Feliciano sat at the table as Mama sipped her tea staring across from him. Lovino was breaking apart a muffin eating it in separate pieces as Papa finished his buttered bread.
"I'm off to work, I'll be back for the ball." He pressed kisses to all the Omega' heads. "Good bye Papa." Feliciano chimed and Lovino only looked away and nodded, watching Papa leave through the back door to walk down to the pharmacy. Feliciano took the teapot from the middle of the table pouring himself some tea as Lovino set down a piece of the plain muffin. He looked anxious to Feliciano, like he was waiting for something to happen. Feliciano wondered if Lovino was excited for the ball, better ask him.
"Hey Lovi, are you excited for the ball?" Feliciano asked as he took a delicate sip from the porcelain tea-cup. To Feliciano surprised Lovino dropped his fork and stood up, his face darken crimson from embarrassment.
"I'm fine." He said through gritted teeth and regained his regalness before heading up the steps, his eyes fell to his hand as he played with his fingers and nails and ascending up the steps. Feliciano watched him go with a pained look and turned to Mama who smiled faintly.
"Go be a dear and check on him. Tell him that Mama was worried." She purred taking her finger and ghosting it across Feliciano's pale cheeks. A smile showed loving dimples that came from his Grandpa, on his mother side, and Feliciano arose.
"Ok Mama, we'll get ready together~" He glanced towards the stairs and ran to them making Mama laugh as she started to collect the dishes and do her domestic chores that Lovino and Feliciano couldn't help her in, because they were getting ready for the ball. A naturally long thing to do when you are an unmarried Omega. Feliciano came upon the upstairs and turned to the closed-door across from his door. He pressed his hand to the stair's railing and slowly walked to the door. Before entering he pressed his ear to the door to hear quiet sobbing. The smile on his face fell into a worried frown as he knocked on the door before opening it. Feliciano stepped into the room watching as Lovino quickly hid what was in his hand.
Feliciano liked Lovino's room, it was a sweet white with a big comfy bed with light pink linens. He had his own fainting couch and a big bookcase filled with interesting books. His vanity had pearls draped on the side mirrors and on the top was a beautiful hand mirror made of gold and an ivory hair brush. The pitiful part of the room was the habitable. Lovino was on his bed with his knitted blanket over his shoulders, his dressed puffed out and his leg stuck out in an odd manner. Their family cat, a white cat with brown patches and bright green eyes was sitting on top of Lovino's sleeping gown purring, trying to calm its favorite person.
"Lovino." Feliciano said quietly as his twin gave him a pitiful look and stared down at his hands which went calmly to Tomato and acknowledged him with pets. In his lap was a letter written in beautiful calligraphy which explained most of this sadness. "It's about him, isn't it?" Feliciano asked walking over to the bed sitting down with Lovino who held the paper protectively to his chest.
Feliciano remembered the man who approached Lovino at the ball last year. He was handsome and had so much charisma he could swoon a flock of bulls, yet he only went towards Lovino. They danced and chatted over wine and cookies, Gilbert commented that they acted like a married couple. After Antonio left, Lovino became sad and would tell Feliciano that he missed the Alpha. On Valentine's Day, Gilbert approached the twins and Mama bearing a letter for the oldest son from the tall-tale Spanish Alpha. Lovino waited until he got home to read over the letter which was filled with poetry and love notes of how he wished to court Lovino and their love will always be the strongest.
Feliciano wished he had the kind of love Lovino had. A long, drawled out kind. Something you looked forward to. More letters came, one was a book filled with Spanish prays and a beautiful cross that Lovino told Feliciano that Antonio wore himself. Inside the bible was circled hymns and verses that translated into love proclamations.
In June a box of white lace kid gloves, July a bouquet of dried violet flowers(1), August was more letters and poetry. Every month seemed to be endless gifts that won Lovino's heart one by one. The last letter came on December 4th, inside was a letter telling Lovino how excited he was to meet him again and he couldn't wait to dance the night away. To add to the beautiful letter with every i dressed with hearts on the top, was an expensive necklace. It was silver and clasped around the neck like a choker, but in the middle was an ivory carving of a women and the silver was decorated with design of vines. Three draped designed silver chains hung from the middle with emerald gems in the middle. The letter told Lovino to wear the necklace to ball to show their love. The necklace sat on the foam head on Lovino's vanity ready to be worn.
