Locked Away (GerIta)

Chapter 26

Feliciano noticed just how quiet Gilbert was after that day by the creek; he treaded carefully around the house, like something would startle him if he wasn't paying attention.

The Italian made small talk with him at the table while Vash and Romano sat in silence, different kinds of silences. Vash was just a quiet guy, pretty reserved but thoughtful, polite, and kind.

Romano sat in silence with anger, irritation, and frustration radiating off of him. He had always been like that. Feliciano wished he would talk to him about what it was that bothered him so much but he'd asked once and didn't dare ask again after the outburst his twin had had.

Although Gilbert seemed more tired, he was more relieved. He'd told people about what had happened before, albeit a select few. It would be a relief to get it off his chest and out in the open but the emotions and pain and turmoil would build up over time and it was draining. Feliciano understood and just left the subject alone although the curiosity of what Gilbert had endured in the cell creeped into his mind often.

He wanted to ask but he didn't have to dig at all for answers, it was there. Appeared one day, right in front of him.

~

He'd decided to go into the town that day with Romano, ready to find work. He needed to pitch in anyway, Vash was kind enough to give him time to adjust before finding a job.

He'd wandered around but Romano wanted to stay in the more industrial side of the city. Feliciano knew he couldn't work here, even if they accepted him. It was grey buildings everywhere and factories and handy work and labour. He now had freedom of choice and he wasn't going back to what he'd always hated.

Sitting in the corner of a mechanic shop, where Romano had found a job, he sighed and went to find his brother who was leaning over the engine of a car.

"I'm leaving, alright?"

Romano stood up with a frustrated huff and black grease streaked his arms. "Why won't you just talk to them? They have work for you."

Feliciano rolled his eyes. "I don't know how to do this, Romano. I'm not good with cars and motors, I don't even know why theres a mechanic in this town, no one has a car!" He gestured with his hand, trying to emphasize his growing frustration.

"Rich people, Feli. They send their cars here because we're good at what we do. You can learn, come on." He frowned when he saw his brother shake his head. "Why the hell not?"

"Because I don't want to!" He shouted. "Is it okay that I don't want to do something? Is that not convenient for you?"

"Feliciano, it doesn't matter what you WANT! You need to work, you need-"

"It's not a matter of what we need anymore." He interrupted, spitting the words. "We have choice, can't you see that? We can choose what we want to do. Not work in some filthy bar because we need money, not work at a deli to steal meat because we need to eat."

Romano shoved at his brother's chest angrily and grunted loudly. "We don't need to fuck a Nazi because we need him, right, huh? Right, Feliciano?"

"Shut up!"

"Now we can choose to fuck him. Choose him over your own brother!" Romano sneered at him, breathing heavily and saw the hurt flash in Feliciano's eyes.

Feliciano shook as tears stung at his eyes and he turned away but Romano grabbed him by the arm.

"Feli-"

"Don't touch me." He snapped and yanked himself away, storming out of the door, leaving Romano with the few others in the shop staring.

~