#like what are they scared of- why are they apologizing to Ludwig? are they about to FIGHT him in that picture Sharkie drew? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

stanurines1mp · 2 years ago

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Free

FREE /friː/ -able to act or be done as one wishes; not under the control of another.- Freya Ludwig's past of solitude soon changes as she meets the main squad of the Scout Regiment. But is she just another slave of loneliness or will she find the one to set her free? From Attack On Titan / Shingeki No Kyojin, An Eren Jaeger x Fem!OC Story.

𝔬𝔫𝔢

𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 ← ᴘʀᴇᴠ ɴᴇxᴛ → 𝔪𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱

I felt my lashes fluttering against the skin of my under eyes. The blurry vision of the thin hair soon cleared out to show me a few silhouettes standing before me. Blinking a few more times, the silhouettes soon turned to unfamiliar figures.

My mind stung, a slight ringing haunting the back of it. Blurred pictures were then put together and I regained the memories of moments before.

Letting out a slight gasp, I noticed- Felt the soreness in my wrists. Glancing back, I saw my hands tied behind my back. Returning my eyes to the group of people, I scanned them quickly.

"Hi!" The one most in front excitedly exclaimed.

One of their eyes was covered with a patch while the other one was covered by their glasses. But I could still see their excitement. Weird, to be excited with someone you'd just tie up.

Regardless, I remained quiet. To this, the same person introduced themselves.

"My name is Hange Zoe! I'm so excited to have you here!"

"You're gonna scare her off like that," I heard a deep voice say.

I shifted my gaze to look at the short man standing next to the person called Hange. He had his eyes darkened and sharp on me, clearly intimidating me.

Sadly, it worked. I feel tense under his gaze.

"Oh, is that right? I'm sorry, then," Hange apologized. "In any case, do you know where you are?"

"Paradis," I answered, my voice raspier than usual which causes me to swallow my saliva.

"She speaks," the man from earlier sassed.

"You hijacked my boat," I said as the memories from earlier returned properly.

"Sorry about that," Hange sheepishly apologized. "We just wanted to talk."

"Do you think tying up the person you want to talk to is a good start?" I let out, a playful smirk drawled on my lips.

"I hope you can forgive us for that. After all, we were told to be careful of your abilities," Hange chuckled lightly.

"My abilities?" I questioned with my smirk from earlier still on display. "I doubt there's anything I can do against the Founding Titan."

"We hope it won't come down to that."

"I understand," I nodded my head. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"It's our understanding that you're a Warrior-"

"More like a rejected Warrior," I scoffed. Seeing the questioning look on Hange's complexion, I explained further. "When I applied to be a Warrior and underwent training, I wasn't as qualified as the others. So, instead of putting my life on the front lines, the government decided they could use someone to do their dirty work."

"You were an assassin," the short man concluded.

"I still am," I shrugged mindlessly. "I was sent here to assassinate the Founding Titan."

"Why are you telling us all this so easily?"

"I figured this would happen," I simply said. "The Marley government is too arrogant to think they could easily kill the Founding Titan. I mean, I'm a good assassin. With humans, that is. But when it comes to Titans... That's a little out of my forte. For all I know, the only reason they sent me here was so I'd get killed."

"So, you're betraying your country?"

"I couldn't care less about them," I laughed humorlessly, my eyes returning back to the man. "If you want me to work with you, I'd happily oblige. But maybe you could start by taking these off me?" I raised my brows, my head tipped to my tied hands.

"Of course, of course!" Hange nervously laughed before approaching me to untie my hands.

Immediately I brought them forward, slightly massaging my sore wrists. "Thank you," I mumbled, though clear enough to be heard. "So, I assume you're the one in charge here?" I rose my brows as my pair of eyes darted to Hange.

"Commander of the Scout Regiment, Hange Zoe," they stretched out a hand which I took firmly as I shared a handshake. "This is Captain Levi, our Strongest Soldier," they gestured, earning a nod from the man called Levi.

"I'm Freya Ludwig."

I was then brought to a camp filled with more people. Though I expected to see adults like Hange and Levi, I was instead met with teenagers, seemingly around my age.

Hange introduced me to them, one by one. Despite my being from the other side, they seem to have accepted me, not bearing any form of hatred. At least none so far from those I've met. However, I was struck with surprise when one of them -the very one I was meant to kill- asked me something.

"Have we, met before?"

His voice was soft and careful as he asked, almost scared of my answer. But he also seemed unsure. And I wasn't the only one taken aback by his inquiry from the looks of his friends.

"Uh, no, I don't remember ever seeing you," I answered nervously with all the eyes on me. "This is my first time here," I added.

"Right," he uttered lowly, almost unnoticed. Almost. "I'm sorry. Forget I asked," he pleaded, his gaze lowering in what seemed like a disappointment.

But what did he expect me to say?

It wouldn't make sense if I said I did. If anything, I'd just be lying. The closest thing I had to him was information about one of the Titans he held alongside a brief description from Reiner who was sent to infiltrate the island. And the memory of his Titan hijacking my ship.

I tried to ignore the odd question from him earlier but even as I conversed with the others, I could feel his eyes on me. It was an odd sensation, almost a burn in a place foreign to me. The burn was unlike the ones I was used to. Still, I tried hard to ignore it.

I was glad when Levi came to the camp to inform us that we should all head in. One of the girls, Sasha Braus, was assigned to lead me to the tent I will be staying in. Thanking her, she sent me a bright smile and a wave before leaving.

It was safe to say that I was in disbelief at the hospitality I'm receiving. My own tent with a bed. I couldn't even remember the last time I spent a good night's sleep on a proper bed.

Before I could break into the bed, I saw a figure looming outside my tent, their shadow cast under the sky. With my green light, the figure entered and it was one of the girls from earlier.

Her name was Mikasa Ackerman. In her hands were neatly folded clothes that she proceeded to hand to me.

"A change of clothes for you," she clarified.

"Thank you," I replied with a small smile, earning a nod from her.

I took the clothes and she left soon after. I ensured the tent was properly closed before I began stripping off my clothing. My body felt rather tired, but it wasn't new to me.

Once I felt the new fabrics touching my skin, I let out a hum of relaxation. The clothes touched nicely against my skin, leaving a chill feeling that would bring a sense of calmness to my mind.

Then, I resumed my intention before Mikasa gave me a visit earlier. I approached the bed, kicking off my shoes before I laid myself on the bed, my legs dangling over the edges. I felt shivers down my spine at the sudden comfort in this world that I was taught to hate.

I pushed myself further into the bed, letting my body sink into the soft material. I was hoping to have achieved long hours of sleep but it seemed that my body had to adjust to the environment.

The strong wind had jolted my senses, triggering my fight or flight mode which ultimately caused me to awaken from my sleep. I blinked my eyes open which were now wide awake.

Despite my urges and tries to return back to slumber, I was met with failure. So to fill my time, I decided to take a stroll along the campsite.

And maybe breathe in the view.

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mykey-and-bobby-koopa · 2 years ago

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05: Bowsy’s beautiful mind

| Versión en español |

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_______________

JR.

{{ Being Saturday noon, I was finishing my lessons, so I want to take a break. Stupid Ludwig! Why do you have to turn everything into a competition? Doesn’t he know what fun is? How I wish I could beat him at his own game!

Anyway… hopefully he'll stop bothering me, but I'm still scared. I still remember what Mykey told me: “don't mess up your strategy " and well... now I'm starting to doubt. What if I pretend to be sick? Maybe I can tell that my stomach hurts, so they can't tell me anything. But... then... all that I spent studying... will have been useless...

Uh… no, no, no! How could I fail? Mykey was there when no one else was, he tried so hard with me and I couldn't… I can't. He would be unable to look at him and... -sighs- he will surely think I'm a fool, and perhaps with good reason.

Well, at least I'll face it like a Koopa. I'd better not eat anything that day, to make space to eat my own test. I really don't expect to be able to pull it off, but I'll at least pretend to be cool. }}

He thinks as he watches the landscape, supporting his face in his hand with the railing of his terrace in his room

{{ But… it would be nice if I can pass this test. There's only this left before I have my vacation…I'm supposed to be on it since the summer started, but I'm still stuck on this. I will give everything of me to be able to achieve it. If I'm honest with myself… math isn't that bad. Maybe when I grow up I'll dedicate myself to it, who knows? -laughs- but I don't think so. Someone with a mind as brilliant as Ludwig or Iggy could pull it off more easily, but I...

Now that I think about it, I hadn't asked Iggy for help, but most likely he would have said no and said I'm a basket case. I remember once I messed up one of his mockups and he got really upset. It wasn't so much my fault, he was only six years old, what was I to know that the liquids he had in his little bottles didn't mix? The paint mixes like this and doesn't explode, although luckily I got out of there in time, but after a while he came out chasing me with his Chain Chomp. I was lucky to hide in a pot nearby. Although I later apologized to him, he was still somewhat angry for a week, as I remember. At least later we started talking and he told me to be careful about mixing things without asking and I promised to be more careful, anyway he gave me a smack on the head, it did hurt, but now I only remember it as something funny. Actually, Iggy's sooty face gave me a lot of humor. }}

Before those memories he begins to smile looking at the horizon with some nostalgia.

{{ What memories! He is still in my mind when my brothers played a lot with me, although… all that was when he was younger. Now that I'm 11 years old, others don't seem to take much notice of me. It even seems that I am invisible to them. Well, maybe I like things that they don't like, like drawing or coloring. I would like to ask Wendy about which colors would go best together, or Lemmy if I use the right colors or Roy if I use a good style... but I'm afraid they'll say it's silly.

I've had more or less brotherly time with Larry lately, but we've also gotten into fights with each other. -covering his eyes with his hands- jeez! Why do I act like this? -he discovers- Larry shares his games with me and I end up getting angry for nothing. Perhaps he is right in saying that he is only good at losing his temper. But... that boy Bobby... seems to get along with Larry. He is almost my age and he does not behave capriciously. In a way I feel envy for him, who always seems to be happy. I guess he doesn't have the bunch of siblings where we all fight each other for anything}}

At that moment he goes to his desk and puts away his study material a little and takes out his drawing pad and pencil and then starts to draw a little.

{{ Well, at least this is my thing. I have no talent for other things, but at least I do what I like }}

Without realizing it, from drawing he goes on to write numbers and more fractions, to which the little boy notices and gets scared, dropping his pencil to the ground

Thinking that, he goes to his bed to lie down a bit, resting his face on his pillow, hugging it, and in turn, getting ready to sleep with him face down.

After haunting his thoughts, someone knocks on the door, which makes Bowsy startle a little due to the silence that invaded the room and the resonance of the knock on the door.

Jr.: I'm coming (he gets up and goes to the door, opening it) Who is it?

Roy: hey shorty

His older brother pats him on the head, which seems to annoy the little boy a bit

Jr.: (blushing) what do you want?

Roy: nothing, I just came to see what you were doing

Jr.: I was trying to sleep. I keep thinking about numbers and I want to rest for a while

Roy: Sounds like you're really into it. Is it because of the bet you made?

Bowsy stays in silence for a few moments, staring at her brother until he turns his back on him.

Jr.: (smiling subtly) yes, I'm not denying it, but it's also more fun. Besides… (turning to Roy and looking at him confidently) after this… they won't call me a fool anymore.

Roy arches an eyebrow at him.

Roy: I don't think you're a fool, Jr. I don't know where you got that from.

Bowsy makes a surprised face

Jr.: w-well… I thought so… that all of you thought that

Roy: I just think you're a spoiled crybaby and insufferable, but not fool

Jr.: (with a skeptical face) I don't know whether to take it as a compliment or an insult

Roy: Take it as love from me, you won't always have it, you little weasel.

Jr.: you and your comments… well, since you show me a little about yourself, I also want to show you something

Roy: let's see… (crossing his arms and leaning on the door frame)

Jr. goes through his drawings and shows him one in particular. With that, Roy details it for a few moments, noticing a small blush on his cheeks, almost the same color as his glasses. Given this, he only limits himself to saying...

Roy: He is… very pretty. He fit you

Jr.: Do you really think so?

Roy: Yeah, but don't let anyone know that I told you that, okay?

Jr.: And what if I do?

Roy: Then I'll be forced to take action (cracking his knuckles with a wicked grin)

At that gesture, Bowsy looks at him somewhat scared

Jr.: (nervous) if it's f-for good, yes. You have my word (nervous laugh)

Roy: ok (smiling)

After saying that, Roy pats Jr. on the head again, who closes his eyes thinking that he was going to get hit or something, before leaving the little boy's room. Bowsy closes the door and leans against it, looking at the drawing that he had shown to his brother with dark glasses, whose content was of Roy himself with a red superhero cape. Bowsy looks at the drawing and smiles, remembering Roy's words to him.

Two days later, being Monday and also the day of Jr.'s exam, he is in his room, somewhat nervous and walking in circles without stopping to think about it, so he tries to calm down. However, when looking at the clock, it shows 9:15 in the morning, with only 15 minutes left before the exam begins.

Jr.: Gosh! it's almost there! (he breathes softly) Calm down. Everything will be fine...no need to worry...it's just an exam...an exam you've failed five times...but this time it will be different

As he thinks out loud, someone knocks on the door and then it opens. It's about Mykey, which causes Bowsy to snap out of his thoughts.

Mykey: Jr? I can pass?

Jr.: o-of course!

Upon entering he approaches the little redhead

Mykey: how are you? Do you feel ready?

Jr.: a little... but I'm still nervous

Mykey: it's normal (smiles at him) (...)

Meanwhile, Kamek and Ludwig are in the classroom preparing for the exam.

Kamek: Well, it's almost about time. I hope this time I get through

Ludwig: Nah, he's probably going to be at this forever.

Kamek: You don't have much faith in him, do you?

Ludwig: Well, at least with me he wasn't interested. Let's see if this new teacher will have changed something.

Kamek: Right… Anyway, I'll go look for the young student. I'll be back

In that the magikoopa comes out. While this is happening, Ludwig removes the exam and replaces it with another one, which has different questions. At that he gives a small mischievous smile and then hides the previous exam.

Ludwig: Let's see if you can get through this, little brother.

Back in Jr.'s room, both the latter and Mykey continue to talk for a bit.

Mykey: (...) that's why you shouldn't be afraid. No matter what happens, I will continue to support you

Jr.: Thanks, Mykey.

They both smile at each other while the older Koopa pats Bowsy's head, who, again, begins to wag his tail without noticing. In the middle of that, Kamek arrives

Kamek: well, my children... it's time

After a few moments, the three go to the classroom. Kamek retires to attend to other matters.

Ludwig: welcome, little brother (looking at him seriously) we start in 10 minutes. I hope you have studied this time.

Jr. looks at his brother and greets him

Jr.: g-good morning, Ludwig

Then, Jr. looks carefully at his desk and remembers the words Ludwig said to him at that moment: “Are you a fool? Has what I have taught you not been of any use to you?” Which reverberate in the little boy's mind, so he does not avoid putting on a sad expression. Mykey notices this and leans over a little at Bowsy's height, putting his hand on the little boy's shoulder, which comes out of his trance and looks at the purple-haired Koopa.

Mykey: remember, it's a new opportunity. You can (smiles at him)

Jr.: (smiles and nods) yes!

Slowly, Bowsy walks over to his desk and settles on it, pulling his school supplies out of the small backpack. Ludwig, meanwhile, takes out the exam he prepared and puts it back on the table.

Ludwig: When the time starts you turn it over and start your exam. You have one hour. The bell will ring and there you will stop writing, understood?

Jr. nods, looking shyly at Ludwig, who was still serious.

Ludwig: There are also other details: Mykey, you as his teacher have the right to witness the exam, but you are absolutely prohibited from helping Bowsy, so you will not be able to make gestures of any kind or whisper anything to him. You will only be an observer

Mykey: (nods) I have it clear

Ludwig: Jr., you are prohibited from looking at Mykey under any circumstances. You can only rely on your pencil, eraser and your mind, is that clear?

Jr.: can I request a blank sheet? I have to do the sums

Ludwig: ok, I'll bring it to you right away

As he goes for her, Jr. turns his gaze to Mykey, who gives him a thumbs up with a sympathetic look. That causes Jr. to smile as well and turn back to his examination. Ludwig passes him some sheets and goes to take a seat.

Ludwig: If you like, Mykey, you can sit next to me and wait.

Mykey: right

The eldest of the Koopa-children takes a chair and positions himself to Ludwig's left, settling himself. After the clock strikes 10:00 and the young man in blue sets the timer, the exam begins.

Ludwig: Very good. You can start now, little Koopa.

The youngster grabs the pencil and starts reading the questions. After a few moments he notices that these are somewhat different questions, so he puts on a confused face, leaving the pencil aside and thinks to himself

Jr.: (thinking) what is all this? I don't remember seeing in class

Mykey noticed that something was wrong by how Jr. looked at his exam sheet, and then glanced at Ludwig, who was smiling strangely as he looked with some pride. At that moment Mykey frowns a little and then looks at Bowsy again, closing his fists a little.

Mykey: (thinking) oh no… I do not like this. Lud, did you set a trap for your brother? (he takes a deep, subtle breath, closing his eyes to open them again) I hope you can handle this, Jr.

Jr. did not stop looking at his exam to try to understand, he felt that his hand was trembling and he felt pressure on his belly, for which he puts his left hand there, in addition to being very lightly sweating and his breathing increased progressively.

Jr.: d-damn! What happens to me? (he closes his eyes tightly) this... not again...

With great difficulty he picks up his pencil again and tries to put his name on the test, his hand still shaking. Mykey was still watching intently without worrying, and, without realizing it, his right hand was moving as if trying to put a stop, but he was also watching how Ludwig seemed to enjoy it, which causes Mykey to look at him with some annoyance. However, he can no longer do anything but watch if Jr. is able to complete this test imposed by his older brother.

Mykey: (thinking and looking at his hands) Damn! I did not expect this…

Jr. kept thinking what to do, so he drops the pencil from him once more. In that he puts his hands on the table and accommodates his back in the chair, looking towards the exam. As he does this, Ludwig looks at him with more apathy and almost laughing but holding back.

Ludwig: (thinking) Are you giving up, Bowsy? What a shame! You see what happens for not dedicating yourself to the study

Meanwhile Jr. goes blank, but at that moment he begins to remember what he talked to Mykey before the exam:

FLASHBACK

// Mykey: how are you? Do you feel ready?

Jr.: a little... but I'm still nervous

Mykey: It's normal (smiles at him and leads him to the bed, both sitting down) but you have to stay calm. You have progressed a lot. At least it will be better than the other times

Jr.: but…. What if I go blank and don't know what to answer?

Mykey: If that happens... close your eyes for a moment, rest your hands on the table and take a deep breath... that will clear your clouds in your mind and you'll be able to resume the idea.

Jr.: y-yes!

Mykey: If you don't know what to answer, use your own imagination and imagine your surroundings as if they were numbers or figures. And… if by chance you come across something that appears to be more difficult, just simplify and imagine what you are reading, leaning on your sheets

After saying that, Mykey takes Bowsy's hands.

Mykey: and most importantly... forget you made a bet. This is to level what you have learned; the rest is in the background. You have my support and I'm sure you also believe in yourself. That is why you should not fear. No matter what happens, I will continue to support you

Jr.: T-Thanks, Mykey

END OF FLASHBACK

Jr.: (thinking) very well… it's time…

At that, Jr. closes his eyes and joins his hands supporting them on the table. The words reverberate in the boy's mind: “take a deep breath”, which Bowsy slowly does. Both Ludwig and Mykey watch what the little boy does.

Ludwig: (thinking) what does he do now? It's too late to pray. Nothing can get you out of this anymore, Jr.

Bowsy is still lost in thoughts of him. Little by little he is outlining a smile. He slowly opens his eyes and imagines his surroundings in a different way, to later read the questions, taking the pencil from him again.

Jr.: (thinking) ok… let's see… I don't know what this means but… I'll try… (Looking around)

Given this, Jr. draws some squares on his sheet, which he fills in according to the numbers indicated, the denominator being the total and the numerator being the filled-in ones, trying to improvise and mix as the exercises appear. Among them there are square roots, something that Jr. does not know what they are but that he interprets as V, so even without knowing he tries to fit his operations with the answer, which sometimes works and sometimes does not, so he returns to try until you find an operation that convinces you.

