A/N: Hello my dear readers and welcome to Hetalia Fairytales, where magic is real, same-sex marriage is legal, and all your favorite shippings get their happy endings! This story took me a grand total of about 19 hours to write. And not all in one day. This story will be updated pretty slowly. Thankfully, each new chapter is a new fairy tale, so... No cliff hangers! Yayz!
This is by far, my favorite shipping. Lets face it, Spamano is perfect. They were made for each other. So I poured my heart and soul into writing this, a beautiful take on Cinderella! With Spain! And Romano! Heck, let's even add Italy, Germany, Prussia and many more! The perfect Conderella-story for the Hetalia fan!
I really, really hope you all like it. Really. I worked really hard, so anything mean won't be tolerated. Please enjoy, read and review! you're you at the end of the story! XD
Antonerella
"ANTONIO!" A loud voice yells from the other room. "DAMMNIT Antonio, get your lazy ass in here!"
"I'm coming!" A handsome dark-haired young man rushes down the hallway. "Stupid brother. Do it yourself for once in your life." He mutters as he steps into the room.
"What was that?" His younger brother steps toward him. "Did you say something?" Utter contempt is barely masked in his voice, an angry look plastered on his face.
"Why no, Lucas. Of course not,"
"Well good." His younger brother, clearly failing to notice the sarcasm dripping from his voice, moves on. "As you know, the royal ball is tonight. Bella needs to be looking her absolute best. After all, we have to count on someone to not be a failure and secure us a good position. You need to get her dress completely ready, lay out her accessories, do her hair, brush the horses, prepare the carriage, shine the carriage. And I want to see it gleam."
"Aye aye cap'n!" Antonio salutes the younger boy, earning another angry glower.
"See to it that it's done. You have 3 hours, or you'll be sorry." With that, the man turns and stalks off, his pointy blond hair bobbing up and down with every step. Seriously, how does he get his hair like that? Antonio thinks as he watches the retreating figure.
"Well, I best get out the dress after Bella comes in. One look at it, and she'll head for the hills," he mutters. "And I can't blame her. So would I." The house can hardly be called large, it's an enormous mansion, really. The bedroom was no different, a large king-sized bed covered in a royal blue comforter and adorned with gold and blue pillows had sat in the center, the surrounding area containing two lavish plush chairs and a large ornate walnut dresser. A large portrait of a smiling girl with shoulder-length golden blond hair and bright green eyes hangs on the wall. Leaving the bedroom, Antonio walks down the long hallway. The walls are painted in a rich dark cherry going to about two thirds of the way to the floor, where it's met by warm oak wood. The floors are the same soft chestnut brown, covered in lavish oriental rugs. The siblings former father had been a trader, and he had had a personally close friend in a Chinese man whose company made the rugs. Chandeliers of thick crystal hung from the ceilings, causing the bulbs of light to flicker and glisten, dappling the room in a warm glow. Entering a large kitchen with the same deep crimson and oak wood furnishings, a dark green and gold-flecked granite covering the surfaces, Antonio goes to the back door and sticks his head out the door. "Bella! It's time to come in! I have something for you!" A young girl runs over to him, eyes ablaze with curiosity.
"What is it? Is it churros? Did you make me churros, Antonio?!" Not giving him time to reply, she darts into the house, rushing down to her bedroom while yelling "Yay! Churros! I love churros!" Sighing, Antonio follows her down the hall. When he gets to her bedroom, he locks the door and hides the key in his pocket.
"I did not make you churros, mi hermana. Lo siento, but I must get you in this." He holds out a beautiful rich green ballgown, strands of pearls adorning the hem and sleeves, small thin straps forming an X to tie around her neck. Bella takes a few steps back, her eyes narrowing.
"DAMMNIT Antonio! You tricked me!"
"Lo siento. Please put the dress on Bella. You know Lucas will take it out on me if you don't." Grumbling, Bella grudgingly allows him to help her into the dress. "Tu eres muy bonita! You look great!"
"I don't like it."
"I let you wear trousers underneath it!"
"I. Don't. Like. It."
"Deal with it."
"Hmmph." Another hour is spent twisting Bella's hair into an elegant wave, combed onto one side, soft curls flowing down to her shoulders. Her hair was incredibly knotted from being outside and Antonio broke quite a few combs. After that, her makeup is added. Not much, just a bit of dark brow mascara and a pale green shadow to the eyes, making the emerald green pop, a soft pink to her lips. She needed no blush. However, this took longer than he expected, and he had to rush to complete the other tasks. Finally, after the coach was shined, he wobbled into the study on weary legs, falling onto the soft couch. He sighs.
"That was exhausting. No fun." He sighs. "I shouldn't stay here. Lucas has a bad temper. He gets angry when I'm on his mothers couch." He's about to get up when his cat, Roma, jumps up next to him. "Roma! I'm so happy to see you!" He reaches towards the cat and pulls the soft brown animal into his lap. The cat curls up and sleeps. "How do I get up now? Roma, I need you to move or I'll get... In trouble..." The exhausted boy has already fallen asleep, the small cat curled on his lap.
"BELLA!" A voice yells. "Come on! We have to go!" The frustrated girl walks purposefully slow down the stairs. "Quickly." He says angrily.
"Can't Antonio come?" She asks.
"No. That sewer rat is lucky he gets to stay in this house. Where is he anyway-" He breaks of as he passes the study as sees the boy asleep. On his couch. His late mother's couch. Where he was never allowed. Lucas begins to seethe. "What are you doing?" He whispers in a low voice, moving towards the sleeping man.
"Lucas-"
"Stay out of this Bella. I've told him a million times to stay off the couch and out of this room. He needs to learn his listen." Raising his foot, he brings it down hard on Antonio's stomach. Yowling, Roma runs from the room as Antonio is rudely awoken, coughing and trying to catch his breath, fiery pain spreading in his stomach. He looks up and his eyes meet Lucas's. Fear stretched across his face as he quickly jumps up from the couch.
