Sleepover

"Why did I even agree to go to that costume party?" Germany muttered to himself as he walked back into his home. He was clad in a slick, black military uniform with a matching jacket and hat, and feeling quite silly for even venturing out of his home in the outfit.

After much pestering from his brother, Prussia, Germany had agreed to go to France's costume party, where the theme was "military." Unfortunately, as the party went on, it seemed the theme slowly changed to "au naturel."

Germany managed to escape with all his clothes, luckily. Still, as he closed and locked the door, he recalled that Italy was also at the party, and felt somewhat guilty. "I can't believe I left him like that. He could be going through something terrible right now…" Germany thought out loud as he face palmed.

"Who could be going through something terrible?" someone asked curiously behind Germany.

Panicked, Germany turned quickly and pinned the stranger to the wall. "Who the hell-" he began to say, when he realized he just pinned a very startled Italy, still in his blue military uniform from France's party. He seemed close to tears.

"G-Germany? Is there something wrong?" Italy stuttered out.

He must have snuck in... Germany thought. He sighed in relief and released his grip on Italy. "Nothing's wrong. Sorry, Italy," he said curtly before going to open the door.

Italy began smiling and held Germany's hand. "Hey, Germany. Can we have a sleepover?" he asked sweetly.

"No." Germany pulled his hand out of Italy's grip.

"Why not? Come on, it'll be like old times!" Italy latched onto Germany's arm, determined to convince him.

"No, go back to your own home, Italy." Germany trudged toward the door slowly, pulling the Italian across the floor with him.

Italy frowned a little, and then smiled a bit mischievously. "But Germany, I forgot my house keys, and Romano's staying at Spain's house tonight!"

Before Germany could respond, Italy already released his hold on Germany's arm and ran into the German's room. Sighing, Germany followed, giving up on ousting Italy from his house.

When he walked in, Germany found Italy already had stripped off his military uniform and was in a white t shirt and boxers. The navy blue military jacket, pants, and boots were sloppily thrown onto a nearby chair. Italy was busily looking through some of Germany's papers, and drawing something on the back of one.

Upon closer inspection, Germany realized Italy was messing with some important documents from his boss, and hurriedly grabbed the papers from the desk, straightened them out, and placed them in a drawer to file later.

"Italy! Don't look through and disorganize my papers!" Germany scolded Italy.

"I-I'm sorry, Germany… I just…" Italy stuttered through an apology, evidently remorseful and sad.

Gently, Germany patted Italy's head. "It's okay. Just be more careful next time," he replied with a sigh.

Italy's face immediately brightened, and he hugged Germany. "Thanks so much, Germany!" Surprised, Germany blushed a little before awkwardly wrapping his arms around Italy.

"Hey, Germany, let's get to bed. It's already 11, you know?" The Italian abruptly stopped hugging Germany, still with a smile on his face.

After a short pause, the German stuttered out, "S-sure…"  He released his hold on Italy somewhat reluctantly, and then changed into his usual black tank top and boxers.

"Hey, Italy, I'll show you the guest room," Germany said as he began walking out of his room. However, he was stopped when Italy grabbed his arm.

"Germany, can I sleep with you tonight? For old times' sake?" Italy entreated Germany.

To both countries' surprise, Germany responded immediately, "Sure."

Italy grinned and jumped straight into Germany's bed. Germany soon joined him, and carefully crawled under the blankets so he did not touch Italy.

"Good night, Germany," the Italian whispered sweetly to Germany.

"G-good night, Italy," he replied softly.

~~~

Italy had problems sleeping. With Germany so close to him, he was too excited to fall asleep. Instead, he closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. When he heard the deep breaths of Germany's slumber, Italy sat up in bed and sighed.

The Italian glanced at his companion, making sure he was sleeping before tiptoeing out of bed to the desk. He carefully opened the desk drawer and looked through every leaf of paper until he found the one he had written on.

There was a rough sketch in black ink of him and Germany embracing one another lovingly. Italy silently folded the paper and slipped it into the pocket of his military jacket.

"I wonder if he saw it…" Italy mumbled to himself before climbing back into bed with Germany.

Feeling a bit daring, Italy kissed Germany softly on the cheek. Germany did not stir. Blushing a bit, Italy again kissed Germany, this time on the lips. To his surprise, Germany embraced Italy tightly and mumbled, "I love you."

Italy's face was burning as he looked at Germany's face. He was relieved when he saw the German was still totally asleep and was mumbling unintelligible words. Italy gingerly wrapped his arms about Germany and nuzzled into his chest.

In Germany's warm embrace, Italy soon became drowsy and closed his eyes. As he fell asleep, Italy whispered to the sleeping German, "Who is 'you?' "