Can You Shine My Shoes?

by Loreyulia

Ludwig Beilschmidt is a born and bred German man, who leaves behind his wealth to go abroad, and further his career in Architecture. He finds himself in The Big Apple, and here is where he meets a small Italian man, who changes his entire life. A/U set in late 1960's New York. Pairings include GerIta, USxUK, and SpaMano.

4. Chapter 4

Disclaimer: Hetalia probably wouldn't be as awesome if I owned it... but I still wants it! *pouts*

A/N: Wow, already on chapter 4! I'm on a roll *stands on a dinner roll* Lame joke, is lame. So yeah, we're back in Ludwig's perspective aaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnd 3 new characters will be introduced!

Sorry this one took longer to update, I was kind of in a depressed funk and didn't feel like doing anything but watch Desperate Housewives, and cry over my own pathetic single-ness. I'm feeling better now, and there's nothing like some toothache inducing sweetness to make me feel 100% like myself again. Please enjoy chapter 4, you sexy people you ;D

Chapter Four: Alfred works very hard, convincing Ludwig to attend his Birthday bash

~O.o.o.O~

2nd July, 1968

When I returned home, I immediately made a beeline for my room and located my tool belt; slung haphazardly upon a padded armchair, since I was too tired to put it away last night after spending hours fixing a crack in a sweet old ladies drywall next door. I fetched a nail, and my hammer, and set about hanging up Feliciano's beautiful painting. The dull thunking noise caught Vash's attention, who now stood in my doorway, regarding me oddly. I chose to pay his quizzical look no mind, and continued hammering until the nail was just right.

"So, where were you today?" Vash asked, his graceful blond eyebrows arched to mirror the question in his tone. A quick flash of tan skin, and a perfectly sweet smile flitted through my thoughts, and then fizzled away; leaving warmth spreading across my cheeks from the intense memory of where I had been today.

"Oh uh..." I tried to think of anything to say, except the truth, but that just made me feel like what I was doing was dirty, secretive, and wrong... my friendship with Feliciano, was anything but. "I spent the day in the park by my vwork. Vwith... vwith a friend." My blush deepened into a more intense heat, and I began to wonder why I felt so damn embarrassed over eating lunch with a nice, Italian man.

An odd spark glinted through Vash's clear cut Emerald eyes, and it made my mouth go dry. He could see through people, and realize things about them, that they themselves could never understand on their own. Instead of grilling me further, like I expected he'd do, he merely smiled and said, "I'm glad to hear you've made a friend. I understand how stressful it must be to work so hard, and not have some one to wind down with. I mean, you have me obviously, but there's a big difference between venting your frustrations to your brother as opposed as to a friend. Some times, an outside perspective is what's needed most."

Vash just fell silent, and returned to reading the book that had been forgotten in his hands, still leaning casually against my doorframe. He was like that, he offered up his opinion, and then just let you think upon it without shoving it down your throat. I smiled affectionately, and took my Bruder's insightful words to heart.

I then hung the painting and admired the vividly real colors, and not for the first time, wondered what Feliciano's life must have been like in that picturesque city in Italy.

~O.o.o.O~

4th July, 1968

"You're totally coming to my birthday bash tonight, right?" Alfred's blue eyes shone brightly from behind his silver frames, and he smiled at me with an eagerness that border lined childish. For the past week, he had asked me the same question, and I always gave the same reply.

"If I'm not busy, I'll see vwhat I can do." Truth be told, I really didn't want to go. Even though Kiku would be there, the two of us still weren't incredibly close, and I didn't want to feel like the awkward outsider within the circle of close-knit friends.

A very child-like pout puffed out Alfred's full lips. "Aw c'mon," he whined, "everyone's gonna be there! If it'll make you feel better, you can invite a friend; the more the merrier, right?"

I thought about it for a moment. I could invite Vash I mused, but he hated social gatherings with strangers more then I did... besides, if I remembered correctly, he had mentioned some thing about playing cards with a man named Berwald tonight. There wasn't any one else I could possibly invite unless- Feliciano... there was no doubt in my mind about him. If Feliciano was with me, perhaps the evening wouldn't be so bad. "Vwell, I do have one friend who might be able to come..."

"Great," Alfred immediately cut me off, "here's my adress. The party starts at seven, and you can wear whatever you want." The American completely disregarded the fact, that I had not agreed to go, and waved at me cheerily before he turned to leave. "See ya' later dude! Oh, and don't forget to bring me a present."

~O.o.o.O~

"Hiya Ludwig!" Feliciano greeted me as usual, when I walked up to his spot on the corner.

