Germany X Reader: Blank Page [2]

The yard seemed to settle in activity with the departure of two. With only three, it was up to Gilbert to provide the life into the day.

“Hey West! Got anything else planned for the day?”

“No. Why do you ask, Bruder?” The younger German asked in a weary tone.

“No reason!” He called, ending the conversation. Gilbert led the way back into his home. It seemed to be cleaner than you remember. Sure, Gilbert never let his house get too cluttered, but this too neat. You raised an eyebrow at your friend, noticing the difference immediately. You didn’t even have to voice your thoughts before he responded.

“Shocked, huh fräulein? West is a real neat freak, if you know what I mean. He almost had a heart attack when he first walked in. He demanded I get the house in order or else. But in the end he did most of the cleaning.” The man folded his arms over his head and whistled happily.

“Bruder…” Ludwig began. You could see him looking at his brother, almost begging him not to continue. “I don’t recall that ever happening. All I asked was that you dust and vacuum more often. Although, I did end up doing it in the end.” He said shamelessly.

You chuckled at the brotherly banter and sat comfortably on the couch. The clock read that it was only noon now. Those two hours went by so slowly, you thought.

Gilbert sat beside you on the couch, stretching his feet on the table. He received a stern glare from his brother but seemed unfazed by it. Ludwig sighed in response. He then went to sit on the chair, adjacent to the couch. His piercing blue gaze fell upon you.

There was a sudden silence that engulfed the three of you. Normally, you felt at home in Gil’s house. However with the addition of his brother you had met so long ago, you felt nervous. You didn’t understand why, though.

Suddenly, you heard the ringing and vibrating of Gilbert’s phone. He picked it up swiftly and smiled while talking to the caller.

“Hallo? Oh, really? Awesome! I’ll be right there. See you, then!” He hung up the phone and rose from his seat.

“Where are you going, Gil?” You asked, curious as to know who the mystery caller was. You smirked and decided it would be fun to tease. “Was it your girlfriend?”

The Prussian’s smirk overpowered yours as he ignored your taunting. He skipped over to the kitchen and grabbed his car keys, stuffing them into his pocket. You didn’t like the silence and jumped up to follow him. You had your arms folded across your chest. Ludwig followed your movement and stood behind you. He seemed to be interested as well as to what his brother was planning.  

“It is, isn’t it? Oh she’s probably a real special one too if you’re getting so excited about it. So what’s she like? Does she have a name?” You asked, shooting questions out rapidly.

Gilbert shook his head and started to him a rock-ish sounding tune to himself. You ran to block the back doorway, allowing him no passage for escape. Ludwig seemed to go along with your plans and stood behind his brother, towering slightly over him. The two of you flanked the older German and would not let him get away unless a direct answer was given.

“Kesesesesse. You guys are no fun. Now let the awesome me go! I’m just going out with Toni and Francis for the day.” He answered matter-of-factly, with his arms crossed.

You looked at Ludwig, raising a dubious brow. He simply nodded and allowed his brother passage on his side.

“I think he’s telling the truth. Just don’t get home too late, Bruder.” He warned, raising a finger in the hair sternly. The Prussian waved it off and made his exit. He ruffled your hair on the way out making his last mark.

Within moments the house was enveloped in an awkward silence that seemed to grow by the minute. You began to mumble to yourself over Gilbert’s tricks and fixed your messed hair. It seemed to have itself stuck up in all directions and refused to go back in place. You’ll have to make him pay for having you look so disheveled in front of his brother.

Ludwig, noticing your struggles, walked over to provide any means of assistance. His lips curved into a small, genuine smile as he said, “Your hair seems to be in order. Don’t worry about my bothersome bruder.”

“Oh, no. It just bothers me sticking up so much. I like it neat and tidy.” You explained quickly. Such a stupid response, and a nerdy one at that. What an awful first impression you were making on Ludwig!

