GerUk/GerEng Collection

The Secret to a Goodnight's Sleep

Author's Note: No I didn't forget about Sunday...I don't know what you're talking about. (Sorry lol)

He couldn't have forgotten it. He never forgot it. Arthur ripped out all the clothes from his suitcase and poured out his carry-on onto the bed. There was no sign of it anywhere. He had forgotten his teddy bear back in London."God damn it," Arthur muttered, tossing one of his shirts to the side in defeat. So much for a goodnight's sleep that night.

"Is everything okay Arthur?" A voice came from behind him. With a deep breath to calm himself, Arthur turned around to find Ludwig leaning against the doorframe.

"Yes...quite. I just seem to have forgotten something is all. I-It's not important so don't worry about it."

Ludwig quirked a brow, giving him a skeptical look, but he dropped the issue. "Okay...Is there anything else I could get you?"

He considered asking for an extra pillow (something to cuddle up to would be better than nothing), but ended up deciding not to, fearing for suspicion. He was a grown man, a former empire, he could survive one night without cuddling up to something. With a shake of his head, Ludwig bid him goodnight and headed to his own room, dogs in toe.

Apparently, Arthur couldn't survive one night. He had been tossing and turning for an hour or so before he gave up and pulled out the book he had brought with him. After another hour or so of reading, he found himself tired and once again tried to fall asleep. Despite his tiredness, he still couldn't get comfortable. After another few minutes of tossing and turning, Arthur heaved himself up with a huff and made his way to the kitchen for some warm milk.

He tiptoed past Ludwig's room and down the stairs. Although a few let out a loud creak, they did not seem to wake the German or his dogs. He thought he had safely made it to the kitchen only to have Ludwig appear beside him as he waited for his milk to warm up.

"Are you okay?" Ludwig asked.

"Arthur kept staring at the microwave, not trusting himself to keep his emotions hidden. Y-Yeah...just thirsty."

"Let me rephrase that. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Ludwig gave him a stern look and took the Brit's chin to make him face him. "Arthur."

"Ludwig," Arthur spat back, looking at the other man just as hard. This little staring match went on for a few minutes until Arthur began cracking and he remembered how tired he was, leading him to look away and head to the living room with his milk.

Ludwig followed close behind and joined the Brit on the couch. He made no attempts to speak and neither did Arthur. Arthur instead tried to ignore the man sitting beside him and failing miserably. He kept occasionally stealing glances, curious as to why Ludwig was still with him. Eventually, that curiosity got the best of him. "You know you don't have to stay up with me."

Ludwig just shrugged. "I don't mind. I-I just thought maybe you could use some company. You are having a rough time with something and sometimes just having someone there makes it a little bit better."

"Don't expect conversation," Arthur grumbled, settling back on the couch and sipping away at his drink.

"I figured as much, but still."

Arthur only shook his head, bringing his full attention to finishing his milk and heading back to his room. If this didn't work, he could just read all night or find some activity to do until morning.

Luckily, his tiredness was finally catching up to him and Arthur found himself leaning towards Ludwig. He hadn't realized it until his cheek was against the German's shoulder, but by then he was too exhausted to care. Instead, he allowed his eyes to slip closed, and not long after, he was fast asleep.

When Ludwig noticed, he attempted to get up for a blanket, but found himself unable to move as Arthur's arms had wrapped around the one he was laying on. Not having the heart to risk waking him, Ludwig remained where he was, moving slightly to get into a lying position so they were more comfortable. Although his heart was pounding and he felt himself become flushed, he managed to fall asleep with Arthur practically laying on top of him.