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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
- 4
- 5
- 6
***Warning: Language, cutting, angst
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 5
Ivan had to fly home by himself while Gilbert was in First Class with his boyfriend. He still had the gifts for the two men and would give it to them when they arrived at the terminal. Ivan hoped they would land on time because he was cutting it close to a scheduled event. Granted it was tomorrow morning, but Ivan still needed to unpack and get everything prepared for an early morning drive. It was another wedding but on the bay side of the city, meaning he had to drive at least two hours in commuting traffic to get there, which meant he would leave an hour early, giving himself three hours to get there on time in case of traffic. He smiled, happy that he had everything planned ahead.
When the plane finally landed it was only a half and hour behind schedule. Ivan met up with Gilbert at the baggage claim area. "Ah, feels good to be back down on the ground!"
"Oh yeah, it's great," Gilbert said flatly, hands in his pockets. "He went to find the limo. I'm guessing you drove and parked here?"
Ivan nodded. "Yes, and it was hell to park. Next time, I'm taking a cab!" Ivan's bags came first. "Oh, and I have something for you and Mr. Callaghan! Just a little token of my appreciation for being invited on this…interesting trip." He took out the big box first, handing it to Gilbert who looked surprised. "And this is just a bottle of nice wine for Mr. Callaghan. They're both equal in value so…" Ivan chuckled, "I don't have the wallet size of Mr. Callaghan, but it's the thought that counts!"
"Yeah. Well, that was really nice of you, but you didn't have to." Gilbert looked at the wrapped box. "I'll wait to open it when I get home. Thank you."
"Is everything alright, Gilbert?"
"Yeah, just tired from the plane ride. My back is killing me. First Class comfort, my ass!" He smirked. "Anyway, sorry for pushing you down that hill."
Ivan gathered his bags in his hands. "Ah, you were just doing a bit of rough teaching. You know, just throwing me to the wolves and see if I figure it out myself."
Gilbert's eyes glanced to the side. "Yeah, right. Just like that." He grinned. "Well, I guess I'll see you in a day or two for more photo shoots?" Ivan nodded happily. "Alright then! Peace out."
"Peace out!"
/
Gilbert was relieved to finally to be home; and alone. Mr. Wonderful wanted to go to the office so he just had the driver drop him off at the house. Mandy came barking happily to greet him, her whole butt and tail wiggling with joy. Gilbert laughed and knelt down to let her kiss his face. "Oh I missed you, girl! I did! Oh I did! Who's my girl?" She barked again and trotted off to the kitchen sliding door and Gilbert let her out. He saw a note from Cornelia explaining everything she had done since he was gone. His nose wrinkled at the smell. "Ah, she used that incense shit again." While it made the kitchen smell divine, the source of the smell never ceased to make his nose run. He let Mandy back in and she followed him upstairs to change.
In the bedroom, Gilbert took out Ivan's present first, placing it on the bed. The box was wrapped up neatly with a large bow, which he pulled apart. He glanced at the bow, then at Mandy, then to the bow. He smirked, walking over to the dog and tying it around her neck. Mandy didn't seem to mind but simply wagged her tail. Lifting the lid off, he looked at the bottle of lotion first, and then the big fluffy pink robe. Gilbert frowned. "What does he think I am? A girl?" He took the robe from its plastic casing and held it up, rubbing the material between his fingers. "Hm…it's actually pretty soft. I think I like it!" he laughed, turning to show it to Mandy. "What do you think?" Mandy gave a squeak in response. "Yeah, thought so." He put the robe down and took the lotion, opening the lid to give it a sniff. "Hm, not bad."
Now he had to get a shower and use his new gifts from Ivan. It was something he was looking forward to.
/
Ivan yawned loudly, blinding reaching for his Wawa coffee in the cup holder beside him. Why was it that when you were tired and the sunrise was right in front of you there was no time to appreciate the beauty? When he had gotten in the car to start his ride the moon was still out. He hit a bump in the highway and his coffee spit out a bit from the top. He cursed softly and reached in the glove compartment to get a napkin. Then his cell phone rang and he arched in the driver's seat to pull it from his coat pocket. He quickly glanced at the caller I.D., seeing that it was Mr. Callaghan. Curious, he picked up but glanced around the windows for signs of cops.
