Nothing Burns Like the Cold || Gilbert [Complete]

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 1145

Tags: @albinobitch

Notes: You can't believe how much fun this was to write.

A con.

An instance of deceiving or tricking someone. A carefully laid out plan (or sometimes not so carefully) to scam someone. For money, usually. But more often than expected, for information.

Alfred Fitzgerald Jones was more experienced in that matter than most. He'd been at the job for almost a year now, for his own reasons. There was something exciting and distracting about a con. Often enough, he craved it. The recklessness of making, by choice, yourself a criminal. The tedious planning which got you excited before the show even began. The tingle of danger, the thrill when you were putting everything into place. And of course, the rewards at the end. Money, for most criminals. But from time to time, particularly for Alfred, information.

There was one other beautiful thing about a con, which was the characters you got to play. Before he'd gone down the path of a con artist, Alfred had never known how easily he could slip into the different roles he played. Usually a businessman or a salesman (those were always easiest), but the list certainly didn't stop there. A recruit. A soldier. A guard. A drug dealer. An alcoholic. A friend.

Sometimes Alfred wondered what he was really doing it all for. Certainly, it was a choice. After being pulled out of the streets, Alfred could easily have gotten an honest job. Was it for the thrill? Perhaps. Alfred did enjoy it rather much. Maybe the money? No, he could certainly have used his talents doing something else. The Freedom Fighters? He could certainly have found methods of helping them out legally.

...Perhaps it was because he no longer cared if he got caught?

No, that couldn't be it. If he cared, he wouldn't be planning an escape route, would he?

Whatever the reason that Alfred was here, it had become a routine of sorts. He could easily have gotten away with just a few small cons a month or even just a couple longer cons every year or so. Hell, he could probably even do internet email scamming cons. They were certainly easier than the elaborate plans that Alfred put together.

Recently, he'd been coming here more often. Alfred didn't like the Underground much, but it was where all the filthy rich gathered to cheer on their favorite contestants. It was the best place to earn money–which he was here for today. His past few visits had been solely for information. It was time to earn himself a little cash to pay rent. Alfred smoothed down his collar and 

"Ah, Mr. Livingston, is it?" Alfred got to his feet as a well-dressed man walked in, smiling. The man nodded hesitantly.

Alfred had no doubt of who the man was. He'd thoroughly researched his background. Theodore Livingston. Filthy rich, and not completely honest. He wasn't careful though and didn't check his facts properly. Nor was he overly detailed or organized. Also a coward and a cheater. He was sleeping with the neighbor's wife. The perfect target.

"My name is Richard Samuels," Alfred said, holding his hand out for the man to take. "We've been corresponding."

"Ah...yes," the man said, taking Alfred's hand hesitantly. "You said there were some legal fees? Some documents I had to sign?"

"Yes." Out of his jacket, Alfred pulled out a few crisp sheets of paper. He'd printed them this morning. The terms and conditions required for entrance into the Underground, raising a mutant, etc. Mostly bullshit that Alfred had made up on the spot a few months ago. Alfred watched Livingston's eyes skim the papers rapidly without taking anything in. No one ever did, not really.

"Alright, I'll sign," Livingston grunted, pulling out a pen. "Not sure why I have to though, my friends--"

"Ah, I know," Alfred waved him off, a cocky air to his words like a businessman who'd heard the same words a hundred times. "You see, Mr. Livingston, we've found that doing spot checks on the people who show interest in the Underground helps us...ah...eliminate those who are really not here for the Underground's interests."

An understanding look appeared on Livingston's face. "Ah, I see." His pen was already signing the papers. "Those damn Freedom Fighters giving you trouble?"

"Not as much as before," Alfred said pleasantly. Livingston handed him the papers. "Thank you. As for the money...?"

"Ah yes." Livingston handed Alfred a white envelope full of cash which he tucked into his jacket. "That should cover all the transaction fees?"

"Yes, it should do fine." The two of them shook hands one more time. Alfred was ready to go. The transaction was over. It was time for Alfred to fade back into the shadows.

"Say, Samuels," Alfred looked up to see Livingston gesturing at the stands. "Why don't you stay for the show? You're a hardworking man."

Alfred gave the man an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I have an appointment with a colleague..."

"Blow 'em off. You deserve a break. Besides, nothing wrong with seeing a bunch of mutants beat each other up. I reckon you're into that sort of thing, aren't you?"

No, he wasn't. For an instant, Alfred froze up. He'd never witnessed a full fight in the arena before, he never could. Because he knew he'd imagine the people he'd captured and hurt in their places. But Richard Samuels had no reserves. No, Richard Samuels...Richard Samuels even took pleasure in them.

"Might as well," Alfred said instead, a cold, cocky look on his face. "Keep an eye out for those troublemakers as well."

"That's the spirit." Livingston clapped Alfred on the back. "Let's go find a good seat, shall we?"

For the next few minutes, Alfred listened to Livingston talk about taxes and groan about how his mutant maid yesterday had forgotten to close the curtains. He laughed politely, but Alfred's insides were twisted. He didn't want to look at the arena. He didn't want to see it. But he knew, if he was to keep this up, he had to.

"Welcome, welcome!" A despicable voice over the intercom. "Now, let's introduce our fighters of the day." Alfred tuned the rest of the man's words out. Hopefully this wouldn't be a long fight...

"...midt!" There was a mixture of laughter, roars, yells, and a few screams from the ladies in the audience as the mutant was pushed out into the open.

"I'll be damned," Livingston whistled. "That's one hell of a mutant. Can't believe they even look like us."

"I know, right?" Alfred snorted. "Such a disgrace." His eyes shifted over to see what Livingston was seeing, just so he would know what to say in the next few moments.

Blue eyes met red and suddenly Alfred's world seemed to drain from beneath his feet. In that second, he knew he'd been recognized, that his cover was blown.

Shit.

i suppose

[/font][/div][/div][/div]

by Worldie for Leia

[/div]

[Deleted]

"Ah come on, do I really gotta fight a bait mutie?" Gilbert whined as the guards literally dragged him from the waiting room. He hated getting thrown into fights with weak mutants. He hated being forced to make a show out of terrorizing the poor things before he could knock them out, saving them both from being denied food and getting punished. A little terror and a conk on the back of the head was better than whatever the guards came up with. Didn't mean he ever made it easy for the guards to get him to take part in these fights. "You all know I don't take this seriously! A little boom, bam, shazam and entertain the crowd and hit 'im on the back of the neck and shows over! Why not make it fun for everyone and put me up against someone that can actually put up a fight and-"

CRACK.

