#;; western brethren ( n. italy )

[coltii-romanesti]

@bel-paese replied to this post !

"I'm not condoning the behaviour, just know that she would never do anything to intentionally harm you."

Deep breaths. He’s already on the edge, but Carlotta’s words help pull him back a bit. “I want to hear that from her. We’ve talked about this kind of thing before, I told her my fears regarding relationships and she took it on wholeheartedly.” Another deep breath. He refuses to show emotion. He won’t give in to it. “She said she wouldn’t leave me, and this happens. I get that I’ve been gone, but the timing is the worst part of all this.”

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad moved closer, offering his cousin comfort. He understood where she was coming from, he truly did. But it was a reality he had already came to terms with, and didn't want to see one of his family members get hurt from it. "At this point, I don't think any of us are, given all the friends we've had to see fade away to time." He offered an arm for her to rest on, if she wanted. Despite her efforts of hiding her eyes, he could see the wells dripping over.

"I don't think it's stupid, or selfish even. Just painful."

Carlotta sat in contemporary silence, drinking in the words and cautions Vladimir spoke. There was no denying that there were truths in his words, but the Italian was stubborn, her father’s daughter. “I don’t think I’ll ever be emotionally alright, knowing that one day they’ll be gone.” She sighed, slouching in her seat, trying to avoid Vlad seeing the tears that were no doubt flooding her vision.

“I know it’s selfish, it’s reckless and stupid to some. All I’ve ever wanted was to be a mother, you know?”

@coltii-romanesti from x

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 25 June – St Maximus of Turin (? – c 420) Father of the Church, Bishop, Writer, Theologian  –  known as Massimo – date of birth unknown – his date of death is also not certain.   St Maximus is believed to have been a native of Rhaetia (modern day Northern Italy).  Patron of Turin, Italy.   St Maximus attended the synod of Milan where northern Italian bishops accepted the letter of Pope Leo I which set forth the orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation.   He also attended the the Synod of Rome in 465.   He was a prolific and inspirational Theological writer with 118 homilies, 116 sermons and 6 treatises surviving.

“Between the end of the fourth century and the beginning of the fifth, another Father of the Church after St Ambrose made a great contribution to the spread and consolidation of Christianity in Northern Italy – St Maximus, whom we come across in 398 as Bishop of Turin, a year after St Ambrose’s death.   Very little is known about him, in compensation, we have inherited a collection of about 116 of his Sermons.   It is possible to perceive in them the Bishop’s profound and vital bond with his city, which attests to an evident point of contact between the episcopal ministry of Ambrose and that of Maximus.

At that time serious tensions were disturbing orderly civil coexistence.   In this context, as pastor and teacher, Maximus succeeded in obtaining the Christian people’s support. The city was threatened by various groups of barbarians.   They entered by the Eastern passes, which went as far as the Western Alps.   Turin was therefore permanently garrisoned by troops and at critical moments became a refuge for the populations fleeing from the countryside and urban centres where there was no protection.   Maximus’ interventions in the face of this situation testify to his commitment to respond to the civil degradation and disintegration.   Although it is still difficult to determine the social composition of those for whom the Sermons were intended, it would seem that Maximus’ preaching – to avoid the risk of vagueness – was specifically addressed to a chosen nucleus of the Christian community of Turin, consisting of rich landowners who had property in the Turinese countryside and a house in the city.   This was a clear-sighted pastoral decision by the Bishop, who saw this type of preaching as the most effective way to preserve and strengthen his own ties with the people.

To illustrate this view of Maximus’ ministry in his city, I would like to point out for example Sermons 17 and 18, dedicated to an ever timely topic:  wealth and poverty in Christian communities.   In this context too, the city was fraught with serious tensions. Riches were accumulated and hidden.   “No one thinks about the needs of others”, the Bishop remarked bitterly in his 17th Sermon.   “In fact, not only do many Christians not share their own possessions but they also rob others of theirs.   Not only, I say, do they not bring the money they collect to the feet of the apostles but in addition, they drag from priests’ feet, their own brethren who are seeking help”.   And he concluded:  “In our cities there are many guests or pilgrims.   Do what you have promised”, adhering to faith, “so that what was said to Ananias will not be said to you as well:  “You have not lied to men but to God'” (Sermon 17, 2-3).

