OC One-Shots

One-Sided!Carl Rutter x Reader

New Abbreviation(s):
[J/N] - Job Name

Edelweiss Paradise, 1934

Herr General of the Musikkorps Carl Rutter was in his larger-than-average bedroom, even for a rich person's standards, the standards of a General's living quarters was way higher than normal. Each General's room was personalized. Herr Rutter had a large "hobby" room, for his taxidermies and artistic crafts. His bedroom was quite spacious, a fireplace with luxurious sofa and whatever else one could desire was adjacent to his huge bed, like his own living room. His bathroom was indescribable, one only needed a 2-in-1 bathtub and showerhead, but he had the luxury of choosing either for the day. Not to mention the counterspace and storage available.

Herr Rutter, at the moment, was trying to stuff a bird. He tested his support over and over, shaving or adding little bits and pieces to ensure it fit the skin properly.

"My little love, you're being so stubborn with me," he whispered soothingly as he pulled his support out again to adjust. "But no worries. I love you too much to rush."

He set the record as the youngest General in Edelweiss Paradise history, other than Herr General of Military Josef Baar, who was a year older. Only twenty years old, Herr General had a strange fascination—And it was for birds.

For someone so mentally fresh, he was the perfect pick as General of the Musikkorps. His obsession with birds, music, and entertainment sparked interest amongst his higher ups, who eventually recommended him to assist in the development of Edelweiss Paradise. They had other plans and decided to make him a General.

As he tried his support again, his mind drifted to his childhood friend, [Y/N] [L/N]. He sighed happily, as they had both grown up together in Schwarzwald, living only a few houses down from each other in their humble little village. Amongst his obsessions, [Y/N] was one of them. He had encouraged them to join him when he came to Edelweiss Paradise. [Y/N] wasn't in the military at the time, or, really at all, they stayed home to help their parents. 

Now, [Y/N] was the ripe age of 19, a year younger than Herr Rutter, with their birthday coming up soon. They worked in the village at the EPU (Which stood for Edelweiß Paradies Unterhaltung, meaning "Edelweiss Paradise Entertainment") centre, assisting with recommending different music tastes and even films. It was also connected to the children's centre, where some men from Lächeln Kompanie worked with EPU workers to satisfy the needs of children. They tried to get a job at [J/N], though unfortunately, the men working for the General of People thought otherwise.

Herr Rutter fluttered his eyes closed, setting his bird down as he imagined [Y/N]'s beautiful smile lighting up the entire centre, especially whenever he came around. Of course, this was only because they were best friends, nothing more. [Y/N] was too beautiful for Herr Rutter's freakish soul. 

He was horribly interrupted by the sound of his beautiful Schwarzwälder Cuckoo clock chiming, causing him to drop a tool he was holding. It was now twelve o'clock. He opens his eyes, looking at his clock. "My birdie should be taking their lunch now," he mutters. "I can't wait to see them."

He stands from his craft desk, dusting off his uniform. He scoops up his Schwarzwälderkuckuck mask, an eerie bird mask of a fictional bird species. He places it over his head, groaning in satisfaction. He adjusted himself promptly before heading outside. He was saluted at and greeted, though he mostly ignored and made his way out of the castle. He was in a hurry, and had no time for formalities. 

"Cuckoo! Cuckoo!" he gently sung to himself as he joyfully walked down the village streets towards [Y/N]'s work.  "Greetings from Schwarzwaaalddd..." he chuckled. It was almost surprising how, with his obsession with birds, he didn't have a pet bird himself, or go duck-hunting. 

He tried to cool his flushed face by splashing the public fountain water on himself, though it only wet his shoulders and didn't do anything at all. 

He dries as much as he could once he enters the EPU centre. And then, he spotted them. Surprisingly, they were still at the counter working. It seemed quite slow today, so Herr Rutter went to go bother his beloved crush. 

"Good afternoon, [Y/N]," he snorted, pushing up his mask like a pair of glasses.

"Oh, hi Carl," they smiled, tidying up the counter. "I'm not taking my lunch today. There's not many people, so I'm not really tired yet." 

Herr Rutter nodded aimlessly. "Yes... Is that so?" he loved the way his first name sounded on their lips. They were the only one, other than the other four Generals, who was allowed to say his first name directly.

