Tear Stains ~Sequel to Red Eyes~

A Death

I HEARD SOMEONE SAY THEY HATED FRANCIS, and I just...

How could you hate this little roll?

The cold had gone away, causing the falling snow to turn to beating rain, and Gilbert sat on the edge of the porch, watching.

He could help but feel guilty. He had just put someone through a load of pain that could have been advoided.

"Mr. Prussia? What are you doing out here? It's raining, and you should be in bed." A voice scolded him half-heartedly.

Gilbert didn't have to look to know it was Lili. Her soft voice had gave her away, but he knew there was a much louder one hidden.

When Vash had to go out on the worst of times, Prussia would 'watch' over her. She didn't need it, and Vash must have known that. Lili always said that Vash didn't want her to feel lonely or in danger.

Gilbert guessed Vash must have felt that alot if he would leave him with his little sister.

"I'm sorry." Gilbert apologized, looking up into the cloudy grey sky.

He felt her come closer, before she sat beside him.

"What for? Nothing has been your fault." Lili said, peering straight through him with her clear green eyes that seemed so much older than the rest of her.

"But... I got Allen and Voss taken away."

Lili shook her head.

"No. You only shortened the amount of time it would have taken for them to be taken away. Those 2ps seem stronger than we are." She pointed out, following his gaze to the sky.

Gilbert only hummed in response.

No use denying it. It would only be a waste of words.

There was a moment of silence before he spoke.

"Lili? Why did you and your brother change your names?" Gilbert asked suddenly.

Lili looked startled for a moment, before a calm smile bloomed on her face.

"Your remember me and my brother's old names?" She asked, tilting her head and absent-mindedly fiddling her her ribbon.

Gilbert nodded. "Basch and Heidi. I always thought it was odd, how you both changed your names. They used to fit so well..."

Lili stopped, her smile slipping off. Her big brother had always been touchy about his name.

"I changed mine fit in more, I suppose. Lili seemed more appropriate." She said, folding her hands into her lap.

Gilbert turned to look at her, finally.

"Do you remember what they meant?"

Lili giggled a bit, nodding. "Heidi means 'sweet'. Mr. Austria always said he could see it in my eyes when I was first found."

Prussia nodded, smiling a well.

"That's right. And your brothers name meant 'Independent' or 'serious, yet thoughtful'. I thought it fit him perfectly. I never will understand why he changed it."

Lili was silent, noticing how the rain was slowing.

"Lili supposedly means 'God satisfaction'. Vash means 'warrior'. Was that intended?" Gilbert asked quietly.

Lili waited for a moment.

Her big brother may be violent and threatening at times but she honestly didn't believe he would ever seriously harm someone. Warrior just didn'the seem to fit him.