Ludwig has a sudden growth spurt after the Franco-Prussian War. For his first real test as a joint representative of the German Empire, he joins his brother in mediating a land dispute between the British Empire and the United States of America.
A/N: hey, look, the gerame Pig War fic I mentioned I was writing two years ago! It's finally here (partly)!
Berlin, 1872
He smoothed down his hair for what felt like the millionth time.
Your jacket isn’t straight anymore.
„Make eye contact, speak clearly, stand upright.“ He looks into the mirror, „You can handle this,“ he tells his reflection.
Remarkably, he actually looked like he could. Not a single hair was out of place. His uniform was pristine, and he thought the dark blue made his eyes stand out. He didn’t have much to show for rank, but that was understandable. He was young, and it would be shameful to give himself accommodations he hadn’t earned just because of his status. Humans did it, but that was no excuse for their kind when they had all the time in the world. Gilbert had earned his through dedication, discipline. Ludwig would earn his own when he had the chance.
Although, he frowned, as a new thought occurred to him, if this really works out the way people hope it will, doesn’t that mean that chance would never come?
He was broken out of his thoughts by a firm pair of hands on his shoulders.
„I almost don’t recognize you,“ Gilbert says, peeking over his shoulder slightly, „I don‘t know if I’ll ever get over this growth spurt of yours.“ His tone was wistful.
Ludwig makes eye contact, „Do not touch my hair,“ he warns.
Gilbert‘s sighing only gets more exaggerated „I remember when you only came up to my knees…“
„Gilbert, I mean it, do not mess with my hair right now,“ Ludwig warns again.
Something about his voice brought Gilbert back to Earth. He squeezes his shoulders, shaking him a little.
„Why are you so tense, Ludwig? They’re coming to our court. Right after we just kicked France‘s ass no less!“ Gilbert smiles with unbridled joy, „we could show up dressed like court jesters and they wouldn’t be able to say a single thing to us!“
Ludwig frowned at him in the mirror again, „I think you‘re right, they wouldn’t say anything, they would just get up and walk out. They wouldn’t need words for everyone to know how deeply we embarrassed ourselves.“
„Jeez, Ludwig, lighten up,“ Gilbert squeezes his shoulders again, making sure he has his full attention, „so yeah, maybe the jester thing is a bit much, but that's not the point.“
Gilbert was dressed in his own military uniform, significantly less empty than Ludwig's. Hundreds of years of military history sat on his shoulders.
„The point is, you were made for this. Literally. Therefore, there is no possible way for you to screw this up.“
„Gilbert I already see four flaws with your logic“
„No you don’t, there is no possible way,“ Gilbert declares more forcefully.
„Aaaand I‘ve thought of two more.“
„No. Possible. Way.“ Gilbert punctuates his words with a finger jammed into his chest.
Ludwig looks down at his older brother, who had his hands on his hips like a stubborn child. Looking more closely, Ludwig could tell some of the medals he had on were definitely not official. He was certain the Kaiser had never given his brother medals for fighting both for and against the Teutonic Knights during the crusades. He smiled a little fondly despite himself, „Why are you like this?“
Gilbert grins widely, proud that his mission to cheer up his brother was accomplished. „I live to be an example for you, Bruder. If I can be this successful being myself, there’s no way somebody like you could lose.“
Before Ludwig could express his appreciation for all his brother‘s guidance and support over the years, Gilbert decided now would be the right time to ruffle his hair.
„Nein nein nein! Gilbert!“ Ludwig smacks his brother’s hands away, but the damage is done.
Gilbert laughs victoriously, energized by recent expansion and the blow they had dealt to the balance of power in Europe.
„Perhaps you are getting sloppy,“ Gilbert says, practically in tears, „the first rule I ever taught you, never let your guard dow-„ and that was as far as he got before Ludwig smacked him in the face with a pillow, sending him to the floor.
They are both still smiling when Ludwig grabs Gilbert’s arm and pulls him back up.
——————
It wasn’t long before his nerves came back. Waiting outside of the palace for some of the most important people in the world to show up so they could be formally introduced for the first time did not lessen his anxiety.
He knew he had met some of the powers of Europe before. He had at least a vague sense of what the British Empire looked like. He hadn’t been an official nation back then.
