Germany Beginnings

[Deutschland]

A small, quiet groan erupted from something still half asleep. A blonde muscular man slowly opened one sunshine covered eye with difficulty. Now this man, whose name is Ludwig, doesn't usually have much trouble getting up in the morning. Indeed, he is the type to habitually get up at the same time every morning. But not this morning. No, this morning something was different. Ludwig's body had already known something that his mind didn't. It knew something about shenanigans.

It took a few moments for Ludwig to register that he wasn't in his room. Feelings of panic thumped at his chest as he looked around. Nothing familiar. He jolted upward, his eyes darting at every nook and cranny he could find. He jumped when he spotted a figure that he didn't recognize at first glance. He grabbed an alarm clock(not a coo-coo clock) that he had lazily spotted earlier. With the newly obtained (lame) weapon, he shouted “ Who the hell are you?!”.

[Preußen]

Gilbert hadn't planned on the younger man waking up just yet. In fact, Gilbert hadn't really planned on much other than getting a ship, getting Ludwig, and leaving. Truth be told, Gilbert wasn't very good at any sort of planning, so for the young man to have gotten as far as he had was a major accomplishment.

It had taken some time (read: a LONG time), but after doing enough odd jobs, in addition to the savings that Old Fritz had left for him, Gilbert had finally been able to afford his own ship. It was his pride and joy, and flew the flag of the old nation of Prussia that Gilbert had been told was dissolved after the last war. He had always felt an odd swell of pride and connection whenever the former nation was mentioned, so it felt right to fly it's colors on his ship. Of course, he had saved room for the German flag, should his newly acquired (read: kidnapped) first mate want it flown, as well.

Speaking of his first mate, the man was clearly still disoriented, as he was holding an alarm clock like a weapon and waving it in Gilbert's direction. With a snicker, the Prussian stepped forward, flicking his coat behind himself as he struck a pose that he felt was very captain-like.

"You don't recognize my awesomeness, West? That's fine, I know I look even more awesome, now. Take your time to bask in my awesomeness while you can~" He addressed the other with the childhood nickname he had given the blond, 'West'. There was no real logic behind why Gilbert chose to call the boy that, even when they were young, however it had been the first thing to slip out Gilbert's mouth when he laid eyes on Ludwig, and thus it stuck.

[Deutschland]

Despite the fact that Ludwig had no idea where he was and why, seeing Gilbert calmed him a little. But only a little. In fact, it would also be true to say that it was relieving, as it had been a while since Ludwig had last seen his rambunctious sibling. It was good to see that Gilbert seemed healthy and normal(well, normal for HIM anyway). Ludwig blinked. "Gil?" he asked himself quietly. Realizing that he was holding his brother at clock-point, Ludwig slowly put the clock back where it belonged.

Trying his best to ignore Gilbert's ridiculous pose, he grinning and walked towards him. "It's good to see you, Gil." He patted Gilbert's shoulder, and gave it a gentle squeeze. Although Ludwig would never admit it, he did miss his brother greatly.

But, Ludwig was a smart man, and didn't let brotherly affections distract him for long. Just because Gilbert was his brother didn't mean he would easily forget that he had been in fact, kidnapped. As he looked around the room he asked "Where are we exactly? Why did you bring me here?". He almost dreaded the answer.

(( Hey guys! I was planning to say this in my first post, but I forgot! Please feel free to give me critique! If you feel I'm doing not so great, if you feel I'm out of character, do not hesitate to speak up!))

[Preußen]

Gilbert's grin in that moment could be described as a lot of things, but the most accurate descriptions would have to be huge, menacing, and cheshire. In that order.

With a leather-clad hand, the older - yet somehow smaller - of the two siblings reached up to clap his brother on the shoulder. When he let his hand fall, it was to his hip, where a sheathed sword that probably belonged in a museum somewhere in Berlin, and a holstered Luger sat, waiting for action.

"Ah, Westen. Always curious. We are on Der Kaiseradler - The Imperial Eagle," he paused here, as if waiting for something (probably praise), but continued after a moment. "It's my ship! Und you are my first mate."

Here, his grin turned positively shark-like, relaying that this piece of information was not a question or a request; it was an order, and there was no possible way of getting around it.

[Deutschland]

It was worse than Ludwig had expected. Gilbert once again had some sort of crazy plan that he was in the middle of. Usually these plans don't end well, especially for him. But this time, there was a difference. The ridiculous "adventures" Gilbert had forced Ludwig to go on were certainly never to this scale. And, as Ludwig could see in those deep red eyes, was a flicker of excitement and determination he had never seen before.

