Germany awoke feeling less rested than he had when he had gone to bed. He had spent the entire night tossing and turning, thinking things over and never settling down enough to gain those precious few hours of sleep. Italy had been, well, Italy and he was angry at the fact that instead of acting like a soldier, the small brunette wanted to run away to play with cats and pick flowers. And the clinging. Italy would always need Germany there for everything and would show up uninvited, intruding on the German's private moments. There really was only so much that one man could handle.

And yet, though he was angry, he was upset at the hurt look on the other's face when he hadn't been able to live up to Germany's demands. Germany wasn't sure what that was about, either it was guilt or simply something he had eaten last night. Prussia had been in charge of dinner after all.

With a groan, Germany rolled out of his bed and brushed his hair back out of his face. He glanced at the other side of the bed, just to check that the Italian hadn't slithered his way into the bed with the blonde. Next came the check of the closet while Germany found clothing for the day, behind the shower curtain when he went to use the bathroom, and beneath the kitchen sink when he went to start the morning coffee. So far Germany's day was Italian free.

It would be another day of training, and Germany poured himself a second cup to help him make it through the day. He opened the fridge to check that he still had beer on hand for when training was done and looked through his cupboards to find the makings for pasta. You know, in case training went well and Italy wanted to cook for him. And Italy would usually offer.

Germany looked over his planner, scanning the list of things he wanted to accomplish that day with training. He had noted at the top that today was a day Japan would join them. Perhaps between the two of them they would be able to teach Italy something. He sincerely doubted it though.

He took another slow sip of his coffee while he thought and there came a soft knock on his door. Carrying the mug, Germany crossed his home to the door to answer it and Japan stood on the other side, dressed formally and calmly looking at the taller nation. "Ohiyogozaimasu Germany-san."

"Gutten Morgen Japan." Germany stepped to the side to allow the man inside and led the way to his kitchen. "Would you like coffee?"

"Iie, I do not need it." Germany nodded, finishing his cup full and quickly washing it in his sink.

"I have the plans for today's training here." Germany passed the paper to Japan and straightened his stack of paperwork. "I have told Italy to meet us at the training field this morning and I am hoping that you can assist in training as today we will be working on combat and he will not want to participate."

Japan nodded, reading over Germany's list. "Hai, but Germany-san, wouldn't it be best if we were to call Italy-kun first so he remembers to join us?" Japan set the paper back on the counter and looked up at the blonde with a meek smile. "He can be quite forgetful at times."

Germany placed a hand to his temple and groaned. "You are right. I'll give him a call first." Japan watched plainly as Germany dialed Italy's number and held the receiver to his ear. He let the phone on the other end ring several times before he sighed and hung up. "I cannot get a hold of him. Let's move to the field and hope that he's there waiting for us."

Japan nodded and followed Germany as they made their way outside. The sun was climbing steadily with the promise of good weather as the pair walked silently to the training field. Germany kept his thoughts and worries about their missing brunette friend to himself while they traversed the short distance; it wouldn't help to get worked up when Italy was most likely chasing some pretty girls rather than recalling that he needed to attend training. As the two stepped onto the field they heard a sound of annoyance near them.

"Took the both of you long enough; you had me waiting here for 20 minutes." Italy rolled his fuchsia eyes. "Any longer and I was going to go home."

Germany froze as he stared at his Italian friend. He had never heard Italy use this tone of voice before nor arrived to anything promptly. Something with his friend seemed off. Italy had replaced his usually blue uniform with a tan one and his hair seemed different though Germany couldn't quite place what made it different. The most startling difference was that Italy now had his eyes open to reveal a rather strange color tint. Perhaps this had been why Italy had always kept his eyes closed, to hide the unnatural color? They rivaled that of his brother's.

"Italy-kun, are you alright?" Japan asked, puzzled by his friend's state.

"Of course I'm alright. Why wouldn't I be?" Italy scoffed, straightening from where had been leaning against the shed they used to store training equipment. "Let's get started. What do you have for us today, Germany?"

Germany felt as though he had been caught off guard, stumbling as he tried to regain control of his thoughts. "Uh… Right. Today we will be focusing on combat techniques. If you would follow me." Germany led the way across the field to an open area best suited for today's purposes and Italy followed behind coolly, watching the German's back with a determined expression. Japan came last, worry starting to show beyond his normally passive mask.

"You will start out sparing with me, Italy. " Germany commanded, removing his jacket and facing the brunette. "I want you to get into the defensive position we practiced and prepare for when I come at you. You will start out defending."

The Italian hummed in thought as he raised his hands, his eyes determined and small smile on his lips. Germany paused, unnerved by his friend's smile. It was off, and not the usual cheerful grin of the nation. This one seemed slightly sadistic. He frowned when he realized that Italy wouldn't protest the fighting, and hoped that this meant that he understood why they needed to practice.

Germany approached his friend, fists raised, and gently swung them in the direction of the brunette, careful to avoid hurting him when the Italian panicked. Instead, Italy easily side stepped the swings, looking directly into Germany's bright blue eyes with an evil smirk. He knew Germany was holding back, and he was challenging him.

Germany aimed the next swing lower, Italy parried it to the side. He made a quick jab, Italy turned to allow it pass him harmlessly. Germany proceeded to attack the small brunette, though nothing he did seemed to touch the nation. Finally, Germany called it quits, signaling the other to stop. Breathing heavily, he turned to replace himself where he had started, noticing Japan's intrigued look where he watching from the sidelines. "Good. Next, Italy, you will attack me. However I will give you a moment to-"

Germany fell to the ground as his knee was kicked out from underneath him. He was stunned, unsure what had happened until he found himself on his back with Italy perched on top of his chest holding a small knife to the blonde's throat. Germany could do nothing but stare, mouth agape, as the brunette nation chuckled.

"I really am honored how much you trust me, Germany." Italy purred, raising a gloved hand to run along Germany's cheek. "But you made it much too easy. Not only did you turn your back on me, but you wore yourself out trying and failing to hit me. Pity really, I know you are capable of so much more." Italy leaned close to Germany, pressing his face against the other's cheek so his mouth was next to the blonde's ear. "You don't believe I'm capable of such things, do you?" He whined as his tongue darted out to quickly slide along warm skin. " That's where your greatest mistake lies." Germany's eyes widened, as Italy pulled back, fuchsia gaze studying the shocked face of the man beneath him. "I suppose a reminder of how dangerous I can be is in order."

Germany didn't have time to register what was happening before he felt the sting on his cheek. He gasped and winced, bringing a hand to his face and feeling the gloves he wore soaking up the blood flowing from the small cut. Italy was already standing, looking down at the blonde and shaking his head as though slightly disappointed. "If either of you need me, you know where to find me. I suggest you use this time to train before calling me again." And without a second glance, Italy turned and left the field, leaving the two shocked nations in his wake.

^v^

AN: Thanks to everyone who has followed, favorited, and reviewed!