Chapter Text
"All it costs is your love."
First, it was Roderich Edelstein.
He knew him when he was just five-years-old, their relatives were close they get to meet each other often, not only that—both of their houses were near so they ended up doing most things together. They basically played everyday, learned what they like, and went to school together. Basch didn't realize how different he was from him, only noticing that Roderich was weak that he would often get into trouble with other pre-schoolers, Roderich was also unreliable when it came to activities that require running and muscle work. Because of that, Basch was left taking care of him, grumbling about how he needs to be 'careful.' Yet, everytime he would tell him, Roderich would shrug it off and continue whatever he was doing.
So he attempted to help him learn to fight for himself. Yet no matter how much he tried helping him with self-defense, he was just simply... bad at it. Roderich would complain about wanting to sit down, or that his body was cramping, and Basch would scold him for being weak-minded. Despite days of teaching Roderich on what to do if someone tries hurting him, Basch realized that his friend wasn't suited for it. Because one: He was uncoordinated, and two: he'd get targeted for how bad his skills are. So Basch ended up telling him to just call him if he's in trouble, or his parents. And that's how it became their habit, no, Basch's habit to take care of Roderich. If he were eating messy, Basch would wipe his smeared cheeks with a napkin. If he were to tripped and receive a laceration, Basch was always there to bandage him up. They both got used to this, considering it happened every so often that their relatives would coo over how adorably close their friendship was, they for sure thought the both of them will be friends forever—if not friends, atleast acquaintances.
When they were eight, they found other kids their age—Ludwig, Gilbert and Elizabeta—it was a simple day when Ludwig got separated by his brother Gilbert when they were supposed to just buy candies. Seeing the five-year-old stranded, waiting for his brother while sitting on the curb with the stash of candies they bought, Roderich and Basch didn't have the heart to leave him alone. Surprisingly Ludwig was a calm child to handle, and the three found his brother before the sun had settled. The sight of the older brother crying because he believed that he lost his younger brother forever, and the girl beside them berating the older brother to be more careful, snowballing into a petty argument that if she didn't 'taunted' him he wouldn't be distracted. Basch also thought that he was irresponsible for just leaving his little brother alone, and vowed to himself that if he ever gets a little sibling, it wouldn't be like this. When the three finished their melodramatic show, they thanked both of Roderich and Basch, forming a friend group they didn't expect.
Basch figured that he didn't need to look over Roderich as much as before, considering he was adjusting just fine with them. Even though, the three—more-so the two, as Ludwig isn't as energetic as his brother—Roderich still ended up in a pickle. Basch would find him tired and dirty after play-fighting with Elizabeta especially, and being used to taking care of him strengthened their bond more. The five of them became close friends, despite the odds. It was a miracle they could all tolerate each other, if not, it would've ended badly. Maybe it's because Ludwig was related to Roderich, and Gilbert's younger brother. Meanwhile Elizabeta would often squabble with Gilbert and Roderich, showcasing her undeniable strength which left the two amazed. She was like a role-model for the five, which Basch thought was admirable of her.
So even if Basch disliked being with two or more people, he found himself smiling and playing with them, whenever they would go to the park or stay in school doing homework—though it would end up unfinished thanks to Gilbert and Elizabeta having a disagreement over something minor. The group brought Basch outside than letting him stay coop up in his backyard or house, practicing archery, a hobby that he picked up. The way the arrow would glide through the air thanks to his precision and force, almost hitting the bullseye, even if it was so far away. He learned proper posture and discipline, making him more appreciative in life. Adults would pat him in the head and mention about how 'mature' he was, that they would tell stories about their children being fussy and told him that his parents were lucky to have him as a son.
Though, no matter how 'mature' he appeared to them, he would always be a child when it comes to his friend group. Sure, he might have been telling his friends to not fight over petty things, or remind them to do their homework as such, it didn't make him less of a kid. He could get angry like them, get excited over things he loves, and sulk at minor inconveniences. It was funny that Roderich would tease him if he sees the blonde do one of the three. Nevertheless, Basch 'mature' demeanor was inspiring, that Roderich asked him how he could be like that as well.
It was another day after school, hallways busy with other kids packing up their belongings. The hum of chatters blurring as they overlap, some normal conversations, others were students bickering to one another—possibly asking for homework—it was a routine that everyone was used to. A familiar blonde was alone, finally zipping his bag and slung it over to his shoulder. He made a bee line to the school's exit, ignoring the crowd of students, their already muffled conversations becoming distant.
