Disclaimer: Yes, I own Hetalia- and unicorns are real.

A/N: Omg, chapter 3! I think I just rhymed... Not much to say about this chapter, except that it will be in Feliciano's perspective, and fluffiness shall abound; Huzzah!

*on a side note, while reading through previous chapters I caught 2 mistakes; one in each. In the first chapter Fanfiction decided to cut out the name of the company Ludwig works at because it had a dot inc at the end... the company is called Gateway inc, thank you so much ff for doing that. *grumbles* and in chapter 2, I mentioned that Ludwig entered his "hotel suite," when I should have said apartment... I don't know where my brain was. So yeah... please disregard my crappy editing skills, for not catching that before I posted them.

Now, on with the story! ^_^

Chapter Three: Feliciano must forget his fear, and invite his Russian landlord to dinner.

~O.o.o.O~

1st July, 1968

The setting sun felt pleasant against my skin, the rhythmic swaying of my shoe-shine stool, lulling me into a lethargic state. I could feel the intense heat of the pavement, through the thin soles of my worn out sneakers. Yet, I didn't mind the heat; in fact, I always rather liked feeling the suns rays upon my tanned skin. My feet did hurt though, the blisters on my heels sent a throbbing pain shooting up my legs frequently. It was okay, I reassured myself, since I was almost halfway home.

Did we have enough pasta for dinner tonight? Yes, I think I bought some the other day...

A weary sigh pushed its way passed my lips, and my eyelids began to droop heavily. The heat always made me feel sleepy, especially after a very long day. Was I almost home now? Yes, there were the rusty railroad tracks; just a few blocks beyond that, and I'd be home. Would I need to do laundry? Were the dishes clean? Yes, I did all of that yesterday, maybe I could catch some extra sleep tonight then. Two more blocks, I hope Romano doesn't mind Putanesca again tonight...

Shifting the leather strap, that was digging painfully into my shoulder, to the opposite side; I skittered around some broken glass, and continued on my way. One more block now, thank heavens! My feet were really starting to hurt. A very relieved smile curved my lips at the familiar sight of my shabby, run-down, glorious home. My feet picked up the pace, and in no time I entered the lobby, of No. 4 apt. Complex.

I made a beeline for the stairs, climbing the needed three flights easily. Fetching my keys from my jean pockets, I stood before room 47, my home. "Romano, I'm home!" I shouted out cheerfully, setting my stool down by the entryway, and closing the door behind me.

"It's about damn time Feli, I'm fucking starving! Why do you come home so late these days, anyway's?" My mirror shot at me, from our threadbare couch. I felt a little guilty, because I was afraid to bring up Ludwig to my brother for some reason... I never kept secrets from Romano, but I was unsure of how he would react to me making friends with a German; he had an odd vendetta against them, and I didn't want to get into another argument over his bizarre racism.

So instead I mumbled weakly, "I'm sorry Fratello, I'll start dinner right away..." I shuffled my way into the kitchen, and retrieved a dented metal pot, and ancient cast iron skillet from our cupboards; the white paint still chipping off, even after I tried to replace it a couple years ago. First, I filled the pot 2/3 full with water, and set the gas stove on high so it could boil. Then I added olive oil, and a generous amount of salt to flavor my pasta water. Grabbing an onion, and some garlic I chopped/minced them up, and added them to the skillet to brown.

Tomatoes were cut up, and added to the skillet, along with Oregano and basil. Once the water came to a boil, I added the Spaghetti noodles, and cooked them until they were al dente. Draining the water, I tossed the pasta with the simple sauce, and dinner was ready to serve. I was a little disappointed that we didn't have cheese, so I grabbed some old bread to serve alongside dinner.

I could probably make pasta in my sleep, I thought to myself; and smiled at how true that could be.

"Is it ready yet Feli? I'm about to fucking die over here." Romano huffed, his identical colored eyes peering at me over the top of the couch.

"Si Fratello, it's-" I was cut off by two thunderous knocks upon the door. Wiping my hands off on my red apron, I went over, and opened the door.

