Your Prussian Lover's A/N: Oh, Lord. This should have been put up about a week and a half ago, but some... extenuating circumstances prevented that (and in addition to that I was really lazy and sat around eating Nutella and watching Breaking Bad), but the wait is over! Here's the second chapter, we kept it a bit shorter than the first. Do leave a review; it's good for business.

Warning(s): Language, mild yaoi, anything else I forgot.

Disclaimer: We still don't own Hetalia. Sadly. You know what would happen if we did.

Chapter Two

Early the next morning, when the sun just barely peeked out over the trees, Ludwig climbed out of bed and shook Gilbert's shoulder. "Gilbert, it's time to prepare the wagon and go to market. Gilbert, wake up."

The albino grumbled, still knocked out entirely, mumbling incoherently about something.

He sighed. "Gilbert, it's time to get up now. I will not hesitate to pull the blankets off of you."

The albino groggily lifted his head at the threat. "Wha…? What do I need to get up for?" Eyes still closed, he groped for a handhold, thankfully finding the headboard of the bed and using it for leverage to

Ludwig grumbled in annoyance and pulled the bed sheets off of the sleeping man. "I do not tolerate laziness here! This is not the king's palace where you can lounge around until any given time! This is the last time I'm telling you. It's time to get up."

Gilbert cracked his eyes open grumpily, still half-asleep and homesick. "What time is it, Fritz…? It's so cold…" He scrubbed at his eyes with balled fists, rubbing the sleep away. "Oh… Hello, Ludwig. I had forgotten there, for a moment." He looked away, stretching.

The blonde's features softened slightly at Gilbert's forlorn look. "It's alright. I'm going to start loading up the cart. There is some warm oatmeal and tea on the table for you, all right? I'll come back in after I'm done loading everything." He turned serious and crossed his arms. "I better not find you asleep when I come back! Consider this your one and only warning."

Grumbling, Gilbert slumped halfway off the bed and shut his eyes, elbows touching the rough cottage floorboards. "Whatever you say, Luddy," he muttered bitterly, upset at the lack of sleep. Eventually, however, he clambered out of bed, hissing as she scrabbled for his cane. "Dammit."

After a good five minutes, Ludwig finally finished loading up the cart with milk jugs, ears of corn, baskets, carrots, potatoes, wool, goat's milk, and eggs. Satisfied, he slapped his hands clean and went inside his cabin, hoping that Gilbert was up and finishing his breakfast.

When he was through with scrambling about, Gilbert at last managed to seat himself in the chair. He picked up his fork just as Ludwig stepped in. "So what are we taking?" He blinked up at him with red-rimmed eyes.

"I have everything ready so far. I came in to see how you were doing, and now I need to get Swift ready and we'll be off. I want to get a good spot in the market square, so please hurry and finish your food. When I come back from getting Swift ready, I want to see that meal eaten," he warned gently and leaving the cabin.

He set down the fork and picked up a spoon, scooping up the oatmeal and lazily unloading it into his mouth. It was still dark outside. The sky wasn't even bluing yet! Groaning, he sipped his tea, trying not to burn his tongue.

A short while later, Ludwig came back in. "Finish up your food while I get you the cloak and mask. Remember, if anyone asks, just let me do all the talking. If by some chance I can't answer just say you have a skin disease." He went into a trunk and took out the cloak, along with the white leather mask. It would cover Gilbert's forehead, eyes, and cheeks, in addition to the bridge of his nose. "Finish up. We're on a tight schedule." He crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently.

Gilbert stuffed his mouth and took a swig of the tea, wishing it were sweeter but having neither the energy nor the motivation to complain about it. Soon enough, he wiped his mouth. "Alright," he drawled, "Let's go, then. You have the cloak?"

"Yes." Ludwig found the cloak, wrapped it around Gilbert's shoulders, and then carefully placed the mask over his face. He put the hood up to shield the white hair. "Good. No one will recognize you. Except for those eyes..." He pondered. "Try not to look anyone in the eye if you can help it, okay? Swift is all ready, so let's be heading out." He held his hand out for Gilbert to take.

Gilbert tentatively extended his hand in return, grasping Ludwig's and squeezing it slightly. He was, in truth, anxious, but he certainly wasn't staying back. Gingerly, he took his cane and hobbled outside, presented with the challenge of mounting Swift.

"Here, let me help." Ludwig easily lifted him up onto the horse, and then got on behind him, taking the reigns. "This way you cannot possibly fall off. Are you comfortable?"

"Yes, this is all right." Considering that he couldn't fall off, he rested his head against Ludwig's shoulder. "You don't always get up this early do you…?"

"Of course I do. I am the only one here on the farm and I need as much daylight as possible to get the amount of work done that is necessary." They rode off of the farmland and onto the main road towards the city. "Have you ever been to the main market of this city?" Ludwig asked him.

Gilbert wearily shook his head. "No, never. I usually just ate whatever was in the kitchens. If it wasn't dinner, sometimes I'd sneak something." He yawned widely. This routine would be hard to adjust to, although the likelihood of him getting extra sleep was increased thanks to his injuries. "Damn, I'm exhausted..."

"You're just lazy," Ludwig said with a slight chuckle. "If you're going to live under my roof, you will learn to get up at this time every day. Watching the sunrise is a beautiful sight, Gilbert. You will like it. If you look in front of us, you can see it now peeking over the city roofs." He pointed ahead at the red ball slowly making its way upward.

