Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? This is an idea I had bouncing around for a while and it's not my usual style it's something I have wanted to play with. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic.

Alfred looked at the letter in his hand and sighed. "Some fucking farmer I am." He sighed and looked down at his feet in shame. He had taken over the family dairy farm after his father had died a few years ago thinking it could be something that would help him. Having come back from the Great War with breathing troubles caused by a faulty gas mask and his vision had been damaged from that same attack, causing him to have to wear glasses. "Not like I left this place on the best of terms when Dad was alive." Alfred sighed as he looked up at the sky. He was 19 when the call had gone out for men to join the army back in 1917. His brother had already snuck off from their Wisconsin farm to join the Canadian Corps, a move that had surprised both of them, knowing Matthew. After the battle of Vimy Ridge, neither one had heard what had happened to him. They had petitioned the Canadian government for his records and all they said was that he was missing in action. Not wanting to see the same thing happen to his other son, their father had begged Alfred to stay when the call went out. Being 19, he craved adventure. War sounded like the fun he needed. This led to a heated argument that Alfred walked out on and swore to never speak to his father again.

And when he had gotten back from the war, he vowed to keep his word, even if he was having issues with shell shock after the war in addition to his injuries. This resulted from going from job to job in factory to factory in the upper Midwest until one day he had gotten a letter from a lawyer who somehow had managed to find him in Milwaukee telling him his father had passed and as the last known living heir, the family farm was his. So for the past 5 years, he had been taking care of it. His father had gotten great prices for the milk but now, it just wouldn't seem to move. Land values went up, increasing the property tax on the sizable farm. So doing much like many of the other farmers in the area, he took out loans on the property so he could modernize and get some of the new equipment to increase output. Only to find that despite the roaring economy for everyone else it seemed, he was losing the farm. The mailman that day had dire news. If he hadn't come up with the money for the missed mortgage payments, he was going to lose the farm.

Looking over the land to the road, he sat crying when a brand new Cadillac Touring Coupe had pulled up in the driveway, causing Alfred to grab the foreclosure letter in a rage, head into the house and pulled out the Winchester 1897 shotgun he had been able to take home after the war. He had taken many a coyote that had threatened his cattle, he would see the banker trying to foreclose his home just the same. At this, two brothers came out of the car, one with dark brown and one with reddish brown hair. The one with the reddish brown hair held his hands up in fear while the one with dark brown hair looked angry.

"What the hell you bastardo?" The dark browned man said in an Italian accent. He turned to his brother and yelled. "And stop surrendering to everyone for anything!"

"Sorry big brother but that gun is scary." The reddish brown haired man said with the same accent.

"Idiota" The brown haired man said. "Hold it there Americano." He went on as he held his hands up, closing his eyes. "We aren't bankers."

"How did you know I thought you were bankers?" Alfred asked.

"Just a good guess, a lucky one." The man smiled. "I am Lovino and my brother Feliciano is well…." He looked at his brother thinking of a few choice words he wanted to call him but it wasn't the time to insult his brother's cowardice. If Grandpa wasn't the boss, then you'd have no place with us. "a business associate in our grandfather's shipping business."

"So?" Alfred said as he held the gun close to his shoulder tight. If there was one thing that he lost in the war was his sense of trust. "Why would you be here, a farm in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin then?"

"I see you want to get to the business." The dark haired Italian man said. "I am Lovino Vargas and that is my brother Feliciano." Alfred looked at the men confused. Lovino took this as a chance to get in close with him. The fact he thought they were bankers meant he was likely having money issues and if he offered him enough, he would agree to their idea. Men may have morals but they last only so long when you risked losing your home. "We are, like I said, associates in our grandfather's shipping business." Shipping business…. Technically we are shipping just what we are shipping isn't exactly legal….

"I am not looking for someone to ship the milk." Alfred sighed.

"No, no we are not looking for new clients." Feliciano said suddenly. "We want a place for our truck drivers to rest."

"I am not running a boarding house." Alfred sighed. Although I may have to think of new business anyway. "Besides, this is out of the way. I doubt that would be very efficient."

"Our business is rather…unique…." Lovino said. "Out of the way is our specialty. We get some inventory from Canada, bring it to Chicago. But that is a long drive and we operate a lot at night. So at points our boys will have to pull in as the sun comes up and rest. We've been scouting locations and this is perfect."

Alfred looked at the Italian brothers curiously. Something seemed off about the offer. Trucks from Canada going to Chicago? Needing to stop at sunrise where his farm was because it was out of the way? They were bootleggers obviously. Alfred was already at risk of foreclosure on the family farm, getting involved in this was going to be dangerous and he could lose it if he was caught involved. Sure, he was like everyone else and got their alcohol from less than legal means. He had become good friends with a local moonshiner that way. However, in his mind, buying a jar or two of moonshine off a fellow farmer was nowhere near the same as being a rest stop for bootleggers.

"I see you need some time to think our offer over." Lovino said, noticing the look on Alfred's face. "For your time" He slipped some bills into his hand. "Ciao." He waved as he headed back to the car and drove off.

Once Alfred saw the expensive car drive off down the road out of sight, he looked at the money Lovino had placed in his hands. Counting the bills, he realized he was given 250 dollars for just listening to the Italians, even if he had threatened them with his shotgun. He looked at the foreclosure notice in his hand This is enough to pay the balance due to prevent the bank from taking the farm with some left over…. He thought. He's bound to pay more…. Alfred thought as he looked at the notice to the money and to the barn again. What would you hurt by helping bootleggers? You would keep the farm…. "No, no, no, it's too risky. I'll just get caught up on the mortgage and let him go."

The next day, Alfred drove in his old beat up truck he used to make his deliveries into town, and after taking the day's milk to the cheese factory and the various grocers in town, he headed to the bank and paid the balance due. The banker looked at the money and sighed. "Just how did you get this Jones?"

"What do you care? You're paid. Now stop threatening to foreclose the farm!" He said as the banker sighed and adjusted the Jones account in the books.

"You may have come through this time, but your payment history does not show promise." The banker said dismissively. "Your farm may not be on the auction block this time around but it will be. And with the dairy prices the way they are, I doubt you will be able to keep this up. I don't know what you did to get this money, what you sold, but you can't keep it up. We will have that farm."

"Shut the fuck up." Alfred said as he turned and flipping the banker off, headed to finish his errands in town.

"Have a pleasant day Mr. Jones." The banker waved dismissively as he went back to looking over pages and pages of accounts, figuring which ones were late, which ones had entered foreclosure and smiled greedily.

Alfred sat at the restaurant in town, chewing his burger, looking at the coins with a sigh. As much as he wanted to throttle that banker for what he said, there was a little bit of uncomfortable truth in his words. He had hardly made enough to pay for his daily needs and the things he needed for the cattle like feed. The offer Lovino had rang in his mind. He will pay good for the services of my barn. I can still work around them; in fact, I can make it a requirement for the offer. As long as they leave the cows alone, then they can do whatever the fuck they want in that barn, especially if they pay me as well as they did just to talk to me. I can still sell the milk so they won't think I am in with something foul. Alfred thought as he sipped on his Coke. But it's still dangerous. As he thought this, he had an image of the banker laughing at him at a foreclosure action appeared in his mind. He had recalled the bad prices he was getting. Sure some of the wheat and pork farmers weren't doing much better and many of them were facing the same foreclosure threats he was. But they didn't have the offer, the way out that he did. But was he willing to risk getting caught, losing it all and going to jail, rather than just losing it all? Alfred sighed as he finished his coke and headed back to the truck. He couldn't be away from the farm too long. "I have a week to decide. I don't need to tell them now…." He said as he started his truck and drove back to the farm knowing that for now, it was safe.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I do not have any pairings intended for this fic, unlike many of my other ones. I don't know how fast I can update, life is crazy right now and I needed to at least start this. Anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say on this one and it may be one of my slower updates. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic.

Alfred parked the truck beside the barn and sighed. No matter what he did, he could not shake what the banker said. It was true. And it wasn’t because he wasn’t paying the mortgage, it was just that he did not have the full payment and tried to pay what he could, but it was never enough. He still had to pay his bills, keep the cows fed and barn and property up kept. His father had a few farmhands but when he passed, and the prices of dairy dropped, he had to let the farmhands go. And then he had to keep up with the demand that grew despite the low prices. Even if he sold more, it took more to produce. It was a balance that could not be kept up for long. As the sun beat down, he sighed. “Time to go back to the barn….” He sighed knowing the cows would likely need milking again and an evening shipment run. That night he sighed as he had delivered the milk and headed to the kitchen to make himself a small dinner before he went to sleep for the night.

“So, Lovino, Feliciano,” A deep Italian voice said staring out onto Lake Michigan from a beautiful lake house. “Did you find a place for our trucks to rest for the night?”

“Si il nonnino” Lovino said with a smile. “It is a farm out of the way, about mid distance from here and our Canadian suppliers.”

“But the farmer didn’t agree to it.” Feliciano said as Lovino hit him.

“He didn’t agree?” Julius said as he turned to face his grandsons.

“What my little brother meant to say was that he hasn’t agreed yet to do so. He seemed quite interested in the money. I have him a bit for talking with us to show him that we can pay him well. This farmer is apparently having issues with the bank.” Lovino added greedily. He wanted to have his grandfather’s respect. He craved it. He was the one in the trenches in the Great War while his brother got an exemption to take care of their grandparents, even though Julius could handle himself fine, it was his wife Valentina that was ill, this causing Feliciano to get the exemption from service. She then passed when the war ended and Julius took his grandsons to America where they had gotten in on the ground floor on bootlegging to support their restaurant. It was now just a front as business had boomed, propelling both Lovino and Feliciano into prominent roles in the business, if from the mere fact they were Julius’s grandsons and he was very loyal to his family.

“So, he’s in trouble with the bank?” Julius sighed. He tapped his finger on his beard, growing slowly grey over his mahogany brown hair.

“Yes.” Feliciano said with a sad note. “He might lose his family’s farm. It’s in foreclosure. The poor guy.”

“He also has that American pride where they will fight for what they have and work hard until they die.” Lovino scoffed. “Frankly if my farm wasn’t paying off I would just pack up and find something better. I mean that’s what we did.”

“Not now Lovi,” Julius said as he turned back to his grandsons. “Where is it exactly again?” He looked at a map of their route from Chicago to Canada.

“Here.” Lovino pointed.

“It is out of the way, indeed.” Julius said. “Would make the route longer but at the same time we don’t want to arose too much suspicion. We still need a few trucks to be the sacrificial lambs. The ones that if we lose, it won’t affect us.” Julius was ruthless when it came to this business. He may not be conquering lands, but conquering his competition to the point they had to sign over all they had to him or work under him in a very degrading role was just another day to him. It made him great and powerful, like the heir to the Roman legacy that run in his veins.

“I can have Feliciano on those runs.” Lovino said.

“We’ll worry about that when it comes to it.” Julius said. “Don’t want to put Feli in danger unless we need him to be.” He said waving off Lovino’s suggestion.

“I did say we would be back in 7 days for his decision.” Lovino said.

“Well I think that it would be best if he heard from the boss himself on the deal.” Julius said. “I guess I will join you. I have quite the way of convincing one to come to our will.”

The week passed as it did normally for Alfred, with his daily milking, delivery and care of the cows. It was spring so the calves where being born to start the new lactation cycle. He was also going to have to cull the older members of the herd. It was a hard part of the job but he was the one who had to take care of it. However, it was the duty he had for this time of year. During his care of the heard, he had grown attached to some of the cows and it was always sort of painful but he knew that there was going be new calves that needed raising. There were times he had thought of just selling the farm or leaving it and moving somewhere else to start his life anew. But the affection he had for the animals and taking care of them kept him there.

“Another day, another dairy delivery. Another dollar.” Alfred said as he put the last tank of milk onto his truck. He headed to the truck to start it when Julius came over and took the key out of the ignition.

“Hello.” Julius smiled as Alfred looked at him annoyed. “Another dollar that you work your hands to the bone for the bank to keep you a slave to them.”

“Just who the hell are you?” Alfred sighed.

“Julius Vargas. You met my grandsons Lovino and Feliciano last week. I hear they had a very interesting proposal. We just park our trucks in your barn and let our men sleep there during the day for a little bit before they head down to Chicago. We pay you well to just look the other way. You don’t know a thing. Complete and utter deniability. You don’t know what is in there and can go on your pleasant way getting milk to town.” The dark haired man said with a smile. While Alfred could stare down Lovino and Feliciano when they had come the first time, this time, he just could not. Something about the man, dressed impeccably in a bespoke suit that fit him perfectly and custom leather loafers told him that he was not one to take lightly. He looked older but had a feeling that if he wanted to he could clean Alfred’s clock with one hit.

“Well I would appreciate it if you let me finish my delivery.” Alfred said, some of his nerve coming back. “This stuff doesn’t stay very good very long.” Julius sighed and pulled out a few twenty dollar bills and placed them in Alfred’s lap. He looked down and counted them. “a hundred dollars….” He whispered.

“Si.” Julius smiled. “For your whole delivery. I need some time to talk to you.” He waved over Lovino and Feliciano. “Boys, why don’t you take over Alfred’s route. I see he so kindly wrote down the addresses he needed to go. Say you are his farmhands.”

“You’ll be taking a loss.” Alfred sighed as Lovino pulled him out of the driver’s seat and drove off with his brother. “They’re only due to pay maybe a third of this.”

“I know, I am a businessman and can take losses if they mean a better opportunity.” Julius said as he led Alfred into his own house and to his own living room. Alfred looked around at the man, much better dressed than he was, still in a dirty shirt and denim overalls and into his own sloppily cleaned house. Alfred wouldn’t say he lived like a pig but he was the only person on the farm. He had no wife so he didn’t have anyone to tend to the house so it was rather disheveled and dusty. “Now how would it be to get that kind of money daily?” He said as he looked at Alfred, looking at the money. “You could totally pay off the mortgage on this place. Hire a farm hand or two, maybe a maid to keep this place clean.” He saw the metals from the Great War that Alfred had placed on the mantle of the fireplace. “I see you served your country well. A veteran like yourself shouldn’t be groveling at the hands of bankers to keep his living. That’s just awful. Shame. Pity. Why heck, I could clean you up and you would have all the ladies flocking over you back in Chicago. You are quite the handsome man under all that dirt. And if you just let our trucks and men spend some time in your barns, all of that, can be yours.”

Alfred looked around and thought about what Julius had said as the older man smiled at him. How much of his life had he put on hold to run this place since he had been forced to dismiss the farmhands he had when he inherited the place? He had a girl he was starting to break the ice with back in Milwaukee that he kind of liked. But not being able to leave the cows behind more than on deliveries and supply runs would severely limit his ability to court her. A cute typist at a law firm who had thought he was funny and loved his smile. Thought there could be something there. But he moved to handle this when he could have sold it right at the time he had inherited the farm. And it was true, Julius’s money for something so simple would let him get a life outside the farm. It would free him from the debt that he had put himself into to try and keep it viable. “Your men had better leave the cows alone.” Alfred said as he took a deep breath.

“Of course. And I want you to tell me if they do not treat your property with the utmost respect. If they break something, let me know.” Julius said. “Send me the bill and they will be dealt with. Severely.”

“I don’t have a phone….” Alfred said.

“I’ll have one put in and pay the bill for you.” Julius added. “You will be paid handsomely. Say 750 dollars a month. Cash. I’ll even have some of my other ventures buy some of your milk at a very good price and you will make even more money. You need not worry. Grandpa Julius will take good care of you so you will not want for a thing.”

Alfred paused and looked at the money, to the man and around his house. It has to be something awful that will get me into trouble. But not like I am doing much better on my own…. He paused “And if I want to move? If I tire of cows? If I meet a darling lady and they want to move somewhere better?”

“I’ll buy your operation off you. No risk of yours will be put on this at all. This is your golden ticket Alfred. The path to the American dream, and all it will take is your barn.” Julius said. “Don’t be an idiot. You’re a smart young man.”

Alfred closed his eyes and gulped. “Deal.” He said as he closed his eyes and shook Julius’s hand.

“Grazie” He said as he handed Alfred 20 more dollars. “Monday, first trucks will come in around sunrise. Just keep the door open for them and they’ll shut it.

“Sure.” Alfred said. Once he heard Julius head back to his car and drive off once his grandsons returned his truck, Alfred sat on his couch and sighed. What have I gotten myself into?

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I do not have any pairings intended for this fic, unlike many of my other ones. I don’t know how fast I can update, life is crazy right now and I needed to at least start this. Anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I know it has been a while since I updated this one and well to face it, there’s some stories I have more inspiration for than others. But anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

“Okay girls….” Alfred sighed as he made sure the cows were safely in their pens. It was past the spring thaw when predators would be at their hungriest, but Alfred was still worried. He hadn’t told Julius he would keep the door simply unlocked but that he would open. This was going to be the first time that his men would come in and sleep in the barn. He had cleared a path to the loft. God running a motel for bootleggers in my barn loft. Hope they aren’t expecting too much. I’m already worn out from running this whole place. “Well, there may be some new guys come in. Just don’t bother them and if they bother you let me know with a loud moo.” Alfred smiled. The cows were pretty much all he had. His father was dead, his brother was missing in action, likely killed in action, if he remembered how the war was when he had been sent to Europe. “And we won’t come back until it’s over over there…...” He sang to himself as the cows chewed their feed and let out a random ‘moo’.

Julius’ words haunted him as he looked around his house and spooned himself a bowl of chicken and dumplings, he had made a few days before. It wasn’t starting to smell yet so he assumed it would be okay to eat. Not even bothering to reheat the pot, he put a spoonful of the soupy meal into his mouth and sighed. No one. He had no one. He wasn’t totally alone, he did have friends in town and most the shopkeepers were nice to him and were always up for a pleasant conversation, it wasn’t the same. “God, I wish I knew what happened to Mattie. That would be nice to have someone to help me here. Or maybe a sweetheart…. but god knows that I can’t leave the girls.” He sighed as he headed up the steps to his bedroom to go to sleep. Setting his alarm, he knew that he was going to wake a little bit before sunrise for his usual milking duties, but he was going to make sure the trucks came in fine and did not mess with anything he had. It wasn’t much, but it was honest, and it was his. Alfred still was conflicted about even allowing the bootleggers room, but he knew that he was as guilty as everyone else about violating the Prohibition by buying moonshine off his neighbors, but this seemed to feel worse. But it was more important that he keep up with the bills on the farm and this was the only way he could see it happening. He was not going to allow the farm to be foreclosed on.

“That’s the place, isn’t it?” A gruff man said as he looked at a map with a crudely drawn route by the light of a cigarette lighter’s flame. “I mean why did Lovi have to give us the map? Feli is good at drawing this stuff?”

“That’s just what the boss sent down. Be lucky we got a map. This place is out in the middle of freaking nowhere.” The driver said as he looked down at his watch and then over to the east. “Sun should be coming up soon and I am glad. I am so tired of driving this thing that far.”

“We got the hooch and Grandpa Rome assured us no one would be following us.” The driver said using their code word for Julius when talking about their boss.

“Well, I don’t see no one nowhere.” The other bootlegger said as he lit his cigar and saw the sun start to rise to the east. “That be the place?”

“That’s it, just like Lovi described.” The driver said as he turned on the path to the farm. Alfred had his morning cup of coffee he was sipping while holding his Colt Pocket Hammerless pistol that his father had given him when he had shipped off, out of sight. He knew the stories people told about bootleggers and Italian gangs. He was not going to let them run one over him, but he didn’t want to seem like too much of a threat at first meeting. His shotgun was close, but not too obvious he could take it against them, just wanted to seem like a regular farmer protecting his livestock. “And there is our guy. Feli’s picture of him really does look a lot like him….”

Alfred sipped his coffee then headed to the trucks. “So, you’re the new renters of my barn?”

“Yep. You Alfred?” The driver asked.

“One could assume that.” Alfred replied. “Now there’s a lot of hay in the loft and there’s stairs in the back that lead to it. I am sure your boss filled you in on the rules, but I will say them again. You put your trucks in the barn and sleep. Then go when you are supposed to. Do not disturb my cows. Do not leave a mess in my barn. Do not cause a disturbance to anyone who may come by. You are to act like you are not here while you rest up. I am not a maid or call girl or whatever you want. You have what you have up there and that’s that. Don’t like it? Well suck it up. Your boss said he’d pay for any damages, but I don’t think he would like to and if you do make him pay, well I am sure he’ll take his money back how he wants.”

“Yeah, you’re right about the boss there.” The driver said. “I won’t mess with yous cows.”

“You better not.” Alfred said as he headed into the barn and began his daily chores and milking the cows and heading to his daily stops and delivered to his clients. As he headed through town, he couldn’t help but look at the bank and scowl. It was then he remembered the men sleeping in his barn, the ones that were paying to sleep in his hay loft and then move on to Chicago. They were paying big to have that right and that money that Lovino gave when they first met up to talk about this arrangement was more than enough to catch him up from the months he had not paid. They’re keeping you from having to sell the farm. Alfred thought and with this he smirked as he stopped by his favorite restaurant and had himself a burger and a coke as he always did after big deliveries. This pattern of the trucks coming in, resting in the barn while he made his daily runs and deliveries for the milk carried on pretty uneventful for a few weeks. Nothing major happened, although a few of the drivers thought they could challenge Alfred to a fight, occasions he often showed them the one-two punch he had perfected in the trenches of the Great War, leaving him looking stronger and the drivers taken down a peg.

On a fateful day where Alfred had come back from town after giving the banker more than he needed to pay, reducing the debts on the farm, much to the banker’s dismay, he pulled into the farm to see Julius standing there with a large smile on his face. “Ciao Alfredo!” He waved. “How is my favorite business partner?”

“You sure we should discuss that out in the open?” Alfred said quickly and quietly.

“Si.” Julius said. “I was just coming over to take you to Chicago for the week.”

“A week!” Alfred said as he dropped his wallet and keys in shock. “No way can I leave for that long a time! I mean I had influenza for two weeks longer than I had to because I had to take care of the girls and I’m lucky I didn’t wreck my truck as much cough syrup I was on. People just thought I was drunk.”

“Relax, I know what is needed to run a dairy farm. We had many back in ol Italia. Our cheese is very good. I will have some for you at my mansion. Only the best.” Julius said. “I want you to meet all my family and thank you for helping us out so much.”

“You don’t need to take me to the city for a week for that.” Alfred said. “I don’t want to seem like I’m rude or declining your invitation or all, but I am worried about the farm and all. The money is more than enough”

“Of course. I understand. I brought over a few farm hands I know who are skilled at the art of raising cows.” Julius said as he waved for three men to come out of the car and headed to the barn. “All old friends of mine from Italy who know their way around a dairy farm. Now come along.” He said as he put Alfred into the car. “I do need to clean you up. My family and granddaughters cannot see you dressed all dirty as a farmer.”

“But I don’t have any suits or anything nice…...” Alfred pleaded.

“I have a few that would fit you lying around for tonight but tomorrow I will make sure you get a nice bespoke suit that will fit you perfectly.” Julius went on as Alfred sighed and gave in. The men he had sent out did go to the barn and seemed like they knew what they were doing, but everything had happened so fast, he didn’t quite know what to make of it. Better to go along with it and just keep Julius happy and not risk the deal than to upset him. Besides, he wanted to introduce him to his granddaughters, and it had been a while since he had been able to speak to a girl and get to know her more than a passing conversation. He had been talking with the clerk at the ice cream parlor for the longest time, but it could never seem to get her interested more than a farmer who supplied her father’s store.

On the nearly 3-hour drive to Julius’ place, Alfred had dozed off, only to find himself at a large lake side mansion. Damn, I should get into this bootlegging business more…... Alfred thought as he rubbed his eyes and looked around.

“It’s huge….” He said looking at the mansion.

“Oh, it’s nothing special.” Julius said.

“No offense but you and I have different definitions of ‘something special’” Alfred said, feeling more inadequate as he headed in up the marble steps, staring at the columns that were sculpted from marble to look like renaissance art and the amazement did not stop there. The railings and trim were all solid wood, with elegant wallpaper all over. He felt like he had walked into a castle. At this, Julius smiled and clapped for a butler.

“Yes?” a man in a dark black suit with tailcoats came up.

“Take my friend here up to the guest bath, we have one of our best suits pulled out for him. You know the one I am meaning. Let him get dressed before we have dinner tonight.” Julius ordered as the footman grabbed Alfred’s hand.

“Just what the-?” Alfred asked confused as he was led up the stairs to a bathroom, looking back at Julius smiling as two young women ran up beside him. One with reddish brown bobbed hair and the other with dark brown hair left long and in a slight scowl.

“So that’s the Alfred you talked about.” Felicia said bouncing her hair almost flirtatiously, even though it was obvious that Alfred couldn’t see her.

“Seems rather dirty.” Lovina moaned scowling at his clothes.

“That’s because he’s been working all day.” Julius said. “But I want to get him in further with us. From what I have seen him do to some of the men who messed with him, I want him to help us out more than just letting us put our trucks in his barn.” He then looked to his granddaughters. “And you two can work your charms on him. If he has a good girl on his arm here, then he might be more willing to stay here. He did moan about how he could never get a date because he was tied to that silly farm of his.”

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. As for the inspiration for Grandpa Rome’s mansion there, I looked up various houses from the era in Chicago and found the Dewes House to be good. I mean when you have two sculptures as your entrance way like that one, I could see him doing it and it’s not too far from Lake Michigan so he could get a good view for a city. Anyway, remember to read, well you just did, and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I haven’t been as fast on this one as I have some of my others updating but I want to provide you with something. But hey work, life and school can make things a bitch sometimes. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Alfred looked at the bathroom in awe. His back at the farm house was one of the better in the farm area because it had running water and a flushing toilet. It was the one luxury he would allow himself as he recalled his time in the trenches caked in mud and many situations where he was left to pee behind a tree while getting shot at, and using filthy latrines, he splurged a little and added on a proper indoor bathroom that many other farmers in the area did not. But the bathtub was a porcelain claw foot, and the water ran out from the spigot hot. Pulling his hand back, he turned the cold spigot and then when the water was what he liked, got in the bathtub and started to scrub his hair and his body. Which was the first time in a very long time he had felt this clean. Last time I was this clean was when I had just come back from Europe and was in New York for a little while before taking the train back to Wisconsin…. Alfred thought as he ran his hand through his hair. He smiled as he looked at the suit left for him and he put it on. God I have never looked this nice before…. Noticing some pomade left out, and hoping Julius wouldn’t mind, he took some and played with it before slicking his hair back. Heading out, he saw Julius standing at the doorway with two young girls beside him.

“Ah Alfredo….” Julius said thumping Alfred on the back, “Didn’t I tell you he would clean up nicely.”

“I uhhhh used some of your pomade….” Alfred blushed.

“A man after my own heart.” Julius smiled. “I want you to meet my granddaughters. Felicia and Lovina.” As he said this both girls bowed, Felicia happily, Lovina with a scowl on her face.

“So are they like sisters to Felicano and Lovino?” Alfred asked.

“No, cousins.” Julius smiled. I had two sons and they each had twins, one a set of boys and one a set of girls. “And poor girls don’t have a marito yet.” Alfred looked at him confused. “Oh my mistake, the poor girls aren’t married yet. Shame, they are pretty, no?”

“Uh sure….” Alfred blushed, feeling put on the spot. “Real shame, you two are pretty….” He said trying to be polite. Felicia giggled at this comment while Lovina rolled her eyes.

“Oh that’s so nice Alfred.” Felicia said as she jumped up and hugged him. “You’re so strong…” She said feeling his shoulders. “That’s nice…”

“Oh god, control yourself.” Lovina sighed. “He’s a simple farmer for god’s sake, you can do better.”

“Oh now be nice Lovina.” Julius scolded while looking at her with a dark look. “You may get to know him better over dinner.” At this Alfred’s stomach growled. “And don’t worry, it will be ready soon. You sound mighty hungry there. But working all the time like you do must build an appetite and us Italians know how to eat. You won’t live on old leftovers here. But take him to the garden girls, I hear it is getting lovely this time of year, I have business to attend to. Ciao girls.”

“Ciao Nonno!” They both waved. Felicia then grabbed Alfred’s hand and pulled him towards the courtyard where the flowers were starting to bloom. She sat down on the marble bench that looked right out of a book on ancient Rome. Once she sat down, she pulled Alfred onto her lap and smiled at him. Lovina stood in a corner and pulled at her hair sighing.

“Uhhhhh……nice garden, the lilies are pretty….” Alfred blushed. This was all so sudden to him.

“Calm the fuck down Felicia.” Lovina sighed as she pulled a cigarette case out of her purse. “Got a light you bastard?”

“Lovina!” Felicia said taken aback.

“Here.” Alfred said pulling one out of his pocket. “Never want to be without one.” Lovina caught it and looked at the brass item with curiosity. “Yeah had it with me since the war. It’s my lucky lighter. Made it the day the war ended. You had to be smart in those trenches. Make do with what you could because sure as hell you weren’t getting what you needed from Uncle Sam. Some of my buddies took the French’s guns and turned them into Moonshine stills.” Alfred laughed “The chauchat. Or as Davie and I call it, the so-so”

“You must have seen something very bad. I remember how it was when my dear Ludwig got killed….” Felicia said bringing out a handkerchief and wiping her eyes.

“That potato eating bastard.” Lovina scoffed as she handed Alfred her lighter back. “I swear it seems Felicia has a thing for blondes. Needs some personal attention or something. I keep telling her she looks hideous with that bob style everyone is doing these days.”

“And I say you are ugly with your bad mouth and smoking habit! No man would want that!” Felicia said in reply.

“Oh I don’t know.” Lovina smiled deviously. “Maybe Alfred would like me more than you” She smirked as she pulled him off Felicia. “I mean he did let me borrow his lighter after all. Alfred blushed a looked away. Sure Felicia and Lovina were pretty but he had never in his life had ever been fought over like this by a pair of girls. Many who lived in New York and back in France had found him interesting in his uniform but none of them really cared about him, Alfred the person. And right now, it was like back in New York or France.

“Girls….” Alfred blushed. “You’re both very pretty and I can’t pick just one of you…. I mean I wouldn’t want to upset either of you. I mean I….” Oh god…. this is awkward. “I mean I would like to get to know you better before I even decide to court either one of you….” Someone help me….

“Hey you two!” Lovino said. “Dinner is ready! Come on, Nonno says dinner is ready and he really wants that Americano with him.”

“Okay.” Felicia and Lovina said as he turned around and headed to the dining room, rolling his eyes.

“Can’t you girls go lusting over someone better. I swear, it was like this back in Italia….” Lovino said as Alfred perked up, with both girls grabbing one of his arms. “Oh well, back in the old country, those two would fight constantly over whatever boy they saw and if one found a man attractive, then the other found him attractive as well and would fight. I can’t imagine any man would like that.”

“Yeah me neither.” Alfred sighed as the girls giggled.

“But know this you bastardo, if I find you break either one of my cousin’s hearts, no matter how annoying they are, how stupid they are for fighting over a guy, I will cut you myself. I don’t care what my grandfather thinks, that is wrong.” Lovino said as he pulled out a stiletto switchblade and held it close to Alfred’s neck.

“Dude, I won’t.” Alfred said. “And to be honest,” he dropped his voice to a whisper. “I don’t know if I like them like that anyway…no offense. Your grandpa seems dead set on thrusting them on me.”

“As long as that’s the only thrusting done….” Lovino sighed as the girls giggled.

“Dude, seriously!” Alfred blushed red. Unlike many of the soldiers in his unit, one thing he did not do was chase the women who had thought they were attractive and bed them, he honestly just wanted someone he could talk to and spend time with and maybe marry. He was often teased and called a choir boy even though if they were to pass around some moonshine or wine he would be one of the first to grab it.

“I am just saying is all.” Lovino shrugged. “You mess with my cousin’s honor, no matter how annoying they are, I will cut you.”

“You don’t have to worry about that….” Alfred sighed. As they walked into the dining room, Alfred once again looked around amazed at the sight. The chandelier that hung from the ceiling was full of electric lights, the chairs were made of mahogany and polished with fine cushions on the seats. Julius took Alfred, and Felicia and Lovina followed.

“Ah my dear dear Alfredo. I hope this place is to your liking. It’s my humble little dining room. I had my chefs prepare the best of back home in Italia that you could ever want. I know it may not be something that you are used to, but I assure you, you will love it.”

“Thanks….” Alfred said as he sat down at the far end.

“No, no, sit here beside me,” Julius said as he took Alfred to a chair beside him to which Lovina and Felicia both followed and fought over the chair next to Alfred.

“Girls, how about you both sit across from Alfred there?” Julius suggested and Alfred sat down as he piled on spaghetti on the fine china sitting in front of him. I am sure the President of the United States doesn’t have a place this good. I think it would only be rivaled by the Rockefellers or some of those other rich families, Carnegies, Morgans but damn…. He took the fork and carefully wrapped the spaghetti around his fork and placed it in his mouth while Julius looked on.

“Delicious, no?” He said.

“Sure is.” Alfred smiled.

“I knew it.” He added as he took some spaghetti for himself and began to eat. “I see my granddaughters are fighting for your affection. Have you picked one yet?”

“No!” Alfred panicked. Julius looked at him curiously. “I mean no offense; they are very pretty girls…” At this Felicia tapped her bobbed hair and looked over at him. ” But I want to get to know them a little better first. I don’t want to break their hearts or anything like that.”

“Oh I understand. You don’t go for the wild passion then settle, you want to know who your lover may be as a person before throwing yourself into wild passion and love.” Julius said as he took a piece of garlic bread and bit down on it. Alfred looked over at Lovino who had his stiletto out and ran it across his neck, causing Alfred to gulp. God I feel like I am being forced to pick one of these girls. I don’t know them. “But I want you to hang around here more often. I like you and I like what your farm has done to help us. I think it might do you some good to see the big city more often. Maybe take the girls out to the theater or those newfangled movies I hear so much about.”

“This stuff is really good.” Alfred said as he ate more and more of the spaghetti. “Best I had was the stuff that comes in the can back in the war.”

“See there girls, a war hero too and so modest.” Julius said. “That is who you want in your family.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call myself a hero….” Alfred blushed. “I mean I couldn’t save my best friend…. Davie didn’t deserve that…”

“Oh no, we cannot have sad memories at the table. Here, have some more wine and some of the famous cheese from Italy I told you about. Maybe your cows’ milk can make some of this here in America? Business is business after all and I want to help yours for helping mine so much.”

“Uhhhhhh….” The whole Vargas family seemed to look on him with hopeful expectation. “Sounds good. Could always use a steady buyer….”

“Grazie!” Julius said. “Wine all around! This is such an important night!”

Alfred smiled as he drank the wine and thought about all that had just happened to him. And to be frank if he was to pick one of the girls, he seemed more attracted to Lovina simply because she was not trying to chase him. Like she would be more honest, if it was brutal. But so much was happening so fast, he hardly thought about the farm, and wondered only slightly if Julius was good to his word that his farm hands could run it as good as he could.

Translation Guide:

(Obtained Via Google Translate)

Marito-Italian-husband
Nonno-Italian-Grandpa

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t know how fast I can update this, what with work and school and I am getting to a big project soon so that will eat up a lot of my time as I am trying to juggle a busy job and studying for one final course before the project for my degree. Real life huh? Sucks. Anyway remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I know some of my other projects get updated faster but hey that’s where the greater inspiration hits. I don’t have much else to say but enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

“Oh Giovanni!” Julius smiled as the night wore on. Alfred had talked with Julius and some of his other family while trying not to get smothered with affection from Felicia and killed by Lovino who thought he was getting too friendly with his cousin. He was actually kind of thankful Lovina had kept to herself and even dragged Felicia away from following him to the bathroom when he had to go. He gave her a smile which she just rolled her eyes and shut the door behind him. Alfred turned to Julius who now had a tall skinny man with slicked back hair came up.

“Yes sir?” Giovanni asked.

“Please show my dear friend Alfred up to his room.” Julius said.

“Yes sir.” Giovanni bowed.

“What?” Alfred said as Giovanni bowed in front of him.

“This way, I will take you to your room. Master Julius wishes to have you stay here while you retire for the night.” He said.

“But…. but…I mean I can find some other place to stay if you want….” Alfred blushed. “I don’t want to impose….”

“I insist! I have so much room here, I do not know what to do with it.” Julius said.

“But I didn’t bring anything to sleep in.” Alfred said. He felt already overwhelmed with Julius’ hospitality he didn’t know just how he was going to repay the man’s generosity. Well, you’re kind of are repaying the guy, you’re letting him use your farm to hide his trucks…..

“Nonsense!” Julius said. “I have some pajamas in the room. You can pick you a pair that you find comfortable.” He waved as Giovanni got annoyed and took Alfred and led him to one of the many bedrooms in the manor. He opened the door and then threw Alfred inside practically. Alfred turned around, slightly rubbing his wrist and then looked at the butler confused.

“You will find this accommodation acceptable. I will bring you your breakfast in the morning when your clothes…..” Giovanni shuddered at the thought of the overalls and t shirt that Alfred wore from the farm when Julius had brought him to the estate. He had been told to wash it and give it back to Alfred so he would have something to wear when he took him to his tailor in the city and get him more used to things in Chicago.

“Okay…..” Alfred said as he looked around at the room.

“Buona note” Giovanni said as he closed the door behind him. “Lord help me with that one. He lacks none of the refinement of most of the other guests Master Julius has over.”

“He’s a stupid farmer.” Lovino said as he met up with the butler. “And you are just fronting as a butler. You know that.”

“But why do I need to front as a butler?” Giovanni sighed.

“I don’t know, Grandpa didn’t tell me.” Lovino sighed as he lit a cigarette. “But he’s got the farm and from what I heard that Americano Bastardo can punch well. He caught one of the men messing with his shit and beat the crapola out of him, so who knows. Buy that shithole farm of his and then make him part of the gang. Infiltrate the Kirkland clan mafia, I don’t know. I do my job,” He sighed as he took a drag of the cigarette and blew a cloud of smoke.

Alfred looked around the room and found a light switch, turning it on, his eyes widened at what he was given to sleep in. There was a large bed with clean sheets and a very luxurious quilt and large fluffy pillows, a set of red and gold silk pajamas in his size on the dressing stand at the foot of the bed and red carpet all over the room. This is way better than the stuff I have at home. I don’t even have a lot of my rooms wired up for electricity…. mostly some of the milking is powered…. He thought as he took off the fancy tuxedo that he was given and carefully laid it on the dressing table when he picked up the silk pajamas and put them on. He had not known much comfort in his life, and it was one of the things he had strived to have after the war. But this was just too overwhelming. He got under the blankets and wrapped them around him. Yawning, he felt himself drift off to sleep.

Meanwhile, in the large estate, Lovina and Felicia were sitting in their bedroom getting ready for bed themselves. Lovina had already put on her nightgown and lit a cigarette and opened the window so that Felicia would not complain. She was wanting to strangle her sister because she would not shut up about Alfred. Sure, he wasn’t completely hideous in her mind, but Lovina just simply wasn’t too worried on whether she got married or not. If it happened, it happened. It was not going to be to some farmer where she’d spend the rest of her days smelling cow shit. That was one thing she was certain of and that was why she was never going to go after Alfred. He was dedicated to that stupid farm and was not going to leave it. No matter what her grandfather thought to the contrary, he was not going to leave that farm. Lovina was a woman with standards. She lived in the luxury that her grandfather’s mafia empire had brought in. She had enough struggle with poverty back in Italy. She was now in the land of opportunity and had a great thing going. No way was she going to give that up. She then looked over to Felicia who was laying in bed staring at the ceiling. She could guess what her sister was thinking but feared to ask. “What’s wrong with you this time?” Lovina sighed as she flicked the cigarette out the window.

“What’s wrong with you?” Felicia sighed. “Seriously?”

“You are what’s wrong with me. Your potato eating bastard died. Get over it.” Lovina scowled.

“I am over it, thank you very much.” Felicia replied, causing Lovina to roll her eyes as she buried herself under the covers. “Do you think I am fat?”

“No. Last time I said yes you tried to eat tapeworms. You are not fat. Your clothes fit fine. Alfred doesn’t like you. Go to sleep.” Lovina said.

“You want him all for yourself!” Felicia said. “I happen to think he is handsome and wouldn’t mind if I had to live with him on his farm.”

“Yes you would.” Lovina said. “From what I heard from grandpa, the most modern amenity he has is a flushing toilet and running water. Not even hot. So, you can take a shit inside but that’s about it. Still using lamps and candles and shit like that to warm and light. And he has to get up early to take care of cows. You complain if you have to get up before 8 am because you need your beauty sleep.” Lovina stated, getting up to light another cigarette, dealing with her sister’s insane crushes getting to her.

“I would be married, so I wouldn’t need it. Till death do us part.” Felicia argued back turning away from Lovina.

“Alfred won’t be pretty forever either. Men age too, the harder they work and have lived, the worse it will be. You know that.” Lovina sighed. “Just stop worrying about men and marriage and babies and all that crap and enjoy life. It’s overrated anyway, all that crap.” Lovina got back into bed and found some earplugs. “Now good night! Go to sleep.”

“Whatever.” Felicia sighed, taking the hint that her sister was done with the conversation. “But I think that you want Alfred all for yourself and you won’t admit it. And I hope he doesn’t like girls like you.” She huffed turning her back to her sister and curling up in the blankets.

A cool breeze blew on the North Side of Chicago as a team of brothers sat in a small apartment thinking about what they were going to do next. Their business had now tanked since Prohibition had set in. Arthur was the only one to get a decent job as the other 4 brothers had not much luck unless it was at a meat packing plant or on the rails and after working so hard to build up the business, only to have it lost because they couldn’t sell alcohol at their bar anymore, a new plan was needed.

“This never would have happened if we had just gone to Canada like I wanted to!” Arthur exclaimed, coming home late from his job as a clerk in a law firm. They still allow booze.”

“Well, I wanted to keep you out of this as long as possible dearest brother, but I think it is time we let you in on a little secret…..” Patrick, a man with hazel green eyes and red hair said to his little brother.

“Just what are you talking about?” Arthur Kirkland sighed looking at his brothers.

“Well…. we might have gotten a few others who work with us on the rails and the meat packing plants to join with us on a not so well…..legal…. proposition….” Seamus, who looked almost exactly like Patrick said.

“What are you saying?” Arthur asked.

“Just cut to the chase!” Dylan replied.

“You’re slow on the uptake.” Alba sighed in a thick Scottish accent.

“We’re moving booze in from Canada and selling it.” Patrick said. “And we need you to help us.”

“Why me?” Arthur exclaimed.

“Not so loud you dunce!” Alba said stepping on his brother’s foot. “But we may be pissing in someone’s flowerpot, and we want to keep it on the low down.”

“Ummmmm….” Arthur began. “Who’s flowerpot?”

“Julius Vargas.” Dylan sighed.

“WHAT?” Arthur exclaimed, hearing the name. Julius had done many ‘favors’ for those who worked with the city officials and worked at the law firm he did. It was well known what he did. He was a top bootlegger, him and the rest of the Vargas clan were well known for being some of the toughest rum runners and gangsters in the city. “Are you seriously thinking of taking on him? Many have tried and many have failed to do so! You are insane!”

“Not quite….” Dylan began.

“We need you and your ruthlessness. You are a brilliant tactician and great at running business.” Alba began.

“But I could never be as cold as Julius is, at least if the stories about him are true.” Arthur began.

“Yes you could.” Alba corrected. He was in the same unit as him in the Great war and knew exactly what Arthur could do when push came to shove. He never looked nor sounded it but when the lives of those he cared about were on the line, he could be ruthless. “Think back to the Great War.”

“But that was war. That’s behind us now. We left England to get away from that.” Arthur pleaded.

“But business is war.” Patrick sighed. “And as much as we hate to admit this, you’re great at that.”

Arthur looked around at the cramped apartment the 5 brothers were forced to share after their pub was closed down in Prohibition. Alba had wanted to keep up operations like many tried to when the law went into effect. Arthur had just wanted to keep the family’s nose down and do well by the law. But he had to admit, the law was what was keeping them cramped together and more at each other’s necks than before they had left England for better prospects.

“Will you listen to me and do what I say?” Arthur said.

“As long as it’s smart.” Alba scoffed.

“That’s as good as I am getting from you.” He noted as he looked at his brothers who seemed to share the sentiment. “I guess we are going to war with the Vargas clan.”

Translation Guide:

(Obtained via Google Translate)

Buona note-Italian-Good Night

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t have much else to say here so remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I now have a better conflict to build up in this so I might be better on updating. I don’t have much else to say but enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Arthur sighed as he sat on the windowsill late that night. His brothers had all gone to bed, and he had tried to sleep himself, but the things said and that he agreed to kept him up at night. He kept tossing and turning while Patrick had told him to get to sleep or he was going to throw him on the floor. “I thought we left that all behind.” Arthur sighed as he took a deep drag of his cigarette “At least these things are still legal.” But it was true, they had not come to America on the best of circumstances. The Kirkland brothers were feared hoodlums in the slums of London, and it often got them on the wrong side of the law. He and Alba were in fact put in front of a judge right in the middle of the Great war who gave them two options: jail or military. And it was Alba that spoke up for both Arthur and him and said military. At least we were in the same unit…. I guess…. maybe prison would have been worth it. He thought as he finished the cigarette and flicked the rest out of the window.

“Ya still up little bro?” Alba asked as he looked over at Arthur.

“How is it, that when we get to America, I am the one to adapt to this foolish law and get a respectable job and the rest of you end up as meat packers or railway workers?” Arthur sassed.

“Because you’re the brightest of the bunch.” Alba admit.

“But you called me ‘the Wulver’ in the war.” Arthur said. “Likening me to a fucking werewolf.”

“Nah, you got it wrong, just a teensy bit Artie.” Alba said. “The Wulver has the head of a wolf, body of a man and while vicious, would be nice and help the poor by giving them fish if left to his own devices.” Arthur looked over at his older brother annoyed. They had hardly gotten along, even when they ran the slums of London together.

“But we came here to get a fresh start. To put those days behind us.” Arthur sighed.

“Well, if this is putting those days behind us, I’d rather go back to jail or the trenches.” Alba said as he took Arthur’s pack of cigarettes. “I’ve been towards the South Side. I’ve seen where Julius runs his businesses. And you saying you couldn’t do better? You did pretty well before that blasted Volstead act.”

“We did pretty well.” Arthur corrected with a slight smirk. “I could not have run that without my brothers.”

“I’m now scared of what we’re going to do.” Alba sighed as he lit a cigarette of his own. “You’re never this nice to me Artie.”

“Piss off.” Arthur sighed as he yawned. “I might be able to sleep now. See you in the morning.”

“Who knows how this will go.” Alba assured him. “Have you seen Julius’s place on the South Side?” Arthur shook his head. “Well, it’s freaking huge. That man has like what four grandchildren, and they live there with him? Trust me. We got this better than some old guy who thinks he’s bloody Caesar.”

“Just how do you know this much about him already? I just know what the officials who come to the law office say and they speak the world of him.” Arthur yawned.

“People talk little brother. A lot, especially when you’re one of the gutter rats. And lately that Julius has been strutting about little Italy opening soup kitchens for the poor and the like. I’ve been in one of them.” Alba rolled his eyes looking at Arthur’s scolding. “On business. He bought some meat from the packing company and Toris, and I were the ones who took it there. We ain’t charity cases yet.”

“I suppose not. And I intend that we will not be. This is supposed to be the “Land for the Free” after all. And freedom isn’t free…..” Arthur said knowing as the operation grew that he would have to pay off some officials. Luckily, he knew how low cops and Prohibition officers were paid so as time went and their enterprise grew, he could buy more freedom for him and his brothers. “And I want my own bed. Do you know how much Patrick snores?”

“About as much as Seamus farts?” Alba sighed.

“I see why Dylan just sleeps on the couch.” Arthur admit.

The next morning, Alfred awoke to find his shirt and overalls clean and waiting for him at the foot of the bed. He didn’t notice the time, nor that anyone had put them there in the night God I must have really been asleep, was it all the wine last night or the food or the fact that bed was comfortable as hell? He thought as he got up and put the clothes on and looked around for anyone to escort him around. Julius’s mansion was huge. He felt like it was bigger than his barn in some areas and he could get lost easily. As he headed out of the guest bedroom, Giovanni coughed behind him. “Ahhem….”

