When the couple had woken up the next morning, they had found that the storm indeed did come during the night, blocking many of the major roads and causing many companies to shut down for the day. Luckily it was a Saturday, meaning that Ludwig didn't have to go in since the building was closed on weekends. Unluckily though, Ludwig liked to keep some work at home and usually spent his Saturdays in his office finishing work his brother had given him, which was really just work Gilbert was too lazy to do himself.

Felicia had to cancel her appointment with her student, which wasn't a problem since she seemed to have been snowed in as well. She wasn't upset in the slightest that Ludwig seemed to be working himself to the bone. Felicia reveled in the time she had, thinking of a new plan to surprise Ludwig. No matter what, as a rule she instated when they got married, he was obligated to stop working by four o'clock for the rest of the day, so that he can spend some time outside of the business world. So she had until then to think of a plan, which was not coming together at all.

On the bottom floor of the house inside her art studio sat Felicia, wearing an apron decorated in little splatters of colors. A pastel blue was covering the walls, with a large window opposite the door letting sunlight through, making the walls glow in the afternoon light. Canvases and paintings were scattered about on the walls and the tile floor. A wooden cabinet full of art supplies rested in a corner near the entryway.

A pencil was touching Felicia's lip, just grazing the surface as though she would bite it. To her right was her color palette, and in front of her a canvas with some sketches already done on it. Felicia was just sketching whatever came to mind, not caring on what it was going to become. She needed a plan, and needed one soon.

"Maybe I could do another dinner… No, that won't do…" She mused, thinking hard. The pencil in her hand started to move, leaving its trace on the canvas. "I don't want to repeat anything I've tried. Ve, this is harder than I thought!"

This continued on for several more minutes, with Felicia saying whatever came to mind out loud and then her hand moving along as though it was separate from her body. Felicia grew tired of not coming up with any good ideas and stood up, pacing around the studio. There had to be something, anything she could do!

She tiredly walked over to the large cabinet, leaning against it with her arms crossed. Her eyebrows furrowed together, eyes shut in deep thought. She was an artist and she couldn't even come up with a simple idea!

Felicia let out a sigh, rubbing her arms. When she looked up at the canvas, at what she had drawn, she couldn't help but gasp at the sight. Apparently, her mind had other thoughts while she was focused on a plan. In fact, Felicia almost didn't believe she had drawn what she was seeing on that canvas.

It was very sketchy and not clearly defined, but the basic picture was there. It was of a pregnant woman, inclined back in a rocking chair with one hand on her stomach, looking out towards a window that looked like it had frost or snow on it. The room was almost exactly like her art studio, but to Felicia it felt like it wasn't precisely that. Like the woman was in her own art studio, stating that she was in a place of her own creation, looking out of a snowy window. That could symbolize something she's afraid of, or some outside force, Felicia thought, and the hand on her belly! It could represent hope, faith… a creation she had made and was going to keep.

The longer Felicia stared at it, the more the smile on her face grew. "It's perfect! Not only does it represent my feelings in a way, it's easy enough to understand! And I can use it for that art gallery showing next January! Why didn't I think of using my art before to explain things?!" she exclaimed, rushing to the canvas and placing a hand on it. "Yes, this is good!"

Though Felicia was quite happy with her idea, as she thought more about this her smiled disappeared. "But it'll take me a few days at the very least before it's finished. I would want to make sure my feelings get across properly." She slumped back down on the stool. "Back to square one, I guess."

It wouldn't be for another hour until Felicia would finally get another idea of a surprise. It wasn't something extravagant or memorable like her dinner plan, but it was the only thing she could think of. After carefully placing a sheet over the canvas and putting it in the corner of the room where Ludwig couldn't see and taking off the apron, she walked to the living room and looked at a shelf full of movies. Felicia selected one and popped it into the DVD player, turning on the television. It was almost four o'clock, and Ludwig would be out soon. She quickly selected the scene she wanted and began to watch, impatiently waiting for the moment Ludwig would come out.

A minute later, Felicia could hear the sound of a door being shut from upstairs. Impeccable timing as always, as a cuckoo clock rang four times. She brought the blanket lying at her feet closer to herself, wrapping it around as though she had been there watching the movie the entire time, snuggling into the couch like she'd normally do. It was hard not to look behind her, but she had to resist.

