Chapter Title: The Hero

Rating: OT+ (Not worthy of being M I think?)

Genre: Angst, Horror

Summary: Fourth chapter in the Deal series. Ivan was successful in many ways in his plan to finally take West Berlin for his own. After all, he had been promised West Berlin in the beginning of war, so he was only getting what he earned. Ivan had only forgotten one thing that stood in his way, Alfred. M rated for language, suggestive themes and slight violence.

A/N: This has actually been done for the last couple hours... I've been too lazy to post it. I'm going to post this now or I'll not post it until I post all of my other stories! But I hope you enjoy it, but this is not the end. I have... 2 more chapters planned? One after this, and then the FINAL! So I think this is pretty much over with now... Anyways, I'm writing for the other stories still so don't think I gave up :) Thanks for all the support you guys have all been giving me!

The youthful looking American man sat impatiently, drumming his fingers against the table in the manner Ludwig always scolded him about, at the restaurant where he and Ludwig had planned to eat dinner the week before. At first, Alfred would be honest; it was rather funny that Ludwig had been simply running late for their date.

After 45 minutes of waiting, Alfred was afraid he had been stood up, but he quickly realized Ludwig would never have done something that cruel to him. The self-proclaimed hero decided something was wrong, calling his Ludwig's phone and waiting for the German man to pick up, because Ludwig always picked up the phone when he called.

There was no answer.

Ludwig would never leave the phone unanswered, especially a call from him! Ludwig needed and relied on him! Ludwig always looked forward to seeing his planes fly through the sky to move to West Berlin to drop off the very much needed supplies. Ludwig was always his constant companion since the Cold War had begun. It wasn't right that he had been stood up. There was something wrong, and it wasn't Alfred's wounded pride telling him this. Alfred decided to keep up his carefree and friendly posture in case he was wrong and Ludwig would come stumbling in with a flustered look.

He dialed a few numbers, calling the secret guards he had assigned his friend. Of course, they were hired without Ludwig's knowledge; the German man would have claimed he could protect himself.

Alfred knew firsthand how much weaker Germany was now that his country had been cut in half and his heart, his capital, sliced down the middle, and given away to all the Allies to take their picking. When they had realized Germany could not be in two places at once, and both sides demanded to have to personification of Germany, they made Prussia the East and gave him to Russia. It was not as if the nation of Germany had abandoned his people on the East, he felt their pain better than Prussia did. Ludwig had been sickly for so long after he had lost the war, though he never once showed weakness in front of any of the nations who had conquered him. Ludwig always wore the same calm and collected expression as he did as a child but now he was barely beginning to regain his health.

Sighing, he made a few more calls after the guards did not pick up. After the next dozen, he was frantically calling the nearest American airbase station. He pulled a few strings to get into a plane in 15 minutes. Alfred left a large tip for the kind woman who waited on him, allowing him to sit at the table for nearly an hour and a half.

The United States of America sped the whole way to the airbase station. He was in the air in minutes, and on his way to see what was going on in West Berlin. There had to be something wrong. No one had answered his calls. The guards were not there to confirm Ludwig was okay, and Ludwig wasn't picking up to confirm he was alright.

Stepping out of his plane, he found himself stressing out. He was worried and anxious and his gut was telling him something was completely wrong. Everything about the West seemed so gloomy and unnaturally dark suddenly. Completely unlike his cheerful self, Alfred frowned deeply. He stalked down the streets until he came across the lone house which belonged to his dear friend.

Alfred winced.

There was something wrong.

It seems like something out of a nightmare.

There was something horribly wrong.

It's exactly out of a nightmare.

There was something so, so wrong…

Alfred scanned the area. He hated the horrible feeling he got. He suddenly saw red. Red blood spilled across the snowy ground.

It's that fucking commie.

Alfred grinded his teeth together in silent rage, walking quickly towards the house, peeking in a window and suddenly unsure of what to do. He had never gotten a real chance to save anyone. He had always been the hero, but he didn't know how to save someone from a house arrest. This was where Ludwig had to be after all. This was the place Ludwig was. He could feel it.

