So Do Whiskers and Cute Run in the Family or-? + Feliciano

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

A matter of days had passed since the beginning of the festival, a relatively quiet string of them after the events that had transpired that first day. In returning back from the cages that he had managed to wander to Antonio had received a text from Kári requesting an immediate break. Antonio had granted it without any much question or concern. He’d just assumed the kid had had to go to the bathroom and wanted to eat. Maybe he’d seen someone pass by with some really good festival food he wanted to run and by. No harm done in letting him off suddenly for something like that, especially considering he’d been doing more work than Antonio at that point.

That night when they were closing up, Antonio learned that his assumptions – as per usual – had been wrong. It came across as if Kári wasn’t telling the whole story when he told him about his elder brother that had been take to Weeds and was now an adult mutant in the system. Which, considering the situation as well as the state of anxiety Kári had been in by that point, Antonio couldn’t blame him for being less than completely forthright.

For all of the beliefs that his parents held relating to mutants, they had been interwoven among other Catholic lessons and morals to the point that they didn’t seem especially apparent to Antonio until later in his life when he truly stopped to access the situation. Even then – he came to realize something. While his mother had taught him that servitude was the natural state of mutants, that they were sinners, it wasn’t hate-filled or a doctrine that ran their lives. Hardly. They had few mutants employed in the home for Antonio and his siblings to see, and they were treated not much different than the rest of the maids, or at least they were in front of the children. There was little obvious inferiority or talk of such things that was directly acted upon for them to see. As a result, when things were different in other cultures and places to which he travelled – especially with his later gained confusion surrounding the whole concept – it shocked and perplexed him.

As much as he was aware of auctions, distantly, having heard of them his entire life, it was still entirely new and odd for him to witness perfectly normal looking – in most cases, anyway, the one he’d met on the first day of the festival not withstanding – people sitting in cages to be viewed like pets or merchandise. It was all so jarring to the point that Antonio no longer knew what was quite the normal way to respond or to cope. So when Kári didn’t divulge the entire story or his feelings surrounding it about his elder brother, Antonio wasn’t entirely sure how to react beyond the knee-jerk sympathy he felt.

Fortunately, or perhaps not quite so much, after that Antonio had had little means to sit and ruminate on it all in the afterward. While the next days of the festival were quiet of the sort of things that had taken up the first, they did take a certain toll on his free time to roam. It came to a point that both he and Kári would have to man the stall intermittently. What breaks they had were taken up with standing in lines to order and receive their food before they would have to return. This left the man unable to do the wandering he had done prior. Which, depending on how you looked at it, could have been a good thing. He did have the attention span of a child.

Eventually, though, there did come a day that was quiet enough for a time that the two decided to give the both of them a small break to see more of the festival. And although Antonio had been rather dazed following what he’d seen in the first case of this wandering, he did welcome it to a degree the second time around still. A part of him – did in fact end up purposely ‘meandering his way’ to the cages once more. In hopes of seeing his friend or the cat-mutant from before, he wasn’t entirely sure which, or if that were even the case, considering he knew both would cause him mixed feelings.

As is so very often the case when it came to this Spaniard, he managed to become sidetracked from his original not-quite-but-sort-of-goals.

To be honest he wasn’t quite sure what caught his attention. While he didn’t require glasses – he used barely treated reading glasses when he did a lot of paperwork just to save himself a headache – he didn’t have the eyesight to read normal print from yards away. Nor was it to say that he would be able to see any sort of resemblance. Perhaps it was just his internal radar for cute things. Whatever the reason, as he passed along the area Antonio was drawn to a certain holding cage. And, as he did so in a slowed pace, he caught sight of the given information.

Feliciano Vargas.

Vargas…

He blinked stopped, peered at it again before his gaze properly took in the inhabitant. He bent down then, crouched and folded his hands over his knees comfortably. “This might sound a liiiittle bit odd, but you don’t happen to be related to a cute kitty, do you?” He asked, words coming before they were quite planned out. For one, it could be a coincidence. For two, he might have tried some sort of ice-breaker type line before asking someone if their brother was a cat.

Words: 943

Tags: Feliciano Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Feliciano Vargas]

Feliciano didn't like this festival anymore. The first half-day had been nice. Not the best when he was so hungry having to wait for his usual meal rather than getting bits of Ludwig's, but it had been pleasant. At least as first. Speaking with that stranger, Ren, wasn't particularly fun, either, but meeting young Kari easily made up for that.

Then that fight happened.

As far as fights have gone, it was easily one of his most painless, previous injuries aside. In fact, all of his aches settled deeply in his chest. If the Italian concentrated hard enough, he could feel his ribs rub together with every breath, a painful sensation of bones so slowly knitting together that it was only noticeable over the span of hours, even days, rather than mere minutes. Ludwig hadn't done any lasting damage. Not that he expected Ludwig to do anything that would hurt exponentially, goodness no. However, there might be more pain in their relationship than in Feliciano's body; that will be the hardest to fix. Hopefully, he'll be able to speak to his friend and settle everything properly. If he can't...hopefully Ludwig will be able to see that Feliciano didn't hold anything against him. Nothing at all.

