Author´s note

Hey there :3 It is almost Christmas ( 12 days is in my definition "almost") anyway I am so sorry that you had to wait a little bit longer :/ I had been so busy because of my university courses (the first time you have less than 10 courses in 2 years of study and you still have so much to do :/ How did I survive the other four semesters? Phew) Aaaaaaaanyway….I am so sorry if Roderich is OOC here, it wasn´t my intention more or less. Yes Roderich is a sissy ( at least I think so) and he is a bit arrogant ( again my opinion) but what is going to happen in this chapter is a bit over the top for him. However: He is Gaston in my version and so he had to adapt to that role somehow and I tried to do a little bit of damage containment (I kind of prefer the German term here, I don´t know why XD Schadensbegrenzung for all of you that like to learn German words and stuff)

So be warned: This chapter is more or less only about Roderich being a little, scheming douche…..I am so sorry Roderich! So sorry .

Thanks to all those lovely reviewers out there who took their time to comment on the story! I am always so excited (and I just can´t hide it) about reading your reviews!

Anyway: Still no beta reader and so I am sorry for any mistakes….

Disclaimer:

I do not own Disney´s Beauty and the Beast, Hetalia and the songs I used in this chapter.

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Kapitel 7: Perfection of deceit

„Markus!" Roderich yelled, a look of pure dissatisfaction on his face, and stomped his foot. "Yes, sir?" Markus asked as he entered the room. "Where is the carriage, you were supposed to organize for today?" the pianist asked and pointed towards the entrance. "It hasn´t arrived yet, sir." the smaller blond said, looking shamefully downwards. "I can see that. I take you in and how do you thank me? By working sloppily." Roderich exclaimed furiously and stormed out of the room. Markus balled his fists and held back the tears. He wanted to show his caretaker how grateful he was but it seemed that it always backfired.

"Hello? Is somebody there?" a familiar voice asked and a knock on the open door followed. "Miss Lily. To what do we owe this honour?" the boy scrubbed his tears away and turned around quickly. "My brother asked me to bring you the music books you ordered. Is everything alright, dear?" Lily asked worriedly when she noticed the red rimmed eyes. "Yes, of course. You can just give me the books, I will give them to Mr. Roderich." Markus replied, forced a small, polite smile and reached out for the books that were in Lilys´ hands. "Sweety, you obviously cried. What happened? Do you want to talk about it?" Lily softly asked and knelt down, so that she could be on eyelevel with the younger boy.

"No, Miss Lily. It´s alright. It was my own fault anyway. How is Mr. Vash?" Markus tried to change the topic. "He is fine. If you want to talk about something, just come down to the bookstore." Lily said gently and gave the boy a sweet smile. Markus only nodded shortly before escorting the woman outside. He clasped the books closer and turned around.

"Markus! We will go out for dinner. Get yourself dressed and come downstairs. Don´t let me wait for too long. You have stressed my nerves enough already." Roderich said as Markus entered his room. He shortly glanced up, noticed the books and motioned for Markus to lay them down on the desk next to the window. "Yes, sir." with a small bow Markus left the room and made his way down the hall where his own room was. It was only 15 minutes later that Markus emerged from his room, dressed in black cotton pants, a white dress shirt and a waistcoat above it. Golden buttons were sewn on the black cloth and Markus had pulled on a black cape to protect himself from the cold air outside.

He hurried downstairs, looking into the rooms to make sure that his master wasn´t already waiting before sitting down on a small cushioned bench in the foyer. Roderich came down only 10 minutes later. He himself was dressed in a dark violet suit, his hair neatly combed and a cane in his left hand. "Are you ready Markus? Then come along." the older male said and motioned for Markus to open the door. The small boy, desperate to please his master, hurried forwards, opened the door and let the pianist step out before closing the door.

Silence reigned in the carriage when they were on their way to the pub. Roderich looked rigidly outside, taking in the scenery and only once did a small smile, so small Markus almost did not see it, grace his face. Markus didn´t need to look outside to know where they were. He knew that Vash and Roderich shared some childhood memories and that whenever they passed the small, old bookstore, Roderich would smile and then frown until they reached their goal.

Markus was curious as to why those emotions would cross over the pianist´s face. What could have happened that would turn sweet childhood memories into uncomfortable experiences? Markus dallied with this thought until the carriage stopped in front of a pub called "Habsburgia". "Markus! Get out!" Roderich shouted and the boy was snapped out of his thoughts so suddenly that he reflexively jumped from his seat and almost fell out of the carriage face first.

Roderich shortly mustered him before making his way towards to the entrance of the pub. The smaller male straightened himself quickly, brushed his clothes clean and followed the pianist with his head bowed.

