The air was brisk but it was still warm enough for the weather to be considered good. Spring had fast passed by and now the feeling of summer coming was in everyone's head and hopes for vacations to start soon.
Blackie was trying to get the attention of his master in the kitchen, the dachshund eyes screaming "Let's go to walk Uman!" while walking straight and forth, being observed by his fellow Aster and Berlitz. The two dogs weren't at that level of excitement but still sensed it was that time of the year coming again when they were going for 'the special walk'. At one point, Berlitz parted from his trio to walk to the living room.
Panting, the fluffy cream teddy bear sniffed the air more than he saw the young man he was looking for and once he found him, approached calmly as not to disturb the human.
The man was sitting on a chair next to an open window, his arm beneath his head, looking at the garden.
He was so lost in his own mind he didn't even notice the canine presence at first, and only when the yellow chick onto his head started chirping did he seem to come back to reality, by brighting a smile.
"Mm? What is it Gilbird? You like the summer wind too?"
The bird chirped again and bounced over the pale man's head in a response of approval.
"Yeah! Me too, summer is so awesome and beautiful, it's in the top ten of my favorite seasons...Oh, Berlitz you were here big boy? Does that mean West is over with making our meal?"
The dog didn't respond of course, but he moved his tail right to left, earning a pat on the head and scratches on his back which made him happy.
The albinos smiled widely and proceeded to hug the dog and play a little with him, until he heard the 2 others coming at him, especially a determined Blackie who launched himself without warning, making him fall from his chair.
Soon, he was engulfed in fluffiness and tongue licks.
"Kesesese! You little rascals! You couldn't resist being in my awesome presence could you? But if you want to subdue me, you will have to go a long way!"
He retaliated with scratches and hugs, exciting even more the dogs.
They were all having so much fun he didn't notice he was being called.
"Gebbert, have you seen the dogs? Gebbert!...'P'!"
At the mention of his real name the young man came back to his senses and stopped the game, calling back.
"Ludwig! They're here with me in the living room!"
It always felt strange to be called by the letter name again after so long, however it happened sometimes when he wouldn't respond to the new one he was given, so he wasn't blaming his brother to feel impatient and use the shortcut way.
He had been told he was much less of a troublemaker than Gilbert though. But it was normal, because even if they shared his memories, he wasn't him and would never be.
The blond nation appeared at the door, dressed in impeccable black, with two backpacks probably containing their sandwiches and the food for the dogs, along with the dog's bowls and water.
When he saw him, all disheveled on the floor, Germany sighed.
"Ah...look at your clothes now.."
Indeed, he was a bit of a mess, his formal uniform (which he didn't really like as he preferred comfy clothes) had even one button missing, a button that Aster spitted on the side discreetly while giving his innocent look.
All the dogs had disciplined themself when the boss of the house had appeared, something sometimes Gebbert was a tad jealous of, because he wanted to have that much control over them too.
"Woups..sorry…" he stuttered while getting up, trying to do his tie back correctly, until Ludwig came to his rescue and helped make him presentable again.
"Alright, now it's gut. I think we can go. Can you take the flowers please?"
They packed the things inside the car, making room for the dogs at the back seats and went to the road. They talked a bit about all and everything during the ride.
"So, how was work this week? I didn't see you for 3 whole days!"
"Harassing indeed. The president is having a lot to think of lately...And me as well."
"Man, I'm glad I'm not working as much as you! Looks like hell to be a real nation!" Started joking the albinos before adding "...but if you wanna some help, you know I would do anything for you…"
"I know Gebbert, I know…"
They went silent as the forest was visible. It was always like this, having this solemn composure imposed as natural in this place.
They parked, and the dogs and themselves walked to the secret pathway and to their hidden cemetery.
Gebbert was leading the group, and stood out to walk toward the graves, staring at them with a soft and nostalgic look on his face, before talking again .
"Hi Prussia, Hi 'I', Hi Father…"
Next to Prussia's grave, there were 'I's and his father sharing the same sober one covered by vines, and a third one with 'C' and 'R' reposing here as well. His deceased friends had been gathered together in their final home, in the outside, as they had always wished.
"And you too, 'C', 'R'. Hope you've been doing well….because I do."
This statement contrasted with the sadness on his face, his smug usual smile disappearing as his lips sides dropped. When he saw them, he always thought about how life could have been different for them and how much he had wished to share his new life with what was his family in heart.
He wondered if Father would be proud of him, because apparently, that was what they were supposed to do when their children succeed in life. He pictured 'R' and 'C' seeing the outside for the first time and the funny faces they would have made, the silly questions they would have asked, their face smiling. He imagined 'I's face if he had once tasted pizza's from the Italian's brothers.
He thought about all those missed opportunities and it still hurt him.
But the comforting hand on his shoulder reminded him that he would not be alone, and for quite a time...maybe his whole life.
"Are you ok Gebbert?" asked a concerned Ludwig.
"Yeah...I often miss them. I was only 5 at the time and now I'm already 20! But I still have vivid memories of them. I'm forgetting the details but...well, I've got new good memories too so it's fine!" He smiled at the nation, which nodded.
" But now, I'm glad I've you." 'P' whispered a bit,and before Germany could ask what he had said, he took the bouquets and crouched forward, disposing them on the graves with love and care.
The blond nation did the same to Prussia's, also whispering the following sentences out of the other ears reach.
"Hi Bruder. It has been...I don't count anymore. This year was a hassle as the others last ones. A lot is happening in the country, great changes for the best and the worst and I'm not sure I wish you were there to see every of them. But you would probably want to see a lot, knowing you.
Gebbert is studying engineering and he is getting good at it...I might repeat myself every year, but it always makes me feel like you succeeded in letting a part of yourself remain on this earth, like if you had a son…..and that I was watching over him.
I know it's silly, but I'm sure you would feel proud You always were for that kind of thing.
Now, we must go. See you next year Bruder."
And at this, they said goodbye and left, eating their sandwiches, feeding the dogs on the way and talking eagerly about the planned dinner at Italy's place they would have that night.
END
