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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
***Warnings: Language, bullying, yaoi, fluff
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 7
The next morning Gilbert woke up to the fresh smell of eggs and coffee. He squinted in thought, remembering quite clearly that Cornelia had the next few days off so where was the smell coming from? Sitting up, he rubbed his lower back and then his head, feeling the effects of a hangover. He groaned and mumbled, vowing to never drink vodka again. Then he made the connection between Ivan and the vodka; which means that the man must still be here and he's in the kitchen cooking. Some memories of last night were returning to him, especially the dancing and then Ivan's strong refusal for sex. He felt himself blushing in both embarrassment and shame for it would have been a big mistake on his part. If his boss ever found out Ivan would cease to walk this earth, and Gilbert would be beaten or cast out on the streets. He couldn't let that happen again nor even ALLOW the opportunity to present itself.
Embarrassed to see Ivan, Gilbert slipped on a different robe to make his way downstairs. Mandy was resting at the bottom, eagerly awaiting his arrival with a wagging tail. She moved to let him pass and he pets her head, motioning her to follow. He had to pass by the living room and caught sight of Ivan's cello, proof that the man was still here. Where did he sleep? Upon entering the kitchen, Gilbert saw Ivan at the stove humming a tune and scrambling some eggs. On the table were two plates, a fresh pot of coffee, sliced fruit, and toast. Beside Ivan on the counter was a plate of pancakes and another of bacon. Gilbert wasn't allowed to eat half of this stuff, so how could he tell Ivan who worked so hard to make a breakfast?
"Oh, you're awake!" Ivan noticed him and turned around, wearing Cornelia's pink apron with the yellow frills on the bottom. "I made us breakfast!" He smiled.
Gilbert snickered at the apron. "That's WAY to small for you, tubby."
Ivan continued to smile. "It does its job of keeping the mess off of my clothes. Please, sit and have some coffee."
"Yeah, about all this food Ivan…I can't…well, I shouldn't eat it. I have to watch my awesome figure, you know."
"You're with me today, and I say you can eat it. What harm will one day do? I'm not saying eat every piece of food on the table."
Gilbert's brow twitched but quickly excused himself to go down to the basement and take his diet pill. Returning to the kitchen he took a seat and immediately poured himself some coffee. "So…um…I think we should talk about last night."
Ivan served him two pancakes, two slices of bacon, and a bit of scrambled eggs. He went to the refrigerator and took the syrup and butter. "It's alright, Gilbert. We can pretend like it never happened."
"No, we can't." He couldn't help but start to eat the bacon. "I really appreciate you saying 'no' to me. Not many people can." Ivan sat silently, cutting his pancakes. "But in the future, since we're working together, maybe we should…you know, not let that sort of thing happen again. I'm dating someone who- "
"Holds control and power over you and every day you live in fear. Continue."
Gilbert paused for a second, shocked, while still pouring the syrup on the pancakes. That was unexpected, and he nearly flooded his plate with syrup. He wasn't even sure how to respond to it. "Yeah, well, be that as it may…we can't let last night happen again. Should HE find out…both of us are in deep shit."
"Hmm…why is it that I don't seem to be afraid of this man like everyone else is? I see a middle-aged man who thinks he owns the world because he distributes scandalous pictures of people." He swallowed the piece of pancake in his mouth. "Did you ever stop to think why this man holds you in chains?" Ivan had a new tactic he wanted to try with Gilbert, and he hoped it would work.
"Because he thinks I'm gorgeous and…and…he um…um…" Why couldn't he think of anything else?
"Nothing else?" Ivan raised a brow. "Hmm, what does that tell you? That tells ME he is only interested in your gorgeous looks and body. He knows that you can have ANYONE you want with just a glance and that angers him. So he makes your life as comfortable as possible but rules with an iron fist and plays off your insecurities. You're his 'trophy wife', and I think you deserve to be more."