Gilbert reeled back from the force of the hit. Hands restrained by the guards, Gilbert had to check the damage scrunching his face. Well he tasted blood, but his nose just throbbed, didn't stab like it had broken. Good, Hook Nose has the intelligence to pull the blow back enough not to break anything. Gilbert's pretty face was one of his best selling points after all.

"Do you ever shut up?" Hook Nose growled, wiping the blood off his hand to the front of Gilbert's shirt. "You know the fucking reason, so stop bitching."

Okay, so yeah he knew the reason. It made sense logically, from an entertainment point of view, that constantly sticking the powerful mutants up against each other would get boring for the creeps that frequented these fights. The baits existed to keep things fresh and new. But just because he understood didn't mean he would stop bitching about it.

"Now go put on a show, bitch," Hook Nose said as he pushed Gilbert through the door into the arena.

Fuck the lights were blinding. He whirled around and jammed his ice reinforced foot in the door before they could close it. "Come on guys, you know I'm completely blind with these lights unless you dim them or give me my sunglasses!"

"I dunno, that could be pretty entertaining see you try to fight blind," Hook Nose snorted, shoving Gilbert away from the door and throwing his sunglasses out behind him.

"And one of our best fighters, we'll leave his mutation for your eyes to behold, Gilbert Beilschmidt!"

The crowd roared and he could hear the screams of some of the women in the stands. Fucking disgusting. He wiped the blood from his nose and put his glasses on to assess the situation. Some random mutant stood at the other end of the ring, Gilbert had missed his introduction. The kid looked familiar, maybe. Gilbert couldn't remember any remarkable powers for him. God this was pathetic.

He looked around at the crowd, as he always did, to see the usual disgusting faces of regular attendees. And then there was someone that wasn't a regular, but looked remarkably familiar. With his blond hair and blue eyes, that silly bit of hair that stood straight up… Gilbert smirked and lowered his sunglasses a tad to make direct eye contact with Alfred, just to make it clear, yeah he totally saw him and recognized him. New recruit, right.

Gilbert shot him a wink before putting his sunglasses back in place. Well this was an interesting development. Suddenly this dreadful 'fight' wasn't so awful anymore. There was a promise of something interesting once it was over. If only he could make it fast and painless, but unfortunately that would get him and this bait punished. So, it was show time.

Best to start with a bang.

He pointed his palm to the ceiling and with a loud pop, snow exploded over the fighters' circle. While there was absolutely no reason for him to use his hands to direct his powers, it gave the audience more of a show. Because, honestly, he had started this 'attack' the second he had been pushed into the ring. Winter was a great time in the arena, all of the audience members tracked in snow on their boots. It made gathering a large amount water molecules all the easier. His powers couldn't create ice out of nothing. The more water sources he had, the bigger the ice creations he could construct. Today was going to be a showy day.

As the snow fell on them, his opponent rushed for him, prepared to give his all. Gilbert flexed his hand and an ice spear materialized by the time he closed it in a fist. The bait made to swing a punch, but Gilbert planted the tip of the spear on the ground to push himself into the air. Steps formed under his feet and around the bait. Gilbert lifted his spear from the ground and used the shaft to smack the bait on the back of his legs and send him to his knees.

Gilbert continued to toy with the bait, all while constructing and deconstructing ice into varied structures and weapons. Creativity kept the crowd’s mind of the fact he really wasn't doing much to actually fight. But as long as he kept them captivated, the guards were satisfied. He let the bait land a punch here or there, even got Gilbert’s nose bleeding again. Good on the guy. But hey, this show had to come to a close sooner or later. If it went on for too long, people started to realize Gilbert was just having fun making shit.

He landed behind the bait and with an ice hammer, pretended to smack him in the back of the head with it. Rather, he melted it the second before it hit him, then Gilbert followed it with a karate chop to the back of his neck. The bait crumpled to the ground. Victor, if it could even be called that, was short lived. The guards came out the second the bait was down and carried him off. They had Gilbert do some obligatory bows and led him out of the ring.

Gilbert looked over his shoulder up to where Alfred sat. He smirked and raised his brows over his shades, questioning what the man was going to do about his peculiar situation. For all he knew, Gilbert could snitch on him. Not that he would, but Alfred might think it. And if he thought that, he might find a way to make Gilbert’s day interesting and come talk to him.

Words: 1097

Tags: Alfred F. Jones

made by MISSO on IOF

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 1056

Tags: @albinobitch

Notes:

"Look at 'em go!" Livingston seemed rather enamored by the whole business.

Alfred's mouth opened and he knew he said something, but the blood was rushing through his ears and Alfred couldn't hear anything. He should've looked through the fighting schedule with more detail, if only he had...damn it, why had he been so careless with this? Alfred wanted to hit himself.

A sudden burst of snow in the arena shocked Alfred back into the fight, but even then, his mind was elsewhere. Even as he replied to Livingston's excited comments, even as he watched Gilbert knock over the mutant cleverly with his obviously well-executed and well-practiced motions, Alfred's mind was blazing forwards at a hundred miles an hour.

Maybe Gilbert hadn't recognized him. No, he probably did. Alfred should've spent more time on a better disguise, but Alfred didn't really do disguises. He preferred to do simple interrogation, but he had been coming to the Underground too often. It would only have been a matter of time. He should've taken more caution.

The fight was over before it really began, which was odd because from what Alfred had heard, fights went on for much longer and often got a lot bloodier. It made Alfred feel a little better about Gilbert—he wasn't sure he'd be able to look at the mutant the same way if he'd torn his opponent apart.

A few obligatory bows—Alfred had to force himself to stay in the stands until they were done, he was ready to run—and Gilbert was heading out. But before the albino was out of the arena, he lifted his eyebrows just slightly in Alfred's direction.

And then Alfred was saying goodbye to Livingston. He wasn't even sure what he'd said, but Alfred knew somehow that he had to talk to Gilbert.

Maybe Gilbert wouldn't betray him. Who knew? Maybe Gilbert would simply pass it off, ignore it. But at the same time, maybe he wouldn't. Maybe there would be resentment in the mutant. Maybe this meeting, this brief sighting, would make it worse.

Alfred was already racing down the passageways, his mind automatically finding the correct route. No, it was too much to leave up to chance. Everything would blow up in his face.

