough to wake everyone. Most of the time, he cried softly into his pillow, which still woke Germany. An ache nipped inside Germany's chest each night as Leos would cry alone. Desiring to burst into the boy's room and at the very least be there while he wept was all Germany wanted to do. He had done it once but Leos had curled away from him. From then on, Germany only came in when Leos cried out for him, which wasn't as often as most other children would. He figured.
Germany looked at his bed, the sleeping Italian was curled up to the side of the bed closest to the stove. The bed was barely big enough for the two of them, but Leos' tiny body made little difference. Lifting the covers he positioned Leos between them. Leos turned on his side and cuddled against Italy, Germany laid on the opposite side.
"Papa," Leos whispered,
"Mmmh?" Germany moaned, half asleep,
"I love you," He breathed,
"...I love you too,"
ooooooooooooooooooooo
By morning Italy and Leos were in each others arms, sleeping like stones, with a blush of warmth on their faces. Germany looked on as he dressed and groomed himself. Leos stirred a bit, opening his eyes just enough to see Germany before moaning and sitting up. Following his 'Papa' into the bathroom, Leos stepped up on a stool that Germany had made for him and they washed together. Carefully combing his hair Germany smoothed back any strays with a damp hand. Leos had tried this once, but his locks where far thicker and unruly compared to the older man's. Instead he combed his hair straight and took equal time making sure it was perfect.
This had been their morning routine for quiet some time. Italy, as usual, opted out of his training and instead woke up hours later preparing breakfast. Every morning after breakfast, Leos was weighted and heart checked.
"Your doing well Leos, you've gained one kilogram in the last few weeks." Though Germany said this with a smile the boy was still dismally under an ideal weight. Though it seemed Leos would eat just as much as a grown man, his ribs still protruded, hip bones poked through his taught flesh, the only thing that didn't look ill was his face. Always round and blushed, his eyes bright.
The mundane routine was interrupted by a knock on the door. Germany walked from his study to the door, his work out clothes still on and stained with sweat. A solider stood in the door way, immediately Germany stood straight and called hail. The solider did the same and handed him a telegraph.
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Leos stood at the edge of Germany's desk, his eyes peering over the table. Germany's fingers trembled lightly as he read the telegraph. Flipping over, he set it down and rested his forehead on his palm. Sneaking up to his side Leos gently tugged at Germany's arm.
"Papa?" He whispered,
"Leos... I," Germany looked a away for a minute. Swallowing hard he turned back and smiled. "Lets take the day off and play, just you, Italy, and I." He said. Leos smiled and took off into the kitchen to announce the news to Italy. The Italian's high pitched cry of joy made Germany twitch a bit and rub his ear.
"Is it true? No training? No work? Oh, Germany please say Leos isn't joking with me!" Italy exclaimed as he ran into Germany's office.
"It is true... One day, that is it," Germany said with his arm folded on his chest.
"Oh! Thank you Germany! Ve-" Italy leaned over and kissed Germany's cheek. The man instantly blushed. Leos stood on his tip toes and did the same, following Italy back into the living room. Germany pushed the warm feeling in his chest down and stood up.
"So, where would you like to go?" Italy asked, Leos shrugged. Besides trips to get groceries and mail, Leos had never been beyond the picket fence of Germany's yard.
"Lets go to the park... There will be other children there and Leos can enjoy himself." Germany suggested,
"And we can get candy!" Italy said,
"No candy, I need to start saving and the park is good free fun. Candy is expensive..." Germany said.
"But... It's so good," Italy mumbled,
"Well, there are some dried mint leaves in the cupboard... Knock yourself out." Germany said,
"Chewing on leaves? Eck, I rather eat potatoes," Italy muttered. Germany looked to the side a moment.
"In the back of my sock draw is a little tin can, it has about three Reichsmarks in it. Bring one, and we will see what sweets we can get with that." Germany said, Italy shot up the stairs, the sound of the dresser opening and Italy rummaging through Germany's undergarments made him tense a bit. Italy bolted back down and appeared with the money in hand.
"Thank you Germany!" Italy's face was bright,
"Danke Papa," Leos said.
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The park was located in the eastern part of the town. Germany had driven there to avoid tiring Leos out and parked along the street. Leos had been watching in awe as they pulled up to the small area. A playground was set up for children while walk ways and ponds with landscaping was bustling with young couples. Germany walked around and opened the door for Italy and Leos.
"Germany is being so kind today, Ve!" Italy said. Leos grabbed Germany's hand, instantly nervous.
"It is okay, go play. They are no more dangerous than Italy," Germany said,
"Hey," Italy protested, Germany's smile stop all defensiveness. Gently prodding Leos, Germany sent him off in the direction of the nearest swing. The men took a seat on a bench across the play area, close to the pond. The sun was covered by a blank of clouds, which made the grey playground bleaker. Germany had on a black trench coat which went down to his knees. Italy, a green military coat and hat. For a moment they watched Leos as he was accepted in with the other children.
