A writing network

A writing & art collaboration network for GerIta fans. Welcome! (side image credit)

[gerita-txt]

Hey so I know I’ve never been that active so it doesn’t really matter but I’m leaving the network. Sorry, I’m just too busy. 

[gerita-txt]

Prompt Request

Hello everyone! I’m @german-italian-ties and I have a favor to ask. You may have already noticed, but this blog hasn’t really been active. To change this, I ask that our followers go and submit prompts to me so you guys can have some new content to read. Though, since I can’t see the blog’s inbox I ask that you come to my ask instead. I’m open to any kind of prompt (though I’ll exclude any nsfw stuff) and you can put a word limit as a challenge. Once I’m finished with the prompt, I’ll post it here.

EDIT: Please state that it’s a prompt for this blog if you send one in! I don’t want any messages getting mixed up.

[gerita-txt]

More Than Meets the Eye

I’m kinda glad I didn’t take the superhero prompt before. I would have never been able to stay within the word limit. Especially with this idea that I wanted to play with. It’s a different scenario than what the others came up with and while I was working on it, it became more or less a chapter fic idea. Then I changed to a different scene with the idea and I was only able to shorten the idea to 5,338 words so this is a bit long. But I enjoyed writing it! It turned out slightly different than how I fist imagined it, but I think that’s a good thing.

Summary: Germany finds himself captive by his two arch nemeses Veneziano and Romano. But things don’t turn out as either party expects. Prompt inspired by this post.

The world looked blurry as he tried to open his eyes, his eye lids feeling unusually heavy. Blinking slowly proved only to make things worse. The room started to spin and a dull ache from behind his head made its presence known. He closed his eyes once again, groaning as the ache grew into a horrible headache. What happened? He thought as he tried to move a hand to his aching head, but found that his wrists were bound behind him.

“Oi, he’s waking up.” A deep Italian accented voice spoke. He cracked open his eyes, eyebrows furrowing together. Don’t I know that voice from somewhere? ­

He couldn’t pinpoint where the voice came from, but looking around the steadying room he found that he wasn’t in a familiar place. The room looked rundown. The walls that were probably white at one time were chipping and had large holes in them. The floor wasn’t in any better condition and whoever was in the room made the floor creak with each step. The creaking made him a bit uncomfortable, questioning whether the building they were in was stable enough to be inhabited. Looking around more, he saw a steel door and frowned. Maybe the place used to be a warehouse. He certainly wasn’t on the ground floor considering he could see the tops of a few buildings in some of the broken windows…

Suddenly, a cold fluid was dumped down on him. He jolted back, slamming his back against a hard surface and he clenched his teeth together with a small hiss. Opening his eyes once again, he saw two figures in front of him that his eyes couldn’t focus on. They were taller than him, but only because he was sitting in a chair. He usually towered above many people and he could bet that if could stand he’d be taller than whoever stood over him.

“Good morning sleeping beauty.” One of them spoke with the previous deep voice he heard before and sounded like he was gloating, “Time to talk business!”

“You didn’t have to do that Roma.” The other figure spoke in a high pitched Italian accented voice, though it was clear the other was male, “He’s our friend…”

“Tough it out Vene.” The other man growled in irritation, “He’s not on our side quite yet.”

Wait… Roma? Vene? He focused more on the two in front of him and he was able to see their features more. They both wore red, white, and green outfits. Though the outfits were slightly different in how the colors were represented, it was clear that these two were partners. They wore masks that covered the top half of their faces, but their eyes and hair could be distinguished. Their hair styles were pretty similar, the only difference was where they were parted and the fact that one had darker hair than the other.

One of the men, who had hazel eyes, looked down at him and his annoyed frown became a smirk. “By the look on your face, it seems that you finally realize your situation Germany.”

“Romano and Veneziano!” Germany growled, straining to break whatever bound his wrists together.

Now he remembered what happened. Germany had been out on patrol when he spotted those two poking around the Capitol Building. There were rumors that Romano and Veneziano had been planning on kidnapping the Mayor. Since they were his arch nemeses, Germany took it as his job to protect the man that Hetaville came to adore. He was able to surprise them and chase them away, but they turned on Germany when he least expected it and… The headache that he was currently experiencing meant that they hit him with something somehow.

Germany was embarrassed that he was caught by these two. He remembered when he only had to deal with Romano. Those days were easy. Germany was able to take care of Romano easily, though he always escaped using his super speed. Then Romano brought Veneziano into along with him and Germany wasn’t sure why, but he would always become distracted around the other. Veneziano must have some sort of power dealing with distractions. It made protecting Hetaville harder, but Germany was still able to stop them from their crimes whether it was robbing banks or sneaking into government buildings. Really, these guys hit the most random places if one where to consider it.

Veneziano smiled at Germany, moving to crouch down beside him. “You’re not going to be able to get that off so easily. I tied that especially for you big guy.”

Germany glanced over at Veneziano as he squeezed his shoulder. The man’s voice wasn’t high pitched when he spoke that time. Then again, Veneziano’s high voice always did sound forced during their encounters. It wasn’t farfetched that he tried to disguise his voice. Germany always made sure to make his voice deeper than what it was in an attempt to make sure nobody could connect the dots. He also went as far as to put his hair down and purposefully spoke with a heavy German accent while being Germany. But why would Veneziano go and speak normally?

“It won’t hold for long.” Germany retorted, still struggling against the rope.

Veneziano put on a pout, “You don’t want to get away from me, now do you?” he asked, his pout becoming a teasing smile as he ran a hand up and down his captive’s arm.

Germany paused in his struggles, feeling himself freeze under the other’s touch. A shiver went down his spine and Germany roughly shrugged the other’s hand off. Damn. Why is this guy always acting like he’s flirting with me?!

“Enough Veneziano.” Romano sighed, pulling up a chair so he could sit in front of his arch nemesis, “We have business to discuss.”

“I have nothing to discuss with either of you.” Germany spat as Veneziano made his way over to stand beside Romano.

“Good. We just need you to listen.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Well, then you’re not going home until you do. If needed, we can always locate your brother and take him hostage as leverage.”

Gil! Germany thought, glaring at the men in front of him.

“Now that we have your attention.” Romano leaned closer, “I’m sure you know who we are. Most people should know considering we based our outfits off of our Grandfather’s old one.” Germany bit his lip, glaring at him. “Our Grandfather, as you know, is Rome the Great.”

“He’s no longer fit to hold the title.” Germany growled.

“Hey, I thought you said you didn’t have anything to contribute.”

“He used to be Rome the Great before he betrayed Hetaville!”

“Our Grandpa is a good man.” Veneziano spoke up, glaring at Germany.

“He’s as good as any criminal is.” Germany retorted, causing Veneziano’s eyes to flash with sadness.

“Enough!” Romano shouted, glaring at the bound man, “Yes, our Grandfather betrayed Hetaville but you don’t know the full story.”

“It all ends the same! Rome the Great betrayed Hetaville, but more importantly he betrayed his partner-”

“Your late father.” Romano finished, his focus on Germany, “We know our Grandfather was close to Germania the Great. They were the greatest duo Hetaville has ever seen. But again, you don’t know the full story.”

“Our Grandpa found out something.” Veneziano said, “Something that would put Hetaville in despair. But he couldn’t prove anything. Grandpa tried to find some proof but he was caught and made to look like the bad guy.”

“He didn’t do such a good job in redeeming himself.” Germany hissed.

Germany found himself up against the wall in a blink of an eye and a fist connected to his jaw. He heard Veneziano calling to Romano and Germany was dropped onto the ground. Looking up, he saw angry hazel eyes bearing down at him. It wasn’t the smartest thing he’d ever done, but Germany didn’t mind that he angered the man who he butt heads with for several years now. Veneziano’s ambers eyes soon met his. They were filled with sadness and anger and for some reason, Germany started to feel bad.

“I really don’t know if we should keep him alive after that.” Romano growled, walking towards a window, “I should throw you out the window and see if you survive to protect your precious Hetaville another day.”

“Romano!” Veneziano exclaimed, “We live here! Besides, how are we supposed to redeem grandpa’s name if we kill Germany? We’ll never be pardoned and never find the truth.”

“Killing would be in your blood.” Germany stated plainly, “Your Grandpa was the one who killed my father.”

Veneziano’s eyes widened for a moment and threw out his leg towards Germany. The man flinched and heard the enemy’s foot hit the wall behind him. Looking to the side, Germany saw that Veneziano’s kick broke the wall. The man never displayed such strength during their previous encounters. Germany certainly underestimated his foes.

“Our Grandpa didn’t kill his best friend.” Veneziano’s voice was filled with anger, eyes glaring down at him. If looks could kill, then Germany would be down for the count. “You should know better than to disrespect his name.”

Germany could well believe that his body was frozen in place. He felt that if he moved even slightly, Veneziano would certainly strike him next. Romano, who was also surprised that Veneziano took such an action, slowly moved to his brother’s side and pulled him away from their captive. He never was one to use physical violence against his opponents. That was Romano’s job. Veneziano was the kind of person who aggravated the enemy with swift movements and simply dodging their attacks. This was one of the few times that he actually attacked someone else.

Veneziano looked away, blinking rapidly as Romano guided him to a chair. “Grandpa would never do such a thing.” He said, voice quiet as he hugged himself, “Grandpa has done nothing but speak highly of Germania. He only ever told us of stories of their adventures as The Great Duo.”

“There’s proof that he killed my father.” Germany said, frowning at the two before him, “A citizen took a video of their last encounter.”

“You don’t know the full story!” Veneziano shouted, glaring at Germany as tears rolled down his cheeks, “Obviously there was some kind of video taken and from an angel that makes it look like Grandpa killed Germania, but he didn’t! You didn’t see how heartbroken he was when he came home. You didn’t see how he cried when that video streamed on the news. He was set up.”

“Who would set up your Grandfather?”

“The same person who’s going to put Hetaville into despair.” Romano spoke up. He walked over to Germany, helping him to his feet and setting him back in a chair. “As we said before, our Grandfather found something out. It was bad enough to go and make it seem like he was betraying Hetaville.”

“And what exactly is this person planning on doing?” Germany asked skeptically.

“From what our Grandfather gathered, there’s a money scam involved.” Romano explained, “There’s more, but we’re not going to delve into it.”

“Why?”

“Because you obviously don’t believe us still!”

“Well, you fail to show actual proof that your Grandfather is innocent. You’re just expecting me to trust you.”

“Why wouldn’t you trust us?” Veneziano cried, “Especially me! We used to be friends when we were younger, remember? You wanted to be my partner when your powers finally came in!”

“’Used to’ are the key words here.”

“Vene, just ignore him!” Romano said, seeing more tears form in the other’s eyes. He turned to glare at Germany and stabbed his finger at the man’s chest. “If you want proof, look at the video of your father’s death. It may look like its proof towards your argument, but if you look closely you’ll see that there’s more than meets the eye.”

“Oh yeah, I’ll just go and watch it once I get home.” Germany said sarcastically.

“You’re really getting on my nerves you bastard.” Romano growled, his eyebrow beginning to twitch with irritation.

“That’s my job apparently.” Germany growled back.

“Romano…” Veneziano spoke up, catching the other two’s attention, “We got a copy of the video don’t we?”

“Yeah, we do.” Romano answered, getting to his feet as he ignored the surprise on Germany’s face, “You want him to watch it now?”

“It’s the only way to gain his trust.”

“Wait, how did you-” Germany started.

“We stole it dumbass.” Romano interrupted, “For a guy who claims to be so smart, you don’t use that brain too much do you?”

Germany was going to shout something as Romano left but Veneziano stepped in front of him, blocking his view of Romano stepping into another room. The man wiped the tears from his face and set a chair right in front of the captive man and sat right in front of him. He put on a smile, though from Germany could tell it looked forced. Veneziano just sat there, staring at the him and Germany simply stared back.

“How have you been holding up all these years?” Veneziano asked out of the blue. Germany frowned before shaking his head and looked away. “What? Do you not want to talk to an old friend?” The other man stayed silent. “Look, I get that you don’t want to trust us. We have been fighting each other for years and well…” Veneziano bit his lip and wrung his hands together, “Considering who our Grandpa is, that’s even more reason to dislike us. But we have been trying to gather evidence to prove our case. We’ve been to every bank that had any bit of information. We broke into insurance companies among other places… The last thing we have to do is snoop into the Mayor’s office and home and we should have everything that we need.”

“The Mayor?” Germany’s head snapped towards Veneziano, “What does he have to do with all of this? The man has done nothing but help Hetaville in his time in office!”

“Yeah, he’s the perfect man.” Veneziano said sarcastically with spite. He sighed and shook his head before putting a hand on Germany’s cheek. “I know Germany. I know that he seems like a good man, but he has evil intentions. It’s a bit harder for you to see since that man helped you when Germania died, but he’s been deceiving you.”

“You say he’s the deceiver, but how do I know you’re not the one trying to deceive me.” Germany asked. He wanted to move his head away from the other man’s hand, but his body wouldn’t move.

Veneziano sighed, running his thumb along Germany’s cheek before removing his hand. “You’ll see once you watch the video. If you decide to believe us, then we’ll show you more on what we have on the Mayor and that will open your eyes.”

“How did you even get all that information?”

“We have a man working behind the scenes.” Veneziano winked, “We won’t give up his identity until we know for sure you’re with us.”

Just as Germany was going to question Veneziano more, there was a loud crashing sound. The two of them jumped and Veneziano got to his feet and spun to look behind him. The door was broken down and was broken in half even though it was a steel door. Veneziano stood rigid, staring at the door way and Germany had to crane his head around the man to see that there was someone stepping in.

It was a man in a red, white, and blue uniform. He wore a mask that covered most of his face, but his blue eyes and a cheeky grin were distinguishable. The man looked around, wiping his hands as if there was a bit of dust on them. He noticed Veneziano and Germany and looked as if he was about to say something when Romano came storming into the room.

“What the hell is going on!” he shouted his gaze moving to glare at Veneziano, “I hope you didn’t let him get loose of his-” Romano stopped mid-rant when he noticed the door was knocked in and that there was a fourth person in the room. “…Shit.”

