Welcome to the Doll House
Ch. 12
A Doll a Test and a Katsu
A/N: Hello lovies, how are you all. I have slowly but surely completed the next chapter. I have to admit I feel like I'm pacing myself too slowly but I hope it will all be appreciated later when it will inevitably speed up. Balancing full time work and continued education can be stressful when you want to be creative, but this is a creative outlet I will not be letting go of. Please rest assure that I will be finishing this and of course if you are following my other stories, they are also in the works. Love always and enjoy the newest installment of Doll House; much love to all of you still reading this and many thanks and warm wishes to those who just gave me a chance, let's not let this fandom die out just yet. 3
Days passed, weeks passed, time passed, yet Doll House stayed the same; the same white walls, the same clean corridors, the same strict Betas standing guard and the same expectations weighed on the shoulders of the youngest members of Doll House.
Especially now that the first hurdles for all dolls had arrived, the first necessary step on the road to become a full adult member of Doll House. While the rest of Doll House ran like clockwork, the young dolls worked against each tick that tocked to achieve the perfection expected of them.
What was already a strict schedule had now became their entire focus, the young dolls now had longer training with Germany, and their classes with Japan had begun to shorten as they approached the closing of the required material. Increased physical training, and elaborate lectures with examinations all leading up to the first trial.
Japan had meticulously calculated the last few classed with the young dolls to focus on what is expected of them should they pass the agility trials, by tradition they were to be fully tested on their written knowledge of both Doll House and Human history in preparation for their home stay when they would be expected to hold conversations with their human keepers.
Japan paced the classroom slowly, keeping a vigilant eye on his charges, watching and waiting for any sign of cheating or worse, nerves. A nervous doll was never a good thing, while humans may be allowed to slide through their own education a Doll was expected to be completely versed in all subjects. anything below excellent would not qualify them for the Agility trial.
The classroom was dreadfully silent, the faint sounds of pencils scribbling across pristine paper occasionally interrupted by the gentle steps of the instructor hovering nearby waiting to see if any doll showed signs of hesitation.
Glancing at the clock, the quiet beta doll took a deep breath before announcing that they all put their pencils down. The silence was now broken by the exhausted sighs of the dolls that left their bodies.
"Good work, please pass them to your left for me to collect." Japan waited for the papers to be passed up for him to collect, leafing through them quickly to assuring himself that all dolls had submitted all the required pages. Satisfied that all was in order he swiftly moved back to his desk and enclosed the tests into a sealed manila envelope.
The dolls stretched their backs and rolled their heads to ease the tension on their necks. Even Japan had to admit that he needed a bit of a stretch after such a long tense class period.
Romano slouched in his chair and reached down to his notebook and started leafing through his notes, occasionally scrunching up his face in frustration when he came across notes indicating he had answered incorrectly on the test. Slamming his notebook on is desk Romano sat up and leaned over his desk.
"So when do we get the results?"
Japan continued packing up the tests and scribbled something quickly on the label. "Results will be posted in the common room right before the First Trial. If you do not pass your test, you will not be allowed to participate in the trial." The words sounded so casual, but created a thickness in the air that fell on the young dolls.
Alfred was the first to speak up. "You mean we have to take the test again before we get to take the First Trial?"
Japan looked up with a small smile. "No, there is no second chance." Japan collected his usual items on his arms. "I sincerely hope that you all pass, it was a pleasure to be your instructor." And with that, Japan left the room.
The dolls all sat in the room stunned and unable to move.
"What do you think will happen to us if we don't pass?" Alfred continued to question, his voice breaking a bit as he spoke.
"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough." Scoffed Romano.
"Don't be mean Romano!" Italy stretched his back and let out a slight groan. "I'm sure that we'll all pass."
"Yeah, I mean we all did study together really hard. We made it really easy for you to remember the boring stuff Alfred so I'm sure you did fine." Matthew patted his brother on the back.
"You're not worried Mattie?" Alfred shifted on his seat, and grew a bit cold inside when his quiet brother shook his head with a bright smile. "I'm ... sure I did fine then..." Alfred didn't seen too sure of himself and that was something that Matthew relished, after all it wasn't every day that Alfred needed to be comforted, but when he did Matthew took the opportunity to feel like the big brother he was, instead of the smaller brother Alfred made him out to be. Matthews way of comfort always came in the form of light touches and looks, and that was enough for the younger doll. Alfred always took refuge in the fact that no matter how annoyed or cross Matthew was with him, he was always there for Alfred when he needed it.
