The crop looked perfect now...without any of the other nasty things hanging around it. Then he looked down seeing the mess of belts, straps and whip and shuttered, he couldn't leave them like that all in a pile on the floor. It was unsightly, so he gathered them up in his arms and dragged them over to the large barrel in the corner, and tossed them in. Prussia had thought the barrel had been empty but he was wrong, he was too short to see in but it was half full of some sort of liquid. When he pushed them in he heard a sloshing splash, and winced, looking over to the side of the barrel. The nation could not read the words on it, and was now scared at what he had just done. He then proceeded to run out of the barn and back to the house as fast as he could. Germania was about to head to the barn to check on the boy, and opened the door to the house, and looked out to see little Gilbert rushing to the door. He smiled, and was happy that the boy had remembered to come back like he was told.

"Very gut little one. Your dinner is on the table. Sadly I was not able to make any bread, but I baked some potatoes for you and Ludwig to go along with your soup. Go ahead, wash your hands, and then you can eat, as I am sure you are hungry."

"Ehh..J-Ja Vati" Prussia said feeling awkward now. How was it that no matter what he did, he seemed to do the wrong thing? He decided that maybe silence was best and not say anything, and went to wash his hands. He then returned to the table, though he was somewhat somber.

Germania was much to busy with the feeding of his children to even sense the nervousness in Gilbert for the moment. He pulled up a chair, and sat down, picking up a spoon and taking some soup to himself, and then giving a spoonful to a famished little Ludwig.

"Isn't that good Ludwig?" He smiled and the boy nodded while tasting the soup, and munching on the potato.

Prussia was trying to eat, and he was actually very hungry but all he could think about was how tomorrow Vati would go into the barn and not be able to find his things then he would look in the barrel and he would yell a lot. Then he would probably use every strap and belt and whip he had ruined on him. The little one gasped to himself. He would never get his crop. Tears were forming in his eyes now. That horsewhip was really going to hurt, and that horse belt too! He started to sniffle a little, then suddenly screamed slamming his hands on the table.

"I'M SORRY VATI PLEASE DONT USE THE HORSE WHIP ON ME!" The slapping down of Gilbert's little hands caused Germania to look to the boy, and seemed a little bewildered.

"Gilbert...what in Himmels sake is the matter with you, and what are you talking about? The horse whip? Boy, do you feel alright? I may be a stern Vati, but please never think I would use something like that on you. Mein Gott..." He shook his head, and gave some more potato to Ludwig.

"I'm full Vati...full!" Germania nodded and wiped the boy's face, and let him down.

"Alright, Ludwig, go into the bedroom, wash up, and get into bed, I will be there shortly." The child nodded and ran out of the dining room, and to his room. This left elder nation, and little nation. "Gilbert...please elaborate with me..." Prussia was breathing hard and sniffling...admitting ones mistake was one of the worst things Prussia could ever imagine.

"VATI! I..I..I ruined them! You didn't say I couldn't touch them! And I was just wanting things to look nice!" The little nation then buried his face in his hands. "A-and now I will get the horse whip and I will NEVER get the CROP! BAA WAAA WAAA!" Germania shook his head, and leaned down, grabbing hold of the boy, and making the child halt.

"Whoa, whoa...calm down Gilbert...ugh...what did you ruin?" His eyes grew wide, and he was not sure what he wanted to see, but was very curious. "You know what, show me what you did. It is apparent I will find out eventually." He held out his hand, and waited patiently. He couldn't believe he had left the child alone in the barn, it was his fault.

Prussia sobbing and sniffling nodded and took Germania's hand and started to lead him like a death march to where he had committed his crime. He took him to the barn past the wall that now just had the crop hanging and then to the barrel. He stopped short of it and pointed.

"I *hic* In there. I...I...t-thought it was empty but it wasn't...and...and n-now your gonna be mad and I will never get mein crop and the horse whip is scary!"

Arriving in the barn, Germania's eyes looked over to the wall, and noticed only the crop. He then looked to the barrel where it held his homemade mead and cringed a little and his grip slightly tightened on the boy's hand. He shook his head, and let out a groan. This was not something he needed, and now he needed to set things right with the boy. He got down on one knee and looked into the child's crimson eyes.

"Gilbert...why do you find the need to do naughty things. You cause your Vati to have headaches..." The nation had glanced into the barrel that was now also filled with the belts, and the whip. The mead was something that might have damaged them. He cringed. "I am mad at you...and I am not sure how else to get through to you." Prussia was crying, and responded to the elder nation among his sobs.