In the next Sermon, the 18th, Maximus condemns the recurring forms of exploitation of others’ misfortunes.   “Tell me, Christian”, the Bishop reprimands his faithful, “tell me why you snatched the booty abandoned by the plunderers?   Why did you take home “ill-gotten gains’ as you yourself think, torn apart and contaminated?”.   “But perhaps”, he continues, “you say you have purchased them and thereby believe you are avoiding the accusation of avarice.   However, this is not the way to equate purchasing with selling.   “It is a good thing to make purchases but that means what is sold freely in times of peace, not goods looted during the sack of a city… So act as a Christian and a citizen who purchases in order to repay”  (Sermon 18: 3).   Without being too obvious, Maximus thus managed to preach a profound relationship between a Christian’s and a citizen’s duties.   In his eyes, living a Christian life also meant assuming civil commitments.   Vice-versa, every Christian who, “despite being able to live by his own work, seizes the booty of others with the ferocity of wild beasts”;  who “tricks his neighbour, who tries every day to nibble away at the boundaries of others, to gain possession of their produce, does not compare to a fox biting off the heads of chickens but rather to a wolf savaging pigs.” (Sermon 41, 4).

In comparison with the cautious, defensive attitude that Ambrose adopted to justify his famous project of redeeming prisoners of war, the historical changes that occurred in the relationship between the Bishop and the municipal institutions are clearly evident. By now sustained through legislation that invited Christians to redeem prisoners, Maximus, with the collapse of the civil authority of the Roman Empire, felt fully authorised in this regard to exercise true control over the city.   This control was to become increasingly extensive and effective until it replaced the irresponsible evasion of the magistrates and civil institutions.   In this context, Maximus not only strove to rekindle in the faithful the traditional love for their hometown but he also proclaimed the precise duty to pay taxes, however burdensome and unpleasant they might appear (cf. Sermon 26, 2).   In short, the tone and substance of the Sermons imply an increased awareness of the Bishop’s political responsibility in the specific historical circumstances. He was “the lookout tower” posted in the city.   Whoever could these watchmen be, Maximus wonders in Sermon 92, “other than the most blessed Bishops set on a lofty rock of wisdom, so to speak, to defend the peoples and to warn them about the evils approaching in the distance?”.   And in Sermon 89 the Bishop of Turin describes his tasks to his faithful, making a unique comparison between the Bishop’s function and the function of bees:  “Like the bee”, he said, Bishops “observe bodily chastity, they offer the food of heavenly life using the sting of the law.   They are pure in sanctifying, gentle in restoring and severe in punishing”.   With these words, St Maximus described the task of the Bishop in his time.

In short, historical and literary analysis show an increasing awareness of the political responsibility of the ecclesiastical authority in a context in which it continued de facto to replace the civil authority. Indeed, the ministry of the Bishop of Northwest Italy, starting with Eusebius who dwelled in his Vercelli “like a monk” to Maximus of Turin, positioned “like a sentinel” on the highest rock in the city, developed along these lines.   It is obvious that the contemporary historical, cultural and social context is profoundly different.   Today’s context is rather the context outlined by my venerable Predecessor, Pope John Paul II, in the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Europa, in which he offers an articulate analysis of the challenges and signs of hope for the Church in Europe today (nn. 6-22).   In any case, on the basis of the changed conditions, the believer’s duties to his city and his homeland still remain effective.   The combination of the commitments of the “honest citizen” with those of the “good Christian” has not in fact disappeared.

In conclusion, to highlight one of the most important aspects of the unity of Christian life, I would like to recall the words of the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes:  consistency between faith and conduct, between Gospel and culture.   The Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.   It is a mistake to think that because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities;  this is to forget that by our faith we are bound all the more to fulfil these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one” (n. 43).  

