Chapter 3
"You are in desperate need for a bath."
Gilbert had to roll his eyes at that obvious statement. "Wow, you were able to figure all that out? Amazing! I swear you're the next Sherlock Homes." Gilbert was gasping in fake awe.
His reaction annoyed Roderich to no end. He huffed and said, "Gilbert, I'm serious. You smell worse than the animals."
Gilbert shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, if it's really that much of an issue to you, you could always let me bathe in that mansion of yours."
"Absolutely not! As much as I would love to have you be clean for once, there is too much risk involved. If my mother, or any good number of the servants, sees you, then you can bet that both of us will be in a lot of trouble."
"Then don't complain about it if ya can't do anything about it." Gilbert was, once again, writing in that damn book of his. It made Roderich mad just thinking about what he could possibly be recording in it. But, whenever asked about it, the albino would never give a clear answer, making the brunette's curiosity even worse.
"I shouldn't be the one complaining. How can you stand being so filthy all the time?"
Gilbert started to laugh softly. "I swear to God, you're worse than The Princess and The Pea."
Roderich let out a small pout at that jab, which caused Gilbert to let a small smirk appear on his face. "I'm not! And that story is completely irrelevant to this situation. And would you stop comparing me to women!"
The two continued to banter like this for quite some time, eventually Roderich returned inside, and Gilbert continued to do whatever the hell he wanted to do. But, neither minded, in fact, Roderich would by lying to himself if he said he didn't enjoy these verbal battles with Gilbert.
It had been three weeks since the albino had shown up in Roderich's life. At first, the brunette was annoyed to no end by the albino. He refused to leave to premises! And yet…Roderich would still come to the barn. At first, it had been a rare occasion. The young master did not wish to be in the dirty man's company.
But, lately, Roderich had been finding that he has been wishing to get out of the mansion more and more. Why this is, Roderich couldn't imagine. Nothing in particular had changed. Never the less, the urge was still there. And the only means of fulfilling it were to go out into that wretched barn, and be in the albino's company.
The two would always engage in verbal combat with each other. If asked, Roderich would say that it was annoying and a waste of his breath and time. Secretly though, and Roderich even had trouble admitting this to himself, he loved every second of it. Not that he would tell Gilbert that, mind you.
The adrenaline that pumps through Roderich's body during these small wars of words had him feeling something that he had never felt before. Gilbert didn't try to kiss up to him, or baby him, or look at him with worry in fear that his small and weak heart would go out. Instead, Gilbert would treat him like a normal human being. Of course, Gilbert didn't know about his medical problems, but that was none of his business, now was it?
However, that didn't make his company less grating. Some of the things that spew out of Gilbert's disgusting mouth would be enough to make sailors gasp.
Then there was the issue of personal space. It seems that the concept of it is completely unfamiliar to the albino. He would always sit too close for Roderich's liking. Whenever asked to move away, he would simply smirk and say, "Why, can't handle being this close to a gorgeous being?"
Though, in the end, the albino always ended up scooting a bit farther away. He would do it inconspicuously, as if hoping the brunette wouldn't notice, who of course did, but choose not to comment on it.
Why would he comply with Roderich's wishes? Based on their conversations, Gilbert doesn't appear to like Roderich at all, or he just likes making fun of him. And Gilbert seems like one to never listen to others. So why would he do as Roderich asked?
Ah, this was all so confusing! Roderich scribbled out the sheet music he was attempting to compose in frustration. Making his own music was always a pleasure of his. He had hoped that it would rid him of all these thoughts that were occupying his head. But, alas, there was no such luck. Instead, Roderich found himself staring at a piece of paper only filled with crossed out music bars.
"Nice place you got here."
"Ah!" Roderich jumped at the voice, his papers and pens falling out of his hands. He turned swiftly over to the source of the voice only to be greeted with the sight of Gilbert leaning lazily against the door frame of the practice room on what Roderich had dubbed his, "Good leg".
The brunette put a hand over his racing heart, more than a bit startled. But, now was not the time to worry about that. Gilbert wasn't supposed to be here! He could get them both in massive trouble. "What do you think you are doing! What would happen if some of the servants were to see you, or worse my mother?"
