Chapter 4: Dark clouds of doubt cover the sun

Spain watches his wife teach his henchman about flowers in the garden. The wedding was due tomorrow and yet, Alice still wasted her time taking care of Romano. Antonio frowned. True, he didn't like Romano or England. But the growing bond between them worried him.

Harrington walked over and placed a tray of tea and biscuits on the table Antonio was seated at in the garden. A few feet away, Alice looked up and motioned Romano towards the table. The boy was frowning and pouted each time she talked to him. Alice only laughed but Antonio noticed that each time she looked away, a small smile would appear on Romano's face.

Now, Antonio was an arrogant and possessive person. He knew it. And he thought that was the reason of his dislike to the companionship between his two properties. Not once since his marriage has he been able to bed Alice and her cold sufficient attitude towards him was frustrating him beyond belief. Hell! They didn't even share the same room! About Romano, Antonio had really tried everything to get the brat to open up to him. But nothing! Nada! He just got angry at him all the time and Antonio was sick of always pretending to be a nice guy. He was the Spanish Empire! The Empire on which the sun never sets! He shouldn't be wasting his time being nice!

But then again … it was peaceful. Antonio couldn't help but notice how Romano's mood always seemed brighter when Alice is around. He sometimes even talked nicely to Spain. And Alice was a surprisingly caring person with Romano. Antonio had tried to get other people to see how they would react with Romano. His best bet had been Belgium … Oh, how he missed her. She was sweet and gentle. Always happy and she lightened his mood. But he had to marry England in order to keep Belgium and her hell of a brother close.

Spain shook his head. He's getting side-tracked again.

His eyes wondered back to Alice. She wasn't ugly. In fact, she was a real beauty. But she didn't expose it the way other girls did like Belle (Belgium). She's not like Hungary either who acted like a boy but still wore dresses and had a feminine grace to her … when Prussia isn't around. England was different. She wouldn't conform to the rest of Europe. She had her own ways and was proud of it. She never acted out on impulse and kept up that annoying, cold façade. The Ice Queen of the Seas. That surname suits her well. Even during their encounters at sea, Spain had noticed the coldness of her voice and her merciless attitude. And yet … when she fought, he remembered the fire burning her eyes, the excited grin of adrenaline on her face and the shivers of enjoyment that pulsed through each of her movements as their blades clashed. He knew that she wasn't as emotionless as she appeared. France would always tell him of how weak and childish her heart was and that was why she acted fierce and untouchable.

He didn't know of her real self. He only saw the façade that she showed everyone else. But Romano knew. The boy didn't realise it but Alice always showed him something so precious that only a handful of nations were allowed to witness. She showed him her heart. True, not by much but the simple fact that she acted so honestly with him just proved it. And Spain felt slightly betrayed.

He didn't love Alice. So why did he care? Why did he care that his supposed wife was a complete mystery to him. He didn't know of her past, her relations with her brothers, her relations with other countries, or her true feelings and thoughts. He always reached an ice wall.

Spain watches as Prussia whispers darkly to England's siblings. The two Briton mumbled back, their eyes glaring murderously at Spain. The Spaniard smirked lightly and tightened his grip around his wife's waist. Then, Antonio saw Prussia grab him away.

"Antonio … we need to talk. NOW."

"What about Gil?" Antonio asked with his usual cheerfulness. Little did people know that his idiotic smile was only a façade, as much as England's cold poker face. But Gilbert knew.

"Don't give me that."

"I don't know what you mean."

"I know your smile is fake. Drop it now. England's brothers aren't too happy either so it's either me you listen to or them."

Antonio smirked at the two glaring men.

"Spain. I'm serious."

Antonio's smile dropped. If Prussia was calling him by his country name, then he was indeed serious.

"What?"

"I get what you're trying to achieve with this wedding. And I know I can't stop it."

"Why would you want to stop it? It's not like you care about England."

"That's where you're wrong."

Prussia's tone lowered threateningly and his glare grew darker.

"I care about her more than you think. Don't forget what she is to me."

Spain frowned.

"What is she to you?"

"More than she is to you, France of even Rome. But that's not the point. I want to make it clear that if you go through with this, then you will have to keep a strictly business relationship with her. Understood?"

Spain didn't like being threatened and he even less liked to be ordered around concerning his private life. She was his wife! He could do whatever he wanted!

"I don't see how my love life has anything to do with you."

"Don't be a fool Spain." Prussia hissed and his eyes darted towards England who was now smiling at Romano. Spain followed his gaze and his own eyes widened at the sight. England was … smiling. And Romano wasn't screaming. What the …?