He supposed it was a matter of trust. Alfred liked Gilbert. That was easy. Learning to like someone was the simplest thing, something that came to Alfred naturally even when he didn't want to. But...trust?

As much as Alfred liked the mutant, he didn't trust him. He simply couldn't. They'd only met for five minutes. And while Alfred thought that he was fairly decent at understanding people and reading people, he did not trust Gilbert. Almost anyone could be bought, with the right motivation and for the right price.

Alfred skidded into the hall before slowing to a walk. He calmed his breathing before he reached the guards that were leading Gilbert to his cell. They seemed a little pissed—had Gilbert done something wrong? It seemed like something he'd do. Alfred wiped his face of emotion before tapping one on the shoulder.

"What?" the guard snapped, turning around. "Hey, you're not supposed to be down here." The guard frowned.

"Thomas Carlson, mediator and broker," Alfred said curtly, pulling out his backup identification. "I'm here to speak with the mutant." He jerked his head at Gilbert.

"That's not allowed," the other guard growled. "This mutant's dangerous."

"Too bad," Alfred said coldly, his blue eyes piercing into the guard's dark brown irises. "I'm on specific orders and I've been told to arrange a deal. You know how things work around here. Not every mutant must wait for the auction."

The guards hesitated. Alfred knew that sometimes, rarely, but sometimes, special arrangements were made for the wealthy and impatient who took particular interest in a mutant.

"My client does not have time to wait for you dawdling around. I am here to speak to the mutant on his behalf."

"Why would he need you to speak to the mutant?" one of the guards grunted. "Just make a deal with the head guard."

"My client has...ah, certain needs," Alfred said. "He thinks himself an honest man and enjoys the pleasure of having me report directly to him after conversations."

The guards seemed to think about this before replying.

"...Fine. But we need to be there, to ensure your safety," one of the guards said grudgingly.

"This conversation must be held in absolute privacy." Alfred looked on the man menacingly. "My client will not have his interests so easily disregarded. I need a soundproof room, no cameras."

Was there even a room like that? Alfred assumed so. Even the guards wanted somewhere they could attend to their own matters in privacy.

"But..." Alfred shot a glare at the man.

"I am perfectly qualified and skilled enough to deal with a mutant, however strong he may see himself," Alfred said coldly. "Now hurry. My client does not like to wait. You may stand outside the door if you'd like. The conversation should not take long."

Grudgingly, the guards led Alfred and Gilbert to a room. Stark white walls, fully soundproof. There was a table in the room and two chairs, though for what purpose, Alfred was unsure. As Alfred entered, he surveyed the place quickly. No windows, but there was a vent. Cameras? None that were obvious and Alfred was almost certain that the Underground, regardless of its many security features, would not bother too much with hidden cameras. Perhaps this was a meeting room where the supervisors had their little dirty discussions.

The door shut behind Alfred and for a moment, he was at a loss as to what he should say. On his way in, he'd thought of a hundred different identities and stances he could assume, but now that he was looking at Gilbert, he wasn't sure where this was headed.

"Look," Alfred said. There was no trace of friendliness in his gaze. His tone was more serious than it had been in months. Less commanding than the voice he'd used on the guards, but with a similar intent. "This is going to be a short conversation, Gilbert. Let me put it bluntly. You and I have never met or heard of each other. You've never seen me. Alright?" 

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Deleted]

Well this was disappointing. The guards led him out of the arena and down the hall, no faster than usual, but it felt fast considering Gilbert was hoping Alfred would create some way for him to get all up in Gilbert's face to make sure he didn't snitch. Again, Gilbert wouldn't dream of snitching on someone who made things fun for him, but that was knowledge only he possessed and led to this potential opportunity. A potential opportunity that was quickly escaping his grasp.

So Gilbert had tried to stall when he realized it would take Alfred some time to get from the Arena stands to the halls of the Underground. So he dragged his feet and started rambling some nonsense to Hook Nose and his buddy Jew Nose. Honestly, these two were always together! It was a little strange, maybe they were banging each other? So Gilbert brought up his thoughts on the matter, earning him a knee in the gut and ever so eloquent orders to 'shut the fuck up.' Well, he couldn't help but comment how neither of them denied it. Yeah, that probably wasn't the smartest of ideas to stall for time, and his throbbing abdomen could attest to that assessment.

But even with stalling, Alfred was no where to be seen. Had he not taken the bait? Gilbert had really expected Alfred to rise to the bait! But at this rate, even if he had he would be too late. The guards were moments away from leading him into the elevator to go to the floor he called home when a hand shot out and tapped Jew Nose on the shoulder. "What?" he snapped, turning to face the owner of the hand. Gilbert's heart jumped with excitement and he whipped his head around to see Alfred standing there, looking all important and authoritative as Jew Nose informed him, "Hey, you're not supposed to be down here."

If only he knew the half of it.

Gilbert fought back a gleeful grin as Alfred spoke with the guards. This guy was fantastic. His bullshit abilities were seriously through the roof. If Gilbert did not possess his knowledge of their previous meeting, he would have been a bit concerned. Hell, even now, knowing the other Alfred he was fairly certain (at least 95% certain) was the real Alfred, at least personality wise, Gilbert felt a touch of concern. What if Alfred really had some client interested in buying him? That would really suck because Gilbert had zero intentions of getting bought again until Ludwig got out of this shit hole. Alfred sounded really serious and like he knew what he was talking about… Gilbert couldn't help but again mentally acknowledge what a great actor this kid was. Damn he was good.

"I am perfectly qualified and skilled enough to deal with a mutant, however strong he may see himself. Now hurry. My client does not like to wait. You may stand outside the door if you'd like. The conversation should not take long." The finality in Alfred's tone was so strong it left the guards with no room to argue. They were simply grunt workers, cruel and strong in the face of their mutant charges, but utterly spineless against more powerful humans. So Alfred was granted his private, soundproof room devoid of cameras. Gilbert didn't even know such a room existed. Damn was this ever awesome.

The second the door shut, Gilbert let free the ecstatic grin he had been fighting. It pulled at his lips to the point his cheeks almost hurt. This was so fucking awesome! He plopped down in one of the chairs and propped his feet up on the table, the picture of pure confidence and relaxation, despite the forming bruise on his stomach and traces of dried blood on his face.