As the hour progresses, Jr. advances with his answers, which does not take away his concentration, showing his tongue pointing upwards, coloring and drawing what he is interpreting, occasionally looking at the elements in the room and imagining them like the colors of his paintings.

Ludwig watches closely and suspiciously, surprised by Jr.'s actions, he really didn't expect something like that. For his part, Mykey is also surprised, as he admires the fact that Bowsy wants to keep going and trying instead of running away and leaving everything blank.

Then, Jr. gets stuck on a question, precisely the last one, so he tries to move forward as he can, but still the little one feels somewhat exhausted from using a lot of energy for the mathematical exercises. The timer has eight minutes left and Jr. notices.

Jr: (thinking) how quickly time passed? (Looks at his exam) I still advanced quite a bit… but… what if they aren't the answers? Well… at least I tried (he puts down his pencil and rests for a few moments, gasping for breath) that question… I guess it won't be answered

When looking at his drawings, he again imagines some figures and circles, which little by little are forming a number, 58, which seems to be shining as if it were a Super Star. Seeing it, Jr. thinks that it is his imagination, but he still decides to put that number in the answer to the last question.

Jr.: (whispering) well… it doesn't matter if it's wrong, I couldn't think of another answer…

After that, he drops the pencil again and the timer bell rings. Ludwig goes for the exam while he heads off with Kamek. Mykey walks over to Jr. and puts his hand on his back, causing Bowsy to turn to him and give him a weary look.

Mykey: well done, Bowsy

Jr. smiles while still putting on a tired expression

Jr.: hehe well… I hope I have achieved it. Then I want to take a nap (yawns)

Mykey: you've earned it (caresses his little face)

Soon Kamek and Ludwig arrive with a machine that measures the exam score, which was dusty from not being used for so long.

Mykey: what is that?

Kamek: With this we will know more quickly if Bowsy approved or not

Mykey: Uh… why does it look like it hasn't been used in a long time?

Ludwig: why do you think? Jr. almost never answered the exams, so it was not very difficult to grade him

Bowsy scratches the back of his neck looking away.

Kamek: well… let's get to work

Ludwig: Ready to swallow your words and your test, you little grasshopper? (smiling arrogantly)

Bowsy didn't say a word despite looking at him with some annoyance. Meanwhile, Kamek turns on the machine and adjusts it to the questions written on the exam. The three boys there await the result, and Bowsy, for his part, is very nervous. He feels that heaviness in his stomach that he felt at first, but he tries to breathe to calm down.

The machine, after a few minutes, delivers the result of the exam by printing it on a sheet, which Kamek picks up and reads. Seeing it, he is a little surprised, staring at it for a long time and covering his mouth. Both Bowsy and Mykey look at each other confused.

Ludwig: What's wrong, Kamek? (walks up to him) let me see that…

He takes the sheet and looks at it. Every moment he spent looking at the result he put on an increasingly puzzled expression until it reached a point where he was almost nothing from losing control. Mykey picks up the sheet and looks at it, surprised too.

Ludwig: no... it can't be...

Mykey: Is this real, Mr. Kamek?

Kamek: Yes, the machine does not fail. It has evaluated results for a long time. It works with magic, so it never goes bad.

Jr.: But… what does the machine say, dad Kamek?

Kamek: the machine says that… you had 100% approval

Jr. is very surprised to hear that, gaping. Mykey confirms the result to Jr. by nodding and looking at him with a smile on his face. Bowsy can't believe it, so he looks at the blade and after seeing it he begins to overflow with tears, holding the blade still surprised. Bowsy can't take it anymore and starts to cry with happiness, still not believing what his little eyes see.

Kamek: Congratulations, Bowsy. You passed!!!

Mykey: Alright, Jr. I knew you could do it!! him (he hugs him and lifts him up)

Jr.: Woah!! Hehe thanks, Mykey. Thank you, dad Kamek

After having him in his arms, Mykey puts Jr. on his feet, but not before being able to pat his head and give him a thumb up and wink at Bowsy, who laughs and wipes away his tears. They are both happy with the result. Despite this, the same cannot be said of Ludwig, who saw how the two of them got along very well, which causes the young man in blue to look at them with some jealousy, but which he tries to hide by looking the other way, for what you decide to interrupt

Ludwig: well… Jr…. You approved. My congratulations for you… (Crossing his arms and looking away from him) although I find it hard to admit it…

Jr.: Thank you… (Saying it with a more serious tone)

Both brothers look at each other with some tension and seriousness, which is noticeable in the environment. At that moment Roy knocks on the door and then opens it, taking some of the tension away from the brothers.

Roy: Hi everyone. How are you doing with that?

Mykey: oh! Roy! What a surprise to see you here!

Roy: Yeah, I just wanted to see how Jr. did on his test. Before he saw him a little worried, but recently he saw him more confident and wanted to know how everything turned out (laughs)

Jr.: Well guess what, bro! I passed and with a perfect note

Ray: really?

Roy looks at Mykey and Kamek, who nod at the same time, arms crossed and smiling with closed eyes.

Ray: wow! Cool! Congratulations, Bowsy!!

In that, the Koopa with pink glasses goes to hug Jr., but he does it so hard that he begins to flap his wings a little. After a few moments he lets go and Bowsy is a bit dizzy from Roy's strength.

Jr.: (giggles) thanks, brother (rejoining) at least your love is sincere (looking sideways at Ludwig)

Ludwig: Alright, alright... stop bragging, little grasshopper. We all know that you did well, even if it was you

Mykey: Well, for a Jr., he did very well, right?

Mykey looks at Bowsy proudly and with a big smile, who also smiles very happily at him. Ludwig manifests his jealousy on his face when he sees that entire scene and Roy notices it.

Roy: What's up, gnocchi head? Does it bother you that you lost at your own game?

Ludwig: (looking down and muttering) Shut up, Roy...

Kamek: Well, well… don't get into an argument, you two. And while we're at it, I'm very pleased to announce that Jr. has finally finished his school year, though it cost him but he did it. Now you can have your well-deserved vacation

Jr.: Yup! At last!

Kamek: I hope this year you don't have so many problems

Jr.: (laughs) No, I promise. I will be more attentive

Kamek: Well, I'm glad to hear that. Well, guys, I hope you enjoy the summer; I'm going to tell King Bowser about this great event. See you!

In that the magikoopa leaves, leaving the four Koopa-children there in the classroom.

Ludwig: Well, if we're done with this show, then I'm out of here, I have things to do.

Jr.: Wait a moment. Didn't you forget something?

Ludwig: What thing?

Bowsy pulls a sheet out of his hamburger backpack; it's about the previous failed exam

Jr.: of this. You said you'd eat it if I got 100%, don't you remember?

Ludwig looked at that exam with some distaste.

Jr.: We made a gentlemen's agreement, didn't we? Well it's time to meet

Roy: Trapped!

Ludwig sighs long and with an annoyed expression. Mykey scratches the back of his neck and gives a look of slight discomfort.

Mykey: You don't need to do this...

Jr.: he started all that

Roy: Well, a bet is a bet; you have to keep it, right?

Mykey: yes, that's true, but...

Ludwig: good! I will do it! (thinking) I will take revenge for this…

Mykey: are you sure?

Ludwig: does it matter, pretty boy? These two won't leave me alone until I do

Mykey: (sighs) as you wish, Lud (thinking) before you competed more healthily, but now...

Ludwig: (looking at Mykey strangely) Lud?

Mykey: eh… I meant “Ludwig” (thinking) I should be more careful with what I say… wait a minute! "pretty boy"? What could he have meant by that?

Roy: (thinking) Did he say "pretty" to Mykey? Well... now that I think about it... it is a bit... uh... I should stop thinking about it, better

Ludwig, losing sight of Mykey, grabs the blade, but before he does anything, Mykey intervenes.

Mikey: wait!

Ludwig: now what do you want?

Mykey: let it to me a little

The older Koopa takes the sheet and takes out a pair of scissors, cutting out the drawing that Jr. had made earlier and putting it in a book that he had nearby, before returning the sheet to him.

Mykey: This is something that needs to be preserved. Very well, you can continue, but I repeat that you do not have to do this

That action causes Jr. to be amazed, since his tutor was valuing his effort in more than one way, which moves the little boy and makes him smile

Ludwig: Anyway… (Thinking) Why do I have to get into these things? Let's just get this over with for a good fucking time

After brooding over his thoughts, Ludwig pops the entire leaf into his mouth and begins chewing on it, putting up an uncomfortable expression. Both Roy and Bowsy seem to be enjoying Ludwig's action, while Mykey puts his hand to his face in annoyance, so he grabs Jr.'s passed exam and reads it, noting that they are slightly more difficult questions. In fact, not even Mykey himself has taken that subject.

Mykey: (thinking) just as I imagined…

Finally, when Ludwig eats the leaf and swallows it, he grimaces in disgust, so he grabs a glass of water and takes a deep breath after drinking it.

Ludwig: There you have it, happy?

Jr.: you can bet it

Roy: I should have recorded video. That was great

Ludwig: You better keep your comments to yourself, you hateful couple.

Mykey: (sighs) anyway…

After that, Bowsy approaches the older Koopa.

Jr.: Mykey… I wanted to thank you for your time; you are a great teacher and a great friend

Mykey: you're welcome, but it was really your own effort, you earned it

Mykey leans down and supports one of his knees on the ground and then goes to hug Bowsy, who returns the hug, closing his eyes and smiling.

Jr.: How I wish you were my brother!

Mykey smiled at the little boy's words, but then he looks at Ludwig, who heard what Jr. just said, having a surprised expression, looking down without moving his head, which Mykey immediately notices and tries to change the subject, separating slightly.

Mykey: ehm… thanks… and well… do you want us to go for an ice cream?

Jr: Sure!

Roy: I want too, if you don't mind.

Mykey: come on everyone. You too Ludwig

Ludwig looks up, rejoining the conversation.

Ludwig: Uh... I'll pass, but have fun, I guess.

Mykey: Well, if you change your mind, you know where we'll be. But first, Roy… do you want to take Jr. in the meantime, please? I have a little matter to attend to

Roy: yes! Come on, Jr!

Both Bowsy and Roy leave the classroom. Ludwig is also about to leave, but Mykey whispers something to him.

Mykey: Ludwig… (He stops, turning his back on him) Can I talk to you in private for a moment, please?

After saying that, Mykey turns to the blue Koopa, who also turns to the indigo Koopa.

- END OF CHAPTER -

_______________

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#bowser jr #Ludwig Koopa #mykey koopa #koopa oc #Roy Koopa #english #fanfic #Koopalings

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chocolatte-and-despair · 4 years ago

Note

hi!, could i please request the yandere allies and axis + romano and switzerland from hetalia who's obsession is also obsessed with them, but in a " i'm terrified of you / i want you dead " kind of way?.

Aph North Italy - Feliciano Vargas

* When Feliciano found that out, he was absolutely scared of you. He was not that strong and you could easily hurt him. He loved you but he was also afraid of you. * What did he do to make you feel like that? Could he change? Could he make it better? No matter what, he will do it! Please stop hating him!

Aph Germany - Ludwig Beilschmidt

* Ludwig knew that hate was quite a powerful emotion. Hate and Love were similar emotions. So of course, it was no surprise that you might go that far with hating him if he goes that far with his love for you. * Ludwig knows that if he works hard enough, that hate will change into love, but well, he might as well humor you and ask if he can do anything to make you not hate him.

Aph Japan - Kiku Honda

* Kiku would be completely understanding. Yes, he has done a lot of bad things and made you highly uncomfortable because of his actions, that's why he will not even dare question you or hate you for feeling the way you do. * all he would do is apologize and say that he will try to make it better all his life, until the day that Japan is no more. So please, give him a chance.

Aph America - Alfred F. Jones

* Why would Alfred want anything else but your hate? Honestly, you hating him is so fucking hot. And god, if you would want to go and actually hurt him? Yes. Please! This is exactly why he even started to obsess over you. * That's why, why would he ever want your hate to change? God, no no, just hate him more. Honestly, he can do better! He can do a better job at making you hate him more! just you wait!

Aph England - Arthur Kirkland

* Arthur would find your hate troublesome. He understands that hating him lightly is.. normal in your situation, but please. Don't you think this is going too far? Please cease your stupid acts before he tries and stops you himself. * Arthur won't stoop so low to try and ask what he can do to make you stop hating him, but he will tell you, quite strickly, to stop being a child before he forces you to stop.

Aph France - Francis Bonnefoy

* Francis would be completely heartbroken. He gave you nothing but love and affection! please, my love, why are you acting like this? Why are you breaking his heart like this? He did absolutely nothing bad. He only loved you. Is loving you a crime? * He would beg you to tell him what to change about himself. Anything, absolutely anything. He would go under surgery to change himself if it was his appearance. If it's his personality, just tell him how you want him to be and he will be it, just please! Love him back!

Aph China - Yao Wang

* Yao would think this is just a little childish emotion. Come on, do you believe that your hate is going to deter him? He has lived far longer than you and he understands how childish your little behavior is. Stop acting like this while he's still nice. * Yao, to humor you, would ask what he can change about himself. If he believes that it is reasonable, then he will actually do it, otherwise, no.

Aph Russia - Ivan Braginsky

* Ivan would misunderstand your hate for love. Wonderful! You love him too! I mean, love and hate, it's all the same! So, thank you for loving him! He loves you a lot too! come on, stop being shy and move in with him now! * Why would he ever want you to stop loving him? That would be stupid! He knows that he finally got what he wanted so he will be happy now!

Aph Canada - Matthew Williams

* Matthew would be confused. I'm sorry, what? How dare you hate him?.. He fell for you because he thought you were different, but it seems that you are the same as everyone else... Well, he can hate you too then. * Sadly, at this point, he doesn't care about how you feel anymore. You decided to be bad and treat someone who was nice to you badly, then he will give you back the same behavior until you are ruined.

Aph Switzerland - Basch Zwingli

* Basch would think that you are just joking. Why would you hate him? I mean, he has never done anything bad. Yes, he had been protective over you, but come on, are you really going to be angry with him because he was showing that he cared about you? * Basch would probably eventually try to make sure that you don't hate him. He will even back off for some time if that is what it takes for you to not hate him anymore.

Aph South Italy - Lovino Vargas

* Lovino wouldn't show it, but he has completely torn apart because of that. How can you do that to him? He loved you like nobody else loved you and you.. And you dare treat him like this?! Please! He will do absolutely everything! Just please, god please! Don't leave him! * Lovino is willing to do absolutely anything for you. He is willing to do absolutely everything to try and gain your love. So please, don't leave him! You are the only person who makes him feel good!

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koolkat9 · 3 years ago

Text

Hetalia Poly Ship Week: Day 4

@hetalia-polyship-week

I’m so sorry this is a day late. Life got a bit hectic and I had a bit of trouble finding my footing with uni so...yeah...this also turned out pretty long. But here it is. This was actually so fun to write despite life being crappy these past two days. Forgive this little rant, onto the fic!

Prompt: Fairytale

Relationship: GerFruk (though it's not super romantic, more like meeting each other for the first time)

Word Count: 2022

Author’s Note: This takes place in a world where all traditional fairytales exist, but what happens when characters of those fairytales collide one fateful night?

Francis-> Rapunzel (Rapunzel)

Ludwig-> Cinderella (Cinderella)

Arthur-> Beauty and the Beast (Beast)

At Midnight

God his feet were killing him. One night. One night was all Ludwig had asked for and now he was running through the forest with only one boot and tattered clothing. But that’s what he got for trusting a pesky fairy and losing track of time. Eventually, he came upon a clearing and decided to stop for a moment and gain his bearings.

He hadn’t thought this through. First, he didn’t keep track of the time, second, he ran without even thinking as to where he was going to go, and of all places, he headed towards the forest. Now he was lost in the middle of the night, freezing cold, probably a long way from any form of help. At least it was far better than home.

Which brought up another question. If he did find someone or his way back to town, where would he go? Home? Could it even be called that when you weren’t even welcomed there, no one to love and worked to the bone by those who should? But what other place was there when you were penniless?

Just when Ludwig thought all hope was lost, he heard a faint voice coming from the trees in front of him. Without any other lead, he began making his way towards the sound, hoping that whoever it was could help him find his way out of here.

He was led to another clearing, but in the center of this one stood a tower overgrown by vines and other plant life. Ludwig would have assumed it was abandoned if not for the blond man at the top singing away. It was beautiful, He was beautiful with long blond hair that went way past his shoulders. As he went in for a closer look, he stepped on a twig, snapping it and bringing attention to himself. The man in the tower immediately stopped, cowering into the stone walls, but still peeking out to survey the situation. “Who’s there?” he asked, voice wavering slightly.

Ludwig made his way right under the window so the man could see him. “I apologize for starling you, but I seem to have gotten lost-”

“Mon Dieu, what happened to you?”

Ludwig looked down at his ripped garments, ruined by his step-siblings before looking back up. “A little family altercation. But that doesn’t matter now. Do you by chance know the way back to town?”

The man’s eyes went wide. “There is a town near here?” he asked, sticking his head out the window.

“Uh...yes...I-I take it that means you don’t know.”

The man was silent for a moment, not looking at Ludwig and instead, his gaze was cast straight ahead as if in thought. “Hello?” Ludwig called to get the man’s attention again.

“Oh… sorry. Yeah… No, I'm sorry I don’t.” He looked around before continuing, “But I can’t just leave you out here like this. Give me a moment mon cher.” There was a light thumping from above then a loud crash signaling the fall of something. To Ludwig’s relief, it was followed by a string of French curses which let him know the man above was okay. Said man returned to the window moments later, throwing a thick rope down, or at least what appeared to be a rope. When Ludwig took hold of the rope he realized it was actually hair, the man’s hair to be exact. Ludwig looked up, given the man a concerned look.

“Don’t worry. I’ve done this dozens of times, I’ll be fine.”

With a deep breath, Ludwig began his climb with the man helping him by pulling him up. Soon enough he was safely in the confines of the tower.

“Couldn’t I have just used the door?” Ludwig asked.

“Unfortunately the stairs are broken. Oh please, come sit, sit.” The man took hold of Ludwig’s wrist, guiding him towards a couch.

Ludwig quirked a brow at the man’s answer. If the stairs were broken how did he get down? He couldn’t use his own hair, could he?

“So what should I call you mon cher?”

“Ah...ah...Ludwig. And you?”

“Francis! It's nice to meet you.” The man, Francis, was quiet for a moment before adding, "So there really is a village nearby?”

“Yes. Why? Have you never been?”

Francis gave a sad smile. “I can’t say I have. I haven't even been out of the tower since I was little."

Ludwig was taken aback by this. After a few moments of trying to reach for something to say, he figured there was nothing he could. "I'm sorry to hear that," he stated instead. "Not that it is the exact same, but I wasn't exactly allowed outside much either."

Francis sighed "My mother is just protective. I wonder if she's aware of how close we are to town. Perhaps that would make her trips shorter. Then again it's nice to be rid of her for a few days."

"At least she loves you. Mine only keeps me around to do the housework, cooking, and use as a verbal punching bag."

“Oh, Ludwig.” Francis gave him a sympathetic look before surprisingly pulling him into a hug. It was nice. Ludwig couldn’t recall the last time he had a hug. It was probably right before his brother died and all this hell began. Hesitantly, he returned the action, wrapping his arms around the Frenchman’s waist.

He smelled like lavender and his embrace was so warm that Ludwig felt himself melting against him. For a moment the thought of just staying here crossed his mind. The hug and thought were cut short however by the sound of crashing below.

Francis and Ludwig pulled away, looking at each other before turning towards the trap door that was supposed to lead to the stairs and entrance. They silently agreed to ignore it, but when another bang was heard below, Ludwig decided he should at least try to see what it was. He quietly made his way over to the door before carefully throwing it open.

Below was dark and he could barely make out the large silhouette of some creature below. It grunted as if in pain, its shoulders shaking.

“Get me a candle,” Ludwig ordered. Francis stumbled off the couch they were sitting on before collecting a candle and match and lighting the wick.

When Ludwig brought the light down to get a better look at the creature he found golden fur wrapped in what appeared to be a cloak. The beast snapped its head towards them showing a wolf-like face with fangs protruding. Ludwig fell back out of shock and a bit of fear. He had read about such monstrous creatures in books when he was a child and how they came to eat naughty children in the dark of night. Despite this, he found himself peeking down once more when he heard it whimper, ignoring Francis’ whispers of concern and protest.

