A/N: Poor Romano ;A;

More Prussia, thus, more swearing ( though Romano and America are frequent perpetrators as well).

A couple nations joining us in this lovely chapter (about time, right?)

Also, anyone who knows the lyrics for this chapter is officially amazing 8D

Onward!

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"The man who's a dreamer and never takes leave,
Who thinks of a world that is just make-believe-
Will never know passion, will never know pain;
Who sits by the window, will one day see rain…"

oOoOoOo

"AUGHGODFUCKINGDAMMIT!"

"Classy."

England was changing Prussia's bandages, having been the only without something to do at the moment the albino woke up, though he suspected the others had done it on purpose. He didn't blame them either, as Prussia was currently screaming in ear as he disinfected the wound again. His red eyes were narrowed in pain, and he look (as America had put it) pissed as hell.

"Yeah, well you could have been more fucking CAREFUL when you're cleaning a guy's injury like that! Gott, Iggy, that fucking HURTS."

"Really? I couldn't tell." England grumbled sarcastically, and Prussia opened his mouth just as Italy opened the door, peeking his reddish hair through the small opening.

"Ah, h-hello, England. I-I was just coming to see how things were going."

"They're going fine, Italy." England replied, sighing. "Are you supposed to be up yet?"

"Ve, I was just going to the restroom when I head Prussia's yelling. I wanted to make sure nothing was happening to him."

England felt his features soften as Italy pushed the door open and walked the rest of the way into the room with slow steps. Germany had told them to give him painkillers every six hours, but Italy refused, saying it was his only tie with Romano at that moment. He wanted to make sure his brother was alright, and so far all he felt was a dull ache in his chest and the pain from his own wounds, which was a relief.

"He's fine and dandy, Italy. The sodding pussy just needs to grow up."

"I'm not a pussy. No one awesome like me can be a pussy." Prussia retorted, but he turned to look at Italy who was now at his bedside, and he smiled wearily. "Hey there, kid. How're you feelin'?"

"Fine." Italy replied, looking sad as England rewrapped Prussia's back. "M-mi dispiace, Prussia-it's my fault you got hurt."

"Oi, don't apologize." Prussia's mouth crooked up in a lopsided grin. "It was my ridiculous plan to begin with. Lud was going to go batshit with worry otherwise."

"Still…" Italy twisted his fingers nervously. "You didn't have to do that. I-I was fine staying at that house…"

"You mean being held prisoner." England grumbled, and Italy flushed.

"Ah, well, s-si, you could say that…"

"He was, kid, and you can't deny it. Damn French bastard." Prussia grumbled, and Italy shook his head jerkily.

"N-no, I don't think Francia is all that bad. He's just confused, a-and stressed…"

"It's still not acceptable, Italy." England told the smaller nation. "He had no right to hit you, or keep you locked in his house."

"He's right, kid." Prussia smirked. "Though I hate to admit it. But he isn't being very fair at all in this fucking war. I mean, who in their right mind is going to stand up to Russia?"

"B-but we have America, right?" Italy asked, and England sighed.

"That we do. But Alfred's boss is already talking about pulling him out of this war, and frankly, France has more likelihood of gaining allies. He is, after all, on the mainland."

"You have bruder, though." Prussia said, leaning back onto his pillows. "That's gotta count for something, right?"

"It does." England replied shortly, running a hand through his golden locks. "But it's not enough. We need more support."

"I can help." Italy piped up, but both Prussia and England shook their heads, the latter laughing.

"Sorry, kid, but you need to stay here and keep out of this."

"You shouldn't have been brought into it in the first place. That sodding wine freak should have known better."

"B-but I want to help!" Italy cried softly, and Prussia reached out and touched his arm.

"We know you do, kid. We just want to look out for you."

"That's all anyone does." Italy whispered, and Prussia was surprised at how sad his voice sounded. He smiled, punching Italy in the arm lightly.

"Hey, don't make it sound like that. We know you can take care of yourself."

