Immersed Within the Clouds Epilogue GermanyxReader

Immersed Within the Clouds
(Germany x Reader)

Epilogue:

A sharp breeze caught grasp of your loose locks causing them to dance past your head. You smoothed the sweater Tino bought you down as it twisted uncomfortably with the sudden breezes. Berwald lay beneath a large contraption concealing half of his body as he worked diligently. You were seated within the machine, connecting wires and altering it to your - preferences.

Tino lay quietly in the grass surrounding the plane you two concentrated heavily on. A content sigh escaped his mouth while he uprooted the plentiful grass and fiddled the blades between his fingers allowing them to drop onto his torso. His eyes flicked towards your working figure seated in the open cockpit with a tool hanging haphazardly from your mouth and iron cross glinting marvelously in the sunlight atop your shirt. You pulled your silky hair back with frustration as it kept distracting you from your work.

Berwald slid from beneath the plane's large heavy propellers and gave one a hefty push. They swung smoothly much to the satisfaction of the Swede. He ran his wrist against his sweating forehead with a victorious - grunt. His steel blue eyes trailed to your suddenly smiling face as you chucked all the tools from the cockpit before following suit. Berwald assisted you from the large metal aircraft parked proudly before you.

Two years of devotion to all of this hard work finally paid off. A replica, save for a few mechanical adjustments, of your old fighter now soundly sat ready to fly. Perhaps you'd give it a name when you picked up its personality; right now you were still stuck on whether to call it a him or her. A foreign feeling bubbled up in your stomach while a smile struck across your face dazzlingly. Your hand ran across the spellbinding beauty, taking in the nostalgia which came with the memories of your past.

"Do you think it's safe to fly?" You eagerly inquired whipping rapidly towards Tino and Berwald. Tino simply shrugged while Berwald peered around the area to look for any dangers.

"Only one way to find out." He finally decided adjusting his wire-framed glasses. You beamed up at him causing a slight smile to ghost his lips. Tino called your name and sat upwards with a squinted eye smile which could rival that of a certain North Italian's. Your eyes flicked towards the brunette who waved his arms as he was quite a distance away. He stood and jogged towards your current position with a smile.

"It'll be cold up there," He warned removing his jacket and handing it to you. He helped you dress before Berwald hooked the plane to a hauling vehicle and drove it towards a large field which actually doubled as the backyard. At the end of the field was a large cliff which dropped into the same waters the pair saved you from so long ago. "We've known you for well over half a century, but this is by far the happiest you've ever been."

You laughed and gazed dreamily at the plane when you decided to paint the name of your old plane on the nose. You had to admit it was crudely done, but it was comforting to see the name (along with a large Roman numeral two as well).

You hopped into the cockpit with all of the required safety equipment. Berwald climbed up and sat on the Jong between the wing and body while Tino joined him.

"She's beautiful." Your fingers danced along the control yoke as you refused to meet Berwald's stern gaze and Tino's amused grin. It was embarrassing!

"Well you two did work hard." Tino pointed admiring the craftsmanship. Despite the plane being an actual World War II fighter Tino snatched up in a private auction, it needed almost a complete reconstruction. A breeze swept through the field as you checked the oxygen tanks.

"How much fuel does she have?" You inquired as you latched yourself in.

"Enough for a trip to Germany." Berwald spoke bluntly. You froze with a sharp intake of air acting similar to poison wrecking through your body. A bitter feeling surfaced in your skin and crawled awkwardly through the nerves.

You had eventually retold your story to the Nordics causing Tino and Berwald to decide they would eventually send you back for a proper good-bye. After so long, one would believe the pain would subside, but when an immortal nation personification can live the lifetime of infinite men, they learn to dwell on past regrets and tragedies. That being said, the thought of Ludwig and Gilbert's death constantly plagued your mind. Guilt consumed you as the continuous conception of the reason of their death was to save you.

"It's not your fault. You know that, right?" Tino questioned rhetorically. They often said that on nights when you locked yourself in a room and softly sobbed and apologized repeatedly the German tongue, hoping that they would somehow hear you wherever they ended up. You had never mentioned names, so the Nordics never knew who these men were and that they were not human as you believed.

"That's what I'm told." You sighed lolling your head back to take in the clear blue sky.

"I think a trip will help you cope. Maybe even give you closure," Tino mused out loud. "Visit Berlin and enjoy yourself."

"You'll need this." Berwald informed handing you a passport.

