Prompt: Trapped || Nations Revealed
It had been almost three centuries since nation personifications had been in the public eye. After too many years of persecution from superstitious humans, it was widely agreed that nations would become the things of myth only known by very few as was required for them to do their duties.
Ludwig had never been in the public eye, coming into a world where they had long been hiding.
So when they suddenly became public again due to internet sleuths piecing together their history and bosses wanting to take advantage of this virality to push the morale and loyalty of the people, Ludwig quickly found himself drowning.
He had never been much for social situations unless he could keep the conversation strictly to business. Being hounded by journalists wherever he went, asking questions about things he did not know or things that no one needed to know was his worst nightmare.
Word travelled fast in the 21st century. It was only a matter of time before people started tracking down where the world meetings were in hopes of catching sight of these legendary nation people.
Which was why Ludwig was now trapped in the bathroom of the meeting hall, gripping onto the sink for dear life as he tried to settle his breathing.
“You alright? ” someone asked, making Ludwig jump.
Arthur stood in the doorway , brows knitted together.
“Get out… ” Ludwig gritted. He stared at his contorted face in the mirror.
Arthur was silent for a moment, air suffocating with tension.
“Let’s try this again, ” Arthur finally said, “ What’s wrong ?”
“That grip says otherwise .”
“What does it matter to you ?”
“Can’t I be a decent human being for once ?”
Arthur scoffed. “ Don’t be like that .”
Arthur sighed. “ Look…We can do this all day. You’re the last one here. I’m not just going to leave you behind with that mob outside .”
Ludwig tensed at the mention of the crowd.
A small ‘ ah ’ escaped Arthur. Gently he placed a hand on Ludwig’s shoulder. “ How about we walk out together? I’ll handle the journalists. ”
Ludwig squeezed his eyes shut. “ I don’t know …”
“Y ou can’t stay in the bathroom forever .”
“I know, ” Ludwig growled. His cheeks reddened in shame. “ Sorry…You must think I’m ridiculous .”
Arthur smiled softly. “ Not at all. The media is quite intimidating even when you’re good at public speaking. But I assure you I’ll handle it. ”
Ludwig took a breath, grip finally loosening. “ Okay …”
When they approached the door panic rang in Ludwig’s ears once more. He immediately stopped.
“Here,” Arthur offered softly, hand extended. “Keep your head down and I’ll guide you.”
Timidly, Ludwig accepted.
The next few minutes were a blur. He followed Arthur’s advice, keeping his head down focusing on putting one foot in front of the the other, relying on Arthur to be his eyes.
He heard Arthur bark at a few particularly pushy reporters, but other than that and getting a little jumbled as they pushed through, it was relatively smooth. Or maybe that was because he dissociated for most of it.
Eventually, they arrived at Arthur’s car and Arthur hurried Ludwig inside.
“They’ll probably be at the hotel too , ” Arthur murmured as he got into the driver’s seat.
“But...You can lay low at my house for a bit. I-If you’d like. It’s out in the country, so you can take it easy after all this. "
A light pink prickled along Ludwig’s cheeks. “ Are you sure ?”
A ghost of a smile spread across Ludwig’s face. “ Okay then .”
Unfortunately, everything hadn’t gone exactly along Arthur’s plan. Yes, Ludwig got an evening to relax away from people and cameras. But their little escape only stirred up rumours.
Arthur brought his phone to his chest. “ Nothing .”
Ludwig frowned, easily snatching the phone from Arthur.
‘ENGLAND AND GERMANY SECRETLY DATING?
The two nations were seen leaving together hand in hand. Could this … ’
Ludwig couldn’t bring himself to read further. His heart was already at the edge of combusting.
“I’m sorry, this is all my fault, ” Arthur said quickly, taking the phone back . “ I…Sorry .”
Ludwig noted the redness in Arthur’s own cheeks. The way his hand seemed to tremble. The tightness of his smile.
Gently, Ludwig took one of the shaking hands. “ It’s okay. You did your best .”
Arthur’s head jerked up, eyes wide. Ludwig hadn’t realized what a pretty shade of green they were.
“Honestly if the media is going to think I’m dating someone, you’re far from the worst option, ” Ludwig admitted with a shrug, though his face was ablaze. He couldn’t believe what he was saying even though it was true.
The two stared at each other for a long awkward while . Until Ludwig cleared his throat.
“We should um…Get ready for the meeting .”
“Oh of course. Right…Um…” Arthur looked off to the side. “ Do you think our colleagues have seen this ?”
Ludwig bristled. “ Probably …”
“You know what? I’ve been quite feverish all morning. Tis the season for all that. Flu, cold ... Perhaps I’ll stay home .”
“Well… ” Ludwig said slowly, “ If that’s the case, perhaps I can stay and assist you. After all, you should stay in bed to u h …g et over that fever .”
Arthur raised an eyebrow, an ' are you sure? ' look crossing his face. Ludwig nodded.
"I guess...you have a point, " Arthur said slowly. " I don't mind if you don't ."
And so, Ludwig ' took care ' of Arthur for the rest of the afternoon with tea, cake, and movies. Only the best to help Arthur get over his 'illness.'
