Germany tried not to scream. But the thunder, lightning, and ridiculously terrifying video game were making that quite difficult. Logically speaking, he knew that there was nothing to be afraid of. But his imagination conjured up monsters from those dark shadows that cocooned the room he shared with Prussia.
If he woke Prussia up…
No, he wouldn't do that. He would stay perfectly still and silent the entire night, like a soldier. Come next morning, he and Japan would feel embarrassed about ever having been scared, and America would be bragging about how he had managed to heroically save Japan and Germany from their nightmares.
It would work out.
Lightning flashed. Thunder boomed.
Germany let out a little whimper.
Gilbird chirped.
Casting a dark glare at Gilbird, Germany then looked at the sleeping form of his brother. He hadn't stirred.
Good.
Unfortunately, Gilbird seemed determined that things didn't work out Germany's way. It was kind of their thing, actually. Germany would be suspicious of Gilbird and Gilbird would try to ruin everything. Prussia called it cute. Germany called it exasperating.
Gilbird began to chirp louder.
"Halt die klappe," Germany hissed at the bird.
Shut up.
Prussia grunted, and turned over.
Germany froze. Gilbird started pecking Prussia's cheek.
"Gilbird…" Prussia groaned.
Gilbird pecked harder.
"Ja, ja…" Prussia grumbled, rolling out of bed, his hair a ridiculous mess.
Then he noticed Germany staring at him.
"Why didn't you feed Gilbird?" He demanded, in German of course.
Germany struggled to come up with an explanation.
Prussia narrowed his eyes. Then he grinned.
"I know! You're scared of the thunderstorm!"
Germany tried to hide his shock. How did Prussia know?
Prussia chuckled. "Ah, just like old times."
"I'm fine" Germany mumbled, not wanting to look at his brother.
"You may be taller than me now, but you're still my little brother! And it's my duty to take care of you!"
There was the soft sound of rustling blankets, and the sound of footsteps. A new weight was added to the bed. Germany felt a hand on his shoulder, the same hand that had once patted his tiny blonde head and brushed away his tears.
"Hey, listen, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Look, everyone grows up, and they will mature. There will be times when they need a comforting hand, and that's what family is for. To stay with you when you feel scared and alone."
Germany finally looked up, and saw that his brother was smiling warmly at him.
He smiled back.
"Danke, mein bruder."