“Romano, go gather everything we collected!” Veneziano cried urgently, “I’ll hold this guy off and then we can get out of here.”

“I won’t let that happen!” the newcomer shouted, about to go after the fleeing Romano “A hero never lets the villain get away.”

The man put up a fighting stance seeing that Veneziano was coming at him. He didn’t even bat an eye when Veneziano threw one of his strong legs at him. He caught the other’s leg easily and used Veneziano’s momentum to swing him across the room and into a wall. Germany sat there, staring dumbfounded where Veneziano landed. The man obviously had the power of super strength.

“Germany!” the newcomer got his attention. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah…” Germany responded as the man came over and worked on the rope that bound him, “Who are you?”

“Freedom Star!” the man replied, laughing as if the answer was obvious, “I came to save you.”

“How did you know I needed saving? How did you even find me?”

“Let’s just say a concerned citizen was worried when you didn’t come home last night.” Freedom Star replied. The only person that popped up in Germany’s mind was his brother. He must have contacted the Mayor who went and got someone to come find me. He thought and when his hands were finally free, Freedom Star continued, “As for how I found you, let’s just say I have a partner that can sense more than just the mood. He’s great at tracking!”

Veneziano groaned as he got up from the floor, rubbing the back of his head. “Damn. This didn’t go as planned…”

“That’s the point of a hero’s job!” Freedom Star laughed, walking over to Veneziano. He was quick to restrain him with the rope that was used on Germany and held onto the villain’s collar so he couldn’t get away. “Now, let’s see who you really are you villain!”

Veneziano struggled in Freedom Star’s grasp, crying out not to remove his mask. Freedom Star didn’t listen though, and easily removed the mask. Germany couldn’t believe it when he saw Veneziano’s real idenity. He wished he could undo the whole thing if possible. Before Germany stood a man who he originally thought was mortal. It was the same exact man that he would hang out with after work and during his lunch break. Veneziano was the same man that made Germany’s heart flutter with a single smile. The very same man that his brother would tease him about even if the other was around.

“Feliciano?” Germany was barely able to whisper out the name of his best friend. If Veneziano was Feliciano, did that mean Romano was Lovino?!

Freedom Star laughed as if the situation was only a game. He probably didn’t even hear Germany, but Veneziano did and boy did the guy look pale. He stared straight at Germany, fear flashing through his eyes. For a split moment, it looked as if all was good and the only thing the two super heroes had to do was capture Romano before he got away. But Veneziano had other plans. He caught Freedom Star off guard, shoving the man with his shoulder into the wall. The air was knocked out of Freedom Star and Veneziano took this moment to run, but not before looking back at Germany. Germany could see the confusion in his enemy’s eyes before he ran off, yet Germany didn’t follow. His body was frozen in place, still shocked at seeing Veneziano’s true identity.

Freedom Star finally recovered and growled in frustration, “Dude! You could have got him. Don’t let him get away!”

Germany jumped, his body finally reacting to the situation as Freedom Star ran past him. He quickly followed, but Germany knew that it was no use. Romano and Veneziano would have gotten away along with whatever they were storing in the building. Even as they entered the room Romano had originally entered, there was no sign of either villain or the stuff they claimed to have stolen. The only thing that seemed to be left behind was the very same rope Freedom Star used to restrain Veneziano. Germany heard Freedom Star curse under his breath as he looked around the room. There was an open window with a fire escape. Romano could have easily fled through there along with Veneziano soon after.

“They got away!” Freedom Star whined before giving to a frustrated sigh, “Man. I was hoping to catch at least one of them. This is going to look bad on my record.” He looked towards Germany who was staring at the open window. “Yo, Germany? You okay dude?”

“Yes.” Germany replied a bit absent mindedly.

Freedom Star watched as Germany walked over the window, stepping outside onto the fire escape. Following the other’s lead, Freedom Star couldn’t help but be filled with hope. Maybe Germany found a trail that the enemy left behind! The man was famous for predicting his arch nemeses plans. Once he got outside, Freedom Star saw Germany crouch down and pick something up. A closer look at the object showed to be a case with a disk that was labeled ‘The Duo’s Last Encounter’.

“Never heard of that movie before.” Freedom Star commented, his voice showing some disappointment.

“…It’s not particularly good.” Germany replied, shaking his head before turning to the other man, “Thank you for coming Freedom Star. I’m… not sure what would have happened if you didn’t come.”

“Nothing good, that’s for sure.” Freedom Star laughed, putting a firm hand on the other’s shoulder, “Looks like I came just before anything serious happened. They were trying to get information out of you right?”

Germany blinked in confusion for a moment before he got a glimpse of his reflection in a window. Bruises were beginning to form where Romano had hit him. He pressed his fingers to his jaw tenderly and sighed.

“Something like that.” Germany responded.

“Well, try to get your story straight okay?” Freedom Star said, putting on a comforting smile, “The Mayor ordered that I bring you straight to him. Your brother is also waiting for you there.”

Feliciano sighed as he rolled on his side. From his bed, he was able to see the boxes that held his stuff. He didn’t exactly want to move, but ever since he and his brother captured Germany they couldn’t risk staying. Germany recognized him! They had somehow met while posing as mortal men without realizing it and now the Feliciano and Lovino were in danger of being arrested. They had to leave within the next few days and that was pushing it.

Feliciano knew Lovino wanted them to leave by the next day, but that wasn’t possible. They had jobs that they couldn’t simply abandon on the spot. That would be too suspicious. Especially since the news had gotten a whiff of the story. Germany, the Mayor, nor Freedom Star have revealed any information as of yet. But it was only a matter of time before they do and once the police released a sketch of his face, the two brothers would be doomed!

Feliciano sighed loudly, pulling a pillow over his face. He was tired of packing! He’d been cooped up in his room and the house since the whole thing and hasn’t been able to leave the house since. If he did, there was a possibility that Feliciano could be ambushed by an undercover cop. Then they would find Lovino and their Grandfather and everything will be over. No redemption for Rome the Great. No arrest for the Mayor causing an end to his evil schemes. Everything will be lost and it would be because Feliciano’s identity was revealed.

“Stupid Freedom Star.” Feliciano mumbled, trying to not cry.

The stress was getting to him. Every day he expected the police to knock down their door with warrants for their arrest. Every little noise made him jump. And most of all, Feliciano hasn’t been able to visit Ludwig at the shop. Was he worried about him? Is Ludwig waiting for him during his lunch break still, or has he given up on him? Ah, Feliciano needed to go out!

And that’s what he did. Of course Feliciano didn’t plan on going far. Just a walk around the block. He needed some air and he knew a walk would clear his mind if only a little bit. Lovino would probably get mad if he found out, but it wasn’t like Feliciano was going to bump into anybody. He put on a sweater before heading out and just as he walked out the door, Feliciano noticed someone in a sweater was sitting on the stairs leading up to the porch. His heart beat a bit quicker as he thought about going inside but decided against it. He could just pull his hood over his head. It was kinda cool out so there was nothing suspicious about his actions, right?

Pulling up his hood, Feliciano began to walk down the stairs. The person didn’t react and Feliciano was beginning to regret his decision. The person was pretty big… Maybe he was there to catch him. Feliciano could feel his fear rising and became more anxious. He internally begged for this man to not notice him, though his steps were pretty loud. Who wouldn’t know someone was coming down unless they were deaf?

By the time Feliciano reached the bottom step, relief flooded through his body. He was able to see more of the person before him and one glimpse of those kind blue eyes and slicked back hair Feliciano knew he could relax. If he wasn’t so excited right now, Feliciano probably would have crumpled to his knees with how weak his legs were feeling now!

“Ludwig!” Feliciano practically sang as he bent down to practically get in the other’s face.

Ludwig jumped once he focused on the other and Feliciano could have sworn that if the other man didn’t have his back up against the railing, he would have fallen backwards. The image itself made Feliciano laugh and he watched as Ludwig fixed his reading glasses on his nose.

“Feli, you scared me.”

“You didn’t hear me coming down the stairs?” Feliciano questioned, tilting his head to the side.

“Ah…not really. I wasn’t paying attention…” Ludwig examined the house a bit, and blinked. “You live here?”

“Yeah!” Feliciano beamed before his smile slowly disappeared, “Or rather, not for long. We’re moving.”

“Where? Are you just moving to a different part of town?”

“No. Me and my brother are moving to a different town. We put in transfer requests and we’re not exactly sure where we’ll be going but the first request to be accepted will be the one we go to.”

“Oh…”

Ludwig looked down, moving a hand to rub his eye but his hand bumped into his glasses. With a small frustrated sigh, he removed his glasses and put them in his sweater pouch. Feliciano laughed. Ludwig always managed to forget he was wearing his glasses after looking over some papers or reading a book. If the glasses weren’t just meant for reading, Feliciano would have complimented on how cute his friend looked with them on.

“I was going to tell you,” Feliciano continued, taking a seat beside his friend, “but I haven’t been feeling well the past couple of days and with all of the packing we’re doing, it’s been hectic.”

“That’s understandable.” Ludwig nodded, “I hope all goes well for you.”

“Yeah, me too… Why are you here anyway?”

“Oh…” Ludwig paused to think a moment, “Well something happened at work and I took a leave of absence. I took a walk after reading because I couldn’t focus and I just decided to sit down to think. I guess I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

“What happened?” Feliciano asked, worry filling his voice.

“Well…it’s a lot to take in.”

“Don’t worry! You can take your time with me. How many times have you sat down to listen to my problems no matter how long I ranted?”

Ludwig gave into a small smile before frowning. “Alright…but promise me one thing. Don’t run until I explain everything. I…don’t want you to leave.”

Feliciano frowned himself, “Why would I run?”

Not answering his question, Ludwig put a hand in the pouch of his sweater and pulled out a CD case. Once Feliciano noticed it said ‘The Duo’s Last Encounter’, he flinched before slowly looking back at Ludwig. Examining his friend’s face closer, there was a faint trace of a bruise. It was most likely covered up with makeup before getting smudged.

“Promise you won’t run.” Ludwig repeated, his voice sounding desperate.

That was the only thing Feliciano wanted to do at this moment. He could probably out run Ludwig. He’s done that many times when he was just simply Germany. What would be the difference now? But as much as he wanted to run, his body wouldn’t move.

“This was dropped on the fire escape.” Ludwig explained, “I’m not sure if it was on purpose or not, but I found it. I almost couldn’t get it past the Mayor when Freedom Star brought me back to him. My brother was there and I was told to explain everything that happened. I didn’t give you or Lovino up. I did my best to be vague and when they asked if I could tell a sketch artist what you looked like, I said that I couldn’t remember. I don’t want to remember if I’m honest, but due to the circumstances I have to live with the fact I’ve been fighting my best friend without realizing it. Freedom Star went and described you, but I saw the sketch. It’s not even you.

“Once I was able to finally go home, I went to my room and pulled this out. I considered just breaking it, but…” Ludwig paused, not expecting to get this far into the explanation. He’d been planning this ever since everything went down, but he expected that he’d ruin his friendship before finishing. “…I watched it. I relived the day my father died. At first I couldn’t see it and thought you were lying to me, but then after watching it a few more times I saw what Lovino was talking about. I’m not sure if someone edited the video or if what I saw was what was actually caught on camera, but your Grandfather didn’t move his weapon. The spear moved on its own.”

“That’s exactly what happened!” Feliciano said, grabbing hold of Ludwig’s arm, releasing a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, “Someone was able to manipulate Grandpa’s spear and made it look like he did. We’re sure it was the same person holding the camera and Grandpa said he knows who actually did it.”

“Who? Can we put them in jail?”

“We can’t.” Feliciano shook his head, “You see- wait!” Feliciano looked around before getting up and pulling Ludwig to his feet, “We should talk inside. It’s not safe out here.”

Ludwig nodded in agreement and followed Feliciano up the stairs before stopping abruptly, “You said that you needed to get into the Mayor’s office right?”

Feliciano looked back, confused a moment before it clicked in his head. He had told Ludwig back at the warehouse that’s all they needed to do other than snoop in his house. “Yeah, but it’s going to be almost impossible now. The Mayor has Freedom Star guarding the building since you last caught us trying to get in.”

“After you show me everything you got and once Lovino gets home, let’s devise a plan together. I’ll get you in and out and then we’ll hit his home.”  

[gerita-txt]

After Hour Meetings

So after dealing with work/home issues, I finally had time to write something up for everyone. Again, I took a prompt from the first writing task since my own prompts are kinda waiting for me to finish a multi-chapter fic that I’m trying to get started again. Heh... Story was inspired by this prompt! Enjoy everyone!

Summary:  Working at an ice rink had its perks. There were so many people to meet and seeing everyone show off their various levels of skills. But Feliciano’s favorite thing was skating around the rink once it was close to lock up. But instead of being alone, Feliciano finds that there’s still someone on the ice.

Five more minutes. That’s all he had to wait before the coast was clear. It took every ounce of strength for Feliciano to resist tapping his pen on the counter as he waited for the last few customers to go and return their skates to him. He tried to not look impatient, but it was hard for the brunet to keep his pleasant smile. Usually, everyone would be out by now. It was getting pretty close to locked up, yet these guys were taking their sweet time leaving.

One girl was sitting with her skates still on her feet as she idly chatted with her friend, not even attempting to free her feet. Another group was laughing as they recounted the events of their time on the ice. Their skates were off their feet, yet they refused to bring them up to the counter. Feliciano could feel his smile becoming forced as the seconds ticked by.

Hurry up already! Feliciano internally pleaded, his cheeks beginning to hurt from the forced smile. Really, if these people didn’t give him the skates… It was almost last minute when the skates were finally returned. Feliciano had to remind himself to do his usual goodbyes and did his best to make sure he didn’t look rushed. Once the last customer exited the building, Feliciano rushed with his end jobs before punching out and grabbing his bag. Please don’t be too late. Feliciano prayed as he rushed to the rink, his own skates in hand. He had to prevent himself from running down the halls as he reached the area where the ice resurfacer waited to enter the rink.

There he saw Alfred, a blond man younger than Feliciano himself, staring at the rink. Alfred was the one who usually cleaned the rink towards the end of the day and the two of them have become pretty close. Feliciano always had a passion for ice skating and would always try to get on the ice during his lunch break, which usually lead to him punching in late.