This was no news to Gilbert for Francis had said the same things to him many times. Each time the truth hurt more and more, and now with Ivan saying it, the pain was even worse. But he NEEDED Callaghan for job and life security. All his life, his father called him a burden, even though the man did nothing at all to help but have an affair. Gilbert was his mother's caregiver, not his father. His father held and controlled all the finances, leaving him and his mother with hardly anything. Life was always a struggle, and the only place he was free was at school. But with Callaghan he could have anything he ever wanted and live a luxury life. His father was gone and his mother was locked up in a mental ward somewhere. What else was there for him?
"It's my life, Ivan. This is what I want."
"I understand that." He sipped his coffee. "Have you thought about what happens to you should we say, Mr. Callaghan has an accident and dies? What if he gets sick or has a heart attack? Is your name on anything in this house?" Gilbert shook his head. "Cars? Insurances? Credit cards?" Gilbert looked away. "In other words, you just live here. Something happens to him you're not taken care of. He doesn't even have anything set up for you, and I bet you know nothing about his family, if he even has one?"
Gilbert was silent for a moment, and then said, "I haven't thought about that before."
"Maybe you should ask him? Just bring it up in conversation. Tell him I was telling you about a relative of mine in this situation, and you're just curious as to where you stand. I'm rather curious for his answer."
"I will have to ask him because I'm curious myself." Gilbert knew the answer, though. Callaghan wouldn't have anything set up for him. He figured if worse came to worse he would just move in with Francis until he could get on his feet.
"Gilbert, I don't want to make anything difficult for you yet my only wish is for you to want to make better choices. I understand that you want this grand life. So do many people. But there is so much you're wasting just for a pair of expensive boots and a nice car. Many people have to work hard for those privileges. They aren't just handed to them."
Gilbert dropped his fork loudly onto his plate. "Look, I grew up with nothing, okay? My mother was mental and my father was a bastard! I never had anything! I was that kid with the same clothes and boring lunch and no birthday parties because my parents didn't care. Most kids were playing little leagues and going on vacations. You know what I was doing? Dishing out medication for my mother, that's what! I was seven years old having to make her tea and food while my dad was out doing who the hell knows what! Those are all good deeds, Ivan. I didn't HATE taking care of my mother, but I only wished things were different. I wasn't rewarded for my good deeds, no good karma. Nothing came my way but more issues. Issue after issue; problem after problem. I finally have something that I like and want! And I don't want to lose that!" He folded his arms on the table to hide his face from Ivan.
Ivan got up and went over to him, standing behind the other to place gentle hands on the albino's shoulders. "Substituting material goods for happiness is something many people do, Gilbert. And there is nothing wrong with it, for you should indulge in what makes you happy. But it's when that happiness has a brutal price does it become an issue. Do you understand?" Gilbert nodded, but didn't lift up his head. Ivan was pleased that Gilbert opened up to him, but the back-story didn't make him feel any better. It was basically what he thought; that Gilbert bullied him because he was unhappy with his life and had issues. Everything he assumed about Gilbert was all proving to be true. Now that he knew all this, how could he use it to get Gilbert away from Callaghan? He rubbed the man's narrow shoulders, and then smiled as he had an idea. "Do you like Sinatra?"
Gilbert slowly lifted his head. "What does that have to do with anything? And yes, I do. Why?"
"Take your coffee and meet me in the living room."
Gilbert just watched as Ivan left the kitchen, and then looked at his plate of food. Before taking the coffee, he ate some of the bacon and a few quick spoonfuls of egg. He would have to come back for more. Then he heard the sound of the cello from the next room, and he smiled. Taking the mug, Gilbert whistled for Mandy to follow him into the living room. On one of the chair sat Ivan, perched with the large instrument between his legs. He smiled at Gilbert as he played.
"Do you know the song?" Ivan asked.
"Yeah. 'What'll I do'. Didn't know Sinatra sang it, though." He sat on the couch, closing his eyes to just listen to the tune. Ivan began to sing the lyrics softly, but Gilbert interrupted him. "Don't quit your day job, Yeti. Listen to a PRO!" Gilbert waited a few beats and then jumped in, 'What'll I do with just a photograph, to tell my troubles to?'
"A little slower." Ivan offered.
" 'When I'm alone with only dreams of you- That won't come true, what'll I do-' Hey, we're pretty good!" Gilbert laughed. "We could be an awesome duet!"
