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Goodnight Noises Everywhere	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1121 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
***Warnings: Language, violence, disturbing scenes
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
'Remember me as you pass by;
As you are now, so once was I;
As I am now, you soon will be;
Prepare for death, and follow me.'- an old epitaph
Chapter 3
"Are you a ghost?" Asked Ivan.
"No." Gilbert replied in a hushed voice. "Are you a demon?"
Ivan slowly shook his head. "Do you live here?"
"I do. Please, I have nothing for you to take! So please, just go away!" Gilbert pressed his back even harder against the wall as if trying to melt into it. He had learned that in this world you could not trust a soul. This man was still concealed by the darkness of the room, dressed as if he were Death himself. Perhaps he was. With a flash of lightening Gilbert was able to catch a glimpse of the man, seeing that his face was covered in bandages.
"I don't want to harm you…so don't give me a reason too. I want shelter from the storm, nothing else. I guess I should properly ask to share this residence with you until the storm clears?" Ivan moved closer so the other could see he still had his blade. "I'm sure you have no problem with that, right?"
Gilbert shook his head violently. "J-Just sleep over there!" He watched the man walk over to the opposite side of the wall and sit down with his legs straight out.
Both men sat in utter silence as the storm continued to rage and howl outside. They refused to take their eyes of the other, waiting for any sudden moves that could result in a conflict. During this time they silently examined each other, trying to uncover the others' motives and guess what kind of men they are.
Gilbert could barely trust anyone, much less a stranger who wandered in from the storm. The stranger did not appear to be homeless because his body held a solid build. It could be from multiple layers of clothing under the coat. The only way to find out would be to see for himself, but Gilbert didn't care enough to take the chance. The bandages covering his face were strange and Gilbert had to wonder if other parts of the body were covered as well? Back in the workhouse, there were some people who had to stay wrapped in bandages because of some sort of skin disease. Then there was that knife, which the stranger proudly displayed on his thigh. Probably as a reminder to keep the distance between them. On the other hand, Gilbert pondered, he may just be a struggler on the street the same as he. Gilbert has his own weapon for defense, so why wouldn't another street dweller use it for protection as well? This stranger was company in an eerie sort of way; and if they were going to share this church then they should at least know each other's names. Gilbert found his voice and spoke loudly over the thunder.
"My name is Gilbert! What's yours?"
The other tilted his head and eyes in Gilbert's direction. "What's it matter to you?"
"Just friendly conversation!" A bolt of lightning briefly startled him. "What's your name?"
The stranger was silent for a moment and then answered: "Vanya. My name is Vanya."
"Vanya? That's a strange name for a man! Are you a woman?"
"I'm a man. Vanya is…a nickname. I've forgotten my real name."
"That's a shame! Well then, I'll call you Vanya!"
Ivan chose to give the man Gilbert a nickname because of the wanted posters all over the city. He feared if this man knew who he was then it could spell trouble for him, and it would be back to the mental prison ward. The thought of going back there sent a tremor through his body. This man Gilbert appeared friendly enough, but trusting him as they stand now is not an option. To Ivan, Gilbert still held the appearance of a ghost with, if he was not mistaken, red eyes? Ivan had to squint at the other with the next flash of lightening yet still was not sure of the color. Maybe this person wasn't really a man but some sort of spiritual entity? Perhaps this ghost man will disappear within a flash of lightening. Or it was possible Gilbert could be sick. The man looked thin and frail, with skin the color of pale tainted marble. Dark circles curled under the eyes while the bits of hair poking out from under the hat seemed…white? That couldn't be.
"Vanya, can I ask you something? Are you living on the streets like me?"
Ivan hesitated for a moment. "Yes. Are you?"
"Yup. Ever since I left the workhouse. Couldn't stand it there any longer. I had to leave."
"Is this better then?"
"Shittin' bricks."
Ivan laughed. "Now it's my turn to ask you something. Are you a ghost?"
"I'm not a ghost! I'm a man! What makes you think I'm a ghost? And how about all those damn bandages, buddy? Huh?"
Ivan blinked. "You simply look…odd. I think your eyes are red…and your skin is so pale."
"I'm an albino." He said with disdain. "A doctor at the workhouse said it was something I was born with. I don't have something in my body to give me…a tan? And my eyes are pink, not red. I've always looked like this, but I sure as Hell am not a ghost! Now spill about those bandages! Should I be worried about catching what you have?"
