"I had only known you for a few days, yet it seemed to me a lifetime. As you walked away, I found myself wondering, 'Why didn't I let myself know you longer?''

Feliciano was concerned when Ludwig seemed reluctant to eat his pasta. The blonde had given both the plate of food and Feliciano wary glares, which made Feliciano nervous. What was he waiting for? Did the pasta really look that unappetizing? He knew it was overcooked, and it wasn't his best, but surely it didn't look bad enough to be worthy of such an intense stare?

The Italian's worries were instantly blown to bits as soon as the food entered the blonde's mouth, however. Blue eyes widened in surprise before fluttering closed in absolute bliss, and Feliciano could see Ludwig savoring the taste of the creamy noodles on his tongue. A huge grin quickly made its way to Feliciano's face as he bounced in his seat across from Ludwig. He waited until Ludwig had swallowed before leaning across the table eagerly.

"Ve, Ve, did Ludwig like it? Was it tasty?"

Ludwig looked at Feliciano, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ja. It was delicious."

Feliciano was practically beaming with joy. He sat back in his chair and swayed back and forth happily. "I'm really glad Ludwig likes my pasta! I'll have to make you more sometime. Pasta's better when it's not burned, after all." Feliciano followed Ludwig's every moment as he continued eating the food in front of him. "Say, would Ludwig like it if I cooked for him again?"

Ludwig slowed, raising his eyes to meet Feliciano's. Once again, he found those blue eyes positively hypnotizing. "I cannot stay here, Feliciano. I have to get back to…" he paused, as if searching for the right words. He couldn't find them. "Anyway, when I leave, I probably won't be able to come back again."

Feliciano's gaze dropped, and he poked at his pasta with absentmindedly. "Where do you have to go, Ludwig?"

Ludwig averted his gaze, offering no response. Feliciano's mind burned with all the questions he wanted to ask this mysterious man. What is it that's so important to you, Ludwig? Why did I find you tangled in a net of all things, in the middle of the woods? Who hurt you? Why were you hurt in the first place? Why can't you tell me anything? Instead of verbally attacking his guest, however, Feliciano bit the inside of his cheek and held it all in. It was obvious Ludwig wouldn't tell him anything. He didn't seem to be comfortable around people – Feliciano had not been blind to all the calculating glares, the suspicious glances, the instant checks for anything that could be used as a weapon or escape route. The biggest question Feliciano found he could ask was, why are you so afraid?

"I…My life is not easy, Feliciano." Ludwig's voice snapped the Italian back to reality, and brown eyes locked on a face that was turned away. "There are many things that I do, for what I believe. They are not all good things. You have to believe me when I say that I cannot share this information with you." Ludwig's head turned, and vibrant blue eyes burned into soft brown. "I apologize, but that's how it has to be."

Feliciano couldn't speak. His throat tightened, his palms grew sweaty, but he couldn't move an inch. Those eyes had him trapped, like a deer in headlights. For what seemed an eternity the two men sat facing each other, unmoving, unblinking, staring at nothing but the other's eyes. They came from two completely different lives, Feliciano realized. He had known so earlier, of course, but now – staring into these battle-hardened eyes of the wounded man – he felt the truth really start to sink in. Ludwig was no stranger to violence, to the harsh realities of the world. Whatever he had, he must've fought for in some way. On the other hand you had Feliciano; he had been born into an easy life, had a job he loved as he worked towards a second, had an older brother who took care of him and kept him safe...Looking into Ludwig's eyes, it saddened Feliciano to know that Ludwig didn't have anything like that.

Finally, Ludwig broke the spell by turning his gaze down to resume eating. Feliciano looked at his own pasta, but suddenly found himself without much of an appetite. Nonetheless, he picked up his fork, twirled the noodles around its teeth, and put the food in his mouth.

Somehow, Feliciano managed to persuade Ludwig to stay for one more night, if for no reason other than to give his wounds time to heal before he went out into the world again. Ludwig had been hesitant at first, but eventually took up Feliciano's offer, retreating to the room he had awoken in that same morning. Ludwig didn't know whose room this rightly belonged to; it most likely belonged to either Feliciano or the big brother he kept on hearing about. It didn't really matter. Either way, this was the last night he planned on staying in this house. Tomorrow he would leave. He would stretch his wings and fly back to where he belonged, away from the friendly Italian and the only comfort he'd known in years.