You knew the route to the favorite bombing areas like the back of your hand. The battle maps were etched into your subconscious as well as the maneuvers and techniques. Berwald stood and pat your head much like he had when you first met while Tino offered a hospitable smile a small wave. They both hopped onto the grass field and created some distance. When Tino threw out a thumbs up, you secured the mask and pulled forward.

The fighter lurched forward and began its journey down the field, steadily increasing speed. Your hands were shaky with rusty skills slowly managing to replace themselves into instinctive mode. Halfway down the field, your grip unknowingly loosened due to trembling fingers. The plane slightly veered towards the right and into a groove in the ground. The wheel stuck momentarily causing the plane to begin tipping forwards.

You released the controls and squeezed your eyes shut waiting for the jet to fall back into place. When it had straightened out, you cautiously gripped the yoke and peered forward. There was an improbable amount of land left to allow enough speed and a lift off, but you weren't stopping now. You pushed forward with considerable force in your actions. The fighter picked up speed and swiftly drove towards the cliff.

"Just a little-" The plane teetered over the edge and dove towards crashing waves spraying salt into the cool, spring air. You yanked the controls upwards and dove straight towards the sky, gaining altitude over the waters, field, and small house you've been calling home since the war. With more height came lower temperatures, but it seemed negligible as the wings cut through the thin, wispy clouds. This was where you belonged.

You turned over and flew passed the house upside-down with a hearty laugh before turning back over and testing out your skills. You looped and whirled around the sky until you decided it was time to go. You hadn't left Sweden since you arrived, and going straight to Germany created a heavy burden in your chest. You shook the thoughts off and simply flew the route with fond memories flitting pleasantly by.

You hummed contentedly forcing all upsetting thoughts into the back of your mind when the scenery beneath you shifted from constant blue to land full of buildings and bustling people. With a bit of thought you decided to radio into the nearest airport and request permission to land. Upon receiving positive feedback and the coordinates, you scouted the place.

The airport was a small, privately owned piece of land with a decent strip of runway which would allow access into the country. You huffed quietly while you began your steady descent onto the surface. There were a few other jets parked along the way with some people filling them with fuel. They waved and led you to an area they had prepared for your landing.

Once they checked your passport and assured you were safe to let into their country, you were given permission to leave your plane where it was parked and allowed to leave. You left the building with a sudden daze and ineptness. Where were you supposed to go?

You wandered the city aimlessly as your fingers subconsciously brushed the cool metal of the iron cross. Perhaps the personification of Germany could direct you somewhere which you could use to locate Ludwig’s grave – if he had one.

Ludwig felt his shoulders slump and relax once the World Meeting was dismissed. It only involved the old alliances of Axis and Allies to further discuss the increasing tensions of the economy. He held his head, which appeared to weigh heavily, between two fingers and massage soothingly. One would believe hosting a meeting within their own country would remove stress, but Ludwig had never felt more so in his life. Being put in the situation to deal with those moronic nations was far too much for anyone to handle.

There was also the constant unspoken animosity from America for his belief it was Germany’s fault for your death. That wasn’t untrue, however. Lutz was considered Germany at that time, but Ludwig had done everything in his power to save you – even risk his own life.

Ludwig lolled his head backwards with closed eyes and wallowed in his past for a moment as he had often caught himself doing. Even if you had survived, he would have outlived you by far; however, your life was still hindered by the actions of his leaders and twin brother. It still hurt though, more than he could begin to describe. A sigh slipped through his nostrils before he opened his eyes to meet blazing ruby ones hovering just inches above him.

”Gah!” Ludwig shouted in shock as he shoved the intruder from him and stood.

”You’re a bit on edge today, West.” Gilbert chuckled.

”Will you ever grow up?” Ludwig crowed with a reddened face. Gilbert only smirked as he offered a mock two finger salute. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t relieved when Germany and Prussia were united in order to save his brother’s life, but did he really have to be so vexatious?

”I’m heading to the bar with Francis and Toni, so don’t wait up.” Gilbert called as he slipped from the room to avoid the inevitable admonishing from Ludwig of his obligations as a part of Germany. Ludwig groaned and retrieved Gilbert’s paperwork as well as his own and shuffling them they lay even.

Italy approached the seething German with a casual smile adorning his child-like face with the serious Japanese man following behind. They seemed rather exhausted from the lengthy meeting as well.

”Hey there Ludwig! That sure was a long meeting.” Feliciano exclaimed.

”Konichiwa Ludwig-san.”