"S-see, I knew you would be mad! I didn't mean too...I..I just wanted the wall to look nice and...and please Vati don't use the horse whip on me! I am sorry! I am!" He shook his head tears dripping down his face. It was one of the few times that Prussia felt guilty for what he had done and not because he got caught. Holding out his arms, Germania called to the boy gently.

"Come here little one..." The voice in which he spoke was gentle, and calm. He had not wanted to frighten the boy, but then again, it was just one of those things. He just held his arms out waiting for the child. Prussia, even though he was scared and didn't want a mad Vati whipping him, couldn't turn away from his open arms and he was so very sorry he went to to the elder nation's arms and sobbed.

"I'm sorry Vati I don't mean to give you headaches, you are a good and awesome Vati, and I ruined your things..." Germania sighed, and took the child into an embrace, he hushed him.

"I am not going to whip you with the horsewhip, and you will never receive punishment in that sort of way, ever. However..." He sighed, and holding the boy against him, he started to lift the child's shirt up, and adjust the boy's little pants, pulling them down. "You are getting a spanking. Mainly because I allowed you to have time with the crop, not to mess with anything in the barn. You KNOW this Gilbert." He did not feel like chastising the boy right now, but Gilbert had really given him no other choice. Once the pants were down, he then pulled down Gilbert's undergarments, leaving a small and bare little backside.

Prussia continued to sob, but with relief mostly at first. He had been so afraid that Vati would be so mad he would use the horse whip or the other horrible things, but then he felt as he was being prepared to be spanked as it was, and he cried fresh tears.

"I'm sorry Vati! P-please...not my bare bottom please!" He tried to reach back. It seemed he had been getting a lot of spankings lately and he was sore. Removing his little hands from the bared backside, Germania held the child more firmly.

"Nein boy...you know how punishment is taken when you do things I feel are naughty. Especially since you knew it was naughty." He held out his hand, and it swiftly came across the little plump bottom, hitting with a pop. Prussia yelped and cried kicking his legs a little, wondering how it was that Vati's hand could hurt worse than anything sometimes.

"V-Vatiii...I..I said I was sorrry! And I came to you first OW OWWWW! I...I didn't want you mad when found out OW OWWW" Germania's hand raised in the air, and had it come down again.

"I am upset because your initial purpose was to just look at the crop. *SMACK*. You need to learn to leave other things alone. Hmmmm...perhaps I should build a woodshed. *SMACK*" Germania would need to think about this hard. The shed would serve many purposes. Bawling Prussia wiggled and squirmed the sting of his hand was so much.

"Vatiiii...ow owww...I...I don't see how a woodshed would help OW OWWWWW VATII!" The little one bawled, and Germania shook his head.

"You wouldn't understand the concept of a woodshed, *SMACK*, other than it means I could store things there, and lock it. Ugh...*SMACK*" He unleashed another couple of slaps, and then stopped. He ran a hand over the boy's smarting bottom, rubbing empathetically, and held him closer, embracing him and kissed the top of Gilbert's head. "Its very hard being your Vati. I do not like to spank you Gilbert, but I am confident that you will mind me." Prussia sniffled and continued to cry, glad it was over and that Vati had not used the horsewhip on him.

"I don't like you spanking me Vati...I am not trying to be hard." Chuckling, the nation grabbed the boy up into his arms, being careful of his sore bottom.

"Alright then, with that settled, we are going inside, where we will change you into your night shirt, and then sleep awaits...and ugh...your Vati needs sleep too." Germania walked out of the barn with the little bundle in his arms, and approached the door. He opened it and walked inside. The warming of the kitchen made him smile. "Alright...I will take you to your room." He went to walk, but then thought about it, Ludwig was most likely asleep. "On second thought...my room, it will suit you better, not that I think you will object." Of course he didn't object, Prussia loved to sleep in that great big bed especially when Germania was not mad.

"I-I will still do my chores good tomorrow and I will help clean the leather things." Walking into the room, and still holding the boy, he walked to the wardrobe and pulled out an over sized shirt. He removed the child's clothing, and put the shirt on, and then set him on the bed. Changing his own clothing, he then turned the boy and snickered.

"Oh I know without a doubt you will do your chores...but, eh...I will take care of the leather goods. Come now, get under the covers." He then walked over to his bureau and took something in his hands, turning back around. "I also can not forget this, your dagger. WHICH by the way, you will get back tomorrow." Prussia blinked and looked at it and smiled he couldn't believe he still got to have it, he then got on his knees and put a hand to his heart.

