A/N: I'm such a terrible person, and I'm sorry that you guys had to wait way too long for this update! I've been enjoying my summer vacation, and I managed to find some time into typing this but...that really is no excuse for the late update .' I give you permission to throw a brick at me, for making you guys wait so long!
Before you guys can read this chapter, let me just thank you guys for reading, favouriting, following, and taking the time to leave a review! Thank you very much!
Let me also just give you a heads up for this chapter by letting you know that this chapter is going to be in Gilbert's point of view instead of Matthew's! I wanted to give Gilbert a chance, and I'll be doing a few other chapters in his POV in the future too, but it may take a while for that to come around. And also, there are some dialogue that were in German, and I had to use a translator for those parts, so if you see ANY mistakes, please let me know so I can correct them! Enjoy :)
Chapter 10
The wind suddenly blew ferociously, forcing the leaves and branches of the trees to sway in on direction. The beginning of fall is almost near, and the temperatures are supposed to drop, but it doesn't seem that way. One could still go around shirtless and they'll still be sweating buckets thanks to the temperature.
"Hello? Earth to Gilbert." A voice snapped, as some snapping of the fingers ensued. Gilbert did an eye roll. Now what does the fucking teacher want?
"Yeah?" Gilbert snapped back, his eyes drawn away from the outdoor scenery and towards his History teacher who was standing beside Gilbert's desk. He could tell that his teacher was very much annoyed at him. Not like he would give a damn. The teacher can yell at him for all he cared.
"Don't think I'm going to be nice and easy just because you started to come to class on time," he said, trying to keep calm.
I didn't expect you to, Gilbert wanted to say, but kept his mouth shut.
"What have you done during this whole period, other than gawking out the window?"
Gilbert lazily picked up his notebook as he laid his head on his hand that was sat up table. He allowed the teacher to scan through his writing, before he glared at him.
"Carry on," his History teacher said with an irritated twitch of his nose.
Gilbert just had to grin as he saw his teacher walked to the front to target his next victim. Obviously he would finish all his work already. History was actually one of the subjects he prefers. Although, he didn't like his History teacher, who in turn didn't like him.
Heck, which teacher didn't? With the exceptions of Mr. Lars, Ms. Karpusi, and Ms. Khemet, the others weren't actually all that excited to have him in their class. He's glad that he has Mr. Lars for Gym and Ms. Khemet for Math this semester again…okay, maybe not Ms. Khemet. Well, she is the one who failed him, but he'll actually admit he's fully at fault for failing. He won't be seeing Ms. Karpusi, since he didn't take any of the Arts courses, which sucks. He would've continued taking Drama, but his grandfather made it clear that he had to take a course that would actually help out his future.
The teacher he doesn't want, though, is Bushy-Brows- Mr. Kirkland. He would switch out of that class at all costs. He doesn't care if he has to retake Grade 10 English, or take a Saturday or Night class for it, even though that might be too much. There is no way he's going to be taught by the Brit again. It's miraculous he passed that course, but only barely. He guessed that Mr. Kirkland didn't want to see him either, which is why he passed him...but his marks were still low. Their disliking for each other is two-sided, so there were no problems for Gilbert with his mark. He passes, then that's that. He won't have to hold back from cussing Mr. Kirkland off ever again.
But, the problem is, he's now acquainted (would he be lying if he said friends?) with Matthew. It's not bad that he hangs out with Matthew at all. He loved the younger ones presence and his character. He was the opposite of Gilbert, which is what really drew him to Matthew. The problem is the Kirkland is his father. Gilbert is still having a hard time accepting this newfound fact. They weren't related, he knew that for sure; there were prominent differences between how they look, and with Eliza's investigation, he knew that Birdie was adopted by Kirkland. However, he must be caution around his Birdie. Who knows what will happen to him.
"Psst! Gilbert!" Someone whispered beside him, drawing his attention to her. It was a girl, named Fatima. He had shared in one of his classes in Grade 9. She had a light-brown skin tone, and she wore a hijab around her head. She hangs out mostly with another girl called Katherine, an international student from England, who was also in this History class.
"What is it?" He muttered back, glancing to see if their History teacher was near. He was seated at his own desk, and looking through sheets.
"Are you free after school?" She asked.
"No, I'm not. Why do you ask?" He responded automatically. He wasn't sure if he was free, but he barely even talked to the girl, so asking him this question made him a bit doubtful.
"Oh, I just need to tell you something really quickly."
"Can't you tell me now?"
"No! It has to be outside of the classroom."
"What does it have to do with?"
"Um, it's mostly about Kat. But, I can't tell you in here."
"Just tell me right after this class is over-."
"Why do I hear talking?" The teacher asked, his eyes narrowing as he looked at both the students, who quickly leaned back up and looked into their textbooks.