"I'm scared, Fratello I'm so scared." Lovino's lip quivered as his face fell as more tears fell from his eyes. Feliciano was now scared as well, he didn't know how to comfort Lovino, but he hugged him instead, snuggling into the shoulder that always smelled of tomatoes and earth.
"It's alright, we can be scared together." He assured and Feliciano stood up putting his thumb on Lovino's cheek getting rid of the tears that fell, but not the tracks that laid in wake. "I don't know if I'll meet my Alpha, who knows, I could be unmarried like Francis." He suggest and Lovino laughed through his sadness.
"Don't be like Francis." He pushed Feliciano away making them laugh together messing with each other. Tomato mewed as he was picked up and held like a baby to Lovino's chest being twirled around.
"Of course Antonio, I'll surely dance with you." He said to the cat as they did an awkward dance. Feliciano laughed excitedly clapping his hands together as Lovino put on an amusing show.
"Come here Lovino, let me brush your hair!" Feliciano called as he picked up the ivory brush and Lovino let the cat go. They primped each other up, such as combing each others hair and adding jewels into locks. They helped each other into the crinoline and the dresses were put on. To add to the touch Lovino clasped on the silver necklace and put his hand into the white lace kid gloves. Feliciano giggled at the blush on Lovino's face as they made their way down the stairs. Mama was dressed in a beautiful gown as Papa escorted her by the arm.
"There are the jammiest bits of jams(2) I told you Margret, they would take hours prepping." Papa said bashfully and Feliciano giggled, in his hand was a fan made of the finest paper and the design with floral. Lovino had a similar one which was a light blue with an old scene on it.
After more exchanges they were off into the carriage draped in weather clothing. The squeaks of the carriage would startle Feliciano sometimes because the carriage always sounded ready to break, yet they came in one piece. They exited the carriage and walked to the ballroom. This year Gilbert rented out a large one with a huge dome roof with a crystal chandelier in the middle. Feliciano was so amazed he didn't even feel servants taking off his coat and muff.
"My dear, go socialize." Mama whispered into his ear and disappeared with Papa. Feliciano turned to Lovino, yet didn't find him anywhere in sight. He quickly assumed that Lovino went off to find his love interest. Feliciano understood that he would have to be his excitement this year's Christmas Ball. He started around the dance floor listening to the beautiful noise of the quartet who provided the music. His feet were attracted to the Christmas tree. He was about to cross to the middle, but he stopped himself. It wasn't right to go across the dance floor without an Alpha to lead him.
A pained look across his face, but it fell into disbelief as someone took his arm and started pulling him along. Feliciano inclined his head and gasped. "Gilbert!" He chimed and hugged the Alpha who laughed and hugged him back tightly. How he missed the strong Alpha who became his big brother.
"I saw you from across the dance floor, you needed a date to take you across." His hand skimmed to the sky as they came to stop at the Christmas tree that soared to the sky. Apples, candles, and pormants were hung from the tree making it smell very lovely, yet also gave its regalness to the glass bulbs that were painted with scenes.
"Ah, thank you! This years tree looks so lovely." Feliciano sighed dreamily and he turned to Gilbert who nodded, his eyes sparkling with happiness, something that Feliciano never saw the Alpha do at such times.
"As always." A voice purred into his ear. Feliciano jolted and glanced back at his crazy cousin. Feliciano loved Francis dearly, he was a dreamy Alpha, yet one with a mind-set on doing stuff and not thinking of the consequences, but tonight Feliciano was shock. An Omega was standing next to him, their arms hooked together. This Omega was drop-dead-gorgeous. He had a rounder face with light blonde hair and emerald eyes. His eyebrows were a little thick, but it seemed to fit the face. He wore a dark blue dress with a crinolette that made his behind look bigger. A calm smile fitted his lips as Francis snapped his fingers in front of the Omegas face. "Feliciano, I should introduce you to my date." He gestured to the Omega beside him. "This is Arthur Kirkland, I met him when I went to England in the Spring." He smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Arthur curtsied and Feliciano did it back.
"Arthur this my cousin, Feliciano. I have another one, he has such a temper, but I don't see him." Francis looked around and Feliciano clicked her tongue flicking out his fan to fold his words.
"He's finding Antonio, they are probably going to be lost in each other's eyes the whole night." They giggled together.
Gilbert seemed to be off in his own world as he was watching someone from afar. "Gilbert?" Feliciano asked tapping the Alpha's shoulder who hummed and gazed over. "What's going on, who caught your eye?" He teased and Gilbert just smiled fondly.
