While he was outside, Germania looked up and noticed the nation of Rome making his way over. Gilbert narrowed his eyes, and grabbed an egg. He held it in his hand, and went to walk forward, but he wasn't sure, he would get into trouble had he gone through with his plan. Meanwhile, Germania was chopping wood, and looked over, seeing the elder nation approaching them. He sighed, and put down his axe, wondering what the hell the annoying nation wanted.
"Rome...Guten Tag...what can I do for you this fine and quiet morning?" He said the last bit slightly sarcastic. It had been a pleasurable morning. The boys were working quietly, and Germania was getting his work done, and now this. Rome walked over, after looking at the boys, and then he smirked, setting a gentle hand onto Germania's shoulder.
"'Mania! So very good to see you. Eh I was just er, passing through. I don't have a lot to do today, wondering what you are doing?" He looked Germania up and down, and then blond nation just gave him a stare.
"What? What do you mean what am I doing? You can't see from all the wood, and everything else that is going on that I am working? Getting chores done, soon to be making breakfast for mein family. What are you doing? You are never around for those boys of yours...ugh, excuse me..." Germania went to raise his axe up, but Rome stopped him.
"Hey, could you lighten up just once in your life? Always working, and never having a good time. What the hell man?" Rome stood there, just staring at the nation. Germania looked, glaring ever so at the stupid oaf. He pinched the bridge of his nose, and stuck his axe in the stump of the tree, and walked forward.
"Lighten up? I don't have the time to lighten up Rome. I have much work to do, I am the only one doing it. I don't have the lavish lifestyle you have. Its just me, and the boys count on me to keep our home warm, put food on the table, and clothing on them, so they do not freeze to death. Keep that in mind when you think life is so wonderful for you. Gah...get out of mein home..." He went to turn around, and continued with the wood. Rome just shrugged his shoulders.
"Ah fine, fine..." He sighed, and then glanced over to Gilbert who was still holding the egg, and he smirked, but shook his head no. The little one looked to his Vati, and huffed a little while collecting the remainder of the eggs.
Once he was done, he walked over to Ludwig who was also finished with his chores, and stood there watching their Vati. They understood that the Ancient nation was busy, and they did truly appreciate everything that he did for them, even though Gilbert was sometimes a brat about it...well always a brat. He was older now, but he still behaved the way he always had. Germania finished chopping the wood, and wiped his brow of the sweat. Sighing, he looked over to the boys, and made a motion to them.
"Alright, alright you two, go inside. I am bringing the wood in, and then we will have something to eat." Gilbert nodded to his Vati, and then grabbed his brother's hand, and the two little ones walked inside. Germania was still outside, chopping, and he noticed in the corner of his eye, Rome was still there. He looked up, always annoyed. "Ja? What do you want?" Rome gasped slightly, being noticed, and walked over.
"'Mania...you are always so upset. Why don't we have a little tussle like in the old days? You always used to be my right hand man..." He gave a little smirk, and Germania just raised an eyebrow, and shook his head.
"A lot of things have changed Sandrino. I am not the same nation as I once was. I need to go inside, feed mein children, put them to bed, and then I have some other things to do...so if you would kindly leave, I'd appreciate it." He turned back to the wood pile and continued. Gilbert and Ludwig got a little restless, and the little silver haired nation walked towards the door, and opened it, and yelled out.
"Vati! Come on! Me and Ludwig are hungry! Come on Vati, Vati, Vati..." The little one was indeed hungry, and annoyed, anxious, and getting tired. Germania looked back to the little one, and wavered a finger, exasperated, and sighing.
"BOY! Get yourself back into the house. I will be there in just a short little while..." He gave the little one a glare, and Gilbert glared back, but could not win against his Vater, so he huffed, and walked back in slamming the door. Rome saw this, still around, and stepped back out.
"What a little brat hm? Seems like Vati could use some relaxation, and time away from the children eh?" He moved in closer, wrapping his arms around Germania. The blond nation gritted his teeth, and turned around, pushing him to the side, making him fall to the ground. He threw down his axe, and brandished his large blade, which he kept on his waist, and held it to the Roman's throat.
"Don't you DARE say anything about mein children, ever! I told you to leave, and I want you gone now." His eyes narrowed, and he just saw Rome slightly smirk. The Roman was being a supreme asshole, needing to get under the German nation's skin.
"Oh you...nothing has changed." He let himself up, shaking off the angered blond. Turning back to him, he walked a little ways, towards the stream. "You had better not upset yourself too hard 'Mania and drop dead from a heart attack, you're liable to orphan those wee ones..." He laughed, and started to walk away. This greatly, greatly angered Germania, and with a loud yell, pummeled towards his hated comrade, and knocked him to the ground, getting on his back, and pinning him down. Rome cried out.
"Aghhhhh, what the hell are you doing? Let me up Germania, I am serious...you, you have that crazy look in your eyes." He tiled back his head, and bit back his lip, but the German nation was not giving him any mercy.
