Ring! Ring! Ring!
Romano groaned in annoyance and rolled over in bed.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
He pulled the covers over his head in a feeble attempt to ignore the ringing phone across the room.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Swearing colorfully, he got out of bed and walked across the room to his desk, answering the phone. "Ciao? Chi è questo?"* He frowned when he heard a German accent reply, "It's me, Germany. Is this Italy?" Romano mentally groaned. This early in the morning, the potato bastard was the last person he wanted to hear. On any other day, he would've just hung up. However, since they were at war with the Allied Forces, he knew he couldn't afford to miss any important information. "This is South," he responded tiredly. "What do you want?" "You and Italy need to run," the other said. "I don't have a lot of time to explain it, but you two are in danger and need to make a run for it." Now Romano's interest was piqued. Why does he want us to run? Did something happen? His thoughts were racing as he said, "Make time. I can't just tell my brother we're leaving without a good explanation idota."** He heard a sigh on the other end. Before the other man started speaking, the Southern Italian glanced over at his abandoned bed and saw that his little brother was still asleep. Good. I wouldn't want him to get freaked out overhearing the situation. Best if I explain it to him. "Alright," Germany said, snapping the other out of his thoughts. "I'll explain but we don't have much time. I just got word from my boss that the American and British troops are in Sicily. I believe America and England themselves are leading the troops," Romano's heart leapt to his throat. Sicily? Sicily, Italy? There's no way! I can't believe this! What should I do? How do I explain to Feliciano? Germany what the hell did you get us into? The man's breathing started getting uneven and shaky. He was so scared! The German heard his panic attack on the other end and said calmly, "Romano, you need to calm down. Think rationally. How far away is Sicily from Venice?" Romano relaxed at this question. "That's about thirteen and a half hours," he replied, breathing returning to normal. "Okay, I see your point. Veneziano and I have enough time to pack a few things and make a break for it. But I just want to know why. Why should we run?" There was a pause. Finally, Germany said, "Because there is a chance you two will be forced to sign a treaty. But, I also do not wish to see you both be in harm's way." Romano allowed a ghost of a smile play at his lips. He's doing this to protect us, huh? Maybe the dumb potato eater isn't so bad after all. The Italian thanked him and told him he would take Italy into hiding. Germany wished him luck and hung up.
For a little while, Romano just stood there staring at the phone in disbelief. So we're going into hiding for a while, eh? How should I explain this to Feliciano? He stood silently for a few more minutes, gathering his thoughts. At last, he realized he couldn't waste anymore precious time and started the long process of waking up his brother. "Feliciano? Ehi, è ora di svegliarsi! Andiamo, alzati!"*** The younger man mumbled slightly in his sleep but did not wake. Sighing, Romano tried the one phrase he knew would work. "Feli, ho qualche bella pizza calda qui per voi."**** Immediately, Italy shot up looking wildly around for the tasty food. "Where? Where is it?" He pouted when he realized it was another trick his brother used to wake him. "That was mean, Lovi," he said. "I was really looking forward to it!" The older of the two shook his head, only saying, "Hurry up and get dressed. We need to leave. Now." Italy could tell that something was wrong but decided to just go ahead and do what he was told. When he returned fully dressed, though, he was surprised to find his brother packing a backpack with a few clothes. "Here," Romano said hurriedly, tossing Italy an identical bag with the letter "N" on it. "Romano, what is th-" he started but was cut off. "No time. I'll explain later. For now just pack some things you think you would need when going on a trip. Clothes, toiletries I guess, and maybe some things to keep you busy." Then the older man returned to his own bag (that had the letter "S" on it). Nodding silently, Italy walked off to start his own packing.
About an hour and a half later, the two had managed to pack some clothes, toiletries, perishable food, a few bottles of water, their money, and a book or two. "Okay," Romano said. "That should be it." Italy worriedly looked at the packed bags. He was starting to get scared. What's going on? Why is Romano acting like this? What isn't he telling me? Italy wasn't as dense as he seemed. He could tell something was wrong and that they were definitely going somewhere. Somewhere for a really, really long time. Trying to calm his nerves, he walked over to his brother and got his attention. "Romano," he asked. "What's happening? Where are we going?" The other sighed and ran a hand through his dark brown hair. "Feliciano," he said slowly, as if speaking to a frightened child. "America and England are in Sicily. I think Germany thinks they'll start looking for us and head up here. That means now we have about a twelve hours head start." Italy stood, wide eyed. The Allies in Italy? There was just no way! "So, that's why we're leaving," he whispered. "We're running away." Romano nodded grimly. "Yeah, but only for a few weeks. Maybe only a few months but not forever. I think maybe we should head to a port I know of and go to Spain. There's a chance he may turn us down but hopefully he'll at least let us stay for a few days." Italy barely registered the words his brother had just said. He only nodded numbly and remained silent. Romano ruffled his auburn hair, messing it up more than sleep had, and led him to the kitchen to make some breakfast.
Finally, the moment had arrived. After a hearty breakfast, the two set out. Romano decided it would be best if they traveled by foot since a car could be found easily. They put the backpacks on their backs and headed out the door into the July morning.
Their journey was only just beginning.
Author's Note And so concludes the first chapter of Fratello. I hope everyone enjoyed it! *evil grin* the fun has just begun! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *ahem*
Anyways, since I'm sure many of you may not speak Italian, here are the translations for this chapter.
Translations:
* "Ciao? Chi è questo?" - "Hello? Who is this?"
** idiota - idiot
*** "Feliciano? Ehi, è ora di svegliarsi! Andiamo, alzati!" - "Feliciano? Hey, it's time to wake up! Come on, get up!"
**** "Feli, ho qualche bella pizza calda qui per voi." - "Feli, I have some nice hot pizza here for you."
And there you have it. Well, so long! Comment please! I'll see you all next chappie!
