Locked Away (GerIta)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

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Feliciano came home to joyful shouts and laughter. He loosened his tie and opened the door as his gaze landed upon Romano with a wine bottle in his hand, Antonio their Spanish friend had his arm draped around Romano's waist as he sang loudly in his native tongue.

Their grandfather, Roma had his own bottle of wine at his lips, dancing softly to the song Antonio kept singing. Feliciano walked in and smiled, grabbing the bottle from his brother and taking a long drag.

"All the way from Italy!" Roma shouted.

Feliciano hugged his grandfather and Antonio before asking if they'd traveled over just to drink their wine.

"Ha, of course not! We have good news! But we came to visit because it's your birthdays, silly!" Antonio smiled. "Happy birthday, Feli!"

Feliciano was rather shocked that they had come over just to celebrate his birthday. He was so used to just getting a "Happy Birthday" from Romano in the morning for a present because they couldn't afford gifts for each other. Their company had become enough and now Antonio and Roma were here with expensive wine and gifts.

"Thank you!" He smiled and kissed everyone on the cheek.

Feliciano couldn't help but start laughing when Roma carried a homemade cake into the room and set it on the table before lighting a few candles on it. The Italian threw his arm around his brother's neck and pulled him close to his side as the two other men started singing happy birthday.

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Feli and Romano!

The twin brothers smiled, even Romano.

Happy Birthday to you!

They hunched over slightly and blew out the candles in unison. They were officially 21 years old and grateful that they're family and friends could just visit them on this day.

"Feli, your present!" Antonio was leaning out from behind a doorframe with a huge grin plastered onto his face.

The Spaniard came out from behind the wall and thrust a polished guitar into his hands. Feliciano gasped and his eyes widened.

"Antonio!" He gripped the neck of it and Romano gave his brother a weak smile. "H-how in the world did you afford this? I can't take it! Mio Dio*, I'll pay you back."

"No!" Antonio kissed his cheek. "We all pitched in, even Romano!"

"Oh, thank you so much!" He opened an arm and everyone piled into a group hug. "I love you guys."

Feliciano went to get his present for Romano and even though it was nothing compared to the beautiful wooden instrument, he hoped he liked it. He'd saved up for it and worked hard but it was really worth it in the end.

"Here." The Italian handed Romano a small box. "It's nothing compared to the guitar but-"

"Feli, it's wonderful." Romano opened the box and gasped when he saw the beautiful silver necklace inside. "How?"

"I was saving up. I'm sorry for ignoring you for the past few weeks." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"Thank you, fratello*." Romano gave him a small hug. "It's alright. I forgive you."

The all sat around the table and joked while they ate the cake and passed a bottle of red wine around the table, sipping from the opening and not caring that there were glasses in front of them. After everybody was leaning back in the chair, their cheeks rosy, the strong wine giving them a light buzz.