【 D4y 2, S4f3 R00m, Curr3n7 T1m3 L00p - Av4il4bl3 F1rst Pl4y3r5 & (F/n) 】

You stand in the kitchen, cleaning up the plates from lunch as the countries sit around the table. The Scramble you helped Italy with went down well, every plate empty. You had all been in the safe room for around 3 hours now, everyone rested up. You're sure if you could see HP and mana they'd all be full. Except maybe England. He would still missing a giant portion of it. You look down at your outfit now. You'd splashed yourself with sink water, your plain top betraying your fumble. You kept the same jeans on though, and put on a simple necklace and bracelet.

LOL, like me putting in effort will help me seduce a nation. I wouldn't even have a chance in that sort of game.

You had waved France and Prussia off, even after they insist on helping you wash up, informing them that the countries have something important to talk about. You listen in from the sidelines, everyone else around the table.

"Everyone has rested, so can we begin our conference now?" Germany asks.

"Sure." Russia coos, pushing his bowl away from himself. "I'm full, and I don't feel tired anymore, so be my guest." You make your way over, leaning over the table to take the last of the dirty dishes.

"Italy's food is really good, aru." China praised. "Him and (F/n) have been working so hard. I'm honestly impressed." Italy giggles, smiling brightly.

"Thanks." He chirps. You don't acknowledge it though, already putting the dirty dishes in the sink. This is more relaxing. The suds feel nice on your hands as you stack up another plate and finally move onto the cutlery. The water is still warm. You smile softly as you wash the knives and forks, subtly playing with the bubbles. You don't want anyone to notice your childish antics.

"Well?" France cocks a brow. "Who's going to speak first?"

"Can I start?" Canada raises his hand slightly, looking around.

"Go ahead." Germany inclines his head.

"America, this all started with a single word from you, but you have nothing to do with the Thing, do you?" Canada asks. "Is it safe to assume that it's just a coincidence that it looks like Tony? That's all I want you to confirm." He looks to America, waiting for an answer. You stare blankly at the water, changing your mind about being refreshed. It is very emotionally draining, listening to them. Everything they know is wrong. How could you help them? How could you change their fate? America hums in thought.

"You think they look alike?" He asks in confusion, then shakes his head. "I don't see any resemblance, but... no, I have absolutely nothing to do with it."

"In this case," Prussia speaks up, "it is with great concern that I inform everyone we're legitimately screwed." America looks at him, mouth parted as he screws his eyebrows together.

"You don't blame me?" America asks in confusion, looking across the table at Prussia, then sending everyone else a look.

"What?" Japan questions.

"It's pretty much my fault that everyone got dragged into this." America diverts his eyes. "If it weren't for me being overexcited and bugging you guys, none of this would have happened." His expression is sad, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm honestly surprised. I was totally expecting you guys to start bashing at me or something." He peers up, before looking away again. "It'd be completely understandable, though." He clenches his fists, ready for the onslaught of comments.

But now because there's a way out you'll leave it be? What the hell?! You guys said all you had to do was find them and we'd go!

If Italy says it's cool, I wanna check out the house.

Your words from back by the cell hadn't helped ease his conscious. But that wasn't your fault. They were belittling Italy and ignoring his feelings.

"America..." Japan wonder off. China laughs, America instantly tenses up, not understanding.

"Is that really what you think?" China asks, stifling laughter. "You actually think we'd do that, aru?"

"Your iconic capitalist clown must've fried your brain into a burger for you to say such nonsense." England scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh, please!" Canada chuckles, waving America's negativity off. "As if we were forced to come." He rolls his eyes. "This may have started with a word from you, but we're the ones who went along with it, eh?" Canada reasons, trying to lift up America's spirit.

