Heeeeellloooo, my lovelies!~

So I have this here little chapter up for you all! Upon reading a few of reviews you guys have given on this, I do have to say how happy I am that you guys really like where this is going! I still hope that I continue to grab your interest in this!

Okay, so a little somethin sometin - due to the fact that both Denmark and Iceland do not have any "canon" names, I used the names "Matthias" and "Emil" for them.

Other than that, this chapter is pretty straight forward.

Enjoy!

Hetalia (c) Hidekaz Himaruya

Don't Lean On Me (c) Bringmemisery

Chapter 9 - Ein Anderer Tag

Gil pulled out his notepad from the slip in his apron, and made his way over to a table beside the large café window. Once he was close enough, he noticed three men seated – all of which he recognized. To the left sat Jesus who was grinning about . . . could be anything. Beside him sat Carlo, and across the way was José.

"Willkommen," Gil smiled as he approached the table, "what can I get for you, guys?"

Jesus smiled wide, "Hola, Gil! Como estas! We just stopped by to see your cute face!"

Gil forced a laugh.

"Jesus," José sighed, "Cállate. Can't you stop harassing people for once?"

Jesus laughed, "I'm not harassing! I'm complimenting!"

Gil shifted his weight between his feet, "Are you sure you wouldn't like anything?

Jesus brought his finger to his mouth as José spoke.

"For starters," he sighed, "can you get us a few glasses of water?"

Gil nodded, "Sure. I'll be right back."

Gil walked towards the kitchen, and picked up three glasses. He approached the beverage dispenser and scooped ice into each one. He was about to fill then with water when he felt a hand upon his shoulder. He turned around and was greeted by Matthias' smiling face, his shift manager.

"How goes it, bro?" Gil asked.

"Guess what time it is?" Matthias continued to grin.

Gil tilted his head, "I don't think today is payday . . ."

Matthias laughed, "You're right, there. But it's actually time for you to get out of here."

Gil noticed Emil approach them, his hands yanked at his apron as his eyes met Gil's.

"How goes it?" Gil smiled.

Emil shrugged, "You know? Working."

Matthias laughed as he put an arm around the boy, "Oh, don't be so sour!"

"Don't be so loud," Emil pulled off Matthias' arm.

Gil turned back to the dispenser, and filled the glasses before he placed them onto a small tray beside him. He turned back around and smiled.

"Well," he said as he walked past the two, "I have a new table, so might as well let them know about the switch."

As he left the kitchen, he heard Emil's steps behind him. The two of them reached the table where Jesus and his co-workers sat – all of them wore a serious look. For a moment Gil almost turned around, but of course that would be silly.

It was probably about work anyways.

"Hey, guys," Gil said as he began to place the glasses down, "my shift is over now, so Emil here will be taking care of you for the rest of your stay."

A wide grin spread onto Jesus' face, "Oh, he's adorable!"

Gil gave a quick laugh, "It was nice seeing you all, though."

The table all said their goodbyes as Gil walked away – he noticed Emil's face redden by the second.

After he clocked out he made his way to the backroom, changed, and left though the back door. He pulled out his car keys and unlocked the driver's side. He slipped inside and started the car, then leaned back into his seat.

What happened back there . . . he couldn't shake it.

Jesus' behavior was over-the-top, but . . .

Gil shook his head.

It was foolish of him to fill his head with more nonsense.

He pulled away from the café, his eyes fell upon the clock on his dash.

3:37

He rode through downtown for a few minutes before he pulled in front of a small building. He continued to sit in his car as he looked straight ahead. Before him stood a large clear window that stretched along the side of the building. Inside he noticed a few little girls all dressed up in pink frilled tutus.

His eyes scanned the room until they fell onto the girls' instructor. Her long brown hair had been pulled up into a high ponytail. Her slick black dress swayed with her every move. Her smile—beautiful and radiant as ever.

Gil grinned as he shut off the car. He leaned back and glanced up to the rearview mirror. His eyes locked onto something in the back seat – a small child with a pair of glowing red eyes.

His heart skipped as he shot his head back, but there was nothing there. He started to pant as looked back toward the large window. Once more he looked into the rearview, but saw nothing. He took in a deep breath and forced out a laugh.

His paranoia was going to get him into trouble someday.

He got out of his car, and made his way towards the studio. He opened the front door and walked alongside the large window over to the seats where the parents sat. He found an open seat close to the corner wall. Once seated he watched the girls in hopes of distracting himself.

It was nothing more than an eye trick, right?

Gil placed his elbows onto his thighs, his fingers interlocked. He continued to watch the girls, but came to notice that they walked toward his direction.

Class must be over.

Gil stood as he saw all the cute girls approach their parents with wide grins. Each one explaining how much fun they had and they all thanked "Miss Lizzie" for her "fun class."