"Lo ciento, Lucas! Fue un accidente!" Lucas doesn't respond, instead he smack Antonio. Hard. The boy cries out in pain, his cheek rddening from the slap. As he turns to face his brother, another swift kick to the stomach knocks him to the ground. He coughs, the pain drastically increasing, writhing on the floor holding his bruising stomach.
"I TOLD YOU TO NEVER COME IN THIS ROOM! HOW DARE YOU?! THIS WAS MY MOTHER'S COUCH AND WORTH MORE THAN YOU WEIGHT IN GOLD AND YOU JUST SOIL IT?!" He kicks him again, this time knocking him into the coffee table, as Antonio cracks his head against it. Hearing the loud THUNK and seeing the small trickle of red coming from Antonio's forehead, Bella blinks, as if coming out of trance, before rushing into the room and grabbing her brother.
"LUCAS! Enough! We're going to be late!" Lucas turns towards her and doesn't speak for a long time.
"...fine." He turns back to the boy on the floor. "Since you like this room so much..." He moves to the coffee table as picks it up, heaving it over, cracking it in two and causing one of the legs to break off. His siblings eyes widen as Lucas tears through the room, destroying everything in his wake, but leaving the couch untouched, before moving into the next room. "Why don't you spend the rest of the day cleaning it?" He hisses.
"Ay no! Lucas, please! Stop!"
"Why don't you make me." As Lucas rips the house to shreds, Antonio crumples to the floor as Bella rushes over to him.
"Are you okay Tony?"
"What do you think?" He responds. "Of course not. And even if I was, I soon won't be! He'll ruin everything I worked so hard on today and all the rest of it! Esto es terrible! Estúpido hermano idiota! What do I do now?" He moans, cursing his brother. "Can't you do something?" Bella just looks away, not wanting to incur her brother's wrath on herself. Antonio just glares at her before saying "Go get in the carriage."
"But-"
"Just go! It's not like you'll do much good staying in here. At least he'll leave faster." She doesn't say anything, just moves out the door. A few minutes later, Lucas appears again.
"Where's Bella."
"She's waiting for you in the carriage." He mumbles.
"We are leaving. This house had better be spotless by the time I get back. Spotless" He walks out the door, slamming it hard behind him. Antonio watches the carriage drive off down the road before turning back to the house. As he walks through, his face gets sadder and sadder.
"He wrecked the whole house. Not a single room is clean. Yo nunca voy a limpiar todo el tiempo. Esto es imposible! Stupid asshole! That damn brother is so ungrateful! This isn't fair, dammnit! Stupid father! Why did you have to remarry? Why do I have to clean? Why am I treated unfairly? ¿Por qué es tan cruel? ¿Por qué tuviste que morir, papá? ¿Por qué es así? ¿POR QUÉ YO?" He's crying now, hot tears running down his face, making his reddened cheek sting and mixing with the blood. Frustrated that he was crying, he goes to rub at his eyes when he hears a voice.
"I'm not quite sure why, old chap. Life is unfair that way." Antonio slowly turns around to see a floating blonde man hovering in the destroyed study. The man's green eyes rest on him in a curious stare, the white yoga he wears almost too short. Almost. He has winged sandals on his feet, a halo above his unkempt dark blonde locks and large white wings spreading from his back. He holds a small wand with a golden star at the tip of it in his hand. Antonio's green eyes widen in shock and he yells.
"QUIEN DIABLOS ES USTED?!"
"AH BLOODY HELL! Don't yell at me, you'll make me go deaf! I'm Arthur, the Britannia Angel! I'm here to help you!"
"Help me? Why?"
"You're destined for greatness, old chap! I'm simply here to put you on the right path! You're going to the palace!" Antonio sighs.
"No I'm not. I need to get started on the cleaning or I'll never finish before Lucas gets home. I want to eat tomorrow, thank you. I must've hit my head too hard..." He goes to walk away from the strange floating man.
"Now hold up! I am must assuredly real, you wanker! I'll prove it!" With a snap of his fingers, sparks fly out, surrounding the room and spreading through the house. As the rooms glow brightly, the strange magic begins to work. The broken furniture and ruined walls fix themselves. The holes and stains on the couches and chairs disappear. The ruined paintings and broken doorknobs repair. Antonio watches all this either wide eyes, unbelieving if he hadn't seen it himself. He turns back to the man. "Now do you believe me?" Arthur has a smug look on his face.
"Realmente eres la magia ... I believe you."
"Magnificent! Then you'll go!"
"Hold on, I can't go like this! I look like shit! I won't exactly make a good impression." Antonio wasn't really interested in going to te ball, but he figured that since he didn't really have a choice, he might as well meet some royal ladies and have a nice night for once.
"Hmm, yes you're right. Now I do apologize if I mess this up, I've never been much good at transformation magic, but I'll do my best. HOATA!" A flash of light bursts from the wand and engulfs the startled young man. He can feel his broken skin on his forehead healing, the bruises and slap marks fading away. He also feels his hair growing, falling down to his back. He raises his eyebrows as the clothes around him begin to change as well. His tattered white shirt changes to a deep emerald green bodice, long sleeves which change ito a soft mint green see through chiffon at his elbows, a mint green ribon lacing up the bodice. The deep green bodice flows onto two side, revealing a mint green skirt flowing around Antonio's legs. Small (too small) glass slippers form around his feet with a greenish tint. Silver and emerald jewels adorn his neck and wrists and a mint green band holds his curly dark brown hair off his face. He looks beautiful- and like a girl, even though he's still biologically a boy.
"AY DIOS MIO, ¿QUÉ DEMONIOS LE HAS HECHO A MÍ? I'm not going to a ball looking like this! How do I pick up girls?!"
"No time for that, old chap! And you should be thanking me! The coach is waiting!"