“Ah!” Alfred said. “Oh Giovanni, you surprised me there.

“I have been told I do that.” Giovanni sighed. “Come along. Breakfast is ready for you.” He said as he took Alfred’s arm and led him back into the dining room from the night before. He had found that Lovina and Felicia were there while Julius was sitting back and sipping a cup of coffee and eating a cornetto pastry while reading the newspaper.

“Ah, Alfredo! My good friend, have a seat. I had the cook make you a good hearty breakfast like I know many of you Americano farmers do.” Julius said as he took Alfred from Giovanni and sat him down in front of a large plate of bacon and friend eggs. “Eat hearty.”

“Ummm….. you going to have something?” Alfred asked, feeling like he was the odd man out.” He noticed that Felicia and Lovina both didn’t have much but some fruit and coffee themselves and it seemed that Lovina was already finished as she had lit a cigarette and was looking around annoyed as Felicia dribbled a little coffee on herself as she tried to batt her eyes at Alfred.

“Oh, I prefer a light breakfast. If I have something too big, there would be no room for dinners much like the one we had last night!” Julius laughed. “But as my guest here, I figured you would like something you are more used to.”

“Thanks…..” Alfred began to eat as he blushed, noticing how Felicia was looking at him. He felt like he was the center of attention and out of place. Sure, his overalls had been cleaned but there was Julius, Giovanni, Felicia, and Lovina all there in the latest high-end fashions, higher end than the ones he had seen in the Sears catalog and here he was dressed like the farmer that Lovina so had a disdain for.

“I know how you are feeling.” Julius said as if he could read Alfred’s mind. “And I will be taking you to my tailor. He will get you fitted up for a proper suit and I have a box at the local opera house that I or la mia famiglia can use whenever we want. Take Felicia and Lovina there. They need to get out of the house and have a little culture.”

“If they do their duties at the soup kitchen.” Lovino sighed as he took a cornetto, took a big bite of it, and poured himself a cup of coffee. “You know what Gramps said.”

“Yes, we have a duty to the people of this city who keep us up so well.” Lovina sighed.

“It’s not that bad.” Felicia said. “We get to help make the soups.”

Julius looked at Alfred’s confusion and explained. “My businesses have been very successful. And I remember how miserable I was back in Italia; how hard it was being poor and how hard we had to work once we made the oh so dangerous voyage from the land of my birth and ancestors to this large and great nation. We started with nothing and now look” He motioned to the mansion. “And as someone who was so blessed and so lucky, it is our duty to help those who were not as fortunate.”

“Sounds good…..” Alfred said, still overwhelmed and head spinning from just what had happened in the past few days. “I have to go use the bathroom, mind if I do so?”

“Go ahead.” Julius said. “You know where it is at?”

“I remember.” Alfred assured him. “I don’t need any help.”

“Come back soon.” Julius waved.

Once Alfred was out of earshot, Lovino sighed. “Gramps, that whole charitable speech is full of shit, and you know it. It’s just to get people on our side in case the cops come down on us. You get arrested and all this is gone. All our effort is for nothing.”

“Image is important Lovino.” Julius said sternly. “Something that you need to note. I suppose Feliciano does too, but he has his uses. Don’t disrupt the order. Order is important. We must defend from all sides. We will have rivals we must slay. And if we have the plebian class on our side, this will make that so much easier. They won’t talk to the officials and won’t let the others who many try to take us out will not be able to get a foothold.” He then looked grimly over to Lovina and Felicia. “And girls, do do your part well. I don’t care if you think serving the poor beneath you, it is how you earn your keep to be in the Vargas clan. Unless you’d like to tend to some of the other operations we have, like to have Helena’s job, and help do what she does….”

“NO!” Lovina said. Helena was one of the most well-known prostitutes that was part of one of the Vargas’s clan’s brothels throughout the south side of the city. Lovina had helped to babysit her son Hercules when Julius had met with her to “discuss business….” As he said he was doing but Lovina knew that that was just a front. With their grandmother dead, a lot was ‘discussed’ with her. Luckily, Hercules liked the stray cats and would put out milk for them and give them yarn to play with, so it was rather easy for her to watch the young child.

“Good.” Julius said darkly. “Now play your parts.” At this, Alfred had come back, and Julius became friendly again. “Now come with me Alfred. If you are going to take the girls to the Opera, then you must look better than some farmer out to do his work. Not that farmers are not very very important. For how would we get out food otherwise?”

“Grandpa, what do you want me to do?” Feliciano said as he ran into the kitchen. “Guess I overslept….”

“Come with me and Alfredo here, we’re getting him dressed like a proper young man should. Your brother is taking the girls to the soup kitchen to help the poor.”

“Okay. I guess I can come with you.” Feliciano said.

“Sure….” Alfred shrugged. “You’re the host. And I guess I work with you so yeah don’t want to make the boss mad.”

I am the boss alright. Boss of this city…. Julius thought. “Oh, don’t see me as your boss. Anything dealing with your farm, you are the boss of Alfred. Don’t forget that. I am paying you for not only your barn’s use, but the milk from your cows. I know plenty of people who want it here in Chicago, as most that comes from close by isn’t good and they want the best for their cheeses.”

“Now it’s not that good…..” Alfred blushed.

“Nonsense! Julius laughed. “I had a glass once and it was very fresh rich and refreshing. I am thinking of looking into some refrigerated trucks for the milk. Come on, I wouldn’t bother with this at all if I did not think you were an excellent person to do business with.”

“Thanks…..” Alfred blushed as Julius led him to the fabulous Cadillac that Feliciano and Lovino had first driven up to his farm in back those months ago when they first made the offer to him.

“Feli, why don’t you drive. I am getting so sick of seeing Alfred in these rags.” Julius said with what Alfred swore was with a hint of malice. “You are so fast.”

“Si Grandpa!” Feliciano said as he got behind the wheel. “I will make sure you get there in style and we will make you look fantastic.” He said as he started the car and headed down the road.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Toris working in a meatpacking plant is a reference to The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. Takes place about 20 years before this story is set and the protagonist is from Lithuania. However, there are parts in it so shocking, it inspired Teddy Roosevelt to sign a law leading to the formation of the FDA. A great read but I would not do it while at lunch at some parts. I do have a few other historically set Hetalia fics as well. You can check my profile for some of them like Klondike, any of the three “of the Heart” journal series and World’s fair is a historically set oneshot. That one doesn’t have romance, the other three do. But anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? Now that the work season is over, I might be able to get more updated. Anyway, don’t have much else to say here, so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

“Enzo, my best friend,” Julius said as he dragged Alfred into the tailor shop while Feliciano held the door for him. “I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Ah, Julius! My best customer, what do we have here?” Enzo added with disgust looking at Alfred’s farmer attire.

“Hey, I didn’t have anything else, Julius here took me from my farm to his place and well, yeah I didn’t bring a change of clothes.....” Alfred said defensively.

“Even if you did, I doubt anything except maybe your old dress uniform would be suitable for where you are going tonight.” Julius said proudly.

“Oooooooooh,” Enzo smiled, “And just were is this fine Americano going?”

“He’s taking my cousins Felicia and Lovina to the opera!” Felicano added, wanting to be included in the conversation.

“oooooooh.” Enzo smiled as he pulled out a tape measure. “Let’s make sure that we have this man looking fabulous for your granddaughters.....” He paused and looked over at Julius. “When is this guy taking those young ladies out?”

“Tonight.” Julius said proudly.

“Tonight!” Enzo panicked. “I certainly don’t have the time to finish all the work by tonight. Maybe in a few days, sure, but tonight?”

“Well,” Julius began, sending a chill through the air with his tone and look that scared even Alfred. He looked over and saw Felicano looking happily at some of the artwork on the walls. How can he stand that? Is he used to it because it’s his grandfather or just oblivious? I’d rather deal with a coyote with an empty shotgun near a newborn calf..... “You must have something for Alfred so he doesn’t look like a poor dirt farmer.” Alfred looked over at this, noticing there was some disdain in that tone. “I promised Felicia and Lovina a handsome escort tonight and I will deliver. Their cousins can’t do it. I wouldn’t trust Feliciano to protect them and Lovino is on a run tonight.”

“Do not panic!” Enzo said. “I have a few suits that are already made. Let me just do a few measurements and I’ll find something that suits this handsome young man just fine.” He said as he walked behind a rack of suits and looked at what was in stock in the back room. “And of course Julius, it is on your tab. You do not have to worry about paying a thing.”

“Oh, you are too good Enzo.” Julius smiled as Alfred looked down at Enzo who measured various parts of Alfred’s body without saying much of anything.

“Which way do you hang?” Enzo said as he looked up at Alfred while measuring his inseam.

“Excuse me?” Alfred asked.

“When you are buck naked, which way does your dick sit?” He rolled his eyes, as if Alfred was stupid for asking it.

“Ummmm......” Alfred said, not ever recalling ever being asked this. “I never really thought about it.....” Alfred then widened his eyes. “Dude!”

“Found it.” Enzo sighed. “Seriously, if you get more bespoke clothing, you will need to know this. No need to be such a Puritan about it.” he scoffed.

“I think I have a few Puritan ancestors....I think we do go back all the way to Plymouth rock....” Alfred noted.

“Good for you.” Enzo sighed. He finished his notes and looked up. “You have the measurements of a very athletic young man. Strong but not overly muscular.” He whipped the measuring tape over his shoulder and headed to the back room.”

“I trust you will find Alfredo something wonderful that will make my granddaughters fall head over heels in love with him.” Julius smiled. Enzo smiled back and nodded. He then headed to the back office where he had most of his inventory that was to be pre-made for his shop so those who did not want a bespoke suit could buy it and move along his way. Things were changing, fashion was becoming something people just wanted to buy and go home. Not very many people had wanted something unique just for them.

“Yeah if I can unload some of this in exchange for no protection money this month, I might be able to get caught up on a few things.....” Enzo muttered to himself as he looked at some of what was already made and the measurements he had noted down. “That boy has very blue eyes,” He said as he pulled down a blue and white pin-striped suit. “Go with that.” he said as he found a few others as well. “Of course, black is classic.” He added. “Good thing it’s mid spring, won’t need a thick jacket, but a hat,” He added grabbing a white fedora with a blue band. “There, he will look like a million dollars and Julius will have one of his granddaughters go so crazy in love that he will get him in the fold....” Enzo said. He may have been a tailor but could read people well. While normally he used this gift for getting good sales and matching men up with the perfect suit, he was able to use to to read Julius, who often thought himself as unreadable. He never said a thing, but he knew Julius’s motives to everything. He did not care what happened, as long as he kept his shop running and did not drag him into his bigger schemes beyond just happening to be the man’s tailor. He knew that one day that Roman’s luck was going to run out. When, he didn’t know but he knew Prohibition could not last, and that the government would do whatever they could to bring men like him in. It was all a matter of time. “Back to business.” He told himself as he headed out and put the blue suit in Alfred’s hands. “Try this on Yankee doodle.” He smiled. “It will bring out your eyes with your bright hair.”

“Sure....” Alfred said awkwardly. Heading to the dressing room that Enzo pointed out, he changed out of his overalls and shirt and into the outfit. “Hey this isn’t half bad....”

“I knew it.” Enzo smiled as he turned to Julius. “If this doesn’t woo your granddaughters, there’s no hope for them except flower painting.”

“Well, you know where to reach me when Alfred’s suits are done, and as for this, well I won’t charge you this month for our services.” Julius said.

“Thank you for your generosity.” Enzo said as Julius, Felicano and Alfred headed out of the tailor shop.

“Wait my other clothes....” Alfred began.

“We’ll just give them to the thrift shop.” Julius said. “You’re in with a much better crowd than mere bovines.” Alfred looked worried up at Julius. “Don’t worry, your cows are fine. Your regular customers are happy and no harm is done. And we are funneling your payment for letting us use the farm right to the bank. In no time, you will not have to worry about that burdensome mortgage anymore.”

“Uhhhhhhh thanks.....” Alfred said. He didn’t know if he could trust Julius’s word or not on the matter but he also did not seem like a man who wanted to have that very word questioned. Just keep your head down Jones and do what your told. That’s how you survived the war so far.

“It’s nothing my dear.” Julius smiled back. “But now we head back and let the girls know you’re taking them to see Carmen tonight. It’s one of the few things in this world Lovina actually likes....”

“What about Felicia?” Alfred asked.

“She’s in love with all art forms, she’s not picky.” Julius said.

Arthur stopped by the thrift shop the way home from his job. His brothers were working long shifts at the meat packing plants and railways and Dylan had needed a new set of overalls to work on some of the train cars after his were torn up. Arthur had tried to mend them but it was too far gone for him to save. Shopping at a thrift shop, in here of all places..... Arthur sighed with disgust. “But I guess it’s something. And in his section of town....” Arthur growled. He had been working on connections with breweries that had either moved to other items like cheese products like they had during the war or trying to find other ways to keep their operations going. However, it had not been going too well. He had never pulled out that Wulver that Alba had called him from his war days. I do not want to stoop to Julius’s level. I want some insurance other than buying the officials. Not like I could now anyway. At this, a young woman came out with some of the new arrivals of clothes and hung them out on the racks. He turned around, knowing this woman. “Amelia?” He asked.

“Oh, Arthur.” She said shocked. “I did not expect to meet you here. You seemed like you could pick up the pieces from what the Volstead act did to you and your brother’s pub.”

“We tried.” Arthur sighed. “And well, if I am shopping here.....” He began. “Well, I see there’s some overalls, Dylan needs a new pair.”

“I hope he doesn’t mind them smelling like cow.” Amelia cracked a feeble joke. She was a waitress at the Kirkland family pub before it had gone under. She also had worked as a cook to help supplement the menu. She was excellent with deviled eggs and little burgers to go with the people drinking. However when people could no longer get alcohol, Arthur had to make some tough decisions, one of which after a few rough months of the food not being enough to bring in people, was to let her go. When he did so, he tried to make some food himself to sell, but it drove the customers away in droves.

“I think he will be fine if there is no hole in the backside that cannot be repaired.” Arthur laughed.

“Things aren’t going so well.” Amelia sighed, looking right through the British man’s feeble joke.

“No. Not bloody well at all.” Arthur confessed. “But my brothers and I have a plan.”

“Take on Julius?” Amelia joked. Laughing she looked at Arthur who was not. “You’re mad!”

“Maybe.” Arthur said, voice dropping to a whisper. “Look if that Goombah can make a fortune bringing in booze from Canada, why can’t I use my charm and wit to make deals and do it myself with my brother’s help?”

“Wow, you really don’t like him, do you?” Amelia said. “He does more than sell booze. Yeah it helps to fuel his empire, but he does run other things. He has brothels, gambling, smoke shops and has his goons run protection on many of the businesses here. But he’s also not horrible. He helps sponsor this thrift shop and it was what gave me a chance after I had that scare....” Amelia sighed.

“I’m sorry.” Arthur said.

“It’s no matter.” Amelia said, “It was a stillborn but the damage had been done. At least I am not working in one of the brothels.”

“Good honest work you have.” Arthur assured her. “Even if it pays a pittance.”

“Are you telling yourself that?” Amelia said.

“My dear poppet, you can read me so well.” He laughed. He looked into her blue eyes and she into his green. They blushed, coughed and looked away.

“It’s not so bad. I have some free time in the evenings.” Amelia said. “I was able to save up some extra money and buy a Saxophone. There’s a jazz band from New Orleans who live in the apartment near mine that taught me how to play. And that Cajun cooking they make.....well, it’s certainly spicy.”

“You don’t say....” Arthur said. “Well I don’t want to take up too much of your time, so I will take the cow scented overalls and if Dylan says anything, he can buy them himself.” Arthur sighed as he pulled out his wallet for the money he was going to need for this. He looked over at Amelia who had placed the other clothing she was going to have to put out and sighed. She had gotten herself into a bad spot with someone, she would never say who after the pub had to close and ended up here. He felt the pain too well. She was someone he had grown to like as a friend, seeing her as a sister. Having to see her in a similar state as he pained him.

“Well, I do get to vote for the President this November.” Amelia smiled. “So that’s something.”

“You always try to find the bright side of things.” Arthur noted. Looking around he turned to her after he made sure no one was listening. “If mine and my brother’s plans work out, I want to give you a good job. Or something. I want to help you out.”

“Sure. If you ever get your shenanigans to a level where you can support yourself, I’d love to help you out.” Amelia whispered. “You know where I’ll be.” She then took a note pad and wrote down her address. “Here. If you ever wish to write or speak to me personally. I really miss you Arthur.”

“As do I Amelia.” He said as he paid for the overalls and left. “Huh, someone’s initials are still sewn in here. Kind of badly,” Arthur commented. “Looks like he just embroidered them. ‘AFJ’ huh....” he noted. “Must have been a dairy farmer. Only way a pair of overalls can smell that much like cow.” with that comment he headed back to the small apartment he shared with his brothers. He now had another motivation to take on Julius and beat him at his own game. He wanted to give Amelia a good life. A good chance to make something for herself. He knew she could cook food that people wanted and that she was a hard worker. But to see her like him pained him so. “Prohibition be damned, Julius be damned, I am speaking with the head of that brewery on the North side. And this time, I won’t be nice.” He said shutting the door behind him to find Dylan sitting on the couch reading a book. “Here, I got you some new overalls. Let me know if I need to take it in or shorten the legs. That AFJ who owned it first seems to be taller than you.”

“They smell like cow.” Dylan said as the overalls fell on his face.

“They’re the best we can afford.” Arthur said.

“I get it.” Dylan said. “Keep your Wulver back.” Arthur looked back at him. “Alba told me of your guys’ service in the war....”

“Don’t you forget it.” Arthur said as he headed to the bedroom, hoping for a nap before he was forced to share with Patrick again. “I need a nap.”

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. The flower paintings is referring to Georgia O keefe who is well known as a lesbian painter who had in the 1920 painted flowers that often compared to female organs. Enzo the tailor is one I had gotten the name idea for from the Venture Bros. Goombah is an old slur for Italian Americans who were thought to be thugs or mafia. And thrift stores were common in lower class neighborhoods back in the 1920s, but it was seen as shameful to have to shop there. You were really down on your luck then. And yes some breweries made cheese during the Volstead act. Pabst Blue Ribbon being one. Found that while reading the menu for the speakeasy at the Mob Museum in Vegas. Plan on heading out there this summer and it looks pretty interesting. It’s a bar that is like if you went to a 1920s Speakeasy. I’d recommend it if you are 21 and over. (Stupid 80s drinking law increase.....) Anyway, historical fun facts aside, remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say with this, so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Lovino sighed as he looked out the window on the long drive from Chicago to Echo Bay in Canada. It sometimes took days to get there depending on the route that they were taking and the weather. One thing that he had learned is that Chicago was nothing like Italy was when it came to the weather, especially in the winter, it seemed harsher in Chicago. It reminds me of the Alps sometimes. Just there’s no mountains. Just nothing but railroads, industry and meat packing. Lovino thought. I swear I was warmer in the Stelvio Pass back during the war.... He thought as he looked at the driver.

“What is it Lovi?” He asked.

“Are we there yet?” Lovino sighed. “Why Gramps sent me on this one, I don’t know.”

“You know how the old man is, he won’t show favoritism because of family. You earn your spot in. And it does good for the men to see the boss’s grandkids willing to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. Why doesn’t Feli come on more runs?”

“Because he would squeal if he got caught. Some copper catches me, I would tell him to go fuck himself and nothing else.” Lovina said simply as he lit a cigarette and rolled the window down slightly.

“Yeah.....” The driver admit, “I could see Feli doing that.”

“That’s why Gramps never sends him on runs.” Lovino said. “There it is. Just off the border outside the town.” He said as the truck came to a stop.

“So, you have my money?” A quiet blonde man said as he came out from a shed and looked up at the two men. He had been in a bad spot since he had managed to get back from the war. Vimy Ridge was a battle he would like to forget. He did so often by drinking but at the same time, he was aware of the money to be made selling it to Americans who crossed the border.

“I have it here Matteo.” Lovino said handing the man the envelope.

“I have to check. And put that thing out. I already breathed enough noxious fumes when my gas mask failed.” Matteo said as he started coughing as he counted the money.

“It’s all there.” Lovino said rolling his eyes.

“And real?” Matteo sighed. “I am no fool. You make sure it is all real and all there.”

“Gramps may be big into art but he’s not a counterfitter.” Lovino said.

“Good.” Matteo smiled. “Boys, pack ‘er up, eh?” The man smiled as a few men in red jackets came up and helped to load the trucks.

“Are they actually Mounties or just posing as them?” The driver said.

“Little of A, little of B. Times are tough.” Matteo said. “Got to make some money some how. You know how little Mounties do get paid?”

“Never gave two shits.” Lovino said as he watched the men load the trucks.

“Well, honest.” Matteo smiled. “It’s not a lot. But you are allowing me to help my fellow veterans make a buck. Seems something that all nations share is a certain disdain in a way is for making sure the boys they sent to fight the rich’s wars are taken care of. If they had to fight they wouldn’t go to war.”

“You sound like you’ve been reading some Marx or other crap like that.” Lovino said.

“Maybe you should.” Matteo smiled.

“I just do my job. I don’t fucking care.” Lovino said.

“Here, I have an extra copy back home. Had some former Ukrainians come with me back and they gave me this. It’s in English. Cyrillic is a bitch to read.” Matteo said. “Now get gone. We never met.”

“Whatever.” Lovino said as he got back in the truck and tossed the book behind him. “I don’t have much time for reading. Not with making sure that Americano bastardo isn’t fucking my cousins.”

“Really protective of the girls huh?” The driver said as they got back on the road and headed back towards America.

“I guess. They don’t deserve to be shackled to a smelly cow farmer, even if grandpa likes him.” Lovino said. “I liked Antonio but Spain had to go into a Civil war.....and we had to leave Italy....but Felicia’s potato eating bastard I swear, that man’s rod up his butt had a rod up its butt.....” Lovino then adjusted a spare jacket like a pillow. “But that bastard’s dead. Maybe Felicia will go for that Americano, she seems to like blondes and well, she might be worth him, but not Lovina...." The driver rolled his eyes as Lovino yawned. “Wake me when we’re at the rest stop for the night. Wish grandpa would invest in some boats for this operation.”

“Me too. But hey they say the lakes never give up their dead.” The driver shuddered.

“That’s Lake Superior and yeah....you have some points from what I heard at the docks. Helena’s son’s father is floating in that lake for all eternity.” Lovino yawned before falling asleep.

“Dark.” The driver said as he headed along their planned route.

Meanwhile, Alfred was sitting in the parlor of Julius’s mansion, waiting for Felicia and Lovina to come down from getting dressed. It felt weird to him taking two women on what was essentially a date, two women he wasn’t certain of how he felt about them. However he was worried that a fight between the sisters would break out over this, a fear he expressed to Julius who laughed it off. “Relax Alfredo.” He assured him. “My granddaughters’ arguing is nothing more than normal sibling rivalry. Why my brother and I did so in our day all the time! Although I haven’t seen Marcus in years. That was even before the war. Oh well, you can’t help the past.....”

“No, you can’t....” Alfred said sipping the espresso he was given. It was stronger than he was expecting for such a small amount, but it woke him up like his normal coffee. At this he looked up to hear ruckus coming from the stairs.

“You sure you aren’t disrespecting Ludwig’s memory by dating an American, who was shooting at him in the war? Who knows, this bastardo could have been the one who shot the fucker!” Lovina yelled.

“Please forgive Lovina’s language.” Julius said. “It’s not very ladylike for you to do so.” At this Lovina stopped swear and gulped. Alfred looked to Julius’s face and swore that pleasant smile he always seemed to have was gone but not. Like it was there but he seemed like he would throttle Lovina if she kept using her usual coarse language.

“No, I’m fine....” Alfred said as he looked at the girl’s dresses. Felicia was wearing a blue and black beaded dress that came to her knees and matching blue high heeled shoes with a blue headband with a peacock feather in it. Meanwhile Lovina was wearing a dark green floor length dress that fit her tightly with black gloves and beadwork and had simply pulled her hair back into a ponytail God she’d look good if her hair was braided....I could do that...where the fuck did that come from? Alfred thought as he blushed looking at his suit. It was the new one that Julius had gotten him but compared to the girls, he felt rather underdressed. “God, I should wear that tuxedo you lent me last night....” Alfred blushed looking away from the girls.

“You look just fine.” Felicia ssmiled. “Seriously.”

“Well, it’s whatever you want.” Lovina said tapping her fan. “I just don’t want to miss the opening. Think you can change quick enough. I know Feliciano is driving us and that man drives like a maniac with a lead foot. So if you don’t take too long....” She trailed off.

“Julius?” Alfred asked.

“Whatever you think will be worthy of my granddaughters.” He smiled as Alfred quickly ran up, changed his clothes to the ones he was lent the night before and headed back down.

“Wow, are you that fast when you are with the ladies in bed too?” Lovina said with a scowl as Alfred blushed. He hadn’t been with many women before like that. Only time was with an English nurse named Alice who then scolded him for spreading disease, even though he wore the condom she had given him, And that piece of whatever it was hurt. No wonder she didn’t like it....

“Want to find out?” Alfred smirked back, feeling her comment was an insult on his pride.

“Maybe later you two.” Julius smiled. Lovina looked up at her grandfather in shock. Her swearing was too much, but a vulgar insult on how long Alfred could last in bed was fine? Did he take that as playful flirting? She did remember that he wanted Alfred to fall for one of them so maybe he overlooked it? Well that’s weird but as long as I don’t make grandpa too mad and I end up working with Helena.... she thought recalling some of his threats to make her work for the brothels if she didn’t act as an ambassador of the family at his soup kitchens. “Feliciano, you ready?”

“Sure Grandpa!” He smiled. He was dressed in a usual driving suit. “I’ll be at the theater with you, just in one of the lower boxes.” He added.

“Good.” Julius said. “Give Alfred and your cousins some time to get better acquainted. Especially you Lovina, you seem to be particularly interested in Alfredo. At least you aren’t smothering him with affection like your sister is trying to.”

“We’ll just see how the evening goes.” She nodded politely. With this, she took Alfred’s left arm, Felicia his right and they headed out the big double doors of the front to the car that Felicano ran to and opened the door.

“Lovina, Felicia, Alfredo.” He nodded as the girls got in and put Alfred in the middle and shut the door.

“So, ummm......” Alfred began as Feliciano started up the car. “Is Carmen any good?”

“Pffft....” Lovina said. Uncultured swine. But don’t be so much of a dick to him, most Americans don’t go for this kind of thing.

“So it stinks?” Alfred asked.

“No, it’s my favorite as it is set in Spain. Reminds me of Antonio.” Lovina said.

“Did he die like Ludwig?” Alfred said, remembering what he was told about Felicia’s old lover.

“Nope, we left and he had to go back to Spain.” Lovina sighed.

“Sorry.” Alfred said.

“No worries, I’m just being sappy.” Lovina dismissed.

“Now who’s sappy?” Felicia teased.

“Shut up!” Lovina yelled as Alfred rolled his eyes. Seriously are they always like this? He thought as Feliciano pulled up to the Opera house.

“We’re here.” Feliciano said as he turned off the car. “Now Alfred, all you have to do is tell them you’re with Julius Vagras’s granddaughters Felicia and Lovina and they’ll take you to our family’s box. Okay?”

“Sure...” Alfred said as they headed out of the car, girls taking each arm like they did before. God help me, this had better not be boring. If it is Lovina might come out of here with a new hairdo. I mean I braided the horse’s tails when it was slow back in France......Alfred thought as he looked at her ponytail. It is kind of pretty.....she has nice hair.....but is a total bitch sometimes. Remember you thought the same thing with Alice then got told off as a pathetic lover when it was that fucking condom. He thought as they headed to the box office. Besides, you fuck up with either one of these two, Julius would not take it well. Do not pursue. Just remember Alice’s bitching. “So, I’m Alfred F Jones,” He began “And this is....”

“I figured you’d be here.” The clerk said. “Lovina and Felicia Vargas, Julius’s granddaughters. Right this way.” He said as the usher led them to the box. “And you’re here before the overture. Great!”

God help me with this....Alfred plead as he sat down and stared at the stage.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Yes condoms have been around for a very long time but their morality depended on time and place. But other than that, remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I am so grateful to see that you like this story of mine. Helps me out a lot. I don’t have much else to say so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Alfred sighed as he looked at the performers on stage. He could not understand a word they were singing. You’d think with me fighting in France, I’d have picked something up. But what they hell. I’m here. Maybe we can get some food after. I am sure Julius has something. Probably a restaurant that serves as his front, I don’t know.... He thought as Lovina and Felicia looked on with awe. At least they’re having a good time.... He sighed and leaned back in the chair. He stretched and felt a slight pain in his lower back. “Ooof....” He said.

“What’s the matter?” Felicia said as she looked back to see Alfred wince and ran over like he was dying.

“Nothing. Old war wound acting up, and all that farming didn’t do it any good.” He said. “Think it will rain tonight.”

“Ugggh.” Lovina said. “Rain in this?” She motioned to her dress. Alfred nodded. Yeah you wouldn’t want to get that wet....He thought.

“Well it might be a ways off, or pass by the time the opera’s over.” He shrugged. “It’s not anything more than a kind of ol folk detector anyway. It’s done it on sunny days.”

“Oh.” Lovina said as she turned back to the opera. “Come on Felicia, stop bothering him.”

“But, he’s hurt....” Felicia said holding tightly onto him, causing Alfred’s eyes to widen in shock and slight revulsion.

“You’re suffocating me....” He gasped.

“Oh sorry.....” Felicia said as she turned around and began watching the opera again.

“I’m sorry for my irrational sister.” Lovina sighed.

“That’s fine.” Alfred said as they went back to watching and laid back, mind wondering. So this is my life. Prissied up and dolled up as a bodyguard for two crazy girls. Okay now that’s mean, but still. What started as a barn rental has turned into this. God, what would have happened if Mattie hadn’t run off and joined the Canadians. Would we have went in together? Or not at all? Would we both be tending the farm? Might have had better luck with Mattie helping me. He was always good at operations. And maybe we’d have just sold that whole thing when Dad died anyway. Just criss cross this country as brothers you know. With these thoughts coming over him, distressing his conscious, he saw Lovina’s ponytail and started braiding it. This always calmed me down in the war....and the horses never noticed a thing.... He thought as he quickly but stealthfuly braided it. This is some smooth hair. She takes care of it. Finding a bit of ribbon in the pocket, he pulled the hair slightly to tighten it around the bottom, causing Lovina to turn around.

“Excuse me bastardo?” She asked looking at him sternly.

“Look at it.” He smiled proudly.

“What?” She snapped.

“Your pony tail.” Alfred smiled proudly.

“Lovina?” Felicia asked sternly as she turned around to see the work Alfred had done. “Oh my, did you do that Alfredo?”

“Yep.” He smirked. “Good job?”

“Yes!” She smiled.

“You’re saying that to get in his bed.” Lovina said.

“Here!” She said pulling a hand mirror out of her clutch and held it to Lovina to see.

“Well I’ll be damned....” Lovina said as she looked at the reflection. “So you aren’t a useless farmer after all.”

“Thank you?” Alfred asked.

“That’s about as nice as you’re getting out of her.” Felicia sighed.

Lovina blushed and looked at Alfred with a smile. Recovering, she turned to Felicia and said, “Well you could have this too if you didn’t cave to the stupid popular trends of the time. You’d still have your long hair like we both had and you could have Alfred braid it for you all day, even if his hands are covered in cow shit.”

“I’ve not been around my cows in a long time.” Alfred said looking at Lovina annoyed. “Trust me, I’ve been keeping myself very clean. Easy to do in your grandpa’s place when you don’t have to heat the water on the stove up first.”

“See, another reason you don’t want him.” Lovina said turning back to watch the Matador’s song. “I miss Antonio.”

“I thought you said he was annoying and suffocating you and spent too much on you.” Felicia remind him.

“Shut up!” Lovina said throwing her fan at her sister.

“Lovina and Alfred sitting in a tree...k...i...s...s...i...n....g! First comes love, then comes marriage then comes Alfred with the baby carriage....” Felicia teased.

“Come on you two, you’re causing a ruckus. Knock it off.” Alfred said. “Do you really want to ruin the performance for everyone and have your grandpa find out you were making an idiot of yourselves in public? He didn’t seem like he’d take too kindly to that.”

At this, Lovina froze, picked up her fan and stared back at the show. “You’re right Alfred.” She said tensely. “I apologize.” Stiffening up she turned back and continued watching. I think I am on thin ice with the old man anyway. I think I am the one to watch Heracles when he fucks Helena anyway as a reminder of what can happen to me without him. If he would have just let me stay in Spain! But grandpa said the flu was too bad when it was those fucking yellow rags. I remember some of the letters that Felicia got from that potato eating bastard. He had the same thing before he died. The wound likely just finished the fucker off.

“It’s cool.” Alfred said. “Just didn’t want you gals to get in trouble.”

“Well, you’re doing your job then, aren’t you?” Lovina said gruffly. “Thanks for the braid.”

“Oooooooooh.....” Felicia smiled turning back, not wanting to start another argument. I think Lovina really does like Alfred......she thought with a smile as Alfred closed his eyes and laid back.

Arthur sat on the window sill of the small apartment looking out towards the lakes. There has to be a way to use them. They are blasted freshwater seas! After meeting up with Amelia, his resolve strengthened. He cared about her deeply and his biggest regret was having to dismiss her. She deserved much better than what he did to her. “And I plan to make it up to you.” He said to himself. The then took another drag on his cigarette. “But I need the money and the power to do so.”

“So Wulver, what are you thinking?” Alba asked.

“Stop calling me that.” Arthur sighed. “But I was thinking, does anyone you know have access to a boat?”

“Toris and Feliks pretty much live on one when they aren’t working at the meat packing plant.” Alba said. “Say it’s cheaper than owning a house or renting and they can pack up and sail somewhere else along the lakes.”

“Well bring them to me.” Arthur said. “I’ve learned of a restaurant in trouble. They used to be a saloon like we were. He’s defaulted on his taxes and the city is starting a seizure of the property. I’ve got someone who can get me some ginger jake.”

“Okay so we’re going to sell cough medicine in a bar that’s nearly closed down?” Alba said confused.

“No, Amelia told me she has jazz musicians that came up from New Orleans. Feliks and Toris have a boat. I have someone who is very crafty that can get us some booze from Canada for a....discounted price....”

“You know someone who can steal shit?” Alba sighed.

“If we are flaunting federal law, then why not go for it! The biggest part is to not get caught until we can just buy the city and they won’t care. You know how corrupt this town is.” Arthur said despondent. “And frankly I’d rather not encourage the delinquent but he needed someone to cover for him. His grandfather is very ill....”

“Huh?” Alba said looking at his younger brother with concern.

“I met this young man from China. He had quite a haul with him. Said his grandfather could hardly work in his old age and he needed to look after him. He didn’t want to work in one of the more dangerous places, which I can’t blame him. He heard stories of the when the transcontinental railroad was built and the Chinese used there....”

“That was 60 years ago little bro, and hear Patrick and Seamus talk about the Irish being used too.” Alba said. “You have that nice English profile, the rest of us don’t to get along in this town.”

“I know, and that’s what I plan on using to smooth talk things over until we get powerful enough to own it all.” Arthur explained.

“Well you may want to hear about this....” Dylan looked up from his book.

“Bloody hell!” Arthur jumped back. “When did you come home?”

“Recently. Was talking with Julius’s grandson Feliciano over by the opreahouse on the Southside. Apparently his grandfather is hiding his trucks in some American’s farm in Wisconsin; that’s part of the reason his trucks haven’t been found coming into Chicago. They don’t come one of the suspected routes. Sure it’s out of the way depending on where in Canada they’ve met their contact Matteo who never uses the same border town. They’ve used Baudette, International Falls, even as far east as Port Franks. Those Canooks are making good off Prohibition in the border towns. Gangs in Detroit and New York do similar things.” Dylan explained.

“So what does that American have to do with things, as I suspect there’s something more.” Arthur asked.

“Oh Julius is having him be his granddaughters’ bodyguard and an enforcer, but the poor sap doesn’t know what he’s being groomed for. In fact he’s hoping one of his granddaughters charms the guy into falling in love with one of them and he’d be married into his family. Holding that to him.” Dylan said. “Apparently the poor guy was in deep with the banks and he keeps the mortgage paid.”

“And Feliciano told you all this?” Alba asked in disbelief.

“Oh yeah.” Dylan said. “I bumped into him and was kind of aggravated from a long day of work-oh and I still smell cow shit after I got covered in oil and petroleum working today.” Dylan added talking about the overalls that Arthur had bought him at the thrift store that Amelia worked at. “Apparently he thought I was going to kick his ass and then he told it all to me when I started just holding a conversation with him. I see why he doesn’t go on runs like his brother does....”

“That coward would sing like a canary.” Alba said.

“So Julius uses land routes a lot.” Arthur noted. “Alba, you said you had good connections with some rail workers from the Appalachian regions?”

“A few days ago I might have, yeah...why?” Alba asked confused.

“We need to diversify our sources. You sometimes go on train routes that go through that region, why not make connections with some who still have family there and buy the moonshine. We know how widespread it is there. We’ll get Feliks and Toris to head up via the lakes to some of the Canadian border towns...” Arthur looked at a map of North America he had brought with him and placed on the wall when he began thinking of supply to try and operate the speakeasy and grow his power. I’ll talk to Gilbert about me helping to stall the tax process on his establishment until we get the money to buy it. Or at least help him pay the tax and he will have to give us a kickback. I’ll talk to Amelia about her neighbors performing there as jazz seems to be a popular attraction now. Yes, this might just work. I will use my AMAZING negotiation and speaking skills to talk to some of the brewers here as well.”

“Ego’s getting to him....” Dylan whispered to Alba.

“Ya may be right....” Alba sighed. “But he’s got the brains to make this all work and you weren’t there at Ypres or else you’d see why I am secretly a little afraid of him.”

As the curtain fell and the opera ended, Alfred got up and Lovina and Felicia each took one of his arms and rolling his eyes, he headed back towards where the car was parked and ran into Feliciano in the lobby. “Come over here!” He said waving an umbrella and handing one to Alfred too. “It’s starting to rain out there. Got these from the car. Grandpa has a few in there for reasons like this.”

“Thanks.” Alfred said as he opened it and followed Feliciano to the car. The girls held onto him tighter. I get they don’t want to get wet but god.....feels creepy.....

“I know you want him Lovina, but he’s mine. Cows and all.” Felicia smirked.

“Have him.” Lovina said. “You can’t stand the cows anyway.” She smirked.

“You girls say something?” Alfred asked.

“Nothing at all.” They said simultaneously.

“Okay.....” Alfred said. “But that was like 3 hours, we should get back before your grandfather thinks I am doing things I shouldn’t with you.”

“Oh that’s not something you have to worry about. In fact grandpa told me to take you and the girls to one of our fancier restaurants afterwards.” Feliciano said as he started up the car. Alfred’s stomach started to growl. “You sound hungry there.”

“Yeah....” He said. “Sounds great....” He smiled awkwardly. God this is the weirdest date I have ever been on. But if the restaurant is like what he serves at home, it’s bound to be good. Alfred thought as Feliciano drove.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Now Ginger Jake or Jake or Jamaica Ginger was an alcoholic drink that could be purchased at local stores during Prohibition as it had medicinal uses too. So because of that, it was able to get around the laws. Same with wines. In New York, so many people suddenly became Rabbis to be able to get ahold of wine. That’s just one of the MANY ways people got around the laws. And the Irish Mafia that Bugs Moran ran was more than just Irish, it had a lot of Eastern Europeans in it too, basically if you were the lower rung of society they welcomed you. A little more inclusive than the Italians who liked to keep it to Italians only as much as they could. Anyway, remember to read, well you just did, and to review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much else to say here, so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

“Ah, Feli! Your nonno had told me that you and your cousins would be coming over after the opera tonight, who is this blonde that is escorting your cousins around?” A chef said coming from the back hugging Feliciano.

“Oh that is Alfred, he’s Lovina and Felicia’s escort tonight. Keeps them safe and from people who may wish them harm.” Feliciano said.

“And maybe more than that....” Felicia said as she grabbed Alfred tightly and pulled him closer to her.

“Now, I just went with them at Julius’ request.” Alfred blushed. “I mean I won’t do something selfish and if someone was hassling them, I would make sure nothing happened but I’m not romantically involved with them or like them more than friends....” He said quickly.

“Sure.....” Lovina said rolling her eyes. “You have eyes for one of us, men are all the same.” She sighed looking around.

“Well, your regular table is over here.” The chef said. “Or do you want Feliciano somewhere else?” He added with a wink of the eye that made both Lovina and Alfred roll their eyes in exasperation.

“Si!” Felicia smiled as she pulled Alfred closer. “I want a table to just me, sister and Alfredo here......”

“If it’s what the lady wants.....” Alfred laughed. He was desperate for this night to be over. He was not a fan of opera, and the girls fighting over him was starting to get on his nerves.

“Oh you know women already. That will serve you well. So many men your age never quite know how to make a young lady happy and feel special.” The chef said as he turned. “Come, come....” He said hopping up and down energetically. “I must have you taste some of my new creations, let me know how an Americano would like them. I know the tastes here are not quite the same as back in Italia.....” The chef showed them the circular table and moved one of the chairs aside so that each of them would be on one side. Alfred looked over from his seat facing the rear of the restaurant and looking out over what was an empty establishment. “I know your favorites girls, but let me bring out my latest creation for your darling young man.” The chef said as he left Alfred with Felicia and Lovina.

“Is it just me or is everyone just obnoxious about us?” Alfred sighed.

“Not just you. I swear if I could just stay by myself, read, maybe paint and listen to some of the operas I like, I’d be happy.” Lovina sighed. “But I have my duty as grandpa puts it. Felicia and I are supposed to be the soft face of the group.”

“Yeah.......” Alfred sighed not knowing what else to say. “That braid looks good on you.” He said to Lovina to break the tension.

“Of course you’d think so.” Lovina huffed.

Can’t even compliment her...... Alfred sighed slightly defeated. Either Lovina was being utterly rude to him and couldn’t take an honest compliment or Felicia was suffocating him. He just nodded politely the rest of the time while Felicia went on about so many different things, it was hard to keep track. Meanwhile Lovina was simply tapping her fingers on the table, looking disappointed in everything. He looked over to Feliciano who was a few tables over chatting up what looked like to be a waitress. Alfred moaned in exasperation and placed his head on the table.

Patrick and Seamus walked home from the meat packing plant with a sigh. They had to work another very late shift and got off, exhausted from what was a very long 14 hour shift. “What good is a union if we don’t get more pay?” Seamus sighed.

“I know, I know....” Patrick sighed. “Hopefully this was just a one time thing...” Seamus looked at him. “You’re right. Likely not.” He kicked a bottle down the road. “But what are we going to do? We don’t have the pub anymore.”

“Move to Canada?” Seamus said. “It’s what Artie wanted to do right after the war. May have been onto something,”

“Doesn’t matter.” Patrick said. “We’re bugger all. We have nothing to look forward to anymore.” He sighed as he looked around. “Between you and me brother, I doubt we’re going to make it through Arthur and Alba’s crazy idea.”

“You thought it was good.” Seamus said.

“I’m rethinking things. HOLY SHIT!” He yelled as a truck came speeding by and stopped just at the feet of the Irish brothers. “Bloody hell, what the hell were you thinking?” Patrick yelled as he opened the door to find a man speaking rapid Italian pleading with him. “I have no clue what you are saying! You driving like that, you could kill somebody and I don’t have the time nor the patience when I die. Saint Peter will have to wait.” he said as he pulled back and punched the driver in the face. “Do you understand me?”

“Take it! Take it all!” The driver said as he ran off, his partner in crime that was sitting in the passenger seat.

“Patrick, what did you do?” Seamus pleaded as he looked at the seats of the truck. “God, they weren’t up to something were they?” He noted as he saw the small semi-automatic pistols, a map, a few boxes of ammo, some shotguns and a few switchblades.

“Armed to the teeth and they were scared of an angry Irishman?” Patrick said.

“You think they worked for Julius Vargas?” Seamus asked as he got in the truck.

“Likely.” Patrick said climbing into the driver’s seat. “I wish I could tell Artie what we got. If we are getting into the bootlegging game ourselves, we practically got a starter kit from Grandpa Rome ourselves! Use that Roman’s own tools against him and chase him out like our Celtic ancestors did oh so long ago! Like Saint Patrick did to the snakes himself!”

“Let’s get this to Gilbert’s place first.” Seamus said. “Artie told me that they brokered a deal. Turning that place from a failing soda jerk fountain to a good ol fashioned speakeasy. People don’t give him much crap or suspicion like they do us.”

“Seamus, come see!” Patrick said as he jumped out of the truck and looked in the back. “ Blessed Mother of Mary....” he whispered as he clutched a rosary he held close.

“Aye......” Seamus said.

“We’re in business.” Patrick smirked. “Now let’s see how many people we don’t hit on the way over to Gilbert’s.”

“Well, that’s the last I will see tonight. Not a lot of people wanting egg cremes at this time of night....” Gilbert sighed as he headed out of the small soda jerk stand he ran, that was at one time a thriving bar and restaurant when Patrick and Seamus drove by honking the horn of the truck, slamming the brakes in front of him. “What the hell are you two thinking?” Gilbert yelled.

“That it’s time for Artie’s idea to start unfolding. You have a place we can unload this thing?” Patrick said out the window.

“What the.....” Gilbert said. “No fucking way.”

“Yes fucking way.” Seamus smiled back.

“Kein Scheissen.....” Gilbert whispered. “Where did you get all of this?”

Patrick motioned for Gilbert to lean in close. “Accidently held up one of Julius Vargas’s trucks.”

“How do you accidently truck jack someone?” Gilbert said in a confused whisper.

“Well the drivers nearly hit me.” Patrick began. “I was going to rough the fool up a little bit, and the Italian bugger ran off, screaming something in his language and well, left the truck there. I don’t feel sorry for him. But this is ours now. If we’re going to play this game, we need a few starter pieces, do we not?”

“I guess you’re right.” Gilbert sighed. “Take it around back.” I feel my dead little brother’s eyes scorning me now as we speak but from what I have been reading from back home, you would rather be doing something like this kleiner Bruder...... “But you two Mickeys are helping me unload that. Any weaponry?” Gilbert asked as Patrick took the truck to the loading bay at the back of the store.

“Why?” Seamus asked.

“Will need some protection.” Gilbert said. “If that is one of Julius Vargas’s trucks, then I am assuming it has some guns and other weaponry. That will be my payment for now until sales begin. I had to hock the old Mauser I brought with me.”

“There’s some. I have one of the pocket pistols with me.” Seamus said as they walked back behind the alleyway to where Patrick had parked the truck.

“Nein, nein, das kleine Ding ist zu schwach.” Gilbert said, knowing there may be some prying ears.

“What the hell did you say kraut?” Patrick said.

“No, a pocket pistol would be too weak.” Gilbert said. “Ah here we go. May not be one of the ones that terrorized my brother in the trenches but it will do. And I think I’ll take a few of those switch blades too.....” He said as he grabbed the shotgun and some shells and a few knives. “Now start loading you two.”

“God, our work is never done.” Seamus said.

“After 14 hours at the plant....” Patrick moaned.

“Just think of it this way,” Gilbert smiled. “You’re investing in your future. A little hard work and sacrifice now and you and all your Limey brothers will be living like Julius and his Dummkopf grandchildren in no time.” He said as he unloaded the shotgun and looked down the barrel with what little light he could get from the street lights. “Looks like it is in good condition. I can use that if his gang makes their way here trying to get me to pay them protection.”

“They asked you for that?” Patrick asked, as worry that Julius was already setting stakes in the area of Chicago they were going to be working.

“Nein.” Gilbert assured them. “But I have friends down in the south side. I hear things.” He then cocked the gun back. “But I am already working with your brother to save this place. I don’t need two gangs hassling me.” He looked up. “Keep the weapons with me but ditch that in the lake, drive it off a pier, wreck it something, I am sure this will get back to the big Caesar and he will be pissed. If he can’t find the truck, he won’t know where to start looking.”

“Not a bad idea....” Seamus said.

