Never, in all his life, has England been so glad to be molested. He doesn't even care how touchy-feely the Frenchman holding him up is being. What matters is that France is there at all.
"Angleterre, what ever happened to you?"
England grips France harder, and his mouth turns downwards into a grim slash.
"Germany."
The jovial look on France's face slips away, and he pulls England around to face him, placing his hands on either side of England's face. There is no romance to his face, now. England would have slapped him if there had been. They both remember the Wars. France especially. France remembers what had happened last time.
"Let us go inside, Angleterre. We have things to do, I see."
"You really think we can stop him again? France, the bloody fucker has Russia on his side again."
"You remember what happened last time. Their alliance won't last long."
"Things are different, France. Germany is different. I'll... tell you inside. It's not something I want to say out in the open."
---
Germany is happy. He is happier than he'd been in a long time. He is going to be strong again. He knows it. Russia is with him, after all. But Russia isn't enough. Even with Belarus. They need...
"Privet, Germany."
Russia sits down beside him. He is chuckling. Germany likes that chuckle.
"Russia, we need someone else."
They are never going to be strong otherwise. Germany wants more help. He slides his knife along his arms, and feels the delicious prickling as the skin splits apart. Who, though, who? Who is strong enough to stand beside him? Not Austria, not Hungary, not Japan, not Canada or anyone. They are all weak and stupid. They are so content to stay as they are, and never go after power. Germany likes power. He has it in his hands again, finally. He will never let it go.
"You are not thinking of betraying me, are you, comrade?" Russia leans over and places one gloved hand on Germany's face again. It is not a kind touch. There is malice and violence in that touch, even if Russia is barely touching Germany's face.
Germany looks Russia in the eye, and he grins. He reaches out, and places a hand on Russia's face as well. Russia looks at him for a long time. Then he grins, and pulls his hand back slowly. He will not hurt Germany, Germany knows this.
Germany will not hurt Russia, either. Russia understands him. He will lead their little alliance to victory, but it will be Russia who supports him, who keeps him from straying from his path.
