In Moments
folder
Final Fantasy VII › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
5
Views:
765
Reviews:
3
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Final Fantasy VII › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
5
Views:
765
Reviews:
3
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Final Fantasy VII, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
I Will Always Be There
I Will Always Be There
Like Weiss on Rice
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Author’s notes: If you’ve read my one shot “Forever and a Day” some parts are going to sound very familiar.
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Night and day
There’s a burning down inside of me
Burning love
With a yearning that wont let me be
Down I go
And I just cant take it all alone
I really should be holding you
Holding you
Loving you loving you
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Restrictor walked through the hallways, checking in every room and giving a slight wave to anyone who would happen to glance his way. Weiss was standing next to a woman with dark hair, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Weiss, just the person he wanted to see.
The boy had his back to him, blissfully unaware that he was being crept up on. He could only look at the woman standing in front of him as she talked in that sweet way of hers. He gasped and squealed when he felt strong arms grab him under the arms and swung him in the air.
“Gotcha pussy cat!”
“Daddy!” He laughed.
“That’s my boy.” He tucked him under his arm like he might a foot ball and ruffled his hair a little.
“Don’t play too roughly with him.” Leda reminded.
“I won’t.” He winked at her and she pushed his shoulder. “Gotta go though. Make sure you talk to Genesis before you head home… that task master wanted to have a ‘word’ with him.” He rolled his eyes.
“I hope they fire him, he’s just awful.”
His lips twitched wryly, “I don’t think he’s going anywhere unfortunately.” He leaned down to kiss her. He got a glint in his eye before he playfully swatted at her rump knowing she would turn a furious shade of red before she stomped away angrily.
“Mama doesn’t like that.” Weiss said.
“She does.” He laughed, moving back from where he came. “She just doesn’t know it yet.”
“Restrictor,” Someone said simply.
He turned around and saw Doctor Vivian smiling at him in her own way. “Don’t have to call me by my title Doctor. It’s either Mr. Z. or Zeus. Don’t forget it.”
She nodded. “I was wondering if you could help me.”
He nodded instantly. “Sure.”
She brightened. “Hojo has been talking about hiring someone else with your same position in the next year or two.”
Mr. Z nodded again. It wasn’t unusual to have two Restrictors down here at once after all. Well, when Doctor Valentine was still around anyway.
“My son needs a job. He’s a very strong boy, I’m sure he would help you out.” She also wanted him to have a job he could be proud of. He had been so misguided after all. She couldn’t help but blame herself as well. The least she could do for her son would to help him get this position.
He seemed to consider it for a moment. “Can’t hurt to have an extra pair of hands around here I guess. Sure, I’ll recommend him. Bring him down here closer to the hiring date and I’ll test him.”
“You won’t regret it!” She smiled.
He never saw her smile that brightly before. “You’re welcome Doctor.”
“Vivian.” She said.
“Vivian.” He nodded.
“Vivian.” Weiss repeated after the two of them, reminding them both that he was still there.
“How are you doing today Weiss?”
“Fine.” He wasn’t taught to ask how someone else was doing, so he just left it at that.
“He looks a lot like you Zeus.” She shook her head. “Minus the walrus mustache of course.”
He looked affronted. “I’ll have you know it makes me look distinguished.”
“Daddy does look like a walrus… mama said so.” Weiss divulged.
“Did she now?” Zeus laughed before heading back to the original subject. “I don’t know, I think he looks like Leda.”
“No, wishful thinking I’m afraid.” She teased. “He’s your spitting image.”
“He has her crazy hair though… and her eyes.”
“His eyes are blue like yours.” Vivian looked at the boy, who was quickly growing tired of being the subject of their conversation.
“Look at this.” He lifted Weiss up to her height. “He’s got that ring around his eyes like she does. Someone will fall in love with them one day! Mark my words. That’s why I fell in love with Leda. Well… that and her ass.” He barked a laugh, startling both doctor and child with the sound of it. “Is ‘it’ ready Vivian?”
“That’s why I wanted to see you.” Vivian nodded. “I do. ‘It’ is on the second floor ready to be picked up.”
“I’m lucky I have you to do my dirty work.”
“I agree, considering I’m a licensed doctor. Such things are beneath me.”
“I know I know.” He appreciated it. “It’s only because you love me so much.”
Vivian smiled ever so slightly, he wouldn’t know how true that statement was but she laughed anyway.
“What’s ‘it’?” Weiss asked.
“He’s so smart.” Vivian cooed. “How old is he again?”
“One.”
“That can’t be right.” Vivian shook her head.
“He’s smart as a whip.” Zeus boasted. “Good thing he doesn’t take after his old man.”
“Zeus…” Vivian shook her head.
“Experiments and such.” Zeus explained. “I guess it sounds awful letting them do that to the kids, but if it didn’t work with Leda and me we probably wouldn’t have consented.”
“I know.” Vivian nodded. Lots of people were having experimental procedures done on them down here… especially employees that didn’t have to pay to have them done. If anything, it showed their faith that Shinra wasn’t out to hurt them.
Things were changing though. Hojo wasn’t moving towards benevolent medicine and ways to improve people. If anything, he was trying to twist people around. He seemed like one of those mad scientists on those old horror movies. “He’s big enough to be five.” Her son, as big as he was, was never that large at the age of one.
“Like me again I’m afraid.” Zeus bounced Weiss on his arm to keep him occupied. “I was a big boy when I was little. I’ve got to carry him around now since he’s getting too big for Leda to hold.” He dislodged Weiss’ fingers from the high black collar of his uniform. “It’ll even out though. At one point Leda was taller than me when we were kids. He’ll probably shoot up again when he’s fourteen or so.” Weiss was getting antsy though, he needed to be on his way. “Well, I’m headed out. Take care of yourself Viv.”
“You too.” She nodded and watched him leave.
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“What’s ‘it’ daddy?”
“You’ll find out.” Weiss made an impatient noise at his answer. “You’ll like it.”
“Is it a present?” He brightened.
“Maybe.”
“Daadddd!” Weiss flopped under his arm.
“You’ll find out. Stop bugging me about it pussy cat.” Zeus silently walked up the stairs, he never took the elevator. He didn’t want to become lazy. “Here we are.” He reached the second level finally. “Now let’s get ‘it’!” He taunted his son.
Weiss made a noise of displeasure when his father walked into one of the offices.
“Restrictor-san, how are you? Here to pick it up?”
“What’s ‘it’?!” Weiss wondered if he would give up whatever this gift was.
“Why,” The man grinned. “It is right here.” He popped a small carrier on the counter. It had the Shrina emblem on the side.
Weiss looked at it curiously. “A crate?”
“It’s inside.” His father laughed.
“I know!” Weiss huffed.
“Let’s open it up and find out what’s inside.” Zeus pinched the handle, the door swung open and something fuzzy bounced out and onto the floor. The suddenness of the movement startled Weiss enough to make him gasp. His father put him onto the ground.
It seemed like it wanted to run away for a moment, but became instantly distracted by licking its fluffy paw. Weiss was enthralled. “A kitty!”
“Shhh… don’t yell.” His father warned. “You’ll scare him.”
“Oh.” Weiss whispered quietly.
“You can talk normally son,” Zeus laughed, “Just don’t yell.”
“Okay.” Weiss looked at the mass of fawn colored hair, his face, tail and feet were doted with an almost black sort of brown. Its blue eyes were absolutely round and huge. He also had the longest whiskers ever. He was so cute! He couldn’t wait to squeeze him.
Zeus watched his son. “Be gentle now. You’re really strong so if you hug him too hard it’ll hurt him a lot.”
Weiss made a mental note of that. “Okay.”
Zeus was worried at first, maybe a dog would’ve been a better companion for someone like Weiss. Cats were sometimes a little too standoffish and he might have wanted something a little more relaxed with him. But apparently he was wrong. The cat seemed to take to his son instantly. It wasn’t a kitten, but an older cat and it knew what it liked. It rubbed itself all over the boy, head butting him and purred so loudly someone in the next room thought their phone was vibrating.
Weiss was doing a pretty good job though, he didn’t make any sudden movements and he was as gentle with his new pet as he promised to be. “You’ve been a good boy Weiss. Happy birthday.” He ruffled his hair again. “What are you going to name him?”
“Marshmallow.” He said instantly.
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“You’re going to give that cat a bald spot if you keep brushing him like that Weiss.” Genesis warned.
“Nah-uh!” Weiss retorted, waving the soft bristled brush at him. “Besides, Mash likes it.”
“Why did you call him Marshmallow anyway? He’s got brown fur.”
“He’s a toasted marshmallow.” Weiss explained, as if that made all the sense in the world. “He’s so soft and fluffy.” He kissed the top of Marsh’s head.
“He sounds like a motorboat.” Genesis laughed, kicking his feet up onto the coffee table. The cat had been purring since it sat on Weiss’ lap.
“Isn’t he the best? Daddy got him for me.” He pat him gently with his hands, placing the brush carelessly to the side.
Weiss probably mentioned their father about a hundred times in the last week. He sure knew how to win kids over. “He sure is.” Genesis gave the cat a scratch under his chin.
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Weiss sat on the floor in a big room they put him. His brother was gone and his father was dead.
Things had started to get weird about a year ago. His mother had been pregnant with twins and they took his little sisters away. It was very strange. His parents had been upset, not at each other but what was happening. They didn’t get to leave the Shinra building anymore, none of them.
They said Genesis was too strong for his own good and disappeared.
His mother was dismally upset over her new pregnancy. Despite her happiness that it was another boy she only said: “They’ll only take him away too.”
His father went missing for an entire day. They found his body outside on the grounds. His mother went hysterical when she saw him. It didn’t help him understand any better why his father was left on the ground with a gaping hole in his throat.
He could only clutch onto a purring Marsh while he cried. He watched his pregnant mother burry his father. It was one of the worst memories he had ever had.
He sniffed and rubbed his arm over his eyes. He didn’t understand. They had all been so happy just a short time ago… and now everyone was leaving him. He got up and hefted himself up into the adult sized chair they put in the room for him. It was uncomfortable but when he did Marsh took it as an invite to sit on him. As if on cue the cat appeared and jumped from his place on the floor to Weiss’ lap. He began purring almost immediately.
“I hate Restrictor.” Weiss mumbled while patting Marsh’ soft fur. “He’s mean and I didn’t do anything.” Everything was unfair now. He did everything that man said and more and he still got punished.
Marsh was still here though, and his presence made him feel better. At least he purred and calmed his nerves. Without his parents there though, he had to take care of his cat himself, and he wasn’t at all sure how to go about doing that. He just fed him some of his food and gave him his water and cleaned out his litter box. He hoped that would be okay. “Don’t worry Marsh, I’ll take care of you.” He combed his fingers through his hair, trying to pull out a tangle that was forming.
“I want my mom.” He hugged his giant fluffy cat to him and kissed his head.
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“Shut that cat up!”