Ivan smiled. "It's syphilis. Unless you wish to sleep with me you should be safe."
"Waste all your money in whore houses, huh?" Gilbert smirked.
"Yes. Booze, women, and- " he couldn't bring himself to say 'opium'. "and gambling. I have to keep my skin covered for obvious reasons. My face is…not pretty."
Gilbert stuck his tongue out between his teeth. "Ick. That's rough. So what are your plans after the storm stops? Got anywhere to go?"
"No. Just moving." Ivan replied. "You?"
"Hoping for my next meal." Gilbert showed him his flute. "Mind if I play?"
Ivan shook his head. Gilbert began to play.
Ivan recognized the melody after the fourth note, the familiarity of it bringing a smile to his lips. It was one of the songs his father always played on the fiddle; the one he and his mother would sing to. Never had he heard it played by another instrument yet the tune was just as lyrical. Ivan began to sing in a whisper, his voice slowly reaching higher as he grew more comfortable in front of Gilbert. His eyes met Gilbert's for a moment when the other heard his singing and smiled over the mouth of the flute. Ivan moved his hand in time with the music, feeling himself slipping back in time to simpler memories of when he was truly happy. When the song had come to an end, Gilbert laid the flute in his lap and clapped.
"Vanya, you have a great singing voice!"
"And you play beautifully. Just like my father. He played the fiddle…and that was his favorite song."
"Ah. I never had a family. My parents kicked me out when I was a boy."
"Hm. That is a shame. Mind if I ask where you got that flute? It must mean a great deal to you if you haven't sold it yet to fill your belly." Gilbert looked down at the flute sadly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say anything that would upset you."
"No, it's okay. It was a gift given to me by a friend in the workhouse. He was an older guy…like a father to me, really. A father I never had. He taught me how to play." Gilbert forced himself to smile. "He got sick and died. He told me to hang on to this for him."
"I'm sorry for your loss. My father died a little while ago too…but we had to sell his fiddle before that. It was nice to hear that song again, though. Do you ever play it on the streets for money?"
Gilbert shook his head. "I'm afraid someone will take it. I'm all alone out there and…and the world is a dark, cruel place."
"I'm well aware of that." Ivan answered. "The world has not been kind to either of us, it would seem."
"Yeah." Gilbert looked out the broken window. "Looks like the storm is ending. I can finally get some sleep." He lay down on the floor and covered himself with the blanket. Gilbert was uncertain if he were going to fall asleep due to Vanya being here. While the man had a sweet singing voice he was still a stranger who could not be fully trusted. Still, Gilbert liked the company. Maybe if he offered a little more kindness to the stranger, then perhaps he would no longer have to fear him. Gilbert knew that he himself responded VERY positively to kindness. "Hey Vanya? You want to run with me tomorrow?"
Ivan looked over at the other. "Run with you?"
"Yeah. Maybe with the both of us…we could do a little street show. You know, I play and you sing. I won't feel so open if I have someone with me. You want to?"
"I…I don't know. I'll have to think about it. Goodnight for now, Gilbert."
"Okay. Night Vanya."
Ivan remained propped up against the wall as he watched the albino man Gilbert cover himself with a blanket. Gilbert had asked if he would like to join him on the streets. Ivan's first thought is that it would be too dangerous for him and feared he may get caught. On the other hand, living on the streets was no easy task and to do it alone had its own dark challenges. There was safety in numbers, although the body of Gilbert looked as if a gust of wind could blow him over. Gilbert wouldn't prove to be much of a help in a brawl. Of course, Ivan had never seen him in action, nor had he ever heard of an 'albino'. Maybe albinos were fast? Strong? What else did he have to do? Gilbert, if they got along, would be company for him. Too long had he been locked up in that room, completely bound, with nothing other than the beating of his own heart and the images in his mind. Perhaps human companionship would do him some good. Closing his eyes in hopes to get some sleep, Ivan decided that he would 'run' with Gilbert. At least for a little while.
The next morning, the storm had stopped but the sky was still cloudy and gray. Gilbert woke up because of a slight burning his chest. He sat up and stuck his hand inside his coat to rub the center of his chest, wishing that he could just rip the skin open and rub the ache beneath it. Not only did the burning bother him, but also the ache of starvation in his belly was equally as bad. He hoped the pain in his chest would go away soon so he could begin his hunt of garbage cans. When his eyes caught side of a large body curled up asleep opposite of him, Gilbert remembered that he had someone staying here. Vanya, his name was. He would have gone over to shake him awake, but Vanya still had that blade out where it could be seen. Gilbert feared if he startled the man, he may accidently knife him in defense. Instead, Gilbert called over to him and then winced, because it momentarily intensified the ache in his chest. "Ow…" he hissed. But luckily, Vanya heard him on the first call and the man jumped awake.
