"You would think that being the ace of the pole vault would be great," Tavia muttered as she picked at her food, not meeting her brother's eyes.

"Oh, Tica, lighten up!" The boy across from her smiled, his mop of blond hair as wild as ever. "It can't be THAT bad!"

"It is," she growled, stabbing her meat with her fork. "And we're done talking about this."

"Tica, I-"

The girl stood, slamming her hands down onto the table. "I said we're done here, Arthur!"

Her elder brother stopped, staring at her. He said no more after that.

Tavia. The name ran itself over in Gilbert's head. He whispered it once, to see how it felt. "Tavia."

He stared out the window of the gym, watching the pole vault team again. He hoped to see her clear the pole today.

The albino watched as the girls attempt to clear the pole, the coach sighing and shaking his head as many failed to do so. Finally, it was Tavia's run. He perked up a little. She took hold of the pole, and stepped back. She began to run. Gilbert counted how far from the pole she was. 50 feet, 40, 20, 10. He watched as the pole contacts with the ground, the girl's feet fly off the dirt and over her head. Her body flies effortlessly over the pole, and turns to allow her to land on her feet. His jaw dropped.

Tavia slid off the mat, holding her head high as her team mates swarmed around her.

"That was amazing, Tavia!"

"Awesome!"

"How do you do it?"

"Can you coach me!?"

The blond put up her hands defensively. "H-Hey, back off!" She took a step back, tripping over the edge of the mat. "P-Please!"

The team took a step back, giving the girl a little more room. She stood, sighing in relief. "Sorry, I just..." Tavia looked up at the people around her. Their eyes were wide and they shook as though they had seen a ghost. Her eyes widened as the realization hit and she lifted a hand to her face.

(And now, Gilbert's POV.)

I lay on the floor of the gym unwilling to move. The sounds of taunting laughter and shoes colliding with flesh still echoed in my ears. I curl myself into a small ball, my stomach still aching. I cough, saliva dripping down the side of my face. I groan.

The door that led outside of the gym slammed open. I look up slowly, praying that it wouldn't be Alfred. Anyone but Alfred...

Tavia ran in, her hand covering her right eye. I stare as she rushes into the storage room. I push myself up, and wonder why the storage room, still staring towards the open door.

I stand, unsteady, and hobble towards the dark space.

"Um... Hello?" The girl was huddled in a corner, her back to me. "Hey," I walk over to her, "are you alright?" She didn't say anything, she just curled up tighter. I place my hand gently on her shoulder. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

She shook her head.

"What happened?" Tavia didn't move. "Will you tell me? I can keep a secret."

Slowly, she glanced back at me. She then looked away and reached into her pocket. "Here," she muttered, turning and holding out a piece of paper to me with her free hand. "You dropped this a few days ago."

I look down at the parchment. It was neatly folded, something I could never do. I take it shakily and unfold it. My eyes widened. It was my drawing of Ludwig and myself. I look up at her. "Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why did you return this to me?" I look away. "Aren't you disgusted by me?"

The girl blinked. And giggled.

I stare back at her, shocked. The giggles became laughter. "Me? Disgusted by someone like you?"

I step back. I knew it. She's beyond disgusted. Beyond words.

"Why would you think that?" Tavia smiled. "I don't feel disgusted by anyone! Especially not you!"

I stare, speechless. "What...?"

"I'm not afraid of you!" I bite my lip, holding back. I can't just leap out and hug a girl I just met. "I'm Tavia. Tavia Fryxell Kirkland."

She held out her free hand, the other still over her eye. I take her hand and shake it. "G-Gilbert Beilschmidt..."