Title: Love's Aftermath

Pairings: Italy/Germany, Spain/Romano, Spain/Italy, France/Canada, England/America

Italy's pregnant, Germany's gone missing and Romano just won't quit, have these kids STILL not got their act together?

Chapter 6 - Out in the Open

Italy swirled his hands around in the hot water, scooting forward in the tub as his boyfriend carefully climbed in behind him, resting his legs either side of the Italian, having to the bend them slightly as he was far too big for his little bath. Italy smiled, leaning back against the German, burrowing his brows in slight confusion when he realised something, "Germany?"

"Ja?"

"Why are you wearing underwear?"

Germany blushed slightly, "What?"

"Why are you wearing underwear? We're in the bath." Italy said as he leant back against Germany's chest, giggling slightly as he felt the wet fabric of Germany's boxers against his backside.

"Urm...well I didn't want to urm...get aroused..." Germany mumbled in embarrassment, hiding his face in Italy's back.

Italy giggled again, resting his head back against his boyfriend's shoulder, softly kissing the side of his neck, "I don't mind..."

Germany blushed, wrapping his arms around Italy's stomach, "Ja well, I do..." he softly pecked his cheek, cuddling him close, "I don't think it's appropriate right now..." he muttered softly, gently squeezing Italy's stomach.

Italy grinned, slowly closing his eyes, resting peacefully in the tub of hot water, "You're so caring Germany..."

Germany smiled despite his embarrassment, "Ja well...I just want to make sure you're taken care of." he leant back in the bath, starting to feel more at ease, gently pulling Italy down with him.

"I'm fine Germany." Italy smiled, cuddling against his damp chest, gently trailing his fingers up and down Germany's arms.

"Ja right now you are." Germany shivered slightly, gently taking hold of Italy's hands, "Just wait until you get bigger."

Italy paused for a moment, wrinkling his forehead in confusion, "Oh...I forgot about that." he bit his lip slightly, glancing down at his stomach, gently sloshing the bath water across himself.

Germany softly kissed the top of Italy's head, cuddling him close in the tub, "You'll be fine, I've been reading up on pregnancy und child care und such, I think I have all the basics down."

Italy nodded yet couldn't help the slight anxieties he was starting to feel, "...I'm going to get really big aren't I Germany?"

"Ja, but not for a while yet." Germany smiled reassuringly, kissing the tip of Italy's nose. Italy smiled slightly before resting his head back against Germany's shoulder, sighing softly, Germany looked at him in concern, "Italy..." the Italian looked up, "...you trust me ja?"

"Sì..."

"Well trust me when I tell you you'll be fine." he leant in for a soft kiss, lingering for a few moments before they parted softly.

"Ve..." Italy smiled, turning around carefully in the bath so he could cuddle face to face with the German, "Okay, if you say I'll be fine, I'm sure I'll be fine."

Germany nodded, gently curling his fingers into Italy's hair, "You will as long as I'm here...when you start to get bigger, und everything becomes too much for you, I'll be here to help und look after you."

"Grazie Germany." Italy smiled, softly pecking his lips, "I love you."

"I love you too..." Germany purred softly, holding Italy close, slowly letting his eyes drift shut as he rested back in the tub, hot water relaxing all of his muscles, lulling him into a deep sleep.

~An hour or so later~

Germany wasn't sure how long he slept, or whether Italy slept with him, but by the time he awoke the water had gone tepid. He shifted in the tub, shivering slightly as the luke warm water lapped around his stomach, wrinkled hands stretching out in front of him as he yawned tiredly. Italy looked up, smiling sweetly, gently kissing the centre of Germany's chest, "Are you okay?"

"Ja...cold though." he sat up slightly, reaching towards the bottom of the bath to unplug it, letting the water drain out.

"Me too, I was going to add some more hot water but I didn't want to wake you." Italy lifted himself up completely off Germany's chest, carefully climbing out of the bath, shivering violently.

"I wouldn't have minded." Germany said as he followed Italy out of the bath, grabbing a big white fluffy towel which he draped across his boyfriend.

Italy smiled, cuddling up in the towel, "But you look cute when you sleep!"

Germany blushed slightly, grinning, "...danke Italy." he grabbed his own towel, wrapping it around his waist before carefully taking off his soaking wet boxers, wringing them over the bath and draping it across the edge to dry.

Italy smiled, wrapping his arms around Germany from behind, "Germany can I make us lunch now?"