"Hm? What?" Ivan sat up quickly, holding out the blade.
"Whoa, take it easy. It's just me, Gilbert."
Ivan looked over at him and put the blade away. "I'm sorry. It's a reflex."
Gilbert smirked. "No problem. I'd probably do the same." Now that the ache in his chest had subsided, Gilbert tossed off the blanket and stood. "So, did you give my offer any thought? Want to run with the albino?"
"I have thought about it…and I decided that I will stay with you. I really have nowhere else to go…and it's better to be with a companion than all by yourself."
"Exactly my point!" He held out his hand. "So what do you say, Vanya? Shall we go and dig for our breakfast?"
Ivan took his hand and stood up. "Maybe we'll get a lucky break and not have to dig for food?"
"Don't count on it."
/
After leaving the church, Gilbert showed Ivan the house with the best waste cans behind it. Ivan had never, ever eaten anything from a trash bin, so he watched Gilbert intently as the thin man went ass-up into one. He saw Gilbert pull something from the trash bin, which appeared to be some sort of meat bone. From what he could tell, there was very little meat on it, and Gilbert had to brush away a few flies before tearing off what meat was left. The sight was disgusting, but just like his companion he too was starving. Ivan figured it might be better to steal, but then again, should he be caught…
"Vanya! Here, I found something for you!" Gilbert walked over to him with a half-eaten loaf of stale bread. "These people are so wasteful!" He broke the bread in half with a grunt and offered the piece to Ivan. "Here, have it."
Ivan took it, examined it and decided to listen to his growling stomach. He brought it to his mouth and took a bite with his back teeth. It wasn't horrendous; at least his body didn't think so as his mouth gobbled the rest of it down. He looked at Gilbert trying to gnaw at the stale bread, which he seemed to have some trouble doing. Ivan noticed that when Gilbert took the bread away, there was a bit of light pink blood on the white bread and the man was rubbing at his cheek. Ivan tilted his head to the side, curious, as to why there was blood on the bread. That's when he realized it was coming from Gilbert's teeth; the bread was too hard for him to bite and tear at.
"Gilbert, try to break tiny pieces off instead."
"But I'm hungry, Vanya!"
"I know, but it's not worth you losing your teeth over! Here, let me try." Ivan took the bread and ripped a few pieces off. "Here," he gave him a piece "Try to make it soft with your spit. It will be easier to chew, then."
Gilbert popped the piece in his mouth and did as Ivan suggested. It hadn't helped much, since he was lacking saliva, but nonetheless he was able to swallow the bread without much chewing. He stuffed the rest of the bread inside his coat, knowing that they must be moving on before the rich people's servants found them back here. Gilbert tried one more time in the last trash bin for something editable; and found a half-eaten brown apple, which he ate. He regretted it because he didn't offer the fruit to Vanya. Although in Gilbert's defense, Vanya wasn't searching through the trash with him either. So it was his loss. Gilbert munched the rest of the apple and spit out the seeds.
"Come on, we're done here. We have to leave or we might get caught. The worse they'll do is chase us away with brooms."
Ivan chuckled. "Well, we can't have that now can we?"
"Nope. Now follow me." Gilbert took his hand and led him out from behind the house, searching the streets for any signs of trouble. They found it when Gilbert spotted the police wagon pulling up to a newsstand. Gilbert gasped. "Come on, we have to leave this area before the police spot us!"
Ivan gasped. He didn't need to be told twice to run away from the police, so he let Gilbert guide him through the city streets. "Where are we going?"
"Out of this area!" Gilbert said, nearly out of breath. "The policemen like to chase us out or beat us because we're homeless and poor! No one will stand up for us or protect us. We need to get to the other side of town!"
Once they were far enough away from the police, the two men slowed to a steady, face-paced walk as they exited the safe part of the city. Now they had entered the slums. Ivan had never been to a place like this before; it stunk. He had to cover his nose to mask the horrid smell, which didn't seem to affect Gilbert in the slightest. They stepped over dead animals, sewage and trash. Street dwellers lined the building walls; some slumped, others drunk and some of the women offered their 'services'. Ivan had to ask where they were going.