He could only imagine what it might be like to meet a child that might as well be faceless to you. They exclaim they want to grow up to be just like you. You smile benevolently and give them an encouraging pat on the head. Then you return to your job and they return to obscurity. He doubted England had ever thought of him again after that. It’s possible he didn’t even realize what Ludwig was at the time.
It was quite different to suddenly see that child now, all grown up and stealing your role in the world. Not that his and Gilbert‘s empire was any true rival to the British Empire, but England was sure to know that was their secret hope one day. They all knew that truth deep down. It was inescapable. He would be a rival from now on, and he wasn’t quite sure what that meant yet.
Then there was the United States of America on top of that. He had never even been to the Americas. Had never seen the man in person or picture. All he had were stories and rumors of the most inspiring, volatile, backwards, odds-defying country to ever exist…if the European nations were to be believed. And Ludwig couldn’t be sure they were. Gossip quickly got out of hand around here.
„Ah, England is here first then,“ Gilbert notes from beside him.
They walked down the stairs to the drive, where some of the carriages they had sent to pick up their guests had arrived.
„How do you know this is England?“ Ludwig asks as the footmen hurried down and around from the driver's seat to open the carriage doors.
Gilbert glanced at him, but only shook his head in response. Later he seemed to say.
Gilbert was proven correct of course. As they reached the bottom of the steps, the British Empire stepped out of the center carriage to meet them.
His stature wasn’t what Ludwig remembered, but his presence felt the same. Despite the fact that he was shorter than Gilbert, and much shorter than Ludwig, he managed to make it feel like he took up more space than the two of them combined. In a way, he literally did.
He had the impression from his readings and dim memories that England was a rainy, plain kind of country. In the gray mid-fall of Berlin, his bright red military coat was anything but.
„Prussia,“ England‘s demeanor was hard to read. Ludwig understood that England and France were old enemies. On the one hand then, he should be glad to see France weak. On the other hand, whatever threat France had been before hadn’t disappeared. Its face(s) and name only changed, and it was hard to say if that was better or not.
Gilbert was no help at all in that regard. Instead of addressing England in kind, he corrected him.
„Preußen,“ he says. Ludwig took in his brother‘s face. Yes, Gilbert was definitely smug.
England squinted a bit. „What?“
„Preußen,“ Gilbert‘s smile sharpens, „this is my house, you’ll address me how I please.”
England looks like he wants to roll his eyes as hard as a sailboat rolls in a hurricane, but he acquiesces all the same. “It is only proper, since you are our hosts for this…whatever this is.”
A weary sigh drifts towards them from the carriage. This was when Ludwig noticed a second person approaching their group. The man was dressed similarly to England, with the latest British fashion, accented with red, although he was also significantly taller. Much closer to Ludwig‘s own height. Ludwig frowns as he takes him in, noticing how his clothes set him apart from the footmen and other servants, how he approached them so easily as though he belonged with them, and also how neither Gilbert nor England acknowledged his presence as he joined them.
They arrived together, so he must be traveling with England, Ludwig tried to puzzle it out, they don’t look related though. Gilbert made it clear everyone on and descended from the British Isles had the eyebrows. This man looks more like France. That means it couldn’t be the United States then, either…
Ludwig made up his mind to interrupt the conversation and ask, but—
„— And this,” Gilbert claps a hand on Ludwig’s shoulder, “is my little brother, the rest of the glorious German Empire.”
England looks over at him, really seeing him for the first time.
Surprisingly, he starts laughing.
Ludwig feels an immediate flush of embarrassment, wondering what twig or leaf or worse must have gotten stuck in his hair somehow. Gilbert’s brows lower with fury.
„Who do you think you‘re laughing at?“
England's laughter sounds close to hysterics. He scrubs at his face before speaking again, „Nothing, It’s nothing, old friend! It’s just- it’s a hilarious joke don’t you think? Are you really sure you want to introduce him to America?“
The mystery guest winces in Ludwig’s peripheral.
Gil looks confused and angry now, „What’s that supposed to mean?“
„Don’t play dumb with me. Your new little brother is young, blond, blue eyed,“ England sweeps an arm out in Ludwig‘s direction and Ludwig has the distinct feeling it wasn’t him England was talking about. England eyes Gilbert up and down, „Taller than you, too. Have a sudden growth spurt, did he? I know you’ve had some trouble with some democratic uprisings recently. You ought to be careful the Yank‘s liberalism doesn’t rub off on him. What would become of you and your family then?“
England's smugness was barely concealed by the faux concern. Ludwig could feel the tension growing around them like gravity getting stronger.
