The Tomato of My Heart

"Lovi, no need to worry! She may have been the apple of my eye, but you'll always be the tomato of my heart!"

Chapter One
Antonio was lying on the couch, the cool air circulating the house felt nice. Sitting on the floor next to him was Lovino, a handsome man with amber-brown eyes that had a tint of green to them. His hair was messy, with an amazing auburn color to it and a little curl that had the strangest reaction when pulled. His slightly tanned face was expressionless as he stared into space.

Antonio sat up on the leather couch and patted the seat next to him. "Lovi, why don't you sit next to me?" He asked, watching the Italian get up and sit down next to him. Lovino rolled his beautiful eyes an muttered something about tomatoes.

"Why do you want, Antoni-" He started to say, but was interrupted as Antonio pressed his lips to his. Lovino didn't object to the action as he kissed him back, running his fingers through the Spaniard's brown hair. He pulled back, a deep blush on his cheeks.

"Your face is as red a tomato!" Antonio laughed, noticing the bright red color in the younger nation's face. "Mi poco de tomate~!"

''"Tomato bastard..." ''The Italian muttered. The Spaniard kissed his cheek, further deepening the blush. The little curl on the side of his head looking tempting to pull, so Antonio wrapped on finger around it and gave a small tug. "Gah! Tomato... Bast-ARD!" He somehow managed to strike a hand across the face that had been tanned from the warm, Spanish sun.

"What's wrong, Lovi?" He asked in a sweet, innocent tone. He leaned closer and gave a smirk.

"You perv." Lovino grumbled, although not entirely mad at him. Why his boyfriend insisted on pulling that little quirky curl on his head was still a mystery. Antonio knew what it did to him, right? Then again, almost everything the Spanish man did was a mystery to him. Why he called him his little tomato, why he smiled the damn, charming smile all of the time, why he always pulled his curl and hung out with those two perverted weirdos... As annoying as the things Antonio did were, they were what made him so attractive and what made Lovino like him.

Lovino wasn't sure how long he had spent thinking about the little things Antonio did, but it was long enough for Antonio to be able to ask what he was doing. "Lovi~, are you okay?" He asked. The auburn-haired man nodded.

"I just dazed off a little bit," Lovino said, causing Antonio to laugh his signature laugh. God, that laugh, Lovino thought to himself. It's so charming and Antonio-like.

"Fusososo~! Let me get you focused again." He lifted Lovino's chin and smiled, before sharing another kiss with him. The kiss was long and sweet, the tomato aroma of the brunette filling the Italian's senses.

A knock on the door followed, ruining the moment. The ill-tempered sophmore swore loudly as his slightly older boyfriend got off of the couch to answer it. In the doorway stood a beautiful young woman, Latino by the looks of her. In her dark arms, she held a small infant with jet black hair, tan skin and warm green eyes that seemed hauntingly familiar. The look on Lovino's face was priceless, but Antonio's was even more shocked (although it seemed impossible). The woman gave a smile. "Hola, Antonio..."

"Hola, Isabela..." Antonio said, the astonished expression on his face not seceding. "What brings you here?"

At this point, Isabela started to stifle a sob, her raven hair dangling in her caramel face, covering her brown eyes. "I need your help..." She started to say, trying not to cry.

Chapter 2
"My-My help?" Antonio asked, stuttering like an idiot.

She tried to coon the small child in her arms "Si. It's just that, I have no money and Daniela can't be cared for. I need to ask you if it's okay if I stay here with you?"

Antonio stared at the little girl named Daniela. It was the name he told Isabela he would name his daughter. Looking into her green eyes, he couldn't help but wonder... "Is she-"

"No." Isabela said, cutting him off mid-sentence. "She's not your daughter. Although, looking at the eyes, it could appear so." She let out a chuckle.

Antonio noticed the look in Lovino's amber-greenish brown eyes, one of deep suspicion and mild anger. ''Does he know about my past with her? ''Antonio asked himself. He walked over to the Italian and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I don't mind if you stay here, Isabela, but I don't know if Lovi cares... Is it okay with you, Lovino?" His boyfriend only gave a mere nod, the look in his eyes still the same.

"Gracias, Antonio!" She threw her arms around the Spaniard. She let go of him. "And you too, Lovi!"

Lovino rolled those beautiful eyes again. "It's Lovino." He corrected her, while shooting a look at me. "Lovi is just an annoying nickname Antonio insists on addressing me as." He folded his arms again and pouted. Then again, he looked so cute while doing that.

"Sorry!" Isabela laughed nervously. Then she whispered to Antonio. "He's cute! You've got a good taste in boyfriends." She gave her chocolate eye a wink. "I'm going to go make lunch for us!" She started to bounce off to the kitchen.

"Wait! Isabela!" He called after the Peruvian girl. "Who is the child's father?"

"The father?" She twiddled her thumbs. "It's Fernandez. You know, Mexico? We were engaged, until I found out he was cheating on me with Panama..." At this point, she knelt down crying. Antonio patted her back.

"It's okay," He said, comforting the younger nation. "You can stay here as long as you want." Isabela looked up, big, brown eyes filled with tears. She nodded, stood up, and merrily skipped to the kitchen. Lovino was standing in the hall.

"Antonio... Can I have a word with you?" He asked. The Spaniard walked over towards his boyfriend.

"Si?" He asked, running his fingers through his own brown hair. "What did you want?"

"What's Peru doing here?" The auburn-haired man asked. "And what's with her child? Is she your daughter?"

"No, no!" Antonio reassured him, placing a tan hand on Lovino's thin shoulder. "She is Mexico's daughter."

Lovino let out a sigh of relief. "Okay. You seem to have a history with her, si?"

The muscular brunette nodded. "Si, she was my girlfriend a while ago. Along with one of my former colonies. I raised her."

His much scrawnier boyfriend had a mixture of jealousy and amusement on his face. "What is with you and dating the people you raised?"

Antonio gave a shrug of his shoulders. "Are you upset about me letting her stay?" He cupped his large hand around his boyfriend's sunkissed cheek.

"Kinda," Lovino sulked. "I mean, I don't like surprises like this, especially when it's your ex... It just pisses me off. I mean, I may have to hurt the bitch if she tries anything."

Antonio gave a laugh as he placed a kiss on the stubborn Italian's lips. "Lovi, no need to worry! She may have been the apple of my eye, but you will always be the tomato of my heart~!"

Lovino wrapped his arms around the Spaniard. "Bastard.. You're mine and you better not forget that." He went back to his lips for another kiss.

Chapter 3
The lunch Isabela cooked was good, not as good as when Antonio or Lovino cooked but still decent enough. She made Paella, but the Peruvian girl added too many peppers and not enough tomatoes. Of course, that was just Lovino's opinion. Then, there was that damn baby who kept on crying whenever Lovino was in the same room. Of course, the child loved Antonio. Everyone did.

So, the day winded up with Lovino sitting in his room, on the large, fluffy bed, on his laptop. He was listening to Verdena while doing other things. He heard the bedroom door open and shut. He turned his head to see the handsome face of Antonio, green eyes sparkling.

"Lovi," Antonio said, giving a pout. "Why are you in here?"

Lovino let out a sigh. "Because... I don't want to be out there with that damn baby always crying, and Isabela's way too cheery and always flirt-"

Once more, Lovino's words were cut off by Antonio's soft lips. Discretely, Antonio shut the Italian's laptop and set it on the floor, not seperating from Lovino. Lovino parted his lips, deepening the kiss he so desired. Coming up due to that dumb lack of oxygen thing, Antonio smiled.

"You were saying?" Antonio smiled, tussling his boyfriend's auburn hair, being careful not to touch that curious little curl. ''Yet. ''He added to himself with a smirk.

"Hmm?" The Italian looked up at his boyfriend. "I was saying something?" He looked at Antonio through those green-amber-brown eyes. How would one decribe those beautiful eyes? Sometimes the Spaniard even told him that he could spend an eternity looking into them.

"Nothing important," Antonio shrugged. "Just the usual. Fusososo~!" Lovino rolled his eyes and hit his arm. It was a soft slap with the back of his hand that they always called 'a love tap'.

"Idiota..." Lovino turned to face the brunette, and gave a smirk that read: ''Well, carry on then. ''His boyfriend interpreted it correctly, going back into the deep kiss. The Italian felt a finger wrap around his curl and an oddly pleasant sensation spread throughout his body. Normally he would have slapped the Spaniard, but given the circumstances, he allowed it to continue. Lovino had been feeling annoyed, jealous, and bitter, but all of it seemed to slip away as Antonio continued his kiss, running long, olive fingers through Lovino's auburn hair. It was only when Antonio tugged on Lovino's curl a little too vigorously, did the Italian bite his boyfriend's tongue hard.

"Owww!" Antonio exclaimed. "Why'd bu do dat?"

Lovino gave a wink. "Taking it a little too far."

"But, Lovi, I love you~!" He hugged him from behind.

 Lovino let out a sigh. "Ti amo, bastardo..."

 Antonio started to lie down, his eyes half-closed. He patted the spot next to him, signaling me over. The tired Italian obeyed, and rested his head on his love's chest. Soon enough, the two drifted into sleep.

Chapter 4
Antonio woke up to a curled up Lovino on his chest. He looked so peaceful when he wasn't cursing someone out in the waking world. Running his fingers through his own chocolate hair, he realized it felt disgustingly greasy. Deciding he couldn't really pull off the whole 'Severus Snape' look, he got up carefully, making sure not to wake Lovino, and went to go take a shower.

He didn't hear the sound of running water, and the light in the bathroom was off, yet Antonio still knocked. No noise came from it, and he opened the door. What he didn't expect was to see was steam coming out of the bathroom, and Isabela, just stepping out of the shower. Her tanned skin and lean body, with wet, dark hair that came down and ran down her back. She turned around and quickly grabbed her towel, covering up immediately.

"Antonio! I thought you and Lovino were still sleeping!" Her brown eyes were large with shock, and she looked as if she were about to faint.

"It's okay, Isabela!" He calmed her. "I only just came in... I didn't see anything."

The Peruvian girl let out a sigh. "Okay, let me just go to my room and get dressed!"

"Hey, can you do me a favor?" He asked. His ex-girlfriend nodded. "Let's never mention this to Lovino, si?" Again, the black-haired girl nodded as she walked into her room.

Antonio was in the shower, the hot water running down his back. He was trying to erase the image of Isabela from his mind. It's not he hadn't seen her like this before, but... He was with Lovino! It just seemed... wrong... He just wouldn't think about it... He heard the bathroom door open and shut.

"Hey, bastard?" Antonio recognized the voice of a certain Italian. "You in here?"

"Si?" I called from behind the curtain. "What do you need?"

Antonio saw the shower curtain open and Lovino there with a big grin on his face. The Italian climbed in the shower, the running water beating down on his dark red hair. The look in his eyes were serious. "I need you." He gave him a deep kiss.

"Huh? Lovi?" Antonio pulled away, shocked at the odd behavior of his lover. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing," Lovino replied, the lust not leaving his voice. He stood on his toes for another kiss. "By the way, I'm the only one who you've seen like this lately, right?" He nibbled on the Spaniard's ear. Either his boyfriend knew about Isabela, or was completely wasted. "You haven't seen Isabela, have you?"

Dammit. He knew. "What do you mean?" Antonio still wondered how Lovino had figured it out. "I mean, it was a total accident! Is that why you're acting like this?" With one nod, and a satisfied smirk on his face, Lovino exited the shower.

After I stepped out, around 9 minutes later, I got dressed and stormed into the kitchen to see Isabela standing there, humming to herself. "Isa?" Antonio said, getting her attention.

"Oh Antonio! Como estas?" She gave a big smile.

"You told Lovino, didn't you?" He snarled, the friendliness in his voice disintegrated. "About our little accident?"

Isabela laughed. "Well, of course I did! I had to prove that no matter what, you were still mine." The innocence was gone from her melodious voice, now filled with desire.

"What?" The brunette was completely awestruck. "I-I'm not yours! I'm Lovi's! And only Lovi's!"

Isabela gave a fiesty laugh, and kissed Antonio's neck. "Are you sure? I mean, ditch the ginger and stay with me..."

At this point, all Antonio saw was a blurry, moving figure and heard a smack, only to find Isabela on the floor. Lovino was standing over her, a half-smug, half-angry look on his face. "No one.Calls.Me.a.Damn.Ginger. Capiche?"

He turned with a flourish and exited the room. Antonio felt conflicted on whether or not he should let Isabela stay. Sure, she had tried to seduce him and break him up with Lovino, but he couldn't leave her and the child out on the streets. He had raised Isabela, and felt it would be terrible to leave her cold and alone. He had come to the decision to let her stay, and reluctantly helped her up.

Chapter 5 Lovino woke up, his reddish hair dangling in his face. He rolled over on his side to see Antonio, tan and muscular flashing him a beautiful smile.

"Buenos días, Lovino!" He smiled, kissing the younger man's cheek. "How'd you sleep? Any dreams?"

"I slept okay," Lovino replied. "That damn kid woke me up again. How you sleep through that I don't know. But I did have a dream, it was really weird though. We had these two cats and one of them stole the bruchetta I was making... Really weird."

"Mmm... Bruchetta, maybe you could make some? I'm not that good with Italian recipes." Lovino rolled his eyes, and was about to decline, but whenever Antonio flashed him one of those looks, the Italian was like a faithful dog following every command.

"Bastard," Lovino muttered under his breath. He went into the kitchen, and realized he needed to go pick some more tomatoes. He went out into the red vineyard, his barefeet feeling the rich soil. Looking for the ripest tomatoes he could find, he picked a few and placed them in the chestnut woven basket. He heard a desperate cry in pain, sounded like a hurt cat. Secretly hoping it was Isabela, he followed the sound of it.

It wasn't Isabela (unfortunately, Lovino added to himself) but two cats. One was a tannish-cream with brown spots and an odd little curl. The other one was larger and white with beige spots. The one with the curl was doing all of the yowling, while the large one was unconcious. "Let's get you guys in." Completely forgetting about the tomatoes, he put the two felines in and ran back to the manor.

"Antonio!" Lovino panted, the panic in his mind showing through his voice. "These two cats got hurt and need medical attention!"

The Italian watched as his boyfriend gathered bandages and other supplies. Being the squeamish man he was, Lovino backed out of the room slowly. "I'm going to go make the bruschetta now, okay?" Antonio gave a small nod, not breaking his concentration.

Going back into the tomato vineyard, Lovino was keeping careful watch around him. He noticed something strange in it. There was a silver, bloodstained knife, a white note placed on top of it.

Dear Lovino Vargas,

''Congratulations, you found my little note to you. You must have found the gatas, si? They kinda reminded me of you and Antonio. The one had a little curl like you do? Did they survive my attack? That's right. I did it. Consider this a warning. Stay away from Antonio, got it? If not, then you'll face the same fate as these cats. Antonio is mine, okay? I don't want to hurt you Lovino, but I need Antonio. It's complicated, but I can assure you what holds us together is strong.''

''Listen, you know what I'm capable of. Don't underestimate me. Maybe I'll attack that little brother of yours... That just wouldn't be good, would it?''

''Listen, Antonio and I are meant to be together. I know it, he knows it, and you know it. Leave him alone. Or else.''

