"Now," Ludwig said as he separated from the embrace. He ruffled your hair a little as he stood up to walk towards a map of Central Europe. You found this odd as Ludwig wasn't usually so friendly, but you were glad he was more personable around you. It always felt like he sheltered himself behind the seriousness of being a general in war. "I have somezhing else to discuss vith you regarding an important meeting coming up."

You nodded your head. Ludwig motioned you over to the map where you could see Eastern France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Italy, Poland, and Czechia. There were pins labeled for each army, base, and refugee camp. There were also lines highlighted that showed the operable trains that were heading west.

"Zhere is an important meeting being held in Rome tomorrow that mein Bruder and I must attend," Ludwig sighed as he looked back at you. "After the Russians broadcasted the incident zhey call "unjust" vith your comrades, much of zhe vorld has been put into total chaos."

"What do you mean total chaos? Only a few countries actually knew about who we were and what our operation was?" You didn't like the sound of what Ludwig was saying and you started to suspect that there was something much sinister going on.

"A lot of zhe Balkans, former Soviet states, and even China are preparing a full out nuclear war. Zhey believe the US, France, Britain, and Germany deliberately sent troops to zhe east for war. Based off zhe publication of zhe video, many countries see your operation as a direct aggression against zhe EEF."

"What? That's ridiculous!" You crossed your arms out of frustration. "Even if they went behind two security council members, this wasn't a violent or military operation. We were simply there to help refugees."

"Unfortunately, zhe Russians have successfully combined zhe video vith targeted propaganda to make it look like zhe west is bringing violence to zhe eastern front without a declaration of war," Ludwig said as he pinched his nose. "It looks really bad to a lot of countries vhen you hide or lie behind multiple falze fronts."

"A-And we can't do a-anything about it?" You asked as your voice began to shake. You knew your crew was out here only to help, not start an all out nuclear war. Ludwig looked deep into your eyes as you barely spat out your words. You were sick of him always taking pity on you though. His eyes always revealed the pity and remorse he had for you. Although you thought it was sweet that he worried, you wanted to actually make a change in this war. You especially didn't want your friends to die as Russian Propaganda.

"Luckily zhere is somezhing ve can do," Ludwig said sternly, "but before I zay it just know I am not pressuring you to do anyzhing." You stared at him confused about what he was about to offer. "Gilbert and I are vitnesses to the situation vith your fallen comrades. Ve can bring zhis up to other countries at zhe meeting tomorrow... however, zhey may not believe us as ve vere directly related to this operation." Ludwig paused to look at you taking in the information with anticipation.

"Here are your options : You can come vith us to zhe summit to give your story about the operation, your comrades, and zhe massacre. Zhis vould give us more credit to zhe situation, allowing ozher countries to join our cause and maybe stop an all out nuclear war. However, zhis may just be simply a bluff from zhe EEF and neighboring states. Zhey could just be saying it to scare zhe vest into total chaos. I could easily get you a train back to Vestern Europe. From zhere you can go back home vhere you vill be safe. You'll probably even be avarded a medal by zhe German and US governments for your bravery... zhere is absolutely no pressure. I vant you to be zhe most comfortable and safe vith your decision." Ludwig's eyes were like daggers as he said this. He was heavily emphasizing the second option, but you knew you'd never have closure by just running away.

You both went silent with only the quiet ticking from the clock filling the room. Ludwig continued to stare at your shimmering (e/c) eyes. You weren't even sure if he was blinking as his frozen irises focused on you. For you it was an easy decision, you would do anything to help end this war. Espeically if it was exposing the lies of the Russian Propaganda. Ludwig was a different story though. You could tell he was very concerned for your well being and almost intimidated you to pick the second option.

"Ve vill make sure you have zhe safest trip back home. I can contact the US embassy in Berlin to give you a private escort as vell," Ludwig stated coldly. He was really emphasizing the idea of you going back home, but it wasn't an option for you.