"Ja if you want, lets get dressed first though." Germany picked up his discarded clothes, handing them to Italy before he leant down, carefully hitching Italy up into his arms, carrying him bridal-style to his bedroom, the Italian giggling in his arms.

"I'm going to wear my Japanese dressing gown!" Italy said, grinning as the German gently placed him down, handing him his clothes.

"Alright." Germany smiled, taking the clothes from the Italian, "It was nice of Japan to ship mein thing over from the academy." he said as he took out some of Italy's boxers from the draws, the ones he was wearing before still dripping into the bath, the rest of his belongings still safely stored away in his suitcase left by the sofa in the living room.

"Sì, you looked silly when you were wearing my clothes!" Italy said, laughing slightly as he pulled on his kimono.

Germany smirked slightly, "Ja I know, I never realised how small you were Italy." he chuckled slightly as he got dressed.

Italy pouted, "I'm not that small."

Germany raised an eyebrow, picking up his towel and wrapping it around Italy's head, gently rubbing his hair dry for him, "Ja you're practically as tall as me." he said, biting the inside of his cheek.

Italy smiled, standing up on his tip toes to reach the German, "Almost!"

Germany laughed, gently kissing the Italian, "...of course."

"Ve..." Italy smiled, taking Germany's hands, "I'm going to make some of that heart shaped pasta."

Germany smiled softly, dropping the towel to the floor as he pulled Italy close, "I could try und help you if you like." he went to slick his hair back with his hands but Italy held him still.

"Don't, I like your hair like that." Italy smiled, gently running his fingers through Germany's messy hair.

Germany smiled, going slightly red, "Alright, for you." he gently took Italy's hand, making their way downstairs together, "Oh look." Germany nodded towards the window in the living room as he caught sight of a red faced Romano storming up to the front door, "...I don't think his date with Spain went very well."

Italy followed his gaze, "Sì...I'll see what's wrong."

"Alright, I'll go make a start on lunch." Germany smiled, gently pecking Italy's cheek before he wandered off into the kitchen, softly closing the door behind him.

Italy smiled, skipping up to the front door just as his brother burst inside, "Ciao fratello! Are you okay?"

"Shut up." Romano growled, slamming the door shut behind him.

"Wha..." Italy looked at him, tilting his head to the side in confusion, "...what's wrong Romano?"

"I said shut up!" Romano snapped, taking a step closer to Italy, eyes narrowed dangerously, "Did you really think I wasn't going to find out?" he asked, voice shaking slightly, "Did you really think I wouldn't find out about what you did?"

Italy carried on staring at him in utter confusion, 'Find out...what would he find out?-' his heart stopped suddenly, he swallowed slowly...he knew exactly what Romano had found out, "Romano..."

"Oh, so you know what I'm talking about, I'm glad you're not a clueless as you make out to be." Romano said dryly, dangerous glare still fixed on the Italian.

"Romano..." Italy bit his lip, guilt beginning to settle in his stomach, "I'm so sorry."

Romano gave a harsh laugh, "That's what Spain said, funny how it still hurts though isn't it?"

Italy looked at him, despite his brother's anger he could clearly see the hurt that Romano was referring to, he felt terrible, he'd never wanted to hurt his brother. Italy stepped forward, placing an arm on Romano's shoulder, wanting to reassure him, "Fratello, Spain loves you-"

"HE NEVER LOVED ME!" Romano thundered, pushing Italy away harshly, practically frothing at the mouth, "IF HE LOVED ME HE WOULD NEVER HAVE SLEPT WITH YOU!"

Italy jumped, biting his lip, glancing towards the kitchen door in panic, "Romano...please..."

Romano followed the look, staying silent for a moment as he listened to the sounds of Germany in their kitchen "Oh yes of course, he doesn't know does he?" he looked back at Italy, "You didn't have the guts to tell him, mind if I do the honours?" he asked as he made his way through the living room towards the kitchen door.

"Romano!" Italy squealed in alarm, grabbing his brother's arm.

"No Veneziano!" Romano pulled himself out of Italy's grasp yet stopped in his tracks, "You messed up my relationship with my boyfriend, I don't see why I'm not allowed to mess with yours."

"But...Spain wasn't your boyfriend-"

"That's not the point!" Romano hissed, glaring at his brother, "You KNEW how I felt about him!" he stopped, biting his lip, tears starting to well up in his eyes, "...you've always known..." he whispered, looking away, a lump forming in his throat, "...and you still went and slept with him."

