Chapter Text
The room was silent, save for the soft sound of steady breath. Italy had his arms around Germany’s waist, and his hands clutched the other’s shirt. His head lay against the blond’s chest. Every so often he would let out a little “ve,” and hug Germany tighter. It had been a while since Germany awoke, but he didn’t dare rouse the Italian. He looked so peaceful, even in the darkness. Germany was almost used to the nightly intrusions by now. Almost. They had been living together for a while, but he still couldn’t help the yelp of surprise that caught in his throat when he woke up to find Italy on top of him every morning.
The tranquility was broken, however, when the phone rang. Germany let out a breath, pressing his fingers to his temples. He pushed the covers off, careful not to disturb the sleeping Italian who was now using a pillow as a Germany substitute. Padding across the room, he followed the sound down the hallway and into his office.
He reached for the receiver. “Hallo?”
A voice that was way too loud for the early hours of the morning blared from the phone, and Germany winced. “What’s up, dude!”
America.
He groaned. “America, why are you calling me at four in the morning?”
“Whoa, sorry, dude; it’s like, eight p.m. in DC. You live in Berlin, right? Yeah, sorry ‘bout that.” He paused for breath. “So anyway, since tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve, I’m throwing an awesome party! You gotta be there!"
“Of course, Italy’s invited too, but I assumed you would tell him. He lives with you, right?”
“Ja. He’s been living with me for a while now,” Germany said, speech slurring from lack of sleep. Words weren’t registering very well at the moment.
“Good for you, dude. We all knew it would happen.” America sighed. “Unfortunately, I’m still waiting.”
After a moment of silence, Germany realized what America had implied.
“What? It’s not like that. I-I mean, ja, he lives with me, but we’re not, you know...”
His face was burning. Where did America even get that idea? It wasn’t like they acted like a couple, right? Well, Italy was always clinging to him, sleeping in his bed, and giving him hugs and kisses, but that’s just Italy; it’s what he does.
Germany could practically see the surprise on America’s face.
“What! Really, dude? Okay, whatever you say, but just so you know, everyone thinks you guys would make the cutest couple. Well, I gotta go. See you at the party, right? Bring your Italian!”
“J-Ja, I’ll see you tomorrow. We’re coming to your house in DC, correct?” Germany asked, his face still flushed with embarrassment.
“Yep! I really gotta go now. See ya!” America hung up the phone with a sharp click.
Germany was still in shock. He and Italy, together? That would never happen. He didn’t think of Italy that way. Granted, his company wasn’t unbearable, but he was still a lot to handle.
Germany continued to ponder as he walked back to his bedroom. He wasn’t getting back to sleep anytime soon, so he might as well get dressed. Italy was still snoring when he entered the room, and Germany’s lips twitched in an unconscious smile. Without realizing it, he was sitting next to the small country, clothes forgotten.
When the bed dipped under his weight, Italy sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Ve?”
“Shh, go back to sleep. The sun isn’t up yet.” Germany put a hand on his shoulder, gently laying him back down.
“Okay.” Italy wrapped himself around Germany, nuzzling his head into his shoulder.
Germany’s heart skipped a beat as the Italian smiled into the crook of his neck. His breath hitched when he noticed the involuntary response. He pushed Italy off of him, standing up.
Italy frowned, opening his eyes for the first time in a while. “Germany, what’s wrong?”
“N-Nothing, I have to go. Go back to sleep; I’ll wake you up later.” Germany rushed out of the room, leaving Italy sitting on the bed in bewilderment.
Germany walked down the hallway. When he reached the kitchen, he sat down, putting his head in his hands. Why was this happening now? Every time Italy clung to him before, it did nothing. So, why now? It’s probably because of what America said. But he did look kind of cute. Germany’s eyes widened in shock the moment the thought entered his mind. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. He didn’t like Italy. He didn’t like Italy. He didn’t li—
“Fuck.”