Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [1a/?]
anonymous
April 12 2010, 13:31:13 UTC
Actually, Ludwig concluded, the real problem was that Gilbert had absolutely no idea just how irresistible he was.
Gilbert always assumed that the people staring at him wanted to pick a fight with him, whereas they were thinking of a different kind of fighting entirely (in bed, or heck, on the pavement then and there). This usually led to a brawl, and then he would have to break it up. Thank goodness that Gilbert usually went limp the moment Ludwig grabbed him by those ridiculously cute and fuzzy bunny ears to drag him home, but Ludwig had to make sure that Gilbert was not facing him when he did this. That first and only time Ludwig did otherwise gave him some really hot and uncomfortable dreams for days, and an understanding as to why their father could never talk about Gilbert's mother without getting a nosebleed. Why? Because not only did Gilbert go limp when he was yanked by the ears, his cheeks also turned a very fascinating shade of pink; his eyes would droop slightly, while his lips would be parted slightly and were practically begging to be kissed. Ludwig had to headbutt the nearest tree to think straight.
Today probably required some more ear-yanking, since Gilbert wanted to go to town and get a new video game. (Ludwig of course, would have to come along, but he needed to do some grocery shopping anyway.) If it were anyone else, Ludwig would have complained on how video games were just a waste of one's money, but he kept silent when it came to Gilbert; a new game would ensure that Gilbert would stay safely indoors for at least two weeks.
But was Gilbert ready to go? Ludwig checked the clock on the wall. If they did not make a move soon, there would be a long queue at the shops, especially if it were that strange Greek cat's turn to man the counter. He knocked on the door to his brother's room and asked, "Are you awake?" When he did not get a reply, he opened the door.
"Oh, hey West," a partly-dressed Gilbert greeted as he buttoned his shirt. Thank goodness Gilbert had his boxers on.
"Sorry. Uh, breakfast's ready."
"Yeah, be there in a minute."
Ludwig left the room not only to give Gilbert privacy to finish dressing, but also to avoid seeing that (not sexy, dammit, but don't look anyway, he told himself) hip-wiggle his older brother did in order to get his (cute) tail in that little slot in the rear of his trousers.
Oh well. At least Gilbert decided not to wear shorts.
Re: Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [1a/?]
anonymous
April 21 2010, 03:10:33 UTC
Mein Gott!!!! Op never thought this day would come!!! it's an amazing fill anon, you've made me really happy!!! I can't wait to read the next parts!! all my love to you anon, I cannot give you enough praise for doing such a great fill this request!!! Please anon keep on writing this wonderful story, I assure you I'll be waiting!!! Lots of love for u!!!
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [2/?]
anonymous
April 22 2010, 04:22:13 UTC
Ludwig scanned the perimeter for potential predators, sexual or otherwise. Let's see; cats, dogs, a sheep or two, and that strange panda who kept trying to sell some rather odd merchandise in that little stall of his. Nothing that his brother could not handle. Satisfied that the area was secure and safe for Gilbert, he finally deigned to loosen the iron grip he had on his brother's arm, who had been unsuccessfully trying to wriggle free, swearing loudly all the while.
"Dammit West! I told you to let go twenty minutes ago! If that new game is sold out because you're being a freaky mother hen, I swear I'm going to-"
Ludwig never actually heard what Gilbert had threatened him with, since his brother quickly disappeared into the gaming store down the street (the owner was a fox, but after screening and inquiries Ludwig determined he was relatively harmless) and the last thing Ludwig saw before he went inside was that his fuzzy white ears were sticking up in the air, twitching in obvious irritation. The younger brother sighed and hoped that Gilbert would not get into too much trouble while he did the week's marketing, and that his older brother remembered to wait at that small place that served pancakes with maple syrup down the corner which was owned by... by?
He frowned, and then shrugged. Oh well, it did not matter.
Armed with his own shopping bag (he was doing his bit to save the environment), Ludwig headed for the shops. He calculated that he had roughly forty minutes or so to do his grocery shopping before something Gilbert-related was bound to happen. If he were lucky, he would have enough time for a quick visit to the bookstore and maybe get a new book or two; he had a sudden urge to make some Rumtrüffel and would need a recipe book.
He absently wondered if the bookstore would have a guidebook that would be relevant to his current predicament. Something like, How to Deal With Somewhat Clueless Older Brothers With Gargantuan Egos, perhaps?
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [2a/?]
anonymous
April 22 2010, 04:29:21 UTC
Gilbert's foul mood improved somewhat when he discovered that while the video game he wanted to buy (Super Awesome Bird Legion of Doom Part VIII) were indeed sold out, the store owner had thoughtfully reserved a copy for "his loyal customer". He was so ecstatic upon obtaining the game he unthinkingly hugged the proprietor, a fox called Kiku, who promptly stuttered and stammered on how improper it was for customers to do so, but the fox later got a funny look on his face and asked if it were all right for him to take a few pictures of Gilbert's tail. A strange request, but since it seemed pretty harmless and might even secure him a guaranteed copy of Super Awesome Bird Legion of Doom Part IX, Gilbert thought nothing of it.
A few snaps later, Gilbert left the store and made his way to the pancake place. The polar bear who owned the establishment made some really awesome pancakes, lovingly served with delicious maple syrup, although he was fond of mumbling on how people never noticed him and had a strange habit of talking to a rather disturbing-looking white teddy bear. Gilbert placed his order and then took a seat at one of the tables outside. His younger brother insisted that he remain in plain sight at all times, "just in case something happened".
Gilbert snorted. He could handle anything that came at him, but after more than a few boring and not to mention lengthy lectures from his sibling he had decided it was just far easier to abide by his brother's wishes.
