Locked Away (GerIta)

Chapter 47

Ludwig and Feliciano walked side by side down the snowy sidewalk towards Gilbert's house. The Italian was glad he was coming along willingly. It had become a chore to get him to leave his room, let alone the house.

Ludwig reached his gloved hand towards Feliciano's and hesitantly grasped it, lowering his eyes. He felt a small squeeze.

They walked a little closer.

~

Gilbert opened the door and smiled when he saw his brother despite the wrench he felt in his chest when he took in his overall state. He pulled him into a hug and patted his back.

"Merry Christmas, Ludwig." He laughed happily and stepped aside, letting them come in.

Gilbert ran into the kitchen to check on the food and Feliciano kicked off his boots. Ludwig stood, eyes darting all around.

"Hey, its okay." Feliciano placed a hand on Ludwig's arm. "It's just going to be me and you, Gilbert, Roderich, and Elizabeth. That's it. Okay?"

Ludwig nodded but his eyes looked unsure and he cowered in on himself. He slowly removed his coat and his hat, following Feliciano into the living room where Roderich and Elizabeth sat. They all greeted each other and Ludwig stood quietly, hand shaking gently.

Gilbert swore from the kitchen and called out, "I don't know how to cook!"

Elizabeth and Feliciano laughed and rolled their eyes. That was their cue. They turned to leave and Ludwig tried to reach for Feliciano but missed him.

"Bridge?"

Ludwig's gaze snapped to Roderich. "What?"

Roderich smiled gently, holding out a deck of cards. "You know how to play bridge, right? He asked, shuffling the cards.

Ludwig nodded and sat down across from him. "It's been a while."

~

Feliciano stood next to Elizabeth at the kitchen counter, arms brushing gently as they helped out with the food.

"How is he?" She asked softly.

Feliciano swallowed hard and shrugged a little. "He's hurting. He opens the bottle before noon and he won't eat with me. He shuts himself in his room and he won't ever let me in. He shakes so much."

The Italian's eyes burned with the promise of tears and he set down the knife he was working with, taking a shaky breath. Elizabeth wrapped an arm around his shoulders and leaned her head against his.

"He won't tell me anything."

Elizabeth sighed and frowned. "I'm sorry. I don't know what to say."

Feliciano smiled sadly. "I'll always love him. I just don't know if he believes me."

~

Roderich watched Ludwig's hands tremble as he held the cards, thinking of his next move. He averted his gaze but his sallow cheeks and pale skin didn't help. He looked like he was slowly rotting away.

Roderich talked to him, eyes too busy taking in his slouched posture and chapped lips at first to just take a breath and treat him like the human being that he was. He forgot everything and just played bridge, talked to him, and joked.