It's noisy, he thought to himself, finding everyone overwhelming. He continues to walk, yet every step he took felt lighter, automatic even. Basch noticed, furrowing his brows as he looked down to see his legs moving forward. He gripped the strap of his backpack, deciding to ignore the weird gutted feeling that lies on his stomach, lifting his head back to view if he's near to the exit. It was then a sway of cold breeze hit him, messing up his bangs. Basch saw the small field of grass where other kids played, surrounded by a concrete path that leads to the school gate where he can head home.
Finally, he felt his hand get prickled by the chilly breeze. "Autumn is near…" Basch mumbled under his breath, taking a few steps down to continue his stroll. Trees surrounding the school was close to a orange hue, some still yellow-ish, deciduous bushes were also preparing for autumn. As he gets closer to the gate, a hand grabbed his shoulder in a manner that could jumpscare a person. Basch didn't waste his time, turning his heel to see a panting Roderich. The brunette was sweating, hunched over as his breathing was rapid.
"Rode— Why didn't you just yell my name!?"
"I did, but you didn't answer! Were you ignoring me?"
Baffled, Basch scratched the back of his neck as he watched his breathing slowly calm down, grunting when getting up. Their silence was awkward, accompanied by children's laughter and the shuffle of the tree's leaves. Basch finally caved into replying because it was clear Roderich was still struggling to catch his breath. "No, I wasn't." He quipped, "I was… whatever, why did you call me for?"
"'Cause you're like—" Roderich finally stopped panting, "mature like, or brooding?"
"Watch yourself."
"Yeah like that!"
Basch raised a brow, taking this conversation starter irritating. He was opting to leave until Roderich forced him not to. "Okay but, Elizabeta has been annoying lately. She keeps pestering me about how immature boys are, so now I need to prove her wrong atleast."
"You're saying… you want to look mature infront of her?"
"Come on, Basch, I don't know what to do, you know me best. I want a hobby too."
And Roderich was right at that, especially that sports would definitely would not be his liking. He took his time visualizing Roderich in different scenarios like cooking, knitting, playing the piano—he liked the thought of that, him sitting infront of a Grand Piano, playing a piece both he and Basch loves… So then he settled with that.
"Playing the piano seems graceful."
It was a simple yet honest response. Watching his friend play, his fingers pressing on the piano keys to make a hum of a sound. Letting the sun shine on Roderich and the piano as if he was made to be elegant. Basch looked at Roderich for his reaction, and to his satisfaction, it was a look of appreciation. The brunette cheered, slinging his arm over Basch's, who was taken aback from the gesture. His cheeks turn tinted with red. "Don't surprise me like that." He said dryly, beginning to walk off and Roderich followed behind, mentioning about how they should meet up with their friend group again. They were happy.
Ever since, Roderich began practicing the piano and Basch was there to watch his friend. He saw how Roderich would make mistakes here, and focus his hours practicing one song until he gets it right there, yet the way he was seeing him make progress was meaningful. Basch would go to his house daily, sometimes with Ludwig, Gilbert and Elizabeta to view his playthrough. Then they would play together once Roderich was finished, it was those days that Basch will treasure in his heart. The way Roderich's parents would provide the group with toasts and juice, the sun reaching it's golden hour that it rays would beam through the window curtains to his friend's face playing cards. Gilbert's cocky voice paired with Elizabeta's laughter making the atmosphere lively yet comfortable to Basch's liking. He saw Ludwig struggling with his poker face, so as Roderich. If only it could stay this way forever, Basch closed his eyes and recalled.
But such things are fleeting, as Roderich would constantly get praised for playing beautifully, encouraging him to practice more. His ego grew and began dedicating himself to the piano for hours on end. Basch saw the sudden ambition since Roderich wasn't the first to call him to play now, it hurt a bit to him, yet he didn't mind, they were still close friends and hung out often. It was that Roderich didn't pay more attention to the group nor to him than before. He still had his hobby, which was archery. It may be the only thing keeping him accompany if none of his friends were there. It's a win-win situation for both of them, if only Roderich didn't neglect himself and spend most of his time on the piano, Basch thought it was selfish of Roderich to just suddenly play it over-and-over again just for the sake of praise and image. As time went on, he could barely visit the brunette to watch him play, in fact, he was sick of hearing the notes of the key tiles forming into a song. What Basch believed was benefiting for him and Roderich became one of the reasons they were slowly drifting apart. But it wasn't that long until Basch was accompanied by someone else.
