Chapter 7: The Showcase

"Finally! We got a rest after so much work!" Elizabeta complained to her two friends.

"It's good that the three of us had some free time to go to the movies together. We'll go eat some pizza later as well! Yay!" Feliciano cheerfully bounced.

"You've been very occupied these days, haven't you?" Elizabeta asked to Feliciano.

"It's because I have to prepare my number for the showcase with Mr. Edelstein as well as fitting in time to study and focus on classes and there's the math accessories," explained Feliciano, his eyes had a slight droop to them.

"I don't think you dislike those so much," giggled Elizabeta.

Feliciano gave an innocent smile to Elizabeta, "Veh~! Also, I'm so happy for Kiku and Heracles! They look so happy together!"

"I was so surprised when you told me about it. They are an adorable couple!" Eliabeta gushed as she turned her head little to watch the said couple walk a few steps behind them.

"Kiku, which movie would you like to see?" Heracles asked whilst watching the smaller boy's movements.

"Huh? I thought we were watching the new one Elizabeta was talking about in the car," replied Kiku with a hint of confusion in his voice.

"I'd like to have some time together with you." Heracles shot a kind smile to Kiku hoping for his agreement.

"But we are together now, Heracles," cluelessly stated Kiku. Elizabeta, who was overhearing the conversation, wanted to facepalm so badly.

"I meant just the two of us, Kiku." Kiku's face was now extremely red. He had accepted Heracles' feelings for him and now they were dating but he was still trying to adapt himself to the change.

"Oh, uh, I'll tell Feliciano not to buy tickets for us," said Kiku, face still flushed, and Heracles nodded in return. He walked towards Feliciano and asked, "Um, Feliciano? Um, Heracles and I want to watch another movie so..."

"Veh~! It's okay! Which one did you want see?" Feliciano asked.

"It's not that...it's just-" He was cut off by Feliciano.

"There's no problem, Kiku! As long as we are-" Elizabeta covered Feliciano's mouth with her hand as he continued to speak.

"It's okay, Kiku. We understand," Elizabeta said with a smile of understanding.

Kiku made a bow and went to join Heracles again. Elizabeta removed her hand from the Italian's mouth and he began to speak. "Eliza! Why did you do that? And why doesn't Kiku and Heracles want to watch the movie with us?"

"Feli, they need some time together. We must respect their space," explained Elizabeta.

"Veh~! But I wanted to spend time with them! It's been so long since the last time we all hung out together!" Feliciano whined. He was really looking forward to hanging out with all three of them.

"We can still watch the movie or would you like to do something else?" The Italian sighed but recovered instantly when he saw a store.

He pulled on Elizabeta's sleeve. "Let's go see that store over there!" He began to drag her.

Elizabeta couldn't see where they were going because to the direction she was facing. "Where are we going?"

They entered a small music store where they wondered among the shelves that were filled with CDs. Feliciano picked up an opera CD that drew his attention. He seemed pleased with it until he saw another CD that called his attention. He studied it carefully, comparing it to the one he first picked up. He decided to go with the second one, "I'll buy this one."

"What'cha got there, Feli?" Feliciano showed the disc to Elizabeta. She looked a little confused, "German opera? Why?"

He looked at the CD in his hand and asked, "Do you think Mr. Edelstein would get mad at me if I tell him I want to change my song for the showcase?"

"What? You got to be kidding! There's only one week left before the showcase! He'll be more than mad at you!" Elizabeta exclaimed.

"I think that maybe if he hears me singing it, he'll change his mind." Feliciano had that brightness shining from his eyes.

"Okay, I'll help you convince him but it has to be amazing, Feli!" Elizabeta agreed.

"I promise you that it surely will."

~OwO~

"Romano, I'm home!" Feliciano looked around for his brother and found him in their grandpa's library. He seemed to be fully concentrated on a book. Feliciano decided to break his concentration. "What are you doing, fratello?"

Romano jumped from his seat, "Dammit, bastard! Why did you scare me like that!"

"I'm sorry, fratello." He peered over at the desk littered with books and papers. "I see you're very busy, is that why you didn't want to come to the movies with us?"

"I think the answer is obvious, idiot," snapped Romano.

"What are you working on?" Feliciano curiously approached the table and saw some novels and Spanish dictionaries.

"That bastard said we had to write a creative story for the showcase literature contest," huffed Romano.

