(COMPLETED) 1943 Italian Armistice and German Occupation

Ludwig’s attempt at a flattering remark probably left a bit to be desired. The Italian was a natural charmer and could turn a compliment well, but it was obvious that such superfluous actions were not his friends’ forte. Feliciano found it sweet however. He was used to the awkward way Ludwig reacted to certain scenarios by now, and instead took note of the appraising glances; the way the German admired the fit of the material. That meant more than any kind words and Feliciano flushed in a pleased way.

“I’m glad you think so, and you really did do a good job. I think they’re a lot better than that uniform, more comfortable too. I bet I could get a date easily now.” He couldn’t help the ridiculous, teasing comment and winked playfully at the other man.

Ludwig’s smile was disarming and Feliciano felt the need to return it, though suddenly his companion’s tone seemed more serious and business-like. He watched him get to his feet and shoulder his pack, nodding in response. Of course, they should start out, and Feliciano didn’t mind at all… it was just a shame that he was reminded yet again of how limited their time together would be from here on out.

The small twinge in his chest was eased at the promise of Ludwig staying with him once they reached the town… but wouldn’t that be more risky for Ludwig? He was sorely tempted to argue this point, but decided Ludwig had probably evaluated the dangers beforehand… Besides it was selfish but… He really would be grateful for the company a little longer.

Ludwig’s next words, telling him to be safe, made Feliciano tense a little. He hadn’t expected them, and Ludwig seemed to have trouble speaking them easily, but they were kind and heartfelt. Feliciano’s lips trembled slightly as he smiled.

“I promise… I’ll stay as safe as I can, b-but you have to promise the same thing. If I hear about you getting beaten to a pulp or something horrible I’ll be really angry, si?” He tried to frown to make his words seem more serious, as if he being angry were an actual threat.

He noticed the shifting, realised how awkward Ludwig must feel saying such things. For the Italian it was second nature to wear his heart on his sleeve and speak his mind, but not necessarily for the German.

Unable to hold back, Feliciano quickly stepped toward Ludwig and wrapped his arms around the man again. He knew they should be leaving now, but wanted one last chance to let his appreciation known in case he didn’t get the opportunity later on.

Impulsive as always, Feliciano pushed himself up onto his toes and kissed Ludwig’s cheek, then the tip of his nose in thanks, giggling before he dropped back to his feet and smiled up at the other.

He looked grim; Feliciano knew this but chose to ignore it. He was also acutely aware of how unfair he was being by trying to force the other to promise something that would be far more difficult for him to achieve than it was for Feliciano.

Sometimes he could be a selfish person… whilst Ludwig would be struggling with whatever was thrown his way; Feliciano would be in relative safety. Yet here Feliciano was trying to guilt Ludwig into staying safe. That wasn’t how a friend should act.

Ludwig’s answer rang in his ears, and although Feliciano longed to pretend he hadn’t heard it, he wouldn’t do Ludwig the dishonour of ignoring his honest response. The arm around him, awkward though it was after his impromptu kisses, was firm and warm. And Feliciano took a moment to rest his forehead against Ludwig’s chest before he was released again.

“I understand,” his voice was quiet, wavered on the edge of sounding pathetic, but he cleared his throat and started again in a stronger tone. “I understand that it might be impossible for you to stay safe really but… could you at least try and eat a little better… sleep a little more if you can. I know it may be difficult but you need to get your strength back too occasionally.”

He hadn’t missed the man’s expression before he’d been hugged. Flushed and conflicted in a way that, had Feliciano been in better spirits, would have been a cause to grin and maybe tease the German. As it was, as Ludwig released him and began to lead the way into the forest, Feliciano merely allowed himself a small fond smile. even if he'd felt up to it he wouldn't have teased anyway. the impulsive kisses he'd bestowed on his friends' cheek and nose had left him feeling oddly flushed as well... it was strange he just didn't react like that.

It took him a few moment to realise Ludwig was setting a steady pace, though slow enough for him to follow, and Feliciano shook himself from the trance like state he’d fallen into whilst watching his companion’s retreating back, and trotted to catch up.

“It’s going to be a bit of a trek isn’t it? Did you want me to carry anything?” He attempted to change the subject for something more mundane and ultimately light-hearted as the walked through the trees. “It doesn’t seem right that you’re lugging everything like a pack-horse.”