"Where is West anyway?" he wondered aloud and looked around. Oh yes, there he was, his little brother, who never looked happier in a neat and orderly queue for fruits and vegetables at one of the stalls (oh for fuck's sake, his tail was actually wagging).
"Ve~ Gilbert, why are you talking to yourself?"
He turned around to find his brother's close - or should that be only? - friend, Feliciano, a Italienisches Windspiel who lived nearby. "Oh, hey there Feli," he greeted, ignoring the little dog's question.
Feliciano took a seat at the table. "Are you eating pasta?" he asked brightly.
"No, they serve only pancakes here. What are you doing here anyway?"
Feliciano looked disappointed. "Oh, Lovino threw me out of the house because he said I was too noisy. So I was just wandering around and then I got hungry so I thought I might as well go to town and see if I can get some decent pasta!"
"At least your brother actually lets you go out all by yourself," Gilbert muttered.
"Ve?" Feliciano blinked in confusion.
Gilbert rolled his eyes. "West won't let me out of his sight! I can't even take three steps out of the house without him following me around like - like some goddamned nursemaid! What the fuck is his problem anyhow?" he ranted.
"Ve, I think it's nice how he's worried about you! Lovi doesn't worry about me, he just yells at me a lot. I'd offer to make some pasta for him so he would feel better, but then he gets angrier and starts shouting even louder."
Gilbert went on, only half-aware of Feliciano's comments. "I'm older than him! The awesome me can take care of myself! I don't need a fucking bodyguard!"
Feliciano shook his head in sympathy. "Really? Can't you just sneak out or something?"
He snorted. "Are you kidding? He locks me up in the house if he wants to go out! That's not fair!"
Feliciano nodded and waved his arms enthusiastically. "You're right, ve! It isn't fair how Ludwig can go out by himself, but you can't! If dogs can walk around in freedom, then so should bunnies! Just like other dogs and cats and birdies and turtles and sheep-"
"Okay, Feli, I get the idea...."
"-and cows and pandas and sloths and lemurs and think of all the pasta you've been missing!" Felicano said, gasping out the last few words in a high-pitched shriek before he slumped in his chair, panting.
"Here's your order, sir!" The polar bear proprietor of the establishment walked to their table, carrying a tray of pancakes and a glass of iced tea, distracting Gilbert. He was just reaching for his napkin when he heard his brother yell.
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [2b/?]
anonymous
April 22 2010, 04:32:20 UTC
Done with his shopping, Ludwig headed for the pancake establishment. He froze for a full second, and then ran at top speed when he spotted a white bear headed in Gilbert's direction.
"Get away from my brother!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, startling the fur (or feathers, since there were a couple of birds around) out of everyone in the vicinity.
"Whaa - West?!" Gilbert said in confusion, before Ludwig successfully tackled down the bear that was about to get its evil clutches on him, sending pancakes and maple syrup flying all over the place, while Feliciano let out a very startled 'Ve!' and hid under the table.
Wait, pancakes and maple syrup?
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Gilbert thundered as he gave Ludwig a very painful kick in the ribs. Gilbert may be smaller, shorter and lighter, but - ow! - his elder brother, like all bunnies, had considerable leg strength. And Gilbert was not afraid to use it.
"Ow! I was trying to save you from-"
"From my lunch? Are you seriously out of your mind?"
"But this bear-"
"For the last time," Gilbert snarled, "West, he owns the fucking shop!"
The poor bear underneath Ludwig moaned. "No one remembers me," he muttered.
"Oh." Ludwig promptly turned pink with embarrassment. He got to his feet, narrowly dodging another painful kick from Gilbert, and helped the bear up. "I - I'm terribly sorry! Look, I'll pay for all the damage...." Ludwig hastily shoved some money into the polar bear's pockets.
"Argh! My pancakes!" Gilbert groaned, tugging at his hair in frustration.
"I'm sorry!" Ludwig apologised again, this time to his brother.
"Not as sorry as you'll be when I'm done kicking your ass!" Gilbert snapped.
There was a murmur from the crowd, which sounded suspiciously... appreciative and admiring? Ludwig blinked, then panicked. Oh no, he had forgotten something important.
An angry Gilbert was also a very, very adorable Gilbert.
A few in the crowd started looking rather hungrily at his brother, who was all flushed with rage and his cute fluffy tail was twitching slightly.
"No time for this now!" Ludwig blurted, and with a quick, practiced gesture, spun his brother around and yanked Gilbert's ears. Gilbert automatically went limp with a startled yelp and Ludwig threw his brother on his shoulder, retrieved his shopping bag on the ground and quickly ran for home.
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [2c/?]
anonymous
April 22 2010, 04:35:57 UTC
"I'll make pancakes for you tomorrow morning, all right?" Ludwig said in apology as the Schäferhund herded Gilbert into his room and into bed, ignoring Gilbert's grumbling and muttering. Ludwig had yanked really hard on his ears this time, making him feel rather woozy, which is why his younger brother insisted on an earlier bedtime tonight instead of playing his new video game. "Good night," Ludwig said once he was satisfied that Gilbert was comfortably tucked in bed, then switched off the lights and left.
Fine, Gilbert decided rather sulkily, since West insisted on treating him like a child even though he was the older one out of the two, he might as well have some fun.
"West!" he yelled.
His brother opened the door to his room mere seconds after he shouted. "What is it?" Ludwig asked in concern and worry.
"I'm thirsty!" Gilbert complained. "Don't we have any milk?"
Ludwig rolled his eyes and sighed before disappearing into the kitchen, then returned with a glass of milk. "Here," his brother said as he handed the glass, "now go to sleep!"