There was his poetic side again. The albino peered ahead through squinty pink eyes, and sure enough, there it was, magnificent orb that it was. "It's nice, but the most beautiful sight at this time of day is usually the back of my eyelids." He reached back and cupped the side of Ludwig's neck in his hand without turning around. "You're acting like nothing happened last night."

Ludwig tensed up immediately. "I didn't forget. It is just not... necessary right now. We have work to do. You still need to heal and, call me old-fashioned or prudish, but I will not take advantage of you no matter how much you beg me. If I do… that… with anyone, I want it to be honest, faithful, and true." His countenance hardened. "Your heart already belongs to another, and I will not just accept your body. That is unfair to me. Now, we will speak no more of this matter today."

Gilbert fell silent, and he removed his hand. "Yes. I understand." But he desperately craved the touch of another, wanted it like nothing else in the world. No. That is wrong. I want my king back, and I cherish him above all else.

They continued on in silence until they reached the market. It was just opening, with other vendors beginning to set up their stands. Ludwig found a great spot in the center on the left, seated between an elderly woman called Mrs. Blooms who sold quilts and a middle-aged man who went by Mr. Johnson. The latter offered bone and wood carvings, though the craftsmanship of the wood was less refined than Ludwig's own. They both greeted him warmly and asked about Gilbert. Ludwig mentioned that he was a family member visiting, and that he was ill. Mr. Johnson offered Gilbert his chair. "Would your cousin like to have it? I don't need it," the middle-aged man offered. Ludwig looked to Gilbert.

"You don't have to be modest. Would you like to use it?"

Gilbert shut his eyes quickly, remembering how unusual they were, and gave a slight and gracious nod so as not to disturb the hood. "Yes, thank you. I appreciate it." He yawned again and motioned for Ludwig to assist him. "I'm probably going to be here for a long while," he remarked. "Cousin Luddy's been very helpful." He shot the blonde a look.

Ludwig ignored him and placed him on the chair while he set

everything up on the blankets and on the stand. Pelts to the left, pots in the center, baskets on the right. Very methodical. The layout of his wares never differed. On the stand he had his baskets of corn, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and jugs of milk. "There. It is all set," Ludwig said proudly. "Now we wait. The people will arrive soon."

Gilbert peered up at him from beneath the folds of cloth. "How long do we usually stay here?" He wasn't looking forward to sitting on his ass for hours on end.

"We stay until the early afternoon and hopefully sell everything. Some things I'll take back for us, but whatever I don't sell I donate to the local church. It's better than having it build up in my storage hut. But if you are indeed bored," Ludwig never understood the word bored, for there was always something to do. "You can brush the pelts for me." He dropped a rabbit pelt in Gilbert's lap, along with the comb. "We never lack in work for you to do. So make yourself useful," he scolded.

The albino crinkled his brow, but accepted the pelt and comb. "Right. Okay." He gingerly picked it up, sighing softly. He missed Fritz. Dragging the comb along the fur, he thought and daydreamed ceaselessly about him until a few early people trickled into the market.

Ludwig was quick to sell his milk, eggs, and corn. He had a few people buy the pelts and one buy a basket. It was nearing their time to leave, so he leaned down and asked Gilbert, "Would you mind watching the stand while I run over to the butcher and baker? I made enough money today that we can spare a nice dinner and warm bread...maybe a jug of ale." He blushed a bit and looked away. "Not that I like to drink or anything..."

Gilbert laughed softly. "Don't like to drink? Hah. No self-respecting man hates drinking. Go take care of it. I'll be fine." He pulled the hood over his face and gave Ludwig a thumbs-up. "Just leave it to me. It's not like you'll be gone for too long."

"Alright, I'll be right back." Ludwig took his earnings and went to the butcher, purchasing a nice, fresh ham. At the baker he bought fresh rolls, and then a jug of ale at the ale vendor. He was looking forward to a nice, hot meal with Gilbert, and for once in his life, he spared no expense.

Gilbert kept his eyes peeled for people, narrowing his eyes as he spotted someone headed towards his stand. Then, panic made itself known his chest as he caught sight if what appeared to be a figure clothed in the Prussian military uniform. Biting his lip, he tried desperately to keep calm, hoping the figure would turn away.

"Hmph, another one," sneered Mr. Johnson, referring to the man in the Prussian uniform. "Probably here to rob us blind. Watch yourself. These soldiers think that just because they are military that we'll unload our wares on them for free. Be firm with him and tell him no!" he warned Gilbert.

The albino weakly nodded, fearing for much more than the prices of goods, but he cleared his throat and tried to throw the pitch of his voice in case this man knew of him.

The military man stopped in front of Ludwig's stand and looked over the items. He smirked and took one of the baskets. "My wife will like this. Thanks," he said to Gilbert, not making any move to pay.

"Hey," he crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "I need a few coins for that, you know." The albino tilted his head to the side. "Military officials get paid pretty well, so I don't doubt you have some to spare."

The military officer just snorted. "Right, as if a diseased peasant would know anything. I don't have to pay! I'm a Prussian soldier! I take what I want, when I want!"

Gilbert's hands curled into fists.

