Oh my! I'm sorry for not updating! I'll still try and add more though!
When Ludwig woke up, he felt unusually warm. Looking to the side, he noticed that Feliciano was there. He wanted to jump and push him off the bed, but he didn't want to repeat that morning scene again. He settled for just staying still. Feliciano looked very comfortable and rather adorable in his sleep. Adorable? Did he really just think that? Well, it was true. But why had he thought that? Ludwig had no idea how he let Feliciano get to him like that. Ever since Feliciano arrived, he had made Ludwig's life more confusing and interesting, and he did it so easily. He made it look like it took no effort to get past Ludwig's serious self. How did Feliciano do it? He was charming and always appeared to be lighthearted and playful. Maybe that was what Ludwig wanted in his life. He rebuked himself for thinking such things. Surely, Feliciano did not like him, and he wasn't even sure about his own feelings about Feliciano. It was just his last nights actions that made him think like that. His thoughts were interrupted when Feliciano opened his eyes and looked at him.
"Oh Feliciano, you're awake."
"Ludwig? Why aren't you telling me to get off and go put on some clothes?" He eyed Ludwig curiously.
"I... I– don't take this the wrong way. I just didn't want to wake you up."
"Well thank you! So how'd you sleep? Did I wake you up or anything?"
"Err... no. I slept fine. And you?"
"I slept great! But Ludwig, why didn't that ringing thing make noise this morning? Don't you have to work?" Feliciano sat up in the bed, and the blankets slipped down, revealing his chest with the strange glowing tattoos. Ludwig quickly glanced at them. He wondered what they were.
"You mean my alarm? It only goes off on weekdays, and right now it's the weekend. I don't work during the weekend." Ludwig sat up as well and looked at the clock. It was almost nine in the morning. "Can I ask you something?" He glanced back at Feliciano's glowing tattoos.
"Sure thing!"
"This is going to sound strange, but I'm wondering. What are those markings on your chest?" Ludwig immediately looked away after he asked.
"Oh these?" Feliciano pointed at his chest. "These are just my markings."
"Your markings..?"
"Yes! It's a tradition of the royal family. You get them once you reach a certain age. I think you get them when you reach the equivalent of 15 human years. Well, at least that's the tradition of royalty. But recently, it's become a fad. Everyone likes to get them in random places. I guess they make people look bright."
"That's very... interesting. Sorry for asking."
"Don't worry, it's not a problem! But why did you ask? Do you not have any?"
"No. I don't think anyone on this planet has one that glows. I think it's pretty interesting. They look very nice." Ludwig mentally slapped himself after saying that. He felt himself turn red and even saw that Feliciano's cheeks had turned a darker shade of orange.
"Well I uh– I should get ready!" Feliciano attempted a smile at Ludwig and dashed out of the room. Feliciano was was afraid that his blush would be too noticeable. He probably took the compliment the wrong way. Why did it make him so giddy then? After a few deep breaths he calmed down and dressed himself for the day.
Back in his room, Ludwig sat quietly on his bed. Why had Feliciano left the room so quickly? Was it because he complimented him? Feliciano probably took it the wrong way– but why did Ludwig say that in the first place? He rubbed his forehead in confusion. Feliciano was getting to his head. Was he really starting to feel that way about Feliciano? After getting dressed, Ludwig headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. A few minutes later, Feliciano came skipping happily out of the room. He froze when he saw Ludwig.
"Oh! Ludwig! I didn't expect you to be here!" Feliciano returned to his normal happy mood. Ludwig raised his eyebrow suspiciously.
"It is my kitchen..." Feliciano stood near the table, tapping his fingers nervously. "Feliciano.. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable this morning. I didn't mean... to compliment you?" Feliciano quickly looked back to Ludwig.
"Did you think that I... Oh no! Ludwig, you did nothing wrong its just that I..." He refused to finish his sentence. Could he really admit that he had feelings for Ludwig?
"That you what?" He seemed genuinely concerned about Feliciano. After staying completely silent for a few seconds, Feliciano laughed nervously.
"Oh, it's nothing. It's not that important."
"I think it must be pretty important if you're acting all jittery like that. But if you insist, I won't push it any further." Ludwig turned away from him and reached for salt in the cupboard. He resumed his focus to his cooking. Feliciano felt guilty.
