18

Chapter 3: How did this become a thing?

"So that means…I can go with you on your first day tomorrow!"

"Yeah. Sure, if you want. You need to get settled into your apartment first though. So you just have to show me around, okay?"

Hernando smiled brightly at his friend, "Of course! I'm sure it won't be hard once you show me around."

"Good. Then let's get going, we still have two more stops before I take you home tonight."

They made their way out of the apartment building and towards the station. Hernando didn't notice the car following them.

Hernando had been so excited about seeing Victor after spending so long without him. He was looking forward to having him back as his best friend again. When Victor told him they were doing their last case together, he couldn't wait. And now, Victor would be living there too! With him.

"We will start by showing you around. Do you know where you want to begin or where do you feel most comfortable?"

"Uhm..well there is a park right near here. I guess we could look there first if you like?"

Victor nodded, "Sounds good. That way we can see if anyone wants to join us in our walk around, since we don't know anyone yet."

They continued to walk down the busy sidewalk until they reached the park. There were quite a few people outside, sitting on benches or eating ice cream. It took all of Hernando's willpower not to run over to one of the other teenagers, asking them if they wanted to come watch them play basketball. But, he knew better than that.

"Do you wanna go sit somewhere else?" Victor asked.

Hernando blushed, "No, no. Let's sit over there. We could catch someone else up, maybe they also live here?" he suggested, hoping he wasn't being presumptuous.

"Sounds fine to me."

They walked over to the bench and sat down, staring ahead while they waited for someone to arrive. They didn't even notice when the rest of their team came up behind them.

"Hey, what're you guys doing today?" Feliciano questioned.

"I thought I would show my best friend around town," Hernando responded.

Feli grinned, "That sounds awesome!"

"Well then, it seems that you two will both be staying here."

Both boys looked up at the new person, wondering how he arrived so quickly. But before either of them could ask, another voice joined in on the conversation.

"Guys, I brought you some lunch!"

The boys turned in shock at the familiar voice; it had only been a couple months since they last saw each other but somehow, they missed one another.

"Papá?!" Hernando exclaimed in disbelief. "How did you know where to find us!? We haven't talked in years!"

Ludwig smiled warmly, "It's because I know you too well, son." he laughed. "And I knew your address."

"Wait a second, are you saying that papá and mijo are brothers?" Feli inquired. "Because that explains some things."

Feliciano stood up and held his hand out to Ludwig, "Nice to meet you, I am the youngest. I'm Feliciano Vargas. What are your names?"

Hernando stared blankly at Ludwig, waiting for his answer. He hadn't heard from Ludwig in over 5 years. The last time he saw him, Ludwig had just gotten out of jail. And now here he is, a few hours away from his own home, ready to visit his brother for the very first time since the two broke up. He felt a surge of excitement. His whole life was about catching up with his brother again.

Ludwig slowly took hold of Feliciano's hand and shook it lightly. "My name is Ludwig Braginski. This is Hernando Vargas. Pleasure to meet you, Feliciano."

"Oh gosh, I should probably introduce myself to you guys. My real name is Feliciano Vargas and this is my older brother Hernando. We call him Hernando, though."

"Ah, so you two must be twins then!" Gilbert piped up, pointing between the two boys.

"Um…" Feliciano scratched his head nervously, "Not exactly. My dad said I looked almost identical with a small hair difference."

Ludwig chuckled quietly to himself before clearing his throat and returning his attention to the group.

"What about you guys? What do you think of our little family?"

"Your family is really cool!" Roderich chimed in immediately. "You've got your mother working in a coffee shop downtown, I think that might be where I met her! And I'm pretty much always hanging around you two…"

Hernando chuckled, "Wow, what do you think of the neighborhood? I mean, we're definitely not the nicest neighbourhood. Some of those buildings aren't even fully repaired yet. It's not like you're stuck in a place with nothing to do."

"I don't mind! In fact, I think your neighborhood has a lot of potential! Maybe I should try and build something there."

"Well, I'd appreciate you sticking with it then!" Ludwig responded enthusiastically.

They all began chatting about different projects and houses as the sun started setting over the skyline. Hernando leaned over toward Ludwig, whispering, "I'm so excited. Do you think we'll be able to do anything together? We should celebrate!"

"Celebrate what? Our success?" Ludwig asked sarcastically.