"Weeeeeeeeeest!" Gilbert yelled again just as Ludwig closed the door.
The door opened and Ludwig poked his head inside. "What now?" he asked in obvious irritation.
Gilbert put on his best pleading expression, all wide eyes and floppy ears. "What about my bedtime story?"
"Bedtime-" Ludwig halted, then made a low growl and clenched his fists. "Once upon a time there was a very annoyed Schäferhund who was starting to get a migraine and would refuse to make pancakes for breakfast in the morning if a certain immature rabbit of a brother did not go to sleep! The end!" he half-shouted before slamming the door shut.
Gilbert stuck out his tongue before he settled under the covers, grumbling. So he was immature? Fine.
He didn't want to be mature. Fruits matured.
He would rather be awesome.
And the road to ultimate awesomeness was out there, he just knew it.
Notes:
Schäferhund - German shepherd. I can't bring myself to use the English term because every time I see 'German shepherd' I keep picturing Luddy surrounded by white fluffy things that go meeeeeeeh.
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [3/?]
anonymous
April 24 2010, 13:33:00 UTC
"Gilbert? It's late, you should get up already!" Ludwig yelled from the kitchen. Strangely enough, there was no answer from Gilbert; normally Gilbert would yell - or more likely, swear at Ludwig - in reply.
Ludwig sighed. Was Gilbert asleep, or was he simply sulking?
Gilbert had been more than a little bit angry about the incident at the pancake parlour in town yesterday and he was definitely furious about being shoved into bed much earlier than usual last night. Ludwig flinched a little in guilt; he had yanked on his brother's ears a whole lot harder than usual, forgetting how sensitive they were in his hurry to get home yesterday. Gilbert had not only gone limp then, he was also rather pale and listless when they reached home, which had sent Ludwig into a fit of panic until his older brother had stomped on his foot, grumbling that he was fine.
"Breakfast's done!" Ludwig tried again. A few minutes passed and still no sign of, or even a word from Gilbert.
Definitely sulking. Oh well, only one way to remedy that. Ludwig took a deep breath, made sure that there was nothing breakable nearby and braced himself before he yelled, "There's pancakes!"
He only caught a swift glimpse of something white and fuzzy from the corner of his eye before he found himself being hugged enthusiastically from behind by his older sibling, who was grinning like a maniac. Whoever said that rabbits were not as swift as dogs should try beating Gilbert in a footrace with pancakes or video games as the prize.
"West~" Gilbert singsonged, "you're my favourite brother in the whole world!"
"I'm your only brother in the whole world," Ludwig pointed out, a hint of a smile on his lips. Well, Gilbert's only known brother, at any rate. He was pretty sure that there was no way that Gilbert was his mother's only child, if the stories their father told Ludwig about her had some truth in them.
"Whatever," Gilbert shrugged, but he still kept his hold around Ludwig's middle. "My pancakes?" he asked, floppy ears almost flapping in delight.
"I'll get them for you, if you let go," Ludwig said, barely resisting the urge to pet Gilbert on the head. He had made an extra effort today to make the pancakes fluffy just the way his brother liked them as a gesture of apology for yesterday's mess. And judging from the way Gilbert wolfed them down, they were done perfectly to his tastes. "By the way, don't mess up the living room today," he said as he put his plate in the sink.
"Hmm?" Gilbert looked up from his meal, while Ludwig automatically reached behind him to wipe the corner of his brother's mouth with a napkin. Gilbert was such a messy eater sometimes.
"Feliciano's coming over for dinner again tonight."
"Oh. So does that mean-"
"Yes, he's going to bring pasta for us."
"Again?" Gilbert wrinkled his nose. "You know West, the kid's really cute and all, but seriously the whole deal about pasta for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack-time does get tiresome after a while-"
"He said he'd bring some of that gelato you like so much too," Ludwig broke in.
"-which is why he should come over more often since his gelato is awesome!" Gilbert finished, holding up his fork in a triumphant pose.
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [3a/?]
anonymous
April 24 2010, 13:37:32 UTC
"Ve~ Ludwig!" Feliciano greeted enthusiastically before he latched himself onto his host. "It's so nice to see you!"
"Hello there, Feliciano. Come on in," Ludwig replied and took the bag and containers Feliciano had dropped on the ground when he had flung his arms around the Schäferhund. Hopefully their dinner was still intact.
"No hugs for me?" Gilbert called out from where he sat on the couch.
Feliciano obediently unlatched from Ludwig and launched himself at Gilbert, who returned the hug and patted his head. "Did you bring me ice cream?"
Feliciano nodded, smiling. "Yeah! I brought you gelato and pasta - aaah! Where did they go?" He looked around in panic, while tears started to form in his eyes. "Oh no! I know I was holding them a while ago because Lovi was yelling at me for forgetting them when I first left the house and I was sure I left with them the second time and I must have dropped them somewhere and oh no the pastaaaaaaaaaa-"
"I got them right here," Ludwig answered, holding up Feliciano's bag and food containers. "Give me a few minutes and I'll get everything ready, all right?"
"Wow! How did you find them? And so quickly too! Ve, you're really wonderful, Ludwig!" Feliciano gushed, while Ludwig's cheeks turned pink.
"It's nothing, really. I-I'll just get this settled," Ludwig stammered a little before he went into the kitchen.
"Ve, Gilbert!" Feliciano whispered.
"Huh? What's with the whispering?" Gilbert asked. "It's kind of hard to hear you with the TV on."
"Lovi says you have to whisper when you're doing conspiratio- constipa- no wait, I'm pretty sure that's something different - ve, you know, secret-secret things! He does that whenever he meets those weird friends of his, the ones who wear hats and sunglasses all the time. Even when they're indoors. Ve, why do they have to wear sunglasses indoors? There's not much sunlight-"
"Uh, Feli? What secret-secret things?" Gilbert interrupted before Feliciano could ramble even further.
