Big Bruder

Chapter 1: A Forgotten Apology

*Important to mention that Big Bruder and Big Brother are two completely different people*

The grass swayed delicately within the gentle breeze, leaves rustling as a huge oak loomed upon the courtyard. Warm rays of the sun littered its way across the garden, its golden light outlining trails of shadows.

A young girl kneeled upon the grass, her maroon dress folding underneath her as she sat in the meadow with her hands full of yellow lilies. She wore a small smile, her golden hair falling to chin length as a small blue ribbon intertwined itself into the side of her hair.

She giggled to herself, her laugh ringing joyously into the air, only to fade away within the breeze. Her cheeks tinted a rose red, eyes wide as they admired the surrounding beauty.

"She's turned into such a beautiful young lady," said a man standing beside the stone columns surrounding the courtyard; his presence was unbeknownst to the little girl.

"I did not come here to ask for your opinion," another man interjected, his blond hair closely resembling the lady both men were speaking about. "We must take our leave."

The other man pushed his glasses up as he replied, "Why must you leave so soon? Why not stay for dinner at least, Basch," a small smile perked at the edge of his mouth, his mole easily spotted underneath his lips.

Basch clenched his fists as he haltingly replied, "I appreciate your help for caring for Elise while I was away, but I must refuse the offer, Roderich." He wouldn't meet Roderich's eyes as he gripped the rifle strapped behind his back tighter.

"Such a shame, Miss Hedervary was going to cook for us tonight, she even prepared cheese fondue and apfelstrudel for this occasion," Roderich chuckled as he turned back towards Elise, who was still picking flowers within the meadow. "And besides, it's my treat."

Within a heartbeat, Basch agreed. "Fine, we shall stay for dinner, but that's it."

Roderich nodded.

Suddenly silence enveloped the air, the two men glared at each other, green against purple, neither one spoke. The mood changed so fast and so powerful that the sweet, innocent girl playing upon the meadow felt the tension and raised her head towards the men, finally realizing their presence.

"Big Bruder!" Elise's face lit up as she bounced herself off the ground and towards the two gentlemen stiffly staring at her. "Oh Big Bruder, how were your travels? Are you okay?" she added when her eyes landed on Basch's hand tightly grasped upon his rifle.

His eyes followed her gaze. "Ah, yes," he muttered, slightly embarrassed as his hand slid off the weapon, falling limply to his side. "Was Roderich good to you?" he asked urgently.

She chirped right up with a petite nod. "Yes, Mister Edelstein was very hospitable to me during my stay," she replied as she held the banquet of flowers closer to her chest.

Basch glanced over to Roderich as he raised his eyebrow, almost not believing it. Roderich replied with a smug grin as if to say, told-you-so.

"Very well then," he sighed, then lifted his head to gaze at Elise again. "We'll be staying for dinner before we leave if that's acceptable for you."

She grinned while tilting her head to the side. "Whatever you think is best, Big Bruder."

Basch flashed her a genuine smile before saying, "I'll quickly go pack your things so we'll be ready, okay?"

She nodded.

He then faced Roderich, and with almost a telepathic understanding, Roderich said, "Room 193 to the left."