A half day’s walk… had this been several years prior, Feliciano would have whined about that and probably given his former ally grief over the choice of trail. Not that he disliked walking of course; he loved the outdoors and viewing nature in all its beauty. What he’d so often objected to was (what he viewed to be) needless physical exertion and ‘training’.

This walk itself seemed pleasant enough.

He frowned as Ludwig politely refused his help, but trusted that the other man would let him know if the pack did get too heavy for any reason. Ludwig’s words were enough to reassure him, and he didn’t fail to notice how he held back braches so he could walk by without getting smacked in the face, or how he’d keep an eye out for obstacles that might trip them.

These factors, combined with how well Feliciano knew the area himself, made him feel reassured and incredibly relaxed about walking through the forest. Even though the enemy may be around, even though they might chance upon the less friendly fauna of the area, Feliciano hummed softly and his gait held a certain lightness to it that had been absent in recent months. Being free and with good company tended to lift his spirits somewhat.

He wondered briefly how Ludwig had managed to find such a trail, and how he could navigate it so easily. He kept the silence between them though rather than ask, noticing how Ludwig frowned in contemplation and wanting to save his energy rather than waste it on idle chatter. Ludwig was an active man even when in poor condition, and Feliciano would hate to slow their progress and jeopardise their safety because he couldn’t keep up when required.

Feliciano had begun to notice the lightening of the sky that peeped through the dense trees, and every time a glade opened up for them to walk though, he could see further and in more detail with each passing area. The more he saw, the more he longed to stop and paint. How lovely it would be, if they were not on such a desperate schedule; to just set up camp here and enjoy themselves.

Yawning hugely, Feliciano noticed at the next clearing that the sun was rising steadily, and the only vestiges of darkness now remained under the thicker canopy as they trekked. He shook off the tired spell that crept over him as his body acknowledged the start of a new day and that he’d barely slept; and tried to match Ludwig’s pace to keep his mind off it.

As the morning progressed, Feliciano had to suppress the odd flinch as far off gunshots could be heard. Deep down he knew they were much too far away to be aimed at them or of any concern; however it didn’t stop his fatigued mind from imagining a troop of soldiers hunting them down. The sight of far off towns didn’t help his concerns either. As each one passed them by, Feliciano expected Ludwig to turn towards it and announce that this was the town they’d be stopping at. He kept each town in an unfriendly gaze out of the corner of his eye; strange considering he usually adored each and every town in his country.

They didn’t stop, not completely. Their pace would vary, and for that Feliciano was relieved (though he didn’t want to admit it), but Ludwig never once called for a break like he had previously. Occasionally, their progress would be halted for a few minutes by planes flying overhead. He experienced a few occasions where his thoughts had wandered, he’d admittedly not heard the aircraft approaching, and in the next instant found himself being dragged into hiding by the German. He’d blush at his own carelessness and hoped Ludwig hadn’t noticed his apparent absent-mindedness.

Eventually, as Feliciano was beginning to tire out and consider asking Ludwig for a short break, that his friend gently pulled him under the comfortable shade of a tree. Sighing Feliciano let himself slide down to the springy grass and flop against the scratchy bark of the trunk momentarily.

He kept his eyes on Ludwig as the man pulled out his map and began to explain the next part of the plan. His lips twitched into a smile, a tired giggle bubbling in his throat at Ludwig’s admission of his poor accent. “Si, that sounds fine. Don’t worry I’ll get us in.”

Though his legs protested, Feliciano pushed himself back up onto his sore feet and stretched. “Shall we get going then? Or did you want a break here first?”

He paused mid-stretch, gazing at the German side-long as he awaited an answer. Feliciano knew that really they should be making some haste with their journey; it was too dangerous to linger. However their surroundings were quiet and peaceful, with all the charms of the countryside; fresh-air and sunshine... And although the air held a chill as expected for this time of year, being out here felt better than being hemmed in on all sides in a town. With this in mind, coupled with the knowledge that all too soon Ludwig would leave him, made Feliciano reluctant to reach the village that he could see (suddenly all too close), from this vantage point on top of the hill.

