"I told you to not push yourself so hard."
"Oh, do shut up, won't you, Hasi? I don't believe anyone asked for your opinion, impudent brat."
Gilbert had been running himself damn near into the ground as of late. It seemed like every time Ludwig turned around, the Prussian was in a meeting, or in his own fighting practices, or scouting through the woods he had found Ludwig himself in, as though he were bracing for something. The tension was thick in the castle, it was clear something was happening, although little Ludwig had no clue of what. Gilbert seemed more on edge, more quick to snap. But there was worry in those crimson eyes, and it did not sit well with the blonde boy, now curled up on the ground at his brothers feet in the elder man's study.
Nimble fingers eased the silver haired nations boots off carefully, making a tsking noise of scolding and sympathy as Ludwig noticed how swollen his brothers ankle was. "I told you there was a puddle there. I tried to warn you, big brother, but did you listen? Now look what your pride has done to you." He rolled his eyes, not even caring of the disapproving glare he got from the elder at his disrespectful tone. "I don't like seeing you in pain, big brother, and now you've gone and sprained your ankle, so do sit still and let me take care of it?"
It was one of the things his nurse had been teaching him, how to bandage and care for minor wounds. She had been surprised when the little one had asked to learn, citing that he wanted to be able to properly care for his men on the battlefield should they be injured- Dieter had never cared for his humans quite to that degree. And so she had taught him.
Ludwig eased the leg of his brothers trousers up, reaching for the roll of bandages beside him. "Now, I need you to stay still. I don't want to hurt it worse." He warned, rolling his eyes at Gilbert's wince as the bandage began to be wound around the injury, slowly and steadily, until it was bandaged completely. "The Great Kingdom of Prussia, looking as though he'll cry from a simple sprained ankle. Imagine." Ludwig teased with an impudent grin, pressing a kiss to the injured ankle before fixing the elders trouser leg. After all, Gilbert and Miss Adelaide always kissed his injuries, it was only right to return the sentiment.
The blonde moved to fix his brothers drink then, bringing it back to him and crawling up into the silver haired man's lap, small fingers moving to the elders shoulders and beginning to work out the knots they found there, causing a groan of relief to escape the older man's throat. The little one really was entirely good at coaxing the pain to leave him, until he remained fully relaxed.
A chuckle fell from Gilbert's lips, as he turned his head to nuzzle the blonde working so diligently, truly he couldn't stay irritated with the boy. "You do spoil me, dear little Hasi." He teased, pressing a kiss to the blonde covered forehead. "But I tell you again, I am fine. I assure you I've suffered much worse, little one, you needn't waste your energy on an old man like me."
"Old." Ludwig snorted, rolling his eyes once more. "Big brother, the only thing old about you is your hair, and even then, you look younger than half the nurses. Old, he says. Imagine. Besides, I do this because I wish to. You are as much my master as my brother, and I wish to serve. Is not servitude a quality I must learn to serve my people?" He questioned, blue eyes locking on crimson.
Gilbert's eyes softened as he took in every word the younger spoke, before tugging him away from his shoulders, getting the boy situated on his lap, cuddled into the older mans chest, arms protective and strong as they held him. "Oh little one… you truly are too kind to me. Yes, sweet Hasi, that is an important thing to learn. But you are young, and still have much to learn. You needn't waste your time caring for me, I assure you, I am strong enough to care for myself." He was unprepared for the frown of disapproval the little one gave him.
"We are brothers! And you care for me! When I scrape my knees, you bandage them and kiss them better, even if you do grumble about me being a crybaby. It has to go both ways, or you'll return to hating me, I know it. I do not want you to resent me as though you do all for me and I none for you. I want our care to be equal. I know there is much I can't yet do that you do for me. I can't fight for you as you fight for me. I can't protect you, I'm not big enough. But I can care for the small problems, and ease your worry and tension. You've been on edge, and I don't know why." Ludwig protested, his face completely serious.
"Hasi, I promise you, it's nothing to worry about. Simply grown up pro…" Gilbert was interrupted by a knock on the door, setting the child to his feet and answering it. Oh God, what now? Surely this was not about that feeling he'd been having in his gut. He could hope. And hope he did, praying quietly that the feeling had been wrong this past week.
"Sir Gilbert? King Frederick told me to fetch you immediately, you and the little one both. There's a… well. You just need to come sir."
Gilbert gave a curt nod, dismissing the servant before turning to Ludwig, taking his hand and crouching to look into his eyes. "Little one, I've the feeling this situation is less than pleasant. So I need you to stay close to me, alright? If you're too far for me to reach out and grab, you need to move closer. I need to be able to protect you if something happens. Do you understand? Just this once, I will grant you permission to hide against me."
The child nodded, nervousness filling his eyes. What could be bad enough that it had big brother quite this much on edge? He'd never seen the Prussian man quite like this before, and it was more than a little bit frightening.
Gilbert smiled at him soothingly, calloused hands moving to cradle his face, stroking over porcelain skin soothingly. "Shhh, don't fear, sweet little Hasi. I will never let anything harm you or take you from me. Remember our oath? I am yours, and you are mine. No one will change that, I swear it to you." He pressed a gentle kiss to the boys head, before taking his hand once more. "Come along, little Hasi. And remember, stay close. Perhaps it is nothing."
The moment they hit the grand entrance, Gilbert realized just how wrong those words were. It certainly was something, and it was far from good. His eyes hardened, jaw setting as he tugged Ludwig behind him, the boy clutching onto his brothers coat tails and peeking out curiously.
