Title: Élysée Treaty
Pairing: slight France/Germany
Summary: "It set the seal on reconciliation between the two countries. With it, Germany and France established a new foundation for relations that ended centuries of rivalry between them." (taken from the english Wiki)
Author Note: Done for Hetalia-Kink request on Livejournal.
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22 January 1963, Paris
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„So, I've think we've become partners now, oui?"
France shifted nervously on his sit, an untouched drink on the table before him.
Germany next to him wasn't any better; he had only nipped on his glass but otherwise didn't seem to be very thirsty. Awkwardness revolved around them and prevented both from interacting normal with each other although they had established a fairly good connection thanks to the work they did together for the ECSC.
"I think you could say that…," Germany muttered unsure.
France heard the little waver in his voice but also noticed the small smile growing on the other nation's face.
He leant back in his chair and studied the male in front of him with an intense gaze.
Absorbed in his own thoughts, Germany stared out of the window of the little café they had taken refugee in. He didn't look unhappy, only…shy if that was possible for such a self-confident nation, France mused.
For a short moment, he followed Germany's example and observed the life behind the glass.
Although it was the end of January, the weather was cold but sunny and many people used the rare chance to go shopping or were just strolling through the streets of Paris.
A comfortable silence slowly replaced the awkwardness in the sunlit room.
While his counterpart was occupied otherwise, France had time to follow his own chaotic thoughts. He turned back to his observations.
Germany was still tall and muscular (although he had gained some pounds thanks to the Wirtschaftswunder) and even though France knew better than to be afraid of him anymore, he knew the hidden intentions behind the proposed contract of his boss.
To avoid anymore grow of 'Esprit de revanche' and dimmish the influence US and UK had gained over Europe through the NATO.
The Elysee Treaty hadn't been a sudden decision but a thoughtfully developed text to put a stop to the chance of another war between them.
As much as France welcomed and supported that idea, the closeness he suddenly achieved to Germany was weird.
Their former relationship was shifted onto a completely other level – which both weren't sure about what to make off.
"Officially friends…," whispered France and smiled slightly at the nice ring.
Friend was definitely better than neighbour and a hell lot healthier than enemy.
"I'll hope our cooperation will improve even more."
Germany turned around, nodding with a serious expression.
Leisurely France lifted his wine glass and caught Germany's asking gaze.
"Let's drink to our countries, our people and culture and to our expectantly excellent teamwork in the near future."
A small smile spread over Germany's face and he lifted his own glass – this time wine and not beer – to push it gently against France's.
"To a hopefully long-living friendship."
The wine tasted sweet and aromatic, not something France had expected from a German wine.
Well, he got enough time to learn more about the other nation and his hidden secrets from now on. It was a new start; a start with a nation he hadn't thought would ever become an ally or even a friend of his to begin with.
"It's a good wine you brought along."
Germany first looked surprised, but then gave France a gentle smile.
"Thanks. It is an important day, so I chose something I hoped would suit your taste."
Smiling back (and really appreciating the gesture), France reached over the table and grasped one of Germany's – since some years now - ungloved hands in his.
It was on impulse, not well-thought-out but it felt right, in an odd way.
With awe France felt soft skin under his finger tips which he hadn't expected.
He intertwined their fingers while Germany sat dumbfound across from him, only being able to watch with wide eyes.
"You know, this friendship is also a promise."
France whispered (trying hard not to laugh at Germany's face) and pulled the taller nation nearer over the table to get his full attention.
He lifted their linked hands and pressed a light kiss on the back of the hand he held captured.
"France!"
Blushing furiously, Germany tried to get his hand out of the other's grip but without much effort behind it.
"The people are staring," he muttered further and looked as if he was very much embarrassed right now.
France grinned. Ah, so he still wasn't used to body contact? Perhaps he and Italy had lost some of their closeness over the years, as unlikely as it seemed.
"Francis."
"Huh?"
"Call me Francis. We're close friends from now on, non? …And perhaps soon fiancés, too?"
Whops, too delicate question.
The blush on Germany's – no, Ludwig's – face reached clearly from ear to ear and if he didn't know better, France would have said that he was the cause for some serious brain damage seeing how flustered the German was becoming.
This could seriously be the beginning of a great partnership, France thought while grinning cheekily at Ludwig.
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