Crimson eyes stared into crimson and began scrutinizing the navy blue uniform he wore. Gilbert rubbed his fingers down his side, straightening out any creases in his officer's jacket before scanning himself in the mirror once again. He was sure to go over each and every button and medal, making sure everything was perfect. Then turning to his bed, he snatched the scarlet cloak, lying nicely folded upon the sheets, and threw it around his back. He smirked and whistled as he gazed upon himself. He really did look awesome.
Once satisfied that his cloak was tied around his neck tightly, he turned back to the bed, muttering,
"Now all that's left is" but stopped mid-sentence as he noticed his last important article was missing. He stared upon the empty bed sheets where he had previously had placed everything on top of early that morning, anxious to forget anything.
After a moment of staring, without any possible sign of it just suddenly reappearing into his presence, he began to scan around the room, searching through drawers and shelves, and even daring to look underneath the bed. After finding nothing but dust (which he'd have to clean up later) he stomped out of the room, head turning about as he searched for any signs of his missing item. After a moment his eyes scrunched as he carefully arranged his thoughts.
Gilbert was currently at his cousin Roderich's house. He had come here just a week earlier with his younger brother Ludwig. He was positive that he had brought everything with him. In fact, nearly all of his house hold possessions were brought with him as the two brothers no longer had a need for their own house, especially with Gilbert leaving to fight on the front lines and there was no way Ludwig could be left alone.
Gilbert's wondering thoughts froze, focusing on one detail. Ludwig. Now that he thought of it, the small blond hadn't made a peep all morning. Gilbert was sure the lad would have rushed to his side by now, most likely crying and begging his older brother to stay. In fact, he had mentally prepared himself for several months on how to react to whining brother, so it was strange that he heard nothing.
"Hey Luddy! Where'd you run off to?" Gilbert called, now making his little brother the priority of his search. Gilbert stomped down the hall, peaking into his brother's room, which was far too organized for a boy his age. Even though Gilbert himself was clean and organized, that was something that the military and his mother's badgering had to pound into him. He, unlike Ludwig, was never clean as a child.
"Luddy!" Gilbert called once again, abandoning his brother's empty room for others.
After peeking into every room in the ornate hallway, (and slightly pushing the paintings on his cousin's wall from their perfect alignment, smirking, as he did) Gilbert trotted down the winding stair case to the main floor, skipping a few steps here and there.
"Ludwig!" Gilbert continued to call. "I'm serious bro! I'm not in the mood for your games!" He was growing a little annoyed at his brother's disappearance and silently swore that if it was related to Roderich, he'd strangle the pansy himself with his own cravat.
"Taking Ludwig somewhere on my very last day." he growled quietly to himself, eyebrows furrowed. "Wait till I get my hands on that four-eyed…" Gil stopped both his mouth and his feet, as he slowly backed up, taking another quick look in the parlor which he had only just scanned over while he was imagining all the creative ways he could pound his cousin.
Though the entire house reeked with the ornate rugs and furniture, fancy portraits, and detailed carvings, the parlor was the gaudiest room of the house. Giant family and personal portraits of the past Eldelstein family heads littered the walls, the couches an ugly gold with floral print and lion heads carved intricately into the furniture arms, which were clearly just for show and not the slightest bit comfortable. The small mahogany tables seemed to have a bit too much polish, as the reflecting light nearly gave Gilbert a head ache if he stared for too long, and were laden with fancy candle sticks and lacy coasters, in case one was to drink their tea here. There was a giant window on the left side of the room, resting just above one of the uncomfortable couches, with long, magenta curtains, pushed to the side to let in the morning sunshine. Even the walls themselves contained a gold trim with spiral carvings.
But Gilbert had seen the grotesque parlor plenty of times in his life, probably more than he'd wanted, and had no interest in the room itself. Instead, his eyes caught hold of what stuck out just behind the couch in the corner of the room. A pair of tiny, bare feet stuck out just beyond the couch's edge, and atop, Gilbert noticed a giant black hat with white feathers protruding from the top. Gilbert's original pout lifted into a mischievous grin, as he spotted his two objectives.
