A/N: Hello people! This two-shot piece is based on the medieval RP forum some good friends and I had, which ran for a short span of months in 2015.

Lovino Vitus / Italy Romano is RPed by yours truly

King Romulus Vitus / Ancient Rome by the amazing theheroineinprogress

Ludwig Ritter / Germany by the talented Dr Doitsu/LudwigBeilschmoot

Feliciano Vitus / Italy Veneziano by the equally awesome Pastakitten

Matilda Vita / Monaco by the wonderful stsenna

Ulrich Ritter / Germania by the incredible Tribal Beast!

Lines from the characters are credited to their respective RPers. Consider this a mere compilation of our collaboration and me just tying them together and supplying the starting lines and an improvised ending! They're all such impressive and creative writers. You can check out their stories on their accounts here (Except Tribal Beast, they don't have a ffn account)

Anyhow, enjoy a bit of family feels in this Medieval Fantasy AU. :)

Medieval RP Forum link: aether-hetaliarpg*.*forumtl*.com


"Family is supposed to be our safe heaven. Very often, it's the place where we find the deepest heartache."

- Iyanla Vanzant


The black canvas that is the night sky was flecked with twinkling specks of white, watching over the excited townspeople and nobles flocking in to the King's Castle. The heart of the Aether Kingdom was undoubtedly brimming with life tonight.

Many came buzzing into the lavishly adorned halls of the castle, admiring the rare, expensive pieces of art and impressive decorations bedecking the walls and the pillars. The finest of garments and jewelry were worn and flaunted every now so often with no shame; nobles especially loved to boast of their newest collections of gems. Lively music encouraged people to be merry, to dance.

Trays of delectable, mouthwatering food continued to impress guests, partnered with the overflowing infamous Viresi wine that was poured into the goblets held up by the wealthy. The king only offered the best of the best. It was intoxicating; it showed in their faces, with their gleeful smiles and peals of laughter that resonated among crowds. Intoxicating happiness, satisfaction. The King, with the Viresi culture and blood in him, always made it a goal to please people, live life to the fullest and enjoy music, the arts, and beauty.

King Romulus Vitus had ensured to make the royal ball a night never to be forgotten, and be spoken of for months to come. After all, he would definitely arrange for a bigger and grander event to follow the success of this one.

A man garbed with a fancy-looking red doublet with silver linings and a black leather belt around his waist strolled into the castle. Black pants tucked in his boots, and dark leather gloves for his hands. All these elegant clothes were thanks to his charms; talking his way in with the local females around the capitol to get him clothes. The grand ball was such an extravagant event to miss. He had to dress up for it.

Ah, but Lovino wasn't there to reconcile with his family...

He may have missed them just a little bit. Perhaps as well, the Vitus son wanted to see them from afar.

But again, that was never tonight's goal. Lovino went to the party because it was a good opportunity to get bits of treasures from all the rich women here; a golden necklace, a pouch full of gold coins, silver bracelets... Things he could easily slip in his pocket.

Oh, and maybe sneak in the royal bedchambers, too. Romulus must keep some of his prized possessions... And perhaps he'd take a visit at his old room as well.

The grand hall was impressive, he had to admit. Decorations, wine, food and all the merriment contributed to the perfection of this gathering. Lovino wondered, what was the reason for all this? Was Romulus to announce Feliciano as the official King?

He snorted, shaking his head. Lovino drifted close to the walls, pretending to admire a painting of Romulus holding a golden goblet in his hand.

The thought of the heir issue just made him bitter again. Not like there was a time he wasn't. It's all so stupid. His father, his brother, the whole kingdom... and himself. The eldest son of Romulus Vitus, who made a fool of himself and could never be better than his younger brother. To be the eldest, to be the king's heir... He knows he did not deserve it, and that truth he has believed was painful.

He was never good with his hands. Feliciano was a master of creating beautiful things, be it food or art, and his warm, and he wore an amicable demeanor which pulled people closer to him, admire and respect him as a true Vitus child... He was everything that Lovino was not.

