Nightmare Situation (OPEN TO ANYONE)

[Liechtenstein]

Sorry? Killed? What was he talking about? Lily couldn't understand, blinking owlishly at him for a moment or two. Her heart wrenched though at how broken his voice sounded, and that didn't seem to fit the man she had just met. He was strong, not broken.

Something inside her stirred to life. Without even realizing it she reached forward, resting her hand on his shoulder. "I forgive you." The three words were whispered softly, and without Lily even understanding why she had said them and yet she wasn't bothered by them.

She waited as Ludwig lowered his hands, and from the confused look she suspected he was just as confused as she was. Returning to worrying her lower lip she looked at him, before turning her head. Then she nodded, pushing herself to her feet. "Do you think you'll be able to walk?" What a stupid question. "Ne-Nevermind! Stay here, I'll hail a taxi and it can take us to a hospital, or your ship, or anywhere! Alright?"

[Deutschland]

I forgive you.

Three simple words. Words that Ludwig didn't understand.

But Germany did. He understood it so well, that he began to weep. Ludwig's ice blue eyes filled with tears and streamed down his face like waterfalls. He couldn't stop them, nor did Ludwig know why he was crying. But something inside him was so happy, so relieved at those three words that tears were inevitable. Lily had said something about a taxi before they started, but only did he now answer her.

"Ah...." Ludwig sniffed. "I-ignore me Lily... Don't worry about me. I'm just being...silly." He quickly rubbed his eyes, and slowly and agonizingly sat up, but he still could not stand. "Er...please take me to the docks. My ship should be waiting there."

Dammit the tears won't stop! he thought to himself angrily. This really wasn't a time to be weak.

But Germany had to be weak now.

[Liechtenstein]

See the tears made her stomach knot. Maybe he was in more pain then she had originally thought? Lily couldn't be sure. Shaking her head she sorted through her bag before pulling out a handkerchief she had been practicing (poor) embroidery skills on. Pressing it into one of his hands she nodded, standing up. "Alright. I'll be right back."

Turning on her heels she hurried to the mouth of the alleyway she looked up and down the street. In a few seconds though she spotted a passing taxi cab. Waving her arm she caught the drivers attention, sighing in relief when it pulled over, the cabbie rolling down the window. After a few brief words, and many 'thanks yous' from Lily she spun around hurrying back to Ludwig, gently tugging his arm.

"There's a taxi that will take us to the dock," and thankfully wouldn't ask any questions. "Just lean on my, alright? It's only a few feet away and then you can rest in the back until we get to the docks and we'll find your ship!"

[Deutschland]

He stared blankly at the handkerchief. He couldn't thank her in time before she ran off, but he had a feeling he could only manage a croak at the moment. The tears had yet to cease, but Ludwig didn't want to use Lily's gift. It didn't deserve to be stained by his tears.

He watched her disappear into the street. He wondered briefly if she would just run off and leave him there. If she did, he really wouldn't blame her. But somehow, after all they've been through, he felt that it was a ridiculous thought. He struggled to sit up. His back still ached and screamed at him, but he forced his way up. He wiped his eyes on his sleeve, and just waited for her to return.

When she came back, he mustered a small smile. He stayed silent as she talked, nodding when she finished. With her help, he slowly got to his feet and leaned against her, but not too much. He was afraid that he was too heavy for her to support. Little steps by little, they made their way to the taxi, Ludwig gritting his teeth the whole way. He hid his face from the driver. Didn't need him to know that he had been crying. It was extremely painful to get in the taxi, but he eventually did, give or take a few muttered curses.

[Liechtenstein]

Little by little they made their way to the taxi parked by the curb. And with each little step she murmured hopefully comforting words because he had to be in a lot of pain. Just from his expression she knew this. Helping into the back see she gave him another reassuring smile. "Lay down and try to rest your back, alright?"

She wished there was more she could do; just looking at how much pain he had to be in (and the fact he was crying, something just seemed wrong seeing the German man cry), she felt helpless. There was nothing she could do really. And it made her feel horrible.