"The coach?" Arthur pushes him out the door, and his mouth drops open when he sees a large white coach with ornate golden designs, plush seats of royal purple in the inside, 4 brilliant white stallions ready to go. A man sits on the seat, a small hat on top of the young man's fluffy light brown hair, sparkling yellow eyes peering at him curiously. "Wait... Yellow?" The young man smiles and rushes over, hugging him.
"Antonio! It's me! Roma!"
"ROMA?!"
"Yup! Arthur said he'd give me fish if I did this, and I love fish it's just yummy all the juicy flesh and delicious oceans taste oh it's the best kind of meat but Veni disagrees with me oh Veni is my friend we hang out all the time it's really fun he says that-"
"Ok, ok! Be quiet!" Antonio has started to get a slight headache. Still almost surprised he's not dreaming. "Someone pinch me... OW! What the heck Roma?!"
"You said to pinch you! Don't hurt me, please don't hurt me!"
"I'm not gonna hurt you." With a heavy sigh, he climbs in the coach. "Come on, it's time to go. I can't believe I'm doing this..."
"Wonderful! Have a magnificent time!" Arthur says. "Get there safely! And one last thing, this spell only lasts until midnight. Be home before then because everything will go back to normal. Except the house. Consider it a... Parting gift. Now I need to get going. He's waiting for me!"
"He?" Arthur just winks and disappears. The carriage is off, jerking down the road, Antonio holding on for dear life. "SLOW DOWN ROMA!"
"Nyahahahahahahahaha!"
...
"Man... I really don't belong here." He's standing at the castle, the two giant doors wide open, people on lavish gowns and crisp suits stroll past him as if it's the most natural thing.
"Are you going in?" A voice echoes behind him. He turns to see a tall blond man standing behind him, his hair slicked back. He wears a black suit with a light blue tie the exact color of his eyes.
"Ah, lo siento. Yes I am."
"It's no problem." The man responds. "First party?"
"Yes, it's..." His voice trails off.
"It's a bit extreme? Not used to it?"
"Exactly!" The man chuckles.
"I remember my first ball as vell. I was very nervous. Couldn't stop shaking, until I met Feli."
"Feli?"
"Feliciano. Feliciano Vargas." Antonio's eyes widen.
"The prince?!"
"Yes, ze prince. I'm his boyfriend, Ludwig. It's nice to meet you, my lady." He bows low.
"Ah, th-thank you. Likewise." He's about to bow but remembering he looks like a girl, he does an awkward curtsy.
"Shall ve go in?"
"I-I'll see you in a minute. I'm just... Taking it all in I suppose."
"Of course. I vill introduce you to Feliciano vhen you come in, I believe he vill like you." Smiling, Ludwig walls into the castle and Antonio is left staring after him. His gaze travels up the hall and he lets out another sigh. After deciding he wouldn't stay for very long, just talk to a few people, he takes a deep breath and starts to walk into the castle before stumbling.
"Damn shoes..." He continues to walk. He was gonna damn well enjoy this night! After all, he deserved it! He reaches the top of the staircase and is about halfway down when he stumbles... And stars to fall forward down the stairs. Shit, shit, shit! I'm gonna fall!
...
"Come on fratello, you have to at least try to enjoy the party!" The two princes stand side by side, gazing out at the partygoers. The one speaking has a lighter shade of brown hair, his chestnut brown eyes wide in distress. The taller one with the darker hair growls and frowns at his little brother.
"Why should I? I don't care for people!"
"But you're the next King!"
"I don't wanna be!"
"Well you have to! You're older, and smarter and you know more about the kingdom! Plus I'm moving out to live with Ludwig soon!"
"That scary tall guy? You could do better!"
"Don't talk about Ludwig that way!"
"Talk about me in vhat vay?" The two brothers turn to see the serious German walking towards them.
"Ludwig!" Feliciano throws his arms around the taller man. "I missed you!"
"Ve just saw each other 3 days ago!"
"But that's too long!" Lovino rolls his eyes and turns to look at the guests, disgusted at their attempts at flirting. Still, they make a good pair. HIs gaze drifts to the staircase, observing the partygoers in their fancy gowns and suits. His eyes lift to the top of the stairs and rests on a pretty girl with dark brown hair in an elegant emerald green dress. He moves a few steps forward, finding himself drawn to the girl at the top of the stairs. Then as she descends, he notices as her steps falter, and sees her wobbling midway down the marble staircase. She's going to fall! He starts running towards her, his brother and Ludwig noticing this.
"Where are you going, Lovino?" Ludwig says, his gaze following the young man as he runs, noticing him moving towards the stairs and he sees the girl as well. "Ah! Oh no!" He starts to run after Lovino, Feliciano letting out an indignant cry as he follows quickly.
"What's wrong?!"
"See that girl on the stairs?" Feliciano looks.
"Oh no! She's falling!" Meanwhile, Lovino is pushing his way through the crowd, eyes fixed on the girl as she wobbles. Her feet slip down the stairs as she pitches forward, getting airborne, a look of fear on her face. The entire crowd is staring now, heads turned at the sound of the girl's frightened cry. Lovino speeds up, racing through the people to reach the girl.
….
Shit, shit shit! Not good! Antonio waves his arms wildly, trying to regain his balance. However, his flailing just knocks him off balance even further, and when his feet finally leave the ground, he's flying forward. He can't help but utter a helpless cry as he falls down the stairs, the hard marble floor nearing closer and closer. This sucks! I shouldn't have come to this stupid dance! He squeezes his eyes shut, not wanting to see the ground rushing up towards him. However, when he finally stops falling, he isn't hurt. In fact, he landed on something quite soft, not quite what he was expecting. He opens his eyes and looks around, blushing when he sees everyone staring at him, then realizing his foolish he must've looked and his face grows even redder. His eyes snap to the front of the crowd when he notices two figures pushing their way towards him. When so,etching moves beneath him, however, he quickly realizes why he isn't hurt.