“He’s just talking.” Weiss said. Marsh was looking at a particularly juicy moth floating around the wall. He meowed again in that sweet melodic way. Restrictor stalked up to the animal and scruffed it. Weiss jumped at that. “Don’t hurt him!” He went up to him and held out his arms like he should give him the cat. “I’ll hold him and make sure he’s quiet.” He smiled when it seemed like Restrictor would give him his way, lowering his pet down to him.
Restrictor grinned slightly. The boy couldn’t see it though. He didn’t know his true intentions until he crushed the cat’s fragile neck and let it drop to the ground in front of him. What he didn’t expect was the ear shattering scream that issued forth from his young charge.
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“Stop pouting you little pussy cat.” Restrictor unconsciously mimicked his predecessor.
That was the last straw for Weiss. “No one calls me that but daddy!” That was the first time he ever tried to attack Restrictor, it wouldn’t be his last.
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Weiss heard crying in the room when he rushed through the door. Restrictor didn’t follow him in that time. “Mama?” He called softly but there was nothing. There were black billowing clouds of smoke rolling from the ground. It seemed like the room was on fire and he expected it might be hot. But the room felt relatively normal except for the oppressive darkness.
Things were everywhere. Pieces were missing from machines and furniture. Everything seemed so surreal.
The crying turned to angry screaming and he snapped from the distractions caused from the scenery. His little brother was on the floor. Did they drop him?! He was covered in that dark stuff and he panicked.
“It’s okay.” Weiss bent down and scooped him up, remembering what his father said about Marsh. He needed to be gentle. “I’m here now.” Nero instantly quieted when he touched him. He tried brushing the darkness away only for more to appear. He was afraid that it might be hurting his brother… but when the baby snuggled into him, he seemed content.
He didn’t know why, but he never felt so connected to anyone in his life as he did Nero. He could take care of him. He wouldn’t let him go. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He promised.
Nero opened his eyes and he saw that they were red. “You look like mama.” Weiss observed. “You’re eyes are like hers.” Nero’s face turned and Weiss looked at him curiously as he turned his small face towards his chest. His small mouth bit down and latched onto his nipple. “Ow! OW! Hey!” He yelled. “I’m a boy! A boy!”
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For eight long years he had been dead. Besides bursts of anger or sadness that would overwhelm him he was relatively quiet. He followed along with Restrictor with whatever he asked. He might as well have been a living robot.
He had been literally stripped from everyone who loved him. If he didn’t have the video feeds from a few years ago or Vivian’s reminders he might have thought everything was just a dream. Happiness seemed a distant memory.
Nero had been his last hope. He overheard that he was going to be useful, or at least that he would be a great test subject. Surely they wouldn’t kill him or put him away somewhere. Then he died and everything was dark and dreary.
Which was why, at this point in time when he just happened to be NET diving for a test, he was almost overwhelmed by emotion when he found a file on his brother in the system’s main computer under “Test Subjects” with a recent date attached.
For the first time since his mother died he felt a rush of hope and happiness.
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When he was fifteen years old they could finally be together officially. They gave him a two bedroom apartment and asked who he might like to live with. It was no surprise when he said his brother’s name before they could finish asking the question.
Weiss had already been burdened down with enough responsibility, but when it came to this it didn’t matter. He had to prove himself or they would take this away from him. He would do his best.
Nero, as skinny and short as ever followed him through the house with just as much excitement. “Will this be my room Nii-san?” He squeaked looking into the smaller room. He almost couldn’t believe that this was happening to him. His life had been an absolute misery and then this boy showed up out of nowhere one day… fed him… and then he found out he had a brother. It might have taken him a couple years but he finally calmed down enough to relax around him. Nero almost didn’t know who he was anymore… but he liked who he had become.
“Yeah, unless you want the other.” Weiss offered.
“No, I like this one! It’s close to the bathroom.” Nero said quickly. His brother deserved the larger room! He was his big brother after all.
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Nero looked at the food in front of him a little distastefully. It all looked really bad and weird. Weiss was the one who made it but he was looking at it as if it were something from another planet. Weiss was looking at it just the same way he was, afraid to even eat it. He looked disappointed as he poked at it with his fork experimentally. His poor Nii-san! He tried really hard to make dinner so he should try some and pretend it’s good even if he hated it.
Nero stabbed a piece of beef with his fork and shoveled it quickly into his mouth He prepared for the worst when he chewed it… but… He put his hand to his lips.
“Is it that bad?” Weiss had been watching him the whole time. “Spit it out if you don’t like it.”
But he didn’t and he swallowed it. “Wow Nii-san! I didn’t know you knew how to cook!” He giggled. “You really scared me.”
Weiss laughed, Nero apparently thought he was joking with him earlier. “I don’t know how to cook.”
He must be a natural. “Will you cook everyday?” Nero asked.
“Sure.” Weiss smiled at him.
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His brother was always tired. Nero frowned as he found Weiss sleeping on the couch again. He put a blanket over him and let him sleep in while he grabbed a box of cereal. He poured some milk over it and grabbed a spoon out of the drawer. He sat at the table and looked around the apartment. It was pretty dirty. Two young males were obviously staying here. They needed to keep it clean otherwise they wouldn’t get to live here anymore.
Weiss tried really hard to do everything. He did lots of stuff for him while doing all of his other duties… and having to deal with Restrictor too. No one ever bothered him much. They didn’t think he was worth their effort.
Maybe he should help out a bit. While Weiss was gone today he would pick up stuff around the house and wipe down everything.
From that day on he decided he was going to be the person to clean up the place and enjoy it. He might have gone a little mental over it even. His brother might have teased him about being a neat freak… but he always knew he appreciated it by how he looked when he got home or how he pat his head when he found him doing something useful.
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Weiss’ eyes blinked open. His brother was sitting next to his bedside, his dark head resting against the sheets. His first thought was to touch his hair and tell him that he was awake, but he could only twitch his hand at best.
He could see out of his left eye again. His more serious wounds were gone, but all of the mirror injuries were still there… reminding him of how they got there. At least they cleaned him up. He didn’t feel the blood between his legs or any other bodily fluids that he had been spattered with. He tried shifting a bit to get more comfortable and he flinched. He was still sore… in fact… it didn’t feel like they healed him at all.
What did they do? Heal certain parts of him selectively so he could still feel and see what happened to him before? The thought just made him tremble. Wasn’t it bad enough that he beat and shamed him?
He knew that if Vivian would have been here she would’ve healed him properly. The doctor seemed to like him and Nero well enough. She wasn’t like everyone else. She was the only thing that reminded him of how things used to be. She was fair.
How did he get here though? Did Nero call for some aid in carrying him here? He must have. He didn’t think he had the ability to lift someone like him. Not with all of the extra weight he had on him already. How many people saw him on the way here? He wished he could die.
He looked down at little Nero’s head again. Wasn’t he worth living for though? So he could make him happy?
No. He had apologized for making him stay recently. If he had killed him in his darkness all those years ago… he could’ve escaped and been happy. If he had said it was okay to go…
Weiss remembered that day when he realized what Nero could do. He could disappear and reappear almost anywhere he wished. He left once to go outside. He told Weiss about it… and rather than be excited he felt close to panic. That was the first time he remembered begging anyone to do anything. He begged him to stay. He made him promise.
Weiss didn’t know though, that it was never Nero’s intention to leave him. He just wanted to bring him back something pretty from outside because he couldn’t do it himself. Nero had been so ashamed for making him worry he never gave him the little branch he broke off from a tree, with little flowers on it.
“Brother?” Nero woke up with a start. He had hoped that maybe Weiss would’ve slept longer or at least until Vivian had arrived. He didn’t want to say this, but he wanted to explain. “I’m sorry that you aren’t feeling well. I would’ve made them heal you if I could.”
But he couldn’t, which meant Restrictor had been here. Why was he still hanging around? Didn’t he have anything better to do… like sleep?
Nero was just waking up and he realized he had to tell him something before it happened. “He’s waiting outside for you to wake up.” He tried to be as quiet as possible but Restrictor probably heard him the first time around. The door was opening and the man stepped through. He took his brother’s hand then, trying to give him support.
“I see you’re finally awake.” He strode up to the two of them, close enough to be uncomfortable.
Nero wanted to glare at him, it had only been two hours since he found him and he was already coming back to torment him.
“Good. I wanted you to get a chance to say goodbye to Nero. I’ve been ordered to have him locked up for a little while.” He hadn’t, but Nero was overdue for a little solitary confinement. That and he wanted Weiss to remain devastated for a while and having Nero there to comfort him wasn’t going to help.
Nero didn’t like the sound of that, maybe being sent to his room earlier was what he thought it was. He didn’t want to be chained up again but he would remain calm until he left Weiss. He didn’t want to see him frantic after what happened to him.
“Got nothing to say?” He chuckled at Weiss’ curious look, “You’ll be coming with me then.” Restrictor grabbed Nero’s shoulder and started pushing him out the door.
Nero looked back at him for a moment with a worried expression on his face. He wasn’t worried for himself, he was worried about how Weiss would feel without him there.
Restrictor’s head turned then, Weiss could almost see the smirk on his face as he led Nero out and away from him. There was only one reason why he would be was taking Nero away from him so quickly! He was going to go back on his word! “Stop!” He screamed. “We had a deal!”
“And what deal was that?” Restrictor let amusement filter into his voice.
“You said you wouldn’t if I-!”He had been so upset he didn’t realize Nero was in the same room and looking at him with a strange kind of horror.
“If you-?” Restrictor paused, ah, just as he planned. He really did get to have everything after all.
He was going to make him say it. Nero was more important than pride though, and it didn’t matter if he saved face especially in this situation. “If I didn’t fight you, you would leave him alone.” He watched Nero cover his face like he couldn’t stand the sight of him. It was okay as long as he was alright it he didn’t mind.
“As I recall you did fight back.” Restrictor mentioned and watched Weiss’ face break into despair. Usually so stoic and angry looking… he really had a deep range of emotions when he was upset. “But I might reconsider if you beg me.” He had no interest in Nero whatsoever but it was delightfully entertaining to taunt him. He might as well get his kicks in when he could, because after Hojo and Vivian woke up he was going to be a in a lot trouble.
Nero looked like he was about to protest this mistreatment. When he moved his hands away from his face Restrictor sealed his mouth with his hand and slammed the back of his head into the wall.
Damn it all to hell. He could barely move much less get up and help him. “Please don’t do this Restrictor-sama. I’m sorry.”
“That didn’t sound very sincere Weiss.” He chuckled. “Why don’t you try that again… with a different name?”
For the first time Weiss realized Restrictor had not only clamped his hand around Nero’s mouth but his nose as well. Nero was turning blue right in front of him. He hated him but he bent his head down, his torn and weak body protesting the strain. “Master, please don’t hurt him! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
“I’m not so sure… every time I let you have your way you are always so ungrateful afterwards.”
What did he have to say? “I won’t fight you ever again, I promise.”
Nero wanted to scream for him to stop! It didn’t matter, he wasn’t worth it! Don’t let him do this to you. Don’t say things like that… don’t say things that make it sound like you’d let him do it again. But he couldn’t. He could only lay prone against the wall while Restrictor cut his air off. He was starting to feel lightheaded.
