Things returned to a state of near normalcy within the German household. The blonde nation had settled some sort of unspoken agreement with his Italian ally and neither of them seemed willing to bring up the events of the week before or much of anything else beyond what was needed of them. Their interactions were formal and consisted entirely of business matters and it was distressing the elder of the German brothers to watch. But although he could see how much they still cared about each other, he wasn't sure he would be able to do anything to help.

It was another one of those afternoons where the two were supposedly working and the tense atmosphere had sent the albino scurrying from the room to get away from it. Hidden in the furthest corner of the house, the Prussian had already spent most of the day worrying the hem of his cloak and looking for something else to do so when someone came to the door he was relieved for the distraction.

The incessant knocking wouldn't stop as he hurried to answer it. Pulling it open, he smiled politely towards the person on the step but then gasped and started backing away at the sight of the brunette. The visitor blinked, a crooked smile appearing on his face, and tilted his head. "What's the matter, Prussia? Aren't you going to let me in?"

Completely terrified, Prussia turned and fled down the hallway with the hopeful mission to find help which he did when he crashed into another brunette who growled and tried to shove the trembling ex-nation off of him. "Prussia? What the hell is wrong with you? Get off me!" The albino easily scrambled off the other and pointed towards the door. Italy looked back, but seeing nothing from his position in the house simply scowled. "I don't have time for your games. I need coffee before we continue our meeting."

Still feeling fairly determined, he snagged Italy by the arm and started to drag him back the way he had come despite the other's protests and threats of pain. As they rounded a corner and came into view of the open door, the Italian quieted when he laid eyes on their visitor. "Hey. I have business with the guy in charge. You going to let me in?"

Italy wrenched his arm free, glaring at the new comer. "What? Need permission to enter? Why would I do that and let you attack us all when you step inside?"

Red eyes rolled as their owner huffed. "Please, I'm not going kill any of you. Just need to speak to Germany."

"What could you possibly want to speak to Germany about?" The Italian hissed, balling his fists at his sides, Prussia standing warily behind him watching everything unfold.

The nation groaned. "Just let me in, please? It's important."

Italy crossed his arms, tapping one finger in irritation as he considered it. "Do you recall some of the things I told you the last time we spoke?" He asked quietly, barely waiting for the subtle nod in response before continuing. "Just know that I won't take it lightly if you cross me."

The visitor straightened and nodded. "Best behaviour. Got it."

With a final glance over, one more unspoken threat and a nod, Italy turned and ventured back within the house leading along the two other nations. He didn't bother to knock when they reached the office door, throwing it open and stepping inside. "Germany, you have a visitor, but just say the word and I'll kill him." He turned to glare at said visitor and add, "Slowly."

Germany groaned as he lay down what he had been working on. "Who is and what do they…." He trailed off as he lifted his head and took in his visitor, freezing completely at the sight. "America?"

"Right on the first try." The brunette laughed and brushed passed the furious Italian and into the room.

"What are you…? Why…?" The blonde stuttered at the sight, trying to grasp the reason for a visit and vaguely waving his hands at the nation's appearance: dark brunette hair and eyes that practically glowed they were such a bright red. He coughed and gathered his thoughts as his guest sat in the chair on the opposite side of his desk. "How can I help you?"

"I have a deal I'd like to make with you." The American replied, a cool and calm tone with his hands clasped together in his lap. "And the way I see it, you could use what I have to offer."

Italy stalked his way around the desk, fuchsia eyes never once leaving the brunette in the chair, until he was standing beside Germany. "What sort of deal?" the blonde asked suspiciously.

America gave a wide toothy grin. "I want to switch sides."

"What?!" Italy screeched and Germany had to throw a hand up to stop the small nation from leaping over the desk and slicing the brunette. "I'm confused," he began a little more calmly than his ally, but still tense and ready for whatever could follow, "why would you want to join the Axis?"

With a shrug, the American sat up straighter in his seat, fixing them both with a confident smile. "Let me break it down to you both simply. This war is showing the true power that each nation possesses and the two of you have really proven yourselves. I like it and I want to help. Whatever you need, I'm your nation."

Italy's tone became low and dangerous. "We don't need you trying to order us around."

"I'm not looking to lead," he assured them, shaking his head. "I'm here for the two of you."

"And what's in it for you?" The Italian continued, still unconvinced.

"To be on the winning side." He smirked, resting back within his seat slightly to let them think it over.

Before Germany could even throw in his comment, his ally had already slid his way around the desk and to rest on it and look down at America in the chair. "Let's say I believe you and you are not attempting some terrible excuse for espionage into our affairs." Italy crossed his arms, being sure to fix a fierce stare on him. "Why the change?"

"I woke up. Literally." He supplied rolling up a sleeve to show the where the deep tan ended and his normally lighter skin began. "I went to think things over and woke up a few hours later after having taken a nap in the sun. Everything suddenly made sense and it didn't take me long to make up my mind on what I should do. I don't mind a few changes and I'll back you guys now. Thinking of keeping it like this, minus the tan lines." He added, fixing his clothing back into place. "I kinda like it and it will make sure I'm not confused for Canada."

Italy hummed glancing behind him at Germany, a small smile already on his face. "Promise to comply with all my orders even if it requires you to attack for former friends and family?"

"Of course." America replied smoothly.

Italy's grin was nearly manic. "Then, welcome to the Axis."

AN: *coughs* Meet America, the henchman. That is all (except for that extra chapter I've been meaning to add).