Feliciano messed with his blue tie, already on what felt like his thousandth attempt at tying it. He was always so terrible at tying ties. His trembling hands coupled with his rapid pulse didn't help the matter. This would never do. Feliciano gave up on trying to tie the blasted things himself. "Nonno? Can you help me, please?"
Grandpa Roma entered through the door of the makeshift dressing room. "Having trouble with your tie, Feli? I thought this would be a skill you'd have mastered by this age!" His voice was jumping and full of laughter, just like it had been all day.
Feliciano stuck out his bottom lip in a mock pout. "I can't help it! I'm nervous!"
"Nervous? Nonsense! You've been waiting years for this day!" said Roma. He undid the messy knot that Feliciano had attempted and began to tie it properly.
"That doesn't mean I can't be nervous!"
"Oh, Feli." Roma finished with the tie and ruffled his hair. "Nothing could possibly go wrong. This is your special day, after all. I'm sure you could walk down the aisle with toilet paper stuck to your feet and no one would dare to notice."
Feliciano's eyes shot open. He looked down at his dress shoes in a panic. "I have toilet paper stuck to my shoes?"
Roma laughed heartily. "No, no! Loosen up, little one." He paused and looked around the room. "Speaking of little ones, where on earth is your brother?"
Feliciano looked around, mimicking his grandfather. After seeing that Lovino was nowhere in sight, his anxiety began to climb. "I have no idea, actually. Have you seen him? Is he here? Oh no, grandpa! We can't possibly do this without him! He's my best man, it's not like we can have a wedding without the best man!" He looked at his feet as his rapid-fire words faded out. "Are you sure he…wants to be here?"
Roma smiled at their reflection in the mirror. "He's around here somewhere, Feli. He wouldn't miss this for the world, he just has a funny way of showing it."
Feliciano's anxiety was broken to pieces as the door flew open again. "You called?" said Lovino as he adjusted the collar on his suit. "Give some credit, for Christ's sakes. I wouldn't ditch my baby brother's wedding. Even if I do think you're too young."
Roma gave him a playful slap on the back. "Oh please, Lovino. Your brother is twenty-five! He's hardly a baby anymore. I have a suspicion you still see him as a teenager."
"It's not like he looks any older than sixteen!" Lovino protested. Feliciano knew he was right. He was carded at his own rehearsal dinner.
Roma ignored his comment. "How long has it been again, Feliciano?" he asked, picking invisible lint off his shoulder. "I'm sure you would have been married sooner if this crazy country didn't take so long to pass that bill. Hell, under common law you're probably already married!"
"I've been with Ludwig…" Feliciano paused to count on his fingers. "Nine years now. Wow, it feels like so little time has passed!"
Roma smiled. "That's what I thought. I suppose I'll have to forgive you for not telling me about this young man for an entire year," he said, playfully elbowing Feliciano.
Feliciano giggled and pulled away. It felt like he had met Ludwig just yesterday. Those nine years had passed in one blissful blink of the eye; from the time he first looked into his amazing blue eyes until now with only minor rough patches in-between. In the first few years they managed to graduate college and find an apartment in the city. He remembered their first few weeks living completely on their own with no help from anyone. They had slept on a mattress they threw right on the ground, surrounded by boxes they never seemed to get around to unpacking. It wasn't much, but it was one of the happiest times of Feliciano's life.
Although, whenever he said it was the happiest time of his life it was always topped by something even better. This rang true again when they moved into their very own house about a year ago. With Ludwig working as an engineer and Feliciano as an art teacher, they were bringing in more than enough money. On top of that, they adopted three dogs. Ludwig had always loved dogs, but had never had the opportunity to have some of his own. The smile on his face when he saw them was one of the most beautiful things Feliciano had ever seen. He was sure that was the best of his life. Now that this day had finally arrived, that day was in danger of being topped- if that was even possible.
Lovino leaned against the wall next to them. "Funny, Feliciano. Somehow I always thought you were going to be the one waiting at the altar."
"Must you always focus on such silly things?" said Roma. His joyful mood was unfading. "Love is love, and love is wonderful! I would think that you would understand this more than anyone."
Lovino's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me?"
Feliciano and Roma exchanged a knowing glance. "Don't pretend you're unaware. We all saw that Spaniard making eyes at you during the rehearsal dinner. I'm not quite sure I know many men who bring other men to weddings as friends." Roma's eyes danced with mischief as he watched Lovino grow hot under the collar.
