you exasperate me, but…

By: keisan

Disclaimer: Do not own. Sadly.

Summary: Just a 500 word little gerita ficlet based on a really sweet pic I found on tumblr. See my livejournal blog and/or tumblr blog to view pic! Enjoy! Note: stupid title is stupid lol

Germany carefully placed Italy down on the ground next to their tent. It had been a rough day for both of them. The tall blond sighed as the petite Italian sniffled a few more times. Egypt hadn't exactly taken well to the idea of Italy moving his forces into his home in an attempt to take over. Needless to say Italy hadn't gotten off scot free. The Egyptian nation had done a number on the boy and Italy was covered in bruises and scratches. Germany was facing a headache and a possible verbal lashing from his boss. He knew better than to let the annoying nation out of his sight-after all, Italy always seemed to find trouble and he was the one who was called in to fix it.

"Germany, it hurts!" Italy whined.

"Just stop squirming and hold still! It'll only hurt for a minute," Germany said exasperated as he applied the rubbing alcohol to some of the deeper cuts.

Italy quieted down but he sniffled and a few tears ran down his cheeks. The tall blond hated seeing him cry so he took one hand and smoothed his hair back a few times; this seemed to calm him down some. After a moment, he continued treating Italy's wounds knowing that he'd probably be doing the same thing again tomorrow unless he talked some sense into the small brunet.

"Now, don't you go back to Egypt and taunt him again. Otherwise, he'll just hurt you again and I might not be there."

Italy tilted his head to the side and stared at the other nation thoughtfully,"But you'll always be there. You promised! Look! The necklace you gave me is a sign of that, right?"

Germany looked at the necklace and nodded fondly, "That is true, but I don't like seeing you hurt, so don't bother Egypt. Or England... or France. But if they capture you, I'll come and get you."

Italy smiled but said meaningfully, "I know you will! You're always there for me! I just want to be there for you too! I want to help too!"

Germany cracked a tiny smile, "You already are. You keep me sane."

The brunet leapt into the German's arms and pressed his face against his chest and mumbled something into his chest. A few minutes later, he was snoozing against the larger man and Germany was hard-pressed to wake him up. Instead, he picked up the petite Italian and put him under the covers of his futon inside the tent. When Germany tried to extract himself from the other nation, Italy cuddled closer and murmured a sleepy, quiet, "Ti amo, Ludwig."

Germany's head shot down to the other's but when he looked down at the Italian, he was still sound asleep. Blue eyes softened and a smile graced his lips, "Ich liebe dich, Feli."

He carefully extracted himself from the Italian and tucked him in quietly. The blond looked back at the smaller nation one more time before exiting the tent; his cheeks still red from Italy's words.

end.