Germania held the blade to Rome's throat, and gripped his hair, holding tightly. The Italian nation screamed slightly, and with all of his nation strength, turned over, kicking Willahelm off, and punching him in the face. Landing towards the ground, he didn't have time to react, as Germania came to, and was standing over him, holding the blade. Rome whimpered slightly, begging and pleading for his life, but it was too late. Something the Roman had done to set the Ancient German nation off, and he wasn't going to keep his life. Getting down, kneeling into Rome, Germania raised up his blade, and plunged it into the nation's chest, spurting blood onto him, and his clothing. He gasped slightly, and Rome's eyes widened. He gagged slightly, choking up blood coming from his lungs, and reached up, flailing about, but Germania stabbed only harder, pinning his supposed friend into submission, until his last breath left his body.
"Auf Wiedersehen...Ancient Rome..." Germania slid his blade out, drenched in blood, and looking down to the expressionless eyes of the annoying one.
Standing up, and slightly out of breath, the nation looked down to his clothing, and noticed the mess. He looked around, and dragged the dead nation, kicking his body under some shrubbery. The body would soon disappear, as the nations eventually would fall out, and go back to the earth. Once that was done, he looked around, and saw a family of pheasants, and killed them, smearing their blood over himself. He did not want to scare the children coming back bloodied, so he figured he would just kill something, and blame it on dinner. As he carried the fowl towards the house, he felt a pain in his chest. It was something of a strange thing, but shaking it off, while sweating slightly, he walked in. Gilbert and Ludwig were sitting on the floor playing with a wooden puzzle game, when the the smallest child looked up, and gasped seeing his father looking very upsetting. He got up, and ran towards the nation, but the elder shook his head.
"Nein, little one, I am terribly dirty. I just killed our dinner, and I need to clean up before I cook. You and Gilbert are behaving very gut while you play, so I need to ask you to continue to play a little bit longer, and then we will eat soon ja?"
He looked down, wincing a little bit. The little blond nation with the especially large blue eyes nodded. Seeing this obedient behavior, Germania set the two pheasants on the counter, and decided to de-feather them right here and now. After he was done, he let the two lay there, and he walked away to wash up, and change his clothing. Arriving to the washroom, he cleaned his face, washed his hands, and looked into the mirror. The reflection of the nation before him was different. The young face he had once seen looked older and haggard. He stared for a minute longer, and then sighed, looking down to his shirt. Covered in that menaces blood. He cringed slightly, and walked to his bedroom. Taking it off, as well as his pants, he kicked the soiled clothing towards the corner of the room, and changed into something clean. Once he was done, he arrived back to the kitchen. Glancing over, the little ones were still playing, and that made him satisfied. Getting to the preparations, he took spices to the birds, rubbing in salt, pepper, crushed garlic, and some oregano. Once that was done, he put the two birds on spits, and they started to roast over the large burning fire. On the side he would make sauteed potatoes. He took to peeling some, washing, and then lining a pan with them, cooking it ever so gently. In that time, Gilbert had got up from his playing with his brother, and walked over to his father, leaning against the nation's leg. The little one was not making a fuss, he was just pouty from the scolding he had received earlier. Germania looked down, and smiled, and then continued to cook, but spoke to the little one.
"You and your bruder are behaving very well for your Vati, I just wanted to let you know Wicht." He looked down, and Gilbert nodded his head, but stayed just leaning. Sighing slightly, Germania thought about what he had done, but it would never be divulged to the boys, they didn't need to know this, and he wasn't sure he would tell them this. He would most likely take this secret to the grave. "Gilbert...why don't you and Ludwig go and wash up, and then have some time playing, and then dinner will be ready okay?" Gilbert looked up and nodded to his father, while walking towards his brother, but looked back.
"Okay Vati...and can you read me and bruder a story tonight before we go to bed?" The little nation looked so adorable, and Germania really couldn't say no, so he nodded his head, and pointed to the washroom. Gilbert jumped for joy, and ran down to wash his hands with Ludwig.
The dinner took a little longer to prepare because of the two pheasants, but Germania knew his boys understood the patience of a good meal. He walked over to the living room, and watched the little ones playing, and while he swirled his glass of mead, he walked to the door that lead outside, and just stood there, glancing around, having a slight nervous feeling, but did not act on it. Its not like it was the first time killing someone. He did a lot of that while fighting alongside Rome. Sighing, he turned around, and walked over, checking the oven, peeking at the browned birds. They were finally done. Taking them out, he set them down, and got the potatoes. Glancing to the boys, he called to them.
"Come boys...its time to eat." He looked over and Gilbert got up, and ran to the table, Ludwig running behind. The two little ones hoisted themselves up and sat down, while Germania cut the birds, serving up portions evenly to the boys, and making his own plate. Once that was accomplished, he sat down, said his grace, and started to eat.
The meal went well, but as Germania sat there, he was starting to feel slightly winded again and his chest hurt. Ludwig kept eating, but this slightly pained look on Germania's face did not go unnoticed by his eldest boy, who made it his business to know about everything going on. He cocked his head while eating a piece of the pheasant, and then once he swallowed, set his fork down.