"Hello?...Yes, good morning to you as well…Oh, I'm glad you liked the gift!...It was no trouble at all. I just wanted to thank you for your generosity….hm?...Gilbert? Oh, well, I know how much he likes to pamper himself so I thought that gift suited him. I wasn't exactly sure if you would have liked the same thing, but I know you adore wine…yes. Ah, I'm glad he liked his gifts!..." Ivan's brows suddenly furrowed. The tone in the man's voice was bit off when speaking of Gilbert's present. "Yes…have a nice day. Wait, what?...Don't come tonight? Oh…okay then. Goodbye."
Ivan hung up and tossed the phone onto the driver's seat. He gripped the steering wheel with both hands and gritted his teeth. He had a bad feeling about all this. Mr. Callaghan was very hesitant speaking of Gilbert's gifts, and Ivan couldn't help but wonder if the man was angry about it. He was certainly kind to him on the phone, but what had occurred between him and Gilbert about it? Ivan reached for the phone again to call Gilbert, but then thought better of it. 'Don't jump to conclusions just yet, Ivan. Mr. Callaghan might have just been cranky or having a rough morning. I'll only make things worse by calling Gilbert. It will make me look too interested…and that could end badly.' But the man DID say not to come tonight…why?
Giving a heavy sigh, Ivan continued on his way hoping the ceremony would be fast and sweet. He wanted to get to Gilbert as soon as possible.
/
It was around dinnertime when Ivan pulled up into Gilbert's driveway, finding Mr. Callaghan's car was not there. Both Cornelia and Mr. Barkley's cars were present. He knew he shouldn't be here but the concern for Gilbert's welfare was stronger than any rules that bastard gave him. Ivan went up to the front door and rang the bell. Soon enough, Cornelia answered the door, yet she looked troubled and frightened that Ivan was here.
"Good evening, Cornelia." Ivan smiled. "I know Mr. Callaghan said for me not to come tonight, but I just wanted to stop by and make sure everything was okay with Gilbert."
She hesitated for a moment, then ushered him in. "I'm afraid Mr. Beilschmidt hasn't been out of his room all day," she said softly.
"Is anything wrong?"
"Well…I was here early this morning and I have a key to get in…and there was very…" she bit her lip, "Intense yelling from upstairs. I just took Mandy and went down into the basement until Mr. Callaghan left. Mr. Barkley has remained here all day."
Ivan hung up his coat. "You are frightened of your employer?" She wouldn't answer him, but Ivan didn't need one. "I know he treats Gilbert very poorly. Why don't you or Mr. Barkley say something?"
"I can't do that." She turned away from him, and Ivan knew she had thought about it. "I really, really need this job. I have three kids, I'm a single mom, and Mr. Callaghan pays very well. In this economy a family like mine needs that. He is also…" she cleared her throat. "I've said too much. I apologize. I'll let Mr. Beilschmidt know you're here. You may visit with Mr. Barkley in the kitchen." She hurried away up the steps.
Ivan was aware of the power that Mr. Callaghan held over his servants and his lover. He could easily destroy their lives and everyone here was afraid to say anything. Both Cornelia and Mr. Barkley knew much of what went on but they were too terrified to say anything, and Ivan couldn't really blame them. Gilbert should defend himself and leave this man rather than wait for others to do it for him. But the way Ivan was seeing it, that person was going to have to be him. He went into the kitchen where Mr. Barkley was stirring something on the stove. Ivan greeted him and the man smiled.
"Good evening to you, Mr. Braginski. Will you be staying for dinner?"
"Call me Ivan, please." He smiled. "I'm afraid I really can't. I actually shouldn't even be here. Mr. Callaghan called and told me not to come but…after what I just heard from Cornelia, I'm glad I came."
Mr. Barkley gave a sigh. "Then she's told you that Mr. Beilschmidt hasn't come out of his room?" At Ivan's nod he leaned over the table, gripping the back of the chair. "You're here often enough to know, so I will tell you. When he doesn't come out of his room that means Mr. Callaghan has laid his hands on him in a rough manner. Mr. Beilschmidt is too prideful and embarrassed to come out all battered. I know he's up there now, covered in bruises, but he won't let us in to help. Only Mandy is in there."
