Wow. I seriously thought this story was going to be skipped right over. I even had someone say they liked this one better than "Children of the Nations" so now I'm thinking there might be a story war.

I probably won't win since I'm mostly German and everyone knows we don't win wars. We almost win wars.

But anyway in this chapter we meet James. He's an unclaimed child of Germany which makes him kind of like Bella. Since she's half Romano of course she's not going to get along with him too well.

And as for Santo, since someone asked "Doesn't Spain have brown hair and green eyes?" Well, if I'm going to surround this story's details around details in the Percy Jackson book series I can't make them look just like their parents. Thus the reason why only a small section of Bella's hair is the shade of auburn for Romano's hair.

Long A/N is long. Sorry.

Chapter 2

It seemed as soon as he touched me South Italy pulled away, glancing around suspiciously. "I'm sorry to do this to you but I'm not able to claim you right now. If I do then a third world war will start up. Since I'm the camp's standing nation this month I'm in charge of where you go." His hand lingers as it slides off my shoulder. He begins to walk away and motions for me to follow.

I do so in a rush because I knew nothing about the place I was in. It seemed to stretch forever. The first area we past was America's. It was painfully obvious due to all the flags displayed. The area after kind of shifted in front of my eyes and I couldn't keep track of the few people wandering the halls. "Canada's children." Romano calls over his shoulder as we walk along.

We looked at all the major houses and with each one we passed Romano said a curse word. So that's where my colorful vocabulary came from. As we past the N. Italy area Romano slowed to a halt, a glare blazing in his eyes. He probably resented that his brother was permitted to have children. Several ran past me without a second glance and came back hauling a pot of water. Whatever it was for I would not find out because S. Italy walked on.

It was probably the last areas. All the dorm areas were dark and the buildings appeared old. Hanging in the center of the hall was a large, tattered Italian flag, the red more emphasized than the green. Here Romano turned into the hall. It didn't look like it but the area was warm and relaxing like sitting in the sun on a slightly breezy summer day.

As I watch Romano lifts his hand and the area blares into light. Small streams of water ran in front of planters that looked recently cared for. Romano stoops down next to an empty spot of earth on one of the planters and crumbled the dirt in his hand. A moment later a ready for harvest tomato plant stood up.

"Well. This is home. Whoever is the standing nation when you first arrive is the area you go to if you're undetermined. Which reminds me… HEY IDIOTA! GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE TO MEET YOUR NEW ROOM MATE!" I find myself covering my ears. A moment later a tall blonde kid in an old army jacket walks around the corner. His skin seemed naturally pale and the ice blue eyes flicked up at me from the book he was reading.

His hair, which was trimmed short and combed back, was a dark gold color. There was a tiny rat tail hanging behind his left ear which seemed so out of place on such an organized looking person. He opens his mouth to say something but I beat him to it.

"NAZI!" I shout without really processing what I was saying. Something in my mind demanded that I say it and I had no clue why. His carefully guarded gaze descends into a glare. Next to me Romano lets out a cough.

"For once his father and I are on agreeable terms. I would not wish to quarrel with Germany because he can just simply kick my ass. Be nice. I want no maiming, injuries, or man slaughter alright. James, take care of her before the others think there might be something up." With that Romano disappeared into a cloud of smoke.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to actually say that." I glance away.

"Then perhaps we should just forget about it. My name is James Lesseps. Unclaimed son of Germany. And you must be?" Just to be safe I glance around. "Don't worry. The bell would go off if someone not part of the house walked in."

I shoot a glare at him to say that I knew no one was around. Stiffening my shoulders I stretch out my hand. "Bella Gerhardt. Unclaimed daughter of South Italy and Romano."

He takes my hand and instead of shaking it like I thought he would he leaned down and kissed my knuckles. So in accordance with my behavioral hard drive I yanked backwards in an attempt to snatch my hand back. Jesus, what was this dude's deal? Was he fucking coming on to me?

Instead of hopefully tugging my hand loose I managed to fall backwards. And for the second time that day I enjoyed the company of the floor. "Gross. Are you some kind of fucking pervert?"