Lovino looked down at the letter in his trembling hands. It didn't even take him a second to know who wrote it. He knew Isabela had a slight obsession with Antonio, but this was too far. It was serious. Cursing out the crazy bitch in every language he knew under his breath, he picked his tomatoes and ran back inside.

He silently chopped his tomatoes, basil and mozzarella skillfully before putting it into the bowl. He walked into the room where Antonio had been helping the cats. "Hey, tomato bastard. Bruschetta's finished."

He looked down at the two cats. The white one whom was limping around the room, green eyes still dazed with shock. The other one was stuck to his side, a slightly-harsh, protective expression on his face. Antonio looked up at him, green eyes filled with joy.

"Lovino! I called Dr. Karpusi and he said the gatas would be okay!" A wide, goofy grin spread across his face.

"Buono." He replied, pleased that Isabela didn't kill the cats. "Now, do you want the damn bruschetta or not?"

"Si." Antonio replied, picking up the cats and taking them into the kitchen.

Once they sat down, eating the tomato antipasto, the "Romano" cat jumped up and stole the toast right out of his hand. "Dammit... Dumb cat..."

Antonio just started to burst out in a laughing fit. "Don't you see, Lovi? It's just like your dream!"

"Tomato bastard..." Lovino grumbled as the Spaniard threw his arms around him. He saw Isabela enter the kitchen, her chocolate eyes like cocoa daggers. Lovino gave a smug look, and embraced Antonio back, uncharacteristically resting his head on his boyfriend's broad shoulder.

''You want to play, Isabela? ''Lovino thought to himself. Fine, it's game on.

Chapter 6
Antonio woke up to see the spot next to him was empty. Lovino must be awake already, he figured. Grudgingly getting up and out of bed, he slowly walked down the hall, half-asleep. He noticed one of the doors was ajar, quite unlike Antonio, whom often shut them due to it looking neater. Silently peeking into the room, he noticed an incredibly rare sight. Lovino was crying.

The Italian was sulking in the corner, just like he used to do when he was little. He was mumbling to himself. "That canga wants me to surrender him.. But I can't. I won't. Damn Isabela, that psycho... She-she said she'd kill me or Feliciano... He d-doesn't deserve it. I don't deserve it. But, Feli has nothing to do with it... S-should I tell Antonio? B-but she said not to... I value my life, but I can't leave Antonio... Not with a bitch like her..." He stifled a sob. "What the hell are you doing? Man up! I'm Lovino Romano Vargas, for damn's sake! I'm not going to give him up without a fight! Isabela better watch out..."

Antonio's mouth gaped open. Would Isabela do such a thing? Of course, he knew she still had feelings for him, but would the Peruvian girl go that far? Well, Romano wouldn't be this upset if she didn't. Resisting the pounding urge to go up and hug his little Lovi.

Exiting the room silently, so Lovino wouldn't know he was there, he walked into the kitchen for some coffee. For the first time, he noticed that he had two kinds of beans. Italian and Peruvian blends. "Well, doesn't this explain my dilemma?" He sighed. Opening the Italian blend, he noticed it was almost empty. Using it for his coffee anyway, he put the fuller can back on the shelf.

He saw Lovino slowly trudge into the kitchen, his face red and slightly puffy, the look of someone who had obviously been crying for a while.

"Are you okay, Lovi?" He asked, placing a hand on Lovino's small shoulder. "Do you want coffee? It's the Italian blend that you like." Antonio gave him a smile as Lovino grabbed the mug.

"Gratzie." He replied, still half-heartedly. "And I'm fine." The look in his green-amber eyes betrayed his words. Most of the time it was easy to tell when the Italian man was lying.

"Okay," Antonio replied, sweeping a piece of his boyfriend's reddish-brown hair away from his face, only to have it fall right back there again. "If you say so."

"I do say so." The stubborn man replied. "Everything's fine. Nothing's wrong. Why? Is something bothering you?" He asked, his arms crossed in a typical-Lovino way.

"Only one thing." The brunette replied. "Why are you lying to me, Lovino?" Hazel (if that's how one could simplify the color as) eyes grew wide as Lovino stormed out of the room.

"I'm not fucking lying to you!" He yelled, from the tomato vineyard outside, going deeper into the green and red vines.

Almost right after Lovino had stormed out of the house angirly, who should come in but the raven-haired Peruvian girl, a child in one hand and an empty mug in the other. "I heard yelling. Is everything okay, Antonio?" She asked, her voice flowing in the sweet tone it had when she was eightteen.

"Yeah, everything's okay. I mean, nobody's hurt or anything." Antonio answered her, not making direct eye contact, remembering what he had overheard Lovino say. "Just a small argument. Nothing big. He just stormed into the vineyard."

"Oh," Isabela sighed, setting Daniela in a high chair and wrapping her arms around Antonio's. "Well, that's too bad." Her fake pity was obvious. "I could always get him and bring him back... If you want him back?" She asked, a hopeful look in her dark brown eyes, as if Antonio wouldn't want his Lovi back.

"Of course I want him back." Antonio said bluntly, pulling his arm out of Isabela's. "Would you get him? I have a feeling that if I try to do it, things aren't going to turn out well."

"Probably not." Isabela smiled. "I'll be going." She skipped off into the tomatoes, a little too merrily for Antonio's liking. He thought he saw something silver shiny coming from her apron. Ignoring it, he went to go make another cup of coffee. Curse his slight addiction.

All of his thoughts focused on whether or not it was a good idea for him to send Isabela to retrieve Lovino, he didn't notice the falling coffee can. The little black beans of the Italian roast were on the floor, but he was too deep in thought to notice. Deciding it was better for Antonio to fetch Lovino himself, he dashed into the vineyard, hoping to find him.

So, what little amount of the Italian coffee was left, spilling, draining, onto the floor. Only the Peruvian roast was left, almost full, yet not exactly the preferred blend.

"Lovino?" Antonio called in the middle of the large vineyard, hoping for a response from his tomate. He heard a shrill shriek and saw Isabela running towards him.

"Antonio!" She said through multiple sobs. "I h-h-have terrible news!" She dropped to the ground crying.

Antonio's eyes were filled with shock and horror as he noticed that her feet and hands were stained with crimson drops. "What... What is it?" He said, giving him false hope that the red was from a tomato plant.

"Lovino." She said, her sobs receding slightly. "He.. He's hurt. It looks fatal."

"LOVINO!" He wailed. "Where is he?" He needed her to answer now. They were wasting valueable time. Every second counted. "Where is m-my Lovi?"

"Follow me." She said. He could have sworn her eyes had flashed scarlet. Antonio nodded and followed the Peruvian woman. It wasn't long before he saw dark red splatters on the ground. Trying to keep his feelings intact, he followed the bloody trail.

At this point, Antonio couldn't help it. He broke down to the ground and let out a desperate wail. On the ground, bloody and dying, was Lovino Vargas. "Lovi! No... You... You can't be... Open your eyes! Lovino Vargas look at me!" He placed his arm under the Italian's head.

He saw one green-amber brown eye open. "Hello Antonio." He said, his voice hoarse.

"Lovino... Don't talk! I can fix this... I can help you!" Tears were streaming from his face and landed on Lovino's chest.

"Don't waste your time. I'm hopeless." He groaned. "The canga got me. That damn knife of hers. Let me say this, Isabela's a backstabber. Metaphorically and literally. She did this, got me straight in the back. You can't help me, except one thing. Don't fall in love with her. Promise you'll always stay loyal to me."

Antonio nodded, still crying. "Si. I promise." He cupped Lovino's face, and the Italian smiled.

"Hey do me one more thing? Look at me. You have the most beautiful green eyes. Ti amo, bastardo..." His eyes started to close. Those beautiful eyes.

"No! Lovi! Stay with me! Te amo! Te Amo! Te amo..." He sobbed. He wouldn't let this be the last time he saw those gorgeous eyes of his open. Grabbing bandages and wrapping him in them quickly, he rushed the Italian to the hospital. Lovino couldn't be dead... He just couldn't... He was too stubborn to die.

He saw Lovino laying there, on the hospital bed. The doctors were still unsure about whether or not he was going to survive or not. He bent over and placed a kiss on the Italian's lips, hoping it would work like some cheesy Disney movie. "Te amo, Lovino. Always."

Chapter 7
Lovino opened his eyes and realized the room was stunningly white. A large man was sitting there, with brown hair and was dressed in ancient clothing. He blinked and it turned into a field, the man still there.

"Where the hell am I?" He asked. "Am I dead?" He remember what happened vividly, that damn canga.

''Lovino was sitting in the tomato vineyard, still sulking like he had when he was a child, his head resting on his knees. That tomato bastard, Antonio.... He couldn't explain what was wrong, or what was bugging him. That bitch was out to get him, and she would give up, would she? Well she got what she wanted, didn't she? He stormed out on Antonio, so she could steal him right now if she wanted.''

''He heard footsteps behind him and turned around hopefully, thinking it was Antonio. His eyes turned from an eager hope to dreadful shock as he saw Isabela standing there, an evil, psychotic smirk wide on her face.''

''"Hello, Lovino." She said, that creepy expression not leaving her would-be pretty face. The sun glistened on her white apron and saw a bright shine. "Antonio wants you back, you know. Too bad you won't be able to return."''

''"What the hell do you mean by that?" Lovino said, eyes wide with horror and rage swirled like a hazel marble. "I left him, Canga."''

''"But he wants you back." Isabela said, her deep brown eye twitching slightly. "That means he you still have a chance. But, I'll leave your brother alone. You, on the other hand, shall be dead." She smiled wickedly, reaching in the pockets of her apron.''

''It was a silver knife, familiar to Lovino, maybe so familiar it was to the point where it was uncomfortable. It was his knife, the knife Antonio gave him before he left. He could tell because of the ruby encrusted handle, with a golden lion on it. It still had dried blood on it, and Lovino eye's grew wider. It was the knife used to hurt the cat. Antonio gave it to him for protection, when he would need it out in that cold cruel world. It would now be used to kill him. Damn the irony.''

''"You... You stole the knife Antonio gave me." He said, looking down at his shaking hands.''

''"Si. Look who's so smart!" She cooed, pinching his cheeks. "Now, any last words?"''

''The Italian tried to run from her, but she caught up to him and drove the knife in his back. He let out a wail of shear pain and agony.''

He shook off the painful memory, still unaware if he was dead or alive right now. He turned to see the man turn around. "Hello, Lovino." He said. "My, my, how you've grown."

He studied the face of the man and realized it was the face of his grandfather. Rome. "Hello, Rome." He said, not forgetting how many times he pampered Feliciano, always leaving Lovino out of everything. He was looking in a clear pond in the field they were in, flexing his muscles and giving his reflecting a wink.

"Is that any way to talk to your Grandfather. Feliciano never spoke to me like that." He said, still looking at his reflection. How vain.

"Well, I'm not Feliciano. No matter whatever you wanted, I am nothing like him. So, if you're expecting someone like Feliciano, than too fucking bad. And why should I call you 'Grandpa Rome~!' like he did? You always preferred him anyway." The ancient civilization looked away from the pond, and into his grandson's eyes.

"Maybe I did spoil Feliciano a bit more than you, but that was because of his personality. He needed pampering." Rome defended his actions.

"No! He didn't! Maybe that's why he's so fucking helpless!" Lovino yelled back. "Anyway, where am I? Am I alive or dead? What the hell is going on?"

"You are not dead, yet not exactly alive." He looked around, the room had turned bright white only it was in the image of a familiar house. "Now, where do you think you are?"

"What's that supposed to mean? It's either or! And you're dead... Unless... Am I dreaming? So, you're fake?" He rubbed his head, a headache coming on.

"Yes, I think it's obvious you're dreaming, Lovino." Rome said, his voice filled with wisdom. "But that doesn't mean I'm not real."

"Well, it looks like the harbor from when I was a kid." He looked around at his surroundings. "Only, it's much cleaner and I don't see any ships." He wanted to leave this place. It brought back bad memories.

"Maybe the ships just haven't arrived yet," Rome said, the wisdom not leaving his voice. "I believe there are two coming."

Lovino looked behind him at the unnaturally still water and saw two large, pristine boats rolling in on the water. "Creepy timing. Now, where the hell are these boats taking me?"

"On." Lovino glared at his grandfather as the old empire spoke.

"On? Can you please explain what the fuck that means?" The much-younger Italian asked, crossing his arms in frustration.

"It means you have a choice." Rome wrapped an arm around his grandson.

Lovino finally understood the point. He watched the ship leave the harbor and opened his eyes. He was laying in a hospital bed, the white walls surrounding him. He looked at the chairs in his room open for visitors and hoped to see a certain Spaniard sitting there. His hopes shattered as he looked to see an unfortunately familiar face.

"Hola, Lovino." The smooth voice of Isabela flowed like silk through the room.

"What are you doing here?" Lovino's green-amber eyes filled with pure hatred, the same feeling rising in him like bile. "Where's Antonio?"

"He couldn't be bothered to show up." Isabela smiled, the look in her dark brown eyes showed she was lying.

"You lying bitch." The Italian snarled. "Now, tell me where he really is."

The Peruvian girl laughed, and flipped her raven hair so it went behind her back. "He's in slight shock, I decided that while we were here I needed to prove a point to him. I was right, as always."

Lovino's stomach clenched. "What point are you trying to prove?" He hoped it wasn't what he thought it was. ''Antonio simply can't be the father... He can't!''

Isabela laughed and pulled out a piece of paper, holding it in her hands while a smirk spead across her face. "I lied when I first got here. I was never with Mexico. I only said it so he would let me stay here. Antonio's the father of Daniela. Sorry, Lovi."

Lovino felt like he could have strangled her, right then and there. "You lying bitch!" He yelled. "I know Antonio's not the father! I know he's not! You're just lying again... Trying to spin a web of lies so that we're trapped in it! Well too bad, Charlotte, because you can't hurt us! We're not you're prey, and we never will be."

The young woman chuckled to herself and handed Lovino the paper. "The test proved it. You're not going to object to science now, are you?"

He looked at the paper in his hand. It proved the paternity. "I-I-I..." He couldn't think of anything to say. For once a clever comeback did not come from his mouth.

"I win. There's nothing you can do about it Lovino. Antonio is mine." With one more flip of the hair, Isabela exited the room with a flourish.

He heard the door open and close again as the nurse entered the room. She had blonde hair and green eyes, a kind expression on her face. "Mr. Lovino Vargas?" Her voice contained a Belgian accent.

"Yeah?" He replied, and studied the oddly-familiar face until he recognized it. "Bella!"

"Good, you're awake." Bella said, a faint smile on her face. "I would've been distraught if I had lost you..."

Bella had always been one of his friends, and had briefly dated her when he was going through a whole 'denying he was in love with Antonio' thing. "Really?" He asked, still paranoid about Isabela.

"Yeah, in fact... I've never wanted to tell you this, but I still have feelings for you, Lovino." She said, jade eyes filled with a seriousness unknown to a girl as young as her. "I didn't want to tell you, but I feel like this is the right moment, like something is telling me to confess."

"Bella," Lovino tried to explain. "I honestly don't know how to respond, but I'm with Antonio and I just can't return the feel-"

Lovino was cut off as the Belgian placed her lips on his. "I'm sorry Lovino..." She said, tears running down her face. "I had to." She ran out of the room and away from Lovino. He looked outside the window of his room and saw Isabela there, a camera in her hands. It didn't end there, unfortunately, Antonio stood there too. The look on his face made Lovino want to jump out of the window. His green eyes were filled with depression and shock, beads of water streaming down his tan face. Lovino made eye contact and the Spaniard ran away, dropping a bouquet of red lilies which were scattered on the floor.