The beast looked up at him with pleading green eyes, ears pulled back in discomfort. Upon further inspection, the blond fur was mixed with the crimson of blood. Something in Ludwig’s heart twisted and he was unable to leave it there. He looked around for a way to get himself down. “Francis, you think I could lower me down?”

The blond gave him a horrified look. “What the hell are you thinking? I don’t know what’s down there, but judging by your reaction it can’t be good. Mother told me all about evil creatures-”

“You don’t have to come down, but I’m going.”

Though he grumbled some more protests, Francis lowered his hair down, giving Ludwig a rope to climb.

The lower level was damp and musty. Ludwig held onto the candle tightly as he approached the figure which had frozen up. “Hello?” Ludwig called only to receive a ferocious roar in return. He stiffened, but pushed on. “I don’t know if you can understand me, but I want to help you.”

The beast cowered away. It seemed more scared than anything. “Wait right here,” Ludwig said before returning below the trap door. “Francis, could you get me bandages or something to wrap up some wounds.” Francis disappeared from above, but shuffling could be heard.

“I’m coming down,” Francis announced, reappearing. “I’m not letting you face this alone mon ami.”

Before Ludwig could protest, Francis was jumping down and Ludwig had no choice but to catch him.

This earned a growl from the creature. Francis hid behind Ludwig at the sound. “All bark, no bite,” Ludwig whispered in assurance. “Do you have the bandages?”

Francis handed some clothes over. Not ideal, but they’d work. Cautiously, he approached the beast who was cowering into the corner he was in. “It's okay,” Ludwig murmured, “we just want to help you.”

When he got closer, he noticed where the blood was coming from, a nasty gash on the creature’s side. Crouching down to get a better view, Ludwig pushed a cloth against it. The beast snarled in pain, but relaxed ever so slightly as Ludwig began to wrap up the wound. Francis had also made his way over, petting the head of the creature in comfort.

“It's like a big puppy,” Francis laughed lightly, earning a growl from the beast. The Frenchman backed up, scared it would snap, but it didn’t. Still, Francis decided it was best to keep his distance.

Ludwig only shook his head before finishing up the wrapping. “There. That should be good for now,” he sighed, standing up once more.

“Thank you…”

Francis and Ludwig look towards each other and then at the beast.

“This is when you say you’re welcome,” the beast grumbled, sitting himself up.

“You can talk?” Francis breathed.

“Yes. How rude of you to assume otherwise.”

For something so big and scruffy, the creature spoke quite eloquently though sharply and his accent posh and proper.

Francis went to bite back, but Ludwig interrupted. “So...What’s your name? Mine’s Ludwig and this is Francis.”

“Arthur.”

They lapsed into a silence, Ludwig and Francis trying to make sense of it all and Arthur glaring at the two. Once he had regained his bearings, Arthur pulled himself up and began dragging himself towards the door. “Well, you’ve been quite hospitable, but I really should get going," he noted sarcastically.

“Wait,” Ludwig said, jumping to his feet, “you are in no shape to be up.”

“And what do you suggest I do? Wait down here in the mud and mold. No thank you.”

“You could always stay upstairs with me and Lud,” Francis suggested.

“And how do you suppose we get up there without stairs?” Arthur sneered.

“Good point.”

The three returned to silence, thinking of what to do next.

Arthur sighed. “Okay… Here’s an idea. My castle isn’t that far from here. If you are so concerned about me you can accompany me there and as payment for your help you can stay there for tonight.”

Francis' brows furrowed, a hesitant look crossing his face. “Francis, you don’t have to come," Ludwig said. "I’m sure I can manage on my own.”

“Non. I’ll come. I’ve been locked up here far too long. Plus...it's not like I can get back up anyway and my mother will...she’ll be...so mad if she finds everything like this.”

That statement worried Ludwig far more than it should have. He tried not to think about it or the fearful look in Francis’ eye. Instead, he turned his attention to Arthur. He helped steady the beast, wrapping his arm (paw? claw?) around his shoulder to support him. Francis followed suit on the other side. With that settled they took off into the night, following Arthur's directions

It was truly a strange night. What was supposed to be his night to relax and forget about his troubles turned into one of adventure... which came with new troubles. But as Ludwig walked through the forest with Arthur and Francis he couldn’t help but feel free, relieved, like his life was changing for the better. He shook his head, telling himself he was just tired and everything was strange which lead to this feeling. Right now what mattered was getting Arthur to that castle.

(I may continue this once I finish up with ‘In the Deep.’ Gosh, so many fic ideas, so little time)

#hetalia poly ship week 2021 #hetalia poly ship week #hetalia #hws #gerfruk #gerfra #gereng #geruk #fruk #hws france #hws germany #hws england #first meet #first meeting #fairytale au #fanfiction #hetalia fanfiction

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kangaroo-sniper-imagine · 4 years ago

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Unintimidating reader who’s a killa killa

-snipers is longer solely because ive had that idea in my head LONG before i got this request-

-also, little gorey so beware-

Medic

Ludwig is almost instantly enamoured with you once he got comfortable with you on base. He finds you sweet and calls you “kleine krankenschwester” (little nurse) whenever you insist on helping him in any way with his workload. You apologize when you bump into inanimate objects and try copying Archimedes’ cooing. You’re a cupcake!

And finally he gets a good eyeful of you on the field. You’re brutal and vicious and smiling the whole time as you bash in an enemy Heavy’s head with a sledgehammer. You take out an enemy Scout’s leg with your weapon and let him try and crawl away from you before you finish him off with a laugh. Ludwig is now convinced you’re his soulmate

Our dear doctor loves tenderness that hides ruthlessness. Loves that you are sweet as a bumble bee to your team but a beast to your opposers. He’s excited at the new possibilities between the two of you know that he knows that he no longer has to hide his own ferocity with his experiments in front of you

Sniper

Hell, Mick isn’t even convinced you should be on the field. You wore brightly colored clothes and skirts and for fuck’s sake you bake, all. The. time. You're like Holly Homemaker, why the hell are you hanging with a bunch of mercenaries? How were you even picked for this job? At your first match, he debated on whether he should watch you from his perch to protect you or do his job. He chose his job, duh. But only for a few matches. When he finally decides to track you,and oooooh boy.

An enemy Spy has his knife in your shoulder, pining you to a wall. Mick doesn’t have a clear shot to take out the spook without getting you too. It’s not fun watching a teammate die, even if they do come back. But right as he was about to shift his attention to the main battle he sees it. You. Pissed the fuck off.

Mick watches with interest as you grab the hand that’s stabbing you with one of your delicate hands as the other grabs the spook’s lapel and drag in the enemy, mouths crushing together. A shot of betrayal and shock freezes the hitman before he sees it. The red running down your chin; the struggle of the enemy Spy trying to thrash himself away from you; the look of manic rage in your eye. When you let the Spy go, Mick can see teeth but no lip and it hits him. You bit off the man’s mouth.

After you swiftly wretch the knife out of your shoulder and into the neck of your opponent, you wipe your mouth, you call for a medic and return to fighting. Mick is now a little scared of you, but now will no longer ever think again that you can’t handle yourself on the field. Never brings up what he saw but will sometimes watch you work now

Heavy

Mikhail already finds hardly anyone intimidating, you are no exception; especially with your short stature and demure demeanor. He worries about you honestly, watching you to make sure none of the other mercs try to take advantage of you because you give off the energy of a doormat. It’s his big brother senses in part, he thinks, also in part of because he has a leetle crush on tiny woman who will listen to him drone on about Sasha and Russian literature well into the night.

You do more protecting than defending during the fighting. You watch the case and keep people away from it as Misha mows down the enemies to keep them away from the intel (and you), so he hasn't had the pleasure of watching you work. But buddy, when he gets it. A chance of happenstance allows Heavy to finally see you operate, lets him see you sit pretty as the enemy steps on your hidden bombs and walk into the line of your automatic tracking weaponry and get mowed down in a hail of bullets as all you do is smile and hold the briefcase. So well covered by your own inventions you don’t even need to be worried as the blood of your enemy splashes up onto your clothes

Misha finds you even MORE endearing now. Man loves intelligent women and if you made all of those killing machines holy fuck, could you mod Sasha?? You’re in your element as you effortlessly kill the opponent, and Misha loves watching your inventions do what they do best (he feels a kinship with your weapons as he too, preforms extreme violence to protect you) (He’s still gonna watch your back at the base tho for sure)

Scout

You were like another Spy, except without all the European flair that Spy had. You were kinda bland, tired looking. Jeremy’s never seen you train or fight; you spent most of all your free time being “tutored” by Spy to become a better Infiltrator, and frankly, Jeremy is more afraid of bread than he is of you (and not just the tumor filled bread). Spy hasd insinuated that you were ready to finally be put on the field with the rest of the mercs for the next match, and now Jeremy is more excited to have another person to show off to rather than to see you in action

But of course, Jeremy fucks up. He’s hiding in an empty building, bleeding from a shot from an enemy Sniper, and staring at the wrong end of a Heavy’s gun, hating the feeling of defeat. The Heavy was rambling on about something but the wound in his side had more of Scout’s attention; that is, until, a figure slowly, silently descended from the rafters. It was you, dressed head to toe in black save for a sliver of your team’s color on your armband. You look at the monologuing Heavy before giving Jeremy a look that said “Man, he’s a wind bag, huh?” you gestured to the enemy, then drew your finger across your throat with a questioning look in your eye. Scout manages a weak nod, losing focus quickly.

Another long cord, similar to the one holding you to the ceiling, unraveled itself from around your arm, and very quickly you whipped it around the enemy’s neck, jumped onto his back, and wretched your arms back, almost instantly decapitating the Heavy. Even as the lumbering body fell down, you remained upright, hopping off the body gracefully. With swift efficiency, you kicked the head out of the way, grabbed the comically large gun, and aimed it at the door. Before Scour could even ask what the fuck was going on, an enemy Medic came in through the door. Before the German had a chance to yelp, you shot him dead.

“Yo, what the-!” You hastily toss a med-pack at him before melting into the shadow, Scout almost missing the darkening blush on your mostly covered face. After that little save, Jeremy now goes out of his way to be nice to you, and learns a lesson that looks are hella deceiving. It would pay to have someone watching his back on the field without all the unwanted french commentary (and you’re nicer to look at than Spy, let's be real)

Demo

You’re cheerful, but not in the sadistic, almost taunting way many of the other mercs are like. Not like the Doc or Spook. Nope, you were just happy. Not ditzy or stupid or anything, just a smiley little thing that had as much bite as a toothless alligator. The thought that someone could take you as a serious threat, some wee thing that eats rainbow colored cereal and wears bunny slippers throughout the base, was so hilarious that Tavish starts chuckling whenever it crosses his mind. The two of you don’t typically fight together, you sticking to high ground to pick off enemies as Demo gleefully stays in the thick of it all to implode the other team

Due to unfortunate circumstances, you're both pinned down together, shoulder to shoulder under a makeshift barrier as the enemy gets closer and closer; your bow at the ready with an arrow and his bombs prepared to go off at his command, but no opening to go up and take a shot/throw a bomb. You huff, looking around wildly before nodding decisively, looking to Tavish. “Gimme one of your sticky bombs.” He complies, half thinking that you’re gonna take the both of you out in a blaze of gory glory.

With a look of determination, you aim in front of you, not even at the enemy. Tavish prepares to die for the third time that day, but this time by his own creation, and you release your arrow. The projectile bounces off a scrap bit of metal on the ground, ricocheting the arrow up into hitting the lamppost, and then flying over their heads into the enemy’s ranks. Once the bomb went off, you instantaneously bounce out of the hiding place and opened fire on the stragglers who didn't get offed by the bomb. Tavish can only stare as you mow down the other team as a random stream of sunlight illuminates your figure. Demo catches feels in that moment

Pyro

Pryo liked that you were lowkey and sweet. The fact that you weren’t especially harsh or violent while relaxing initially made them flock to you just to hang out in their down time. Pyro loves to give you cute little toys and stuffies and see you smile! The only time Pyro really sees you on the battlefield is when they’re looking for you. They’re worried about you! You’re their favorite!

They catch you, mid-battle, covered head to toe in the blood of an enemy Scout, laying only a few feet away. They think you look so pretty! Like sparkles and rainbows are all around you and flower petals are floating in the air and surrounding you (it’s ash; pyro started a blaze not that far away and it was finally beginning to get to the two of you)

Pyro just sees this as more couple binding time, now that they know that you also tend to get a little too into the battle. It’s an excuse to spend even more time together

Engineer

This boy was so dang in love with you and he’s never even seen you fight. On the base, you were as sweet as a peach and harmless as a mouse. You spent most of your time in Dell’s workshop helping him with menial tasks like refilling his coffee mug or reorganizing his tools or alike. You got along well with all the other mercs and were quick to help others. Dell never really saw you while fighting because he had to stick near his machines while your job took you all over the battle field

He hears about you fighting from the others. Scout was retelling the group about you “friggin’ awesome fight” between you and an enemy Medic. You had, according to Scout (and Heavy, who nodded along in agreement) got into a fist fight with the enemy, physically beating them into submission. Dell wouldn’t believe it if you hadn’t walked right at the end of the tale with a black eye, bloodied knuckles, and a lopsided grin. Dell almost has a fucking heart attack seeing you in such a state. The Doctor heals you up back to normal like nothing ever happened but the fact that you relied on physical violence to fight made him anxious

He doesn't talk to you about fighting differently, he wants to know if there's anything he can do to help you fight, like making special gloves or armor of some type. Homeboy just wants to protect you, he gets hella worried.

Soldier

Jane, seemingly perpetually stuck in the 40’s and 50’s, believes most women shouldn't be on the battlefield at all. And even though you were there working with a bunch of other mercenaries, a lady is a lady and he, the old fashioned man he is, prioritizes keeping you “safe” (taking your kills before you get the chance to land the finishing blows). In his mind, he’s doing you a service. After all, you are far too soft spoken at the base to have any form of bite in you on the field.

Across the field though, one fight, Jane was just too far away to swoop in and “save” you like he normally would; not even his rocket launcher would get to you in time to stop the Spy from doing you in! The instant the enemy’s knife was about to pierce your back, though, Jane saw you turn around whip fast, your own machete thrusting forward to impale the enemy.

The soldier now thinks that your “womanly intuition” is far more superior and more finely tuned than his own, and will now generally leave you alone to fight and stops hovering over you. Will shout out encouragements from across the field whenever he sees that you hack someone apart and loudly brags that you have the “natural advantage” to sniffing out enemies.

Spy

-This is gonna be a drabble cus i dunno how to bullet point this-

Jacque didn’t think particularly much of you. You were a teammate, an asset to be used. On the base you were reserved, spending most of your time in the Doctor’s infirmary or discussing something with Mikhail about books or whatever. You stayed out of his way, not like it was hard for you, seeing as you were just some wisp of a thing, someone who if they sat still long enough would blend into the background like air. Spy never assumed that you would ever be of any use to him in a fight; you just didn’t have the look of a fighter in you.

So right now, his life being in your hands, made him uncomfortable in ways he couldn’t care to count.

The enemy Spy, who was almost as tricky as him, cleverly disguised himself as Jacque, and right as they were about to confront each other, you burst through the door, looking surprised at the two of them. Almost immediately, they started to accuse the other.

“He’s the enemy!”

“No, HE is!”

“The intruder is HIM!”

Jacque will give you some props, seeing as you drew your gun as soon as you saw the pair, but rather than aim it usefully at at least ONE of them, YOU aim it uselessly to the floor! Jacque would’ve scolded you for your unprofessionalism if the imminent threat of death wasn’t less than six feet away from him.

You looked wildly in between the two of them, your normally pleasant face now stricken with panic. Your eyes land solidly on the enemy Spy, and with a sharp intake of breath, you run to him, throwing your arms around him and burying your face into the falsely colored lapel.

Jacque felt disappointment bloom in his chest, along with dread when he watched your mistake.

The spy looked so damn smug as he wrapped his arms around you, throwing Jacque a satisfied look. The gun still was gripped in your hand, still aiming at the ground.

“Ma pauvre petite fille,” he crooned, “est-ce que le grand méchant espion t'a fait peur?”

You sniffle, and bring the gun up to the imposter’s head. “Je n'ai pas facilement peur.” Jacque didn’t think you could ever say something so coldly, and say it in french to boot. One shot rang out and the man in your arms fell to the floor, suit changing back to what it was meant to be, stained with red from the blood of his fatal wound.

After some deliberation with yourself, you shot him again, in the chest. You looked to Jacque, your face now once again passive.

With a sigh and a dramatic flourish, the living Spy fetched a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it quickly, taking a deep huff before addressing you.

“How did you know that he was not me?”

You holster your weapon back, mulling over your answer. “Few things, uh… you never speak French to me,” you stuck out one finger, “you wouldn��t ever hug me,” another finger, “you don’t stand with your feet that far apart,” one more, “and you smell completely different.” with all but your thumb sticking out, you nodded to yourself before jamming both hands into your pants pockets, tucking in your chin and turning heel back to the door, seemingly finished with your explanation and conversation.

Amused, Jacque took another slow drag of his cigarette, planning on paying more attention to you in the future, being sure never to underestimate you again.

-this, uuuuuhhh, took on a life of its own-

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emoryinaboat · 4 years ago

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Hey can you do prucanmano headcannons

- Trio of people who feel unseen making eachother feel like the most special person in the world.

- Started out with them venting their troubles, then to small acts of physical affection, to hooking up, then romantic feelings.

- They sleep with Lovino squished up to Gilbert's chest while Matthew big spoons him. Or at least that's how they start out, whether or not Gilbert falls out of bed or Lovino manages to flip himself to the other end of the bed is the question. Matthew is the only one who sleeps normally.

- If one of them finds out the other two had sex without them, they get that kind of horny-jealous and yup, they have to do it right there, right then, come on-

- Francis is very tired, his darling Matthew and his little Lovino are dating his dumbassed best friend. He drank himself into a stupor when Matthew told him.

- If they're going out on a date, Lovino chooses the outfits. Why? Because the only things Matthew wears normally is flannel or a hoodie and ripped jeans and Gilbert... is a walking fashion disaster and he refuses to be seen in public with them like that-

- Lovino is scared of thunder. He knows it's stupid so he didn't outright tell Matthew or Gilbert, they just figured it by the way Lovino clings to them and squeaks while jumping out of his skin every time there's a bang. Gilbert sometimes makes jokes about it, but then Matthew smacks him on the shoulder and continues comforting Lovino.

- Gilbert likes to think he can carry both his boyfriends. It's true he can carry Lovino, but not Matthew. The last time he tried there was a hole in the wall. However, Matthew can carry both of them (individually, of course). Lovino will swear up down and sideways that he hates it but he has that blush and glint in his eyes that give it away.

- Sap Gilbert is back at it again, aggressively showering his partners in as much physical affection as they'll allow him to.

- They can tell when any of the others are in a really bad mental place. Gilbert acts much more reckless and puts up his Awesome front even harder and will try to shoot down any questions about his wellbeing. Lovino lashes out a lot and sometimes insults his partners but then immediately starts apologizing over and over and spiraling. Matthew doesn't talk at all and communicates by gestures, he also wrings his hands a lot.

- When this happens they don't try to force eachother to talk to them, they just stick with them and wait for them to feel comfortable enough to share because all of them have pretty high walls they still aren't all used to taking down.

- Lovino and Matthew are slowly helping eachother come to terms with their morosexuality.

- On a scale of Lovino destroying the kitchen with his messy-ass cooking to Gilbert weeping while trying to clean down the benches, what's your level of clean freak?

- Matthew thinks Gilbird is adorable and he doesn't mind when it just vibes on his head. Meanwhile, Lovino got pecked by Gilbird once and now sees it as the only thing that could take him off this mortal coil. He's very scared of Gilbird.

- Three idiots who have THE most clashing tastes of music in history. The car rides are just "Choose your fighter! Aggressive German hard rock/heavy metal, generic 2010s pop, or acoustic bangers".

- It took Lovino like a hot second to remember "Wait a minute,,,, I'm dating Matthew,,, I'm dating Gilbert,,, oh,,, oH NO-" yyyyyup he now has to deal with Alfred and Ludwig for a hot while. Sucks to suck, don't it Lovi?

Feel free to send in more ships! (@ anyone reading it please do, I’ll do pretty much anything and I’m running low I’d love to hear your stuff!)