"Look, this is going to be a short conversation, Gilbert. Let me put it bluntly. You and I have never met or heard of each other. You've never seen me. Alright?" His tone was serious and there was no inkling of the cheerful 'rookie' Gilbert had met not too long ago. Despite that, Gilbert didn't feel in the slights concerned. Alfred was just trying to make sure his situation wasn't in jeopardy because some lowly mutant saw him as a chance to get some perks. Wasn't Alfred ever so lucky he had met Gilbert?

He laughed and leaned back in his chair, holding his hands behind his head with a smirk. "Jeez I don't even get a hello? I even went through the trouble of exposing my poor sensitive eyes to those stupid arena lights just to make sure you knew I knew you were there! And did you see that eyebrow raise? That was a damn good eyebrow raise, if I do say so myself."

Gilbert ran his tongue over his teeth and pretended to be working out a piece of food stuck next to his canine. While he wanted to have his fun, they really shouldn't take too long or else Alfred really would be in some trouble. Gilbert highly doubted there was a 'client' waiting for him anywhere. It would be better if the Nose Boyfriends were the only ones that had to interact with 'Thomas Carlson' and his supposed interest in buying Gilbert. So Gilbert got to the point. "You don'y have to worry your fine feathers over me, freedom boy. I'm not going to snitch on someone as interesting as you. It'd be such a waste of young talent to get you locked up and out of the game. I am a bit curious though, what kind of career and goal do you have, pretending to be a new guard one day and an important businessman in the Underground arena the next?"

Words: 965

Tags: Alfred F. Jones

made by MISSO on IOF

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 590

Tags: @albinobitch

Notes: Gil better have some way of stopping Al from leaving. uwu

Alfred was ready to pull out his gun to threaten Gilbert (not that it would do much use...really, mutants could easily overpower humans if they put their minds to it), when Gilbert laughed and leaned back in his chair. The man simply plopped down, no concern on his face. In fact, he was grinning.

Gilbert smirked at Alfred (which for some reason made him feel really torn between smiling and being ever so annoyed) and raised his hands above his head. "Jeez I don't even get a hello? I even went through the trouble of exposing my poor sensitive eyes to those stupid arena lights just to make sure you knew I knew you were there! And did you see that eyebrow raise? That was a damn good eyebrow raise, if I do say so myself."

Alfred felt his eyebrow twitch and felt at a slight loss for words. He hadn't actually seen Gilbert's eyebrow raise...he'd been a little too concentrated on trying to find a way to keep Gilbert's mouth shut.

"You don't have to worry your fine feathers over me, freedom boy. I'm not going to snitch on someone as interesting as you. It'd be such a waste of young talent to get you locked up and out of the game. I am a bit curious though, what kind of career and goal do you have, pretending to be a new guard one day and an important businessman in the Underground arena the next?"

Fine feathers? Freedom boy? The nicknames Gilbert gave Alfred... Once again, Alfred was torn between amusement and annoyance. Annoyance prevailed a little though. He had a job and Gilbert was making it a bit difficult. Alfred reached into his jacket and pulled his gun out, just so Gilbert knew he wasn't joking around.

"Career? Goal?" Alfred didn't even know how he was talking, he supposed it had become a natural instinct to protect himself. "That's hardly important here, Gilbert. I'd rather not have to busy myself with cleaning up a mess. The less you know, the better for both of us. Isn't that right? The guard you met down in your cell doesn't exist, Gilbert. He never did, never will. He was an utter lie. Best you forgot about all of it. Just keep your mouth shut and nothing goes wrong.

"You're not a bad guy," Alfred said, scratching his head with the tip of the gun. "I'd rather not have to hurt you." He stared straight at Gilbert, looking at him across the table.

"I'm not your friend, Gilbert. I'm nobody. As far as I'm concerned, we've never met." Alfred's tone was like ice, not a trace of warmth anywhere. "You better feel the same way as well."

Alfred hated pulling this sort of attitude on Gilbert. He'd been one of the few people that Alfred had been somewhat honest with, and now that was gone again. Maybe Gilbert would feel shocked, betrayed even that Alfred was like this. Maybe Gilbert would even hate him. Alfred winced inwardly. He didn't want to be hated by Gilbert. But maybe it was inevitable.

"Now...just to make myself clear. You're going to forget me when I walk out that door. If you don't, I have ways to make you." Alfred did have methods of revenge if necessary. But looking at the albino, he felt more hesitant than he ever had before.

Still...it was done.

Alfred tucked his gun into his jacket pocket again. "Goodbye, Gilbert. I hope I won't see you again."

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Deleted]

Okay, maybe Gilbert had pushed a little too much. Out of Alfred's jacket came a gun. Goddammit, he really should have figured he was armed, should have used his brain and put two and two together. The last time they had met, Alfred had jerked toward his jacket before his baton when he had been startled. What other explanation for that instinct than if he was always armed with a gun? Stupid, stupid. He really needed to think things through more often.

"Career? Goal? That's hardly important here, Gilbert. I'd rather not have to busy myself with cleaning up a mess. The less you know, the better for both of us. Isn't that right? The guard you met down in your cell doesn't exist, Gilbert. He never did, never will. He was an utter lie. Best you forgot about all of it. Just keep your mouth shut and nothing goes wrong."

Of course he knew that guard hadn't existed. He suspected it when the blond rookie never resurfaced. He knew he had been right the second he saw Alfred in the stands. But that didn't mean the person he had met had been a lie, did it? Gilbert slowly shifted to sit normally in his seat, feeling a tad exposed in his previous position.

"You're not a bad guy. I'd rather not have to hurt you. I'm not your friend, Gilbert. I'm nobody. As far as I'm concerned, we've never met. You better feel the same way as well."

Gilbert sunk down in the chair. Shit, he really should have toned down the teasing, but he had been really excited to get a chance to talk to Alfred again. Everything was just so goddamn boring all the time and Alfred was interesting. But he had just succeed in making Alfred feel cornered. Whoops.

"Now… just to make myself clear. You're going to forget me when I walk out that door. If you don't, I have ways to make you." He put his gun away. "Goodbye, Gilbert. I hope I won't see you again."

With the gun out of sight, Gilbert felt a little more comfortable with physically stopping Alfred from leaving. He leaped from his chair and created a trail of ice on the floor to slide to a stop in front of Alfred. "Okay, listen your secret is safe with me, promise. But I really just wanted a chance to talk with you, swear that's it. Just hear me out, okay?"