"Antonio!" Lovino called after him. "Come back! Come back... Ti amo...."

Chapter 8
Antonio slumped on the bench outside of the hospital, still silently crying. Isabela came and wrapped an arm around him.

"It's okay, Tonio..." She soothed him. "You're too good for him..."

"No... It's not okay!" He yelled at her. "I know my Lovi. He wouldn't do something like that."

"But, you saw him. I made sure of that!" Isabela yelled. "It was obvious he kissed her! It's not like I threatened the Belgian girl in order to break you two up!"

"What... did you say?" Antonio asked, a shocked expression on his face.

"Nothing..." Isabela said, placing a kiss on the Spaniard's lips. "Let's go home."

Antonio nodded, hair dangling in front of his red, puffy eyes.He stepped into the car and headed home, Isabela wearing a wide grin as she drove back to the manor.

Once he was home, he ran to his room and plopped down on the bed. He gazed at the spot where Lovino usually was and sighed. He still couldn't believe Lovino would do that. The thought was implausible. Yet, Lovino was in the hospital, probably still with Bella (Antonio shuddered at the thought) and Antonio was lying alone, staring at the blank ceiling. Never in his life had he felt so sad and alone. Wait, scratch that. There was one other time... Lovino went to find his own path and severed ties between them. He didn't venture outside the house for around a week.

"Hola Antonio," Isabela sat down next to him, the light catching her beautiful features perfectly. Now he realized why he used to be so smitten with her. At least he wasn't drunk for the entire relationship. "How are you? It must be hard, but at least you still have me. Who cares about Lovino?"

"I-I do..." Antonio sighed. Isabela put her lips into a pout. "I loved him... Wait, no. I love him. And I always will."

"Just give up on him already!" Isabela shouted. "Honestly, Antonio, you can be so oblivious!" Antonio tilted his head in confusion. "Listen, Tonio." Her voice was calmer by this time. "You need to forget about the Italian idiot. You saw him with Belgium, he doesn't love you. I mean honestly, he may as well be called the ginger whore in the corner of hoe." She laughed at her own joke.

Antonio didn't know what happened next exactly, only that his fists were clenched and Isabela had a trickle of blood coming from her lip. "What happened to you, Isabela?"

"You punched me in the mouth, estupido." She said, wiping the scarlet stream from her face.

"No..." Antonio replied. "I mean what happened to who you are. You used to be so sweet..." At that, he started to exit the house.

"Where do you think you're going, Antonio?" Isabela asked.

"To find Lovi." He glared at her, the usual friendliness in his jade eyes gone. "And bring him home."

Chapter 9
Fuck. Isabela's plan didn't work. She had tried everything to get Antonio back, yet everything she tried failed. Maybe he was just too obsessed with his little Lovi to be concerned with her. She heard a door open and shut loudly and then saw two men enter; one was overly happy, yet still attractive and the other one was still somewhat cheery, although no where near the prior.

"You're back." The Peruvian said, a pseudo-cheerful disposition coming off of her. "Everything okay, Lovino?"

"Shut the fuck up." Lovino answered bitterly. "I know it was you who tried to murder me."

"Murder you?" She asked, eyes wide with a fake shock. "Never! What happened was just a tragic accident! I would never try to hurt someone so near and dear to Antonio."

Lovino walked up to her and growled under his breath, so Antonio wouldn't hear her. "Tragic accident, my ass." Isabela then felt pain shoot through her nose.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to punch you!" The Italian said, mockery flooded his voice. "It was a tragic accident."

He walked up back to Antonio's side, a smirk on his face as the Spaniard wrapped his arm around him with a goofy smile on his face. A perfect, cute, wonderfully goofy smile, Isabela thought to herself. I hope Daniela will have that smile when she gets older.

"Lovino, do you want me to unpack your bag?" She offered, trying to act nice.

"No, we got it." Lovino said, grabbing his green cloth bag from the floor. "Antonio's enough help. Go take care of Daniela or something."

Isabela and Antonio were wearing identical expressions with their eyes puzzled and mouths slightly gaping. This was the first time the cantankerous ginger had called their child by her name instead of "that kid/brat" it varied, often containing some of his favorite swears.

"You called her Daniela..." Antonio said, looking as if his birthday had come early.

"Well, yeah." Lovino shrugged. "I assumed since she's your kid, I might as well call her by her name. It's not that big of a deal."

Antonio pulled the Italian into what looked like a very tight hug. How Isabela needed that to be her in Lovino's place.

"Guys, don't forget that the World Meeting is in Madrid tomorrow." She said, slightly desperate for even a smidgen of gratitude from the Spaniard.

"Gracias!" He said, letting Lovino trail ahead of him.

"De nada." Isabela smiled, dipping into a curtsy.

"Now, I have to go... help Lovino." He put extra emphasis on the last two words. Isabela wanted to make sure that something else wasn't happening so she silently followed him. It couldn't be hard to spy on them, Francis did it all of the time,mostly with Gilbert and Elizabeta (who mentioned something about 'needing her yaoi' whatever that was).

Well, they did unpack his stuff, which didn't take long. She was sitting in the airvent when she heard three familiar whispers.

"Francis, shut up!" A feminine voice came first. "They might notice us!"

"I don't think that'll happen, Elizabeta." A male voice with a German accent smirked. "They're far too interested in devouring each other's faces to hear anything! Kesese!"

"Onhonhon, Antoine seems to be enjoying Lovino's presence... Greatly." The Frenchman laughed, holding out a tissue and handing it to the Hungarian woman.

"What is this for?" She asked.

"Knowing you, you'll need it in about 3... 2... 1..."

Blood started to drip from Elizabeta's nose, which she hesitated to clean.

"Why the hesitation?" Isabela asked, making her presence clear.

"Francis gave it to me. Think about it. I don't know where it's been." She gave a shudder.

"Eh, she has a valid point there..." The other two said in unison.

''How often do they spy on them? ''Isabela wondered. Unsure about whether or not she actually wanted to see what was going on between her two housemates, she unwisely looked down at the scene. It was something the Hungarian definitely approved of.

"I'm going to go and pick up Daniela from Torres... He's watching her." She exited the airvent and started to head to the Chilean's(?) house.

Once she was there, she felt a small pair of arms wrap around her legs. "Te amo, mami!" She said, a big, goofy smile on her face.

"Hola, Daniela! Did you have fun at Uncle Torres's house?" She asked, picking up her daughter. She was still wearing that familiar smile, her green eyes bright as she eagerly nodded.

"Let's go home," Isabela said, picking the little girl up while both of them laughed. Yet, it saddened her. She wouldn't be able to see Daniela grow up. Isabela would be dead and gone by that point. She couldn't tell anyone this, but she was dying, slowly from a sickness. Originally, she thought that she would survive. But, that idea was shot down.

''"But... Doctor Von Bock," Isabela tried to figure it out. "Arthur had the same sickness, and he recovered!"''

''The blonde placed a hand on her shoulder. "He was dead for a good minute before he was shocked back awake again. But that was a miracle."''

''"How long do you think I have left?" She asked, trying to hold herself together.''

''"At least four months. A year at the most." He nodded, his face sad yet calm. The Peruvian wished she could do the same.''

''Isabela broke down crying, her sobs dignified and quiet. "M-my daughter, Daniela... Who will take care of her?"''

''"The father?" The Estonian doctor suggested. "Or a close relative. Listen, Ms. Munoz, I assure you she'll be in good care. Do you need a moment?" He asked, obviously not wanting to come off rude.''

''"Please? Gracias." Eduard left the room, keeping careful watch around him.''

''"What do I do?" Isabela thought aloud, pacing the room. "As much as I love them, I can't really trust Torres or Maya... Antonio's good with children, but he doesn't even know about Daniela. I never told him. Honestly, set your personal issues aside, Isabela! Do what's in Daniela's best interest! That's it then. I have to go find Antonio. Maybe, if he loved me again, I would feel stronger... Like Arthur! It was Alfred who brought him back, wasn't it? I have to find Antonio...:''

''Dr. Eduard von Bock ran into the room, his expression one of pure panic and fright. "I have to hide in here! Ivan's out there! Do you have everything you need?"''

"Yes. Yes, I do. I'll be going now. I have important business to attend to."

She didn't like to dwell on that memory, although it's what drove her to go chase after Antonio, no matter what. At least now the Spaniard knew Daniela was his child.

She looked at the doors of the giant, Spanish manor. Opening the door and shutting it quietly, she patted Daniela on the back. "Why don't you go in your room and play with your toys, okay?"

"Okay!" Daniela smiled and ran to her room, tripping over her own feet once or twice.

She reminds me of Antonio so much, Isabela smiled. ''The spitting image of her father, exactly like him in almost every way possible. Speaking of which, I'm going to go check on him. '' She opened the door to Antonio and Lovino's room and saw both of them sleeping, Lovino had his arm wrapped around the taller and more muscular Spaniard. His expression was so serene and peaceful, as if time was stilled and he was stuck in a happy moment. Even in his sleep, Antonio had a soft smile on his face. Both men were shirtless (or at least Isabela hoped they were just shirtless) and looked content. Lovino shifted a bit, so his head was resting on Tonio's chest.

She smiled at the sight. "I hope you two will take good care of mi hija." She had to give up on Antonio, he loved Lovino and wouldn't give up.

She took the knife that was in her apron and put it in Lovino's dresser. "Lo siento." Isabela saw a green eye open and heard Antonio's voice.

"Isabela, what are you doing in here?" He asked, rubbing on of his eyes.

"Well, I just picked up Daniela from Torres and decided to check on you." She smiled.

"Oh... Okay." Antonio yawned. "I'm going to go back to mi siesta." He started to drift back asleep, cuddling up to Lovi.

All I want, she wished, Is for that to be me... She walked out of the room, daydreaming and going back to when she was with Antonio.

"The only thing that stands in my way... Is Lovino."

Chapter 10
Lovino woke up, looking at Antonio's bare chest (which he was resting his head on). The same Spaniard looked down at him and smiled. "Hola, Lovi. Have a good sleep?"

"I actually did, for a change." He got up and stretched. "Crap... We have the damn World Meeting thing today, right?"

"Si, we have to get up." Antonio yawned. Lovino let out a sigh and threw his shirt on before he actually walked to the dresser.

He opened it to find his knife back in there. "Ah, the canga has had a change of heart, huh? I still don't trust her."

He looked for a dress shirt, knowing Antonio always threw his shirts in them. He found a nice green one and rolled his eyes. ''How many times do I have to tell the tomato bastard that when he puts my dress shirts in the dresser, they get wrinkled? It's Armani, too. Hopefully an iron won't ruin it. ''The Italian then realized he was acting like a nagging housewife... Or worse, Roderich. How did Gilbert put up with him?

Luckily the rest of the outfit was unwrinkled, although he had to hang it up himself. Antonio had fallen back asleep. He picked up a pillow and hit the sleeping Spaniard with it. "Antonio, wake up!" He said, loud enough to startle him awake.

"Oh, I fell back asleep?" His voice still contained grogginess. "Lovino, you're wearing my shirt." He pointed out the red t-shirt that came down just above Lovino's knees. Antonio was significantly taller than him and the shirt was a little long on the Spaniard too.

"Oh, I am. Well, you have to get dressed anyway. I need to iron my shirt anyway because somebody didn't put it away properly." He rolled his eyes and gave a small smile as he left the room.

He bumped into the one person he really didn't want to see. "Isabela." He said bluntly.

"Lovino." She replied, her voice bitter. "Breakfast for you and Antonio is on the table."

"Did you poison it?" He asked, his eyes narrowed.

"Not this time, although there's an idea." She laughed. ''Note to self, never eat anything the canga makes for you. ''Lovino made a mental note of that.

After his shirt was ironed and luckily undamaged he walked into the kitchen, where Antonio was eating the food Isabela prepared, begging Lovino to eat with him.

"Um, I'd rather not. I'm running late." He said, somewhat awkwardly. "I need to get dressed and I don't prefer spilling things on myself."

He ran into the room and looked at the time. "Damn, I hope we make it on time." He said to himself while getting his clothes on, leaving his blazer unbuttoned to show his shirt.

Lovino wasn't one of those people who spent a load of time getting ready, so it was quite quick.

"Antonio, Isabela, are you guys ready?" The Italian asked, in a rush to get to the meeting.

"Si." Both of them replied simultaneously.

"No, you're not, Antonio." Lovino corrected his boyfriend. "You tied your tie wrong, idiota." He said, untying and retying it.

"Oh... Well, let's go! We don't want to be late!" Antonio smiled and started to head to the car.

Once they were there, it turned out they weren't late, but there were a couple others already at the conference room. He saw Francis, and Gilbert who called Antonio over to them.

"Go on, don't want to leave the albino, potato bastard and the rapist waiting. By the way, brilliant choice of friends." He said, only to have Antonio grab his wrist and drag him to 'his greatest amigos'.

Elizabeta was conversing to the other two members of what everyone else called "The Bad Touch Trio" (Suits them well... Lovino thought to himself). They were all laughing hysterically when they arrived.

"Antonio, any idea why they're like this?" He asked. The Spanish man merely shrugged. Isabela seemed to be laughing too.

Francis came up to Lovino, wrapping an arm around him with his mouth a little too close for comfort to his hair curl. "Bonjour, Lovino." He said, smiling.

"Don't you have to go rape the eyebrow bastard or something?" Spat Lovino, really not in the mood for Francis to attempt to rape him again.

"Angleterre hasn't arrived yet, though..." He smiled. He started to nibble on his curl, causing that sensation again. Lovino flinched away from him. "What's wrong, mon cher?" He asked. "You didn't seem to have a problem when Antonio was doing it..."

"W-wanna know what?" Lovino stuttered. "Fuck... you..."

"Why? You don't like it?" He asked, twilring the curl in his fingers. Damn him, he was one of the few people who actually knew what it was. Out of all people. "Because, I could always go to Feliciano and..."

"BASTARDO!" Lovino yelled, breaking free and giving the Frenchman a nice, black eye. "You even think about doing that to Feliciano and I will rip your throat open, tear out your esophagus and feed it to Russia."

"But... Feli does like it when I pull his curl." He smiled, and then ran and hid behind Gilbert. At first, Lovino thought it was because he scared the blonde with his threats, but it turned out that a certain Russian had entered the room.

Once a majority of the people had shown up, the meeting started. It was the same as always, with France and England trying to kill each other and the Potato Bastard having to break everything up. This time Isabela wanted to speak.

"I actually have a question," She asked. "Is it possible for a nation to die?"

England stood up. "Yes, it is. If they get sick enough due to an ecomnomic decline or is wounded enough to die, they can. Even if the country gets out of it's slump, the personification would still be dead if a large enough amount of time passed."

"Oh, okay." She said and sat down.

Why would she ask a question like that? Lovino wondered. ''Fuck... I better watch out for myself.''

It was America who wanted to speak next. He pitched yet another idea of a superhero to save the world. "I would do it, if I could! I would be called Captain America..."

The rest of what he said was a mystery to Lovino, for he had shut his eyes drifting into his dreams.

''"Papi! Papi!" Daniela said, tugging on Antonio's shirt. "I found a box on your bed, what's it for? It's really tiny, you can't fit a lot in there."''