Ivan looked up. "He really shouldn't be alone."
"I know. He takes all those pills…I fear he'll overdose one day."
Both men were startled by Mandy's frantic barks coming from upstairs. They both darted out of the kitchen and hurried up the steps to see Cornelia pulling frantically at the door handle. "Mr. Beilschmidt! Let me in!" She called.
"Stand aside!" Ivan moved her away from the door and tried the handle himself, but it was stuck. "GILBERT!" He called, but the only response he got was Mandy's alarm bark.
"I'll get the butter knife!" said Mr. Barkley. "We'll force our way in!"
Ivan growled. "Never mind that! I'll pay for damages!"
Ivan stood back and used his foot to kick at the door. With three solid kicks the lock broke and door swung open. He rushed in and saw Mandy barking outside of the open bathroom door. When she saw Ivan she ran to him, jumping and barking. Ivan hurried over to the bathroom, fearing what he might see. His heart stopped beating for a single second when he saw Gilbert's from on the marble floor wearing the pink robe. But there was blood on the floor, and both of those delicate white wrists were cut. Ivan acted fast, grabbing the hand towels to wrap around the open wounds.
"Ivan? What's happened?" called Cornelia.
"Call an ambulance, now!" He shouted out the door. "And don't come in here! Mr. Barkley!" The man came to the door and gasped.
"Dear God…!"
"Help me get him in a sitting position! I'll elevate his arms. It's harder for the heart to pump blood upwards."
"I'll hold them! Go get the First Aid kit! There should be one in the upstairs linen closet."
"It'll be faster if you get it! I'll stay here. Go!" The man left quickly, and Ivan held Gilbert's shivering form to his chest. "Gilbert…" he whispered, "What happened?" Ivan was shocked to see two pink, bloodshot eyes look up at him.
"He didn't want me to wear it…but I did anyway." Gilbert's voice was soft, and weak.
"Don't talk," Ivan whispered back. "We're going to get you to the hospital. An ambulance is on the way."
"No! No, don't! He'll get…mad…!"
Ivan could see that Gilbert was starting to lose consciousness. "I don't care how he feels. Gilbert, you are not well. We're going to the hospital and they will help you."
Mr. Barkley returned with the kit and he helped Ivan to bandage up the wounds as best they could. "He cut upwards instead of across. He's thought about this very carefully." Ivan told the other.
"I never thought he would do something like this though."
"He's not well. Help me get him downstairs."
It didn't take long for the ambulance to come and the EMT's carried Gilbert out in a stretcher. Ivan told the others to remain at the house and make any phone calls necessary. He would ride in the ambulance with Gilbert and wouldn't take 'no' for an answer when the EMT's tried to keep him out. Ivan sat beside Gilbert the whole time and held his hand tightly, letting the other know that he was here. He hoped that once Gilbert came out of this ordeal he would see things differently, and choose to leave that bastard. Ivan was able to gaze upon Gilbert's body as the EMT's did their work, and there were numerous bruises adorning the skin. His face was the worse, having another black eye, a swollen lip, and a cut on his forehead. It still amazed him how Gilbert could let someone brutally dominate him like this. It reminded him of a time in high school, outside in the court yard where there was going to be a fight.
Ivan peeked through the crowd of students to the center of the yard where both Gilbert and another boy stood ready to fight. Gilbert was standing tall and proud, moving around as a pro-boxer would. The boy shouted some sort of insult at the other, but Gilbert only mocked him in return. The student's were chanting, 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' as the two boys circled each other. Then, the other attacked first, slamming himself into Gilbert. This began the wrestling match filled with punches and jabs. Gilbert was easily winning, but the Woodshop teacher came over and split them up. Ivan was relieved, to say the least. The other boy was trying to break away from the teacher to attack Gilbert, who was saying something about 'screwing his girlfriend'. Two more teacher's came and the Woodshop teacher drug the other boy away. One teacher was trying to break up the crowd of students while the other was scolding Gilbert. Gilbert, of course, was not fazed by the scolding.