Shaking the thought from her mind she continued smiling. When the taxi driver asked her what had happened (as she thought he would once he saw Ludwig) she just smiled sheepishly, telling him that Ludwig had just had a few too many to drink. The driver didn't ask any further, driving the car quietly. She, meanwhile, fidgeted in the front seat, continuing to send worried looks back at Ludwig. Maybe she should be taking him to the hospital and not back to his ship?

Well, it was too late now. Sighing she fiddled with her sleeve. It was getting late, the Captain was going to have her head for coming back so late. Not that there was much she could do about that now either.

... She really hoped the man she shot would be okay...

The car rolled to a stop in front of the docks; it was as far as the taxi could take them. Climbing out of the seat she opened the back door, smiling reassuringly at Ludwig. "Are you okay to walk? O-Or do you want me to go ahead to your ship?" Maybe someone there could help.

[Deutschland]

Ludwig felt so childlike while Lily helped him crawl into that awfully tiny taxi. His back screamed at him some more, but he refused to let a single sound escape from him. Honestly, he had shown Lily enough of his weak side, more than he was ever going to be comfortable with, and he prayed that she would eventually forget about it. He doubted it though.

The taxi ride was long and very painful, both literally and emotionally. He was trapped in his own thoughts for the entire ride, as his memories of the last few hours slowly returned to him. It was still foggy in places, but he remembered storming into that bar and getting drunk. He remembered being furious, and the alcohol only made it worse. Those drunks that had attacked them were there. He still couldn't remember what they said, but whatever it was it sent Ludwig into a rage. He attacked them, beating one of their friends severely. One of the others hit him in the head with a bottle. He winced. That memory was almost as painful as his back.

Disorientated, he had ran from the bar and into the park, almost collapsing onto the bench. He passed out only a few minutes later. Ludwig looked out the window. Gott, I am the most pathetic human being in the whole damn world. Not only did I almost get myself killed, I endangered an innocent unfortunate enough to meet me. The taxi pulled over at the docks. Lily came around and opened the door. He stared at the seat in front of him. "No. I will walk there myself." He slowly got out of the taxi. "It would be best for you to leave. Go back to your ship." He took tiny steps towards the Imperial Eagle.

Do the right thing and tell her the truth you dunce.

He stopped. He stood there for a few moments, hesitant. "....Lily. I-I'm a pirate." He gritted his teeth. That sounded so idiotic to him. But she deserved the truth. "That's why I can't go to the hospital. And that's why you shouldn't be seen by my crew. I already put you in too much danger today. But..." He turned to her, his eyes finally rid of his tears and they had his familiar confidence and coldness. "Thank you for saving my life." He walked back towards her, and put his hand on her head. For the first time tonight, and perhaps a long time, he smiled a legitimate kind smile. "I'm sorry that you saved a pirate." He ruffled her hair.

He turned around and started to walk towards the Imperial Eagle again.

[Liechtenstein]

It had all happened so fast that Lily hadn't been sure what to say or do. For a moment she watched him walk away, before turning and paying the taxi driver. After wards she followed after him. Determined to wait until he was back at the Imperial Eagle before she left. His 'confession' of sorts replayed in her mind, and she giggled behind her hand. Nodding to herself, she decided it was probably best for her to be truthful as well. Though she waited until he'd stopped in front of a ship (from the flag, she assumed it was the Eagle).

"Ludwig?" From the look on his face she had a feeling he hadn't realized she'd been following him; being mindful to keep a bit of a distance. Now though she stood in front of him, ducking her head shyly. "I knew you were a pirate the moment you said you were apart of the Imperial Eagle... And it doesn't mater, to me at least, whether your a pirate or not. You needed help, and I'm glad I could at least bandage your head..."

She turned on her heels, knowing the Grim was docked a little ways away. She paused after a few steps, turning to look at Ludwig with a tiny giggle. "Besides... I'm a pirate too."

And with that she hurried her pace, not wanting to explain herself. Or even see the look of shock (or even disappointment) Ludwig would give her. She didn't slow until she reached the Grim; and then with a small sigh straightened her posture and prepared for whatever lecture the Captain would give her.