Lovino's eyes flew open as his grandfather's implication sunk in. "What? No!" He was obviously attempting to be flippant, but the flush on his cheeks spoke louder than his words. "Antonio was my college roommate, you know that! He hasn't left me alone since, I would never hear the end of it if I didn't invite him."
Roma dismissed him with a flippant wave of the hand. "Of course, Lovi." He rolled his eyes without losing his grin. "All I'm saying is Feliciano is far from being too young. I married your grandmother at the tender age of twenty! Heaven knows how I loved her." Roma's voice faded out. The air grew colder as the heavy words sunk in and the room fell silent.
But in a moment he smiled again. "Enough of that business! This is a happy day, one we'll remember forever!" he said as he adjusted Feliciano's hair yet again. "Alright, I think it's almost show time!"
Feliciano felt his blood run cold. Butterflies flapped wildly in his stomach as he shoved his shaking hands in his pockets. He glanced at the little silver scar on his cheek in his reflection; the one that he tried to cover but Ludwig insisted was endearing. "I'm nervous," He said for the what was probably the millionth time that day. It wasn't that he wasn't thrilled to finally be marrying Ludwig; they would have done it sooner if the American government didn't insist on putting laws on love for so long. He was only nervous because he wanted everything to be perfect. After waiting so long, it had to be.
"Well, I can't say I wasn't nervous at my own wedding." Roma patted Feliciano's shoulder reassuringly. "You just have to remember- it's not the wedding that's important, it's who you're marrying."
Feliciano felt some of his jumpiness dissipate. "I think you're right, grandpa!" As if someone had flipped a switch, his anxiety turned to excitement. He suddenly couldn't wait to see Ludwig waiting for him at the end of the aisle. "How much longer until it starts?"
"About five minutes. All right, do we have everything? Let's see, something blue…" Roma smoothed down Feliciano's teal tie. "Something borrowed…" He took Feliciano's hand, examining the little gold cufflinks he had worn when he married their grandmother. "And something new!" He said finally, motioning dramatically to the brand-new suit that had been purchased just for the occasion.
Lovino rolled his eyes. "Grandpa, that's for brides."
"There you go again, focusing on things that simply do not matter! I'll never have another bride to fuss over, Lovi. Let me gush over my little groom." Roma looked at Feliciano, making a final attempt at smoothing down his unruly curl before he realized it was in vain.
Lovino threw his hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright! I'm going to go get in place." He exited the room and made his way to his position as best man.
Roma chuckled. "That crazy boy," he said under his breath. "Anyways, it's time!" He handed Feliciano his bouquet of bright red roses. Feliciano took it from him, a huge smile appearing on his face. It was finally time.
Music started, Feliciano's heart jumped. Roma linked arms with him and suddenly it was starting, dozens of pairs of eyes locked on them in the rented ballroom. Alfred waved spastically from his seat, his English friend Arthur staring at him with silent resignation. Feliciano didn't dare to look to the end of the aisle. He knew Lovino would be standing there, fighting back a smile. He knew Gilbert would be there, grinning like a maniac. More than anything he knew Ludwig would be there, looking just as perfect as he always had.
The familiar tempo was underway. Feliciano took slow, careful steps with his grandfather as his heart beat uncontrollably. It wasn't until he was halfway down the aisle that he looked up. There Ludwig was, smiling back at him. He wore a simple black suit and his hair was pushed back neatly as always, but it was more than enough to make Feliciano's head spin. His nerves forgotten, Feliciano smiled so widely his cheeks hurt.
The world melted away when Ludwig grasped his hands when he reached the top of the steps. Feliciano had to wonder why he had ever been so nervous. There could be an apocalypse happening behind them and he would not have noticed. All he could see was Ludwig's tentative smile and the shy look in his eyes. If he looked closely, Feliciano could almost see the unfamiliar glassiness that overtook them.
"You look beautiful." Ludwig nearly whispered it, like a secret. Feliciano knew these words were just for him. "Are you ready?"
Feliciano nodded. He has never been more ready.
The first part of the ceremony passed in a blur. The pastor rambled off an introduction, telling everyone why they were gathered here today as if they didn't already know. Feliciano didn't pay much attention until it was time to recite their vows, the moment he had been waiting for. The pastor motioned to him, and Feliciano let go of everything he had always wanted to say.