”Guten morgen Feliciano. Kiku,” Ludwig greeted taking note of the slight droop in Feliciano’s hair. “I think we might have to cancel training today. There is far too much paperwork I have to do.”

Upon hearing the news Feliciano brighten tenfold and nearly jumped for joy until he captured Ludwig’s glare. Kiku silently released a breath of relief while Feliciano unleashed long strings of apologies in both English and Italian. Ludwig simply pinched the bridge of his nose and dismissed his two friends from the conference building.

He retrieved his briefcase and paperwork before striding towards his personal office residing in the same building. Once situated, he placed his laptop before him and started it up while shifting through the intimidating overdue work he had to battle before the end of tonight. He loosened his tie and spun his chair towards the window towards his right.

The weather was gorgeous although much too frigid to enjoy without a jacket; nevertheless it would be much more preferable to spend an afternoon out in the cool spring weather rather than stuffed in an office building. Ludwig worked on the top floor of the building allowing a lovely view of the Berlin streets bustling with civilian life.

After a moment or two, he turned towards his computer and typed an e-mail to his boss explaining that there were neither satisfactory results from the meeting nor any positive negotiations. He had to exclude the fact that all of the countries couldn’t stay awake or keep them from arguing long enough to actually discuss any business. As soon as he sent the message, his office line rang with a shrill tone he was sure would eventually drive him mad.

”Hallo.” He spoke monotonously as he pulled a few forms which required his signature from his briefcase. As he signed the work, he was greeted with a feminine voice with a Swedish accent.

”Good morning sir. I apologizing for interrupting, but I’m calling from the Swedish Embassy. A young nation has arrived and she is requesting a meeting with you. Are you available?” Ludwig’s brow furrowed. Did she say ‘she’? Sweden was most definitely a man, so why was another nation using his embassy to contact him?

”Who is she?” Ludwig fell back into the office chair and turned towards the window again. The receptionist responded with the name of a small nation near America. As far as Ludwig was concerned, he couldn’t recall ever meeting the nation personally, but he knew she had influence from almost all of the Allies, Sweden, and even Germany. Perhaps her economy was in danger and she needed help.

”Well - when does she want to meet? I believe I’m free next Thursday.” Ludwig shrugged. Maybe a new alliance would be beneficial, and she had incredibly strong ties with Sweden and Finland.

”Er – actually, she wants to see you now,” She replied nervously. Ludwig coughed as he was caught off guard.

”Fine. Please have her escorted over.” Ludwig sighed before exchanging brief goodbyes. He hung up and covered his face with his large calloused hands silently sulking with the fact he wouldn’t finish his work and receive a full night of sleep.

The kind woman at reception smiled warmly at you when she hung up. You awkwardly grinned back as she wrote something down on a form and handed it to you.

”Well, he said he’d be happy to meet with you,” She assured. “I’ll arrange a ride and when you arrive, just hand the receptionist there this form and they’ll direct you from there.”

”Oh – well – thanks.” You smiled and took a seat in the waiting area while your ride made its way to the embassy.

Once you were seated in a black, sleek, German-made vehicle, they drove you off towards the building Germany currently worked.

The shrill tone of the wired telephone pulled Ludwig from his thoughts. He pulled away and answered with a strained tone. Maybe a meeting wasn't a smart choice right now.

"Send her up." He spoke before his receptionist could even speak. His thoughts were causing his short temper begin to wither into rage. His hung the phone up rather harshly and immediately submerged himself in whatever work he could manage to finish while he awaited your arrival.

From downstairs, the receptionist held the phone with the deadline resonating softly beside her ear. Her face mirrored shock at the nation's blunt response, but she eventually caught herself and turned to you with a small smile.

"Germany's a bit on edge, so please be patient. He'll see you now." She warned and gave you directions towards his office. You thanked her and head towards the elevator towards the left of the room.

While you awaited the elevator, you heard an obnoxious yet familiar laugh coming from within the mechanical lift. You brow furrowed when the silver doors slid open to reveal an albino male chuckling to himself while reading a text from his friend. He glanced up and nodded before striding from the elevator burying his nose in his smartphone once more.

He looked strikingly identical to Gilbert! You couldn't shake that eerie feeling as it sent tremors through your spine. You stepped into the elevator and pressed the top floor when you suddenly saw the man freeze and spin hastily on his heels and stare at you wide eyed with his mouth hanging ajar. He sprinted towards the doors as they began to slide shut.

”Frau!” He shouted as he caught himself between the two doors and moaned in pain as they hit him due to his arms outstretched in an attempt to reach you.