"Where are you taking me?"
"To a merchant. I want to sell this bread."
Ivan glanced at him. "Why would anyone buy stale bread?"
Gilbert spun on his heels to face him, hands on his hips. "Really? You're asking that question? Look around you, Vanya! These people are starving and suffering too. They'll give anything for a simple bite to eat."
Ivan did take a second to look around their immediate area. There was a group of young children, boys mostly, dressed in tattered and torn clothes. Their faces were so caked with grime and dirt that they looked more like moving bouts of coal than children. They stared back at him, with hollow cheeks and mournful expressions. But someone came out from a shack, an elderly man, and swung at them with a rake while shouting for them to leave his stoop. The children ran out of sight. There was a man who came out from an alley with a tiny push wagon full of junk. He passed a young woman clutching a crying baby.
Ivan turned back to Gilbert and for the first time was able to view those pink eyes in the light. They were indeed different, even more so from his own, which were violet. His mother would always keep a small vase of wild violets on their dinner table because of his eyes. He doubted that Gilbert was able to recall such a tender memory; if he even had any to recall.
"I see what you mean. I'm sorry, Gilbert. I…I was a bricklayer not too long ago when I got this disease and I was used to having a very basic income. I could buy bread and water. This way of life…I'm not used to living yet."
"I'll have to teach you and I pray you learn fast, Vanya. If you don't learn how to survive on these streets…then they will eat you up."
"That's right, they will." Purred a sleazy, icy-cold voice from behind.
Ivan turned to see a man dressed in a gray waistcoat holding a twisted cane and wearing a tattered top hat. Ivan disliked him immediately. He had the look and stench of a weasel. Ivan slipped his hand into his coat, prepared to draw his blade should the man try to attack them.
"Frankie." Gilbert said the man's name with disgust. "Coming out of your rat hole early today?"
Ivan turned to Gilbert. "You know this man?"
Frankie chuckled, snapped his fingers and was joined seconds later by two women, their faces heavily painted up. They clung to him and smiled at them. One looked at Gilbert with a wink.
"Hello again, Gilbie!"
Gilbert looked away from her. "Daisy."
"Who's yer new friend, Gil?" Asked the second. "He sure looks funny!"
Ivan looked at Gilbert to answer for him.
"This is my friend, Vanya. He doesn't want to be your whore either, so we'll just be on our way."
Frankie gave a whistle, as he looked Ivan up and down. "You're a big fella! What's with the bandages, love? Got some boo-boos?" The women giggled.
"Syphilis." Gilbert answered for him. "It's rotting away his flesh. No one wants to fuck him, trust me."
"Hm, I see." Frankie smiled at Ivan but his friendly gesture was met with a stone cold glare. "You'd make a great body guard for my girls, Vanya. They need a tough, strong man around to keep away the customers when they are too rough with them. And you and Gilbert can work together!" Frankie looked at Gilbert and licked his lips. "Perhaps, Vanya, you can talk some sense into your friend to get him to join us. He doesn't have to suffer on these streets! He can have a coin or two every day just for that strange coloring of his! I tell him, all the time, does he really want to die in these streets with a mouth full of shit and the flies eating away his eyes?"
Gilbert growled. "That's enough! I already said 'no' to you and I will say it a thousand times over! Come on, Vanya! We're outta here!"
Frankie shoved the girls off him and swiftly stormed over to Gilbert, catching him painfully by the arm.
Ivan stood there, afraid to react knowing how dangerous his situation was. He couldn't stir up any trouble that might attract attention. And it didn't help that the wanted poster with his face on it was pasted to the wall behind the two. Even as the man named Frankie was manhandling Gilbert, who shouted for him to stop. Still, Ivan stood there, gazing upon his portrait on that poster.
"VANYA!"
Gilbert's voice broke his stare, which brought him back to the current situation at hand. The man Frankie had a sinister smirk on his face as he held Gilbert's arms while the albino struggled with all his might. Ivan knew then that Gilbert was too weak and sick to properly defend himself and he couldn't stand by and allow this to happen; especially when Gilbert was pleading for help with those suddenly fearful pink eyes. Ivan narrowed his own purple, stormed over to the man, grabbed his wrist and squeezed it painfully. Frankie let out a cry of pain as his fingers instantly let go of Gilbert's arms. Ivan quickly grabbed the other wrist and squeezed them both. Frankie hissed and tried to pull away. The girls ran back inside to escape the confrontation.
