#prumano fanfiction

[guiltipanda]

Reblogging this old art I did because guess what this is actually from a scene in a fanfic I'm now publishing, go read it here:

Hey everyone! I took part in the Hetalia World Stars Fan Anthology that was put together for the 10th anniversary, and it is now out! Here is the illustration I made for the zine, a little historical prumano:

Head over to @hws-anthology to find the link to download the zine! It is free and has hundreds of pages from very talented artists and writers who put in a lot of work. Also, please reblog!

[lenabobina]

Exhaling a puff of his cigarette, Lovino paced in front of his building. The smoke dissipated upwards and joined the heavy smog that blanketed the sky. He almost laughed to himself; if the sun itself was oppressed in this city, what chance did he have?

Here it is! As promised in the tags of my last post. A new Prumano 1980s East Berlin punk AU by @sweetblitz and I. We've been working on this concept for a little while now and we're really happy with how it has come together so far. Hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed writing!

[felovabriel]

Better Than You Flirt

   Gilbert adjusted his shirt, looking around the room. His gaze swept over the crowd with the efficiency of someone who had done it a million times before.  He wasn’t expecting to find anyone who could really keep his attention for long – just someone who would help him pass the night.  He didn’t really sleep anymore.  The combination of depression and anxiety made him too restless to sleep and too lethargic to do anything productive.  So, here he was again.

   A flash of gold near the bar caught his eye. At first he thought it was a bracelet, but then he realized it was a watch.  The man who wore it knocked his drink back, dark chocolate curls fluttering as he did so.  The sight of him sent a jolt through Gilbert.  When was the last time he’d felt like that?

   Throwing on a cocky grin, Gilbert slid through the crowd like a fish through water.  In minutes he was beside the brunet, leaning against the counter and smirking.

   “You know, you look shorter up close,” he commented, then cursed himself for saying something so dumb.  It clearly didn’t win him any favors, judging by the glare he received in return.  Strike one—hopefully he would get a chance to redeem himself.

   “What do you want?” the brunet asked bluntly. He was watching Gilbert suspiciously, like he suspected the blond’s attraction but was going to make him work hard to get attention in return.  Gilbert couldn’t help but grin.  He was always up for a challenge.

   “Well, I was hoping for you name.  Maybe a number, if I’m lucky,” he replied, feeling bold enough to wink.

   The brunet’s expression twisted in disgust, but Gilbert thought it was too exaggerated to be real.  If this guy told him seriously to back off he would, but a little banter never hurt.  He grinned back, showing the other man that he wasn’t going to be scared off that easily. To his (well-hidden) surprise, a flush colored the other’s cheeks.  Oh, interesting.

   “I’m Gilbert,” he offered, holding out his hand. The other stared at it like a dead fish for a moment, but then reached out and took it hesitantly.  His hand was warm and slightly calloused—just what Gilbert liked.

   “Lovino,” he replied reluctantly, not quite meeting Gilbert’s eyes when he spoke.  The flush still warmed his cheeks, lit by the string of lights over the bar.  Gilbert realized he was staring and swallowed hard, flashing another grin.

   “Nice to meet’cha, Lovi,” he replied finally, ignoring the other’s protests against the nickname, “What are you up for? Dancing, another drink?”

   “Neither,” Lovino snapped, though Gilbert thought he could hear a flustered note in his voice.  He jerked his hand out of Gilbert’s grip, looking around them as if for an escape route.  Gilbert noticed his ears were red too.  Honestly, the whole look was adorable.  He hadn’t expected much out of tonight, but if he was right about this guy, then most of his blustering was an act.

   “We could just go,” he suggested, wiggling his brows.  The way he saw it, there were two ways this could come out—either Lovino rejected him and it was early enough to pretend nothing ever happened, or the offer would be accepted and then…Well, who knew where this would go?

   Lovino whipped back around to look at Gilbert, his eyes wide with surprise.  There was a moment of silence, and Gilbert could have sworn the whole bar was holding its breath as it waited for Lovino’s answer.  Then, finally, a slow, sensual smirk spread slowly across the brunet’s lips, sweet and smooth as honey.

   “Why not?” he said finally, cocking his head in an almost condescending way, “I just hope you fuck better than you flirt.”

   Gilbert snorted at that, but grinned and threw his arm around the smaller man’s shoulders.  “I can promise that,” he purred in Lovino’s ear.  His grin grew as he was rewarded with a shiver, and he felt Lovino take the first step toward the door.

Inspired by: “Here Comes the Weekend” - P!nk

originally written & published on @chesayacatart-moved in 2018

[finitevoid]

in case you couldnt tell i bounce back and forth between making this a sitcom where soren gets driven to school by his mom and a bleaker proper translation of tellius into pittsburgh. also i dont have this stuff thought out or written down my train of thought is literally these asks. i like the idea of a pittsburgh streets version of tellius. cyclical nature of poverty and violence in a modern urban setting would be an interesting retelling of you know. war. and obviously racism in a modern and urban (>pittsburgh >urban) context. in this version i do want them to be high schoolers though so they would still be a little younger than in canon. lets see... greil gets shot and killed in the beginning of the plot and sheltered ike goes on a journey. soren is in the system with stefan, the branded remain the same. no almedha just yet. ikesoren greil childhood stupidity is still canon yes ike was mowing the lawn for that switch. but then i go past that and it gets kind of corny. i do not want a word for word reimplementation of street politics of pittsburgh into a tellius au. thats in bad taste. as well as recontextualizing said politics into being one where races are pit against each other any more than they already are. or taking pittsburghs racial issues but making them about laguz. what do i take from pittsburgh besides its appearance and destitution? Maybe it shouldve ended at being silly. there is good room for exploration though pittsburgh is a bit too specific of a setting. tellius ends on a pessimistic note in my eyes where ikes only solution was to leave and i appreciate that since there cant be a winning over a jrpg bad in a place like pittsbrgh ummm...

ive been watching the wire (@ your dad... its not just a cop show wahhhh) and i find the portrayal of how the institutions that created the problems and cycle in the first place will implement solutions to their own creations that people will cheer for only for those to come with their own baggage interesting. children failing at school because of the lack of relevance the subjects they learn at school have, them in a lot of ways already being adults, not just for what theyve lived through, but also already being made to be perfect pawns in a system that can only perpetuate itself and its own problems. that show is on my mind a lot lately "its unsentimental, cold eye-- is captured in this scene. These kids aren't really kids; they just look like it. Really they're just raw movers of capital, training for optimum efficiency. They don't take school seriously because they're already full-time workers." oh...

prumano worked well since it was just exploring european immigration into a predominantly american born white city descended from european immigrants and its like. this is straight forward. i have to commit to actual worldbuilding instead of whimsical bits for ikesoren eventualyl

we have very different ways of approaching this. i can have like entire lore bibles for my work but when prompted to describe it stream of consciousness like this my entire train of thought derails itself and im just like Ummmmmmmmm. Uh. ?

i like that you call your darker ideas corny. i write melodramatic fanfiction nothing you tell me will seem corny. and none of this is silly anyway. retelling a jrpg in the context of an urban city from the perspective of those trapped in cycles of poverty and violence could work really well but yeah i agree there is also a lot of room for that to go badly

i dont think my father calling it a cop show is meant as an insult. He likes cop shows. but i trust your opinion over his anyway . Im glad its thought provoking media that you are enjoying. what you describe paints a vivid picture of children forced into adulthood by circumstances. ive never watched the wire

tellius complex worldbuilding vs [problematic anime] being about real life europe

[worldcakecakecake]

On Deutschland and Italia, by Lovino Valenti

Lovino writes a series of blog entries on the relationship between Germany and Italy as he deals with a move to Hamburg, his brother’s wedding, and his budding romance (which he denies) to the infuriating Gilbert Beilschmidt.

                                                              Chapter 9

It was a Friday Lovino had taken to work from home, calmed with coffee, typing away in a serene air…one he had tried to get himself on, avoiding the notification for a reminder of an event he was invited to, the dinner were Feliciano said he was finally going to talk about what’s going on. It was supposed to be tomorrow and all he could feel was anguish and worry, expecting the worst words to come then. And when they say it…what could he do? What could he say? What could he convince them to do? His thoughts were interrupted by a call…Gilbert’s name in a splendid of color to him. Despite the bubbling pink feelings, he took the call quick and harsh, hiding whatever immense of feelings. “Pronto?”

 “So, Ludwig just admitted to me that he’s starting a new business.”

 “A whole new business!” Lovino practically shouted.

 “I couldn’t get anything else out of him. He told me he’ll say more at the dinner tomorrow.”

 Lovino groaned, “I don’t like this, I don’t like this at all.”

 “He mentioned that he’s worried about what we’re going to think.”

 “That’s because it surely has to be something horrible! Ugh, does my brother even understand what he’s getting himself into?” He started swinging a pen, ready to aim in his anger.

 “Well, what can we do about it? The wedding is in a month! No matter what they decided on, everything is well on its way and there’s nothing we can do to change that!”

