It was a constant climb. A desperate attempt to get to the top of it. It was something full of slopes and pits and other unpleasant things. It was something that a lot of people hated, yet it was an undisputed fact. These were things that Gilbert knew yet never really paid too much attention to. No the Prussian nation preferred to go about life in a stubborn denial of sorts, never truly dwelling on the harsh realities that surrounded him and plagued him. It wasn’t that he thought he was above such things but rather if he did truly think of them and let them sink in and dwell in the corners of his mind he might never recover from it. And the Prussian couldn’t allow such a thing to happen. Not when there were other countries all too eager to destroy him and his people. Not when he had people who counted on him to be strong.
Not when the life of an innocent child needed him.
When something like that weighed on your mind, always preoccupying it and always making itself known. Allowing himself to be consumed by the depressing facts of the world he lived in wasn’t an option. So he never dwelled on it. Instead he focused on fighting and ignoring it, determined to stand strong enough to protect the person who had become so important to him. It was a change that many of his fellow nations noticed. A new side of the usually confident and joking Prussian, a side that was much more serious and more willing to lay someone out flat than he had been before. Yet it was expected in a way, becoming a caretaker for such a smaller person changed people.
It had been gradual the change. Slow yet steady on its course, more determined to smother the struggles that were presented. Like a trickle of water that had become a raging river it grew in Gilbert and made him less inclined to think so much about the negatives he was given. Strong and unmovable like a tree, the Prussian nation refused to give in. He continued on in his denial of the negative, he continued on even when it would feel like he was drowning in it. Keeping his head above the water and out of the harsh realities. Sometimes it would worry others how he handled things. Elizaveta being one of the few who worried. The Hungarian nation believed that her somewhat friend was going down a dangerous path with detaching himself from the reality of life somewhat. And many times she told him so, stubborn and hellbent on getting him to listen. She didn’t know the reason why he did it for a very long time. Until one day when she was sent by her leader of her nation to Prussia. It was during that visit that it suddenly made more sense.
Elizaveta had just arrived at the castle of the Kingdom of Prussia, being greeted by the staff that worked there. Once she’d settled in she’d began her search for the loud and obnoxious nation hoping to try and perhaps speak to him. She’d just entered the large courtyard, the sunshine warming the small garden and grass. As she went further into the courtyard she’d caught wind of laughter. Curious she followed it and finally found the source of the joyful sounds. Standing in the sunshine with a large smile on his pale face was Gilbert, his silver hair messy and his ruby hues shining with mirth. On his hip was a small boy who looked no more than seven. Elizaveta paused startled by the child’s presence. The small boy was smiling a small shy smile, his blond hair messy somewhat and his light blue hues shining with childish delight. On his small hand was a small yellow bird, chirping a small song.
As Elizaveta observed the two she began to take note of the boy. His body was surprisingly thin, and his skin looked a little bit pale. His cheeks were rosy yet the way he looked it didn’t seem really healthy. It was then she realized that the boy was most likely sickly in a way. A fragile child who was trying to make it to adulthood despite the ailment that plagued him. With light steps she drew closer to Gilbert and the mysterious child, as she drew near them she began to get a strange feeling. An instinctual feeling bubbled within her, making her attention go back to the child. Her sharp green eyes locked onto him again and a pang of recognition hit her. Centuries old that was practically printed into every country’s blood.
The child was a nation.
Suddenly things made a lot more sense.
“Hungary! I didn’t see you there! I wasn’t alerted that you were here.”
Gilbert’s voice snapped her attention to him. The Prussian was smiling at her, cocky and egotistical as she always knew it to be. But it didn’t reach his eyes. The bright red hues held a look of caution and uncertainty, almost as if he was waiting for her to try and go for the frail boy in his arms. It was a look she’d seen on a few other countries who had young nations of their own. It was a look of a guardian or parent, a look that was ever watchful and full of warning. Daring anyone to try something. A silent conversation passed between the two of them, before Gilbert finally relaxed a bit.
“You really should have more organization here Prussia. Then again you aren’t the most put together nation most days.”
Elizaveta said making Gilbert’s eye twitch at her cheeky remark. He looked like he was going to say something cheeky back when a small voice spoke up.
“Bruder…….who is she?”
The boy asked staring at the Prussian in confusion, uncomfortable with being around a stranger. Elizaveta smiled a kind smile at the child.
