A bit angsty here, and it starts to go into "romance arc" (hahaha). And yes, I love AusSwiss ^^

My grammar and vocab are still as horrible as ever... And I think they're OOC here. Please, please do tell me if they are. 2 chapters remain.

I do not own Hetalia

"Too crowded…" Romano growls as he for the umpteenth time is squished between people. Antonio laughs seeing his expression and takes his arm, pulling him lightly forward where he can finally breath.

"But this is fun, fratello!" Feliciano chirps from his wheelchair, being pushed by Ludwig. "It's not often to have bazaar around here."

"This is not," Romano tries to shoot him a glare but fails, and he reluctantly lets Antonio guide him through the crowds.

It is Sunday, and Feliciano has begged his brother so they would come to the bazaar, along with Antonio and Ludwig. The younger Italian has cheerfully ignored his brother's protest about their company, and today here they are, with Antonio's hand on Romano's arm and Ludwig pushing Feliciano's wheelchair.

The bazaar is crowded with people. Cheerfully decorated stands scatter across the area and they are filled with the owners trying to persuade people to buy their things and people chattering excitedly as they browse through things. Feliciano likes crowded and cheerful atmosphere like this, but Romano certainly doesn't.

"Ve… You need to loosen up, fratello," Feliciano pouts, but his eyes lighten up instantly when he spots something. "Ve, kittens!"

Indeed, there's a stand that seem to be selling pets. Kittens and puppies are meowing and barking from the cages, birds chirping loudly, and a glass box filled with tiny turtles is placed on top of the counter. Feliciano tugs Ludwig's sleeve excitedly and the German complies, pushing his wheelchair past the crowds and to the pet stand.

"Feliciano, we can't have pets at the apartment!" Romano scoffs but his twin has disappeared from his side and now is cooing with the kittens. He sighs.

Laughing, Antonio says, "But it's okay to just play with them, right? Feliciano's right, you need to relax a bit, Romano." and he pulls him gently past the crowds to where the other duo are. Feliciano is cooing one kitten, dark grey in color and narrow blue eyes. The male kitten sweeps his paw across Feliciano's nose and he laughs, bringing the kitten to his chest. "Awww, you're so cute! You look just like Ludwig, ve!"

The German raises his eyebrow, eyeing the kitten that's trying to paw-punch Feliciano's chest. "I don't understand which part of it looks like me." The Italian giggles, taking one of the kitten's small paw and playing with it, before turning his head to Ludwig, showing him. "Ve, he just is! And his paw's so soft too, just like your hand, Ludwig!"

Luckily for the German, Romano can't see his burning face or else he will get a very nice kick at the shin. The older Italian has arrived at the stand too, along with Antonio who's now playing cheerfully with the small turtles.

"Roma! Turtles!" He lifts one carefully and plays with it, smiling brightly. "It's so cute!"

"What is so cute about turtles?" Romano scowls, crossing his arms. "They can't talk, they are slow, and all they do is sitting in their box."

"It's true, but they are still cute!" Antonio takes Romano's hand, grinning. "Here, so you can see how cute it is!"

"Dammit, Antonio!" Romano yelps when the slightly cold and smooth creature is placed on his hand. The turtle lifts its head slightly, slowly, staring at him for a slow moment before trying to climb into the Italian's arm. "H-hey! Don't you try anything funny, you slow little bastard!"

Antonio bursts into a hearty laugh watching as Romano tries to place the turtle back at his hand, but every time he does, the little creature just try again to climb onto his arm. His laugh finally ceases down when he gains a painful smack at his arm and Romano thrusts the little turtle back at him, glaring. Still grinning, he takes the small creature and carefully places it back into the box, back among the other turtles. But instead of straightening up, he bends down and plays with them, laughing and talking to almost each of the turtles.

"Ve, fratello, kittens!" Now it's Feliciano's turn to mess with him, putting a slightly bigger kitten with light brown spots scattered among his white fur on his arms. Romano sputters out curses as the kitten rolls on his arm and raises his head to look at him, big eyes curious. In a moment, he purrs and nuzzles into the older Italian's chest, clearly being content. Feliciano giggles at the sight, while Romano retreats to a sigh and he carefully lifts his hand until he finds the kitten's head and pets it gently.

"We had a cat too back then at Grandpa's house, do you remember?" Feliciano says, the grey kitten is still in his arms, and is still paw-punching his chest. "What was her name again…"

"Pizza," Romano replies, scratching the kitten's ear. Ludwig's now turning to look at the puppies and Antonio is still playing with the turtles with the shop owner watches them with a grin on his face, seems to be slightly amused. "Ridiculous name, she was a girl, for God's sake."

Feliciano chuckles, playing with the kitten's whiskers. "But it was an adorable name! Even Grandpa agreed, ve!"

"You two almost always agreed to each other," Romano replies, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips and his blank eyes glint with slight nostalgia. "I swear, both of you would make the most idiotic duo in the world."