Ludwig's footsteps echoed until they abruptly stopped right behind the couch. There was a moment of silence from him, until Felicia felt a pair of warm, moist lips touch her cheek. "Hey." He said, hovering over her.

Excitedly, Felicia sat up straighter and turned around, capturing his lips before he could lean away. He welcomed it, returning the gesture right back. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, clutching tighter and pressing into the kiss. Ludwig responded, thrusting back hungrily and pulling her so close she could hardly breathe.

The kiss gradually slowed, their lips barely touching as Felicia opened her eyes, gazing right into her husband's beautiful blue ones. She slightly panted, her breath mixing with his in the close proximity. Ludwig chuckled, smiling. "I wasn't expecting that."

He kissed her again, only much more gently than before. Felicia smiled into the kissed with a quiet little hum in acknowledgement. Ludwig pulled back and walked around the couch. He easily picked her up, blanket and all, and sat back down with her in his lap. She nuzzled into his neck, softly placing her lips just below his ear. "I know you weren't. Which is why I wanted to do it."

He mumbled something audible, which made Felicia laugh. Ludwig was just so cute sometimes! After placing several kisses along his neck, Felicia adjusted herself so she was leaning on his shoulder and able to see the movie clearly. "What are you watching?" Ludwig asked, observing the scene in front of him. The main protagonist had just broken down crying in front of her friend, who was worried that she might not be feeling well when she proclaimed her love to him.

"It's a movie about this woman, Sarah, who ends up pregnant from her ex, who ends up abandoning her after hearing about it. She has no place to live and is about to give up when that man, Timothy, happens to walk by and gives her a place to stay. Even though he learns she's pregnant, he decides to help her through it. And after living together for a few months Sarah starts to find herself falling more in love with Timothy each day, you know? And here, after she decided to not tell him, breaks down because of all stress and ends up saying her true feelings." Felicia replied, watching Timothy help Sarah back up and telling her he loves her and the baby.

"Ah."

"It's not really stated in the movie, but I'm sure Timothy would be a good father." Felicia continues, trying her best to continue watching the movie instead of seeing Ludwig's reaction at the moment. "He doesn't mind children, not to mention Sarah will be there with him, so I think it'll have a positive effect on him when the baby's born."

The silence was too much for Felicia, who started to worry that Ludwig wouldn't make a sound at all. The movie continued on as though nothing significant just happened. Whispers of the main character voicing her concerns hung about the room, making Felicia more conscious of her own concerns. She half expected him to turn her around and ask her something in relation to the topic, but it never happened. In fact, what he said after the dreading stillness flabbergasted Felicia. "I don't think I would be a good father, to be honest."

It was shocking to Felicia. Ludwig, not a good father? It didn't make sense. He might not be comfortable around children, she knows that, but he was very caring and thoughtful of them!

In the blink of an eye Felicia turned towards her husband, the sudden move causing Ludwig to flinch back in surprise. "Ludwig." The seriousness in her tone caused Ludwig to be taken aback. "You always brought a smile to Lilli when she was just a child, remember that?"

"B-But Lilli is a relative—"

"And that you were one of the only men Vash allowed near his precious sister! He wouldn't let Gilbert get within twenty feet of her!" Felicia exclaimed.

Ludwig was caught off guard by Felicia's tone. "You should know Gilbert, he's bound to cause trouble regardless—"

"When Angelica was younger you easily kept her occupied! Not to mention you tucked her in bed and read a story to her!"

"I-It's not so hard to distract children, you know—!"

"What about the other day, where you stopped for a few minutes and played soccer with those boys?"

"Y-You saw that?!"

"I did, and I'm glad I did! Ludwig, those boys were happy and obviously very much enjoyed playing with you!" Felicia huffed, looking him straight in the eye. "How are you not fatherly? You are concerned over many people, kind, caring, definitely understanding, and though you feel uncomfortable around kids, kids adore being around you! I honestly think…"

There wasn't a moment to think sometimes when Felicia was talking about something she knew was true to herself, but she knew what was going to come from her mouth next, whether she was ready for it or not. "I honestly think you will be a great father, when—"

The sentence was never completed as a loud knock was heard, coming from the front door. Felicia froze for a moment, tilting her head down slightly. A quiet, defeated sigh was heard.