He'd spent a few hours after the fight unconscious, so he wasn't sure what had happened to his friend. Hidden away from the public and given some time to recover (probably for the Underground's benefit rather than his own) Feliciano hadn't been able to find Ludwig once he was dragged, disoriented and still winded even then. He'd been robbed of his meal for the first day. If not for his loss, then because he'd been asleep through feeding time. The loss of food was explicitly felt the day after, when he knew the forced starvation was punishment for not properly entertaining the guests.

It's been over three days since he'd last eaten and that's obvious by now. The Italian could hardly focus on anything but the strong scents of food wafting around him, haunting him with their unattainable temptations. Blini, hoska, shashlyk, pirozhki--those were just a few of the foods he could smell offered up to the crowds, that particular blini stand having taunted him since day one. It gave him a headache, trying to differentiate between the scents of food and the scents of people (especially once things started breaking down to their components rather than the whole sum), leaving him quiet and despondent to any visitors daring to bother him once he'd been dumped back into his cell like a dog.

Honestly? Feliciano wanted to back to the Underground. As dark, dank, and horrible a place it was, he felt safer there. There wasn't so much commotion, all the time. Being in the Underground meant pain, yes, but he was in pain now so what did it really matter? The sun was a nice sight but he wasn't spending a lot of time seeing things anyway, so why waste the time? Even when he managed to blink sight back to his eyes and speak with any lingering passer-bys, they quickly lost interest and moved on. He doubted he'd be bought, just like every auction since that first month in his current prison.

Something strong tickled Feliciano's nose and he couldn't help the twitch he gave, eyebrows furrowing. It was a strange mix of scents--sweet sage undercut with the bitter tang of apple cider vinegar, flowers and acidic tomatoes, all attempting to hide beneath a warm, skin-tingling smell of cinnamon. That tickle in his nose grew and already the boy could feel pressure beginning to build in his sinuses. He had barely enough time to cover his nose with his sleeves before he sneezed three times in rapid succession.

By the time he'd blinked away the tears in his eyes, rubbing his running nose upon his sleeve, the source of that strange, yet interesting scent, had moved closer. Feliciano glanced up, curiosity blatant on his face as he caught sight of the other brunette. The man wasn't quite looking at him yet, standing in front of his cage and glancing over that silly fact-sheet dangling from the bars. Chocolate-brown hair fluttered in the wind, brushing over a strong nose and trying to hide large, warm green eyes from his view. Even from here, it took only a quick glance to see they were different from Lovino's--they contained shades of blue rather than brown, more rich, bright green and gold than ochre and olive. However, there were more similarities in the oval curve of the man's jaw and in the shape of his and his brother's faces than if he were to compare any of the three to most of the crowds surrounding them.

Feliciano felt comfortable with this man already.

Despite the pain it caused, he shifted up into a proper sitting position as the stranger crouched down before him, setting themselves roughly eye-level. There were even little wrinkles in the corners of the man's eyes that crinkled up with his smile, showing his penchant for cheerful expressions. Feliciano's initial approval of this man curbed the shock he felt when the man actually spoke. "This might sound a liiiittle bit odd, but you don't happen to be related a cute kitty, do you?"

Amber eyes blinked slowly as Feliciano took his time processing the question. After a moment or two, though, the Italian giggled, shaking his head. "Ve, I'm not actually related to a cute kitty, because people can't be related to them, silly~!" he replied teasingly, resting his elbows on his knees and leaning forward slightly. This human was funny, to say the least. "But my big brother can turn into a kitty sometimes. Why're you asking, ve? Have you met him?"

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

With his crouching down Antonio was able to see the state of the person residing within the cage. Lovino had been in a bit of a sorry state, thin with a dirty coat of fur. But this one, Feliciano, appeared quite a bit worse. Thin as well, he had a myriad of bandages and the like. Even Gilbert had not seemed near as bad when Antonio had seen him in the actual Underground. Soft brown hair that may have held richer colors if it were better cared for, and big amber eyes set into a childish face exuded nothing but sweetness to Antonio. Who could possibly cause harm to someone so cute?

And then he remembered. Right. The fights in the arena… Antonio had seen the advertising for it, had even heard shouts coming from the distance as he worked. He had thought about them some, wondering how his friend fared, but other than that… He supposed he had pushed the whole idea out of his mind after only a moment or two of applied attention each and every time. And here he was being presented with an example of the after effects of it. To this he could not properly ignore their existence in that moment of realization.

