Chapter 7
"That was so much fun Germany!" Italy giggled merrily as they walked back to the house. The sun was setting behind them, the light rapidly fading from the day.
"Ja, I suppose is was." The German replied. He glanced over at the smaller nation beside him. He was a little more than pleased at how the day had turned out.
"You had fun?" Germany nodded. "Yay! I'm so happy you're happy!" Feli squeaked, latching onto his arm as they approached the house.
Germany sighed happily as they entered the air conditioned house, happy to finally get out of the stifling weather.
Italy walked passed him and towards the kitchen calling as he went. "Would you like something to drink Luddy?"
"Yes, danke." Germany replied. plopping down on the couch and leaning against the soft cushions.
Everything was quiet.
It didn't last.
Germany's head turned towards the sounds of a sudden crash was heard from the kitchen. He leaped to his feet and ran into the kitchen, prepared for anything except for what he found.
The blond made a sharp halt just in the doorway. Italy was leaning up against the kitchen counter. The shattered glass on the floor indicated that the Italian must have dropped it onto the floor. Ludwig would have reprimanded him for the mess, but standing in the very center of the room was America. The other nation's blue eyes found his quickly, looking just as shocked as he was.
Italy's head flew in his direction his brown eyes widening with horror. America's eyes narrowed at his presence, a resolution setting in his face.
"I knew it." He muttered, shooting a disgusted look at Italy. "I knew it all this time… it was never about me was it?"
Italy's hands flew to his mouth and shook his head vigorously, he seemed horrified beyond words.
"Don't lie!" The American screamed, and Germany's own patience snapped in two.
"What?" He stepped into the room and up to American, severing his access to the brunette. "Are you going to hit him? Beat him if he can't answer?"
America's face flushed red with anger, his blue eyes locking with Ludwig's own. "This is none of your business, why don't you just stay out of it?"
"I'm not going to willingly put my best friend in danger." He crossed his arms across his broad chest. "You are no longer a nation I can trust."
"Oh was I ever?" America sneered, but his gaze softened when he looked passed Germany at Italy's fearful stance and distrusting eyes. His voice lowered considerably when he addressed the Italian. "I just want to talk. I promise…"
Germany's eyes followed America's gaze. The two were sharing a look that almost made him want to step aside and let them talk it out. But one glance at the smaller nation's wrists made him stand rigid. They were nearly healed, the flesh had gone from dark purple to a pale yellow. It was enough to keep him rooted to the spot.
"I think that option when out of the door when you did." America scowled up at Germany.
It surprised him when he exhaled and said softly. "Alright, I understand. I'm sorry I hurt you Italy. If you don't trust me Germany, then would you stay here? If it'll make Italy feel safer…"
Italy's resolve already looked broken, he was about to cave. Germany grunted. He knew he couldn't have prevented this for long. He felt his heart squeeze painfully, Italy was about to fall back into America's embrace and would leave him alone again.
He stepped aside, resigning himself to a bystander, a friend. Just a friend.
At once the younger nation stepped forward and approached Italy, reaching out towards him a moment before his arm dropped again. Germany backed into the corner of the kitchen. He knew his presence was making this much more awkward than it needed to be. But just a friend or not he was going to make sure Italy was safe.
Italy spoke first. "Where have you been?"
America shrugged. "Just a cheap hotel about half an hour from here…"
"Were you ok?"
"Yeah… it was fine."
The silence stretched into eternity as Germany stood there, his irritation growing. Could they just get on with it?
"...I guess I'll start." America murmured, once again reaching out for Italy who shied away from his touch. But the blond laid his hand on Feliciano's shoulder anyway, Italy twitched but did nothing to stop him.
"I um… I'm so sorry for distrusting you the way I did, for yelling and for running off…" His eyes trailed to the Italian's wrists. The brunette's eyes flickered and he crossed his arms, though it looked more like he was hugging himself.
"But I can't apologize enough for hurting you. I don't think anything I could do would ever make up for it and I'm so sorry. I fractured your trust. That's something I can never earn back fully." His blue gaze hit the floor, he looked disheartened. Probably from the Italian's lack of response. "I guess all I can do is beg for forgiveness…"
"I can't take this anymore!" Italy sobbed, surprising both men as he burst into tears and buried his face in his hands. "I-I'm sorry…"
America looked bewildered. "Huh? But Italy, you have nothing to apologize for-"
"Yes I do! I-" And it hit Germany, that look… he was about to spill. And he knew what...
