Operation Luxembourg

Step One: Rules and Regulations

Liechtenstein returned from the kitchen, two mugs clutched in her grip, and the third balanced against her chest. She set the first two down carefully upon a low table, and glanced tentatively at the small blonde shivering on the couch, wincing every so often as Switzerland tightened the gauge on her wounds.

Lili still hadn’t seen the girl’s face, as she was currently burying it into a cushion, hidden from view. She wasn’t speaking either. Liechtenstein decided to give a shot at it and cleared her throat anyway.

“Excuse me,” she said sweetly, seating herself at the edge of the couch, “But would you like some hot milk? I added some honey for you.”

“Not now, Lili,” Vash murmured, still crying to coax the injured bump in blankets into holding still and coming back out.

But the girl stopped squirming, seeming to freeze. Lili’s eyebrows arched hopefully as the ends of the blanket pulled back slightly, and a golden head popped into view, accompanied with huge, familiar emerald green eyes.

“Have you got any magenbrot to go with that?”

Lili drew in a sharp breath, disbelief and shock etched along her face.

“You…how-“ she began shakily, and the girl retreated safely back beneath her blankets.

“Never mind!” the girl said quickly, her voice muffled, as she dismissed the sweet Swiss bread from her mind, “Hot milk would be wonderful!”

Switzerland was beginning to look worried as he stared as his sister, confusion obvious in his eyes as he averted his gaze and looked then to the speaking huddle of blankets.

“Luxembourg!” Liechtenstein exclaimed, whisking the sheets aside and tackling the girl off her perch on the couch, “What are you doing here?”

“Arghhh!” Luxembourg squealed, struggling to squirm to safety, “Help! I’ve been attacked! I’ve- ouch! Get off, you animal, you beast-”

“Liechtenstein!” Switzerland managed, his mouth hanging open in shock, “W-What’s the meaning of this?”

Lili huffed, pinning the blonde to the floor quite easily. “Why is she here?”

She was still wearing an expression of surprise, and a twinge of irritation.

Luxembourg managed a crooked grin, still attempting to worm her way back to the couch. “Well, see, I was attacked by these guys, right, and then your boyfriend here came along and rescued me, so-“

Liechtenstein jumped up, going scarlet, and Switzerland flushed in anger and embarrassment.

“He’s my bruder, you,” Lili corrected, sighing resignedly.

Luxembourg looked between the two warily, unimpressed. “Don’t remember him being related to Vater.”

She spat out the last word with a look of contempt – as their parents had always been fairly negligent, but with Louise’s attitude, their Vater had proved himself to be slightly abusive as well.

Lili’s face softened immediately, and she opened her mouth to reply, “Oh, Louise-“

Hold on,” Switzerland cut in, rubbing his temples, “You two are sisters?”

“Twins, really,” Luxembourg chipped in, rising to her feet.

“I’m older than her by two years,” Liechtenstein mumbled, helping her to her feet.

Vash leaned back and studied the two – she was right, they were definitely related, nearly identical in resemblance, except for the fact that the younger sister’s hair fell to her hips in long blonde braids, and she was also a great deal shorter.

“How old are you?” he asked Luxembourg, glancing down at her.

She had to look up to reply. “I’m thirteen and a half, actually,” she replied proudly.

Lili nudged Louise forward gently. “Louise, this is Switzerland,” she began, and the girl flashed a mischievous smirk.

“And Big Bruder, this is Louise.”

Switzerland eyed her, catching onto the smirk on her lips. He gave her a nod, but still looked slightly stern.

“Louise, follow me. I’ll show you to your bedroom.”

But the girl hadn’t moved an inch. “No, I want to sleep in Lili’s room.”

He hesitated, furrowing his brows. “You’ll do as you’re told,” he said finally, his voice even.

She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

Lili looked placid. “Louise, it’s been only been a few days since you ran away from home. And don’t try to lie, Germany told me that Vater and Mutter are still looking.”

Louise paused, wondering where her sister was going with this. Would she send her back?

Sure enough, Liechtenstein continued, “Would you like to return?”

 “No, no, thanks,” Louise replied quickly.

“I thought so,” Lili nodded. “But, do you know what that means, if you’re going to stay with us?”

She glanced at Switzerland, who had already nodded his silent approval as he was wrapping the little country’s bandages. His expression didn’t change.

Louise paused, following Lili’s gaze and also looking at Vash, “What’s it mean?”

“It means, that you are now living under Switzerland’s roof. He is my big bruder, yes, but he is also responsible for me and my safety. You must obey him. Louise?”

Louise folded her arms. “Wait, what’s he to me?”

“I will also take place as your brother,” Switzerland cut in, fixing his piercing gaze on her, “And you as both Liechtenstein’s and my younger sister. Which means,” he glanced at the vintage Swiss clock on the wall, “It is late. You have to follow me.”

Louise and Lili looked up at it too, and Louise instinctively shook her head stubbornly.

“Oh, no, no, no, that is so unfair,” she protested.

“Louise!” Lili said. “You promised that you would listen.”

“I did not!” she argued back, “I haven’t said a word-“

“Louise,” Switzerland’s deep, commanding voice startled them into silence. “It’s time for bed.”