Dimmi Ti Amo Mi. ~ Capitolo due.
Summary: Feliciano Vargas has always desired to be seen as more to his brother. After entering careers in the critical fashion industry; fame, greed and lust attempt to break them apart- or even bring them closer.
Chapter rating: Pg-13, brothers not being so much of brothers
The weather was clear and fresh, bright and yet the skies were still a little clouded, gray and dulled shades scattered throughout. The sun didn't seem to exist during that day, but not even a raining cloud could stop the family from going on their regular outing to Rome. It was something they liked to do every few weeks, or if they were extremely busy, every couple months; of course today was special, as the boys were celebrating their 10th and 12th birthday. Their grandfather had deeply instilled the beauty of Rome into his grandchildren at such a young age, that they always brought on the deep desire to visit it; always making a trip the coliseum, the Sistine chapel, the small restaurant that lay beneath a beautiful canopy of vines. As the boys grew however, Lovino found traveling all the way to Rome a nuisance; it was time he could be spending working on his techniques, schoolwork, or anything really…
Feliciano had not lost one shred of love for the beautiful city – the destroyed beauty of the structures and statues, paintings; they inspired him, brought upon something within him that caused his smile to never vanish and stay hopeful. His grandfather often told stories of Ancient Rome, his fascination with the culture of Italy's early people was extraordinary. As he wove a tale or two about Julius Caesar, Nero, or the gladiators, he always reminded his grandsons just how strong the Ancient Romans were. The mere fact that their buildings had stood the test of time, Feliciano looked to it as what he wanted to be… Someone who stuck through everything, no matter how hard times would become or how difficult things were sure to get. Even when people would try to tear him down, he'd only try harder. It was his own promise to his grandfather and to Rome that he would be strong and forever stand tall.
They walked the city streets that narrowed here and there, feeling lucky it wasn't nearly as crowded as it often was. Feliciano desperately wanted to eat at the restaurant across the way from the large Ancient Stadium, but his parents refused, as it was an easy tourist attraction and was packed. Instead, their mother packed a lunch of sandwiches and other snacks, so they could sit down somewhere a little secluded. Being out in public was starting to play its toll on the young boys, their rise to fame in the short of two years being the cause. Feliciano would sometimes get a little carried away, putting on those Groucho glasses, or shades and the silly mustache he kept hidden in his drawer. Even though he knew he was being impractical, if it caused his brother to laugh at him, he enjoyed doing it.
Lucky for them, the clouds that looked as though they were heavy with rainwater caused any tourists or onlookers to stay home, giving the Vargas family time to be together, so they didn't need to hide or act as though they were different people. The boys were young, Feliciano especially, so the most he got were young girls waving, asking him about what he did and what else he had planned. Lovino relished in the watchful eyes however, offering his almost sinister smirk, one he'd become a little famous for in his portfolio. Lovino took on the serious image, more upscale and even dark. Feliciano had tried many times to do the same, but he just could not pull it off. His cheeks always seemed to stay flushed, slightly blotched with red; his bright and bouncing curls and wide round eyes making it almost impossible to create a serious and dynamic photo. Though they worked together at times, Feliciano was the smile and Lovino was the frown – as the directors would say.
After a nice family walk and eating their lunch together, Feliciano set out to chase the many cats that were littered all over the streets and ancient structures. He would squat down, allowing the cats to smell his hand, and in most cases they would ram their heads into his hands, purring loudly and eventually letting the other cats know 'This boy is ok!' After about ten minutes, cats of all different genders, breeds and colors were surrounding the little Italian boy, his giggling eminent as he continued petting them all, giving them names, even yelling at a few for fighting over his gentle hands. It would only last another few minutes, until Lovino would walk over, causing the cats to quickly scurry away.
"Hey! You scared away the cats!" Feliciano looked up to his brother, but was surprised to see him holding out the new, untouched camera he'd asked for as his birthday gift. Feliciano could see his reflection cleanly staring back at him in the large lens.
"Mamma got you this for your birthday, so use it… or something." Lovino let his hands go to either side of Feliciano's head, allowing the light leather strap to fall on his small shoulders. "At least take pictures of the cats for grandpa."
