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Ludwig felt incredibly relaxed as he slowly drifted in between sleep and reality. He peeked an eye open, merely glancing around his surroundings and was surprised when he saw the time. To his dismay, he and Feliciano had slept all through the day, breaking into night without realizing it. Feeling foolish for sleeping in so late, Ludwig attempted to get up, yawning as he did so. He felt something tugging at his waist and looked down to see Feliciano clutching on. He did not look good. The poor boy's face was heavily flushed, as cold sweat ran down his face. If Ludwig listened carefully, he could hear the shallow panting emitting from his roommate. Gingerly, Ludwig shook his friends shoulder, only to get slapped away. Frustrated, Ludwig tried again.

"Feli, wake up!"

"Nng..." Feliciano groaned loudly, turning away from his friend and nuzzling back into the warmth. Sighing, Ludwig gave up and left the room, stumbling for a bit until reaching the kitchen. He gazed outside, taking in the silk like darkness of the sky. Stars were scattered across the dark blue, and the moon looked like it was painted against the clouds. The air was thick and murky, yet warm enough to be able to name it the perfect summer's night. Ludwig, unknowingly, grazed a smile across his face before beginning to make himself some coffee.

While waiting for the coffee to be ready, the German allowed his mind to wander, picking up bits and pieces of the past couple of weeks; back to when he and Feliciano finally got out of college for summer break. It only dawned on him a couple moments later that he hadn't actually done anything for vacation. Only solely worked at the shop and took care of his friend. Frowning, he poured himself a cup, keeping it black, and a cup for Feliciano. Before leaving he added a splash of milk and few cubes of sugar; that boy could never have enough sweets. He quickly picked up some cold medicine and made his way back.

Walking back, Ludwig could make out the small whimpers and cries coming from his roommate. He forced his feet to move faster, making it in time to witness Feliciano ending his nightmare. With a resounding scream muffled by his pillow, Feliciano squirmed in bed; kicking, pulling and scratching against the stained fabric. Ludwig quickly sat the cups down and rushed to the Italian's side. He shook his friend's shoulder, becoming panicked as he wouldn't wake up. Without thinking, he pulled the shivering boy into his lap, wrapping his arms around him and leaning down over him protectively.

"Feliciano, you need to wake up." He murmured into Feliciano's ear, rocking themselves back and forth in a slow motion. Feliciano continued to tremble- still not fully awake from his nightmare. Ludwig felt something ache inside him; as if seeing his friend reduced to such a state made his heart...hurt. Quickly shaking his head at himself, he tightened his arms around Feliciano, uttering soothing sounds and sweet nothings into his ear until finally, after what seemed like forever, the boy woke up.

Wheezing, Feliciano leaned against the German, rolling his head until it rested dully against Ludwig's shoulder. Cautiously, Feliciano opened his eyes, permitting a few tears to wash down his face. He barely recognized where he was, much less that he was currently being held up against his best friend. They stayed in that position for a few lazy minutes until a gruff laugh was breathed into his hair.

"I leave you for a few minutes and this happens?"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"What are you apologizing for? It's not like you can control these nightmares."

"Yeah, you're right~ I'm just s-sorry for keeping you up at night, Luddy~"

Ludwig untangled themselves, placing Feliciano softly back on the bed, getting up only to grab the medicine and the now lukewarm coffee mugs from the shelf above. Silently, he handed Feliciano the medication and his cup, sitting back down across from him.

"...It's fine, really. At least it's summer." He muttered into his cup, gulping down the strong liquid to spare time. He watched Feliciano hesitantly swallow the meds, licking his lips as a morsel of coffee dripped down his chin. Ludwig felt himself heat up, his heart racing. His eyebrows furrowed, his reddened face thankfully hidden from the night. What was wrong with him lately? Maybe he was sick too.

"Say, Feliciano?"

"Hmm...?" Feliciano mumbled as he drowned what little coffee was left in the cup.

"What are your nightmares about anyways? You've been having them for a while, and I've been curious..." Ludwig watched as Feliciano's face fell, looking like a kicked puppy more than anything. 'Scheiße, maybe I shouldn't of asked that.' Feliciano suddenly vanished, having had taken the disheveled blanket and wrapping it around himself, perfectly concealing his now trembling face. 'I can't let Luddy see me like this~ it's bad enough he has to be there for the nightmares...'

"...I don't want to talk about it."

"What? Why not?" Ludwig glared at the lump lying against the mattress, idly rolling back and forth from corner to corner.

"Because, it's too much Luddy..." His voice. So small, and broken- Ludwig felt that annoying little pain in his chest again. Gott verdammt.

"Please, Feliciano...?" Ludwig whispered, leaning down until his head nearly touched his knee caps. "Please? I want to help you. It's killing me, physically and mentally. I-I can't continue to see you like this." The room was sickening silent. Sighing, Ludwig leaned over and sat the now silent lump up against the bed frame.

"Please?" He tried again, not fully understanding why he was doing what he was doing, but allowing the curiosity that had been slowly burning to become alive.

"Ludwig?" Said person gradually looked up, focusing on Feliciano, who had finally stuck his head out causally from his little tent, staring back at him with a sad look in his eye.

"...Ja?"

"I am so tired...So tired of having the nightmares, the episodes, having the urge to cry all the time." Feliciano spoke hurriedly, yet soft enough that it nearly broke under the pressure of the silent night. Ludwig stayed still, restraining himself from asking any more dumb questions, willing for his best friend to continue on.

"I-I may not be able to tell you now," Feliciano looked up fully and met the others eyes, smiling somewhat as he made his promise. "but one day, probably soon, I'll have the courage to tell you. You might not like what you'll hear, but I hope you'll listen until the very end." Ludwig was shocked; normally the vibrant Italian was always eager to share gossip with him, or give him over detailed stories of when he and his twin were kids. He wasn't used to seeing Feliciano so serious, it was something so out of character. Numbly, Ludwig nodded and Feliciano let out a big breath he didn't know he was holding. "Great~ I'm glad you're not mad." Again, Ludwig nodded.

"Of course not, but I think we need a break; all we've done is work all summer long. Maybe you'll finally relax and stop having these nightmares."

"Yeah~! I'd love to go with you! I can ask my Nono if we can stay at the beach house next week! Oh, and you'll love it there! It's really private and the view is amazing, and I think it has a huuugee bathtub- it's more like a swimming pool actually; well, maybe for me since I'm so tiny, I don't know for you though~" Happy to see his friend somewhat back to his original self, Ludwig smiled, watching fondly as his best friend continued his small, excited rant. Maybe they both needed this, a little get away from home. Silently praying to all of the winking stars above, Ludwig hoped that this would all end soon.

AN: Oh my goodness, short chapter is short! I've been busy lately, so I'm sorry this is late! I hope you all aren't mad. :( Next chapter I promise to throw in a few dreams (maybe even one of Italy's ;D) so please wait for the next chapter! Also, I love the reviews guys. They all remind me that people are actaully reading this crap. Hee hee.