"Ludwig, I knew from the second I saw your shiny blue eyes that I wouldn't ever be able to forget you. I didn't know I would fall in love. It took me ages to figure that out, actually." That earned a laugh from the crowd. "You changed my life in so many ways, and I would never change a thing. You're one of the only people I know that want to put up with me and all my talking and crying and all of that, and yet you love me anyways. That's so amazing! Anyways, I know we're different in a lot of ways but we're the same in a lot of ways, too. We have similar families and experiences and even some of the same fears sometimes. The only difference is that you're very large and I'm very small. Also, I talk a lot more."
The congregation laughed again. Ludwig chuckled a bit and grinned. "Never stop being you, Ludwig. I love you just the way you are. I'm so happy we get to spend our lives together." It wasn't until then that Feliciano became aware of the tears streaming down his face. He figured that was his sign to wrap it up. "I love you, Ludwig." There was a barrage of "awes" from the crowd as Feliciano finished. He wiped his eyes. At that moment, Feliciano wasn't sure if he'd ever stop smiling.
Ludwig took a deep breath, and Feliciano could feel his hands quivering in his. He gave them an encouraging squeeze. Ludwig smiled back at him and began.
"Feliciano, falling in love with another man was never something that was in my plans. But neither was laughing until my stomach hurt or getting into a paint fight. Neither was waiting around all day waiting to see an eccentric little Italian because I felt so unnerved without him, even though we had just met. I never planned for you. I planned to live out my days alone, haunted by my memories." Feliciano felt a pang of pain in his chest as he imagined such a horrible thing.
Ludwig only continued. "I didn't plan for you, but you walked into my life and never left. The second you entered my thoughts; you were there for good. You forced me to reconsider everything I planned for as well as feel things I never thought possible. For that, I cannot thank you enough. I love you, Feli. I am positive this will be a wonderful life." Ludwig exhaled as he finished, a hint of red in his cheeks.
Feliciano burst into tears as the audience cooed. Speaking so openly was so unlike Ludwig, and it had been a million times more beautiful than any piece of poetry Feliciano had ever heard. His chest swelled with a happiness he never knew was possible. Feliciano knew he was the luckiest man in the world.
The pastor smiled warmly as Feliciano collected himself. They exchanged rings, both of their hands trembling just slightly as the other put it on.
"Ludwig Beilschmidt, do you take Feliciano Vargas as your lawfully wedded husband?" said the pastor.
Ludwig smiled again. "I do."
"Feliciano Vargas, do you take Ludwig Beilschmidt as your lawfully wedded husband?"
Feliciano nodded quickly. "I do!"
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you married. You may now kiss!" The pastor said triumphantly. Feliciano glanced at Lovino, who had looked away the second he heard "kiss."
Feliciano reached out and touched Ludwig's cheeks before finally kissing him with all the blinding happiness inside of him like he wanted to the entire ceremony. Ludwig kissed him back as the congregation cheered like they were watching the World Cup. The kiss ended mutually and Feliciano looked at the crowd. Alfred was practically weeping while Arthur tried to calm him down. Grandpa Roma was cheering like a madman with tears in his eyes. Antonio, the man Lovino had brought as a guest, was smiling like he would never smile again.
The pastor said a few things in closing. The second the ceremony was declared over, Ludwig scooped Feliciano right off his feet and up into a princess hold. The crowd cheered again as he carried him into the rest of their lives, Feliciano holding the bouquet over his head like a trophy with tears streaming down his face. He had been saying it a lot over the past few years, but this really did feel like the best day of his life.
.
The reception held more life in one place than Feliciano had ever seen. Relatives he didn't even know he had were swarming around him, offering hugs and kisses and congratulations. On top of that, it seemed like every one of them also wanted to ask Ludwig a hundred questions. Questions including: How did you meet? Do you speak Italian? When did you realize you were, well, you know? Ludwig attempted to answer the increasingly intrusive questions but it was more than clear he was overwhelmed. When Lovino clinked his glass to give his best man's speech, Ludwig's face showed obvious, powerful relief. "You crazy Italians."
Lovino stood up at the head table, wine glass in hand. His smile suggested he had had a couple drinks, thus loosening him up. "Everyone quiet the hell down!" he called out from where he was standing. Everyone was silent within seconds. Lovino cleared his throat and began his speech.
