A/N - I know I've put this chapter up a bit early, but I was just inspired to write... Anyways, I hope you like it! Reviews/feedback is always welcome. ~PastaCurls

Summary – Feliciano and Lovino's parents died in a car crash when they were 2. The twins were taken in by their grandfather and lived happily. When the twins are 11 their grandfather falls ill and passes away, leaving the twins with their only remaining family member - an abusive, alcoholic uncle.

Rating – M

Warnings – Violence, swearing and smut.

Main Pairing – Italy/Romano (BROTHERLY LOVE, NO ITACEST)

Other Pairing(s) – GerIta, Spamano, USUK


Lovino's leg bounces as he sits in his third lesson of the day, Science. He absolutely hates the subject. He's given up listening in the lessons and tends to doodle in his work book. He's tried countless times to listen to his teacher, Mr Edelstein, during lessons but the complicated formulas and equations of physics go straight in one ear and out of the other.

The Italian lets out a sigh of relief as the bell rings, signalling the end of lesson and the start of lunch time. He quickly collects his books and pencil before making for the door.

"Mr Vargas, would you stay behind for a moment please?" His teacher's voice stops him in his tracks.

He curses under his breath and turns around, walking to his teacher's desk reluctantly.

"Lovino," Mr Edelstein almost sighs in his Austrian accent. "I've looked over your work from our last lesson."

"Let me guess," Lovino cuts in bitterly. "It's a pile of shit, I'm going to fail Science, and you're disappointed in me, blah blah blah."

Mr Edelstein frowns slightly, sitting up straighter in his chair. "Less of the attitude please, and watch your language."

Lovino huffs quietly, glancing up at the clock. "I'm sorry... Can I go now? I need to meet my brother."

"Not just yet," the teacher says. "Your grades are appalling and you'll be leaving school in a few months. A lot of teachers would have given up on you by now, but I believe you can pass my class if you tried a little harder and had the right support."

Lovino frowns. "Support?"

"Yes, a tutor to be exact." Mr Edelstein says with a small smile. "I've chosen a student from one of the other classes to tutor you during your free periods. He is also willing to tutor you after school if you'd like."

"I don't want a fucking tutor," he sighs, looking away.

"Language." The older man says sternly before sighing softly. "Lovino, you're a smart boy. Anyone can see that."

Said boy fidgets under the man's gaze, refusing to look at him.

"I do believe you can pass this class, and your other classes. Please give the tutoring a try. Your brother benefited greatly from tutoring with other students, and you can be the same." the teacher says honestly, looking up at the boy. "Do it for Feliciano. I know he would want you to do well."

The Italian glances at the clock again at the mention of his brother and sighs quietly, running a hand through his hair.

"Fine, alright. I'll try it." He says after a moment.

"Excellent." Mr Edelstein says happily before standing and gathering his things. "You have a free period this afternoon, correct? Fifth period?"

Lovino nods slowly, already regretting agreeing to the man.

"Alright. I'll let Mr Carriedo know that you'll be waiting in the library for him." Mr Edelstein says before exiting the classroom.

The teacher barely makes it three steps from the room before he hears the Italian.

"What!?"

~o~

Lovino storms through the school hallways, muttering angrily to himself. There was no way he would have agreed to tutoring if he'd known who would be his tutor.

Running a hand through his hair he turns a corner, heading towards his locker. Feliciano would be waiting for him there; they always met up for dinner at his locker.

He spots his brother waiting patiently next to his locker and jogs over to him. Feliciano looks up when he notices his twin and smiles.

"Hey, Lovi." He links his arm with his brother's, much to Lovino's dismay. "How were your lessons?"

"Shit, as always." He says bitterly, causing his twin to chuckle as they walk to the cafeteria.

"You should lighten up a little, Lovi. School isn't all bad." Feliciano says with a smile.

Lovino grunts in response as they join the back of the dinner queue. He untangles his arm from his brother's and shoves his hands in his pockets.

The younger twin rolls his eyes with a smile and bounces on his heels, eager to get some food.

The two buy a burger each and some fries before finding a table at the back of the cafeteria. Feliciano tucks into his burger straight away while Lovino nibbles at his fries, glancing around the crowded hall.

