Not well about one ship in particular

Oh no! ...His fingers! ...They're broken!!

This was something I started back in February and never got around to finishing, but the prompt really fit a date setting so I'm glad I was motivated to finish it! :)

LietBel is a pairing that has potential to be cute, but I think they misunderstand each other SO much. lol Lithuania tries, but tries a little too hard, which pisses Belarus off. And in turn, because Bela is very much like a stray cat that hisses and scratches until she warms up to someone, I think Lithuania accidentally scares her, too. (And in cases like this, some of his earnestness can come off as kind of asshole-ish, which... doesn't help... But it's not like he means to be that way... He's just thinking 'Let me love you!' while she's like 'No! Fuck off!')

But Austria absolutely has the leverage in the relationship. My understanding of the history is that the English wanted the Anglo-Austrian alliance far more than the Austrians did. England is eager to please and Austria gives him a chance (which ends up biting him in the long run because England later allies with Prussia).

SO, I could totally buy that Arthur didn’t make Roderich’s post-divorce skin crawl because he just didn’t have leverage over Roderich in the same way that Antonio did. They come at each other as equals and invested parties and their relationship can be ‘fun’ and ‘carefree’ in a way that Austria’s ‘marriage’ to Spain couldn’t be.

Happy Birthday, Matthew! 🇨🇦

Gotta love him, one of my favourite Hetalia characters.

Also a 'Soulmate AU' treat for other Matthew stans because I feel their starvation from miles away.

Feliciano grinned, feeling his heart swell, “Thanks Lovi that means a lot.”

“It wasn't a compliment! You graduated art school, and Grandpa gave you a fuck ton of money for your media campaign. Hell, Antonio, Francis and Gilbert are friends so of course Francis would pull some strings to allow you to show your art here.”

So maybe Feliciano had a little more connections and privilege than other up and coming artists. Francis and Feliciano weren't really close at all. Francis was friends with his friend Ludwig’s older brother, Gilbert.

“That doesn't mean I didn't put in the work to get here.”

 Feliciano had been on the ground, meeting people, showing his work, selling pieces, and taking commissions. 

 Lovino shrugged, and sipped more wine.

He floated around to people commenting positive things about his pieces: mostly his favorite foods spliced together with mouthless portraits. 

Something he called “Endless Hunger.”

Gilbert, Antonio, and Ludwig showed up to congratulate him. 

“This is really nice amigo! I'm so happy for you. Maybe I could hang up one of these in my restaurant.” Antonio said, standing near a portrait that had spaghetti as the main dish.

“I'd be happy to sell one to you.”

Antonio furrowed his eyebrows “I don't know if I could afford one of these.”

Feliciano gave him a wink, “You'd get a special discount.”

Antonio gave him an even wider grin, and chuckled, “It would have to be a large discount.”

Gilbert slung his arm around Feliciano’s neck, “You know, if I was interested in creating art such as this, I would be just as good as you. But since I can't, I'll concede and say this is awesome!”

Ludwig gave Feliciano a curt nod, admiring the beauty of “Black Forest Cake” and the woman unable to consume it as she had no mouth.

All of their praises really made Feliciano feel all tingly. 

From across the room he noticed a couple approaching his personal favorite, which featured a man and a woman attempting to feed each other gelato. Feliciano excused himself and walked over to them, the man’s hair being split between being orange and blonde down the middle. The woman was wearing fishnets under a black dress and combat boots. Actually they both were wearing  black combat boots.

“Ugh.” Feliciano heard the sound of disgust come from the woman before he got close enough for them to notice him.

“Painfully generic I would say.”

“If this got in, I'm sure yours could have too.”

Feliciano wrinkled his nose before he took a moment to plaster on a smile. He let out a cough.

“Ciao.” Feliciano said, and both of them turned to look at him, the woman was wearing a camera around her neck, blue eyes, long platinum blonde hair, black eyeliner. She was throwing a look of contempt at him and he was a little put off by that .

The man had a nose piercing, and a piercing in one of his thick bushy eyebrows, which he raised at him.

 “This piece here. I would like to know your thoughts on it.” Feliciano gestured to the painting.

“Who the bloody hell are you?” The man gave him a scowl, and the woman in turn narrowed her eyes at him.

Alright, these were not friendly, approachable, art enthusiasts. Even if they were being critical, he assumed they would be open to conversation. Generally people were nice to Feliciano, his face did most of the heavy lifting, his large honey brown eyes being a contributing factor.