 “Yes…yes! We have to!”

 “Lovino, I’m just as worried as you are, but we can’t make them realize-”

 “That’s what we’ll do! Make them realize!”

 “Realize what?”

 “How everything is a bad idea, how they should re-think this entire thing and deal with something safer…something that might get them to stay here even,” Lovino stood and paced trying to get his thoughts to kindle.

 “What can we possibly get short notice?”

 And Lovino stopped, Gilbert understanding with the silence that he didn’t have a single clue. It continued, Gilbert being able to hear the furious tap of the pen Lovino held.

 “What if we…what if we talk to our families today?” Gilbert suggested. “Let them know part of what’s going on. Maybe then, when Ludwig and Feliciano come, they’ll have ideas and we can be like this…team! With enough force, we can change their minds!” Gilbert alighted, with bright hope that already promised his little brother still in Germany.

 “That’s…that’s brilliant!”

  Gilbert startled…not expecting such a positive reaction from him. The energy he glowed with…oh…he was blushing, hand shaking, close to running to him and witnessing it all right before him. “You-you…you think so?” He tried to sound his usual dashing grin, yet it came out crocked and he was now beginning to sweat.

 You know what…maybe staying home was a better idea.

 “Yes! It’s perfect!” A quick glance to the clock, only three p.m., enough time, Lovino thought. “But we have to start now! I’ll talk to my grandfather and parents.” In his haste, not really being conscious of what he was doing, he threw a loving kiss that made Gilbert swear he was going to faint. “Good luck and see you tomorrow,” those last words were uttered in deep seduction and Gilbert couldn’t take it. Lovino hung up, not giving the chance for Gilbert to say a proper goodbye…not that he could at the moment. He fell straight to the couch, keeping his eyes wide to tell himself that this wasn’t a dream.

 Oh no…he had it bad, so bad…he could hear his brother laughing in some corner of his mind.

 He couldn’t stand up, he was stuck in his own bliss, with nothing on his mind but Lovino and wanting the next day to come. Oh there was that shirt he could wear! The one his mother always told him to, but he never did thinking it made him look as pompous as his cousin Roderich.  Oh wait, his mother! He had to start calling them.

  It was a splendid night, slightly cold, but still a perfect atmosphere that to Ludwig and Feliciano was even romantic. How they wished they could have saved it only for themselves, with the restaurant’s dim lighting, one of the private corners they knew Augusto can easily place for them. Instead, it was one of the big tables that was waiting for them, they were late, and from what they could see out the window, the ones missing.

 “I’m sure they’ll be happy,” Feliciano confided.

 Ludwig sighed though, still so anxious. He took Feliciano’s hand, a tight grasp, raising to kiss. “Have I told you that my biggest fear is losing you…and that I love you deeper than anything else I could,” he said like it was a goodbye.

 Feliciano giggled, “everything is going to be fine.” He raised a hand to caress dearly at the side of his face.

 A sudden outburst of Augusto flailing his arms upwards, shouting in demand brought Feliciano back to the sight of the restaurant. “I think we should be heading inside,” and he went forward.

 “Right behind you,” Ludwig let himself sway in the dumbfounded love, a hand on Feliciano’s back as support as he followed right behind him.

 “-my son is more than capable enough!” Reinhardt’s shout was their welcome.

 “Then he would have been given more! Not left stranded to his luck!” Augusto shouted back.

 “It was bankruptcy.” Aldrich joined.

 “And even so, Ludwig can put up a company in a matter of months, while Feliciano will most likely stay in his same position for years on end.”

 It hurt Feliciano to hear this from Reinhardt, a sudden scared grasp given to Ludwig.

 “I wouldn’t be surprised if this was all part of a scheme to get Ludwig to do everything, while Feliciano can just lay in the house without a worry to spare!” Monika gave in.

 “My son has honor! He wouldn’t submit to this!” Vincenzo defended.

 “He’s the one who’ll be paying for everything after all! From the looks of it, I guess it will be Ludwig staying at home expecting Feliciano to do absolutely everything!” Renata shouted the loudest, insulted.

 “Let him! Ludwig will in the end overwork himself more!” Reinhard continued.

 “My son will not be a servant!” Vincenzo proclaimed.

 Neither couldn’t take it, Feliciano coughing to bring their attention, so all could see they were there, holding to each other tightly, wide eyed at such accusations. “What…what is going on?” Feliciano managed to ask even with the tremble.

 “How long were you expecting to hide this from us?” Augusto demanded as he turned to them.

 No greetings, no peace, blazing anger that wanted words of explanation before anything else.

 “Sir, what do you mean?” Ludwig tried to be civil.

 “Oh, don’t act dumb! We know your sick plan to run off without a coin on your backs! You expect Feliciano to do your biding while you go off and party in Santo Domingo!” Vincenzo accused loudly.

 “What?...No! I wouldn’t do something like that!” Ludwig turned to the defensive.

 “But you are going to!” Augusto joined.

 “No! I’m not! Why would you even-”

 “Don’t go shouting just at Ludwig! You haven’t addressed Feliciano’s complot to go off with Ludwig’s money when the opportunity presents itself!” Monika pointed.

 “No! No! No! I would never!” Feliciano tried to even with their shouts, but they came out meek, especially as he kept his tight hold on Ludwig’s arm, now clearly afraid.

 “Look! There must have been some misunderstanding. The table is ready, we can sit down and talk about this,” Ludwig pointed in the hopes they could hurry.

 “Oh, Ludwig! There’s no need to defend him! You can go outright and say what is really going on!” Louis, with everyone else, seemed to block a pathway that could lead them to the table…and to some sense.

 “I can, if you just let me explain!”

 “Why should you? Let Feliciano do his own talking!” Augusto shouted, coming close, ready to take Feliciano to his side if he had to.

 “I…I…” Feliciano was trembling now.

 “He can’t even defend himself!”

 “Caught him red handed!” Monika blamed.

 “But I didn’t do anything!”

 “You’re only making him nervous!” Renata tried to calm.

 “Because it’s all exactly what he’s planning!”

 “He’s not planning anything!”

 “Well…technically we are…”

 “So there is a plan!”

 “But it’s not what you think!”

 “I knew something was off with Ludwig, knew it the moment they announced they were getting married!” Vincenzo shouted on.

 “Misusing of my boy’s innocence! He wants nothing but to taint him and leave him for the next offering body!” Augusto dramatized. “Feliciano, this is no way to give your virginity!”

 “Nonno…I’m not a virgin.”

 For some reason…those words…that brought deep flushes to the couple was the only thing that managed to bring final silence.

 “…you’re not…? When…when did this happen? Who?” Augusto was truly shocked and devastated.

 “Uh…” Ludwig tried to word.

 “Ludwig, we don’t have to tell them anything…” Feliciano held him.

 “So you won’t!” Aldrich angered.

 “You’re not even letting us!”

 “What excuse can you give us to defend this crazed plot?”

 “It’s not a crazed plot! If you would only listen!”

 “Well we don’t have to listen! We know enough! And let me say that I do not approve of it at all!” Reinhardt declared.

 “Feliciano!” And here Vincenzo pulled his son back to them. “We really don’t think you should go through with the marriage! Not when Ludwig can abuse you! I’m sorry, but I must withdraw my blessing!” Vincenzo told all, standing strong in his decree.

 “Papa, please! Let us explain!” Feliciano insisted, trying to let go of the harsh grip his family had on him.

 “Don’t do this! You haven’t given us the chance to talk!” Ludwig tried to defend, tried to get Feliciano back, but his family brought him back with their own strong grip.

 “Ludwig, it’s not worth it! I have to agree with Vincenzo, but I cannot permit such a marriage to occur. I will refuse to participate in it!” Louis said.

 “Then fine! I don’t want you to participate in it!” Ludwig managed loosening, harshly moving away from them. “I will marry Feliciano even if this all some plot to take my money away!” He shouted his clarity.

 “You’re willing to go through with this just so that could be the end point!” Louis shouted at him, Ludwig reaching an exasperation that was just agreeing so he could get them all to stop.

 “Yes! Okay! Fine! Let Feliciano take my money, let him be a lazy ass, let him disappoint me and make a fool of himself!”

 And Feliciano joined his family in the insult and disappointment. While they continued crying out, Feliciano tried not to tear at the harshness of such words. Whether they were real or not, the fact that they were a thought shone in screams along with the rest, proved enough of actuality to him.

 “Feliciano, let’s just go,” and Ludwig held out his hand expecting it all nothing, no other effort or defend. He wanted to go ignorant to what happened. Feliciano angered and wanted to slap the hand away…but at the same time…he did not want to be chocked by the hold his father gave him or how the rest hovered above him like vicious animals. It seemed that he would only have an escape with Ludwig…and there was something in that idea that settled very wrongly. He briskly let his hand free, glaring at his family and deciding to get away for now, having to take the grasp of Ludwig’s hand.

 “After he said all that…you’re still willing to go with him.”