#hetalia #aph hetalia #hws hetalia #prucanmano #rarepair #hetalia headcanons

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allthingshetalia · 5 years ago

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Hey, i really like your blog, you doing incredible stuff every time i read it sends butterflies to my stomach🦋 if this is ok ask axis with s/o who rejected them because thought they not good enough to be with them and then axis finding out? See through your blog every day waiting for updates, but I've almost lost a hope for answer

💕thank you!! Did you send in other asks? It might be in my queue 💕

Italy

“How could you ever think you weren’t good enough for me.” Feliciano asked, he cupped your face in his hands, making sure you’d look at him.

“You’re just so perfect.” You mumbled. A hot tear rolled down your cheek and he quickly brushed it away. “And I’m so not.” You sniffled. Feliciano sighed softly and tugged you against his chest.

“I’m not perfect Bella! No one is.” He soothed. “But why didn’t you just tell me? You broke my heart.” He whispered the last part causing you to look up at him.

“I did?” You felt your heart crack a little. His light honey eyes welled up with a couple of tears.

“Well you confess your love for someone and they reject you even though you were positive they felt the same way about you.” He leaned forward and rested his chin against the top of your head. “It’ll take you by surprise and then you won’t know what to do.” He continued.

“I’m sorry I did that to you.” You apologized pulling away from him. He smiled down at you.

“I know a way you can make it up to me though.” His honey eyes glinted at you playfully. Tilting your head to the side you asked him ‘how.’ He leaned forward and placed a quick kiss against your lips enjoying your wild blush.

Japan

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know I would hurt you this bad.” You mumbled. The Japanese man sighed and ran a pale hand over his tired face. His beautiful chocolate eyes were red and had dark bags under them. He had confessed his feeling for you around two weeks ago and since then he hasn’t been the same. He ignored all of your texts and calls, it wasn’t until you practically broke into his house did he see you.

As soon as he open the door your cringed. The usual put together man looked anything but. His hair was greasy and a mess, he looked even paler and skinnier than usual. His nose was red and irritated. You quickly pushed your way inside his house and put some tea on the stove and put some rice in the rice cooker. He didn’t say anything but laid down on the floor cushions not even looking at you. You gave him a large amount of rice and his favorite tea.

You kept picking at him for awnsers until he finally snapped.

“WHY ARE YOU ACTING LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED? DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO HAVE THE ONE PERSON WHO YOU ACTUALLY LOVE AND TRUST COMPLETELY REJECT YOU?”

After his outburst you stood there in silence not knowing what to do. Groaning he went out the back door and sprawled out under one of his cherry blossom trees.

“I seriously didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t even think of the consequences.” You mumbled. You laid next to him and stared up at the pink flowered sky above you. “I-I Just don’t think I’m good enough for you.” You murmured. He finally turned his head to look at you.

“Good enough for me? Is that what you think? Why would you even get an idea like that!” He questioned. You just shrugged not really knowing how to answer.

“You know I love you back.” You stated still looking at the tree branches above you. You didn’t see it but a small smile attached itself to Kiku’s face.

Germany

You winced as the large burly man grunted.

“You’re so difficult Lulu.” You mumbled. You softly patted the cold cloth against his heated forehead. His glossy eyes stared at you in a daze.

“I’m sorry if I scared you.” He mumbled. His rosy cheeks darkened slightly.

“You never scare me. I know you wouldn’t hurt me.” You whispered back. He nodded his head in agreement and stared up at the ceiling. Your favorite German got extremely drunk and showed up at your house at 12 in the afternoon yelling about how you completely shattered his heart. You knew he would want to kill himself because of embarrassment so you tried your best not to make him feel worse. “Did you mean all the things you said?” You asked. You ran your fingers through his hair and he closed his eyes in contempt. He opened his mouth and closed it like he was trying to find words to say.

“Ja.” He sighed. He opened his icy blue eyes and stared directly into your own eyes. After throwing up and drinking lots of water and eating some toast he was finally starting to sober up. “I-I was just so sure you felt the same way. Then when I told you how I felt you completely shut me down. I mean you didn’t even talk to me for 2 weeks! We went from spending almost everyday together to being like strangers.” He felt bad for unloading all of his feelings on to you but you needed to hear it and the fact that he was still a little tipsy was helping him.

“I’m not good enough for you Lulu.” Tears welled up in your eyes and the German quickly sat up.

“What in the world could ever make you think that?” He murmured cupping your face in between his hands. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Prussia

“He’s in his room.” Ludwig sighed. He closed the front door and you took a nervous step into the house. “Thanks for coming.” You could tell the younger German was a little mad at you probably because you hurt his older brother- at least Ludwig claimed you hurt him and in his words you ��need to fix what you broke.’

You gave him a sheepish smile. “Of course!” You giggled nervously. You quickly made your way up the steps and stopped infront of the very familiar door of your best friend/crush since forever. You knocked on the door lightly but nothing happened, so you of course knocked again.

“GO AWAY!” You jumped at the sudden volume from the other side of the door. You cringed and your heart rate picked up. ‘Just open the door.’ You thought to yourself. You turned the knob and pushed the door open. The room was pitch black except for the light seeping in from the doorway you were standing in. You closed the door behind you and flicked the light switch on.

You heard Gilbert groan from the bed and he brought the covers up over his head. You still assumed he didn’t know it was you in his room. Walking closer to the bed you sat down on the very corner.

“Hey Gilly.” You tried to sound as lighthearted as possible. The albino quickly threw the covers off of him and you suddenly felt a little nauseous. He was skinny compared to his usual bulky frame. His eyes were red more red and puffy, with dark circles. He had a good amount of scruff around his lower face and you knew that if he went 2 more weeks without shaving he would have a beard. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and you had to stop your eyes from wandering.

“What are you doing here?” He snapped. He laid back down his eyes staring at the ceiling.

“I came to check on you.” You smiled. “I haven’t heard from you.” You shifted uncomfortably and decided it would be best if you stared at his wall. It was filled with pictures of you and him together. Well there was some with Luddy, Franny and Toni and of course the dogs, but the majority of them were selfies of him and you together, or just stupid pictures of you.

“Did you expect to hear from me?” He grumbled. He followed your gaze and looked at the pictures of you guys together. “It’s not exactly like we left off on a good foot. Remember?” You bit your lip and nodded.

“I’m sorry.” You whispered. He sighed and sat up again.

“It’s okay, you can’t help your feelings. B-but I can’t be friends with you. I mean it’ll kill me seeing you be with someone else or knowing that you’ll never see me the way I see you.”

“I do feel the same way.” You blurted out.

“What?” The albino asked. He scooted closer to you and you resisted the urge of throwing your arms around his neck and cuddling into his chest where you felt safe.

“I just- I’m not good enough for you! I mean you are awesome.” You chuckled dryly your fingers nervously played with the soft blanket on his bed. He quickly grabbed your hands cutting off your actions and effectively making you look at him.

“And why do you think I like you so much? Huh? You think I would fall for someone lame? You are the out of my league!” His voice was soft and it put a wide smile on your face. “ and don’t be so stupid next time you feel insecure! Tell me so I can help you! That is what a good boyfriend does after all.” He smirked.

Romano

“If I didn’t like you so much, I would punch you in the face.” Lovino grumbled. He brushed your hair out of your face and swiped away some tears that fell from your eyes. “How could you ever think you weren’t good enough for me? I’m a piece of trash and if you think you’re bad for me than how badly do you think of yourself, my Princess?” He hummed.

“You aren’t trash! You are one of the most talented, caring, passionate people on the planet. People just don’t try and see it.” Another tear fell from your eye but it was quickly brushed away. The Italian smiled softly and kissed the top of your head.

“And that’s what makes you so special to me. You’re the only one who has tried to see that side of me. You saved me, you know that?” He asked. Before you had a chance to ask him what he meant he continued. “I’ve waited my whole life to find someone like you. I’ve begged every higher power to just give me someone- someone who will give me a chance. I didn’t care if it was a lover or a friend, just someone. And then you came into my life and I’m not going to throw away that chance just because you don’t see how magnificent you really are, Princess.”

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thatsamericano · 3 years ago

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Feliciano and Ludwig have their own friends in their grade level that I might only mention vaguely from Alfred’s POV. They might stop by the FrUKSpa household occasionally or Feli goes to do something with them, but they’re freshmen while Al’s a junior so he’s really not paying attention to most of them and may not remember all their names. The one he might have paid more attention to (besides any of Katya’s younger siblings) is Erika, because he scared the crap out of her near the beginning of the school year. She was this tiny, somewhat timid freshman who saw Savino around school and thought he was really cool (not in a crush way, but in the way she admires her big brother Vash). She heard that this popular and very friendly junior who’s the quarterback on the football team is stepbrothers (or possibly by the time the gossip filters down to her and other freshman, just brothers) with the Vargas brothers and learned that his name was Alfred. She got curious enough about Savino to overcome her natural shyness and asked Alfred what it’s like to be Savino’s brother.

What she didn’t know is that a ton of people were asking Alfred about him and Vinny being stepbrothers, including multiple people who just referred to them as brothers. She didn’t know Alfred from Adam, so she had no clue how he felt about Savino and that hearing Vinny referred to as his brother was a personal berserk button for him. He snapped at her so bad she started crying and ran away, and at the end of the day Vash came up to Alfred to tell him off for biting Erika’s head off when she was just asking an innocuous question and to warn him he wouldn’t let Alfred get away with doing that to his sister again.

After this, Feli and Ludwig start to become friends with Erika because she’s in one of their classes and she’s very nice and likable. I did show a scene with Feli and Ludwig eating lunch with Alfred and his friends who are juniors and one senior (Magnus), but I think most of the time they prefer to eat with friends in their own grade, including Erika. They do stuff at Erika’s house sometimes, at Ludwig’s, or at another friend’s, but Feli notices that Erika is always begging off whenever they make plans to do something at his place. She’s polite about it each time, but it’s becoming concerning. He asks her what’s going on.

Erika says, “Your stepbrother scares me,” and explains what happened with Alfred. All she was trying to do was ask him a question, and he flipped out on her in a terrifying way. She actually thought this giant American football player was about to commit physical violence on her that day. She hasn’t seen him being mean to a bunch of people like Dylan Anderson, who a lot of people have learned to avoid as much as they can, but he was a jerk to her that day. And frankly, Erika wants nothing to do with him, even if the people around school seem to think he’s a nice guy.

Feli is in the awkward position of not being able to defend Alfred and explain that he’s not a terrible guy but that he is in love with Savino and must have felt horrible when Erika referred to him as Alfred’s brother. He does tell Ludwig that Alfred and Savino are in love, but that’s because Ludwig is his boyfriend and he’s so stressed over them acting stupid over Savino going on a date with Dylan. So, he doesn’t want to tell Erika, because he’s only starting to get to know this girl, and sharing private information like that doesn’t feel fair to his big brother. All he can say is that Alfredo is very nice most of the time and must have been having a really bad day when he snapped on Erika. Erika can’t be convinced that it’s okay to come over to Feli’s house, because he can’t explain why Alfred was such a jerk to her that day.

Honestly, in Alfred’s POV, he might not even know Feli is friends with Erika, much less that she feels uncomfortable being at his house because of Alfred. Much later in the story, when Savino and Alfred are being public about their relationship at school, Erika understands why Alfred went nutso on her that day (possibly after asking Feli if he thinks that’s what’s going on and also getting more info on how long Alfred had liked Savino before they became stepbrothers). She comes by the house, sees Alfred, and he apologizes for scaring her that one time. She tells him she understands Savino isn’t his brother now but didn’t understand when she asked him that day (possibly because the gossip filter just said they were “brothers” and Erika didn’t automatically assume they were step siblings just because they don’t look biologically related, because even though her and Vash look very much alike, they’re adoptive siblings). He tells her it’s fine, and Erika gives him a little smile before going off to do something with Feli and whatever freshmen friends are there.

#at first that erika scene was just to show alfred snapping on someone who really didn't deserve it #and to show how strong that berserk button is as foreshadowing for the christmas card incident #but now like so many things in this au there's this backstory that's mostly off screen #i like the idea of belaliech in a high school au where they're the same age #natalya could come to hang out with feli before and now her girlfriend can too #i think i'd add that in just to make myself happy lol #romerica stepbros au #tw stepcest #hetalia #hws america #hws liechtenstein #hws veneziano #hws north italy #aph america #aph liechtenstein #aph veneziano #aph north italy #ugh poor erika #i've never mentioned them going over to katya's house but mattie definitely does andsometimes al does too #poor erika if she's going to hang out with natalya and sees feliciano's scary stepbrother #if she's not booking it she's avoiding him so well al might not even know she's there #fic spoilers #my writing #original post

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lukatheselkie · 4 years ago

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PruMano Week Day One - Books

@prumano-week

This got super out of hand length wise, but I’m VERY happy with it! College AU. Romano wears glasses like the cute nerd he is.

Warnings: Mentions of bullying. Hinted neglect if you squint. There’s a brief moment at the end with a scene of someone doing something without being given consent.

“Ouch!” Lovino growls under his breath, bending down to pick up the book that hit him in the head. He storms around to the other side to give whoever did it a piece of his mind, but the aisle is empty. He forces himself to take a deep, calming breath, and places the book in its proper spot. He scoffs, shaking his head as he starts tidying them up again. Some people just don’t know how to respect books! He loves books, which is why he jumped on the opportunity to become the library assistant at his University when the job came up. He gets paid to be around something he adores! What a perfect job. But that doesn’t mean it’s problemless. Flying books aren’t commonplace, but they aren’t exactly rare either. This is the first to hit him in the head though. He hopes some jerks aren’t playing a game. ‘Hit the nerd. One hundred points if you hit him, a hundred more if you do it without being noticed by him.’

Not that he hasn’t been used for such a game before. He supposes it comes from his love of knowledge, and the fact he’s blind without his glasses. Thick glasses and an unquenchable thirst for information is enough to have him labeled as a nerd. Though this is the first time he’s been targeted since starting at this university, if he is being targeted. There’s a possibility it was an accident. Maybe the person ran away because they were scared of how he might react. He rounds the corner of the aisle, and his blood both boils and runs cold at the sight in front of him. In the area meant for seats, there’s a ton of books in the floor. A few piles vaguely resemble destroyed buildings. His left eye twitches, and his right hand jerks. Who in their right mind uses a bunch of books as a domino war?

His question doesn’t go unanswered long, as someone sits up from one of the piles. “Time guys! I zink ve’re all dead!” More heads pop up, and Lovino’s other eye twitches. He’s going to strangle them all! But their ringleader is first for certain. He steps toward the mess, and the first person glances around the room, seeing him. His eyes widen comically, and he shrieks. “Abort! Leave! Ve’ve been caught! Angry librarian, coming right at me! Save jourselves! I’m a goner!” He falls back into the pile of books dramatically, hand on his forehead in a fake faint. Everyone one else takes off, but not without Lovino taking note of a feature on each that stands out. One has spikey hair, another has thick eyebrows, the third has long wavy hair, the fourth has a scar over his right eye, and the fifth has a big bow in her hair. He turns his attention back to the man laying in the largest pile of books, pretending to have fainted.

“Get up. Now. And listen to my instructions. Otherwise you’re getting strangled for ruining my library.” The man stands up cautiously, and Lovino looks him over with a scowl. He’s taller than him, and more muscular, but at the same time he looks like a big gust of wind could blow him over. He realizes it’s because he’s an albino. That’s not going to stop his punishment though! Don’t make messes you can’t clean. He tilts his chin up to look the man in the eye, and forgets how to breathe. His eyes are beautiful rubies, and his hair spun cotton. Oh god. I really am a helpless bisexual. After a moment, he figures out how to breathe again, and lays into him. “You will place each and every one of these books back on the shelf where they belong! I don’t care if it takes you days! Weeks! This was your idea, so I won’t let you get by without taking responsibility! Your friends can have detention. Be glad you don’t get it too! I will help you by telling you where they go, but that’s all the help you get. Now get busy!”

“Yessir!” He snaps a salute, then frantically grabs an armful of books. Lovino cringes at his treatment of them.

“Not like that.” His voice is softer now, more exasperated than anything. “Here. Let me show you.” He picks up a book of his own, then another. He places the second on top of the first, making sure the spines are facing the same direction. He gathers a few more in this fashion, and holds them out to the albino. “Place the ones in your arms down gently. Take these. Read the last name of the author and find the right spot. I’ll follow behind you to make sure you get them right.” Gilbert tilts his head slightly, confused. This man was just yelling at him, and now he’s helping? After saying he wouldn’t?

“Jou must really care about zese books.” He places the pile in his arms down, and takes the ones offered to him. A fond smile spreads across the stranger’s lips.

“I do.” He sighs quietly. “I wish more people appreciated them. But no one seems to care about reading anymore. The world has become too fast-paced to sit and read a nice book. It doesn’t even have to be factual. It would be nice to see someone like you sit down and read any book, even a fantasy one.” He closes his eyes and rubs his temples. “But I guess they’re going out of style. Not many people care anymore.” His eyes open just long enough for him to dust a book off, and hug it tightly to his chest. “I’ve failed you. I’m sorry.” His bottom lip trembles. “My only escape.” Gilbert feels like he’s witnessing something he shouldn’t, especially considering who it is he’s watching.

He backs away slowly, and starts placing the books back where they belong, triple checking each one before moving on. He doesn’t want to cause the librarian anymore stress. He feels awful for their impromptu game now. Books might be objects to play with to him, but to people like… what’s his name? Lovino? He thinks that’s what’s on his name tag. To people like Lovino, books are one of the most important things to exist. And an escape. But an escape from what? He glances back at the man, and he suddenly understands. From people like me. It’s a sad realization, one that makes him want to apologize for being so awful. But will he even listen? He doubts it, so he keeps his mouth shut and just works.

Gilbert has learned two very important things from the past month of putting books up every day after class for an hour. One: Lovino has a younger brother. Two: that younger brother receives much more attention than he does. Which expands on his attachment to books. He’s most definitely lonely, but he likely won’t ever admit it. He’s probably felt alone since his little brother came along, and being distanced against his will in school because of his glasses didn’t help any, he imagines. He feels bad for the man. He wants to show him that he isn’t alone, but every time he tries to befriend him, he’s cruelly cut off. It’s not his fault though. He’s been conditioned. Everyone prefers his brother. Why should he believe anyone that wants to be his friend now won’t ignore him later? Gilbert grips the book in his hand tightly. He knows how that feels, to a lesser extent.

Ludwig isn’t albino. He’s always had the favour of their father because of that. But he’s also stronger, and more handsome. Two things that draw in attention from others. He’s aware of it, though, unlike Lovino’s brother. And Ludwig makes it up to him the best he can. Besides, he does have a few friends! Ones that don’t mind being with him. He might not be like Ludwig, but he’s still active in university activities. That gets him plenty of attention. Lovino doesn’t have that. And he hates people that do. Rightfully so, because from what he can gather, they used to bully the Italian. He places the book where it belongs, and goes to get another stack of them. He casually flicks his eyes up to the desk where Lovino is, and chokes on his own saliva.

His eyes are closed, his glasses are skewed, his lips are parted slightly, and he’s got a book in his hands. But most noticeable of all is his shirt. The left side of his collar is pushed down, exposing his collarbone and shoulder. Gilbert steps closer out of instinct, and doesn’t stop until he’s just on the other side of the desk. His skin is a bit lighter there, but not much. There’s freckles across his shoulder, up his neck a bit, and down his arm. He’s not been this close to Lovino since he was yelling at him. His eyelashes are long. They’re pretty. And his lips aren’t as thin as he thought. Maybe that’s just a side effect of his perpetually agitated expression. The door slams open, and he scrambles away from Lovino quickly, scooping up an armful of books on his way to the shelves. “Brother? Why are you sleeping? I brought you some gifts, silly!”

He peeks between the shelves at the two of them. He’s not sure why he’s not out in the open, but this feels important. It’s the first time he’s seen the brothers in the same room together. Lovino is rubbing his eyes, grumbling about something. Probably being woken up so rudely. Gilbert can’t even begin to imagine why he’s sleeping at the job he loves. Maybe there’s stress at home? That would explain why his brother’s here. “I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were sleeping! I wouldn’t have come if I knew!” His lips turn down in a pout, and his bottom lip trembles. Lovino sighs loud enough for Gilbert to hear him.

