My Beloved Enemy [PG-13] - [Ludwig Beilschmidt x Billie Rousseau]

Chapter 4 - Approach

Chapter 4 – Approach

Billie opened her eyes and yawned, a satisfied and grateful smile gracing her lips as she realized where exactly she was finding herself – lying on a comfortable bed in her own private room, which Germany was kind enough to grant her. Even with the curtains covering the windows, the sun managed to light up the nicely furnished room. Outside the birds were chirping whilst Germany could be heard shouting at Italy.

“And just what do you think where you are going, Faulpelz [1]?”

Wondering about what was going on out there, she got up to her feet and walked towards the window to open it. Studying the large backyard she caught a glimpse of the Axis Powers working out – well, except for Feliciano who apparently had tried to sneak away but got caught.

“I- I- “, the brunette mumbled, fixing his eyes on the ground.

“Hey, Feliciano!” Billie shouted waving, gaining his as well as Ludwig's and Honda's attention. “What's taking you so long? I'm not getting any younger up here and I seriously need your help!” she yelled, signaling him to play along. He looked confused, but fortunately seemed to get the idea shortly after.

“I, uh... was on my way, signorina! But as you can see Germany got in the way and I doubt that he'll be willing to let me skip training today”.

“That's damn right!” Ludwig nodded – a grim look adorned his otherwise handsome face and having his arms crossed he appeared as uptight as ever.

“Oh, that's too bad”, Billie sighed, trying her best to feign disappointment. Germany raised his eyes, casting a stern glance at her. She returned his gaze, but it was his muscular body which caught her eye. Even though he was wearing a black tank-top and green army pants she could tell that there was a six-pack hidden underneath.

“I'm sorry, but knowing Italy's low stamina and lack of sportsmanship I can't allow him to slack off training again”, Ludwig apologized. Italy hung his head. Nonetheless he was visibly relieved reconsidering how he had avoided getting into big trouble by a hair's breadth. “I'd be able to spare Japan for a while however. He's reliable”, the blond added for he must have taken her silence to be a way of expressing uneasiness.

“No!” Billie replied, shaking her head. “No, it's alright. I'm fine, I don't wanna keep you from training. I'd love to watch though”.

Ludwig scrutinized her face skeptically and shrugged it aside eventually – apparently he didn't care much about whether she was watching them or not. She clapped her hands together once before closing the window and getting dressed. Who didn't like to watch men working out? Their muscular bodies, the sweat glistening off them, their arms pointing out their veins due to the physical exertion? She really wondered how men managed to make a woman go weak at the knees only by lifting a water bottle to their mouths to drink after having done push-ups for example? Or how the mere imagination of watching the tall German train the other two men could make her heart pound as fast... Ludwig meanwhile wondered whether Billie had changed her mind after all...

***

He seemed confused about Sybille entering the backyard. But although she noticed him staring at her open-mouthed, she merely granted him a smile, causing the blond to frown.

“Sybille”, he said in a low voice, almost as if he was fearing that one of his friends might hear him talk to her.

“Ludwig”, she replied with a nod, imitating his serious attitude. As he opened his mouth to ask her whatever was bothering him, she expected his question to concern her reason for joining them. She was surprised when instead his dark voice whispered: