Chapter Two: Because of You

Breathe.

Just try to breathe.

In... out... in... out. In, out. In and out. In and out.

The young boy let out a shaky sigh. He was finally breathing somewhat normally.

Thank goodness Mutti was out grocery shopping! No need to worry her for what seemed like the hundredth time. Well perhaps he shouldn't have been jumping on the top bunk... but it was so much fun! Gilbert slowly pushed himself to a sitting position. Ach... his back was going to hate him for this! But at least there were no broken bones, right? Ow! Gilbert winced as he touched the back of his head. No broken bones was right... but his head was screaming about bruises and maybe a cut. He would have to be careful next time.

Wait... there wouldn't be a next time. Gilbert bit his lip hard. At least, there wouldn't be next time for quite a long while.

Gilbert sighed softly.

Vater had said it was for the best. If Vater said it, that settled it, right?

Nein... it didn't. Gilbert just didn't understand!

Why? Why did he have to go all the way to Switzerland? Of all places, why Switzerland?!

All right... so he wasn't going alone. Mutti was going with him. But why just Mutti? Why couldn't Ludwig come? Or even better, why couldn't the whole family go? Surely Werner and Rolf would enjoy the trip!

Nein... Gilbert didn't understand, at all.

Tears threatened to fall out of the seven-year old's eyes.

Nein! He wouldn't cry. Crying was for babies, and Gilbert was not a baby! He would not cry. He'd be strong. Besides... it wasn't like he was leaving right then. Why, he might not have to go to Switzerland at all if he got better. Yes, that was it! He would get stronger so he wouldn't have to go. The albino child set his lip in a firm line. He would get better. He'd show his father that he was strong like all the other Beilschmidt children.

"Oy, Werner! Wait up, would you?"

Gilbert rubbed his eyes hard. Rolf and Werner were home already?! Ach! They'd be in the room in any minute. Gilbert's eyes darted back and forth. Somewhere to hide... somewhere to hide. Ah! Gilbert managed to duck under the bed just as his brothers entered the room.

"What is it, Rolf?" Werner grumbled.

"I just had a thought that's all."

*Thud.*

Rolf's book-bag landed beside the bed.

Gilbert jumped slightly, hitting his head against the bed. He bit his cheek. Owww. That bruise was going to look alot worse now. Hopefully Mutti and Ludwig wouldn't notice.

"A thought?"

"Yeah... it's about Gilbert."

"Gilbert?" Werner sounded surprised.

Gilbert retreated further under the bed.

"Yeah... Gilbert." Rolf sounded rather bitter.

Gilbert bit his lip. Did he do something again? He didn't remember bothering Rolf... wait he wasn't mad over that, was he? No... Rolf had gotten over that already. Gilbert resisted the urge to huff. Rolf was mean when it came to revenge.

"What about Gilbert?" Werner asked impatiently.

"It's just... his looks!" Rolf spat out with frustration.

"His looks?"

"Yeah. The guys at school have been talking about it... 'What's it like having a demon bruder, Rolf?' And all that. Why'd he have to look like this?!"

Gilbert bit his lip harder.

Demon-looking? Was that... was that why his father didn't like him going outside the house? Because he looked like a demon? If so... that explained-

"Rolf."

"What? Don't give me that look, Werner! I know you think the same thing. I bet even Vater does."

"You don't know that," Werner replied quietly. "You shouldn't say such things about your bruder."

"But-"

"No 'buts', Rolf," Werner said sternly. "Gilbert can't help the way he looks. You should have seen yourself when you were a child. You weren't that pleasant to look at either!"

"Werner!" Rolf whined.

"Do you see what I mean? Be nice to your little bruder! I expected better of you."

"Werner..."

"Perhaps I should just stay at home to keep an eye on you!"

"Werner!" Rolf whined again. "You can trust me to handle things as the eldest bruder of the house!"

Werner snorted.

"Oy... Werner?"