Sneaking soundlessly into the room, he crouched to the floor, and slowly crawled his way along the couch's edge, his target locked in his sight. Once he was close enough, he waited for a moment, listening for any signs of his prey noticing his presence. Then, without another thought, he snatched the small foot with his gloved hand and pulled.
A high pitched yelp filled the air as his brother was pulled from his sitting position to the floor.
"Found you!" Gilbert cheered, beginning to laugh out loudly.
The small German boy sat up quickly, his icy blue eyes glaring at his brother.
"Bruder! That hurt!" he whined, as his hand rubbed the back of his head, which had just made contact with the floor.
Gilbert smirked. "Well that's the punishment any thief deserves. You're lucky I don't chop off those pudgy fingers of yours. Ludwig had no response to that, instead he pulled his leg away from his brother and backed a few inches so he rested against the wall, placing the overly large hat back onto his head, which covered half his face.
"Go away Bruder." he mumbled quietly, his voice shaking ever so slightly.
Ah, there they were. The tears were finally coming. Gilbert gave a sad smile at Ludwig and sat onto his knees, crawling into the small space between the couch and the wall, where his brother was. He sat himself to Ludwig's left, leaning his back against the wall. He placed his arm around the silent child, pulling him into a small, one armed hug. Ludwig showed no signs of resistance. Instead, Gilbert thought he heard a small muffled sniffle.
Gilbert remained silent, relishing in just being in his small brother's presence. He was a good 12 years older than him. His mother had always wanted to have a large family, but unfortunately she had a weak body, and almost died in Gilbert's own delivery. Being her only child, Gilbert was given all of the woman's attention. Though he definitely wasn't spoiled rotten. His mother was still, after all, a strict German woman. It wasn't until he was 12 years old that his mother happily announced that he'd be an older brother. Gilbert was thrilled with the prospect! Nearly all of his friends had at least one sibling, and he had always been secretly jealous of that deep, sibling relationship, which always brought you back together, even after declaring an all-out, bloody war on one another.
The delivery went unexpectedly smoother than most had thought. Ludwig was born, a plump, healthy baby with (what Gilbert though) was the loudest, most obnoxious cry ever! A funny thought with how quiet the boy was now. He had his father's face, which Gilbert was reminded of every time the baby pouted. It also amused Gil to see the baby laugh or smile, as he rarely ever saw his straight faced father ever do so. Those were some of Gilbert's greatest memories.
However, the delivery did eventually take its toll on his mother, as she began to weaken and more frequently grew ill. Before she passed, she had properly trained her eldest son on how to care for his younger brother. She passed when Gilbert was only 15, Ludwig approaching three.
His father was a military man and a high ranking on at that. If he wasn't at the battle field, he was busy training his men. Prussia, the Beilschmidt Family's homeland, was a very militaristic nation after all. Gilbert had once heard someone describe Prussia as "a military with a country, rather than a country with a military". But because of his father's frequent absence, Gilbert practically had to raise his younger sibling himself. Thus creating a bond between the two brothers which was stronger than most.
Gilbert's thoughts were interrupted when Ludwig decided to break the silence.
"I don't want you to go." Ludwig muttered, his bottom lip quivering to stifle any sobs.
Gilbert glanced sadly at his brother, his grip tightening caringly on his brother's shoulder.
"I have no choice, Luddy. Our country needs me." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Vater needs me."
Ludwig nodded understandingly, though he still sniffed. Ludwig knew his father was still on the battle field. He always was. Though his brother had once told him that "Vater is getting too old to fight. Now he just sits back, throwing around orders to his men while he sits back, munching a potato." Ludwig was relieved to know that his father would be safe, but…Gilbert was not old like he was. Gilbert was still young and strong, and would be going to fight on the front lines. In the midst of all the guns and explosions themselves. He had a million scenarios playing through his head, each one a possible fate of that of his beloved older brother. Tears began to swell in his eyes as he pondered these thoughts and he was glad that Gilbert's hat covered his eyes, that way his brother wouldn't see. After all, he had never seen either his father or Gilbert cry before. Crying meant you were weak. Ludwig didn't want to be weak. He wanted to be strong like his father and big brother.
Another sniffle escaped his lips, and this time Gilbert couldn't keep silent.