"It's my little brother. He actually came to one of the balls. Work finally let him off." He explained and Feliciano clapped with the Alpha. "He is such a wallflower, maybe you can dance with him. I'll introduce you guys." Feliciano nodded and Gilbert put out his arm letting Feliciano take it. They walked across the dance floor that parted like the red sea. Francis and Arthur had left from the Christmas tree to finish dancing. Feliciano was standing with Gilbert trying to be deified which person was a Beilschmidt. His eyes landed on a lanky brown hair male Alpha who was talking to a servant.
"Is that your brother." He pointed at the brown hair male, but Gilbert laughed and took the pointing hand to turn it to a blonde Alpha. Feliciano's mouth went dry as his finger was pointing at a strong Alpha with slicked back blonde hair. His skin was pale, but it fitted his dark blue eyes and strong German nose. He wore a white button down shirt that was over a red vest. His pants were simple slacks. His hand-held a Champaign glass limply.
"Don't sell me a dog(3) Gilbert! Are you telling the truth?" He chuckled in disbelief and Gilbert only lead him forward.
"Ludwig!" He cried putting out his arms, the Alpha stiffen and looked over his eyes then moved to Feliciano in slight amusement.
"Yes Gilbert?" He asked in a slight irritated voice as he set down the glass and glanced back to the Alpha and Omega.
"As hostess, everyone must dance." He informed and Ludwig gulped. "So being the awesome hostess I am, meet Feliciano. A close friend of mine." He touched Feliciano lightly by the shoulder and practically pushed them together. Feliciano stumbled under the long dress, but Ludwig was quick to catch him. "Look, he's already falling for you." He teased and both Alpha and Omega blushed and looked at each other. Gilbert than ran away, taking the hand of a women lightly and brought her out to the dance floor, she laughed happily and spun around with him as the waltz was starting up.
"Er, do you wish to dance?" Ludwig asked glancing down at Feliciano who quickly jumped out of the Alpha, strong, beautiful, loving, arms and looked back at the dance floor.
"Yes." He said quietly and Ludwig only nodded putting out his arm. Feliciano put his arm through the Alpha's as he was escorted to the dance floor. They clasped each other hands together and started getting in tune with the other dancers.
"Not to be vulgar, but you look very lovely tonight Feliciano." Ludwig said in a hushed tone as they twirled around.
"Thank you, you look nice as well." Feliciano smiled brightly as they met each others eyes. From across the room sat Mama and Papa with Francis and Arthur sitting on his knee.
"I suggested to Gilbert that they should meet." Francis said high and mightily as he touched Arthur's thigh rubbing the skin through the dress's fabric. Arthur sighed and put his arm on Francis's head and laid his head on the arm with a bored expression.
"They look so happy." Mama whispered as she watched her youngest son be spun around by the strong Alpha, they didn't seem to care about the world around, simply just their eyes. "My babies are growing up." She giggled.
Papa glanced away with a now angered expression. "Where is Lovino, I haven't seen him since we arrived and he was running away."
"I saw him go onto the balcony." Arthur muttered and raised his head. "An Alpha followed him, he looked in safe hands though they should be watched." He put his head back down and Francis patted his thigh.
"I heard from Gilbert that Ludwig had liked an Omega in his village." Francis gossiped watching Papa leave to go grab Lovino. Mama leaned in to hear his words.
"You don't say..." She bit her lower lip, she would hate for Feliciano to be rebound.
"They saw each other almost everyday and he presented her with gifts of his affection and he was praised by her parents. He found her lip locked with a prostitute." He laughed behind his hand and Mama gasped. "She was the kind of person who likes her breed, how disgusting (4)."
"I feel bad for the poor Alpha. Who knows how long she has been hiding that from him." Mama muttered biting her lower lip, before Francis could answer Gilbert yelled loudly and jumped onto a table with a glass. The music stopped and the Alpha and Omega glanced over with their clasped together.
"Let's go into the room for Christmas dinner!" He clapped his hands together happily and jumped down happily. He linked arms with a blonde Omega, he was a certain hidden beauty with light blonde hair and violet eyes. Mama waited for Papa at the door until he emerged with Lovino and a brown hair Alpha who was a bundle of sunshine. He went to clasp arms with Lovino to lead him across the dance floor, but Papa gave him a threatening glare and did it himself.
"What are you doing." She asked in a hush voice to her husband as she clasped arms with the sunny Alpha with a big smile and bright green eyes. He had a head of brown curls and his skin was a darker brown from working out in the sun.