In following the Magisterium of St Maximus and of many other Fathers, let us make our own, the Council’s desire, that the faithful may be increasingly anxious to “carry out their earthly activity in such a way as to integrate human, domestic, professional, scientific and technical enterprises with religious values, under whose supreme direction all things are ordered to the glory of God” (ibid.) and thus for humanity’s good.”…Pope Benedict XVI,General Audience, Wednesday, 31 October 2007

In short, historical and literary analysis show an increasing awareness of the political responsibility of the ecclesiastical authority in a context in which it continued de facto to replace the civil authority. Indeed, the ministry of the Bishop of Northwest Italy, starting with Eusebius who dwelled in his Vercelli “like a monk” to Maximus of Turin, positioned “like a sentinel” on the highest rock in the city, developed along these lines.   It is obvious that the contemporary historical, cultural and social context is profoundly different.   Today’s context is rather the context outlined by my venerable Predecessor, Pope John Paul II, in the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Europa, in which he offers an articulate analysis of the challenges and signs of hope for the Church in Europe today (nn. 6-22).   In any case, on the basis of the changed conditions, the believer’s duties to his city and his homeland still remain effective.   The combination of the commitments of the “honest citizen” with those of the “good Christian” has not in fact disappeared.

In conclusion, to highlight one of the most important aspects of the unity of Christian life, I would like to recall the words of the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes:  consistency between faith and conduct, between Gospel and culture.   The Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.   It is a mistake to think that because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities;  this is to forget that by our faith we are bound all the more to fulfil these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one” (n. 43).  

In following the Magisterium of St Maximus and of many other Fathers, let us make our own, the Council’s desire, that the faithful may be increasingly anxious to “carry out their earthly activity in such a way as to integrate human, domestic, professional, scientific and technical enterprises with religious values, under whose supreme direction all things are ordered to the glory of God” (ibid.) and thus for humanity’s good.”…Pope Benedict XVI,General Audience, Wednesday, 31 October 2007

(via Saint of the Day - 25 June - St Maximus of Turin (? - c 420) Father of the Church)

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad smiled, despite his pockets now being empty. Better luck next paycheck.... "Thanks, I appreciate it." Then his cousin took his hand, breaking his thought process on what it was they were doing. "Wait, wha--" Too late to finish his sentence, he was being dragged out of the restaurant. "I'm not sure swimsuit shopping constitutes an emergency." He managed to get out as the Italian tugged on his arm down the sidewalk. "Plus, I'm broke, I don't want to be a financial burden..."

@coltii-romanesti

“Hmm….I’m not the most fond of showing that much skin out in the open….maybe tight fitting shorts???” Vlad thought out loud as he finished up his meal. It wasn’t like the food at home, but it was still delicious and he finished every bit of it. He tilted his head at the Italian’s request. “I don’t use Euros often, but let’s see….” he dug through his pockets and managed to have just enough. Thankfully he remembered to stop by and exchange his Lei for Euros before coming to the meeting. It was ridiculously expensive for him, but worth it.

So there was a bit of guilt for making Vlad cover him. The exchange rate wasn’t the best for him, and Feliciano was supposed to have Euros… “All expenses covered when you visit me in Venice,” he winked, taking his hand as he tugged. “We have to go swimsuit shopping now! My boss gave me a credit card for emergencies!” With a soft laugh he skipped out the door and turned to Romania with a bright smile, “This is definitely an emergency~”

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad raised a brow at the title screen. "The only human? That sounds somewhat frightening....but....I'll take your word for it." He hesitantly accepted the device and followed the printed instructions on the screen; Press Start.

As the preview for the game started, he watched as both DS screens showed different images. "Okay......now what?" He asked. If it wasn't obvious, he hadn't used one of these before.

@coltii-romanesti || starter call!

  “ It’s called Animal Crossing! It’s a cute game where you play as the only human in a town full of anthropomorphic animals and you’re the mayor! It’s really cute and relaxing as long as you keep up on everything.

  One time I forgot to play for a month because I got busy and a bunch of weeds grew, but it’s fine! ”

  Look, he’s even trying to hand Vlad the DS! Experience would probably be a better teacher than whatever he says anyhow.