The little girl's father laughed and replied, "You can fit more in there than you think... It's for Lovi~!"

''"You're giving him a box?" She asked. "That's not a very good present."''

''"No, silly!" He said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "It's what's inside the box that I'm giving him!"''

''"Oh, okay. What's inside the box?" She questioned. ''

''"You'll see." He smiled, kissing her head. "Now go play, I'll be right with you, mi hija."''

''"Okay! Hola, Lovi!" The small girl beamed up at him, her and her father's facial expressions identical. "Papi has a present for you! I don't know what it is, but it came in a small box.. Don't worry! The box isn't the present!"''

''"Well, I would hope not. A box isn't a very good gift." Lovino laughed, just to hear her laugh. Her laugh was soft, with a dream-like quality to it, and it was gentle, full of warmth, innocence and love. It had this effect that when you heard it, it would brighten up your mood. It was another quality she and Antonio shared, having a laugh and a radiant smile that brightened up a room.''

''"That's what I said!" Daniela smiled. "I'm gonna go play now! Do you want to play too?"''

''"Maybe later, okay?" He said. "I promise."''

''"Yay!" She squealed in delight and ran to her room, her jet-black pigtails bobbing behind her.''

''The Italian walked up to the couch and sat next to Antonio on the sofa. "So, what's this I hear about a box?" He smiled, leaning in for a kiss from his Spanish love.''

''"Daniela told you, didn't she?" The Spaniard infered. "You can't tell her anything."''

''"Well, she's two years old and clever, what do you expect?" He rolled his eyes. "Now, may I ask what's in that box of yours?" He had his own little hopes on what exactly was inside the box.''

''"Do you really want to know?" He asked, pulling Lovino closer until he was about an inch away from his lips.''

''"Si. Why wouldn't I?" He said, closing the gap between the two.''

''He pulled out the box, which was small and dark-green. He opened it and inside was a golden band with a tomato-red ruby in the center. ''

Sadly, the dream ended there for he felt his curl being pulled. "Antonio..."

"Wake up, la petite tomate de Antoine." A man with a thick French accent said. Fuck, it wasn't Antonio.

"You're nose is bleeding, Lovino... Did you hit it on the table?" Antonio asked. He was so oblivious sometimes. He didn't even notice Gilbert, Francis, and Elizabeta nearing exploding with laughter.

Francis handed him a tissue. Why did he carry them around with him all of the time? "Here, wipe the blood off, Romano."

Lovino was hesitant to use the tissue. This was Francis, after all... He didn't know where it had been. "Is the meeting over?"

"No, it's your turn to speak." Francis told him. "By the way, did you know you talk in your sleep?"

"Fuck."

Chapter 11
Isabela sat at the World Meeting, not listening to what Lovino was saying, but staring at Antonio. She studied every feature of him, his lovely dark brown, slightly curled hair and those sexy, emerald green eyes. His skin was perfectly tanned and he was just overall attractive.

"Spain, your turn to speak." Germany ordered.

"Oh, okay." Antonio smiled. He walked past Isabela, who couldn't help but grab that perfect ass of his... And then blame it on Francis.

While he was speaking, Isabela leaned closer and closer towards him, for words could not describe her longing for closeness.

"Well, our meeting is over!" Germany yelled. "You are dismissed."

Francis walked up to Lovino, laughing. "Now, what exactly gave you that nosebleed? Did you have a good dream?"

"N-no..." Lovino went bright red. "Pervert..."

"Oui, but I'm not the one who got a bloody nose." He gave a wink.

Antonio was being cluelessly innocent as always. "What's that supposed to mean? I thought he just hit his nose on the table."

"Antonio, let me explain." Francis leaned in to whisper exactly what he meant, thus shattering whatever innocence he may have contained.

"Oh." The Spaniard said, his face radiating shock.

"He's a pervert... I informed you thusly." Romano rolled his eyes. "It wasn't a perverted dream..."

"Then what was it?"

"Um... Nothing really. I was..." He was searching for something that wouldn't surprise them. "Drowning the potato bastard in a saucepot. Nothing new."

"Then why the nosebleed?" Antonio asked, tilting his head like a confused puppy.

"Like you said, I hit my nose on the table!" Lovino smiled.

"But... The things you were mumbling had nothing to do with Germany, or drowing him in scalding hot water.

''Fuck... What was I mumbling? ''"..."

"Lovino, you are a terrible liar." Francis smiled. "Silence speaks louder than words. Lucky I'm clever, if I didn't know better I may not even have been able to know you were thinking something perverted. Onhonhon."

"But... I wasn't!" Yet. He added to himself''. I wonder what would've happened had it continued...'' The thought sent shivers up his spine.

"Maybe not yet, it's a pity I woke you up... I kind of wanted to see how it would've continued." He laughed.

''Well, you and me both. ''Lovino didn't dare say the words aloud.

"You should have heard yourself... 'Tonio, what is it for? It's so cute, Tony! I love you... Yes, how could I not?! I was waiting for it. It describes us perfectly...' And other things like that. How are those things not related to something dirty?"

Lovino's face flushed even redder. "It wasn't! I swear! It was a watch he got me... An engraved pocket watch." He said, a nervous look and a deep blush on his face.

"Vraiment?" The Frenchman smiled. "Maybe he did give you something, but are you sure it wasn't something more... Like a ring?"

Fuck. Francis had figured him out. "It w-wasn't!" He looked at Antonio, whose face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Why don't we all comeover Antoine's house? I mean to say, it's only tradition that after a World Meeting to go over the host's place, right?" Francis smiled.

"Si, why not?" Antonio smiled. "But... I have to go out soon to get something, so Lovino and Isabela can show you around."

''What is he getting? ''Lovino wondered. I heard somewhere that some dreams could tell the future... Dear Lord, I hope that's true. He smiled at the thought. ''Wait, but that canga would find some way to ruin it all, like she always does. She will kill me, but she might hurt Antonio as well. That bitch....''

"Lovi, are you okay?" A voice from behind said, making him jump a little. Recognizing it as Antonio's he calmed down, letting the Spaniard wrap his arms around him. "You seemed spacy. Don't worry about what Francis said, okay? I believe what you said."

"Really?" Lovino said, softening into his hold. "Well, I guess you should know never to trust anything the rapist says."

Antonio laughed. Damn, he had a cute laugh. It brightened up a room, with it's cheerful tone and unique sound, it sounded innocent, unlike his friends' laughs. "Fusososo~! You're right... I guess I shouldn't really listen to Francis as much as I do..."

Once everyone had gotten back to the Spanish mansion (except Antonio, who was out getting whatever), Francis and Gilbert went into this one room and pulled out drinks. A lot of alcohol.

"Now, we can officially have a good time." Gilbert exclaimed, grabbing a beer.

"Don't get too drunk..." Lovino told them unsuccessfully.

Francis smiled. "Do you know us? When do we not get completely intoxicated?"

"You actually made a valid point there..." Lovino sighed.

"Come on! It's not that rare!" Frenchie whined.

"Antonio, please come back soon..." The Italian mumbled, pouring himself a glass of wine. ''Gross, this is French wine. Italian wine is much better. At least it's not American... What was that bastard thinking? California can't make wine for anything. ''He took a sip, still mentally complaining about it being French.

Francis was drinking a lot. Too much for Lovino to be comfortable. He was going to attempt to rape someone soon.

"Feliciano, why don't you go take Daniela to the park, while it's still tame here?" Lovino asked his fratellino.

"Ve~! Okay! She's so cute!" He smiled, going into her room and taking her out. "Just call me when I can bring her back!"

"Okay, I will. Don't hurt her!" He yelled out of the door. Good, now Feli won't be raped by the French bastard.

"You care about her, non?" Francis slurred. "Why? I mean, sure she's cute and young, but why go through so much to protect her. You soften up near her, I can tell."

"How the fuck can you tell, you drunk bastard?! You've never even been around me with her!" Lovino yelled, trying to shove the intoxicated Frenchman off of him.

"Zat's what you think..." He smiled, his breath smelling heavily of all of the alcohol he had been drinking.

"You've been creeping around the house, haven't you! You pervert!" He said, now throwing half-assed punches at him, which the other easily dodged.

"Look who's so smart!" He smiled, pinching Lovino's cheek. "Why do you think I always carry a couple of tissues around with me. Elizabeta gets nosebleeds easily."

"Fuck. You." Lovino said. ''What the hell did he see? ''Lovino saw Gilbert pull away from trying to strip Roderich.

"Dude, shut up. You're being so unawesome." Gilbert slurred, even worse than the blonde.

"You can't control what I say. Go back to raping Austria!" He snapped.

"It's not rape if you're willing!" Gilbert sneered, only to be slapped by Roderich.

"And who said I was willing?" The Austrian retorted, straightening out what was left of his clothes. "Gilbert, what did you do with my coat?" He said, looking for the indigo garment.

"Anyway, Lovino, what does this curl do again?" He smiled, taking hold of it and twirling it in his fingers.

"F-fuck..." The Italian swore. Wrong word to curse Francis out with.

"Okay, when and where?" He smiled, tugging the curl harder.

"Not.Like.That." He said, trying to give Francis a good kick in the vital regions, but missed.

"Now, now, Lovi, that's not very friendly." He laughed, kissing his neck. ''Dammit, Antonio! Where are you?''

"Bastard... Where's Arthur? I thought you liked raping him..." Lovino clenched his teeth, biting down on his tongue.

"Oui, but he doesn't have a curl like you do." He smiled, grabbing hold of the peculiar strand of hair again.

"Antonio, where the hell are you?" He winced, as Francis tugged his curl again. This time it caused pain instead of it's normal effect.

"How cute! Antonio's not here, so there's no one to stop me." The Frenchman taunted. Lovino then heard the door open and shut, and was thankfully pulled away from the drunk, who let out a cry in pain.

"Stay away from my Lovi." Antonio had finally arrived, and had given Francis a kick where it hurt. "Now, everyone get out of this house!" He yelled.

Antonio was sweet, but when he was angry it was scary. Must have been from when he was a pirate, and had to be rough. It didn't take long for everyone to leave the house, leaving just the three who lived there.

"Hey, where's Daniela?" Antonio asked, his green gaze filled with worry.

"I told Feliciano to take her to the park. I didn't think you'd want her around a bunch of drunk idiots. That and I didn't want Francis to try and rape my fratello."

"Thank you, Lovi!" He smiled, hugging him tightly. "Let me call Feli and tell him that it's okay to come back now!"

"Hold on, what did you have to get anyway?" Lovino asked, seeing something in his back pocket.

"You'll see." He smiled, pecking the Italian on the cheek.

Chapter 12
Antonio woke up earlier than normal. He looked outside his window at the newly risen sun, a bright golden ball of fire in a hopeful sea of blues. Today is the day, he told himself. Everything has to be perfect.

He needed to wake him up, but gently and not by throwing a pillow in his face. "Lovino... Mi tomate. Time to wake up. I've got a lot planned." He felt a hand tap his face repetivitely. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to find a snooze button." He yawned. "But, apparently, that won't happen, will it?"

"Nope!" Antonio laughed. "I'll make coffee and breakfast, and then bring it to you! A breakfast in bed sounds nice, right?"

"Yeah... But what the hell did I do in order to get you?" He gave a rare smile, and started to fall back asleep.

Antonio shrugged and walked into the kitchen, to find Isabela in there with Daniela. "Hola, Antonio." The woman flashed him a smile.

"Papi!" Daniela squealed, hugging him. Antonio picked her up and laughed.

"Buenos dias, mi hija." He grinned. "How did you sleep?"

Daniela tilted her head to the side, like her father always did. "What is this 'sleep' that you speak of?" She laughed.

Antonio chuckled. "Did Mami make you breakfast already?" He asked. "If not, I could whip something up."

"I just had breakfast, but thank you! Where's Lovi? Is he still sleeping?" She looked around, as if searching for the Italian. ''She's so cute~! ''He thought to himself. But, who does she remind me of?

He saw the little girl run ahead smiling a cute, yet goofy, grin. "Lovi!" She exclaimed. "Did you sleep in? I was wondering where you were!"

"I was sleeping. It's too early for me to function properly." He said, stretching into an obviously fake yawn.

"Is not!" Daniela said, sticking her tongue out. "You've been up earlier for the World thingies!"

"Well, yes, but that's not voluntarily." He said. "I need coffee." He reached up for the coffee beans. "And, Daniela, it's Lovino."

"Not anymore!" She giggled. "To me you're Lovi and only Lovi. I don't know anyone by the name of Lovino. Lovino who?"

"You know, you're a smart-ass." Lovino told her.

"Language, Lovi." Antonio corrected him. "And I wonder where she learned that from."

"Oh, shut up. You got her to call me Lovi." He pointed out. "And how did I teach her to act like a smart-ass? I'm not one."

"Oh, sure. Okay. I'll believe that." Isabela cut in. "Now, I expect to look at the window to see a pig fly by."

Lovino rolled his eyes. "Shut up." He said. "I can't argue if it's been at least twelve hours since my last coffee."

"Oh, well then, we should cut you off from it~!" The Spaniard smiled.

"No." Lovino replied, grabbing his mug and practically gulping down what was in it. Lovino may just live on that stuff.

"I was only joking. You don't need to drink it like someone's about to take it from you." Antonio said, reaching for the green mug. Lovino grabbed his arm mid-action.

"I don't think so." The Italian said, as if it were a natural occurance. "And I am not chugging it down like it's about to get stolen. I just don't take an hour to drink it, unlike some people."

"What? Some back like to lay back and take their time drinking it." Antonio gave Daniela a look, and turned his head to Lovino.

"Hey, Lovi! Wanna see something pretty I found?" She smiled, taking his hand and pulling him into the living room. She pulled out a familiar, pink dress. "I found it, just laying around and I thought it was cute! I wonder where it's from..."

"I... Remember this dress." He said, observing the old article of clothing from his childhood. He tried to shake off the unnecessary flashback. It was too painful to think about his childhood.

"How? Whose dress was it?" She asked, her green eyes wide.

''Should I tell her it was my dress? Or would that be too weird? ''"I forget who exactly." Lovino lied.

"For some weird reason, I don't believe you." Daniela said. "Was it yours? Papi said that when you were little he dressed you up in a dress, although you didn't like it. He said Feli liked wearing dresses though, or he was always wearing one when he came over Mr. Edelstein's."

"Did he say that?" Lovino gave a fake, high-pitched laugh. I'm honestly going to kill the bastard now. He sighed. "Well, maybe it was, but I hardly wore it. I'm a guy, and guys don't wear dresses."

"That's not what Papi said." Daniela gave a smart reply, then looked at Lovino and ran away, giving a fake scream.

Lovino chased her into the kitchen, where he saw Antonio dumping out his mug and the entire pot of coffee. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? That's all of my coffee!" He yelled. "Antonio, when I get my hands on you..." He glared, mentally strangling the Spaniard.

"I thought you were done drinking it." It was obvious he was lying. "I didn't know you were still inhaling your daily caffeine."

"You can't tell a fucking lie." Lovino said, slapping his arm. "How many times do I have to tell you to not touch my coffee before you get the damn message."

"One hundred and eleventy six." Daniela popped in, giving her adorable laugh.

"Smart ass..." Lovino muttered under his breath.