"Italy... My boss is invading Poland tomorrow... This will result in war." Germany said, Italy looked at Germany. His eyes wide. "This may be one of the last times I can afford to treat you two right. From here on out, things are going to get pretty tight. I will be working constantly... Scraping together cash... It is going to be an intense conflict." Germany sighed. Italy leaned over and gently grabbed Germany's arm with both his hands.
"Don't worry Germany! I will train extra hard! No more slacking, I can help. And don't worry about food or money, I'll work another job. We'll be fine." Italy insisted, but Germany cast his eyes down.
"The time for training is over... It is time for action." Germany said.
"You don't want to fight... Do you?" Italy said,
"I would like to be one with my Prussian brother, I would very much like that land between us. But my boss is aiming for all of Poland, which is mostly Slavic. It's not like Austria. It is truly provoking and threatening others... I am so sick of fighting." Germany said. Italy wrapped his arms around the German's chest.
"So... Germany took Leos and I out one last time for fun? You are really nice Germany," He said. Germany slowly moved his arm to hold Italy in closer.
"...Why don't you go choose something sweet from one of the shops, Italy?" Germany whispered.
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All day, the pseudo family relaxed. Italy had retreated some warm pastry, an exceptionally rare item with all the rationing and strict production of flour. Simple, they were glassed with melted sugar and sprinkled with just a pinch of cinnamon. Leos sat between the two men, licking at the glaze on his pastry. The sky was turning dark, as if it were to rain. Discouraged their last day of peace would end in rain, Germany quickly thought of something else they could do. He escorted them to a small shop on the edge of town, full of small luxuries. He purchased an old book and a game of checkers. Just as they left, the rain began to drizzle down.
Once home Germany threw a log of wood on the fire and laid out a blanket on the wooden floor. He set the game up for Italy and Leos, while he retired to the couch with the book he bought. Italy and Leos lay on their stomach, looking at the board game. Slowly they matched each other and then fled. The game going nowhere as far as progress. Germany was comfortable in his robe as his eye's skimmed the pages.
A growl of thunder cause Leos to jump.
"You okay?" Germany asked, Leos nodded and continued his game. Suddenly Leos stopped, curling his hand around the black checker piece.
"No." Leos said, "I'm not okay," He placed the checker forward one pace on the board. His tone was completely causal, no distress.
"What is wrong?" Italy asked, Leos shrugged,
"Something just doesn't feel right... Papa," He turned, "I want to tell you something... Something that happened to me before." He said.
"Oh, a memory? Let me guess about Prussia?" Germany asked,
"No, about a nightmare... Papa, you'd never lock be behind fences right?" Leos asked,
"Of course not, in fact my boss is working to expand the Germany territory to bring us all together." Germany said,
"Okay, just checking," He said. It was the first time he mentioned the contents of a dream before. Germany wanted to prod further,
"Is there anything else about this dream you want to share?" Germany asked,
"No," Leos said,
"Alright then," Germany answered and turned back to his book. Italy moved his checker forward. Thinking carefully, Leos picked up his piece and jumped five of Italy's red checkers. Italy's jaw dropped,
"H-how did you see that?" Italy asked,
"This isn't my first time playing checkers, Mr. Italy," Leos confessed, "Papa Prussia made me play... I didn't understand chess so he said this was the next best thing. Something about learning to claim regions." Leos shrugged, Germany chuckled.
"I only have one piece left," Italy said, "You beat me," Leos smiled and began to gather up the pieces.
"Wanna play again?" Leos asked,
"I should start dinner, maybe after," Italy said as he reached across the game and ruffled Leos' hair. Leos watched Italy disappear into the kitchen before turning and crawling unto the sofa. He curled up with Germany, resting against his chest. Germany allowed his head to fall gently against Leos', but continued reading. Leos faked reading along, soon growing bored and turned his attention to playing with the loose threads of the robe Germany wore.
"Papa?"
"Yes?"
"You won't leave me, will you?" He asked, Germany was silent.
"That depends on what you mean by leaving..."
"So you will..." Leos said,
"... I have to leave tomorrow... For work... I can't always be working from home."
"Can I come with you?"
"No," Germany's voice was firm, "My work is dangerous... It is no place for a chi-" Germany cut himself off. "It just would be better for you to stay here... Italy will look after you while I am gone. I'll be back though," Germany said. Leos curled tightly against Germany.
"Papa, would you mind if I asked you another question?" Leos whimpered, Germany nodded. "First I had Papa Prussia, then I had you... But who is my first papa?"
"I don't know," Germany said,
"Why wasn't he around when mother hit me? Or burned me? Where did he go?"
"I don't know," Germany said softly, "I am your Papa now, I'll never let that happen."
"Would you ever hit me?" Leos said,
"Only if you were severely misbehaving, which you never do, so I wouldn't worry." Germany said. Leos pursed his lips and looked back at the book.