The solution to this came when Feliciano went and took a short cut and found Alfred getting ready to clean the ice. The two of them usually chatted a bit before the other had to head home, and many times Feliciano expressed his wish to skate more often. Alfred had been the one to suggest that Feliciano go and skate after hours and from then on, the two of them had an agreement. Feliciano could skate on the ice before being resurfaced as long as the brunet came before Alfred started up the machine. The longest the brunet went around skating was an hour, though he usually tried to stay on the ice for thirty minutes.

By the time Feliciano reached Alfred’s side, he was afraid the other had already cleaned the ice. Catching his breath, two things became obvious to him. The first was the speakers were still playing music. It was common for Alfred to turn them on so he could listen to music as he worked, but if he wasn’t working the speakers were usually turned off. The second was the rink wasn’t abandoned as it should have been. Instead, a man in casual clothing glided smoothly across the ice. He was doing spins and jumps that Feliciano could only dream of doing while landing gracefully on his feet. Feliciano soon found himself at the entrance of the rink, somehow still unnoticed by the skater. By the time the music ended, the skater slowed to a stop and bowed as if he was performing in front of an audience. Though, he did end up nearly slipping when he heard two sets of clapping.

The skater straightened himself, locating Alfred and Feliciano before running a hand through his hair. “I-I apologize if I’m keeping you from your duties.” The skater spoke with a deep voice filled with embarrassment, “I was told that I could use the rink after hours…”

“It’s no problem dude.” Alfred laughed, waving the apology off, “Take all the time you need.”

With that, Alfred disappeared to probably sit more out of sight with the ice resurfacer. He took all the time he could. An extra minute could mean more money and from their previous talks, Feliciano knew Alfred needed every bit he could get.

Feliciano was the only one left, the skater staring at him as if expecting him to leave. When he didn’t leave, the skater glided over to him and that was when Feliciano was able to pick up more details of the man. His hair was blond, half slicked back from when he pushed his hair back, and his build was hidden under a big sweater. It was hard to believe that such a burly man could be so graceful on the ice.

“If you’re here to kick me off the ice…” the skater trailed off, most likely unsure if he should explain again.

“Ah, no.” Feliciano flashed the man a smile, laughing a bit nervously, “I actually stay after hours to skate so…”

“Oh. I don’t mean to intrude-“

“You’re not! I promise you’re not. If anything, I’m the one intruding. You got the ice reserved for yourself so I should technically go home. I mean, I can skate any time I wanted. You probably don’t have many places to skate. Not that any other rink would allow you to stay after hours. I’m sure anyone would love to let you stay with the skills you demonstrated. Not that anyone would want to watch you skate. I mean, you obviously want to skate in privacy and people would stare at any other time. Not that anybody likes to stare. I-I mean…”

Feliciano stopped talking, closing his eyes in embarrassment. He was told that he rambled a lot when he got excited. Lovino told him so on many occasions. He really needed to fix that habit. Opening up his eyes, Feliciano wasn’t quite sure if the other man looked annoyed or amused. He probably looked a bit dumbfounded if anything.

“I-I’m Feliciano.” He decided to supply to get rid of the silence.

“…Ludwig.” The other replied, offering his hand.

Ludwig had a really firm grip, Feliciano found out, but his touch seemed gentle at the same time. Ludwig moved back out onto the ice, eye contact only breaking for a moment. Feliciano’s eyes moved to watch the man’s feet, watching how they seemed to effortlessly glide as if the ice was the same as cement.

“How long have you been skating?” Feliciano called out.

“Since I was little.” Ludwig surprisingly answered, looking back at him, “I’m actually planning on going to my first competition soon.”

“You’re not a professional?” Feliciano asked out loud.

Ludwig laughed, causing the brunet’s cheeks to burn. Upon further inspection, Ludwig’s face seemed to have turned a bit red though it could have been from the cold.

“I’m not that good yet. Alone I may seem fine, but I have a partner that I’m skating with. You probably wouldn’t think so highly of me if you saw us together…”

“You can’t be that bad!”

“I’m clumsy at best.” Ludwig admitted, stopping by Feliciano, “That’s the reason why I’m here so late. My partner was supposed to meet me here so we could practice, but so far she’s a no show. She probably doesn’t know you guys are staying open late for us to practice.”

Feliciano hummed to himself and looked up at Ludwig. “Do you mind if I join you?”

Ludwig looked slightly confused before noticing that Feliciano had skates in his hands and connected two and two together. “I don’t think-“

“It’s only until she shows up!” Feliciano begged, “I’m guessing you’re having trouble with lifts right? You can at least practice that with me.”

“I-I don’t know…” the blond frowned, gliding backwards a bit as he examined the other man, “I’m having trouble with more than just lifts. Besides, you don’t know our routine.”

“I’m a quick learner.”

Feliciano watched at Ludwig looked at him with disbelief. He couldn’t exactly blame him. He was a bit surprised with himself as well. Really, Feliciano just wanted an excuse to skate. Though, if he was honest with himself, he did want a chance to skate with this newcomer.

Ludwig sighed, looking around a moment before giving into a slight nod. “Very well. I suppose it makes sense to practice with you until she arrives. I can’t really practice the routine without a partner.”

Feliciano was quick to change into his own skates and did some warm ups as ordered by Ludwig. As soon as he was ready, Ludwig explained the routine as best as he could. The blond worked slowly with Feliciano, making sure he knew the first few steps and sped up accordingly. It was all good until the first lift came. Ludwig was a bit clumsy. He nearly let Feliciano slip out of his grip several times and with each mess up came a quiet curse from the blond.

“You were doing so well til then.” Feliciano admitted.

“I told you.” Ludwig sighed, moving to rest up against the railing.

“How long have you been working with a partner?”

“…A couple of months now. My coach figured it would be best for me to get used to partner routines since it might happen in a future competition.”

“So you’re used to working with just your own body weight!” Feliciano concluded.

“It’s not just that.” Ludwig explained, “I’ve used replacements in place of my partner and I’ve been able to go through the routine just fine. But when I’m working with a partner, I mess up.”

“Then you don’t trust yourself?”

“I do.”

“Not really.” Feliciano shook his head, gliding over to Ludwig and skated around him, “Would you say you trust your partner?”

“Yes. What does this have to do with trusting myself?”

“You said that you do just fine with dummy partners. If you drop a dummy, there’s no harm. Nobody gets hurt and you can start from the top. But when you have you actual partner, do you have fears that you’ll drop and hurt her?”

“…Yes.”

“So that means you don’t fully trust yourself. I felt that you lost momentum whenever you lifted me up. You slowed down because of your fear. You need to keep up or else you’ll hesitate and actually hurt your partner. Get it?”

Ludwig slowly nodded and Feliciano just smiled in response before urging the blond to start from the beginning. When they got to the lift once again, Ludwig smoothly lifted Feliciano up before effortlessly setting him down. The smaller man cheered, hugging Ludwig for his improvement. The blond returned the hug, laughing before abruptly stopping. There was clapping from what Feliciano assumed was Alfred, but turning his attention to the sound showed that there was a man in a suit instead.

Ludwig pulled away from the hug, embarrassment and surprise on his face. “Gilbert? What are you doing here?”

“Checking up on ya.” The man known as Gilbert smiled, waving at Feliciano as the brunet came closer.

Gilbert had platinum blond hair which could have been easily mistaken for white. He had a much smaller build than Ludwig and his eyes seemed to flash between violet and blue with the current lighting. The man looked between Ludwig and Feliciano a moment before settling on Ludwig.

“Amy was a no show?”

“So far.” Ludwig admitted with a sigh, “I guess she quit too.”

Gilbert frowned with disapproval and shook his head. He muttered something about uncommitted hires before landing his gaze on Feliciano. “I see you helped my trainee with his lifts.”

Trainee? “You’re Ludwig’s coach then?” Feliciano asked.

“Yep! Coach and big bro. Pretty awesome huh?”

“Gil.” Ludwig sighed with a roll of his eyes, “I’m guessing you came to check on my progress even though you said you wouldn’t?”

“Hey, I’m allowed to be worried about you. Besides, I’m glad I did. I told Amy that if she didn’t come she wouldn’t be part of the team. She probably would have guilt tripped ya into lying otherwise.” Ludwig was about to say something on the matter, but Gilbert turned to Feliciano. “Thank you for helping him. You’ve done more than any of the other assistant coaches have ever done. How about you become Ludwig’s partner?”

Both skaters spluttered in surprise.

“Gilbert! That’s not possible.”

“Why not? He’s a good skater!”

“He has a life besides skating!”

“B-Besides,” Feliciano interjected, “I’m no professional. I haven’t had the training Ludwig has. I wouldn’t be of any help.”

“West isn’t a professional either. I’m still trying to get him into his first competition. Besides, I saw you two skating. You both work well together unlike all those other partners I tried to set him with.”

Ludwig growled, pulling Gilbert into a hushed argument. Feliciano watched as the two of them argued, unsure of what to do. Despite just meeting Ludwig, he did feel that the two of them did work well together. He also did dream of skating among professionals. But it was just a dream. It could never come true…right?

“Why don’t we let him decide for himself!” Gilbert said loudly, getting Feliciano’s attention. Ludwig could only huff at the side while the man handed the brunet a card. “I know that this is sudden, but I believe that you and Ludwig would make an awesome team. I’ll let you think it over. Just call with your answer and if it’s a no, you won’t hear from us ever again.” Gilbert turned to Ludwig, a smug smile on his face. “Let’s go West. Time to go home”

Ludwig sighed, getting off the ice before turning back to Feliciano, “Even if you do say no, maybe we can meet again? Just to skate if nothing else.”

Feliciano smiled, nodding happily, “Sounds like fun.”

There was a faint smile in return and soon Ludwig was gone along with his brother. Once Feliciano got off the ice, the familiar sound of the ice resurfacer filled the room with Alfred on top of it. He waved to the other man, a rather smug smile on his face.

“You were great out there! Held that guy there for almost two hours dude. If you say yes, you guys can stay late for however long you guys want.”

Two hours? Now that was a new record. Feliciano made his way out of the building and a warm wave of air hit him. Removing his jacket, the brunet made his way to his car and while he was searching for his car keys, his fingers brushed up against Gilbert’s business card. A small smile reached Feliciano’s face, knowing that whatever answer he gave to the man, he was sure to meet Ludwig again.

[gerita-txt]

So I (c-zechrepublic) am quitting the network. School is starting soon and I honestly don't think that I can handle the stress of writing with marching band and homework. I also have mandatory volunteer hours that I'll have to do until school starts. I don't think that I can do both. On top of that, the first writing task was so stressful for me it made me anxious every day. I feel like my writing isn't good enough for the network and I would much rather build up my music skills than my creative writing skills. I realized that I was staying in the network so I wouldn't make anyone upset that I was leaving. I'm truly sorry for leaving but my mental health comes before this. Thank you for letting me be in the network. I hope that I can continue to get to know the members of the network. The other members can still talk to me if they need anything.

[gerita-txt]

Hi everyone, frukmerunning here! And I'm sorry to say that I'm leaving this group. I've had a lot of fun working with this group, and there's a lot of great people in it. I just have been feeling lately that all this group is doing is making me despise gerita, which is sad because I used to love the pairing. Anyway, I'm sure I won't be missed too terribly but goodbye!

[gerita-txt]

Amor Aeternus

Ludwig, the son of a Germanic Tribe leader, is offered a chance to visit the famous city of Rome, where he would fall in great acquaintance and love with the youngest son of the emperor, Feliciano.

Sorry for the delay, the weather over here made it impossible to write, plus many other things like...baking. Also, starting school again on Wednesday, so preparing and the such. I would also like to say that after this chapter, my updates will be VERY slow. Like I said, school starting. If I do continue to manage posting once a week, or even once every two weeks...yeah, send me a message and see if I’m all right because I’m probably not getting sleep and stressing myself beyond what I should. No worries, I will continue to work on it when I have the time.

Chapter 6

Augustus had accepted to Feliciano’s choice of guard. Of course, he would have preferred another, but he did want to comply with what Feliciano wanted, being it a birthday present. Still, Ludwig was a fine choice, and he didn’t mind putting his trust on him for the day. Right before they had left for the night, Augustus had taken him to a corner to speak of all the type of warnings Ludwig needed to know to make it work.

He was not to leave the gates of the city, Ludwig was to remain close to him the entire time, he had permission to inflict any kind of force on him to keep him away from trying anything that he shouldn’t, he was to leave the palace by the early rising sun, and wanted Feliciano back by the late twilight. His last request…don’t fall into his charms.

He was gone, wishing him a good night and a farewell before Ludwig could question him and before he could wish a good bye himself to Feliciano. He didn’t mind much, he would have the entire day with him tomorrow and settled away back with his family to the inn.

The next morning, he was the first to awake, trying out several of the clothing they had brought. None did he though fitting, a pile already by the sides of the room that Aldrich had met with when he woke himself.

“What is this?” He asked, truly perplexed by it, part of him thinking that this was maybe still a dream. Ludwig was not one to think highly of clothing and attire like Roderich.

“I will be spending the day with Feliciano, and I wish not to look like another lower class member of the city when I am with the prince.” He had then finally settled on a tunic, a dark green one that most probably belonged to his father, but he took it still, changing and already decided. It had some nice designs, fine, and even different.

Settling on his boots and pants wasn’t so hard, hoping that most didn’t get tired of the tight silver bracelets and same leather belt. “This will do.” He did not want to waste his morning with it. He should already be making his way.

The prince…was actually awaiting him.

Before he left, Aldrich stopped him, throwing him over a small dagger knife. “Managed to sneak it in, though you would need it more than I would.” And glad he was to have it. Even in this city there were dangers that he would have to face, especially with the prince around him. He would have to defend himself and Feliciano like he had promised Augustus.

With a last wave, with luck and blessings, Ludwig left the inn on his way through the learned route of the palace. With it being the early morning, the streets were still dimmed with amount of people, only some slaves dealing with heavy businesses, or workers who were preparing the opening of their kiosks or stores. It was ease for Ludwig to walk upon, more relaxed, taking his time to arrive seeing as there were no distractions or obstacles to cover his path.