However your excuse seemed to appease him and we walked over to the dining room table. He lifted the middle centerpiece, only to find empty space underneath. A troubled expression formed on the German’s face and his brows furrowed. His gaze scanned the rest of the dining room and kitchen area until a memory flickered in his head. At that moment you could see the realization reach his eyes as they widened in some sort of shock. Being an artist, you can easily pick up facial expressions no matter how minute they can be.

“Did you lose something, Ludwig?” You questioned kindly.

“It would appear that Gilbert took your keys with him when he went out. They were next to his house keys on the table so…” His voice trailed off, signaling to you the obvious. You were stuck at Gil’s house, alone with Ludwig. Unless, of course, you’d like to walk all the way home. In this heat, you wouldn’t last the first few blocks.

Although you panicked when you first had lost your keys, this was much worse. Your eyes widened and you ran to the older German.

“This can’t be.” You said to no one in particular. “They can’t be with Gil. I’m sure he’s not that scatterbrained as to take two sets of keys with him. Are you sure he didn’t change the hiding place or something?” You rapidly tossed around your words. Your heart seemed to match the pace and felt as though it would leap from out of your chest.

With an exasperated sigh, you trudged over to the couch with your arms swaying at your sides. You threw yourself onto it and spread out with your hands over your face.

“Idiot Prussian!” You exclaimed.

You didn’t notice, but Ludwig was right at your side, standing next to the arm of the couch. The closeness made you jump in the air. It was astonishing how quietly he moved.

“I-I’m sorry. Would you like to sit down?” You stuttered, sitting upward to leave some room for him.

Ludwig nodded and quietly sat beside you. His gaze seemed glued onto your frame. Again, you were lost in how blue they truly were. They were bright and reminded you of the ocean, so vast and grand. It was powerful and raged on no matter the obstacles, which seemed to be Ludwig’s way as well.

“Don’t worry, ________. I’ll call him now and tell him to come home to bring you your keys back. I’m sorry they were taken from you to begin with. Bruder just handed them to me when he walked in and I thought it would be a good motivation. I didn’t think my thoughtless actions would lead to you being stranded here against your will. I can call a cab to take you home, if you like.” Ludwig’s voice was slow, yet impossibly soft. It seemed to take on a new form, one different than his stern instructor one from before. You were taken back by his kindness.

“No, no. That won’t be necessary. I’ve stayed here, waiting for Gil to come home before. I don’t mind being here at all. Do you not want me to stay?” You shifted uncomfortable in your seat and averted your gaze. Instead, you fiddled with the hem of your tank top.

“I welcome your company. It’s been so long after all. You’ve grown to be an imaginative young woman from all that Bruder speaks of you. He’s shown me quite a few of your sketches. You have a talent.” Ludwig responded, never taking his gaze off of you.

You gave a quick nod and muttered your thanks, too embarrassed by the compliment. You’d never met someone so calm and benign before. It was an overwhelming change of pace. Your heart seemed to beat again within your chest. Such a silly thing, you hoped he could not hear it.

Once again, the two of you were caught in a silence. You let your gaze wonder throughout the house, taking in its familiar décor. You had to remind yourself of how this was where you would hang out with Gilbert. You had no reason to feel so nervous in your seemingly second home.

“________.” Ludwig spoke to break the silence.

You looked up at him, wondering why he called you to attention. “Yes?” You said with a plastered smile.

“Do you… Do you like my bruder?” He said as he finally tore his gaze away from you. Instead it was averted to the side; much like yours was several moments ago. The question itself, however, caught you off guard. Where had that had come from?

“No. We both agreed that we liked being friends a while ago. Gilbert’s one of the best, but I seem him more as a brother than anything more.” You answered sincerely. Thoughts seemed to clutter your mind. Why would he want to know such a trivial question? Did he think you were jealous of him from when you teased him before? Perhaps Gilbert had confessed to him and he was only receiving feedback for him.

“Why do you ask, Ludwig?” You scooted closer to him on the couch, the two of you less than a foot apart. You looked up and gave him the best confused look you could muster. It was so peculiar, really.

