Disclaimer- I do not own hetalia
Note- Thank you for all the wonderful reviews :D
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Italy tucked the corners of the blanket around Leos' body. It was one of the things Italy prided himself on doing better than Germany. Everything was so routine and mechanical, it worked but it was boring. Italy cracked open a book and sat on the edge of the bed. Leos held his Lamb to his cheek and smiled as Italy began to read. The ink on the pages was so old, Italy made up half the story. It began with a lost duck but ended with a sheep, which Italy thought was a 'cuter' animal.
"And so the little lamb cuddled up to her Shepard and they lived happily ever after," Italy plucked the first cliche from his mind. Leos smiled and flopped his head to the side. Italy leaned over and kissed his forehead,
"You are a good boy, Leos. Pleasant dreams," He whispered as he twisted the knob on the lamp. It flickered off, enveloping the room in darkness. He shut the door, pausing for a moment before deciding to leave it open a crack. Instead of sulking to his room he silently crept down the stairs and into Germany's office. He sat in the large chair and pressed against it's fabric, breathing in the scent.
"Germany," He muttered.
..............
"Papa! Paaapaaa!" Leos called as he walked though the ash field. His body covered in sores, flesh shivering on his bones. Around him was a large concrete courtyard that meet with a rail way. Barbed wired and steel fencing surrounded the area beyond the walls. The bleak sky was cut but chimneys that produced a gritty cloud and odor of the foulest sewage. A weak grunt came from the right,
"Papa!" Leos ran to Germany who was face down in the ash. Soot covered his uniform, his hair a wreck. Leos crawled and held his father's head up. Only one blue eye stared bad at him, the other was covered in bandages. His arm was in a cast, his chest heaved as he struggled to breathe.
"Le...Leos... I'm okay..." He said, Leos shook his head and wrapped himself around his fallen father. "I... I just... Need... some... re-rest..." Germany coughed, from his mouth black smoke leaked and soot splattered. Leos tucked himself under his father's large broken arm and cuddled to his chest. The gurgle of fluid filled lungs was his lullaby as they feel asleep. Germany's blue iris clouding, his lids surrendered to gravity and his eyes closed. The ash began to clump around their bodies, clinging to their skin in an oily manner. Leos began to struggle as the it piled up against them, his mouth and lung began to fill.
"Papa, Papa, get up, Papa, Papa!"He pushed his face to Germany's cold chest and breathed the last bit of fresh air from his uniform. The ash began to pour at a rate of a blizzard, blotting out the silvery blonde and flaxen hair of the two.
Leos stiffened in his sleep and let out a fragile squeak. From his back and trickled of blood seep through the sheets and stained unto the mattress. Leos did not wake.
..................
Germany stood in front of his home. The sky was still dark, only the half set moon illuminated the area. The forest was silent, his home did not stir, there was a peace about the area that he relished in for a few moments. He touched the brass knob, turning it softly to avoid making noise. Once his silent entry was complete he began to devise s plan to slip into bed unnoticed. A quick gaze to a near by clock showed the time of three in the morning. Even though sleep was dragging his lids down, he contemplated leaving to do something for a few hours before returning at a decent time. Perhaps a fishing boat would be shifting out with whom he could barter with for some fresh fish, or better yet catch something himself.
He turned around but was paralyzed by a weak squeal from upstairs. His ears twitched as he registered the faint cry, it's pattern a familiar one that Leos wept during nightmares. He peeled his boots off and hung his coat. Stripping to his under shirt and long under pants he ascended the stair case. He peeked through the crack in the door to see Leos still appeared to be asleep and that his cries were not intentional. Debating whether to enter the room or not he stood in the hall. Surely, it would rose a sleeping Italy should he wake Leos up. But he felt anxious to be with both Italy and his son.
"Ger... Germany?" A whisper came from behind him, flinching slightly he calmed when he saw Italy's drowsy eyes reflect in the moon light.
"Italy," He whispered back. Italy's eyes began to flood over with tears,
"I... I'm sorry, I was useless, I tried b-but-"
"Shhhh," Germany said,
"I was a-a bad friend... You do so much fo-or me and I ca-couldn't do that wa-one little thing," Italy's voice cracked as he tried to hold his tears back.
"Italy, please,"
"Pa-please don't be mad, I-I'll do anything, I-" Germany's hand grasp his friend's face, his thumb wiped away the tears from his face. Germany sighed softly, their bodies becoming closer. Their foreheads touched and they leaned on each other, lips hovering. Germany felt the unsteady breath of his friend against his face. Pressing his lips in, he pulled away,
"I am not mad Italy... I am just very happy to be home." Germany whispered. He forced a tired smile on his face and reassured Italy with gentle eyes that he was sincere. Italy smiled and wrapped himself around the muscular male.
