✙ XIII ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[The feed clicks on to reveal Switzerland’s face, carefully arranged in a expression of complete and utter neutrality. It’s one that will be much more familiar to the other countries than the smile that has recently been making repeat appearances. When he speaks it is without inflection of any sort.]This is important. If you can hear me, please

Comments

[video]

[morethanpasta]

[Italy's worried face appears on the small screen, showing him worrying his bottom lip and looking rather skittish.]

Ve~ that sounds scary, Switzerland! I wish you wouldn't talk of things like that! If someone's out to get us, we have to run and hide!

[He hugs himself as well as he can with one hand, the other holding the watch.]

I'm still so confused from that week I have barely any memories of! It's all fuzzy and weird and...[he pouts despondently.] ...and I really want Germany and Japan and Romano!

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

...Where do you suggest we run to, Feliciano? We're trapped here.

[Vash breathes deeply; that's not what he wanted to say. He knows how Italy feels, confused and alone.]

Sorry. I'm not feeling very well at the moment.

Don't worry, Italy. You're much stronger than you think you are. You'll be fine.

Re: [Video]

[morethanpasta]

[The worried expression is replaced by concern.]

Ve~ What is wrong with you, Switzerland? I could come and take care of you! I'm good at taking care of people! I can make you pasta, pasta always makes me feel better.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

...It's just been a long few days, Italy. I'm fine.

[Lies. But pride is hard to get over, and admitting he needs help is not something Vash is good at.]

[video]

[morethanpasta]

If you are sure... [He isn't convinced, but still too scared of Vash to insist.]

But if you need me, you will call me, won't you? And you have to be careful! You have been nice to me, I don't want you to get hurt.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[You're going to have to get over that sometime, Italy. He's changed since arriving in the city; or maybe it's more like he finally feels free to be himself, at least a little.

Still... The idea of Italy worrying about him... For a moment there is a flash of something across his features... The nation isn't used to people actually caring about him.]

...I wouldn't mind company, Feliciano, if you would be willing.

[Video]

[morethanpasta]

[Italy's face brightens and he nods enthusiastically, curl bouncing and eyes shining with delight.]

Yes, yes, I'm willing! Just tell me where you are and I will come and make you pasta and tell you nice stories and... and... [He is so excited he can't even think about what else he wants to do, there are so many possibilities and oh, everything is so exciting.]

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Switzerland manages a weak chuckle at the other country's enthusiasm as he gives him directions. Maybe... maybe being alone isn't all that it's cracked up to be.]

Just let yourself in, Feliciano. I'll be in the kitchen, towards the back.

[video]

[morethanpasta]

Ooooh! [he coos happily.] I will, I will, I'm on my way!

[That said, he shuts off the transmission and stuffs the watch into the pocket of his uniform jacket, then Italy is truly on his way. Not before making a stop in the kitchen for pasta, though, wouldn't want to be caught without the most important ingredient of making a fellow nation better!

[He follows Vash's instructions meticulously and thus arrives quickly at his place, for once not late. He is quite proud of himself for that achievement.]

Switzerland! It's me! [he chirps as soon as he walks into the house.]

[Perma-Action]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash has moved to the kitchen in the meantime and is resting his head on his arms at the table. Upon hearing Italy's voice he lifts his head and call back in response.]

Hey, Feliciano. Back in the kitchen.

[morethanpasta]

[Italy follows the voice, though as he approaches the kitchen, his steps become increasingly hesitant. He lingers in the doorway and watches Vash a bit warily, ready to bolt just in case he decides to pull a rifle out of nowhere.]

Ve~ it's funny to be on your property without being shot at! [He giggles nervously.]

[neutralbyforce]

...

[Vash glances up, eyes tired. Seeing how Italy is eying him he feels a resurgence of old guilt. That was how he had been back home; so angry and afraid... and he took it out on his neighbors. Ruby City had at least done well to teach him that having emotions wasn't a bad thing... He manages to smile wearily at Italy.]

Well, you are fully dressed and-- and I'm trying to be less... angry these days. I'm sorry about how I acted before... back home on Earth.

[morethanpasta]

[Feliciano coos in surprise, momentarily rendered speechless. It's not an easy task to achieve, but Vash has managed it. He sways backwards and forwards on the balls of his feet, then suddenly, Feliciano darts forward to hug Vash.]

It's alright, Vash, everything's good now! [he chirps as he runs to him.]

[neutralbyforce]

[Gack! Hugging! ...Oh, whatever. Vash goes limp in the embrace, too exhausted to fight it.]

...Thank you, Feliciano...

[morethanpasta]

[Feliciano wrinkles his nose when he belatedly notices that Vash has gone limp in his arms. He pulls back and eyes him critically. Nope, he isn't hurt, but it is odd to get away with hugging a nation like Switzerland.]

Pasta! [he chirps, his magical solution for all problems.] I promised to cook for you, didn't I? After a nice meal, you'll feel much better!

[neutralbyforce]

...That would be nice. Thank you. Pots and pans are beside the sink, cooking utensils in the drawer above.

[He's too tired to worry about telling him to clean up; he'll just assume that Germany has lectured him enough that something may have stuck.]