"You have no idea what she had to go through." Prussia continued. "Rome, France and now you … you romantic nations have no idea what you're slowly building. And her brothers …" Gilbert's glare switched to the British brothers.

"Amigo …"

"You won't be calling me that much longer if I hear that you broke her. England isn't a toy! Why don't you all get this?! She's not a cold, senseless machine! If I see her cry again like … that, I swear when I'm done with you … you can kiss your empire good bye and go join Rome in Hell!"

Spain stared in shock at the savage glare of his Prussian … friend? He didn't understand why Gilbert cared so much about Alice. Did he … perhaps …

Spain frowned. And looked back at HIS wife. If Prussia had feelings for Alice then that would explain his anger. But Spain didn't like it. He may not love Alice … Hell! He hated her! But she was his now! HIS WIFE. And he will not tolerate another man to lay a finger on her.

"She's my wife, Prussia. You can threaten me all you want but that won't change that fact." Spain's voice was leaking with hatred but his eyes never left England.

He heard Prussia growl dangerously before the man walked away towards Alice.

"If she sheds one tear …" Prussia's hanging threat was the last thing Spain heard before watching him whisper to Alice.

Spain's memories got interrupted by Alice's approach. He frowned as he saw her holding Romano in her arms … again. It seemed to have become a habit of the two. Though Spain had never heard once Romano ask to be carried, the boy never rejected England when she picked him up and would simply cling to her instinctively. Antonio had to admit that Alice really was a good mother. She showed care and understanding but she was also firm and sometimes strict with Romano. He would pout a lot and sulk but he never would contradict her and when she told him off, he wouldn't yell at her and accepted the scolding with a frowning face. She never scolded him too hard anyway. She never hit him or abused him. And she would always cheer him up after a scolding. She was patient and understanding with him. Overall … she was everything Antonio wasn't. And he hated it. He had tried so hard and for so many years to break Romano's shell but all in vain. Alice, however, had managed in just a few days! Spain hated it. Romano was his henchman! He felt betrayed.

"Romano, be careful! The cup is hot, you'll burn yourself."

"I won't, dammit! Stop ordering me around!" The small boy mumbled without much conviction. Had it been Spain, he would have already yelled at him and insulted him.

England chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair.
"Just be careful, love."

Antonio frowned but said nothing. As usual, the other two seemed to have completely forgotten his presence. They seem to do that more and more often. When Romano was around, Alice's sole attention was focused on the boy. She would even sit and have tea with the Spaniard she hated (like right now) and not glare at him all the time or start a fight with him. And Romano wouldn't be insolent or disrespectful as long as Alice was around. He would try to be well-behaved and that in itself is an achievement even Rome couldn't accomplish.

Antonio gritted his teeth. He felt forgotten. Now he clearly understood the meaning of: 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'.

France answered his door with a welcoming smile. Spain smiled back and walked in.

"Now, Tonio. What owes me the pleasure of your visit?"

"… It's about Alice."

"Oooh! So you call her by her name now! Things must be going pretty well between the two of you!" The Frenchman winked maliciously at him but was surprised to see the frustrated face of his friend as he replied.

"Pretty well in the sense that we haven't killed each other yet?" Antonio sighed. "Francis … She's driving me insane. She just has to have everything her way! She keeps wearing those awful pirate clothes and she always enjoys making my life a living hell!"

"Ah … I thought so. It would have been surprising otherwise. You'll just have to deal with it, mon cher. She's a warrior. She's even more ruthless than her brothers and trust me when I say that it is not an easy task." France shivered as he thought of his previous argument with Scotland. Why was he allied to the man again?!

"I know that amigo. But … I feel like I hardly know her. She's my wife, and we've had so many encounters, we even lived together with Rome when we were young! Why do I still feel like I'm married to a stranger?"

"Because you are." France shrugged.

Spain looked up, all frustration gone and confusion replaced it. France rolled his eyes.

"Antonio, why do you even care? I thought you just wanted to keep Belle. Why do you feel the need to know Alice?"

"She's MY wife."

"And?"

"How would you react if Scotland only showed you his fake self?"

"Overjoyed. Sadly enough, he isn't as stubborn as England when it comes to appearances. The more I learn about him the more I wish I never had. Don't get me wrong, he isn't … that bad … but sometimes he's just too much. And I don't even know how to react with him about certain issues because I know how it's going to end up. You know that 'England' has become taboo for him?"

"Why?"

