Feliciano's eyes widened, was Ludwig serious? He couldn't be! Gilbert was a man! Well... now that he thought about it... When he was tired, he sounded almost female, he always wears baggy clothing, and he had a feminine brow and nose. Was it true? It couldn't be. Gilbert seemed so normal...

The German stood up, and cleared his throat, "I'm sorry, I had to get that off my chest... How immature of me." He turned to door, "Oh, and please don't tell anyone, he wants a normal life," He said, his hand trailing the cold gold door-knob, his gaze dropped, not daring to look at the Italian. "I just want to let you know, they're like us, they're not broken... If you truly love Lovina, then you'll have to understand, this is who he is... No matter what you say, or do, you can't change that."

Tears welled in Feliciano's eyes. Everyone was against him, even his own Nonno. Romulus, a highly religious man, who forced them too pray every night, go to midnight mass on Christmas, and confess monthly; was more accepting of Lovina. It just wasn't fair. Why was he the bad guy for having such an opinion? Now Ludwig, the man he adores oh so much, was against him on this. Feliciano sunk further into the couch, as he walked Ludwig walk out and gently shut the door behind him.

Feliciano gasped for air, he still thought it was weird. He still thought it was strange. It would take time for Feliciano to fully accept the idea, but for now. He could push it too the back of his head, he could ignore it, he could carry on his day without even thinking about it. It was unhealthy thinking, but Feliciano wanted it this way. He didn't mind his obliviousness, he just wanted to be happy, and enjoy his lifetime, without so many complicated, strange problems. So with that, he stood up, regained his cheery composer, and went into the kitchen to boil water for pasta.

Lovino sat in the stiff white bed, curled up into a ball. Her tiny form sent intense, tired glares to Gilbert as he tried to ask Lovino what had happened to her. Of course, it wasn't working, the older Italian didn't mutter a single word. He occasionally flipped the bird in Gilbert or Elizabeta's direction. It was their fault he was here. In fact, he was perfectly fine dying in bed. But no... They had to be good Samaritans and help him out.

"Lovina, we can't help you if you don't tell us what's wrong," Elizabeta said gently, stroking the young man's chest length hair. "We just want to help, please tell us whats wrong?" The Hungarian's voice was calm, yet held a pinch of concern. If Lovina choose to keep silent, she might just drown in her own despair. Contrary to belief, Elizabeta thought of Lovina as a little sister who needed protection, despite Lovi being a few months older. All she wanted to do was protect her from any harm, and by god, she will do that.

"Ja," Gilbert agreed, folding his arms, "You're making it difficult." He looked to the door for the 70th time, "I had Luddy go over to your house and ask questions- It's completely legal I swear, I have the paperwork in the nurses office, so don't throw a hissy fit over that. So, you can talk now, or I can have mein awesome bruder tell me everything he can and we can go from there."

Lovino's eyes widened, how dare those fuckers go into his home, just to pry information. They had no right- His thought was cut short as a particular muscular young man walked though the glass door. His eyes immediately connected to Lovino's. His face was expressionless, yet his eyes held a different story, they twinkled with in a knowing sense, as if too say, "I know you're darkest secrets," and this, scared Lovina.

There's no way Ludwig would to that. No. Way. He's too good of a guy. Lovina couldn't risk being found out. Feliciano already outed her from their family. He couldn't imagine the reaction of his friends, and... well that one guy with the curly brown hair who's been sitting in the corner taking notes of god-knows-what, would be. They'd hate him, they'd berate him, they'd make him an outcast, a social pariah. Lovino didn't know if he could handle any more rejection. Really, he locked himself in his room for three days, having a mental-breakdown, because of his own Fratello. These were the only people left, the only ones who cared. He couldn't lose them. No way.

Gilbert's eyes lit up as he caught sight of Ludwig, the Albino man abandoned Lovino's side and ran to his brother. "Luddy, tell me everything," He pleaded, "She refuses to speak, I can't figure her out."

Ludwig's eye's were still trained on Lovino, suddenly, they were filled with sympathy. He shook his head, "Gilbert, give the poor boy a break," Lovino's breath hitched. Did... Ludwig just call him a 'boy?' Gilbert, glanced at Lovino, his expression unreadable. In a mere second, his mouth made an 'O' shape, as if he was understanding what was going on. "Gilbert, Francis, Antonio, Elizabeta, can I have a word with you, alone." He gestured towards the now empty nurses office. All three nodded and headed in there, leaving Lovino alone. He clutched his shirt, and shivered. Alone.

Noting how all three were gone, Lovino made a split second decision. There was no way he could handle their disappointing and disgusted gazes. Ludwig knew, the gig was up. He had to get out, and get out now. It was a cowardly thing too do, but one could always argue that Lovino had always been a coward. It was just who he was, and there was no changing that.

He placed his feet on the ground, and took in a shaky breath. He felt dizzy, nauseous, and his vision was a tad fuzzy, but that wasn't stopping him. He pushed himself off the bed, and took a few wobbly steps towards the door. His breathing grew heavier, he was exhausted, and ready to collapse. But he was also determined, and once he had his mind set on something, he was going to do it. Finally, he made it too the door, and gently pushed it open, careful that it wouldn't make any noises to alert the others. With that, he was off, into the downpour.