"I've never seen you so involved in a project like this before," stated Feliciano.

"What? Haha! This...it's just that...haha! I wanted to show that bastard that I'm capable of doing a good job! Y'know, just to shut him up!" Romano laughed.

"I see. You're right, Lovinito!" Feliciano teased him with the nickname Mr. Fernandéz had given him.

"What did you just call me?" Romano asked with a hint of malice in his voice.

"Me? I didn't said anything special. I better leave now. Mr. Fernandéz would be so happy with your hard work, Lovinito!" Feliciano giggled at Romano's face when he called him 'Lovinito'. This just made the matter worse.

"I'll kill you, idiot!" Feliciano saw the danger coming and ran for his life. He just made it in time to close the door of his room and lock it. "Open the door, dammit! I'll erase that stupid smile from your face, bastard!"

~OwO~

"I heard from Elizabeta that you want to change your choice of song for the showcase," Mr. Edelstein sternly said.

"Yes, sir!" Feliciano replied. He was so nervous about this.

"You do realise how much work it is to prepare a song especially if it is to be sung as a solo?" Mr. Edelstein shouted stressfully.

"I do but I prepared over the whole weekend! I was hoping you allow me to sing to you. If you consider me to be not ready, I'll stop bothering you." Roderich stared at the boy for a moment.

A small conflict went through his mind before he decided, "I'll hear you then."

Elizabeta was waiting outside the music room hoping that Mr. Edelstein would give the poor boy a chance. She sighed impatiently, it did take along, and then she heard Feliciano singing. She had listened to him before but this time was different. The emotion and passion that he was putting into his interpretation was breathtaking. She opened the door to see it herself; the angelic voice. It was something astonishing. She never pictured that Feliciano could be so...radiant. She looked in Roderich's direction to see his expression. He was just as amazed by this beautiful spectacle as Elizabeta with his eyes wide open and a hand on his mouth. He stared at the artist in front of him.

When Feliciano finished singing his angelic song, he saw Elizabeta and Mr. Edelstein speechless. He got nervous because he thought they didn't like it. "I-if you didn't like it, I understand. I'll perform the song we've been rehearsing," he said while looking at his feet.

Roderich smiled which was something weird of him. "Feliciano, by all means, do it. That was one of the most impressive interpretations I've heard!" Feliciano raised his head, surprised by Mr. Edelstein's words. Elizabeta was behind them clapping and smiling .

~OwO~

"We are done for today, Feliciano. I think just one more review before the exam should do it," stated Ludwig.

This made Feliciano freeze. "This means we won't see each other anymore. I'll still get to see him at the school but it's not the same as sharing this time together...just the two of us."

Seeing as Feliciano didn't answer, Ludwig added, "I'm impressed of how much you've achieved since we began. I won't be surprised to see a good grade on your exam." Inside, Ludwig felt as if something inside his chest had been crush. "Why do I feel so bad about this? It's like I didn't want him to leave but what can I do? Tell him I enjoy being by his side and I'd like him to be with me more often? I think not!"

"Ludwig?" Feliciano asked.

"Yes?" Even though some time had passed since he allowed Feliciano to call him by his first name, he still found it amusing how it sounded through the Italian's voice.

Feliciano cleared his throat and began to speak, "I'll be participating in the annual showcase. I'll be performing as a soloist."

"That's great, Feliciano," congratualted Ludwig. He had no idea why Feliciano was telling him this though.

"Well, yeah but I wondered if…well...it's just that…I was wondering if you'd like to come and hear me sing?" shyly asked Feliciano. Ludwig remained silent for a moment. This worried Feliciano. "Only if you want to or maybe you don't have the time. It's fine." He begged that Ludwig couldn't see the tears that were forming in his eyes.

"Feliciano," he began, "I'd be glad to see you perform." Feliciano was now super happy.

"Veh~! Thank you, Ludwig!" He hugged Ludwig in a natural, Italian way but Ludwig was not used to this kind of affection and stood still. Feliciano let go, blushing. He had realised that Ludwig was a solid as a rock. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry, I have to go now!" He took his things and left without even saying goodbye. Ludwig's reaction when the door was closed was, "What's this feeling? Was it because of the hug? I think I like this feeling. I...I am...happy."

