Hey there! Rika here! :3 I know it's been a really, really long time since I've updated, and I'd really like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for that. I've been having a rough time. And what's worse, I've had to rewrite this chapter 3 times now and I've lost it all 3 times. I'm really, really, REALLY sorry, but I think I'm going to retire this story along with Heartbeat, in case any of you all reading are wondering when that's coming out. Unless you guys really, really, REALLY have a beef with that, and you all really, really, REALLY want me to continue this right now, I'm done with this. So, unless a lot of people comment or private message me or something, this'll be the end of this one. And that kills me, but it's getting in the way of all the other stuff I want to do. You all can blame the fuckers at the flash drive manufacturers, by the way.

Anyways, as an apology, I've decided to give you what I've been able to salvage of the original chapter 2. It's not much, but it's something. I love you all! And, if you want Germancest or USUK or Spamano or Franada, I'm gonna start a new chapter story that's NOT gonna be saved on a stupid flash drive. I learned my lesson. Learn from me children.

I own nothing.

Ivan threw Ludwig, now thoroughly broken, violently to the ground. "I'm bored now." He spat, "Gilbert, come here."

Gilbert got to his feet as fast as he could manage without use of his hands and rushed to Ivan's side. He tried with all his might not to look at the Russian, biting his tongue to keep from saying anything that could upset him and prompt more abuse to his brother. Instead he chose to focus on the knife Ivan held loosely in his hand, as if it were nothing more than just a cold piece of steal. As if it was not smeared with Ludwig's blood.

"Turn around." Ivan commanded shortly as Gilbert came to halt in front him. Gilbert did as he told and allowed Ivan to cut the ropes that bound his hands together. He pulled his hands to his chest upon being freed and rubbed at his wrist, which were now an angry shade of red from where he'd struggled against the ropes in a futile attempt to get free and save Ludwig. The pain aside, Gilbert was relieved that he once again had use of the appendages.

Gilbert listened in utter silence to the dull of thud of Ivan's heavy footsteps as he left the room without another word. As soon as he could no longer hear even the faintest evidence of Ivan's lingering, Gilbert ran to Ludwig's side, falling down to his knees beside him. He quickly looked over his brother's damaged body and tried to choke down the anger that boiled in his gut and the heart break swelling in his heart.

"West…?" He asked tentatively as he watched for a reaction. Seconds past and Ludwig didn't so much move an inch.

"West…" Gilbert called out louder. He could feel his body stiffen as, once again, Ludwig failed to answer.

"West…! West! West, come on! Wake up! West!"

… Nothing…

"Ludwig!" He used his brother's real name this time. It wasn't something Gilbert made a habit of doing, but Gilbert would try anything his brother might answer to until he woke up.

"Lud! Lutz! Westen! Bruder!" Gilbert went down the list one by one, but nothing happened. Ludwig remained completely still and listless, no matter what name Gilbert begged to.

Gilbert tried desperately to swallow the panic that threatened to flood his senses and flush out any sort of rational thought in his mind. He tried to tell himself that it was impossible that Ludwig was dead. World War Two hadn't destroyed him, hadn't destroyed Germany, so Ludwig could not die. Gilbert had to do something, but could only think of one other thing to do.

There was only one thing Ludwig always responded to no matter what.

"Ludwig Beilschmidt! You open your fucking eyes right now! That's an order!" Tears welled in Gilbert's eyes, blurring his vision. "Did you hear me! That's an order!"

Hot tears ran down Gilbert's cheeks, leaving damp trails behind them. "Ludwig!"

Once again, I'd like to say I'm sorry. I wish this fic had played out. I really loved it when I started it, but I don't want to write it over a fourth time. If enough people make me feel really bad, I might concider picking it up again (I already feel super guilty). But I just don't think this was that popular a story. So if you'll be sad or whatever if I retire this story, review and tell me or PM me and I'll concider continuing.

Once again, thank you, I love everyone who read this and everyone who reviewed even more, and fuck flashdrives.