A thread of guilt pulled at the back of his throat in noting that the other had straightened himself up to see him upon Antonio’s coming over. Considering his condition there could be no doubt that the movement had hurt…

The airy giggle at his question, however, pulled Antonio from darker thoughts. Such a sweet sound had no chance of being dampened by them. Antonio instantly smiled once more and laughed a little himself. “Big brother, huh? That’s an interesting thought,” he snorted, trying to imagine that personality he had seen a glimpse of in the position of a caring elder brother. Perhaps Antonio’s view of what such a title entailed was a bit skewed considering his part in a large, warm family. Although, he didn’t always pull off the more learned protective big brother role all that well himself... Lovino may have him beat in that regard.

“I admit I was a bit curious seeing a cute kitty when I wandered over here the first day of the festival,” he confessed, laughing a little at himself. Imagine his surprise when the cute kitty reacted so negatively to him and blatantly spoke his disapproval. Although… yeah, that probably was pretty spot on for the typical image of cats. “Although, he wasn’t as excited about the whole thing,” Antonio said, smiling a bit at the understatement, “not that I can blame him.” For a brief second Antonio thought of how the guard had spoken to him then, but he quickly pushed it aside. For now he was talking to another cutie!

Words: ４６９

Tags: Feliciano Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Feliciano Vargas]

"Big brother, huh? That's an interesting thought," the brunette chuckled, and the genuine amusement there managed to temper the damper the man's actual words put on Feliciano's mood. Then again--it's fairly obvious to most people that Lovino doesn't outwardly seem like much in terms of a caring sibling, and it hurt to admit, even if only to himself, that his elder brother didn't live up to the "role".

However, this man didn't really need to know that, did he? After all, the way the other was speaking, he'd only met Lovino a few days ago. He couldn't have had all that much time talking to Feliciano's brother. Enough to see that Lovino is irritable by nature, but with how cheerful and kind his words are--there's no dishonesty in them, the Italian could hear that clear as day--he didn't seem all that bothered by that. Feliciano's smile grew at that realization. "I admit I was a bit curious seeing a cute kitty when I wandered over here the first day of the festival," the brunette continued almost sheepishly, laughing again. The sound sent a bloom of warmth in Feliciano's chest, a quiet laugh escaping himself as well. "Although he wasn't as excited about the whole thing, not that I can blame him."

Those words smothered his smile, but not by much. The younger brunette could all-too-easily understand Lovino's agitation. His fight with that man, Ren, stood prominent in the back of his mind. The whispering members of the crowd, never-ending stares; even the most stoic of people had to feel uncomfortable under all this dehumanizing attention. However, that only made him feel all the more inexplicably fond of this stranger before him. The brunette treated him like a person. Everyone should be treated like a person, and it was beyond infuriating that it wasn't so for mutants, but that didn't cause him to resent the people that thought beyond government-issued propaganda. Rather, he would like to give the man a hug.

...that didn't sound like a bad idea. An amber-eyed gaze turned thoughtful as Feliciano momentarily turned his attention to the bars. They might make it hard, but it wasn't impossible.

With that thought in mind, he tried to scoot a bit closer to the other side of the bars. (The cage wasn't tall enough for him to stand, so he couldn't straighten up to walk semi-painlessly those small steps) The actions sent a spike of pain up his ribs and he bit back a hiss of pain, hand instinctively curling around his side. But that didn't deter him--as sharp as his eyes were, he wanted to get a better, closer look at the man crouched before him. By the time he made it to the other side, though, his face was white with pain and he's broken out into a cold sweat. It was hard to breathe, but he still managed a grin. "L-Lovi was probably just upset from being hungry, that's all! I'm s-sory if he was rude to you," he replied breathlessly, still clutching at his throbbing side. His free hand poked out between the bars in offer of a handshake "But i-it's nice to meet you, ve. I'm Feliciano Vargas, but you seem like a nice person so call me Feli, per favore?"

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

“You really don’t have to-” Antonio began to protest when Feliciano began to move. That movement clearly caused a substantial amount of pain, as was obvious by the way he looked by the end of it. He was white as a sheet and sweating from the effort of it. Automatically Antonio wanted to help him or have him sit back down where he was, tell him he needn’t move. But his fingers grazed the bars and it clicked. It was a faster realization than before, at least, and didn’t involve him loudly banging against them. That probably would have pulled undue attention upon them in a public place like this… Which may or may not be helpful for the other.

All Antonio could really do was offer his own returned smile once Feliciano was settled – in a sense, perhaps as much as he could – and grinned at him. The expression was more on the sympathetic side from Antonio’s end, however. It turned slightly more genuine at the apology for-his brother? Antonio laughed, shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize!” He wasn’t around to have any say in the matter, nor was it completely surprising that someone would react the way Lovino had in the situation he was in.

Further legitimate joy was born at the following introduction that included some Italian. It made all the more sense now. From what Antonio had seen, both firsthand and not, Italians could be especially nice and cute people. Even Lovino in all of his grumpiness had been cute, after all, and he was an Italian cat at the time! Feliciano, even under his bandages, had a sweet sort of look to him as well. “Antonio Carriedo. If I get to call you Feli, then Toni definitely works for me.”