He chuckles as I drag myself off the floor. "Sorry. Old habits die hard. I forgot that you're only supposed to do it to a lady. It's painfully clear that's not what you are." He starts walking away and I snatch up my hat that had fallen on the ground. Twisting it in my hand it turns into a large Tommy gun.

Glaring at James' retreating back I lift the weapon. "So, I'm not a woman am I?" He turns and the mocking smile falls from his face.

I get ready to pull the trigger when light tinkling sounds off in the halls. James looks past me and motions for me to put my weapon away. I twist it in the other direction and it turns into a hat again. Turning in the direction of James' stare I notice the kid from before, Santo, making his way down the hall.

"Hey sweetheart. Thought I'd find you here." He walks up next to me and shoots James a warning glare. As he comes to a halt he reaches for my hand and I tug it back to shove him away.

"I'm not your anything!" I take a step back to create more distance. Which accidentally lead to me bumping into James. "I'm going to go find a bed room." I shove off and start walking to the nearest door.

Behind me I could hear Santo start up what sounded like the starting of a nasty argument. I decide not to bother listening to it as I slam the door behind me. Who did this Santo kid think he was? Maybe it had something to do with his nation parent.

I flip the switch on the wall next to me and lights illuminate a hallway that looked like it belonged in a high class hotel. Except for the dust that is. It covered everything from the floor to the handles and the light fixtures that glowed warmly on the wall.

Deciding to walk further down the hall I choose a door near the end. Second to last and on the right. Upon opening it I find a large dark red four poster bed placed in the middle of the far wall in a room large enough to be a penthouse. A desk sat near the window which looked over what I would have guessed as the streets of Pisa.

"Too bad it's not Venice huh?" A moment later the scene outside the window flickered into what was unmistakably the canals of Venice. I let out a whistle and wander around the room. Surprisingly the carpet in here was plush and had the appearance of being recently shampooed. "This room seems pleasant enough. I just hope it's far away from that bastard James."

After sliding my hand across the comforter I pull it away clean then flop down. Maybe this was all a dream and I would wake up. This was not actually happening and I would wake to the sound of my mother laughing on the phone as she made dinner. Dragging my cell phone from my pocket I flip it open and dial her number.

"Hello, you have reached Elizabeth Gerhardt's automated phone service. Please leave a message or try back later." There was a short beep after the message.

"Hey mom. It's Bella just calling to say I'm alright. Guess what? I met dad today. Although it seems strange he seems like an alright guy. Well, for a mob boss, or at least he looks like one… I miss you mom. Call me back later? Love you, bye." The end beep signals the end of the message and I toss the phone on the floor.

Sitting down on the chair at the desk I notice a letter with my name written on the front. I open it and a key falls out with a small slip of paper that read, "Look in the closet. I want you to look nice for tonight. – Romano" I fiddle with the key, flipping it around in my fingers. Did all the nations write like that? Maybe it had something to do with not getting too personal with their children.

I stand up and head to one of two doors in the room and open it slowly to reveal a high class 20's style bathroom with a walk in shower and a small hot tub. Closing the door once again I shuffle across the plush carpet to what had to be the closet.

The large walk-in closet had dresses ranging in every color all in 20's style against one wall. On the other wall was a range of pictures. All were faded and yellow and all of the people in them were wearing suits and dresses.

One face, near the end, was quiet familiar. I had seen it in plenty of American history books. Wiping the glass I find myself looking into the face of Al Capone.

A/N

And the second chapter is done. Yes, I know, it's short.

Before everyone asks, yes, Al Capone is a son of Romano. Which also means he's Bella's half brother.

Since they name the weapons in RR books I'll go ahead and name Bella's gun in the next chapter. Spoiler, it belonged to Capone.

And a tid bit of funny information I have a kid in my P.E. class named Tim Capone. I'm not sure if they're related though.

And look! I finished this chapter on mah birthday! So may this be my present to you.

Ciao!~