Feliciano laughs, and Romano follows soon afterwards. Antonio lifts his head for a moment from the turtles box and upon the sight, he smiles. Ludwig who's also watching from the corner of his eye relaxes a bit. Their laugh finally ceases down after a good minute and the kitten in Feliciano's arms once again sweeps his paw across the Italian's nose, now seems a bit irritated. He meows loudly. To the contrary, the one in Romano's arms seems to be fully relaxed and once in a while he will purr, raises his small paws begging to be played with, but too bad that his holder can't see him doing that, so the paws are left hanging playfully in the air.

"Fratello?"

"What?"

"Can we go to Grandpa's house this March?"

Romano falls silent for a moment, stopping midway in scratching the kitten's ear. Feliciano looks at him, hope glinting in his eyes. "Can we?"

"No," The older Italian answers firmly, lifting the kitten and putting him back onto his brother's lap.

"Please?" Feliciano doesn't accompany that plead with a 've' like usual, and his face is serious, not the scary kind of serious, but a pleading one, eyes stay at his brother's face and he has stopped playing with the kitten in his arms. The one on his lap meows, sounds disappointed by the retreating arms that has been holding him.

"No." Firmer this time, and Romano's face is serious too. "Not this time."

"Why?" Feliciano hands both kittens back to the stand's owner and takes his brother's hands in his. "You say that every year. I don't understand why not, fratello."

"Because I say so." Romano pulls his hands away half-heartedly. "I promise we will someday, Feli. But not this year."

Knowing better than to press further, Feliciano lets his hands drop to his lap, eyes averted downcast and a sigh escapes his lips. A flash of guilt comes across the older one's face, but he quickly swipes it away. He opens his mouth, but closes it again before finally saying, "You finished? Let's get going already. Don't get too attached with them, we are not allowed to have pets at our apartment."

Feliciano nods half-heartedly, still looks disappointed by the earlier conversation. Ludwig puts back the puppy he's examining into the cage and excuses themselves politely to the shop owner, before back to his position, hands on the wheelchair's handler. Romano turns to Antonio. "How long are you intending to play with them, moron? We're going." The Spaniard pouts, but he puts the turtle he's holding back into the box, smiling to the owner and skips back to them, taking Romano's hand in his. At that, the Italian turns bright red and he yanks his hand away from the other's grip. "Did I say you can fucking touch me, bastard?"

"Eeehhh? Whyyy?" Antonio whines. "It is easier to walk around in this crowd like that if you don't want to get lost."

"We could do it just fucking fine earlier!" Romano scoffs, the tips of his ears are still red. "Don't go around all fucking touchy on me, you bastard."

Feliciano giggles, "Fratello's all red, ve…"

"Sh-shut up!"

-colorful wall-

"Ve, look! Street painter!"

Once again, the small group is dragged by the excited Feliciano. The street painter is a middle-aged man, beard that has turned grey and friendly eyes glint above his nose. His paintings, medium in sizes, are placed around the stool he's sitting on. Upon the sight of the group led by the beaming Italian, he smiles a playful smile.

"Good day, ve!" Feliciano beams from his wheelchair as soon as they arrive. The painter lets out a hearty laugh, warm and cheerful, it makes the rest of the group smile, even Romano's lips twists upward a bit. "Good day, young sir! What can I do for you? A self portrait maybe?"

Feliciano giggles ("For damn sake, Feli, stop giggling!"). "Not exactly. We're here to see your works, ve."

Ludwig is almost worried that they have disappointed the painter, but instead, the man breaks out into a laugh again although more controlled than before, and he replies, "An honor to me! Please, gentlemen, entertain yourselves."

"Ve, grazie!" Feliciano wheels happily to the line of paintings, studying them with shining eyes. Ludwig and Antonio follows suit, but the Spaniard stops on his track when he notices that Romano doesn't move. He just stands there, fidgetting nervously. Antonio walks back to him, taking his hand and pulling him gently. "Romano, come on."

The Italian yanks his hand away again, hissing, "How am I supposed to?"

"Well…" Antonio's words die down in his throat, his hand stays on air. "Uuhhmm…"

The painter eye them for a moment, a brow raised. Taking the gestures and the Italian's eyes, his face soften and he says, "Young sir, please feel free to touch them."

Romano's eyes widen and Antonio's face brighten on the words. He grabs the Italian's hand once again, but Romano pulls away, still seems unsure. The painter's smile widen. "I don't mind, really. It's a pleasure to me. Please go ahead, young man."

Antonio smiles on the less formal address and he for the third time reaching for Romano's hand, gripping it softly and guiding him to the line of paintings.

"Ve, fratello, look! This one's amazing!" Feliciano takes his brother's hand as soon as he arrives and puts it to one painting, releasing it and letting his brother runs his hand through the picture himself. "I really love the colors! They are soft and they blend perfectly."

"Yeah, you're right," Romano's face slowly relaxes and he smiles lightly. "You're damn right."

"And this one too!" Feliciano shifts to the next painting in the line, one with the brighter and more cheerful colors, dominated with yellow, green, and orange. "It's just like Van Gogh's! This one reminds me of The Night Cafe, ve!"