When the hand was offered out to him, Antonio shook it – lightly, I mean the poor kid was still pretty pale – without a second thought. Perhaps if he’d stopped to think long enough he might have figured some might not think it completely normal or even proper to do so with a mutant behind bars. But as it was… well, Antonio simply saw it as getting to shake hands with a cutie. A touch that he lingered on for a moment, looking down at the hand as his smile dimmed to an extent, slow.

He felt the tug at his brain that told him he shouldn’t be saying it, that even he knew it wasn’t really best to mention it, but… “Are you okay? I mean, should I-” What, call someone? Buy him medicine? Neither seemed as if they would end with Feliciano in a better place than he was now. And that was… quite sad.

Although… his smile returned somewhat, a flash of an idea. “Do you like candy?”

Words: 467

Tags: Feliciano Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Feliciano Vargas]

Feliciano regretted a bit that shifting over to try and shake Antonio's hand in greeting, partially to convince the handsome brunette to lean over a bit closer so the Italian could get a better look at him, see the way he shifted, spoke, laughed, reacted--everything that'd help Feliciano better understand the brunette before him. Seeing the worried expression on his face up close like that, it was all the more obviously genuine, and he honestly didn't want to upset or worry this man.

That smile geared at him was initially dishonest, not a smile at all but a weak attempt to mask the sadness in his eyes, even as he managed to brush away Feliciano's apology with a laugh. "You don't have to apologize!" he said, but that wasn't necessarily true, was it? If Lovino had done something wrong, or mean, or anything distinctly Lovino-esque, then he should apologize himself. However, Feliciano knew that his brother apologized about as often as Feliciano won his fights--basically never. Therefore, someone had to apologize for him, right? It was only fair. In the end, though, Antonio continued, finally relaxing a little as he spoke. "Antonio Carriedo. If I get to call you Feli, then Toni works for me."

Antonio Carriedo... Feliciano rolled the name around his mind a bit, still smiling as the brunette reached out to curl his fingers around the Italian's proffered hand--it wasn't a very firm handshake, but that seemed deliberate, rather than the other simply having a weak grip. It was kind of him, in a way--Feliciano's arms hurt and too much jostling would just send another flair of pain through him. Antonio Carriedo was a kind man, that alone was easy enough to see. The name sounded Latin, and it seemed plausible that he could come from the same roots as Feliciano himself. After all, what Feliciano knew of Italy came solely from his parents and short-lived research in his own time at Weeds. Nothing truly concrete, now. Mama and Papa were mostly vague memories now, impressions and voices and embodiments of love rather than solid people. At the same time, though... There were vague nuances in his voice that were slightly foreign to Feliciano--he stressed different syllables and pronounced a few letters differently than both Lovino and Feliciano themselves and the general Russian-speaking population. It was obvious he wasn't Russian by his looks anyway, but the accent gave away any attempts he might've made to pretend being a Russian citizen of foreign ancestry. He wondered where this man came from...

The older brunette broke into Feliciano's thoughts with that worried tone once again, warm fingers still curled around his own chilled digits. "Are you okay? Should I--" Antonio cut himself off, looking torn, and Feliciano could only blink a little in shock.

Are you okay? Feliciano hadn't really been asked that question in a long time (at least not by anyone but his closest friend--"are you okay" and its variants was Ludwig's favorite question, the worrywart). Was he okay? No, he wasn't okay in any sense of the word--and... he hadn't been okay in a long time. The realization drew a small frown out of him, squeezing a little tighter at the man's hand. There wasn't anything someone could deem "alright" about his situation--he was sitting in a cage, for crying out loud. He was abused and starved and beaten on a weekly basis for a part of himself he couldn't truly control--he hadn't chosen to have these powers. In a society where such persons were ostracized, discriminated against, and hurt, who would truly choose to have powers in the first place? Feliciano wouldn't; he didn't know anyone who was 100% thankful for the lives they led or the possession of these super-human abilities. He physically wasn't okay, either--he hadn't eaten in three days, and the pain in his abdomen let him know how his stomach felt about this. He was still trembling from the earlier stabs of pain from his side, bones not knitting back together near as quickly as they should be. Which was only understandable considering how he wasn't being fed properly.

No, he wasn't okay.

Feliciano smiled as brightly as he could, shaking his head slightly. "Ve, I'll be okay, Tonino!" he chirped, gently running his fingers over his aching side. "They're just a few broken bones, si? They'll heal eventually. You don't have to do anything." At that last question, though, his smile grew a bit more, curiosity twinkling in his eyes as he stared up at the brunette. "Candy? Si, of course I like candy! Who doesn't like sweets? Why're you asking?"

