Gilbert woke up screaming in the middle of the night. The man. It was the man again, coming to take him away like he did years ago.
Ludwig who was asleep by him jumped up and grabbed his brother on instinct, pulling him close, "Shh Gil...it's alright…everything's going to be just fine..."
His brother clung to him shaking, sobbing, "He's back...He's coming to get me...I don't want him to take me..."
Ivan, Ludwig thought instantly, fury coursing through his body. The Russian bastard had taken his brother from him years ago. It was only in the past few months that he had gotten the albino back. "How long have you been having these nightmares bruder?"
"E-ever since he t-took me..." Gilbert whispered silently.
Ludwig rocked back and forth, whispering soothing nonsensical words to his brother, just like his brother did to him long ago.
Damn that Russian bastard... Ludwig thought angrily as he looked down at his brother, who was finally asleep in his arms, tear tracks staining his face.
He remembered the day he got his brother back, the hatred filled his body and he had to meditate for hours to finally be calm enough to see his brother without murdering someone or thing.
Then the albino had been thinner than a twig and was paler than the blonde had ever seen him. His body was covered in deep, pussy, gashes and black bruises. He had curled in a ball and cowered in fear every time Ludwig approached him.
The fact that his brother had feared him was what killed Ludwig. He would stay late up late at night to watch him and make sure the healing man was fine.
Ludwig rested his head on top of his brother's and closed his eyes, willing himself not to cry. "Oh bruder…how broken are you….is he one of your reasons…am I?" The thought that he drove his brother to suicide struck a chord deep inside the German. He was disgusted with himself.
The grip on his shirt loosened and his brother pulled away, head hung low and turned to the side to avoid eye contact. "Don't even think that," he muttered, voice low. "I would never put a burden like that on you." But it is true….you constantly ignoring me…I felt useless when I came back…I still do…you don't need me. Not anymore. The thought echoed through Gilbert's mind, a haunting voice that spoke the truth inside. Never outside though. The truth hurt too much. The truth should never be known by anyone but him.
Ludwig pursed his lips, then took his brother's head and turned it toward him, "Look me in the eye and tell me that."
Gilbert lifted his head, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It wasn't you."
Ludwig turned and stood, back to Gilbert, and stared out the window. Tears spilled from his eyes as the truth hit him. "You lie…." He whispered. Then turn and ran so the older sibling wouldn't see how broken he was.
Gilbert's lower lip trembled with sobs that he forced inside. He covered his face with his hands and started to laugh, tears streaming from his eyes. I'm such a fool. Thinking I could lie to him. Ha. Idiot. Now he feels the burden, the pain. I wanted to free you brother. But looks like I failed miserably…...
A/N: Sorry for such a long wait, Life got in the way 'cause my teachers decided to bombard me with work. Seriously! I had to teach the science class, plan an entire museum, do an essay on women's rights, and math tests after the assessments! But luckily that's all almost over…I'll try and update my other stories soon too! Sorry again~~~ And thanks for reading! Please review!