Since I first got into hetalia I always wanted to do a screenshot redraw and this time around I finally feel confident enough in my art to try and do one so yeah ALSO HELLO THIS EPIDODE WAS A MEAL
Warning: Guns, action, violence, stealing, alcohol, basically being a criminal. Also Romano’s potty mouth.
~~~~~
Feliciano Vargas.
It was a name that the whole world knew. Given the young man’s reputation, it was hard not to know the name. Feliciano was the world’s greatest thief, having stolen several things throughout his career. From priceless jewels to ancient artifacts, there was nothing that he hadn’t taken at some point. His heists were legendary and he always pulled them off. It left police livid whenever they failed to capture him. Yes Feliciano was one of the very best in the world of crime.
But even he had his moments where he was outsmarted.
It was a simple heist. Feliciano and his group had set their eyes on yet another priceless jewel. The Sapphire of Rome was a recently rediscovered gem, having been believed to have been lost during the Roman Empire era. However recently a team of archeologists had found it. The country of Italy was hosting a grand gala at the jewel museum centered in Rome, where the jewel would be shown off to the people before being placed amongst the rest of the jewels that were priceless. It would during this event that Feliciano would strike. The night of the gala was packed full of guests and the press. Security was tight and on full alert, keeping a keen eye out for anyone suspicious. Politicians and other high ranking members of society were in attendance. The museum that was holding the gala was in full swing of the party, not really paying attention to the surroundings.
A sea of people crowded the floor, women wearing beautiful dresses and men in fancy suits dancing with one another or conversing. A large buffet table was along the edge of the room, filled with champagne, wines and expensive food. Feliciano Vargas was among these people, disguised from those around him. A glass of champagne was in his hand, a bright smile on his face as he conversed with those around him. Sharp amber eyes scanned the room, noting the security and the higher members of Italian society who were waiting for the showing of the jewel. Feliciano was in the middle of taking a sip of his champagne when his ear piece made a noise.
“Oi, bastardo can you hear me?”
A voice said in his ear. Feliciano excused himself from the group of people he’d been speaking too before answering.
“Si, I can hear you. Are you and Kiku in position?”
Feli asked his tone low and barely noticable among the loud voices and noises.
“Si we’re in position. Just let us know when you want us to act.”
A gruff Italian voice said. Feliciano smiled.
“But of course, I’ll be sure to let you know Lovi.”
Feliciano said before signing off. The Italian straightened his suit jacket before making his way back into the sea of guests. Continuing to keep an eye out for the showing and making an effort to blend in he bide his time. He was on his second glass of champagne when the guests were alerted of the unveiling. That was his que. With a practiced ease Feliciano disappeared from the guests and began to make his way towards the destination of the jewel. With quiet and quick movements he made his way past security, nabbing one of the key cards that led to the room where the jewel was. After a few minutes of sneaking he finally made it to the secured door. Pulling out his key card Feli swiped it unlocking the large door that was keeping it safe.
With a satisfied grin the thief made his inside and finally caught sight of it. The jewel was a large blue sapphire about the size of Feliciano’s hand. It was sitting on a soft velvet cushion behind a glass display case, waiting to be put on display for all of Italy and the world to see.
“Too bad they’re not going to get to see it.”
Feli chirped as he reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out his glass cutting kit. With a precise and careful hand, Feliciano stuck it to the glass case and moved the blade into a circle to cut it open. With it done and out of the way he removed the piece of glass and reached inside grasping the jewel and pulling it out. The Italian beamed as he held it, smug and proud to have been able to pull off yet another heist.
“Fantastico. Now to get out of here and meet up with Lovi and Kiku.”
The thief said placing the jewel in the inner pocket of his suit jacket. Once securely placed Feliciano made his escape, heading towards the established exit point that he and his partners had made. Climbing up the ladder to the roof Feli opened the door to be hit by the cold night air. He had just shut the door and was going to head towards the edge of the museum when a voice spoke up.
“Oh my, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
A voice, smooth and accented came from the shadows. Feliciano’s head snapped up at the voice, a small smile coming up onto his face.
“Ve, this is quite the surprise. Then again you always were known for having an eye for shining treasures mi tereso.”
The Italian said, somewhat flirtatious. A small scoff was heard and the figure finally stepped out into the lights.
“That’s rich coming from you love. Quite hypocritical if you ask me.”
A man said his voice unamused. Feliciano smiled even more at the man, keeping a close eye on him.
“I’m quite the hypocrite to be honest. Especially when it comes to you mi amore~”
Feliciano said his expression full of wanting and amusement.
“Oh please enough with the flirtations. You have something that I want and I’d like for you to give it to me.”
The man said his sharp gaze boring into Feli, before pulling a gun out and aiming it at him. The Italian gave a small pout at the other man, placing a hand over his chest dramatically.
