Chapter XXXI – G for Grandfather

Red.

Feliciano stared in his mirror reflection. Only rubies stared back at him. Where had his warm chocolate brown gone? He didn't feel any different. So maybe it wasn't such a big deal?

Silently, the Italian prepared himself for school and walked down the stairs to have breakfast with his brother and grandfather. He hardly noticed the odd stares the household staffs were sending him. Many whispers rose behind his back but the young Alfa was too engrossed in his own thoughts to notice. He did not notice Heracles greet him. He did not hear his brother call his attention. He did not see his grandfather as he walked past the old man reading his newspaper. Feliciano silently sat at his seat, facing his brother and on the left of his grandfather at the large dinner table. He ate his breakfast in a quiet and composed demeanour that was foreign to him. He did not notice the shocked expressions of his family members nor would he have cared. Right now, all Feliciano could concern himself with was …

How is he going to face Arthur at school?!

Breakfast was quicker than Feliciano remembers it and he finds himself with an empty plate almost instantly. Blinking, as if awakening from a dream, the Italian finally looked up and noticed that both his grandfather and Lovino were watching him with concerned expressions.

"Is something wrong?" The red-eyed Alfa asked in an oddly cold and assured voice.

Giulio Vargas frowned. He had never seen his grandson act in such a way. Of course, he had heard of the incident of yesterday from Heracles. He also knows that Lovino has been irritated all evening and morning ever since, trying to get a face to face with his brother to get him to explain what had occurred. When both Giulio and Lovino thought of getting answers this morning, they did not expect an entirely different Feliciano to greet them. And those red eyes … Giulio had seen them before and could not bring himself to feel anything but a disgusted shudder. Those evil red eyes …

"What the hell is up with you, Stupido? You're acting … strange! And what happened yesterday with Arturo?" Lovino growled, spiking up his Alfa pressure in a way to intimidate his brother into confessing.

Feliciano did not even blink, his rubies saddening at the mention of Arthur.

"A … small accident. It's fine. Arthur's not hurt." The softness and sorrow in Feliciano's voice was abnormally cold and resigned, as if he had given up.

"What are you implying? And what is up with your attitude? Hey! I'm not finished yet! Where do you think you're going?!"

"School." Feliciano mumbled, no longer paying any more attention to his fuming twin.

He walked out and ignored the limo waiting outside. He'd rather walk and clear his mind. Any way … what was Lovino even talking about? His attitude? He's just the same as always.

With red eyes.

"What the hell was that?! Nonno! Did you see that? What's with his behaviour? And his eyes …" Lovino yelled in a panic at his grandfather, freaking out due to his little brother's abnormal behaviour. Deny it as he may, Lovino did care for his younger twin. After all, aside from his grandfather, Feliciano was his only real family. All those cousins and relatives that befriend him in hopes to gain his favours as the new head were nothing but leeches in his eyes. He at least knew his brother not to attempt of using him. He could only trust Feliciano. But that … that was not Feliciano! What the goddamn hell happened yesterday?!

"… Lovino. Keep an eye on your brother. Don't let him get into fights."

"What?" Lovino raised an eyebrow at the anxious dark tone of his nonno.

"Why would you think he'd get into a fight? He's a pussy! There's no way he'd …" The young Italian shut up at the cold gleam in his grandfather's golden eyes. It was the first time his nonno considered Feliciano's situation and as such, Lovino expected him to show maybe some worry. But all he saw was disgust and coldness. Truly, his grandfather was a terrifying man.

"You could at least pretend that you care! He's your grandson too!" The older twin growled darkly as he stormed out, slamming the door and drove away in the limo.

The old head of the Vargas Famiglia sighed heavily as he massaged his temples. It's not like he didn't care. Of course he did. Feliciano is his grandson. He knows. And he does actually love him, as much as Lovino. He may be harsh on Lovino, imposing all of the family duties on him, and just as harsh on Feliciano by ignoring him and forcing him to become independent. But all he does, is for their own good. A family with twins … it's only natural for them to eventually break apart. He chose Lovino. And he excluded Feliciano. This family cannot hold two heads. And the problem of twins is that one is equally in right to head as the other.