Gilbert was doing a fine job of ignoring the brunettes raging questions as he continued to walk, or limp would be more appropriate, into the room. His eyes seemed to be taking in all that's around him. "Geez, this one room is bigger than my old house in Berlin."
Roderich now was standing and began striding towards the albino. He placed a hand on his back, trying to gently steer him in the direction of the doorway, but there was no such luck. Despite the fact that he was rather thin, Gilbert was stronger than he looked. Eventually, the brunette began to push with his entire body, but Gilbert didn't move one bit.
"Get out now, before you get me into trouble!" Roderich was trying to keep his voice low, fearful that a servant might hear him.
"But I got so bored in that barn! And your mom left a while ago, I saw her leave in a car. So, what's the big deal? Plus, I could see you all by yourself through the window so I figured I'd bother you."
Roderich was still trying to literally push the albino, and was jabbing his elbow into his back. It soon reached the point where he was using his entire body weight. Despite the fact that Roderich was putting in quite a bit of effort to make Gilbert move, said person was able to push back easily with hardly any effort. It was a bit embarrassing to admit, but Roderich was already a bit tired from all the physical activity. His breathing was beginning to become laborious, and he could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest.
He had to stop now. He was beginning to feel nauseous. He couldn't risk having an attack while his mother, who had gone out to the city for work, was away. He quickly stepped away from Gilbert, and stumbled his way, rather ungraciously, over to his piano bench. Roderich plopped down and, once again, put a hand on his chest to try and slow down his heart which was now racing. His breathing was ragged and fast, and all Roderich could do was try to calm himself down by trying to slow his breathing. The fear was beginning to settle in Roderich's stomach, for this feeling of pressure on his chest was all too familiar.
Gilbert, on the other hand, was staring down at him with worrying and confusion. What the hell was wrong with him? Why did it look like the brunette was having a heart attack? It wasn't anything he did was it? Gilbert didn't know if he could live with the guilt.
The albino stumbled towards the brunette a bit, worried that he might make the situation at hand worse. "H-Hey, you alright?" Gilbert didn't know what to do; he had never really been in a situation like this. Let's just say that dealing with these kinds of issues wasn't his forte.
And too his horror, Roderich shook his head no. "G-Get…Elizaveta." Roderich had managed to say weakly in between his breaths, which were now becoming even more laborious as the seconds passed by. It was said so quietly that Gilbert almost didn't hear it.
"But I though you didn't want me be to be seen-"Gilbert stopped as Roderich looked up at him in pain, his violet eye pleading for help.
No more words needed to be said. Gilbert left the room and began going down the corridors of the mansion as fast as his bad leg would allow him. Under different conditions, Gilbert would probably take in the amazing architecture of the mansion, and the beautiful paintings that lined the hallways. But, now was not the time for that.
He began to call for the maid, but there wasn't a sight of anyone. Where the hell was everyone?
He quickly made his way up the grand staircase, with a bit of trouble. Pain was starting to shoot up his bad leg, obviously not appreciating all the sudden and harsh movement, but the albino ignored it. He had more important things to worry about. "Elizaveta!" Gilbert called again. The panic in him was rising, knowing that the longer he took, the worse Roderich was going to get.
Luckily, the maid popped her head out of an open door. She was quite surprised to see the albino, and was wondering if he broke his way into the house. "What are you doing? What if someone else heard-"
There was no time to explain himself. "Get to the piano room! Roderich needs help. He…he…I don't know, it looks like he's having a heart attack."
The color drained from Elizaveta's face the second the words had left Gilbert's mouth. A quite, "Oh, no." was heard as she dropped the laundry she was carrying on the floor and bolted down the hallway and practically flew down the stair case.
All Gilbert could do, was limp after her as fast as he could. The maid made a stop at a door, and opened it so harshly that it almost fell of the hinges. For what Gilbert could see, he would have to guess it's the kitchen. "Antonio, call Dr. Vargas and tell him to get over here, now!"
The lass didn't even wait for a response. She held her skirt up a bit as she ran, and Gilbert couldn't help feel bad for her since her shoes looked like they were making the task difficult. Though, to be fair, he too wasn't fairing that well. But they both had to tough it out.