“Oh how you wound me. You can’t even spare your love a moment of your time my dear? Then again you always were one to get right to business, aren’t you Arthur?”
The Italian asked tilting his head slightly with a small smirk. Arthur just rolled his eyes keeping his gun pointed. The Englishman stepped closer towards Feliciano, his gaze unwavering.
“Business is what I do love, and you’re unfortunately in it currently. That jewel has a rather large sum of money on the bidding world should it be sold. And I intend to collect it, now hand it over.”
The Brit said holding a hand out for Feliciano to hand it over. The Italian smirked again and began to reach into his jacket before quickly moving. Arthur felt his legs be taken out from under him and he stumbled a loud gasp coming from him. Feliciano was quick reaching forward and grabbing Arthur and wrestling the gun from his grasp. The weapon went skidding across the brick rooftop and Arthur let out a snarl. With a quick movement Arthur elbowed Feliciano in the ribs making him hiss in slight pain. After that they began to struggle trying to overpower the other until finally Feli managed to pin Arthur into his chest. A sharp gasp came from the Brit as he collided with a solid chest.
“You know even though you hurt me with that jab and threatened to shoot me, you’re still the most magnificent sight I’ve ever seen mi tereso.”
Feliciano said voice low and seductive. Arthur stiffened at it, his intelligent green eyes meeting mischievous amber ones.
“You are an absolute bastard and incredibly stupid to be saying things like that. Especially when I could get ahold of my gun again and shot you in your smug face.”
Arthur said his voice a hiss of sorts. The Italian just let out a huff of laughter and leaned in, his breath fanning across the Englishman’s face.
“No you won’t il mio cuore.”
He said confidently. Arthur gave him a sour look his thick eyebrows furrowed in irritation yet his pale cheeks slowly started to turn red from the closeness of the other man.
“Oh, what makes you say that?”
The Brit asked an eyebrow quirking up in question. Feli leaned even closer his lips now barely touching Arthur’s own. The Englishman felt his heart speed up and he could feel Feliciano’s speeding up as well.
“Because……..you love me as I love you my beloved Arthur.”
The Italian stated before closing his eyes and going for a kiss. The Englishman didn’t fight it, instead going to meet him halfway…….
“SECURITY BREACH! THERE’S BEEN A SECURITY BREACH!!!”
A loud voice over a megaphone broke out into the night. The loud sounds of sirens screeched into the Italian night causing Feliciano and Arthur to jump apart. Arthur looked around cursing as he ran to grab his gun and find a way off the rooftop. Feliciano moved just as quickly getting his equipment together before going and grabbing Arthur once he was within reach. Arthur let out a sharp noise as he was pressed against Feli again.
“Hold on tight bella, we’re going on a little ride!”
Feli chirped before stepping onto the ledge. The door to the roof was just being slammed open before Feli jumped with Arthur tight in his grip. The duo zipped down the pulley system before landing on the ground into a nearby alleyway. Feliciano set Arthur down on his feet, keeping him pressed up against the damp and hard brick wall as the frames of a few Italian police officers went rushing by.
“This way, I’ve got a ride.”
Feliciano said grabbing Arthur’s hand and running towards the other end of the alleyway. The two ran through a few winding allies, sticking close to one another and avoiding getting caught. After a few close calls they finally made it to Feli’s escape vehicle. Sitting in the driver’s seat was Lovino, a smoking gun tight in his grip and a downright sour look on his face. In the backseat of the car was Kiku looking calm and unbothered by the whole thing. Tucked under his arm was a sword waiting to be used when it was needed. Feliciano and Arthur practically lunged into the car, making Lovino swear loudly.
“Are you fucking kidding me???? You’re bringing Arthur with us?!? Jesus Christ you really are an idiota!!!”
Lovino growled before slamming on the gas and high tailing it out of there. The sounds of police cars trying to keep up in pursuit sounded behind them. Lovino swore again and tried to aim his gun but couldn’t do it while driving. Feliciano reached over for the steering wheel giving his twin the freedom to shoot his gun. Leaning out of the driver’s window Lovino aimed his trusty hand gun and shot it. The sounds of his bullets hitting the tires of a good few police cars filled the air before the sounds of metal and glass crunching followed behind. Lovino pushed himself back into the car meeting the bright smile of his younger brother.
“Buon Dio you never really miss a target do you?”
Feli asked his tone awed and proud. Lovi gave a smirk to him, his green hazel eyes full of a smug pride.
“Damn right I don’t miss.”
Lovi said speeding the car up to try and shake the last of their pursuers. Arthur was in the back watching from the back window before the sounds of gunshots and the glass shattering was heard. Arthur ducked his head and gave a loud swear.
