Authors' note: Hello everyone and thank you so so much for staying with us! This story is slowly coming to an end and I'm sad to say the next chapter will be the last. I hope you'll enjoy the new chapter anyway and that you'll stay with us until the end. Thank you!
Traitor
Ten minutes and a car had stopped to pick them up and bring them to the Russian embassy, just as expected. Ivan vanished in his ambassador's office for what felt like hours and when he came back from the telephone call he looked more exhausted than ever before. This would have consequences, he had been aware of that from the start. How bad these consequences would be…
They'd see after they'd come home.
And it had been a long way home. They had been quiet, except for Fritz' low howls.
Gilbert had been stroking him all the way, looking out of the window with unreadable expression.
When he finally saw Ivan's house, a soft smile lit his face. "We're home..."
Ivan watched him from the side and seeing that little smile moved something in his chest. However he wasn't sure if it was something good or bad.
"Yes, we are. Do you want to rest a bit? It was a very long day."
"Yes" Gilbert said lowly, then finally looked at him again. "Will you... rest with me?"
"If you want me to..." Ivan gave back and leaned in to blow a kiss on his cheek.
"Yes. I… I don't want to be alone."
"You're not alone. You have me and you have little Fritz here." The puppy looked up and huffed lowly when Ivan rubbed his ears.
"Yes, I know. I just..." He sighed. "Everything will be ok. One day... it will all be ok again..."
"Gil..." Ivan almost regretted taking Gil with him. Cupping his cheeks he made him look at him. "It will be ok."
"Yes... it will. I'm sorry. I'm glad you took me with you... I just wish... this border wasn't there... I... it's ok... it will be ok." He smiled at him.
There was nothing Ivan could say in return. He knew there was not a word that could make him better this very moment, so he just pulled Gil into a tender embrace, holding him close.
Gilbert sighed lowly and nuzzled into the embrace. "Let's go inside. It's getting cold in here."
"Sure." Still he didn't let him go yet. Ivan had to do something. He just had to…
"Hey Gil...? I think I have a surprise for you. Are you in the mood for it? It's nothing bad, I promise."
"A... a surprise?" Gilbert repeated and then smiled a bit. "Sure. I love surprises. Most of them at least."
"I guess you will like this one" Ivan mumbled and kissed his temple. "We'll go inside and while you show Fritz around I'll prepare everything. Is that alright?"
"Hmm... you're so mysterious now" Gilbert chuckled softly and kissed him. "Sounds like something bigger. Ok then. I'll show Fritz his new home... tell him which chairs he's allowed to chew on and which not." He winked.
Ivan chuckled with him, feeling relieved that Gil was more of his old self again. Maybe it was just a mask put over his lover's sorrow, but it was a start. "That's wise. If I find him chewing on my chair or peeing on my sofa, the little thing will get to know me~"
"Ah... we don't want that. Fritz will be a well-trained puppy. Right?" He stroked him. "You'll make Old Fritz proud that you're wearing his name."
The puppy tilted his head, whining lowly as if he was unsure what all these tall people talked about.
"He sure will. But let's go now. It's really getting cold."
"Yes..." He got out of the car and still held Fritz close, who nuzzled against his chest. "Yeah, it's pretty cold here, huh... but it will be warmer again, trust me. I've been living here for a while." He kissed the puppy's head and smiled at Ivan. "It's nice here, if you know how to resist the cold."
Ivan followed him and locked the car, before he turned to his beloved. "With a bit of fur, tea and vodka the cold is durable. The little buddy will learn that soon."
Gilbert raised his eyebrow. "You will not feed him vodka, ok?" he said with a laugh. "He's underage!"
That made Ivan laugh. "Just once he grew older. I promise!"
Gilbert just shook his head and stepped into the house. "Come, Fritz... I'll show you your new home" he said with a slight smile and walked around with him.
Ivan watched them go with a little smile but instead of going with Gil he climbed the stairs and vanished somewhere unknown. There were many things he had to do now that he was back, but making Gilbert smile honestly again was the most important for the moment.
Their arrival hadn't gone unnoticed and after just some minutes Toris turned around the corner. "Gilbert! You're back" he sighed relieved.
Gilbert blinked, then smiled a bit. "Yes, I am..." Sometimes he didn't get Toris. Why would he be so relieved? He should be happy to have him out of the way...
But he was probably just a better person than himself.
"I brought a new house member."
Toris smiled softly. He had waited for them since Ivan had called from the airport.
"Yes, I see." He came closer, holding his hand out for the pup to sniff on. "A cute little puppy. Where did you get it?"
Fritz sniffed on the offered hand, poking his fingers with his nose.
"He... he was Ludwig's... and apparently he followed me over the border. So... I promised Ludwig to take care of him."
"Oh..." Toris blinked and bit his lip. "I see. Well, I... I guess you'll take good care of him. He'll get a nice home."
"Yes... he will." He smiled. "I think he likes you already" he said as he saw Fritz wiggling his tail, looking at Toris with playful eyes.
"Really?" Patting the puppy's head Toris smiled a bit more brightly. "I guess that means I'll have to walk him every now and then."
"You don't have to, but if you want to. I guess he'd be happy about it." Gilbert smiled a bit at him. "Do you know where I can get some supplies? I mean... he needs a bed and food and stuff."
"Ah…? I think I've seen a pet supply store in town. But for now there are some big boxes on the attic and I know we have some old pillows left. How about that for a bed until you get something better? And we have some cat food left."
"Hm, I guess that will do." He crouched down to pat the puppy. "Will you help me, put some things together for him?"
"Sure!" Toris seemed happy to be of help. All the time Gilbert and Ivan had been gone, he had been on the edge. Now that they were back it could just get better.
"Just tell me what you want and I'll have a look around."
"For now, let's start with a bed, ok?" Gilbert said with a smile.
He was home...
"Alright. The pillows are in the wardrobe in the guest room. I'll get a nice big box for the little one."
"Alright" Gilbert said and walked to the guest room to get the mentioned pillows, while Fritz followed him with wiggling tail.
It didn't take long for Toris to come back, but he had no box with him and a little gloomy smile on his lips. "Hey, Gilbert?"
Gilbert looked up and blinked. "Huh? Didn't you want to get a bed for him?" he asked.
"Yes. I wanted to, but..." The shorter nation smiled, rubbing his neck. "I think you should get one yourself. I forgot I have some important things I need to do and I can't let them wait."
"Ah... I... ok...?" This confused Gilbert, but in the end he lifted up Fritz and walked the way Toris had come to get the boxes.
There was some rustling behind the door leading up to the attic and little Fritz barked unsure, hanging tense from Gilbert's arm.
Gilbert stroked his head. "What's wrong, little one, huh?" he asked, opening the door.
The attic was big, dusty and dim, and the rustling stopped when little Fritz barked again and wiggled until he got out of Gil's arms. Barking lowly he vanished between old furniture and countless boxes.
"Hey! Hey, wait!" Gilbert cursed lowly and followed him as quickly as the stuff lying around allowed. He hit his knee and cursed louder, then looked up again. "Fritz! Bei Fuß!"
It got brighter the further Gilbert got and when he stepped around an old shelf Fritz waited for him, wiggling his tail while he sat on Ivan's arm.
"There you are." The Russian smiled sheepish. There was a window in the roof just half a meter from the ground. If standing close enough it gave a nice view outside into the garden and the field behind it. Someone had cleaned the floor right under the window a bit and put mattresses, covers and cushions there, making a wide and soft nest. There was even a heater close by, humming lowly.