He looked down at his gloved hands. Unskillful. Useless to the throne and the kingdom. The only thing he was good at was being a pickpocket... and that is how he survives day to day in the streets of the Capitol.

Now wasn't the time to distract himself though. He needed some cash to pay his rent and a beautiful woman to satisfy his eyes. He peeled away from the sidelines, blending in quickly with the crowd, and shoved his hands in his pockets as he observed the guests. People continued to flood the castle's grand hall. Nobles of Aether's regions were everywhere, and some people from the Capitol he's already familiar with... Such as that lovely baker, seemingly alone and admiring the castle's interior.

Perfect. A pretty lady who's distracted and easy to talk to. Emma Janssens, was it? A beautiful, career-driven pastry chef fairly well-known for her bakery and heavenly creations.

As he made his way towards Emma, Lovino froze in his spot when he saw his father standing just a few meters away from him and talking with the Ritters. King Romulus Vitus wore his fanciest and flashiest garments that reeked of glittering gold and soft silk. The Ritters were garbed in their house colors of black and yellow, distinguished among the colorful guests who wore warmer and more garish hues. Ulrich had not changed at all, with that "grim" expression on his stern face and long, pale blond hair. Beside him stood a seemingly smug and proud man. Was that the boy he met years ago? Gilbert, if he remembered right, with that unique white hair and sharp red eyes.

The longer he stared at Romulus, the angrier and miserable he became. Yet he still couldn't pull away from it.

Lost in his daze, conflicted thoughts and heavy emotions, the pickpocket had not realized he caught the eye of one Feliciano Vargas.


The younger Vitus had been talking to Ulrich's son, Ludwig, but never managed to continue the conversation the moment his eyes centered on the familiar figure. Innocent, amber eyes blinked at the recognition, and suddenly, everything else was irrelevant. Ludwig's voice, the music, the merry greetings- they all drowned away.

It has been four years.

And... he's returned home. His brother.

"...Lovi?" Feliciano whispered, taking a tentative step towards the other.

Returning to his senses, Lovino shook his head and finally peeled his eyes away from the king. He had to move now; he didn't come here to risk himself in any way with his family. He was here as... Lovino. Just Lovino. A man who lurked by the capitol's market and approached pretty ladies who were easy to talk to.

Speaking of pretty ladies-

He turned around to search for Emma, until his eyes met all too familiar amber ones. He stopped in his tracks once more, just staring at this person- another one he knew all his life. The surprise and sudden flow of memories filled his head. Feliciano. His brother, standing only a few feet from him with... what, this tall blonde macho knight?

Lovino's lips parted, as if he had something to say, but closed it immediately. His expression quickly changed to its usual grumpy state, and he frowned. As much as he wanted to walk away, there was this feeling of wanting to actually speak with his brother. It was... Feliciano, after all. The only thing he held against his brother was jealousy, but never hatred.

He was probably the only one who wanted him to stay in this damned castle.

Lovino walked towards his brother. "Tch, so do you remember me or not?" The older Vitus spat out, folding his arms across his chest.

The minute Feliciano saw Lovino approach him, his face immediately brightened with the sweetest of smiles he could ever have. He was quick to wrap his arms around Lovino for a hug, bubbling with excitement, happiness, and relief.

"Of course! Lovi! You're... You're finally here! Ah, let me-" He then grabbed one of Lovino's arms and pulled him over more, and gestured to Ludwig as he spoke.

The older Vitus son flushed beet red; what was happening? Where was this bastard bringing him? "Dammit, s-stop touching me!"

"Lovi, look! It's Luddy! I don't know if you know him or not, but he used to be my best friend when I was younger! He came here! So many people came here, it's so amazing!" He spoke quickly, radiating like the summer sun with his chirps and smiles. "Oh, Luddy, this is my brother!"

Ludwig raised a skeptical eyebrow upon their introduction. He was fairly certain that this man was the other king's son that had disappeared nearly four years ago.

