A/N: This was about the point where the story took off on me. Ridiculous thing keeps twisting and turning in ways I didn't expect. _

Chapter 2 - Romano's Images

We walked along a crowded street
You took my hand and danced with me
Images

Something was seriously wrong with Gilbert.

Lovino had first noticed it a couple weeks ago - about the time that he had gotten back together with Antonio - but today it was more evident than before. Maybe because this was the first time they had been together without Antonio since he and the Italian had started going out again.

Speaking of that… Well, it had been something of a surprise to Lovino himself, so he really didn't blame his friend for being shocked by the development. Really, the proposition had come out of nowhere from Antonio. And even though Lovino had been hurt by the man and was completely over him (really! He was!), he had agreed to it almost instantly.

Because Antonio was comfortable. Someone that he knew well enough that he could easily let go of the silly crush he had developed.

And it was silly, after all. Really! What kind of crazy person would fall for Gilbert Beilschmidt? Only the craziest!

Gilbert seemed to be distancing himself today. Which wasn't that surprising because Antonio had turned into a fairly jealous person and had expressed a serious dislike for Gilbert's penchant to hang all over Lovino. But the Italian just missed the closeness.

Even though he kept telling himself that he shouldn't.

"What's wrong with you?" he finally demanded as Gilbert pulled away from him for about the dozenth time.

Gilbert stared at him blankly. "Wrong?" he asked dully. "Nothing. Just keeping my distance like a good boy."

Lovino scowled. "Bullshit," he commented.

Shrugging, Gilbert looked to the street ahead. They were on their way to their usual bar for the night. "Tell that to your boyfriend."

"I don't like it any more than you do," Lovino said heatedly before he could stop himself.

The stare that Gilbert gave him made the Italian cringe. "So why are you with him?" If it hadn't been his best friend (really! That's all he was!) demanding, Lovino would have blown up.

But it was Gilbert. And Lovino couldn't very well say, 'Because I could never have you' and so he shrugged instead.

"He's safe." It was a pitiful response and Lovino hated himself for giving it.

Gilbert snorted. "Safe. Until he hurts you again."

Lovino's angry reply was halted when the Prussian waved a hand in his typical gesture of apology. "Never mind," he sighed. "Forget I said anything."

But Lovino couldn't forget the hurt look on Gilbert's face or the strange, unrecognizable tone in his voice.

The bar eased a lot of their awkwardness. Even to the point that Gilbert dragged the Italian onto the dance floor. It was a wonderful feeling to be dancing with Gilbert, even though Lovino complained the entire time about not being a dancer and dammit Gilbert, let go already! But he felt happier than he had in a while.

That was as good as it got, though. Antonio showing up ruined Lovino's momentary euphoria.

And when you left, you kissed my lips
You told me you would never, never forget
These images

There was a lot of yelling then. Mostly between Antonio and Lovino, though a good chunk of it was Antonio yelling at Gilbert too. The entire time, Gilbert remained perfectly silent, simply staring at Lovino with a look that clearly said, 'See what you've chosen?!'

And Lovino hated himself for being with Antonio again. Because the last thing he wanted was the lose his friend.

Finally, Antonio seemed to strike a nerve and the Prussian snapped.

"Fine," he said with a huff. "I won't come near him again. Happy?"

Lovino was not happy at all, but Antonio obviously was.

Gilbert stalked to the bar and grabbed his things. Lovino couldn't stop himself from running outside after him.

"Gilbert, wait!"

The Prussian spun on the spot and fixed Lovino with a hard glare. "Why?" he countered angrily and Lovino found himself actually terrified by the glint in those red eyes. "Are you gonna leave him?!"

"N-no, I…" Lovino started, cowering from his best friend.

But he was interrupted by a heavy sigh and he watched as Gilbert deflated before his eyes. "I'm sorry, Lovi, I can't…"

Lovino was struck dumb by the fact that Gilbert had just apologized to him. So struck, in fact, that he couldn't move, even when he suddenly felt lips pressed to his own for a brief moment.

Well, I never wanna see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me

"I can't be your friend anymore." The Prussian was suddenly so far away that Lovino was positive the kiss was his own wishful thinking. "Goodbye, Lovi."

The young Italian could only stare and cry as the man he loved walked away, sobs wracking his body until he fell to his knees on the pavement and curled in on himself.

Goodbye my almost lover
Goodbye my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?

So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

And he hated himself for it.