It's not long before they're joined at the table. Lovino looks up and glares as the reason for his anger sits himself right beside him on the bench.

"Hi Feli, hi Lovi." Antonio says happily, smiling at the Italian boys.

"Don't call me that," Lovino growls, shoving a few fries into his mouth while Feliciano just smiles at their 'friend'.

"Aw, why not? It's a cute nickname." The Spaniard chuckles as he unwraps his own lunch. "Besides, you let Feli call you it all the time."

Lovino narrows his eyes and shuffles away from the other boy. Antonio just laughs and tucks into his burger.

"I'm guessing Mr Edelstein spoke with you?"

Lovino glares at the Spanish boy, huffing. "I wouldn't have agreed to it if I'd have known it was you."

"Aw, Lovi. Don't be so mean." Antonio pouts.

Feliciano tilts his head as he looks between the two. "Agreed to what?"

Before Lovino can speak Antonio answers for him.

"I'm going to tutor Lovi."

"Lovino." The older Italian growls.

"Lovi, that's great!" Feliciano grins. "I know you can do well."

Lovino huffs again, folding his arms and glaring at nothing in particular.

"What's his problem?" A loud voice suddenly interrupts.

The three look up to see two familiar blonde boys approaching the table. Each take a seat at the table with their lunches. The one who'd spoken, Alfred, tucks into his hamburger eagerly, causing some of the sauce to drip down his chin. The blonde sitting to his left, his face adorned with thick bushy eyebrows and a scowl, picks up one of the napkins off the table and daps at Alfred's chin.

"Honestly, you're like a child sometimes." he mutters, his British accent showing in his words.

Alfred rolls his eyes but lets the Brit clean his face, enjoying the attention.

"Am not." He says childishly, smirking.

The Brit, Arthur, rolls his eyes and tosses the napkin onto the table before sipping at his bottle of water.

Alfred laughs and turns back to look at the glaring Italian again. "What's up his ass?"

Antonio chuckles as Lovino swears under his breath. "He's pissed off because I'm tutoring him in Science."

"Ah." The American boy says, shrugging. "I don't see what the big deal is. Arthur tutors me all the time with my classes."

"Yes, but I think you two do a little more than tutoring, no?" Another voice cuts in.

All heads turn as another blonde boy sits at the table, a smirk evident on his face.

Arthur scowls at him. "What's that supposed mean, frog?"

"I think you know exactly what it means, Arthur." The boy says in a French accent, smirking again.

"Why you bloody cheeky wan-" the Brit starts but is cut off by Alfred wrapping a long arm around his shoulders.

"Calm down, man. Francis is just teasing." The American says with a smile, liking how the English boy leans into him.

Francis rolls his eyes at the two. "You two need to get over yourselves and shag already."

"You bastard!" The Brit growls before lunging himself across Alfred to grab at the French boy.

Francis shrieks as Arthur pulls his hair, batting at the shorter boy. Alfred quickly wraps his arms around Arthur's waist, tugging him off the French boy and to his chest.

Arthur struggles in his hold for a moment before sighing and folding his arms over his chest. It takes him a moment to realise he's sat on Alfred's lap, blushing darkly and moving to sit back on the bench.

Lovino rolls his eyes at them all as he eats. "Bastards..."

Feliciano smiles at his brother before looking back to his now empty plate with a sigh. Lovino notices and slides his plate over to his twin, resting his arms on the table.

"But-" Feliciano says quietly to his brother, the other boys talking amongst themselves.

"I don't want it." Lovino says quietly, glancing at him.

"Are you sure?" Feliciano tilts his head and Lovino rolls his eyes.

"Yes. Just eat it."

Feliciano doesn't argue and quickly scoffs down the rest of the fries and burger. The twins look up when they hear Alfred laugh, realising they were being watched.

"Man, do you not get fed at home or something Feli?" The American says jokingly.

Lovino's anger boils at the comment and Feliciano ducks his head to hide his tears. The older twin quickly stands, knocking the table as he does.

"Leave him the fuck alone." He growls, grabbing Feliciano's arm before quickly pulling his brother out of the cafeteria.