"I'm just keepin' it real! He started the fight with me! I don't start the fights, Mrs. Willow, I finish them!" He smirked proudly and the students all laughed or clapped. "The next time anyone wants to mess with the BIG G-I-L-B-O, you'd better think twice!" The teacher was still yelling at him, but Gilbert was grandstanding. "I'll show ya the way to 'Muscle Beach'!" He struck a muscular pose, and Ivan just chuckled behind his hand.
'Where has that obnoxiously proud and corny boy gone?' Ivan wondered to himself as he looked upon Gilbert's battered body. It was amazing how much time and life could change a person from how you once knew them. The once proud athlete was now a nervous and broken individual with little confidence. His current life and mental state was enough to drive him to attempt suicide. 'I can't wait to see what 'Mr. Wonderful' says about this.'
When they arrived at the ER, Gilbert was quickly taken in and Ivan followed close behind. One of the doctors said that he would need a blood transfusion. Ivan offered to do it if his blood type matched Gilbert's and the doctor already had the file handle. That proved to Ivan that Gilbert has been here before. Everything else that happened after that conversation was a blur. Ivan barely knew where he was himself. He never felt the needle going into his arm or the pressure in his veins as the blood was pumped. Ivan only came back to his senses when he threw up from the bloodletting. The nurse made sure he lay down on the small bed and gave him some orange juice and a couple of cookies. Even though he wasn't hungry Ivan forced himself to eat and drink to keep up his strength. He asked about Gilbert, but all the nurse could tell him was that he was in stable condition. Knowing that, Ivan was able to rest for a short while before he was given the leave to go.
But he never left; rather, he sat in the waiting room rubbing his arm. He bruised easily from needles but it was all worth it to make sure that Gilbert pulled through. They were cutting it close. Ivan tried to focus on the T.V. show playing but all he could think about was Gilbert, lying there bleeding and trembling. Something horrible must have happened between the couple this morning that pushed Gilbert so far as to try and kill himself. Gilbert had told him something about clothes and not taking something off. Of course, the man was light-headed from blood loss and could have been speaking nonsense. But Ivan swore that he would make Gilbert tell him when the man was alert.
"Excuse me! I'm here to see Gilbert Beilschmidt!" Ivan turned at the sound of Gilbert's name and saw a blonde man in a serving apron at the information desk.
"He's still in intensive care. Have a seat and we'll let you know shortly."
Ivan stood up and went over to the man. "Are you a friend of Gilbert's?"
"I am. And you are?"
"Oh, I'm Ivan. I brought him here."
"Ah, you're the photographer. I'm Francis Bonnefoy." They shook hands. "Nice to meet you. Although, I rather we had met at a better time. So what happened?" They took a seat next to one another. "I got a call from the cook but he wouldn't say."
Ivan leaned in to speak softly. "Apparently, there was a nasty fight between Gilbert and the boyfriend. Mr. Wonderful beat him up and left."
"He's always beating Gilbert. Always."
"Well, it seemed to be a little too much this time because I…" He found it hard to speak of. "I found him the bathroom. He had…tried to kill himself."
Francis was shocked. "Are you serious? He's never done that before! What did he do?" Ivan pointed to his wrists. "It's all those damn pills he takes!" Francis growled. "But he won't listen to me! I've offered a hundred times for him to come and live with me! He can even work in my restaurant, but he won't do it!"
Ivan leaned back in the chair. "There is a lot we don't know about what goes on behind closed doors. Gilbert is very good at hiding his emotions."
"Oh, that's right. You two went to high school together. He said he bullied you."
"I told him that. He didn't seem to remember."
Francis looked at Ivan's bandaged arm. "What happened to you?"
"I share the same blood type as Gilbert so I donated a little blood. Modern day vampirism." He gave a light smile.
"I appreciate that. You know, not everyone would be so kind to their tormentors. And I'm sure Gilbert isn't all sweets and cupcakes with you even as an adult now."
Ivan chuckled. "Well, sometimes it's better to forgive those sorts of people. They're acting out for a reason."
Francis crossed his legs. "I'm not sure I fully believe that. Take that bastard Callaghan. He's got the world by the balls, and he torments Gilbert to no end. If Callaghan comes here and sees me, he'll be pissed. But I'm not leaving."
"I'm guessing he doesn't like you?"
Francis shook his head. "He doesn't like Gilbert to have friends. It's another control issue. 'The world is not enough'."