"Hallo Feliciano." My heart rate picked up speed a bit, I was just so unused to asking people favors, that I wondered if this was even appropriate. I bit my bottom lip a tad too harshly in my nervousness; a drop of tangy blood falling to coat my tongue in its metallic taste. "Um... Feliciano," I paused, trying to find the right words to say. "Can I ask you a favor?" His mouth twisted into that radiant simper, that I never seemed to get tired of seeing.

"Of course Ludi! I'll try my best to help you, but if it's too hard I might give up..." I wanted to laugh at his typically Italian-like response, but the knot in my throat barely let me speak, let alone laugh.

Swallowing harshly, to try and dislodge that pesky lump of nervous energy, I plucked up my courage. "Vwell you see, one of my co-workers has invited me to his birthday party tonight. U-und since I'm so new here, he generously offered to let me invite a friend to help make me feel more comfortable... und I vas, well I vwas vondering if you could accompany me?"

Feliciano's smile faltered briefly, his features knitting themselves into worried lines. "Well, I don't know... I haven't left fratello home without me to make dinner before." He looked torn between apologetic, and sad.

"Vwell I understand that you have your responsibilities," I couldn't help the disappointment that tinged my words, "but thank you for listening to me any vays."

He frowned slightly, catching me off guard; was it some thing I said..? "I think fratello will be fine on his own, it's not like he can't make dinner himself for once. Besides, I haven't been to a party since I was a kid. Oh! Should we bring a present?" Feliciano began chattering excitedly about the party, asking me a million and one questions about what kind of present we should get Alfred.

He skipped happily a little ways ahead, singing to himself like he was known to do. The sight made me smile, and I murmured mostly to myself, doubting he could even hear me. "Thank you, Feliciano."

~O.o.o.O~

In the end we both settled on buying Alfred a nice tool set. Feliciano suggested it after I gave a brief description on what I knew about the energetic American. He didn't have much money, but Feliciano chipped in what he could, against my indignant protests... he merely said that it was the least he could do, so I decided to let the matter die.

The two of us arrived at the appointed address shortly after seven, the gift hastily wrapped in an extra paper bag, and secure within my grasp. As we walked up to the front door of Alfred's posh looking home, I inhaled deeply to calm my shotty nerves, and cast Feliciano a sheepish glance. He was wearing his usual smile, but I could tell that he was nervous too because he kept fidgeting with the frayed end of his cotton shirt self consciously, and a twinge of guilt came over me. Here I was in my freshly pressed dress shirt, tailored slacks, and shiny dress shoes. All Feliciano had was a blue t-shirt with holes in it around the armpit, a care worn pair of denim jeans, and his sneakers held together by silvery tape.

He always smiled brighter than me though, and seemed content with his life, while I greedily devoured it and asked for more...

I tore myself away from these thoughts, and raised my hand towards the oak door. Before my knuckles had the chance to rap upon the door though, it was swung open wide to reveal Alfred's bright smile. "Glad you could make it dude! Come on in, and make yourself at home." Alfred waved us in, and turned to answer some one who had questioned him, "It's just a friend from work Mattie."

So we shyly made our way inside, Feliciano huddled behind me, his small frame completely overshadowed by my larger one. "Hey Ludwig, aren't you going to introduce your friend or what?" Alfred shouted at me from a few feet away, his smile intensifying when he caught sight of Feliciano's auburn head.

"Um ja," I blushed profusely "this is my very good friend, Feliciano Vargas." I placed a shaking hand upon his delicate shoulder, and nudged him forward; and that was all it took to transform the wilting violet, into a radiant sunflower.

"Ciao everyone! I'm so happy to meet some of Ludi's friends," Feliciano exclaimed, going over to shake hands with the birthday boy.

If it was at all possible, Alfred managed to smile even brighter. "I like him 'Ludi,'" the American winked at me, "he's absolutely adorable!" His words made me blush even deeper, but I couldn't bring myself to disagree. Feliciano was painfully cute, and I was always aware of that fact...

"Any ways, nice to meetcha ya' Feliciano! I'm Alfred F. Jones," he pointed self importantly to himself, "and I'm the hero/birthday celebrity today!" Feliciano gave Alfred one of his radiant simpers, and it caused an odd pang of emotion inside of me... it almost felt like, jealousy.

"Veee~ nice to meet you too Alfred!" The American looked over at me to say some thing, and his smile faltered. I guess I wasn't doing a very good job at hiding the scowl twisting my mouth into a grotesque shape.