Gilbert didn't leave a chance for him to object before he burst into his plea. "I know you've gotten be somebody or know somebody to be doing what you're doing. Just, you don't have to be the one to do it, but can you do me a favor and try to find a decent person to buy my little brother out of this place? He's been stuck here for two years and hasn't been bought once. His powers can be dangerous, I mean he's basically a walking lighter, but he has a lot better control of it than people think. He's really well behaved and a real softie when he warms up to you. He doesn't deserve to be stuck here any longer. Just-"

Gilbert sighed and his shoulders slumped. It was a shot in the dark, but he really was running out of people to butter Ludwig up to. "His name is Ludwig Beilschmidt. I'll forget you, you forget me, but could you remember him maybe? Maybe bring him up with someone nice looking for a human heating system or something?"

Words: 594

Tags: Alfred F. Jones

made by MISSO on IOF

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 676

Tags: @albinobitch

Notes: Well Alfred's basically broken now. uwu

Alfred was on his way out when the trail of ice blocked his path.

He gritted his teeth. He didn't want to talk to Gilbert. Because he knew that if he did, there would be guilt. Alfred had genuinely, truly liked Gilbert. But then this had happened and any chance of that working out was gone.

He was about to turn around, whip his gun out, and conk Gilbert on the head for good measure when Gilbert started talking. Fast. "Okay, listen your secret is safe with me, promise. But I really just wanted a chance to talk with you, swear that's it. Just hear me out, okay?"

Alfred didn't turn around. He kept his hand on the doorknob, but he listened. Why did he listen? He didn't know. Maybe it was the least that Alfred could do. He simply stayed still.

"I know you've gotten be somebody or know somebody to be doing what you're doing. Just, you don't have to be the one to do it, but can you do me a favor and try to find a decent person to buy my little brother out of this place? He's been stuck here for two years and hasn't been bought once. His powers can be dangerous, I mean he's basically a walking lighter, but he has a lot better control of it than people think. He's really well behaved and a real softie when he warms up to you. He doesn't deserve to be stuck here any longer. Just-"

Gilbert's voice seemed to dull, as if the fight had just gone out of him. "His name is Ludwig Beilschmidt. I'll forget you, you forget me, but could you remember him maybe? Maybe bring him up with someone nice looking for a human heating system or something?"

...a brother.

And with those words, Alfred's resolve crumbled.

His fingers tightened on the doorknob, but Alfred knew he wouldn't be able to force them to turn.

Two years. Wasn't that about the length of time since Alfred had run away? The last time he'd seen his brother?

Wasn't that the last time he had abandoned somebody he really, truly cared about?

And here was Gilbert, sitting here. Still fighting for his little brother, even when he was stuck in a damp cell. Still reaching out, hoping that someone would bring his little brother to the outside world, even if he had to be stuck in the dumps for that to be true. He was a better older brother than Alfred had ever been, than Alfred had ever been...

Alfred remembered his twin, the times they spent together. He'd tried hard then, to care for his brother, but he'd never known how much he cared until his brother was gone. Nothing he could ever do would ever make up for that moment of cowardice...

Alfred was shaking. Once he let the memories come in, they seemed to overwhelm him, taking over every part of him. In fact, he was crying. Tearing up, at least. Alfred Fitzgerald Jones never cried. But Alfred Fitzgerald Jones was just a lie, wasn't he? A lie that Alfred had spun to get away from his past...

He couldn't turn away someone like this. Not this time. If Alfred walked out of that room, he would never be able to live with himself.

 And with that, Alfred's mask was gone. No false pretenses anymore. He felt hollow and empty and guilty and terrible. But he also felt resolute, determined.

...How long had he been standing there after Gilbert's speech? He didn't know. He couldn't tell.

The tears had gone as quickly as they'd come, already dried up. Alfred released his fingers from the doorknob and finally, he turned around to face Gilbert.

He didn't know what to say or how to say it. But Alfred's body seemed to have a mind of its own. Alfred walked dully over towards the table, pulled out the chair, and sat down.

"Okay." Alfred couldn't think of anything, his mind was a blur of shock. "Okay," he repeated.

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Deleted]

Gilbert didn't dare breathe. He bit his lip and stared into the back of Alfred's head. Alfred's hand remained on the doorknob, but he didn't seem to be moving to turn it. They stood there in silence, Gilbert cautious about what to do until Alfred showed any signs of what he was thinking. When he started shaking, Gilbert didn't know how to interpret it. Was it anger? Fear? There was something about the way Alfred was shaking that Gilbert knew. Was he… crying? No way. There had to be some other explanation. Gilbert started to creep around Alfred to get a look at him, but then he let go of the doorknob. As he turned around, Gilbert skid back into his chair, just in case the blond decided to lash out.

He did no such thing, however. Instead, Alfred walked to the other chair and sat. His face was difficult to read and while there were no tears in his eyes, Gilbert could swear he saw a slight dampness to Alfred's cheeks. The hell was even going on? And then Alfred spoke. "Okay." He said, then repeated, looking absolutely out of it.

While Gilbert wanted to bounce off the walls in elation that his plea of help for Ludwig's sake had reached Alfred, it certainly didn't seem appropriate with the current mood in the air. He hesitantly placed his elbows on the table and propped his head in his hands, staring at Alfred intently. This poor kid must have gone through some deep shit to have such a severe reaction to Gilbert's little speech. He must have had lost a brother, there was no other explanation for such a 180 in his attitude. For that, Gilbert pitied him. Who knew what kind of person he would be today if Ludwig wasn't a part of his life.

"Thank you," Gilbert said awkwardly to break the silence. He wasn't completely sure why Alfred had turned around to sit at the table. Maybe to compose himself before having to head back out to the real world? Gilbert couldn’t think of any reasons of why Alfred would want to talk to him more. He had made his case pretty clear that he wanted to get out as fast as possible.

“Um, do you need any more information about him- or-? And I mean, I won’t take it personally if you aren’t able to get him out. He’s pretty expensive, not gonna lie. Mixed with his dangerous and potentially unpredictable power, people have been wary about buying him. I just, gotta try, yknow?” He paused again, then laughed as more of Ludwig’s more selling points came to mind. “He’s a big bulky guy, but is a total neat freak and apparently he’s pretty good at baking. And he’s read every book under the sun, so he’s crazy smart and a quick learner so he can be good at basically anything!”

