Gilbert led Elizaveta into his bedroom. "Are you sure you're okay with doing this with me after finally sleeping with your husband again?" he asked her. "I mean, you two are finally sexually active again."

"I have needs," she said, kissing at his neck, knowing it was his weak spot. "After having sex with you nearly every day, I need to fulfill them, Gil. Roderich can't satisfy me like you can." She backed him up to his bed in his room. "So please, Gilbert, sleep with me. I need you to. I want you."

Gilbert sighed teasingly. "Well when you put it like that, how could I possibly even think about saying no?"

Elizaveta smirked and tackled him onto the bed. "Then say your prayers, Prussian. You'll need it!" She kissed down his neck and unbuttoned his shirt, kissing down his torso.

Gilbert groaned out in pleasure. "Oh really? I'll be the one who needs to say my prayers? Nice try, Liz." He rolled them over so he was on top. "Tell me how that goes again. Make sure you tell God how great I am."

Her eyes widened. "Oh, Gilbert!" She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him down to kiss him. "Don't go easy on me, baby!"

.

Roderich looked up from his book as Elizaveta walked into the living room. "Did you enjoy your walk, dear?" he asked, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose. He noticed that she looked a little winded. Perhaps she had walked too far. "You seem tired. How about you rest a little?"

She walked over to him and sat on his lap, curling up into a ball and resting her head on his chest. "Just cuddle me, Roderich," she softly said. "That's all I want. I just want you to hold me. You can do that, can't you?"

Roderich held her and smiled. "Of course I can, my love." He kissed the top of her head. That kind of thing came easy for him. He didn't mind loving on her in this way, but when it came to sexual ways, he couldn't stand it. His fingers combed through her hair comfortingly, just the way she liked it. "How was your walk?"

"It was so tiring," she sighed, closing her eyes. "My legs are sore and my feet hurt from all the walking."

"Would you like me to massage them?" Roderich asked.

That was when it happened. A stab of guilt hit Elizaveta's heart. Roderich was always so good to her, and here she was, sleeping with another man every morning behind his back. It was almost painful for her to even think about. It made her feel bad that she would even think to do that on a regular basis.

"No, that's okay," she softly said. "I'm sure I'll feel better after some rest." She tilted her head up to kiss his cheek. "I love you, Roderich Edelstein."

Roderich smiled to himself. "I love you too, Elizaveta. If I didn't, I would have never made you Elizaveta Edelstein." He kissed the top of her head. "You are the most perfect woman I could ever have in my life. I would never want another."

Wasn't that just the truth? Roderich could never want another woman because he felt he could never bring himself to love another woman. It would be too weird. Loving Elizaveta was weird enough as it was. But it was amazing at the same time.

"Roderich, why do you say such sweet things to me?" Elizaveta asked him, trying to hide her guilt from him. "You're so caring and nice to me, and I don't deserve it."

"Why wouldn't you deserve it?" Roderich asked her, surprised. "You are my beautiful wife, the most wonderful wife I could ever ask for. You deserve the world."

Her eyes filled with tears. "Roderich, please," she softly said, clutching the front of his shirt. "Please don't say that, dear. I can't bear it right now."

"Then maybe I should save it for later?" Roderich suggested. "I'll save it for a time when you haven't been out all morning walking around." He snuggled her closer and began humming to her. "I'm sorry that you're so exhausted, Elizaveta. Perhaps you should go to our bedroom and rest. You're not looking too well."

Elizaveta sighed. "I'm fine. There is no need for me to rest." She snuggled closer to Roderich, taking in the scent of his clothes and smiling. "I really love you, Roderich," she said. "You are amazing. I really feel as if I take you for granted."

"Why do you feel that way?" Roderich asked, confused. "You're the most wonderful woman in my life. I would be nothing without you, and you know how true that is."

Elizaveta tried to ignore him. "Please don't say those things, Roderich," she begged. "I can't listen to you say them."

"Why not?" Roderich asked.

"No reason," she sighed. "I just can't do it right now, darling. Please stop talking like that. I'm not a good person." Her tears spilled.

"The heat must have gotten to you, love," Roderich said. He picked her up and carried her to their bedroom. "I need you to rest for a little while, Elizaveta. Please do this for me."

She gave in and just nodded. Her arms grabbed her pillow as she pulled it tightly to her chest and cried into it. Why was he so good to her all the time? Would he still be so good to her if he knew what she did every morning? How she betrayed him every morning? It made her so sick. It made her feel dirty. Elizaveta almost felt like she wouldn't be able to live with herself.

"What's wrong, dear?" Roderich asked her. "You have been acting oddly since you got home from your walk. Is it something I did?"

Elizaveta couldn't stand it. Now he was blaming himself when it was clearly her own fault that she was acting that way! How long could she keep up cheating on her husband in such a manner? The next morning, she would have to tell Gilbert she couldn't see him anymore. She would have to stop meeting Gilbert in the mornings. That's all there was to it. It was to the point where she couldn't bear betraying Roderich anymore, no matter how good sex with Gilbert was.

