Chapter Text
The day was decent, at least for the authorities. It was a clear day with a bright sun. The sky was a bright blue which made everyone feel calmer. The sun gleamed, reflecting off any surface, making the scenery brighter. The grass was a wonderful shade of green, complementing the gleaming sun and vibrant sky.
As Adolf stalked, back straight and standing tall, throughout the alleyways and paths, he focused on the scenery thinking of how nice it would be to make the view into a painting. He smiled at the thought, thinking of how Jesus would like it. His mind continued on the thought before shaking himself out of it, knowing he had a job. His face hardened, making sure no one would notice his daydreaming.
As he proceeded to walk through the camp, he came across a small cluster of flowers.
They were tulips.
Despite Adolf’s want to tell Jesus, he had another secret hobby and interest. Adolf likes flowers and learning about their meanings and which types of flowers to give others.
Tulips can mean an apology.
Adolf picked up a few of them, planning to gift them to Jesus. Even though Jesus doesn't know the meaning, Adolf still wants to give an apology, even if it's not verbal.
He grabbed the ones he picked and stalked back to his quarters.
When he was nearly halfway to the building, a soldier stopped him.
Adolf didn’t typically pay attention to many soldiers, except the more important ones, but he recognized this soldier.
Private Emil.
He was one of the newer additions to the Wehrmacht.
Adolf had known and recognized the private because Adolf had been present for his deployment, more specifically, Adolf was the first one to see him since the private was leading the way.
“Yes private?” he questioned. His mind wandered thinking this might be about the tulips. Still, Adolf stood high and made sure his face wouldn't falter. Emil cleared his throat and proceeded to talk.
“Ah, hallo mein Führer. Sorry for stopping you, but I noticed the pure Jew was missing from the roll call. I was curious if you knew of his whereabouts. Also, what's with the tulips?”, he paused, realizing his mistake of rudely questioning his superior. “Ah, I’m deeply sorry sir, it came out. No need to answer that, sorry.”
The soldier's inquiry took aback Adolf, yet he barred the emotion from his face, instead furrowing his brows.
“Firstly, I have the Jew separate from the others as he is more important. Secondly, that is no way to talk to authority. I'll let it slide for now since you realized your mistake quickly.”, he pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers and sighed, hopefully adding more emphasis to his frustration, hoping the private would buy it.
Despite Adolf continuing to build up his army, he tried to be easier on the Jews and the soldiers. Ever since he met Jesus, he knew that he should soften up and realized how harsh he was being. However, he has to become less harsh in distant increments so it doesn't seem so sudden and accidentally leads to others finding out about him and Jesus.
The private quickly let out a, “Yes sir, sorry sir.” before he left, quickly walking back to his post.
Now, Adolf sighed genuinely. He was worried about Jesus and himself getting figured out and others realizing that Adolf had fallen in love with a Jew. He was concerned that his men would turn on him for being a hypocrite; although he is, he can admit it. He just wants to confirm his men don't take it the wrong way, acknowledging that Adolf knew he’s flawed, but is trying to fix it. He's worried about the people who will continue this path of hate and violence.
As he returned to himself, he realized how he had slowed down and his demeanor and posture had weakened. After noticing this, he straightened up and regained his typical persona. He picked his pace back up and continued his way to the barracks.
As he approached the doors, he opened them and saw no one. This was good for him. He could deliver the flowers to Jesus and wouldn't have to worry much about others finding out. This thought brought a small smile to his face. He stalked through the hallways until he reached his room. He stood in front of the door before opening it. When he stepped into the room, Jesus was nowhere in sight. Adolf began to panic, wondering if someone had caught them and taken Jesus away. The sound of the bathroom door abruptly stopped these thoughts. Adolf’s posture softened at realizing Jesus wasn't gone. However, Adolf wasn’t prepared for the sight.
As Jesus stepped out through the bathroom door, with only a towel wrapped around his bottom half, Adolf's face started to blush.
Jesus’s hair in itself was a beautiful sight. The slight wave in his beautiful golden hair, the waves emphasizing his face and neck. Speaking of his neck, Adolf's eyes traveled further down Jesus’s body. He noticed the slight curve in Jesus’s chest. This somewhat confused him, but he didn’t mind because he loved Jesus for who he was, not just for his appearance–despite it being a good addition.
While Adolf was caught up in his mind, Jesus was looking for clothes he could wear, but his search was unsuccessful.
He turned his head, looking in Adolf's direction, and asked, “Um, do you have any larger clothes that I could borrow? I would borrow yours, but I think they'd be a bit small for me.” he chuckled at the thought. Finally, Adolf was brought out of his head, still blushing but nodding to the question. He set the flowers on his desk, left the room for a few minutes, and returned with a small pile of clothes.
“I think these would fit you, hopefully,” he chuckled, continuing to blush as he looked away in embarrassment. He walked to the desk to pick up the tulips before going to Jesus, who was now putting his shirt on.
“I had found these when patrolling and thought you would like them. I don’t have a vase yet, but I could get you one.” he smiled, the blush on his face softening. As soon as Jesus got arranged in his shirt he reached out to grab the tulips, looking up at Adolf with a smile and thanking him.
“So, what had you come back? I know you're not supposed to be back yet.”, Jesus questioned softly.
Adolf gestured to the flowers, “Well when I saw them, I didn't want to forget them later so I picked them and came here.” Jesus gave him a smile of gratitude.
Adolf began to fidget with his hands a bit, the thoughts of getting figured out resurfaced. Picking up on his unease, Jesus placed a hand on Adolf's shoulder, leaning his head to look at him more, face filled with a soft worry.
“Are you alright?” he spoke. Adolf let out a sigh before spilling out his fears.
“I am trying to be better but it can't be quick. One, everything can't be solved quickly which means that I can't be a better person quickly, I have to work up to that. Two, if I started acting all nice suddenly, my soldiers might figure out what is going on between us.” he sighed before starting up again. “And it's not like I don't want people to know, I do, but I know the environment that I've made, I know the terrible things happening, they would call me a hypocrite for being with you. I am a hypocrite, I know I am, but they might not see that I'm trying to get better and undo my wrongs.” he let out another frustrated sigh before placing his head in his hands.
Jesus let the hand on Adolf's shoulder slide further, bringing him into a hug. Adolf melted into the embrace and pressed his face into Jesus’s neck.
“I just don't want to lose you.” he quietly admitted. Jesus just brought Adolf's head further in his neck before gently pulling Adolf's body with his own further on the bed. As Adolf was lying on Jesus’s chest, arms wrapped around him as much as possible, Jesus tilted his head down and gave a small kiss to Adolf's head. Adolf made a small noise of happiness and Jesus rotated them both until they were at a point of spooning. Soon, they both started to nod off, despite it being earlier than their normal sleeping times.
While freshly asleep, footsteps came from outside.
If someone had been awake, they would have noticed the footsteps were receding.
If someone had been awake, they would know that someone was listening.