From the opposite end of the classroom, Italy took note of the soft interaction between the siblings. Mentally he noted the way Matthew grasped Alfred's shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze when Alfred's eyes screamed in internal anxiety, and the way Matthew gave Alfred warm smiles. Was this what it was truly like to have an older brother? Italy leaned back in his chair and casually glanced over to his left side to silently observe his own older brother.
Romano was crouched over his notes to confirm whatever answer he may remember.
Italy continued to muse to himself, his own brother hadn't even glanced in his direction to ask Italy how he feels he did on the exam, he hasn't initiated conversation with Italy all day for that matter. The last conversation the two had was Romano demanding to compare notes a few days ago.
Italy understood that Romano had his own ambitions and goals that fueled his obsession with all this studying, but would it be so bad to take some time and bond like Matthew and Alfred? Perhaps it was just all in his head, perhaps he was just supposed to be happy with what he has. Italy looked up at the clock and noticed that it was getting close to that time, giving Italy the idea that perhaps a second opinion would be better.
Looking around again he packed the few pencils and chunky eraser that laid scattered around his desk and stood to walk out.
"I'm going on ahead."
Matthew and Alfred looked up just in time to see the dolls disappear through the doorway. "Well, there he goes again."
"I thought he was just studying all this time, but if the test is over where does he go?...Romano did you ever find out where he's going to?" Alfred looked off to see Romano clenching his jaw and looking straight ahead.
"I don't give a fuck where he goes off to all the time, as long as he leaves me alone." Romano slammed his notebooks closed and roughly shoved everything into his pack, slinging it over his shoulders and stomping out the door. All the while muttering incomprehensible things under his breath as he left the room.
"Man those two are weird..." Alfred commented as Matthew played with his fingers.
"Mmm, almost makes me appreciate that you're my baby brother."
"Yeah...HEY! What do you mean almost?" Yelled Alfred, earning a very uncharacteristic loud laugh from Matthew.
Italy had wondered over to the kitchen and was in the middle of tying up his apron when he was tapped on the shoulder. Taken by surprise, Italy whirled around to find a friendly face greet him with a warm smile.
"Hello, little Italy."
"Ms. Hungary, You scared me..." Italy let out a small breath and continued to tie the apron around his back, then making sure that his sleeves were rolled up he began washing the vegetables. "How have you been? You haven't been around much anymore."
The alpha Hungary craned her neck over the dolls shoulder to see the table behind the young doll, inspecting what he was up to. The table had already been prepped with all sort of fruits and vegetables, a few ounces of what looked to be some sort of chicken.
"I just got back from a search and rescue mission, but I am very happy to be back in my happy home." Hungary replied cheerfully; as she spoke she took notice of the slight changes to her young friend. He had definitely grown taller, that much she could tell by just standing behind him, almost half a head taller than her now to be exact. His body undergone changes as well, his shoulders were definitely broader while retaining a slender form, and judging from the exposed arms his muscles were toned nicely. Hungary hummed to herself in approval as her eyes continued to scan the dolls body, for an experienced doll such as herself she could easily see that this doll was about to reach the ideal physical peak.
"Wow, that sounds very tough but didn't you just do another big mission before this one too?" Italy spoke while remaining focused on his task.
"Well you know dolls have a very demanding work schedule but it's better than just sitting around doing nothing. That would drive me crazy." Hungary let out a sigh. "I'm much more content being busy with all sorts of crazy missions than being locked in all the time."
"Mr. Austria always says the opposite of you Ms. Hungary." Italy retorted watching with fascination as the alpha's eye twitched at the mention
and with your training being moved until after the testing...Oh, that was today wasn't it?"
"Yes, we just finished a couple of hours ago." Italy was cutting tomatoes diligently with one of the sharpened knives.
"You don't want to go relax a bit? I bet you're so tired from all that studying." Hungary watched as Italy shook his head without looking up, silently she watched him for a bit as he moved this way and that, washed an item or chopped it up. Letting out a small sigh she tied up her hair and washed her hands. "I could help if you would like."
Italy turns to Hungary with a bright smile and hands her a few potatoes to peel. "Thank you Ms. Hungary, it will be fun to cook with a friend."