“No, I’m sorry. You’re here to give me gifts. I shouldn’t be rude.” He rubs at his eyes again. “Please don’t cry. I love you.” The younger of the two smiles brightly, all signs of sorrow gone. Gilbert clenches his fist. That little brat! It’s all a show! He wasn’t about to cry at all! It’s a way to make Lovino refrain from being grumpy!

“Ve~! Here!” He hands him a bag, grinning widely. “Read my note first! I have to go study now, bye! Love you!” He pecks him on the cheek, and runs off. Gilbert watches Lovino closely. He’s still just a bit asleep, judging by his slow movements. He pulls out a piece of paper, and flushes crimson after a few seconds of reading it. He wonders what’s on it, but doesn’t let it bother him. Lovino sighs again, shaking his head. He pulls out a mini flag, waves it around with a grimace, and places it in a little cup he keeps his writing utensils in. He doesn’t bring anything else out, despite looking through the contents. He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, and goes back to reading his book. Deciding nothing else interesting is going to happen, Gilbert starts putting the books up once again.

When he comes out for another pile, Lovino clears his throat. “You can leave early today.” Gilbert turns to him, brows furrowed.

“I’m supposed to be here for anozer half hour.”

“And I said you can leave early. What don’t you understand about that?” He sounds mentally exhausted. He decides not to fight him on it, though he wants to stay longer. On his way out, he is filled with excitement upon seeing the bisexual flag now in the cup of pencils and pens.

“Get away from me!” Gilbert frowns. He knows that voice. He’s never seen Lovino outside of the library though. He must be on his way to it. He follows the voice, readying himself for a fight. “No! Stop! I told you to get away from me!” He sounds like he’s about to cry. He looks like it, too, when he comes into view.

“Hey! He told jou to get avay, so jou better do zat!” The man pinning Lovino to the wall curses, and runs off. Gilbert wants to run after him, show him what he thinks about him tormenting his friend, but Lovino’s well-being is more important than that. He holds out his hand to him, and gives him a reassuring smile. “Are jou okay? He didn’t do anyzing bad to jou, did he?” His smile and stomach fall when Lovino nods, letting out a quiet sob. “Hey. Come here.” He opens his arms wide. Without hesitation, Lovino runs to him, burying his face in his chest. He rubs his back gently, hugging him tightly. “Jou don’t have to tell me vhat happened. But jou can if jou vant. I’m here to protect jou.” The Italian starts speaking, but he trips over his words too much for them to be comprehensible. After a moment, he takes a deep breath.

“H-he tugged on my curl! He saw the bisexual flag Vene got me, a-and thought I would be interested in him, j-just because I’m bisexual! I-I have standards! And th-those do not include p-people that do th-that!” He dissolves into tears again. Gilbert starts singing, being sure to do it quietly so he doesn’t interrupt any classes. He rocks them back and forth, hoping to calm him down. Slowly, Lovino’s tears dry, and his sobs turn into hiccups. Those go away too though, and when they do he looks up at Gilbert. The German smiles at him, and gently wipes at the tears that are left on his cheeks.

“Better?” Lovino nods slowly. After a moment, he gives Gilbert an awkward smile.

“Yeah. Sorry you had to see me like that.” He pushes Gilbert’s hands away, though he really doesn’t want to. “I can get my own tears.” He wipes at his face quickly, knocking his glasses in doing so.

“Vhoa zere. Don’t vant to lose zose!” Gilbert laughs, trying to make light of the situation. Lovino shakes his head to get him to stop. “Sorry.” He bows his head. “Zat vas in poor taste.” He looks at Lovino again. “Vhat does tugging on jour curl do?” A heavy silence falls between them, where they’re just staring at each other. An uncomfortable amount of time passes before Gilbert decides to take it back. “Nevermind. Zat vas also in-”

“It turns me on.” Out of all the things…

“So he violated jou.” It’s not a question. Lovino’s bottom lip trembles. He hugs him tighter, nudging his head with his hand. That’s all the encouragement he needs to bury his face in the crook of his neck. They stay like that for awhile, just enjoying the comfort of each other.

“Gilbert,” he grumbles into his chest. He brings a hand up to his hair in response, being careful not to touch his curl. “I guess this answers my question.” He laughs quietly, brokenly.

“Question?”

“Mmm yeah. I’m sorry for telling you to leave yesterday. I didn’t want you to. It’s just Vene wrote me this really embarrassing note, and gave me all these… things. He mentioned you in the note. Specifically, he mentioned the possibility of me liking you. Romantically. I wasn’t thinking about it until then, and I got upset with you for no reason. I know now it’s because I didn’t want to admit my feelings to myself. But I can’t deny them anymore. My question was if I had them, and I have my answer. But I have a question for you. Will you go out with me?” He looks into his eyes earnestly. Gilbert’s heart skips a beat, and he nods wordlessly. A genuine smile spreads across his lips. “Thank you for caring more about me than you do about Vene. You’re the first.” He nuzzles his nose against the base of his throat.

“Jou’re going to have to stop zat right now. I’m sensitive zere.” Lovino giggles.

“Good.” He tilts his head up at him, like he did when they first met. But this time, he voices what he’s thinking. “Kiss me.” Gilbert doesn’t have to be told twice. He closes the distance between them, putting as much care and love into the kiss as he can.

#prumanoweek2020 #day 1 #prumano #aph prussia #aph romano #aph hetalia

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worldcakecakecake · 5 years ago

Text

The Angel of Venice

Ludwig is an archeologist who gets a big assignment of researching a recently discovered statue. As he is doing his usual inspection with his touches against the stone, he ends up breaking part of a curse that turns the statue human.

Feliciano was cursed long ago, why and how he does not know, continuing to suffer transformations from stone to skin. Ludwig intends to fix this and find answers. Together they will traverse Europe looking for clues, stories and even an adventure that would help them solve the mystery and break the full curse before it’s too late.

I apply here what I said about The Red Mask as well. So here we go!

Chapter 5

“Laura, I beg of you, to keep this a secret. I know it means meeting the artist of the sketchbook, something that will mean a lot to your group of research, but we don’t know how people will react, if they would misuse Feliciano. So please, help me and Roderich keep this as tight as possible and we’ll let you know whatever you want.” He had told lastly in a beg, reaching, going up the stairs of the building, Ludwig having the card key in his hand.

Laura rolled her eyes, but nodded, not seeing the harm in just…for now pretending this could be real, that this wasn’t all some elaborate prank. Maybe Ludwig and Roderich meant to celebrate something with her with a surprise.

When Ludwig held open the door for her, closing behind instantly as soon as she was fully inside, Laura didn’t find the cake, the confetti, guests or party favors she was expecting, instead…there was the lately famed statue of the Angel of Venice. Oh, it was indeed splendid, beautiful. She let herself awe for a moment, comfortable, forgetting what she thought the craziness of Ludwig’s words.

Roderich had been doing some work on his laptop, raising his eyes to them, Ludwig sending a sign that Laura had been told with a simple nod.

“Where’s Feliciano?” She asked, trying to look for the cute Italian in the room, but finding no presence. She thought maybe he was in another room, that was until a sudden rustling began on the floor, especially by the statue. The wind blew and reached, Laura looking around to see from what kind of contraption it could come from. She couldn’t question further as the light started enveloping, growing brighter and brighter, sparkling until the statue was all but gone, in it’s place…Feliciano. He was naked, seeming tired, testing his movements gallantly, ignorant to his bare state. That was until his eyes laid on Laura, sheepishly waving. “Ciao!”

Laura welcomed it in a scream.

Roderich had to stand up and join Ludwig in holding her down, trying to calm, to soothe her shouts. Luckily, Feliciano quickly dressed, in what were meant to be his pajamas, all in the hurry of wanting to help. He went to give her a glass of water, but once she noticed and came to mind that…a living statue was giving her a glass water, she screamed some more and even shattered the glass in her frenzy. Feliciano looked to the broken pieces and his wet hand almost heartbroken.

“Laura! Please! Will you be silent!” Ludwig shouted in turn. That was the last piece of his patience, fearful enough to get her to sit as she should, although still breathing heavily, her eyes pierced to an extend that made Feliciano worry if she had gotten blind. At least she wasn’t screaming or wailing her body. Roderich and Ludwig could take seats with deep sighs. She started staring at Feliciano, still as perturbed, Feliciano kneeling, smiling and hoping she would soon calm her breathing.

“Did…Ludwig tell you?” He dared ask.

“Ye-yeah…yeah…he did,” she managed her words, sitting straight again, now taking from a new glass of water Roderich got. “I didn’t…I didn’t think it was…real.”

“I…I understand. I’m…so sorry.” Feliciano wished he could do more to prove his apology than just sit so meekly. It was hard not to do so when he was showing himself to a new person, starting to be more aware and understanding of the oddity of it all.

“It…sounded so crazy, I just…it…it couldn’t be…how..how…how?” She demanded.

“That’s an answer we would love to learn ourselves,” Ludwig put.

“We’re still figuring it out,” Roderich added.

“I don’t know much about what’s going on myself,” Feliciano told.

“Yes…Ludwig didn’t mention it…how…you turned this way.” She was slowly becoming more confident, being able to stare at Feliciano with more of an awe.

“Mhm, and I also assume he told you everything we’ve find out.”

“Yes…he did.” She was recollecting everything, fitting it into truths. “Including that you’re…the artist of the sketchbook.” There was hesitance, a wondering like that of a child’s, one Feliciano found so beautiful he couldn’t help but smile.

“Yes… I am…”

And she smiled herself, glowing, jumping on her seat, not sure where to even put her hands that wanted to tremble all around her in excitement. “I have…so many questions to ask you, I don’t know where to start! I should focus! Okay, um-”

“Before we get into that, Laura, there are some dire questions we want to ask you instead,” Ludwig wanted to remind the point of her knowing.

Both her and Feliciano were slightly disappointed at this interruption, but there was a mission indeed, so they straightened and readied.

“You know well Feliciano’s sketchbook, right?”

“Yes, I’ve studied it well for many years.”

“I know you mentioned you haven’t found another style like it, but are you truly sure?”

“Well…not another style or technique like his…but…there is this one painting...”

The three men raised and gazed between themselves. “Are you serious?”

“Feliciano didn’t make it though.” She took a good look that moment, realizing something now with his image, something that should have reached her the moment she met him.

“It is very similar to his style… maybe a portrait someone made for him… nevertheless, there was something about it that had me thinking about your sketchbook and now…about yourself. I found it in one of my grandmother’s old basement in the Netherlands. I took it. It was exceptionally beautiful.”

“So, you have this painting then?” Ludwig raised as did Feliciano, ready to run off and see it that moment.

“Well…yes it is mine, but I don’t have it here with me. I didn’t want to risk it while I was moving.”

“Then where is it?”

“It’s with my brother in Amsterdam.”

Was this all some big test? Was it a curse? Perhaps karma? Ludwig kept thinking it through the night, eyes wide and staring to the ceiling. Occasionally, his eyes would fall on the readied luggage in the corner of the room, prepared for a train trip the coming morning, then on Feliciano…who lay peacefully asleep…right next to him. He breathed easy, splashed as he wanted, Ludwig wondering if he was even aware that he was on the bed as well. Well, at least he had his own space to sleep as he wanted…if he could even at the moment.

He had gotten exceptionally well with Tim Jansen long ago, in fact, he had met Laura through him. They had many agreements and similar interests, enjoying well their meetings with countless of topics to discuss. He was indifferent for when Ludwig and Laura dated, knowing well without even Ludwig wording it that he wasn’t really into the relationship as he had hoped. Still, this was indeed his little sister and so Ludwig had received his threats, ones that he was afraid to face after he had broken up with her in the famed family dinner, one Tim was present in…Ludwig hasn’t seen him since.

That was to change tomorrow, for Laura had helped them establish a meeting in his home in Amsterdam where he kept the painting and he was exceptionally scared as to how he would react. Sure, the events happened over two years ago, but he knew how the elder Jansen kept his grudges, especially when it involved his sister and he hadn’t been given a proper explanation as to Ludwig’s exact why afterwards. Tomorrow would be the first time he would take whatever reaction he decided to show, and he was terrified on how he could use it against him concerning this painting.

Then there was Feliciano…who already Laura had insinuated at something between them and depending on how Feliciano would act…it meant that Tim could be getting similar ideas. Many times during the nights he kept his breath even and tried to repeat to himself that everything would be fine. It was Laura’s painting and she had already decree to let them do what they wished with it. It was two years ago, she was completely fine and over it. And Feliciano? Ludwig was prepared to explain himself however times necessary to prove that it really wasn’t what everybody else was thinking.

After being on a car and flying a plane, Feliciano was relaxed riding his first train. Like a child, he couldn’t keep still, finding enjoyment in just walking down the corridor while it moved, sticking himself to the window and pointing to all the minimal beauties, as well as jumping on his seat and testing its fabric and feel. The three who joined found it endearing, answering well whatever his questions and of course being watchful.

They arrived to Amsterdam an early afternoon, a beautiful shinning day highlighted in colors and whimsical, wondering the more Feliciano, who kept running off their intended path to gaze at every beautiful hidden corner with structures and build. There was also the fact that he kept standing on the bike roads, not moving even at the insisting bells as he watched over bridges and to boats. After nearly being trampled over by an angered teenager, Ludwig settled with keeping a tight hold on Feliciano’s arm the rest of the way.

They reached a deep part of the city, less populated, a small canal settled well between large shadows of trees. Roderich could breathe in and already feel comfort, while Laura was happily skipping to the boat that was their destination, and Ludwig’s anxiety heightened.

Tim’s houseboat was large, clearly the longest one in the canal, space in the upper deck to make a dinner party, windows showcasing that it must have several cabins, clean, beautiful and surely the Dutch dream, with bikes and tulips to really make it clear.

“Tim!” Laura called, in her most annoying call surely to tease, yet excited, the only one to dare and run up the ramp of entrance. At her call, he was there, intimidatingly tall, blond hair standing vicious and green eyes piercing. Feliciano stopped and found himself worrying over Laura, but her older brother took her well in his arms, spinning and smiling like children. They spoke on excitedly in Dutch, while the other three remained by the street, albeit fearful to stand on the ramp.

“They’re standing there like gaping fishes,” Tim commented. What was supposed to be a welcoming entrance came as a glare in his expression. Feliciano waved trying to ease these sudden tensions.

“Is that…the boy?” There was impression in his eyes, noticing something, one that Ludwig and Roderich feared meant that he knew. Laura seemed to know what it was Tim really saw, but she waved off to the others to let them know she had not said a word to him about Feliciano being the statue.

“Well, get over here before you get run over. You’re taking up the street.” Tim went inside with an easy stride, his usual, not all pestered by the new visitors. Laura signaled them to come up and so with their luggage they made their entrance.

They were surprised at how spacious it was, with halls, each their own cabin for the nights they were meant to stay, large dinning hall with a full functional kitchen, exquisite lounging areas, everywhere hanged with flowers looking well kept, clean and offered quite luxuriously. With everyone well placed in their rooms, Tim offered some coffee, strawberry jam and croissants, presented on the table. He let them take as they pleased without a care, leaning down on his chair to light up his newest smoke. He kept a window open to breathe out, knowing how his sister disliked it.

“Your place is lovely,” Roderich commented, gladly taking from the coffee, insisting Feliciano took his own.

“Thanks. Now, what is it that you came here for?” He didn’t want to waste any more time.

“Tim!” Laura scolded.

“What? I’m sure they want to get it over with too.”

“Yes, if we may, please,” Ludwig finally worded and to his surprise, Tim didn’t react any differently, only inhaling more smoke to blow out the window in the usual.

Ludwig took a deep breath to begin well. “First, let me introduce you to Feliciano Valenti, a friend who is helping us with a very important project-”

“Yeah, Laura told me about him, get on with it.”

Ludwig sighed, “right. Laura told us you keep a painting she found which can help us with our search.”

“Which one?” This question Tim directed to his sister.

“You…know the one,” she spared a glance to Feliciano and in that way, Tim instantly knew which one it was.

“Ah…come with me,” he led them down the halls to one of the most backside rooms, opening a door to reveal a cabin working like a sort of basement, with countless of items that ranged from cleaning supplies, seasonal decorations, beers, tools, parts, knick knacks and of course different canvases with different painted themes, but the most important one, the one they came for stood well in the center back, rather large, with a beautiful golden framework to accompany the beauty that presented.

“That’s…” Ludwig pointed to the figure in it… a boy, dressed discreetly in a transparent and silk robe falling from his shoulders. He stood covered in the guard of a bush, decorated with the most beautifully painted flowers, some adorning the figure’s curly hair and with petals falling on his body and robe.

“It’s… Feliciano…” Roderich worded the recognition.

Feliciano came closer to it, the image like staring into a mirror, but he hoped for more clues, a memory, an idea, but the distinctive colors didn’t say anything else.

“Is he a… relative perhaps, of the model in this picture,” Tim wondered, still slightly shaken at meeting such a lively representation.

They kept silent not knowing how to answer without revealing too much.

“Um…it’s uh…uh…” Roderich tried to find any instant excuse.

“It-It’s…a coincidence!” Ludwig tried to defend.

“Feliciano was just trying to find something that look closely enough to himself,” Laura helped along.

“What for?”

“A school project!” Was the best Roderich could concoct.

“What kind of school project sends you to find paintings that look like yourself?”

“It’s all the rage in the young academic world!”

“Ah yes, the academic world making no sense as per usual. I don’t even know how in the hell this even relates to the statue.”

They went on discussing, Feliciano wishing he could block out all the noises, hoping it could better help him to read.

There had to be a code, a message. He looked for a signature, written: P.G. Grimaldo.

It was familiar. He knew that name surely, he had heard it once before…from someone close to him.

Grimaldo…Grimaldo…Grimaldo…

‘I have a dear friend, Pasqualino Grimaldo…’ he hadn’t heard it in the past, but read it, yet he could still hear the tone of that person. ‘He is eager to paint you…he has heard so many stories…’ the voice was dear… he missed it…he missed his father.

“Papa…” he suddenly said, interrupting well the words being swung behind him.

Feliciano brought a hand close, as if he could caress him through this painting.

“Your father? Did your father…make this?” Ludwig was the only to come close.

“No…no he didn’t, he… only commissioned it.”

“Commissioned? A painting for you? Feliciano, that was incredibly expensive to do in those times, and I understand that the reason your grandfather chose to avoid him was because he was of lower class. The documents themselves mentioned you had no relation to him,” Roderich reminded.

“My grandfather refused to have anything written about him in our family papers, but we were still close…I…remember playing with him and my brother in hidden valleys…Mamma smiling so sweetly. I remember when he sent me golden paint as a gift. I remember traveling to Venice often to see him…I remember why I had come to Brussels in the first place.”

“Wasn’t it a sketching trip?” Laura joined along, Tim standing incredibly confused in the background.

“Yes, yes, with my master…but he found out I was coming and came down from Amsterdam…he…was doing business here at the time…he…he was a trader.” He glowed, he smiled, lost in memories and Ludwig couldn’t help but smile knowing Feliciano had that comfort in such a long and sudden laying of far off memories.

“A really good one at that…sometimes I think Nonno was just jealous…” he remembered fights and separations, ones he preferred not to word, as to not ruin the elation that sparked.

“But…I had also come to Brussels to model for him, for Pasqualino Guerriero Grimaldo…”

“I…never knew that was his full name…and I had tried so hard to find that…” Laura bewildered.

“This…” Feliciano spread his fingers around the painting gently, not disturbing anything as to make Laura or Tim worry. “Was a gift I was supposed to get myself here…long ago, but I…never made it…I got the message and shortly after…”

“It happened to you,” Ludwig placed, hurt for his friend.

“Yes…” Feliciano let his hand fall, with it whatever wish to keep looking. It was reminding him of how he failed to reach and meet him. He wondered over what he could have thought, over what happened to him afterwards…did he think him dead? Did he try to search for him? He missed him dearly and wanted desperately a glimpse of him again, but despite the magic that was surrounding him, no such thing could occur to give him an assurance. The only comfort he got was feeling Ludwig’s proximity behind, nervous, sweet, surely wanting to do something to aid, and Feliciano smiled knowing that he simply had his reach.

“What happened to him?” Tim had to word out, lost clearly among this knowing crowd. “What…what is going on?” That’s when they had all noticed what they just let release completely, stuttering, glancing between themselves for any ideas. Feliciano had something, ready to turn and cover them all, but that’s when it started, the familiar light and spread.