Just before the soldier could walk off, however, Ludwig appeared in front of him. "I would like to have that paid for, please. I will give you half price for it."

"Listen peasant, I don't bargain with street merchants! We Prussian soldiers take what we want. Didn't you hear me? So either I can have you arrested or you can fuck off."

Ludwig stepped out of his way, admitting defeat, and the soldier left. "Are you alright?"

Gilbert pursed his lips, briefly lifting the hood over his forehead to look up into Ludwig's eyes. "That wrecked my nerves, but it doesn't matter. We had a lot of assholes like that in the military. Working with them was horrible." He sighed. "I'm just glad it wasn't Fritz. I tried to throw my voice, but I've done it to him before. He could always tell when I pulled that stunt." Sighing again, Gilbert sunk to his chair. "I just wish there was a way to forget."

Ludwig wasn't sure what to say to that, so instead he cleared his throat and showed Gilbert what he bought. "We'll have a delicious meal tonight, complete with good ale. Let's pack up and head back to the cabin."

The prospect of a nice, full dinner relaxed Gilbert just slightly, and he nodded. "Alright, sure. Do you want my help? I can probably manage just a little bit of work with my leg if you need it."

The blonde thought for a moment. "Well, you can peel the potatoes and shuck the corn again. That will be very helpful. Let's pack up." Ludwig packed everything up onto the wagon and carried Gilbert once again, placing him atop the horse. They rode home in silence.

Gilbert leaned into Ludwig's body again, shutting his eyes. He was exhausted. "It was hard not to show myself to that man. If I could have, I would have defended you, but that's not something I can do anymore. Not yet." He sighed.

"It's alright. It happens all the time. I can't afford to fight the law." They rode back and Ludwig put Gilbert in the cabin first before going outside to put everything back. He then brought in a couple of potatoes and some corn. "Are you ready?" he asked.

The albino nodded. "I know I didn't exactly do the best with the corn last night, but I'll be better." He yawned, taking an ear and beginning to shuck it, taking less time and making less of a mess.

"You did well enough." Ludwig put the meat into the pot to start cooking it. "Ready for some ale? I know I am."

"Please." The albino finished the first ear and began to peel off the silk. "Just one cup still, or can we have more this time?"

"I sprung for the bigger jug. You can have more." He poured some in a wooden mug and handed it to him. "Bottoms up."

"Bottoms up." Gilbert tossed his head back and gulped down a few mouthfuls of the cold ale. It was delicious, and he sighed softly in content.

"Now finish that corn and those potatoes." Ludwig slapped his hands together. "I'm quite regimented with time and work. Just a warning."

Gilbert nodded, going after the food again. "Hey, I know that Gretel is pregnant and Swift is in heat, but what about the other animals?" He finished off the other two ears of corn and began peeling a potato.

He took a sip of ale. "Just those two, as far as I know. I'm going to have to take a ride to the stud farm soon. I don't want Swift to suffer too much longer. I'm afraid she's going to break through and run off."

"Gretel's baby should be coming any day now."

"What would you do with a baby goat?" Gilbert yawned, sticking a finger in his cup and licking the ale off. "Are they useful, or do they just eat?"

"Well, if it's a girl I'll keep it. If it's a boy, then I'll wait until it's grown and sell it. I only need one male to breed the females."

He nodded. "Right. Here, are these peelings good enough?" He lined up the potatoes side-by-side, stepping away to let the blonde inspect them.

Ludwig frowned a bit. "You missed a couple of spots. Go over them again, and pull out all the eyes as well. I know you're new to this, but you could try a little harder."

Nodding wearily, Gilbert did as he was told. "Do you remember how nobody would eat potatoes before?" He began picking out the eyes.

"I always ate potatoes," Ludwig shrugged, starting to shave off the corn into the pot. He poured some water into the pot as well. "Are you almost done?"

"Yeah, almost." Gilbert thought for a moment. "The king was the one to convince the majority of people to eat them, though. Know how he did it?"

"No, how did he?" Ludwig asked.

"Well, he tried to tell people that it was a good food, but they ignored him. So he planted some and posted 'guards' around them who would let people slip by and steal them." He took another sip of the foaming ale. "It was misdirection. He made people think the roots were important."

Ludwig stirred the corn in the water and added some seasonings. "My family grew whatever was easiest, hearty, and bountiful. Necessity over choice." He started to dice the potatoes.

"Not a lot of people live that way." He brushed the peels into a pile. "Good rules to go by, I guess."

"Yes. There is nothing wrong with living humbly." He dumped the pieces into the pot and added more wood to the fire. "More ale?"

"Please." Gilbert finished off what he had and handed the mug to Ludwig who filled it again. "Y'know, I've been wondering. There has to be something you do with all that poetry you said you write. Where is it?"

"Oh, it's… around." He cleared his throat. "It's not important. It's just a side hobby." He added some more spices. "Do you need to rest?"

Snickering inwardly at how Ludwig's face colored, he nodded. "Yeah. I'd like that, actually."

"Would you like me to help you to the bed? Or would you prefer walking yourself?"

"Some help might be nice, yes. Come to think of it, I think my cane's still outside." He stretched his arms out, shuddering pleasantly at the thought of bed.

"Alright." Ludwig carefully scooped him up again, carrying him over to the bed and laying him on top. "Do you—" He stopped when he noticed something going on outside the window in the hen house. His eyes narrowed and he took a pistol from the wall. "Stay here. Something's in the hen house. Probably that fox!"