"Because you have fuckin' ears?" Gilbert muttered under his breath as he flipped through his textbook, but his teacher didn't hear his comment. The people around him who had heard restrained a chuckle, before continuing to write down the answers to the questions.
When the bell rang for the end of Period 3, Fatima pulled him to the end of the hallway, behind a wall, out of everyone else's earshot.
"Is this so important that you have to force the awesome me here?" Gilbert asked.
"Well…yes…Are you dating anyone now?" Fatima asked quickly. The albino looked at her confusingly. Is that all she really wanted to ask?
"No, I'm not. Now, if you don't mind, I have to-"
"Do you like anyone?" Gilbert froze in his spot. Why is she asking this?
"No, I don't. Why are you asking me these questions?"
"Okay, okay, so, um, you know Kat right?"
"Yes," Gilbert slurred, uneasy about where this would lead to.
"Okay, uh, would you consider dating her?" This is what she wanted to ask him? Gilbert stood there uncomfortably. He never considered her- Hell, he never considered any of the girls in his school. He found it weird to look at them that way.
He thought about Elizabetha, who everyone thought they would make such a cute couple, with their constant bickering, but to him it was impossible to see her as anything more than a good friend or, heck, even a sister. And she only saw him as her brother, and she likes Roderich. It was just that…girls don't really interest him. Although, he did have a crush on someone the previous year…but it wasn't a girl.
"Well…I never considered," Gilbert muttered as he pieced things together. "Why? Does she…?"
"…Yeah, she likes you and she wanted me to ask you if you could go out with her. You know, she always goes on about you to me-Well, not always, but you know what I mean? She really likes you, Gilbert, so..." It was like she was trying to make him feel guilty and say yes. Well, this was the hardest part to get by. How many girls have asked him this? Honestly, a few have, but it was always the same response at the end. It made him feel a bit guilty inside to say it, because he knew how it felt to be given an un-awesome response.
"Can you tell her that…I can't see her that way?" Damn, he was terrible at choosing the right words for this. He quickly turned around and walked down the hallway.
"W-Wait! Can't you tell me why-" Fatima asked as he speed walked, but she couldn't finish since Gilbert already disappeared through the mob of students in the hallway. He made his way up the multiple staircases, towards his Math class. Before he could reach there, thought, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.
He took it out, caution to check if there were any teachers around, before looking at the screen. He saw it was a text from Vash. Do you want to skip last period and head for the mall? I honestly don't feel like studying.
What, just u and me? Gilbert texted back as he lay against the lockers. He glanced both ways again, to see if the coast is clear from teachers. They will confiscate it if they saw him use it. And, plus, he still had some time left before the bell rang for the beginning of the next period. His phone vibrated again.
No, Eliza and Roderich are coming too
They're with me right now
What? Roddy is actually skipping? That's rare XD
Yeah, I know, right?
I'd love 2, but I can't skip this class
What's so special about math that you can't come to the mall? Is there someone you want to see?
* Suggestively* Maybe…
Really, Gilbert?
Oh, liebling. You jealous? ;)
Barely -_-
Don't worry. I still and always will have a special place for you in my heart. You're just not my #1
Flirt with someone else, Beilschmidt
Alright, Zwingli, but we both know you love me XD
How 'bout after classes I'll just meet u guys there?
Yeah, sure
Later
Ja, later
Gilbert quickly slipped his phone into his pocket when he saw Ms. Khemet walking down the hallway, to his Math class. He sighed in relief of not being caught, and hastily entered the classroom.
His favourite person has actually made it to class before him, his nose in a book he's always reading.
"Yo, yo, Mattie," Gilbert said walking up beside the blonde and taking his seat. "Still reading that book, I see."
"Yep," Matthew replied (whispered), his view drawing away from the pages and looking up at Gilbert. He tucked a stand of his strawberry blonde hair behind his ear and looked a Gilbert with his big violet eyes as a small smile grew on his face. "I'm almost finished this one."
"Honestly Birdie, how can you sit through reading it? Books are soo boring. I always quit after the first sentence…no, the first word."
"They're not boring," Matthew answered with an offended tone. "Books are the best thing there is on this planet! Well, not all books may be interesting to one, but it's good to read and…" As Matthew continued to talk about how great books are, some that one should avoid if they don't like so and so, Gilbert just laid back and watched him. He couldn't help but smile at how flustered and serious Matthew seemed about the subject. It was way too cute. But inside, he had a doubt gnawing in him.
The thought of Matthew kind of made Gilbert think a bit darkly now after their conversation on the roof (where they continued to go for lunch in recent days).
Did Matthew really think of Gilbert that way? He knew he seemed like the type to do a lot of things that could get him arrested-and he did- but, there was so much more. So much more…
Gilbert exhaled deeply as he trudged his feet up the main sidewalk to the mall as only a few cars passed him. Matthew had to stay behind because Alfred got recommended for the school's American foot-ball team, and Alfred did not hand in the form on time, so he was afraid to see how Mr. Lars would react if he were alone.
