Title: Storm's Center
Author: Sakura Hanamoto
Disclaimer: Axis Powers Hetalia does not belong to me in any way shape or form.
There was a clap of thunder, and the lightning flashed through the sky a second later. The lights in the room flickered ominously before going out. Germany shut his book tersely, and set down his glass of whiskey. He sat in bed, waiting to see if the lights would come back on. They didn't.
Not five minutes later, hurried and panicked steps reached his ears. His bedroom door opened and there was a loud thump. A sniffle could be heard in the room.
"Germany," a soft whimper flowed through the air, somehow heard over the storm raging outside. With a sigh, Germany threw his blankets off and made his way towards the vague outline of the door. More lightning, and for a second, Italy's silhouette was visible. The smaller country was on the floor where he'd tripped, curled in a tiny ball, his eyes clenched shut.
Germany bent and easily picked Italy up and carried him to the bed. As soon as they were settled beneath the covers Italy wrapped himself around Germany, clutching tightly.
"Germany, I'm scared," he sobbed. Germany could do nothing to comfort the other. Hesitantly, he reached up and carded his fingers through Italy's hair. The brown locks were soft and silky between his fingers. At some point, his finger caught on Italy's hair curl, causing him to mewl piteously.
Germany turned over onto his side, and pulled Italy closer to him. The smaller body molding to his own.
"You don't need to be afraid," Germany whispered, hoping to calm Italy down. But the next rumble of thunder did nothing to help.
"Make it stop."
"I can't, I don't know how."
Italy buried his face into Germany's chest, inhaling the masculine scent. Germany continued to run his fingers through Italy's hair, to keep him calm. Italy shifted, his lips pressed to Germany's exposed collarbone.
"Just go to sleep, it'll be over in the morning," Germany whispered. Italy shivered and Germany pulled him even closer to keep him warm. Eventually, the smaller country drifted off to sleep. Germany held him tight as his eyes fell closed.
The next morning, the storm was over. Sunlight filtered in through the curtains, bathing the room in its warm glow. A bird chirped happily from a nearby tree, and the remaining water dripped from the roof in a calming beat.
Germany awoke to find Italy lying on top of him. Italy was lightly sucking on the skin of Germany's collarbone, oblivious to the fact that he was now awake.
"What are you doing?" Germany asked. Italy's head snapped up, a heavy blush coloring his cheeks.
"Um, I wanted to thank you, for letting me sleep next to you," Italy said hesitantly. Germany smiled and pulled Italy further up his body and kissed him lightly. Italy's blush became darker and he stumbled over his words, trying to say something. Germany lightly pulled on Italy's hair curl, effectively silencing the other.
"There's no need to thank me," Germany whispered before kissing Italy again.