Elizaveta was determined. She ran until she finally arrived to the music room, with Gilbert shortly arriving shorting behind her. What they saw caused them both to gasp in horror.
Roderich's face was a pale blue. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he clutched his throat. He looked at them as if he was pleading for them to just do something to make the pain go away. Though his mouth was open, no sound came out, as if he was screaming silently.
Gilbert had no idea what to do. All he could do is look at the scene in panic. He felt helpless, knowing that he couldn't really help the suffering man in front of him. However, it should be noted that not once had it crossed the albino's mind that this was Roderich, whom he found irritating, sheltered, and ignorant about the world around him. All Gilbert cared about was making sure he didn't die.
Fortunately, Elizaveta seemed to know exactly what to do. She quickly walked over to her young master, and with obvious practice, she hit his back with the palm of her hand hard.
The brunette let out a single shaky breath as more tears continued to flow down his cheeks. Gilbert stared in confusion. What was Elizaveta doing? It was obvious Roderich couldn't breathe, so why wasn't she applying the proper technique? The albino was brought out of his panic as he saw that the person he had gone to for help didn't really know what to do. However, now that Gilbert could clearly see the problem, he knew exactly what to do.
Stepping forward, Gilbert said, "I know what to do, get him on the floor and-"
Elizaveta screamed, "No! Just stay away! I know what to do!"
The maid continued the strike her master's back, each time it caused him to let out a breath, which sounded more like gasps of pain to the albino. How many times has the maid done this technique? Obviously a lot, judging how she didn't even have to think before she acted. And that's what worried the albino. This technique wasn't helping Roderich, it was just keeping him alive.
The minutes continued to pass by of the same pattern of Elizaveta slapping Roderich's back with the heel of her hand, which would only give him one breath each time. Gilbert had to look away eventually, with a dirty hand covering his mouth, unable to bear the sight in front of him.
He couldn't take it anymore. He had to do something. While he did find Roderich to be annoying, Gilbert never liked to see someone in pain, nor would he wish that kind of suffering onto them. But, Gilbert knew that he was capable of stopping the pain. "Just stop and let me-"
Gilbert wasn't able to finish his sentence as Elizaveta delivered a blow that was a bit harder. Immediately, Roderich was able to breathe deeply and leaned forward as he fell into a coughing fit. Elizaveta visibly relaxed, glad that her friend was now able to actually breathe on his own.
The tears continued to stream down Roderich's face as he tried to compose himself. His maid was now rubbing gentle circles on his back as his body shook. The color had returned to his face, but he was almost a deathly pale now, looking a bit like Gilbert. The Austrian had broken out into a cold sweat and as Gilbert stumbled up to Roderich and rested a hand on his shoulder, he could tell that his skin was now cold and clammy. Roderich was visibly shaking, almost as if he was in freezing temperatures, and he had wrapped his arms around himself, which reminded Gilbert of a scared child.
Antonio rushed into the room at that moment, looking disheveled and worried. "I called the doctor and Ms. Edelstein! She said she is coming home immediately. Is Roderich okay?" The Spaniard was eyeing his young master, nervous to approach him, in fear that he will just make the situation worse.
Elizaveta looked up and gave a small, sad smile. "Everything is fine, now." She continued to rub Roderich's back in a way a mother would, as the young master worked to even his breathing.
Gilbert was now sitting next to Roderich, not really sure what to do now. Carefully, he leaned down so he could whisper in his ear, "Sorry if that was my fault." Gilbert didn't know exactly what had just happened, or why, but for some reason, he felt like part of it was his fault.
The albino could see the brunette look at him in confusion from the corner of his eyes, but Roderich choose not to reply.
With a warm tone, Elizaveta began to speak softly to her friend. "Roderich, let's get you upstairs, okay? Dr. Vargas is going to be here soon."
Silently, Roderich nodded his head, though his vision was a bit blurred, and allowed his maid to help him stand, as he took shaky steps out of the music room. The young master was heavily leaning on his servant, who was able to easily support his weight, despite the height difference.