Gilbert nodded and kept his mouth shut, wriggling under the covers to conceal himself as best he could, just in case. "Good luck," he whispered.

Ludwig went out silently onto the porch, lit a lantern, and darted to the hen house. He could hear the chickens flapping around frantically and their clucks were rapid. Ludwig held the lantern towards the hen house and shouted a "Hey!", aiming his gun at the hen house door. Sure enough, the sound was enough to frighten the fox out, with a dead hen in its mouth, and Ludwig fired two shots. However, in the darkness, his shots were off and he missed the fox. Again. "Damn it!" he hissed. He ran a bit of a ways in pursuit of the fox, but it was long gone. Defeated and annoyed, Ludwig stomped back into the cabin and slammed the door. "He got away! Again! This time with a hen!" he hissed under his breath.

Gilbert peeked out from beneath the sheets. "Really? Again?" He sat up. "Do you still have a working trap?" The albino winced; his lame leg ached and his mouth was dry. "And… Do you still need to put that stuff in my wounds?" He hated the prospect of what would come if the answer were yes, but he didn't want to die either.

"Yes, it still works, but he must have danced around it. If it were daylight I would have gotten the damn thief." He stepped back over to the pot with a groan, rubbing his eyes.

"To answer your question, yes, you still need medicine on your wounds. We'll apply more tomorrow. There's no need to do it tonight."

Gilbert let go of a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. At least he got to wait an extra day. "Right. I'm sorry about the hen." He held out his arms for Ludwig to bring him his mug.

Ludwig fixed the covers around Gilbert and then brought him his drink. "It's alright. It's not important," he said and went back to the dinner. "Hmm… it's going to be awhile. You might as well rest. I'll wake you up when it's done."

The albino obediently shut his eyes and quickly dropped off, the day's events congealing together into something exhausting.

When the dinner was finally finished, Ludwig made Gilbert's plate first and brought it over. He gently shook the man awake. "Gilbert, wake up. Time for dinner."

Gilbert yawned, eyes fighting to open. "Dinner?" He struggled to sit up. "It's ready, then?"

"You fell asleep for awhile. Here, it's still warm and the meat is very tender. I'm sure you'll like it."

Groggily, Gilbert sat up and accepted his plate, picking up a small piece with his fingers and popping it into his mouth. It was indeed good, and he smiled slightly. "Thank you. It's very flavorful."

"Try the potatoes. I decided to mash them up and I added some butter and cheese. It's very good."

Nodding, the pale man took a bite, the smile not leaving his face. "I can see why you're happy. Your cooking is wonderful."

"Like I said, I live humbly. I don't need much." He ate his own. "But, there is one thing I would like."

"And what's that?" Gilbert looked up from his food midbite.

"I do not care for material goods, but I've always wanted one of those leather saddles. The ones the generals wear on their horses into battle. It would look nice on Swift, and then I can properly ride her for longer distances."

Gilbert nodded. "I used to have one of those. If my circumstances had been better when meeting you, I would have gladly let you use it. Least I could do considering what you've given up for me." He looked down into the porcelain surface of the dish.

"Would you like more? There is enough for one more helping, but I would like to save the rest for breakfast. I may take Swift to that stud farm tomorrow. Would you like to come?"

"That might be interesting." However, it might not be worth losing sleep over. "I think I'll go. How early?"

"Not as early as today, but at sunrise."

The albino rubbed his eyes at the thought, wincing. "Alright, fine. You'd likely wake me up anyway." He combed his fingers through his hair and held out his plate. "Some more food might be nice."

Ludwig stood and made him another plate. "You can always stay here and rest."

He shook his head. "Nah, I'll come with you. It's not like this chance comes around often. I'll sleep when I'm dead."

Ludwig nodded. "Very well then. I would like the company, and so would Swift. You can help me pick out a suitable stallion for her."

Gilbert took another piece of meat and popped it into his mouth with a yawn. "Yeah, alright. Who knows, maybe we'll find a good one." He looked up. "Will I have to go in disguise again?"

Ludwig looked at him. "That's up to you. If you are in hiding, then I would say you should be disguised. You are an albino… that's very rare and quite hard to forget."

"You're probably right. That would be best." He finished off his food and set his plate aside. "You sleeping here? I won't bite."

He blushed softly. "Um...yes."

Gilbert couldn't keep a grin from tickling the corners if his mouth. So Ludwig came back anyway. He'd win him over. One of these nights I'll get you.

After dinner was over and covered, Ludwig changed into his sleep pants, made them some warm honey milk, and got into bed beside Gilbert. "Here you are." he handed him the cup. "Are you comfortable?"

He wiggled his lame leg somewhat before settling in and nodding. "Yes, thank you." He took a sip of the sweetened milk, the warmth delightful on his tongue.

Ludwig quickly drank his and blew out the candle on the nightstand. They only had the warm fire to give them light. He settled down under the covers and turned on his side so his back was towards Gilbert.

Pursing his lips, the albino shrugged and draped his arm over Ludwig's shoulder. "Fire's nice," he remarked casually.

"It is. Especially in the wintertime. I usually move the bed to the center of the room then so it's in front of the fire, and move the table here." He didn't move away from Gilbert's touch.