Slowly Gilbert stepped closer, looking around with surprise in his eyes.
"Did... did you... make this?" he asked lowly.
"Well, I promised a surprise." Watching Gil attentive Ivan cuddled little Fritz and even stepped back a bit to let him have a look on his work. "It was a bit hasty but I tried my best."
"Hm... I like it anyway." He smiled and got closer. "This looks nice" he said and crouched down to touch the cushions. "Soft~"
Ivan watched him with a little smile, crouching down as well to let the puppy run. Immediately Fritz jumped on the mattresses and sniffed around, shaking with excitement.
"Seems you're not the only one who likes it."
Gilbert chuckled a bit. "I don't know for sure but I guess you didn't plan on having him here?"
"Hm... not really. No." If he was honest Ivan hadn't planned anything at all. He just wanted Gilbert to smile again and embrace him for a while, to reassure him that he had made the right decision.
Getting up and Gilbert stepped a bit closer, kissing Ivan's cheek. "... it's a nice surprise..."
Smiling he wrapped his arm around Gilbert's hips, kissing his lips in return. "A calm, warm place to rest."
Far away from any telephone or pitiful glances.
"Sorry... if you want, I'll ask Toris to take care of Fritz for a while?" Gilbert said and leant his head against his shoulder.
"No... no, it's alright. I guess he'd love to run around he a bit and explore the attic. And if he comes to cuddle, it's fine too."
"Ok then..." He took Ivan's hand and pulled him to the cushions, where he sat down, careful that Fritz was out of his legs.
"Come and rest with me?"
"Sure." He sat gladly down beside his beloved, brushing his lips over white fingers. "I hope it's warm enough? The heater is pretty old unfortunately..."
"It's ok. I'm not that cold and you're here to keep me warm, right?" Gilbert whispered, leaning closer to him.
"Mh... yes, I am." Ivan nuzzled to him. His arms sneaked around the slender body and he was so glad they were finally together and safe.
Gilbert closed his eyes and sank against Ivan, slowly pulling them both down to sink into the cushions. Fritz barked a bit and climbed on Ivan's stomach.
The cushions were a bit dusty maybe, but it felt good to lie down. They were soft and Gilbert was warm and- "Uff!"
Ivan glanced down and chuckled quietly. "Is your puppy jealous?"
Gilbert raised his head a bit, then chuckled. "Look at that wiggling tail. I think he just wants to be loved, too!"
"Is that so?" Grabbing the puppy, he picked him up and placed him between Gil and himself. "It's puppy-cuddling then."
It made Gilbert laugh quietly. "Don't overdo it, or I'll be the one who gets jealous in the end!" He rolled on his side and stroked Ivan, then the puppy.
"Ah, well. There's not much this little guy can give me, that's similar to you. So I wouldn't worry." He smiled and purred for the affection, making the puppy tilting his head.
Gilbert chuckled and scratched Ivan behind his ear. "You like that, huh?" he said with a grin, looking at Fritz who nuzzled against Ivan's chest.
"Woof~" Ivan answered with a smirk, caressing the puppy carefully. "Seems you have two dogs. Are you happy now, master?"
Gilbert raised an eyebrow, then grinned. "Oh? I guess, yes, that makes me a happy master~ will you be a good dog then?"
"Hmm, I don't know~" Raising Fritz a little, whispering in his soft ear, Ivan wondered. "Will we be good doggies? How about we eat Master's socks? And he has some nice shoes we could chew on~"
Fritz barked, wagging his tail in happiness. He didn't understand, but he liked the attention he got.
"Hey, hey, don't plant stupid ideas in his head! Bad puppies will be punished!"
"Ooh, you heard that? Master wants to punish us. I wonder how he could do such a thing, when we use our secret weapon~" And Ivan held the puppy up beside his face, making puppy eyes in hopes Fritz would do it too. But he probably just looked confused.
Gilbert blinked, then pressed his lips together. It didn't help. He burst into laughter. "Oh, you can't fool me!" he said and ruffled Ivan's hair. "I'll show you! I'm a strict master. I won't allow you to not listen!"
He chuckled quietly, pushing Gil's hand away. "You heard that, Fritz? A strict master! We'll see~" And putting the puppy on the cushion Ivan attacked, pushing Gilbert playfully down on the mattress.
"Growl~" he chuckled.
"W-woah!" Gilbert laughed. "Fritz! Fritz, help your master! Punish the bad dog!"
Fritz barked, jumping from one leg to the other, his tail wiggling wildly as he jumped on Gilbert's chest.
"No, bad puppy!" Gilbert gasped. "Him! Punish HIM!"
"Yes, good puppy! Help the alpha dog~" Ivan laughed, patting the puppy's head. "Such a good boy. Such a gooood boy~"
"No! Traitor! TREASON! Arghhhhh!" Gilbert said while trying not to laugh too loudly.
"Don't listen to him!" Fritz scurried around and barked, not sure what all of that meant, but in the end he started to lick Gilbert's face all over.
"Hey, that's my job~" Ivan chuckled.
"Wha- no! No, bad puppy! Bad puppy!" Gilbert cursed, still not too serious, but slightly annoyed. "Stop that! It's so wet, stop! Aus!"
"Enough little one..." Picking Fritz up Ivan cuddled him a moment, before he leaned down and kissed Gilbert's nose. However he made a face right after. "Eww, doggie flavour..."
"It's your own fault for not stopping him!" Gilbert growled, but stroked Fritz a bit.
"Oh, so it's my fault now that he punishes you for threatening us? I see..." And with a grin Ivan fell back on the mattress, holding Fritz to his chest. "Bad luck then~"
"Bad luck?" Gilbert repeated and sat up a bit, rubbing his face with his sleeve.
"Bad luck~ You don't like your dogs licking your face, so we won't. Right Fritz~?"
Gilbert made a face. "Well, so I won't do with yours!" he said, pouting a bit. "It's not like I'd want you to do that! Pff."
"You've no idea what you're missing." Ivan still laughed, but he was aware of the point of no return not too far away. So he put Fritz on the ground and gave him a little shove. "Have a look around, little one. Mommy and daddy have to talk."
Fritz looked at him in confusion for a moment, but when he heard a sound, probably a mouse or something, he turned around to go hunting.
"... so... let's talk about who is mommy and who is daddy, first?" Gilbert laughed.
Leaning on his elbow Ivan made a throw-away gesture. "As if that's a hard question~"
Gilbert raised his eyebrow. "... you're right. It's MOTHER RUSSIA, after all~"
Ivan blinked, but then he burst out laughing. "Clever! Very clever! You have a point, my love~ But I'm actually just the son."
"Is that so?" Gilbert asked, chuckling.
"It's a long story."
"Hm... a long story, huh? What else did you want to talk about?"
Making himself a bit more comfortable, Ivan glanced up to him. "Hmm... I don't know. Nothing. I'm fine just being able to look at you."
Gilbert smiled and got a bit closer. "Well, we have all the time of the world then… Tell me a bit about her" he said and nuzzled a bit against him.
He wrapped his arms around Gilbert, pulling him to rest on his chest. It felt good having his love back...
"That's true. What can I tell you...? It's not like I remember much of her, but everyone always talked about her. Even when she was gone. Do you remember your father or mother?"
