Iron Cross Bruises: Pt 2 (Germany x Abused!Reader)

She is silently standing against the chill of winter, unguarded without her armor of winter garb against its icy tendrils that wrap about her. Her (e/c) eyes stare out at the world before her as though they have never seen it before, which is actually very well possible as she has never visited Germany before. (H/c) locks are swishing in the wind as she leans over the balcony's railing with the knowledge that she is alone in this house that Ludwig resides in as he and Gilbert are out for drinks.

A year past the jailing of her step-mother, (y/n) is beyond confident in herself and where she stands. It's been a year of her and Ludwig dating. It's been a year of unfathomable love from her 'brother', Gilbert, who is still currently awaiting news of marriage from the couple. She is certain in herself and her German-Italian roots and beyond pleased in what she has accomplished in a year.

She has disconnected herself from those who made her feel unimportant; hell, she moved to a different continent with her boyfriend. (Y/n) has moved on and placed the past where in its proper place-behind.

The girl jumps slightly when a presence is felt next to her in the chilly winter air and turns her head to the side to see Ludwig standing next to her and leaning over the rail as she does.

“You'll catch cold out here, (y/n),” he states simply; casually. Anyone who hears his voice would call him a commanding officer by the way his voice states things in such a way that you feel compelled to do them. He is a soldier and it is one of the many things (y/n) has grown to love about him.

The girl scoffs, soft lips flying open in protest before a securing gaze from her lover is sent to where she is.

“I didn't zay you have to go inside,” Ludwig grins, something the (h/c) haired girl loves so dearly about him. His smiles are beautiful, albeit rare, and are full of adoration and mischief that few actually know he contains.

His arm is thrown around her, wrapping her in a muscular half-embrace that she leans into with the utmost comfort. She is comfortable within his touch and is confident, with only the way he holds her, that she is his and he is hers.

(Y/n) has left the past behind and is moving into a future with Ludwig that will only bring utmost happiness and spectacular moments full of love and compassion. And, though she is still not confident in much, she has no other fathomable option but to trust in him, his love, and the future they will share.