"Lovino." Antonio calls after him, biting his lip.

Francis frowns as he watches the twins leave, and Arthur kicks Alfred's leg under the table. "Well done."

"I didn't mean to upset them! What did I say?" The American says with a frown, rubbing his sore leg.

Antonio sighs softly. "I have no idea..."

~o~

Feliciano sighs as he walks out of his lesson, holding his books to his chest. Alfred's comment had thrown him off guard and upset him probably more than it should have. Lovino had dragged him thought the school hallways and taken him to the nearest bathroom while he calmed down. After a few tears and reluctant cuddle from his brother, Feliciano had felt a bit better, and the two had headed to their classes.

The youngest twin walks to his locker so he can put his maths books away quickly before his next lesson. He finds his locker, opening it and shoving his books inside quickly. He freezes when he feels eyes on him and closes his locker gently before slowly looking over his shoulder.

A pair of intense blue eyes are watching him, their owner leaning back against a locker a bit further down the hallway. The tall blonde looks a lot calmer now, and Feliciano wonders if it's because Gilbert isn't with him. Feliciano's cheeks flush when Ludwig doesn't look away, offering a shy smile before forcing himself to turn away.

He makes sure his locker is closed before turning to head to his next lesson. He walks quickly, feeling eyes boring into the back of his head. He sighs shakily, not sure whether he's scared or happy about that. As he turns the corner he bumps into a tall figure, causing them to drop the book they were holding.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Feliciano apologizes, not even looking up at the other person. He moves to pick the book up when a hand is suddenly fisted in the front of his shirt and he's pushed back against one of the concrete walls.

He squeaks in surprise at the force and looks up hesitantly. His face pales when he realises who he's bumped into. A pair of dark, brown eyes stare back at him, an evil smirk gracing the taller boy's lips.

"S-Sadiq, I'm sorry. I didn't m-mean to-" The Italian stutters, unable to look at the Turkish boy.

This is bad. This is very, very bad, Feliciano thinks. Sadiq Adnan wasn't too fond of the youngest Italian, or the eldest for that matter. The boy was known for being a bully, throwing his weight around and intimidating the majority of students in the school. Even the teachers are a little weary of him. Nobody crosses him.

Except- Feliciano just accidentally has.

"Hi, Feli." The Turkish boy sneers, his fist tightening in Feliciano's shirt, pressing the smaller boy harder into the wall.

Feliciano bites his lip, doing his best to suppress the whimper threatening to leave his lips. He's worried that he might have actually found somebody that rivaled his uncle Marcello when it came to scaring him.

"I'm s-sorry," he says again and he's shaking. "Please… I need t-to get to my class."

Sadiq laughs darkly, making a face as he looks down at Feliciano. People are starting to notice them now, and gather around eagerly to watch.

"You're so fucking weak, Feliciano." The Turkish boy sneers the name before leaning his face close to the smaller boy's. "You're fucking pathetic."

This time Feliciano can't hold back the whimper and attempts to struggle out of Sadiq's grip. It does little to help and the taller boy easily slams him back against the wall, eliciting a cry from the Italian. He laughs and throws Feliciano to the floor, kicking him in the side. Feliciano whimpers again at the blow, curling in on himself.

Sadiq sighs, almost sounding bored. "Come on, Feli. At least try."

Feliciano doesn't move and the Turkish boy rolls his eyes, bending down to grab the boy by his shirt again, roughly pulling him up to look at him. He opens his mouth to speak but stops when the crowd stood around them gasps loudly. He frowns and looks up where he's crouching on the floor, and notices a tall blonde boy approaching them.

"Let him go."

Feliciano hesitantly looks up when he hears the familiar German accent. Ludwig is looking down at the two, his arms folded and a scowl present on his face.

Sadiq can't help the grin that appears on his face as he stands, dragging Feliciano up with him. He looks his opponent up and down, smirking.

"Why would I do that?" He drawls, pulling Feliciano closer who flinches. "I'm having so much fun."

The German boy's eyes are hard as he stares at Sadiq, unphased. "I'll ask you one more time, let him go."

Sadiq merely laughs, looking the blonde up and down again before slamming Feliciano back into the wall, eliciting another cry from the Italian.

