Gaaah sorry for the lack of anything lately! I've been under a lot of stress and that makes me apathetic so I've been very unproductive lately. Parts of this chapter were like pulling teeth but it's done! An amusing snippet to apologize: I have a professor from Denmark who is just absolutely fantastic and hilarious. We were talking about Europe in class and we started talking about Prussia specifically. He described it as a nasty parody of Germany. Made my day, I swear.

So they recently updated the reviews system or something and suddenly it's telling me that all the links from past reviews are outdated when I try to respond. I have a ton of reviews I haven't responded to yet. You're fucking kidding me, right? Do you think they'll fix that problem or am I just screwed and have to do things the tedious way?


A voice warbles drunkenly throughout the bar, singing one of the most butchered versions of Bohemian Rhapsody the world has ever known. America laughs loudly, clapping in encouragement. Japan eats his sushi and tries to pretend he is deaf. It's easy, actually. He's had lots of practice going to karaoke with America in the past.

The song is soon blessedly over and America cheers loudly even as another singer gets set to go up. England glares over from another table before France pokes his cheek and the shorter man turns to snap at him. Neither seem to remember that Canada is at their table, blending in with the decor.

America finally turns back to the sushi bar, taking a long drink from his coke. "I love bad karaoke! It always makes me feel better about myself."

Japan adds a dab of wasabi to his soy sauce and shakes his head. "That is not a particularly kind way to regard it."

"Oh, easy for you to say. You don't suck." America eyes the sushi then pulls out his phone to check the time. Because who uses watches anymore? "Jeez, where is Ivan? I want to eaaaaat."

A small frown touches Japan's lips as he chews a piece of sushi. "Then order something. It is rather rude of him to make you wait for so long."

"Nah, it'll be fine. I just feel like I'm starving! I haven't eaten since lunch, y'know? And Ivan is all," he puts on a sudden Russian accent that makes Japan's skin crawl, "'I will be meeting with you soon, my little babushka burger' or some shit like that and then he takes forever! Women take less time than he does! I would have ordered something earlier if I knew it would take so long! But no, I just know if I get something at this point he'll come waltzing in the door and give me a hard time for ordering when we're supposed to be going out to eat. It's his fault, damn it!"

Japan softly clicks his tongue. "I still do not think he sounds very thoughtful or considerate of you. If... if you are hungry you may have a piece of my sushi."

"Really?" It's not his favorite, but a man gets to the point where even his own arm starts to look sort of tasty and America is getting close to that critical stage. "Yeah! I'd love a piece!"

Japan picks up his pair of chopsticks and grabs a piece, dabbing it in the soy sauce and wasabi before stretching it out for Alfred. "Here."

America grins and leans forward eagerly, mouth poised to take in the sushi. It's an oddly flustering sight. Quite suddenly a hand is harshly clamped down on Japan's shoulder and he jumps, the chopsticks and sushi falling to the ground before they've reached their destination. A falsely cheerful voice greets him."Hello, Japan!"

As America looks at the fallen sushi, utterly crestfallen, Japan turns to glance up at Russia, who has a slight edge to his smile. "...Hello, Russia-san."

Without removing his hand, Russia turns his attention to America. "Sorry it took so long, lapushka. I will buy you an extra dessert to make up for it. Are you ready to go?"

"About freaking time! You can bet your ass I'm ready! Let me just go use the bathroom real quick and we'll blow this joint." He sucks down the rest of his soda then stands, pausing briefly. "...You two will be nice to one another?"

They both nod, murmuring reassurances. With a shrug America heads off towards the bathroom. Once he is out of sight Japan's eyes slide to his shoulder. "Unhand me."

"My apologies. You must forgive me if I do not appreciate other people feeding my lover." The hand slides away, the tone of voice annoyed yet terribly smug. "You know, it is funny. Sometimes I think about what you said to me back when I was still courting Alfred. How he is not the kind to be in a relationship. And yet here we are, so very happy with one another. I suppose you were completely wrong. Or perhaps it was only bitterness speaking?"

