Locked Away (GerIta)

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

~

Feliciano just shook his head. "What's the new camp like?"

"W-well its heavily protected." Ludwig stuttered and took his hand away from Feliciano's cheek.

"More than yours?"

"Yes..."

The Italian sighed and turned onto his other side, facing away. Ludwig frowned a little and placed his hand on his side.

"Listen, I promised you, and him, that I would get him out. I was the one who took him to my tent every two days and gave him some extra food instead of the stuff they feed the prisoners. I kept him alive." The German said firmly. "I don't control who goes where. I didn't even know he was being transfered. Until now..."

Feliciano took a shaky breath and sniffled, feeling the hand on his side rub a little bit. He blushed as he felt Ludwig bow his head and rest it on his shoulder.

"Why'd you do it? Why'd you choose to keep him alive?" His voice was wavering a little.

"Why?" Ludwig paused. "Because he's your family, your brother. He's important to you. I wouldn't just let an essential happiness in your life die..."

Feliciano slowly sat up and then stood, needing a drink. He walked to the kitchen and leaned against the counter. Flinching as warm arms wrapped around his waist from behind, he found himself missing them.

"I miss you..." Ludwig's voice was low as he breathed in the Italian's scent. He kissed his head and then let out a shuddering breath before his kissed his neck. The German parted his lip and started to make the kisses wet, but slow.

Feliciano shivered and gently tilted his head, blushing as the soft, wet sound echoed through the air. He closed his eyes and let Ludwig do whatever he wanted. Yeah, he'd missed him too.

The soldier started to slowly and softly nip at the skin, listening to the sharp inhales Feliciano took each time. He ended up leaving a dark hickey on the lower part of the side of his neck. Ludwig pulled back slowly and looked away as he realized what he'd done. He gently moved Feliciano's shirt so it was covered up and blushed.

"I-I missed you too..." Feliciano whispered.

~

Feliciano had slowly pulled himself out of Ludwig's arms and went to lean against the counter as he ran a hand through his hair. He thought about Romano, Romano, Romano.

Alive? Dead?

He didn't know.

"How are we supposed to get him back?" Feliciano's voice cracked and he shook his head gently. "It's imp-"

"We can go tomorrow." Ludwig interrupted confidently. "I'll take you to the camp. We can make our way there, it might take a few days but if we're smart, we can do it."

The Italian bit his lip, doubting the German.

"I mean it. They'll let me in if I have a uniform, I can talk to them. I'll come up with something. But we'd have to do that along the way." He said softly. "I know we can do this. I believe in you. I believe in us... Feliciano, you need to trust me. We can do it."

~

The two men were sat at the table, both just silent as they thought. The Italian had his head in his hands.

"My grandpa doesn't even know..." Feliciano groaned. "I wanted to do it myself. Prove that I can do it alone. That I'm not weak and so vulnerable like they think I am. But now... I feel that way; useless."

"You are not useless, don't you dare say that." Ludwig confirmed sternly, taking his hand. "Maybe its better if we tell your grandfather everything after its settled. He's probably busy with all the work in Italy right now."

Feliciano was quiet and he thought about it for a long time. He knew a letter wouldn't get there for weeks. That was too long. By that time, they'd be freeing Romano.

"Okay..." He whispered, squeezing his hand gently. "We can go tomorrow."

~

To be continued...