“My name is Hungary. I’m a friend of your big bruder little one.”
She said sweetly. The boy gave her an unsure look before shyly introducing himself.
“I’m Germany…..”
He said softly before letting out a small series of coughs. Elizaveta flinched at how harsh they sounded and Gilbert quickly took over.
“Alright I think it’s time for you to rest for a bit ja? I’ll take you to your room and meet you at lunchtime alright?”
Gilbert asked his voice smooth and gentle. It was a tone Elizaveta had never heard him use before. Germany gave his older brother a small pout, his expression saddened.
“Can’t you stay with me bruder….?”
Germany asked his voice small. Gilbert gave him a soft fond look, his own gaze full of guilt.
“I would love to kleiner Kerl, but I’ve got a few things I need to do first before I can join you. As soon as I’m done I’ll be right back ja? You can even have Gilbird with you to keep you company until I come back.”
Gilbert said earning a hesitant nod from the young nation. The small yellow bird in question flew up from his hands and onto his hair snuggling into it. Gilbert gave Elizaveta a small look.
“Do you mind if?”
He asked before being waved off by her.
“Go right ahead I’ll wait for you to come back.”
She said kindly earning a small sincere smile from the Prussian before he went off towards the castle to put Germany on bedrest again. It was only later when the two were finishing their business and Gilbert was getting ready to go back to his little brother that Elizaveta finally addressed it.
“You know I was really starting to worry about you. You seemed to be so out of it and unwilling to dwell on things too long. I thought that you were finally losing it but now…….it makes sense. Your brother Germany, you’re doing this so you can be strong for him ja?”
Elizaveta asked knowing she hit the nail on the head when Gilbert gave her a small narrowed look. The Prussian didn’t answer her right away, instead remaining silent for a moment. The Hungarian nearly snapped her neck when she snapped her head up when Gilbert finally spoke.
“Ja, if you must know. I can’t afford to dwell on things. Germany needs me to keep going forward and keep fighting. If I give in and let it finally get to me………I just can’t risk it. Not when it comes to him.”
Gilbert said sincere. Elizaveta gave him a searching look, her green eyes filled with concern. She understood what he was saying. With Germany’s current state if Gilbert let himself think of the negative and harsh realities of the world he might let it consume him. And if that happened then it could very well be his downfall. And if Elizaveta had to take a guess if Gilbert fell then Germany would fall with him. It was something that she understood well having raised Feliciano with Roderich herself. Yet at the same time she knew that what Gilbert was doing wasn’t good for him in the long run. Detaching himself from all the negative things and putting himself into a denial of sorts wasn’t exactly a healthy thing to do. Especially since he was a nation who would live for a very long time. It would come to a point where if he didn’t face these things at one point or another it’d build up and eventually come to a head.
Elizaveta knew that and she knew that deep down Gilbert knew it too. The Prussian despite all her jokes about him not being too bright was actually incredibly smart. He knew that basically avoiding all the bad things that he faced and that effected him wasn’t the best idea. Yet at this moment in time it was necessary and as much as Elizaveta hated it she couldn’t fault him for it.
“Just……please don’t push yourself to the point where you can’t come back from it. That’s all I ask. Can you promise me Gilbert….?”
The Hungarian nation asked using his human name to let him know just how serious she was. The Prussian looked at her, his expression unreadable before he finally answered her.
“I’ll try Elizaveta.”
The Prussian nation said his tone quiet. While it wasn’t a promise she’d take it. Because if there was one thing she’d learned from all the years of knowing Gilbert it was that he’d try and he’d give it his all.
And that was all she could ask.
~~~~~
It was funny how roles could become reversed given the right circumstances. The role of caretaker could become the caretakee and vice versa. The role of being the strongest helping the weakest could become the role the weakest needing support after shouldering so much. It was a thing that happened in life, when the roles were given to others. It was this fact that put Ludwig in the position he was in now. Once a long time ago he was a small nation just like every nation that ever existed. However unlike them Ludwig struggled a lot more than them. A country desperately trying to grow and stabilize itself, Ludwig would often become extremely weak and ill. Many of his earliest days of his life were spent in a bed where he’d fight just for the right to live. It was during those times when he’d be unable to cope that his older brother Gilbert would be there.
