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Snap Judgment	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1461 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
***Warning: Language, yaoi, oral, humor, angst
***Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 11
Gilbert was already asleep by the time Ivan and Mandy came back into the apartment. The first thing Ivan did was lock the door and placed a chair under the doorknob. He wasn't really scared, just uncertain of what could be if he let his guard down. Ivan was relieved that Gilbert had fallen asleep because he wouldn't have been able to hide his concern. He allowed Mandy in the bedroom with them and locked the door there as well. The curtain was open just slightly so he quickly pulled it closed. Ivan peeked out through a small slit, trying to search for any other suspicious behavior. He would have to keep Gilbert near him at all times, which will be hard considering he has a job coming up shortly. Telling Gilbert of the possible stalker in Callaghan could set the man mad with paranoia, and he had enough problems with Gilbert as it stands.
Turning away from the window, Ivan dressed into his pajamas and slid in beside Gilbert. He looked at the angelic face as it slept, noting the tiny smile and calm brows. 'Good, he seems happy.' Ivan stared at the ceiling. 'Gilbert needs more distractions, though. Francis is supposed to call tomorrow, so maybe he can come over and keep Gilbert's mind off things. While they're doing things together, I'll call Alfred and tell him about what I saw.' He rolled over. 'Nothing I can do about it now…still…' he rolled back over to stare at Gilbert 'he needs me to keep him safe.'
Ivan pulled the smaller man closer to him, tucking Gilbert's body in tight to his own. By some chance, should 'someone' sneak in to harm Gilbert, they would have to go through Ivan's body first to do any damage. And for the first time ever, Ivan was grateful for Mandy to be asleep in front of the door, guarding them both.
/
'Mutti! Mutti! Look it! Look it! I made dis for you, mutti! You like it?' Gilbert dreamt that he was five again, coming home from school with a crafts project made from dried macaroni noodles and still sopping with glue. 'You put it up, mutti?' Little Gilbert stared at his mother's withdrawn features, noting the empty sadness on her face. 'Mutter? Why you still sad?' He climbed onto her lap and she rubbed his head, but did nothing more. 'Okay, mutti. You get feel better. I go put this on the fridge!'
He ran into the kitchen and placed the project on the fridge with an apple magnet. His stomach rumbled so he searched the fridge for some food. All he could find to snack on was some slices of cheese, so he ate them as he searched for his father. 'Vati! Vatiiiii!' He found his father in the garage, sitting at a small worktable with five empty beer bottles in front of him, lazily tapping his finger on the surface. 'Vati!'
'Gilbert, stop talking so loud! I have a headache. Go play outside.'
'But I'm hungry, Vati.'
'Then tell your Mutter to get off that damn couch and make something!' He swore something in German and Gilbert covered his ears.
'Bad words, Vati!'
'Scram! I've got enough problems without you bugging me as well! Go play outside! Better yet, go play in the street!'
Gilbert ran out of the garage, fearing his father's anger as he hid upstairs in his room. That night he went to be hungry, having never left his room but only cried into his pillow. He hated how sad his Mutter was and how mean his Vati had become. Then, he felt soft arms curl around him to pull him close to a warm body. Pink eyes opened to see his Mutter had climbed into bed with him to hold him. Gilbert smiled and snuggled into her chest. 'Mutter!'
"Mutter!" Gilbert opened his eyes and rests his hand on the chest he was pressed up against. However, it wasn't soft like his mother's but rather hard and firm. Gilbert tilted his head up to recognize that he was in Ivan's arms, not his mother's. 'Oh…right.' Carefully, he slipped out of Ivan's arms and sat up in the bed, stroking back his white hair. 'Shit…what brought that on?' It had been a long time since he last thought about his mother, much less waking up and saying 'mutter' instead. When he had been very young he referred to them in German, but it changed as he got older. 'Now I'm hungry…and I doubt I'm getting back to sleep.'
He slipped from the bed and unlocked the door, briefly wondering why it was locked in the first place. Mandy followed him into the kitchen and he switched on the light, his gaze going right to the fridge. He pictured the macaroni project hung up on it but shook the image from his mind. Searching through he found some bologna and decided to make a quick sandwich. Instead of water or milk, he chose some of Ivan's vodka and poured himself a small glass. Vodka and bologna, the perfect midnight snack of champions. At this point he didn't care. Gilbert knew that memory only came back to him after Callaghan mentioned that his parents were dead. One of the saddest things about that was his mother, and how he couldn't picture her face the last time he saw her. He couldn't remember the day when she was taken away to the mental hospital. It was as if the memory was just wiped clean from his thoughts.