The boy let out another sigh. He glanced up towards the sky to see that some grey rain clouds are slowly rolling in. How nice. He didn't even bring an umbrella with him, nor did he have a sweater. Maybe it would have been alright if he lived in the dorms with other students. But no, he had to live with his grandfather, since he lives in this town to begin with. So, basically, Gilbert has to bus it to his house. Oh, joy. Why does the school have to be so far away?
"Cheep~?" Gilbird asked Gilbert, fluttering on to his shoulder and looking up to his friend.
"Oi, Gilbird!" Gilbert muttered to his bird, holding up his hand. "Stay inside the pocket! What if you get wet?" Gilbird chirped once more, noticing Gilbert didn't seem like he was in a good mood, before crawling down into Gilbert's shirt pocket.
He trudged his feet, passing students who also had plans to go around town. He passed some boys in his grade who were walking too damn slow, and he could hear them saying something about him of some sort. He heard one say something like 'he thinks he's so tough. I don't think he could even handle a fight'. Gilbert didn't have to think for that one. He knows he could handle a fight. He's been in so many, and he came out as victorious…most of the times. He stopped at a signal light. All he needed to do was cross the road ahead, and the mall is right there.
Gilbert glanced to the opposite side of the road. There was a strip mall on that side, with a corner convenience store. Behind that is another neighbourhood. The boy looked at the convenience store for a moment, before looking away. There was no way he was going inside. He promised himself he would stop doing it. The last pack he had was his last one he'd ever get.
"He thinks he's so 'cool'," he could hear one kid mutter to his friends. "I had him in my English class last year. He was such a nuisance, he did nothing."
"Who, Gilbert? He has to re-take grade 9 Math, right?"
"Pfft, yeah, because he skipped the class I heard. He must really think it is 'awesome' to not attend class."
"How the hell did he get in this academy?"
"It's so obvious. His grandfather is vice-principal in this school. That's the only reason. They're loaded."
"You know what I heard? He used to be in some gang ever since he was in grade 7."
"Yeah, I heard that. The place he lived in was a mess. There were thugs and street-fights ever where you go. He was one too. You can tell he got into fights with knives and shit. He still has scars. And apparently, he used to do drugs and got wasted on alcohol too. He legit smoked marijuana."
"He still does. That's the only reason he skipped classes. So he can smoke weed and get high. I can never understand pot-heads."
"Do the teachers not care? Honestly, he's a terrible name for our school, and an embarrassment. They should just kick him out."
"Yeah, I know. What an idiot. You know, I don't know why girls go after him. He's such a loser."
"I'm surprised that he has friends. I don't know why they'd be associated with him."
"I wouldn't even dare. He should just do us a favour and leave. We'd all be better off without him."
During their whole conversation, Gilbert was doing his best to bottle up his anger. Stay calm, Gilbert, he told himself as his fist clenched together tightly. Don't mind them. They're just a bunch of arrogant, snobby, sheltered rich kids. But their words did bug him. They were slowly eating through his mind.
He took out his cell phone as he neared the entrance of the mall, and quickly texted Vash to locate him. The Swiss texted right away his location-the food court-.
"Hey, Vash. Roddy, Beth," Gilbert greeted his friends when he saw the trio sitting on a table. Elizabetha was drinking an Ice Capp, while Roderich sat in front her, and Vash beside him. Gilbert slipped into the seat beside Elizabetha, and stole some fries from Vash's tray.
"Don't call me that, Gilbert," Elizabetha said with a scowl at how he greeted her. "You know I hate it whenever someone calls me 'Beth'."
"What's wrong with the name?" Gilbert asked as he tried to take her drink, but she pulled it away from his grasp. Gilbird popped out of the pocket when he heard Elizabetha's voice. He fluttered out of the pocket, and up to Elizabetha, who smiled at the bird, and started to pet it's head.
"Hey, little bird," she said softly, letting Gilbird walk up to Vash's tray. "Nothing is wrong with the name, I just don't like people calling me that. Like, if I were to call you 'Bert'." Elizabetha stifled a laugh. "Maybe I should call you that. If you want one, there's a Timmies right there," Elizabetha said, pointing at a Tim Horton's at the other side.
"I don't have any money," Gilbert said with a pout. "C'mon, Eliza, share! You're not behaving awesomely."
"It's only a toonie for this size."
"I used the ones that I had on hand already! The rest of my allowance is at home!"
"What did you spend the on hand money on?" Roderich asked as he helped himself to some fries (to this, Vash did not glare at him).