“I-It’s nothing, really. Forgive me for asking. I know that information is personal and you may not have wanted to share it.” The German apologized profusely. However his words were droning out in the background for it had returned. The secret blush. You were close enough to see a light dust covering his cheeks once again. You leaned closer, absentmindedly as before, to see it.

“________, you’re blushing. Do you have a fever?” Ludwig asked, breaking your trance. It was now evident to you that you were practically on top of the poor German. You stood on your knees so that you could become eye level with him as he sat on the couch. He stared at you for several moments until he averted his gaze once more. You only mimicked his actions.

“I’m fine. It’s probably from the heat.” You said, too nervous to move. How had you allowed him to get so close? Would he be able to hear your heartbeat now?

Suddenly, you heard someone snickering from outside the window. This shocked you out of your trance and you were once again able to move. Ludwig, after hearing the laughter as well held his hands up in alarm.

“Stay back.” He cautioned quietly. The man took light footsteps and picked up a small, but heavy looking glass vase from the living room table. You couldn’t stand to sit and watch the German face the stranger alone. Instead of heading to his command, you followed suit behind him. You formed the best fighting stance you could, hand clenched into fists but shaking nevertheless.

The window was then quickly opened to reveal the intruder. Light protruded from the outside, sunlight blinding your sight. You placed a hand over your eyes to block it from blinding you further. You were surprised to not hear screaming or glass shattering after the window was opened. Slowly, your hand moved away from your eyes to reveal Gilbert crouched underneath the window.

“Oh, hey guys. I realized I took ________’s keys by mistake so I wanted to return them.” Gilbert explained with a wide smirk on his face. He displayed a set of pearly whites, trying to seem as convincing as possible but you knew better. And apparently so did Ludwig.

“Whoever is hiding in our bushes I would advise you to come out now! You would not find yourself in an enjoyable situation if I was to go over there.” Ludwig’s voice turned cold and serious. He was certainly not amused by his brother’s watchful eye.

Surprisingly it was Kiku and Feliciano that emerged from the bushes. The Italian seemed just as frightened as he was from the last scolding, but the Japanese man revealed nothing by his poker face.

“I didn’t expect to find you two here…” Ludwig said in disbelief.

“How long have you guys been watching us?” You asked sharply, hands placed on your hips.

“Maybe it would be best if I explain.” The Japanese man said in a calm and clear voice.

“How would one even have an explanation for this?” Ludwig said in his frustration. He pinched his temples and sighed. You walked over to him and placed a caring arm on his shoulder. You squeezed it lightly, showing him he wasn’t along in the mess. You didn’t know why, but you felt the need to smile at the spectacle.

“We were assisting Gilbert-san since this was your first time seeing Miss ________ after so many years. He wanted it to be perfect for you. We helped him take the keys and formulate the plan.” Kiku explained without showing a single crack in his poker face.

“That still does not excuse your actions. You stole from and left ________ stranded here as well as spied on the two of us.” Ludwig countered, now tapping his foot. By this time, Gilbert laughed and decided it was his turn to alleviate the situation.

“Relax, West. I only did this for you. Must I tell you everything? You have too awesome of a brother for me to help set you up like this.” He motioned to the two of you and how close you were. Your hand still rested on Ludwig’s shoulder. Quickly, you pulled it away and felt awfully embarrassed. You clasped your hands together in front of you and swayed from side to side.

“Gil, what are you talking about “setting us up”? We weren’t doing anything.” You said, feeling the heat fully rush to your cheeks.

“But fräulein, I saw you only inches apart. You two were definitely diving in for some romantic kiss of something.” He responded.

With this, you couldn’t help but bring your hand to your face. How foolish could he really be, you had asked before. This answered the question, and then some.

“W-w-we weren’t about to…” You stammered and shifted your gaze to the younger German. A now visible blush was showing on his face as well.

“Luddy, are you okay?” You asked softly.

“Ja… Well, my dummkopf of a brother may be right about one thing. I do like you, ________.” He confessed with much difficulty. He broke his staring contest with the ground to meet your fill gaze. You could see a caring expression in his eyes as he looked upon you. It was just as before.