"Idiot, I can't see that." Romano scowls, his hand stays on the previous painting, running carefully on the surface, taking everything. But Feliciano has taken his hand once again, much to his annoyance, and runs it on the said painting. The texture is a bit rough on his fingertips, but that makes it easier to trace his hand around the painting's features.

"It's a really nice painting!" Antonio exclaims cheerfully. "Well, I can't say much since I'm not an art expert, but I really like the cheerful atmosphere."

Ludwig nods in agreement. "Although the style is not really to my liking, but it is indeed a very nice painting."

The painter approaches them, smiling. "It's an honor to me." He turns to Feliciano, eyeing him with a playful glint in his eyes. "Do you paint, young sir? You seem to know quite a bit about it."

"I did!" Feliciano replies, face bright. "I used to paint, and I really like Van Gogh!"

The painter nods in understanding, grinning. "Is that so? I am quite fond to him too, although he's not my number one favorite. He is fabulous."

"He is!" Feliciano nodding excitedly. "Oh, and my brother used to paint too! He likes Antoine Payen and Walter Spies more though."

"I see," The painter scratches his chin in amusement. "That is rare, but they are indeed incredible too."

As the younger Italian chats excitedly with the middle aged painter, Antonio turns to Romano. "I didn't know that you painted, Roma." He says, eyes slightly wide and an amazed smile dances on his lips.

"I used to," Romano replies, putting the pressure on the last two words.

"Why didn't you tell me? That's amazing!"

"It's not that great, idiot," Romano scowls, but a light blush spreads on his cheeks. "And it's not like I still do anyway."

"I know, but it still is amazing!" Antonio beams, and Romano turns redder on the sincerity. "Moron, you're overreacting."

Several minutes later, after they are done looking and Feliciano is satisfied, they bid the painter goodbye.

"Thank you for visiting," The middle-aged man grins to them. "I had a truly wonderful time."

"We had too!" Feliciano bounces on his wheelchair. "That was really fun! Can we meet again someday?"

"Of course," The painter's grin widens. "I'm usually at the park near the convenience store. Feel free to drop by and we can have chat again. But I won't be there if it's raining."

"Okay!" Feliciano offers his hand and the man accepts it in a handshake, laughing warmly.

"Though it's a shame that you don't paint anymore," The painter winks to him. "But we can still have plenty to chat about."

"Yep!" And with that they leave, Feliciano waves the painter goodbye. Blending into the crowds once again, Antonio breaks out into a cheerful grin. "I didn't know that both of you painted!"

"Is it unexpected?" Feliciano chuckles. "Me and fratello painted since we were three. Well, we drew and not painted back then. Grandpa was overjoyed that we took liking in art."

"It is unexpected," Ludwig answers, "But I can imagine you doing it just fine." His mouth curves into a small smile. Feliciano beams at him with such happy eyes that every villain in the world will down on their knees on the sight. Ludwig flushes pink at that. Really, why does Feliciano seem to be happy by almost every little thing that he says?

"Don't flirt with my brother, potato bastard. It's annoying." Romano glares at him (tries to glare at him), eyes burning.

"I-I'm not!" Ludwig replies defensively, flustered. His grips on Feliciano's wheelchair tighten. Which part of his words are considered flirting anyway?

"Now, now, Roma," Antonio pats Romano's back playfully. "Ludwig's just being honest! And Feli's happy too!"

"Ve..." is the only reply. Romano grunts but decides to let it drop. The Spaniard chuckles at the sight and decides to change the topic.

"You said you painted, Feli. But why don't you anymore?"

Feliciano's eyes twinkle and he replies, "It's a secret!" And with that, the matter is settled.

They walk around for a little while longer until Feliciano spots another stand with kittens and begs everyone to go there again.

Romano groans, "Again, Feli? I told you we can't have pets."

"But kittens are cute!" Feliciano exclaims, doesn't seem bothered by his brother's words. "And look! There's a potted plants stand too near it! If you're bored with kittens, you can go there, fratello!"

He's right. Two stands from the kitten stand is a stand with potted plants hanging from the ceiling and some on the counter.

"Are you trying to shoo me so you can get a lone time together with that potato?" Romano's eyes narrowed, though Antonio can see that he isn't reluctant to go visit the plant shop at all.

"Of course not!" Feliciano's eyes widen and he gapes. "Why do you think like that, fratello?"

Romano scoffs and crosses his arms. "Because my instincts tell me so." But they can tell that he's not really angry. Feliciano chuckles and raises his hands in defeat. "Okay, okay, maybe I am, ve. But I know you like plants, and that stand looks like it has really nice ones! We're here to have fun, so have fun, fratello!" He pats his brother's back and quickly wheels away to the kitten stand with an unnoticeably red Ludwig before his brother can throw anything at him, a gleeful smile on his face.

Antonio claps Romano's shoulder. "So, let's get going?" Romano huffs and replies, "Do we have a choice, bastard? My idiot little brother has run off and unless we want to be really fucking bored, our only option is to go there."

"Okay! Let's go then!" Antonio takes Romano's hand once again and cheerfully leads him through the crowds and to the plant shop.