Words: 486

Tags: Alfred F. Jones

made by MISSO on IOF

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 780

Tags: @albinobitch

Notes:

It took Alfred a moment to realize the weight of what he was about to do. To make a promise. A promise. Alfred felt a lump in his throat. Alfred had never been good at keeping promises and he really didn't think this time things would turn out differently.

But he had to try, right? To at least take his best shot at it...

There was silence in the room for too long, but Alfred couldn't bring himself to say anything else. It felt like everything had just crumbled away inside him, as if all of his defenses had been destroyed by those few words.

Vulnerability. Alfred had worked hard to keep it shut out. You didn't want your enemies to know your weaknesses in a con. Alfred liked being powerful and confident, but right now that didn't seem to be the case.

He stared blankly across the table. Gilbert had propped his head up in his hands and was looking at Alfred intensely. Alfred simply stared back, blank of emotion. Usually, he'd be pissed off at this action. Usually he'd lash out, or change the conversation. But Alfred felt rather broken at the moment and he didn't think he could bring himself to say another word.

It was Gilbert who broke the silence first. "Thank you." There was a hesitation in Gilbert's words before he continued, as if unsure about what he should say.

"Um, do you need any more information about him--or--? And I mean, I won't take it personally if you aren't able to get him out. He's pretty expensive, not gonna lie. Mixed with his dangerous and potentially unpredictable power, people have been wary about buying him. I just gotta try, y'know?" There was a small pause and then Gilbert laughed a little.

It was the laughter that finally shook Alfred out of his stupor. He blinked, finally managing to calm himself. He was doing this. He really was. And he would trust no one else except for himself to get it done.

“He’s a big bulky guy, but is a total neat freak and apparently he’s pretty good at baking. And he’s read every book under the sun, so he’s crazy smart and a quick learner so he can be good at basically anything!” The way Gilbert spoke of his brother, the way it made his face light up...it was obvious Gilbert adored his brother. Alfred had never really seen Gilbert like this. Even during their brief conversation in the cells, Gilbert hadn't been like this. And he certainly hadn't acted like this when Alfred pulled a gun on him.

There was a warmth that Alfred suddenly longed for. An ache that reminded himself a whole lot of a time that was gone. But never mind that, this was more important. His family was likely dead. This family, however small, was still alive.

Alfred chuckled a little, seeming to regain his senses. "I'm sure," he said with a quiet smile. Wasn't that the way it had been with his brother as well?

"I'll get him out." The determination and confidence in his words shocked even Alfred, but he knew they were right. He was not going to retract his words, not now not ever. "I'll find some way." What went unsaid was that Alfred would do it himself. He couldn't trust some businessman to take him in. Francis was too busy to spend that much time with a mutant. It would have to be him.

"I'll need information, that's for sure. What's his ability? You mentioned it, but not really." Alfred bit his lip. He'd never housed a mutant, gosh, what was he doing? He didn't even have separate rooms for the kitchen and the living room and his bedroom. There was the bathroom, but that was that. And gosh. Now that Alfred thought about it he only had one bed. Should he pawn off Gilbert's brother on someone richer, someone better off? No, the moment the thought crossed his mind Alfred felt immensely guilty. He'd make do. Sleep on the couch or get an air mattress or something. He should've bought a better apartment after his last con but he really did like his current living quarters.

"Also," Alfred continued. "How much do you think it'll cost? Just an estimate. What about caring for him? Is there anything in particular that I should know? To find him someone who would be able to care for him well, of course."

Alfred's mind had clicked into business mode. He had to be able to save someone, right? Even if it was only for a little while. He had to be able to save someone.

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Deleted]

Alfred's silence had been a bit disconcerting. Thankfully, Gilbert's enthusiasm talking about Ludwig managed to lighten the mood and bring Alfred out of whatever strange daze he had fallen into. With his small laugh and smile, Alfred looked ten years older as he said, "I'm sure." There was no doubt in Gilbert's mind that this boy had lost someone dear. Was he perhaps taking advantage of that misfortune? More than likely, but it was for a good cause. Ludwig was worth using anyone.

"I'll get him out. I'll find some way." His firm tone and unwavering gaze showed no room for second thoughts. Gilbert let out a sigh of relief and stretched out in his chair. This was going to work. In some way or another his sudden and desperate plea was going to work. Who knew his luck would turn out so well? He never would have guessed that random meeting with a strange guard would lead to his brother getting out of the Underground?

He was positively giddy as Alfred started getting into details he needed to know. "I'll need information, that's for sure. What's his ability? You mentioned it, but not really. Also, how much do you think it'll cost? Just an estimate. What about caring for him? Is there anything in particular that I should know? To find him someone who would be able to care for him well, of course."

It sure was a good thing Gilbert was an expert on all things Ludwig. He laughed and rocked in his seat. "Well he has pyrokinesis, which is literally the opposite of what I have, glaciokinesis. Where this awesome guy Gilbert spews ice, he's poplin' out flames. Obviously fire is a bit of concern for people, since it's kinda easy to catch on things and get out of hand. But Luds has gotten real good at controlling it and so there's nothing to worry about on that front."

Gilbert tapped his lips in thought as he tried to remember the pricing for Ludwig in past auctions. "I think his short term contract is in the upper hundreds, lower than a thousand though. Can't remember what longer contracts would be. But even getting him out into the world just for a bit is enough for me. He's never gotten out, whereas my cheeky self has gotten quite a few contacts over the years. It's really not fair!" He rocked forward to lean against the table. "Luds is pretty easy. I mean, anyone who's survived down here doesn't have many needs when it comes to being taken care of. Any kind of treatment outside tends to be hundreds of times better than dismal days down here. He has tons of patience and deals as well as anyone can with situations he's put in."

Words: 465

Tags: Alfred F. Jones

made by MISSO on IOF

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 668

Tags: @albinobitch

Notes: And yet another thread is about to end. uwu

Okay, Alfred. Get yourself together now.

Back to normal. He was okay now. His brother...he wasn't going to think about him.

It was Gilbert's brother now, wasn't it? His little brother. He was alive and here and Alfred had a chance to get him out.

Alfred didn't feel like he should be sitting in this room with Gilbert. Such a good brother. Guilt washed over Alfred once again but he pushed it away, forcing a smile to his lips as he listened to Gilbert rant about his brother.

If Alfred had had the chance to rant his brother now, he would take it. If Alfred was in Gilbert's shoes, god, he would be doing the same thing. He hoped.