Julius sat in his study, reading books about the Roman conquests of old and thinking of how he was in a way, living up to the old tradition that ran in his blood. Legends of great warriors and generals dating back to Antiquity. He was just simply using new means to get what he wanted. If playing by the rules did not get you what you needed, simply cross the Rubicon and go further than you are allowed. In his case, run rackets, sell illegal booze and make sure the people who could cause you harm loved you or were bought off so it was all yours. “Sir, I have a devastating report.”

“Come in Giovanni.” Julius said, tone darkening.

“I have Luigi and Armando. They have some bad news.” Giovanni said as he shoved them in front of Julius.”

“What is it?” Julius said as he pulled a gun from his desk and cocked it.

“Please! Be merciful! Some Irishman beat us and stole our trucks!” Luigi pleaded.

“You didn’t try to fight back? Any shots fired?”

“No, we ran!” Armando pleaded.

“You had weapons, guns knives and you still ran?” Julius said as the two drivers looked down in shame. “Shame. I would have been more merciful if you had attempted to fight back but getting beat up by a few dumb Micks?” Julius said as he closed his eyes and shot the gun, causing the two drivers to fall to the ground dead. “Dispose of them. I have no use for weakness in my organization. This is a dangerous game we play. I want that truck found. Thank the heavens my grandchildren are out. And I may need Alfredo more now after all.

Translation Guide:

(obtained via Google Translate)

nonno- Italian-Grandfather

Kein Scheissen.....-German-No fucking shit

kleiner Bruder-German-little brother

Nein, nein, das kleine Ding ist zu schwach.-German-No, no no, that little thing is too weak.

Dummkopf-German-idiot

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Mickey and Mick are old insults for Irishmen. Anyway, other than that, remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say with this A/N, so enough of that and on with the fic!

Julius left his study for Giovanni and a few others to clean up the mess that was made. He didn’t know what they did, nor did he care. All he wanted was that the bodies were gone in a way that did not implicate him. He wanted to know where the truck was. He wanted vengeance for those who stole it. He already took care of the weak link that allowed it to happen without a fight and the operation could absorb the loss of one truck, but by allowing it once, it could happen again. There could be rival faction coming up that he had not counted on. They were headed through the North side and it was two Irishmen who had taken it..... He thought as he looked up to see Feliciano, Alfred, Lovina and Felicia come back. Well they can’t know what happened. He thought as he put on a smile and welcomed them. “Welcome home girls, Alfredo, how was your evening.”

“It was fantastic Nonno” Felicia said hugging her grandfather. “And the food was delicious.”

“Yes, really liked the cheese sauce that your chef came up with.” Alfred said with a slight burp.

“How you are not as big as the cows you raise, I do not know.” Lovina sighed.

“Oh Alfredo here has a healthy appetite of a hard working farmer is all. All that muscle needs food too you know.” Julius said as he grabbed Alfred close. “I have a brilliant idea. Girls, instead of working at the soup kitchen tomorrow, you should get some fresh country air at Alfred’s farm. Get out of the city, enjoy the simple things for a few days.” Felicia smiled as Lovina rolled her eyes. “Any problems Lovina?”

“Can’t we just spend a few days down at the lake?” Lovina said. “It smells about like a farm anyway.”

“No, no no, that simply won’t do.” Julius said pleasantly but Lovina and even Alfred felt a slight chilling malice to the words. “The lake is near the city, and you know what gets dumped in there. I am surprised it has not caught fire! No, you will do better on Alfred’s farm for about hmmmmm......” He paused thinking of how long it would take for the current truck at the farm to get back, as he was wanting all those involved to know about what happened and would never happen again. If there was one thing he didn’t want was his granddaughters to know more than they did by second hand hearing. “Spend the week there. Out in the country, get some fresh air and work with your hands a little bit.”

“A week?” Lovina said.

“Yes, a week.” Julius smiled. “You’ll be back here before you know it Lovina, don’t worry. You may find you never want to come back. Who knows. You can handle the drive there, I am correct Alfred?”

“Yes sir.” Alfred said. “I’ll make sure the girls are okay. I’m sure I could find something they would find interesting I guess.” He then turned to Felicia and Lovina. “And don’t worry, there’s a few spare bedrooms. It was just me there. My parents passed away and my brother is missing so there’s plenty of space.”

“It will do you girls some good.” Julius said. “You can pack in the morning. Now head up the stairs and go to bed, all of you.” He said pushing them along. “Feliciano, I need you with me a minute.” He said grabbing his grandson. “I need you to stay here, as while I don’t send you on runs often, I need you to know what happened.”

“What happened?” Feliciano asked as he saw Giovanni head into his grandfather’s study.

“One of our trucks was stolen. The drivers did nothing to fight back. It was stolen on the north side by a few Irishmen. Now I know you don’t normally go on runs unlike your brother but you need to know this. There’s someone out there wanting to steal from us and ruin what we have. Some competition. So if you get into a spot like that, I need you to do your damndest to fight back. Do not just surrender like you usually do.”

“Okay grandpa.....” Feliciano said scared. “I’ll try.”

“Don’t try. Just do it.” Julius said. “Get some sleep.” He said as Feliciano headed off.

“YOU DID WHAT?” Arthur said as Seamus and Patrick came back to the small apartment.

“Ummmmm, carjacked one of Julius’ trucks, stashed it all at Gilbert’s place, then used a brick to drive the truck into the lake.......” Seamus said nervously.

“You’re lying....” Arthur said. “You have to be. This is some elaborate joke.....” He said walking back to the couch where Dylan was asleep and falling down onto him.

“What the?” Dylan said.

“Your brothers just stole some of Julius’ hooch and ran his truck into the lake” Alba said.

“We figured that we could use his inventory to help stock our own. I mean some of the breweries and shine we have is okay, but we don’t have the trade routes set up quite yet. And our weaponry is lacking too.” Patrick explained. “So it’s like a start up loan.”

Arthur’s head spun. If they weren’t on Julius’ watch before, they were now. Patrick does have a point though, we hardly had much of anything to start out with. We needed this, and if we’re already breaking federal law, what is stealing from another criminal? Arthur thought as he got up with Dylan looking at him annoyed.

“Look at it this way little bro,” Dylan began. “Say Seamus and Patrick’s antics do get us what we were trying to do, we all can have our own beds.”

“Yes, that’s something that would be nice.” Arthur said as he wiped his brow and started to pace. “You said everything on that truck is at Gilbert’s?”

“Yep.” Seamus nodded.

“Good.” Arthur said. “I don’t think Julius is involved too much on the North side just yet. And I know Gilbert is a smooth talker.....” He paused. “Look I will talk with Gilbert and Amelia about things in the morning.”

“Why Amelia?” Alba asked with some teasing curiosity.

“Because her neighbors are jazz musicians and if Gilbert wants some kitchen help or something like that, she would be very good at it.” Arthur said simply.

Alba rolled his eyes. He knew how Arthur looked at her before and how he would never say what he was thinking. Maybe it was for the best or maybe it wasn’t. If Artie would just man up. Ah, he’s got enough on his hands to worry about right now. Best to not tease the little fella. “She won’t go telling anyone about the operation?”

“No, despite her loud mouth, she can keep secrets.” Arthur stated.

“Good.” Alba said. “Now let’s get some sleep. We’re in this for the long run boys.”

“Indeed.” Arthur sighed as he lit a cigarette. “Just a quick one before bed. My nerves.”

The next day, Alfred, Lovina and Felicia were woken early so they could pack and head for the week on the farm. Alfred did not have much to pack himself but Giovanni had a hard time getting both of the Vargas girls to pack up what they would need, fasten the trunks to the car and then get them out the door and ready to go. Julius had given Alfred a good sum of money for the job and if he needed to get anything that he did not have in his pantry himself. The drive was rather long and he had hoped that Felicia and Lovina would not argue most of the way there. As they got out of the city, and headed towards the bumpy country roads, he noticed they had eventually dozed off, much like he did when Julius brought him to Chicago in the first place. “Well a nice drive in a nice car. Julius must either not think much of money or trust me a lot if he’s letting me drive this thing.” He said looking around at the Cadillac. It took him a bit of getting used to, mainly how it was much more comfortable than his farm truck was. It was a nice change of pace for him to get off the farm and see the city and civilization but he missed it. He could ignore the memories of fights he had after his mother died with his father, the longing he felt when Matthew ran away to find him again, the excitement he got when he got a letter from Matthew in their secret code that told him he joined the Canadian military, the anger that came when he told his father and somehow his father blamed him for it. Why didn’t I just sell the place when I got it? No one would care He asked himself as he drove through the town that he sold the milk he produced in. They were getting closer and the girls were still asleep. “I thought I had mastered sleeping through everything in the trenches....” Alfred laughed as Felicia rubbed her eyes.

“Huh?” She asked. “Are we there yet?”

“Almost.” Alfred sighed. “It’s just outside of town.” He smiled as a truck bypassed them.

“One of Grandpa’s trucks!” Felicia said.

“What are they doing out here?” Lovina asked as she woke up.

“Didn’t they tell you?” Alfred said.

“Maybe,” Lovina said. She never remembered much after she first woke up from a nap.

“They use my barn to rest up and I guess this one went through during the day rather than at night.” Alfred sighed. “Guess it would be better if they aren’t there. Your grandfather said you girls needed some time away from the city.”

“He’s planning something big.” Lovina said. “He never wants us around when he does. Just our cousins and that Feliciano is a right big wimp.”

“Yeah....” Alfred said. “I think I heard Lovino say something like that. He doesn’t go on runs much.”

“Nope.” Lovina sighed. “And I guess Grandpa thinks Felicia and I are just too frail and delicate to know about the deeper goings ons of his operation. But I know. I have been around him enough after he’s had fun with his mistress Helena. He has me babysit her son.”

“Well it’s rough from what I have heard, be it just the stories and gossip. You sure you can handle things like that?” Alfred asked.

“Better than Feliciano who is just good as a driver. A get away driver.” Lovina laughed.

“You have a point there.....” Alfred admit.

They drove on some more until they had come to the pathway leading towards the land that Alfred took when he drove his truck for deliveries that ended by the barn. He turned off the ignition and turned to the girls. “Well we’re here.” He smiled.

“This is your house?” Lovina said in disgust.

“You’re hopeless aren’t you?” Alfred asked, insulted.

“You are.” She sassed back.

“That’s the barn.” Felicia said. “Is that it?” She said as she looked over to the west.

“Yep.” Alfred said. “It ain’t nothing like your guy’s house but it’s a decent sized one. Two story, flushing toilet so no need for the outhouse. Haven’t used that since I was a kid.....” Alfred said. “When I got back I put in flushing toilets. Hated having to just drop my pants and hope for the best in the war.” I shouldn’t leave this out in the open. It may get dusty in there but it’s better than nothing. “Give me just a minute, I’ll put the car in the barn.” Alfred opened the door, made sure no one was left from the latest run and parked the shiny car in the barn. Besides, it will get some weird questions, not like these two won’t either. He thought as he looked over at Lovina and Felicia. I am not getting hardly any time away from those two am I? Am I their bodyguard or something as well? Seems like. He thought as he shut the barn and walked over to the girls.

“You want to braid my hair again tomorrow.” Lovina asked. It came out as more of a statement rather than a question.

“I guess.” Alfred sighed. “I’ll bring the trunks in later. You two don’t pack light.”

“You man enough to carry them?” Lovina teased.

“Of course.” Alfred said. “But I want to make sure you girls get a chance to settle in and know where your rooms are.” He said as he led them to the house.

“It’s wonderful.” Felicia said as Lovina rolled her eyes. “I mean it. I like the porch.”

“Thank you kindly.” Alfred said as he opened the door and led them in. “There’s the living room” he pointed, “kitchen’s over there.” He looked around the pantry. “May need to go on a dry goods run if I am keeping you two for the week....” He walked towards the stairs “Okay, so we have the bathroom here, he pointed “And there is two bedrooms up here and one on the bottom floor. “Like I said it’s not much, but there’s a lot of land.”

“What’s on the land?” Lovina said. “And I claim the bottom bedroom.”

“Well there’s a small pond over the hill. Mattie and I would ice skate on it all the time, but he was better at it than me. It’s not bad to fish in or swim in this time of year. Some wooded areas over that way and lots of just plain ol grazing land.” Alfred said, noticing his farmer’s accent slipping in. He made sure to try to talk as proper as he could around Julius but back at the farm, he felt more at home and like how he was.

“Well it seems nice.” Felicia smiled.

“I’ll spend a lot of time at that pond.” Lovina said.

“Well, you girls can go sit in the living room, I’ll bring your trunks....” Alfred sighed.

“Good.” Lovina said.

Translation Guide:

(obtained via google translate)

Nonno-Italian-Grandpa

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Honestly this chapter I don’t have much else to say here with this chapter’s A/N. So with this, remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? Thank you all so much for those who read, reviewed, faved and watched. It really means a lot to me. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

“Well,” Alfred said as he placed Lovina’s trunk down in the bedroom she choose. “I think I should take a look at the other girls here on the farm.”

“The only girls you care about.” Lovina sighed.

“You can come with.” Alfred said. “Teach you a few things.”

“I guess.” Lovina replied as Alfred’s eyes widened and blushed. He had expected she would shut herself away for the whole time she was here, maybe head to the pond, but nothing more. She didn’t seem very friendly towards him and did not seem like a girl who would want to get dirty with cows. “I think Gramps would be surprised I am doing such things.....”

“Good surprise or bad surprise?” Alfred asked.

“To be honest, I don’t know.” Lovina said. “Now let me change into something a little more suitable. I doubt you want to tend to smelly bovines while dressed in one of those fancy suits my grandpa’s tailor made.”

“Not really.” Alfred said. “And to be honest, it would be more comfortable to wear my normal farm clothes again. I felt too afraid to mess up those suits.”

A few minutes later, Alfred had come back down and Lovina was standing tapping her foot in a plain pair of pants and a shirt. “Took you long enough.” She sighed. “Now braid my hair.” She demanded.

“Pushy aren’t you?” Alfred sighed. “You’re lucky your hair is really pretty.....” He moaned with a slight blush. This is a pretty look for her though.....he thought as his heart raced. It felt like he did when had first met Alice, how he thought he wanted her, that she was the one for him and he would have stayed in England for her if she hadn’t treated him the way she did. It seemed to him in retrospect that Alice was pushy and if she hadn’t rushed him into getting physical he might have been able to get keep the relationship going. But that was the past. Why am I feeling like this for Lovina? I mean she’s a total pushy bitch sometimes.... He thought as he began to braid her hair, not wanting to cause problems more than would be expected. Looking up, he noticed she was looking at a mirror on the wall and notice that for once, Lovina looked happy. She looked like she didn’t mind being here on the farm while he did that. I wouldn’t be too annoyed doing this if she just asked..... He thought as he finished braiding her hair and tying it up with a ribbon and smiling. “There? Good enough?”

“Yes. Very.” Lovina said a smile that did not seem snarky.

“Well, let me give you the grand tour.” Alfred laughed as he headed to the door. “Felicia, you coming?”

“Nah, I’m fine.” Felicia said with a smile on the porch. “I got this book called This Side of Paradise and Grandpa always says I should read more.” She had a smirk on her face that caused Lovina to look annoyed at her. Felicia knew her sister and how she acted, and how Lovina was acting towards Alfred reminded her a lot of when she was seeing Antonio.

“Well, I’ll show you how the cows are taken care of.” Alfred said as he placed a hand on Lovina’s shoulder, causing her to blush and then hearing her sister’s laugh, she looked back and scowled at Felicia.

“I am sorry, can you tell me again what you are proposing?” Amelia asked, looking at Arthur confused.

“Seriously?” Arthur said with a hushed voice. He took a deep breath. Perhaps it does sound too fantastic to believe.

“I’m sorry Artie, it’s just.....” She sighed. “How do you accidently car-jack someone?” she said as she dropped her voice.

“I asked my brothers the same thing.” Arthur laughed quietly, looking over at the other patrons of the thrift store. “Said that they were nearly rundown by some of Julius Vargas’s men who ran away when they threatened them for nearly killing them.” Arthur replied, smiling at how silly it all was. “So they thought it a good idea since his men ran, to take their supplies. Then deliver it to Gil’s who is planning to run a speakeasy in his soda jerk stand’s back room.” Amelia looked on with a blink and he continued. “I was wondering if you could get your neighbors to perform and if you would be willing to help us out in running....I mean I recall your work for me at our old pub and well.....” Arthur blushed. Damn it all......I’m making a fool of myself. Maybe Alba was right.....

“Sure.” Amelia said with a wink. “As long as I get a break to help the band every now and again. They think I have quite the voice.”

“Well, if they say so, I will trust their judgment.” Arthur nodded. “We’re running the first night this weekend. You know where to find me if there’s a problem.”

“Sure do.” Amelia said with a wave. “Hate to rush you but I have a customer.” She told him as a woman came up with some clothing and looked ready to pay.

“I will see you around.” Arthur said as he tipped his hat to her.

“Bye.” She waved as he left the shop and smiled.

“Oh who is that darling young man?” The older woman smiled looking at Amelia.

“Oh just a friend. Used to work for him, but his business had to close. We still talk and such.” Amelia said as she began to tally up the purchases.

“Well he’s charming and seems to have taken a liking to you.” The woman laughed.

“Oh he’s just a friend.....” Amelia blushed.

“Your face betrays you.” The woman laughed.

“Well....your bill is $1.37 please.” Amelia replied quickly trying to change the subject.

“Here you go.” She said as Amelia put the money in the register and put the clothing in the bag for the lady.

“Thanks. And God bless you.” Amelia said.

“And I do hope that you two confess. He seems like just the right man to give you a good life young lady.” She added as she headed out of the store with a changle of the bells attached to the door.

“It’s not like that....” Amelia said to herself uncertain as she went to put back some clothes that previous shoppers did not want. I will have to talk to the guys tonight. I’m sure they won’t mind. I really could use some of their cigarettes after this.... she thought.

“Well that’s the cows.....” Alfred blushed as Lovina had looked up at him with some milk trailing from her hair and her face.

“I have milk over my face.” Lovina moaned.

“That’s why you need a firm grip.” Alfred said. “Although to be fair, I use machines most of the time. Saves me a ton of effort, gets me more milk I can sell, but well, required quite the investment.....”

“More money, more problems....” Lovina sighed looking at the ground.

“I’ll clean that up for you.” Alfred sighed as he took a handkerchief and wiped off the milk that was on her face. “Sorry again...”

“No, it was my bad idea to mess with those smelly things in the first place.” Lovina said. Alfred could tell she was putting an act on, and making herself seem like she was a tough standoffish woman, but after seeing her when she got the hang of milking, she seemed to find it soothing. She had seemed to like it. Alfred knew better than to say anything to her about it, but he thought he had cracked the Lovina code.

“Well, it’s a warm day today, want me to show you the pond? Before your sister finds it?” Alfred said.

“Sure.” Lovina sighed.

“And I’ll make dinner when we get back. Nothing as nice as your grandpa’s cooks can make, but I suppose some chicken and dumplings should do for now. Not like I often have company, let alone company of such refined tastes.” Alfred laughed trying to break the tension.

“I suppose that will do for now.” Lovina said as she followed him up a hill and looked over as he began to run down to a large pond. “It’s bigger than I thought it would be.” She replied.

“Yep.” Alfred said as he walked her over towards the dock that he and Matthew had always fished off of growing up. He then took off his boots and placed them aside and sat down, dipping his toes in the water. “Do you like to fish?”

“Honestly, couldn’t say.” Lovina said. “Never fished before.”

“Never fished?” Alfred asked incredulously.

“Never.” Lovina said. “But it seems nice, just sitting out there, staring at the water, no one to bother you, no one wanting you to be some perfect figure...nothing like that....”

Alfred paused. Lovina seemed at times like a total and complete bitch. She would insult him at any chance she had gotten, but recently, that had only happened when he had tried to compliment her and they were getting less and less snarky. He supposed this was her way of warming up to him, which he took as a compliment. “I hope you don’t mind,” He asked as he sat her down on the edge of the dock and he sat behind her. “Your braid needs some fixing....”

“Oh.” Lovina replied. “Fix it then.” Alfred undid the braids and did as best as he could to straighten up her hair and smooth it out. Lovina closed her eyes and smiled. This felt good to her, felt right. Like someone cared. Like someone loved her.How in the hell am I feeling like that for some smelly cow farmer? Grandpa is probably trying to use the guy for his own ends. Some of them deadly. Probably wants to buy this place. But not just pay Alfred for it and let him on his merry way. He sighed a deal with the devil, but at the same time, poor thing probably had no choice.... Lovina sighed. She felt more sympathy for Alfred than anyone when she was forced to put on a fake smile and spoon out potato soup for the poor to make her grandfather look good.

“And done.” Alfred said. At this, Lovina perked up and turned around, placing a kiss on his lips, losing her balance and he dove to wrap his arms around her, try to keep her safe but when she lost her balance and fell into the pond, Alfred fell in right behind her. Heading to the edge of the pond, he placed her on the shore and looked at her face. “Woah.” He laughed. “You’re soaking wet.”

“And so are you.” Lovina smirked back, heart racing. She then grabbed his cheeks and pulled him closer to her. Feeling him on top of her felt right, like this was the only thing that mattered in the world. She had wanted him more than anything. Alfred wrapped his arms around her and sat on her lap, returning the kiss as best he could, hoping he didn’t mess it up. Last time he had felt real passion like this was with Alice and that had crumbled apart. But Lovina, while having the same disagreeable personality, didn’t nag him. She was beautiful and maybe from a different class but he wanted her. His head grew light as he felt her hands move down from his cheeks and down to his suspenders, pushing them aside and pulling his shirt out. “Take this thing off.” She demanded taking a breath from the kiss.

“Fine.” Alfred sighed with a smile. He tossed the wet shirt aside after some effort getting it off and Lovina reached down and adjusted some of her slips and garters. “So eager are you?” He teased.

“Maybe....” Lovina smirked. “Or maybe I am tired of how those blasted things feel after getting soaked in farm pond water and that just makes things a little easier....” She smiled as she headed closer to the buttons of Alfred’s pants. He gulped, feeling her hands so close to him. “And I can tell you want me and I want you.” He took a deep breath and began to speak when she kissed him again. “Don’t say a word.” She ordered. “Just follow your heart. That’s the only reason I am here with you. Don’t rationalize a thing. I want you. You know it too.”

Alfred kissed her back. “You sure about this?” He asked as he adjusted his pants so he could get better movement with her.

“I’m sure. Us Italian girls know a bit about passion.” Lovina teased as she stroked him, causing his heart to race. “Don’t be nervous. I won’t tell a soul as long as you do not.”

“Lovina....” He nibbled on her ear.

“Yes my dear. Take me.” Lovina urged on. “I am all yours.”

“Then I think I shall....” Alfred smirked as he ran his hand up her things, pushing them apart, holding her close to himself. “You’re so beautiful, I can hardly contain myself.”

“Don’t then.” She teased as she adjusted herself to meet him. She felt him push inside just slightly and arched back, looking up towards the sky. “Keep that up.” She moaned as she dug her nails into his wet back. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she knew that if she were trapped her on the farm, she had at least one thing that was hers and hers alone and that made this whole thing she had to live through that she despised better, and that was Alfred.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I know that ending may have gotten a little risque but I did manage to keep it not too vulgar. And the book This Side of Paradise is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first novel. You may know him from his more famous work, The Great Gatsby. But now that Arthur’s gang is on the move and growing, and Lovina and Alfred are growing closer, there’s bound to be trouble. Anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I have a good streak going for a few more chapters of this story, so that’s why I am updating sooner. But anyway, you’re not wanting that so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Lovina laid on Alfred’s chest with a smile on her face. He stroked her hair, smiling. Well never thought I would be doing that with her, but she seemed to like it.... Alfred thought. As if to read his mind, Lovina sighed. “That wasn’t that bad.” She said.

“Just ‘wasn’t that bad’?” Alfred teased back.

“You could stand to learn a few things. I guess if the only girls you have been around were bovines, I can forgive some of it.” She smirked.

“Well....” Alfred began, feeling like he could be more honest with her now. “Before I was shipped home after the end of the war, I was talking with this nice, well she seemed nice anyway, nurse named Alice. After awhile we wanted to get physical and I don’t know what the Brits were doing with those condom things but the one she gave me sucked and then she got mad at me and left. I think she was looking for a reason as she did nothing but nag me all the time anyway. Like she was my mother and not my girlfriend or something.....”

“What a bitch.” Lovina laughed. “I don’t know what she was expecting, maybe she had too much experience with a Frenchman or something, but you certainly did not perform badly.”

Alfred smiled, knowing that was the best he was going to get out of Lovina when it came to their romp. But it felt good, knowing that she liked it and that maybe, she wouldn’t mind doing it again. He loved making her melt in his arms and the way her green eyes begged for more. “Well, it was exhausting all day by the pond, so I think I will get dinner started. Hope you and your sister are not too against chicken and dumplings.”

“I’ll try what farmers in this country call food.” Lovina said as she saw Felicia come down. “But tomorrow you are taking me into town and I am buying what I can to make some proper food.” Felicia looked at her sister with a knowing looking. “What? I can cook just as good as the chefs can. It was one of the things that grandpa made sure we knew how to do.” Felicia kept smiling. “What?”

“You are all wet.” Felicia said.

“So?” Lovina asked as she headed into her room and shut the door behind her in Felicia’s face.

“Alfred is all wet too.....” Felicia smirked.

“We fell in the pond. Tripped on the dock he has that you can fish off of.” Lovina moaned as she took off her wet clothes and started untangling the braid and brushing it to make sure it would smooth out. Alfred doesn’t have to worry too much about his hair, I guess that is the only upside of that stupid bobbed trend that my stupid sister fell for....Lovina thought with a grunt as she worked on untangling the matted and wet mess that was her hair. Well beauty is pain they say....She thought as she winced again and dried herself off and put on a fresh set of clothes. Opening the door, she took the book Felicia had with her and sat down on the couch in the living room while Alfred was in the kitchen putting the final touches together on what he could make for the girls.

“That’s mine!” Felicia yelled, running after her sister. “Don’t lose my place!”

“Doesn’t grandpa want you to work on your Latin?” Lovina teased. “He says as descendants of the historic grand capital of the world, we must be proficient.”

“Like you are any better!” Felicia moaned.

“I am good enough to get grandpa to not pester me about it.” Lovina teased. Felicia moaned as she went to get the Latin textbook from her trunk to review what she needed and prove that she was as good as, if not better than her sister. “Italian is derived from it, so it shouldn’t be that hard to you...” Lovina taunted hearing the rapid Italian coming from her sister. “And Mass, how many times have we been to Mass and that’s all the priest says?” Lovina sighed. Felicia came back down and stared at her sister over the textbook, knowing that there was something going on between her and Alfred. She had lashed out at him so much, that Felicia was confused at what he could see in her. Is it her hair? Does Alfred like long haired brunettes? She thought, the Latin words passing over her, as if they weren’t there. What is Grandpa’s hold up on all this Latin? It’s like Lovina says, it’s pretty close to Italian anyway.... Felicia looked back to her sister, twirling her long dark brown hair as it dried in boredom. She had put down the book she stole from Felicia and was staring off with a sigh. I should cut that dark brown mess....give her a more modern look and see if she isn’t distracted from Alfred by other men. She pondered as she looked at her sister, knowing something had happened at the pond. However, as much as it pained her the idea that Alfred would chose Lovina over her, it was still their choice and she could not make Alfred fall for her and any attempts to have Lovina not like Alfred would be seen for what they were. Almost all of Felicia’s schemes to get her sister in trouble backfired. Besides, something tells me that if they are not careful, she’ll get herself into trouble on her own. Felicia thought as she returned to her textbook.

“Girls, dinner’s on.” Alfred smiled as they got up and he led them into the dining room. Felicia and Lovina looked at the bowls, both with slight surprise at how bland the food looked.

“I have some salt and pepper if you want, sometimes I use it, but this was the best I could do with what I had. Didn’t know I’d be having you girls over and I haven’t had a chance to get to the market yet.....” Alfred admit.

“You’re right, it is bland....” Lovina said simply as she grabbed the salt and the pepper and added each until she could get some flavor in it. “Remember you’re taking me to the market tomorrow. I’ll get us the food we need to be able to eat like civilized people.”

“Ouch....okay.....if you want to.....” Alfred sighed.

“I can cook too. And if my sister wants to do the cooking, I can do some baking. And the milk I use would be fresh from the farm.” Felicia said looking over dreamily at Alfred.

“Sure....I mean your grandfather thinks you gals need some time in the country, so that sounds like something we could do....” Alfred said.

“And I think your cooking is fine.” Felicia said.

“Liar.” Lovina said under her breath.

After dinner, Alfred took the dishes and washed them and then sat down and read the newspaper that had been dropped off that day. Nothing much out of the usual....He thought as he put it aside and turned to the monthly fishing magazine and looked over to Lovina. “I’m thinking of going out and fishing a little in the next few days, want me to teach you how to fish then?”

“If you want.” Lovina said with a sigh. But from their time at the pond, he grew to know her better and how she reacts around her sister.

“Can I come too?” Felicia said as Lovina growled.

“Ummmmmm.....have you been fishing before?” Alfred asked.

“No.” Felicia said honestly.

“Well...” He began hearing Lovina grind her teeth, wanting to have time with Alfred all to herself and not have her sister around all the time. “It seems like your sister wants a one on one lesson. I can do one for you after I do one for her. She asked first.” He said honestly.

“That’s fine.” Felicia said slightly disappointed.

“If you’re okay with that, then I am too.” Alfred smiled. “But I have to get up to bed now. Hope you don’t mind ladies, but the cows need my attention very early in the morning.” He laughed.

“buona notte dormi bene e sogni d'oro” Felicia said.

“Huh?” Alfred asked.

“idiota”Lovina sighed. “It means ‘good night sleep well and sweet dreams’ in Italian.”

“Oh.” Alfred said. “Thanks.” He said at Felicia. He then looked down at Lovina, pulled her hair back behind her ear and whispered. “I am smart enough to figure you called me an idiot though.”

“Shut up.” She blushed as she felt his breath move away from her ear as he headed upstairs.

“I’ll let you girls handle yourselves from now on tonight. I just ask that you don’t make a lot of noise.” Alfred said.

“Will do.” Felicia said as Lovina got up and headed to her bedroom and laid down. Waiting until she was sure that her sister was asleep, Lovina got back up and cursing that the farmhouse was dusty and she had pastel pink slippers, she headed up to Alfred’s room in nothing but a sleeveless pastel pink nightgown and matching long sleeved negligee in pink lace, and cracked open his door.

“Huh? What’s going on?” Alfred said as he reached for his glasses. “Lovina? Everything okay?” He asked, knowing his host and bodyguard duties. He knew well the basics at least of what Julius did and it would not surprise him if a rival faction wanted to use his granddaughters against him. Although personally if he was going to try and do so, Felicia would be easier to kidnap and ransom. He knew well that Lovina would be very expressive of what she thought and fight back.

“Well, I am in no harm but I am desperately lonely.” Lovina said as she moved closer to his bed and took off his glasses. “And you look so much better without those.”

“I need them to see.” Alfred stated plainly.

“Oh,” Lovina teased as she sat on top of him and rolled down the cover, unbuttoning his pajama top. “You’ve done this before and it’s mostly on feelings.” She added with a kiss, causing Alfred to perk up at her touch.

Breaking the kiss, he smiled back at her. “So, you need my help falling asleep?” He whispered, knowing if they were too loud, they could wake Felicia and she would not be very happy. This was not out by the pond on the other side of the farm after all.

“You could say that.” She said as she rubbed her hands across his stomach looking more over it, feeling the defined muscle that years of farm work and soldiering had given him. “And since I woke you up for that, I will return the favor as well.”

“You better.” Alfred ordered as he wrapped his arms around her with a kiss, pushing his tongue into her mouth.

Alba looked at Toris and Feliks at their boat. They made extra money fishing where they could on the lake and selling it, but this new hat that Feliks had reminded Alba of some of the rabbis in New York he had seen when they first came to the country before they decided to head to Chicago. “Shalom!” Feliks said.

“Are you Jewish now? And a rabbi?” Alba asked.

“Tell him.....” Toris said.

“So like you know how you and Artie are opening a speakeasy with Julius Vargas’s stolen hooch?” Feliks started.

“Yes.....” Alba began.

“How does someone accidently carjack someone?” Toris began.

“By the drivers running off after my pissed off brothers threaten to clean their clocks for nearly running them over. And by their logic, if we’re in for bootlegging, robbing a big well known one is a piece of cake.” Alba said. “And I was here to have you two go out and hand out invitations to ours when the first night opens up, but seeing Feliks now has me concerned.

“So like one of the loopholes is that priests and rabbis are allowed wine. So I just had 10 coworkers say I was a rabbi and boom! I’m legally a rabbi.” Feliks explained. “It’s easier than being a priest. Rules are strict for that.”

“Whatever.” Alba sighed.

“I said the same. I guess if we’re in it, we’re in it. Morals be damned.” Toris sighed.

“Just get people in.” Alba sighed. “Good luck.”

“You too.” Toris said.

So, it’s in motion. Will this work? Cannot deny that I would like a bed of my own. Alba thought as he headed back to the small apartment.

Translation Guide:

(Obtained from Google Translate)

buona notte dormi bene e sogni d'oro-Italian- good night sleep well and sweet dreams

idiota-Italian-Idiot

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. And yes, MANY people became rabbis in the 1920s to get around the Volstead act. You needed only 10 people to sign a letter of affirmation saying you were and BOOM you were legally a rabbi. And with Poland’s high Jewish populations for the time, I figured he would do that. Anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I have a good streak going here with this one, so I plan to update more. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Arthur looked on the scene and smiled. This was it, the first of the speakeasies in his establishment. We’re not going to do things like Julius does. He paused, thinking of the thrift shop that Amelia worked at. Okay maybe we should do things like Julius does with soup kitchens and helping the poor, but brothels, gambling, extortion, we do not need to do that.... Arthur thought as Amelia tapped the microphone. She was the singer of the jazz band when she did not work the counter. Gilbert had the bar while she headed on stage. Arthur took a look and smiled. “Here.” Gilbert said.

“What?” He asked looking at the large tea cup he placed beside him.

“I call it the tea totaler, like you are.” Gilbert said. “It’s pear and ginger shrub and black tea.”

“It’s not bad......” Arthur said as he took a sip skeptically.

“For my front and if there’s someone who has had too much. I have one that is grenadine, lemon and elderflower tonic and another that’s raspberry, lavender and lemon with soda water.” Gilbert said. “For when the big boss is in and his brothers don’t want to take him home.” Arthur looked at him crossly. “What? Alba told me how much of a lightweight you are.” He laughed as he took a swig of beer. “And don’t look at me like that. If you’re using MY shop, then I will take some beer as part of the payment for using MY shop.” He winced as he swallowed. “Not as good as the stuff back in Detuchland, but it’ll do.”

“Whatever.” Arthur said as he sipped the drink made for him. “This is not bad.”

“Told you.” Gilbert said as Amelia came up to sing. She had gotten a new fancy dress for the occasion, with all the savings she had. She didn’t have to do that, but I guess she was really dedicated for it.... Arthur smiled as he looked at the fancy beadwork on the dark forest green dress that came to her knees and the black headband that she wore around her hair. She is mighty beautiful..... He gulped as she blinked and began to sing.

“Nice gal there. Real pretty.” Gilbert said.

“Don’t try anything....” Arthur said.

“I won’t. She’s a good cook and bartender. Better than anything you could do.” Gilbert teased. Ignoring him, Arthur focused back on the stage.

“All alone, I'm so all alone
There is no one else but you
All alone by the telephone
Waiting for a ring, a ting-a-ling” Amelia sang as her neighbors played the melody. At that moment, Arthur felt it was just them in the crowded restaurant, no one else.

“Snap out of it Kirkland, she’s off limits. This is as dangerous as you will allow her to get into. You may have to do things like Julius does, and she doesn’t deserve to have to deal with the repercussions of that....” Arthur said to himself, steeling his resolve but part of him still wondered what would have happened if he had spoken up sooner. You’d just have her trapped in the same situation you are now. You lost the pub due to the laws..... He told himself as the song ended and Amelia ran over and took the drink that Gilbert gave her.

“Nice one.” She smiled.

“Bee’s Knees.” He said. “Strawberry gin, lemon and some honey I had gotten back in the Southwest.”

“Well it’s delicious. Try some.” Amelia said as she offered the glass to Arthur.

“Oh I really shouldn’t.....” Arthur said.

“God, Artie, you know you are a lightweight but a sip won’t kill you.” Gilbert said.

“Fine.” Arthur said as he took a sip. “Sweet.”

“I know. Gilbert’s amazing with this.” She smiled kissing Arthur on the cheek. “Makes what we do have last longer.”

“Well, that’s good to know....” Arthur blushed.

“I have another set coming up.” She waved as she headed back

“She’s got quite the voice.” Arthur said back.

“Grow a pair Artie.....” Alba said as he ruffled his younger brother’s hair.

“I have, or else we wouldn’t be doing this.” Arthur said back.

“No, when it comes to Amelia.” Alba sighed.

“There’s nothing there to talk about.” Arthur sighed.

“Yes, there is.” Gilbert said. “We all can see it. You said Amelia used to work in your pub before you had to lay her off. Did you lay her off because of the financials or because of something else?”

“Who are you, a psychiatrist?” Arthur said.

“Just saying.....” Gilbert sighed.

Alfred woke up early like he usually did when he was on his farm and looked up to see Lovina laying on top of him, naked as he was. Oh yeah....last night..... He thought as he did his best to squeeze out from under her not to disturb her. She was only here as a week away in the country. This would end and she would need to go back to Chicago. Will Julius want me back there? He thought as he put on his glasses and tucked Lovina in so she could rest. Wrapping the blanket around her so that if Felicia came in, she’d at least have some decency. Although it won’t look good at all, her being in my bed..... He thought as he placed a kiss on her forehead and headed to take care of the cows. He made a quick breakfast of fried eggs and coffee and then headed to the barn to feed them and collect the milk and load it onto his truck. He sighed as he looked over at the shiny Cadillac that he drove the girls out in. It was a reminder that Julius was controlling over his life when all the interaction that he was supposed to have was just keep his men in the barn before they left for the night. But what other options did he have? He may have had bad memories tied to the farm, but he still had his pride that he was not going to lose it to the bank. If he wanted rid of it, he could have easily sold it when it became his. However he could not shake the feeling that he was going to be roped further and further in.

“Hey bastardo.” Lovina said as her hair was down, and she was dressed in a pair of pants and shirt and simple shoes. “Braid my hair.”

“Ooooooooohhhhh” Alfred teased as he took the milk jug and carried it on his shoulder to the truck, where he loaded it with the others. “Where was the Lovina I gave the best night of her life?” He teased back.

“Awake.” Lovina said.

“I see that. You have a brush and ribbon?” He asked as he loaded the truck and sat on the tailgate so he could get to her hair better. “Thanks.” He said as he began to brush her hair and work it into a braid.

“Your coffee is weak.” She said, trying to hide the smile that grew on her face. “I usually have a sweet pastry and cup of espresso. Yours, I don’t know what you did to it, but was horrible.”

“Well....” Alfred said. “I have to make a delivery today, so why don’t you come to town with me and find something to make dinner with? You said you could cook so much better than me. Prove it.”

“I will.” Lovina said as she felt him braid her hair and she looked at the work with her folding compact mirror.

“Good.” Alfred said as he finished up and tied the braid. “So, you liked it?” He said.

“Passible.” Lovina said. “When are you heading to town?” She asked.

“Once I load another jug. That’s the delivery for the day.” Alfred said as he headed back to the barn and got the other jug.

Those things must be heavy and he lifts them with so much ease.... Lovina thought with a slight blush. She had seen him in much less and knew how all the heavy lifting had paid off for him. She also knew that he could carry her with no effort. Stop thinking like that. Antonio was pretty strong as well. She thought as she chased the thoughts from her mind He’s good for a lay when there’s nothing else to do here. She contemplated as Alfred put the last jug in the back of the truck. “Now you sure you don’t mind coming with me for this?”

“No.” Lovina said. “Now hurry up before my sister wakes up.”

“Didn’t Felicia want to as well?” Alfred asked.

“She could sleep all day if no one woke her up....” Lovina began as Felicia ran to the truck “Fottimi, perché anche quella cagna seccatrice deve essere qui?”

“Huh?” Alfred asked, not understanding her Italian.

“Felicia.” Lovina sighed.

“Oh.....” Alfred blushed. “Hello Felicia.”

“I wondered where you were!” She smiled. “I was hoping to head to town with you to get some things to make some baked goods.”

“I guess if you want to....” Alfred said as Lovina rolled her eyes. His duty was to protect the girls after all and it would be easier to do so while keeping an eye on both of them than hope that no one came and harmed Felicia, knowing what her sister said she was the type that surrendered and ran off and was less likely to try and fight back. “It may be a little tight.”

“That’s fine.” Felicia said as Lovina moved closer to Alfred.

“Other side.” Lovina ordered.

“Fine.” Felicia rolled her eyes.

“Okay, I don’t want to sound rude, but when I am selling the milk, please don’t argue. I need to keep my customers and hope they didn’t get turned off by your cousins and whoever your grandpa had running it.” Alfred said.

As the truck started up loudly, he focused on the road while Felicia tugged on Lovina’s shoulder. “Alfred is mine. Stop trying to take him from me. You only want him because I do!”

“As if.” Lovina said. “I do have more to look for in a man than if you want them. Why did you not think I went after that potato eating bastard?”

“So you do like him?” Felicia said.

“I like strong guys.” Lovina said simply, not trying to engage her sister. “You saw him carry those jugs....” She blushed.

“Well now, we have to do this again.” Gilbert said as he tallied the sales for the day. “And your 60%.” he said handing Arthur the money. “And my share will get me out of tax issues with the city.”

“We aim to help those who cannot help themselves.” Arthur said as Alba placed his face in his palm. Gilbert looked at him annoyed.

“What my dear wee little brother is trying to say Mr. Beilschmidt, is that we’re all here, trying to make it in this world that is rigged against the working man. We need to look out for each other, because who else will these days, am I right?” Alba recovered. He quickly turned to Arthur “Save the pompous crap for when we’re trying to not be public enemy number 1. No need to go Julius Vargas on someone on the inside!”

“Fine.” Arthur said back. “Anyway, Gilbert, how do you feel about doing this again, maybe every other weekend?”

“Just every other weekend?” Gilbert said. “I know you guys are all starting your own little gang and I’m more than willing to help you if need be but you could milk this town with that, not to mention that little Amelia’s voice. Damn, people love jazz and she’s got talent.”

“Well, we don’t want to arouse too much suspicion just yet, and we are getting our supplies together and such. Must say your cocktail creations did wonders.”Arthur said.

“Ja, Ja,” Gilbert said. “Just give me some heads up, and do not bring me more of Julius’s stolen trucks.”

“‘Twas a gift from the gods that was.” Alba laughed. “But we really must be going along. One of the rare chances that my brother and I have a day off and don’t need to share the bed with our brothers. Catch up on some shut eye you know?”

“Sure.” Gilbert said as he stretched. “I’m not usually open on Sundays anyway, so this is my day of rest as well. But come Monday, the city will have nothing on me. Thanks guys.”

“It was our pleasure.” Arthur said with a smile as they left.

“So,” Alba said as they walked back to their small apartment. “You think Gilbert likes Amelia, more than a fan of her singing voice.”

“He better not.....” Arthur said.

“Then you better make your move.” Alba said. “She won’t wait forever.”

“I just want to be able to give her more.....” Arthur said.

“And you will bro, you will, maybe move in with her at her place.” Alba shrugged.

“Are you trying to kick me out?” Arthur growled back.

“Meh, it’s cramped enough. Here’s hoping we take off big soon. I want my own bed and might be able to force Patrick and Seamus to share if you’re snogging Amelia at her place.”

“Piss off.” Arthur replied, letting Alba know that topic was to be dropped. “But we must secure some supply lines and secondary locations of our own. This proved the theory is doable. But we must avert suspicion from both the cops and Julius Vargas.”

“If anyone can do it, it’s you Wulver.” Alba laughed.

“Sure....” Arthur moaned, using this time to do like Alba had suggested and rest up when he could have a bed to himself. He needed his wits about him if he was going to get this operation off the ground. He had hoped he never had to actually be that Wulver he was during the war, but if it came to it, he would.

Translation Guide:

(Obtained from Google Translate)

Fottimi, perché anche quella cagna seccatrice deve essere qui?-Italian-Fuck me, why does that annoying bitch have to be here too?

Ja, Ja-German-Yes yes

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Now the ideas for the cocktails came from The Underground at The Speakeasy in The Mob Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada. I had the Bee’s Knees one and it is pretty good. The non alcoholic drinks came from their menu too and they were pretty good as well. It’s an awesome museum too so if you’re in that neck of the woods, I highly recommend it. And if you’re over 21, go to the speakeasy, it’s awesome. And the moonshine they make is very much like ones from the Prohibition era, done legally of course now, but it’s pretty good. Anyway, that aside, remember to read, well you just did, and to review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I have a few big things I want to get to that I have some written out but can’t wait for you to read. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic.

Julius looked at his men and sighed. Here were the top lieutenant of the group, along with his grandsons. If nothing else, Feliciano is a good get away driver. Julius thought. His run away instincts need to be honed as to when to do so and when to fight. Lovino isn’t as much of a risk to do so. But the theft of his truck was something that was not to be taken lightly. His men had scowered where the drivers were last for any evidence that would tell them where the trucks were. None of the equipment showed up in the usual suspected spots like flea markets and pawn shops. The booze was likely a loss. But the truck couldn’t be nowhere. Running the records checks he could, he found out that it wasn’t sold, no scrap yards had come into possession of it, but it was still too early to tell. These requests often took awhile. Unless they just drove the thing into the lake. He thought as he shook the thought away. Unlikely....

“Boss, what are you thinking?” Giovanni asked.

“We have some rivals trying to start up and they are using our supplies.” Julius remarked.

“But where?” Toni asked, another one of the gang members.

“That I am not sure of.” Julius said. “We have a missing truck, and missing cargo in said truck.” He paced the study while his men followed every movement he made carefully. Feliciano seemed entranced by his grandfather, while Lovino, who had been on many a run to Canada himself really didn’t care. If he was in said truck, he thought he would have at least fought back. There were times he was more talk than he was actual fight, but nowhere near where Feliciano was, thus one of the reasons that he was sent on runs more often than Feliciano was. Getting bored, he pulled out the Marx book that Matteo had given him.

“Well where was the truck stolen?” Lovino asked as he looked up from the book he was half paying attention to. Some of these ideas aren’t that bad....From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

“On the North side. Near some ice cream shop....” Julius replied.

“Maybe they are around there?” Lovino suggested.

“Hmmmmm.....” Julius sighed. “We’ll have to have some agents in the North side. We’ll also be a little more forceful when we ask people things....”

“I can get behind that.....” Giovanni said with a smirk and pulled out a switchblade.

“When are the girls coming back?” Feliciano asked.

“In a week or so.” Julius said. “Why?”

“Because they ask about them at the soup kitchen I’ve been working at since they headed to Alfred’s place.” Feliciano asked.

“Interesting....” Julius said. “But no worries Feli, you’ll see your cousins soon enough.”

“Yeay!” Feliciano said as Lovino rolled his eyes.

Arthur headed to the law office he worked at with a sigh. Here he was again, Wulver as Alba liked to call him heading to work as just another clerk while his brothers were off working the rails and meat packing plants. This week, Alba was assigned to a train headed to the Appalachians to work with the coal cars but he was going to get the moonshine that Arthur had talked to him about. Well I will try forcing Seamus and Patrick in bed together.....I can get some peace in the bed.... Arthur thought greedily as what Alba said about what he thought about Amelia came back into his head. “I have got to stop thinking of that. It cannot be.”

“What cannot be broski?” Feliks said as he and Toris ran into Arthur.

“Oh!” Arthur said. “Nothing, nothing.”

“Chill out. If you like that Amelia girl and it goes well, I’ll officiate the wedding!” Feliks laughed. “Mozl tov!”

“We’re not Jewish.” Arthur said.

“I’m not either, but that didn’t stop me.” Feliks said.

