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 8 - Blessing in Disguise?
"Do you think we should get him to lie down?"
"What for?"
"I don't know...he seems to be in a state of shock, it might help."
France cast a worried glance towards the Spaniard, "I think he'll be okay...maybe we should get him a glass of water though." Canada nodded, gently handing their baby over to France before retreating down the hospital corridor to find something for Spain to drink. France watched him go for a moment before turning back to Spain, sighing softly, "...are you okay mon ami?"
"Sì..." came Spain's soft reply as he continued to gently rock backwards and forwards on his heels, curled up against the wall, tears staining his cheeks.
France smiled sadly at him, "Ze doctors said he would be okay..." he glanced behind him at the room Italy had been admitted to, "...I'm sure he'll wake up soon."
Spain gave a feeble nod yet continued to gently rock, earning a few strange looks from people as they passed by. Soon Canada returned with a plastic cup of water and carefully handed it to Spain, who took it with a shaking hand, spilling half the contents down his shirt as he took a sip. Canada gave him a worried glance as he moved back to France's side, "He's in such a bad place France...he totally blames himself for what happened to Italy."
France nodded, "Oui, I will 'ave a talk with him once Prussia gets 'ere."
Canada gently took Quebec from his boyfriend, rocking her gently, "...do you think Germany will show up as well?" he asked quietly.
"I'm sure Germany will be worried enough zat he will come, even if not, Prussia will make him." he smiled reassuringly, softly kissing Canada's forehead, "...good thing we came to visit zem wasn't it?"
Canada nodded, "I just can't believe Italy would starve himself like that, he was so thin."
"Oui, depression does strange things to people...poor little guy." France circled his arms around Canada's waist, holding him close, "...I made a promise to Spain, and I will keep it."
"What promise?"
"A promise zat I would get Germany and Italy back together."
"I don't know if it'll be as easy as that...but I hope you can, those two need to make up."
France nodded determinedly, pecking Canada's forehead once more, "Zey will, I'll make sure of it."
"OW! West! No need to push he aint going anywhere!" Canada and France's heads shot round as they heard Prussia's irritated yell from down the corridor as three people were making their way over to them, the German hurrying quickly down the corridor ahead of the other two.
"Where is he?" Germany asked the second he reached the couple, out of breath from no doubt running into the hospital.
"He's just in here." Canada indicated to the room behind them but looked panicked as the German made for the door, "But the doctors said we couldn't see him just yet."
"Why the hell not?" Germany snapped as he stopped in his tracks.
"Calm down mon ami, take a rest, 'ave a drink...you don't look so good."
"I'm fine." Germany gripped his blond locks stressfully, tugging at his hair, "I just need to see Italy."
"Zere will be time for zat soon, I promise you he iz okay...sit down." France motioned towards the hospital chairs but immediately regretted his words as he remembered the Spaniard was sat right beside them on the floor.
Germany regarded the chairs for a second before his eyes fell on Spain, they darkened momentarily before he looked okay, "Nein, I'm fine...can somebody please tell me what happened to Italy?" he asked impatiently.
"I told ya West." Prussia said as he'd finally caught up, arm slung around the person stood beside him, "He stopped eating or something...that's what Spain said."
"Mrs Hungary?" Canada asked in bewilderment, staring at his former teacher in the arms of the Prussian, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see if Italy's okay." she said, smiling sweetly at the Canadian, gently pulling away from Prussia, "Gosh I haven't seen you and France in so long! How are you both?"
"Yeah I'm-"
"I'm sorry but can we maybe do all this later?" Germany interrupted, glaring at them all, "Italy's life is very much in danger could we please not talk as if we're all around a table having tea!"
Everyone went quiet, looking around awkwardly as the German's words silenced them all, it was Prussia who spoke, slinging an arm around his brother's shoulders, speaking softly to him, "West maybe you should calm down..."
Germany closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, "...how can I calm down? I want to know what's going on!"
"Germany, Italy will be fine." France said softly as he approached him.
Germany grit his teeth, "That still doesn't explain what happened."
"He's been...starving himself, and it 'as caused malnutrition, but the doctor said he was okay."
Germany bit his lip, "...what about the baby?"
"...it iz fine, it may be a little under weight when it iz born but otherwise it iz fine."
"How is that fine?" Germany spat, pulling away from his brother, reaching for the door handle of Italy's room.
"It could 'ave been a lot worse! Germany..." France grabbed hold of his shoulders, turning him back around to face them, "Everything will be okay, just take a deep breath, calm down, and wait with us for ze doctor."