~OwO~

The day has finnaly come, the day of the showcase. There were just a few details to take care of. Roderich and Elizabeta were checking the lights and sound for the stage. "I think that will be all," stated Mr. Edelstein as he scribbled some words onto his clipboard.

"This year, the show will be a total success, Mr. Edelstein!" Elizabeta cheerfully beamed.

"And it's mostly thanks to you, Elizabeta. You've been a big help. I don't I could have done everything in time without your help. For that, thank you very much," praised Mr. Edelstein with a soft smile.

Elizabeta smiled widely and her cheeks had a little pink tinge. "This is a perfect time to tell him how I feel..." She though as she noticed that they were alone in the auditorium just a few lights on. "It's now or never." She gulped then began to speak, "Mr. Edelstein?"

"Yes, Elizabeta?" He looked up from his clipboard.

"There's something important I want to tell you," stated Elizabeta with confidence.

"What is it?" Mr. Edelstein asked.

"Well, you know I really like music but the real reason I joined the music club was..." She may have sounded somewhat confident but on the inside she was thinking, "I'm always so sure of myself. Why is my voice breaking and my heart is beating so fast?" She finished her sentence, "...because I'm in love with you and I've been in love with you since I first met you! But I never had had the courage to tell you how I felt until now." There was a long silence between them. "Please say something, it was hard for me to tell you this and I want to hear an answer from you." She looked at him in the eyes. It seems that the girl was certainly serious.

Roderich took a few minutes to think and said, "Elizabeta, you're a wonderful lady, very intelligent, beautiful and capable of anything. I really admire you and even though I'm greatly flattered by your words I think I can't accept your feelings." Elizabeta felt as if something was breaking inside her. Roderich continued, his voice never left the serious tone and he never parted his eyes from Elizabeta's. "I know it sounds cruel but it's better if I talk to you truthfully. I don't want you to think there's any special reason for me to say this-" He paused then began to finish speaking "-I think the man who corresponds your love would be the luckiest in the world. Unfortunately for both of us, that's not me. Please forgive me if I've hurt your feelings."

"I feel empty inside. It's like as if I wasn't here anymore. I can't let him see how much this hurts..." She tried her best to manage a clear voice, "I understand Mr. Edelstein."

Roderich approached her and put his hands on her shoulders, "Don't let what I just said affect you. Please, the last thing I would want is to hurt you. It's important for me that you know that you are an special person in my life and will always be."

She swallowed the urge to cry and gave him a weak smile. "It's okay. Really."

"Elizabeta." Roderich hugged the smaller girl. With this, she was amazed. She had never seen him making any display of affection to others. "I'm sorry and even if I don't want it to happen, I'll understand if you want to leave the club."

"You're so considerate and you're apologizing for something that isn't your fault. You're not to blame if you don't love me." She gave a faked smile, "Nothing like that. I never leave a project. Let's give it our best for tonight's show!" On the inside, she was thinking, "I now feel incomplete but it was me who chose to take the risk, the pain is awful but i don't regret it, cause it was me also who chose to love you in the first place."

~OwO~

"Veh~! I'm so nervous right now!" Feliciano was standing backstage for the showcase with Elizabeta whilst getting ready for his performance.

"You'll be great, Feli!" Elizabeta cheered on.

"But, Eliza, what if he doesn't come? After all I'm just a stupid kid to him. It was silly from me to think he'll be here..." He panicked.

"Feliciano, calm down and breathe," Elizabeta soothed as Feliciano did as he was told, "Now, first of all, you don't even know if the man is here. You haven't even looked outside but you don't need to because he surely be there. Second thing, it doesn't matter what would happen. The best thing you can do is go for what you want so you'll never regret that you didn't even try."

Feliciano could tell it was Elizabeta's heart who was talking. This advice could be given only by somebody who really cared for you. This moved Feliciano deeply. "Elizabeta, thank you." The response was brief but he really meant it.

"Go and impress him, Feli!"

~OwO~

"I can't believe you dragged me here, Ludwig! You've never been slightly interested in these events! What makes this one different?" Gilbert whined as the current performance ended. They were only allowed in during the break between the performances.

"I didn't ask you to come, Gilbert," replied Ludwig as they looked for a seat.

"But I just couldn't believe it when you told me I had to see it! Now, I'm totally impressed you actually came here!" Gilbert clearly was amused and suprised that Ludwig had wanted to some to the annual showcase.