"Where did you even find the time to learn to cook? I didn't know new dolls were allowed in the kitchen alone."
This made Italy freeze a bit. "Well...we're not supposed to be alone in the kitchen actually..." The sheepish smile told the alpha all that she needed to know. "But you're here with me now so I'm not alone anymore right?"
Hungary giggled a bit. "Yes, I suppose that's correct now. So what are we making?"
"I have a recipe that Mr. Japan gave me for Ka-tsu sandwiches with a side of potato salad.
"Oh, so Mr. Japan is your coconspirator then." Hungary nudged Italy's side in a joking gesture.
"Ha ha, I traded a few favors with him so that he would teach me to cook."
"And do I want to know what you traded in exchange for cooking classes from Japan? He's not very easy to sway you know." Hungary peeled the potatoes with a practiced ease.
"Hehehe, it wasn't anything bad I promise. He likes my drawings so I draw many things for him and he teaches me to cook so I can make myself yummy lunches."
Hungary giggled as she watched the bright smile that illuminated the young doll's face, he softly hummed to himself as he prepared the food on the table and every now and again his smile would pull just a bit wider just as a slight tint dusted his fair cheeks.
"Well it's very good of you to, make yourself yummy lunches Italy, but are you sure you can eat all of this?" Hungary smirked as she motioned over the spread of ingredients, and smiled even wider when Italy faltered and dropped a tomato he had been preparing to slice. Almost instantly the happy face had turned into a panicked expression and the light dust was now a very obvious blush. Hungary's keen eye had caught something very interesting and she wanted to take full advantage of their relaxed conversation to get as much information out of the little doll. "Are you perhaps making some lunch for someone else as well?"
Hungary leaned in slightly, her height by no means intimidating to Italy, as he was now almost half a head taller than her, but it was her intense predatory gaze that made the young doll shift his feet uncomfortably.
"You can tell me Italy, we're friends after all." Hungary went on.
"W...well...I like to snack a lot and...oh the tomato..." Italy bent down away from Hungary to grab the escaped tomato and promptly jumped over to the sink to wash it thoroughly. He could feel the gaze at his back that was waiting for an answer. "Mr. Japan will get mad at me if I leave a mess, or if he finds out I wasted perfectly good food."
Taking the chance to calm his nerves, Italy took a breath and plastered a smile on his face before returning to his work station beside the questioning Alpha. "Of course, this is too much food for me but..." Italy looked around a bit and leaned down to whisper into Hungary's ear. "Just between us Ms. Hungary, this is actually for me to share later, but..."
Hungary sucked in a breath waiting with anticipation for the name of the one Italy could possibly be sharing with. She had a hunch, but it was best to stay silent until she had actual proof or confirmation.
"But?" She urged Italy to continue, licking her lips as she continued in the suspense of the moment.
Italy looked around again, concentrating hard to assure they were alone. Hungary too strained her ears to hear for any incoming activity from their surroundings.
"The things is, he doesn't want me to tell anyone that I make this for him..." Italy pulled away and went on to chop the now clean tomato in his hand, a small tug at the corner of his lips the only expression he wore. "It's a secret."
"Him? Him who Italy?" Hungary was still leaning over close to her little friend, waiting for more information.
"Ah, could you please turn on the stove to heat up the oil?" Italy asked politely as he set aside the vegetables and battered the chicken he had resting.
"Yes, but Italy... are you going to tell me who this is for?" Hungary did as she was asked and returned to her questioning.
"I told you, it's a secret." Italy gave Hungary a sly wink.
"That's not fair, you naughty little doll." Hungary nudged him gently and giggled to relieve the tension in her body. She so desperately wanted to know whom this mystery person was. "Is it a friend?"
"Ms. Hungary, you're making me nervous ..." Italy laughed brightly and proceeded to dip his breaded chicken into the hot oil. He adjusted the temperature and added another piece to float along-side it's companion.
The two continued to work in silence for a bit, the air between them a blissful calm. Hungary enjoyed seeing the doll twirling around the kitchen with such confidence, it was refreshing to see how well he had adapted to his environment. There had been so many dolls before him that would not comply with the demands of Doll House and some that just were unable to cope with the reality of what their life's purpose would be, so many destroyed dolls.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the alpha watching him with a warm smile. "What is it Ms. Hungary?" Looking around himself to see if there was anything amusing on him. "Do I have something on me?"