“Oh no…” Roderich panicked, nothing near to cover and no words to use.

The light, the wind, the taking, pristine marble revealed and suddenly there was the statue of an angel, sinking the boat slightly more, Tim letting his pipe fall to ground, stupefied.

Air from the top deck, a new pipe, staring into the murky waters, an occasional passing boat, waving to the passengers as they hurried pass under the next bridge.

“Tim, say something!” Laura begged, the silence had been too long and Ludwig and Roderich were just as agitated.

“I’m still waiting to see if I wake up,” he admitted calmly.

“It’s. Not. A dream.” Laura punctuated.

“I think I’ll take a dive down there to really make sure,” he pointed with his pipe to the waters close.

“Oh god, no, not again. Do you have any idea how hard and even disgusting it is to get you out of there?”

It seemed like her older brother wasn’t even listening.

Laura suddenly stood, the other men wondering its purpose, but then she came back, a vase of water with her that she easily poured over the taller man, no reaction as he was drenched, only slight disappointment as this pipe’s smoke was gone.

“Fine, I know I’m awake now.” He had no other choice but to realize.

“Thanks,” Laura took sitting next to him, at least sure as this new silence reigned.

“So…this statue, comes to life…every now…and then, and you are all trying to figure out why this happens to him, about his life and I guess…how to stop it?”

“Yes, that’s the situation,” Roderich said.

“Interesting…” he could only omit, breathing, still getting into realization. “So…you have more information on his father now, we know whose in this painting…so…what’s the next step?” He truly wondered, trying to light up his next pipe.

Roderich and Laura shared the same question, looking over to Ludwig, hoping that he could perhaps hold the next clue.

“I…I…I really don’t know,” he admitted with a sigh.

“What?”

“Come on, Ludwig! Can’t we have a next heading at least?”

“I really don’t know. The only available choice is heading back to Munich and hoping we get more information from his returning memories.”

“The painting, the painting! There has to be something in the painting!” Roderich knew.

“It only got him to remember his father.”

“Think deeper about this,” Laura insisted.

“That Grimaldo fellow!”

“Just the painter,” Tim shrugged, seeming as given as Ludwig.

But then it alighted on Ludwig, looking up, finally with something. “Laura…do you happen to know anything about that painter?”

“Nothing much, just that he was a painter from Macerata who came to Belgium and the Netherlands with a group of traders.”

“Probably the very group Feliciano’s father came with.”

“I used to believe that he could have been someone related to the sketchbook artist, that is, Feliciano, maybe an apprentice, but now I realize that he must have been too old…or perhaps…” Laura suddenly took her phone, frantic in her search through files, pictures and messages, until she came with a definite folder, sitting between all so they could see the paintings. They were all of singular people, all so different, some dressed in Roman or Greek themes, others with important military uniforms of the time and others of the expectance and elegance and aristocracy of 16th and 17th century Italy.

“What about them?” Tim wondered.

“These are all paintings that I believe Grimaldo made.”

“But they all look so different.”

“Exactly! You see, my research group went and tried to find the figures of these paintings, and turns out they were all painters themselves, not recognizable ones, surely those who did it as pastime, but they were ranked and remarkable in other fields.” She searched through her phone, to another gallery, pointing and beginning to explain, “this is Gustavo Flaviano.” His sketches were simple ones of uniforms, helmets, beautifully crafted, surely for the paper and aesthetics, not all fit for battle.

“He was a designer, made all the uniforms for the infantries of Livorno in Tuscany. He was well known for on the night that an English and Dutch battle could reach their coast, he sent a warning sign by blowing one of their cannons, enough for not a single boat to come close. That single act saved the entire city and he was well celebrated.”

She then switched to one of an old man, dressed like a noble, with many pinks and bright colors. “Lorenzo Palerma, a mere candy maker. He owed the most well-known shop in Parma for having beautifully crafted sweets. Many children loved him, and he was well known for taking in abandoned children to live with him. Documents say that he had as much as seventeen children living with him, all taken care of and growing to be people of fortune.”

Another picture, a woman of nobility, surrounded by wine and showing it proudly. “Olga Lucchese, duchess of Amaroni in Catanzaro. Her family was of wine makers. She was taught to be a woman of the house, to be a wife and mother. The only one of these duties she liked was painting, but she secretly practiced battle statics as she truly wanted to become a soldier. On a night that another town was to invade them, with the help of her maids and even some nuns from their convent, they battled and expulsed them out of the town, causing news and words to spread. The town was left alone and no one dared to attack again.”

“Okay, so, what does this all have to do with Feliciano?” Tim was getting slightly annoyed.

“Don’t you get it! Grimaldo only painted hidden painters that held great stories! And he would then do their portraits based on their own styles!” Laura insisted, close to hitting all the men to make them understand as she had so easily done.

“So…if he painted Feliciano…that meant that he must have done something grand to have caught Grimaldo’s attention in the first place,” Ludwig understood.

“Didn’t his father commission it?” Roderich reminded.

“A lot of these paintings were also commissioned,” Laura added as she pointed to her phone.

“Then…what did Feliciano do?” Roderich now presented a new question to the list of the many they held.

Silence as each tried to get an idea from what they knew.

“A painter born in Venice…the youngest son of a forbidden romance between a Florentine noblewoman and a tradesman…that could be it…”

“No, there must be much more,” Tim released his pipe to tap it at his knees, joining all in the wondering.

“Like I said, we have no other choice than to wait,” Ludwig decreed them in their dead end, all slumping, sighing and having to accept this stillness.

“I assume we’ll be heading back to Munich tomorrow then,” Roderich suggested.

“Nonsense. Stay here a couple of days,” Time actually suggested, a glad air on him despite no such grin.

“Why should we? There’s really nothing else we can do for Feliciano here.”

“You can all relax,” he said with an imposing scold. “You all look exhausted and need some time to keep your mind off mysteries and old Italian stories. I prepared the boat for your visit, there’s enough food to last however long you wish to stay. There’s room, you can take a swim-” Laura grimaced, enough suggestion not to “-or take a smoke. I don’t really mind.” He stood, decided on starting lunch for now. “I am curious about Feliciano though…and I hope you don’t mind if I give him a tour of the city tomorrow. We can take a trip on my motorboat and I’ll pay whatever tickets we need.”

Ludwig was sure Feliciano would love it all and he couldn’t help but raise at the excitement tomorrow held.

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#the angel of venice #gerita #gerita fanfiction #gerita fanfic #gerita fic

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mrslittletall · 4 years ago

Text

Prompt: Paralyzed by Fear

Fandom: Bloodborne Characters: Laurence the first Vicar/Ludwig the Holy Blade Word Count: 1.596 AO3-Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18718291/chapters/61086664

Summary: On the way to Odeon Chapel, seeing the Amydgala triggers bad memories in Laurence.

(Author's note: Another piece that is set post Frenzy. A short explanation, even though it also is in the story: Laurence has faced an Amydgala, got grabbed, got a full frenzy bar and then was in a catatonic state for weeks.) Written for @badthingshappenbingo The prompts marked with blood vials have already been filled out, the ones marked with madmen’s knowledge are planned. I am unsure about the unmarked prompts... but if nobody has to say anything, there is the danger that I make “Bloodstained Clothes” just about Laurence have a very untimely nosebleed, so uh, you have been warned.

“Are you sure that you want to go, Laurence?”, Ludwig asked, nothing but worry in his brown eyes as Laurence fixated his vicar robe and slung the holy shawl around his neck.

“Yes, I have been away for too long.”, he replied. “I can't leave the people who come praying in Odeon Chapel waiting forever. They deserve to see their vicar.”

“I am just worried about you.”, Ludwig said. “You haven't been out of the wheelchair for long and you still have to take sedatives. Speaking of, have you taken your dose?”

“Ludwig, now you start to sound like Florence.”, Laurence scoffed. “You are not my mom, you are my bodyguard. And my boyfriend, but we keep that to ourselves.” Laurence looked at Ludwig who hadn't reacted to his teasing at all, instead was clutching his Holy Moonlight Sword with both hands. So hard that his knuckles turned white. “Ludwig, relax.”, Laurence said. “I have taken my sedatives. We just need to go over to Odeon Chapel, get in there, hold a mass and then get out. We can do that.”

“...I never want to see you in such a state again...”, Ludwig said.

“You won't.”, Laurence casually spoke, hoping that Ludwig would finally relax. He actually was more freaked out than Laurence about the trip. “My frenzy happened when the creature grabbed me. I don't plan going so close to them ever again.” He shuddered a bit at the memory.

“I still can't see it.”, Ludwig said. “But it has to exist... because you can't just have gotten ill from nothing. Laurence, are you sure the creature has been sitting on Odeon Chapel ever since?”

“...Since the day I broke out of my Frenzy there wasn't a single day where I couldn't see it.”, Laurence said. “I want to believe it is a messenger of the Great Ones, like Ebrietas, but...” What the creature had shown him had been ugly and unnerving. Laurence couldn't actually remember it, but it had been enough to lock him into a catatonic state for weeks.

“But?”, Ludwig inquired.

“...I don't know.”, Laurence said. “Fact is, I got hurt by going near it, so I won't do this anymore. It's that simple.”

“If you say so.”, Ludwig said, not sounding completely convinced. “Just know, Laurence, that I will get you away as soon as you can't handle it anymore.”

“That's fine.”, Laurence said, brushing his hair, making sure that his curls were falling just right, “My doctor also said that I shouldn't force myself to face my trauma. I will be fine. I just need to go into Odeon Chapel, hold the mass and get out and nothing bad will happen.”

Expect, the last time Laurence had done exactly that, something bad had happened. Even though he had gone back to Odeon Chapel on his own regards alone and at night, how could he had been so stupid in hindsight, it definitely counted as something bad. He could have been lost forever if not for Florence finding a clinic where he could get treatment.

“I am ready.”, Laurence said, grabbing his threaded cane. From the outside it looked like a completely usual walking cane, but there was a sharp blade hidden in the inside. Even if Ludwig was by him and he already had his Holy Moonlight Sword resting over his shoulder, Laurence felt safer when he carried around a weapon on his own. “Let's go then.”

The walk from the Grand Cathedral to Odeon Chapel wasn't a long one. It was thirty minutes when you would hurry and one hour when you took your time. Ludwig had insisted that they would leave early, so Laurence wasn't walking fast. They would even have room to prepare the mass, should they need the a full hour to arrive. He didn't see any reason to walk faster.

On the way, him and Ludwig chatted about this and that, they didn't often had the time to talk so freely with each other, both being buried in their work (especially Laurence after having sick for far too long), so Laurence greatly enjoyed the walk, that turned out to rather uneventful. No protestors or leftover Vilebloods this time. It was perfect.

Though the nearer they managed to get to Odeon Chapel, the more nervous Laurence became and in conclusion, he was barely responding to what Ludwig was saying anymore. At one point Ludwig even nudged Laurence, a bit more violent than Laurence was used from him.

“Ow, what was that for?”, Laurence complained, rubbing his arm. It felt like it would bruise.

“Oh good, you are still there, Laurence.”, Ludwig said, visibly relieved. “I have told you again and again, when you stop speaking, that makes me really really nervous. Are you sure we should continue?”

“My apologies, I was... thinking.”, Laurence said. “I want to move on. Please, Ludwig, I need to be able to do this.” He couldn't avoid Odeon Chapel for the rest of his life. Laurence didn't plan to step down as the vicar yet.

“I want to trust you, Laurence.”, Ludwig said. “But it's hard. I never want to see you in that state again.”

“Believe me, I don't want to be in it either.”, Laurence said and clung to Ludwig's arm. Even though it was far from official that the two were a couple, Laurence felt safer with his boyfriend's warmth near.

Soon, Odeon Chapel came into view. , Laurence thought to himself. Just go straight into and get it over with. Don't. Look. Up.

Why Laurence decided to look up anyway he didn't know, it must have been some morbid curiosity. Of course the creature was still there, sitting there seemingly unmoving, but it was clearly breathing. Then, its eyes seemed to lock on him. All of them blinking at once.

Laurence froze and felt completely unable to take another step. He couldn't go any nearer. If he... if he would go into the creature's reach, it would grab him and... and...

…then his head would hurt and he would see pictures that he didn't want to see and he probably would piss himself in fear and shock and...

Ludwig was shouting something from far away, but Laurence couldn't hear it. He had to protect himself. He needed to make himself as small as possible, not thinking about anything or anyone, just don't let the creature see him. He couldn't even see anything outside of the creature, the rest of Yharnam seemed to have been swallowed by a pure dark.

“...rence. Laurence!”, Laurence opened his eyes and blinked slowly, seeing Ludwig's face over him, tears in his eyes.

“...Ludwig?”, Laurence said, half aware that he was laying on the ground.

“Oh, thank the Great Ones. You are back.”, Ludwig sniffled and hugged Laurence so tight that he had to gasp for air. Ludwig released the hug in an instant: “I am so sorry. Did I hurt you?!”

Laurence shakily shook his head, his head felt dizzy and something warm was running over his lips. As he licked over them, he noticed that it was blood. A nosebleed.

“What happened?”, Laurence asked.

“Once we came closer to Odeon Chapel, you stopped and were refusing to go any further. I wanted to ask you if we should return to the Grand Cathedral, when you started to violently shiver and sank onto your knees. I wanted to get you and drag you out of there, but you wouldn't move an inch, your whole body was locked up. I would have hurt you when I would have tried to force you to move.”, Ludwig explained. “Then you got a nosebleed and I got even more worried.”

“Huh, I don't remember any of this.”, Laurence said. The only thing he remember was how scared he had been.

“I thought that you maybe had a relapse, so I was holding you and calling your name over and over, until you... until you finally responded.”, Ludwig said, his voice quivering.

“I am sorry that I have worried you that much, Ludwig.”, Laurence said and sighed. “It seems I still don't manage to enter Odeon Chapel... We need to find another place for Central Yharnam to hold masses.”

“I guess I should tell Father Gascoigne that you can't come, but... I don't want to leave you alone, Laurence.”, Ludwig had his hands on Laurence' shoulders and Laurence very much would have preferred for them to stay there.

“I just get Florence to him once we are back. She also can discuss with him another chapel to hold masses. At least until I feel comfortable with Odeon Chapel again.”, Laurence got slowly on his feet, being supported by Ludwig, who gently guided him away from the chapel as he searched for a handkerchief to press against his bleeding nose.

As they went the way back they had been come, Laurence turned around one last time and confirmed that the creature in fact still was there.

“Amydgala...”, he murmured to himself.

“What?”, Ludwig said, hyper aware about everything Laurence had to say.

“The part of the brain that is responsible for fear...”, Laurence explained. Fear. The creature was responsible for fear. Like the amydgala in his brain. It was the perfect name for it.

Laurence just wished that it would have stayed the only Amydgala he would meet during his life. (Author's note: Laurence didn't pay much attention to the nosebleed, because he gets them all the time, he is very prone to them, especially under stress.)

#badthingshappenbingo #paralyzed by fear #bloodborne #fanfiction #laurence the first vicar #ludwig the holy blade #laulu #littlewritesstuff

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badwolfwrites-sometimes · 5 years ago

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Drawn Together: Chapter 12

Feliciano might be overreacting a bit over this.

He was currently sitting on his phone, waiting for Elizabeta to respond to his slightly angry messages over not even giving him a hint of what to expect. Poor Ludwig was left on read.

Feliciano was excited, he truly was, but for some reason he was scared. Ludwig Beilschmidt was extremely close to being his new favorite author and then he messages him and Feliciano is freaking out because he does not know what in the world is he supposed to do. Responding is a good way to start, but what should he say in order to not sound like a weirdo? Now he knew how fanfiction readers felt like commenting on their favorite stories.

Maybe he should rule out 'have my babies' as a possible answer...

While he was having his meltdown, he failed to notice that it was suddenly night and Elizabeta responded.

Lizzie: Well... Lizzie: In my defense I did tell him not to say that Lizzie: Keep his identity hidden

Okay, Feliciano was furious now.

♡~Feli~♡: You could ve at least warned me ♡~Feli~♡: Like idk hes not what he seems feli ♡~Feli~♡: Or something like that

Lizzie: Sorry *sad face emoji* Lizzie: Lud has no experience talking to people online Lizzie: So I didn't want to burden him with being too careful about being a writer Lizzie: But he really wanted to talk to you so please don't feel weird around him Lizzie: Pretty please Feli ♡

And now he felt bad. He was acting like an asshole to his friend who was just trying to help her own friend. And Ludwig was still waiting for a response.

Artisloveandlife: Hi Ludwig! Artisloveandlife: Tbh when Lizzie said she had someone who wants to talk to me I was kinda expecting a fellow fan Artisloveandlife: Talking to the author themself is a big deal so I'm sorry if I'm awkward.

Feliciano didn't even get a chance to rest his phone.

Lutzie71: You are not awkward. Lutzie71: But I have a question. Lutzie71: Who is Lizzie?

Artisloveandlife: Elizabeta. Artisloveandlife: Does she go by a different name now?

Lutzie71: I am sorry. Lutzie71: I am just used to calling her Betty.

Artisloveandlife: Don't apologize *big smile emoji* Artisloveandlife: She used to go by a lot of nicknames in middle school so... Artisloveandlife: Did you know that her real name isn't even Elizabeta? Artisloveandlife: It's something like Erzebet??

Lutzie71: Erszebet. Lutzie71: I asked her.

Artisloveandlife: Elegant, are we? *laughing and crying emoji* Artisloveandlife: But you call her Betty like Otto and Alice. That's so cute!

Lutzie71: Yeah... Lutzie71: The character Elizabeta was made after her. Lutzie71: She was pestering me too much about it.

Well, that's kind of cute.

Artisloveandlife: That sounds like Lizzie. Artisloveandlife: But why did you want to talk to me? Artisloveandlife: I don't think authors normally do that.

Lutzie71: Well, you painted that beautiful piece of art and I have been looking for someone to do a cover for it and the second book. Lutzie71: So I thought I might ask.

Feliciano almost flipped another table at that. There is going to be another book?! For real?! He was only stopped from flipping things by Lovino calling him angrily. Right as he was texting Ludwig at that.

Lutzie71: I apologize for asking such a private question, but you never told me your name?

Well, of course Feliciano would forget something like that.

Artisloveandlife: Feliciano. Artisloveandlife: Sorry, I forgot. Artisloveandlife: Call me Feli.

Feliciano made his way downstairs as quick as he possibly could, just to see what his brother wanted from him now. He noticed two brown heads instead of one.

"Hey Toni!" Feliciano said.

Both Lovino and Antonio turned to face Feliciano. Lovino's face was as if he just ate a whole lemon and Antonio looked slightly worried. "We need to talk." Lovino said simply.

Feliciano nodded, feeling his phone vibrate, but he couldn't respond right now. That would piss Lovino off. "What is it?" He asked.

Lovino sat on the couch, motioning for Antonio and Feliciano to sit as well. Feliciano chose to sit on the stairs, a gut feeling telling him something wasn't right. He wondered if Antonio and Lovino had a fight, but when Antonio sat down next to Lovino, wrapping him up like a blanket, he relaxed.

"You know how Nonno is coming home tomorrow?" Lovino asked, not looking at Feliciano.

"Yeah." Feliciano answered. "Will you two tell him?"

"That's why we're talking to you." Antonio responded, interrupting Lovino as he was about to open his mouth and respond. "Feli, I don't know if you know this, but coming out is a big thing. And it only becomes harder when your heart is already devoted to someone." He squeezed Lovino closer to himself. "If something goes wrong, it's not just you who gets hurt. They get hurt as well. And it takes a good amount of time to properly come out to someone, so-"

"Keep your mouth shut, Feli." Lovino interrupted.

Feliciano nodded, he wasn't planning on saying anything anyway, but now he was more scared than ever of what his brother would do if he even let a tiny bit of it slip. "Can I go back to my room now?" He asked.

"Do the dishes first." Lovino said with a smirk.

Feliciano groaned. "But I did them yesterday!"

"Well, Midget isn't here right now."

"You can do them once in a lifetime!"

"Can't. I have a guest and important business to attend to."

"Making out isn't a business!"

"Neither is art."

Feliciano gave up before it escalated into a fight. He checked Ludwig's message before turning up music to do his work.

