"Hold it carefully." Ludwig coos in Feliciano's ear. He had given the Italian one of the easiest and smallest hand guns he owned. He feared that would be the only one he could handle. Hands snaked around Feliciano to steady his own. The feel of the gun in his hands alone was shaking him to the bone.

"You have to treat it like it's a part of you. Like it's the only thing that will keep you alive." Feliciano shuddered at this. That description was utterly horrifying and the fact that it was right was even worse. "L-Ludwig. I-I d-don't t-think I-I c-can h-h-h-handle this!" He slurred, bursting into tears. "Please don't make me carry it!" The brunette dropped the gun and turned into the taller man's chest.

Feliciano wrapped his arms around Ludwig and started to cry. The gun fell to the floor with a clank as the blonde dropped it in surprise. Ludwig hesitantly laid his hands on Feliciano's back. He slowly rubbed circles to calm the almost screaming Italian. "I won't make you carry it…"


Arthur rode down the street with pride in his back town car. He was on his way to discuss his little bargaining chip with Antonio. There was no doubt he had the upper hand. Arthur had Antonio's best friend and his terms weren't going to be cheap. He finally had an ace up his sleeve and he wasn't going to waste it.

The black car pulled up to the restaurant with Antonio's office hidden inside. The door was opened for Arthur. He steps out in his hat and cloak-like jacket. Before walking into the private eatery, he looked up to the heavens as it starts to rain from the sky. The blonde smirked and entered.

"Oh Carriedo! I have come to chat." Arthur called into the abandoned room. Arthur almost left, thinking they had the wrong place. And then he showed himself. Green eyes met in a fiery glare. "Hola Kirkland. What have you come to 'chat' about?" The Spaniard eyes moved from Arthur to his henchmen. Alfred stood a few feet behind, watching intently.

The Brit laughed at him. "I think you know very well what we need to discus, Antonio," He slyly smirked. "Shall we go into your office? Only one henchman? All weapons away?" Antonio nodded in agreement. "Alfred, leave your guns out here." He commanded. The American obeyed and put two hand guns on the table. "All of them." Another gun was slammed onto the table.

"Come, I will lead you to mi oficina." On the way, Arthur took of his coat and hat off, trying to make himself more comfortable. The office was small and dark. "Sit, sit." Antonio offered a chair for both Arthur and Alfred but Alfred stood. Francis was also in the room, refusing to sit.

Arthur had a wicked grin on his face. "So, where shall we begin?" He asked his waiting hosts. "Is he Alive? What did you do to him?" Arthur snickered. "He quiet alright. Everyone under me knows not hurt one of your men." Antonio let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you Arthur. I-"

The blonde held up a hand to silence. "Let's get this straight. I didn't do it because I knew it would hurt you. I did it because you'll do what I say if he in better condition," This sparked anger within Antonio. How dare he talk about his friend like he was a collectible! Despite this, he listened. "I will strike a deal with you. I will give you your precious Gilbert back if you give me half your docks and half your earnings from all your shipments. A fair proposal, yes?"

Antonio's fists tighten. Half his docks? Half his money? Just to get his friend back? The bastard. "And what if a refuse?" Although Antonio wanted nothing more than to have his friend back, he was never going to agree to those terms. "If you refuse then I will have no choice than to keep your little friend. And I will not and cannot grantee he will remain unharmed."

"Obviously you understand I can't comply with those terms. If I give you half my docks I won't be able to make enough to give you half. Your demands are too high. I think a compromise is in order." Although Antonio said this with all seriousness; Arthur burst into laughter, almost crying.

"I think don't you understand me Carriedo," He said with tears brimming his eyes. "Gilbert means nothing to me. Truly, I didn't need to come here. I could have just killed the pathetic worm. I came here to get something from you and I'm not leaving without some type of payment or I will kill the miserable this."

Something inside Antonio snapped. Anger ran through his veins, making his blood boil. His hand hit the secret compartment in his desk. A gun fell out into his hands. Quickly he cocked it and aimed it at Arthur's head. "Um…Mon seigneur, I would put that down." Francis informs Antonio, pointing to Alfred.

The teen had twin pistols in his hands. Antonio reluctantly lowered his gun a bit. Arthur stood to speak. "I said no weapons on both our ends. You broke a simple request, I will keep him. But seeing as someone on my side," Arthur turned and glared at Alfred then quickly back to Antonio. "Has also broken that rule. I will keep Gilbert alive. We'll be going now. Don't you dare try and follow us. Gilbert's life is on the line."

Arthur turned his back and exited the room. Alfred waiting until his boss was out of the room then slowly backed out, keeping his pistols aimed.

Antonio screamed and shot at the wall. That damned Arthur! He thought, how the fuck am I supposed to get him back now?


Matthew walked down the stairs into the area where Gilbert was being held. He offered to give the prisoner his food. Again. Matthew knew it would be considered treason if anyone found out, but the Canadian loved spending time with Gilbert. Finally he had someone to talk to, or really, someone who would listen. It might be selfish of him to want nothing more than for the meeting today to fail only to give him more time with Gilbert.

Violet eyes searched the empty floor for the curled up Gilbert. The room reminded Matthew of a parking garage, empty and cold. That's why Matthew brought him a blanket.

"Gilbert, wake up, I have your food." Matthew kicked him lightly. His eyes fluttered open. Upon seeing Matthew, he smiled brightly and sat up. "Mattie! Your back! With—Ooo food!" Gilbert flapped his chained hands together. Matthew giggled and unlocked Gilbert's hands so he could eat. The albino dug into the food provided for him.