"Italy don't." He implored. He hated America, but he wanted Italy to be happy more than anything else. America made him happy. And Italy made it clear there was nothing between them anymore.
"What?" Alfred gabbed. "What's going on?"
"We kissed!" Italy blurted, flinching away from America as he said it. "I'm so sorry!"
"Yeah I know. We talked about this remember?" The American murmured comfortingly, sending Ludwig a nasty glare. "Not cool…"
"No, I mean we kissed a few days ago... " Italy sobbed, tears dripping down his cheeks. "And it was mutual…"
Germany felt panic rise in his chest, but not because of the now crazed glare America was giving him. Or the way the blond retracted his hand from Italy as though it had been burned. It was because of Italy's crying face, his desperately apologetic tone. Germany couldn't stand in Italy's way of happiness. Not over something so selfish of him.
"You don't have to lie, Italy." Germany said firmly, gaining both nation's full attention. "I'm sorry I did that to you again, but you don't have to lie for my sake."
"W-what?" The brunette whispered, looking incredulously up at Germany.
"I… don't think I'm following." Alfred mumbled. Typical America. Germany thought bitterly.
"I kissed Italy, again. He didn't kiss me." Italy shot him a panicked look, shaking his head insistently from side to side. "He was afraid you would try and hurt me, so he's lying about it now. But there is no need." He held up a hand as Italy began protesting, tears in his brown eyes. "I appreciate it Italy, but I have to own up to what I did."
Italy grabbed America's sleeve imploring the American to listen. "That's not what happened!" Alfred looked torn, as though afraid of choosing a side.
"I-I-"
"Italy that's enough! You don't have to protect me!" It hurt, it really hurt to watch as Italy protested, begged, denied Germany's words to no avail. "I'm sorry I did that America." Germany growled. Though to be honest he didn't regret it for one second. "It was wrong of me to kiss a man who was with someone. I caught Italy in a vulnerable moment. He didn't push me away, but he didn't encourage me. It was completely selfish of me to take advantage of him. That's why I've been here, to try and make it up to him."
"Germany!" Italy's cries went unheard.
"I'm sorry America." Germany repeated, feeling sick for ignoring his best friend's desperate pleas. America was glaring directly into his icy blue eyes. Germany squared his shoulders and said confidently. "It won't ever happen again. I promise."
"You're damn right it won't!" America stepped in front of the brunette. "Because I'm not letting you near him again! I'm sick of this!"
"America wait!" Italy grabbed his shoulder but the blond put a hand on the younger nation's chest. "I'm telling you it wasn't Germany's fault!"
America wheeled around on Italy, who cowered under his blue gaze. "I… Italy I want to believe you…" He murmured. He turned and placed both hands on the Italian's shoulders. "But I'm not just going to stand down and ignore this. Not a second time."
Germany's hands flew into up defense as America approached and jabbed a finger in his direction. "Stay the hell away from my boyfriend!"
The Germanic nation's spine prickled with anger, but he did nothing but nod and say simply. "I understand."
America looked perplexed, but regained his composure and pointed at the door. "Get the hell out of here."
"Nein, not until this fight is over. Wouldn't want you hurting Italy again." He snarled, unable to help himself.
"Right now I don't give a shit. There's the exit. Get the fuck out!"
"Well you might not give a shit about Italy's safety, but I do." He snapped. "I'll leave when you're done."
"Just stop it both of you!" Italy burst, stepping between the two blond's with both his arms outstretched towards either country. "Please. That's enough."
Germany nodded apologetically and America murmured a hurried. "Sorry..."
Italy took a deep breath and said. "Germany, can you please leave."
"W-what? But Italy-!"
"Please let us have this fight." He murmured.
"I'm not leaving you alone." Ludwig insisted, unwavering in his decision.
"Fine, just stand there and please don't say anything." The Germanic nation nodded and retreated back to the corner of the kitchen. Italy turned to America. "And you." The younger gulped. "Let's fight."