"Oh no little Italy, I was thinking to myself how happy I am to see how well you're doing." Hungary explained. "You are quite different from the first time I met you wearing your white tunic...I remember it as if it were yesterday."
"It wasn't that long-ago Ms. Hungary." Laughed Italy as he put the final pieces of chicken to fry.
"Well it feels like it. You worked really hard to get to this point; I can tell."
"Of course, I would work really hard, I have to be useful to Doll House!" Italy explained, with his eyes fixed on the frying chicken he missed Hungary's smile turning into a thin pursed line.
"Useful? Italy what do you mean by that?" She looked at him with a puzzled expression, it was unusual for a young doll to be thinking of being useful. Italy should be focused on passing the trials and passing the exams not worrying about being useful, there would be time for that in the future when his life is set for him. Hungary chose to patiently wait for Italy to explain himself but was finding herself slightly amused watching Italy's expressions change as he thought about it and upon having reached a solid thought and smiled brightly once more and continued.
"Ms. Hungary, when you get to go outside do you have to come back to doll house or can you stay outside?" Italy questioned, blatantly trying to change the subject.
Hungary was taking by surprise by being presented with another question instead of an answer but decided to answer anyway. "It can all depend on your class, your job, or if you have a handler."
"Do you have a handler?" Italy was now done with one of his containers and was now working on another.
"No such thing for me I'm afraid, not to toot my own horn but Doll House depends on me quite a bit so I am not easily given out." Hungary puffed out her chest in a show of pride.
"So, you are very useful to Doll House then?" Italy questioned.
Hungary regarded this question for a bit, she knew Italy wanted to be useful in his own to way to Doll House but he didn't yet know what that would mean. "Yes, I suppose I am very useful to Doll House."
"By being useful to Doll House you are allowed to go outside and see the humans, and if you have a handler you are useful to them as well, right?"
Hungary was beginning to see the point Italy was trying to make. "Yes, indeed you are useful to a handler."
"I want to learn everything I can so I can be useful to Dollhouse and maybe someday a handler. If I'm useful then I will be allowed to go outside and meet all the humans out there and maybe even be friends with my handler… Ms. Hungary?"
Hungary set everything aside and fixed her trained gaze on the doll in the room. As an experienced Alpha doll of the prestigious Doll House, Hungary was no stranger to what would be expected of her when he was summoned to the field. Italy however was not yet experienced, he had no idea what Doll House might ask of him, depending on his classification he would be required to perform any number of arduous tasks; tasks that could easily shatter the mind of any naive doll, especially someone as sweet as Italy. Hungary couldn't help but worry for her little friend.
"Oh perfect!" Italy having finally achieved the excellent golden brown he had been waiting for turned off the stove and set aside the fried pieces to drip, when he turned to see the expression on his friend Italy stopped his movements.
"Did I say something wrong?"
The alpha had a pained expression, one that he hadn't ever seen on any doll, it sparked an emotion within him that he couldn't identify. So far, he had only had happy experiences so he could associate his feelings with those of happiness and even the ones of fear and excitement, but the look in his friend's eyes was new and foreign, one he didn't want to really see again.
"I'm sorry Italy, it was just lost in my own thoughts, old dolls like me get all sentimental with the new dolls."
"Sentimental?" Italy questioned. "About what?"
Hungary waved her hands dismissing the question. "Don't worry about it, one day you'll understand." Hungary busied herself by gathering up the discarded cooking utensils and walked them over to the sink to wash. "And by then you'll be standing here with a young doll trying to find out what their hiding."
The mood lightened instantaneously and Italy's cheeks once again flushed red at the sudden return of the secret topic; in an effort to hide his embarrassment he turned away from the chuckling alpha but the tips of his ears still gave him away.
"It's alright, you don't have to tell me." The alpha sighed and decided it would be best to stop for today, if she pressed any more there would be a chance the doll would lose all confidence in her and that would be worse than not finding out the secret. "I'm just teasing you."
Italy continued to pack everything away except for one small package wrapped separately from the rest which he held in his hands. "It's alright Ms. Hungary, I was just teasing you too." Italy chucked. "This is for Romano, he just doesn't like people to know that I make him lunches."
"Romano?" Hungary was speechless for a moment. "You mean your brother Romano is the one you're making lunch for?"
"Yep," Italy picked up his back and adjusted it to his back. "Who else would I make a delicious lunch for?" Italy questioned, tilting his head to the side in confusion.