"What?" was the annoyed reply.

"Um is that blood on the floor?"

"Blood?" Werner asked sharply. "Where?"

"Right here by the bed."

"Lieber Gott ... Nicht. (Dear God... No.)" Werner whispered.

"What is it?"

"Get Mutti and Vatti now. I think it's Gilbert."

"Gilbert? But I don't see him any-"

"Rolf! Now!"

"Okay, okay!" Rolf hurried out of the room.

Werner got down on his knees. "Gilbert, I know you're down here somewhere."

Aha! Werner spotted the fluffy white head under the bed.

"Gilbert..."

The child stirred some.

*Choo!*

Werner cracked a small smile. "Bless you... Now would you come out from under there? I need to see where you're hurt."

"Not hurt..." Gilbert mumbled.

Werner pursed his lips slightly. How much did Gilbert overhear?

"Rolf... If he heard everything you said, you're going to be in serious trouble when this is over."

"Gilbert, come here."

"Not hurt!" the child insisted and curled into tight ball.

Werner sighed in frustration. "I know you're bleeding."

"Am not..." was the muffled reply.

"Gilbert. You could be seriously hurt."

"It's... a scratch. Not hurt," the child insisted again.

"Then let me see."

"Nein!"

Werner thrust himself under the bed. "Gilbert."

"Nein!" Gilbert whined and tried to scoot away from his brother.

Werner grabbed Gilbert and gently pulled the struggling child out from under the bed.

"Gilbert, look at me."

"Nein..."

"Gilbert. Do you want to explain this to Vater or do you want me to?"

The child slowly raised his red eyes to meet his brother's blue ones.

Werner rested his hands on Gilbert's shoulders as he inspected the child. "Where are you hurt?"

Gilbert lowered his eyes. "My h-head..."

"Where?"

Gilbert reluctantly pointed to the back of his head then rubbed his puffy eyes.

Werner frowned deeply. He lightly ran his fingers around the cut on the back of Gilbert's head.

"Good thing, Ludwig is with Mutti and not here." Werner thought grimly as he got onto his feet. He glanced at his little brother. "I wonder if this is what Reinhardt meant back then. If only he were here when I needed him!"

"Am... am I going to be in trouble?" Gilbert whispered.

"Ssshhhh... Don't worry about that now, Gil," Werner whispered back softly as he carefully set Gilbert onto the lower bunk. "Just lie still... I'll get something for your head."

"O-okay..."

"Just lie still. I'll be right back, Gilbert."

The kitchen was silent except for Dedrich's pacing and the soft whistle of the kettle on the stove-top.

"Tea, Vater?" Werner offered.

Dedrich shook his head. "How is he?"

"The doctor's stitching him up now... Said he should be fine."

Dedrich sighed in relief. "What was the boy doing?"

Werner shrugged as he made himself some tea. "I guess he bumped his head when hiding from me and Rolf. Something like that... I mean boys will be boys, right?"

Dedrich cracked a small grin. "I suppose..."

"Gilbert is a pretty strong kid despite his frail looks," Werner commented.

Dedrich nodded. "But I still worry about him..."

"Are you sure you don't want some tea, Vatti?" Werner asked as he took a sip of his.

Dedrich shook his head again. "How is Ludwig and your mutter taking it?"

"I think they're taking it pretty well. Well I mean, Mutti is... Rolf had to take Ludwig out. I think they went to Reinhardt's."

"Well... I suppose that makes things a little easier."

Werner blinked as he took another sip of his tea. "What do you mean?"

Dedrich pursed his lips together slightly. "They're leaving tonight."

Werner coughed hard and spat out his tea. "W-What?! Tonight?!"

Dedrich sighed as he nodded. "Tonight... I'm afraid something might happen if we don't send them now."

Werner furrowed his brows slightly. "It's... getting that bad? Can't you do something about it?"

Dedrich shook his head. "They have done all they can do. I'm afraid they must leave tonight."