It was early June when his parents were mentioning something close to adopting, how they were appreciating Basch more often that he was bombarded with attention. He would found himself sitting atop of the wooden stairs, prying over his parents adjusting furniture and paperwork he wasn't familiar with. The unused room that was often used for storing necessary items finally making space, he helped with cleaning the window and mopping the floor, then his father would take care of settling the furniture in. It wasn't a surprise that his friends got curious with what's happening especially with the room being available to look into, Gilbert was the most curious out of all of them—not surprising, since he's an older brother—Roderich had more of a look that he couldn't distinguish. They visited Basch one time, just to finally know what was going on.
"Come on Basch! We're all curious!" A loud obnoxious voice rang in his ears, Gilbert, the white haired with red eyes couldn't wait for an answer. He was basically pacing back and forth after he let them in, Gilbert continued to be a pain—in Basch's words. "You and Roderich have been so busy lately! We didn't hear anything for days 'cause of it."
They headed to the living room where Basch's mother dropped off Weggli and Brügelis. It was a hot afternoon, having to get used to electrical fans to cool them off. Elizabeta and Gilbert were shoving each other to who gets to sit in front for extra breeze, which she obviously won, the others settled on the couch or carpet. Basch didn't have much to say, his parents didn't say much about the situation either, and he knows well to not snoop on his parents paperwork in case he lose them. He sighed, hitting his back on the soft sofa.
He looked at his impatient friends, nervous if he should even inform them with this. "I don't know either, mom and dad won't tell me. I guess it's a surprise?" He was questioning himself. They were surprised, even their most responsible friend, Basch, didn't know a single clue. Roderich waited for him to continue to no avail. The sound of food chewing paired with the fan was the only thing they were hearing, so they awkwardly looked at one another, as if any of them had the answer they were looking for.
Elizabeta finally spoke up, still hogging the fan. "Maybe you're getting a sibling?" She suggested, stopping the albino from pushing her off so he can have the taste of wind. Roderich rolled his eyes at the sight and left momentarily to borrow another fan and to open the windows, Basch noticed how he was quick to disperse the moment he heard 'sibling.' It was like his friend was … excited? Basch was unable to know such an emotion, so his thinking was disrupted when he heard a loud thud and laughter. It seems like Gilbert had fallen trying to get infront of the fan, Ludwig was asking if he was okay and patting his brother's shoulder. He snickered at the sight, the brunette even came back in time to see the whole ordeal and immediately began setting up the fan so Gilbert wouldn't have to struggle with the heat. At that point on, Ludwig looked at Basch and told him,
"Another member in the group wouldn't be that bad."
And he agreed to that. Taking one of the snacks his mom placed on the coffee table, he imagined what it was like to have a sibling. Would it be like when he was five years old, taking care of Roderich? Would it be like the Gilbert and Ludwig, who play-fight every so often? Would it be like Elizabeta, where he becomes a decent role-model? He couldn't really expect that much, but he was excited. That means he could teach them how to defend themself, play with them, get to see them grow. Most importantly, he can protect them. And that makes him excited. Basch looks at the group, chatting about mundane stuff, they were back to having fun. Roderich wasn't focused on the piano, nor he was busy spending his time shooting arrows. They all bickered and watched children's cartoons that day.
Days would pass by, its room slowly had a bed, a desk and chair, then a mirror. Basch would join in with his parents when they were doing anything related to his sibling that was on the way, and that's where he learned he was getting a sister just three years younger than him. He immediately told this to his friends, Elizabeta being the most delighted of all of them because she won't be the only girl in the group anymore. She was sick of dealing with Gilbert most of the time, and having another friend who was a girl meant like having a sister, so she could understand how often Basch would talk about his younger sister, he seemed so lonely most of the time. Staying in his house and his unwillingness to talk to people made his situation worse. It was the first time seeing him look forward to someone, hell even when they first met he seemed uninterested.
A sibling could really change the way how Basch acts, even just by a little. So anticipation was rising, as he didn't know when or where his sister would arrive. Hell, sometimes he would ask his parents from time to time, which he didn't do before. Was he this deprived of such company? Basch didn't really know himself, he always had Roderich to be with, acting like his older brother even if he was just a few months older than the other. Would it be any different when it comes to his younger sister? He could remember how much he reflected on it, when he finished his nightly routine and look at the mirror. There was so many questions in his head, some were angst, but luckily most were optimistic, Basch forced himself to lower his expectations because it wouldn't be all sunshine and rainbows… yet he wished they could have a nice brother-and-sister dynamic. Selfish, he assumed, just as when he called Roderich that a few months prior for dedicating himself to the piano. But a piano is different to a sister right? Surely he will understand.
And he really hoped he will.
And he really did.
