Can You Shine My Shoes?

by Loreyulia

Ludwig Beilschmidt is a born and bred German man, who leaves behind his wealth to go abroad, and further his career in Architecture. He finds himself in The Big Apple, and here is where he meets a small Italian man, who changes his entire life. A/U set in late 1960's New York. Pairings include GerIta, USxUK, and SpaMano.

1. Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia Axis Powers/World Series, those rights belong to Hidekaz Himaruya.

A/N: This is an A/U fic set in late 1960's New York. My depiction of said era will try to be as accurate as possible, though since I grew up in the 90's it definitely won't be perfect. This story will start off in Germany (Ludwig's) perspective, but will change in future chapters to other characters briefly. I will put up authors notes before each chapter to let you know whose perspective that you'll be reading through, so hopefully there won't be confusion. Oh, and I will be using everyone's human names since this is an A/U. If I get any names wrong, feel free to kindly tell me in a review or PM. So, without further ado, enjoy the story and review if you'd like. More reviews = a happy writer. ^_^

Can You Shine My Shoes?

Chapter One: Ludwig Beilschmidt Takes a Ship Across the Atlantic

You know, life has a funny way of ending up completely opposite, of what you had planned for the future. If I had known of the things that would transpire during the years of my life in New York City, I don't know if I would still set foot on that weather worn old ship. My life would have stayed as ordinary as could be, within the strict boundaries of normalcy that I clung to so dearly. Yet, I would have never met that small Italian man who, with four simple words, turned my world upside down.

~O.o.o.O~

16th May, 1968.

On reflection, I knew that I have always been a serious person, even as a child. You could say maybe too serious even, but I suppose that came with the territory. I was born 2nd December, 1945 in Berlin Germany in the foremost Hospital the country had to offer. Roderich and Elizaveta Beilschmidt became my parents, and I the second son that cold, December morning.

You could also say that I lived a charmed childhood, everything I could ever want was handed to me on a silver platter. My mother came from old money, while my father had crawled his way to the top to become a rich, and respectable man on his own. He knew the value of money, pinched pennies like a miser, but never once hesitated to give us the desires of our hearts. He was what you could call frugal, there was no doubt about that, but he strove hard to ensure we would never want for anything like he did; I admired that about him, very much.

Being the serious natured boy that I was, I never took what I had for granted, only some times indulging in an extravagance. My Bruder on the other hand, was what one could call, "Self centered." Gilbert was born very fragile, with white hair, and practically crimson eyes- classified as an Albino. His immune system was very weak, so he was rarely able to go outside as a child. So I suppose when I was born, it was the most amazing gift in the world to him... he was no longer alone.

As children, we were inseparable. So different, yet oddly so much a like. I was serious, Gilbert was irrational. I was shy and awkward, he was outgoing and obnoxious. Mother doted on us equally though, told us we each had a special gift like Vater, buried deep inside.

My father came home every night, and always gave each of us a quick kiss on the forehead, and would ask about our day. Dinner was always filled with laughter, and such warmth. After, we would all gather in the living room to wind down for the evening. Mother would break out her knitting needles, Gilbert would read his comic books, and I would listen to father play the piano. He was very good, so good in fact, that in all my childish innocence I believed that the piano had been invented singularly for him to play. It was a wonderful childhood, filled with love and support. None of that changed, even after my mother's sister passed in a terrible accident, and we suddenly found ourselves with two more siblings.

Vash was a year older than I, and made it his personal goal in life to protect not only his darling sister Lili, but me as well; Gilbert being far too old to need a "babysitter," he had vehemently put it. He had outgrown his childhood fragility, though his health was still rather weak, so he was still confined solely to the manor. So while he was home schooled, Vash and I were enrolled in the local private school. I suppose this is when Gilbert and I began to drift apart... by High School we were practically strangers.

In the course of growing up, we discovered Gilbert had a way with animals. Every time he found an injured rabbit, or an abandoned kitten, he would nurse it back to health and either set it free, or keep it as a pet. In one such event, he had come across a little yellow Canary with a broken wing. It was love at first sight for my brother, since he kept the ball of yellow feathers, cleverly naming the little thing, "Gilbird." At least Mutter was right about Gilbert, he had found his special gift, but I was puzzled... why had I not found mine?

It's funny how taking a wood shop class merely for the extra credits, had opened my eyes to my gift. I was born to build, to create things with my own two hands that were useful, things that were beautiful. The first thing I ever made was a birdhouse for Gil. To this day I still remember the huge, goofy grin on his face, as he embraced me quick and affectionately.

Years flew by from then on, blurry and hazy in consistency. I graduated school at the top of my class, the perfect prodigal son to the Beilschmidt family name. My brother was the rebel child, finally free to his own devices when Father realized there was just no changing his wild behavior. I was appointed the shining star, the heir to all that my name upheld. Responsibility belonged to me, and I accepted it gracefully.