"Papa, what are you reading?"
"Something that caught my interest on the shelf, but I doubt you'd enjoy it much. It is written in Hoch Deutsche*." Germany said,
"Imma help Mr. Italy," Leos said as his wiggled from Germany's arms.
"Alright, Son," Germany said softly.
Like a line of beached whales the three of them were laid up on the floor, stomachs bloated and to the side, watching the fire. As it twisted and popped, all three lost themselves in their own thoughts. After a long day, Germany had let his hair fall into its natural place and rested his chin on his hand. His other arm wrapped protectively around Leos who's eyes were struggling to remain open. Italy watched them with a smile, slowly sneaking closer. Like a lion looking over it's young, Germany gave a protective glare but then softened his expression.
"Hug?" Germany asked,
"Hug!" Italy wrapped himself around the muscular man. "Germany should lay down more often! It's easier to hug him!" Italy announced.
"Italy," Germany said but never spoke after.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Germany stood in the entrance to the house dressed in his uniform. The array of medals and badges won from countless struggles adorn his breast. His leather belt and shoulder strap held his bullets and canteen. A gun on his back and a helmet with the eagle etched into the sides. Kneeling down he opened his arms and let Leos cling to him.
"I'll be back soon, okay? Be a good boy for Italy," He whispered,
"I love you Papa," Leos said burying his face into Germany's shoulder. Germany stood and looked at Italy.
"Hug?" Germany said while holding out his arms. Italy flung himself at his friend, crying into him.
"If its too hard just retreat okay? I showed you how to make a white flag!"
"Italy!" Germany paused and took on a softer voice, "I am counting on you," Germany smiled and turned away.
Prussia stood with the same uniform he wore back when he was a Kingdom. A sword at his side and elaborate accents on his coat, it looked ridiculous for the modern warfare. His face was serious, his eye narrowed as Germany approached.
"You sure you want to do this?" Prussia asked
"No," Germany muttered, "But its not up to me," He turned to the rows of troops lined up awaiting orders. Planes were fueling on the run ways, tanks in the back loading their cannons. The men before him cut from the finest stock, disciplined and trained in a familiar fashion.
"Attention!" The troops instantly stood at attention and focused forward. "We are going to begin the battle into Poland. Our mission, to unite those Germans lost to the Slavic land. We must take the capital Warsaw. We will march deep into the country and reclaim our fellow men." Germany paced the lines as he spoke. "You all have been briefed on your specifics before hand. Your commanders are watching and looking out for you so be sure to keep at least one radio on in the group should you need to split from the main army. Your path may change much depending on the resistance. May God bless your souls."
Germany looked down at the map of Poland. Several officials by his side, they plotted alternatives in emergencies, planned stops, and refueling stations. Once the latter was set Germany clicked on his radio.
"Air force has green to take off," He said. The roar of the propellers could be heard from the green tent the men were sitting in. Each one of the plains flew once over and then circled, heading south east toward their target. In his head he counted off each plane until he last one was too far to be heard.
"Ground forces move out," He said, the tanks roared to life and began their slow journey after the planes. The sound of thousands of men marching behind them. Germany rose to his feet and placed a helmet on his head. Prussia with him, only he drew his sword and eyed his brother.
"Ready?"
"No," Germany said as he walked from the tent.
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By the time Germany and Prussia caught up to the troops, the battle had pushed deep into the country. A wake of death and blood marked the trail the army had taken. In the distance the distinct sound of bombs landing echo rhythmically across the country side. Germany leaned over on the dashboard, looking over the carnage. It was nothing new, just more dead than before. Prussia turned away, covering his eyes.
"Brother?" Germany asked, Prussia remained quiet. Germany looked over the dead again, nothing he saw was unusual. Surely Prussia had seen worse. Germany gestured the driver of the vehicle to move on. As they rolled into the field, Prussia turned his attention down to the floor and held his hands to the side his face, blocking the few of the dead.
"Brother, are you okay?"
"You don't see it, do you?" Prussia whispered,
"I see brave men who died for their country... Lives that, grant it, should not have been spent like this. It's horrid, but it is war." Germany reasoned.
"No, not that..." Prussia paused, "You will see one day little brother... You will see it," Prussia said nothing more and flinched from his brother's kind hand. Germany took the hint and focused on the path they were going down.
The battle was getting closer, the cries of anguish grew as they entered the destroyed city. It had been taken, victory was moments away. In the distance the troops of Poland clashed with Germany's. At its head, Poland commanded his armies, but was slowly being pushed back. Panic on his face, he caught a glimpse of Germany.
"Bastard!" He shrilled, Germany cocked his gun and aimed.
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Reviews let me know how much demand there is. ^^
*Hoch Deutsch- "high" German. It is the standard dialect German, kinda like the Standard American English... Which Americans don't use anyway... Any how German probably more closely described as having accents so thick according to region that they needed to developed a form of German to be easily understood by all Germans.
