Chapter Nine
Kiss Me At War's End
If one thing was clear, it was that Gilbert was not happy. He stared down at his food, not responding as Ludwig and Matthew shared slightly concerned looks.
"Gilbert did you hear me?" Ludwig asked, looking across the table at his brother.
"Yeah, I heard you," Gilbert muttered, scrapping his fork across his plate until Matthew placed a hand gently over his.
"Do you understand? I'm not saying I'm going back…" Ludwig said softly.
"But you could!" Gilbert looked up sharply, and Ludwig was surprised to find fear hidden behind the anger in his eyes.
"It's only a possibility until the war is over. We don't even know if it will happen, I just wanted to make sure you were prepared—"
"Why prepare me for something won't happen? You already went overseas! You already fought, already did your time! They can't call you back!"
Ludwig sighed. "As long as the war keeps going like this, they can call me back over there whenever they need me. While it's not likely, I just wanted to warn you—"
"This isn't fair," Gilbert growled. "They can't do this. You already served over there for two years! You barely just got back."
"Gilbert, you are being irrational!" Ludwig said sternly. Matthew found it interesting that often times it was Ludwig that acted like the older sibling, this time was no exception. If he didn't know better he never would have guessed at this moment that Ludwig was actually two years younger than Gilbert.
Taking a deep breath Ludwig continued. "First of all, I've been back for five months already. While that's nothing compared to the two years overseas, that's not just barely back. Gilbert, I love you, you are very dear to me, but you are over reacting. I only told you this to inform you of the possibility. It's likely that it won't even happen. You know as well as I do that they're starting to pull people out, why would they send someone back in if we're trying to wind this whole thing down?"
Gilbert turned his hand over and tangled his fingers around Matthew's. Finally he sighed, relaxing. "You're right, besides, why would anyone want to take you away from someone as awesome as me?" he asked, a bright grin spreading across his face.
Ludwig smiled back but Matthew saw a hint of sadness in the corners.
Almost a month passed and there was no news. Still, the idea lingered over their heads. Matthew could tell that Gilbert worried endlessly about it and frankly, Matthew didn't want Ludwig going back either. Not only because he had become rather good friends with Ludwig over the past few months, but also because he was afraid of what it would do to Gilbert.
It was the start of September when Matthew got the news.
The ringing of his phone with a German ringtone Gilbert had downloaded a few weeks after they had met caused the blonde too look up from his book. He pulled his book mark out of the back pages and closed the book before answering.
"Hello?" he asked.
"Birdie! Mattie! Birdie! Get your ass over here!" There was laughter in his tone and following the command, but still, a command like that often led to at least some kind of worry.
"What? Why? Is something wrong? Are you okay?" Matthew asked, setting his book aside and standing quickly, darting across the room to find his shoes.
"What? Yeah! I'm freaking awesome! Now just get over here so I can kiss you!" Gilbert cried.
Matthew was more confused than ever. "What is going on Gil?" he asked, slipping on a pair of sandals despite the chill outside.
"The war is over Mattie! Luddy is home for good! We're going to go out and celebrate!"
Matthew nearly dropped his phone. "What? Actually I'll be right over, just hold on."
He grabbed his keys from the counter and his wallet from the living room before saying a quick bye to Gilbert and hanging up. Rushing out the door he sped a little more than necessary and was at Gilbert's apartment a lot quicker than usual. He was barely able to get out of the car before Gilbert had him around the waist swinging him around before kissing him deeply and excitedly.
"Can you believe it Birdie?" he asked.
"But… Gil, wouldn't something like this take time? I know things were slowing down overseas but…"
"No, they're pulling every one out, the war is over Birdie! My brother is safe!"
Matthew grinned. This was the best news he had heard in months and he had never seen Gilbert so excited, so happy since they had met.
"This is wonderful Gilbert! This is great!"
Gilbert simply grinned before kissing him again and then dragging him inside. Music, drinks and cheerful celebration followed as everyone took part in the excitement of a wars end. Matthew watched as Gilbert laughed the loudeset, smiled the brightest and all over radiated the most energy keeping everyones excitement at a peak.
And when they finally went to bed tonight, forced to cram together on Gilbert's small twin, Matthew could still feel the relief and the energy buzzing through the air. As he drifted off with Gilbert already dozing peacefully beside him, he wished that they could be this happy for the rest of their lives.