Yet... as I grew older, attending one of the finer Architecture schools in Germany, I couldn't quite shake this feeling- this feeling of wanting more. I was 23, and already bored by traditional German architecture. Some thing awakened within me then, began to burn with an intensity not known to me before. A yearning for more, a desire to learn some thing new!

A desire which had me purchasing a ticket for a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. To leave my home in Germany, to leave all that was comforting, and safe; to explore a new world, and learn more then I could ever dream of! That is what ultimately led me to the boldest decision in my 23 years of living, it's what-

"-dwig?"

"Ludwig!" Shaking my head roughly, I pulled myself away from those antiqued memories, to stare imploringly at the shorter man calling my name.

"Ja?" I gave in a curt response, finding myself some what irritated by the interruption down memory lane.

"We have arrived, Bruder. The Lady of Freedom is just on the horizon." Turning my gaze to the appointed direction, my breath froze in place within my lungs; my mouth hanging open ever so slightly.

"Mein Gott..." I managed to murmur softly, "so... majestic. It's quite a sight to behold."

Vash gave me a tiny smile before he assented a response, "Yes. Makes you feel some what small in retrospect, huh?" The sun glinted off of the sprawling city, smoke rising to curl up towards the heavens in dense clouds. Vash was right, it all made me feel incredibly insignificant. Nodding in agreement, my shaking hands tightened around my luggage handle in anticipation. This was it, there was no turning back... this, was the beginning of an inevitable end.

~O.o.o.O~

16th May, 1968.

I was not in my element, to say the least. How could I have been prepared for the busy, noisy Metropolis that is the, "Big Apple?" I was so used to the quiet and quaint hillsides of Germany, that it was quite the culture shock. Music thrummed from the streets, cars honked loudly in congested traffic, and construction seemed to be going every where. I am a man indifferent to many things, but this... this you could just not ignore.

The city practically pulsed with life, and even I could not help but be lost to its call. I felt like a nervous teenager again, entering high school for the very first time; excited, but scared of being swallowed up. If not for Vash, loyally leading the way by my side, I would have lost myself in all the commotion. "Here we are Ludwig," my brother announced suddenly, "this is where we'll be staying, until you've gotten all this wanderlust out of your system." Taking a deep breath, and clutching my luggage tighter, we made our way into the flat complex that would become my second home.

"Vow, this is... opulent." Vash turned to me, accepting my baggage, and setting it in a corner with is own.

"Well what did you expect, some ramshackle inn? These aren't the, 'finest flats in NYC' for nothing Ludwig."

I couldn't help the uncomfortable frown that twisted my mouth as I replied, "Yeah, I know... but it still seems a bit much all the same." My eyes roamed over marble tiles, gold trimmed wallpaper, and plush leather seating. I sighed, removing my long beige, trench coat; laying it on one of the leather seats, and made my way to the closest bedroom. "I think I'll take this one, if you don't mind Vash?" He merely nodded, his long hair bobbing along his shoulders. "I'm going to turn in early then, I do have a big day ahead of me tomorrow." Vash waved at me, already setting about with unpacking our luggage, and settling us in.

Opening the dark wooden door, I inwardly groaned at the ornate four poster, canopy bed that met my eyes. Perhaps it was my father's frugal disposition that rubbed off on me, but I knew all of this unneeded sophistication would never cease making me feel uncomfortable...

~O.o.o.O~

17th May, 1968.

" 'Ello Mon Ami, please take a seat!" I restrained the urge to pinch the bridge of my nose in annoyance. French... of all the nationalities in the world, my possible boss just had to be French. I quickly took a seat in the cracking pleather chair across from the desk the blond sat behind. He regarded me with intense sapphire eyes, his long fingers laced together, his chin resting against them as his elbows supported the weight of his head.

"So eh, Ludwig Beilschmidt," he said my name slowly, trying his best to pronounce it through his thick accent. He idly sifted through some papers strewn across his desk, picking up one document in particular. "It says 'ere that you graduated at the top of your class, and where grasping intricate Traditional German designs by the age of 22. Very impressive mon ami." God this was so embarrassing, I hated compliments... so I merely nodded my head in affirmation.

"What brings you 'ere to America, if you don't mind me asking?" There was this saucy twinkle in the Frenchman's eyes that I was rather leery of, yet I knew that I had to respond; my future was at stake.

"I... I vanted to learn more. I have this- this insatiable desire to build some thing magnificent, vith my own two hands. That is vhy, I am here." I shifted awkwardly, as he regarded me in silence. My mouth felt dry as cotton, and sweat began to prickle at my fore head.

He flipped his shoulder length wave of pale gold hair, in what I could only describe as "Flamboyantly," a smirk settled upon his lips. "That is exactly what I wanted to 'ear, Ludwig."