“They’re shooting at us!”
Arthur said his tone grim. Feli and Lovi exchanged quick looks before Feliciano’s eyes landed on Kiku.
“A little bit of help would be nice per favore Kiku.”
Feli said earning a dark eyed look from the Japanese man. Kiku gave a small nod and climbed out of the sunroof of the car. The night air whipped around the short man, his eyes closed as he stood on top of the car.
One.
Two.
Three.
It happened extremely fast. Kiku’s sword was clicked out of its hilt and with quick fluid movements and the sound of something being cut filled the air. The police cars that were behind them seemed to instantly break apart in different angles. The sword having cut through them all. The sounds of pieces of metal and glass hitting the road were heard and Kiku dropped back down into the car. Once he was in the car drove off and out of the city of Rome, the Sapphire of Rome within their grasp.
~~~~~
It was hours later when their car finally stopped. The bright sunrise shining on them as they took a breather. Kiku was sitting against the car, enjoying the sunrise while Lovino just sat on the hood. A little bit further ahead and away from the car Feliciano and Arthur were walking on the dirt road, their shoulders brushing every so often as they made their way to Arthur’s motorcycle. The two didn’t say much, just enjoying each other’s presence as Arthur hopped onto his motorcycle.
“Are you sure you have to go? I wouldn’t mind having you here mi tereso.”
Feliciano asked his voice somewhat saddened and pleading. He hated it whenever Arthur and him separated. He liked having the Englishman with him, and he loved going on heists with him. He just loved him in general and being away from him was agonizing. Arthur put his helmet on his head, his own gaze mirroring Feliciano’s.
“You know that it’s not possible love. Me and your brother rarely get along as is. Besides I’ve got my own heists I need to do and you have yours.”
Arthur said his tone professional yet dim. It broke Feli’s heart to hear him like that and to hear him say that but he knew that Arthur was right. They were thieves and they had their own heists and goals that they wished to accomplish. That and in their line of work it was best to not get romantically involved with people. Feli felt a gentle hand on his cheek as he looked at the man in front of him. Arthur was caressing his cheek, a thoughtful look on his face.
“Don’t look so down darling. It’s not like we won’t see each other again.”
The Brit said his tone soft and comforting. The Italian let out a small sigh before giving Arthur a small smile.
“I know, I’m just sad that I’m letting such a beautiful masterpiece go. It’s against my very code as a thief you know?”
The younger man said his tone teasing and light somewhat. The older man gave a small huff of laughter and smiled back at him.
“I know it is. Just know that the feeling is mutual love. Till next time.”
Arthur said with a small wave of goodbye the Brit kicked his motorcycle off and sped off into the distance. Leaving Feliciano behind to watch. Once Arthur was gone he made his way back towards his partners who were waiting for him. Kiku placed a hand on Feliciano’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.
“You’ll see him again. In our line of work it’s bound to happen.”
Kiku said softly using logic to help cheer the Italian up. Feli gave him a small smile while Lovi just huffed.
“Yeah, yeah we get it love is a painful thing. Now can we see the jewel? We nearly got our asses thrown in prison for this.”
Lovi said making Kiku also perk up with curiosity. Feli gave a wide eyed look having forgotten about the jewel.
“Ah si of course! Let me just grab it-”
Feliciano said his enthusiasm back for a beat before he stopped all together. Lovino and Kiku looked at him, confused.
“What’s the matter you jerk?”
Lovi asked. Feli looked up his expression stunned. That look made Lovi’s gut sink.
“Uh…..well it appears to no longer be here…..”
The younger Vargas said laughing nervously. The oldest Vargas twin stared at him, his eyes slowly filling with rage while Kiku looked stumped.
“How!?!? How could you lose the jewel?!?! Idiota!!”
Lovino snapped his entire body shaking. Feliciano quickly put his hands up in surrender.
“I don’t know how it happened it was in my suit jacket pocket-!”
Feli said panicked before he and his partners went deathly silent. The sounds of cogs turning could be heard as they came to the obvious conclusion. Lovi let out a loud and livid swear, his voice echoing. Kiku just rubbed the sides of his head to try and ease the sudden headache coming on.
“THAT MOTHERFUCKER! HE TOOK IT RIGHT FROM UNDER OUR NOSES!!! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON HIM I’M GOING TO-!!!”
Lovino’s threat drifted off into rambled angry noises. Feliciano just stared stunned that he was outsmarted by Arthur. He should have known, his beloved was one of the best known jewel thieves in the world. Taking a precious sapphire right from under his nose was a simple feat for one such as Arthur Kirkland. The thief couldn’t help but feel a smile come onto his face before a small bout of laughter hit him. Lovi and Kiku looked at him like he’d just lost his mind. Feliciano let out a laugh here and there before standing up straight and brushing his hair from his eyes.
