Snap Judgment | By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1396 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic. |
***Warnings: language, non-con, domestic violence
***Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia. I'm making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 8
The kiss had ended with neither one saying anything afterwards. Ivan went on taking pictures and Gilbert continued to pose for the shots. Their short time was up too soon and while they were packing up the car, Ivan offered to take Gilbert out to lunch. The albino agreed and suggested Francis' restaurant as a place to eat. Ivan was eager to see Francis' place of business so likewise he agreed to go. He wanted Gilbert to see his friend without worry of what his 'lover' would say. Ivan was making strong progress with Gilbert and the key was to keep the man happy. He didn't want to say anything about the kiss, but to just keep it as a casual thing they shared for a short moment. From Gilbert's slight look of uneasiness, Ivan knew the man wanted to talk about it. Still, Ivan would wait for him to bring it up but until then, he kept the conversation casual.
"So I was thinking of visiting my family's town back in Russia next winter. I'll need to save up a bit for the trip, but I think it will be well worth it. My parents are over there now."
"They live there? Or are they just visiting?" Gilbert asked.
"Currently they're visiting my grandfather, my dad's father. They've been living there for the past two years. They rent out their house here. My grandfather owns a farm with a lot of horses and sheep and we would visit in the summer and-"
"You've got to stop kissing me." Gilbert suddenly blurted, interrupting Ivan's story. "I'm not mad about it…but just…try to stop doing it."
Ivan smiled. "You said the word 'try'. That means you must like me doing it."
Gilbert blushed. "Well…" he didn't want to say any more "we just have to not do it." Gilbert couldn't tell Ivan that he liked the affection and attention he received from him. The Russian man was a bit pushy and might try to take it further, but now wasn't the time. He was still with his boyfriend. Ivan was starting to appear more attractive now then when Gilbert first saw him. But he was still a nerd without the financial power of Callaghan, yet he was a really big…teddy bear. That thought brought the hint of a smile to Gilbert's lips. He bet Ivan would dress in a teddy bear suit for him if he asked. Ivan seemed intent on pleasing him.
"I would never tell your boyfriend." Ivan answered.
"You want me to cheat on him with you?" It had crossed Gilbert's mind on more than one occasion since that night, but he was still in too deep with 'Mr. Wonderful'. "It's tempting, but I'm better than that. I don't like how he's cheating on me with that Rosaline, but I won't stoop to that level."
Ivan glanced at him. "I wouldn't want you to do it for revenge, Gilbert."
That made the albino blush softly. "Yeah, I know. But I carry around enough guilt." The blush disappeared and his body was laced with fear. If his boyfriend ever found out that he slept with another man or had an affair- he felt sick to his stomach. His lover would beat him black and blue, until there was not one bit of white skin left untouched. If the sex wasn't rough and violent now, Gilbert could only imagine what it would be like for vengeful punishment. He knew Ivan would never tell but if they were found out…
"We're here." Ivan announced and shut off the GPS. He had seen the look of fear that was plastered to Gilbert's face and he felt his anger rising. Ivan was certain that Callaghan threatened Gilbert long ago about having affairs or seeing other people. No doubt the man promised horrible things in the form of punishment for 'disobedience'. He never wanted to see the look of fear on Gilbert's face ever again. However, the features relaxed when Gilbert saw the sign of Francis' restaurant after they parked. "I don't think I've ever had French cuisine before."
"Oh, you'll like it." Gilbert chuckled and shoved his hands in his coat pockets. "It's a little…well…frou-frou at times but it's fairly decent. You'll like it because you're an established nerd."
Ivan just sighed and rolled his eyes while following Gilbert to the back entrance. The hostess recognized Gilbert right away and she sat them in the far back upon the albino's request. He asked if Francis was here but the hostess said he had stepped out to go to the bank and would be back shortly. Ivan looked at the other's saddened face and reached out to pat his arm. "Don't worry, Gilbert. We're not in a rush so we can take our time here while waiting for him." He opened his menu. "I must say I can't wait to try a real French dessert."
"Francis makes most of them himself, you know. He gets up very early to come here and get them started." He opened the menu as well. "I'm not sure what I'm in the mood for, though." Ivan's cell phone went off and Gilbert looked over the menu at him.
