"Satisfied?"

Prussia grinned as he bumped the side of the door with his hip to close it behind him, "yes, sir!" he chirped. He lightly kicked at Germany's foot to get his attention, making the other sit up, "I got you some beer and cake too, it looks like you need it more than I do."

Germany blinked, not having expected that, "thank you," he thanked, taking the white piece of cake and setting the cold can of beer next to him. He picked up the fork on the plate and lightly picked at the homemade cake.

"So you were saying; you two were going to bump off Italy?"

The blonde cringed at the wording of the phrase, now setting down his cake as well. He nodded, "yes, we decided to wait until he went to sleep before we did anything."

...

"Good night, Germany! Good night, Japan!"

"Mm."

Italy frowned lightly, looking between the two silent nations quietly. He scooched closer to the fire, it being the only source of warmth at the moment. He reached both of his arms out, setting them on Japan's and Germany's knee, this making them look up from their gaze of the fire.

"Things will be better in the morning! It'll be a new day! Maybe a plane will see us this time!"

"Mm, yes. That is quite possible." Japan mused, giving a nod. On the corner of his eye, he watched Germany avert his gaze back to the fire, looking ashamed to even look at the smaller nation. He subtly looked back to Italy, seeing he frowned a bit more at seeing Germany look away.

"Ve… Well, good night." Italy finally settled on saying, laying down near the fire and comfortably being able to close his eyes.

The two waited, staring into the fire silently as they waited for a sign, anything to show he was asleep and not going to eavesdrop on them like he did once in a while. Japan glanced down to Italy, noticing his breath being at a normal pace. Not yet.

"… Germany-san."

"Huh? Yes?"

"You don't need to be pessimistic," Japan noted, gesturing with his hand to the Italian by their feet, "we'll find food and rescue soon."

Germany raised an eyebrow; not exactly understanding what he was saying at first, this was all his idea, was he backing out? After noticing the gesture, he looked down to Italy, noticing he didn't really seem asleep yet. He was eavesdropping again. "Er, yes. I'm sure that we'll find our way out of here soon, and find… find food…"

"Mhm, we could all go on a fruit hunt, like what we did when we first came here." Japan said, frowning at this as he began to watch Italy more. Even though his back was turned, he knew Italy had a big smile on his face.

"Yes, a fruit hunt… and we could build sand castles too... go swimming, and just en... enjoy ourselves." Germany took a deep breath from his nose, biting his lip at the fact that his voice cracked a bit. He didn't want to seem suspicious. "Like an Axis should do together."

Both of them lightly jumping at hearing a soft content sigh come out from the Italian, his breathing slowing down and body seeming to untense. He was finally asleep, with thoughts of him and his friends thriving and enjoying themselves swirling in his head.

The air became stagnant between the two of them for a while, only the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore and the small crackling of the fire being heard. They stared into the fire with dull eyes, not even sure who would be the first one to act. Soon enough, they both pulled up their gaze, blue meeting brown and the both of them giving a small subtle nod.

It was time.

Quietly, they pushed themselves up to get back on their feet. They shuffled over to the body near their feet without so much as another word, both them carefully grasping onto his wrists and ankles before lifting him up. Side stepping their way toward the ocean, they flinched as they entered the freezing ocean but be sure to make no noise as they kept the Italian's body above water.

With a silent count, they waited for a moment before quickly dunking him inside, flipping over his body so his front was facing downwards in the water. Germany held down the main body while Japan managed to press down on his shoulders to keep him down. However, it wasn't long before two arms came crashing around the water, both of them knowing he must have waken up at this point.

"Gomenasai, Italia." Japan murmured quietly, placing both of his hands onto the back of his head and shoving his head further into the water, bubbles popping furiously around his head. Germany looked away from what they were doing, biting down onto his lower lip. Hard.

A minute or so passed of this struggle before soon, it became quiet. Italy's arms fell with a 'plop' in the water, his body growing limp and the bubbles ceasing to rise. The deed was done. Germany gave an uneasy breath as he looked down to what they just did. But now was not the time to lament, they had work to do. Gently, they grabbed his limbs once more and carried him back to the roaring fire.