Gilbert started limping after the pair, but Antonio put a tan hand on his should, and tilted his head in the direction of the hallway. All the other servants were now out of their hiding places, and were looking at their young master with worry. Gilbert couldn't go out now, without the risk of getting caught.
Quietly, the Spaniard whispered to his taller companion, "We'll just stay in here for a little bit. They will go back to work soon, and then we can go and make sure he's alright." Antonio's tone lacked his usually cheerfulness, which only amplified how serious of a situation they had just gone through.
With a sigh, Gilbert sat back down onto the piano bench with Antonio. For a while, the two said nothing. Both were just replaying the events that just took place in their head over and over again. The albino was just glad that was over, and he was grateful that everything was fine now. But, one thing was still plaguing his mind. Finally, Gilbert spoke up.
"So, you want to tell what the hell that was all about?"
XXX
"Are you all set now?"
Elizaveta finished tucking Roderich into his bed. He was changed into his more comfortable night clothes, and the young master looked exhausted.
"I-I'm fine now." Roderich replied, his voice still shaky from the events that had just taken place. It was clear that he was still frightened by his episode, but was trying not to show it. After all, it wasn't as if it was the first time this has happened to him. But, it was something he could never imagine getting use to.
Roderich hated it whenever he did end up having an attack. The feeling of helplessness as he sat there, unable to breath, was something that always caused him to become cold with fear, despite the number of times it has happened to him before. Not to mention the pain that consumes him as each second that passes without being able to take in a single breath, and only feel the pressure on his chest and the desperation for oxygen in his lungs increase every moment.
The young master loathed the fact that he was born with this weak body, that wouldn't allow him to do any sort of physical activity without the threat of death. What he would give to be like everyone else, who could do any sort of exercise without worrying about their heart stopping.
Roderich let out a tired sigh, as Elizaveta sat on the edge of the bed, and began to gently run her fingers through his hair. She could tell that her friend wanted nothing more than to roll over and get some rest, but that couldn't be done until after the doc tor came. "Just stay up a little while longer. Once the doctor leaves, you can go right to sleep."
Roderich nodded rested his head against the head board against his bed. He had to sit up, in fear that if he didn't he would drift right of the sleep. The male slowly closed his eyes as he relished the feeling of his friend's soft and gently fingers going through his hair, and listened as she lightly hummed a song that was probably from Hungary, her home country.
The male let out a shiver. His attacks always left him feeling cold. Elizaveta noticed, of course, and wrapped her free hand around her friend, as she started to slowly rub his arm that was farther away from her. Her body was pressed against his, in a hope that the friction from her hand and her body heat would help warm him up.
The lass placed a chaste kiss on top of the male's head, and Roderich couldn't help but smile. His friend was trying so hard to make him feel less miserable. How could he not appreciate her efforts?
Suddenly, the door burst opened, causing the two occupants on the bed to jump, as a rather distressed looking man ran into the room, almost tripping over his own two feet.
"Roderich, I'm here! Don't worry, I brought all the necessary equipment and-"
The man, who was Roderich's doctor, continued to ramble on like this for quite some time. Said doctor had a very distinct Italian accent, and had soft red hair, with a single curl off the side that was somewhat similar to Roderich's.
Elizaveta put her hand up to stop the fretting doctor. "I think we get the point now, Feliciano dear. Can we actually start the check-up now? Roderich is rather tired, and in need of some rest."
Dr. Vargas, or Feliciano as he preferred to be called, seem to realize he was rambling again, and bowed his head in apology. "Right! Sorry, I just got so scared when Antonio called me! He sounded like someone who had missed dinner time! And then I-"Feliciano continued to talk as he approached the bed.
Elizaveta rose from her position on the bed and gave a little wink to her friend and a wave of goodbye to the doctor before silently leaving the room.
Great, now Roderich was all alone with the talkative Italian. It's not that the Austrian didn't like his rather young doctor. Feliciano has helped Roderich quite a number of times throughout the years. It's just that he is so animated in everything he does that it can be tiring just to be in his company.
Roderich was brought out of his thoughts as his doctor plopped down on the bed and giggled. "Hi Roderich! How are you feeling?"