“Mi tereso you really are the most glorious person I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. This is one of the reasons why I love you.”
Feli said his expression fond and full of excitement as he dashed towards his car.
“Are you two coming?? We’ve got a jewel to get back!!!”
Feli chirped making Lovi and Kiku spring into action. Once they were in the car Feliciano drove out of there in hopes of finding Arthur. Though he knew deep down that Arthur had gotten away and had won this round. But it didn’t bother him. No the chase was what he loved about Arthur, a game of cat and mouse they’d played for years. Arthur Kirkland gave him excitement and a sense of finally living.
And Feliciano Vargas wouldn’t have it any other way.
*……….Y'all ever heard of Lupin the Third??? Cuz fam I’ve been watching it for like days now on the TMS YouTube channel and it’s hella wild and hella good sgsgdgdh. As soon as I saw the prompt crime I knew I had to do this and no I don’t regret anything. Feli and Arthur’s relationship is somewhat based off of the two main love interests in the show Lupin the Third a world renowned thief and Fujiko Mine a world class thief. They have a rather complicated relationship and their interactions are incredibly entertaining. Lovi is based on Jigen, a gunman who’s Lupin’s partner and Kiku is based on Goemon a samurai who helps the two of them out on heists. I had a lot of fun writing this one and my love for things like this will never die sgsgsgs. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!! And here’s prompt five @engitaweek2022!!!*
Warning: Arthur and Lovino’s mouth, my boys likes to swear. As well as possibly incorrect fashion designer things.
~~~~~
Being a fashion designer was no cake walk Arthur had come to learn. Ridiculous hours and having bosses who would completely toss your projects if they deemed them not up to stuff. Running yourself into the ground and if you weren’t lucky, you sometimes got stuck with a stingy boss who would make up every excuse in the book to not pay you what you deserved. Yes being a fashion designer, especially a struggling one was no easy feat. It was a vicious cycle that Arthur had found himself in. For the past few years he’d been struggling, desperately trying to make a name for himself despite everything in the world seemly trying to make it impossible. The grumpy man had been stuck in this situation for quite sometime and it was slowly wearing him down. From putting his blood, sweat and tears into his works only to have his insane boss completely scrap the projects. However Arthur still held on despite being at his limit, desperately holding onto the hope that his efforts would finally bare fruit at some point.
And today it seemed as if his prayers were heard.
The company that Arthur was working for was finally getting some attention. But not just any kind of attention oh no. They were getting attention from agencies that specialized in models who displayed newest fashion trends and clothing. Vargas Modeling/Fashion agency was one of these parties that were interested. They were known for making the newest trends and making small time fashion designers become big. And Arthur Kirkland was determined to try and make a good impression on these people. The Englishman looked through his sketchbook of designs making sure he had everything that he needed as he sat at his work station. Bright and elegant drawings greeted him, full of future designs and clothes that he had been working on over the years. Having counted the papers and seeing that they were all there he let out a small sigh of relief. With gentle hands he placed the book down on his desk before going to grab his scissors and beginning his design for the day.
The sounds of the fabric being cut and placed on his mannequin were soothing to him. A pin cushion was strapped to his wrist and a needle was placed in his mouth as he worked, getting lost in it. Even when his job was utterly ridiculous he wouldn’t trade the making of his designs for anything. Seeing his once mere ideas coming to life made him feel a sense of happiness. Knowing that he could create something out of pieces of cloth and thread was addictive in a way. Arthur was so focused on his task that he nearly stabbed himself in the hand with his needle when the office door burst open. Standing at the door was his boss, a short older man who was extremely unpleasant. Mr. Henderson was his name and he was one of most cheapest, stingiest people Arthur had ever had the displeasure of working for. The man seemed to glare at the room around him, taking in all of his underpaid workers with a sneer. With the sounds of his expensive shoes clicking on the hard floors Mr. Henderson stared at each worker’s designs with a critical eye.
“You call this a dress? Pathetic I’ve seen dish rags with a better presentation.”
Mr. Henderson said to one person, a Hungarian woman named Elizaveta. The young woman seemed to glare at the old man, her bright green eyes full of barely hidden restraint.
“Of course Mr. Henderson, I’ll do better next time.”
Elizaveta said her tone sickeningly sweet. Mr. Henderson just grunted not seeming too interested nor concerned about whether or not he’d upset her. Once Mr. Henderson moved away from her Arthur glanced over at her with a small look. The Hungarian looked back at him seemingly understanding what he was trying to do and gave him a small nod and a tight smile. Mr. Henderson continued on his rampage, saying nasty things to each and every worker. Arthur bit back the urge to snap at his boss, no matter how much he wanted to. All to soon it was Arthur’s turn at being in Mr. Henderson’s sights. Cold eyes stared at Arthur’s piece. The Englishman had been working on a suit, the coat being a nice warm red color with a cream colored shirt underneath it. It was still within its beginning stages having been barely pieced together. Mr. Henderson gave this coat and shirt a burning look, his eyes full of disgust.