Japan grits his teeth and suddenly his arm is swinging towards Russia, who catches him by the wrist. His eyes narrow slightly, the smile never leaving his face as he squeezes it. Japan winces but keeps a firm hold of the kunai in his hand.

Russia giggles softly but doesn't let up. "Oh dear, attacking me with any sort of blade is futile, Japan. I have had plenty of experience deflecting them courtesy of my little sister. You will never be up to her skill."

Japan glares up at him, not saying a word. After a moment Russia gives his wrist one more harsh twist then releases it. Japan quickly pulls it close to his body, rubbing it. "Someone as violent as you should not be with Alfred-san."

Ah, Russia does hate the more familiar way Japan addresses America these days. "Oh, Japan, you of all people should know how aggressive Alfred can get. Besides, he seems to like it when I am a bit rough with him."

A rare bubble of anger starts to build up inside Japan. "You are truly disgusting."

Russia giggles again. "Oh? Alfred does not seem to mind. In fact he loves it when I talk dirty to him."

Before Japan can react America comes jogging over. "Okay! Ready to go. You two aren't fighting are you?"

"Never," Russia says with a smile.

"Of course not," Japan confirms.

America beams at them. "Great! Now to the magical kingdom of food!"

Russia steps away from Japan and encircles America's waist with one arm, pulling him close as he gives him a kiss. "As you desire, my dearest one."

Japan averts his gaze and discreetly tucks away the kunai after contemplating chucking it at Russia's head. "Goodbye, Alfred-san."

America pushes Russia away for a moment and Japan takes a small satisfaction in that. "See you later, Kiku! I'll catch up with you later. Don't forget I want to play that new game we were talking about!"

Japan nods once and smiles. America smiles back and then he is leaning against Russia and flashing that sort of private smile reserved for intimate partners at him. Russia gives him a small squeeze on the behind out of spite that makes America laugh and smack him good-naturedly. A moment later they are gone and Japan is ordering sake to chase down the ugly taste Russia leaves in his mouth.

After the first glass he finds a presence at his side taking a seat. Japan looks over and England gives him a small upturn of one corner of his mouth before turning to the bartender and ordering another beer. He's already starting to get sloshed but he can take a few more rounds. "Don't mind if I join you, do you?"

Japan shakes his head. "Not at all."

England nods and reaches out to take his beer. For a moment the two of them are silent, focusing on their drinks. It is England who speaks first. "Still having a hard time with those two dating?"

Japan's eyes narrow slightly. "...It is none of my business."

"Oh come on, that's a bollocks answer and you know it. Aren't we closer than that?"

Japan sighs softly. "Are you?"

"Bloody right I am, and I want someone to rant about it with. France doesn't care much and I can never seem to find Canada. It's not like I'm going to talk about it with any of my brothers either." He takes a comically defiant drink of beer.

Japan runs a finger along the edge of his glass. "It is not easy, no. It is hard to see him with... Well, Russia purposely does these things to be even more..." The words are difficult to find, the emotions so direct it is hard to get them out. "He could do better than him."

"Alfred is a wanking git, but probably. And yes, that damned Russia is so smug about it isn't he? Getting his hands all over him just to rub it in. Pisses me right the fuck off." Russia has proven them both wrong in their claims of Alfred's imperviousness to love and he reminds them of this whenever he can. England makes a face then takes another long drink and gestures for a new beer.

Taking another drink of his own sake, Japan nods slowly. "He is not the only difficult thing about their relationship. Alfred... It is like having a... a tree outside of your window that you are quite accustomed to seeing only to find one day that it has been cut down."

England raises a considerable eyebrow, "Always thought it would be there to climb should the desire arise?"

Japan's neck and the tips of his ears go red. "That- My intention was not- I-"

England laughs and there is a slight slur in his words now. "I'm only giving you a hard time. Alfred is young and foolish. I have to remind myself whenever I am forced to be civil towards his beau. Fuck me, using a French word. Anyway... For me the hardest part is that I promised Alfred I'd support whatever decision he made... Stupid that it may be. For whatever reason that bastard makes him happy. Alfred always has looked his best when he's glowing the way he does these days."