"H-here, let me introduce you two to my little brother Mattie! He flew all the way from Canada to be here for my totally awesome birthday!" Alfred ushered us over to an armchair tucked away by a bookshelf, and we were met with another blond; there was no mistaking that these two were brothers. They had the same color hair, though the younger's fell in subtle waves to the base of his neck. They both wore silver framed glasses, but while Alfred's eyes were a bright ocean blue behind his lenses, his brothers were a pale lavender shade.

When the other stood to greet us, it was apparent that the two were even the same height. "H-hello," he had a very soft voice, one you could easily ignore if you weren't paying attention, and it lilted with a unique accent compared to Alfred's. "My name is Matthew Williams, it's a pleasure to meet you eh."

"Ha ha," Alfred laughed boisterously, "come on Mattie! Speak up, if you keep talking like that, no one's gonna hear you." Matthew blushed, and fell silent, his pale eyes trained on the floor in embarrassment.

"Uhh, it's okay Alfred," I stepped in to defend the painfully shy young man, "vwe heard him just fine."

Matthew gave me an appreciative smile, and I returned it.

Alfred thumped his brother on the back and said, "Oh, well carry on Mattie!" He laughed boisterously when Matthew did little more then pout at Alfred's rough treatment. "So," the American grew suddenly serious, "mom and dad couldn't make it then?"

"Of course not," Matthew replied rather bitterly, his lavender eyes turning an inky purple, "even if they could, do you honestly think they would come and see you?" Alfred's smile turned rather bittersweet, and I could swear his big blue eyes were rimmed with tears.

"No... you're right. They'll never come to see me, even if it's for my own funeral." Feliciano looked my way, his warm gaze reflecting the same questions that I had swimming around through my head. We both silently decided to let the brother's have a private moment, so we made our way over to the snack table.

The table was long, and covered in a red and white checkered cloth. Snacks and bowls of punch or soda covered every last inch of the wooden surface. "Mmmm, these cupcakes are sooooooo yummy!" Feliciano exclaimed happily, shoving the chocolate dessert into his mouth sloppily. He now had a glob of frosting sticking to the corner of his mouth, and cheek. Yet he kept on eating, not even realizing he had a giant sticky mess glued to the side of his face!

Every fiber of my being was screaming at me to clean up the mess, and before I could realize what I was doing, that's exactly what I did. My thumb swiped up the thick, white mess painted across his cheek, a bit of his saliva sticking to my finger as well since I got too close to his lips. Feliciano looked up at me with his honey colored eyes wide, and a tiny blush blossoming across his pudgey cheeks. Time stopped. I was lost within the younger man's warm gaze, his heated flesh, and soft lips that lightly quivered as he stared at me.

We were all that existed in that small, intimate moment... until it was shattered, by the sound of the doorbell ringing. The world suddenly came back into focus, the muted sound of Alfred's too-loud laughter now assaulted my ear drums. "Hell yeah, more guests are here!" Alfred shouted enthusiastically, running over to the door like a hyper puppy.

"Bonjour, mon ami! 'Appy birthday my petite papillion."

"Herro Arfred-san, thank you for inviting me once again to your birthday party."

"My name is Yao Wang aru, thank you for letting Kiku bring me along."

The voices traveled into the living room, two of them familiar to me as Francis and Kiku, but the third I did not recognize. The owner of the unknown voice came into view. He was a short (though not as short as Kiku) Asian man, with long chestnut hair, that he wore tied back in a loose ponytail, and draped over one shoulder. His face was rather feminine looking, and he seemed to be in his middle, to late twenties.

Alfred held out his hand to the stranger and said, "Nice to meetcha Yao, here let me introduce you to every one." He wrapped an arm around Yao's shoulders, and led the man over to Matthew. Eventually we all became acquainted with one another, and Yao told us all that he was good friends with Kiku, and that the two had met at the older man's Chinese restaurant. We all started chatting away, getting to know each other, and all of those things that make parties so awkward some times...

"Oh Alfred," Matthew cut in timidly, "is Arthur here yet? I just realized that we haven't seen him yet." Alfred jumped up from his seat upon the couch, and without a word, ran towards a door and slammed it open.

"Artie, aren't you finished with the cake yet? Mattie wants your butt in here pronto!" Alfred shouted.

"Not yet, you bloody git! Don't you dare come in here, I want it to be a surprise. Just let me finish putting the candles on..." A rather loud, and noticeably British accented voice, exploded from what I now assumed, was the kitchen. Moments later, a man with shaggy blond hair and very fair skin, came into the living room. "Now, move out of the way darling, and no peeking! I need to set this on the table." Arthur moved quickly towards the dining room table, bearing an oddly shaped cake, alight in the yellow glow of at least 20 candles. Alfred followed the man like a puppy, a big, goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Awwwww Artie, you shouldn't have!" Alfred cooed, as Arthur placed the cake upon the table. Then, he did some thing that sent me into a state of absolute shock- Alfred grabbed the Brit by the waist, and kissed him full on the lips... it wasn't a quick peck either.