The Prussian edged closer to his caretaker and jostled his arm off his shoulder and under his arm, pressing his palm to the spot over Ludwig's heart. "That's a good scheme. Keeps you warm, I assume?"

Ludwig shivered slightly at the touch. "It does. The snowfall is heavy around here. It's pretty to look at when I'm warm in the cabin, but then when I'm out shoveling it, I curse the white powder."

"Mm." Gilbert pressed his forehead to the back of the blonde's neck. He sighed softly. He wasn't about to give up on Ludwig. There was so much that could be done with him. The silverette recalled something his king had said in years before, when they had first become lovers. "Gilbert... subtlety is not your forte, not in day-to-day life. But come night, you are the expert of gradual and gentle seduction, and it has served you well."

That was only the start of a fond memory between the two, a night of shared wine and shared space, but that could not matter any longer. With a hardly audible sigh, Gilbert traced a finger up Ludwig's neck. He knew his wiles were effective even when toned down as significantly as they were now.

Ludwig shuddered. "Gilbert? Is something wrong?" He tried to hide the fact that he was embarrassed by Gilbert's perfect finger trailing teasingly along his neck. The albino was dangerously close to him, and Ludwig had to close his eyes to try and regain his composure and not give in to wanton desires.

"Nothing, Lud. Nothing at all." He ran his finger under that well-defined chin of his, keeping his expression passive and nondescript. "Why do you ask?"

"Um… well… that is to say… um…" He was actually speechless, and he blushed. "Are you… implying that I need to shave?" Stupid question, Ludwig! he cursed himself. You know damn well what he's trying to do!

A coy smile made itself known on Gilbert's pale lips. "No, no. You're fine." What with the way the blonde blushed so profusely and how it shone in the firelight, Gilbert wasn't surprised when he felt the beginnings of arousal tingle between his legs.

Ludwig's eyes widened slightly when he felt something hard pressing behind him. He knew what that was, and cursing himself for being so weak-willed, he felt his own start to grow.

Breath suddenly hot in Ludwig's ear, Gilbert wet his lips and whispered, "Come on, Ludwig. What's one night?" He slipped his hand down to

Ludwig's navel, fingers gliding over the tightly coiled muscles there.

His stomach muscles clenched. "It may be only one night for you, but it won't be for me." He moved Gilbert's hand away. "I don't believe in lust without—" He paused "Without—" He still couldn't say it. "Without lo—"

Now he was making a fool of himself.

Gilbert sighed softly, resting his hand on Ludwig's hip instead. "You don't love me, then?" He acted wounded, hoping to get his way.

He turned to look at him. "W-well we've only just met! You can't honestly say you love me after such a short time. I thought you loved the king?"

"Well, yes." He sighed. It took only the mere mention of Fritz to send him into pangs of longing. "I just..." He groaned through clenched teeth, knowing that he'd lost.

"I thought so. This wouldn't be fair to either of us. I can't… have lust without… love. I want all or nothing. That's just how I am. I respect you, Gilbert. I don't want you doing something you may regret later."

The albino socked the pillow. "Yeah... I understand. I miss him, though." He wrapped his arms around his caretaker, this time not for desire, but for comfort. "He was my everything. I almost feel regret at leaving him to benefit him. It is a selfish thought, certainly, but I wish it could be real."

"Hm. Well, he knows that you love him, and that's what's important."

Ludwig sighed softly. I would always be second best anyway. "Get some sleep now, Gilbert. We have an early day tomorrow." He rolled over and decided to take Gilbert into his arms, holding the albino close. "Will you… feel better if you pretend that I am him right now?"

The albino's lip trembled. "I-I think that might help... I'm sorry, I just… you know." He snuggled into the crook of Ludwig's neck and took a deep, shuddering sigh, trying not to dissolve under Ludwig's touch.

"Thank you for this... it... means a lot to me." Though he could be abrasive, Gilbert's gentle side was there. Not a lot of people ever got to see it. Tender and emotional beneath a haughty mask, as Fritz had once said.

"It's alright. You're going through a very hard time now, and I just don't want you to make a mistake you may later regret."

He bit his lip and lowered his gaze, grinding his teeth and clinging to Ludwig. "Yeah… I'm not ready to move on yet…"

"That's alright. I'm glad you've come to terms with it."

"I think I'll always hope it was the way it used to be. I was happy with him, not even just because of the good food and the entertainment. He was like a father to me, the only father I ever had, someone who accepted me."

"Then perhaps, you are not seeking love from him, but rather something more personal, like a father-figure, something you've never had, and you're reading it as love."

Gilbert sighed. "I don't know. But whatever we were seeking, he had no child, I had no father, and it started evolving the moment we met." He laced his free hand into Ludwig's, pursing his lips and biting back any more emotions that threatened to spill from him.

"So in the end, you both gave each other what the other desperately wanted." Ludwig squeezed his hand. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"But in the end, we lost it." His voice had taken on a bitter tone. "I can't stand that. I've lost everything and everyone I've ever cared about at least once. Granted, I like being here. You're kind to me and you cook well and you're not bad to look at." He squeezed back. "But that doesn't mean I don't miss what I had before. I think… I think I'm homesick. I long for something I can never get back."

Ludwig frowned deeply. "Well...whenever you start to feel better, I will not hold you back. If you wish to return to the life you once had, then go. I will respect you all the way."

