Chapter 11 (Grandpa)
It was almost midday in his dreams Feliciano could hear somebody calling him "Feliciano...Feliciano ...wake up already stupid fratello!" just a second after a pillow hit Feli's face, "Ow Romano why did you do that?", Romano was already awake and dressed in his soccer uniform, couch Gilbert wanted the team to be in perfect conditions for the tournament so even Saturdays were a training day, "your phone has been ringing for a whole ten minutes and you did not even blink at the sound ", Feli stood up at the moment and picked the call hoping to listen the voice he had dreamed of last night "Hello?", Romano was looking at his brother so he noticed it that it must have been an important call since the usual bright smile on his brother's face turned into a grimace, Feliciano kept talking for a few more minutes "Yes I understand...Ciao", Romano gave a worried look to his little brother, he wanted to say something but it was of no use because he had never been good with words "What the fuck happened?, did someone die?", Feli let out a sob and a couple of tears rolled down his face, "what's wrong bastard why are you crying?", Feli faced Romano "grandpa knows", Romano was confused, "what? what does he know?", "about me and Ludwig", now it was Romano's expression the one changing "what the hell about you and that macho potato", Feli had just got himself into more trouble but he saw no use in hiding it anymore "well...we're like... together" , Romano was getting really mad "don't tell me that!, what you mean together idiot", Feliciano answered yelling too "like a couple Romano what did you think!" the younger Italian covered his mouth with his hands amazed by his own reaction, Romano was at a loss of words, his baby brother had been tricked by an old pervert, "What the hell were you thinking idiot, I can't even...how could you...you're hopeless Feliciano " Romano began scolding his brother furiously, walking all over the place and looking angrily at him, Feli was still crying his relationship with Ludwig could turn into ashes if his grandpa didn't approve, and now his brother was being less than helpful, at first he thought he could stand it as he always did with Roman's burst outs but he reached his breaking point "I know about you and Mr. Carriedo", Romano stopped in the middle of the room, his mouth shut, he was perplex, Feli continued "Don't worry I'm not trying to blackmail you Roma , I would never do such a thing to you, I just thought that since we were in the same situation...well...you could support me, I mean I really love Ludwig" Romano gasped at this words but still didn't say a word, "yes I'm serious fratello, I would do anything to be with him and... you understand right? you feel the same way about Antonio" the elder italian shivered at the mention of that name, as he noticed Feliciano was expecting a response he looked back at his brother "it´s not the same", in his mind, Romano found impossible for Feliciano to have a relationship with an older man, Feli was the one mad now "how is it not the same?", Romano remained silent, he indeed had no arguments, "I see you won't accept it and it's ok" more tears formed in Feli's eyes, "but I don't care what you think, or grandpa, anybody" Romano was surprised this was the first time he saw his brother defending something so bravely and confident, "still I wish you and Antonio the best" Feliciano left the room, Romano stood there impressed at how his brother had changed for a man, he was just trying to protect him, why didn't the idiot understand that?, but what was that pain he felt on the chest, something didn't seem right, he took his keys and left the house still hearing Feliciano crying from his room.
When Feli calmed down, he tried to figure out what to do next, Arsenius called him saying he found a note and by the name in the signature he recognized the math teacher that had been giving "accessories" to Feliciano, so even if Arsenius arrived late home he wanted Feliciano to wait for him to discuss about the situation, "Grandpa has never talked to me the way he did this morning, he sounded so severe and concerned, what I'm I going to do?" he decided after giving it a lot a thinking that he should tell Ludwig about the situation, he picked his phone and searched for the number.
Ludwig woke up still feeling weak, he rarely got sick, but when he did he felt like dying, he walked towards the kitchen to grab some water, in his way he heard an annoying familiar voice "Mon dieu why are you awake?, you should be resting", "hell no, not today" this was the worst thing that could have happened in a day like this, "why are you here?", Francis was cooking breakfast while Gilbert was having some coffee and reading the newspaper, well the sports section, the long haired man answered "well last night your brother and I went out for a few drinks, without Antonio of course, since he has that brat, he has totally forgotten about us, but I give him some credit the boy is so cute", "Francis!", "anyway your brother and I got wasted so we end up in your apartment and had some hot se… auch", Gilbert pinched the Frenchman with a knife "Lud doesn't have to know that asshole", "But Gilbert mon amour you were amazing last night well not as if you haven't been before" Francis let aside what he was doing to look at Ludwig, "you know this is not the first time we do it, Ludi guess who taught your brother about life", Gilbert was getting really mad and embarrassed at the same time "Damn Francis you swore you won't ever...", Francis cut him off "the only new thing I noticed is that you kind of enjoy violence Gilbo", "Damn shut your fucking mouth up idiot" Gilbert was all red now "I was drunk, so were you so forget about that", Ludwig was now feeling a bit better, he stare at his brother with a grin "don't you dare to say a thing Ludwig", Francis adopted a dramatic pose while the brothers were arguing, "that's not the way I raised you boys a masochist and a paedophile I'm so disappointed of you", both Germans felt their pride hurt, they stood up with a killing desire, of course Francis didn't noticed, he was still babbling until he was tackled "aaahh get of me idiots you're ruining my shirt", "I'll ruin your face you sick pervert" said Gilbert who was about to hit the French with a frying pan, luckily for Francis he found an easy way to get out of the trouble, "Mon petit Gilbert I thought you had an appointment with your kids about an hour ago?", Gilbert stopped punching and looked at the clock, "damn I knew I woke up earlier for a reason", Ludwig who was holding Francis so that Gilbert could hit him raised an eyebrow to his brother,"what exactly do you call earlier bruder?" the younger german still couldn't understand how his brother kept a job, "early enough to give a good morning kiss right Gilbo?", Gilbert hit the french man one more time before storming out of the house half dressed, Ludwig was left on top of Francis in the floor of the kitchen, "Ludi you know I don't mind being on bottom but could we change to a more comfortable position dear", Ludwig made a disgust face and stood up in a second.