'Fuck this shit. I'm tired of it!' Angrily, he tore into the sandwich and downed the vodka in his glass. 'They were never there for me anyway, so why should I care?' Mandy's whimpering forced him to look at her, and she laid her head on his knee. "Sorry girl." He stroked her head. "At least I have you. And Ivan." Gilbert fed the rest of the sandwich to Mandy. "I hate them both, Mandy. Both of them. My mother for being nuts and my father for being a bastard! A bastard who treated me badly…just like Callaghan." The realization he had just come to made him feel sick to his stomach. "What the hell is wrong with me, Mandy? I'm a fucking train wreck."
"Trains can be repaired." Ivan had just come in to the kitchen as Gilbert had said the last words, using his own metaphor against him. He looked at the downtrodden man at the table. "Can't sleep?"
"No. I need pills to help sleep, but you won't let me have them."
"I want you to get better, not worse." Ivan retrieved the rest of the vodka bottle, grabbed another glass, and joined Gilbert at the table. He poured them both some of it. "Did you have a bad dream?"
"I dreamt of my mother…and father."
"Oh, I see."
Gilbert sighed. "It wasn't a good memory. I don't even think I have any good memories of them; only bad ones. Not one single, happy fucking memory of the both of them." He downed the vodka. "So what if they're dead? I don't care! Not anymore! I was born alone so I might as well just stay alone!"
Ivan reached out and took Gilbert's hand. "You're just upset right now, Gilbert. A lot has happened today and you're exhausted. You're not thinking clearly."
"Oh, but I am! Fuck them both!" He poured some more vodka. "I don't care! Do you hear that? I don't fucking CARE!"
Purple eyes gazed sadly at him. "And you don't have to care. All that is in the past so let's just keep looking forward. That's all we can do."
Gilbert stared at the bottom of his glass, squeezing the rippled surface. "Play me something, Ivan." He didn't look up, but knew the man was looking at him. "You promised you would."
"I did. What would you like to hear?"
"Something sad. Depressing." He poured himself a bit more vodka.
"Perhaps something a bit more…uplifting for your mood? Hearing something sad can only make you feel worse."
"Did I ask for your opinion? It's what I want, okay? Just…play something. I want it sorrowful, because I am everything but cheerful."
Ivan sighed and stood up, going to get his cello. "As you wish." He brought out the instrument and prepared it to play. He looked over at Gilbert who was still staring at the bottom of his glass, and he wondered just what could be going on in that head of his. Ivan would rather not play a sad tune, but he didn't want Gilbert angry with him either. Recently, his orchestra group had practiced a few Broadway songs for a high school assembly they were to have soon. A sad symphony would be too long and difficult for just himself on one instrument, so he had to choose a song. Ivan closed his eyes and began to play 'Bring Him Home'. He peeked one eye open to watch Gilbert's reaction to the tune, but the man just sat there, motionless. Ivan continued to play until the uncomfortable silence from the other man began to annoy him. So, he stopped, in mid play.
"Why did you stop?" Gilbert looked up at him. "That was perfect."
"I'd rather you sing with me."
"Do I look like I want to sing?"
Ivan smiled. "Just sing with me." He started to play 'What'll I Do', and looked at Gilbert, waiting for him to jump in. "Come on, Gilbie. Sing."
"I will. When it fucking happens on a 'Zippity Do-Da' day." Ivan suddenly changed the tune to 'Zippity Do-Da' and grinned at Gilbert's stunned reaction. "Are you SERIOUS?" Despite his current feelings, Gilbert found himself laughing. "Oh. My. God! You are SUCH a dork!" Ivan continued to play merrily while Gilbert laughed. "I can…I can fucking PICTURE YOU right now singing that while skipping through the fields with like…with like, Julie Andrews on one side and Bambi's mom on the other!"
"Not Mr. Bluebird?"
"Only if it's Mr. GILbird!" Gilbert grinned and it was Ivan's turn to laugh. "This was much better, Ivan. Thanks for the image…and WHAT an image!"
Ivan continued on. "Surely you're not going to picture that image every time you see me?"
"I might. And don't call me 'surely'." Ivan suddenly played a quick 'wa-wa-wa-waaaa' on the cello and Gilbert nearly spit out the vodka he was drinking. "Okay, I'm spent!"
"I love hearing you laugh, Gilbie."