"Leave Gilbert alone!" Ivan said dangerously. "Bother us again like this and I will slit your filthy throat!" He shoved the man away, making him lose his balance and fall into the wall. Frankie slid down the wall with a shout of pain, holding his right shoulder. Ivan spat on him and turned to Gilbert. "Let's go."
Gilbert looked from the fallen Frankie to Vanya, surprised by the sudden show of valor from his companion. Vanya was able to overpower Frankie with just his hands alone! The man was strong as he was big. Vanya took his hand and began leading him away from the scene, but the grip was very gentle for such large hands. Vanya's hands were rough and calloused, proof that he was indeed a bricklayer. He was right in asking Vanya to run with him! His life on the streets seemed a little safer now that he had Vanya by his side!
"Thank you, Vanya! You really helped me out back there."
"I didn't like how he was handling you. Come, we'll rest here a moment." Ivan pulled them into a narrow alley way, where they rest their backs on opposite sides of the walls. "Are you alright?"
Gilbert smirked. "Yup! I would have been able to fight him off but I'm a little…sicker today. Not sick like you but…" he pats his chest "I got 'the cough'. Got it from the workhouse."
"The cough?" Ivan never heard it called that before. He knew immediately which sickness Gilbert meant, though. The men at the hospital housed some 'consumption' patients, or so he had heard. "I heard that can be deadly."
Gilbert slumped his shoulders and crossed his arms, suddenly appearing even smaller than he was. "Yeah, it is. It's not so bad right now but…it'll get worse." He gave a dark chuckle. "You know, sometimes I can't fall asleep because I picture my own corpse laying in one of these allies with a puddle of blood around my mouth. And I think…what would someone say if they passed by my corpse? I know that they would say nothing and just walk right by, as if I were just part of the street. Would anyone even say a prayer?"
Ivan folded his hands to rest them behind his back. "Probably not. The people passing by you are too busy reminding themselves that it will be them soon in your position. It frightens them. It frightens anyone, really."
Gilbert stared at him, narrowing his eyes slightly in thought. Vanya sounded, well, smart, for a simple bricklayer. But his words struck a nerve. "You're right. Whenever I see a dead body, I think, 'that soon will be me'. All because my parents didn't want me, the world hates me and my body betrayed me."
Ivan looked down at the dirty street beneath his feet. "The world hates me too."
"But like me, you're too stubborn to just roll over and die, right?" Another big grin.
Ivan smiled softly. "Guilty as charged. I will stay alive for as long as I can, even if all odds are against me. I could sell myself for science, but that, I feel, is giving up."
Gilbert nodded. "I understand. I don't have to be sick and starving like I am now. I could sell my body for money, save up for food and medicine and maybe even sleep in a real bed. Or I could join the circus and travel with them. I'd have food, shelter, a 'family'…"
"But?"
"But becoming a whore has far too many risks and I know I'll learn to hate myself. If I join the circus, I'd be put in the freak show because of my albino features. Either way, people would pay to use me and laugh at me all the same." He clenched his hands. "I'm not a whore and I'm not a 'freak' either! I'm just a man! I didn't ask to be born into this life!"
"No one does, but that's just the way things are." Ivan looked back up at him. "You're shaking…and you look guilty. Why? Have you attempted to whore yourself or join the circus? If you have, then you shouldn't feel guilty about it. Hardship will make anyone rethink their options."
Gilbert gulped. He might as well tell SOMEBODY about himself before he keels over and dies. Vanya would at least remember him more than anyone else. If only Fredrick were still here. "I…I have. Whored myself, I mean. Only when…when I was very hungry and…very lonely." He whispered the last part. "I avoid the circus at all costs but…sometimes I just…I NEED the comfort of another human being. I can't afford a woman, so I must offer myself to a man so that I can feel love for a short couple of hours." He clutched at his head. "Sometimes I go mad when they throw me out. Sometimes I get mistaken for a woman and groped all the time! And no one ever, ever helps me."
