Part 3: Einheit -Last-.
Main characters: Belgium, Netherlands and Prussia. Disclaimer: I do not own any of the mentioned characters. They belong to Hidekaz Himaruya.
Minor Characters: France, Spain and Germany.
France appeared at the "Einheit" party hosted by Germany and Prussia but not with a partner. Lonesome, the man walked into the decorated room, his eyes blinded by black, red and yellow. Spain spotted him from his way back from the bar and approached the blond, offering him a glass of red wine. They shared a small smile and Spain twirled the Frenchman around to pat the last remaining mud spots from his black suit. It appeared Spain didn't have to ask how it went, but he did anyway to break the silence.
"The roses didn't work?"
"Ah, the roses did their job. Not well enough though."
"You did give him the orange ones, right?"
"Oui, of course I did! He didn't even want to listen to me though; pushing me and hurting me."
The blond gulped down the content of the glass and handed it back to the Spaniard who gave him a sympathetic look. He wondered if Francis would be okay. It wasn't often that the blond would get refused. It was such a shame. If anyone could have tried to get Netherlands to this party, then it would have been Francis. Belgium said so herself, confident of her words as she had encouraged the blond to persuade her brother with his charms. Netherlands was left unaffected though.
"Ah! France has arrived! Perfect time, my Freund, we were just talking about how the awesome me finally was able to break down that enormous wall to reunite with my little Bruder, bwhahahahaha!"
"Haa? You didn't break down the wall yourself though.."
Prussia ignored him and wrapped an arm around Francis' shoulders, dragging him towards a crowded table. They passed England and America who were sitting at the bar. England was too drunk to notice the Frenchman, but America happily and loudly greeted him. Francis raised his hand lightly in return, which left the American a bit worried.
The proud Prussian pushed the other down onto one of the vacant seats and sat down beside him, continuing his story before he had retrieved the Frenchman. Gilbert's little feathered companion chirped and placed itself in Francis' opened hands. It tilted his head to the side, blinked its eyes and chirped once more. Francis smiled and carefully patted the little bird with his finger. It chirped happily and flapped its wings.
"Oi, so where did you leave the Dutchman? Did you leave him outside for a smoke or something?"
Gilbert laughed and clapped his friend on the back. Francis sighed and placed the yellow bird on the Prussian's head. He chuckled as the yellow blob nestled itself into the silver hair. Gilbert paid no attention to what happened on his head and gave the Frenchman a suspicious look. Belgium was seated opposite of him and had a sad smile on her face.
"Sorry, Francis, for making you do such a thing", she said as Spain sat down beside her.
"Ah, non, non, don't apologize, ma chérie. It actually went better than I had expected, hahaha..!"
"Huh, I'm confused. Why didn't want Niederlande want to come with you?"
Gilbert knotted his eyebrows and looked from Belgium to Francis. If Belgium was here with Antonio, didn't that mean that Netherlands was somewhere close? He could normally be found watching Spain's every move. Prussia's red eyes scanned the room but he didn't find the man he was looking for. He did spot the blushing face of Ludwig who was accompanied by Japan and Italy. The latter obviously was the reason for his brother's flushed face. It made the Prussian snicker delightfully. Ludwig looked best with that blush on his cheeks. Gilbert again realized how happy it made him that he was once again reunited with his brother.
The Prussian downed another pint of beer, licking his lips afterwards. A sudden thought came into his head as he stared at the Belgian girl opposite of him. Weren't Niederlande and Belgien siblings just like Germany and himself? If so then why weren't they together? It didn't make sense at all.
"Even though we used to get along well, it seems Netherlands is not fond of gatherings such as these.", Francis said as he took another glass of wine from Antonio.
"As a fellow big brother I think Netherlands has abandon the most important duty in his life!", Gilbert slammed his fist onto the table. It was clear he had have one beer too many already.
"And what might that be..?", Antonio asked as he secretly moved all the other pints of beer away from the Prussian as to make sure he wouldn't drink even more. Antonio was probably one of the only nations relieved to not be in the company of the Dutchman. He would always feel uncomfortable, feeling the stare of green eyes on his back. This was one of the few times he could enjoy Belgium's company without anything to worry about.