America nodded fearfully, but the Italian's courage didn't last long. His arms began shaking again and he backed a step away from the American nation. His eyes widened up at the American, his stance submissive. "Um, alright." Alfred muttered, crossing his arms across his chest. "What the hell is Germany doing here? I thought I made it clear that I didn't want you alone with him."
"H-he came to apologize for… inviting me over." The brunette look up at America with a nervous expression. "You know."
"So you two could fuck?" The American snarled.
"I asked him over to talk." Germany interrupted. "Not to, as you so delicately put it, fuck."
"Stay out of this!" America screamed, turning back to a still cowering Italy. "So, then what."
"He came in, I offered him coffee, and then we kissed." He squeaked.
"Italy-" Germany began.
"That's what happened!" The Italian insisted.
"Enough!" America shouted. "Whatever the case I can't believe you would do that to me!"
"I didn't mean for it to happen!"
"That's why I asked you not to hang around him! Why won't you listen to me?"
"I-I don't know!" He burst, pressing the heel of his hand into his cheek as tears poured from his brown eyes.
"How long has he been here?"
Italy crossed his arms. "Four days."
"Why?" The blond snarled.
"I didn't want to be alone…"
The American snorted. "Yeah? Did you sleep in the same bed?"
"He slept in the guest bedroom!" Italy burst, appalled.
America snarled. "Really? And were you there with him?"
"Why are you doing this?" Italy sobbed, wiping at his face as he looked America in the eye. "Nothing else happened!"
"How do I know that? How will I ever know that if you don't stay away from him!"
"Why won't you just trust me!?" Italy screamed, causing the Germanic nation to blanch from where he stood. This argument was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for the German. "You always do this! You overreact over things that didn't even happen because you don't trust me!"
"Of course I trust you!" The American insisted, but Germany could see the fear in his eyes.
"The whole reason this fight began was because you wouldn't just believe me to begin with! If you had just listened to me-!"
"That is not where this argument began!" Alfred insisted, leaning down towards Italy with shaking fists. "This is all his fault!" He pointed an accusing finger at the German nation.
"No!" Italy yelled, once again surprising Ludwig by his audacity. "You are not pinning this on him! This isn't his fault!"
"Everything was going fine until he came knocking on our door again!"
"He's not the source for our problems!" Italy gave Ludwig a sympathetic glance, which only made the blond's discomfort double. He hadn't expected this fight to turn on him and he was unprepared. He was starting to feel increasingly regretful for having interrupted the first time, cursing his short temper.
"Yes he is! If you had only stayed away from none of this would have happened!"
Italy's eyes snapped back to America and held out his wrist accusingly. "This was not Germany's fault!" Alfred's eyes hit the floor, his face reddening with shame. "He's not the reason I don't feel safe around you anymore." Feliciano's voice dropped to more of a hushed tone. "How do I know this wouldn't have ever happened? How do I know it's not going to happen again?"
"Because I love you!" America yelled. Germany reeled back, gaping at the younger nation. He loved Italy? Had he just confessed his love in the middle of a fight in front of him? What was he thinking?
Germany looked at Italy, and his face grew even more incredulous at the atonic look on the Italian's face. Was he not surprised?
"I love you too." Germany felt pain pierce his heart. They were in love? He didn't know… Had he caused all this heartbreak? How could he have done this? "But you hurt me. You love me and you still hurt me." America's head drooped, he looked like a kicked puppy. "Why would you do that?" Italy whined.
"I-I don't know. I was so angry, I thought you had cheated on me…"
"That doesn't give you the right to hurt people." Italy retorted softly.
"I know it doesn't and I can't apologize enough for it." America's expression turned pleading. "What can I do to make up for it?"
Italy sighed, placing a hand over his face. "I don't know. You could start by not hating my best friend."
"He kissed my boyfriend! Twice! That's reason enough to dislike someone!" Germany huffed. I mean, he was right here. "Surely you can understand that." The American insisted.
"America." Italy sighed, removing his hand from his face. "Friendship is important. When you've been a nation as long as I have you understand that friends can come and go and it's not something that I throw away so easily."
"I'm not the oldest nation out there," America began, pointing a finger at the Italian's chest. "And I understand how you feel about the people in your life but I'm not comfortable with you and Germany."
