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This Image of You	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 2818 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. This fic is for fun. I'm not making any money off of this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
***Warnings: yaoi, light bondage, light violence, language

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or any of the references I make in this chapter. They belong to their rightful creators/owners. I am not making any money off of this fic. It is for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter 2: Will You Be Mine Again?

Gilbert gave his whip another snap along the floor in hopes of seeing the larger man quake with fear. However, his eyes traveled to the front of Ivan’s pants where he could clearly see the beginning of an arousal. He couldn’t be sure if this stranger was simply a masochist or he was head over heels in love with this ‘other’ Gilbert. He snapped the whip with both hands in front of him so Ivan could see the strength and width of the leather. Still, the man continued to stare at him with a blank look on his face. Gilbert turned to the men accompanying him.

“Hang him up.”

He snapped his fingers and the men went around him to gather Ivan from the cell. One man held a mace in his hand should Ivan try to get away. Ivan didn’t put up a struggle and he let the men chain his wrists to some shackles hanging from the ceiling. The iron bit into his skin but he didn’t flinch from the pain. He had been in worse situations than this and has endured more. Ivan wasn’t expecting the heavy shackles to be placed around his ankles, inhibiting movement. But his main focus was Gilbert standing before him, toying with the whip. Usually it was Gilbert on this end of the foreplay but considering the current circumstance Ivan didn’t have much of a choice. He felt one of the men ball their fists in his tunic as the fabric was torn open, exposing his back.

“Are you going to answer all my questions?” Gilbert asked him in a firm tone.

“You haven’t asked any yet. Everything I told you in that throne room is all I know.” Ivan bit back the little moan in his throat as Gilbert reverted to a more casual, relaxed stance with his arms crossed. This position signaled that Gilbert was deep in thought and it was always the perfect chance to jump his bones.

“Leave us.” Gilbert demanded. “Except for you.” He pointed to the largest male of the bunch.

“But, my Lord-“ Another began to protest.

“I said go! I can handle this myself.”

“But your brother will be-“

“I’m not frightened of my ‘little’ brother. Be gone!” Gilbert cracked his whip and the men hurried out of the room, leaving the two alone with the other. He let his eyes travel to the front of Ivan’s pants where the erection had grown larger than before. Gilbert felt a mischievous stirring in his veins and he flashed the bound man a toothy smirk. “So what’s with the hard-on, stranger? Do you like to get your ass beat?”

“Only by you, my Gilbert.” Ivan said with a cheery smile. “Anyone else who dare tries will suffer greatly.”

“Why only me?”

“Because you give as well as you receive.” Ivan answered and the man behind him hollered.

“How dare you speak to the High Priest in such a manner!”

“Silence.” Gilbert hushed the man and moved closer to Ivan. “So how am I to get my answers out of you if you enjoy the pain?” Ivan gave a childish smile.

“Well…there’s some ‘other’ ways I can think of off the top of my head!”

“Think again!” Gilbert shot his hand out to grip Ivan’s balls through the pants and squeeze them. Ivan let out a painful yelp before it transitioned to a moan. The other man gasped and attempted to protest again but Gilbert silenced him. “I’m just having a little fun with him!” Gilbert assured the man and he pulled his hand away, enjoying the weak air thrusts of his captive.

“Sir…this is highly inappropriate! If your brother found out he would be-“

“But he is not going to find out. If word gets to him I will know who leaked it and I may have to punish that person.” The other man gulped and nodded quickly.

“Always threatening.” Ivan said softly. “That’s your nature.” Gilbert kept his smirk and raised an eyebrow at him.

“And just how to you intimidate people?”

“Ah…well, very rarely do I have to use any words. Just my body language and aura is enough to make a person wet themselves.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. And would it be too much to ask if you were to put your hand back where it was? But maybe a little more gently this time?” Ivan pouted playfully.

“Ha! You don’t get anything more like that until I find out what I want to know.”

“Very well then. Do your worst.” Gilbert smirked and tossed the whip to the other man.

“Give the big lummox a couple of licks for annoying me.” He ordered the man as he flopped himself on one of the examination tables. He folded his hands behind his head and lifted one leg, a pose he did often when they would spend time in the park. “Well, get to it!”

Ivan just kept his eyes glued to Gilbert’s lax figure when the stinging crack of the whip met with his flesh. He closed one eye and his body twitched, but nothing more. He kept silent as another lash was given but something very interesting had shifted his pain to pleasure. Gilbert slowly took off his leather-studded gloves and tossed them to the floor. His now bare hand started to travel down his red over-tunic robes and to the hem of his black pants. Ivan moaned through the pain, silently begging to release his growing erection from the constricting garments. The milky-white hand slipped past the hem and Gilbert let out a little gasp of pleasure, which in turn made Ivan lash out in his restraints with lust. He wanted him. Gilbert had been taken from him but now the man was before him in the flesh, doing just one of the many things that could set his blood racing. Gilbert looked at him and chuckled, giving another soft gasp as his hand moved further down.