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

Just a few broken bones. Heal eventually. To hear such things spoken with as bright a tone as it was… Perhaps he had heard similar comments, in the more controversial times of his life. About healing injuries and the sort of resigned acceptance to them. He may have said things along the same lines himself a couple of times. Tried to act brave as a child that had skinned his knee, broken his arm being too rowdy and falling from a tree on the family property. Later as an adult, assuring his mother over the phone countries away that he was fine. But this… this was a very different sort of resigned, attempted cheer wasn’t it? Because really, what say or choice did one have in the matter when they were in Feliciano’s position? Every time in his life that Antonio had been harmed he could readily get medical treatment. He’d even been able to get treated quickly enough when he was hurt in other countries, going to public clinics or hospitals unlike the sort of care he’d been able to receive as the child of such a family as his.

“It’s not much, and if you told me what sort of food you liked I’d definitely be willing to go to one of the stalls to get you something, but…” There was some guilt that this was all he had to offer. It would hardly lessen any pain or give him nutrition… at all. As he pulled out the pair of Chupa Chups from his pocket he thought offhandedly that he’d never considered the nutritional value of them or candy before in general. “Right now I’ve got Green Apple and Chocolate.” He said, offering them up. This was one of the few times outside of his coming upon children and being in need of a sweet at random moments that Antonio was thankful for his habit of carrying around assorted Chupa Chups in his pocket.

“These are my favorite candy,” he explained, smiling at the bit of nostalgia. “I’m sad I don’t have better flavors for you right now, because they really do have some of the best, most interesting tastes out there for lollis.” Again, his laugh, smile, shrug were on the apologetic side. Unfortunately the other three he’d had earlier that day had been given to a couple trying to calm their toddler as they bought flowers at his booth.

Not long before he’d had fish to give to this very Italian’s at the time feline-brother, something he may recall later and think a bit funny. For whatever reason Antonio had been drawn to this pair and wanted to give them what he could, however small, to help with their situation. Even if the most he could do was partially relieve some hunger and talk with them some...

Words: 471

Tags: Feliciano Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Feliciano Vargas]

Any concern Feliciano might've had for the momentary lapse of silence Antonio fell into after Feliciano spoke up about his injuries, it vanished the moment the brunette replied, sticking firmly to the discussion of candy and food. "It's not much, and if you told me what sort of food you liked I'd definitely be willing to go to one of the stalls to get you something, but..."

Amber eyes immediately darted over to that damned blini stand across the square from his cell, the older man momentarily losing his place as the center of the mutant's attention because Antonio was willing to go get food for him. Would he want the sweet blini he'd been craving earlier: either bananas and sweet cream with exactly three spoonfuls of sugar sprinkled over the top or maybe chocolate and chocolate or sour cream and orange jam or even all the fruit topped off with honey and chocolate; or something more filling: cream cheese and salmon and caviar, or maybe the fried eggplant and mushroom. He had to swallow at the thought, sight tunneling a bit as Antonio's words turned into gray static at the edge of his focus. But another wayward scent tickled his nose and the Italian's gaze leaped over to the pirozhki stand further down the row. Beef, lamb, chicken, or even the stewed apricots and cottage cheese-stuffed buns called out to him. If he wanted meat, though, the shashlyk stall tempted him, glistening pieces of roasted beef and fried mushrooms called out to him.

Feliciano's nose scrunched up slightly in surprise as glucose syrup invaded his nostrils next, a much closer source than the hot and ready food across the way. He shook his head slightly, trying to draw himself back to his body before he started zoning out entirely (and possibly drooling all over himself). Slightly dazed, the Italian forced his attention back on Antonio once again; blinking a bit at the lollipops being held out to him. "--ave better flavors for you right now, because they really do have some of the best, most interesting tastes out there for lollies," the man was explaining, looking apologetic. Feliciano had smelt something sweet on him, not going to lie, but he hadn't been paying enough attention to realize that the scent was actually from Antonio carrying the sugary treats (had simply assumed he had eaten something earlier. Shame on him for not actually noticing) in his pocket.

Just before he could wrap his fingers around the chocolate sucker--he may've lost focus a moment, but he could easily smell (practically taste) the flavors embedded in the two pieces of candy--Feliciano hesitated, a worried frown on his face. There were guards patrolling the area, to make sure the mutants were staying non-violent with the people they interacted with. He wasn't sure if it was allowed for the humans to give the mutants treats like this, but knowing the cruel nature of some of the guards...

A loud gurgle escaped his stomach, practically voicing its disappointment as Feliciano let his hand fall back into his lap, biting the inside of his cheek. For the moment, it was all he could do to swallow down the words begging to be spoken: "Since you're being so nice, could you please please please go get me a blini--I don't care what's on it because I'm so hungry per favore". He took a moment to listen and see if any of the guards were within earshot before he spoke, because what would be worse than getting caught taking something from this too-kind human when he wasn't supposed to was simply drawing attention to Antonio for offering something and leading to the both of them getting into trouble, instead. "Veeeee, you don't have to give me anything, Toni," he murmured, taking a gentle grip of his knees with both hands to temper the growing urge to simply take both lollipops and eat them as quick as possible. "I don't know if you'll get in trouble, but you might if you get caught giving me something, a-and I don't want to get you into trouble..." Feliciano could wait another few hours (maybe) before the guards actually brought him his dinner rations. The administration couldn't go another day withholding food from him, after all. They had to feed him today, to keep him from fainting from deprivation and painting the entire system in a bad light.

