Go Your Own Way
Affliction
Author's Note:
Yes, Yes I do love playing with the Jett and Ludwig shipping. It is soooo fun. Also small note Ivan is like…my baby. Originally he wasn't in this but…well…I can't leave out my baby. T-T
Well this chapter to me fiddles on just a bit…I almost feel as though more should have happened but hell…next chapter the real fun begins.
And seeing as Mantyke30 mentioned Germany's control…heh, I thought it'd be entertaining to toss a little in. It's not a lemon but it's still kinda fun.
Also thank you so much for your help Hetabee. :3 And you know… for putting up with me. =_='
…
…
England's Visit.
Germany quietly set up the living room. He went about the mundane task with a certain glow about him, oh sure this meeting was a stretch from friendly or enjoyable but Ludwig could not remove the small smile on his face.
Oh yes, this was one huge mess and they were bound to take a while to mend but with things as they were now Ludwig could see a wonderful outcome.
He'd have Gilbert come home and rebuild what he'd destroyed before grounding him for the foreseeable future and Ludwig would even be kind enough to arrange for Christian and Toby to see their brother and hopeful iron out their last dispute – no vital regions involved.
Arthur was simply the last problem to remove before this bloody affair could be put behind them. For that he still had Russia lingering if things got ugly.
For his meeting with Arthur Germany had the good sense to have his new allies go out, a simple shopping errand to keep them entertained while he tied up the last loose end. He knew that they were not terribly pleased with him however, having allowed Russia to go with them. It must have been uncomfortable for them to escort the scary nation but having him without someone to keep an eye on him was simply not an option.
Humming his national anthem to himself Ludwig finished laying out his best tea set, he felt the need to approach Arthur in a welcoming, homely manner even if his feelings towards the other were anything but friendly. Ludwig was aware that his good mood was a little bit extreme and his faint smile had not gone unnoticed by Italy who may have just dropped dead of a heart attack had Kiku not been there to distract him from the abnormal behaviour Ludwig was displaying.
Ludwig never really looked happy, he could feel it but on the outside there was usually very little expression on his face so he did understand the other's reaction to his current behaviour. Even when in his most glowing mood his smile would barely pass for a small smile by a normal person's standards, though on Ludwig it was certainly a sight to behold.
All of the blood lust and sinister intent had just…bled away from him. Oh, Ludwig was still barking mad no doubt there. But he no longer wanted to see the possible war he'd had his eyes set on before. Arthur wanted war even less so things were shaping up to have a fairly easy, non-
violent conclusion. How lovely.
Ludwig glanced up from the now set up table, towards the window. It was beginning to get dark and not for the first time Germany worried over his allies. The three were out with Russia as a form of protection for them and a way to have someone keep an eye on Russia at the same time. They were not late but Ludwig still worried. He wanted this meeting to come to a close quickly and quietly so that Jett would not need to see England at all.
But England was taking his time.
Agitation slowly began to leak into Ludwig as he waited impatiently for Arthur to appear at the door. Was the Englishman making him wait on purpose? Was he trying to get under the ever punctual Ludwig's skin? Perhaps but Germany knew he had to remain calm, he had to pull himself back under control.
He'd exercised that control this morning when he and Jett had been in the bathroom.
It would have been easy to give into his more feral urges when he had the small male trapped in with him. It had been terribly tempting to do so, it would have been so wonderfully easy to abuse Jett in that moment but Ludwig had been able to rein himself in and keep his much needed self-control.
If he was able to keep this as a continuous trend he would not need to worry about breaking his new companion or scaring him off, it would take effort but Ludwig was determined to do so. For Jett's sake.
"Gott." Ludwig cursed, tapping his finger against his knee in irritation as his patience began to thin out. "Where is he…?" England was taking too long, he was not normally this tardy.
Before Ludwig's head could all but explode there was a small noise at the door, a gentle tapping of someone's knocking. Jolting up right a relieved smile crossed his face before Ludwig composed himself and stood to answer the door.
He was not sure what he expected to see when he swung the door open for England that evening. Some part of Germany suspected he'd be greeted with hostility or desperation by the other, that the England he saw on the other side would be a wreck but the more logical side of Ludwig knew that wouldn't be the case…and that disappointed him.
Ludwig would have liked to see England anxious and broken.
Instead when Ludwig opened the front door that evening he was greeted with the cool and composed England he knew best. The other was adjusting his cuffs before the door was opened and very casually glanced over to Ludwig, letting nothing but his hateful eyes betray his true feelings.
"Good evening Germany." He greeted the other with a thin smile. "I trust you didn't wait too long?"
Ludwig smiled back pleasantly as his grip on the door tightened, a vein popping on the back of his hand. Oh he waited more than long enough, the cheeky little…
"Nein, not at all." Ludwig lied in a polite tone. "Bitte, come in."
After inviting Arthur in Ludwig left the doorway, heading back towards the living room with England in tow. The quiet click of the door shutting behind them caused Ludwig to glance back and notice the unreserved scowl Arthur held for Ludwig when his back was turned. The sight made Germany smirk just slightly though he kept his amusement to himself.
"You're looking well, Germany." Arthur spoke in a conversation tone though he struggled to keep away the cold edge to his words.
"Danke, I'm feel quite good as of late. It's a shame, you seem a little less comfortable." Ludwig responded calmly and without a touch of mocking in his tone added. "How does your eye feel?"
Arthur's fingers went to the eye patch still securely over his face. The sting had not faded with time and he was still blind, he did not know if he would ever recover his sight.
"Manageable." He spat, not trying to hide his contempt this time.
Ludwig allowed Arthur to walk into the living room first, holding the door open for him with that same pleasant expression though neither of them were anything close to friendly at that point. With the poise Ludwig had come to expect of England the other seated himself comfortably on one of the lounges, his gaze set on the still hot tea awaiting him.
A thousand thoughts must have been going through the British man's head. He must have been considering whether Germany was going to try and trap him or not and if he should be wary of the tea in front of him. Germany watched with mild amusement as the clogs in Arthur's head began to grind together slowly, judging every little thing in the living room.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Ludwig took his seat opposite his guest. The two looking at one another with cautious eyes, sizing the other up in silence as the sound of the ticking clock broke the eerie quiet with every little tick of its turning needle.
Arthur did not reach for the offered tea as of yet and Ludwig outright ignored his own. Although it was tense and deathly quiet between the two there was a noticeable amount of electricity in the air. Excitement.
Ludwig had to fight the smile down while England had to keep himself for fidgeting. For better or worse they were both excited, one of them would be coming away from this meeting with Australia and both were convinced it would be them.
"Ahem." Arthur cleared his throat and forced himself to be the first to speak, after all it was he that called this meeting in the first place. "On the matter of our recent…affairs. I believe things have long since gone past sensible reason and logic." He began uneasily, careful not to word it too aggressively.
"Ja." Ludwig answered simply in a very agreeable tone. "I would hate for things to escalate any further than this."
Arthur was – understandably – taken aback by the attitude that Ludwig displayed. He'd come into that meeting fully intending to try and argue out a truce with Ludwig who had seemed so adamant about starting a conflict with him earlier.
As England's green hues bore into Ludwig's cold blue ones there was another small stretch of silence as England tried to gauge what it was that Germany wanted. He had said not a day before that war was on his mind but now he was agreeing that conflict was not the way to go? It seemed too convenient to Arthur, too easy. There had to be a catch or it must have been a flat out lie.
"I propose neither of us take action. No politics or warfare involved. A peaceful resolution to this little game." Ludwig suggested evenly, further stunning the Brit.
"You seem surprised, Britain." Ludwig spoke eventually, barely able to contain the mocking note that slipped into his tone. "Did you expect something else?"
"W-Well…" Arthur stumbled before rubbing the back of his head with that polite smile. "I did not think we'd agree so easily. It's a relief." He admitted quietly as he took up the tea cup into his hands, unable to suppress the relieved sigh that left his lips. He couldn't believe his good fortune to have this end on a peaceful note and so quickly at that.
"Ja. This settles things very easily. Danke, for coming here to iron out this misunderstanding..." With a smile Ludwig reached for his cup of tea, a casual air surrounding him as he finally gave voice to the unspoken catch.
