I realized I hadn't said anything about the German brothers in the last few chapters so have...whatever this is. I don't even know anymore. This bit is sad, I almost cried writing it. Warnings for sadness and some German.
It was with a heavy heart that Gilbert sat next to his grandfather in the airport, his little brother Ludwig sleeping on his lap while Germania read a book. Gilbert had dreaded the arrival of this day with his entire being. He brushed his fingers through Ludwig's blond hair, his fingertips brushing over what remained of the injuries the boy had received, nearly invisible now on his skin. Ludwig had healed quickly after the accident, but his memories were still gone.
Gilbert sighed. Today Ludwig and Germania were heading back to Germany. He would miss his little brother terribly but knew that it was best for him. Little Ludwig would feel better being in a place he could remember, a place where people would actually understand the language he was speaking.
A heavy hand settled on Gilbert's shoulder, startling him from his thoughts. He looked up and saw Germania staring at him.
"Gilbert, it's time for us to go," the older man said. Gilbert closed his eyes tightly for a moment, then glanced up at Germania with a pleading expression.
"Just let me say goodbye to him," he asked. Germania nodded. Gilbert took a deep breath and gently shook Ludwig awake. "Guten morgen, kleiner herr. Aufwachen, mein engel." Ludwig stirred and looked up at him, rubbing his eyes with the back of one fist as he yawned.
"Guten morgen, bruder." Ludwig sat up properly and yawned again, then he noticed Gilbert's expression. "Bruder, what's wrong?" Ludwig asked.
"It's time for you to go, little West. You're going back to Germany," Gilbert said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Now?" Ludwig asked. Gilbert nodded.
"Yes, now. It's time for you to board the plane." Ludwig glanced at Germania, who nodded. Ludwig threw his arms around Gilbert's neck.
"I don't want to leave you, brother." Gilbert hugged Ludwig tightly with his uninjured arm and buried his face in the boy's shoulder.
"I don't want you to leave either, little brother. But it will be good for you in Germany." Ludwig pulled away a little and the brothers stared into each other's eyes. "You try to get your memories back, okay Luddy? But don't forget me either. I'll be thinking of you every day." Ludwig hugged him tightly again.
"I could never forget you, big brother. I love you."
"Ich liebe dich auch, Luddy," Gilbert said, his shoulders shaking. Germania touched Gilbert's arm, causing the albino to glance up at him. Gilbert took a deep breath and gently set Ludwig down on the floor as he stood up. Germania gave him a quick hug.
"Take care of yourself, Gilbert," he said quietly. Gilbert nodded. Germania picked up Ludwig in one arm in their carry-on bag in the other and walked towards the line to board. Ludwig stared at Gilbert over their grandfather's shoulder until they were out of sight. Just before they disappeared, Ludwig waved to him, and Gilbert waved back. As soon as they were gone, Gilbert's stubborn smile vanished, and he dropped his head into his hand. Someone touched his shoulder, and he looked up to see Francis standing there with a smile for his friend.
"How long have you been here?" Gilbert asked.
"Long enough, mon ami. Are you alright?" Gilbert leaned heavily into the Frenchman.
"Get me out of here, Fran. I don't think I can take it." Francis put an arm around Gilbert's waist and escorted him from the airport. As soon as they were in the privacy of Francis's car, Gilbert broke down. The older blond held onto him tightly as Gilbert sobbed into his shoulder.
"Would you like me to stay with you, mon ami? I can call in to work," Francis offered, his voice soft. Gilbert shook his head.
"No. You need the money for your kids. I'll be okay. Just, take me home." Francis nodded and Gilbert sat up straight in his seat. As Francis drove away from the airport, Gilbert stared out the window and watched the planes taking off, wondering which one his little brother was on. Gilbert put his hand against the glass.
In the sky, Ludwig put his hand against the window and watched the cars disappearing down below.
"Don't forget me, brother."
I'm sorry everyone that I haven't updated for so long (almost two weeks!) but I needed to tell you all something. Later today our internet is being shut off in preparation of our moving to another house that is 500 miles away from where we live now. The actual move is on Friday and I have no idea when I will again be able to get online once we reach our new house, as I'm not sure we will be getting internet there. I will try to get on and update this story as soon as I have the next chapter finished (it hates me, I swear it does) but I have no idea when that will be! Thank you for your patience and please forgive me! m(-.-)m