Italy didn't say anything, but he was staring at his bare feet (now bandaged once more). His face was hidden by auburn bangs, but Prussia had a feeling that he was crying by the way his shoulders were shaking. Prussia pulled him down onto the bed, wrapping his good arm around Italy's thin shoulders.

"Hey, hey, don't go crying now or West'll have my head."

"M-mi disp-p-piace." Italy sobbed, but Prussia just let him bury his head in his shoulder. He was a bit uncomfortable, but he started patting Italy's back reassuringly.

"It's alright, kid, I guess you can cry if you need to…"

England tiptoed out, politely leaving them alone. Italy kept crying for several minutes, until heavy footsteps sounded outside Prussia's door. He pulled away from the albino, scrubbing his eyes on his sleeve as Germany flung the door open.

"Feliciano! Don't scare me like that."

"Oh, Ludwig!" Italy's voice was bright once more, and Prussia raised a pale eyebrow as Italy ran over to Germany and pulled him into a crushing hug. "I'm sorry! I just wanted to make sure Prussia was alright!"

"You're supposed to be in bed." Germany grumbled, but he noticed Italy's reddened eyes when the shorter nation looked up at him. He brushed back Italy's hair, frowning. "Were you crying?"

"N-no, of course not." Italy lied, but when he saw Germany's annoyed expression he bowed his head and amended. "Si. I'm sorry, I know you always tell me not to cry, b-but…"

Germany sighed as Italy's eyes welled with tears again, and he drew the small man against his chest. Italy gave a small squeak of surprise, but then he allowed himself to snuggle into the other's warmth. Germany let him, and that admission surprised Prussia. Germany had never been one to let people get close to him, but with Italy he didn't seem to mind. In fact, if the small smile on his brother's face said anything, his brother seemed to enjoy having Italy cuddling up to his chest. Prussia hid his smirk behind his hand, and Germany glared at him.

"Don't you dare say anything." The younger brother grumbled, and Prussia just chuckled.

"I won't."

Germany just glared at him, leading Italy out of the room and down the hallway back to the room Italy used to share with his brother. The thought made Italy cry again, and Germany stroked his hair, shushing him softly.

"Shh, Feli, it's alright, you're okay now…"

"B-but f-fratello, he's still a-at Francia's h-house…what if he gets h-hurt?"

"He won't, Feli." Germany assured him, though he wasn't that certain himself. "Your brother can take care of himself. You just worry about taking care of yourself, alright?" he ruffled the shorter man's hair affectionately. "Let me worry about everything else."

"B-but…" Italy trailed off as Germany connected their lips in a soft kiss. Italy's eyes widened in surprise, then drifted shut again. It was what he'd wanted all along, and it felt so right that, even with what was happening, he felt a small bubble of happiness well inside him. It didn't pop, either, when Germany finally drew back, a light blush on his pale cheeks. Italy chuckled, poking one of them.

"Aw, Ludwig, you don't have to be embarrassed."

"Sh-shut up!" Germany's blush deepened, and Italy laughed, tweaking his nose.

"That's so cute~! I made Ludwig blush!"

Germany growled, putting Italy in a light headlock, making sure not to hurt the other nation through his teasing. He noogied Italy's head, scowling playfully.

"Damn you, Feliciano!"

They both suddenly froze as a loud laugh sounded from the stairs. Germany cursed as America strode into view, wishing he'd taken Italy inside his room.

"Aw, that's so freaking cute! Look, Japan, Germany and Italy are being all cutesy!"

"Ve, Japan!" Italy pulled himself out of Germany's arms, skipping over to the short man. Japan smiled faintly, though it quickly turned to a frown when he noticed the bandage peeking out Italy's collar, and the one across his cheek.

"Italy-kun." Japan put his hands up to stop Italy from jumping on him. "Are you sure you should be up like this?"

"Ve, Japan, I'm fine, really!" Italy's lie was so transparent it made his old ally's heart pang. "Ludwig already treated them, and I took some awesome medicine this morning!"