-colorful wall-

Once again, Ludwig finds himself surrounded by kittens and puppies and a very delightful Italian who's playing with two kittens at once. The shop owner's, this time a woman, mouth quirks upward in her effort not to laugh. Ludwig sighs.

"Ve, Ludwig, don't you like kittens?" Feliciano perks up, one of the kittens is snuggling on his chest and the other is rolling on his lap.

"Well, I like dogs better, but it's not that I dislike cats." Ludwig has always liked dogs. They are loyal, dependable, and friendly. He himself has three dogs at home.

"Puppies are cute," Feliciano scratches the kitten on his lap at the back of its ear. "But dogs are scary, ve."

"I have dogs at my house, three." Ludwig replies, "And they're all friendly."

"I didn't know!" Feliciano chirps, lifting one kitten and letting it play on his arms. "Ve, can I come over to your house someday, Ludwig?"

Ludwig blinks. Well, Feliciano is a friend, so he doesn't see why not. "Sure. I'll let you see my dogs." Feliciano's face lit up and he puts down the kitten on his arms before throwing the German a delightful hug. "Vee! Grazie, Ludwig!"

"Y-you're welcome," he stammers lamely, face warmed. "Well, Feliciano," anything to get out from this awkward moment. "Why don't you paint anymore?"

Feliciano looks up at him and cocks his head to a side, before releasing him. Ludwig slaps himself inwardly. "I-It's okay if you don't want to answer. I forgot that you said it's a secret. I apologize."

"Ve, no, no, Ludwig. Don't say that." Feliciano contemplates for a moment before finally smiles and says, "I'll tell you. And only you, so promise me that you'll keep it secret, Ludwig. Ve…" He raises his pinky finger. "My friend Kiku once told me about pinky promise. Let's pinky promise, Ludwig."

In front of people? Ludwig shifts uneasily. The shop owner sure is paying attention to them, but Feliciano is still holding out his hand, pinky stretched. He doesn't have the heart to answer the Italian no. So, with a red face, he holds out his and they make the promise. As they release each other's pinky, Feliciano bounces happily on his wheelchair. "Yaayy, I got to make promise with Ludwig!"

Now the shop owner is smiling too, wide and looks like she's almost laughing. Ludwig clears his throat nervously and Feliciano turns back at him, still smiling. "Okay, I'll tell you, ve."

He lifts the kittens and puts them back into the cage, playing with their whiskers and cooing with them for a moment before pulling back.

"I won't paint until fratello can see again. And then we'll paint again together."

He turns around, eyes twinkle warmly. "Ve, so that's why it's a secret. If fratello knows, he won't let it slip. And more than that, he'll feel that he's a burden, while he is not."

"I can understand your reason," Ludwig replies, lifting one eyebrow. "But, I don't understand where your… determination come from. I'm sorry, but will your brother be able to see again?"

"He will," the Italian replies firmly. "I talked to the doctor who treated us back then. He said, fratello will need surgery. It isn't 100% guaranteed that it will success since it is newly developed, but the doctor said the success rate is 50 : 50." Feliciano whirls around to face the German, face morphs into a gentle but determined expression. "And I've been saving my payment. Secretly of course." He giggles, face relaxed and Ludwig finds the usual cheerful Italian again. "Ve, it's a part of the secret too. So don't tell anyone, Ludwig."

Ludwig smiles too, warm and understanding. "I won't."

"Thank you, ve!" Feliciano throws him a hug once again, ignoring the stuttered protests.

-colorful wall-

"Do you like them?"

Romano doesn't answer, seeming to have chosen to ignore him and pay attention to the small plant he's examining with his hands instead. Antonio only smiles, unperturbed by the ignorance. He happily browses the other potted plants, musing to himself about which one to buy.

"I didn't know that you do gardening," Antonio raises his head at the mumbled words. He smiles.

"I do. Gardening is fun! I used to do it back then at my home in Spain." He smiles to himself nostalgically. "I love shoveling the dirt, planting new plants, watering them and tending to them. And I also talk to them!"

"You talk to plants?" Romano frowns. "How can you be more idiot than you fucking are now?"

Antonio laughs. "Talking to plants is fun and it makes them grow much better and healthier. Don't you do it to yours at home, Roma?"

"Fuck no," Romano replies, running his fingers through the leaves of one small plant. "I'm not an idiot."

Antonio pouts. "You should try it. Believe me, it has effects."

The Italian only rolls his eyes.

The shop owner approaches them, smiling. "Do you like that, sir? It's a cherry tomato. This one can't grow big, so it is perfect for indoor gardening."

"Well…" Romano's voice trails off. "My apartment is really small, so I'm not really sure…"

"It is true that the smaller the container, the less cherry tomato will produce fruit, but if you don't seek to grow them for meals, then I think it's alright, sir."

Antonio approaches him, studying the small plant. "You don't do gardening for meals, do you, Roma?"

"Of course not," Romano replies, brows scrunched together. "Do I grow the goddamn geranium so I can eat it, you moron?"