"I still have my lunch, however," [Y/N] mutters. "If you'd like it."

"Oh, would I?" he says, again, lost in their deep, [E/C] pools. 

"Um, would you?" 

"Would I!" he says.

"Carl..."

"I'm sorry, [Y/N], of course I do," he rubs his neck awkwardly. "Your cooking is always better than what's in the Castle."

"I think everyone's source of food is the same," [Y/N] gently places their hands on top of each other on the counter. "I heard you were working on an album."

"Oh, but [Y/N], they don't cook like you do," Herr Rutter places his hands on top of theirs. "And, yes, I am! A compilation of classics. Isn't that exciting? The men will love it."

"Will I love it?" [Y/N] tilts their head.

"Of course you will. You love music, don't you?" Herr Rutter smiles nervously. "You love my singing."

[Y/N] titters. "I love anything you make, Carl."

Herr Rutter's heart pounds in his chest at their words, like a cuckoo clock chiming at twelve. "Of course you do..." he whispers dreamily. If only they loved him, too. 

[Y/N] looks over Herr Rutter's shoulder and slides their hands away. "Excuse me, Herr Rutter," they mutter.

Herr Rutter clenches his jaw at them suddenly being formal. He steps back, seeing an Edeltian holding a few records in their hands. He quickly corrects himself to a smile.

"Good afternoon, Herr General Rutter!" they greet, before stepping up to the counter.

"Good afternoon," he breathes. He watches their interaction with his beloved crush.

[Y/N] writes something down on a sheet, noting that the particular albums were chosen. Everything in Edelweiss Paradise was free, of course, other than candy and various other consumables bursting with sugar.

Herr Rutter clenches his fists until his knuckles are white. He keeps his smile up, observing the man through the blacked-out mesh on his mask's eyeholes. When the man finally leaves, he slides back in front of the counter. "Would you like to come see my latest project after work?"

[Y/N] nods. "Yes, Carl, I would."

"Give me a hug, [Y/N]," he spits out.

"You're awfully pushy today," they mention, before stepping around the counter to hug Herr Rutter. Herr Rutter squeezes hard.

"Mmn, I know, but I've just been so exhausted lately. I'm sure you understand." Even though Herr Rutter didn't understand it himself. He was stressed out from how stupid [Y/N] could be. He displayed his heart for them, right there, and they didn't even bother to realise. He leans into their neck, inhaling. "You smell like home."

"This is home, Carl."

"No, no, our old home. You know. The forest."

[Y/N] awkwardly pat Herr Rutter's back. "Perhaps we could visit again. Together?"

"Yes... That would be... Desirable!" He grins, pulling away. "I will see you in my quarters, [Y/N]. I will let the guards know you are coming."

"I think they've recognized me by now," they giggle.

"Mmn, well, Joachim has introduced a new team of guards for the front gate. It would be wise for me to warn them. We don't want you to be imprisoned, now, do we? Joachim's not very nice," Herr Rutter ruffles [Y/N]'s hair. He slowly takes off his mask, revealing his smooth features to [Y/N].

"You've been wearing that thing a lot more these days," they point out.

"It's... Comfortable. It reminds me of home, much like you do."

"May I see it?"

"The... The mask?" Herr Rutter gulps.

"Yes, may I?"

"No," Herr Rutter says, holding it close. "I'm sorry, but, no."

[Y/N] frowns. "Why?"

"It's too important," he looks down.

"More than me?"

Herr Rutter looks up into those [E/C] eyes. "I... Don't say that, [Y/N]. You are more important than my life, my duties," he looks back down at his mask, caressing it obsessively. "I will make you one, [Y/N]. It will be special. We can be birds together," he grins, almost maniacally. 

[Y/N] smiles back. "Okay, Carl. I will be expecting it."

"Yes, yes... You will love it, [Y/N]..." He slowly backs away. "I will see you after your work, correct?"

[Y/N] nods.

"Then it will be ready for you. I promise."

And with that, Herr Rutter turns on his heel, putting the mask back on his face. He could finally make [Y/N] his, if he played his cards right, even if [Y/N] had to reciprocate under his spell.