“If we’re in public, at least act like you are.....” Toris said. “You’re legally a rabbi. Act like it!”

“Fine, fine.” Feliks said. “But we were thinking of taking a boat and offering it up as a speakeasy. We know a guy who could do something like you did with Gilbert there.”

“Hmmmmmm.....” Arthur said. “There is some merit to that....” He wondered. “But please, do not be so loud.” Arthur said. “You’re lucky things are so loud around here.”

“Sorry, but we were heading in to sell some fish before our shift at the packing plant....” Toris said with a sudden 1000 yard stare.

“Are you okay?” Arthur asked him

“Fine.” Toris said. “Just heard some bad stories before the plant unionized.”

“Oh.” Arthur said. “I supposed there may have been some truth to that book that Sinclair wrote then, is there?”

“To say the least.” Toris sighed. “Look, I can pack a punch if need be.” He said dropping his tone. “I know we don’t look it, but Feliks and I can fight. You will need enforcers and such and if we need to recruit more, we know who would be open to it and who can be trusted.”

“You have a point.” Arthur said as they approached his firm. “And either I or my brothers will reach out to you. But I am not planning anything until Alba is back from his assignment.”

“Fair.” Feliks said. “You know where to find us. Shalom!”

“Shalom....” Arthur replied back as Toris and Feliks went on their way.

“That man is a terrible rabbi, probably knows less about the Torah than I do, but he has a legal connection to wine now, guess that helps......” Arthur said putting his face in his palm.

Lovina stood in the kitchen with a sigh. Luckily, this farmhouse wasn’t too antiquated as many others were, there was a gas cooking stove. Having a hard time coming across some of the ingredients she would need, as many tomatoes were not yet in season, she was appalled to have to use canned. But there were canned ingredients she had to use at the soup kitchen, so she could salvage it. In the freaking middle of nowhere, and I can’t get all I need. No mozzarella, provolone, nothing but I guess I can salvage this. She thought as she wiped her head and burped up some stomach acid. “Great, he poisoned me with that chicken and dumplings.” She said dismissing the discomfort. Taking a breath, she stirred the mixture of fresh and canned sauce and added some salt and garlic cloves. It was bubbling as she sighed and turned to the pot of ravioli she had made. All by hand. There was sone ground sausage at the market she was able to use to put in the middle. God if I got stuck here for more than a week and had to cook I would want some of the tools the chef has when it comes to pasta. No way could I make all the spaghetti without some of their tools. Well, I could I just don’t want to. Lovina thought as she checked on the pasta to make sure it was cooked enough.

“My breadsticks will almost be ready soon.” Felicia said as she shoved Lovina away from the stove to the nearby oven. “Get out of my way.”

“Hey!” She yelled. “I’m cooking here!”

“Girls!” Alfred said with a sigh but slight panic as he dove to separate the two so Felicia could pull out the breadsticks with Alfred getting hit in the hand with the hot pan. “Ow. Son of a-” he said as he put the side of his hand in his mouth. “That fucking hurts....”

“Let me see that.” Lovina said as she looked at it. “Okay, doesn’t look too bad.” She headed over and wet a cloth. “Here, keep that on there.” She said. “I apologize for my sister.”

“Hey!” Felicia said. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it to happen.”

“It happens.” Alfred sighed. “I’ve done it myself to myself. Part of being on a farm.” He smiled, trying to calm Felicia down, noticing tears welling up in her eyes. “Look, just don’t worry about it, it doesn’t even look that bad. I’m sure I’ll be fine by morning.”

“Well let me kiss it like my mama would when we hurt ourselves.” Felicia said as Lovina looked over with a scowl at her sister. She knew why that Felicia was doing that, she wanted Alfred for herself and was throwing herself at him.

“Okay.....” Alfred said with a slightly confused look as Lovina began to spoon the ravioli onto plates and took a few breadsticks are carelessly placed them on the plate. She carefully took Alfred his plate and looked at the face he was making out the corner of her eye. He looked like he was feeling awkward about it but trying to not let Felicia get mad. Not that she could get mad at you. I swear when that Potato eating bastard of hers left for the war, she wasn’t mad then but some forelorn lover, hoping to see him come back from that hell that was the Italian border. She recalled what Lovino had told her of when he was in the army when they were heading to America after the war was over. “Uh thanks....” He said as Felicia sat at her seat and looked slightly disappointed at the sauce.

“Dinner.” Lovina said. “And despite being with limited fresh goods, I think I did better than your chicken and dumplings.” She teased Alfred.

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Alfred said. “You have a high bar to meet though, my first experience with real Italian food was what they make at your grandfather’s.” He poured both Lovina and Felicia a glass of milk and one himself. “Sorry I don’t have much wine. Before prohibition, I kept some bourbon handy, but best I can do here is my neighbor’s moonshine. I don’t think you girls would handle that well.”

“How about you get me a shot then.” Lovina smirked.

“How uncouth.” Felicia whispered as she took a bite of the ravioli. “And this sauce is terrible.”

“I’d like to see you do better.” Lovina said. “You saw the store. Tomatoes and basil are not in season and I don’t have that cheese sauce recipe from that restaurant we went to or I’d have made that.”

“Here.” Alfred said as he poured some of his personal moonshine into a tea cup for Lovina.

“You poured a shot into a teacup?” She scoffed.

“I don’t have proper shot glasses; I normally just down this thing straight from the jar.” Alfred smirked. “Most of the time, it’s me by myself up here. You think I am suited for guests other than my neighboring farmers?”

“I suppose not.” Lovina said as she took the cup and sipped the liquid. Her eyes widened as she felt a slight burn as it went down her throat. She felt her head lighten.

“Now you may not get too drunk off that,” Alfred said. “I mean they always say to eat something before you have alcohol.”

“Maybe after dinner I’ll make some tea and then you can put that in there.” Lovina said as Alfred laughed.

He loves her because she’s so uncouth, so unrefined and not like the other girls. Felicia realized. He may not know it himself, but he loves her and that is why! She realized as she continued on the ravioli. No amount of me throwing myself at him will win his heart. Maybe I should act more like her. Then again, why do I want him? Because I am desperate to get married because Ludwig promised to marry me when the war ended? Well he died, so that’s not going to happen. She thought slightly despondent when she took a sip of the milk This is pretty good milk.... Looking over at how Alfred was talking to Lovina, she sighed. “This milk is pretty good.”

“Fresh.” Alfred smiled. “And I make sure my girls have the best care I can give them.”

“Well it shows.” She said as she went back to her food.

Alfred finished his food and got up and saw there was more in the pot of both ravioli and sauce. He took the spoons and helped himself to more. “Take it you liked it.” Lovina smiled proudly.

“Not bad. I mean it’s nothing like your grandpa’s chefs make but....” Alfred began.

“I don’t have the access they do to the right ingredients, so I did the best I could.” Lovina said as she got up and clean off her plate.

“I’ll do the dishes.” Felicia said getting up.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Alfred said. “I could do them before bed.”

“No, I need something to do to help. Grandpa always likes Lovina and I taking up chores of the average person to show them we are just like them.” She smiled feebly.

“Well thank you.” Alfred said as she took his plate and put it in the sink and began to pour water into a large pot to heat up to wash with. As Alfred took Lovina into the living room, she put a kettle on to make the tea and smirked out of the room. Looking at her hands as she washed the pots, pans and plates, she lifted up her left hand and thought of the promise that Ludwig had made and just how she would be if he had lived. He had looked after her, taken care of her and found her mannerisms charming, even if he acted like they were annoying. She knew that if he hadn’t died, they’d be happy in Germany together. Or Italy, they hadn’t decided where just then and it was before her grandfather became rich and kept his grandchildren closer than he did before. “Alfred is nothing like Ludwig.” She told herself, trying to force herself to let go and be happy for her sister, even if she and Alfred didn’t know what they were feeling themselves. I mean I know she came out of his room this morning when I got up adjusting her pajamas. She thought.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I have a few really big things planned for this story, so stay tuned. I don’t know how fast I can update, just depends on how much inspiration I have and time. Anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I am amazed you all like this story so far, but I have a few big plot points coming up. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Alba sat in the caboose, sighing. He was being sent to the eastern part of Kentucky to repair some of the rails that had been washed away in a local flood when a bridge collapsed. He was asked for specifically by the railways as he had a reputation for making sure the bridges he worked on were sound, and he would get down in with the men and help hammer in the spikes and sure up the foundations were solid. Artie is not the only Kirkland who has brains. How else would we have survived as long as we had on the streets. He looked out the window as the train came to a stop in a small town outside of Lexington Kentucky. It was a town called Versallies that had a small closed down bourbon distillery. The train was going to be stopped for a few hours. Figuring the train would be awhile, he headed to a local cafe to get something to eat.

“Whatcha have?” The waitress said.

“A cup of coffee and bacon and eggs.” He sighed as another man come in.

“Just coffee.” He sighed as the waitress poured him a cup.

“You look like you’ve been through the wringer.” Alba sighed.

“Tell me about it. I hope this prohibition shit ends soon.” He scoffed.

“What do you mean?” Alba asked.

“I am sitting on a massive bourbon stash but I can’t get to it.” The man sighed. Alba perked up.

“Want me to take it off your hands?” Alba said.He had a stash of money on him and had heard about how many of the owners of the distilleries were looking for someone to take their stores off their hands. He knew Arthur could make it seem like it was bought to sell for medicinal purposes. He knew people in the law firm that would get the proper permits for him and which agents to pay off. This would help their supply question that would not rely on their stealing Julius’s supplies.

“How much?” The man said.

“75 dollars.” He said. He knew this man would be desperate. If he was, it would be his chance to help solve many of the supply chain issues without trying to move in on Julius’s turf and give him more reason to be on the watch for them

“It’s yours.” The man said carrying the deed with him, handing it to Alba.

“You had the deed to your warehouse with you?” Alba asked.

“I’ll notarize that.” The clerk said.

“And I can add that to the county books.” A fellow patron said as Alba looked clueless.

“Out here in this part of the country many of us are tight and if you help one of us out, we’ll help you out.” The clerk said as he took some paper and the county clerk said as he filled out what he needed. “I don’t know what you’ll do with it. I don’t think this prohibition shit is going anywhere.”

“Oh, speculation.” Alba sighed.

“Speculation is only good if you got a hot tip.” The owner of the warehouse scoffed.

“Let’s say I have connections to certain industries. And before you ask, I’m still working on the rails till it comes through. Never forgo a sure thing for something that’s a chance.” Alba smirked. This will help solve our supply issues.

“Bacon and eggs honey.” The waitress said. Alba looked down and saw his order was double that what was normally to come with it. He looked up and she smiled. “You helped a member of this community out. We’re just a poor farming region and when bourbon got outlawed, we were hurtin’, hurtin’ bad. If you ever need anything from us again, just ask.”

“Why thank you.” Alba said. “Do you have a pen and paper? I need to write a quick letter to my little brother.”

“Sure thing.” The waitress said. “Post office is down the road on your right.”

“Thank you.” Alba said as he began to write a letter to Arthur to tell him the good news about their supply concerns in a way that would not seem too suspicious if someone outside the organization read it.

Meanwhile, Alfred looked around the house and sighed. It had been a few days since one of Julius’ underlings had come and picked up the girls and took them back to Chicago. He was ordered to stay there on the farm for a little while to help reduce suspicion and people won’t think the farm is sold or anything other than a farm. Part of Alfred was very relieved of this. All he wanted when he was in Chicago and looking after Lovina and Felicia was to simply go home and go back to minding his own business. But for some reason, when they left the house felt empty, like it usually did. And in addition to the usual melancholy he faced while being alone on the farm, he knew what it was like to have other people with him, especially Lovina. Sitting on his couch, he put his feet on the coffee table and took his moonshine jar and sighed, taking a long drink. As he closed his eyes, he remembered Lovina putting it in her tea saying she needed it to help her sleep. The fishing lessons also came to mind. Like he had promised, he had taken each of the girls for a lesson privately. Felicia had no luck and was disgusted by the idea of worms, so Alfred had to do most everything for her. Bait the hook, help her cast, try and keep her quiet so the fish wouldn’t be startled and even help her reel it in and set the fish aside. Lovina on the other hand was determined to do most of it herself. She took more to demonstration than handholding. She needed a little adjustment to baiting the hook with the worms and taking the fish off the hooks but she got it and wanted to make dinner with the fish, claiming that Alfred’s cooking was poor at best and she could do much better with what she could get in town than he ever could. And there was always something that happened between them at the dock. A few fish were caught and then one thing ended up leading to another. Alfred took another sip of the moonshine and smiled at the memory of Lovina under him screaming his name out in ecstasy that she would always deny she really felt that way. Placing the jar down, he sighed and wondered aloud, “If there’s nothing I care about Lovina for, why did I keep having sex with her? I’m not that kind of guy. I was called the drunken choir boy in the war because I would never do more than drink when we went to some of the French brothels.....” He paused. “Maybe I do like her more than I think?” He sighed as he picked the jar up again before stretching and heading to bed. “Well no matter what, I still have to take care of the cows.”

Lovina lay on the bed that Alfred was staying in while at Julius’ mansion and sighed. It still had his imprint and had his scent. Sure she had told everyone that she was there to get away from Felicia as she was being annoying again, which everyone had believed but ever since she had spent time out in the country, things in the city smelled different and if there was just a right breeze, it would practically make her sick and the only place she could seem to find any peace was in the guest bedroom. The remnants of Alfred’s scent, even without the smell of cows and farm comforted her. For a guy who was just a decent fuck, he certainly can smell relaxing. She sighed with a yawn. She had been feeling more and more tired but didn’t think much of it either. Felicia had told everyone her theories of what happened at the farm, but Lovina denied it. Why she would want to spout her theory that Lovina and Alfred actually slept together was ridiculous. She could not see how that would get Felicia anywhere when she seemed to not be as interested in Alfred as she was before. Maybe their grandfather did believe it and was insistent she come with him to Helena’s to watch Heracles while they spent a rather loud time in her room at the brothel. If nothing else can be said about Alfred and I was that we were not that loud and obnoxious in bed. How does Helena stand it? Lovina sighed as she yawned and closed her eyes. I’m getting a headache. Maybe a nap will help.

Arthur took the mail from the postbox on their apartment building and headed up the stairs after a long day of work and a longer day trying to make connections for the Kirkland Clan gang. Julius makes this whole thing seem so easy. He thought as he looked through the envelopes and saw a letter from Amelia with a smile and a star on it. That was her way. Neither one of them had seen each other in a few days and she liked talking to him and Arthur wanted to make sure she was okay. He noticed one of the letters was from Alba. “That’s weird.” Arthur said as he took the letter and began to read it. “Alba hardly ever writes home when he’s on business.....” Arthur’s eyes opened wide when he saw it. He came in and found that Patrick was off work and sleeping in his bed, so he pushed him out of the way.

“What the bloody hell Artie?” Patrick asked.

“Migraine, out now.” Arthur said. He had to read this letter aloud to himself. This couldn’t be what he thought it was. There was just simply no way they could have pulled it off, or was there something he hadn’t counted on when planning things?

“Fine. You tit.” Patrick asked as he headed to lay down on the couch, ready to fight Dylan if he came home early.

“‘Dear Wulver, I know you will not believe it but I have found a very useful warehouse here in Versailles. And it’s pronounced Ver-sales not like how it is in France. Trust me they will make sure you say it correctly. But I took my cut of the money from our last sale and bought it. The guy was desperate to be shot of it, as the whole town needed money and the contents have medicinal use if you get the permits. And they had given me connections to other suppliers and more than willing to help us if we help them. They also keep secrets well. I figure a place that is not in our rival’s supply chain will prove beneficial and this area is known for what they produce I have solved our supply issues as the warehouse is huge and full. Just bring some trucks. Or hell you may get some of the people to bring some up if you pay. They really are looking for some work. Anyway, your brother in arms, Alba.’” Arthur reread the letter to himself a few times. He knew what was around Versailles, it was near the Kentucky bourbon trail, and the towns were hit hard, very hard by prohibition. “Why the bloody hell did I not think of this before? We wouldn’t need a fake rabbi in the gang then!” Arthur paused. “We will need to get it here but I don’t think anyone is watching that area. Just the lakes and routes to Canada as some of Julius’s techniques are leaked.” Arthur jumped up in joy. “This is our big break!”

“You’re better all of a sudden Mr. Migraine.” Patrick said opening the door.

“Your brother solved a major part of our supply issues!” Arthur said grabbing Patrick who looked revolted.

“Okay.” Patrick grabbed the letter and read it. “So, how will we get nearly 360 miles to Kentucky?”

“We need trucks and Alba may be able to get us some in the town.” Arthur said. “I must tell Amelia.”

“Why tell her?” Patrick asked.

“Well....” Arthur blushed.

“Look we all know you fancy her.” Patrick sighed. “But you want to keep her safe so she can only know when she’s needed to serve at a joint. Or sing or whatever.”

Arthur’s face deflated. “You’re right. You’re right.” He admit. “I cannot get close to her until I have Julius’ level of protection and control and with a supply this valuable, one we cannot dilute much at all, you know how prized Kentucky bourbon is and in cases like this we can raise the prices greatly.”

“Nothing like some of the whiskey from back home though.” Patrick smiled. “Irish.”

“Sot off.” Arthur said.

“You’re the one of us who can’t hold your liquor.” Patrick teased. “Now I’ll sleep in the other bed if you’re sleeping in that one but I don’t want to hear your dreams of Amelia.”

Arthur rolled his eyes and went back to bed, rereading the letter with a smile. This was it. The plans were unfolding and the gods were smiling in his favor. “I guess I can put Toris, Patrick and Seamus on the relations with the Catholic Churches around here. I would have Feliks help but he’s legally a rabbi. I must get with Gilbert and find a place to open up another event and find some legit businesses to plan. Like a tailor or something or have Amelia work a boutique or restaurant for me. She’s such a good cook, singer,.....” Arthur began knowing that his web was beginning to be stretched over the north side of the city.

“Be quiet over there. Go to Amelia’s if you want to talk about her.” Patrick sighed as Arthur sat up and pulled out a notebook and began to make notes.

“Fine. I will do this in the living room anyway.” He said leaving the bedroom.

“Good. Now I can have some peace!” Patrick said as Arthur began to make his plans.

“Okay, this is great.” He said as he wrote out the steps. “I do need to keep this with me. Heavens knows that the cops mustn’t find this.” He said as he smiled with satisfaction. “And we need to keep off of Julius’ watch as long as we can. Avoid warfare at all costs and hopefully he won’t think we were the ones who stole his truck. I mean his men didn’t even try to fight back.”

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Alba’s plan is based off of a real life scheme by George Remus who lived in Cincinnati, not too far from what is still called today the bourbon trail in Kentucky. Versailles is a real town, pronounced like in Alba’s letter. More famous today for Ale 8-1 Ginger Ale, which is quite good if you are ever in the area or at Cracker Barrel. Found some in a South Carolina Cracker Barrel so others might have it. That aside, that area had tons of warehouses of bourbon now useless practically unless you had permits to use it for medicinal uses, which grease the right palm and you had it. Part of the reason Prohibition was so hard to enforce. But Biographics on Youtube has a great documentary on George Remus. So historical fun fact aside, remember to read, well you just did, and to review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? Other than that there isn’t much to say here, so enough of the A/N, on with the fic!

Julius sighed as he drove through the North side of Chicago, trying to get an eye for the situation himself on what was happening and who were the future threats to his empire. Whispers of a new gang forming in the north side had reached his ears. So far he only knew where the first speakeasy was held. He paused and looked at Gilbert’s ice cream parlor. He looked at it and scowled. He saw Gilbert wave as he gave an elderly couple ice cream cones. Giovanni looked at this and looked back at him. “That the guy?” He asked.

“I heard there was a speakeasy here last month. I haven’t gotten word on if there was any others. Nor who was behind it. But that guy.....” Julius said scowling.

“Why not go in and see what we can find?” Giovanni asked. Julius looked confused. “I mean there would have to be something that is left a door to nowhere or something that isn’t what it seems. I mean we do it ourselves, how can a bunch of rag tag scum do it better than us, right?”

“You have a point.” Julius said. With this he shut off the car and he and Giovanni headed into the establishment. The door rattled a set of bells as they entered and looked around. Gilbert looked up from his cleaning and smiled.

“Well there, what’s two fine dressed gentlemen such as yourself doing here?” He smiled, analyzing them to see if they were city officials who hadn’t gotten the memo that his taxes were paid up, as he kept the receipt from the city nearby the cash register just for that reason. He did not trust that all the records would be updated as they should be.

“Oh nothing, nothing much.” Julius smiled.

Gilbert laughed and stared on. Is that who I think it is? I mean the thick Italian accent....dark brown hair.....He thought as he tried to recall what he knew of Julius Vargas and what he would want. It was quite possible he found out what happened to one of his trucks and traced it down to the shop. He wasn’t going to say a thing and kept the shotgun nearby for just such occasions. They hadn’t run a speakeasy in there since the first one, just to test it all out and he was not going to let Julius know they had. The less he knew about the Kirkland gang, the better. And if he had to blow away the leader of the rival gang, so be it. “So, what can I get you?” He asked again.

“Oh nothing much.” Julius said as Giovanni nodded and they kept looking around. Gilbert’s smile turned to a scowl. He knew they were up to something and they knew more than they should. “Just in the neighborhood and heard some things about this place.”

“Oh, well we do have some of the best ice cream and soda on the North Side. May I recommend an egg creme?” Gilbert suggested.

“No, we’re not in the mood for one of those.” Julius said as he scanned the establishment. Nothing out of place in the front. At least obviously. I will have to send some men around back in a few days to see if there’s any action. He thought.

Gilbert noticed that both Julius and Giovanni had no interest in ice cream or any other goods from his establishment. Noticing this, he snuck over, closed the blinds and locked the door and pointed his shotgun at Julius who held his hands up joyfully. Giovanni pointed a Thompson at Gilbert who looked over with a smirk. “You think I’m afraid of you, you fucking Wops? You guys screwed us over back in the great war. My brother is dead because of that bullshit and I have to start over here because of just how fucked Deutschland is.”

“Italia didn’t fare much better.” Julius said not showing a bit of fear at the shotgun. “You know I had one like this.” He ran his finger down the barrel.

“Came across it.” Gilbert said. “I figure if the Yanks wiped up my people with it, it would be good enough for grease balls who think they are better than they are.” He said as he ratched it back.

“Wasn’t even loaded.” Julius laughed.

“Guess you’re not as cowardly as the rest of them.” Gilbert scowled. “Look let me lay it down for you straight. Keep to your fucking South side, do your shit there. I am not paying any protection to any fucker. I’ll defend my own place. And if you don’t start nothing, there won’t be nothing.”

Giovanni held the Thompson tighter towards Gilbert. “Easy Giovanni.” Julius warned. “I think we have nothing more to say except, if you mind your business, we’ll mind ours.” He then turned to the door. “You can unlock it. We’ll be taking our leave.”

Gilbert kept the gun pointed towards Julius and Giovanni as he unlocked the door. “Get the fuck out of my sight. You’re nothing but Scheisse to me.”

“Bye bye!” Julius said as he and Giovanni got back in the car and drove off. After they were out of sight of the shop Julius spoke up. “One was there. Whoever he’s working with stole the truck. I remember that gun.Tell Mateo he’s not to sell to anyone from the North side.”

“Gotcha boss.” Giovanni replied.

Lovina walked from the doctor’s office in her shaw and plain dress to Helena’s brothel. This was the one woman she felt she could talk to about what she was just told. She knew who she could not tell but this changed everything for her and the only one she knew that would not judge her was Helena. After speaking with the hostess, she got Helena who took Lovina to her room and shut the door, requesting that no one disturb her. Lovina looked around and saw Heracles playing with a stuffed cat. Helena sat down on a pouf chair and looked up at Lovina.

“Ah Miss Lovina, you don’t come over without your grandfather or if I don’t need someone to watch little Heracles.” Helena said as she eyed Lovina suspiciously. She was about 15 years older than Lovina, making her relationship with Lovina’s grandfather a little more disgusting in her mind. She was old enough to be a big sister to her and here was her grandfather meeting up in private with her on a regular basis. And it was part of the reason she had been promoted to Madam of this particular brothel. She did do a good job and was very skilled at keeping the johns in line and the girls healthy and working well, but it was obvious that Julius’s influence did play a part in her getting the job and keeping Hercules living with her. She didn’t often have to perform like the girls so she could easily keep him away from some of the more vile acts. “You aren’t looking for a job are you? As I won’t hire you. You deserve better.”

“Well it’s kind of that act that I am here.....” Lovina sighed. No way it could be what I think it is....it was just one time! One time we let our desires get the best of us! Okay maybe more than just once but we hadn’t done anything since I was up at his farm! Felicia had done it many times with that potato eating bastard and there was that one time with Antonio.....why did this one fucking time end up differently? she thought.

“I’m listening...” Helena said. “And I won’t tell your grandfather if that is what you are worried about. I am in the discretion business.”

“Fine! I’ve missed my monthly cycle! I’m nauseous all the time!” Lovina yelled, causing Hercules to look up from the cat he was playing with. She then covered her mouth, hoping no one who knew her family was nearby. She knew what Lovino had constantly threatened Alfred with and that was part of the reason they kept their relationship secret and casual when people were looking. Sure there were rumors of the intent but nothing more.

“Oh.” Helena said.

“Oh?” Lovina asked putting her hands on her hips. “That’s all you have to say?”

“I guess it comes with the profession, that I am used to this. You’ve had sex recently haven’t you?” Helena asked walking to a medicine cabinet.

“Obviously, why else would I be talking to my grandfather’s mistress who is the madam of a brothel?” Lovina sassed.

“Well you’re obviously shook up about this.” She sighed. “I give this to my girls any time an accident happens.” Lovina looked at her hands and saw a box of pills. “My own concoction that I use when a girl falls into a family way. I will warn you, you will be sick as a dog for a few days after but just say it’s bad tzatziki.”

“I think my grandfather would pick up that lie.” Lovina sighed as she put the pills in her pocket.

“Or whatever you want to say, but take those and you’ll be back to normal. Unless you’re meant to have the baby. Then I am sorry cannot stop God’s will.” Helena sighed picking up Hercules. “Unless there’s something else? Could it be you want this child?”

Lovina knew lying was not going to help her. “Maybe, I don’t know. I hate to say it, but I think I might actually love Alfred. Might.” She added.

“Well you will have to tell him the truth.” Helena said. “And if he rejects you or the baby for it, let me know. You’ll have my pills and you can pass his worthless ass to your sister. Then again, he may be overjoyed and make an honest woman of you yet.” Lovina shuddered at the idea of marriage, even if she was battling with romantic feelings for her grandfather’s latest enforcer. “But you need to be honest. Let him know and then go from there.” She looked at Lovina with a smile. “No matter what, my door is open to you at any time. I’ll help you out and if your grandfather kicks you out, well Hercules could use a nanny. I won’t make you work like the others.”

“Thank you Helena,” Lovina said as she walked out the door. She didn’t know what to do next except to find Alfred and tell him what happened. That was what she needed to know before she did anything else.

Putting the shawl on, she knew she needed to speak with Alfred but he was back at the farm. There was no bus or train to the town he lived in, nor would this be a good thing to send in a letter. She had to do it in person. Talk to him and tell him in person. Helena was right, he needed to know and from there she would figure how to handle it. But how would she get Alfred to Chicago when Julius wanted him on the farm to keep less suspicion on it. Well what I heard Grandpa talk about with an emerging rivalry on the North side, I might talk him into being my protection, or him as an enforcer or something.... She thought as she headed inside and saw her grandfather sitting on a chair reading a book.

“Oh Nonno....” Lovina said as she walked up to him. “Can we have Alfred come back for a little while?” Julius looked up at her curiously. “I’ve heard rumors from the North side and as your granddaughter they might want to come after me. Could you call Alfred back for a little while, at least until the threat subsides?”

“You do have a point.” Julius said. “I’ll do that. I’m sure he would love to see you and Felicia again anyway. It’s been far too long and I swear may be developing love for one of you two, I just can’t quite pinpoint it yet....”

“Thank you so much.....” Lovina said as she headed back to her room. Yeah feelings....more than you know.... She thought as she walked away.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Things are heating up. The Kirklands have a supply and The Vargas have suspicions. And Lovina is pregnant. So you’ll have to keep reading to see what happens. Anyway remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much else to say so enough with the A/N, on with the fic!

Arthur looked at Gilbert and scowled. “So Julius knows.” He repeated.

“I do have good reason to believe he knows. Maybe not that your brothers were the ones that stole the truck, although I am sure he wouldn’t have tolerated the cowardice shown if what Seamus and Patrick said were true. Which I have no reason to doubt them, there was no signs of a struggle when I met them that night.” Gilbert said. After Julius had stopped in, Gilbert had opened the business up like it had never happened, if for no other reason to show he was not afraid, but part of him was. It had meant that they were coming onto Julius’ detection and knew that they needed to get ready. Julius was more established than they were.

“Well, cannot say this wasn’t expected to happen. Maybe a little faster than I had anticipated but we cannot act like this was never a possibility.” Arthur sighed.

“He said if we mind our own business, he’ll mind his.” Gilbert said.

“Yes, and it may be that way for a little while, but you and I both are not fools.” Arthur stated as he sipped the egg creme that Gilbert had given him. “Someday someone’s going to have to make a move on the other.”

“He won’t just let us be. Eventually he’ll consider us a threat.” Arthur said.

“Indeed.” Gilbert replied. They sat there, sipping the sweet drinks thinking. “But we should not be the ones that make the first move.”

“Whatever we do, we need to mind our business now but at the same time we need to be tougher on who comes in. Julius is bound to want some of his men to sneak in and find out who exactly is in charge.” Arthur said.

“Indeed.” Gilbert agreed. “All they know so far is that a rival gang had a speakeasy here one time. I can easily lie and say I was coerced to host it. I won’t squeal on you Artie.”

“Good.” Arthur said. “But who will be our guard? Toris doesn’t have an imposing nature, Alba maybe but he’s often being sent places for the railroad and he’s our liason in Versailles.....” Gilbert looked at Arthur as if he had mispronounced the French name. “Oh, Alba found a very good supply when he bought a closed warehouse in Kentucky. The townspeople loved he helped one of their own and have connections to moonshiners as well. They’re great to our aid. They will not say a word against someone who is helping them. He had asked if anyone else had done the same, and they said no.”

“I know a guy who might be able to help us with the guard thing. Don’t like him, and when I found out he hand come to the same city I had out of all the land in this country, I was ready to scream. He’s this Russian guy named Ivan. He has a sweet baby face, but get on the wrong side of him, you’ll regret it. He might be having a hard time getting work, what him being from fucking Russia and how these yanks seem to hate there.....” Gilbert added.

“Talk to him.” Arthur ordered. “We need muscle and he sounds like he won’t betray us to the other side.”

“I should hope not.” Gilbert said. “Next gig still on?”

“Still on.” Arthur said firmly. “I am not about to be scared into rolling over because of some Italian who thinks he’s Caesar.”

“There’s the Artie I know.” Gilbert laughed. “Go on, get out of here, I have to clean up and close up.”

“Good bye.” Arthur said tipping his hat.

“Ja, Ja, Auf Wiedersehen” Gilbert said walking him out.

Arthur walked along, thinking over this recent revelation. Julius knew something was going on on the North side but was not wanting to make a move just yet. It would be dangerous to continue but something that he had that Julius did not was the fact his network could prepare for such an onslaught and to keep an eye out for anyone who would mean them ill will. I must warn Amelia, they don’t know I am the leader just yet. But I need to let her know to be on her guard and defend herself. He thought as he headed down the street to her apartment to talk with her. Taking a breath as he headed up the stairs and to her small apartment, he knocked on the door.

“Artie!” Amelia smiled. “Come in, come in, I have some coffee and cookies...”

“Thank you.” Arthur said.

“I’m sorry it’s such a mess....” She blushed as Arthur looked around. The apartment was very small, it had a small kitchen in an open room that the only doors was to the bathroom for privacy.

“It’s fine.” Arthur said as he looked to her sitting area.

“Have a seat, I haven’t heard from you outside of letters for awhile. Do you have another gig for me and my neighbors? It was so much fun.” She added as she placed the cookies and coffee on the table in between her and Arthur. “Sorry these are just Uneedas but I haven’t had a chance to really bake for a long time....”

“It’s okay.” Arthur said as he took a bite of the mass produced biscuit. I miss Mum’s biscuits. The ginger snaps. Even if I had the time to bake, I am horrible at it. He thought.

“There’s a serious reason you’re here, isn’t there?” Amelia asked worried. Arthur looked at the cup silently. “Look I have been told many times I cannot read a room, cannot take hints.” She placed her hands on Arthur’s, causing his heart to flutter. “But I can read you like a book Artie.”

“I guess it is of no use hiding it.” Arthur said. “Julius is onto our operations.” Amelia’s mouth widened. “Well, the most he knows is that there was a speakeasy at Gilbert’s and that whoever had that speakeasy were the ones who stole his truck.”

“Well that is the truth.” Amelia said.

“You aren’t worried about this?” Arthur asked.

“Well it was inevitable was it not?” Amelia said. “And I have prepared for this.” She pulled a small Colt pocket hammerless from a drawer in her kitchen. “I carry it with me. A girl needs to be able to defend herself.”

“So brave.” Arthur smiled. “It’s good to know. But Julius does not know more than the location of one of the speakeasies. At most Gilbert may be in more danger but so far they have a tense truce. What happens on the north side, stays on the north side, same with the south.”

“You really think the guy who thinks a man who thinks he’s Caesar will be happy to follow that?” Amelia laughed.

“Of course not.” Arthur replied as he looked at Amelia munching down on a biscuit greedily. “but I have ordered everyone involved to avoid the south side unless absolutely necessary for everyday life. We still have to keep up appearances.”

“Remind Feliks to act more Jewish in public. I have seen him go to town on some kielbasa. I’m pretty certain it’s not kosher. And to read from a copy of the Torah not a Bible.”

“He told me he tells people he’s studying to provide counseling for Christians as well as Jews, and they believe it.” Arthur asked. “But yes, eating pork when most people know that Jews cannot is not a good look. Or if he must eat kielbasa in public, he should not be dressed like a rabbi.”

“Don’t worry so much Artie,” She placed her hand on his knee, causing him to blush. “I trust you. You’re smart and from what your brother says you can be tough if need you need to be. You got this. No guy from Italy with a big head will stop you.”

“I love that you trust me so much.” Arthur said as he placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

“Awww Artie....” Amelia said blushing as she looked away.

“Anyway, I need to head home, I am deeply sorry I can’t spend more time with you but I need to make sure that the house is ready for when Alba comes home.” Arthur said getting up.

“Don’t be a stranger and thanks for the heads up.” Amelia said as she waved and her heart fluttered as he waved back, tipping his hat.

Julius had gone to the farm and picked Alfred up personally while dropping off some farmhands of his own that Alfred had to admit did not do a bad job of running it and keeping the cows safe. On the long drive back, he explained what happened and why he was needed and how Lovina had requested him personally. This caused Alfred to perk up. Why does she need me so bad? He wondered. Or does she want me that bad? Once Julius pulled up to the mansion, Lovina came and took Alfred’s hand and ran into the guest bedroom that was his.

“Ah, so she fell in love with Alfred.” Julius said to Giovanni.

“I see....” Giovanni said.

“Perfect.” Julius said. “I can keep him close to me and use him for my ends with Lovina’s heart as the prize.”

Lovina shut the door behind him and sat him on the bed and looked at him. He looked at her worried. She did not look like she did any other time she wanted to sleep with him. Something had her worried. Best to just say it.... she thought of Helena’s advice. “I missed my cycle, and well I went to the doctor and now I am with child.” She said as Alfred looked at her clueless. “I mean you do know what can happen when a man and a woman have sex right? Because it did.” She didn’t want to come out and say it directly in case anyone was overhearing them, but it looked like he wasn’t picking up on what she was saying. She then sat on the bed closer to him and looked overwhelmed with feelings.

Alfred blinked as he looked at Lovina ready to either strangle him or fall apart crying in his arms. “Are you saying what I think you are?”

“Are you deaf dumbass? All those bullets blow out your eardrums? ” She asked.

“I don’t think so. I thought you said you were pregnant.” Alfred blinked simply, the gravity of the situation slowly overcoming him.

“Yes that is exactly what I said.” Lovina yelled with angry tears. “So am I done to you? Do you want me to get rid of it?” She said as she pulled the box of pills Helena had given her and threw them at him. “It would save us all the hassle and no one would be none the wiser about us.” They had been keeping their relationship a secret as neither of them had wanted to be bothered, nor did they quite know what they wanted from it. Alfred had liked Lovina because she had no pretension on anything and didn’t chase him and Alfred treated her like a person rather than a mob boss’s granddaughter and could braid her hair pretty well. She happened to be proud of her long mahogany hair and hated the bobbed style and anyone who liked it.

“No. I am not going to make you get rid of it.” Alfred said firmly.

“It would solve everything, I would just be rather sick for a few days, that’s about it. Helena said I could blame it on bad tzatziki .” Lovina laughed trying to calm him down.

Alfred sighed. “Yes, but it would be the easy way out, and it might not even work. Those things don’t work all the time. And you could die. I am sure Helena knows her stuff, but even if someone does, it’s a risky gamble. One I won’t do with you. I love you.” He said, the first time he fully admit it to her and himself. “I’ll take responsibility. Makes things move a lot faster than I wanted them to, I am sure your grandpa would be happy.”

“That, I am not sure of.” Lovina sighed.

“Well you can’t tell yet. So if we just quickly marry and then like a month or so after you come out and say it, well it’s all good. They’ll think it happened on the wedding night is all.” Alfred assured her, although he didn’t believe it himself. “You haven’t told anyone but Helena, have you?”

“No.” Lovina said

“Not even Felicia?” Alfred asked.

“Why would I tell her this? If I did, you’d have my grandfather shotgun wedding us at best.” Lovina laughed feebly.

“Well I’ll talk to your grandfather and tell him that you are the love of my life. That I cannot stand the distance any longer and I need to marry you to be happy.” Alfred sighed as he held her close and stroked her hair. “Say I need to marry you as soon as possible to be near you and then well....we will see what happens. But you will not be alone. I won’t leave you and I will step up and take care of you and the baby.” He added kissing her on the head.

“Thank you.” Lovina said simply as she pushed him back on the bed and just laid on him, listening to his heartbeat. “I was worried you wouldn’t want me anymore.”

“I could never abandon you. I have always wanted a chance to have a family of my own and do good by the kid, something that I never really had.” Alfred smiled.

“It may be the baby, but I think you could.” Lovina said as she closed her eyes on his chest.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I have a good streak going so I might be able to update sooner. Anyway, other than that, I don’t have much else to say other than remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia, okay? Been having a lot of ideas for this one, a lot of drama coming up, so I get more ideas. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Knowing they could not waste much time if they wanted to pull of the idea that Lovina became pregnant on the wedding night, Alfred got up and looked at her. “Well, if I am going to do this, I better start now.”

“Why now?” Lovina said. “I mean we could just run off somewhere and elope….” She blushed.

“You’re smart darling.” Alfred said, free to call her the affectionate names he wanted to knowing that she felt about him the way he did about her. “Your grandpa would figure it out.”

“And he won’t think that you knocked me up out of wedlock with that idea of yours?” She asked sarcastically.

“Can’t guarantee it, but many will. You know people are stupid.” Alfred sighed as Lovina nodded. “So if they think we’re just star-crossed lovers who can’t wait to get married and then quickly we announce after the I dos that you are with child, they’ll take it on face value and even if your grandpa doesn’t take it on that, he’ll not want to cause too much commotion over it.” Lovina began to speak and then took a breath. “I can handle whatever your grandpa wants to throw at me. He can keep your cousin in line. But I have to do right by you and the baby. I mean I will have to go back to the farmhouse and get my mom’s ring and stuff, but that’s after I ask your grandfather’s permission.”

“You’re foolishly brave.” Lovina said.

“We screwed around. Time to face the music.” Alfred sighed. “So, I mean yeah this progressed a lot faster than I thought it would, but hey, at least we won’t die alone and childless now?” He offered a feeble smile.

“Guess not.” Lovina said as she looked down at her stomach.

“Well here goes nothing.” Alfred said as he went to the door and Lovina grabbed his hand. “What?”

“I want to go with you….” Lovina begged.

“Well, I want this to seem as innocent as possible, that I am going to surprise you.” Alfred told her. “Your grandpa is smart. He has to have some brains if he makes an operation like this work. I have to make it convincing enough for him or at least most the family that he won’t want to cause drama.”

“You sure you can do that?” Lovina asked.

“I’ll do the best I can.” Alfred assured her. “Now I would wait for me to tell you something.”

“I love you.” Lovina said.

“I love you too.” Alfred smiled. He shut the door and took a deep breath. He had stormed trenches in France in the war but somehow this felt more like certain death than that. Well, if he kills you right here and now, you don’t need to worry about the wedding…. he told himself feebly but then there would be no one who would look after Lovina and the baby properly in his mind. Sure, Julius seemed very family oriented, but he wasn’t sure what a child out of wedlock would be seen in his mind. While his behavior didn’t seem very religious or Catholic, he knew because of the rosaries that he noticed Lovina, Julius and Feliciano have, it meant enough to them to at least carry the things with them. He headed into the study where Julius was reading. You’re a man Jones, and a man has to face the consequences of his actions and make things right He thought as he took a breath. “Whatcha reading?” He asked. Great, I sound like a scared kid.

“Oh, Alfredo my boy! It’s a copy of Commentarii de Bello Gallico by Julius Caesar.” Julius said.

“Oh.” Alfred said. “Didn’t know Caesar wrote a book….” Alfred said honestly.

“Oh, he’s a personal hero of mine and I study his tactics and apply them to my own businesses. You’d be surprised how effective it is.” Julius said. “But I can tell you didn’t come to me to talk about Classical warfare. You’ve seen too much of the modern hell that is war. I remember some of Lovino’s stories he told when he came home.” He smiled up at Alfred whose heart was racing faster than any time he could recall from the war itself. “I am sure you have seen some similar things.”

“I have sir….” Alfred said. “And well, I have been thinking a lot of things lately and I guess that plays into it….” Alfred blushed as Julius looked on interested. “Well, I have been seeing a lot of your granddaughter Lovina lately and well….” He gulped as Julius looked up at him with interest a slight smile on his face. “Well, I have found I want to marry her. As soon as possible. I’m tired of not having a wife and she’s actually perfect for me despite how many see her!” He blurted out. I could have done that so much better. I sound like an idiot…. He thought as Julius jumped up and hugged Alfred close.

“Che meraviglia! Mia nipote ora si sposerà!” Julius said as he put Alfred down from the hug and looked at him. “I assure you were doing the proper thing and asking for her father, well in this case grandfather’s hand before you proposed, correct?” Alfred nodded. “Well, you have my permission.” Alfred looked relieved as Julius smirked. “If you convert to Catholicism.” He paused. His faith never really meant that much to him but doing that seemed much. But he swore he would do what it took to do good by Lovina after what happened and if this was what he had to do, well so be it. Not like he had any family left. His parents were dead, and his brother was likely dead as well. “It’s important to our family and frankly, you have none of your own to say anything about it.” The words almost seemed evil and venomous from him.

“Sure, if we can be married by month’s end.” Alfred said. This way the plan can go into action, and it won’t be that visible so we can say it happened when we got married…. Alfred said.

“Great.” Julius said. “I’ll contact the priest of my church to arrange both. I’m so glad to have you as a grandson, well in due time.”

“Thanks….” Alfred said.

“You haven’t proposed yet have you?” Julius said.

“Nope, Lovina knows nothing of my intentions but had expressed some interest in just finding someone to settle down with.” Alfred said as natural as could be.

“Great.” Julius said. “How about tomorrow at dinner, I’ll have a banquet and you can do it there. So, the whole family knows.”

“Sure.” Alfred smiled. “I was going to give her my mother’s ring……”

“I have my wife’s. I figured that would go to the first granddaughter to get married. Looked like Felicia for awhile there but that poor young man. War is hell and takes so many too good for this world.” Julius said.

“Well, let me get ready for tomorrow then….” Alfred said as he walked away looking at Julius.

“Of course, you will want it to be perfect.” Julius smiled. “Practice makes perfect. And I will get you my wife’s ring.”

“Sure, thanks.” Alfred said as he went back up to the guest bedroom.

“He and Lovina screwed up.” Julius said as Alfred shut the door and Giovanni came up beside him.

“Just what do you mean sir?” Giovanni asked as Julius smirked.

“They had sex. And an accident happened, and Lovina is pregnant. They think I don’t know but I do.” Giovanni looked as if he needed more of an explanation. “Lovina sneaking out to go to the doctor, talk to Helena, and the sudden wish for marriage from both of them when they aren’t that type of person, especially Lovina. And she demanded Alfred under the idea of protection of a rival gang, well sure she needs it but now he’s right where I want him.” Julius smirked.

“For what?” Giovanni said.

“Well that farm of his is in the family now. So, I don’t need to keep sending him back to keep up appearances. The general public doesn’t know about how they fucked up. And he’ll need work to support them. Oh, I’ll get them a nice house for a family by the lake. It’s still beautiful despite all the industrial dumping into it. And that young man will be working for me. I knew he was a force to be reckoned with when Feliciano told me of how he nearly shot him and Lovino when they first met. And now it’s right where I want it, trapped by a child.”

“My god….” Giovanni said.

“What?” Julius asked.

“You can be quite the mastermind when you want to. Ever play chess?” Giovanni smiled.

“I really should take it up.” Julius said.

Alfred looked at Lovina who had held her knees close to her face as she sat on the bed. She looked up at him worried. Normally she was tough and wouldn’t want anyone to worry about her or anything she had to do. But this shook up her whole world. “So, how’d it go?” She whispered.

“Well by the end of the month, you should be Mrs. Lovina Jones….” Alfred laughed.

“That’s nice….” Lovina said as Alfred’s face fell. “Don’t think it’s a bad thing. I really don’t mind….”

“I know, I know, I wish it wasn’t this way either, but we have to do what we have to do.” Alfred sighed. “I do have to become Catholic though. How does that whole cross thing go?”

“Up down left right” Lovina said as she demonstrated it for Alfred who tried a few times to get it right but with her guidance got the hang of it. “We often do that when in distress. I was doing it so much when I found out I was pregnant and when you were talking to my grandfather. If having to convert is the worst that you have to do, you got off lucky.”

“Well, he seemed to buy that I was just a lonely farmer who fell in love with his darling granddaughter. Although….” Alfred began.

“What?” Lovina said.

“I was hoping for some autonomy in my own marriage. Like I wanted to give my wife my mother’s ring, it’s been a family heirloom from mother to daughter for like generations. My great grandmother was a Chippawa who married a French fur trader and passed it along.” Alfred said. “But your grandfather is giving me your grandma’s ring to do the proposal with. Which I am sure means something to you and I totally get it, but….”

“No, I understand.” Lovina said. “Feeling trapped by him is hell.” And I think I put you there.

“Well, who says you can’t have both!” Alfred smiled as he lit a cigarette. “Just next time I am back home, hopefully with you, I’ll give it to you!” He took another drag and Lovina could read that he was really distressed. “Just look surprised tomorrow when I do the proposal. Your grandpa is doing a big banquet and inviting the whole family.”

“I think I’m going to be sick.” Lovina said.

“We could elope still….” Alfred laughed. “Say the nervousness got us.”

“No, no, no, grandpa would never allow that. He’s got an image to maintain and I’m part of it, well you are now too….” Lovina said.

“Well, I’m yours till death do us part.” Alfred laughed as they headed out of the bedroom and Lovino held him against the wall with a stiletto blade against his neck.

“Speaking of death….” Lovino said.

“CALM DOWN LOVINO!” Lovina said as she smacked him. “HE DIDN’T HURT ME!”

“What’s going on here?” Julius asked.

“I’d like to know that too.” Lovino asked.

“Relax.” Julius said. “I know for a fact he means no harm nor ill will or besmirched Lovina’s honor.” Lovina and Alfred looked at each other and away for a brief second. Lovino shook his head as Julius smirked. Guilty conscious betrays you both He thought. “Leave the two alone. I am fine with it, so you should be too.”

“If you say so grandpa.” Lovino said as he stuck a middle finger in the air at Alfred.