Gilbert stood up and smiled at him. "You really helped me out there, Pooh Bear. Thanks."
"Anytime, Gilbie. Just call my name, and I'll be there."
"What if I have vodka, too?"
"Then I'll be there much quicker!"
Gilbert chuckled and went over to the other, giving Ivan kiss on his big nose. "Would you mind if I took a bath? I know it's late but…you know?"
"Of course. Go right ahead. I'll be waiting for you."
Gilbert actually skipped off the bathroom while whistling 'Zippity Do-Da'. Ivan heard the door close, and heard Gilbert obnoxious sing just, 'ZIPPITY DO-DA!'. And then a second later his cell phone beeped. Curious at who was texting so late, he went into the bedroom to retrieve his phone. There was a text message from an unknown number. Narrowing his gaze and holding his breath, Ivan opened up the message, which only read, 'Zippity Ay'.
Ivan's blood ran cold at the sight of that text. It meant that someone was nearby, and somehow could hear them. Immediately, Ivan rushed through the apartment making sure every door and window was locked. He could hear the water in the bathroom running, so he took the opportunity to close himself up in the bedroom and dial Alfred's number. 'Pick up, Alfred! Pick up!'
A groan, and then, 'hello?'
"Alfred! It's Ivan."
'What the hell? It's three in the morning! The insomniacs aren't even up!'
Ivan rolled his eyes and gave an aggravated sigh. "Look, this is a serious call. I hate to bother you but I you hit the nail on the head with Callaghan being the stalker type."
'What makes you say that? What's happened?' Alfred yawned.
"Take this a bit more seriously! The first thing happened earlier this evening, when I was walking Mandy. Right beneath our window was a bunch of smoked cigarettes, and it smelt like Callaghan's cologne. Even the dog recognized it and growled. And then, Gilbert and I were…singing…and I got an anonymous text finishing the song!"
'…that's spooky.'
'No shit, Sherlock.' Ivan thought to himself. He didn't like how Callaghan was so close yet Ivan couldn't see or touch him to kill him. "What should I do?"
'Keep everything locked and leave some lights on. Call the front desk, or the night guard, and tell them to be on the lookout for anyone walking around the building. I'll come by tomorrow evening and comb the place, okay? Don't look for or wait for me. If he is snooping around, then best not to let him know you and I communicate so openly.'
"Okay, sure."
'Alright, is that all?'
"Oh, one more thing. Gilbert's parents. Is it true what Callaghan said?"
'I was curious after that as well and I looked into it. I didn't want to tell you until tomorrow, but I'll say it now. Yes, he was telling the truth. His mother died a year ago and his father only four months after. He was buried somewhere in Germany.'
"And his mother?"
'…I rather not say. When a person becomes a ward of the state…well…' he cleared his throat 'you've been through enough tonight. Something like that is not important.'
"But Gilbert will ask."
'Say they gave her a burial.'
"…they didn't?"
'For fuck's sake…! All right, sometimes, when people die and they have no money and no one to take over their funeral…the bodies are usually…donated to science and medical practices. It's more beneficial than cremation and it happens more often than not. That's something the government doesn't like people to know. Keep the people ignorant and stupid, for that's bliss.'
"You are correct in that. I will keep Gilbert ignorant of it as well."
'Good. Can I get back to sleep now? I have work in the morning.'
"Yes. Thank you for picking up the phone this late."
'Sure. Night.'
"Night." Ivan hung up the phone and sat down heavily on the bed. How was he going to break this news to Gilbert? He didn't want to tell him about Callaghan stalking them, but he had to tell him the fate of his parents. But how would Gilbert take to hearing that news? Ivan wondered if it would bring him closure, or force him further into depression. Although he was ranting about hating his parents, Ivan knew that was just a defense for Gilbert to protect himself. He was trying to reason with himself to spare any more pain. 'But should I tell him?'
"Ivan? Hey, Ivan!" Gilbert called for him.
"What?" Ivan called back.
"I'm really thirsty! Could you bring me something to drink? Not vodka!"
"Alright!" Ivan poured him a glass of iced tea and knocked on the bathroom door, waiting for permission to enter. With Gilbert's command, Ivan walked in and handed him the glass. "Here you are."
"Thanks." He tilted his head at Ivan. "Why so glum?"
Ivan looked down at his slippers. "Alfred…called me."
Gilbert's shoulders slumped. "And?"
"And he found out about your parents." Ivan glanced up to see Gilbert's solemn expression.
"Don't say any more. I already know the answer." His voice was low.