"I can't Ludwig..." you sighed, taking in a deep breath before continuing, "This war has taken so, so much away from me. My safety, my home, and my comrades disappeared in the matter of seconds because of the Russians. I owe it to them the most." You look him straight in the eyes, full of determination and confidence. "Let's end this war together before it can take anymore innocent lives."

Ludwig let his head hang down a little in disappointment. "Very vell," he sighed, "Ve vill go to Italy together and show zhe world zhe truth... zhe actual truth. But if ve are going to do zhis, I vill need you to stay vith me at zhe meeting. Alvays be aware of your surroundings, especially vhen zhey find out who you are. I vill do my absolute best to make sure nozhing happens to you... but please make sure to stay close and stay safe."

"Of course Ludwig, we've already been through so much together I've got your back just as much as you got mine," you replied. He smiled at your remark, returning to his pinkish cheeks and sweet baby blue eyes.

Gilbert walked in chaotically watching you and Ludwig discuss plans. He rolled his eyes whenever you or Ludwig smiled and decided to just interrupt. You both didn't notice him standing a few feet away in the doorway.

"EHEM... uh Hallo?" Gilbert sarcastically asked as he rolled his eyes. Gilbert walks in and looks at you with disgust.

Ludwig looked away from you. He was obviously annoyed that his brother was bothering him when he was enjoying your company. "Ja Bruder?"

"Stop talking to your girlfriend and come help me vith some of zhe future plans. Unfortunately zhe men take you a lot more seriously zhan me," Gilbert said, grabbing Ludwig's arm.

"Hey she's not my-"

"Kesesesese" Gilbert laughed as he cut off Ludwig and dragged him out of the tent.

Your stomach sank a little to the word 'girlfriend'. You were sure Gilbert was just messing around, but it made you feel flustered.

You walked outside to notice the moon shining just above the Alps. The snowy peaks melted into the bright moon. It was already very late so you decided to head to the refugee tent to sleep. Ludwig insisted that you slept in the main tent, but you didn't want to be a burden to him, Gilbert, or anyone else needing the brothers' attention.

You walked into the tent to see about half of the bunks full with refugees from the eastern front. Luckily most of them were healthy and uninjured, but as you walked to the back of the tent you noticed a few people with bloodied faces, arms, or legs.

Eventually you found a bunk in the back right corner. You then set down a few of your belongings and climbed into the stiff bed to rest your head. You always slept on the top bunk, allowing Elena the bottom because she was afraid of heights. A wave of sadness fell onto you as you watched refugees exit and enter the tent. You could have really helped more if the world wasn't so cruel.

"I miss you Elena," you whispered as your eyelids closed and you drifted to sleep.

—————————————————————————

You sprung up out of your bed, almost hitting your head against the ceiling. A cold sweat covered your head and neck, and for some reason your eyes were puffy with tears. You couldn't remember what you were dreaming about but you knew it wasn't good. You knew sleep was a commodity that many people didn't have in wartime, especially when they see a lot of death and pain.

You reached down your bunk and noticed you were only sleep for an hour and a half. As you climbed down the rickety bunk bed, you saw that most other people were asleep. The stale air and silence felt suffocating, so you walked outside to take in some fresh air.

The moon touched your eyes, but unlike the piercing sun, it's light was softer and elegant. You looked up to see an open sky with the stars dancing around the silver moon. The slight breeze was a little chilly but it still felt like summer night. In the distance you could see a few fireflies bouncing from flower to flower. Their warm glow melted with the sound of owls hooting in the forest. When there wasn't war or suffering, Germany was a really magnificent country. It was something you could never get enough of.

Suddenly, a hand reached out to your shoulder. "Can't sleep _?" A familiar voice asked behind you. You turned around to see the moonlight reflecting off of Ludwig's hair and face. He always looked more peaceful and calm at night. His golden hair fused with the gentle silver glow of the moon and his light skin seemed to sparkle on the edges.

"Yeah... bad dream I think," you stated yawning. "Why are you out here though? Shouldn't you be asleep as well?"