He slipped his phone out of his pocket, realizing backup might be necessary. Arthur answered with a growl. When Alfred explained the situation, Arthur merely gave a shout of annoyance, saying that Ivan could have the German bitch if he really wanted. Arthur winced, so his British brother was still bitter about the Battle on Britain.

The American took in a deep sigh, calming his nerves. It was his turn to shine… hopefully.

He waited until he heard a noise from the kitchen. Moving swiftly to the window, he peeked through to see Gilbert, of all the people in world, cooking. Gilbert kept glancing back at the door, his hands clutching a knife. His knuckles were white, and he was glaring darkly at the door as if he was trying to decide whether or not to attack.

A cheerful shout was heard, and Gilbert put the knife down, looking ashamed and much sicklier than Alfred remembered.

What has he done to you?

What the hell have I allowed him to do to you?

Fuck…

Gilbert had been, surprising, the stronger of the two brother during the war. Gilbert had been so much intimating compared to his younger brother who was surprising gentle. Gilbert had been loud and rash, a blood thirsty monster with red eyes. All of the nations had feared he would go crazy with power. It was the younger brother, much calmer, who was keeping his brother on a steady leash. He had a sharp tongued if provoked but he had an air of shyness and control which never seemed to disappear no matter the situation. He was profession and played by the rules, yet he had soft spot for the weakness in others. He didn't seem the type to attack first, kind and gentlemanly and oh so reluctant. But he always followed orders to the dot. He followed them perfectly, down to each letter in the words. It was the younger, however, who had also been placed in charge of the Holocaust. During those years his eyes had turned an icy blue, sharp and cruel, his skin had begun to pale a deathly color, and he had become cold and emotionless.

No one seemed to notice how bruises and scars erupted across his skin but his brother and Alfred.

No one ever heard Ludwig cry when he thought no one could hear him.

No one had ever seen him grieve and beg for forgiveness or to stop what he could no longer stop.

Alfred had.

Alfred had come extremely close, several times, to getting to Ludwig. He had stopped every time. He had stood there in the hall listening to the weeping of the broken. It was then he realized, Ludwig would go insane with grief, and he would be forced to end the war himself. He didn't need anyone to try to stop him at this rate.

Alfred now stared at the brother of his dear friend.

W-wait, what the fuck is he doing here?

Gilbert was East Berlin, and this was West Berlin.

"It is the fucking commie bastard." Alfred hissed. Gilbert's head snapped up, red eyes wide. Bright blue eyes met bloody red with a gasp of surprise. Gilbert forced a painful grin on his lips. It wasn't too late to put on a show of braveness or strength. Prussia had asked to go with Russia instead of his brother. It was a plan made possible because of Alfred. And now looking at the man he had condemned, Alfred could barely force a weak smile on his lips. They stared at each other for a few minutes before they seemed to come to a mutual understanding.

Gilbert pointed up.

He's up there.

Alfred nodded.

Gilbert then frowned before pointing up again.

He's in there with him…

"Bitte…" was the soft word, Gilbert's lips barely moving now. Alfred nodded again, understanding what Gilbert wanted him to do. He wanted him to save his brother. Alfred went through the backdoor, moving as quietly as he could which was surprising swiftly. He opened the door and closed it soundlessly.

Nearly crawling up the unbelievably squeaky stairs was hard. He felt as if any shift of weight would set the annoyingly loud noise off. He finally got up the stairs, picking out Ludwig's room easily. He pressed his ear to the door, listening for any sounds which would indicate the two men were in the room.

It was rather quiet until a shout came. It sounded angry and scared.

It was Ludwig's voice, and he was speaking in that commie's language.

The shouts turned to screams which turned to sobs and pleads all within moments.