Feliciano let a smile beam up to his brother, seeing the genius in his idea. "Okay! Can you bring them back over? I wanna take a picture of them, with you – for grandpa!"
Lovino rolled his eyes as though he didn't want to, when in fact he loved the cats just as much as his brother. He squatted as Feliciano picked himself up and stood, really not much taller than Lovino. Seemed even a 10 year old Feliciano hadn't gained much height versus the 12 year old Lovino.
The older brother began making kissing sounds, the cats' ears perking up as they hesitantly came over. Warily they crept, their feline instincts setting in, the beautiful curves of their back bones lifting and falling under their soft coats. Only a few moments of Lovino offering his hand, did the cats return and begin to rub up against him, his knees, his back, and his fingers. He let his nails dig deep into their fur, one cat enjoying it so much that he fell to his back and kneaded the air.
Feliciano picked up the heavy camera, shutting his left eye tight and taking a shot. His tiny fingers tried to adjust the function, wanting it brighter and more focused. Twisting the large funnel, he closed in on the cat, Lovino's hand in shot. He tried to act like those photographers, the professionals he dealt with so often… But he was just a kid and was having fun documenting the fun day with his family.
"Get a picture of this one! He's so weird!" Lovino chimed in. His hand was playfully going at the black cat that had a large white spot on one of his eyes. He had his tongue hanging out of his mouth, as he would try to swat at Lovino's quick hands.
Feliciano took no time to take a shot, himself laughing along with his brother.
And so they continued, Feliciano taking an unnecessary amount of shots, though some did come out nicer than any 10 year olds' usual photos. Lovino just stayed petting and playing with the cats, laughing and sending off strange looks to some of them. They would have kept going, really losing track of time, but their parents called out their names, telling them they were going on ahead without them. Lovino stood from his knees, brushing off his pants and readjusting his coat. Feliciano fiddled with the lens cap, finally turning it off and waving goodbye to the large array of cats that had come to them. They slowly dispersed; running to hide behind the Coliseum's many dungeon-like gates, disappearing behind rubble. Only after walking 10 or so steps, Feliciano looked back and didn't see a cat in sight.
"Ok… One vanilla…" the man spoke, handing the napkin covered cone to Lovino. "And… One tiramisu." Feliciano reached up for his, offering a smile before he began to turn with Lovino and sit down on the nearby stone wall. They didn't get far, before their mamma pulled at their shoulders.
"What do you say?" Her eyes were sternly shooting at them, more so Lovino.
Both of them turned back around, Feliciano speaking a loud "grazie!"and Lovino giving an embarrassed thank you before walking back with his brother. The man didn't seem at all angry, though their mother rolled her eyes, shaking her head. She paid the money forward, ordering something for her and her husband, allowing her sons to walk off on their own.
"Hey, how come you always get vanilla? Doesn't it get boring?" Feliciano asked, taking a lick of his gelato and turning to pull himself up and sit on the ledge.
"No. I like vanilla," Lovino replied, leaning up against the ledge.
Feliciano brought his cone close to Lovino's letting it touch the vanilla and become slightly tan with his gelato. "You'll like tiramisu! It's good!"
Lovino didn't even have enough time to yell for him to stop, but he just sighed, turning the cone and licking at the sweet and very much different flavor. It wasn't that he didn't like the dessert taste; he just enjoyed his regular vanilla, while Feliciano always felt the need to try something different, never settling for one type. He nodded in agreement –that it was good– to which Feliciano tried to lean in again and offer his brother more.
"Hey- Hey! I don't want anymore!"
"But you liked it!"
"Yeah, that little bit you idiot! Stop- trying to mix them all up." He turned his body somewhat, making it difficult for Feliciano to lean over and jab as his boring vanilla. Lovino did his best to lick off the remaining tiramisu, while Feliciano indulged in the vanilla that had slightly brushed onto his cone.
As they ate their ice cream in silence, Feliciano easily finished first; mainly because his mother refused to get him a large cone, and so he ate the same amount as a five year old. Feliciano let himself pop off the ledge, his hands clapping and rubbing together to get off the stick of the cream. His camera that was still latched around his neck, he pulled up, running across the way and reaching the small ledge of the area they were sitting on, leaning on the black fence, though it was more of gate, just to make sure people didn't fall over.