"Ich don't sleep much in times like zhese..." Ludwig responded. It seemed like he wanted to say something else but refrained himself from continuing.

"I-I'm sorry. It's seems the constant attentiveness, violence, and bloodshed takes a toll on everyone." His eyes traced the skyline as you spoke. You looked into his sea blue eyes. Normally they would almost crystal clear, but the night's shadows gave them a darker hue.

"Hey... I know a place zhat can get our mind off of all zhat maybe... follow me," Ludwig said as he grabbed your hand. You didn't really have a choice and you enjoyed spending time with Ludwig, so you followed him into the nearby forest.

As you entered the forest, it became harder and harder to find where you were going or stepping. The Fir branches covered up much of the moonlight touching the ground and the shadows loomed over your body. Ludwig and you were almost jogging at the pace you were being dragged. By this point you were completely blind as you couldn't make out your feet or surroundings. Your feet hit a branch sticking out of the ground causing your face to rush towards to dirt; however, instead of getting a face full of mud, an arm pulled you into a muscular figure.

You rested on Ludwig's chest a bit, shocked that you almost fell straight into the ground. His heartbeat was steady, similar to his mannerism. You took in his distinct scent of pine, earth, and hops. It reminded you of a cozy cabin in a secluded mountainside.

"Are you ok?" Asked Ludwig surprisingly. He held onto your shoulders and looked down to your eyes. He saw you grin back at him. You were a little shocked but weren't injured.

"I'm alright, I just can't see very well when it's this dark," you replied, "Thanks for catching me though, I'm not really in the mood to eat a face full of crap." Ludwig's face turned a bit pink as you chuckled a little out of nervousness.

For the rest of the walk you stayed right next to Ludwig. You and him had been walking, more like jogging, through the lush forest for well over ten minutes. Eventually, Ludwig stopped in front of a large Linden tree and looked up. You could see a ladder that went up to a small wooden platform. As you followed him up the ladder, you noticed how much brighter the stars and moon were. You took a seat near Ludwig on the platform where there was a small telescope pointing toward the Milky Way.

Your eyes followed the purple and brown shimmer of the Milky Way arch. "Wow... this is incredible."

"It really is. It's my only escape from zhe constant commanding and attentiveness." Ludwig had a slight smile as he watched the stars with you. "I know it's quite childish fur a 20-year-old to have a makeshift tree house in zhe middle of zhe forest."

"What? No way it's super cool. Plus we all need that space away from the chaos." You felt bad for Ludwig since he didn't get much time to think for himself. Even just spending a day at the camp you could tell he was constantly busy. He did a great job with his work and was highly efficient in getting everything done, but that came at the cost of him not being able to sleep. He was constantly pressured to do his best for his country and the men he led. You looked over to him staring at the cluster of gems in the sky. He seemed more content and at peace than when he was at the camp.

"I do like the stars, just not in the 'beauty' vay," Ludwig softly stated as he laid back on the wooden platform. "Don't get me wrong, stars in zhe night sky are gorgeous but I'm more into vhat zhey do." You tilted your head at him, confused by what he was hinting at.

"Like a shooting star... it allows you to vish for a bright future. Zhere might not be any tonight but just zhe hope of zhat bright future keeps me optimistic," Ludwig said contently. "Every star out zhere has zheir own future und as long as zhey burn, zhey bring hope and joy to people all across zhe vorld."

You looked at him, shocked at what he said. You never heard Ludwig say something so deep and meaningful, but he was completely right. Right now Ludwig was your wishful star. He was your hope that the world would get better. He was your hope that people can be good to each other, and when this was all over, he was your hope that everyone could heal. Heal from the suffering and the pain. Heal from the loss. Heal from the devastation that the war brought to everyone.

"_... zhere is somezhing I should come clean about," Ludwig said as he turned on his side to face you. You were both laying on the wooden platform staring into each other's eyes. You weren't sure what he was about to say but you could tell it was very important.

"Yes?"