[coltii-romanesti]

"Yes, but—" Vlad cut himself off, wanting to say his words gently as to not make his cousin upset or worse, cry. "Are you sure you'll be ok with the pain that comes with it? Seeing them age when you don't, and eventually they're gone and you're, well, still here?"

Are you /sure/ adoption is a good idea???

"--I don't see how exactly it's a bad idea. I can't have a baby naturally, so adoption is the next best option for me."

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad welcomed her touch. While not expected, it was nice to receive support from the people he did, let alone family members. "I guess we both need to work on communication." At the thought, he let out a brief snort of laughter. "You know, for a man working as an editor, it doesn't seem like I'm the best at it." Deep breath. "It's been how long, and yet neither of us have spoken about it yet, or even to each other." His reasons being his fears, Vlad had been dreading the inevitable conversation. To be honest, he was completely avoiding it.

coltii-romanesti​:

Deep breaths. He’s already on the edge, but Carlotta’s words help pull him back a bit. “I want to hear that from her. We’ve talked about this kind of thing before, I told her my fears regarding relationships and she took it on wholeheartedly.” Another deep breath. He refuses to show emotion. He won’t give in to it. “She said she wouldn’t leave me, and this happens. I get that I’ve been gone, but the timing is the worst part of all this.”

Offering a drink, wine was clearly not the choice for tonight. “I’m sure it would mean more to come from her, I won’t deny that. The blame shouldn’t solely be focused on Res, just like how you’ve talked to her about not being around as often, she most likely didn’t expect it to be difficult at times.” She reached carefully to rub his arm, offering what little support she could. “She does love you, Vlad. The timing was wrong, and it should have been handled in a different way, but in all, this is not your fault.”

[coltii-romanesti]

"Hmm....I'm not the most fond of showing that much skin out in the open....maybe tight fitting shorts???" Vlad thought out loud as he finished up his meal. It wasn't like the food at home, but it was still delicious and he finished every bit of it. He tilted his head at the Italian's request. "I don't use Euros often, but let's see...." he dug through his pockets and managed to have just enough. Thankfully he remembered to stop by and exchange his Lei for Euros before coming to the meeting. It was ridiculously expensive for him, but worth it.

@coltii-romanesti

“I could probably use a new one as well….” He muttered to himself before smiling at the steaming plate of pasta in front of him. Vlad forked the noodles and twisted it in his hand, twirling the pasta noodles around the fork into something of a bundle of carbs. “Sure! I haven’t gone swimming in a while, so I would probably need a new one.” He nommed on the fork full of food and swallowed. “Though, it probably won’t be a speedo….maybe swim shorts…?” He quietly thought out loud to himself.

“But speedo’s make you go faster,” he pointed out with a grin. “Also, they make my legs look great~” He bragged.  There were just some things the nation was not humble about at all. As he finished his meal, disappointed it wasn’t as good as the food back home, he was still have to have something in his tummy. Rummaging through his pockets to pay, he realized he didn’t have enough. Chuckling sheepishly, he looked up at Vlad, “Can I cover you next time?” He offered.

[coltii-romanesti]

"I could probably use a new one as well...." He muttered to himself before smiling at the steaming plate of pasta in front of him. Vlad forked the noodles and twisted it in his hand, twirling the pasta noodles around the fork into something of a bundle of carbs. "Sure! I haven't gone swimming in a while, so I would probably need a new one." He nommed on the fork full of food and swallowed. "Though, it probably won't be a speedo....maybe swim shorts...?" He quietly thought out loud to himself.

@coltii-romanesti

Vlad’s smile grew brighter at the other’s. Good, no more tears. He chuckled gently. “See? Not such a bad thing. Back in Bucharest we actually have a big festival all for garlic. I honestly don’t know where the whole ‘garlic repels vampires’ thing came from if they’re supposed to be Transylvanian.” When the waitress came by, the Romanian pointed out what he was wanting to order, given he knew absolutely no Dutch, Flemish, anything spoken in Brussels. “Looking forward to it! I haven’t been to a beach in ages!”