A beautiful view of Vatican City, something he couldn't dare not take a photo of- or two or three. He kept changing the angle of his camera, trying to see if he liked it long or short or at an artistic angle. He was so engaged in it, he didn't even notice his brother walk up behind him, his arms folding over the gate and resting. A perfect profile, Feliciano gazed over for just a moment, quickly snapping picture. Of course, Lovino would have none of this and turned his head, hair whipping around.
"Stop taking pictures of me!"
Feliciano took another, just as he finished his sentence, but the next was all black due to Lovino pressing his hand over the lens.
"You ruined it? I was gonna send it to grandpa!"
"Like hell you were. Stop taking photos of me. There are plenty of people you can take a picture of!" He pointed around at all the random onlookers and couples walking about, but they didn't interest Feliciano in the least. He wanted to take photos of his brother, the one he admired and sought after dearly.
"Just… one more?" He lifted his head from behind the camera, his eyebrows curved in fright, knowing he would be rejected easily. The look on Lovino's face said it all. "Please! Just one more and then I won't ever take another picture of you, ever!"
Lovino took that offer, though a child's words could hardly be taken seriously. Never the less, he turned his head back to look out at the city. "Fine. But hurry up. I get enough of this already…"
Feliciano nodded his head, returning to hide behind the camera.
His slender fingers held to the twist and turn of the focus ring, following every delicate curve and line of Lovino's face; the way his bridge dipped inward just so slightly, his childish button nose seeming to vanish with his years. How his eyelashes reached up only halfway, his eyes never fully opening and staying to their lazed and serious posture… And his hair, faintly curled and waved here and there, it fell around his face evenly, cut with precision each time, the color of a burnt umber and the beautiful shine of auburn where the hidden sunlight met. Feliciano hadn't noticed that all he'd done during that short minute was zooming in and out of his brother's unbeknownst allure. If not for his brother's words, he would have sat there all day.
"I'm giving you like, five more seconds, to take a photo Feli."
"Sorry, sorry!" He brought the camera back again, angling it better so he could get more of his face. After he squatted, stood to his toes, twisted left and right, Lovino became annoyed once again. His head looked straight to Feliciano who was by now, dumbly holding the camera almost upside down, his entire body twisted and tangled.
"Can you just take the damn photo!"
"I'm trying! But… I can't get it right…" He stood up tall, this time walking to the opposite side. Maybe the lighting was better there?
"Well I'm not gonna stay here all night so you can get your photo. Just take it!"
"Ok, ok! Then can you like," he let the camera bounce to his chest, rather it reached his stomach due to his small stature. He brought his hands over to his brother, hooking them to his cheeks and causing him to forcibly smile. "Smile? Like this?"
Lovino took no time to slap the hands from his face, rubbing at his mouth and blushing from the unexpected contact with his cheeks.
"Can you not touch me? And no! Just take a photo so we can go!"
"Grandpa wants a picture of you smiling. He says… 'Lovino is so serious. Get him to smile Feli'… So I said I would."
Lovino turned his head away, pushing himself off the ledge and to stand in front of Feliciano properly.
"You're the smile-err. My smiles always look terrible. Everyone says so." His arms came up to his chest, crossing instinctively when he felt uncomfortable and a little ashamed.
Though he was known to be the smile, Feliciano frowned just as easily, not believing in his brothers words. "You have a pretty smile! You just-"
"Just what?"
Feliciano paused, pursing his lips to the side and looking away. As he thought, he recalled how Lovino looked when he did smile, those seldom times causing him to finally think of a proper reply. "You just- force it too much. It should be more… natural! A natural and happy emotion!"
Lovino looked to his younger brother as though he had spoken in another language, cocking an eyebrow and breathing out through his lips, unimpressed.
"My frown is pretty natural… That's the best you'll get." A sigh left him, as he turned back to the rail, leaning against it and staring off into his beautiful city. It was the biggest difference between the two; Lovino was quick to jump and give up, and to Feliciano, giving up... He barely knew the meaning of the phrase. Breathing out finally, he set his head into his folded arms, eyes shutting and finding content in that moment. With the brisk, cool breeze rolling around him, and the faint sound of sand and pebbles crushing under his brother's feet as they circled him, he could have easily fallen asleep.