In a flash Ludwig moves forward, his fist colliding with Sadiq's jaw. Caught off guard, the Turkish boy stumbles back, letting go of Feliciano the process. He holds his jaw, looking up at the blonde in shock for a second before smirking. He lunges forward, tackling Ludwig to the floor. The crowd around them cheer loudly as they watch the two boys fight, some pulling out their phones to video it. Feliciano can't move. He's glued to the wall as he watches the two boys wrestle on the floor, throwing punches and kicks.

Eventually the noise of the crowd draws the attention of a few teachers who quickly push their way past the spectators and pull the two boys apart.

"Stop this now!" One of the male teachers yells as he pulls Ludwig up, holding a hand against his chest. "You boys should know better than this."

Another teacher is holding Sadiq back and quickly takes him to the principal's office to calm down. Ludwig watches him go, smiling slightly before his eyes widen and he quickly, moves to Feliciano.

"Are you okay?" He asks quietly, laying a hand on the Italian's shoulder. Feliciano can't stop himself from flinching at the touch but nods slowly, offering the blonde a small, grateful smile.

Ludwig opens his mouth to speak again when the teacher behind them clears his throat. "Mr Beilschmidt, this is your first day here. Do you really think this is the best start?"

The blonde closes his mouth, keeping his hand on Feliciano's shoulder. "No," He says quietly. "I'm sorry, sir."

"Violence is not tolerated in this school, Ludwig. I'm going to have to-"

"Don't punish him." Feliciano suddenly speaks up, pushing himself off the wall and standing on shaky legs. "He didn't cause the fight. Sadiq did. Ludwig was just protecting me."

The teacher looks at the Italian, frowning when he notices how the small boy's frame is shaking and a bruise is appearing on the boy's cheek. He glances back at Ludwig and folds his arms.

"I'll let you off seen as this is your first day." He says, causing Ludwig to smile. "But, like I said, Mr Beilschmidt, we do not tolerate violence in this school. If you are involved in anything like this again, action will be taken. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, sir. It won't happen again." Ludwig says with a nod. "Thank you."

The teacher also nods before looking back at Feliciano. "Take him to the school nurse please. You may stay with him, I'll let your teacher's know you will be late to class."

Ludwig nods again before the teacher walks away. He looks back down to the Italian stood beside him, frowning at how violently the boy's body is trembling.

"Let's get you to the nurse." He says, placing a hand gently on the boy's back and leading him down the corridor.

It takes a few seconds for Feliciano to realise where they are heading. He abruptly stops, shaking his head gently. He can't let the school nurse examine him, god knows what she'd do when saw the state of his body.

"I'm fine, I don't need to see the nurse." He says quickly, offering a small smile. "Just a little shook up, is all."

Ludwig doesn't look convinced and raises an eyebrow. "Feliciano, you're more than a little shook up. It's better to get you checked over just in case."

Feliciano blushes as the German says his name but shakes his head again, biting his lip. "Please, Ludwig, I'm okay. I really don't want to see the nurse."

The blonde boy is frowning now as he watches Feliciano who fidgets under his gaze. He looks like he's going to argue again so the Italian quickly speaks.

"How about you take me to my brother. He has a free period, he should be in the library. I just need to sit down for a few minutes, then I'll be fine. I promise."

Ludwig stares at him for a few seconds, considering, before he sighs and nods. "Alright, I'll take you to your brother."

Feliciano smiles slightly, the feeling of Ludwig's hand resting on his back feels strangely nice. He leans into the touch as they walk along the empty corridors, most students already in their lessons.

"Um," Feliciano says quietly after a minute of silence. "Thank you for helping me back there… You didn't have to."

Ludwig shrugs as they walk, the library just at the end of the corridor. "It's fine. There was no need for what he did to you." He pauses for a moment. "Does that happen to you a lot?"

Feliciano sighs with a small shrug. "Sometimes. Not always him, though. I'm not exactly the toughest guy here, I'm an easy target for the likes of Sadiq." He admits.