"Oh, yeah!" Antonio laughs awkwardly. "Well, then why don't you take this small fellow?" He can tell, with the way the Italian stays on the plant that he surely likes it, so Antonio doesn't understand why Romano keeps silent and just playing with it instead.

The Italian pulls away slowly, stepping back a bit. He says, supposedly to the owner, "This is one fine plant, but I'm sorry, not today." with that, he turns around and leaves.

Antonio chases after him into the crowds. "Why not, Roma?"

"Because I don't want it," is the only reply. "And stop calling me that." Antonio frowns.

"You're not a good liar. I can see that you really want it. Like, really real want it. So why not?" He earns a glare in returns.

"You're really annoying, you know that, bastard?"

"I do!" Antonio exclaims happily. "You always say that, so how come I don't know?"

"Good, so don't ask."

"Are you short on money?"

"Fucking no."

"I can lend you some, you know. Well, not much but-"

"Didn't I say no, you bastard?"

"Are you hiding something again?"

"…..No."

He hits the right spot. "You're lying~"

"I'm not!" Maybe Romano can't see, but that doesn't reduce his attacks' strength. His elbowing will sure leave a bruise.

Clutching his side, Antonio says, almost whining. "You're hiding something, Roma. Why don't you tell me?"

"Can't you just leave it alone, you persistent tomato bastard?"

"I earn a new nickname!" Maybe he can't see, but Romano can feel the bastard is surrounded by sunshine now, literally.

"Is that about something important?"

"Thank you captain obvious, for making things more fucking obvious than they are."

"Is that about Feliciano?"

"…."

"I'm right, aren't I?" He hits two correct buttons in a day! It must be a miracle! He must celebrate!

Romano sighs. "Why are you so damn observant at the fucking wrong time, bastard?" Antonio smiles at him. "So it is about Feliciano."

"So what if it is?" Well, Romano is not Romano if he's not stubborn.

"Does that have something to do with why you don't take him to your grandpa's house?"

"You eavesdropper bastard!" Romano is so cute if his face turns all red like that, Antonio grins inwardly. "Eavesdrop on us once again, and I'll make sure you'll never have kids!"

"I didn't eavesdrop! I just heard it on accident since both of you were talking next to me!" Maybe Romano isn't serious about his threat, but on second thought, maybe he is. There's always a 50 : 50 chance, and Antonio doesn't want to take the risk. "I didn't intend to, I swear on my tomatoes!"

Romano face palms inwardly. "Forget it. You're too idiot for your own good."

"But I thought your grandpa's deceased."

"He was, when we were 15." He replies, quite bitterly. "He bequeathed his house to us. A best friend of his kept it until we're old enough to receive the inheritance. I'm sure the house has been gaining dust now."

"Then why don't you and Feli go there?"

"I have my reason."

"Won't you tell me?"

"You'll never fucking let it go, will you?"

"Yep, I won't." He's a journalist after all.

"Swear that you won't tell a soul and I'll tell you."

"Okay! I swear on my-"

"Not your tomatoes. Something more serious, for God's sake!"

"Um, I swear on my paperwork-"

"Forget it. Go on."

"I swear that I won't tell anyone." Antonio grins. Romano only rolls his eyes.

"I'm saving right now, so I won't use my money to buy something for myself." He shrugs. "I'll use it for Feliciano. Just that. Satisfied?"

Antonio frowns. Romano always tries to cut his explanation short. He never talks about them openly. It's true that now the Spaniard is prying into his personal life again, but Antonio just wants to know more about him. "What for?"

Romano scowls at him, but replies nonetheless. "For surgery." He shifts his gaze forward again, looking into the distance, strange with his unseeing eyes. "One so he will be able to walk again. Only when he is that I'll take him to Grandpa's house."

"Why?" Antonio's voice softens.

"Because he used to run along the field near the house," Romano's voice lowers. "Run with his own two feet, before he became like this."

Antonio understands, and he doesn't ask further.

-colorful wall-

"Vee, Ludwig! Ludwig!"

Well, the usual morning routine he's been used to now. Ludwig raises his head from his newspaper. "Good morning, Feliciano."

"Good morning!" The Italian throws himself forward into a hug, another routine but this one he hasn't been used to yet. But by now he's getting better at keeping his composure. Ludwig clears his throat, face slightly red, and he pats Feliciano's back in return.

The smaller man pulls away, a happy smile on his face. "Ve, Ludwig, I brought you something today." Ludwig raises his eyebrow as he pulls out a small food container from his lap. "Just like I promised!"

"Ah…" Now he remembers the little promise they made months ago. But he didn't expect Feliciano to remember, he himself has almost forgotten about that. But it appears that the Italian has a very good memory regarding some things.

Feliciano holds out the food container to him, smiling innocently, expectantly. Ludwig takes it from his hand. "Thank you."

"Ve, eat it while it's still warm." He takes the spot in front of him and folds his arms on the table, the same smile is still on his face.

The German opens the lid carefully, and as soon as he does, a delicious smell enters his nostrils. He blinks, looking at the still warm and perfectly arranged pasta before him. It does look really appetizing. He casts Feliciano an uncertain look, and the Italian nods, encouraging him. He takes his fork, scoops some, and brings it to his mouth. He chews slowly.