"Hm... no... not really" Gilbert said lowly, closing his eyes and listening to Ivan's heartbeat. "It's kinda sad, isn't it?"
"It's normal, I guess? It's so long ago after all." Slowly his fingers brushed through white hair. "My mother, Kiev Rus... Mother Rus if you want... she united all the tribes, creating me and my sisters after a while. After Natalya came to be, she vanished."
"Hm... just like Germania" Gilbert mumbled. "Hey, Ivan? Will..." He sighed. "One day, we'll be forgotten, too..."
Brushing Gilbert's hair in silence Ivan looked up to the ceiling. "... yes... one day. But that's still far away. Nowadays people don't forget so easily." He smiled softly, blowing a kiss on white hair. "My beloved is the best example."
Gilbert smiled a bit, but not for long. "It won't take them long... even now... my name's said less and less..." He sighed, nuzzling closer. "It's... it's ok. I got a new name now."
"Gil..." His fingers stopped to move, instead they held Gilbert a little tighter. "I can imagine that it hurts... after all these many years... but you got a new chance and like this you'll exist forever."
Gilbert smiled a bit. "Nothing is forever, Ivan... not me. Not you. But I'll live this life as long as I can. With you by my side... yes? So, let's forget these things. I shouldn't have mentioned it at all."
Ivan chewed on his lip, listening to that quiet voice. "Maybe it's not the right time... no. But hey, Gil... will you promise me something?"
"Hm?" Gilbert raised his head a bit to look at him. "What is it?"
He smiled a little at him. "You say you want me by your side... I want that too. Will you promise me not to leave?"
Gilbert closed his eyes and leant down to listen to Ivan's heart again. "... yes... I'll stay with you... as long as I can."
Ivan probably couldn't ask for more. One day they'd part again, like they had done before... but until then, he wanted to hold Gilbert and he wouldn't allow anyone to take him away again.
Just thinking of that possibility made his heart skip a beat and holding Gil tighter again, Ivan whispered a quiet 'danke'.
It made Gilbert smile and he wrapped his arms around him. "So... what now? Will you kiss me or what?"
Ivan couldn't help but chuckle. "So smooth, my beloved German... but you're on top right now, so I guess it's your duty."
"Oh... you're right!" He sat up a bit and looked down on Ivan for a moment before he leant down until their lips touched. "I'm on top for now~" he whispered and then conquered him.
Ivan just smiled and let Gil do, fighting a little bit back to keep it interesting. It wasn't like he wouldn't give his position up so easily. "Mhmm."
Gilbert smirked against his lips, pressing his body against Ivan's a bit while his tongue caressed the other's. "Hmm~" He liked that game.
Their last time together had had something sad and desperate, but this was different. Ivan loved how Gilbert played and he poked the intruder, caressed him, played shy with him for a little while to see how far he'd go.
Gilbert buried his fingers in his hair, playing with the soft locks while he conquered Ivan's mouth, pushing back his tongue with soft 'violence', moaning slightly into their kiss as he rolled over to lie fully on him.
The weight on him felt so sweet, just like their kiss. Humming softly Ivan let his hands wander southwards to keep Gilbert in place. He was in the mood to let the German do whatever he wanted, if it kept him from getting sad again. Ivan trusted him after all.
He really did...
The day passed and just as expected and feared the next morning Ivan got a call. He spoke long with the man on the other side of the line and when they were finally done, he sat down at the breakfast table with a heavy sigh.
Without a word Toris filled his cup with coffee, while Eduard and Raivis didn't dare or didn't want to ask the one question hanging in the air.
It was Gilbert who finally opened his mouth. "So? What did they say?" It was obvious it weren't good news. But how bad were they?
"That they heard things" Ivan gave back, sipping on his coffee with a grim expression. "That they've... seen things."
"Tch." Gilbert looked to the side. "Us crossing the border couldn't go unseen, I guess."
"Of course not. They have their eyes everywhere. However..." Leaning back into his chair Ivan glanced at Gilbert and there was not even the hint of a smile for him. "They've also seen you with your brother and other people."
"Yeah? So what?" Gilbert frowned. "I've stayed with my brother before you came to... get me. What's the point?"
"The point is that they've seen you before and that it raised questions about your loyalty."
"What?" Gilbert almost got up from his chair. "These assholes kidnapped me! I didn't want to be there and I returned with you voluntarily!"
"I know that. Ok?!" Ivan almost shouted. Their trip back home just the day before had been long and troublesome. And he had known that his boss wouldn't let any of that go easily.
"I know that, Gilbert, and I trust you. But you know them by now" he grumbled. "And that's why we're all invited to visit the KGB headquarter later today."
Gilbert blinked, then exhaled deeply. "Great... just great... but I guess we should've seen it coming, right?"
"Yes... we should have."
"W-wait..." Raivis blinked unsure once Ivan had picked up his cup again. "What does that mean... 'we're all invited'?"
"Just what I said."
Toris bit his lip. "You mean everyone?"
"Wait. What?" Gilbert hadn't seen it that way. "Why everyone? What do they have to do with this?"
"Y-yeah, what d-do we have to do with Gilbert r-running away?"
"I did NOT run away!"
"Raivis. Shut up" Ivan growled, letting his gaze wander over the gathered nations. "Yes, we're all invited and when I say 'invited' I mean 'forced' to go there. You are all a constant part of this household and when they suspect someone to spy on me or whoever, they will want to question everyone who's ever been close to them. In this case Gilbert."
"Close to me..." Gilbert looked to the side. "We're living under the same roof, that's the closest we get." He sighed. "But I guess they won't accept that, right? So when do we have the 'honour'...?"
Toris bit his lip. This wasn't good...
"We're expected at one. Prepare for a long afternoon. Dress in your uniforms and think about what you want to say."
"Ivan..." Toris said quietly. "What if-"
"No if" the Russian growled and it was an angry, threatening tone as he leaned forward glaring at the other two Baltics. "Estoniya, Latviya... if one word... a single word about Gilbert and me comes over your lips... I swear you'll regret it."
The three of them seemed to shrink a bit as they pulled their heads between their shoulders.
Gilbert looked at them, and especially at Toris.
Don't tell them about us... I beg you.
This was a shitty situation.
"Ok... then... we should prepare ourselves..."
Ivan kept the glare up for another moment, before he turned to his breakfast. This wasn't just a shitty situation but a dangerous one as well.
"Yes. Get prepared. Eat enough. Brace yourselves... and don't worry. I won't let them hurt anyone of you."
"And how will you prevent that from happening..." Gilbert mumbled and looked into his coffee. "You know they'll do anything to get their wished information."
"I do know that and that's why I'll be there when they question all of you. I won't leave for a single minute."
Somehow this didn't relieve Gilbert. Nor any of the others.
But they didn't say anything anymore. They ate and then retreated into their rooms to get ready.
Ivan could guess their thoughts and he couldn't even blame them. He knew he wasn't as strong as he wanted to be and he had already proven that he was unable to protect anyone… Still he had to try with all he had.
Hours later, when the house had fallen quiet and the Russian had prepared what he wanted, he knocked quietly on Gilbert's door.
"Come in" Gilbert said. He was standing at the window, fiddling with his tie.
Closing the door behind himself Ivan remained there a moment, just watching Gilbert's silhouette in front of the blinding white outside, before he walked over.
"Let me help..." he said quietly and reached out for the tie.