"Hello comrade," a very familiar Russian accent greeted me, "I've come to collect rent da?" My heart hammered fearfully in my chest- what was I going to tell him? He looked so scary, standing there in all his giant 6 ft. something glory; a seemingly innocent smile hovering dangerously upon his lips.

"Ummm... c-come in Mr. Braginski," I fumbled, holding the door open wide to allow him entrance.

He had to duck his head a bit, so he wouldn't hit the low door frame. "Mmm, something smells good. Were you about to eat dinner?" The imposing Russian man waltzed on in, and I shut the door behind us.

"Yeah we were, until you just barged on in, bastard." Romano spat out from his place on the couch, his words causing Mr. Braginski's grin to grow even wider.

He tilted his head, his shaggy platinum hair framing his round face, as he studied my brother intently. "That's no way to talk to a friend, especially since I have been most kind to the two of you." That oddly childish smile never left his thin, pale lips; his unique violet eyes trained solely on Romano.

"Si si," I broke in nervously, because honestly I couldn't figure out what thoughts worked the gears of the Russian man's mind. "Sorry Mr. Braginski. Y-you know how Fratello gets... he didn't mean it." I finished rather weakly, because all three of us knew he really did. Romano huffed, and shot me a dirty look, but decided to stay silent now.

"So about the rent?" The enormous Russian set his piercing violet eyes on me, causing me to suddenly flinch in fear. That faux smile, widened; pearly teeth displayed in a slightly crooked line.

"W-well... you see," I desperately searched for a plausible excuse, but it was hard to think when some one as intimidating as Ivan Braginski, was staring at you so fiercely. "I... I don't have it all yet..." my voice grew small, and I curled in on myself in fear; waiting for the punches to land.

"Oh..." Ivan frowned, "well, when do you think you will have it then?"

"B-by Monday, I promise." I started to quiver, my hands trembling like crazy. An odd look fell across the Russian man's face, almost as if he was insulted by how afraid I was of him.

Mr. Braginski shrugged, and began walking over to the couch, and sat down next to Romano; ignoring the poisonous glare boring into the side of his skull. "Well, I suppose I can wait a few more days since you've never been late with payment before." He smiled at me again, though this time it felt a little less forced. "That does smell really good, I could stay for dinner da?"

My body almost collapsed in relief, because I really thought he was going to beat the shit out of me. "Si, of course you can stay. I hope you like pasta!" Grabbing another plate from the cupboard, I served us up and handed out every one's dinner.

"Thanks for inviting me little Feli. I rarely get to have a nice dinner, with friends. People usually tend to avoid me, but I think it's because I'm so tall... it does make me look rather scary." Ivan smiled, and chuckled at his own admission. It seemed that, maybe Mr. Braginski was simply a man who was easily misunderstood. Even though I was still slightly afraid of him, I still realized that deep down, he was a good person; you just had to let him show it.

I smiled at Mr. Braginski, who blushed in return, and busied himself with stuffing pasta into his mouth.

~O.o.o.O~

2nd July, 1968

My eyes drank in the sight of an early morning sunrise, the bright pinks and gold's bathing the empty streets. Flipping the tailgate closed, I finished loading my paintings into the back of Antonio's beat up Chevy; the red paint faded, and chipped in places. "You ready to go, Feli?" Antonio asked me, his bright green eyes dancing as merrily as ever.

"Si, let's put the pedal to the metal!" I replied, hopping into the passengers seat, and shutting the truck door. Antonio followed suit, and we buckled ourselves in before he started to drive. It was quiet for a while, the hum of the engine the only sound breaking up the silence.

"So," Antonio spoke up first, his face looking troubled. "How's little Lovi?" A small frown twisted my lips. If only fratello knew how much Antonio cared about him! The two of them were best friends, had been for nearly eight years; but some how, I just knew that Antonio wanted more. I could tell, that he truly loved my brother.

"He's been fine, a little tired lately, but fine." I studied the look of relief on Toni's tanned face, because it was painfully apparent. How could my brother not notice Antonio's feelings for him? He wore his emotions like an open book, for christ's sake!

