Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 35

"Finally," Lukas sighed. "Out of the treeline."

"It also means that we're more vulnerable now," Arthur said. "We're out in the open."

"Can we take a break now?" Vlad asked. "We agreed that we can take a break after we get out of the treeline."

Lukas looked up and nodded.

"We might as well," he said, before he sat down. He pulled the satchel close to him and reached into it. "Lunch?"

"You seem awfully casual," Arthur remarked before sitting down across from Lukas.

"Yeah," Vlad agreed. "I noticed it in the last day or two. You seem a lot calmer than before."

"Really?" Arthur looked towards Lukas. "Was there something troubling you?"

"J-just something that I was working through," Lukas stammered. "It's nothing."

"…And, the calm is gone," Vlad announced. "That's too bad. I liked that you were so calm."

Lukas realised that the calm that Vlad must have sensed was a result of the acceptance that Lukas was in love with Arthur and Vlad. At least Vlad didn't seem to notice any other feelings, or at least, he didn't understand them. He didn't quite know how he would explain himself if Vlad mentioned that he could sense infatuation from Lukas.

Even though Lukas had come to accept his own emotions, he was not going to assume that Vlad or Arthur returned those feelings. There was a stab of pain at the thought, and a glance in Vlad's direction told Lukas that Vlad had felt that too. For now, Lukas was satisfied just being with the two of them. He could worry about their relationship when their quest was complete and they no longer had to fear for their lives.

"We should arrive at Lukas's hometown in about five days," Arthur announced. "Provided that nothing else happens."

"Arthur, please, do not tempt the fates like that," Lukas sighed. A smile after he said that showed that he was joking. "We should be careful, but we're almost finished with this part of the journey. And then we need to go to Mount Alasbu and… I'm going to ask Berwald and Emil if we could take the horses."

"Tired of walking?"

"And you aren't?"

"…No, that's fair. A mountain is going to be harder than the forest. It might be beneficial to have horses."

"I don't think I've ever been to a mountain," Vlad said. "Is it really that hard to travel?"

"Most definitely. We've gone uphill a few times. That is nothing compared to a mountain."

Lukas smiled.

"You know, I can't wait to see your reaction when you see the ocean," he said. "I bet you'd look adorable."

"Huh?" Vlad questioned, pausing with a piece of dried meat in front of his mouth. "A-adorable?"

Lukas burst out laughing. The scene right now…

"You look adorable now," Lukas said through his laughing.

"…While I think it's odd to say this," Arthur said, eyeing Lukas, "I have to agree. Vlad does look adorable right now."

Vlad's face grew as red as his eyes. He covered his face with his hands and shook his head. It was odd with the piece of dried meat still in his fingers.

"You two are being mean," Vlad groaned.

"And how is this any different from you teasing us a few days ago?" Lukas asked.

Arthur burst out laughing. Vlad glared at the two of them with a pout on his face. Lukas smiled and ruffled Vlad's hair.

"You know we love you, right?" Lukas asked.

Arthur started choking, and Vlad turned towards Lukas with an arched eyebrow. Lukas realised his mistake and cleared his throat.

"I meant as friends, of course," Lukas said.

"R-right," Arthur said. "So, shall we go now? I-I think we've had enough of a break."

Lukas nodded, his own face growing warmer. He didn't know how he had taken that route, but he was starting to regret it. He was worried about Arthur and Vlad suspecting him. How would they react?

He looked over towards Vlad, who had a strange expression on his face. It was as though he was puzzled about something. But the redness had faded, which disappointed Lukas a little, and there was a curious gleam in his eye, but whatever he was curious about, he didn't pursue it. Which was good, because Lukas had a feeling he knew what Vlad was curious about.

How was this so complicated?

Once they started walking again, Lukas tried to get himself as calm as possible. What use was it that his face was expressionless if one of his companions could sense his emotions? Especially since the emotions at the moment were complicated and confusing. The last thing he needed right now was for Vlad to grow curious enough to ask about the emotions, and for Arthur to realise what that would mean. This could wait until after they'd finished their quest.

…

"Vlad, may I have a word with you?" Arthur asked quietly.

Lukas had just excused himself in order to relieve himself. Arthur had counted to ten, ensuring that Lukas was out of earshot, before he turned to Vlad.

"I guess," Vlad said, just as quietly as Arthur. "Is this about Lukas?"

"Yes," Arthur confirmed. "Can you tell me… What exactly is he feeling? Because I'm sure that you noticed as well that he's been acting rather odd."

Vlad hummed and nodded. Arthur waited for Vlad to formulate his thoughts on the matter.

"I know he felt confused about something," Vlad said. "Confused, embarrassed, and a few other emotions that I can't quite understand. He kind of feels warm around us. Like… I feel a warmth in my chest that's coming from Lukas. Actually, to be honest, a lot of the things that Lukas feels is what I sense from you."

"R-really?" Arthur asked, trying to think of the emotions that had gone through his mind recently. He didn't want to admit that the possibilities were frightening. "Is there anything else?"