"I'll be sure to inform little bruder of our agreement. Jett will be relieved."
Arthur all but choked on his tea.
"Ah, Britain, are you okay?" Ludwig asked with a false act of concern as Arthur spluttered and coughed.
"Wha-What the bloody hell do you mean by that?" Arthur finally choked out. "Your brother?" He demanded, anger getting the better of him.
"Is there something wrong with that?" Ludwig asked with a sly smile. "Jett belongs to me."
"You were to return Jett into my care!" Arthur snapped furiously. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Change of plans." Ludwig answered flatly. "Australia remains with me. I'll also be asking both Christian and Toby to come and see their brother to resolve their little family spat."
Arthur looked as though the clogs that had been grinding in his head had all just shattered and he was left there staring at Ludwig with wide eyes, hands trembling on the cup.
There had been a catch, Ludwig had no intention of returning what he stole.
"He's quite happy here with us. I see no reason for him to be going with you, Britain, it would only upset him." Ludwig spoke smoothly, enjoying the obvious suffering his words brought to England.
"He's not your brother!" Arthur growled, setting his tea cup down with a loud clank. "You're deluded if you think for one bloody second that he will ever be-"
"Britain." Ludwig cut across him coolly. "He belongs to me. No matter what you call my relationship to Australia he is mein and I will not return him to you."
Arthur cringed from those sharp eyes that stared into him. Ludwig was like a stone as he stared the smaller nation down and Arthur got to see what it was Ludwig seemed to hide so very well. He was completely barking mad.
His insanity and desperation reflected in those glowing blue orbs as they stared at one another, it was almost as if Ludwig was a doll with those unnatural eyes peering into England.
It unnerved Arthur but more than anything else it made him fear for his little brother's safety.
"I made sure of this already. Even if you were to 'save' him in some way he wouldn't go with you nor would he stay by your side." Gradually, a smile came onto Ludwig's face though it held not so much as a shred of genuine warmth. It was cold and empty. "It's pointless to even try. He's been claimed by me entirely."
"You warped him." England growled accusingly. "Messed with his head! He'll come to his senses eventually."
"And I'll break his sense of justice a second time." Ludwig replied bluntly. "And then a third, and a fourth. I'll break him down as many times as I need to. He is mein."
"I must thank you though, Britain. You made it easy." Ludwig said mockingly while taking a sip of his tea. "He was broken long before I picked him up, it was easy to work with your leftovers."
"Why you…" England's hands tightened into fists but Ludwig merely smirked.
"Are you going to strike me, Great Britain?" Arthur flinched back and grit his teeth. "As expected, you can't. If you do try to fight back you'll start that war you're so afraid of. No matter how you look at it…you've lost. I've played my cards and you have none left."
"It was a fun game and now that I've won, I'll enjoy the spoils." Arthur's gaze narrowed as Ludwig's grin widened. "Funny when it's the other way around, ja?"
"Now listen here!" Arthur shouted, slamming his hands down onto the table as he stood, fury driving him to be reckless. "If you think I'll just sit back and let you-"
"You have no choice." Ludwig reminded him sharply.
"….Germany." Arthur muttered quietly, glaring down at the table under his fists. "I've changed my mind also."
Ludwig's smile dropped at those words and his body tensed slightly. As he looked at England now he could see the real conflict going on behind his façade and Ludwig knew immediately that things would not be ending on a peaceful note. That was now impossible.
"If war was your original goal…I hope you enjoy it." Arthur spoke coldly. "Because I will not let this indiscretion of yours go unpunished."
"Ah…" Ludwig breathed with a faint smile. "So…war is it then?"
"War it is." Arthur confirmed darkly, all logic gone to the wind. "Return what you stole now and perhaps I'll over look it." He offered Ludwig one last chance.
"Nein." It was a cold and confident refusal. "I will not give up what is mein."
"Ludwig, we're home!"
Both nations froze at the sound of a familiar voice calling to them.
Arthur looked up towards the door where the sounds were coming from, gentle footfalls nearing the door. Arthur wasn't sure what to think, what to expect of his apparently insane little brother.
Ludwig also stared at the door, teeth grit in an angry grimace. Why had they been home now? Why did they have to return at this exact moment? Of all the bad timing…
"Ludwig?" Jett's voice was closer now and the footsteps louder but neither dared move, neither knew what to do as the other approached.
"Hey mate." Jett sounded happy, he even laughed while speaking to what he thought was just Ludwig. "See we're back in one piece…?" The door swung open…
"Jett, wait!" Germany barked, sitting up straight as the door opened. He had to keep Arthur and Jett apart, sometimes Jett's feelings towards his big brother were unpredictable and Ludwig did not want things turning in the Englishman's favour. But it was too little too late.
Standing in the doorway Jett's smile still on his face as he turned to a statue where he stood. He looked like a deer caught in the headlights as he looked in on the strange meeting. It was as though he'd just gone completely blank, unable to process a single logical thought.
Arthur stared back at his little brother. He had been expecting and fearing many things when he first saw Jett again but he hadn't expected….this. Jett was absolutely glowing.
It was as though he'd just had the best day of his life and every single step he took was one he enjoyed. Although his mood seemed ruined by this sudden surprise Arthur could still see the happiness he had been feeling not too long before entering this room.
"Jett…" Arthur slowly turned to Jett, afraid if he moved too quickly the other would react rashly. He held his hands up in a surrender kind of fashion, the motion one would make when approaching a scared or injured animal.
At his name Jett regained sense and control of his body and with his hand still on the door he staggered back a step away from Arthur, his expression becoming a mix of confusion and pain – it was almost as though seeing the elder brother brought him some kind of physical harm.
"W-Why?" He asked breathlessly. "Why are you…here?" Jett sounded small when he spoke but there was the usual anger somewhere in there. It was a maddening mix of uncertain fear and anger.
"Jett, lad…" Arthur took another step towards his little brother.
"No! You shouldn't be here. Why are you here? Why now?" He moaned clinging himself to the door as he shied away from his former brother.
Ludwig had thought he would need to step in but this seemed to do Arthur more harm than it did help so he was pleased to sit back and watch England fumble with his attempts.
"I…I came to bring you home lad." Arthur spoke softly, a bit of desperation in his voice. "Like you asked me to…remember?"
Ludwig's jaw clenched. Red tinting his vision at those words.
"I…I don't want to go. J-Just forget I asked, go away." Jett muttered quietly, avoiding Arthur's gaze.
Smiling nervously Arthur took another apprehensive step forward, noticing that Jett was looking at his shoes as he came closer but did not try to run any further. Encouraged Arthur was able to get within arm's length of Jett, he knew what it was his little brother needed now. He just had to be a little more assertive, he had to put in the effort to regain Jett.
Even if he was pushed away and snarled at, Arthur knew he had to push on because that was just how Jett was. He had such a dishonest little brother…
"Lad, I'm sorry." Arthur spoke quietly to Jett. "Everyone is waiting back home. Chris and Toby…they're waiting for you."
Jett raised his head slightly at his brother's words. Eyes flashing slightly as he thought of Chris and Toby, could they really be waiting on him?
"Are they…angry?" Jett sounded like a scared child but it only encouraged Arthur.
"Not at all." He reassured Jett hastily, taking a step forward a little too fast and causing Jett to recoil slightly. Right, baby steps, baby steps. "They want you home, we could hardly stop Chris from coming himself."
"They're safe?" Jett asked a little more normally. "Not…hurt?"
Arthur hesitated, he couldn't tell Jett the condition of his brothers. That pause caught Jett's notice and Ludwig decided this was getting far too dangerous and stepped in.
"Can they even stand?" He asked casually. "From the amount of blood I found outside after that explosion you orchestrated I assumed they'd be bedridden."
Arthur cursed Ludwig silently as he noticed Jett's hand tightening into a fist. Ludwig had said it the correct way, causing guilt in Jett and forcing blame onto Arthur all in the same breath.
"T-They're resting." Arthur tried to recover but it seemed Jett was becoming hostile again as his shoulders tensed up.