Francis arranged his clothes and continued with the cooking, "so what would you like for breakfast Lud", "thanks but I'll pass, hearing so much about how close you and my bruder are left me with no appetite", "oh common Lud you're a grown up now, it's not like when you were 6 and we let you out of the room to watch porn, actually now that I recall Gilbert mention something about you having a diverse collection" a look of exasperation in Ludwig's face "really Francis it's been enough for a day", "fine then" Francis shrugged, they remained silent for a couple of minutes, but the cook tried to made some casual talk, well perhaps not so casual, "so tell me Ludi how is it going with the italian hottie, Gilbert told me about the necklace thing, I never expected you to be the romantic type", Ludwig spited out some water, "how much did he tell you about it?", "well he mentioned you ran away like a coward instead of giving the present yourself", "I did not do such a thig!" Francis knew Ludwig all too well so he made him an unimpressed face, "I felt sick ok", "well let me tell you something Lud, you can't run away forever, nobody wants that kind of relationship", Ludwig turned to Francis "I can't believe it, you're actually being reasonable" , the elder man sighed in anger, why didn't people take him seriously "of course I am brat, I have more experience in this topics than you, now listen to me muscle head, you must be confident about yourself and never hide your feelings, that just makes things worse, you know what I mean right?, how you're socially awkward, and sometimes emotionless, even...", "Fine I get the point ", "then?", "then what?", "give me a break Ludi what would you do next time you meet that little eboyfriend of yours", Ludwig could feel his face burning at the question so he used his fringe to cover his face "well I…", in that moment Ludwig's phone started to rang.
Feliciano attend the door and was surprised to see Ludwig in front of him, the taller man still looked ill "Ludwig why are you here you don't look good at all" a real look of concern in the younger boys face, this made the blond feel warm inside "you sound really worried in the phone I had to come", "come inside you should be resting", Ludwig was dragged by Feliciano inside the house, as they walked through the place Ludwig had a chance to admire the good taste in the decoration, so it was family influence where the sophisticated style of the young man came from, they walked through a long corridor and stopped in front of a small room, Feliciano opened the door and Ludwig followed him "here have a rest" he said as he pointed the bed, "I don't think this is ok Feliciano considering the current situation...", "there's nobody at home right now, is just the guest room Ludwig and you're sick, but if you prefer we can always move to my room", Ludwig blushed at the boldness of the young boy, Feliciano noticed but misunderstood the situation "Oh no you have fever again, lay down I'll go bring some cold compresses", "No Feli I'm fine", but the italian was already on his way "I'll be right back", Ludwig sighed and checked out the room,, "I think he did mention his grandpa was an architect that must be why every room is exquisite detailed" Ludwig sat on the bed, and without notice the comfort made him fell asleep, when Feliciano came back he found the tired man in deep sleep "of course he was tired I told him not to come", Feliciano took off the elder man shoes and covered him with a blanket, he had found that watching Ludwig in his sleep was his new favourite activity, he couldn't imagine a better sight or place to be in this moment, he stayed by his side until he as well fell asleep with him.
After a couple of hours Ludwig was the first in waking up, he remembered he was still at Feliciano´s house, he noticed the boy sleeping next to him, he was delighted by the moment until he saw the hour in the wall clock 8:30 p.m, they were already in a delicate predicament and if this boy's grandpa found them like that, that won't make a really good first impression, he tried to wake up the italian as softly as he could "Feli, Feli please wake up", Feliciano struggled to open his eyes but when he saw Ludwig he sat up in a second "Are you feeling better now Ludwig?", he was worried about him?, "yeah thanks", "I really like when we sleep together Ludwig", Ludwig couldn't control the heat rushing through his face, Feliciano took the blonde's face in his hands with delicacy "oh no you're with fever again", this action made the other man melt, if one day this little boy found out how much effect his actions had on the elder man, but Ludwig use all his will power to recover sense, he took away Feli's hands "No Feliciano I'm quite fine, just watch what you say", the younger man gave him a confused look, the german tried to change the conversation, "I see you're wearing the cross", "Oh I totally forgot to thank you, Gilbert told me how special this was for you, and I still can´t believe you even consider giving it to me", "why wouldn't I?, I am the one impressed that you considered me", a shade of pink crossed Feliciano´s cheeks, so the French idiot wasn't wrong after all, Ludwig would try to share his feelings more often, no matter how hard and embarrassing this task would become, the man before him made it totally worth it. Feliciano stopped playing with the chain and looked at the blond in the eyes "Don't say that, and anyway I wanted to apologize, the last thing I wanted was to worry you, I just called you because...", "Feli it's fine, I came here because I couldn't let you alone with this, we'll talk together to your grandpa, everything will be fine so don't worry about it". Feliciano felt as if a burden had been taken away from him, he wasn't scared anymore, "you are right we will be fine".