"Ah, I have to take this. It may be a business call." He stood up. "I'll take it outside. I'll be right back."
Gilbert watched the larger man leave before taking out his own phone to check for messages. There was a text from his lover, which was sent only seven minutes ago. Gilbert opened the message and read it over:
'Checking in with you. Do you need anything?''
Gilbert typed back: 'No, everything is fine here. How's your trip so far?' He waited for a response.
'Going good enough. Not looking forward to coming back to snow.'
Gilbert wrote, 'I'll bet', but then decided to add something else. Something that Ivan had pointed out at breakfast. 'Hey, I was wondering, if something happened to you would I be provided for? Just saw a news thing about a plane crash and I started thinking about this.' He waited for a response, twiddling his fingers nervously. There was a beep.
'Never ask something like that again. I'm indestructible! You're not getting my fortune, if that's what you think.'
Gilbert started to tremble, now regretting ever mentioning it to the man. He had to answer back now, but the safest way would be to come off as humble as possible. 'Sorry, I just worry about you some times. I don't want your fortune. I don't want to end up on the streets with nothing to my name, that's all.' He sent it, and then wrote another. 'If you love me then you'd want me to be able to get on my feet, right?' Gilbert regretted sending that last text but he had to know. There was a beep. Holding his breath, he looked.
'That's cute. We'll talk again when I'm home.'
"What does he mean by that?" Gilbert whispered to himself, reading the text over and over again. "Is he…mocking me?" He looked up when Ivan came back to the table.
"Sorry about that. Give me one more minute to plug in the date." While Ivan was swiping in the work date on his planner app, he glanced up to notice Gilbert staring blankly at the white tablecloth. "Gilbert? Are you alright?" He put his phone away.
"Um…yeah, sort of." He looked at Ivan and leaned back in the chair. "I just spoke to him…about my security if something were to happen to him. You know what he said?"
Ivan's hackles were rising, but he hid it well. "What was it?"
"It was…" he lost his nerve to speak about it, "sorry, I can't say it. Not right now." His hands were shaking manically under the table in his lap. He couldn't tell Ivan about it right now for fear of becoming too upset in front of the man. Also, he was in public and it wouldn't be the first time he had a breakdown in Francis' restaurant. He had to control himself…but then remembered that he never packed his Valium. "I want to go back home. Now."
Ivan blinked. "Are you sure? Gilbert, what's wrong?"
"I just want to go home now! Now!" He pushed out from the chair and darted through the other tables making for the door.
Ivan apologized to the waiter and hostess as he hurried after Gilbert, who was proving to be, literally, 'quick as a bunny'. He found the albino frantically tugging at the car door handle trying to get it open. Ivan took out his keys and unlocked it for the other who wasted no time in jumping inside. Ivan opened up the drivers' door and got it, finding it best to lock the doors and windows first. Gilbert's chest was heaving and his breathing was coming in high-pitched gasps. One hand was clutched to his chest while the other gripped and shook violently near the cup holder. Ivan had to remain calm recognizing that this was a panic attack and would have to talk the other down.
"Gilbert…just relax…calm down." He spoke softly, reaching out his hand to rest against the other's thigh.
"I can't!" Gilbert gasped out. "Chest is…tight! Need my meds!" He continued to gasp and wheeze.
"You can do this without your pills!" Ivan said firmly. "You have to breath normal! Calm down!" When he saw it wasn't working and there were no bags to breath in for the panicking man, Ivan had to improvise. He wasn't sure if it would work but it was worth a chance. Turning on the air conditioning to full blast, Ivan grabbed Gilbert's head and forced it in front of a vent. The quick moving air blew in the other's face, forcing Gilbert to take a breath and a couple more after it. "BREATHE!" He finally pulled the other away from the air.
"Okay! Okay! JUST LET ME GO!" Gilbert was able to catch his breath and the technique had work for he felt himself calming down.
"There…that's good. Just relax. When you're ready, tell me what triggered this. I have a right to know."
Gilbert ran a hand through his hair and took one deep sigh before breathing normal. He looked at Ivan, noting the concern and worry. There was no way he could get out of this with the other man, but he was going to try. "I don't suppose saying I don't know want to talk about it will work?"