“I’ll do whatever you say.”
Weiss! Nero closed his eyes and tears started running down his face. This was all his fault! If he wasn’t so weak… his brother wouldn’t have had to worry about him.
“That’s better.” Restrictor released Nero and he fell to the ground coughing. He jerked him up by the arm roughly.
“Wait!” Weiss saw what he was doing.
“I promised I wouldn’t touch him.” Restrictor said offhandedly, “But he’s still going to be chained up.” He hauled Nero out the door, leaving Weiss with a look of shock on his face… until it melted away and he just lay there quietly.
Don’t take me away from my brother! He needs me! But it wouldn’t matter if he said that to Restrictor. Nero didn’t seem to care that he was being dragged to his room. His legs scraped the ground while he cried bitterly. If he could, he would swallow this man alive. He’d draw his death out so long he’d beg him to kill him before the end. But he couldn’t.
When they arrived into the room Restrictor strapped his arms up but didn’t muzzle him with his mask. He pushed him up to the pillar and began chaining him up, his throat first, then his arms and legs were weighed down with the heavy metal. “You’re brother is rather pathetic isn’t he?” Nero made a sound of anger. “But not nearly as pathetic as you. It took me twice as long to make him cry like a little girl.”
Nero wanted to tear his eyes out and his face showed it.
“The best part was having him beg me to fuck him. You’re brother is rather delicious… I bet you wanted to taste him yourself though.”
Nero’s anger rose to dangerous levels, did he know?
“I guess I could be persuaded not to tell him?” Restrictor ran a hand down his face.
“You think you scare me?” Nero asked suddenly.
Restrictor paused then to consider him. Nero had never been very vocal until now. Usually he allowed Weiss to do the talking for him. He just assumed it was because he was weak spirited.
“I don’t give a shit what you do to me.” Nero glared at him. “If you want to upset me… why don’t you just slit your own throat?” He could see Restrictor visibly bristling. “Surprised? Don’t be.” Weiss was his big brother after all, he emulated him quite a bit and he’d seen Weiss insult Restrictor enough to throw him a few barbs of his own. Nero had never sought to upstage Weiss though, he loved him and respected him too much for that. “I’m not your little bitch and neither is Weiss.”
“What?!”
Nero found a short blade at his neck. He didn’t even flinch once. “You’re pathetic. The only reason you were able to even touch him is because he was weak from being sick. He’s better than you! He’s stronger than anyone I know! He won’t let you win!” He found his voice rising with every sentence he uttered. “You might have somehow made him believe that your stronger than him… but one day he’s going to realize you’re nothing compared to him! He’s going to kill you!”
Murderous thoughts swam through Restrictor’s mind, but if he killed him now he wouldn’t have nearly as much leverage over Weiss. “You think so?”
“I know so. Weiss isn’t as weak minded as you think he is… and he’s a hell of a lot stronger than you give him credit for.” Both mentally and physically.
Restrictor pulled back his blade and laughed. “You are a young fool.” He chuckled again and he relaxed away from the boy, sheathing his weapon. “I’ve known that boy longer than you have. I know that given the right amount of pressure and he’ll fold over like paper. I’ve done it to him before and he’ll be like that again.” He seemed to consider Nero for a moment. “You just take away everything he loves away and he’s depressed again. He’s just a little boy after all.”
So that’s why he was putting him in here? Just so he would be away from Weiss?
“I think a month should do it. I can’t wait until you see what I’ve done with him by then.” He didn’t know why, but he had so much fun playing them off of each other.
“Leave him alone!”
Ah, there we go. He would laugh if it wasn’t so predictable. “I’ll do whatever I like… and so will he.” He gagged Nero then, not wanting to deal with his horrid screaming.
“Restrictor!” Hojo’s voice came over the loud speaker.
“Ah, he calls.” Restrictor shrugged as if there was nothing for it. “See you in a month Nero-kun.”
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It was only a week that he had to stay there. It took him that entire time to figure out what he would say to Weiss when he saw him. He thought to yell at him at first, demand why he did that for him. But after his anger had worn off… how horrible would it have been. Weiss had protected him. What kind of wretch would he have been to throw that back in his face? He would never be able to forgive himself!
Just for that thought alone he was almost thankful he was away from Weiss until now. It gave him a chance to cool his head and think of what he wanted to say. Thank you seemed so awful. ‘Nii-san, thank you for letting someone brutalize you on my account. You really shouldn’t have done it because I’m not even worthy to be in your presence much less be your brother. But thanks all the same!’ Nero had been staring at his front door for nearly half an hour now. He really didn’t want to go in! He still didn’t know what to say but at least he knew what not to say.
There was no point to this. He sighed, he needed to go in there and just get this over with. Then they could be together again at least.
He pushed the key through the knob, it stuck before he jerked it and swung the door open. His brother was there, sitting at the table and staring off into space. “Brother?” His only response was to look at him. Nero began walking to him but his eyes made him stop short. They were utterly hollow not unlike Shelke’s… they might even carried less feeling if that was even possible.
“You’re staying?” Weiss’ voice was monotone at best.
What kind of question was that? “Of course!” But he realized! Weiss would’ve known he was outside. He felt him sometimes. “Did you know I was standing outside?” When Weiss looked away it told him he had. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry. I was just trying to think of what to say.”
Weiss nodded. So that’s how it was? He guessed that it was too much to hope that they wouldn’t drift apart somewhat after something like this happened. “I’m sorry.” Was he going to leave him now? Weiss almost trembled at the thought. He would die without him.
“For what?”
“Everything.” For you finding out. For making you stay. For being alive.
Weiss used to be so happy, so confidant and full of self worth. What in the hell happened? Well, he knew what happened… but still. Had Restrictor…? “Did he do anything else to you?”
Weiss shook his head no. He hadn’t done anything but be in his presence, and that was enough. Not to mention he reminded him in ever so subtle ways of what he did to him and what he might like to do with him in the future. He had to smile and agree because Nero was still vulnerable. He had just gotten out of the infirmary yesterday. He still wasn’t one hundred percent by any means but at least it was deemed that he could take care of himself. “You’re okay?”
He knew what he meant and nodded. “I’m fine, really.” No need to elaborate though. “I need a shower,” He probably reeked from not bathing for a week. “But I’m okay.”
“Good.” His eyes moved away from him then.
He knew what he would say now. It seemed so simple. “Weiss?” His brother looked at him. “I love you.” He went to him and leaned down to hold him for a moment. “I’m not going to leave. I won’t ever leave you again. I’ll stay here forever.”
“Forever?” Weiss asked.
Nero smiled. “Forever and a day.” And he kissed his cheek.
---------------------------------
Nero watched his brother stare off blankly. He still hadn't talked to him much, not when he was still weak like he was. It took longer for him to heal than normal, probably due to his mental state. Weiss just stayed locked into his room when he wasn't in his chambers downstairs. He often stayed where he left him, in the same position, with the same look on his face...
Nero didn't think this would happen to him. He seemed like he would be alright at first... he might have said a few words before he clammed up and didn't say a thing. He felt anxiety wafting off of him when he couldn't quite get around on his own. Only when his strength returned did he gain something of himself back. He walked around more, at least in the house. He poked around, especially to find him and stay silently at his side.
It was unnerving to the say the least, to see him like that. To see his colorful and animated eyes look like that. Tired and dead. He supposed it had something to do with the fact that Restrictor still had charge over him. Hojo had put some boundaries on Restrictor, but other than that, he was still as able to do anything he wanted anyway.
His hair was a mess. The way it had been shorn made his thick hair look ridiculous. Weiss' hair had been easily as long, if not longer than Nero's had been. He had always taken pride in it, took care of it... and now this. Nero knew it was only a vanity but still. When everything else had been taken away... He caught Weiss quickly when he brought his own blade up, chopping off pieces of his hair.
"Wait!" Nero stopped and pleaded with him. "Nii-san, please. Let me do that. Without a sword please?" Weiss dropped his weapon to the floor with a ‘clank’, silently giving in to his demands. He hated the way it looked. It was so robotic and instant. "We could sit at the table. Do you mind sitting in front of me? I'm short." Weiss only moved where he wanted to, kneeling down into a seiza position. Nero sat behind him. He was still a little tall for this. "Could you bend your head forward a bit?" Weiss complied.
Nero wasn't the best barber in the world, in fact, he wasn't much of one at all since the two of them never cut their hair like this... but he did trim their hair a bit and was responsible for their bangs looking exactly the same. It took him a bit of doing, and his hair was shorter than he wanted it to be due to a few mistakes on his part, but he managed to thin his hair out enough to make it look presentable.
Weiss just stared down and watched as white clumps of his hair filtered down and littered the floor in front and to the side of him. The last piece Nero cut fell down onto the back of his hand and he looked at it.
"Are you alright brother?" Nero asked quietly.
Weiss touched the back of his head, almost shocked to feel it. "It's gone."
-------------------------
He was stressed. Weiss was stressed. They really needed a break. Today was Weiss last day to be excused and he would have to be up and about again like he was. Nero headed to the stairwell and walked up to the apartment. Quite a useless thing to do considering he could fly, but it made him feel close to normal if he used those particular appendages sparingly.
His key got stuck in the door of course, it never worked when he wanted it to. Bloody key! Work! The knob made a clicking sound, hurray. “Weiss!” Nero kicked the door open and startled his brother out of his seat. “Thank goodness I caught you before you got dinner started.” Weiss had never seen him in such a good mood in his life. “Let’s go out and get some drinks!”
Weiss’ lips upturned just a bit slightly amused with him. That was usually his line. “Okay.” He took his haori from off the back of his chair and placed it over his shoulders.
Nero smiled at how his brother was standing. He lifted his chin this time, instead of lowering his head. "Ready?"
-------------------------
He really shouldn’t have gotten drunk. He said all kinds of things he didn’t want Weiss to know. In fact, he said everything he didn’t want to say previously. “Then I told him he could slit his own throat.” Nero uncharacteristically guffawed. “I couldn’t believe I said that! I almost peed myself.”
Weiss just gave him a horrified look.
“Wha? I thaw you’d be pattin’ mey on th’ back.” Nero complained loudly.
Weiss sighed at him. Of course he wasn’t happy he put himself in danger. “Are you drunk?”
“NO!” Nero bellowed, wagging his arm around for emphasis.
“Hm.” He looked away disapprovingly.
“Wha?!” Nero chirped impatiently.
“We’re leaving.”
“Noooooo…” He giggled out a whine. Weiss looked at the assortment of bottles and cups in front of him, he knew he probably only drank two himself. There were… ten… twelve… fifteen. He was going to stop counting now because he wondered how his brother’s stomach hadn’t burst already. That an how he hadn’t passed out into a coma. “What?” Nero chirped.
Weiss just signaled to pay the tab, stood up and threw Nero over his shoulder.