With a sigh, Gilbert lowered his hands. "... spasibo... usually I don't have problems with this, but somehow... my hands can't stop trembling..." He looked at Ivan. "This won't go out of hand like last time... right...?"
Violet eyes rested on the tie and his own fingers binding a knot, as if he wanted to avoid looking into Gilbert's. "No. It's official. They won't dare to let anyone... vanish."
"At least..." Gilbert sighed. "Well then." he grabbed the cap from his bed and put it on. "We shouldn't let them wait."
"Gilbert..." Ivan didn't move from his spot by the window, but he finally looked up.
Gilbert tried a reassuring smile. "We'll manage this. I've done nothing wrong. So there's nothing for them to find."
"I know. I just want you to know that... if anything happens..." He made a helpless gesture, looking so out of place in his neat uniform. "You know, whatever I will say there... nothing of that will be true. You know how I feel and think. Right?"
With another sigh, Gilbert shook his head and laughed a bit. "Hey. They'll be questioning me, too, right? So I'll probably tell them stuff that won't be true, either. As long as YOU won't forget that, I won't either..."
"I won't" Ivan mumbled, looking out of the window. "You came back with me and I know how hard that was."
Gilbert got closer and kissed him. "Don't worry so much or your hair will be as white as mine soon. Come..."
He smiled a little for the kiss but even more for that remark. "Heh. There's not much colour left to lose I fear." And he took Gil's hand to squeeze it tenderly, ready but still not willing to leave.
"Ah, a little bit is still left." With another sigh Gilbert turned around. "Come..." he said again and slightly pulled on his hand. "We have to go now."
"Yes." Ivan let himself be pulled out of the room and into the hallway, however when they reached the staircase he straightened his back, looking down on the Baltics and little puppy Fritz, all ready to leave.
Gilbert smiled a bit at the puppy and when they reached the end of the stairs he crouched down. "Ah, Kleiner, du kannst aber nicht mit..." he said with a soft laugh and patted his head. "Geh ins Körbchen... we'll be back soon."
The puppy tilted his head and whined quietly. He had the feeling that he'd be left alone again. He didn't like it.
Gilbert smiled at him. "Don't gimme that look... It's better for you. Now. Ins Körbchen. Listen to what I tell you."
Fritz just whined louder, nuzzling into Gilbert's hand, when a big hand picked him up. "Listen to your master, little thing. Or you'll be send into a training camp. Understood?"
Gilbert frowned and took the puppy away from the Russian. "I'll handle this myself, Ivan. You're scaring him. I know how to train a dog...!"
He raised an eyebrow, not really sure if Gilbert had understood his joke. "Hmpf... sorry, about that then. We'll wait at the car." With that he turned around.
Gilbert opened his mouth to say something, but then just shook his head and carried Fritz to his basket. They were all too tense to be joking around.
"Now. You'll stay here. Sitz. Fritz, I'm not joking" he said with slightly harsher voice. "Sitz." When the dog sat and looked at him with big eyes, Gilbert stroked him. "Good boy. You'll stay. ok? Good." And with that he left the little one behind.
Sorry, he thought. I don't want you anywhere near those guys...
Outside Ivan climbed on the back seat of his car, followed by Toris who sat on the other side. Eduard had offered to drive and his younger brother was just too glad not to sit with the Russian.
In the tense silence of the car Ivan's voice sounded colder and harsher than he wanted. "I'll say this once more... and I hope you three will understand my words. If just the slightest hint about what's going on in my rooms get public... you'll wish you ended up in KGB hands."
"We won't tell them anything" Eduard said. "There's nothing to tell. You care for each and every one of us the same way."
Raivis shivered slightly. Thank god this wasn't the case…
Gilbert opened the door and sat down behind Eduard.
"That's right..." Looking up Ivan gave Gilbert a short glance, before he nodded.
"Alright. Let's get over with this fast. We want to be home for dinner."
Gilbert doubted they'd manage that but he didn't say anything...
The trip into the city was silent and tense, but they arrived just in time.
For a moment no one moved, then it was Gilbert who opened the door and got out. "Let's get over with this."
Two men in suits waited for them already and they smiled friendly, looking at everyone coming out of the car with interest.
Brushing his uniform straight Ivan put on his best neutral smile before he walked past Gilbert and approached them. "As requested, we're here."
"Welcome. You've been expected. Please follow us inside."
The others just nodded slightly at them before they followed his superior.
Gilbert knew there was nothing they'd find to use against them, but still... he was nervous. These guys meant trouble.
The little group was lead through endless hallways of the big building. Countless eyes followed them on their way and the longer they walked without a word from the men who had welcomed them, the more the atmosphere tensed around them.
It wasn't before they stopped in front of a dark wooden door, that the KGB officials turned to the nations.
"Comrade Beilschmidt, please step in. The first questions are for you."
Gilbert licked his lip and looked at the others. Then he nodded. "Understood..." He straightened his shoulders and stepped through the door.
Ivan wanted to follow him, but one of the officials stepped into his way.
"I'm sorry, Comrade General, but just one at a time."
He glared at the man. "What do you want to say with that? I had an agreement with your superior."
"And I have my orders, Comrade General" the man gave back, unimpressed by the taller man's glare.
Gilbert stopped and looked at them. The Baltics looked even more nervous now. So they'd be alone with them...?
Toris felt a shiver running down his spine.
"I'm sorry, General Braginsky. You'll have to talk to my superior about that."
"... I will..." Ivan growled and it was hard, but he forced himself not to glance at Gilbert. His eyes would give them away.
"Laurinaitis, Bock, Galante, follow me. I won't wait." And he turned on his heels, stomping down the hallway.
"Y-yes!"
Gilbert sighed a bit and entered the room completely.
This would be hard enough, but if they'd be found out now, too, it would be even worse...
"Let's get over with this."
The door closed behind Gilbert's back, leaving him in a dim and almost empty room without windows. A table stood in the middle of it; two chairs on one side, a single one on the opposite side. On top stood what looked like a recorder and a microphone.
No one else was there.
Gilbert sighed and sat down on the single chair, drumming his fingers on the table. "I'm waiting" he said in Russian.
Goddammit, had they ever heard about being punctual?
They let him wait. It was hard to keep track of the passing time in that isolated room, but that was the purpose of it. After what could have been just some minutes or half an hour, the door opened again.
An elderly rather fat man came in with a note book under his arm, followed by a slim man, whose grey eyes glared at Gilbert immediately.
"Ah, you have to be, Comrade Beilschmidt" the older man said, holding a hand out for him.
Gilbert returned that glare, suppressing the urge to get up immediately. He remembered those grey eyes.
"... da, that's me" he growled.
"My name is Sergej Kusmin. I'll be responsible for today's interrogation." Kusmin smiled brightly and sank down on a free chair. "And this is Comrade Schukow. I think you know each other already."
"Yes. I remember him" Gilbert said with a forced smile. "Even though I rather wouldn't."
The older official sighed, giving Schukow a harsh gesture to finally sit down.
"I know. Mistakes were made last time and I apologize for my subordinate. However I think we two will get along fine." Once more he smiled. "Shall we begin, Comrade?"
"Yes please. Can we get over with this already? It's been such a mess, I wanna end this..." Gilbert said with a frown.
"Good, good. Let me just start the record. We need it for your files." Reaching out Kusmin pressed a button and the tape, visible behind some glass, started turning. Waiting a moment the man said the date and the time into the microphone, before he turned back to Gilbert.