“That’s enough.” Gilbert ordered the man and the other respectfully turned his back so he could no longer see the scene before him. “I bet you’re hurting in more places than just your back.” Gilbert smirked at Ivan who wasn’t at all pleased or cheerful.

“You are the exact same man as my Gilbert! Why do you do this to me?”

“Because I can!” He moaned softly again, continuing to stroke his own erection. “I bet you wish it were your hands doing this to me.” Ivan’s answer was a little growl. “I could do more, you know.” He slipped his hand back out to toy with the loop buttons of his over tunic. He unhooked one and proceeded to the other above it. Ivan shifted in his binds again as he desperately tried to reach for Gilbert. “You won’t be able to see any more of this awesomeness until you answer my questions. Why are you really here?”

“I told you.” Ivan’s voice was dangerous with a husky tone. “I fell from the sky and landed here.”

“This isn’t a fairytale, buddy. Give him another lash.” The man gulped and turned around, slashing at him again. Ivan grit his teeth and glared at the delicious sight that was both infuriating and exciting him.

“I speak the truth! I fell through the picture! The painting of YOU!”

“Your words make no sense! Again.” Another lash was met.

“I’m not lying to you! I don’t know why I am here but I know I fell through the painting! I fell through when I noticed the tear at the bottom!” Gilbert seemed to except this bit and he finished unbuttoning to reveal the black under tunic beneath it. Ivan’s anger melting away slightly at the sight of a new, hopefully to soon be removed, article of clothing.

“Do you know why the tear was there?”

“I don’t. The man who sold it to me said he found it in the garbage and it was already ripped…chances are it was torn while it was being thrown away. Or perhaps that’s WHY it was thrown away.” He could feel the rivulets of blood dripping down his back. “I’m not lying to you…Feliciano even said something about a prophecy, or something.” Gilbert looked at him and untied the top lace of his under tunic.

“Do you wish to cause harm to myself, my brother, or anyone else in this vicinity?”

“No…I wish only to make things right again with you.”

“With me?”

“Yes. I don’t know where I am but…but if I can get a second chance to be with you then that is all I want.” Gilbert sat up after hearing those words and he turned to the other man.

“Leave us.”

“Sir, is that wise?”

“Yes. Now go. And leave the whip.” The man bowed and handed it to Gilbert on his way out. He waited until the door was closed before sliding off the table and sauntering up to Ivan.

“Tell me, this ‘other’ Gilbert…if he and I really are one in the same…then how did you manage to claim him?” He moved even closer to Ivan so he could look into violet eyes. “I would never go for someone like you. Many men want me but I don’t give them the satisfaction. So how is it that YOU won ME?” Ivan smirked.

“Simple. I watched you from afar. You’re a cocktease and you play hard-to-get. You enjoy making men fawn over you because it drives your brother crazy and gives you some ‘naughty’ pleasure. You are so wrapped up in yourself that you give off such an aura that oozes want and lust. Your strange and exotic looks only added to it.” Gilbert narrowed his eyes.

“That may be who I am and I enjoy flirting and driving others crazy…but still, how did “I” end up with you? What made you different from all the others?”

“Now that is where it gets good, my little snow bunny.” Gilbert sneered at the pet name. “For you see, the first time I set eyes on you I knew I had to possess you. I wanted you to become one with me…so I kept after you. I would ‘meet up’ with you a lot…usually on accident.” He chuckled. “I would watch how you toyed with men, how you picked fights and caused trouble…just like me. So one night, after seeing a movie-um, a ‘play’, I walked you home. However, we were jumped by a group of thugs. Together we kicked the shit out of them. You were still wet behind the ears when it came to full fisted brawls, but once you saw me tearing into those brutes with iron strength…you nearly creamed right there.”

“That’s all it took?” He scoffed. “We’re not the same Gilbert, then.”

“But he said something along those lines as well.” Ivan dropped his voice to a whisper. “He invited me inside his town house. We went up to his brother’s room, who wasn’t home at the time. Silly Gilbert wanted to ‘show me’ something but all he really wanted was to experience ‘taboo’.”

“I would never-“ Ivan thrust himself closer so his erection was pressed lightly against Gilbert’s, making both men share an intake of breath. Gilbert, to his surprise, did not move and Ivan could see the hint of a heated blush along his nose.