 Feliciano flared but tried to keep his anger away from Ludwig or his family. “He’s already taking money from me anyways, so let him be a stuck up, let him betray me and leave me alone in another country,” he spat with fury, the grip of his hand not loving, but suffocating and wanting to hurt.

 Ludwig was wide eyed at the answer, fearful and broken, and Feliciano could only look away not explaining anything…as Ludwig did. Grasped still with a deadly hold, they decided on leaving, not looking back, the only sound the echo of Ludwig’s car as it drove down the street, sealing their decision for both families to take witness.

 Gilbert and Lovino had not seen what happened, blissfully unaware as they spent their time in Lovino’s apartment, talking and laughing before they had to come down and show another face to the family.

 “Rugrats! Of all things!”

 “I didn’t want to watch some damn Regular Show!”

 They fought even if with smiles and gentility, the only ounce of happiness to arrive to the somberness of what the restaurant had become. No one spoke with one another, and less they were going to sit together in this heaviness. To their surprise, Gilbert and Lovino were the only ones bringing that cheery atmosphere this dinner should have been. Yet they halted and stared in wondering, their mere gazes asking what was wrong.

 “Ludwig and Feliciano left,” Monika answered.

 “Already? We haven’t even started to eat!” Gilbert was incredulous.

 “I…don’t think were going to eat tonight, Gilbert,” Augusto glared, a new blame for any of the Beilschmidts now.

 “Ah, come on, Nonno! The cooks were going to make me a pesto pizza!” For once, Lovino was clearly disappointed.

 “I’ll…go and stop them from making anything then.” And without another word, the old man turned and made his way inside the kitchen. The rest, without a single glance to meet themselves, began picking their things and one by one each left their own direction without leaving a word of explanation.

 “What’s up with them?” Gilbert wondered.

 Lovino shrugged, “maybe not hungry. But fuck, my pesto pizza! I was so excited!” Lovino went back to angering.

 “Ah, come on, we can just go somewhere else to have it!”

 “No! Nu-uh! I don’t trust anywhere else out of nonno’s restaurant. There’s a lot of fakes out there.”

 “Then why not make it yourself?”

 Lovino was ready to fight it, but stopped when it began to sound quite appetizing. “Ugh! It’s too late to make a pizza now!” He sadly realized.

 Gilbert shrugged, “how about tomorrow then? I can come over and you can really show me how it’s done!”

 “Great! How about you arrive for lunch and spend the whole day?”

 Such excitement, such a good glow.

 “Awesome…so…do we make it a date then?” Gilbert dared along with a smirk, a lean and a blush in his cheeks and eyes that Lovino had to look away from before he succumbed to showing himself an utter fool to those gazes.

 “Yeah…fine, it’s a date…” he tried hard to pout it…but instead there came a smile that Gilbert didn’t fail to miss.

 “So…be at your place by two. You’ll have everything else and I’ll…bring some beer,” he let himself twirl one of Lovino’s curls, what the other thought easing and nice.

 “Nothing too shitty, please.”

 “Only the best!” They chuckled and began moving away, ever so slow as they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. Gilbert tried to make his exit backwards, not letting anything break the view he had of Lovino. He let himself indulge in it, smiling and waving. He used one hand to try and find the exit, but he couldn’t control his legs from bumping, tumbling and almost bringing the entire table to the ground.

 “Careful!” Lovino scolded, but so gently and sweetly that Gilbert was still enamored.

 “Haha, yeah, yeah…yes! I…I can do things…I can walk!”

 What an adorable doofus.

 “I’ll…see you tomorrow!”

 “At two!”

 “At two!” Gilbert promised and was off, leaving Lovino with the brightest smile in the ruins of what had just occurred.

  The car ride was silent. When they arrived to Ludwig’s apartment, it was also silent. Feliciano didn’t spare a word as he went into the guest room and shut himself inside. Ludwig didn’t bother to fight him about it, he went to his own room and tried to get some sleep. He tried to not be persuaded by the empty spot beside him…the spot where he expected his sun rays to be in, where his arms will embrace it, let his own scent engulf him until he was spread himself with the sun. He turned the other way and tried hard to ignore it…he could sleep without it…he could…-by five a.m. he was already on the table, typing away on his laptop. His eyes were grey, lost on the screen, forcing himself to work, to calculate and write no matter how the anguish weight him into his seating. It was around eight that Feliciano woke…far too early for him. He was just as grey and drained, not bothering for a cup of coffee, a wash, he just took a seating in a near stool, to breathe and lost in thoughts that Ludwig couldn’t read. He forced himself to only be on his laptop, letting this silence continue to reign.

 …Their mornings were never like this.

 “Ludwig…” Feliciano started to speak, doubtful and fearing, “…do you really think going to Santo Domingo like this is a good idea?”

 Ludwig didn’t answer so quickly, didn’t even look at him, Feliciano wondering if he had purposely ignored it…only the more reason for him to anger.

 “Everything is already planned…we’ve bought everything we need, the wedding is in a couple of weeks…let’s just…go with it as it should,” he did answer, but he didn’t gaze at anything else.

 “I don’t want to just…go with it!”

 “Isn’t that something you’re always telling me to do…go with it!”

 “Yeah, but…not like this, not after what you said last night.”

 Ludwig rolled his eyes, “there was a lot of pressure…”

 “So in a lot of pressure you decide to call me a thief, a lazy ass, a disappointment and a fool!”

 “I didn’t exactly say those things and you know I didn’t mean it!”

 “I heard it, Ludwig! You insinuated them, you thought them, you readily said everything right before your family and mine!” True pain was presented well on Feliciano now.

 “You called me a stuck up, a cheater and disloyal.”

 “I didn’t-”

 “You did! I heard you…and right before my family and yours!” He finally raised his eyes to him, staring and hurtful, Feliciano shaking and hating that this gaze was now brought upon him.

 “I…I was hurt by what you said.”

 “You didn’t think I was hurt too.” More an edge was added to his tone, a cut that silenced Feliciano, twirling his fingers, looking away as he settled with this new pain.

 “I really…I really didn’t mean them.”

 “I didn’t mean mine either. Just forget about it…we said what our families wanted to hear and got them off our backs. We can go on.”

 “By making each other go against our own families? Ludwig, despite everything, I still care for my family and I want them to keep being a part of my life…yours too.”

 “We don’t need them, Feliciano. We have ourselves.”

 “But-”

 “Do you really want to keep people who said all those things about us?”

 “Because we couldn’t explain! They didn’t know any better!”

 “And this is how they respond when faced with uncertainty?”

 Their voices got higher with each accusation.

 “We just…we just had to keep trying. We had to fight and defend one another…” Feliciano was never one to keep himself, Ludwig knew his emotions had to always be displayed. No secrets, no hiding, his eyes reddened and already the first tears began to fall down his cheeks. He thought him beautiful still, but it scorched that they were being caused by him, while all he did was stay seated, trying to keep his eyes away, afraid to face sadness from one he always made sure to make bright.

 “Why…why didn’t you stand up for me?...Why didn’t you defend? Why didn’t you try to prove them wrong?”

 And yet Ludwig couldn’t face it, couldn’t let himself show how this was shredding him as well, not wanting to show his own weakness when he was too stubborn to keep his strength in the discussion.

 “Feliciano…there was no need…” was somehow the only thing he could say.

 “No need…no need…” he hiccupped in a heave he couldn’t withstand, those words a heavy marked realization that made him surer of a pathway he had to take. It stung when his hands reached for the ring that had been worn faithfully since the day Ludwig presented it to him in a wonderful proposal. He lunged himself with a terrible cry, knowing what he had to do, what he deserved and should stand strong for, Ludwig crumbling, wishing he could force himself to take Feliciano, but is own despair kept him seated.

 The ring began to get removed in what they heard themselves a shriek, released along with a void that sucked whatever light was always present between them.

 “Then I guess there’s no need for me to wear this anymore.” And it was placed on the coffee table as a token to be forgotten. “No need for a wedding…no need for us.” Feliciano didn’t bother with another glance, he picked a bag he had made and left. No other goodbye, no beautiful trace. He was gone as swiftly as a ghost, yet with a haunting that kept Ludwig stunned, the pain like the heaviest shot, the weight like a swarm of animals were on top of him, the cage the most restricting he had been in. He heaved, lost on how his movements worked…how to look, how to stand.

 In this mess, in this ever clashing of emotions seeming to rampage all across Ludwig’s body, he exploded by throwing his own laptop to the ground, uncaring of pieces and what its memory of work held.

 Nothing…it was all nothing…he had nothing anymore.

 He pushed his hands into his eyes, ignoring the pain in favor of trying to dam the tears that already began to swarm, but in the end, in a release of breath that made him heavier, he let them coat his face how they wanted, redden him and already paint him a mess after only minutes of being left by Feliciano.

 There was no perseveration to move on with his day…it seemed like it wasn’t there anymore, like there was nothing to live for and make it his.

 He let himself sink in that position, determined to stay and dig himself ever deeper.

 There was nothing else now.

