[ The irony of Germany confiding in France of all people over Italy isn't lost on him -- but there's a twinge when the blond goes on about the length of their friendship. Part of him is saddened he never quite recovered from the blow. The rest of him is selfishly content in the man being oblivious of what he'd done.

Leaving him emotionally stunted though wasn't an easy pill. France's hand goes to rest lightly on his shoulder, squeezing gently. ]

Okay. I will let go of that comparison if it makes you feel better. You can't tell me that you even had a passing thought it'd happen like it did, though.

[ Understatement of the century, and France knows it. ]

Let me ask you this: Do you want your relationship to change between the two of you? Do you feel like it needs to?

[ His face scrunches at Germany's deteriorating state. Abandoning the shoulder for the man's wrist, urging him silently to stop before he made himself go bald. ]

Did you feel as if something was lacking between you two before this happened?