"Vati? What's the matter with you? Why do you look like you are all sweaty, and maybe even going to die?" The words from a little boy, Germania would never really understand what went on with this child. He sighed, and cleared his throat, while patting his head of the sweat.
"Gilbert...what a thing to say...nein, I am not going to die, I am just feeling slightly under the weather alright?" He rubbed his eyes, and Gilbert kept staring.
"Promise me you won't die Vati? You have to promise me..." The little one's eyes watered slightly, and Germania glanced to him, giving him a slight smirk.
"I promise you runt. I will be here always for you." He ate some more of the meat, and then sipped his drink. Satisfied with what the elder nation had told him, Gilbert ate more, taking his potatoes into his mouth, and then leaning back in his chair.
"Gut Vati, very, very gut." He ate some more bread, and then got down from his chair. "Okay Vati, we are ready for you to read to me and bruder." He walked over to the book shelf in the living room, and grabbed the book of legends and monsters, a favorite of the boys and held it up. "I am ready!"
Germania was still sitting at the table when the boy had walked over, and got the book already. He then glanced over to Ludwig, and smiled. The little one giggled, and got down too, walking over to where his brother was, and jumped up and down. Germania had calmed them down, letting them know he had to clean up first, and then read to them. Fortunately the children were very understanding for once. Once the Ancient nation was finished, he walked over to the couch and sat down, having both children cuddle next to him, one on each side. Germania read to them, later into the night than usual, but he figured he hadn't really done this in a long time. After a little while longer, he glanced over to the two, and noticed they had both passed out. He set the book aside, and pulled them both into his broad arms, standing up, and pacing back and froth with them. He sighed, it was so quiet and still when they were sleeping. Especially the runt. He was so quiet and angelic in this state. Germania proceeded to walk down to the little one's bedroom, change them carefully, and set them both into their bed. Once that was done, he pulled the blankets over, and looked down to the boys. They were his world, and he hated to know that one day he would leave the earth, having them fend for themselves. He sighed, and leaned down, kissing their heads, and walked out of the room. He soon arrived back into the living room, and sat down. He had poured himself a glass of whiskey, and took to sipping it slowly, and wondering about things. His tranquility was interrupted however by a small little voice, and little feet padding into the room. Expecting Gilbert, the Ancient nation looked over and noticed little Ludwig. He put down his beverage, and made motioning hands to the boy.
"Ludwig, come here...what's the matter?" He held out his arms, and the little one, slightly starting to sob, came over, and ran into the nation's arms, sniffling, and pouting. Germania just looked to him, and sighed. Ludwig caught himself in a choke, and then looked up with his big radiant blue eyes.
"V-Vati...I got a-scared. I got scared cause you and Gilbie were talking 'bout you dying..." He sniffled, and wiped tears from his eyes, and Germania lifted him up, and then sat down in the couch, holding the little one close to him, hushing him, and shaking his head.
"Oh mein lieber...I really wish you wouldn't listen to your bruder. Gilbert is just worrying, when he really ought not to." He stroked the little one's cheeks, and then sighed again. Ludwig sniffed and looked up to him.
"So, that means that you are not going to die?" The little one was not going to rest well until he was reassured from his father, and he needed to know this information. Sometimes Gilbert talked so much talk, but the nation was still a boy, and nobody knew as much as their Vati. Germania had to answer the boy, with whatever he was going to say, he needed to be honest.
"Little one...everyone is going to die one of these days. I can not say when my time will be, and I can not say when yours, or your bruder's will be either, but when it happens, you have to be strong. Death is something that happens in life. We are born, we live, and then...we die. Do you understand?" He held the little one now, on his lap, but having the boy straddling, and facing him. Ludwig nodded, but not really sure.
"J-Ja Vati...I think so..." He rubbed his eyes, and yawned. Germania saw this, and grabbed up the little one into his arms, holding him closely. He knew just by pacing back and forth, the little one would pass out. After a few moments, just like magic, the little one wrapped his little arms around his Vati's neck, and leaned into the nation's shoulder, and went to sleep.
Germania smiled down at the precious little one, and waited before putting the boy to bed, instead, he picked up his drink, finished the rest of it, locked the doors, and walked to his own bedroom. He set the little one in his bed, and then changed. Glancing over to Ludwig, the elder nation just watched him. He got into bed, pulled aside the blankets, and got in, snuggling with the wee little one. He closed his eyes, and soon fell asleep. In the other room, Gilbert lay there alone, and went to reach for his brother, and after not feeling for him, his eyes opened, and there, he saw an empty bed. Sitting up, Gilbert started to whimper slightly. Him and Ludwig usually got along, but sometimes Gilbert was mean. Perhaps Ludwig left forever. Pouting, the nation got down from his bed, and walked into his Vati's. Once he arrived, he saw the elder nation, and the little blond nation sleeping soundly. The little silver haired nation felt like he was needed, so the nation climbed up onto the bed, crawling over Germania's stomach, and positioning himself on his father's chest, falling asleep. Germania felt sudden weight on his chest, and opening his eye, and looking down.