Feeling the soft bed beneath him, Ludwig wondered for a second if leaving was really the right idea. Leaving Feliciano's house would mean going back into the cold, merciless world without such things as trust or warmth. Surely the fight would continue well without him? But no, that would mean forsaking everything he believed in, everything his own older brother had taught him. Ludwig's mind tripped over that. What had become of his brother, anyway? It had been so long since he'd last seen him. Part of him wondered if the man was even still alive.

Ludwig let his eyes wander over to the digital clock at his side. It was 1:08, already well into the night. As he were, he was too agitated to sleep. Ludwig roughly pushed aside his bed covers, swinging his feet over the edge. Slowly, as to not wake the house's other occupant, Ludwig crept through the hall and made his way to the front door. With a quiet creak, the doorknob turned and the door opened, and he stepped outside.

The cool night air felt like bliss in Ludwig's lungs. It was sharp, but not cold, breezes occasionally blowing past the man's tall figure. Ludwig looked up and saw a sky full of peaceful stars, glittering prettily without a care in the world. It had been far too long since he had seen a night so calm, Ludwig noticed. He longed to be free with the wind once more, to do nothing but live without worrying every night about what the morning would bring next. Hopefully, a day like that would come in his lifetime. For now, however, he could do nothing but wait, and survive.

Movement to his left caught Ludwig's attention. The wind was blowing the branches of a tree in seemingly random directions. The moonlight cast a serene glow on each individual leaf, illuminating the whole, piece by little piece. It was pretty. There were few things in life that were pretty without consequence, but there were trees. At least he had that.

Ludwig studied the tree for a moment longer before he approached it. He lowered himself to the cool grass underneath and stared up, where he could see the moon in glimpses behind the branches. He was much more used to the outdoors, like this; instantly Ludwig felt himself relaxing, closing his eyes, breathing in rhythm to the tempo of the wind. His last thought before he drifted to sleep was more hope or a wish than a statement. For once, he allowed himself the pleasure.

He thought, one day I'll be free.

Feliciano didn't know what it was that woke him so early that morning. He hated waking up before the sun. Lovino would often yell at him for oversleeping, but then again, Lovino was probably worse in that aspect.

It was currently 5:44 in the morning. That was like, at least five hours before his normal wake-up time on a Saturday. No matter how desperately he struggled, however, Feliciano found he couldn't force himself to go back to sleep. Seeing no other option besides lying there uselessly for another who-knows-how-many hours, the Italian stood up, got dressed, and exited his brother's bedroom.

Looking out his kitchen window, he saw the sun was still absent from its normal place in the morning sky. Feliciano yawned, wishing over and over he could just go back and sleep for a while longer, but he knew that wasn't the case. Now he'd have to wait all day until his daily three-o-clock siesta to get more rest.

As Feliciano sat at his table, trying to decide what one does at six in the morning, he felt his thoughts slowly drift back to Ludwig. Ever since he had met the blue-eyed stranger in the woods less than a week ago, he hadn't been able to keep his thoughts away. There were so many unanswered questions that ran through his head, and it frustrated Feliciano to no end knowing he may never have his answers. But then, part of Feliciano didn't care. He saved this man's life, and in essence, that Ludwig was still breathing was all that really mattered. Although, even though they'd barely talked, Feliciano had started enjoying the other man's company. Then he remembered Ludwig's words.

When I leave, I probably won't be able to come back again.

What would it be like, without Ludwig around him ever again? He knew the thought was silly – he barely knew the man, and they hadn't spent more than five days under the same roof – but the thought occurred to him all the same. Would he feel lonely? The only people he could really call true friends were his older brother Lovino and their neighbor Antonio, who were both so obsessed with each other they barely had time to spare for him. Feliciano had many other friends, of course, but they were just the kind that could leave without taking a piece of Feliciano with them. Somehow, he had a feeling Ludwig wasn't like that.

Feliciano stood from the table and walked lightly to the door to his bedroom where Ludwig slept. He needed to make sure Ludwig was still there, that he hadn't run away before at least saying goodbye. When Feliciano cracked the door open slightly, his heart nearly stopped.

Feliciano ran into every room in the house. He tore open doors loudly in a panic, searching for a head of blonde hair or a pair of blue eyes. He checked everywhere. In the storage room, in the bathrooms, the closet, under the sofa, it didn't matter. No luck no luck no luck no luck. The last room he checked was the living room, and when he didn't find him, he ran out the front door.

Relief washed over Feliciano so quickly he almost fell to his knees. Ludwig was there, in front of him, lying under his tree. The man's eyes were closed, and his chest rose and fell with even breaths, indicating to Feliciano he was asleep. The Italian inched forward, careful to not wake him from his slumber, then settled down about two feet away. Good. Good, Ludwig hadn't left him.