But Ludwig had much more important things to do than to see Gilbert go on one of his "trips". He had his dream to fulfill.

Choking down the building anger he felt(it was something to see, he was literally shaking with rage) he pressed his fingers to his temples. "You must be joking. I have more important things to do than to join you in a game of pretend."

He promptly walked over to the bed, and slipped on a pair of slippers(they were not his. It seemed Gilbert didn't have the good grace to grab Ludwig's own shoes in the act of kidnapping.). As he walked past Gilbert towards the door, he said " I have my own dream to chase." His eyebrows twitched. " Stay safe at least."

(( Hehe. Poor Luddy. Can't catch a break. Specially with Gilbert! ^^))

[Preußen]

Gilbert balked for a moment at the fact that Ludwig had totally just blown the awesome him off! before he jumped into action again, moving to stand between the taller blond and the room's exit, arms spread out as if he could actually hold the other back if he decided to attempt to push past the smaller man.

"More important things? Like what? This is the most imporant - and awesome - thing you'll ever do in your life! And it's not pretend." He puffed his cheeks out and put his hands on his hips, attempting to look intimidating for a moment before he deflated and crossed his arms. He had really expected the other to go along with this plan, since Ludwig was the youngest and had always (unwillingly, but no one told Gilbert that) followed Gil's crazy, half-baked plans.

"Please, Westen? I don't ever ask you for much! Hardly anything at all! Just come with me!" Here, he attempted to pout and give the other his best watery, pleading, puppy-dog eyes. The expression didn't really work on the German, however, so he dropped it.

((XD Poor Luddy indeed. Gil is so mean to him; BUT AT LEAST HE SAID PLEASE! :'D))

[Deutschland]

With no patience left, Ludwig quickly grabbed Gilbert by the waist and lifted him away from the door. It was surprisingly easy, in fact it was too easy, and Ludwig noticed. Has he lost weight?Ludwig thought. He put the Prussian down.

"H-hmph. You know what I'm talking about. Today I start my police training." He tried to ignore the increased worry he began to feel about the new discovery. He glanced at the clock. "And I'm almost late!"

He turned for the door. Although his concerns were growing, he was determined to continue. Ludwig felt that the training would benefit both the brothers, his reasoning being that he thought that becoming a police officer will hopefully influence Gilbert into becoming a more contributing member of society(ohhh the irony). It would also be easier to look after Gilbert. And of course, it had what Ludwig wanted to be since he was a child. So no matter how much he wanted to ask Gilbert why he seemed much thinner than before, he bit that instinct down, and grabbed the doorknob.

Of course, he never got the chance to open the door.

(( Yay! It's almost my favorite part! How did Gilbert get Ludwig to stay with him? Find out soon!~ [ It's very mean xD]))

[Preußen]

Gilbert only flailed a little in protest as his brother lifted him away from the door. Of course, once he was back on solid floor, the Prussian lunged for the doorknob, fumbling to hold Ludwig's hands away from it. It was at this point that Gilbird swooped down from the top of the door frame with a menacing peep! and landed atop Ludwig's head, little bird claws gripping onto the blond's hair and tugging softly, as if to also tell him he couldn't leave.

"C'mon, Westen, stay and help me out!" he whined once had managed to squeeze himself between the mountain of the man and the hard wooden door. "Anyway, they won't take you now! I put in a word with the academy that you're on steroids that you buy illegally from a street-dealer in Frankfurt, and that you're running with the mafia, and you're joining a pirate ship. Also, I told them that you're gay."

It was at this point that Gilbert winced, bringing his hands up to shield his face in the event that his brother got so angry he actually attempted to hit him. He knew that being a part of the police force was always Ludwig's dream, and he knew that sabotaging that dream had high stakes; the taller German may never forgive him for it. However, it was the only way he could think to convince Ludwig to come along on this adventure with him, and so it was a risk Gilbert had taken.

[Deutschland]

A volcano. This is the best comparison to Ludwig's overall mood at the moment. It had begun boiling and smoking a little, but none of that was too threatening. The villagers at the bottom of the mountain can see the stress, but they think they have a while until they have to leave. Over time, the volcano slowly becomes a bit more agitated, but for now, it is still under control. Until of course, some crazy bozo who wants to see the village burn, or something along those lines, throws a bomb into the volcano causing a huge explosion. The volcano erupts, lava flows, the village is in a panic, collateral damage is inevitable, and the list goes on.