"Would you kindly GET THE FUCK OFF ME!" A young man is underneath him, his dark brown messy, hazel eyes flashing. Antonio's face turns even redder as he moves to scramble off the boy. The two people have reached them both now, the shorter brunette helping up his brother and the blond helping Antonio.
"L-Lo siento! I'm very sorry; it was an accident! Are you okay? You're not hurt or anything? Oh man, I'm really sorry!" The man he knocked down watches him for a moment before responding.
"Whatever. It's fine. I...I'm glad you're okay." He mumbles, voice barely audible, a light blush creeping across his face.
"Aw, you're so sweet, fratello! Are you sure you're alright, miss?" The shorter brunette smiles at him.
"Ye-" Antonio breaks off when he notices that everyone is still staring, and he self-consciously looks down at his feet, embarrassed at making a scene. The three men quickly realize what's wrong. The dark-haired brunette pulls Antonio closer to him while the blonde and short one tell the band to go back to playing.
"Come on, everyone! It's not that interesting! She just fell! Don't stare at her!"
"Go back to dancing." The blonde man says gruffly. The people quickly turn away and go back to their own business, not wanting to piss the big man off. The two turn back to the others and Antonio gets his first good look at the other two people. Eyes widen with recognition when he sees the blonde.
"Ludwig!"
"Ah! It's you!"
"Eh? You two know each other Luddy?"
"I met her outside ze castle. She's ze one I vas talking about."
"I see! You're right, she's very pretty! Although a bit flat..." His brother punches him in the arm.
"Idiota! Don't say that!"
"Waaaahhhhh, I'm sorry fratello! Please don't hit me!" He wails.
"Ok, ok, shut up!"
"Feli, you must vork on your manners."
"Sorry Ludwig."
"...Um…" Three heads swivel to look at Antonio. "Who…?" His voice trails off. The shorter brunette claps his hands.
"That's right! I haven't introduced myself! I'm Feliciano, but you may just call me Feli! Any friend of Luddy's is a friend of mine! Second oldest son of the King and Queen at you service! Pleased to meet you my lady." He bows, taking Antonio's hand and brushing it against his lips, and winking at him. Antonio feels his cheeks heating up. Wait, if this is Feliciano… Then he must be… He turns to look at the darker brunette, ho steps forward.
"And I am Lovino Vargas, the crown prince of Italia. It is truly a pleasure, my lady." He bows even lower than Feliciano. Antonio freaks.
"HOLY SHIT! I FELL ON THE PRINCE! I AM SO SO SO SORRY, PLEASE DON'T HAVE ME EXECUTED! SOY DEMASIADO JOVEN PARA MORIR!" The three men around him are shocked at this outburst, and Lovino quickly grabs Antonio's shoulders. "LO CIENTO! NO ME HAGAS DAÑO! POR FAVOR!" So she's Spanish? Lovino wonders. Well then…
"OI! CÁLMATE! NO VOY A HACERTE
"RELÁJESE! Fue un accidente, lo entiendo!"
"...You speak Spanish?" Antonio asks
"It's not that different from Italian, so I did. What's up with you? I never said I'd hurt you. I wouldn't do that." Antonio is a bit calmer now, and he looks around. Everyone is staring. Again. Crap.
"Um... Sorry?" Three gazes meet his and he can feel his face heating up for the millionth time. "Heheheh... Just kidding?"
"...kidding?" Lovino sighs and grabs his wrist, pulling Antonio along, away from the ballroom and into a small private room that's secluded from the dance hall, with Ludwig and Feliciano close behind. When they're all inside, he shuts the door and turns to face Antonio. "What do you mean, kidding." He hisses. "You were extremely overreacting and you're telling me it was just to cause a scene and gain attention?" He glares, amber eyes flashing.
"...no. Lo ciento."
"Stop apologizing!" Ludwig exclaims.
"Sí, you haven't done anything wrong!" Feliciano adds. Antonio looks at them for a while before turning back to Lovino.
"...When I was very young, my mother died. My father remarried about a year after that to a woman with two kids, a son and a daughter. Things were okay for a while, but then my father died in an accident overseas. It was then that I was starting to get treated unfairly at my house. I was made to do all the cooking and cleaning, with no privileges and basically no rights. But then when my sibling's mother died…" Antonio trails off and takes a deep breath before starting again. "Her son, he's older than me by about three years, he has… anger management issues with me. He blames me for his mom's death, although I don't really know why. Life got a lot harder after that, and although I'm used to being beaten and stuff by him, I'm still kinda sensitive about it. Sorry." He realizes the three men are all staring wide-eyed at him.
"He beats you?!"
"Vhat KIND of stuff?!" Shit, I forgot I look like a girl. How am I even passing as one anyway? Oh whatever.
"It's really not that bad, I mean we fight like siblings! Play fights! It's not a big deal. Okay?" The others share uneasy glances before nodding their agreement. He breaks into a smile of relief, the first one of the night. "Gracias!" Just then he sees a hand extended towards him. Following it, his eyes meet Lovino's, who quickly turns away, a deep shade of scarlet, but leaves his hand.
"Since, uh, you've calmed down, um, I was wondering if maybe, um, well, y-you'd..." His voice trails off and he can't finish the sentence.
"Wow, Lovi! Are you asking someone to dance? This is the first time! I'm so proud of you!" Ludwig grabs Feliciano's arm and pulls him out of the room before he can do anymore damage to the already embarrassed Italian.
"We'll be in ze hall." He nods at Lovino before dragging Feliciano with him. Antonio watches them go, but his eyes snap back to Lovino when the prince makes a soft grunt. He notices the hand is still extended.
"Ah! Um, I'd be honored, it's just..." Lovino's hand drops to his side, a dejected look on his face.
"Of course. Sorry for being so... Bold." He looks so much like a puppy who got its bone taken away that Antonio can't help but laugh. Between giggles, he manages to reply to the flustered prince.
"No, no! I'd love to dance with you! That is, if you don't mind the height difference." Antonio is about an inch taller than the prince, plus his three inch heels make it a rather large height difference. The prince blushes as he realizes how embarrassing that would look.
