A/N: The next episode! I'm so sorry it took me forever to post this again. Real life and YouTube keep distracting me *shakes fist*. Thank you once again to all the reviewers, it warms my heart to see your reactions :3. Enjoy!

Warnings: Gilberts mouth/thoughts, mostly. And the regular warnings of failed plot and OOC-ness. And a halfassed attempt at writing a more detailed kissing scene. I'm still trying to get comfortable with writing anything that goes beyond holding hands, little pecks on the lips/cheeks and implying sexytimes. You have been warned XD.

Stupid.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid! What the hell had he been thinking! He groaned in frustration as he put his hands in his hair. Three hours. It had been three hours since that incident. And he hasn't stopped thinking about it since he had arrived in his hotel room. Why wouldn't it leave his mind? Why did that bastard kiss him? In front of a huge crowd no less!

More groaning. That fucking crowd with their fucking cheering. Fucking bastards. No, you know what? Forget the crowd, it's all that bastard Johan's fault. Just because he flirted back didn't mean that he was actually interested in the guy! Then why did you kiss him back?

"Because I…"

Huh. Why did he kiss him back anyway? Okay, so the guy is easy on the eyes. Nowhere near as good-looking as himself of course, but still. He's nice. Interesting. Fun to talk to. And one hell of a great kisser. Oh crap. Gilbert grabbed a pillow and buried his face in it. He wanted to forget that stupid kiss already, dammit!

Foggy screen, cue flashback!

"You just did, what's the-mmph!"

Large, but surprisingly gentle hands were holding him, pulling him as close as possible without touching his bandaged chest. When he felt Johan's lips on his own he froze. Johan, noticing the lack of response, pulled back.

"Am I really that bad at kissing?" He said with a little smile as he brushed a strand of hair out of Gilberts face.

"I… I…" He stammered. His face was burning up. He wondered how Johan could keep his hand on his cheek. Didn't he notice how hot it was? Hold on, he's touching my cheek? Oh my Eagle. OH MY EAGLE. HE'S STROKING MY CHEEK.

"I'm sorry, Gilbo. I don't know what came over me. But I had this really strong urge to just kiss you. I didn't mean to upset you. Forget this even happened." He ruffled Gilberts hair one last time before turning his back on him and walking towards the café. But before he could cross the street he was being pulled back. "Huh?"

"Don't… I mean… What the hell is wrong with you, just trying to leave like that!" Gilberts hands were around Johan's wrists, gripping them tightly. He was staring at his shoes, hoping that the red on his cheeks would fade soon. He couldn't remember the last time he had blushed this much on a day.

"I'm sorry?" He could hear the confusion in his voice.

"No wonder you're still single, if this is how you act." He released his grip, but kept staring at his shoes.

"I take it that you didn't mind the kiss then?" Was that a little hope he heard?

"No. I mean yes! I mean… I… uhh… Oh, fuck it." He pulled Johan's face towards his own, kissing him. He felt Johan tense up for the slightest of moments, before he regained his composure and kissed back. He felt a small bite on his bottom lip, asking for permission. Gilbert wasn't about to give in that easy though, and bit back. He could feel Johan smile against his lips.

"Feisty, huh? I like that." He put one hand at the back of Gilberts head and the other around his waist, pulling him in for a deeper kiss. Gilbert leaned into the kiss, trying to bite back a moan. He was doing great too, until he felt Johan's hand travel towards his ass, squeezing it. A gasp escaped his lips.

"Are you… I mean… Do you want to take this inside? I'd rather not give a public show," Johan whispered when he pulled back for some air.

"Public show? What do you-"

"All right, Johan!" "That's my boy!" "I knew he had it in him!" "What a smooth operator. Why can't you kiss me in public like that, Maarten?"

He froze again. Oh no. Oh nonononono! This is not happening! Did they actually see…

"I… Am I hearing things? Please tell me I'm just hearing things and that there isn't a huge crowd watching us."

"You must have been really into it if you just noticed them. They have been there since you walked in. And you heard Henk tell me to hurry up if I wanted a cool beer. Right before I kissed you, remember?" He explained.

Ah, of course. Henk shouted, Johan shouted back, Gilbert tried to leave, he was pulled back, kissed… It was all that bastards fault! How dare he!

