Romano Italy, or as he now strongly preferred, Lovino Vargas shuffled his feet, staring intently at the grubby converse he wore. His current outfit wasn't much his style, as Antonio had him change out of his pajamas and into some of his more casual clothing the former country of Spain has snagged from Lovino's closet. So, minus Alfred's bomber jacket, he wore jeans, faded red converse, and a comfortable shirt he'd bought a while back- One of his favorites actually. It was a print with a donkey on it and bold letters that read "Jackass".

Okay, he'd admit, it was silly, especially now that it didn't really matter as much whether someone was a jackass or some kind of messiah. But it felt nice to have at least some part of him left. It was like a sort of life line in this blank personality he'd lost himself in.

"Hey, Lovino?"

He squeezed his hand to let the American know he was listening.

"Well, I know we don't know each other too well, but I just want you to know I'm here for you okay? I... I know that Ital- Feliciano, sorry, I know his death must have been really hard on you. And it probably still is. But you have to promise me, you have to, that you'll stay strong, alright?"

A hesitant squeeze came from the Italian's cold hand.

"...Okay.."

"Um.. Lovino?"

Lovi's dark amber eyes reached up and searched Alfred's expression quietly, like a cat watching into a warm home from a raining outlook. You could practically see the droplets forming in clusters around his gaunt face.

"I know this is sort of random, considering what I just said.. But why won't you let me call you Romano?" Lovino stiffened, "Sorry- Or Feliciano Italy, or Antonio Spain? You won't even feel comfortable when I call myself America... Is there something wrong? Oh.. You don't have to answer though, I was just wondering."

Lovino's words came out strangled, like he might cry, though Alfred knew well enough by now that he'd force himself not to, "We aren't countries. We aren't immortal anymore. Alfred, we can die.. We're just as human as the families trying to save their children."

"...Oh. Well I suppose when you put it that way."

Alfred's excitement from Lovino's improvement had dampened when the Italian gave his reasoning. It made the American feel... Smaller. Infinitesmal, to be more specific. The cries from the people seemed to echo loudly in his head. Before Lovino had mentioned it, he hadn't payed much mind to what was really going on apart from the Allies.

"...I'm sorry."

Alfred jumped, this time his turn for his thoughts to be interrupted. Lovino's chest felt like someone had squeezed it and never quiet really let go. Even though the American had asked him for his input, and he'd felt compelled to answer, the other's crestfallen and saddened expression had led him to realize his mistake. Yes, they were both much older than any normal person, they'd both been through absolute shit, but never had they really faced the reality of just how crappy life was.

Simply because they never quite needed to.

Alfred straightened, and forced a smile, though his eyes flashed with concern for the other who really did look like he might break apart right there, like a fragile vase that might shatter if you just pushed it a little in the wrong way. Fumbling for something to say, Alfred opened his mouth, shut it, repeated, and opened it again before actually sputtering out the first thing he could manage to think of, "That's okay! I mean I know what you mean- um.. Hey do you still have your MP3?"

The quite obviously random and out of the blue question threw the Italian off. Of everything he expected the American to say, 'Do you still have your MP3?' was not on the list. Though, without a word, he quietly reached his hand into the bomber jacket's pocket, fingers silently enclosing on a small, flat MP3 player, earbuds wrapped around it carefully.

"What kinda songs've you got on there? I never really got the chance to know."

Lovino didn't respond, once more not in the mood to really talk, but he did manage to free the earbuds with one hand, his other still securely latched onto Alfred's. The american gingerly took a small black earbud from Lovino when it was offered, and watched him push his own corresponding red one into his left ear. Leaning slightly closer to Alfred so that when they walked, neither earbud would fall out, he pressed "PLAY" with a small click. Guitar chords began at a cheery tune,

Theres a god awful shitty feeling, a dread in my heart...

_
AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey there! I'm sorry this chapter's cut shorter than the previous one, but I promise I'll make it up next chapter. I'm trying to make a deadline for me to get at least one chapter done a week, since I usually only have access to my computer on wednesdays and thursdays, (And every other weekend I also have friday, saturday, and sunday) But I'll get started on chapter three tomorrow so yeah! I hope you all have a great Halloween this weekend by the way! Those of you actually reading this, haha. Honestly.. I had no idea anyone'd actually find interest in it so it makes me super happy that people have favorited and followed! This is actually my first time writing fanfiction, so I'm really nervous.. but I hope I'm able to get you excited for the end!

Ohhh, speaking of endings, does anybody else really like Mother Mother or? Because honestly Dread In My Heart just fit so perfectly and gahHhHhhh

Anywho, I'll see you soon!

-Popcorn
(I'd say call me Jon, but Popcorn sounds like a cute nickname...)