"Well, look at the time, we should already be out of the house!" Antonio said, looking at his watch. "I've got a lot planned! Go get dressed, Lovino!" He practically pushed him into the room.

"Antonio, calm the hell down. I thought Spaniards were supposed to be 'laid back' or at least, that's what you always tell me." Antonio never rushed him, if anything, it was the other way around.

"Well, I've got a lot planned for today, and I don't want to waste any time!" He smiled. "By the way, how do you feel about the band Say Anything?"

"The lyrics are good, but they're so... American. I mean, America doesn't even brag about them. I guess it's actually one of the good bands, yet the fat bastard doesn't even care. I mean, honestly, it's way better than that tone-deaf Carly chick. Her lyrics are crap. Now, Italian rock music is best, but I guess Say Anything is good. I mean, I know they've toured in Europe a couple of times, but I guess they're okay. Like I said, better than most of that American crap like Alexa Crack or something like that. That song is so annoying. I mean, honestly, those lyrics have no fucking meaning to them whatsoever."

"It's Rebecca Black, Lovi, and you're so cute when you rant!" Antonio smiled, kissing his cheek. "But, if not, we could always go see a different band..." He suggested, hoping Lovino would just go to one of the concerts.

"Whatever, honestly, I don't care. I'd rather go to a Verdena concert, but if you already bought the tickets, I'll go. I mean, Eyebrows likes them and he hates American crap. That means they're decent, right?"

"You'll like them!" Antonio said, holding up two concert tickets.

"But... I thought they were in Australia! I remember because he was bragging to England about it for the sole purpose of annoying him." Romano said, sighing.

"Well, I have connections," He smiled. "Besides, They always tour in Australia, it's not fair."

"Okay, what did you do wrong?" Lovino said, eyeing him suspiciously. "You're being way too nice." ''Honestly, no one is this nice... He must have done something stupid.''

"Why do I have to do something wrong in order to want to be nice?" Antonio smiled, ruffling his chestnut hair. "Maybe I just want to do something nice for someone I love?" He said, a slightly hurt look in his eyes.

''That look... Dammit! Now I feel like an asshole. ''He thought, now somewhat hating himself for the rude comment. He heard something knock over a vase, and gave a little jump. It's probably just that cat being reckless... He thought, looking for the cheery feline. "Fastidio!" He called it's name, which perfectly described it at first.

The white and beige cat came up and started to rub his head on Lovino's legs, begging to be pet. "Aww, Lovi!" Antonio laughed. "He likes you! The other one never likes to be pet." He added.

"Yeah, well he broke an antique vase. I'm not petting it." Lovino crossed his arms.

"But, he wasn't even near the vase~! He's a good kitty!" Antonio smiled, scratching behind the pet's fluffy ears.

"Then who the hell did it?" The Italian asked, slightly panicked. Who the hell was in the house?

"Salut, mes amis!" Francis popped up, causing Lovino to punch him in the stomach. You didn't startle him, or you would regret it... Most of the time anyways.

"What the hell are you doing in my house?" He yelled.

"Lovi, that's not how you treat guests~!" Antonio smiled, completely unphased by the Frenchman that was lurking in their house. "Hola, Francis! What brings you here? Why didn't you call first?"

"Well, everyone wants to know what you needed to get that was of such dire importance." He smiled. "People have started to place wagers, it's tres amusant." He smiled. "I came to find out. Surely you could tell your closest friend, non?"

Antonio flashed a look to Lovino. "Okay, but you have to make sure Lovino doesn't hear it. It's a surprise." He smiled.

''Why can't I know? What's so fucking important that he can't tell me? ''Lovino crossed his arms, but then pondered the possibilities and smiled at the ideas. He watched Antonio walk over to Francis and whisper something unintelligible.

"Onhonhon, that's more believable than some of the other guesses." He smiled. "But, I'm pretty sure he'll like it." He looked at the half-sulking Italian and gave a wink. "I forget who wagered that, but we all owe them."

"Oh, well. What's life without a few gambles, si?" He smiled. "You should know that!"

''What did he tell him? What did he get? Dammit! Why won't he tell me... ''He sighed. "Is anyone going to tell me what the fuck is going on and why I can't know?" He crossed his arms.

"You'll see, my little Lovi~!" Antonio smiled, kissing the top of his head.

"Whatever... Are we going to go to the damn concert or not?" He asked, rolling his eyes. "Honestly, you two just sit and chat all day like a couple of teenage girls!"

"Ah, well, I should be going now." Francis smiled. "I've made plans with Angleterre; à toute à l'heure." He smiled, walking out of the manor, winking one of his blue eyes.

"How can you not hold a grudge against anyone but the eyebrow bastard?" Lovino wondered. "Seriously, 2 days ago Francis practically tried to get in my pants and now you're all friendly towards him again!"

"Come on Lovi, he wasn't trying to do anything of the sort. Francis just has a flirtatious manner, is all~!" He beamed up at the Italian, trying to defend one of his closest friends.

"All I'm saying is that it looked a bit more than 'flirtatious' if you ask me." Lovino mumbled, looking at his curl, which was out of place and in his visibility range.

"Lovino, you're curl looks a bit odd." Antonio said, also noticing the stray hair. It was almost dangling in his face. "Let me fix it~!" He smiled, taking the curl in hand and placing it where it was supposed to be. It popped back to where it was.

"Oh, let me try again!" Again, he touched the curl and moved it. He must have forgotten its effect on Lovino, because his face has an element of surprise on it as Lovino let out a slight moan.

"Bastardo... If it moves again, don't fix it." He said, giving a not-so-friendly look at Antonio.

"Come on, we have a train to catch!" Antonio said, taking Lovino's arm and dragging him to who knows where.

After around a block or so, Lovino attempted to steady hi mself. The attempt was futile, as he toppled on top of Antonio, a blush spreading across both of their faces.

It was very odd to see Antonio actually blush, although the light red across his face was cute (if that's how one could describe it). The Spaniard never blushed deeply, unlike the Italian whose face was scarlet. "Aw, Lovi, you look like a tomato!"

"Shut up, bastardo." Lovino said, getting off of him and dusting himself off. "Where are we going? Wait, we're going to London! Fine, but we better be back by dinner, I am not eating there."

"I had no intentions of eating there. Although, I guess flying would be quicker. What do you think?" Antonio asked.

"Flying. I want to get out of there as soon as possible." Lovino was going to explain, if he hadn't been cut off by Antonio's ringtone. That ringtone irked Lovino, why didn't he change it?

"Francis! Why are you crying? Calm down, I can't understand you... Arthur did what? No, no, you're better than Alfred! Arthur... that, that hijo de perra! I always knew he couldn't be trusted, but I didn't expect him to be such a... Cabrón! ¡Maldita sea! When I get my hands on the bastardo..."

Lovino knew enough Spanish to understand what Antonio said. He let out a lot of swear words. He actually swore. "What did the eyebrow bastard do to make him such an asshole?"

"He stood Francis up for Alfred, and Francis is really upset about it! They're going to the concert... When I see them there, I'm going to kill the tonto! No one messes with mis amigos and gets away with it!"

"Calm down, Tonio..." Lovino soothed, as if the two of them had switched personalities. "I think it would be best if we didn't go to the concert. We don't want any bloodshed. How about we just go and head home while we think of something else?"

"Wait, no..." Antonio said, starting to calm down. ''Good... He's scary when he gets mad... ''

"We could go and take a stroll around the park if you want, or we can even hang out with those friends of yours if you want." Lovino smiled, watching Antonio perk up again.

"Okay! I'll invite Gilbert, and see if Roderich would tag along with us! I think they're still in Madrid, but I can call and see!" He took out the phone which was surprisingly still intact. Lovino could've sworn the Spaniard would have thrown it onto the cobblestone in frustration and rage.

"Hey, Gilbert, are you and Roddy still in Madrid? Magnifico! I was thinking we could go and grab a movie or two! Well, you could meet us there. Wait, what? I thought you were a good driver! Sure, blame it on the Spaniards! Whatever, I guess I'll pick you up? Si. Adios, mi amigo!" Antonio hung up the phone.

"Come on, we have to go pick up Gilbert and Roderich at the hotel!" He grinned, walking back to the house and driving there.

"Why can't they just meet us at the theater?" Lovino groaned, not in the mood to pick them up. There was a more than likely chance he'd run into the potato bastard there.

"Because, Gilbert crashed his car with Roderich in it and he got hurt. Well, not seriously hurt, but he can't really walk long distances..." Antonio said.

"And Gilbert makes fun of Italian's driving..." He rolled his green-amber eyes. "Idiot..."

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the hotel, yet it took forever for them to get out of it. Antonio knocked on the door of their room. "It's Antonio, open up!" He rapped the door loudly again, causing someone to finally open the door. It wasn't one of the two Germans, or the aristocrat.

"Tonio! Fratello! What are you two doing here?" Feliciano opened the door, smiling as always. Not only was Feliciano there, but he wasn't wearing a shirt. He was fucking shirtless, and his hair was still wet.

"Italy, who's here?" At this point Lovino was about to kill someone here. The potato bastard had walked into the living room, a towel wrapped around him, blood slightly trickling from his nose.

"You... Bastard! I told you to stay away from mi fratellino!" Lovino yelled, his mind jumping to conclusions. "I come to go pick up that dumb brother of yours and I stumble across this! Feliciano is innocent, I don't want you tainting him! Why the hell are you shirtless? And what the fuck are you two doing in a hotel room together? I swear, I'm going to fucking kill you!" He felt Antonio grab him.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? Let me go!" Lovino struggled to get out of the Spaniard's grasp, to no prevail.

"We were just swimming! I swear nothing else happened!" Both of them yelled.

"And I accidentally kicked Germany in the face, and I thought I broke his nose because it was bleeding really badly, but it's not broken! And he took a shower because 'he didn't like the feeling of chlorine in his hair'. Besides, what do you think happened?"

Before Lovino could answer the question, he heard Roderich bickering. "Honestly, Antonio and Lovino could arrive any moment!" He said, stepping into the room, the shirt we was wearing thrown on as if it was rushed. Lovino couldn't help but notice it was oversized. And not Roderich's.

"Verdammt!" The Austrian swore. "Gilbert should be out soon." He rolled his eyes, tripping over something, probably due to him not wearing his glasses.

"Austria and Prussia told us to go swimming... If that helps." Feliciano smiled. It didn't do anything but give Lovino a mental image that he really didn't want.

"Antonio, who are you calling?" The younger Italian asked.

"Francis, seeing if he's feeling any better." Antonio said, the concern for his friend outstanding. "Francis? Hola, como estas? Come on, I told you that's not the proper way to get Matthew. This isn't some trick to get revenge on Arthur is it? Nothing really, just going to see a movie that we'll probably get kicked out of. Okay, si, that would be great!"

"What's up with Frenchie?" Lovino asked, noticing the Spaniard's overly cheerful expression. Well, it was more overly cheerful than usual.

"He's okay... He was just flirting with Matthew, who he's been telling me about a lot lately, and he finally agreed to go out with him! Then I invited him, now we can have the trio together!" Antonio smiled.

"What the hell is taking those two so long?" The older of the two Italian brothers questioned.

In some odd coincidental moment, a more pissed-off than usual looking Austrian stormed out of the room, looking ready to rant. After that followed an angry Prussian, and a very happy Hungarian. Damn, this sounded like one of those corny jokes that everyone laughs at shamefully.

"What the hell were you doing Elizabeta?" Roderich yelled, his face stern. He looked ready to explode.

"Well, that depends." She smiled. "What were you two doing?"

"What Specs and the awesome me were doing is completely not the point here!" Gilbert defended, although there was a glint in his red eyes that betrayed his annoyed disposition.

"Come on, guys! Let's just go, pick up Francis, and see how many movies we could get kicked out of in a short amount of time!" Antonio laughed, trying to stop an upcoming brawl.

"Well than, let's go!" Gilbert said, starting to run out of the room.

Well, Francis was just in one of the fancier, more expensive hotel suites. "Hey Francis, what's up? Ready to go? Where's this date of yours?"

"I'm right here..." A small and shy voice said, although the source of it couldn't be found.

"Who said that?" Antonio asked, looking around.

"What do you mean, he's right there! You know, blonde hair, violet eyes... Looks like the American bastard, but isn't." Lovino said, pointing to the shy and quiet Canadian.

"I don't see anyone Lovino." Antonio replied, looking around, as if the blonde was invisible. Matthew let out a sigh.

"First I agree to go out with Francis because he seemed upset, and now no one notices me. Typical."

Speaking of the wine-loving bastard... "Mon cher, pourquoi ils ne pouvent pas te voir?"

"Je ne sais pas..." He replied timidly, before having an arm wrapped around his shoulders. He seemed to flinch back a little bit at the touch.

"Oh, there's Matthew!" Gilbert exclaimed loudly. "I found him!"

"You didn't find him, you egotistical bastard!" Lovino rolled his eyes. "He was there the entire time!"

"Anyway... Let's go! We can't get kicked out of the movies just standing here!" The self-proclaimed Prussian yelled, running towards the car. "Hurry up, Roddy!" He laughed, noticing the annoyed look in his boyfriend's violet eyes.

"Idiot, I can't run very well since you crashed that car with your 'awesome' driving skills." He said, his walk containing a slight limp.

"Ah, suck it up!" The albino stopped in his tracks. He walked over to the Austrian who was wincing in pain and carried him. "You're too slow!"

"That's what she said." Francis joked. This car ride was going to be fun.

Well, in order to avoid any mishaps happening, Antonio was driving, despite Gilbert't volunteering ("I don't think so!" Roderich said, not even a second after he finished the sentence). Francis was riding shotgun, although Lovino was keeping a close watch on him to make sure nothing happened. Gilbert sat next to him, then Matthew and Roderich in the very back. The drive still seemed to take forever...

It started with Francis groping Antonio, although he was too oblivious to take notice, causing Lovino take take charge. "Hands off before I tie them to your back, then proceed to take away your wine for a week and refuse to give it back."

Francis folded him arms and scoffed. "Not like Antonio noticed." He looked back at the Spaniard and smiled, probably thinking something that Lovino really didn't want to find out.

The next mishap occured when Gilbert jumped in the back seat, accidentally on top of Matthew. "Hey, Specs!" He winked.

"Ow... Please get off of me." Matthew pleaded, although it was ignored. "Okay! Seriously! I'm not invisible!" He attempted to yell, although his voice wasn't very loud. "Maple..."

Apparently Matthew wasn't noticed then either, or maybe it was because Gilbert was too busy trying to get the Austrian's jacket off, although the latter didn't enjoy it. "Get off of me, Gilbert." Roderich replied, trying to shove the other man off of him.

"Yeah... I know the feeling..." The quiet voice of Matthew came again. Luckily it wasn't a busy area, because Francis made Antonio pull over.

"Gilbert! You're sitting on my Matthew!" He said, pulling the pale, silvery-blonde off of his date.

"Well, we can walk the rest of the way. This is the closest we'll get to free parking anyway." Lovino said, wanting to get out of the car filled with lunatics.

The decided to see a Twilight movie, but not because they wanted to see it. No, they were there merely to mock everything about it.

"Honestly, they call that a vampire?" Prussia laughed. "I'm more of a vampire than that sparkly ballerina! At least I don't sparkle! And what's with that Bella chick?"

"Oui, I know. I've had English food with more personality." Francis insulted. "And believe me, that's saying something..."