Ivan shook his head. "Not since after I found you bleeding on the bathroom floor with your wrists slit."
Gilbert looked away from him. "So in other words, I have no choice. Fine, I'll tell you. I spoke to my lover while you were on the phone and…mentioned about my security should something happen to him. He doesn't think anything ever will…and that I am not allowed near his fortune. And that's fine but…he doesn't have anything set aside for me." He turned back to Ivan. "Nothing at all. I don't even think he has a will."
"So he said he's not giving you anything?"
"He said we'll talk more when he gets home." Gilbert leaned back against the seat. "I think he was mocking me. But I know what you are going to say and my answer is still 'no'. It's complicated, and you know it."
Ivan put the car in drive. 'And we were having such a nice day too.' "I won't say any more. You already know my feelings anyway. I'll take you home." They drove back in complete, unsettling silence. Ivan pulled into the driveway and barely had time to put the car in park as Gilbert rushed out the door. He shut off the car and followed. "Allow me to stay the night."
"No." Gilbert wouldn't look back at him as he walked up to the front door, taking out his keys. "That wouldn't be smart. Not now. I promise I won't do anything to myself…I learned the hard way." He pushed the door open and turned to look back at Ivan. "I really did have a nice day out, Ivan. Thank you for that."
Ivan smiled sadly. "You're welcome, Gilbert. Are you sure you don't want me to stay? You shouldn't be alone."
"I'll call Francis to come over and stay with me until it's time for my boss to come home. It's…safer that way." When he tried to escape inside Ivan reached out and stopped him by grabbing his arm. "What?"
"I'm to not see you until you call on me?"
"That…would be best. Only for a few days, though." He pulled his arm away. "You're really making things hard for me, Ivan. Please… I have a hard enough time as it stands."
"That's because I'm helping you and you are starting to recognize it."
Gilbert gave a little smile. "Goodbye, Ivan. I'll see you soon. And thanks again for today. I know I'll be thinking about it a lot." With that being said, Gilbert slowly closed the door and locked it. He checked out the peephole to see if Ivan was still there, and he was. The man was staring at the door, but eventually turned away to leave. Gilbert peeked out the side door window and waited for Ivan's car to be out of the driveway. "I'm sorry, Ivan." He said out loud. "Everything you say is true but…it's just not reasonable."
Mandy came to greet him and noticed the massive change in his mood. Gilbert called her upstairs with him wanting to have some non-judgmental company. He desperately needed a nap after the photo shoot and emotional panic attack. Yet the worst was remembering Ivan's sweet and romantic gestures throughout the weekend. From the heavy touching on the bed last night to the caste kiss this afternoon Gilbert's head was spinning. He barely undressed as he flopped to the bed with Mandy snuggling in next to him. The moment he closed his eyes there was an image of Ivan behind his lids. That stupid, big nosed nerd who played music for him and treated him like…like he was special. The songs he picked were nothing cruel or sleazy to mock him. Instead they were genuine and heartfelt, like Ivan was truly in love with him.
'I told my own boyfriend that I love and worry about him but all I got was a mocking statement. But…everyone shows their love differently, right? Ivan does it through pictures and music…my boss has…a harder way of showing it.' Yet he was dating a very busy and established businessman that ran HUNDREDS of smaller businesses every day. The man was overworked, tired, and probably going through a middle-aged crisis. There were just as many good times with Callaghan as there were bad. Yet why did he keep seeing Ivan every time he closed his eyes? 'It won't work out. It just won't. I'm sorry, Ivan.' In the far back of his mind a small voice whispered, 'you're afraid'.
But when he rolled over onto his belly he immediately thought of Ivan's weight pressing down on top of him again. The man was much larger than he was, and actually bigger than his boss. His lover was lithe and well built, but nowhere near the weight or solid mass of Ivan. Plus, Ivan was a gentle giant, touching him as if he were breakable. His boyfriend was always rough, dragging those lotion soft hands all over his body. His lover would squeeze, pinch, slap, grab, bite, and PULL. Gilbert shoved his head under the pillow then. Always the hair pulling, but it was usually done during sex. 'Come to think of it…we've never had sex in the missionary position.' It was always on all fours with a fist painfully gripped in his hair or some sort of bondage position. There was never any love making for as long as he could remember. Except for that first time…when he gave himself over to Mr. Callaghan, C.E.O. It seemed so long ago…when he gave up his 'man' innocence for the highest pay and position in the modeling company as well as to date the 'big boss'. At the time it seemed like a wonderful idea. He, who was just a struggling young model, managed to land a cooperate big shot. It was a little price to pay for a guaranteed modeling position.