Lovino groaned as he tried to push his younger brother away from him. His cool and seemingly evil prodigal brother entrance was just ruined by this idiot who was quick enough to hug him and dragged him. As much as he hated this, he kept his voice and resistance at minimal so as to not draw too much attention, especially from Romulus.

As much as he didn't want to admit it, Lovino did miss Feliciano. Much more than he had expected.

Feliciano attempted to pull one of Lovino's arms out to make him try and shake Ludwig's hand.

The younger Ritter's mind was also muddled with plentiful worried thoughts. Should someone be telling the king about Lovino's return? Should I call him 'Your Highness'? He still is technically the eldest son, but he's also not in line for the throne anymore... But returning to the castle may imply the seat should be given back to him, would it not?

The blond was torn between doing his noble duties to inform the King of Lovino and attempting to make a conversation with Lovino, as Feliciano wished. In the end, he stiffly held out his own hand, trying to keep a straight face. Hopeful that the many worries in his head would not seep into his expression. "As Feliciano said, I'm Ludwig from the house of Ritter."

Wearing an even more miserable face, the older brother slapped away Feliciano's hand and crossed his arms instead, eyeing this man curiously. Luddy, Feliciano says. Critical, hazel eyes examined him from head to toe. Well, it was no doubt about it. "You look like old man Ritter, after all." Lovino said. The same stern expression and physical features were a giveaway to who he was. "Yeah, and as this idiot said, I'm Lovino, and I am not shaking your hand."

Lovino's vulgar mouth and hostility didn't hold themselves back against the young Ritter. It may be because he's anxious with attending the royal ball and all. Maybe because he's being pressed with his nostalgia, or it just might be he felt a bit protective of his younger brother. He was almost sure there was something between Ludwig and Feliciano; with a dead hint that the first thing his younger brother did upon seeing him was introduce him to his so-called best friend.

The tall blond cleared his throat then, lowering his hand to his side. Ludwig found himself at a loss when it came to what he should do next. He had been expecting Lovino to be similar to Feliciano, however appearance was the only thing that he could mark as a similarity between the two.

This is a reunion, he thought to himself. Perhaps it would simply be best to leave these two to their reuniting? Yes, that would clearly be the best option here. He did not know Lovino that well and clearly it would be good for the two brothers to talk alone rather than to try and include Ludwig in the conversation.

"Your highnesses," his voice called, breaking the uncomfortable silence between the three of them. He had decided to create a simple lie to slip out of their space. "It was lovely speaking with you, but I think someone has just called my name, and my assistance is needed there. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the rest of the ball."

Ludwig gave a stiff bow before exiting quickly to visit the long table teeming with various delicacies and cuisines. It was not difficult for the crowd to conceal him almost immediately who were also sampling the food and admiring the architecture of the castle's grand hall.

"W-What?" Feliciano turned, saddened and confused by this sudden departure. The young Vitus heir was positive he heard no one call out for Ludwig. He gave a little sigh.

The older brother snorted the moment Ludwig excused himself, muttering, "A big bastard but a complete idiot." Turning to Feliciano, Lovino raised a brow in the obvious gloomy mood he had on his face when his so-called 'best friend' left for an invisible person calling him.

What, so he preferred the company of that man than his own brother?

"Sorry about that, Lovi," He said, feeling a little awkward and dejected about everything that happened, but he tried to not let the events bother him. He plastered on another warm grin, his bright amber eyes fully centering himself on his brother now. "I don't know why he wanted to leave. But Lovi! I didn't think I'd even see you here! I'm so glad you came!"

His smile grew bigger, as he let himself give Lovino another big hug. He knew Lovino must've been a little happy to see "little" Feliciano again too. He just didn't show it as well, but he knew it was there. They grew up together, being good friends and playmates, looking out for each other until...

Until that time. When favoritism peaked so much it was impossible to miss.