Legs that were leaden from long walking cramped a little, and Feliciano bent to idly massage his left calf whilst Ludwig mulled over their options. He knew the German, pragmatic and cautious, would want them to continue; but he’d felt the need to ask him anyway. A soft rustle caught his attention, and Feliciano looked up through messy hair that had flopped into his eyes to see Ludwig neatly folding the map and beginning to stand.

Wriggling sore toes and suppressing another yawn, Feliciano smiled agreeably and followed Ludwig down the hill without complaint. A rest would have been nice, but at this point in the journey it would only be to satisfy Feliciano’s desire to stall for time and prolong the inevitable goodbye. They were close to their destination after all, and he didn’t really need to recuperate. He could rest at the hotel.

Letting the downhill trail alleviate some of the tension he’d felt, Feliciano allowed momentum to propel him on faster, trotting and stumbling in a light-footed way over grass and the uneven path that led to the village. It wouldn’t do either of them any good if he protested and appeared miserable about all this. Feliciano knew deep down that his friend was taking a huge risk all to ensure his wellbeing, and that thought alone was enough to cause gratitude to well up inside him and emerge from his lips as a quiet trill, a tuneless little hum as he hopped from rock to rock just ahead of the German.

The village they were approaching may spell the end to their time together, but as it was one of his own, Feliciano couldn’t help but feel a warm tug and a familiar sense of admiration towards the place. So far as he could see this place didn’t appear to be under occupation of either side of their conflict. True it may very well be, but there were no outward signs at least. It felt wonderfully detached from the rest of the world somehow; a little haven of quiet in amongst all the chaos.

Feliciano turned on the spot as they neared the end of the trail in order to give Ludwig an uncertain sort of smile; tinged with just a hint of pride. “Pretty, isn’t it? When all this is over with, you’ll have to remind me to take you to more places like this.”

His eyes narrowed in confusion as his gaze alighted on his companion once more; at some point during their trek down the hill and to the village, Ludwig had shoved a hat on his head. Considering the sun was not particularly strong, nor the air quite cold enough for a hat to be required, it struck Feliciano as a little odd that Ludwig should choose to wear one.

It took a few moments admittedly, but the Italian quickly put two and two together when a stiff breeze caught his own hair and blew it into his field of vision. They were in Italy, south of Rome… Feliciano had spent so long in Ludwig’s company that the differences between their appearances ceased to be something he even thought about any longer. He was dark haired, brown eyed and olive skinned; Ludwig was as pale as they came and Germanic in appearance through and through.

True there were variations no matter where you went in the world; but the fact remained that this far south, and now in Ally territory; Ludwig’s looks would stick out like a sore thumb. Feliciano severely doubted the man could pass as Italian.

Apprehension wiped the smile clean off his face and he nibbled his lower lip nervously as he slowed to fall into step with his companion. What if they were caught? The hat was a good idea but there were other attributes Ludwig had that a typical southern Italian lacked… those eyes for one thing. He saw the pensive emotion mirrored in Ludwig’s expression, and tried to take a calming breath. It was down to him now. Ludwig had got them this far, but now he’d have to be the one to keep Ludwig safe for once.

Emboldened by the idea of being helpful, Feliciano squared his shoulders a little and tilted his chin stubbornly as he attempted to walk with more confidence. He could do this. Ludwig trusted him to get them a hotel room with no problem; he’d do that… and lie through his teeth if anyone dare comment on Ludwig’s appearance.

As they walked through still streets, Feliciano glanced this way and that with honest interest. He couldn’t pretend that he knew every town and village in his country, and this was one that he couldn’t recall having visited much, if at all, before. It seemed quiet, hardly even many citizens around. There was no prickling anxiety when he noticed this though; the people he did see seemed calm, so it was unlikely that anything was afoot at this point in time.

The hotel was close to the edge of the village, and this eased Feliciano’s worries further. This way they wouldn’t be enclosed on all sides, and that in itself was a blessing should anything go wrong. Feliciano stopped when Ludwig did at the entrance and accepted the money with a reassuring grin. Motioning discreetly for Ludwig to stay close, Feliciano opened the doors and entered a homely little entranceway. Folding his arms and leaning casually against the Beechwood desk, Feliciano offered a friendly smile to the owner sat there poring over a sheet of figures and sums. The Italian had a distinct feeling the poor man’s business was not doing too well, things being as they were.