Ivan stopped playing with a laugh. "I wouldn't go that far. Your tune is a little…well…"
Gilbert smiled, but narrowed his gaze at the other. "What? You got some issue with my awesomely awesome voice? You know of 'Old Blue Eyes'? We'll this is Old Pink Eyes!" He jutted a thumb towards himself proudly, and then frowned. "Wait…that nickname doesn't have the same awesome ring to it as Sinatra's does."
Ivan laughed again. "I don't think singing is one of your strong suits. I can sing very well, and you know it. You were just being a big ol' bully again!" He stuck his tongue out at Gilbert.
"Is that so? I'll show you how awesome I am! Stand aside, Yeti! Let Ol' Gilbie show you how he can play this big violin!"
Ivan protested softly, but was easy butted out by Gilbert snatching his seat. Ivan pouted, for it was just like that time during musical chairs in gym class. It was down to him, Gilbert, and one other student. The music stopped, he hurried to the chair, but Gilbert pulled it away from him and sat on it. Ivan's result was falling to the gym floor while everyone laughed. He reached a shaky hand out to try and stop Gilbert from playing his precious instrument, but he was too late. The horrid sound of the strings clashing had Ivan covering his ears. Mandy whimpered and hid her head under the couch pillows to escape the sound. Gilbert immediately stopped.
"Okay, okay, I get the picture. My talent isn't in music anyway. Hmph!"
Ivan just shook his head and rolled his eyes, moving to put his cello away. "I have another couple of hours before I have to attend a sweet sixteen party. To take pictures, of course. Why don't we go for a walk? I'm sure Mandy would like to?"
Mandy barked excitedly and jumped from the couch, nearly taking the corner wall with her as she dashed to the door. Gilbert sighed. "You said the magic word. All right, I see no harm in that. I'll go get dressed. Her leash and coat are in the mudroom. Near the garage."
'Coat?' Ivan tilted his head to the side. 'Why would she need a coat? Oh, he must mean HIS coat!' Ivan smiled. "Come, Mandy. Here girl." The dog beat him to the mudroom and she sat underneath one of the hooks, which sported her leash and a…coat. Ivan just stared at it, taking the piece of heavy clothing from the hook. Mandy sat there, patiently waiting and panting. "It's actually a dog sized coat." He looked at Mandy. "But…you have fur?" He noticed the brand tag of 'Burberry', and then took notice of her collar and leash, both of the same brand. "You've got to be kidding me." He knelt down in front of her. "How in the blazes does this go on?"
After a few failed attempts and annoyed grunts from Mandy, Ivan finally figured out the right way to put her coat on. He hooked the leash to the collar and walked her to the front door to wait for Gilbert. He dressed himself in his coat, gloves, ushanka, and scarf. Gilbert came down the steps in an off-white sweater and jeans, which made Ivan's heart skip a beat. The albino just gave a smile and went to the closet, taking out his black woolen trench coat and adorning a set of earmuffs. He noticed that Gilbert was wrapping the cashmere scarf wrong, so Ivan fixed it for him. The other gave a quick 'thanks' and took the gloves from his pocket to put them on before taking Mandy's leash.
"Would you mind driving? I don't usually walk her in this neighborhood because everything is so far apart. A few miles from here there is a nice little park, and there's a spot for dogs too. She loves the snow."
"Ah, sure. I've never had a dog in my car, but I'm sure she behaves?"
"Oh, she'll be fine!"
In the car…
"You didn't tell me she howls while driving in a car." Ivan stated flatly. Mandy was lying in the back seat and giving the most pitiful howl to voice her distress.
"She's just being a big baby! She's fed, watered, and cared for! I spoil her, that's why."
They rode in silence save for Mandy's pitiful howling. Luckily the park wasn't that far and Ivan was eager to get the dog out of his car. He frowned at the sheet of yellow fur lining his leather seats. Gilbert had Mandy who was barking happily and rolling in snow. Ivan decided not to say anything about the fur and would disinfect the car later. So side by side they walked the shoveled sidewalk, passing joggers and baby strollers. Mandy walked in front of them while sniffing every trashcan and bush. Ivan was focused on Gilbert and how adorable he looked in his winter attire. He wished they could hold hands, him with his mittens and Gilbert with his fancy gloves. But Gilbert wasn't focused on him or Mandy, but rather the group of children kicking a soccer ball around. Ivan remained silent, waiting for Gilbert to say something.