“One thing led to another. He let me kiss his soft pink lips…I remember the taste so well. Popcorn and cigarettes…but I didn’t care. Our kiss grew more heated and the wanton slut inside of him came out full force. He wanted it rough and passionate.” Gilbert felt a tremor travel through his body at Ivan’s crazed look. “I tore off his shirt and ripped the button right off his pants. Soon I had him exposed on the green sheets of his brother’s bed, panting and whining with desire. After a short while of prepping, marking and licking that skin…I pressed myself inside his tight heat.” Gilbert’s knees grew weak but he kept his stance. “I could give back to my Gilbert with twice the force he gave me. That is how I was able to claim the wild stallion as my own. I told him he would one day be mine…and I always get what I want. If I want something, then I go after it.” He forced his face closer to Gilbert’s. “I would like to woo you again.” He whispered and for a moment it looked like Gilbert had melted but the crushing grip on his swollen erection made him cry out in pure agony.

“Listen here, buddy! I would never let myself be taken so easily! I was put here in this church by my brother for reasons that are none of your business and I do my best to honor him!” He released Ivan’s erection and stepped away from him. Ivan had to gasp and shudder as his body slowly returned from its state of paralyzing pain. “It may have happened in your world but it won’t happen here!” Gilbert went and grabbed his whip, snapping it in his hands. “You said you tore off my clothes, correct? Well, I guarantee with my skills at the whip…I could have you nearly stripped naked without even breaking your skin!” He slid his tongue along the length of the whip.

“I challenge you, then.”

Gilbert wasted no time and with a raise of his arm, he brought the whip down to tear a part of Ivan’s shirt. Ivan felt a soft sting but he knew the skin had not been broken. He watched with wide violet eyes as Gilbert continued his sensual punishment. Little by little the air was littered with bits of Ivan’s clothing and soon the front of his shirt had been completely torn open. The next slash came very close to his groin but only succeeded in tearing another spot on his pants. His skin was starting to ache with the little pink whip marks that decorated his skin. He was surprised when Gilbert dropped his whip and walked up to him, gripping the hem of his torn pants. With a smirk, Gilbert tore the pants the rest of the way so they fell to pool at his bound ankles. Ivan was now naked save for the torn tunic shirt. He felt his erection spring back to life now that it no longer had any restrictions. He watched as Gilbert’s eyes traveled down his body to linger on his enlarged manhood.

“See something you like?” Ivan asked with a breathy chuckle.

“So you have a bigger dick than most. So what? Mine is still bigger and totally better looking! You’ve got a lot of flab and resemble a baby seal.” Ivan felt extremely insulted and his current dominant aura fell to a more childish one.

“That was really mean! I’m not a baby seal!”

“Do you know how they kill wittle baby seals?”

“By bashing them on the head?”

“Yup. It’s sleepy time for you!”

“WAIT! I-“ Ivan didn’t have time to finish his sentence as Gilbert pulled out a club resembling a nightstick and whacked him over the head with it. The last thing Ivan saw was the gray cloud gathering at his shackled feet before darkness overtook him.

Gilbert fixed himself up and looped his whip back to his belt. He had to know more about the prophecy and the real reason why Ivan was here. His erection had ceased once he gave it a few quick pumps to ejaculate before leaving the dungeon. Everything Ivan had said had seemed real to him, especially the sexual parts. The ways he was describing reached deep into his body and filled it with a craving he longed to ease. Everything was still very strange about Ivan and his obsession with him. The way Ivan spoke to him was almost enough to unshackle him and let the stranger claim him over the examination table. But that was just his lust and wanton need speaking. He was stronger than that.

Despite his promise to his brother, Gilbert was very flirtatious and seductive. As long as he didn’t sleep with any of them there was no harm in it. It was fun! He could come off as a shy little flower but pack a punch that would sterilize a man for life. It was thrilling to watch a man completely lose control because Gilbert knew how to drive them to that level. He was so skilled that he could make a ‘ladyies’ man question his tastes. His brother hated it, which was one of the reasons he forced his elder brother into a church. Ludwig gave his brother the title of Head Warrior Priest as long as he kept himself out of trouble. Speaking of his brother, he would have to report what he heard from Ivan, keeping it VERY professional, of course.

Ludwig was in his study, looking over the prophecy Feliciano had pointed out. Rarely did he believe in such things and he wasn’t surprised that Feliciano would know something about it. His lover enjoyed reading fantasy and make-believe books. However, this one seemed to be fitting in with all the current events going on in the world. With the tear in the sky, the arrival of Ivan, and the frequent number of monsters arising there was defiantly something amiss. His friend, Kiku, seemed to believe that the prophecy spoke true as well but Ludwig couldn’t come to a decision until he had heard from Gilbert.

“Brother, may I come in?” Came Gilbert’s voice followed by a knock.

