1920

It was well past dark when Ludwig opened the door to his home. It was cold, he was cold, the entire country was cold. However, surprisingly, his house wasn't.

In the living room fireplace, there was a fire that dimly lit the room. He could see none other than his brother, sound asleep on the couch. He still had his coat and gloves on. Strange; he hadn't seen Gilbert in months. They both had their share of work to do in their respective cities.

Ludwig took his time lighting a few more candles in the room. Candles weren't as expensive as electricity.

"Gilbert," he murmured, going over to the couch and sitting on the edge of it. He put a hand on the small of the man's back, trying to rouse him. "Gilbert, wake up."

Slowly, the Prussian shifted and yawned, blinking his eyes open. They fixed themselves on Ludwig, and he offered a small smile. "Hello."

"What are you doing here?" Ludwig asked. "Shouldn't you be in Koningsberg?"

Gilbert shrugged. "Can I not take some time off to see you?" He shifted to sit up, stretching his arms out with a yawn.

Ludwig gave him a cautious look. "How did you get here?"

"I walked," Gilbert said flatly. For a moment they looked at each other, before finally he rolled his eyes. "I took a damn train, West. How did you think I get here?"

The younger shifted, looking down in his lap before he placed a hand on Gilbert's knee. "How did you afford it?"

"I fucking saved my money, like any reasonable person."

"Yes, but-"

"Shh!" Gilbert leaned forward and grabbed Ludwig's face to kiss him into silence. "Just enjoy my company for a while, yeah?"

Ludwig huffed, but accepted his request by grabbing his hand.

"I like what you did with it," Gilbert shifted and turned around so he was leaning sideways against Ludwig. The younger man carefully put an arm around him. "The house, I mean. I like that you kept the furniture."

Ludwig looked down at him with a frown. "Kept the furniture?"

"Yeah, y'know. You haven't sold it yet. Might not do any good though…" Gilbert smirked. "I think this couch might buy you a single egg."

Ludwig snorted. "I might as well. I hardly relax enough to enjoy the furniture as it is."

"Well that's why I'm here," Gilbert responded, taking Ludwig's hand and squeezing it. "I don't want you complainin' about shit while I'm around, okay?" He tilted his head and grinned at him.

Ludwig looked at him and cracked a smile. It was perhaps the first in a long, long time. "I will try."