Gilbert shook his head, burying his face deeper in the crook of his savior's neck. "I can't. I'd be killed on sight. As you said, an albino is quite unforgettable, and everyone knew me. I was always at the king's side." He bit his lip, silently pleading for relief. Nothing came, however. Fritz' arms, hands, everything about him was different. He was not labor-worn as Ludwig was; if anything, he was marked by battle, but little else.

"Gilbert, I can't tell you what you should do. You know that. You are welcomed to stay here for as long as you need to. I will never cast you out."

Gilbert cast his eyes down and softly turned to kiss Ludwig's shoulder. "Thank you. I just need some time to get myself together." He wiped his eyes and turned over. "Goodnight, Ludwig."

"Goodnight, Gilbert. I…" It was hard to say what he wanted. "I'm sorry I can't be of more help to you."

The albino said nothing. "I-it's... It's not your fault. It's nobody's fault but my own." He bunched a blanket in his fist and squeezed his eyes shut. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Alright. See you then," Ludwig said softly, rolling back over to fall asleep.

The word tired didn't do it justice. Fritz was exhausted, the stress of dealing with both his crown and his betrothal was wearing his nerves thin. He had next to no time to search for Gilbert or sleep, and he was suffering for it. He pined for the albino, for he was stuck in an empty relationship with a woman he did not love. He would rather the problem of infidelity hound him than the ever-looming question of what had driven Gilbert away and what had become of him, but before they were to sort anything out, he needed to find him. He was the king. The rumors of heresy and treason were easy wrinkles to smooth over if one tried hard enough. Sighing, he set his pen down, staring out the study window and pushing his letters aside. They could wait. His thoughts were only inhabited by his dear lover and everything about him.

The thoughts took Fritz back to a few months ago, where Gilbert sat in silent wait on a riverbank far away from the public eye. He sat quietly and waited for Frederick to arrive.

Considering how clandestine their affair was, Fritz arrived on foot a few minutes later, having told the serving girls and other people of the castle that he was going to be reading outside. If anyone had seen a horse missing, well, that could lead up to all sorts of problems. "Hello, Gilbert," he whispered, stepping into view. "Were you followed?"

Gilbert's face brightened and his eyes lit up at the sound of Frederick's voice. He grinned madly at the man's arrival. "No, I wasn't followed! Were you?" he asked, getting up from the ground and dusting the grass off of his pants.

"No," he shook his head and smiled happily back. "I wouldn't let that happen, now would I?" He spread his arms to make room for Gilbert, watching him bound cheerfully over.

Gilbert threw himself into Frederick's arms and held him tight. All the bliss in his world was right here in his arms right now. "I know it's only been a short time, but I really missed you! I always miss you when you're away!"

The king felt himself relax as Gilbert clung to him. "I know, Gilbert, I know. I've missed you too. But I fear that if you remain in the palace for too long, suspicion might arise. You can probably go back to staying with me if we create some sort of excuse."

Gilbert pulled away to look at him. "An excuse? Oh, I don't know, Fritz. I'm not sure I could properly hide my feelings for you."

The king blushed softly, pressing his lips to the albino's in an attempt to silence him. "Hush. I want you safe, you know." He smiled and stepped away, situating himself on a flat rock and patting the space beside him.

Gilbert swiped his tongue over his lips, wanting nothing more than to keep kissing the king. But he instead did as he was told, taking a seat beside his love. Before them a rippling brook ran quickly over some aged stones and rocks. The sound was calming and gentle, with its lullaby leaning Gilbert closer to Frederick.

Sighing contentedly, the regent breathed in his lover's scent and laced his fingers into his hair. "I worry about you, you know. I don't want anyone to hurt you." He twined their fingers together. "There are too many risks we're taking as is."

"Don't say that. I don't want to believe it!" he said stubbornly. "It's not fair! You should be able to love whomever you want."

"I know," he nodded. "I wish it were so. But not in this world." He tightened his hand around Gilbert's. "It would be a thousand times worse if Father were still alive, though."

Gilbert squeezed his hand. "I wonder what it would be like if things were different? If you and I were allowed to be together. Would that make me a king as well? Or would I be considered a queen?"

"I don't know, Gilbert. The confusion and oddity about it is the problem. People fear what they do not understand." His fingers tightened in the soft white hair and he sighed. "How long can we keep up this charade, though? We can't continue forever, and I cannot desert my throne no matter how much you beg me."

"I hate that I can never love you openly like I want to. Your new wife already suspects me of something. I would take on any punishment for our relationship so you don't have to, but I don't want you to suffer, either." He looked down. "The only option we have is… is if I… is if I left your service."

Fritz turned to him, vehemently shaking his head. "No. There are other options, aren't there? I know we can fix this somehow." He bit his lip.

"How else can we hope to fix it? You know how much the court loves gossip, especially that involving a king and a knight." Gilbert turned Frederick's face back towards him. "If you can think of something else… I'm all ears."

"If they love talking so much, let them talk," he snapped. "We can give them things to chat about. There are countless things that we could seed in the rumor mill that would work in your favor."

"What sort of rumors?" Gilbert asked.