"Resting?" He demanded furiously. "If you hadn't blown up the place they would be perfectly fin-…!" Jett stopped dead when he looked up to glare at Arthur. The sight of Arthur's damaged eye reflecting in his eyes.
Jett's shoulders began to shake as he stared at the eye patch, remembering having tried to carve up his older brother when having given him the injury. Arthur noticed his horrified gaze and quickly pressed his hand to his face with a shaky smile.
"It's fine lad. Can't feel a thing." He lied but Jett just kept staring. It was as though he was caught between hating his brother and wanting to hug him in the same moment. This sense of guilt that Jett felt when he saw his own handy work made both Ludwig and Arthur uneasy.
"Jett…?" Arthur's gaze noticed something wrong with Jett in return – or rather the lack of something. "Where is your necklace?"
Jett's fingers when to his throat where the necklace should have been, murky green eyes widening as he was reminded of his absence. Ludwig saw the dark haze beginning to cloud Jett's regretful eyes and knew that in a moment Arthur would be sorry for standing so close to Jett.
"The explosion…" Jett growled, hand clenching into a tight fist as his eyes narrowed into a hateful glare. "That you caused….broke my heart. My heart." He seethed furiously.
"N-No lad you got it wrong!" Arthur tried to defend himself but Jett wasn't hearing it. Arthur knew the importance of that necklace to Jett. He'd seen it many times, he'd even seen Jett use it as a life line when he was at his lowest. It was for all intents and purposes his heart. If it had been broken…
"Do you have…any idea how that felt?" Jett hissed lowly. "It really hurt, Arthur it really fucking hurt."
Jett's eyes opened wide, iris shrinking down to the size of a pin head as all reason was lost to grief and anger. Jett raised his fist furiously, planning to strike Arthur down with all of his strength but a firm set of large arms wrapped around Jett's upraised arms, holding him back from beating Arthur. Infuriated Jett struggled furiously, tears burning his eyes as he tried to get at England.
"You bastard!" He shouted when his attempts to free himself from the iron like grasp of his captor failed. "Why? Why must you take everything from me? Will you not be happy until you've kill me, Arthur?" Jett screamed at the other.
"Now, now." Jett's captor cooed gently with an ever present smile. "Little Australia needs to calm down, da?"
"I-Ivan?" Jett glanced over his shoulder at the smiling male that restrained him, unable to understand why he was being held back in the first place.
Britain was so startled by Jett's outburst that he had not even tried to protect himself from the attack and it was purely because Jett was restrained that he had not been struck. As he watched Jett struggling Arthur recalled the last time that he'd seen Jett so desperate to escape a captor and frowned as the guilt returned.
To make matters worse Arthur could now see just how far gone Jett was, to flick between rage and fear so sporadically, without any rhyme or reason…his little brother was just about as crazed as his German captor.
England opened his mouth to try again but gradually closed it with no words coming out. He knew what had to be done now, simple pleas and appeals to reason would get him nowhere with Jett, the only thing his violent little brother understood were actions, Arthur had to take action to prove himself…so action it was.
Turning on his side Arthur glared at Germany, all the hatred in the world summed up into a single look.
"Have it your way, kraut." Arthur seethed, the evidence of a once great and powerful empire all but radiated from the angry Brit. "For now I'll retreat. But when I return next – and I will very soon – I'll you are going to regret doing this."
"Are you really threatening me so thoughtlessly, England?" Ludwig asked, voice cold as he stared at the other.
"A promise." Arthur corrected him sharply. "I will not fail my brother a second time and I will not lose to you. Not in this fight. That there is my little brother!" Arthur told him firmly, as though there was never any doubt in the first place.
"I am not going to let you do whatever you damn well please with my family!"
Jett had stopped struggling against Ivan and stared blankly at his big brother. It had been a while since he saw Arthur stand so tall and against Germany he seemed almost back to the empire he'd once been. Jett had not seen that fire in his brother in so many years…and to think now it was directed at Germany for his sake. After all Jett had learned about Arthur he never was able to figure out the other's feelings towards him.
What was his big brother thinking…? What was he doing?
Why did Arthur never make sense to Jett?
Damn it Arthur. Just…why?
Arthur turned his back on Germany and began to stalk towards Jett and Ivan. Russia's arms curled tighter around Jett and the other instinctively shied away from his approaching brother, noting the heat that radiated off of him as he neared. But Arthur did not lash out or curse at Jett as he expected, instead he stopped in front of the two during his path towards the door.
"I won't abandon you this time." He murmured to Jett, voice barely above a whisper. Arthur's hand reached out and rest against Jett's head gently, a gesture he once did often when Jett was a child. "This time I'll be by your side, Jack."
"It is time you be letting go." Ivan told Arthur cheerfully though the temperature did drop dramatically. "Da?"
"Hmpf. Very well." Arthur's haze gaze turned on Ivan's smiling face. "I suppose I'll see you on the battle field as well." With that he turned away and left the room without another word.
All three nations waited in silence until they heard the loud slam of the front door, signaling Arthur's departure.
"Ivan…" Jett muttered, straining his arms slightly. "T-Tight…"
Russia blinked innocently down at Jett, noticing how his small body seemed to bend in his grasp. Jett was quite a breakable little thing. Ivan giggled before releasing his arms and allowing the other to breathe and rub his sore joints.
"Thanks for your help and all but did you have to dislocate my bloody shoulders to do it?" Jett grumbled, seeming to return to normal once Arthur had left.
"Ah, sorry but little Jett is fragile." Ivan explained simply, his sorry sounding like a fib.
"Do I need to punch you again?" Jett growled back indignantly, unaware of Germany walking towards him until the other had grabbed him painfully by the wrist.
"Ah? Hey Ludwig what gives-" Jett started to complain before he was all but dragged from the living room, shouting his complaints as Russia watched without the usual smile. Ivan did not stop Ludwig from forcibly pulling Jett away from the room, he did not even voice his displeasure but then again Ivan was not kind enough to do anything to help the little Australian out.
"Hey!" Jett was trying to get the silent Ludwig's attention as he was jerked up the stairs. "Are you deaf or what? I'm talking to you."
Jett winced at Ludwig's grip on his arm tightened, almost to breaking point. Desperately Jett began to claw at the offending hand but found it was about as effective as scratching a brick wall. Jett's cringed in pain as he continued to tug against Ludwig, fearing his wrist would snap in a moment and he knew he wouldn't be coming away without bruises, at best.
"Germany. You're hurting me damn it, let go!" Jett shouted even as he was forcibly jerked into Germany's room. Only then was his arm released as Ludwig flung him inside so that he could slam the door shut and lock it.
Jett froze, feeling a familiar chill feeling the room. It was as though a switch had been flicked and even Jett's thick skull knew it was dangerous to be with Ludwig right then. When Ludwig turned to look at him Jett's heart jumped into his throat seeing those cold eyes glowering down at him. Scrambling back frantically Jett tripped over his own two feet in his hast to escape, landing painfully on his backside but still he continued to back away from the approaching German.
I should have run away. Should have run away, should have run away!
Jett thought frantically but he knew those thoughts were paper thin. Everything he thought he knew and believed held as much weight as a leaf blown on a summer wind, he had no sense of self anymore. He was simply whatever the situation demanded he be, whatever his captor demanded he be. If he was with England or Germany it didn't matter, Jett had nothing he could solidly identify as himself anymore.
Jett cried out in alarm as Ludwig's large hands came down on him, grabbing hold of his upraised hands. Jett had tried to simply shield his head but Ludwig was always stronger and easily tore those arms away from his face and not a moment later they were pinned back against the wall behind Jett.
Without thinking Jett began to kick and squirm, shouting the familiar chorus of 'get off' and 'let me go'. None of it did him any good as Ludwig trapped him in, kneeling in between his wildly kicking legs.
"Halt!" Ludwig barked the command angrily, tightening his grip on Jett's wrists, putting a stop to that agitating struggling.
What had he done? He arrived home on time, he had brought what Ludwig asked him to and there had been no problems on the way. Why was he so angry? It wasn't Jett's fault that England was here, it wasn't his fault! It wasn't!