"Sorry, yeah." Lovino rolled his eyes and clicking his tongue in irritation. "Stop the act, will ya? You know you could just follow that man instead of me, it's that obvious you'd be happier with him. And stop hugging me! People aren't supposed to know I'm here!"

His cheeks flushed red from embarrassment, his hands awkwardly on his sides, but still, he tried to squirm out, instead of pushing Feliciano away. He... couldn't bring himself to do it. He missed this kind of warmth. This love.

Finally, the older Vitus brother managed to squirm away and miraculously not throw a barrage of cusses at Feliciano. Lovino straightened his doublet and dusted off his sleeves. He threw a stern look at the younger Vitus, before the embarrassed shade of red grew even more florid. Man, this was... difficult, and awkward. "S-So... How have... you been? And... Romulus..."

Feliciano couldn't help but let out a small laugh. He hadn't changed one bit, he thought, admiring his brother and all that he was - stubborn, angry-looking, but also still caring. Perhaps, the younger brother may be the only person that could see past all of Lovino's bitter attitude to see all that love inside him. Feliciano always seemed to see the best in everybody, and he know Lovino had so much love inside that he could not show. For him, and their family.

At the question, his smile faltered a little bit.

"Well... We're good,"Feliciano glanced down, sadness seemed to have washed over him a bit. Lovino had to look away, biting down the guilt brought by his reaction. It has been years and... the weight of it all never really lightened.

We're good.

It kept repeating in Lovino's head. Just 'good'? The king and his family managed to host this lavish, grand ball, with all sorts of people coming as spectators of the kingdom's happiness and wealth.

"We miss you a lot though," His eyes looked back up at Lovino. It was different without his brother around. Sure he could be a big jerk sometimes, but Feliciano was always happy to see his brother. There was a special bond he felt he had with him, they were brothers after all. He naturally loved his brother, and for him to have been gone for so long... Things felt a little emptier at home. "You could just stay you know..?"

He gave a small smile. Lovino absolutely refused to look at him, merely scoffing and running a hand through his hair.

"I know you have lots of reasons to probably not stay, but... I miss you a lot." He gave his brother yet another hug, this one tighter, as if he knew Lovino would not stay, and it might be another, very long time before he got to see him again.

"Idiot, as if I would stay again here. Your pathetic reason isn't enough. Besides, you're doing well, it seems. No need for me to ruin everything again, right?"

The older Vitus did not try to struggle or squirm out this time. His hands hung motionlessly by his side, his expression nearly indecipherable, if it weren't for the pooling of tears that were prepared to betray him. His voice almost cracked at the last things he said.

It was nice to hear he was missed. It was nearly four years since he last stepped in this castle. But he knew it was only Feliciano who missed him. Everyone in the palace never saw him as Lovino Vitus who struggled so much to meet everyone's expectation, but as Romulus' problem child who was never fit to rule. Tears were wiped away before Feliciano had the chance to look at him.

Feliciano let go, and stared at Lovino, a little hopefully. It was impossible not to see the tinge of longing and sadness in the boy's kind, amber eyes. "But you should consider it, you know..?"

"I'm in a better place outside the castle," He smirked, hands on his waist. He wasn't going to tell him the details, but, "I'm more useful there than this hellhole."

A brief moment drifted between the two brothers. Lovino's smug half-smile faltered into a strict line, almost a scowl. A determined, pain scowl. Hopeful eyes met Lovino's stern hazel pair. "I will never come back to this damned castle. Remember that, Feliciano."

Feliciano, yet again, had to feel disappointment wash over him. Lovino would not come back to stay here. How many more people he cared about so much would leave him behind? Mama... His thoughts softly reminded him, how too early she was taken away from them, how he and Lovino wailed the night of her passing. It had become lonely in the castle without its guiding light, and even lonelier without his brother by his side. It was all that this castle was becoming... Lonely.

It must have been a rare chance for him to see Lovino at this ball at all. That thought continued to surface again from the back of his mind. Who would leave next..? He already knew the inevitable fate that his father would one day... No. He did not want to look that far into the future. He needed to fight these thoughts.