“I-I-I… Well, I…” You were at a loss for words. You didn’t know what to make of the sudden confession. Although, you felt almost relieved. Before you thought that it was Gilbert that may have wanted to ask you out. However, you felt a weight being lifted as the truth was revealed.

“I like you too, Luddy. I always had some sort of crush on the boy that moved away. I didn’t think we’d ever meet again.” You admitted, laughing at how foolish you were acting. It reminded you of that of a five year old.

Once again, Gilbert beamed with a triumphant smile. “Yup, my awesome plan worked. You can thank me later you two. We’ll give you some actual peace a quiet now.” The Prussian slowly began to walk out of sight, yellow fluffy dutifully rested on his head. Kiki and Feliciano seemed to have slipped away in the midst of it all, most likely too afraid to face Ludwig’s wrath if they stayed any longer.

It them dawned on you that your entire day had been some sort of set up. Gilbert, your long time best friend, had played matchmaker with you and his brother. It was amazing to find yourself caught up in the plans of other people so suddenly.

Just then, it seemed that inspiration seemed to strike. Your eyes sparkled with a light that you had long missed and your hands ached to get a hold of some sort of drawing utensil.

“Ludwig, we need to get to my house now! I just got an idea.” You exclaimed happily. “Is the car still parked in the driveway?” You were practically running to the fence, hoping it was still there.

The German followed you, a bewildered smirk on his face. The two of you had just confessed to having some sort of feeling for the other and already you wanted to go home? He didn’t know how to comprehend the situation. However, he merely followed as he was intrigued in the new life in your eyes.

“I’ll explain on the way. I got an amazing new idea for a set of drawings. It’s going to be so awesome!” You received an eye roll from using the Prussian’s adjective. Nevertheless, the car was parked into the driveway and you happily hopped in. Ludwig followed your commands, laughing at the irony from this morning. Several hours ago you were following his. It was simply amazing how the tides have changed.

With your excitement at its peak, you spent a considerable amount of time sketching your new works. Ludwig was far too busy fixing the mess that his brother had left for you from the morning. You looked back a few times, giddy with your brilliant idea.

Your hands were coated in a grey outline alone the sides, while your palms had eraser shavings in its center. Your fingers yearned to be stretched and free from holding pencil after pencil. However, you were never the more satisfied. You held the drawing above your head, marveling at its complete form. Screw this writer’s block, you thought to yourself. It was a feeling of liberation to break free of its never ending hold.

Slowly, you turned to the German, watching you from your bed. He was sitting perfectly upright in the corner and watching you with a genuine smile. He was patient and did an amazing job cleaning your room. You blushed, having not noticed him throughout your entire outbreak of creativity. It seemed as though only you and the blank sheet existed in that frame of time.

“Is it too late to say I’m sorry?” You asked sheepishly. You held out the sheet of paper to him, beckoning him to see your newly developed work.

Ludwig shook his head and walked toward you. He took hold of the paper, overlapping your hand and analyzed it in silence. He then slipped the sheet out of your grasp and nodded in approval. Then, a second sheet behind your sketch flew onto the floor. Before you could grab it, the picture was already in the German’s hands.

“Uhh, I can explain?” You said, wearily.

“Thank you. It’s remarkably done, but you certainly give me too much credit.” He said joking, planting a gentle kiss on your forehead. This left you stunned and flustered. You feebly tried to take the sheets from your hand, but to no avail.

“Would you like to go out tomorrow afternoon?” He asked while he had you so close to him. You ceased your useless endeavors and nodded.

“O-okay. Should I come over your house or…?” You asked, not knowing how to respond.

“I’ll pick you up at one o’clock. Best not be late, ________.” He teased.

With the arrangements made, you laughed and caught him off guard enough to snatch the papers out of his hand. You shuffled them into a larger pile you had on your desk and admired your second drawing this time.

It was of a handsome German who was blonde, tall, and muscular, who had the bluest eyes you had ever seen, was strict beyond belief, a neat freak, but also the kindest man you had ever met.