"I …well…." Hungary let out a sigh, who indeed would Italy be making lunch for. "Of course, you would be making lunch for your bother, that's so sweet."
"But please don't tell him I told you, he'll get very mad at me and he's very scary when he's mad…" Holding up his hands together in a plea for the doll to keep her silence, Hungary in turn merely nodding in agreement with a lopsided smile.
"Don't be silly, of course I'll keep it to myself. I don't want him to be mad at cute little you." Hungary noticed the clock and right on time the Betas began to fill in the kitchen to start the preparations for the dinner course.
"Hehehe….well I have to go now, bye Ms. Hungary." Italy took one more look around to make sure that everything was back in its proper place, with a satisfied nod he ran off leaving the alpha doll in the kitchen stunned and confused.
Italy ran off in the direction of the common room offering quick greetings to the elder dolls he would happen to pass by, never coming to a full stop until he reached his shared room with his brother. A quick survey of the area told him that Romano had yet to stop by on his usual way to dinner. Taking the opportunity Italy quickly emptied his bag of the normal books and replaced them with his sketching pad and a few sketching pencils that had been gifted to him. He was about to leave when he reached back into his notebook and tore out a piece of lined paper, scribbling something on it and left it on Romano's bed.
Italy now hurried down the hallway and with calculated moves he narrowly missed the crowd of Betas that would have been patrolling the common room at this time, and the Alphas that would be heading to the far end of Doll House and out the side door into the clearing nearest their classroom.
Looking up he noticed that the sun was just about to hit its lowest ready to disappear behind the main Doll House complex within the next few minutes. Italy saw the shadows had started to creep out toward what he was told would be east, hiding many of the grassy details of the ground and bathing the training ground in a burnt orange hue, and as long as there was still some daylight left above Doll House, he was not late. Confident that he was running ahead of schedule he let his bag drop momentarily to give himself a quick once over and pat down his ruffled auburn hair, satisfied that he looked presentable enough he once again lugged the bag over his shoulder, straightened his back and walked over to the farthest end of the obstacle course training ground. Brimming with confidence Italy walked up to the lone figure that stood at the entrance of the obstacle course start.
"Hello Mr. Germany!" Italy waved as the alpha doll turned to face him, his arms crossed over his chest in his usual guarded stance.
"Hello Italy, did you take the exam toady?"
Italy laughed a bit in response, taking a moment to bring his bag over his should to clutch at his chest. "Yes, I did." He locked eye with his taller friend and noticed how the warm colors of the sunset tinted ever so slightly the blue in Germany's eyes. A small fact that Italy had come to enjoy noticing.
"Very good, now all you need to do is pass this…" Germany motioned to the daunting area behind him. "And you will officially be a doll."
"That's when I get my classification right?" Italy rocked back and forth on his feet, balancing between the balls of his feet to the heel.
"Yes, now put the bag down and you know what to do." Germany grabbed the bag from Italy's hands and gently placed his large hand on the middle of his back to give the young doll a push toward the course. "GO!"
Without a word in protest, Italy took off in a powerful sprint, his relaxed expression now replaced by a smug look of determination. Italy had been working hard on his physical stamina, he had managed to get by in the beginning, choosing to hide his actual prowess for the sake of creating a bond with; but now that Germany knew what he was really capable of there was no more holding back and that was the best way to keep the Alpha doll as his friend.
Italy kept his eyes straight on the course ahead, he had run this so many times in the last few weeks that he could do it in his sleep. He had just climbed up the rope net and getting on the platform to then swing across to the next plat form. After than would be the fall and another climb up the rocky wall, or so he thought. Coming up on the platform as he looked ahead in the heat of the swing he noticed that the fall was now replaced with wooded planks that ran horizontal to him that now lead him to a secondary rope wall.
"What's wrong Italy? Notice something different?"
Glancing at the Alpha Italy noticed a light smirk. "Yes sir, but nothing I can't handle." Italy continued on his path and when he reached the last platform he swiftly jumped up to grab hold of the planks, swinging forward he reached with one hand for the next plank and then swung over now using his other hand to reach for the next plank.
"Very good adapting." Germany cheered.
Swelling with pride Italy at the compliment Italy hurried onto the new rope wall and noticed there was no where to go but down and so he made his way to the floor, reaching only half way down the rope wall and letting go all together to land gracefully on the ground.