Ludwig has never eaten Italian food before although he often hears people say about how delicious they are. But he's sure that the one he's eating right now is probably the best in the whole world. He swallows, taking every bits of flavor inside.

Feliciano is looking at him, and he looks almost nervous. "How is it, ve?"

Face morphing into a soft smile, and his eyes are warm, the German replies, "It's really good." He mentally slaps himself for his lack of words, but Feliciano is beaming, face bright and warm and genuinely happy, and smiling like Ludwig has just told him he can walk again.

"Really? I'm so happy!" Accompanying the smile, now a warm color is spreading on the Italian's face. "I was nervous that you might not like it, Ludwig. It is my best recipe! I didn't even let fratello help me." He chuckles. "I made it myself, ve."

"Thank you, Feliciano." He did a good job preventing himself from stuttering. "But really, you didn't have to go that far for me."

Feliciano lifts his head, his smile fades a bit, and his brows scrunched together in confusion. "Ve, why?"

"Well," Ludwig puts down his fork, looking at him. "Because... I don't know." He sighs in defeat. "Can I ask you something?"

"Ve? Of course."

Why do you always so happy in every little things I do? "Never mind. Just… Just forget it." Ludwig lifts the fork to his mouth again. His question sounds too selfless and embarrassing even for himself.

"I went that far for you because I like you, Ludwig."

The unexpected reply to his unsaid question makes his fork stop midway. Ludwig stares at the Italian before him, eyes slightly wide. "I'm sorry?"

Feliciano is smiling, and his tone is genuine as he continues. "I meant it. I really, really like you, Ludwig. Not like how I like boss, or how I like Elizabeta, or how I love fratello, but like… like…" People can almost see that he's wracking his brain for words, literally, except there are no people around but them and some of their regular friends, who are minding their own business.

They don't notice Elizabeta wiping the corner, but every fiber of her concentration is focused to listen to their conversation that she doesn't realize she has been scrubbing the same spot for minutes.

"Like… Like how Gilbert like Elizabeta," Feliciano's eyes lit up again, seemingly happy to have found the right words. Elizabeta flinches, but she shakes it off. "And how Vash and Roderich like each other!" The two said men are incidentally sitting two tables behind them, and at the words, Roderich chokes on the cup of tea he's drinking, and Vash accidentally stabs himself inside his mouth with the fork he's using.

Oblivious by the damage he caused, Feliciano nods firmly, face serious. Ludwig's mouth hangs open slightly. Part of him screaming "Wait, they are in THAT kind of relationship?", the other part is blabbering stuttered nonsense about the innocent but honest confession.

Ludwig isn't the only one who's surprised by the fact of the two Germans' relationship. Elizabeta's eyes are as wide as saucers the moment she shifted her attention to the two very awkward men (one is still coughing frantically, the other's cursing and glaring at Feliciano, clearly with killing intent). But with a mental note to do some 'observing' about that later, she shifts her gaze back to the first pairing, watching them with a wide grin.

Ludwig is staring at Feliciano wide-eyed. The Italian too keeps his gaze, unwavering, as though to show the other man he's serious. But after a moment, the golden eyes avert and Feliciano pulls away, leaning back to his wheelchair. "You don't have to answer that, Ludwig. Ve, I'm troubling you, aren't I?" He says, almost bitterly. Ludwig flinches inwardly.

In an instant, Feliciano's head snaps up again and he smiles his usual carefree smile. "Ve, I shouldn't interrupt your breakfast any longer, Ludwig. So…" He nervously backs away. "See you…?" The German can only manage a nod, watching the retreated back. After Feliciano disappears behind the counter, he slowly returns to his breakfast, although still dumbfounded.

Unknown to him, behind the counter Elizabeta is having a low conversation with Feliciano.

"That was a really adorable confession, Feli!" She hisses excitedly. "But I didn't know that Vash and Roderich are in that kind of relationship."

"Ve…" Feliciano's head is down and he bites his lower lip. "Elizabeta, do you think I was wrong confessing to him?"

"Of course not!" The Hungarian frowns. "I think that's very sweet. You're being honest to him and to yourself. Well, you always do, but this time it's different."

"But Ludwig looks troubled," Feliciano's tone trembles a little. "Maybe I really was wrong. Maybe we should just stay friends."

Elizabeta puts her hands firmly on his shoulders. "Feliciano, look at me." He obeys and lifts his gaze to meet her green ones. "You did the right thing. I assure you that. And I can say that you won't regret it."

Feliciano replies with an unconvinced 've', but he nods. Elizabeta pats his cheeks, smiling. "Smile, Feli. It will be okay."

The Italian manages a small smile, and his eyes lit up a bit. "Ve… Thank you, Elizabeta."

"Anytime," she winks playfully. "Anyway, about Vash and Roderich, is that true?"

"Yup," Feliciano nods, seemingly really sure. "I can tell that they like each other, ve. But not only as friends. More than that."

"I see," Elizabeta's eyes are flaming with her newfound spirit. "Then I shall observe."