"So, Comrade Beilschmidt... We've been informed, that you've been in West-Berlin recently. Is that correct?"
Gilbert nodded. "That's correct. And I guess you've been informed as well that I haven't been there on my own will."
"Is that so?" Kusmin put his fingertips together, while Schukow smirked coldly. "What happened, Comrade?"
"I got kidnapped by America. Or rather some of his men."
"Kidnapped?" An eyebrow rose up. "Could you tell me in detail what happened? We just need to make sure our information is correct."
Gilbert sighed. "I was out to get some groceries and when I was back at the car, I got attacked by several men. However, I guess you already know that."
"We know nothing, Comrade Beilschmidt" Kusmin gave back with a little smile. "So you got attacked. Alright. And you didn't fight back? Let me tell you, that I am aware of what you are. You should be easily stronger than any ordinary human. No?"
Gilbert growled. "I know that, ok? These cowards got me by surprise! I didn't think someone would try to kidnap me, so they sneaked up on me and before I even knew it, I had a gun pressed in my kidneys and then one in my neck and dark it got!"
"Hm…" The official opened his book and wrote something inside. "And that can knock out a nation? Interesting... Comrade Schukow, what do you say? I think you have experiences with these kind of things."
The other man gave Gilbert a glare before he opened his mouth and a thin, rough voice came out. It sounded as if something had been broken inside his throat. "I know that it takes a lot to knock out his kind."
"If you know where to hit and hit hard enough, we're just like you humans" Gilbert hissed.
"I understand. Please stay calm, Comrade. We just want to clarify what happened. So you got... kidnapped. Right? And you've been brought to West-Berlin?"
"Yes." Why were they playing with him? It wasn't like they didn't know exactly what happened!
"And why did you stay there?"
"You ask that as if I had a choice!" Gilbert said, now louder. "I was with America there. You think he would've LET me go? He even made sure I wouldn't be allowed to cross that border!"
"So Mr America locked you up? All the time?" There was a lurking tone in Kusmin's voice and he just leaned a little closer, when someone knocked harshly on the door that got ripped open right after.
Ivan was standing there, alone and calm on the outside, but his eyes were burning with rage.
"They-" Gilbert started, then looked at the door. "... goddammit, finally..."
"Ah, General Braginsky" Kusmin greeted him unmoved. "I don't think you have the permission to be here."
"And I don't think you're aware of the situation" Ivan growled back, throwing the door shut behind himself. "After the previous... misunderstandings... your superior agreed to let me supervise the interrogation of each of my subordinates, who are all under my responsibility, if I may remind you."
Gilbert sighed. "Can we just... get over with this already?" He glared at the others. "For your question, no, I wasn't locked away all the time. But it's not like I could get over the border that easily! You know, even though we can't die permanently, being shot isn't something I desire!"
Ivan and Kusmin looked at each other for a long moment in absolute silence, before the man gave Schukow a sign. Nodding to show he understood, Schukow got up and his eyes met Ivan's. He smirked wicked seeing the hand, that shoot up to the man's throat. He tried to hide the unintentional gesture by straightening his collar, but there was undeniable hate in Schukow's glare.
The next moment he was gone and Kusmin turned back to Gilbert. "Still, Comrade Beilschmidt. By law and the current political situation you and your country are supervised by the Soviet Union, which is monitored by Soviet Russia at the time being. Why didn't you even try to get back onto your territory?"
Gilbert clenched his fists. "How do you want to know I didn't" he growled. "Maybe I wasn't locked up all the time but I was watched!"
"I'm aware. That's still no reason not to try" Kusmin gave back calmly, while Ivan walked around the table to stand behind the KGB official.
Like this he could see Gilbert and he could try and give him an encouraging smile. There was nothing else he could do at the moment, just watch and watch out...
Gilbert threw his hands in the air. "What do you want to hear? Maybe I should've tried harder, I get it! But I'm not the nation I used to be! Alfred, you know, America had made it pretty clear that he wouldn't just let me go. I tried to contact Russia, but after that shithead had called him, he wasn't available any more!"
"Interesting."
Once more something was written down and Ivan frowned slightly at Gilbert.
"Say, Comrade Beilschmidt... Could it be that you stayed because you wanted to see someone in West-Berlin? Your brother is living there at the moment."
Gilbert gritted his teeth. "I won't deny that I was glad to be able to see my brother again. Why would I? I love my brother, like one would expect in a nice happy family." He looked at Ivan for just a moment. "But that didn't stop me from coming back home again. Out of my own free will, by the way!"
"After some days and after General Braginsky came to get you. I know." Once more Kusmin put his fingertips together and this time he smiled slightly. "You know, Comrade Beilschmidt... I read reports about your brother and I know he's a responsible being unlike you. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have risked a political crisis just for his brother. So what was the real reason you stayed in West-Berlin?"
Gilbert frowned. "What the heck are you talking about. The real reason?"
"The real reason." The man's smile grew. "You know, Comrade... There are rumours about Mr America. Maybe he... I don't know... promised you things, if you stayed in West-Berlin, risking a war breaking lose? Maybe you wanted to flee to the West?"
"What?" Gilbert sat up straight, burning rage in his eyes. "Promises? He threatened me, ok? He tried to force Russia to get away from Cuba if he wanted his Union complete again, but I was not part of this plan, at least not voluntarily!"
"GILBERT!"
The KGB man looked over his shoulder rather unimpressed by Ivan's shout and as soon as Ivan noticed he unclenched his hands, clearing his throat.
"That was restricted information for Comrade Chruschtschow" he pressed through his teeth, half growling at Kusmin who made another note.
"How am I supposed to know?" Gilbert growled and crossed his arms. "I didn't plan on staying there, period."
Ivan shook his head sharply, trying to give Gilbert a sign not to talk about that matter any more without letting the other man see.
"Restricted information or not. That would have never happened. The Soviet Union doesn't negotiate with terrorists." Kusmin flipped through his notes, remaining quiet for a moment. "Not even terrorists from inside, Comrade Beilschmidt."
Gilbert stared at him for some long seconds. "If you want to say something, then do it. Stop implying this bullshit. Say it. You think I'm a terrorist from inside, do you?"
"I think nothing." He gave Gilbert a cold smile. "I work with the information I get and I have to say, since your little trip to West-Berlin and your meeting with Mr America... well, some things happened. Important places got attacked, for example."
Gilbert clenched his fists.
Toris...
"I don't know about that."
"But you look very suspicious, if you ask me. What did they gave you for your information?"
"He doesn't have any important information" Ivan growled from behind, fighting hard with himself to remain some kind of calm.
Kusmin didn't even look at him. "I didn't ask you, Comrade General."
"But he's right, goddamnit! I do not HAVE any important information to give anyone and even if I HAD, I would never give it away to someone like Alfred!"
"As far as I know you can walk freely through General Braginsky's house. What would stop you from getting the information you want?"
"Common sense" Gilbert deadpanned. "Respect. Or, you know, decency."
Goddamnit, he wanted to punch that guy for his words! Who did he think he was? He was goddamn Gilbert Beilschmidt!
"Pride" he shrugged. "IF, and I mean IF I were to fight against the General, I would do it eye to eye and not on such a cowardly level!"
Ivan nodded slightly. Gilbert wouldn't spy on him... he wouldn't push a dagger through his back... Not Gilbert. Never. But that man couldn't know.