Italy gripped his hair stressfully. "You're doing it again."
"It's not you that I don't trust it's him." Germany glared daggers at the American country with blazing cerulean eyes. He could feel rage begin to boil his blood, every word the American nation uttered only seemed to fuel the fire. "He can't seem to keep his paws to himself."
"Shut it swine." Germany snarled, unable to keep himself under restraint. Both nations turned to him again. "Don't sit there and make fun of me like that, as if I'm not even here."
"Oh shut up!" Alfred yelled. "Why are you even here? Get the hell out!"
"I thought I made myself clear!" Germany barked. "You are not hurting Italy again. I can't believe he's even talking to you right now."
"Germany please-" The Italian began, but America interrupted him.
"This doesn't concern you! If Italy was afraid, he wouldn't be talking to me right now."
"Please stop it!" Italy screamed. "Just stop. The people in my life are important America! I don't stop you from hanging out with England."
"But England is trustworthy!"
"Trustworthy?! America, I had to declare war on England for unification, so I could be with my own brother! He went to war with Spain, one of my oldest friends. He's told me stories…" Italy paused for just a moment before returning to the argument. "I'm afraid of him!" The Italian declared.
America snorted. "That's not new. You're afraid of every other country."
"This is personal." Italy growled. "But I try not to hold that against him because you guys are such good friends."
"Yes!" The blond shouted. "Just friends! Friends that don't kiss or have little sleepovers! We're platonic!"
"And even so, if I asked you to stop hanging out with him because I'm uncomfortable with him, would you?"
"That's completely different!" The blond shouted. "I can't believe you don't get that!"
"I do get that!" The brunette replied. "I understand why you're upset alright!"
"So why won't you just listen to me?!" Alfred roared.
The brunette's courage faltered under America's spiteful glare. Germany was honestly surprised the Italian had that much steam to blow off. But he supposed letting a wound fester for a few days was never very good.
"B-because I don't want to lose anyone again…"
"Well," America snarled. "You're about to lose me."
Once the words were uttered it was immediately evident that Alfred regretted saying them. Feliciano's eyes swelled with anguish and his face mirrored distress. America took two mortified steps back, as if he was just as shocked by his words as anyone else.
Germany's own blazing anger was melting once again into discomfort as the room fell completely silent. He wanted to leave, but each time America made any sort of wild movement or gesture, his breakneck extinct was to leap forward and drag the American away from Italy, compelling him to stay. But the turn this argument had just taken was nothing short of dangerously devastating.
Germany's icy eyes widened with shock when Feliciano's face contorted (he looked like he was about to cry) and the American opened his arms for Feliciano, who ran straight into them and sobbed into the American nation's chest.
"...is this just, not working anymore?" America murmured.
"I-I don't want to break up with you." Italy bawled. "I don't want you to go."
"Maybe it would be for the best."
Germany's heart broke for what felt like the thousandth time that day.
"But why?" Italy looked up from the American's chest, tears still streaming down his face.
"If we can't work through this we're only going to end up hurting each other." Alfred reasoned.
"But we can work around this." The Italian insisted.
Germany couldn't stand it, he couldn't hold his tongue, so he spoke up once again. "Wait." Both nation's once again turned towards the German, half of Italy's face still hidden from view. "I'll stay away from Italy." At once the brunette opened his mouth to protest but Germany put up a hand to stop him. "No it's alright." He turned his gaze to America, whose grip tighten protectively around Feliciano. "I respect your relationship and I understand why you are uncomfortable. Italy and I are great friends, but this relationship means more-" He stopped before his voice could break, clearing this throat before he went on. "to him then you know. I'll back down."
America's face was comically contorted into a completely bewildered expression. He didn't dare look at Italy, who was no doubt heartbroken by his bold proclamation.
"Wow." Alfred muttered. "Thanks bro. That means a lot."
Germany felt exasperation rise in his chest. Could he not just take this in stride instead of acting like a complete airhead? "I'm not doing this for you." His icy eyes found Feli's.
The brunette was staring at him with a sickening mixture of betrayal and hurt. He clutched at America with a renewed force when their eyes met. That expression stabbed holes in the German's heart. It seemed almost wrong, like that look just didn't fit his usually cheery face. It haunted him, forever then staining his memory of the happy little Italian nation.