Soon enough the palace was in sight already clear movement, mostly from guards or the occasional senator that came to visit. With his arrival, guards moved with the news, leaving Ludwig to wait at the base of the stairs while they fetched for the prince. It didn’t take long, for as soon as there was word that Ludwig was waiting for him. Feliciano ran hastily across the halls, finally out into this new morning sun. Ludwig was indeed excited to see him, but he held any more expressions, dealing with the grip of his hands as he admired how handsomely the prince was this morning, the palace and the sun assenting his welcome only for him. His toga for today was simple and short, only but a golden belt at his waist.

As soon as Feliciano saw him, he waved and even jumped down the steps hurriedly. He skipped and seemed to dance down, Ludwig being reminded of the children back in his village. Some guards grew worry though, and some were willing to run to him and make sure his descend didn’t go wrong. Luckily Feliciano got to the bottom safely, only stumbling slightly once he reached Ludwig, but the other held him before he could fall off. Breaths of relief seemed to have sung all across the palace as they had watched.

“You’re here!” he exclaimed, his hands landing on his arms, gripping to have a reassurance.

“Of course I am, why wouldn’t I be?” Feliciano didn’t want them to continue on that.

“Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!” and to his surprise, instead of pulling him further from the palace, he was taking him inside the palace.

“I thought we were going-”

“I want to see the chariot races first!”

Chariot racing? Of course Ludwig was interested, but shouldn’t they be making their way to the circus? Why were they going to the palace?

As Feliciano pulled him down along different halls, steps and even green grounds, he realized that the circus was actually right behind the palace. Why didn’t he notice it yesterday?

Feliciano pulled him along still, even when reaching a sort of small house building where he could spot two people sitting. As they made their way through it, he noticed the figures as the emperor and Lovino, both seated and ready to enjoy from the race for today.

“Ah Ludwig, good morning!” Augustus called as he noticed them pass.

“Good morning, your majes-” he wasn’t allowed to say much when Feliciano was dragging him more into the crowds of seats that circled around the circus.

He brought them up close, the first round of seats where they were to have a clear view of the race. He took his seat, sitting straight and patiently waiting for it to begin, Feliciano on the other hand, who even as he sat, still seemed to jump, eyes gleaming, even trying to hold any other emotions by the biting of his lip.

“Have you ever seen a chariot race?”

“Not this up close!” that explained his eagerness.

“Have you though?”

“I’ve heard from them, but it’s also my first time.” Feliciano gasped, holding to his arms dragging him even closer, standing so they could practically be in danger of falling into the ring.

“I’m sure you’ll love them, they have many of our best racers for today, even one of mine and Lovino’s favorites.”

“You seem to know a lot for someone who hasn’t seen them up close.”

“There’s a good view from the palace, where I always watched them from. Lovino would sometimes join me when Antonio races.”

“Antonio?”

They were both driven silent by its beginning; a crash of horses, chariots, reigns and drivers out into the prepared sand. They all came in together first, in a line that almost seemed orderly if it wasn’t for the already boiling competition between them. The crowds shouted on their cheers, even Feliciano applauded and joined in, standing and jumping, like he had been there several times before to know, seeming to cheer for everyone there, not just this Antonio fellow he mentioned.

They all waved to the crowd, enjoying clearly all this attention, trying to make tricks to impress their audience even more.

“That’s Antonio!”

Feliciano pointed to one of the youngest looking riders, the one with the messy brown hair and the usual Mediterranean sun tan that he had seen in most of the citizens of the peninsula. He seemed strong willed, the only one of all the riders who paid good attention to his horses even on his test run, who made sure all the reigns and even the very chariot was safe. Antonio must have noticed the young prince, for he directed a wave just for him, and of course Feliciano returned it just as eagerly.

“Do you know him?”

“His father and mine are also good friends. He used to be trader, so he came a lot to Rome from Hispania with letters and other things for my father. I’ve known him since I was a child. He got really interested in chariot racing from the things he saw from the palace and got himself into it.”

By then the race had begun, the more cheerier presentation seen earlier, now turned into a rough and angered race, all the determination of the players thrown into it to complete the necessary laps. Ludwig was so close as to feel the stadium almost gallop along with the horses that ran, the dust of the sand surely getting comfortable in his hair, dirtying his face and yet Feliciano continued to cheer as widely as the crowd despite.

“He’s an excellent rider.” He commented, seeing as Antonio had the major lead.

“He is, both my brother and I adore him, he’s like another older brother to me…to my own brother though…” he took a quick glance to him, chuckling before his attention was set back on the race.

Huh? Did he miss something? He turned to where Lovino sat.

Despite how he sat calm, taking from some of the offered grapes from time to time, he paid good attention to the race, a little too much attention to the star chariot racer. He even smirked, probably the first time Ludwig actually saw him wore something else other than a scowl. But as he paid more attention himself, he noticed that his stare was nothing like the interested, skill admiring and even brotherly stare that Feliciano gave him. This one was more…lustful, similar to the ones the men in his village gave to the more beautiful women.

Whatever feelings Lovino had for Antonio, it wasn’t at all innocent or even familiar in a family sense. He rathered not continue thinking about that and settle with what was left of the race. Antonio had once again won, the crowds deeply approving of this, even the emperor, who clapped as eagerly as the rest. As soon as the chariots left and the crowd began to empty out of the circus, Feliciano held to his arm and very forcefully lead him out, faster than any of the slow paced around them.

They were out back into the palace before any large crowd could form, Feliciano easily leading them through every small shortcut he knew until they were back out to the front of the palace, into the heavy streets that began to flow with people. There was commotion of a beginning new day, of strolls, of traders and sellers bringing different kinds of items to sell to the population, all to which Feliciano stopped to give attention. He admired all the vases, the jewelry, the fabrics, dragging Ludwig all along to watch, giving comments to the sellers on their beauty and all the effort given to it. Of course his people would be as kind to him, explaining far more details that Feliciano and Ludwig very interested listened. It was impressive how Feliciano maintained everything quick, but yet just the enough time each little kiosk or building deserved. He was more preoccupied with moving them along to his next destination.

It stood so wonderfully, as if awaiting only for them, in all the majesty they have talked to Ludwig about. Feliciano, stood at it himself with the same perplexing stare, his fast pace disappearing to careful steps as they moved closer to the coliseum.

Many others passed by them, on their normal stroll, only giving it but small glimpses, though they still starred with the ever interest they had even begun to get used to feeling. It gave them just enough space to stand close, to let themselves be casted under the large shadow, cooling them from the ever so present hot sun.

Ludwig was sure he spoke, what it was, he could not make sure, but it was fruitless since Feliciano really didn’t listen, all his being interested solely on all the details he could come across. He would have loved to come inside, explore even the arena, but he knew he wasn’t supposed to, as well as it was closed with no game for the day. But quickly he turned his attention away to the large statue right in front of him, a shout of glee as he headed towards it instead, admiring, even sighting dreamily as if he was fawning over any other female or male in the city. He even leaned across its base, Ludwig not sure if he could even do that.

As he came closer, it really made sense why they called this statue the Colossus. It stood almost as tall as the very amphitheater, to seem as powerful as their gods. Ludwig felt so intimidated by it that he even pulled Feliciano out its grasp hoping to continue onward.

Once Feliciano was awaken from the daze, something else took his attention and he was hurrying Ludwig once again. He brought him over to a temple this time, large as many of the things he had already seen. This one though, was more spacious, once could enter and admire all the colors, designs and details made for it. Just before entering, Feliciano had grabbed many flowers that had been growing in some of the bushes they passed, enough to form a bouquet, held tightly in his hands, quite the anticipation as they headed up the stairs inside. He looked around with the same new admiration, holding tightly to Ludwig’s arm as they made their way closer to the large statue at the end.

“That’s our goddess Roma.” Feliciano told him a whisper, to not damage the already quiet and tranquil air around them. Feliciano bowed, placed some of the flowers on the steps, adding already to the offerings many others had given her for the day.

Feliciano’s prayer was quiet, some chant under his lips that Ludwig could not even understand, easing close and trying to listen, to the point that his face even leaned against his, Feliciano finishing and noticing with a giggle.

There were still flowers left in his hold and once done, he lead him out to the other side of the temple, for the one he truly wished to see. It was very similar to one they had just been in, but of course, much of the art changed to something that was more for this goddess, elegant, rich, all tones of colors that clearly made one think of love.

Ludwig could not distinguish who it was yet, his knowledge of the Roman gods wasn’t plentiful and he didn’t want to say something that might seem insulting, especially to a goddess that Feliciano glowed upon as soon as they entered.

By then he let go of Ludwig, heading in front of him to the statue at the end. He offered all the flowers he held, kneeling for a long period, his praying chants different from the earlier one. Ludwig couldn’t hear him this time, wandering around the building, seeming lost, when actually he kept trying to search every corner this building offered, every delicate stroke, every brick and marble shaped to such angles that only added to extensive designs that assented the shape, the colors, the form and even the very statue were most of the worshipping was occurring.

By the time he returned back to Feliciano’s side, he still couldn’t figure out who it belonged to.

“Venus.” Feliciano answered for him, guessing why Ludwig was searching throughout the temple.

“Oh, thank you.” He kneeled beside him, seeing as Feliciano made himself comfortable there, his gaze still on the large statue as he continued with his own mental prayers.

“Is she your favorite?”

“I suppose so. Most of my prayers are giving to her.”

“If I recall correctly, she is the goddess of love.”

“Love, as well as beauty, prosperity, fertility, desire and sex.”

“Why do you pray to this one specifically? There are others like Jupiter, Mars, Mercury or even Roma.”

They were usually gods that had more to do with protection and luck, for the city, for the continuing of one’s life, usually the ones people of imperial blood like Feliciano would worship the most. He though Feliciano had skipped the question or just decided not to hear him, as he spaced, eyes still on the figure, seeming to forget that Ludwig was kneeling right next to him.

“I assume you’ve heard enough to know that my mother passed with my birth. I always felt at fault even if my father and brother deny it, so I always did hope to compensate somehow. The household went on with comparisons of her to Venus and how it was the goddess my mother mostly held cult for when she arrived from Greece.”

“So you worship Venus because of your deceased mother.”

“Somewhat. Venus is the goddess we tend to associate with life and motherhood, a goddess mostly our woman would be loyal to, something that my father has many times scolded me for, but it’s nice to follow a goddess that focuses mostly on love, on new life and new opportunities, when so many are focused on war and violence.”

What a rare thing to hear from a Roman.

“It would make sense since I relate to most of the woman in this city and my mother…closed, expected to fulfill duties under the ruling of your father or any other males, your life decided and driven by another just for the wellbeing of any future children. I may be male, and a prince at that, but I’m looked upon as weak and worthless as one.” And there once again was a hating tone; one of anger, one that even shook him as if more wanted to come out. He could tell that Feliciano was holding any other words, having to embrace himself to calm down, trying to feel more of the breeze, the cool marble and the stare his goddess gave him, somehow understanding and reassuring. “No woman deserves that.” He said lastly on the matter. He stood up so quick, and was already taking his arm, changing the topic to something about food before Ludwig could question it any longer or offer any words of comfort.  

They were back into the city, the sun high in evening, walking sometimes even arm in arm as they scurried through the streets; upward, downward, just any direction so they could lose themselves more in the route. Feliciano was so tempted to take Ludwig to the baths, but with their short amount of time left, they simply could not waste it sitting on water. Feliciano had the baths in his own palace, if anything he could go there later in the night. They were met with yet another temple, the temple of Jupiter, which Feliciano only gave a short visit, with a single vow, a short chant, no gift and continued onward unto the soldier camps.

They trained along as per their normal routine, clashes of swords and other weapons, grunts, falls, all kinds of groans and screams as they practiced for the harsher war treatments out of the safety of the city. Every throw they made was practiced, skilled, with such a ferocity and push of strength that made anyone coward and run. Even with his own strength, Ludwig didn’t think he could take any of them, when they could throw a piece of bark and make it seem powerful and deadly. Both Feliciano and he looked on with such interest, yet Feliciano seemed to hold tighter to him when right next to them they witness a soldier punched another to the floor. Upon noticing the prince, he greeted with a vow and the usual good evening, and it was then that Ludwig noticed Feliciano was trembling with his shaky good morning back.

They continued until they reached the pantheon, where they remained the longest, for it offered the many statues of past emperors, Feliciano explaining to Ludwig his knowledge of each. They witnessed the shinning eye from above changed its position around the building as Feliciano continued to explain, he himself falling in awe with the colors, the shinning play of the sun, to the floor that was welcoming and didn’t mind their hurried childish steps or even sitting.

With sun set coming even closer, Ludwig suggested that they made their way back by now, but Feliciano convinced him to take a little extra more steps, to a bridge that stood in the very divide of the city, over the Tiber. Feliciano stood and lay there just to relax, wanting to witness this setting sun disappear under the city, its glow reigning once again upon it.

Ludwig didn’t think he would meet with another city that shined golden in sunset.

Everything was there, everything for Feliciano to gaze, yet he maintained his eyes on the aqueducts, which still lay high over the city, following until the arched building disappeared far into the hills, where they could not wander. He refused to look at anything else, and Ludwig, curious, remained with his own stare on him, hoping to figure why it was.

“We could take a closer look as we return.” He suggested.

He turned to him, awake, coming to terms to where exactly he was standing.

“Oh…” and instead of the aqueducts he now looked to the river, to high above the mountains, clearly hoping to see something more. “Have you ever seen the ocean Ludwig?” he finally asked.

“The ocean?” he let himself think about it for a moment. “In passing yes, quite recently though.” He saw more of everything in this trip to Rome.

Since he was in charge of watching over the village, Ludwig preferred staying in the limits of where he could be aware of anything happening, so the only bodies of water he had met were small and large rivers and lakes.

“Is it beautiful?”

“Well of course, it’s vast, continues far ahead into the horizon infinitely, in a beautiful shade of blue and the coolest breeze of air I’ve ever felt.” And the shine in Feliciano’s eyes was more than anything he could give to this city.

An image that he could only imagine in his head, resting upon the bridge now as if pretending he could feel the sandy shore grace over his skin.

“What about the smell?”