Italy bent over to catch his breath, resting his hands on his knees and swiping the sweat from his brows on his shoulder.
"How was that Mr. Germany?" The Alpha walked over to the young doll and placed a supportive hand on his shoulder with a wide grin.
"I have no doubt in my mind that you will pass the trial." Germany gave Italy's shoulder a light squeeze before letting go and taking a step back. "You better not let me down."
"No way Mr. Germany, with all this training I'm sure I'll even be able to pin you down one day." Italy gave the alpha a quick wink as he walked over to his backpack and sat in a small clearing just hidden enough by the obstacle course where they would get the most privacy.
Germany tensed a bit and felt a small surge of something foreign come over him, a few of his muscles flexed in what he could he only surmise to be a reaction to what he perceived to be a challenge. He puffed out air through his nose and followed behind his friend.
"You should be careful choosing your words when speaking to seasoned alphas Italy, with less control I would have seen that as a challenge." Germany warned lightly sitting down crossed legged and leaning his arms on his knees.
Italy chuckled lightly and rummaged around the backpack to produce the two neatly packed lunches he had made earlier. He handed one to Germany and the kept the smaller one for himself.
"Thank you for the warning, but I know you wouldn't have hurt me." Replied Italy bumping him lightly with his shoulder and a bright smile, he waited for Germany to open his lunch before opening his own.
"Hmph, never be too sure." Germany eyes the small sandwich and took a hearty bite. He chewed it carefully while inspecting the sandwich, nodding as he chewed in silent approval. "This is quite good, what do you call it?"
"Mr. Japan taught me to make this, it's called chicken katsu sandwich. I also made a potato salad as a side." Italy pointed to the side of the container.
Upon better inspection Germany noticed Italy had only prepared himself half the portion of the Katsu Sandwich. "You only have half a sandwich today, are you not well?"
Italy waved a hand dismissively as he chewed before swallowing to answer. "I've been so worried about the tests that I just didn't feel too hungry today."
Deciding that it was a valid excuse for not having a full portion, Germany dropped the subject and went to their usual routine. The two continued eating, and talking casually. Italy usually would ask anything that would pop into his mind while Germany struggled to keep up with the energetic doll; and made a mental note that Italy was much more talkative when he run out of food quickly.
"I hope that when I go out to the human world, I get to have a nice handler that lets me cook and learn to do lots of stuff."
"Most likely, a handler is supposed to help guide you in the human world so if your talent lies there it would be to their best interest to allow you to venture into that profession; but strictly judging by what you've made for me so far I would say you would be a very successful chef."
"Chef?"
"It is a person that specializes in cooking, for a restaurant or private events."
"And is that a job you can have?"
"Yes, it pays very well if you are skilled enough." Germany set aside the remainder of his sandwich to try out the potato salad he had been eyeing from the beginning. "
"So, handlers help you get better at what you love, that's wonderful." Italy had finished his sandwich and was now happily eating away at the potato salad as the conversation carried on. "You have a handler too right Mr. Germany?"
"…Yes…I do…"
"What are they like?" Italy leaned in closer to the alpha beside him, his shoulder coming so close to Germany's that Italy could feel the body heat of the larger doll.
Germany tensed as he sensed the small frame leaning into him. Without making eye contact, he squared his shoulders and puffed out his chest, an effort to impose his alpha status on the casual doll. A natural response he had scarcely felt the need to act on, especially in the presence of a new doll.
"My handler is a very important diplomat and a benefactor for this organization but, she is also a very kind woman." Germany had a straight face as he spoke, thought his eyes reflected a sense of calm and warmth Italy had not seen yet.
"A benefactor?"
"She is a person that gives Doll House her support to further the development and research for the facility."
"That sounds very important…" Italy scrunched up his nose trying to process the meaning of it all.
"It is, there are even parties that involve many benefactors getting together to see the fruit of their investments."
"Oh…." For once, Italy's reply sounded dull and he sat back to lean on his arms making no attempt to hide the obvious befuddlement. "That is…umm….how…"
Germany regarded the young doll with mirth, the inquisitive nature of this one could be annoying at times, but the look of utter confusion was amusing to say the least, the nature of this doll very calming; so much so that Germany couldn't help but relax his posture a bit, letting down his alpha nature and just enjoying the moment with his friend.
"Don't worry, when you become a full doll this will all make sense to you." Offered Germany.
