⚠️Trigger Warnings: Implied Depression, Self Harm⚠️
Characters: Gilbert Beilschmidt (Prussia), Ludwig Beilschmidt (Germany), Other characters are not specifically mentioned
Word Count: 401 words
His mood had changed and everyone had noticed. No matter how much his eyes would spark with mischief, no matter how big his smile would be, no matter how much he joked, they could all tell something was off. By the way he'd flinch ever so slightly when people would touch him, by the way his anxiety would spike at the littlest things, by the half-hidden tears that he would only allow to fall when he was alone.
Everyone had noticed but no one had done anything. He had convinced them well enough with saying "I'm fine" and hiding his pain behind smiles and jokes. No one would expect how much them being oblivious hurt him. Their precious German friend with his half-hidden albinism and endless jokes and pranks was slowly slipping away from them and they were to blind to stop it.
All he wanted was for someone to ask "What's wrong?" or to point out his odd behavior. Something other than their usual "How are you?" or "Are you ok?" He needed to know they still cared. It became harder and harder to keep such a joyous smile on his face. Though, he did so in order to keep his friends from worrying.
But they knew. He knew they knew. They didn't say anything. Not until it was almost too late. He snapped, unable to keep himself calm long enough to see reason. The blade barely marked his skin, only a few thin lines, before he realized what he was doing and called for help. His brother came rushing immediately, holding him close and reassuring him that everything would be ok. The younger German helped him clean and wrap the cuts, knowing that he'd have to make sure Gilbert knew he wasn't alone.
His friends learned soon after, seeing the bandages beneath his hoodie sleeves that tried to hide them from view. They didn't need to ask, they knew what it was. Their 'I love you's became more abundant, doubled with hugs and reassurances. They told him how strong he was for pushing through, for persevering even though he was hurting. It was then he knew that he wasn't alone. The battle he thought he was fighting solo was instead fought with an army of his friends and family. He wasn't fighting for them, he was fighting with them. He never knew how amazing it felt to be wanted.