"Si... She's not a very good actress..." Antonio agreed, although being too nice to actually mock it.

"Alright... Everybody smile like Kristen Stewart!" Prussia announced, while everybody made a boring, bland, serious, blank expression.

Let's just say it didn't take long for them to be escorted out of the theater by a pretty girl, who seemed to take a liking to Antonio.

"I'm sorry to kick you out... But your friends were kinda loud and obnoxious. Does this always happen? I mean, you don't seem like the type to hang out with rebels. But, it's okay. I mean, you could always give me a call sometime.I find you very attractive." She was speaking in Spanish, so it was hard to decipher what she was saying. All Lovino really understood was her flirty tone of voice and winks. She wrote down her phone number and handed it to Antonio, with one more wink and a flirtatious flip of her long, black hair.

''HELL no. That's my Antonio. I already have to fight the canga for him... ''He wondered if she knew any English or Italian. "Habla Ingles?" He asked her.

"Yes. I speak English, what is it?" She asked, her Spanish accent thick, although it didn't have the same charm as Antonio's. Damn, his accent still made him blush sometimes. The way he rolled his r's without noticing it.

"Umm... That's my boyfriend you're flirting with." He said, trying to sound intimidating.

"Well, look at you, all pale and ginger and then look at me a beautiful tanned Spaniard. What are you anyway, Irish? American? You're accent sounds Italian, but you don't look it."

"I'm a fucking Italian and I'm not a ginger! Antonio's my boyfriend, you got that?" He said, trying not to slap the shit out of her.

"For now anyways... I mean, honestly, there isn't anything special in you. Antonio's way out of your league." She scoffed, wearing a look as if she wanted to pat herself on the back for her 'oh so clever retort'.

Lovino couldn't stand the comments from the bitch or slut or anything from the list of insults he wanted to call her. He rose a clenched fist and aimed a blow straight towards her face.

"Ow! You little bastardo!" She cursed, before giving a smirk and walking up to Antonio. She stood on her toes and placed her lips on his before Antonio pulled away almost immediately.

He looked over to find Francis and Gilbert struggling to hold back an extremely outraged Lovino. "Let me kill the bitch!" He started yelling, squirming to break free of their grasp. "No one kisses my Antonio and gets away with it!"

The young worker smiled and went inside, giving a wink at Antonio through the window. Antonio walked towards Lovino before pulling him into a kiss, as if showing the bitch that he wasn't interested. But, when he pulled away the Spaniard looked kind of disappointed.

"Are you okay, Antonio?" Lovino asked, looking up at him.

"Mein Gott, Lovino. Are you that unawesome at kissing? Kesese!" Gilbert joked.

"It wasn't me you bastard!" The Italian narrowed his eyes, giving less than half assed punches to his back.

"Honestly, I'm sure his kissing was more than pleasing." Francis nudged Antonio.

"Nothing... It's just, I'm going to head back to the house." He sighed.

"Well, the hotel's not that far away, I guess we could always walk." Francis smiled. "But... You seem upset. What's the problem? Does it have to do with the surprise?"

"Si... It's all Arthur's fault! If he had never canceled on you, than I would've gone to the concert, then the girl wouldn't have hit on me, and everything would still be okay." He ranted.

"Oh please, more girls would have hit on you at the concert and the day isn't even over yet." Francis smiled. "Honestly, there are still more things you planned that can still happen, oui?"

"You're right, Francis! Gracias!" He grinned. "Well, let's get you guys home, si?"

Once all five of them had gotten into the car, the ride was more peaceful than it had been on the way there. They probably didn't want to piss Lovino off any further. Wait, they were only five of them. "Excuse me, where's Matthew?"

"I thought he was behind you!" Francis yelled. "You mean we left Matthew stuck in a Twilight movie? Merde..."

Lovino turned around to see a frightened looking blonde running towards them. "Maple... That was terrible. They call that a love story? That man is abusive..." He shuddered.

"Matthew, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!" Francis apologized over and over.

"N-no more apologizing... I h-h-hate you... That should be classified under torture. I really need to talk w-with America about his movies..." The Canadian looked on the verge of tears.

"But, Matthew, what can I do to make up for it?" The older blonde's eyes were wide, as if he were genuinely sorry.

"I could leave you at the movie theater and make you sit through t-that thing... I swear it's an abomination to society..." He looked down at his feet.

"Why not just blind me and take away all enjoyment in my life!" Francis whined.

"But, where would be the fun in that?" Gilbert laughed. "Just watch the movie. Oh wait, all of us are banned from that place. Well, except Antonio and Mattie! It's okay, I'm too awesome for that place anyway!"

"It's Matthew... Not Mattie or Matt. Matthew. It isn't that hard of a name." Matthew sighed. "And you got b-banned from there? Why didn't Antonio get banned as well?"

"Because, the slut that works there wanted to get in his pants!" Lovino said through clenched teeth, obviously still mad about the girl.

"That's not necessarily true, Lovino..." Antonio mumbled. He always had a way of seeing the best in people.

"Well, I gotta go back to the hotel room and get situated again. Hopefully Feli didn't burn the place down, although Ludwig was there to watch him so it should be good." Roderich said, finally escaping Gilbert's arms.

"Wait... You left those two alone? Let us come with you." Lovino said, his eye twitching slightly. "If that German bastard has his hands all over mi frattelino again..."

He opened the door of the hotel room, looking around for his brother. He heard Feliciano's laugh. It was bright and cheery, filled with a childlike joy. Feathers were scattered along the floor, and more were fluttering to the ground.

"Come on! You need to have more fun! You can be such a stick in the mud!" He giggled, hitting the German with a fluffy pillow, causing a few more white feathers to fly up.

Ludwig's expression was the same, unamused and strict looking. "And how is whacking someone with pillows fun?" He asked, rolling his blue eyes.

"Well..." Feliciano's voice was softer and sadder. "Pillow fights are supposed to be fun... I thought that maybe it would cheer you up... You're always so strict, I just wanted to cheer you up a bit and..." He stopped talking, although he sounded as if he were about to cry.

"Potato bastard!" Lovino burst in yelling. "Leave Feli alone! He was just trying to get that stick out of your ass and you make him upset? You.. Bastard!" He hollered, hazel eyes filled with anger. "Come on Feli, let's go and you can go to the park with Daniela again. She really likes you."

"Okay~!" Feliciano instantly perked up. "That would be fun! I'll go pick her up now~!" He skipped out of the room.

Now it was Lovino and Ludwig in the room. "Listen, potato bastard. Stop being an ass to mi Frattelino, bastardo or I can and WILL kick your ass. He likes you. You're his friend. So stop being the biggest asshole I've ever laid eyes on." He said, trying not to physically harm him.

"I'm his friend?" Ludwig seemed puzzled at the thought. "That's odd... I've never really seen him as a friend. More like a little clingy dog."

It was that moment when Lovino couldn't contain it anymore. Sure, the German could take a hit, but it made Lovino feel slightly better. "Fuck you. My brother never shuts up about you and you have the nerve to say that? Stay the hell away from him... Sure Feliciano may be a bit clingy, but he likes you! You're going to insult him and crush him for falling in love with a heartless bastard like you! No one messes with my brother...."

"Come on, Lovino." Antonio popped in. "Let's get out of here. I made dinner reservations so we can stop by the house, get changed and go."

"Fine... I've got Feliciano going to the park with Daniela." The Italian told him, heading back into the car.

The drive home wasn't too long, although once they got home it had seemed as if they were gone forever.

"Papi! Lovi!" Daniela squealed, hugging both of them. "Guess what? Uncle Feli came over and he's taking me to the park! We were just waiting for you to get home!"

"Have fun, mi hija!" Antonio kissed the top of his daughter's head. "Te amo."

"I love you too~!" She said back. She looked up at Lovino and flashed a very familiar grin. "Te amo, Lovino." She hugged the Italian, brightening up his day. Daniela had the ability to do that to someone with a smile, a laugh and a few words. Lovino couldn't help but smile back, kissing her cheek.

"Daniela~!" Feliciano called. "Are you ready to go to the park?"

"I'm coming!" She called back. "Adios!" She ran back to Feliciano, stumbling a bit over her own feet. "I'm okay!" She laughed it off and continued running.

"Okay, well, I'm going to go get dressed into something nicer." Antonio said, heading into their room.

"Okay, just don't take forever. Honestly, it's like you're a teenage girl sometimes." Lovino teased. "Anway, while you spend forever and a half getting ready, I'll be taking a shower."

"Okay, just don't hurt yourself!" Antonio mocked back.

"I'm not going to hurt myself!" Lovino rolled his eyes, before his face met with the wall. "Dammit!" He swore, trying not to reveal the red mark that was sure to be on his face.

"See?" Antonio smiled. "You're clumsy... Always have been."

"Ah, shut up." Lovino pouted. "Go get dressed."

With that he entered the bathroom, running the hot water and stepping in. Usually the hot water mulled away his troubles and cleared his mind of all negative thoughts. Although, his mind travelled back to that dream during the meeting, and whatever Antonio had gotten. He stuck his hand out of the curtain, turning off the water and grabbing his towel.

He stepped out of the shower, only to want to crawl in a corner and die. The potato bastard was standing there, bold as bronze, a guilty expression on his face. "Feliciano?" He said his voice oddly soft... It made Lovino want to hurl. "I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I guess I can be a bit strict sometimes."

''The bastard thinks I'm my brother! Damn him... ''Before he could say anything, the German kissed him, a reluctant expression on his face.

"Lovi?" Well, it was official. The universe hated him. "...You okay? I've gotten dressed and- and..." Antonio stopped there, noticing what happened.

"Wait..." Ludwig's face went bleach white. "You're not Feliciano..."

"You're damn right I'm not Feliciano! I was trying to tell you that!" Lovino raged, storming into the room. "I have to get dressed."

He threw on a couple of casual clothes, nothing too dressy and plopped down on the bed. "Fuck that German... That ironic timing. I'm not my brother! I don't even look like him, and why was he looking for Feliciano in the shower anyway? That pervert!" He started to cry out of both frustration and dejection. "And Antonio just had to come into the bathroom during that one moment."

A knock on the bedroom door interrupted his ranting. "Lovi? Can I come in?" Antonio's voice came from the other side.

"I would say no, but it's your room..." Lovino replied, letting out a sigh. He watched the door open, and the Spaniard entered the room.

"Gracias." Antonio gave a small smile and kissed the Italian's cheek, causing his hazel eyes to fill with shock.

"Listen... The whole thing with the Potato Bastard was an accident! He thought I was mi fratello and I was trying to tell him I wasn't, but he didn't give me enough time to tell him I wasn't! I know you probably won't believe me but-" Once more, Lovino was cut off by Antonio.

Antonio pulled away from the kiss, laughing. "I believe you Lovino." He cupped his hand around the Italian's cheek. "If you say it was an accident, than it was an accident. I don't think you'd actually kiss Ludwig voluntarily. Anyway, It's time for us to go."

"Really? You're amazing you know that? Okay... Can you tell me where the hell we're going?" He asked.

"Well, I assumed you'd like to go to one of the best restaurants in Madrid." He said, going outside, ready to get in the car. "Restaurante de Barraca. I got us a reservation, for I have some of the best connections there."

"Well, I assumed so. It's nearly impossible to get a reservation at the last minute." Lovino was impressed at the fact that Antonio went through all of that. "I'm stunned you went through all of that..."

The dinner was nice. Actually, it was amazing. The food was fantastic, and they had some of the best wine in the area. "Okay, is this your plan? Go to a restaurant that has amazing wine and then get me completely drunk out of my mind?" Lovino asked as a joke.

"No, not at all. In fact, after four glasses, I'm taking it away from you." The Spaniard warned him, his green eyes still warm. "Make it last."

"Idioto..." Lovino rolled his eyes, taking a sip. "At least you don't have an evil plan that needs me to be completely intoxicated."

"That I don't have." Antonio said, pecking the other's cheek. It had taken a while for Lovino to allow the slightest public displays of affection, although now it was okay every now and then. It still caused Lovino to blush a deep red.

Then, there were those times every now and again where he would look at the Spaniard's charming smile and friendly green eyes that gave Lovino a sudden surge of affection that told him that he was still head over heels in love with Antonio.

The waiter handed Antonio the check, which wasn't very expensive for such a high-class restaurant. "Perks of being 'Spain'? You get pretty good discounts." Lovino noticed.

"Si, I do..." He replied, as if it was nothing. "Let's go home now. I think I can show you what I got now."

The ride home was quite enjoyable, the traffic wasn't bad and Lovino had the thought of his boyfriend's surprise flooding his mind.

"Okay, let me go get it." He ran into one of the rooms where he let out a slightly panicked scream.

"Are you okay, Antonio?" Lovino rushed in the room. "I heard you screaming."

"No..." Antonio muttered, tearing the room apart. "Where the hell is it? I had it right here!" He looked ready to break down.

The doorbell rang, and Lovino answered it. "Ciao, Lovino~!" Feliciano smiled. "I brought Daniela back."

"Okay, thanks Feliciano..." Lovino replied. Antonio stepped into the foyer, his eyes still filled with worry that melted away when Daniela hugged him. She ran into another one of the rooms.

"I can't believe I lost it... But, I put it right there." Antonio was still pacing back and forth.

"Well, I need to go check something..." Lovino said, letting the brunette mull things over.

He saw Daniela run out of the room she was in, her eyes wide. "Papi! Papi! I found something!"

Lovino stood in the hallway, listening to what the two were saying. "What is it?" Antonio asked, his voice hopeful.

"Look!" She held out her hand to show an emerald green box. "I didn't open it because it looked like a present."

"You found it... Muchas Gracias, mi hija!" He held his daughter in a tight hug.

"Oof... Get off... of me. You're squishing me." She said, squirming. "But, who is it for?"

"It's for Lovi~!" He told her, giving Lovino the oddest sense of deja vu.

"I don't think he would want a little box as a present, Papi." She told him.

"Silly. I'm giving him what's inside the box." Antonio ruffled her black, slightly wavy hair.

"But... The box is so small, I don't think you could fit much in there..." Daniela pointed out.

"This box holds more than you think." He winked one of his green eyes.

"What do you mean by that?" Antonio just kept on smiling, not answering her question. "Whatever, I'm just going to play~!"

"Hi, Daniela." Lovino said as he saw her walk by him.

"Oh, hi Lovino!" Daniela grinned. "Papi has a present for you, I don't know what it is but it came in a little box... Don't worry! The box isn't the present!"

Both of them laughed, although Daniela's was much more pleasing to the ear. This was all too familiar, the conversation, the laugh. It was his dream. He was dreaming it all, he pinched himself only to feel a slight pain. He was awake, this was real.

"Okay, I'll go see what he wants," Lovino said. "Go play and I'll play with you, okay?"

"Okay!" She bounced back into her room.

"So what's this I hear about a box?" Lovino leaned in closer to his boyfriend.

"How did you know that?" Antonio asked, already knowing the answer. "You can't tell Daniela anything!" He laughed.

"Well, she's two. You can't tell a two-year old a secret." Lovino rolled his eyes. "Anyway, what is it?"

"Do you really want to know?" He came closer, so that their lips were about an inch or two apart.

"Yes, I do." The Italian smirked, closing the gap between the two of them in a kiss.

"Okay then." Antonio opened the box in order to reveal a golden ring with a red ruby in the middle, with three smaller emeralds. "Lovino Vargas, will you marry me?"