"I'm happy Germany is home too," He said into his chest. Another weak cry came from the room they stood in front of, both men looked anxiously at each other.
"He's fine, I think it's just his dreams... Should I wake him?" Germany asked,
"He would want to see you," Italy said,
"Has he been good?" Italy chuckled softly at this question,
"He's been a little sick but otherwise okay." Germany nodded and pushed open the door. He sat on the side of the bed and placed his large hand over his son's tiny body, rubbing soothing circles on his side. The whimpers began to fade and a calm came over the unconscious boy. After some time, his eye's fluttered and he looked over his shoulder at the person touching him. A painful yet joyous cry escaped the boy's lungs as he pounced on his father. Instantly the tears flowed as he wrapped himself around Germany's torso. Placing his hand on Leos' back and another on his head he held the boy tightly and nuzzled against him. Forced to calm down by his choking lungs, Leos pulled back slightly to look at his father. Taking his shirt Germany wiped the tears and snot from Leos' face and kissed each cheek.
"I'm home,"
..................
Italy and Leos had left Germany to sleep in, swiftly disposing of the alarm clock in his room. Italy hoped that the deep bags under his eyes would heal with a long sleep and a good meal, which they were preparing in the kitchen. Leos was snapping fresh beans and removing the stems. Italy had begun to doctor up a pot of boiling water with herbs to make up for the lack of butter. Struggling to scrape the last bit of dripping from a tin can on the counter, Italy managed to get enough to fry some wursts and a bit of potatoes. The scent of fresh breads and muffins filled the air, of which all was to be devoured. Both of them struggled not to pick tidbits off the plates as the food was prepared.
Finally after long hours of baking, frying, and boiling the feast was ready. For a touch of class Italy broke out some parsley and garnished the dishes. Just as the spread was laid out, Germany drifted down the stairs.
"Papa!" Leos jumped form his seat and glued himself to Germany's leg.
"Germany, we prepared a feast to celebrate your return. Do you like it?" Italy asked, Germany was still rubbing his eyes. Breathing deep he smiled,
"I smells delicious," He said as he took a seat, Leos next to him and Italy across. Passing the plates around the family waited to each person had their portion before disregarding all politeness and woofing down their food like starved beasts. Rations on the battlefield were just enough, but being so stressed Germany had handed his meal off to a hungry soldier and hadn't eaten in at least a day. Leos himself was less inclined to eat when his Papa was gone, while Italy was the opposite and drowned his sorrows in constant eating of small tidbits. Only after the last roll was gone did they focus on something other than their plates.
"I was thinking," Germany began, "Since the ground is no longer frozen, we can start that garden you talked about Italy." Italy smiled,
"Really? Oh, lets plant lots of tomatoes and garlic and herbs and we should plant potatoes too, and-"
"We need to plant them when they will grow though, Italy. I think Tomatoes are still good to plant, perhaps some peas." He said.
"How much land do you own Germany?" Italy asked,
"My yard? It's less than an acre, all around us is protected land owned by the government. Even beyond the mountains," He said,
"So we need to plan carefully since space is limited... How about using the perimeter for vine crops and then closer in for thing like potatoes?"
"Sounds good, but we need compost, as well as room to turn it... It also needs to be as far away from the home and well as possible." Germany said. The last thing they needed was contaminated water teeming with rotting material. Italy paused for a moment.
"Lets keep it in a container lined with a rubber mat and layers of canvas. We can shovel out what we need but it will be protected from leaching and we can watch the temperature better." Italy suggested. Germany smiled,
"It sounds like you have been think about this longer than this morning," Germany said. Italy shrugged, smiling.
......................
Italy had been digging through the back shed in search of some tools. There was plenty of wood, some wire and a crude plow. After further disorganizing Germany's possessions, he found some nails, a hammer, old canvas, and some hardware. To his left and right were piles of what Italy considered unimportant for the time being, the piles were just as tall as the nation that discarded them. Italy stood up in triumph, some rubber lining for doors in his hands. He opened his mouth to shout his victory to Germany when he caught a glimpse of his comrade at his drill set up.
He watched Germany look over his mess of barbed wire, wooden walls, ropes and obstacles. Sighing, he began to stretch and warm his muscles before working. The Italian watching the entire time.