“U-um this is my showcase.”

The woman openly gawked, “So I could tell you it's terrible to your face then?”

“Natalya.”

“What? It's true. It's all flash and no substance. ”

“It is a metaphor…for wanting what you can't have.” She snapped her attention back to him, eye contact going on for far too long in his opinion.

“How did you end up getting a showing here? I've heard they're pretty exclusive. That french bloke, Bonfree or whatever his name is, seems like he has a stick up his arse.”

“They are very exclusive. Apparently my artwork was very impressive and Monsieur Bonnefoy wanted to showcase my artistic vision. You've probably heard buzz around me if you're typically in this space.” Feliciano didn't like these people, and if he could do a little boasting he would. Feliciano rocked on his heels.

“I wouldn't say I'm deep in the Art space so I don't think–”

“Listen here you little shit, Bonnefoy’s got cotton between his ears if he thinks your artwork is better than Arthur's.”

“Insulting the person who curates the displays is not going to get your friend's work in here. If you're not happy with the pieces you are free to leave.” Feliciano grinned, making a gesture toward the door.

The woman let out an audible growl and seized his collar, bringing him down to her level nose to nose.

And Feliciano felt his heart racing, pounding against his chest. Feliciano thought the woman, Natalya, was very attractive, but she was terrifying him right now. 

“As much as I would love to see you thrash this little wanker into the ground, I don't want us to get thrown out by security.” Arthur said, placing a hand on Natalya's shoulder. Reluctantly she let go of his collar, crumpling it in the process.

“Is there a problem?” Antonio said, having made his way over. Gilbert, Ludwig and Lovino were not too far behind. 

“No…we’ll be going.” And so Arthur ushered Natalya out. Natalya hissed at him, causing Feliciano to flinch before they left the way they came. 

“They weren't bothering you, huh Feli?” Antonio asked, green eyes filled with concern.

“No, but this piece is my favorite, and it kind of hurts knowing they hate it.” Even though Feliciano got to rub their noses in it, it was a deflection because it really stung.

All flash and no substance?

“You can't just go talk to everybody with your positive attitude. Some people think that's fucking annoying.” Lovino said, crossing his arms.

“Nein, that's not true. They're just assholes, you know, don't let them get to you.” Ludwig gave a nod, “Not in those exact words. But I agree, you shouldn't let negative comments get you down.”

~~~~

Feliciano’s friend and longtime buyer of his artwork, Kiku Honda, had invited him over for dinner. They were sitting on those cute little pillows on the floor. Feliciano would always get shrimp tempura sushi as he wasn't really a fan of the raw stuff. Kiku brought his tea to his lips, letting out a sharp, “Ah!” As it burned his tongue.

“Feli, you know you have to blow it to cool it.”

“I know, I know, it's just that it smells so good that I want to drink it already.”

“How about we talk to distract you from having to wait,” Kiku set down his chopsticks, Feliciano had gotten good at using them actually, “How was your art showcase?”

“Oh, it was great Kiku! There were more people there than I had expected. This fancy aristocrat said he wanted to buy ‘Gelato Lovers’ for his wife.” Feliciano was so excited he couldn't stop waving his hands around, “I have it packaged, I just have to ship it to him. He's already sent half of the payment, and I'm so excited. Especially because I got a few negative comments about it previously.”

Kiku gave him a small smile, “That's great Feli.” Kiku placed a hand under his chin, “Negative comments? Did someone submit something in an anonymous survey?”

Feliciano let out a brief giggle, “No, nothing like that. They said that it was “all flash and no substance” to my face.” Feliciano held up his hands to do quotes.

“That's quite rude. But you have to roll with these types of things, like water off of a duck’s back.”

Feliciano grinned, “Yeah! That's what I've been hearing. It was just nice to get a little reassurance from another customer.”

Kiku gave him a nod before grabbing his tea to take a sip, Feliciano happily did so as well.

Feliciano glanced up to see a painting hanging on his wall that was definitely not one of his.

“Kiku! Where did you get that?” Feliciano pointed at said painting.

“Oh, I was at a vendor's market that was set up for some type of holiday a little while ago.” Kiku craned his neck toward the painting and Feliciano set his tea down. He got up from his position sitting cross-legged and walked over to get a better look.

It was more geometric in style, and was very bright in color, primary yellows, blues and neon oranges. They looked to be five Russian nesting dolls.

“This looks so cool! I usually use warm tones but this is so bright!”

“I thought I needed something to liven up the room. Not that I don't love your paintings Feli…”

Feliciano waved him off, “Of course! Maybe I could buy one, just to study its composition. What's it supposed to be, just toys? What's it called?"

“The artist said it was a family portrait, he signed it and everything.” Kiku said as Feliciano peered down to see “Arthur K.” Written in cursive scrawl. “He didn't tell me what the piece was named. I don't think more exist.”

Feliciano frowned briefly but quickly shrugged it off, “Oh well!” He happily skipped back to the table and sat back down to sip his tea.

