[REWRITE] Our Parents as Enemies | Countryhumans AU

Chapter 4

Germany would walk down the stairs, holding his bag close and keeping an eye on his friends in front of him. He was already used to this routine, having done it for two years before this, but this time felt different. Perhaps it was because he would graduate and never see these halls after this, having no intention on coming back and working at this place again, or perhaps it was because something just felt off.

Every year, some sort of chaos had happened, but this year seemed eerily quiet. Germany couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as he made his way down the stairs and out of the school building, separating from his friends as he needed some fresh air. He didn't have any classes since he had finished all his necessary lessons for the day, and as he heard his friends following, Italy and Japan turned back to go inside since they still had classes. Russia followed behind him, since he had the same timetable as Germany and he had the same timetables.

As he stepped outside, he noticed that the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Dark clouds had gathered in the sky, and a cold wind was blowing, sending shivers down his spine. It was as if the universe was reflecting his inner turmoil. Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder shook the air, followed by a blinding flash of lightning. Germany jumped in surprise and looked up at the sky. The storm had intensified, and rain started to pour down heavily. Germany cursed under his breath, knowing that he had forgotten his umbrella in the dorms, and would turn around, noticing Russia behind him before rushing back towards the building, breaking into a run as the rain started to fall harder.

He ran towards the school building, hoping to find some shelter. As he reached the entrance, he heard a loud noise coming from inside. It sounded like a door slamming shut. Germany hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should investigate, but his curiosity got the better of him. Forgetting that Russia was beside him and not even realising that students were still in the halls, he would walk towards the sound, eventually coming across an old door, and not feeling the strong grip of Russia on his arm he would put a hand on the handle and turn it.

He slowly pushed open the door and peered inside. What he saw made him freeze in terror. The hallway was empty, but he could hear a faint whispering sound. It was as if someone or something was trying to communicate with him. Germany's heart raced as he slowly walked down the hall, towards the source of the sound.

As he turned the corner, he saw a figure standing at the end of the hallway. It was a tall, dark figure, with glowing red eyes. Germany couldn't move, couldn't scream, couldn't do anything but stare in horror. The figure slowly started walking towards him, and Germany knew that he had to run, and with this new-found motion came a scream from his chest that he would have never guessed was his voice. He turned around and sprinted towards the entrance, his heart pounding in his chest. He burst out into the rain, gasping for breath. He looked back at the school building, but there was no one there. No figure, no whispering, nothing. Germany realized that it was all in his head, a figment of his imagination. Perhaps it was the stress of graduation, or the fear of the unknown future.

As Germany stood there, shivering in the rain and trying to calm his racing thoughts, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Startled, he turned around to see Russia standing there, a concerned look on his face. "Germany, what's wrong?" Russia asked, his voice soft and gentle, unlike his usual gruff and projecting voice.

Germany took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. "I thought I saw something in the school building, something... scary," he said, his voice trembling slightly. Germany's voice trailed off as tears started to fill his eyes. He felt ashamed and vulnerable, having just confessed his deepest fears to Russia. He had always been strong and independent, but now, with graduation looming and the weight of the world on his shoulders, he felt like he was falling apart.

Russia could see the pain and fear in Germany's eyes, and it made him feel helpless. He had only known Germany for the last 60 hours or so, and he wasn't the best with social cues and comforting. He didn't know how to console him in this moment. He put his arm around Germany's shoulder and pulled him close, hoping to offer some comfort, and fortunately, Germany accepted, clasping around him into a very tight squeeze. 

Russia could feel Germany's body shake with sobs, and he felt a twinge of guilt for not being better at this. But he knew that he couldn't just leave his new friend in such a vulnerable state. He continued to hold him tightly, rubbing his back in soothing circles and murmuring words of encouragement.

"It's okay, Germany. You're not alone. I'm here for you," Russia said softly. "We'll get through this together. Just take deep breaths and try to calm down."

Germany nodded, still holding onto Russia tightly. After a few moments, his sobs subsided, and he slowly pulled away, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Thank you, Russia," Germany said, his voice shaky but grateful. "I don't know what came over me. It's just... everything feels so overwhelming right now."

Russia could hear sloshy footsteps rushing to him outside, and he turned around to see the headmaster UN running (and sliding) over, alongside the nurse WHO. Russia could sense the urgency in their approach, and he felt a pang of worry. He gently nudged Germany to turn his attention towards the approaching figures. UN was huffing and puffing, trying to catch his breath. 

"Is everything okay? We heard some commotion," he said, looking between Russia and Germany.

Russia quickly explained what had happened, and the headmaster UN let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness it was nothing serious," he said, placing a hand on Germany's shoulder. 

"Are you feeling okay now?" Germany nodded, his eyes still red from crying. 

"Yes, thank you. Russia was here to help me through it." WHO took out a tissue from his pocket and handed it to Germany. "Here, dear. You should dry your tears," he said softly.

As Germany wiped his tears, UN turned to Russia. "Thank you for looking after Germany, Russia. We appreciate it," he said, offering a small smile. Russia nodded, feeling a sense of pride in being able to help his friend. 

"Of course, sir. I'll always be there to help Germany." UN and WHO both thanked Russia again before heading back inside the school building. Russia and Germany stood there for a few moments longer, taking in the rain and the moment of peace before them.

Germany looked up at Russia, a small smile forming on his lips. "Thank you, Russia. You really helped me today."

Russia returned the smile, feeling a sense of warmth in his chest. "You don't need to thank me so much...anytime, Germany. I'm just glad I was here to support you."

They stood there in comfortable silence, the rain falling around them, before turning back to go back to the dorms, especially now since they were both soaked through to the bones from the torrential rain.