"Mmmmpph, ohh Gilbert...mein boy...look at you..." He held the child close to him, while putting an arm around little Ludwig, and the three slept throughout the night, even early into the morning.
As the sunlight poured into the room, and the rooster's first cry, Ludwig opened his eyes, and gasped jumping up in the bed bouncing up and down, and giggling. He was so excited that it was the morning, and that meant breakfast, and fun things, but then there were not so much fun things like chores, but still...it was morning. The little nation continued to bounce up and down, pulling on his Vati's arm.
"Vati, Vati, Vati, Vati! Wake up, wake up, wake up...its morning!" Germania had not had a restful sleep for as long as the boys had been in his life. And why would any parent? He groaned, as did Gilbert. Gilbert however had to do something about it, and rolled off his Vati's chest, and kicked out his leg, swooping it under Ludwig's, making the little one fall backwards. "Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
The little one landed, and hit his little head on the back board, and burst into tears. Of course with this happening, Germania sat straight up in the bed, having Gilbert whine, and escape as quickly as he could. Germania leaned forward and reached out, grabbing Ludwig into his arms, trying to hush him. He shook his head, having no idea what the hell happened.
"Shhhh, shhhh what is the matter with you Ludwig, what happened? Did you not watch where you were going? Shhh, shhh..." He checked to see if there was any bleeding, and thankfully there was none. He then looked to the little one, who was gasping and hiccuping. "Okay Ludwig, its fine, you are fine...I just want to know what happened." Ludwig wiped his eyes, and looked around, but then back to his father.
"Aghh haaaa...Vati, Vati. I-I was jumping up and down, and...and Gilibie...he...he kicked me over...aghhh haaaaa..." The little one rubbed his eyes, and Germania couldn't believe it, and went to respond.
"B-But...Gilbert, he is..." The elder nation glanced over to his unusually quiet Gilbert, and now he knew why, the little monster was trying quietly to tip toe out of the room, and clearly guilty of doing something to his brother. Germania snapped his fingers, and called to the little nation. "BOY! You turn yourself around, and apologize to your bruder right now!" Gilbert froze, and looked over to his father, and then to his little brother.
"Ughhhhhh Vati! I didn't do anything wrong! Ludie...he's...he's just a stupid cry baby. Do you even know how many times I have fallen off the bed? I mean...like a million times, and...and..." The little one was slowly backing up, as he looked up to see Germania get out of the bed, and start to walk forward.
"I told you to apologize. Do you really, really want to start out the morning over mein knee? Cause you keep it up, its going to happen. Apologize to Ludwig now..." The elder was fierce. Gilbert looked up to the old man, and he pouted, but with a glare. Huffing, knowing he couldn't win, glanced over to his brother, who will always be a baby to him, and he stomped his feet, and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Aghhhhh! Fine, fine. Ugh, I am sooooooorry Ludwig." The boy shouts it at his brother, and then blows a most inappropriate raspberry. *Pppppffftttt* "Sorry for you being a baby...and, no...wait, a big, big baby who..." Germania raises an eyebrow at this horrible act of forgiveness towards the smallest nation, and starts to walk over to Gilbert, but Gilbert knows what's going to come next, and he quickly darts from where he is standing, and scurries under the bed. This sets the elder nation off, and gets down to the floor, looking under the massive bed. He points towards the child, and wavers a finger.
"You are testing mein patience mein child, and you know what's going to happen to you once you let your guard down and come out. So while you are hidden under that dark and nasty place with the dirt, and little bugs, your bruder and I will have breakfast." Germania stood back up, and took his youngest child's hand, and started to lead him out of the room. Gilbert stayed safe in his little hiding spot, but the mere mention of having to stay with the dirt and bugs, and not get breakfast upset him.
"Aghh...um...Vati? Ludie?" The little one looked out onto the floor, not seeing the boots of his father, nor the little feet of his brother. It seemed like it was safe, and Gilbert hadn't really known what was going to happen. Being threatened was something Gilbert was used to, so he just scoffed at that. He stayed for a little while longer.
Germania was privy to this little hiding spot, because the little runt did it under his and Ludwig's bed too, and the little runt was not surprising in his little tactics. He did the same thing over and over again. Germania would just wait by the door, and when the little one would run out from under the bed in a tizzy, scared of missing breakfast, and being left alone, that's when the elder nation would grab him up, and deliver a sound smack to his backside.
Gilbert however, did not move from his spot. Ludwig was getting restless of waiting with his father, and walked away, into the living room, and sitting down to play with his blocks, like so many other times. He would occasionally glance up to see if Gilbert was coming down the hallway, but nothing yet. The little stubborn nation finally felt like he was under the bed enough, and quietly tip toed out of the room, making his way to the hallway when he felt someone come up from behind him, and grab him around the waist.