~~~~~

Francis had called him a few months later, asking him if he was willing to travel to a museum down state in a few weeks; they wanted one of his pieces for an exhibition on cultural food identity and body image. It was on the local Hetalia University campus.

Feliciano said he'll be able to get his painting “Black Forest Cake” down there for the exhibition.

Ludwig agreed to accompany him to the exhibition. As the responsible person he was, Feliciano knew Ludwig would make sure they got there on time, and that he had all of his materials. Feliciano had business cards with his name and social media handles on them, his name card, pens, and a notepad in case he met a potential client for a commission.

Ludwig double checked everything before they left Feliciano’s townhouse, and soon they were on the road.

Feliciano was bouncing in the passenger seat, although it was his car, Ludwig insisted he drive them there. Feliciano’s phone was connected to the car and providing the directions on screen.

“I'm so excited! Things are going so well for me!”

“It is admirable how fast things are coming along for you. Hard work pays off.” Ludwig gave him a nod.

Ludwig was his friend since college actually. Feliciano was struggling with the directions to Freshman orientation, and Ludwig was going the same way. Feliciano had thought Ludwig was older than he was because of how much taller and bigger he was than Feliciano himself. Ludwig had been calm, collected, and in control. Feliciano stuck with Ludwig through the entire orientation and upon Ludwig mentioning that he hadn't exactly made any friends yet, Feliciano saw the opportunity to do so. 

Ludwig then talked about how he was forced to take a vacation as he'd accumulated so many days at work that he would lose them if he didn't take them. So essentially Feliciano was helping him. Feliciano always worried that Ludwig worked himself too hard, and reminded him to relax every once in a while but the German usually brushed him off.

Ludwig had timed their trip down to the minute and upon deciding he didn't need to go to the bathroom at their planned stop, and running into a bit of traffic, Feliciano forced Ludwig to stop at a random gas station along their route because he had to at this point. Reluctantly after a thorough scolding, Ludwig pulled into the parking lot.

It was deserted, there was only one other worn down car by the pumps.

Feliciano was not alone in the bathroom, there was one other person in there, and he went to the nearest urinal. Upon there being mostly silence he decided to whistle, hearing it echo off of the walls.

“All these fucking urinals and you just had to pick the one right next to mine?”

Feliciano glanced over, eyebrows raised, “I didn't peek.” 

“What?”

“Is that what you're worried about?”

“No! I-Its just like parking spaces!  There's a million open spaces…”

Feliciano wasn't paying attention to what the man was saying anymore but he was staring at him, trying to figure out if he'd seen him before. Orange tips, blonde at the roots, thick bushy eyebrows, green eyes. Nah…Feliciano doesn't think he's seen him before. But the man made a disgruntled sound before he zipped his pants up and left the urinal. He was a bit taller than Feliciano was, made even more so by his boots. After washing his hands he took out what appeared to be eyeliner and started to apply it in the mirror.

Feliciano zipped up his pants just as the man made eye contact with him, “What the fuck is your problem? Are you trying to start a fight with me?”

Feliciano flinched, “No!” He shook his head, hesitantly approaching the sink as the man didn't take his eyes off of him.

“I wouldn't be fucking surprised.. this your thing… I'm not gonna fuck you here no matter how much money you've got.“

Feliciano was shaking, he probably should've asked Ludwig to come in here with him.

“I-i didn't know if we've met before.”

Feliciano, saw his features round out a little, less scrunched and hard as he said, “Oi! You're that right arrogant twat that had that showcase.” He pointed at him with the cap to his eyeliner. “Yeah! I came to see your food paintings and shite.” The man returned to looking at the mirror to apply his eyeliner under his eyes. “Are you traveling downstate at the local Uni for that museum exhibition? That's where I'm going.”

