Hetachains (Rewritten Hetalia Reader Insert)

Chapter Three *

Chapter Three

The month late update

Rushing through the apartment, I tried to not imagine what would be waiting for me. My imagination was growing tired of anticipating the world's every move against me since they were usually incorrect.

The kitchen passed by in a blur, my eyes quickly scanning it for the source of the yell but found nothing. A voice sounded from my bedroom, a British tinge to the heated lecture that seemed to continue without a pause for a break. Ah, Arthur is one of those people.

Balance attempted to grab hold of my body as I slid through the living room. My hands slammed against the doorframe before I could barrel inside of my bedroom, averting the attention of not one but two dolls to my own flushed face. I recognized Arthur, his eyebrows drawn together and arms crossed confirming my theory about the source of the lecture, but the other doll was unfamiliar.

My eyes were first drawn to the exaggerated curl which stuck out from the part in his hair and reached across his head. Frown lines traced deep grooves between his eyebrows, aged canyons from years of annoyance with the world. His outfit differed from Arthur's in its simplicity. Instead of obvious layers and odd belts that went over his chest, the new doll's uniform was minimalistic. A beige tunic with long sleeves and four pockets separated by a belt.

Like Arthur, he had a tag sticking from his leg. The same font wrote out South Italy with red letters. South seemed to be the only other conscious doll, the others resting peacefully atop the dresser still.

The doll and I stared at each other, a momentary pause as we assessed the danger the other presented. Apparently, I was seen as a threat because the moment I tried speaking, South let out a shrill scream and ran behind Arthur. His stubby fingers pulled at Arthur's uniform as he spoke in Italian, or what I assumed to be italian. I couldn't fully translate what he was saying but judging by his body language, it likely fell along the lines of 'Don't hurt me!' followed by a series of excuses why he should live.

Arthur didn't attempt to quell his fear, standing still with his permanent frown and a silent plea for the Italian to calm down. I gave them both a nervous smile as I approached, a single step forward pulling another screech from the Italian.

"Hey, hey, let's take a step back here," I said softly, cringing at my own words. Why didn't I take that communication class with Carla when I had the chance? I took another step and kneeled in front of the dolls, holding out a hand for both of them. "How about we talk out this misunderstanding? I know I'm confused right now and I can't imagine your confusion over what's happening." Arthur stepped onto my left hand without any persuasion, sending South Italy a glare when he didn't follow suit. The doll took a tentative step onto my hand, his small feet pressing into my palm as I raised them both to eye level.

"That's better," I said with a smile, "Now, you're South Italy, right? It's a pleasure to meet you." As I spoke to him, the grouchy expression changed into one of surprise. The frown lines faded as his eyebrows raised.

"You called me South Italy?" He asked, the name sounding foreign from his mouth.

"That's your name, isn't it?" I asked. South Italy nodded but pulled his mask of frustration over his surprise soon after.

"Yes but only special people can call me that. And you aren't special so you can't!" he replied, frown lines returning as he turned away from me. What? I looked at Arthur for some sort of assistance but he only gave me an eye roll in South Italy's direction.

"What am I supposed to call you then? It's pretty hard to talk to someone if you don't know their name." I said, choosing each word carefully. Both countries I've met so far have short tempers, though South Italy seems to snap much faster than Arthur who gets more aggravated than angry. My stomach rolled at the thought of seven other angry dolls running around the apartment.