"But I never thought it would end up like this." He looked at Mandy's sleeping face. "I'm just in too deep. I'm stuck on an inflatable inner tube with a tiny hole slowly leaking air while a large shark swims in circles around me. I doubt the lifeguard can swim out to me in time."
Before falling into an exhausted sleep, Gilbert texts Francis to come over after he's done work. He needed a vent night that wasn't with the dancing Russian bear in a tiny hat balancing on a unicycle.
/
'What am I going to do with him?' Ivan thought to himself, tapping the bottom of the glass on the bar napkin. The bar tender came over and refilled his glass of vodka, asking Ivan if he wanted anything else. 'A white rabbit.' "Nothing, I'm good for now. Thank you."
Everything had been going so well for them today and then THIS incident had to happen. Ivan knew the bastard had nothing set up for Gilbert because the man simply did not care. Callaghan was out for himself and he had a very loyal, sexy, and obedient lover who made him big bucks. No person who truly loved and cared for the other would beat or belittle them. If only Gilbert could admit it to himself that Callaghan did not love him and probably never would. The albino beauty is living through glam and glitter, but ignoring the major issues. Gilbert needed to be in a real relationship to recognize the differences. Ivan wanted to be that other person in Gilbert's life, the one who could save him. But he needed Gilbert to work with him, not against him. The man was clearly starting to develop feelings because that kiss from earlier was a genuine one. Ivan wanted to prolong it, but feared going too far like the night before. THAT was magical. If he continued to push on then Gilbert probably would have given in. Sex is the cure-all for everything.
'Gods above, I want him.' He downed the vodka and ordered another. 'I should just kidnap him and we'll fly away to Russia and hide with my parents. Callaghan won't spend the money or the time looking for Gilbert. Just take him and go. Take him kicking and screaming. Oh wait…the dog.' Ivan sipped the drink. 'I'd have to plot this out more.' He smirked. 'Of course, killing the bastard would be MUCH better. Everyone needs to get their just desserts. 'I can make it look an accident.'
Ivan paid his bill and left the bar, grinning manically from ear to ear. 'It will be just like a well played game of chess.'
/
The quiet weekend had ended with Callaghan flying back in and arriving at home.
Ivan was already on his way to the house to show the man some of the practice prints from the photo shoot. Of course, that wasn't really the reason he was going over. He hadn't heard from Gilbert since their last talk but he knew the bastard would be flying home today. Callaghan and Gilbert were supposed to 'talk' about the security issues and just to be safe, Ivan wanted to be there. If things became heated then he would intervene. It wouldn't be anything brutal such as swinging fists and yelling because Ivan didn't want to lose his position with Gilbert. As angry as he was, speaking and acting calmly would be his best choice. He just hoped he can remain that calm.
He pulled up into the driveway and saw Callaghan's car in the garage. Taking the few pictures Ivan went up to the front door and rang the bell. A few moments later Cornelia answered the door, as she was just about to leave. She called to Callaghan to let him know that Ivan was here, and the boss allowed him inside. Ivan said goodbye to her and stood in the hall, taking off his winter coat to hang it. From upstairs he could hear the two of them talking and he called up to them, signaling his presence. It was Gilbert who answered him but the man did not come to the banister.
"What's the matter, Ivan?" Gilbert asked.
"Nothing. I just came by to show Mr. Callaghan some of your prints. They're small ones but came out perfectly and I thought I'd share them?" There was silence, some whispering, and then an answer from Gilbert.
"Just wait in the living room, okay? We'll be done shortly."
Ivan did just as he was told yet remained completely silent so as to listen for their conversation. He remained closer to the hallway entrance where he could better hear them. Soon enough, their speaking grew louder with the heat of argument. It was constant bantering back and forth about their relationship. Gilbert was talking about how Callaghan didn't care for him and some issues they were facing. Callaghan, of course, could say nothing without belittling Gilbert in some way. Ivan grew angry at the cruel words Callaghan was shooting Gilbert's way, everything from 'whore' to 'gold-digger'. The bastard was blaming everything on Gilbert, pushing all the faults from himself onto the other. And that was when Gilbert suddenly, very violently and loudly, hollered back at the other.