Lutzie71: Feliciano has a nice tone to it. It means 'happy one', doesn't it?

It was nice to see that Feliciano wasn't the only person in the world obsessed with name meanings. At least now, he isn't alone.

Once Feliciano was finished with the dishes, he sneaked up to his room before Lovino could give him another task to accomplish. He really just wanted to text with Ludwig right now, a thought of a great friendship growing in his mind. He sat on his bed and responded.

Artisloveandlife: Yess! Artisloveandlife: You know your onomastics, I like you already!! Artisloveandlife: I look forward to working with you on the book!

Lutzie71: So you accept my offer?

Feliciano giggled. Cute.

Artisloveandlife: Yup! Artisloveandlife: On a condition that I get to read it before anyone else.

Lutzie71: You would have to fight my brother for that.

Artisloveandlife: Ahh I don't like to fight... *sad face emoji* Artisloveandlife: I'll read it after him.

Lutzie71: I just asked him and he said you can read it first if you paint him a portrait of himself. Lutzie71: In a Prussian uniform from 1770s.

Artisloveandlife: Deal! Artisloveandlife: I have no idea what he looks like but I'll do my best!

Lutzie71: He looks like an idiot. Lutzie71: And he's passed out on the floor now.

Artisloveandlife: Is he alright?

Lutzie71: Yes, he just had too much alcohol. Lutzie71: He looks rather comfortable next to our dogs.

Feliciano gasped.

Artisloveandlife: You have dogs?!?!?! Artisloveandlife: Can I see them? Can I please see them? I love dogs!

Lutzie71: I suppose you can. Lutzie71: Let me just figure out how to send you a picture.

Feliciano waited, smiling to himself. It's been a while since he talked to someone online, he almost forgot how exciting it would feel. Moments later, he got his response.

It was a lovely picture of three dogs perfectly nested with a white haired man. They were all ranging in size and colour. Feliciano didn't know much about dog species so he chose not to assume what they were. Them being super cute was what won Feliciano over, as he was on the floor with his legs high in the air, smiling and making strange noises whales would probably understand.

Artisloveandlife: THEY ARE SO CUTE!!!! Artisloveandlife: THEY MUST BE SO FLUFFY!! LUCKY!! Artisloveandlife: Also is that your brother?

Lutzie71: Unfortunately yes. Lutzie71: They aren't really fluffy, but they are rather cuddly.

Artisloveandlife: If this was anime world youre brother would be dead. *dead face emoji* Artisloveandlife: SO CUTEE!!

Lutzie71: Oddly enough, you are not the first person who made that comment. Lutzie71: Also, I apologize but I am not sorry for this. Lutzie71: Your*

Artisloveandlife: Ah, thanks. Artisloveandlife: English isn't my first language so I make mistakes. Artisloveandlife: Whats the difference anyway??

Lutzie71: Your is for showing possession. For example your brother, your sister, your car, ect. You're is a short form for you are like I'm is for I am. Examples are you're driving, you're cooking and so on.

Artisloveandlife: You explained that like a teacher. *smile emoji*

Lutzie71: A lot of people get it wrong. It is a common mistake.

Artisloveandlife: Is that why you type them out every time instead of shortening them?

Lutzie71: You could say that. Lutzie71: In any case I must go, my brother would just continue sleeping on the floor if someone wasn't there to carry him. Lutzie71: Good night, Feliciano.

Artisloveandlife: Lol Artisloveandlife: Good night Ludwig. Artisloveandlife: Remind me to send you a picture of my lovely babies *yellow heart emoji*

Lutzie71: I will.

For the first time that night, Feliciano looked at the time. It was almost 2 a.m. He had been so engrossed into his conversation with Ludwig, he hadn't even thought about how late it was. There was no way he could even fall asleep after all that.

Before he knew it, morning came and he hadn't slept for a second. Instead, he spent the entire night rereading his texts with Ludwig, still in utter disbelief that he's talking to an actual author he admires. Most of his favourite authors have been dead for the past 800 years. Serves you right for liking Dante so much, Feliciano.

He decided to make something to eat and relax nicely. Their grandfather was coming home today so that means there's tons of cleaning to do and no time to rest. He turned on the TV and decided to watch some cartoons.

"Feli." A voice called for him.

"Feli, it's noon. Wake up." Someone was calling.

"Wakey, wakey, little Feli~" A melodic voice was calling, demanding that he wakes up. Strange, he wasn't even-

Feliciano opened his eyes to messy brown hair and a smile. He fell asleep? When? It didn't matter right now anyway, since he was awake.

"Morning, Toni." He smiled.

Antonio messed up Feliciano's hair. "Good afternoon, Feli."

"Those jokes suck. Stop it." Feliciano joked, adjusting himself in a different position on the couch.

"Never!" Antonio sat next to him. "Lovi is asleep too and Meo escaped somewhere again. I guess it's up to us to fix this place for your grandpa."

Feliciano looked around. Sure, there was dust everywhere and probably a good amount of spiderwebs, but overall, the place was actually less of a mess than it could be. "It's fine like this. He'll only stay for a few days so it doesn't matter."

Antonio pinched his cheek. "It does matter. He's your grandpa. Now, are you going to help me clean or are you going to wake Lovi up, soldier?"

Feliciano didn't even give it a thought. "I'll help you clean!"

"Good!" Antonio smiled.

"But first, let me check my phone." Feliciano said, already reaching for it on the table in front of them. He had a notification from Tumblr.

Lutzie71: Good morning, Feliciano.

This was sent at 9 a.m. Feliciano admired Ludwig's skill to wake up so early after talking to each other till so late.

Artisloveandlife: And a late good morning to you too *smile emoji*

Ludwig's response was almost instant.

Lutzie71: You are just like my brother, only you actually woke up.

Feliciano giggled, catching Antonio's attention. "Who is it? Girlfriend? Boyfriend?" He asked, a huge smirk stuck on his face.

Feliciano's ears grew red, his smile shaking. "Just a friend." He answered.

"That's how it always starts." Antonio commented before getting up to make himself some coffee.

Lutzie71: You told me to remind you to show me your babies. Lutzie71: I am very curious to see if they are comparable to my dogs. Which I doubt.

Artisloveandlife: Meanie Artisloveandlife: Let me find them first.

Feliciano got up and searched around the house for his "babies." They were actually two cats, a grey one and a white with brown spots one. Both were Feliciano's. He got them for his 20th birthday after 20 years of begging. He found them asleep in the 1st floor bathroom and, without much thinking, snapped a picture which he sent to Ludwig.

Lutzie71: I must admit their adorableness. Lutzie71: However, they aren't nowhere near my dogs.

Artisloveandlife: Big meanie. Artisloveandlife: Pookie and Gino are worthy of being the greatest cats in the universe Artisloveandlife: Even witches' cats are afraid of their power.

Lutzie71: They still can't compare to my dogs and their wisdom.

Artisloveandlife: Im beginning to suspect that your dogs wrote your book for you

Lutzie71: I will not reveal such secrets.

Artisloveandlife: So they did *smiling and crying face emoji*

Lutzie71: Okay, jokes aside. We know Aster, Berlitz and Blackie are superior, but Lutzie71: I am curious about what you thought on the book. Lutzie71: My brother complained that it was too cringy.

Artisloveandlife: We never agreed to that tho Artisloveandlife: It was a bit cringy at some parts like those romance bits Artisloveandlife: Even tho I fangirled like there was no tomorrow because they were meant to be with each other Artisloveandlife: But overall it was a really good book Artisloveandlife: You were a bit immature in that field so it made me laugh a lot

Lutzie71: I guess it helped in getting my point across.

Artisloveandlife: Point?

Lutzie71: The innocent suffer in wars. Lutzie71: I wanted to write about the soldiers who have their families and lives which they had to leave behind in order to die for a cause irrelevant to them. Lutzie71: Because what we remember from them is always just a number. Not their lives or their deeds, just whether or not they make the number of deaths increase. Lutzie71: I wanted to point out that they are so much more than than. More than a number.

Artisloveandlife: That Artisloveandlife: That is really meaningful Artisloveandlife: But why did you choose The Thirty Years War? Artisloveandlife: Wouldnt it be easier to just use World War 1 or 2??

Lutzie71: Because, unlike them, The 30 Years War was a long time ago and people have mostly forgotten about it. Lutzie71: That's not the case for the World Wars. Lutzie71: They are still far too fresh in the world's memories. Lutzie71: There's also the fact that I am German which is why I felt wrong writing about the wars my country mostly started. The 30 Years War was a result of an unstable situation in Europe. Lutzie71: You could say that I was afraid of writing about the World Wars.

Artisloveandlife: This converstation took a turn for something really depressive

Lutzie71: Conversation*

Artisloveandlife: Sorry Artisloveandlife: My fingers slipped *smile emoji*

"Feli! Are you helping me or not?" Antonio called for Feliciano, startling him a bit. He was still in the bathroom, on the floor and petting his two kitties as he read Ludwig's messages.

Artisloveandlife: Im gonna have to go now Artisloveandlife: My grandpa is coming home after a long trip and we have to clean the whole house Artisloveandlife: Which is a lot Artisloveandlife: Ttyl Ludwig *winky face emoji*

Lutzie71: I have no idea what that means. Lutzie71: Good bye, Feliciano.

Feliciano raced to meet with Antonio for a spring clean up, not even noticing new messages from Ludwig. He was reluctant to clean the house now, eager to return to texting his friend, but he had to put some of his excitement into a good use. His Nonno was coming home and for the first time in a while, Feliciano had made a new friend. One that he intended to keep.

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kristyavson · 5 years ago

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New Gene Centered AU for My Ducktales AU.

here's my new drawing of Gene Centered AU for My Ducktales AU.

1. "Send in the Clones"; gene came home with Huey, Dewey, and Louie from the movies. scrooge yells at the boys even gene to get to their room. gene has no idea for what's going on here while magica make lunch for them (mistaken of the three Beagle Boys, the boys are three as well. magica realized that gene was new around here). but when the the boys and gene thinks that some alien takes over Mrs. Beakley's body. so Dewey, and Louie tells Huey and gene to look downstairs while they look upstairs.

2."Hotel Strangeduck"; he helps scrooge to runs once castle into a hotel, gene also thinks that Ludwig Von Strangeduck's ghost is real too and helps to solve a mystery with scrooge and the boys.

3."Pearl of Wisdom"; gene made a big mistake for taken a pearl for webby mistaken for a great masher marble when webby ask gene to know where the great masher marble is. Gene is vary reasonable for this and owning apology to scrooge. gene would say when scrooge told him to stay. "no, i can't, uncle scrooge, i'm vary reasonable for this and i can help you to get the pearl back, besides, it's all my own fault." so he helps them out to get it back.

4."Bermuda Triangle Tangle"; gene digs up the seaweed and he does not like the idea for a seaweed hot dog, he thought it was gross-out food.

5."Aqua Ducks"; gene becomes first stowed away in submerges while Scrooge, along with Launchpad, Gyro and Doofus used the submerges in order to get his fortune out under the sea. scrooge realizes that gene was stowed away as scrooge drops the nails, wondering what's gene doing here. but they encounter an underwater race of mermen, and a monster named Glubbzilla. gene knew that lost city of Atlantis comes back to hunt him as they turn it into the junkyard.

6. Ducktales the movie: the lost valley of the golden suns AU; gene comes along with them as he got a new look while they are looking for valley of the golden suns. the family of mcducks are worried about him and gene said that he's fine, gene was worried if he messed this up too. while scrooge's under the gold fever and so fouced on valley of the treasure, they didn't realized that merlock returns, teaming up with El Capitan, who has spent centuries seeking the map to his lost gold, living through sheer force of will and his all-consuming greed for gold and he too had gold fever. even he calls gene "genie has-bin", knowing that he's not a genie anymore but he cant still controls gene.

gene was vary scared of merlock still after he kidnapped gene, while El Capitan gets the all the gold and get rid of the mcducks. but when Scrooge and El Capitan, both under the effects of gold fever, begin fighting for all the gold in the valley, gene realized that he has so much love from mcduck family who really cared for him, he needed to do something about it and finally stands up to merlock. but when Scrooge eventually snaps out of his fever, he manages to help gene defeated merlock and escape with his companions. They take El Capitan with them, despite that he wants to be left with "all the pretty gold". After everyone makes it out of the destructing Valley, El Capitan breaks loose, but when he comes to the spot where the Valley would be, he finds that it is now all buried under a mountain of dirt. Frustrated yet undaunted, El Capitan starts trying to dig up the gold.

back home at, gene confess scrooge and the boys that still holds on to guilt and fear for so long and making him feat that he's a burden to them, like he causes them problems, all the times that he gets himself into trouble alot. gene was more open to them. scrooge told him that he a little worried about why gene didn't tell them before, at the end, Scrooge was proud of gene for facing his fears and moved on.

7. after letting go of his dark past and finally free himself from PTSD along with genie issues, gene found his new talent in guitar player by playing an acoustic guitar. gene was finally happy for being a real boy and still learns more about his freedom, gene plays "I've done it all." from tom and Jerry the movie, living an happy life, living with mcducks.

so that's it, i hoped that you guys like this one. it took me a long time to draw him, but i've got it. i give thanks to eclipsewarrior101, we talk about gene the (ex) genie, like a lot.

#gene the genie #Gene centered AU #Classic ducktales #ducktales 1987 #ducktales au #disney fandom #ducktales the movie #tom and jerry the movie #disney afternoon

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madonna-la-cardinalessa · 5 years ago

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Another tag by my beautiful friend @tiffany-of-wales which I am glad to do finally :D

Flower tag:

jasmine; what mythical creature do you wish actually existed?

Unicorns. And I also believe that what we call mythical creatures once did exist and somewhere still do.

lavender; soundcloud or vinyls?

May I say CDs instead? I always like to have a CD booklet and like own the CD, putting it in my cupboard and say “ Look, I own this.” �� not only on an online platform.

primrose; what book does everyone right now need to read?

Hmmm. Everyone? I do not think every book if for everyone but I recommend classics from Goethe, Schiller, Lessing and Shakespeare.

lunar mist; do you like wearing other people’s shirts/jackets?

I share some clothes with my mom. But if I had a boyfriend rn I would love to cuddle in his hoodies at times I think^^”

bird of paradise; what was the best thing that happened to you this month?

That I finished my bachelor’s thesis. I learned so much and I hope the work was worth it so that I pass it and get a good mark!

gardenia; what’s a promise you’ve recently made to yourself?

That I will try to get things done now that I have time during Corona.

lion’s fairytale; would you rather be the sky, the ocean or the forests?

Forests!

whirling butterflies; would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

Definitely not Ö.ö

marmalade skies; do you plan your outfits?

Yes!

apricot drift; how do you feel right now?

Bored. I don’t like the current situation.

everlasting daisy; what’s the last dream you remember having?

Omg this night I dreamed sm shit, I swear. I was horse riding at night in the forests (no sane soul would do that lol) and found a deserted planetarium.

queen’s cup; what are you craving right now?

Getting a good mark on my bachelor’s thesis xD Oh, and I hope that I will be able to visit Rome this year – we had to cancel the Rome trip that was planned in a week for obvious reasons..

lavender dream; turn ons/offs?

Dangerous vibes/ being clingy and/or wimpy.

water lilly; when was the last time you cried?

Last week I think. Maybe the one before that.

lily of the valley; did the one person who hurt you most in your life apologize?

No.

winterberry; do you bite or lick your ice cream?

Depends, actually I do both.

honey perfume; favorite movie ever?

Hände weg von Mississippi (2007), Die Wilden Hühner (2006), most Studio Ghibli movies.

desert rose; do you like yourself?

Yes, I do.

snapdragon; have you ever met or seen in person a celebrity?

Yes, I did.

night owl; how many countries have you visited?

Only 5.

heliotrope; have you ever been in a castle?

Many, many times. I love visiting castles and monasteries.

creams and sky; what’s the craziest/bravest thing you’ve done?

Riding nearly every day into the woods with my high speed thoroughbred? xD Does that count? My girl is FAST.

lantana; what’s on your mind right now?

My horse Poly <3

pumpkin patch; what’s your zodiac sign?

I’m a Capricorn.

tulip; name 5 facts about yourself.

1. Even though I may look like it, I am no party girl at all.

2. Since childhood I had to deal with envy towards me which is why I never had many friends.

3. My best friend and I broke up several times – we’re both stubborn but we love each other a lot.

4. My love for history started with a documentary I watched when I was about 14. It was about vampirism in the balkan states. And it manifested with watching “The Tudors”, since then I knew that I wanted to study history – and now I do.

5. Without my friend Sandy I would have never settled down in church history during the Renaissance.

daphne; do you believe in karma?

Absolutely.

queen of the meadow; ever been in love?

Never with a person from this time period, no. I hope I will in near future tough.

wisteria; whom do you admire and why?

People who don’t spend their time with overthinking what other people might think of them.

angel’s face; what was your favorite bedtime story as a child?

The tales my father invented for me.

remember me; did you make someone laugh today?

My dog when I offered him a bit of my banana.

iris; do you believe in ghosts?

Yes.

lilac; if you could go back in time which time period would you visit?

That is hard. Renaissance Italy sure is fascinating but 17th century Europe comes to my mind more often, it’s weird.

caramel kisses; would you want to live forever? why/why not?

Maybe not living forever, But I would not mind at all staying young and beautiful as long as I live xD

primula; what makes you sad?

What mankind does to the world, to the earth to it’s creatures: plants and animals. I think we deserve to suffer and die out.

rain lily; was today typical? why/why not?

No, since everything is upside down thanks to Corona.

queen anne’s lace; who do you trust the most?

Myself.

Lady’s slipper; what did you have for breakfast today?

Toast with Nutella and fennel tea. <3.

forget me not; do you have any regrets looking back in your life?

I wished I had done more social things during my teens. I was always studying and reading with my head in the clouds. I wonder how things would be different now when I had been in relationships earlier etc.

lunaria; what’s your favorite fictional universe?

Torn between LOTR and Harry Potter.

violet; favorite tv show?

Borgia, now and always.

sunflower; share a favorite quote.

Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it.

snowdrop; what does your ideal day look like?

Getting up early, go seeing my horse and take a long ride into the woods. The weather would be cold but sunny. After having a nice lunch with my mom I would relax in the afternoon and then go visiting my best friend, for dinner we would have sushi and watch a nice movie together like best friends do. When I got home I would watch an episode of Borgia to relax and then go to bed <3.

tiger lily; do you have any hobbies?

Reading, writing, history, horse riding, dreaming…..

peony; share a small random book passage that means something to you.

In Neil Gaiman’s Coraline when Coraline is about to find the last child’s soul and the other crazy old man says: “You’re too clever and too quiet for them to understand. They don’t even get your name right.” I feel that sm.

tea rose; what’s something you always wanted to do but were too scared?

Partying maybe? I am a very shy person and would feel uncomfortable but I am afraid I miss something always staying at home at night.

honeysuckle; do you usually date people your age or older/younger?

Mostly about my age, but I like the guys to be older than me tbh.

sweet pea; who means the world to you?

My horse Poly.

love in the mist; best books you’ve ever read?

Actually I really enjoy Ludwig von Pastor’s History of the Popes. It may have it’s flaws but I it is really good researched and I appreciate all the notes and footnotes. Even though it’s academic literature it is still enjoyable to read.

foxglove; who is your favorite cartoon character?

Sailor Moon! If that counts as a cartoon.

magnolia; coffee or tea?

Tea, I have one right now.

crown imperial; would you rather be extremely rich or extremely loved?

Can’t I have both?

snowflake; are you a dog or a cat person?

I love both but probably more a dog person.

bell flower; what is your biggest addiction?

History.

cosmos; do you ever think about the galaxy?

Yes, we are so small, aren’t we? And yet mankind pretends to be so special and to know everything. How pitiful.

moonflower; what’s your favorite color?

Fir Green.

freesia; do you have a good relationship with your parents and siblings? why/why not?

I think so, yes.

sundrop; are you a morning or a night person?

A morning person.

poppy; have you ever dealt with a mental illness?

Yes, but I try to lock it inside.

clover; how would your friends describe you?

Calm but clever.

dandelion; do you consider yourself and extrovert or an introvert?

Introvert.

lilly; what’s something you love watching/reading but you are too embarrassed to admit you do?

In romance novels I am always waiting for the s*x passages lol xD Probably because this kind of thing is missing in my life atm xD

anemone; describe yourself in 3 words.

