In a hot August day, the sunlight was filtering through the windows of the room the nations were in, shining on the defeated German brothers. Ludwig was collapsed on the floor, covered his face with his hands. Gilbert couldn't bear to see his brother suffering, looked at Alfred.

"You shouldn't have tell him that."

Alfred frowned. "You deserved to say goodbye, at least."

"If you say so, leave us alone."

The other nations, who were nearly innoticeable, looked away and left the room immediately. But one nation, Russia, known as Ivan Braginski, didn't keep his eyes off of Gilbert before leaving.

When they were completely alone, Gilbert came near to his brother.

"I taught you to never show weakness in front of the other nations."

When Ludwig lifted his head and looked to him, there was pure agony in his sky-blue eyes.

That familiar look reminded Gilbert of something in the past.

"Bruder, hilfe!"

The Holy Roman Empire tried to reach his brother with his last power.

"Reich! Reich! Nein!"

Gilbert held him when he was about to fall. While holding the little body in his arms, tears began streaming down his face.

"Bruder... I won't be able to keep my promise... I..." a cough interrupted his sentence.

"No, Reich, you won't die. Look at me. We'll stay forever. You'll grow up and you'll be even taller and stronger than me..."

The only response that he got was the pure agony in his brother's eyes. A moment later, there wasn't a sign of life anymore.

"NEIN!"

"Bruder..."

Gilbert sat on the floor before Ludwig and he leaned his forehead against his brother's. He could feel his brother's body trembling with sobs.

"I suppose we will not able so see each other for a while."

Ludwig didn't response.

"I was supposed to do something, a long time ago. I guess it's an accurate time now."

After he said that, he grabbed Ludwig's head with his hands and pulled him closer.

The blonde nation couldn't understand what was happening for a while. He couldn't even realize that the warmth on his lips was from someone else's lips. Gilbert was kissing him.

For Ludwig, that moment was a combination of his inmost dreams and his worst nightmares.

His love for Gilbert wasn't one-sided anymore, but they would be separated minutes later.

But at least they could spend this time in each other's arms.

"So you really don't remember anything?" Gilbert asked sadly to the child who was laying on the bed before him.

"No. Who are you?" Little boy looked at the young man curiously.

"My name is Gilbert. I am your older brother. I am the one who supposed to protect you from any danger."

"Then, what is my name?"

"Oh, I should give you a new name, of course. Ludwig... Do you like this name?

"What does it mean?"

"It means worthy, strong warrior. That's what you will become when you grow up. No one will defeat you"

"Ludwig..."

"Gilbert..."

One more kiss.

One of the brothers made a sound. It was between a laugh and a cry.

"I love you..."

One more kiss.

"I love you too. Don't worry too much. Stay safe in any costs. It's not a farewell, okay? There's still a future for us."

One last kiss.

Alfred knocked the door. "Time's up, Ludwig. Ivan is waiting."

They stood up while trying to remain calm. For a few seconds their fingers locked together.

Ivan, who was waited for them patiently in the outside, smiled. "Dear Gilbert, I'm sure we're gonna have too much fun together."

"Bruder!"

"What happened, Ludwig?"

"I had a nightmare, you were leaving me and going with another person. I was scared!" He wiped his tears away.

"Calm down, Ludwig. Don't you cry. I will always be by your side. I'll never let anything happen to you." After saying these, Gilbert planted a kiss in his little brother's cheek.

Ludwig smiled. "Do you promise?"

"I promise."