The sound of skin meeting bone echoed down the stairs, into the hall, and straight to Ivan's ears. Then came the sound of a door slamming shut, followed by numerous thumping noises and yelling. Ivan, growling low, started to make his way into the hall and up the steps, grinding his teeth the whole way. Callaghan's voice was violent in tone as Gilbert was screaming and hollering at him. Something crashed. Then something thumped. But the noise began again. Ivan frowned darkly as he now stood in front of the main bedroom door where the cries of 'stop' and 'no' between yells were constant. Heavy grunts of pleasure and the unmistakable sound of a squeaking bed allowed Ivan to come to a very conspicuous conclusion. He grinned evilly.
'I'll just burst through that door and break his million-dollar C.E.O. neck! Then I'll tie him to the back of my car and drag him along for miles!' With each scream from Gilbert's throat, Ivan's fists clenched tighter and tighter threatening to break through the skin. Ivan lowered his head and glared at the door, his chest and shoulders rising with heavy breathing as the violent adrenaline was pumping through his veins. Yet he could not move his body to break through the door. He seemed to be paralyzed with rage while his mind continued to picture the horrid scene going on behind the door. There were more slaps, more cries, and even louder insults. And then, the violent noises came to an end with Callaghan shouting, "never speak to me of such things again". Ivan was ready for him to come out, but then heard the man's heavy footsteps racing down the other staircase. Ivan growled deeply, forgetting that the master bedroom had TWO doors with TWO separate stairs to the lower level of the house. The front door slammed loudly, followed shortly by screeching tires. How quick the man was to forget
Ivan leaned his ear to the door, hearing the sound of muffled sobs coming from the inside. He tried the doorknob but found it to be locked. Instead he ran down the first flight and then up the second, with Mandy following behind. Luckily this door was open and he rushed inside, looking towards the bed where he knew he would find Gilbert. And sure enough, on the tangled comforter, lay Gilbert face down on the bed dressed only in a t-shirt. Ivan slowly approached the bed, letting his eyes travel along the red and bruised skin. Fingerprint bruises and crescent shaped cuts were dotted all around Gilbert's waist and hips. The backs of his thighs were bruised and dripping with trickles of blood. On his shoulder was a bite mark where some teeth had broken the skin. The rest of his body was beaten red, but Ivan was unable to see his face. Beside him, Mandy was whimpering as she went over to the bed.
Gilbert lifted and turned his head to look at her, but gasped when he saw Ivan. "I-Ivan!" The old bruise had returned more prominent than before. The other side of his face was swelling slightly and already bruising from what must have been the first punch. The length of his neck was bruised, starting just beneath the jaw line where he was choked. His bottom lip was cut and swelling; but the worst part was the slight bald spot on the top of his head. The almost white hair had been so viciously pulled that it ripped out from his skull. Even the bandages around his wrists were bloodied again from vigorous activity. "Ivan…you…?"
"Look at what he's done to you." Ivan said carefully and calmly yet nearly ready to explode with rage.
Gilbert forced himself to sit up slowly, wincing at the pain but refusing to meet Ivan's gaze. "I shouldn't have yelled back." He whispered.
"You were defending yourself."
"I was being stupid." Gilbert rubbed his throat, finding it to ache when he talked. He knew he was battered mess right now.
Ivan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I hate how you keep telling yourself that. You think you deserved this violent rape and brutal beating for speaking your mind?"
"But it's true!" He wheezed. "It's my fault! I shouldn't have! It's my-"
Ivan backhanded him.
Gilbert fell to the bed in a heap, stunned and shocked by the force of pain striking his already butchered body. Mandy barked violently at Ivan and snapped viciously at him, putting herself between them. Ivan glared at the dog that only growled in response with all her hackles raised. Gilbert reached out his hand and touched her head gently, which immediately calmed her. She whimpered again and joined him on the bed, lying down beside him. Gilbert turned his pink eyes on Ivan, fresh with new tears.