Ivan briefly pictured Callaghan's body lying face down in the street, outlined in chalk. Ivan was holding the camera and taking the pictures with a big grin on his face.
"Ivan? Ivan, you there?" Francis was waving his hand in Ivan's face.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I must have zoned out there for a moment."
"I'm going to go get some coffee. Would you like a cup?"
"More than anything." He smiled, watching the other get up. 'He's a good friend to Gilbert.'
Two hours later the nurse called them both over saying that Gilbert was awake and able to see them. They followed her into a private room, no doubt already paid for by Mr. Wonderful. Gilbert was lying back in the bed, propped up by hospital pillows. There was a bandage around his head and wrists. His face was covered in ointments and it glowed upon his skin in the light. He turned and smiled lazily at both of them.
"Never thought…I'd see you two together." His voice was hoarse.
"Hey Gilly." Francis smiled and kissed the top of his head. "How are you?"
"Been better. You came from work?"
"It's being covered, don't worry about it." Francis stroked the top of Gilbert's hand. "I came as soon as I heard."
Gilbert smiled. "Thanks, bro. I hate to send you off…but I don't want him to see you here."
Francis nodded. "I understand. I'll call you tomorrow and come by if he's not here. How's that?"
"It's a date." Gilbert let Francis kiss his head again before the man left. Gilbert looked at Ivan next, seeing the bandage on the man's arm. "They told me you were the donator. You didn't have to do that."
Ivan smiled. "I wanted to do it." He came over to the bed and sat in the chair beside him. "Why did you do it, Gilbert?"
Gilbert looked away. "I don't really know. I guess I just wasn't thinking straight."
"Yet you've thought about it…because of the way you attempted it. Cutting up."
"How do you know?"
"I just know." Ivan smiled.
"Anyway, thanks for…donating your blood. It's kind of weird to know that your blood is in me."
"Gilbert, why did he do this to you?" Ivan just came right out and asked it. "Why? Why did he hurt you like this?"
"Get out."
"No, I'm not leaving until you tell me." Ivan answered firmly. "What was the fight about? What could you have POSSIBLY done to warrant such abuse?"
Gilbert gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "It was your fucking gift, alright?"
Ivan's eyes widened. "W-what?" He was the cause of this?
"He thought it was ugly and didn't want me wearing it. But I told him that I was going to wear it, that it was soft, and that I liked it. For whatever reason that set him off. I guess…it was because I talked back." He sighed. "I should know better than to do that."
"No!" Ivan nearly shouted. "You didn't NOTHING wrong, Gilbert! HE is in the wrong! Why can't you see that?"
Gilbert glared at him. "Don't make me press the nurse button!"
"It'll take them twelve years to get here!" He sat back down and lowered his voice. "Gilbert…whatever happened in the past…it doesn't mean that you deserve this kind of treatment. No one does."
"It's my life, Ivan. Stay out of it."
"But you almost took your own life today."
"I said I wasn't thinking straight! So just end it, okay? I don't want to talk about it any more! I know he's a bastard! I know he is!" Gilbert covered his face. "But he's saved me from so much…" he whispered "I can't just leave him."
Ivan fell to his knees on the floor beside the bed. "You can leave him, Gilbert. You have friends who will help you. There's an entire governmental department that caters to what you are going through. Gilbert, you're not the only person who goes through this every day! Even same sex couples, it happens more often than not!" Gilbert said nothing. "Gilbert, please. Tell me what you are so afraid of?" Ivan knew, but he wanted to hear it from Gilbert's mouth.
"He is such a powerful man. He has connections. He…he's just so powerful in the business world! He didn't get to this position by being nice. Not at all." Gilbert turned to Ivan with tears welling up in his eyes. "He'll do things to hurt me. What if he hurts Mandy? He's threatened it before…threatened to send her away or have her put down. He knows Francis and I are friends…what if he finically destroys the restaurant Francis worked so hard to have? And all this would have happened because of me!" He wiped at his eyes. "I'm better off just waiting until he is bored of me…then it will be safe."
"Or he will end up beating you to death! Gilbert, these situations don't just 'get better'! It's a vicious cycle and will only get worse! He's not supporting you, he's hurting you!"