“Weiss… wait! Jusss one more!” Nero laughed, it was fun watching the world flip upside down. He watched his brother's legs walk along, his backside shifting as he moved. If his arms were long enough...
Once they were outside of the bar, Weiss made his way down the cobblestone street just a little more swiftly than necessary for the Emperor of Deepground.
"Weiss? Weiss?" Nero called.
"Yes?"
"Are you drunk too?" He giggled.
"No."
"Awwww... I took you out shoo we could get drunk together! You'w bein' a stick in the mug." He hiccupped.
Nero could say what he liked about him not being able to smoke, but this boy couldn't hold his liquor to save his life… not that anyone could hold that much. Maybe the better expression would be ‘He doesn’t know when to stop?’ Weiss sighed in relief once he saw the way to the elevator. He couldn't wait to get home. He managed to get them into the elevator before he dropped his brother onto his feet.
Nero quickly fell on his ass. He got up on wobbly legs before he fell into him. “Do I know you?” He giggled.
Weiss looked at him impassively. “I’m your brother.”
“Well, you don’ look like my brothel…”
“Brother.” Weiss corrected.
“Yeah, brother. Wha did I say? Anyway… you don’t look like my brothel at all… all three of you!” Then he squinted his eyes just a bit. “Oh… maybe you do… but he’s not here right now right?” He giggled. “He’s… at the bar!”
Weiss lowered his gaze to the floor. “I’m here.”
“Weiss?” Nero turned around, “Where’d he go? I jus’ heard him.”
His brother was an absolute idiot when he was drunk… at least it was amusing to watch him. “Weeel…. Anyway… wanna give me a kiss stranger? You’re pretty enough.”
Weiss turned away from him. He felt gentle hands at his waist that pulled him back.
“Don’t be like that.” He sniffed him and Weiss rolled his eyes. “Mmmm! You smell good… like candy and flowers.”
And you smell like a distillery and a smoke stack. He wanted to retort, but he didn’t.
Watching his brother act like this was sobering. He thought maybe if he did something normal with him that maybe things would get back to normal... maybe he would remember how fun it was to play around with him. It wasn't working. Then other things came to his floating mind... things like guilt.
Weiss felt Nero’s grip on him tighten and little dots of water warming his clothes.
“How could you do that for me?” Nero cried into his arms, his fingers bunching his haori. Weiss' eyes lowered. “I don’t care what happens to me!” He sniffed. “I’d take everything from you! I’d take all the pain if I could." He choked then. “I don’t care about myself.”
“Don’t say that.” Weiss’ arms went around him.
“I don’t!” Nero affirmed. “I just wanted to always see you smile.”
Weiss tried appeasing him by smiling. It was only a ghost though. It didn’t reach his eyes… like it always did. Nero started crying all over again. All he could feel was hopelessness.
Nero mentally kicked himself. What a stupid idea this had been. He was drunk as hell and he was saying such awful things to his brother… and he had given up everything for him.
If he had ever wondered what Weiss thought of him before this day, he couldn’t doubt it anymore. He loved him completely, as any brother would… maybe even more. He had sacrificed his body, pride and dignity to save him. He was someone who had nothing, someone who had been raped before and someone who slept with other people. He didn’t deserve to be his brother. He didn’t deserve to live for talking to him like that! He was… an ugly person.
But no, he couldn’t leave it at that. He couldn’t just roll over and act like a baby or some stupid brat of a kid. He needed to be a man now for his brother. He needed to show him that he could deal with this. He needed to have some dignity of his own and bloody well treat his brother with some sort of respect after everything he did for him.
“Weiss?” Weiss acknowledged him through a sound. “I’m sorry. Thank you for saving me.” His brother only placed his hand on the top of his head. He understood. "When it happens it'll be special." He said, hoping Weiss would know. "It'll be magical... just like we said."
-------------------------
This was just awful! He managed to burn or ruin everything he made. Nero whimpered at his pathetic effort. What he wouldn’t do to be able to make a grilled cheese sandwich right now for Weiss. He really couldn’t do this! If he screwed up all of their food they would be starving until their next grocery day. Weiss always knew how to cook and make things last until then… sometimes they even had more… and…
He felt a strong but gentle hand take the spatula from him and grabbed the burnt pan off of the stove. He flipped the ruined contents into the trash before he dipped it into the sink, the metal sizzling water as it cooled rapidly.
“Sorry.” Nero apologized.
“Don’t be.” Weiss said simply. “I’ll make dinner.”
“Really? Are you sure?” Nero wondered if it would be alright to let him.
“Yes.” Again, short and sweet.
“Thank goodness! I’d probably burn down the apartment.” Nero thought might it would be a good time to compliment him. “You’re so much better at this than I am. I’d starve if it weren’t for you.”
Weiss smiled ever so slightly. At least there was something he could still do for him.
-------------------------
It was his birthday. Weiss still hadn’t said much up until yesterday. But today he acted almost normal. It would be heart warming to see if he didn’t know it was all an act. “Happy birthday.” Weiss hesitantly kissed his forehead, as if he were wondering if it was still alright to do. He sat next to him and sliced a piece of cake for him and put it on his plate.
“You don’t have to do this.” Nero said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Weiss asked, pretending he didn’t know what he meant. He mashed his cake with his fork. Nero remembered him doing that when they were younger.
“You don’t have to act like you’re happy just because it’s my birthday.”
How could he say that? It was the only thing keeping him sane! He felt like he had been found out. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t Weiss.” Nero looked at him, begging him to just be himself. He wanted to tell him that when he was ready he could act like that. He just wanted him to go through the motions… but Weiss had already gone back to his room and closed the door behind him.
He looked at Weiss’ neglected piece of cake. He didn’t eat any of it, but rather, pushed it around on his plate to make it look like he had. He hadn’t been eating much lately and it was starting to show.
Nero poked at his own cake and decided to take a bite. It was good.
-------------------------
Nero heard his door opening. He didn’t have turn around to know it was Weiss. He silently wondered what he needed, but he made no movements lest he frightened him away. Weiss neared his bed and looked down at him for a time, until he felt compelled to look at him. He turned his head ever so slightly and looked up at him. He just looked down at him with those dull soulless eyes. As bright and warm as they used to be, they looked like a river of ice right now. He couldn’t help but focus on them. “Weiss?”
“I’m lonely.”
He was afraid. He could tell. “What can I do for you?” He wanted nothing more than to invite him into his bed, but he worried that might be a little too forward.
“Let me stay here.”
Thank goodness. “Wouldn’t you rather sleep in your own bed?” Nero asked, when Weiss’ eyes dropped a little. “I mean, I’ll sleep in there with you. It’s just your bed is bigger and a lot less squeaky than mine.”
“Oh.” Weiss said simply.
“Here, let me get up.” Nero offered, tossing his legs over the bed and standing. “I’ll come with you.” He waited for Weiss to move, but when he just stood there he took the lead and padded along to his bed room just down the hallway.
His Nii-san followed behind him silently and moved onto the bed. Nero settled in next to him before cautiously reaching over him to shut off the light. Nero watched him for a time, waiting for something to happen. Weiss just stared at him, unseeing into the darkness that surrounded him. It was like he was meeting him for the first time all over again.
Weiss blinked a couple times, his face contorting for a moment or two before it went placid.
Nero realized, that in all this time… Weiss hadn’t really cried… not even once since he found him.
Nero didn’t know what he was expecting this whole time. It wasn’t like Weiss could come through the door again and save him from this situation. But he tried. He tried to save Nero, he was realizing that now. Holding it in, not saying a word, not crying because he thought it would upset him. He didn’t even get upset when he yelled at him in the elevator up when he didn’t deserve any ill treatment least from him.
Nero didn’t deserve to be saved… and yet Weiss had done it over and over again. He gave up everything so that he could be happy. The least he could do would be to be here for him now. “It’s okay to cry.”
“I cried for him.” Weiss covered his face in shame and his body shook. “I didn’t want to. I couldn't stop myself.”
“I know.” Nero held him closer to him and ran his fingers through his shortened hair… feeling even that seemed to upset Weiss. His body shook pitifully. “It’s okay to let go. I’m here.”
Weiss crushed him in his grasp making it hard to breathe, but he wasn't going to complain. He only stroked his hair and cooed gently to him as his tears fell and his quiet sniffling turned to sobbing and then he cried out painfully against him. It tore at his heart and all he could do was watch in misery as his brother, someone who he had thought was invincible at one point, break down. He couldn't do anything at all. He couldn't turn back time. If he could... he would. He wished he could take it all away. “Tell me what happened.” He offered.
That just sent Weiss into another fit of sobbing. “I can’t!”
He needed to make sure he knew it was okay. “Then don’t. I’ll be here when you’re ready. Even if it takes forever.”
Nero realized that he had just been foolish before. He was still clinging to his childishness that kept him where he never wanted to be in the first place. It would be alright. It would be alright because he would find the will to be who Weiss needed him to be. He wouldn't cry even after Weiss shed all the tears he had. This time, he would save him. "I love you, Nii-san."
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Author's notes: Holy crap! I finished something I started for once hehe. I have problems finishing multi-chaptered stories and it makes me soooo friggin’ happy that I could do it. Granted, it wasn’t the nicest story in the whole wide world but at least we know what happens in “Just the Same” and “Let’s Talk” so it makes it better.
This series has been my most favorite to write about. Uke Weiss is just so much fun hehe.
Even though this story bears some resemblance to “Forever and a Day” it really doesn’t follow along with it. I’ve been thinking of going back and re-working that story and making follow this storyline a bit more. It definitely couldn’t hurt it much.
I don’t know if I’ll continue on with this series though (as much fun as it is).
I’m going to go back and read through the whole series tonight… and make sure there aren’t any plot holes… don’t need to pull a Lucas.
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Would you like some Nero Weiss Fanart from this series of uke Weiss stories? There are some more mature pics that you will have to sign in to see unfortunately. Most of them are viewable by everyone though.
In Moments:
Nero Finds Weiss:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43604358/
Young Weiss and Marshmallow:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44689203/
Restrictor-sama (without his mask on):
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42586446/
Doctor Vivian:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44681905/
Just the Same:
Nero and Weiss in bed together:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42578974/
Nero touches Weiss’ face as he kneels:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43730256/?
Nero kisses Weiss on the bed:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43967033/
Let’s Talk:
Nero actually gets tired looking:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43669712/
Nero embraces Weiss. “Thanks for Loving Me”:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44464671/
Misc Nero and Weiss Pictures:
Young Nero and Weiss Sleeping:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44746580/
Sketch of Nero as a young adult:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44681623/
Young Weiss and Nero Picture from “Thanks for Loving Me” Wall:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44537256/
Nero likes to make the bed:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43966738/
Nero and Weiss ‘do it’ on the floor:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43511315/
Weiss in his ‘cold weather clothes: I didn’t do a lot of shading so my bro said it made him look like a weird lady in a muumuu or something. Damn!
