Following Morning
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"How was Italy, loud?" Germany asked Romano jokingly as he came into the yard. Though he joked Germany's eyes were hard. Romano flipped his knife in his hand as he walked to the center of the yard. He stopped a few feet from Germany. Germany straightened ready for any attack Romano could throw at him.
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When Japan came to the yard a little after dawn he found Germany and Romano watching each other from opposite sides. They were both caked in mud and Romano sported a black eye. Japan looked between the two noticing they shared distrust of the other.
"What happened?" Japan asked though he already had a good idea. Romano looked up at Japan, but returned to cleaning his knife without a word. Germany shot Romano a look for leaving it up to him.
"Sparring practice." Germany told Japan lying about what actually took place. It was a good thing too; Italy had joined them in the yard at that time. He looked happy rubbing sleep out of his eyes. Romano and Germany met eyes than nodded in agreement; neither were to tell Italy about the feud until there was a resolution.
"Morning Germany, Fratello, Japan." Italy greeted them cheerfully. Germany stretched as he stood and covered the ground between them in an easy gait. Italy smiled up at Germany.
"Our run yesterday was interrupted." Germany informed Italy as he picked him up by the collar.
"What, Germany, please Germany." Italy complained flailing about. "No, please, I don't want to run. Please Romano."
"I think I'll join you." Romano said casually. Italy stopped complaining and hung from his collar dejected.
"I'd like to decline." Japan said holding up his hand accordingly.
"Not happening," Germany said taking the hand and pulling Japan to his feet. "We're at war; try to act more like a soldier." That being decided Romano and Germany went on a run while Italy and Japan dragged their feet through the mud barely keeping up.