“You call this a suit Mr. Kirkland? This looks like it belongs in a circus! Honestly after being here for two years one would think that you would have learned a thing or two! Throw it away and try again!”
Mr. Henderson snarled before moving on. Arthur felt his hands shake with barely contained anger and frustration. It was like this every time Arthur’s turn came up. It was almost as if the old man was personally out to get him. Mr. Henderson returned back to the entranceway of the work room, a disappointed look on his face.
“I honestly can’t believe none of you have managed to come up with something better than these pathetic excuses you dare to call clothing! The Vargas Modeling/Fashion Agency will be here anytime this week and this is all you have to offer them??? Inexcusable and unacceptable! If I don’t see any improvements by the time the agency gets here I will personally fire each and every one of you in this room.”
Mr. Henderson thundered before disappearing from the room. The workers stared at the door in disbelief before harsh, panicked whispers broke out.
“He doesn’t mean that does he? Surely he’s joking!”
A Spaniard named Antonio said unable to believe what he’d just heard.
“Mr. Henderson can’t do this isn’t it illegal???”
Another worker a Taiwanese woman named Mei said looking downright furious at the audacity their boss had. Other voices continued to talk amongst themselves, some of them disbelieving and others ready to just call it quits. Arthur just stared at the door, his whole body frozen as he tried to get himself back to together. The Englishman and his fellow workers were snapped out of it by Elizaveta who quickly brought order to the impending chaos.
“Enough! We will worry about this when we cross that bridge! Right now we have to do our best and show that old jerk that we are more than capable of making wonderful things! Now let’s get back to work!”
She said scanning the room with a stern look. Shortly after the people began to go back to their designs, though their hearts weren’t as into it as before. Mr. Henderson’s words and threats had made them none too enthusiastic to continue. Yet in this world were jobs were necessary they really didn’t have much of a choice but to suck it up until a better opportunity presented itself. Arthur stared at the coat he was working on, it’s warm red color now looking somewhat small and not as good as he’d first thought. The British gentleman gripped his fabrics tightly, wanting nothing more than to scream when a familiar hand grabbed his arm gently.
“If it’s any consolation, I think your suit coat and shirt are absolutely wonderful Arthur.”
Elizaveta said her tone sincere. Arthur gave the Hungarian a small look before sighing softly.
“Thank you Elizaveta. I think your dress is rather lovely as well. That old git doesn’t understand talent when he sees it.”
Arthur said making Elizaveta smile.
“If that’s the case then it applies to your work as well.”
She said sweetly. Arthur just turned away not really in the mood to argue on it. Elizaveta gave Arthur a gentle squeeze before going back to her work station and continuing on her dress. The Brit took a deep breath and began his own work, wanting nothing more than to take his coat and shirt and go home.
‘Just a little bit longer Arthur old boy, soon you’ll get out of here.’
~~~~~
Arthur ran through the busy sidewalk, trying desperately to get to his destination. Pushing past the people without straight up shoving them over. It’d been a few days since the unpleasant meeting with Mr. Henderson and the Englishman had been working non stop on his new project as well as the project that he’d been told to get rid of. Days of nothing but working overtime and desperately trying to get it done and ready to present it to the agency. Days of sleeping barely at all and working himself to the bone. All in the hopes that he would be able to wow the agency and finally get away from the place he was stuck in.
Only to completely mess it up by sleeping in due to his alarm not going off.
“Fucking hell of all the bloody days for me to cock up!”
Arthur hissed under his breath furious with himself. This was possibly his one chance and he was going to screw it all up. The Brit was so busy scolding and berating himself for his carelessness that he didn’t notice the man stepping out into his path. Arthur collided with another person, their bodies tumbling onto the cold sidewalk due to the momentum of Arthur’s running. The papers that were safely in his sketchbook went flying, scattering around them. The Brit sat up with a pained groan, trying to ignore the pain of his body.
“Ah-! I’m so sorry sir! I wasn’t watching were I was going! Here let me help you-”
A voice thick with an Italian accent said. Arthur blinked and turned his attention towards the voice to see that it was the other man who he’d ran into. Bright auburn hair and a strange curl covered a handsome tanned face. Amber hues full of worry stared at him, seemingly unconcerned about his own tumble onto the pavement. He looked a few years younger than Arthur, and he was the most attractive man he’d ever seen.
'Bloody hell he’s like a model…..’