“Buongiorno, please excuse the intrusion, but I’d like a room if you please.” He had effortlessly fallen back into Italian as the elderly man behind the desk looked up, eyes large and owl like behind glasses.

“You require… a room?” The question was almost amusing in its uncertainty, as if the man had nearly forgotten he was actually running a hotel.

“Si, I’m afraid I haven’t too much money however, so it will only be for a night or two at most.” Biting the inside of his cheek to excuse himself the lie about to fall from his lips, Feliciano continued breezily. “My cousin and I are travelling down from the north, we wanted… to be away from the action.” He grimaced honestly.

The elderly man nodded briskly and turned his attention to Ludwig, his eyes apparently keen even with glasses, couldn’t fail to notice the difference in appearance. An unwelcome frown was aimed at the other, and he questioned, his voice tight, barely restrained anger thrumming beneath the words. “Your cousin?”

Feliciano laughed brightly, trying to subdue the horrible temptation to turn tail and scarper at the man’s suspicious glower. “Si, you wouldn’t believe the trouble we’ve had getting this far. He’s a little different looking I’ll admit.” He winked playfully. “He’s a cousin only through marriage really, he has Swiss blood. The poor thing came to visit me before the ruckus started and is now trapped in Italy… He has borne all he can stand of accusations up north. We needed to get away from that… though perhaps coming further south with his appearance was something of a misjudgement on my part. Still we have family we can stay with down here, so we’re making our way to them.”

It was shocking really, how easily the lies tripped off his tongue. When he was with friends or those he considered family, Feliciano could barely string a fabricated sentence together, and was painfully obvious when not telling the truth. However with strangers he found the task surprisingly simple; though he still felt a tug of guilt over deceiving others.

The tale seemed to win the man over, and his expression softened somewhat. “I suppose he must be tired of it… Still you can’t be too careful, too many of them about looking to grasp back what they can.” He waved a hand as if making a point.

“Oh indeed, I understand… Er so… would a room happen be free, sir?” Feliciano tried to steer the conversation back into safe territory and the way he wanted it to go.

“Ah, forgive me, of course. For a night or two you say? That shouldn’t be a problem…”

Feliciano tried not to appear too relieved and handed over the coins in his possession for the hotel owner to count through. The gentleman hummed and huffed as he counted before glancing up at them once more, tugging at his thick moustache thoughtfully. “You have enough, but only for one room I’m afraid.”

Feliciano shrugged in response and smiled. “That shouldn’t be a problem, sir. We suspected as much.”

Reassured by Feliciano’s easy acceptance of how things stood, the man smiled in return, moustache curving comically. Rummaging around the desk he found a set of keys and handed them over to Feliciano. “Room number 10, upstairs and along the hall to the right. If you need anything please let me know.”

“Grazie.” Feliciano chirped before turning from the desk. Their host got back to work and began muttering over the figures written in front of him once more.

He walked up to Ludwig and nodded towards the stairway before mumbling quietly. “I think we’re alright.” Without saying anything further, the Italian took the stairs two at a time and trotted down the hallway to locate their room.

Humming in triumph, Feliciano unlocked the door and grinned to himself. The room was fairly small, but clean and tidy, the decor old-fashioned but holding a certain undeniable charm. After weeks of sleeping either on a couch or hardwood floor, the sight of an honest-to-goodness bed made him want to sing. In two bounds he’d crossed the room and flopped down eagerly. A foolish grin reached nearly from ear-to-ear.

Arms akimbo, Feliciano let his eyes close for a few short seconds as he stretched and made himself comfortable on the mattress. Things seemed right in the world for just a small, glimmering moment. He was relatively safe, in a quiet, comfortable place with a person he considered to be one of the most important on the planet. The contentment that seemed to ease every dull ache in his body was almost enough to make him forget the reason they were actually here.

It was the distant sound of the door being closed and the soft scrape as a chair was pulled across hardwood floor that drew Feliciano back to from his musings. He let his eyes open to gaze at the ceiling above, and then turned his head to let his gaze rest on the German beside him.

The emotions on the other man’s face caused that warmth and contented tingle running through Feliciano’s veins to still, his own brows furrowing pensively. Clearly Ludwig was not as happy as he to be here, and memory of why that was so returned so swiftly that Feliciano wondered how on Earth he’d managed to forget even for a second.