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[jackce]

Do you by chance have any good or some of your fave PruMano fics you would recommend? I can't seem to find any good ones

Sorry, I read fics in spanish 😭 and the last prumano fic I read is probably from 2012 when it was normal to write Japanese words and cringe things hahsgdh but If I find a good one I'll tell you 🥺

But if the audience here(?) has recommendations please answer in the comments!

[maelerie]

Summary: Lovino is unhappy with his simple life and with what is expected of him. One day, in his panic and anguish, he runs to the ancient woods on the eastern edge of his people's village and cries to whomever is listening for help. One being answers and offers him a way out. A being Lovino has seen before, in his dreams. A being who demands a price.

Author’s Note: This is my Secret Valentine gift for @dranoko over on Discord. One of the prompts they requested was a 'Fantasy AU' and since I'm currently reading a fantasy novel (The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue) I was inspired by it to write this, starring Romano and Prussia. I hope I managed to capture the fantasy vibe you were looking for! Enjoy!! ❤

Relationships: Prussia/South Italy (Hetalia) Rating: T Word count: 2.129

“Lovino? Lovino!”

The voices called out after him as Lovino made his way across the field that separated the village from the eastern woods. His heart pounding in his ears, Lovino tried to put as much distance between himself and the village, making the voices sound fainter and more distant with every leap of his legs. When he eventually broke the line of the trees, the calling of his name had weakened enough for him to be assured he would not be found anytime soon. Finally, he came to a halt and sank to his knees in the dense forest earth, panting from the exertion he had subjected his body to.

“Please,” he whispered, eyes downcast and brimming with tears, remembering his grandfather’s stories of the gods of old living in these woods. “Per favore,” he tried again, hoping to catch the attention ─or even the pity─ of one of these gods, his voice raw from running. “Help me.”

But there was no answer. There was only the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, a faint breeze picking up from the west. Lovino could feel a tear slide down his face and he closed his eyes, folding and unfolding his hands as he prayed and prayed on.

He prayed to the old gods and the new God. He prayed to the wind, to the trees, to the earth, to the spirits of the river nearby, to anyone and anything who would listen.

“I will do anything,” he pleaded as the dampness of the earth seeped into his green tunic, inlaid with white brocade. His finest silken tunic. The garment that had been made, and laid out for him this morning, by his brother. The tunic he would wear for his wedding. A wedding arranged by his family. A wedding he did not want. A life he did not want. A future that held nothing for him but despair and brevity.

Lovino squeezed his eyes closed even more and strained his ears, but the only sounds on the wind were his own voice and his name, echoing in the distance.

“Lovino… Lovino… Lovino…”

His many prayers unanswered, Lovino felt the anger that so easily overcame him bubbling to the surface and he pounded his hand against the earth. “Answer me!”

The echoing abruptly stopped and the faint breeze from before turned from west to east, making a cold seep into Lovino’s bones that had him involuntarily shake. Fright and doubt overtook him as he had never known these woods to be this quiet. The sun seemed to have set and a dusk settled over the trees until Lovino could barely see the outline of the hand he had pounded into the ground. A great darkness had fallen all around him.

Then came a sound, a low rumble, like laughter, deep and far away, yet coming ever closer, until it morphed itself into a voice, raspy and clear, somewhere behind him.

“No need to shout,” it said. “I am here.”

Lovino’s eyes flew open, and he scrambled to his feet. He turned around, his heart pounding in his chest, his eyes wide but unseeing, and was met only by the darkness that surrounded him. A moonless night. Lovino squinted into the shadows between the trees, but as far as he could tell, there was no one there. No shape, no man, no god. There was only that voice.

“Lovino,” it copied the name the voices were still crying from the town at the edge of the woods. “Such a pretty name, for such a pretty face.”

Lovino felt a heat creeping up his neck as the voice’s elongated s-sound ghosted over his cheek like a breath, but it soon turned to goosebumps when it brushed along his shoulders, draping itself around him, and Lovino swallowed. “What are you?”

The shadow’s voice tickled his ear, “I am whatever you believe me to be,” it said and the weight around Lovino’s shoulders withdrew.

Lovino’s breath was stuck in his throat as the shadows in the woods began to pull together in front of him, spreading first like ink on parchment, before merging together into a form resembling his own, and as the dark edges were no longer blurry wisps of smoke, but hard lines, Lovino could make out the shape of a man.

The darkness looked down at his solid form, approving of it, and directed a grin towards Lovino. A grin he recognized. A grin he had seen many times before in his dreams as he had conjured up the ideal image of the lover he would one day take, and Lovino stared, speechless, at its perfect pair of lips, its ruby eyes and its silver hair brushing along his pale forehead.

“Not bad,” it said. “Not bad at all.” And even though Lovino knew deep down that this was still the shadow in front of him, that he was not real, Lovino couldn’t help but be mesmerized by those red eyes, lifting up from admiring his new form, to meet Lovino’s own honey-coloured ones.

“Now,” he said, his voice clear, yet smooth and with a hint of humour. “You have called, and I have come. Are you prepared to pay?”

Pay?

Lovino’s eyes widened, recalling how his grandfather’s stories always mentioned that mortals had to give a god something in return for the grace of their divine gifts, and he realised with sudden terror that he had nothing to offer, until he remembered the ring in his breast pocket. The ring that had once belonged to the mother he had never known. The ring he had inherited as the oldest son. The ring he was supposed to gift Marie today, his betrothed, in their village’s modest church, as a sign of his commitment to her and their future family. And even though he liked Marie, cared for her and for the son she had born her first husband, Lovino could not help but look at this ring and see it as the millstone around his neck that would choke the life out of him as quickly as the water moved in the river.  

He patted down his tunic until his fingers touched cold metal, freeing it from his pocket, and held it out to the god on the palm of his hand, the gold reflecting faintly in those red eyes that Lovino had a hard time looking away from.

“Ah, liebling,” the darkness chuckled dully. “That will not do. That will not do at all.”

He moved forward, gliding across the forest floor, and in a fraction, he was right in front of Lovino, filling his vision, folding one hand around the ring while his other rested on Lovino’s cheek. His thumb brushing the soft skin just below his eye.

“I do not deal in trinkets,” he said, his hand now moving to lift Lovino’s chin, his eyes boring into him like fire. “I deal in souls.”

Lovino felt as if his legs were cut out from under him. “Souls?”

In that moment he saw a blurred vision of Feliciano, his younger brother, bright and pure and full of laughter, kneeling during one of the Sunday services, speaking of the one God and Heaven and how their souls would go there after they had died. How they needed to follow His words so that they would be awarded entrance once the time came. He saw his grandfather, sitting at the edge of the bed Lovino and his brother shared, as he told them stories of the old gods he had known as a child, and how some were fair and good, yet how others would come after dark and demand great sacrifices from the mortals who encountered them.

“Yes, souls,” the darkness interrupted his thoughts, voice like velvet. “And what would you want me to give you in return?”

Lovino opened his mouth, but no sound came. He had waited so long for someone to finally answer his prayers, for someone to help him go beyond the borders of the village and its smallminded inhabitants, for someone to understand his desire to see the world, for someone to help him convince his grandfather, his brother and all the others that he wanted more than what was in store for him, that he wanted more for himself than the future they envisioned for him. He had waited so long, that words utterly failed him.

The darkness arched a silver eyebrow. “Lovino?”

The grip on his chin tightened and Lovino blurted out the first thing on his mind. “I do not want to marry.”

The moment he said it, Lovino knew how childish it sounded. How unimportant, even. But that was not all he wanted. He wanted so much more, and as the god looked at him, unimpressed and red eyes impossibly bright, Lovino spilled all.

“I do not want to marry because I do not want to be bound to someone I do not love,” he said with abrupt force. “I do not want to marry her because it would make me feel like I’m shackled to the well in the middle of our village, holding me inside its borders. I want to be free to make my own choices. To love who I want to love. To make my own way in this world, and not be required to fit the mould. I don’t want to be like my grandfather, or my father ─whoever he was─, or my brother. I do not want to live the same meaningless life. I do not want to die knowing there’s a whole world out there and never having been given the opportunity to see it. I─”

“I have no desire to know what you do not want,” the shadow cut him off and his hand travelled to the back of his neck, pulling Lovino closer to him. “Tell me what it is you do want.”

Lovino thought of the time he had already lost. The years slipping by faster than the blink of an eye. “I want a chance to live the life that I want. I want more time.”

“More time,” echoed the darkness, his eyes now the colour of the wine that Lovino’s village produced. “And how much time, hmm? Fifty years? One hundred? A thousand, maybe?” At Lovino’s silence, the god’s hand at the nape of his neck disappeared, and he stepped back. “I cannot make a deal like that.”

Lovino’s eyes widened, and he clenched his hands into fists, his palms slick with sweat. “What?” his voice sounded like sandpaper.

Lovino? Lovino? Lovino?

There was a light dancing on the trees at the edge of the wood. Torches. The villagers were looking for him. His grandfather and his brother were coming for him. Lovino was running out of time.