Japan didn't hesitate to take off his own jacket, knowing they needed a place to set everything. He rested on his knees next to the waterlogged corpse, watching from the corner of his eye as Germany sat down on the opposite side of the corpse. He reached out his hand, the other responding automatically to hand him his sword. With a quiet 'shing', he unsheathed his sword, glancing over the clean blade before looking down to the cadaver in front of him.

"…One, two, three," Japan muttered before he dug the tip of his sword into the base of Italy's neck, slowly and carefully gliding the blade down his torso in a vertical line to his belly button. He shifted his sword with ease and with a few flicks of his wrist he cut two flaps horizontally, pulling them back to reveal the red mess underneath.

Japan's nose wrinkled at just the pure smell of his insides, lightly covering his mouth for a moment before taking a deep breath from the side, he knew he had to do this; there was no going back now. With setting his sword aside, he carefully slide his hand inside of his friend, giving a shaky breath at feeling the slick, warm textures of the blobs of organs in there. After a small moment or two of trying to find one to properly take out first, his hand wrapped around a familiar good sized piece of organ and guided it out, taking his sword and severing its attachment to set on his coat on the side before going back in.

Germany flinched as red began to overflow from the incision and drip down the other's smooth stomach into the shirt he was laying on, eyes soon trailing to look at the liver going out of Japan's hand. He shook his head lightly, trying to remain alert for the delicate operation as he pulled out some sharpened twigs he had prepared earlier in the day. He looked down to the kidney placed on Japan's once pristine white jacket and gently took it and soon jabbed the sharp edge through it, cringing light before he set the stick over the fire to try to properly cook before doing the same with the other kidney he just placed and the liver as well.

The air was silent and stagnant between them once more, just as before the oceans crashing waves and the fire crackling as it cooked the meat near its blaze were the only sounds present. The German's brows furrowed, torn between watching their meal cook or watching Japan search their friend's body. Instead he just decided to close his eyes, just hoping that time could pass and they could be done with it all ready.

After about five minutes of resting and messing a little with sticks to make sure it was cooked thoroughly, he took the finished cooked meats from the fire. Japan looked up at this, nodding once and leaning over to take a cooked kidney, Germany deciding to take the other one first.

"Itadakimasu," Japan murmured between them before they both reluctantly took a bite. Germany cringed as the piece of cooked organ slithered down his throat, the sudden crash of guilt making his body tempted to toss it back up, but he kept it down before just taking another bite. His stomach's hollow ache slowly began to lessen the more he ate, Japan seeming to relax just a little as his seemed to slowly come to terms with the new source of meat as well.

Well, it wasn't that bad. They were getting food, albeit tasting very weird, and Italy was able to somewhat pass peacefully; they could just stay the tide washed him out while he slept and drowned him. He would believe that, right? Yes, it wasn't that bad.

"…G…Germany..? Ja… Japan?"

Without wasting a second, the two spun their heads over to look at the source of the voice, mouths hanging ajar in pure shock. Somehow, Italy's eyes had become open, and were staring right up at them in a wide bewildered gaze. Germany's arms dropped, the now empty stick hitting the sand before he gave a panicked look to Japan, who seemed to be giving one right back.

"Wh… what's... g-going…" Italy started to sputter, his eyes widening more if possible as searing pain began to take his mind and he began to tremble fiercely. He looked between of the two, not even sure what to exactly ask anymore.

"I-Italy, we-"

"Wh-what… are you guys doing?!"

"Please, we can expl—"

"It hurts! Why does it hurt?!"

"It's because-"

"W-why is my chest all red?!"

"Italy, it's only—"

"What did you do to me!?"

At that point, all of them began speaking at once, Germany and Japan attempting to explain their situation and Italy starting to scream in sheer fear of what was exactly happening. No one knew exactly what the other was saying any longer.

"Enough!"

Germany reached down and tugged on Italy's curl, making him yelp and whimper from the now very painful sensation coursing through his body. They remained in silence for a while, just reduced to looking each other with wide eyes and furrowed brows. The two nations moved over to be closer to Italy's top, wanting to get a better position to talk to him.