"No, I should tell you. After all, it does concern you..." Ludwig's attention was back on Feliciano. He stepped closer and closer towards Ludwig. Feliciano felt his cheeks warm up again. Why did it have to happen at such an important time? "It's just that I most likely might actually possibly..." Feliciano felt himself lose his ability to speak and settled for gazing intently at Ludwig. He was not speaking either. His cheeks were a little pink, but he still kept his intense stare. Feliciano had to remind himself to breathe, but after a few quiet breaths he leaned in towards Ludwig. He quickly closed his eyes, but just as quick as he closed them, the front door flew open. Feliciano fell on the floor from shock, but Ludwig was still standing. Before the two of them could really react, a loud laugh came from the door. There stood a slender pale man with nearly white hair, and maroon eyes.
"Hey, Lud! How are– hey, who's this little guy with pink hair and skin that looks like he got a bad spray tan?" Feliciano and Ludwig were too surprised to respond, and they were both blushing. "What's wrong? Did I interrupt something?"
"Gil..." Ludwig managed to say. He walked towards him. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I just thought I'd drop by and say hello to my cute little brother! I called you but you haven't answered me. Hey, who's this?" He pointed at Feliciano.
"His name is–"
"I am Feliciano Vargas. Nice to meet you! You're Gilbert, am I correct?" Woah. Feliciano was surprised he could speak again. He felt the tense atmosphere begin to loosen up. But had Ludwig's brother just seen what they were doing? It didn't seem so.
"Yeah... uh... Who exactly are you And why is a strange guy like you in my little brother's house?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Feliciano.
"Is he some type of weirdo who likes to dye his hair and skin or something? And why is he in your house?"
"Gil, let me explain..." interrupted Ludwig. "Well actually, you probably wouldn't believe me... He's my guest. He has been staying here for a few days."
Feliciano looked around impatiently. "I am Feliciano! I'm from a far away planet called Roma! I think people here call foreigners like me aliens!" Feliciano smiled warmly at Gilbert.
"An alien? Do you have any idea how silly you sound? What are you up to Lud?" Gilbert looked at Ludwig and pointed at Feliciano, his face showing all signs of disbelief.
"What Feliciano said is true." answered Ludwig. Gilbert did not look convinced at all. Feliciano looked around, desperate to convince Gilbert. Ludwig saw him and tried to hide a smile. It was very out of place for him to be thinking this, but Feliciano looked like a puppy, and it was adorable. Before he could realize what an embarrassing thought he was thinking, Feliciano interrupted.
"I'm not lying! Please believe me!"
"Gil, he isn't lying. Feliciano, show him your map." Feliciano then dashed to his room and returned with the spherical map. He pressed a few buttons and the holographic screens popped up.
"I'm not sure how this is proof, but I guess it is if Ludwig says it is. Here!" He handed it to Gilbert, who nearly dropped it when it was placed in his hands. "Oh, please be careful!" It lit up and displayed all the holographic screens.
"What... What is this? You're not lying? I am... so confused." Gilbert placed it down on the coffee table near the sofa. He flopped himself on the sofa and let out a loud sigh.
"Of course not! Why would I lie?" Feliciano smiled again at Gilbert. The tense and awkward atmosphere had almost completely disappeared. Feliciano thought it was a good distraction from what would have happened if Gilbert hadn't arrived. Feliciano felt himself getting nervous again just from thinking about it.
"Well, now that that's cleared up, I shall return to making breakfast." Ludwig faced the stove. "I left the stove on for too long..." Ludwig rubbed his forehead. He should have been paying more attention.
Gilbert had anxious face that looked like he wanted to ask Feliciano several questions, but he decide to save them for later. With another triumphant laugh he declared, "No need to fear Lud! The awesome me has brought food!" He pulled out a large basket and smirked. "I was planning to have a nice picnic with you, but it looks like we have a little change of plans! But that's okay! There's always enough room for more!" With a happy jump in his steps, Gilbert walked outside from the back door. "Come on, let's sit out here!" Feliciano, and Ludwig followed. Gilbert spread a large blanket and set up all the food as the other two just watched. He wouldn't even let them help. When he finished, he finally let them near the blanket.
"Oh, this is so cute! Is this something that humans do? Eat on blankets? Why hasn't anyone back home thought of that?" The two brothers laughed at Feliciano's comment. "What's so funny?"
"Oh Feliciano, I don't know if you're just really naive or an alien if you don't know what a picnic is. Speaking of aliens, can I ask a few questions?"
