And yes, it`s finally here! The thing about a 100 of you had been waiting for! And I love you for it~ Here`s my proof! :D

Please enjoy and deepest apologies for the delay :S

"I'm telling you! It's the truth!" More laughter erupted around the room and another wave of desperation washed over him.

"Wait! Wait! Silence!" King Philip rose from his place at the head of the table "You come here and dare say obloquy about The Spanish Empire! Our Beloved country!"

"I swear to God I'm telling you the truth! Every sailor on that ship is my witness!"

"And what is their word worth? A bunch of crooks and good - for - nothings?" someone added and the room exploded in exclamations and grunts of agreements.

Guzman looked around. Now that he went back over it, it was a bad idea from the beginning. He should have talked with the King in private, this way maybe? But his outrage knew no boundaries! It was blasphemy! God was going to punish them all for the actions of their country and if the King didn`t do anything they were all lost!

"Alonso!" Someone snapped at him and he realized that another insult concerning him had been passed around the table. "Tell us again, would you? The dirty deeds that our beloved Antonio had been up to?"

"It's no joke! King Philip, I'm begging you! Please listen to me! The Spanish Empire is being intimate with that filthy…"he sputtered, his breath suddenly coming short and his voice failing him.

"Blasphemy! Your Highness, I think Alonso, here, has overstepped the boundaries of what's polite and entertaining and should be punished."

Alonso's head snapped to the man that had just spoken. He couldn`t recognize the voice and in the dim light he couldn`t properly see his face. They really didn`t believe him! Were they blind? Were they deaf?

"Everyone leave!" The laughter and jokes stopped immediately and all the higher royalties turned towards the king. "You want me to teach him a lesson, don`t you?" A series of nods and puzzled looks, but they followed their rulers orders and soon the small dining room was left empty.

"Your Highness?"

"Take a seat, Alonso." He did as told, taking back his place and the king continued "How many times do I have to tell you that Antonio is a private matter? What do those fools know? You`re only making a joke out of yourself!"

"My apologies, King Philip."

"What are you apologizing for? Your inability to judge a situation?"

"I…" But the king waved him to keep quiet.

"What did you see?"

"The Spanish Empire… he… was being intimate with that scoundrel! The British Empire! He has no shame! He was… touching him in front of everyone! God will surely punish us!"

"Enough! Antonio is doing no such thing!"

"I saw it with my own eyes, Your Highness! Something needs to be done, before…!"

"Are you telling me what to do? You've lost all reason, Guzman! I know my country and no such blasphemy is happening! Leave! ...before I decide to punish you for real!"

Guzman opened his mouth to say something, but it was useless. If the king didn`t believe him there was nothing that could be done. He jumped on his feet and flew out of the room.

"I knew you were one tough mother fucker the moment I saw those eyebrows of yours!" The voice exploded in the room and Arthur had to clench his skull, afraid that it will break into million little piece. "Ha - ha! See? I told you he's gonna make it through!" Gilbert turned towards someone behind him.

"Be quiet, will you? He just woke up!" A wand hit Gilbert on the head before the owner stepped in the room.

"But, sweetheart, he was as good as dead when I pulled him out!" Gilbert jumped towards Arthur and put a hand around his shoulders "Someone had really done a trick on you! You were as good as dead! Thank God I was there to save you from the big bad sharks!"

A shiver went down Arthur's body. Of all the people... of all possible places he could end up.. it just had to be Gilbert, didn`t it? Annoyance and exhaustion bubbled in him like black tar. It quickly soaked him in, blocking the pain and saturating his being. It condensed on his face, forming a perfect mask of empty politeness. Just a small voice at the back of his head told him that Gilbert was more than probably right. Bleeding in open waters was a one way ticket to Hell...

"Then I own you a debt, Mister?"

"Beilschmidt, Gilbert Beilschmidt, King of Prussia! This is my lovely wife Roderich Beilschmidt."

Arthur smiled and reached out his hand, not faltering even for a second. He pushed away the questions that gathered like a cloud of overactive bees in his head. King? Was Gilbert governing himself? Roderich also... He had to admit that as ludicrous as this was it wasn't as good as Francis? He shook his head. He simply refused to think about Francis. If he could he would strangle the Angel just for this? Maybe if he wished for it really really badly...

"And your name, Sir?" Roderich interrupted his thoughts.

"Arthur… Jones, Arthur Jones." He added quickly as the Austrian's suspicious gaze inspected him. "Captain of the "Marina" trading ship, sailing under the British crown."

"Jones, huh? And how did you ended up talking to the fishes, Arthur?" Gilbert asked, pulling him even closer.

Arthur opened his mouth to say something. Blame the pirates? Seemed like a good idea. There was no way in hell Gilbert wouldn`t know about the battle he had with Antonio...

But Roderich interrupted. He yanked Gilbert by the collar and added quickly: "We shall leave the matter for later. For now the most important thing is that you rest, Captain Jones. There will be plenty of time to discuss matters later." Arthur was pushed into the bed and covers were shoved beneath and around him.