"What's wrong Luddy?" He slowly lifted up his hat from his brother's head, whose eyes immediately widened in fear of his brother seeing his tears.
"Nein!" Ludwig whined, pulling the hat back over his face. Gilbert frowned.
"Why are you crying Lud? This is nothing we haven't already been through. As usual, you'll stay with cousin Roderich and Elizaveta. I'm sure they'll play games with you and make you delicious sweets!"
This next line tasted like bile in Gilbert's throat but he had to say it, forcing a smile. "Roderich makes great desserts after all, right?"
Ludwig was silent for a moment, but slowly nodded.
"See!" Gilbert beamed at getting a response. "You'll have lots of fun here! Sure not as fun as when you're with m…" Gilbert had to choke back his ego in order not to ruin his brother's mood further.
"You can ask Roderich to take you to a lot of fun places like the toy store! I'm sure he'll buy you some awesome toys; after all, he's pretty wealthy! And Elizaveta can take you hunting! I used to hunt with her and her Vater when we were your age."
Ludwig's frown was rising into a sort of smile by now. Thrilled that his pep talk was working, Gilbert continued, "And I'm sure you'll meet a lot of other kids here that you can play with! Even if they are Austrian…" Gilbert muttered that last part under his breath so that his brother wouldn't hear it.
"And I'll be back as soon as you know it!"
With that last line Ludwig's smile disappeared.
"But what if…" Ludwig mumbled.
Gilbert looked curiously at his brother.
"'What if' what?"
Ludwig bit his bottom lip as he contemplated whether he should voice his fears or not.
"What if you don't come back?"
Gilbert immediately frowned and his voice grew serious. "I always come back. You know that Ludwig."
Now that Ludwig had already broken his silence, he couldn't help but let all his thoughts rush out his mouth like water spewing from a broken dam.
"But what if you don't?! You could be shot or stabbed, or hit by a cannon ball, or knocked off your horse and trampled! The list goes on and on bruder! You could be seriously injured or killed!"
Ludwig was breathing heavily now, his voice laden with sobs and fear. Yet he still refused to look at his older brother as he spoke.
"Please please please don't leave me Gilbert! I don't want to lose you! I can't lose you! You can't go! You can't die! I won't allow it!"
Gilbert was shocked by his brother's outburst. Where had he gotten these ideas of death from? Ludwig had never experienced death before, besides their mother, whom passed away while Ludwig was still too young to remember. Vater was rarely home, but still alive and very much kicking. Gilbert had gone to battle before and returned victorious and unscathed. Yes, Ludwig had begged him not to go before, but that was because he merely feared the prospect of being separated, but not of death!
"Where did these ideas come from Luddy? Who says I'm going to die?"
Ludwig stifled another sniffle.
"I heard Elizibetta and Roderich talking last night. Roderich said that this war won't be like the last one. He said that Prussia is outnumbered and that you'll die."
Gilbert sighed, mentally cursing Roderich and reconsidering his earlier thought of strangling his prissy cousin. Leave it to Roddy. He can depress anyone.
"Ludwig, look at me."
Ludwig was hesitant, but eventually turned his head up, blue irises staring at his brother, tears still pouring.
"I am Gilbert Beilscmidt right?"
Ludwig's eyebrows scrunched, a little confused why his brother was asking him this, but then nodded.
"Ja."
"And we've always been together?"
Ludwig responded with just a nod.
"And haven't I always returned from battle? Always won haven't I?"
Another nod.
"And am I not, your awesome big bruder?"
Ludwig scrunched his nose. "Ja, you're awesome bruder, but what does this…"
Ludwig was cut off as he gave another yelp, as his brother nearly tackled him with his entire body, wrapping him in his arms and pulling him to his lap. The oversized hat had fallen from his head and now Ludwig's hair was roughly being ruffled by his brother's hand thick hand.
"Cause I'm your AWESOME big bruder right?" Gilbert repeated loudly, his usual giant grin on his face, his hold on his brother getting tighter.
Ludwig's previous fears were temporarily forgotten as he tried to pry out from his brother's unbreakable hold.
"Bruderrr! Nein! Let me go!"
Despite his brother's attempts of freedom, Gilbert noticed his eyes were brighter and he knew that a smile was hidden behind that famous irritated frown of his. This caused the man to mess with his brother more. He began chuckling allowed.