“Will he be better to me if I am his cousin in law?” Alfred asked.

“He’ll have to be.” Lovina said. “I can be forceful with my cousins if I want to be and as Mrs. Jones, I won’t allow for anyone to wish ill to my husband or try to harm them. That whole two become one romantic crap.” She looked at Alfred and whispered “I love you. Thank you so much.”

“I love you too.” Alfred said with an innocent kiss on her cheek. “It’s my duty. Honor bound.” He sighed as he placed his back against the wall and slid down to a sitting position. What the hell am I in for now? He thought as he took a flask from his pocket and took a drink.

Translation Guide

(Obtained via Google Translate)

Che meraviglia! Mia nipote ora si sposerà! -Italian- How wonderful! My granddaughter will be married now!

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. And yes, Caesar did write the book mentioned and Julius seems like he would be a big fan of it. And the idea of modeling business after warfare is one that is used a lot. In Japan they use The Art of War for business dealings. Anyway, I don’t have much else to say here so remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much else to say so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Lovina looked at the ceiling as Felicia slept easily. She didn’t know that Lovina was pregnant and would have to act like Alfred’s proposal at a banquet tomorrow was surprise. She wanted to head to the guest room and curl up with Alfred and cry. The reality of it all was settling in. She knew what her grandfather was likely to do to him, to make him a part of the fold and have him do whatever dirty work that he needed. And he would be away from me and the little baby..... she thought as she placed her hand over her abdomen. Helena had told her that it would not show until the 4th month but it had taken one month for her to just figure it out. She was the only one that she felt could get good advice on. Hopefully I can talk her into keeping Alfred safe.....

Meanwhile, Alfred lay in the bed and looked at the ring that Julius had given him. It was a simple gold ring with an opal in the center. Something he would not have imaged the man would give if he was the one marrying today. He had so much money, it was insane and now he was marrying in it and his farm was now in no way could get away from. Things were getting heavy in the city and he knew what Lovina said. The farm was now pretty much Julius’s but he also knew that he could not back out of this. He had gotten Lovina pregnant and it was his duty to do what was right and take care of her and the baby. Otherwise, he couldn’t bare to think what Julius would do to her, based off of what she had told him when they just sat and talked. Closing his eyes, he tried to recall anything he had imagined on what having a wife and child would be like before he met Lovina. He had thought he might have wanted to marry Alice, but that would mean living in England with her as she had refused to move with him back to America, which because his father was still alive, he didn’t object to. He had volunteered to go to the hell that was the trenches after all mainly to get away from the man. But as time went on, she was more annoying to him each day and the disastrous attempt at sex they had made her leave him for some Frenchman he was partially certain he had won her over before she had left him. He closed his eyes to try and get some sleep before the day he would be bound to the Vargas family forever, even if the bond to the family was going to have her last name changed. If there was one thing he was going to insist on was that Lovina take his name as he was going to take care of her. She would be his wife after all. Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door. Grabbing a heavy old bible that Julius had given him to get familiar with Catholism before he would meet the priest, he headed to the door, ready to knock Lovino or anyone else who would mean him harm out. Opening the door, he saw Lovina. “Oh thank god....” He said.

“Who did you think I was?” Lovina asked.

“Your cousin. Someone who wanted to clean my clock....” Alfred said. “Come in.” He walked her over to the side of the bed and sat her down. “What’s going on?” He could tell she was worried.

“I’m sorry.” Lovina said as she hugged him.

“Hey, hey, calm down.” Alfred said as he stroked her hair. “I did the deed with you, I’m just as at fault.”

Lovina smirked with a despondent laugh. “Yeah.....you are.....” She said as Alfred looked at her with a knowing smirk. “What?”

“You.” He said as he kissed her forehead. “I guess we can be a little more open now.”

“I guess.” Lovina said. “Besides, I have got to get you used to if you’re in the family now.”

“Let me guess, taking you back to the farm where we can live and raise the kid without too much more than some guys in the barn after the wedding isn’t going to happen?” Alfred laughed, knowing the answer.

“Nope.” Lovina said. “Although......I wouldn’t mind too much....”

“I thought you thought it smelled and you couldn’t cook anything there....” Alfred reminded her.

“Well that’s because you have poor stores and stocked hardly anything in there.” Lovina said. “You may have to teach me how to grow things but I would make sure you and more importantly our child eat well and proper. Better than what you Americans like.”

“You said our child.” Alfred laughed.

“Well I wouldn’t be pregnant if not for you.” Lovina snapped.

“Oh ho ho ho....having regrets? Because we’re in for it now.” Alfred teased.

“I could take Helena’s pills, be sick tomorrow and then dump you off on Felicia.” Lovina said.

“You won’t.” Alfred said looking at Lovina knowingly. She looked at him crossly. “You won’t.”

“How do you know I won’t?” She asked.

“Because you’d have done it as soon as Helena gave them to you.” Alfred said. “You’re determined. If you knew you didn’t want anything to do with me other than a good time, you wouldn’t have talked to me about it first.”

“Helena told me to tell you before I did anything.” Lovina simply replied.

“She’s likely been where you were.” Alfred said. “She seems smart and if you follow her advice in this whole thing, you’ll do well. I mean how old is her kid?”

“He’s 4. I babysit him. Just give him some cats, be real of toy and he’s happy.” Lovina said. “Although I have a feeling that with a father like you, it won’t be so easy with our child.” She sighed. “Helena took a job in the brothels my grandfather runs after her husband died. He was a sailor on the lakes. One winter a storm came in and he was lost.” She explained.

“Ah.” Alfred said as he laid her down on the bed and held her close. “I think we need this.”

“Indeed.....” Lovina sighed as she curled up in his arms, falling asleep. Meanwhile, Alfred was still awake, thinking of just how he was going to handle the proposal tomorrow, in front of all of her family and their close associates. I guess I will just wing it, I mean if I got Julius to give me her hand, to not think I knocked her up, I guess I can deliver a good enough show tomorrow..... He thought as he forced himself to go to sleep.

The next evening, Alfred looked at himself in the mirror as he wore the best suit he had at Julius’s place. He had been talking with Julius all day who had been in the kitchen supervising his cooks as they prepared the large feast that was to be had. “Don’t worry, I haven’t told Lovina your plans.” He said as Alfred smiled nervously. Ignoring him, he went on. “I was nervous myself when I proposed to my wife. I was a little younger than you are. Worked night and day to afford her the best ring I could and she loved it so. And when she passed, made me swear to pass it to the grandchildren, for the first one to get married. And well, I thought that the boys would have better luck, and Felicia was almost married, I had met that German man she had fallen in love with but alas, he was lost to the war.”

“I know....” Alfred said blankly.

“I thought Lovina would never be married how she acts, but I guess love does magic.” Julius replied.

“Yeah....” Alfred had agreed before he had left to get changed. He took a shower, enjoying the hot water as long as he could, and used the pomade in his hair much like the first time he had come to the manor. This is my home now. Julius will not let you go back. Not at all. A voice in his head told him. It reminded him of some of the things Lovina had told him she was worried would happen to him now. Part of him also could not shake the idea that somehow Julius knew what had happened. That he knew the truth. He wasn’t a total idiot. He had mannerisms like Feliciano sometimes but he was also the one who took the immigrant family from a ruined country to Chicago and grew what started as a small resturaunt to a boss in the south side. However, what mattered most was making sure that Lovina and their child were taken care of well. It was his duty after all. Sighing, he took the ring box and headed downstairs where Lovina was standing in a emerald green dress with black beading and peacock feather in a headband with Felicia wearing a matching blue dress.

“So, what’s the big surprise?” Felicia asked.

“You’ll see.” Alfred said.

“Come on, tell me.” Felicia said. “Lovina says she doesn’t know but I think she does.”

“The surprise is for her.” Alfred said. “That’s as much as I’ll say.”

“Poo.” Felicia sighed. “That’s as much as Grandpa told me too.”

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Lovina scolded as Alfred took her arm and escorted her into the banquet hall. Alfred looked on at the spread, and the smells and smiled. It was wonderful and his stomach growled in anticipation but he didn’t feel hungry. Normally he could eat plate after plate of this food but now, he felt he could hardly take a bite. Looking over at Lovina, she looked much the same. He smiled and hugged her close.

“Don’t worry, no matter what happens I can handle it. I’ll make sure you and the baby are taken care of.” Alfred said as Lovina smiled.

“I love you.” She whispered kissing him.

“Ah! The lovers! The reason we are here.” Julius said, causing everyone to look at them, making Alfred and Lovina jump apart embarrassed. Ignoring this, Julius tapped his wine glass. “I am sure you are all wondering why we are all here. You see, dear Alfred has asked me for something and well, we are here to give it to him. Alfred,” He motioned.

Okay....now or never....Alfred thought as he took the box out of his pocket and turned to Lovina. Just pretend her whole family isn’t staring at you, just think it’s the two of you at the pond at the farm..... He told himself. That you aren’t getting shotgun married before she starts to show to keep her honor.....Closing his eyes, he imagined their relationship if it had progressed properly, that they had built a solid relationship on getting to know each other rather than carnal love accidents. I would have asked her to marry me there, at the pond.... He thought as he imagined it, looked into her eyes and began. “Lovina, I cannot stand the idea of being away from you. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever met and you are not like any other girl that I have ever known. You love me for me. You’re honest and insightful and not afraid of anything. That’s something I love.” He took a deep breath, and imagined again it was just them. Lovina Katherina Vargas, will you do the honor of marrying me?”

Lovina blushed, knowing how hard it must have been on him. She felt her family’s eyes on her. “Of course.” She smiled as she hugged him and he got up and pulled her into a kiss. “I love you Alfred.” He then slid her grandmother’s ring on her finger.

“I love you my dear Lovina.” Alfred said as Julius clapped.

“Very good! Very good!” He smiled as Alfred and Lovina sat down across from each other. “Alfred has asked me for Lovina’s hand and wants the wedding done by the end of the month. Enzo agreed to take on the challenge of suiting us up and he and Isabella will handle the girl’s dresses.” Julius explained as Alfred had a mouthful of spaghetti and he looked up wide-eyed. Lovina sighed at his look. “Let me be the first to welcome you to the family Alfred. I could not be more honored to have my granddaughter marry such a respectable and hard working young man who will do anything that is needed to make sure she and any future children are taken care of.” He looked down at Alfred as if he was asking this of him and wanted a reply.

“Of course.” Alfred said. “I would make it my duty to make sure Lovina and my children are taken care of. No man can call himself a man if they do not.”

“Just what I wanted to hear from you.” Julius said, giving Alfred a chill down his spine as he looked over at Lovina who seemed to feel the same. “For now, let’s eat up and enjoy.”

Alfred swallowed his spaghetti and noticed Lovina poking at her food. He wanted to just run off and elope but he knew that it was not possible because of her station. Well we’re getting married now, I have to make sure my wife and child are taken care of.

Julius looked at Alfred and Lovina and smiled. He knew this was his plan coming together. Alfred’s farm was soon to be in the family and he had a tie to do whatever he needed him to. Just as I had hoped. He thought sipping his wine.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I got Lovina’s middle name from The Taming of the Shrew. And if Felicia’s middle name comes up I would use Bianca. Anyway, other than that I don’t have much else to say but remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia, okay? Been a little bit since I updated this one, not so much as some of my others that takes a little more effort for but yeah. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

“So, you know the deal, anyone with an Italian accent from the south side, and especially with the last name Vargas is not allowed.” Arthur said looking at Ivan as he stood by the doorway. Gilbert was right this man was intimidating, even with his pleasant seeming smile. But they needed security, and he was the only one that anyone knew anything about. It was more effective than Feliks and Toris who while had the fighting skills, Arthur had to admit sometimes just looking tough was what was needed to reduce trouble. As much as he hated Julius, and how much Gilbert wanted to blow him away when they first saw him, he had to admit, that despite his age, he was an impressive man. And sometimes just the idea of danger was enough to keep it away. And that fact was what Arthur was wanting to bank on to keep danger away. A firefight breaks out, then the police would be alerted, and he didn’t want that to happen.

“Of course. It’s so nice of you to give me this job boss.” Ivan smiled. “It has been incredibly hard since I had come to this country.”

“Yes, I am sure. I understand as well.” Arthur said, keeping composed, while terrified of the man he had hired for security.

“I do hope one day to find my older sister. It’s just me and my little sister right now.” Ivan said.

“Yes, what happened?” Arthur asked.

“We got separated in Odessa.” Ivan sighed as he looked at a few people walking by, paying no attention to him. “I think she got sent to Canada, but I am not so certain.”

“Well, if we do well, you will get paid well and maybe we can find her for you.” Arthur smiled.

“Spasibo” Ivan smiled.

“Huh?” Arthur said. “Forgive me but my Russian is not good.”

“Oh, it means Thank you.” Ivan said.

“And the password?” Arthur asked.

“Tartan Rhubarb” Ivan repeated.

“Correct.” Arthur said. “And if they don’t get it right away or they seem to be just guessing, feel free to handle them as you see fit.”

“Understood.” Ivan said as Arthur went inside. As he turned, Ivan addressed him. “Oh, Mr. Kirkland sir.”

“Yes Mr. Braginsky?” Arthur said, keeping the formal air he strived for with the people working with him.

“That girl signing, what’s her name?” Ivan asked.

“Amelia….” Arthur began.

“Amelia….” Ivan replied. “She has a lovely voice.”

“Indeed.” Arthur stated.

“I may have to meet up with her for something to drink one of these days.” Ivan said.

“Yes…. just get back to work Braginsky.” Arthur said, tone changing.

“Seriously Artie, you want Amelia so bad, you have to make a move. She isn’t going to wait forever for you.” Gilbert laughed.

“I cannot possibly provide…. I live with my brothers….” Arthur stammered as Gilbert smacked him. “What the bloody hell?”

“Damn it Artie, why I am giving advice to you on this matter, I don’t know but here goes. You are not acting like a man who is fearless. Which you have to put that air on. Julius sure as hell didn’t get to where he is by making excuses like that and you’re trying to be the North Side’s Julius!”

“I don’t see where my love life comes into this.” Arthur said. “And my tea please.”

“If you weren’t the boss, I’d kick you out for that.” Gilbert said. “And it does because that’s one of the scariest things a man can face, coming to terms with love. Besides, if you don’t make a move someone from a place ending in -ussia might.” He smirked knowingly. Arthur took it as Gilbert was meaning Ivan, but he and Ludwig had grown up in what used to be Prussia.

“You’re right.” Arthur said as he drank his tea. “I mean Alba took a chance on his own out in Versailles which is why we have the supplies we do.” He then took a breath and turned to Gilbert. “Another tea but add a shot in there. I need some courage if I am going to ask her.”

“And don’t let that whole ‘danger’ thing get in your mind. Because we’re all as fucked if Julius finds this and so far, I’m the only one who might even slightly be on his watch.” Gilbert said. “And you know Amelia is not afraid of anything.”

“I know, but I am….” Arthur said.

“Maybe she’ll rub off on you.” Gilbert laughed.

“Piss off.” Arthur said as Amelia came over as the song ended. “Amelia!” He said jumping up.

“You know what I like Gil.” Amelia said. “Artie, something on your mind?”

“Yes Artie….” Gilbert said as Arthur looked at him with an angered glare.

“How about you and I talk somewhere more private?” Arthur said as he took Amelia by the shoulder and walked her to a storage room where they kept what they needed for this gig. By keeping the show moving around, it would be harder for Julius and his gang to pinpoint where one was happening at any time. If his power and influence grew over the North side, then Arthur may have more solid establishments he could protect but as for right now, he was just a thorn in Julius’s side. Something that could be ignored. But he wasn’t going to ignore them forever. The storage room was dusty and as Amelia walked in and broke up a spider web. She looked at Arthur who sighed.

“Something the matter?” She asked.

“Your bloody concern.” He added with a smile. “Well, I must say this, it’s been haunting me for some time.” She looked at him curiously. “Amelia, bloody hell….” He sighed closing his eyes knowing he had to be more courageous and take risks. Amelia can handle herself. Besides if-not if when-I get powerful enough I can just have someone protect her for me. Maybe that Braginsky if he won’t try anything on her. It’s as Gilbert says, sometimes all you need is to look scary to keep people away.

“Is everything okay?” She asked worried.

“Bollocks….” Arthur began. “Amelia, I must confess, I have harbored feelings for you for a long time. It angers me to hear other men talk about you wanting to ask you out. It is because I want you. I want to be your lover. Look after you and make sure that you are taken care of. So that one day you will live with me in a beautiful manor and not have to live in the scruffy apartment or I have to live with my brothers, sharing a bed with one of them.” Amelia giggled. “Yes, yes that came out rather rudely, but you know the situations I face.”

“I do.” Amelia said. Then the words he was trying to say hit her. “Are you saying you love me Artie?”

“Yes……” Arthur said suddenly flustered and looking away. “I mean I understand if you are not and would want to stay friends…. I do hope you continue singing as your voice is lovely…” With this Amelia rolled her eyes and gave Arthur a light smack on the cheek. He looked at her annoyed as she added a light kiss where she smacked him.

“Calm down.” Amelia reassured him. “I have liked you too Artie. You were just getting too flustered for what a boss is supposed to be like.” She laughed. “I don’t mind that you aren’t rich. Honestly if you want space from your brothers, I would be more than happy to have my man stay with me, if he doesn’t mind my small apartment.” She added kissing him on the lips.

“So does that mean…?” Arthur asked.

“Yes, I like you Artie and I would not mind dating you.” Amelia sighed. “Can I make it any plainer for you?

“No, I guess not….” Arthur laughed.
“And if you need to get away from your brothers, then you can stay with me. I can make room.” Amelia smiled. “It’s not much, but you’re used to that.”

“I guess I am….” Arthur sighed. “But I will make this work, so we do not have to suffer in the rot that we are.”

“If what the past has shown is true, you might be able to pull that off.” Amelia said kissing him on the cheek. “But the break’s almost over and I need to get out there again. See ya.”

“I will be listening.” Arthur waved as he sat back beside Gilbert who looked at him. “Don’t think of it.” He growled.

“So, you plucked up the balls to ask her out?” Gilbert said.

“Indeed, I did.” Arthur said.

“And she said she liked you?” Gilbert said.

“I’m not heartbroken.” Arthur smirked. “That should be your hint.”

“Ah well. “Gilbert sighed. “But hey a good woman can give you the strength to do what you need. I know Amelia will push you to be the boss we need Artie.” He placed a cup of tea on the bar for him.

The next morning, Lovina sat with Helena while Heracles pet a kitten he was feeding. “So, your grandfather tells me you are engaged to that Alfred boy now.”

“Yes.” Lovina said plainly.

“Are you not happy?” Helena asked.

“I’m not sure about it.” Lovina sighed. “My grandfather has been dragging him around to everything since he found out. I hardly see him.” She sighed. “I hope it isn’t a sign of things to come.” She looked at Helena who seemed to know just what Lovina was thinking. “He said he needed Alfred to meet with the priest at the church. Fine. One of the requirements for my hand as Grandpa put it was, he convert to Catholicism.”

“Sounds like he’s already putting up with a lot if that is what happened.” Helena sighed. “Changing his religion for you.”

“He told me he didn’t really mind. He wasn’t too devout himself. Claimed to have somewhat lost his faith before this.” Lovina said. “And he assured me that that was all Grandpa was doing with him, getting him into the church and making the arrangements for the wedding there. But….”

“Indeed.” Helena said. “You’re worried he’s being forced into your grandfather’s business. It is a dangerous one.” Lovina looked up. “I hear things. Your grandfather tells me so much once he’s relaxed.”

“Yeah…. relaxed….” Lovina shuddered. “Thanks for saying it like that though.”

“You’re not a fool. But I do care about you like a little sister.” Helena said. “I haven’t met Alfred, but he sounds like a nice young man.”

“You sounded like my grandmother there.” Lovina sighed.

“I could have been.” Helena laughed. Lovina looked at her shocked. “Well in one of our meetings, your grandfather did propose but I like this job too much and I need to protect the women here.” She noticed that Lovina was even more confused at this. “You see many girls end up working here for one reason or another, none of it is by real choice but an out of options kind of thing. That’s how it was with me. Heracles’s father died and I had a child to support. This was the only work I could find. So many of the girls have that problem. They have a family to support, all alone in the world. And it just puts them in the most vulnerable situations one could think of. So, when your grandfather had me run this, then I knew it was up to me to protect them.”

“Wow.” Lovina said.

“And I want to make sure that you are taken care of.” Helena said. “That you are safe, and your baby is safe.”

“I think I would be a shitty mother.” Lovina said.

“No, you won’t.” Helena reassured her. “I have seen you with Heracles. You will be nervous, and you won’t be perfect, but you will do a good job and take care of the baby well with Alfred by your side. I have faith in him. I have yet to really properly meet him and judge, but he sounds like he’s a good man.” Lovina put her hand on her abdomen and looked up at Helena. “Oh, you won’t feel much of anything but sick yet.”

“Speaking of….” Lovina said putting her hand to her mouth.

“Here.” Helena sighed handing Lovina a bucket. “I have been there. I will help you through this. And as always, your secret is safe with me.”

“I nearly threw up at breakfast. I told my grandfather I was sick with anticipation for the wedding.” Lovina moaned through the wretching noises she made. Wiping her mouth with a nearby handkerchief, she sighed, holding the bucket close. “I think he believed me. He seemed overjoyed I was going to get married. Way more than he was when my sister said that potato eating bastard would marry her once the war was over.”

“No offense but everyone was expecting you to become a spinster.” Helena said as Lovina scowled at her. “It’s the truth. You have a personality that many men would not want anything to do with.”

“Alfred seemed to like it.” Lovina huffed.

Meanwhile Alfred was walking around the north side, looking around at the places, especially an ice cream parlor owned by an albino German man who was said to have had somehow gotten ahold of one of Julius’s shotguns that had been stolen. Alfred wasn’t Italian or known to have ties to the Vargas family yet so to help prove his worth to Julius, he was to try and get what information he could out of the man, look for clues and see if he had any connections to rival gangs. Julius figured Alfred would be good for this because the connection was not well known yet. If I didn’t care about Lovina so much, I would just sell the farm and move out west somewhere…. He thought as he opened the door.

“Ah! Good day, what do you want?” Gilbert asked with a smile.

“Anything. I’ve had a bad day and need something sweet.” Alfred sighed.

“I have just the thing for you.” Gilbert said. He bent down to scoop some ice cream and looked at Alfred. “What’s wrong?”

“Where to begin?” He sighed.

“It’s on the house.” Gilbert said placing a sundae in front of him. “Let me know it all.”

“Thanks.” Alfred said as he took a bite. “Might be here awhile.”

“Doesn’t bother me.” Gilbert said.

“Good.” Alfred sighed. “Wish we could still drink.”

“Me too.” Gilbert replied.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Hopefully I can pick up updating here soon as if all goes well, I will finish my classwork by the end of the month and the new semester isn’t until December and workloads will ease for a little bit. Anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say so enough of this A/N,on with the fic!

“So spill it, what could possibly be bothering you that bad?” Gilbert said.

“Where to start?” Alfred began. He took a spoonful of the sundae Gilbert had laid out for him and sighed. He knew what he had to do, or at least try to do. And that was get some information out of Gilbert about what was going on in the North side. Julius knew a rival gang was growing and wanted to know where they were getting their supplies. But Gilbert had run into him and if he was involved deeply then he would have let the boss know that Julius was there and suspecting him. But Alfred proved to be a very valuable piece to his chess game. No one in Chicago knew of this poor farmer from Wisconsin and he cleaned up so well. People did not know of his engagement to Lovina so no one would suspect him of his ties to the Vargas clan. The only ones who knew were the members of the clan sworn to secrecy until he decided to announce it, once Lovina was wed. So to prove himself to Julius, he ordered Alfred to try and get what he could out of Gilbert. Knowing he couldn’t mention who exactly was forcing him into this mess, he sighed. “I fucked myself over bad.”

“Okay, how did you do that?” Gilbert said. “I hear a lot of that these days. I mean they say these are the roaring twenties, but for who? The movie stars in California? Those big bankers in Wall Street? The factory owners? Ha!” He laughed cynically. “I left my homeland of Deutschland-” Alfred looked clueless. “Germany Dumpkoff.”

“Ah.” Alfred sighed. “Think I would have known that after shooting at Krauts back in the war.”

“I’m ignoring that.” Gilbert said. “That war took my brother’s life. And he we was the good Beilschmidt brother, the one with the promise. I was the fuck up who had enough of trying to pay for bread with worthless money and figured, what the fuck? Let’s try going to America. Only to find that this country has it so I can’t get my beer! Know a guy who was in a similar place from England. Had a good old fashioned pub here and people liked it then in comes Prohibition and he’s out of business. I am just more business savvy than he is.”

“Sorry for your brother.” Alfred said.

“I have to let the past be the past. And you’re brining down the mood in an ice cream parlor.” Gilbert said.

“Fine.” Alfred took another bite thinking how to explain it without saying his involvement with the mafia, which kept getting deeper and deeper as the day went on. “So after the war I blow around a bit. Father was a total psycho. I mean the trenches seemed like a better alternative than how he got after my mother died.” Gilbert’s eyes widened. “Well they got me good in the recruiting office there anyway....” He sighed continuing. “Well one fucking day some lawyer tells me my dear old dad dear old died and I have the family farm. Well I’m sure you’ve heard the farm prices lately....”

“Yeah piss poor.” Gilbert said.

“Yeah. But the bank was offering a good deal on mortgages so I thought, hey mortgage the family fucking farm, modernize and you can up production and pay it back.” Alfred huffed. “Some fucking idea that was.”

“Yeah.” Gilbert nodded. “Another.”

“I’ve got a good metabolism, I can burn this off.” Alfred said. “So this guy gives me a job to pay it off. Good one pays well for what he wanted. Then he wants me to do more at his place in town and I meet his granddaughter. Prettiest thing ever, beautiful hair, even if she can be a total bitch sometimes.”

“I know how that is. Women huh?” Gilbert said, thinking of a girl he loved back in Europe who hated him because of how they acted as children.

“She comes onto me and I shouldn’t have done it but I did....” Alfred sighed.

“Knock her up and now you’re headed for a shotgun marriage?” Gilbert laughed.

“Fuck you dude.” Alfred said sticking up his middle finger. “Her grandfather, my boss, doesn’t know. He’s a sap for a fairy tale romance. So that’s what we made it seem like once she found out she was pregnant. She isn’t showing yet and we insisted to be wed by the end of the month. That way she can reveal a few weeks later that she is pregnant and everyone will think it happened on our wedding night. Honor saved.”

“But her grandpa probably thinks you knocked her up beforehand, so he’s making your life hell?” A blonde man wearing a wide brimmed hat and curly loops on his head and a rabbi’s shaw came in eating a kielbasa in a roll.

“Mehin Gott.....” Gilbert said. “Feliks, I thought you were a rabbi, isn’t kielbasa not kosher?” He said pointing to Alfred who didn’t know that Feliks was a ‘rabbi in name only’ to get them wine for the operation in a semi-legal way. Otherwise Gilbert wouldn’t have mentioned a thing. Feliks had heard that enough from Arthur on the whole ‘act like a rabbi in public’.

“You got it right.” Alfred said. “And making me convert to Catholicism too to keep to her family because that fucking bastard thinks because all mine are dead or missing that my own faith and beliefs don’t fucking matter. Gave me his dead wife’s ring when I was going to give her my fucking mother’s!”

“Woah!” Feliks said putting down the not so kosher lunch and looking over at Alfred. Time for that rabbi charm to kick in. Since people think we are so wise.... “Let me give you something for your trouble my son.” He pulled out a bottle of Jewish wine and handed it to him. “From my people to help you with your misery.”

“No offense, but one, you don’t seem to keep kosher well and two, you seem to be my age.” Alfred looked at Feliks curiously while Gilbert tried to look at him like he was going to kill him without Alfred noticing.

“I’m a rabbi in a more relaxed set. We don’t hold to silly things like kosher.” Feliks said as Gilbert smacked his face in his palm. No way would that guy buy that you idiot.... Gilbert thought.

“Well I know fuck all about Christianity it seems. The Father of the church I am marrying in now told me off for being a protestant. Which I wasn’t even a very fucking good one. I do like to brag that my roots go all the way back to the Pilgrims....”

“Party poopers.” Feliks said as Alfred looked at him slightly offended. “Not you, but your ancestors.”

“Real smooth there Rabbi Feliks.....” Gilbert said. “I’m sure this guy really wants to hear that.”

“Well better than what my soon to be grandfather in law said. ‘Your family’s dead. Don’t dwell on that. Your place is with my family now. Your past means nothing.’” Alfred said remembering the conversations with Julius. Alfred just wanted to tend to Lovina, and make sure she was well. She had been getting sick easier and so far all Julius knew was that she was sick with anticipation for the wedding. However she had explained it was morning sickness and Alfred felt mostly responsible. If he hadn’t had sex with her, she wouldn’t be pregnant and it was his child she was carrying, he was going to be a good father from the start. If he could ever get time with her. And not be a spy for her grandfather.

“Come on Gilbert, we have to let this guy to our event. He needs it. Like bad.” Feliks said.

“I don’t know, would Wulver approve?” Gilbert said quietly as Alfred busied himself cleaning out the second sundae.

“As long as he isn’t Italian or an obvious member of the Vargas gang, give him the password. He need to raise money after all.” Feliks whispered.

“Fine.” Gilbert agreed.

“So cheer up there dear, what’s your name again?” Feliks asked.

“Alfred.” He replied simply.

“So next Friday there’s an event at the docks by the fish cannery and the password is Victoria Regina. Tell it to the guardsman, this huge Russian guy and you’re in. Bring money.” Feliks said.

“Is this what I think it is?” Alfred said.

“Are you going to squeal to the cops?” Gilbert said pointing a shotgun at Alfred who put his hands up. See why our guys were so afraid of yours now? Gilbert thought.

“No! Of course not. In fact if this Prohibition shit wasn’t going on I’d likely be a lot happier.” Alfred said.

“Good.” Feliks said. “Have some wine on the house but remember the password and no cops or Vargas or we’ll sick that Russian on you.”

“I got it.” Alfred said. “Thanks again.” He said as he took the wine and put it in his coat and head out.

Once Alfred was well out of sight, Gilbert turned to Feliks. “You sure he should be with us?”

“Meh, good ol Pilgrim boy who fucked up, got in laws breathing down his neck?” Feliks said. “He needs it bad. Besides can’t hurt to have some locals in with us so it’s not all immigrants and the token jazz singer.”

“That’s not a nice way to talk about Amelia.” Gilbert rolled his eyes.

“Well the Wulver loves her.” Feliks said.

“That’s obvious.” Gilbert sighed.

Alfred walked alone to the south side and Julius’ manor. Now that they were engaged, Julius let Lovina choose if she wanted to stay with him or in her room with Felicia and she chose Alfred. It was so she wouldn’t be annoyed by her sister who might figure out the truth. While Felicia was an idiot in Lovina’s eyes, she could figure at least the early signs of pregnancy out. She had a scare like this herself, Turned out to be nothing but that was why that potato eating bastard talked about marriage so much until he died. She thought as she sat on the couch waiting for Alfred to come back while working on a painting. She happened to have some artistic skill, maybe not as good as Felicia but she needed something to do to help her focus on not throwing up. He opened the door and ran to Lovina. “Lovina.” Alfred said as he hugged her causing her to wipe paint across the canvas. “Missed you.”

“Alfred....” She growled.

“Ooops sorry.” He added with a kiss. “Missed you and junior...” he whispered.

“I’m barely a month along.” Lovina whispered.

“Still, I love you.” Alfred said as Julius snuck up behind him.

“Alfredo!” Julius said as Alfred jumped in surprise and Lovina looked at her grandfather annoyed. “My darling Lovina, I hope you don’t mind if us guys talk alone?”

“Guess not.” Lovina sighed as Alfred tried to motion to her that he could handle it.

Julius took Alfred to his study and shut the door behind him. “Business.” He said his tone darkening from fun loving grandpa to determined mafia boss. “What did you find out?”

“North side has a gang, with some Wulver as the leader and want me to visit their speakeasy Friday. Gave me the password. But there’s a big Russian guy as the guard and has his eyes out for Vargas and Italians.” Alfred said Why the fuck didn’t I just fucking lie? Probably because he bought your biggest lie so not to do too much more would be the better idea..... He thought.

“Well since your blood runs red white and blue, you are not in the Vargas clan yet, then you should go.” Julius smiled thumping him on the back.

“I should?” Alfred asked. “But Lovina? I need to look after her.”

“Why?” Julius said with a jovial nature but Alfred felt like he was trying to read his mind. “She’s got me and her sister and been talking with Helena about things too. I think she’s fine.”

“Yeah....just don’t want to be too apart from her is all....I do love her with all my heart.” Alfred replied.

“Oh I know, but I need you to do this for me, for her, for the whole Vargas family that you’re joining.” Julius said. “They know to look out for us so I couldn’t send Lovino to do it. I need you. They trust you if they gave you the password. We can watch from a fair distance and they can see you come up alone so that they won’t think you’re with me.” Julius assured him. “But I need you to do this so I can squash any rivals who would want to hurt our beloved Lovina and force us into poverty. You wouldn’t want your darling love to live like that?”

“No, no I wouldn’t.” Alfred admit.

“Good.” Julius said. “What do you have there?”

“In my jacket?” Alfred said. “They have a rabbit helping them with supplies. Well at least he’s legally a rabbi and he felt sorry for me and gave me a bottle of Jewish wine.”

“Interesting.” Julius noted. But there’s no way that a rabbi alone would get them what they need to run what they are doing. He thought. “But you’re done with me now. Go make Lovina happy.”

“Will do.” Alfred said as he ran out of Julius’s study, leaving him alone to take note of these new facts.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t have much to say with this one so remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say here on this one honestly, so enough of the A/N, on with the fic!

“So what did Grandpa want?” Lovina asked as Alfred walked up to her.

“Nothing much. Nothing at all.” Alfred said. He had recalled how he didn’t want Lovina mixed up in the mess that he was going to have to be in.

“Come on, don’t lie to me.” She said as she took him up to his bedroom where she had been sleeping since as they were now engaged, Julius didn’t mind. Shutting the door, knowing that they would not be disturbed, she sat Alfred down and looked at him. “So, what did my grandfather want?” She stared at him piercingly.

It’s like those eyes can see into my mind. And they’re so fucking beautiful Alfred thought as he looked at Lovina. “There’s a rival gang on the North side. Your grandpa pinpointed someone who was involved. And they liked me enough to tell me when they are having another speakeasy event. Gave me the password and everything. He wants me to go in and see what I can find out.” Alfred lit a cigarette and laid back on the bed.

“Why don’t you tell him no?” Lovina asked.

“Because I don’t want to cause trouble for you with your family.” He said. “There’s times I do think he saw through the story.”

“It was pretty weak.” Lovina scoffed. “But honestly there’s idiotas in the family who would believe it” She sighed. “And despite what you think, family is important to my grandfather.” She tried to reassure him.

“Maybe blood.” Alfred said.

“Oh,” Lovina said as she pulled him close and kissed him deeply. “I am so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Alfred said. “You can’t control them.”

“I know…..” Lovina said. “But I feel so bad.”

“I can handle it.” Alfred said. “Don’t worry about me. I have to take care of you.” He smiled ruffling her hair.

“Idiota….” She scoffed. “I can take care of myself. But I am not about to let you abandon our child and use me for fun.”

“Love you too babe.” Alfred laughed, knowing how Lovina was.

Meanwhile, Arthur looked around for a place to put his suitcase. All of his brother had encouraged him to stay more and more with Amelia now that they had finally confessed how they felt about each other and as Arthur thought, to give them some space from him. It was a relief to have something to lay on for himself, even if it was Amelia’s couch. She had offered her bed to him, but he hadn’t felt right about that this soon in the relationship. She walked over with a cup of tea and some cookies and smiled. “So, how’s it going Mr. Bossman?” She took to calling him when discussing the speakeasy business. “I know Alba had a good bit of money to get us a line on supply.”

“And I have the permits for medicinal use on hand. If anyone is caught bringing it from Kentucky to Illinois, we have those permits and they will push it along.” Arthur assured her. “Easy as can be.”

“And that rabbi” She laughed referring to Feliks.

“Yes, Feliks. I don’t know how many times he needs to be told to keep Kosher in public at least.” Arthur sighed.

“So this upcoming weekend….” Amelia said. “Can’t wait. Nice lakeside gig.” She took a bite of the cookie. “And Ivan was really nice. Really interesting to talk to.” Arthur scowled. “Oh be nice. He misses his sister.” Arthur sighed. She can’t pick up why he is being so nice.

“He’s told me so.” Arthur said.

“Can we help?” Amelia asked.

“I suppose so…..” Arthur sighed. “As much as I don’t want to go to Canada for our supplies, it would do good to diversify.”

“Yeah…..” Amelia said. “Why don’t you want to try Canada?”

“Oh, that’s Julius’ territory.” Arthur said. “I had finally translated the notes that were left when Patrick and Seamus accidentally car-jacked one of his trucks.”

“You know Italian?” Amelia said amazed.

“Latin more, love.” Arthur said. “I got a fair bit from my Latin knowledge but also a few English to Italian dictionaries.”

Amelia smiled. “To think a girl like me could get a man so refined as you.”

“I don’t know about refined love…..” Arthur blushed. “And I am sure my brother would love to regale you with stories from the war that got me the Wulver nickname he loves to call me and seems to refer to me as with members of our organization…..”

“Oh, you’re much better than any other man I could have hoped to get.” She said as she pulled him close and kissed him.

“Here I am, working as a gang leader to get you and my brothers the best possible life violating the law.” Arthur said.

“Oh it’s a stupid law started by a bunch of people who need to mind their own business. If we break something stupid, it’s more American than following the law.” Amelia said as she turned to Arthur. “And as much as you may not like it, you’re an American to me too. Bollocks to where you are from.” She smiled back.

“I am honored.” Arthur laughed.

Alfred sighed as he stood in Julius’ office with his heart racing. Tonight he was going down to the speakeasy he was invited to. He had tried to convince Julius he didn’t need a whole new wardrobe but the clothes he was comfortable with were gone along with of any chance of him getting back to the farm. He explained he wanted to give Lovina his mother’s ring but nothing seemed to really dissuade Julius from brushing off Alfred’s concerns. In marriage the two families join. Sure I may be the only one left of mine but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to include her! He thought. “And keep this on you.” He said tossing a shoulder holster with a 1911 on it. I was told you had used these in the war. You should be familiar.

“I used some….” Alfred said, not wanting to really tell Julius that he was just a regular line soldier. He picked up the gun and looked at it. It was blued steel with solid cherry grips with his initials engraved on the side. “This is….”

“Yours.” Julius said. “I figured you needed a good weapon to defend yourself and to defend Lovina and your family better than that old shotgun of yours.” Alfred looked annoyed but slightly worried that Julius saw right through what he had claimed and knew what happened really with Lovina. Relax, he’s just meaning in laws and in the future. Although to think what Lovino would do if I ended up protecting him, he’d likely kick my ass for that….. “And I figured if you were heading to our up and coming rival’s speakeasy, you need something to protect yourself. While many people do not know you are a part of the family,” Alfred got a chilling feeling that he was now a part of the Vargas gang whether he wanted to or not so he could do right by Lovina. “one can never be too careful. If they invited you, they trust you or have plans for you. Either way, you can handle it.” Julius said with a nonchalant wave.

“Sure….” Alfred said as he took off the jacket and put the holster on, put the jacket back on and tried a few times to get it out and ready quickly. As much as I don’t like to admit it, Julius does have a point here….

“You’re a natural with that thing!” Julius said thumping Alfred on the back. “Now come along. “Feli will drive you to a spot where it won’t be too far a walk to where you said it was.” As they headed out to the garage, Alfred saw Lovina sitting by the stove and knitting. She said she had started to learn to do it from Helena who made a lot of winter clothing for Heracles that way and it had helped calm her worries in pregnancy, so she tried it herself. She told her family she was just nervous about the wedding and Helena taught her about it, and as usual everyone believed what Lovina said. Helena was not about to betray Lovina’s trust on the matter and when anyone asked, she said the same.

“Alfred.” Feliciano said as he ran up and hugged him. “Let’s go. I know where you need to go and where I am to drop you off. I’m so glad you’re going to marry Lovina. Now just Feliciana needs to get married too and she’ll be so happy.”

“Why don’t you get an early start?” Julius gave Alfred a bunch of money he had put a little blue stamp on. This will determine if anyone who works there goes to one of our businesses and we can try and keep tabs on them that way. Steal my truck will they? They will not get away with it. I will have no competition and own this city. He thought.

“Okay…..” Alfred said as Feliciano grabbed his hand and dragged him to the car. Once to the car, Alfred got in and looked out the window while Feliciano drove out of the south side toward the lake and toward the fish cannery. The plan was to drop Alfred off north of the cannery so he would walk in from the north and they would think he lived on the north side of town, thus enabling them to trust him more. Julius had planned to have Alfred be the spy and inside man and give Julius all that he found out. If he was to become part of the family, he was going to have to earn his way in. And this was how it was to be done. Sacrifices had to be made to show Julius that he was worthy of Lovina’s hand and that he would be honorable to their mistake.

“So, you found out who might be running our rival gang?” Feliciano said.

“Meh.” Alfred sighed, not wanting to talk too much. If nothing else I can get properly drunk on Julius’ dime. Despite Feliciano’s need for speed as he called it, the drive from the South side to the North side was long. Do I even have control of my own life anymore? He thought as they drove past the fish cannery, fast enough that Alfred was certain that the large man standing outside could not make who was driving out, or the fact that his was a very fancy car. This car is not typically seen in this area..... Alfred thought as he looked around at the docks and boats near the cannery. As they pulled up to the US Marine Hospital, Feliciano parked and Alfred got out, heading down to the cannery near Lincoln Park.

“Wait! Grandpa told me to give you this!” Feliciano said as he go out of the still running car, causing Alfred to pause.

“The car!” Alfred said. “Still running!”

“At least I parked it this time.” Feliciano said with a smile as Alfred placed his face in his palm. I can see why Lovina said that the family would by our little story......

“Fine.” Alfred moaned. “You know someone would steal that right if you leave it running.”

“I kicked butt the last time someone did.” Feliciano smiled.

I’ll belive that when I see it..... Alfred rolled his eyes. He looked at the note and felt some coins. “What’s this for?”

“Your ride home. Come back to the hospital here, there’s a phone booth. Make a call to the number on the note and let us know when the night’s over. I’ll come pick you up.” Feliciano smiled.

“Sure.” Alfred said as he began to walk to the cannery, putting the note and the coins in his pocket.

“See you later!” Feliciano waved as he backed up and sped out of the parking lot, leaving black tire marks in the hospital parking lot.

“SHUT UP!” Alfred said with gritted teeth. It’s not going to be a rival that wipes you out Julius, it will be your grandson! He thought as he looked over at the lake. It was warming up with the ice flows breaking up from the long and harsh winters. There were times Mattie and I would head out to the lake for a week or so to see grandma.....He thought remembering one of the few times they had spent off the farm. Their father was never one to let the boys leave, even when they had farmhands to handle the work. But their maternal grandfather was an impressive force when she wanted to be, owing to the Chippewa and Menominee that was in her blood. She had told them stories of their grandfather who was a sailor on the lakes. “The lake it is said never gives up her dead when the skies of November turn gloomy” Alfred said as he approached the cannery.

“Sorry, but that is not the password.” A large Russian said with a smile that Alfred could tell danger was behind.

“Oh I was looking at the lake.” Alfred panicked.

“Well this is not where you want to be to look at the water. Do you know the password or do I need to make you forget this place?” Ivan said with a smile.

“Oh I know it you fucking commie.” Alfred growled.

“Then what is it Yankee Doodle?” Ivan taunted.

“Victoria Regina.” Alfred said proudly. “Now let me in.”

“Just a moment.” Ivan said as he rapped three times, then two then three and an extra two steps.

“What was that for?” Alfred said.

“Security.” Ivan said simply.

“I have your vodka. You know how hard it is to get it? Most of the stuff I can get is whiskey and wine and shine.” Gilbert said.

“I know.” Ivan said taking the drink. “I put up with the moonshine when you don’t have vodka. Maybe going to Canada would get it?”

“You know what the Wulver says on that, even if you might find your sister.” Gilbert said. “Come on in. Feliks has been expecting you,” He said ushering Alfred in.

“Uhhhhh sure.....” Alfred said as he looked around. This was an empty part of the old fish cannery that had shut down and no one had really bought it and taken it over yet. Yet it was set up with a bar and a stage. He looked over at the stage to see a blonde woman with short hair singing with a jazz band behind her. “Nice place you got here.”

“Ah! Alfred!” Feliks came up. “You made it!”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Alfred said.

“Pick your poison.” Feliks said. “I’m paying.”

“Actually, I am.” Alfred said. “Tell him what you want.”

“You know what I like.” Feliks said.

“Uhhhhh whiskey sour to start with?” Alfred sighed.

“Coming up.” Gilbert said.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t have much else to say here, so remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Lovina sighed as she lay on the bed Alfred and she shared. Felicia had given a bridal magazine to her and she looked at it, knowing that in a month she would be Mrs. Jones and they would be able to say that she is pregnant in a month. It would be nice to be able to just say I am pregnant. It’s hard to hide this…. She thought as she grabbed a nearby bucket that she had with her. I thought morning sickness was morning only She thought as she wiped her mouth. Thank god there’s a water closet nearby. She said as she snuck in, rinsed the bucket and came back into the bedroom and sighed. I miss him…. She thought. Knowing what was going on with her grandfather’s business, she knew that Alfred was not going to be very safe.

“Lovina?” Felicia said as she came into the bedroom. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” She scowled. “What do you want?”

“I haven’t seen a lot from you. Have you picked the dress?” Felicia said.

“Not yet.” Lovina said.

“Yeah, it’s hard to decide. I know what it was like when I was thinking Luddy and I were going to be married….”

“Yeah well that’s not going to happen.” Lovina said.

“Why did you have to talk like that?” Felicia said. “That was not very nice.”

“Well I am not in the mood.” Lovina said as she turned away from her sister.

“Oh waaaaaa I got me a very handsome husband who grandpa loves despite being a total bitch.” Felicia said. “Must be so hard to have that life!”

“It is. You don’t know the whole story on what’s going on.” Lovina said.

“Hmmmmph!” Felicia said as she stormed out of the room.

“Well that’s good.” Lovina said as she placed her hand on her abdomen. Helena said it was still too early to feel much of anything but she found herself wondering if the child would be a boy or girl and who they would take after more. But would their father live to see them grow up? She wondered as she held tight to his pillow and wondered when Alfred would come home and if he was going to be involved with any of the bloody fights that Lovino had told her about.

Meanwhile, Alfred slowly sipped his drink, listening to what was going on and what he could take back to Julius. He needed to have something to give back to him. But he could hardly find something to really tell. Plus it was his first time at the place. He needed to get their trust. Asking everything that Julius could possibly want to know was not something they would likely tell something to a new person. I just hope that Julius will accept that.

“So how is this?” Feliks said.

“Not bad.” Alfred replied. “That singer is pretty.” Alfred said pointing out at Amelia who had just taken a bow after a set.

“I thought you had a girl.” Feliks asked.

“Yeah but doesn’t mean I can’t admit when a girl is pretty.” Alfred sighed as he took a drink. “I really should have made better choices in my life. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t.”

“Ahhhhh I know what being the family fuck up is.” Gilbert said. “Here.” He said pouring another drink. “No hard feelings from when we met. Just have to be careful these days you know?”

“Yeah I know.” Alfred said sipping his drink. He didn’t want too get too drunk and cause a problem. He needed to be friendly with the people here and gain their trust. If Julius can’ see this needs to be a long term operation, then he can go fuck himself. I’m already getting in too deep on this whole thing. “This stuff is pretty good. Where’d you get it?”

“You honestly think we’d tell you, an outsider where we get our illegal hooch?” Arthur said coming up and meeting Alfred and pat him on the back.

“Yeah I should have known better,” Alfred laughed meekly. “Guess I’m just having a hard time. Maybe Feliks told you everything.”

“Yes, so sad.” Arthur said. “But we must pick ourselves up from the mistakes we make. The lowliest London street rat can become something great in this country.”