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43444801/
Nero and Weiss in the darkness. Not from the series but its Uke-Weiss:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42954929/
Nero Steals a Kiss – just to warn you – not my best pic ever:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42955504/
Like Weiss on Rice
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Author’s notes: If you’ve read my one shot “Forever and a Day” some parts are going to sound very familiar.
---------------------------------
Night and day
There’s a burning down inside of me
Burning love
With a yearning that wont let me be
Down I go
And I just cant take it all alone
I really should be holding you
Holding you
Loving you loving you
---------------------------------
Restrictor walked through the hallways, checking in every room and giving a slight wave to anyone who would happen to glance his way. Weiss was standing next to a woman with dark hair, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Weiss, just the person he wanted to see.
The boy had his back to him, blissfully unaware that he was being crept up on. He could only look at the woman standing in front of him as she talked in that sweet way of hers. He gasped and squealed when he felt strong arms grab him under the arms and swung him in the air.
“Gotcha pussy cat!”
“Daddy!” He laughed.
“That’s my boy.” He tucked him under his arm like he might a foot ball and ruffled his hair a little.
“Don’t play too roughly with him.” Leda reminded.
“I won’t.” He winked at her and she pushed his shoulder. “Gotta go though. Make sure you talk to Genesis before you head home… that task master wanted to have a ‘word’ with him.” He rolled his eyes.
“I hope they fire him, he’s just awful.”
His lips twitched wryly, “I don’t think he’s going anywhere unfortunately.” He leaned down to kiss her. He got a glint in his eye before he playfully swatted at her rump knowing she would turn a furious shade of red before she stomped away angrily.
“Mama doesn’t like that.” Weiss said.
“She does.” He laughed, moving back from where he came. “She just doesn’t know it yet.”
“Restrictor,” Someone said simply.
He turned around and saw Doctor Vivian smiling at him in her own way. “Don’t have to call me by my title Doctor. It’s either Mr. Z. or Zeus. Don’t forget it.”
She nodded. “I was wondering if you could help me.”
He nodded instantly. “Sure.”
She brightened. “Hojo has been talking about hiring someone else with your same position in the next year or two.”
Mr. Z nodded again. It wasn’t unusual to have two Restrictors down here at once after all. Well, when Doctor Valentine was still around anyway.
“My son needs a job. He’s a very strong boy, I’m sure he would help you out.” She also wanted him to have a job he could be proud of. He had been so misguided after all. She couldn’t help but blame herself as well. The least she could do for her son would to help him get this position.
He seemed to consider it for a moment. “Can’t hurt to have an extra pair of hands around here I guess. Sure, I’ll recommend him. Bring him down here closer to the hiring date and I’ll test him.”
“You won’t regret it!” She smiled.
He never saw her smile that brightly before. “You’re welcome Doctor.”
“Vivian.” She said.
“Vivian.” He nodded.
“Vivian.” Weiss repeated after the two of them, reminding them both that he was still there.
“How are you doing today Weiss?”
“Fine.” He wasn’t taught to ask how someone else was doing, so he just left it at that.
“He looks a lot like you Zeus.” She shook her head. “Minus the walrus mustache of course.”
He looked affronted. “I’ll have you know it makes me look distinguished.”
“Daddy does look like a walrus… mama said so.” Weiss divulged.
“Did she now?” Zeus laughed before heading back to the original subject. “I don’t know, I think he looks like Leda.”
“No, wishful thinking I’m afraid.” She teased. “He’s your spitting image.”
“He has her crazy hair though… and her eyes.”
“His eyes are blue like yours.” Vivian looked at the boy, who was quickly growing tired of being the subject of their conversation.
“Look at this.” He lifted Weiss up to her height. “He’s got that ring around his eyes like she does. Someone will fall in love with them one day! Mark my words. That’s why I fell in love with Leda. Well… that and her ass.” He barked a laugh, startling both doctor and child with the sound of it. “Is ‘it’ ready Vivian?”
“That’s why I wanted to see you.” Vivian nodded. “I do. ‘It’ is on the second floor ready to be picked up.”
“I’m lucky I have you to do my dirty work.”
“I agree, considering I’m a licensed doctor. Such things are beneath me.”
“I know I know.” He appreciated it. “It’s only because you love me so much.”
Vivian smiled ever so slightly, he wouldn’t know how true that statement was but she laughed anyway.
“What’s ‘it’?” Weiss asked.
“He’s so smart.” Vivian cooed. “How old is he again?”
“One.”
“That can’t be right.” Vivian shook her head.
“He’s smart as a whip.” Zeus boasted. “Good thing he doesn’t take after his old man.”
“Zeus…” Vivian shook her head.
“Experiments and such.” Zeus explained. “I guess it sounds awful letting them do that to the kids, but if it didn’t work with Leda and me we probably wouldn’t have consented.”
“I know.” Vivian nodded. Lots of people were having experimental procedures done on them down here… especially employees that didn’t have to pay to have them done. If anything, it showed their faith that Shinra wasn’t out to hurt them.
Things were changing though. Hojo wasn’t moving towards benevolent medicine and ways to improve people. If anything, he was trying to twist people around. He seemed like one of those mad scientists on those old horror movies. “He’s big enough to be five.” Her son, as big as he was, was never that large at the age of one.
“Like me again I’m afraid.” Zeus bounced Weiss on his arm to keep him occupied. “I was a big boy when I was little. I’ve got to carry him around now since he’s getting too big for Leda to hold.” He dislodged Weiss’ fingers from the high black collar of his uniform. “It’ll even out though. At one point Leda was taller than me when we were kids. He’ll probably shoot up again when he’s fourteen or so.” Weiss was getting antsy though, he needed to be on his way. “Well, I’m headed out. Take care of yourself Viv.”
“You too.” She nodded and watched him leave.
---------------------------------
“What’s ‘it’ daddy?”
“You’ll find out.” Weiss made an impatient noise at his answer. “You’ll like it.”
“Is it a present?” He brightened.
“Maybe.”
“Daadddd!” Weiss flopped under his arm.
“You’ll find out. Stop bugging me about it pussy cat.” Zeus silently walked up the stairs, he never took the elevator. He didn’t want to become lazy. “Here we are.” He reached the second level finally. “Now let’s get ‘it’!” He taunted his son.
Weiss made a noise of displeasure when his father walked into one of the offices.
“Restrictor-san, how are you? Here to pick it up?”
“What’s ‘it’?!” Weiss wondered if he would give up whatever this gift was.
“Why,” The man grinned. “It is right here.” He popped a small carrier on the counter. It had the Shrina emblem on the side.
Weiss looked at it curiously. “A crate?”
“It’s inside.” His father laughed.
“I know!” Weiss huffed.
“Let’s open it up and find out what’s inside.” Zeus pinched the handle, the door swung open and something fuzzy bounced out and onto the floor. The suddenness of the movement startled Weiss enough to make him gasp. His father put him onto the ground.
It seemed like it wanted to run away for a moment, but became instantly distracted by licking its fluffy paw. Weiss was enthralled. “A kitty!”
“Shhh… don’t yell.” His father warned. “You’ll scare him.”
“Oh.” Weiss whispered quietly.
“You can talk normally son,” Zeus laughed, “Just don’t yell.”
“Okay.” Weiss looked at the mass of fawn colored hair, his face, tail and feet were doted with an almost black sort of brown. Its blue eyes were absolutely round and huge. He also had the longest whiskers ever. He was so cute! He couldn’t wait to squeeze him.
Zeus watched his son. “Be gentle now. You’re really strong so if you hug him too hard it’ll hurt him a lot.”
Weiss made a mental note of that. “Okay.”
Zeus was worried at first, maybe a dog would’ve been a better companion for someone like Weiss. Cats were sometimes a little too standoffish and he might have wanted something a little more relaxed with him. But apparently he was wrong. The cat seemed to take to his son instantly. It wasn’t a kitten, but an older cat and it knew what it liked. It rubbed itself all over the boy, head butting him and purred so loudly someone in the next room thought their phone was vibrating.
Weiss was doing a pretty good job though, he didn’t make any sudden movements and he was as gentle with his new pet as he promised to be. “You’ve been a good boy Weiss. Happy birthday.” He ruffled his hair again. “What are you going to name him?”
“Marshmallow.” He said instantly.
---------------------------------
“You’re going to give that cat a bald spot if you keep brushing him like that Weiss.” Genesis warned.
“Nah-uh!” Weiss retorted, waving the soft bristled brush at him. “Besides, Mash likes it.”
“Why did you call him Marshmallow anyway? He’s got brown fur.”
“He’s a toasted marshmallow.” Weiss explained, as if that made all the sense in the world. “He’s so soft and fluffy.” He kissed the top of Marsh’s head.
“He sounds like a motorboat.” Genesis laughed, kicking his feet up onto the coffee table. The cat had been purring since it sat on Weiss’ lap.
“Isn’t he the best? Daddy got him for me.” He pat him gently with his hands, placing the brush carelessly to the side.
Weiss probably mentioned their father about a hundred times in the last week. He sure knew how to win kids over. “He sure is.” Genesis gave the cat a scratch under his chin.
---------------------------------
Weiss sat on the floor in a big room they put him. His brother was gone and his father was dead.
Things had started to get weird about a year ago. His mother had been pregnant with twins and they took his little sisters away. It was very strange. His parents had been upset, not at each other but what was happening. They didn’t get to leave the Shinra building anymore, none of them.
They said Genesis was too strong for his own good and disappeared.
His mother was dismally upset over her new pregnancy. Despite her happiness that it was another boy she only said: “They’ll only take him away too.”
His father went missing for an entire day. They found his body outside on the grounds. His mother went hysterical when she saw him. It didn’t help him understand any better why his father was left on the ground with a gaping hole in his throat.
He could only clutch onto a purring Marsh while he cried. He watched his pregnant mother burry his father. It was one of the worst memories he had ever had.
He sniffed and rubbed his arm over his eyes. He didn’t understand. They had all been so happy just a short time ago… and now everyone was leaving him. He got up and hefted himself up into the adult sized chair they put in the room for him. It was uncomfortable but when he did Marsh took it as an invite to sit on him. As if on cue the cat appeared and jumped from his place on the floor to Weiss’ lap. He began purring almost immediately.
“I hate Restrictor.” Weiss mumbled while patting Marsh’ soft fur. “He’s mean and I didn’t do anything.” Everything was unfair now. He did everything that man said and more and he still got punished.
Marsh was still here though, and his presence made him feel better. At least he purred and calmed his nerves. Without his parents there though, he had to take care of his cat himself, and he wasn’t at all sure how to go about doing that. He just fed him some of his food and gave him his water and cleaned out his litter box. He hoped that would be okay. “Don’t worry Marsh, I’ll take care of you.” He combed his fingers through his hair, trying to pull out a tangle that was forming.
“I want my mom.” He hugged his giant fluffy cat to him and kissed his head.
---------------------------------
“Shut that cat up!”
“He’s just talking.” Weiss said. Marsh was looking at a particularly juicy moth floating around the wall. He meowed again in that sweet melodic way. Restrictor stalked up to the animal and scruffed it. Weiss jumped at that. “Don’t hurt him!” He went up to him and held out his arms like he should give him the cat. “I’ll hold him and make sure he’s quiet.” He smiled when it seemed like Restrictor would give him his way, lowering his pet down to him.
