We Don't Care (Gerpol)

Chapter 39

Germany's P.O.V.

I had held Poland's hand all the way home, occasionally rubbing my thumb over his rough fingers. Hungary (who had to drive because of Russia's arm) dropped me and Poland off at our place, saying something about how we needed to be alone. I didn't mind. The others went to their respective places, for the first time in a while. It had been a rough few weeks, or months at that.

I opened my door, the empty footprints of snow long evaporated. I placed the bag with clothes in it on to my table, turning the lights on. Poland ran his other hand across the table, the carvings still the same as ever. There were a few pretzels in the pantry, but overall the kitchen was pretty empty. I made a quick mental note to go grocery shopping later.

I turned, leading us both to the sofa. We sat next to each other, sides pressed against the other and fingers interlaced. Poland sighed contentedly, leaning into my chest. I rested my jaw on his head, closing my eyes and grinning at how his hair tickled my face.

"Niemcy?" He said after a while. I opened one eye. "Hm?"

"Do you love me?"

I shifted to face him, and he looked genuinely curious. But also a little nervous at what I might say.

"Does this answer your question?" I said, leaning in to connect our lips. He looked surprised at first, but overall pleased. I ran my fingers through his hair, trying to pour every bit of love I felt for him into one embrace. This was different than the kisses we had previously shared; not filled with drunken lust and want, but an authentic love and caring. That's when I knew. It all made sense.

This was why I had needed to find him, why I couldn't live without him. I was in love. No, more than love. It's as if...we were meant to be. Something inside of me knew, from the day we met. From the first time I stared into those scarlet eyes.

We pulled back, and Poland's face was as red as his flag. "Hey, I was not of ready!" He muttered, hiding his embarrassed expression in his hands. I laughed out loud. "Well are you ready now?"
"Mmmmaybe?" He gave me a quick peck before pulling away, giggling. I smiled. "I forgot to ask, are you hungry? I might have a few pretzels left."

Poland shook his head, shifting so his back was leaning against me again. I rested my head in the crook of his neck, listening to our quiet breathing.

"I missed you a lot, you know."

"I know."

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I opened my eyes slowly. It was dark outside, and the only light was from the kitchen. Poland was asleep on my chest, snoozing peacefully. I smiled to myself, tapping his shoulder. "Mm...Hm?"

"I gotta go to the bathroom."

"Nooooo Niemcy..."

I chuckled. "Well there really isn't any other option, I'm afraid."

"Still no."

"Guess I'll have to pick you up, then."

"Okay."

I gave him a playful squeeze before hoisting him into my arms. He wrapped his arms around my neck, muttering random Polish into my shirt. I turned my head to the side, trying to hide my blush in the darkness. I set the country on to my bed, then disappeared into the bathroom. While I was washing my hands, I stared at myself in the mirror.

My hair was tousled, and there was a dirty bandage around my head from the crash. It had been a few days since then, but it still hurt a lot. My body ached from the memory. I decided to take a shower, which I hadn't done for a while. It felt refreshing to wash the grime off my body. The soap stung the wound, but I knew it was necessary.

I wrapped a towel around my waist, letting a few stray droplets run down my chest. I remembered Poland in the bed, opening the door to check on him. Dead to the world. I chuckled to myself, sneaking around the bed to grab some clothes.

Finally, I could turn the lights off and let my eyes and body rest for once. I laid on the bed slowly but carefully, wrapping an arm protectively around Poland. He turned over in his sleep, shifting closer to me. I closed my eyes, fingering a strand of his hair, which was still in a messy ponytail. It was soft and smooth, in great contrast with the rest of his body.

I was almost drifting off when I felt him stir beside me. "Niemcy?"

"Yes?" I opened one eye, then the other.

"Can I hug now?"

I stifled a laugh, trying to cover my blush with my arm. "Er, sure."

I turned on to my other side, so Poland was holding me now. He moved his head to my shoulder, his breath sending chills down my spine. "Hair is...wet?" The Polish country asked curiously.

"I took a shower," I explained. "Ah."

He inhaled deeply, letting out a deep sigh. "Smells good."

"Th-thanks." I felt like there were butterflies fluttering in my body when he tightened his hold on my stomach.

Nevertheless, he seemed more relaxed this way, and I decided it was okay. For now. I would never let him top me, right? cue evil cackling 👁👁

I drifted slowly asleep, wondering if it could all perhaps be a dream. Maybe we were still in the car, and I was hallucinating. Maybe we were back at Canada's cabin. Or maybe I was still drunk and Austria was rubbing my back, and Poland was gone forever...

But then I felt him shift, putting a leg over mine in an affectionate gesture.

No, this wasn't a dream. I had found the one I was looking for, and he had found me. I loved him more than anything, and now I could come to terms with it. All of my struggles had been worth it if he was next to me.

I turned over. "Polen?"

"Mhm?"

"What would you do for me?"

"What of mean?"

"What limits would you push yourself to; how far are you willing to go...just for me?"

The world was quiet. For once, I didn't know his answer. It was a mystery. It would determine if my feelings for him that I've had all this time were reciprocated. The moment of truth.

"As far as of takes. I don't care if far or long, I will always run to you." Poland's words were filled with strength, protectiveness, and truth as hard as iron.

My heart melted, and as he opened his eyes hazily, I said back, "I feel the same. To put it simply, 'I don't care how far or long'."

He thought for a moment, smirking. "We don't care."

"Precisely."

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askdlfkfnd
uhh this is on short notice for whatever reason but:
Not exactly the final chapter because of the outro/thanks, but this is the last official chapter of the (nonexistent) storyline.
of course they had to say "we don't care", what kind of author would I be if I didn't do that-

all sarcastic comments aside, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and have a good day/night 💖