Chapter 2

"Why do you hate Romano so much?"

The question was asked so innocently, so out of nowhere, that it really threw me off for a sec. But, being the totally awesome person that I am, I recovered lightning fast. " 'Cause he's a little bastard." Good enough reason for me, even if it's not the truth. 'Toni doesn't need to know that. Well, he is a bastard, that's just not why I hate 'im. I can deal with bastards.

'Toni frowns. Guess he knows it, even if he doesn't need to. "Is it because of how he treats Germany?"

I laugh. That's just too rich. "Kesesese! Hell, no! West can take care of himself, 'Toni! 'Specially against Romano!" Plus it's actually kind of funny, how much it bugs West. He keeps saying how he'll never understand Italians.

"Then why?" He presses, his face serious as he leans in, like he's trying to intimidate the information out of me or something. His face is only inches away from mine and I can feel his warm breath against my face.

I just can't help it. I'm a man, after all, even if I'm an incredibly awesome one. His lips are too tempting, so I lean in to catch them with mine. They're warm, and soft. The kiss only lasts a second or two before I pull away, but afterwards my face feels hot.

" 'Cause he's a little bastard," I reply to the question I had almost forgotten. I try to smirk, but I can feel that it's a little shaky. Dammit! I am not losing my cool!

'Toni frowns again and looks away, but I saw that he's blushing too. (Not that I'm blushing!) "That's not really an answer."

He's still on about that? God, everything's Romano with him! "Fine. You want an answer? How 'bout the fact he treats you like crap? That a good enough reason for you?" I snap, not able to control myself, it's all just pissing me off so bad. "No? Then what about how you still fawn all over him like some fucking lovesick puppy even though he treats you like crap and I have to listen to you spew out compliments about him every chance you get. It's making me fucking sick."

I hit the wall. Some picture that West hung up falls, the glass shattering on the floor. Who fucking cares? I hated that painting anyway. "I mean, what are you, some kind of masochist? Do I have to start insulting you at every opportunity to get you to notice me?"

Antonio eyes widen. Fuck! What the hell did I just say? "Gil-"

"No!" I can feel my shoulders shaking as I turn away from him. "N-never mind. I take it all back. I hate him because he's an un-awesome little bastard, alright? That's all there is to it."

I can't look at him. I know what I'll see. It'll be that same stupid look that Francis gives me all the time. That "Oh, poor Gilbert" look. I don't need their pity. I'm the awesome Prussian Empire, for God's sake! "I'm going to my room. I'll talk to you later, 'Tonio."

Antonio stares at Gilbert's back as he retreats into his room. His head was swimming. Gilbert couldn't possibly mean what he thought he meant. "He doesn't… does he…? No, that's… ridiculous…"

"And why would that be ridiculous, mon ami?" Francis asks, leaning casually in the door frame. "C'est amour!"

"But…" The Spaniard trails off uncertainly, not really sure why it's ridiculous. It just wasn't possible! "Why wouldn't he have told me?"

"Would you have?" Francis chuckles lightly. "With the way you're always talking about little Lovino, it's enough to take the wind out of even Gilbert's sails."

"But there was plenty of time before that!" Antonio insists. "He could have told me before I met Romano!"

"Ah…" Francis pauses for a moment then shrugs. "I suppose he thought he had plenty of time. Or perhaps he didn't realize how much he loved you until you were already taken."

"That's…"

"Ridiculous?" Francis finished for him. The Frenchman makes his way across the room and sits down on the couch where his shocked friend is sitting in an almost catatonic state. He wrapped his arms around Antonio's shoulders and pulled him close. "I know it's a lot for you to take in, mon ami. Think it over carefully and whatever you decide, be gentle with our Gilbert. You know he's not as tough as he acts, non?"

"I-" Antonio starts, but closes his mouth and nods, with a still confused, but determined look on his face. He didn't know what he was going to do yet, but he was going to do something. Gilbert or Romano? Which one mattered more to him?

Francis shook his head as he watched the expressions fly across his friend's face. He could tell exactly what Antonio was thinking. He was never able to hide his emotions very well.

He had always wanted Gilbert to tell Antonio how he felt. He constantly pestered Gilbert about it whenever Antonio wasn't around. After all, Antonio was never going to notice.

However… now that it had happened, Francis was no longer sure it was for the best. The dynamic of their group was going to be forever changed, no matter what the outcome was. And he wasn't sure of he liked that thought. But, if all went well, it would make Gilbert very happy. And Gilbert hadn't been truly happy in a long time.

Francis sighed, running his fingers through his hair and looking back at Antonio, then at the door Gilbert had left through. He supposed he would just watch it play out for now.

And hope for the best.

A/N: Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? I was a little iffy on continuing this because I have a hard time writing in first period for extended amounts of time. But! I love Prussia and Spain together. And I thought Gilbo deserved some loving. So, since a few people asked me to continue it, here it is! I'm sorry it's so short, I just write short chapters. *laughs*