That was short lived, when he felt the other poking at his shoulder, more so, jabbing, then almost banging. Lovino really had no tolerance for his little brother, and quickly raised his head in anger, ready to yell at him to stop touching him. Quite the opposite. Seemed Feliciano took joy in throwing his brother off, and more so, in showing his longing affection in any way he could.
It was less than a second, maybe two that Feliciano's lips clashed with Lovino's. So quick, he couldn't even taste the remnants of the sweet gelato on his lips or feel the warm moistness of his flesh. He only stood there, completely frazzled, as he always was – and while he was sitting there frazzled, Feliciano pulled back, lifted his camera with ease, and held onto the shutter… two… three … four... five pictures, all going at once, the flash continuing to spit into the air, and hastily blind Lovino.
When all that had happened registered in Lovino's mind, he was in uproar, jumping from the rail and going after his brother who ran with that childish and sneaky smile, laughing wildly.
"I got it! Foto perfetto!" He wailed, jumping over the stone build of a bench, taking cover and turning around to take 3 more snaps, his brother teaming with anger and stomping over the grey and dulled stone.
"I said stop doing that!" His cheeks were burning a stunned crimson, his lips curled up over his almost snarled teeth.
"You look kinda like a tomato Lovi! Very pretty!" Another shot. "Fratellone carino!" Feliciano was begging for the death sentence his brother was clearly about to put into fruition. Almost flying after him, he grabbed him by the shirt, sending them both down to the ground.
Feliciano let out a high pitched screech, surprised, and then making the smart decision to fall on his back, somehow still holding his camera high into the air. With such precious cargo now stored inside, he would rather scar his own skin.
Now rolling on the dirt and dust covered stone, Lovino desperately reached for the camera, Feliciano fighting back with all he had, his arms were holding the camera as far away as possible. As their parents came walking over, the scene of their sons toppling each other, pushing and shoving for the $900 device, they both cringed, not even wanting to think what would happen if that camera dropped those dangerous two feet.
"Boys!" Their mother ran over, latching onto Feliciano, their papa pulling Lovino off the younger boy.
"What on earth-"
"Feliciano took a stupid picture of me – a ton! And he won't delete them!"
She had no time to turn her head, before her littler son started yelling.
"Only because Lovino wouldn't let me take a good picture! Grandpa wanted one and I told him I'd get one-"
"Oh shut up! Grandpa doesn't care! You just want to make me look RETARDED."
"No! No! I wanted a pretty picture!"
"Stop calling me pretty you fu-" His screaming was cut off quick, their fathers hand flying over Lovino's mouth. At least one of them knew better than to let that word slip, knowing how livid their mamma would be if she'd even heard it.
"Lovino! Feliciano! We can't leave you for a moment, or else you two begin fighting?" She looked to them both, then into their father's eyes, his just shrugging to her. Obviously they couldn't and trusting that they could both be civilized, even in public, was just a pipe dream. A sigh left her, as she noticed Lovino's breathing slowing and Feliciano turning his head away. Surely he was crying, as he usually did in such a situation, but she really had no patience for them acting like this. If they wanted to be in the adult world, working and constantly in an environment surrounded by them… Best they be treated a little sterner.
"Feliciano. Apologize to your brother, and then delete those photos." she squared her eyes in on Lovino, noting the small amount of dirt on his flushed cheeks. "And Lovino. Apologize to Feliciano for pushing him."
They both were helped to their feet, their father dusting off Lovino's jacket just slightly. Lovino pulled away quickly, shifting his shoulder high and his head angrily towards the little squirt that approached him. No way did he want to apologize, his arms crossing in protest and a large puff of air leaving his blaring nostrils.
Feliciano swallowed, wiping away the tears he'd acquired in the struggle, his left eye pinched tightly as he'd gotten quite a good amount of dirt inside it. He rubbed at it profusely, somehow trying to avoid any eye contact with his now fuming brother. He mumbled at first, their mother lightly jabbing at his back to speak louder.
"Sorry…" He spoke a little louder, sniffing hard and finally being disgustingly greeted by those eyes, now a deep olive color, diving deep into his own caramel orbs. After he blinked a many times, his eye still looked painful, and though Lovino kept up his tough boy façade, it broke just the slightest, himself walking forward and leaning down a tad. He pulled his sleeve past his wrist, wiping the excess dirt form his brother's now swollen cheeks.