"Oui, oui. We could have chosen not to come, but we chose to come with you." France adds. You smile. He has such a supportive family, they all have a way of showing they care. You sigh, grabbing a hand towel and drying off your hands. Their talking turns into grey noise as you stack up plates in your palm and put them away. Once finishing, you went to the bathroom. After washing your hands, you brush your hair through and look around. No one else has used the back left toilet, so you claimed it as your own. The smell of shaved wood is slowly fading, and your cleaning products from your wash bag had made a soft scent waft through the room. You have even emptied out some stuff, giving the place your own personal touch. Hand sanitiser and soap by the tap, hairbrush, toothpaste and toothbrush in the mirror cupboard above. Even shampoo, conditioner and body wash is sat on the rim of the bath, balancing. You smile, pleased with how it looks before moving back the curtain and heading to the main room. You could put your clothes under the bed Germany designated to you. that would lift some weight, as well as some books. You hum to yourself in thought as you hold the books up to your chest.

"I might pack up some sandwiches. They may help HP... Better to try and fail than not to bother at all." You think aloud, tapping your chin. You bring back the red curtain to the main room before stopping in the doorway.

Everyone is gone. You panic, eyes darting around before hurrying to the middle of the room and spinning on the spot, double-checking. No one is there. The room is empty. They have left you without a word. You take a small step towards the bed, then sprint, throwing the books on the bed and heading towards the kitchen. All the bottles had been washed and refilled, currently sitting in the cooler. You pack them, as well as six beers, and a couple of chillis. Securing your bag and swinging it over your shoulder, you run towards the door before stopping, almost falling over yourself. You almost forgot the most important object. You'd taken it out after cleaning up, not thinking there would be a point to have it on you when in the safe room.

"Knife." You point a finger toward your bed before running over to it. Rummaging below the pillow, your hand grasps around the wooden handle. You smile once pulling it out. It is unsafe having it below your head at night, yet you felt calm with it. It reminded you that you aren't entirely defenceless. You tuck the weapon into your shoe, hiding it below your jeans then head to the door. You reach up, flicking the light off before leaving. You began thinking again.

How had they managed to leave that quickly? Italy moves fast, for sure, but you should of at least heard the door close or the countries discussing it. Also, what about you? Had they left knowing you were inside? Perhaps they thought it is best to leave you in the safe room. No harm could come to you then. You frown at the thought. You aren't a helpless lamb like they think you are - especially Italy. You grunt in annoyance as you close the safe room door and head towards the stairs. You could take the countries out of the cell and hurry along with the game. Perhaps they could see how independent you are. That would be useful. You look down the halls, all silent except for your laboured breaths. You stop at the top of the stairs, hand holding the mahogany bannister.

But I don't really even need to leave the safe room. Spain will save them. He will go in there looking for a ladder and set them free.

You look behind you, eyes looking to where the safe room is.

So, I could just play it safe and stay in the room, maybe fill more stuff in the empty book I found on my first day.

You look back to the door you just left from, then back to the stairs. Would you really risk running into an Oni just to save a bit of time? As that thought wheels through your mind, you hear hard, shallow breaths coming from down the hall. You freeze, blood running cold and skin growing warm. The boards above creak and you release a long breath, eyes wide. It is upstairs.

That's better than the same floor.

A growl echoes through the hall, the bannister vibrating below your hand. You retract it. You contemplate whether or not to sprint for the door before you softly step down the stairs. You would be safer with the countries. You could set them free instead. You could help. You pad your way down the stairs, carefully watching the top of the stairs in case the demon appears around the corner. Your heart is so loud against your rib cage, thumping reaching your ear, you wonder whether the monster can hear it too. No one is around to protect you. You begin to sweat in your panic. You are already halfway down the stairs, walking slowly, so the stairs don't creak. You could die. This would end. Your parents would never see you again, the countries would find you dead. You'd die alone, in fear. You began to shake, your steps becoming quicker. You reach the ground floor, looking over your shoulder, and walk backwards. The monster could appear at the top of the stairs, so you needed to be cautious. But by defending your back, you forgot about the front. You bump into a warm figure, causing a squeak to escape from your throat. You jump away from the figure, all hairs on end.