"I'm sorry."
"Thanks. But, what can ya do? Shit happens, and you just gotta deal with it. I mean I did pretty well for myself without them, right? Okay, a few bumps here and there, but I did do it all by myself!" Ivan just smiled softly. "And everybody dies. That's just life. Everyone dies. You can't escape it. It sucks but that's just the way it is. So don't worry about me. I'll be fine. It's better to know than not know, right?"
Ivan could see Gilbert's pink eyes filling up with tears. "Right."
"I gotta…splash some water on my face!" He scooped some of the water in his hands and splashed it. "Ah, there! I feel much better."
Gilbert continued to splash his face with the tub water, but Ivan knew he was only doing that to mask his tears. "Gilbert, it's all right that you still loved them. There's no shame in that. They were your parents after all."
"Right. They were. My father was a drunk, my mother was a nut, and I'm a fucking basket case!" Ivan knelt down beside the tub, reaching his hand out to stroke Gilbert's healing cheek. "Do you think…they thought about me? You know…before they died?"
"I don't know, Gilbie. Why don't we just think that they did? Isn't that better?"
"Yeah, I guess. Hey, want a bath?"
Ivan stood up and silently stripped, deciding to take Gilbert up on his offer. He slipped into the hot water and gave a sigh of relief as he felt the stress lifting from his body. He glanced over at Gilbert to see the man staring at him, fresh tears still in his pink eyes. "See something you like?" Ivan teased.
"You're not what I thought. Chubby, no doubt. And hairy too. Not hairy as Francis, but hairy enough to be considered a Yeti by my standards."
"So I'm hideous to you, then?"
"I didn't say that." Gilbert frowned. "You're just, not what I'm used to."
Ivan chuckled and held his large arms open to offer Gilbert his embrace. The other sloshed through the water and turned, resting his back against Ivan's chest. He dropped his head onto the other's shoulder to lounge against him. Gilbert didn't protest when he felt Ivan's hands stroking along his limbs, chest, and belly. He closed his eyes and gave a little sigh, turning his face into the thick neck. Ivan's hand slipped under the water to stop above his groin, palm flat against his belly. Gilbert gave a tiny nod, urging Ivan to continue further. Anything would be better than what he was feeling right now, and using pleasure to cloud his senses would be a godsend. Gilbert let out a quick gasp as Ivan gently gripped his semi-hard erection, slowly stroking it into full arousal. His lips parted to let out a soft mantra of gasps as Ivan's hand motions sped up, squeezing and tugging at his cock. Gilbert lifted his hips into the pumps and for the first time nipped at Ivan's neck. He heard Ivan give a light growl and felt the larger hand slap to his chest to roll a nipple between his fingertips. Gilbert let out a short cry and arched forward, now lulling his head to the side so Ivan's lips could latch on to his frail skin. It seemed like Ivan had a dozen hands as Gilbert felt his body ignite with sparks of delight and lust. With a few more steady pumps and bite to his shoulder, the albino shuddered violently and came under the water. He slumped against Ivan, fully spent, and panting softly. Ivan's joyful, yet triumphant face stared down at him, and Gilbert couldn't help but kiss him. Ivan moaned against his mouth and stroked his face lovingly, cupping his still healing cheek. Gilbert pulled away from the kiss, but turned his head when Ivan leaned in for another.
"I'm sorry," Ivan whispered.
"You did nothing wrong. It actually helped to…to calm me. I just don't want things to go any further tonight, so I should be the one who is sorry. I lured you into the tub and…I'm sure you wanted to do more."
"Only when you're ready."
Gilbert stood up from the tub, allowing Ivan's eyes to travel all along his wet, naked body. "I'm not ready for sex…but I can repay the pleasure." 'Anything to keep my mind off of my parents.'
"Go wait in our room, then. I'll be in there shortly."
When Gilbert had left the bathroom, Ivan quickly washed himself and drained the water. He was excited about Gilbert giving him pleasure, but he had to check around the apartment one more time to make sure nothing was amiss. With everything locked and in check, Ivan hurried into the bedroom and locked the door. When he turned to the bed, his breath stilled as Gilbert lounged fully naked along the length. This man was insane, and a tease, if he was tempting him this way! Ivan wanted to flip him over and fuck him until morning, breaking only for some oral, and then going at it again. Gilbert smirked and sat up, sliding off of the bed to stand beside it. He reached his hand down to the pat the mattress, urging Ivan to sit. Ivan rushed over and took a seat, looking up at the white deity who was smiling down at him. Both of them were naked, and Ivan wished he could always keep Gilbert stripped bare like this. He whimpered softly when Gilbert knelt to the floor, which shielded most of his body from view. However, Gilbert settled between his knees and pushed his legs further apart. Ivan's erection was thick and throbbing with pent up lust but he could see the look of concern on Gilbert's face.