Alfred did all he could to not break the door down. He hadn't heard Ludwig sound like he was in so much pain in so long. He had kept Ludwig relatively safe from most horrors as best as he could since they had become friends. And now Alfred knew he had to be quick and quiet. He had to be or this whole plan would be ruined.

Alfred took in a deep breath. Placing his hand on the knob and giving it a quick turn as the door came open. He glanced in, the room too much to take in with one breath. It took a few to realize someone was on top of Ludwig. Ludwig was wresting with that man, though he seemed to be going rather easy on the German man who was struggling fiercely to get the man off of him. The two rolled off the bed with a thud, and Ludwig was screaming hysterically now when that man was sitting on his chest.

The man had a knife.

Ludwig isn't in good health…

He was saying how pretty Ludwig would look with his skin painted red.

Ludwig hasn't been well in so long…

Alfred tackled him without a second thought, throwing the man off of Ludwig.

It was seconds later when the squeaks were heard, and Gilbert was helping Ludwig out of the room. Ludwig was limping, and Alfred felt an intense hatred bubble up in his chest, realizing what had taken place in the room.

It seemed like centuries for Ludwig to get out of the room.

He's safe.

"YOU FUCKING COMMUNIST BASTARD! YOU SICK- YOU'RE A FUCKING MONSTER!" Alfred finally exploded, wresting with the man who still had a knife in his hand. The battle was nearly equal, but the Russian was taller and heavy. He had more experience while the younger man did not. Alfred had energy and strength, but his strength barely rivaled that of Ivan.

"I was promised West Berlin. I was taking what I was promised." Ivan hissed sharply, taking a slash at the American who let out a growl of annoyance when the blade fell upon his cheek, cutting the soft flesh. "I still think Ludwig would have looked prettier with his skin painted a lovely red. He's so much more beautiful compared to you, Alfred."

"And look where that got him." Alfred snarled sarcastically as he made a grab for the knife, the two fighting bitterly over the weapon.

It felt like years until Gilbert reentered the room. Alfred glanced at Gilbert who pushed Ivan off of him, when he was beginning to be overpowered. Gilbert gave Alfred a half hearted smile before turning back to stare hatefully at Ivan who grinned wickedly. "You're still under my control, don't forget that East Germany."

"Fuck you! There isn't anything else you can do to me that hasn't already been done!" Gilbert shouted, pouncing on the other man, leaving Alfred to catch his breath. Ivan dropped the knife when he reached up to grab Gilbert's wrists, midair, barely keeping a grip on the crazed Prussian man. Gilbert leaned his face down, towards the Russian, his bloodied eyes dark with rage and malice, his voice low with hatred and disgust. "You won't ever be able to lay your eyes on him again. I'll make sure of that, Boss."

"I'd like to see you try." Ivan answered smartly with a smirk. "I still own half of him."

"You have me; I'm the East of Germany. All Ludwig is, is the West."

"You're a lying piece of trash. Germany is Germany, west or east. Your kingdom is long gone. The only reason you're alive is because your brother uses your spirit to rally his people. And you and that capitalist pig decided to go against the laws to save him from me? Is that what you called it? I was promised him, and I deserve to have him."

"You don't deserve him." Alfred growled. "If anyone in this world deserves him, it's me. I've saved him each time he's fallen. After World War One I helped him back on his feet for as long as I possibly could. Even now, look, I'm helping him. I'll protect Germany from you, you fucking commie bitch."

"Oh shut up, I've bedded him more times than you could ever dream." Ivan laughed spitefully, watching as Alfred's eyes widen and his face drain of color. Ivan changed the cruel laughter to an innocent giggle. He smiled sweetly at Alfred who looked tongue tied for a few moments, seeming to have been hit hard by the news. "If I had really wanted to, I could have again."

"There's no way in hell I'd let you touch him again!"