"Could you please stop talking?" Ludwig pleaded as the stage crew cleared up the stage.

"But the show is almost over! We should leave now before the entrances are too crowded," hissed Gilbert through the chatter in the auditorium.

"Gilbert, I'm staying. You can leave if you want," offered Ludwig who was still looking for a seat.

"Fine! I'll go search Antonio," sighed Gilbert.

"By all means, do it." Gilbert went to search for his friend leaving Ludwig alone in the middle of the walkway.

Ludwig was looked for a seat but the place was full. It seemed as if the showcase had a large amount of publicity this year. "I decided to come in at the last minute. Feliciano did invite me but why did I bother? It's not like..."

His thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Edelstein's voice, "Ladies and gentlemen! We will conclude this year's showcase with senior student, Feliciano Vargas, performing one of Franz Lehar's pieces, 'Dein ist mein ganzes Herz'!"

There was the sound of applause before a slender shape appeared on the stage. The lights turned on to reveal an angelic image. Feliciano was wearing a fancy suit of exquisite taste. It outlined his figure perfectly. His hair was shining with the lights which looked more brilliant and his face was a marble sculpture. The whole picture left Ludwig breathless. Feliciano had just transformed before his eyes. It was a man in his element. What he was seeing was not a simple student. Then music began and with the first notes any whisper or sound that was on the auditorium disappeared under the most amazing voice. Ludwig was still standing as he didn't found a sit he was watching the most incredible performance in his life but there was something else…

Feliciano spotted Ludwig in the crowd and since that moment his eyes were locked in those of the man he loved. Since that moment there was no audience, no stage, nothing else but him and Ludwig. He was about to give his whole being to that person. He began to sing.

Dein ist mein ganzes Herz!
Wo du nicht bist, kann ich nicht sein.
So, wie die Blume welkt,
wenn sie nicht küsst der Sonnenschein!
Dein ist mein schönstes Lied,
weil es allein aus der Liebe erblüht.
Sag mir noch einmal, mein einzig Lieb,
oh sag noch einmal mir:
Ich hab dich lieb!

[My heart is yours alone!
I cannot be without you.
Like a flower that wilts
when unkissed by the sun!
My most beautiful song is yours,
for it is created out of love.
Tell me once more, my one and only,
oh tell me once more:
I love you!]

Ludwig stopped to think, "This is a German song. Why did Feliciano choose this song? Could it be that...he's showing his soul...his heart with the music? And is he looking at me?"

Wohin ich immer gehe,
ich fühle deine Nähe.
Ich möchte deinen Atem trinken
und betend dir zu Füssen sinken,
dir, dir allein! Wie wunderbar
ist dein leuchtendes Haar!
Traumschön und sehnsuchtsbang
ist dein strahlender Blick.
Hör ich der Stimme Klang,
ist es so wie Musik.

[Wherever I am
I feel you are near.
I want to drink your breath
and kneel adoringly at your feet,
yours, yours alone! How wonderful
your shining hair is!
Dreamy and full of longing
is your radiant gaze
Full of dreams and ancient longing
When I hear your voice,
it is like music.]

"Is this a confession, and what am I supposed to do about it, if he really feels like this about me?"

Dein ist mein ganzes Herz
Liebe mich

[My whole heart is yours.
Love me.]

That intimacy that had been created between them disappeared with the ovation of the audience. It had been incredible indeed. Feliciano bowed to the public while Elizabeta and Mr. Edelstein handed him a beautiful rose arrangement. Ludwig snapped out of his trance. He looked around him everybody still clapping and standing. He could even see Gilbert and Antonio fully focused on the stage. He began to think, "But why me? What would make me so special to him? I'm just imagining things. I'm behaving like a teenager. I shouldn't be here anyway." With that, Ludwig ran to the door with tears forming in his eyes. "What's with this pain in my chest? What hell is wrong with me?"

Feliciano looked back at the crowd and frowned. He had lost sight of Ludwig. "Did he leave? Maybe it means he doesn't feel the same way..." After that, any complement or flattery given to him that night meant nothing.

~OwO~

A/N: This song is from an opereta "The country of smile" written by Franz Lehar , the version I like is the ome sung by Rolando Villazon a mexican tenor, his voice is what most likely I imagined Feliciano would sing after all Italy was one of the main opera sources. I hope you have liked it please review.