"Vati...I promise...to be as honorable as you someday and I will try every day to not be as naughty." Germania set the dagger down, and walked over to the bed. He grabbed up the child's face in his hand, and stroked the child's cheek.

"I know for a fact that you will be honorable to me and make me proud, and Nein Gilbert, do not promise me that you will not be naughty, cause you know you will break that. Its just you, and your naughty little ways. You wouldn't be my Gilbert without the naughty. Now go to bed." He got into the large bed alongside, and got under the covers next to the boy.

It seemed that Gilbert always slept more peacefully when he slept alongside his Vati, and when the sun rose the next day, he didn't stir as he usually did and continued sleeping. He was a growing nation after all and it seemed that each day that came he found it harder and harder to wake up as cheery as he usually did. Germania who liked to sleep in as much as any other nation rolled over, and was surprised to see that his eldest little one was still sleeping. He reached out a hand, and stroked the boy's cheek, just looking at the boy's sweet little face. He sighed, and shook his head, trying to wonder how he had such a mischievous boy. He gently got out of the bed, and put his feet out. As he sat forward, he heard little taps on the door, and the door handle trying to open frantically. When he saw it open, he stood and saw Ludwig looking up at him with pouty eyes.

"Vati? Hi Vati...where is Gilbert, he was not in bed." Germania smiled, but put a finger to his lips hushing the boy, and pointing to the bed. Ludwig looked over and saw the lump, and ran towards it giggling. "GILBIE!"

Gilbert heard the faint sounds as he roused and peaked open one eye as he saw Ludwig running toward him and he frowned. He grabbed a pillow from his pile, and before Ludwig reached him, hauled it at his younger brother nailing him in the face and knocking him off his feet. Gilbert then rolled over and put the covers over his head. With the pillow hitting him in the face, it caused Ludwig to fall backwards and he ended up landing on the floor hitting his bottom with a thud. He looked up, and slightly confused, he sniffed back. Looking up, Germania shook his head, and leaned down to the smallest one.

"Are you alright Ludwig?" The little nation looked up, and he wanted to be strong. So he nodded his head.

"Y-yes Vati...um...*sniff* I am fine." He lifted out his hands, and Germania picked him up. Holding the child, the elder nation walked over to the pile under the covers.

"Excuse me young man...unless you want a bottom tanning when morning has just begun, you will never do that again to your little brother. Get out of bed, and apologize right now." Ludwig looked down at his brother, wiping his eyes, wondering why the nation was so mean to him sometimes. Gilbert groaned under the covers.

"Its toooo early in the morning to apologize..." He whined and tightened the blankets around him. "I'm still sleepy and I will apologize later when I am awake and after breakfast" he said and tightened more in the blankets until he had formed a ball of blanket around him like a shell of some sort. Germania looked to Ludwig, and then back to the pile. He responded but directed it so he was talking to Ludwig when in reality it was directed towards the little pile in the bed.

"Alright then, come Ludwig. I will make sourdough egg coated bread, and you can pour maple syrup on it, and then freshly ground cinnamon." Ludwig smiled and giggled. Then now addressing the child in the bed, he spoke down. "Very well Gilbert, if you are not going to apologize, you are punished. So you will stay in bed, and I will come and get you when I say you are ready to eat. Come along Ludwig. Let's go." He went to approach the door, and turned the handle. At that Prussia desperately tried to scramble out of the bed sheets but since he had tucked and tangled them around him he was stuck and started to panic.

"VAT VAT! Wait! I don't wanna punishment like that! AHH AHAA, I cant get out I'm stuck HELP ME HELP ME!" He started to scream like a little maniac. The sheets now rolling and flailing all over the bed. Germania looked down to the panic stricken child that was Gilbert. He looked to Ludwig and carefully set him down, opening the door.

"Little one, go out into the living room, and play with your blocks while I help your brother. I will be right there." Being set down on the ground, Ludwig looked up at his Vati.

"Ja, okay...I will go play Vati." With the little one gone, Germania walked over to the intertwined blankets, and patiently took the blankets out of its tangles, and set the child straight.

"Calm down Gilbert. And it is amazing what will change your mind when it comes to food. I will allow you to have some breakfast, of course...but you will apologize to your bruder." Gilberts hair was a frazzle frizzle from being mussed all up in the blanked he nodded at Vati and nodded his head

"Ja Vati I will apologize...but bruder shouldn't try and wake me before I am ready. I am not held responsible for my actions when I am not awake yet!" He stated and started to leave the room. Germania leaned down, and pulled the child close before he left the room. He smiled, and giving him a small pat on his backside.

