kiramaru7 | Cross-posted from hetachallenge

Title: Why Does He Sleep Naked?
Characters: Germany, Italy, Berlitz
Challenge: Drabble/Doodle Challenge June 2012: Pretend
Bonus Words: love, real, forget, denial, hate
Rating: T
Summary: Germany finally realizes the depths of his feelings for little buddy, Italy…
Author’s Notes: Thanks to my Beta, Jen, for the title…

Germany was in denial for so long about being in love with Italy that pretending they were simply friends had become second nature to him. Since Italy was also clueless when it came to his friend’s feelings, it was easy to forget those feelings actually existed. Unfortunately for Germany, after one too many sleepless nights spent with his friend, who slept naked and often curled up next to him in bed, that he decided those feelings were real. What followed next was a disastrous proposal sparked by an overzealous amount of research about Valentine’s Day and wishful thinking, and Germany hated himself for his stupidity. He felt sure he had ruined their friendship and his days felt so empty now that Italy was avoiding him.

Sighing softly, he patted the bed and Berlitz eagerly jumped onto it. It was a poor substitute for his friend, but it was better than sleeping alone. He sighed softly as sleep eluded him, the overwhelming feeling of loneliness making it hard to relax. Not even Berlitz’s sloppy puppy kisses cheered him up, but he did appreciate the dog’s effort. Clutching his pillow, Germany soon fell asleep.

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, Italy, unable to sleep, had crept into Germany’s house. The dogs, used to his nocturnal visits, barely paid any attention to him as he stripped down to nothing and crawled into bed. Snuggling up to Germany’s warmth, everything suddenly felt right in the world to Italy and he fell asleep.

Germany woke up the next morning, wedged between Berlitz and Italy. Reaching behind himself, he gave his little buddy a gentle shove. “Move over,” he said. Half asleep, Italy murmured softly, and complied by rolling over. It was just what Germany needed, and rolling over, he spooned in behind him…