"Me too… For pushing you…" he spoke between rubs, glad to see his brother's eye opening a little more. As the years has gone by, being with his brother became harder and harder, these past two being hardest they'd yet faced. Feliciano had no idea what kind of stress Lovino held –just by being around him– and he never would, because Lovino had just enough pride and loving affection for his brother that he'd never wish bad on him… something he'd learned after many crying fits with his mother and maturing a little more each day.
"Now delete the photo's you took Feli." His head immediately dropped, pink-tipped fingers reaching to the power button and then secretively holding it close to his face, enough so only he could really see it.
A few consecutive beeps later, he finally finished, his mother yanking him over and looking through what was left on the camera. Seemed Feliciano was trying to be sneaky by keeping a couple on, but she dismissed these and clicked the delete button anyhow. Feliciano's face was deeply saddened, especially after all the trouble he'd just gone through to keep them. He had good intentions, just went about them wrong.
Their mamma finally agreed the camera was empty, her fingers suddenly becoming gentle and wiping the small tears that escaped Feliciano's eyes. He was very upset, and she knew this, but there wasn't much she could do. So often he got his way, just because he was much easier to please, and for the most part, always doing the right thing. Though Lovino caused most of the damage, Feliciano was taking the punch still, his lovely photos stolen from him; the day he'd spent with his brother lost, torn from his memory and now ending as the day he was beaten to the ground for just quickly pecking Lovino's face.
"Well, everything is settled now. Let's just go home and we can try coming back next month, okay?" The boys quietly nodded their heads, their papa as well. Their mamma was somewhat accepting of how the day ended, nothing new, though she really had no idea how things really had went, and it was better she didn't.
She dipped her head down to Feliciano's giving him a gentle kiss into his hair, ruffling it and whispering some words only audible to him. They must have been comforting, as he began to giggle, sniffing once more and letting his mood finally lift a little. She walked over to her husband next, raking through Lovino's locks for a moment and offering a smile, as they set off for home.
The walk to the car was a little long, as they often parked more in the outskirts of the city, and usually ended up walking even farther inside, causing quite a strain on their feet. Papa and mamma were ahead, both of them rambling and then laughing about this or that; things that didn't interest either of the Italian brothers. The boys had both let the earlier event pass their memories, now chatting about a nearby photo-shoot they'd both be involved in, only a few weeks away.
"Really? How old is he?"
"Um… Angelina said he was like… 17 or something. He has a car- I think..."
Feliciano beamed up to his brother in excitement. "That's so cool! You think he'll drive us around Spain if we ask?"
Lovino could only laugh, shaking his head at the absurd idea. As if the boy in the newest photo-shoot would so easily become their friends – Feliciano truly was naïve enough for the both of them.
"Well… I'm still gonna ask! Grandpa says- You never know unless you try." Feliciano always liked to repeat his grandfather's words as though he was brain washed. And every time he did, he dropped his high voice as much as he could, trying to sound as old and withered as his grandfather.
"I think you're spending a little too much time with Grandpa, Feli."
They both laughed, knowing that to be true. If there was someone Feliciano liked spending more time with than Lovino, it tended to be his grandfather. Not that Lovino didn't love his nonno, it just seemed their personalities would collide, and he wasn't as easily coddled and amused by his antics, though Feliciano would laugh at almost anything.
About half a mile now, still venturing for their car that, by now, Feliciano had deemed to be lost in desert or vanished- long gone and never to be found. It was silly how dramatic he got over such things, even if he was only a child. Lovino just rolled his eyes, helping to push at his brothers back whenever he seemed to slow down. He soon noticed how far ahead his parents were; enough that he couldn't hear them speaking anymore and now was just the time he'd wanted, to properly address his frustration with Feliciano.
"Feli…" he began, trailing off and looking left to right, trying to fix his next sentence. Feliciano slowly perked his head, a resounding 'hrm?' heard. "You… Can't keep doing that sorta stuff." That got his attention quickly however.
"In public?"