Germany shook his head but made no further move to enter Italy's room, instead he slumped against the wall beside it, trying to take calming breaths. Prussia gave his brother a quick hug before moving back to Hungary's side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders once more. Canada looked confused as he slipped his hand into France's, "When did that happen?" he whispered quietly to him, indicating to Prussia and Hungary.
"No idea." France smirked slightly, shaking his head, "It iz just one surprise after another isn't it?"
Canada nodded, leaning into his boyfriend, "Yeah...I'm glad Germany's here though, it makes this whole thing seem almost...worth it, doesn't it?"
"As long as Italy is okay, zen yes, zis could be a blessing in disguise."
All six looked up as a man in a long white coat suddenly came out of Italy's room, "Excuse me?" he addressed them all in his Italian accent, "Are you all here for Italy?"
"Ja, is he okay?" Germany asked, trying to look past him into Italy's room which the doctor was currently blocking the entrance to.
"He's just woken up, would you all like to see him?"
"I think maybe Germany should see him on his own." Canada suggested, grabbing hold of Prussia's arm as he surged forward towards Italy's room.
"Huh?" Prussia stopped, "Oh I mean uh, yeah! Go on West, it's best if you see him."
Germany rolled his eyes at his brother's lack of subtly as he stepped past the doctor into the room, softly closing the door behind him, leaving him in silence. The German leant back against the door once it was shut, eyes squeezed closed as he tried to mentally prepare himself. He hadn't seen Italy in so long and seeing him for the first time, as well as under these circumstances, would no doubt shake him up a bit. After a few deep breaths he attempted to open his eyes, only to find that he couldn't. It was only when his name was softly murmured, that he did, "...Germany?"
The German's eyes shot open and he blushed heavily, completely forgetting that Italy was awake and was watching him, "...h-hallo Italy." Germany said softly before clearing his throat, feeling unbelievably stupid, "...how are you?" 'Oh that's a smart thing to say, he's in hospital you Dummkopf!'
Italy smiled weakly from the hospital bed, "I've been better..."
Germany nodded, taking in the sight of his former lover, weak and frail, arms and legs much thinner than the German remembered, yet there was distinctive bump poking through the sheets, Italy's slight baby bump. The Italian had some kind of tube connected to his stomach which was hooked up to some kind of machine. Germany bit his lip as he slowly approached the bed, taking the seat by Italy's bedside, yet not quite able to look at him, "So..." the German muttered awkwardly, not sure what to say, he had been certain before he arrived at the hospital that he wouldn't actually have to talk to the Italian.
"I can't believe you're here...how's school going?" Italy croaked softly, turning ever so slowly onto his side so he could get a better look at the German.
Germany looked at him, at a slight loss for words at the normality of the question under the circumstances, "Well not...great, actually..."
"I'm sorry about that Germany." Italy tried to smile, lifting his hand as if attempting to touch the German in some way before letting it drop back to the bed, too weak to even perform such a simple action.
Germany watched him, letting out a deep sigh, "Italy...how could you do this to yourself?" he said softly, resting his head in hands, leaning his elbows against the edge of the bed.
Italy bit his lip, turning away from him, "I don't want to talk about it."
Germany stared at him in bewilderment, "Italy I came all this way to see if you were okay, I want to know why it happened in the first place." Germany said firmly, hands flinching as if they went to take Italy's hands but the German restrained himself from doing so.
Italy shrugged slightly, "I just couldn't eat..."
"Couldn't or wouldn't? Italy..." Germany inched his chair closer, gently leaning over him to get a proper look at his pale face, "...did you do this to yourself on purpose?"
Italy stared at him, eyes desperately wanting to look away as pools of tears were starting to form in them, "Germany..." he whispered softly, the German's intense gaze boring into his eyes, he couldn't possibly lie to him, "...I was upset."
"Italy, you shouldn't have done this." Germany sat back in his chair again, taking Italy's wrist in his hand he gently turned his arm over to get a proper look at the skinny appendage, slowly shaking his head, "...Italy I've been upset too, it did affect mein school work but I would never put mein life in danger...und it wasn't just your life you put in danger."
Italy nodded, tears started to pour from his eyes, rolling down the side of his face, "I know, Germany I'm so sorry...I don't know why I just..." he sniffed, with a shaking hand he reached up and wiped away his tears, "...I just missed you and-and this lump was in my throat all the time and I couldn't swallow and..." he let out a quiet sob, "...are you angry with me-me?"
"Nein, Italy I just..." Germany sighed, leaning over the Italian again, "I was worried, you really could have done a lot of damage."