"Just do what you can. I know I'm very gifted," He teased softly.
"I can see that." Gilbert responded and took a deep breath. "I'll do my best. Please…don't force me. Let me go at my own speed."
"How can I say 'no' to such a beautiful face? You naughty little minx."
Gilbert licked his lips and gazed at the large organ before him. He first pressed a kiss to the tip, something his boss always made him do. But with Ivan, Gilbert didn't mind giving the hot tip more kisses, as well as all along the length. Above him he could hear Ivan moaning softly as the other's hips shifted on the mattress. Ivan's smell was not unpleasant but actually tolerable. It briefly reminded him of fresh woodland mushrooms. The bath must have helped with that. So shifting his jaw back and forth to prepare it, Gilbert opened his mouth as wide as he could to surround the tip. Ivan shuddered under him, but Gilbert only sucked the tip and teased the slit with his tongue. No longer afraid he started to inch downward and take more of Ivan's girth into his mouth. He was sure to groan around the organ, delighting in the pleasured sounds coming from his large lover. Gilbert's jaw and lips still ached from the beating so what he couldn't take, he fisted. Soon he had the perfect rhythm going, sucking, licking, and nibbling. Ivan made no move to grab his hair or cup his scalp but remained still, allowing him to set the pace as asked. He could feel Ivan getting closer to climax so he sped up his motions. The precum and his own saliva helped to lubricate the tender skin, which made fast movements more pleasurable. Ivan's hips started to lift of the bed and Gilbert braced himself for the taste of orgasm.
However, Ivan gripped his narrow shoulders and roughly shoved him away. Gilbert landed on his side, confused and hurt by Ivan's quick rejection. But when he looked up at the other, his eyes widened at Ivan's cupped hands that were covering the top of his cock. He watched as the creamy white essence slipped out through the closed fingers and slid along the slowly softening length. 'So that's why he pushed me away! He remembered when I said this was always forced and I…hate the taste of cum.' He felt new tears stinging his eyes. 'Ivan, you noble fool! Quite being so damn considerate!' In a way, Gilbert was a little relieved that ejaculation did not occur in his mouth. The amount of semen that covered Ivan's hands and cock was a sign of long awaited release. The amount would have likely choked him and chances are he would have vomited. When they did have sex, he should ask Ivan to wear a condom so all that spunk wasn't filling inside of him. 'Spunk…' he looked at the carpet 'that's the word Callaghan liked to use…called me his 'interest free spunk bank'. Just remembered the cruel term made him feel dirty, and he didn't want to after such an intimate moment with Ivan. 'Damn you, Callaghan!'
"I'm going to go clean myself up."
"I'll be waiting in bed."
Once Ivan had left, Gilbert slipped on an extra large shirt to wear as he crawled into bed. The apartment was quiet save for the distant sound of water running. Too much had happened today, and the clock read 4:30 am. It was already tomorrow; the beginning of a new day. Finally exhausted and emotionally spent, Gilbert closed his eyes and immediately drifted off to sleep. No other dreams or memories plagued him.
When he woke up, the sun was shining through the narrow slit in the curtains. Glancing at the clock again, Gilbert read 7:45am. He grumbled at how early it was and prepared to go back to sleep when his nose caught the scent of breakfast. Sausage, eggs, toast, butter, and syrup. And was that coffee? Gilbert quickly got out of bed and hurried to the kitchen where Ivan stood in front of the stove in an apron. Mandy was standing right near him, hoping some of the sausage would fall. Gilbert chuckled and called over to the dog. "Mandy, you know better than to beg. Off with you." Mandy wagged her tail at the sight of her master, gave a bark, and then trotted off into the living room obediently.
"I've tried to get her out of this kitchen since I started!" Ivan pouted at him. "Why does she only listen to you?"
"Because I'm her awesome master!" Gilbert helped himself to a cup of coffee.
"You're cheerful this morning. I like seeing you happy. Hungry?"
"Starving." He sat down at the table. "I'm still sad over my parents but…there's nothing I can do about it now. It's done with. I just need to keep moving on!"
Ivan flipped one of the eggs. "That's what I love to hear! Oh, I do have some good news!"