There is a deep silence as two ancient nations contemplate something as elusive and infinitely baffling as the emotion of love. Love, and how it does not always bring happiness. And how sometimes it does. Japan almost speaks, tastes his words by rolling them on his tongue like pearls, then decides to swallow them after all. Silence has always served him best.

"It won't last forever," England states suddenly, a little too loudly. "It never does. Until then I can put up with it so long as Alfred is smiling. Someday that giant will mess it all up and after that happens..."

"I suppose I will help Alfred pick up the pieces," Japan says firmly.

It clashes with Arthur's words, which he says almost simultaneously, "I suppose it will be up to me to comfort the stupid boy."

The two of them freeze and look at one another for a moment then both look away and take a drink.

"The weather has been rather strange this time of year, don't you think?" England finally murmurs.

"Hai... very strange weather."

They both take another drink.

~.

England's absence from the table reminds France of his dearest Canada, and the latter is not so sure that's a good thing. As he smacks away a wandering hand, Canada laments. "Russia's 'family gatherings' are really the worst. I don't know why you would be upset about not being invited to them."

"But mon cher, even England is invited! Am I not part of the family?" He caresses a knee before his hand is pushed away again.

"It's really not that great, I swear. Last time we had one Belarus almost stabbed me through the throat because she thought I was Alfred. It was awful! And I can't tell you how many times Russia sits on me." Or generally pretends he doesn't exist. Even though he is the one who holds the things to begin with.

"I still feel left out! How very lonely this rose is on its lonely rocky mountain by the sea..." France touches the back of his hand lightly to his forehead, looking perfectly tragic.

"You are not missing out," Canada says with a sigh.

"Try to get me invited to the next one! I can make it worth your while~" France tries to snake his arm around Canada.

"Oh no, is that a sunflower?" Canada hurriedly asks.

France stiffens and looks around in a panic. "I did not mean it! I said I was sorry!"

Canada scoots his chair further away and leans his chin on one hand. He really wants to know what Russia did that France still reacts that way to sunflowers but the other won't talk about it. It always seems to traumatize him. "I guess I'll see what I can do... it's usually just a lot of bother. Ukraine is always sweet but Belarus gets unbelievably moody and Arthur gives off this air of disapproval that always makes things even more tense. Unless you think you can lift the mood you might not want to go."

The words seem to brighten France up immediately. "But of course I can! I shall be a balmy breeze on a lovely spring day!" He laughs confidently and then his smile softens. Reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind Canada's ear, he asks, "If they truly bother you Matthieu, why do you bother going? Could you not refuse?"

"W-well yes but... Al's my brother and I want to show my support. Even if he's not the best at reciprocating that... I know it means a lot to him. I amhappy for him."

France looks at him with tears in his eyes and hugs him close. "Oh you really are related to me! Such noble intent and loyalty! My darling petit feuille d'érable! Let me kiss you!"

Canada pushes at him, straining to keep him at bay. "F-Francis, quit it!"

"Just a little one! Honhonhon~" France's attempts are cut short as they hear loud weeping from the bar. He glances up and smirks. "Seems Angleterre has reached his limit."

Canada sighs in relief as France retreats. "Sh-should we get him back to the hotel then?"

"I suppose so. He is so bothersome, cutting into everyone's good time with his poor alcohol tolerance. It is abominable." France shakes his head.

The two get up and head over to him. The sushi chef is talking to England, shaking his head, then looks at them. France waves his hand in assurance that they'll handle him and he goes back to his work. "Aah, my dearest Arthur, look at the mess you have made of yourself!"

England glares up at him, gaze wavering. "Y-you... don't even talk to me ya... ya French...I hate you!"

France laughs as England sinks down to the bar, falling into another fit of tears. "You know, only one of us needs to take him back. I will make this noble sacrifice and you may stay here and enjoy yourself, Matthieu."