Germany wanted to ease the mind of his little friend, so for the first time since their little meetings began, he allowed himself complete relaxation and fully enter the role of friend. Reaching out his hand toward the auburn locks he patted Italy's head as gently as he could and smiled.
"Right now, all you have to worry about is passing your agility and then work through the rest of the training."
A small yelp of surprise escaped Italy when the heavy hand landed on the crown atop his head, pushing his locks onto his face. Italy looked up through his bangs and melted at the most beautiful sight he had seen in the short lifetime he could remember. The sparkle in Germany's soft blue eyes eclipsed any stars Italy had seen, or would ever see; but it was the warmth that poured from such a cool expression that drowned Italy in a newfound sensation.
"It will be very interesting to see how strong you become after your classification." Germany retracted his hand and now returned his attention to the remainder of his sandwich, content that the night air hadn't affected the meal just yet. The golden flakiness of the fried meat just as tantalizing as it was when he first bit into it.
Italy followed the hand with his gaze, and cursed at the light breeze that swept away what little heat the strong hand had left behind. Although he was content that his friend continued to enjoy the meal
"Once I classify, I'll be able to learn many more things and with you as our trainer I'll get even stronger!" Italy Proclaimed proudly with his fist in the air as if declaring a victory over something known only to him.
Germany hit his chest choking slightly on the last bite of his sandwich. Italy handed him a canteen of water from his pack.
"Here you go Mr. Germany."
Germany gulped down the water to desperately cleanse his throat of the flaky morsels, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but hid this from his pupil, looking away long enough to calm his breathing and regain composure.
"You've already learned everything I am supposed to teach you." Germany countered.
"But you can teach me more, and after my trial and classification we can talk about that." Italy thought he saw a sudden look of sadness in the alpha's eyes, his mouth opening and closing in silent words, words that refused to slip past the now pursing lips. Italy waited patiently for the alpha to communicate his thoughts, but alas decided to avert his eyes instead.
The two had a few seconds of silence between them but neither seemed to like it. Italy felt as though Germany was pulling away, he hadn't physically moved but that was the sensation that washed over him. He thought it strange, but decided it wasn't worth mentioning and leaned in a bit to look into the eyes of his companion.
There was that look again, one of sadness and unspoken words. What was his friend fighting with?
"I'm really excited to be one step closer to you…."
Germany cut off the conversation by suddenly standing up and dusting his hands off on the sides of his pants. Although, his pants also needed to be dusted from having sat on the dirt floor of the training field. "It's getting late Italy; you had better run off back to the barracks."
Italy looked up trying to understand desperately what caused such a radical change in the conversation, had he said something wrong? Had he offended his friend? He was sure his concern was plain to see on his face also couldn't find words to repair this conversation. He didn't want to end the night light this, in truth he didn't want to end the night at all but especially not like this.
"Did…I say something wrong again?" Italy's voice had diminished to almost a whisper. His earlier gusto now gone, internally shriveling in fear of undoing such wonderful friendship.
Germany held out his hand for Italy to take and offered a small weak smile. "No, you didn't."
Upon hearing those simple words Italy smiled back, but the smile did a poor job of disguising the fret and fear. Gathering up the containers and items around him, Italy took the alpha's hand and allowed himself to be pulled up effortlessly.
"Thank….oof…" Loosing his balance, Italy fell forward and collided with the strong chest of the alpha. Before being able to steady himself, Germany grabbed the young doll by the shoulders and pushed him off his chest.
"Careful now." He warned with a low gruff tone.
"Yes…Thank you Mr. Germany." Italy stepped back and gathered up his items, stuffing them back into his pack.
"I guess I'll see you…"
"We will meet again for your trial. You've practiced hard, so I expect you to move on to the next level." Germany dusted the lingering dirt off his pants, when he looked back to the doll the smile was gone. The expression was not his usual irritated one, just serious. "In two days, I will be walking you over to the trial."
"Oh…ok…" Italy gripped the straps of his bag and swung it over his shoulder, he started biting his bottom lip as anxiety began to pool in the pit of his stomach. "Thank you for all your extra lessons."
Germany hesitated for a moment, almost looking as if he was unsure of how to respond or what to say. Rubbing the back of his neck he let out a sigh and put his hands in his pants pockets, Italy had never seen him look so unsure of himself, it would have been a treat to see such a softer side of the scary alpha if Italy hadn't been overtaken by so much dread.
