Okay, so here's daily update number four! Thank you to all the new people that reviewed! It really means a lot, so here's hoping more people will come! Hoping this gets to 30 reviews by tomorrow's next post! Can we do it? It's 11 reviews so it might be tricky but here's hoping.

As for Feliciano's back story and why he's so cray cray, well, you all shall see in due time. Bwuahaha.

I don't own Hetalia and America was not written by me but by the lovely Jetsir.

Romano backed away from the other nations. "You want my blood? Will that send me back, or will it just show you where the other Romano is?" Romano's eyes narrowed. They were not going to cut him. Not even a nick. He'd been cut enough in his life, and regardless if it was unreasonable enough.

England pursed his lips. "W-well, it will only tell us where the other you is, but once we know that, then the spell to switch the two of you back will be simple and painless, honest!" He stepped forward, hand outstretched, but America threw and arm out without any intention of moving away from Romano.

"England, I said no." The look on Romano's face told America that he was in no mood to cooperate, not when it involved getting sliced and sampled.

England's thick brows furrowed. "But, Alfred-"

"Find another spell," America said, an order clear in his tone.

"Hey, Artie." Prussia spoke up, his red eyes narrowing as he tapped his chin in thought. "I'm no magic guru, but can't you just like, open a one way window into the other world just to see what it's like? If you can, from there we can figure out what to do next."

Romano studied America's back and then watched the other nation's cautiously. He like this Prussia's idea, though in his world Prussia was colder than even Feliciano and nearly as ruthless when it came to keeping Germany in line. However, Feliciano could be blamed for most of Germany's scars.

England's frown relaxed into a thoughtful expression. "Hmmm, yes. I suppose that is a good plan, surprisingly enough." He ignored Prussia's indignant snort. "Well regardless, I'll need my spellbooks, all of which are at home. I need to go back to England to make some preparations. I assume you're all staying here for the next round of meetings coming up?"

"That's why we were nearby in the first place." Germany ran a hand over his slicked back hair. "I'm not sure how we're going to tell everyone that our Romano is trapped in an alternate hell dimension."

"Ve, I'm sure they'll understand!" Italy said. "For now though, I think we need to get back to our hotel."

America nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

Italy bounced forward to Romano. "Lovi, you should come with us! Then we can get you fresh clothes that will fit you!" Not thinking, he reached forward, grabbing the other by his hurt wrist.

America tensed, bracing for the inevitable retaliation, but none came. Romano didn't react except for the slight tightening of his eyes that could have been more attributed to pain rather than actual malice. The thought of Romano getting beaten down and not defending himself made something vile rise up from the pit of his stomach.

"This uniform is fine. I need to be armed at all times, Feli." Romano almost added, You should know that. It's your rule, but held it in. He had to remember that this wasn't his Feliciano. He looked down at the tattered blue sash around his waist and the grey jacket. His beret still remained firmly on his head and his boots were scuffed but relatively clean. They would be fine.

"Italy, I don't feel comfortable with you taking him," Germany said. "He's not like this world's Romano."

Sensing the oncoming crying and begging of the younger Italian from a mile away, America stepped in with a kind smile and gently wrapped an arm around Italy's shoulders. "He can stay with me, Feli. He'll be fine here, I promise. You have this hero's word!"

Pouting, and clearly not at all happy, Italy let out a sigh. "Okay…" He looked to Romano. "But if you need anything, Lovi, or if you just want to talk, Alfredo has my number!" He moved forward to hug the nation, but both America and Germany pulled him back.

"We'll be back as soon as we can," said Germany. The others nodded, and with that, they all left, Italy shouting cries of "Goodbye Lovi! I love you!" until he was out of earshot.

Now alone with the other Romano, America turned to him, not entirely sure what to say.

Romano met America's eyes, unflinching. "I have something I want to ask you." His eyes narrowed, but his heart ached. He was far past the point of being overwhelmed. Had it been anyone else, he was sure they would have succumbed to the culture shock, but he had made himself strong. He just needed this one thing. "It's a favor."

America tensed at the other's unflinching gaze, but he didn't look away. He chewed the inside of his lip thoughtfully, then released it, deciding that if he couldn't give the Italian what he was looking for, then he wasn't at fault. "What is it?"

Romano stared into those unsettling blue eyes, changing them to red, and painting over the blond with a dark brown that was almost black in certain lights. Inside he wanted to weep. Everything was too much, and he felt himself fraying, being pulled in all different directions. He wanted an anchor, even if it was different from the one he truly wanted. His eyes remained cold and clinical. "Will you hold me just for a minute?"

Honestly, America wasn't sure what he'd expected. One of his guns to keep on his person, maybe, but to cuddle? That certainly caught him off guard. He thought about all the knives that the other nation had. And those eyes, no sense of vulnerability to be found, just coldness. But something in Alfred really wanted to hold the smaller nation. He couldn't help but wonder if it was the affections of the other Alfred coming in from the other side. "Alright," he said, moving forward and slowly wrapping his arms around the other in a gentle embrace.

Romano let his chin rest on America's shoulder. It fit just like with his America, and he closed his eyes. For a moment, he let everything down: his cold observation, his caution, and every muscle relaxed. The sense of safety he had with America returned, and once again he felt as if nothing could touch him. He held America tighter. I miss you, he thought to himself.

America listened to the Italian's words, quite positive that the other hadn't meant to say them out loud. He said nothing, instead coiling his arm around the other's waist and rubbing comforting circles into his back. This Romano smelled of blood, gunpowder and despair. Even if the other experienced a thousand years of peace, he wondered if that scent would ever go away. He thought of his own Romano, who wasn't his, trapped all alone in that cruel, other world. While his people were, America never considered himself a man of God, but right now, he was praying for his Romano's safety. He held the other Romano closer, his head leaning against the other's, holding on for as long as the the Italian wanted him to.

Romano allowed himself this luxury for a few more minutes, blinking away the sheen of tears that had built up in his eyes. They were gone by command and he stepped back, offering this America a grateful nod. "I appreciate that." He could survive now. He had that to keep going, a place where his mind could retreat to should things become unbearable. "Now, when will they return?"

America gave a small shrug."I'm not sure… Germany doesn't seem to trust you, so he might take a while to try and convince Feli to be more careful." No need to hide anything. "And Arthur's library is chock-full of those old, musty spell books, not to mention whatever material he needs to gather. I don't expect to hear back from any of them until tomorrow, maybe even the day after." He looked at his watch. "It's late. I have a room you can sleep in, if you'd like." He looked at the other expectantly.

Romano looked at him oddly. "You don't sleep in shifts?" This world was surprising him more and more, but sleeping alone, and not in shifts…that was just plain irresponsible.

America simply shook his head. They slept in shifts in the other world? How crazy was that place? And who was helping their Romano sleep? America felt his own dread build at the thought. "Come on, follow me." He ventured deeper into the apartment and stopped at a door. He opened the door wide to reveal a guest bedroom with a queen-sized bed and its own bathroom.

Once again Romano trembled.

Thank you for reading! Next update will be tomorrow! :D Here's hoping we reach 30 guys! And next time we see poor 2p!Romano deal with culture shock.