Kusmin sighed and folded his hands in front of his belly, giving Gilbert a long glance. "Even you wouldn't be that stupid. And because you are not stupid, Comrade, it would be very clever to weaken the Union before you face your superior."
Gilbert's eyebrow twitched. "Probably. But it's not my style. Look back at history, it never was my style of fighting! I did NOT do this!"
"It never was your style? Well, if I might remind you, you're not Prussia any more. You have to deal with your people wanting to leave the country; with living in another nation's house; your brother being unable to help or contact you."
Gilbert's fist slammed on the table. "I DID NOT SPY ON HIM, OK? If you don't have any proof for your stupid accusations, then stop this!"
The KGB man raised his eyebrows, pulling a photo from his notebook, which he pushed over for Gilbert to see.
It was made from a high ankle, showing three men. Two walked away together, one remained behind with something in his hands. One couldn't see Ludwig's or Gilbert's face properly. They were somehow blurred by the poor quality of the camera used. However Gilbert's white shock of hair gave him away.
Gilbert raised his eyebrows. "... and you're trying to tell me... what?"
"I don't try to tell you anything. I show you the proof you asked for."
Slowly Ivan stepped a little closer to glance at the photo.
"What kind of proof is that supposed to be? This is my brother, who got me at the airport after Alfred kidnapped me."
"That's right. However I wonder why Mr America let you go just like that with your brother." Reaching into his pocket Kusmin pulled a small lens out, which he put on the third man. "And I wonder why Mr America stands there with something that looks suspiciously like documents. Documents with restricted information maybe?"
"Maybe my brother talked some sense into him. I seriously don't know!" Gilbert said and looked at the picture. "I don't know what this is. It's nothing he got from me. You can't even see if these are documents at all or maybe a newspaper!"
"That's true. It could be everything..."
A hand rested heavy on the table as Ivan leaned closer. His expression was strangely unmoved while his eyes scanned every detail.
"General. Is there a problem?"
Gilbert looked at Ivan. "I did not give him anything. And you know that!"
He didn't look up at Gil, just straightened his back. "No problem, Comrade Kusmin."
"I'm glad then. And for you, Comrade Beilschmidt... The KGB will investigate further until we found the truth."
Gilbert rolled his eyes. "You're welcome to do that, since I have nothing to hide. I did not trade anything with Alfred!"
"Of course." Grabbing the photo Kusmin put it away again, glancing once more at his notes. "Nothing except yourself it seems."
Gilbert frowned deeply. "What did you just say?"
"Oh, you've been seen... How do I say this? You've been seen being awfully close to that man you call Alfred."
Slowly Ivan turned his head, staring at the KGB official.
"I've been seen... what? What do you mean by that?" Gilbert didn't like this tone. And what his words implied.
"You know exactly what I mean by that, Comrade. It would explain so much..." The man sighed deeply, running a finger over his handwritten notes. "The lost information, the attacks, that you could walk around freely even after you've been... 'kidnapped'."
Now Gilbert got up from his chair, glaring at him. "No. Don't even dare to speak that out loudly. You're wrong."
"I'm wrong? About what?" Kusmin smiled sweetly up to the German. "The disgusting relationship that our men in West-Berlin witnessed?"
"There was nothing to witness!", Gilbert shouted now. "What do you think I am, a goddamn whore?"
"Who knows..." Closing his note book Kusmin gathered the few things he had brought and switched off the recorder. "We're done for now, Comrade. But prepare to be called in again at any time."
"NO! You bastards, the heck are you trying to say here, huh?" Gilbert shouted. "This is total bullshit!"
"So, bullshit? Then why are you so upset about it?" Getting up the fat man faced Gilbert and there was nothing left of his smile. "I'm sure you can prove that our men just made a mistake. Right?"
"HOW am I supposed to prove that?" Gilbert said. "And of course I'm upset! You're implying that I slept with that fucking asshole? Who WOULDN'T be upset?"
"It's enough, Beilschmidt." Ivan's voice was cold and his tone didn't allow any backtalk. "You'll shut up now. I'm sure Comrade Kusmin will check his information once more and prove his point. Until then this talk is over."
Gilbert opened his mouth, but then bit his lip. "... sure." He sat down again and looked to the side. Goddamnit... don't you dare to believe this shit.
Kusmin smiled again at that. "You'll get a proper report on the matter as soon as possible, Comrade General."
"I know" was all Ivan gave back.
Gilbert didn't say anything at all. He sat there, his fists clenched on his legs.
Don't believe him. Godamnit, Ivan...!
"Well, then. Shall we proceed to the next interrogation? I assume you want to be present at all your subordinates' talks?"
"That's right. I'll bring Beilschmidt to the waiting room, make sure he gets there safe and come back with the next one."
The other man smiled. "I'll wait then."
Gilbert got up and walked to the door, waiting there for Ivan. He didn't look at him because he was afraid of what he might see there.
There was not much to see when Ivan walked up to him and opened the door. His expression was unmoved and cold. It just changed to anger when he spotted Schukow in the hallway.
"Out of my way" he growled quietly and passed the man, not checking if Gilbert followed or not.
Gilbert pressed his lips together and followed him.
When they were alone, he mumbled "Sorry for telling that stuff. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to tell them." And after a moment of hesitation he added "... you're not buying this, are you..."
Ivan stared ahead. He didn't look back nor slowed down. "Chruschtschow knows about the Cuba matter. You couldn't know and I forgot to tell you..." There had been so much on his mind and Alfred's threat had been the least important one.
The other thing... got ignored.
Gilbert lowered his gaze. "... it's not true. I don't care, what they say... it's not true."
"Not here. Not now. The walls have ears."
The German bit his lip. "Understood..." So he just followed him the rest of their way in silence.
Down the hallway Ivan opened a door to a small office where the Baltics waited nervously and alone. Three pair of eyes looked up when he stepped in and something about Ivan's expression gave them all a bad feeling.
"Eduard, you'll come with me."
Eduard straightened his shoulders. "Yes!" He got up and looked back at the others. He was nervous... but he didn't know anything, so everything would be fine, right?
Toris got up as well and he took a step in their direction until a glance from violet eyes made him freeze.
"I'll say it once more" Ivan said lowly. "No one leaves this room without me. No matter what happens outside and if this damn world breaks to pieces. Understood? Gilbert?"
"... don't address me specifically..." Gilbert pouted. "I won't leave this room. Promised, ok?"
"Good. Come, Eduard. I want to be done with this shit before dinner."
Ivan knew that wouldn't happen and he knew he wouldn't have any appetite left, but he had to pretend at least.
When the door fell shut behind the two nations Toris moved again.
"... what happened, Gilbert?"
"Tch." Gilbert scoffed. "Because someone seems to have smuggled out restricted information, they're blaming me. Said I wasn't kidnapped, but traded information. Information and myself." He grinned without humour and all that grin showed was his burning anger. "Implying that I'm some sort of whore, sleeping with that bastard America! They should all go die in a ditch!"
Toris looked straight back into Gilbert's upset face, not flinching nor backing away. He understood what the German wanted to say, but all he did was shaking his head barely noticeable. He hadn't given anything away.
Not recently...
However the last part made him blink. "You slept with America?"
"NO! No, I did NOT, goddamnit! But these fuckers try to convince Ivan that I DID!" Gilbert screamed and punched the wall. "Goddamnit, I swear...!"