Arthur thought stupidly. The Italian man waved a hand in front of his face, making Arthur snap out of his stupor.
“Oh Dio are you alright? You don’t have a concussion do you?? You did hit the sidewalk pretty hard..”
The man said his tone filling with more concern. Arthur felt his cheeks burn in embarrassment and quickly retorted.
“No-! No I’m fine I’m the one who should be apologizing, I was the one running!”
Arthur said mortified by his behavior. He felt like an awkward teenager instead of a grown man who was twenty three. The man gave him another look obviously not believing him. Arthur didn’t pay him any mind though, scrambling at picking up his sketches and designs. He refused to make eye contact with the handsome stranger. Just as he went to reach out and pick up another sketch a tanned hand beat him to it. Arthur’s eyes snapped to the other man who was now offering a smile as he handed it to him.
“Here let me help you, it’s the least I can do for not paying attention.”
He said with a closed eyed smile. Arthur felt his already red cheeks burn more, his brain short circuiting at the smile.
“Lord have mercy he’s even more attractive when he smiles.”
Arthur thought only to hear a chiming laugh near him. The man was now looking at him amused.
“Ve, so I’m more attractive when I smile si? Well grazie bella.”
The man said giving him a small smirk. Arthur felt his embarrassment go up when he realized that he’d actually said it out loud.
“Oh my God I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize that I’d said it out loud! For fuck sake what’s wrong with me???”
Arthur said nervous and mortified by his actions. The Italian just watched him, slightly taken with this scrambled man in front of him.
“It’s alright bella, I don’t mind if it’s from you. In fact I find it rather flattering that you think so highly of my smile. Would you perhaps like to join me for a morning coff-”
The man began to ask only to be cut off by a loud swear from Arthur. The Brit had remembered that he was running late and was already getting back onto his feet, clutching his messy sketchbook to his chest.
“Fucking hell-! I’m late I’ve got to go! I’m sorry mate!”
Arthur said already running again to try and get to work. The Italian let out a startled noise and shouted out to him as he himself got to his feet. But Arthur was too far away at this point to hear him, instead running full speed down the sidewalk and disappearing into the crowd. Leaving the handsome man behind on the pavement.
~~~~~
Mr. Henderson was not happy.
In fact he was furious.
The short and stout man was bright red in the face, invisible steam coming off of him as Arthur burst through the doors. He’d been extremely late unfortunately and his boss was laying into him in front of all his coworkers.
“TARDINESS IS UNACCEPTABLE! ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE SUCH IMPORTANT CLIENTS COMING IN! I SWEAR TO GOD YOU ARE THE MOST USELESS WORKER I’VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE OF EMPLOYING-”
Mr. Henderson roared, his face slowly turning purple from how loud he was being. Arthur just stood in front of him, gritting his teeth and biting his tongue. The last thing the Brit needed was to lose his own short temper and lose any chance of getting his work noticed. Arthur noticed the pitying and sympathetic looks he was receiving from behind the boss’s back as he got chewed out.
“IF I DIDN’T NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK I WOULD FIRE YOU THIS VERY MINUTE-!!”
Mr. Henderson shouted only to be interrupted by the shrill ringing of his cellphone. The man yanked it from his back pocket and nearly broke the poor thing with how harshly he opened it.
“WHAT?!?………Oh I see……..very well I’ll be down.”
Mr. Henderson said before slamming the cell closed.
“The Vargas Modeling/Fashion Agency is here. Get your ass to your work station and don’t you dare embarrass me Mr. Kirkland. The rest of you get back to work!”
Mr. Henderson barked before storming out of the room to go and greet the Agency in the main entrance and check in desk. Arthur scurried to his work place trying to calm down the raging storm of emotion he was feeling. His hands shook and his stomach rolled with anxiety as he tried to get everything in order. He was just getting his sketchbook in order when he froze dead in place. Arthur’s heart dropped as he realized that one of his designs was missing. He swore drawing the attention of Elizaveta and Antonio who were closer to him.
“Que? Is something wrong Arthuro?”
Antonio asked his light green eyes curious.
“Arthur is everything okay?”
Elizaveta asked concerned by Arthur’s outburst. The Englishman looked up at the two, his dark green eyes filled with distress.
“My sketch! It’s missing!”
Arthur said nearly panicked as he began to search his desk for the missing paper.
“Your sketch? How did you lose it you rarely let that book out of your sight!”
Antonio said dumbfounded by the information. Arthur losing something was almost unheard of around the studio.
“Are you sure it’s missing? Where was the last place you’d seen it?”
Elizaveta asked trying to help her coworker out.
“I had it in my sketchbook! It was there this morning right before I-!”