Italy looked at his brother in despair, holding onto his arm, "Romano I never did it to spite you."

"Are you sure? Because a lot of what you do seems to be to spite me, Veneziano." Romano growled bitterly, pulling himself away from Italy.

Italy looked at him in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"All my life...has been about you." Romano said slowly, voice starting to shake.

"Wha..." Italy stared at him, "...that's not true."

Romano scoffed, "Isn't it? Nobody ever wants to know how I'm doing, it's always, Romano how's Italy? How's Italy doing? Isn't Italy so damn cute!" he glared at the Italian, all his hidden grudges against his brother reaching the surface, "...and that's another thing! Why is that your name?"

"What...you mean Italy?"

"Yes! Why do you get to be called Italy? We represent the same damn country! But oh no, I have to be called Romano, everyone calls me by my second name, why do you get our first name? What makes you so special?" he snarled, fists shaking at his sides as he struggled to control his anger.

Italy stared at him, slowly shaking his head, "But I...I didn't know you felt that way about it..."

Romano ignored him, shaking with anger, narrowed eyes fixed on his brother's shocked, heartbroken face, "What about grandpa Rome?"

Italy swallowed slowly, "What about him?"

Romano shook his head, eyes welling up once more, "...you were always his favourite..." he whispered bitterly, "...he always wanted to spend time with you, he barely even knew who I was."

Italy reached for his brother, "Romano..."

Romano took a step back away from him, "So there you go, we share the same name yet you're the only one who gets to use it...and you were the only one of us who had a grandfather...and what do I get hmm? I'm always the one who got the short straw." he sniffed slightly, wiping his eyes quickly on the back of his hand, "How is it, that I have done nothing but try to be a good brother to you, but I'm the one who always gets screwed over..."

"Fratello..."

"...and even after you've taken my identity and my family, you take the only thing left that's mine..." he bit his lip, tears starting to shed down his cheeks as he thought about Spain, "I admit, I was a jerk to you sometimes, but after everything I've had to put up with can you really blame me? I tried to be the best brother I could, and even though sometimes I wasn't..." he looked at Italy, clenching his jaw to stop the tears, "...at least I never tried to fuck your boyfriend."

Italy stared at his brother, at a loss for words, he could feel his own heart breaking at the prospect of hurting Romano so much. He barely even registered when Germany opened the kitchen door and looked round at them curiously, "What's going on in here?"

Romano looked up at the German, noting the way his brother suddenly seemed panicked by his presence, Romano slowly shook his head, "You know what? I'm not going to stoop to your level of indecency." he growled at his brother, "...I'll let you tell him what you did."

"Tell me what?" Germany asked, quirking an eyebrow as he came to stand by Italy's side, slightly wary of the way he seemed to be shaking with nerves.

Romano stood, arms folded, waiting for Italy to speak. The Italian bit his lip, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor, heart pounding nervously as he could feel his brother and his boyfriend staring at him, "Are you serious?" Romano suddenly asked, laughing harshly, "You're not going to tell him?"

"Tell me what?" Germany asked impatiently, taking hold of his boyfriend's hand, "Italy, what's he talking about?"

"Germany..." Italy gently slipped his hand out of Germany's, tears starting to roll down his cheeks, "I'm so sorry..."

"Italy..." Germany looked at him in panic, gently wiping his tears away, "...you're scaring me, what's happened?"

"Seems your boyfriend and my ex were doing more than just keeping each other company while we were gone." Romano drawled, giving his brother a dark look.

Germany stared at him, "...what?"

"Last chance Veneziano, tell him now or I'll do it for you."

Italy bit his lip, hands shaking uncontrollably as he tried to speak, but no words came out. How could he possibly just announce to his boyfriend that he had an affair with Spain? The Italian felt sick, he couldn't look at either of them, tears continuously pouring from his eyes.

Romano sighed, "...fine." he looked to Germany, "...Spain and Veneziano slept together."

Germany's face dropped, panic replaced with shock, "W-What? Italy..." he turned to the Italian, mouth hanging open.

"It's true, Spain told me everything...nice to know how solid your relationship is isn't it?" he said with a slight smirk, "...it's a shame...I was actually starting to get used to you Germany." the German didn't seem to hear him, gaze fixed on his boyfriend, hurt filling his eyes, "...I'm going to pack, I'm going back to the academy." Romano said as he made his way towards the stairs, starting to climb them up to his bedroom, he stopped on the last step, looking back down at them, "...not that anyone cares, I mean...no one ever has." he disappeared from sight, leaving the two heartbroken teens alone downstairs.

