GerUk/GerEng Collection

More than Enemies

I blurb prompt I filled on tumblr:

confessing feelings
tending to each other's wounds
having an argument

"How could you have been so stupid?" Arthur hissed, pulling tighter at Ludwig's bandages.

"Ow!" Ludwig said through gritted teeth, "Too tight."

"Maybe if you didn't wander into No Man's Land we wouldn't be in this situation."

Ludwig's face hardened. "Orders are orders. Plus...We can't die so I was the best man for the job."

"You and your stupid orders. Have some self-preservation will you." Arthur could already hear the mocking words of Francis:

'Like you're so self-preserving.' He was getting better at that. That was what mattered, and he wouldn't let Ludwig go down the same path. He continued to tend to the German's wounds, though more gently this time.

"There," Arthur sighed. He began putting the extra medical supplies back in their cases.

"Why are you helping me?" Ludwig asked bitterly.

Why couldn't this brat be grateful? He had pulled all the strings to get Ludwig the best care and now he was being interrogated? "From the kindness of my heart," Arthur huffed.

"You don't seem liked the type."

"Excuse me?"

Ludwig stared directly into his eyes. Cold blue pierced into Arthur's soul, leaving him wide open. Arthur's cheeks heated up. "Fine," Arthur shouted, "I may like you a tad okay?"

Ludwig's stern expression melted into one of flushed cheeks and wide eyes. The mask of the stoic soldier had slipped and Arthur was reminded of why he had fallen for Ludwig in the first place. Loyal, easily flustered, and all-around adorable despite the tough exterior.

Arthur's gaze softened, hand coming to touch Ludwig's cheek. The German flinched and Arthur pulled away, only for Ludwig to grab his hand moments later and putting it back. "Sorry..." Ludwig murmured, "I-I was just surprised...Um..."

"I-It's okay. I jumped the gun a little and should have asked." Arthur grazed his thumb across the warm skin. "When all this is over, maybe we could..."

"Go out?"

Arthur smiled slightly. "Yes."

"I'd like that."

The two stared at each other for a moment, before Arthur pulled away with an awkward cough. "W-Well...With everything settled you should get some rest."

Ludwig gave a small smirk but agreed. Arthur stayed beside him until Ludwig fell asleep.