Gilbert turned away again. "Why do you fucking care so much? You said I tormented you. I was your bully. I made your life Hell. Shouldn't you be gloating in my extreme misfortune? I may have bullied you, but I'm the one who loses in the end! You've achieved your goals! I read them in my yearbook! Sometimes the world just hands you shit while it hands gold to others! I'm on fate's shit-list!" He wiped his eyes again, this time keeping them hidden behind his arm. "I'm so fucking jealous of you, Ivan. I deserve to get what I want! Goddamn it, I deserve it! I worked hard but I got shit on! It's not fair!
Ivan placed both his hands on the bed and rests his chin atop of them, looking at Gilbert. "Yes, Gilbert. You do deserve to have what you want…but not at the expense of your life and health. I've worked hard to get to where I am now. I knew which path I was taking and how I was going to get there. You just…were led the wrong way at the crossroad. You know what will happen the further you travel down this road…there is an end to it…but the bridge is out. You can't go further. There are other roads you can go back and explore. None of those roads are for certain…but we know this road is certain."
Gilbert peeked out at Ivan from behind his arm. "'The bridge is out'?" He repeated Ivan's metaphor.
"You just hit the bridge now…but someone was able to read you the warning sign in time, and kept you from falling." Ivan smiled.
"Do you have a degree in literature or psychology?"
"I had a minor in both…but dropped them."
"No wonder." Gilbert put his arm down and sighed. "Look…I'm sorry for blowing up at you a few minutes ago. Your…stupid 'crossroad' story gave me a lot to think about." Ivan smiled, but a nurse interrupted them.
"Excuse me, but Mr. Callaghan is here to see you. He's just signing some papers but he'll be in shortly."
Gilbert looked at Ivan, his eyes wide. "You'd best leave."
Ivan nodded, knowing it was for the best. "I'll come back and visit you tomorrow."
"Oh, Ivan?" Ivan paused at the door and looked back at Gilbert. "You forgot one thing. Bridges can be repaired."
Ivan felt his heart break in two once again. He said nothing and left the room, pausing for a moment to gather himself. 'He is stubborn, but so am I. I won't give up. I won't!' He clenched his fists and storm away from the room. However, he stopped at the exit when he caught a glimpse of Mr. Callaghan carrying a large bouquet of two-dozen pink roses. Ivan glared at the man through the room window from across the way. Gilbert accepted the roses, but it didn't stop there. Ivan saw the bastard fall to his knees beside the bed, laid his face in his arms, and started to sob. He could tell by the man's shaking shoulders, and Gilbert look of pity. Ivan knew right then that Gilbert would take him back, and they'd be back to square one. ' 'Bridges can be repaired', he says. I'll have to find a detour away from that bridge once it is repaired.'
Ivan grinned darkly at the mental image of a body lined in chalk.
/
Ivan stood outside the hospital's main entrance waiting for his taxi to show up. He kept pondering Gilbert's words over and over in his head. The only thing he can continue to do is make Gilbert fall in love with him so the man can recognize what a lover should really be. Ivan needed to also boost his confidence and bring back the old Gilbert he fell in love with. Ivan WAS Gilbert's detour from the bridge; and his detour would lead his love back to the crossroad to start life anew.
"Yeah, Gilbert will be ready for the shoot tomorrow." Ivan's ears caught the sound of Gilbert's name. He turned angry violet eyes on a man with a cell phone. "Don't sweat it. He's got no choice…right. Hey, a little bit of solid makeup and airbrushing will work fine…he's got to get over it!" Ivan headed over to the man. "Gilbert will be there tomorrow just like we planned, I promise you…yes. We'll talk soon. Bye." The man hung up and noticed Ivan standing next to him. "Geez! You scared me!"
Ivan just smiled sweetly at him. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation about Gilbert."
"Oh? And just who are you?"
"I'm a friend, and the photographer that Mr. Callaghan hired."
"Oh yeah, you. The private photographer. Well, nice to meet you, sir! I'm Gilbert's agent. I arrange all of his shoots."
Ivan would not shake his hand, but only smiled. "I think Gilbert needs another day or two of rest. You really should let him rest in the hospital before returning to work."
The man scoffed. "Please, if Gilbert wants to stay in this business he's got to come to EACH shoot. Photo shoots are 'time', and time is money. I need to get paid, and so does Mr. Callaghan."