Was he still the terrible person he'd been when he'd left? Alfred never thought so anymore. He always hoped he was different. But maybe that was just him. Maybe that wasn't true.

...He really had to stop thinking. He had to stop remembering. Goddamn it, Gilbert. The albino had reminded Alfred of who he used to be and it wasn't a pleasant ride.

Gilbert seemed to have dropped back into his cheerful mode, back into the sort of person he'd been when Alfred had first met him in the cells. And although he felt relieved that Gilbert had gone back to acting natural, Alfred also felt a little hurt. Hurt that he could so easily go on about his brother while Alfred honestly no longer had any brother to speak of.

Focus, Alfred. On the details.

A pyrokinesis? Alfred frowned. He wondered if his apartment was fire-proof. Maybe he really should give this job over to Francis. No, but once again...Alfred couldn't. It simply was something he'd have to do on his own.

Trying to make up for your mistakes? the voice in his head mocked. Alfred squeezes his eyes shut. "Shut up," he murmured.

No, back to Gilbert. Upper hundreds, lower than a thousand...expensive. But Alfred could afford it, couldn't he? He had enough money. It wouldn't take that much more to rob a few more businessmen, scam a few more people. He'd avoid the Underground, because he didn't want to see Gilbert again. He decided that in a way, he never wanted to see Gilbert again. Alfred had liked Gilbert, but Gilbert seemed like the person that Alfred could never be. He'd do this for Gilbert, get his brother out of here for at least a while, and then...then whatever. Then he'd go back to forgetting Gilbert. He never planned on seeing the mutant again.

His brother sounded nice enough, if all of what Gilbert was saying was true. Alfred could live with the kid, if he didn't mind having some awkward arrangements. Maybe they'd get along. Maybe.

Alfred nodded. "Okay, Gilbert." He gave Gilbert a wide smile, though it felt very fake to Alfred. "Like I said...I'll see what I can do."

He stood up slowly. "I don't think we'll see each other again. To be honest, Gilbert, I don't really want to see you again. I—"

Alfred hesitated. That was a lie. Even though right now, in this moment, he felt horrible because of what Gilbert reminded him of, he did like Gilbert. He really did.

If he had led a different life and been a different person, maybe he'd be exactly like Gilbert.

"...I'm sorry. For how I acted earlier." Alfred refused to say more. He would crack a joke, make it fun. But the longer he stayed in this room, the more he felt trapped. Alfred was ready to go.

"I'll get your brother out, Gilbert. But don't expect anymore favors from me. You'll be disappointed. I was telling the truth, you know. The guy you saw outside your cell was just a lie." He shrugged. "This is me, Gil. This is all I am."

There was silence for a moment. "I guess that's it," Alfred said as he began heading towards the door. "Bye, Gilbert. Stay cool."

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Deleted]

With a nod, Alfred gave him a big smile. "Okay, Gilbert. Like I said… I'll see what I can do." The smile may have been forced, but Gilbert had no problem returning it with a giant, ecstatic smile of his own. Today was seriously the best day ever. It was going to be hard to keep this a secret from Ludwig, but he knew his little brother would be upset Gilbert was currying up favors with random people for him. Ludwig was a selfless, perfect person like that, but it was just one of countless reasons why Gilbert loved him unconditionally. As Alfred stood, so did Gilbert. "I don't think we'll see each other again. To be honest, Gilbert, I don't really want to see you again. I-"

He paused, and seemed to be caught up in his thoughts again. Gilbert laughed it off and waved his hand in the air. "I don't blame you. If this keeps up I'm going to cause you nothing but trouble. Probably because I'm nothing but trouble and you're nothing but trouble, so stick us together it's gonna be a hell of a lot of trouble."

"…I'm sorry. For how I acted earlier. I'll get your brother out, Gilbert. But don't expect anymore favors from me. You'll be disappointed. I was telling the truth, you know. The guy you saw outside your cell was just a lie. This is me, Gil. This is all I am." He was giving a sincere apology, but Gilbert waved it off. The gun thing was understandable reaction given how Gilbert had been acting. But, seriously, this kid was determined to keep beating himself up (no, Gilbert did not see the irony in him making that assessment). The guy Gilbert had met at his cell was no different than the guy he was talking to right now. Gilbert didn't have expectations from others, exactly because it would lead to disappointment. He didn't have any unrealistic expectations about Alfred, that he was sure about. Alfred was a genuinely good guy that didn't seem to be able to accept that fact.

"I guess that's it. Bye, Gilbert. Stay cool." He started cross the room, but Gilbert followed him and grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks. He pulled Alfred around to face him again, a frown in place. "Hey, you do realize you're a good guy, right? I may not know you all too well, but first impressions mean a lot, and your first impression was genuine. You may think you're not the guy I met, but I think you've just gotten too caught up in all your different personas you've been playing around with. Don't beat yourself up so much."

He coughed, a little embarrassed by his own sincerity, then took a step back. "Speaking of beating up, you should probably lay one on me. They' be a little suspicious if I'm in a good mood. So gimme a good punch in the nose, because I'm a cocky ass that pisses everyone off."

Words: 504

Tags: Alfred F. Jones

made by MISSO on IOF

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 522

Tags: @albinobitch

Notes:

Alfred laughed a little at Gilbert's comment, feeling a little more relieved. They were trouble, weren't they? Both him and Gilbert. Gilbert...well, Alfred hadn't seen too much of him but he was pretty sure the albino wasn't exactly the most well-behaved mutant. As for Alfred...well, he wasn't just an honest citizen either. He'd caused his share of trouble for the Underground.

Alfred was already halfway to the door when Gilbert reached out and grabbed his arm. Alfred tensed slightly—he'd been in a few too many fights for his own good. It was just Gilbert, he reminded himself. The albino spun him around so that they were face to face. Alfred wondered what there was even left to say. He thought he'd said it all.

There was a frown on Gilbert's face, which looked thoroughly out of place. To Alfred, Gilbert had seemed like the type to smile through almost anything.

"Hey, you do realize you're a good guy, right? I may not know you all too well, but first impressions mean a lot, and your first impression was genuine. You may think you're not the guy I met, but I think you've just gotten too caught up in all your different personas you've been playing around with. Don't beat yourself up so much."

Alfred stood still, a mixture of emotions welling up inside of him. There was gratitude, but there was also denial. Because he wasn't a good guy, was he? A good guy would've stuck with his brother, like Gilbert was doing. A good guy wouldn't have abandoned his family or hunted mutants or...