“So why is someone from England telling me that?” Alfred said.

“You looked like you needed a bit of a pick me up.” Arthur said. At this Amelia came over and hugged Arthur. “I hope you will excuse me. I need to spend some time with my dear Amelia.”

“Oh Artie.” She giggled.

At this, Alfred rolled his eyes as Ivan burst in. “We have big problem!” Ivan said. “Coppers!” He said as Gilbert took the booze and hid it in a compartment under the floorboards and many people started to exit out the back to a way by where the fish were loaded in from the boats. Alfred looked around panicking. Shit, will they think I told the cops? Well there’s lots of other people here but I am the new guy. Maybe they know who I am tied up with? Alfred thought as he downed his drink and looked around in the panic.

“Get the hell out of here!” Feliks said as Alfred looked around and followed the rest of the crowd out the establishment. “Think of your gal and soon to be baby.”

This was what it took to get Alfred to run as fast as he could to the exit and to the Marine hospital where he was to call Feliciano and have him pick him up. Place the coins in and dialing the number that was on the card, he sat in the booth as a night nurse looked absently at a magazine. Come on, come on. He pleaded in his mind and it rang.

“Oh hello!” Feliciano said. “Over already?”

“There was a raid. I got out with a little bit of information well not much.” Alfred sighed. “But a few of the people I suspect have some sway like me. I think the ice cream shop guy might invite me back if I make him think that it wasn’t me who called the cops.” Alfred sighed.

“Oh it wasn’t you.” Feliciano said. “It was grandpa.”

“WHAT?” Alfred yelled as the nurse looked up at him annoyed and placed her finger at her lips to make a ‘shhhhh’ sign. He dropped his voice. “Listen just pick me up and we’ll talk about this on the way home.” He said slamming the phone down. “Hehehehe..... family disputes.....sorry for being loud.” The nurse rolled her eyes, shook her head and returned to her magazine, reading the story.

Feliciano placed down the phone, grabbed the keys to the car and headed out as Julius called to him. “Alfredo done so soon?” He said knowingly.

“Yep. The cops raided the speakeasy he was going to.” Feliciano said.

“Good.” Julius said. “I hope he got some intel.”

“Well......” Feliciano said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him when he gets home. Go bring out little lost son back.” Julius smiled as he motioned Feliciano to pick him up.

Alfred sat outside by the door with an annoyed look on his face. How was he supposed to get in good with the people that Julius wanted intel on as a rival gang if he just called the cops on them and got their speakeasy shut down. There was no way that busting one speakeasy would put this group down. If they were willing to steal Julius’s truck like they claimed, then one bust wasn’t going to end them. And it wasn’t like he could tell who was the boss. He just knew a few who worked in there. But the leader, all he had was a Wulver nickname. Nobody’s real name is like that and no one seemed like they would have that for a nickname....and well why would they give me their real name? Alfred thought as he saw the car pull up and he pulled open the door angerly.

“How was it?” Feliciano asked nicely.

“I could have done better for you guys if your grandpa didn’t do what he did.” Alfred yelled. “Now take me the fuck home. I know Lovina must be worried sick about me.”

Arthur and Amelia stood on Toris and Feliks’ houseboat with Gilbert, Ivan, Alba and Dylan. Alba and Dylan were counting the money. There was a decent few weekends so Arthur was able to bribe the cops to go away, along with giving some of their whiskey to them. There was always a contingency plan in case of raids, but the past few had been going so well, there was little worry about it. “So, how did they find us?” Arthur began pacing around.

“Maybe we were too loud?” Amelia suggested. “And some nosey neighbor called?”

“Possibly.” Arthur said. “But there had to be a leak somewhere. Somebody told the cops.” Looking over the lake he thought who it could be. “Couldn’t be that Alfred chap who was in there.”

“Could be.” Gilbert said.

“Nah, we have to trust the guy. Could all just be coincidence.” Feliks said. “It is best to give him another chance, see if it keeps happening. If it does, then somehow the info is leaking with him.”

“Where does he live?” Arthur asked as Gilbert and Feliks shrugged. “Last name?”

“Jones.” Gilbert said.

“Blast, that’s a common name.” Arthur said.

“Well he did say he was in the war, had a psycho father with a farm out in Wisconsin that’s now his and he ‘blew around’ a bit before he came to Chicago.” Feliks explained. “And messed up with his boss’s granddaughter.”

“Boss’s granddaughter?” Arthur said. “I could be making connections where there are none, but who is his boss?”

“Catholic and making him convert, and I think he told me his boss worked in shipping.” Feliks said.

“Well, that’s a fair bit of information, I may be able to search for him and figure out where he lives and if he’s connected to anyone who may have told. He did not seem like he would himself.” Arthur said.

“Awwwwwwww you’re as smart as Sherlock Holmes.” Amelia said as Gilbert made a motion like he was going to puke and Dylan smiled.

“Just because I’m British does not mean I am bloody Sherlock, love.” Arthur laughed.

“But there’s the Wulver determination I’ve been wanting you to use.” Alba said. “Maybe the saying is true.” Arthur looked over at his brother curiously. “Behind every great man is a great woman.” He smiled at Amelia who smiled back.

“Oh piss off.” Arthur said. “No offense love.”

“None taken.” Amelia said.

“But finally manning up and asking her out was what helped bring back your Wulver side and your smarts.” Alba said.

“Can we just worry about the task at hand and find out how much this eat into our cash at hand? We need a fair bit to start some fronts. I know Leon was talking about his grandfather wanting to start a laundry, saying he felt like a useless old man with Leon taking care of him. Maybe bring him in as a front if we give him the start up loan?”

“That seems like a good idea.” Amelia said.

“Not too bad.” Alba said. “Julius has many fronts. So some methods of his we need to copy, others we don’t. And that is one that should be copied.”

“Agreed” Arthur asked as everyone else nodded. “Well I shall talk to Leon and his grandfather in the morning. But we need rest, it has been a very busy evening.”

“Nothing like a good run from the law to get your heart pumping, eh?” Amelia said.

“I’d rather not keep that exercise up love.” Arthur said as they got off the boat and headed to Amelia’s apartment.

“Yeah.” She said wincing as they headed to the nearest tram station. “At least you have proper shoes, try it in heels.”

“That cannot be comfortable.” Arthur said.

“It’s not.” Amelia said.

“Well have a seat, we have a few minutes before the next car.” Arthur said. “And I’ll carry you up to the apartment as to not hurt your feet and make a good soak for them.”

“Okay you’re the boss but you’re pampering me so.” She blushed.

“Well boss or no, I love you and need to treat you as such.” Arthur said looking away.

“Aww Artie.” She said kissing him.

As soon as Alfred was home, Julius greeted him at the garage. “So I hear you had a busy night.”

“You called the cops. I could hardly get intel.” Alfred stated. “I’m going to have to beg Gilbert for another chance. They probably think it’s me. Newbie there and all.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Julius smiled. “Now off to bed, I am sure Lovina misses you dearly.”

“Yeah.” Alfred growled as he opened the door to find Lovina asleep. Better not disturb her. She needs her rest.He thought as he changed his clothes in the dark and lay down beside her carefully. I hope our kid gets her hair. So pretty. He thought as he went to sleep, trying to forget what happened and not think of what Julius would have him do next.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t have much else to say with this one so remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say, so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Lovina sighed as she lay on the bed Alfred, and she shared. Felicia had given a bridal magazine to her and she looked at it, knowing that in a month she would be Mrs. Jones and they would be able to say that she is pregnant in a month. It would be nice to be able to just say I am pregnant. It’s hard to hide this…. She thought as she grabbed a nearby bucket that she had with her. I thought morning sickness was morning only She thought as she wiped her mouth. Thank God there’s a water closet nearby. She said as she snuck in, rinsed the bucket and came back into the bedroom and sighed. I miss him…. She thought. Knowing what was going on with her grandfather’s business, she knew that Alfred was not going to be very safe.

“So, have you picked a dress?” Felicia said coming into the room.

“No.” She scowled as she laid the magazine on her head. “I’m going to talk to Helena about it she had a few ideas.” Lovina said. In actuality Helena was the one who had been guiding her through everything and doing everything she could to keep Julius from putting Alfred in too much danger. Helena had agreed with some of Lovina’s concerns that Julius may have had some suspicions of what really happened rather than just took the story like most of the family did. And since Julius would not disturb the family on something like that, he was taking it out on Alfred via the jobs he had him doing.

“Well, she seems to be very smart.” Felicia said.

“Yes.” Lovina got up. “In fact I will go see her now.”

“Can I come with?” Felicia asked.

“No.” Lovina scowled. Felicia pouted and caused Lovina to think She is my sister and we pretty much agreed she would be the maid of honor and Lovino said he was going to be Alfred’s best man, although that will be quite the wedding speech.... She thought as she recalled what Lovino had said at the banquet where Alfred had “proposed.” Julius looked proud that Lovino was being so welcome to Alfred. However as time went on, Lovina’s worry only increased. She wasn’t clueless like Felicia was. “Look I was discussing your dress with Helena too, and when we decide what to do, I’ll bring you to her.”

“That sounds wonderful! And I will do the same for you if I ever find anyone who can fill the void left in my heart after losing dear Luddy.” Felicia said as she hugged Lovina tight, much to her disgust. She’s going to squeeze this thing out of me.....she thought.

“Let go!” Lovina said. “I’m going to see Helena.

“Okay.” Felicia waved as Lovina shuddered.

Arthur sighed as he headed into the clerk’s office to work his daily front job. He had to keep this up so people would not suspect things. While he and his brothers could take less shifts in other jobs, that time was being spent on organizing the speakeasy, getting supplies and running the whole business. I swear this is more hectic than when we had the pub.... However he had agreed to meet with Leon and his grandfather to start a front in the north side, so he walked over to the apartment they had. When Leon had told Arthur that they were the only tenants in the building, and the owner had a storefront under them ideas were turning in his mind. The idea was to have a laundry, and one of the roles that they would expect from them. Leon had said the owner had wanted to sell the building and this would be Arthur’s chance to do so. If they were needing fronts, this would be the place to start.

As Arthur headed to the building, he saw another man nearby. “Just who the bloody hell are you?” He asked as he looked at a tall blonde man with wavy locks who was looking at the building as well.

“Oh, forgive me. I am Francis Bonnefoy and I am looking for something to purchase to help start a new life in this country, even if I have to go to the local synagogue for wine....”

“Excuse me, what is the name of that rabbi?” Arthur asked.

“I think it was Rabbi Feliks.....he’s quite liberal with keeping kosher....” Francis said.

“I see.....” Arthur scowled. At least I already have a line on this Frog’s money.....

“But I came to this country after the war ruined my beloved home back in the French countryside. I am looking to spread out my investments.” Francis replied.

“Is that so?” Arthur said. “I heard you would find more pleasant company in Canada....”

“Oh, I wanted a change of scenery.” Francis smiled.

“Why not Louisiana? New Orleans?” Arthur scowled. This is mine to snatch up.

“Mon dieu....” Francis sighed. “I thought about it, but I had come over in the middle of summer and it was just unbearable.”

“So why not out west, far far away from here.....” Arthur said.

“Oh phoo.” Francis said. “And why do you want me gone so much? I find you quite charming.”

“I’m seeing a friend.” Arthur said. “Not like it matters.”

“Oh well, I need to find the owner, I heard this building is for sale, storefront and rental rooms with tenants already. A great way to start a business in this land of opportunity, no?” Francis smiled.

“I heard the man is hard to find and good luck at the clerk’s office.” Arthur said as he made a note to make sure that no one tells Francis anything in his mind.

“Well, I am sure I can handle it. Au revoir.” Francis smiled.

“Frog......” Arthur scowled. He walked up the side stairs to Leon’s apartment and knocked on the door.

“Oh, Arthur. Hello.” Leon said.

“That’s not how you speak to your elders.” An older Chinese man said from the corner of the room.

“Ah, you must be Leon’s grandfather.” Arthur said as he held out his hand. “I have heard much about you.”

“Nothing good.” The man said as he took Arthur’s outstretched hand. “I am Yao Wang, Li’s grandfather.”

“Li?” Arthur asked.

“His proper name is Li Xiao Chun, and we came to this hell hole in 1911.” Yao explained. “I worked on the railroads to help support Li since his parents were killed in the 1911 revolution.” He explained. “I guess that is why he has become a pickpocket delinquent running with bootleggers.” Yao said narrowing his eyes at Arthur. “I know these things. People talk when they think an old man who can’t do anything is nearby.”

“Well, ummm…..” Arthur began knowing this would be hard to convince Yao to join his gang with a front. “You see,”

“What do you want with me? I don’t have much time for foolishness anymore.” Yao sighed as he lit a pipe.

“Fine, I will be blunt.” Arthur said. “I was informed your landlord was looking to sell this building. My brothers and I were planning on purchasing it to use for our operation and I will fund your business if you let us have occasional speakeasies in the back, and hide some of our inventory in the back.”

“What else?” Yao said looking at Arthur.

“I wish I did not have to ask this, but I will also have to pay protection to help keep you safe from any possible interference from the well known Vargas gang. Sure they may have the south side to their name but who is not to say they won’t expand over the whole city. We will keep you safe from them,” Arthur replied.

“5 percent of profit.” Yao said.

“25” Arthur countered.

“You greedy white pig!” Yao said. He looked over to Li and then back. He did want to have a business so he could pass it to him and keep him out of trouble. It felt wrong having to partner with trouble to do so, but it was important to give Li a chance to make something after leaving China with his parents killed when he was young. “8 percent.”

“15.” Arthur said.

“I’ll do 10 make it easy on you and painful on me.” Yao said.

“That can be arranged.” He replied. “It is a pleasure to do business with you.” Arthur said as he tipped his hat. “Now I must meet with your landlord. I could hire the Russian and his scary sister to make sure we get a good deal….”

“Good luck with that.” Yao said as Arthur shut the door behind him. He headed down to the apartment where Ivan was living with his sister to make sure he could have him with him when he conducted the “negotiations”. Business is war and if we are in a less than legal business, then all bets are off on what to do. Arthur thought as he knocked on the door.

“Just what do you want you Limey bastard?” Natalya said as she opened the door and held a knife to his neck.”

“Now what kind of way is that to talk to your employer.” Arthur said calmly. I will not let Amelia know about this, she would likely want to fight Natalya for threatening me….

“Sestra” Ivan said as he walked to the door, “Let me talk.”

“Fine big brother.” she said as she moved back behind him and let Arthur in. It smelled strongly of cabbage and potatoes and a whiff of vodka. Arthur had promised to keep them with a steady supply if they had helped provide security at the events, which had gone pretty well. Many people were automatically intimidated by Ivan’s presence and while many had not suspected Natalya of much, she had always proved to be efficient at kicking out the overly drunk or anyone who caused a problem. She kept the inside fun but safe and quiet and Ivan prevented people who weren’t allowed from coming in as long as Arthur paid them well and made sure they had vodka, then they were going to be loyal to him. “Let me bring you some tea in the meantime.”

“You know some of our plans to expand our influence on the North Side. Well I have agreement from Leon’s grandfather that he will run a laundry if I buy the building. However, someone else is looking to buy it. I feel if we apply a little of your special brand of persuasion, we would be able to obtain it.” Arthur explained.

“I see.” Ivan said as he sipped his tea and smiled at his sister, knowing just how he liked it.

“Thank you. And to you too.” He said to Natalya as he took a drink of the tea and quickly shuddered.

“Is there a problem? Is there not enough jam?” Ivan asked.

“No, no, it just is not usually how I take my tea. It is quite different than what I am used to.” Arthur said not wanting to upset them. This is a crime against tea. Even Amelia’s tea is not this sweet. By God…. He thought.

Alfred had walked back into Gilbert’s shop and sighed. He wanted to try and explain what happened, but couldn’t be truthful. He sat at the bar and sighed. “One of your Egg Crèmes please.”

“So, anything going better?” Gilbert asked.

“Same ol, same ol…..” Alfred sighed.

“Look, that was no way to have a first time. And the boss does say that you’re allowed to come back.” Alfred perked up. Gilbert continued. “Do you think you caused the police t be called?” Alfred nodded. “Well I highly doubt that, the boss doubts that. It’s just a risk that runs with the business. Now if you keep coming and it keeps happening….” Gilbert said with a laugh that Alfred had reciprocated nervously. “Let’s just say there’s probable cause to leave you out of this.”

“I understand.” Alfred sighed. “Where’s the next one being held?”

“Back of this shop. Friday night. Shake it up a little bit.” Gilbert said. “Password is chu chulainn.” He said.

“Good.” Alfred said as he finished the Egg Crème “Thank Feliks for me with the wine. I hope to see him again. He’s a great guy.”

“I’ll let him know. When’s the wedding?” Gilbert asked.

“Two more weeks. And her grandfather already invited everyone. I just had to suffer though a fitting with his tailor.” Alfred groaned. “If she was at my farm, I’d just get one of my nicer suits or my old dress uniform from the war.”

“Ah, she loves you no matter what.” Gilbert said.

“Yeah, that she does, makes this situation a lot easier.” Alfred sighed as he paid for the egg crème. “See you later.”

“Have fun.” Alfred said as he waved to Gilbert and headed back to the estate. God I miss the farm…. Alfred thought, And I never thought that thought would cross my mind. He sighed as he walked along, noticing Lovina. “Hey!” He yelled as he ran up to her.

“What?” She asked looking at him annoyed.

“Missed you.” He said as he pulled her close kissing her. “What have you been doing?”

“Talking with Helena.” She said simply. “She’s helping me get ready for the wedding, and making my dress.”

“Can you tell me what it looks like?” Alfred smiled.

“No. You’ll see on the wedding day.” She smiled.

“I hope to spend some time with you alone on the farm.” Alfred said. “Maybe go fishing again? And when junior is old enough, then we would teach him how to fish as well.”

Lovina thought about it and smiled. “That would be nice.” She said.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I have a lot going on right now so I don’t know how fast I can update but I will. Other than that, remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia, okay? I know it’s been a while since I have updated this one, but I will get it done. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Francis sighed as he looked at the glass of wine in his hand. He had such good relations with the New Orleans Mafia. His boss had sent him to Chicago after a bad meeting with a Julius Vargas. It was well known all around the various underground circles that he had owned the south side of Chicago in essence. Sure, he didn’t physically own all the buildings but all the businesses in the south side all had to pay to him and often were fronts for his operations. But Julius had been run out of New Orleans and he was denied the use of the Carribean for smuggling. Just how that man planned to get the hooch from Louisiana to Illinois is beyond me. I guess up the Mississippi. Francis thought. But Julius slipped his mind when he had thought back to the encounter with Arthur. He had told him that he was just there to start a business of his own. Which wasn’t entirely a lie. He had a burlesque house and bar in New Orleans but when things were getting hot in the organization that he was working with, a coup where one of the big boss’s underlings were trying to take over and wanted Francis out of the way, and sent him to Chicago and if he could get dirt on Julius’ operations and get in with them, so much the better. All is fair in love and war. A knock was heard on the door. “Oh phoo.” Francis said as he headed up to the door of the small apartment and opened the door. “What do you want?” He asked.

“Telegram.” The courier said.

“Thank you.” Francis said as he took it from the courier and shoved a few coins in his hand. “Francis. Stop. Money is wired and accessible to you. Stop. Buy the building. Stop. Do what you did in New Orleans. Stop.” Francis read, Why do they have to put stop there.... He thought as he read on. “Keep this safe and destroy if you feel it is not safe. Stop. SDC” With this, Francis headed to the local bank that he set up an account to send money from New Orleans. Once the building was purchased and the business set up, he was going to let his boss know what was going on.

Meanwhile, Arthur stared down the owner of the building, with Ivan and Natalya standing behind him, Ivan smacking a pipe in the palm of his hand; Natalya twirling a knife on her fingertip, looking around nonchalantly but at the same time enough of a manner to cause one to be afraid of her. “So, you see here Mr. Denay, the offer is sound. You will have cash today and because I have some connections in the city hall departments when it comes to transfers of real estate, the building becomes my problem. You are free of any problems you may be caused by the old Chinaman living there. I will handle it.”

Mr. Denay already had Ivan nearly break his knuckles with the pipe he had brought. Recalling what had happened, when he said he wanted to see what offers he could get for the place before he sold it, he sighed. Arthur had come in, and seemed pleasant enough, wanting to simply discuss the plans he had for the building. When he said he was entraining offers from other people and hadn’t decided what to do yet, that was when Arthur had said simply, “pity” and called in Ivan and Natalya. He then motioned for Ivan to show him a warning and used his pipe on the man’s knuckles. “Do not break them, he will need them to sign over the paperwork to the building to us.” Arthur smirked. “But we need to show him that we are serious and the ones who will be buying it.”

“Fine. Fine.” Mr. Denay said. “You win and take care of that Chinaman and his pickpocket grandson. I was always afraid he’d do some sort of Asian mystic crap on me if I called him out on it.”

“It will be no trouble for me. If you weren’t such a fool, then Leon would not have tried to pickpocket you. Charging too much rent, in a town like this, why they would resort to having to keep with ill company with you treating them like you do.” Arthur said.

“Yeah, can we just get this taken care of?” Mr. Denay said.

“Yes,” Arthur said. “Here’s the money, now sign the deed over to me and I will take care of the rest. In fact, you will need not speak of this, and that would be a boating accident that your hand was injured in. The lake can be rough this time of year.” Arthur said.

“Yeah yeah, shut up,” Mr. Denay said signing the deed. “Get out of here and leave me alone.”

“It was a pleasure. Ivan, Natalya, I think our jobs here are done.” Arthur smirked as they both got up and followed him out.

“Good riddance.” Mr. Denay said as he rubbed his bruised knuckles sulking. Walking around the room, he sighed as he sat back down. Looking at the phone, he thought of calling Francis. He was about to broker a deal with him, but he said he needed to get the money sent up from New Orleans first as he didn’t want to write a check, he wanted to pay in cash, something that Mr. Denay had no objection to. However, he wasn’t sure how to tell Francis what happened. Francis seemed like an interested businessman but with what was going on in Chicago these days, with the bootleggers and the crime that no one seemed to be doing anything against, you could not trust anyone. Arthur seemed just as respectable a businessman as when he met Francis, but he had come in with two bodyguards as he could call it and had roughed him over. He picked up the receiver but placed it back down. At this he heard a knock on the door. Jumping up he asked, “Who is it?”

“Monsure Denay, it is I Francis Bonnefoy, I have the money. Can we make the arrangements now?” Francis asked.

“Nope, you’re too late.” He said through the door.

“Excuse-Moi?” He asked. “What happened?”

“You don’t want to know.” Mr. Denay said.

“Oh yes I do, now open up!” Francis said pounding on the door. Sighing, Mr. Denay had opened the door and quickly ushered Francis in and pushed him to a chair. “How rude!” Francis huffed. “Like you selling the building out from under me. How could you be so greedy that you could not wait?”

“Well next time, get your money faster. Money talks as they say.” Mr. Denay said as he rubbed his hands subconsciously, causing Francis to look up.

“What happened to your hand?” he asked curiously.

“Boating accident.” Mr. Denay said. “Got the money, got a wild hair to go to the lake and then yeah, you know how boats are. How long ago did you get off one?”

“Are you sure that’s how you hurt yourself?” Francis asked staring Mr. Denay down. “You can be honest with me. I will keep your secrets. At this Mr. Denay went to the window and looked around to make sure that Arthur, Ivan and Natalya had indeed been long gone and anyone who might have anything to do with them were gone. “You are certainly acting different from when I had first met you.”

“Well, some guy came in. Real smooth talker, proper like and demanded I sign over the building. I said that it was spoken for, just waiting for a few things to come through then it would be yours. He said he had cash now and that I should take it. I told him no and he had this big guy and some scary chick nearby close in on me. The big guy did this to me and then the chick held a knife to my neck. I had no other choice. Maybe if you and your groups were serious, you’d have prevented this from happening!”

“I am so so sorry about what happened to you, and I will do everything I can to help make your healing easier. I will let my people know what happened and that we will make sure that who did this to you will pay.” Francis said.

“I didn’t tell you who they were.” Mr. Denay said matter of factly.

“Oh, trust me. We have some suspicions and that’s good enough.” Francis said with a determined huff as he headed out the door. “Heal up soon. Au Revoir.” He said as he shut the door and headed to the local Western Union shop to send a telegram.

“All ready to send, what do you need?” The clerk asked.

“Hmmmmm....” Francis began not wanting to expose who he was working with directly. “To Sam Costello in New Orleans Louisiana SDC, building is sold STOP Julius got to contact first STOP Awaiting further orders STOP Francis STOP”

“Okay.” The clerk said as he typed out the message. As Francis sighed, he looked at the clerk who was sending the message and looked around annoyed. He was making a way in a new city to try and hide from the rising situations in Louisiana under his boss’s direction. He had given the clerk a false last name but he knew that Sam was the one who was going to take care of him while he was away as long as he was sending some of that money back to Louisiana. This is going to cost me...... He thought as he heard the beeps of the morse code being sent along. But if Julius is going to think he cannot be taken down, he has another thing coming...... Francis looked around the store while the clerk was finishing up the telegram. While looking at a tin of tea from Britian, a thought ran though his mind. What if it was that Arthur man who you ran into before? Business is very cutthroat yes. But would he be that type of person to do something like that? Francis shook this notion from his mind. “Sir!” The clerk motioned to Francis. “It is sent and here’s your copy of the telegram. That will be $1.15.”

“Things are getting more expensive every day.” Francis sighed as he dug into his bag and pulled out some money. “It only took me a quarter to send a message to my boss back in New Orleans.”

“Well, that was local.” The clerk sighed. “This one has over 925 miles of cable to go across. You should see the cost of sending this from New York to San Francisco.”

“Fine.” Francis said and he paid and left the store.

Alfred stood while Enzo was fitting him with the tuxedo made for the wedding. It was only two weeks away and he had offered to just go back to the farm and get his dress uniform he had even with all the medals he had but Julius took offense. How dare his granddaughter marry a man dressed such a way. Whenever he suggested that he take Lovina to the farm for a few days before the wedding, he dismissed this too. “We need you here. There’s that rival gang who we must get all the information on before you and Lovina spend time in Miami.”

“What?” Alfred asked.

“Oh, I have a splendid honeymoon booked for the two of you in Miami, at the beach house I have. Once the ceremony is over you two will be whisked to the train station in a private car and you two will spend a month in Miami while I build a house near my estate so you can keep working with us.” Alfred began to object when Enzo poked him in the thigh.

“Stand still or you won’t be able to make Lovina a mother.” Enzo scolded as Alfred gulped slightly inside. They don’t know he thought. Lovina assured me only Helena knows she’s pregnant. She’s not showing for a few months more at least so if we come back and announce it there after the honeymoon

“Well now, we can’t have that. I think Alfred would make a great father and great member of the Vargas family. Help to keep us strong. He’s a dedicated man.” Julius said as he winced inside.

“But I want to keep in touch with the farm. Make sure the Jones family farm is good.” Alfred said. “I mean there’s some bad memories attached to it sure, but I want my son to be able to use it too when he becomes a man. I mean whenever I have one that is. It’s not like this whole marriage is to keep Lovina’s honor....heee hee hee....”

Julius narrowed his eyes, as if this was the confession, he needed to prove his theory, but Enzo smiled and got up. “Give me a few minutes to hem up these pants and this young man would be worthy of Lovina’s hand.”

As Enzo hemmed the pants of the tuxedo, Julius smiled at Alfred. “So, there’s another speakeasy on the North side tonight you said?”

“Yes,” Alfred said. “At the ice cream shop.”

“Good. Once we are done here, we will go home, you will get changed and then we will get you to look like you just walked up to the ice cream shop and let us know more that you can get on that gang so we can stop them before they harm our family, your family. Think of Lovina.” Julius smiled.

“Sure.” Alfred sighed defeated. I just want to keep Lovina happy and keep her honor. If this is what I have to do, this is what I have to do.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I know it took a while for me to update but I did. The SDC that is Francis’s boss is based on Silver Dollar Carollo as part of the New Orleans crime syndicate in the 1920s. Legend has it that when Capone out of New Orleans when he attempted to get some imported alcohol from the Gulf of Mexico. Anyway, remember to read, well you just did and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia, okay? I don’t have much else to say here so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

“It’s getting late, are you sure you will be able to get to the speakeasy on time?” Alfred asked as he and Julius headed out of Enzo’s shop, satisfied the tuxedo was pretty much ready to be picked up once he had finished some of the fine touches. “I mean I wanted to spend some time with Lovina today. I feel like I have hardly seen her in days.”

“Nonsense, you’ll have the rest of your life to spend with her.” Julius said as Feliciano had pulled the car up. “Enjoy your bachelorhood while you can. And get us some great information while we do it. Remember it is so a rival gang doesn’t do anything to hurt Lovina.” Alfred sighed. “You know as well as I do that, they would stop at nothing, and I mean nothing to get at me and would use any of my family to do so. I tell my men, no women no children but other gangs may not have that kind of code.”

“I know I know….” Alfred said as they pulled up to the manor and Feliciano turned off the car, letting both Julius and Alfred out. He quickly headed out of the garage and up to the bedroom, running past Lovina who looked up and sighed.

“Feli, he’s working again tonight, isn’t he?” Lovina asked looking down at her feet from her project. Helena had been helping her to learn to knit better so that she could make clothes and blankets for the baby, and she had suggested it would be something that would help her calm her nerves. Helena had become he confidant in this whole situation, and had kept her silence, something she was very grateful for. Lovina knew that Alfred wanted to be far away from this all, but he cared too much for her and their unborn child to leave. It was not in his character to leave someone in need, and as much as she thought he was too much of a goody two shoes sometimes, it was a trait she secretly loved, and the reason she wasn’t worried about him leaving her, at least by his own choice. Now her grandfather putting him in a situation where he would be killed, that was a worry she could not shake.

“Yup. He’s just changing his clothes, so he looks more like a warehouse worker like he told the people last time.” Feliciano explained. “And then I am to drive him to Lincoln Park and then he will head over to that one ice cream shop. There’s a speakeasy there today.”

“I see why Nonno does not have you doing anything other than driving….” Lovina sighed. She placed her knitting needles to stand up. “Let me at least see my soon to be husband.” She said as she headed up to the bedroom, to find Alfred, throwing the tailored suits that Julius suggested he wear when out in public with him, for a more casual outfit that would be befitting a former farmer turned warehouse worker in the city. Lovina came in and found Alfred with a button up white cotton shirt while he pulled up a pair of dark brown paints. Lovina ran over and helped him put the suspenders on. She turned around, grabbed the matching vest and a grey newsboy cap. “Hmmmm....something doesn’t seem right....” She sighed. Alfred looked at her confused as she took off the hat. “That hat doesn’t suit you.”

“Yeah, but I need something.” Alfred smiled as he gave her a quick kiss. Lovina looked up at him. He gulped as he looked into her emerald green eyes. “You’re so beautiful babe...” He pulled her close and kissed her. “Thanks, I’ll have you on my mind and in my heart all night.”

“You know,” Lovina said. “In two weeks, no one will care if we have...you know...” She giggled as Alfred’s eyebrows raised. “I say you liked it. And according to Helena, there’s no risk to the child.”

“Well according to your grandpa, he’s shipping us off to Miami for the honeymoon until he builds us our own house. It’s in town, unfortunately near him, but it would be ours.” Alfred said as Lovina sighed. “I know, I would rather take you home to the farm, no matter how many bad memories are attached, the good one of me and you at the pond, fishing, which is the best memory I have of it. Because of you.”

“Alfred....” Lovina whispered as she stared into his blue eyes.

“Oh Alfredo! We need to get going!” Julius said as Lovina rolled her eyes in disappointment.

“I’ll try to be back as fast as I can. Hopefully no one calls the cops tonight, so I don’t have to keep doing things.” Alfred said as he gave Lovina a quick kiss. “I’m coming!” Alfred said. “Don’t call the cops this time! I can get some intel for you, and they won’t suspect me of anything!”
“Of course not.” Julius said as he opened the door. “Now let’s go.”

“I’ll see you later tonight babe.” Alfred said as he followed Julius out to the garage and got in the car where Feliciano drove him over to Lincoln Park, where from there he was going to walk to the ice cream shop and try and get the intel hoping that this would be good enough for Julius and that he could just worry about the wedding coming up . He knew he was going to have time off while a house by the lake was going to be built for them, but he did not like that one bit. He was too close to Julius’s reach, and he was the one who had to take care of Lovina and their child. It was his responsibility. However, Alfred could not shake the impending doom he felt as he went to the speakeasy.

Alba smiled as he helped set up the equipment for the jazz band to their specifications and just how Amelia had liked having the stage. She wanted a big area to move around as she sung, and while this could be tricky to set up to make sure the band got the viewing they deserved too. However, Amelia was boisterous, and she did have a good voice and Arthur was insistent she get her fair shake. On one of his more ambitious goals when he had gotten Julius’s levels of influence was that he would get Amelia and her band a record deal and have them perform all over the radio and on stage. If he had Julius’s money and influence, he could certainly get her into bigger venues than speakeasies. He had gotten the bed to himself at their small apartment finally. Dylan had still taken to sleeping on the couch and due to changes in shift and duties to keep the gang going, Patrick and Seamus often came home at different times of the day so they didn’t have to necessarily share a bed but it was understood that if Alba was in the bed, then they were to leave him alone. Looking up, he saw Toris and Feliks come in.

“Alba, my bubie, how are you this fine evening?” Feliks said.

“Lay off the act.” Alba said. “We know you’re not really a rabbi. You just knew enough people in Poland who would lie to you and enough to seem like one. Deep down you’re still as Catholic as can be.” He paused and looked up. “How would you confess that one at Confessional? That has to be a major sin.”

“Since when did you care about sin? What you being The Wulver’s puppet master.” Feliks replied. “We wouldn’t be here if you didn’t prod that brother of yours into being less of a good boy and the colonizer that he is in his blood.” Alba looked over annoyed.

“Did someone do something to you?” Alba asked.

“He’s tired is all.” Toris said. “Had a few long days fishing on the lake and a hell of a time at the cannery getting paid and because he is dressed like a rabbi anywhere, he goes he can’t eat his favorite foods in public. Plus, he’s getting over a cold.”

“Oh.” Alba said as he nodded at Toris, hoping not to offend them. As annoying as “rabbi Feliks” could be, he was important to help obtaining some of their supply. As the night wore on, Gilbert had closed up the register in the ice cream parlor and headed to the backroom where he took over duties as the bartender at the speakeasy. Ivan then took control of the back door once Gilbert locked the front. Arthur and Amelia had come in with the band. He smiled as Amelia looked over at him. “I have to go warm up with the guys. I am so glad you are here watching me.”

“It is no problem love. You are my darling and I love seeing you sing. You have such an angelic voice.” Arthur said. He felt the gun in his pocket and looked over at Amelia. “You do have your pistol, in case things get too hectic and I cannot get to you.”

“Artie….” She whispered pulling him close. She stood over him slightly in the heels she wore with her singer dress. “I’ll be fine.” She kissed him. “I taught you how to use some of these things better after all.”

“Indeed.” Arthur said as he sat back with Gilbert and looked at the stage. He had sworn once the Great War was over, and he had made it to the shores of America that he would never use a gun again. He wanted to leave the violence of the war behind and the type of life he had that had earned him that Wulver nickname from his brother. He did have to admit that there were a few points to be made on the fact he did not look the part of some gang leader unlike Julius. Looking at his pocket watch, an heirloom from the Kirkland family that had survived the war and trip to America. If I do ever have a son, this will become his. He mused as he smiled at Amelia. He knew she would be a good mother who would fiercely make sure their children were raised well and healthy, but just what kind of life would they be living in? Arthur was the head of a smuggling ring for his main income while his façade job was just a city clerk. It took all his time, and he did not want a child to not have a life with their father.

Meanwhile, Alfred had stood in line behind a longhaired man and what seemed to be his grandson who could hardly be any older than 16. What is a kid like that doing in a place like this? He should be in school. Who am I kidding? I fought with kids around his age in the war. That was rough. They barely had a chance to make a life of their own and they get mowed down in what turned to be a pointless war. He thought as he turned his thoughts back to Lovina. Doing it for her… doing it for her…. doing it for her…. He thought as he looked up at the Russian who had looked down on him with a scowl. For some reason he could tell that this guy did not like him.

“So, you’re back again?” Ivan asked.

“Yes. I was invited.” Alfred said.

“I would not have done so myself.” Ivan said. “You were one of the few new people that night the cops were called. It is not often we hear complaints from neighbors.” Ivan looked at Alfred as if he could read his mind, as if he knew that he was not a warehouse worker who got too friendly with the boss’s daughter, that he was one of Julius’s henchmen, even if Alfred did not like the idea of that being the case.

“Can I just get in?” Alfred sighed. “I have tonight’s password.”

“What is it?” Ivan rolled his eyes, knowing that this was his job and that if the password was correct, he was supposed to let the person in.

“Chu chulainn” Alfred said as Ivan began to open the door when he felt a knife to his neck.

“I know you have the boss’s permission to go in there, but mark my words, if we find you have any ties to anyone who may want to harm us or even worse, harm big brother, I will kill you.” Natalya said.

“Sestra….” Ivan sighed. “Let him in. He’s the Wulver’s to deal with if he does anything he should not.”

“You heard me.” Natalya said as she ran the tip of the knife across her neck to show she was serious and pointed at Alfred, causing him to shudder. If Julius doesn’t kill me himself, then one of these people will! Alfred thought as he headed inside.

“Aye!” Gilbert said as he noticed Alfred. “Come on over, I have this new batch we got ahold of I want you to try!”

“Me?” Alfred asked.

“Yes you.” Gilbert said. “I have a buddy who works the Union Pacific and he will bring me some of what he gets from out west. And well, boss man wanted me to ask you what you thought.” He slid Alfred a mason jar with a little filed at the bottom. He picked it up and sniffed it.

“Is this?” Alfred began.

“Huckleberry.” Arthur smiled. “I have heard it is quite good, but I do not drink much myself. I cannot hold my liquor to save my life. But my darling says it is sweet, like her.” He smiled looking over at Amelia as he blew her a kiss as she began to sing.

Alfred and Gilbert looked at each other and rolled their eyes. Not wanting to offend anyone, he sniffed the jar and took a small sip. Part of him was sure that this gang knew who he really was with, and they would be able to dispose of him easily with some bad shine and he would be written off as any other person who bought bad shine. Control yourself, don’t drink too much because they may be thinking they can get something out of you or even kill you. Remember that Russian guy’s sister…. He said as he sipped the drink. “Not bad.”

“See,” Gilbert smiled. “I’ll tell the boss when I see him again that I need that buddy to get me more of this stuff. And it’s from out west, might be able to jack up the price of this blend.”

“Indeed. The boss would love to know that.” Arthur said with a wink that Alfred did not catch. “He would love to hear when you can get more.”

“Good.” Gilbert said. “Have some more.” He said as she poured a little more for Alfred. “Aren’t you getting married soon after all? A shotgun wedding even?”

“Yeah. In two weeks. Then a honeymoon off in Miami via her grandfather. He’s made it really big in the shipping industry and loves her so, so he gifted her that. Sure, the beach is nice, but I just want to fish with her in my farm’s pond.” Alfred sighed.

“Well enjoy yourself. You will have enough to worry about later.” Arthur said. “Excuse me. I must speak with Amelia.”

“Excused.” Alfred said as he looked at the drink while Gilbert poured some more for other customers. That is some good advice…… He thought. But don’t have too much fun. You need to be there to keep Lovina and Junior safe. You know Julius wants to use you, but you have to use him. He thought as he took a deep swig of the moonshine. “Another.” Alfred said as he placed some money down.

“How about this?” Gilbert said. “The Marlow. It’s made with bourbon, sherry, blackberries, lemon and rosemary.” He said as he slid the drink to Alfred.

“Make me one!” Amelia said, as she sat on Arthur’s lap. “A nice drink during break and can spend some time with Artie here.”

“Sure.” Gilbert said as he rolled his eyes. Alfred sipped the drink woefully, wishing he could have that with Lovina, without any worry from what everything else. He wanted what Arthur had with Amelia and sighed as he took a deep drink and looked around. Everyone seemed to be having fun and it was him there alone, drowning his sorrow despite he should be happy. Well in two weeks you’ll be away from here for a little bit and then you can come home and announce Lovina’s pregnancy, so you don’t have to worry about hiding that anymore. He sighed as Arthur and Amelia headed to the backroom.

“Maybe someday I won’t have to deal with that all and Lovina and I can have that.” He said to himself.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. The huckleberry shine from out west is a reference to the Mob Museum’s Underground Speakeasy in Las Vegas’ new flavor from the Prohibition history in the west. I highly recommend the Mob Museum and Speakeasy there if you are in Vegas and over 21 of course. Their menu is where I get a lot of idea for cocktails. Now if you follow me on A03 as well as FFN you will notice that you cannot view my stories without registering an account on A03. This is to limit the amount of AI training scrapers out there. I don’t want my works to be used to train the AI without my permission. Also, if you want to finish a fic of mine, I have on hiatus. Ask. I won’t say no as long as you do the work and just give credit to where you got the original idea. FFN you can’t just copy and paste from the site directly, so I have no issue there. I just have guest reviews on moderation because trolls would abuse it via spamming, and I don’t want you to have to see that. So, if you’re a guest on FFN and leave a review, that’s why you don’t see it right away. That made this closing A/N rather long…… Anyway, remember to read, well you just did and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia, okay? I know it’s been a little while since I updated this one, but well life does get in the way of things and weaken inspiration. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

The night had passed without any incident. At 2 in the morning, Arthur had called it a night and Alfred made his way to a payphone he had agreed on with Feliciano to call and let him know it was time to pick him up. So, Julius did what I told him. Well, that’s fine. He thought as he stood by the phone, waiting for Feliciano to pick him up. He yawned as he looked through the deserted city streets, keeping an eye open for anyone who might want to do him harm. Not like I couldn’t take down a mugger or something. But then Julius finds that I did that he’ll want me to do more than just spy on the rivals in their speakeasy. Like I would bother doing it for either side if it wasn’t for Lovina. He thought as he lit a cigarette and looked as fog started to creep in off the lake. Looking towards the south, he saw headlights of a car start honking at him. Alfred rolled his eyes and moaned. He knew who it likely was.

“Hello Alfredo!” Feliciano said. Alfred rolled his eyes. He was getting tired of being called that by Julius and anyone else in his circle. “So, the evening is over?” He said loudly.

“Yes.” Alfred said as he got in the car. “And you are much too loud. Someone’s bound to hear and people like to talk.”

“Yeah, Grandpa said something like that too.” Feliciano said as Alfred finished his cigarette and sat in silence. He didn’t want to smoke around Lovina, knowing she was pregnant and had given up smoking as Helena said it would be better for the baby if she did so. Anyone who asked her was told that she was looking up to Helena and following her example. It was good enough for the rest of her family, so it was good enough for Julius. However, both Alfred and Lovina couldn’t help but feel that he knew the truth somehow. A tense silence filled the car until Feliciano spoke up. “Grandpa didn’t say who you wanted as best man.”

“Just having it be Lovino, even though I swear he wants to stab me.” Alfred said, almost certain that he knew as well.

“That’s just my brother. That’s his way.” Feliciano said. “Even if he says he hates you, he cares about you.” Feliciano said.

“Oh boy, will I take your word for it....” Alfred sighed as he looked out the window as they pulled into the garage. He got out and slammed the door behind him. “I’m going to see if Lovina is still up.”

“She said she needed her beauty sleep. Don’t disturb her.” Feliciano said.

Smart girl.... Alfred thought with a smirk. Helena must have told her to get some rest. He headed up to the stairs and to the room that he and Lovina shared. She was already asleep. He smiled, seeing her relaxed. It was rare he did. She often carried a scowl on her face, but he knew how she was deep down inside. He took a drink of the flask that Gilbert had given him as an “early wedding gift.” It seemed that Gilbert was the only one he could express his feelings to and even then, it was only partially. Not like he could say “hey I knocked up the granddaughter of Chicago’s most infamous boss....” If Lovina was any other girl, this whole affair would be a lot easier. Sure, there’d still likely have been a shotgun wedding, but it seemed so much easier. I wish Lovina and I could be as free with our relationship as Arthur and Amelia. He sighed as he started to quietly change into his pajamas and crawl into bed next to Lovina. Taking extra care to place each piece of clothing down quietly, as he sat down to untie his shoes and remove them, one of them slipped and fell upon the linoleum of the floor, echoing across the room. Lovina jumped up and looked around squinting. “Sorry honey.” Alfred sighed. “My bad.”

“You’re home.” Lovina said plainly. Alfred smiled, not knowing if she was simply too tired to be mad or was more worried about him than he thought.

“Yup. Nothing happened, other than this guy Arthur who is there all the time, and the singer Amelia are all over each other like a pair of eels.” Alfred said. “Oh, and some Russian guy’s sister threatened to slit my neck.”

“This does not ease my concerns.” Lovina said.

“Well, we’ll be off in Miami for a few weeks away from this all anyway. I mean think about it, the sun, the sand, just us.” Alfred smiled feebly trying to make the best of the bad situation they knew they had.

“Yes, that’s nice I suppose....” Lovina said as she pulled her knees close to her as she sat up, knowing that in a few months this would not be possible. “And when we come back, I don’t have to keep acting like everything I eat makes me sick, which it is weird.”

“What do you mean?” Alfred asked as he changed his clothes.

“I am growing hungrier by the day. Which is to be expected. But any time I eat anything, I end up throwing it back up. Felicia is dumb enough to buy what I say when it is just some stomach flu or bad milk or something like that. Grandpa, I think he’s getting suspicious.” Lovina sighed. “Helena told me this was quite normal in pregnancy at times, and she is keeping my secrets, I trust my grandfather’s mistress more than him.”

“Says something, doesn’t it?” Alfred laughed as he joined her in bed.

“Yes.” Lovina scowled. “Makes me wonder if I wouldn’t be better off back in Italia.” She could feel Alfred frown. “Maybe if our fate were in better hands, you would have been stationed on the Italian border, I could have met you there and then you’d never have to come here.”

“Or we could have married then, and your grandfather would never have been involved like he is now. He didn’t have this whole thing when he was in Italy did he?” Alfred asked as Lovina nodded. “See, this whole mess wouldn’t have been our problems and we could have gone wherever we wanted. You know I didn’t end up on that farm when I came home directly.”

“No?” Lovina asked.

“Nope. My dad was a total asshole and still alive. He became a different animal when my mother died.” He said as she looked at him concerned. He brushed some of her brown hair out of her green eyes. “God, I hope our kid takes after you. Junior would be the best looking kid ever.” Lovina sighed rolling her eyes, but she smiled.

“I’m so glad you are excited for the bambino” Lovina smiled. “I’m sorry.”

“If I told you once, I’ve told you many times, it wasn’t your fault alone. I put you in the family way, so it’s my duty to look after you and the child. And if helping your grandfather do his dirty work is how I do it, well your needs come before mine.” Alfred smiled heroically.

“You know that’s bullshit.” Lovina scolded. “If we had it our way, if Grandpa was never the controlling factor in our lives and we still found ourselves in this situation, where I was still pregnant after our.... encounter, what would you have us do?” Alfred bit his lip. He didn’t know quite what to say. “I will not judge.” Alfred looked at her knowingly. “Okay, I may think it may be dumb, but it had better be safer than nearly going to jail, getting killed or having to kill.”

“I’ve killed before....” Alfred started.

“In the Great War. In war that is inevitable fact. You will need to kill. I can forgive that. If you end up having to kill in service to grandpa, well, I’ll never forgive him.” Lovina’s tone grew darker. “I know you would have to do it to save your life. You could never pull a trigger in cold blood.”

“Did Feliciano and Lovino tell you that I held my old trench broom to them when they first pulled up to my farm?” Alfred asked.

“Yes.” Lovina said. “Lovino told me it very well. You thought that because of grandpa’s car that they were bankers trying to foreclose on your farm. I understand why you’d want to shoot bankers.” Lovina said. “We left Italy when it was in economic ruin from the war. Feliciano was able to stay to help grandpa, grandma, Felicia and I. But it was Lovino who was sent to the front lines, only to come back to low wages and high costs of living. I have no idea how grandpa did it, but he got everything he could for what we had to get to Chicago and he opened up his restaurant and around the time the Volstead act became law, he got the idea to start bootlegging and I guess, he’s actually good at business.”

