Anime: Pandora Hearts
Requested by: @RiniSangster

(Y/n)'s POV

Coughing desperately, trying to grasp a glimpse of the light, I managed to open my eyes for one last time before the darkness overtook my vision. Whispering a final breath, I pushed aside my pride and pleaded for help despite how feeble my voice was.

It was unusual. Even in this cold, hopeless situation, I wished for his warmth and safety. My family's household was burning, choking up in a demon's hold. He was my escape yet he did not know of the fire burning down my very shelter.

The chains would consume us all. The bombing had rendered me useless, even if I was a legal contractor. My body remained immobile despite my obvious consciousness. How strange.

"My lord, I found someone!" Was that a knight?
"Where?!" Oniisan...
"Over here!"

A flood of footsteps, fast footsteps. A pair of strong arms lifted me up. My head fell against his chest as I struggled to strain my eyes open.

"Oniisan..."
"You're alright, (Y/n). We're gonna get out of here," he exclaimed determinedly.
"Gilbert...where is he?"
"Don't worry, I sent them a letter informing them of the cancellation of our meeting. They'll be safe from this hell."

Soon enough, I lost consciousness.

~In the evening~

Groggily opening my eyes, I found myself in an unfamiliar room in an unfamiliar mansion. My brother had fallen asleep with his head on my hand while Gilbert sat in a nearby armchair, fast asleep.

It was the dead of night and no fires nor horrifying chains could be seen outside the large windows. My arms were bandaged, making me realise just how close I was to the explosion that had taken away my mobility.

"(Y/n)?"

(B/n) sat up, his hand still clutching tightly onto mine, almost as if I would disappear if he let go.

"Are you alright? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?" he asked worriedly.
"N-no, I feel fine. You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, I just got a few scratches."
"But...where are we?"
"Gilbert and Oz rushed over once they received my letter. Seems like I wasn't convincing enough. We're at the Bezarius estate."
"(Y/n)?"

We looked behind to see Gilbert standing up from his chair, wide awake. (B/n) gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before quietly taking his leave.

Gilbert immediately strode over to my side and wrapped his arms around my body in a warm embrace. The trembling of his body was something I could not ignore. He was worried about me...to the point where he thought I was going to die.

"Thank the stars that you're alive..." he whispered.
"Gilbert..."
"What happened?"
"It was a revolt. The people in town were angry about us being housed in a 'safe' manor while they had to fight amongst themselves for scraps. But the chains..."
"It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself for their misfortune. Your family's wealth couldn't have saved a whole town of starving citizens."
"Gilbert, I-"

He pressed his lips against mine, pushing me down on the bed. I melted during the kiss, feeling the desperate need to kiss back. He deepened the kiss before we both pulled away for want of air.

"I love you," he whispered.

A knock on the door made him reluctantly get up. I longed for his warmth even after the moment he took his hands from my face. Oz opened the door and peeked inside, seemingly afraid that he'd be interrupting...something.

"(Y/n), are you feeling alright now?" he asked as he stepped into the room.
"Yes, thank you."
"There's dinner downstairs. Oh and don't think I don't know what you and Gil have been up to," he exclaimed with a smirk.
"Oz!"

My face was flushed a bright red, which just made his grin wider. I pouted before pulling the blanket away. Nimbly putting my feet on the floor, I carefully stood up, grateful that they didn't fail me.

It was when the walking came that the darkness seemed to seep itself into my muscles. I stumbled slightly before tripping over my own feet, much to my flushed embarrassment.

Gilbert rushed forward and caught me in this arms, his eyes asking an unspoken question. I nodded, a determined glint in my eyes as I took a step forward.

"Aww, I was hoping to see Gil act like a prince charming and sweep you off your feet," Oz stated.
"I believe that is what you'd call delusional thinking."
"D-delusional thinking?! Then you must be just as crazy to court the friend of a madman."
"What a weird way to put in, but I suppose you're right."

Gilbert visibly sighed at the sight of our meaningless bicker. Oz and I laughed. Soon, we headed downstairs to the dining room, where my brother was waiting for us.

His eyes showed the hunger but he had waited as he was taught...because that was common courtesy, also known as restrictive rules that sometimes have to be broken for want of something better than mannerisms.

"Took you long enough," (B/n) exclaimed.
"Sorry, I had to interrupt something that has to remain unspoken," replied Oz.
"Excuse me! Oniisan, you're listening to the words of a madman."
"Then you must be a madwoman," Oz retorted.
"*laughs* You two seem like close siblings-"
"We do not!" we both argued.

Gilbert cleared his throat. I felt heat rush to my cheeks once I realised that I was having an argument with a 15 year old...well, he was technically 25 but that hardly mattered.

Gilbert took my hand and led me to the dinner table. I noticed my brother waiting impatiently for the food, so I simply nodded. He immediately smiled upon my approval and dug in. Oz did not even bother to wait.

"It felt like yesterday when we gathered with no worries," Gilbert exclaimed softly, only audible to me.
"Yeah...it does. I just hope that this peace lasts."

~After dinner~

I walked through the gardens, letting the cool breeze calm my mind. Gilbert trailed slightly behind, his eyes never leaving me but I undoubtedly felt safe in his presence. I picked a fallen rose up from the ground, looking at its rich red colour.

"What will you do now?" he asked.
"I'm not sure..."
"I'm pretty sure Oz wouldn't mind if you two stayed with us."
"I see. That'll be like a dream come true. Imagine travelling with your close friends and family and visiting new places..."
"If you don't mind, may I take this chance to ask you something?"
"Ask me something? What is it?"

He knelt down on one knee and held out a beautiful diamond ring.

"Will you marry me?"