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [3b/?]
anonymous
April 24 2010, 13:41:57 UTC
"Oh! Ve, I have an idea!"
"What?"
"I'm going to help you leave the house!" Feliciano announced. Rather loudly.
"What was that?" Ludwig hollered from the kitchen.
Gilbert winced. "He said that he needs some help with a mouse!" he yelled back while clamping a hand over Feliciano's mouth; Gilbert knew he would repeat exactly what he said, with disastrous consequences.
"Oh, I could go and take care of it tomorrow!"
Feliciano looked confused when Gilbert removed his hand. "But I haven't got any problems with mice-"
"Shh!" Gilbert hissed. "Secret-secret things, remember? You have to whisper."
"Ve, you're right!" Feliciano said softly.
"So what are you planning?"
"Oh, you should pack some things in a bag first. You know, just to get ready!"
Gilbert nodded. That was certainly a good suggestion; something he had never quite expected from the rather flighty Feliciano. "Okay, and then what?"
Feliciano put on the most serious expression and Gilbert could not help but sit up straighter to pay attention. "Don't forget the pasta!" he announced.
Gilbert slumped and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes, yes, the pasta. Then?"
Feliciano drooped a little. "I haven't quite figured out that part yet, ve~" he muttered. "I'm sorry!" he whined.
"No, no, it's okay! Now stop that, or West'll thump me in the head for making you cry!"
Ludwig chose that moment to poke his head in the doorway. "What's going on?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Everything's fine, West! See? Little Feli here is fine and happy!" Gilbert hastily replied, pinching Feliciano's cheeks and stretching them out in a smile.
"Ve~" Feliciano managed to blurt out as he waved, then gave a thumbs-up. Ludwig gave them another suspicious look before he returned to the kitchen, shaking his head.
"Actually, there is something about the whole West checking out your house for mice thing," Gilbert said once they were in the clear. A plan was starting to form in his head and if he could get Feliciano to help him, it might just work.
"Huh?"
"Just do as I say, okay? Tomorrow, I'll tag along when West goes to your house to check on your fictional mouse infestation."
"Ve, and what should I do?" Feliciano asked excitedly, his tail wagging.
"You just be yourself, okay?" Gilbert said, scratching Feliciano behind the ears. "Just leave everything else to the awesome me." He grinned.
Oh yeah, he was on his way to the road of awesomeness, all right.
----- OP should be warned that author!anon has a habit of making things rather epic-length. Eep.
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [4/?]
anonymous
April 27 2010, 14:25:41 UTC
"Must you wear shorts?" Ludwig sighed and put a hand to his forehead.
Gilbert frowned. "Why not? It's hot."
Ludwig sincerely hoped that his brother was referring to the current outdoor temperature instead of the other more suggestive definition, because Gilbert certainly looked like the latter with a good deal of his pale, muscular legs on display. Ludwig also fervently prayed that there was no reason for Gilbert to bend over. "You could stay home instead of coming along."
"And what the hell am I going to do then?" Gilbert grumbled.
"Play your new video game?"
"It's too hot to stay indoors! Especially since we're the only ones in our street without any air-conditioning!" Gilbert complained.
"I told you, air-conditioners aren't exactly beneficial for the environment - oh never mind, just stay home!" Ludwig snapped. It was indeed a hot day; he was not in the mood to deal with Gilbert's theatrics.
"What?" Gilbert's bunny ears shot up in the air as he stared at Ludwig in genuine, wide-eyed shock. Then those ears just flopped down and Gilbert's lower lip started to quiver dangerously, while the tiniest bit of tears started to well up in his eyes-
"Okay, okay! Let's go!" Ludwig hastily changed his mind before his brother started yet another one of his infamous sulks, which would begin with a bit of sniffling and then conclude with a fair deal of kicking, with Ludwig on the receiving and not to mention rather painful end.
Despite all of Gilbert's posturing and boasting on how cool he was all by himself, Ludwig knew that his brother hated being left alone for long periods. Their father had explained it to Ludwig once; apparently that particular trait was present among most rabbits and hares, which was how their parent actually managed to - ahem - engage in relations with Gilbert's mother. Gilbert was raised mostly as a canine, so there were times (just now, for instance) when Ludwig needed to remind himself that his older brother still possessed more than a few characteristics of his floppy-eared brethren.
Gilbert immediately cheered up and with a snicker, hopped to follow Ludwig out of the house. Ludwig quickly grabbed his hand and ignored his attempts to pull free. He was not letting Gilbert loose, not with that pair of shorts his brother had on.
Down the Awesome Bunny Trail [4a/?]
anonymous
April 27 2010, 14:30:17 UTC
"Shit, so I'm supposed to let you hold my hand like I'm some kindergartener now? What next? You're going to put me on a leash?"
"Actually, that is a rather sound idea-"
"Don't you fucking dare, West! Bunnies don't wear leashes! Only doggies!" Gilbert snapped. He paused for a moment before he added thoughtfully, "Actually West, you would look kind of hot with a leather collar."
Ludwig promptly blushed. "Shut up!" he grumbled, while Gilbert merely cackled, amused. So amused, Ludwig noticed, that he seemed to have forgotten about his complaint on having to hold hands, for he allowed himself to be tugged along.