The Austrian resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the childish behavior. Honestly, he has no idea why someone like Feliciano would want to be a doctor. He is always going on about cooking and painting, so Roderich could not understand why he does not go into one of those kinds of professions. Perhaps it is because of better pay?
"Well, at the moment, I am not feeling all that exceptionally well. Then again, you wouldn't have been called if I was feeling healthy, now would you?"
Feliciano gave an enthusiastic nod as he put his black bag on his lap and began to rummage through it. "You're right! You always think of everything! So, what happened? Was there something really scary that you had to run away from and your heart gave out?"
Roderich had to raise an eyebrow out that question. He honestly wondered if he doctor thought he had a life of an adventurer, considering some of the questions he asks are rather odd. "Um…no. What happened was-"
The door slammed open for the second time that day as a distraught Antonio flung himself into the room, followed by a worried looking Gilbert.
"Roderich are you okay? You looked terrible before, and I just wanted to make sure that nothing had-"
It was the Austrian's turn to put his hand up to signal for silence. "Antonio, please calm down, before you cause me to have another attack."
Instantly, Antonio covered his mouth with his hand, as if he feared that his voice alone would be enough to put his young master's health in danger.
Gilbert, on the other hand, was more focused on Roderich's well-being than anything else. "So you're not going to die?"
Roderich had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at the stupid question. "No, Gilbert, I'm not going to be dying anytime soon. Sorry to disappoint you."
Antonio clapped his hands together, why he did that was a mystery to Roderich. "Hi Feli! You look well!"
Antonio seemed to be even more friendly than usual when the happy doctor was around. Roderich suspected it was because the two were somewhat similar in behavior. "Hi Toni! Thanks, by the way! I have been so happy lately because one of my patients just gave birth!"
The Spaniard's eyes widened at that, clearly the news of babies excited him. After all, it was no secret that the tall tan man wanted to be a father. "Really? Wow, how exciting! Well, I have to go back to work. Mrs. Edelstein will be home soon after all. Feel better Roderich. And bye bye Feli!"
"Bye bye Antonio! It was nice seeing you!" Feliciano waved enthusiastically, before he resumed looking for whatever he needed in that bag of his.
Gilbert began to limp forwards, until he was on the right side of bed, which was the side Roderich wasn't on. Roderich had to resist the urge to gasp in horror as Gilbert sat down on the bed in all of his filthiness. Sure, he had been courteous enough to take his disgusting boots off, but he still smelled foul, and now that smell was going to get on his bed!
"Gilbert, what do you think you are doing?"
The albino waved his hand in a lazy manner. "Piss off, prick. My leg is bothering me, so I need to rest it. All that running around is not good for it, ya know?"
"Hello, I'm Dr. Vargas. But I don't like being called that because it makes me sound old. So call me Feliciano, okay?" Feliciano was practically lying across Roderich's lap, who was less than pleased at this, in order to properly face Gilbert for a hand shake.
Gilbert smirked and shook the much smaller and cleaner hand firmly. "Hey kid. Call me Gilbert."
With a small, but happy, nod, Feliciano took a stethoscope, and returned his attention to his patient. "Alright, Roderich, I need to you take big breaths for me now."
Said brunette did as he was told, while his small doctor pressed the cool metal of the tool to his chest, and later the brunette's back. But, Roderich was more interested in looking over at the albino who was now lying in his bed, where he didn't belong. "Gilbert, why are you even up here? I thought I made it clear you belong in the barn?"
The albino merely shrugged. "Hey, someone has to make sure you're okay."
Roderich bristled at that comment. "I assure you, I am in perfectly capable hands."
Before an argument broke out, the tan Italian intervened with a question. "You never told me what happened, Roderich. It's not good to keep secrets from your doctor, you know." There was a slight teasing tone in his voice, and Feliciano was still smiling while he was saying this. In a way, it almost reminded Roderich of a child who was trying to appear mature.
Roderich sighed, not really wanting to relive the event that had just taken place down stairs. "I was working on a piece in the piano room, when he" The brunette tilted his head toward Gilbert, "came in. I tried to get him to leave, but he wouldn't. I was already stressed as it was, and I suppose the added physical activity of trying to push him out didn't sit well with my heart."