He forced a small smile for his brother. Because Lovino had his own heart aches too. He did not want to impose something that would just hurt him.

"It's alright Lovi, I understand."

Lovino wouldn't be gone forever, I will still see him! Yes... And... Maybe Lovino is just taking a really long vacation right now! And he'll come home soon, for good...! It wasn't the most believable thing Feliciano could think of, but it certainly helped chase away those sad thoughts for a little while. He couldn't help but pull his brother for a tighter hug again. He wanted to hold him longer. Forever, if he could, if it meant that he could stay with him here.

In all honesty, the older Vitus brother expected another round of "Brother, please stay!" from Feliciano, but instead, this response just sort of surprised him- in a way it made his features and heart soften quite a bit for a brief moment.

"Y-Yeah, alright, g-good..." Lovino replied awkwardly, for once surrendering himself to the hug and patting Feliciano's back lightly. It felt warm and nice, he had to admit.

As the two Vitus siblings were caught up in their own affairs, King Romulus jovially welcomed further guests and took time to speak to them. The Ritters have gone on to enjoy the rest of the festivities. The Vikings and their new female companion entered; he had invited them despite the region of Forbitrelse out of the Aether Kingdom's governance. This was a ball meant for everyone, after all. He would have to greet the Earl and his crew later on. Romulus scanned the room, finding the Czars of the north returning to the bylines.

Just as they moved from the center, he finally managed to get a glimpse of Feliciano once again. Hosting the balls like this made it difficult to keep track on where his heir had gone off, or who he was talking to. Romulus did remember Feliciano whisking away Ludwig to catch up. This time, his sweet Feliciano was talking to another of his children...

"Lovi..." He breathed out. Remorse written all over his face. How would he even approach them?

"Lady Czarina, Lord Czar." The king met them with a greeting once the Czars approached. "Lord Ivan, I'm glad you have come safe from your travels. I was anxious to see Lady Natalya alone earlier, but alas- Sir Alfred was kind enough to keep her company." He grinned, avoiding to see Feliciano and Lovino from the distance while talking to them.

He could not postpone this for longer. His heart was heavy. "Now would you please excuse me, I'll be right back." Bidding them with a respectful nod, Romulus stirred himself to the younger Vitus' direction. His pace slow and anxious, hands clenched into fists that he attempted to hide by resting them behind him.


"So... Where are you staying now..? I'd really like to come visit some time... I don't want us to not get to see each other for years at a time... It's not as fun here without you." Feliciano smiled a little, it wasn't as powerful as his smiles normally were.

If he could have some reassurance he could see Lovino a little bit more, that would be more than enough. Part of him was so tempted to tell his father Lovino was here, so maybe he could make Lovino stay, but... That wouldn't be fair to Lovino. Who knows? Maybe Lovino is living in a big palace of his own somewhere! That was a nice thought.

While Feliciano's thoughts were focused on those matters, Lovino was in an urgency that he needed to break away from this nostalgia and sentimental thoughts to find an escape now. No way was he in the condition to be stealing from pretty ladies at the moment. His train of thinking was quickly interrupted by Feliciano's question, and he blinked at him.

"W-What," Lovino's face returned to its sour frown, and took another step back. "I won't tell you, of course! I'm not a fucking idiot!"

What, he'd let himself be found in the taverns drunk as hell? Or sleeping with bandits and stray cats in the outskirts of the Capitol? Or be dragged back to the kingdom?! "What's the sense of running away if I tell you?!"

His face remained annoyed for the next few seconds, before a scarlet color swept his cheeks again and the older brunet had to look away.

"I-If you w-wanna see me, though... W-We can meet up somewhere, sometimes... Just don't tell Romulus about it." He couldn't look at Feliciano comfortably now. He hated to admit that he wanted to see his younger brother again after today.

"... Don't tell me what?"

Lovino stiffened at the voice.