"AGHHHHHHHHHH! WHO'S THERE? A MONSTER? A GHOST? WHO?" The little one wiggled and squirmed, kicking, and trying to punch, but he soon yelped loudly as he felt a smarting smack to his backside, and he quickly turned around, looking up, and biting back his lip. Vati. Of course it was Vati, the elder nation was the smartest nation Gilbert knew. He pouted his lip, and his eyes filled with tears. "V-Vati...Vati, I am sorry!" Germania looked down to him, and shook his head, taking the boy's hand, and walking him into the living room to where Ludwig was sitting.
"Apologize now...properly, or you stay in your room for the rest of the day." He held the child's shoulders firmly, as Gilbert did not want to apologize. The little one frowned, and all the while sniffling, and keeping his head down. He then gathered up his dignity, and looked into his brothers eyes, and gave a little glare, of course, his Vati didn't see.
"L-Ludwig...I am sorry...*sniff*, I am sorry I kicked you..." Gilbert wiped his tears on his sleeve, and then looked up to his Vati. "Vati...Vati, can we have breakfast now? Please? I am so hungry..." He walked over to the nation, and held his legs, sobbing. Germania looked down.
"Oh mein Wicht. You shouldn't be allowed to call your bruder a baby when you are sobbing just as much as one. Come, let's have breakfast, and then chores...like always..." He hugged the boy, and then the three walked down to the kitchen. Ludwig of course ran over to his blocks, and started playing, while Gilbert stood in the kitchen, and looked up at his father.
"Vati what are you going to make for breakfast?" The little one stood there, acting as innocent as he could possibly look. He sighed, and his eyes grew large, and twirled his foot into the floor, humming slightly. Germania stood, looking down to the boy, and huffed slightly.
"I am making eggs...as they are plentiful, and I will fry up some bacon, and some toast, ja?" He looked to see Gilbert nod his head, and then the elder nation pat him on his head, and sent him off to play nicely with his brother. Germania walked to the stove and started to cook. As he began to cook however, he would pause with a certain pain in his chest, and shortness of breath. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he continued, acting as nothing happened, and not wanting to worry his children.
Once breakfast was finished, served and consumed, the children of course had to hurry along with their chores, as Germania had many things he needed to take care of. He helped the little ones clean up the table, and then shooed them outside. Ludwig of course did not give his father trouble, but Gilbert, always grumbled when he had to feed the chickens. It was just such a stupid chore. The chickens would cluck, some would get mad at Gilbert disturbing them, but then some would welcome the intrusion, because the little nation held breakfast. Gilbert then walked around, and started to collect the eggs too. With the two little ones outside, Germania made sure the whole cottage was cleaned. He then walked down to his room, and the boys, and changed the sheets, and went to do the laundering. It was a typical day, and as he was busy, he still had that confounded Rome in the back of his head. There was nothing to link him to delivering the final blow to that crazy bastard. Willahelm shook his head. It was better this way, nothing for him to worry about. Germania took the wet sheets and clothing, and put it all into a wicker basket. He then walked out and arrived outside to hang the freshly laundered sheets and clothing outside. Upon arriving, he saw little Ludwig collecting the kindling, and Gilbert was approaching the cottage, lugging the basket of eggs. Germania was mildly enthused that the little ones were doing as they were told.
"Good boys...come inside now. With your chores done, I will go ahead and give you both a bath and then..." Gilbert grumbled, and crossed his arms over his little chest.
"Ughhhh, really Vati? Do you really hafta give us a bath? I mean, we want to play and have fun outside. Its such a nice day, and if we take a bath now, we are only going to get more dirty. Please, please, please can we just have our bath later tonight before bed?" The little silver haired nation pleaded with his father, and looked down to his little brother, hoping Ludwig would do the same. Ludwig looked up at their father, and nodded his head, jumping up and down at Willahelm's feet.
"Ja, Ja Vati...we have to play outside and be messy, and have lots of fun. We will take a double bath tonight." The little one looked back at his brother, who wasn't so keen on a double bath, but regardless nodded his head, and waited to hear an answer from their elder. Germania pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed, which usually meant from the boys that he was going to agree.
"Ah, fine, fine then. But you both will not give me any grief about taking a bath then, and if you are going to go out and play, then you get good and dirty. Give me a reason to not waste water if you are not going to be dirty." Germania looked down, and saw the happiest faces he had seen in a while. Gilbert grabbed his brother's hand, and ran with him outside. Looking back with a smile, Germania turned around, and got some other things finished in the cottage, and then once he was done, sat down in his chair to whittle something out of wood.
This kept the elder busy for a long time, and occasionally would get up to glance out the window to check on the boys, and they were just fine. He sat back down, and gasped as he felt a tightening in his chest. He leaned forward and breathed out heavily, and squinted his eyes of some tears. It was a pain like no other, and he was not sure what to think of it. Sitting there, he grabbed his tea off the table, and sipped some, but he was not grasping it, and it fell from his hands, landing on the ground and smashing. Hot tea splattered the floor, and streamed and stained the wood. He looked down to the floor, and sweat formed on his face. He couldn't see straight, and something was wrong, but Germania was stubborn. He got up from the table, and slowly made his way to the couch, situating himself sitting down, and then eventually laying down. He closed his eyes, and decided on a nap with the boys busy. Perhaps it would make him feel better.