"I'm sorry..." Italy whispered, either side of his pillow getting soaked with tears as they refused to cease.
Germany sighed, gently dabbing the corners of his eyes with the edge of his sleeve, "It's okay..." he gave him a slight smile, trying to reassure him. Italy sniffed, gazing up at the German with his sad eyes, very slowly he lifted his head, letting his eyes flutter shut as he leant towards him. Germany furrowed his brows in confusion, "What are you doing?"
"Kiss me..." Italy murmured softly, taking the German's hand that was close to his face, squeezing it gently as he moved closer towards him, despite how heavy his head felt as he strained his neck.
Germany turned away just as their lips became too close for comfort, settling back in his chair, "...I'm sorry Italy."
Italy let himself fall back onto the bed, gazing at the German in dismay, tears building up again, "...what's wrong?"
"I just...we're not..." he sighed, running his hands through his hair stressfully, "...I just came to see whether you were okay Italy, that's it."
"B-But..." Italy bit his lip, unable to hide the upset in his voice, "...I thought you came back because you loved me..."
"I came because you're carrying mein child...it's mein responsibility." by this point the German was no longer looking at him as he slowly got up from his seat, glancing back behind him at the door.
"...so you wouldn't have come if I wasn't pregnant?" Italy whispered, voice shaking as the tears began to rain down his face again.
Germany sighed, leaning down over Italy he placed a chaste kiss to his forehead, "...it was good to see you Italy." he murmured softly, gently patting the younger teen's shoulder as he went to leave.
"Germany don't go please..." Italy begged, half attempting to climb out of bed but faltering with the weight of his body on his weakened muscles, he fell back down to the bed, tears still pouring from his eyes, "Where are you going?"
Germany stopped just short of the door, but he didn't turn back to look at him, "...I'll be here until mein bruder wants to leave...then I'll get a lift back to the academy." he left silently, softly shutting the door behind him. Never had the German wanted more than to just be alone with his thoughts, however there were a certain crowd of people desperate for answers.
"That was quick! What happened bruder? You kiss and make up?"
"Waz it okay mon ami?"
"Are you two sorted now?" Canada asked kindly, gently rocking Quebec as she started to stir.
Germany leant back against the door, slowly shaking his head, "...I'm going to get coffee." he said quietly, stepping past them all to leave.
"Huh? What happened West?" Prussia called after him as he left, "Are you staying with him or what?"
"I want you to take me back to the academy once you're ready to leave." he called back before taking a lift upstairs to the hospital's cafe.
All five of them looked around at each other in confusion, not quite sure what just happened. France was the first to take action, he excused himself for a moment before disappearing into Italy's room. Prussia looked over at Spain for some sort of explanation but the Spaniard was sat perfectly still, gazing at the wall opposite him, wishing more than anything that he knew what to do it this situation. "...I don't understand." Canada said softly, glancing around at them all, "I thought everything would be okay now."
"So did I, I mean I thought West wanted to see him cause he wanted to make up with him."
"It's not always as simple as that." Hungary said, smiling sadly at the Prussian, "If what you told me is true, then Germany has every right to be unwilling to forgive Italy."
"What do you mean? You forgave Austria like straight away the first time he cheated on you." Prussia pointed out carelessly.
Hungary tensed slightly, eyes narrowed, "...while that may be...Germany might just not be a very forgiving person."
"That just must be it." Canada said, sighing softly just as France came back out of Italy's room, they all turned to him, "...so what happened honey?"
France sighed, "Italy said Germany just wanted to see if he waz okay, but zat he has no intention of getting back together with him."
"What? God damn it someone needs to slap my bruder upside the head!" Prussia said irritably.
"Well...I wouldn't go that far, but I really think he should forgive Italy." Canada said, smiling as Hungary was giggling at the way Quebec was waving her little hands around.
"He doesn't just need to forgive Italy..." France said softly, glancing at Spain who looked away quickly, burrowing his head into his arms.
"You really think he'd forgive Spain?" Prussia asked sceptically, rolling his eyes as Hungary pulled away from him and went to tickle Quebec in Canada's arms.
"Perhaps...'owever I think you and I perhaps need to 'ave a talk with him."
"Aww she's so cute!" Hungary cooed, gently taking Quebec from Canada, rocking her gently.
Prussia shook his head, "What is it with chicks and babies?"
"Did you just imply zat my Canada iz a chick?"
"Hey you call him that enough yourself."
"What was that?" Canada asked, once eyebrow raised.
"Nothing sweetie." France grinned, blowing him a kiss.