"Oh so sweet," Ivan smile, pushing Gilbert off of himself like the Prussian was a sack of potatoes. "Trying to protect your brother, and you, Alfred, trying to help a nation I thought you didn't like!" Alfred glared darkly at the Russian man whom sweet smile did not falter. Alfred watched with a deep hatred as Ivan giggled. "You could have thought of it like a favor, I was taking him from you. If you wanted, I would have traded Prussia for him. It isn't too late to trade actually, da?"

"Germany is my ally!" Alfred shouted angrily. "He's my friend, and you can't have him! I won't allow it." Alfred glanced at Prussia who nodded sternly. The two men made eye contact, and again, they came to mutual understanding. "I'm taking Ludwig back to West Germany, and you can't do anything about it."

He doesn't want to let Russia have Germany as much as I do.

"My day isn't up." Ivan snarled suddenly. Alfred quickly saw the change in altitude in his favor. This only meant that Ivan was starting to see his side wasn't going to win. He was beginning to worry. "I own him for one day. He gave himself up for my enjoyment just to see his pretty brother for a couple of hours. So you cannot take him from his house until the day is up!"

"I don't care about your deals with West Germany, he doesn't make deals. He can't." Alfred said with a smirk. He watched Ivan's facial expression change from clear rage to a now sweet childish smile and calmness. "He's under my control and leadership, and I annul your claim to him and the contract. I wasn't present, and I have not given West Germany the authority of making his own deals."

"You pig," Ivan said sweetly, hate clear in his voice. "I'll take my leave than, Alfred. Tell Ludwig I said farewell, but I'll see him soon again, so he won't get lonely, unless you're planning to take my place?" Ivan giggled as he saw Alfred's face darken. "Come, East. You still belong to me. I would much rather own your sweet little brother though; West Germany is truly lovely."

Prussia held his tongue though a thousand thoughts crossed his mind.

Ivan left the room in an almost light and carefree manner, though it was clear he was still frightening angry about the appearance of Alfred. He did not bother to look back at the other two who visibly relaxed.

"I left him in my room. I locked the door, call to him because he won't answer if you only knock." Gilbert said softly. He smiled at the American, seemingly to be honestly happy. It was the first time in such a long time that he had really smiled again. "Thank you, Alfred, for saving my brother from him. I couldn't do it. I'm too weak now. I owe you one, because honestly, I'd rather be the one with Russia than letting him be with him for even an hour…"

"Russia and I are both superpowers, and you and your brother are at your weakest point right now." Alfred said softly, smiling sweetly at his friend. He patted Gilbert's shoulder. "I guess I couldn't have expected you to save yourselves from him. Be safe, alright, Gilbert? Ivan is probably angry now. He can't do much though. We're only allowed to have proxy wars. If we had any other type, it'd be World War Three. And he isn't willing to let that happen."

"Take care of him for me, Alfred… and I'm sorry… Just please tell my dear little brother that I'm so sorry… and-and I'll always love him, always. No matter what, I'll always love him, and I'll never forgive nor forget my sins." Gilbert whispered, wincing slightly before smiling and parting with the nation he had long ago made his own deal with. "I wish you well… win and free us, please, Alfred…"

Alfred went to the window and waited until he saw Ivan and Gilbert leave. He hurried locked the door and made his way around the house checking to make sure there was no way anyone could enter. He then walked to the room he had been told Ludwig was in. He knocked softly on the door, "Ludwig? You are still in there? It's just me, just Alfred… You can open the door."

America heard the shuffling of feet on the other side of the door. Ludwig quietly unlocked the door. Alfred peeked in, seeing that Ludwig had been most likely sitting on the floor in the corner where a small pillow fort had been built. "It was Gilbert's idea. He said I used to do that as a child. He must have believed it would comfort me."

The young American winced as he heard his dear friend's voice. It was raspy and dry. Alfred glanced over Ludwig. He saw the clothing the other was wearing was clean enough. His hair messy though, something Ludwig would have never let happened. Ludwig's ice blue eyes were dead and cold. It scared Alfred. The eyes were calm, but they had lost their shine. The visible skin on his neck had dark purple bruises, and what else, Alfred wasn't sure he wanted to know.