“I didn’t head that close to know, but I suppose salty and…fresh.” He recalled, wishing he could have thought of more words so the dreaming boy had more of an idea, but Feliciano made do with that, noticing the sun reach lower and lower until only but some small glimpses were left of it.

“I wish one day to see it in person.”

And Ludwig did not know what to say to that.

He didn’t know how long Augustus hoped to maintain Feliciano in the city, and he didn’t know how long Feliciano will continue to maintain loyal under him. Yet, he truly hoped he managed one day, an assurance enough with the smile he gave him. Feliciano seemed to have gotten the message, for he smiled back, more grandiose than his own, Ludwig had to admit.

“We should be heading back, your father will be awaiting and I did promise him your return by this time.” Feliciano groaned like a child would, but he obeyed, finally standing from his position and going his way along ahead, making sure Ludwig still walked closely to him.

From the opening mornings, now Feliciano could see it close into the night, candles and torches lighting up the streets for the approaching darkness, the streets emptying, with people now in their homes, relaxed, eating or even preparing for their sleep.

This time they took an all too different route, hoping to see bits of things they couldn’t, like the forum or empty and silent squares. When they reached back to the palace hill, only but the last gleams settled on the sky, darkening and stars decorating it one by one. Augustus had been passing by one of the front openings of the palace to notice their arrival, a smile and a wave to make sure Ludwig had seen him. He quickly settled back into the palace to other businesses, leaving some guards to watch.

Feliciano sigh, in clear despair, knowing that for tonight, it was once again back into the palace, to the same halls and room he was accustomed to.

“Thank you, once again.”

“A pleasure it was, I got to see more of the city and learn things I wouldn’t have alone.” To his surprise, Feliciano took his hands in a loving hold, with such a delightful smile that he just couldn’t let go.

Was this a type of appreciation? Or just some weird good bye he hadn’t seen yet? Feliciano actually laughed at how cute he looked confused, walking close, so near for their chests to even touch.

“How long will you be staying in the city?”

“Not quite sure, my father didn’t specify, but I don’t think I’ll be leaving any time soon.”

Feliciano’s smile grew wider, finally for once stepping away inch by inch.

“Could it be possible to ask you to come to the palace once again for tomorrow?”

“May I?”

“Of course you can, with my permission it is allowed.”

“If there’s no problem with your father.”

“So I will see you tomorrow then?”

Ludwig hesitated if for a moment, not sure how the palace could react to a foreigner being in the presence of the prince for so long. But with the very boy looking up to him with such a plead, and that smile, he sigh, defeated yet again.

“You will.”

And for the way the boy light up, it was enough for him to be sure of his answer.

Feliciano then leaned, placing a short and quick kiss on his cheek, so sudden that it was over before Ludwig could feel it even linger.

“Good night.” a wave, a look of seduction in his eyes, even in his tone as he hurriedly made his way up.

Ludwig was left at the spot, even as Feliciano disappeared back into the palace, still on wonder over what just happened.

He raised his hand to feel upon the place he kissed.

Nothing, not the wetness, not the even the feel was there anymore…and he hated that. Why was he so annoyed for it being so quick?

He let his hand fall and preferred to return back to the inn, his father would love to hear about this...although he was going to have to leave some details out of the conversation.

* In other historical facts, the coliseum was not actually called the ‘coliseum’, what was actually called the colossus was the statue in front of it, hence why it later got it’s change of name. What we now know as the coliseum used to be called the Flavian Amphitheater, but for the sake of keeping words we know and got used to, I didn't change it.

*I’ll be honest, once of the songs I kept having on repeat as I wrote and on my breaks was Venus by Lady Gaga. Got my mind working on a whole new idea for GerIta, but I’ll leave that for the future.

[mooikai]

fucj

[gerita-txt]

Amor Aeternus

Ludwig, the son of a Germanic Tribe leader, is offered a chance to visit the famous city of Rome, where he would fall in great acquaintance and love with the youngest son of the emperor, Feliciano.

Chapter 5

The Prince. It had been the prince.

It was a mantra that Ludwig kept repeating to himself during the night, rested upon his bed, waiting for sleep to take him over. It had been hard, for he felt like he still lay with the weights from what had happened earlier.

Searching himself along with the groups, and yet he had almost lead the very object of their search out, probably to worst dangers, and if word came out, he could have been blame for his death or anything that happened to him. Blessed he felt that Augustus had stopped him on time and the identity was revealed.

But still it dawned on him that he was nothing presentable. He had been such a fool, nothing to in accordance to how he was supposed to act with a prince. He probably though he was a commoner from that very area…even if he did tell him where he was from and why he came there. He had been kind though, and although the slight terror that went through him when he found out he was Germanic, he had placed trust on him and he had let Ludwig help him, be in his presence like any other in the city.

He really shouldn’t worry so much. He should just go to sleep, tomorrow would be another day in the city for him to enjoy. He fell finally into the sereneful darkness, hazy dreams of a smile, and all too adoring and beautiful smile that seemed familiar. His dreams didn’t last long for him to see, he was awaken by a push on him…several that gave him no choice but to awaken.

“Ludwig!” he identified his father calling. “Wake up this instant! We must get going!” he left him to continue in his changing of clothing, seeing as Ludwig was awaken enough to sit up and rub any trace of the short sleep he had on him.

“Where exactly are we going?”

He looked to his side to see Roderich changing just as hastily as his father, a bit more preoccupied that everything was on check, deciding on wearing one of the more of the simpler tunics. It actually suited and made him seem handsome for whatever occasion.

“A messenger came over, we have been invited to the palace!” ah yes, Augustus had said that he would reward him soon enough, maybe this was it.

He stood and began changing with them, new tunics and pants, but pretty much his same accessories and cape.

“What for exactly?” he needed to make sure just in case.

“The Prince’s birthday. They changed the ceremony for today but decided to have something more private inside the palace. Augustus said it would help to keep a better eye on his son after the escape he tried yesterday.” So it seemed.

Now he understood why Feliciano didn’t want to return earlier when he had hesitated. The guarding eyes on him did become as worst as he had said. He felt bad for joining along in a feast that seemed to defend more his imprisonment, but to be honest, part of him was excited to actually visit the palace inside…not to mention another meeting with the prince.

No, it was the palace he wanted to see! The palace!

Once done and ready, they made their way as they had done yesterday. Despite how it was decided then to be a smaller celebration, he saw large groups of people coming, each with clothing much more refine than what they had yesterday. With it being inside the palace now, it made sense that people changed their garments to something more dignified of the location they were going to be in. He noticed that inside there were more guards than what he had seen the day before outside. Them, and especially the servants, lead each group deeper into the palace, pass archways painted in symbols of gods and wine, columns in simple marble or colored to give it more livelihood, extensive and tall it was, with enough space to probably have all the population of Rome, ceilings that Ludwig though no man could reach, had him questioning how they even managed to build something so tall. Other items decorated the halls; vases, flowers, statues, even small fountains engraved on the walls. Ludwig was tempted to continue his own way through the halls, but instead, he was lead to a large room, where many people were already settled about, each in their white tables with fine fruits and other foods for the guest to indulge in. They were assembled in a large square, leaving a space on the center for their entertainment of music, theater and dance surely. Ludwig and his family were given a table in one of the ending corners, greatly taking their seats in the soft materials of their chairs.

As Ludwig looked around him, others were laid down on beds of their own, already taking from the offered drinks and food, which looked so fine that Ludwig was afraid to even touch, like they would melt under his horrendous fingers. Pass the arriving guests and the beautiful design of the room, his eyes finally fell on the table at the very front. It was the largest of all, only offering for the three people that sat: The emperor Augustus, and the princes, Lovino and Feliciano. With the amount of people there, plus the ones that took their attention, they probably haven’t noticed the three of them arrive. It was excellent for Ludwig to watch them without being noticed.

Augustus chattered amiably as always. Lovino looked unimpressed as he had his chin on his hands, looking all around him for something entertaining to catch his eyes for once. And Feliciano, he would greet many of the known guests with smile and chatter as friendly as his father, but when they left, he would look down, as bored and sad as his older brother. He would trace his fingers around the table, imagining he was creating a painting there, a grin on his face that seemed contagious to Ludwig, smiling something as equally.

He was starring too much at him wasn’t he? Feliciano must have felt it, because soon enough he raised his glance towards him, eyes connected once again like the night before. He adorned a lovely smile, giving it along with a small wave towards him. Seeing as he was caught, Ludwig had to return it, his wave shy and weak that went well with his small blush. Feliciano found it adorable on such a big man, giggling, which caught the attention of his father. He changed his glance before he could notice who he was smiling at like that, seeming like he was still distracted with whatever he had mentally drawn on the table.

With much of the guests finally in the room, Augustus though it well to continue, his simple standing enough for everyone to fall silent and look up to this new speech he had.

“I would like to apologize more formerly over the events of yesterday, and I hope that this more private dinner is enough to prove so. We will continue with the feast now as planned, but first of all, I would like to thank Ludwig, for he had found my son and had stopped him before anything else could happen. So now, may we please raise a glass for his honor.” Augustus raised his own golden one to him, all around them the men raising theirs as well.

Shyly Ludwig raised his along with Roderich and Aldrich, who seemed proud of the attention Ludwig had given them. With a blessing and a toast, they all drank from the delicious wine. After so, he continued with another speech like the one he had given yesterday about his son, his talents and honors and such. He knew that it was the things that his family had placed for him and the things he had been told he hated and he hoped to escape from. At the moment it didn’t seem like so, for he smiled and nodded like it was the true honor he was supposed to feel.

“-my son, Feliciano.” He finished.

And Feliciano stood, the room erupting in applauds as he bowed. Once he stood long enough for the applauses to tire, he walked over to the priest, who was standing in a corner with the same items from the night before. He could see the priest chant some old Latin words, Feliciano was removed of his golden bulla necklace and was then given a new toga and cape, white obviously, with small designs in red and gold, going well along with him and assenting the materials of those of a grown prince and man. The priest ended the ritual with the placing of his new crown, this one in colored flowers to place elegantly on his hair, matching well with his lively aura. With some last chanting words, he was done, the boy turning to the crowds, which applauded yet again. This time did Feliciano actually look disturbed, his mind seeming distracted with a horrible realization, even if he forced a smile, quite quickly heading over to his seat, his fingers distracted with the new clothing, admitting they were soft to his touch and indeed comfortable to his figure.

With the ceremony done, it was time for the music, players coming with their array of instruments to play in the center. Dancers also came, moving swiftly and beautifully for all of them to see. It was a pity that most conversed along and didn’t pay much attention, although they occasionally pointed when a specific note played heavenly or when a dancer moved to leave them in awe. Ludwig had been one of those that didn’t pay much attention, even at the wonderful melody, for his eyes remained yet on the prince, through hidden little holes from the mess in the center, which was great to not have the prince notice.

Feliciano enjoyed from the music, moving along with it even as he sat, enjoying from the dances, his eyes locked on the females especially, truly wondered. He only ever stopped when his father or brother tried to speak to him, and even though Ludwig couldn’t hear him, he could tell he was answering to all their questions in pure delight. One conversation in particular he had with his father, had them both looking up to his table yet again. Ludwig hoped he looked away just in time, but once he looked back, much of the music done and the dancers preparing to leave, the prince, along with the emperor were standing from their table, and from the looks of it, they were their way to his own. Ludwig quickly prepared himself for this encounter, making sure none of the food he had eaten fell on his clothes, that his hair and anything else was in order. Aldrich and Roderich finally noted their approach, stopping their own conversation and preparing simply by turning and nodding, as an approval that there was no problem of being in the presence of both an emperor and a prince.

“A pleasure to see the three of you here.”

“And a pleasure to be invited, everything has been excellent, my congratulations to you, your highness.” Feliciano nodded and even bowed in appreciation to the words.

“Ah yes, for my reason of coming here, I’d like you all to properly meet my son.” Augustus let him move forward, although Feliciano only moved close to Ludwig, his smile clearly only for him, and Ludwig was distracted enough not to care, starring back just as eagerly, although he didn’t know how he could compete with such a smile.

Augustus held him from his shoulder and moved him over to face Aldrich and Roderich first, introducing each.

“Ah, Aldrich! Father has told me so much about you! It’s great to finally meet you in person.”

“Really? What kind of things does he go on with?” he asked curiously, eyeing Augustus with a suspicious glare.

“He tells me of how you met, how you were prisoned in one our watchtowers mistaken for a bandit. But it all turned out right in the end, father let you go and you became really good friends. He tells me your pretty good for a barbarian, but that you’re really repressed and you have an awful taste in clothing, and the food you used to bring to him for the exchange was awful.” Augustus laughed hoping the rest took it as a joke, his hold on the boy’s shoulder becoming incredibly tight.

It was a form of scolding surely, for Feliciano began to cringe at it and his eagerness had dwindled. Hoping to ease the air around them, Augustus turned Feliciano once again to face Ludwig.

“And I’m sure you two met yesterday.” And once again they were staring at each other, in nothing but silence and gazes too intense.

“N-not as properly though.” Ludwig said after he came to the realization that he didn’t like the glare Augustus was giving him.

“Indeed.” But Feliciano did not notice it, distracted with the Germanic that still stood as handsome as he had seen him the night before.

Once again, Augustus held tight to him, and Feliciano noticed where exactly he was, a place where he shouldn’t stare so dreamily to a foreign stranger.

“Father, is it all right if I walk around the palace with Ludwig.” He asked, taking by surprise everyone in the room, his gazing finally breaking to turn to his father.

“For what exactly?”

“I want to properly thank him, plus I want to show him our home, deserving enough for what he did.” Augustus though it proper, nodding and finally letting go of his son.

Feliciano quickly took Ludwig’s arm, and lead him out to another hall, Ludwig easily following behind him, quite excited to seeing more of the palace…as well as talking of other things with him.

Augustus and Aldrich watched them leave, disappearing behind a corner, in the halls that would lead them to the terrace in the back. Augustus decided on sitting down along with Aldrich to begin in friendly chatter, while they waited for their sons to return from the little tour.