"But, honey, the pirates?" Gilbert got no further. His "honey" turned around and flipped him over the head, so hard that Arthur flinched from pain.

"I said later." it was stern and not open for discussion. "I'll send someone over with food. You must be hungry. It's been more than a week." With that said both of them exited the room.

Arthur watched darkly as they left the room. With Gilbert there was always only one question to ask: friend or enemy? He still didn`t know which one was more dangerous.

Antonio stepped out of the small carriage. His boots squashed in the mud. The drizzle that fell from the gray sky blurred the air and made it impossible to see anything but shades of gray and black. It quickly soaked him to the bone leaving him dirty and tired. It was impossible for anyone to be hiding in the mucky shadows, waiting for a princes that might just come. He sent his man anyway. They went around checking every crevice and shadow beneath the bushes and trees.

He turned around and helped the Italian princes to get out. If he had to be honest he had no idea why he was here with her. Alcántara had left with Francis, his purpose to escort her to Paris. Antonio was left alone, wondering what was he supposed to do on this journey. Protect her? That much was clear, but to where and why? Well, the why wasn`t that hard to figure out either. There was some religious war going on around France and he was not allowed to take Maricel with him. It was going to stand out too much or some other crap like that. How exactly was he supposed to protect the precious Italian princes if he didn't have a weapon was his own problem. But hey, he could always use a sword if he wanted! Antonio cursed for the millionth time that day. He really should have learned how to use it. But there were guns and dynamite, and bombs and lasers and computer viruses and oh! look! who needed swords anymore?

Romano wrapped a hand around his, forcing him out of his thoughts and nodding towards a hoggish building that was drooping on the side. The silt made roof wasn`t quite there anymore and the lime walls were patched with whatever was at hand. Antonio didn`t really trust the whole structure. He was willing to bet big money on it falling apart at the next blow of the wind.

"Shall we go in then?" He smiled at Roma and was tugged inside.

Two soldiers of their escort were inside, talking to a tall, slightly rounded man. He puffed a long gray hair out of his face and shrugged his shoulders and blabbered something Antonio didn't really understood. It was some French dialect that was too far off of the original for him to get anything. It took a few minutes of heated discussion before the owner sighed and yelled something. A young boy appeared from another room and received quick orders, before running off to somewhere.

"They'll cooperate, mi Capitan." One of the soldiers came to inform them "We'll have to wait until they prepare a room, so if you could wait here…" He gestured around with his hands, his brows furrowing in displeasure that he was even forced to suggest something like that. The reception room of the inn ware a few dirty tables covered with drunkards, most of which were already sleeping heavily. Drool, alcohol and what Antonio hoped wasn`t half processed food had dried out on the tables in front of them. The smell was strong enough to chase away any sane 21st century person, but back in the days water wasn`t all that popular with the folks.

"It's fine." Antonio assured. He turned around to look at Romano and opened his mouth, but quickly closed it. On the way here he had tried finding a topic of conversation, but the other had remained silent. This time he didn`t bother. He leaned on one of the tables and simply enjoyed the music. It was one of the oldest melodies known to man - drunk snoring, loud burping and flies feeding off what Antonio refused to identify as half processed food. He couldn`t help, but wonder how humanity survived before the invention of alcohol. Then finally the inn owner appeared again with the boy. They whispered something to the soldier and he nodded.

"The room is ready."

It wasn't anything worth waiting for in Antonio's opinion. There was a bed that looked rather uncomfortable at one end, a heap of blankets on the other, a cupboard, a few chairs and a small table. It was worn out, but surprisingly clean.

"If there is anything, we'll be down the corridor, Sir."With that the door clicked closed and they were left alone.

"Fucking losers! I thought they'll never leave us alone!" Antonio jumped at the sound and spun around to be met with angry green eyes. Romano tore away the mask from his face before continuing "Are you just gonna fucking stand there? Take this rag off!" He gave a hard tug on the dress but to no avail.

Antonio blinked and stared. So maybe he was slow to react today, but who could blame him? Roma glared at him and he realized he had a big stupid grin plastered in his face. Roma was male! He skipped happily behind the boy and began on the task.

"Where did you get it from anyway?" He asked pulling the cords and ribbons that kept the dress together.

"The English Queen… just cut it! I have another one anyway…"

Antonio took out the knife from underneath his vest and started cutting at the expensive material. Rich embroidery and expensive adornments gave away easily and the dress was ruined within moments. Next came the cartwheel and corset. He ripped everything until Romano was standing in front of him in nothing but a chemise. He knew it was only that, he could see just the boy's bottom peeking suggestively from underneath the shirt. The smaller man turned stretched and muttered something in relief before flopping down on the bed.

"What does he want to know?"

"What?" Antonio asked, watching how the chemise moved with every breath Romano took. He sat down next to him. One green eye opened to glare at him, but it was half hearted at best.

"What what? Prussia, Gilbert. You're supposed to go back… or you forgot already?"

"Ah…" He answered simply, not sure where this was going. Why would Gilbert want anything to do with his Romano?

A leg slung over him and the boy was suddenly sitting on his lap. He was pressed down on the mattress with Romano hovering over him.