“Yes, come in.” Gilbert opened the heavy door and closed it behind him. He walked over to Ludwig and looked over his shoulder to see what he was reading.

“Ah, the prophecy. Pondering on it, are you? You know, if you worry too much about things you’ll get gray hairs!” He said, poking at Ludwig’s cheek. Ludwig batted his hand away.

“Any gray hairs I have are from either you or Feli. You both run me ragged.”

“But we keep you moving!” Gilbert sat himself atop of Ludwig’s desk. “So I spoke to our stranger. Our ‘hero’ of the prophecy.” Ludwig turned to him.

“And what did you find out?” Gilbert toyed with a paperweight on the desk.

“Nothing much. I think he’s telling the truth about this ‘other world’ he’s come from. He speaks weird words too. He doesn’t come off as a hero at all.”

“So you think he is not here to harm us?” Gilbert shook his head.

“I think if properly trained, he could be very useful to us. Think of all these monsters we have popping up left and right! We will need all the help we can get. Ivan was a gang member in his other world and he never cried out when I was whipping him. He is a strong one.”

“What is it you are asking of me, brother? Do you suggest I let him out of the dungeon and give him a place among us? How can we be certain he is the ‘hero’ of this prophecy?” Gilbert smiled at him.

“We won’t know until we get to know him, hm? I would send a doctor to him and have his wounds treated before they become infected. I’m going to go to the church and see if they have found anything inside his clothes.” Ludwig nodded and watched as Gilbert headed to the door.

“Brother…you know what I am about to tell you.” Gilbert laughed and crossed his arms, turning his body to face his younger brother.

“Yes, yes! I hear ya! Do you think I have ‘foreign’ tastes?” Ludwig stood up from his chair.

“You have a taste in many men. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have already set your sights on Ivan because of the mystery behind him. We don’t know him yet and he could still be dangerous. But I trust your intuition. Send a doctor for him and have him brought to the church. Once he is awake I will speak to him personally.” Gilbert decided to play a little trick on his brother.

“If he is part of the prophecy than he may ask for my hand in marriage. It says in that prophecy that the king will have to give away one of his family members to the ‘hero’. And I’m your only family member!”

“What? It doesn’t say that!” Ludwig turned to the book and flipped through the few pages, searching for it. “Where did you read that?”

“Pfft! I made it up! I just like teasing you.” Ludwig glared at him and crossed his arms.

“Your brother is not amused! You forget that I am still your sovereign! Mother and father named ME the successor so you’d best remember to mind your manners! I do everything I can to keep you safe and you taunt me with jokes and wiles!” Gilbert looked at him with amusement.

“This coming from the little brat who used to hide in my bed because he was afraid of the dark.”

“Shouldn’t you be praying at the altar?” Ludwig said and snuffed him. Gilbert clasped his hands together and bowed before taking his leave.

Once his visit with Ludwig was done he made his way back to the church entrance. The other clerics welcomed him but Gilbert paid little attention to them. He asked one where Ivan’s clothes were and the cleric had them brought over to him. Gilbert placed the bundle of cold clothes on the table and opened them up, examining the strange designs closely. The material was different but not undesirable. Gilbert searched through the clothes, looking for a pocket of any kind. There were none in his jacket or shirt but he did find pockets in his pants. He pat them down and felt something hard in the back pocket. He reached in and took out a thin silver box of some kind. Examining it closely, he noticed a little latch and he pressed it. The top flipped open and there were three white sticks tucked neatly together under some sort of clip. Beneath the sticks was a painting of some kind but it didn’t have the feel or texture of canvas. Once he slipped it out the image made him gasp and drop the silver box to the floor.

The picture was of him and Ivan in some strange place with large contraptions and lights behind them. Ivan appeared to be holding a large piece of pink cotton on a stick while he, or the ‘other’ Gilbert, was holding a stuffed yellow bird doll. This ‘other’ Gilbert was identical to him in every way, right down to the white skin and pink eyes. He was told that no other of his birth existed in the world and yet here was someone, or himself, with the same condition. Half, if not all, of Gilbert’s misfortune and restrictions in this life were due to his peculiar looks, which struck fear and loathing into the face of many. He quickly shook his head of those thoughts and returned to processing the meaning of the picture. Once Ivan was awake and well he would confront him on this and hope to receive a straight answer. Pieces of Ivan’s story started to come together but he still thought it quite bizarre.

Ivan slowly opened his eyes with a groan and was met with a headache. He rolled over onto his side and rubbed his forehead, trying to relieve the hurt. His clothes were still torn and his pants were missing but there was a blanket set out for him. Ivan didn’t mind the cold usually but in this dungeon and this weather the blanket was a necessity. He wrapped the blanket around himself and snuggled into it. His body was used to pain so the lashes were barely causing him any discomfort. However, he knew that the wounds needed to be bandaged or he would end up with an infection. The sound of heavy iron clanging against wood alerted his senses and he had forgotten about his headache momentarily. Two men who appeared to be guards came to his cell door and opened it with a large key.

