Chapter 3

"Don't forget your lunch!"

I glanced up from the magazine I was skimming. Ludwig was adjusting his military uniform collar in a mirror above the fireplace. He turned around, his back facing me, so I could not see his expression when Feliciano offered him a large lunch bag.

"L-lunch? Feli, the base feeds us."

Feliciano smiled. "You'll be the only one eating delicious Italian style cuisine!" He leaned in and whispered, "I even snuck in your favorite beer in case you need it."

Ludwig gingerly took the bag. "Thank you, Feli."

"It's good to be useful sometimes," my friend murmured. They were silent for a few moments, staring at one another.

I gripped the magazine I was holding. Feliciano's eyes flickered to me, but I quickly glanced down to the booklet again.

Ludwig cleared his throat and turned away. "Behave yourself, for Kiku's sake."

I sighed in disappointment. "I can handle him."

He nodded and said goodbye to both of us before clamoring down the stairs and out the door. Feliciano lingered in his spot, appearing crestfallen. He shuffled over to the couch and settled next to me.

I started carefully, "Did you have fun yesterday, Feli-kun?"

He turned to me, eyes wide. "What? Oh!" He shook his head and smiled. "Si! If only you were there, too! The movie was very tear jerking, and the food was so delicious!"

I held a hand up. "You would not mind continuing your story when Elizaveta-san gets here, would you?"

His face lit up. "Lizzie is coming over?" I nodded, and he leaped up, his arms doing a strange flail. "I should make something to eat!"

"Good idea," I murmured, but he was already in the kitchen rummaging through different cabinets. I realized that is how he must have passed his alone time. I flicked open my phone, and typed a quick message to Elizaveta.

Ludwig is off to work. You can come over now.

Not even a minute later, my phone buzzed.

Interrogation time. I'll bring popcorn.

I shook my head.

No need. Feli is making lunch.

She sent a happy face, and a few minutes later there were knock on the door. Feliciano peeked out of the kitchen. "Elizaveta?"

"I will get it," I announced, and pushed off the couch. The jet lag was gone, as well as the twinge in my back. I guess a good night's sleep was all I need. I fell asleep before my friends returned from their date, so I had to wait until today to get the gossip.

"Lizzie!" Feliciano squealed and barreled into her once she entered the dining area.

I gasped, but she squeezed him with equal enthusiasm. "Feli!"

"Ve, Lizzie!" He called again.

"So I heard you had a hot date last night!"

I wanted to hide. So forward.

Feliciano's cheeks grew pink and he looked down with a flustered grin. "S-si."

"Let's talk about it once our food is ready," I suggested.

Elizaveta took a whiff. "Mmm, what are we going to eat? Do you need help?"

"Chicken Marsala, and it's done, actually!" Feliciano announced. After the food was dished out, and our mouths were watering, he began, "At first he seemed off putting, glancing around and checking his watch, but after we left the restaurant he actually let me hold his hand."

Elizaveta leaned towards him. "Did you kiss?"

I coughed on a mushroom, but my eyes flickered up at them in curiosity.

Feliciano giggled, and speared a breast of chicken. "No."

"What are you waiting for?" Elizaveta exclaimed. "Christmas?"

I almost dropped my fork.

She took a sip of green tea. "You know Roderich found bird poop on his piano this morning? I had to get out of the house and walk around before you told me to come over because he would not shut up about it."

"From that little chick Gilbert-kun has perched on his head all the time?" I asked. Does he even know about it? She nodded. "Perhaps buy a bird cage?"

Elizaveta snorted as Feliciano offered to take her plate to be washed. "Try telling Gilbert that."

"Maybe I will."

"Oh, Kiku," she sighed with a wistful smile. "You don't have to. I'm just ranting. I am glad you are a good listener."

I nodded and smiled back.

~.~

~BOING~

~.~

Feliciano told me that with his new position at the military barracks, Ludwig would not get home until after midnight some nights. Instead of having a police force, this one and the town next to it were still so backwards that they relied on local military for law enforcement. I heard from Elizaveta that the place is run by a man who had a way with his words, despite his ideals being quite conservative.

My friend grew too tired and wound up passing out against my shoulder while we watched soap operas, waiting for him to return. I endured his cuddling since he was warm. I found myself dozing off as well.

The front door creaked open and closed. Heavy footsteps came up the stairs. I flipped the blanket over and carefully rose so I would not disturb Feliciano. I called out a hushed greeting of, "Ludwig-san," but he did not look in my direction. He whisked into the kitchen and opened the fridge without acknowledging me.

I peered around the doorway, feeling guilty for persisting, "Did you have a good day?"

"I did yesterday," he grumbled, popping open a bottle of beer and taking a long swig of it. I waited for him to elaborate. He turned to me, and gulped the rest of his drink. "I am going to bed. Thanks for watching...him."

He did not look once at Feliciano curled up on the couch, who waited so diligently to see him again.