ｔｈｅ ｂａｌｃｏｎｙ ｂｅｌｏｗ ｍｅ

[vault]

As Ludwig came to a stop, Feliciano's first reaction was to look at their hands in confusion. Predictably, that means he almost ended up with whiplash as he heard the other man's words, snapping his head up to make eye contact. "W-what, really?" He shook his head furiously to stave off his inevitable emotional response. "No, I couldn't do that, that would be such an imposition, and it's your family event, I couldn't possibly go because I don't belong there, and then what if your family got mad at you because of me, that would be terrible, I would never forgive myself—" he took a deep breath, unable to continue without air. "And it's okay because they might be back well probably not but they're going to try and it's the thought that counts right because Lud that's too much—" he choked on his own words, then, no idea how to continue. So he did the only thing he always felt was right, throwing himself at Ludwig in a hug.

After a moment of recovery, he mumbled into Lud's coat. "That's too kind of an offer, isn't it?" Pulling back before adding, "I can't ask that of you." Gently pulling Lud towards the stairs, he tugged the other's hand. "Come on, we have to leave now or we'll end up completely off your schedule, and we can't have that." He couldn't ruin this for Lud too. If Lud insisted, he would go, but what if that was a horrible idea and he made everyone angry? He really had no concrete reason to go, did he? He hoped that the fresh (ish) air would help his thoughts along.

[ I had to rewrite this dumb thing twice due to wifi issues augh sorry it's not up to par ;n; ]

[zombles]

"Feli," Ludwig started to protest as the shorter man begun dragging him down the flight of staircase. He couldn't just leave their argument like that, he felt terribly bad now. Once they got to the bottom of the stairs, Ludwig let go of Feliciano's hand to clasp the other on the shoulders and firmly plant him into the ground. This time he couldn't get away. Good. Taking a deep breath, he let go of the brunet's shoulders to address the situation.

"Feliciano Vargas, it doesn't matter if we get completely off my damn schedule, but I need to know if you want to come or not. My family would probably be ecstatic to have someone come over. Frankly, I've never had a friend before to actually bring to Christmas with me. Gilbert wants a proper introduction as well. That doesn't mean anything, but still..." Biting down on his lip, Ludwig's eyes searched for the returning pair of amber, a little bit nervous. He wasn't the best at persuading people. He just wanted the shorter man with reddish brown hair and amber eyes to accept his stupid offer. No longer having to sit through those awkward conversations while his family discussed... things. Around Feliciano, at least, they would act a little more mature than they really were, Ludwig could get a break for one year. He wanted that one person he could make expressions to- oh my god, let's go, I'm going to kill them, and I'm sorry. Feliciano was the nicest person he had ever known. That was only out of the people he knew though. Sometimes the brunet could get hard to handle and Ludwig needed a break, alas that happened to everyone and in the end Feliciano made him happier then he was months before.

[ i understand because that's extremely angering and frustrating as hell ]

[vault]

Feliciano really wasn't sure how to handle the situation, instead looking at his feet as the other said his piece. He'd go, of course he would, but he was such a problem most of the time, and he didn't want to inflict that on people he barely knew. If they were anything like Ludwig, though, maybe it'd be okay. "Are you sure? Absolutely, sure?" He murmured, very tentatively. "If you mean it, I'll go. But you have to promise I won't be a burden to you. And I mean, I'll do my best, but if I'm going to mess things up, then I really couldn't—" He stopped, realizing he'd been repeating himself again. Stupid.

Taking a deep breath, Feli realized Lud really just needed him to give a definitive answer. "If you're sure it would be positive for me to go with you, I will, of course. I trust you completely. And I'd love to go. I'd much rather spend time with you than wait here, of course you're right." He hoped that wasn't rude, oh goodness. Even as open and extroverted as Feli was, he still became anxious in circumstances that he felt he wasn't sure if he should be in. He felt like he was just in the way a lot of the time, and he didn't want anyone to hate him. "I want to spend time with your brother, too! He seems so funny." He wiped his eyes, hoping to get his time-focused German friend on the move at last. "But your schedule is important. You're important." Using his unsubstantial weight, he attempted to push Ludwig towards the door.