"...you slept with Spain." Germany said slowly, it wasn't a question, it was a pure statement.

Italy bit his lip, slowly turning to face the German, "Germany, please don't hate me." he said softly, eyes shining with tears.

Germany closed his eyes, inhaling sharply, trying to stay calm, "How could you do that to me?" he couldn't stop the slight note of anger that rose to his voice as he spoke.

"...I don't know." Italy whispered, shaking slightly with fear, tears pouring down his face, "...I was upset."

"You were upset so you FUCKED Spain?" Germany snarled, rounding on Italy, eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Germany it wasn't like that..." Italy took a step back nervously.

"Well then explain it!" Germany demanded.

"S-Spain was there for me, I just...it just happened." Italy bit his lip, shakily reaching up to wipe away his tears, "...you'd gone missing."

Germany stared at him in disbelief, "Oh so that makes it alright does it? Italy...I'd only been gone for a couple of weeks, Spain und Romano had broken up but we were still together!"

Italy couldn't help but flinch at the word 'were', "Germany I-I don't know what else to say except I'm sorry!"

Germany swallowed, slowly shaking his head, taking another sharp inhale, "...I just can't believe you would cheat on me Italy, whilst pregnant I might add!" he stopped, eyes slowly widening, "Oh mein Gott..." he stared at the Italian, "...is that why you wanted to give it away? IS IT EVEN MINE?"

"Yes!" Italy said in exasperation, staring at him, not believing what Germany was suggesting, "Germany of course it's yours!"

"How do I know you und Spain haven't been fucking behind mein back for months?" Germany snarled, shaking with rage as he thought back over the last few months, trying to think of the times when Spain and Italy had been alone together.

Italy shook his head desperately, "Germany-" Italy stopped when the front door suddenly opened, a nervous Spain poking his head inside.

"...hola." he said slightly awkwardly as he took in the emotional mess of the two teens, he bit his lip as he stepped into the living room, knowing he was too late to stop Romano from telling them, they already knew.

Germany's dark glare fixed on the Spaniard as he came closer to them, something inside him suddenly snapped and he strode over to Spain, breathing fire, "You...you home wrecking little Arschloch!" he clenched his fist and delivered a powerful punch to Spain's jaw, knocking him to the floor.

"Germany!" Italy blurted out, staring at the German in complete shock.

Spain covered his face with his hands, groaning in pain as he struggled to get to his feet, the blow to his head throwing him off balance, "Ow okay...I deserved that-" he gasped as the German's hand was suddenly around his neck, slamming him up against the wall, thumb pressing into his windpipe.

"Germany stop it!" Italy shrieked in panic as the Spaniard thrashed against the wall, the oxygen no longer getting to his lungs.

"Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill you right now..." Germany growled, hand tightening around Spain's neck, his face going bright red as he struggled to breath.

"GERMANY PUT HIM DOWN NOW!" Italy screamed, with all the strength he could muster he yanked Germany's hand off Spain's neck before he turned and slapped the German hard across the face.

Germany stumbled back slightly, the Spaniard falling to a heap on the floor. The German slowly reached up and touched his now stinging cheek, staring at Italy in shock as he fell to his knees besides Spain, making sure he was okay. Germany glared at them, slowly shaking his head, "...fine." he said, voice dangerous and low, "If you love Spain so much you can have him." without another word the German went to the sofa, zipped up his suitcase and quickly made for the door.

"...where are you going?" Italy asked quietly.

"Back to the academy, why the hell would I stay here?" Germany growled, forcefully pulling the door open, slamming it shut behind him as he left.

Spain slowly sat up, breathing heavily, trying to calm himself down after the panic of not being able to breathe. Beside him Italy was still, tears once again flowing down his cheeks, he looked at Spain, "...you told Romano."

Spain bit his lip, "Italy I'm sorry, I-I couldn't start our relationship again with a secret like that between us."

Italy nodded slowly, he could find the energy or effort to argue, his body slowly starting to go numb. Germany was gone. He could feel a heavy weight in his chest, a mixture of anger, upset and panic. Spain looked at him worriedly, carefully helping him to his feet just as Romano was heaving his suitcase down the stairs.