"Nein! Say it! I won't stop until you do!"
"Bruder!"
"Say it!"
"Ok ok! You're awesome Bruder! Now let me go! Bitte!"
Gilbert's hold loosened but he didn't let go. Instead he turned Ludwig around in his lap so he was facing his brother.
"You're absolutely right Ludwig! I am awesome!" Gilbert chuckled. "And do you know what that means, mein kleiner bruder?"
Ludwig stared blankly at his brother. His eyes were red from crying earlier, but were now dry and curious.
"Nein bruder. What does it mean?"
Gilbert's smirk widened (if it was even possible) "It means that I'll be fine. I'll come back home safe and victorious. I'll even be a better soldier than Vater, cause he's not as awesome as I am! I'll come back home, riding upon my white horse, cloak billowing in the wind, sword in the air, looking as awesome as ever! And then do you know what will happen?"
"What?" Ludwig asked, entranced in his brother's words.
"I'll give Elizaveta a big kiss!" Gilbert exclaimed, starting to laugh.
Ludwig crinkled his nose in confusion and disgust. "But bruder, I thought she liked Rod…" He was cut off again when his brother placed a single gloved finger over his mouth, rolling his eyes and sighing, "You don't have to say any more."
Ludwig was still a bit confused until his brother again pounced on him, snuggling his face against his plump cheeks.
"Then I'll just give YOU a big kiss then!"
"Augh! Bruder! Noooo!"
Despite the protests, Gilbert proceeded by pressing his lips to Ludwig's cheeks and blowing hard. Ludwig couldn't help but giggle at how it tickled his face.
"Bruder no! Stop! Bitte! Nein! Bruder!" Ludwig said between laughs!
Gilbert soon relented, releasing his hold on his brother and holding his arms up in surrender.
"Ok! But first…"
Ludwig didn't even have time to scream before he was once again swept into his brothers arms as Gilbert stood and pounced onto the couch next to them.
"Ooof!" was all Ludwig could say as they landed atop the couch cushions and his brother started tickling him.
"Neiiiiin!" Ludwig squealed as he squirmed in his brother's arms, trying to find freedom.
"Jaaaa!" Gilbert laughed, as he continued to torment the poor kid.
Eventually the tickling turned into wrestling, Gilbert letting Ludwig win a few times, but not without him winning at least once. Soon the wresting subsided and the brothers were left lying on the couch, laughing. All of Ludwig's previous doubts completely forgotten as he spent this time with his brother.
"See Ludwig, I'll always be here for you. I'll never leave you for long. I'll always return. I promise."
Ludwig turned his gaze back at his beloved brother. As he stared into his fiery red eyes, he knew without a doubt that his brother was right. He was his unbeatable, awesome older brother after all! He smiled wider and pounced once again on his brother's stomach, causing him to lose his breath.
"I believe you, Bruder!"
Once Gilbert caught his breath again, he chuckled, rubbing his hand through his little brother's bright blond hair.
"You better! Cause I am awesome! And awesome can't die!"
oOOoOOoOOo
Gilbert spent as much of his time left with his younger brother. He was thrilled to see his brother laughing and smiling again. It'd be much easier leaving with his brother's tears now gone. Whenever he left before, he always left Ludwig in tears, tempting him to try to linger, rather than returning to his duty on the battlefield. And though he was met with tears earlier, he was able to dry those quickly, regaining the happy, young German boy that he knew and loved.
"What time do you head out?"
Gilbert, who was currently seated at the kitchen table, turned his gaze away from his brother through the window, who was currently chatting with Elizaveta outside, and glanced at his cousin.
"Hmm?"
Roderich sighed, rolling his eyes. "I said, what time are you leaving?"
"Oh, well I'll have to leave around noon if I want to reach camp by tomorrow night. Meeting up with a few of my men at the border and will camp out with them tonight."
Roderich nodded, continuing to roll out some dough which would serve as some pastries just for little Ludwig later that day. Gilbert was almost jealous. Almost.
"Was hoping to stay for lunch, if you don't mind."
Roderich nodded again, not taking his concentration off his work. "Fine by us. I'm sure Ludwig will be thrilled to have you stay longer."