'Oh, I know that.' Ivan said to himself. 'Gilbert is not allowed to have his own money, even though he does all the work to earn it.' "Surely one day of rest won't hurt? You can always reschedule."
"Hell no! I worked really hard to get this shoot! Gilbert will be there tomorrow, and he'll be there on his OWN ACCORD. Sometimes I wish Callaghan would just lose Gilbert as a model and keep him as a trophy bunny. I've told him that before. Gilbert's getting too old for this. Correction, he IS too old for this. By fucking the boss, he gets to remain the highest paid model in the industry. Without his Sugar Daddy, Gilbert's career is done. And he tries to pass of that he's 25. Hah! He's 27. That man is such a joke, but a joke that pays very well."
Ivan's eyebrow was twitching. "You speak very rudely of your client in front of a stranger."
"Hey, it's no secret. Everyone knows Gilbert only has a couple more years until he's thirty. This industry is swarming with fresh, young women and men that can give the audience what they want. Gilbert's exotic and all, but that's thanks to lots of skilled talent in photography and the right checkbook."
"Well, I think Gilbert is very pretty just the way he is. I'm his age, and I don't think it's old."
"And that's why I make your yearly salary in a month." Ivan just stared at him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, my ride is here."
Ivan watched the man leave with a heavy frown and his anger raging. He knew for a fact now that Gilbert was afraid of losing his job as a model because there would be nothing else for him. Mr. Callaghan would chose to either keep him as a trophy wife, or dump him. Gilbert had such little confidence that he allowed himself to be at the mercy of the modeling industry and the snakes that control it. Ivan nearly lost it when that agent was speaking so cruelly of Gilbert. If he were going to help Gilbert, then he would have to keep his anger in check so he could stay close with him. He didn't want to offend that bastard Callaghan, but the C.E.O was a necessary evil. Ivan was still going to call Mr. Callaghan and let him know how that agent was talking about Gilbert. He also wanted to see just how the man would react, and what he would do to help Gilbert. And what about that photo shoot tomorrow? Would Mr. Callaghan make Gilbert do it? The albino needed both mental and physical rest. He turned back to the hospital.
'I promise I will save you from all this, Gilbert. You'll just have to trust me.'
/
Ivan had a horrible time getting to sleep that night, and was rudely awakened from the little amount he had by someone knocking on his door. He grumbled darkly, slipped on his slippers, and grabbed his robe. Yawning, he walked to the door and looked through the peephole. There was no one there. Ivan opened the door to see if anyone was walking away, but instead found a box had been placed at the door. Curious, he picked it up and brought it inside. There was a card on the top so he opened it.
'Ivan, I appreciate the help you gave to my snow-bunny. Donating blood for him was more than a simple photographer should do. Let me repay your kindness with this little gift. Gilbert said you would like it. We'll be seeing you soon!
-Mr. Callaghan'
Ivan ripped the card in half and let it flutter to the floor. "You act as if nothing happened, when it was YOU who drove Gilbert to cut himself by beating him!"
Ivan angrily tore into the box and removed the packaging. Inside the box were four imported vodkas, all from Russia. Ivan's eyes widened as he took out one of the boxes and opened the lid to see the bottle encased inside. He loved vodka. All four of these bottles were pure vodka, and very expensive. He loved each one. He smacked his lips at the thought of how smooth and strong the liquid would be on his lips. It was a kind gesture, but one given to him at the expense of Gilbert.
"I love vodka…but I love Gilbert more." He picked up the box and brought it into the bathroom. He opened the first bottle of vodka and began dumping it down the tub drain. "This vodka was paid for with blood money, all of it Gilbert's. I will not drink such disgusting poison bought from his torment." He watched as the liquor disappeared down the drain, and then moved on to the next bottle. "You can't buy my silence or forgiveness." The third one followed and he had to turn the shower on to help the liquid move faster. "I'd rather see Gilbert's smile than indulge in your crimes." Finally, the fourth bottle. "I will save each of these bottles, though, for they may end up coming back to you with your blood on the shards."
With that, Ivan shut off the showerhead and removed the box of empty vodka bottles to his room.
End Chapter 5 TBC
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Snap Judgment