Outside, Gilbert was chasing his brother with several leaves that were stuck onto a stick. Apparently this was terrifying for Ludwig, and the boy was running around, and around, screaming out, but having fun as well. Gilbert was giggling, and looked ahead, seeing a large mud puddle. He called out towards his brother smirking with a mischievous smile.
"Hey, hey Ludwig, I am going to get you, you better keep running, so that you can get away!" He laughed again, harder, and with his brother running ahead of him, the little one wasn't watching where he was headed, and ran right into the giant mud puddle, falling in. The young nation suddenly screamed out.
"Ahhhhhhhhh Gilbert, Gilbert you tricked meeeeee! Ughhhhh I am so, so, so dirty! Vati is going to be mad at..."The little one looked down, and then suddenly realized that him and Gilbert were allowed to get dirty, after all, they were getting a bath later anyway. Ludwig laughed, and saw his advantage to have some pay back towards his brother. Gilbert held his sides laughing, seeing the poor little mud splattered brother of his, and shook his head. All of a sudden.
*SMOOSH* Ludwig had flung a heaping ball of mud over at Gilbert, smashing the little one in the face. Gilbert yelled out, and went to lunge forward, and slipped in the same puddle his brother was in, now falling backwards, landing on his backside. Ludwig burst out laughing and pointing to the dirty little nation, well, both of them were beyond filthy.
"Ah ha ha ha, look at how dirty we are Ludie? And...and Vati can't say anything to us, because he said we can be dirty! Yes! This is awesome!" Gilbert took another ball of mud, and threw it up into the air, having it come down in clumps all over the boys. They both laughed hysterically. Inside, Germania slept, and he slept different from other times.
Usually the elder nation was a light sleeper, being that he always had to worry what the boys were doing, and what they were up to, but this time, the nation was slipping into a deeper sleep, sweating as he did so, and breathing deep. It was something of a peculiar thing. Outside the boys were continuing to play, but Gilbert knew their Vati. The nation was being a little too lenient on them playing and being so messy, but perhaps it was because Germania hadn't seen them yet, and now this was making the little one wonder. Gilbert stood in the mud puddle, and with his brother occupied in throwing little piles at him, this did not phase the little one. Gilbert was confused, and glanced over to Ludwig, all the while getting another smoosh of mud at his face.
"Ludwig...STOP! Stop for a minute. Look..." He pointed to the cottage, and noticed that sometimes when they looked up, Germania would be staring out the window, giving them a stern glance, and wavering his finger. But there was nothing like that happening, and Gilbert gasped. "OH MEIN GOTT! Ludie...we have to go inside...I think Vati is sick!" The elder little one quickly scurried out of the puddle, only to keep falling back into the mud. Gilbert whined, and started to get very upset, slightly crying, and of course this made Ludwig upset too. So both mud covered, filthy little nations ran towards the cottage making such a racket. They arrived to the front door, and the first thing they did was look over to the couch. Usually Germania would lay there when he wasn't feeling well. Gilbert hadn't even noticed his father there, and his eyes became wide as he looked at a blanket that was rolled up onto the couch, and he screamed out. "Aggggghhhhhh, look, look, the blanket has become Vati, aghhh! Aghhh!" The little one was crying out loud, and hadn't noticed the elder nation standing by the table, holding a cup of tea with a raised eyebrow.
"Gilbert..." This was the only thing the elder had to utter, and he stood there, pinching the bridge of his nose, shaking his head at two mud covered little boys. After sighing, he opened his eyes to see Gilbert just staring at him.
"V-Vati...we thought you were gone...cause, you always see us outside, and scold us if we are doing something...and then you weren't...and...and..." The little one' bottom lip quivered, and he was reaching out his hands to go and hug the elder. Germania made a slight face, as the two little ones were beyond filthy, he just couldn't believe it, but he was not going to deny a hug, he simply couldn't, not when the runt was this upset. He set aside his tea, and knelt down, holding his arms out.
"Oh come here you both. Gilbert...I said I wasn't going anywhere...*sigh* Seriously, look how filthy you both are. And I can say a damned thing because I said you can get dirty, what was I thinking?" He smirked, and Gilbert and Ludwig ran into the nation's arms, almost knocking him over, and of course getting mud all over the elder. Germania closed his eyes, holding his dear boys to him, and a stray tear streamed down his eyes. His ending days would be approaching. Breathing out hard, he then pulled away from the children. "Come...you both are greatly in need of a bath, so let's get that done, and then perhaps I can see about making something delicious." Germania stood up, and looked to his shirt, covered, and this made Ludwig giggle and jump up and down.
"Ahhh, will you take a bath with us Vati? Please, please, please?" Hopping up and down was causing Ludwig to spill mud dripping down from his clothing, everywhere. Germania cringed, knowing now he will have to clean the floors, and he uttered a small little cry.
