Chapter Seven

Kiss Me On My Return

Gilbert couldn't believe it. It was far too good to be true. All this hoping, all of this waiting and he was finally coming home. He read the letter over several more times, just to make sure he had it right. At first he was sure he had it wrong, he tried not to smile, tried not to get too excited or hopeful, but as he read it through the second time, he let every happy and pleasant emotion build. It was true, there was no doubt about it.

Ludwig was coming home.

When he was finally able to put the letter down, the first thing Gilbert did was pull out his phone and call up Matthew.

"Hey Gil!" Matthew chirped happily. "What's up?"

"The most awesome news Birdie!" Gilbert said, his excitement and relief pushing him to the edge of tears.

"Really? Are you sure Gil? You sound like you're about to cry," Matthew said.

"Ludwig is coming home Birdie. He's coming home. He's safe and healthy and he's coming back." Gilbert collapsed on to the couch and shook his head, his voice now in a tone of disbelief and awe.

"Oh my God Gilbert! That's wonderful! When does he come back?" Matthew asked. Gilbert appreciated how excited he sounded, he knew how much this meant to him.

"Next Thursday. Do you want to come to the airport with me?"

"I would love that, what time?"

"He lands about three," Gilbert replied.

"I'll be there," Matthew said.

The next week passed in the slowest blur Gilbert had ever experienced, but sooner than he realized, he was pacing the area next to the baggage claim.

"The plane is late!" he grumbled, glancing at his watch as the minute hand neared 3:30.

"He'll be here, calm down Gilbert," Matthew said with a small chuckle. "Look, there's a group of people coming now, maybe he's with them?" he asked.

Gilbert paused to watched the rush of people coming down the ramp. He scanned the faces, standing on tiptoes to see over heads. There were several men in army greens coming towards him in a group. And there on the end, with his carry on bag tugged over his shoulder, was a blond haired young soldier of German decent.

"Ludwig…" Gilbert whispered, freezing a moment as he stared at his younger brother. Ludwig had yet to see him, engrossed in a conversation with the soldier next to him, but when Gilbert said his name again, this time yelling it across the open room, he looked up.

Blue eyes met the red of Gilbert's and Ludwig's mouth formed Gilbert's name. It was only moments before his bag was on the floor and Gilbert had his arms around his brother. He cried shamelessly, smiling brightly through the tears.

"Gott Gil," Ludwig muttered with a light laugh of near disbelief.

"I can't believe it Lud. You're here, I was… I…." Gilbert pulled away from the hug, held his face and pressed his lips firmly to Ludwig's forehead. "I missed you," he said softly. His face hurt from smiling, but he couldn't care less. His brother was home, his baby brother was home and safe and he would never leave again.

"I missed you too Gilbert," Ludwig said, he was much more resigned, but clearly just as elated. "I'm happy to be home."

"I'm happy as well. Oh! You have to meet Birdie!" Gilbert said, taking his hand and pulling him out of the crowd and over to the young Canadian standing by the doors.

"Matthew, this is my brother, Ludwig. Ludwig, this is my boyfriend, Birdie," Gilbert introduced.

"Nice to meet you Birdie," Ludwig said, holding out his hand to shake.

Matthew took it with a small chuckle. "It's Matthew actually, Matthew Williams."

"Ah, I see, sorry about that," he said with a smile.

"It's not a problem. I'm happy you're back, Gilbert has missed you greatly."

Ludwig smiled. "I need to grab my bag and then we can go."

Gilbert nodded and took Matthew's hand as Ludwig went to retrieve his bag.

"I told you things would be alright," Matthew said softly. "Everything works out in the end."

Gilbert smiled, for the moment he was content with his life. "Yeah, it really does."