"…I know that your emotions are spiking."

"Oh, sorry." Arthur took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "You said that there are emotions that you can't recognise?"

"Yeah. I-I don't know how to describe them. But it's especially that warm one that I don't really understand."

Warmth… Arthur had a feeling he might have an idea what it could be, but he wanted to be sure of something else first.

"Is there a way for you to share those emotions with me?" Arthur asked.

"What do you mean?" Vlad asked.

"Like… do you know of a way to project those emotions onto me?"

Vlad frowned, before he shook his head.

"I have no idea," he said. "But… why would you even want to feel all those emotions?"

"Because you can't recognise some of them," Arthur said. "I suspect that it has something to do with your upbringing. You mostly felt fear and very little else, correct?"

Vlad's frown deepened.

"Well, you're right about me not being familiar with some of those emotions," Vlad said. "But… I don't know how to transfer any of the emotions I sense. It's not part of the magic that Lucania helped me know, so I think it's something else entirely. I don't really understand much of this power."

Arthur sighed. Before he could ask anything else, however, Lukas returned, and the discussion had to die then and there.

"Are you two ready?" Lukas asked. He cocked his head to the side. "Did I interrupt something?"

"No, of course not," Arthur said, waving his hand. "A-anyway, let's get going. The sooner we arrive at your hometown, the better."

Arthur took the lead, since he was the one with the map, but he was sure that he could sense Lukas's eyes on the back of his head. He closed his eyes and swallowed, glad that they had left the forest and thus that he didn't have to worry so much about tree roots or rocks or uneven ground. They were currently walking through a field, with a few scattered trees and rocks. After the dense foliage of the forest, it was both a relief and a concern that they were out in the open. It didn't feel oppressive anymore, but there were fewer places to hide.

Perhaps they should try to get the horses when they arrived in Lukas's town.

Arthur's thoughts wandered, thinking about Lukas's actions and Vlad's descriptions of what Lukas was feeling. Arthur didn't have much experience with it himself, but he was sure that Lukas was… in love. But, it was just the three of them. Did that mean that Lukas was in love with Arthur or Vlad? And who was he in love with?

Arthur's mind drifted to the dream he'd had a few days ago, where Lukas and Vlad kissed, completely unaware of his dilemma. He shook his head, trying to free himself from the illusions. It wouldn't matter. He tried to convince himself that it didn't matter.

Who was Lukas in love with, and what did it mean for the other person?

"Arthur?" Lukas asked. "Is something wrong?"

"It's n-nothing," Arthur said. "My mind just wandered. It's unfortunately something it does a lot lately."

"Okay… Just be careful, okay?"

"Why are you scared?" Vlad asked.

Arthur turned around, preparing to tell Vlad that he wasn't scared, before he realised that this was Vlad that Arthur was trying to contradict. Vlad was not only aware of the things that Arthur felt, but was very familiar with fear. Too familiar. If there was anyone that Arthur would not be able to convince that he wasn't afraid, it would be Vlad.

"I-I'm fine," Arthur said. "L-let's just go."

Arthur had a feeling that the next time he wandered off to relieve himself, Lukas would speak with Vlad in an effort to know what was going on with Arthur. He hated the idea that they would pry, but as he had done the same thing, he really didn't have the room to complain about it.

They walked for about two hours before Vlad announced that he needed to relieve himself. There was a group of trees nearby, and Lukas and Arthur watched as Vlad ran towards the trees. It was silent between the two of them for a few seconds, and those seconds felt far too long.

"So, what's on your mind?" Lukas asked.

"What?" Arthur asked, avoiding Lukas's gaze.

"Something's on your mind, and it's bothering you. I'm also curious about Vlad saying that you're scared. What is it?"

Arthur was silent for a long time. When he finally gathered the courage to look at Lukas, he saw that Lukas was watching him, and the words stumbled and retreated. He had to gather them again.

"I… I need to ask you something," Arthur said. "And… I know that it's going to be an awkward conversation."

Lukas was silent for a long moment before he sighed and nodded.

"What is it?" Lukas asked.

"…Are you in love with one of us?" Arthur asked.

Lukas froze. Arthur almost expected him to unleash a deluge of denials. He expected him to play it off. He expected… Something else. Lukas's lack of reaction was confirmation that Arthur's suspicions were true.

"Th-there's nothing wrong with it," Arthur said. "The… the timing may need work, and… Well, we've been alone together for a while, a-and we couldn't really trust other people, so… it's only natural to think something like this. I-I don't…"

"I already considered that possibility," Lukas whispered. Arthur stopped, staring at Lukas. "That it was just the fact that we were alone together and forced to rely on each other so much. But then, I realised that it was from the very beginning. I felt that pull the moment we first saw each other. Meeting the two of you… It's always been there. It took me a long time to realise what it was, and Vlad sensed my emotions before I was even aware of them. And…"

"He couldn't recognise love," Arthur finished. "But… W-what I w-want to know… who are you i-in love with?"

"…Both of you."