Restrictor grinned slightly. The boy couldn’t see it though. He didn’t know his true intentions until he crushed the cat’s fragile neck and let it drop to the ground in front of him. What he didn’t expect was the ear shattering scream that issued forth from his young charge.
---------------------------------
“Stop pouting you little pussy cat.” Restrictor unconsciously mimicked his predecessor.
That was the last straw for Weiss. “No one calls me that but daddy!” That was the first time he ever tried to attack Restrictor, it wouldn’t be his last.
---------------------------------
Weiss heard crying in the room when he rushed through the door. Restrictor didn’t follow him in that time. “Mama?” He called softly but there was nothing. There were black billowing clouds of smoke rolling from the ground. It seemed like the room was on fire and he expected it might be hot. But the room felt relatively normal except for the oppressive darkness.
Things were everywhere. Pieces were missing from machines and furniture. Everything seemed so surreal.
The crying turned to angry screaming and he snapped from the distractions caused from the scenery. His little brother was on the floor. Did they drop him?! He was covered in that dark stuff and he panicked.
“It’s okay.” Weiss bent down and scooped him up, remembering what his father said about Marsh. He needed to be gentle. “I’m here now.” Nero instantly quieted when he touched him. He tried brushing the darkness away only for more to appear. He was afraid that it might be hurting his brother… but when the baby snuggled into him, he seemed content.
He didn’t know why, but he never felt so connected to anyone in his life as he did Nero. He could take care of him. He wouldn’t let him go. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He promised.
Nero opened his eyes and he saw that they were red. “You look like mama.” Weiss observed. “You’re eyes are like hers.” Nero’s face turned and Weiss looked at him curiously as he turned his small face towards his chest. His small mouth bit down and latched onto his nipple. “Ow! OW! Hey!” He yelled. “I’m a boy! A boy!”
---------------------------------
For eight long years he had been dead. Besides bursts of anger or sadness that would overwhelm him he was relatively quiet. He followed along with Restrictor with whatever he asked. He might as well have been a living robot.
He had been literally stripped from everyone who loved him. If he didn’t have the video feeds from a few years ago or Vivian’s reminders he might have thought everything was just a dream. Happiness seemed a distant memory.
Nero had been his last hope. He overheard that he was going to be useful, or at least that he would be a great test subject. Surely they wouldn’t kill him or put him away somewhere. Then he died and everything was dark and dreary.
Which was why, at this point in time when he just happened to be NET diving for a test, he was almost overwhelmed by emotion when he found a file on his brother in the system’s main computer under “Test Subjects” with a recent date attached.
For the first time since his mother died he felt a rush of hope and happiness.
---------------------------------
When he was fifteen years old they could finally be together officially. They gave him a two bedroom apartment and asked who he might like to live with. It was no surprise when he said his brother’s name before they could finish asking the question.
Weiss had already been burdened down with enough responsibility, but when it came to this it didn’t matter. He had to prove himself or they would take this away from him. He would do his best.
Nero, as skinny and short as ever followed him through the house with just as much excitement. “Will this be my room Nii-san?” He squeaked looking into the smaller room. He almost couldn’t believe that this was happening to him. His life had been an absolute misery and then this boy showed up out of nowhere one day… fed him… and then he found out he had a brother. It might have taken him a couple years but he finally calmed down enough to relax around him. Nero almost didn’t know who he was anymore… but he liked who he had become.
“Yeah, unless you want the other.” Weiss offered.
“No, I like this one! It’s close to the bathroom.” Nero said quickly. His brother deserved the larger room! He was his big brother after all.
---------------------------------
Nero looked at the food in front of him a little distastefully. It all looked really bad and weird. Weiss was the one who made it but he was looking at it as if it were something from another planet. Weiss was looking at it just the same way he was, afraid to even eat it. He looked disappointed as he poked at it with his fork experimentally. His poor Nii-san! He tried really hard to make dinner so he should try some and pretend it’s good even if he hated it.
Nero stabbed a piece of beef with his fork and shoveled it quickly into his mouth He prepared for the worst when he chewed it… but… He put his hand to his lips.
“Is it that bad?” Weiss had been watching him the whole time. “Spit it out if you don’t like it.”
But he didn’t and he swallowed it. “Wow Nii-san! I didn’t know you knew how to cook!” He giggled. “You really scared me.”
Weiss laughed, Nero apparently thought he was joking with him earlier. “I don’t know how to cook.”
He must be a natural. “Will you cook everyday?” Nero asked.
“Sure.” Weiss smiled at him.
---------------------------------
His brother was always tired. Nero frowned as he found Weiss sleeping on the couch again. He put a blanket over him and let him sleep in while he grabbed a box of cereal. He poured some milk over it and grabbed a spoon out of the drawer. He sat at the table and looked around the apartment. It was pretty dirty. Two young males were obviously staying here. They needed to keep it clean otherwise they wouldn’t get to live here anymore.
Weiss tried really hard to do everything. He did lots of stuff for him while doing all of his other duties… and having to deal with Restrictor too. No one ever bothered him much. They didn’t think he was worth their effort.
Maybe he should help out a bit. While Weiss was gone today he would pick up stuff around the house and wipe down everything.
From that day on he decided he was going to be the person to clean up the place and enjoy it. He might have gone a little mental over it even. His brother might have teased him about being a neat freak… but he always knew he appreciated it by how he looked when he got home or how he pat his head when he found him doing something useful.
---------------------------------
Weiss’ eyes blinked open. His brother was sitting next to his bedside, his dark head resting against the sheets. His first thought was to touch his hair and tell him that he was awake, but he could only twitch his hand at best.
He could see out of his left eye again. His more serious wounds were gone, but all of the mirror injuries were still there… reminding him of how they got there. At least they cleaned him up. He didn’t feel the blood between his legs or any other bodily fluids that he had been spattered with. He tried shifting a bit to get more comfortable and he flinched. He was still sore… in fact… it didn’t feel like they healed him at all.
What did they do? Heal certain parts of him selectively so he could still feel and see what happened to him before? The thought just made him tremble. Wasn’t it bad enough that he beat and shamed him?
He knew that if Vivian would have been here she would’ve healed him properly. The doctor seemed to like him and Nero well enough. She wasn’t like everyone else. She was the only thing that reminded him of how things used to be. She was fair.
How did he get here though? Did Nero call for some aid in carrying him here? He must have. He didn’t think he had the ability to lift someone like him. Not with all of the extra weight he had on him already. How many people saw him on the way here? He wished he could die.
He looked down at little Nero’s head again. Wasn’t he worth living for though? So he could make him happy?
No. He had apologized for making him stay recently. If he had killed him in his darkness all those years ago… he could’ve escaped and been happy. If he had said it was okay to go…
Weiss remembered that day when he realized what Nero could do. He could disappear and reappear almost anywhere he wished. He left once to go outside. He told Weiss about it… and rather than be excited he felt close to panic. That was the first time he remembered begging anyone to do anything. He begged him to stay. He made him promise.
Weiss didn’t know though, that it was never Nero’s intention to leave him. He just wanted to bring him back something pretty from outside because he couldn’t do it himself. Nero had been so ashamed for making him worry he never gave him the little branch he broke off from a tree, with little flowers on it.
“Brother?” Nero woke up with a start. He had hoped that maybe Weiss would’ve slept longer or at least until Vivian had arrived. He didn’t want to say this, but he wanted to explain. “I’m sorry that you aren’t feeling well. I would’ve made them heal you if I could.”
But he couldn’t, which meant Restrictor had been here. Why was he still hanging around? Didn’t he have anything better to do… like sleep?
Nero was just waking up and he realized he had to tell him something before it happened. “He’s waiting outside for you to wake up.” He tried to be as quiet as possible but Restrictor probably heard him the first time around. The door was opening and the man stepped through. He took his brother’s hand then, trying to give him support.
“I see you’re finally awake.” He strode up to the two of them, close enough to be uncomfortable.
Nero wanted to glare at him, it had only been two hours since he found him and he was already coming back to torment him.
“Good. I wanted you to get a chance to say goodbye to Nero. I’ve been ordered to have him locked up for a little while.” He hadn’t, but Nero was overdue for a little solitary confinement. That and he wanted Weiss to remain devastated for a while and having Nero there to comfort him wasn’t going to help.
Nero didn’t like the sound of that, maybe being sent to his room earlier was what he thought it was. He didn’t want to be chained up again but he would remain calm until he left Weiss. He didn’t want to see him frantic after what happened to him.
“Got nothing to say?” He chuckled at Weiss’ curious look, “You’ll be coming with me then.” Restrictor grabbed Nero’s shoulder and started pushing him out the door.
Nero looked back at him for a moment with a worried expression on his face. He wasn’t worried for himself, he was worried about how Weiss would feel without him there.
Restrictor’s head turned then, Weiss could almost see the smirk on his face as he led Nero out and away from him. There was only one reason why he would be was taking Nero away from him so quickly! He was going to go back on his word! “Stop!” He screamed. “We had a deal!”
“And what deal was that?” Restrictor let amusement filter into his voice.
“You said you wouldn’t if I-!”He had been so upset he didn’t realize Nero was in the same room and looking at him with a strange kind of horror.
“If you-?” Restrictor paused, ah, just as he planned. He really did get to have everything after all.
He was going to make him say it. Nero was more important than pride though, and it didn’t matter if he saved face especially in this situation. “If I didn’t fight you, you would leave him alone.” He watched Nero cover his face like he couldn’t stand the sight of him. It was okay as long as he was alright it he didn’t mind.
“As I recall you did fight back.” Restrictor mentioned and watched Weiss’ face break into despair. Usually so stoic and angry looking… he really had a deep range of emotions when he was upset. “But I might reconsider if you beg me.” He had no interest in Nero whatsoever but it was delightfully entertaining to taunt him. He might as well get his kicks in when he could, because after Hojo and Vivian woke up he was going to be a in a lot trouble.
Nero looked like he was about to protest this mistreatment. When he moved his hands away from his face Restrictor sealed his mouth with his hand and slammed the back of his head into the wall.
Damn it all to hell. He could barely move much less get up and help him. “Please don’t do this Restrictor-sama. I’m sorry.”
“That didn’t sound very sincere Weiss.” He chuckled. “Why don’t you try that again… with a different name?”
For the first time Weiss realized Restrictor had not only clamped his hand around Nero’s mouth but his nose as well. Nero was turning blue right in front of him. He hated him but he bent his head down, his torn and weak body protesting the strain. “Master, please don’t hurt him! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
“I’m not so sure… every time I let you have your way you are always so ungrateful afterwards.”
What did he have to say? “I won’t fight you ever again, I promise.”
Nero wanted to scream for him to stop! It didn’t matter, he wasn’t worth it! Don’t let him do this to you. Don’t say things like that… don’t say things that make it sound like you’d let him do it again. But he couldn’t. He could only lay prone against the wall while Restrictor cut his air off. He was starting to feel lightheaded.