Then, all of a sudden, reality came down on him like an avalanche. This was too perfect, he looked into the hallway and saw Isabela standing there, observing the conversation. The Italian's face went snow-white in shock, but it soon became twelve shades of crimson. It was too good to be true. The canga was bound to fuck it up. Somehow, she was going to ruin it. Lovino took a deep breath. "N-n-no."

Chapter 13
"N-n-no." Lovino stuttered the words. Although it was entirely cliched, Antonio felt his heart shatter at the Italian's response.

"No?" Antonio's voice was cracked and dry, trying to hold back the tears that were dying to pour out. "Why? I mean, I'm p-perfectly okay with it..." He lied, feeling his eyes water up more and more. "It's just.. I want to know w-why..."

Antonio tried to look at him, but Lovino turned away, as if not daring to make eye contact. "I can't... It's not safe, not for you, not for me. I can't. It would be better if I just left..." Lovino replied, getting up off the couch and heading towards the door.

"No! Lovino! Wait, don't leave!" Antonio tried to persuade him, although the attempt was futile. Lovino was gone, and the Spaniard was left alone to wallow in his woe and self-pity. He wasn't that kind of person though. He had a cheerful nature, always laughing and smiling... So, why was he just sitting there crying, all alone, staring at the spot where Lovino was.

"You know, self-pity doesn't get you anywhere." A voice came from behind. He turned around to see Isabela standing there, although she was thinner and actually sick-looking. "Believe me, I know. I've been using pity this entire time, and look where it got me."

"Shut up..." Antonio told her half-heartedly. "It's your fault, isn't it?"

Isabela looked into his eyes and sighed. "Well... Yes. It is. But, I feel terrible about it. I've realized something. The look you have in your eyes when you're with him, it's something you never had with me. You really love him, don't you?" Antonio didn't want to talk to her. He didn't want anything to do with her. All he did was nod.

"Then go after him. I hate seeing you all depressed like this. You're supposed to be cheerful and upbeat. Listen, I don't have much time left here, but screw my own selfish desires, I want to see you happy again. Go find him and bring him back with you."

"But... I can't. He won't come back... He probably hates me now. He won't come back to me. There isn't anything special to come back to. He ran away, and even if I do chase him, he'll just say no again... And what do you mean you don't have much time left?"

"I'm dying, from an uncurable sickness, I've got about 2 weeks left at most. But, that's not the main focus!" The Peruvian girl slapped him, causing him to look at her.

"But it is, you're dying and I've been to much of an egotistical jerk to realize. I'm an idiot... A good for nothing bastard, no wonder Lovi hates me." BAM. Another slap across his face.

"Antonio Fernandez Carriedo! I will not stand here and listen to you talk bad about yourself!" She yelled. "You're amazing, charming, sweet, and anyone would be lucky to have you! Lovino knows that! He's still in love with you, dammit! He's important to you, go chase after him." Antonio shook his head. "No? Fine then. If you're going to be a cowardly bastard, than I'll go and get him myself!"

She started to run out the door, her red dress bouncing after her. "Wait, where are you going?" Antonio asked.

"I'm getting Lovi. I'm bringing him home." Isabela ran out of the house, onto the streets, looking for the auburn-haired Italian.

She had been searching for around fifteen minutes when she saw a man slumping in his chair outside a cafe, his rust-colored hair the only thing you could see. Isabela spotted that peculiar curl again, only it was drooping. ''Now... How to get his attention? I know! I'll just pull that odd little curl... I mean, it's not like it does anything. ''She walked over to him took the piece of hair in her hands and twirled it around her finger. She could tell he stifled a moan.

"Antonio?" He looked up, the look on his face priceless. "You! What do you want with me? I said no! And DON'T pull my curl!" He gave a pissed off, yet frightened, look and ran off.

"Dammit! Lovino, come back!" She looked ahead. ''He's not looking where he' going is he? Lovino's going to get hurt! ''She saw a bus driving down the streets.

Yet, Lovino kept walking, not knowing what was about to come. Isabela ran, ready to save the Italian. The large vehicle was still barreling down the roads, paying no attention to the man walking in front of it. It was now or never.

"NO!" Isabela screeched, pushing the Italian forward and out of the way, taking the hit full on. She let out shocked scream. The bus stopped, she heard something crack, felt a few seconds of unbearable pain until everything faded to black.

She woke up in a hospital, sore and confused, the steady beeps on her heart monitor were the only noise filling the room. She looked to her side and saw Lovino sitting there, the look in his eyes had a very readable bewilderment in them.

"You're awake." He said, his expression not changing. It made Isabela wonder all of the thoughts that were swirling in his head. "But I have one question..."

"Go on." The Peruvian woman told him.

"Why the hell did you save me?" He asked the question that caused the silence to fall. Minutes passed while Isabela just sat there, speechless and pondering.

"Well... I had a sudden realization." She started to explain what was happening. "So, I was dwelling on the dream that told me to keep chasing after him no matter what. Then once I saw how he was after you rejected him, I felt like a bitch..."

"I'm with you so far." Lovino gave a small chuckle.

"As I was saying, while I was holding onto my own selfish dream, I was destroying a true, destined love... That dream caused so much pain. I wasted all of this time, where I should have been doing things that I've always wanted to do... Instead I was so focused on getting Antonio. I learned something, it does not do well to dwell on dreams, and forget to live." Isabela looked up at the ceiling and closed her eyes, as if praying. "I'm sorry Lovino, and tell Antonio I'm sorry to. Take good care of Daniela for me, and if you want to tell her how much of a monster I really am than do it."

"But, you're not a monster." Lovino said. "Sure, you may have been a bitch who made my life miserable, but you're not a bad person. You know your mistakes, and you faced them proudly. You care about Daniela, that I can tell from what you've told me. You took things in the wrong direction... Yet, at the crucial moment you risked your life to save mine. You're not a monster, you've... Changed."

Isabela gave a slight smile. "Are Antonio and Daniela coming?" She asked, hoping to see them, her eyes peering around the corner.

"Yeah, I made sure to get a hold of them. They should be here by now." The Italian checked his watch. As if by magic, Isabela saw two people walking down the halls, a man and a little girl.

"Hola?" Antonio said quietly. "Isabela? Are you awake?" He entered the room, his expression hopeful. He looked around the room and spotted Lovino sitting in the uncomfortable chairs. His expression changed, and suddenly his green eyes filled with a depression that tugged at the heartstrings and made someone who had not known this man before well up with tears. Antonio had that ability to brighten up a room when he smiled, however it also worked when he was sad, making the atmosphere dreary and dismal as well. "Oh... Hello, Lovino."

He didn't make eye contact with the Italian, whether it was because it would cause him to break out crying or because it was just a shallow reflection of his desires, something he couldn't resist. Antonio was easy to read, and it was obvious that the one thing he yearned for was Lovino, to hold him in his arms again and feel their lip brush across one another's again. Lovino replied with a slightly eager "Antonio", as if he wanted to say a bunch of words, dying to spill out.

Daniela entered the room, hugging a small stuffed animal. It was a small wolf, one of her most treasured possessions. Maybe it wasn't what it was, but who had given it to her. It was a present from Lovino, and ever since he had given it to her, she never let it go. "Mami? Are you okay? What happened?" Her eyes were wide and filled with a worry that Isabela had never seen in anyone so young.

"I just got a little hurt, that's all." She smiled, deciding to take what really happened down a notch, not wanting the toddler to worry.

"That's not true." Lovino faced Isabela, a look in his eye. Lovino was harder to read than Antonio. "Daniela deserves to know the truth, you said so yourself. She should know what her mother did... And how she saved my life." He faced Daniela. "Your mother is a hero."

Antonio's eyes grew huge. "Y-you saved him? How? What happened?"

"Well, I was walking down the street when a bus came and was like 'Hey! I love your face, so I'm going to run you over because you look like you need a hug!' but then it hit Isabela instead." Lovino tried to bring humor into the topic, either that or he decided to be a total asshole to Antonio on purpose.

Isabela laughed, only to feel a sharp pain shooting at her side. Antonio didn't seem to find it very amusing, if he did then he had a pretty good pokerface. It was the first time Isabela actually noticed the friction between the two. Antonio was stiff and bitter to the Italian, not showing his usual 100-watt smile. "Are you okay, Tonio?" She asked, only to receive a curt nod. That may have been the question that caused the silence to fall, for everything fell into that painful, awkard silence.

The air was tense, filled with hostile glares from the two men. "Listen guys, I'm sorry!" She said as loud as she could. "All of this... It's all my fault. It's my fault he said no, it's my fault you two are like this. I tore you two apart! Tonio... He loves you, so stop acting like an uncharacteristic asshole to him... I've been a bitch, and I hope that one day you'll come to forgive me."

"What's a bitch?" Daniela asked, causing al three of the adults to turn a slight shade if red.

"Nothing really... It's just a female dog." Lovino said, giving a nervous smile and patting her on the head.

"Oh, okay." Daniela shrugged it off.

Lovino sighed out of relief. "Continue what you were saying, Isabela."

"I'm so sorry, for everything. But, for now... I'm so very tired." She felt weak, like all of her energy was fading. No, it was more like it was being sucked out of her. "I feel so weak... I want you guys to know that I regret what I've done to you, and when you look back, you can either remember me as that bitch who tried to seek redemption," Isabela turned to Antonio. "Or you can remember me as the woman who saved your wife." She gave a wink, and gave a faint smile.

Antonio turned back to Lovino and whispered something. The Italian replied with a nod and a "Well, if you must, go ahead. I won't fucking stop you." Antonio grinned and leaned over to Isabela, catching her by surprise. He placed his soft lips onto hers and pulled away.

"Te amo, Antonio." Isabela smiled. "Always. Lo siento..."

"Esta bien... Yo te perdeno." He kissed her forehead. "Adios, Isabela."

She gave a faint smile and closed her eyes, until she felt everything ebb away. It was an odd sensation, painless, yet filled with emotional pain for a second, until it too was lifted away. Her spirit had left her body, and she stood, watching the scene below.

Daniela was crying, begging for her to wake up. "Mami! Mami! Wake up!" She pleaded.

Antonio knelt down and hugged her, trying to soothe his daughter. "It's okay, Dani... But, she won't wake up, mi hija." He tried to tell her. "She's an angel now." He saw a small Euro coin in the ground and picked it up. "See this?" He tried to smile, although his eyes were tearing up. "They say that when you find a coin, an angel's watching over you."

Daniela took the coin and placed it in her pocket. "Really?" Her eyes grew wide, although they were still watery.

"Si... So, keep your eyes open, and I'm sure we'll find a lot of coins in our path."

Chapter 14
Antonio looked in the mirror and sighed. He adjusted the black necktie that was around his neck. His green eyes drifted over to Lovino, who was sitting on the bed, completely ready, yet his eyes were staring blankly at nothing.

"You okay, Lovino?" He asked the Italian, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Hmm?" He turned to Antonio, his eyes focusing again. "Oh, yeah. I was just thinking."

"What were you thinking about?" He was concerned about Lovino... He wasn't acting like himself, he was dazed off, unfocused, mild, and bland. His eyes lost that sparkle and that fiesty personality had started to fade away.

"Just about things..." His voice was a monotone, no life to them whatsoever. "Just recent events... What happened." Emotion was starting to show, although it was remorse and depression. "The bus... And Isabela. It's my fault. My fault she's dead. It's my fault Daniela has to grow up without a mother. It's all my fault. It should have been me. She died saving me. She could still be alive, happy and with her family. I'm a terrible person." He buried his head in his knees.

That's why Lovino was acting so strange. He had survivor's guilt. Antonio could attempt to soothe and comfort Lovino with sweet, supportive words and gentle hair strokes, but it wouldn't work. It never did. Lovino was far too intelligent to belive anything of the sort. "It's not your fault, Lovi." He decided to at least try it. "Didn't she tell you she was sick?" Lovino picked his head up and nodded. "She was going to die from the sickness, you just gave her a nobler cause. I think she would had rather died a hero than a villain." He gave a peck on Lovino's cheek.

"I guess so," Lovino said, his eyes starting to unfocus again, just staring into nothingness. "But... What am I supposed to say? Tell the ones who were close to her that she died to save me? I... Just don't want to do this. This shouldn't have happened. None of it should have. I don't know what to do, what to say. She told me to do something before she died, but I'm not sure if I could do it."

"What was it?" Antonio asked him, curious about what her request was.

"I can't tell you," The Italian shrugged. "I guess you'll see eventually."

Antonio had overheard some of the conversation the two were having, it mentioned something about him and Daniela, but he wasn't paying complete attention to what they were saying.

"Okay... Are you ready to go? We still have to drop off Daniela." The Spaniard wrapped his arms around Lovino.

"Okay, we don't want to be late." He walked into the young girl's room, trying to wake her up.

Daniela had changed too, although that was expected. It wasn't fair for a little kid to lose her mother at such a young age. She was so sad all of the time now, and all Antonio wanted to do was bring back that smile of hers. Everything was a different atmosphere, a different mood, a depressing aftermath.

It was a few more minutes before Lovino walked out of the room, carrying Daniela in his arms. He walked into the living room, setting the toddler on the couch. She didn't react, but just sat there. "Good morning, Daniela. Did you sleep well?"

She shook her head. "I had another bad dream." This was another reoccurance, the bad dreams Dani had been having. They were happening at least every two nights since it had happened. "I dreamt that a monster came and tried to eat me, but I was all alone, so I had no one to save me..."

Antonio sighed and hugged his daughter. "Don't be scared. You're not alone, okay?"

"Hey, Papi?" She looked at him. "Can you promise me something?"

"What is it?" He asked the black-haired girl.

"Promise me that you'll never leave. I don't like being alone." She extended her little finger. "Pinky promise?"

Antonio did the same. "I promise." He kissed the top of her head. "I'll always be here for you."

Daniela gave a small smile, and yawned. "Thank you, Papi." She hugged him. "But, where are we going?"

"We're dropping you off to the pota- I mean, Gilbert." Lovino said through gritted teeth.

"It's okay, Roderich will be there too!" Antonio reassured Lovino, knowing he wouldn't trust Gilbert with a child.

"Well, that's okay. At least Roderich has intelligence and some maturity." Lovino seemed to calm down a bit, although not completely.

"Exactly, well we should be off, I don't think it would be very good if we were late." Antonio said, picking up Daniela with one arm and grabbing Lovino's hand with the other.

It was slightly drizzling, the sky being a dismal grey. They stepped into the car, and started to drive to Roderich's. The car ride was silent, for they could find nothing to talk about. It seemed to take forever to get there, the minutes seemed like hours plunged into the sad silence.

The car stopped, and the three stepped out. Antonio picked up Daniela again, saying something about not wanting her shoes to get muddy. He knocked on the door, and a few seconds later it opened.

"Antonio, come in." Roderich said. "Gilbert should be out shortly. I have no clue what's taking him so long..." He rolled his eyes.

"Sorry, I don't have much time, we're running late." Antonio set Daniela down on the floor, where she started walk around bumping into one of the tables, causing on of the vases to fall. Roderich let out a few swear words and dove for it, trying to save it from shattering.

"Luckily I saved it, that's an expensive vase." Roderich sighed. "She's your daughter?" Antonio nodded. "I couldn't tell." There was a heavy sarcasm in his voice.