Feliciano blinked, “You?”

The man let out a brief chuckle, “You threatened that my artwork might be more popular than yours?”

“No! I-I'm surprised they put amateurs and lesser known artists in these types of exhibitions too!”

“Fuck off, I'm not an amateur.”

“Let me see what you're bringing.”

“No way, you might punch a hole in it or something. You'll see it when we're downstate.”

“Could I get a little hint to what it's about?”

The man flickered his gaze to him, letting a breath out of his nose, “It's about eating and body image.”

“Sure but what does it have in it?”

“Skeletons.”

“What else?”

The man let out a grunt, snapping his eyeliner closed before he made his way toward the bathroom door.

Feliciano pouted, “Could I at least get your name?”

“Ugh, are you sure you're not trying to hit on me?” The man stopped, turning back toward him.

“No! But it'll be weird when I see you again and I won't know what to call you.”

The man rolled his eyes, and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his denim jacket. The eyeliner actually made him look more attractive in Feliciano’s opinion.

Just then the door to the bathroom swung open with a loud SLAM!

“Arthur what the fuck is taking you so long?” The blonde haired woman he was with at Feliciano's art showcase, wearing a jacket over a long black skirt and boots, stomped over to where they were.

“You can't be in here!” Arthur flinched.

The woman looked at Feliciano, “Tell your boyfriend we have places to be and that you can fuck him at a cleaner gas station next time.”

“You don't have to be so crass. I was trying to wrap things up but the little bugger kept asking questions.”

She grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the bathroom.

“I'll see you there! My name's Feliciano!” Feliciano gave them both a wave.

Ludwig texted him and Feliciano made his way back outside so he wouldn't worry.

~~~~~

The rest of the roadtrip went smoothly, Feliciano hummed along to the songs on the radio and Ludwig focused on listening to the GPS for directions.

Finally they made it to the Picardy Pierre Art Museum. There was free parking on the campus on weekends. Ludwig found a space and offered to carry Feliciano’s art piece in for him.

Feliciano held the door open for Ludwig before trailing after him. The curator, a tall  raven haired man of East Asian descent, wearing glasses, greeted him. He asked if Feliciano was here for the exhibition, it wouldn’t be opening until tomorrow and Feliciano clarified that he was asked to display one of his pieces.

Cheang Sio, the curator, grabbed it from Ludwig and explained that he would arrange the paintings and that he hadn't needed to bring his at all. He could have arranged for it to be shipped to the museum. There were porcelain and ceramic pieces that were arriving today in a shipment as well.

Feliciano wanted to hand deliver his painting because he was a boots on the ground kind of guy. Also he was so excited he didn't realize he could have done so.

Shortly after, Arthur and the blonde he was with came to do the exact same thing. Feliciano grinned and waved, Feliciano was sitting on a bench while Ludwig went to the bathroom. 

“Is this really your boyfriend?”

“No, he's the competition. We went to his showcase, remember?” 

The woman seemed to pause for a moment, a hand on her chin as she stared at Feliciano. It was making him uncomfortable. Her eyes widened and she stalked over to where he was so fast he couldn't even register that her hands were around his throat until it started becoming painful.

“Natalya!” 

“You're only spared for now.” She narrowed her eyes. Her hands loosened from squeezing his throat.

Arthur wrapped his arms around her and pulled her away from him. 

“We’ve talked about this.” 

She rolled her eyes, as he rested his chin on the top of her head. 

Feliciano swallowed, lightly tracing his fingers over his neck.

“You traveled here, by yourself? It seems kind of dangerous…for someone of your stature.”

“He isn't a baby, he's just short.” 

“Nope! I actually came here with a friend of mine. He made sure we had everything I needed. I'm planning to network at the exhibition’s opening, and possibly gain some more clients.”

“Oh…I didn't even think about it like that.”

“It’s not as business-like as it sounds. I'm just going to talk to some visitors and if they want something made, I have business cards.” Feliciano shrugged, he just liked talking to people anyway, if they didn't want a commission it wasn't a big deal.

“You don't have business cards.” Natalya looked up at him.

“Belt up! You don't have to announce it.”

“It's not that hard to get some made. I could give you the business I got mine from, they have a lot of different styles.” Feliciano pulled out his own business card and scribbled the HetaBusiness Cards website on the back.Then he handed it to Arthur. 

The man clicked his tongue, “I still think you're a twat.”

Ludwig approached them then, asking if Feliciano was ready to check into their hotel.

“Good heavens you're fucking huge. Is he your fucking bodyguard?”

Feliciano chuckled, “No silly,” Then he got up, giving them both a wave, “See you tomorrow!”

With a little bounce in his step, he and Ludwig went back to his car.

“Aren't those the two people who were upsetting you at your showing?”

“Yeah!”

Ludwig gave him a nod, “I admire your ability to turn the other cheek.”

Feliciano wanted the opportunity to actually see if Arthur's work was as good as Natalya claimed it was, for his own sense of self gratification. If it wasn't, Feliciano could feel better because then he'd know it was just projection.