I looked around hastily, to see every one else's reactions to this intimate display of affection. Francis was smirking in that pervy way he was so fond of, Kiku and Yao both blushed and averted their eyes politely, and Feliciano and Matthew were both smiling... I was just so confused.

Alfred finally pulled away, and opted to wrap an arm around his British lover's waist. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet my 'husband' Arthur Kirkland." The American dipped in for another soft kiss, and I felt my face flame in embarrassment.

Arthur shoved his lover away playfully, his toxic green eyes narrowing in mock annoyance. "Alright you insufferable twit, just make a wish and blow out your damn candles, before all the wax melts onto that cake. I worked very hard on it, you know." My attention was finally pulled away from the shocking discovery that Alfred was gay, and it fell upon the intricately decorated cake. It was colored, and shaped in the likeness of the American flag, fluttering in the breeze.

The over zealous American closed his eyes, and in one fell swoop, blew out all of the candles. Every one clapped, and Arthur started slicing, and serving up the vanilla flavored cake. "Alright dudes," Alfred shouted after we were all served, "let's dig in!"

~O.o.o.O~

"Present time!" Alfred cried excitedly, bouncing impatiently in his seat like an unrestrained child. We gathered closely around the birthday boy, as he reached for the first package, wrapped in gaudy rose-printed paper.

"That one is from me, mon cher," Francis purred, giving Alfred his trademark playboy wink. Alfred tore into it eagerly, decimating the flimsy paper easily.

The paper fell to the ground, revealing a nice, leather bound book. " 'A Complete collection of poems by T.S. Elliot,' thanks dude!" Alfred smile, and clapped the Frenchman on the shoulder affectionately, earning a rather spiteful glare from Arthur. The next package was decorated in simple blue paper, and the American snatched it up.

"I hope you are preased Arfred-san," Kiku mumbled, bowing his head modestly. This present too, befell Alfred's impatience. An ornate wooden box was revealed and the blond opened it carefully, removing a set of bamboo chopsticks, with lotus blossoms intricately carved into them.

A bright smile was given to the humble Asian as Alfred replied, "They're beautiful! Thanks Kiku." Kiku blushed, and bowed in response, seemingly to hide his reddened cheeks.

"Open mine next," Yao commanded, pushing a red and gold trimmed box towards the blond. Alfred accepted the gift happily, opening this box carefully. He pulled out a pretty red jade colored statue, carved in the likeness of a heron taking flight, and he 'oohed' and 'ahhed' over its beauty.

"Thanks Yao, it's really lovely." The Chinese man smiled, and bowed as well. Next, Alfred grabbed a white box, covered in bright red maple leaves. "Geez, I wonder who this is from," the blond said sarcastically, slinging an arm around his brother's shoulder. A plain cardboard box lay underneath the paper, and Alfred opened it; pulling out a Maroon sweater, a coffee mug with a maple leaf motif on its front, and a bottle of real Canadian maple syrup.

"Dude, way to promote Canada! I am going to enjoy the shit out of that syrup, because you are so making me pancakes in the morning bro." Matthew smiled sheepishly, but nodded his consent. Alfred pressed a kiss to his cheek, and ruffled his wavy locks affectionately.

Next, Alfred grabbed the gift from Feliciano and myself. "I hope you like it, Feliciano picked it out," I informed, my heart beating in anticipation. He opened it easily, due to the hasty wrap job, and held the tool kit in his hands.

"Wow, thanks guys! I've been needing a new one for a while now." He looked over towards his British counterpart, and smiled. "Looks like I can start building you that Bakery, you've always dreamed of owning." Alfred grabbed Feliciano and I, and pulled us into a tight embrace.

Arthur rolled his eyes, but smiled fondly as he replied, "Silly git... but, I look forward to it." The last present lay upon the table in all of its red, white, and blue glory. This one too, was opened like every one proceeding it, and it left Alfred holding a baseball mitt in his hands, and three tickets to see his favorite team play.

"I love you Artie!" Alfred threw his arms around the Brit, and planted kisses all over his face; reminding me even more of a hyper puppy. Feliciano, Matthew, and Francis started laughing at the blond's excited reaction, while the rest of us just looked vaguely uncomfortable with the public display of affection. Without warning though, a high pitched noise caught our attention, followed by snaps and crackles.