Jett's desperate thoughts were cut short as that grip loosened just slightly. Timidly Jett looked up at Ludwig's scowling gaze.
"You're thinking about escaping again, ja?" He asked quietly, his voice laced in venom. "Thinking about England again?"
"N-No you got it wrong!" Jett exclaimed quickly, trying again to free himself, to reassure Ludwig he wasn't going to misbehave. "I'm not thinking about-"
"Liar!" Ludwig snapped and that rough touch returning as his eyes seemed to burn straight through Jett. It was terrifying, Jett was trembling because he knew exactly what it was Ludwig was thinking, exactly what kind of punishment he would implement if not reassured appropriately.
"England was right…" He added coldly. "You did call out for help…tsk." Ludwig glared down at Jett, accusation in his gaze, it was as though the simple reminder of Jett's earlier attempts to run away still personally insulted him and added salt to the wound.
Jett's eyes widened slightly as he was reminded of this. He had called England for help hadn't he? Why would he do that…? After all he was afraid of the malicious nation that was his former brother wasn't he? But wasn't he also afraid of Ludwig? Where did the truth begin and the lies end? Jett didn't know anymore, he didn't know why he called for England and why he had not left with him today. Jett held nothing in his brain but confused questions. It had gotten to the stage when Jett simply wondered…who am I now?
"F-Fine…" Jett muttered quietly, becoming limp in those calloused hands, gaze dropping to the floor as a kind of defeat washed over him. "Say whatever the hell you want…"
The truth is I don't know what a lie is anymore…
Jett closed his eyes and in the darkness he saw the things he always saw. Chris and Zea looked so lively in his mind, so incredibly happy…just the way Jett thought they always should look. He saw his brother's smiles, their happy faces held with outstretched hands – waiting for Jett to come home. Jett wanted to take those hands but somehow he could not.
Ludwig's hands let go of his wrists and began to pull at his clothes. Jett kept his eyes firmly shut, feeling the cold air hitting his body as he was exposed but Jett dared not look. Even as he was stripped down shamefully he continued to instead look at that familiar images in the darkness behind his eyes.
Jett flinched as Ludwig's cold hands pressed against his exposed body, coarse in nature but fleeting in touch as they informally danced across his body.
If I was lying to you or not I don't know…
Behind Jett's closed eyes he could see other familiar forms. Italy's smiling face after he was comforted gently by a tolerant version of himself. In this new vision Italy smiled past his tears and offered his hand excitedly to Jett as well. Expecting Jett to take them without hesitation.
Jett cried out at Ludwig's rough hands touched him in places he knew would cause the smaller male discomfort – though he could not call it painful. Not really. Not yet.
I wouldn't lie to you if I could help it….
Kiku came next, quietly laughing in a polite manner behind his kimono as he shared manga with Jett. In the darkness there was the tint of Kiku's cherry blossom trees but they could not light up everything with their gentle glow. In the shade of the cherry blossom trees Kiku held an offered book out to Jett.
Another painfully pleasant touch to his chest, pinching sensitive skin cruelly. Jett tried to stop the sounds his made, biting his lip sharply to keep them in. Ludwig knew how to torture him sweetly, it was worse than if he'd simply hit him.
"Don't." Ludwig's voice came out coarsely and sounded terribly close to Jett's ear. "Let them out."
Ludwig's large hands easily handled the compliant nation and Jett found himself being flipped over, large hands cautiously holding his body close even in this new position. Still Jett did not dare open his eyes.
I've been alone for all this time….
In the dark Jett saw Ivan smiling at him in that eerie was of his. One hand clutching a sunflower and the other tightly grasping what looked like a faucet but despite his smiling it looked as though Ivan was crying. In the darkness Jett smiled faintly at the other and held out his hand, wishing he'd stop that crying.
A slight pressure danced over Jett's lips, causing his hands to tighten into tautly balled up fists. The pressure continued until Jett had to give in and open his mouth, allowing the invading fingers inside.
I haven't told the truth in so many years, I don't remember how to do it…
In the darkness Prussia grinned at him, glasses of beer in either hand and with one he offered the drink towards Jett. Prussia laughed in his normal annoying way and somehow it broke Jett's heart.
Jett's lip began to bleed as he felt the beginnings of an invasion on Germany's part. It was just one finger which was fairly considerate but it felt sickening inside of Jett.
If I'm only able to tell lies with this mouth…
America turned to look at Jett and grinned with an arrogant thumbs up. It seemed he was looking for backup in Jett as he held out his hand to the other through the darkness. By his side the young boy Jett had known as his big brother also stood, waiting to play another hero game with him no doubt.
Another finger and a cry got free from Jett. He turned to biting his fist instead, fully aware of the way Ludwig's eyes studied his every little move.
I'd rather be silent and unseen…
Canada nervously waved, his little polar bear neatly tucked under his chin as he offered a shaky hand to Jett. By his side the young boy that was often got the short end of his brother's games hide himself against his older self's leg, waving shyly as well.
Jett's back arched with an unfamiliar cry of pleasure falling from his mouth as that precious place in his body was gently coaxed by the invading fingers.
"Found it…" Ludwig's quiet voice murmured, sounding pleased as Jett's body began to shake and quiver in a different way.
If I told you I hate you….
For a second Jett's world was blank, the darkness somewhat suffocating without the presence of the happy images that comforted him. Then in the haze of the black world Jett caught a glance of a familiar pair of green eyes and a black and silver iron cross shining through the dark.
"Sto- Ngh..!" Jett's voice became free as one hand weakly pushed back against Ludwig's assaulting hand. His fingers clumsily pushed against the other, uselessly slipping and sliding over Ludwig's gloved hand, unable to do so much as grab him properly as his brain began to turn to mush. But still his eyes remained shut.
Or if I said I love you…
Arthur was smiling in that familiar bitter sweet way of his. Looking at Jett with an expression he couldn't properly name, if it was kind or cruel he couldn't tell. Ever so slowly Arthur's hand rose and just as in the visions before this Arthur in the darkness offered his hand to Jett.
Ludwig had not yet claimed Jett but he was already in this sorry state. The heat burned through every part of Jett's body, blinding him to sense and reason and binding him to his abuser again. Ludwig was patient after all he would have plenty of time after Jett had lost his mind to do what he wanted.
If I said that to either of you…
Ludwig stood opposite Arthur facing to the side, away from both Jett and Arthur, but the two were not divided by distance as they waited for Jett. Ludwig's hand outstretched in a way that made it seem he was not terribly invested in the whole thing but still he had that stubborn nervous look on his face as he also waited for Jett to take his hand.
Jett's brain went blank as the unfamiliar burst of white light flashed over his eyes, followed by a violent shudder and jerking of his hips. It took him a few minutes after the sudden burst of pleasure to realise what had happened and when his did, guilt followed. Bowing his head down into his arms Jett gnawed on his already bleeding lip, tears budding at the corners of his eyes.
Would that also be a lie?
Jett's eyes did not open but in the haze of afterglow and growing shame his eyes shifted as though they intended to do so, shaking the dark comforting world as they did. In a panic Jett reached out desperately in the darkness, wishing to take someone's hand, anyone's, hell even America's would do – but it was too late. His eyes opened and he lost the comforting world he'd conjured up behind his eyes.
"Jett." Ludwig spoke quietly to him, voice lacking the warmth he sometimes showed towards the other. "We're not finished yet."
Jett's outstretched hand gradually curled back to his chest and tightened into a fist as tears were born anew. Those images he made to comfort himself…they were probably also lies. If Jett couldn't stop lying to himself how could he be expected to tell anyone else the truth?
Closing his eyes Jett rest his head in his arms in defeat.
This time the comfort did not come with the closing of his eyes and this time he was alone in the dark. It was a familiar feeling but he took no relief in that familiarity.
Yeah…
Jett thought dully as the real punishment began.
They'd probably also be lies…
All is a lie in love and war, right?
….
….
It was dark in the house when Germany sat up. His room was a mess, something that didn't sit well with him but for some reason Ludwig couldn't force himself to fix it. His bed was the worst of all, sheets pulled up and tangled around its two occupants, perhaps they'd gotten a little too rowdy that night. Sitting in an unnaturally relaxed fashion Ludwig glanced over at the sleeping nation by his side.