"Ivan? Am I too old for soccer?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean for like, the BIG leagues. Do I have a chance at all?"
Ivan sighed, letting out a cloud of air from his breath. "I don't know sports, but I assume it's too late for that. I don't actually know, but just because you can't play in the leagues doesn't mean you can't play at all! There are community sports games for adults who just like to play for fun. You can go to a Rec Center and coach some children too. Are you thinking of playing soccer again?"
Gilbert shrugged his shoulders. "My boss won't let me. I could damage myself while playing."
"And yet he beats you."
"Stop saying 'beats' me. You say that as if he comes home and knocks me around! Well, he doesn't! Sometimes he just gets mad, but it doesn't happen all the time! Now go buy me a hot tea! I'm cold!" Gilbert pointed to the kiosk.
Ivan quickly obeyed, knowing there was no point in arguing with the man at the moment. He ordered himself a hot chocolate and Gilbert some gingerbread tea. "Here you are, Gilbert. It's gingerbread flavor!"
"Thanks."
They walked around the park twice before Mandy grew tired and had to rest before their walk back to the car. Ivan sat on the bench and used the cup to keep his hands warm through the mittens. He buried his nose in his scarf and gave a little shiver. He looked over at Gilbert who's cheeks were flushed a pretty pink. Ivan wanted to lean over and kiss both cheeks, but knew Gilbert wouldn't be pleased with it. Especially in public. Instead, they just sat silently and watched the people walk by until it was time for them to head out. Mandy howled all the way back to the house and Ivan was eager to get her out for good. The dog was incredibly sweet, but liked to shed. He remained in the car when he dropped them off and Gilbert stood at the driver window.
"Well, thanks for the interesting night and morning, Ivan. Will I…see you tonight when you're done your shoot?"
Ivan smiled. "Would you like me to come?"
"We're going to that garden museum on Saturday, aren't we? Might as well stick together. You've got to pick out my wardrobe."
"Sure. I'll come over when I'm done. See you later."
"Peace out."
Gilbert watched Ivan's vehicle exit the driveway before heading into the house with Mandy. He gave her some water while he removed his and her coat. To warm up from the cold walk he decided to take a bath and Mandy came with him, resting at the side of the tub while he lounged with a facemask over his eyes. Without his lover here, Gilbert chose the type of bubble bath Callaghan liked to use. While the powdered substance made little bubbles, Gilbert liked how soft it made his skin feel. The water was extra hot, making his pale skin turn a light pink but he loved it. The hotter, the better. He reminded himself to make a full spa appointment just so he could lounge in the sauna. Then, his phone beeped with the incoming message of an email. He always brought his phone in with him just in case his lover called. Sure enough, the email was from him and Gilbert's brow twitched. Regardless of he felt, he read the email.
Everything is going well here. Hope things are fine back home? Anyway, I have great news! You were offered to do a special photo shoot in Los Angles for some Armani suits. It's not your norm but I put your name out everywhere and you were chosen. We'll leave next week and stay on my yacht. It won't take more than two or three days tops. This is a BIG step for me so don't blow it! Ivan will be coming along as well. I want some nice nautical shots of you.
See you Sunday.
Gilbert had to read the email one more time to make sure he had read it right. Armani? And suits? He grinned happily and kicked his legs in the water, splashing some onto Mandy. This WAS a big change from standing around half naked, but what sparked his lover to go in this direction? "Is he finally starting to change?" He said out loud. "Maybe he doesn't want me posing provocatively anymore! This is so awesome!" Gilbert had to read the email again, but this time he chose to frown and slipped further into the tub. "This is a big step for me. Don't blow it." He repeated the words, and then sighed. "This was a fluke, I'll bet. I'll still be posing in sleazy magazines afterwards. Surprised they even WANT me." Now he was depressed, and it was the worse kind because it came after extreme happiness. His hopes were raised, and then shot down again.