"You're taller than me, you know."
"Yeah I kinda figured that out."
"I'll be leading."
"You're the prince, of course you would."
"It'll look strange."
"That's to be expected."
"People will be staring at you. Won't it be embarrassing for you to dance with a shorter man?"
"Won't it be embarrassing for you to dance with a flat chest like me?" The two stare at each other for a moment and then smile, both breaking into light laughter. Lovino wraps his arm around Antonio's waist and Antonio places his hand on Lovino's shoulder. They take each other's hands and begin to twirl around the ballroom. It's awkward, as one might expect. Antonio steps on Lovino's feet a few times, but it doesn't hurt. And people stare but that doesn't really matter. The song switches to a soft slow waltz and the other couples move aside for the dancing couple, taking center stage. Ludwig and Feliciano watch the two dance and talk and laugh.
"Ve~ Fratello looks so happy!"
"Ja. Zhey make a cute pair."
"This is wonderful! I'm so happy for Lovi! He's finally found a girl to be the Queen!"
"Zhat's moving a bit fast, Feli."
"But it's true love! Can't you tell? They're like we were." He turns and smiles warmly at the blonde man, who flushes a deep shade of red. "You're the only one for me, Luddy. Ti amo."
"Und you are the one for me Feli. Ich liebe dich." The two grab hands and waltz onto the floor along with Lovino and Antonio. Other couples flow into the center and the waltz speeds up, song after song of elegant classical music plays. Noticing Antonio's tired face, Lovino tightens his grip and begins to lead Antonio away from the dancing.
"You alright?" he asks, as the two start to move towards a distant doorway at the end of the hall.
"Sí, I'm not used to dancing and the glass heels hurt my feet. I don't normally wear heels, I prefer boots." Lovino raises an eyebrow at this. Antonio remembers he's supposed to be a girl. "U-Um, I mean-"
"No, it's fine. I understand. They don't look very comfortable, I agree. Good thing I'm a guy."
"Haha… Yeah… Where are we going?"
"Well, since you're tired, I figured I'd show you my favorite place in the castle."
"...It's not the bedroom is it?" Lovino's face immediately turns a bright red.
"N-No, certo che no! Come hai potuto pareggiare-?! Voglio dire- Io non sono- Questo non é-" Antonio starts to laugh, a wide smile on his face.
"Lovino, calm down! I was only kidding! But… ¡Qué lindo! Lovino, tu eres demasiado lindo! You look like a tomato!"
"Well who's bastard fault is that?!"
"Mine, mine! Tan lindo!"
"It's not the bedroom!" Lovino says, no other words springing to mind.
"I get it!" The two have reached the doorway now, and Lovino leads Antonio down a long corridor and through a pair of large double doors in an out-of-the-way place. As they step through, Antonio gasps. A smooth stone walkway leads into a beautiful flower garden, roses and ivy climbing up the castle walls. Fields of daffodils, bluebonnets and daisies group under large cherry trees, each in full bloom in the fresh springtime, a soft wind swirling the soft pink petals and letting the aroma hang in the air. Apple and pear trees are a bit further away, and as the two walk down the path, irises, sunflowers, roses, violets and every flower imaginable clings to the walkway, swaying and dancing in the breeze. A fountain appears from around a dogwood bush. a beautiful mosaic glass statue of a wolf howling at the moon carefully plastered on the wall behind it. On top of the fountain is-
"Carnations! These are my favorite flower! Oh it's beautiful, Lovino! Es muy, muy, hermosa! Thank you so much for showing me! He rushes over to the fountain, eyes staring at the wide bouquet of vivid pink blossoms. Antonio steps onto the ledge of the fountain to get a better look, bouncing up onto the slick stone wall.
"Are you are that's a good idea?" Lovino asks. "What if you fall?"
"Nah! I'll be fine!" He leans in, smelling the magenta flowers. "Mmmm! Delicious! Carnations really are the best! Now, if you're so worried, I'll get down." He turns and moves to step down, not bothering to lift his skirt, which is now wet around the edges from the water droplets that littered the fountain's edge, when a loud voice startles him.
"Vell there's something you don't see everyday! A non-priss!" Antonio lets out a yelp, and then another as his foot slips from under him, the surprise throwing him off balance. He starts to fall backwards into the fountain.
"H-Hey!" Lovino cries out, lunging forward, grabbing Antonio's outstretched hands. He then proceeds to throw all his weight backwards, pulling Antonio away from the fountain- and directly on top of Lovino, himself. "Ack!" The prince cries out as he lands on the ground, Antonio on top of him. The boy who had spoken started to laugh, delighting in the other's surprise. Antonio quickly scrambles off of of Lovino, blushing madly and also angry.
"Hey! No es genial! ¿Quién te crees que eres?" A man stands above him and Lovino, tall, with short spiky white hair. His red eyes are narrowed in a glowering squint, a wide smirk on his face. Lovino gets to his feet.
"That's Sir Gilbert Beilschmidt, from Suprasi. He is here because-"
"Vere ze party goes, so do I! Kesesesese! You're an unfamiliar face. Who are you?"
"Stop being so rude, Gilbert! This is..." His voice trails off. "A-Actually, I... Don't know her name."
"Vay?!" Gilbert crows. "You don't know?! My, my, vat a player! Vat is your name, fair lady?" He bows low, giggling the whole time.
"Uh, um, i-it's An... To... Ner..." Shit shit, say something girly, say something girly! "...ella." The two give him funny looks.
"...Antonerella?"
"Yes." He says definitively, mostly just verifying it himself. "Antonerella. But most people call me Tony."
"That's a very... Unique name." Lovino says. "Tony then. Are you alright, Tony?"
"Yeah, I'm fine! Although I'd be better if a certain jerk hadn't scared me out of my skin!"
"Hey it ain't my fault, you two were off romancing and too busy to notice me!"