“You, out.” Commanded one and Ivan obeyed, still with the blanket around his shoulders. “We’re taking you the church where your wounds will be treated. Priest Beilschmidt commands it.”

“Ah, sounds like a plan.”

Ivan answered softly and he let the men lead him back to the church. He was taken to a larger room with two beds and a table that appeared to hold boxes of medical devices. One guard remained with him while the other went to fetch the doctor. Ivan remained silent whilst sitting on the bed, kicking his feet lazily as he waited. When the door opened again the same guard had returned with a friendly-faced doctor. While the doctor was rubbing some kind of salve on his wounds Ivan was a little disturbed by the contents he knew had to be in the medicine. He had remembered reading some time ago in a library that boiled urine of all types mixed with herbs were used to treat infections. Now he had seen some pretty hardcore content just on the city streets yet this seemed to disturb him the most. But there was nothing he could do at the moment except let himself be bandaged. Just as the doctor was finishing up with Gilbert had walked in.

“Is he functional?” Gilbert asked the doctor.

“Yes. I just finished treating his wounds.”

“Thanks. You can go now. All of you.” Gilbert waited for them to leave until he shoved the picture in Ivan’s face. “What’s up with this picture? I want to know everything about it! Where the hell is this place and what is all this weird stuff around us?” Ivan’s eyes sparkled.

“You said ‘us’!” Gilbert growled.

“Shut it, asshole! I want to know about this picture! Now tell me or you’ll get some more lickings!” Ivan smiled and took the picture.

“Where did you find this?” He asked.

“I found it in a silver box in your pants.”

“Hm? Oh, that’s my cigarette box. I kept this picture in it because it’s one of my favorite outings with you!” Gilbert tapped his foot.

“Explain.”

“Ah…well, let me think. I need to think of an old-time way to explain this to you. Hm…” Ivan tapped his chin in thought before coming up with an answer. “This is a festival you and I attended in the city.”

“What’s in the back?”

“That’s a Ferris Wheel. We had just come off that ride. I’m eating cotton candy. It’s um…very sweet and fluffy. And that’s the stuffed bird you won at a shooting game. You named it ‘Gilbird’.” Gilbert threw back his head and laughed.

“That’s awesome! I actually have a little yellow bird just like that in my chambers! And his name IS Gilbird!” Ivan clapped his hands together.

“You are my Gilbert! I know you are! See, this picture is what my world looks like! You were alive in this picture and it was actually taken a couple of months before your death.” Ivan’s happiness turned into sadness once again.

“Hey…what about the pink eyes and skin? Am I...or was I…feared?” Ivan cocked his head in confusion. “I mean, was the way I looked in your world accepted?”

“Accepted? Well, yes it is, for the most part. It’s a very rare condition in my world that can happen to animals and people. It is uncommon but the population knows about it. Your pigments are absent in your genes and that’s what makes you look like that. It’s extremely difficult to explain and I don’t really know a lot about it myself.”

“Can it be fixed?”

“Not really.”

“But it isn’t something that people fear?”

“I’m sure in some underdeveloped countries your looks are feared. But in most civilized societies it is more accepted.” Ivan smiled softly at him. “Why do you ask such things?” Gilbert looked a bit uneasy and cleared his throat.

“I rather not say. I will have some new clothes brought to you and then you will remind here until my brother summons you to his office.” Ivan frowned.

“Your brother, Ludwig. He was also your brother in my world as well.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes! He isn’t that much different here. He was always very protective of you.” Ivan did not want to let on that Ludwig despised his and Gilbert’s relationship. He didn’t want to plant any doubts in their minds.

“Well, don’t bother trying to ask him to court me or anything. He’ll hang you from his office window.” Gilbert said with a smug smile.

“Trust me. I know how to speak to your brother.” Ivan smiled.

A few hours later Ivan was escorted to Ludwig’s office by a handful of guards. He was anxious to start a new relationship with Ludwig now that the slate was wiped clean. With all he knew about the old Ludwig already would work in his favor while speaking to the new one. Ivan felt honored to be granted so many second chances that millions of people would love to have. They arrived at a large door with torches on both side and a red carpet sticking out from underneath. Ivan folded his arms behind his back and entered the room with his head high. Ludwig’s office consisted of a large wooden desk, some bookshelves, a chair, a wall map, and a window. Lightly decorated rooms just as the old Ludwig had. The blonde man stood by the large fireplace as his blue eyes glued themselves to Ivan.