"Japan!" You shout/whisper. You scowl slightly, scolding him for frightening you with a look, the pointed stare summing up all the words you want to say. "We need to go!" You whisper harshly, looking over your shoulder as you try to push him towards the basement door. He stops, refusing to move. He brushes your hands off his shoulder, scowling at you. "Oh, sorry." You apologise, knowing he doesn't like people touching him. "But we should getting going, the others-..." You stop, your face blank for a moment before squinting. "Shouldn't you be..?" You stare at him owlishly, before your eyes bug out.

Oh god, I should have realised this when I looked at him. His sword is on his left side!

【 D4y 2, B453m3nt, Curr3n7 T1m3 L00p - Av4il4bl3 F1rst Pl4y3r5 】

They all stood in the cell room, chatter down to a minimum as they watch the door for Italy. The door handle moves, and in comes Italy and Germany. Italy looks around, surprised by their intense stare. He shuffles in place, looking around the cement room. His eyes stop briefly, spotting the box in the back of the room, past the bars.

"Before I say anything," Italy swallows, "I have a favour to ask of you." He points at the box. "You see that box inside the cell, over there?"

"Yeah. That one, right? What about it?" China nods quickly, trying to hurry this along.

"Can you open it for me?" Italy tilts his head. "I can't open it, and I want to see what's inside."

"Then I, the hero, will open it!" America grins broadly as he puffs up his chest, striding inside the cell. France raises an eyebrow, interested, and China follows along, tucking his hands into his sleeves, looking unimpressed.

"Do you know what's inside the box?" Canada asks, looking towards his brother. Italy freezes then forces a laugh.

"Err... Hope?" Italy grasps at straws. Canada scrunches up his face in confusion, not believing Italy. He trails along after his brother.

"Huh? What the hell?!" America shakes the box. "It won't open at all!" He turns it upside down, frowning. "Maybe it's one of them fake decorative boxes?"

"You're pathetic." England sighs. "Give me that." He rolls his shoulders before heading in. Prussia follows behind, grinning.

"Only if you get to it before me." He smirks, pushing past.

"Maybe it's locked?" Russia tilts his head, following after. They mess with the box a bit longer before Germany groans impatiently.

"Let me try." Germany makes a move towards the cell, but Italy grabs his arm. "What is it?" The blond furrows his brow, looking down at Italy.

"Could you show me that thing you found earlier?" Italy flutters his lashes, Germany lifting his head slightly. "Maybe it's some kind of clue." Italy arches a brow, referring to when they went into the room where the burnt ladder is. Germany nods before moving his hand towards his pocket. "Can't I take a look?"

"You mean this?" He pulls out a small piece of metal, it oddly shaped. "I don't think it's much, but... oh, well..." He gives it to Italy. Italy mumbles something, it barely reaching Germany's ears. Germany squints, furrowing his brow. Then he notices Italy's face has morphed into something sour, an expression he hasn't seen for at least 72 years. Just as Germany begins to speak, he feels a hard push on his abdomen and is forced into the cell. Before he can get to his feet and berate Italy, the door is slammed shut. Germany is up on his feet, his hands grasping around the bars. He shakes the door, but it won't open. Italy turns away, not looking at them. He grips his fists tight, his nails digging into his palms as his body tenses up.

"Hey, America." Italy clenches his jaw. "Why didn't you tell them?"

"Italy!" America shouts. Everyone quickly rushes to the bars, yelling out.

"Say it! In front of everyone!" His voice is a high shrill before he quietens down. "Who lured them here?" Italy hunches his shoulders as he tries to contain his shaking. "Who's really at fault for dragging you into this?"

"Ai ya! What are you talking about?!" China shrieks, grasping the bars.

"America?" Russia turns to America, scowling. Italy heads to the door, slow agonising steps that break him inside. He needs them to be safe, he needs them to stay away. Even if just for a tiny bit. They will be safe. They will be secure. Nothing can get to them. Italy lifts up his head, a bright smile covering his features and brown eyes bearing agony.

"By the way, there's nothing in that box." He waves them off, shrugging. "It's just an empty box. Sorry."

"It can't be..." Canada says in disbelief before trying to raise his voice, only for it to come out a husky whisper. "What's the meaning of this?!"