„What is a „yank“?“ he attempts to interject as a distraction. He is unsuccessful.
Gilbert smiles sharply at England, still one step below him in front of *their* palace, and says, „your concern warms my heart, but I’m not worried about that,“ he leans slightly over the empire, „The difference is my little brother actually likes me.“
„Oh, you little-„ England grits out as he lunges forward and wraps his hands around Gilbert‘s throat. Ludwig quickly moves between them. He noticed that the stranger had wrapped his arms around England and was tugging him back, also.
„Tut tut, Arthur, not very gentlemanly of you to attack your host,“ his brother mocks as soon as he’s got air back in his lungs.
Ludwig turns to his brother. „For once, Gilbert, would you please try not to escalate things?“ he says with reproach.
For reasons he couldn’t understand, Gilbert looked almost hurt by his words.
Rage still burned in England’s eyes, but he did not fight the man holding him. The man made eye contact with Ludwig, and they nodded in silent agreement that the fight was over.
„England,“ Ludwig says, drawing his attention again. Ludwig wanted so badly to seem like the confident statesman he imagined he could be. The one that Gilbert imagined he could be, but the full force of this man‘s eyes on him caused him to freeze. His whole body felt heavy. The air felt like he was trying to breathe through syrup. It was only a moment, but Ludwig‘s first introduction to what it meant to be a truly global empire left an impression.
Even here, in your courtyard, on your land, your power is pitiful compared to mine.
England said nothing. Ludwig worked to get his voice back before he could.
„I wish to apologize, on behalf of my brother and the German Empire.“ Ludwig announces in English, in what he hopes is a confident voice.
Make eye contact. Speak clearly. Stand up straight.
England remained silent, but his face displayed his surprise.
„I must confess, I do not understand what that conversation was about, but I do understand my brother provoked you needlessly. My hope is that this has not tainted your impression of me permanently, nor injured our efforts to promote neutral arbitration between nations.“
„Ah, well,“ England straightened up, tugging at his jacket somewhat awkwardly.
„Right,“ England finally began, surprising Ludwig by switching the conversation back to German, „no, you‘re right. That behavior was unbecoming of me. I apologize as well,“ England turned slightly to address the man Ludwig still hadn’t been introduced to, „We came here to avoid a war with your brother after all, and it wouldn’t do us very much good to start a fight in Europe before that’s settled.“
„Us?“ Ludwig thought he heard the other man ask, but it was hard to tell as England addressed Ludwig directly again.
„I think it would be best if you direct us to our quarters now.“
Ludwig pauses, looking back once more at the man behind England. He knew clearly now that England could also see him, so why did he refuse to introduce them?
When it becomes clear England has nothing more to say, Ludwig acquiesces.
„Of course, one of the servants waiting by the door can show you.“
Perhaps you’re only allowed to introduce one person per meeting in England? he thought, as England thanked him, and they both turned towards the palace.
Ludwig watches them as they march past Gilbert, purposefully keeping their eyes down to avoid eye contact. They did not need to worry about that though. Gilbert’s eyes were fixed firmly on Ludwig.
Ludwig felt the self consciousness coming back full force. Gilbert‘s expression was closed off in a way he did not usually see directed towards himself. It reminded him a little of how England‘s stare had made him feel. He just had his greatest growth spurt ever, yet he felt small.
It wasn’t often that Gilbert had needed to chastise him, but Ludwig did not look back on those memories fondly.
Gilbert had such high hopes for him. Such grand visions of his future. They often overshadowed his own age in comparison to the rest of Europe. It was easy to forget how new Ludwig was to this. There were infinite faux pas he could have just committed. Infinite rules for dealing with these nations who have known each other for centuries. Rules he couldn’t possibly know yet. This was only his first time playing this role.
Finally he found the courage to ask, „Is something wrong, Bruder?“, and braced for whatever shame was coming.
„No,“ Gilbert says resolutely. His face was still concerning, but his voice was strong. „No, Ludwig, nothing is wrong. I’m proud of you.“
Ludwig stops short, „What?“
I know what Gilbert looks like when he‘s proud of me, and it’s not like this, so how-
„I’m proud of you. You handled that very well, just like I knew you could.”