Why did I get so close to him the other night? Germany thought, his mind was flooded with voices he rather not hear. Though rarely did he wish to work out his body so hard after such a long battle, it was the only thing that was going to silence the crude suggestions his mind mumbled to his brain. He balled his emotions and thoughts into a neat ball, shoved it in some pit in his subconscious, and began working. Nothing but how to conquer the next obstacle in his way was registering.
For minutes he enjoyed a quiet mind, relieving the stresses on his course. He came to the wall, hurling toward it. His large hands wrapped around the ropes and he pulled himself up, his boots against the walls face. There was a creak, and a snap, the rope slacked and Germany fell victim to gravity. He rubbed his head as he sat up, muttering a curse under his breath. Dirt stuck to his sweat soaked body, try as he might to brush it from his hands. From the side a flash of white shot by him and jumped against the wall.
Leos clung to the top of the wooden boundary, pulling his body over the top. The wall was only slightly taller than Germany, just enough to work the muscles for the large man, but for a boy it was not proportionate. Regardless Leos had somehow managed to leap high enough to reach the gaps in between the slats of wood and throw his tiny body over the wall. In a half controlled fall, the boy hit the ground and took off to finish the course.
"L-Leos!" Germany ran around the wall to make sure he had seen correctly. Italy, who had run out of the shed when Germany fell, was laughing on the side lines at a dumbfounded Germany. Leos continued to the end of the course before turning around. Panting he smiled and wen to his father.
"Papa, I did it... I did... The course..." He breathed, Germany scooped up his son and checked him over to make sure he wasn't hurt. Italy patted Germany on the shoulder,
"Germany, you worry so much!" He said.
......................
"Germany makes a good Ox, Ve," Italy smiled. The old plow, made to be pulled by a single draft animal, instead was being dragged by Germany. Rigging it so he could pull it over his shoulder, Italy was on the plow working it into the ground. Germany's muscles flexed with each step, his power evident by his ability to tear the earth with the plow. Italy watched from behind as his friend marched along, sweat oiling his skin. Leos followed along side his father. The mild day was warm enough for Germany to remove his shirt, but he encouraged his son to keep his on. A painful look had spread across his face when the first rib was visible and Germany's gentle hand pushed the shirt back down.
"This should be plenty Germany, besides its time for a nap." Italy said, looking back they had only prepared enough land for a harvest worth of tomatoes. Germany frowned at first but was beginning to feel his muscle strain. Thinking about the pile of paperwork on his desk, he agreed with Italy.
As they walked in the phone began to ring, Germany ran to catch it.
"Hello... Yes, how are they?... Their training is complete? Good... Oh... Already?... Well of course its for the good of the Fuhrer... No, its fine I understand completely... Can I at least see them before they go?... Thank you... Yes, that will be fine... Heil Hitler," Germany hung up the phone, sighing. Italy leaned into his office,
"Germany?" He asked,
"My dogs completed their training, but they are called into duty to work at the-" Germany sealed his lips, biting his tongue till it felt it was going to rip open.
"Work where?"
"...With the police," He lied, "I asked to see them once more, I am going this afternoon to the kennel..." Germany said.
"I'm sorry Germany, I know how much they mean to you." Italy said, Germany just nodded and sat at his desk.
.................
Germany had expected the kennel to look like any other city kennel for training dogs. But as they pulled up to the gates the realization of what the dogs had been taught to do was far from what they pictured. The barbed wire gates sealed off a dirt field that was stranded in the middle of nowhere. Small barracks were constructed from huts and guards stood at each door. The dogs were in plain chain link kennels, looking content in their surroundings. When the family stepped out of the car the soldiers hailed and opened the gate. Both Italy and Leos held unto each other, an eerie chill nipped at their spines.
"Papa, I don't like it here," Leos whispered, Germany ignored him only because the true response was that he himself didn't enjoy the place either. Sighing he glanced over the kennels and saw the golden coat of one of his dogs. Calling his name the dog perked up and launched himself against the kennel door, barking for his master. When this happened two other dogs followed suit, their tails wagging hard enough to move their rump from side to side. Germany immediately opened the kennel, the golden dog rolled over and wriggled happily under his owner's petting. The other dogs whined for their turn and he released them from their cages. Italy and Leos had not followed, letting Germany have his time. While the other too where occupied, the Shepard's ear stood erect. It's eyes set on Italy and Leos. Without hesitation it began a stalking posture, moving silently, it's eyes targeting.
"Blackie!" Italy smiled, but the dogs tail was high and stiff. Leos' eyes met the dog's and fear boiled in the boy's stomach. The dog took off, barking a dreadful threat as he ran. Leos cowered behind Italy with a cry. The dog opened its jaws and lunged forth, it's fangs flashing into Leos' face.
