Locked Away (GerIta)

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

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Feliciano wiped his brow as he crept through the forest. The day was scorching hot and he'd been sweating profusely. He had a sack slung over his shoulder with two rabbits, a fox, and four wild turkey's he'd shot while he was hunting.

The Italian let out a sigh of relief when he saw a river and went to kneel beside the edge. He splashed water onto his face and then rolled his trousers up to his knees before he stuck his legs in the cool water. Feliciano let out a content sigh and leant back, his hands behind him to support his weight. He closed his eyes and let the coolness of the water travel through his body.

It was quiet, save for the birds singing their harmonious song and the air was sweet. Feliciano's break had gone interrupted until he felt a pair of soft lips pressed against his. He hummed appreciatively as he recognized the lovely scent of Ludwig, smiling into the kiss.

They broke apart and the German sat down beside him, ditching his leather boots and socks before he rolled up his own trousers and slid his legs into the water.

"How'd you find me?" Feliciano whispered as he leaned against the soldier.

"I always come here when I'm stressed." He said softly. "I don't want to talk about it."

The Italian looked up at Ludwig but nodded slowly in understanding. He kissed his cheek before resting his head on his shoulder.

"I didn't think anyone knew this river was here."

"Romano found it when he came hunting with me one day. I come here to cool off or fish." Feliciano replied.

Ludwig nodded and took off his jacket before he started undoing the shirt underneath. Feliciano looked up at him and blushed, he only realized that he was staring when his shirt was already unbuttoned and tossed to the ground.

"W-what are you doing?" The Italian asked nervously as Ludwig began to take off his undershirt.

"I'm getting in the water. It's too hot." He shrugged and pulled off his wife-beater.

Feliciano bit his lip as he took in the sight of Ludwig's godlike body; so muscular but lean, tall and handsome. His eyes flicked up to his partner's cerulean ones and he blushed deeply.

"Why don't you join me?" The German asked with a something that was barely a smile before he dove into the wide, rather deep river.

Feliciano thought about it and then shrugged. He took off his shirt and jumped into the water, swimming over to Ludwig.

The soldier took his time admiring the smooth, toned torso that was exposed for him and at one point, he reached out and ran his fingertips from the center of Feliciano's chest down to his abdomen. His touch was feather light and slow, his eyes drank in the moment. Feliciano's breath hitched and he grabbed Ludwig's other hand.

"You're beautiful, Feliciano." He whispered before pulling him into a hug.

The Italian nuzzled his face into his shoulder and then kissed it softly. He pulled back and waded over to the deeper part of the slow-flowing river, his shoulders the only thing above the water now.

He shook out his wet hair and watched as Ludwig did the same. He beckoned him closer and then wrapped his arms around his neck, pulling him down into a passionate kiss. Ludwig encircled Feliciano's waist with his arms and brought him closer as he kissed back.

The couple stayed in the water for a couple of hours before they knew they needed to get out and dry off in the sun. But while they were in the cool river, they had swimming races, looked for fish under the water, tried to catch some but failed tremendously, and of course kissed each other.

Ludwig pushed himself up onto the bank of the river before he pulled Feliciano up after him. They walked over to where they left their clothes and decided to lay on the soft, dry, sun-drenched moss bed to let the sun dry their skin and clothes. They lay a foot away from each other, facing one another and Ludwig played with Feliciano's fingers gently while they made small talk.

"Do you have any siblings, Ludwig?" Feliciano asked.

"Yes, but he's at the western front fighting. I haven't heard from him in almost a year so I don't know if he's still alive. His name is Gilbert." The German explained.

"Any pets? How about cats?" Feliciano smiled excitedly. "Do you have any cats, Ludwig?"

"No, I have three dogs." Ludwig squeezed his boyfriend's hand gently. "I don't see them very often though."

"Why not?"

"Well, I have a house a few miles from here but I don't leave the camp often because it's too busy and I don't have time to be driving back and forth between the two. My dogs are taken care of by a friend of mine. He lives there." He explained. 

Another silence fell over them and Feliciano moved closer, tangling his legs with Ludwig's as he pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

The soldier blushed and wrapped an arm around the smaller man, pulling him impossibly close; their chests pressed together.

"What was that for?" Ludwig whispered after they broke the kiss.

"I-I just wanted to..." Feliciano bit his lip. "It felt right."

Ludwig let out a small, quiet laugh and a genuine smile graced his lips. The sight made Feliciano's heart skip a beat and his stomach do flips. He caressed his cheek and grinned at him, nuzzling against him.

Don't stop smiling, Ludwig.

~

Romano felt his heart race as Feliciano walked in the door, a happy smile plastered onto his face.

"I got two rabbits, a fox, and two turkeys." The cheerful Italian exclaimed and he put the sack down on the table. "You should skin them before it gets too hot."

Romano nodded and as his brother began to walk away he grabbed his wrist. "Wait!"

Feliciano turned and gave him brother a puzzled look. He noticed how Romano looked almost sad and scared. Grabbing his arm, he looked him in the eye and gestured for him to go on.

"What is it, fratello?" He raised an eyebrow at him.

"I need your help." Romano blurted.

"With what?"

"I-I've joined the resistance again." He whispered and suddenly found the wooden floorboards very interesting. "I need your help with a mission.

I need your help with a mission.

The words rang through Feliciano's ear and shot a painful pang of hurt to his heart. Romano had promised. Promised not to join again.

Feliciano sobbed heavily and his twin tried to hug him but he shoved him back and gave him a cold glare.

"Don't touch me." He hissed.

"Feli-"

"NO!" He shouted. "YOU PROMISED NOT TO GO BACK TO THEM!"

"They need me!"

Feliciano swatted angrily at his tears and grit his teeth, clenching his fists.

"They do not need you." Feliciano's voice was quiet now. But it was still menacing.

"Feliciano, they need my fucking help!" Romano shouted. "They-"

Feliciano's hand connected with Romano's cheek and a loud smack shut him up. The smaller Italian felt a little guilt but rage overwhelmed it. He stormed into his bedroom and slammed the door, leaving Romano all alone.

~

Translations

Fratello - Brother (Italian)

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To be continued...