A single sheet was haphazardly tossed over both Jett and Ludwig's naked bodies, at least covering them sufficiently should a certain young Italian decide to burst in uninvited during the night time hours. As Jett slept Ludwig noticed the way he desperately clutched the pillow to his chest as his body trembled and shook slightly.
His light flesh was littered with newly formed bruises, the nastiest bruises already beginning to swell and turn a sickly shade of purple. In some places Jett was still bleeding, the self-inflicted wound on his lip still seeping the dark crimson liquid, it was one of the few injuries that did not belong to Ludwig's hands.
As the older male looked down on the sleeping body of his prisoner there was a hallow expression sitting on his face. He did not look on Jett with malicious or cruel eyes, he simply stared in a disconnected way, as though he had no part in this scene. Once the red haze had faded from Ludwig's eyes he sincerely wished he did not belong in this setting, it was the first time he'd felt such a disheartening feeling so immediately after laying hands on Jett. It had not been planned, it had not been cautiously calculated and Ludwig had acted purely out of anger and fear.
If he could take it back he would have, if he could bring himself to openly admit he was wrong he would have. If he knew how to apologise to the other properly he would but he could do none of those things. This control and order was fragile, if for a second Ludwig showed any sign of weakness or uncertainty, it would break.
Ludwig knew this, he knew it better than anyone else ever could and yet still he managed to doubt himself.
Frustrated Ludwig threw the sheet off and worked on making himself presentable for his own home. He had too many guests wandering about to be unsightly.
As Ludwig dressed the moon was still in the sky, offering light into the otherwise black room. It poured in through the open window and shone back on Ludwig's face through the mirror. As he finished pulling on his clothes Ludwig's eye caught the sight of Jett curling into a tighter protective ball, shivering against the cold that his warm blooded nation was not use to after Ludwig had kicked the sheets off them both.
Turning back towards the bed Ludwig watched in silence as the other trembled. It was strange but even though the air's slightly chilly temperature had never bothered Ludwig it always seemed warmer when Jett was around. Sometimes when Jett was angry it almost seemed to burn and when he smiled it felt like the summer days in Australia did. It was a strange kind of heat that Jett carried with him, Chris carried it as well and Ludwig could only presume that this trait extended to the smallest of the down under brothers.
With a small sigh Ludwig walked back to the bedside in silence and dragged the sheet back over Jett's naked form, followed by a heavier blanket. Ludwig sat with him, sitting quietly on the edge of the bed with a single hand gently running through Jett's free hair as he waited for the shivering to stop.
The moon fell over both of them though Ludwig's body shielded Jett's eyes from the soft moonlight's white glow. In this gentle light Jett looked a little bit less rugged, a little less worn and broken but Ludwig could not look past the angry marks that littered his body.
He noticed bite marks from where he'd bitten Jett's neck hard enough to draw blood and other small bruises from where he'd marked down his neck and shoulders. The crueller side of Ludwig was angry that those marks would fade eventually as they marked Jett as his property and even though a country had given them to Jett they would eventually still heal but other than that the marks now just seemed hideous to Ludwig. They were proof of his failure, proof of his lack of control and no doubt they'd remind Jett of a fairly unpleasant evening.
Ludwig's petting hand stopped mid-motion when he noticed that Jett's body was no longer shaking. His face slowly relaxed as the warmth reached him and his clutching fingers slowly released their claw like grip on the pillow he hugged. With those same tired eyes Ludwig watched with a passive expression as Jett's sleep became more relaxed, he'd be sore the next morning but for now he would rest. The hand that remained tangled in the long strands of blonde hair gently ran through them a few more times, enjoying the gentle heat that Jett's very being radiated.
Jett was cold by nature but his body was always warm and even if he did not mean to do it he warmed those that he touched. That was not to say he made everyone happy or that he was all that much of a nice person…but he did warm the air. It was as though he was silently trying to guard others against the cold, silently trying to offer up a trait others may like him for. He spoke as though he enjoyed being alone but he was quietly screaming for others to see him. As of late…that screaming had begun to become louder.
"Liar…" Ludwig murmured quietly as his gentle hand stroked the other's head, a massive contrast to the abusive touches he'd received earlier.
"Why are you such an awfully dishonest little nation…?" Ludwig sighed heavily, leaning down to press and soft kiss to his forehead before standing from the bed and leaving the room – leaving Jett to sleep peacefully without Ludwig there to frighten him.
It was still late and this was the second time Ludwig's usually strict sleep pattern was broken, soon there'd be no order in how he slept. That wasn't to say he was going to start taking naps like Italy was so fond of, no he'd just be without the proper amount of rest.
"I'll get some work done." Ludwig decided with a single firm nod as he set out to get coffee. From what had happened that day it seemed they'd have a real fight on their hands. He expected that Arthur would first attack in small numbers to test their conviction one last time before going all out.
Could Ludwig really afford to fight this battle? It seemed there was so much to lose and Australia – while large – had a fairly small military and it was likely that it would be split in two if Chris was to enter the battle alongside his UK brothers. As much as Ludwig wished to see Arthur and America suffering he did not want suffering for his own people or any of his allies. It was a dangerous game and he expected both Italy and Japan to sit out…he'd not ask them to fight this battle, it was not their concern.
As all of this went through Germany's mind he became aware of the eerie fact he was not the only one still awake. What tipped him off first was not the crackle of coals in a burning fire place or even the muttering of the other awake – but instead the heat. It was almost unbearably hot as Ludwig approached the lower levels of the house. Confused and alert Germany cautiously approached the living room that had not too long ago held the misfortunate meeting with England he saw Russia was still awake, standing quietly in front of the fire place with his back to Ludwig.
He was speaking quietly to himself in Russia but as Ludwig pushed the door open he seemed to become aware that he was not alone in the room. Russia's massive form straightened up slightly and he tipped his head back as if to acknowledge Germany's existence.
"Ah, it's only Germany…" He spoke with a smile but sounded disappointed. "I had hoped it would be the little one that got up first…but I suppose he is confined to bed."
Ludwig became tense and guarded, Russia was obviously talking about Jett and he was very clearly aware of what had gone down earlier that night.
"Jett is resting." Ludwig informed the other flatly. "As you should be."
"Russia is not tired." Ivan told him simply as he stared down at the fire. "I wonder why it does not work…? It's hot in here, da?"
"Ja, about that." Ludwig began angrily, agitated by the sauna that Ivan had created in his house. "It's too hot in here. If this heat reaches the resting rooms everyone would be uncomfortable. It's too hot. Please put it out."
"I can't feel it." Russia laughed happily. "It's still cold for Ivan."
Only then did Russia turn to look at Ludwig, smiling widely as he held his hands behind his back in an innocent manner.
"Ivan doesn't like the cold but for some reason it's been colder than normal since today. Ivan feels it more because he was warmer than usual today." Russia's smile became somewhat malicious. "If the little one was awake instead it would be warmer."
Ludwig's eyes narrowed on the other. He did not trust Russia in the slightest but his behaviour was becoming even more unnerving. His interest in Jett seemed like a child with a new toy but Ludwig could not allow it to go any further than that.
"Today, you stopped Jett from striking his br…ahm, England?" Ludwig caught himself, refusing to call England Jett's brother. Perhaps if he said it enough it would somehow be true.
"Hm?" Russia blinked innocently surprised. "Did Ivan make a mistake? After all little Jett would be sad if he hit his brother later down line, don't you agree?"
Ludwig was careful not to allow himself to get caught up in Ivan's obvious taunts. They were not friends and even as allies they were not harmonious but he had to mind himself and make sure he didn't upset the other too much. After all it was because America upset Russia that Ivan was now here. It could very easily turn the other way.
"Truth is…Germany actually wanted Jett to get hurt didn't he?" Russia added thoughtfully with that mockingly innocent smile. "Is why Ludwig did not stop Jett himself, da?"
Ludwig was silent, boring a hole into the other nation with his angry gaze but Ivan was not discouraged.