“I should say so.” Alfred said as he looked around the bedroom.

“Well, the economic now fascist shithole that Italy is now....” Lovina said, “Back to what I asked.”

“Anything I wanted to do?” Alfred said.

“Anything within reason.” Lovina scowled.

“Okay I want to move out west. I hated working in these factories out in this area. It was too grimy, loud and hard to breathe.” Alfred said. “If there was one thing, I didn’t mind about moving back to the farm when my dad died was that it was out in the middle of nowhere and the air was fresh, yes even with the smell of cow shit.” He laughed. “But I knew some guys from out in like Arizona, Idaho, Oregon and California and they made it sound so good and that I might be able to get work out there or get a ranch and raise something of my own. I mean I already had cattle experience. I would be like Wyatt Earp....might even meet the guy too. Can’t believe he’s still alive....” Lovina rolled her eyes. “I know I was born too late to be a gunslinger. But some of the things that the west was appealing for is still there. The big open sky, fresh air, well as long as you’re not in Los Angeles from what I hear....” Lovina looked at him annoyed as he was rambling. “Point is that I would love to take you, junior and go out west and start a ranch or make a life for ourselves out there. Everything is so big and open. If you want warm and dry, Arizona, or there’s cooler in Northern California, I heard that some spots even have climates like Italy so there’s just so much we could choose from.” Alfred smiled. “You’re going to call that dumb.”

“No.” Lovina said. “I don’t think that is stupid at all.” She smiled. “I like that idea.”

“Well, it can never be.” Alfred said, trying to convince himself that his place, their place was here in Chicago as a part of the family

“Nothing is impossible.” Lovina said as she got up and pulled a small box from the dresser, turning the bedside lamp on. “Here., I got this for you.” She handed it to Alfred. He opened the box and looked at the rosary. “While I frankly couldn’t give a fuck if you converted or not, it was important to Grandpa. Why, I have no clue when he violates practically all of the 10 commandments......”

“I’m pretty sure that it isn’t very Christian to run a mafia and smuggle booze....” Alfred laughed.

“Oh, he runs some soup kitchens and employes people who wouldn’t have work otherwise, that’s how he justifies it. Real ends justify the means bullshit.” Lovina said. “But that rosary is one featuring Saint Michael. He is the patron of soldiers and policemen, to those who fight for justice. I told Grandpa I picked this one because of your military history and he ate it up. But you fight to make us safe, even if it is in scum.” Lovina said. “Saint Joseph is the patron of fathers, but I don’t want to have that implication on you yet, not until it is safe to reveal.” Lovina looked away blushing. “And if nothing else, I can trust you will do good by our child.”

“Well, I swore to not be like my father. I mean if he was so bad my brother ran off to Canada to fight in the hellscape that Europe was, then he really sucked.” Alfred laughed, trying to break the tension. “I guess he had more guts to get out than I did....”

“Defiantly.” Lovina said. “But I trust you. I know you would never leave us.”

“Intentionally leave you, I would never do.” Alfred said. “But....”

“There’s always a chance you can get killed....” Lovina said. “And I can’t shake the suspicion that maybe, grandpa knows and wants you dead. Nothing like bringing you into the fold and putting you in dangerous situations. And your farm is then in the family.”

“You wouldn’t think Julius would do that?” Alfred gulped. Lovina looked at him crossly. “Right, right, it is in character for him....”

“Cheer up.” Lovina said as she rolled Alfred onto his back and sat on top of him. “Soon we will be married, and this will not be a sin, but we have already done this once, and the good part about Catholicism is that once you confess your sins to a preacher, you’re cleansed. If it works for my grandfather who has done worse than let their physical desires get the best of them, then well, it will for us.” She ran her finger up Alfred’s cowlick, knowing how much it made him melt.

“Well, you’re certainly helping.” He said as Lovina moved in closer for a deep kiss and he pulled her close and ran his hands through her thick brown hair.

“I’m glad I could.” She said as she ran her hands down his chest. “Now let me work and do not be too loud.”

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t have much else to say here honestly. Hopefully updating can come faster but who knows. Anyway, remember to read, well you just did and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I do not own Hetalia, okay? I don't have much to say with this time around. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Alfred headed to Gilbert's shop wanting something to drink and something to eat. The wedding was in two days. It was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, but he had hoped that she would have stayed at least until the day before. However, she had gone with Felicia to Helena's to finish some of the plans and set up the reception hall. Lovina had told Alfred that Helena had insisted on overseeing the foods and she and Lovina would have the final say.

Julius was proud to have Alfred head back down thinking that he was going to be getting more intel and getting the Wulver's gang to trust him more. Honestly, to Alfred it was because that he felt that Gilbert and Feliks were some of the only people who he could talk to. They didn't know that it was Julius that he was working for, but they were certainly very friendly, and it caused him to feel worse about the fact he was telling everything that he knew to Julius, a man who was trying to take them down. It made him feel sick, but it was all to keep Lovina and their unborn child safe, at least that's what he kept telling himself. Somehow, he knew that it was only going to get worse when they were married. Sure, Julius acted like family was most important and he was so happy to see his granddaughter marry but something did not seem real to Alfred about what he meant. As if Julius didn't see him as family but a means to an end.

Meanwhile, Arthur sipped his tea with a smile. He had been able to take the day off and spend it with Amelia, who with her voice and share of the proceeds from running the speakeasy, was able to quit her job at the secondhand store and focus full time on her singing and helping how she could with the operation. Alba, Patrick, Seamus and Dylan slowly quit their jobs and oversaw getting supplies. Alba owned the old whiskey brewery he had bought on a trip in Kentucky and was able to get the town to help them and keep the secrets they needed to run the operation. They had brought money back into a town that was ruined by the act. They would do anything the gang asked.

"So, what are you doing today?" Amelia asked as she placed a bowl of oatmeal on the table.

"Oh, I have to check in with Gilbert, make a few rounds with Yao's laundry." Arthur replied as he sipped his tea.

"Mind if I talk to Yao?" Amelia said. "I mean I am the one singing so I should get a good feel for the building and the acoustics."

Arthur paused. He hated the idea of Amelia being more than the lounge singer, knowing how dangerous that it could be, but he knew that she could handle herself. "I guess you have a point. If you do have nothing else to do, I guess you can help me on my errands."

"Yeay Artie!" Amelia said as she hugged him.

"But Love," He said with his tone and eyes growing darker, "If it is business, I do not want you involved in, then I will tell you to go somewhere else. You know what we are doing is highly illegal and dangerous. While I am good to make sure everyone covers their tracks, I do not want you to face the trouble that I might." Amelia's eyes widened in shock at Arthur's tone. "I just want to keep your safe." He sighed and kissed her on the cheek.

"I understand." Amelia said, recovering quickly from her confusion. After breakfast they headed out to Gilbert's ice cream parlor to find Alfred sitting there, sipping on an egg crème.

"Hey!" Amelia said as she sat next to Alfred, "Why are you looking so sad when you are at Gil's place? He has some of the best ice cream around?"

"Who are you?" Alfred asked.

"Oh Alfie, that's Amelia, she's the singer at our events…." Gilbert said.

"Oh. Sorry. You are a good singer." Alfred said, "I am just well, overwhelmed."

"Why?" Arthur asked.

"Because of my future grandfather-in-law." Alfred said. "He is making my life a living hell. Yeah, I fucked around and found out with her and if not for him we'd likely have just eloped and lived back on the farm, no matter what I hated of that."

"Oh dear." Arthur sighed. "Does she know how you feel?"

"Yes, and she cannot really speak out against him and I'm stuck working for him to support them now." Alfred sighed.

"Well, if she loves you, then it would make things easier." Arthur offered.

"You'd think, but it's not." Alfred sighed. "If I wasn't worried for her, I'd have just quit. Go out west, be a rancher or just roam the prairie. It's still there to explore, maybe not like Wyatt Earp's day but…."

"I understand." Arthur said. Alfred rolled his eyes. "I see you doubt me. But when you have someone, you love the worst things can be a dream. It makes it easier."

Lovina was looking at the mirror and the dress as Helena finished up the finer edges and trim of the wedding dress while Felicia was going on about how jealous she was that Lovina was the one getting married and not her and how her Luddy would have been the best father in the world and provided for her and looked so much better than Alfred did. Lovina sighed knowing that when their grandfather had introduced Alfred to them, Felicia was throwing herself at him and Lovina was the one who was calling him an idiot. I fucked him so now I must marry him. Maybe if you did, you'd be the one standing here and I'd be the one in the bridesmaid dress.

"And there! It's done." Helena said. "I have to say I am proud of the embroidery on the edges of the dress."

"A short veil will not be very becoming. They'll think you are a puttana…." Felicia said.

"Felicia!" Helena said as she smacked her. "How dare you accuse your sister of such a thing? I was actually engaged for a short time before I was married to Heracles' father. The length of a veil means nothing." Felicia scoffed and Lovina smiled at Helena who smiled back. She knew the truth that Lovina was pregnant, and Alfred was marrying her to save her virtue.

"Well at least I get to see your soon to be husband and you don't until the wedding." Felicia said as she changed into her regular dress and headed back to the house.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Julius said as he threw a bust of Ceasar across the study while Giovanni simply picked it up and placed it back on the stand. "New Orleans thinks they can creep up the Mississippi and take over Chicago? It is MY CITY."

"Well from what my intel has been able to gather, they are having a hard time getting their foothold. There was a building that is now a Chinese laundry that their representative could not buy in time. Apparently, it was an issue with the bank wiring the money in time and someone got to the landlord first." Giovanni explained.

"How did you find this out?" Julius asked.

"I know a few people in city hall. A clerk named Arthur Kirkland is the new landlord. Worked out a profit-sharing deal with a Yao Wang, the proprietor of the laundry." Giovanni said.

"Arthur Kirkland." Julius said. "What do you know about him?"

"So far not much." Giovanni said. "Just that he is an immigrant from England with his brothers."

"And their names?" Julius said.

"I have found their address, and the apartment is rented to Alba, Patrick, Seamus, Dylan and Arthur Kirkland." Giovanni said.

"Good." Julius said. "I am going to have some of our men keep an eye on that apartment. See what we can find."

"I think it is suspicious that Arthur could afford a whole building." Giovanni said. "Their apartment is a rather low rent one in the north side."

"Maybe he was very good with his money." Giovanni said simply. "Had some money from the old country and used his charm to buy the property."

"Then why is he living with his brothers? Why in a place like you described? And he is just a clerk with the city?" Julius said pacing around the luxurious study. "No, I wonder if this Arthur is the Wulver that I heard about. The one that stole my truck."

"It is something I will have some of our men investigate." Giovanni said.

"Like I need this right before Lovina's wedding." Julius sighed. "I have already bought the plot of land near the lake for Lovina and Alfred's house, and I do not need some Brit trying to take my city. It is going to get ugly and bloody."

"Grandpa!" Felicia said as she opened the door to the study. "Lovina's dress is done and looks lovely."

"Good to know Felicia." He said with a large smile. "I cannot wait for the two lovers to be united forever. Now go get your beauty sleep. What good is a bride without her twin sister by her side as a bridesmaid?"

"You're right." Felicia said as she headed up to the bedroom.

"I wish Alfred's brother wasn't dead." Julius sighed. "Then Felicia would be able to marry a good man as well." He shook his head in disappointment. "She was going to be the first to marry. But that war took Ludwig, even if he was a German…."

"Sir, what about Mr. Kirkland and New Orleans?" Giovanni said.

"You had a good idea." Julius said as he pulled a gun out from his desk and pointed it towards the bust that Giovanni had placed back. "But while Emperor Claudius conquered Britannia, I am not going to let a Limey bastard take what is mine. Keep an eye on the rabbis too. I have heard stories of them providing hooch using their titles."

"Yes sir." Giovanni said.

"Blood will be shed." Julius said as he pointed the gun at the bust and pulled the trigger.

"Who do we have to look in on the Kirklands?" Giovanni said. "If they are running an operation, I am sure they know of us. It would be a poor move on their part to not know their enemy."

Julius nodded as he looked at the rubble of the bust. Kicking the marble aside, he imagined that it was Arthur's head, and it was his blood on the floor, and he had conquered it. There was a point Giovanni had. Any Italian would be looked on with suspicion. And Alfred would be busy for awhile on the honeymoon but as soon as he was back, it would be his role to keep an eye on things. "Take some of the laundry to that Chinese one that Kirkland is the landlord of. Act like you are just wanting that man to do your laundry and you have nothing to do with me. But be observant. And see if you can't find who the old landlord was and who he was going to sell to. That might be the link to the New Orleans leak. And if he is willing to come to our side as well. I can use someone from there to distract." At this, Alfred had come in. "Ah, enjoying your last few days as a bachelor?" He waved.

"I guess…." Alfred sighed. "I'm going to bed. This Arthur guy and his girl Amelia made me sick."

"How?" Julius said.

"Don't know, just something about them." Alfred said as he walked off.

"Amelia…." Julius repeated. "We need to keep an eye on her as well."

"Indeed." Giovanni nodded. "I will have our forces be extra alert at the wedding. Make sure no one makes a move nor gets sloppy."

"Good." Julius said. "I can't wait for the celebration, even if war breaks out."

Translation Guide:

(obtained via google translate)

Puttana-Italian-Whore

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don't honestly have much to say other than remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don't own Hetalia, okay? I know it's been a little while since I have updated, but I do want to get this one done, I do have some of the future scenes already written out. I do have work and studying for the CPA exam coming up, but one thing I have noticed is I can write better when studying. Maybe I need to work distracted from lessons, I mean I have been writing fanfic for a long time and I always wrote my chapters while in school while the teacher was teaching and still graduated high on my class. Well, I am rambling now, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Alfred stood at the altar of the church nervously. This was it; the month had been nothing but plans, fittings and sneaking into the north side gang's speakeasy after winning over Feliks to get intel each time. Well, each time that Feliks was there, he often had run into the "rabbi" at Gilbert's shop and was the one that got him in on the gang's good books after that disastrous first attempt. Now Julius was walking Lovina down the aisle for the wedding. This is it, another month we can come clean about what happened and hopefully Julius won't keep trying to get me killed. If nothing else, we'll have a few weeks in Florida while Julius said he would get us a house away from his but close. Alfred thought meekly. He looked over at Lovina who had her hair flowing down under her veil in a long white gown that fit her perfectly with wide cuffs and beaded embroidery on the ends of a gold color, giving just an accent of color to the white gown. Lovina had told him that Helena was helping her with the gown, and this was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

The days before the wedding had seemed like a blur to Alfred. The day after he had come home from the speakeasy, almost repulsed at how Arthur and Amelia were acting, Giovanni had insisted he come with him to take some of Julius' laundry to some place across town that some Arthur Kirkland was supposedly the landlord of. Giovanni had explained that they believed that the mysterious Wulver was this Arthur Kirkland, and they were going on a scouting mission.

"Do you think they will be able to clean this?" Alfred said as he noticed a blood stain on the suit that Julius had sent with them to get cleaned.

"It's a message." Giovanni explained.

"How will they know it's a message?" Alfred asked on the drive over to the laundry. "I mean are you just going to say that it is Julius's suit?"

"The underworld is a funny thing." Giovanni explained. "You are new to it. And your role is one that so far at least is one that no one would suspect much of. Going to the Wulver's speakeasys and befriending that albino that runs the ice cream parlor are things that any warehouse worker that came from a failing farm in Wisconsin would do. You play the everyman, the grey man perfectly for our needs." Alfred sighed in relief. "But the underworld is full of people who know each other, who know reputations, who have a tense agreement. Stay on your own turf or else. Chicago is Julius' 'turf'" Giovanni said as they pulled alongside the laundry. "I am known to be with the man a lot. If they are in the underground, working in the shadows on this, they will know by my presence."

"But me coming with you?" Alfred said, "Won't that blow my cover?"

"Julius thinks that it would not hurt." Giovanni said as Alfred rolled his eyes. If I am going to be going to their speakeasies anymore, then if they see me with you, they will likely assume that I am part of your gang. "And besides, you are marrying Lovina. You are becoming part of the Family and this role you have in here will change." Alfred gulped. He knew the stories, and while sure he had pulled a gun on Feliciano and Lovino when they had first come to his farm, thinking they were bankers, he had to think to himself if he could have done it, if he could have pulled the trigger. If I had shot a banker, could I run out west or to like Alaska and pretend I'm someone else, maybe use Mattie's name as we look so much alike... "And anyone who poses a threat to the family in any way you will need to be able to handle in any way that is possible. Even killing them. If you don't, they will hurt Lovina and your children." Alfred gulped. Did he know...does Julius know and told him... "In the future obviously."

"Yes, in the future." Alfred said as Giovanni parked the car and turned it off.

"Follow me. And hand me the suit." he said as Alfred grabbed the suit and handed it to him. He got out of the car and Alfred followed as a bell rang and a young man came to the desk.

"What do you want?" the young man said.

"Ay-yah!" An older man said as he came to the counter from the back. "I am sorry, Li is very disrespectful. How may we help you today?"

"I have a suit that my boss needs washing, and I have heard excellent things about this shop." Giovanni said.

Yao looked on suspiciously, he could tell that something was up with this man, he was Italian and Italians did not usually come this way. And he looked much better than other Italian immigrants he had seen. Luckily the door was shut and locked to the backroom and a curtain was over the windows so that they set up for the speakeasy and storage that Arthur had insisted be in there. The fact that he looked this nice, drove up in the car, told Yao that this was a man with powerful connections, connections to Julius, the Emperor of the South Side, as he was called, drawing on his Italian roots and Roman heritage. And he knew that if Julius knew about the Wulver gang, then he would be going after them and a bloodbath would begin. It was bad enough he knew that Li had become a pickpocket and that they had lived well off what he could do.

"Let me see." Yao said as he took a look. "Ai yeah, that is a tough stain. It will take much work to get out."

"How much?" Giovanni said.

"Ai yah..." Yao knew that this was Julius's money. He could easily afford anything he charged, and they were likely to not say anything. "5 dollars."

"Here." Giovanni said handing the money. "And it had better have been worth the money." He motioned to Alfred, "Our work here is done." And Alfred followed.

Once Yao saw the car leave, he looked at the suit. "Julius killed someone." He spoke. "And I have his money. Well, I'll clean off his crime and then try and get more of his money."

"And that blonde haired guy was at the speakeasy." Li said.

"He was..." Yao said. "Does Arthur know?"

"I don't think so." Li said. "Should we tell him?"

"Yes. But we can't let Alfred know. If he knows, then we can't get him to get information." Yao said.

"Why would he join with Julius? He's obviously not Italian." Li said.

"I do remember hearing Gilbert talk to him. Something about knocking his boss's granddaughter up. If Julius is his boss, then he's involved with one of his granddaughters." Yao thought a few seconds. "We need to look at the wedding announcements. It is likely that he is being forced to marry the girl and we might get some intel that way."

However, now Alfred was at the altar, watching Feliciana walk up in front of Julius and Lovina. Alfred looked over at the back at Lovino, who was looking at him like he would kill him if he ran off. Part of Alfred wanted to do so, knowing what was going on, but his honor would not let him do that to her. He knocked her up and he would not leave her to raise that child alone. Lovina smiled as Feliciana stood beside her and Julius smiled looking at Alfred as he headed to a seat in the front pew. Alfred sighed as the Priest began to speak. He had heard Catholic weddings could be long, but he hadn't recalled any he had been to at all to compare it to. Lovina headed over and took his hand "I'm with you, I just want to say the I dos and be done with this." She whispered. "And I will never understand my grandfather's obsession for this to be religious Thank god I talked him out of Nuptial Mass."

"You're kidding me?" Alfred whispered.

"Nope. Some Catholic weddings have a whole Mass service afterwards." Lovina laughed.

The priest then coughed and looked at Alfred and Lovina sternly. "Do you, Lovina Katherina Vargas take Alfred Franklin Jones to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and hold in sickness and health, richer or poorer, for better or worse, until death do you part?"

"I do." Lovina said, swearing she saw her grandfather have a devilish smirk at the 'death do you part' line. That's nuts, Grandpa would not want.

"And you, Alfred Franklin Jones take Lovina Katherina Vargas to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and hold in sickness and health, richer or poorer, for better or worse, until death do you part? The priest said, looking at Alfred with a scolding look.

"I do." Alfred said. He knew that this life he had married into was going to be the death of him, but if t wasn't this, it was going to be something else. And Lovina was actually really sweet when she wanted to be. If he had never gotten roped into this, he would never have met her. Back on the farm he normally kept to himself, not wanting to get close to anyone since he had lost his best friend in the war. He had actually pictured himself dying alone.

"Good." The priest said. "Now you may exchange the rings." He said as he held the tray in between the both of them. Alfred untied the bow and slipped the old yet somehow still beautiful ring on Lovina's finger with a quick kiss from her hand.

"I saw guys in France do that in the war." Alfred smiled.

Lovina rolled her eyes and took the ring and slipped it on his finger. "Well, I am not marrying a Frenchman, am I?" She smirked back.

"Let me be the first to present to you Alfred and Lovina Jones," The priest said.

At this Julius got up. "Now, let us celebrate the happy couple in the Lexington Hotel banquet hall."

The crowd got up and headed out, while Alfred and Lovina stood there, hand in hand. "Don't we usually walk down the aisle out before everyone storms out to the reception?" Lovina asked her grandfather.

"Well, when you do this again, we'll let you have that." Julius said under his breath.

"Excuse me?" Alfred asked.

"Nothing, nothing at all. Now that you're in the family, I couldn't be happier! What's hers is yours and what's yours is ours."

"Huh?" Lovina asked. Did grandpa want me or Felicia to marry Alfred so he could get the farm without needing to pay him for it? There's still a mortgage on it, at least from what I last knew….

"You two must be starving! Helena has been working with some of the chefs since the early morning to make sure that you will have the best reception ever. In fact, there is a limousine waiting outside for the both of you to ride in style to it." Julius said.

Alfred held his arm out for Lovina to grasp and they headed out of the chapel towards the limousine that Julius had promised. Now in a month we can say that Lovina is pregnant, so we don't have to keep pretending. He thought as he opened the door and let Lovina inside and the driver silently started the car. Julius was riding with Giovanni, leaving Alfred and Lovina alone. However, neither one had wanted to say too much to each other in case the driver would tell Julius. We cannot live like this, even if I can soon tell the truth about being pregnant. Lovina thought as she looked out the window. But how to get us out? She thought. I mean Alfred was willing to put up with this bullshit and get put in dangerous situations just for me and our baby…. She placed her hand over her abdomen, knowing that the driver wasn't paying attention to things like that.

"So ummm…" Alfred began. "You ever been to the Lexington?"

"A few times." Lovina said. "It is actually a very nice place. Heard that Grover Cleveland spent his honeymoon there."

"Well, if it's good enough for a president's honeymoon…." Alfred laughed. "To think a simple farm boy like me would even see the inside of that thing."

"Well, you're a part of the family now, so get used to the better things in life." Lovina said. "Although I did like the lake at the farm."

"I'll say" Alfred said. "Maybe we can see the cows and go fishing one of these days…."

"And I can play with your cowlick without worry." Lovina said as she ran her finger up the cowlick, causing Alfred to shudder.

"Lovina…." he blushed.

"A girl knows what she wants." She smiled. "And we can do it."

"After the reception lovebirds." The driver spoke, breaking Alfred and Lovina's attention from each other. "We're here."

"Shall we?" Alfred said as he helped Lovina out of the car.

"Well, at least Helena's in charge of the cooking. And she's pretty good at it." Lovina said.

"Can't wait." Alfred smiled as he pulled Lovina's arm in his and walked into the hotel, looking around at the luxurious place and following the driver to the ballroom where the reception was to be held. Damn, at least this is a nice wedding, even if my in-laws are awful…. Alfred thought.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. The Lexington was an actual hotel in Chicago at the time and that was where Al Capone ran his operation. Sadly, it has been torn down and a modern development where it was located is there today, but I had to put a historical fun fact in there. So, remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm

Chapter Text

I don't own Hetalia, okay? I want to thank those who read, faved, kudosed, and left comments on the last chapter. It really made my day. So, here's the next chapter and I hope you love it. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Hiding their nerves, Alfred and Lovina walked into the hotel and towards the banquet hall with trepidation. "So, Helena was in charge of the reception and the food, and she will cook mostly Greek things." Lovina said. "She insisted."

"Never had anything Greek." Alfred said blankly.

"Well, if there is one good thing by marrying me your taste will get better. I have seen the stuff that Americans call food. You have no taste at all." Lovina smirked.

"Oh, shut up." Alfred teased. "You liked my chicken and dumplings when you stayed at the farm."

"Oh, so that's what you're calling it now." Lovina teased. "Well Helena was telling me of a Greek tradition where the unmarried family of the bride will make the marital bed and throw money and rice on there and let a baby roll around on it."

"Why?" Alfred asked.

"Supposedly good luck or fertility or something like that. And the sex of the baby determines the couple's first child." Lovina said with a dismissal pppppfffffft. At this Julius saw the two and dragged them both to the reception hall. "Likely if they did that, Heracles played with a stuffed cat on the bed as he's the youngest one anyone of us knows."

"So, they would be saying we have a boy that way." Alfred laughed. "I hope he looks like you."

"God you're corny". Lovina smiled.

Meanwhile, Arthur was over at Yao's laundry after Leon had summoned him. While Yao didn't like that a British man had gotten him his start in this new land, remembering his mother and father in the tail end of the Opium wars. His father had fallen victim to the increased opium that the western powers had brought in. He would take any money that Yao or his mother had made and spent it on that drug until he was found dead in a pig pen on his way home from an overdose. So, he gave up on school early and worked any job he could to support his mother and family and swore he would never let anyone fall into that life again. But when unrest occurred, all he could do was take Li and himself and head to America, which wasn't very welcoming, and they wandered the large nation until they found themselves in Chicago. But he had to do what he had to do. It was all he could do to keep Leon cared for, even if he was getting wrapped up in this himself. "So, what is it you have to tell me?" Arthur asked. As the sales and profits from the speakeasy grew, he would slowly get fancier clothes and Amelia would have better outfits herself, despite them still living in her apartment. They had agreed they would not be too ostentatious.

"This." Yao said as she placed the five-dollar bill Giovanni had paid him to clean one of Julius' suits.

"A five-dollar bill?" Arthur asked.

"It came from one of Julius's lackies." Yao said. "He paid me this when I gave him an outrageous quote to clean a suit. And this is the suit." He had pulled it and showed the blood stain.

"Oh." Arthur said as he rubbed his chin thinking over this. "I think that Julius is trying to send us a message."

"That is what I thought too." Yao said. "And Giovanni brought that blonde haired kid that keeps coming to Gilbert's ice cream shop and our speakeasies. The one who has a problem with his woman's grandfather..."

"He claims he slept with his boss's granddaughter, got her pregnant and that her family is awful to him." Arthur said. "What did he say that his boss worked in?"

"Shipping." Yao said.

"Shipping..." Arthur laughed. "I guess that's one way to call it. And you said he came in with the man who gave you the suit?" Yao nodded.

"Well interesting." Arthur smiled. "There is a wedding notice in the paper today. Alfred Jones and Lovina Vargas. I have to say, Julius is a bold man, very confident in the amount of power he has."

"So do we think we stop allowing him in?" Yao asked.

"Not yet." Arthur said. "Julius is likely expecting us to and using that Alfred boy to get close to us. If we stop letting him in, Julius will know we are onto him. Just feed him information that will not hurt us but get that boy a break." Yao looked on as Arthur nodded. "Yes, that will do. And I do have to wonder if he knows we accidentally stole his truck..."

"How do you accidentally steal a truck?" Yao asked.

"My brothers were nearly run over by one of the trucks, they were looking to fight the drivers, and they ran off, like the cowardly Italians they are..." He said, thinking of how they had reacted in the war. "And they found what was in the truck and took it and we decided to start our own racket."

"You are one lucky bastard." Yao said. "And I hope your luck holds."

"So do I." Arthur smiled. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

"Keep an eye on Amelia." Yao warned. "They will likely go after her too."

"Indeed." Arthur said. He then smirked a proud smile.

"What's got you so happy?" Yao asked.

"Julius feels we are enough of a threat that he wants to destroy us." Arthur said. "I think we're doing something right." He laughed. "Clean the suit as best you can. Get him to come to us for cleaning his dirty work and make any observations you can. Even if you feel it will be insignificant it might be something."

"Just like those Sherlock Holmes novels Li has been reading." Yao smiled.

"Just because I am British, doesn't mean I'm bloody Sherlock mate..." Arthur sighed. "Well, I must be off. Amelia wants to go to the lake today."

"Have fun." Yao said as he headed back to the back room where he went back to work on the suit.

Arthur headed out and back towards the trolley station to get a ride to Amelia's house. On the way he saw a newsstand where he picked up a newspaper. Giving the owner a few coins, he grabbed a copy and began to read as he sat on the trolley and smiled. In the society pages, there was an announcement of the wedding that he knew he was going to keep an eye on. He knew this already as Alba had gotten a paper earlier today and showed it to Arthur, but he wanted a copy for himself. Oh yank... you have gotten yourself in pretty deep. Just what will you have to do now you are married into the gang? He mused to himself as the trolley came to the stop near Amelia's apartment. If we have enough money coming in, we should upgrade. Maybe something with some more space, or on a higher level with a good view of the lake...

Alfred and Lovina were sitting at a table at the head of the banquet hall and smiling nervously as Julius stood in front of them with a smile on his face. The meal had been just finished and the cake had not yet been brought out. Lovina was right, Helena's cooking was pretty good, and it was indeed things he never had. Jokingly he had said to Lovina that she needed to learn how to cook from her as the food was delicious. Lovina rolled her eyes and tapped Alfred on the back of the head in a joking way. "I will learn more for you, but you will have to put up with my cooking as I will decide what we are having for dinner, and I will cook what I want. You will not complain to me about it."

"Sounds fine." Alfred said as he kissed her on the cheek. "About the only food I won't eat is that marmite stuff I was fed in England."

"Easy enough." Lovina smiled.

At this, Helena and a few of the chefs came, pushing out a large cake. Alfred looked on greedily as Lovina rolled her eyes, even though part of her really wanted a piece of the cake. It looked to be a Lady Balitmore cake with a little bride and groom on top to signify it is a wedding cake. "Ah, a delicious cake as beautiful as this couple." Julius smiled. "I want to thank you all for coming to this reception and enjoying our night together. I cannot say how wonderful Alfred has been to the family and how he will be a great provider for Lovina and their children until the day he dies." At this Alfred gripped Lovina's hand tightly as she looked at him nervously. Both of them had a bad feeling like they knew that Julius was hoping that Alfred would somehow be killed in the line of duty to him. "And now let's eat some cake and dance!" Julius said. "And for the first dance, Lovina," Julius said as he walked around and took her hand. "Don't worry Alfred, I'll give you your lovely bride back. It is just the traditional father daughter dance, and since her father is dead..."

"I know, I know..." Alfred smiled.

The music began to play as Julius began a dance with Lovina who looked at her grandfather nervously. To everyone on the outside, it seemed like a harmless father daughter wedding dance, but Julius looked at her with a dark smile. "Great job with getting Alfred in the fold. That farm is ours."

"What?" Lovina asked incredulously.

"Nothing, nothing, that's a good boy you picked, couldn't have done better. As good as provider as Ludwig would have been to Felicia but he's a bit less... uptight. How he got with a woman like Felicia I will never know."

"So, what do you think happened to bring Alfred and I together?" Lovina asked. Does he know...

"I mean he told me his father was awful to him, maybe he likes more... abrasive personalities." Julius said. Lovina looked at him annoyed. "I mean we got yours and Felicia's middle names from The Taming of the Shrew." This did not endear Lovina anymore. "Just off how you were when you were born!" Julius pleaded. "You cried louder than Felicia and she was more ticklish, and you know how your father liked Shakespeare."

"Yes, I know." Lovina said. "But I was told of your honeymoon gift for us. It would be nice to be alone with him for a while."

"Oh, I agree." Julius said. "We have a room for you here before you head to Miami tomorrow. In a first-class car on the train."

"That sounds lovely" Lovina said as the song ended, and she sat down next to Alfred who was smiling and holding a piece of cake out for her. "Thanks." She said taking it.

"You see, he saved you some cake." Julius said. "You have a wonderful provider. He cares for you so much."

"Thank you." Alfred smiled. He then took his fork and cut off a piece of the cake. "For you, my love. Open up."

"Alfred." Lovina groaned.

"Please..." Alfred begged, putting on his puppy dog eye look, holding out the fork.

"Fine." Lovina rolled her eyes with the slightest hint of a smile, opening her mouth for Alfred to put the cake in. "Mmmmmmmmm... Helena sure can run a kitchen."

"Efcharistó Lovina" Helena said. "And Julius, you had better give me a dance! I thought I was your favorite woman."

"Duty calls." Julius said as Helena pulled him to the dance floor and kept his attention most of the night. There were a few times that Lovina and Alfred had danced along with the rest of the guests, but mostly they kept to themselves and ate the cake and sipped on the champagne. Lovina didn't want to drink too much as she worried what it would do to the baby but at the same time, she didn't want to give them any idea this was a shotgun wedding. The family knew this as a whirlwind star-crossed romance where two soul mates found each other and that was what she and Alfred were going to make sure they thought. Better the family thinks that even if Julius thought it was indeed the case that Alfred got Lovina pregnant. He was not to defy the family in matters like that.

The evening wore on and with a few of the guests falling asleep at the tables, and Julius and Helena, having already slipped away to their own room, caught in the romance of a wedding, Giovanni walked up to Alfred and Lovina and gave them a key. "Master Julius wanted to give you this. In the room you will find packed trunks and Helena dedicated the bed in her Greek way."

"Told you." Lovina said to Alfred. "Looks like we're going to have a boy as our first child." Giovanni looked on curiously. "Helena told me of some Greek wedding traditions. They let a baby play on the bed and that determines the sex of the newlywed couple's first child. Likely Helena did it up and let Heracles play on it."

"Well, you must be tired, and you have a long journey ahead of you. It can take two days to get there via train." Giovanni said.

"Indeed." Alfred said. "Come on darling, but let's have some fun before we have to go on the train tomorrow." He said with a slightly amours tone.

"Well, it is our wedding night, and The Lexington is a rather exquisite hotel." Lovina said. "No one will mind." She smiled running her finger along Alfred's cowlick. He gulped and scooped up Lovina and kissed her deeply.

"Let's make this night count." Alfred smiled. Sure, they knew they had the cloud of dim futures overhead and that likely they were in danger and Alfred was likely to be killed but they had each other right now, and where they were going to have a few weeks to themselves in Miami.

"I know what I want, and you give it to me." Lovina smirked.

"I would be a horrible husband if I denied my wife that..." Alfred smiled.

"And I wouldn't marry someone if they were going to be horrible." Lovina smiled back kissing him as they headed to the elevator and up to the bedroom.

Translation Guide

(Obtained via Google Translate)

Efcharistó Lovina-Greek-Thank you Lovina.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I want to thank you all who have read, subscribed and faved this story, it makes me feel so much better and I hopefully will be able to update more often now that work is over. I still have to study for the CPA exams, but I have a talent for studying and writing fanfic. Anyway, remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia, okay? I know it’s been a little while since I updated this but hey, life has been rather busy on things. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Arthur opened the door to the apartment that Amelia and he shared. It was still weird to him that he didn’t have to knock, even if he had been living with Amelia for a while now. “Oh Artie!” Amelia said, running up to him. “I missed you so much!”

“I missed you too love.” Arthur smiled. “How was your day?”

“Fairly good.” Arthur sighed. “I do want you to stay with my brothers if I am not with you.” He said speaking directly. Amelia’s face then turned to an angry one. “I do think that Julius is onto us.”

“What?” Amelia asked her face, turning from welcoming to angry. “I can handle myself after all. Before you started taking me to the alley around back and teaching you how to shoot, you would hit everything but the target.”

“Yes, but....” Arthur began.

“But nothing!” Amelia said as she took his wrist and elbow and threw him onto their bed. She smirked at him showing that she could hold up a fight of her own. “See? I am not some damsel in distress!”

“Well, first let me explain.” Arthur said sitting up, rubbing his back. “Although if what Patrick and Seamus is true, then half of Julius’s men are cowards....”

“And Italian, more likely than not and would try to charm me. But they could never do that.” Amelia said, “I am yours Artie. I’m not seducing any of them to get in.”

“No, but we do have a way in as that Alfred chap did marry Julius’s granddaughter Lovina.” Arthur said as he put down the newspaper with the wedding announcement.

“Wow.” Amelia said as she picked up the newspaper and looked at it. “Are you going to kick him out of the speakeasies?”

“He’s likely ordered to.” Arthur said. “Julius would want him close but at the same time he would think we would be onto an Italian showing up. He headed over to the stove and poured himself a cup of tea and sipped it, “And do recall he told Gilbert that he knocked up his boss’s granddaughter. Poor boy is lucky he isn’t dead yet. They must have sold some story well to the family. He has some honor, or he would have left her alone.”

“But what do we do with this info?” Amelia asked. “And I will keep my trusty 32 with me.” She said holding up a Colt Model 1903 Pocket hammerless. “And how I landed you on the bed shows I can handle myself against most henchmen.” Arthur placed his tea down and smirked at Amelia. “Well, maybe you need to put me on the bed again, teach me how you can handle yourself as you say?”

“Oh Artie, I see what you mean.” Amelia smirked. “But I have been a bad girl Wulver.”

“I must teach you better.” Arthur said as he smirked looking at her.

“Do it.” Amelia said as she pulled him close and kissed him deeply.

Meanwhile, Lovina was laying on Alfred’s chest, asleep, while he stared at the ceiling. The night had been full of passion, but the reality of it all was sinking in with him. He was married to Lovina and had a son on the way. They were being shipped off to Miami for a few weeks for a honeymoon and would come back to a house that would tie him more to Julius and keep him more and more under his thumb. But I can at least stop worrying about them finding out Lovina is pregnant, and she can take the care she needs of the baby to have it born healthy. Looking down at her, he sighed, worrying so much about her. “I better get to sleep. We have a long train ride ahead of us....” Alfred sighed, looking around at the clothes strewn about the room. It had felt good the time he spent with her. And they would be heading to the beach until Giovanni sends for them again. Yawning, he closed his eyes and held onto Lovina and smiled looking at the rings on their hands.

He looked around and he was on his farm again. The sun was shining brightly, and a breeze blew. The smell, while awful to some, was familiar to him. It was welcoming and reminded him of better times, causing him to forget the fights he had with his father. Lovina had come over and handed him a glass of lemonade. “Here you go.” She smiled.

“How’s Junior?” he asked, sitting back up and looking at her with a smile as he sipped the lemonade.

“He has your appetite.” Lovina said with an exasperated tone. “I can never make enough for him.”

“I should take him fishing here in the pond.” Alfred smiled. “He’s getting old enough that he should be able to learn. I mean I would be there to help him of course,”

Lovina smiled. “That’s where I first hooked you.” She said walking him back to the farmhouse. “I have junior down for a nap. Maybe we should go back there. And you teach me to fish like you did there.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me.” Alfred smiled as Lovina looked up at him and said in a gruff voice.

“Get up, it’s time to head to the train station.”

“What?” Alfred asked as the curtain was opened, and sunlight shone through. Ugh, just a dream. Alfred thought.

“Che cazzo? Non hai sentito parlare di considerarti un idiota. Siamo nudi.” Lovina said as she rubbed her eyes. She sat up and looked at her bare chest and quickly covered up.

“Seriously, what the hell?” Alfred said as he pulled Lovina close to him, trying to use his body to cover her up.

“Your train is leaving soon.” A henchman of Julius said. “You’re to get to Miami and spend your honeymoon.”

“Well get the fuck out so we can get dressed.” Lovina said. “How do you think that Julius would take you seeing his granddaughter naked?” She nudged Alfred and whispered “You have power to make him wet his pants. We don’t take kindly to moving in on one another’s wives in the gang.”

Alfred nodded. “Get the fuck out. I should stab you right now because you got a peek at my wife.”

“I’m going, I am going.” Luigi said. He looked back quickly as Alfred pulled a knife that was near the bedstand. “I’m gone” He yelled shutting the door.

“Your grandfather won’t have the goons on the train or in Miami?” Alfred sighed as he placed the knife down and turned around on the bed and pulled a pair of pants close and pulled them up over his legs.

“Keep that knife with you.” Lovina warned as she slipped a chemise on and got her dress to put on over it. You’re officially in now, even if you were never properly initiated.” Alfred sighed as he folded the knife and slipped it into his pocket. Doing it for Lovina and the baby. Lovina and the baby, Lovina and the baby.... He thought to himself as he lifted one of his suspenders over his shoulder and sighed. He looked over at Lovina who was brushing her long brown hair, the ring on her left-hand glittering with it. He really did love her; he just didn’t love her family that he needed to interact with.

“I really hate this....” Alfred sighed. “Not having you, just having to live like this because of well...”

“I know, I know.” Lovina said. “But hey, we have a private room on the train,” Lovina said as she walked over to Alfred and ran her finger along his cowlick. “And I have wondered what it would be like to spend the night with my husband on the train....”

“Well, that’s something I would be more than willing to do with you.” Alfred said as he pulled Lovina closer. “And it is our honeymoon Mrs. Jones.” He smirked.

Lovina rolled her eyes with a smile. “Just be glad Grandpa didn’t try to get you to change your last name to Vargas, it doesn’t suit you.”

“Well, I think Jones suits you just fine.” He added with a kiss to her forehead.

“Come on,” Giovanni said as he opened the door. “The taxi is waiting. We don’t want to miss the train, it’s a long ride.”

“Indeed.” Alfred said as he took Lovina’s hand and followed Giovanni out.

“We have a few men to take your bags, but Julius has already sent for there to be supplies stocked at the beach house; you won’t have to worry about a thing.” Giovanni said as two of the henchmen of the gang headed into the room and took the trunks.

Meanwhile, Alba was standing at the train station, heading into Lexington where he would head into some other small towns in Kentucky and obtain the old bourbon stock that was just left taking up space and not getting any benefit for the locals. But Alba had gained the trust of many of the locals, and he knew that if they trusted him, they would keep the gang’s secrets and not pay them out to anyone else. Arthur had explained they would need to up their inventory as they were going to expand operations and grow and become more of a threat to Julius. He headed to the newsstand and bought a newspaper and sat on the bench as he waited for the train to Lexington. Looking over, he saw a few well-dressed Italian men heading to the train headed for Lexington he was heading towards. Alba took a mental note of this, especially when he saw a blonde man who looked a lot like one, he had seen at the speakeasies that Arthur had told him about who found himself married into the Vargas clan. Hmmm if that is the same Alfred then he did mention that he was going on a honeymoon, I can maybe get some info off of him. He doesn’t likely know who I am, as that is a girl he is with that seems to be Lovina Vargas. Alba looked at one of the conductors and asked. “Hey, so where is the end of the line on this one?”

“Oh, this one hooks up to another train that goes all the way down the coast to Florida.” The conductor explained.

“Where do they hook up?” Alba asked.

“Washington DC.” The conductor said.

“I best get me a cup of coffee if I want to stay awake and get off in Lexington rather than Washington then.” Alba said as he headed over to the cafe, where he saw Alfred and Lovina waiting for the call. He got to the line where Alfred got himself a cup of coffee for him and Lovina who sat at the table while they waited for the train. Meanwhile Alba took this as a chance to try and get these two to spill information they knew posing as a normal passenger. Or they would let something slip that seems inconsequential but can provide insight into Julius’s plans.

“Hello!” Alba said with his cup of coffee and sat down by Alfred and Lovina. “See you’re taking this train.”

“Yeah. Long ride to our honeymoon.” Alfred said. Lovina sipped her coffee quietly. She didn’t know if this was someone who was overly friendly or someone who was an enemy of the Vargas clan. Sure, she didn’t want anything to do with them, but she wasn’t going to sell them out either.

“Congratulations.” Alba said. “I’m getting off in Lexington.” He spoke. Don’t let them know exactly what you are doing there. “I am heading there to look at a horse farm. Get out of Chicago and raise some horses, and you know, enjoy my life here.”

“Sounds nice.” Lovina said simply.

“Where are you heading to on your honeymoon?” Alba asked. “You said it was a long ride.”

“Miami.” Lovina said. “And if I like it enough, I hope to stay.”

“Well honey,” Alfred began, “never knew that this was something you wanted to do.”

“Well, I hear it is warm, and sunny.” Lovina said. “I came from Italy. I am tired of Chicago. It is much colder than where I live. If it is nice enough, I may make my husband get a job there and we will start our family somewhere much warmer.”

“Sounds lovely.” Alba said. “Well, I have to go. Enjoy your honeymoon you two.”

Once Alba had left, Alfred looked at Lovina confused. “I had to tell him something.” Lovina said. She then looked around to make sure that no one was listening. “Besides, maybe we can break free of grandpa there. I worry he will put you in a situation that will leave you dead. And I am tired of the winters.” She said covering up her concerns.

“Don’t worry.” Alfred said as he hugged her. “If I survived the war, my dad and the farm, I think I can handle winter and your grandpa.” Lovina smiled slightly. She knew that Alfred was being naive. “But let’s enjoy the train ride. And we can well....” He blushed “experience the start of the honeymoon on the train.”

Lovina smiled. “Well, there is that.” She said as the conductor yelled “ALL ABOARD”

“Besides, until your grandfather sends for us again, it’s just us. And I want to spend quality time with my best girl while she gets ready to give me a child.”

“God you’re cheesy.” Lovina said with a kiss.

Translation Guide

(obtained via Google Translate)

Che cazzo? Non hai sentito parlare di considerarti un idiota. Siamo nudi.-Italian- What the fuck? Have you not heard of knocking you dumbass. We're naked.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. It’s been busy for me right now. Getting stuff for my husband’s circus ready, studying for the CPA exam, by God it’s busy. Anyway, I don’t have much else to say, so remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don't own Hetalia okay? I know it's been awhile since I have updated this story, but well, life gets in the way and hopefully now I am in a better head space to be able to write more often. But I am sure you don't want to hear about that, so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Alfred had to admit, even if the money was full of blood, it was a great ride. Lovina was still asleep on the bed while he was sitting in a plush chair looking at the scenery rush past them as they headed to the junction in Washington before they were to ride through the south to Miami. Alfred looked up at the sky, and wondered, Maybe some day we could just fly. I've seen some of them in the War, and I read all the stories in the papers. He had hoped that in the war, he could have been part of the air service but he was sent to the trenches. But god, he had wanted to fly in the sky so much. As he stared at the sky, Lovina stirred. "Oh hey," He smiled as he headed over to her and kissed her on the forehead. "Sleep well? I mean you need it to make sure junior is healthy."

Lovina smiled but rolled her eyes. "I can't wait until we get to Miami" She said wistfully.

"Why?" Alfred asked sitting beside her, stroking her arm.

Because I will be far far away from Grandpa and he won't put you in any more dangerous situations.....he wants you dead.... She thought but knew she couldn't tell him that. "Like I said before, the ocean, warm temperatures, that kind of thing...."

"Yeah, that would be pretty sweet." Alfred smiled. "Heard the fishing is awesome that way too." He smirked mischeviously. Lovina smiled as she looked away. Fishing, what got us into this mess in the first place...... She thought.

"Sure you can land the little fish in a farm pond, but that is fishing in the ocean. Much bigger fish. Sure you can handle it?" Lovina taunted.

"Watch me." Alfred smirked as he flexed his muscles. Lovina blushed, knowing that she was physically attracted to that about him. His chest and arms were well muscled from all the farm work he had done in his life.

Alba walked from the train station to a general store where he was meeting with another distiller who had gone nearly bankrupt sitting on his bourbon. He finished a ginger ale he had purchased and smiled. He knew these people and many were taken to his accent, as many of their ancestors were from Scotland. It was known how he was employing many of the people who were left jobless due to the distillery shutting down. Maybe we should open up some general stores or pharmacies out here...... Artie is making like he is getting this hooch for medicinal purposes. Maybe opening a few pharmacies here would make it seem more legit....... He looked around, wanting to make sure there were no men of Julius's that had followed him. He had run into Alfred, who Arthur had told him was being sent to spy on the speakeasies they ran under Julius's order and he had gotten Julius's granddaughter pregnant, thus making him deeper in, but a possible tool to pry some information out of as Felix had noted he seemed rather depressed about it all. It was something that he was going to tell Arthur about when he got back to Chicago.