Ludwig's facial expression was cold, almost too cold to belong to the man. Ludwig had never showed much feeling, but he had never been bitter. He had been simply been calm, shy in a sense. He was never cold. He never wore such an expression of indifference. "I'm sorry, Ludwig. I should have come earlier…"

"It's not your fault. You hadn't known." Ludwig said quietly. "I was the one who made the deal. I'm sorry I've troubled you."

"Ludwig… May I see-" Alfred asked, hesitantly reaching out towards the young German man. Ludwig jumped back, bringing his hands up as if he could create some sort of barrier.

Ludwig actually looks scared.

"I said nothing is wrong." Ludwig said defensively. "Nothing happened."

"If nothing happened, may I see you?" Alfred asked timidly. He watched Ludwig's facial expression. It went from fearful to calm to a silent rage. Ludwig glared darkly at him. Alfred's calm expression did not falter against Ludwig's fury. "Please, Ludwig?"

"I said nothing is wrong!" Ludwig shouted loudly, seeming to actually be upset with Alfred now. "I said nothing was wrong already; don't make me say it again! He didn't do anything, nothing happened. H-he didn't do anything." Ludwig was starting to shake. "I- I just… He just hit me, but he didn't t-touch me. He didn't. He didn't."

He's trying to convince himself, not me.

"I know that, Ludwig…" Alfred said calmly, his eyes softened as he watched his friend look down, almost sadly. Alfred was trying to humor Ludwig who seemed to relax again though his eyes looked so empty. "But I want to help you since he hit you."

"I can clean myself up…" Ludwig whispered, starting to move farther away from Alfred. Alfred frowned. "Go away. I can patch myself up, I've done it before."

"Ludwig, don't make me leave…"

"Please just go, Alfred. I don't want to see anyone right now. I want to be alone. You don't have to worry. He won't come back, and if he does, I'll call you. I swear I'll call you. But right now, please leave. Please, please, please just go home… I- I want to be alone."

"I can't do that…"

"Why can't you!" Ludwig finally shouted. He looked so frustrated. He looked so scared and desperate. "I want to be left alone! I don't want to see anyone! I-I don't want anyone to see me look so pathetic, so please, just leave, Alfred!"

Ludwig ranted about Alfred leaving for what felt like hours. Alfred did not move, nor did he move a muscle. Alfred let the German man talk. Finally Ludwig looked near to breaking down, near to tears as he began to tremble, biting harshly on to his lip as if that could keep his emotions clamed shut.

"Let me help you." Alfred whispered as he saw the change in behavior. "I'm the hero, remember?" Alfred tried to joke weakly. He was barely able to keep the sorrowful smile on his face. Ludwig stared at Alfred for a few minutes before he finally nodded. Alfred's sad smile widened slightly.

"Just don't do anything though…" Ludwig whispered. His voice cracked, and a few tears slipped down his face before he could stop them. He wiped them off with disgust, swallowing the rest of his tears and allowing Alfred to lead him out though his touch burned him. Ludwig did not want anyone to touch him. Alfred sat Ludwig down by the window quietly peeling off Ludwig's shirt.

Alfred kept in any noise of surprise though he choked on his shock at the sight of the bruised skin. Alfred let his hand lightly run over the chest of his friend. The young American man felt his German companion stiffen under the touch, sitting up a little straighter and shivering from the touch. There were scratches, like someone had ranked their nails all over his chest.

Alfred stood up, collecting medical supplies before returning to the chair by the window. He brought another chair over, sitting down while he cleaned a few of the bleeding scratches. He wiped clean the wound, bandaging them with care before he moved along to apply some disinfectant to the bite marks on his shoulder. Alfred winced, wondering what had really happened to cause all of these marks.

Before he could move any lower, Ludwig had stood up, legs shaking. "T-that's all."

