This story is a pairing of the characters Russia(Ivan) and Prussia(Gilbert) from Axis Powers Hetalia. In other words, it contains gay themes. Do not continue if this is not what you were looking for. It is purely fanfiction and is not related to the comic or animation at all. It is also barely - if at all, based on real history.


June, 1932

A Memory

Two young men stood, gazing out the window of the office room. It was the home of Ludwig. Outside their window which stood three stories up was a crowd of men and women with signs and angered spirits. Already it had been over two years since the stock market had crashed in New York. It had been a catalyst for the whole world. The global economy was in the can, and thousands of people cried out in agony as they lost their livelihoods and no longer could feed their families or keep their homes.

"What have the numbers raised to now brother?" The albino asked. His eyes were tired from a lack of sleep. His clothes were getting old and worn, even his shoes had holes in them. To think a young man like himself could be in a position like this. But since the war had ended, everything had gone downhill. As far as the Germans were concerned though it was effectively much worse a situation for them and their people thanks to the debts they owed from the war being compounded by the global economy. Gilbert and Ludwig had both been barely able to make money. What use was working so hard when they received almost nothing for it? It was hard enough to feed yourself let alone pay your debts. Yet they kept working.

"There are over six million unemployed now." The tall blonde replied. Ludwig's clothes were not in quite as poor shape as Gilbert's were, but that was only because the German man usually kept his uniform for certain occasions. But you could see in his eyes that he had become weary of the whole situation. Especially by the sheer number of Cuckoo Clocks he had been making. "I have been creating as many jobs as I can. But it is hard to keep those businesses afloat when there is no money to be had." Sullen, he moved back to his desk which was covered in papers, wood, tools and an unfinished clock he had been working on. Behind his desk were stacks of parts and clocks in different states of being finished. "Soon enough our people are going to be champion clock makers." Gilbert almost cracked a smile at his own words, his eyes hovering for a moment over the crowd before he turned to follow. Ludwig didn't appreciate the joke.

Looking at this room only made their situation more evident. It was obvious that Ludwig had been forced to sell quite a few things. Where once the walls were lined with metals, fine paintings and decor there was only faded wall paper. His furniture was gradually disappearing as well. Where once there had been fancy recliners, side tables, and foot stools in front of his fire-place, only a simple wooden stool sat. At least he still had his desk and chair though. Some things were still necessary. "And what of the recent elections? I hear that Austrian man and his party has been doing well." Gilbert asked, standing next to Ludwig's desk as his brother sorted through papers he had strewn about. Ludwig smiled.

"He is still promising to overturn the Treaty of Versailles. I hope to god he's serious if he does get into power. Right now the Nazi party's favor is only growing. He already has 40 of the electorate votes." Ludwig told him.

Gilbert sighed. "If anyone can help our people, I'll be glad for it."

Little did they know what was to come.


Just a little peek into Pre-WW2 and Hitler's rise to power.

I want to thank my friends, as well as the kind Welcome Back of Krolik.
(You brought a smile to my face and I really appreciated it~)

More to come!