(right?? honestly, germany gets so much shit for starting WWI, but when you really look at it, there were so many different little sparks, like imperialism in africa and i don’t know, extreme nationalistic views?? germany got fucking wrecked for?? no reason?? like they were literally forced into signing the treaty)
Wilhelm began to get dressed, back turned to Connor once again. As he finished, he walked to the window again, gazing out at the scenery down below. The sky wasn’t quite dark enough for his reflection to be clear yet, so he was merely looking at the trees and greenery below.
(yes!!! and then WW2 happened because Germany was literally so desperate for someone, anyone to save them from the mess, and Hitler stepped forward and promised them a bright and shiny future. like???? i know hitler did terrible things, but to the German people, he was their hero because he saved them. and people are like "why did they ever vote for Hitler" like…bitch???? you would have too, in their shoes)
Connor happened to glance up as Wilhelm was changing, and quickly looked away again, eyes fixed to his sketchbook. He hummed softly as he did.
(YES!!! and THATS the tea! germany’s economy was in the shits, they had no military, so when somebody comes around and promises to fix it, wouldn’t you be hopeful?? obviously that doesn’t excuse his actions, nor the fact that people stood by while he committed atrocities, but if you want to look at why people supported hitler then look at WHY people supported hitler)
Wilhelm smiled a bit at the humming, still adjusting some of the buttons on his shirt as he watched outside. “This may be a sore subject, especially from me, of all people, but what was London like?”
(YES EXACTLY!! im so tired of all of germany being villainized for one guy's actions!!)
Connor blinked, looking up again. "Hm? Oh. London is…" he shrugged. "The weather is quite like this, most o' the time, an' the streets are a little cramped, especially on holidays. It's a big place, too."
(oh my god YES. not to the same degree, obviously, but that’s kinda like someone using Trump as their basis for what every american is like, it’s just not true!)
Wilhelm nodded, trying to fix his hair blind. “I figured as much. I think I’m still on the fence about whether I like big places or not, honestly.” He laughed softly, sitting back down on his bed.
(YESS EXACTLY! I mean…Trump isn't the worst American ever, but I'd agree that he's definitely not the best lmao)
(Also i gtg to bed soonish)
Connor nodded. "Uhm. What's Germany like?" he asked slowly, biting his lip. "Obviously yeh dinnae have ta answer if yeh don't want to."
(while that’s true, but they’re both in the highest positions of power, so it felt more equivalent, lmao)
(okay, gn!)
Wilhelm paused at the question and he thought for a moment. “It’s.. it’s pretty, depending on where you are. Some is bombed to all hell, and our economy’s dead, and we have lost a ridiculous amount of land, and we have no military to defend ourse-“ He stopped himself, realizing the growing passion and volatility in his voice. Wilhelm cleared his throat slightly. “Sorry about that. Germany’s beautiful, especially the mountains. Very pretty.”
(yeah lmao)
Connor just blinked slowly. "Yer allowed ta be upset, Wilhelm." He said simply. "Ah know tha'…tha' th' treaty of Versailles was hard on her country. Ah dinnae…" He wasn't quite sure what to say. Because yeah, his father was dead because of the war, but Connor didn't…blame the common folk of Germany. Maybe the army, yes, the military, but not the people, and not Wilhelm either.
“I know I am.” Wilhelm rubbed his temples, crossing his ankles. “And trust me, I know just how hard the Treaty is on us. But that isn’t what you asked.” Wilhelm knew exactly what he felt about the topic, and exactly what he wanted to say, although it definitely wouldn’t have been appropriate for the conversation. He blamed the other world powers, to be sure, maybe not the people, not Connor, but the country itself. “I’m just.. tired of it all.”
Connor nodded a little bit. "Yeah." he replied softly. He looked over at Wilhelm, sighing softly. "Ah'm tired o' it to. But…" he trailed off. "Ah dinnae know what ta say, though." he shook his head slightly.
“That’s fair, I can understand that.” Wilhelm nodded, readjusting his posture. He knew he had somewhat killed the conversation, but he didn’t know where to take it either. “Anyways.. I think, if weather permits, I’ll be spending my day in the gardens. Well, actually- even if it doesn’t, I’ve been meaning to go out there for a while now, and I hate to let rain stop me.”
Connor nodded. "Alright. Ah'll probably draw. Or read. Or…ah dunno." he replied with a soft laugh.
“Didn’t you say you wanted to bring your sketchbook out to the gardens? Obviously you don’t have to, but I vaguely remember you saying that, right?” Wilhelm blinked, standing up and tugging on his shoes.
Connor blinked. "Oh! Yeah, I did." He agreed. "So maybe I'll do that today." He stretched, sitting up and fishing around for his shoes.
Wilhelm nodded. “I think I’m going to try and seek out some of the campus gardeners today, just to see if they’ll let me shadow them for a few minutes or so today.”
Connor nodded. "Tha's cool." He replied with a smile. "Ah'll just sit on a bench or something ta draw." He shrugged his shoulders.
“That’s not too bad of an idea, it’s surprisingly nice out. Cold, though.” Wilhelm gritted his teeth, tugging on his sweater. These clothes notably weren’t his uniform- it was the weekend, after all. He still looked put-together, a button up, corduroy trousers, things of that nature. Wilhelm ran his fingers through his hair and fluffed it up a bit, turning to grab his bag. He checked his watch.
Connor fished around for his clothes, then, and got dressed quickly. He didn't look quite as put together, wearing slacks and a comfy sweater.
Wilhelm slipped his hands into his pockets, looking away from Connor and towards his own wall. It was still covered in letters and flowers collected over time, and Wilhelm was trying to determine if he wanted to try and press more plants to go up as well.
Connor finished getting changed, and picked up his sketchbook. "There." He said, stretching a little. The sweater was a light cream color, which brought out the color in his cheeks and hair.
“Should we go, then?” Wilhelm looked back at Connor, head cocked. That color looks amazing on him. Wilhelm, on the other hand, was dressed in earthy and dark tones, mainly dark green and warm browns. “I don’t know exactly where the gardeners will be today, though I assume they’ll be- well- in the gardens, somewhere.”
Connor nodded, adjusting the fit of the sweater. "Yeah, sure." He replied with a smile. He tucked his sketchbook into his bag, along with the pencil, eraser, and sharpener, then followed Wilhelm.
Wilhelm walked them down the halls and outside, recoiling a bit at the sudden burst of sunlight. As his eyes adjusted he walked a little more, having to rub them occasionally and pause. “God, it’s bright out today.”
Connor laughed a little, blinking at the sun and running a hand through his hair. "It isn't that bad." He replied. "Besides, this is a rare sunny day fer England."
“Well, sure. I’m not complaining, just stating an observation.” Wilhelm shielded his eyes from the bright light, continuing to walk towards the garden. “It’s a nice day. Nice weather. I’m glad it’s not raining for once.”