"That's good to hear!" His smile became even brighter from the good news, and I couldn't help but grin in return. I sighed, when Antonio continued to chatter on about innate things, my mind still focused on a way to get my brother and the Spaniard together.

~O.o.o.O~

At about around noon, my stomach began to growl insistently, begging me to feed it. But my pockets were empty, and I hadn't sold a single painting all day. I rarely ever did, mostly due to my old fashioned style- people wanted things contemporary and new; no longer enjoying the beauty of classic art.

Today was gorgeous though, the sun was shining and the sky was a perfect blue. A very familiar blue... Ludwig, his eyes were that exact color, his blond hair the color of an afternoon sun. A sigh escaped my lips- should I even be noticing these things about him? Why did the mere thought of his smile, send my heart racing and my cheeks flaming with unbearable warmth?

"Gutt afternoon Feliciano." The voice of the very man I had been thinking of startled me, and I jumped in fright. His pale blue eyes widened as I practically jumped out of my own skin, and he threw his hands up in an adorably apologetic way. "Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He looked nervous, and frazzled, and it was extremely endearing.

Taking a deep breath, to help calm my nerves, I smiled up at my German friend and replied, "It's quite alright. I was just lost in thought... b-but I'm glad you came!" My cheeks immediately grew hot, as I heard my own overexcited voice echoed back to me. My fingers clenched into my slacks, and I began to titter nervously. "Here," I found an excuse to cover up my awkwardness and continued, "take a look around." Ludwig nodded seriously, and strode along the row of paintings that I had on display.

Minutes passed by in silence, and I watched Ludwig intently as he quietly appraised my work. He picked up a particular painting, rendered in water colors, upon a cheap canvas. It was an image that I had pulled from my memories of Italy. "This is rather lovely," Ludwig's deep voice softened, and he smiled tenderly. "It makes me think of my own home country, und how much I miss it. My mutti alvays told me, vwe vere all born vith a special gift. Yours is very beautiful, Feliciano." He fell silent, a nostalgic look glistening in his perfect eyes.

His strong fingers gently caressed the rough texture of the canvas. My growling stomach shattered the peaceful moment... A laugh broke free from the cage of Ludwig's serious lips, and his eyes danced with happiness; they looked like clear, bright gems in his handsome face. "I think your stomach is trying to tell you something. Perhaps you should have some lunch."

I blushed in embarrassment; how was I going to tell him that I had no money for food, without making the situation awkward? My lack of response, must have said it all though...

"Do you have anything to eat, or any money to get some thing?" There was concern etched into the lines of Ludwig's face, and it made me feel even more ashamed. I wanted his friendship, not his pity.

"Well, not really... but that's ok! Dinner will be that much more delicious when I get home!" I tried not to notice the sad smile curling Ludwig's lips.

"Vhat are you hungry for?" He asked, face set in a way that seemed to refuse any objections. My heart grew warm, and my insides felt all tingly from his kindness.

I chewed my lip in thought, before replying, "W-well, I would really like some pasta..."

He nodded briefly, and gave me a gentle smile. "Vwait here, I'll go find us some pasta, und bring it back. Then ve can eat it together in the park, how does that sound?" I wanted to protest, but my stomach growled louder at the prospect of nourishment.

So I just nodded, and smiled sheepishly. "Thank you Ludwig, you are far too kind."

"Think nothing of it," his cheeks tinted a pale pink in embarrassment, "you are my friend, and friends look after one another, ja?"

"Si Ludwig," I smiled shyly to myself, my eyes not quite able to meet his as I continued, "you are my very dear friend." He blushed even deeper, and waved a short goodbye over his broad shoulders.

~O.o.o.O~

"Questo e delizioso!" Ludwig laughed at my excited outburst, a ravioli hanging from his fork, poised before his shapely mouth.

"I don't know Italian, but judging by your smile, I'm guessing you like it." There was this, exuberant twinkle lighting up his blue eyes, making them look even more like the sky hanging above our heads. For some reason, it was rather breathtaking.