"Luddy isn't going to like it."

"I know he won't... and neither will Gilbert. But it has to be done."

Werner sighed softly. "Couldn't you... maybe at least let Ludwig say good-bye? I think..." Werner hesitated a moment before continuing, "I think Gilbert needs it, Vatti."

"I'll... I'll see what I can do."

Owww...

Gilbert winced as he fingered the bandage around his head.

So the cut was a little deeper than he thought...

"Gilbert?"

He sat up quickly then winced. "Y-yes, Mutti?"

Soft, warm hands gentle pushed him back down onto the bed.

"Don't move yet, kleine (little one)," his mother whispered. "Lie still."

"Mutti."

The hands gently brushed his hair away from his face.

"Everything will be all right."

Gilbert relaxed as his mother held his hand. "Mutti?"

"Yes, Gilbert?"

"Where's Lutz?"

Sonje hesitated. "He's..."

"He's right here."

Sonje nearly jumped in surprise. She turned quickly toward the door. "Dedrich..."

Dedrich gave his wife a small smile as he let Ludwig into the bedroom.

"Gilbert!"

"Ssshhh now, Ludwig. Gilbert is still tired," Sonje cautioned the twelve-year old.

The blonde nodded his head. "I'll be quiet."

Sonje glanced at her husband.

He motioned for her to leave their sons alone for the moment.

"Don't keep Gilbert up for too long."

The blonde nodded again. "I won't."

Sonje sighed softly and quietly left with Dedrich.

"Gilbert?"

"Hallo..."

"You... okay?" Ludwig asked, unsure of what to say.

"Doing great!" Gilbert lied.

"Gil!" Ludwig scolded.

"Whaaat?" Gilbert pouted. "I'm fine!"

"No, you aren't! What were you doing?!"

Gilbert bit his lip. "N-nothing..."

Ludwig frowned deeply. "This is serious! You could have died!"

Gilbert's red eyes widened in surprise. "I could have?"

"Yes! That's why you should be careful! Mutti said we almost lost you once and I'm sure she doesn't want to lose you again."

Gilbert squirmed under the covers. "I... I'm sorry."

Ludwig sighed. "It's okay, little bruder. You're okay now."

"Ludwig?"

"Yes?"

Gilbert squirmed once again. "I have a question."

"What is it?" Ludwig asked, curiosity piqued.

"Do you..." Gilbert chewed his lip. "Think I look weird?"

Ludwig cocked his head. "What do you mean?"

Gilbert stared at his covers. "Like... um do you think my eye color is weird?"

Ludwig blinked. "Your eye color?"

"Yeah... they're red. Not blue like yours."

"I like red."

Gilbert sneaked a peak at his brother. "Promise?"

Ludwig smiled and gently patted his brother's head. "Promise."

"So... we leave tonight?"

Dedrich nodded silently. "Yes."

"Isn't it... a bit soon?"

"Yes... it is sooner than I would have liked, but it's for your safety and Gilbert's."

Sonje pursed her lips slightly. "How do we explain this to the children?"

"Werner knows..."

"But what about Rolf? Ludwig? Gilbert?" she pressed. "They need to know something."

"They'll know it was for Gilbert's health..."

"That doesn't explain us leaving at night," Sonje reminded him. "They need to know about the real reason behind this."

"I know... but we can't tell them. Not yet. It's not safe."

Sonje sighed softly. "I should get Gilbert."

"No... I'll get him."

Sonje smiled slightly. "I'll get the bags then."

Dedrich quietly made his way down the hall.

*Creak.*

Dedrich winced inwardly. That door...

He managed to slip in quietly despite the squeaky door.

Now, to get Gilbert.

His eyes fell onto the lower bunk where his two youngest sons were now sleeping. His heart softened as he gazed upon his sleeping children. So innocent...

He sighed softly. "One day... One day they'll understand."

Dedrich gently picked up Gilbert, being careful not to disturb either of the children's slumber.