As a child, Gilbert was like a being that lived in his own plain of existence. Many times throughout Ludwig’s childhood he’d be in awe of the older nation who seemed untouchable by the world and it ruthlessness. While Gilbert was a silly and sometimes immature man, the Prussian nation was reliable when the young German truly needed him. Gilbert was the rock that stood firm against the storms that life through at them, refusing to let the harsh realities that happened to them bring him down. The Prussian would always face them with a confident smirk and a burning determination that was unshakable. Gilbert in Ludwig’s young eyes was the strongest person he knew. He was his protector, his shoulder to cry on, his caretaker and his role model. He was someone who Ludwig wanted nothing more than to be like him. To be strong and confident and ready to take whatever life threw at him head on.
But like many children he slowly but steadily grew up. Becoming stronger and less sickly. Soon Ludwig began to stand on his own, began to be able to fight his own battles without Gilbert shielding him. And with this came other things. As Ludwig grew he began to notice things that were once hidden from him. Flashes of exhaustion and sorrow, glimpses of anger and desperation. Small bits and pieces began to come together for the German nation, the once near perfect picture of his older brother becoming more realistic. Gilbert who was once a perfect being in his childish eyes had now begun to become more clearer. His older brother while confident on the surface was someone who could be shaken up just like everyone else. He too was someone who was effected by the curveballs that life, was someone who could be dragged down by the negatives of life. Someone who could cry and get angry or frustrated or sad. Someone who could bleed and feel pain and grieve. Gilbert was someone who was entirely human just like Ludwig and it was this life changing enlightenment that Ludwig began to ask himself.
Who was looking out for Gilbert?
Who did Gilbert have to lean on?
Just how much did he shoulder all by himself?
Did he have anyone who could be strong and protect him just as he had done for Ludwig?
It was these questions that made Ludwig watch his older brother more, that made the picture of Gilbert Beilschmidt become more clearer and understandable to him. And he noticed a rather unsettling habit his older brother had. When things got to be overwhelming, when the negatives became too much and the world began to crumble around him, his brother would ignore it. He would bury it deep within and force himself to keep going even when it would be more than understandable if he broke down. Ludwig’s brother had this nasty habit of ignoring the obvious problems that plagued him and instead burying his head in the sand. Putting himself in a denial of sorts to function. And seeing it scared Ludwig. Because if his big brother was avoiding things like that then how was he actually handling everything? It was a fear that made the German become watchful over his older brother. A fear that began to become concern and then a determination. A determination that he’d carry with him for the rest of his existence.
He would become stronger so his older brother wouldn’t have to be.
If Ludwig became stronger, became better than the child he had been then he could help Gilbert. He could protect Gilbert and help him shoulder the burdens that he carried. So Ludwig did just that, he grew strong and became sturdy as a nation. His once frail and sick ridden body became big and strong and full of muscle. He got smarter and better so he could help his brother out more. And as the years passed Ludwig became a well known nation and at the time it seemed that everything would be okay. However life was always a struggle, it always had those horrid moments that threw you down the slope you were currently climbing and taking you back a good few thousand feet backwards. And it was one of those moments that nearly ruined Ludwig’s life. He could still remember it, the day when Gilbert had been called before the world leaders of the time. He had been forced to stay behind while Gilbert went alone, leaving Ludwig anxious and frustrated. It was that awful meeting that made the German nation nearly fall apart.
It was the meeting that made the great Kingdom of Prussia no more.
When he’d first heard it he hadn’t wanted to believe it. He didn’t want to believe that the world could be so merciless, so cruel to make the country of Prussia disappear. A sick prank of sorts, but one look at the hallowed expression of his brother and Ludwig realized that it was real. His brother was no more, Gilbert was no longer a country. The information had devastated him. People like him and his brother needed their nations, their nation, their people, their cultures and beliefs and hopes were what kept them alive. And to have all of it be taken from them…….
It was a death sentence.
