Feliciano sat alone in the guest bedroom he was assigned. He and Japan were staying over at Germany's house for the week and Italy was lying in bed wide awake. Italy had already tried going to Germany for help getting to sleep, but after nothing worked, Germany suggested he go to his room and try to relax and go to sleep anyway.

Italy sighed. It was bad enough he couldn't sleep, but the lonlilness he felt sometimes was starting to creep in his mind and was keeping him up. Why do Japan and Germany even bother with me? He thought, They're so much stronger and braver than I am. And they know what to do when a battle starts. Why do they even bother keeping me around? I'm useless to them. I'm useless to everyone. My own brother thinks I'm useless and annoying. That's probably what everyone else thinks too...

Unbeknownst to Italy, who was currently deep in thought, two events occurred. One, he had started to cry, his lonliness and thoughts causing him sadness, and two, Japan had heard the cry and gently peeked his head in the door to check on Italy.

"Italy-san? Are you alright?" Japan asked, walking into the room.

Italy froze upon hearing Japan's voice, burying his head and wiping his eyes quickly, trying to hide the fact that he had been crying. "I-I'm fine Japan. G-Go back to sleep okay?"

Japan simply shook his head. "I heard you crying. I know you're upset. What's wrong?"

Italy sighed, Busted. He thought. "I-I just. I'm lonely. And I can't sleep. And I'm worried you and Germany are going to leave me because I'm useless and annoying and pathetic and a coward-!"

"Who said you were a coward?" Kiku asked, cutting him off. "True. You are not the bravest in battle. But that does not make you a coward."

"What do you mean?" Feliciano asked, wiping his eyes again and tilting his head.

Kiku smiled slightly. "Being brave does not mean you do not feel fear. Being brave requires the presence of fear. You have to feel fear to be brave. Feel the fear and face it." Kiku's smile grew. "I don't think I've seen anyone do that better than you."

Italy's eyes practically shined. "Do-do you really think that?" He asked timidly.

"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't believe it." Japan replied.

"T-Thank you." Italy smiled slightly, looking down at the covers. "Um, can I ask you something?"

"Of course Italy-san. What is it?"

"Will you sleep with me tonight? Or at least lay with me until I fall asleep? Please?" Italy almost begged.

Japan recoiled slightly before slowly climbing into bed beside the Italian. Italy quickly wrapped his arms around the older man, nuzzling his head into the crook of Japan's neck.

Japan felt his face get hot as his heart rate picked up, hoping Italy hadn't noticed. It felt nice though. He wrapped an arm around the small Italian and smiled.

"Good night Italy. Sweet dreams."

Italy did not wake once the entire night.