"Just something," Gilbert muttered, as he started to eat the fries, ignoring Vash's looks of irritation directed at him as Gilbird also started to also took a bite out of one. Not liking the taste, he backed away, and seek refuge inside Gilbert's shirt pocket. To annoy Elizabetha, he switched to German and started to talk to Roderich and Bacsh, "Ich bin überrascht, dass der Mall Mannschaft hat nicht kicken ihr Leute da draußen. (I'm surprised the mall squad didn't kick you guys out.)"
"wir nur belogen, um von ihnen mit den Worten: School ließ sich früh. (We just lied to one of them by saying school let out early)," Vash replied simply back, catching on to why Gilbert was doing this. The two loved to annoy Elizabetha, mostly because she has some outrageous reactions. Elizabetha stared at them blankly at both of their words, as if trying to comprehend what they were saying.
" (What's your reason for skipping?)" Vash shrugged at his question.
" Englisch Klasse langweilen mich. Wir waren nicht nichts tun große sowieso.(English class bores me. We weren't going to do anything major anyway)," Vash said, still in German, pointing at Roderich. ". (I forced Roderich to skip with me)."
"bin ich nie tun dies immer wieder(I'm never doing this ever again)," Roderich hissed, pushing his glasses up his face, before starting a conversation with Elizabetha.
"Du bist so ein goody-goody.(You're such a goody-goody)," Gilbert teased, a grin growing on his face. "und was waren sie Leute hier tun bis jetzt? (And what were you guys doing here till now?)"
"Elizabetha bestand darauf, dass wir weiter mit einigen Drucken speichern und sie können drucken, was Fotos hat sie auf der Kamera. Ein paar der Mädchen flirtet mit uns.(Elizabetha insisted that we go to some printing store so she can print whatever photos she has in her camera. Somehow, a bunch of girls were flirting with us.)" Vash replied, before dropping to whisper so only Gilbert could hear the following words. "einige Mädchen geflirtet hat mit Roderich, und ich schwöre dir Eliza war etwa zu klopfen ihr block off.(Some girl was flirting with Roderich, and I swear Eliza was about to knock her block off.)"
"Sie haben das auch, Sie wissen schon. Oder, war es sie, die vorhatte, dass? (You would've done that too, you know. Or, was it you who was about to do that?)" Gilbert muttered back suggestively with a knowing wink, causing a light blush to settle in on Vash.
"N-No, of course not."
"Right…you would've used a weapon instead." Vash didn't hesitate to kick Gilbert hard in the sins after that comment. Roderich looked at the both of them, not knowing what they were talking about.
"H-Hey! What are you guys saying about me?" Elizabetha asked, upon already hearing her name once.
"I know, she's always jealous whenever girls go after her boy-toy," teased Gilbert, as he quickly took the Ice Capp off the table and started to drink, much to Elizabetha's refusal to share.
"I am never jealous! Where did you get that crap from?!" Elizabetha huffed, as she tried to get her drink, but to no avail, she was not able to reach. Quickly, an argument ensued between the two, and all Roderich and Vash could do was try their best to ignore them.
"Ó, a fenébe! (Oh, damn!)" Elizabetha muttered when she checked the time in the middle of their conversation over nothing, and she got off her seat. "I forgot! I have deliveries to do! I'll see ya guys later, okay?"
"I have to leave too," Gilbert said, noticing the time. He got up, "I'll see you tomorrow." The two others replied with a 'later', and both Elizabetha and Gilbert walked out of the mall together.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, then." Elizabetha said when they reached the sidewalk, and were about to split.
"Yeah, see ya." Gilbert replied honestly.
"Oh, right! I almost forgot! I have something to show you," Elizabetha exclaimed as she went through her bag, and pulled out a white envelope. She took out a few photos, and handed them to Gilbert. "Tell me, do these look alright? I need to give them to certain people, so I want your opinion on them."
Gilbert started to flip through the photos, and he could feel his face slowly starting to heat up when he saw the same person doing a variety of things-one, he was caught sleeping in the library, his head resting on his folded arms on the study table, books scattered around him- until he stopped at one. One of them were the photos she took of Matthew the first time they actually saw each other face-to-face, and she was all creeper-like by saying things about him.
His head was tilted a bit; his hands were clasped together, finger intertwining each other and were in front of him. He had the short-sleeved collared shirt with the red vest, and the black tie. His wavy strawberry-blonde fell in an elegant manner, some cupping his rosy beige face, one curl sticking out. His smile was the shy, closed mouth one, but he still looked adorable, and his violet eyes also smiled along with it.
"He's so cute," Elizabetha squealed. "Most of the freshmen this year are quite popular amongst the girls, but most of them can't even remember Matthew's name. They just pick him out. His smile is adorable. Am I right?"
"Uh, sure…" Gilbert mumbled unsurely.
"Do you want a copy?"
