"I was trying to save you!" Italy sobbed.

Germany looked down scornfully at that country he was once so close to. He'd even go as far to say as he had loved him, but now he felt nothing but hate.

"You can't save me. You can't save anyone. You will always be useless, and I was a fool to think otherwise." Every word fell from his mouth as cold and sharp as an icicle. Each icy blade stabbing into Italy's heart.

"P-please...please Germany I-"

Italy was silenced, suddenly knocked backwards by some force. Germany looked at his outstretched arm and the scornful fist planted at the end of it...had he done the unthinkable? Had he actually punched Italy? He must have.

Roaring sobs erupted from the broken form lying in mud, and Germany felt no shame. No remorse. He pulled his leg back like a spring and released it, right into Italy's side. It almost felt good.

Germany shot up off his pillow, horrified.

What was that? How could I dream something like that?

He looked down at his fists, disgusted with himself, remembering the feeling of making contact with Italy's face.

"Oh Gott." He buried his face in his hands, ashamed of his dream self.

I can't believe I actually dreamed something like that. What kind of man am I?

For Germany the absolute worst part was how right it felt in the dream, how gratifying it was. He wanted to vomit just remembering it. He'd been mad at Italy before, and he'd given him a slap across the wrist every now and then, but he'd never hit him like that. Never even considered it.

"What's wrong with me?" He muttered.

Then he noticed something he hadn't before, something touching him, or rather holding onto his arm. He pulled back the covers with his free hand to find the very Italian in question, gripping his arm as if it were the only thing he had between life and death. Germany's usual reaction would be to immediately remove Italy from his bed, but he was willing to make an exception this time. Partially because he felt like he owed Italy, even though he never actually beat him; and then partially because Germany himself needed a little comfort as well.

Germany looked carefully at Italy's sleeping face, fully visible in the bright light coming from the street lights through Germany's curtains. He looked sad and afraid, and every so often his grip on Germany's arm would get tighter, sometimes painfully so. His eyes were scrunched tight shut and his lower lip quivered, he'd sometimes kick a little. Germany didn't know where he should try and wake him up or not...spare him from whatever he was dreaming about. By the time he'd made up his mind it was no longer needed. Italy let out a shriek, appearing to wake himself up. He took one look at Germany and latched onto him, letting out harsh shaky sobs. Germany tried to awkwardly pat Italy on the back, but it felt more violent than reassuring. Though he could have just been paranoid about hitting Italy after the dream he'd had.

After a minute or two Italy seemed to realize where he was and what he was doing, he quickly let go of Germany and began to crawl out of the bed, "Scusa, G-Germania, I know I shouldn't have s-snuck into y-your room."

Germany felt bad, seeing how he'd trained Italy to feel sorry for showing affection. "Nein, It's okay. Just lay back down, it's too late for you to go all the way home."

Italy gave him a confused, yet grateful look, and crawled back into the bed timidly. Germany didn't mention the fit he'd had earlier, he decided he'd ask him about it in the morning. For now it never even happened.

"Germany?" Italy asked in a small voice.

"Ja?"

Italy turned to face Germany, revealing a totally broken, mortified expression. "I don't think I can get back to sleep."

Germany sighed, "Just try, okay?"

Italy nodded wearily. A few quiet moments later he was in a dead sleep, obviously exhausted both mentally and physically. Germany looked at Italy's face, happiest it looked all day. Not fake happy either, genuine contentedness. He was actually dreaming something nice, something to distract him from his horrible thoughts.

"Now if only I could get to sleep." Germany muttered, "Is it even worth trying?"