"Why do you insist on coming along anyway? I could drop you off at Antonio's," Ludwig offered. Ludwig certainly trusted Antonio a little bit more than Francis; the turtle was a little slow on the uptake, but he had a good heart. Oh, and there was the fact that Gilbert could beat him up in case he did try anything funny. Tackling Feliciano's rodent infestation might take the whole day, and Ludwig knew that his brother would get bored and then start complaining. Feliciano's brother Lovino also did not like company very much; while he had gotten used to Lovino calling him all sorts of names, he sure could do without the impending migraine caused by Lovino and Gilbert throwing insults at each other.
"Feliciano's got air-conditioning," Gilbert replied with a smirk, "and he's probably got some more of that tasty ice cream too!"
Ludwig rolled his eyes. He should have expected something like that from his brother. Still, he could not help ask, pointing at the small bag Gilbert slung over one shoulder, "What's with that backpack then?" It was not like Gilbert to bring anything like that whenever they went out.
Gilbert turned slightly pink. "What, this? It's just some stuff."
Ludwig looked at his brother suspiciously. "What stuff?"
Gilbert shrugged. "My handheld. Some comic books. A bottle of sunblock since someone would bitch if I didn't go out without having some on for fear of getting skin cancer. Stuff." He glared at Ludwig. "You want to go through my things now?"
"No, I was just asking," Ludwig said, raising his free hand in a gesture of apology. He relaxed, thankful that at least his brother had thought of things to occupy himself when they were at Feliciano's. At first he suspected that his brother was up to no good, but apparently Gilbert simply wanted to enjoy a cooler environment and some cold treats, nothing more.
Gilbert always assumed that the people staring at him wanted to pick a fight with him, whereas they were thinking of a different kind of fighting entirely (in bed, or heck, on the pavement then and there). This usually led to a brawl, and then he would have to break it up. Thank goodness that Gilbert usually went limp the moment Ludwig grabbed him by those ridiculously cute and fuzzy bunny ears to drag him home, but Ludwig had to make sure that Gilbert was not facing him when he did this. That first and only time Ludwig did otherwise gave him some really hot and uncomfortable dreams for days, and an understanding as to why their father could never talk about Gilbert's mother without getting a nosebleed. Why? Because not only did Gilbert go limp when he was yanked by the ears, his cheeks also turned a very fascinating shade of pink; his eyes would droop slightly, while his lips would be parted slightly and were practically begging to be kissed. Ludwig had to headbutt the nearest tree to think straight.
Today probably required some more ear-yanking, since Gilbert wanted to go to town and get a new video game. (Ludwig of course, would have to come along, but he needed to do some grocery shopping anyway.) If it were anyone else, Ludwig would have complained on how video games were just a waste of one's money, but he kept silent when it came to Gilbert; a new game would ensure that Gilbert would stay safely indoors for at least two weeks.
But was Gilbert ready to go? Ludwig checked the clock on the wall. If they did not make a move soon, there would be a long queue at the shops, especially if it were that strange Greek cat's turn to man the counter. He knocked on the door to his brother's room and asked, "Are you awake?" When he did not get a reply, he opened the door.
"Oh, hey West," a partly-dressed Gilbert greeted as he buttoned his shirt. Thank goodness Gilbert had his boxers on.
"Sorry. Uh, breakfast's ready."
"Yeah, be there in a minute."
Ludwig left the room not only to give Gilbert privacy to finish dressing, but also to avoid seeing that (not sexy, dammit, but don't look anyway, he told himself) hip-wiggle his older brother did in order to get his (cute) tail in that little slot in the rear of his trousers.
Oh well. At least Gilbert decided not to wear shorts.
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This..........this is just way too cute *q*
Oh god bunny!gil, you have no idea what you're doing to everyone! xD
I will be eagerly awaiting more!
F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5
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The idea of Bunny!Prussia is far too irresitable. XD
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Please anon keep on writing this wonderful story, I assure you I'll be waiting!!!
Lots of love for u!!!
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"Dammit West! I told you to let go twenty minutes ago! If that new game is sold out because you're being a freaky mother hen, I swear I'm going to-"
Ludwig never actually heard what Gilbert had threatened him with, since his brother quickly disappeared into the gaming store down the street (the owner was a fox, but after screening and inquiries Ludwig determined he was relatively harmless) and the last thing Ludwig saw before he went inside was that his fuzzy white ears were sticking up in the air, twitching in obvious irritation. The younger brother sighed and hoped that Gilbert would not get into too much trouble while he did the week's marketing, and that his older brother remembered to wait at that small place that served pancakes with maple syrup down the corner which was owned by... by?
He frowned, and then shrugged. Oh well, it did not matter.
Armed with his own shopping bag (he was doing his bit to save the environment), Ludwig headed for the shops. He calculated that he had roughly forty minutes or so to do his grocery shopping before something Gilbert-related was bound to happen. If he were lucky, he would have enough time for a quick visit to the bookstore and maybe get a new book or two; he had a sudden urge to make some Rumtrüffel and would need a recipe book.
He absently wondered if the bookstore would have a guidebook that would be relevant to his current predicament. Something like, How to Deal With Somewhat Clueless Older Brothers With Gargantuan Egos, perhaps?
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A few snaps later, Gilbert left the store and made his way to the pancake place. The polar bear who owned the establishment made some really awesome pancakes, lovingly served with delicious maple syrup, although he was fond of mumbling on how people never noticed him and had a strange habit of talking to a rather disturbing-looking white teddy bear. Gilbert placed his order and then took a seat at one of the tables outside. His younger brother insisted that he remain in plain sight at all times, "just in case something happened".
Gilbert snorted. He could handle anything that came at him, but after more than a few boring and not to mention lengthy lectures from his sibling he had decided it was just far easier to abide by his brother's wishes.
"Where is West anyway?" he wondered aloud and looked around. Oh yes, there he was, his little brother, who never looked happier in a neat and orderly queue for fruits and vegetables at one of the stalls (oh for fuck's sake, his tail was actually wagging).