"I'd rather not go in details but their relationship is a mixture between love and hatred."

"Isn't that like you?"

"No. I don't love England. I care about her … maybe I like her … a bit … … But I hate her. I hate her more than I like her. I don't … love her." The last words he spoke had a touch of sadness and nostalgia to it and Spain was eager to know what had happened between his best friend and his wife.

"What happened?"

"War."

"That's all?"

"You have no idea, Spain. No idea." France muttered darkly.

Spain didn't push on despite his curiosity. Once he had heard his country name, he knew he had stepped on a landmine.

"I don't know what to do." Antonio finally sighed.

Francis' attention snapped out of his thoughts and he eyed the Spaniard oddly.

"Why are you so eager to know her? It's not like you … No! Don't tell me you lo …"

"Of course not! I hate her!"

"Then why?"

"Because she's MINE."

Francis noted the change from 'my wife' to 'mine' and a smirk grew on his face.

"Jealous, uh?"

Antonio's eyes widened in surprised.

"What?"

"You sound like a jealous husband! So, what's the deal?"

Antonio hesitated before sighing in defeat.

"Prussia."

"Gil? What did he do?"

"He loves Alice."

"How do you know?"

Spain retailed his conversation with Prussia and France frowned in understanding.

"I see. Well, I'm not sure if what I'm going to say is good or bad but … Prussia has every reason to care for England. Whether he loves her … I'm not sure. I'd have to check. But even if he doesn't, he would still act like he did."

"What? But why else would he …?"

"Before I explain any further … did you do anything to Alice?" Francis' voice sounded as dark as Prussia's at the wedding. Spain shrugged.

"I tried. I tried to have her but she won't even share the same room. The first night, she preferred sleeping on the floor than share my bed."

Francis burst out laughing.

"Oh yes! She would do that! Good. If you had tried to force yourself on her, I would have had to kill you right now."

"Why do you …"

"I told you that I did care for her. Even if so slightly. But Gil is right. Alice means more to him than you think. She's like a little sister to him. And you know how Prussia is very protective of his family. The only reason Holly Rome is allowed to stay at Austria's is because Prussia tolerates it … for now."

"But I thought Alice's brothers were …"

"Yes, the British Isles are also her family. And they would also declare war if you hurt her. But, their history is bloody and painful. Like I said: 'England' is a touchy subject with Scotland. But Prussia is a warrior. Just like England. He won't tolerate if you hurt his family. He probably would go against his own government. You should know that Alice has had a tough childhood … if she had any at all."

Antonio frowned at the sadness in Francis' voice.

"She has trust issues?"

"Yes. And I am one of the causes for this." Francis wore a sad and apologetic face.

"I see."

"You don't look like you care much."

"I don't. I just want to make sure that what's mine remains mine. If Gilbert is foolish enough to defy me, I will have to rip him apart. The same goes for her brothers or you!"

"… Are you positively sure that's all?"

"What do you mean?"

"From the way you talk, it almost sounds as if you care for her. What you just said sounded very much like your decision to marry England to protect your control over Belgium, only this time you it's the other way around. You sounded desperate to keep Alice."

Antonio stared in shock at his friend. There was no tease in France's eyes, only curiosity.

"No. I hate her."

He then walked out of the house, banging the door in frustration. He did, however, hear the pensive mumble of his friend as he exited the Frenchman's house.

"For now."

Spain blinked his eyes open. Uh? He had fallen asleep?

He stared blankly at the clear blue sky, a soft sunshine enlightened Alice's flowery garden. It was a quite pleasant weather for once. Antonio had forgotten how to enjoy the warmth of the sun since he had arrived in England, he started missing his weather. Only now, did he realise how lucky he was. He wondered how Alice managed to grow such an amazing garden despite the harsh, thundery weather of her land.

He heard a small, crystal laugh and recognised Alice's voice. She was not far, playing with Romano … again. Spain didn't frown. He stared at them. No matter how hard he tried, he could only feel at peace. The atmosphere was calming and seeing his family with such joyous smiles on their faces was heart-warming. Wait … his family? Did he really think that?

Spain's mind drifted back to yesterday and Romano's 'abduction'. England had explained that it was all an accident and he still wondered how she had managed to convince him not to punish Romano for disappearing like that.

"He was frightened to death! He's only a child! Don't treat him like an adult when he isn't one! It doesn't matter if he's a nation or not, he still has feelings!"