"W-What? Why would I want this?" Gilbert said, taken by surprise.
"Oh, Gilbert. There's no point denying it," Elizabeth said, wagging her eyebrows suggestively. "We both know that you have a thing going on for him. And I know you want a copy~"
"No, I don't have a thing going on for him! And, I'm not a creeper like you girls to secretly buy pictures of other guys doing certain things."
"Hey, not only girls do that! There are a few guys who buy these," Elizabetha said as she folded her arms. "What's the problem? Why are you denying that you like him? You always talk about him to me-"
"No, I don't always!"
"…Okay fine, but I should hold up a mirror to show you how you look whenever you talk about him. Stop being in denial!"
"Well, why are you denying that you have a crush Roderich?" Gilbert shot back defensively.
"Hey, only you and Vash know, okay? And I only deny it in front of him, obviously. You guys don't need to say things like 'oh, yeah, listen to your boyfriend'! Do you know how awkward that is?"
"Is it really awkward? Or do you actually like it whenever I say that?" A blush ensued on Elizabetha's face, as she threw a punch to his arm, to which he hissed in pain. She can pack a lot of strength in one single punch, even if she didn't seem like that type.
"Hey, watch it!" Gilbert said, placing a hand over his shirt pocket protectively. "Careful where you punch! You almost hit my pocket! I have a living bird in here!"
"Oh, shut up! I didn't even hit you anywhere near there, and I wouldn't dare hurt the baby bird! Anyway, we're talking about you, aren't we? Just answer me. Do you like Matthew or not?"
"I don't know…Maybe"
"Um, it's a simple 'yay' or 'nay' question. There's no 'maybe'."
"I don't know, okay, Eliza? It's too soon to say. I mean, I just met Birdie this year and just recently hang out with him. I only know some stuff about him."
"Aw, you even have a nickname for him," Elizabetha cooed, her hands clasped together, and Gilbert could have sworn she was going into her dreamland again.
"…Did you even hear the 'I just met him this year, I only know some stuff about him' part?"
"So what, Gilbert? Did you like someone soon after meeting them?"
"Yeah, and after a school year-long crush, I find out he's not interested-" Gilbert slipped, before quickly shutting his mouth. Elizabetha's eyes widened in surprise. Uh-oh. Gilbert never told her anything about his crush on someone last year.
"You liked someone and you never told me! Who is it?!" Elizabetha shrieked out the question. "How could you not tell me this before?! I thought we were besties! You know, we're like brothers! Or sisters. Whichever one works…but anyway, how could you Gil?"
"I got to go Elizabetha," Gilbert said, as he shoved the photos into her hands and started to speed-walk up the sidewalk.
"Well, at least say yes or no to Matthew! I need to know!" He ignored her as he made his way to his bus stop. He stood there, hands in his pocket, until he felt his phone vibrate. It was the same question from Elizabetha. She's so annoying and persistent. But, then again, she has the right to know. She did tell Gilbert first that she admitted that she like Roderich, even though Gilbert wasn't really ecstatic at that fact. He stopped his fingers from typing anything, thinking for an answer. He typed in his two-letter response.
Gilbert entered his grandfather's house, remembering to take off his shoes at the front, and trudged his way to his room. He had decided to loiter around a bit, and headed to the nearby park for the hell of it. He was about to stay a bit longer, but decided against it when it started to suddenly rain lightly. He wasn't drenched or anything, which was the good thing. He dropped his black back-pack to the floor, closing the door as he took his phone and put his music on to the max. Gilbird fluttered out of his pocket, and went into a cage with his food and other things inside. Gilbert took out a pack of bird feed, and poured it into a bowl, and gave it to Gilbird to eat. He lay on his bed, and took out his PSP from one of drawers.
He started to play a game, and this continued for another 20 minutes before a sharp knock interrupted him. He quickly placed game on his dresser, got up and opened the door. He was relieved to find it was only Ludwig. He was wearing a simple white shirt and grey sweats, his hair not combed back like it always was during the day. Gilbert just noticed he was wearing a white apron.
"Schöne Schürze. Kann ich Ihnen helfen mit alles?(Nice apron. Can I help you with anything?)" Gilbert asked his younger brother as he leaned against the doorway. Ludwig looked at him with a hint of annoyance, as he quickly untied his apron and let it hang off his arm.
"Können Sie sich wenden, dass Musik aus? (Can you turn that music off?)" Ludwig asked, folding his arms as Gilbert turned off the music. "unten. Abendessen ist fertig. Und das Gesicht waschen. Haben Sie sich nicht auf jeden Fall, dass nach sie nach Hause kommen? Oder, mindestens ein Bad zu nehmen- (Come downstairs. Dinner is ready. And wash your face. Didn't you at least do that right after you come home? Or, at least take a bath-)"
"Ja, Mutter(Yes, Mother)," Gilbert said with an eye roll as he headed to the washroom. He turned on the tap, and splashed water on his face. He continued in German,"Calm yourself, West. I'll take a shower after dinner. Anything else you have to say to me?"