With his free hand, he gently pushed some stray hairs away from Gilbert's face.

"I love you, son," he whispered softly.

The child wiggled in his arms, trying to get comfortable.

Dedrich let his lips lightly brush against his son's forehead. "Don't be angry with me, Gilbert."

"All aboard!"

Sonje pursed her lips. "That's our train?"

Dedrich nodded as he opened the door to her carriage. "Yes..."

Sonje sighed softly. "I wish you could come... at least to the border."

"You know I want to, Sonje."

Sonje tried to smile as she sat down.. "We'll see you again soon. Gilbert will get better..."

Dedrich put his finger to her lips. "Ssshhh. Don't. Not now. You'll wake him." Dedrich nodded at the sleeping child in her arms.

Sonje swallowed. "This is... goodbye."

"Auf Wiedersehen, meine Liebe (Goodbye, my love)," he said softly as he embraced her.

Tears stung her eyes.

"Stay safe, Dedrich."

"You too," was his quiet reply.

"Last call! All aboard!"

Dedrich quickly put up his wife's bags in her carriage. "Telegram me when you arrive."

"I will... I will."

Dedrich closed the door. "Stay safe..."

Sonje sighed quietly to herself as she stared out at the dark fields of Germany.

Would everything be all right back out home? Would Rolf remember everything she told him?

Most importantly... would Dedrich be all right?

Those telegrams and letters were nothing to joke about.

She sighed again and glanced at her son.

A small smile spread on her lips.

-"So... you found out. Werner told you?"

Dedrich nodded. "So why did you get a job?"

"I told him not to tell." She sighed and looked away from her husband. "Why do you think I did?"

He pursed his lips. "I don't know."

"You were always saying we couldn't afford another child, so..." she trailed off.

Dedrich frowned slightly.

"I thought I'd work with Ulrich. He always liked my knitting pieces." A faint smile appeared on Sonje's lips as she glanced down at her son in her arms. "They fetch decent prices at his shop."

"There was no reason for you to get that job! I will take care of it!" Dedrich snapped. "I will take care of everything."-

Dedrich was always so responsible. That was partially the reason she married him, wasn't it? He always would take care of everything.

Everything would be all right at home. She had no reason to worry. Dedrich would take care of everything.

Sonje sighed again as she glanced at her sleeping child once more. "But there is one thing you forgot to take care of, Dedrich. You didn't tell Gilbert what he needs to hear."

Author's Note: Short chapter I know... but I got it up today! Mwahahahaha! It was giving me some trouble but I got it sorted out and voila! here it is! With things now running smoothly, I should be able to have a longer chapter. *fingers crossed* I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! ^-^

-Edit Note: Just a few little changes in this chapter as well. Thought I'd note it just in case heh heh. X3-

Author's Response to Reviews:

Germanic Spazz- I messaged you some of my thoughts already but now for an official review. As I said before, I like this. I really do. And I'm surprised how much I like the older brothers in this. Can't wait to get Gilbert into the mix! I'm especially waiting for the history and see how this family gets involved in it. It's also very sweet of you to dedicate this to me. Thank you. The similarity to Gil's birth in this and my own story, I'm not gonna lie, made me a little upset at first. But after rereading it a bit more and thinking about it, I'm fine with it. You probably didn't intend to copy anyways, and there are differences. I just hope there aren't any more similarities like this between our stories in chapters yet to come. Still excited about the next chapter.

I know I already discussed this with you via messages but I thought I'd keep up this habit of responding on the posts. X3

I'm really glad you like this story so far. ^^ I was kinda nervous that you wouldn't. And I HAD to dedicate this story to you because if it weren't for you, it wouldn't exist. ^o^

I'm sooo sorry (still am!) about that similarity in that scene... *soo guilty* Anyways, I believe you liked my change so I feel better. X3

And I hope there won't be anymore more similar scenes too! Anyways... I hope you enjoy this chapter!