"Stop please nonno. I'll be good. I won't act up again. Ple-"

"Silence, you retched child. You have to behave like your sweet, little brother. You will have to be strong for him. You live to protect him, he will be the one to bring fortune to our family. You are worthless."

A strong whip gashed the younger boy's back. He sobbed heavily as blood ran down his back to which he began coughing hystercially, trying to catch his breath. The older man kneeled down, gripping the boy's chin to make him look into his eyes.

"Stop with the crying. You can't show weakness. Not in this world, I won't stop until you quit your crying!" Another whip this time against his arm. He tried to stop his tears, he bit his lip as hard as he can to stop. Blood soon dripping from his mouth as his body began to shake due to the amount of blood loss. His arms were hurting from being tied above his head. Blood covered the floor beneath him, his naked body covered in his own blood. He fought back his tears as much as he can before looking up towards his grandfather.

"Nonno, I'm sorry. I'll stop being weak. Just no more..please.." The older man stared at his grandson with menacing eyes before his face lightened up and he smiled.

"Oh, Lovino, you're such a strong boy. Don't let anyone affect your strong will." He stood up and untied his wrists. Then ruffled his hair lovingly. "I know you'll be strong. You can't let anybody in. Family is everything, okay?" Then he walked upstairs leaving Lovino alone in the cold basement. His body was shaking profusely as he tried to stand himself up, but his knees would buck out beneath him. Leaving him weak in his own blood and tears, his coughing was only getting worse as blood covered his lips. He needed to become stronger. He needed to show his grandfather he could protect his beloved younger brother. He needed to create a harden shell around his fragile state. No more weakness. No more crying. Just a hollow shell, living his pathetic life for one purpose, Feliciano.

~Eight Years Later~

"Fratello, wake up! I need you to pick up Ludwig so we can take him to school with us."

"Ugh, Feli, give me a second to wake up. We'll pick up the potato bastard, just stop whining." Lovino rolled away from his brother with the blanket over his head until a sudden light blinded him. Feliciano stood there with the blanket in his hand with the most carismastic smile. Lovino scoffed at his younger brother before sitting up and yawning.

"Were you up late again, Fratello?"

"Feli, it doesn't concern you even if I was. Don't worry about it, okay?"

"But-"

"Enough Feli. Damnit, I just woke up and if you don't let me wake up I won't pick up your potato boyfriend, Capiche?"

The younger boy nodded before exiting the room. Lovino smiled at his brother's compliance whenever his boyfriend got involved. He stood up and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower before heading downstairs towards the kitchen. Feliciano already had some bruschetta on the table with extra tomatoes ontop-just the way Lovino liked it. Lovino looked through the morning paper before letting out a heavy sigh when he saw the criminal activity increase in their neighborhood. 'Just great,' he thought. He tossed it aside before finishing his breakfast and coffee. He grabbed his black leather jacket and keys before signaling for Feliciano to follow.

Once they made it to school, Feli would get out and meet up with his other friend, Kiku Honda. He was a transfer student from Japan, but he was popular with most of the students who actually enjoyed his company, especially Heracles and Sadik. Those two had a small obsession over Kiku since he transferred. They would argue all the time over who Kiku likes better or who he would rather date. Pointless conversations that definitley fit their childish attitudes.

Despite their immature behaviour, Lovino found them as good income in his buisness. They owe him money for his last inconvience two days ago. The longer they make him wait, the more agitated he becomes. Lovino sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose before cutting the engine of his car.

He exited the car, shoving his hands in his pocket for some warmth. Fall was already chilly as ever this year. Below average tempertures or something like that. Lovino made his way towards the two, who were already bickering about hanging out with Kiku tonight. They both ceased speaking as soon as Lovino stopped infront of them.

"Hey, Lovino. We were both wondering where you were actually." Sadik stated with uncertainty, glancing a small look towards Heracles.

"Yeah, we actually got your money," came abruptly from Heracles mouth.

"Okay, hand it over. I don't have all day." Lovino held his hand out but there was no movement from the two before him. He clenched his fist and punched Heracles in the face making him fall to the ground with a bloody lip. " Did I stutter? Where is it? Don't lie to me!"

"We forgot it at my place. I'm sorry Lovino, please just stop by after school and we'll give it to you." Sadik explained before looking over at Heracles who was holding his face in pain.

Everyone was now whispering and staring at the three infront of them. Lovino stood up straight and brushed himself off, as if he was the one on the ground.. He nodded towards the two before walking off into the school. He could hear his name around every corner. Lovino is so scary. He's a monster, how does his adorable little brother deal with him? He needs someone to teach him a lesson in manners, that's for sure. He ignored it all. He didn't need people to tell him how truly weak he was. He promised his nonno before he passed that'd he be strong for Feliciano. Feliciano was his life, nothing else mattered.

Right?

_This is my first fanfic so I know it's not the best. I don't mind some input from other writers on how to improve and maybe some ideas for the story itself. Thanks for the read though!