“I need a new swimsuit,” he mused, leaning back in his seat as he waited for the waitress to return. “My speedo’s colors are wearing out,” he sighed softly. He opened his mouth to ramble more, but their food had arrived far sooner than he expected it to. “Thank you!” He told the waitress who responded with a smile and something in Flemish. Whatever she had said it sounded sweet and he could help, but smile at her. “Say, Vlad, after this want to go swimsuit shopping?” He suggested, stabbing his food with a fork, inspecting its quality. 

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad's smile grew brighter at the other's. Good, no more tears. He chuckled gently. "See? Not such a bad thing. Back in Bucharest we actually have a big festival all for garlic. I honestly don't know where the whole 'garlic repels vampires' thing came from if they're supposed to be Transylvanian." When the waitress came by, the Romanian pointed out what he was wanting to order, given he knew absolutely no Dutch, Flemish, anything spoken in Brussels. "Looking forward to it! I haven't been to a beach in ages!"

@coltii-romanesti

Vlad’s eyebrows turned up, growing sad and slightly pissed at himself for making Feliciano cry like this. He smile gently, though, hoping to lighten the other’s mood. “Thank you, Feli.” Then, his question shocked him. Why would he ask such a thing? “What? No, of course not! I’d say you have as good a brain as your heart.” He tried to think up examples. “Like when you covered me up with your jacket? You improvised with the lack of umbrellas. And you remembered the lore and did your best to protect me. I’d say that’s all good thinking, not stupidity ”

Feliciano’s lips curled into a teeny smile as he listened to Vlad, feeling better already. With one last sniffle, he told himself to stop crying. It wasn’t even that big a deal. “Okay… so let’s get you that fettuccine,” he said with a big smile. “Truthfully, all the things I wanted had garlic in them… so this is actually good,” he convinced himself and the prospect of food steadily improving his mood. “And now I can invite you to the beach,” he beamed. “When you visit me in Venice there are some nice beaches we can go see~” 

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad's eyebrows turned up, growing sad and slightly pissed at himself for making Feliciano cry like this. He smile gently, though, hoping to lighten the other's mood. "Thank you, Feli." Then, his question shocked him. Why would he ask such a thing? "What? No, of course not! I'd say you have as good a brain as your heart." He tried to think up examples. "Like when you covered me up with your jacket? You improvised with the lack of umbrellas. And you remembered the lore and did your best to protect me. I'd say that's all good thinking, not stupidity "

@coltii-romanesti​

When his cousin yelled, Vlad’s eyes darted up to meet the Italian’s horrified expression. Crap I messed up…..I messed up bad. With his quick thinking, he tried to cover up his own guilt with a confused look. “Or maybe it was some other white cheese sauce…” he laughed nervously before letting it all just drop. It wasn’t working, nor did it feel natural. If anything it felt wrong. “Feliciano, I–you have to understand I didn’t mean to hurt you, I was just–” then he saw the water in the other’s eyes. Immediately, he looked away in guilt, biting his lip. He couldn’t stand to see cheerful Feliciano like that, with tears in his eyes. “You were so into it, I didn’t want to ruin the fun and disappoint you with the truth….so I played along…..” he looked back up at him and offered a smile to dissipate the sad atmosphere. “And to be fair, three-fourths the world thinks I’m a vampire so you weren’t alone.”

Sniffling, he put the menu down and looked at his cousin with his big brown doe eyes, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. It wasn’t like Vlad was trying to be mean or make fun of him, he assured himself. So, he wiped his eyes with the corner of his sleeves. Forcing a smile, he tried to laugh about it, but it came out as a pathetic sob. Why did Feliciano have to be so…. sensitive! “It’s okay, Vlad, I forgive you.” But Feliciano was admittedly rather disappointed. Now he went from one vampire friend to no vampire friends. “You don’t think I’m stupid, right?” He asked, chewing on his bottom lip which would no doubt becoming puffy and raw.