Suddenly the dog let out a yelp and fell back. Germany had it by the leather collar, but after the shock of the pull was forgotten the dogs yanked at his master, snarling and biting at Leos. The other dogs came from behind.
"Halt!" Germany commanded, the Dog's stopped in their tracks, except the Shepard who relentless defied Germany. Fixated on the weak child, he could not break his stare. The soldiers ran to leash the other two obedient dogs and then assisted in dragging the Shepard back to the Kennel. Snarling, frothy saliva dripped from the canine's mouth as he paced the kennel, his eyes still on Leos.
Germany knelt and quickly examined Leos as he shivered. Tear's pooling at the corners of his eyes.
"It's okay, calm down, did he hurt you?" Germany asked. Leos appeared to be shaken, but the dog had not bitten him. Leos straightened himself up, and nodded. Italy watched the once gentle dog he knew pace like a rabid beast in a cage.
"Germany... What did they do to him?" Italy asked, Germany held his breath a moment then sighed.
"Trained them... But not WELL APPARENTLY!" Germany's deep voice echoed through the kennel. Most of the dogs sunk back into their enclosures. A uniformed man swiftly approached.
"I apologize, though they have been doing well the Shepard has taken a lust for the job and tends to get carried away. I had no idea you were escorting a Jew here or I would have-"
"A WHAT?!" The man instantly stepped back from Germany's shout. Gritting his teeth, Germany's hand's balled into tight fists that burned with heat.
"He. is. my. Son." He seethed,
"I am so sorry, he appeared so... Tiny... I assumed he was selected from the-"
"Silence!" Germany ordered, the man shut his mouth quickly, "What did you do to my dogs?" He hissed,
"They are going to work in the..." The man eyed Italy and the boy before swallowing hard, "New neighborhoods, they need to be taught who is the enemy." He answered simply, although his fingers shook. Germany covered his face with his hand.
"Let's go," Germany breathed, Italy ran to start the car. Leos clung his father's pant leg.
"Papa, I'm sorry," He whispered, a strong hand brushed his hair.
"It's not your fault... Don't be sorry," He said. As they turned to leave a whistle went off, the men lined up for a drill. Germany was pushing his son along, but before the iron bar gates sealed behind them Leos saw a gangly man being dragged out of one of the huts. Thrown on the ground they released the Shepard who shot towards him. Germany, turned slightly and shoved Leos' face into his leg to blind him. He pressed his ears and cut off all ability to comprehend what his dog was doing to the man. Quickly Germany shoved his son into the back seat. Italy was facing the road, his back turned to the horror.
"Go, drive, get me away from here Italy."
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Germany had pushed the sadness that gripped him down deep into his chest and instead worked on the garden. The physical labor of tilling and fertilizing the soil kept his mind off the events that had happened in the latter part of the day. Italy was by his side, following him and planting little seeds. Leos was in the front yard on his swing, leaving the two men alone. Italy was silent for quiet a while, unsure of what to say or how to read his friend's mood. Germany's brows were still frowned though the rest of his face was calm. Finally, he found the courage to speak,
"Germany... I'm sorry that happened to your dogs, I really am." He said, Germany stopped working.
"Italy," Is all he said before continuing his work. Italy frowned and continued to drop little seeds into the earth and cover them with soil. Germany let himself get lost in his work, his mind shutting down all outside thought as he focused solely on his goal. His meditation was again disturbed when Italy suddenly wrapped himself around him.
"Don't be sad! Please! I want Germany to be happy! You go through so much just-" Italy continued to wail on but Germany's chest grew warm. He felt the blood rush to his face as Italy squeezed his torso tighter. Before allowing his thoughts to wander to indecencies he gently pushed Italy back. Forcing a smile on his face he comforted the Italian.
"I know Italy, It's okay... I like working... It makes me appreciate what I have," Germany reasoned.
"But, but what is you treasure so much?" Italy asked,
You he thought, Leos, my country... He cut off his unspoken list, as anymore silence would have been awkward.
"I like to come home and see you everyday. I like to see Leos playing in the front yard. As much as I miss my private time alone in bed I do enjoy the nights we sleep as a family. I love the fact I can say I have a family because many people now do not have one... Does that answer your question?" He said. Italy was quiet for a moment, a smile pulled at the corner of his mouth.
"Oh, Germany can be so sweet sometimes!" He exclaimed,
"Yes, Yes, now can we get back to work?"
.....................