"No. Ever. You can't – that sorta stuff just… isn't okay." Lovino made a brief link of his eyes with those of his brother, already drooping and disappointed. He cleared his throat, a fake cough and then some more words as he felt a little guilty. "I mean, on the cheek is okay… I guess. Or like- hugging, and holding hands and stuff. That stuff is fine!"
As if those words would make up for what he was obviously saying- and who could blame him. Feliciano's antics were completely un-explainable, throwing Lovino off each and every time.
"Okay."
Lovino was somehow shocked to hear Feliciano's words, and… he could even say he was –just the tiniest bit– let down. From Feliciano, he would have expected a full out battle, to the point where they'd end up on the ground yet again. And yet- he just agreed. Not another word, just compliance, the one thing he never got from his brother.
"You're… Okay with this?" Lovino asked slowly, looking down and trying to see his brothers face.
Feliciano only stared up to him, sharing a crooked grin. "Yeah… You're not a very good kisser Lovi. All the girls are gonna be real sad an-Hey!" Lovino smacked him on the head, but the faintest of smiles was seen on his lips.
The fact that Feliciano could just turn the whole ordeal into something he could laugh at – that's why he loved his brother. Like, nothing could ever be serious and hectic around him. Feliciano had a way of turning that negative point, into a positive idea. Truly a blessing in disguise for poor Lovino.
And Lovino continued to laugh at it, his hands freely reaching for Feliciano's head and pulling it close to his chest. His fingers wrestled with his curled locks, careful of that lone ringlet that sat on both of their heads. They walked like this, Feliciano's eyes shutting into a satisfied grin, the calming feel of his brothers secretly loving hands combing and softly, gently massaging his head. It was warm there, his ear tightly pressed up against his brother's heart, the rhythm almost lulling him to sleep. Really, the day had turned out a little nicer those last few minutes…
Once they returned home though, Feliciano ran upstairs, eager to check his computer and see if he'd gotten any emails or callbacks. By now, he knew exactly how to maneuver and function on the device with ease, though his small fingers still couldn't reach keys very well. Slowly, he poked at the keys, his index finger jabbing at each, one by one, spelling out something…
For Grandpa!
He pulled out the long camera cord, fixing it to the computer, and then waited only a few minutes until he could attach the files he wanted. There, a dozen or so pictures of Feliciano and Lovino playing about with the cats, then many of the coliseum and the landscapes of the Vatican from above the ledge. He was very proud of his pictures, none too blurry and even a few a little on the artistic side, so he thought. Eagerly, he pressed send, lying back in his chair, till he jumped at the sudden knock on the door. He closed out of the camera images.
"Come in!"
"Mamma's done making dinner – she wants you to come down. Papa's about to start!"
"Tell him to wait!" Feliciano could hear Lovino's laughter as he traveled back down the hall, his footsteps growing quieter and soon vanishing, the here and there of his families voices in the distance.
He turned back to his computer, placing the photo's he'd sent to his grandfather into a separate folder. Then he began typing again.
Lov- he quickly backspaced, deciding a code name was a little better.
Pomodoro.
He started to take the photos from his camera, all clean and crisp. His brother's flushed and flaming cheeks staring dumbfounded at the camera lens. As each went by, His brothers expression and the clarity died down, to the final images of him leaping at Feliciano and then about two during the struggle. Feliciano could only laugh, knowing he'd gained his prize in the end. Though he deleted three or four unusable photo's, when his mother spotted the images he'd kept, she moved the button to power off, letting him keep them, and then whispering to keep them hidden from Lovino, else he would suffer a worse fate.
Turns out, she fell for his innocent charm even though she'd tried her hardest not to.
Clearly, Feliciano had no desire to give up on anything –the photos, the day, his brother– Giving up? The boy barely knew the meaning of the phrase...
Ah another chapter! I must apologize for the lengthyness of it, but.. I've just been having a lot of fun with this story~ Expect other chapters to be as long, running from 2k-5k.
Also side no pertaining to the title comment I got- Thank you for noticing the error, but either way is fine, after speaking to one of my friends. I did change it because before it was "Tell me you love me," but now it's "Tell me that you love me," which is probably more grammatically correct- either way!
Thanks again to JojoSillyGoose for being beta! SORRY FOR HAVING TO READ IT ALL BRO.
Updates will be- whenever, but I'm hoping for the next update to be my Spamano! Stay tuned!