The other two flinched at that outbreak and before Raivis could say anything Toris was at Gilbert's side. Taking his fist that had just collided with the hard surface into his hand, he held it firmly.
"... calm down... and don't be so loud, Gilbert. Someone will hear you..."
Gilbert took a deep and audible breath. "... you say it as if that's easy..." he mumbled and looked to the side, his hand trembling in Toris'. "Those guys... they'll destroy everything..."
"They won't. If you stay calm they can't harm you" Toris gave back quietly, not letting the other man's hand go yet. He was afraid Gilbert would lose his temper and that would not just hurt Gilbert but Ivan and everyone else as well.
"You trust Ivan, don't you? He knows these people and how to deal with them. So... don't worry. And calm down."
Gilbert sighed and took another deep breath. "I know... but he's also insecure" he said. "I just hope he won't let them influence him."
It was the moment Toris thought it was alright to let the other go.
"They're his people... but he's aware they're lying to get what they want. I'm sure about that. Come. Sit down. This will take a while."
With another sigh Gilbert sat down and leaned his head back to stare at the ceiling. "... yeah... I just hope everything will be alright..."
"W-we're at the KGB. Nothing will be a-alright" Raivis gave back from the other corner. He had watched the conversation and he didn't like what he had heard.
"Of course it will be." It was hard to believe in his own words but Toris tried to.
"You have nothing to worry about, Raivis" Gilbert said in a softer tone. "You didn't do anything wrong, right? And Ivan is with us to watch out for us..."
The smaller one couldn't help but laugh shakily. "O-of course... It feels like being trapped between a bear and a wolf. Thanks a-a lot."
"Raivis... this is no game" Toris whispered worried, glancing at the closed door. "If you say a wrong word we all will have bigger problems than you facing Ivan."
Gilbert looked at Toris as if he wanted to ask what Raivis did know. Was he in this, too? But he didn't ask.
"Listen to your brother. Calm down. This will turn out alright..." He sighed. "We just have to stick together. Like the happy little family that we are~"
Raivis made a face but a head shake from his brother made him stay quiet.
They all were in this together, if they wanted or not, and if they wanted to go home that day, they had to keep their mouths shut about things just nations were allowed to know.
It took about half an hour before the door opened again and an exhausted looking Estonian stepped back into the room, Ivan behind him.
Gilbert raised his head, just like the others did. "... is... everything alright?" Gilbert asked. "You look tired."
Pushing his glasses back on his nose Eduard smiled crooked. "They're asking a lot of questions, but I think all is fine."
"Yes, you did great." Ivan put a hand on Eduard's shoulder and squeezed it slightly. He looked just as exhausted. "Toris, you're next."
"A-ah!" Toris nodded and got up. He was nervous, more than he was willing to admit. "Yes. This will be over soon..."
"Probably." Ivan sounded less convinced than the time before, but he gave Toris a little smile and turned, stopping for Gilbert.
"Are you okay?" he asked barely audible.
"... yes..." Gilbert smiled slightly. "Had some moments to calm down."
"Good... one more hour or maybe two and we'll be done. Toris." Looking over his shoulder Ivan nodded to the door. "Let's not let them wait..."
"Yes... I'm coming." Toris followed him with racing heart.
Gilbert watched them leave and leaned back worried again. He hoped this would end well.
Toris' interrogation lasted as long as Eduard's and all the time is was quiet in the office. The Estonian hadn't talked about what had been going on at his interrogation, just explained Ivan had forbidden him to speak. With that he and Raivis had sat down in opposite corners of the room, waiting with Gilbert.
When Toris and Ivan came back another time their expressions were even more exhausted. So Raivis was called with a harsh command and no glance was given to the German.
Gilbert didn't like this. He looked at Toris. "Is... is everything ok? With you? And him?" he asked lowly.
Walking over to the chair Raivis had sat in Toris let himself fall into it. "Yes, it is... I think everything is ok." He shrugged helpless, running a hand over his face. "They asked strange questions. I hope I answered them correctly. But something was strange..."
"... strange? What do you mean?" Gilbert asked, kinda alarmed.
"I don't know..." Toris mumbled, glancing at the door as if he expected someone to come in any second. "Schukow was there and they asked about what happened after Ivan and I... after we got you out of that cellar."
Gilbert blinked. "What... why... I mean, it's weird, but not that strange?"
"I know... It was to expect. It's just... I can't put my finger on it? They repeated the same questions over and over."
"They're up to something..." Gilbert mumbled. "And I don't like that... maybe they know something..."
"They can't. I mean... where from?" Toris bit his lip. "We can just wait now... and hope. It's on Raivis now."
"... that doesn't help me feel better, you know..." Gilbert whispered and leaned back. "He's the weakest in this chain."
Toris didn't answer to that, just looked to the side. They all knew Raivis and how much he disliked Ivan. They could just hope he was reasonable enough not to let anything slip.
Gilbert closed his eyes. "... yeah... let's hope the best..." That was all they could do right now anyway.
And it was taking so long... He didn't know much about Raivis... if he really was as weak as he seemed... but he feared they'd break him so easily... or make his tongue slip...
Something like an hour passed and somewhere in between a woman came to bring them water and glasses. Toris hurried to take everything and thanked her kindly, however when she was gone he emptied the water can into a flowerpot. He had heard stories... and no one needed to get drugged.
Gilbert groaned. "Goddamnit... I hope we'll be done with this soon. I'm thirsty... not that I'd drink anything from THEM... but... damnit, really... are they all nuts?"
"They're not nuts. They're playing dirty..." Eduard mumbled and watched the water vanish in the earth. He was just as thirsty and it was somewhat hot in the office.
"They do everything to get what they want..." Toris agreed and was just about to sit down again, when they heard fast footsteps outside.
Gilbert raised his head. "Maybe they're done...?"
Maybe they could finally leave...? Even though he didn't really believe that.
The door flew open and it was Ivan who stepped in with a grim expression. He was pale like the wall, anger in his eyes. Raivis was nowhere to be seen.
"Get up. All of you. Now."
Like one being, they got up simultaneously.
"What? What happened?" Eduard asked. "Where's Raivis?"
Gilbert didn't like this. Not one bit.
"Silence" was all Ivan growled, turning on his heels. He didn't wait for them to follow, just assumed they'd come on their own.
Toris gave Gilbert a worried glance, before he stepped into the hallway.
Gilbert and Eduard followed him out of the office.
Something wasn't right. Something was SO not right...
Ivan didn't turn back. He just rushed down the hallway and stopped at a corner, almost making the others bump into him. They couldn't see his face, just his broad back, but what they could see was that he took a very slow and very deep breath. Then he stepped around the corner, where Raivis waited shivering in front of the interrogation room's door.
Gilbert's eyes met Raivis' and he knew he had fucked up. He didn't know what he had told them - even though he had a terrifying idea - but he just knew, something wasn't right and it was his fault.
The smaller nation looked down immediately and gave a frightened noise when Ivan walked past him and grabbed his arm in an iron grip. Pulling him down the way they had come hours ago, he aimed for the exit, when a throaty voice snarled behind their backs.
"Will you leave already, Comrade General?"
Gilbert didn't like this.
He flinched, just like everyone else, when Ivan was called back and he looked over his shoulder.
What now?
The KGB man Schukow stood there with something like a smug grin on his face and it grew even more when he caught Gilbert's glance.
Slowly and with what seemed like a neutral smile Ivan turned around, not letting go of Raivis' arm.