"Being a good father." He gave a simple answer as he frowned deeply as Lovino thrashed and growled.
(...)
Feliciano let himself be led by the Alpha. They exchanged smiles as the Alpha pulled out the chair for him to sit in and pushed it in when he sat down. Ludwig sat next to him and glanced at the empty table. Gilbert sat at the end of the table, right next to Feliciano. Across from Feliciano was a shyer Omega who was busy talking to Gilbert with vivid hand expressions. People were laughing and shouting for others to sit with them. Feliciano watched Mama come in with Papa. Papa was glaring harshly at an Alpha who Lovino seemed desperate to see. They sat down at the table, but they were to far for Feliciano to talk normally to. A servant came around filling each glass with a red liquid that sparkled. Ludwig took the drink and sniffed it, but he recoiled from the fizzy smell that got in his nose. Feliciano laughed behind his gloved hand as the Alpha gave him a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk.
Gilbert raised in his chair and tapped his glass with his soup spoon. Everyone quiet down and glanced back at the Alpha who smiled widely. "Hey everyone!" He shouted and got collective of giggles and responses. "So this year is a special year." He gasped and turned his hand to point at Ludwig who seemed to melt in his chair. "My little brother is joining me, he's even finding a place in town!" He clasped his hand and everyone clapped making the Alpha go red. Feliciano touched his arm laughing, Ludwig smiled his way awkwardly and listen back to Gilbert tapped his glass again for people's attention. Servants came piling out of the kitchen setting down platters full of food. "Before we eat, let's pray." Gilbert set down his hand watching as the Omegas and Alphas fold their hands and bow their heads.
"Dear God, bless this food we will be eating today. Let everyone stay in health and be with my brother as he finds a perfect place to raise his family. Watch over us so we can have a beautiful New Year and do this again another year. Amen." He finished and people looked up. "Let's eat!" He rooted, the Alpha's around him patted him on the back and wooted as they picked through the spoons.
"Oh... this looks so good!" Feliciano practically vibrated in his seat as Ludwig smiled fondly at him.
"I can get you food if you hand me your plate." He offered and Feliciano handed him without any agreement. He knew Ludwig could get through the crowds and get the good food. Ludwig disappeared and came back with two plates filled with food. He set one down in front of Feliciano and the other in his place. "I helped make these muffins." Ludwig blurted out as he buttered the muffin in his hand.
"Mmm! Really! They are so good, an old bang up to the elephant (5)." Feliciano praised and Ludwig coughed awkwardly and didn't make any other comments about the food, but he enjoyed it greatly.
"So, Ludwig, what was your job in Germany?" Feliciano asked as he picked up his glass of wine swirling the liquid and took a sip, his eyes peering from the top as Ludwig seemed to get a bit uncomfortable.
"I was a blacksmith." He said quietly and looked away. "I plan to open a new shop in this village, if you like to help you can always come by. We can go out for dinner or dancing." The last part was slowly getting quiet and Feliciano smiled brightly.
"Are you asking me on a date?" He teased and the Alpha burned, dang, he was shy, but Feliciano liked shy.
"I may be... or only if you agree to come out with me." He offered a little louder getting Gilbert's attention. He smiled under the food he had on his fork and turned back to listening to Matthew.
"Of course Ludwig. I'd wouldn't miss a date with you." His smile fell into more laughter and Ludwig just grabbed his glass and put it out.
"Cheers."
"And a wonderful New Year." Feliciano grabbed his glass and they clinked them.
(...)
I'm glad you all like it! Ludwig is being shy, but don't worry he'll come out of his shell and become the cutie we all know and love.
[Side Note] It isn't Christmas, yet. After every ball there is always a regular feast so they just ate and called it a Christmas dinner]
Information:
A man must always lead a lady across the dance floor
1.) Violet Flowers= Faithfulness. (In simple meaning, Antonio gave Lovino violet flowers that he was loyal to him)
2.)Jammiest bit of Jam= Absloutely perfect young females (Omegas) [circa 1883]
3.) Don't sell me a dog!= Don't lie to me! (meaning: People in the time period were prone to sell mutts off as purebreeds)
4.) They called the Omega a homosexual. (Even though I'm pretty chill (and is a) homosexual, in the olden time it was horrible, so don't be mad)
5.)Bang up the elephant= it's perfect, complete, unapprochable (In the sense if your talking about a lady)