Feliciano choose this area for the sparse guards that were there, not really watching, some deeper into the halls conversing with others. It was perfect to be alone with Ludwig and speak, a great view of the city behind them that Ludwig had been distracted enough to not notice the still hold Feliciano had on his arm. Once Feliciano could see that they were surely alone, away from the eyes of any guards, guests or servants, did he let go finally turning to him to speak.

“The prince!” was the first thing Ludwig omitted once he noticed himself that they were indeed alone. “You were the prince!”

“Glad I was that you did not notice.” Feliciano dared giggled.

“Why did you ask for my help? I was one of the many searching.”

“I did not know you were. I didn’t even know you were the part of the Germanic group that my father had invited to the ceremony. You just happened to be there, and you, gladly offered to help.” And he chuckled, easing over to the wall to rest his arms upon, gladly welcoming Ludwig to do the same.

The breeze was blowing strong, the late afternoon sun giving an excellent light to the city. What a wonder it was! Feliciano let himself be taken by it, ready to rest into dream that moment if Ludwig hadn’t continued.

“I wasn’t just going to leave you go the whole way alone.”

“That was very nice of you, and…” he turned to him, serious to the words he was to say next. “And even if I couldn’t get out, I still really wanted to thank you for helping me.”

“I should thank you for not telling your father that I was helping you.”

“If my father knew that, he would have held you prisoner, probably blame you for kidnapping the prince. You didn’t deserve that.”

“Well…that was very nice of you.” Feliciano chuckled yet again, this time covering it with his hand, likely embarrassed that he was smiling and laughing too much with such a stoic man.

“So…what you told me yesterday- was it all…?”

“Real?” Feliciano guessed, quite insulted that Ludwig dared doubt him.

“You don’t seem at all disappointed or angered as you were yesterday.”  And he was right on that.

“What do you expect? I’m supposed to or else father would get mad at me. He was especially mad yesterday after everything.” And any trace of joy was left as he recalled what happened. “He was screaming, loudly. When I left the room we were talking in, most of our servants were cowering away, afraid of what my father could do that angry.”

“What was he going on with exactly?” he eased closer, after all, Feliciano trusted him with this information, and he preferred that it stayed between them in quiet whispers.

“Basically what you heard him say last night. How I ruined the celebration, that something could have happened to me, and that… I wasn’t ready to head out to the city, apparently…” he gazed away from him, his eyes saddened, his entire composure falling like the leaves in front of them that pushed down with the strong passing wind, and yet his smile refused to leave him. “I’m too weak, that I would simply be used off and I would be too naïve to notice.” He was probably quoting all this from what his father had told him, the words having repeated themselves in his head as soon as Augustus uttered them.

“Why does he force you so much to stay in the palace?”

“He still sees me as the little crying baby boy he held back when I was born eighteen years ago. My mother used her last dying breath to tell him that she wanted me safe, to remain in the palace for as long they could keep me here. They thought everything outside our walls would corrupt my innocence, so ever since, I’ve been locked here.” And silence was met afterwards, Ludwig hoping that it could clam him for now, let the breeze work more of the cooling it had been doing.

“Does your father even think to let you go out?”

“He says he will, step by step.” Whatever that meant exactly to how things worked there.

“You are finally of age, I assume he expected for you to reach it to start.”

“I did wish to at least give the city a stroll as a gift.”

“And did he accept?”

“If a guard is at my side the entire time.” At least his father was kind enough to let him.

It was about time to start letting him go out, and although they were still rules and watchful eyes, it was something after only remaining in these magnificent walls…even after his try at the escape.

“What if I choose you?” Ludwig looked to him, making sure he heard him correctly.

“I don’t think they’ll let me.”

“Father won’t mind, as long as someone is with me there is no problem. You are Aldrich’s son, plus you’re strong like a guard would be, you’re as perfect as any other I could choose.” He smiled hoping it was enough to coax him.

He shouldn’t, he really shouldn’t, he should be convincing him not to, maybe even help him choose another guard that could go. But those eyes, shinning with a sunlight that matched so well with him, so beautiful, so alluring. How could he deny such an invitation? How could he deny a day to stroll Rome with someone like Feliciano?

[gerita-txt]

Inspirational Fix

Since we’re waiting for our next writing task, I decided to play with the prompts from the first one (though I’m not limiting the word count). This was inspired by this AU.

Feliciano is an artist who lost his muse to draw. Going to public art museum usually helps, but this time it’s not art that inspires him.

The man sighed, slouching forward on the bench to rest his face in his hands. A disappointed frown settled on his lips while bright, amber eyes filled with irritation as he stared at the painting before him. The smiling face of the Mona Lisa only seemed to be mocking him at this point. Why did he come here again? The man sighed once again, glancing at his open sketch pad, the first page filled with crude doodles that made the irritation in his eyes more apparent. He bit his lip so as to not let out another sigh as he went and ran his hands through his messy brown hair.

“Great idea Feliciano.” He muttered to himself, “Go to the museum you said. You’ll be inspired you said. Ha! I could be sitting at home and get the same results.”

Feliciano couldn’t help but sigh as he straightened up, pushing his back against the wall behind him and closed his eyes. So much for going back to my roots, he thought as he tried to push the irritation away. Feliciano had been in a bit of an art slump for nearly a week now and it was getting to him. He thought that coming to the museum would be a good idea. Looking at famous paintings such as the Mona Lisa, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island, The Starry Night, and The Great Wave off Kanagawa usually gave the Italian some sort of inspiration. It was also a bonus that he worked at the museum as a tour guide so he knew where all of the best pieces were. But his usual spots weren’t working.

Leonardo da Vinci’s quote, ‘Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art’, came to mind, but that only proved to make Feliciano feel worse. He was in the mood to draw! The Italian could feel the itch in his hand grow as more unproductive days passed, but nothing good came out of what his hands created. Feliciano didn’t even want to flip to a new page in his book because one glance at those doodles would only make him want to throw the damn thing.

The Italian was getting tired of his own sighing by now. That’s all he had been doing every time he settled himself in front of a piece of art he thought would be inspirational. Feliciano knew he was only getting frustrated with himself. He should probably take a break, but even as the Italian got up and gathered his supplies he found himself looking around. The itch to draw was too strong and Feliciano just needed to find the inspiration to scratch it.

The Italian became so focused on finding his inspiration that he didn’t notice that someone was turning the corner. The two of them nearly collided with Feliciano roughly bumping his shoulder into the unsuspected by passer. This brought the Italian’s attention back to his surroundings as he stumbled, but the stranger quickly steadied him with careful hands.

“I’m so sorry! I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” Feliciano said quickly, focusing on the person he bumped into.

Before him stood a man in the familiar uniform of the guard that patrolled the museum. The man himself had a rather big build, making him look a bit intimidating even in the simple uniform. He had blond hair which was slicked back and his blue eyes looked bright even in the artificial light. Feliciano vaguely remembered seeing the man during a couple of his tours, but that fact escaped the Italian rather quickly as he looked the guard over with careful eyes.

The concern that was on the guard’s face quickly melted away with Feliciano’s apology, becoming neutral with a short nod of his head. “That’s alright. Just be careful next time.” He said, being to move away.

“Wait!” Feliciano called out, causing the blond to pause and look back.

The Italian just stared, looking the guard up and down a while longer as a familiar feeling ran through him. He hadn’t felt it in nearly a week since finishing up his last big project. Inspiration had finally hit him. Now he just had to… Feliciano looked up, noticing the man was looking quite annoyed. He hoped he hadn’t been staring for too long.

“Sorry but…would you mind if I drew you?” He finally got out.

The other man looked confused, furrowing his eyebrows. “I-what?”

“Would you mind if I drew you? I know it’s sudden, but you are just what I need for inspiration.”

The poor guard looked around, unsure of how to respond to this sudden request. “Um…okay? I suppose not since I’m on break currently.”

Feliciano smiled widely, looking as if he was ready to jump up and down with joy. “Thank you! We just need to find the perfect spot.”

Before the guard could do anything, the Italian grabbed hold of his sleeve and pulled him along with a sweeping gaze. It was quite an interesting sight. Feliciano was a bit smaller than this man of authority, yet he was one pulling the blond around. As he searched, the Italian blabbered on about his struggle of finding inspiration and that he was glad that the other man came along. The guard was helpless to the situation, being too stunned to say anything. From the sudden request to this random stranger talking as if he didn’t need breath, how exactly was one to react?

Feliciano soon cried out with excitement, pointing to an intersection with little to no people around. The guard was promptly put into place and Feliciano was quick to sit on a close by bench, opening up his sketch pad quickly. The Italian stared at the guard once he had a pencil in hand and waited. The other man stared back, looking confused as ever.

“Well?” Feliciano said, making the man raise an eyebrow, “What? You expect me to be inspired by that pose?”

“Well, how do you want me?” the guard asked exasperated.

“You don’t know how modeling works do you?”

“You’re the artist. Shouldn’t you tell me how you want me?”

“If I tell you, it won’t look natural!” Feliciano explained like it was common knowledge, “Pretend that you’re working if you need a suggestion.”

“I need to move around if you want me to look like I’m working.”

“I’m not capturing you with video! Do you see a camera in my hands? Being a model means you have to stay still. Besides, you guys don’t move around that much. I have seen plenty of guards just hanging out around the corner.”

“Then they’re not doing their job correctly.” The guard muttered before sighing.

“Work with me here!” Feliciano sighed as well, waving an impatient hand.

The other man sighed again, regretting that he said yes. A bit awkwardly, he crossed his arms and leaned up against the wall. He stared at Feliciano, as if asking him if his current pose was good enough. The Italian didn’t react at all. He just continued to stare at the guard who just sighed again, guessing that his pose wasn’t good enough. Looking around, the blond found that they were in the room with his favorite painting. He spotted the famous Italia und Germania right across from him. As he stared at it, the guard’s body relaxed and Feliciano let out a small gasp.

“That’s perfect! Stay like that and don’t move.”

“What?” the guard was about to move, but the Italian made a disapproving noise which made him stay in place. “How long is this going to take?”

“I don’t know. How much longer are you on break?”

“I would tell you, but you’ll yell at me for trying to look at my watch.”

This made Feliciano laugh for some reason and the guard just rolled his eyes before looking back at the painting, hearing the sound of the Italian’s pencil meet paper. “Do you treat all of your models like this?”

“I don’t usually have models. I mostly draw from memory. If I’m having trouble, I look at still life photos. Other times, I go out to the park and see what nature will provide. But like I said before, I’ve been struggling to find inspiration. The art museum is the best place when I’m in that kind of stump.”

“Why? Is it because your muse is in the museum?”

The guard heard Feliciano pause and just knew the other was giving him a look. “Did you seriously just try to make a pun?”

“What?” The guard tried to glance over at the brunet without moving his head, but the strain was too much for his eyes so he looked back at the painting, “What kind of pun would you get from that?”

“Muse? In museum?” Feliciano asked as if it was obvious.

“That’s a horrible pun!”

“Exactly!” the Italian continued drawing, “But if I’m honest, I do find my muse in the paintings here. I don’t really ask for people to strike a pose.”

“Then why me?”

There was a pause in the other’s drawing before he continued. “You inspired me. The paintings weren’t working out and just as I was feeling like I should give up, you appeared. I haven’t really seen you around here too much and I suppose that’s why. I guess I needed a change in scenery.” The guard hummed a bit, giving the tiniest nod he could without messing up his pose. “Besides, I’m surprised that people haven’t asked you to be a model. You’re really handsome. You’d probably be a good muse.”

The room seemed to have gotten warmer than before, or at least to the blond. “D-Don’t say such things!” he stuttered, causing Feliciano to laugh.

The guard thought about asking what about himself was inspirational, but the moment the words started to form on his tongue he shut his mouth. Judging from that last comment the other made, the blond figured it would be another embarrassing statement. Why did he make such a statement anyway? The guard thought before pushing his questioning thoughts away and focused on the painting.

Silence fell between the two of them. The artist focused on his work while the model did his best to keep the pose. Though, staring at a painting could only entertain someone for so long. The guard even went and thought about turning his head slightly just to glance at the other’s work. But even when the blond shifted slightly, Feliciano would mutter not to move. He didn’t want to exactly know what an angry artist would do if their model didn’t cooperate.

“Which painting are you looking at?” Feliciano asked out of the blue.

“Huh?” The guard took a moment to process the question, “Oh… Italia und Germania.” How did the guy even know he was staring at a painting?

“Oh?” the Italian sounded surprised, “Why that one?”

“Ah, well…” he paused, unsure of what to say. He even heard Feliciano stop drawing and was probably staring at the blond as he thought of what to say. “It’s actually my favorite painting here. I guess you can say that I like how Overbeck fused both Italian and German cultures in one painting. There’s also the fact that the painting is supposed to represent a marriage between Italia and Germania. You can see it in their gazes how they feel about each other…”

The guard stopped, clearing his throat as he felt a bit embarrassed with his explanation. Feliciano on the other hand laughed and continued his drawing. “It sounds like you can relate.”

“Not exactly…” the blonde started, but stopped when he heard the other humming.

“It’s all done~” Feliciano declared, sounding really happy with his results.

The guard uncrossed his arms and moved to look at the brunet, feeling a tad bit stiff from his pose. Stretching a bit, he moved over to see the other’s work and could only stare. He could tell the Italian had a passion for art. Seeing himself on the page, it looked as if the blond was just simply relaxing. There was even a faint trace of a smile, making the guard wonder just when he started to smile or if it was just the artist freestyling a bit.

“Do you like it?” Feliciano asked.

“Yeah.” The other admitted, looking over the piece once again, “I never thought I would see an exact copy of me on paper.”

That made Feliciano smile widely. “Well, you were a good model who stayed still! Did I take too long?” The blond glanced at his watch and the grimace was all the Italian had to see. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t blame yourself, uh…” the guard looked at the picture and saw the other’s signature, “Fel…lucyano?”

“Feli-chi-ano”

“Right, sorry Feliciano.” The blond nodded, “I should go then.”

“Sorry for making you late though.” The Italian apologized again. The guard just gave him a small wave and Feliciano put on a smile and got up to walk beside the other man after gathering his stuff. “But you were a good model! Your face is so expressive and it also shows in your eyes! There’s a lot of stuff I can work with if you wouldn’t mind modeling again sometime?”