"Is that so?" Japan muttered, turning his head slightly to see America laughing and giving Germany crap about his display of affection. However, the latter's gaze was still on Italy, and Japan could see the deep concern in his blue eyes. Japan sighed, turning back to face Italy as they young man grabbed his hand.

"Ve, that's right, you haven't visited since the end of the war! Come on, Japan, I can show you the new decorations I put up!"

"Ah, I-Italy-kun, really, shouldn't you be resting…?"

"Ja, he should." Germany put his arm around Italy, drawing the young nation back toward his room. Italy gasped, pouting when he leaned his head back.

"But Ludwig, I don't want to rest, not..."

Germany looked into the amber eyes of his lover and saw the end to that sentence written in them quite clearly;

…not without my brother…

He sighed, scooping Italy up and, ignoring the whoops of America and Japan's startled gasp, began walking off toward the guest room he had been using.

"Fine, then, you'll just have to rest in here."

"Ve, Ludwig?" Italy looked confused, but then he smiled. "You mean it? You won't get mad at me?"

"Of course not." Germany grumbled, trying to hide his blush, but Italy giggled again.

"I made you blush twice~!"

"Feli…"

Italy just laughed again, but his eyes were already drooping. Germany sighed, knowing that it meant Italy had been pushing himself in order to remain strong in appearance. Well, as strong as Italy ever looked. But then again, who had ever really looked that deep? Germany felt a frown making its way to his face as he tucked Italy into his borrowed bed. He turned to leave the room, but the he felt a slight tugging on his arm. When he looked down he saw that Italy had grabbed his sleeve, his brown eyes still partially open.

"Stay…?"

Germany hesitated, but only for a moment-he took off his coat, pants, and his shirt, until he was wearing nothing but his white undershirt and boxers. He then joined Italy under the covers, letting the other nation snuggle into his chest, sighing contentedly. The sound was enough to drive away any of the nervousness Germany felt, and he brushed back Italy's hair again, feeling Italy twitch when he brushed against the curl on the side. He stopped, but Italy just shook his head and murmured sleepily.

"Nn…feels good…not bad…"

Germany raised his blonde eyebrows, but he resumed his actions, and Italy sighed happily. After less than five minutes, Italy's breathing evened out, and the hand that had been curling in Germany's undershirt relaxed slightly. His hand dropped, resting on Italy's shoulder, and he let his own eyes drift shut. Well, a little nap wouldn't hurt. Besides, it was the only way to make sure Italy stayed in bed. Yes, that was why he was doing it, definitely not because…he swallowed, but let his body curl protectively around the smaller one next to him, and in moments he joined his lover in the realm of sleep.

oOoOoOo

"You're going to join us?"

Japan nodded, looking down at the cup of tea in his hands. England had brewed it for him, and they were sitting down in Italy's kitchen to discuss the reason for the Asian country's visit. England's thick eyebrow's shot up when Japan explained.

"Hai, I am. I have carefully considered it, and I think it is best to join your side in order to protect my friends and my family. Also, China-san would like to join as well."

"China?" England's eyebrows shot up as high as they could go. "He's going to join our side? Why in the name of the Queen would he do that?"

"Because Russia has been pestering him to join France-san's side, but he's also threatened him. Yao-san doesn't want his people to be hurt, and he knows exactly what Russia is capable of. I am certain you do as well."

England felt a chill run up his spine, and he nodded.

"Of course I do. I've seen Lithuania, and the other Baltics. I've heard many accounts from other nations as well, from the wars…" England's voice trailed off, another shudder running through him at the memories. He'd been one of the countries to aid the one's whom Russia had trampled over, and was so entirely shocked at what he found. Prussia and Hungary had been the worst-it had taken them years to even look at Russia without running out of the room. And they were the strongest willed too…

"Hai, and I don't want that to happen to anyone." Japan bowed his head, black hair veiling his brown eyes. "Especially Italy-kun."