Gilbert chose to intervene with his own question. "Oh yeah, Antonio told me about all your medical issues. How come you never told me? We've known each other for, what three months now?"
The Austrian couldn't help but roll his eyes at that. "Three weeks to be more precise. And I don't think that it is any of your business to begin with. Antonio shouldn't be telling you about my personal information."
Meanwhile, Feliciano was biting his lip in deep thought. Apparently, he failed to notice the bickering duo, or was just blocking them out. Suddenly he spoke out. "I want to feel your heart beat again."
That unnerved the young master. Was there something wrong? Why did the usually happy doctor seem so worried all of the sudden?
The doctor began to reexamine his patient, when all the sudden, a shrill female voice could be heard throughout the mansion.
"Roderich, my son, are you okay?"
The brunette could feel his heart sink for he knew exactly who that voice belonged to, his mother. Quickly, he turned to Gilbert a said, "Quick, get into the bathroom." If Gilbert was seen now, then all hell would break lose, and who knows what measures an over protective mother might take to protect her son?
The albino didn't need to be told twice. He hobbled away into the bathroom, and shut the door behind him to be out of sight. Just as Gilbert closed the door, his mother ran into the room and practically pushed Feliciano out of the way, in order to reach her only son.
The worried mother wrapped her arms around her son, so that his face was resting against her bosom. There were tears coming out of her eyes, and she laid several kisses on top of her son's head, who could only sit there and take the onslaught of unwanted affection.
"I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have left you all alone! It's okay now, dear. I'm here. It's okay."
Feliciano was looking back between the bathroom door and Roderich in obvious confusion as to why Gilbert had to be hidden away. Roderich just prayed that his doctor would take a hint and not say anything that could get them into trouble.
Suddenly, realization seemed to hit Feliciano like a bag of bricks and he let out a quite gasp and said, "Oh, I get it now."
This took Mrs. Edelstein's attention away from her son. "You get what?"
Feliciano just waved his hands in front of him, as if hoping that it would take her attention away from what he just said. "Oh, nothing, nothing at all!"
Roderich rolled his eyes at his doctor's attempt to be convincing. But, never the less, his mother seemed to buy it at least. Perhaps she was just too concerned with her son's health to really care?
Turning her attention back to her son, she began to question him. "Roderich, what on Earth happened? You didn't go outside, did you?"
There was an edge in her tone at her last question. Oh, he could only imagine how much trouble he would be in if he had been outside when the attack happened. "No, mother, I'm sorry for frightening you. I was trying to compose music, you see. I wasn't fairing too well with it, though. I suppose I let my frustration and stress get the better of me."
The brunette made sure to give a sharp look at his doctor, as if to silently tell him to accept this lie. Luckily, Feliciano gave a small nod of understanding, which helped lessen Roderich's worries.
The mother looked at her son with pity and worry. "Oh dear" she whispered as she placed a hand on her heart.
Feliciano cleared his throat, to get the mistress's attention. "His heart is getting weaker, I'm afraid. Its pulse isn't as strong. I can't guarantee it will get better. Roderich, be more careful from now on."
Roderich nodded. "Of course, Feliciano." Of course this information unnerved him. His heart was already weak, but now it was getting worse? What could that entail for his future?
His mother, as expected, didn't take this news well either. "W-what do you mean it's getting weaker? Isn't there anything I can do?" More tears were forming, as worse case scenarios were popping in her head. Her son; dying in his sleep, his heart giving out on him, all at the young age of 25. It was all a mother's worse nightmare.
Feliciano was having trouble looking into the sad eyes of the mistress. He hated giving bad news, but then again, it comes with the job, doesn't it. "His heart has been pumping of twenty-five years, ma'am. That alone is enough to give it trouble, but then add the fact that there is added stress in day to day life, and his heart will be put under an enormous amount of pressure that it might not be able to take."
It was as if this news was enough to shock the mistress into silence. She just stared at her son, tears falling down her cheeks, as if imagining that this was the last moment she will ever have with him. "Is…Is there anything we can do?" she whispered.
Roderich didn't like to see his mother so upset over him. While her over protective nature can be irritating, he knew she did it because she loved and cared for him. He wished he could make her smile. He gently laid his own hand across hers, and gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "It's all right mother. I'm going to be fine."