Ivan picked up Gilbert's pants. "We're leaving."
"Leaving?"
"Yes. Leaving. Take nothing with you but Mandy and your coat."
Gilbert said nothing nor did he make a move to protest when Ivan helped to slip on his boxers and pants. He asked to bathe but Ivan refused to let him, saying that he needed to stay this way for a short while. Gilbert could barely walk so the larger man ended up carrying him. Ivan helped Gilbert dress for the cold, gathered up some of Mandy's things, and once again carried the other out. Gilbert was able to get in the car by himself while Mandy lay in the back, already starting to whimper. Ivan had packed the few items in the back of the car before joining them inside. The battered man stared sadly at Ivan as he turned on the car and buckled his seatbelt.
"What are you looking at?" Ivan asked firmly.
"Tell me where we're going. Please?"
Ivan locked the doors. "We're going to the police station."
/
It was a long and brutal ride all the way there, between Gilbert's frantic protests and Mandy's whining Ivan thought it'd be better to drive off the road. Gilbert was still in tears as he begged Ivan to take him somewhere else; anywhere that was not the police station. Ivan refused to do so.
"He'll kill me for sure, Ivan!"
"Not if you have a claim against him. With a police report there is no way he can POSSIBLY get around it. In truth, I think he'll just let you go without a fight. He doesn't care about you."
"He does!"
"Is this how he shows his love then?" Ivan hollered. "By beating and raping you?"
"It's my life not yours!" He shouted back. "I swear, Ivan, if you don't turn this car around right now-"
"What? What will you do? Go back to the house and bleed to death?" He stopped at a red light. "Gilbert, let me tell you about when we were in school together. Let me tell you the kind of person you were." The light turned green. "There was a proud and charismatic young man who came from a troubled home. Despite his issues, he kept good grades, was a friend to almost everybody, and loved to play soccer. During school soccer games, you would paint your face the school colors and parade loudly down the halls, shouting our team name. Kids would cheer when you entered a room, calling out your name in greeting. Just like Norm.(1) Teachers enjoyed your witty remarks, especially the female ones. The girls all loved you because you made each one feel special, even the nerdy ones. You'd stand up for students and speak for our class. You even started a sit-down strike when the staff threatened to make our study halls shorter, and we won." They stopped at another red light.
"…why tell me all this? Trying to make me feel like shit?" He turned to stare out the window.
"No, quite the opposite." He drove on. "Even though you came from a troubled home life laden with heartbreak and pain, you managed to overcome it. Most kids with your issues drop out of school and run the streets, but not you. Not Gilbert Beilschmidt. The odds were always against you, but somehow you managed to reach the top. You were the king of that school. Even though you're older now and understand the difficulties of life, you're still in the same basic situation now as you were then. The only difference is you have all of the power to make it change. There is nothing holding you down but fear and insecurities. There's a HUGE world out there and there is nothing written anywhere that states 'you can't do this'." They pulled in to the police station parking lot, getting a spot right up front. Ivan turned off the car and turned to the other. "I want to help bring the old Gilbert back, even if he was a pompous jerk who made my life a living hell every day."
"We were kids, Ivan. Teenagers. All of us had that 'never say die' attitude. We were indestructible. The world seemed easier then."
"It can be easier now too." Ivan reached out and took Gilbert's hand in his own. "I'm sorry for hitting you earlier, but I care about you to much to let this keep happening. You're very stubborn but I can be too." The other man was silent. "Would it help to know that I'm here to help you move on? You have your friend Francis too. You're not completely alone. You have support." Gilbert sighed softly. "Don't continue to live your life under the thumb of an evil business man who gives you nothing of your own."
Gilbert turned to look out the front window at the bright words 'Police Station' in front of him. Ivan was still holding his hand and the man's story of the past kept echoing in his ears. Some of those memories started to come back to him and he could remember how it was; how it used to be. Could he really have all that again? Such a world just seemed so impossible to him after being away for so long. Suddenly, a sharp pain in his backside reminded him of the rape. The old Gilbert wouldn't have let anything get to that point. But too much has happened for him to ever return to normal. He'd never be the same again, but it was worth a try. "Alright. Let's go."