"Ah, just the man I wanted to see!" A man in a plain white shirt and black slacks said coming up to Alba. I was told to look for your brown hair and weird cowlick. Never seen any like it."

"Yeah....." Alba sighed, running his hand over his head trying to push it down with no luck. He had cut it off before many times but it had always grown back like that. "Just learn to live with it after awhile." He looked around, knowing that while the town knew what was going on and would keep his secrets but there could be people who would turn them into the authorities. "How about we go somewhere a little more private....." Alba said taking the man's shoulder and heading to the back storeroom with him casually. He then shut the door and the clerk was keeping an eye on the customers.

"Why are we back here?" The man said, sitting down at the table in the room, looking at the boxes of inventory. He placed the deed down, to which Alba moved over to grab, which the man put his hand back on and pulled back. "Not uh uh....." Alba looked on. "Money first. You're lucky the clerk of this pharmacy is also a notary whose sister is the county clerk."

"I got some bad feelings from some of the other men in the shop here. I feel like they may be G men....." Alba explained.

"Understandable." The man said. "But you are a pharmaceutical buyer from Chicago." He winked as Alba nodded. These people knew what was going on really with the whiskey and bourbon stores that Alba was buying. Rumors spread fast. "I want to make sure you aren't taking advantage of us here. So many carpetbaggers from up north taking us for all we are worth."

"10 dollars to review the deed." Alba sighed placing the bills on the table and the man gave him the deed that Alba read over carefully. There had been times that he had been offered old barns of nothing, fake deeds, and useless land. "And 5 more if you take me to inspect the goods." He moved his hand closer to a knife he had kept at his belt that he had since the war. While people loved him for bringing work to a poor area, it wasn't risk free.

"Deal." The man said. "Follow me to my truck."

Meanwhile, Julius looked upon the land right by the lake he had obtained for the house for Lovina and Alfred to start their family and make them part of the family and strengthen the rule he had over the south side and maybe even the whole of Chicago. Since having control of Alfred’s dairy farm, he was able to use that as a resting place for the trucks and sell the milk from the cows to help add to the resources he had for his businesses. Alfred could fight when needed, as he had looked into his military record from the war and had found who was in his unit and gotten stories from them. It was important that he stay in Chicago and now that he had married Lovina, he was in the family and there was no getting out.

He looked over the lake and then back to the Sears catalogue. Sure he could have hired some an architect from the south side but that would take too much time when he wanted them to have a surprise for when they got back. And it would place pressure on Alfred to stay even more. He could easily take Lovina back to the farm or wherever he wanted, but Julius needed him and this would help tie him down to him.

“Alhambra or Hillrose?” Julius asked.

“Excuse me?” Giovanni replied.

“Which one do you think would be better for Lovina and Alfred and the baby?” Julius said handing Giovanni the catalogue.

“You think they would want to leave the manor?” Giovanni said as he looked at the ads for the houses. “Would Lovina see this as a downgrade?”

“She is the type that would not want to be too close to me while married. That and you know Felicia would be jealous of her. She was the first to be married if that Ludwig boy hadn’t have died in the war.” Julius explained. “This way they will feel on their own but still feel like they owe me for their luxury and will work for me.”

“Alhambra.” Giovanni said.

“Good.” Julius said. “Alfred and Lovina don’t think I know they’re expecting.” He mused. “But I do. No way would Lovina fall in love that fast. I know her too well.”

“So why didn’t you deal with Alfred earlier?” Giovanni asked.

“Because he is an honest man. He would not leave Lovina and he will take responsibility. That is how I know he will do whatever I say.” Julius said.”Get the house ordered and find me some unemployed contractors and pay them well. Maybe some of those new unionized ones who are striking. You know their families are hungry. Bring me the union bosses and I will talk to them about this proposal.”

“Indeed.” Giovanni nodded and headed to start the request.

Meanwhile, Arthur was sitting in the apartment with Amelia looking over a Sears catalogue thinking of something to get for Alfred and Lovina. It was already surmised that he was at their speakeasies under Julius’s orders to get intel on them. It was not something that Arthur was willing to give all the gang’s secrets to, but he had wanted to stay on Alfred’s good side, because he could tell that Alfred was under a lot of pressure. And when he broke and wanted to tell him everything on Julius, he wanted to be the one that he told it to. So far, he had some information about the gang, but that was from what he had pieced together from the poorly written note and long work with an English to Italian dictionary. They were to go to some man named Mateo and come back from Canada to keep up Julius’s liquor stores.

“What are you doing?” Amelia asked as she placed a tray of tea and cookies down on the table.

“Looking for a gift idea for Alfred and his new wife Lovina.” Arthur said. “I want to show him some goodwill and show that I feel he is someone I care about.”

“Why?” Amelia asked.

“Because he is sent by Julius to spy on us. But I cannot say I am in charge, nor can I say I suspect him of it either.” Arthur said. “But based on what I hear from Felix and Gilbert, he hates Julius but only putting up with it all for Lovina’s sake. And I want to be one of the few he would trust when he wants to talk about what Julius is doing. I also need to know where this Mateo is.”

“Canada.” Amelia said as she looked at the translation Arthur had worked on.

“I love you.....” Arthur said placing his hand on his face in frustration. “Do you know how big Canada is?”

“No.......” Amelia said honestly. “But you can’t imagine Julius would have his men going too far into Canada....”

Arthur looked up at Amelia as if she had said something deeply philosophical. “You have a point.” He moved his papers around looking for something..... “Where did I put that bloody thing....blast...”

“What are you looking for?” Amelia asked.

“A map of Canada....” Arthur said “Here!” he said pulling one out. “You have a very good point. Going too far would make no sense! The time and fuel costs would override any premiums you can get with alcohol being an illicit substance. Our sources are either what Felix can obtain as a rabbi....” Arthur said, still feeling like he was committing hersey with that, even if he wasn’t Jewish, “Or what we buy from the failing distilleries in Kentucky. Neither of which is very far, especially with Alba working for the railroads doing work in that area.” Looking at the map, he circled the part of the Canadian border in Ontario near the border with Minnesota. “I do not know Julius’s aquatic abilities, so I am not certain of anything requiring lake transport....” He mused looking at the area bordering the Great Lakes. “But Toris and Felix live on a boat....have seaman or at least lakeman skills.....”

“Are you okay?” Amelia asked, picking up the discarded catalogue and looking at the strewn about notes.

“Never better love.” He said pulling her close and kissing her. “I may be able to beat that blasted Italian at his own game.”

“I am seeing that Wulver your brothers said you had in the war.” Amelia commented.

“This is war love. We are in a dangerous game here and there is no rules in this world. It may not be the Ardennes, but I know how to bring my enemy to his knees.” Arthur said as he picked up Amelia and spun her around, heading to the bedroom. “But before I do that, I need you.”

“Oh Artie.....” Amelia blushed.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Yes I know it’s been awhile but well this hopefully is the restart of a good writing relationship. The names of house patterns are really from the Sears catalogue in the 1920s. You can look them up and see the plans, it’s really beautiful and if I had the money would build one of those plans. I don’t know what else to say but remember to read, well you just did, and to review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia, okay? I’m working slowly and surely on getting this story updated, but it will be. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

It was a long ride, but finally, the train pulled to a stop in Miami. Alfred got off the train, helped Lovina off and felt the breeze from the ocean on his face. It was nice, and warm and the sound of the waves. It was pleasant to be so far from Chicago and all his problems. His only concern now was his new wife and their unborn child. He took her hand and walked off the train where a dark-skinned porter was standing, holding a sign that said, “Mr. and Mrs. Jones.” “Hello.” Alfred said, “So you’re here for us?”

“Yes sir. Mr. Julius said that I was to get your baggage and drive you to the summer house he had me set up for your lovely honeymoon.” The porter said.

“Thank you.” Alfred said as he followed the porter to the car and helped Lovina in. He looked over at her as she looked over the window, forlorn. This worried Alfred, this was supposed to be a happy time for them, even if it was briefly before they went back to Chicago. He thought maybe being away from her grandfather would put her in a better mood, kind of like when she was at the farm. Then again, she had her moments of when she was a total bitch then too. He reminded himself. She looked over at him and he winced back as if she had read his mind.

“It’s nice to be away from Grandpa.” Lovina sighed with a slight smile, putting her hand on Alfred’s. She didn’t want to say what she was thinking, that now that he had married her and into the family, he was in greater danger than before and that Julius likely knew what really happened and wanted him to pay. “It’ll be us, the ocean, and the warm weather.” She smiled. “Grandpa has us staying at his summer home here in Miami, but he’s having us our own house built.”

“Wow......” Alfred said. “I mean I was thinking we could go back to the farm, I mean I need to start the planning for the summer and.....” Lovina looked at him sadly. “So, because we’re married, he’s keeping us in Chicago, and just using the farm.”

“Yes.” Lovina looked at her feet. “I am sorry!” She pleaded.

“Calm down,” Alfred said pulling her closer. “I love you, and no one in your family will make me change my mind.”

“Seriously?” She asked despondent but toughing up her voice. “I thought you were marrying me because you had to. You did get me pregnant.”

“I slept with you because I love you.” Alfred said. “I may have told you but some of my unit stopped at a brothel in France in the war. I partook of the wine and not of the girls. I was the drunken choir boy because I couldn’t bear to sleep with a woman I didn’t love.” This made Lovina smile a little bit as they finally pulled up to the street the manor was on. “I didn’t expect marry you this soon, but, hey it is what it is. Junior couldn’t wait to meet us.” He looked out the window at the palm trees and the spreading manor.

“This is it.” Lovina said, Alfred’s mouth dropped agape. The building reminded him of some of the old Roman places he had read about. “Yeah, Grandpa designed it off some Emperor’s palace back in Rome.” She sighed. “Sure, he may rule the Chicago underground, but he thinks he’s some sort of Emperor....” She sighed. The porter opened the trunk and took the suitcases in. “There is a pool, for swimming and a dock that leads right to the ocean.”

“That’s nice.” Alfred said.

“Great for fishing.” She smiled back.

“Well, that’s great.” He said as he pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Lovina smiled as she broke the kiss and headed to the master suite.

“I am going to lie down. I am rather tired from the trip.” She said, Alfred pouting. “Don’t worry, we will have so much time to be with each other, however Helena tells me that when I am feeling tired, to rest. It is what is best for the baby.”

“Well, if Helena says so.” Alfred sighed, knowing that she was the one that Lovina had been seeking advice from and the only one outside of them that had known she was pregnant. He had only meet her a few times, and that was when she was with Julius, so they could not really talk outside of his influence, but if Lovina trusted her and she was being the older mother figure that she needed in a time like this, then Alfred was okay with it. “I want Junior to be healthy more than anything in the world.”

Giovanni drove through Chicago with Julius’ latest suit that needed to be cleaned and to pick up the one he had left with Yao. He was also heading to hire some of the striking workers at the latest skyscraper that was being built. He knew that they were going to need some way to get money while the bosses negotiated, but Giovanni also didn’t think that Julius knew full well what they could do with the influence they could have in a union. He looked over at the crowd of striking workers, seeing that many of them might be useful beyond just helping to build the house. But first, he was going to drop of the laundry. Parking the car in front of the laundromat, he turned it off and grabbed Julius’s tuxedo he wore for the wedding and headed inside.

“Ai yacht Hello.” Yao said, seeing who it was coming into the laundry. “You must be the one who brought the suit last week.”

“Well, Master Julius was at a wedding, and he does tend to enjoy himself.” Giovanni explained. “I trust you will do a good job.”

“You can see for yourself.” Yao said as he handed the old suit to Giovanni. Meanwhile, Leon was brushing the shop, keeping an eye on Giovanni and Yao. He had been picking things up more and more often and perfecting his pickpocket craft, but he was concerned with what he could do with Giovanni around. He was bound to have something important that he could give Arthur. There was a wad of money sticking out the back. While he was talking to Yao, he reached over and grabbed the wad and headed into the back. In the laundry room, Leon counted the bills and saw a slip. “Payment to Matteo, 500 dollars at Baudette Ontario at the Red Lumberjack.” and it was dated two weeks earlier. Leon then headed out and headed over to the county offices. He knew Arthur was working his main job today and lunch time was coming up. Arthur often would go to the fish shop and have a sandwich. Walking past the striking workers, he headed over to see Arthur standing in line.

“Hello.” Arthur said as he looked at Leon. “How can I help you?”

“Sit.” Leon said as he headed to the bench and sat Arthur down who looked at him skeptically while he took a bite of the sandwich. “I grabbed this off of Giovanni after he brought Julius’s wedding tux into grandpa’s shop.” Arthur placed down his sandwich and read it.

“What do you make of this?” Leon said.

“It’s a business dealing. A big one.” Arthur said. “If he’s paying 500 dollars, it must be a decent sized shipment.”

“How is it with our suppliers.” Leon asked.

“Alba handles that.” Arthur said firmly. “I do not like talking about such things on my lunch break.” He said, and Leon nodded getting the hint. Arthur looked over at the striking workers at the site nearby. “So how long has that strike been going?”

“3 weeks.” Leon said.

“No changes from management?” Arthur said.

“Not that I hear. Many people who came from China with gramps and I are being called into work there while the locals strike. He’s been making a poultice for a lot of the ones who get beat up by the workers.”

“Striking men do not like the scabs crossing the picket line.” Arthur said as he took a bite of his sandwich. “Let me know who gets past the workers and who doesn’t. Those who get past and get to work can be of good use.”

As they sat there, Giovanni had pulled up and started talking to the workers.

“What is he doing?” Leon asked out loud, causing Giovanni to look over at Leon and head over to him.

“Why I have business to conduct young man. An honest operation. Something you would know nothing about. If you aren’t careful, it will get you in a very bad place.” Giovanni said as he went back to the lead worker who was speaking over the crowd about what their demands were. “Let’s talk.” He said as he took the chief union leader and headed into the backway.

“Who are you and what do you want?” He asked gruffly.

“I have to ask you a few things.” Giovanni said. “Can I have your name?”

“Smith. John Smith.” The man said.

“Nice to meet you Mr. Smith.” Giovanni said, knowing that he was giving him a pseudonym. “I wonder, I’ve been following the papers. It’s been a long fight. Three weeks huh?”

“What of it?” Smith asked.

“It has to be tough on men with families. Ones who are fighting to make sure they can put a good meal on their children’s tables. They’re bound to get weak. Give into the bosses.”

“No, they won’t....” Smith said but he had a tone of doubt in his voice. “Some have been wanting to join those Chinamen in scabbing, because their families are suffering and they’re worried that we’re making our cause look bad by beating the scabs....”

“That’s where you need my organization’s help.” Giovanni said. “We have plenty of people who can help with the negotiations. And we want to help. Who are the ones that need money the most?”

“I know a few.” Smith said.

“Well Julius is building a house. He wants it done well and fast. And is willing to pay well as well.” Giovanni explained.

“I’m listening.” Smith said.

“You come help my organization get this house built and we will be the ones to make sure that you get what you are striking for.” Giovanni said.

“Where’s the job site?” Smith asked.

“Here.” Giovanni said giving him a piece of paper.

“Leon,” Arthur said. “I want you to get me this order and bring it to Amelia’s place. I plan to give it to Alfred whenever I see him again. The wedding announcement said he would be in Miami afterwards, how long I don’t know.” He looked over at the strike where Giovanni walked away from with Smith talking to some of the men who had looked relieved at the offer of work. Arthur scowled, thinking of what he would have to do now. It was obvious to him that Julius was expanding to being a part of the unions. He was trying to think what exactly it would do, but Arthur knew it was a flex of his influence. “Also, see what you can do. See if one of those men have the address of the site.” Leon took the note from Arthur and headed along. At this, Giovanni took Leon’s hand and pulled him aside.

“So, you’re the one who took my money huh?” Giovanni said.

“No.” Leon lied.

“Don’t lie to me.” Giovanni said. “I felt you. I felt you move behind me and take the money I had in my back pocket, along with the old information I had. I know you are with a rival gang. One that is working in your grandfather’s laundry somehow and we will crush you. The Vargas clan is the one who runs Chicago. And don’t you forget it.” He stared into Leon’s eyes. “Understood.”

“Understood.” Leon said, hiding his fear.

“Good. Everyone gets one warning. One.” Giovanni said. “Find yourself some honest work before you and your grandfather get in over your head.” He said walking away.

Leon looked on with a shocked look on his face. Was it true? Were they getting in over their head? Did Julius really have his eye on them? And what did that Alfred have to do with this? He looked at the note in his hand and sighed. Arthur did likely know what he was doing with making Alfred feel welcome, however it was worrying how deep things were getting.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t have much else to say here with this one, so remember to read, well you just did and review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.

Chapter Text

See the other chapters if you need a disclaimer okay? I don’t have much else to say here, other than enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

The sun peeked in as Alfred stretched up and looked around. Lovina was still asleep. She’s been sleeping a lot. Must be the baby. He thought. He never had any siblings other than his twin brother, so he never knew what pregnancy was like for his mother on the farm, just that she had something that kept his father from being vile. But when she had died when Alfred and Matthew were about 13, he changed. Wanting Lovina to get the rest she needed, he slipped out of bed and walked out of the bedroom, though the cavernous mansion. He sighed, wondering why Julius didn’t just move to Miami, the weather was so much better and according to Lovina, closer to what it was like back in Italy. Other than being a tropical town near the ocean, Alfred wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. He knew they were going to be there awhile, as they would be summoned back when the house that Julius was building for them was done. And that’s when he’d be in an essence his slave. “My grandpa fought the Civil War to end slavery and yet here I am…..” He mused. “Well that might be a bit of an exaggeration….” He thought as he moved along. As he headed to the kitchen to see what was there to make for breakfast, Lovina grabbed him from behind. “Ooof”

“Well well well…..” She teased. “Not going to wait for me?”

“Well I had read this story in an English Magazine after the war where the man wants to woo his love by making her breakfast in bed. I thought I might do that for you. Make a good and hearty farmer’s breakfast. If that boy takes after me, he will be hungry and you need all the nutrients you can get to make sure he’s healthy…..” Alfred blushed. Lovina smirked and then kissed him on the cheek

“I’ll wait for you in bed then. Helena gave me a parenting book I need to really brush up on.” Lovina smiled.

Julius smiled as he looked upon the crew that Giovanni had brought in. Working with the strike leaders, he had made himself connections within the organized labor movements and winning over more of the unions as Giovanni had said to him it would build more goodwill with the working class and taking a cut of the union dues would help to increase their revenue and diversify their portfolio. Sure, the booze and speakeasy money was very, very good but there was a movement to repeal the 18th amendment and some people were trying hard to get it repealed. Including some big names in the society pages that were originally for it to begin with. “That Rockefeller brat is spreading his ideas.” Julius said as Giovanni handed him today’s paper that had had an opinion piece about his ideas about prohibition. “Can you believe this tea totaler?”

“My sources tell us that many people are hearing of violence all over the nation.” Julius looked at him incredulous. “Oh our gang is not causing trouble. At least if that gang that Li boy at the dry cleaner does not cause it.”

“Well, maybe we should send them a visit.” Julius said.

“Don’t we have Lovina’s husband sneaking into their speakeasy? If I recall Alfred did make good friends with the one that owns the ice cream shop.” Giovanni said.

“We need to find this Wulver.” Julius said.

“Maybe the shop owner knows this Wulver.” Giovanni suggested as he pulled a stiletto knife out of his vest and stabbed the picture of John D. Rockefeller Jr that was beside his opinion piece in the paper. “Like that piece of shit can talk about morality.”

“Remember Ludlow!” One of the workers cheered.

“Yes! Remember Ludlow and we will make sure that you as hard working men get the fair day’s pay for a fair day’s labor! We believe in you! That is why the ones I was told was in most need has been given a job helping me to build my granddaughter and her husband’s new home. I could not have this done without good honest American labor like yours!” Julius said as Giovanni rolled his eyes. “Come, I have a craving for an ice cream soda.” He said as he got in the car and Giovanni drove him to Gilbert’s shop.

Giovanni pulled up to the shop and parked, letting Julius out of the car and they headed into the shop. Gilbert looked up and jumped at bell, once he saw who was through the door. Keep you cool Beilschmidt…...this is just some Italian, you know how easy they surrendered and turned their backs on Deutchland…..He thought as he braved a smile and looked at Julius. “So what can I get you fine gentlemen today? I know Lent’s over so you can take up any bad vices you had given up.” He smiled. “I cannot tell you how much business I lose because people give sweets and sodas for Lent.”

“Yes, yes, Lent is supposed to bring you closer to God.” Julius nodded as Giovanni stepped by the door and locked it. Gilbert looked around nervously and moved back towards the freezer when Julius had grabbed him by the wrist. “You know, you might want to get closer to him. Did you have a brother?” He asked looking at the picture of Ludwig on the wall. “One of my lovely granddaughters was to marry a man who looked a lot like that lovely young man on the wall.”

“Yeah. That’s my brother Ludwig.” Gilbert said And he died in the war a long time ago so you can’t do anything to him.

“Ludwig, that was my granddaughter’s sweetheart.” Julius smiled. “But he died in the war. Looks like him too. I bet you miss him a lot. I know Felicia misses him a lot.” Gilbert looked at Julius as he smirked. “I knew the name Beilschmidt sounded familiar.” He smirked at Gilbert’s creeping looks of fear. “Ludwig was your brother. You were almost my granddaughter’s brother in law.”

“Looks like……” Gilbert said. “Man, it really is a small world huh?”

“So, why would you do it?” Julius said.

“Do what?” Gilbert asked.

“Go against the family of your brother’s beloved. Your own family.” Julius said.

“Dude, we are NOT family. Maybe if that war never happened, your granddaughter and Luddy would have married and then, yeah. But that’s not how it happened. I didn’t even know you were here, nor did I know you were Luddy’s sweetheart’s grandpa.” Gilbert said. “I only knew Ludwig had gotten a sweetheart while on the Italian border by the letters he sent home. They didn’t want me in the army, I was too sickly looking and I had an elderly mother to take care of at home.” Gilbert said. “She died soon after learning of what happened to Ludwig. He was always the favorite….”

“We know you have been helping The Wulver. The Wulver is who we are fighting against. Only thing is we cannot do it without knowing who is in charge. Who stole our trucks.” Giovanni said. He then pulled his knife from his vest and held it to Gilbert’s neck. “We will take you back to meet your baby brother if you want.”

“I don’t know nothing about no Wulver you freaking Italians.” Gilbert said. “I just run an ice cream shop, nothing more nothing less.” Gilbert said, praying he delivered a convincing show. “I don’t know who told you what but they’re full of shit.”

“Giovanni, put him down. I believe him” Julius said as Giovanni looked at him incredulously.

“You can’t be serious sir?” Giovanni asked.

“Oh I believe him, but I do also need to send him a warning.” Julius pulled a tire thumper from his jacket. Julius then had taken the bat to the freezers, breaking the glass, shards falling into the ice cream. Gilbert had tried to run over and stop him when Giovanni had grabbed him in a full body hold, holding him steady despite him flailing around, trying to stop Julius. He then took the thumper to the shake machines. “Now that was just your business. Things can be replaced.” He then walked over to Gilbert and pulled back, like he was going to use the thumper on his shin. Gilbert winced in fear as Julius swung, only to have his shin bump up against the thumper “Bones can heal if I wanted to break it. But you may see your brother again real soon if you don’t stop keeping the wrong company.” Julius then handed Gilbert 100 dollars. “This should fix everything. And more where that came from if you can tell us where the Wulver is.”

“And tell that Leon kid to stop pick pocketing.” Giovanni said. “I have a feeling you know him and bad things will happen to him and his grandfather if he doesn’t stop keeping the bad company you do.”

“Let’s go.” Julius said motioning to Giovanni. “I just remembered, I need to watch what I eat so Enzo won’t yell at me for getting too fat for his suits.”

“Understood.” Giovanni said as he unlocked the door and helped Julius into the car and drove off.

Sighing, Gilbert flipped the sign to closed and locked the door again. He picked up a broom and began to sweep the glass shards that didn’t fall into his ice cream. He placed the 100 dollar bill on the counter and stared at it. Sure, it would be more than enough to fix or replace most of the equipment that Julius had broken, but it was just so weird. That was the family his little brother was going to marry into. Isn’t that the guy’s family that Alfie married into as well? He pondered as he heard a knock on the door and found Arthur knocking. “Hello?” Arthur asked.

Gilbert unlocked the door and let Arthur in and locked it again. “Hello Artie, caught me at a bad time.”

“What the bloody hell happened here?” Arthur looked around.

“Julius.” Gilbert said. “Apparently if Ludwig hadn’t died it was his granddaughter that he’d have married. And now Alfred married into it.”

“I know.” Arthur said. “Julius is very proud. Publicly known as a successful shipping agent and great philanthropist. I have been doing a lot of work after hours with the city’s records. Julius does have a lot of legit connections to take the suspicion off of him. And it will do to keep him favorable in the eyes of the public.”

“Whatever that bastard is, or does, he broke my shop up and then paid me to fix it all.” Gilbert said showing the 100 dollar bill that he was given.

“We need to step up our game.” Arthur said. “Maybe Patrick and Seamus could hijack some trucks.”

“Whatever it is, we need to show them we are not to be trifled with ourselves.” Gilbert says. “If Julius thinks he’s the reincarnation of the Roman Empire, this city will be their Teutenberg Forest.” Gilbert went behind the counter and racked a shotgun. “This is one that Ludwig sent back from the war. He actually managed to get hold of one of the American Trench Brooms. Although it was what did him in eventually.”

“Trench warfare is something Satan himself would consider the worst of the worst.” Arthur said.

“And that Giovanni body guard of his knows that Leon’s a pickpocket.” Gilbert warned.

“I have spoken with Leon about that. While I applaud his efforts, he needs to work his craft on the lower henchmen. While they won’t have the intel that big whigs like Giovanni do, they will still have intel that is valuable that Julius will not think hurt him but actually will. In war, information is the best resource one can have. We must stand our ground. If we cannot overtake him, we will make this conflict Julius wants so draining he will not be able to keep fighting.” Arthur said. “I know so far Julius has every legality covered for his fronts, but there has to be something amiss. If only I could get into his books….” Gilbert looked at Arthur cross. “Sorry, here give me a broom, I will help you sweep up.”

Lovina smiled as she and Alfred finished their breakfast and took the dishes to the sink. “The maid will be here later to take care of the cleaning.” She explained. “So, what do you want to do?”

“Let’s get a boat, cruise on the ocean, go fishing.” Alfred said.

“Sounds fun.” Lovina said.

“Be careful though.” Alfred said. “There’s marlin out there, but I don’t want you getting junior hurt. I’m sure you could take them though.” He kissed Lovina’s forehead.

“I’ll be fine……” Lovina rolled her eyes with a smile. “I just want to get out of here.”

Alfred knew what she meant. She had wanted to get away from the control she was under by her grandfather. While the manor they were staying at was beautiful, the ocean was not in his realm of control. “Well let’s get a boat then.” Alfred smiled.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don’t have much else to say here, so remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

realm.

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I know my updates haven’t been as often as I’d have liked, but I am now in my off season, so hopefully I can update more often. Knock on wood, things are already lining up better this year than last year. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Julius sighed as he rode on the long ride up to the meeting place Julius had agreed to meet with his supplier in Canada. He had felt it was something that had to be done himself in person. It also gave him an excuse to check up on Alfred’s farm, well it was in his family now. It made for a great place to stop for the night before heading the rest of the way up to Canada. I really need to revamp this place, have it be my country home. It’s a nice area, just needs a bit of work. Poor Alfred has no taste and had no one in this home to really give him reason to make it beautiful for a very long time. Julius thought as he got up from Alfred’s bed and headed to the kitchen where Giovanni had brewed a cup of coffee and sipped on some milk.

“This stuff tastes like shit.” Giovanni said. “But it’s the only coffee in the house.”

“Alfred never really cared much for taste or anything like that….” Julius said as he looked in the cupboards, seeing mostly cans of soup and pork and beans and some corned beef. “Then again a lone bachelor on a farm, I see why he would live so humbly. But thanks to my dear Loving, he will never have to worry about such bland foods again.” He laughed as he placed a can of sardines back down and then took a cup of coffee and sipped it, in revulsion.

“Have some milk.” Giovanni said. “We need to get going here soon. Matteo will met us at a small bar by the border.”

Julius smiled as he sipped the coffee with the milk. “The fresh milk makes this stuff tolerable.” He smirked. “Well we also have a good dairy in our enterprise as well. Alfred took good care of his cows.”

“It has been most of our men who had originally worked on farms in Italy who have been taking care of the beasts.” Giovanni sighed.

“Well Alfred was the one who raised them to where they are. It’s easy to get good milk when it’s already set up with good cows.” Julius sighed as he finished the coffee. “Well let’s get along.” He said as they headed to the garage where his car was parked and they headed along the long road to Canada. “I have to have the local grocer stock better supplies for those who do make the run. Maybe have Alfred on some of the runs. Let him see that we are taking good care of his house.”

“Indeed sir.” Giovanni said.

Alba headed into the small apartment he shared with his brothers to find them sitting in the living room, waiting on him. With Arthur sitting on the comfy chair facing the door. “Artie, what’s going on? I thought you were staying with Amelia?”

“We need to talk. Julius is making some bolder moves against us.” Arthur explained. “He attacked Gilbert’s shop and then gave him money to replace the broken items. Meaning it was a warning. And he has been sending his suits, especially bloody to Yao’s shop to be cleaned. And he had threatened Leon when he had pickpocket him.”

Alba looked at Arthur. “Leon needs to stop pickpocket.” He blinked.

“Alba, you are my older brother but sometimes you miss the point.” Arthur explained. “It means that Julius is moving in closer to us and knows some of our finer businesses.”

“So we need to play like him.” Alba said.

“I was going to have Leon work his magic on some of the lower men in Julius’s gang. He will give them important info that he didn’t think to keep secret. We will find more about him.” Arthur said.

“Wulver.” Alba said as Dylan rolled his eyes. “You need to summon that name you earned back in the war.” Arthur rolled his eyes “If you want Julius to respect you, you need them to fear you. At the same time we need to do what he does to get the north side of Chicago to be in our corner like Julius has the south side.”

“Which he does with those soup kitchens and stuff.” Patrick said.

“Do you think we’ll need to have to hijack some of his trucks again?” Seamus laughed.

“Maybe.” Arthur pondered. We need to show them our strength. “Julius thinks he can walk all over us with the actions he did with Gilbert’s shop.” He tapped his fingers together trying to think of the next move. He knew that he was the one that the rest of the gang looked to for answers. “But we also need to be there for Alfred.”

“What?” Patrick asked. “He’s married to Loving for god’s sake! Julius is sending him to our speakeasies to get information on us!”

“Which means we can get into his head.” Arthur said. “He has expressed his complete frustration with Julius but his love for Loving keeps him there.”

“Love?” Dylan asked. “You said he knocked her up and was marrying her to keep her honor.”

“I have spoken with him, it seems he indeed loves her despite of this little accident. It may have just spend up what would have happened on its own. Although Julius is making the situation harder.” Arthur explained. “And this is why we need to be there in various ways for him to relieve his stress and frustrations on in a healthy way so he could go and be a happy face for Julius and more important, his young family. His resentment towards Julius will grow and we will use him.”

“So keep doing what we are?” Seamus said. “Didn’t you say that we need to make more bold moves?”

“We do not do just one thing alone.” Arthur said. “We may want to talk to Feliks about running a few soup kitchens and charities of our own. Some of our profits need to go that way.”

“Why Feliks?” Patrick asked. “He doesn’t seem the charitable type.”

“Well he did register as a rabbi.” Arthur said. “Him being the face of some of our charities would help keep that rouse up in case there are any bold government agents who want to question the validity of that.” He then looked over at Dylan. “And I will be enrolling you in school to be a Chemist so that we have someone who is running a legit pharmacy.”

“A Pharmacist?” Dylan asked. “Me?”

“Yes you a pharmacist.” Arthur said. “Alba and I have permits to get some of the bourbon from Kentucky for medicinal use. Like Feliks being a ‘rabbi’” He shuddered knowing Feliks and how he felt like he was committing heresy by having him do that, when it was Feliks’ idea in the first place. “If members of our gang are acting like their supposed profession that will take the heat off us. “And what I know, is that Julius has none of that. You and Feliks can be vital members of the north side community.”

“There’s tons of pharmacies that have soda fountains in them too.” Dylan said.

“Yes. That is a good idea….” Arthur said. “Our speakeasies and such have gotten us quite a treasury stockpile. And Yao has brought in a fair amount of money as well.”

“And Leon can sneak us enough to fill the gaps.” Seamus laugh.

Arthur paused. “Yes, he’s quite skilled as a pickpocket, but I don’t want him growing up in this life too much…..” His brothers looked at him skeptically. “Yao wants the same. One does not cross the Pacific ocean and leave China for nothing.” The brothers kept their skeptical looks. “You know we were much the same, but the Atlantic is much smaller than the Pacific.”

“Yao was on the run from a revolution and taking care of his grandson.” Alba said. “We were running from the law.”

“I repaid my debt to society in that blasted war.” Arthur scowled. “This is what we must do to remake our lives to the honor the Kirkland family has not had for centuries. Dylan, I know a pharmacist who is planning to retire soon, I see him at the town hall from time to time. I will convince him to take you on as an apprentice. Alba, do you have a bourbon shipment coming in soon?”

“Of course.” Alba said.

“Good.” Arthur said. “Pharmacist Smith is found of good Kentucky bourbon. If I give him enough of it to him, he will teach Dylan everything he knows and if I keep him in good supply he would likely sign his business over to us.”

“But he’s not in the gang.” Seamus said.

“He won’t tell anyone.” Arthur said. “Man has been craving Kentucky Bourbon since the start of prohibition. I keep him in his favorite drink, he will practically give everything he owns to Dylan. Which means us.”

“That’s the Wulver strategy that I know of.” Alba smiled as Arthur nodded proudly.

Loving and Alfred had rented a boat by the docks and headed out to sea. Loving held onto the railing closely and holding her feet over the edge. Alfred worked the sails until they were far enough way from shore where they could barely see the coast. Alfred had set the anchor and rummaged around for the fishing equipment. “Okay Lovi, you want to fish with me?” He asked.

She looked at Alfred with a smile. He had taken his shirt off in the heat and work from getting the sails to where they needed to be. So this is what I married. He’s pretty attractive in the sun. Hopefully being out here will get him some more color. He would have looked great back in Southern Italy, gotten him some color to go with his hair…. She got up and headed over to him. “You know, we have this boat for as long as we want.” She pushed him closer to the wheelhouse and wrapped her arms around him.

“I mean yeah, but do you want to be on the ocean over the night?” Alfred said, blushing, not knowing what Loving was talking about at first.

“We could see the stars. They are so beautiful at night. When we came to America, I would spend the nights looking up at the stars. I missed so much from where we were leaving. But grandpa said we had to, and from what I do read about happening in Italy…..” She sighed. She missed how Italy looked, the weather and the feeling she had to the land.

“But you and I would never have met.” Alfred said as he moved in closer, brushing her hair off her face.

“You were in the war. There was some battles on the Italian borders….” She said feebly. “That’s how Felicia met that potato eating bastard of hers that died.”

“Didn’t like him huh?” Alfred sighed with a slight laugh.

“Too uptight. Man didn’t know how to have fun. Although it is true what they say, opposites attract. Even if she’s an airhead.” Loving said. “But I feel so safe with you.” She said as she pulled him in closer and kissed him, running her finger up his cowlick, knowing what it did to him.

“Oh.” Alfred gasped, feeling her finger on his hair. “I see what you want to do.”

“It is our honeymoon after all.” She smiled. “And how am I supposed to come back pregnant?” She smiled referring to their plan to reveal the pregnancy when they got back and making it seem like she fell pregnant on the honeymoon, saving her honor with her family, rather than by accident and the wedding being nothing but a shotgun wedding.

“You’re right.” He said whispering into her ear, nibbling on it slightly. “It is just us out here. All alone.”

“Hold onto me tight.” Loving said as she moved her hands down to the waist of Alfred’s pants.

“You are the only thing holding me to this earth right now.” He said as he moved her dress off her shoulders. “And we are going to have a very happy honeymoon.”

Julius and Giovanni pulled into the parking lot at the small bar in Canada, stretching after the long ride. “These cars are not very good on the back.”

“Some of these roads are not very good for the cars.” Giovanni added.

“Well, let’s go in.” Julius sighed as he opened the door to find the bar somewhat abandoned, where there was an older looking man with an eye patch and an old Mountie hat in the corner wiping glasses giving Julius and Giovanni a distrusting glare.

“You must be the guys from Chicago that Matteo told me would be showing up.” The barkeep said. Giovanni nodded. “He’s over there, in the back. He wanted to keep things private, even though I couldn’t care less what you yanks do with our hooch. Money is money.” At this, they headed to the door labeled ‘Storage’ where a younger blonde haired man was sitting in the corner smoking a cigarette.

“Shut the door.” Matteo said. “I want to keep this conversation private.”

“Indeed” Julius said while Giovanni stood by the door. “As you can see my man will keep our conversation private.”

“Good.” Matteo said. “You told me you had some concerns about who I sell my supply to.”

“Yes I do.” Julius said, hand on a stiletto knife, ready to strike if there was any sign that Matteo was going to break his trust or sell to anyone else in Chicago. He had said he would sell to any gang that made it though to him in Canada, no matter where they were but Julius wanted to make sure he was the only one that Matteo supplied in Chicago. That city was his and this young Canook was not going to be one that stopped him before it even got to his city. He was going to try to cut off his rivals from his same resources.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. This chapter is kind of a filler in a little bit but you see Julius’s supplier. I don’t have much more to say on this one, so remember to read, well you just did and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm

Chapter Text

I don’t own Hetalia okay? I don’t have much to say here so enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Matteo pulled out a bottle of whiskey and 3 glasses, pouring one for each of them. He had ignored the stiletto knife Julius had sitting by him. He had no fear of some Italian with a knife. He had stormed many trenches and faced enough Germans that no Italian who was trying to hide his age. Canadians were some of the most feared in the war. This whole set up he had was what he started to keep his wife and fellow veterans well taken care of, with what they deserved and their governments were not giving them. “So, you have some competition do you?” Matteo asked.

“One could say that….” Julius said as he placed the tip of his knife on the table and twirled it around without a care, taking a sip of the Canadian whiskey he was given. “We have a feeling they are on the North side of Chicago.”

“You are my only Chicago client.” Matteo said. “Did you find a good spot to park your trucks?”

“Yes,” Julius said. “Your suggestion of a Wisconsin farmer who is having trouble with the banks was a good idea.” He said no more on the matter and all that happened.

“Well that’s good. I am here to make sure Canada and their fighting men get what they deserve.” Matteo said. “And if it is by getting alcohol to the Americans, so what.” Matteo looked at Julius. “Speaking of which, I am not running a charity here.” Julius raised his eyebrow in disbelief. “I am but not for you.”

“Of course” Julius said. “Certainly a 20th century Robin Hood.” He placed a large stack of bills on the table. “And Hood needs his fortune to give to the poor”

Matteo looked at him weirdly at the analogy and took the bills and counted them to make sure Julius was not cheating him. “It’s all good. We will have the inventory ready at the Veteran’s home in Sprauge in two weeks. Be there at midnight in two weeks.”

“Thank you.” Julius said.

“Vincent this is my brother Dylan.” Arthur said as he and Dylan walked up to an old man in a pharmacy shop. He was coughing into a handkerchief and looked over at Dylan as if to examine him and the messenger bag with bottle of Kentucky bourbon with “For medicinal use only” was sitting right on the labels, and with the rushed permits Alba had to sell it as medicinal, and the fact they were going to a pharmacy, no one would be any the wiser. “We had discussed how you were looking for an apprentice?”

“Ah yes….” Vincent said, a slight southern accent in his voice. “My own sons died in the wars and my only daughter ran off to California with some Mexican Vaccaro who she met at the stockyards all those years ago. Never spoken to me since.” He coughed some phlegm into the handkerchief. “So no kin of mine want this, and this is the smoothest talkin Brit I’d ever done seen.” He looked over at the bag Dylan was holding. “You got your tuition boy?”

“Here you go?” Dylan asked nervously pulling the bottles out of the bag.

“Gimmie.” He said grabbing the first one, uncorking it, taking a long drink. “That’s the stuff.” He smiled. “Not as good as if was before the ban, but you get by.” He said. “Can you cipher kid?”

“Cipher?” Dylan asked.

“Do math. Convert figures, that kind of thing.” Vincent said.

“Oh that! I actually was very good with that. I was a candidate for artillery before the war came to an end because of it actually.” Dylan explained. “But I was requested to help take care of mother, since most of my brothers were involved in the war effort.”

“Well you ain’t be needin that fancy trigonometry math just multiplying and dividing that kind of thing. Decimals and fractions….” Vincent said as he took a deep swig from the bottle. “I ain’t so good no more.” Dylan looked wide eyed and gulped. “That’s why your brother convinced me to take you on.”

“I believe it would be the best for both of us.” Arthur said. “You will have a brand new young apprentice that you can pass this legacy on to, and it gives my precious little brother a safe job.”

“Little…..” Dylan groaned under his breath. “You’re technically the baby of the family.”

“Yes, but I don’t have the baby-face of the family.” Arthur said. “Besides, this along with the bourbon got us a great way to help build that empire Julius has.” Dylan rolled his eyes and Arthur spoke up. “Well I must be going. I have a meeting with a local rabbi about a soup kitchen he is starting. It’s alarming the amount of people losing their jobs these days. Rabbi Felix asked me to help as I have the knowledge of how to get these things started with city hall and says I would be a great interfaith ambassador.”

Vincent and Dylan looked at him confused. “Whatever you say. If you can do math and read and follow directions, then you’re good here. I have a few orders to fill, so we’ll get started now. Now find the bottles I ask for and pour out the amounts I say.” Dylan looked over intently “That Feliciano boy keeps getting into trouble with the ladies….”

Arthur smirked at this, realizing that they may have access to information that they never thought they would. If this Feliciano was the one that was one of Julius’s grandsons, then the pharmacy would have their address since more likely than not, they would have something so embarrassing delivered to the house personally. It was not certainly something that Arthur had intended with getting Dylan on as an apprentice at that pharmacy, it may prove to be something that is of great use to them. It wasn’t likely they’d get that out of Alfred, while he may want to be rid of Julius so he and Lovina and their family would not be bothered by his business, he was also pretty tight lipped. Most of the stuff about his connections to Julius came from things Julius had posted in the newspaper about the wedding. Much was pieced together between what they knew and what Alfred had said to them. He looked at his pocket watch and seeing that he had about 2 hours before he had to meet up with Felix to set up his “charity”, feeling more and more disgusting that he chose the rabbi route to help supply them with alcohol, he decided to head home and see Amelia. She was able to quit her job and focus more on her singing and keeping their home up. It was an adjustment to her cooking, as he did miss some of the things from Britain that his mother had cooked, but Amelia’s food was still very hearty. And as much as he had hated to admit it, he was not very good at cooking himself. Alba had said that somehow cold rations were better than when he had did any cooking. When it was the 5 of them in a house cooking a meal at the same time, it was usually Patrick or Seamus who did the cooking as theirs was a little more tolerable than the rest. No matter what, Arthur had to admit that none of the brothers were that good at cooking, just some were less bad than others.

“Artie!” Amelia said as she opened the door as Arthur turned the knob, causing him to jump up in suprise. “How was your day?”

“Business as usual.” Arthur said. “Progress is made.”

“Where do you want the band to perform again?” Amelia asked. “Louis asked me to ask you.”

“Hmmm……” He paused knowing he needed to plan this. “I will need to speak with Felix, we need to lay low for a little bit in case Julius is watching us while Alfred is away.”

“Oh I heard from sources he and Lovina are in Miami until Julius finishes the house he’s giving them.” Arthur said as he put the kettle on. Amelia looked on him. “Well, I do hear things, at work, around when making deals that kind of thing my love.”

“Okay.” Amelia sighed.

“Don’t fret love.” Arthur said as he pulled her close. “I will make you mine and will give you everything you will ever want.”

“I want you.” Amelia said sternly. “The money is not what I need. I know your business is doing well, but….”

“But….” Arthur said as Amelia looked away.

“I cannot pretend I don’t hear what you say. I can’t not read the papers.” Amelia sighed. “I worry about you. I worry that you will find yourself on the wrong end of the wrong person. The cop on Julius’s payroll rather than yours. That the war will get violent. Heck I don’t want that for Alfred either even though I know he’s pretty much forced to be whatever Julius’s bidding is now.”

Arthur looked at Amelia as looked away and wiped away the tears from her face, the nightmares she had of what could happen to Arthur and the other friends she had made in the gang in the time. Stories of various mob wars in the papers scared her knowing that it was just a matter of time before it happened to Arthur knowing how other rivalries had went in other cities as well. But at the same time, she didn’t want to get in his way. He sighed and hugged her. “Amelia, your fears are rational.” Arthur sighed. “Each day when I go to work and especially when I have to be The Wulver, I put you first in my thoughts. I could never have wished for a more sweet woman than you are.” Amelia wiped her eyes and turned closer to him.

“Prove it.” She said.

“Pardon me?” Arthur said.

“Marry me.” She said. “I don’t care if we don’t have a ceremony like Julius had for Lovina and Alfred. I want to know you will be loyal to me forever no matter what happens.”

“Yes, I know what he gets into based on what Vincent says…..” Arthur said.

“Huh?” Amelia asked.

“The Pharmacist Dylan is studying under and will be inheriting his business, apparently fills medicine for the Vargas family. Some of the medicines show they like women….very much so….” Arthur said.

“So when you have his power, you’re going to just charm other girls with your accent?” Amelia said. “Am I not enough for you?”

“You are more than enough.” Arthur said.

“But you won’t marry me…..” Amelia said.

“I will.” Arthur said. “And I am sorry to make you think I cared otherwise. But I guess it’s like in war, the threat of death can accelerate love.” Amelia looked at him annoyed. “But even if I was still a meager city clerk, I would still be madly in love with you and marry you. But I have this drive. This desire to give you and my brothers the life we never had. And I guess, l got too wrapped up in it.” Amelia’s sobbing stopped and she looked at him with wet teary eyes. With this Arthur pushed her back and got down on one knee. “I suppose I should do this somewhat properly…..”

“Huh?” Amelia sighed.

“Amelia Francine Jones, will you marry me?” He asked.

“Of course Artie!” She said scooping him up and kissing him.

“I will have to get you a ring, but I am sure I wish you to bear the Kirkland name.” Arthur said.

“There you go acting like you’re some royal…” Amelia teased.

“Off topic, but I have been meaning to ask, are you related to Alfred?” Arthur said.

“Nope.” Amelia smiled. “Jones is a common last name.”

“I thought so, but I figured I’d ask since I had never before.” Arthur said. “And I must do this properly with a proper ring. And we will have a beautiful place of our own before I will wed you. Will my promise keep you happy until I can give you a house that you deserve?”

“I can. As long as you do not put me on the shelf.” Amelia said, wrapping her hands in his. “I am your fiancee not a doll.”

“Of course not.” Arthur said kissing her. “Tea is ready,” he said as the kettle whistled.

Alfred looked up at the moon with Lovina sleeping on his chest. The boat was their escape. Something that they had that was theirs and their peace in the world. At least we don’t have to hide the pregnancy when we get back… Alfred thought as he ran his hands through Lovina’s hair. I want our child to have Lovina’s pretty hair…. He thought looking at her. Lovina had fallen asleep a lot but he had assumed it was due to the pregnancy, something he was told by her that Helena said was a complication of pregnancy. “Maybe tomorrow, we’ll head back to land, this is too peaceful to not stay longer.” He said as he went back to sleep, drifting off to a dream of him, Lovina and their child on a sailboat with no one back in Chicago bothering them.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I do not have honestly much to say in the notes, so remember to read, well you just did and review. Ciao for now,

otherrealmwriter

aka

Realm.