Germany was startled for his reports when Canada let out a muffled shriek in his sleep, thrashing in the bed. He lept to the Canadian, quickly releasing his wrist, knowing that otherwise he'd rub it raw and possible bloody. He grunted in pain when one of Canada's fists connected with his jaw before he had a chance to pin him down. He grabbed the offending hand and pulled the struggling man close to him to control his movement. The blonds eyes flew open in a panic and he choked back a sob, clinging to Germany like he was a lifeline. Germany awkwardly rocked the sobbing man, petting his hair in an attempt to calm him.
The sobs eventually became pitiful hiccups as Canada slowly calmed down, hiding his face against Germany's shoulder, hands still clinging to his shirt. "I'm….I'm sorry." He sniffled. "I'm sorry…"
"Nien, don't be sorry." Germany said gently, still stroking his hair. "...bad dream?"
Canada gave a short, humorless laugh. "You could call it that…."
Germany nodded slightly. Ah. A memory, then. "Vhat vas it about? If you vant to tell me…."
"...it…" Canada swallowed dryly. "It was...of….World War I…"
"Ah." Right. That war….Germany felt a flash of guilt at the mention of it. It gave many countries nightmares, including himself.
Both men fell silent, too lost in thought to feel awkward about their position, Germany practically cradling the Canadian.
Canada spoke after a while. "...thank you….Germany…"
He looked down at the small blond in his arms. "...Ja, Canada. You're Velcome…." He shifted so he could place Canada back on the bed and get up. He glanced at the empty cuff and then chose to ignore it. He figured that he really didn't need it anymore.
Canada watched him a moment before looking away, doing his best to ignore the little heart flutter. Don't become attached. Don't become attached. Don't do it. Don't even think about it.
"Vell….." Germany cleared his throat. "Don't forget to eat…."
"Y-yeah…" Canada looked at the food, not really hungry but knowing he needed to eat anyway. He grabbed the tray, pulling it onto his lap and nibbling at the contents half-heartedly. If only he could have pancakes. And syrup. Real honest-to-god Canadian syrup. Those always managed to make him feel better.
The German man watched him a moment longer before drifting back to his paperwork, being sure to keep an eye on the Canadian. He didn't want him going anywhere. It was hard enough sneaking his unconscious body to his safehouse without getting caught by anyone. It would be even harder to keep him safe if he tried to leave on is own and make his way back to Allied territory. After all, he was deep in the heart of German control. Trying to get out by himself would get him shot again. And then Germany wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
He blinked at the possessiveness he felt toward the smaller man, forcefully pushing it away. There was no reason for it. He was on one side of this war, Canada the other. Enemies in arms. So why did he feel protective.
He sighed in frustration at himself and Canada looked up at him from the tray, tilting his head slightly. Paperwork giving him problems? He understood. Kinda...most of the time his own government forgot to send him stuff to look over. He tried to get noticed more, honest, he did! But he always seemed to slip through the cracks of notice.
But….Germany remembered his name….his own brother couldn't do that ninety percent of the time. Not to mention England….or France….or any of the others...'Stop it! Stop it! Stop doing that to yourself!' His mind screamed at him. 'You know they care. They have much more...important….things to think about….' His heart wrenched. He had just called himself unimportant. Well, that was a new low….
He looked down at the tray again, fighting back tears. He wouldn't cry infront of Germany again! He wouldn't! He….wouldn't….
Germany's head snapped up when he heared Canada hiccup, the man's shoulders shaking with held back sobs.
"Canada…?" He set aside his papers, quickly striding to the distressed man. "Vhat's vrong?"
"I-I'm unimportant!" Canada hiccuped again. "Th-they don't e-even remember my name! Pourquoi suis-je si peu d'importance pour eux? Je veux être important!" He buried his face into his hands, crying brokenly.
Germany awkwardly shushed him, taking the tray from Canada's lap and setting it aside before sitting beside him, placing an arm around his shoulders. "D-don't cry, Canada. I'm sure you're important to them."
The smaller man shook his head, face still hands. They had never really proved to him that he was important to them. If he was so important why'd they forget him? Or mistake him for America? They didn't look that alike. They had different hair and eyes for god's sake! It just wasn't fair! All these thoughts just made him cry harder. Seeing this, Germany pulled him a little closer, hesitating before putting his other arm around Canada. He shushed him softly as the smaller man turned his face into his chest, soaking his shirt with his tears.
Canada's crying eventually slowed and Germany pulled back, realizing that he had cried himself to sleep. He gently laid him back down and sighed.
"Schlaf gut , Kanada."