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The long night had taken its toll on Germany. Leos had fallen asleep before they arrived home, so Germany tucked him in his bed before retreating downstairs with his robe. He sat in front of the fireplace, a book in his hand, trying to unwind before bed. The glow of the fire light up the pages so that no light was needed. His fatigued eyes skimmed the same lines several times before his mind comprehended the words. Slowly, his lids sealed and he relaxed. His chest rose softly, his breathing shallowed, the creases on his face smoothed out, and the book fell against his breast. After some time a low snore came from his mouth.

Italy's stomach had woken him up, demanding a midnight snack. He half consciously drifted down the stairs and into the kitchen. Reaching for the glass bottle of milk, he took a quick few swigs before sealing it and fumbling to put it back. When he turned around, the soft hue of the fire caught his attention.

Italy leaned over his ally. He was a different man, when asleep. The vulnerability of his pose, the smooth face, like an infant. Italy smiled when he noticed the book in his hands. Carefully sliding from his friend's fingers he placed it back on the shelf and went back to Germany's side. He kissed each of his cheeks and closed the robe tighter.

"Good night, Germany," He said.

...............

The scent of frying venison sausage, eggs, and bread was the first thing to rouse Germany from his slumber. His fingers tightened and brow creased as he stirred a bit. Slowly, he propped himself up, allowing himself one large yawn before he began to pay attention to his surroundings. Italy was in the kitchen, flipping the browning sausages and setting the finished portions on three plates. Leos was at the counter adding thin slices of potatoes to an empty pan. Germany tightened the cloth belt on his rob and leaned in the door way.

Leos turned and smiled when he spotted his father.

"Good morning, Germany!" Italy beamed, "How was your meeting?" Germany sat that the table,

"It went well, I suppose..." Germany said, "I will have to leave again... But hopefully not for long.

"Oh... Where too this time?"

"France," Italy frooze,

"F-fa-fa-France?..."

"Mhm... And you will be helping me," Germany said, Italy began to quiver.

"Ba-ba-but France has troops and Britain and-"

"Italy...This needs to be done... I need some support, some troops, anything to help." Germany asked. His eyes were soft as he looked at the Italian, "I'm in a pinch," Italy looked down at the floor.

"How many?"

"How ever many you can send... Italy, I want you personally to stay with Leos, but I am going to give you telegraphs and a radio which you will rely messages from here. It's safe, but you'll still be helping. I figure it is better than putting you on a battlefield..."

"Yes sir!" Germany chuckled at his sudden enthusiasm when the man realized he would be out of harm's way.

So what if I spare him the horrors of war? At least for now...

....................

It was the tenth time Germany tapped out the messages. Even with a key by his side, Italy struggled to send the simplest of orders. His radio work was far better, but relay stations were unreliable in war and should anything happen to the machine, they complex to fix.

"Like this?" Italy asked as he tapped out the message,

"Better but you forgot the 's' in horse... try again," Germany encouraged. Italy began over again, trying to keep a rhythm. Germany's overpowering presence didn't help much. He felt even more pressured as Germany's brows knitted. Frantically he tried to correct himself, but a large hand came over his. It was gentle, not the usual way Germany held Italy. His eyes closed and face smooth.

"It's two... Time for a siesta... We can start back up afterward." Italy looked up at his comrade, unable to comprehend what his friend said. "I need to use the desk anyway so rest up a bit," He added,

"Yes, Germany," Italy said as he stood. Germany took his spot and pulled out some papers. He began his regiment of reading and signing. Italy took one look back, making sure it was indeed Germany sitting at the table.

He shut the door and looked at the clock. It wasn't two, not even close. Italy thought of opening the door again but decided that this rare opportunity needed to be taken advantage of. Grabbing his coat, Italy rushed out the door.

....................

Leos was outside, in his hands a stick and on his head one of Germany's helmets. His coat and scarf dangled low as he pretended to fight off invisible enemies. The dead forest and vast expanse of grey grass made it seem as if the area was truly a ground zero. Italy watch amused before interrupting the boy's fantasy.

"Germany let me off early! Lets go to the park," Italy said, Leos carefully placed his helmet on the ground and went to Italy's side.

"Will Papa come too?"

"No, Germany is working, but we can bring him something back." Italy said,

"Okay," Leos wrapped himself around Italy's arm.

.................

Germany stared down at the papers before him. He had been sent home with them last night and had read them several times throughout the day, but now he re-read every word. Thousands of papers bore his signature, but this document was unlike the others. It was the one approving the building of the Todeslager in Poland. His pen hovered above the document, hand quivering. Germany still could not put his name on the paper.

Do I have a choice? He thought, and came to the grim realization that no, he didn't. He could sign it and condemn people to a miserable death or refuse, probably be killed and the documents signed by someone else. Either way, these people were going to die. He grimaced, covering his eyes as the pen meet the paper. Wincing as he wrote his name, his pen returned to it's holder and he sealed the papers in an envelope.

..............

Leos dragged Italy to a nearby window. The town they lived near was for the relatively wealthy, so the store windows were set up with marvelous things the common folk could not dream of affording. Leos watched a toy train run on a wooden track.

"Mr. Italy, how does the little train move?" He asked,

"Ve, I don't know," Italy said,

"It's a wind up, your turn the peg which coils a spring. When tight it unwinds and moves gears attached to the wheels to move it forward." Both of them turned to look at the stranger.

