America quietly entered the tent. He was late. Again. He hadn't realized things were so bad, but now, standing in front of a battered and bruised Britain, he was confronted with the horrifying reality. The island nation's right arm was in a sling, not broken but sprained. His left hand hovered above the map on the table, cautiously marking every so often as he conversed with the other people in the room. Britain looked like he hadn't slept in days, his once vibrant eyes now dulled and sunken. Any bit of exposed skin was covered in little scratches and the occasional bruise.

The larger nation cleared his throat and stood awkwardly as all eyes turned to him. No one dared breathe as Britain set down his pen and walked over to his younger brother.

"The United States of America reporting for- "

SMACK!

America winced as blood rushed to his right cheek, but otherwise made no audible reaction. He had deserved that one. Fiery green eyes glared up at him, communication all the hurt and anger to be said.

"I'm here, Artie. I'm here." America whispered. Britain's eyes softened immediately and filled with tears of relief.

"Alfred…" He rasped and wrapped the other in a crushing embrace. "Oh thank God."

Later That Night

"I had no idea things were this bad…" America murmured, rewrapping Britain's wrist. The island nation rolled his eyes.

"Yes you did. We told you, you just didn't listen." He looked down at his wrist bitterly. "Sitzkrieg, my arse."

America winced and pinned the bandage in place. He carefully maneuvered the arm back into the sling and gingerly slid the strap over his brother's head. "I'm sorry…"

"It's alright, America. We all turned a blind eye in the beginning. Look at us now." Britain gestured with his left at the various pictures on his desk.

"What is all this?"

"Everyone who has fallen to Hitler because of our ignorance and indifference." America looked on grimly. France, Italy, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands… All had their own picture frames. There were even empty frames for when the mighty British Empire and its colonies fell. A sick feeling welled up in his stomach. How much longer could his brothers have held out? He was about to turn away, but the other stopped him.

"There's one more." The green-eyed man removed a small locket from around his neck. "Prussia sent this in his last letter- Yes, I still correspond with him. Don't you look at me like that. Despite his horrendous attitude, he does love his brother and seeing Hitler take power over him was enough. He smuggled these letters out despite the serious risk he faced, openly defying the Führer and all. Asked me to remember this after the war." He handed the trinket over to America, despite the younger's reluctance to take it.

"Mein Bruder Ist Mein Leben. My brother is my life." America scoffed at the engraving and opened it. Inside were two small portraits, Prussia on the right with a serious expression and Germany on the left with a soft smile.

"Prussia had two of those made in 1871, to commemorate their unification. Germany has the other."

"Interesting… That's very… selfless of him." The tall blond mused. It seemed even the man of steel who helped whip him into shape had a soft spot.

"Hmm?" Britain raised an eyebrow.

"He means to take all the blame. From Germany. Look at it. He wants you to remember Prussia, nation of the soldier kings and Germany, the young nation who is barely stepping up to the world stage. Of course he would appeal to you with this…" America snapped it shut and Britain gave a short bark of laughter.

"We brothers do what we must do…" They stood in silence.

"Hey Arthur, do you mind if I keep this?" America asked, brushing his finger over the German crest on the outside. Britain nodded and waved his left hand.

"By all means. It would do you some good to be the peacemaker again. Now go on… You should probably head off to bed. Canada's missed you terribly." The corner of America's mouth quirked as he walked to the tent entrance. "Good night, Alfie."

The American smiled to himself. "Good night, big brother."

This is based on something my US History teacher said, that by the time America entered WWII, Britain was the last man standing and was hanging on by its last few theads. Brits feel free to correct me if you've learned differently.

Have a nice day!

~AnimeApprentice