During the whole conversation Arsenius had been standing outside the room, at first he wanted to go inside and punch in the face the man sharing the bed with his precious grandson, but after hearing the conversation to his dismay the man in question didn't seem to be so bad, in fact he could sense his caring about Feliciano, perhaps he had done his judgment pretty soon, it was true he wasn't so happy about his child having a relationship with an older man but, he could give it a chance right?.
The door of the room opened making both Ludwig and Feliciano jump, "sorry to interrupt you guys" Arsenius was smiling at the pair, "I just arrived but I heard somebody chatting", Feliciano was trembling "for how long have you been behind the door grandpa?", "long enough Feli", Arsenius turned and glare at Ludwig "so you're Ludwig right?", Ludwig left the bed and arranged his clothes nervously in a matter of seconds, "Yes Sir Ludwig Beilschimd" he out stretched his hand to greet the elder man, Arsenius gave a few steps so he was close enough to the blond, he was as tall as him, he stared at him making Ludwig feel more uneasy, he raised his hand causing Feliciano to gasp, but then Arsenius messed up Ludwig' s hair and look at him again "Yep you're definitely the copycat of the old Beilschimd the same stern look all the time", Arsenius put his arm around the german in a hug, Ludwig could breathe again and tried to continue the conversation "You know my grandfather ", "of course I do I've known him like since forever, but it's been a long time since we last met, I remember you very little and your brother, uhm what was his name?… Gilbert, that boy had a talent to always get himself in trouble", "he still does" murmured the blonde, Arsenius laughed at the comment "I see you have a better sense of humour than your old man, he didn't stand my jokes too much", Ludwig thought to himself that it must have been the reason why he had never heard his grandpa mention this man.
"I'm home" the three men in the room heard Romano's voice coming from the front door, "would you like to stay for dinner Ludwig?" Arsenius gave Ludwig a smile, "I don't want to bother", "not at all in fact there are some things I would like to discuss with you" a dark aura came from the elder man, the german was scared for sure, but he wasn't going to turn down the man who dared to make jokes on his grandfather, Ludwig felt a long night coming with this mood switching man and Feliciano's not so kind big brother, but when he saw the smile on the younger italian he consider he could stand it, they walked towards the dining room but they had to stop all of a sudden when behind Romano appeared a tall brunette with dark hair. Romano looked Feliciano in the eyes just to let him know that what he was about to do, was to support his brother "hey old man there's somebody I want to introduce to you", then the man behind Romano offered his hand to Arsenius "Evening Mr. Vargas, I'm Antonio Fernández", Ludwig could feel the atmosphere growing tense, Arsenius opened his mouth after processing the scene "Nice to meet you son", he then pressed Antonio's hand strongly causing a slight pain on the spanish. "Feli, Roma I think you should go prepare dinner while I have a chat with this gentlemen", as Feliciano already felt acceptation from his grandpa he ignored Ludwig's pleading face for not leaving him alone, Romano was indifferent and head to the kitchen with his brother.
"Romano", "what now idiot?", "thanks" Feliciano hugged his brother while the other tried to escape the embrace, "Chi-gi! you don't have to tank me bastard I was planning to do this soon anyway", Feliciano smiled at his brother "Well anyway thank you", Romano look away from his little brother a noticeable blush in his face "yeah whatever".
Meanwhile in the living room, the two younger men were sitting on couch in front of what it look the most intimidating character they had ever met, even Antonio's undying smile was totally erased from his face, Arsenius finally spoke at them, "I've raised this kids, they are the most valuable thing I have, I knew this day would come, after all they're Vargas they've been always popular, but I… well…I always thought they could bring home some delicate, beautiful young ladies, and what I found is you two, you must comprehend my surprise", while Antonio tried to look calmed Ludwig was going through the most embarrassing moment of his life, Arsenius continued with his speech looking at Antonio first "You know Romano may have an horrible mood but actually he's a really sensible guy , he's always trying to protect the people he loves and fails at trying to hide it" then Arsenius turned to Ludwig "Feli in the other hand is very sweet but he's kind of untidy and naive", Mr. Vargas made a pause, "Now that I know that you're both interested in my grandsons I tell you that you both have my approval, but I shall give you some recommendations ", Arsenius stood up and gave the men in front of him the scariest glare he could manage "or what I prefer to call: The things you must not do if you want your head to remain attached to the rest of your body", feelings of fear and horror were now filling the two men, "Welcome to the family boys".