“I’ll do whatever you say.”
Weiss! Nero closed his eyes and tears started running down his face. This was all his fault! If he wasn’t so weak… his brother wouldn’t have had to worry about him.
“That’s better.” Restrictor released Nero and he fell to the ground coughing. He jerked him up by the arm roughly.
“Wait!” Weiss saw what he was doing.
“I promised I wouldn’t touch him.” Restrictor said offhandedly, “But he’s still going to be chained up.” He hauled Nero out the door, leaving Weiss with a look of shock on his face… until it melted away and he just lay there quietly.
Don’t take me away from my brother! He needs me! But it wouldn’t matter if he said that to Restrictor. Nero didn’t seem to care that he was being dragged to his room. His legs scraped the ground while he cried bitterly. If he could, he would swallow this man alive. He’d draw his death out so long he’d beg him to kill him before the end. But he couldn’t.
When they arrived into the room Restrictor strapped his arms up but didn’t muzzle him with his mask. He pushed him up to the pillar and began chaining him up, his throat first, then his arms and legs were weighed down with the heavy metal. “You’re brother is rather pathetic isn’t he?” Nero made a sound of anger. “But not nearly as pathetic as you. It took me twice as long to make him cry like a little girl.”
Nero wanted to tear his eyes out and his face showed it.
“The best part was having him beg me to fuck him. You’re brother is rather delicious… I bet you wanted to taste him yourself though.”
Nero’s anger rose to dangerous levels, did he know?
“I guess I could be persuaded not to tell him?” Restrictor ran a hand down his face.
“You think you scare me?” Nero asked suddenly.
Restrictor paused then to consider him. Nero had never been very vocal until now. Usually he allowed Weiss to do the talking for him. He just assumed it was because he was weak spirited.
“I don’t give a shit what you do to me.” Nero glared at him. “If you want to upset me… why don’t you just slit your own throat?” He could see Restrictor visibly bristling. “Surprised? Don’t be.” Weiss was his big brother after all, he emulated him quite a bit and he’d seen Weiss insult Restrictor enough to throw him a few barbs of his own. Nero had never sought to upstage Weiss though, he loved him and respected him too much for that. “I’m not your little bitch and neither is Weiss.”
“What?!”
Nero found a short blade at his neck. He didn’t even flinch once. “You’re pathetic. The only reason you were able to even touch him is because he was weak from being sick. He’s better than you! He’s stronger than anyone I know! He won’t let you win!” He found his voice rising with every sentence he uttered. “You might have somehow made him believe that your stronger than him… but one day he’s going to realize you’re nothing compared to him! He’s going to kill you!”
Murderous thoughts swam through Restrictor’s mind, but if he killed him now he wouldn’t have nearly as much leverage over Weiss. “You think so?”
“I know so. Weiss isn’t as weak minded as you think he is… and he’s a hell of a lot stronger than you give him credit for.” Both mentally and physically.
Restrictor pulled back his blade and laughed. “You are a young fool.” He chuckled again and he relaxed away from the boy, sheathing his weapon. “I’ve known that boy longer than you have. I know that given the right amount of pressure and he’ll fold over like paper. I’ve done it to him before and he’ll be like that again.” He seemed to consider Nero for a moment. “You just take away everything he loves away and he’s depressed again. He’s just a little boy after all.”
So that’s why he was putting him in here? Just so he would be away from Weiss?
“I think a month should do it. I can’t wait until you see what I’ve done with him by then.” He didn’t know why, but he had so much fun playing them off of each other.
“Leave him alone!”
Ah, there we go. He would laugh if it wasn’t so predictable. “I’ll do whatever I like… and so will he.” He gagged Nero then, not wanting to deal with his horrid screaming.
“Restrictor!” Hojo’s voice came over the loud speaker.
“Ah, he calls.” Restrictor shrugged as if there was nothing for it. “See you in a month Nero-kun.”
---------------------------------
It was only a week that he had to stay there. It took him that entire time to figure out what he would say to Weiss when he saw him. He thought to yell at him at first, demand why he did that for him. But after his anger had worn off… how horrible would it have been. Weiss had protected him. What kind of wretch would he have been to throw that back in his face? He would never be able to forgive himself!
Just for that thought alone he was almost thankful he was away from Weiss until now. It gave him a chance to cool his head and think of what he wanted to say. Thank you seemed so awful. ‘Nii-san, thank you for letting someone brutalize you on my account. You really shouldn’t have done it because I’m not even worthy to be in your presence much less be your brother. But thanks all the same!’ Nero had been staring at his front door for nearly half an hour now. He really didn’t want to go in! He still didn’t know what to say but at least he knew what not to say.
There was no point to this. He sighed, he needed to go in there and just get this over with. Then they could be together again at least.
He pushed the key through the knob, it stuck before he jerked it and swung the door open. His brother was there, sitting at the table and staring off into space. “Brother?” His only response was to look at him. Nero began walking to him but his eyes made him stop short. They were utterly hollow not unlike Shelke’s… they might even carried less feeling if that was even possible.
“You’re staying?” Weiss’ voice was monotone at best.
What kind of question was that? “Of course!” But he realized! Weiss would’ve known he was outside. He felt him sometimes. “Did you know I was standing outside?” When Weiss looked away it told him he had. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry. I was just trying to think of what to say.”
Weiss nodded. So that’s how it was? He guessed that it was too much to hope that they wouldn’t drift apart somewhat after something like this happened. “I’m sorry.” Was he going to leave him now? Weiss almost trembled at the thought. He would die without him.
“For what?”
“Everything.” For you finding out. For making you stay. For being alive.
Weiss used to be so happy, so confidant and full of self worth. What in the hell happened? Well, he knew what happened… but still. Had Restrictor…? “Did he do anything else to you?”
Weiss shook his head no. He hadn’t done anything but be in his presence, and that was enough. Not to mention he reminded him in ever so subtle ways of what he did to him and what he might like to do with him in the future. He had to smile and agree because Nero was still vulnerable. He had just gotten out of the infirmary yesterday. He still wasn’t one hundred percent by any means but at least it was deemed that he could take care of himself. “You’re okay?”
He knew what he meant and nodded. “I’m fine, really.” No need to elaborate though. “I need a shower,” He probably reeked from not bathing for a week. “But I’m okay.”
“Good.” His eyes moved away from him then.
He knew what he would say now. It seemed so simple. “Weiss?” His brother looked at him. “I love you.” He went to him and leaned down to hold him for a moment. “I’m not going to leave. I won’t ever leave you again. I’ll stay here forever.”
“Forever?” Weiss asked.
Nero smiled. “Forever and a day.” And he kissed his cheek.
---------------------------------
Nero watched his brother stare off blankly. He still hadn't talked to him much, not when he was still weak like he was. It took longer for him to heal than normal, probably due to his mental state. Weiss just stayed locked into his room when he wasn't in his chambers downstairs. He often stayed where he left him, in the same position, with the same look on his face...
Nero didn't think this would happen to him. He seemed like he would be alright at first... he might have said a few words before he clammed up and didn't say a thing. He felt anxiety wafting off of him when he couldn't quite get around on his own. Only when his strength returned did he gain something of himself back. He walked around more, at least in the house. He poked around, especially to find him and stay silently at his side.
It was unnerving to the say the least, to see him like that. To see his colorful and animated eyes look like that. Tired and dead. He supposed it had something to do with the fact that Restrictor still had charge over him. Hojo had put some boundaries on Restrictor, but other than that, he was still as able to do anything he wanted anyway.
His hair was a mess. The way it had been shorn made his thick hair look ridiculous. Weiss' hair had been easily as long, if not longer than Nero's had been. He had always taken pride in it, took care of it... and now this. Nero knew it was only a vanity but still. When everything else had been taken away... He caught Weiss quickly when he brought his own blade up, chopping off pieces of his hair.
"Wait!" Nero stopped and pleaded with him. "Nii-san, please. Let me do that. Without a sword please?" Weiss dropped his weapon to the floor with a ‘clank’, silently giving in to his demands. He hated the way it looked. It was so robotic and instant. "We could sit at the table. Do you mind sitting in front of me? I'm short." Weiss only moved where he wanted to, kneeling down into a seiza position. Nero sat behind him. He was still a little tall for this. "Could you bend your head forward a bit?" Weiss complied.
Nero wasn't the best barber in the world, in fact, he wasn't much of one at all since the two of them never cut their hair like this... but he did trim their hair a bit and was responsible for their bangs looking exactly the same. It took him a bit of doing, and his hair was shorter than he wanted it to be due to a few mistakes on his part, but he managed to thin his hair out enough to make it look presentable.
Weiss just stared down and watched as white clumps of his hair filtered down and littered the floor in front and to the side of him. The last piece Nero cut fell down onto the back of his hand and he looked at it.
"Are you alright brother?" Nero asked quietly.
Weiss touched the back of his head, almost shocked to feel it. "It's gone."
-------------------------
He was stressed. Weiss was stressed. They really needed a break. Today was Weiss last day to be excused and he would have to be up and about again like he was. Nero headed to the stairwell and walked up to the apartment. Quite a useless thing to do considering he could fly, but it made him feel close to normal if he used those particular appendages sparingly.
His key got stuck in the door of course, it never worked when he wanted it to. Bloody key! Work! The knob made a clicking sound, hurray. “Weiss!” Nero kicked the door open and startled his brother out of his seat. “Thank goodness I caught you before you got dinner started.” Weiss had never seen him in such a good mood in his life. “Let’s go out and get some drinks!”
Weiss’ lips upturned just a bit slightly amused with him. That was usually his line. “Okay.” He took his haori from off the back of his chair and placed it over his shoulders.
Nero smiled at how his brother was standing. He lifted his chin this time, instead of lowering his head. "Ready?"
-------------------------
He really shouldn’t have gotten drunk. He said all kinds of things he didn’t want Weiss to know. In fact, he said everything he didn’t want to say previously. “Then I told him he could slit his own throat.” Nero uncharacteristically guffawed. “I couldn’t believe I said that! I almost peed myself.”
Weiss just gave him a horrified look.
“Wha? I thaw you’d be pattin’ mey on th’ back.” Nero complained loudly.
Weiss sighed at him. Of course he wasn’t happy he put himself in danger. “Are you drunk?”
“NO!” Nero bellowed, wagging his arm around for emphasis.
“Hm.” He looked away disapprovingly.
“Wha?!” Nero chirped impatiently.
“We’re leaving.”
“Noooooo…” He giggled out a whine. Weiss looked at the assortment of bottles and cups in front of him, he knew he probably only drank two himself. There were… ten… twelve… fifteen. He was going to stop counting now because he wondered how his brother’s stomach hadn’t burst already. That an how he hadn’t passed out into a coma. “What?” Nero chirped.
Weiss just signaled to pay the tab, stood up and threw Nero over his shoulder.