Hungary smiled, "Canada how about we go and get a coffee and catch up?"
"Yeah sure that sounds great." Canada smiled, turning to his boyfriend, "France."
"Hm?"
"I'm going to get a coffee with Mrs Hungary, do you want to come with us?"
France smiled slightly, slipping an arm around Canada's slender waist, mumbling softly in his ear, "I would love zat, 'owever I think Prussia and I 'ave some things to sort out with Spain first, so I think I will stay 'ere."
"Aww okay...would you like me to bring you one?"
"Zat would be great." France smiled, pressing his lips softly to the Canadian's, pulling him close.
"Awww..." Hungary said, giggling slightly, still gently rocking the baby, "Aren't they sweet together?" she noted, turning to Prussia.
"Yeah sure..." he rolled his eyes, pretending to gag as France had pushed Canada up against the wall, hands tangled in his hair as they kissed, "Guys seriously, an hour or so of not kissing are you already this deprived?"
France pulled away softly, smirking slightly, "Of course, I always am." he gently released the Canadian, kissing the back of his hand, "Farewell mon cher..."
"See you later honey." Canada smiled, waving sweetly at him as he and Hungary started towards the lift.
"I'm missing you already mon amour!" France called, blowing him a kiss.
Canada giggled, going slightly red, pretending to catch the kiss just before stepping into the lift. Prussia looked at France, shaking his head, "Jesus you guys are constantly on the honeymoon period aren't ya?"
France smirked, "Oui, and very soon we will quite literally be in ze honeymoon period..."
"Huh?"
"You heard nothing." France muttered, giving him a wink, "Now zen..." he turned to Spain, "What are we going to do with you?"
Spain didn't look up, head still bowed in his arms tucked up against the wall. Prussia and France sat down either side of him, the Prussian reached around him to pat his back, "Hey come on Spain, your buddies are here!"
Spain sighed, slowly lifting his head, "...hola."
"That's the spirit! Come on Spain, Italy's okay now...right France?"
"Oui he iz fine."
"Physically...but what about his poor heart?" Spain whispered softly, tears beginning to pool in his already bloodshot eyes.
"We'll get Germany to forgive him mon ami." France said reassuringly, joining Prussia in rubbing his back.
"Yeah, and if not you could always bed him again-OW!" Prussia winced, rubbing the side of his head where France had flicked him.
"Not 'elping."
Spain sighed deeply, resting his chin on top of his knees, "Look I know you're going to try and cheer me up but it won't work, I've ruined Italy's life and probably Germany's as well...and don't even get me started on Romano."
"...oh my God..." France blinked slowly, suddenly realising, "Romano doesn't know Italy is 'ere!"
"...and?" Prussia tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"He iz Italy's frère! Did you not think to tell him whilst you were at ze academy?"
"Uhh..it never really occurred to the awesome me to be honest with you..." Prussia shrugged, "Call him and tell him later, we got other stuff to worry about."
France sighed, "I suppose you're right...what we really need iz for Germany just to give Italy another chance."
"Ja...I could always talk to West again."
"Knowing you you'll just make it a lot worse." France droned, pulling Spain into a close hug as his tears were starting to shower down his cheeks, "Mon ami I promise you we'll work it out..."
"Hey Spain, can I ask you something?" Prussia asked, squeezing his shoulder, "I asked West this a few times in the past but I never got an answer from him cause apparently, it's inappropriate...what's Italy like in bed?-OW! France!"
"Still not 'elping." France growled, giving Prussia another flick for good measure.
Spain sniffed, scrubbing his eyes on the back of his hand, "God...why the fuck did I sleep with Italy? I'm a terrible person!" he leant into France's shoulder again, sobbing quietly against him.
France shot a dark look at the Prussian before cuddling Spain close, "Spain I promise everything will be okay!...I promise you I'll get zem back together."
"H-How?"
"I'm not sure yet...I'm still working on it." France gently pushed Spain into Prussia's arms, "Prussia, 'old him and comfort him, but DON'T say a word okay? I'm going to go and call Romano..." France got to his feet, wandering over to a more quiet section of the hospital corridor as he took out his phone, casting a glance back over at his friends just as Prussia was about to speak, he saw France looking and closed his mouth quickly, grinning innocently. France shook his head, "...why do I put up with him?"
~0~
"I'm so glad you and France are doing so well." Hungary said kindly, gently tickling Quebec under the chin.
"Thank you Mrs Hungary." Canada smiled, filling up three polystyrene cups with coffee.