He noticed a bright smile form across the Hungarian's soft pink lips as she watched her students leave. Her green eyes shifted over toward Gil's – another smile formed.

"Aren't they adorable?" She asked him.

Gil shrugged, "If you like little pink pixies."

Eliza walked over to him and smacked his arm, "Don't be mean to my girls!"

Gil laughed, "That's not mean. Calling them flamingos would have been worse."

Eliza rose her hand once more but was stopped by one of the students.

"Miss Lizzie?" the little girl asked, "Is that your boyfriend?"

Eliza laughed, "No, sweetheart. He's just a very good friend of mine."

"But he is a boy," the girl smiled, "so technically isn't he your boy-friend?"

"She's got a point, Liz," Gil replied as he heard a few giggles coming from the other girls that had not yet left.

Eliza smiled, "Okay, fine. He's my boyfriend."

The girls laughed once more as their parents apologized and tried to push them out.

Gil laughed, "Got a lively group there, Liz."

"They're good girls," Eliza pushed him, "they just . . . have a big imagination."

Gil smiled, "Pixies with an imagination. Arthur would be proud."

Eliza walked toward the back of the studio, "What is that supposed to mean, exactly?"

"Arthur's into imagination and pretty fairy stuff, isn't he?"

"You're an idiot," Eliza laughed as she unzipped a big black duffle bag.

Gil stared at his reflection in the huge mirror to his left for a moment before his eyes locked onto the grand piano in the corner of the room, so he walked over to it. He grazed his fingertips across the top of the keys before he took a seat.

"Bet Rod comes here to play for you guys," He said as he tried to smile.

"To be honest," Eliza's voice echoed, "He hasn't stepped foot in here. Usually when he picks me up he's sitting in the parking lot."

Gil sighed, "Well, he's missing out . . . hey, Liz?"

"What is it?" Her voice was closer this time.

Gil turned around and looked up at her, "if I played something, would be you become a little pixie too?"

Eliza rolled her eyes, "Gil, I thought you were taking me home, not screwing around."

"Come on! Just for a little. Besides, I am your awesome driver."

"I can take a bus, you know?"

"Don't be a party pooper!" Gil pouted as he blinked his eyes a few times.

Eliza sighed, "Okay, fine. But only for a little bit!"

Gil laughed as he turned back to the keys. After a moment he began to play a light tune.

It wasn't anything fancy, but it was something.

As he played he noticed Eliza close her eyes. She remained motionless of a moment before she started to move. Her steps made her appear as if she were in flight. Her body swayed to and fro – her dress fanned below her. Her every movement was effortless, and very beautiful.

Gil never had seen her dance before. Every time she had invited him for a recital or for practice, he'd always had something planned. His eyes lowered down onto the keys for a moment before returning to the center of the room.

His heart pounded as he watched her spin a few times. Their eyes met, but Gil turned back to the keys.

What would Roderich say if he were here?

Gil ceased his melody after a few moments, then stood up and made his way over to Eliza.

"Guess we should head over to your place," Gil forced a smile.

"Right," Eliza smiled back before she walked over to her bag once more.

She threw it over her shoulder and started towards the exit.

Gil followed after her as he pulled his keys out of his pocket. Once outside he walked a bit faster in order to hold the passenger door open for her. He looked over to her as she locked up the studio doors. She spin around and smiled.

"Gil?"

"Prinzessin?"

"Thank you," Eliza smiled as she sat inside the car.

Gil shut the door and made his way over to his side. He sat down, and his eyes shot up to the rearview mirror. To his relief, there was nothing there. He pulled on his seatbelt and started up the car. He backed out from his spot, then made his way onto the main road.

For a few minutes the two of them sat in silence. Gil looked once more in the mirror – nothing once again. Then he glanced over to Eliza. Her eyes were fixed ahead, then she looked over to him.

Gil looked back to the road, then back to the mirror.

"Gil?"

"Prinzessin?"

"Is there something bothering you?"

Gil laughed, "Nothing bothers the awesome me!"

Eliza sighed, "I'm serious, Gil. Is there something wrong?"

Gil took in a breath, "Not really."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Gil shrugged, "I don't know. I've still been weird, I guess. I called for someone to help me get that chandelier out of my house this morning."

"Have you been getting enough sleep like I told you?"

"Ja, but . . . Gott, I don't know. I've been more not so awesome lately. I mean, earlier I thought I saw a child in my back seat."

"A child?"

Gil nodded, "I know, it's stupid. But it freaked me out."

"Gil, have you considered maybe taking some time off?"

Gil glanced over to her, "I can't afford that right now, Liz. Besides, who'd be with Lud while I'm gone?"

"You swear like he's two. If anything you can take him with you. I really think you need to take a break from all of this."

Gil shoot his head, "Nah, I don't think it's that necessary."