"Gil, are you all right? You look kinda pale." He put his hand on Gilberts forehead, trying to check his temperature. Gilbert flinched and grabbed Johan's hand, keeping it away from his face.

"Damn, Gil! Loosen your grip, will you? I need my hands to ink!" He tried to free his hand, only to find Gilbert tightening his grip. "The hell? Gil, what's the matter with you? You're acting really weird! Can you please let go so we can try to find out what's bothering you?"

"What's bothering me? What the hell do you think, you bastard! What the hell is your own damn problem, kissing me out of the blue like that!" He snapped. He glared at Johan, who actually had the guts to raise his eyebrow in confusion. He let go of Johan's hand.

"Eh? This is about me kissing you? But I thought-"

"You thought wrong then!"

"Okay, fine. I thought wrong. I'm sorry for kissing you in public. Can we please talk this over rationally?" He said, walking towards Gilbert. Gilbert stepped back. "Stay away."

"Gil, don't be like that. I just want to talk." Another step towards him, another step away from him. "Stay away!"

"Not before I-"

A sharp slap carried through the air.

"Ai, that had to hurt!" "It wasn't even me who got hit, but I kinda felt it, even from here!" "Who would've thought that the skinny guy could land a punch on Johnnyboy?" "Maybe that guy is a martial artist!"

Johan stood there, his hand touching his cheek where Gilbert just punched him. Gilbert found himself petrified for the third time that day. Did he actually… Oh crap, he did.

"Are you feeling better now?" What did he just say? "Can we talk now that you got that out of your system? I know you must be feeling extremely confused right now, but so do I! Talk to me, please!" He pleaded, closing the distance between them once more.

Gilbert kept walking back. He couldn't believe it. Why is this guy so persistent? He looked at Johan's face, regretting it immediately. The area where he punched him was starting to turn black and his eyes…

Why are you looking at me with those sad eyes? I just punched you! Be mad at me, dammit! Give me a reason to yell at you! Don't come closer, please! If you do, I'll… I'll…

I can't take this. I can't take this!

"Gil, wait! Gil!"

Foggy screen fades, end flashback!

He honestly didn't get it. He must have replayed the part after the punch at least as many times as the kissing part (just to analyze some things, not because he liked to remember how awesomely delicious it was!), but he couldn't see it. Or maybe he was afraid to see it.

"He said he was feeling confused too, does that mean that… Aargh, this is so annoying! I need to occupy my brain with something else. Where do they keep the booze here?" He went off in search of the minibar, grinning widely as he found it. "I've hit the motherload! Just look at this! Vodka, whiskey, gin, ale, beer!"

He grabbed the beer bottle and was about to open it when he noticed the brand. Heineken. Just like when Johan… No, dammit! He cursed under his breath as he put the bottle back and closed the minibar. It was probably better to just take a shower, renew the bandages and go to bed. He wanted this god-awful day to be over with as soon as possible.

"How is your face? Has the swelling gone down?" Henk asked as he gently removed the icepack and looked at the damage. He let out a low whistle. "Holy shit, that guy sure did a number on you, Johnnyboy. It'll probably stay for a week or two."

"It was to be expected. He's an army brat, after all." He replied as he covered his bruise again.

"So? You picked up some fancy moves during your travels. Why didn't you show him who's boss like you did last week?" One of the regulars asked.

"Because he's head over heels for the guy, Maarten! Didn't you see how he kissed him?"

"We all did, Sanne, sheesh. Just because you love a guy doesn't mean you can't punch him. I mean, just look at you. You still hit me, even after ten years of marriage!"

"That's because you're an idiot, Maarten." She said, smacking him upside the head.

"Ouch! But I'm your idiot, right?"

"Of course, dear."

Johan couldn't help but smile at their antics. Even after being married for ten years, they were still in love, and enjoying every minute of it. He hoped he would be able to experience what they were having too, one day. Preferably with Gilbert. He let out a sigh.

"Aww, honey, don't be like that! Show me that gorgeous smile you had a minute ago! Were you thinking about him?" Sanne asked as she sat next to Johan, putting her arms around his shoulders.

"Was it that obvious?"

"Care to tell us what happened exactly?"