Standing there in front of them was a couple, or at least it seemed a couple to the blonde boy. A man with dark brown hair and a face far too serious for Ludwigs liking, and a pretty lady with brunette curls that hung down her back. She seemed far more gentle, a sweet smile on her lips, although there was no mistaking the tension in her either, the child noted. Who were these people and why did big brother get so angry looking when he saw them?
"Roderich. Elizaveta." Gilbert deadpanned, his tone wary and cautious as he reached behind him to clasp onto Ludwigs hand once more, giving a little squeeze. Whether it was to soothe his brother or himself, he knew not. "Whatever horrible thing have I done to have God send you here as a punishment?" He questioned dryly.
Roderich glared right back. "You didn't inform us. That's him, isn't it? That's the child, and you couldn't even be bothered to write a letter to inform us that the new one had appeared. We've both felt as though something was off lately, and the moment we figured out what it was, we came. He's not yours to selfishly hide. You can't hide him from the others forever." He pointed out.
"Shut up." Gilbert hissed. "You think I would inform you while he was still small and weak? After what happened? Are you mad! And don't even think you are taking my Hasi from me, because I will cut you to ribbons if you so much as lay a hand on one hair of his little head!"
Both Elizaveta and Roderich raised a brow, surprised at the threat. Gilbert had never been that protective of Dieter. He'd fought when they'd taken the boy away, but not so violently, so possessively.
"Gilbert darling, do you really think you should be talking like that in front of the child?" Elizaveta questioned softly. "He's probably already confused and afraid." She stepped forward, crouching to smile at Ludwig, who was still peeking out from behind his brother. "Hello, little one. What is your name? I'm Elizaveta, and I represent Hungary, same as your brother represents Prussia. That man over there is Mister Austria." She paused, emerald eyes locking onto Gilberts own crimson. "Why don't I take the child to another room while you and Roderich talk? He doesn't need to be frightened by any of this."
"Get away from him." Gilbert snarled. "You expect me to leave Ludwig with you when you took… " He took a deep breath, fists clenching. "As if I'd be so foolish twice."
"Gilbert." Roderich's voice was bored and unamused. "Frederick's guards are completely surrounding us, do you really think they would let us run off with… Ludwig?" He questioned, and Gilbert had to confess, he had a point.
"Very well." Gilbert agreed curtly. The Prussian turned, crouching once more to his brother, tapping his nose affectionately. "Ludwig darling, I have to go speak with that pompous ass. Will you be a good boy for me, little Hasi, and stay with Miss Elizaveta? She won't hurt you, of the two, she's far more bearable." He promised, ignoring the look his once childhood friend gave him. "I don't want you to be frightened by our talks, little one, I fear I may grow angry and lose control, and I don't want you to see the full extent of what that entails." He explained, pleased when Ludwig gave an obedient nod, throwing his little arms around Gilberts neck and hugging on tightly. Gilberts own wrapped back around him, holding the little one to him protectively, surprised at the quiet little voice that whispered in his ear, "I've a dagger in my sock if they try anything. Stay safe, big brother, and don't worry."
Had it been any other situation, Gilbert would have laughed at the childs protectiveness. Instead, he only gave a little nod, kissing Ludwigs forehead tenderly. "I'll see you soon, little darling. Remember our oath, and don't fret." He assured, before following Roderich to an empty room. The moment the door was closed and the little one was out of sight, Gilbert turned to Roderich, his expression distorting in fury. "What, it wasn't enough to take little master from me and turn him against me? Now you've come for my Hasi too?"
The Austrian man didn't even flinch as he calmly took a seat, eyeing the Prussian. "You're different with this one. Never would you give Dieter such affection and reassurance, even though you were married."
"As I will be with Ludwig, when he is old enough to understand how nation politics work." Gilbert agreed wryly. "I am tender because this child is not Dieter. He's not a stubborn cold brat. He needs that reassurance, he grows frightened when I'm not around." Gilbert shot back, continuing to glare. "I made him an oath. He is mine, Roderich, and I will kill to keep it that way. And I am his. I promised every ounce of my being to that boy, until the day someone finally cuts me down, he will be mine. Do you understand me? If you try to interfere with that, I won't have much choice in what I do to you. For now, I've allowed your innards to remain where they are purely out of respect for Elizaveta and the friendship her and I once maintained. But try anything to take my little Hasi, and I will act." He warned.
"And how long do you plan on keeping him a secret, Gilbert?" Roderich question, raising one dark brow. "You can't hide him forever, he has responsibilities."
"Until he is old enough to protect himself, to not be killed as Dieter was." The Prussians voice was cold, and dangerous, sending a shiver down even Roderich's spine. "I think you had better go now, my swordhand is getting twitchy."
Pausing, Roderich gave a curt nod. "Of course. I will not tell of his existence for now, Gilbert, but I suggest you work faster on preparing the child. You and I both know what he is to be, and he's needed desperately." He murmured, leaving the room and returning with Gilbert to where Elizaveta and Ludwig sat playing on the floor. "Liza, darling, come. We're leaving now."
"Goodbye, little Ludwig. Behave yourself for your brother, take good care of him! He may be good at war, but he really is nothing for sentiment." Elizaveta told the boy with a smile, drawing a giggle from the child, as she kissed his head and stood. "Goodbye Gilbert. I really do hope some day, you'll forget your resentment to see clearly." She murmured, causing the Prussian to look away as the two left the palace. It hurt. Her betrayal was still so fresh in his mind, an open wound in his chest. One more thing he swallowed down. He was brought out of his stupor by a small hand sliding into his own, glancing down, just to see Ludwig offering him a reassuring, loving smile.
With a silent nod, Gilbert tightened his own fingers around the youngers, walking hand in hand back into the study.