"Grandpa will be joining us. If I remember correctly, you got your marks for your Math test yesterday, right? I have my marks back today. You know, he'll be asking about it, right?" Gilbert froze as the water washed away the soap from his hands. Oh shit. He forgot about that. Well, he shouldn't worry, since he passed with a 60. Well, it's better than failing. Although, he'll be disappointed…like always.
"Yeah, I remember," Gilbert muttered as he made his way down the staircases, Ludwig right behind him. The brothers went down the hallways, to the dining room, beside the kitchen. They found their grandfather, Alaric, already seated there all neatly. He was still wearing his work clothes, and his long blonde hair was pulled back into a low ponytail.
"Where were you until now, Gilbert?" Were the first thing Alaric asked when the duo took a seat opposite to each other. He didn't even look up to Gilbert.
"I was with Elizabetha, Vash, and Roderich," Gilbert simply stated, taking a sip from his glass of water, hoping that he wouldn't ask him about his test. Hopefully he forgot Gilbert told him about it.
"Where?"
"Just the mall."
"And it took you this long?" Alaric continued in German.
"Most of the buses were crowded, so I had to wait," Gilbert lied, putting some mashed potatoes on his plate, along with some vegetables.
"Oh yeah?" His grandfather asked, seeming like he didn't believe him.
"Yep." A silence ensued as they ate- well, it was only Ludwig and Mr. Beilschmidt that actually ate. Gilbert was silently, using his fork to move the food around his plate.
"What happened to that Math test you had, Gilbert? Ludwig, you had one too, correct?" Shit, Gilbert thought, as his red-coloured eyes made contact with Ludwig's calm blue-coloured eyes, begging Ludwig not to say anything. Ludwig caught on, and just replied with a quick 'Yes', not saying anything else.
"Well? I was told by your teachers that you received it back."
"95%," Ludwig replied, looking at Gilbert who didn't look away from his plate as he replied.
"60%," Gilbert muttered his response, preparing himself for the comments he'll be receiving. From the corner of his eyes, he could see a thin line of disapproval on his grandfather lips.
"…Did you study, Gilbert?"
"...Yeah."
"Then what happened to the rest of the 40%?"
"It went missing."
"I'm pretty sure you'll find it in summer school," Alaric plainly replied back to his comment. Ludwig looked uncomfortably between the two of them, not liking the tense atmosphere that settled in, even though he's witness these things many times.
"They're all careless mistakes aren't they?"
"...yep…"
"Where do you think carelessness is going to lead you, Gilbert?"
Gilbert didn't reply, but instead he glared at him.
"You haven't changed at all from any of your previous years. You're always out, doing something pointless. You're way below the class' average. Honestly Gilbert, this is grade 9 Math. Your brother is getting better marks then you. I never got marks below 90. You're just so-" He didn't finish his line, but Gilbert decided to finish it for him.
"Embarrassing to have?"
"I never said that." He snapped.
"Well, it's obvious you think that. You know, you keep comparing me to Ludwig and you. It's like you're saying, compared to Ludwig, the outstanding student, I'm the failure. Makes sense, right?" He then muttered to himself, "I'm pretty sure you say that yourself."
"And when was that?" Alaric snapped. Maybe it was best if Gilbert just remained quiet like he'd always did, and ignore him. But, he could help but yell back.
"You always complain about me! You always have to find some sort of flaw in me! As if I haven't gone through enough shit already to hear you complain about me not living up to your standards, which I try to do. It is so annoying!"
"Annoying? No, I'm simply stating the truth as I see it. And maybe I wouldn't have to be 'complaining' if you behave properly instead of being useless and doing nothing."
"Oh, and how do you know I do nothing?!"
"Obviously with the marks you're getting, it's like you're not trying."
"I am trying-"
"Well, you know what, Gilbert? I've told this 100 times, but it's like nothing is going through your head. You have to try harder or else you won't resort to anything when you're older! I'm not going to be there to tell you what to do or what not to do, and when you have to work! You're work habits have to change or else you'll be back on the streets like you were before when you were living with!"
"Then I rather return to the streets instead of staying in this hell-hole! At least I don't get judged or told how fucked up I'll be in the future based on my grades there!"
"Then you can go! I don't care! You're welcome to leave anytime, Gilbert! No one's going to stop you."
Neither of them realised that they were standing as they were yelling. Gilbert's chair was knocked to the floor, lying on its back. He looked between Ludwig and his grandfather, before angrily leaving the dining table. Gilbert then made his way out of the dining room, straight to the corridor, taking the flight of stairs up to his room.