Arthur began to explain before stopping dead in his sentence as he remembered the incident from earlier. The Englishman let out a loud groan and slammed his head against his desk startling his two coworkers.
“Arthur???”
Elizaveta asked sounding startled while Antonio just stared at him. Arthur let out a series of mumbles making the Hungarian and Spaniard exchange looks.
“Amigo we can’t help you if we can’t hear you.”
Antonio said trying to get Arthur to speak up. The Brit lifted his head from his desk and spoke again.
“This morning I was running late and as I was trying to get to work I’d ran into someone. I must have lost it during the collision….”
Arthur groaned upset with himself for not getting his sketch. Today was just not his day.
“You ran into someone? Did you catch a name? Maybe you can get it after work today?”
Elizaveta asked making Arthur shake his head.
“No I didn’t get his name. All I got out of him was his stupid face and his stupid attractive smile-”
Arthur began to grumble before Elizaveta stopped him.
“Attractive? Oh my so you ran into someone.”
The woman said her tone sly. Antonio let out a small snicker and Arthur’s head snapped up.
“No-! I mean yes-! I mean maybe-?!?! Bloody hell I don’t know that’s not what’s important right now!”
Arthur sputtered his pale freckled cheeks slowly going red. Antonio let out a whistle while Elizaveta gave him a cheeky smile.
“Oh sure Arthur~”
Elizaveta said teasingly before growing somewhat serious. Placing a gentle hand on Arthur’s back she gave a small comforting pat.
“I’m sure that you’ll find your sketch Arthur. If nothing else I know that you’ll make an even better one.”
The Hungarian said earning a hum of agreement from the Spaniard. Arthur gave the two of them small thankful looks before dropping the conversation. As the trio went back to their tasks Arthur began to think of the man he ran into that morning. He thought of his warm amber hues and his dazzling smile and his smooth voice. The Italian was an absolute catch and Arthur still couldn’t believe that he’d managed to interact with someone like that.
'Knock it off Kirkland, you can’t get distracted by a handsome stranger. You’ve got to focus.’
His conscience said stern. The Englishman shook his head, causing his messy blonde hair to sway with the movement before focusing on the outfit in front of him. It was the suit that he’d first worked on only more complete. The Brit was just adding the last few details to it before he’d consider it finished. Arthur had just got the thread through his needle and was stitching the last of the design into the sleeve when the studio doors opened making him and his coworkers pause in their work.
“And here’s where we make our designs and clothes. As you can see our fashion designers are hard at work to make only the best of the best.”
Mr. Henderson said his voice sweet and full of fake pride. The sleazy man stepped further into the room, leading a small group of people into it. Arthur’s gaze landed on them and quickly took notice of how fashionable and lovely they all were. A man with amethyst hues and dark brunette hair was in the front of the group. His face was pale and his chin had a small mole on it. A strange curl stuck out from his head and a pair of thin glasses sat on the bridge of his elegant nose. Beside him was another man with dark brown hair and tanned skin. He had hazel green eyes that were narrowed and a frown was firmly placed on his face. A strange curl also stuck out from his hair on the left side. Arthur felt his heart skip at the scary deja vu he suddenly had at the man’s appearance. He looked scarily like the man he ran into that morning only more sour looking. The man’s gaze turned towards Arthur having felt his staring. A nasty glare bore into his head making Arthur quickly look away. Finally catching sight of the third person who was with the group Arthur about dropped his needle and thread in shock.
Auburn hair with a curl on the right side of his head, tanned skin and a handsome smile. Bright amber eyes full of warmth and curiosity.
It was him.
It was the man from this morning.
Arthur felt his heart stop as he realized that the man he’d ran into, the man who he’d said had an attractive smile to his face, the man he’d left on the sidewalk in his haste to get to work was the man who was a representatives for the agency.
'Jesus Christ I fucked up so badly.’
The thought whispered in panic as Arthur tried to calm himself down. Mr. Henderson’s voice drew his attention as they made their way around. The three representatives looked at the different clothes and designs each one having different reactions to them.
“Oh look how lovely this dress is! Don’t you think so Roderich???”
A chipper Italian voice belonging to the handsome stranger said. The elegant man, Roderich looked at the dress and gave it a critical look.
“It’s impressive. You’re incredibly talented.”
Roderich said his voice thick with an Austrian accent. The answering thank you was sweet and somewhat shy as Elizaveta took in the praise. It continued on like this with each of them praising different works and such. The angry looking Italian, who Arthur heard be called Lovino had taken a liking to Antonio’s designs if the gruff it’s alright said anything about it. Mr. Henderson let them look, obviously not agreeing with what they were saying.
“They have done a splendid job but they’re still learning how to do the business. But a little practice will do them wonders.”
Mr. Henderson said offering a fake smile. It made Arthur want to hurl his pin cushion at him.