When June blurred to July first, Basch had woken up to his parents gone, and so as the car in the garage. He figured they were doing groceries, as he was used to them randomly leaving him in the house for job or other reasons. His messy hair sticking up to different directions, and had sleep crust from sleeping, he decided to wash up and brush his teeth in the bathroom. Upon entering, a sticky-note caught his attention, snapping him out of his brain fog. Basch decided to take a closer look, the ink embedded to the paper in loopy alphabets.
"Hi sweetie! We left to pick up a surprise, we'll be back in a few hours. I also made your favourite breakfast."
It ended with multiple hearts and 'mom' beside it. So… a surprise? Was it gonna be his sister or a different thing in general? He decided not to think about it further and took a bath, he enjoyed the birds tweeting, and the soft warmth of the sun beaming across the surface water. Basch closed his eyes, relaxing his shoulders, enjoying the comfort of the water that enveloped him. Taking in the sound of nature, the newspaper boys' bell ringing as they cycle to deliver papers, adults savoring the heat of the rising sun, toddlers who woken up as early as their parents taking a walk outside, to dogs barking because of the sparrows fleeting by. Basch didn't realize he was slowly transitioning to slumber, a grass field with Edelweiss and Lily of the Valley surrounding his drowsy mind. Basch could sense the breeze tickling his skin, as well as the grass. It was then the moment he felt his nose irritate from inhaling water as his head got dunk underwater, reflexes took over him and immediately rose his face to get air. He shook his head, grabbing the shampoo and started to clean himself.
By the time he finished taking a bath and changed clothes, it was exactly ten o'clock. He grimaced at the thought of spending for almost two hours taking care of himself, he guesses he just got carried away, and descended down the stairs too fast for his liking, almost slipping in the process. Mentally berating himself, Basch paid close to the steps and finally headed towards the kitchen, and he can tell which was his breakfast with the way his mother presented it. Birchermüesli, his usual and most used food to eat in the morning had its grated apple shaped like a bunny. He felt his face heat up, he wasn't that childish so why did his mom do this? Either way, Basch grabbed a jug of cold water in the refrigerator, he didn't feel like making warm milk, and he wanted to save the carton of milk for later. His birthday was just a month away, and contemplated about gifts he could request. He's turning nine, he can still ask for silly items, despite that—Basch preferred to request school supplies.
Taking a bite of the last yogurt and apple—which he wishes he could've savoured more—he grabbed the remaining dishes and washed them. Basch wanted to give a first impression for his younger sister, in case she ever comes today. Though to his surprise, his friends showed up before he could even get to introduce his sister to them.
They all huddle infront of Basch's doorstep, eating popsicles without a shame. It was summer after all, though Basch felt it was unfair to not give him any. Luckily for him, Elizabeta handed him a watermelon flavoured popsicle, which he greatly appreciated. "Don't worry Basch," she dragged out the end of his name to tease him, "we wouldn't forget the mother of the group!"
Basch got embarrassed, stepping back to make way for them, "I'm a guy, I can't be the mother of the group…" He replied, trying to regain his composure, but he wasn't immune to the girl's teasing, none of the group was.
"Who cares about gender roles!? Roderich role-plays as the dog if we play house!"
"Do not mention that! I only do it 'cause you're a wuss to be the pet!"
Gilbert's younger brother sighed, he could tell that he was tired of his brother getting into petty arguments. Basch let him wander off to the kitchen, he trusts Ludwig more than his older brother, really. Their squabble was beginning to build up, with Elizabeta smugly watching to see who would win, Gilbert tried to win the argument by being as loud as possible, and Roderich was getting baited by the other's taunts. He could bet that they would be pulling each other's head off in a matter of minutes. Agitated, one of them dropped their popsicle by accident, Basch couldn't keep up with their shenanigans anymore.
Then the other slapped off the popsicle stick out of anger. Elizabeta finally got in-between them and attempted to de-escalate the situation, both of them still cursing at each other.
"Why'd you have to do that!? It's not my fault you dropped it!" Roderich pointed fingers at Gilbert, who was hiding behind Elizabeta. He let out his tongue, riling up the brunette further, Roderich tried to get near Gilbert, who was chuckling because of his futile attempts at reaching him. "Stop being a coward and fight me!"
She was basically a human shield at this point, and she looked at Basch for help. Usually he would scold them until they both apologize, though today was different, save for the fact it was ten-thirty o'clock and he wanted to see what would happen if he didn't do anything. Elizabeta got the memo and let out a disappointing sigh, what she'll have to do is wait for the two to cool off for now. They ran off, circling around the coffee table, Basch could only hope Roderich wouldn't jump over to tackle Gilbert, but to his surprise—
"You're always hiding behind Elizabeta, no wonder you're not fighting with me!"