He laid his phone down and stood from the tub, shivering at the cold air hitting his once warm body. As he was stepping out, Mandy had accidently moved the bath mat with her body and Gilbert's slippery foot went out from under him. With a mighty yelp and a few desperate attempts to catch himself, Gilbert pulled down the fancy towel rack as he slammed to the floor. When he tried to get up he found that his back was stiff and in terrible pain. He couldn't move. Gilbert felt his head start to throb with pain and lifted his hand to feel the spot, feeling only a bump from something he must have hit on the way down. Mandy had come back in after hearing his fall and wagged her tail excitedly, running over to rapidly lick his face.
"No, Mandy, no!" He tried to push the dog away. "I'm not playing!" She barked. Gilbert groaned; it was worth a try. "Mandy, go get help! Help!" She stared at him. "Phone! Get the phone! Phone!" She left the bathroom, and for a few moments Gilbert was hopeful, until she came back with a rubber ball and plopped it in his face. "You sure as hell aren't Lassie or Rin Tin Tin. GAH!" He cried out in pain as he tried to move. "Fuck this shit!" If he couldn't move on his own then he would have to wait until Ivan came. "I could be lying here for HOURS!" Mandy moved to lick his face again. "Mandy…for God's sake- " He sighed. "What's the use?"
So Gilbert lay helpless on the bathroom floor.
/
Ivan pulled up to the house and shut off his car, smiling eagerly to see Gilbert. He had gotten out a little later than he wanted, but couldn't leave the fighting scene between father and daughter. Ivan knew that if he had a daughter that spoke like that, he'd rip that little tiara right off her head. But when it happens to someone else, it's very entertaining. He went to the front door and rang the bell, waited, but no one came. Curious, he tried the handle to find that it was open. He stuck his head inside and called for Gilbert. He was greeted with Mandy's bark and Gilbert's shout from upstairs.
"Gilbert? Where are you?" Ivan hurried up the stairs.
"The master bathroom! Hurry!"
When Ivan entered the bathroom he saw Gilbert lying on the floor. "What happened? Did you fall?"
"Yes!" He whined. "And I think I threw my back out or something! I can't move! I don't know how long I've been here!"
Ivan grabbed the robe from the back of the door and went to Gilbert's fallen body, covering him first. Carefully, he maneuvered Gilbert to lean on his side and then carefully scooped him up bridal style. Gilbert, relieved to be off the floor, just gazed at Ivan. Dazed. Ivan smiled and said nothing as he carried the other out of the bathroom. Gilbert motioned to the bed and the larger man laid him down gently on his back before rolling him onto his belly. Gilbert whined and whimpered as his body was stuck in an arch.
"Does this happen often?" Ivan asked him.
"Falling out of the tub?"
"No, your back getting stuck like this."
"Oh, no, this is a first time. Just make it better!"
"I'm not a physical therapist, you know."
"I don't care! Just do something!" Gilbert 'eeped', 'cried', 'whimpered', and 'groaned' as Ivan massaged his lower back and legs. The pain was intense enough to the point that Gilbert had to bunch the sheets in his hands. Suddenly, there was a little 'crack' and the albino let out a large, satisfied 'ahhh.' He flopped onto the bed and smiled. "Oh man…that was good…so good…"
Ivan gulped, wiping the sweat from his brow as he let his eyes travel over the length of Gilbert's pale body. The albino was fully naked right now. FULLY. Ivan stared at the perfect ass and inner thighs of slightly spread legs. Gilbert's back muscles were lightly toned, and aside from some old bruises, he was completely flawless. Ivan had to take off his winter coat and drop it to the floor before he burst into flames from the heat of lust. Gilbert had his head turned away from him, so Ivan had the freedom to look. He wondered how soft those inner thighs were…and how his lips would feel against that pale skin. As if in a trance, Ivan crawled onto the bed and carefully rests his body atop of Gilbert's.