Feliciano blinks, cocking his head to one side with a confused 've?' but decides not to ask. If only he can see the hole Vash is burning on the counter with his glare.

-colorful wall-

"You WHAT?"

"Veee! Please don't be mad, fratello!" Feliciano cringes and hides behind Elizabeta. It is 9 in the evening and the diner has closed, so only boss, Elizabeta, the twins, and Antonio remain there. Apparently, Feliciano was really "uneasy and nervous and worried, ve! I-I need to ask fratello about this! B-but he probably will be mad, so… But- but- but I really need his opinion about this and he'll find out sooner or later though, but… I'm scaaarrreeeddddd! But I'm more scared of Ludwig hating me! But-" so that is what he did. And just right to his predicament also, Romano is literally fuming on his spot. Feliciano whimpers and hides further behind the standing (proudly) figure of the Hungarian.

"Calm down, Romano," Elizabeta says, tone is calming and commanding at the same time. "Feliciano was really uneasy and I think he's gonna explode from all of his worries about this. Be a little considerate."

Romano's angry scowl deepens and he crosses his arms on his chest, but after several seconds in silence, he lets out a long sigh and says, "Whatever."

Perking up from behind his human shield, Feliciano says, "You aren't mad anymore, ve?"

"I am!" Romano barks and Feliciano shrieks and hides behind Elizabeta again. "But, I'm your brother, so I'll at least fucking listen." He averts his eyes away, frowning. "Not that I care or what."

"Ve~…" Feliciano slowly emerges again, face relieved and happy. "Grazie, fratello. I love you!"

"Tch…" Antonio laughs quietly at the slight blush that tints the older Italian's cheeks. Clapping the smaller man's back, he says, "Why don't we sit down first?"

They agree silently and take seats around a table. Boss stays behind the counter, wiping the glasses with an amused twinkle in his eyes. They can tell he's listening.

"So, what do you want to ask me?" Romano taps his fingers on the table, keeping his gaze forward to where he supposed his brother is.

"Will Ludwig hate me because I confess to him earlier?" Talk about skip ahead to the climax. Romano rolls his eyes. "Why did you do it if you're so sure he will?"

"Ve, but I wasn't really sure about that and I thought I should tell him, but I didn't want to make him troubled, or sad, or hating me. Because Ludwig makes me happy and I just want him to know that, and I know I like him, and I wanted him to know that too, and-"

"For goddamn sake, Feli," Romano groans, holding out his hand and successfully silencing his brother. "One fucking thing at a time, please." He adds the pressure on the last word.

"Oh, right. Sorry." Feliciano smiles sheepishly and sinks back into his wheelchair, realizing that he almost crossed the table with the way he bent forward when he talked. "What do you think about it, fratello?"

"Feli, you know I hate that potato. Do you really need to ask what I think about that?"

"Yes." Feliciano nods firmly. "You're much better than me when it comes to thinking, ve."

"Thank you very much. I feel reaalllyy honored." Romano rolls his eyes. "But if you really want me to answer, truthfully, I hope he does, because then he'll damn leave you alone," Feliciano's lower lip trembles, and Elizabeta shoots Romano an angry look, ignoring the fact that he can't see her. But Antonio just sits there, patiently waiting.

"But I don't think he'll hate you just because of that," Romano seems like he can't believe himself saying that. "He seems to like you too damn much to even consider disliking you."

Feliciano's eyes widen hopefully, and his face visibly brighten. "Really?"

Romano scrunches his nose in disgust of the thought about the German. "Don't make me repeat myself."

"Yaaayyyy!" If humans can fly, Feliciano will surely do. But he can only settle with bouncing on his wheelchair, almost literally shining with sunshine and rainbows. Elizabeta chuckles and Antonio grins widely.

"You're damn satisfied? Then let's go home." Romano rises from his seat, taking his usual position behind his brother and pushes his wheelchair to the counter. Both bid goodbye to boss (and earn cheerful slaps on the back) and leave the diner. Elizabeta also leaves after she got her things from the backroom.

"See you tomorrow, Antonio!" Feliciano waves to him cheerfully. Romano only grunts like usual, but when they turn to leave, Antonio's hand on his arm stops him.

"What?" He demands, frowning.

Antonio smiles and turning him around so they are face to face, and he puts the small plastic bag he's been carrying to Romano's hands. The Italian raises his brow as he feels the weight on his hands, but slowly his face morphs into realization. "What is this, bastard?"

"For you!" Antonio replies, eyes twinkle cheerfully. "It's the cherry tomato!"

"W-w-what?" Romano stutters, eyes widening. "W-w-why out of the fucking blue?"

"I bought one too!" Antonio chirps. "And I wanted to give you this. Now we have a matching pair of cherry tomatoes!"

Romano feels his face grows hot. "I-I don't want this!" He shoves the small plastic bag into Antonio's chest, but Antonio gently pushes it back to him.

"Please, Romano. I want to get you something that makes you happy. That's the least I can do." His voice is gentle and Romano feels his arms reluctantly stop shoving.

"You don't have to do anything," He murmurs.