Canada in no way trusts the perverted leer he is giving England. "N-no, that's fine. I'll do it. I think it would be...safer."

He moves past a put out France and puts an arm around England's shoulders, trying to get him to stand. England looks up at him then throws his arms around his neck. "Why d'ya have to make such bad life deshishons, Alfred? I raised you the best I couldn't didn't I?"

An annoyed expression crosses Canada's face. "I'm not Alfred! It's me, Matth-"

"Ya know, Alfred, you should... make fiscally responsible investments in life and in love!" England gives him a determined look then begins sobbing again.

"Sure you do not want me to take him?" France asks eagerly.

"I've got him," Canada says with a sigh. It's not like it's the first time in his life he's been mistaken for America. "See you later, Francis."

Canada pulls England to his feet, who has started muttering some patriotic song under his breath. The two of them wobble out to the street to catch a cab.

France turns back to his table and sighs. Well there goes all of his fun. Bored, he scans the room to see if there are any attractive people he might take home. For the first time he notices that the latest karaoke singer is Japan, missing his coat with his tie up around his forehead and incredibly drunk.

He sings fiercely into the mike a song that does not quite seem to match his gentle voice; "Linda Linda! Linda Linda Lindaaaa! Linda Linda! Linda Linda Lindaaa! Moshi-mo Boku-ga itsuka Kimi-to deai hanshi aunara, Sonna tokiwa do-ka Ai no Imi-wo Shit-te kuda-sai! Aija na-kutemo Koja na-kutemo. Kimi-wo hanashi-wa-shi-na-i, Keshite makenai Tsuyoi chikara-wo Boku-wa hito-su-dake motsu!"

France's eyes light up and as the song comes to a close he claps enthusiastically. As Japan wanders back towards the sushi bar he looks at it in confusion. It seems to be lacking one English gentleman. A hand lightly falls onto his shoulder and he looks up, hiccuping. "Aah, greetings France-san. I hope you are well. Have you seen England-san? He seems to have wandered away with a breeze."

"I am very well. Arthur has gone back to the hotel. How about I escort you back there as well my delicate lotus blossom?"

"Im-" Japan hiccups. "Improper..."

"I am just taking you back to the hotel. You should relax, Japan. You are in most excellent hands!" France starts to pull Japan towards the door.

"Hold it! Let him go!"

France freezes and turns slowly, laughing a bit awkwardly. "Oh, China... I didn't know you were here. How... unexpected."

China tsks and pulls Japan away from him, shooing his hands away. "I think I can take care of him. Have a good night. Come on, Japan."

France watches with mild disappointment as China takes Japan away, scolding him for being so careless around 'dangerous individuals'.

"Will the universe deny me of all romance?" France sighs dramatically feeling just a little bit lonely. Until a beautiful woman who is blessedly alone walks in. Perhaps there is still a chance for romance this night after all. Putting on his most charming smile, France goes on the hunt for l'amour.

~.

Lithuania pours four cups of tea as Ukraine puts some finishing touches on her cookies. She turns to take the plate to the table just as Lithuania turns to take the tray of tea. They both pause and smile sheepishly.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry I-" Lithuania begins.

"N-no, I got in your way first, I'm the one who's sorry." Ukraine says quickly.

They both laugh softly. Lithuania begins to say something else when Poland's voice cuts in from the other room. "Are we ever going to eat or what?"

They smile and shrug. There's a moment of hesitation then Ukraine starts forward and Lithuania follows. Belarus is sitting at the table, looking very irritated. Poland is wandering around the room, looking at things and picking them up at his whim. "About time you two!"

"Ah, so sorry! Here it is. I hope you- Oh!" Ukraine trips and starts to fall forward.

"Katyusha!" Lithuania drops the platter of tea and grabs her waist, barely pulling her back up as teacups shatter. Half the cookies fall from the plate onto the floor as Lithuania hauls her into an upward position. "A-are you alright?"