They’d be separated now…

Letting his eyes narrow as he watched Ludwig’s face carefully for every tiny emotion, the Italian nibbled his lower lip apprehensively as Ludwig removed his hat and distractedly ran a hand through his hair.

He was fairly certain an unwelcome tremble slithered down his spine when his friend spoke the words he’d been trying so hard to ignore for the past few hours.

He needed to contact them…

Catching his lip between his teeth and biting harder, Feliciano snapped his eyes back to the ceiling and blinked rapidly as if to ward off any negative emotion that may surface. He owed it to Ludwig not to make a fuss about all this at the very least.

The Italian pushed himself up onto his elbows, then kicked off his shoes and sat up tailor style; hands resting in his lap to hide the small tremors in them as he turned to face Ludwig once more.

“I know… how should I- I mean… Ludwig-“ He sighed and then huffed, irritated at himself for allowing his voice to crack.

The look on Ludwig’s face was no happier, and Feliciano felt guilt pull at his stomach having been so focused on his own misery. For Ludwig it would be far worse wouldn’t it? He’d be lonelier than he… well not completely friendless, but still… He’d be punished, for this (if he was discovered) and other things besides. The thought of his friend suffering in any way startled him and he felt fear on Ludwig’s behalf. He hated the thought of another nation suffering loneliness.

“I know we can’t prolong it… just- um…” He floundered for the right words before turning bodily and grasping Ludwig’s hands with his own. “I want to say thank you again, for everything you’ve done for me. You have no idea how grateful I am to have you here with me, Ludwig.”

He grinned, it was a tremulous sort of smile, but it held sincerely, and Feliciano squeezed Ludwig’s hands gently. “I-I should phone then, si? And um, well at least we may have a few hours left to talk and so on…”

The gentle squeeze he received in return was cause enough for Feliciano’s smile to widen, tinged with sadness though it was. Truly despite his initial seemingly grumpy countenance when he first met him, Ludwig had a kind heart and a sweet demeanour. He’d proved it to Feliciano time and again with every considerate action he’d bestowed on him.

He’d never have fathomed, when they first began this alliance, just how close they’d become. Feliciano had always prided himself that even if he wasn’t the best at reading the atmosphere around him; he’d always been adept at being able to understand friendships and spy romance from a mile away. It was with sheepish reluctance and something of an epiphany that Feliciano had failed to recognise the growing affection he felt for his companion as something stronger than a mere political tie.

The revelation had been swift and sudden when he’d first come to realise it, and for a few days (long before all this unpleasantness with the armistice) the Italian had felt incredibly embarrassed with himself for not being more astute in his own observations.

The alliance (although now broken) had never been simply a political thing, but always had been a strong bond between best friends. And even if Ludwig didn’t see it in such terms; Feliciano had, for a long time now, considered whatever this was between them as being between Ludwig and Feliciano; not Germany and Italy.

Ludwig’s words gained his attention and he nodded numbly. “Alright, I’ll make sure I do that-“

He trailed off; shocked that Ludwig had such information to hand… Where on Earth had he come by this? It struck him again just how many risks his friend was taking, and again was thoroughly impressed by just how resourceful the German could be in even the most difficult of circumstances.

Feliciano’s hands still felt warm even after Ludwig had pulled his own from the Italian’s grip. However he had no time to ponder on this as Ludwig stood and grabbed the phone from the desk in their room, pressing the receiver into his hand as he dialled the number.

The flighty Italian scrambled and almost dropped the receiver in a hasty, comical show of clumsiness as he heard the line begin to ring. Shakily pressing it to his ear, Feliciano pouted at Ludwig, having not expected the man to dial for him.

There were a few rings, Feliciano growing more and more fidgety with each, until a click and an unmistakable voice answered in terse Italian.

Romano!

Despite his still present grief over having to leave Ludwig; Feliciano felt his heart lighten considerably as he heard his brother’s voice for the first time in weeks. Angry as the elder Italian could be; it was a comfort to hear.

Licking his lips nervously, Feliciano haltingly let his brother know of his situation, clenching his hand tight as he was forced to lie again. He told his brother of how he’d gone to try and help the Resistance up north but become unstuck when he ran into an occupied town. How he had dodged the Germans and made his way south, and was now awaiting to be collected.