A reluctant smile pulled at my usually stern lips. "So... does that mean?" I trailed off purposefully, hoping he would understand what I was asking.

"Oui," the blond smiled, and leaned back in his high backed chair. "Welcome to Monsieur Beilschmidt."

Pride bubbled in my chest, and this time I gave an honest smile. "T-thank you very much sir, I vill not let you down."

"Call me Mr. Bonnefoy," the Frenchman laughed heartily, "or Francis, whichever you prefer." He winked cheekily at me, making me blush awkwardly at his over all... French-ness.

"You start work tomorrow, I want you 'ere by eight o' clock sharp." Nodding in earnest, I gathered my jacket, and stood to leave. "Oh, and Ludwig," Mr. Bonnefoy stated, "I hope you enjoy your time here at We hope to make you feel as 'at home' as possible." His bright sapphire eyes looked me up and down suggestively, and the way he bit his lip was not lost on me. Nodding shakily again this time, I took my leave, an extra pep in my step from my success.

As I made my way out of the third floor office, I was accosted by a loud man with wheat colored hair, and bright blue eyes hidden behind trendy square shaped glasses. "Hey," the man shouted unnecessarily, "you're the new intern huh? The name's Alfred F. Jones, pleased to meet 'cha!"

"Uh..." I couldn't think of a proper response, but evidently it didn't matter, because the blond continued to ramble on; still rather loudly.

"You're gonna love it here! I know Kiku does, and he only arrived here a year or so ago, isn't that right Kiku?" Alfred turned and shot a smile behind him, alerting me to the presence of the small Asian man.

"Hai, Arfred-san. It seems rike I have rived my whore rife here." The blond began to laugh (loudly), thumping the man with short black hair on the back.

"Hahahaha, man! I love the way you speak dude!" Kiku winced slightly, but never-the-less ignored the rambunctious man's behavior.

He turned, and bowed to me saying, "I am Kiku Honda, it is an honor to meet you."

Fidgeting nervously, I bowed slightly in return, not sure if I was supposed to or not. "I am Ludwig Beilschmidt, I hope the time ve share is special." The two just stared at me in silence, and I blushed, realizing how awkward I just sounded.

"Hahahaha dude, you're a riot!" Alfred cried, slapping me on the back heartily.

"Hai, I agree." Kiku agreed a little too enthusiastically, with that stoic expression still on his blank features.

Smiling awkwardly, I began to scoot my way slowly from the two interns. "Vell..." I mumbled softly, "I really should be going now." Alfred flashed me a thumbs up, and Kiku nodded sharply.

"Catch you later dude!"

"Goodbye, Rudwig-san."

With the sound of Alfred's obnoxious laughter fading in the distance, I made my way to the central elevator, and then exited the building.

~O.o.o.O~

17th May, 1968.

An hour or so later found me finally back in our opulent flat, Vash greeting me at the door. "So, how did it go?" A blond eyebrow tilted up in question, as he eagerly awaited a response.

I tried to keep my face as passive as possible, so he wouldn't be able to guess, but the overwhelming pride of landing my first job got to me. A small smile cracked my visage as I replied, "I start vork tomorrow, eight o' clock sharp."

"That's wunderbar! We should go out to celebrate." Frowning, I gave my older brother a skeptical look. "Look Ludwig," Vash admonished, "there ARE occasions when it is appropriate to spend money thoughtlessly, even I think so." It was a heavy admission, because Vash could pinch pennies even tighter than Vater some times.

"Get your coat..." I caved, knowing that my brother was right.

Later that night, as I lie awake in bed, drifting between the stages of wakefulness and sleep; I couldn't help but wonder, what my future here in America had in store for me.

~T.B.C.~

Translations:

Bruder: (German) Brother

Muter: (German) Mother

Vater: (German) Father

Ja: (German) Yes

Oui: (French) Yes

Mon ami: (French) My Friend

Mein Gott: (German) My God

Hai: (Japanese) Yes

Wunderbar: (German) Wonderful

Who was who:

Ludwig Beilschmidt: Germany

Gilbert Beilschmidt: Prussia

Roderich*: Austria

Elizaveta*: Hungary

Vash*: Switzerland

Lili*: Liechtenstein

Francis Bonnefoy: France

Alfred F. Jones: America (fuck yeah)

Kiku Honda: Japan

*means that they normally have different last names, but for the sake of this A/U they all share the last name Beilschmidt.

E/N: Yeah it was kind of a bland chapter, but it is the intro... so I won't obsess over it too much. I seriously started writing this story like 3 years ago, and as of now I am half way finished with the story *sweat drop* I really need to work more on this... anyways! I also decided to have Ludwig speak with a slight German accent, so a lot of the "w's" were turned into "v's". I point it out now, so no one thinks I'm stupid and can't spell or some thing. I really hope you enjoyed this, and are looking forward to chapter 2. See you all soon (^-^)^