Giulio shook his head as he thought back of his own childhood. He only wishes to avoid another repeat of his own mistakes. Groaning, the Italian tried shaking away the blood red eyes staring back at him with hatred and betrayal. He only did what had to be done. It can't be avoided. Now that Feliciano's Alfa has awoken, he can no longer pretend and close his eyes.

"Time is running out." He sighs.

Red.

Feliciano blinked and suddenly found himself standing behind one of the school buildings. Around him three unconscious bodies lay there. Beaten to unconsciousness and in a vicious manner. The Italian widened his eyes and hurriedly rushed to inform the nurse. Who could have done such a thing? It's lucky he stumbled upon those three! Now all he needs is to get some help and …

Feliciano paused as he encountered Arthur and Kiku. The emeralds crossed eyes with the rubies and a silent exchange occurred. Arthur's body tensed up and his lips pursed into a thin line. Kiku, on the other hand, took a while to recognise his friend.

"… Feliciano-san? Is that … you?"

"Kiku … Why would you think otherwise?" Feliciano tilted his head in wonder. Was he that unrecognisable?

Kiku seemed to stare in shock, too overwhelmed to answer. Feliciano no longer even looked at him since his attention drifted back to the blonde. Feliciano took a hesitant step forward. Arthur's eyebrows furrowed into a scowl and his emeralds hardened into a glare. Feliciano was suddenly hit by the strong Alfa aura Arthur projected on him. Although he felt it, Arthur's pressure did nothing to the Italian as he could easily brush it off.

"Arthur … can we talk?"

"You can talk. Nothing forces me to listen." Arthur spoke back, no emotions in his voice and his defences all out. Feliciano felt like he was facing the Arthur he had met for the first time. An Arthur shutting out all weakness and challenging him like an Alfa would. But why? He knows that Feliciano would never challenge anyone as an Alfa, even less his best friend Arthur.

The Italian nodded. His face serious and unfazed.

"I … I wanted to apologise for yesterday … I didn't mean to … scare you." Feliciano averted his gaze to the ground, remembering the events of yesterday. He had to bite his lip at the vision of Arthur at the mercy of these bastards … the anger level in his body seemed to rise just at the memory of it all. Frustration had never coursed through him with such deep hatred and rage laced to it. But he felt it. Bright and bloody red brimming through his entire being and drowning him in a rampaging desire of wreaking havoc.

A soft coolness shot through him and instantly calmed him down. A sweet scent invaded his senses. Feliciano blinked as he saw a hand grab his own. He looked up and was faced with Arthur, the blonde narrowing his emeralds on his hands with a frown. Arthur looked up to meet Feliciano's eyes and a scold painted his face along with concern.

"Your hands … where did the blood come from?"

Feliciano blinked as he registered the words. He looked down at his hand and finally noticed the blood covering them. But he was not injured. So where did the blood come from …?

"Feliciano!" Lovino's voice all but roared in fury as he ran from the direction Feliciano had come from and caught up with the group. Following him where Antonio, Alfred, Gilbert and Ludwig. Feliciano watched his brother charge at him and grab his collar in fury, pulling him far and away from Arthur. The other Alfas moved protectively in front of the Briton and Japanese, all hissing in threat at the Italian.

"Fratello?" Feliciano asked in that cold dismissing voice. "Is something wrong?"

Lovino gritted his teeth and almost seemed like he was about to blow up.

"Is something wrong?! You …! You …! What the hell in the world happened to you?! Do you even know what you're doing?! I thought Nonno was just exaggerating but … You really did lose it!"

"… What do you mean?"

"How many victims do you think I've stumbled across …? The whole day, you've been acting distant and odd … your attitude is nothing like it should be! You've been seething and hissing at anyone that approaches you and you've beaten up almost every Alfa you encountered! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Feliciano blinked.

This whole day … uh. Is the day already over. That went … fast. He barely even noticed it. Today he hardly had any classes with Arturo so nothing really grasped his attention. He's only been waiting for an opportunity to see Arturo. Only Arturo.

Victims …? What victims?

"What … are you …?" Feliciano's eyes widened as he suddenly remembered the mocking Alfas pushing him down the stairs, bumping and tripping him down corridors, shutting the doors in his face, sneering and insulting him … it's just the usual bullying but he remembers feeling abnormally angry every time. And every time, he remembers his blood boiling and his vision burn bright red.