Gilbert's eyes shot open at the heavy weight pressing him down to the mattress. He could feel hot breath on the back of his neck and an unmistakable clothed erection against his ass. His body tensed up even though he knew it was Ivan. However, he didn't make any moves to try and push the larger man off. Ivan's body weight was more than Callaghan's, and Gilbert felt his bones might just break under the large man. His eyes widened when he felt a stirring in his groin, and it frightened him. Ivan's bigger hands came around to rest atop his own, and the gesture made him a little giddy. Still, this was wrong.
"Ivan…we can't."
"I know." He whispered. "But just for a few moments more? I just want to feel you."
Gilbert said nothing and continued to lie still under Ivan's body. Gilbert shivered in delight at Ivan's gentle, almost feather-like touches as they stroked his arms. He gave a small moan into the pillow as Ivan's lips lightly kissed his neck, sending shivers down his spin. For such a large man, Ivan was a gentle giant, more than what he could say for his boyfriend. He knew this was wrong and that they should stop, but the gentle touches of the other was refreshing. Gilbert didn't feel powerless, scared, or worried like he usually did with Callaghan. They always just had foreplay and then sex, never caresses or light kisses. "Mmm…" he moaned softly.
Ivan's heart was racing as he fought to control himself from just ravishing the man beneath him. This was another step closer to his dream and he wanted to undo his pants and take Gilbert just like this. The touch of the white skin was softer than he dreamed, and kissing it was better than he could imagine. He wanted to trail his lips over the rest of this perfect body to show Gilbert that someone really did love him. Ivan wanted to whisper the words to Gilbert now, but feared the man would panic because it was so soon. Gilbert was confused and afraid of his faux feeling for Callaghan, and it wouldn't be right for Ivan to force him. Although, Gilbert was responding to his touch and kisses but they couldn't go any further. Even though Ivan knew that, he wanted to do one more thing before he moved off of the other. Just to see how it would feel, Ivan thrust his clothed erection against the cleft of Gilbert's ass and almost lost it when the other's voice stopped him.
"NO!" Gilbert shouted at him. "No, Ivan…don't." Pink eyes looked at Ivan from over his shoulder. "I'm sorry but…we can't. So don't make it harder on yourself."
It was hard to pull away but Ivan had enough will power to do so although it pained him. He wanted it. Gilbert wanted it. Yet they couldn't share in it because of one man: that bastard Callaghan. "I'm sorry, Gilbert. I'll sleep in the guest room and we'll head to the garden museum tomorrow around ten." He stood up from the bed but wouldn't look at Gilbert in fear of leaping on him again. "I'm sorry…if I went too far but-"
"I know. I'm not mad." He forced himself to sit up and his back felt better yet there was still that little ache. "If things were different Ivan…then maybe. But as it stands-"
"I know." He clenched his fists at his side. "I'll see you tomorrow morning. Rest well. Call if you need anything." With another heavy heart, Ivan left the room and closed the door behind him. He rests his back and head against it, sighing deeply.
Inside the room, Gilbert covered his face with his hands.
/
The garden museum was a gigantic greenhouse with many rooms filled with flowers, plants, sceneries, and structures. They were allowed at the museum for two hours to get all the photographing done. Somehow, Ivan ended up pulling not just his camera equipment on a garden cart but also Gilbert's Louis Vuitton traveling case full of the clothes they picked out. Just out of curiosity, Ivan had to look up the luggage brand on his phone and nearly keeled over at the price. Of course, he dare not say a word to Gilbert about it. Ivan was even afraid to touch it. Putting the luggage trunk aside, he had to focus on the photo shoot. He looked over at Gilbert, who was the only man he knew that carried a comb and compact mirror in his pockets. How the man could walk, comb, and admire himself at the same time was incredible. But Ivan knew in Gilbert's line of work it was most likely a necessity.
"So, what's first, polar bear?"
"Ah, let's go over there where that tree is." Ivan fumbled with the little map, trying to pinpoint what area they were in and just what type of tree it was. "How on earth do you navigate this place? Gilbert, would you happen to know what kind of tree that is?"
"Do I look like a botanist?" He rolled his eyes. "Who cares, it's a tree. It's brown, got branches, and has leaves. A tree." Gilbert started walking over to it and Ivan quickly followed with the cart.