It had been later that evening when Roderich had drunken some beer already and his hazy mind remembered the happenings of the day before. "Markus! How could she deject me? I am so p-perfect!" Roderich blubbered and set down his beer mug, his stare was fixed on the boy who sat across him. "I….I…..Maybe she was just….taken by surprise." Markus replied uncertainly, laying down his fork and knife. Roderich gave a huff before leaning back. "Markus, you are right! That poor girl isn´t used to such charity!" the older man declared, his right hand going to his heart and his eyes closed as if he was able to feel the pain of those who weren´t him. Markus, being grateful that his caretaker wasn´t depressed anymore, nodded and agreed. "You are simply the best. Better than all the rest, better than anyone, Anyone I ever met." [1] Markus said melodiously and soon most of the patrons in the pub joined in. "You are right! Every one of you! It couldn´t be me! Who would not want to be with me or actually be me?! I am a superstar with a big, big house and a big, big wealth." [2] Roderich exclaimed and abruptly stood up, his beer mug in one hand.

The patrons cheered and raised their drinks. "We are stuck on your heart! We hang on every word you say!" the female patrons sang, their eyes hazy as they dreamily stared at the handsome pianist. "In your heart I see the start of every night and every day. In your eyes, I get lost, I get washed away. Just as long as I'm here in your arms, I could be in no better place!" a familiar brown haired girl sang and hugged Roderich´s left arm. A low growl came from a red eyed woman who was observing the situation. "Michelle!" she lowly snarled and made her way over. "I know ihr Lieben [3], that you all want to be me. However, I am a superstar, and I don´t care who you are!" Roderich declared loudly, the alcohol getting to his mind. He took a chair and stood on it and toasting to himself. He quickly emptied the mug and before he could even call for someone to refill it, the red eyed woman from before handed him a new mug. "You're simply the best. Better than all the rest, better than anyone. Anyone I ever met!" Vladia sang and ignored the sharp intake of air from Michelle. " I got fortune, I got fame. Love it when you say my name. Love to be the one everyone wants to be. More brilliant than everybody!" Roderich turned away from Vladia, spread his arms melodramatically, then brought his drink to his mouth and emptied the mug in one gulp. He let the mug fall and ignored it as it shattered when it hit the ground. Markus who just wanted to cheer the pianist up slowly felt uncomfortable being surrounded by so many drunken people. He worriedly observed Roderich. "Boy! Come on! Sing along!" an older man said and shoved Markus slightly. "You're simply the best. Better than all the rest, better than anyone. Anyone we ever met." came the chorus and Markus hesitantly sang along. It was making him nervous to be in a crowd like this.

After some time, which felt like an eternity to Markus, the patrons calmed down and Roderich climbed down from the table. He walked over to his protégé who had made his way to the door. "Markus! Wasn´t this wonderful? I can see why everyone wants to be me. I am just so perfect!" Roderich laughed and seized Markus´ shoulders. "Yes." Markus shortly replied and Roderich ruffled the soft blond hair. "Come along! I have an idea how to persuade Elizabeta to marry me." the pianist explained as he walked out of the pub towards the carriage. Markus followed him closely, being concerned about what the drunken mind of his guardian had come up with.

"You see, Markus. We all know that Ivan, Elizabeta´s dearest father, is mad. But she loves him dearly and she would do everything for him." Roderich explained, leaning closer to Markus when they were seated in the carriage. "We will go see Mr. Feliks Łukasiewicz and his assistant Mr. Toris Laurinaitis." Roderich said and smirked evilly. "Are you sure? Isn´t this going too far?" Markus asked worriedly, not being completely convinced by the pianist´s plan. "Nonsense!" Roderich interrupted him and with a movement of his hand he made it obvious he did not want to hear anything about possible flaws of his plan anymore.

Markus shut his mouth, bowed his head and busied himself with his hands. He did not talk to his caretaker until they reached the estate of the psychiatrist.

" Feliks! Great to see you." Roderich exclaimed merrily, the alcohol still strong, and shook the psychiatrists hand who was not looking amused at being visited that late. "Roderich. I would totally like to, like really, say the same but it is late and you like totally disturbed my beauty sleep." Feliks replied and took his hand back.

"Don´t be like that, old friend. I came to talk to you about something of great importance!" Roderich whispered conspiratorially and leaned closer to the smaller male. "I need you to help me with my plan." the brunette explained when Feliks looked interested. "Okay it is like really late and I totally want to go to bed, so come in and make it quick. Like really quick." Lukas gave in as his interest was peeked, and let his unwanted visitors in. "Feliks? Who is it?" a soft voice called out and soon Toris rounded the corner and reached the three males. "Roderich and Markus. They totally want to talk to me about something absolutely interesting." Feliks explained to his assistant who tiredly greeted the two visitors. "Come along, we will go to the backroom." Feliks motioned for the three others to follow him.

When they were all seated in the backroom, Roderich cleared his throat and started to explain what he wanted. " Feliks, you know Ivan. He is a mad man; you of all people should know that." Feliks slowly nodded, his eyes darkening and his body tensing as Roderich mentioned the platinum blond. "Yes, but as you know, it is not needed to hospitalize him. I would totally be not a good psychiatrist if I were to do that only because of like personal reasons." Feliks replied and Toris who sat right next to him nodded in agreement.