"Long story short, we talked about stuff while I was busy inking, we might have said things, and I apparently interpreted them wrong, seeing as he punched me. But I couldn't have gotten it wrong, otherwise he wouldn't have kissed me back in the first place!" He said with a scowl. He reached for his glass of beer and chugged it down in one gulp, asking for another one.

"Well, seeing as how he reacted you were probably his first guy. I think I would freak out too if I got kissed by a woman in front of a huge crowd in a foreign country." Sanne reasoned.

"Oh man, that sounds so hot. Sanne, we're going to France this summer. You have my permission to make out with all the hot French broads." Maarten said with a dreamy look in his eyes.

"Dammit Maarten, I'm trying to console a heartbroken man here! And wipe that drool off your chin!"

"Yes, dear. Sorry, dear."

"You're right, Sanne. I know you're right. I overdid it. I never should have kissed him in public. But I just … I don't know. I just had to kiss him. And I know he feels, or at least felt, the same way. The way he kissed me back…" Another sigh.

"You're really serious about that guy, aren't you? I've never seen you like this," Henk said, handing him another beer. "Hey, you know I have connections. Want me to make a few calls and find out where he stays?"

"Thanks for the offer, Henk, but no. I don't want him to think I'm a stalker too."

"So what's the plan then?" Maarten asked, taking the other empty seat next to Johan.

"I'm not done with the tattoo yet. I'm hoping to see him in three days so I can apologize. And maybe fix things."

"I'll have him dragged there by then if I have to."

"That wouldn't help my chances, Henk. But still, thank you." He said with a little smile. "Anyway, I'm off. Haven't cleaned my equipment yet. Goodnight."

Gilbert was sitting on a park bench, watching the people that walked by him, when he heard a familiar voice calling out to him.

"Still watching people to try and find a partner huh? Haven't changed one bit."

"Gramps?"

"I would say 'In the flesh!', but seeing as how I'm dead and all. And you're dreaming."

"I kinda figured. What brings you here? Shouldn't you be up in heaven, making it more awesome?"

"They can miss me for a few moments. I need to talk to you about what happened today." He said, sitting next to him.

"I'd rather not talk about- argh!" He yelped when his ear was being pulled.

"Gilbert, what did I tell you about running away from your responsibilities?"

"What responsibilities? And I didn't run away, it was a tactical retreeeeeeat!" He tried to free his ear, but that only made his gramps pinch harder.

"You made it your responsibility when you kissed him back, idiot! Now tell me the details or I'll rip off your ear for real."

"Alright, alright! Just let go already!"

Protecting his abused ear with one hand and trying to figure out how he didn't wake up from all that pain, he told everything that happened to him. From when he entered to shop until his tactical retreat. His gramps nodded every now and then, but didn't interrupt him.

"…so then I was pretty much replaying everything a few dozen times, changed the bandages, went to sleep and then you came bothering me. And I know you already know everything, why did make me tell you?"

"Because I know you love hearing your own voice. And it's just plain fun to see you struggle when you tell something personal," he said with a grin.

"I forgot how much of a dick you could be."

"Right back at ya, kiddo. Care to tell why you kissed him back?"

"I don't know. I honestly don't. I mean, I'm not even the least bit interested in guys. But when Johan started flirting I was flirting back as if we've been together forever. It just… I don't know… it felt right, somehow. Had it been any other guy I would have just punched him and left the shop." Gilbert let out a sigh. "I'm sorry for disappointing you."

"What do you mean?"

"What do you mean what do I mean? I pretty much confessed to you that I'm probably gay! The Eagle will die with me! I broke my promise! I'm sorry! I-I… I'm…" He couldn't hold the tears back anymore.

"Gilbert. Gilbert, look at me. It's okay." He said, holding his hand.

"Eh?"

"If this is how your heart feels, it's okay."

"But I…"

"Let me finish. The way you described how you felt about him, it's the exact same thing I felt when I met you grandma. I had been with plenty of women before, but when I met her, everything just clicked. I knew she was the one for me. So if your heart tells you he's your special person, just go for it."

"But the Eagle, my promise… I can't keep the Eagle alive if I just…"

"Gilbert, I've learned a lot of things after dying. Times are changing, and people need to change along, they can't stay stuck in the past. So don't let a symbol of the past, no matter how awesome it may be, keep you from having your future. And besides, you're a smart enough guy. I'm sure you can figure out how to get your man and keep the Eagle alive at the same time," he said with a wink as he ruffled Gilberts hair. Gilbert smiled at the familiar gesture, hugging his grandpa in return.