"But I want to!" Antonio smiles, back to his cheerful self. "I want to make Roma happy!"

Romano blushes a deep shade of red and he turns away, cursing. "I'm taking this so your fucking money won't go shit. Not that I care or anything. You got that, bastard?"

Antonio laughs, "Yes, clearly, sir."

Feliciano giggles. "Ve, I'll hold onto that for you until we get home, fratello." And Romano puts the small bag begrudgingly on his extended hands.

"See you tomorrow, Roma, Feli!" Antonio waves happily as he watches the two walks into the warm darkness of the night, the younger is still waving to him as their figures become smaller and disappear on an intersection.

-colorful wall-

"Vee… It was nice of Antonio, fratello." Feliciano smiles up to his brother, putting down the small plant beside the geranium.

"It wasn't," Romano grunts. "I didn't ask him anything, and he did unimportant things."

"Vee… But he looks like he's being genuine," Feliciano whines. "It looks like he likes you, fratello." Romano chokes at the water he's gulping down and coughs frantically. Feliciano hurriedly goes to his side and pats his back.

"He doesn't," The older Italian manages to croak after several seconds spend with coughing. "He's just too idiot for his own good. He'll gain nothing doing things like that."

"But you seem to like him too."

"I don't," Romano replies curtly, efficiently ending the conversation. He takes the cup to the sink and turns off the tap, washing it. "I don't." He repeats, more to himself. Feliciano looks at him with a worried gaze for another moment before sighing and goes to the bathroom.

-colorful wall-

The next morning is awkward for the younger Italian and his German friend. Feliciano doesn't even dare to look at the other man's eyes and he begs Elizabeta to switch with him to serve Ludwig.

The German looks nervous too. He avoids the counter and avoids looking at the Italian. And he finishes his breakfast in a hurry. As he leaves, Elizabeta looks at his previous spot with a concerned frown. Not that she's not worried about Ludwig, be she's worried about Feliciano more.

The next morning is still like that, and the next, and the day after that. Feliciano seems sad, his smile lose its usual cheerfulness and he chooses to stay behind the counter.

"Feliciano," Elizabeta approaches him one evening while they're closing the diner. "Talk to him."

"I made him troubled, Elizabeta," Feliciano's lower lip trembles. "I really did the wrong thing. I shouldn't have said anything."

"You didn't!" The Hungarian puts down the glass she's been wiping and kneels down so they are eye to eye. "Romano said so too, right? Don't you believe in your brother?"

"I do," Feliciano replies, blinking back tears. "But… It's just… He's been avoiding me, Eliza."

"It's because you don't talk to him," The older woman says, tone comforting, and she pulls the Italian into a hug. "You've been avoiding him too. Try and talk to him tomorrow, okay?"

Feliciano shakes his head, warm tears start to spill. Elizabeta rubs soothing circles on his back. "Why not, Feli?"

"I'm scared…" He whispers, his voice trembles. "What do I do, Eliza? Look at his eyes. I've hurt him."

"You haven't," Elizabeta assures him. "No one would be hurt by a love confession!"

But as she speaks soothing words and tries her best to comfort her troubled friend, she knows that she can't do anything for Feliciano to overcome his fear. His fear of being rejected, his fear of being hated, his fear of hurting someone.

-colorful wall-

"I want to speak to you, bastard."

Antonio blinks. They are in the park near the diner on their way there, and Romano has just stopped walking. His face is serious. The Spaniard retreats a few steps back so they are side by side. "What is it?"

Romano is silent, but his expression remains unchanged. He seems to be thinking hard. Swallowing once, he says, tone firm. "Can you do me a favor?"

"What is it?" Romano has never asked for something before. Not to be mentioned politely. "If I can do it, I will."

"You can, I'm sure of that." But his tone makes Antonio nervous. Like something bad is going to happen. "So will you do that or not?" And he doesn't even curse.

Antonio nods. "I will."

"You have my greatest gratitude," Now it starts to make him scared. Antonio can almost hear his heart drumming fast inside his chest with anxiety. He swallows, almost holding his breath in.

"Antonio," Romano stops, and for a split second he seems to be hesitating. "Don't come to pick me up anymore."

"… What?"

"Don't walk me to and from Feli anymore," Romano is calm, and his tone is collected. "Don't… Just don't associate with me anymore. It's okay if you want to be friends with Feliciano, but after this, we're strangers."

"Romano, what…" Antonio's words lost in his throat, and his mind doesn't seem to be working properly. "Why? Did I upset you? Or did I do something wrong? If I do, just… just tell me and I'll apologize. I'll do anything to fix it."

"No, you didn't do anything wrong." Romano replies, refusing to look at him and keeping his eyes ahead instead. "You said you will do it, right? This is what I ask of you." He stops. "Just this."

"Romano, please!" Antonio steps in front of him and holds his shoulders firm. He is shocked, and he doesn't know what makes the Italian do that. "Please tell me why."

The smaller man pries his hands away. When he speaks, his voice shakes a bit. "Thank you for everything up until now."

And with that, he continues walking to the diner, leaving the devastated Antonio behind.