...Right?

A weak smile spread across his face at that thought (not because he was happy but because he needed a bit of good cheer to distract him from how terrible the idea was and he'd been told that smiling when you're upset can actually help you feel better), geared up at the Spaniard. "B-But thank you for offering!" he added hastily, hoping he hadn't put the man off by refusing his kind offer, good intentions or otherwise. "But you're already making me feel better by talking with me! I'm happy with that, ve~"

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

Whether it be because of his usual obliviousness, the lack of any real reaction to his doing it once before, or a mixture of both, Antonio blinked confusedly at the idea of causing trouble with the guards by giving Feli food. Why would they even care? At best they would be saved some food for another mutant later if a few were full from given food, at worse… Antonio supposed there could be an unknown food allergy that unfortunately ended up rearing it’s head? He frowned at the mere thought, Lord would that be awkward and unpleasant. No one could be allergic to lollipops, right? Maybe if it was artificial flavoring, he might have heard that mentioned by a few people over the years. Certain red food dyes causing rashes or something…

Fortunately for both their sakes, Antonio had enough of a filter to not oblige Feliciano with the full range of said thoughts. “I don’t know why they would be mad… I gave your brother some food I had bought and nothing happened… That was the first day though.” He said lightly, making the realization as he spoke. Perhaps there was more of a watch for new rules since it had been some time since the festival had begun?

“But if I can’t give you some food-” then what can I do for you? Antonio realized then that, as was the case before, he had no plan in mind when he stopped to speak to someone inside one of the mutant cages. As had happened before he had simply been drawn to one and into conversation with its inhabitant. But it felt – strangely uncomfortable to start talking with someone in the sort of situation the mutants were in without… anything. At best he could give them some food and some entertainment. At worst he annoyed someone to the point he clearly had Lovino and left them with a bad taste in their mouth. It wasn’t as if he could say something like ‘see you later.’

Antonio tilted his head to one side, the action sifting away his thoughts out of the present like some sort of calm snow globe. “If anything I can say I’m blessed to have met you today. No matter what someone sweet and cute always makes a day better.” Using such adjectives for a grown man by… another somewhat-grown man such as Antonio was probably out of the norm, but it had always been within his commonly used vocabulary. And no one could rightly say it didn’t fit Feliciano! Especially not after meeting him. Even as thin as he was, and where he was, that smile in that face was absolutely adorable. Antonio honestly thought it was a pity Feliciano didn’t get to always see the cuteness of his own face.

Words: 466

Tags: Feliciano Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Feliciano Vargas]

Once again, Feliciano hesitated, that smile falling into an expression of indecision. He'd fed Lovino, and the guards hadn't reacted, Antonio said. Did that mean they'd leave him alone if Antonio gave him some food, too? True, Feliciano was used to the guards harassing and beating him for literally nothing more than existing, but he wasn't special. When the men and women were in bad moods, any bait at hand would do. He knew Lovino wasn't in much better a situation than himself, so if they were alright with Lovino...

But that had been the first day, hadn't it? Nearly three days ago; probably fed him before the fights. "I'm... I'm not supposed to have any food," he admitted quietly, tightening his grip on his pantlegs--and immediately loosening his fists at the sharp stab of pain shooting up his forearm. The Italian's face scrunched up in discomfort, reaching over to rub over his bandaged arm in attempts of soothing the bone-deep aches there. Only once his nerves settled back into that constant discomfort he'd grown used to did Feliciano raise his gaze up to Antonio's, smiling weakly. "I-I lost my...my fight. I'm not supposed to eat until the guards--the administration says I can. So, I don't want you to g-get in trouble, in case I'm still now allowed."

What he'd thought would be a fun reprieve at the beginning of the festival had become something disgusting and uncomfortable--an even worse prison than the Underground itself. Up here, they were still suspect to the same rules, the same awful conditions. However, they were also tempted with things they could never have; sights of normal people living their normal, happy lives, food they'd never be able to eat freely, and even incapable of protecting oneself against nature like everyone else could.

Antonio's presence, however, made him feel better. Like he actually was a person, like he's been attempting to insist for years and finding harder to fight since he'd been shoved into this prison. Most people didn't spare a glance, and what they did give was little more than an appraising eye, like examining a product. Antonio didn't do that. He treated Feliciano, and assumedly Lovino before him, kindly and respectfully. He wanted to make sure they were fed, and comfortable, in a way that had nothing to do with the mutant's fighting or selling condition and everything to do with their happiness, and comfort.