[coltii-romanesti]

When his cousin yelled, Vlad's eyes darted up to meet the Italian's horrified expression. Crap I messed up.....I messed up bad. With his quick thinking, he tried to cover up his own guilt with a confused look. "Or maybe it was some other white cheese sauce..." he laughed nervously before letting it all just drop. It wasn't working, nor did it feel natural. If anything it felt wrong. "Feliciano, I--you have to understand I didn't mean to hurt you, I was just--" then he saw the water in the other's eyes. Immediately, he looked away in guilt, biting his lip. He couldn't stand to see cheerful Feliciano like that, with tears in his eyes. "You were so into it, I didn't want to ruin the fun and disappoint you with the truth....so I played along....." he looked back up at him and offered a smile to dissipate the sad atmosphere. "And to be fair, three-fourths the world thinks I'm a vampire so you weren't alone."

@coltii-romanesti

Vlad grinned once more before scanning the menu for whatever looked good. A pasta dish he remembered enjoying caught his eye. “Fettuccine Alfredo? Looks pretty good, and I remember loving it last I stopped by an Italian restaurant.” Of course, not remembering that alfredo is made with garlic.

Feliciano looked up at Vlad both hurt and horrified, “But that has garlic!” he cried out. The other had suddenly inverted his worldview. Was everything he thought a lie? “Vlad?” he looked down at the menu, with a dejected look. Maybe he was a little too sensitive, but he couldn’t help the tears threatening to slip past. Was he being lied to? Made a fool of? He was genuinely worried for the other…

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad grinned once more before scanning the menu for whatever looked good. A pasta dish he remembered enjoying caught his eye. "Fettuccine Alfredo? Looks pretty good, and I remember loving it last I stopped by an Italian restaurant." Of course, not remembering that alfredo is made with garlic.

@coltii-romanesti

Vlad followed his Italian cousin as best he could without getting hit by any of the cars around them. Despite this danger, he couldn’t help but smile at the other. Though, his smile turned to surprise when he was rushed inside. Maybe he should break the truth to Feli….but not yet. It seemed he was having fun with this, and Vlad didn’t want to interrupt that. Following him to a table away from the windows, Vlad’s smile returned. “It’s great, Feli! I won’t have to worry about the sun this way!” He chuckled as he plopped into a chair.

“That was the plan~” he hummed, swinging his legs happily. It was so nice to see Vlad again. It made Feliciano tickled pink to see more of his family. “Hmm, so I’m really hungry,” he began scanning through the menu in front of him, making note of the things that had garlic. He wouldn’t order any of it so that Vlad could try his food. “What do you think looks good?” he asked. A simple pasta dish caught his eye, but he decided against it. After all, it was very likely that there would be garlic in it. 

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad followed his Italian cousin as best he could without getting hit by any of the cars around them. Despite this danger, he couldn't help but smile at the other. Though, his smile turned to surprise when he was rushed inside. Maybe he should break the truth to Feli....but not yet. It seemed he was having fun with this, and Vlad didn't want to interrupt that. Following him to a table away from the windows, Vlad's smile returned. "It's great, Feli! I won't have to worry about the sun this way!" He chuckled as he plopped into a chair.

@coltii-romanesti

He chuckled lightly. “Yes, especially whenever I mention Rome, he goes off on me, but eh that’s water under the bridge.” His smile faltered in surprise as the other draped a jacket over his head. This time, he laughed. “Yeah, this can work! Good thing I’m wearing long sleeves, this can cover my face!” Vlad pulled the sleeves of the Italian’s jacket over his face so all he could see were his burgundy eyes. “It’s like I’m one of those anime ninjas Bul watches on TV!”

When Feli took his hand, he let the jacket sleeves fall back into place, leaving the jacket to sit awkwardly on his head. Like he cared if it was awkward, though. He followed willingingly, all the while wearing his smile. “Alright! Un, două…” he waited for his three.

“Tre!” And with that, Feliciano tugged Vladimir’s arm pulling him across the street while giggling, just narrowly avoiding being hit by cars. Finally they make it to the café and Feliciano rushed Vlad inside, just in case. With a sigh of relief, he saw that his companion was 100%, no burn marks evident. That was close! He would have never forgiven himself if Vlad got hurt because of him! He settled on a nice seat away from the window and waved Vlad over. “Is this spot okay? I think it’s nice and far enough from the window!”