"When I first met Ludwig, I wasn't thrilled. Actually, about five minutes after I met the bastard I punched him the face." There was a surge of shocked laughter among the guests. Ludwig practically snorted and Feliciano laughed out loud. Looking back on it, it was kind of funny.
"But you know what? I guess he's not actually terrible. He looked over Feliciano when I couldn't, so I guess I ought to thank him for that. Ludwig and Feli have been through an awful lot together. Ludwig got him out of a pretty bad situation, and Feli seems really happy. So I have to be grateful towards that overgrown kraut, unfortunately. Thanks, Ludwig! You bastard." Lovino smirked, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I wish you guys the best." He finished and sat back down with a thud.
Feliciano giggled. That might have been the worst best man's speech he'd ever heard, but it was classic Lovino and that was all he could ask for.
Ludwig leaned over to whisper in Feliciano's ear. "It's time for Gilbert to speak." He mumbled, eyeing his brother. Gilbert looked like he was about to explode.
Feliciano smiled, excitement rising in his chest. "This is going to be great!"
Gilbert shot up like he had been sitting on a spring and shouted, "It's time for the awesome me to give my speech!" The rest of the party looked at him in confusion. Oh yeah, this was going to be great all right.
"As you guys might know, my brother Ludwig is an idiot. He does a lot of really stupid things and he has the social skills of a potato, but I can tell you he managed to do at least one smart thing in his life. He found Feliciano. Not to get sappy or anything, but Feliciano is a really awesome guy." Feliciano felt a pang of happiness at the compliment. He as Gilbert had grown to be pretty close over the years.
"He's like a brother to me, a less awkward brother that actually shows emotion. Anyways, Feliciano has done a lot of good for Ludwig. He actually says more than two words a day now! Even though ninety percent of what he says is about Feliciano, that's still a decent improvement. So good on you, Ludwig, you did something right. And thank you, Feli, for proving my brother isn't mute." Gilbert raised his drink in the air. "To many awesome years for Ludwig and Feliciano!"
Everyone was roaring with laughter by the time Gilbert finished his speech. They clapped enthusiastically and clanged their glasses together. Even Ludwig was laughing quite a bit. Last but not least, it was time for Roma's speech. Feliciano looked at Ludwig; painfully aware that his father wasn't going to be giving a speech- he hadn't even acknowledged the relationship, much less the wedding. Their hands found each other under the table and locked together like always.
When Roma stood, the crowd went silent without him saying a word. Roma was one of those people that demanded respect and authority the second they walked in a room without having to do a thing. He was smiling warmly and his movements had lightness to them. The twinkle in his eyes never seemed to go away.
"Friends, family, new faces. I thank all of you for being here today to celebrate this wonderful day with us." Roma raised his glass and a few people clapped. "Love can be a tricky thing, something that not everyone is able to master or even obtain. Love comes in many different forms and holds no bounds. It plays by no man's rules. Still, love is love, and love is beautiful." Roma raised his glass and the guests cheered.
"When Feliciano informed me that he was head over heels for someone, I was overjoyed. When I learned that this person was another man, it didn't change a thing. Feliciano was happy, and he still is. That was all that I needed to hear. It fills me with a great sadness that love is sometimes looked down upon. These are tragic situations indeed."
Feliciano watched as Roma glanced at Ludwig with a slight sadness in his eyes. When Feliciano told him about their relationship, he had told him about Ludwig's father. Roma had shed a few tears and even insisted on hugging Ludwig, no matter how uncomfortable it made him. Grandpa Roma was always a sucker for love. He was nothing if not a hopeless romantic.
Roma shook his head. When he stopped, his joyful expression was back in place. "Feliciano waited an entire year to tell me about Ludwig. That simply broke my heart! Never mind that, though. If my beloved grandson is happy, I'm happy. Frankly, Feliciano could marry a shoe if that's what his heart desired." There was a pause for more laughter. "This day marks not only new chapter in their lives, but a glorious day for us all! Two families are coming together as one, all for the sake of love. I wish my wonderful grandson and his newfound husband a long, happy life together. Viva amore!"
There was an eruption of cheers. Feliciano felt like he could jump up and fly if he wanted to. All around him, there was nothing but happiness. Drinking, eating, cheering, laughing, there wasn't a single frown in sight. Soon after Roma finished, the music started. People flooded to the center of the room and proceeded to dance like no one was watching. Antonio managed to force Lovino into something that resembled the salsa, much to his distain.