The guard could hear the hopefulness in the other’s question. “I don’t know. We don’t really know each other…”

“Well, how about we go out for coffee when you get off then? That’s the best way to get to know one another. We can start off by talking about Italia und Germania if you wanted!”

The blond’s lips twitched into a small smile as he raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Maybe. I’m Ludwig by the way.”

[gerita-txt]

Okay hi. I’m Queenie. I don’t know how I should write this, but I’m going to quit this network. If you don’t mind, I’m going to state my reasons for quitting under the cut.

So yeah, I’ve been here ever since it started and I’ve stuck by pretty long. I sort of feel in the shadow of the other people in this network, but I’m always happy to make posts even though you guys are probably disgusted by my art ^^’

there’s that. And there’s also the issue about the admin of this blog [ludwig-bottomschmidt I won’t tag you because I don’t want to waste your time]. The only admin of this blog, the owner of it. Honestly I don’t hate the admin. I don’t hate anyone. I respect everyone and their opinions. But after I came home from walking my dogs, my phone went off like an alarm.

Of course, if the owner had said something about it earlier, I wouldn’t feel as strongly about it. We ship APH Germany and APH Italy with other people. You all know it’s true. But today I came home to messages that felt rude to me and honestly even if I respect your opinion and others’ opinions, if you don’t respect mine, you don’t have to get respect from me.

The messages were about not talking about multishipping. The first one I could handle. It was making [him? I’ll just use them because I’m not sure.] them agitated and I can understand that. I would’ve stopped right there. Another member agreed to stop talking about multishipping. But they went on and on. It sort of felt like someone attacking you even though you agreed to stop fighting them. 

So there was a small rant on Kik. It was just a rant. I could understand that. But then I logged onto Tumblr to scroll through my dash. The first post I saw was a ‘read more’ post. You know, I’ll always look at those because sometimes a person may be feeling down and maybe I can help. But that post was quite obviously directed at us. It said ‘if you multiship with a [APH] germany stay the f away from me.’ That was when I started getting angry.

We [the other member] had already agreed to stop talking about multishipping. We respected their opinions and feelings. But they didn’t respect ours.

I logged off Tumblr to let off some steam, because y’know, it was just a post. And when I logged back on all I saw were posts that made obvious references to us. We agreed to stop. We have our own opinions. And most importantly, THEY ARE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS. I didn’t even say anything, really.

The point of shipping is just to see what two characters would be like if they were together. It all boils down to RESPECT and OPINION. Everyone has their own opinion and I respect that. They don’t respect my opinion. I don’t have to respect theirs.

The last posts I saw about it were ‘it’s all up to what that person decides’ and they agreed, basically saying, whoever does this, it’s okay and your opinion is to be respected. Yes but the whole thing that started it was a post that didn’t respect their opinions.

I want to personally tell you, Chris, that before you start drama, take a moment to cool down and think about the events that led up to it and how they would feel.

I am quitting this network because:

- my opinions are not respected - I am not respected - and obviously that post was directed to people that ship APH Germany with anyone other than APH Italy, which is disrespect to others.

not because I feel overshadowed. Because if I don’t get respect, you don’t deserve mine.

As of today, I am leaving this blog, that chat, and blocking them.

[gerita-txt]

Amor Aeternus

Ludwig, the son of a Germanic Tribe leader, is offered a chance to visit the famous city of Rome, where he would fall in great acquaintance and love with the youngest son of the emperor, Feliciano.

Chapter 4

It was late by then, the streets practically empty except for the guards that passed from time to time still in their search. No trace was yet to be found of the prince, and many guards thus were told to head over out of the city to search along with the emperor. Aldrich had been one of those that joined along with them, telling Ludwig and Roderich to maintain their search still in the city.

It was a search Ludwig was still dedicated to, having just finished with one of the near baths. After the long night, Roderich was tempted to head inside for a washing of his own. Ludwig refused to let him, saying that it was unfit to rest and enjoy from this when the city was in turmoil for the wellbeing of the prince.

“We don’t even know how this prince looks like. He could have passed right by us and we wouldn’t have noticed.” Roderich commented angrily, sitting down by some stairs, taking in breaths and for once calming down.

“They told us to keep our eyes open for any unusual behaviors. We will just make do with that.” The prince could have his robe, maybe his own crown, a sort of richness in his clothing that could be seen easily. That’s how Ludwig hoped to find him at least.

Roderich huffed to the ground, tired enough to fall down to the dirty floor to sleep. The taller noticed, sighting, but deciding to give Roderich a break for once.

“You may return to the inn if you wish, I’ll continue with the search on my own.” Roderich was relieved to hear that, and wasted no time on heading his way back to the inn, hurried, afraid that Ludwig would call him back.

It seemed that he would be on his own, the dark, lonely and silent streets of Rome all for him, to explore secret passageways, statues, fountains, cobble, marble and ancient words scripted to the walls, all dancing and singing in his mind, serving a well distraction from his search. He let him all guide him around, opening new areas for his feet to stumble upon new. In his hypnotized state he did not notice that he was reaching the horse stables, where different horses from different parts of the continent where being kept.

Ludwig easily found their two, settled the furthest from the rest. At least they had space, a space Ludwig could enjoy as well, a break from his own search. He sat by a stool, petting both the horses, being reminded of his dogs back home. He dearly missed them, and he wished he could have brought them along on the trip.

Unaware to him, fine sandaled feet made their way down the side of the building, small stairs that fitted his small figure easily.

Building through building he had hidden, this storage one the longest he had stayed in. When he didn’t hear any more sounds in the area, he thought he could leave, sick of the foul smells of old meat and other mixtures for the animals in the stable. He wore a wine red hood, covering most of his figure, even his head. He was so preoccupied with leaving, that he didn’t even notice the other.

Ludwig, on the other hand, was lost in the memory of his dogs, but a single glance up, and the figure was clear to him. He grew defensive, taking a dagger from his belt to point menacingly. The hooded figure was immediately startled, turning so quickly to him that his hood had fallen, revealing the face of only but a young boy.

“Please don’t hurt me!” he said, his voice trembling. “I was only just coming down and I was thinking of taking a horse, b-but then, you’re there-pointing a blade at me, and I can’t do it with someone menacing me.” He admitted, still stuck in his place, clearly shaken, with tears already brimming on his bright brown eyes. Ludwig felt such a pity that he even lowered his weapon.

The boy let a moment of joy spread to him, a smile so bright it could have lighten this whole dark corner, but at the coming of loud group footsteps and shouts from the still searching guards, the boy moved closer to him, placing the hood back over his face, but not letting it completely darken his face so the stranger could still see him.

“Are you the stable keeper?” he asked Ludwig.

“No, I just passed by to see my own horses.”

“So this is your own horse then?” he pointed to it, letting himself pet it as lovingly as Ludwig did.

“Yes…” the boy halted every movement, even his breaths, as the guards passed, not glancing their eyes to them, as they had already cheeked this area, the young boy had already seen do it. Once they had passed did he let himself to move. He reached his hands to the inside of his cape, where he searched on his belt for a pouch, handing it over to Ludwig.

“I’ll grant you this as payment if you lend me your horse, and help me leave the city.” Now it was Ludwig’s turn to be startled.

The boy heard the guards pass yet again, which lead him to come closer, shoving the pouch to Ludwig. He had no choice than to hold it in his own hands, still unsure on what answer to give him.

“Please.” This time he begged.

Ludwig didn’t have much of a choice anyway, for the boy was already mounting his horse, taking the reins and looking down below at him, expecting him to be leading right away.

“Just till were at a far enough distance from the city, then I’ll continue on my way and you can have your horse back.” In the end he had decided to offer him help, although this all looked rather suspicious.

From what he could tell, as he lead him out the stables and helped him make his way through the city, slow since he was still walking beside him as he held tight to some of the reigns, he could tell that the boy had no weapon from the occasional opening of his cape. Although the glimpses he had were short, the clothing underneath seemed fine, nothing like even his own father could get with his friendship with the emperor. The cape was just as rich, not to mention that he just shoved at Ludwig a pouch of gold coins, which meant that he was probably a noble. He was harmless, nothing but an innocent boy trying to simply get out of the city. Ludwig found no harm in helping him.

“Are you planning to leave the city as you are?” he didn’t find on him any other bag, he only had but a small belt and he doubted it contained food and any other necessities.

The boy was silent at the question, his lips pouting as he realized this, grip tightening on the reigns. “Yes, I-I have gold and silver, and I can buy anything I will need out there.” He though it was enough.

“What if you get attack? Do you have anything that will protect you?” and the boy stammered, a blaberish of words as he tried to think of something he had he could use. He barely knew how to fight, he was not as strong as the guards and soldiers, and to be honest, this cape would not hold out any thief or bandit.

“I-I’ll run.” He answered.

Ludwig just hoped he was at least a good runner and had some sort of way to defend himself.

“If I may ask, why are you leaving Rome?” the question came quite suddenly after the silence.

“I couldn’t stand living there any longer.” Ludwig hadn’t expected him to answer, and with such a ferocity that had him turning in alarm.

“Why so? From your clothing I can tell you are of high class. You must have everything, a large house, servants and slaves, anything to your whim.” The boy hated how it sounded so much like his father.

“It all means nothing when you are limited to what you can enjoy.” He didn’t like showing anger to strangers, but after a life time of being told to remain silent and do as you are told, to ‘show that beautiful smile of yours’, being alone with him in the emptiness of the city, he finally could release what he could not in his home. “I’ve lived my life closed, expected to fulfill anything my father and brother wish, just for tradition and honor. Everything was controlled for me, my clothes, my food, and even my likings. There were days I wasn’t even allowed to gaze out the window, couldn’t paint what I wanted, couldn’t cook, couldn’t harvest in our gardens, not even sing and play the songs I wished to.” By now Ludwig wished he could have taken his words back, but he did no other than remain silent and continue his way, surely now more determined to take him out. No one should live with such restrictions.

“I apologize, I did not know.” And the boy seemed to forgive him with his quick smile, admiring how understanding the stranger was.

He leaned his head now to rest over the long neck of the horse, petting and whispering on how beautiful, tamed and loyal it was. He conversed with the animal like it was another person, maybe even a long friend. It was so sweet that Ludwig couldn’t help the slight smirk on his lip.

He could now spot one of the gates from a distance, ushering if even just slightly. The boy was jolted at the small quickness the horses suddenly took, his eyes having settled on the stranger who was helping him.

Sure, he had seen the occasional blond and blue eyed Roman, from the Italian province, Gaelic province or Hispanian Province, but he had never seen one with the features so prominent, skin so pale to go along with it, obviously not burned or hazed yet from the Mediterranean sun. He was so tall, and even under the tunics, capes and furs, he could tell he was well muscled, strong, such features even shown in his face, and oh dear was he handsome.

“You are not from Rome.” He identified, his gaze still strong on him.

“No, I’m from a northern tribe completely far from here.”

“A tribe?” that usually meant one thing. It had him sitting immediately well on the horse, terror in his eyes.

“A-Are you one of those barbarian murderers?” he was ready to run off as he was. Ludwig almost felt insulted.

“No! I’ll have you know, that in my tribe, I am considered a prince.” They weren’t as highly esteem as the emperor, but they were still dignified and deserved as much respect as any other royal member from the empire.

“So…you’re not going to murder me?” what a childish accusation.

“No, I will not, I am actually in the city by an invitation from the emperor.”

“For the prince’s birthday I presume.” Trusting his words, the boy settled back into the horse, leaning as he was, his still ongoing curious gaze on the man.

“Yes, but I also came to see the city itself. I’ve always wanted to come here, ever since a child.” The boy though it adorable, smiling and even giggling.

“Have you liked it?”

“I have only been here since the early afternoon, but from what I have seen, yes, it’s beautiful, I hope I can do more in my stay.” And the boy glowed like the compliment had been for him.

Despite how he had basically been trapped in the household all his life, from the occasional glimpses he took to see outside, the city was indeed a masterpiece, formed to every perfect detail by mind and work from his ancestors. It was a city to be proud of, dignified for the sun to crown, to reign…to be prince of.

The boy was going to miss it, but he couldn’t wait to leave it…he will no longer be a prisoner to it.

“I’m glad. I hope it continues to be what you expected it to be.” And they both shared a smile that exploded a sentiment in each other, flustering their whole bodies in an unfamiliar feeling. They had to turn away, suddenly afraid of it.

Never mind it, they should be focused on the road, the boy on escaping, and Ludwig on helping him out and returning back to his searching. It was no time to feel a sudden attraction to know more of strangers and passing helpers.

One of the less used gates was there for them, facing to the fields, mountains raging in the distance, dark and no guard in eyesight. Ludwig would have loved to help him out more in the distance, but he could not when he was expected in the city. He helped the boy down from the horse, making sure that the cape was well suited on him, like preparing armor on a soldier that was going off to war.

“Are you sure you can make it out there alone? I could wait with you till the morning for it to be safer.”

“I cannot, I have to make my leave now, before my family finds me.”

“Won’t you miss them?” Ludwig found himself thinking about.

No matter how they had closed him, his family most have cared for him to be so overprotective as to not let him out from whatever house he lived in. He wondered over how panicked they would be, how they would be as frantic to search as Augustus was doing for his son. The boy must have though the same as well, faltering on his steps, so close to running off out the gates. He turned to Ludwig, and for a moment he thought he was going to give up on all that now, to beg on him to return and apologize for the time he had taken from him on his almost escape.

“I will, but…I just can’t stay here any longer, even if I do care and will miss them along with the city, it won’t change how they treat me, it would only become worst if I return now.” If that was his final decision, then it would be.

The boy though he really needed to thank the kind stranger. With the familiar air they had grown, the boy though it well to let his hood fall off, to move his cape so Ludwig could take a good look at him, not darkened or hidden, now bright under the few dim candle lights that shone in the streets.

The city had been a wonder, but he hadn’t really met someone to go along with it, a Roman to shine as beautifully, like travelers so many times had told him. But with this boy, he finally saw it. His hair, his eyes, his skin, even to the features in his face, was like the bronze and marble around him, living as the trees and the water, taking the form on a human like this in front of him. He was left at such an allure from him that he couldn’t find a word to tell him, couldn’t even move the hands that were still holding the pouch with gold he had given him. Luckily the boy remained silent still for words to be needed, contemplating, his eyes gazing around him, until they fell on Ludwig, golden and blue meeting in quiet delight. Ludwig never though he could feel so in want for someone, for a man even.