No, but he will tomorrow. You won't be able to stop him, little Feli.

At least he'd get the chance to say goodbye.

Not knowing what else there was to do, Feliciano watched let his mind wander. Tomorrow – or rather, later today – Ludwig would be leaving to rejoin whatever life he had lived before. It was plain as day Ludwig's life was dangerous. That he had been wounded and paid the idea little heed was like a giant neon sign screaming he'd been in this situation before. But why? There were no wars near here at this time. Was Ludwig a part of the Mafia? The idea had crossed his mind, but even if it was an option, the Mafia would have finished him once and for all instead of leaving him to die in the forest somewhere. On that note, why had Ludwig been caught under a net in the first place? People didn't use nets like that anymore, at least not on people. Fish and birds, maybe, but not people. It was strange. Everything about Ludwig was strange. It was obvious there was far more to Ludwig's story than he would ever bother to explain.

Feliciano continued to let himself wonder about the man lying before him for the rest of the morning. Eventually the sun rose from the horizon, its bright, fiery rays creeping along the ground to where the two men sat under a tree. Upon feeling the sun's warmth touch his skin, Ludwig shifted, his eyes fluttering open. He didn't move for a few moments, trying to decide if he was awake or not, until his gaze slid over to where Feliciano was sitting, facing him. Ludwig hurriedly pushed himself up, wincing at the pain his injuries brought him, and retreated until his back hit the stump of the tree, where he regarded Feliciano with one of his dangerously animalistic looks.

"Ve…Ludwig, it's just me. Why are you running away?"

Ludwig's eyes slowly widened as he realized what Feliciano had said, and he relaxed a fraction of an inch. Muscles still tense, however, he glared at the man in front of him. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that."

Feliciano shrunk involuntarily at the scolding, but didn't comment. Instead, he nervously asked, "How are your injuries doing?"

Ludwig sighed in exasperation before undoing the bandage on his arm. The long gash that had defaced his skin only four days ago was already mostly healed, leaving nothing but a scab where the wound should have been.

"Wow," Feliciano stared at the scab with wide eyes before looking at Ludwig's face. "You sure heal quickly, huh? How's your wrist?"

Ludwig's eyes darkened slightly. "Still sprained. But that's probably more because I reinjured it yesterday instead of taking care of it."

Feliciano nodded, and everything fell silent again. Ludwig began rewrapping the bandage around his arm without a word, and Feliciano shifted uncomfortably. Finally, in an attempt to strike up conversation, Feliciano threw out a random topic. "So, uh…you like this tree too, huh?"

Ludwig stared at him with an incredulous expression, eyes telling how pathetic a topic that was, and Feliciano blushed embarrassedly. Nevertheless, Ludwig decided to humor him. "Yes. It's very calming."

"Th-That's what I think, too. I always lay under this tree, but then Lovino has to yell at me to get to work because I'm always late."

"Lovino's the name of your older brother?"

Feliciano nodded. Another silence fell over the two, and it hung almost tangibly over their heads. Feliciano tried to wrack his brain for something else to say, anything, but this time, Ludwig was the one who spoke.

"Feliciano."

"Ve?"

"If you had wings, would you fly away from here?"

The question was so abstract, so out of this world, that Feliciano felt he had to confirm he had heard Ludwig correctly. "Um…say that again?"

Ludwig scratched the back of his head as he avoided Feliciano's eyes. "You know. If you could grow wings, and fly away from everything, from this life, would you?"

So he had heard correctly. He wondered about this for a moment. It was impossible, of course; but, if he could leave everything behind and make a new life for himself, would he? A part of him felt like he would. He could go out, find new friends, explore the world, discover for himself what it truly meant to be free. But, then he'd have to leave his brother behind. He would miss Lovino, and Antonio, and the lazy mornings in Italy, and the walk to and from his job…

Feliciano opened his mouth to respond, but just then, a loud voice called out from across the street.

"FELICIANO!"

Ludwig's head snapped up and he deftly stood, alert, using the tree as support. Feliciano sighed and looked to where Lovino was storming across the street, anger written in his fine features. A sleepy Spaniard followed a ways behind, yawning and saying something about wanting to cuddle or the like. Lovino ignored him and marched straight up to his younger brother, putting himself determinedly between Feliciano and Ludwig. He snorted, straightened his back, puffed out his chest, and tried his best to look as intimidating as possible as he glared up at the blonde.

"And just who the hell are you?"