The Prussian then plopped down on the ground. Matthew followed and sat across from him, draping the blanket over his boney shoulders. Gilbert blushed and looked at the Canadian who was staring at the floor.

"Soo Mattie, do you know when I get out of here?" Gilbert asked before shoving more food into his mouth. Matthew looked up and sighed. "I don't know yet. Arthur went to Antonio today actually." Gilbert looked up from his food. "How do you think that went?" He wore a worried expression. He had no idea what Antonio would do when he heard. Truth be told he didn't want to know the details. He just wanted to get out.

Matthew bit his lip. All he knew was Arthur wouldn't give up this fight. "I don't know…" Gilbert sighed, just as he though. "B-But I'll be sure to give you the news when I have it!" He nodded and swallowed the last drop of food.

They sat there in silence for a moment, Matthew looking at the ground again and Gilbert looking at Matthew. Those violet eyes just mesmerized Gilbert; he couldn't look away until a shiver ran up his spine. "Mien Gott! Why is it so damn cold! The awesome me shouldn't have to deal with this shit!"

Matthew straightened up, thought for and moment then started to take off his sweat shirt. "Mattie, you don't have to take that off for me!" Matthew shook his head. "No, I like the cold! And I don't need it till I go back upstairs." The blonde happily pulled the article over his head and handed it to Gilbert.

"Wow, err, thanks Mattie…" He mumbled. Matthew smiled, Gilbert smiling back. Gilbert let his eye wonder over Matthew's now bare arms. They were so pale and…flawless? That's what he was thinking until he saw his wrists. Small red slashes show themselves up a fourth of smooth skin.

Gilbert's jaw dropped. "Matthew what the fuck is this?" a hand latched onto Matthew's and brought it closer for a better view. The blonde whined and tried to pull his arm away. "N-Nothing! J-Just s-some p-p-paint!" Gilbert laughed coldly. "Bull shit, why the hell would you do this to yourself?"

"I told I felt like no one needed me. T-This is how I cope." Silver hair shook. "Well it's stopping now." The blonde nodded. "I know. I stopped when…..when you came…."

"What?"


Heracles loosened his tie silently as he walks into the seedy bar. The smoke burned his eyes and he felt like he couldn't breathe; but he needed a drink and this was the closest place. Walking over to the bar he held up one finger, informing the bar tender of his order.

The stool was hard and cold yet strangely comforting. "You look a bit down ladi, what's the matter?" Green eyes met, a sigh escaped the brunette. "I failed at my job and one of my peers was killed." Shamus made tsk sound and patted the counter. "Cops drink free, alright pal?" Heracles raised his glass in thanks. He then took off his uniform shirt, leaving him in his white under shirt.

Suddenly the door flew open, a man charging in. "Leprechaun, get me a scotch, now." The Turk collapsed on the stool and groaned loudly. "What's up your ass?" Heracles asked quietly. Sadiq glared at the brunette next to him. "Well you see, brat, I just ran 5 blocks and I didn't even get to finish my job. So shove it ya little shit."

Shamus quickly put the bottle and glass in front of Sadiq and left the two to fight. "I don't see how that's our problem," The Greek stated. "So I don't think you should be taking it out on me or the nice bar tender." Heracles straightened up and took a sip of his beer, feeling a small bit of pride since the Turk wasn't saying anything.

"Are you trying to start a fight with me? 'Cause that ain't smart for a small brat like you." A hand grabbed Heracles' collar and brought him closer to Sadiq. Remaining calm, the Greek slid his badge out of his pocket and presented it to him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."


Romano walked along yet another strange hall, when he hear yelling coming from the very last room. Swiftly, he made his way down the hall to listen carefully to what the screamer had to say. "DAMNITDAMNIT DAMNIT DAMNIT DAMNIT! THAT FUCKING BRIT GOT ME AGAIN! SHIT!"

"Oui, just calm down, mon seigneur. I am just as worried as you but we cannot let Arthur get to us like that. Wasn't it you who said we can't let emotions interfere with work?"

"Yes but I never thought one of my best friends would ever fall into one of these situations! If it were anyone else, you aside of course, I wouldn't care as much! What the hell am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know…"

"Why don't you try and get him back yourselves?" The door seemed to glide open, reveling the eavesdropper. "Lovi-?" "I mean you are mobsters aren't you? Nut up or shut up."

"A zombie land quote?"

"JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME!" Romano screamed. The boy stomped into the room and stood next to Antonio. "You do have one of the best researchers here," Romano sighed. "I know you do. Anyway, you have to be able to hack into Arthur's computers. He has to have a map somewhere and one of is computers. You'll just have to get the layout of the place and send in teams of MORE THAN one to go get him."

Antonio stood there in awe. This young mind had tricks up his sleeve. Not to mention he put this together in mere seconds without Antonio asking him to. He could use him. "And maybe on the way, take one of their people. You know, as payback." A pleased smile grew on his lips. Yes, he could defiantly use this one.


Wow errrrrrrrrr this took me a while and it's only 2,144 words….I'm sorry! Worst person ever I know. And the only thing I have to make up for it is previews! Next week on the Glory soap opera! (Ever seen General hospital? Yeah inspiration for the mob scene comes from there!) There will be a little lemon! WHOOP. Not telling who with though. You'll have to wait;) Err the symbols will come into play, again. YOU'LL GET TO SEE THE ONE THAT'S NOT A FAIL! Yay:D Um and that's about it. Tell me what you like tell me what you don't. Danke! Peace!