She laughed slightly, "Just call me Hungary! I'm not your teacher anymore, and I'm certainly not Mrs."
"Oh..." Canada bit his lip, "I'm really sorry about what happened with you and Mr Austria by the way."
Hungary shrugged slightly, taking one of the cups, carefully balancing Quebec in one arm, "It's okay...I should have realised, I saw the way he looked at Switzerland, I should have known they weren't over each other."
"How did it even happen? If you don't mind me asking."
"You mean the first time it happened or more recently?"
"Well...rumours were that they got off with each other a couple of times...I'm assuming it was true?"
Hungary nodded, "Yes, that was while you were still at school...after you left we'd just put the whole thing behind us, and for a long time it was working...then one day Switzerland and his girlfriend broke up, he went crying to Austria about it and they ended up sleeping together." Hungary sighed softly, taking a sip of coffee, "...it's funny...I would probably have been very willing to forgive him again."
"...but you didn't?"
"I couldn't...as soon as Switzerland turned eighteen they came out about their relationship, Austria resigned, divorced me and they took off together." she shook her head, carefully handing Quebec back to Canada as he held out his arms for her.
Canada took her, gently cradling her against his chest, "I felt so bad for you when I heard...still, what's going on with Prussia?"
Hungary blushed slightly, "Oh that...silly boy almost got himself in a lot a trouble, showing up at the academy in the middle of the night like that." she giggled slightly, "Luckily when Mr Danketsu found him the next morning Spain had already called and told him about Italy, so he had to leave anyway and thankfully Mr Danketsu decided not to call the police."
"...he spent the night at the academy? Where'd he sleep?"
Hungary blushed even deeper, "That...doesn't matter...anyway, I said I'd go with him and Germany to check on Italy."
"That was nice of you." Canada smiled, taking a sip of his own coffee he glanced around the cafe until his eyes fell on the dismal German at the other end of the room, drinking coffee, gazing forlorn out of the window, "...do you think we should talk to him?"
Hungary followed Canada's gaze, "...maybe we should, as long as we're tactful."
Canada nodded, he handed Quebec back to Hungary so he could grab his and France's coffees before they slowly made their way towards Germany, "Hey Germany." Canada smiled, stopping by his side, "...are you okay?"
"Not really, doesn't really matter though does it?" the German shot back, taking a long glug on his beverage.
"Sweetie we're just worried...you really haven't been yourself lately." Hungary placed her cup down so she had one hand free to place on the German's shoulder, "All the time you've been back at the academy you just looked so upset sweetheart."
Germany closed his eyes momentarily, sighing deeply, "I'm aware of this."
"We just think that maybe...if you just considered, I dunno..." Canada bit his lip, not wanting to provoke an angry reaction from the German, "Getting back together with-"
"Don't say it." Germany growled, "I know what you're going to say but please don't...I don't need to hear it."
"Sweetie...wouldn't all the heartbreak just go away if you did?"
"So I'm just supposed to forgive him and allow him to do it again?"
"Germany I'm sure he wouldn't do it again." Hungary said softly, gently rubbing his back.
"You forgave Austria, and he did it again...who says Italy won't?" Germany replied coldly, sipping his coffee again.
Hungary sighed softly, "Germany, ever since Italy started at the academy I've watched you two and I've seen the way you two are together...you have such a loving, close relationship...I can honestly say you two are much more deeply in love then me and Austria ever were." she smiled sadly at him, "Germany...you give something like that up, well then I feel sorry for you."
Germany remained unresponsive, sighing deeply, finishing off his coffee, "I'm going for more coffee..." he said quietly as he walked away from them, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Oh dear..." Hungary said softly, shaking her head, "...poor boy really doesn't know how big a mistake he's making."
"I know..." Canada frowned, "...we really should do something..."
~0~
"...hello?"
"Hey Romano, it'z France."
Romano sighed irritably on the other end on the phone, "Look Frenchie, if you're with Spain and he wants to talk to me forget it, I'm not answering his calls for a reason."
"I'm not calling about Spain, I'm calling about Italy."
Romano's eyes narrowed, "He's just as bad, I don't want to talk to either of them." he went to hang up the phone.
"Romano wait!" France switched his phone to his other ear, "Listen, I need to tell you something about your frère."
"...my what?"
France sighed, "Your fratello, your hermano, your brother! Italy!"
"Okay, what about him?" Romano asked impatiently, glaring at the device.
"He'z in ze 'ospital."
Romano was silent for a few moments, heart thudding slowly, "O-Oh...what happened?"