Ukraine looks at the floor in despair. "Ah! I'm so sorry! If only I wasn't so clumsy!"

Lithuania tightens his grip on her waist for a moment. "No, it's alright! It will only take a few minutes to make more tea. I'm just glad you didn't get hurt."

A soft blush creeps onto Ukraine's cheeks. "Th-thank you..."

"Ugh. Get a room if you're going to expose us to such intense sappiness." Poland rolls his eyes at them.

The two stiffen and separate from one another quickly. "Ah... w-well some of the cookies survived. I'll just put them here. You two can start on those if you'd like. We'll be back with the tea soon. I'm so sorry!"

Ukraine puts the cookies down, smiling weakly at Belarus. "Y-you like these don't you, Natalya?"

Belarus fixes her with a look of disapproval but takes one of the cookies. Ukraine smiles warmly and nods. Poland wanders over and takes one. "You two should definitely hurry up. And, like, I hope you don't expect me to clean any of that up for you, Liet."

Lithuania laughs awkwardly. "N-no, don't worry about it. You're a guest. I'll take care of it in a minute. You two just enjoy the cookies and we'll get the tea."

They disappear back into the kitchen. Poland takes a seat then grabs a few of the cookies and starts to make a house out of them. Belarus ignores him completely. In the kitchen Ukraine grabs new tea cups. "I-I really am sorry, Toris. I swear I'll pay to replace them! And I'll clean your carpet myself!"

Lithuania starts imagining something he really shouldn't be and clears his throat. "D-don't be silly! It really is no big deal. Accidents happen."

"But that's the third time I'm responsible for your tea cups getting broken at least."

There was an awkward pause and then Lithuania laughs. He walks towards her and takes her hand. "Katyusha, I really don't care. I'm happy that you weren't hurt. And while I don't actively encourage you breaking more...If anything I find it sort of c-cute." Face flushing slightly he leans in and kisses her cheek.

Her large blue eyes brighten, so filled with warmth. The most charming shade of pink brushes her cheeks. "Oh, Toris..." She presses her forehead lightly to his and their noses brush once before they pull back, both wearing fond smiles.

The kettle whistles and they part a bit self-consciously. Lithuania turning to fuss with the water as Ukraine turns to grab the cups. At almost the same time they shyly sneak a look at one another then look away, Ukraine giggling.

In the other room Belarus glares stormily into the air, deep in thought. She doesn't notice when Poland takes the cookie with a bite in it from her fingers for what is turning into a cookie palace. That damn America, it seems he is like a curse that can't be broken. Everything she does seems to fail or backfire. Oh and how she hates it when he's being nice to her! And how dare he have that twin that confuses her every single time he's around!

From the other room she hears her sister giggle. And Ukraine! She actively encourages that man'srelationship with big brother! She is a traitor! Well just wait until Vanya finds out about her relationship with Lithuania. No doubt he will not approve at all.

Not that she actually wishes for Ivan to break up her sister's relationship. She supposes Ukraine is better to deal with when she's happy then when she's a crying mess. Besides, it's a relief that the idiot has finally given up on her. How much she cannot stand him! Is he the most dense man on Earth? Continuously pursuing her when it was obvious she had no feelings for him! Could it have been more clear how much she did not want a relationship with him? He is so-

The most awful thought that has ever existed hits her like a bomb. Is she... Oh God please no, is she to Ivan what Lithuania had been to her?

The moment of clarity is like an electric shock that makes every muscle in her body flinch painfully. She opens her mouth as if to scream, a silent, choked sound all that comes out. It is as if she is paralyzed.

Poland glances over at her and starts to poke her cheek repeatedly. "Like, what is wrong with you? Why is that you only make like, really scary or angry faces? You should really consider widening your expression range." He hooks a finger on one side of her mouth and pulls it up into half a smile. He doesn't get a single response from Belarus. "Hm? Hey Liet, you might want to get out here. I think the angry sister is broken or something. You should see her before she recovers."