"Don't worry, I'll answer it." She said, trying to sound cheerful as she walked into the hallway angrily. She was so close! So close! Who on earth decided to ruin her moment this time?!

When she opened the door, a pair of long, light arms wrapped themselves around her, a bush of light brown hair pushed into her vision.

"Felicia! It's been some time since we last saw one another!" A happy voice said into her ear.

The anger flowed down and away as Felicia's mood brightened. She still wasn't happy she was interrupted, but this was a pleasant interruption she could accept. Just this once.

"Elizaveta, hello! Ve, it has been a while since we last saw each other! Why didn't you tell me you were in town?"

The woman backed up, beaming. Her bright green eyes were twinkling. "Roderich and I were just in the neighborhood doing some work and we figured we would visit you and Ludwig while here!" Now that she had backed up, Felicia could see the man standing right next to Elizaveta. His brown hair was a bit wild up, probably from the cold wind blowing, and was looking slightly uncomfortable. Lavender eyes from behind glass came into her vision, and his entire look softened.

"Felicia, it's nice to see you again."

"It's been a while, Roderich! How was work? I'm guessing one of Elizaveta's clients wanted a pianist at their wedding. I know you don't like it when people are too picky on what they want, especially if they don't know what would be best and—"

"Felicia, maybe you should let them in before you start a lengthy conversation." Ludwig said, walking up to them. "It's cold out, I highly doubt they want to stay in that kind of weather for much longer."

"Oh! I'm terribly sorry, I forgot! Please, come in!" Felicia said, getting out of the way. Roderich shivered as the door was shut behind him.

"It's been so cold lately." He proceeded to then take off two coats, laying them on the table by the door.

"Please hang them up." Ludwig irritably stated. Felicia could tell he was getting tired of Roderich doing the same thing each time he visited. Roderich simply ignored him and went in the direction of the kitchen, asking about having some sort of hot beverage. Ludwig hurriedly hung both coats up, stomping into the kitchen and yelling at the visitor to stop being such a freeloader. Felicia laughed along with Elizaveta, who had done the opposite and hung her coat neatly on the rack next to Roderich's. "Ludwig hasn't changed one bit." Elizaveta said, hands on her hips.

Felicia copied the stance. "And I see Roderich hasn't changed in the slightest either."

They shared a giggle before Elizaveta eagerly said to Felicia "Oh! I want to see that new painting you made a few weeks ago!" She grabbed her hand and hastily half dragged her friend into the art studio where she flipped the light on, shut the door, and began to look around the room.

"It's the one on the right, with the big red circle in the upper left-hand corner." Elizaveta squealed in delight and ran over to it, carefully observing the image presented.

"Hmm! You are just amazing, Felicia! I wish I could paint as beautifully as you do!" She sighed contently.

"Ve, thank you! Any artwork is beautiful, so long as you try your very best!"

"Of course you'd say something like that." Elizaveta turned around. "Now! What's wrong?"

Felicia blinked. "W-What?"

"I did want to see your painting, but I could tell you were upset."

"H-Huh? What do you mean, "upset"?"

Elizaveta waved a hand, walking towards her. "I can see an unhappy face from you a mile away. It doesn't suit you, you know. And I should know, you did practically live with me for a long time."

There were lengthy periods of time where Felicia's grandfather had to go out of state for business reasons, so he had arranged for her and her sister to live at a friend's house, the Edelstein household, for several years. Though they never predicted that they would eventually end up staying there for most of their teenage years as well after the unexpected disappearance of her grandfather.

Roderich was the Edelsteins' only son, who worked hard on teaching manners to her even if she was a troublesome child at times. Elizaveta lived at the mansion too, for family reasons of her own, but was like a mother-figure to Felicia despite being seven years her senior. It was very easy for her to tell when something was troubling Felicia.

"I-I'm fine, Elizaveta! Really!" The words did not convince Elizaveta as she scrutinized Felicia, staring at her intently. She walked around once, stopping back in front of her. Felicia tried to tell she was okay all while doing this, but the woman wouldn't listen. Elizaveta tapped a finger to her chin, pondering.