"Ve~ Gilbert, why are you talking to yourself?"
He turned around to find his brother's close - or should that be only? - friend, Feliciano, a Italienisches Windspiel who lived nearby. "Oh, hey there Feli," he greeted, ignoring the little dog's question.
Feliciano took a seat at the table. "Are you eating pasta?" he asked brightly.
"No, they serve only pancakes here. What are you doing here anyway?"
Feliciano looked disappointed. "Oh, Lovino threw me out of the house because he said I was too noisy. So I was just wandering around and then I got hungry so I thought I might as well go to town and see if I can get some decent pasta!"
"At least your brother actually lets you go out all by yourself," Gilbert muttered.
"Ve?" Feliciano blinked in confusion.
Gilbert rolled his eyes. "West won't let me out of his sight! I can't even take three steps out of the house without him following me around like - like some goddamned nursemaid! What the fuck is his problem anyhow?" he ranted.
"Ve, I think it's nice how he's worried about you! Lovi doesn't worry about me, he just yells at me a lot. I'd offer to make some pasta for him so he would feel better, but then he gets angrier and starts shouting even louder."
Gilbert went on, only half-aware of Feliciano's comments. "I'm older than him! The awesome me can take care of myself! I don't need a fucking bodyguard!"
Feliciano shook his head in sympathy. "Really? Can't you just sneak out or something?"
He snorted. "Are you kidding? He locks me up in the house if he wants to go out! That's not fair!"
Feliciano nodded and waved his arms enthusiastically. "You're right, ve! It isn't fair how Ludwig can go out by himself, but you can't! If dogs can walk around in freedom, then so should bunnies! Just like other dogs and cats and birdies and turtles and sheep-"
"Okay, Feli, I get the idea...."
"-and cows and pandas and sloths and lemurs and think of all the pasta you've been missing!" Felicano said, gasping out the last few words in a high-pitched shriek before he slumped in his chair, panting.
"Here's your order, sir!" The polar bear proprietor of the establishment walked to their table, carrying a tray of pancakes and a glass of iced tea, distracting Gilbert. He was just reaching for his napkin when he heard his brother yell.
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"Get away from my brother!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, startling the fur (or feathers, since there were a couple of birds around) out of everyone in the vicinity.
"Whaa - West?!" Gilbert said in confusion, before Ludwig successfully tackled down the bear that was about to get its evil clutches on him, sending pancakes and maple syrup flying all over the place, while Feliciano let out a very startled 'Ve!' and hid under the table.
Wait, pancakes and maple syrup?
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Gilbert thundered as he gave Ludwig a very painful kick in the ribs. Gilbert may be smaller, shorter and lighter, but - ow! - his elder brother, like all bunnies, had considerable leg strength. And Gilbert was not afraid to use it.
"Ow! I was trying to save you from-"
"From my lunch? Are you seriously out of your mind?"
"But this bear-"
"For the last time," Gilbert snarled, "West, he owns the fucking shop!"
The poor bear underneath Ludwig moaned. "No one remembers me," he muttered.
"Oh." Ludwig promptly turned pink with embarrassment. He got to his feet, narrowly dodging another painful kick from Gilbert, and helped the bear up. "I - I'm terribly sorry! Look, I'll pay for all the damage...." Ludwig hastily shoved some money into the polar bear's pockets.
"Argh! My pancakes!" Gilbert groaned, tugging at his hair in frustration.
"I'm sorry!" Ludwig apologised again, this time to his brother.
"Not as sorry as you'll be when I'm done kicking your ass!" Gilbert snapped.
There was a murmur from the crowd, which sounded suspiciously... appreciative and admiring? Ludwig blinked, then panicked. Oh no, he had forgotten something important.
An angry Gilbert was also a very, very adorable Gilbert.
A few in the crowd started looking rather hungrily at his brother, who was all flushed with rage and his cute fluffy tail was twitching slightly.
"No time for this now!" Ludwig blurted, and with a quick, practiced gesture, spun his brother around and yanked Gilbert's ears. Gilbert automatically went limp with a startled yelp and Ludwig threw his brother on his shoulder, retrieved his shopping bag on the ground and quickly ran for home.
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Fine, Gilbert decided rather sulkily, since West insisted on treating him like a child even though he was the older one out of the two, he might as well have some fun.
"West!" he yelled.
His brother opened the door to his room mere seconds after he shouted. "What is it?" Ludwig asked in concern and worry.
"I'm thirsty!" Gilbert complained. "Don't we have any milk?"
Ludwig rolled his eyes and sighed before disappearing into the kitchen, then returned with a glass of milk. "Here," his brother said as he handed the glass, "now go to sleep!"
"Weeeeeeeeeest!" Gilbert yelled again just as Ludwig closed the door.
The door opened and Ludwig poked his head inside. "What now?" he asked in obvious irritation.
Gilbert put on his best pleading expression, all wide eyes and floppy ears. "What about my bedtime story?"
"Bedtime-" Ludwig halted, then made a low growl and clenched his fists. "Once upon a time there was a very annoyed Schäferhund who was starting to get a migraine and would refuse to make pancakes for breakfast in the morning if a certain immature rabbit of a brother did not go to sleep! The end!" he half-shouted before slamming the door shut.
Gilbert stuck out his tongue before he settled under the covers, grumbling. So he was immature? Fine.
He didn't want to be mature. Fruits matured.
He would rather be awesome.
And the road to ultimate awesomeness was out there, he just knew it.
Notes:
Schäferhund - German shepherd. I can't bring myself to use the English term because every time I see 'German shepherd' I keep picturing Luddy surrounded by white fluffy things that go meeeeeeeh.