"You can tell me," Roderich quietly said.

"Please just leave me be," Elizaveta quietly said. "I just need to be alone right now."

"I will respect your wishes, my dear," Roderich said. He softly kissed her cheek, causing her to gasp. "I'll head over to Gilbert's house so you can have your space. I will be home later this evening." Without another word, he left the bedroom.

.

"So she's moody, you say?" Gilbert asked, taking a sip from his beer. "Sounds like any wife, if you ask me." He sighed out. "Who knows? Maybe she's pregnant?"

Roderich's eyes widened. "You think so? But she wouldn't be showing signs of pregnancy so fast, would she?" He was confused. "I don't know anything about pregnancy. This is all so confusing." Roderich groaned as he leaned back on Gilbert's couch. "This is why I'm only sexually attracted to men, so I don't have to deal with pregnancy."

"I understand that," Gilbert sighed. "And just think about it. You won't have to deal with any kids either. No rebellious stages or anything. Remember that friend of mine I told you about, Alfred? He was the one I met in England."

"I believe I remember him," Roderich stated, thinking back. "Why?"

"It's because he has basically adopted his lover's son," Gilbert said. "He's a bratty, little Asian kid. Leo, or something like that." He made a disgusted face. "I helped raise my younger brother and that is enough children for me."

Roderich smiled. "You mean to tell me, Gilbert Beilschmidt, that you never intend to have your own children?"

Gilbert shook his head. "Never in a million years."

"Not ever?" Roderich confirmed.

"What part of 'never' do you not understand, Roddy?" Gilbert asked, rolling his eyes. He glanced over at Gilbird as he started chirping in his cage across the room. "Hey, you shut it in there! You have no idea what you're saying!"

"Please tell me you have no idea what the bird is saying," Roderich sighed.

"Of course I know what he's saying," Gilbert indignantly stated. "Gilbird and I have an understanding. He's the closest I'll ever have to a child. I've had him since he was barely hatched. He is my pride and joy. Of course I understand him!"

Roderich rolled his eyes. "I don't even know why I bother sometimes."

"Why do you say that?" Gilbert curiously asked, leaning toward him, a seductive gleam in his eyes. "You do realize that you're the one who comes to me, right?" He laughed as Roderich's face turned a bright shade of red. "Oh, you should see your face, Roddy! It's bright red, and you just look so flustered right now! Should I see how flustered I can make you? That sounds fun to me."

"Why must you torture me like this?" Roderich asked as Gilbert inched closer to him.

"Let me see," Gilbert softly said, moving even closer. "Because it's fun. Because you let me. Because I can. Take your pick of the three." He grinned at Roderich and kissed the side of his face before planting a huge, wet kiss on his lips.

"You are so undignified," the Austrian complained, making an extremely weak effort to push him away. "I don't know why I both with you."

"I know why," Gilbert said, kissing down Roderich's neck. "It's because no one can make you feel like I can, baby." His hands wandered Roderich's waist and to his hips. "Now will you let me make you mine, or would I have to convince you otherwise?"

Roderich smiled at him. "Do I ever need convincing?" he teased, draping a leg over Gilbert's. "Just say the word, and I'm yours. Every time."

Gilbert grinned menacingly. "Well if you're so sure about that," he growled seductively, sliding his hand up Roderich's thigh.

Roderich held his breath for a moment. "I can see what you're up to," he softly said, struggling to keep his voice even. "And just make your move already before I make it for you, Mr. Beilschmidt."

"Oh? You'll make your own move?" Gilbert asked, raising his eyebrows with interest. "Tell me what you'll do to me, Roddy."

He blushed but refused to back down. "If you don't make your move within the next thirty seconds, you will find out."

Gilbert leaned in toward Roderich, breath hot on his lover's neck. "I can wait," he hissed into his ear. "I don't mind at all." He licked down his neck and softly nibbled his earlobe. "By all means, make the first move. Be my guest."

Roderich sat there until he felt like he couldn't take it anymore. He practically threw himself at Gilbert and kissed him deeply, grinding his hips needily against the Prussian's. "I need you," he said between kisses. "Please, Gilbert. I have sex with Elizaveta last night. I did the man's job, now please reward me for it."

Gilbert smiled at him. "You did, eh?" he asked. "Then I shall reward you well." He grinned deviously at Roderich and tipped him back onto the couch. "Where shall we do this, my bed or right here?"

Roderich thought for a moment. "Where would you rather go?"

The Prussian man thought for a moment. He hadn't gotten a chance to clean his room since he and Elizaveta had slept in there that morning. "Let's just stay right here," he said, grinning. "It's sometimes better on the couch. What is our record anyway, Roddy?"

"I'd have to say three and a half hours," Roderich laughed. "Let's try to beat that." He winked at him. "I think we can. Eliza is asleep anyway. We have all afternoon and evening if you'd like."

"Now you're speaking my language," Gilbert encouraged, laughing. "I'll have you going as long as we can both last."

"Is that a promise?" Roderich teased, looking up at him through lowered lashes.