"Uh...ja, ja...I will take a bath. Um...oh Gott, please, you both, hurry to the washroom, remove your clothing right now, and put the soiled clothing into the basket, I will have to do a wash when we are done. Hurry now." He pointed to the hall, and happy, the boys ran, removing their clothing in the process. Germania shouted after them. "Aghhhh! Nein, nein boys, you're to remove your clothing when you are in the washroom and...agh...nevermind..." He knew they wouldn't listen, and arriving there, stood two naked little ones, ready for their bath.
Walking over to the basin, it was filled with forced hot water, and then the elder added soap flakes, a lot of them, as he needed to scrub the boys to they were presentable and clean nations. Once the basin was filled, Germania quickly undressed, and got into the bath. Gilbert and Ludwig screamed with joy, a bath with Vati was always fun, and then too got in, splashing, and getting soap and suds everywhere. The bath was a nice little relaxing time, and Willahelm took to scrubbing both children, and then himself. Once he was done, he stood up in the water, and grabbed a towel, drying himself off, and then wrapped it around his waist. He stepped out of the basin, and took the two boys out with one swoop, and put them in an extra large towel, bringing them down to their room, and setting them down upon the bed. Once that was accomplished, Ludwig and Gilbert were changed into clothing, and set back down on their feet.
"Alright you both, I have to change, and then I am going to do more laundry, and...I have to clean the floors. In the meantime, stay in here, play with some toys, or something to keep yourselves entertained." Germania looked to the two, who nodded, and then he walked away to get changed. Once that was done, he then walked out of the room, collected the soiled clothing into a large basket, and brought it to the front door. He would wash the floor first.
Gilbert didn't mind staying in his room, there were things to do, and he was with his brother, so it wasn't that bad. He sat on the floor with the little nation, and the two decided to play with some blocks, and they were having a delightful time, even if Gilbert stated he was the best at building blocks, and always made structures better than his brother. Always. After an hour or so passed, Germania was done with the laundry, and the floors were spotless. This did take lot of him, which in the past had not, but he was do to sit down, and have some more tea. The boys were just about done playing, and bored, so they came out of the room, and as it was getting later, the sun was setting soon. Germania saw Gilbert and Ludwig walk into the kitchen, and stand by the table.
"Vati...Ludwig and me are hungry. Can you make something good?" He set his hand on his Vati's knee, and gave a cute little expression. Setting a hand on his head, and down to his cheek, stroking it, the elder nodded his head.
"Ja, I will. I am going to slaughter two chickens, two very big and fat ones, and then I will roast them outside okay?" He figured it was a decent enough night outside, and the boys agreed. So with that, Germania took his knife, and walked out of the cottage, and to the chicken coop. Gilbert ran to the door and was curious, but not that curious, since his father had been killing chickens for a long time. His eyes widened as he heard the cackles coming from the chickens, and Germania emerging from the coop with two freshly killed fowl. He walked back inside, and started to de-feather them, and then clean and season them. "Alright boys, I am going to stick them on the spit over a large fire. You are to stay indoors. At this time of night, its dangerous, and there could be wolves outside."
Gilbert wanted to object, but he didn't. Having been told many times to stay inside, even getting his bottom tanned for not listening and going outside after the warning, the little one listened, and stood with his brother. Ludwig did get bored however, and walked over to his puzzle, and started to work on it. Gilbert just stood watching by the door. His father was truly majestic and so powerful. Strong, smart, and so many other things. He looked up to the nation, and was proud. After a little while longer, Germania came inside with the roasted chickens, and set them down upon the table, and dinner was served, alongside some biscuits, and some corn on the cob. It was a delicious feast. The children ate, Gilbert more than his father and brother, but still leaving a nice portion of the chicken available for tomorrow. Gathering up the plates, and everything, Germania went to the sink to start cleaning, and then looked down to see Ludwig tugging his pant leg.
"Ja...Lugwig, what do you need little one?"
"Vati, its cold in here, can you make a fire? A-And then can you read to us? I was thinking that book with the monsters in it." Gilbert over heard, and rushed over, nodding his head. He wanted to hear the tales from the monster book as well. Nodding his head, Germania smiled.
"I will, ja, but I have to chop more wood, so you and your brother must be patient." Happy, both boys walked over and started on the puzzle again. Once the dishes were cleaned, Germania grabbed up his axe, and walked outside. He walked a little ways away, since there was not a lot of trees available.
He started to chop several trees, and was building a nice pile of wood to the side. Everything seemed to be going well for a while, and he had a nice amount, but then something seemed the matter. Putting down his axe, Germania clutched at his chest, and gasped, having a sudden loss of air. He dropped down to one knee, and gripped at his shirt. Looking up into the sky above him, he coughed, and shook his head.
"Nein...please, oh nein this can't happen now...please..." His breathing was becoming harder, and his chest tighter. It was like something heavy was sitting upon his lungs, and little air was being taken in. Tears built up into his eyes, and he cried out. "Y-You can't do this to me. Why now? Is it because of Rome? Ugh...I can't go now...I just..." Breaking down, the pain was just too unbearable, and sobbing, Germania suddenly gasped again, and flopped down to the ground. His air was becoming harder now, and he was getting tired. He glanced, and squinted his eyes towards the cottage, and just wanted to see his boys one last time, but he had warned them not to come outside.