"He waz starving himself-"
"WHAT? What the hell? Why has Spain not been taking care of him? Stupid bastard!" Romano growled, slamming his fist into the wall.
"Romano calm down! He iz okay...it wasn't Spain's fault, Italy waz just too depressed to eat...but I promise he'z okay now."
Romano bit his lip, staying quiet for another few moments, "...okay...well, I don't care anyway."
"Romano you clearly do care, stop pretending you're angry with him."
"I'm not pretending! I don't care about him...he's not my fratello."
France sighed, "Romano..." he rubbed his temples stressfully, not sure whether he wanted to get into an argument now, "I 'ave to go, I just wanted to let you know what waz going on...I'll see you sometime." he hung up, shaking his head slightly, '...silly boy.' France hurried back to Spain, not wanting to leave him in Prussia's company any longer than necessary.
Spain sighed miserably as he leant against the Prussian, listening to him go on and on about how awesome he was, France rolled his eyes, flicked Prussia on the side of his head before taking his seat back beside Spain, pulling him away from the Prussian, "You really don't know how to comfort people do you?"
Prussia pouted, rubbing at his head, "I'm just giving him something else to think about besides how crappy his life is going."
France shook his head, holding Spain close as his tears were finally starting to cease, "You're useless."
Prussia glared at him, "I am not!"
"Prove it."
"How?"
"Think of a way we can get Germany and Italy back together."
Prussia shook his head, "Forget it France, those two are history." he delved into his pocket and produced two tickets, "West even gave me their holiday."
France stared at the tickets in the Prussian's hand, brows furrowed in confusion, "...what?"
"For Christmas Italy got West a weekend trip to Venice for the two of them."
"...and?"
Prussia held up the tickets, "And he gave it to me."
"What do you mean he gave it to you?"
Prussia sighed, "How are you not getting this? He said he didn't wanna go with Italy, so he gave it to me to take Hungary."
France gaped at him, "You brilliant idiot!" he reached over to slap Prussia on the back of the head.
"Ow!" Prussia winced, rubbing the back of his head, "What now?"
"We 'ave to get Germany to go with him, why ze hell did you accept the tickets?"
"I didn't at first! He was insistent."
"Well now you be insistent zat he take Italy.
"He won't France I tried everything."
"Well now I'm 'ere, when he comes back give him back ze tickets oui?"
"Okay okay..." Prussia sighed, "...but I already told Hungary we're going."
"I'm sure she'll understand." France gently let go of Spain just as his boyfriend and Hungary were heading back towards them, "Spain do you want to stand up?" the Spaniard shook his head but France merely grabbed him under the arms and hoisted him up off the floor, Prussia followed suit.
"Here you go sweetie." Canada smiled, handing France his coffee before taking Quebec back from Hungary.
"Merci mon cher...'ungary, may I ask you a question?" France asked, turning to her, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Sure."
"You don't mind if we give ze Venice trip back to Germany and Italy do you?"
"What?" Hungary looked confused for a moment before her eyes narrowed and she turned to Prussia, "That trip was your brother's? You didn't tell me that!"
"Uhh...well I urm..." Prussia rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, "I thought it'd be more romantic if uhhh...you know...you didn't know that."
Hungary glared at him, slapping him around the head before snatching the tickets from him, "You idiot, we have to give this back to your brother, he needs to take Italy."
"But he doesn't want to take Italy."
"Yes but if we convince him to take Italy then they could end up realising how much they still love each other whilst they're there." Hungary said, handing the tickets to France.
"Oui! Exactly, she knows what I'm talking about." France smiled, pocketing them before wrapping an arm around Canada's waist, "Venice iz a city of love, I'm sure it will reignite zeir love for each other."
"That's a good idea France." Canada smiled, cuddling close to his boyfriend.
"Yeah it's a good idea if he'll go with him...which he won't." Prussia said rolling his eyes, wrapping an arm around the dismal Spaniard.
"Well maybe if-" France stopped in his tracks just as the lift doors opened and the German stepped out, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor as he wandered over to them all, sideling up to Prussia.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked softly, looking up at his brother, eyes darkening when he noticed the Spaniard tucked under his brother's arm. Spain shivered slightly, edging away from the German.
"Mon ami!" France suddenly stepped in, pulling Germany away from Spain, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, "Listen Germany, we 'ave a proposition for you."
Germany quirked an eyebrow, "I'm listening."
"Take Italy to Venice oui?" France asked, producing the tickets from his pocket.
Germany scoffed, shoving France's arm off him, "Right. Whatever." he turned back to his brother, "Can we leave now?"