Ludwig at the time didn’t truly realize just how important it was, and Gilbert his stubborn overprotective older brother hadn’t bothered to tell him. Instead Ludwig had to find out in the most horrifying way possible. It had been a normal day in Germany, just a simple, peaceful day. Ludwig had been in his office doing his paperwork while Gilbert was in the kitchen making lunch. The two brothers hadn’t spoken about what had happened, instead leaving it to hang. Gilbert had gone somewhat quiet, his enthusiasm and confidence half hearted after he had been given the news. It had been a month of Ludwig giving Gilbert concerned and worried looks while Gilbert pretended that everything was okay. As Ludwig grabbed the next document to begin signing and filling it out for his boss the sudden loud sound of metal and glass hitting the floor startled him. Wide light blue eyes snapped towards his door, his heart sinking. He didn’t even think about it, only acted. The large nation ran out of his office, rushing towards the kitchen where Gilbert was. His heart pounded in his chest as he ran, his mind going into a panic.
‘Please, please don’t be hurt please!’
He begged coming up towards the kitchen entranceway. Turning the corner Ludwig stumbled into the kitchen and felt his heart drop. Passed out on the floor surrounded by a few broken plates and pans was Gilbert.
“Scheisse! Prussia!”
The German said his tone full of panic as he made his way to his unconscious brother. The Prussian was extremely pale, more so than usual. His chest rose and fell in a shallow way, and his pulse felt weak and unstable. Rasping wheezes could be heard as Gilbert breathed making Ludwig tremble a bit. He didn’t know how he knew but something deep within told him what was happening.
'He’s dying…..’
The thought whispered making Ludwig’s lungs lose all of their air. Looking down at his older brother Ludwig felt his heart twist at the sight of him. Gilbert looked so small and fragile in his arms, almost like a small child. His presence which made him seem larger than life was snuffed out. Ludwig felt his throat tighten and he held his brother closer to him as if having him close would protect him.
“Prussia bruder please don’t die, I can’t do this without you……I just got you back please don’t leave me big bruder……Gilbert……”
Ludwig begged his voice choked. His eyes began to burn as he received no response from Gilbert. The silence was what finally made the German break. Tears flying down his cheeks Ludwig clung to his brother his body trembling as he tried to keep himself together. It had been centuries since he’d cried like this yet once the tears started they wouldn’t stop. He couldn’t help but feel like a helpless child again, calling out to Gilbert to make it better. Even after all this time Ludwig still needed his older brother. No matter how big he’d gotten nor how strong he was always going to need Gilbert. Yet he was losing him and it was destroying him. As Ludwig cried his silent tears his mind began to think about his childhood. A memory hazy came into his head. He had been small yet he was starting to ask questions. One of those questions where why his big brother worked so hard. Elizaveta had been the one to answer it.
'The reason your big bruder works so hard is because he’s not only trying to keep himself standing but you as well.’
'But why would he do that?’
'Because you are apart of him, you get your strength from him and his nation. It’s what’s helping you fight against your illness. It’s something we nations do for our loved ones, if we’re big enough and strong enough we share a bit of ourselves to them.’
'Share ourselves?’
'In other words we share our life force with them.’
The memory faded and a feeling of hellish need filled Ludwig. Looking down at his brother he grabbed him up, pulling him into his arms and picking him up off the floor. Tucking the dying nation close to his chest Ludwig raced from the house and out into the world a destination in his mind. There was a way he could stop this, a way he could keep Gilbert here and keep him safe as his brother had done for him all those years ago. It was his turn now to keep his older brother safe, it was his turn now to be the strong one for the two of them. He could do it, he was no longer that defenseless child. No now he was strong and he was able to finally fulfill his desire.
He could finally be there for Gilbert.
That day the German nation had nearly destroyed his boss’s doors at his office, practically begging and somewhat threatening the older man to sign Gilbert onto the German territory. That day Ludwig gave a part of himself to his older brother. No longer was Ludwig the country of Germany. Instead he was West Germany, and Gilbert had become East Germany. Two parts of one nation, unable to live without the other. That day Ludwig had saved Gilbert’s life. And from that day onwards Ludwig has stuck with the older nation ever since. The event of nearly losing his older brother had shaken him and he refused to leave Gilbert alone. So they moved in together, where the German could keep a watchful eye on the other and vice versa. And it remained that way ever since. The roles reversed now. Instead of Gilbert being the strong one it was Ludwig who took the role. And the younger nation didn’t mind it one bit. As long as he was able to keep Gilbert around he’d take the role with zero compliant.
“Oi! West your dinner is going to get cold! Get your workaholic ass out of your office before I come in there and drag it out!”
Gilbert shouted through the door making Ludwig pinch the bridge of his nose. Taking his reading glasses off Ludwig called out.
