Riiing riiing… riiing riiing

"Moshi moshi?"

"Japan, it's me."

"Oh, hello Germany-san. I have not heard from you in a while."

"Yes, I'm sorry about that. How have you been doing? Are your arms still…"

Japan glanced to the direction of the phone against his ear, frowning very lightly as the other trailed off on his question. He couldn't exactly blame him; it was probably still hard to accept what had happened what seemed like weeks ago. He set the phone between his cheek and shoulder as he pulled up his shirt sleeve. The mark had gotten a slightly more brown color since his first day of earning it, but it still held a bold red hue, probably since it was a nation's blood and did not dry out or discolor as fast as human blood.

"I am fine, and my arms have not changed. I suppose he is still in the ocean. And you?"

"I see… my hands are still the same as before as well."

"Mm."

The phone went quiet, Japan keeping an ear open for the other end. It didn't click so Germany was still there, but was probably just thinking what to say. In the silence, Japan decided to shift in his position and lay down on the couch he was sitting on, pulling the soft blanket resting on his lap to cover up to his shoulders as he pulled a pillow under the side of the head that didn't have the phone pressed against it.

A nap would be very nice, or just to lay there for hours on end sounded very nice too. Maybe he should open the windows too, the breeze outside sounded refreshing to experience. At the same time, he didn't want to get up from the fuzzy soft blanket laying on him.

"…Are you still there?"

"Mhm."

"….."

Japan shifted on the couch again, rolling a bit in his spot so the blanket could wrap around him almost as a small cocoon while he waited for the German to gather his thoughts still. He smiled lightly, very content in his place.

After a while of lying there, he glanced up at the phone once more. Maybe he should say something. But what could he say? Well, there was that meeting coming up to talk about Italy's rescue, perhaps he could ask about that.

"So, are you prepared for the meeting coming up?"

"Tch, don't remind me. I mean, it's nice we have people willing to help us search for him despite what's going on but… I'm not looking forward to be facing them again after everything we have done to them, and what we have done to one of our allies."

"Mm, yes, I can understand that."

Japan rolled a little once more so he could fully be lying on his back, staring up at the blank ceiling.

"We have a contract with them that no politics will be involved in this, just us as people trying to retrieve one of our own back. There will be security from our and their governments, I doubt things will get too far. It will be all right, Germany-san."

"Haa… you always know what to say. I should really try to be more like you about this, calm and strong. I am very glad I have you as an ally."

"As do I. We're all we have of each other, and soon we'll get the missing one back. You have a promise to keep, after all."

"Yes, we will. I will keep my promise. Thanks, Japan. I needed this talk."

"Of course, feel free to talk to me whenever you need to."

" I'll keep that in mind, thanks. I should get my paperwork for the meeting together then. We'll talk later to coordinate our leaving times. Tschuss."

"Ja ne."

Click.

After plopping the phone back into its place on the receiver, Japan sighed lightly as he simply slipped his head underneath his blanket, giggling very quietly as he moved around in his constricted space. Though because he wasn't able to see outside his small space, he didn't see that his moving had inched him further and further to the edge before just falling right off and onto the floor.

"Mmph." He grunted as his face hit the solid ground, his squirming antics now forgotten about and just deciding on lying there. He felt very heavy, like he wouldn't be able to get up from that position even if he tried.

What would he accomplish if he just fell asleep there? He'd just continue to be a gross, blood stained fool being stuck in that stupid blanket. Might as well keep the windows and doors shut and locked, wouldn't want the stink of human blood and guilt pollute the innocent world. With a deep sigh, he just stayed in that heavy, constricting blanket laying on him.

Riiing riiing… riiing riiing

"Mm?" Japan raised his head slightly as his phone rang, drly smacking his lips together as he struggled lightly before getting his arms and head out from the blanket to reach out for the phone from down on the ground.

Riiing riiing… riiing riiing

"Moshi moshi?"

"Japan, it's me."

"…Oh? Hello Prussia-san. I have not heard from you in a while."

"Yea, sorry 'bout that. Listen, I need you to do me a favor."

"Mm?"

"Keep an eye on Germany, would you? He hasn't really been himself and has been more on edge since he's come back, and I don't know what he would do if something else bad happens. I know I'm going to the meeting too, but he listens to you more than he does to me. I don't know maybe he has a 'friends over family' preference. But please, if something comes up, could you do something?"

"….."

"…Are you still there?"

"Mhm."

"Is this a bad time?"

Japan paused at this, a finger tapping the phone as he slowly felt something throb in his chest, something constricting his heart and making blood beat quicker throughout his body. What was that...was it anxiety? Fear? Worry? Over what? What is there to fear? He didn't know…

"…Hai."

"Er… does that mean yes or no? Because if it is a bad time, I can call you back."

"…No, I am all right. I will make sure to watch him."

"Ah! Great! I knew I could count on you! I'll see you at the meeting, then! Tschuss!"

Japan's breath picked up a pace just a little, the simple request he had just accepting suddenly beginning to weigh heavily on his shoulders. The last time he and his friends were left in his responsibility, he killed one and made the other crumple with grief. How was he going to help anyone?

He looked up at the table that the phone receiver was on, his hollow eyes staring at the black small silk bag next to it.

He was going to need some help if he was to help anyone.

"Ja ne."

Click.