The door was slammed shut by the Russian who ran out immediately, that couldn't be good at all. It was over, Ivan was definitely going to tell the demonical council about it in the next part of the trial.
"Isn't he the one you-".
Feliciano was interrupted by the demon laying his head on the priest's shoulder as he sighted.
"Yes that's him".
The Italian, not knowing what to do, caressed Ludwig's slicked back blonde hair.
"Are we in trouble?"
The German nodded, of course they were in trouble, and very big trouble.
"I'm afraid we are".
He whispered into his lover's ear. He felt guilty for dragging the priest into this. If he had controlled his emotions better and not jumped on the Italian maybe they would have a chance of winning the case without having to use Lovino's soul in exchange. Feliciano hugged the demon tightly, burying his head on Ludwig's strong and firm chest.
"We should get going, your brother's trial is soon to start".
The brunette nodded, walking out of the bathroom before the German, he thought it would be better if they weren't seen so close. Although at this point the Russian demon must have told everyone about it. The Italian had never felt so terrible, not even when he died. It was just so many things accumulated that were killing him. First, he was publicly humiliated in court by the footage exposed as evidence. The second was being caught by Ivan and the third was accepting the probability that he was going to rot in hell for eternity.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury and your honor, I here present to you the case of Lovino Vargas who was shot during a fight between gangs".
The demon council began discussing again, all of them talking about Lovino as the brat that broke the tv in court. The judge approached the Italian while frowning, he clearly didn't like the convict.
"Mr. Vargas, do you pledge guilty for being responsible of joining gang activity by your own choice, therefore, responsible for your death?"
Lovino rolled his eyes, of course he was guilty. He chose that lifestyle, no one forced him into the mafia.
"Yes I do".
His angel lawyer grinned, he was glad that his client didn't do anything unexpected and was actually following the instructions given. Perhaps he could even get a chance to get into heaven.
"He destroyed the courtroom and evidence of his brother's case, he should be sent to hell immediately!"
One of the demons from the jury screeched and Basch listened carefully, he was in the right to do so.
"Respected jury, I don't think that would be necessary. My client showed great bravery by defending his sibling's honor. I think that is enough to prove that he isn't entirely a bad person, even if he participated in gang activity".
Once again the jury was talking amongst each other as the judge scratched his chin. It was actually a compelling argument that the angel presented.
"Still, he has taken the lives of many and that disqualifies him for heaven".
Lovino stared with rage at the demon that talked about him. Unfortunately, he had been told to behave well by Antonio for his own sake.
"Ah, of course you wouldn't understand the concept of mercy and forgiveness. According to the Heave Act, even if my client committed intentional murder, he could still go to heaven if he shows regret for his actions, and he has".
The replaced courtroom tv was turned on again and it was a footage of Lovino and Feliciano praying in the rundown church where they have been staying.
The priest squeezed Ludwig's hand tightly, he was frightened. How did they get that video? He could have sworn that they were alone at that time.
"It doesn't count because he was praying with a filthy sinner!"
A demon hissed as he pointed at Feliciano who was sitting beside his lawyer.
The judge silenced the room so he could have a moment to think things through.
"This case isn't about his brother, making the jury's argument invalid".
Basch announced and a smile appeared on Lovino's face, take that wretched demon!
Antonio was glad that his defense plan was working out. He just had to convince the court that Lovi was innocent and desired forgiveness so he can be allowed in heaven.
"That is evidence from the purgatory and not from his world, do you have anything else to present us, angel?"
The Spaniard nodded, and another video was played. This time it was Lovino visiting his grandfather's tomb. The Italian was kneeling down on the ground crying, with a bouquet of white flowers laying beside him.
"Nonno, nonno, perdonami per favore. Ti ho deluso. Ho tradito i valori della famiglia e ti ho reso molto insoddisfatto delle mie scelte di vita". (grandpa, forgive me please. I have let you down. I have betrayed the family values and made you very unhappy with my life choices.)
The jury, the judge, the lawyers and spectators remained in silence as they saw the Italian break down in the tv. Who would have thought that the tough Italian gangster would have a soft spot? Not even Feliciano saw it coming. He actually had never seen his brother in that way before, so vulnerable and weak. He regretted not being able to be with his brother in those moments. Oh the wasted years and wasted youth, they will never come back.
Lovino wanted to smash the screen again with the law book. Why didn't Antonio tell him that he would be exposed in such way? Was this part of his strategy too? He didn't know but he had to hold back, he must do it.
"That was certainty, very moving Mr. Vargas".
The judge commented, looking at the Italian with pity now, which he absolutely despised.
"Why don't you tell them the real reason you died, Lovi".