"Thank you."

"Anything for my darling grandson. You still have three days left, so think about what we've discussed here. And whatever it is you decide, know that you have my full support."

"Gotcha."

"It's time for me to head back. Stay safe, and tell those other geezers I said hi."

"Will do. Thank you for everything. I love you."

"I love you too."

A bright light blinded him, forcing him to close his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he was in his bed. The sun was already up, and he could hear the people outside. He got up to wash his face and change the bandages again. When he took a look in the mirror, he saw the streaks his tears had left behind. He had actually cried in his sleep. After washing his face he removed the old bandages, taking a look at the tattoo on his chest. His skin was still irritated from being inked, and the Eagle was looking as fierce as ever. He gently touched his chest, thinking about what his Gramps had told him last night.

"Don't worry. I'm gonna find a way to make sure you're a part of my future. You and Johan."

"Hey, Johan. You okay?"

"Hmm? Oh, sure. Why do you ask?"

"Because I'm sitting here in front of you, practically naked, and you haven't even made one lewd comment yet."

"Oh, that, haha. Sorry Denise. My mind is a little pre-occupied at the moment."

"Ah, I see. You're thinking of a certain albino with a mean right hook."

"God, you get punched in the face once and all of a sudden the entire city knows it."

"That bruise on your face is a dead give-away, honey. Has it really been three days already? It still looks like you got hit this morning. Are you sure you don't want me to cover it up with some make-up?"

"I'm fine, Denise. Use your talent for the models, they need it more than I do."

"Ooh, a witty answer!"

"Quiet you," he said grinning. "And we're done. It took me longer than I would like to admit, but now you have the most kickass backside this side of the hemisphere. Wanna see?"

"Very much!"

Johan grabbed a camera and took a picture of Denise's back, making sure he got the complete tattoo on the photo. He had never done a Japanese Yakuza tattoo before, but it looked pretty damn good, if he said so himself. And Denise apparently thought so too, seeing as how giddy she was when she saw the photo.

"Oh my God. Oh my God, Johan. This is so awesome! I'm so making this pic poster sized and hanging it in my office. Oh my God!"

"I'll send you the pic over email then, haha. Let's get you wrapped up. One more week of sleeping on your stomach and then you can flaunt your back again."

After seeing Denise off Johan sat in his office, enjoying the moment he had to himself with a bottle of Heineken before his next client would show up. He let out a sigh. Within an hour he was supposed to finish the tattoo he started three days ago on Gilbert. He started thinking. He still had an hour left. Maybe he can still take Henk's offer to find out where Gilbert was staying and dragging him over? He pondered about this when he heard someone entering the shop.

"Denise, I already sent you the photo of the tattoo. Don't tell me you forgot how to open an attachment."

"I don't think they would have let me graduate if I couldn't open an attachment."

"Gilbert?"

"In the flesh."

A/N: You will not believe how long this took me. All because of that flashback. And it isn't even that good *emoes in corner*. I'll get it right one day, you'll see. I just hope I haven't made your eyes bleed too much. I tried writing it like how Gilbert would experience it. And he would so say Oh my Eagle. You know he would XD.

A few OC's in this one, but they were necessary for the continuation of the story. You all know Henk, the bartender and owner of the café, Maarten and Sanne, married, regulars and good friends of Henk and Johan, and Denise, make-up artist for top models and also a good friend of Johan. Don't expect them to be seen anywhere else, I only need them for this story.

Gramps is so mean, but now we know where Gilbert got it from :P. I'd like to think of him as a guy who was conservative in life, but had his eyes opened when he neared his end. And then he met some awesome people in heaven which opened his eyes some more. And now he's a liberal, tree-hugging hippie. But awesomer.

Gilbert showed up, thank goodness! Johan didn't have to resort to kidnapping, even better! Next chapter will feature more shirtless Gilbert and awkward flirting, huzzah! I want to say that it won't take me another month or two for the next chapter, but I know myself. I will try my best to post it asap though.

Hope you had fun reading, and reviews are always appreciated!