“If only I could offer you more.” He finally said, even checking his pouch to see if he had some extra he could give him, but all he had now he would need.

“No.” Ludwig interrupted, picking himself up from his interested gazing and handing back the pouch to him. “You will need it for more than I would.”

“But I want to give you something as a token yet.”

“May I ask for your name then?”

“My name?”

“Yes, what is your name?” Ludwig didn’t expect him to feel so overwhelmed by it, like his name was a curse or something forbidden that should not be in the tongue of others.

The boy still stood so hesitant, anxious, but as he though on it longer, he though the stranger deserved this at least.

“May I have yours first?” He though it fare.

“Ludwig.” There was nothing holding back the strength in even the consonants. The boy could have melted into his arms at how readily he said it.

“I’m…”

“FELICIANO!”

the shout that erupted from the end of the road was enough to crumble the buildings around them. It had the boy cowering behind the horse, hoping that his father wouldn’t recognize him yet from the distance he was in. Could he still run? No, his father was coming down, still mounted in his own horse, heavily armed soldiers and guards to his command that instant, trailing at his back. He couldn’t risk running with people like that behind him.

Ludwig stood confused, offering to stand in front of the boy to hide, still wondering why the emperor would decide to pass through here.

“Ludwig!?” he noticed as he came closer, but he didn’t pay more attention when he noticed the small figure behind the other’s horse. He glared at him intensely, expecting the boy to come out and face him.

He had guards over at the gate, every escape now covered and giving no choice than for the boy to show himself. He shook, he trembled, he pouted, and tears began to swell on his eyes, switching his gaze from his father to the ground, feeling so small, embarrassed even.

“We spent months preparing this night Feliciano. People traveled over from places as far as Constantinople to witness your ceremony, we got the best of everything for you, I even sent for guards from all over the walls here for extra protection, and you ruin it with this silly escapade of yours.” And his tears fell, and his father didn’t do anything but stare, expecting an apology or any word he had on the matter. “If it wasn’t for Ludwig stopping you, you could have gotten out, you could have gotten hurt, kidnapped, killed!” The word had been so strongly shouted that Ludwig was afraid Feliciano would stumble in his shaken state. “The city was worried, your brother, I myself especially.” And for once he had fallen at ease, the more caring and soothing tone appearing. “But thank the gods, you are safe now, and no harm befell on you. Ludwig, I thank you for finding my son on time, you would be awarded fair soon enough.”

Ludwig had been so shocked.

So this handsome stranger, that he was on the brink of helping to escape, was actually the son of the emperor. He had been so dense to not notice, with his toga and cape, his taken care of state, his likeliness to the emperor and the older prince, even his story should have made it clear. He couldn’t let Feliciano continue with this heavy guilt, he had helped himself in this wrong doing.

“Sir, I-”

“I’m so sorry father, I did not mean for you to worry as you did, and I did not know that the ceremony came at such a high cost, but I-“Agustus did not let him continue, he was down from his own horse and was helping his boy to get on, not willing to hear any excuses he had for this.

Ludwig wanted to make it clear, but Feliciano had sent him a signal not to. If they were to find out that Ludwig had actually helped him, he would have gotten in trouble instead of being rewarded. This was his first time in Rome and Feliciano did not want to ruin it for him. Augustus gave one last nod to Ludwig, a good night and was off, along with the rest of his men, on their way to the palace surely. Yet Ludwig remained on his spot, hoping to be awaken from this dream, but the longer he stayed, he realized it was not likely, and what he witnessed, actually happened. Aldrich, who had been part of the group and had seen everything unfold from deeper in the crowd of guards reached him, waking him up from his stupefaction with a strong yet assuring hold on his shoulder. He advised to head to their inn and finally sleep for the night, and Ludwig agreed. A rest from all this could calm his mind, maybe even forget about the delightful meeting he had with the prince.  

[gerita-txt]

Never Too Busy [AU #4]

Written by: quminesme Word count: 851 AU: #4 Deaf/Mute

Ludwig never considered a romantic relationship once in his life. He was too busy for romance, he would tell himself. And so, after that day, Ludwig tried convincing himself that he was only at the music store to get someone to replace the cork in Gilbert’s flute. No one else was there except for the employees, Ludwig tried telling himself. But no matter what he did, he could not forget the cheerful smile of the deaf man that he found playing the piano.

“- Okay sir, we’ll replace the cork and have the flute done tuning in a few minutes, so maybe take a seat somewhere or check out the shop, yeah?”

“Yes, of course.”

This was a very good music shop, according to musicians in the town. They had many different models of instruments which Ludwig never had the time to learn how to play. As he waited, he saw a man on the opposite side of the shop, looking at the pianos. The man was thin, but looked very graceful. Ludwig averted his eyes. It was rude to stare.

As he looked up again, he heard music coming from the other end of the store. The man had sat down and started playing the piano.

Ludwig, though he never had the time to learn how to play instruments, recognized it immediately as Clair de Lune by Debussy. It was one of his favorite pieces to listen to on his slow days.

He could easily tell that the man was a talented pianist from the way he played the piano. He swayed with the music as his fingers brushed the keys and knew exactly how to emphasize a note.

Ludwig was feeling the strange temptation to learn how to play the piano, possibly from being inspired by the talented young man at the bench.

No, Ludwig thought, you are much too busy to dedicate your time to learning something so useless.

By then, Ludwig heard the notes leading to the end of the piece. Although his original ‘excitement’ was gone, he was still very eager, and curious (but he would never admit that he was curious) as to how the pianist would play those last few notes.

The pianist’s swaying slowed as his playing got softer and softer, the last note sounding like nothing more than a whisper. And with that, the song was over, seeming to flash by like a memory.

The man had gotten up, and started wandering around again, but Ludwig could tell that the pianist truly didn’t know where he was wandering.

Ludwig wanted to properly introduce himself and compliment the pianist on his beautiful playing, but he had no idea where his sudden anxiousness came from. That pianist was nothing more than just another man, right?

Ludwig began to walk towards the man, who was staring aimlessly at some papers in his hand. Sheet music, Ludwig realized. The man had bought some sheet music from one of the counters nearby. Ludwig stopped right in front of the man and took a deep breath.

“Hello.” Ludwig attempted to start the conversation with the simplest way he knew how.

To his confusion, the man didn’t answer.

“Excuse me, sir.” Ludwig tried again. Yet again, there was no answer.

Now he could either tap the man on the shoulder or leave. Tapping his shoulder seemed incredibly rude to Ludwig, so he decided to leave.

As he turned, Ludwig felt a finger tap his shoulder twice.

Feeling foolish for having turned in an entire circle, Ludwig turned around yet again, to be faced with the pianist.

At first, there was awkward staring. The man shuffled his papers into a folder and moved his hands in seemingly random patterns.

This added more onto Ludwig’s confusion.

“Pardon, what?”

The man seemed to realize something, as his eyes widened and his face went red. He then went on to do the hand motions for what Ludwig recognized as ‘sorry’ in American Sign Language.

The man pulled out a blank paper from his folder and clicked a pen that Ludwig hadn’t noticed before.

He scribbled hastily and turned the paper so that Ludwig could read it. In his messy scrawling, Ludwig made out the meaning of his scribbles.

I’m sorry to bother you sir but do you know where I could find the tambourines? Sorry, I don’t understand or hear what you’re saying because I was born deaf.

Ludwig gestured for the pen in the other man’s hand, which was given to him hastily before answering back in his neat handwriting.

They can be found in the corner to the left labelled percussion. I’d also like to say that I heard your piano playing earlier and liked it very much.

Ludwig clicked the pen once again before putting down the pen and sliding the paper back.

The younger looking man nodded and gave Ludwig a large and cheerful smile.

I’m too busy for love, Ludwig had once thought.

Three years in the future, that young pianist, named Feliciano would kiss him and sign him back.

You will never be too busy for love.

[gerita-txt]

Is the newest art a Grease!au? Because if so I think you should tell the artist that their roles should be reversed because Lud would not make a good Sandy was the artist stupid or something??

Why do you think the roles should be reversed, anon? Do you think Lud would ever be the aloof, careless rules-breaker type? Flirtatious in any way? Their only similarity is the way they pull back their hair. Feli would make a much better greaser than Lud, who’s the goody-goody type and enjoys reading and such.

Other than that, there’s no need to call someone names just because their interpretation of a certain character differs from yours. 

[gerita-txt]

love-and-hate-3 submitted:

OKAY IVE HAD THIS IDEA FOR A LONG TIME ILL KEEP IT BRIEF

So Holy Rome isn’t Germany. And Grampa Roma helps Holy Rome see Italy again. Italy is ecstatic and falls in love all over again with HRE. Germany is….actually very happy for Italy. He’s even the Best Man for Italy at HRE/Italy’s wedding. Germany’s all smiles and support for the weak nation. But every other country is like “whAT NO WHHAT ABOUT GERITA??” So they investigate and find out something about HRE

OKAY I KNOW IT’S LONG BUT I THINK YOU’LL LIKE IT THANKS

thanks for your submission! We’re happy you wanted to share your idea with us ^^’

[gerita-txt]

is frukmerunning a part of this group? You guys don't like steal her art or something right?

Yes she is indeed heh ^^

We’ll never post art of anyone without their permission on the group!

[clavicusvilemoved]

Superhero AU (I don't have a more creative title oops)

So like since I wrote this whole god damn thing on mobile I can’t put in the link to the AU. There was also supposed to be italics but it doesn’t look like I can do that.

For Feliciano the greatest thrill in life is to run away from the authorities and live life in the fast lane. After all it is a supervillain’s job to mess shit up. But he wasn’t known as Feli. He and his brother Lovino were known as Veneziano and Romano; the greatest and most fearsome villains of Hetaville. No one was really there to stop them since Hetaville was so small.

That was until the new superhero came. His name was Germany. His punches were not that skillful and were no match for Feli’s speed and grace. It amused him when he tried to stop him and Lovi.

They were breaking into a vault in the headquarters of a big business. The guards were knocked out and the cameras were off. And yet no Germany.

Weird. Feli thought. He’s usually here.

“Oi Fratello are you going to help me with this lock or are you just going to stand there with your head in the clouds and let me get caught?” His brother asked quite annoyed.

“Oh yes! Mi dispiace! Yes I’ll be right there!”

“You know someday we’re going to get caught and it’ll be all your fault since you’re so careless.” Lovi grumbled while fumbling with the lock.

Feli took the lock from Lovino.

“Well actually I think that it’s going to be because you can’t handle the equipment right.” The lock popped open. “See you just need a bit more grace!”

His brother grunted. “Whatever bastard.” he gave him a sly smile. “Lets get the money and go.”

__________

“Fruit! Vegetables! Get your fresh fruit and vegetables!”

The marketplace was alive with the buzz of gossip and rumors. He heard snippets of conversations that were about romance, fights, and some about the break in.

“I heard that no one came to stop Veneziano and Romano.”

“Where were the heroes?”

“Do you think that it will get worse?”

That bugged Feliciano. What’s a villain without their hero? Could something have gone wrong?

A young man with blue eyes and blond hair with a curious part sticking up approached him.

“Hey so uh are you Feliciano? I was told to go find you.” there was a hint of worry in the man’s voice.

“Oh! Are you looking to buy something? We have the best crops on Earth! You see, our farm is just outside of town and we come here every Sunday!”

“N-no it’s not that. It’s just that there’s this meet up near the intersection of 4th avenue and Main Street, down the alleyway there. We would like you to come. It’s important.” he sighed. “I’ll fill you in when you get there, just promise that you’ll be there. It’s at 10:00pm.” he handed him a small card. “Oh and make your brother come too.”

Feli examined it curiously there was a name and an address. “So your name is Alfre-” but the man was gone.

—-

Feliciano had asked his brother about it once he packed up for the day. His reaction to the meeting was more or less “What the hell do you think you’re doing? A strange man came up to you and asked you to go somewhere. You don’t actually think that this is a good idea do you?” But he wanted to go. After all it was important. That’s what Alfred has said. However he didn’t go unprepared. He brought his supersuit and ray gun just in case something happened.

As he turned down the alley something was wrong. There was no one there.

“Are you Feliciano?” a voice in the dark asked.

“Si, did you need me here?”

A man walked out of the dark into the dim light. He was tall and had blue eyes that shined through his dark mask.

Oh shit he’s hot

“We’ve been waiting for you here. Did you bring your older brother?”

“Um no I didn’t. He didn’t feel comfortable going here.”

“Well that’s to bad. I guess that we can only get one of you then, Feliciano. Or should I say Veneziano.” Feliciano’s blood ran cold. “You may know me as Germany.”

Feli gripped the gun on his belt. “You look different without your catsuit and mask.” Germany looked at him curiously.

“How did you find me? How do you know my name? Why am I here? Why weren’t you here when we were breaking in last night?” Feli was full of questions.

Germany gave him a sharp look. “Haven’t you figured it out already? I’m here to put an end to your deeds. As for knowing your name it wasn’t hard since you and your brother aren’t careful with using your gloves when breaking into stuff.”

Oh. He didn’t wear gloves since they were uncomfortable. They almost always wiped off the fingerprints when they were stealing stuff.

“And as for not being there last night, I knew that you would worry. It would give you a motive to come here. Now lets stop the chatting and get to business.” Germany pulled out a ray gun.

At that moment he heard someone come up behind him. “Veneziano run!” it was Romano.

He grabbed Feli by his arm and started shooting at Germany.

“What did I tell you about going here I told you it was a bad idea. You’re lucky that I was here on time.” Lovino griped.

“Well I thought that it was a good idea when I first came here. But now I think that we have to get out of this town.” he said.

“Why? Oh god Feli what did you do?”

“They know who we are. We have to leave.”

Lovino sighed. “All right. We’ll leave in the morning.”

Feli wondered if he would do if he ever saw Germany again. Or if he would ever get the chance. He kind of did hope that he would see him, although he knew that it was impossible.