Author's note: This chapter is similar to Chapter 7 in the way that it goes back into Elliot and Leo's past. However, this time, Vincent has a major role. Be prepared for a shock. This is a drama after all~ (Watch the ElliotxLeo video Like we used to for a better idea) Manami Nightray: Don't worry! Everything will turn out for the better. The happy ending will take a while though. CatXtopia: It makes me happy to see another Crimson-Shell reader! Vincent is an overprotective brother. He's just worried about Gil. He'll come around. Maybe. Deko-gasu: The repressed memory is mild. He forgot the memories pertaining to his love for Oz. Break will have a different role.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except Mirella and the usual 2-3+ quota stands. Of course, it's optional, but it acts as a motivational factor.

Chapter 13: Bittersweet Relationships

Oz's POV

Since there was only a couple more days of our vacation left, we made the unanimous decision to leave as soon as Gil was discharged. True to his word, Vincent made sure to keep me away from his brother at all times during the period when he was in the hospital and afterwards. This irritated me since I needed to talk to him, but Vincent is a tenacious one. Feeling that "The Blue Angel" café was the best place to think in peace, I took a stroll to that area, placed an order, and then began to think. There has to be another way to get to him.

I had a number of options, yet I did by want to use most of them because it would end up with me having to explain my intentions. After some thought, I narrowed it down to two possible choices. I could either ask Elliot to act as a distraction for me (since they are brothers) or I can go to Break for help (since he was Gil's teacher). Both were not the most ideal routes due to the terrible relationship between Break and Vincent and the awkward relationship between Gil and Elliot, but it was better than being interrogated. Somehow, I get the feeling that Break and Elliot already knew more than what they give away.

I started off with Elliot who wasn't very pleased to hear my ideas upon arriving at the café. Actually, that would be an understatement. He was completely livid.

"No," Elliot replied firmly.

"You don't get along with Vincent?" I wondered even though that didn't seem to be the case on the surface.

"That's not it. Besides, my reasons are none of your concern!" he snapped.

Understanding why Elliot was acting like this, Leo closed the book he was reading to give him a quick whack to the head to shut him up. Before Elliot could protest, he shot him a look and pointed out that he was making a scene causing him to simmer down a bit. Of course, he was still bitter as he expressed his belief that things like this should be taken care of by the individual before dragging Leo out of the building while muttering something about practicing elsewhere.

"Well that went well," a familiar voice commented in a playful tone.

I turned to face Break who was casually eating the remains of a Galette de Rois in the table ahead of me which was strange since the table was empty a minute ago. Reim greeted me in his place before the two of them stood up and moved to my table to talk.

"Why is it that Elliot flew into a rage when talking about Vincent?"

"I don't see why he wouldn't. We are talking about that sewer rat after all."

"Oz-sama, do you mind keeping what I'm about to tell you a secret?"

I nodded. He looked so serious that I started to wonder what exactly Vincent did to Elliot to cause him to react that way. With a sigh, he admitted that he didn't feel comfortable revealing other people's secrets like this, so Break did so in his place.

"You are aware that Elliot and Leo are in a relationship, right? Well, that was not always the case. Have you heard about who Elliot used to date?"

I was relieved to hear the words "used to" because it only annoyed me to be reminded of my younger sister's relationships. To continue the conversation, I made it known that I did know who Elliot used to date.

"He's mentioned it before."

"While Elliot was dating Ada, Leo was in a relationship with an unlikely person as well."

Automatically, I knew who he was referring to, but I just couldn't believe it. Elliot and Leo were practically inseparable, so it was only natural that I'd be speechless over this tidbit.

"The nature of their relationship infuriated Elliot, so his friendship with Leo was strained for awhile. However, something Leo admitted fixed their relationship and created the bond they have now."

With a solemn expression, Reim gave his own input concerning the story Break finished telling me.

"To fill the void of not having the one they wanted, they sought solace in each other."

There was no need for him to say anything more. It was easy to see what kind of relationship Leo and Vincent. I just never would've expected that from Leo. He must have really loved Elliot to have done this so that he could be with Ada. As for Vincent, he...towards Gil...

"You need to be careful. If you don't take care of your relationships properly, then you'll lose everything."

I had to prove to him that I could take care of him without hurting him. Like Ada is to me, Gil is very dear to Vincent. There is only one option left to try.

"Break, can you-"

"No."

Dammit! Did he overhear us earlier?

"But I can teach you how to play the piano. Gilbert performed the piece in that pocket watch of yours, didn't he?"

As I recalled what Gil told me when he gave me the pocket watch, I pulled it out of my pocket and opened it to listen closely to the soft melody that flowed from it. The notes gave the tune a dark, haunting feeling that I hadn't noticed before, but gradually grew lighter as if to describe a transition of some kind. With a grin, Break instructed me to give the name of the song. Almost instantaneously, the name came to mind even though no one had ever told me what it was.

Oz. This song was named after me.

Upon hearing the end of the song, I reread the message inscribed onto the inside and noticed a sticker coated in gold paint covering part of the message. Gently, I scratched off the paint and the sticker with my nails to reveal the one thing Gil wanted to tell me all those years ago.

Happy Birthday Oz. I hope that you'll continue to smile for years to come. -Gil

P.S. I love you.

Shit. Tears stung at my eyes as I tried to hold back the urge to let them fall. He shouldn't have his this from me. If he had told me sooner, then maybe he would've been okay. This is all my fault.

"Oz-kun, tears won't fix what has already happened," Break pointed out in a heavy tone. "So I'll tell you what I've told Gilbert when I became his teacher. If there's one person you wish to protect, you must be cruel enough to get rid of everything else. Because no one can get back what they have lost."

I've made my choice, so I can't turn back now even if it means hurting others. I need to move forward. I need to talk to Gil.

"I accept your offer."

The date has been set. After band practice is finished for the day, I have an hour long lesson with Break for the next few weeks. Now that everything was settled, Break announced that he would be heading back home while Reim paid the bill. He knitted his brows with a sigh and agreed to the task without complaint.

Feeling slightly curious, I questioned him about the nature of the relationship between the two of them to verify my own thoughts. He flashed a small smile in response and then replied with a single line.

"That's a story for another day."

I'm sorry for making another short chapter! I've been busy and this is actually the outcome of changing my mind several times about whether to make this an "Alice" chapter or a drama-filled chapter. I did choose the latter, but I was pretty worried about my portrayal of these characters. I've read several different fanfictions including crack ones like Vincent and Leo and Oz and Leo causing my ships to become a little weird. I also didn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable by saying what Vincent and Leo were outright, so I left it to your interpretation. Anyway, the next chapter will introduce the group "Bloody B-Rabbit", so be prepared for it.