"You bet your ass it is," Gilbert said with a smirk.

"Then do it."

.

Roderich walked into his home after the sun had set. It hadn't gone dark yet, though. Twilight had just hit. "Elizaveta, I'm home," he announced. There was no response. He figured she must still be asleep. He found another note from her on the table.

My Dearest,

I went on a walk to think. I may be home a little after dark. Please do not wait up for me. I know you need your rest since you get up with the sun. Today was just a rough day that even I can't explain. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I love you more than words can say.

Love,

Elizaveta

Roderich smiled at the note. She was so thoughtful, but he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep until she was safe at home, so he decided to work on practicing some piano until she arrived.

.

Elizaveta slammed her fist against Gilbert's door once she was sure Roderich had left and wasn't going to return there. She had to talk to him. She needed to tell him she wasn't going to sleep with him anymore. Her guilt had finally caught up to her, and she just couldn't keep living a double life. It wasn't fair to Roderich.

Gilbert opened up and smiled. "Hello there, Liz. What are you here for? It's getting late. Won't Roderich be worried about you?"

"Please let me in," she said. "I need to talk."

He saw the panic in her eyes and let her in, quickly closing the door. Yet when he rounded on her to kiss her, she backed away. "What's going on? You're not here for that?" he asked her. "But that's all you usually come for? Are you feeling okay?"

"I can't keep doing this," she said, tears streaming down her face. "I can't keep betraying him like I do. He's too good of a man. A man that I do not deserve!"

"Your guilt has finally caught up to you?" Gilbert asked, leaning against the doorframe. "I was wondering when it would. You know, he thinks you're pregnant. He knows nothing about pregnancy."

Elizaveta's eyes went wide. "No, I'm not pregnant. There's no way that I could be, unless…" Her voice trailed off.

"Unless what?" Gilbert asked, wanting her to say it.

"Unless if the baby was yours," she softly said. She started tugging at her hair and shaking her head vigorously. "No! No, no, no! Why did I ever do this with you?! Why did I ever betray the only man who ever treated me like a gem?!" Elizaveta fell to her knees, sobbing. "Gilbert, why didn't you stop me from sleeping with you?!"

"Because I'm a man, and I love having sex," he simply answered. He knelt next to her. "But if you don't want to sleep anymore, then I won't allow you to. How does that sound?"

She continued sobbing for a moment before nodding. "Please help me. I have a problem. I need to stop myself. Roderich is too good of a man for me to cheat on like this. He deserves so much better than me, Gilbert!"

"Just remember that you're the one who said that," Gilbert said.

Elizaveta began to hiccup. "What do I do? I can't be pregnant! I just can't be! This is unfair! It's unbelievable!"

"I just said the he thinks you are," Gilbert said. "I never said that you actually are. Roderich knows nothing about babies. He's not even a doctor. He's a lousy musician."

Elizaveta glared up at Gilbert. "Don't ever call Roderich lousy," she snarled at him. "He's wonderful and caring. He never sees the bad in anyone."

"You think I don't know that?" Gilbert asked. "You think I don't call him lousy because I'm jealous. I'm very jealous because I have no talents at all."

She sighed. "Of course you do. You just keep them hidden. Everyone has some sort of talent, even if they keep it hidden from the world, including themselves." Elizaveta leaned heavily against the wall. "I just can't keep sleeping with you like this. I can't do this to Roderich anymore. He's too precious to me."

Gilbert nodded. "I understand, and I will respect your wishes. Although you were one of the most amazing partners I've ever had."

"Well if he kicks me to the curb, I know where you live," Elizaveta sighed. She walked to the door and opened it. "Thanks, Gil." She sighed and walked home.

.

Elizaveta heard the piano before she even opened the door. She walked in and locked the door behind her before going to the piano room and putting her hands on her hips. "Roderich Edelstein!" she scolded. "I told you not to wait up for me!"

"I have been worrying about you all day," Roderich told her. "Could you really expect me to go to bed without you by my side?"

She stood there for a moment before running to him and hugging him. "I love you!" she cried out. "I love you so much, Roderich! You are so good to me! You are the absolute best!"

"I could easily say the same about you, darling," Roderich said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Now come, dear. Let's go to bed. You've had a long, tiring day. Let's just go to bed so we can forget today ever happened. After all, tomorrow will be another day, a whole new day."

"I don't deserve you," Elizaveta softly said to him.

"Sure you do," Roderich said to her. "Don't say such silly thing, Eliza."

She felt weak. "Could you carry me, dearest?"

"Of course I can," he said, lifting her off of her feet. He carried her to her room. "Will you need help changing into your nightgown?"

"No, I can handle that," she softly said before beginning to change.

"If you're sure," he said as he, too, began to change into his pajamas. "I hope you have a better day tomorrow, dear. You don't deserve so much stress."

Once in their pajamas, they locked all doors and windows, turned off all lights, and snuggled together in bed. Elizaveta fell asleep in Roderich's arms as Roderich lay awake for a little while wondering just what she had been so upset about all day.