Gilbert huffed.
Silence enveloped the kitchen for a while. The only sounds being of Roderich kneading the dough, Gilbert running his finger along the table's surface, drawing invisible pictures, and of Ludwig's muffled voice from outside.
Finally Gilbert broke the silence.
"So, what the heck was that about earlier?" There was slight venom in his voice.
Roderich glanced over at Gilbert, only stopping his work to readjust his glasses.
"Pardon?"
"You know what I mean! What the heck were you talking about me dying for!?" Gilbert barked. "You had Ludwig worried sick! He thought I was going to die! Die, Roderich, die!"
Roderich was beginning to understand a bit more, but was still confused as to how Ludwig became involved.
As if he could read his mind, Gilbert answered, "He overheard you and Eliza talking."
"Oh" Roderich muttered as he understood. "I apologize. That conversation wasn't meant for anyone else's ears. I'll be sure to make sure no child is eavesdropping next time." The apology was obviously halfhearted, though he did regret that Ludwig had heard him speaking so harshly.
Gilbert growled and slammed his fist on the table, causing Roderich to flinch..
"Dang it Roderich! You shouldn't have said anything at all! I'm not going to freaking die!"
Roderich turned to his cousin, eyes narrowed and voice serious. "Oh, so you want me be unrealistic and lie? I'd rather not. I'm not a foolish child anymore. And here I was thinking you had begun to grow up as well. Guess I was wrong."
Gilbert stood up from the table angrily. "What?"
"You heard me Gilbert." Roderich sighed, turning back to his baking. "Your chances are slim. Prussia has less allies than the war previous. You won't be as lucky as you were before. You're fighting against not only Austria, but Russia and France as well!"
Roderich paused, his shoulders falling slighting and his voice softening. "Prussia is surrounded. Your country will fall, and you will die."
They were both met with silence for a moment, that is, until Gilbert snorted. "You talk as if we're all alone! Don't forget, we do have the British Empire on our side!"
"Don't kid yourself Gilbert. We both know the Brits are only good for naval battles."
"Where the heck did your Prussian loyalty go!" Gilbert snarled.
Roderich dropped what he was doing and spun around, eyes narrowed angrily,
"Just because my mother hails from Prussia, doesn't mean my loyalty lies there. My loyalty is to Austria, and Austria only! The only ounce of Prussian loyalty I have is to my Prussian family! To my Onkel, to Ludwig, and to you!"
More silence followed as the two glared at each other.
"I'm already betraying my country enough by allowing an enemy soldier in my house. Don't make me dishonor my country any more. I will honor my agreement and keep Ludwig safe here, in Austria.
Gilbert broke off his stare with Roderich and began staring at the floor. He couldn't admit to Roderich (or himself for that matter) of this fear. He had begrudgingly told himself and Roderich that Ludwig would stay with his cousin since there was no one else to care for him. But that was a lie. There were plenty of family friends and neighbors who could care for Ludwig, but….No. He couldn't, he wouldn't admit it! Gilbert just wanted his brother to be with family while he was gone, Austrian or not!
"Bruder? What's wrong?"
Gilbert ceased his staring contest with the floor (which he was winning by the way) and turned to look at his cute younger brother who stood in the doorway, a worried look on his face.
Seeing his little brother's frown, Gilbert took the initiative, quickly putting on a pouting face. "Luddddy! Roderich's being mean to your Bruder again!"
Ludwig looked shocked and glanced up at his cousin then back to his brother.
"What!? Roddy! Why do you always pick on Gilbert!"
"Eh!?" Roderich stared blankly toward Ludwig. "I didn't do anything, he-"
"He won't give me any dessert Ludwig!" Gilbert pouted. "He says that he's going to make me leave hungry and without any tarts!"
Ludwig immediately ran over to his brother, grabbing his hand. "Don't worry Bruder! Roddy will share!" Then he cast a glare towards his cousin, one that would be deadly once Ludwig was older and face more matured. "Right Roddy?"
Roderich shot Gilbert a glare before responding, "Of course Ludwig. I wouldn't dream of leaving Gilbert out."
It took all of Gilbert's strength not to ruin his pout and burst out laughing.