He didn't hesitate to slam the door hard so that anyone in the house could hear it. Gilbird was sleeping at that moment, and the noise slightly surprised him. However, he went back to sleep. He laid down on his front on his bed. He turned on his lamp, bringing in more light then what the moon had to offer, and turned around to look at his bedroom's ceiling.
Words etched into his mind as he continued to look blankly at the ceiling, deep in thought. Useless. Nuisance. He had heard way worse things. Yet, these things that he had heard so many times still hurt. Voices started to slowly crawl into his head and he felt darkness fall on him.
How the hell did he get in this academy?
It's so obvious. His grand-father is vice-principal in this school. I'm pretty sure he's the only reason why he got in. That's the only reason.
He's a terrible name for our school, and an embarrassment.
He should do us a favour and leave. We'd all be better off without him.
You'll be back on the streets like you were before!
You're welcome to leave anytime, Gilbert!
Maybe I should just do him a favour and leave the house, Gilbert thought dully, subconsciously drawing lines along his wrists. Or I should do the whole world a favour and just…disappear…
Yes…Disappear… A soft, cold voice hissed in his mind, and suddenly he felt his body go cold and a bit rigid. He could have just stop thinking about it, but he just sunk deeper. Gilbert's mind slowly turned fuzzy, and he closed his eyes. He was slowly slipping into darkness, not able to control what was happening to him. The voice started to get louder and louder…
Honestly, Gilbert, what's the point of staying in this world? We should just…Disappear…disappear from this world-
Gilbert's eyes opened quickly when he heard a sharp knock on his door, his mind suddenly began conscious about where he was.
He laid there a few seconds, confused at what had just happened to him. It was like he had just awoken from a dream. There were another knock on the door, and he sat up straight. His throat was a bit dry and he had a bit of sweat on his forehead. What just…happened?
"C-Come in," Gilbert said, his voice cracking a bit as he wiped his forehead. The door opened, and he saw Ludwig peek in through the door, his clear, cerulean eyes unsure about coming in.
"What's up, Ludwig?" Gilbert asked, as Ludwig came in. In his hands was a plate of mashed potatoes, sausages, with some boiled vegetables, and a glass of water.
"You didn't eat dinner, so I brought you some food…" Ludwig said, but his voice trailed off a bit.
"How were you able to get this up here without grandpa stopping you?" Gilbert said as he accepted the plate. He hadn't realised how hungry he was until he saw the food, and his stomach let out a low growl.
"After you left, he got a call from Mr. Vargas and he had to leave." Ludwig simply replied, as he took a seat on a chair across from Gilbert's bed.
"Geez, thanks West," Gilbert said gratefully as he started to stuff some food into his mouth.
"No problem," Ludwig said with a small smile. He then looked slightly down, as if he was thinking of something. Gilbert noticed the look in his younger brother's eyes, like something was also bothering him.
"What's wrong?" Gilbert asked after a few minutes of silence between the two. Ludwig looked at with a slightly confused face.
"What do you mean, what's wrong?"
"You look like something's annoying you," Gilbert replied, taking a few gulps from the glass.
"Nothing is wrong."
"Now that's loads of crap. C'mon. You know you can tell me anything, right? I've told you that before."
"Yeah, about a hundred times, along with you telling me how awesome you are."
"So? What's up? Did you ask someone out and they broke your heart?"
"No, that's not it," Ludwig sighed, as he avoided eye contact with Gilbert. He bit his bottom lip, and looked like he was trying to think of how he should reply to his question. A silence fell between them, as Gilbert stared at Ludwig, expecting him to reply.
"Bruder?" Ludwig started after a few more seconds of silence. He looked down, and he took out the black string from his necklace. It had a black cross pendant, outlined with silver metal.
"Yeah?"
"You…Do you remember how I…was in the hospital when I was around 12?" He started to fidget a bit with the pendant. "And it was all weird and I couldn't remember any of you guys?"
"A-Ah," Gilbert managed to say, taken aback from his younger brother's question. He blinked a few times, and cleared his throat. "Yeah. What…about it?"
"Oh, um…you know how, I don't remember anything before that?"
"Uh…yes…"
"Okay," Ludwig sighed, rubbing his temple. "Well…first, can you…tell me how?"
"Tell you how what?"
"Can you tell me about how I ended up in the hospital?"
Gilbert sat there frozen, staring at Ludwig with wide, crimson eyes. He could have sworn his heart stopped for a moment, and a sudden lump of emotion started to build up when a memory of what Ludwig was talking about flashed through his mind. This question is something Ludwig had asked before, but Gilbert hadn't heard it for so long now.
"Nothing happened. You just fell asleep, and you just woke up without knowing anything."
"Right. So, I just fell asleep one day and I somehow was able to have a cast on my arm?" Ludwig asked sarcastically.