"No, Comrade. Just as said, I'll make sure my subordinates are safe." There were icicles in his voice.
Gilbert didn't like that grin. Not one bit. He hated that guy...
They knew something... damnit!
"But they are safe here, General. I don't understand what's your problem..."
Ivan gritted his teeth, making a small crunching sound while the smile remained. "I like to be rather safe than sorry. Give me a minute." And with that he turned back to the exit, pulling Raivis further.
The others stopped for a moment, unsure if it was alright to follow, but then Gilbert made the first step and the others rushed after them, too.
Bloß weg hier, he thought.
No one stopped them on their way any more and it was almost surprising that their car was still standing in front of the building. Finally letting go of the shivering mess that was Raivis, Ivan unlocked the doors and ripped them open.
"Go inside and stay there" he growled in a pressed voice. "Don't talk to anyone. Fight back if someone tries to take one of you. Understood?"
Gilbert frowned but then sat down. He looked up at him. "We'll fight. But... you'll come back here in one piece, too, yes?"
Ivan stopped in his track, not looking at Gilbert. Instead he stared at Raivis who tried to hide somewhere in the car.
"I'll try. Lock the doors."
This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all...!
"Get inside!" Gilbert ordered as the others didn't seem to move at all. He locked his door and took a trembling breath. "What happened in there, Raivis?" he whispered.
The smallest nation felt three pairs of eyes resting on him and it just made him tremble more. "N-nothing! Nothing h-happened!"
"Raivis!" It was Toris who reached out and grabbed his wrist. "What did you tell them?"
"J-just the truth!"
"WHAT truth?" Gilbert asked. "What did you tell them?"
"Raivis... you didn't..." Toris mumbled, feeling his heart stop beating.
"I-I...! They a-asked about t-that day! I just t-told them what I saw!"
"What was that?" Gilbert glared at him. "Tell me exactly what you told them!"
"I t-told them what I s-saw!" Raivis tried to justify himself, feeling threatened by Gilbert and even his own brother, who looked out of the window with worries. "Y-you all came back home a-and h-he took care of you! You... you slept... you s-slept in his bed! That's all!"
Gilbert buried his face in his hands, groaning. "... Gott steh uns bei..." he mumbled. "Great. Just great... They'll figure it out by themselves, if they haven't already."
"They have no proof, Gilbert..." But Toris sounded unsure, chewing on his lips. He knew they didn't need any proof.
"Yeah, because that's totally what they need to fuck with us..." Gilbert hissed. "Damnit..." He looked out of the window, almost as if he wanted to jump out again to get Ivan.
"Gilbert..."
No one else dared to say a word and the car fell silent. What else could they do but to wait for the things to come? Ivan had told them to stay.
"Damnit!" Gilbert shouted and punched the door before he sank deeper into the seat. "You'd better hurry, asshole... I'm impatient, you know...!" he mumbled with worried voice.
Once more they waited in silence and it felt like an eternity. Every now and then people came out of the building, but it never was Ivan.
"Goddamnit, why does he take so long?" Gilbert growled. "He should be here already...!"
"Please calm down, Gilbert... It's not like we can do anything right now" Toris mumbled, watching the door to their personal hell with worries.
"We could go in and get him" Gilbert muttered. "Goddamnit, I hate sitting around so much!"
"I know... but Ivan ordered us to stay in the car. No matter what."
"I know! But what if they take him away again, like that one time?" Gilbert glared at the building. "He's taking too long."
Toris bit his lip, looking down on his hands. It was a possibility, but...
"Don't act reckless. You know what happened last time you rushed in on something."
Gilbert closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I know... I know that...! But..."
He knew. Last time he made everything worse. Every time he interfered... but... what if...?
He could see the worry in Gilbert which Toris felt himself in his guts. His gaze wandered through the car and rested on Raivis for a moment. His brother looked out of the window, trying not to get involved in anything any more.
"... I'll go in..."
Gilbert blinked. "Wait. What?" What kind of nonsense was this now?
"You're right. It's taking too long..." Toris looked up at Gilbert with a determined expression. "I've been here before. I know where not to go and you won't get in trouble."
"No!" Gilbert protested. "You won't. You can't just tell me not to go and then YOU go!"
"I've been here before you, Gilbert. I know how to get away from these people. And you know-"
"S-something's going on there..." Raivis mumbled, staring out of the window.
"I won't-" Gilbert blinked as Raivis spoke up. "Huh?" He turned around to look outside.
A group of soldiers had gathered between the car and the KGB headquarter. One of them gave the others harsh orders and not a moment later they all rushed into the building.
"... no..." Toris whispered with wide eyes.
"Crap" Gilbert hissed and got out of the car. "Stay here!" he said and started running without thinking twice.
"Gilbert!" Toris was about to follow him, but a hand held him back.
Gilbert couldn't think straight. He thought about Ivan, about sitting by his bed like last time, and he didn't want that again!
He rushed into the building, unsure where to go now.
The heavy steps of the soldiers could still be heard in the hallway, getting quieter. Just a secretary looked out of a door and blinked confused when she spotted Gilbert.
The German bit on his lip and followed these noises. He knew he was outnumbered by them, but... he had to try to help at least!
Shouting got loud in the distance and there was clearly a turmoil, when someone stepped around a corner into the hallway just steps away from Gilbert.
Gilbert's eyes widened as he saw Ivan and tried to stop. Unfortunately the floor was slippery and he failed, bumping hard into him. "Ah!"
The unexpected impact made Ivan stumble back and push the man behind him against the wall.
"What the-"
Gilbert blinked. "I... Ivan...?"
What... so... the turmoil wasn't about him...?
"What are you doing here?" Ivan hissed, his face torn with anger. "I ordered you to stay in the car!"
Gilbert pressed his lips together. "I... we were worried..." he mumbled.
Ivan's eyes widened and the next moment his flat hand landed right in Gilbert's face. "I gave you an ORDER!"
Gilbert gasped a bit and stumbled to the side. "... sorry..." he mumbled.
Damnit... he had been stupid enough to get back here...!
Fingers wrapped around Gilbert's wrist with an iron grip, holding him in place.
"Alright. We're done here..." Ivan growled at the man behind him and started walking, pulling the German merciless with him down the hallway.
Gilbert followed him with averted eyes. "... sorry..." he mumbled after a few steps. "I just... wanted to help..."
"Silence" was all Ivan gave back with pressed voice.
His heart was beating heavy in his chest and his fingers closed even tighter around Gilbert's wrist.
But the exit was close...
Gilbert bit his lip, not giving away by any sound that it hurt.
He took a deep breath and just followed him.
He had fucked up. Again.
They got outside without being bothered, where the car waited and Toris, who stood next to the open door.
"I-Ivan..."
"Get in and drive."
"But-"
"I said get in!"
Gulping quietly the smaller nation hurried to get on the driver's seat and start the engine, while Ivan almost pushed Gilbert into the car and followed him quickly.
Gilbert looked out of the window, ignoring how Raivis stared at his red cheek. He hadn't listened and this was the result.
He closed his eyes as Toris started to drive away from this place.
Goddamnit…
Translations:
Bei Fuß! - Heel!
Aus! - Stop!
Danke – thank you
Kleiner, du kannst aber nicht mit – Little one, you can't come
Geh ins Körbchen – Go into your basket/bed
Sitz – Sit
Bloß weg hier – Just away from here
Gott steh uns bei – God be with us