"Did someone say amour?" A man appears from around the dogwood bush, long blond hair tied in a ponytail at the nape of his neck, blue eyes flashing, a gorgeous white suit with a single red rose pinned on his lapel. Antonio has started getting tired of all these new faces.
"No." Lovino seethes. "No one said amour. Now will you kindly take Gilbert and LEAVE?!"
"Why Lovi! I'm hurt! Will you not introduce the lovely moi to this gorgeous lady? A bit flat though..."
"Shut up!" Lovino punches the man hard. In the face. And somehow, the man manages to perform a dramatic slow fall to the ground, moving at half the speed of a normal human, still managing to look drop-dead gorgeous, tears in his eyes, as he hits the ground. Dafuq... How did he manage to have roses around him and sparkle? Lovino sighs and turns to Antonio as Gilbert helps the man up. "This is King Francis Bonnefoy of Frecan."
"HE'S A KING?!"
"Oui, mademoiselle, I am. I believe you will look much better at my side than this awkward prince. Come, let us create amour." Another punch to the face. "ARE YOU TRYING TO BREAK MY NOSE?!" He cries, just as two more people arrive.
"Lovino!" Feliciano yells as he runs to his brother. "Fratello, don't hit people! Especially not kings!"
"Bruder! Stop bothering people!"
"'Bruder'?" Antonio asks.
"Ja. It is unfortunate but zis man is mein bruder."
"You two look nothing alike."
"Ludwig is adopted."
"That explains it."
"Ah! Are you alright?!" Feliciano cries. "Your pretty dress is all wet and crumpled!"
"Gilbert startled me and I almost fell in the fountain."
"GILBERT!" Ludwig roars.
"Whoa whoa calm down! I said I was sorry!"
"No you didn't."
"Didn't I?"
"No!"
"Vell then. I, the incredibly AWESOME Gilbert, apologize!" Ludwig smacks the back of his head. "Ve-est! Not cool man!" Antonio laughs. However, the clock begins to ring. The group looks at the tall clock tower.
"Is it that late already?" Feliciano wonders. Antonio pales, remembering Arthur's words.
"How late is it?" He asks.
"Vell the clock only chimes at midnight."
"MIDNIGHT?! AY DIOS MÍO!" He turns and quickly runs from the garden, ignoring the voices yelling after him.
"Tony! Where are you going?!" Lovino is chasing after him. Antonio darts down the hallway and into the ballroom, pushing through the shocked aristocrats. His dress is starting to fall apart, long strands of fabric falling off and disappearing into dust, his hair growing shorter, back to its original length. He steals a glance back at Lovino and his heart nearly breaks. The boy looks as though his puppy just died, hurt and sorrow on his face. Antonio feels his heart speed up. What? Why is my heart beating like this? Why do I feel so awful? I like girls! And anyway, even if I did like guys, he's a prince and I'm... Well, I'm me. It never would've worked. Never. So then why do I feel so terrible? This isn't good... Antonio continues to run through the crowd, making a point to avoid looking back at Lovino, who by now is screaming for him to stop. But Antonio can't. Because now, his dress is a mess of rags and streamers of rich green fabric. He shoves through the nobles, not caring about the dirty looks they give him, however there is one noble in particular, one with spiky blond hair and narrow green eyes, that he gets a certain delight out of smacking into. The dress is in ruins, gaping holes and ribbons cover the once-beautiful fabric, strands of pearls clinking on the marble floor, a trail of ruined finery in his wake. As he rushes out of the castle, he reaches the steps. A bit nervous about the shoes, he starts carefully down the step, but Lovino's cry of 'ANTONERELLA!' startles Antonio, and he slips, letting out a surprised yelp as he falls down the remainder of the stairs, one of his shoes getting knocked off his feet in the process. He smacks into the ground hard, palms stinging and whole body aching as the jolt rattles him, but he forces himself to his feet and continues to run. Lovino darts out of the ballroom and sees Antonio fleeing into darkness, the dress almost all gone now.
"No! Tony! Antonerella! Please! Come back! Whatever I did, I'm sorry! Lo ciento! Vuelve, por favor! Tú eres hermosa y increíble y amable! I'll never meet anyone like you again! PLEASE! VUELVE! POR FAVOR, VUELVE!" The handsome prince is panting, breathless from his run. Tears well in his eyes as he realizes she's not coming back. "Vi prego di tornare..." He whispers, falling to his knees as Ludwig, Feliciano, Gilbert and Francis run out to him. "She's gone." He says to them. "Gone. All she left was her shoe." He holds up the sparkling glass slipper Antonio had worn. "Gone." He repeats. The tears finally come, and his shoulders shake as he kneels on the ground, clutching the slipper. His friends consolations can't stop the teardrops. And far away, at a large house of a noble family, the tears are mutual.
….
The days following the ball were hell for both Antonio and Lovino.
When Lucas and Bella had finally arrived home, Lucas was fuming about 'some strange flat-chested girl' who had shoved him into the duchess of Ralebus. The duchess did not like this, especially considering she was desperately trying to court the prince of Surias. She had attacked Lucas, screeching and yelling, until the guards had to forcibly 'escort' her from the castle. He had angrily taken out his rage on Antonio, claiming that he looked a lot like the girl. Which he did, considering he was the girl. But he wasn't about to admit that. Antonio had put up no fight, preferring to think about Lovino instead. In short, Antonio had not gotten away scot-free. He was covered with black-and-blue splotches and a fresh cut across his forehead that was taking a particularly long time to heal. It was a while later that he had realized he still had the other glass slipper. So it didn't disappear? Must be because I don't have the other. Great. He hadn't had the heart to throw it away, so he kept it with him. He had quietly and unhappily slipped back into his old life, before the fairy-angel thing, before the dress, before the ball. Before Lovino. Oh, how he missed Lovino, longed for him to come find him. But that's impossible, he would think. He thought I was a girl. there's no way he'd accept me now. And I didn't even tell him where I live. The palace is over an hour away. It's just not possible. But he couldn't stop himself from thinking of him, those beautiful light green eyes and how they lit up when Antonio had called him cute, that mysterious hair curl that both brothers had, that soft dark brown hair, the red blush that would cover his face when he got embarrassed. And when Antonio was alone, he'd cry. About the loss of his happy family all those years ago. About his horrible younger brother. About the work. About losing his love.