Poland removes his finger and starts pulling out his cellphone to take a picture as Lithuania and Ukraine hurry into the room. Ukraine looks at her sister in alarm. "Natalya? Natalya, what's the matter?" She strokes her hair and cheek, trying to see what might be wrong. "Natalya!"

Belarus's mind finally recovers from the deep shock and quickly slathers a thick layer of denial over the awful, horrible thought. No, no! Ivan loves her! There is no way he thinks of her like she thinks of Lithuania! Big brother does love her! She repeats this thought until she has calmed herself to only a mild state of horror.

She blinks and looks up at her sister. "Vanya loves me."

Ukraine is relieved to see her acting normally. "Of course he does, dear. Are you alright now?"

Belarus nods slowly. Lithuania reaches over to touch her shoulder. "Do you need any-"

"Don't you touch me! I'm not like you!" Belarus savagely reaches up and grabs his wrist, twisting sharply.

There's a faint snap sound and Lithuania lets out a small cry, falling back into the table. Ukraine gasps loudly, covering her mouth in alarm.

"Liet!" Poland cries, "You totally knocked over my cookie castle!"

Lithuania tries to smile but it comes out more as a grimace, small tears standing in the corners of his eyes. "A-ah...ha... s-sorry, I-I'm fine..."

Ukraine delicately tries to get a look at his wrist. "Oh, Natalya, was that necessary?"

"Very, big sister," Belarus says, quite calm now.

Ukraine fusses while Lithuania tries to insist nothing is wrong. Poland is trying to rebuild his cookie palace, annoyed every time the table gets bumped again by Ukraine's hip. She finally sighs. "I'm sorry dear, I think we should take that to be looked at by a doctor."

Lithuania gives her a pained smile. "It really isn't that-"

Belarus calmly stands and flicks it. Lithuania cries out again and nudges the table. Poland scoffs. "Oh my God, you're like, making this impossible!"

Ukraine frowns sharply at her sister, though it actually comes out looking hurt and reproachful. "Natalya, what was that for?"

"Proving he should go see a doctor. Denying it doesn't make it-" She stops herself abruptly before she gives herself another breakdown. "Just go take him to the doctor already. If it's bad enough maybe you'll have to stick around to help him out. I definitely won't do it."

A small blush comes to both Ukraine and Lithuania's faces. "A-ah, that's... I'm sure it won't be- K-Katyusha, maybe I should see that doctor after all. Uh..."

"Da, da, I will drive you. Um, I am so sorry. We'll have to reschedule. Help yourself to tea and cookies if you like."

Poland looks up from the cookies, which he has finally given up on. "Oh, I want to go! There's something I want to pick up. We can get it on the way, right? Like, that's not a problem is it?"

Ukraine gives him an almost pained smile. "M-maybe on the way back... Natalya, would you like to go then?"

Belarus looks from her sister to Lithuania to Poland. "No."

"Well, alright. I promise we'll be back as soon as possible. Come on, dear." She puts her arm around Lithuania's shoulders and starts to lead him out. Poland follows after spouting a list of things he needs to get, the items rapidly getting more ridiculous. Ukraine pauses at the door onces and nods to her sister. There's a few moments of their chattering and then it goes quiet.

Blessedly alone, Belarus sits in the serenity of her own thoughts. From time to time her hand travels down to lovingly trace over the concealed blade hidden beneath her dress. After a while she stands and goes to make herself a cup of tea. Maybe she'll be nice and pick up the broken glass on the floor later. Not for Lithuania's sake but for her sister's.

She returns to the table with her steaming teacup and sets it down. For a moment she eyes the cookies then decides she doesn't want anything Poland has put his hands all over. After a minute she lifts her cup and blows lightly, taking a sip. Someday she will win over big brother's love. Until then she will have to be patient, as she always has been. She will wait centuries upon centuries for big brother's love.

For a moment she pauses in thought, the teacup poised in mid-air as she tilts her head to the side, eyes almost dreamy. In that quiet moment, though there is none to witness it, Belarus appears as lovely and fragile as a wild flax in bloom.