Ludwig nodded, satisfied with Roderich's answer, and then began pulling on his brother's hand.
"Come on Bruder! Elizaveta and I want to show you a cool snake we found!"
"Oooh, a snake? Really?" Gilbert asked in a childish voice. Then he made a quick turn to his cousin, giving him a salute. "Call us when the tarts are ready! Looking forward to it Roddy!" He laughed before turning back to a smiling Ludwig and a half amused/half annoyed Elizaveta.
"Come on, show us the snake, my cute little tomboy, you!" Gilbert laughed.
Elizaveta rolled her eyes at her friend but followed after the two brothers, not able to wipe a small smile from her face.
oOOoOOoOOo
Gilbert stood outside the house, one hand grasping the reigns of his horse, and the other running through the hair of his sobbing younger brother, who had his arms tightly wrapped around Gilbert's waist. Gilbert sighed. It appeared he would be leaving behind a crying brother after all. Roderich took the horses reigns for him for a moment, allowing Gilbert to fully envelope his younger brother in a hug. His hand continued to soothingly caress his brother's head.
"I'll be back soon. You be good for Elizaveta and Roderich, ja?"
Ludwig sniffled, nodding his head as he did.
"Gut" Gilbert smiled. "I am awesome after all, so everything will be fine."
Though tears were in his eyes, Ludwig still smiled. "Ja Bruder. You're awesome. Ich liebe dich!"
"Ich liebe dich auch." Gilbert replied, giving one last pat to his brother's head before releasing him, taking the reins back from Roderick.
"I know I don't say it often, but thank you Roderich."
Roderich looked at Gilbert in shock. "'Often'? You never say it! What's gotten into you now all of the sudden?!" He began to reach his hand to feel Gilbert's forehead but it was shot down by an irritated Gilbert.
"Stuff it Frills!" He growled.
Roderich made a silent amused snort, but his face grew solemn and he glanced back at his cousin.
"Seriously though, don't do anything stupid. I won't be the one to tell Ludwig that you went and got yourself killed. You'll have to tell him that yourself." He said these words quietly, so that Ludwig wouldn't hear.
Gilbert snorted. "Of course! I'm awesome after all! Dying isn't really my thing." Then rested his hand on Roderich's shoulder, giving a small nod as a sort of 'thanks and take care'.
Roderich nodded back as Gilbert removed his hand and hoisted himself upon his steed.
But before he could leave, Elizaveta trotted next to him, a bold mask plastered to her face, hiding the obvious fear she felt as her childhood friend was leaving for war.
"Take care of yourself, you hear?"
"Ha, of course!" He smiled back as he stared back at his friend. She really was beautiful, her eyes shining like emerald and her long, soft chestnut hair gently caressing her round face. She had been a family friend since he was Ludwig's age and he, Roderich and her would always get into all sorts of trouble together. The tomboy had always been his best friend and was the only thing Roderich ever had won from him. But he didn't mind. He was happy just being her friend. Besides, there was probably another awesome girl waiting for him out there! Hopefully Prussian one at that!
"Take care of him, alright? He can't take care of himself yet."
Elizaveta nodded. "Don't worry Gil! I'll take good care of Ludwig."
Gilbert smirked, "Ha, I was talking about Roderich!"
Elizaveta's cheeks began to turn red, but before ether of the two could retaliate, Gilbert was pulling on the horse's reigns, beginning to gallop his way towards the border.
"Auf Wiedersehen Bruder!"
Gilbert glanced back slightly at his darling younger brother. Smiling, he raised a hand into a small wave in response as he rode out of sight.
"Until we see each other again, mein kleiner Bruder."
Author's Notes: I thought the author in me died a few years back, but I've had this short story idea for a while now, and I just had to write it. I do apologize, since there are so many fan fics with this kind of plot, with Ludwig thinking his brother is going to die and Gilbert comforting him and all that jazz. Yeah, sorry about that. But there will be a little more! How long? I don't know. The idea is just in my head at this point.
I apologize if there is any confusion or historically inaccurate data. Wasn't making this historically accurate at first, but did as I continued this.
Reviews would be awesome guys! I really would like to know how you think I did!
Stay tuned for more!