Lovino had been despondent in the weeks following Antonio's disappearance. He would stay in his room all day, not bothering to open his curtains. He refused to come out to eat, refused to sleep, refused to do princely duties. His friends were worried.
"What should we do?' Feliciano asks one day. "Fratello has been like this since that girl disappeared. it's not like we haven't tried looking for her, but…"
"Ja, she does not live in the capital." Ludwig says.
"Zat doesn't mean she's not here somevere." Gilbert adds. "I say ve look for her! Use ze shoe!"
"How would we do that, mon ami? I am sure many girls have the same size feet as her."
"Maybe, but zey don't all look like her! Not too many girls have dark brown hair and green eyes! Ve could at least narrow it down."
"How odd. You're thinking sensibly for a change." Ludwig nods in admiration at his brother.
"I have a brain, y'know! I just don't use it much…"
"Then it's settled!" Feliciano says. "We leave right now!"
And so began what later became known as the Great Search. They were able to convince Lovino to come out of his room to join in. The search spanned the entire country, covering every city, town and house the caravan passed. Days turned into weeks. It was a big country, but news travelled fast. Every girl was eager to try to meet the prince, however every hair-brained scheme to get his affections was foiled by the ever-attentive Ludwig. Eventually, word even reached the large house on the outskirts of the country that the prince was coming. However, the word didn't actually get there until the prince was already practically on their doorstep.
"ANTONIO!" Lucas roars. "GET DOWN HERE!" Antonio hurries down the stairs.
"What now, Lucas?" The younger boy wears a tihin smirk on his lips.
"I have… A special job for you… In the attic." He motions for Antonio to follow him as he walks up the stairs. A curious look on his face, Antonio follows him. The two climb the large flights of stairs until they reach the top. Lucas walks down the thin hallway and opened the door to the storage. "In here. I have something for you to do." To say Antonio was suspicious was an understatement, but rather than risk the younger boy's wrath, he obliges, walking into the room. He jumps when the door suddenly slams shut.
"LUCAS?!" He yells in surprise, turning to say the heavy wooden door shut behind him. Grabbing the handle, he desperately tries to open it up, but to no avail. "Lucas, what are you doing?!"
"Prince Lovino and his entourage and brother will be here any minute and I will NOT be embarrassed by some scrawny useless half-brother!"
"The… Prince?" He says hoarsely. "he's coming…? Here…?!"
"That's what I just said! Stay here until they leave!"
"What?! No! Lucas! You can't leave me here! Let me out! The Prince- I need to see him! Please! Lucas! LUCAS! LET ME PUT, DAMMNIT YOU SICK BASTARD! LUCAS! LUCAS!" But the other boy is too far away to hear him, already descending the staircase to the first floor. "Shit!' Antonio curses, rushing to the window at the back of the attic, in time to see a carriage pull up in front of the house, and four men get out. That's "GILBERT! FRANCIS! LUDWIG! FELICIANO! CAN YOU GUYS HEAR ME?!" The men don't look up, hearing nothing. "No!" He cries. "How?! I have to get to him! I have to! It's my only chance, I have to!" He moves to the other side of the room, braces himself, and slams against the door. The shock of the collision rattles him, leaving him stumbling back. "One more time" he says gasping. Again and again he tries until even barely touching the door hurts. "I can't let it end like this… I just can't!"
…
"You guys go in!"
"But Lovi-"
"No! I don't wanna hear it Feli! We're going back after this. I'm done with this wild goose-chase. It was a bad idea from the start. Now go in there and tell me whether this trip was for something or not." Sighing, the four other sin the carriage get out and go to the door. Before they can even knock, the door opens to reveal the smiling face of Lucas.
"Hello! Please come in, sirs! I will fetch my sister right away!" he says bowing deeply before running upstairs. The men, a bit bewildered, wander into the parlor.
"So he has a sister?"
"Just one, though. And this boy looks nothing like Antonerella. I don't think we'll find her here."
"And if we do?" Gilbert asks, leaning towards Francis. "I'll bet you $500 zat she's here!"
"Why would you do that?"
"Because gambling is fun. Do you accept or not?
"You're on!" Francis and Gilbert shake hands as Lucas returns, pulling Bella by the wrist. Three hearts plummet and one soars as Gilbert realizes he just made $5,000. Sighing, Feliciano stepped forward.
"Will you please put this on, my lady?" He asks.
"No I will not!"
"Huh?" Five voices speak s one.
"I didn't dance with no prince! I danced with no noe! I just ate food the whole night! Dancing is for prissies, and I'm not like that. I will not marry a prince, I'll marry who I want!" Four faces are stunned while one just chuckles.
"I like your spunk, mademoiselle. You must allow me to take you to dinner one night." Francis takes the girl's hand, kissing it as he bows. Bella giggles.
"If it's dinner, and you'll pay, sure!" Just then the group is interrupted by a loud noise outside.
…
Antonio watches as the four men enter the house. He screams for help, but no one hears him from the top floor. Sighing, he turns to the window.
"I'm not about to throw away my second chance. I want to see him. And if he rejects me because I'm a dude… I can accept that. If you can't find a door…" He says moving to the window and gripping it's frame tightly in his hands. "...you make one." Grunting, he pulled at the frame. His muscles bulge, stress clear on his face as he yanks and tugs at the window, until finally… pop! The entire window, frame, glass and all, pulls off the wall, sending Antonio flying backwards, as he yelps, landing on his butt. Getting up and rubbing his new bruise, he moves to the window and peers down.
