Roderich Edelstein has his eyes shut in concentration, fingers lacing his dark umber hair, feet tapping unceremoniously on the mellow light-colored wood. He then tries to parse the plants hanging on the unpigmented walls, the window acting as an opening for an ample amount of sunlight or anything that could allow a sudden burst of musical notes from the black and white piano. Roderich has been trying to seek out incitement, something to forge mellifluous tones out of his instrument. Music was a way to express himself numerous moments has he discovered different worlds within himself, and it is not the first time he encountered a lack of conceptualization. The melody overflows with chivalrous hints of romanticism, and Roderich has been accustomed to knowing that his piano is a way to input his thoughts. He had never thought it could give him such confusion. Roderich is bewildered as to why his notes hint at such feelings. Every melody he has played so far was erratic or not enough to the high standards of the Austrian. There's a peculiar idea that strikes his mind, something that has to do with letting go of his psyche. He would have to explain this turmoil to a german friend later. Roderich hears the shifting of weight behind, and his sinuses pick up the smell of coffee. His face turned softer as he witnessed his friend's copacetic emerald eyes that hint at the latter's kind virtue and generally positive charisma. Something is enticing about how the Hungarian's light ebony brown hair reflects the sunlight from the window, how balletic and feminine her looks can be, and at the same time, it can be audacious. Green wasn't usually a complementary color on clothing. If it's too vibrant, it impairs the eyes. Elizabeta's green military uniform manifested her gallant personality. She looked beautiful in anything. A lukewarm ceramic cup brushed his palms, awakening him from his daze. Elizabeta raises an eyebrow, baffled because of the Austrian's silence. The latter mutters a soft thank you and proceeds to sip the caffeine. He regains his focus on elizabeta as she sifts the wound on his arm. The bleeding stopped, thankfully, although bloodstains hazily materialize on the band-aid's fabric. Roderich winces at the hurtful touch.

''Please try to refrain yourself from the piano because you might overwork yourself'' The Hungarian's statement sounding stern.

''Thank you, I'll try.''Roderich wonders if he's disingenuous. He can't stay off the piano for long.

Elizabeta's emerald eyes glisten as she changes the topic. ''Have you decided what to wear during the celebration?''Roderich remembers that when he sought shelter in Budapest, it had only been days before the party. His mood dampens when he reminiscence the events that led him here. He tries to forget the grisly dispute which made him lacerated enough to pursue shelter. His thoughts abrupted when elizabeta offers to lend him clothes for the party. It appears that the whole town was to celebrate a festival, he doesn't need anything too formal although, the thought of a public gathering without him wearing good clothes afflicts him.

Elizabeta's face turned sympathetic, seeming to understand her friend's discomfort.

''It's fine if you don't want to join'' A hint of adversity in her voice.

Roderich dislikes upsetting his dear friend, so he decides to accept the offer. He's unsure of what to wear, but he has other things to settle on.

Outside the house is a vast acre of land, crimson tulips springing from the meadow, grass-carpeted hills that cause others to believe that Budapest and Vienna have many alike. Roderich remembers Elizabeta touring him across the town and how much the place abided modern architecture since he last arrived. He knows that after the destructive aftermath of the present government, they seemed to forget about developing building anatomy. Roderich didn't bother with the government and military fusion until recent affairs. He still remembers the screaming and running away was his solution to everything until he realized that his fearfulness didn't save a man's life. Even if Vash passed on, lily could still survive, right? A twelve-year-old shouldn't be left alone, and the reality of the situation gives him distress. He did not come to the pastures to sulk in guilt. He heard that Ludwig was a temporary resident, he has a few questions. The once young German came to him for advice. Roderich wants to know if he can re-pay his guidance. He eyes the slicked-back hair of the blonde and runs to him. Ludwig is startled, surprised to see his former mentor figure in Budapest.

''Ah, Elizabeta told me that I could find you here. Did you miss me?" he may as well said in a sarcastic tone, not thinking that the German could wish to see him again. Ludwig could only nod, his muscles relaxing because only the Austrian approached him. Ludwig's instincts are to ask why are you here?' but momentarily stops himself, knowing how his actions might come as ''undignified'' and ''rude.''

''What happened in Vienna?''

Roderich's good temperament diminishes, Ludwig notices.

''You don't need to talk about it.''Roderich silently agrees and changes the subject.

''How is Veneziano?''

Ludwig's flushes red because of the mention of his Italian friend.

Roderich briefly wonders if Elizabeta reacts the same way when someone mention's his name. The thought of it indeed happening satisfies him.

''Well, he's in one of the cottages fuzzing about bad pasta, as usual.''

They both chuckled at the response, finding the Italian's love for pasta amusing.

''I've had contact with your brother. He told me you grew a lot, I'd hate to agree with him, but I can see he's correct.''

''A great deal has happened since you left. Veneziano and I have been to enthralling places.''

''Oh, it feels like that the two of you have gotten closer''Roderich smirked.

''Ja, we have.'' A sudden rush of blood was present on Ludwig's face, realizing what his Austrian friend meant with ''closer''. '' Verdammt! Not in that way!''

The two talked some more, catching up with the other's life and enjoying one's company. Roderich Bethink the reason why he wanted to see Ludwig, Elizabeta coming to mind was baffling.

''You do remember that a piano is a way to express me.''Ludwig noded.

''It appears that I have been feeling romantic sentiments to someone. I haven't thought that a piano could lie about what I experience.''

''I'm also quite confused about my feelings for...''Ludwig stopped abruptly, although Roderich could tell whom he was referring.

''Well, I'm not an expert but, if you feel weird towards someone, it may be because love is acting in its many ways.''

The Austrian thought he saw realization on the German's face when he said those words.

''Thank you, I'll put that to mind, Ludwig" They decide to end the conversation since the sky developed a blue tint, signaling nearly nighttime.

Roderich spots a reddish-brown-haired man running towards them. From a distance, the lad's frightened worrisome expression is hardly visible.

''Veneziano?"The german questioned.

As Veneziano runs closer to them, Ludwig could make out his Italian friend frantically waving a white flag, brown hair flying everywhere, and mouthing

'Ludwig, they attacked.'

Authors Note-

Vash's death would be explained later on in the story. This is my first ever fanfiction published so I hope you enjoyed it! Chapter titles are named after songs, by the way.Oh and this was posted on Wattpad