"If only," Alfred murmured. If only he was the person that Gilbert thought him to be. But did that mean he was on the right track if Gilbert could think of him that way? Or was it just a façade...

A little cough from Gilbert brought him back to reality. The albino almost looked embarrassed. The look tugged a small smirk onto Alfred's lips. "Speaking of beating up, you should probably lay one on me. They' be a little suspicious if I'm in a good mood. So gimme a good punch in the nose, because I'm a cocky ass that pisses everyone off."

...Ah. Alfred had forgotten about that. When he'd been running down the halls to find Gilbert, he had only been thinking of making Gilbert stay silent. He'd figured that however Gilbert reacted, it wouldn't be unnatural. Of course, Alfred had hardly predicted that this would happen... He hadn't expected to make a promise, an agreement.

What Gilbert said made sense though. Even if Gilbert was a good actor, it would be hard to hide the glee that he'd successfully found someone willing to take care of his younger brother.

"You sure it's okay for me to damage your pretty face?" Alfred raised an eyebrow. "You guys don't exactly get a responsible hospital down here."

He doubted there was another way though, so Alfred sighed as he mentally prepped himself for the punch. He'd punched plenty of people before, but people he actually liked? Not so much. "It's gonna hurt," Alfred said dubiously. "Sorry beforehand."

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Deleted]

AAlfred seemed hesitant for a second, which surprised Gilbert. He figured Alfred would jump at the chance to lay one on him, especially after all the shit Gilbert just put him through with his attitude. Hell, everyone wanted to give Gilbert a good punch at some point. "You sure it's okay for me to damage your pretty face?" He finally said, sending Gilbert into a laughing fit. Oh god this kid was great. Worried about Gilbert's face! Seriously! "You guys don't exactly get a responsible hospital down here," he added as if he hadn't just made the most hilarious joke.

Gilbert waved off his concern with a deep breath to control his laughter. "Man, I get decked by the guards almost every time I interact with them. My face isn't going to get any more messed up by your fist after all this time. Though I’m flattered you like my face." He wiggled his nose teasingly and presented his face to Alfred. "It's gonna hurt. Sorry beforehand," he said. Gilbert just snorted and shrugged, but allowed Alfred his apology, no matter how unnecessary it was.

The blow honestly was weak. Gilbert was sure Alfred tried to put his all in it, but nothing compared to the unrestrained his fueled by disgusted hatred from the guards. He recoiled slightly from the hit, then lightly dabbed a finger on his upper lip. Sweet, it was bleeding again. Ah well, for the sake of authenticity it was worth it. Alfred stormed out first, already resumed the persona he had earlier. Gilbert stumbled out behind him, holding his nose with exaggerated pain.

The guards laughed at Gilbert’s injury. “Couldn’t help yourself, could you? This shit’s more trouble than he’s worth. I’m sure your employer will want one better behaved,” Jew Nose taunted at Al as he and Hook Nose took hold of Gilbert again. They were ridiculously smug and extremely pleased to see Gilbert’s nose bleeding again. Fucking sadists. Gilbert fought back an insult, figuring it would probably be better for Alfred if it seemed Gilbert was cowed from their interactions and he got out as soon at possible, but oh how the temptation to make a ‘your mom’ joke was strong.

Parting was bittersweet. Gilbert really enjoyed this kid and wished there would be more opportunities to chat with him, but it was extremely unlikely that Alfred would be wandering around the Underground again anytime soon. But no amount of personal regret of not seeing Alfred again could dwindle his joy of the promise. The delight of Ludwig getting out made everything oh so sweet. He hid his smile behind his hands as the guards led him away, back down to his damp cell he called home.

Words: 454

Tags: Alfred F. Jones

made by MISSO on IOF

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 554

Tags: Gilbert

Notes:

Alfred punched Gilbert in the nose with as much strength as he could muster under the circumstances. His heart wasn't really in it, though Gilbert did reel back from the hit before touching his lip, which had started bleeding.

Already, Alfred was moving. There was never any time for long goodbyes, Alfred had learned that the hard way. Already, he was shifting back into the persona of Thomas Carlson, deal broker. He stormed out of the room angrily, opening the door with such gusto that the guards jumped a little when he exited.

“Couldn’t help yourself, could you? This shit’s more trouble than he’s worth. I’m sure your employer will want one better behaved," one of the guards taunted Alfred as he took ahold of Gilbert, who came (rather convincingly) stumbling out. Had Alfred broken Gilbert's nose? He hoped not.

"I can see that now," Alfred spat, looking angered. "At least I can tell him that myself now." He pretended to regain his composure, resuming the attitude of Carlson, who no doubt would have been concentrated on what good he could make of a decidedly bad outcome. "I'll have to take a look at other mutants that may satisfy his needs later, but I think I'll take my leave now." He nodded shortly at the two guards. "Good day, gentlemen. Or not," he added bitterly. "I'll show myself out."

Alfred stormed down the hall before taking a few turns and heading off back into the daylight. His reckless promise to Gilbert was starting to dawn on him now. He didn't have room for a mutant and being associated with Alfred? That wasn't a great thing either. It would've been better if Alfred had simply not shown up today. But he had, and he'd made a promise, and Alfred didn't want to go back on his promise. Not now. He would have to go home and conduct some research on his brother. Ludwig or something like that. He'd have to save up money, too. He doubted he had enough to take Ludwig out of the Underground for long, but it was the least he could do for the mutant, wasn't it?

He wondered what Ludwig was like. Gilbert had told him, but brothers were biased. He knew that firsthand. He hoped, at the very least, that they would get along. Alfred had no real use for a mutant. He wondered about their history, if Ludwig had been discovered when he was young as a child. Would Alfred have to teach him the littlest things, from what a hot shower was to how to cook? God, Alfred wasn't a teacher. Hopefully Ludwig had some experience. Then Ludwig would just be...a roommate of sorts. God, this would be disastrous. What had Alfred been thinking?

He hadn't been thinking. But he'd made a promise and he wasn't turning back.

As for Gilbert...Alfred still liked the man as much as he had when they'd first met. Would they see each other again? No, probably not. Alfred felt like he was walking away from another person that he could save, or at least could have.

But there was no choice now. Alfred had made a promise and Alfred was heading home.

Bye, Gilbert, he thought. They wouldn't see each other again. He knew it.

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia