A Week Later
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Germany and Japan sat at the table making plans. Italy was in an armchair next to the hearth staring into the flames. A storm brewed outside, the occasional distant thunder interrupting Germany and Japan. Not sure if it was afternoon or night they worked until late. Germany realized that Italy was yawning even as he jumped at the rolling thunder.
"I think it's later than we wanted to go." Germany informed Japan nodding towards the sleepy Italy.
"I agree; it's past time I retire to my chamber." Japan replied noting Italy with a slight smile. "I believe that Italy is waiting for you." He added as he stood and exited the room. Germany stretched, smiling at the way Italy would nod off till thunder cracked loudly before sitting straight and starting the process again.
"Come on Italy, it's way past lights out." Germany said softly, placing a hand on Italy's small shoulder. Italy looked up at Germany a little drool at the corner of his mouth. His eyes focused and Italy smiled broadly. He took Germany's hand as they left the room; fire doused. Germany didn't try to remove his hand from Italy's as they walked down the empty halls. Italy jumped at the echoing thunder and quivered in fear as the storm got closer. Germany shook his head at the patheticness of it all, but said nothing.
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The clouds were overhead when they reached Germany's room. The thunder was constant and the storm didn't sound like it was going anywhere. Italy shook, the hand holding Germany's white and trembling.
"Doitsu," Italy cried watching the window. His soft voice quivered and he gripped Germany's hand with both of his. Germany looked down at the shaking boy and cursed himself.
"Doitsu," Italy repeated, fear pitching his already his voice as a particularly loud rumble rolled over head.
"Just for tonight." Germany told the boy. Germany was unaware of the gentleness and kindness in his voice and eyes, but Italy could tell. It brought a small smile to his lips which disappeared with the next clap of thunder.
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Germany tried to sleep, his back to Italy, but he couldn't ignore him. Italy shook, jumping at the closer flashes of lighting. His hands clutching the blanket trembled. Concerned Germany sat up, his back against the wall. Italy whimpered as lightening flashed just outside the window and thunder echoed. It wrenched something inside Germany to see Italy scared to such an extreme. Giving into worry Germany gripped the back of Italy's collar and pulled him into a sitting position. Frightened, Italy huddled close to Germany. Thunder clapped and rolled and Italy buried his face into Germany's shirt. His hands held against his chest clutched the blanket in a death grip. Germany released a breath, relaxing visibly as the worst of Italy's quaking quieted.
"Doitsu," Italy whimpered, clearly still afraid. Germany put an arm around Italy holding him gently. Italy's breathing steadied and he slipped into sleep. Germany leaned his head against the wall and watched the storm go by.