“Ja, ja I’m coming. I’ll be down in a second.”
He said already starting to put his paperwork away.
“You better or you’ll regret it.”
Gilbert said semi jokingly before the sounds of his footsteps leaving the doorway faded. Ludwig finished putting his paperwork and began to make his way out of his office. Life was a struggle, it made things difficult and made people face cruelties whether they wanted to or not. It could be terrible and could drag you down and smother you. But even though it did this, it was also full of good things as well. It was precious and it was beautiful yet painful at the same time. Yet no matter what form life took Ludwig Beilschmidt would continue to move forward and fight through it. After all he learned from the best and even though he had his own struggles, he was still the strongest person Ludwig has ever known.
As long as Gilbert Beilschmidt was there then Ludwig could do anything.
*Beilschmidt boys make me feel so many things y'all don’t understand I love these brothers so much. I was trying to go for a Gilbert centric mindset in the beginning but then I got Ludwig in there and they basically ruined what coherent thoughts I had shshdhdh. Lowkey big sad that there’s not a lot of fics involving these boys being bros like they’re wonderful and I’ll die on this hill. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!!*
Warning: Endless amounts of domestic lifestyle, fluff, and excessive Mariah Carey.
~~~~~
It’d been a rather exhausting day in the office for Arthur. From a boss who wouldn’t stop yelling at him for the littlest of things to coworkers who just kept pushing his buttons it was no surprise that he’d nearly flew out of the office building. Hailing a taxi Arthur about flung himself into the backseat and hurled his address to the poor driver in a desperate attempt to get away from the hell hole he called work. As the taxi made its way through the darkening streets of London, Arthur felt himself begin to relax. Staring out the window he watched as they passed by different cars and pedestrians. His mind started to wander, thinking of what he was going to do when he got home. As he thought about it his thoughts naturally drifted off to the person who would be there waiting for him as he did every night.
His dear husband, Feliciano Kirkland-Vargas.
A small smile grew on his face as he thought of his husband. The Italian was one of the things that he looked forward to seeing as soon as he got home. To be smothered with butterfly kisses and a warm, loving embrace from the person he loved the most was the best feeling in the world. It was a feeling that Arthur wouldn’t trade for and he loved it more than he would ever admit out loud. As the Englishman thought of his beloved he felt his heart flutter in excitement, eager to finally be home and in the arms of his entire world.
~~~~~
The sounds of the lock clicking filled the small London townhouse as Arthur pushed open the door. The familiar warmth of the small, cozy home welcomed him and he smiled softly as he stepped inside and closed the door.
“Feli? I’m home!”
Arthur called out into the home expecting to see his husband come out to greet him. A brief moment of silence greeted him instead making the Brit confused and slightly concerned. Taking his coat off and putting it on the rack and kicking off his shoes Arthur made his way further into the house. As he stepped into the living room his nose caught scent of a delicious aroma, making his mouth water.
‘Ah he’s in the kitchen.’
Arthur thought the concern dying as a well of fondness took its place. With quiet footsteps Arthur made his way towards the kitchen, the aroma of an Italian dish growing stronger and the soft sound of music being heard. Curious Arthur peeked his messy blonde head into the doorway of their kitchen and had to fight back an amused smile. In the middle of the kitchen was Feli, his hips swaying to the song playing from his speaker that was connected to his phone. A large pan was filled with pasta on the stove while a sauce pan was simmering the sauce. Feliciano was in the middle of cutting the garlic and other herbs that would go into the sauce, singing softly under his breath.
“Oh, when you walk by every night~ Talking sweet and looking fine~ I get kind of hectic inside~ Mmm, baby, I’m so into you~ Darling, if you only knew~ All the things that flow through my mind~!”
Feliciano’s smooth singing filled the kitchen, singing along with the iconic 90’s song. Arthur leaned against the doorway, amused and star struck as he watched his husband’s private concert. His beloved didn’t even notice that Arthur was watching him, completely lost in the music and his preparation of their dinner.
“But it’s just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby~ When I close my eyes, you come and take me~ On and on and on, it’s so deep in my daydreams~ But it’s just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby (Fantasy)~ (And I want you so badly)~”
The Englishman listened to his husband’s voice, his eyes softening in a look of fondness and affection. The song Fantasy while popular back in the 90’s, had a special connection to it. His husband would often say that the song was their song, and Arthur couldn’t really argue with him. After all it was this song that had been playing when Arthur and Feli had first met. The Brit found his mind wandering, going back to that moment when he’d first saw Feliciano.