"None of us want to see him get hurt." England assured him, voice surprisingly soft. "In fact, I don't want to see anyone get hurt. But…well, this is war, isn't it? Someone's going to get hurt…"

Japan just nodded solemnly, realising as he stared down into his tea cup that it sounded more like a premonition than anything…

oOoOoOo

"Roderich!"

Austria winced as Hungary flung herself onto him, her strong arms pulling him to her in a crushing embrace. He winced, gasping.

"Elizabeta…Liz, that hurts…"

"What? Oh, sorry!" She let him go, staring into his violet eyes, a deep frown on her face. "How was Ludwig?"

"He was fine when I left him. He said he was going off to England to find out where Prussia went."

"Eh? Gil went missing?" Hungary couldn't help crying out, suddenly worried. Austria sighed, shaking his head.

"It's not that he went missing, per se…it's more like he went off to do something stupid. Again, I might add."

"Eh? What is he doing? Does this have to do Italy?" Hungary's green eyes widened, and Roderich knew her well enough to know the deep worry harboured in them. After all, Hungary had taken care of little Italy back in the days he lived with Austria and Holy Roman Empire. She had become greatly attached to the other nation, and was one of the ones who visited as often as she could. When she'd heard the news of France's capture of Italy she had been horrified.

"I don't know if it does, but from what I could tell, he's just trying to help his brother. Ludwig and Italy got together." He felt his mouth twitching-he was unsure of the new relationship between Germany and Italy, but he also felt a small bit of happiness at the thought. Elizabeta's mouth turned up in a smile, and she clapped her hands together happily.

"Finally! Oh, I'm so happy for them-I always told Italy that he just needed to wait."

"Well, Ludwig is stubborn." Austria agreed, finally making his way past his ex-wife and into the living room. He sat down on the couch with a sigh, rubbing his temples wearily. He felt the couch dip down and then a hand making circles on his back in a soothing way.

"Is it that bad?" Hungary asked him in a soft voice. Austria nodded slowly, another sigh merging from his mouth.

"Germany was bombed pretty awfully, Liz. England is going to retaliate-he has to, really. But that just means it's too late to back out of this war."

"I know." Hungary whispered, adding in an even softer voice. "Roderich…you're going to join England's side, aren't you?"

Austria nodded again, leaning back so he was looking into her soft green eyes. She was frowning, but he also saw that there was a sort of determination in her eyes, one that reminded of him of just how protective his ex-wife could be.

"I have to, Liz. They're going to need help they can get, with Russia on the opposing side."

"I know." Hungary said again, a small smile on her lips. "And besides, despite the fact that you always act aloft and uptight, I know you really want to protect them. Right?"

"Yes." Austria admitted, trying to bow his head again, but Hungary put her fingers under it and drew it up so that he was looking at her again.

"I will join them too, Roderich. I will help you."

"What? No, you can't." Even though they weren't married, Austria still felt panic run through him at Hungary's words. "You need to stay out of this, Elizabeta."

"I can't, Roderich. Not knowing that you, and Geramny, and poor Italy have been dragged into it already." Hungary smiled sadly. "Besides, who's going to be your backup otherwise?"

"Liz…" Roderich sighed in defeat, knowing better than to protest anymore. "Fine."

She smiled, kissing his forehead before moving off of the couch. He blinked in surprise, following her with his eyes.

"Where are you going?"

"To see Italy." She replied, smiling. "And I'll let England know of our plans. You just got home, so you're going to need some rest."

"Wait, Liz-"

"I'll be back before you know it." She replied, still smiling as she shut the door behind her. Austria watched the door close, and then let his head drop back into his hands. He had never wanted to join this war, but he had certain familial obligations. Even if they weren't really family, he had also felt protective of the others, and that was the reason why he was finally declaring a side in the war. Germany had finally found a bit of peace with Italy, and no one wanted to see that destroyed.

Even if it meant taking on the most powerful country in the world.

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