What … had he done?

Feliciano's rubies turned panicking to meet the precious emeralds that always saved him. But all he saw when meeting Arthur's face was disbelief and … … fear.

Francis knocked shyly on the door and snuck his head inside the room. He easily found Feliciano, alone and leaning his forehead against his desk. It was long past school hours. Francis sighed as he walked in. Honestly … he knew Arthur had issues but now he also has to take care of Feliciano? Being a Big Brother is tough!

"May I?" Francis smiled warmly as he pointed at a desk next to Feliciano where Arthur usually sits during class. The Alfa didn't even lift his head up or make any movement to show he had even heard or acknowledge Francis.

Taking that as a yes, Francis took a seat next to the younger brunet. He ran a frustrated hand through his blonde locks, trying to think of a way for him to get to his objective. He mentally cursed Alistair for sending him that request in his text. Honestly … why was he even in love with the redhead?!

Glancing at the Italian, Francis sighed heavily.

"You know … Arthur's waiting for you outside."

Feliciano's body tensed up slightly. Francis grinned, satisfied by the reaction.

"What? You thought he'd run away? Just because he got a little fright? If that's all it took to make the little master give up, he wouldn't be what he is now! You should know this better than anyone else, Feli."

Feliciano finally deign glancing sideways at the blonde, his blood red eyes gleaming even redder than before. Francis gulped silently at the intensity of Feliciano's gaze but he kept on talking, undisturbed. If he couldn't deal with a moody Alfa, he'd have no chance in dating Alistair or even marrying into the Clan of Alfas that are the Kirklands.

"He's not going to move until you show up. If you don't believe me, look out the window. He's still standing there. And you and I both know that he won't move."

Feliciano abruptly stood up, making Francis jump. But all the Italian did was move up to the window and stare down at the lone figure of his favourite blonde waiting by the school gates. Feliciano felt his heart dance in his chest. But he chased away the happy feeling, finally speaking and answering Francis, keeping his eyes on Arthur.

"I'm no good for him. I'm dangerous. And I scare him."

"And when did that ever stop Arthur? Do you think he's just going to let things be? He's mad at you but that doesn't mean he's given up on your friendship. I'm surprised you would willingly give up so easily."

"… But I … I don't want to scare him …"

"What makes you think you scare him?"

Feliciano whipped his head around, glaring angrily at Francis who nearly backed away at the intense red eyes.

"I saw it in his eyes! As long as I have those eyes, Arthur is going to fear me! Everyone fears me! I don't understand it anymore! I don't feel different but everyone keeps telling me I'm acting strange! I don't remember doing anything wrong but everyone accuses me of things I would never do! And Arthur is … Arthur …"

Francis patiently listened to the raging Italian. When Merwin had asked him to bring him the Italian (via Alistair) he had also explained Feliciano's condition to him. Francis never thought that Feliciano could turn out in such a monster without realising it himself. He could already see the beginning of a split personality forming. If those memory lapses and lack of self-awareness were anything to go by, they needed to get Feliciano sorted fast.

"I'm going to ask you again: What makes you think Arthur is scared of you?"

Feliciano blinked, unsure of what Francis was getting at.

"He's cold. And he always glares at me. And he's defensive."

"Like he would to an unknown Alfa."

"Si. He's … treating me like a stranger."

"And you think that is due to fear? Then do you think that Arthur's behaviour up until now has only been fear? When you see him glare or defend against other people, is it fear you see?"

"… I don't understand."

Francis sighed. Maybe he should leave Arthur's situation for later. The most urgent issue to solve is …

"Feliciano. Regardless of what Arthur thinks, I believe you understand your own situation. Merwin warned you, didn't he?" Francis' blue eyes turned cold and empty, his beta attitude coming out in a mechanical manner.

Feliciano lowered his head in shame and anger, glaring red eyes out the window and narrowing them on Arthur as he clenched his fists.

"I'm a threat … to Arthur."

"Yes. You are. So what are you going to do about it? Mope around and cry like a baby?"

Feliciano didn't answer. He couldn't answer. He had no idea of what he should do.

"Or will you get a grip, grow up and ask for help?"

The Italian jumped at the angry tone of the Frenchman and he looked up into the cold sapphires of the beta.

