-1657-

Prussia was tired. He was so tired of this war and being thrown around like something that was disposable; something that had no meaning. He just wanted to leave. Not like he had a choice in leaving, though... His soft red eyes flicked up at the bars before him. He reached up and ran his fingers through his white hair, careful for the dried cut on his brow. He just wanted to go home... Home to Brandenburg. Sure the two had a hard time getting along but he actually did miss the guy, and their nice warm home. It was definitely better than having to sit in a cold hard cell all day and all night. He definitely didn't have to see Poland's smug face from time to time at Brandenburg's home either...

Prussia buried his head in his arms.

This was definitely not awesome...

Brandenburg hated the treaty that he has just agreed to, but he had had no choice.

Poland had owned Prussia for quite some time, but the white haired nation had always been fairly autonomous, enough so that they had been able to get married. Now, though, he had been using him as a bargaining chip in the war, throwing him into prison. Really, Brandenburg had had no choice but to switch sides and save the younger nation.

He came down the stairs and into the prison.

"Preußen?" he greeted. "I'm here to take you home."

The blonde pulled out the key that he had been given and unlocked the cell.

Prussia's head perked up at the sound of a familiar voice, his eyes widening a little when he saw Brandenburg. He scrambled up to his feet going over to the bars.

"Was?" he said, "How...? I mean... Why... What did you do?"

He watched him unlock the cell door then left the room, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

Brandenburg put his arm around Prussia, helping him a little since he looked so weak from being hurt.

"You do not have to concern yourself with that," he stated.

Gilbert readily accepted the help Brandenburg offered him, going with him to the door. He shook his head.

"I just want to go home," he said, leaning against the other nation.

"I've got a carriage outside," Brandenburg stated.

As they went upstairs and through the building, the blonde ignored Poland and Lithuania and took Prussia outside.

Prussia pointedly looked away from Poland and Lithuania as they passed them. Once they were outside, he glanced back but still did not say anything. They got inside the carriage and started their quiet journey home. They sat across from each other, Prussia wanting to read the other nation more than feel his comfort. He was so confused by everything. What had Brandenburg done? And, as much as he missed him, why had he used him the way he did in this war?

Prussia looked at him for a long time before speaking.

"Why did you let them take me?" he asked softly.

"Poland has always owned you in part," Wilhelm said. "There was nothing I could do. You're with me now. That's the important thing."

Prussia held his gaze.

"How did you get me back?" he asked again, "I doubt he just handed me over to you after you asked nicely."

Brandenburg sighed and looked out the window.

"We... We are on his side of the war now," he stated.

Gilbert looked at him for a long time in surprise.

"You... You didn't..." he said, "Him? Fucking Poland of all people?!"

"What was I supposed to do?" Brandenburg asked sharply, sending a glare his way. "Just let them keep you? Would you be glad that I stayed his enemy when he was beating you or starving you?"

"Ja!" Prussia replied, sending a glare his way, "Risking your relations with Sweden is not worth you getting me away from Poland! I'm not the thing that's important! You're an idiot!"

He kicked Brandenburg's shoe as if to make his point even stronger. He didn't know why he was getting so riled up when Brandenburg had just saved him. It wasn't that he wasn't thankful. He just hated the idea that Brandenburg sacrificed something good he had for him.

"Preußen, shut up for once," Brandenburg snapped at him.

Prussia huffed but settled, his glare softening.

"Why would you make that deal?" he asked after a moment.

"Because I care about your wellbeing!" Brandenburg exclaimed. "Stop pestering me about this. What's done is done and there is no more to say on the subject."

Prussia jumped at that, eyes widening. It was the first time he had ever heard Wilhelm say something like that and, despite everything, he was surprised. Though, Gilbert didn't say anything. He sat quietly the entire ride back home.

Once they were home and went inside he hesitated.

"I'm going to take a bath," he said uncharacteristically softly.

"Do you need help?" Brandenburg asked, not sure how hurt Prussia was.

Prussia's eyes flicked up to Brandenburg's blue ones then gave a nod. He smiled just a bit.

"Ja," he said, "That'd be nice. Danke."

Brandenburg helped him up to his room and drew a bath for him.

Once Prussia was in his bathrobe he went into the bathroom, pulling it off. He carefully climbed into the tub, biting his lower lip at the stinging sensation the water brought to some of his cuts. Once he settled though, the water seemed to soothe his aches and pains. As he sat there with Brandenburg next to his tub, he looked over at the other nation.

"'m..." he began in a mumble, then looked away, "'m sorry for earlier today."

Brandenburg took the soap and gently started to massage it into Prussia's hair, wanting to help.

"Don't even think on it," he replied.

Prussia nodded, letting Brandenburg lather his hair.

"I... I know you don't wanna talk about it," he said softly, "But I just wanted to say thank you... For everything..."

He turned his head to look at Wilhelm.

"Just focus on getting well," Brandenburg said with a small smile.

Prussia gave Brandenburg a soft smile of his own and nodded.