He didn't know how, but he ended up in a small cafe just outside of the campus. He ignored the glances people were throwing at him, he must've looked like shit. After all, he's still wearing the same clothes he was three days ago, not too mention he hadn't showered, or brushed his hair. But he didn't care. He just wanted to be alone, away from those who would outcast him. So here he was, in a booth for two, head flat against the table, and fighting the urge too throw up.

He wondered what they'd do when they discovered he was gone. Probably nothing. They'll probably be glad that an abomination such as him was out of their lives. Which means he can't return to his dorm tonight, so he'll have to find a place to sleep-

"There you are," a soft voice said, by her. A hand found it's way onto her shoulder, gently nudging it in a comforting matter. "We were so worried, how did you get here?"

Lovino raised his head slightly, only enough to catch sight of who was talking to her. Fuck, she internally swore, I've been found. Saying he wanted to disappear was an understatement to say the least. He wanted to die, here and now. He didn't want to face anyone. "Who the hell are you?" he croaked weakly, his dry throat said in a scratchy manner.

The stranger/clinic volunteer took a seat across from her, and leaned across the table, "Ant-"

"No wait, don't answer that, you're Antonio." He mumbled, in a harsh manner.

Antonio tilted his head, "You remember, aw Gracias, you're too kind!"

Lovino let his head hit the table with a thud once more, much to his headache's dismay. This also caused the older man too jump to his aid.

"Are you okay? I should take you back, it's too dangerous for you too be out here! You've got a 100.2 fever!" Antonio nudged Lovino's shoulders, trying to get him too move. However, he didn't budge so Antonio gave up, and leaned back in his chair. "I'll be right back," he declared, "Don't run off,"

Lovino didn't hear him, he was too busy emotionally preparing himself. And well, trying to ignore the aching he had... well everywhere. Heart included. He felt so disgusting and unloved, who could ever love him? He wasn't normal, he was an abomination for crying out loud! Not even his own flesh and blood wanted him, it was pitiful.

Just then, he heard a plop, and the rustling of paper. Glancing up, he saw Antonio take a seat, drink in hand, but more importantly he noted the cup in front of him, and the chocolate covered Biscotti. "I hope you don't mind, but you're soaked to the bone, I thought you'd need something to warm you up, like hot chocolate, and of course, I hope you like chocolate covered Biscotti. You need food, especially something sugary, we can get you some Gatorade later." He explained in a gentle voice, careful not too provoke or cause pain too Lovino's now pounding head.

The younger man took a careful sip of the hot chocolate, it stung his tongue but he didn't care. The warm liquid soothed his dry, pained, sore throat. He gave an appreciative hum to the other man. He'd never admit it, but... He felt secure around him. Like nothing could ever hurt him, which was weird, he'd only met Antonio twice, and he shouldn't be thinking these things.

"So... Lovino, Ludwig told me about your... problem." Antonio began, watching the younger Italian tense up, "And, I think it's okay, that you're a male in a female's body." Relief flooded Antonio as Lovino relaxed a tad bit, not a lot, but a little, "It wasn't your choice, and it's perfectly fine. I just, want to let you know so you don't beat yourself up over it."

Lovino slowly nodded his head, why was Antonio being so nice? So... he didn't want to say understanding, but that's close enough.

"In fact," He continued, "A... close friend of mine has that same problem, it's been hard for him... I remember, he'd lock himself in his room for days on end. He'd drink to deal with Gender Dysphoria, and he'd have constant anxiety attacks." Antonio's brow furrowed, "I know how hard it is... But it's not the end of the world. You don't have too hide from us, no one there will hate you." Lovino felt tears prick his hazel eyes. "Don't think no one cares Lovino... We do, even I do. Even though I just met you two days ago."

Lovino nodded his head, he silently thanked Antonio. He needed this pick-me-up desperately. He couldn't think of any way too repay the Spaniard for this. Who knew there were such caring people in this world?

Antonio stood up and held out his hand, "Won't you let us help you? Por favor?" The smile on his face was sincere and warm. Lovino couldn't resist but too grab his hand, and be pulled up. "I'm glad, now let's get you back."

I s2g I keep forgetting where the line thingies are. Or they keep hiding them from me. Who knows?

Okay, feelsy part over, (Or is it? :3) Again, frickity frackin sorry for the short chapter. I just quickly wrote it in under 3 hours, while... multitasking heavily. Can't help that I keep getting G+ notifications.

So, does this count as fluff? Psh, I dunno. What even are that?

Alrighty, I'll update soon. The plot only picks up from here, so bare with me here.

Also, did anyone even catch my little tidbits of hints at Gilbert being Transgender M/F? No? Okay.

(I said I'd update within a day, diddly darn you're right I did.)

Translations:

Ja - Yeah (Gr.)
Mein Bruder - My brother (Gr.)
Gracias - Thank you (Sp.)
Por Favor - Please (Sp.)

Note: I don't speak any of these languages, so if I have used them wrong, please, please, correct me.