It was eruption time for Ludwig.

" YOU-DID-WHAT?! " the larger German screamed. Ludwig grabbed Gilberts' collar, and once again lifted him until he was standing on his toes. "HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU, YOU BASTARD!" He continued shouting German swears. This continued for several minutes, with Gilbert just barely hanging on. There wasn't much he could do.

Ludwig stopped shouting, only to take a few breaths. He continued holding the Prussian. Once Ludwig had caught his breath, while still holding Gilbert, he raised his fist. He threw a punch towards his brother's face, but before it could make contact with his nose, Ludwig heard a familiar voice. Look after your brother Ludwig. He needs you. Ludwig paused. It was old man Fritz.

Ludwig looked up at Gilberts frightened face. It was so child-like. He brought his fist away from Gilbert, and dropped the way-too-light man back to his feet. " Gott verdammt!" Ludwig yelled, and turned towards the wall. Trying to put all his anger into his fist, he punched the wall instead of Gilberts face. Ludwig didn't even wince, even though his hand began to throb. Before Gilbert could react, Ludwig managed a second punch, this time tearing some of the skin off of Ludwigs knuckles. The wall had a slight indent.

(( LUDWIG SMASH! Ok, that joke was lame. But I love this rp. I got to research Bolivian rosewood[to see how hard it is] and I got to look up a German swear. Hooray for learning!))

[Preußen]

((Sorry for lateness! I just got back from vacation and stuff. |D <3))

Everything had really happened a lot faster than Gilbert had anticipated. He had anticipated his brother being a bit angry - okay, maybe more than a bit, he did just sabotage his life's dream and all that - and he had anticipated the explosion and the yelling and maybe a little bit of violence. But the speed at which all of this occurred startled Gilbert into silence while his brother raged, first dragging him off the floor so just his toes scraped a bit at the wood, then raising his fist. Gilbert barely had time to wince before Ludwig suddenly dropped him. The sound of his brother's fist hitting the wall raised another wince to Gilbert's expression as he scrambled up from the floor to...to do something, he guessed, but what he could really do in this situation was beyond him. He was the cause of this anger.

He noticed the dent in the wall when Ludwig pulled his hand away the second time, and he also noticed the blood welling on his brother's knuckles. With a sigh, Gilbert slowly - cautiously - moved forward, taking Ludwig's hand in his own and examining the bloodied knuckles.

"Es tut mir leid, bruder," he mumbled quietly, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and wrapping it loosely around the cracked and bleeding skin; it would do until he could get some better medical supplies, at least. "I wanted your help, you know? And I thought...how were you supposed to help me be a pirate if you were part of the main thing opposing me, ja? Es tut mir leid, der klein bruder."

Es tut mir leid = I'm sorry
der klein bruder = little brother

[Deutschland]

Ludwig winced. Not because his hand hurt and that Gilbert made a terrible nurse, it was that fact that Gilbert admitted that he wanted to be a pirate. Although Ludwig had sort of seen that coming, it still was horrific to hear. Just why? Why did they have to be such opposites?

Ludwig sighed and put his free hand on his face. " Why must you always bring me such grief, großer Bruder?"

Although Ludwig was still very angry, he realized that a part of Gilbert's plan was true. What if he had become an officer and had to arrest him? Could he have done it?

No, I couldn't, Ludwig though to himself.

" Why on earth do you want to be a pirate of all things?" Ludwig asked icily. He might as well know this, because frankly, Ludwig was stuck with him. There was no place for him to go, now that in his home he was basically a criminal and had no future. " God, I need a beer."

(( Yay, you're back! We all missed you! <3))

[Preußen]

Gilbert was busy attempting to tie the short ends of the handkerchief together around his brother's ridiculously thick hand - really, who had that many muscles in their hand? - when the other began speaking again. He grinned sheepishly at first, at least having the decency to look slightly embarrassed for his ability to cause his brother emotional pain.

He had just opened his mouth to speak when he noticed Ludwig looking a bit thoughtful, distant, and then his expression turned hard and he asked the dreaded question: why. Why? Gilbert could probably list a thousand reasons why, but in the end it all came down to one reason: he wanted to. However, before he could explain, his brother made the only proclamation that Gilbert needed to hear. The shorter German was quickly at the door, opening it with gusto and grinning back over his shoulder at the tall blond.

"I don't have a lot of food yet, but one thing I do have is beer."

((D'aww, thanks! I missed you guys, too! ;u; <3))