“So you’re the ‘hero’ of the prophecy, my brother says.”

“Ah…let’s stray from the world ‘hero’. It reminds me of a particularly obnoxious ‘Yankee Bean’ of a man.”

“ ‘Yankee Bean’?”

“It was a nickname I gave him. Think nothing of it. As for this prophecy…from what I’ve just been through I would say it seems very real.”

“I don’t normally believe in this type of nonsense but…considering the conditions, as I was telling Gilbert earlier…maybe something is right among the prophecy. I trust Gilbert’s word that you are from another time and place. Though don’t think that means I’m your friend. I am far from your friend and I will continue to be skeptical of you.” He said firmly. “I still need to feel you out.” Ivan shrugged his shoulders.

“Understandable. You know, your brother asked me something very interesting and I would like to alert you about it.” Ludwig took a few steps closer.

“What? Tell me!”

“He asked me if people with his looks exist in my world. I told him they do and although uncommon people know about them.” Ludwig narrowed his eyes dangerously.

“How do I know you are telling the truth? I’ve not been in your world so I would have to take your word on it. I don’t want you filling my brother’s head with lies and fairytales!”

“They are not lies. In my world we know the reason for his looks and they aren’t something ‘scary’ or ‘evil’. That’s what you think, isn’t it? I bet you think something is wrong with Gilbert…something magical maybe? Or mythical? Or maybe you just all view him as a weirdo!”

“How could you know that? Does this have something to do with your knowledge of the tear?”

“No. For you see, in my world, you are still his younger brother. Your grandparents raised you both and they tended to shun Gilbert because of how unusual he looked. They favored you the most, gave you lots of toys and clothes and gifts and let you play outside. Gilbert had to stay indoors a lot because his pale skin could burn easily in the sun. He was sick a lot as a little boy too. As he grew he became more rebellious and bitter, causing trouble and causing havoc everywhere he went just because he could. You tried endlessly to keep him out of trouble and safe from harm. He made a lot of enemies and did many dangerous things.”

“And…where is this ‘other’ Ludwig now? And this other ‘Gilbert’ you seem to know so much about?”

“Ah…well, that will come in due time. We knew each other, that’s all. We were…schoolmates. All of you are in my world as well. Your lover, Feliciano, and your friend Kiku. They are your friends in my world as well. And Gilbert…well…his ‘lifestyle’ got the best of him and he died. That’s why I ended up with the picture. After his death and funeral I found that painting of him. I was so enamored with the painting that it looked as if Gilbert would come right out and join me! And that’s how I ended up here.” Ludwig listened to his words but seemed both confused and amazed.

“Something is defiantly wrong here. It must have to do with the tear…I will consult my councilors on this hunch.”

“You mean Kiku and Feli?” Ivan smiled.

“Yes.” Ludwig walked to his desk and took a seat, folded his hands in front of him. “My brother wants to train you as a fighter. He said you were in a gang of some kind?”

“In a manner of speaking. I would love to be trained by your brother. I really have nowhere to go so I’m just going to take things one day at a time and see what happens. You never told me why you are so protective of Gilbert? You put him in a church even though you know he scoffs at all of it. He would rather be out dancing and drinking, not praying.” Ludwig looked at him and ran a hand down his face.

“Not everyone accepts him. The church is untouchable. That is all I’m going to say.” He studied Ivan again. “I will give you a trail run. My brother will train you to help aid us in the troubles of this world. You may very well be the one who can close the tear. Until that day comes, you are to respect and honor me. You will do everything I say even if it is something strange like ‘stand on your head’. You WILL do it or I will punish you.” Ivan blinked but he was not at all surprised at Ludwig’s attitude.

“Yes sir.” He smiled. ‘Keep up a happy face! Keep Ludwig happy so you can wiggle your way into Gilbert’s bed!’

“And one more thing. If you lay one hand on my brother in an inappropriate manner…or try something more, then you will quickly end up a gelding. I know how my brother can be but I will always take his word over any other. Understand? Let that be a MAJOR warning to you.”

“Yes, your ‘majesty’.” It killed Ivan to be referring to Ludwig with such a title but this was his second chance at life and he wasn’t going to blow it. There was a sudden grumbling noise in the room and Ivan put his hand on his belly. “Ah…guess I’m a little hungry.” Ludwig just ushered him away.

“My brother will feed you at the church. The guards will see you back there to-” the door opened and Feliciano came in, followed by Kiku. He flashed them a little smile. They were right on time to discuss more about the tear. Ivan smiled and waved at them. “I’m glad you two came when you did.”

“We heard you would be speaking to Ivan.” Kiku said. “And we thought we should join you.”

“I was just about done with him.” Ludwig replied. “The guards were going to see him back to the church.” Ivan raised his hand politely.

