Big Bruder

Chapter 8: Just Minor Issues

"Dear Lovino," a man spoke aloud in Italian as he put his pen to paper. "The past days have been different and difficult. Ever since the war has started I've been stuck in my temporary house. It's pretty small, smaller than our house in Italy. Things around here have been okay, though I still struggle (a lot) with German. Thankfully I found someone who can now help me with that, though he's a bit scary (like all German people).

"I hope Pappi is doing good and that you're treating him well. I promise I will come back home as soon as I can. Love, your brother Feli." With a sigh, he leaned back in his chair as day was rising.

The temporary peace soothed his nerves, as it was rarely a concept within Germany. Once the day starts, everyone is off to work. No checkin' out hot ladies or chatting with the checkout clerc. Even with the whole event of the war; just straight off to work.

A boom startled him as he fell out of his chair. Unrecognizable words were shouted from behind the front door as Feli rushed to the door handle, twisting it open without much care of the fact he was still in his nightwear.

Covered head to toe in postal uniform, a man glared at him with his hand outstretched, holding a letter. Ignoring the obscene clothes Feli was wearing, he asked, "Bist sie Vargas?" His tone seemed harsh, but Feli reminded himself that that's how all Germans sounded.

Not understanding at all, and a bit frightened, Feliciano nodded upon hearing his last name.

Shoving the letter into his hands, the man left immediately while muttering something under his breath.

"Mamma mia, what's his problem?" he returned back to his room while reading the address. "To Feliciano Vargas, from Ludwig B-" without even finishing his sentence, Feliciano ripped open the letter as a mix of excitement and fear washed over him.

Thankfully it was written in English, a language that Feli and Ludwig decided to use to bridge their gap of language differences.

Dear Feli,

I and Gil are visiting old friends for two/three days. We will come back to Munich at twelve. Please do remember when you ask that train station in German is "Bahnhof". I apologise that I have not been able to visit you since Sonntag. To make up, I will bring you to lunch, I will pay.

Sincerely,

Ludwig Beilschmidt

P.s Do not forget to tie your shoes when you leave Haus.

Feliciano stupidly smiled as he tucked the letter into a small folder where he plans to keep all of Ludwig's letters.

He gazed over his own letter as a sense of urgency hit him. "I have to send this immediately! Who knows how long it'll take to reach Lovino due to the war," he exclaimed as he rushed to his wardrobe to change.

Taking a glance in the mirror, he appeared to be only dressed in his boxers and his hair was still a complete mess of light brown tangles. Snatching a long sleeved black collar shirt, he slipped in and quickly grabbed a comb to brush his knotted hair. His room was littered with dirty clothes and unfolded blankets when he picked up a pair of jeans and decided to wear them.

He checked himself in the mirror as his messy (even though it's brushed) hair gently curled around his face and brown amber eyes innocently stared straight back. He soon realized what he was forgetting: his shoes. Taking a seat by the front door, he pulled up his boots and tried his best to tie the laces, but in the end it looked like a child's attempt. Feli sighed with frustration as he tried over and over again. With no luck, he gave up. He patted his pocket, making sure his letter was there.