"What about your legs? He must have torn them up. You're shaking, and you can barely hold you own weight!" Alfred protested lightly, wanting Ludwig to say something about the rape.

Ivan had admitted it.

And Ludwig was denying it.

All Alfred needed to do was confirm it.

"He didn't do anything!" Ludwig barked, as if he had read Alfred's mind. "H-He didn't…"

"I'm not saying he did… I just want to help…" Alfred spoke as slowly and as calmly as he could. He watched as Ludwig looked lost for a few moments before defeat crossed his already weary face and he buried his face in his hands, sobbing quietly. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, Ludwig! Here… let me help you, okay?"

"I'm fine, Alfred… I'm sorry." Ludwig mumbled. Alfred moved to his knees in front of his friend, taking Ludwig's hands and placing gentle kisses upon it, like he had before anything had ever happened. Alfred watched wincing softly, as Ludwig began to whimper at the gentle, harmless touch.

"Come on, Ludwig. Let us go back to the West Germany… we'll stay out of Berlin for a while." Alfred spoke quietly. "You don't need to talk about it yet, if you don't want. I won't make you… Just stay with me, don't leave me, alright? I won't let Ivan near you for as long as I can. You're a nation, so I can't promise you forever… but I can promise you while you're under my protection he won't hurt you." Alfred said softly. He paused a moment, looking even more determined. "I will not let him touch you while you're with me."

"I-I… Alfred, he- Ivan r-ra…" Ludwig choked now. He bit down harshly on his lip, pulling his hands away from Alfred's grasp as he began to cry again. "Ivan f-forced me to… I wanted him to stop, but I couldn't make him. I didn't want it to happen… I-I was so weak, Alfred! I couldn't protect myself! I di-didn't know what he meant… he asked for a favor, not a… I thought it'd be different… I just wanted to see Gil-Gilbert, and I… Oh God, Alfred, I ruined everything! I'm so stupid!"

"You're one of the smartest people I know, Luddie." Alfred said, smiling gently to his friend. Ludwig looked surprised before he looked sad. Alfred wanted to caress his friend's cheeks like he had before when he made such a face, though Ludwig would have often enough before bit his head off, but now Alfred was scared to touch him. He didn't want to be rejected because of fear.

"Thank you, Alfred…" Ludwig nodded at the American who smiled cheerfully now. Alfred pulled the German man into a long hug, letting Ludwig whimper and tense until he finally relaxed into the hug, awkwardly hugging him back.

"Let's go home." Alfred whispered. Ludwig nodded, allowing his friend to lead him away from the place of his nightmares.

Alfred didn't know how long it would take for Ludwig to heal, but he knew he would do his best to help him. The young American decided silently to keep him close and away from all dangers that could be avoided. It was what he owed him. Alfred had always loved him, and he knew it was no longer possible. It would take time for Ludwig to heal, and he could not risk Ludwig's health for his own selfishness. His love was real, but he could not force it upon Ludwig who most likely frighten of everything at the moment.

And if Alfred was to take this task, he would have to be prepared to be thought of as a caregiver. He would risk losing any sort of affection from Ludwig…

If it's for him, it will be worth it…

"I won't let anything happen to you…" Alfred whispered, glancing back at his unstable friend. Deathly pale and dead icy blue eyes glanced up to meet sky blue. There was a moment before a fleeting shine returned to the icy eyes. Alfred felt a smile cross his face, knowing that Ludwig was still there, he wasn't broken.

Ludwig had always been so strong.

"I know, Alfred." Ludwig whispered, glancing back to the ground. "I know…"

A/N: I know some people are wondering when I'm going to get back on track with my writing (I'm talking about the usually nice and quick updates that I use to give out like last year xD) And that will start again soon. BECAUSE I'M GONNA ON BREAK (Tomorrow is the last DAY)! I only have a lot of shit to do thoughh! Like community service, summer assignments and A LOT OF WRITING! But its all cool! I'll be back with all my writing soon my lovelies!