The shadow lifted his head to the side, his red eyes duller now, listening, and a look of envy, of want, and of regret crossed over his face. “Go home, Lovino,” he said, shifting his gaze back to him. “Go home to your life and your family.”

“No, please,” Lovino grabbed the god’s arm. “Tell me what you want in return. I’ll give it.”

His red eyes lifted and shone like blood, intrigued, yet forlorn. “Very well,” he said. “The deals I make have an end. I will give you more time, but when you are done with it, I will have your soul.” His hand found his way back to Lovino’s neck. “Do you accept?”

Lovino would come back to this moment a thousand times and he would curse himself and his ego, his selfishness and his thirst for more, but right now the voices of the village were growing ever closer and his one chance to escape, to have the life he had always envisioned himself to have, was slipping away along with the image of the darkness in front of him, the man he had dreamed into being.

He swallowed once. “I do.”

A smile crossed the god’s face, one corner tilted higher than the other, and he pulled Lovino to him. Holding him close, chest to chest, the shadow’s eyes bored down into Lovino’s face, roaming every freckle, every dimple, every eyelash he now possessed with a rueful hunger, and he pressed his mouth to Lovino’s, making him drown in the taste of both smoke and bone, his mind reeling by the sudden intimacy. And as his kiss deepened, the god’s sharp teeth grazed Lovino’s bottom lip, the pain almost pleasurable, making everything turn to the copper taste of blood.

Unlocking their lips, the god grinned down possessively at Lovino ─eyes half-lidded and lungs half-empty─ and he whispered against the shell of his ear, his breath chilling the fire inside Lovino like a frost.

“Done.”

[peachyzephyr]

Kinktober Day Twenty-Two

Kink: Breeding Pairing: Werewolf!Prussia/Nyo!Romano Warnings: Knotting, Cum Inflation, Talk of Pregnancy Read on AO3

The holidays were finally over and the cold bitterness of February had set it, leaving Gilbert and Chiara cuddled up in front of the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate. Gilbert had surrounded them in thick furred blankets and pillows, mimicking the feeling of a pack as best he could with just the two of them. Lazily, his thick furred tail beat against the floor as he held Chiara in his lap, nose buried against her neck. Content warmth buzzed beneath his skin and his head felt pleasantly foggy.

Chiara smelled nice, he noted absently. Like the sun and those nice coconut-something lotions she wore and home-cooked meals. She smelled like comfort. It was easy to be lulled into a dazed state of half-asleep and barely aware. One of his ears perked up when Chiara yawned and he cracked an eye open to glance at the clock. It was getting a little late, a few hours after they had eaten dinner.

“Time for bed?” He murmured, untangling his legs from hers. Only for Chiara to groan and shake her head, leaning on him more heavily.

“No. It’s warm here. I don’t want to move.” She grumbled and Gilbert couldn’t help but chuckle at her answer.

“Right. Of course. Let’s lay down though, you’re ruining my posture like this.” He grinned at the huff she gave in response and moved when she laid down, pressing himself to her back again, holding her close, and tucking her up against his body again. He knew they were going to fall asleep like this, but he couldn’t really find it in himself to care. Not with how warm and comfortable he was.

As he anticipated, they had fallen asleep. He woke up around two in the morning, sweaty and hot. The heated grip of arousal was firm and his head felt hazy in the grogginess from waking up. He was achingly hard and for a brief second, he was glad he was in his loose pajamas, not that he would be keeping them on for very long. His arm was wrapped tight around Chiara, keeping her close to him and his tail began to eagerly beat against the thick blanket puddle with dull thuds and a needy whine was pulled from him. She smelled so good, everything feeling heightened in the moment. Every sense felt like it had been turned up to eleven. Without a second thought, he hooked one of his legs around Chiara’s and used the leverage to firmly grind himself against her.

“Gil?” Chiara’s voice was rough as she stretched out. “You okay?” She went to shift and roll over, only to be held in place, Gilbert grinding against her once more. “Oh.” There’s a breathless quality to the sound that made his gut shudder. Before he can really consider otherwise his hands are grabbing at her pajama bottoms and pulling them down, his thumbs hooking around the band of her underwear and tugging them down as well. And fuck, fuck, holy shit. Maybe it was just instinct but the scent of her went straight to his head, a low growl building in the back of his throat as his cock twitched. God, he couldn’t wait to bury himself in her, filling her up to his knot and pumping her full of his cum until she was round like she would be, filled with his pups.

It didn’t take long for Gilbert to rid himself of his own pants and slip his cock between her legs, sliding it through her folds, the head brushing against her clit with every thrust of his hips. He could feel her growing wetter, hear the little hitches of her breath, feel the tiniest movements of her own hips in response, he could smell her growing arousal and shit- he couldn’t take this. Another whine fell from him and one of his hands slipped up under her shirt and cupped one of her breasts, groping and fondling. Her breasts weren’t that big, not that minded, but fuck was it hot to think of how they would grow with pregnancy. They’d probably be more sensitive too.

Under his attentions, it wasn’t long before Chiara was soaked, dripping over his cock, her breaths heavy. She could feel the way Gilbert’s chest rumbled with low, needy growls, his hips jerking, uneven, and desperate. After a moment, he lifted her thigh and shifted to thrust into her, missing the first time but having better luck the second as he thrust in. A low moan left him at the drag of her walls around him, wet and welcoming and so, so hot. The quiet whimper Chiara gave in return practically set his blood on fire and in just seconds he was leaning over her and thrusting into her hard and fast and desperate. He held one of her thighs up and kept her legs open as he set up a brutal pace.

It wasn’t like their usual sex, it was carnal and animalistic and aggressive. It was instincts and need, fucking up into her until he could feel his knot beginning to swell. The soft and wet pop of his knot pressing in and out of her was so fucking hot. God and the way Chiara clenched around him, was more than enough to send him over the edge, his not swelling to full size locking them together as his orgasm washed over him, and then his cum just kept going, coating her insides and selling her until he had nothing left to give, her abdomen taught and round. Chiara whined as he continued to fill her, her stomach cramping for a moment before it eased, Gilbert’s hand rubbing small circles against the skin until the pain abated and she was left heavy and full.

[kitaychan]

If your still doing the writing prompt thing, could you do 28 fluff for Prumano?

~Sorry it took this long! Thanks for the ask and I hope you like it :D

The prompt was: "Can I stay here tonight?"

Lorenzo was minding his own business in the office, if only his brother didn't trail after his friends every friday, he wouldn't have to stay back and finish this paperwork, freezing because the heater was yet to be fixed.

The window was closed, a futile attempt to keep a trace of warmth in the place, city lights visible as he gazed outside, how pathetic of him to spend his friday night working. On the bright side, he wouldn't be the one begging for a new deadline, so the sacrifice was worth it.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a small rock on the window, Lorenzo frowned, the least he needed was to be the victim of a stupid joke.

He opened the window about to start a string of warnings to whatever kids dared to bother him, faltering as he saw Gilbert, smiling and waving his hand.

"Come here!" He said. Lorenzo refused to acknowledge the fluttering feeling on his stomach, he closed the window begrudgingly and arranged his stuff.

Downstairs, Gilbert was waiting for him, tucked in a winter coat, an espresso in hand.

The chilly wind made him shiver, Lorenzo took the beverage from his hand and gave it a hesitant sip. "What brings you here? it's freezing, you should have stayed at home."

"You say that because your coat is not warm enough." Gilbert patted him on the back, letting out a small laugh. "I just thought you deserved a reward for your hard work."

"Thank you." Lorenzo smiled, staring at the snowy streets, the cars were passing by swiftly.

"Oh, no. Don't think the coffee is your reward." Gilbert took his hand, ushering to walk with him. "I have something else prepared."

Lorenzo kept sipping on the coffee, even after he had already finished the last drop, the heat on his face was not going away, and he might as well pretend it was from the warmth.

Perhaps, it was from the warmth, not physical warmth, but something else. Lorenzo was fond of Gilbert and his smug smile, his silly jokes and his pale hair that looked like a halo when the sunlight bathed it in the right angle and... ugh, why was he thinking about it?

Gilbert squeezed his hand lightly, tugging his arm a bit to lead him into the building. Lorenzo arched an eyebrow, this was the way to his apartment. What exactly was Gilbert planning?

Once they entered the flat, Gilbert took his heavy coat off. "Thank god, it's not burnt."

Lorenzo saw him run into the kitchen, open the oven and... was that lasagna? The smell was certainly tempting and his stomach grumbled.

Gilbert arranged the table, and presented him the dish, a nervous laugh escaping him. "It's obviously not as good as the ones you make, but I tried my best, ok?"

Lorenzo smiled, taking the fork and tasting the food. "You are right, it's not like the ones I've prepared." He said, Gilbert lowered his eyes and Lorenzo wondered if he should make him suffer a bit more. "It's delicious, I can see that you've practiced, thank you." He finally said, taking another bite and humming.

Their dinner was peaceful, a silly smile was glued in Gilbert's face, they talked about everything and nothing, time passing without them noticing and Lorenzo couldn't wish for a better night.