The lawyer sneered, giving his client a little push in the back.
"Your honor, I was shot by the capo's son because I told him that I wanted to quit. He told me that the only way out of the mafia was through death and then he killed me".
Surprisingly, the jury was quiet as they heard the Italian's testament. Could it really be that he regretted being in the mafia?
The judge nodded and signaled Lovino to take a seat. He then slammed the shovel, indicating that the first part of Lovi's trial was over and now they would proceed with the other case.
A few hours passed until all of the 6 cases were presented. All of them had pledged guilty except Feliciano, which was very unfavorable for his case. As the humans began leaving the courtroom, the priest was stopped by Ludwig who pulled him to a side.
"Feliciano, could you come look for me at night? We have a few things to discuss".
The brunette nodded, showing his ring with a proud smile as he quickly rushed to his fratello's side.
The demon was about to leave court when a cold and slender hand touched his shoulder.
"Don't think you can escape from me so easily, Luddy".
Ivan chuckled, his long nails clutching the German's shoulder, making Ludwig shiver.
"What is it that you want?"
The Russian, who had a black eye due to the punching giggled. The German didn't understand what was so funny.
"You think you can just walk away after leaving my face like this?"
Ivan hissed, covering his eye with his long silver bangs.
"Let's not fight here".
Ludwig began walking away from the annoying demon that wouldn't stop tormenting him.
"Scared that your little boyfriend might see you?"
He made fun of Feliciano, which made the lawyer want to give the Russian another bkack eye.
"If you don't want the council to find out, you know where to find me".
Ivan faded into the shadows, leaving Ludwig alone and frustrated. What was he going to do now? He had no choice but to negotiate with the twisted demon. He despised Ivan so much, especially because he was known for being a cheater. He never kept his promises and always found a way to outsmart his opponent, he wasn't someone a demon or human would want to mess with.
"So you're making a deal with Ivan the Terrible?"
Gilbert asked, appearing behind his brother biting on an apple.
Ludwig nodded, he didn't have other choice. The least he could do was try to convince the Russian to not tell the jury about it. Even though it was most likely that he wouldn't accept and take his revenge for being punched.
"You let your wild side out again, West".
The Prussian judged his brother, knowing that he wasn't helping a lot with his comments.
"Shut up, brother".
Back to the rundown church, Feliciano was accompanied by his fratello, who didn't speak along the way.
"Lovi, do you think I'm going to hell?"
The brunette mumbled, his eyes filling with tears as he tried to hold them back.
His brother shook his head, wrapping an arm around Feli.
"No, don't you dare fucking saying that. If I can make it to heaven then you can too! Feliciano you're the kindest and most loving person I have ever met, so don't come up with that bullshit again".
The priest nodded, sniffing his nose and hugging Lovino.
"It's just that, I have done so many horrible things fratello, you must be ashamed of me".
For Lovino, sleeping with an engaged woman and being a priest really wasn't a big deal. After all, Feli was a man and had his needs and the woman wasn't married yet.
"Don't be stupid, you're such a crybaby Feliciano".
The Italian giggled, wiping his tears away and taking a deep breath.
"You disgust me".
The Frenchman walked passed the priest without looking at him, behind him followed the American who just booed at him. The Canadian just shook his head silently and finally Elizabeta who just looked away sadly. This only made Feliciano feel even worse and his brother could notice. Now that he wasn't in court, he had no reason to restrain himself anymore.
"You French bastard, what did you just say about my fratello? Huh?"
Francis had a smirk on his face as he turned around to face the smaller male.
"I said that he disgusts me".
He said without missing a beat, and Lovino ran towards the Frenchman at full speed and launched on him, pulling the man's blonde locks.
"Don't tell me that he disgusts you when you killed yourself for pleasure! And if you dare to say something else about him, I swear I'll leave you bald".
Francis screeched as his hair was being torn and Lovino sitting on his shoulders.
"Get him off me! Get him off me!"
The American and Canadian did what they could to try and taime the Italian, but it was impossible, eventually, the Frenchman had to give up.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm the disgusting one, oui? Please don't leave me bald!"
He cried out, and Lovino left him alone.
"Now all of you have seen the consequences of messing with my family, so next time, be mindful of your words, capisci?"
The mobster warned the others and they all nodded. As Lovino turned to see his brother, he noticed that he was gone.
Feliciano wasn't going to watch the whole fight go down, so he casted the spell and appeared in a house that wasn't Ludwig's.
"Oh, look who came for a visit!"
The priest heard a familiar voice and the next thing he knew, a pale hand with long nails that were more like claws, clutching his neck tightly.