"We'll think of something," he muttered, "We can think up a reason that you've come back to the castle to stay with me, and you will accompany me everywhere if I appoint you as my advisor. It's not like I haven't considered it before, and you already know most of what my plans for the kingdom are, but…"

"But what about your new wife? She suspects more than anyone, and nothing pleases a woman like her more than spreading gossip and rumors. But, Frederick, I will do whatever you ask of me."

"It won't take long to smooth this over." He gently reached out to cup Gilbert's face in his hands. "If we play our cards right, this shouldn't be a problem at all. Her and I don't even share a bed, but if I name you as heir, neither children nor infidelity should remain an issue." He sighed, head dropping into his hand. "If only we lived in a different time."

Gilbert nodded. "Maybe if I was a woman this would have all been easier. But if you think it will work... Then I will go along with it. For you." He blushed softly.

"Let's go a few months," he whispered, "We can see how it works out then."

Gilbert smiled and pulled Frederick into an embrace. "A few months." He smiled, although he had a sickening feeling that things wouldn't turn out the way they wanted.

"I'm sure everything will be fine."

"And… what if it isn't?" Gilbert asked seriously.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, then." He averted his eyes, tracing a line in the moist soil with the toe of his boot. "Meanwhile... We have time..."

"Want to go for a swim?" Gilbert's eyes sparkled teasingly with the question, and he nudged Frederick slightly with his shoulder.

The regent allowed a smile to grace his lips at the albino's nudge. "Maybe." He gave the albino a knowing look.

Gilbert's eyes twinkled. "We can't let anyone know we went swimming so… we'll have to go in naked." He winked.

Frederick arched an eyebrow. "Hm? I think you're on to something there..." He ran a finger under the albino's chin. "Care to expand on that idea?"

Gilbert slipped out of his grasp and stood up, removing first his belt and sword, and then his tunic. He kept his gaze on Frederick's blushing face as he slowly lowered the hem of his pants, but stopping just low enough on his hips to show the toned 'v' leading to his groin. "Oops. I shouldn't get undressed in front of you! How naughty of me," he teased.

He bit his lip, painfully aware of how warm his face was. "Where else are you going to undress, then?" Fritz stood and removed his dress shirt, folding it and setting it on the rock.

"Behind that tree over there." Gilbert pointed. "Unless… you don't want me to?" He dipped his pants a little lower.

Now he was blushing, the heat in his cheeks tingling in spite of the many times Gilbert had undressed in front of him. "No, I'm fine..." He tucked a lock of hair behind the albino's ear.

"Then I think you should help me." He teased. "My fingers are stuck… I need your help."

Trailing his hands slowly down to Gilbert's hips, Fritz slipped his fingers beneath the waistline of the younger man's pants and jostled them off his hips. "Better?"

Gilbert wasn't expecting the man to move as quick as he did, and he flushed prettily. "Oh! Yes, much!" He grinned and wiggled out of them, allowing them to pool at his ankles. "I think you need some help too."

Ear-tucking some of his own hair, Frederick spread his arms out and smiled slightly. Much of his anxiety had melted, though Gilbert's teasing still brought a faintly ruddy tint to his face.

Gilbert carefully removed the under tunic, tossing it to the side and not folding it. His hands hesitated slightly as they rested upon Frederick's belt buckle. He undid the buckle, pulled the belt out, and untied the waist of the pants. He suddenly felt giddy and shy; only around Fritz did he get this way.

Gilbert looked far too cute like that, blushing just slightly and very clearly bashful. "Just me. Remember? Nobody else followed us."

"I know but… when I'm with you… I just…" He turned his head away as he lowered Frederick's pants further.

He was quiet for a moment, hands finding their way onto the albino's hips once again. "I understand." He nodded. "The feeling is mutual."

"You just make me feel like a girl with a crush! I'm a knight! A soldier! A warrior! I shouldn't be blushing like this."

"You shouldn't be undressing me either," he pointed out, "But you are." He gave the albino a teasingly chaste kiss on the lips.

Gilbert giggled and helped Frederick out of his pants, so now they were both naked. "Don't look at my scars, okay?"

He simply rolled his eyes. "That's what you say every single time this sort of thing happens." He stretched his arms over his head and poked Gilbert's chest.

Gilbert laughed and ran to the bank, testing the water first with his toe, and then splashing into the cool brook. "Ah, it's awesome! Come on!"

Fritz picked his way down the bank, not hesitating to sink down up to his shoulders. "Very nice." He nodded, relaxing in the soothing, cool water and splaying his toes out.

Gilbert suddenly disappeared, and then reappeared. "Wow! Things really do look bigger underwater!" He laughed with a blush, hoping that Frederick caught on to his joke. Sometimes the man was a little… slow… in getting jokes.

Though it did take him a second, his face soon darkened slightly. "Ah… Thanks, I guess…" Was there even a satisfactory response for such a statement? He crossed his legs awkwardly, shifting in the water.

Gilbert dipped himself again and resurfaced, slicking back his wet hair flat against his head. "Ah, refreshing! Come on, Fritz! Get wet!" Gilbert splashed him.

Laughing softly, he dunked below the surface and bobbed back up, slapping water up into Gilbert's face.

"Gah!" Gilbert sputtered. "No fair! You know damn well that I always win no matter what!"

"Not always up in the bedroom," he pointed out with an amused smirk. "You know which of us is higher in standing there." He dove beneath the surface again, allowing the lazy flow of the water to carry him down around a meander.