"Yes, but what if I want to title the picture something with the name of the tree?"
"Is this for National Geographic?" Gilbert asked with sarcasm. Ivan pouted and gave a little whimper. "Didn't think so. Now, what outfit should I wear?" he went and opened the trunk. "Something breezy? Summer-ish?"
"Casual will do." Ivan helped him choose a simple white long-sleeved polo shirt, allowing him to keep the jeans but changed his shoes to sandals. "Go get yourself ready while I set up the equipment."
Gilbert just hid behind the tree and changed his shirt and shoes easily. He checked to see that all his marks were covered properly. Giving his own approval, he buttoned up the bottoms of the sleeves, making sure none of the bandages were showing. It was weird, getting ready to take a picture in normal clothing. However, he did feel much more comfortable doing the shoot. "Hey Ivan, you ready?"
"Yup! Come on out."
Gilbert came out from the tree and stood beside it. "How should I pose?"
"Just like that, but place your hand on the tree…like you're just coming around from behind it."
Gilbert had to act it out to get the pose right. "Like this?"
"Yes…now smile. Nicely, though. Nice." Ivan looked through the lens and adjusted it to the proper focus. Gilbert suddenly turned to look at something, and he gave a sweet little smile. Ivan quickly snapped the picture, grinning at how perfect and beautiful it was. He had to go back on the small screen and look at it again. 'He looks serene, and peaceful. Like he has no problems in the world.' This would be a copy for him. Copied and framed. "Okay! Now look here!" Ivan took a few more different poses by the tree, but none came near to the first one. He was even hesitant to give Callaghan a copy because of the overwhelming feeling of jealousy. 'No, he won't get that first one! That one is MINE. Only I can see that sweet little smile of his!'
"Yo, Yeti? We done yet?"
"Oh! Yes, I think so. Let's go to the spot with the coy pond."
"Wait! I want one up in the tree! Lift me up to that branch." Gilbert snapped his fingers and Ivan jumped to the command. "I used to climb as a kid, so…this brings back some happy memories." Gilbert gave a 'whoa' as Ivan lifted him effortlessly up by the waist to sit him on the branch. "Wow…you are strong for a nerd." He steadied himself on the branch.
"Well, I just go against the stereotype then, don't I?" Ivan chuckled and went to the camera. "It might take a few moments to focus, so just sit there and act natural."
Ivan began to have another memory flashback of high school gym class at the 'Ropes' course. He was only reminded of it when he was lifting Gilbert.
Ivan pulled his white gym shirt down over his abdomen, trying not to look nervous amongst the other classmates. He hated the 'Ropes' course the most during gym. Once a week was more than enough. Today was the worse one. Everyone had to work together to lift and push a teammate through a tire suspended between two trees. It was an average size tire, but not for him. He was the tallest, heaviest, and largest in this years' gym class. There was no way his teammates were going to be able to lift him, not even as a group (much less 'carefully' guide him through a narrow tire). Ivan swore it was a conspiracy to make all the large or obese students feel bad about themselves because when would they EVER have to do something like this unless they were in the army or crash landed in a jungle? Soon the laughter would start and everyone would look at him. Oh sure, during the wall jump everyone wanted him on their team to lift them up and over the wall to the others. His hands still hurt from so many shoes stepping into his cupped hands…only to lift him high enough to get pulled over the wall. Teamwork sucked…and Gilbert chose to wear his cleats that day. Or tug-of- war. Everyone was nice to him because he was very, VERY STRONG anchor.
"Braginski, your up!" called the gym teacher.
All eyes were on him, and his teammates either rolled their eyes, whined, or whispered. The girls were whispering and giggling; the guys were cracking their knuckles or doing mock stretches to prepare for 'heavy lifting'. Ivan whimpered and looked at the tire…then saw the mocking grin of Gilbert on the other side, peering at him through the center of the tire.
"Hey, hey, Pooh Bear! Ready to come through the honey tree? Hope you don't get stuck!" Everyone burst out laughing and Ivan blushed in embarrassment.
"Gil…" warned the teacher, "Don't be rude. Come Ivan! You got a strong team here! Get moving!"