Ludwig raised an eyebrow, watching the Italian with an unconcerned gaze. Even slouched against the tree, Ludwig was taller than Lovino. "I think I should be asking you that."

Feliciano flinched.

Lovino's eye twitched and his fists clenched at his sides. "Look pal, I don't really give two shits about who you are or where you came from. But if I found out you laid even a damn finger on my little brother I swear to God I'll – h-hey! Antonio, put me down! Antonio!"

Antonio flashed Ludwig an apologetic smile as he lifted the thrashing Italian off the ground. "Lo siento, mi amigo. Lovi gets really upset whenever someone talks to his brother. But don't pay him any mind, he's just being overprotective." Antonio seemed to be oblivious to Lovino's punches, which earned him an amused glance from the blonde. "It's actually pretty sweet," he added, earning him a frantic kick to the shin.

Feliciano stood and moved to stand beside Ludwig. "Ve, don't be mad at Ludwig, fratello. He hasn't done anything bad!"

Lovino glared down at Ludwig from his raised position in Antonio's arms, and Feliciano couldn't tell if it was intimidating or degrading. Ludwig glanced from Lovino to Feliciano to Lovino again. "So, this is the older brother Feliciano's been talking about?" He ignored the furious bout of swearing that ensued and looked past him at the apologetic Spaniard. "But who's he?"

Antonio offered a friendly smile. "My name is Antonio Fernandez Carriedo, and I'm these rascals' next door neighbor. Nice to meet you, Ludwig."

With a well-placed kick, Lovino managed to free himself from the Spaniard's arms, then proceeded to walk over to Feliciano and Ludwig. He jabbed Ludwig's chest angrily and bared his teeth like a beast. "I don't care if these damn idiots get all friendly with you. I don't like you, so you can beat it."

"Fratello! That's not fair! Ludwig is hurt and-"

"No, Feliciano, it's okay."

Feliciano and Lovino looked up at Ludwig with surprised eyes. Ludwig looked at one, then the other, before meeting Feliciano's gaze steadily. "I told you I was leaving today anyway, remember? I might as well get an early start."

Feliciano's eyes fell and Lovino gave a triumphant snort. Antonio put a hand on the latter's shoulder, who let himself be pulled a (short) distance away, his eyes trained on the other two the entire time.

Ludwig looked down at the little Italian standing before him. Feliciano's lip quivered as he tried desperately to hold in unbidden tears. It was a shock when Ludwig's fingers touched his chin, gently lifting his head up to meet that pair of blue eyes that fascinated him so. Ludwig's gaze traveled over the Italian's face, once more searching for some indescribable something. They were close enough Feliciano could feel Ludwig's breath on his face, and he froze, unable to move. He felt something placed in his hand, but his brain didn't register what it was. He was too focused on those impossibly blue eyes, watching him…

…And then Ludwig whispered two words. Then he pulled back, and walked past Feliciano, who stood frozen in place, his brain still trying to comprehend what was happening. He looked down at his closed hand; in it, his pocket knife. Feliciano instantly broke out of his trance and spun around, running after Ludwig. He heard Lovino shout from behind him, but he ignored him, and leapt forward and grabbed Ludwig's hand. The taller man looked down curiously at the Italian, and Feliciano slipped the knife back into the hand he currently held. Ludwig gave him a confused look, and Feliciano offered a tight smile.

"Keep it. That way, if you get caught in a net again, you'll be able to free yourself."

Ludwig blinked, once, twice, then put the knife away in his pocket. He gave Feliciano one last smile, said his thanks, then turned and walked down the street once more.

Feliciano watched as Ludwig left, step by step. He felt Lovino make his way to his side and mutter "good riddance", whereas Antonio placed a comforting hand on Feliciano's shoulder and said nothing. But the only words Feliciano recognized were the ones echoing in his head, the two simple words Ludwig had whispered that suddenly meant more than a thousand words anyone else could have screamed.

But Feliciano didn't cry, because it would be silly to cry over a man he had just met, wouldn't it?

As he watched Ludwig fade into the distance, all he could focus on were those two words.

Goodbye, Feliciano.

Lo siento, mi amigo (Spanish): I'm sorry, my friend.

Oh, Lovino. You're such a meanie, yelling at Luddy and kicking your boyfriend. But we all love you anyway.

So, you're probably wondering what's going to happen from here on out, aren't you? Don't worry, Ludwig will be back; I've barely even gotten started after all!

As always, if you find any grammar mistakes, feel free to point them out. Otherwise, I didn't have any foreign speaking in this one really, so I don't think I have to fix much of that.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this fat chapter! I'll try and start the next one soon!