Tired, violet eyes scanned the paperwork in front of them as the brunette read paragraph after paragraph. A sigh escaped pale, chapped lips as he lazily sprawled across his couch. Roderich had been signing debt collection forms since nine o'clock that morning. Now, just as the moon makes itself visible behind his kitchen window, he decides to give up. He mournfully thought back as to why he had to fill out these papers. Why he had taken a second mortgage out on his home, on what had been their home, only to lose it anyway. Why he sold off all of his belongings. He remembers his music room, from its tiled floors, to its embossed walls. The multitude of instruments found along the expanse of wall behind his piano. His piano. The same piano his father taught his how to play, the one he learned to play from Roderich's grandfather. That piano had been the pride and joy of his family for three generations, and he had hoped to teach his children to play it, as well.

But, Roderich thought, where was his piano now? He didn't know. He had to sell it to pay off Elizabeta in the divorce. He sold off everything he loved, and he was still up to his ears in debt. He was pulled from his thoughts as the phone rang for the tenth time that day. Roderich sighed as he recognized the number. More debt collectors. He muted the god awful thing, running a hand down his face as stress began to weigh heavy on his mind. The austrian eyed the mounting stack of papers he had yet to read, and jumped to his feet. He was going to have fun, if it kills him. He took a quick shower and redressed. Roderich left his apartment, already knowing his destination, and paperwork being the last thing on his mind.

It isn't often that he finds himself here as a patron. The club was a little quieter most weekdays, and today was no exception. A total of about fifteen people littered the room as he made his way to the bar. He took an open seat and as he greeted Ludwig, focusing more on his thoughts than the man in front of him. That's why, when he heard the most annoying cackle known to man, he looked up into smiling, garnet eyes." Kesesese, do I look like my little brother to you?" Roderich blanched as he recognized the voice of the man he bumped into days ago. One thought stuck out in the austrians mind as his eyes took in person before him.

He looks nothing like his brother.

This man was white as a ghost, with hair to match. His eyes were the color of aged wine, and shined with the childish nature of his obviously immature personality. And, for the love of God, he would not shut up. His soft, pink lips were moving a mile a minute, with no signs of stopping. Roderich couldn't believe a human being could talk this much without realizing he wasn't being listened to. It astounded him to the point where he almost wanted to leave to see if the guy would keep going, talking to an empty bar stool as if it were interested in the conversation. The thought made a brought a chuckle from deep within the brunette's chest, making the chatterbox stop mid-sentence and quirk an eyebrow at his outburst." Is the awesome me amusing you?" A spark of merriment flickered behind amethyst eyes as Roderich replied." In more ways than you could imagine."

The night went on as the two conversed, the austrian actually listening to what his acquaintance was saying. The already hushed club was muted as the two talked about everything under the sun. Hours passed, drinks were purchased, and in no time Roderich was inebriated and emotional. He had his head in his hands, asking himself how his life could be as bad as it is. His wife was so unhappy in their marriage that she divorced him, he became so depressed he lost all desire to leave his home, he lost his job when he didn't show up for work, he had to sell all of his things to pay for the divorce, he had to take out a second mortgage on his home only to lose it anyway, and the only job he could find that wasn't flipping burgers was stripping. Roderich, in his drunken stupor, felt as if he had hit rock bottom.

"Hey, why are you making such an unawesome face?" Curious and worried vermillion hues attempted to scan the brunette's face, afraid he had made the man upset. Roderich sluggishly looked up at companion, misty eyed and lip quivering, face red from the alcohol and his own tears. He relayed his troubles to Ludwig's brother, craving someone in his life that will just listen to what he has to say. The austrian was sobbing into drink by the end of his ramblings, but he felt better that someone cared enough to pay any attention to him. Ruby eyes glistened in understanding and a gentle hand fell unto his shoulder." I know things may not look good now, but that just means there going to get better, and more awesome in the future. I mean, I've never been in a situation like yours, but I would know that staying sad and depressed wouldn't help anything. Maybe I'm just optimistic, I don't know." Roderich, obviously drunk and tired from crying, sent a weary smile towards his new friend." More people should be, and thank you." A million-watt smile was sent his way as the other replied." You're welcome."

Roderich had the man call him a cab when he had to close the club for the night. The albino was even nice enough to stay and talk with him as he waited outside. The taxi pulled up next to the curb, but before the brunette could close the door, a pale hand shot out for his own. " Gilbert." Confusion was written all over the lavender-eyed man's face at the sudden outburst from his companion." Wha-" He was cut off mid question as he received his answer." My name is Gilbert." Gilbert shut the door and watched as the cab drew out of sight. Roderich smiled as he rested his head on the taxi's window, hoping he would get the chance to say what he wanted to say to the man who had helped him that night.

Danke, Gilbert.

Neither man noticed the eerie lavender eyes watching them from an office window. They didn't see the larger man's childish smile twist itself into a cheshire grin, spanning from ear to ear. They didn't feel the harsh chill in the air as the voyeur took hold of his rusted, metal pipe. They didn't hear the small, sadistic giggles that left his rough, chapped lips. They didn't see him as he slithered from his office. They didn't know the one thought running through his head as he made his way out the front door of his club.

If I can't have him, no one can.