/
Alfred yawned loudly while stirring his mug of freshly poured coffee as he read a Superman comic uniquely hidden in a law book. He hated getting up early so Alfred offered to take the nightshifts half of the work week. The station had been quiet save for a few prostitute arrests and one car jacker. Hardly any action tonight, and he yawned again. But just as he was about to surf through YouTube he noticed Ivan walking in with a battered man. Alfred narrowed his brows and stood up, going over to meet with them. "Ivan, what's happened? Who this?"
"This is the man I was telling you about." Ivan answered and then dropped his voice to a whisper. "He's been badly beaten and raped, only about an hour ago."
"I can see that." Alfred said, looking Gilbert over. "Let's get him in the back where our staff doctor will look him over."
Gilbert moved closer to Ivan. "I don't want anyone looking at me."
"It's important for them to examine you, Gilbert." Ivan said softly.
Alfred nodded. "Yes, and Ivan can come with you."
Gilbert was hesitant at first, but then gave a nod while squeezing Ivan's hand in his own. Alfred took them into an examination room where he was carefully checked and patched up. The blood and semen samples were the most embarrassing, as well as the few pictures that followed after. Ivan remained with him the whole time as Alfred took down notes. Once the examination was done, Alfred took them into a separate room where they could talk privately. Gilbert sat down at the table with Ivan standing right behind, rubbing his narrow shoulders. He was shaking beneath Ivan's hands, but not from the cold.
"Okay, so, Gilbert Beilschmidt, you're with Mr. Callaghan is that right?" He nodded. "Can you tell me what sparked this? And please, be as honest as possible."
"I was…suggesting something to him and he…got mad. I hollered back when I knew I shouldn't."
"And that's why this all happened? Because you mentioned something? What was it about?"
Gilbert reached up to squeeze Ivan's hand. "I just…asked him about my security should something happen to him. But I have no money at all…and he won't leave me any."
Alfred wrote some notes down. "Now what about your line of work?"
Ivan answered for him. "He's a model for homosexual magazines. In order to keep his position in an age discriminating career he found Mr. Callaghan. The man holds great power and control over Gilbert, as you can plainly see." Gilbert cringed.
Alfred tapped his pen on the clipboard. "Hm. I see. Ah, so you have nothing to your name at all?" Gilbert shook his head. "You live and survive completely by Mr. Callaghan." He nodded. Alfred took a deep breath and wrote it down. "I'll need at least SOMETHING with both Gilbert's and Callaghan's names on it to show that they are in a relationship. As far as the law is concerned, Gilbert could be nothing more than a prostitute Callaghan calls on. If you're looking to get any kind of claim against this man then we need physical proof. Paper proof, I mean."
Ivan nodded. "I have some emails Callaghan sent me discussing Gilbert. They're many people at his place of work that would say they are together. If I can get a copy of Gilbert's contract with him would that help?"
"Yes, that would help. The issue we're going to run into is his superiority in the business world. Big shots like him weasel their way out of cases like this all the time. Sometimes the person will just pay the accuser off to save face in the public eye. The best we can do now is just keep Gilbert safe from him while we try to build a stronger case against him. The claim I write now will have little effect without some more meat."
"What about a restraining order?" Ivan asked.
"I can write one for you but it only helps if the guy comes near you, and there needs to be proof that he is. Sometimes restraining orders are just a false sense of security. In this matter, Gilbert would do better staying in a safe house."
"Alfred, can you do better than that for us?" Ivan asked. "I helped you out a lot in college, now you can help me."
Alfred looked at both men; one frowning and the other battered and torn. Against his better judgment, he came up with an idea. "Ivan, do you still live in that apartment loft place? The one with the security guard patrolling all the time?" Ivan nodded. "Then here is what I can do. I'll have a restraining order written up to keep Callaghan away from both you and Gilbert. I will write permissions to stop and-or arrest anyone under suspicion of becoming a threat to Gilbert. In other words, the security guard and whomever else has the lawful right to stop and question anyone who comes in to the building. Should something be mentioned about Gilbert then by law they have to report to the police immediately. This way, Gilbert is safely hidden and protected while in your care. Once I have more evidence then we can proceed with a proper court case to press charges."
"I don't want to press charges." Gilbert whispered. "I don't. I won't win. I know the kind of lawyers he has. I'll be creamed."