"But…I really, REALLY can't fit through that tire!" Ivan whined.
"Yeah, needs to be a monster truck tire!" Gilbert teased and the others laughed.
"Braginski, you can wiggle. Wouldn't hurt you to wiggle through."
Gilbert snickered again. "The lunch ladies would think they missed a big batch of Jello!" The kids laughed and the teacher hollered at Gilbert again.
"Please, no one here can lift me!" Ivan whined. "There's only three guys and six girls-"
"What?" Screeched a girl. "You think girls can't lift you up? Sexist pig!"
"NO! NO, NO, NO!" Ivan waved his hands frantically. "I didn't mean that!" Ivan could crush each one of those girls if he fell on them. He could probably lift and push each one through the tire by himself. Why did he always get the gym class with the most prissy girls and sporty guys?
"Hm, you're right," said the teacher. "Not enough physical upper body strength on this side for you, Braginski."
The girls were giving Ivan nasty looks and the guys were just snickering. Gilbert was just smiling through the tire center at him. Ivan wanted to send his chubby fist through that tire and knock the albino's teeth out. "My new name for you now is 'Pooh Bear'! Silly ol' bear!" Gilbert stood in triumph and everyone laughed.
"I'm not Pooh Bear!" Ivan called out, and then covered his mouth and blushed deeply.
"Huh? What did you say?" Gilbert called from the tree.
"Oh…um…nothing." He gave a nervous laugh. "Just act natural! Here we go!" 'Pompous ass…but a beautiful pompous ass…' he snapped some pictures 'a pompous ass that I can't help but love and always have.' He snapped another. 'I love his abuse.'
"Hey! We done yet? My ass hurts from the branch! Let's move on!"
"Okay!"
They moved to the coy pond next, where a stone bench was placed nearby between some flower bushes. Gilbert changed into khakis but kept the white shirt on. He insisted on wearing a taxi hat, and he called it that. Ivan had no choice but to let Gilbert do as he pleased. Ivan first had him sit on the ground and swirl his hand in the pond, taking a few pictures. Then he took some of Gilbert on the bench looking casual. Ivan could sense a massive change in Gilbert's persona with each picture, and it all came from that genuine smile. It was a true smile; not a sexy, pouty, or sultry one. Just a normal smile a happy person would give when no one was watching. Gilbert even seemed lost in the scenery around him, making the photos more candid than planned. Ivan went over to him after the photos and sat on the bench beside the other.
"How do you like it so far?"
Gilbert grinned. "It's really nice, Ivan. I like it a lot! I feel like…like just an average guy here! I feel normal! I don't have my ass peeking out or posing with my legs open." Ivan almost got a nosebleed. "Thanks for offering to do this…it's a really nice treat. Something different than what I'm used to." He smiled.
"You're welcome, Gilbert. I have to say…these pictures of you are really beautiful so far. I know they'll only get better."
"Yeah!" Gilbert grinned and then pointed behind them. "Hey! That's a pink tree over there by the bridge! I want a picture THERE!" Gilbert hurried over to it, and Ivan slowly carted over his equipment.
"Ah, a cherry blossom tree. Yes, I had one in my backyard at my parent's house, in our garden." Gilbert wasn't listening to him and Ivan just shrugged his shoulders. He watched as the man jumped onto the bridge and stood in the center, leaning over the railing. There was a very shallow brook running under the bridge with about an inch of water. The pink petals were just close enough to hang over the bridge, and Gilbert had to stand beneath them. Ivan had to stop and stare at him, feeling his heart beat faster and his pants tighten. He even blushed a bit at the beautiful scene with Gilbert smiling proudly at him. This was the Gilbert he remembered; proud, confident, and strong.
"How should I pose? Should my hands be on the railing? My arms? Should I cross them on the railing?" He noticed Ivan's blush as the man came up to the bridge, mindful of the little brook. Gilbert looked at the violet eyes staring into his own, and he blushed a bit as well. "What?"
"You're captivating…just like this."
Gilbert wasn't prepared for the sudden pair of lips that pressed up against his. But to his own surprise, he didn't pull away.
End Chapter 7 TBC
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Snap Judgment