New Life

A Different America

Prussia was sure everything would be fine. That's what everyone kept telling him as well, every time he worried over America or got protective over him. And after a while, things were all good. America was as energetic as ever, his smile always beaming. America had grown so much in the recent weeks, quickly turning to what seemed like months.

"Check mate."

America smiled to Prussia, proud at his accomplishment.

Prussia smiled back to him. "Nice game." He started to pick up the pieces. He briefly thought of all the moves he had overlooked. Frankly, there hadn't been as many this time. He was definitely improving. Maybe one day he'd win when Prussia hadn't missed any moves. America helped to put away the game and put away the box once it was all packed away. Prussia stood and walked to the kitchen. "Want some lunch?"

"Sure!" America dashed into the room and stood next to Prussia as they both looked through the fridge.

Prussia looked up to America. His younger brother stood to his shoulders now. They would see eye to eye soon. He was too big to pick up and carry around anymore.

"How about sandwiches?"

"Sounds good," Prussia said with a smile. They both got out some deli meats, cheese and other ingredients to make lunch.

They were getting ready for Halloween when things suddenly changed. One morning, Prussia watched his brother come into the kitchen for breakfast, his hair ruffled and his eyes tired from sleep, which wasn't unusual. Prussia laid a plate in front of him as he did every morning. He sat down at the table with his own food before looking up to America.

"So, have any dreams last night?"

America just shrugged his shoulders. "No," he said softly. His pushed his fork through the eggs on his plate, hardly touching it.

Prussia had only taken a few bites of his breakfast before he stopped. "What's wrong?"

His brother just shrugged again. He took a few bites of his food before laying his fork down. He pushed his plate away a bit, his hands laying in his lap. "I'm not very hungry."

Prussia's panic picked up. "Are you sure?"

America nodded.

It didn't get better from then on. America was on edge constantly. Prussia wasn't exactly sure what was happening, but he was frightened for his brother. He wasn't eating and his smile wasn't as constant or bright as it always had been.

It was when they were out for groceries when it clicked with Prussia. America always helped pick out the foods and other things they bought. This time, everything America picked was minimal. He never picked out anything expensive and whenever Prussia picked something up that was on the pricey side he saw America's eyes widen, as if he couldn't believe he would get it. Prussia remembered feeling like that. Back when money was tight and he had to watch where every penny went. That's what America was reliving.

America woke up every morning and changed into the same clothing. A nice suit and shoes that he slept and lived in. He ate the food he was given as if it was his last. He spent a lot of times doing things by himself and always offered help when he knew it was needed.

It was a few days later when both of his older brothers noticed all of these things. America always refused when he was offered to take a shower, always saying that he couldn't waste water or anything else. It was worrisome for all of them, and Germany wasn't the only one who noticed the toll it took on Prussia. He was just about as jumpy as America and the rest of their small family noticed that America's paranoia was rubbing off on his older brother.

"America."

They were both seated on the living room couch. America was dressed in the same suit as always as he looked up to his brother. "Yes?"

"Do you know what's happening?" Prussia asked gently.

"The stock market crashed," he said matter of factly. "Everyone's in a depression."

Prussia nodded. "That happened eight decades ago, America."

America seemed slightly surprised, yet at the same time it seemed like he already knew it. His head bowed. "It feels like it, though."

Prussia nodded. "I know. You're reliving these things. All these events of your past history, you're living it again."

When America's face resurfaced, tears glimmered at the edge of his eyes and Prussia swore he felt his own tears forming. "Why does it hurt so much? Why do these things have to happen?" he asked softly.

Prussia pulled him into his arms. America leaned into his chest, Prussia wrapping his arms around him. He held his brother close, listening to the soft sobs that left his chest. He held America close before speaking. He waited until America's soft sobs were subdued.

"We all have to go through tough times. You can't stop them." America went silent at his words. "But, it's how you get through them that counts. You keep your head up," he said. He lifted America's head to look at him. And with a small smile he told him, "And you never give up."

America gave him a soft smile, and it was only then that Prussia realized that he wasn't only speaking to America. He had to listen to himself. They were right. He couldn't protect America forever.

But, he'd be damned if he wasn't going to do his best.