~~~~~

Feliciano was excited to be flittering around the room, he'd talked to another artist, a young prodigy named Hubert Edelstein. He was related to a previous client of Feliciano’s. Hubert said he was actually a fan of his and followed him on Hetagram and even found his Hetablr.

That gassed Feliciano up, he felt like he was over the moon. Hubert's piece included a mirror and a reflection of a seemingly androgynous teenager, various clothes scattered the floor.

Hubert designed his work on the more identity side of body image, while Feliciano’s was about eating. 

Hubert said he was going to set up a Caricature stand a little later and handed him a flyer.

Feliciano grinned, he said it seemed fun.

Feliciano talked to an older man who said he remembered his mom making Black Forest Cake for him when he was younger, haven't been able to eat a slice since she died.

Feliciano gave out his business cards to people, who threw them away. Feliciano talked to a young woman who was here for a college course. Feliciano complimented her jumpsuit with dolphin patches sewn on them, and she turned down his invitation to go out for coffee. To which he asked a group of eastern Asian girls the same question. Ludwig pulled his ear and told him not to flirt with the guests.

And before long he almost forgot to go look at Arthur's painting. The event was almost over, and there wasn't anyone near it. Signed by an Arthur K., he recognized that Arthur was the person Kiku had gotten his painting from.

The painting featured a man tearing his skin off down to the bone,  measuring tape was a bright yellow in stark contrast to the white bones, blue entrails, and red blood. The primary colors Arthur liked incorporating in his pieces.

“So, how do you like it?” Feliciano flinched slightly at Arthur having sidled over to him.

“One of my friends has a painting of yours! I do like how you use color.”

Arthur smirked, “Well now you know I'm not just full of hot air. I actually know what I'm talking about.”

Feliciano realized he stroked this man’s ego and maybe if he stroked it a little more, he would show him his technique. And maybe he could incorporate a little of it into his own pieces.

“Could I commission a piece from you?”

“What!?”

“I want something you made in my house."

“I-I mean, sure, whatever. Like are we setting a deadline? You want me to deliver it?”

“No, no, you could come over to my house to make it.”

“What if you're a murderer or something?”

“I think you could easily overpower me if that happened.”

“Not with your bodyguard around! Is he your live-in bodyguard or your boyfriend?”

Feliciano grinned, rocking on his heels, “Neither! I'm single if that's what you're asking.”

“Ugh as if! How much money are we talking?”

Feliciano exchanged contact information with him and he had Heta Bucks the App. Feliciano said whatever price Arthur had for his commissions he'd pay him.