[coltii-romanesti]

Vlad chuckled at the other's enthusiasm and happiness. When he clung to his arm, he didn't even flinch. He merely smiled and enjoyed the physical affection he missed from family. "Oh don't worry, I will! Though I don't think your brother likes me....eh, it might just be me who knows." He shrugged lightly, trying his best not to move Feliciano's arms too much.

He watched as people filtered out of the room lazily, and at the moment of food his stomach growled. "Food does sound really good right now! I wonder if there are any good places nearby." For a moment, the Romanian was confused. Then, in realization, he smiled and winked at his relative. Right, he still thinks I'm a vampire, almost forgot. "Right, the sun. It's more of a slow burn than a sudden combustion. If I had an umbrella, I'll be perfectly fine."

@coltii-romanesti

Vlad returned his bright smile, a little more naturally now. “Of course~!” He chuckled at his mimicking of burning and sizzling, knowing very well that he won’t burn. Sunburn maybe, but from garlic, nah. He practically lived off the stuff. “It has been a while,” he smile shrank, but it was still there. “All the usual things of life; living! I haven’t gotten a chance to run by for a bowl of noodles because of all the backlog of things I need to fill out for the EU.” He sighed, remembering all his paperwork. “Plus the quickest route here is through Hungary…..and I don’t ever like to risk running into her…” His eyes narrowed for a moment in memory of the Hungarian female he despised before brightening again. “Oh no it’s ok, Feli! You get busy, it happens! Though I’m glad we get to spent some family time this time!”

He chuckled nervously at the mention of Hungary. Right. They didn’t like each other very much… and that was an understatement. Though, Feliciano visibly relaxed when the conversation quickly steered elsewhere. Good. He wasn’t all that comfortable with angry people. Feliciano clung to Vlad’s arm and smiled at him; he was always seeking out physical affection. “Well, next time we’re in Italy, you have to come over then!” They were currently in the meeting room in Brussels for the World Meeting, hosted by Belgium this time. All of the other nations had slowly trickled out until there were just a few catching up with each other whether it was official work or personal affairs. 

“For now we should go to a nice cafe and eat~” He insisted, tugging lightly on Vlad’s arm. “Or do we need to wait for the sun to set, because… you know” he leaned in to whisper, looking around the room to ensure no one was listening to them.

[coltii-romanesti]

Crap, this is what happens when he lies; it just digs a deeper hole. "Yeah, but the taste is enough to burn a vampire's tongue." Goodness, shut your trap before it gets worse. "Vampire friends? I don't talk to many of them anymore, after all, vampires have become more of a hokey legend than reality. Either they've passed on or have gone into hiding." Vlad finally realized the Italian was pouting earlier, but now that he was beaming again, he didn't feel he needed to worry.

@coltii-romanesti

“Whoa, one question at a time, Feli,” Vlad smiled as he thought about the answers to the other’s questions. He stifled a laugh at the fact the Italian didn’t know he actually wasn’t a vampire. Very few knew, but the air of innocence he had around him involuntarily made the Romanian smile. “Well, I’m not sure about others, but I love pasta~!” Then garlic got brought up. Crap, lore says garlic repels vampires, but Vlad used it in his cooking all the time. He laughed nervously. “As for garlic, that repels vampires, so I wouldn’t use it…” Even though I love the stuff… “But they do love tomatoes! Go ahead and invite them to your house, Feli, I’m sure a lot of vampires would enjoy it! I know I would~!” 

With a pout, he looked at Vlad with a bit of suspicion. Why was he smiling so much? Was he hiding something? It felt like he was teasing him, but he couldn’t be too sure. “The garlic is what makes it taste so good…” he whined, but he ceded, if it meant fewer dinner guests, then maybe he could sacrifice the ingredient once in a while. “Hmm, tomatoes? I don’t really use much tomato, but if they like it I can try making some dishes my brother taught me~ He makes the best tomato sauce!” he beamed, always brightening his mood whenever he thought of Romano. “So… do you have other vampire friends to invite?”