"Si, it is very delicious! You even got ravioli, my very favorite!"

"In all honesty, I just picked the first pasta dish I found on the menu." We both laughed, our mirth scattering the group of pigeons around us; causing us to laugh even harder. The rest of our meal was spent in laughter, and casual small talk.

"... So after that Gilbert, mein bruder, decided he vwas going to put snakes in my mutter's panty hose, and vwear them around him like a necklace! Let's just say Gilbert now has a fear of frying pans..." Ludwig's face was flushed, and he looked so happy and relaxed. It was the first time I had ever witnessed this side of him, and I found it oddly attractive. His gray dress shirt was buttoned down and untucked, and he was getting grass stains on his denim jeans.

"Are you okay Feliciano? You look rather distracted." Ludwig's legs were sprawled out before him, his arms supporting the weight of his upper body. He tilted his head, staring at me intently. Shaking away my shameful thoughts, I smiled and laughed.

"Sorry, I was just thinking of how scary that would have been, if Romano did that to me! Snakes are just so slithery and creepy..." Ludwig's lips quirked up into a crooked smile, and my heart thumped just a little faster.

"You're so cute some times, the way you smile, even when thinking those odd thoughts of yours." We both froze, blushing hard, and feeling somewhat awkward. "A-anyways," Ludwig broke the tense silence, "I really enjoyed today. It's... it's nice to spend a day in the park, eating good food, and spending time with a close friend; especially vwhen you're so far from home." He gave me an appreciative smile, the sincerity of his words shining through the warmth in his eyes.

"Si, I'm so happy we met!" I replied, as he stood up, holding out a strong hand to help me up. I took his offered hand, and he hoisted me up like I weighed little more than a kitten. Ludwig held my hand for a few moments, and stared deeply into my eyes; his own pretty gaze reflecting a maelstrom of emotions, my own probably mirroring the sentiment. Then he retracted his grip on me, and just gave me one of his common half smiles; all of the walls around his inner self, boarded up tight again.

"Thank you for lunch Ludwig," I tittered nervously, "I don't know how I can repay you."

He shook his head and replied, "You don't have to repay me, I didn't mind buying you lunch at all. It vwas nice that you shared your time vith me today, Feliciano." Guilt started writhing in my stomach, because Ludwig was one of those genuinely nice people, who would give the shirt off of his back to someone who needed it more. My mouth opened, to spew forth protests, but Ludwig cut me off, "But, I can see that you von't take no for an answer.

"So, how about this: If I buy that painting from you," he pointed to the one he had admired earlier, "you can just deduct the price of your meal from it. Here, I have the receipt." I inwardly laughed, because Ludwig just looked like the kind of person to keep receipts...

I smiled brightly at the suggestion, and a deal was made. The painting was then wrapped in some spare cloth, and I handed it to him; while currency was exchanged. "Thank you again Ludi, for appreciating my art." His stern face softened, and he smiled at me affectionately.

"Of course, you are the most talented artist I've ever met. Besides, it's like I have a peice of you vith me, and vwhenever I get lonely I can look at it, and think of you." His words were simple, and heart warming. Ludwig was kind, and so very different then anyone I had ever met. It was hard to deny, and easier to just accept, that I was beginning to fall for him.

~T.B.C.~

Translations:

Si (Italian) yes

Fratello (Italian) Brother

Putanesca (Italian) simple tomato sauce

Da (Russian) Yes

Ja (German) Yes

Mein (German) my

Questo e delizioso (Italian) This is delicious

Who was who:

Ivan Braginski (Russia)

Romano 'Lovino' Vargas (Southern Italy)

Antonio Fernandez-Carreido (Spain)

E/N: So, that's chapter three! I hope I did okay with Romano, and Ivan's personalities, it's my first time writing for them (same applies to Kiku and Vash). I wanted this chapter to be extremely sweet, because Feliciano has innocent thoughts, and Gah! This pairing is my second OTP (the first being Roy/Ed of course). Please join me for chapter 4, where we are back in Ludwig's sexy German perspective!