"Do not worry. Ivan doesn't mind if Ludwig is cruel to little Jett, Ivan would be cruel as well. After all, Ludwig is scared of losing something of his, it is only natural that he does everything to keep what he owns." Russia giggled quietly. "That's why whole house had to hear Jett's punishment earlier." Ludwig tensed, his heart leaping into his throat. Had they been loud? Had the others heard? Seeing his distress Ivan smiled and added. "Just Ivan hearing this time."
"You're too invested." Ludwig growled bitterly. "Why exactly are you-"
"Germany, Ivan will help fight little England." He spoke over Ludwig simply, surprising the other into silence. "You were going to ask for soldiers if a fight started, weren't you? Well Ivan is offering help. Is nice, da?"
"Why?" Ludwig asked sharply. "You wanted to avoid conflict, you told me as much yourself."
Ivan smiled brightly and turned back to the fire, crouching down so that he could stare into the scorching flames closely. His violet hues reflected the flicker of the dancing flames but it seemed Russia could not feel their warmth and very casually his stuck his hand into the flame. It burnt his flesh and it must have hurt but still he felt no warmth. There was pain…but no heat.
"How cruel…" Ivan uttered to himself before withdrawing the now singed pale hand to his chest, feeling the painful throb of the burn but still his touch was like ice and the other hand acted as a cooling comfort to his scorched hand.
"Ivan." Ludwig growled, still awaiting an answer from the other. From where Ivan crouched his eyes opened again and he glanced between his hand and the flames.
"Ivan likes warm things." He announced finally, sounding as though he was smiling but in truth he was frowning. "Even if Ivan gets a bit burnt…he'll try to touch warm things. So he'll offer Germany support, to remain close to something glowing – to see a warm place where sun flowers grow."
Ludwig's skin crawled, he knew Ivan was mad and he didn't want him close to Jett but…he did need those soldiers if he was to fight. Logic and personal interest warred within Ludwig but he stood to lose too much without Ivan's help so even if the other made him uneasy and angry…Ludwig would simply need to prevail.
"Danke…" Ludwig muttered finally, giving up. He would simply make sure that Ivan's clearly deranged self did not cause any problems. "That would be helpful…"
Ivan did not respond and at a guess Ludwig assumed he was lost staring into the fire, apparently unable to feel the heat that filled the room. Gradually, Ludwig turned away from the other nation, deciding it would be best not to try and get a response from him, one never could be sure when Russia would turn on them angrily.
So abandoning the idea of coffee Ludwig crept out of the room and returned to his own room, he'd need to work without the caffeine to help him and that alone frustrated Germany.
When in the hallway Ludwig glanced down the hall and saw a pile of shopping bags. Remembering the errand he'd sent Jett on to try and keep him out of the house Ludwig frowned. It looked as though the small 'mission' had been carried out efficiently and successfully…yet Ludwig had not stopped to praise Jett at all. Feeling a tad guilty Ludwig made a note to himself to study his allies shopping work once they were all awake, he'd praise them all for their hard work properly. With that note made he set off back to his room, to work until the sun was properly up.
As Ludwig left Russia glanced out of the corner of his eye, the happy smile completely gone from his face as he stared at the space that Ludwig had once been. It was a pity he'd made a deal with the other country, a pity he'd agreed not to take any nations of his own…it would be nice to have something warm in his house. It would be nice to have anyone in his house again. Staring back at the flames Russia felt that familiar ache in his chest and realised that if he were normal he would have cried.
It might have been nice to cry, if he could.
Jett was still asleep when Ludwig returned. Ludwig was careful not to be loud as he settled down at his desk, dragging out already finalised files and pouring over them again, looking for any error or room for improvement. He had new work as well but Ludwig couldn't pay that any mind until he no longer had to worry about the upcoming conflict. His people would dislike it, his boss would completely disapprove but at the same time…it wasn't as though all of his nation hated it.
Having Australia was not just appealing to Ludwig but to some of his people as well, not enough to warrant a war of any kind but they certainly were not unhappy with the arrangement. Ludwig wondered what Jett's people thought of the whole ordeal, it was likely they hated it seeing as it was causing a divide in their nation…but Australians always were fairly resilient and laid back. Provided they did not need to fight they would most likely sit back and let what happened happen. They were a stretch from lazy but Ludwig did not understand their carefree behaviour, the mentality that everything would work out in the end. They trusted too heavily in everyone's individual sanity and goodness. A flaw…but an admirable one in a way.
Glancing over his shoulder Ludwig wondered if any of that nature was translated within Jett. He seemed the opposite of his little brother's happy-go-lucky nature and instead of friendliness he greeted people with harshness. He was more the embodiment of their unforgiving wildlife and landscape than the people. The thought amused Ludwig, imagining Jett as a small growling koala. It was then that Ludwig realised how drowsy his mind must have been to be thinking about such things.
Ludwig tried to focus on his work but as the night time hours began to slip away so did his body. Ludwig barely even noticed that he was falling asleep before his eyes closed and his head fell into his arms against the desk, asleep before he'd even completely collapsed. He'd exhausted himself and after having paid so much attention to Australia's food intake and rest he'd neglected his own. It was nothing the strong Germany couldn't handle…but his body did eventually need at least a good hour or two of sleep between days.
His sleep never brought dreams and tonight…just like any other was empty.
…..
…..
It hurt…
It hurt a god damn fucking lot!
Jett's brain was telling him to get up, telling him he needed to stretch out this aching body. Gradually, unwillingly, his eyes crept open. Jett found himself staring out towards the window where the mood was beginning to dip down and draw the night to a close. Never in his life would Jett have considered getting up at this ungodly hour by choice but his body refused to let up.
I'm cold.
It whined.
I'm stiff.
It added.
I'm bruised.
It insisted.
Get the fuck out of bed Jett!
It ordered.
"Don't you usually stay in bed when you're all those things…" Jett complained gruffly as he forced his aching body to get up, still holding a pillow to his chest as he sleepily sat up in bed. There was nothing brawny next to him he noticed, one of the reasons he'd woken up.
Glancing over to the empty space next to him Jett saw that Ludwig was indeed gone but he didn't feel anything in particular when noting that. Much like the first time he'd been punished there was a haze of numbness surrounding Jett's brain. Logic dictated he should be happy and relieved Ludwig was missing but instead Jett found himself looking around for the other in a daze.
Eventually his searching murky hues rested on the collapsed form of a once working Germany. As Jett stared at his hunched over body he noticed that he must have fallen asleep rather rapidly, he was still holding the pen that he'd been working with. Despite himself Jett gave a faint smile – though it felt a little empty on his face. It was almost cute to see the large nation passed out working, he must have been exhausted…he slept so little and Jett noticed he had not eaten in a while.
"You're too busy worrying about my well-being…" He muttered while throwing the sheets off himself, not noticing that they had not been the sheets he'd fallen asleep under.
When Jett took his first step he collapsed.
He took the top blanket with him as it wrapped around his leg and helped to trip him up. The carpet was rough against his face and for a few miserable seconds Jett didn't think he was getting back up. But eventually Jett was able to will his stiff joints to respond to him and was able to stumble back to his feet, again taking the sheet with him in one clenched fist.
Each step he took was uneven and carefully planned, it was like being drunk without the joy of the actual alcohol part. If only Prussia was here, he'd have a good stiff one ready for him…damn, that sounded much better in his head without last night's filter playing over it.
After a great deal of cringing and effort Jett made his way over to the sleeping Ludwig, dragged the blanket with him as he did. Stopping by Ludwig's side Jett carefully took the pen out of his hand, setting it aside along with the loose papers. Once that was out of the way he tossed the blanket over Ludwig, deciding that he couldn't wake him. Germany needed sleep so he'd let him nap for a while, no doubt Ludwig would be furious with himself later for slacking off but Jett was relieved, perhaps after some rest he'd look less tense.
Well then again…Ludwig always looked tense.
Smiling at the thought Jett pat Germany's head gently, taking a great deal of joy in messing up the usually perfectly neat hair as he did. Ludwig complained in his sleep but did not wake up. Again Jett questioned himself, why was he giving this guy anything after last night? Well…perhaps it was because he was already so messed up. Oh yes, Jett was completely aware of that, at least to some extent.
