Vargas Through the Looking Glass

(Author's Note - Phew, first chapter... My, well it certainly has a long way to grow... Apologies in advance if I underuse S. Italy's profanity. I'm not too fond of it.. I'm not putting in accents because 1) I'm slightly lazy, and 2) They get annoying to read!!)

Chapter 1

Feliciano Vargas had a bright, cheery, and optimistic smile on his face. "Buongiorno!" He enthusiastically called, each time he threw the newspaper onto a front porch. Occasionally, after hearing a "Grazie," usually followed by a Mister Vargas, Feliciano, or Feli (If it was one of his friends), he said "Con piacere~!" After all, he worked his job with pleasure. If the newspaper headlines warned of a danger, he would reply "Stai attento!", or take care.

Many said that the young man had some strange brain disease, or that he had grown up well, or his family was all together and loving. Really, it wasn't because Feli had gotten a new pet, which he hadn't - Ludwig didn't allow pets; or anything similar to that. He just gave off sincere hope like a beacon gives off light.

The pay for the job wasn't high, but it was enough to scrape by. Due to this, his brother, Lovino Vargas - who was a few years older than him and quite sickly; seemed to always be on his deathbed. The sibling had a strong heart, for sure, but definitely not towards people, unlike his little brother.

Both of them lived with Ludwig Beilschmidt, who was a few months older than Lovino. His older brother had been enlisted to go fight in the war, leaving a room for one more.

This one happened to be a foreigner by the name of Kiku Honda. Kiku didn't really talk much, and he spent a lot of time in his, or Ludwig's brother's old, room.

Anyways, one day when Feliciano Vargas got home from his low-paying job, Kiku was waiting for him at the door. "Ciao, Kiku~" His face was quite bright. "Fericiano, your brother would request to speak with you." There Kiku was with his neutral-moodedness and politeness at the same time. After all, what Lovino had said was actually a lot cruder than a request. His exact words were - "You're busy? E'un paccato, silent bastard! Go get my fratello when he comes home and tell him he needs to see me!"

Sure, Lovino was an earful for both Kiku and Ludwig, but they still put up with him. (Ludwig lesser times than Kiku.) He tended to put in at least one profane word when he spoke his mind, usually an offensive one at that, and didn't bother halting when Ludwig scolded him. It usually got worse.

Even with the insult, Kiku was rather concerned, for the bad-mouthed older brother's condition had gotten increasingly dangerous. Feliciano went upstairs in their tiny apartment, and into Lovino's room. "You wanted to see me, Fratel-" A gush of red exploded all over Feli's face. "-lo..?"

"Mi spiace, Feli. I thought you were the potato-head." His brother apologised. "Mi e indifferente. It rained outside, my clothes were going to get washed anyways." Feliciano blissfully excused his error. He then coughed spasmodically, and groaned. "Fratello? Are you feeling bene?" The young man gasped. "Si. I'm.. Just fine." Lovino gulped. "Can we go to the park today?" He smiled. His older brother nodded. Feliciano wheeled Lovino out of the room, his chair careening to the side as they made a turn down the hallway. "C-chigi! Watch it, you idiota!" He clenched the arms of the wheelchair. "Ve~, can we have some pasta while we're there, Fratello..?"

"If I don't end up getting killed by your recklessness by the time we get there!" His teeth chattered.

The brothers zoomed out the door. Kiku looked up from his manga. "I should tell Mr. Beilschmidt.."