Foreword: This is a first-person POV of Ludwig, Germany.
***
"When you see the vast land covered in snow, you know I am by your side..."
* * *
I stared at the snow, letting the scarf embrace my neck.
How long has it been since I last met you?
I do not have the courage to count the days.
"Knock-knock...knock-knock..." I turned to the wooden door almost instantly. This was how you used to knock this door. Fast, slow, fast, slow...
Into the little hut the deadly wind blew; and I knew I made a mistake—no one was there outside.
Sitting down, I sighed. Why am I still here, even though I know you will not come?
I looked out of the window again, all black, grey, and white.
How long have I not seen your amethyst from your eyes?
It's already over two months from your birthday. I thought we would secretly meet in this little hut again. That is why...everyday I made a cake behind the backs of Italy and Japan, and bring it here waiting for you.
Every time it gets too dark to see...I light the candle on the cake, eating it alone...
And pretending that I was celebrating every occasion with you....
"Ivan..."
"Ivan...Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag..."
Ja, Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag. This is the only thing I can say...I can only act formal when facing any other nations...Not even like friends...Not even...
" Still 'Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag'? I thought it should be Glücklicher Valentinstag, da."
My head shot up, turning back towards the sound, and then I bumped into something soft and warm.
"I-Ivan?! Since when...."
"Always."
"E-eh?! What does that—"
"If I'm not always staying at your back, you would have been frozen to death by now, my love. I am always in this little hut, but you didn't even turn back..."
"Then why didn't you tell me? You—"
"Too bad, Ludwig, you must know who you are in love with—a devil. Knowing you for so long I haven't seen you cry once, and I have always been trying to make your tear drop..."
Ivan licked my cheeks. I grabbed his face, kissing and biting his lips, his tongue, violently.
"See....you didn't even know you are crying..." He hugged me tight, breathing hot on my ears.
The wind blew even stronger than before, threatening to shatter the window.
"But I know you'd come, Ivan..."
"W-why?"
"Secret."