Ivan understood the need for human companionship when you were all alone in a world that was against you. When he was locked up in the dark, all alone, with only himself for company, he would often panic and go mad. Although the doctors were cruel and evil, just hearing their voices as they passed by his cell excited him; just for that quick bout of human speech. So he could understand Gilbert's need to lay with another. And then, Ivan felt the familiar stirring of lust between his legs as his eyes focused on the slightly shivering Gilbert, whom appeared too lost in thought to notice. Ivan had gone without for quite some time and here was a man eager for human companionship in its most romantic form. Ivan hated himself for thinking such thoughts about Gilbert when the man just poured out half of his heart. Still, Ivan's eyes remained focused on the albino's clothed torso, wondering what the rest of him looked like. Gilbert was probably very thin and boney, but Ivan bet his skin was just as pale and soft as his hands. Ivan was in need of humanly comfort as well, but he would never push Gilbert to do something he didn't want; especially since they just met. Gilbert probably wouldn't want to have sex with him anyway since he has 'syphilis'. Keeping himself out of the city mental ward was more important that satisfying his lust.
'Shameful thoughts all together.' Ivan said to himself. 'Wipe them from your head!'
"Um…I guess we should be going." Gilbert spoke softly, peeking around the building to see if the coast was clear. "I want to get to that merchant before he packs up."
"Oh, yes." Ivan cleared his throat. "Lead the way."
Gilbert waved him on to follow and they left the ally to continue on down the city streets. They ignored all of the strange looks from the people littering the streets, but neither one seemed to care. Gilbert was intent on finding the said merchant and Ivan hoped for some money to buy them an edible dinner. Ivan doubted this merchant could pay them much for some stale bread, but a simple silver coin would by a FRESH piece of bread. The further they went the more crowded the streets became with single merchants selling everything from broken pottery to ripped baskets and old meat. Gilbert found the merchant, pointed to him and then dragged Ivan over to the stand.
"Good morning, Gilbert!" Said the merchant, smiling with a mouth that barely had any teeth left. The man hadn't shaved his thick black beard for some time, nor did he clean it, for there were crumbs and grime stuck to the hairs. "Got anything good today?"
Gilbert grinned himself and took out the stale bread. "Some stale bread. Put it in that stone fire thing of yours and make it soft!"
"Yes! Give it here! I will give you a silver coin for it." Gilbert handed him the bread and the merchant paid with the silver coin. "Hey, who's your friend?"
"Oh, this is Vanya. He's hanging out with me for a little bit." Gilbert tapped at Vanya's cheek. "He's got some bad syphilis."
The man looked surprised. "No kidding? I got that too! Big fancy word for ugly skin."
Gilbert was too busy looking at the coin then to properly respond. "Yeah. Thanks for the coin! Enjoy the bread!" Gilbert pulled Vanya away and held the coin out in front of them. "He's a sly one, that guy. He'll warm up that stale old bread, cut it up smaller, and sell each slice for this silver right here. He makes double the profit." Gilbert smacked his lips. "We can split some fresh bread now! Let's go back to the good part of town and get some!"
Ivan folded Gilbert's fingers around the coin. "No, it's your silver coin. You earned it, so you buy the bread and fill your belly. I can go another day without food."
Gilbert looked at his closed palm and then shook his head. "I can't do that. You helped keep me safe from Frankie and we'll be together for a while, so that makes us pals. We split whatever profits we make! Whatever money we get from performing we split equally the earnings. I think that's fair, don't you?"
Ivan smiled softly at him. If Gilbert truly thought that nobly after all he's been through, then the laws of life would see him dead before the winter. Attitudes like that invited Death to lurk over your shoulder. But how could he deny Gilbert's kindness? Ivan hadn't been shown kindness in a very long time. "Yes, that is fair. Let's go and get that warm bread. And then, if you are feeling up to it, we can start our performance?"
Gilbert grinned. "Yes! Yes, the sooner the better!" he frowned then. "We need a name."
" 'The Hopeful Duo'." Ivan suggested. "Because, despite all our troubles, we are still strong and hopeful. I know many songs about strength, hope, honor and love."
"Then maybe we should practice the tunes first." Gilbert suggested. "You hum the tunes so I can learn them on the flute. That way, we don't look like crazed street dancers!"
Ivan wrapped his arm around Gilbert's narrow, thin shoulders. "Agreed, friend." The word 'friend' just slipped out and Ivan was thankful for the bandages hiding his blush.
Gilbert blinked up at him for a moment, and then smiled back. "You called me 'friend'. Yeah! Yeah, I like that! We're friends! Friends 'til the end!"
"Till the end."
With their bond of newfound friendship, the dark clouds had finally broke to let sunshine pass though. The dark day had suddenly become brighter.
End Chapter 3 TBC
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Goodnight Noises Everywhere