Leos had fallen asleep on the couch, Italy held his hand over his forehead and frowned. Brushing some stray bits of hair from the boy's face he sighed.
"Leos is out cold, he's a bit warm too. I don't think we should wake him." Italy said as he returned to the table. Germany nodded in agreement, turning his attention too his plate of food. Italy was making a plate for Leos for later consumption and Germany waited for him to be seated before taking a bite of his food. Germany began to eat at a slow pace, slow enough for Italy to notice. Double checking to be sure his food was palatable, he wondered why his friend was so sluggish.
"Is your portion alright?" Italy asked,
"Oh, its just wonderful Italy," He said,
"Is something wrong?"
I am Germany's mind muttered, he shook his head and pushed the little voice away.
"If anything was wrong, you'd let me help right?" Italy asked,
"Of course, of course..." Germany said, before Italy would prod further Germany distracted him, "So Italy, have you ever grown tomatoes before?" His question ignited a never ending conversation that for some reason, Germany absorbed. He focused solely on Italy, the way his lips moved, his bright eyes as he recalled fond memories. Italy stopped after a moment noticing his friend's stare.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, no, I just wish I could find such joy in those things... It's an admirable trait," Germany answered,
"Oh, my something must be wrong, Germany complimented me. Don't worry, a good nights sleep and some potatoes will fix you."
"I'm fine, but I have been rather brisk with you lately. I hope it hasn't weaken our friendship." Germany said,
"Ve, I know Germany is very busy, I can not be selfish and feel bad about it because he's protecting me." Italy said. Germany chuckled lightly and wiped his face. The empty plate before him had been enough to fill him and he skipped his usual seconds.
............
When Leos protested being woken up, Germany carried him to his bed and changed him into more comfortable clothing. He slipped off the boy's shirt and cringed at his ribs and spine. The way his collar bones protruded from his pale flesh. This was the first time he could truly observe his son without him twisting away. He took note of the scars that were dotted over his tiny form. Some were long thin cuts, from a knife, others looked like burns or brands. He buttoned up the front of his shirt and then began to undo the suspenders. His son's legs were thin, but surprisingly strong as he rebelled to his leg being pulled. Germany pulled the blankets over Leos and tucked them under his body.
"Good night," He whispered as he kissed his forehead, "Feel better,"
Slinking under the covers Germany folded his behind his head and stared at the ceiling. Italy was in the bathroom washing up. He listened to the other man squish a damp clothe across his face and adjust the facets. The flickering light from the bathroom shone on the part of the ceiling Germany looked at, he watched his friends shadow move about the room. The light flicked off, darkness cloaked the room. Germany felt Italy sit on the bed and curl up in the blanket.
"Good night, Germany," He said,
"..."
"Germany?"
"..."
"Ve?"
"... Italy... What do you think about?" He asked,
"Eh? Don't I tell you all the time?" Italy responded,
"No, I mean... What do you think about. Not thoughts that pop into your head, I mean what is it that makes you ponder?" Germany asked. Italy rolled on his side to face his friend. The blonde's hair was highlighted by the moonlight, his eyes half open.
"Art, art makes me think." Italy said, Germany nodded, "What makes Germany think?" He asked,
"Music," He answered, "German songs..."
"You like your language,"
"I love it... It's... Beautiful, but not the same way as others are... I guess it's like looking at a painting that you like but others do not."
"I like many paintings that others do not... But paintings are not my favorite at all." Italy said.
"Oh, What is?" Germany asked. Italy held himself up and crawled over to Germany. Laying as close as possible, without actually be on top of him, he placed one of his long fingers on Germany's collar bone. He ran it down his friend's chest and around to the ribs which were layered in tight muscles.
"Sculpture," Italy said, "Maybe that is why I like Ludwig so much... You are like a sculpture..." Italy said. Germany sighed,"Sculptures are so strong if you leave them be... But if disturbed, they crumble." Italy said somberly. "Throughout history, many of my favorite monuments have fallen, statues of perfection that my citizens worked on so hard are nothing but rubble. I don't want to loose another one." Italy's fingers wrapped around Germany's arm. He felt the muscles and tendons of the stronger man tense, but then relax. Germany turned his head and rested his chin above Italy's on the pillow.
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I do not know which dogs are which but I will assume blackie is the Shepherd dog and a play on Blondie (Hitler's GSD).
If you like please Review :D Let me know which parts are your favorite or which ones make you worried or think will be significant, this will let me know if I have written my intended scenes properly : )
It may get touchy from here on on certain things but I will have a warning on which chapters will be heavy and which ones will be lighter.