Blameworthy. (DenNor)

10. The Italians & the Dane's Heart

Matthias tapped on the table with the ring on his knuckle as Francis settled himself on the chair in front of him.

"Have you been here before?" He asked, opening the Menu and skimming through the selections. Matthias eyed the two empty chairs before answering.

"I don't go out for dinner as often as I used to." He responded causally. Francis shook his head.

"That's a shame. Someone with your looks..what a waste." He said with a bite of his lip and a lingering stare, Matthias uncomfortably shifted in his seat as he picked up the Menu that lay in front of him. He wasn't hungry, but he knew that they weren't here just for the food. He ordered a Linguine pasta and a glass of water.

"So, when does the rest of the party show up?" Matthias said taking his glass, but not drinking from it. Francis who had ordered cherry wine, took a sip of his drink.

"Relax, why don't you enjoy the atmosphere?" Francis said waving his wine around the restaurant. There weren't many people yet they sat in the far left, away from any life. Although Matthias had to admit, the place was beautiful. Small chandeliers hung on the ceilings, there was a bar, which in Matthias's book meant that this was definitely a classy restaurant. The chairs were comfortable, and there was even a small stage for performances, which presently, a violinist performed.

The soft cry of violin made Matthias feel uneasy. The musician who played the heartbreaking piece reminded him of Lukas. He was focused, completely enraptured in his instrument. His eyes were closed and his fingers effortlessly danced along the fingerboard. He was young, and dressed in a white dress shirt with suspenders.

With one swoop of his bow he had concluded with a flawless finish. Bowing to the audience he was praised with claps and whistles, someone had also tossed in an elegant rose appreciating his performance more than anyone.

"Beautiful isn't he? Unlike his brother, Feliciano has a talent of swaying people."

"That's.. Feliciano Vargas?" Matthias asked mouth agape. Francis nodded with a proud smile. Matthias turned back to look at him. He was flirting with a gorgeous woman, winking, he delivered her his rose causing her to mindlessly giggle from the flattery. Just then, he glanced up at Matthias and smiled cunningly. Matthias couldn't tell what the Italian was thinking. After his small affair Feliciano skipped his way towards the table.

"Ciao! Come va?" He greeted.

"Just enjoying your music. You were exceptionnel." Francis complimented. Feliciano looked over at Matthias.

"This is Matthias. He's the Dane I told you about." Francis introduced gesturing at him with a flick of his finger while gulping the rest of his drink. Matthias offered to shake his hand, Feliciano shook it, his grip was tight, leaning in he pecked Matthias's cheeks.

"It's nice to meet you. Lovino should arrive any minute." He said, smiling. Matthias smirked.

"I can't wait."

"In the meantime why don't you have a glass of limoncello? Or a beer perhaps?" Feliciano offered, already signaling for a waiter. Matthias twisted the ring on his finger and nodded.

"One drink wouldn't hurt."

---

"So what mischief are you cooking up this time?" Gilbert asked Eduard who was sitting cross-legged on the pavement. His fingers were zooming across the keyboard, the clacking of keys signifying his efforts.

"I don't understand." He muttered. Alfred who was keeping look-out turned to him.

"What don't you understand?" Eduard bit his nail,his eyes skimming through the programs that flashed on his screen.

"There should be a way..." He murmured.

"S'there a problem?" Alfred asked craning his neck, his tongue picking on the toothpick in his mouth. Gilbert pushed him away,

"You keep look out." Alfred stuck out his tongue and continued to watch the entrance of the elaborate restaurant.

"What's going on Intel?"

"I can't get in...it's like they prepared this way before-wait did you just call me Intel?" Gilbert grinned,

"Fits you nicely right? So do you think you'll manage to hack through their system and get all the intel?" Gilbert chuckled. Eduard glared at him, clearly displeased about his new nickname and bad joke attempt, before looking back at his laptop in a feverish manner.

"I'm not sure."

"What about Matthias is he alright?" Gilbert asked, leaning in, he smelled of smoke and cologne.

"He's fine, from what I can hear Lovino hasn't arrived yet." Eduard had adjusted the earpiece in his ear, he was listening in Matthias's conversation through the miniscule microphone he had attached in his ring.

"Keep up the good work Intel!" Gilbert said slapping his back, causing Eduard's glasses to fall askew.

"That's not gonna get old." He muttered.

"Guys we got company." Alfred said, getting up to a crouch. Gilbert looked up from the side of the truck to see the back of Lovino Vargas as he entered the restaurant while Antonio Carriedo headed their way.

"Just be ready." Gilbert said, "Intel we're going to need you to hide...now." Eduard quickly closed his laptop sliding it in his satchel he wrapped it around his back securing it in a knot Eduard stealthily slid underneath the truck.

"Amigos! It's great to see you." Antonio said his hand in his pocket.

"Cut the crap Tony." Alfred said spitting out his toothpick. Antonio raised both hands. Alfred and Gilbert simultaneously aimed their weapons at Antonio.

"I just wanna have a little fun con ustedes." He said holding up a grenade.

"We have a lot to discuss."