"Fireworks!" Alfred screamed as he pulled away from Arthur, running towards the door, and opening it. We all followed to inspect what all of the commotion was about, and were greeted by bright colors and noise filling up the blackened sky in the distance. The light scent of smoke, and the shrill screeches followed by gentle pops, enchanted us all; and we watched in wonder as bright reds, rich gold's, and vibrant greens painted the night.

We all turned to see Alfred, staring up into the sky in absolute, child-like wonder. "Happy birthday, Alfred!" Every one cheered into the humid, July evening.

~O.o.o.O~

The party ended shortly after the impromptu fireworks display, and a round of Champagne; the evening already melting into late night. We all started to depart, giving last minute hugs, and well wishes to the hosts of the evening. Alfred seemed to practically glow, as he held Arthur close, waving goodbye to Francis, Kiku, and Yao.

"Buona notte, thank you for letting Ludwig invite me! I had a great time tonight." Feliciano beamed happily at the couple, his big brown eyes as sparkly, and innocent as ever.

"No problem, you and Ludwig can come over any time! 'Cuz we're totally friends now okay?" Feliciano nodded happily, and Alfred embraced us briefly, and then waved goodbye to us before heading inside and shutting their door against the night.

We stood together in silence for a few moments, each lost in our own thoughts, and musings. "Well, um... 'night Ludi!" Feliciano broke the silence. The small Italian turned, ready to disappear into the darkness. I inwardly started to panic, because it was really late, and he was so weak... what if some one mugged him, or even worse, raped him because I let him go alone.

"Feliciano, vwait!" The words just tumbled from the precipice of my lips before I could stop them, causing his footsteps to still. He turned to look at me imploringly, because instead of explaining why I had stopped him, I was fidgeting awkwardly where I stood. "It is pretty dark out und vell... I'd feel better if you vould let me escort you home."

He smiled widely, his face contorting into a look of relief. "Are you sure? I live pretty far away..."

"Ja, I'm sure. Besides, vwe didn't really get to talk much at the party." I fell quickly into step beside him, staring down fondly at his bright auburn head of hair.

"Thanks Ludwig," he began to blush faintly, and I could barely make it out through the dim light of the street lamps. "It's like you read my mind! I was actually rather frightened by the thought of walking home so late all alone."

After that admission, we both fell silent for some time. I wracked my brain for things to say, but it was hard to think passed my warm cheeks, and sweaty palms. "So uh... what do you think of Alfred's relationship with Arthur?" Feliciano asked softly, his tawny eyes looking up at me expectantly; that ever present smile of his, making my skin go from warm to burning hot. As we walked down the concrete side-walk, I began to ponder how I felt about the situation.

"Vwell... to be honest, it doesn't really bother me. At least they're happy, und love each other. I mean, who am I to say vhat's right or vrong? I'm just a simple man, who has no right to judge how others feel. At least, that's how I view things." He smiled brightly at me, his tawny eyes dancing in the starlight.

"Yeah, I believe people should seek out their own happiness no matter what. I know that I would rather be happy with some one I loved, then miserable and lonely because I was too afraid of how others would treat me." Feliciano stopped abruptly, and I took in the scenery surrounding us.

We stood before a rather rundown apartment complex. Graffiti littered the walls, like the glass littered the streets. "Whelp... this is where we part." Feliciano shuffled his feet awkwardly, his eyes downcast in embarrassment. I didn't realize until now, how hard it really was for him... "Thanks for inviting me to the party Ludwig, I really did have lot's of fun!"

"It vwas a pleasure having you there vith me." If only he knew how honestly I spoke those words. We parted ways after bidding each other good night, leaving me in search for a payphone, so I could call for a cab home.

Not until later on in life, did I learn that this was the night Feliciano stopped fighting his feelings, and fell completely in love with me.

~T.B.C.~

Translations:

Bonjour (French)- Hello

Mon cher (French)- My dear

Petite papillion (French)- Little butterfly

Buona notte (Italian)- Good night

Who was who:

Matthew Williams (Canada) *he lives in America, but is studying abroad in Canada where his dad is from*

Yao Wang (China)

Arthur Kirkland (England)

E/N: This chapter was fun to write, though I feel like it got a little redundant and I'm sorry for that. I want to give you all a heads up now, that the next chapter will be a flashback in Alfred's perspective, and a touchy subject will be brought up. I hope to see you all again soon!

Oh, and if any of you guys have a Gaia account, feel free to friend me or message me as The-Elder-Elric-Brother