"Uh…yeah?"
"Stop it, Gilbert. You told the same thing over and over. How long are you and grandpa going to stop hiding what happened?"
"Who says I'm hiding anything?"
"You're not telling me what actually happened. Why can't you just tell me?"
"How is knowing going to help you Ludwig? Nothing's going to happen whether you know or you don't know. What happens in the past stays in the past."
"I'm just curious, Gilbert," Ludwig said, rocking the chair back and forth impatiently. "What's wrong with knowing?"
"Nothing's wrong with knowing." I just don't want to remember the past, that's all. Gilbert thought darkly. "I just think it'd be best if we don't talk about the past."
"Not like I even remember anything before I woke up for me to talk about," Ludwig muttered to himself. This conversation wasn't leading to anywhere for now, and it was making Gilbert very uncomfortable. He just stretched out his arms and replied,
"Man, I'm so tired! I may as well take a shower! Can you be a nice brother and bring my dishes to the kitchen please?" Gilbert asked as he grabbed his towel that hung on his closet door, and casually strode to the bathroom.
"W-What?" Ludwig asked, looking outside his room. "No way! Do it yourself!"
"Please?" Gilbert whined as he lay against the doorway of the bathroom.
"…Okay, fine," Ludwig grumbled irritably, returning back into Gilbert's room. He emerged out with a plate and glass in hand, shooting him a dirty look when he passed Gilbert.
"Thank you. I love you too," Gilbert teased, and he swore he saw the edge of Ludwig's lips turn upwards into a smile, like he was trying to supress a laugh.
"Yeah, yeah," Ludwig said as he walked downstairs.
He stared out the window of the car he was in, along with Ludwig and his parents. Gilbert sat in the back seat of the car, and Ludwig had moved over closer to Gilbert, laying his head on his brother's shoulders, trying to ignore the constant arguing they heard from their parents. Honestly, couldn't they wait until they got home to argue when they get home like they always did?
Gilbert couldn't remember what they were talking about. But, he was pretty sure it was something extremely stupid, like always. He had heard them argue way too many time, with at least one of them blaming him and his brother for how shit their lives are. He was pretty sure that his father was drunk as he drove, too. It must have been because of his carelessness on the road that caused what happened next.
All too suddenly, a harsh impact was made on the other side of the car, mostly at the front with his father drove. It wouldn't have been that bad if it weren't for the fact that they were on the high-way, and right beside the railing, blocking cars from falling down the steep hill.
Everything else was spinning for Gilbert. All he can remember is the car starting to roll, and everything was spinning, along with the car being crushed and the glasses breaking. Some of it made contact with his skin. Before he could even progress anything, he must have hit his head on something hard, because the scene suddenly started to fade into darkness. The distant sounds of sirens were the last thing he heard before losing his consciousness.
The next morning, when Gilbert woke up to get ready for school, he was feeling oddly very depressed. It didn't stop there. It was eating away at him right up till the beginning of lunch that day. That dream he had last night just added on to what he felt before during that night. He needed to get rid of this feeling. And how was he supposed to do that? Easy- he had found a way to release stress in a way that it came in a pocket-sized box filled with tobacco filled rolls.
He knows how he promised himself to never inhale that shit ever again since last month during the summer, but he was starting to feel the urge for a while now, and he couldn't resist the temptation. So, the moment the bell rang, he just made his way straight towards the roof. He was supposed to meet Matthew that day too, but if he's pretty sure he'll be done before Matthew came upstairs. It was just going to be one little breath anyway. Nothing too big. And it's not like he was going to buy another pack later.
Gilbert laid against the railing of the roof, looking off to the distance. Ever since their first visit up here, he had decided to let the door be unlocked so Matthew could just let himself in during lunch. He'll give him a key later, if he can find another one lying around.
Taking out the packet and a lighter from his bag pocket, he took out a piece from the pack. He hesitated a bit before lighting the cigarette. He finally lit it up, and inhaled the tobacco-smoke slowly. It's been too long since he had taken one. The taste was bitter and terrible in his mouth, but he soon got used to it as he started to inhale and exhale deeply. The more Gilbert did this, the more he actually felt a bit of relief. He didn't know why, but he always felt that way whenever he inhaled that poison. Just as the smoke flows and disappears into the air, so does his feelings and stress he's been having.
Gilbert knew that he'd get into a lot of trouble if he was caught smoking, especially on school property. Already he's in a deep hole and having a hard time getting out of it. He doesn't need to dig deeper. Maybe he shouldn't have decided to take his time smoking. Or, actually, maybe he shouldn't have decided to smoke on the roof at all.
Because, suddenly, he heard the door to the roof behind him open as he drew in a deep breath from the cigar. And the soft, quiet voice of Matthew asking, "…Gilbert?"