When Gilbert retrieved the dishes, Lorenzo shifted on his seat, averting his gaze from the other man. "Can I stay here tonight?"

"I was not planning for you to leave." Gilbert let out a laugh, approaching him and taking his hand. "You can stay with me as long as you want."

"What if I never want to leave." Lorenzo kept his head lowered, his hand tightening his hold. "Would you tolerate me?"

"No." Gilbert said, Lorenzo swore that his heart had stopped for a moment. "I would be very happy if you stayed with me forever."

He embraced Gilbert tightly, a smile forming on his face, he didn't care if he was blushing, if he had been corny, this warmth he felt, he wanted to cherish it as long as it lasted.

[missmilkyroses]

Misery Loves Company

This is a gift for @prumano-week ‘’s secret valentine for @crispyliza !

I’m sorry it was late, but I hope you enjoy!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29361207

[guiltipanda]

I had to explain fanfiction, AO3, and Hetalia to my therapist, what a day

[lenabobina]

Art dump for the 80s East Berlin AU (fic here) ! They are like a parasite in my brain.

[felovabriel]

Hold On

Read it on AO3

Fandom: Hetalia

Pairing: Prumano

Summary: “I miss you,” he heard himself say.  He started at Gilbert in surprise, and wide red eyes met his own.

More than ten years ago, Prussia and South Italy had an obvious interest in each other.  They gave up too early, but the doubt about what could have been is still nagging at them.

Tags: Angst, Like really angsty, Songfic, kind of, Fluff, at the end, brothers trying to help, Alcohol, Depression, Slow Build, i guess?

Excerpt: Over the next three years, he tried to find a way to ignore the gaping hole in his life.  He lingered after every meeting, thinking that maybe this time, Gilbert would stop and smile at him.  Maybe he’d hiss a joke under his breath as he passed, his hand lingering for just a second on Lovino’s shoulder.  Lovino had already decided he’d be enthusiastic, even more than whatever Gilbert said called for.  It never happened.

There was nothing but pride stopping him from saying something first, but his pride was a fierce beast.  Every time he so much as thought about taking those last few steps and opening his mouth, his entire body locked up.  Every time, he was left staring helplessly at Gilbert’s back as the Prussian left him behind, again and again.

Originally written and posted in 2017

[finitevoid]

I guess I might not have sent them even if that was my intention of taking the pictures because those ~3 days were so crazy I have no idea how I was managing to hit on normal mode so effectively during the day and then go into my little basement cave at night to have some of the most distinctly intense in my memory fandom experiences I’ve ever had. One time I was in that room in the dark and I was up until 5 am reading a 60k modern au romerica fanfiction about homophobia that was genuinely one of the worst works of fiction I’ve ever read and I have no idea how I managed to fit that into 3 nights in which I was also staying up with you until 5 am going through christmas 2011 and cataloguing everytime prumano interacted AND getting up in the morning to go fishing or whatever

soren has been suicidal since age 4 its alright he probably wont do it now

YOU DIDNT TELLME THERE WERE CHICKENS

1.We should call ike or something

2 I distinctly remember taking those pictures for the express purpose of sending them to the discord yaoi channel

[worldcakecakecake]

On Deutschland and Italia, by Lovino Valenti

Lovino writes a series of blog entries on the relationship between Germany and Italy as he deals with a move to Hamburg, his brother’s wedding, and his budding romance (which he denies) to the infuriating Gilbert Beilschmidt.

                                                              Chapter 8

Lately they had been in a texting spree. They were wishing each other ‘Buon Giorno’ and ‘Guten Morgen’, asking about their day at work, promising to text back on a break or when done. They would strike topics on the news, what they were planning to eat, even sending each other memes that had them grinning or laughing at their phone. Feliciano had never seen his brother so tight on his phone…he had barely talked to him or even spared a word, despite how he was excited to spend some time to chat.

 They were currently purchasing Feliciano’s wedding suit, fixed with the changes they wanted and ready to take home. Feliciano moved his hands over the cover it was kept in lovingly, excited to soon feel its magic and reign him well on his wedding day. Lovino was still on his phone, grinning the entire time and now Gilbert must have written something sweet since he witnessed his brother heavily blushing, trying hard to cover it with his hands, but it was too large and Feliciano had already spotted it anyways.

 “What did he say?” He teased, leaning with a smirk, eager and expecting.

 Lovino moved the phone away from his vision. “Nothing you should be looking at.”

 “Is he already sending you nudes?”

 “Oh god, no! Just keep out of it.”

 Feliciano chuckled, Signore Ferrara arriving with documents needed to be signed on warranty and any other receipts. They found themselves conversing, the old man wondering about this coming wedding and of course Feliciano adored filling him in on it. Lovino would add his input between glances on his phone. Cards were given to pay, Lovino looking to make sure Feliciano gave him the right one. It was just as Feliciano was sent his own message, a sort of billing number…from the Dominican Republic. Feliciano looked through it quick, but in that instant, Lovino managed a side glance to notice that it was about a fulfilled payment concerning something to do with their new house surely. Lovino wouldn’t have bothered…if it wasn’t for the fact that a bank account and number that belonged to Feliciano was being used. Shouldn’t Ludwig be the one doing that? It was his company that was in charge of that move…the reason why Feliciano was even leaving with him, his own job but volunteering. Why would Feliciano have to give such a big payment? He shut his phone and focused back on Signore Ferrara, now talking on something he did for one of his ex-wife’s wedding, Feliciano looking up with a non-perturbed smile and eager to hear.

 “Have you chosen the suit for the best man?” The man wondered.

 “Gilbert and I will come one of these days to choose. We’ll surely get it here,” Lovino decided, raising his eyes from a text message he had written the albino about the plans he just told.

 The owner smiled and was eager to see them again. “Well, it’s all yours now,” he declared, handing the last of the papers, now the wrapped suit ready to be embraced, as it was now fully Feliciano’s.

 He cuddled the damn thing, like it was some sort of puppy.

 They wished their goodbyes and they were on course to Feliciano’s apartment, the younger blabbering on already wearing and strutting for their whole family to see in preparation. It was not before Lovino wrote one last message: ‘Something is going on. We definitely have to talk.’

  On Deutschland and Italia.

Trading goods.

Looking for answers.

 Trade has always been very good for Germany and Italy. We are actually Germany’s most important trade partner, with a rather large percentage at that. We give them machines, cars, iron, steel and even feed them with our food. They are the first we give our imports to, and although it is not the same for us, we still receive a just amount of their own goods in cars and machinery. German milk tends to be used for cheese manufacturing in Italy, while Germany gets half of their entire fruits and vegetables from Italy. It continues to grow and perhaps one day Germany could easily become our own best trade partner in cars, medicine or construction. It’s balanced and reciprocal.

 Sadly, we are constantly told that we have to be as productive and hardworking as our German partners. It kind of annoys me that no matter, it is never enough. Yet here we are, still thriving. Now all we need to be prepared is for a soon coming digital economy…which the Germans are already beating us at.

 But they don’t really have all the cards in the industrial world as they say they have, for many German companies are riddled with bankruptcies and corruption as much as Italy, while there are actually many singular Italian individuals succeeding and bringing glory to the companies they work in. Sometimes were so successful we might even end up paying large loans for our suspicious fiancés.

 Did I make too obvious who I’m talking about? Okay, I am not entirely sure what’s going on and it’s all just confusing, but I will get to the bottom of this, using the help of someone I never thought I would use it from and expose Ludwig’s treachery!

 There is still time to save my little brother!

  They met happily, with strong handshakes and speaking on plans for the day. They were quick in choosing and buying their suits, leaving the store in exactly two hours, with a free day that they could spend well together. They had lunch in a fine restaurant talking of music. Gilbert already made plans for dinner and so they decided on a stroll across the city, passing the time in chats and pointing the beauty on the things they passed.

 “-but Christmas will always be better in Italy for me.”

 “Really? Our Christmas markets are not festive enough for you? Do I have to bring some Pandoro or Panettone? Less Glühwein maybe?” Gilbert feigned insult.

 “No!” Lovino chuckled with a glare that didn’t hold its usual spite. The grin he had was beautiful enough that it had Gilbert falling back to their easy pace. “I’m not a fan of either of those cakes anyways…I prefer a good Struffoli.”

 “Then I’ll get you some!”

 “They never make it as good as they can do it in Naples.”

 “I’ll get a whole array of Neapolitans to make it here.”

 “Where would you even get them from?”

 “I don’t know, the black market?”

 Lovino never thought he would laugh so much with Gilbert, never thought he’d see him so beautiful, to want to be closer, hint enough in the glance he gave to his arms, as if in them was enough call.

 How Gilbert wanted him against him…out of all the moments to get nervous and let his highly boasted confidence crumble.

 “Oh um…” he raised a hand with the intention, but in the end, it was shoved in his front pockets in fear. Lovino tried to hide his disappointment. “…you mentioned wanting to talk about something…unless that something was struffoli and you just wanted to convince someone to illegally transport hundreds of boxes.”