„But,“ Ludwig falters, „if you’re proud of me, then why do you look sad?“
Gilbert‘s face goes blank. „I don’t look sad.“
„Well not now, but you did just a moment ago.“
„I’m sure I did not actually,“ Gilbert raises an eyebrow to his forehead, and raises a hand to Ludwig’s own, „are you getting sick, Little brother?“
Ludwig swats the hand away.
„Seriously,“ Gilbert is smiling, seemingly back to his old self now, „are you feeling hot? No recent hallucinations or anything?“
Ludwig flinches a little, thinking of the mystery man/nation he’d seen following England.
Gilbert flinches back, looking concerned now. „Wait for real? Have you actually been having hallucinations, Ludwig?“
„No!“ Ludwig says quickly, „no, no, the answer is no, I’m sure of it.“
Gilbert looked around them, and leaned in close. „You know,“ he said softly, “I wouldn’t put you away if you told me.“
„Gilbert, I am not crazy. I am completely serious. This is not a joke.”
Gilbert just smiles again, „Alright, now you have to know you sound like a liar. Only a liar protests this much.“
Ludwig sighs, pleased to see his brother in high spirits again, and at the same time completely exasperated.
„Can we just go wait inside where it is warm, please?“
Already he felt exhausted by all this, and he‘d only met one (two?) nations formally today.
With any luck, it was just a European thing.
I hope meeting the United States of America will be less exciting.
HEY that's MY emotional support morally ambiguous misunderstood full of trauma touch starved yearning for love drenched in blood responsible for numerous atrocities comfort character who is TRYING & u will TREAT them with RESPECT
JOKE-OGRAPHY:
1. This Bible story is about Jesus's arrest. After the Last Supper, He takes His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Here, Judas betrays Jesus and leads a band of guards and priests to arrest Him, take Him to be interrogated by Jewish and Roman authorities, and ultimately put Him to death. Jesus knows what's happening, yet He asks His disciples not to fight, and accepts His fate with solemn grace.
2. In this cartoon, Jesus's lines are lightly paraphrased quotes right from the Bible story. The priest's lines, on the other hand, are original never-before-seen footage of how I assume a priest might react to being called the "power of darkness." In his rant, the priest denies that he's the bad guy, then lists a bunch of obviously evil things he's planning on doing to Jesus, then frames those things as heroic, all the while becoming more and more crazed and fun to draw.
You will be randomly assigned a NightWing name. Spin this wheel for your prefix (first part of your name) and spin this wheel for your suffix (second part of your name).
Having a really long-term hyperfixation that has since faded is terrifying yes but it's also so embarrassing. Hi I used to think about Scrimblo Splungus 25/7. Yeah, for 2 years straight. Nah, I don't think about them anymore except for with a vague sense of melancholy as I recall how they used to make me feel. Anyways this new one, Blimpkins McGee? I'm gonna think about them forever and the cycle will NOT repeat in 2 years. Trust me guys.
WHAT. YOU'RE TALL?
also, OP is deactivated now bc I ate them.
I'm 5'6
@localcanadiancreature62 @same-pic-rick-roll @long-form-contentment @bl0ated-corpse
JOKE-OGRAPHY:
1. This comic references two Bible stories centered on Moses from the Book of Exodus. The first is from Chapter 2, where he murders an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew slave. He hides the Egyptian's body in the sand, but word gets around and Moses flees Egypt before Pharoah can put him to death. The second story is from Chapter 3, where, after Moses has lived away from Egypt for a time, he encounters something inexplicable: a bush wreathed in fire but not consumed by the flames. God speaks to Moses from the flames, and despite Moses's flaws, God tasks him with leading the Hebrew people out of Egypt.
2. In this cartoon, Moses comes across the burning bush, as in the story. However, the bush asks why he's outside of Egypt, and Moses very openly declares that he's a murderer. In the same spirit of openness, God cuts right to the chase and asks Moses to be a prophet.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
As Lent continues, so do the "Tomics Resurrections," where I slave away to redraw an old comic and bring it grumbling to a better place. This one was drawn 8 years ago. Time is a strange thing. I feel like I drew the original only yesterday!
origamiaround
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izzy806