"Whaaaat? Says the one who was always babysitted by Basch, you're more of a weakling than I am!"
"I—I do not rely on Basch! I'm completely independent and mature!" His face was red from embarrassment. Roderich barely looked at his blonde friend in the eyes, only focusing on the troublemaker infront of him.
A loud laughter echoed, as if it was mocking Basch and Roderich's early friendship—no, until now their friendship is like that—Gilbert pulled his left lower eyelid and stuck his tongue out. "Says you! You're an only child and only looked independent and mature after Basch taught you! Kekeke!" He chuckled, which he ended up getting kicked behind the knee by his younger brother, where he doubled down and grunted at the pain.
"Behave yourself, we're at Basch's house not our house." He simply muttered, they all circled the poor boy, who was mumbling about betrayal and how Ludwig was supposed to back him up. Elizabeta couldn't contain her laughter and was holding her stomach while making fun of the sight, she even had trouble breathing mid laughs because of it. Though Basch didn't pay much attention to the pathetic display, his eyes landing on Roderich who was still teary-eyed and had a flustered face, he frowned at the fact he was easily hurt by that when it's the truth. What's the point of denying it when they were used to it before? What even is going in his mind? Basch shook his head in dismay.
Roderich decided to go to the bathroom, and he opted to follow. He waited for him to finish his business and knocked on the wooden door. Basch saw that he was sulking, and then once again, he has to talk some sense into him. He tucked his blonde hair behind his ear, squatting down to see Roderich. "Come on, Gilbert doesn't mean it." He dismissed whatever happened, "you know how he's always like this. You shouldn't be crying over small stuff like this, it's stupid." The soft hum of the exhaust fan soothing his younger friend, well he hope so, Basch saw that he continued to be silent—his hands gripping his shirt in frustration.
"I don't get why you say you're mature if you can't even handle small stuff, it was just a joke." Basch tried to put some sense into Roderich, his patience wearing thin. It was the first time that Gilbert and Roderich's squabble have gone too far, usually it was easy to get them to apologize.
"…Fine, I'll get him to apologize to you but you can't coop yourself in there."
Closing the bathroom door, Basch let out a huff, going back to the living room where the fight happened. He could see their faces morphed with laughter, having the decency to clean up their mess after dropping their popsicles. Sighing, Basch looked down, "he won't leave the bathroom, I think you should apologize, Gil."
They turn their gaze upon Basch, Elizabeta eyeing Gilbert especially. He awkwardly chuckled at her gaze, "fine! Since I'm so awesome, I'll apologize…" His poise unsteady and handing the broom the Ludwig as he winked, going to the bathroom where Roderich continued to sulk and apologize to him. Minutes would pass by, having an idle chatter to make up for the fact he's apologizing so long. Eventually, Gilbert managed to get Roderich out of the comfort room and let the group sigh in relief. Basch really thought he'd stay there pouting for the whole hangout.
Did it really matter that much to Roderich?
They all grouped up to watch the cartoons, Gilbert was sprawled all over the carpet and Ludwig laying on his brother's stomach. Elizabeta sat near to Roderich, pointing out small details as Basch hugged his knees. It went on like this until eleven-thirty, when he recognized a particular sound of an engine going through his drive-through. Basch immediately got up, ignoring his friends who were confused about the sudden action, rushing for the front door. He was idly standing at the door, his hand hovering over the knob. Even if he wanted to open, even if he wanted to twist that door-knob and see what was on the other side, he hesitated. Basch steadied his heartbeat, but before he could open it, the door had creaked slightly—his mother encouraging a child to open it—he took a step back and let her.
In front of Basch was a kid with close similarities as him, blonde hair styles into twin-braids paired with green blue-ish hue eyes, she didn't have other noticeable features except that she was short and somewhat skinny. She wore a pink velvet-like dress with long polka-dot socks accompanied with Mary Jane shoes. The poor girl got startled that she hid behind Basch's mother, he let out an apology for not considering this would happen he wanted to see, he wanted to know. At the back where Basch's friends was, were watching what was happening Infront of them, Roderich saw how Basch was about to smile—how he was so close to opening the door for himself. Multiple eyes were locked onto the child which made her anxiety worsen, she couldn't even maintain eye-contact with anybody which panged Basch's heart. She stood still behind the mother's back, not daring to leave.
Seeing this, he cleared his throat, just a simple hello would do for now. If he would introduce himself like how he usually does, she'd be intimidated, and he doesn't want that. Her head slowly looked up before backing down, his mother would chuckle and pat her head, so Basch waited. Waiting to learn her name, Basch's mother introduced her to him,
Then, second came Erika.