 “It’s about Feliciano and Ludwig.”

 “What about them? …unless you have new ideas of sabotaging their wedding, but come on, I thought we decided were not going to make it worst for them anymore.”

 “No! It’s not that! It’s more specifically about a message I saw on Feliciano’s phone and how he refuses to tell me anything when I ask.”

 “Message? What message?”

 “It was from a bank, something about house money…a large amount of money that he put from his own account.”

 Gilbert was not understanding. “So…he’s…paying bills?”

 “He’s not supposed to.” Lovino stopped them to stare at the river, leaning over the brick, alone and private. “Ludwig is in charge of it. Ludwig is in charge of absolutely everything that has to do with moving to Santo Domingo. Feliciano shouldn’t be paying a single cent in it.”

 “I mean, you can’t completely let Ludwig pay for absolutely everything.”

 “Not a house payment! That was supposed to be fixed from his company. If Feliciano had to pay for it…then it means something is wrong.”

 “He could have been paying something else.”

 “I know what I saw…”

 They lay in silence as they thought it, finding reasons and then calm in the current of this river.

 “And…what do we do about it?”

 “Find out what’s going on clearly. Any ideas?”

 “Well…my genius mind has something quite clear.” Lovino raised an eye. “We could just…ask the company itself,” Gilbert shrugged, pointing in the distance to the large red and white DB. “If something is going on, they’ll know,” Gilbert instilled, determined as ever.

 Lovino was suddenly fearful, that large sign seeming to look down at him intensely.  “Do you think they’ll tell us?”

 “I can’t be one hundred percent sure, but they’ll give us something.”

 Lovino sighed and set course, Gilbert not minding on following behind.

  It was getting late, most workers were surely on their way back home, even the receptionist at the front was packing everything to leave. The timetable at the desk still mentioned these were working hours, if even only a couple of minutes were left. They both hated to be those rude visitors, but they hoped it would be quick.

 “Guten abend, how can I help you?” She introduced, doing well to hide whatever annoyance.

 “Yes, we’re hoping you can tell us about a Ludwig Beilschmidt working here,” Lovino asked.

 “Ah, he’s the one who’s bringing the company to the Dominican Republic.”

 “Yes! Is it possible you can tell us the state of that venture?”

 “That depends. Who are you to ask?”

 Lovino was left blank, but Gilbert acted quick, in his idea fulfilling his wish of holding Lovino, pulling him, an arm around his waist, proclaiming an idea. Lovino was left stunned and blushing in silence. “Sorry, my boyfriend was just asking for me, I was a bit unsure. Uh, Ludwig Beilschmidt is my brother. I’m Gilbert Beilschmidt…I just want to check something for my family, he told me himself it’s all right.”

 “All right then, let me do a quick check here then.” She focused on typing the necessary information on the computer, focused on not noticing the grimace Lovino sent, surely blaring questions, but Gilbert only smirked and winked, instilling to keep themselves this way to make things easier and get their answers. Lovino looked away, pretending he wasn’t swimming in that comfort, hiding a smile, wanting the lady to take her sweet time checking, just so he could stay in that closeness, in the held of that arm for as long as possible. Gilbert took the opportunity to lean himself into the delectable scent of his hair, liking how well he fitted in his chest. He definitely didn’t need to rub his fingers as sweetly as he did on his waist, but it got a little hum from Lovino that Gilbert grinned more to in wanting.

 “Everything is set for him to leave to the Dominican Republic. As I assume you know, he’ll be starting his own branch without the company.”

 “Danke- wait, what? Without the company?” In his surprise, Gilbert let go of Lovino, leaning more for answers.

 The receptionist was rather astounded, but she followed on, “yes. His section is filling for bankruptcy and they cannot afford to start a new base in the Caribbean. He offered to start it up himself. We’ll be giving him some help with contact and location, but the rest he’ll have to do himself.”

 “What are you offering him.”

 “Just contacts and information.”

 “No house payment? No reimbursements? Travel or aid?”

 “I’m afraid not. That will come from his own pocket and investments.”

 “Couldn’t you have offered for him to stay?” Gilbert questioned on.

 “I’m afraid he would have no position here. Everything was settled for him to leave. We really did not have anything open for him to come back to.”

 In their surprise they lay in heavy silence, fretful and agitated, remaining as they truly tried to understand what was going on. The receptionist did look like she wanted to leave, so they wished their goodbyes, now late enough to head to their dinner place, a steakhouse that Lovino didn’t bother to comment on its tackiness as his thoughts were still swimming with the recent news.

 The restaurant had low lighting, they were secluded, their table small so they could lean closer to one another, yet nothing was settled to move on to romance. They sat feeling betrayed, with questions and worries for their little brothers.

 “If I recall, Feliciano’s position is just volunteering?”

 “Yep.”

 “So, he’s not getting paid.”

 “Yep.”

 Gilbert groaned, “then how the hell are they going to work with nothing?”

 “Well,” Lovino shrugged, “Feli does have his savings from what he’s working on the hospital now, plus he paints and sells.”

 “Ludwig has his own savings, you know. I’m sure it’s enough to get started without depending heavily on what Feliciano has.”

 “There’s also the large wedding they have to pay for.” With a 10,000 budget that…they helped to place.

 Now the regret was inking heavy on them.

 “It’s still really unfair that Feliciano has to pay from his own pocket for something that was meant to be Ludwig’s.”

 “They’re getting married, isn’t this the kind of thing married couples do. Did they at least decide this together?”

 “I don’t know… Feliciano hasn’t said anything.”

 “We have to get them to talk then…I really doubt Ludwig would decide on something so brash and use somebody else’s money like that.”

 “And I don’t want to think Feliciano is dumb enough to accept a dependence so large as that.”

 “We’ll see. You go to Feli, I go to Lud, we’ll report back.” How like a mission it sounded, but Lovino agreed as obedient as a soldier. “Now, can we actually focus on our evening?” It was like an awakening that made Lovino realize where he was siting, the dim lighting that he dared say was romantic…with Gilbert. All of a sudden, he found himself reddened, nervous and without new words to say. “Oh, have I left you speechless? That’s all right, it is to be expected in my presence.”

 Lovino scoffed, “I was realizing the stupid decision I got myself in.”

 “It was one of your best decisions really.”

 How Lovino wanted to shout well to the restaurant: ‘Yes!’ But he only smirked, that charming grin that had Gilbert without a remark to Lovino’s silence, the gracious way he picked his drink and sipped. Once done, the conversation was switched on next holiday plans and locations, other chats to drown the night, turning their presence more beautiful and more of an aching each time they had to wish goodbye.

  On Deutschland and Italia.

Germany is war, Italy is love.

 With the catholic seat in Italy, the protestant movements began in Germany, creating the first division of Christianity, a long trail of divide in our continent that has cost the life of millions. Italy has had a long history of invasions from the Germans, from barbaric and creating the fall of Rome, to attacks of religion and territory, in fires, murdering, rapes and destruction. Yet with the rise of Romanticism, Italy became Germany’s inspiration with literary beauties, a show of love that perhaps give us a chance to think of peace. The faith that the world wars brought made it unlikely once again.

 There is repulsion and attraction between us, never meant to settle on a single line. Sometimes it’s like were doomed to never really have that tranquility that would be ideal for this union of Europe.

 Italy’s nature is to love, Germany’s nature is to resist, it’s not meant to mix and become something greater.

 I really wish my brother would have understood that long ago before he found himself in the situation he is in now. I hope to bring him sense, to fix any errors before it ends in something disastrous.

  “Oh, this is so pretty! It would fit Ludwig so well,” Feliciano ogled at this ring, with silver, diamonds and a black stripe.

 “It won’t fit with the wedding decorations though,” Lovino told.

 “What if it doesn’t? It would fit Ludwig, and that’s what matters,” Feliciano smiled, putting the ring back and settling on looking for others.

 Lovino only huffed, not really caring at the task at hand. “They’re really expensive here though.”

 “They do have the nicest. I though you said that price shouldn’t matter,” Feliciano reminded, now settling on a red band, smoothed with diamonds and black jewels.

 “Only if you have the budget for it.”

 “We talked about this the first day. We’re all right, you yourself suggested the budget and were still well under it.”

 And that moment hurt, Lovino realizing that his idea to try and make this wedding hard for him as selfish revenge was only bringing more pain he did not really want for his brother. He did not want to push more into it, did not want to remind more of what Feliciano was going through, but Lovino needed answers, he needed to help his brother if there was a way he could do it.

 “Are you really all right?” He asked, leaning closer, a small little area of privacy in the shop, despite being one of the only five there.

 “I…I’m fine, I really…why you would you question it like that?” There was hesitation and worry that Lovino had learned to see well on his brother, no matter how he later tried to conceal it.

 “Feliciano…” he knew now he had to be direct, or else it seemed Feliciano would move away further. “I noticed the message you got for the house in Santo Domingo.” Feliciano stiffened and looked like he had turned to stone. “Feliciano…what’s going on?”