The two stood in what was not called evening, a crisp breeze slithering by between the two. Italy could feel that small chill, but was unsure if it was the from where that particular chill was coming from.
"I guess I'll get going then…bye Mr. Germany…" Italy readjusted the strap on his shoulder and proceeded to turn around to leave but was stopped by the familiar warm hand from earlier.
"Wait, I'm sorry. I don't want to alarm you I just….just…" Germany clicked his tongue and looked away again. Italy noticed that look again, that look that practically screams I have something to say.
"What is it Mr. Germany?" Feeling a bit bold, stemming from the curiosity to know what was eating away at his friend, Italy placed his hand over the alpha's and brought it to cup his own cheek and smiled.
Glimmering blue looked into warm amber, as Germany struggled internally; his pale eyebrows, that had been knitted together so tightly it could have been seen as a glare rather than a pained look, now relaxed along with him; a seeming side effect that Germany had begun to suffer from since the friendship began. With that in mind, Germany let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in and gave Italy a genuine smile.
"It's nothing Italy, I was just worried about things." Germany slowly took his hand back and patted the brunette's head gently, a small effort to ease his friend's mind. "Go on and get some rest, and I'll see you for the trail."
"Ve… but what were you worried about?" Italy perked up a bit, but was still as curious to find out what had happened to Germany.
"I'm worried that you might over sleep and miss the trial if you don't get your proper rest, now go!" Germany barked and shoved Italy playfully to get going.
Italy laughed but got the idea and used the momentum to take his leave and sprint out of the training area. "Good bye Mr. Germany! See you later!"
Germany stood with his hands on his hips as he watched Italy disappear out of sight. Once he was sure he was alone, Germany's smile fell to give way to that same fretful look.
Italy took his time walking the rest of the way to the barracks, with the trail so close it would have been easy for Italy to explain he was just practicing on his own should he be stopped and questioned for being on his own alone at night. Luckily however, he was not stopped and had an uneventful trek to the barracks. That is until he reached the barrack itself.
"So how did your training go?"
Italy nearly jumped out of his skin, pins and prickles attacked all over his body. Italy had let his guard down and failed to notice someone waiting for him, leaning with their arms crossed over their chest against the side of the barrack wall.
"Romano, you scared me…" Italy gripped his shirt in an effort to keep his heart from jumping out.
"Yeah, that's the point stupid. So, what you doing training on your own then?"
"How do you know I was training?" Italy walked over to his brother in hopes that he would keep his voice down. "Did you follow me?"
"Wouldn't you like to know." Romano pulled out a ball of cloth and tossed it at his younger brother who fumbled to catch it with one hand. "Next time you use me as a cover, fucken tell me."
Italy looked at the wrappings he had used for the little package he had left Romano. "I'm sorry Romano, I didn't want to bother you."
Romano smirked and leaned in to sling an arm around Italy. "What bothered me is that you only gave me a half a sandwich." Italy saw Romano bring up his other hand towards his head and flinched as he waited for a hit, but was surprised to find a heavy pat on his head. "I don't like to be nice to you but…I'm glad that you're training to get better. I want us both to move on from this place, and for that you can't be all clumsy and stupid."
"Romano?" Italy gave him a questioning look but was only given a shove towards the door.
"Shut up and get in, I wanna see what you got tomorrow."
"You mean another sandwich?"
"No! I mean let's train together… you know what! Just forget it I don't want to catch your stupid."
Romano stomped off past Italy and walked in first followed by an apologetic younger brother, but as soon as they went inside the conversation was halted and switched to playful banter with their fellow young dolls.
A/N: So what do you guys all thing? How did you guys like a slightly nicer Romano? I use him a lot for evil reasons, but only because I love making his character jerky, it's fun to write. Thank you again for the continuing support, bear with the slow updates for now and I will try and start working on the next chapter soon. I already have the notes on it but, I juts need to sit and write it. =) I'm trying to catch all my errors so I do apologize for grammatical errors, I hope they're not too distracting from the actual story. I plan to get this ball rolling soon, the next chapter for sure will mark changes for the dolls and I believe there is a time skip happening soon. If I don't do that, they'll never get out of Doll House right? I can't wait to write that portion; some scenes are already worked out and written and I just have to weave them into the actual storyline. Until next time lovies!
