A/N: Hey guys! This chapter switches over to Germany's POV, after his return. Now we get into the actual plot. Yay! Germany is pretty fun to write. I was listening to the Inception soundtrack while writing this, it was awesome! :D Sorry for the short chapter, but you'll understand at the end. Please review!

Germany stretched in the bed, yawning, as the first rays of sunlight peered into his and Japan's room. He looked to his left, and as he had assumed, Japan was gone. Germany was an early riser, certainly much earlier than France, but Japan awoke at 5 almost every morning. Germany only did so when he had training to attend. He sighed. Japan worked much too hard, especially for someone as worthless as him. Germany grabbed the sheets, his hands curling into fists around them. He felt disgusting, doing what he did, like a monster, and sad as well. Oh Japan, he thought bitterly, if you knew what I was doing, you would…. He shook his head. It was a miracle Japan hadn't found out yet. He sat in bed brooding for a while longer, bringing his knees up to his bare chest, still clutching the sheets. After a few moments of solitude, he brushed away his self-hate and got up. He dressed himself in his typical workout uniform, camouflage pants, a black tank, and his cap. He swung his jacket over his shoulders, deciding that it might still be a bit chilly, though spring had already begun. As always, his Iron Cross settled on his chest, just below his collarbone. It was the only thing he never let Japan clean or shine.

As Germany sat down at the table for breakfast, newspaper in hand, the guilt he had been trying to suppress came back when watching Japan so painstakingly make the morning meal. But, he reminded himself, he couldn't let Japan find out, at all costs. The knowledge would crush him.

"Guten Morgen," Germany greeted Japan, pretending nothing was wrong. "I'm sorry I frightened you last night."

Japan smiled. "Do not trouble yourself! I am just glad you have returned safely."

Japan placed a plate in front of Germany, pancakes, eggs and Canadian Bacon. "I was watching a show about Canada-san. It inspired me."

Germany smiled, then dug in.

After both were done eating, Germany reading his newspaper, Japan spoke up. "China-san came by yesterday. He said he wanted to speak to you about something personal…"

Germany blanched. Oh no, he thought, he came here? However, he hid his pale face with his newspaper, and tried to sound indifferent. "Oh, yes. I almost forgot. He had told me last week that he wanted to meet with me…" Germany sneaked a glance over his newspaper. Japan was looking down at his empty plate, his hair covering his eyes. "Japan… what's wrong?"

"Hmm? Oh, sumimasen, I was thinking. It's nothing," he added quickly as Germany opened his mouth to pry. Japan couldn't possibly suspect… No, if he did, it would be quite a bit more obvious. And anyway, he thought as Japan cheerfully picked up the plates and took them away to wash them, he was being very careful.

"Well, I'm off to meet China. I might be late for lunch, so don't wait up."

"Very well. Oh, and…" Japan walked over quickly as Germany put his hand on the door, placing his own hand on Germany's broad shoulders. "Please be careful." Germany smiled sadly, bent down, and kissed him softly.

"Thank you." They broke apart and Germany left, slightly confused. No, it was nothing, he was just being paranoid, he told himself. Japan was just being his usual doting self.

Germany met China in the usual place, a quiet underground café in the darker side of town. It wasn't a café so much as a criminal hot-spot, but alas, what could he do? And it wasn't as if he was really in any danger. Even in the underworld, Germany was an imposing, intimidating figure. At first, his defined muscles and stern appearance made him deal with quite a few challengers, but after the sound beating he gave to one that had charged him from behind, most had learned to stay away.

He sat at his usual spot, a private, lit corner booth, and waved away the rude-looking waitress sauntering over. He sat in silence, waiting for China and his Triad. He was not disappointed.

"You called?" he asked China, who, despite being in charge of one of the strongest criminal organization in the world, still managed to look adorable and harmless as he walked into the booth, his panda on his shoulders. China smirked, beckoning over his shoulder. A watermelon knife came out of the mass of guards China had behind him, sticking to the table with a thud, millimeters away from Germany's hand.

"Here, you address me as Shan Chu, got that, aru?"

"I don't work for you," spat out Germany, "so don't expect me to act like one of your subordinates."

"You're right, aru. You don't work for me," said China, an innocent smile on his lips. "But I do own you." His eyes narrowed, but the corners of his mouth stayed curved. "So what I say goes. And I demand to be treated with respect, aru- that is, unless you want my little group of friends here to pay your dear brother another visit. They will, of course, bring a gift, aru." China smirked triumphantly.

What little fighting spirit had been left in Germany was gone. Prussia was always his weak point. "I seem to have forgotten myself. How much more do I need to pay off," he whispered, anger and defeat in his voice, "…. Shan Chu?"

China crossed his arms, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ni keyi likai," he told his followers.

"Shi de, xiansheng!" they stated in unison as they took their leave. One stayed behind, eyeing Germany warily, his arms crossed, bushy eyebrows furrowed. This one looked more intelligent than the others, mused Germany. And also, he had pretty thick eyebrows for an Asian.

"You can leave too, Hong Kong," said China softly. "He won't do anything." With a silent nod, Hong Kong turned smartly and walked away, disappearing into the crowd in the café. The door to the private booth closed behind him. China watched him leave, a faraway look in his eyes, then turned his head back to Germany, his eyes suddenly shining brightly. "Well, aru. You asked how much you had left to pay off, correct?" China asked, reaching for Germany's chin. "It's still quite a substantial amount. So, if you want to see your brother again," he pulled Germany closer, Germany's eyes bright with anger, his jaw set in a scowl, "I suggest you start paying." China leaned down, his face mere centimeters from Germany's. "You know what to do."

Feeling angry, depressed and incredibly disgusted, Germany pushed his lips onto China's small mouth. Only for you, bruder, thought Germany, an acidic taste in his mouth. Only for you.

Glossary:

Shan Chu- the leader of a Triad

Ni keyi likai- You may leave now

Shi de, xiansheng- Yes, sir

A/N: Oh snap! There's a twist! I hope any China fans don't totally hate me now… but I really wanted an evil China. The Triad is a real thing, like the Yakuza in Japan or the Mafia in Italy, and the watermelon knife is like the signature weapon of the Triad. Uh, if you want some China-Germany hate-action in the next chapter, review and request!