Italienisches Windspiel - Italian greyhound
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This is so cute! But what makes it even better is I have both a rabbit (he's grey though) and a German Shepard.
Unfortunately, Goldfinger (the rabbit) is nowhere as a adorable as Gilbert sounds.
Are you going to include Gilbird somewhere?
After reading your note on Ludwig I had to look down at Loki, my dog, and go "meeeeeeh".
. . . Yeah, he looked at me like I was nuts.
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Ludwig sighed. Was Gilbert asleep, or was he simply sulking?
Gilbert had been more than a little bit angry about the incident at the pancake parlour in town yesterday and he was definitely furious about being shoved into bed much earlier than usual last night. Ludwig flinched a little in guilt; he had yanked on his brother's ears a whole lot harder than usual, forgetting how sensitive they were in his hurry to get home yesterday. Gilbert had not only gone limp then, he was also rather pale and listless when they reached home, which had sent Ludwig into a fit of panic until his older brother had stomped on his foot, grumbling that he was fine.
"Breakfast's done!" Ludwig tried again. A few minutes passed and still no sign of, or even a word from Gilbert.
Definitely sulking. Oh well, only one way to remedy that. Ludwig took a deep breath, made sure that there was nothing breakable nearby and braced himself before he yelled, "There's pancakes!"
He only caught a swift glimpse of something white and fuzzy from the corner of his eye before he found himself being hugged enthusiastically from behind by his older sibling, who was grinning like a maniac. Whoever said that rabbits were not as swift as dogs should try beating Gilbert in a footrace with pancakes or video games as the prize.
"West~" Gilbert singsonged, "you're my favourite brother in the whole world!"
"I'm your only brother in the whole world," Ludwig pointed out, a hint of a smile on his lips. Well, Gilbert's only known brother, at any rate. He was pretty sure that there was no way that Gilbert was his mother's only child, if the stories their father told Ludwig about her had some truth in them.
"Whatever," Gilbert shrugged, but he still kept his hold around Ludwig's middle. "My pancakes?" he asked, floppy ears almost flapping in delight.
"I'll get them for you, if you let go," Ludwig said, barely resisting the urge to pet Gilbert on the head. He had made an extra effort today to make the pancakes fluffy just the way his brother liked them as a gesture of apology for yesterday's mess. And judging from the way Gilbert wolfed them down, they were done perfectly to his tastes. "By the way, don't mess up the living room today," he said as he put his plate in the sink.
"Hmm?" Gilbert looked up from his meal, while Ludwig automatically reached behind him to wipe the corner of his brother's mouth with a napkin. Gilbert was such a messy eater sometimes.
"Feliciano's coming over for dinner again tonight."
"Oh. So does that mean-"
"Yes, he's going to bring pasta for us."
"Again?" Gilbert wrinkled his nose. "You know West, the kid's really cute and all, but seriously the whole deal about pasta for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack-time does get tiresome after a while-"
"He said he'd bring some of that gelato you like so much too," Ludwig broke in.
"-which is why he should come over more often since his gelato is awesome!" Gilbert finished, holding up his fork in a triumphant pose.
Ludwig rolled his eyes.
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"Hello there, Feliciano. Come on in," Ludwig replied and took the bag and containers Feliciano had dropped on the ground when he had flung his arms around the Schäferhund. Hopefully their dinner was still intact.
"No hugs for me?" Gilbert called out from where he sat on the couch.
Feliciano obediently unlatched from Ludwig and launched himself at Gilbert, who returned the hug and patted his head. "Did you bring me ice cream?"
Feliciano nodded, smiling. "Yeah! I brought you gelato and pasta - aaah! Where did they go?" He looked around in panic, while tears started to form in his eyes. "Oh no! I know I was holding them a while ago because Lovi was yelling at me for forgetting them when I first left the house and I was sure I left with them the second time and I must have dropped them somewhere and oh no the pastaaaaaaaaaa-"
"I got them right here," Ludwig answered, holding up Feliciano's bag and food containers. "Give me a few minutes and I'll get everything ready, all right?"
"Wow! How did you find them? And so quickly too! Ve, you're really wonderful, Ludwig!" Feliciano gushed, while Ludwig's cheeks turned pink.
"It's nothing, really. I-I'll just get this settled," Ludwig stammered a little before he went into the kitchen.
"Ve, Gilbert!" Feliciano whispered.
"Huh? What's with the whispering?" Gilbert asked. "It's kind of hard to hear you with the TV on."
"Lovi says you have to whisper when you're doing conspiratio- constipa- no wait, I'm pretty sure that's something different - ve, you know, secret-secret things! He does that whenever he meets those weird friends of his, the ones who wear hats and sunglasses all the time. Even when they're indoors. Ve, why do they have to wear sunglasses indoors? There's not much sunlight-"
"Uh, Feli? What secret-secret things?" Gilbert interrupted before Feliciano could ramble even further.
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"What?"
"I'm going to help you leave the house!" Feliciano announced. Rather loudly.
"What was that?" Ludwig hollered from the kitchen.
Gilbert winced. "He said that he needs some help with a mouse!" he yelled back while clamping a hand over Feliciano's mouth; Gilbert knew he would repeat exactly what he said, with disastrous consequences.
"Oh, I could go and take care of it tomorrow!"
Feliciano looked confused when Gilbert removed his hand. "But I haven't got any problems with mice-"
"Shh!" Gilbert hissed. "Secret-secret things, remember? You have to whisper."
"Ve, you're right!" Feliciano said softly.
"So what are you planning?"
"Oh, you should pack some things in a bag first. You know, just to get ready!"