Feelings. Antonio sighed. If they didn't have feelings, the life of a nation would be so much easier. Maybe he wouldn't feel bad for holding England down for the sake of keeping Belgium and Netherlands. Maybe he wouldn't be so harsh with Romano for not being like his brother Italy.

… What? What was he thinking again? Was he actually thinking nice things about these two?

Spain shook his head. No. He hated the brat and he hated that witch.

Alice glanced backwards and her face paled instantly. She looked around frantically and the panic in her eyes convinced Antonio that something was wrong.

"What now?" He asked irritably.

"Romano … I can't see him." She breathed out, her eyes darted back and forth.

"What? He's probably just slacking behind …"

The look Alice sent him shut him up instantly. She started calling the boy.

"Romano! Romano! Where are you? Answer me, please! Romano!"

And she was off. Running like a desperate mother after her lost child. Antonio stared at her before following. He wasn't worried or anything … just angry and annoyed.

They looked across the entire city, Alice kept asking around, her voice was as controlled as ever but the panic in her eyes never escaped Antonio. This was the first time he saw the Cold Hearted Queen lose her calm and actually worry about someone else besides herself.

It was getting late and even Antonio was now a bit worried about the missing nation. Alice was close to tears and she stopped by a fountain to rest her aching legs from all her running around. Antonio stood still beside her. She hid her face in her palms and stayed like this, her golden hair falling over her face like a curtain.

"I don't see why you worry so much. He isn't yours."

There! He finally said it! The thing Spain had wondered about all day long. Alice didn't look up and it took her several minutes to answer. When she did, her voice was a low whisper, barely audible.

"I don't understand how you cannot worry. He is yours."

She had a point. But Antonio would never admit it.

"Not by choice. I was tricked by Austria in taking him. I wish I hadn't."

"… Why?"

"He's a devil, a pain, he's disrespectful and frankly he only brings me trouble."

Alice didn't answer.

"You've only met him. I tried to get him to open up but he just became out of control! He's useless, he can't do anything right! He's noisy and complains all the time! I expected him to be like his brother Italy. But he's just an annoying brat. Even if he wasn't as obedient and nice as his brother, I tried to get along with him but he only got worse! He's a waste of space, a waste of time and a waste of existence!"

Antonio felt a sudden burning on his cheek as he heard a slapping sound and his head flew to the side. He turned to see Alice's tearful face, her eyes glaring murderous daggers at him. She was actually … crying?

"How dare you … you monster! I knew you weren't as sweet and gentle as you make it sound! I know that your cheery attitude is fake! But I never thought you were this heartless!"

Antonio stared at the screaming woman. Alice had completely lost her cool and was raging like a wild animal, completely out of control.

"He isn't Veneziano, so what? And why did you call Veneziano 'Italy'? Romano is Italy as well, as far as I'm aware! And you wonder why he hates you? If you try to pretend to be nice then it's no wonder he wouldn't open up! You just treated him like a substitute and you didn't even give him a chance! You disliked him from the start! How could you be so heartless! He's a child, for God's sake! I can take it if you're cruel to me but I won't tolerate it if you hurt Romano! It's not just you, I've heard from Belgium how you all treat him! He's not stupid! He knows you all dislike him! Why do you all compare him to his brother like that? Isn't he good enough as he is? Oh! You wouldn't know! Because you don't even know WHO he is! You think he doesn't show up a fake face either? You think he can't be strong? I'll have you know that this kid is much stronger than you'll ever be, Spanish Empire! At least, he wouldn't abandon you if you went missing! He wouldn't be as cold hearted as if he wouldn't care if something happened to you! You call him your henchman? A waste of existence? How dare you say that! He's a frightened child surrounded by powerful nations! What do you think? Of course he will have trust issues! And you just treat him like an adult! You don't even care! You just consider him as granted, as a property! You're disgusting! I swear, if I EVER hear you talk like that of Romano, I'll rip apart that Empire of yours, marriage or not! You should be ashamed of yourself! How can a child grow if his father rejects him! No wonder he lacks confidence if his own parent despises him for the sake of his brother! You should be protecting him! Taking care of him! You're a failure! I can't believe the boy had to endure all of this alone! And you call ME heartless? You pathetic piece of shite! If anything happened to Romano, I'll send you straight to Davi Jones' locker! Do you hear me?!"

Antonio still stared in shock at the panting woman before him. She wiped her tears and walked off to look for Romano again. Antonio stood still by the fountain, unable to move. Suddenly, on an impulse as if something had clicked in him, he rushed after Alice and caught her in his arms. She yelped and cursed, trying to escape his grip. But the man tightened his arms around her smaller body, buried his face in the crook of her neck and cried. The Spanish Empire cried.