Not much time passed before Alfred found Feliciano and Ludwig, Arthur in tow. "Dude!" He exclaimed. Feliciano was instantly amused. All these years and he still spoke like a teenager. "This is an awesome wedding, man! Congrats!"
Arthur shot him am exasperated glance him before focusing his eyes on Feliciano. "This bloke was just about sobbing during the ceremony. Yet he pretends he's macho, can you believe that?"
Alfred spun around to face him with an arrogant sneer. "Oh, please! You know you cried during our wedding!"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Not any more than you. That would have been damn near impossible."
Feliciano had to laugh at that. He and Ludwig had attended their wedding, and by the time they said their vows, Alfred could barely speak he was crying so hard. Arthur may have shed a tear.
Before Feliciano had time to bring that up, Roma appeared next to them. "Feliciano, don't you want to toss this?" He asked, handing him the red roses he had just about forgotten. Feliciano nodded eagerly. He had completely forgotten that he got to do that.
When he threw the flowers into the crowd, Antonio was the one to catch it. He smiled, thrust the flowers to the sky and pulled Lovino into a hug, only to be greeted by a knee to the gut. Feliciano watched in amusement as the two argued, a blush spreading across Lovino's face as Antonio laughed. Only time could tell what would become of them. Feliciano couldn't wait to see the result, even if it did take Lovino years.
The booming music continued to shake the floorboards. Feliciano could barely hear Ludwig when he finally spoke. "Feli?"
Tearing his gaze away from Lovino, he whipped around to face him. "Yes, Ludwig? Is everything okay?"
"Yes, everything is fine." The music surged again and Ludwig winced. "It's very loud in here. Do you want to step out for a few minutes?"
Feliciano could think of nothing better. Right now, the crowds were suffocating. He wanted nothing but to be with Ludwig. He took him by the hand and bolted from the room. They found themselves outside, right by the door that separated them from the music and yelling in the crowded ballroom. It was a cool summer's night, and the stars shined brightly overhead.
Finally, he could see Ludwig in his wonderful entirety. The way his eyes sparkled in the moonlight like gems and a few stray hairs fell loosely onto his forehead was befitting of a Greek god. Feliciano felt yet another surge of happiness as he pulled Ludwig into a tight hug. He could get used to this kind of happiness. "Isn't this an amazing day, Ludwig?"
Ludwig pulled Feliciano closer as he gazed into the illuminated sky. "Yes, today is quite amazing." He sighed and pushed his hair back. "It's a beautiful night, too."
Feliciano looked into the stars with him. It was hard to believe they could shine that brightly. Everything seemed to be a little brighter these days. "Whenever I look at the stars, I think of you. You and your silly planet joke." He was hit by the memory of that breathtaking night spent under the stars nearly a decade ago. "Has it really been nine years already?"
"And counting."
Feliciano suddenly thought back to the speeches and could think of nothing but the one that was missing, the one person that was always missing. "I'm sorry your father couldn't come, Ludwig." He said quietly. "Do you think he'll ever come around?"
Ludwig sighed and tightened his grip on Feliciano's waist. "I hope so. I would like to believe there will come a day that he accepts us, or at least speaks with me about it." His eyes filled with longing as he spoke, his voice fading. "And when that day comes, I know you will be right be my side."
Feliciano had to almost jump to kiss him on the cheek. "Of course!"
Ludwig didn't respond with words. He simply wrapped his arms around Feliciano and kissed him deeply, silently thanking him for this day, for these years and those to come. Feliciano kissed him back, thanking him for every tear he dried, every kiss they would ever share and the long, wonderful life that stretched in front of them.
Feliciano broke away and sighed against his chest. "I love you, Ludwig."
"I love you too, Feliciano. Always."
Feliciano knew it would be always. With tears in his eyes and joy in his heart, he swore he could see his angel's wings.
The End…is only the beginning!
Author's Note: And now, we've reached the end of the road! I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has read, followed, favorited, and commented on this story. It was quite a journey both to write and to publish, and the support and appreciation I've gotten for it has been astounding. Currently, I'm writing several other long Hetalia fics (most containing gerita!) so if you would like to see more from me, check out my profile. :) Thanks again! I love you all!