"Germany listen..." France pulled him back into his arm, "What 'ave you got to lose by giving Italy another chance?"
"My self respect."
"Come on West stop being a jerk."
"I'm not being a jerk!" Germany snapped, pulling away from France again, "All of you just stop getting involved in mein life!" Germany started walking away from them all, heading back to the lift.
"Germany..." Hungary soothed softly, following him, gently turning him back around to face her, "Will you listen to me for just a minute?"
"I don't want you to tell me what to do." Germany growled, yet stayed put.
"I'm not going to Germany, this is your choice, it's always been your choice...but will you at least listen to reason? I'm not going to tell you to take Italy to Venice, if you don't want to no one can make you. But would you at least consider coming with us all into Italy's room to talk everything over?"
"I...I don't know." Germany muttered unsurely, looking away from his former teacher.
"Now come on Germany aren't you being a little unfair? I'm not asking you to forgive Italy, I'm merely asking that you come and talk with him yeah? Lets all of us just talk together and see if it gets us anywhere, what have you got to lose?...and I promise if you still feel the same afterwards, I'll take you back to the academy with me when I leave." she smiled, gently brushing his messy hair out of his eyes.
"Aww you're going back?" Prussia asked, pouting as he bounded over to them.
Hungary smiled, gently ruffling Prussia's hair, "I have to, Mr Danketsu was kind enough to let me leave for today to see how Italy was, but I have to go back to work tomorrow." Prussia frowned, wrapping his arms around his waist, Hungary smiled, patting his hands, "...so anyway, what do you say Germany? You'll come talk things through with us?"
Germany sighed, "...ja okay...fine."
Prussia grinned, "Awesome West!" he grabbed his brother's hand and tugged him back towards Italy's room, "Come on guys! We're gonna sort this mess out!"
Hungary rolled her eyes at Prussia, holding open Italy's door for them all, "France, Canada...Spain...you guys coming?"
"Oui." France took Canada's hand as everyone filed into Italy's room, Spain dithered behind them unsurely until France gently pulled him inside after them, closing the door.
Italy opened his eyes slowly at the sudden noise, looking around slightly nervously as his room suddenly became very crowded. France and Canada perched themselves on the edge of Italy's bed, Germany went and took his place back at Italy's bedside while Prussia and Hungary stood at the foot of his bed. Spain still wasn't sure about even being there so stayed stood by the door away from all of them. Italy very slowly and very delicately sat up, looking around at them all in confusion, "...ciao." he said softly after a few moments of silence, occasionally shooting sideways glances at his ex.
Everyone looked around at each other for a moment awkwardly, not entirely sure how to start, eventually Hungary gently patted France on the shoulder, "France, maybe you should get the ball rolling..." she said softly, if anyone knew how to resolve the situation, it was France.
France nodded, he quickly finished his coffee before turning on the bed to face them, "Okay, zis iz all a bit awkward but I will do my best...Germany, Italy, we've all agreed zat ze best thing for you to do iz to get back together."
Germany narrowed his eyes, "This isn't what I wanted to discuss."
"What did you want to discuss?" Canada asked, gently rocking Quebec.
"I don't know..." Germany grumbled softly, nodding towards Hungary. "...she talked me into it."
Hungary grinned innocently, linking arms with Prussia, the Prussian looked at his brother, sighing, "West we're not gonna make you forgive him-"
"Good." Germany interrupted irritably, causing Italy to stiffen beside him on the bed.
"We just think it'd be a good idea to go on zat trip you were planning." France interjected, scooting closer up the bed towards the German, dangling the tickets in front of his face.
"Why on earth would that be a good idea?" Germany growled, slapping France's hand away.
"Cause West, Italy got it for you guys, you can't just not go." Prussia said, jumping onto the bed beside Canada.
"I can if we're no longer together." Germany meant to say firmly, however his voice wavered noticeably and he looked away, knowing they'd heard it. Italy glanced up at the German, biting his lip sadly.
"...did you want to break up?" France asked quietly, looking between the two of them.
Germany hesitated, "That...that's not the point, we had to."
"Did you now? I don't think Italy wanted to." France looked to the Italian for confirmation, who was struggling not to start crying.
Italy sniffed, gently dabbing at his eyes as he turned to the German, "...I still love you Germany." Italy whispered softly, slowly reaching out to take his hand.
Germany bit his lip, gently patting Italy's hand, "Italy..." he sighed, slowly pulling away, looking up at all of his friends, "...you're all making this seem a lot simpler than it really is."
"Are we?" Hungary asked, leaning against the end of the bed, "All we're saying is that maybe if you two spend some time alone together you could work things out."