"S-Spain?" Alice whispered, her eyes widened at the sobbing man in her arms.

"I … I'm scared." Antonio whined.

She patted his back, uneasy.

"Scared of what?"

"I'm scared … I'm not a monster, am I? I don't … I don't really hate him. I am worried but ... but ... but I don't know what to do! I don't know if I hate him or not!"

Alice's face lost a bit of its frustration and she hugged the Spaniard tenderly.

"I understand you don't feel attracted to him like you are to Veneziano but … he is the one you should care for. He's your charge. You can't judge him without first giving him a chance."

"But I tried! I tried to be nice …"

"He doesn't want 'nice'. He wants to see your true feelings. He's only a child, Antonio. He wants to know if he can trust you. You have to be honest with him."

"… I … How do you know …"

"It doesn't matter. Are you worried or not?"

"YES!"

"Then stop pretending otherwise and help me look for him. He could be in real danger if people realise that he speaks Spanish."

Alice was about to move out of Antonio's embrace but he kept holding her.

"Antonio … please let go. We need to find …"

"You said his … his … father. I'm his father?"

"… Aren't you?"

"I … I never …"

"I told you: He's only a child. He needs a parental figure. Not an owner, not a master, not a boss. He needs a father."

"… And a mother?"

Alice blushed and hesitated.

"Well … I guess Belgium would make a caring mother …" Alice avoided the question and pressed on to make Antonio let go.

She had never seen the Spaniard so helpless. He looked like a lost soul seeking comfort.

"… I try to make people happy. I thought smiling made people happy."

Alice sighed. Clearly, her husband had lost it and was now a helpless weeping lamb seeking advice. Just great!

"Smiles do make people happy … but only if they come from the heart."

"… … Alice … thank you."

"I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this for Romano."

"I know. That's why … thank you."

Alice watched him with surprised eyes as she cupped his face, lifted his head up and saw the tears and the agony in his green eyes. She smiled. She smiled wholeheartedly to him and was pleased to see him gasp.

Antonio had never seen Alice smile like that. Well, he had but not to him. This was the first time she smiled … to him. He unconsciously leaned forward and pecked her lips. She looked surprised but didn't argue. She took his hand and walked him down the city.

"Antonio … I don't think you'll need your axe."

Alice watched as Antonio had suddenly swapped from helpless lamb to merciless wolf. The savage glint in his eyes was not reassuring but Alice was satisfied that at least now, he showed his true feelings.

Antonio grunted. He may not be all that fond of the annoying brat but … he was still HIS annoying brat. And he was not going to let anyone mess with what's his!

"I do." He snapped back to his wife but held her hand possessively.

He heard Alice sigh in defeat and they both walked, scaring the shit out of every English citizen passing by. Antonio didn't care. He wanted his henchman back. He wanted to see Alice's cold, self-confident face again and not her teary, desperate expression from earlier. He wanted to hear the annoying complain of his brat instead of the tense silence that he had felt all day.

Antonio wanted his family back and nothing on Earth, Hell or Heaven was going to stop him!

"Hey! Stupid Spain! Wake up! Dammit!"

Spain's eyes blinked and he saw the angry face of a certain Italian nation. Spain looked at him and suddenly, a smile stretched on his blank face. Romano looked at him in shock before jumping back in panic.

"What is it, brat?" Spain mumbled as he fully woke up and immediately plastered an annoyed expression back on his face. Romano seemed to relax when he saw the man's normal reaction come back.

"Alice said you had to go and prepare for tomorrow! She said to go to sleep early so that you actually wake up on time, bastard."

Spain frowned and noticed that the sun was setting. He nodded, absent-minded.

"Ok, thank you Romano."

Romano watched him with another shocked look. Spain had thanked him?

"What the hell, bastard? Are you sick?"

"No. I'm not. Now leave before I get angry."

"Chigi!"

Antonio didn't need to say it twice as Romano rushed off to find Alice discussing tomorrow's preparations with Harrington.

Antonio sighed. What was going on? Why was he so strange? He pondered for a while before giving up. Well, it didn't matter. Soon, he'd leave this damn place and head back to the warmth of his land. And he would get to see Belgium and the others. He tried to picture Belgium's face like he always did but instead saw the smiling faces of Alice holding Romano.

Antonio cursed and tried to shake the image away but it persisted. He walked off to his room, angry and frustrated.

His family, uh? What did that mean? Who was his family?