~~~~~
It was back when Arthur was about seventeen. Back then before he’d been the polite yet short tempered man he was in the present, he’d been a punk of sorts. Always getting into trouble for picking fights with other teens even though they’d started it first. He was a wild teen, who went along with life wherever it took him. It was during this time that he’d first laid eyes on the man who would end up being his husband. The Englishman had been at a carnival of sorts on a warm summer night. He’d been dragged there by his friend Alfred who had almost immediately ditched him once they were inside the place. The punk had been left to his own devices, wandering the crowded street as he passed the stalls and food stands and games. The bright lights of the place flashed around him, the sounds of screaming children and teenagers alike filled the evening air from the rides. The speakers were playing music, the song being Fantasy by Mariah Carey at the moment making Arthur huff a bit.
Arthur was not having a good time, being overwhelmed by everything that was going on. The Englishman wasn’t a fan of places like this and he’d bitterly cursed Alfred for dragging him into this loud and crowded place.
“Stupid American arse. Leaving me all alone when he damn well knows that these places make me twitchy….”
Arthur growled lowly under his breath, his thick black boots stomping somewhat on the pavement. The teenager was debating on whether he should just call it quits or if he should just find his stupid friend and chew him out for all of this when he’d finally caught sight of him. Through the crowd of people stood the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen in his life. A man, no older than him was laughing at a tall man with slicked back blonde hair. A smaller man with black hair walked with them, smiling a shy smile. But they weren’t what Arthur were looking at. No the man in the center of them was what he was looking at. Tanned skin that seemed to glow under the flashing lights, a beautiful smile full of white teeth. Auburn hair framed a handsome face, a curl sticking out from the rest of his hair. But none of those could compare with the amused gaze of the teenager.
Amber, like molten caramel and full of sunshine and happiness framed his face leaving Arthur speechless. The Englishman was so enchanted by the beautiful sight before him that he nearly died on the spot when the majestic man before him looked over at him.
Images of rapture~ Creep into me slowly~ As you’re going to my head~ And my heart beats faster~ When you take me over~ Time and time and time again~
The world seemed to slow down as soon as their eyes met. Bright amber hues bore into him, curious and open. Arthur felt his heart pick up in speed at the look, quickly avoiding his own eyes in embarrassment at his reaction. He was completely and totally thunderstruck by this man. Arthur was so busy trying to calm himself down that he didn’t notice the gorgeous teen talking to his friends before making his way over to him.
“Ciao~!”
A chipper voice, smooth and spellbinding came from behind him. Arthur let out a startled noise quickly turning towards it only to come face to face with the man he’d been staring at. Up close he was even more handsome. Arthur felt his throat got dry as he tried to calm the anxiety that was eating away at him.
“A-ah hello….?”
Arthur choked out trying to keep calm. The Italian gave him a warm smile, looking down at him slightly. It was then that Arthur realized that the other teen was taller than him.
“I couldn’t help but notice that you were staring at me. I was wondering if something was wrong?”
The Italian asked giving a small head tilt. Arthur felt his heart stop and he quickly went to reassure him.
“No-! Nothing’s wrong! Forgive me for my staring I was just overwhelmed by your eyes-!”
Arthur scrambled before biting his tongue as he realized what he said. The other man’s eyes went wide, curiousity and slight flattery shining in them.
“Oh? My eyes overwhelmed you?”
He asked his tone probing yet full of amusement. Arthur felt his already warm cheeks slowly grow hotter.
“I….well……they’re just the loveliest shade of amber I’d ever seen…..and I’m just going to shut up now.”
Arthur said wanting nothing more than for the pavement to open up and swallow him whole. Alas it didn’t happen leaving him floundering and mentally cursing himself for his honesty.
'Good job Kirkland, you’ve just officially sounded like a creep. God what is wrong with you-’
His mental berating was put to a stop by the sound of the most musical laughter he’d ever heard. Looking at the other teenager Arthur quickly took note that he was smiling, his tanned cheeks slightly rosy.
“I’ve never heard something like that before. Are you sure that my eyes are the loveliest shade? Because from where I’m standing it’s more like you have them instead.”