Or maybe it was because of Ludwig's reason.
Had Ludwig punished him for breaking a vase or speaking out of turn Jett would be seething but all this seemed to come about because of England's visit. It was as though Ludwig was desperate to keep Jett by his side and was afraid seeing England had ruined that. It was painful and to some extent Jett wasn't feeling very forgiving about it but…at least he understood why he'd done it. It was the opposite to the reasons he'd been punished in the past, it was wrong but it came about because in some sick way he was loved. At least that was what he told himself to make the aching more bearable.
"Heh…they say true love hurts but this is a little ridicules don't you think?" Jett teased quietly though he did not believe they were in love. That was silly…whatever this was he couldn't call it love. But if that saying about love hurting was really true…well this could almost kill him. It just might at this rate.
"At any rate…you're a liar to." Jett murmured with a faint smile as he pressed a kiss to Ludwig's head. He knew about Ludwig's lies…at least some of them. Some part of Jett knew he was foolish and confused but he couldn't let go, he was trapped by his own unreasonable feelings. It was a cage and slowly hearts were filling it, one by one hearts were added to this cage. It had just been Jett once upon a time but now many had joined him in this cage…soon it would over flow and break free. When that happened Jett didn't know what would happen next and it scared him.
Glancing up towards the door Jett noticed that there was some kind of…well heat coming into the room. Curiosity and his desire to be warm got the better of him and with a quickly thrown on pair of pants shirt and jacket Jett began to shamble his way out of Ludwig's room. Had he gotten a bit more time to rest there would not be as much of a problem getting down stairs, or the embarrassing sight of Jett clinging to the walls as he went. Thankfully it seemed most of the house was still sleeping, as they should be and so Jett was not in danger of having his pride injured any further.
The further Jett travelled down stairs the more heat he felt. It was not uncomfortable but it was certainly out of place in this house that was usually so cold for Jett. He didn't complain because he did not want Ludwig to worry or become cranky but this heat was a welcome relief. Should Chris or Zea live here they'd need to have a chat about the temperature no doubt. One sneeze and they were history.
Finally – after much shambling and much dishonour – Jett found the source of the heat. It was the living room and when he peeked inside the door he saw a fire was quietly crackling away, the flames having died down to glowing coals. Something large was sitting in front of the fire place, from the backlit perspective Jett could only guess it was some big beige pillow.
Abandoning caution Jett stepped into the room, keen to be close to a fire and even more excited to be in this familiar warmth. Some might have complained the heat was too intense but for Jett it was perfectly homely and he felt a great deal of relief being in this warmth once again.
It was only when Jett finally let his sore body collapse down onto his backside by the fire place that he was able to identify the big 'thing' in front of it. Damn near jumping out of his skin Jett leapt back from the sleeping form of Russia. He stared at the other nation in horror, wondering what had possessed him to curl into a ball and sleep on the ground like a child. Looking between the fire and Russia's curled up body realisation dawned on Jett, Russia had said something about liking hot things…so perhaps he started the fire? No one else in Germany's house had lit the fire before and tonight was no colder than usual so it must have belonged to Russia.
Uneasily Jett settled back down, seeing that Russia really was sleeping. When asleep he didn't look quite so frightening, just like a big child trying to get warm by the fire. Smiling faintly Jett lent forward looking into the fire, it radiated a constant wave of gentle heat, washing over Jett's skin like a soft blanket. The coals were beautiful to Jett though of course he knew better than to touch them, he knew he'd eventually go blind staring at them but still he looked. Sometimes Jett swore he could see things dancing in the occasional flames that mixed in with the glow of embers.
Noticing a poker resting against the fire place Jett reached over and began to shift some of the coals around, bringing them to the proper places in the fireplace. After having built so many fires and tended to them for so long Jett had no trouble making a perfect fire, after all there was nothing better than an outdoor fire, a bottle of beer and a camping chair in the outback for a lovely afternoon feed.
"Fire…wood…" Jett glanced over to his side where Russia stirred, he still seemed half asleep as he clumsily sat up, reaching for the wood piled next to the fire. It was almost like he didn't notice Jett.
"What are you doing, mate?" Jett asked curiously, seeing Russia picking up the wood. At the sound of his voice Ivan dropped the wood he had been collecting and turned back to stare at him in surprise. Jett looked back at him with a casually questioning look, not sure what the big deal was. Eventually Russia looked at the fire nervously and said.
"If I don't put more on it'll go out…there's no flames left." Ivan explained quietly.
"Oh, is that all?" Jett laughed, finishing his adjusting of the coals though in truth he was more just playing with them at this point. "It's fine, this'll give us more warmth than flames anyway and it won't need any more for quite some time."
Russia stared at Jett and then the fire, as though struggling with the idea. Eventually he settled down and let Jett be the one to play with the fire as he seemed to enjoy himself when he did it.
"Ivan usually crushes fires…" He admitted quietly while staring into the flames. "He puts on lots of wood, trying to keep it alive and happy…but for some reason it always dies."
"Ah, of course it would if you don't give it a chance to breathe." Jett laughed in a carefree manner, apparently he was feeling happy and conversational with the fire's heat warming his body. "Anything would die if you choked it."
Russia was quiet after that, memories coming to him of choking other things. With knees drawn up to his chest Russia's eyes dropped somewhat into a melancholy expression.
"Da…everything dies if strangled long enough…" Rising his gaze slightly Ivan stared at the Australian across from him, noting the rare smile on his face as he stared into the fire. On his neck Russia caught sight of finger like bruises. "…everything dies if choked long enough…"
"Hm? You 'right?" Jett asked, noticing the dull tone of his voice but when he looked Ivan smiled again. "What did I tell you about that, knock it off." He said sharply, causing Ivan's expression to turn to one of surprise. "Well, ya heard me, right? Cut that look out."
"What should Ivan look like instead?" Ivan asked flatly, if he did not smile what was he supposed to do? What mask should he wear if not this happy one?
"I dunno, look like a normal person. You know, smile if you're happy, cry if you're sad. All that crap." Jett said with an agitated scowl before turning back to the flame, unaware of the violet eyes that continued to stare at him in surprise.
Gradually those eyes closed but the smile did not return and instead a cold hand reached out and grabbed hold of Jett's shoulder. With a bark of alarm Jett was pulled against Russia.
"What are you pulling?" Jett demanded angrily, feeling cold against Russia's freezing form. He moved to yank off the hand but froze when his fingers touched something hot. It was strange to feel something warm when Ivan was involved. Confused, Jett looked and saw angry red burns lingering on pale flesh.
"What the hell!" Jett cursed, grabbing Ivan's hand a little too roughly and causing the big nation to cringe. Immediately his grip loosened but Jett did not let go as he held Russia's burnt hand. "What did you do…?" Jett asked in disbelief, these burns looked severe and had they been on a human Jett may have called an ambo.
"Ivan put hand in fire." Russia answered simply, still surprised by Jett's reaction.
"You stupid little bugger!" Jett cursed angrily at Russia and was met with a soft chant of 'Kolkolkolkol.' Grimacing, Jett decided against calling Ivan anymore names. "D-Does it hurt?" He asked shakily, trying to ignore the dark aura around the Russia.
"Hmm…not really." Liar. Jett rolled his eyes and gently held Ivan's burned hand. As a nation it would heal quickly and seeing as it was not given by another nation Jett would be hurting from that night much longer than Ivan but still he felt obligated to help.
"Cold water should do it…" Jett murmured thoughtfully.
"Oh, Russia has water!" Ivan said brightly, reaching back into a bag by the fire place. Jett recognised the sack like bag as Ivan's. It looked fairly full…just how long did Ivan intend to stick around? With a bag that big he could easily be staying for weeks. What he produced was a far cry from water.
"That's an ice block!" Jett barked as he stared at the brick like bar of ice Ivan held. "How did it not melt next to the fire!?"
"Hmm, I wonder." Ivan answered with a creepy smile. Jett stared, his brain somewhat fried by this revelation.