"Hey, America, what's going on here?" England sends America a judging glance. "Care to explain?" America is taken aback, his eyes wide and mouth open.

"Huh? Aren't you going to say it? Why not?" Italy questions in disbelief, stomping his foot. "Read the atmosphere for once!" He laughs, but it is painful and rips through the air. It is unsettling.

"Italy! Open this door!" Germany yells, scowling at Italy as he punches the metal.

"Aww, but if I open it, you'll get mad at me. Then again, you already are." Italy smiles sadly, his head becoming heavy. It is becoming harder and harder to hold himself up, every breath laboured and every step heavier. "Sorry, but I won't unlock it. If I did, there'd be no meaning locking you up in the first place."

"Son of a--" Germany punches the bar, leaning against his fists as his head finally lolls forward. Prussia watches tentatively, his red eyes gazing over Italy.

"Italy..." he says softly.

"Aren't you going to say it?" Italy asks America, ignoring Prussia. America stares at him, confusion swelling in his eyes. "Fine, then." A frown tugs Italy's lips. "You see, I'm the one who told him the rumours about this place."

"What?" France widens his eyes in surprise, then looks over to America. "Is that true?"

"It's my fault America told you about this place. It's my fault America immediately went to ask everyone to come check it out." America stares blankly at Italy, remembering everything now. It really was Italy. "It's all my fault!"

"Th-then..." Japan stumbles.

"Everything." Italy lifts his head, his eyes red but expression solemn. "Everything is my fault. It wasn't America who started it. Because I told him. That's why you're all here now."

"You told him about this place?" Prussia gestures in exasperation. "You're kidding me, right? Why did you do that?!" Prussia questions, now growing frustrated.

"No reason in particular, honestly." The solemn expression droops. "I just happened to hear the rumours about this place, then I told America." He rocks back and forth between the balls of his feet, swaying his body.

"Why did you lock us up?" France asks in bewilderment. Italy hums in thought, looking off into the distance.

"Because you would get in the way?" He tilts his head, placing a finger on his lips. He wanted to sound sure of himself, but he couldn't. Being the strong one was never his forte. "You'd gang up on me and ruin all my plans. So, just stay there for a while, okay?"

"You bet we fucking will! I'll just-" England raises his palm, but nothing comes out. "Shit!" He grips his hand in frustration, eyebrows furrowed in anger. "Because time's stopped, my magic--!"

"Ah, that's right." Italy giggles, silencing England. The blond's hands fall to his side, his expression lost. "Thank you. You were really helpful!" Italy looks over to the door for a moment before making a decision. "Well, I'll be going now. Thank you for finding this for me, Germany." He waves the small bit of metal. "You, too, America; thanks for everything!" He throws his hands around, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

"You really should have learnt to smile a little more naturally." America raises his head, looking Italy in the eye. The Italians eyes turn dark, his eyes swirling with frustration. "Did you forget what we said this morning?" America asks. "The one who laid out the rails... yeah, it was you. But I chose to run on them. I could have chosen not to, but I chose to get on those rails. No one thinks it's your fault." America tells him. Italy is silent, his hands unclenching. It seems Italy is understanding, and Japan takes this chance.

"Italy! Please, open it!" Japan runs forwards, reaching out to Italy. "You don't have to do this alone!! We can all — all together — get out of here!" Japan almost reaches Italy. "No exceptions!" The outstretched hand never looked so inviting until Japan bit more than he could chew. Italy reacts like Japan is a live exposed wire, moving away with panic in his eyes. Italy didn't want this. He never wanted it. But he had to. He needed to.

"No. We can't." Italy looks away, feeling empty. He then begins moving again.

"Italy!" 

"I'll tell you one more thing." Italy reaches out for the handle but refuses to look at them. "The Thing is after me. That's why no matter how many of us are gathered together, it will target me and attack me first. That's why I tried to keep close to the doors as much as possible, though it was a little pointless." He pulls the handle down, opening up the door. "This ends here. I'll make this the last time... If I come back, give me a good scolding." He steps out, letting the door close behind himself.