Disclaimer: Clearly this does not belong to me. Nor should this tale be regarded as historically accurate. This is Hetalia universe after all…
Author's Notes: This tale was inspired by the song 'Your Ghost' by Greg Laswell.
The uniform was stiff, rough and unforgiving against Hungary's skin; its striking appearance came at the price of comfort.
She agreed to join Germany's campaign over a year ago both out of respect to Austria and the need to save her people from the depression that wracked her home. The transition to the axis had been prosperous; her people were cared for, while Austria remained near enabling them to work together as they had for so long. Everyone benefited from the alliance, yet Hungary felt little joy to the arrangement.
Straightening the starch black sleeves of her freshly pressed uniform Hungary frowned as she stared into the mirror that decorated the opulent halls of Austria's home. Her reflection was foreign to her eyes, a shadow of the woman Hungary knew herself to be.
The outfit was not the only thing that felt wrong.
Hungary was more than aware of Ludwig and Roderich's fascination with Germany's strange boss. When they spoke of him, it was with air of awe, admiration and respect. Hungary had only met the man once, a brief introduction made by her former husband, now friend. Like the uniform, she wore something about the mortal felt off.
With a heavy sigh, Hungary's fingers absently fiddled with her belt as she attempted to bury her doubts. She needed to be ready for the impending meeting between her leader and Germany's boss.
"It doesn't fit right, does it?"
Hungary stiffened in surprise to the unexpected sight of Prussia's reflection watching her. He always did have a way of catching her when she was most vulnerable. For a moment, they studied each other through the reflection of the mirror.
There was no need for an explanation; it was about so much more than buttons, buckles and starchy material. In his crimson gaze, Hungary saw all that weighed on her mind and it gave her solace.
Turning to face her long time enemy and best friend, she held his gaze in silence.
"The things we do for family," Prussia said with a forced smirk, that promptly melted away, revealing his true emotions. What she saw in his expression and in his eyes rendered her speechless. In all of the years, she had known Prussia she had never seen him more troubled, or more divided.
With a hoarse whisper meant only for her ears, Prussia departed for the meeting room down the hall, leaving behind only the memory of his parting words to haunt Hungary's troubled thoughts.
"May God have mercy on our souls."