"Is that all you're going to say, fucker! AH! Why are you such a..!" He clenched his eyes and his body trembled softly with pent up emotions. "Just take me…" The whisper made Antonio's heart break. It had been a long time since Romano had sounded so broken, defeated. What was going on here? He hugged the boy closer to his chest and kissed the soft hair. "Heartless bastard. That's what you are. Why won't you save me?"

Soft, bitter kisses littered his face. The hands that had supported Romano wrapped around his neck and the smaller pressed fully against him. He entangled his fingers in the dark hair and guided Roma's lips to his. He wanted to ease his pain, even though he understood he was causing it in some way. For a moment the other froze, but then his lips opened and he kissed him fully and desperately.

Arthur had closed his eyes and unintentionally dozed off. A click and soft footsteps brought him back to reality. He buried his face in the pillow, waiting for the other to leave. He wasn't ready for what other surprises the blasted Angel had in store for him.

"Hey, are you awake?" His eyes snapped open at the sound of that voice. Alfred was putting down a tray of food on the chair beside the bed. A bright smile was directed his way. "Are you hungry? I can prepare those for you."

Arthur nodded. Was this really Alfred? His Alfred? The one he had left back in his own world? Or was this just another illusion like Gilbert and Roderich? Arthur watched carefully as Alfred took the tray and sat on a chair. He started slicing the bread and preparing something that he deemed edible. Just a gesture gone wrong or a smile too forced was enough to know.

"I am really glad you have woken up. For a moment there you scared us all." Right now he was talking perfect English, but Arthur could've sworn that diary was in German. What was Alfred doing here anyway? Why was he living in Gilbert's house? Or was he just visiting? "But you're going to be alright. That's all that matters. The doctor went to the village nearby to help a woman, but he is going to be back this evening. He can tell for sure?" Alfred let the thought trail off before sitting on his bed "I hope you don't mind? Here."

Arthur took the tray. It was soup with some herbs, Alfred had just put in fresh sliced bread. His stomach gave a loud sound of appreciation and just now he understood how hungry he was. He threw himself in the food and stuffed it his mouth, so fast he couldn't taste what exactly it was. All he knew was that it smelt good and did the trick. The bow was empty faster than he wanted it to be. He looked up at Alfred and almost jumped at the intensity he found in those blue eyes.

"I'm going to ask them for more." Alfred took the tray from him and exited the room.

Arthur slumped on the bed, his stomach filling up the room with miserable sounds. It wasn't his Alfred after all. It was just a copy, just something that his imagination had given birth to. Disappointment dug in his already empty stomach.

Antonio woke up by disappointment. The feeling had been his bed partner for too many mornings for him not to recognize it. He knew why. All he had to do was stretch his arm and feel the cold sheets to know that he was alone. But it didn`t have the usual bite of loneliness. Sure enough as soon as he opened his eyes he saw Roma sitting stark naked on the window sill with his back towards him.

"What would the watch say if they see a naked man in the princess' room?"

"Fuck if I care." Roma didn`t even turn to look at him. Not that he was surprised. It was normal and he stopped taking it personally a long time ago. Yet there was something sad about waking up in a cold, empty bed. One thing he had to admit: Arthur cuddled.

Laughter erupted from his throat and Roma finally looked at him. No, it wasn`t that. It was more like they both passed out of exhaustion and didn`t care enough to move.

"What`s so funny?"

"Nothing." Antonio waved his hand, taking deep breaths in order to calm down.

"Bastard." Roma muttered under his breath, but didn`t say anything else. There was something off about his behavior. Antonio stood up and stretched before walking to his lover and wrapping his arms around him.

"¿Estás bien?" (Are you all right?) he whispered softly, nuzzling the soft ear.

"¡Claro que no!" Roma hissed, but refused to give any more details. They stood like that for a moment longer. Outside the soldiers were already preparing their carriage for departure. They seemed such good little soldiers. He knew all of them were ready to give their lives for him. He could feel it in their hearts. Yet they looked so small and insignificant. Tomorrow they die.

Antonio tightened his arms around the boy. This... this was so much different than anything he had ever felt or anyone he had ever been with. It was love and lies, smokes and mirrors. There were things they had always ever been - France was tender love with a dash of perverseness in it, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was a prim gentleman with the soul of a pirate, while South Italy? South Italy was a parade of colors - a ball of elegant masks and expensive dresses under which were hidden guns, drugs and dirty money. Much like Spain himself. Because Spain was passion, beating with the pulse of life under the hot rays of the sun. Spain was an oriental love and gipsy lies. He liked to believe that with time he had become a better person. That he couldn`t strangle to death the person he was fucking anymore. But that was a lie... another one... just like all the rest, because... "Te quiero..." (I love you…)he didn`t dare say it out loud... he felt it from the bottom of his little black heart, but if that was true why was he here and not holding the real Romano?

And YES! Lol done and done~ Don`t know when the next chapter's gonna be – have a 3 weeks exams session in front of me and then… Doomsday!

Hope you enjoyed guys and hope to hear from you~

Out X.x