“Weiss… wait! Jusss one more!” Nero laughed, it was fun watching the world flip upside down. He watched his brother's legs walk along, his backside shifting as he moved. If his arms were long enough...
Once they were outside of the bar, Weiss made his way down the cobblestone street just a little more swiftly than necessary for the Emperor of Deepground.
"Weiss? Weiss?" Nero called.
"Yes?"
"Are you drunk too?" He giggled.
"No."
"Awwww... I took you out shoo we could get drunk together! You'w bein' a stick in the mug." He hiccupped.
Nero could say what he liked about him not being able to smoke, but this boy couldn't hold his liquor to save his life… not that anyone could hold that much. Maybe the better expression would be ‘He doesn’t know when to stop?’ Weiss sighed in relief once he saw the way to the elevator. He couldn't wait to get home. He managed to get them into the elevator before he dropped his brother onto his feet.
Nero quickly fell on his ass. He got up on wobbly legs before he fell into him. “Do I know you?” He giggled.
Weiss looked at him impassively. “I’m your brother.”
“Well, you don’ look like my brothel…”
“Brother.” Weiss corrected.
“Yeah, brother. Wha did I say? Anyway… you don’t look like my brothel at all… all three of you!” Then he squinted his eyes just a bit. “Oh… maybe you do… but he’s not here right now right?” He giggled. “He’s… at the bar!”
Weiss lowered his gaze to the floor. “I’m here.”
“Weiss?” Nero turned around, “Where’d he go? I jus’ heard him.”
His brother was an absolute idiot when he was drunk… at least it was amusing to watch him. “Weeel…. Anyway… wanna give me a kiss stranger? You’re pretty enough.”
Weiss turned away from him. He felt gentle hands at his waist that pulled him back.
“Don’t be like that.” He sniffed him and Weiss rolled his eyes. “Mmmm! You smell good… like candy and flowers.”
And you smell like a distillery and a smoke stack. He wanted to retort, but he didn’t.
Watching his brother act like this was sobering. He thought maybe if he did something normal with him that maybe things would get back to normal... maybe he would remember how fun it was to play around with him. It wasn't working. Then other things came to his floating mind... things like guilt.
Weiss felt Nero’s grip on him tighten and little dots of water warming his clothes.
“How could you do that for me?” Nero cried into his arms, his fingers bunching his haori. Weiss' eyes lowered. “I don’t care what happens to me!” He sniffed. “I’d take everything from you! I’d take all the pain if I could." He choked then. “I don’t care about myself.”
“Don’t say that.” Weiss’ arms went around him.
“I don’t!” Nero affirmed. “I just wanted to always see you smile.”
Weiss tried appeasing him by smiling. It was only a ghost though. It didn’t reach his eyes… like it always did. Nero started crying all over again. All he could feel was hopelessness.
Nero mentally kicked himself. What a stupid idea this had been. He was drunk as hell and he was saying such awful things to his brother… and he had given up everything for him.
If he had ever wondered what Weiss thought of him before this day, he couldn’t doubt it anymore. He loved him completely, as any brother would… maybe even more. He had sacrificed his body, pride and dignity to save him. He was someone who had nothing, someone who had been raped before and someone who slept with other people. He didn’t deserve to be his brother. He didn’t deserve to live for talking to him like that! He was… an ugly person.
But no, he couldn’t leave it at that. He couldn’t just roll over and act like a baby or some stupid brat of a kid. He needed to be a man now for his brother. He needed to show him that he could deal with this. He needed to have some dignity of his own and bloody well treat his brother with some sort of respect after everything he did for him.
“Weiss?” Weiss acknowledged him through a sound. “I’m sorry. Thank you for saving me.” His brother only placed his hand on the top of his head. He understood. "When it happens it'll be special." He said, hoping Weiss would know. "It'll be magical... just like we said."
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This was just awful! He managed to burn or ruin everything he made. Nero whimpered at his pathetic effort. What he wouldn’t do to be able to make a grilled cheese sandwich right now for Weiss. He really couldn’t do this! If he screwed up all of their food they would be starving until their next grocery day. Weiss always knew how to cook and make things last until then… sometimes they even had more… and…
He felt a strong but gentle hand take the spatula from him and grabbed the burnt pan off of the stove. He flipped the ruined contents into the trash before he dipped it into the sink, the metal sizzling water as it cooled rapidly.
“Sorry.” Nero apologized.
“Don’t be.” Weiss said simply. “I’ll make dinner.”
“Really? Are you sure?” Nero wondered if it would be alright to let him.
“Yes.” Again, short and sweet.
“Thank goodness! I’d probably burn down the apartment.” Nero thought might it would be a good time to compliment him. “You’re so much better at this than I am. I’d starve if it weren’t for you.”
Weiss smiled ever so slightly. At least there was something he could still do for him.
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It was his birthday. Weiss still hadn’t said much up until yesterday. But today he acted almost normal. It would be heart warming to see if he didn’t know it was all an act. “Happy birthday.” Weiss hesitantly kissed his forehead, as if he were wondering if it was still alright to do. He sat next to him and sliced a piece of cake for him and put it on his plate.
“You don’t have to do this.” Nero said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Weiss asked, pretending he didn’t know what he meant. He mashed his cake with his fork. Nero remembered him doing that when they were younger.
“You don’t have to act like you’re happy just because it’s my birthday.”
How could he say that? It was the only thing keeping him sane! He felt like he had been found out. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t Weiss.” Nero looked at him, begging him to just be himself. He wanted to tell him that when he was ready he could act like that. He just wanted him to go through the motions… but Weiss had already gone back to his room and closed the door behind him.
He looked at Weiss’ neglected piece of cake. He didn’t eat any of it, but rather, pushed it around on his plate to make it look like he had. He hadn’t been eating much lately and it was starting to show.
Nero poked at his own cake and decided to take a bite. It was good.
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Nero heard his door opening. He didn’t have turn around to know it was Weiss. He silently wondered what he needed, but he made no movements lest he frightened him away. Weiss neared his bed and looked down at him for a time, until he felt compelled to look at him. He turned his head ever so slightly and looked up at him. He just looked down at him with those dull soulless eyes. As bright and warm as they used to be, they looked like a river of ice right now. He couldn’t help but focus on them. “Weiss?”
“I’m lonely.”
He was afraid. He could tell. “What can I do for you?” He wanted nothing more than to invite him into his bed, but he worried that might be a little too forward.
“Let me stay here.”
Thank goodness. “Wouldn’t you rather sleep in your own bed?” Nero asked, when Weiss’ eyes dropped a little. “I mean, I’ll sleep in there with you. It’s just your bed is bigger and a lot less squeaky than mine.”
“Oh.” Weiss said simply.
“Here, let me get up.” Nero offered, tossing his legs over the bed and standing. “I’ll come with you.” He waited for Weiss to move, but when he just stood there he took the lead and padded along to his bed room just down the hallway.
His Nii-san followed behind him silently and moved onto the bed. Nero settled in next to him before cautiously reaching over him to shut off the light. Nero watched him for a time, waiting for something to happen. Weiss just stared at him, unseeing into the darkness that surrounded him. It was like he was meeting him for the first time all over again.
Weiss blinked a couple times, his face contorting for a moment or two before it went placid.
Nero realized, that in all this time… Weiss hadn’t really cried… not even once since he found him.
Nero didn’t know what he was expecting this whole time. It wasn’t like Weiss could come through the door again and save him from this situation. But he tried. He tried to save Nero, he was realizing that now. Holding it in, not saying a word, not crying because he thought it would upset him. He didn’t even get upset when he yelled at him in the elevator up when he didn’t deserve any ill treatment least from him.
Nero didn’t deserve to be saved… and yet Weiss had done it over and over again. He gave up everything so that he could be happy. The least he could do would be to be here for him now. “It’s okay to cry.”
“I cried for him.” Weiss covered his face in shame and his body shook. “I didn’t want to. I couldn't stop myself.”
“I know.” Nero held him closer to him and ran his fingers through his shortened hair… feeling even that seemed to upset Weiss. His body shook pitifully. “It’s okay to let go. I’m here.”
Weiss crushed him in his grasp making it hard to breathe, but he wasn't going to complain. He only stroked his hair and cooed gently to him as his tears fell and his quiet sniffling turned to sobbing and then he cried out painfully against him. It tore at his heart and all he could do was watch in misery as his brother, someone who he had thought was invincible at one point, break down. He couldn't do anything at all. He couldn't turn back time. If he could... he would. He wished he could take it all away. “Tell me what happened.” He offered.
That just sent Weiss into another fit of sobbing. “I can’t!”
He needed to make sure he knew it was okay. “Then don’t. I’ll be here when you’re ready. Even if it takes forever.”
Nero realized that he had just been foolish before. He was still clinging to his childishness that kept him where he never wanted to be in the first place. It would be alright. It would be alright because he would find the will to be who Weiss needed him to be. He wouldn't cry even after Weiss shed all the tears he had. This time, he would save him. "I love you, Nii-san."
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Author's notes: Holy crap! I finished something I started for once hehe. I have problems finishing multi-chaptered stories and it makes me soooo friggin’ happy that I could do it. Granted, it wasn’t the nicest story in the whole wide world but at least we know what happens in “Just the Same” and “Let’s Talk” so it makes it better.
This series has been my most favorite to write about. Uke Weiss is just so much fun hehe.
Even though this story bears some resemblance to “Forever and a Day” it really doesn’t follow along with it. I’ve been thinking of going back and re-working that story and making follow this storyline a bit more. It definitely couldn’t hurt it much.
I don’t know if I’ll continue on with this series though (as much fun as it is).
I’m going to go back and read through the whole series tonight… and make sure there aren’t any plot holes… don’t need to pull a Lucas.
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Would you like some Nero Weiss Fanart from this series of uke Weiss stories? There are some more mature pics that you will have to sign in to see unfortunately. Most of them are viewable by everyone though.
In Moments:
Nero Finds Weiss:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43604358/
Young Weiss and Marshmallow:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44689203/
Restrictor-sama (without his mask on):
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42586446/
Doctor Vivian:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44681905/
Just the Same:
Nero and Weiss in bed together:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42578974/
Nero touches Weiss’ face as he kneels:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43730256/?
Nero kisses Weiss on the bed:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43967033/
Let’s Talk:
Nero actually gets tired looking:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43669712/
Nero embraces Weiss. “Thanks for Loving Me”:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44464671/
Misc Nero and Weiss Pictures:
Young Nero and Weiss Sleeping:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44746580/
Sketch of Nero as a young adult:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44681623/
Young Weiss and Nero Picture from “Thanks for Loving Me” Wall:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44537256/
Nero likes to make the bed:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43966738/
Nero and Weiss ‘do it’ on the floor:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43511315/
Weiss in his ‘cold weather clothes: I didn’t do a lot of shading so my bro said it made him look like a weird lady in a muumuu or something. Damn!
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/43444801/
Nero and Weiss in the darkness. Not from the series but its Uke-Weiss:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42954929/
Nero Steals a Kiss – just to warn you – not my best pic ever:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/42955504/