Astute, spiritual, special.

lotus; best memory as a child?

The holidays in Bavaria. Nothing was more beautiful.

angelonia; what is your eye and hair color?

Smokey grey, blonde.

dahlia; do you like crystals?

Yes.

buttercup; if you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Let everything bad for the environment disappear.

baby’s breath; what’s your hogwarts house?

Slytherin.

calendula; biggest pet peeve?

Pollution.

blanker flower; would you rather go to a cocktail party with your best friends or stay home and read a book/watch a movie with your pet?

If you read everything till now you will now – stay home with my pet and watch a movie/read a book. xD

blazing star; share a secret.

Why would I?

carnation; would you rather live longer or happier?

Happier.

petunia; who’s story is your biggest inspiration in life? why?

I stopped looking for rolemodels but try to live and be the best I can.

bluebell; do you wear glasses?

Nope.

And I tag everyone who wants to do this :D

#about me #me

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the-observant-frisbeetarian · 5 years ago

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Epilogue

Auf Wiedersehen, Sweetheart by George deValier

Auf wiedersehen, auf wiedersehen, we'll meet again, sweetheart…

Early 1974 Italy

It was a busy, sunny, glorious day in the village. Feliciano strolled the streets with his hands in his pockets, whistling to himself, occasionally tipping his hat and flashing a grin at the pretty girls who passed in the sunlight. Most knew him well and just laughed, shooing him on his way with bright smiles and flippant waves of the hand. But Feliciano was surprised at the amount of unfamiliar faces around town lately. Foreigners in unfamiliar uniforms filled the cantinas, English could be heard on every corner, and here in the town square a big platform had been put up beside a brand new stone memorial. Feliciano had heard there was to be a ceremony of some sort, but he was not sure what all these Americans had to do with it. He did know that it had something to do with the war, so he had not troubled himself to find out more. Feliciano did not like to remember the war. As he walked past a large group clustered around the fountain, he realised that many of the people in the crowd were too young to actually remember it themselves. He shrugged to himself, continuing on his way to meet Ludwig at the old Cantina Rossa beside the square. His heart immediately lightened at the thought.

As he headed towards the edge of square, Feliciano noticed a man standing separate from the crowd, looking both confused and frustrated as he looked all around him. He was wearing a tweed suit and looked a little older than Feliciano, mid-fifties perhaps, with greying blond hair and quite possibly the largest eyebrows Feliciano had ever seen.

"Good day!" said Feliciano cheerfully, walking up to stand in front of the bewildered foreigner. He was not sure about all these Americans, but that was no reason not to help one of them if he could. "Are you all right? Can I help you?"

The man looked a bit panicked at the greeting. "Non… oh, bloody hell... Non Italiano…"

"Oh, sorry, of course!" Feliciano switched to English. "You're American."

"I beg your pardon?" Now the man looked genuinely affronted. "God no, I'm English."

Feliciano was immediately delighted. "Of course you are! I should have guessed from the suit! Tweed in this weather, my goodness, you English people are wonderful. I bet you quote Shakespeare all the time. Are you lost?"

"What? I…" The Englishman furrowed his brow in confused surprise, then continued to glance around the square as though searching for something. "I'm not lost. He's the one who's bloody lost."

Feliciano tried to follow the Englishman's searching gaze, then simply stared back at him. He had always been fascinated by England and the English, so it was a marvellous surprise to meet one unexpectedly in the town square. "Are you on holiday? There are a lot of people visiting Italy, lately. Well, this part of it, anyway."

"I'm here for the ceremony, with my, uh, friend." The man tripped over the word, then quickly tried to hide it. "Yes, my friend, an old friend of mine. He fought here, during the war."

"Oh! My…" Feliciano leant forward and winked, "…friend fought here during the war too. Was your friend in the British army?"

The Englishman looked completely stunned by that. Feliciano just grinned, until the man attempted an uncertain smile back. "No, he's American. He was a fighter pilot."

Feliciano gasped loudly. "No! Really? So was Ludwig! I'm going to meet him now, come have a drink with us! The cantina is right on the street here, and I'm sure your American will find you better if you stay in one place. My name is Feliciano, what's yours?"

The man fell into step beside Feliciano, though he looked like he wasn't sure how that had happened. "Uh… Arthur. Arthur Kirkland. Pleased to meet you."

"Arthur? Like King Arthur?! I always thought that English stories were the best. Ludwig is German, so his stories are dark and strange and oh, I hope you won't be upset to meet him, even if he is German…"

"The war was years ago." Arthur gave Feliciano another smile. "I have to wonder why we are constantly reminded of it."

Feliciano breathed a sigh of relief, then laughed lightly. "That is good to hear! You seem like a nice fellow, Arthur. Oh! Ludwig!"

Feliciano hurried to where Ludwig sat at the table on the street, a pot of coffee and two mugs on the table before him. Ludwig looked up and smiled, his eyes sparkling blue as always, his hat pulled forward over that little bald spot he hated but which Feliciano thought was cute. "Feliciano."

Feliciano loved the sound of Ludwig saying his name in that deep, unfading German accent. Everyone else called him Feli – everyone but Ludwig. To Ludwig, he had always been Feliciano, and always would be.

"Look, Ludwig, I found an Englishman!"

Arthur looked a little startled at the introduction. Ludwig just nodded politely. "Good afternoon. I hope Feliciano did not scare you, he tends to do that."

Arthur shook his head and let out a short breath of laughter. "Good afternoon. And not at all, I assure you. In fact I am… almost reminded of someone."

Feliciano fell into the chair beside Ludwig and gestured for Arthur to sit opposite. "His name is Arthur, Ludwig, can you believe it? Arthur, this is my friend, Ludwig." Feliciano winked again before gesturing to a nearby waiter. "Excuse me, young man, could we get some tea please? He's English." Ludwig muttered something that sounded suspiciously like an apology. Arthur looked like he was trying not to laugh.

"So," Feliciano continued, turning back to the table cheerfully. He was always happy to meet someone new, especially someone English. "Have you ever seen so many people gathered in one place?" he asked, gesturing around the busy cantina.

"Actually, yes, but I am from London," explained Arthur, resting his hands lightly on the table. He glanced between Feliciano and Ludwig, like he was trying to study them discreetly. "I suppose everyone is here for the anniversary."

"The anniversary?" Feliciano was still not entirely sure what the celebration was about.

Ludwig passed Feliciano a mug of coffee. "Feliciano, don't you know what today is?"

"Yes, it's Tuesday."

"No…"

"It is too, Ludwig, it's Tuesday, I know because last night we had bolognese and we always have bolognese on Monday so today must be…"

Ludwig interrupted quickly. "It is the thirtieth anniversary of the American landings."

Feliciano paused for a second. "It is?"

"Yes."

"Oh." Thirty years. Feliciano could remember the landings of thirty years ago like it was yesterday. The landings he had told Ludwig about, on that awful winter morning in the rain, betraying the Resistenza by doing so. The landings that had taken Ludwig away from him. That was what everyone was celebrating? Feliciano suddenly felt quite ill. Before he could think how to react, a loud voice interrupted the silence.

"Arthur!" Feliciano looked up to see a blond man in glasses, a military uniform, and a crooked little hat race up to the table and grasp the back of a chair breathlessly. "I think I got lost!"

Arthur managed to scowl and look relieved at the same time. "You did get bloody lost, you fool."

"I can't help it! So much has changed since I was here!" The man turned to Feliciano and Ludwig and gave a little wave, grinning cheerfully. "Hello! Er, sorry, I mean..." The man took a small book from his pocket, flipped to a front page, and shouted, "BUON GIORNO! Arthur, who are these people?"

Feliciano giggled while Arthur muttered an apology. "Alfred, for heaven's sake, they speak English. This is Feliciano and Lud... wig..." Arthur trailed off slowly, a look of realisation dawning on his face.

At that moment, a strange sort of stillness fell over the table. Alfred's smile faltered as he stared at Ludwig, unmoving, his eyes going wide and his cheeks turning pale. Feliciano glanced between Alfred's stunned expression, Arthur's bewildered face, and Ludwig's wide, unblinking eyes. It took a few moments before everything fell into place in Feliciano's mind. Alfred, an American fighter pilot who fought here during the war... Arthur, an Englishman with big, bushy eyebrows… If it was him, I'd take on the whole German military single-handed...

"Oh!" Feliciano's blood fired at the memory, and he could not hold back the loud outburst of understanding.

Heavy silence fell again until Ludwig spoke, steady and deliberate. "Pleased to meet you, Alfred."

Alfred looked from Ludwig to Feliciano, then gave a short disbelieving laugh. His blond hair was streaked with grey, and he certainly filled out his uniform more than he once had - especially around the middle - but Feliciano could see that same cheerful American pilot from all those years ago. The American who had led him to Ludwig; the American whose life Ludwig had saved in return. Alfred's look of disbelief turned to joy, and he fell into the chair beside Arthur, grinning brightly. "It sure is a pleasure to meet you folks! And it'd sure be swell to speak to some locals, rather than these stuffy military types trying to drag me everywhere. Excusi, waiter, BUON GIORNO! Coffee, per favore... COF - FEE!"

They quickly broke into cheerful, light-hearted conversation, though Feliciano and Alfred carried most of it. There was no need to speak of the past; no need to explain. They all understood, and that was enough. Feliciano gave Alfred help with his Italian pronunciation, and spoke about his and Ludwig's excitement for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which was to be held in Germany this year. Arthur told them about London, with its busy streets and cricket grounds and little music clubs. Alfred and Ludwig spoke for a long time about the new fourth generation jet fighters, which Feliciano did not really understand very well. Feliciano learnt that Arthur owned a pub, that Alfred was a military flight instructor, and that they travelled often between America and England.

"But America is very far from England isn't it?" asked Feliciano, fascinated by all he learnt about these strange, faraway countries. He and Ludwig had never been able to travel further than Germany. America almost seemed like another planet.

"Ten hours or so to fly commercially," replied Arthur, stirring more sugar into his tea. "Although I almost prefer the days of the ocean liners. At least then I did not have to deal with Alfred racing to the cockpit and trying to convince the pilots to let him fly the bloody plane."

"The American pilots let me," Alfred muttered. "Damn British airlines and your stupid 'rules.'"

"We often visit New York in the summer," Arthur continued, easily ignoring Alfred.

"New York, wow! We go to Germany in the summer, don't we Ludwig, because it is not so cold then. Sometimes we stop in Vienna on the way home."

"Oh?" Arthur was very polite, Feliciano noticed, even if he did sometimes kick Alfred's foot under the table. "Aren't Francis and Matthew in Vienna now, Alfred?"

"Apparently. Damn fine excuse for Matt to leave me doing this ceremony alone." Alfred snorted as he leant back in his seat. "Francis and Matt are friends of ours," he explained. "I'm pretty sure they've travelled everywhere by now."

Feliciano wondered if Alfred was speaking of his fellow pilot Matthew Williams, the nice Canadian with the little polar bear. "Have they been to the moon?"

Ludwig sighed almost inaudibly. "Feliciano, I've told you, just because one man went to the moon doesn't mean everyone can go."

"The military asked me to go to the moon," said Alfred proudly.

Arthur touched his forehead briefly. "Alfred, I've told you, they were being sarcastic, and it wasn't a compliment."

"Me and Ludwig watched the moon landing on the television in the village, but my brother Lovino says it didn't really happen, he says they faked it."

That immediately got Alfred's attention. Arthur groaned as Alfred sat up eagerly. "No, no, they went to the moon, but it was a distraction."

"A distraction?" asked Feliciano, instantly intrigued. "From what?"

"Mars," Alfred replied, his eyes fixed and intense.

Feliciano was confused and fascinated all at once. "Why Mars?"

Alfred leant forward on the table and gestured decisively as he answered. "Aliens."

Feliciano gasped breathlessly. "Of course!"

Ludwig and Arthur exchanged a resigned look of mutual understanding.

Another round of coffee and eventually the crowded cantina started to thin, everyone filtering away to the thronging square. "It looks like the ceremony will be starting soon," said Arthur, discreetly squeezing Alfred's arm. "We should probably be going."

Alfred looked reluctant, but he shrugged, sighed, and pushed back his chair. "Unfortunately, duty calls."

Feliciano felt a little sad to see them go. He couldn't help wondering if he would see them again. "What happens at the ceremony?"

Alfred took a moment to answer, and glanced briefly at Ludwig before he did. "Well, I get to stand up there smiling and looking proud while someone shakes my hand and thanks me and probably gives me another medal."

Feliciano wondered why Alfred looked so uncomfortable as he said it. "Well, that sounds nice!"

Alfred's smile looked a little forced, and Arthur quickly changed the subject. "If you're ever in London, please look up a pub called the Emerald Lion. We'd be delighted to see you."

"The Emerald Lion – that sounds pretty! Do you actually have a lion?"

Arthur laughed softly, and again he exchanged a strangely sympathetic glance with Ludwig. "No, but we have frogs in the back garden."

Alfred winked at Ludwig. "They ain't poisonous, though." Ludwig almost laughed at that. Alfred stood, held his hand out to Ludwig, and Feliciano noticed for the first time that it was missing two fingers. "It's been good to meet you folks." Alfred waited, still and expectant, until eventually Arthur spoke very quietly.

"Alfred."

Ludwig very briefly looked down at his chair, then back up at Alfred. With a sudden gasp of realisation, Alfred clenched his hand into a fist and looked away, his expression painfully shocked and almost angry. He shook his head, closed his eyes, and swore under his breath. But Ludwig spoke quickly. "I am grateful to have met you again, Lieutenant – or is it Captain, now? And I am glad to see that you are happy and well – the same as I."

It was the first time all afternoon anyone had acknowledged the fact they had met before. Feliciano hadn't ever thought he would see the American pilot again, and he certainly never expected to meet the Englishman whose photograph Alfred had shown him all those years ago. In some way it felt freeing, to see that they were living a happy life together; it felt like a resolution. Ludwig's sacrifice had not been in vain.

Alfred smiled reflectively, glancing between Feliciano and Ludwig. He still looked a little sad, but there was a relieved sort of joy in his face. He nodded, took a step closer, and again offered his hand, this time so Ludwig could reach it. "You deserve to be standing up there today, Lieutenant. You're the real hero."

Ludwig simply shook Alfred's hand firmly. "Good luck at the ceremony."

When Alfred turned towards him, Feliciano felt his chest fill with old familiar emotion and gratitude. Thirty years ago this man had told Feliciano of Ludwig's location in an American base. Consequences aside, it was still the most startling, selfless thing a stranger had ever done for Feliciano. Instead of shaking his hand, Feliciano pulled Alfred into a bruising hug. At the same time Arthur took Ludwig's hand in a handshake, holding it for a few moments with an intense, unfathomable look in his eyes. Finally he spoke one word, his voice breaking slightly. "Thank you."

Ludwig nodded at Arthur while Alfred laughed cheerfully, patting Feliciano on the back. Feliciano waved as they finally parted ways, Arthur and Alfred pressing through the crowd into the square. "Auf wiedersehen," he called brightly.

Arthur turned back and smiled. "We'll meet again."

Later, as Feliciano pushed Ludwig's chair past the town square, they were greeted by the strains of a familiar song being sung by the crowd.

Una mattina mi son svegliato, o bella, ciao, bella, ciao, bella, ciao, ciao, ciao! Una mattina mi son svegliato, e ho trovato l'invasor.

Feliciano came to a slow stop at the back of the massing crowd, looking through the sea of Italian and American flags. The new stone monument had been unveiled in the square, to honour the American air crews who had liberated the town. It stood beside the older memorial, the one inscribed with names of murdered Italian resistance members. Alfred stood at the front of the singing crowd, a row of shiny medals on his chest, while several official looking men in suits stood beside him and a local villager prepared a big microphone on a tall stand. Feliciano could just see Arthur off to the side watching. Alfred stood waiting to be hailed as a hero; Ludwig sat at the back, unnoticed. But the four of them knew: the four of them understood.

Feliciano and Ludwig watched the ceremony for a few minutes, as an Italian official began talking about the heroes of the resistance and the sacrifices of the town and everyone's gratitude for the American military's defeat of the occupying German forces. As the man spoke, a fleeting memory ran through Feliciano's mind: of that moment thirty years ago he had almost witnessed the execution of two resistance members in this very square. He remembered Grandpa Roma's unfaltering determination to fight for a free Italy; he remembered the torment and years of pain Antonio had gone through after his interrogation by the Gestapo. Then Feliciano touched Ludwig's shoulder. He had been a member of that occupying German military, yet without him Alfred would not be standing on that podium today. Feliciano wondered if anyone in the crowd had any idea how complicated the entire situation actually was. There was no black and white when it came to war: no good guys and bad guys like there were in storybooks.

Feliciano looked again at Alfred with his medals and the admiration of the crowd. "Ludwig, do you have shiny medals like that?"

Ludwig took a moment to respond. "I once had many, Feliciano. But fighting for your country is not always the same as fighting for what's right."

Feliciano understood that, but still found it hard to accept. Ludwig was good, and noble, and all those years ago as a German officer, he had only ever tried to do the right thing. But Ludwig was on the losing side, so he would never be a hero.

They turned and headed out of the square, leaving the ceremony behind them; through the village and out into the countryside. The quiet of the country air was a relief after the heat and noise of the village square. Buildings had sprung up around the town in recent years, and it always seemed that the country road was growing shorter. But further out in the fields it was still quiet and empty: the tall grass rustling gently, the familiar scents of flowers and herbs drifting on the wind. They walked in silence, Ludwig allowing Feliciano to push his chair over the narrow dusty road; Feliciano stopping briefly by the completely overgrown old tank to pick a sprig of wild rosemary from its side.

The old field had not changed in years, though there was now a track long worn through the grass towards the oak tree. As Feliciano slowly pushed Ludwig's chair along the track, that old familiar feeling enveloped him. This same easy peace, this same tranquil stillness, like they were the only people in the world; like they were somewhere else. Although it took a little longer to reach the oak tree now, and Feliciano's knees creaked as they stopped, and it took him a little longer to sit down on the grass. He sat beside Ludwig's chair, leaning his head against Ludwig's knees and playing with the sprig of rosemary. "I will place this at the memorial. When there is not such a big crowd."

Ludwig ran his hand through Feliciano's hair. "Rosmarino, for remembrance."

Feliciano did not usually like to remember those days, even though they were imprinted on his memory, and Ludwig's also. Their life was more now than those few days when it began. Their life was sunny afternoons in the Italian fields, taking all day to walk to the town or to just watch the clouds. It was mornings in their little garden, gathering herbs and flowers to sell at the market. It was long, warm summers in Germany, though they had to take the train to Munich since that big wall was built in Berlin. Feliciano supposed that by some people's measure of success he had not achieved much in his life. He could not write great symphonies like Roderich, or great books like Lovino. He was never a national hero like Grandpa Roma or Antonio. He could not even work in the fields like Grandpa Roma used to, not with the pain in his chest. But he could love. He could spend his days with Ludwig, and look after him, and that was all he wanted. That made Feliciano's life important.

"What will we do tomorrow, Ludwig?"

"We could go for a drive out to the vineyards. If you promise to remember you are not on a racing track."

Feliciano laughed. "My driving is just fine, Ludwig."

"Yes. For a racing car driver."

Feliciano ignored that. "The vineyards would be nice. We can get some wine for when Lovino returns. Can you believe he is going to play his guitar in Vienna? And Roderich said his orchestra would play our song! There is even a famous soprano going to sing it, but I can't remember her name..."

Ludwig brushed Feliciano's cheek with a cold hand. "I would much prefer to hear you sing it, Feliciano."

Feliciano smiled up at him. No, he did not often think of those days, but sometimes it was important to remember. It was now thirty years since they found each other. Thirty years, and this could have been any moment they had spent together. Because these feelings never changed. So Feliciano sang to remember, twirling the rosemary between his fingers, as the wind shook the leaves overhead and the sun started to descend in the sky.

But Feliciano did not sing the last line. He just hummed the melody, feeling Ludwig's hand through his hair, his strong, steady warmth behind him. Yes, sometimes it was important to remember. But there was no need to ever sing that last line again.

Auf wiedersehen, sweetheart.

THE END

Disclaimer: This story belongs to George deValier. Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. I own nothing.

#Auf Wiedersehen Sweetheart epilogue

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