"Ah, I need some."
"Francis called this morning." Ivan took a plate and handed it to Gilbert. "He said he's coming over this afternoon to spend some time with you." He brought the frying pan over and planted two eggs on Gilbert's plate. "And he said he's bringing someone else? An old friend of you both named Antonio?"
"Antonio! Really? Holy shit! I haven't seen him in forever! I can't believe he's back!" Gilbert grinned. "This is awesome! The Bad Touch Trio is back in town, baby!"
"The 'Bad Touch Trio'?" Ivan shook his head. "I rather not know why or how you have that title. Some things are better off left a mystery." This was good, Ivan thought to himself. Gilbert was happy again, and there would be more people around that would hopefully keep Callaghan from spying on them. Ivan still had to speak to the doorman, the night guard, as well as the landlord about this matter. He wouldn't say 'stalker', but would softly mention that he noticed some weird things going on lately and for everyone to be 'aware'. There was no reason to scare everyone in the building.
"You know what Antonio does?" Gilbert spoke, his mouth full of eggs. "He's one of those-" he swallowed "one of those guys who work at embassies. He speaks fluent Spanish and Italian, along with English, so he helps tourists and travelers do stuff by translating other stuff."
Ivan chuckled. "I think I have a pretty good understanding of what he does. But thanks for the description."
"More eggs. Please?" He watched as Ivan made him another round of eggs and served him. "I like being served. Keep up the good work, Pooh Bear."
After breakfast, they showered for the day and watched a bit of television while waiting for Francis and Antonio to come. Ivan didn't want to leave the apartment until the two came so someone else would be here with Gilbert. Mandy barked when there was a knock on the door. Ivan would have answered it, but Gilbert jumped up and ran to the door, looking through the peephole. Ivan could see him grinning when the door was opened and in popped Francis and another man who could only be Antonio.
"Awesome! My two favorite sluts!" Gilbert greeted them.
"Hola amor!" Antonio kissed his cheek. "So good to see you!"
Francis had a few shopping bags with him and also greeted Gilbert with a kiss. "You look good, Gil."
Ivan felt like he was surrounded by chatting European women, and he was being ignored.
"I had no idea you were in town!" Gilbert slapped Antonio on the back.
"Ah, I'm only back for a week or so, and then, duty calls! Is this Ivan?" He grinned and hugged Ivan, giving him the traditional European style kiss. "Hola amgio!"
"Hello, Mr.-?"
"Señor Antonio Fernandez!" He chuckled. "But you can just call me Antonio."
"Nice to meet you, Antonio."
"What's in the bags, Fran?" Gilbert asked, pointing to them.
"Why, a few nice things for you, mon ami!"
"Francis! You didn't have to get me anything!" Gilbert scolded him.
"But I wanted to! I won't take 'no' for an answer!" Francis plugged his ears to add emphasis. "Now these are gifts. They're yours."
Gilbert grinned and thanked him, taking the first bag to go through it. There were some clothes in the first bag, mostly shirts and socks, with a pair of matching pajamas. The second had two pairs of jeans, and the third was a winter coat with a matching hat. "Shit, Francis! This is too much! I can't take it."
"Of course you can. Like I said before, I won't take 'no' for an answer! We're just relieved to see that you are safe and sound." He put the winter hat on Gilbert's head. "Oh, and more great news! We'll be sleeping over tonight! I already told Antonio that Ivan wouldn't mind. Right Ivan?" He pointed to the overnight bags.
Ivan just gave a surprised smile. "Well, I guess I have no choice, do I? It was already made for me."
"You're a good guy!" Antonio wrapped his arm around Ivan's shoulders and pats the larger man's chest. "Oso Gigante!" He kissed Ivan's cheek again. "We won't make a lot of noise, and dinner is on ME! I brought some movies and we're just going to order out and PARRRRRR-TAY!"
Ivan gulped. "Party? Party of three, correct?"
"Is there a problem with the three of us having fun?" Gilbert asked him. "You got crotchy old neighbors or something?"
Ivan nodded. "Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Pollo are next to us; and Mr. Franklin is downstairs. We'll all need to be as quiet as we can, okay? I had to sign a contract before I could rent here that I promise not to make any loud noise or host loud parties after six p.m."
"Uh oh, that puts a damper on our Karaoke then." Francis pouted. "Unless, I bring over the quieter pack of songs!"
"Si! Si!" Antonio clapped. "Bring over your 'Grease' one! Oh please, oh please!"