You see, when Ivan and his family first moved to the place, Feliks and Toris went to them to welcome them in their village. However, when they came to the house at the borders of the village, they did not meet anyone. It would not have been considered strange or disconcerting if the door had not been open. Worriedly they went into the house to see if someone actually had broken in or not. What the duo did not know about were the two small children that were in the house.

When Anastasia noticed the two strangers, she cried out and her younger brother let out a loud wail. The distressed voices of the children alarmed Ivan who had been in the basement and who quickly made his way into the house, a pipe in his hand and raised to attack whoever had the nerve to endanger his grandchildren. "What are you two doing in my house, da? Are you here to steal something? Did you hurt my little snowflakes, da?" Ivan snarled and made his way threateningly over to the shocked psychiatrist and his assistant. " Like totally not. We are just here to welcome you. Like really now!" Feliks tried to defend himself as he backed away from the man who looked like a psycho with his creepy smile and dangerous aura.

"I don´t really believe you, da?" Ivan smiled sweetly and raised his pipe but before he could strike the green eyed man, he was stopped as a hand seized his wrist. "D-Don't do that. We really just wanted to welcome you." the brunette who held his wrist stammered and was about to let go and back away when lilac eyes locked with his and the taller male turned towards him. The bigger man towered over the small brunette and slowly the smaller one released his hold. "Nobody is allowed to hurt my family, da?" Ivan explained and again raised the pipe. "Father!" a high pitch voiced stopped the platinum blond and the pipe came to a halt only millimetres away from the brunette's head. "Father! Don't! You are scaring Anastasia and Dimitri! This behaviour is the reason why we had to move!" Katyusha who stood in the doorway chastised her father sternly.

The two children stood behind her and their hands were grasping their mother´s skirt tightly. Wide, scared eyes locked with Ivans´ and he let the pipe sink. "I am sorry, da? Just….when they screamed….I was scared that….well…." Ivan had the decency to look ashamed and stepped away from the shivering brunette when his daughter made her way over to the scared duo. "I am sorry. My father is overprotective of his family and I am sorry that you were in this situation. I would kindly ask you to leave." Katyusha helped Feliks to his feet and ushered them to the door. Feliks and Toris did not say anything as they left the house behind, still shocked about almost having their heads smashed in.

"Yes, but maybe you will change your mind if I support your orphanage project. It is almost winter and the orphanage is not really well insulated. Wouldn´t you agree? Some money would sure help to repair the heating system and the front of the building." Roderich explained and was satisfied to see that Feliks and Toris looked torn. "I…Like…I don´t really know if I am able to help you." Feliks replied and his eyes became guarded. Toris gripped his hand and squeezed it shortly. Feliks glanced at him before turning to Roderich. "Feliks. Think about those poor children. They will freeze and probably die of pneumonia." the pianist tried to convince his counterpart. Feliks looked even more torn when the fate of the children was mentioned and he nervously looked towards Toris. "Not every child is as fortunate as Markus here. On second thought, maybe I should put him into that orphanage. I don´t really think that I can take care of him if I don´t have a wife." Roderich explained and Markus paled. The youngest male looked unbelievingly at his caretaker who did not even acknowledge him.

"You wouldn´t! That boy trusts you! You can´t just do that!" Toris exclaimed angrily and stood up abruptly. "I can and I will. It is very important for a child to have a mother." Roderich explained briefly, looking bored. "Toris, like totally take Markus out of this room. I will talk with Mr. Roderich alone." Feliks ordered and Toris looked at him. They stared at each other for a short time before Toris seized Markus´ shoulders and lead him out of the room.

"Roderich, we don´t really get along well for many reasons. This is one of them. I will never understand how you can be like that to someone who is so close to you. However, I cannot let Markus suffer and for his sake I will help you. Furthermore, you will finance all necessary repairs in the orphanage." Feliks demanded, his eyes looking at the pianist imploringly. "I can´t see why that boy stays with you. Gratefulness aside." the only reply he got was a satisfied smile.

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[1] I used the lyrics of the song "Simply the best" by Tina Turner

[2] Lyrics of "Superstar" by Toy Box

Be aware that I only marked the lyrics once; however, I used them in between again ;)

[3] ihr Lieben (German) = you dear (English)

I can´t believe I wrote that. Yes, Roderich is not my favourite character but I don´t actually hate him. I don't think he is that kind of character who would actually do what he did here or at least he would not go that far. However, he has to behave like Gaston would and therefore, Roderich had to all that stuff.

Feliks and Toris weren´t supposed to be in this story, but when I wrote this chapter and noticed that I did not cast the role of the psychiatrist, I thought that those two would be brilliant. Not because I consider them as reasonable or something like that (Toris yes, Feliks not. Reaaaally not ;) ) but I found it funny that someone like Feliks is a psychiatrist and also because I did not have any character in mind that would agree with something like that because of money. So I needed someone that might have some personal reasons to hate Ivan and who might be persuaded with moral arguments. Anyway I hope liked the chapter ;)

Review if you like. I would be very happy!

Love you all

Kindacute