"I don't know about that..." Germany muttered softly, wrapping his arms around himself.
"What could possibly be wrong with that?" Prussia asked, brows furrowed in confusion.
Germany sighed, still avoiding Italy's sad gaze as he looked around at them all, "I would say it might be a little awkward under the circumstances."
"Germany." France stood up and came directly in front of the German, leaning over him, staring him down, "Would you want to work things out with Italy?"
Germany fidgeted under France's intense look, "Well...I mean I urm...I..."
France slammed his hands down on Germany's shoulders to cease his stuttering, "Do you want to works things out?" he asked seriously.
Germany swallowed, "Uhh..."
"Do you?" France asked again, leaning closer to him.
"Yes! Okay? Yes!" Germany blurted out, edging away from France. The Frenchman smiled in satisfaction, standing back up, Germany sighed, glancing at the Italian who was staring at him, eyes wide with confusion and shock. The German bit his lip, his own eyes starting to water, he turned back to France, "...I'm not ready to let him go." he whispered softly, dabbing at his eyes before any tears could fall.
"Don't tell moi." France said softly, nodding to Italy, "Tell him."
"Italy..." Germany turned to face his ex, trying desperately not to break down, "I...I still love you too..." he bit his lip, not having fully admitted it to himself, Italy gazed at the German, his eyes full of hope, "...und if I could find a way to forgive you..." he trailed off unsurely, he couldn't deny that he loved Italy, but he also couldn't deny that he was still incredibly hurt.
"I really am sorry Germany..." Italy whispered, reaching for his hand again, squeezing it gently.
"I know..." Germany bit his lip, giving Italy's hand a brief squeeze back, "...if I offered to take you to Venice, would you still want to go with me?"
"Sì...I would love to." Italy said softly, gently dabbing at his eyes.
"Okay..."
From the edge of the bed Prussia was looking very befuddled, "Sorry I'm confused, are you guys back together or what?-OW!" he cried out as France had smacked him across the face.
"Not 'elping!" he hissed, glaring at him.
"No bruder..." Germany gently tugged his hand away from Italy's, "I mean, we'll see...if I can find a way to forgive him while we're in Venice then ja...but if not..."
"Okay okay lets not think of zat now..." France said hurriedly, "It's good enough zat you're going."
"I'll still need to go back to the academy to get mein things."
"I'll take you." Hungary offered, smiling kindly.
"You sure you have to go back?" Prussia asked, pouting.
"Yes...and don't start sneaking over in the night." she added.
"Can't promise anything." Prussia said with a wink.
"When is this weekend away?" Canada asked, getting back to their conversation.
"It's this weekend." Italy said softly his eyes never leaving Germany's.
"Oh right, do you think you'll be okay to go?" Canada asked, gently rocking Quebec as she stared to gurgle softly.
"Sì, I'm already feeling better." Italy said, attempting to sit up even more.
"Just make sure you get plenty of rest ja?" Germany said softly as he got to his feet.
"Where are you going?" Italy asked, trying to keep the sudden panic out of his voice.
"Well I have to go back to school to pack...but I promise I'll come und pick you up on Saturday." Germany smiled slightly, pressing a kiss to Italy's forehead before making for the door, stopping momentarily to give Spain a dark look before he left.
"Well I said I'd take him so I better go, I hope you feel better soon Italy." Hungary smiled, giving the Italian a wave before following Germany out the room.
"Don't worry Italy, I'll make sure West keeps his promise." Prussia smiled, giving Italy a salute before he too, left.
Italy was silent for a moment, glancing up at France, "France..."
"Oui?"
"I'm worried..."
France smiled reassuringly, gently hugging the Italian, "It'll be okay mon ami, Venice is such a beautiful city, and I'm sure once you and Germany are alone things will work out...how can he possibly stay mad at you?" he smirked, softly pecking his cheek.
Italy smiled slightly, but still didn't look too sure, "...what about...Spain?" he whispered quietly as the three of them turned to look at the Spaniard who was still curled up by the wall, slightly shaken up by the German's passing glare.
"Once he forgives you I'll get to work on Spain, one thing at a time Italy." France smiled, gently ruffling his hair, "One thing at a time."
First thing that came to mind when I read through this for the first time...holy bejebus! This was a long one! D: sorry about the wait
So yeah I think Prussia/Hungary definitely a thing in this now, and Austria/Switzerland although I'm not sure whether they'll make an appearance at any point...for some reason I really want to write the scene where they officially got back together XD
Reviews are love :)