”Gilbert?” You inquired softly as you quickly pinched your skin to assure you were awake. The doors slid back open and Gilbert fell to the ground. He angled his head upwards and drank in your entire form with wide scarlet eyes. His hand seized your forearm as he dragged you back onto the first floor.

”Is it really you?” He held you at arms-length and carefully studied your face. You nodded slowly as you studied his face as well. It looked as if he hadn’t aged a day, although the same could be said about you. You both whispered out a simultaneous “How?”

Gilbert suddenly broke out into a smile and hugged you to his body. He was crushing you much too tightly causing you to grasp for air. You managed to push him off after about three minutes of him whispering “Oh mein Gott,” and swinging you around.

”How are you alive frau? I thought you were dead!” He searched your eyes for answers.

”I’m the personification of a nation,” You explained. “Are you-“

”Ja, of course! I’m the awesome Prussia!” He laughed victoriously.

”But Prussia was dissolved-“

”But the land was united with Germany – Oh mein Gott! Germany!” He suddenly covered his mouth as a huge smile stretched from ear to ear. You curiously gazed at the Prussian man before he pulled you into the elevator next to the previous one as a few people stepped aside before you could even ask him what he was talking about.

”Out of the way losers! The awesome me has something to do!” He crowed pushing them from his way and rapidly hitting the top floor button repeatedly. As soon as you both reached the top floor, he sprinted from the shaft leaving you behind in the dust in his buzz of excitement.

Ludwig was growing irate the longer he was made to wait. She had arrived almost fifteen minutes ago! The building was not large enough to become too lost in and surely she wasn’t too dense to perhaps ask for help.

He groaned and stood from the desk before marching from his office. He absentmindedly slicked his hair back as he often did when he was stressed. He made his way towards the pair of elevators only to see the crowds of people begin separating and throwing insults as someone pushed his way through them. It wasn’t until his serpentine laughter reached his ears did he understand what was going on.

”West!” He shouted as he jumped in front of him. Ludwig huffed in annoyance as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

”What on Earth are you-“

”You’ll never guess who-,” Gilbert suddenly began turning back and forth before peering over the other workers of the building in search for something. “Where’d she go?”

”She? I knew it! You were the one stalling her. I was supposed to meet with her twenty minutes ago. You’re such a pest sometimes, you know that?” Ludwig grumbled with a roll of his eyes. It wasn’t until a feminine voice called out Gilbert’s name that it piqued his interest. That voice was rather familiar.

”Found you!” You cried victoriously as you snatched his brother’s tie and began to threaten him lowly with a scowl adorning your face. Ludwig stared hesitantly at the back of your head with a slight trepidation.

”Turn around frau.” Gilbert chuckled with an amused expression. You turned to meet the crystal blue eyes of someone you thought you’d never see again. Ludwig swore his eyes popped out of his head upon taking in the scene. A hand flew up to his mouth while you mirrored the action.

Your heart pounded sporadically in your chest so much that you could feel your heart rate within your ears. Ludwig slowly reached out and brushed the polished metal of his old iron cross hanging around your neck. His eyes flicked towards your curious yet confused ones as he caressed the soft skin along your cheek.

His eyes began to water as did your own before you leapt onto him. He fell back not expecting you to do as much, but his arms wrapped securely around your torso, nonetheless. You pulled back and studied his smiling face before you began laughing and sobbing. He leaned forward and captured your lips with his own as you immediately melted in the electrically infused kiss.

The leering gazes were ignored and eventually shooed away by Gilbert who felt proud of his little brother. Your lips molded together in a familiar and comforting way, and yet it all felt new to be able to indulge in it without the threat of losing the other. Everything was perfect.

Unfortunately, you had to separate sometime, but when that time came, you rest your head against his. Neither of you had to speak as your eyes displayed far more than any measly words could describe.

”Alright lovebirds,” Gilbert caught your attention with his bizarre laugh. “I don’t care how kinky you are, I think it’s time to take this somewhere other than the middle of an employee filled office.”

You and Ludwig laughed and helped each other up only to have him lift you bridal style and begin his way to the elevator. You wrapped your arms tightly around the German’s neck in surprise with a slight shriek. His paperwork could wait for another day.

”H-hey! What are you doing?” You inquired while your face blossomed a spectacular shade of red. He couldn’t help but smile as he peered into your bright, beautiful eyes.

”I’m taking you home and making sure I never lose you again.” You declared and sealed his promise with a sweet kiss.

~The End~