"Italy, I…" He started, looking down to the confused and scared Italian, "we had run out of food, you're aware of this. We haven't caught any fish in weeks and all out fruit hunts have come up, well, fruitless.

The Allies will be coming again soon, and we were afraid that we weren't going to win this time. We don't have any strength or resources left to defend ourselves. So… there came you, Italy. We thought that, well since you don't fight, then you would be able to…" he trailed off there, the next few words being obvious and painful enough not to say out loud. "Besides, nations don't die, we knew after a few days or so you'd be back to normal."

Italy stared up at him, glancing over to Japan as if for confirmation on this story, and saw the other nod in agreement, which made him nod understandingly in return. "B-but," he said, though he paused to hack and cough, a small few drops of blood specking his chin, "Why… say nothing? Wh-why did you lie to me?"

"We did not lie to you, Italy," Japan spoke up, remaining cool and calm as ever, "we did not say anything to you because we did not want to burden you to willingly give us your body. We tried to kill you while you slept so when you woke you would have no memory of any of this, but it seemed we did not think about how soon you would recover from drowning. We are sorry Italy; we did not mean to burden you."

Japan bowed his head in shame, Italy's brows furrowing lightly at this, though his ears perked lightly at feeling something take his hand, and when he looked over he saw the German grabbing his hand with both of his, looking down in shame and guilt shining in his eyes.

"Well… if it would mean saving your lives, you can have my body."

The two of them both looked up, almost in shock of this.

"Are... are you sure? We could stop."

Italy shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips, "I'm sure. You're right, I... I am weak; I am useless while you two do all the work. Please, please take my body… if this will let me finally help you and be useful for the first time... take it, take every last morsel." He sniffed, his lower lip trembling as he knew what he was getting himself into. "Please… please…. Do it."

Japan looked up to Germany, Germany looking back at him at this, and the raven haired man nodded, leaving his side to go back to his torso and deciding to resume his work. If it was what he wanted, he would deny his friend his dying wish. As he scooped his hand inside, Italy's mouth opened in wanting to scream out in pain, but he cut himself off, only giving out a straggled whimper and a half choked sob. His chin quivered as he felt warm tears run down his cold pale cheeks, trying to hold in all the misery and pain as he could.

"Italy."

Italy looked up to the German, teary eyes meeting with teary eyes as the other's attention made their hands constrict together even further. Germany opened his mouth, to say something, anything to make up for what exactly they were doing. In the end however, he just averted his gaze, feeling as though he didn't deserve his attention.

"I'm sorry. I know this means nothing right now, but I am. You don't deserve this." He clenched his teeth, furrowing his brows as guilt began to manifest into his core and began to fester. "I am sorry." He repeated himself a few times over quietly, as if saying it just while he thought of what to say next before he looked back to Italy. "You'll wake up soon, and I'll be here. It'll just be one long nap is all, well deserved rest from all the times I made you run and exercise. When you wake up, Japan and I will be right here beside you and we'll do whatever you want. We can play in the ocean; we can build sand castles, whatever you want." He cracked a smile, trying hard not to make the corners of it quiver, "Sleep soundly, knowing you did a good job. I couldn't be prouder of you than I am right now."

Italy blinked once or twice at this, a few more gathered tears slipping away. Germany… was proud of him. Never had he heard those words come out of his mouth, but it was all he ever wanted. Granted the stakes could have been better but, perhaps this was for the best after all.

Germany studied the others look, hoping that the other accepted his apology, or even had enough strength to speak at this point. He looked down to their joined hands and moved them, gently clasping Italy's pinky with his own. "I will be here for you when you wake, this, I swear."

The chestnut haired lad's eyes widened just a little at this, but he smiled, gripping onto Germany's pinky with what little strength he had. "Captain…"

Time began to pass swiftly at by that point; Italy's whimpering getting quieter and quieter, and all dialogue between the three having stopped completely.

Soon, Japan pulled away from the corpse, wiping his brow, accidentally smearing blood on himself in the process, as he knew his job was done. He glanced over to his now red jacket, and all the pale colors of organs not yet on the fire laying on them, no longer moving, no longer functioning. With a quiet sigh, he looked to the other half of Italy, seeing Germany still sitting there, both hands clasped with the Italian's hand.