~.

It is the heat that wakes Germany up. Body heat. Sometimes it still bothers him, mostly in the summer when it's already so warm. Perhaps it is because he comes from a warmer climate but such things never bother Italy. Not much of anything bothers Italy, actually.

Germany sighs and opens his eyes a bit. Italy is nestled near him, expression peaceful if not a bit dopey. A slight smile touches his lips until his eyes wander down and he notices another arm strung around Italy's waist. He frowns and sits up, throwing back the covers. Prussia is on the other side of the bed, face pressed cozily to Italy's back.

"Damn it bruder, get out!"

The yelling startles Italy awake and he sits up in panic mode, looking for his white flag. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, don't hurt me!"

"Not you!" Germany snaps. "Bruder!"

Prussia opens an eye resentfully and turns onto his back, stretching out leisurely like a cat. "Mm? What's your problem, West?"

"You are! What do you think you're doing in my bed? You have your own bed!"

"Sleeping. Yeesh. And your bed is more comfortable. Next time you should maybe take that stick out your ass before you go to bed. You'll wake up in a better mood." Prussia stifles a yawn.

"Why you-!"

Italy throws his hands over his ears. "Please stop fighting!"

"Aw, look what you've done. You've upset him, West. What a bad boyfriend." Prussia sits up and nuzzles Italy's shoulder. "Italy is too cute to yell around, ja?"

Italy tenses, looking rather distressed. Germany leans over and grabs Italy's arm as he pushes at Prussia's head. "Stop harassing him!"

"I am doing no such thing! You're not harassed by me at all, are ya, Italy?" He grins at Italy even as he tries to push Germany's hand away.

"Ve..." Italy tries to determine what he can say that won't lead to him getting yelled at or smacked by anyone. "Can we have breakfast now?"

Germany sighs in frustration and rubs the bridge of his nose. Why is he surrounded by such foolish people? "You are so-" One look at Italy's face defuses the comment. "...Fine. Breakfast."

Germany looks pointedly at Prussia. "We'll talk about this later."

"Ja, ja, breakfast first!" As if their 'conversations' ever straighten him out. "Now get in the kitchen where you belong."

Germany's eyes narrow and he makes a sound of disgust. "Just yell if he starts molesting you."

"I'm sure Italy will keep his hands to himself," Prussia says, laughing obnoxiously as he throws his arm around Italy's shoulders. "No need to worry about me, bruder!"

There is a pause as Germany seriously considers throwing his brother out the window. "...You drive me insane."

"Well lucky for us it hasn't prevented you from cooking breakfast. Remember what good ol' Nietzsche said, 'That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger' and I'm making you pure steel!" Prussia breaks into a full out cackle.

"...Feliciano, come downstairs as quickly as possible. Now would be preferable." Germany turns and leaves the room. Any more and he'll have a minor rage stroke.

Italy slips from Prussia's grasp and grabs his pants from off the floor, slipping them on. He doesn't immediately head for the door, turning to look at the albino stretched out on the bed. "Why do you always do things to bother him?"

"I could ask you the same thing," is the immediate response, an amused smirk curling Prussia's lips.

Italy winces and flushes slightly. "I... I'm not trying to bother him."

"Well, I am. Because mein Ludwig is just so adorable when he's angry. Don't you think so?"

"He... he is not your Ludwig," Italy says, voice wavering with annoyance.

"You can bet he very well is. Ludwig is my little brother and I raised that brat. That makes him mine, too. You don't get full rights just because you're dating him." Prussia sits up, expression still amused but now with a hint of a challenge.

Italy fidgets then straightens himself. Russia defends America from Prussia and makes him back off. He should be able to do the same. "Maybe... you shouldn't act like you own him just because you're his brother. I don't interfere with Lovino."

"Because the two of you have never been as close. The awesome me has a superior brotherly bond!" Prussia points almost accusingly at him.

