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A loud crackle tore throughout the nighttime sky, sending a vibration throughout the wooden home.
Rome awoke, the sound loud enough to wake him, even though he slept like a rock. He glanced around, blinking the sleepy haze from his eyes.
The room was small, dark, lit only by the frequent flashes of lightning shooting through the stormy midnight sky, casting their light through the windows of the home. The home was familiar enough he could make out shapes, but not enough to be able to guide himself through the dark. While Germania often visited the palace in the city, Rome was seldom invited to Germania’s home.
Rome glanced beside him, noticing the normally stern, rigid figure now curled into a ball. “Germania?” Rome whispered gently, rolling over as he lightly placed an arm over the man. Another bolt shot through the clouds as the storm raged on, Germania slightly jumping underneath Rome’s arm.
“Mm.” Germania responded quietly, his voice wasn’t as stern as usual, it didn’t hold the strong edge it normally did, instead, a shyness took its place.
“Is … everything okay?” Rome asked, tightening his embrace on the blonde, using his thumb to rub small circles on the other's arm. It was quiet for a moment, filled only by the pitter patter of rain on the walls of the cottage.
Rome thought about the situation before speaking his mind, filling the quiet, “You are scared of thunder.”
Germania didn’t respond at first, he was supposed to be fearless. A fear as silly as thunder was surely a weakness, admitting that was one of the hardest things he could do. This time though, in Rome’s arms, he felt safe enough to maybe admit even he could be bothered by things. Rome had even admitted many things to him before, it was only fair.
“Mm. I do not like thunder.” Germania said quietly.
Rome pulled Germania into him, placing the blonde's head to his chest. Rome ran his fingers through Germania’s hair in a soothing way, using his other arm to hold him tightly. “That’s okay, It will soon pass.” Rome spoke, his voice soft, comforting.
Leaning forward, the roman placed a loving kiss on Germania’s head. “Go to sleep.”