"Your bruder is no different than when you were his age and would run and wake me up. Now don't be talking like that to me in that tone so early, or I will personally take care of your actions." He lifted the boy into his arms, and kissed his cheek. "Not today okay Gilbert, promise me you can be a good boy, and not be naughty. I was going to give you back your dagger today, so don't let me take back that promise alright?" Prussia upon hearing mention of his dagger striated and nodded his head.

"Ja...I...I wont disappoint you Vater. I want to be worthy to get it back. I will go apologize right now." He nodded his head and tried to wiggle down so he could go do as Vati had instructed.

"Gut...I am very glad." He set the boy down, and walked to the door, letting the child go first. Walking down the hallway, he approached the kitchen and walked to the counter, and started to crack some eggs in a bowl, and sliced some bread. He then buttered a skillet, and started to fry up some ham slices. He looked over to Ludwig who was playing with a frown on his face. Gilbert went over to Ludwig and stood there hands on his hip

"Listen up bruder I have something to tell you and I don't want to have to repeat myself so stop playing and look at me."He demanded in a very big brother sort of way.

Germania watched the two nations interact, and he had to sort of hide his smirk, as his eldest one was very serious when it came to talking. He wiped his hands, and took the ham off the fire, now dipping the bread in the egg. Ludwig stopped with his blocks, and looked up to his brother with a serious look on his face. He was slightly nervous, but kept a firm eye on Gilbert.

"Ja?" Gilbert seeing his had his brothers attention put his hand behind his back and started to circle him but kept his eyes on him.

"It has come to my attention that perhaps my actions this morning were interpreted badly by you." He began, and he decided if he were going to apologize he would do so in a very awesome way. "Is that true Ludwig? Did you think when I hurled by pillow at you that I was mad?"

Germania placed a piece of bread in the egg, and then put it in the skillet. He then looked over picking up a wooden spatula, and holding it, while listening to both the child. Well rather Gilbert. Ludwig looked up. He could not even get an answer out because he was not understanding. He cocked his head to the side, and his lip quivered.

"But...But Gilbie...I just said your name...and...you threw a pillow at my face! You are mean!" Gilbert frowned.

"See there that is my point, you really should think before you call my name out vainly, you will understand this more as you age " He said sagely as if he himself were so much older than his bruder. "Either way what I am trying to say is that even though you were horribly loud, rude and very undignified, I do wish to apologize for hitting you with the pillow even though you really did deserve it." Shaking his head, and trying not to laugh, Germania kept a stern expression on his face, and cleared his throat.

"Alright, alright enough Gilbert...you don't have to be like that. Ludwig, the next time your brother is sleeping, you won't wake him...we'll just start breakfast without him that's all." The nation smiled and went back to serving up each plate with the thick slices of maple syrup glazed bread, and pieces of ham steak. He dusted off the meal with some freshly ground sugar. Ludwig looked back at his brother while he stood up, and did not say anything, but leaned in, giving the nation a hug.

"Ja big bruder..." Gilbert hadn't know Vati was listening and blushed a little then he felt the hug and patted Ludwig's back.

"There I am glad we got that settled. Vati is it breakfast yet?" he called back and taking Ludwig's hand started to pull him to the kitchen now. Ludwig felt his brother's hand, and then arrived at the table. Germania set the plates down for the children, and responding to the boy, he said this in a prominent tone.

"Ja Gilbert, come to the table, and you and your bruder will eat. Once breakfast is over you both will change, and then the day begins...ugh..." He shook his head, not knowing what they were going to do. "Any idea what you both want to do today? This is after chores mind you." Gilbert pulled Ludwig with him and reached the table and climbed into his chair.

"Vati why don't we get a day off, we have to do chores all the time...why cant we have a day where we can skip them all?" he asked and reached for his glad of milk to drink.

Germania cut into his breakfast, and sliced through the ham, and then put a piece to his lips, chewing slowly, savoring the flavor. He then swallowed and looked over to Gilbert with a confused look. Not doing chores was something he never let happen, mainly because he was all about rules, structure, and cleanliness. Taking a sip of his water, he then set down his fork.

"Um...well I suppose its not the end of the world if we skip chores for today, but you do understand that there will be that much more to do tomorrow. I suppose if you are okay with that." He put another bite of food to his mouth, and then waited for the child. Ludwig perked up.