[zombles]

Ludwig definitely made sure to drag his feet as Feliciano attempted to push him towards the door. Thank goodness he was like a boulder sometimes- more like all the time. He blushed just a tad at the other's flattery, if you could call it that. It felt like flattery. He inhaled very deeply before wrapping his arms around Feliciano's body and enveloping him into a hug.

"You're coming with me, Feli. Gilbert and Thomas argue a lot, they all do. But... I'm very happy that you're coming. You're going to have to persuade them to speak English the time you're there," Ludwig mumbled into Feliciano's fluffing clothing. After a while, he took a step back and then cocking his head towards the door, which was not far away.

Ludwig reached down and firmly grasped the other's hand, pushing open the door and now ushering him out the door. "I might need your scarf, now," he admitted with hesitation, glancing back at the Italian, making sure he was following him now.

[ I'm sorry if this is short, I'm waiting at an Outback with cousins for my food haha... So long and hungry lmao. ]

[vault]

Finding himself in Ludwig's arms yet again, Feliciano was quite content with the way their day was going—and they hadn't even gotten to the market yet! God, he loved hugs. And he really liked Ludwig, so it was twice the happy Feli. He had no idea how to label Ludwig, he was just Ludwig. His Ludwig. And Ludwig was going to spend Christmas with him! He squeezed tighter, hopefully not reducing the German's ability to breathe. He wasn't that strong, at least not compared to the other man. "They sound great. I'm excited to meet them." Feli chirped, a small laugh escaping. "And it's your gathering, you should speak what you're most comfortable with. Don't let me ruin that." He had a genuine smile on his face, wanting to assure the other that he meant every word.

Still beaming as Lud retreated to the door, Feli skipped after him into the cool city air. At the semi-request, Feliciano brightened in joy, slipping his scarf from his own neck and tying it securely around Ludwig's neck—all without slowing their pace. It didn't quite match, being brighter than the rest of his muted ensemble, but Feli made sure it looked nice. According to him, anyway. It definitely covered his neck, and it was the warmest he had, so he could be confident that Lud would be warmer with it. Maybe—if Feliciano kept up the pace, that is—they'd still make the right train.

[ Totally don't care, it's long enough to reply to! Also, it means I'll reply fast too but don't worry about reply time/length ]

[zombles]

[ (they're practically married already) ]

The warm cloth wrapped against his neck, Ludwig stifled a small chuckle. The scarf was so cheerful, bright, and welcoming in contrast to his own bleak clothing. Jeans and a muted olive green t-shirt was what he usually wore, until now he had never realized how more colorful Feliciano's own clothing was to his. It wasn't like he was going to start dressing cheerful all of the sudden though- these clothes matched him. Though, Ludwig realized that- what the hell was he thinking? Since when could he think that much about just an outfit he had selected for the day. He had much better things to think about, like Feliciano for example. He exhaled a breath he didn't know he had been holding once the other's tanner hands drifted away from his neck. Dear, sweet Feliciano. The real thing was much better than his musings in his head. It was time to concentrate on him, and not stay in his head. He couldn't, sadly, be around the short Italian twenty-four seven, so now was the time to enjoy the other while he was here.

"I think we can make the next one," slipping his hand into his pocket, Ludwig pulled out the crumpled paper. Using his one empty hand he smoothed it against his pant leg. He held it out for Feliciano, though. It was better for him to see the times too, that way, maybe, Feliciano would be eager to hurry along the rainy streets of London.

[vault]

[ s o o n ]

Admiring his handiwork with the scarf, Feliciano winked, chirping "Aww, it looks so good on you. You should keep it for a dash of color in your life." Gently poking fun at each other seemed to be a tradition that took on quickly between the two, though they managed never to hurt the other's feelings. Thank God for that. Feli would be very upset either way if that happened.