"… Help?"

"I said you were a threat. I never said that could not be changed. The question is: will you change this?"

"I can … change?"

"Or not. It's up to you. I'm only here to take you to someone."

"Take me?"

"You can stay here and see how long you'll last before killing someone. Or you can come with me and learn to control your Alfa side. You should make up your mind. Because this is the last time you'll get to talk to Arthur. Coming with me, means leaving him." Francis spoke coldly as he walked out of the room.

"Then again, it's your decision. I'll wait for you at the back entrance of the school."

Feliciano blinked, confused. He had never seen Francis so serious and it scared him slightly. He glanced back towards Arthur. Never seeing Arthur again …

He had no rights to see him anymore anyway. It might be better this way. At least, Arthur will be safe from the monster in him. At least …

Merwin crossed his fingers as he narrowed his only green eye on the Roman bastard that had requested to see him. He wasn't surprised. He had a feeling something like that would occur soon enough. How many years has it been since he last saw the little Roman kid he used to babysit and play with when they were younger? How many years since that tragic incident where only red prevailed? Merwin furrowed his eyebrows, emeralds glaring into the golden orbs of Giulio.

"You should have done something about this! He's your grandson!" Merwin growled accusingly.

"I tried. I distanced myself from Feliciano as much as I could in order to force him to become independent …" Giulio sighed heavily, palming his face in exhaustion and worry. He really was desperate enough to come and ask Merwin Kirkland for help …

"Silly boy …" Merwin sighed, tapping his fingers against his desk. "You should have known better."

"But I thought if I could make Feliciano naturally distance himself from the famiglia, he and Lovino would not … and he's different! I didn't know how to act with his Omega behaviour! I didn't know what to do!"

"And you assume I did?" Merwin rolled his eyes, making Giulio look up with a confused frown.

"My grandson is in the same situation as yours. It's quite ironic that they'd end up best friends … But you did not even attempt to understand your grandson's condition. He's not your brother! He's nothing like Romario! Romario was a normal strong Alfa and I remember the two of you always being in competition … but Feliciano is not like that! You failed to understand his situation and you only saw your own guilt in him!"

Giulio stood up from his seat glaring angrily at the redhead but before he could reply, a soft knock on the door interrupted them.

"Grandpa, the Italian's here." Alistair's voice spoke through as he did not open the door.

"Bring him up. I'm almost done." The old Kirkland Head answered while ignoring the outraged and furious look of Giulio.

"What are you doing, Sorcerer?" The Italian Don growled in suspicion and threat. Merwin's green eyes glowed suddenly and a heavy pressure fell on the room, knocking Giulio back in his seat, stunned in shock.

"Boy, you should learn to speak in a different tone to me. And as to what I am doing: Fixing your mistake. Or would you rather your twins to murder each other like you did so well in the past? I'm only going to ask this once: Do you wish me to stop?"

Giulio managed to breathe with difficulty, even when he used his own dominance to counter the overwhelming one of Merwin. He thought with time, Merwin's influence on him would have lessen but it seems as though even now … even after all those years … the little Italian boy was still in awe in front of his bewitching big brother … even now, he could only bow his head to the King.

"Do as you please!" Giulio hissed and walked away in long strides, pausing at the door. He didn't dare turn back but his voice as it spoke had a different ring to it, much softer and almost like a child pleading for help.

"I don't want to see red anymore."

The man walked out, slamming the door behind him. Merwin heard him bump into most likely his grandson Alistair and Feliciano on Giulio's way out. There was some slight shuffling and talking but soon enough, the old Don was out the door and heading back in his Limo. Merwin shook his head in exasperation, a small smile tucking his lips.

"If you're so worried, all you had to do is ask, boy."

A knock.

"Come in, boy." Merwin's smile widened slightly. He narrowed glowing emeralds on the intense blood rubies that walked in.

"Feliciano, take a seat! Let us begin now!"

AN: Sorry for the long wait! I was having exams until now and I forgot to upload the chapters I had already written before that. So sorry! But on the bright side, I should be updating much more regularly now that it's summer.

Later on, I might do a chapter on Merwin and Giulio's past. To give you an idea: Giulio also had a twin brother called Romario (You probably now guessed the reference I'm using: Romulus and Remus).