It was the first rays of light that appeared through his bedroom window that awoke the blonde nation from his slumber as they fell across his face. He blinked his eyes open slowly taking in the room around him. The familiar walls and ceiling all painted the same colour that they had been since he had first moved into this house, that none of the picture frames that decorated the space were even minuscule crooked (he had checked each one), and the items that lined his dresser were arranged as they ought to be. The room looked immaculate as it always did, except for the pile of clothes that surrounded the bed he was lying in.

Germany tilted his chin down to see his bed partner still slumbering next to him. Italy was nestled comfortably against his side with eyes closed and face relaxed erasing all hints of his darker nature. It was… adorable, as he wasn't sure how else to describe it and it brought a small smile to lips.

What was this that he was feeling? He was happy to have Italy here beside him and pleased that they were able to spend so much time together. But at the same time he felt ill for all the worry he directed towards the brunette's well-being. Maybe he should go speak to someone about it, a doctor perhaps.

And he should definitely rise and start for the day. The dogs would need feeding, there was sure to be dishes left over that hadn't been cleaned and there was of course that stack of paperwork that was not completed yesterday. But just the thought of leaving the warm bed and disturbing the other occupant was somehow more distressing than imagining the worst scenario for his kitchen. Germany supposed they could wait.

Instead he slowed his breathing so that the rising and falling of his chest wouldn't move the other's head enough to wake him. The quiet calm of the morning was giving him the time he needed to think as he relaxed against the pillows.

Italy was not the same he once was. This was his only certainty in this situation and the same truth he returned to as a basis to begin his reasoning on. Whether buried beneath this new personality or if it ever existed to start with was still unclear. And also unclear was his feelings in the situation. Was he happy to have someone so clear on their intentions towards him or was he missing that happier and innocent version, the one whose every other word could not be read as an innuendo.

But Germany was not stupid, nor was he naïve. Italy wasn't the only one that had been affected and it would be unwise to dismiss the other cases. Romano, France, even his own brother had all succumbed to the same ailment. And his current theory revolved around the war they were all fighting. The past one that had enveloped the world had changed many things, but this new one was far more dangerous, though there was little he could do beyond his current boss's orders. Except perhaps make it all end quickly.

Then would they all change back?

Or should he be preparing for this new world?

His fingers traced small circles into the soft flesh at Italy's back while he thought. He hadn't really given this version of the brunette much of a chance yet and if this was what he would now be with then maybe he would spend some time getting to know him better. How was he different? What did he like now?

Besides sex that is and he blonde blushed deeply at that. Maybe he needed to think of another activity for the two of them to do together that did not involve the bedroom. He needed to invest in a book.

A small grown alerted him that the other was waking and with a tired smile Italy tilted his chin up. "Last night," the brunette hummed.

"Last night," Germany repeated while Italy yawned wide and pushed his nose further against his torso.

The close proximity allowed him to feel how the other's mouth pulled open to a full grin and his warm breath caressing his skin as he spoke. "It was fun."

Germany closed his eyes to avoid meeting the Italian's gaze. Yes, fun and embarrassing. Something he wouldn't mind doing again but would never be able to speak about in public.

Italy paid no mind to his lack of response and pressed his lips against pale flesh in a quick kiss. "Would I be able to convince you for another round?" he asked coyly, devious and dangerous smirk pulling his smile more to one side. He did not hesitate in awaiting a response and moved further, outlining the defined muscles with soft caresses and gentle brushes of his lips.

Germany knew full well by now that Italy's touches would never remain as kind and sure enough after circling a particularly sensitive area where it was electing shivers the brunette sunk his teeth into it. The German gasped and pushed his bed partner away, glaring and rubbing at the sore spot, feeling the residual imprint left in his shoulder. At least he had not broken skin. This time.

"We should be getting started with our day." He informed Italy crossly and sitting up in the bed in an effort to make his point.

The brunette huffed and sidled closer, still undeterred. "Counter offer. We stay here for another half hour."

"No," Germany replied, "We've slept far later than we should have anyway."

The mischievous spark glinted in those bright fuchsia eyes. "You let me sleep in?"

The blonde sputtered unintelligible words before moving to make true on his claim that they needed to start their day but stopping once hands latched onto his sides and Italy draped himself over a shoulder with a snicker. "What are you so flustered about?" the brunette hummed and brushed a chaste kiss against the wound he had just caused. "You are so funny about these things."

"I need a shower." Germany muttered, surging forward to escape the other's grasp. Though effective in some regards it did still leave him feeling exposed and he did not need to turn around to know Italy was taking full advantage of the situation.

"Taking one together would save water." the brunette gleefully reminded him.

"The length of that one would not." Germany countered, searching for what he needed.

Those arms wrapped around him once again and he jumped at the stealth the other had managed in crossing the room unheard. "So we were thinking the same thing then?" Italy purred.

What Germany needed in this situation was control, discipline, and order to his life. The clothes on the floor needed to picked up, he needed to make a trip to the local bookstore and they had not had any training in weeks that ought to be scheduled. He needed Italy to understand this and allow him the ability to complete these things, but since when had he been able to control anything that Italy did?

AN: Maybe I shouldn't be writing these chapters on my phone on the bus...