"Oh boy… That's further than I thought." Antonio stares at the long drop to the ground, wincing.
…..
Meanwhile, Lovino heard the loud noise from the attic and is staring through the carriage window at the attic. He sees a face peer through the window and his eyes widen.
"...Antonerella? But…. that's a guy. What are they...?"
…..
Antonio stares at the long drop down. He swallows, before stepping back.
"I have to do this. I don't care if I hurt myself. It's not… that far. Just try to land on your feet. Think about cats, think about cats, think about cats." He repeats the mantra over and over, as he puts a foot on the ledge.
…..
"They're jumping?!" Lovino cries, eyes wide. He darts out of the carriage and towards the descending person.
…..
"OHSHITOHSHITOHSHITOHSHITOHSHIT!" Antonio cries as he plummets towards the ground, rushing up towards him. "BADIDEABADIDEABADIDEABADIDEA!" He squeezes his eyes shut, bracing himself for the inevitable impact… Only to find himself land on something soft. A grunt is heard from beneath him. Antonio looks down as the six people in the house race out, alarmed at the screaming.
"ANTONIO WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!" Lucas rages. "GET OFF THE FUCKING PRINCE!" Antonio looks down as the other men raise their eyebrows at the familiarity of the name.
"Ay dios mío." He says, hurriedly getting off the prince. "No de nuevo. I am so sorry!" He says, offering a hand to the slightly squished and annoyed looking prince.
"Idiota! What were you thinking, jumping like… that…" Lovino trails off as his eyes meet Antonio's. This person is most definitely a boy, shorter dark brown and muscular as well. But the eyes are the same. The same as hers. The same warm smile. The same awkward meeting. The same friendly voice. The same Spanish. The same person?
"Well… That's a long story… But first…" He reaches behind a pot of flowers, the sam epot he hid the slipper behind, and pulls it out. "I think this should speak for itself." Seven pairs of eyes widen, surprise on everyone's face. They recognize that slipper.
"Is that...?" Ludwig whispers.
"How...?"
"How could- you weren't- this doesn't- ANTONIO!" Lucas yells.
"Be quiet brother! I'm not your slave, not anymore! You can't do whatever you want! You can't abuse me anymore! I'm never going back!" Antonio indignantly cries.
"Wait, you abused him?!" Ludwig yells.
"Zat's illegal!" Gilbert adds. "Could get you jail time."
"He deserved it all!" Lucas says. "Useless half-brother..."
"ANYWAY" Antonio starts again. "I don't care even if Lovino does decide he hates me now... Although it'll hurt really bad... It's not gonna happen anymore, hermano. I'm done with it." He glares at his brother, daring him to say something. The blond says nothing.
"I could never hate you!" Lovino says suddenly. "Never. But... You lied to me."
"I never said I was a girl, Lovi."
"But I thought... I mean, you were-!"
"Yeah, that's a, uh, a long story. But I never meant to lie or hurt you Lovino. All this time, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I'm sorry I'm a -a guy." Never thought I'd apologize for that. Antonio thinks. "I guess you wanna know what's going on."
"Yeah. That would be nice." Lovino says in a shaky voice.
And so Antonio tells. He tells them everything, about the angel-thing, about the magic, about the dress, about the ball, about his time spent with Lovino.
"And that's when the clock struck midnight. I had to go. I had to leave, or..." They all know what would've happened. "I only went to the ball to try to hit on girls, befor I knew I looked like one. I just wanted to enjoy myself, have a little fun, live a little. But instead... I met you, Lovi. And I haven't forgotten. Not in the past few weeks. Probably not ever. I know this is really, um weird, and it's a lot to take in and I understand if-"
"Antoner- Well, Antonio, I guess. Be quiet. You'll make a fool of yourself. Look, um, I want expecting this, you're right. But it doesn't change things that much I guess. I've never really cared about social standings or titles or anything. I've never cared about anyone quite like I do for you. I still... Like you. A lot. You're still Antonio. You're the same person from the balls. I like you for your personality and your kindness, not your... Gender. I guess the decree still stands as well. So u-um..." His face turns red. "I-I'm not to good with these things, but um... Do you want to, um... G-get married?"
"AAAAAWWWWWWWWWWW!" Francis, Feliciano and Bella shriek at the same time.
"You proposed! You really mean to Lovi!" Feliciano squeals. "I'm so happy!" Ludwig steps forward to Feliciano.
"Oui, I love weddings!"
"Sí."
"Well, zis seems like a good time." Ludwig says stepping forward. He moves to Feliciano and kneels down, taking the prince's hand. "Feliciano, ever since I met you, my life has been complete. I love you so much, my whole life has been just to meet you. You are my only. And so, Feliciano Vargas, will you do me ze honor of marrying me?" Feliciano opens his eyes - actually opens them- and bursts into tears.
"SÍ! Sí, I do, I do, a million times, I do!"
"I should answer as well, yes?" Antonio asks. He looks at Lovino. "Nothing could ever, ever make me happier!" Cheers erupt from the people watching, except for Lucas, who's quietly seething.
"Ludwig, ti amo!" Feliciano cris.
"Ich liebe dich, Feli."
"U-Um..." Lovino stammers. "T-Ti amo, Antonio." His face is bright red.
"Que lindo! Te amo, Lovi! But about the wedding... I'm not wearing a dress!"
Well, what do ya know? Antonio thinks, a wide smile on his face as his new friends congratulate him and his fiancée. Looks like I get my happy ending after all!
Welp that's that. Too much Italian and Spanish and foreignness to translate. It's pretty easy to get the basic idea though.
Italia is pretty straightforward.
Suprasi is an anagram for Prussia.
Frecan is an anagram for France.
Ralebus is an anagram for Belarus.
Surias is an anagram for Russia.
I worked pretty hard on those. XD So what'd you guys think? Did I do okay? I tried pretty hard! Please review! I hoped you enjoyed! See you next tale!
-SilverIvy *･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)'･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*-