Slowly, he crawled over to be parallel of where the blonde was sitting, noticing that Italy was staring upwards, smiling contently. But his eyes… it seemed he had passed on. He looked up at Germany, seeing him stare down as well, eyes gleaming. He reached forward and set a hand on Germany's shoulder, the other seeming not to react to it.

"We have a saying back in our land; the weak become the meat. It is for the best, Germany-san."

Germany nodded lightly, knowing he had to come to terms with this. It had been done, they had food now. They had to eat every last morsel. He gave a shaky sigh, his shoulders slumping just a bit in defeat despite their goal being reached.

Japan lightly frowned at this and pulled his hand away, instead choosing to grab Italy's free dead hand and hold it with both of his bloody hands. He dryly gulped, it feeling odd to be there, holding the hand of a dear friend who sacrificed his life so they may thrive for just a bit longer.

"We will be here when he wakes up, you said so yourself. We will be here. You will be here." Japan said, choosing to look over to the fire where Germany had put some organs to roast while he was harvesting.

Germany looked up a little at this, knowing that Japan knew that the promise he made was made mostly to him being there. He looked over to the fire as well for a moment, before back to the smiling Italian. "Yes… yes, I will be here." He murmured quietly, staring at him for a moment before looking up to the array of stars in the sky, the lights that were Italy's last view in life.

I will be here for you when you wake… this, I swear…

...

"And that's about it," Germany concluded, tapping the empty plate in front of him with his fork, "after we finished eating , we went to sleep, and in the morning it seemed the tide washed out Italy's body to the sea. The Allies found us soon after and brought Japan and I home, mostly because of France wanting to find Italy's body. At least we're on the same page."

Prussia stared at his little brother with mouth slightly agape, still trying to process what was exactly done. All of this had happened in just a matter of days, it still just blew his mind. He glanced down at their empty plates, having been the one who ate both slices of cake, and furrowed his brows lightly. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came to mind. What would one even say to their brother if he murdered someone they both were close to?

"Cheep cheep."

"Mm?" Prussia looked over to Gilbird on his knee, seeing him resting on his knee as though he was able to fall asleep any moment. At this, he looked over to the alarm clock on the nightstand, seeing what time it was. "Ah, it's getting late. I should.. uh… let you rest up. You've had a long... uh… trip."

Germany nodded, giving the plate over to Prussia, "mm, yes." He muttered, really not being able to think of anything else to say. He moved over on his bed and laid back down without so much as another word. Prussia frowned at this, but he still didn't know what to exactly say or do at this point.

"Guten nacht, West." He noted before heading out of the room, stopping by the kitchen to put the dishes and other items of the party away before heading downstairs to his own room. This was going to be quite awkward for a while, he could tell all ready. But mostly, he knew he had to keep an eye on his baby brother to make sure he was going to be okay.

But it was Germany! He would always be okay no matter what happened! With the pleasant thought in mind, he slipped Gilbird back into his comfortable little coop and dressed himself into his pajamas. He turned off the light and slipped into bed, sleepiness soon tugging at him and knocking him out like a light.

However, he didn't stay that way for long.

Prussia grunted lightly as he opened his eyes into darkness, glancing to his clock to see it was around two in the morning. But that wasn't the thing that was starting to worry him, but a large pressure behind him on the bed and something around his arm. Slowly, he turned around to take a look of what was making the bed space smaller, and he blinked in surprise.

Right beside him was Germany, his arms curled lightly around Prussia's arm like earlier he was holding it tight for comfort along with his legs curled up slightly. He frowned, knowing that he hadn't snuck into his bed with him since he was smaller and had nightmares about wars and vague memories he didn't understand.

The albino reached up and moved some of the bangs from his little brother's eyes, maneuvering over so he'd fully be facing him. He put an arm carefully around his waist, almost giving him a half hug and at least a nice position to be in for the two of them to sleep in the same bed.

I will be here for you when you wake… this, I swear…