Gilbert stood, a faint blush spreading on his cheeks. He pointed at his brother who had yet to realize what his foolish brother was doing. The beer was forgotten and he bent down to come face to face with his Spanish companion. Antonio could smell the odor of alcohol as the other spoke.
"The most important duty as a big brother is to always watch over your younger sibling!", Gilbert said and abruptly straightened his posture, his arm and pointing finger falling limply to his side. The yellow bird chirped loudly as it tumbled from Gilbert's head. Belgium reached out and caught the little animal, sighing in relieve to see it was safe. She looked up at Prussia and held the bird close.
"Netherlands is a great older brother. He has always loved and respected me."
Her voice was soft and she rubbed the bird's belly. She smiled at it and rubbed it against her cheek, slightly blushing. She was a big fan of cats, arranging a Kattenstoet every third year on the second Sunday of May, but that didn't mean cute birds such as this one did not affect her.
"Even when I pulled back at the last moment when he began his rebellion against Antonio, Netherlands did not hate me for it. He respected my wishes and opinion. He continued to protect me. I know the day I left his kingdom made him very sad, yet he didn't treat me any different from before. I know he means well and I know he will always watch over me."
Antonio smiled and placed his hand on Belgium's head, kindly smiling at her. Even though the Dutchman had never truly liked him, Spain knew he was an admirable man. Belgium placed the little bird onto the table and placed her hand over the figure hanging from her necklace. It resembled the flag they which had once united them as the Seventeen Provinces. It was precious to her and so she rarely wore it. She was afraid she might lost it, but tonight she would wear it for her brother.
Gilbert was still standing as he looked down at the smiling girl. He reached up, tucked at his grey tie and took out the necklace hidden underneath his white shirt. He looked down upon the cold figure which laid in his hand. It was the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross which originated from the Iron Cross. It was the military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia, but later Germany also used it as a symbol of his army. This little cross symbolized their bond and it meant the world to Gilbert. It was a sign of their power and their Einheit.
"Kesesesese.. I see. Even when Ludwig and I were separated from 1961 until 1989, when the Berlin Wall was established and destroyed, this was the only thing I had left to hold on to. I will wear this cross even in death.", Gilbert held it firmly in his hand and opened it for Belgium to see it. She smiled at the familiar figurine and nodded her head, removing her hand from the symbol hanging from her neck. Both were so small yet they held enormous meaning for the ones who wore them. The little things are often considered to be most valuable.
Gilbert suddenly grabbed a pint of beer although Antonio tried to keep him from drinking and raised it high into the air. He cleared his throat loudly as to get the attention of everyone who was currently present. He looked at his brother, who raised his pint of beer as well with a small smile. Then he looked down at Belgium. She laughed and raised her glass of Flemish sparkling wine. The grin on Gilbert's face widened as his voice echoed through the room.
"To Einheit!"
Note:
- "Oui" means "Yes" in French.
- "Freund" means "Friend" in German.
- "Bruder" means "Brother" in German.
- "Non" means "No" in French.
- "Ma chérie" means "My darling" in French.
- "Niederlande" means "Netherlands" in German.
- "Belgien" means "Belgium" in German.
- "Kattentoets" means "Festival of the Cats" Dutch which is a parade devoted to the cat.
- "Einheit" means "Unity" In German.
A/N: Dun dun dun! I didn't plan to make a third part. The idea for this part just suddenly came over me as I re-read the first part (about the flag of the Seventeen Provinces). I immediately made a reference with the Iron Cross on both Gilbert's and Ludwig's necklace/uniform. And so I decided to put them together and give this story a more appropriate ending. You now also know why Spain came to escort Belgium, because everyone was invited to celebrate the unity of Germany (which occurred in 1990, a year after the Berlin Wall was broken down, teehe).
My first time using Prussia in a story; how did I do? I get the feeling all of them are a bit OOC, lol. I hate that, but I love the part anyway for it involves Belgium's and Gilbert's feelings 3 Aw, so cute.. hm?