What the brunette said next, though, had Feliciano's eyes going wide in shock. "If anything, I can say I'm blessed to have met you today. No matter what, someone sweet and cute always makes a day better," Antonio told him, head tilted to one side and expression nothing but honest. Feliciano scanned that face for any signs of dishonesty or mean-spiritedness. He was happy to see none of those tells.

Sweet and cute, huh?

A pale flush colored Feliciano's cheeks and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "V-Ve, you don't have to say all that, Toninio," he replied sheepishly, shaking his head. "I'm not really doing anything. Just kinda...sitting here. That's not enough to earn all that, si?"

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

If Antonio didn’t think he had proof enough before as to Feliciano’s cuteness level, he felt he more than did with his reaction to the compliments given. A flush went through the other’s cheeks while his words were just slightly stuttered, sheepish. All with a smile. Antonio couldn’t help but laugh a little, shake his head. Yep, definitely cute. “That’s more than enough, of course.” And perhaps if Antonio wasn’t as oblivious of a person he would’ve caught how cruel some of his words could be to say someone in Feliciano’s position, saying things when he clearly was being kept under the thumb of those that believed the exact opposite. But it seemed that… what common sense Antonio Carriedo held went out the window when it involved someone as cute as this.

With what sense he did have left, he thought Feliciano still deserved it anyway, for being able to smile and be so sweet even from where he was.

The short silence gave Antonio the space to notice the mild increase in noise around him, making the Spaniard turn to see the amount of human traffic that was picking up. It seemed more people were arriving to the festival now… what a way to be brought back to reality. He sighed, turned to look back at Feliciano. He did smile again, at least.

“It looks like I need to let others see your cuteness, though. I have to get back to my stall anyway.” Not that he could imagine there would be a terribly long line at a flower stall already, but it was his job. And he did hope that if he left him some others would try and talk to an adorable cutie like this. If he got enough traffic maybe they would feed him, or allow others to give him something. He didn’t know how this thing worked just… hoped for the best. “I mean it. It was really great to meet you today, I imagine it’ll be a little brighter selling flowers to customers in my little stall.”

What was he supposed to say after that? Stay warm? See you later? Take care? All of them felt wrong and hard on his tongue, even to him. None of them felt right especially when he had to think about the bit of guilt that tugged at his heart for walking away – more for knowing there wasn’t anything he could realistically do at that moment. After a short moment, he continued with what felt the best to say. “Thank you.”

Words: 423

Tags: Feliciano Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Feliciano Vargas]

Feliciano's smile softened from sheepish into something akin to fond sadness. That's more than enough, huh? If only it were; only socially-accepted humans truly had that luxury. The fact that one of those people believed he did deserve that kind of respect bloomed more warmth in his chest all the same, though. His stomach was still upset that he'd turned down food, but at least it stopped gurgling so loudly. "You're really too nice, ve..." he murmured to himself, shifting to rest his shoulder against the bars of his cage, amber eyes watching Antonio even as the other twists away to watch the crowd. It should

If only everyone could be as nice, and kind, as this man. The world would be such a better place for it.

They stayed in relative silence for a minute or two, a comfortable silence Feliciano was hesitant to break. Even the increased chatter around him was nothing more than background static, easily ignored. However, Antonio spoke up himself, turning back to Feliciano with a weak smile on his face. The Italian's expression fell in response. "It looks like I need to let others see your cuteness, though. I have to get back to my stall, anyway." He wanted to argue those words. Antonio didn't really have to go back to his stall just yet, did he? No one else would be interested in his cuteness, and it was so quiet just sitting here, being stared at like a piece of property to be sold. Couldn't Antonio stay here and tell Feliciano what kind of goods he sold? Feliciano knew--the pollen and sweet smell of flowers clung to Antonio--but it'd still be nice to hear it from Antonio himself. The brunette didn't the will to speak up, though. Not at Antonio's next words. "I mean it. It was really great to meet you. I imagine it'll be a little brighter selling flowers to customers in my little stall."

A lump began to form in his throat at the thought of the other leaving. Feliciano didn't want this conversation to end. No one spoke to him quite as kindly as Antonio; not a "normal" human, anyway. Everyone else had an agenda to their generosity. Not Antonio. No one else in the crowd had come up to him so boldly, so openly interested, and especially didn't catch his attention with something as silly as "you don't happen to be related to a cute kitty, do you?".

Feliciano startled a bit, jolting upright. That's right! Antonio came here wondering about Lovino. Momentarily ignoring the other's quiet thanks, the young man reached out past the bars of his cage to snag Antonio's sleeve. He winced a bit at the stab of pain his sudden action caused, but continued nonetheless. "V-Ve, please don't forget about Lovi," he implored, worry darkening his expression. "I-I know he wasn't very nice to you, but he really is nicer than he seems. He's just... had it worse than I have. Y-You don't have to thank me, si? If you can, please just try to help him. H-He needs a nice person like you looking out for him, for just a little while. Per favore?" Feliciano didn't care if he was begging--as much as Feliciano would adore seeing someone as kind and sweet and gentle as Antonio again, Lovino needed that kindness far more than he did. Lovino needed an untainted reminder that the world wasn't as dark and terrible as it seemed.

