GerUk/GerEng Collection

Wedding Letters: England

My Dearest Ludwig,

     We've finally made it. Who would have thought a hundred years ago that we would actually be able to marry like any other couple? It may not be completely official, but it is the best we will get as nations. But let's forget nationhood, for today. Today we are Ludwig and Arthur, two men deeply in love only wanting to share our lives together. Out of all my years, I know this will be the best day of my life.

     Who knew back to that first Christmas football game in 1914, I would begin falling in love with my enemy and love of my life. Those were very dark times, but at least there was that spark of light, love, and hope. I still can't believe I actually swallowed my pride long enough to ask you out after it was all over.

     Then there was the second. My heart shattered when they told me we were going to war. We hurt each other so much during that time both physically and emotionally. But I never blamed you. Despite the pain, despite almost dying, I never stopped loving you. Remember when I almost thought we were over after the war. I hadn't heard from you for a while (even after the war ended and things settled down). I couldn't sleep for weeks worrying about how you were doing and what would become of our relationship. Thank God we both came out of it alive and more or less well (as did our relationship).

     Things only got better from there. We continued dating in secret once we were both healed enough. Our romantic rendezvous disguised as business trips. Peaceful afternoon picnics, nights out at the theatre, sweet morning kisses made me forget all the stress of being a nation. I am old, I've been around for a long time, and that time dehumanizes you. But once I met you, life was much more bright, much more meaningful. For the first time in forever, I knew I found someone who would never leave me.

     Then the 2000s came. We no longer had to hide our affection out of fear of breaking the law. Once the Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage I began wondering if we should get married. We never talked about it and I just assumed you didn't want to. It is a big and tough commitment, especially with us being nations. Looking back, the thought most likely never crossed our minds since it was illegal in our nations (and everywhere for that matter). Finally, in 2017, we took that next step, on the day your country legalized same-sex marriage no less. It was beautiful, the happiest day of my long life.

     Sorry for such a long-winded letter, but I'm a sentimental old fool. Ask anyone. Looking back and seeing how far we have come (regardless of what our bosses and status of nations threw our way) makes this day mean so much more to me. Ludwig, I love you so much more than any word can describe.

Forever yours,

Arthur Kirkland