-Matthew knew that everyone was worried about it. France and England had barely left his side since the panic flashback incident. He honestly was starting to feel a bit smothered. He didn't want to talk about it and that was all the two seemed to want to do. He knew they felt bad. He did too but he just couldn't tell them anything what happened. It made his heart pound just thinking about it. He didn't want to be reminded of it. Unfortunately, his dreams weren't helping. He wondered if Romano was asleep already as he walked down the hallway that night. No. his mind claimed. You shouldn't wake him up. He has barely gotten any sleep because of you.
Matthew sighed maybe if he went down stairs and got a snack he might be able to calm himself down.
The kitchen seemed empty. He rested a hand on the marble counter top as he reached for a granola bar. He sighed finding they were out.
"Matthieu?"
Matthew jumped. "Ah!" He turned and saw France leaning on the counter. "Papa?"
"Oui. It is just me." The Frenchman spoke quietly. The two stared at each with emotions brewing under the surface waiting for the other's emotional dam to break. France was ready to spill into tears and hug the boy he loved so much but all he could do and watch as Matthew untrusting eye followed him. The Frenchman could only think that Matthew looked much like when he had first met him. Lost and confused in the middle of a icy field. France could have smiled at the memory but right now Matthew was looking lost for other reasons. Reasons that France did not know how to fix.
"If you are looking for granola bars I think Hungry hid them in the silverware drawer." France said.
Matthew looked was happy to find one.
"What are you doing up so late at night?" Matthew asked as he opened the package.
"It's always night. But to be honest I heard you get up." France answered.
"Oh"
"Oui."
Matthew glanced across the counter at France tiredly. "I don't want to talk."
"We don't have to."
"Okay."
"I think Italy might have some movies so that might be fun since I don't think either of us are going back to sleep." France gestured toward the living room.
"Okay."
They ended up watching Cinderella. France on one end of the couch and Matthew on the other. The movie was better that France remembered as he watched the screen he felt Matthew scooting closer and and closer. Eventually, the little nation had wrapped his arms around him. France did speak a word as he felt Matthew cling to him softly nor did he even mention the tears that the northern nation where crying. He held his Canada tightly allowing him to let it all out. The two didn't need to speak as a silent conversation blazed around them. One needing comfort and the other sending it. After the movie ended and Matthew fell asleep, France finally let tears fall. Maybe they would be okay? He wondered just maybe it would be okay.