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

And Antonio had begun to stand and leave. He had said his peace – and he thought he had heard someone begin to come closer to Feliciano’s cage. Hopefully someone that could see the cutie for what he was. How could they not? Antonio would risk being rude and parting from Feliciano before he could respond if it meant introducing that sweetness to someone else in the world all the sooner.

Before he was fully upright, however, there was a tug at his sleeve that made him stop and turn back. He was not upset – his expression spoke nothing but mild confusion if not interest as to why he had been detained longer. Not that he could really complain all that much for having more of his time taken up in a way such as this. This was only given further credence by what Feliciano had felt the need to stop him for.

Initially one of Antonio’s brows had quirked a bit at what Feliciano was saying. Don’t forget about Lovi? Why was he… Try to help him… Did he mean… Green, green eyes narrowed briefly – then widened back in the understanding. The only real way someone like Antonio could help Lovino, any mutant really, was to take them out on contract. Feliciano called Antonio nice and instead of asking in any way for himself… he asked for his brother. Made explanations and excuses for his behavior and implored, near begged on his behalf. There was something… oddly warm and calming about the very sentiment. A feeling that resembled that of a blanket fresh out of the dryer being spread over you cleanly and settling perfectly around your body. Feliciano really was too sweet for words.

He’s wearing a smile once again when Antonio places a hand over the one still grasping at the elbow of his coat. Gentle and warm – just like his expression. He does not want to cause anymore pain to Feliciano and his arm, but he did want to give him some kind of reassurance beyond that of his following words. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t trust you – especially as his brother. Siblings always know better than strangers. I’ll see what I can do.”

Words: 368

Tags: Feliciano Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Feliciano Vargas]

For a moment, something akin to fear froze his heart into a lump in his chest. The way Antonio narrowed his eyes, not really responding to Feliciano's pleas, sped-grew a plant of doubt in his mind. Had he overestimated Antonio's kindness, or the older man's forgiving nature? Or maybe he hadn't really wanted anything to do with Lovino at all, and trying to push the other in a direction he didn't want to go was crossing the line? These thoughts ran through his mind a mile a minute, trembling hands going cold and clammy around the other's sleeve. Feliciano's met people he thought was nice, the nicest people who were only looking out for him. Those mistakes have earned him more than a few scars. Trust is definitely a big piece of the Italian's personality, and there's a dark worm of worry spreading in his chest. Before he'd spoken, Antonio had only looked intrigued, and the furrowed eyebrows and narrowed eyes were never a good sign.

Thankfully, that expression only lasted a few seconds after Feliciano finished speaking. It was a very nerve-wracking few seconds, but short all the same. Antonio's expression suddenly softened. He can't decide what expression is on the Spaniard's face, but Feliciano doesn't really try all that hard, either. Relief and guilt rushed through him with the strength of a burst damn. Relief that his trust hadn't been misplaced, that if Antonio does listen to him Lovino will have a good place to go. He can't ask the older brunette to take Lovino out forever--this is already too much to ask of his new friend. But Antonio seems open, receptive to the idea. But there's guilt there, for doubting Antonio when the man has been nothing but kind and sweet to him. Guilt for, even momentarily, connecting the handsome man to guards, handlers, and mutants from both Weeds and the Underground.

"I don't see why I shouldn't trust you - especially as his brother," the man said, and that bittersweet mix only grew more potent. Amber eyes dropped from Antonio's to where slim fingers clutched at the other's sleeve. "Siblings always know better than strangers. I'll see what I can do." Tears pooled in Feliciano's eyes, and he bit his lip to keep it from trembling. How could he, even for a moment, offer doubt when Antonio was so kind enough as to take his words at face value, especially when Lovi was apparently mean to this sweet, sweet man. Feliciano couldn't bring himself to blame his brother, with all the blows the world had given his brother. Feliciano only felt worse, because he couldn't say he truly knows his brother, the way other siblings do.

Feliciano's relieved laugh hitched in his throat, and he tried not to let his tears fall. "G-Grazie, grazie mille, Antonio," he whispers, finally managing to look back up at Antonio. There's a weak smile on his face despite the watery eyes. It's a struggle to smother the urge to wrap the brunette in a tight hug (and cry his stupid eyes out). "T-Thank you so much, ve. I-I know it's a lot to ask, a-and I can't give you anything f-for helping my brother, but... b-but Lovi needs something g-good." He swallowed thickly, releasing Antonio's sleeve and reluctantly tugging his hand out of the other's grip. After a long breath, he managed to swallow down that lump. Feliciano offered a bigger smile. "Mi dispiace for keeping you here when you have work to do f-for something so selfish. Veee, you're...one of the kindest people I've ever met in my life, Antonio. Thank you for...just considering it. Just...don't tell him it was my idea."