“Ve, I really like this one. It’s rather beautiful.”
A voice said close to Arthur making the Englishman jump slightly. Turning to his side he met the amused gaze of the man who he ran into. The Italian was looking at him and his suit, a gentle hand holding one of the sleeves.
“I shouldn’t be surprised though given that your sketch was just as wonderful.”
The man praised making Arthur’s face break out into a blush at the praise.
“I….uh thank you…Mr…..?”
Arthur said fumbling slightly with his thread. The man gave him a small smile and held out his hand.
“Vargas. Feliciano Vargas. Co-owner of the agency.”
The man Feliciano said. Arthur slowly shook his hand, his throat dry.
“Pleasure to meet you Mr. Vargas.”
He said politely trying to ease his racing heart. Feliciano gripped his hand and shook it. Mr. Henderson cleared his throat drawing Feliciano and Arthur’s attention.
“Yes Mr. Kirkland here is one of our beginners here, a novice if you will.”
Mr. Henderson said his tone professional and stiff. Arthur bristled at the man’s tone hating him even more. Even when Arthur was praised the nasty man had to find some way to make it crummy. Feliciano gave Mr. Henderson a searching look not taking too kindly to it either. However he didn’t say anything, in fact it was completely taken care of by his brother who from the moment they’d stepped in the place had been slowly getting more and more irritated.
“For fucks sake you’re a cynical old bastard aren’t you? You say these people are beginners but it’s obvious that they’re not. No beginners can make the things they can make.”
Lovino snapped obviously fed up with the fakeness of it. Mr. Henderson blinked in shock his eyebrow twitching slightly.
“Oh? I didn’t realize, my apologies Mr. Vargas-”
Mr. Henderson began before he was cut off.
“Honestly this is absolute bullshit. From the moment we’ve stepped into this dump it’s been quite clear that your workers aren’t happy and that pisses me off.”
Lovino said his tone angry. Arthur could only watch as the other Vargas brother tore a new one into his boss not seeming to care. Mr. Henderson’s fake niceness was slowly beginning to crack, his own voice becoming snippy and irritated. The workers watched in awe as their boss was put in his place, enjoying the view. Finally it all came to a head as Mr. Henderson exploded. After that the fight was taken out of the workplace, Lovino and Mr. Henderson’s voices raising down the hallway. Once they were gone Roderich addressed the room.
“Since my boss is currently busy at the moment I shall let you all know that you are all incredibly talented. The Vargas Modeling/Fashion agency would be more than happy to have you all in our employment program should you choose.”
The Austrian said making the room explode in happy and excited voices. Arthur felt his jaw drop slightly at the new job offer before a throat clearing drew his attention back to Feliciano. The Italian smiled at him and held something out to him.
“You forgot this when you ran away this morning Mr. Kirkland.”
Feliciano said chipper as Arthur took the paper from his grasp. It was the missing sketch that he’d been looking for.
“Ah please, call me Arthur. And I apologize for running away so quickly, I was in quite the rush. Anyways thank you for returning my sketch.”
Arthur said blushing lightly. Feliciano grinned at the sight.
“Arthur, it suit you bella. Since I returned your sketch I’d like to ask you something.”
Feliciano said his eyes full of amusement and slight nervousness. Arthur felt his heart skip a beat as he was pinned by those eyes.
“Would you perhaps like to join me for a morning coffee sometime? I’d love to get to know a lovely man such as yourself.”
Feliciano said shimmying a bit as he waited for Arthur’s answer. The Englishman stared at him in shock before shyly smiling at him.
“I’d love to.”
Arthur said making Feli beam with happiness. It was that day that Arthur finally got out of the place he was in. From then on the Englishman made a name for himself and his fashions, and fell in love with Feliciano along the way, and years down the road as he sat by his beloved husband’s side in front of their garden Arthur couldn’t help but feel like all of the things he’d went through was worth it.
*Oh Dolly Parton how you make a gal wanna quit her job of working 9 to 5 shsgsgsg. Here’s the second prompt for EngIta week! I wasn’t expecting to write this much and the story is kinda wonky in certain scenes but I tried my best to make it make sense sgsvdvdbdn. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!! And @engitaweek2022*
“Are you sure we have to wait to climb buildings?”
———
I’ve been wanting to draw some RomEst all week, so as my final thing for apheeweek slightly fashionable kids out having a good time. Probably an idea for what Romano and Eve and been doing after my rp “Cluelessly.” Evelin now goes over to Romano’s place for a while. And they hang out at odd shops and scale buildings for fun.
I am gonna miss this week, but I am hoping to keep up with two works a day for at least a while.
I swear I was gonna do choir EstLat and Sci-if EstFin at first but maybe I’ll go back to them later.
