30. The Structural Integrity of a Disaster

Date Written: February 27, 2019

Date Posted: September 28, 2019

Characters: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Veneziano, Romano

Summary: Switzerland protects his property against Italian architecture.

Notes: The Guard that is mentioned is the Swiss Guard that help protect the Pope. I also included a reference to that particular episode where Italy has fun on the beach of that one mysterious island.

Switzerland stomped in front of his property, a look of consternation on his face as he surveyed his surroundings. Holiday white snow sparkled like crystals as they lay over the scenery—a sight that would have him smiling no matter his previous temperament. As much as he would like to take in the sights of his land, he simply couldn't. The air, brisk and crisp would have him laughing away his troubles away. Yet, it just couldn't be done at that moment.

It was all very problematic because of one specific reason.

There was a gigantic sculpture of pasta being made from snow.

Nope. That simply wouldn't do. Off he went back into his house to rifle through his belongings; he was hoping to get something that would help him mediate with the situation.

"Switzerland?" Liechtenstein sighed as she went outside of her bedroom to check on her brother. She had seen the sculpture and had wanted to warn about her brother about it, but the look on his face said it all: he really didn't want to talk about it right now. "It's just a little—"

Switzerland briskly walked past his little sister, hauled the door open so hard that it caused it to make contact with the adjoining wall loudly, and marched into the snow.

"Italy! I know you're out there!" Switzerland waited and cocked his gun, knowing that the Italian would give up his hiding spot just to make himself look innocent in front of Switzerland's face.

True to form, Italy stepped from behind the sculpture, a white scarf dangling from an outstretched hand.

"Hi, Switzerland!" A beat. For a moment, both men looked at each other; one looking like he was about to commit homicide, the other a little too enthusiastic to meet his demise. "Did you—"

"Why are you desecrating my property?"

Italy twiddled his thumbs as he swayed back and forth on his feet. Switzerland knew that the Italian was gauging his chances concerning survival. If Switzerland was feeling generous, he would have invited Italy inside for breakfast, but the sculpture! The trespassing! Switzerland was neutral on all fronts, but he would be damned if he would let another Nation walk all over his property. There was a reason why cell phones and email were invented.

The audacity! The nerve!

Switzerland was somewhat mollified when saw that Italy falter and back away slightly.

Italy was a child at heart, yes, but he knew when he should back away from something this unsightly.

"I just wanted to give you a gift that would show how much I appreciate you?"

Switzerland scoffed.

"Okay, maybe I just wanted to stay with you… and probably say hello to your cute sister."

The last part may have been said in a rush, but Switzerland heard and blanched at that. "She's younger than you, Italy." Switzerland aimed his gun in between Italy's bright brown eyes. "Even so… As if I would ever let you take my sister's innocence away."

Thank God Liechtenstein hadn't caught up with him. She would have received the contagious condition of chronic stupidity that Italy seemed to suffer from.

"Good day, Liechtenstein!"

Spoken way too soon.

The young female Nation giggled at her elder's antics. She even had the nerve to bring her brother's trigger hand down so that it no longer was aimed in Italy's direction. Although she had a broad smile on her face, her wrist was taut against her brother's arm. She was not pleased with how Switzerland was behaving.

He instantly felt bad. One must never make the German female Nation feel terrible.

Or angry.

"What are you doing, Italy?" She asked sweetly as she holstered the gun at her side. She was always quick with her nimble fingers. "It seems that you're quite busy."

"Oh, I just wanted to celebrate your first snowfall!" He patted the side of his sculpture before addressing the siblings again. "Would you care to join me?" His face was so happy and his eyes were closed shut tight, Switzerland almost said yes…

"My sister and I are not coming out." And with that, Switzerland took his sister by the arm and whirled her back inside.

"Why did you do that?" Liechtenstein crossed her arms. "He was just being nice—"

"I know why he's actually here." The blond man took his sister by the arms as they watched from the window to what the Italian was doing. "Look, and tell me what you see."

Liechtenstein sighed, but did as her brother bid. She saw Italy duck behind the sculpture and… That was it. The young girl looked to her brother and quirked an eyebrow at him. Just what was he getting at? There was no way that her brother would act so protectively over this. She said as much as to her brother who shrugged and gestured towards the door.

"Italy is a crafty one when he feels like it. If you truly trust in his intentions—"

"Which I do."

"—then you can go down to that monstrosity for yourself and see just how trustworthy he truly is."

Switzerland stepped out into the snow, stepping carefully next to Liechtenstein's footprints. She had gone missing only fifteen minutes ago and he feared for the worst. Just when all hope seemed lost, he found himself listening to a—

"Ho! There goes Switzy!"

And he found himself pelted in the face with snowballs from Italy, his brother, and—

"Liechtenstein, you traitor!" He cupped his cheek with one hand while the other wiped snow away from his hair. He had neglected to bring a gun this time around. "I thought—!"

Liechtenstein pelted another snowball at him. "Come on, brother! Have some fun!"

"Yeah, Switzerland...or else you'll have to find new employment for your Guard." That was from Romano.

Veneziano just smiled cheekily at the blond.