Still a bit giddy as the other pulled out his timetable, Feliciano scoffed. "We definitely can make that." Checking his phone's clock, though, Feliciano let out a small "Eep" before beginning to walk double-time to the nearest station entrance, almost managing to stay ahead of Ludwig. The way to his University was long and via the tube, so he was fairly comfortable in the underground's environment. He loved chatting with ordinary people whilst waiting for transit, even if most weren't in the mood to make polite conversation. Not one to let a little snubbing get the better of him, though, he was still one of the cheeriest passengers the tube had ever seen.

He had an oyster card, of course, in a cute little plastic spaghetti-patterned holder attached to his coat's zipper. He'd lost a couple cards before his brother bought it for him, with a mixture of annoyance and purposed mocking (and caring, of course, even if Lovi wouldn't admit it). He adored the thing and all of its stereotypical glory, especially with how easy it was to pay just by leaning towards the machines. This way, he could avoid Ludwig paying for his ticket or anything, as he'd noticed Ludwig was prone to doing.

[zombles]

[ writer's block today has been getting at me. so sorry. ]

While Feliciano sped in front of him, Ludwig had been shuffling through his side pockets. Until he brought out his wallet and with that used it to grab his own oyster card from the little slip within the wallet. Without out looking up since he had one hand occupied with Feliciano's and the other trying to take the card out. "Hold on, I have to get my card out." He mumbled without looking up (definitely relying on him to be his eyes and ears at the moment). Until he noticed that it didn't seem like he was going to stop anytime soon.

At this, Ludwig looked up and scoffed loudly, spotting Feliciano getting ready to use the prominent oyster card on his jacket as they continued towards the machines. "No, Feliciano! This is my adventure, I should be paying for you. Don't you dare," he tried to say in a threatening voice, but not managing to. Ludwig had been planning this for days, and that meant he should be the one paying. If Feliciano did end up paying, he was going to get him some how.

[vault]

[ Ah, don't worry about it. I understand. Let me know if I can help! (shorter/longer posts, better posts, etc) ]

At first, maybe, that "threatening" voice may have been frightening to Feliciano. No longer, though. Ludwig had a different voice when he was really angry, and yet another when he was trying to be stern. But it was too late, Feliciano knew that Ludwig was just a big teddy bear, gruff on the outside but gooey on the inside. Not going to be one-upped this time, Feliciano escaped, dashed ahead, and got through a station before Ludwig could properly grab and stop him. "Not this time!" He called back, knowing he'd get flak for that later, but he didn't care. Ludwig would just get him back with niceness, like he'd said.

He stopped on the other side of the gates, looking through innocently at Ludwig. Luckily, he wasn't in anyone's way—yet. "It's OUR adventure, Luddy. Don't be silly." Leaning on the machine casually, he added, "Besides, I basically made you take me." Once Ludwig was through—it's not like he'd really be grumpy for long, anyway—Feli threaded his arm through Lud's, rushing down the stairs. They'd better make the right train, Feli hadn't walked that fast for that length of time in—well, a long time. Feli wasn't that athletic, he just had a high metabolism. He hoped they were still on schedule.

[zombles]

[ how can you make your posts better? they're already great to me. ]

The biggest drawback that Ludwig had ever known was that Feliciano could actually be fast when he wanted to. And a side effect to that drawback was he was only fast when he didn't want the blond getting him. Ludwig should of caught him, it was something he was used to it, but still. "I'm the one who's been planning it for a week." He sent a small glare his way and pressing his oyster card above the machine that let him pass through.

Alas, it was hard to stay made at him for a long time. Ludwig had tried it once, and it didn't work out. Especially when Feliciano stayed with him the majority of the time after he was mad. He always gave him that innocent look. It was such a convincing one too. Damn it. He let the brunet drag him along and managed to keep up with him even in his now grumpy mood, thinking of ways to possibly get back at him. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Ludwig pulled back his sleeve to check the time upon their watch. Thank the lord, they still had a minute or two until the train arrived.