Gilbert nodded. That was certainly a good suggestion; something he had never quite expected from the rather flighty Feliciano. "Okay, and then what?"
Feliciano put on the most serious expression and Gilbert could not help but sit up straighter to pay attention. "Don't forget the pasta!" he announced.
Gilbert slumped and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes, yes, the pasta. Then?"
Feliciano drooped a little. "I haven't quite figured out that part yet, ve~" he muttered. "I'm sorry!" he whined.
"No, no, it's okay! Now stop that, or West'll thump me in the head for making you cry!"
Ludwig chose that moment to poke his head in the doorway. "What's going on?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Everything's fine, West! See? Little Feli here is fine and happy!" Gilbert hastily replied, pinching Feliciano's cheeks and stretching them out in a smile.
"Ve~" Feliciano managed to blurt out as he waved, then gave a thumbs-up. Ludwig gave them another suspicious look before he returned to the kitchen, shaking his head.
"Actually, there is something about the whole West checking out your house for mice thing," Gilbert said once they were in the clear. A plan was starting to form in his head and if he could get Feliciano to help him, it might just work.
"Huh?"
"Just do as I say, okay? Tomorrow, I'll tag along when West goes to your house to check on your fictional mouse infestation."
"Ve, and what should I do?" Feliciano asked excitedly, his tail wagging.
"You just be yourself, okay?" Gilbert said, scratching Feliciano behind the ears. "Just leave everything else to the awesome me." He grinned.
Oh yeah, he was on his way to the road of awesomeness, all right.
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OP should be warned that author!anon has a habit of making things rather epic-length. Eep.
reCaptcha: urged hare. LOL
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I can't wait to see what happens when Prussia escapes xD
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Gilbert frowned. "Why not? It's hot."
Ludwig sincerely hoped that his brother was referring to the current outdoor temperature instead of the other more suggestive definition, because Gilbert certainly looked like the latter with a good deal of his pale, muscular legs on display. Ludwig also fervently prayed that there was no reason for Gilbert to bend over. "You could stay home instead of coming along."
"And what the hell am I going to do then?" Gilbert grumbled.
"Play your new video game?"
"It's too hot to stay indoors! Especially since we're the only ones in our street without any air-conditioning!" Gilbert complained.
"I told you, air-conditioners aren't exactly beneficial for the environment - oh never mind, just stay home!" Ludwig snapped. It was indeed a hot day; he was not in the mood to deal with Gilbert's theatrics.
"What?" Gilbert's bunny ears shot up in the air as he stared at Ludwig in genuine, wide-eyed shock. Then those ears just flopped down and Gilbert's lower lip started to quiver dangerously, while the tiniest bit of tears started to well up in his eyes-
"Okay, okay! Let's go!" Ludwig hastily changed his mind before his brother started yet another one of his infamous sulks, which would begin with a bit of sniffling and then conclude with a fair deal of kicking, with Ludwig on the receiving and not to mention rather painful end.
Despite all of Gilbert's posturing and boasting on how cool he was all by himself, Ludwig knew that his brother hated being left alone for long periods. Their father had explained it to Ludwig once; apparently that particular trait was present among most rabbits and hares, which was how their parent actually managed to - ahem - engage in relations with Gilbert's mother. Gilbert was raised mostly as a canine, so there were times (just now, for instance) when Ludwig needed to remind himself that his older brother still possessed more than a few characteristics of his floppy-eared brethren.
Gilbert immediately cheered up and with a snicker, hopped to follow Ludwig out of the house. Ludwig quickly grabbed his hand and ignored his attempts to pull free. He was not letting Gilbert loose, not with that pair of shorts his brother had on.
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"Actually, that is a rather sound idea-"
"Don't you fucking dare, West! Bunnies don't wear leashes! Only doggies!" Gilbert snapped. He paused for a moment before he added thoughtfully, "Actually West, you would look kind of hot with a leather collar."
Ludwig promptly blushed. "Shut up!" he grumbled, while Gilbert merely cackled, amused. So amused, Ludwig noticed, that he seemed to have forgotten about his complaint on having to hold hands, for he allowed himself to be tugged along.
"Why do you insist on coming along anyway? I could drop you off at Antonio's," Ludwig offered. Ludwig certainly trusted Antonio a little bit more than Francis; the turtle was a little slow on the uptake, but he had a good heart. Oh, and there was the fact that Gilbert could beat him up in case he did try anything funny. Tackling Feliciano's rodent infestation might take the whole day, and Ludwig knew that his brother would get bored and then start complaining. Feliciano's brother Lovino also did not like company very much; while he had gotten used to Lovino calling him all sorts of names, he sure could do without the impending migraine caused by Lovino and Gilbert throwing insults at each other.
"Feliciano's got air-conditioning," Gilbert replied with a smirk, "and he's probably got some more of that tasty ice cream too!"
Ludwig rolled his eyes. He should have expected something like that from his brother. Still, he could not help ask, pointing at the small bag Gilbert slung over one shoulder, "What's with that backpack then?" It was not like Gilbert to bring anything like that whenever they went out.
Gilbert turned slightly pink. "What, this? It's just some stuff."
Ludwig looked at his brother suspiciously. "What stuff?"
Gilbert shrugged. "My handheld. Some comic books. A bottle of sunblock since someone would bitch if I didn't go out without having some on for fear of getting skin cancer. Stuff." He glared at Ludwig. "You want to go through my things now?"
"No, I was just asking," Ludwig said, raising his free hand in a gesture of apology. He relaxed, thankful that at least his brother had thought of things to occupy himself when they were at Feliciano's. At first he suspected that his brother was up to no good, but apparently Gilbert simply wanted to enjoy a cooler environment and some cold treats, nothing more.
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