Arthur jumped, and Lukas sank down to his haunches. Arthur's own knees didn't want to work, and so he sank down too.

"Both of us?" Arthur asked. "But… I-I thought you can only love one person?"

"According to whom?" Lukas asked. "I know that it's more… socially acceptable, but tell me, how many stories have you heard of people having multiple loves in life?"

Arthur opened his mouth before closing it again. He had never been in love before, which muddled his emotions even further. His brothers, on the other hand…

"Alistair has been in love with four different people, that I know of," Arthur said. "Patrick was in love with two people, and Dylan…" Arthur swallowed thickly. "I don't think Dylan's ever been in love, though he was the object of desire for multiple men and women. There was something about him that attracted them."

Lukas chuckled.

"I rest my case," Lukas said. "You can't control who you fall in love with, and somehow, I've fallen in love with both of you. I wanted to keep quiet about it until we've finished our quest, but… What gave me away?"

"I spoke to Vlad," Arthur said. "And the way he described your emotions… I managed to piece together that you had to be in love with one of us. I'll admit, hearing that you're in love with both of us is rather… surprising."

"And how do you feel about that?"

"Honestly, I have no idea how I should feel about it. I just… I'm confused, and I need to sort out my emotions. I feel sorry for Vlad, who's going to have to put up with those emotions."

Lukas frowned, before he looked in the direction of the group of trees.

"Speaking of Vlad," he said, "he's been gone for a long while. Longer than I was."

Arthur's breath hitched. Lukas was right. Vlad had been gone for too long. The two exchanged a look and stood, before running towards the group of trees. Arthur hoped that it was nothing. He hoped that they would come across a red-faced Vlad who would be embarrassed by their sudden arrival. He hoped that Vlad would stammer and squawk when he saw the two of them arriving. And even though that situation would be embarrassing for Arthur too, he preferred that over the alternative.

When they arrived at the trees, Arthur's throat tightened. Vlad was gone. He and Lukas looked around, calling Vlad's name, to no avail.

"He won't hear you."

Arthur spun around. He recognised that voice. Lukas grabbed his wrist as he spun around too. Arthur wasn't quite sure why Lukas grabbed him – was it for Arthur's sake or Lukas's sake? – but he was glad that Lukas did. Lukas's face was twisted in an angered snarl.

"Tino!" Lukas spat.

Tino smiled, the expression twisted on the otherwise innocent-looking face.

"It's been a while, Lukas," Tino said. "How's Mathias and the others?"

Lukas's grip on Arthur's wrist tightened. The grip was Lukas's attempt to control himself. Despite the anger and hatred he must have felt towards Tino, Lukas didn't forget that Tino was a very dangerous sorcerer.

"Where's Vlad?" Arthur demanded.

"Oh, Raj has him," Tino said. "About three hours' journey east of here, there's a network of caves. We'll be waiting for you there. By the way, what happened to Vlad the last two times that Raj held him hostage?"

Arthur could feel the blood drain from his face, and Lukas's grip on him tightened even further. Arthur suspected that it wasn't strain that made Lukas's hand tremble like that.

"No…" Lukas whispered.

Tino's smirk widened, and Arthur really wanted to punch him in the face. He suspected that Lukas wanted to do the same, so they would need to figure out who had the first punch.

"Also, don't think that you can delay," Tino continued. "Master gave Raj permission to hurt Vlad as much as he wants. Physically, mentally… By the way, did you know that Vlad's former master technically gave him to Raj as a gift? Which means that Raj is Vlad's master now. And you know how masters treat their slaves."

"No…" Arthur said. "Vlad's not a slave anymore!"

"He's just one branding away from being one again. By the way, have you ever experienced hot metal against your skin, so hot that it actually starts to melt the skin away?"

"You bastard!" Lukas snarled, releasing Arthur's wrist and lunging forward.

Tino moved fast, and in the time it took Arthur to blink, he had Lukas pinned to the ground with his foot on his back and Lukas's arm twisted in an unnatural position behind him.

"You should really be careful," Tino said. "I take it Mathias's impulsive anger decided to live on through you."

"Fuck you!" Lukas snapped.

"Remember, the longer it takes you to get there, the more time Raj has to hurt Vlad. And if Raj gets tired, I'm sure Henri will take over."

Tino had turned to face Arthur as he said that last part. Arthur took a step back.

"What?" he whispered.

"Henri is with Raj and Vlad," Tino said. "And Henri and his siblings are a lot better at torture than Raj is. That reminds me, Henri is a bit disappointed that he didn't really get the chance to play with anyone the last time you met. He's a bit… restless, shall we say. Turns out, Dylan's death was too quick and painless for his tastes. And now, he gets a slave, someone that no one cares about, the lowest of society, to do with whatever he wants. I'm sure he's going to be really creative about this. He and his siblings turned torture into an art." Tino grinned. "Well then, I'll see you later."

And just like that, Tino disappeared. Lukas scrambled to his feet, before sharing a long look with Arthur. The ache in Arthur's chest told him that they were of the same opinion: they couldn't abandon Vlad.