"Oh, Austria! I didn't know you were in town," Italy said. The tall man stood with a bag in his hand. Hungary next to him. His blue suit tidy as usual and her dress colorful in comparison. Leos cowered behind Italy and pressed himself into his back.

"Hungary, so nice to see you!" Italy exclaimed with his arm out. They hugged and kissed each other on the cheek. Austria twitched a bit, his chest heating with jealousy.

"Yes, well, we were in the neighborhood and the shopping is quiet good around these parts. I didn't realized you lived so close to this town." Austria said.

"Well, not very close, its quiet a walk but it's the closest. Germany had to work but gave Leos and I the day off." It explained. Hungary leaned over and peeked around Italy,

"Hello, there Leos," She said, he turned his head and hid behind Italy's other leg.

"Don't be shy Leos, Hungary is really nice. Ve, say hello," He encouraged. The boy peeked from behind Italy's pant leg, his metallic eyes sending a shiver through Hungary.

"Hi," He breathed before burying his face back into Italy.

"He's a bit bolder when Germany is around... Anyway, how has your day been?" Italy asked,

"Just fine. Why don't you join us for lunch? We were just heading to the cafe near the park," Hungary offered. Before Austria could make an excuse, Italy smiled wide

"Of course!"

...............

Leos curled up on Italy's lap with his back turned to Hungary. He was petrified, refusing to look at her. Italy had apologized for the boy's behavior but Hungary just shook her head.

"I know how to get through to kids," She smiled, She reached around Leos and began to tickle his side. Unable to resist, the boy laughed and squirmed. With his guard dropped Hungary was able to face him. The fear had left and she gently picked him up. The men watched as she slowly coaxed the apprehension from Leos and they began to play.

"Hungary has always been good with others," Italy said,

"Indeed..." Austria responded,"So, how is Germany doing these days?" Austria asked,

"Fine, always busy, not very fun these days." Italy answered,

"Well, waltzing unto other countries territories would keep one quiet busy." Austria commented,

"Well... I suppose... Are you mad at him Austria?"

"No, not really. I was a weak state and his boss taking over me did something at least... I am mad at some recent policies, but I don't have much of a say anymore." Austria sighed.

"... Austria... Do you think this war... Will make things better?" Italy asked,

"That is a rather odd question, Italy," Austria paused, "No. I think this war will complicate things. Soon, everyone will be involved in global conflict, many people are going to die." Austria said.

"Germany seems to believe it's best... I don't want to question him, but I have a feeling he doesn't believe it either," Italy said. Austria sighed and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Ludwig is a slave to his boss, as am I. They only comfort he has in this world, is believing that he is doing the right thing... Even if it is an illusion," Austria said. Leos squeaked as Hungary spun him around, the two of them had bonded quickly.

"Leos, it is almost two, Germany will be worried if we don't return soon." Italy said, Leos returned to his side.

"We should return as well, Hungary," Austria said, "Well, until we meet again," Austria added.

"Goodbye," Italy said,

"Bye bye," Leos waved as he walked away with Italy. Hungary waved back then leaned unto Austria.

"Such a sweet kid, doesn't it make you wanna have one?" She said. Austria's jaw dropped. His eyes twitched a bit before turning the other way and coughing.

"W-we should be on our way,"

.....................

Germany watched from the window as Italy and Leos walked up to the house. His sadness dissolved when he saw Italy and his son smiling. His friend urging the boy to hide something before they opened the door.

"We're home!" Italy announced as he opened the door.

"Welcome back, where did you disappear too?" Germany asked,

"We went into town, we ran into Austria and Hungary. Here," Italy presented him with a small wrapped parcel in wax paper. "We got lunch, this is some great bread, beef, and potatoes."

"Thank you, Italy," Germany said. He paused awkwardly and stared down at the wrapped food. His thumb glided over the paper as he lost himself in thought. Leos looked up at Italy, who looked at Germany.

"I have to mail something, I will be back soon." Germany said as he searched for his envelope. Packing the papers neatly he folded over the top and gave it one more glance over.

"Oh, the stamp," He mumbled as he headed back to his office. He picked up the little nub and pressed it on the soaked pad. Firmly, he pressed the stamp over the seal and blew on it to speed the drying. The purple ink bleed to the side slightly before fusing with the grainy paper.

"Owww!" Leos squeaked, Germany turned and went back to the living room.

"What? What is wrong?" He asked,

"My back," He said leaning over, his small hands struggling to reach the spot. Germany turned him around and lifted up his shirt.

"Oh," Germany breathed. A small spot on the middle of the boy's back was seeping blood. His flesh scrapped off, as if he had fallen on a hard street. It was about the size of Germany's hand, but was not deep.

"Hold your shirt up," He said, he tossed the envelope aside. "Let me get some cotton," He said. Italy picked up the discarded package and tucked it under his arm.

"You stay here, I am going to mail this for Germany," he said to Leos, the boy nodded and watched Italy leave. Germany came back with a damp cotton swab, gently he cleaned the wound until the pale glossy dermis was clear.

"Lets leave this open," He said plucking his son's shirt up. "Let it dry a bit, I don't want lint to get caught in there." He added. Leos squirmed as he tried to touch it, unable to reach.

That is all the proof I need, I'm not mailing that document... I'll say I never got it... Germany thought. He paced around the floor, searching for the brown package of papers. Leos watched for a moment before tilting his head and asking,

"What are you searching for?"

"That envelope," He said,

"Mr. Italy went to go mail it for you."

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