"Not with the city's best detective as your hero." Alfred smiled. "Give it some time and think it over. Pressing charges may even allow you to win back much of his estate and money while financially ruining him. Of course, it would be much easier with some sort of civil union or marriage paper to go with it. Just try and find out as much as you can for me. I'll call Mr. Callaghan and let him know that he will be under careful watch."
"Thank you, Alfred, for all your help." Ivan smiled at him.
"Sure. But I need to speak with you privately for a moment. Since you brought him in I need you to sign a few things. Gilbert, can you wait right here? We'll only be a minute or two." Gilbert just nodded, watching as Ivan followed Alfred into a smaller room. They could see Gilbert through the glass window. "I need to be honest with you on a few issues, Ivan."
Ivan raised a brow. "Such as?"
"Well," he rubbed the back of his neck, "even though I'm totally against it and don't believe in it…I know how the court and state work in this matter. If it were a heterosexual relationship, the odds would be in Gilbert's favor. Knowing that he is gay while posing provocatively in homosexual magazines doesn't show up as 'favorable'. While the world is coming a lot farther since twenty some years ago, there are still basic prejudices that exist."
Ivan stuffed his hands angrily in his pockets. "So you're saying that because Gilbert is basically a prostitute whoring himself to rich guy for position and money has no chance at a proper legal case because of it? Is it because he's not a woman?"
"Oh, hell no! Women in his profession are judged just as harshly, if not more. Look, you and I see it in a completely different light. I'm not saying that things wouldn't work out in Gilbert's favor; I'm just choosing to give you a warning about how this might pan out. Homosexual domestic abuse is fairly overlooked-"
"Because Gilbert is a man and should be able to fend for himself." Ivan finished for him.
"For Christ's sake, Ivan! I'm not saying that! There are MANY brutally aggressive women out there just like there are MANY shy men! Stop trying to make sense of it! It's basic human prejudices that Gilbert won't be able to escape. Either we keep this as low key as possible and hope Callaghan just dumps Gilbert, or we take it further and face these sorts of issues. I want to do what is best for Gilbert. I've seen enough of these cases to know that man is ready to crumble and break at the slightest problem. To have people saying he deserved everything he got will break him."
Ivan sighed. "I see your reasoning. We'll take it one day at a time. Write up those papers for me and we'll head out." Ivan went back into the room with Gilbert. He smiled. "We'll be going to my place right after we're done."
Gilbert looked at him. "I want to leave soon, though. Mandy's still in the car and it's cold out."
"I'll tell Alfred to drop off all the paperwork to us in the car, then. We'll wait in the car with Mandy. How's that?"
The albino gave a tiny smile. "So…we'll be living together, huh?"
"Yes." Ivan took both his hands. "And I promise you that life will be very different. I may not be able to buy you expensive luggage and fancy clothes, but I can give you a lot more. You can eat whatever you want. You can lounge around all day. I drink vodka so you can drink beer." He smiled happily. "If only you'll give me a chance?"
Gilbert squeezed the other's hand. "You won't hurt me?"
"No. Never."
"But your biggest bully will be under your roof where you have complete control. Don't you want revenge?"
Ivan kissed the top of Gilbert's head. "Some people would want that, but not me. I'm not that normal."
Gilbert chuckled softly. "No, you're not." Tears started to pour down his cheek.
"Gilbert, you're crying. Are you hurt?"
"I…don't know why I'm crying but I can't seem to stop. I'm…I'm scared…happy…sad…confused, all these things! Ivan…what is going to become of me?"
"You're going to become the strong, proud, and independent person you once were!" He smiled. "And I'm here backing you up one hundred percent!"
Gilbert's smile widened and he ignored the pain it caused while tears continued to stain his cheeks. "I hope to become that Gilbert once again! It's been so…so long."
"You have a lot of healing to do, but I'm sure you'll come out of it on top. My Gilbert. My Snowbunny." Gilbert gave him that precious smile he captured in the photo. Ivan was determined to protect Gilbert and nothing would stand in his way. 'If the law won't help me then I'll just have to take matters into my own hands 'Ivan-style'.'
End Chapter 8 TBC
1) Norm from the show 'Cheers'.
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