Ludwig frowns at this and opens the door to the library, holding it open for Feliciano. The Italian blushes and walks inside, looking around for his brother. He spots him sitting at a table in the corner with Antonio, waving his arms about as he argues with the Spanish boy over something. He rolls his eyes at his brother's behaviour and walks towards them.

"Is he always so-" Ludwig starts quietly, searching for a word "-grumpy?"

Feliciano laughs lightly and nods. "All the time."

The two approach the table and Antonio glances up, frowning when he sees the younger Italian. Lovino must notice the look on his face, as he quickly spins around, also frowning when he sees Feliciano.

"What the hell happened?" he storms over to the two, placing a hand on his brother's cheek as he looks him over.

Lovino frowns as he looks at his twin's bruised cheek. He knew Feliciano had covered it up this morning. He lets out a shaky breath, his anger rapidly building.

"Who the fuck did this?" He asks before glancing at Ludwig. "Was it him? You bastard! I told you to stay away from my brother you-"

"Lovi," Feliciano interrupts gently, rubbing his side sore ribs absently. "It wasn't Ludwig. Sadiq was picking on me, Ludwig stepped in and stopped him. He saved me."

Lovino continues to glare at the blonde who stands beside Feliciano awkwardly. Antonio stands up and walks over to the three, wrapping an arm around Feliciano.

"Thank you for helping Feli, Ludwig, was it?" the Spanish boy smiles as the blonde nods, before guiding Feliciano to the table so he can sit down.

Lovino huffs quietly, glancing over at his brother before looking back up to the blonde. "This doesn't mean I like you."

Ludwig raises an eyebrow as the oldest Italian walks over to the table, sitting beside Feliciano who's still shaking slightly. The lighter haired boy curls into his brother's side, sighing quietly.

"Where else are you hurt?" Lovino asks quietly, wrapping an arm around Feliciano, ignoring the way Antonio is smiling at them.

"Just my ribs a little." Feliciano says, relaxing against his twin and closing his eyes.

"Maybe you should see the nurse, Feli." Antonio says with a small frown, worrying about the small Italian.

"I agree." Ludwig says slowly.

The blonde watches the twins, noticing how they both tense at the idea. Lovino shakes his head, tightening his hold slightly. "He'll be fine."

Antonio frowns at the older twin, biting his lip. "Lovi, he should really get checked out. He's shaking."

The Spanish boy reaches out to place a hand on Feliciano's arm, causing the boy to flinch. Lovino clenches his jaw, glaring at the dark haired boy.

"I said he's fine, just leave him the fuck alone." He snaps. "Come on, Feliciano."

The eldest twin stands causing Feliciano to pout. His brother was quite comfortable to lean on. He stands slowly, legs not as shaky as before, and moves to his brother's side. Lovino wraps and arm around him again and leads him out of the library.

"Lovi, what about your tutoring?" the younger Italian asks with a frown as they walk down the hallway.

"Fuck it, he was pissing me off anyway." Lovino says quietly, leading them into an empty classroom.

He closes the door before sitting Feliciano down at a desk. He sighs, brushing his thumb over his brother's cheek. Having not seen the bruise that morning, Lovino is surprised at how dark and sore it looks. He grits his teeth and drops his hand.

"What the fuck were you doing, Feliciano?" He asks, running a hand through his hair. "I told you to stay out of trouble. We don't need this shit."

Feliciano ducks his head slightly, wrapping his arms around himself as his brother stands in front of him. "I didn't mean to. I walked into Sadiq by accident."

Lovino sighs frustratedly, looking to his brother before a worrying thought hits him.

"Ludwig," he says. Feliciano's head snaps up at the mention of the blonde, making Lovino frown. "Did he ask about your cheek?"

Feliciano shakes his head. "I think he thought Sadiq gave me it."

Lovino nods softly, looking more relaxed. He sighs softly and drops into the chair beside Feliciano, letting his brother lean into him again.

"What am I going to do with you?" he mutters quietly.

Feliciano smiles softly, finding Lovino's hand and giving it a squeeze. "What would you do without me?"

Lovino rolls his eyes but gives Feliciano's hand a small squeeze too, not letting go.

The two sit like that for a while before Feliciano decides he needs to go to his English class. Lovino walks him to the classroom, making sure nobody else bothers his brother.