"I will. But, we do need wine too." Francis pointed out.
"I want beer," said Gilbert.
"Tequila over here!"
Ivan whimpered. "You guys…this isn't a frat house!"
Gilbert gave him a raspberry. "Oh, come off it, Ivan! Loosen up a bit! We won't be loud, I promise." He turned to Francis. "We'll just have wine."
"I'll get a few different ones," Francis offered.
"Why don't I go out and get us some snacks and the wine?" Ivan offered, and the others agreed to it. "I'll make a quick list." He went into the kitchen corner drawer to take out a notepad and pencil. Coming back into the living room, he saw that Gilbert was lying in Antonio's arms on the couch, but in a very casual way, as close friends would do. Francis was showing them what movies he brought, but stopped when he noticed Ivan. "So, what do we want?"
Francis spoke first. "Get a merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, one chardonnay, and a bottle of champagne to celebrate Gilbert's new future!" He smiled at the albino who looked slightly embarrassed.
Ivan wrote it down. "And snack wise?"
"Oreos," Antonio added quickly. "Double-stuffed. I have no shame tonight!"
"I want chips, but with the ruffles!" Gilbert ordered. "Ruffles or nothing! And get Francis some of those mallomars. He goes fucking nuts over those things."
Francis put his hands up. "I confess! Although I make the most delicious French desserts, even I enjoy a cheap and tasty boxed pastry! Shall we really go full sixth grade slumber party and get ice cream too?"
"Oo! Ooo! Get that Napoleon ice cream!" Antonio waved his hand to get Ivan's attention.
Ivan raised a brow. " 'Napoleon?' Do you mean, 'Neapolitan'?" He had to laugh at that.
"Yes, Neapolitan."
Gilbert looked confused. "What the fuck is that?"
Ivan answered. "It's chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream all together."
"That has a name?" The albino cocked his head to the side.
"What did you call it?" Francis asked with a laugh.
Gilbert smirked. "The chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream." They all laughed, but Ivan only chuckled. He looked down at the list and looked at each item with minor worry, along with a little whimper. His quiet apartment was going to become a 'sleepover Barbie meets Love Shack'.
"You know what, how about I go with you?" Francis offered. "It's an awful lot for you to carry."
"If you would like." At least Antonio would be here with Gilbert. "We should be going, then."
"Great! Let's dash!" He leaned over to whisper. "I want to know what's been going on, and if anything else has happened." Ivan nodded.
As the two left the apartment, Ivan filled Francis in on what happened with Callaghan at the police station, and then about the stalking. Francis was upset for his friend, but said he was glad to be staying over tonight. He was even more so when Ivan mentioned about Gilbert's parents having died, and how the albino was dealing with it. Francis promised him that he wouldn't mention anything about it unless Gilbert asked, for tonight was supposed to be all about fun. But Ivan wouldn't be enjoying it with them for his job was to keep Callaghan away and look for anything suspicious that may harm Gilbert. Hopefully, with Antonio and Francis staying for the night, the bastard wouldn't bother to snoop around. Before they left, Francis came with him to speak to the night guard.
"Did you happen to see anyone walking around the building late last night?" Ivan asked him. "Anyone you didn't recognize?"
The plump night guard tapped his chin. "Not that I saw. Why?"
"It was on the afternoon news about someone stalking a building some blocks away from here," Francis lied. "Ivan was just concerned."
"Oh. Oh well, rest assure Mr. Braginksi, no one is getting by me on my watch! I'll let you know if I see anything."
"Thank you." Ivan turned to Francis. "I need to see the landlord, and then we can go."
"Sure."
Ivan knocked on the office door and heard the landlord say they could come in. They both entered. "Sorry to bother you, Mr. Starksy."
The elderly graying man looked up. "You're actually just the person I want to see, Ivan. Who's your friend?"
"Francis Bonnefoy," Francis answered. "I'm visiting today."
"I see. Well, I just got an interesting call from a Mr. Alfred F. Jones. Care to tell me what's going on?"
"Excuse me?"
"You told him there is suspicious activity around here? By law he has to state that he will be patrolling this building. Who is this 'possible' stalker?"
Ivan swallowed. "He is…well, I believe he is my friend's old boyfriend. The man staying with me in my room; the albino man you had to point out that had pink eyes? It would be his ex-boyfriend. We know it has to be him. We just want to be able to make an arrest. That's what Alfred's supposed to do. He's a friend of mine as well."