The Italian said his voice sincere and somewhat flirtatious. Arthur felt his heart do a flip in his chest at the words.
“I mean it’s not everyday that you see such a beautiful shade of green……..I’m Feliciano by the way. But you can call me Feli.”
The teen, Feli said his face warm and full of a beautiful smile. Arthur swallowed hard and took a deep breath trying to give his own smile. However it was more awkward and crooked than he would have liked.
“Feli…..my name is Arthur. I really am sorry for the staring I’m not usually like this.”
Arthur introduced himself his ears and cheeks red. Feli just laughed that magical laugh of his, giving him the most beautiful smile.
“It’s fine, as long as I can stare as well then I’ll call it an even exchange si?”
The Italian chirped happily giving Arthur a wink. Little did Arthur and Feli know that, that awkward first meeting would be the start of something beautiful.
~~~~~
“Arthuro-! Mi tereso I didn’t realize that you were home-! How long were you standing there??”
Feliciano’s voice called Arthur back to the present. Blinking Arthur took in the sight of his husband, his face full of surprise and happiness at seeing him. Arthur gave him a soft smile and pushed himself from the doorway. Wrapping his arms around the slightly taller man Arthur gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
“Not too long love, just got home. This smells divine by the way.”
Arthur said leaning over to get a better whiff. Feli let out a small huff of laughter before playfully shooing him away from the pans.
“It’s not ready you silly man! Be patient and I’ll have it done. Why don’t you go set up the table for me per favore?”
Feliciano asked giving him a small smile. Arthur returned it and placed one more kiss on his husband’s mouth before going to do as he was asked. From there on the couple worked with one another, enjoying the other’s presence. The soft sound of the music filled the room as they worked, and got dinner ready. Once done they sat down and dug in, chatting about everything and anything that they could think of. It was a peaceful evening for the couple as they ate. When they were done they cleaned everything up and went to the living room to cuddle with one another and watch a movie. It was halfway through the movie when Arthur felt Feliciano lay his head on his shoulder, curling up into his side.
“Ti voglio bene.”
The soft voice of his husband said, his tone and expression full of love and affection. Arthur felt his heart stutter at the sweet words, his chest tight with overwhelming love for the man beside him. Leaning over Arthur kissed Feli softly.
“I love you too.”
The Englishman said his voice soft and full of honesty and love. Feliciano smiled at him before going in for another kiss, their movie completely forgotten as they got lost in one another. It was nothing more than two people who were in love, full of simple moments that many wouldn’t pay attention to. But to Arthur and Feliciano it was a sweet fantasy that they never wanted to end.
*I’m a slut for this song and honestly I regret nothing. Domestic fluff involving two husbands who enjoy a meal together and are completely enamored with one another are what give me a will to live dhsgdgdgdgg. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!! And here’s prompt six @engitaweek2022!!!*
complicated romantic relationships in a single scandinavian family (in general, yes, they are siblings. not biological relatives, of course, because anthropomorphic personifications cannot have parents and blood relatives in principle. maybe i’ll tell more about this someday and show my version of hetalian genealogy)
(adm: A long time ago, I posted the first version of this semi realistic drawing but deleted it a few hours later because I was embarrassed of the result. I was feeling super bad about myself, and I was going to delete it permanently from my files- something I never do no matter how terrible a drawing is. But my best friend @darkumbreon9 insisted that it looked good and convinced me to keep working on it. I’ve worked on it from time to time and I guess I can say that i managed to make this piece to look fairly decent. Sorry for bad spelling, I’m extremely tired rn lmao. But since I put so much effort in this, I figured I should share.)
The Few were the Allied airmen of the Royal Air Force (RAF) who fought the Battle of Britain in the Second World War. The term comes from Winston Churchill’s phrase “Never, in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many to so few.” It also alludes to Shakespeare’s famous speech in his play, Henry V: “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…”
A redraw of sorts of this two-year-old piece. At the time I was wondering how to interpret the battle of Britain because it gave me a lot to work on. This was the second option at the time.
So after some time, it came back to me and I figured, what the heck.
★ NEW HETALIA STICKER SET! ★ Alfred got the entire state of Florida because WHY NOT UP ON MY ETSY! you can also buy it directly @ AFA SINGAPORE this 30 Nov ~ 2 Dec!