Feliciano offered a small smile, trying to cheer the two up, although he knew that was impossible. "Just keep doing what you have been doing; avoid stressful situations and physical activity."
The red head could tell that there was nothing more for him to do. And with that, the doctor collected his things, and wished the pair of mother and son good bye, before leaving.
His mother sat with Roderich for a while. She couldn't help but worry for her son's well-being. The thought of losing her only child because of his heart was enough to break her's. She kneeled by the bed and rubbed her son's back, as he began to drift off into sleep. She whispered, "It's going to be fine" over and over again. Though, one could never be sure if she was trying to comfort her son, or rather herself. Once she thought that Roderich was off in dream land, she placed a soft kiss on her son's temple and quietly walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Gilbert waited for a few moments before he stepped out of the bathroom. He looked over at the young master, who turned out to be only half asleep. "She's not that bad, your mother I mean. I can tell she cares about you."
Roderich looked at Gilbert with tired eyes, and half his face pressed into the fluffy pillow, and gave a small smile. "She is a good mother. She just gets over protective at times."
Suddenly, the same voice that was just speaking to her son in sweet tones was now screaming throughout the manor.
"It was your job to look after him, and you left him all alone!"
Roderich's eyes snapped open and he sat up, obviously a bit startled from the sudden yelling. The young master knew exactly what was happening. She was taking out her anger on one of the poor servants who were nice enough to give him some form of freedom, no matter how little it was.
"But, my dear, he said he wanted some alone time! I was just doing as I was told!"
Roderich knew that voice as well. It was Francis, one of the male servants. It was his turn to watch the young master today, to make sure he didn't do anything too dangerous. Now, Roderich could imagine he was regretting his actions.
"Are you trying to blame my son for this? He almost died because you didn't do your job!"
Roderich couldn't help but feel guilty. While Francis was annoying, and a bit lecherous, he didn't do anything to deserve having his ear chewed off by his mother. But, then again, there is no creature quite like a mother bear trying to protect her cubs.
Gilbert let out a low whistle. "Wow, I take back what I said. Your mom's kind of a bitch."
Roderich was too worn out by the day's events to care about the foul language. The young master began to rub his temple, hoping that all of this will just blow over quickly.
"That's it, you're fired! Pack your bags and get out of here, this instant! Besides, I shouldn't be having French servants right now; it's bad for my image."
Now that confused Roderich. What did she mean they shouldn't have French servants? Did something happen with the French? Roderich wouldn't know, he was often cut off from outside world information.
Mistress Edelstein could be heard stalking through the halls, her heels clacking against the hard floor. "Now I'm going to have to find another servant. Ugh, all that paper work and-"
Gilbert brightened as soon as he heard that. Though why, Roderich had no idea. Suddenly, he was seated on top of Roderich's bed again, and was, once again, getting too close for comfort.
"Hey, you should tell her to hire me!"
Gilbert sounded really excited now. Though, the brunette was less than thrilled with the idea. "Why would I do that? Have you ever even worked as a servant before?"
The albino shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Hey, I'm a fast learner."
Roderich, now sitting up, crossed his arms and gave Gilbert a hard look. "And why should I do that? What will I gain by doing such a thing?"
Gilbert rolled his eyes, and began to list off reasons while counting with his finger. "Well, first, I won't have to live in the barn anymore. Second, I will be working for my keep. Third, you wouldn't have to hide me anymore. Fourth, I could actually bathe. Fifth-"
Roderich put his hands up to silence the albino. "All right, all right, fine. I will see what I can do. But we are going to have to make you look presentable first. And I don't know if she will hire you with that limp of yours."
Gilbert didn't seem to care as he smiled and did a little victory dance, which Roderich had to resist laughing at.
Oh, why did he continue to help this strange man? While the day could be described as melancholy at best, Gilbert's presence did make him a bit happier. But, of course, Roderich would never admit that to anyone.
XXX
There you have it! Please, feedback is always appreciated.
Thank you so much for the reviews I have been getting! I am very pleased that people seem to like my story!
Again, I do not own Hetalia.
