Word count: 509 words

    It was a seemingly peaceful night. Crickets were chirping outside and the moonlight was shining through the glass sliding door, which hung translucent white curtains on either side.
    America- Alfred- and Switzerland- Vash- were cuddling in bed, sleeping soundly. They were held securely in each other's arms. Though Alfred began fidgeting, scrunching up his face a bit. His grip on Vash tightened, and he held him closer. This succeeded in waking him. Vash blinked open his eyes and tried to move, but soon saw he was immobilized. He looked up at Alfred and quickly realized the reason. Alfred's breath was ragged and he was visibly shivering. He whined a bit and huddled close to the smaller male.
    "Alfred? Alfred, wake up!" Vash attempted to call to him despite being squeezed half to death. Alfred's eyes open as he jerked awake. He looked wildly around the room, trying to see where he was, then teared up. His grip loosened and he let go of his lover to curl up into a somewhat ball. Vash watched him worriedly and he pulled him into a hug. Alfred let him pull him close and clung to his shirt as he began to sob quietly. Vash rubbed his back as he shushed him quietly.
    Once Alfred's crying had slowed to a stop, Vash pulled away slightly and tilted Alfred's head up a bit to look at him. His eyes softened and he used his thumb to wipe his cheek. "It's okay now, liebe, shh...you're safe now..." he soothed. Alfred nodded and leaned into his touch. Vash used his free hand to run his fingers through his slightly matted hair comfortingly.
    It took some 30 minutes before Alfred finally calmed down enough to speak.
    "It was horrible...th-the fire...the desctruction.....the..th-the....corpses....." he let out a choked sob. Vash was quick to pull him close again and kissed his forehead.
    "Don't worry, Alfred. It's over now.. it's okay, you're okay. Your people have moved on now," he said softly. Alfred sniffed and wiped his eyes. He looked at Vash again, this time with innocent yet questioning eyes.
    "Kiss?" Vash sighed and smiled a small smile. He leaned in and pecked him lightly on the lips, but Alfred didn't seem satisfied by it. He quickly pulled Vash in again, much to Vash's surprise, and kissed him again, though more forcefully and with desperation this time. His lover got the hint and returned it just as passionately. He wrapped his arms around Alfred's neck as Alfred wrapped his around Vash's waist and pulled each other closer.
    A minute later they pull away, panting lightly. Alfred laughed lightly, breathlessly. "S-Sorry.." he breathed. Vash chuckled and shook his head.
    "It's fine, dear. Let's just go back to sleep, okay? I'm still tired and I have some work I need to get caught up on tomorrow," he replied. Alfred nodded and pulled Vash back into his chest, nuzzling his face into his hair.
    "Goodnight then, Vash. I love you."
    "Love you too, Alfred. Goodnight."