They lived in the same town, so that was convenient. 

~~~~~

Feliciano let Arthur into the townhouse he shared with his brother Lovino, a few weeks later. He had canvases, Arthur only had to bring his paints and brushes. Feliciano took Arthur's jean jacket and hung it on the set of hooks he had by the door. Arthur had given the jacket to him, claiming they had it too hot in there for the summer.

He had a space in the living room that was separated by an island which on the other side was the kitchen.

Arthur set down his bag, and perched himself on the stool. Feliciano sat at the island.

“You know, I could be a murderer, you just let me into your house. There's someone else here isn't it?”

“Nope, mi fratello is out. It's just the two of us.”

“Terrible circumstances for you all around.” Arthur asked where his bathroom was, and Feliciano told him just down the hall to the right.

Arthur was lean, from just the T-shirt he was wearing, he didn't look particularly muscular or anything, Feliciano was rather small himself. He was usually into more muscular guys, but Feliciano liked his eyes. They were such a pretty emerald green.

“When did you first get into painting?” Feliciano asked him, after he'd finished washing his hands, entering back into the room.

He sat back on the seat. “I always liked doodling things during my studies when things got unbearably boring. Sketches of my friends, crushes, the teachers. I didn't get into painting until secondary school when we had to take art classes.” Arthur dug around in his bag before pulling out a few pencils. 

“I did that too! But my head was always filled with ideas that I never could pay attention to my classes.” Feliciano gripped the edge of the stool. “I did a lot of drawing and painting at home. My Grandpa was so supportive of me, he would always gift me paints and canvases and brushes.”

“Must be nice, I got the typical ‘Art isn't a sustainable career path’ speech from my parents.” Arthur waved his hand around flippantly.

Feliciano pouted,”Oh.” 

“I didn't fucking listen to them and got my degree, and did a little freelance graphic design to support myself when I wasn't selling paintings. Arthur brushed his bangs from out of his eyes, “They were technically right in the end.” 

“You've just got to put yourself out there more.”

Arthur brought the pencil to the canvas, staring at it as he said, “I hate social media, fucking hell, networking sounds like a nightmare. I'm fine scrounging for scraps at the bottom.”

Feliciano crossed his arms, “But you're so talented.”

“What am I supposed to be painting for you?” His gaze snapped to Feliciano again

“Whatever you want.”

Arthur pursed his lips, hand to his chin briefly, before he stared at Feliciano. His eyes roamed his face.

“Maybe I could help you with your accounts.”

“No need, you’ve got your own affairs.”

Feliciano frowned.

“Could you hold that expression?”

Feliciano furrowed his eyebrows.

“That one's even better honestly.”

Arthur started scribbling, started sketching rapidly as Feliciano tried to keep his eyebrows furrowed. Arthur glanced back at him a few times, eyes darting rapidly, seemingly trying to memorize his face.

Arthur’s eyebrows were furrowed, bottom lip in between his teeth. Feliciano could see his sharp cheekbones, the freckles that littered across his cheeks. He hadn't exactly expected to be the subject of his own commission. 

“I think I have a picture somewhere.” Feliciano said, his face muscles were starting to cramp and he'd been quiet for far too long.

Arthur paused, lips slightly parted, those thin, cracked, pale pink lips, “Oh…you've got one where you're frowning?”

Feliciano nodded, “Yeah.”

Feliciano went into Lovino's room. Lovino had a box of photos that he kept in his closet. Lovino liked disposable cameras and getting the photos developed. Feliciano had to pull up a chair, it wobbled, he stepped up onto it. The box was on the top shelf, why Lovino hid it up there, Feliciano didn't understand, considering they were the same height. Why would he want to go through this extra effort? Feliciano stood on his tip toes, feeling around, until he finally got a hold of the box.

“Aha!”

Feliciano felt a little unstable, he tried to get his footing.

“You don't have a step stool?” Arthur said, having made his way to the chair, gripping the bottom.

“Nope.” Arthur helped him down, Feliciano used his bony shoulder for balance, the box in the crook of his arm.

Feliciano searched through until he found the one, the day he'd lost his art tablet on the bus, it was a little while ago. Lovino took the picture because he wanted to immortalize his stupidity as he'd said.

Feliciano handed Arthur the picture.

“That works.”

Feliciano used his shoulder again to get back up there. 

“What's this picture from? A funeral?”

“No, I lost an art tablet. I got a new one  later on though, but I lost my files!”

“I typically paint on canvases for this reason.”

“I keep a lot of extras on an external hard drive. Canvases are for gifts.”

“Are you planning to gift my painting to someone?”

Feliciano didn't even think about it, maybe he could give it to Kiku.

~~~~

Feliciano heard Arthur's stomach growl suddenly while he was finishing up sketching his likeness. Feliciano had occasionally peered over his shoulder.

“You want me to cook you something?”

“We could just order takeaway.”

“Sciocchezza, I'm one of the best chefs around.” Feliciano bounced on his toes, hands behind his back.

“You could very well poison me. I haven't forgotten that you could still be a murderer.”

“I'm making it for me too silly. Why would I poison you?”

“To chop me up into little bitty pieces.” 

Feliciano pouted, “Would you visit me again if it's good?”

“We’re playing the long game, eh? Or has this been an elaborate scheme for you to fuck me? I do enjoy beds over gas station bathrooms.”