Suddenly she snapped her fingers with a face that looked like it cracked the code. Her eyes trailed down to Felicia's stomach, and then back up to Felicia's face, who tilted her head in confusion.

"I KNEW IT!" Elizaveta practically yelled, laughing as she gave her friend a hug. "YOU'RE—"

"SHH!" Felicia quickly shushed her friend, looking at the door in fear. The silence that followed cleared her mind. If Ludwig had heard, all of her precious effort would have been put to waste!

"I can't believe it," Elizaveta said much softer, practically a whisper. "You're pregnant, aren't you?! I'm so happy for you!" Intertwining their hands together, they were lifted up and down in Elizaveta's excitement.

Felicia was still trying to process how she figured it out. "How on earth did you know?!"

"Sweetie, trust me. I can tell. Took me a while, but I got it right, didn't I! Might be a woman's intuition or something like that." Elizaveta shrugged. "How far along are you?"

"A-About a month and a half. I was throwing up in the mornings after Alfred's party and we thought it might have been caused by Arthur's food."

"You poor thing! Arthur can't really cook can he?" Elizaveta said, rolling her eyes. "Any more morning sickness?"

"I don't always get it every day. Lately I've been fine." Felicia said. It did feel nice to talk about it.

"That's good!" Elizaveta sighed. "I'm sure both you and Ludwig are very happy!"

Felicia dared not to say a word afterwards, abruptly thinking about how Ludwig would actually respond to the news. The quietness was taken in by her friend, who instantly analyzed what it meant and asked Felicia softly, "You… haven't told Ludwig yet, have you? Does anyone else know?"

She shook her head. "I haven't yet, and you're the first person to find out. I-I want to surprise Ludwig with the news, and I've been trying, but nothing seems to work. I'm also a bit scared to…" Her hands made their way onto her stomach, gripping the fabric a bit too tightly. "I'm… terrified of telling him and that he'll tell me he wouldn't want…"

When another hand joined hers, she looked up in surprise. Elizaveta had a soft look, her smile gentle and kind. "Felicia, I'm positive Ludwig will be ecstatic to know. He doesn't really like something unexpected though, yes? But trust me, sometimes the most unexpected things can become the expecting things we look forward to the most." Felicia stared at her.

"Oh shush, it makes sense if you really thought about it! Point is, don't give up just yet. Keep trying, and I'm sure your feelings will get across, along with the message." She smiled.

Felicia laughed. Of course Elizaveta would say something positive to lift the mood. "Alright, I will. Thank you."

"No problem at all. Now, I have an idea already forming in my head and—"

Yep, just like Elizaveta to already have things planned in her head in a moment's notice. "Elizaveta," Felicia interrupted. "I still have a few more ideas I'd like to try first."

Elizaveta stopped, paused, then smiled. Her hands made their way to Felicia's shoulders, giving them a light pat. "Okay. But if something happens and you need a plan, just let me know, alright? Call me anytime for anything."

"I promise. Thank you, Elizaveta. And can you keep it a secret…?"

"Of course, sweetie."

By the time the two had returned to the kitchen, the two men had settled down at the table and were just finishing a talk of their own.

"…will tell you when the time has come." Roderich said, sipping the last of his tea away. Ludwig was about to reply when Elizaveta said, "Hello boys! Having a nice talk?"

Ludwig nearly jumped out of his seat, clearly alarmed.

"Is everything alright, Ludwig?" Felicia said worriedly, rushing to his side. He looked down at her, and she noticed he had a bit of pink on his cheeks. Was he really okay? She lifted a hand to feel his face. He wasn't warm or anything.

"I-I'm fine, Felicia. Just wasn't expected to have someone sneak up on my back." He replied, glancing at Elizaveta who was hugging Roderich in his chair.

Felicia giggled at the sight. "She does love surprising people, doesn't she?"

It was a strange look, that was for sure, when Ludwig gazed down at her. Felicia couldn't put her finger on it, but it seemed like her was almost waiting for her to say something. But before she could even begin to deeply think about it, he smiled, grabbing her hand and kissing it. "She sure does."


A/N: At least two more chapters. And sorry, this wasn't an update within the week like I planned, was it? I'll try to be quicker next time :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia in any way, shape, or form. It belongs to the wonderful Hidekaz Himaruya.