"Can you not be stubborn for five minutes?"

Gil shrugged, "It's in my blood, Liz."

They reached her apartment not long after. Gil pulled into an empty space, then looked over to her.

"Liz?"

She looked at him, "Yes, Gil?"

". . . You think I'm crazy, don't you?"

She smiled, "Normally I would say 'yes,' but not this time. I do think that you need a break, though. Oh, I've got an idea!"

"What?" Gil questioned.

"Come inside," She grabbed onto his arm, "you're not in a hurry home, are you?"

"I'm not, but Liz. I'm alright—"

"Come inside, please," She pouted.

Gil groaned as he shut off his car, "Fine, but only for a bit."

The two of them stepped out of the car and made their way to her front door. Once the door was open, Eliza flicked on the light switch and walked toward the back of the room.

"Make yourself comfy," She called.

Gil looked around the apartment. Beside him was a big plush sofa at sat before a low coffee table. He turned his head and noticed a kitchen that was half hidden in shadows. His eyes then caught site of a few pictures that hung on the walls. Most of them were of Eliza and Roderich, but then he found one that sat beside a small lamp. He walked over and picked it up.

It was of her and himself a few years back. He had remembered it like it was yesterday. It was back when he and Liz were partners-in-crime. Back when the two of them were joined at the hip, and terrorizing close to everyone they knew – even Roderich at times.

Gil place the frame down and smiled. He turned back around and noticed a flicker of light from within the dark kitchen. He titled his head as he walked forward. The closer we got the more he could see this single flame dance before him – like a candle suspended in air.

He stopped a few feet away and continued to watch the flame. He rose his hand toward the glow, but as he did so it vanished. He blinked a few times before he chuckled.

Real or not, he was about to touch whatever that was without a second thought.

Gil was about to turn around when a faint laugh made his heart skip. He turned around – there was not a single flicker of light to be found. He was surrounded in darkness.

He continued to scan around, and once more he heard laughter. He stomach knotted because this time it was much clearer, and much closer.

"Gil," a small voice called out, "Gil, do you want to play a game?"

His heart pounded and his head spun. He lost his balance, and his hip smacked into a counter top. He placed his hand onto the counter, and continued to search the darkness.

The floor below him shook, and he fell to his knees. His palms pressed against the floor, but he the cool tile he was expecting did not greet him. Instead, his hands seemed to seep into a sort of liquid. He lifted his hands and a harsh metallic smell filled his nostrils.

He coughed and he tried to get to his feet; however, his legs would not budge. He continued to pull himself, and his legs grew cold. His heart raced as his the chill crept up to his waist, then to his torso, then to his arms. It wasn't long before his entire body felt like he'd been stuck into a freezer.

That childish laugh rang once again as Gil tried to pull up once more. He felt himself sink through the moist floor. He pulled up again, but his body sank faster. His eyes darted around the blackness as his felt himself waist deep in the fluid. Not a moment later he was shoulder deep.

"Liz!" He cried out as his entire body was consumed.

He had been pulled into what felt like water, but this time he could see a faint glow of light. He struggled to hold the little air in his lung and tried to swim up, but his hands hit a hard surface above him.

He was trapped.

He pounded on the barrier time and time again, but for naught. In an instant something tugged him from the surface. He flailed as he felt himself sink further down. He kicked below him, and his foot came into contact with whatever had him. For a moment he felt his body float, so he swam back to the top. However, he was met by that blasted surface. He pounded with more force, his lungs burned.

He gave one more forceful blow when a loud shriek made him cringe.

For one being underwater and even hearing a sound so clear alarmed him, but that noise. That noise was unlike any noise from that of a human or even an animal.

He struck at the surface once again, but he made no progress. He looked around, and his eyes met with that same pair of glowing red eyes from earlier. His body froze when the eyes were accompanied by a large, toothy grin.

"Gil," He heard its deep voice call, "let's play a game."

The creature screamed once more, and Gil felt as if his body had been set on fire.

He shouted in pain and he could see his skin blister. He shut his eyes as he felt every inch of his body burn. He felt something tug on his skin.

He gritted his teeth as he opened one eye. Before him stood Eliza; panic filled her eyes.

"Gilbert," She placed her hands on his face, "Answer me!"

Gil noticed he was sitting in that big plushy couch, and saw the light in the kitchen had been turned on.

"Gilbert!"

"What?"

"Answer me!"

"What?"

"What is wrong with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"I get changed for a quick moment, and you're here shouting in my kitchen?"

Gil looked over to the kitchen once more, then back at Eliza.

"Gil?"

"You didn't hear that?" Gil felt his heart rate increase.

"Hear what?"

"That kid! A-and that shriek!"

"The only shrieking I heard came from you! What the hell were you doing?"