Breathing shakily, and trying not to let his brother hear, he bore the tirade of bad language sent his way with the ease of long practice, holding the receiver slightly away from his ear so as not to be deafened.

“No no, I can’t come any further… you’ll have to collect me, fratello; I’m exhausted.” His eyes dodged to Ludwig as he spoke.

Finally his brother relented (after a bit more yelling), and agreed to send help. The elder’s voice finally lowered slightly so Ludwig would only hear his end of the conversation now.

“A-a day? Alright… no that’s fine I’ve a hotel room, hm… si… please forgive me for the trouble. A-ah… ciao.” He rang off and smiled at Ludwig handing him back the receiver.

“The allies will be here in a day; they were further away than expected. At least now we can relax a little, si?” He asked hopefully, praying the man would not have to leave yet. He wanted this last day to just chat and be at ease with his friend.

The Italian had been fearing Ludwig’s answer to his question, and bracing himself for the worst. He knew that really Ludwig would do well from getting a head-start and leaving as soon as possible. However he couldn’t help thinking just a little selfishly. He wanted as much time as possible to relax with his friend before the inevitable happened and they could not speak again (and goodness knows how long that would be for).

So it was that despite Feliciano internally berating himself for putting his own desires above Ludwig’s safety, he couldn’t help but breathe a quiet sigh of relief when the German acquiesced to staying with him a little longer.

“I know… and I’m grateful that you’ll stay, but please don’t risk your freedom on my account.” The words were admittedly a little half-hearted and quietly spoken; that stubborn, clingy part of him not really wanting to give the man a reason to leave, but the tug of their friendship of course won out and made him value Ludwig over his own wants.

The question gave him pause and Feliciano hummed softly. Still sat cross-legged on the bed, the Italian leaned his elbow against his thigh and then rested his chin in the palm of his hand as he contemplated. After a moment of staring off at the painting on the opposite wall, Feliciano turned his head to gaze at Ludwig, scrunching his nose as he spoke. “I’m afraid fratello isn’t very good with ‘specific approximations’.”

A rueful smile fought its way onto his lips and he flopped back to lay on the bed once more, keeping his eyes locked on the intense blue of Ludwig’s. Feliciano knew Ludwig well enough by now to realise that such an answer would not please him. However he couldn’t exactly help what his brother had or hadn’t said. He knew that his fastidious, careful, organised companion would want a plan and a more precise time than ‘probably tomorrow morning’.

Shrugging, Feliciano gave Ludwig the most reassuring look he could muster, eyes creasing at the corners as he smiled. “Romano has never been one to give details, I’m sorry. Perhaps I should have pressed him more for information, but that would have made him suspicious… You know how unorganised the two of us can be at times; usually I wouldn't care what time he arrived. You don’t need to worry though. Since we’re brothers Romano will probably handle this personally, and I know my brother well. He won’t want to do anything too strenuous if it’s not needed; and since collecting me is hardly a matter of national emergency… I mean we’re in an Allied town after all… he probably won’t turn up here until nearly noon.”

He chortled then, stretching and enjoying the feel of the heavy mattress at his back. “I promise you won’t need to make a break for it until a couple of hours after dawn at least, so you can take time to rest… you’re still really tired aren’t you.” He’d closed his eyes for a moment as he’d stretched, but now they were trained on Ludwig once more, flicking over him as if searching for any sign of fatigue, hunger, or weakness.

The very notion of Ludwig being worn down and tired unsettled him and he came to a decision there and then. “You’re going to be the one getting a decent sleep tonight; you’re going to need it. So you’ll take the bed alone if you want to, and if you’re worried about not having an exact time to work by then I can stay up on watch.” His voice, which had gained a sleepy edge, was suddenly brisk; a determined grin settling on his face. “No arguments, I’m going to have it easier than you from here on out, so until tomorrow you get to relax all you want, okay?” Knowing full well his friend would probably find some reason to refute this, Feliciano hastily added. “But until tonight you can strategise if you want… I would like a little time just to chat with you though… maybe we could sketch together again?”

Feliciano trailed off, voice lilting hopefully, the sidelong glance he sent to Ludwig contained some of the old mischievous and carefree mirth that had been absent over the last few months.