 Feliciano’s expression was now determined on the rings, trying to make them the focus. Change the topic, a distraction, chose a damn ring. He realized that moment he didn’t like any of them for Ludwig. Lovino could see his disappointment, came ever closer, for Feliciano caging, imposing, and he was never one to resist for long.

 “I didn’t…I didn’t want to say anything,” he finally omitted and Lovino was relieved. “Ludwig and I didn’t want to talk about it with our families until everything was really settled.” He thought maybe excuse enough so Lovino could wait until then, but there was heavy wait in his expression that demanded more, and Feliciano, intimidated, sighed, and gave to be able to rid it. “I really want to keep to what Ludwig said, but…I can admit that our job positions…have changed.” Lovino tried to give surprise, but he needed more he hadn’t heard. “It’s…it’s really nothing to worry about. Ludwig and I are fine. Were just worried about…how you guys will take it.”

 “How come? Do you think we’ll react negatively?”

 “I mean, I just… I just don’t know…and I rather we can talk about it some other time.”

 “You’re going to leave me worried as hell here,” he couldn’t resist raising his voice slightly.

 “Please, please, please, don’t!” Feliciano tried to hush him, taking his arms in his ever-gentile hold. “Just wait a bit more!  The most I can tell you is that…I’m not doing a volunteer anymore.”

 “What?” Lovino outraged loud this time, Feliciano grimacing, pushing him more into their privacy, close, the other comers had now quickly gazed. Once their eyes were back on other jewelry, Feliciano went back to speaking.

 “It’s a job now, a good official job. They’ll pay me lots and I can take care of me and Ludwig.” He got excited hoping Lovino could understand the joy in it, but the elder brother continued his grimace. “However bad you think it is, it’s not. It’s honestly wonderful. Just, please…wait until Ludwig and I talk about it, it will all be clear then.” That’s when the clerk came, suggesting his help and Feliciano took it eagerly to get out of this conversation. He was attentive, no matter the demanding stare Lovino kept on him as he talked on, deciding on rings, buying, saying their farewells. Even as they made their ways back home, Feliciano refused to cave, talking on different topics, nowhere near the future Lovino was exceptionally worried about for him.

  “Ludwig…I’m going to do something I never thought I would ever do in my life,” Gilbert told, planted and spread on their parent’s sofa, Ludwig on a near table tapping away on his laptop.

 “Mhm?” He could only murmur, busy and not really wanting to engage in any kind of conversation.

 “I think I’m going to ask Lovino out.”

 Ludwig instantly stopped his tapping and gazed over to his brother, looking like a defeated soldier all splayed like that…he wondered if perhaps he had truly been fighting some intensive battle…one that lead to some kind of trauma where he thought it was okay to date what he had long considered his biggest enemy.

 “Are you okay? Do you need some water?”

 “I’m fine, really……am I?” He gazed over, Ludwig wondering so, close to calling some sort of clinical aid.

 “In my honest opinion, you are now truly and fully insane.”

 “Is it…that unexpected?”

 “Lovino Valenti, Gilbert…you want to date Lovino Valenti…think about that, analyze, consider, plan…Lovino Valenti!” He needed to make clear as much as he could.

 Gilbert turned and went silent, Ludwig sighing for now, sure that Gilbert would come into his senses.

 “I want to bang him,” he had no problem with alerting the room, Ludwig grimacing and hoping he could erase those words from ever being uttered by his brother’s mouth.

 “Oh no…you’re serious.” There was no way of getting his concentration again, his mind was now too tainted. “What…what happened?”

 “I guess we just…did what you guys always said we should have done. We talked and…kind of decided to settle our differences to help make this wedding possible, and ever since we did that…I’ve realized we actually connect a lot. He’s actually…really cool and he can say so many awesome things that makes me want to…keep letting him talk and listen…I never thought I would want that from him ever.”

 Ludwig…needed to pinch…or slap himself to truly realize this was happening, but wanting to be the attentive younger brother, he simply breathed in and let him continue.

 “…I…think about him a lot, and now…all I’m looking forward to is our next meeting…” nothing more. He breathed in a silence that was odd for him.

 “You know…that sounds exactly like how I felt when I realized…well…that I was in love with Feliciano.”

 The word love was just the shot to get Gilbert to widen and come back to reality. “Woah, woah, woah there, let’s not get carried away,” he even sat up.

 “You just said all that and you refuse to admit that it could be love?”

 “But…that’s too strong, that’s something…way beyond what we’re in right now.”

 “So?” Ludwig shrugged, “doesn’t matter. When the feeling comes, it comes, and it’s not about how long it took.”

 “Feliciano has really gotten to you.”

 “Perhaps…or more like Lovino has gotten to you.”

 Gilbert didn’t know what else to respond with, laying back down, pretending once again his brother was not there.

 Ludwig sighed, “listen…this weekend were having a dinner at Antico again…all of us together.”

 “Are you going to say you’re marrying Feliciano again?”

 “No, it’s just to meet and spend some time together before the wedding. We’re also going to send the invitations that day and Feliciano and I are going to talk about something,” Ludwig sounded his always collectable self, but that’s when Gilbert was reminded of the mission him and Lovino had set forward. Yes, he had to get information…not…sit and ogle over said Italian he had planned this with.

 “What are you going to talk about?” Was his very subtle question.

 Ludwig raised an eyebrow, “…I’m going to talk about it at the dinner.”

 “But what is it?”

 “At…the dinner…”

 “Yeah, but I want to know now.”

 “Gilbert, please, I made it clear, I’m going to talk about it at the dinner.”

 “I don’t think I can wait.”

 “Sure, you can. It’s this weekend.”

 “You know more than anyone I have no patience.”

 “Yes, I know, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait.”

 “Tell me.”

 “No.”

 “Come on, what if I don’t even go?”

 “Now I really know you’re definitely going.”

 “What makes you think that?”

 “Lovino will be there.”

 Gilbert clicked his tongue, stuck, the effort gone and Ludwig smirked knowing well it had worked. “I still want to know now.”

 “You’re being a child. Can you stop so I can go back to focusing on this?” He leaned back to the couch, taking his laptop and continuing his work, forcing himself into the screen.

 “What are you even doing?”

 “Talking to some investors from my company.”

 “Investors? Why would you need investors?”

 “It’s for something for when Feliciano and I get to Santo Domingo.”

 “I thought your company was in charge of that.”

 “Well, uh…things have changed now.” He hoped with how focused he looked, it would be enough for Gilbert to think that he needed some peace and quiet…but this was his brother after all.

 “How have things changed to the point that you have to get investors?” He leaned close, clear suspicion.

 “It’s nothing to worry about.”

 “Investors usually mean a lot of money, Luddy.”

 “No, they don’t.”

 “Hey, I might not know the full mechanics on how company businesses work, but if I’ve learned something from Opa and TV, investors are never a good word to hear.”

 “This time it’s different.”

 “How so?”

 “None of your business.”

 “Luddy! Luddy! Luddy!”

 “Oh mein gott, stop! It’s to start my own business,” he shouted, in a fiery vengeance, a loud call that brought Gilbert back to his seating.

 For once, Ludwig got the silence he needed to keep on writing, but Gilbert’s eyes were now on him with great intensity. He sat there perturbed, startled…it was just as distracting.

 “What now?” He demanded.

 “A new business? What do you mean a new business?”

 Ludwig sighed, defeated as he lay his head back on the couch. Maybe working on these e-mails in the living room with Gilbert wasn’t a bright idea. “Look, I’m going to talk about it on the dinner.”

 “About starting a new business?”

 “Yes!” Ludwig was getting exasperated.

 “Why would you start a new business? I thought your job had it covered!”

 “Look!” He slammed his laptop, standing, “things have changed! It’s…nothing to worry about! Feliciano and I are still getting married, we’re still going to the Dominican Republic. He’ll be happy and I’ll make sure to do everything I can so he’s comfortable.”

 “Why do you feel the need to clarify that? Something is wrong! Come on, just tell me-”

 “Nothing is wrong! What were worried about is what you will think about it.”

 “Then just-”

 “The dinner, okay! The dinner!” And he was off the room before Gilbert could question any longer.

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[anarchyduck]

First Kiss

First kiss / prumano / 144 words

Instantly, Gilbert knew this was not Lovino’s first time kissing. The way his lips moved, his hands settling on his lower back to keep him close. His returns feel clumsy and awkward. He doesn’t know what to do with his hands, becomes too focused on the technicalities. Is he using too much teeth? Is there a certain point they use tongue? Is now too soon?

Lovino pulls back and gives him a confused look. Then he frowns. “Look, if your not into this-”

“No!” Gilbert’s cheeks redden at how loud he sounds. He coughs. “No, it’s just…” 

Lovino stares at him. Then the pieces click and he smirks. “Did I just take your first kiss?” Gilbert feels his face burn and ears grow warmer as Lovino starts to laugh. 

“Sh-Shut up!” 

Lovino kisses him again. Lighter this time. Apologetic. “It’s fine. I’ll show you.”