Mr. Starksty removed his glasses. "I don't like this at all, Ivan. I'll let it slip by for a short while, but should bad things start to happen, then I'll have to ask you and your friend to leave this building. I have other tenants here, Ivan. They pay this price for a safe environment in a good area, and I want to keep it that way. You do understand, right?"
Ivan nodded. "Yes sir, I do." And he did. "Hopefully we'll be able to nab him."
"Yes. Good day to you."
Francis whispered to him as they left the office. "Don't worry. If you get thrown out there's room for you guys at my place."
Ivan smiled. "Thank you for your kindness."
"No problem! Our shared goal is to see Gilbert happy and healthy again! So let's make this a great night for him!"
Ivan chuckled. "Yes, let's do that!" Maybe tonight wouldn't be such a bad thing.
/
All four of them were settled in their pajamas, except for Ivan, who was the only one without a matching pair on. He only had on sweatpants and a black baggy t-shirt on. Francis was wearing a purple silk set, Antonio's was some sort of anchors, and Gilbert's new ones were red plaid. They had ordered out for Indian food and the take out boxes were all over his end table. Antonio had a habit of walking around with his take out box, eating as he went. Ivan feared the tikka masala orange sauce would drip on his carpets, and it didn't help that the man was a little clumsy. At least Gilbert was enjoying himself. Ivan loved the beautiful smile on the albino's face as he laughed with Francis. This is what he wanted to see; Gilbert laughing again and having fun. The man looked fully carefree, like a teenager hanging out in his room with a few friends. And kudos to Antonio and Francis who were doing more than they needed to please Gilbert.
After dinner, Ivan dished out the ice cream and Francis brought over the champagne. He didn't have any flutes, so they substituted with regular glasses. Francis popped the bottle over the trashcan (that they brought over for dinner) and let the foam drip before pouring them all a small amount. Just enough for a toast.
"Glasses up, boys!" Francis stood with his glass. "To Gilbie, who has started to overcome all odds and is ready to move forward! He's one of the stronger ones! To you, mon ami."
Gilbert appeared bashful and thanked them, clinking their glasses together. After the toast, Francis opened a bottle of wine for them, but Ivan would rather have some of his vodka. So for most of the night, the trio sang most of the Grease album twice through on Francis' karaoke machine. Ivan had driven Francis to his house to gather up the machine, and as they promised, sang quietly. Except during 'Summer Nights' and 'Greased Lightin'; then they got a little out of hand. They wanted Ivan to sing 'Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee', but he politely refused. The way they were snickering at him in their drunken way made Ivan wonder if they were mocking him. Ivan did, however, offer to sing the ending song 'We Go Together' with Gilbert on the second time around. He wanted it to be just the two of them, but Antonio and Francis had to jump in too. Thus, the duet was killed.
The only REMOTELY stereotypical 'manly' thing they did was settled down to watch 'Dirty Harry' and 'Rocky IV'. It was nearing the end of 'Rocky IV' when Gilbert had fallen asleep on the couch with his head in Ivan's lap. Ivan smiled down at him, noting the dark red dots on chapped lips from all the wine. He barely noticed when the movie was turned off as well as the lights. Ivan looked up and saw Antonio climbing into his sleeping bag and Francis giving a silent yawn. Silent purple eyes met blue, and very softly, Francis told him to bring Gilbert to bed. As gently as he could, Ivan moved Gilbert's head from his lap and lifted the man in his arms. He turned to the other two and asked, "Will you be alright?"
"We'll keep an eye on things here," Francis answered in a whisper.
"Oh right, 'that' guy," Antonio whispered and got up, bringing his sleeping bag over to the door and lying close to it. "Anybody tries to come in, let them trip over me and then we'll just see what happens!" He winked proudly.
Ivan nodded silently to say 'thank you' and carried his precious snoring bundle into the room. Even though Francis and Antonio were out there with Mandy, Ivan still closed the door. If not to keep out an intruder then just for the chance that Gilbert might snuggle with him. He wanted them to have a little bit of privacy. As soon as they were in bed, Gilbert shifted over to spoon himself against Ivan's back. Ivan felt the pointed nose pressing into the bottom of his hair and felt the even breathing. While Gilbert didn't wrap his arms around him, Ivan could feel the limbs tucked tightly between them. Gilbert was snuggling up to him like a little animal; like a rabbit. Ivan squeezed his eyes shut and grinned at how cute the whole thing was. But he soon fell asleep to the gentle rhythm of Gilbert's breathing. And at that moment, nothing else mattered.
End Chapter 11 TBC
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