"Hey! Sometimes I just let you win, old man!" he said boastfully but swam after him. "You know what? We've never made love in the water before." He dunked under the water so only his eyes were showing to hide his blush.

Fritz arched an eyebrow. "No, I don't suppose we have..." His eyes twinkled just slightly. "Is that perhaps an invitation?"

Gilbert glided through the water, keeping his eyes focused on Frederick. "What would you say if I suddenly came up to you and I was a merman?" he asked the elder, resting his upper body on one of the cold boulders.

He tipped his head to the side, sitting back and reclining into the water. "Well... If the look on your face was the same as it is now, I would probably chase you down." He turned onto his stomach, a teasingly minute smile evident on his lips.

Gilbert only grinned and hid behind the rock, beckoning Frederick over to it with a curved finger.

There was a knock at the door, jarring Fritz from his bittersweet remembrance, and he stood with a sigh and wrenched open the study door to find his wife staring him in the face. "What do you want?"

She looked annoyed, crossing her arms under her small bosom and tossing curly brown hair over her shoulder. "You are late for tea with the duke and duchess! Must I always come and get you? What are you always doing up here by yourself?"

Grinding his teeth, he allowed his forehead to crease. "Writing. I need

to keep up my correspondences."

"You need to keep up with your wife!" She hmphed. "Fix your coat and come to the study. Do not embarrass me by making me come back up here to get you! Make sure your shoes are clean, as well. Fix your hair and wear the best cufflinks you have! We must make a good impression!" She spun on her heel, lifted her dress, and walked away.

He scowled at her back. What a gossiping nuisance. He would have never taken her on as anything but an enemy had there been no political cause for marriage. Nevertheless, he could not abandon his duties further, so he wet his hair and changed into more suitable clothes, all the while wishing it was Gilbert who did so. Maybe if he had taken him on as a servant, perhaps what they had could have continued. All ideas had fled from him, however, and before he knew it, Gilbert was gone. Groaning inwardly, he stepped out into the hall, far from prepared for what was sure to be another hellish evening.

Gilbert was woken up by Ludwig shaking him again. "It's morning, Gilbert. Time to wake up. Swift is all ready. You can eat some bread on the way."

Moaning, he turned onto his side. "No, please… I was having the most wonderful dream…" He cracked his eyes and rubbed the sleep from them with a pale knuckle.

"Well, now it is time to leave. You may sleep on the ride there."

Muttering something in German that Ludwig couldn't catch, Gilbert struggled up, head still lolling on his shoulders. "Fine. There's nothing I want here anyway. Sleep is overrated. So is breakfast at home."

Ludwig simply rolled his eyes. "I have some bread that you can munch on. We're already fifteen minutes behind schedule. Do you need me to carry you?"

"That might help," he said, "You know where my cane is?"

Ludwig got it from the corner of the cabin and gave it to him. "Try standing on your own first."

He did, wobbling on his feet a few times before steadying himself. "I think I can manage," he murmured, "You have the food?"

"Yes, in my saddlebag. Come along now." He offered his arm to Gilbert.

Carefully, he took the man's arm, clinging to him and shuffling along as best he could. "How far away is the stud farm?"

"Half a days' ride. We'll get there by early afternoon." He led Gilbert outside and lifted him up onto Swift's back, getting on behind him. He took out the bread and handed it to him. "Here you are."

Yawning, he tore off a bit and popped it into his mouth. "Thanks." He

nodded. "It's good. A bit gritty, but good."

"Don't be picky now," Ludwig said and clicked Swift into a gallop. They rode for quite awhile until they came to a hill. Once at the top, they could see the horse farm and rode to the man wooden gate. A man in a straw hat greeted them, wiping his hands with a cloth. "Good morning, sir," said the man.

"Good morning, Mr. Randal. My name is Ludwig and this is my friend. We're here to find a suitable stallion for my mare, Swift." Gilbert peered over Ludwig's shoulder and managed a little wave.

"Head on in there, then. Nobody's stopping you, and I'll be right behind you." The man nodded and motioned for them to walk around as they pleased.

Ludwig entered the farm and looked at the free-range stallions in their separate pens. Swift became a little rammy, and it was Ludwig's duty to calm her. "Easy girl, easy."

Inspecting the different stalls, Gilbert clung to Swift's neck and whispered a pointer to Ludwig. "What about that one in the far pen? What do you think?"

Ludwig looked at the stallion. "It's all black. My father viewed black horses as bad omens. Well, any black animal was a bad omen to him. What makes you say that one?"

He looked away. "I don't know. Looks well built. Shiny coat." He didn't mention the similarities between the pen horse and his king's horse.

"Besides, who's to say that black's a bad omen? I've heard it's just regional. There are places where white's an ominous color and black's the best one out there."

"True." Ludwig went to the last pen and looked over the stallion. "He is big… hm. Alright then. I trust your judgment, Gilbert. We'll go with this one." He helped Gilbert down from Swift and placed him on a bench. "You wait here while I get Mr. Randal."

The albino nodded, something in his chest folding up. Oh, God... My entire life... Everything's vanishing before my very eyes.

Miles away, in a bed made up on the empty side, Frederick the Second huddled beneath a blanket and squeezed a pillow to his chest. "Gilbert," he murmured. "What has become of you…?"

-End of Chapter Two-