“Excuse me, but I think I should stay to help explain to them, too. Your ‘majesty’, tell them what Gilbert said.”

“Gilbert believes he is from a different world, just as the prophecy stated.”

“I was right! And you all doubted me!” Feliciano said proudly.

“What do you think?” Kiku asked Ludwig.

“He spoke of some…family matters that he wouldn’t have ever known about if this ‘other world’ didn’t exist. He said he fell from the sky…I wonder if it was the tear he had fallen through?” Ivan shrugged his shoulders and the other three turned to him.

“I know I feel from the sky but I don’t think it was the tear. However, I was nearly drowning in icy cold water and was more focused on what was in front of me rather than above me. So it is logical I fell from there. It was the tear in the picture that made me fall through.”

“Kiku, what do you think?” Ludwig turned to the dark haired male, valuing his opinion over mosts.

“Perhaps…this is a shot in the dark,” Kiku started, “But do you think the tear is acting like a mirror? As in, if we were able to look through it would we see Ivan’s world? One parallel to our own?” Ludwig looked at the prophecy book to his right.

“Against my judgment I have to say that seems to make sense…as bizarre as it sounds. Ivan, you said we all exist in your world, right?” Ivan nodded.

“Yes. You are all pretty much the same there as you are here. The only difference is the type of world. My world is very advanced and yours is more…um…well, lets just say this place was how MY world was thousands of years ago.” He smiled brightly. They didn’t know he had fallen asleep in many history classes and most likely rambled off the wrong time period.

“But if we all exist in your world…then wouldn’t that mean in OUR world, there should be another you?” Kiku pointed at Ivan.

“I’m so confused!” Feliciano whined.

“Another me?” Ivan smiled and pointed to himself.

“But then if ‘other world’ Ivan is here…then where is ‘this world’s’ Ivan?” Feliciano scratched his head in thought, utterly confused. “And how will we know which one is the real one if they came to be?”

“That Ivan would have a black goatee, of course!” Ivan laughed out but it only made the others gaze at him strangely. “Ah…nevermind. It was joke.”

Ivan was escorted back to the church shortly after his meeting with the other three. The conclusion they came to about the tear seemed accurate enough to satisfy him for now. He asked one of the clerics to take him to Gilbert so he could tell him of the results. Ivan was given a cloak and a pair of gloves to put on before he was led outside in the snow. The cleric brought him to the church cemetery where Gilbert stood in his red hooded robes with a large black bird resting on his arm. The cleric announced Ivan’s presence and Gilbert turned with the bird to see him.

“Thanks, you can go.” He said to the cleric. “What brings you out here? Did my brother put his foot up your ass?” He asked with a chuckle.

“No, we actually came to an agreement. He is giving you permission to train me so all is well.” Ivan looked at the large black bird, recognizing it as a black eagle. “That can’t be your chubby little ‘Gilbird’.” Gilbert stroked the front of the bird’s chest with his knuckles.

“This is Ebony, my pride and joy. Ludwig gave her to me a few years ago as a birthday present.”

“She doesn’t mind the snow?” Ivan asked, holding out his gloved hands to catch some snowflakes.

“Nah, she’s a tough one! Just like her owner!” Gilbert ushered her to switch arms. “I was just giving her a break from her confinements. Although, I can’t hold her for much longer…she does tend to get heavy.”

“Where does she stay?”

“Come with me. I’ll show you.” Ivan followed Gilbert around the tombstones and to the stables. Inside were basic farm animals, such a goats, sheep, cows, geese, chickens, a horse and mule. To the far right was a large cage with a nesting hut. Gilbert let the bird into the cage and latched it shut. “Tomorrow morning I will let her out to fly freely. She always comes back.” Gilbert smirked. “She can’t bear to be away from me for any length of time!” Ivan rolled his eyes in amusement but followed Gilbert back out into the cemetery.

“Would you like to hear what your brother and the others came up with?” Gilbert nodded and took a seat atop one of the tombstones after brushing the snow off.

“Talk to me.”

“They think the tear is a mirror or a gateway into my world and I just may have fallen through it to end up here.”

“Really?” He scoffed. “It sounds like a fairytale plot. It really does.”

“I know, but that is the only explanation that makes the most sense right now.” They fell silent for a moment and Ivan stared at Gilbert’s figure in the snow. He smiled softly. “Please be mine again.”

“No.” Gilbert looked at him. “I can’t be with anybody…so stop asking.”

“Why not?”

“I just can’t, okay? Butt out, you big ox!”