Feliciano shrugged, “No, I just didn't want you to be hungry.”

“You don't have to go through the effort.”

“I want to make my own pasta though.”

“Make whatever you want for yourself. I'll order takeaway.”  

Feliciano grinned, “Alllright, but I don't think you'll be able to resist once I start making it.”

Arthur rolled his eyes, “I'll manage.”

Feliciano was in the mood for pasta al limone, or lemon pasta. He usually made enough for two anyway. Feliciano had his own pasta noodle machine. He started prepping the dough, flour on his hands, kneading it before rolling it out flat.

Feliciano was putting his arms into rolling it flat, slightly feeling the sensation that someone's eyes were on him, and he briefly met green irises before they looked away.

Feliciano grinned. 

~~~

The noodles were boiling, Feliciano was currently grating parmesan. He had already squeezed the lemon and grated the lemon zest. 

He put them into a bowl along with some cream. He added butter until it melted. Then he combined the sauce and the noodles after draining them off.

Feliciano made two plates, setting them down on the island.

Arthur, who hadn't placed a takeout order despite insisting he'd do so, looked at the plate before flickering to Feliciano’s eyes. His stomach let out a loud growl.

“Maybe I'll taste a little.”

Feliciano put a little from Arthur's plate on a fork and held it out to him. Arthur made his way over. 

Arthur hesitantly ate from off of it, and upon swallowing he could see the man’s eyes light up, Feliciano grinned around his own fork.

Feliciano stood over the island, Arthur had taken a seat, he took the fork from him. After brief hesitation Arthur said, “You'll just have to fucking kill me then.” He continued to eat the pasta, doing so with fever.

“I knew you wouldn't be able to resist!”

Arthur hummed, “This…is so delicious. You should become a bloody chef.”

“Being an artist is my passion. Cooking is more of a hobby.”

“You might not even need to pay me if you just cook my meals.”

“Really?”

“No…well maybe I'll charge you less if you throw in another dish when I come back to finish up.”

“Deal!”

~~~~~

Kiku took the wrapped painting with the sort of subtle surprise that was hard to spot unless you were Feliciano.

“A gift?”

“Yep! That artist you like, I got him to paint something else for you.”

“Feli, I’m speechless.”

“It was no problem, you're my friend!”

“But I met him at a pop up market, he doesn't have a social media presence. It was probably a challenge to track him down.”

Feliciano shook his head, “It was pretty easy. He came to one of my showings.”

Kiku looked at the wrapped painting again, “May I open it?”

“Sure!”

“Apologies for my eagerness.” Kiku untapped the painting and blinked, eyebrows furrowed. “It's you?”

Feliciano nodded.

“How did– I don't—Why are you frowning in it?”

“I don't know.” Feliciano forgot to ask Arthur before he gave Kiku the painting.

~~~~

Feliciano was late, he ran into the doors of the cat cafe, a little bell chimed, and everyone regarded him briefly before they resumed their light conversations. Feliciano saw Arthur playing checkers with a Scottish fold. Well actually the cat was just sitting in Feliciano's seat, and Arthur was moving the pieces against himself.

Feliciano picked up the cat, who hissed at him, before Feliciano placed him down on the floor. Arthur sat back up, a tabby cat in his lap, he made a little chirp like noise and Arthur petted the cat’s stomach.

“Held up in traffic?”

“No. I overslept my alarm. I was taking a siesta.”

“I think your coffee is cold.” He moved a white glass mug over to his side of the table. Then he picked up a mug of his own to sip from. Feliciano assumed it was tea.

“Grazie Arturo.”  The coffee was cold but he could just order another.

“If you'd texted me, maybe I wouldn't have ordered one so early.”

“Oh!” Feliciano got up suddenly and rushed over to where he was. He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “I forgot to do that as soon as I came in!”

Arthur's cheeks were pale pink with blush, “Did your friend like the painting?” 

Feliciano had given the painting to Kiku last week.

Feliciano sat back down.“Yeah! He just wanted to know why you drew one where I'm frowning.”

Arthur grabbed his hand that was just resting by the cold coffee, interlacing their fingers. Arthur's gaze was down toward their joined hands, cheeks still rosy pink.

“Oh. It's silly really. I just thought you looked cute in a kicked puppy sort of way.”

Feliciano grinned. 

Arthur amused him to no end.

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Hubert Edelstein is Kugelmugel.