Here is a holiday special.
XIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIX
December 1989.
"Yo! Ludwig!" Germany jolted out of contemplation and looks up from the holiday display to see America walking over to him.
"Hello Alfred," respond the German nation.
America continues to beam as he swiftly wraps his arm around the German, "Ready for some shopping?"
"I am just brimming with excitement," Germany deadpan.
America laughs and keeps walking to the door of the shopping center.
"How are you here. Ivan would have 'insist' on visiting as well?" Ask Germany, "Unless…" Germany give a furtive glance, "You used the…"
"Shh…" hiss America, "Yes, of course, the only way to sneak into Berlin without a certain Russian knowing."
Giving a sigh the German changed topic and language, switching into the familiar tongue of German, "Why are you here anyway? I thought you got your shopping done already."
America smiles and speaks, "I wanted to get some last-minute stuff without the kids knowing. It not really a surprise if they were to ask their siblings otherwise."
Germany gave a nod of agreement. Keeping secrets from them is like pulling teeth without anesthesia.
America continues, "I also wanted to know what you and your brother want for Christmas."
Germany's eyes widen, "No. No, there is no need. You have given me many good gifts." Germany really does not like the other nation's taste in gifts. If it is not gaudy, it tends to blow up (figuratively and sometimes literally) in his face.
America rolls his eyes and tightens his grip on the other nation, "Ludwig, your practically family. Let us treat you like family."
Germany growls, "I know that. But I have been busy, besides, there is no need for more stuff."
America nods in agreement remembering the recent news about East Germany, "But you still need to take a break. Besides, I have a feeling that relaxing will limited once Gilbert moves back in with you."
Oh yeah, East Germany is uniting with him. Prussia will be ok and away from Russia. But still…
"…Ludwig? Lugwig?" Germany snaps out of it and looks at the American. At first glance, America seem relax but the concern is in his eyes. He known America for a while, and maybe he can help.
Germany gives a pause forcing the other nation to pause from his shopping, "Perhaps for a Christmas gift, you can help me with something."
America gives a huge smile and gives another of his smothering hugs, "What do you need Ludwig?"
Germany shoved the nation away feeling flustered, "Save the hugs for your children," he yelped with red cheeks.
America rolls his eyes but continues smiling.
December 24, 1989
America stood next to him, lacking his usual exuberance. Admittedly, Germany finds it worrying. In fact, the whole trip is worrying. It was easy getting to Las Vegas. Getting to the real destination was difficult.
Germany tries not to think about the real reason that he is here. But it is hard when the place is isolated by weather & land and heavily protected by wards of both magical and non-magical means. The heat does not help.
America recognizing the look of confusion and clarifies, "This place was chosen because for the longest time, unless you are invited and escorted, dying of heat or thirst was possible."
Germany give a shudder at another reminder of what he is about to do. But he is nothing but determined. Besides, he needs help concerning his brother's health.
Germany frowns, "I did not realize that Christmas is popular here," commented the nation when he notices the ornate decorations on the huge fountain. A Santa hat on a stature of the city's leader is an odd sight.
America gives a strange look, "Most of the local people here are some type of Christian. Despite what the he knows about the subject, he usually is not bothered by holidays."
Fortunately for Germany's nerves, the streets vendors and the people more or less left them alone.
It was only when they were in the school did America seemed to relax, "Thank God that we did not ran into 'a friend,'" sigh the American.
"A friend?" Asks Germany.
"Yeah, his new combat partner. A real annoying flirt," grumble America as glares at the air front of him.
Knowing that tone, Germany smiles lightly, "He tried to flirt with the wife and she then cleaned his clock?"
America gives a vicious smirk, "He deserves it. He was being rude and obnoxious. If she had not punched him, I would have."
Germany gives a look as they pass a room marked with a crescent moon, "If you had done it, you might have killed him on accident."
America gives a snort, "It a good thing I had not. He most definably would not be happy that I killed another one of his combat partners."
"Another?"
America grimaces, "We don't talk about it. I admit that I would have felt terrible. He is one of mines and he has a young daughter." America gives another sigh, "When he was not flirting, he was gushing about her."
Germany thought and shudders, "Might be better to not to know."
America shrugs and comes to a stop at an ornate door that gave off its own ominous presence. Germany took in the strange site and started to open his mouth when America knocked on the black trim door.
The door opens slowly.
America gives a cheerful huff and murmur, "Drama Queen." He then turns and faces the German and speaks calmly, "While he is a goof ball, he is very powerful. Do not treat him like a god that wants to be worshiped. Actually, he hates groveling, so no groveling. He also tends to lose track of time so do not hesitate on interrupting him if he starts on a tangent."
Germany nods, "Treat him with respect. But try to be concise."
"Yup," agrees America.
Wrapping his arm arounds the German's shoulder, they enter the Death Room.
Germany could not help but feel amaze. Despite the almost threatening figure of Death before him, America seems relax sitting with the entity while he opens the conversation by chatting about the kids.
America gives him a look and summoning his courage, he spoke to Death, "I seek advice and if possible, help."
Death tilts his head, "Is it about your brother?"
He gives Death a long look, "Yes."
Death nods slowly, "I saw what may come. For the evening, has brought an end. But with change comes hope. In chaos, even affecting the unaffected will one truly grows," his voice gaining a deep menacing tone that was absent before.
Germany could feel his heart rate spike.
America gives a sigh. Apparently, this is normal. "Ha ha," Deadpan America, "When you are done scaring Germany, there is something we want to ask."
"I know," said the reaper softly, his voice regaining it high tone, "And I come prepared."
America leans back on his chair, "Germany wants something similar to what me and Mattie have with our wives."
Death nods slowly, "Actually, I think you will be easier."
Germany's eyebrows rose as he stands up as he blurts out, "Easier? How?"
Death gave a high laugh, "I do not have to add the affection clause like I did for Alfred and Amelia, I can tell that you love your brother, even without the soul perception. Nor did I have to add the sovereignty clause like I did for Matthew and Madeline since you and your brother are tied to the land that will soon to be the halves of a whole. Just the life clause."
Lord Death then glides over to his mirror. He reaches in and pulls out a roll of vellum paper. He tosses it to the two nations and sat back down.
America immediately focuses on opening and reading the contract. "You're lucky, it is in German," commented America.
The German steps closer and starts reading the contract.
Christmas Day 1989
Germany looks at the rolled vellum paper in his hands.
In his hands is the key in keeping Prussia alive for as long as he himself is alive and a nation.
Germany reflects on the huge part which America played in getting this.
Germany smiles.
Until it is time to he and Prussia to sign it, best to hid this.
XIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIXIX
If you are wondering, this is referring to the reunification of East and West Germany. This is also my way to explain why Prussia is still around well into current times. His life is tied to Germany's and will only die permanently if Germany dies permanently (or he somehow becomes a nation of his own again).