"Well, we should be going. Tell Gilbert I said hi!" Antonio gave a plausible-enough smile and left.

"Are you sure we can trust them with Daniela?" Lovino asked, a worried look filling his eyes.

"I'm positive, don't forget, Roderich raised Feliciano, and he turned out okay." Antonio told him.

Lovino gave a shrug. "He's a wimp, if Daniela comes out of there any less courageous, I'm blaming him. It could also be Feliciano's doing, but still."

The Spaniard rolled his eyes. "Daniela's a tough girl, she might roughen them up. Anyway, we should probably get going."

The two men stepped into the car, and drove away.

The ceremony had been awkward. It seemed every time Lovino looked around, someone was glaring at him. It was as if, like he had at first, they blamed him for Isabela's death. He had given the speech, although it seemed no one had been listening to him. They were too focused on glaring at him with eyes as sharp as daggers.

Lovino plopped down on the couch and undid his black necktie. Antonio sat next to him, and wrapped his arm around him. No words were spoken, just a nice, soothing silence that didn't need to be broken. The Italian came closer to him, burying his face in the Spaniard's chest. Small little tears soaked into the soft shirt of his love.

"I hate people..." Lovino sniffled. "Honestly, it's not like I fucking killed her! It wasn't my fault! I didn't do anything!" He sobbed, burying himself into Antonio's shirt again. The brunette sat there, stroking the chestnut hair of his lover, placing a few kisses on his face.

"They're grief-stricken. When you suffer grief and tragedy, you feel the need to blame it on someone, anyone, even when there is no one to blame." Antonio told him, placing another kiss on the soft lips of the Italian. This one was tender and sweet, lasting noticably longer than the former ones. The two pulled away awhile later, a frown still on the Italian's face. "Come on, cheer up! You know it wasn't your fault..." Antonio smiled, his green eyes bright. "Fusososo~"

Lovino rolled his hazel eyes, but gave a small laugh. "Idiot." He told the Spaniard. "You sound stupid when you say that."

"Well, it cheers you up, doesn't it?" The Italian gave a very small nod. "Therefore, it does its job!"

"Wait... Did you forget to pick up Daniela from Roderich's?" Lovino yelled. "You idiot! You forgot your daughter..."

"Oh my god, you're right!" Antonio's voice was filled with dissapointment, directed towards himself. Both of them started to walk to the car.

"This is why you can't live with her without another adult. You're hopeless." Lovino sighed, offering to drive.

"No! I'll drive." Antonio offered, a nervous smile on his hand. Lovino didn't really understand why he was never allowed to drive; he was an excellent driver. "Anyway, I raised you, and you turned out pretty well, so I'm not completely hopeless!"

"I guess," The Italian shrugged.

Roderich was standing by the door, holding Daniela's hand as the car pulled into the driveway. "You forgot something, you idiot."

Daniela crossed her arms and pouted. "Liar." She told him.

Antonio tilted his head. "What do you mean?" He asked.

"You promised me that you wouldn't leave, and you forgot me!" She yelled. "You lying bastard."

Lovino grew 12 shades of crimson. "Don't say that word!" He told her. "It's not a very nice word... In fact, don't repeat anything I say."

Antonio pulled the Italian's arm and whispered. "You're not allowed to talk near her anymore."

The Spaniard picked up his daughter. "How about I go buy you a treat? Then will you forgive me?" The little girl gave a nod.

"Can we go get ice cream?" She asked, beaming up at him again.

"Okay~!" Antonio smiled back.

After the stopped at an ice cream parlor, the three were home. Daniela ran inside and into her room giggling.

Lovino sat down on the couch and picked up a piece of paper and pencil. He started to draw someone in an elaborate gown with a long veil and holding a bouquet of lilies. The person in the dress had short hair with an odd, little curl. He wasn't sure if it was a girl, and if it was, she was very flat chested. He drew a man in the picture, dressed sharply in a tuxedo, with slightly wavy hair and beautiful eyes. The next person in the drawing was a little girl in a pretty dress. She was carrying a basket of flowers, scattering the petals.

When looking at the picture as a whole, he realized what he had drawn. Lovino had drawn a wedding, his and Antonio's wedding. "That's a nice drawing, Lovino." Antonio popped up behind him, causing Lovino to jump a bit.

"You startled me, you bastard!" He yelled. "Besides, it's not even that well-drawn."

"I beg to differ," Antonio argued back. "You're always your worst critic."

"Whatever..." The Italian rolled his hazel eyes. "Anyway, remember when I said Isabela told me to do something?"

"Yes, I remember. But you wouldn't tell me." Antonio nodded, instructing him to continue.

"Well, I think I can tell you now." Lovino inhaled deeply. "She said that I needed to take care of Daniela, like she was my own daughter."

Antonio burst out laughing. "That's it? That's what she told you? You already did that, and you still do." The Spaniard ruffled his lover's chestnut hair.

"But, there was one more thing she told me to do." Lovino gave a small, nervous smile as he took the box out of his pocket. "I found this in the dresser drawers..."

"What are you trying to say Lovino?" Antonio asked, being handed the box.

The Italian put out his hand, giving it to Antonio. "I'm saying yes, you idiot." He laughed. Antonio's eyes grew wide, and then he hugged Lovino tightly, practically jumping on top of him.

"Really?" He asked, in a state of such complete and utter bliss, he thought it was like a dream. "It'll be perfect! Daniela can be the flower girl and you can wear a pretty drees, like in the drawing--"

"Excuse me?" Lovino raised an eyebrow. "If I'm marrying you, I'm doing it in a tuxedo, that means pants." He argued. "Only girls wear dresses."

"Please?" He begged, his bottom lip quivering.

"No. I'm not a girl, therefore, I shall not wear a dress." The Italian crossed his arms.

"Please! Please, please, please, please, please?" He begged. Lovino shook his head again. "Come on! Even you drew yourself in a dress!"

"Fine, I'll wear a fucking dress if it will shut you up!" He yelled. "But, you're paying for it, and I get to pick it out, capiche?"

"Okay~" Antonio hugged his fiance again.

"Idiot." Lovino muttered, before turning around and giving the Spaniard a passionate kiss. "Ti amo."

Chapter 15
Lovino looked up the white dress that was hanging up. He still couldn't believe Antonio had persuaded him to wear it. Granted, it was a lovely gown. It was a pristine white, with elaborate crystal beading on the top. The skirt was bunched in places, but flowed out in a lovely A-line shape. He looked down at his engagement ring and a small smile appeared on his face. The large ruby and three small emeralds glinted in the light. Antonio could be such an idiot at times, he thought as he read the words inscribed onto the gold "You're the tomato of my heart~".

He inhaled deeply. The butterflies flittering in the Italian's stomach had turned into a swarm of wasps, making his insides churn and his throat sting. Today was the day. Lovino pondered, unsure of what to do, how to do this. He needed advice, good advice. Feliciano wouldn't be any help. He came to the only sensible conclusion. He would have to call Roderich.

Before he had even reached for his phone, the Austrian entered the room. "How the hell?" Lovino wondered. "Are you fucking psychic?"

"No, but, I've had a few marriages in my time, and I thought you could use some advice.That and Antonio was freaking out earlier, but Francis is handling that." Roderich sat down. "Just don't fuck it up... Being married is just like being yourself, only with someone else. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true."

"What would you know?" Lovino mumbled. "All of your marriages ended in failure."

The aristocratic brunette tensed up a bit, before apparently calming himself down. "That's because when I was married it was as if I were a completely different person. That's why I refuse to marry Gilbert, because I'm afraid I'll change again. Just be careful, okay? Be grateful for what you have."

With that advice, Roderich left, wishing him luck. Lovino looked at the time. I should probably start getting ready, he said to himself. His hair was already done, neat, but not that different from his real style. He had around an hour, but most other people took over twice that. He looked at the wedding dress, still hanging up in its little plastic bag. The Italian opened up the bag and pulled it out, taking in its beauty, but also visualizing the situation more. His mind swirled with visions of happy faces and romantic smiles, while he's just walking down that seemingly never-ending aisle, an anxiety flowing through his body with each and every step he takes. He sees Antonio's warm and friendly smile, same as always. Then, a horrifying thought rang through his head like the bells he was so longing to hear. What if Antonio changed like Roderich did? What if Lovino changed?

That dreaded feeling returned, the feeling of doubt and worry. He shrugged it off temporarily when Feliciano entered, a bright and cheery grin plastered on his face. "Lovino~!" He chirped. "I'm here to help you get ready; you'll look so pretty! Is that your dress? It's just how I remembered it!"

Lovino stripped his casual clothes and started to wriggle himself into the dress somehow. These things weren't very comfortable. Feliciano zipped him up and smiled even wider. "I feel ridiculous." The older Italian told his brother.

"Of course you do, you're not wearing your shoes or a veil yet!" The younger of the brothers tapped Lovino's nose and ran towards the closet. Feliciano ran back out, with a pair of white, heeled sandals.

"If you think I'm wearing that, your mind is more fucked up than I thought." Lovino rolled his eyes. "I'm not a chick, therefore, I'll do perfectly fine in regular shoes. Or a more masculine sandal... I want to keep some of my dignity."

He ran into the closet and pulled out a pair of simple, white sandals. They weren't too feminine looking. He slipped them on, and looked at himself as a whole. "I look like a girl." He said blatantly.

"But a very pretty girl!" Feliciano chimed in. "Besides, it's not like anyone's going to care!"

"Just leave... You still have to get ready, you idiot." Lovino said, just wanting to be alone. The younger of the two Italians nodded and skipped away.

Once it was just him in the room again, those dreaded thoughts flooded his mind once more. Damn Roderich! He couldn't do it. Lovino didn't want to lose what he had with Antonio, what he had built up over so many years. ''Run. ''That annoying voice in his head was telling him. ''Run. It's your only option. Run.''

The chestnut-haired Italian opened the door, and started to run. He didn't know where, he just needed to get away. Lovino stopped for a moment, and jotted something down on a piece of paper.

Dear Tonio,

''I can't do it. I just can't... I don't want to lose my personality, I don't want you to lose yours... Before you start accusing me of such and crying, no, I don't hate you. I love you, you bastard.''

Love, Lovino

He set it down on a bench outside of the building, and continued running. He had an awful lot of running to do.

"Excuse me? Where do you think you're going?" A deep voice said. Lovino knew that voice; it was the voice of his grandfather.

"Great. It's you. I'm going insane, aren't it?" Lovino knitted his brows in worry.

"Well, you're not insane for seeing me! You're insane for leaving Antonio!" The Roman told him. "Honestly, I thought my grandson would have more common sense!"

"Fuck off..." Lovino told him. "You don't even care. You've always favoured Feliciano anyway."

"Hold on one second! If you think that I didn't care about you I would come and visit you twice?" He yelled. "Now, stop being an idiot and go to your wedding and marry Antonio!"

Lovino tried to come up with some witty comeback, but nothing came out. His mind was blank. "Why the fuck should I?" He yelled, not answering the question about his grandfather 'caring' about him.

"Because, he loves you, and I know that you love him." A serious flooded the Roman's brown eyes. "Now, are you going to go willingly, or am I going to have to force you?"

"I'll.... I'll be going." Lovino nodded, and went off. His grandfather did care about him. After all these years, he cared about the older of the Vargas brothers.

"Lovino!" A voice echoed. It was Antonio. He was looking for him. ''How long was I talking to Grandpa Rome? ''He asked himself. The voice repeated.

"Antonio..." He mumbled to himself. "I'm ready."

"I do." The Spaniard said, a smile on his face and a warm look in his green eyes.

"And do you, Lovino—"

"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here." The fiesty Italian rolled his eyes.

"You may now kiss."

The priest had hardly finished his sentence before Lovino pulled his husband into a kiss. The two pulled away, and Lovino looked up with a large smile on his face.

"Am I supposed to throw these flower-things now?" He said, still happy, but that cheesy, overly-happy bliss was out of his system. Not getting an answer, he threw it anyway, only to gently fall into the arms of Roderich.

"No." The Austrian immediately turned to Gilbert.

Lovino scoffed, before walking away from the large group of people. Daniela came chasing behind him; her light pink dress bouncing behind her.

"Hey, Lovi?" She tugged on his arm.

"Yeah?" He tried to bend down, and make himself eye-level with the toddler, but the fluffy white dress wouldn't allow him.

"Do I call you Papa now, or what do I call you?" She asked, a stumped expression on her face.

"You know, you could always call me Lovino..." He suggested.

Daniela shook her head. "Nope! You'll just be Lovi, or Papa Lovi! That works!" She gave him a big toothy smile, and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

Antonio came from behind and picked the little girl up. "Hey! No sentimental family moments without me!" He laughed, tossing his daughter up in the air a bit. He started speaking to her in Spanish, his words upbeat and melodious.

"Oi! You know I can't speak fluent Spanish!" He crossed his arms. "Although... I do remember one word." The Italian smiled as he spoke the next words. "Besame."

For once, Antonio did as he was told.

1 Year or so Later...
"Dani!" Antonio called from the kitchen. "Breakfast is ready!"

The young girl ran out into the room, climbing up on the chair. "Did you get up the strawberries?" She peered over at what her father was cooking, inhaling deeply as Antonio did. She didn't smell much, but what she did smell was rather sweet. "Papa Lovi! Get your butt in here!" an Italian's chuckle could be heard, ringing thorughout the house and Antonio glared in mock anger at his husband.

"She gets that from you, you know? When she gets older she'll curse as bad as you!" he cried. Lovino shrugged, shoving it of as nothing.

"Eh, at least she won't be all shy and demure and prissy. She'll know to speak her mind and stand up for herself, right, Daniela?"

"That's right!" Dani looked at her step-father with curiosity. Her green eyes drifted over to the piece of hair bobbing up and down as he talked.

"Hey, Papa Lovi, what's the curly hair bit do?" a blush spread across his face, as Antonio tried to refrain from cracking up, but the attempt was futile.

"Nothing you need to know about, ragazza," he replied, somewhat sternly. He turned the other way, out of sight out of mind.

"Then why are you blushing and why is Papi laughing? Can I pull it?" she asked, her face adorably innocent. Her eyes became large and she pouted out her bottom lip, in a puppy-dog face that rivaled her father, who could get anything he wanted with just a simple batting of his eyelashes.

"W-what? N-no!" but Dani ignored him and climbed onto the table and tugged his curl, and his blushed deepened. "Dani, ragazza. Stop."

"But... Papa Lovi! I just wanna know!" she whined, and tugged it harder. Lovino bit his tongue to stop from moaning, and reached over and tickled her and she started to shriek with laughter.

"I... Get... It... From... Your... Papi. I don't need it from you, caro." he said, gigglinh along with her. Antonio strode over, and pulled him off his daughter.

"Mr. Carrideo. What did I tell you last year? No sentimental family moments without me!" he laughed, and began with one hand to tickle his daughter, and his husband with the other. Lovino stubbornly pushed him away, for the slightest touch could send him into a burst of laughs. He didn't need Daniela to pick up another thing from Antonio.

Lovino cast a glance over to the right. Across the room, there was the faintest outline of a woman.

Her hair was jet black with small waves, and her brown eyes sparkled. She winked one of her choclate eyes, and Lovino smiled softly, winking back. Isabela cast a warm glance at Antonio.

"He's happy. Mi hija is happy. And Lovino is happy.... Good. Muy beuno..."