Gilbert jumped off the tombstone and instead of storming off he walked further into the graveyard. Ivan felt a chill go up his spine for Gilbert’s slow steps gave him the appearance of a ghost walking through the cemetery. It gave him the image of his world Gilbert roaming aimlessly through the graveyard he was buried in. What if he was looking for Ivan? Gilbert didn’t know he was shot for the blow killed him instantly. Didn’t Alfred once say something about ghosts having ‘unfinished business’ or they get lost on their way to the ‘light’? If only he had run fast enough then maybe they could have missed that bullet. Gilbert was dead because of him and this other Gilbert was walking away from him. He couldn’t stand it any longer and he took off through the tombstones after Gilbert. He wrapped his arms around Gilbert’s waist, surprising the other man who let out a curse.

“Get off!”

“Don’t leave me again! I don’t want you in this place! Let’s go back inside!” Ivan pulled him tightly back against his chest and buried his nose in the red hood.

“Hey…calm down. I’m not going anywhere. I always walk around these parts.” Gilbert remained in Ivan’s hold.

“I told you…my other Gilbert is dead and buried in one of these…where I can’t see or hear him. I don’t know if he is just in an endless sleep or if his soul is wandering around somewhere…that’s what you look like right now. I never really believed in that stuff but now…I’m not so sure. All I know is that you are still my Gilbert, alive and well…and I don’t want to lose you again. I made too many mistakes before but I won’t make them again!”

“Really…calm down. You’re going to be a fighter soon after I train you and you can’t go off being so…well, dramatic.” Ivan squeezed him tighter and Gilbert let out a little grunt. “But…it is touching.” Gilbert wouldn’t have said that if the man behind him weren’t so emotional at the moment. “I haven’t dealt with the death of a loved one before so I can’t say I understand what you are feeling…but I still can’t be with you.”

“Why not? Can you at least tell me that? Who says you can’t be with anyone? My other Gilbert would NEVER listen to what another commands of him! He always made his own choices and you can do the same!”

“No, I can’t! I would like to but I can’t!” This time he tried to pull out of Ivan’s grasp. “Let me go!”

“Not until you tell me what I want to know!” Gilbert dug his nails into Ivan’s arm and stomped his heel down on his foot. Ivan hissed and let him go. Gilbert’s hood had fallen off so Ivan could see the whole of his enraged face.

“I like to tease, yes, but I won’t do it anymore with you! You seem to want to really take things too far!”

“Then I will start all over. I said it before. I will make you love me once again. You will become one with me…” Ivan loomed over him and for a moment Gilbert saw the violent determination behind those violet eyes. But he wouldn’t back down to Ivan’s challenge. Others have tried and they all had failed.

“I could easily send you away from here.” Gilbert threatened and Ivan smirked dangerously.

“But then it wouldn’t be nearly as fun. You’re still the Gilbert I knew and you like to play with fire.” He poked Gilbert’s nose. “Unless you are hiding something underneath these robes? Did your baby brother put a chastity belt on you because I will find my way through it. Is that why you can’t be with anyone?”

“Fuck you!” Gilbert took a swing at him but Ivan backed away, dodging it. Gilbert glared at him and kicked up some snow. “I don’t have a chastity belt! I don’t need one! I’m capable of protecting myself! I don’t need outside aide! You better fucking change your attitude and change it fast or whatever kind of ‘relationship’ you hope to have with me will crumble and break! Friendly or intimately!” Ivan stared at him sternly and Gilbert returned the look with an angry glare.

“This has something to do with your looks, doesn’t it?” Gilbert took a step back. “You were asking me about your looks in my world when you could have asked a million other questions! That is on your mind! I hit the nail on the head, didn’t I?” Gilbert turned away from him and Ivan put his hand on his shoulder, expecting it to be brushed off. Ivan’s features softened when Gilbert let his hand remain where it was. “I told you that your looks are nothing to be alarmed of or hated in my world.”

“How is it that you know so much?”

“I’m just awesome that way.” Gilbert looked over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes.

“That’s my word.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to anger you. We used to gang up on each other all the time with fun fights and insults…I want to have that again. I want to have all of you.” He had both hands on Gilbert’s shoulders now and moved to stand closer to him. “I’m willing to wait.” His stomach growled again and Gilbert turned around to face him.

“Let’s get you something to eat. It’s past supper time anyway.” Ivan gave him a sad puppy-dog look and Gilbert thought of that picture he found of the two of them in the other world. He wiggled his nose in thought and then took Ivan by the hand. “We’ll eat and talk…once I explain things to you maybe you will abandon your lust for me.”

“And love. Don’t forget love. And nothing you say could make me abandon you.” Gilbert didn’t reply but Ivan just smiled and let himself be led back into the church.

End Chapter 2 TBC

***Hope you enjoyed the second chapter! Lots of mysteries and questions, eh? I hope to have the next chapter posted sooner than this one.
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