"Sure!" replied Feliciano. Ludwig looked up at him.
"Well, my first question is if I can call you Feli. I think that sounds cute. Can I?"
"Go ahead! That's what people call me back home."
"Feli..." muttered Ludwig. He tried to keep it quiet, but Feliciano heard him and felt himself smiling.
"Okay... Another question! Tell me, where are you from?" Gilbert reached for the sandwiches and gave one to Feliciano.
"I already told you! I'm from the planet Roma! I'm not sure if you've heard of it." Feliciano took a bite of the sandwich. It was so good!
"Well, you're right! I've never heard of it. Next question. How'd you get here?" Gilbert was now eating some of the strawberries he had brought. Ludwig watched them silently, with his eyes never leaving Feliciano.
"It was an accident... a crash landing. Our main ship was being attacked, and to save us, my grandfather, who is also the emperor, sent my brother and I into escape pods. I still don't know if they're okay..." Feliciano was looking down now. This topic always made him feel terribly worried.
"Oh..." Gilbert paused, "I'm very sorry that I made you sad. But I'm sure they're okay!" Feliciano frowned and looked at the ground. Gilbert searched the basket for something to drink, but found nothing. "Hey, Lud! Do you think you could bring some drinks? Some beer possibly?" Ludwig nodded and went inside. Gilbert shifted his attention back to Feliciano. Moving his eyebrows mischievously, he began, "So, how'd you get Ludwig to let you stay in his house? I'm surprised he hasn't blown your brains out."
"B-Blown my brains out? What are you saying?"
"I'm kidding! But seriously, how'd you do it? I don't think Ludwig has ever let a complete stranger stay in his house. He barely lets me!"
"Uh... I don't know? I just begged him and I guess he just let me! He can be scary, but he's really nice. I'm glad I met him." Gilbert chuckled. "Huh? What's so funny?"
"I think this is all so strange, but I guess I can't deny it. I'm not sure what makes you so special, but Ludwig must really like you. No. He might even be in love with you, but what do I know? I'm just his brother." Those last few words made Feliciano's heartbeat speed up quickly. But he didn't dare to think that he felt that way.
"In–In love? Oh no, Gilbert I don't think that's possible. That's just silly!" Feliciano laughed nervously. Was Gilbert just teasing him? Were his feelings that noticeable? He didn't want to think they were. Ludwig came back out with a few bottles. He tossed one to Gilbert and he caught it.
"Gil, I brought some beer for us. Feliciano, I'm my sure if you wanted to have some, but if you want to try it..."
"Oh sure! I'd like to try this beer stuff! Or at least I think that's what Gilbert called it." Ludwig handed Feliciano an uncapped bottle.
"Yup, that's what I said." Gilbert chugged the bottle. Ludwig drank his, and then Feliciano decided to try his. When he first took a sip, he thought it tasted funny. He began taking several small, curious sips. Before he knew it, he had drank the whole bottle. Feliciano felt his body heat up and giggled. This was just like the stuff that Feliciano had back at home!
"Hey, this reminds me of the stuff we have back home!" Feliciano's expression showed melancholy, but after a few seconds he began giggling uncontrollably.
"Are you okay..?" asked Gilbert. Ludwig looked at Feliciano with concern.
"I'm fine, I just thought of something happy!" The two brothers looked at each other with confused faces. Gilbert shrugged. "Hey, can I have some more?"
"I think you've had enough..." He handed Feliciano a water bottle.
"Aww, Ludwig, no fair!" Feliciano scooted closer to him, with a pouty face. Ludwig rolled his eyes.
"Hey Lud! I forgot to ask! How have you been? I imagine you've been busy having this little guy over."
"Well yes. But it's– never mind..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"It's not that important."
"Okay..? But I just have to say, ever since I've gotten here, I have noticed that you seem happier than usual. What's your secret? Or maybe I already know..." Gilbert faced Feliciano and looked back at Ludwig, raising his eyebrows.
"W-What are you trying to say!"
"I'm not implying anything" Gilbert chuckled. "I just think he makes you happy." Ludwig glared at him. "Or happier at least..." Gilbert looked back at Feliciano, who was currently smelling a dandelion that he picked. He would often pick a few and place them on Ludwig's head.