Gilbert put another piece into the puzzle, and then glanced over to the door. His father was sure taking his sweet time, and having them cold was not awesome. Why would Vati do that to them? He got up, and walked over to the hearth. It had some remnants of some burning cinders. Gilbert saw one small log to the side, and his eyes lit up. Good...something to make the fire burn. He knew he wasn't supposed to touch the fire, but that darn Vati, taking too long. The little one grabbed up the log, and threw it onto the fireplace, and there was some slight smoke, and like magic, the fire suddenly erupted. Gilbert jumped for joy, and put his hands out, feeling the warmth.
"Ludie, Ludie look! I did it, I started the fire. Let me go and get Vati, and tell him to come back!" Gilbert saw the happy in his brother's eyes, and then he walked to the door, opening it. He called out loudly. "Vati? Vati...VATI? We got the fire going. I know you said not to ever touch it, but I did it...I did it, you can come back!" The small silver haired nation stood there, waiting. Ludwig also excited got up, and walked over to the door, waiting to see the elder come back with a smile on his face.
There was no Germania though. The elder nation took his last breath, and was laying by his axe, looking as angelic as any Ancient nation could. He had met his time, and soon, he would be taken to the skies above with Ancient nations passed. With the two little ones standing there, Gilbert knew something had to be wrong, and he looked to his brother, taking his hand. Ludwig shook his head, whining that they weren't supposed to go outside this late, but Gilbert just shook his head, and held the little nation's hand firmly.
"Ludie...Vati doesn't just not answer us...I mean, he always yells back, you know, telling us to get back inside or he'll spank us, so I mean, come on...did you hear him shout back, nein, so we have to see where he is..." Gilbert walked, and looked around. Their father must have been out far, as he had chopped down many trees. Gilbert's eyes soon widened as he saw the elder nation laying on the ground near the stream. He pointed and giggled. "Ah ha! Look, silly Vati is taking a nap...he shouldn't chop so much wood, and make his old man self so tired. The awesome me would have done a better job, come on." With the two walking closer, Gilbert ran over to his father, and flopped over him, shouting to him. "Vati...wake up, wake up! Come on old man, you already had a nap, you don't need another one. I started the fire, and we need more wood..."
Ludwig looked to his father, curious, and then walked over to the wood pile, grabbing some, and pulling at it. He was expecting the elder nation to suddenly wake up, and grab them both into his arms, growling like a bear, but for some reason, it wasn't happening. Ludwig watched his brother, and then looked to the nation laying down, and he started to get upset.
"G-Gilbie...he's not waking up, why isn't he waking up Gilbie?" Gilbert looked over, and then back at the nation whom was indeed not waking up. He stood back, and stared at him, eyes becoming glossy with tears, and shaking his head, while he grabbed Germania's arm.
"Vati? V-Vati? Y-You need to wake up now...please?" The boy pulled harder, and harder, but nothing was happening, and then he started to get hysterical. "VATI...WAKE UP NOW! WAKE UP...*SNIFF* Oh Mein Gott...Vati..." Gilbert looked back to his brother, and his eyes were now streaming tears. "G-Gilbert...Vati is...he's not going to wake up...he's aghhhhhhh! AGHHHHH NEIN!" The little boy threw down his father's arms, and screamed out into the woods, his cries filling the air, and this frightened his little brother. "YOU PROMISED! YOU PROMISED YOU WOULD NEVER LEAVE VATI! Aghhhhh haaaaaaa! Its not fair. You made a promise...*sniff sniff*..." Gilbert got closer to his father, and huddled against him, motioning for his little brother. "L-Ludwig come here...come here with me and Vati..." Ludwig ran over, his little eyes flooding tears, and he got close to the two nations.
"I want my Vati back. Is he really gone Gilbie?" The little one looked up to his elder brother, and all Gilbert could do was just sob uncontrollably, and nod his head. This was indeed the end of their Vati, and nothing could be done about it. "VATI...MEIN VATI!" The mere toddler was crying now, so hard, and held onto his brother.
The two hadn't noticed that the air around them was warming slightly. From the heavens, Germania looked down upon them with a gentle smile. It wasn't anything that could be helped...it was just life. He closed his eyes, and waved a hand, making his body start to disappear. His children were put to sleep by the magical vespers in the air, and with Germania's body slowly fading, Gilbert and Ludwig were transported back into the cottage, and put in their bed, tucked in gently. The spirit of their Vati looking at them, and resting a gentle hand on their bodies.
"Sleep well mein boys...always remember who I was to you, and never forget who you are, and will become. Ich liebe dich...Auf Wiedersehen. See you eventually when you join your Vater again..."
The warmness of his aura allowed the two little ones to sleep. Eventually having them understand that no, Germania was never going to come back again, and eventually they would be fine on their own. The elder nation would always be watching them, and seeing them both become great nations, but that my friends...is a whole other adventure...