Gilbert had been lounging on the sofa at home. Dressed in nothing more than a white singlet and a pair of shorts decorated heavily with little chick patterns, Gilbert's limbs were sprawled out. Maybe he should have agreed to the sleepover after all. They could have been using the air conditioner right now. Gilbert groaned. It was one of those days where the weather was just too intolerable and all you wanted to do was be lazy.

The stand fan blew at him, the rotors turning at maximum velocity. The television buzzed in the background and sounded like pointless static to Gilbert. He couldn't even remember when he'd turn it on, or what he even intended to watch on it.

"Can I have another bowl of ice cream?" Gilbert called from the sofa.

"You just had one ten minutes ago… And half of it was left to melt…" Gilbert's brother, Ludwig, said pointedly.

Then at that very moment, the doorbell rang. The melodious chime resounded around the house.

"Who'd bother walking in such a heat? This heat is just so oppressive. I'd melt out there! " Gilbert complained, " mind being kind and answering the door for me?"

Ludwig sighed. Albeit being the younger brother, Ludwig always held the air of an elder brother; simply put he was responsible. It had always been a reverse situation, so naturally Ludwig always answered the door. With or without being asked to.

After a moment, Ludwig called to Gilbert. " It's for you Brother."


"My plan failed, Arthur. I didn't think Gil would say something so insulting like that! Gilbert was supposed to be nice! It's like I don't know him anymore!" Francis said, moping about. He'd really thought it would work.

It was Sunday night and Francis and Arthur had volunteered to work for the weekend to get some extra cash in their pockets. After all, it wasn't like they had anything better to do. He scrubbed at the plates stacked high in the sink, trying to remove the grease.

"No surprise there." Arthur said nonchalantly. Arthur swept the floor with a kind of distance look on his face, " now for the umpteenth time, I'm telling you. That's typical of Gilbert."

"Likewise, I'm telling you that Gil-"

"Have you ever considered that Gilbert just got tired of your company? Maybe not you, but Antonio?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Just speculating the possibilities. Also Alfred told me that Gilbert had been complaining to him about Antonio so yeah, I thought about it, and maybe that's just it. He got tired of the airhead."

For once, Francis was stunned stupid. He couldn't believe his ears. Was this what was happening? Could Gilbert really have gotten tired of his best friend? Francis watched as Arthur returned to his task at hand and quietly swept up the various crumpled tissues and serviettes that littered the floor.

Francis returned his attention to the dish in his hand. Without his notice, the soapy water had run down the length of his arm to catapult off his elbow in little droplets onto the floor. Suddenly he felt heavy hearted and exhausted. Rinsing the last of the dishes, he began to stack them neatly on the dish rack.


It was clear that Antonio no longer had the intention to talk to Gilbert any more. On the following day, Antonio had either gone everywhere alone or with Lovino. The two were almost inseparable other than the fact that they were of different ages and alas, could not attend classes together. It was also getting rather apparent that the hotheaded Italian felt more than just friendship for the Spaniard.

Francis felt hopeless. It was rare for Antonio to hold such a grudge for longer than two days, let alone one. Francis, more often than not, spent his time with Gilbert since there was no one else to take him as company. Of course that only happened when Gilbert was free. Gilbert's schedule had been rather hectic lately, always dashing off to places.

Most of the time, Francis spent his hours listening to Gilbert flaunt his amazing and awesome attributes. The days almost passed off as normal except that the trio that existed once upon a time had now dwindled to a pathetic duo. Where neither cared so much to what the other had to say. Everything was just different.


Four nights later, when Francis and Arthur had been the remaining two workers at the café they worked in, Arthur had broken down.

Initially, the Brit had looked so calm and composed; a sense of tranquility had enveloped the Brit as he took up his usual duty at sweeping the floors. When they were the only two left, Arthur had just sat down on the nearest stool before the tears spilled.

Francis was horrified. Ever since Alfred had entered Arthur's life, Arthur had such brightness and happiness in him. To see him in such a state shook Francis to his core. Everything didn't seem to be working out lately.

"I…I d-don't think he loves me anymore F-F-Francis…" Arthur sobbed, tears running down in rivulets down his face, " I can't live without him. I really can't…"

The whole café was drowned with Arthur's howls and sobs, which were brimming with sorrow. Outside, a steady downpour had begun and the leaves swayed in the wind. It seemed like Mother Nature felt Arthur's sorrow too.


It was five days before Gilbert cracked. They were in the school courtyard when Antonio and Lovino happened to stride past them. Gilbert had eyed them with envy and a hint of weariness.

"Francis! I need to talk to you bad! Please listen," Gilbert ejaculated.

Francis cocked an eyebrow at him. Gilbert had always been one to talk without consent.

"I'm all ears, Gil. You know that." Francis said, his face deadpan.

Gilbert then launched into his tale.


"It's for you Brother."

That was Ludwig's call. Gilbert slugged to the door. It was too hot for such vigorous movements like this.

In the doorway stood Antonio. Gilbert blinked in surprise.

"Uhm… Hey Gil," Antonio hesitated.

"What?" Gilbert said, his facial expression turned mocking and menacing.

" Hey Gil? Did I do something? Something you didn't like or…or… I know I'm not the brightest so I wouldn't know if I did something bad or offensive or…uhm…"

"Go away 'Toni. You're annoying."

Antonio looked genuinely hurt, he was someone who always wore his heart on his sleeves and his emotions reflected off his face with supreme clarity.

"But Gil! Weren't we friends? Didn't our friendship mean anything to you?"

"Maybe it did at first, then hanging around you got tiresome so I'm trashing you now."

Antonio bit his lower lip. His face was a swirl of conflicting emotions. Then Antonio broke into a smile.

" I see. Ok Gil, I get it. Thank you for being my friend so far. You have done so many great things for me, so now it is my turn to repay you the same kindness. If it's what you want then I will gladly take a step back and step out of your life for you."

With that, Antonio headed down the driveway, and disappeared around the corner.


"You see Francis, I thought if I pushed 'Toni away, I could solve my problems." Gilbert said.

Meeting Francis directly in the eyes, Gilbert looked confused and lost.

"The thing is," Gilbert whispered softly, " I love 'Toni…"


A/N: Hello! It's been a while since I finally updated xD Hah. The third and final installment will probably come some time in November since I'm so caught up with my studies and all . Well as promised, PruSpa for you (: R&R is appreciated. Though I think there has been various pairings in this story, everything clears up in the last chapter. So stay tuned :3 Constructive comments are welcomed! :D

Hetalia © Hidekaz Himaruya