H-How can he bring something cold like that in a bag…what is he some sort of demon? Don't ask…just…don't ask. You like living Jett, don't ask and keep living.
Taking a deep breath Jett took the ice block and shrugged off his jacket, wrapping the block in one of the sleeves before wrapping it around Ivan's hand. All the while Ivan just watched in an eerie fascination.
"Honestly…who sticks their hand in a fire? You fruit loop…" Jett murmured with a faint smile, knocking a single knuckle against Ivan's forehead. "Be a little more careful next time alright?"
"Warm…" Ivan murmured quietly, face becoming obscured under his scarf but his closed eyes seemed almost peaceful.
"What was that?" Jett asked before he found himself being pulled back against Russia and Jett knew better than to try and pull back away. With an uneasy groan Jett allowed himself to be held against the other, seeing as Ivan had stopped making that false smile and allowed Jett to tend to his hand…he could allow this much.
"It's so warm here…" Ivan muttered again, a tad more loudly. "So…very warm."
"Of course it is." Jett muttered bluntly, in that usual rude tone. "This fire is great, it's hot in here."
Ivan smiled slightly under his scarf, of course he knew that the fire was hot but he still could not feel it. But still…he was warm now. With the hand now bandaged in the makeshift icepack Russia held the back of Jett's head against his chest, using the other as his personal source of warmth.
"Fruit loop…" Jett muttered quietly to himself again, finding that Ivan's cold was not uncomfortable. With all the heat in the room and his own warm body Jett was able to use Ivan as a big cool pillow. It was bloody brilliant! Like having a constantly flipped pillow on a hot summer night. It wasn't long before Jett fell asleep, wondering why it was that he could not hear the beating of Ivan's heart, maybe it was all these clothes…or maybe it really did fall right out of his chest one day.
It wasn't long before both nations were asleep, taking both heat and cool from one another to have a small nap in front of the burning fire place.
"Hot….hot….hooot~!" Italy whined as he pushed open the door to the living room, finding the source for all of the heat in the house. However, he stopped when seeing something strange, huddled by the fire place was a fairly strange pair. As he looked at the sleeping Jett and Russia, Italy was scared. He wasn't sure what to do, he shouldn't wake either of them but what if Jett needed rescuing from Ivan?
Creeping in Feli looked down at the two over the top of the lounge and noticed that neither seemed to be trapped or afraid. It actually looked a little bit fun. The sun was coming up by the window and the fire they sat in front of seemed to be dying down. It took Italy a while to decide what he wanted to do but…well…it was too early for Feli to be up and about and the only reason he was awake was this intense heat. So there was only one thing to do!
Time for a nap with friends.
Italy crouched down next to Jett and Russia, cautious not to get too close to Russia as he gently pawed at Jett. The sleeping nations groaned softly before lifting up his arm. Jett had been a big brother after all and it wouldn't be the first time a little nation crawled in to sleep next to him. With a happy smile Feli crawled under Jett's arm and curled against his chest as Jett's arm wrapped around him to hold the other protectively. Feli was out like a light and with Jett's protection he wasn't so afraid of big Mr. Russia.
The heat eventually reached Japan as well and when he stumbled across the sleeping trio he was just as baffled as Italy had been. Even so he had an immediate reaction, first he took a few photos, desiring to keep this strange sight forever in physical form. After all he needed proof if anyone was to believe this set up. After that Japan noticed the fire that had heated the house was almost completely out and the sun was beginning to flood the room with light.
With a small smile Japan left the room for a few minutes and returned with a large blanket from his own bedroom that he used to cover the three napping nations. After this he quietly sat on the lounge behind the three and began to read, he had rested long enough and it would be a while before he needed to sleep again but it seemed appropriate that they all stay in this room as the morning began.
Kiku glanced down at the three and wondered when Ludwig would be up, after all he was normally up at the crack of dawn. Japan knew that he had not been sleeping so perhaps a sleep in would do the tough nation some good. For now he'd let the children sleep and just allow this homely atmosphere to linger.
Reading the mood was his specialty and this one was quite inviting, no reason to disturb it.
Soon this gentle setting would vanish, as it always seemed to and they all knew that it would be replaced with something much less comforting.
Staring out the window Kiku frowned slightly, it was as though the world knew that soon things would no longer be peaceful and on the horizon Japan spotted dark storm clouds brewing.
With another look back at his current companions Japan sighed gently. He did not like it and he wanted to stay well out of it…but should he need to Kiku would fight to protect this. He believed they all would, even if it was selfish they wanted nothing more than a peaceful companionship. Even if that meant fighting against other friends to obtain it.
It was painful but there was no way around it.
Nations never got that choice.
…
…
Arthur stared out the window into the first rays of morning light. It was a new day and he knew exactly what this night would bring. Tonight, Arthur was going to make one last stand against this whole affair. He'd strike Germany as hard as he could without forcing his troops. But the men were willing and eager, word had reached them that their Australian allies were asking for help, pleading for their brothers in arms to help them in this civil war and invasion. They were willing and Arthur was able.
Arthur's single seeing eye narrowed slightly as he grit his teeth. His brother was damaged, he did not know how to fix him…but at the same time he knew where to start. First he had to save him, even if it was saving Jett from himself.
"Arthur?" America looked at his former brother. He noticed the set of his shoulders and the hands that he clenched into tight fists. America had not seen the other nation this furious or determined in a long time. "How…did it go?" He asked dumbly.
"Alfred!" Arthur barked, turning away from the window he stared out to face his ally. But he did not answer that question, his next move would be all the answer that they required. "You said you'd save your back up, correct?"
"Y-Yes!" Alfred responded immediately, freezing like a statue under Arthur's harsh stare.
"And the rest of you?" Arthur inquired, looking past America at the others gathered.
Behind America Arthur's brothers stood, the three watching the scene quietly. With Scotland, France stood and by Francis's side Mattie was peering out, as well.
From their beds Chris and Zea were watching as well with Prussia standing against the wall by their beds, all three of their cautious eyes calculating what it was England was going to do next. There was a quiet murmur of agreement with America, they'd already all agreed to aid England in rescuing the lost Australian brother. They were a family one way or another and leaving one behind was simply not an option.
Arthur paused before smiling a small, kind smile. It was brief and quickly became a confident smirk and with his hand he clenched a fist as he spoke the words he had once feared to say.
"Then as of today, we are at war!"
The words were not met with horrified looks or even protest; in fact every face in the room seemed to smile. Even Mattie had his own worried little smile. This was always going to be the outcome, they all knew it and only now had they finally agreed this had been drawn on long enough.
"Germany has stolen what is ours, Australia is in turmoil and as Australia's allies, as their friend and as their family we'll protect them!" Arthur announced and looked to Chris who grinned brightly. The brunet had climbed from his bed and although his injuries were still present they were no longer hindering him in walking.
"It's about time…" Chris murmured with a smile. "This time I'm going to beat some sense into that idiot."
"Heh, you think you have a trouble bruder?" Prussia piped up from behind Chris. "As a big bruder I'll be taking care of mein little trouble maker." With the usual smirk red eyes peered at the other nations. "I'll be taking responsibility for the big oaf, leave that punishment to me."
"You're going to fight as well Prussia?" England asked, genuinely surprised. He knew that Prussia refused to harm his brother.
"Of course, without the awesome me you'd all fall flat on your dumb faces." He crowed prideful to the very end. "Besides, there will be other opponents besides mein bruder…don't concern yourself – I'll be of use."
Just like that it was decided. No one was putting their hand up to protest or even ask permission to sit out. It was a large gathering they had, not quite the super power allies of past but hell…it wasn't bad.
"When do we go?" Zea asked quietly.
"Tonight." Chris answered instead of Arthur, hell bent on getting to his big brother. Everyone turned to England after that, awaiting his word. After all it would inevitably be Arthur that decided if and when they moved but he was far past the point of caution or patience.
"Tonight." He agreed in a flat tone. "Tonight, we'll attack and tonight we're going to win. This time we're going to save Australia. To war."
"To war." Came the unanimous agreement echoing Arthur's words.
Lose or win, tonight they went to war with Germany.
...
…
Affliction – End