"Hey, I think this is pretty fun! We should do this more often! Hehe!" Feliciano grinned at both Ludwig and Gilbert. His face was a little darker from the alcohol, but he was still acting pretty normal. Occasionally, he giggled. Feliciano rested his head on Ludwig's muscular shoulder and smiled. Ludwig wanted to push him off, but he just couldn't. It would be rude! He settled for leaving Feliciano alone, but could feel his own face turning red. Gilbert only chuckled.
"Looks like someone really likes you!" said Gilbert.
"Be quiet." huffed Ludwig. He looked down at Feliciano, who was gazing gently back at him. Ludwig noted that even his cheeks were darker.
"What is it Ludwig? Or can I call you Lud?" Feliciano sat up again, looking at Ludwig with a curious face.
"I... I don't really mind."
"Okay! I'll just switch between the two!" Feliciano began reaching for Ludwig's hand, and Ludwig nearly jumped when he felt his hand. As much as he wanted to, he didn't pull his hand away. Feliciano was just the touchy-feely type. Gilbert observed carefully, and stood up.
"I'll be right back! The awesome me has to go to the bathroom." He went back inside. Ludwig ran his free hand through his hair and sighed. Gilbert probably thought that they were in some sort of relationship by now. Not that he would mind, but... But what? He wasn't even sure himself.
"Hey, Ludwig... Do you like me?" Ludwig immediately froze.
"W-What?" Feliciano had a serious face on. He was well aware that he had startled Ludwig, but he wanted to know. While the brothers were talking, he had decided that he actually really liked Ludwig a lot, and even probably more than just a friend. Of course, if Ludwig didn't feel the same, he wouldn't push it, but a small part of him thought he would be devastated.
"Do you–"
"I heard you Feliciano. I– I do like you."
"That's not what I mean... I know you like me as a friend, but do you like me as anything else?"
"What do you mean?" Ludwig was afraid of the direction this conversation was heading. Feliciano began to look agitated.
" More than just a friend... Do you like me as more than just a friend?" Oh. So Ludwig was right about what Feliciano was talking about. He took a deep breath and answered.
"Feliciano, I do like you. But as more than a friend... I don't– I don't know." Ludwig turned away, fearing Feliciano's reaction. After a few moments of silence, he began to worry and turned back to face Feliciano. Feliciano's face looked frozen and nearly expressionless, but Ludwig saw that small amount of sadness in his eyes. When he noticed that Ludwig was staring, he forced a smile back. Ludwig knew it was fake, but why did that bother him so much?
"That's... That's okay! I was just wondering!" Ludwig hated Feliciano's fake smile. It was so obviously forced and he could see right through it. But why was he so sad? Ludwig didn't dare to think that perhaps Feliciano felt that way. He had just barely met him! But Ludwig truly didn't know for sure how he felt about him. Something about Feliciano made him feel happier, and that was certainly nice. There were also times that he felt himself blushing at Feliciano's actions. He wondered if he was in love.
"I'm back!" shouted Gilbert. After quickly analyzing the two, Gilbert sensed the painfully silent mood. They weren't facing each other and had move farther apart. Something had happened while he was gone, but he wasn't going to push it. "I also brought some apples. Does anyone want some?"
"Apple?" Feliciano asked quietly. After that talk with Ludwig, he wasn't sure how he was going to talk again, so he surprised himself words actually left his mouth. Earlier, he felt a heavy sadness overwhelm him, but he wouldn't let that ruin his day! He wasn't completely rejected! Ludwig only said he didn't know, so that meant he at least had a chance.
"Yeah, haven't you ever heard of them?"
"No..."
"Oh yeah! What was I thinking? It's edible. I'll tell you that. And sweet too! I think you'll like them. Here, try it! Oh and here's one for you Lud!" Gilbert gently handed Feliciano an apple and tossed another to Ludwig.
"I'm not very hungry right now. If you don't mind, I'd like to go on a walk on my own." Ludwig placed the apple in the picnic and stood up to leave. He didn't see Feliciano's sad eyes as he walked away. Gilbert noticed this and sighed.
HOLY GNOCCHI I'm sorry I haven't updated in forever! I have been busy with school... I definitely haven't forgotten about this dear little story. And now, I think I know how I'm going to continue the plot. This isn't going to be a very long story, but I hope you all enjoy it! Ahh, I think I'll have to go back and fix some mistakes in the previous chapters... Thankfully, school will be out in three weeks!