"You didn't hear it?" Gil looked to the kitchen again.

Had he imagined all of it?

"Gil," Eliza tugged on his face, "you need to take a vacation."

"Liz, I already told—"

"No," Her eyes glossed, "you need to relax and get out of here. Even if it's for a few days. Gil, this isn't healthy. I'm very worried about you."

"You shouldn't be."

"And why not? You're my friend, aren't you? I don't care how much you don't want me to, but I will continue to worry until you get better."

"Liz, I'm just being a baby."

"Stop it!" A tear slid down her cheek, "Stop making an excuse for everything!"

Gil's eyes widened, "Hey, now, no need to get all emotional."

"Then listen to me!"

Gil sighed as he pulled her into him, "hey, don't waste your tears on me, Liz. I'll be fine."

"You keep saying that, but how are you so sure?"

"Come on now, I'm the awesome Gil! There's not a thing I can't do!"

Gil felt his friend's arms tighten around him. He gave her a squeeze as he stroked the back of her hair.

He wished it hadn't come to this. Eliza had enough to worry about. But the more he told her, the more she worried.

The two of them sat in silence. For a moment, Gil had believed she may have fallen asleep. He turned his head towards her, and she looked up at him.

"Liz, I think I should get going."

Eliza's eyes widened, "No, you're not going anywhere."

"What?" He asked as Eliza stood up.

"You heard me," She crossed her arms, "You're staying here."

"But, what's Lud gonna say when he doesn't see I'm there?"

"Oh, please. You act as if he keeps tabs on you."

"You'd be surprised," Gil scratched the back of his neck.

"Well, then call him and tell him that you won't be home. After that episode, I don't think you should be out. All I need is for you. . ."

Gil stood up and put his hand on his hip, "Liz, you really worry too much."

Eliza stuck out her tongue, "Don't care. You're not leaving here, and that's final."

Gil sighed, "There is no way of changing your mind, is there?"

"Go to sleep, Gil."

"You're gonna make me sleep on the couch like a dog, aren't you?"

"Well, I can't let you sleep in my—wait, is that where you want to sleep?"

Gil forced a laugh, "Nein, I'm totes cool here. Couches are awesome!"

"Are you sure?"

"Liz," Gil put his hands on her shoulders, "I'm fine here. Now, go spin your pretty little self back to your room, and get some sleep yourself."

Eliza furrowed her eyebrows, "If you insist . . ."

Gil watched as she turned off the lights in the room. The sole light that shone came from her bedroom down the hall.

"I'll get you some blankets," she said as she walked down the hall.

Gil sat back into the couch and pulled out his keys and phone from his pocket. He placed them both on the coffee table, then stared up at the ceiling.

The last time the two of them slept under the same roof was back when they were kids. The sudden invitation almost made him nervous. He knew nothing would happen, but he felt like he was doing wrong by staying the night.

He ran his fingers threw his hair as he noticed Eliza return. She handed him a couple of pillows and a blanket.

"I hope they're comfy enough," she smiled.

"They're fine," Gil rested his head onto the pillows, "Night, Liz."

"Night," Eliza walked over to her room.

Once the light shut off Gil was surrounded by subtle darkness. He looked over to the kitchen again, and sighed when he saw nothing there. He placed his head on the pillows again, and glanced up.

He was about to shut his eyes when he heard steps approach him. He looked over and he could make out Eliza's small silhouette stand a few feet away.

"Liz?" He asked as she walked closer.

She remained silent as she laid herself beside him, her hands tugged on the front of his shirt.

Gil turned to his side, "Liz?"

"Go to sleep," she cupped her hand over his mouth.

Gil laughed as he pulled her hand away, "With that kind of behavior, I might wake up being strangled."

"You're going to be strangled if you don't hush your face."

"I thought you were sleeping in your room?"

"I was," She looked at him, "but . . . oh, just—never mind."

"Tell me," Gil tugged on her ear.

Eliza laughed as she pulled his nose.

The two of them laughed for a few moments. Then Eliza stared at him once again, her eyes sparkled in the darkness. She smiled and Gil's heart skipped – he was quite sure she felt that.

As he stared back into her eyes, he couldn't help but feel . . . strange. Like the world had stopped moving – existing, even! It was incredible, this feeling that was surging through him. Not every day did people say they cared and proved it!

Gil smiled, "is there something on my face, Prinzessin?"

Eliza laughed, "Yeah, and it's called 'stupidity.'"

Gil put his hand onto her face, "Don't look. It's contagious."

Eliza laughed even more, "You're silly."

"I thought I was stupid?" Gil smirked.

"You're silly and stupid, then."

"Best of both words," Gil shrugged, ". . . Liz?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks."

"For what?"

". . . Listening to my crap, for one. But also for letting me stay here."

"Of course, Gil."