The words are a blow and Italy takes a step back. No, he can't give up yet! "Y-you're just being selfish."

"Nein!" Prussia snaps suddenly, standing. Italy cowers but doesn't back up. "Nein! Du bist egoistisch! I like you so if you want to be lovey dovey and do all that kinky stuff West is into then I approve. Gott knows he needed to get laid. Don't think you can take him away completely. The hell am I supposed to do then, huh?"

Italy is struck silent as Prussia quickly turns to walk towards the window. "Not that I'd be lonely without him or anything. In fact I love being alone, it's the best thing ever! I'm just saying, don't get a big head. West won't find that very attractive."

Italy looks at Prussia's back, so very stiff with pride, then slowly walks over to his side. He slips a hand in Prussia's and holds it gently. "Ve, I...I like it when you spend time with us, too. Just... stop trying to kiss him and things. That's my job. Now let's go have breakfast!"

Prussia glances at Italy's hand then smirks, giving it a slight squeeze. "Ja! If West knows what's good for him it will be done by now."

The two give each other thoughtful looks then smile at one another. There's enough room for both of them. With that determined they go to bombard the kitchen. Prussia snorts in disgust. "How are you not done yet?"

Germany glares up from the potatoes he's cutting up. "It's only been a few minutes! What are you even thinking? Sit down and shut up!"

Prussia snickers. "There you are, being all forceful and manly in your pretty pink apron."

"I am not wearing a pretty pink apron! If you want food you will stop talking immediately!" Germany turns back, chopping at the potatoes furiously now.

Italy goes over to Ludwig's side, touching his arm gently. Germany grunts with annoyance. "Ja?"

"Is there anything I can help with?" He smiles up at him sweetly, if not a little nervously.

Germany becomes more flustered than angry. "...Ja, if you want to then you can start heating up the sausage."

"That's what she said!" Prussia plops into a chair and laughs over his own infinite cleverness.

Germany grits his teeth and tries to ignore him. Italy tugs lightly on his sleeve again and he turns to see what he wants. Italy raises up on his toes, wishing once more that he was just a little bit taller. Germany flushes and clears his throat softly before leaning in to kiss Italy. Italy kisses him back, beaming at him as he pulls away.

Italy gives him a small salute. "I'll get started on that sausage, sir!" He pauses then lightly leans up to kiss Germany's jaw. "We can work on the other sausage later."

As Italy cheerfully bounces off to get the sausage, Prussia begins to roar with laughter while Germany's ears turn pink with embarrassment.


Translation:

petit feuille d'érable – little maple leaf

Nein! Du bist egoistisch! – No! You are selfish! (fixed)

Extra Notes:

The song in this chapter is Linda Linda by The Blue Hearts. It's a popular song to karaoke to in Japan. If you're familiar with it then it might seem coarse for Japan's soft voice but I chose it in amusement over the fact that Hiroki Takahashi (voice acting god) has done such roles as Squalo from Hitman Reborn where his voice is in fact much more gruff.

Lyric translation (gotten from various sources so this is just the general gist and not necessarily exactly what it says): "Linda Linda (repeated)! If I see you and (we) have a talk Please catch the meaning of love. Even though it may not be love, Even though it may not be affection, I can't let you go. I'll get power (or '"never give up" is my power'), the only power nothing can beat!"
P.S. I can't tell you how tempted I was to make him sing 'Chichi Chichi Oppai' (look it up, it's from another of Takahashi's roles and you very well might die of the lulz)

Friedrich Nietzsche – German philosopher from the Prussian Province of Saxony. Eventually he annulled his Prussian citizenship and remained under the status of 'stateless' for the rest of his life. Very interesting guy.

AN: I'm not quite sure if that's what people expected of this chapter but I'm pleased enough with it. Also, omg you guys... only one chapter left! I can't even believe it... aaah my baby is almost done! I was thinking about it and if you feel like telling me (or if you even have one) what was your favorite chapter or scene from the story overall? I'm just curious~ Thanks and I'll probably update this again soon!