"Vati...I want to go to the pond...its hot!" Gilbert looked over at his younger brother and started to bounce in his seat, getting excited at the idea of swimming in the cool water.

"Yay, Vati let's go to the pond. Its so nice there, the water is always cool, and...and its fun!" Gilbert smiled at his brother, and then looked over to the elder nation.

Germania looked to the boy, and he smiled. They always did their chores, so it wasn't a big deal to let one day slip by. He nodded at the little one. It was a rather warm day, and a day at the pond was always nice. Being it was Germania's land, he had no problem taking the children there.

"Ja, very well...we can go to the pond little ones. We'll pack a basket lunch, and then spend the better portion of the day there. Alright then, well, why don't I clean up here, and you both go and change into some lighter clothing. I believe there are some linen undergarments for you two to wear.

Gilbert did not need to be told twice. He hurried with excitement and jumped off his chair, running around to where Ludwig was, and helped his brother down from his own seat. Taking the little one's hand, the two little nations ran down towards their bedroom, and closed the door. Germania watched this and smirked slightly. He then cleared off the table, washing all the dishes. He then wiped down the table, and the counter. Once he was done, he walked down the hallway, and approached the children's room. He knocked slightly.

"Boys...are you done getting ready?" He listened and heard little scuffles and padding around the room. It was actually darling to hear. He then heard Gilbert.

"Nein, Nein Vati we are still getting ready. I have no clothes on, so I am naked...don't come in!" Germania nodded his head, though he had seen the boys naked so many times, he just laughed.

"Alright then, I am going to change, and then I will be waiting for you both out in the dining room." He walked away from the door, and walked into his own bedroom. He took off his pants, and changed into a pair of linen short pants, and a short sleeved shirt. He slipped on a pair of leather sandals and walked out of the room, but not before grabbing a woven basket for the picnic lunch.

Arriving back into the kitchen, the nation packed a loaf of bread, some cheese, salted pork, little jugs of water, and some honey crunch candies that he had hidden from the boys. He also put in some snap peas, the boys needed their veggies. Having that done, he laid a cloth towel on top, and grabbed the blanket that lay over the couch, and folded it, and held it under his arm. Just as he was about to call the little ones, the bedroom door to Ludwig and Gilbert's room opened and the little nations came down the hallway running. They were both wearing thin linen underpants, and short sleeved shirts. Nodding his head, the elder nation opened the door, holding it open for both boys to go out. It was already very warm outside, and working outside would have been torture for Gilbert.

"Alright boys, I have our lunch packed, let's get going, and walk down towards the pond. Its only a little ways away. Once we get there, you may go into the water, as Ja, it is very warm, and the day has only just begun."

Both children nodded their heads, and the three left the house. Germania made sure to lock the doors, and then they were off. The walk was not long, though to two little boys, it was getting to be quite the tired annoyance. Ludwig would whine, and then Gilbert would whine, they they would whine together, till finally the nation, among holding the basket of sustenance picked up the two into his arms. After walking for about ten minutes, they arrived to a brushy area of smallish trees, some bushes, and a large willow tree. The water was a little further down. Germania set the children down, and then spread out the blanket, and then sat down on it. He had packed his dagger and took up a piece of wood that was lying to the side, and he started to whittle it. Gilbert was ready to swim. He quickly flung off his shirt, and pulled down his linen shorts. Now in the bare and free, he quickly ran towards the water and was about to jump in.

"GILBERT!" The elder nation shouted at the little one, and huffing, Gilbert turned around, his little naked self just standing there.

"Whaaaaaaaaat Vati?" Gilbert was hot and irritated. He just wanted to jump into the water. Germania sat forward and raised an eyebrow.

"Young man...I know you are hot and bothered, but please...wait for Ludwig. He is just as eager as yourself to get into the cool water, now just wait." Ludwig stood by Germania, and the elder nation took off the little one's shirt, and also took down his linen underpants. He giggled as he stood there with his little bottom showing. The elder nation smirked, and gave him a little pat. "Go ahead Ludwig...go and join your bruder."

Gilbert watched as his little brother giggled and ran towards him, and he smiled back at his Vati, and took the little nation's hand. The two of them walked close to the beginning of where the water started, and dipped their little feet in. The water was a nice cool temperature. Gripping his brother's hand, Gilbert wadded a little further out, but made sure the two were not in deep water. Germania watched from where he was sitting, and smiled as he worked on his wooden sculpture. It was staying a very nice day.