AUTHOR'S NOTE

So yay for my first fanfic! Hope you guys enjoy! Any foreign words used in this story are shown in italics, and their definitions can be found at the end of the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia: Axis Powers or any of the characters therein.


Germany checked his watch for probably the hundredth time. He adjusted his tie and brushed off his jacket, even though the tie was perfectly knotted and the clothes impeccably crisp and clean. He placed his hands on his knees, resisting the urge to tap his feet on the hard stone. Not a sound could be heard in the corridor as Germany sat on the crude wooden bench, alone. He looked at the doors across the hall from him, anxious for them to open yet hoping they would stay shut for a bit longer.

The end of World War II on the European front had finally come. Berlin was taken, and Germany had surrendered to the Allied Powers. The past two months had been spent cleaning up the mess from the war and getting essential services up and running for the people of Germany. Now the time had come for the Allies to determine what reparations Germany had to pay. They had been deliberating for several hours, and there was no telling how much longer it would take for them to determine the fate of Germany and his people.

Germany straightened up as he heard the door handle unlatch. America swung the door open and looked at Germany, unsmiling and somber. With a cold nod, he moved to the side and held the door open.

"We're ready for you now."

Germany stood, brushed off his shirt and pants one last time, and walked into the room. A large table with three chairs was at the center, with a single chair out in front. Two of the seats at the table were occupied by Britain and Russia. Britain's face was stern, his bushy eyebrows drawn together. Russia sat with his hands calmly folded on the table, his lips formed into his standard ever-present smile. America shut the door and motioned for Germany to sit in the lone chair as he walked to the table. Germany sat down in the chair and placed his hands on his knees, his entire body tense with anticipation.

"After much discussion, we have determined what reparations you are obliged to pay for this war," Britain said, his green eyes focused on Germany. "Your actions have caused much hardship for all European countries, and it will take several years to fully recover from this conflict."

All eyes bored into Germany as Britain spoke. America's usually carefree face now held a look of disdain as he glared down at Germany. Britain's unblinking eyes stared with a fierce intensity that would cause lesser men to look away. And even underneath Russia's calm exterior, Germany could detect a vicious animosity, along with a thinly veiled sense of satisfaction at seeing Germany in this position.

"We shall now list off the reparations expected to be paid," continued Britain as he grabbed the papers in front of him.

One by one, each reparation was delivered: demilitarization, decentralization, destruction of German industrial war-potential, prevention of Germany from exceeding the average European standard of living, monetary sums to be paid to various countries, etc. America, Britain, and Russia alternated giving out the reparations. Germany sat in silence, unmoving, as each item was spoken. Nearly an hour passed before they reached the end of the list.

"And last but not least, certainly," said Russia as he looked coldly at Germany, his smile widening ever so slightly, "I will be taking Prussia to come live with me and work for me directly."

Germany started at the declaration as anger flooded his body. A twinge of fear crept up his spine at the thought of his brother staying with that maniac. Horror stories about how the Russians treated their German prisoners of war had spread throughout the troops during the war. Many soldiers had even fled the Russian front to surrender to the British and American forces in order to avoid becoming POWs to the Russians. Germany started to stand, but forced himself back into his seat as Britain and America shot him dangerous looks. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists as he glared at Russia.

"You have problem with this?" smirked Russia.

It took every ounce of willpower Germany had to stay put and not leap out of his chair. "Nein," he replied, his fingernails digging into his palms as he spoke.

"Good," interjected Britain as he began to tidy the papers on the table. "I believe we are done for today. We will begin dismantling the German war factories in the coming weeks. Germany, you will be present to ensure that the equipment is taken down properly. In the meantime, part of the profits from your light industry will be used to pay off your monetary compensation. You are dismissed."

Germany stiffly rose from his chair, gave a slight nod, turned on his heel and left the room. He managed to keep his composure as he walked down the stone corridor and out into the evening sunlight. The fall wind blew dried leaves across the ground as Germany closed his eyes and tilted his head back. He let out a deep sigh as he opened his eyes, his head lowering and shoulders slumping.

"At least that's over with," he muttered to himself as he began walking down the street, stepping over bits of rubble along the way. Many of the buildings he passed were still broken and in disrepair as a result of the Allied invasion. Some people had managed to erect wooden shelters to cover the parts of their homes that had been destroyed. Germany continued on, looking at the tired and listless faces of his countrymen as he passed. The proud people of this country were beaten down, and it hurt Germany to see his once beautiful country in shambles.

It was nightfall by the time Germany reached his home, and the autumn chill had set in. He opened the door and lit a candle; the electricity had gone out during the invasion and there was no telling if and when it would be restored. He took off his jacket and tie, threw them over the coat rack, and walked to the fireplace to ignite some kindling. Once the fire was set, he sat down heavily on his couch and looked around at the state of his house. Books and papers were strewn everywhere, dirt and bits of rubble mixed with unclean clothes were on the floor, and dirty dishes lay unwashed in the sink. Much of his time lately had been spent trying to get his country on its feet again after the surrender. By the time he got home, Germany was too tired to even think about cleaning. And frankly, he had no motivation to clean up anyway. His country was a complete mess; it seemed only fitting that his house was the same way.

Germany placed his head in his hands as he let out another sigh. He was tired, so tired. Tired of seeing the depressed faces of his countrymen as an uncertain future loomed ahead of them. Tired of walking past broken down homes with no hope of being repaired. Tired of having to be at the beck and call of the Allies as they tore what little dignity his country had left to shreds.

But most of all, he was tired of being strong. He wanted to curl up in his bed, pull the covers over himself, and wait for everything to go back to normal. He wanted someone else to be steadfast and reliable, to be the pillar of strength that his country needed so badly. He wanted someone, anyone, to take the reins from him and fix everything.

But, of course, there was no one else. Only him. He couldn't even seek help from the only fiends he had; Japan was still tied up in the war on the Pacific front, and Italy…well, Italy had joined the Allies and probably wanted nothing to do with him anyway. Nonetheless, he had gotten his country into this mess, even if he was just following orders, and now he was going to get them out of it. He rose from the couch, grabbed the candle, and slowly walked over to his work table. He sat down and lit the gas lamp on the table corner, placing the blown out candle on the window sill. Germany pulled his tools towards him and began working to pay back his due compensation.


AUTHOR'S NOTE

I hope you enjoyed it! Please review with your thoughts and comments!

Foreign Word Definitions: nein – no