The Spaniard glared at him, "Do you see what you've done?" he indicated to his shaken up brother.

Romano looked at him, one eyebrow raised, "No Spain, take a look at what you've done." and he too, left with the intent of going back to school, leaving his brother and Spain behind.

"Italy..." Spain turned to the Italian, biting his lip with worry, "I'm sorry, I promise you I begged him not to tell Germany."

Italy was still for a few moments before shrugging slowly, tears silently making their way down his face, "...he was going to find out..."

"I know it won't mean too much to you but...if you want I'll stay with you, so you're not on your own."

"...okay..." Italy whispered softly, slowly making his way to the sofa, lying down amongst the blanket and the pillows, inhaling deeply Germany's scent which lingered on them.

Spain stood awkwardly by the door, watching Italy with worry, "...I'll make you some pasta if you like." the Italian said nothing, lying motionless, face down on the sofa. Spain sighed softly, "I'll make you some pasta..." he slowly made his way into the kitchen, once the door was closed he leant up against it and began to weep. He wept for Italy's sake, for Germany's sake...and for the loss of rekindling his relationship with Romano.

~0~

Japan yawned tiredly, still desperately scrawling the last paragraph of his essay due in for tomorrow morning, longing to get it finished and join Greece in his soft bed. The Grecian watched him from Japan's bed, himself struggling to stay awake, "Japan, are you coming to bed?"

"I'll only be a few more minutes." Japan smiled tiredly, "I'm sorry."

Greece shrugged, rolling onto his back, "No worries. Just jab me if I fall asleep before you're done."

Japan nodded, carrying on his writing, handwriting starting to slant as his eyelids began drooping, but he was very almost finished. He carried on, relishing when he finally completed his last sentence, he folded up the completed five page essay into his folder, finally able to stand up, stretching tiredly, "Finally, I can get some sleep." he turned to his bed, smiling slightly as Greece had fallen fast asleep, yet had left enough room for Japan to climb in beside him. Japan still felt a bit shy about sharing a bed with the Grecian, but couldn't deny that he rather enjoyed it.

The Asian jumped violently when, unexpectedly, the bedroom door burst open, and a rather worse for wear Germany stepped into the room, hauling his suitcase in after him. Greece woke with a start, looking slightly confused to see the blond there, "Hallo Japan, Greece." Germany said calmly, wheeling his case over to his unoccupied bed.

"Germany, what are you doing back here?" Japan asked in disbelief, "Weren't you staying at Italy's house to look after him?"

Germany gave a long deep sigh, throwing back the covers of his bed, "I'm going to say this once, only once...then I don't want to discuss it any further." he kicked off his shoes, slowly climbing into bed, "Italy and I are no longer together. He cheated on me with Spain so I left him. Goodnight." he rolled over onto his side, facing the wall as he pulled the covers right up over his head.

Japan stared at him, mouth hanging open in shock, "Germany...are you going to be okay?" the German remained silent, the Asian could hear him breathing heavily from underneath the covers, he wasn't sure whether he was crying or not. Japan bit his lip at the awkward silence in the room, coming to the conclusion that he wouldn't be able to make the situation any better, he turned out the light and carefully climbed into bed beside Greece, who clung to the Asian like a koala.

"How strange." Greece commented, pulling the covers up over them both.

Japan nodded slowly, "I feel so bad for him." he whispered, casting a worried glance towards the German.

Greece nodded, gently kissing Japan's forehead, "I thought he and Italy were like that." he held up his crossed fingers in front of Japan's face to empathise his point.

"Hai, me too..." he cuddled up against the Grecian, still looking worriedly over at the German, "...you don't mind him sharing with us do you?"

Greece shook his head, "He's your friend. So he's mine too, this was his room before it was mine." he smiled, resting his head down against the fluffy pillows, holding Japan close.

Japan reached up, softly twirling Greece's long hair around his finger, "Thank you...goodnight Greece."

Greece closed his eyes, already half asleep, "Goodnight, I love you."

"I love you too." Japan said softly back, nuzzling into Greece's chest, settling down ready to sleep. He could of sworn he heard a soft whimper come from the bed at the other end of the room, just as he was drifting off.

How depressing is this? D: (sorry about the wait) also I should note that I probably should have added Japan/Greece to the pairings list although I think that'll be the last time they make an appearance (actually maybe one more but we'll see) anywho, hope it was worth the wait

Reviews are love :)

(Next chapter: a special -very awesome- guest appearance!)