Hetaverse. Oneshot. Germany and Prussia, family relationship. Written for the 100 Themes Challenge: 20. Fortitude.

Note: "Lutz" is the petform of Ludwig.

Whenever Ludwig approached his brother, young face solemn and pale blue eyes set determinedly beneath a straight-cut fringe of blond, Gilbert knew to take him up onto his lap and say, "What is it today, Lutz?"

On this particular day, the child nation furrowed his brow impressively and, without the slightest hesitation, asked, "Bruder, what is the best characteristic for a nation to have?"

"That's a good question, kid." Ruffling the other's hair fondly, Gilbert hummed thoughtfully. "What brought this up?"

"I was just reading our history and I… I don't want to become like the fallen nations before me." he answered promptly, turning to face his older sibling. "But you didn't answer my question."

"Fine." A pale finger tapped at the albino's lips before they parted once more. "I'd say it'd be innere Stärke, fortitude."

"Fortitude?"

Gilbert nodded, a smirk playing at his lips. "You've gotta be strong, tough, and ready to take on the world to protect the things that mean the most to you. You think you can do that?"

Gnawed fingernails found their way to the younger nation's teeth as he considered the Prussian's words.

"Stop that, it's nasty."

Drawing his hands quickly away from his mouth, Ludwig peered up into the other's crimson eyes. "What if I'm none of those things, Bruder?"

"If you're none of those things, you've gotta work your ass off to get better." He met the child nation's inquiry with unyielding intensity. "It's your duty to serve and protect your citizens, and if you're too weak to do that, you're not worthy to be considered a nation."

"Oh." The blond looked away, suddenly feeling very small. "I understand."

To lessen the heavy burden of his earlier statement, the albino gathered his brother into his arms. "Do you know why I fought so hard to make you my little brother, Lutz?"

"No."

"It's because I know that you're all those things. You're gonna be a great nation someday."

"Really?" Ludwig looked doubtful, as though he suspected the other was lying to make him feel better.

"Yup." Gilbert pressed a swift kiss to his smooth brow. "If you're mein Bruderlein, there's no way you're not strong enough to become a great empire."

"But what will happen to you if I become so powerful?"

Gilbert paused to mull it over, stroking his clean-shaven chin in a half-teasing show of deliberation. Finally, he chuckled. "You can try to get rid of me all you want, Lutz, but I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here for you no matter what happens."

"Right." The child nation glanced back at him. "Does that mean that you have fortitude, too, Bruder?"

With a tight embrace and a pleased grin, the Prussian nodded. "What'dya know, I guess it does."