"Maybe it's a good thing you're leaving," The Italian murmured, and for a moment Germany relaxed, convinced Feliciano had understood. He dismissed his initial expression, boiling it down to the head of the moment and for just a second, everything seemed alright.
Slowly the older nation let go of America and turned towards him, whispering through what he realized were tear glazed eyes. "Now that I know just how much I really meant to you."
The German reeled back as Italy pushed passed him, shaking his head as he headed upstairs towards his room. "Wait-" Germany reached out futilely for the brunette his pulse pounding in his ears as he watched the Italian nation slip out of sight. The spite and contempt held in his voice were heartbreaking.
The German sighed and turned towards America, a serious look eclipsing his pained face. "America," said nation straightened, his expression genuinely fearful. The German took a step closer, pointing a finger threateningly in his direction. "If you love Italy, really love him, then you better fucking cherish him the way I would have." His icy eyes grew frigid. "You better respect him, and protect him. You better appreciate and pay attention to him and so help me if you break his heart or hurt him again," His lip curled back into a snarl and he leaned over the terrified American. "I will kill you."
And he meant it.
Alfred nodded hurriedly, regaining his composure. "Of course."
"A word of advice." Germany said, not unkindly. "If you love something," He closed his eyes, pain washing over him in white-hot waves. Images of Italy flashed before his vision. His smile, the way his eyes lit up whenever Germany praised him. What the sunlight did to his auburn hair, the concentrated look on his face when he was engrossed in the construction of a piece of artwork. The way he pressed up against his chest every time they hugged. He exhaled quietly, opening his eyes with a horribly despondent expression marring his features, his tone like-wise. "Don't let it go, not for a single moment."
America dipped his head gratefully and murmured softly. "Thank you. I won't forget this."
Germany nodded his understanding. The American country slipped passed him towards the room Feliciano now occupied.…
"Feli?" America called softly. He tentatively opened the Italian nation's door. "Are you ok?"
The brunette had his legs pull up against his chest with his face buried in his knees. His whole body shook with sobs and immediately America was at his side. The blond pulled Italy flush against his side, gently coaxing him into his arms.
The American nation placed one hand at the back of Feli's neck and stroked his back with the other, silently happy to finally have the little country back in his arms; though he wished it were under happier circumstances.
"Why are you so upset baby?" America cooed, lightly kissing his auburn hair. "Talk to me."
The older nation held on tighter, only reinforcing America's grip on his small frame. Italy whimpered and pulled back, Alfred's arms still encircling his shoulders.
"Ve, I th-think I should have told you about this… but a long time ago, I fell in love." America's hand ceased its strokes along the brunette's back, confusion halting his actions.
"Um, with Germany right?"
Italy shook his head. "No this was before Germany. I was very young and it was with a boy named the Holy Roman Empire."
There was something strange about how he uttered that name.
"Oh." America murmured, not sure exactly what to say or do.
Italy took a deep breath. His head tilted down, his auburn bangs veiling his chocolate eyes and hiding his expression. Alfred blinked his cerulean eyes, nervousness and awkward evident from his poise and choice action.
"Ve, I loved him so much…" America felt nerves crawl at the back of his neck. He wasn't the best at consoling, and hearing about a past love wasn't exactly comfortable material.
"He was scary at first. He'd chase me around and demand that I join him. I never really gave him the time of day. He would follow me around, but I never really minded. I didn't realize we would never work until much later when he asked me to join in his conquests. I couldn't do it… I cared too much for him to do something like that."
"But…" The blond blinked befuddled by that logic. "If you joined his empire, then you two could have been together forever, right?"
Feli shook his head. "No, I had just-" Italy's hand flew to his mouth, and Alfred realized with a start that he was fending off tears. "I just lost Grandpa Rome because he was too big. He couldn't handle it," He shook his head for emphasis, his voice beginning to waver. "N-no one could… I didn't want him to build himself up, and then knock himself down. I couldn't-"
America once again pulled the older nation flush against his chest, holding the weeping nation close and murmuring softly. "It's ok, it's ok."
"But he was so kind to me." Italy shivered and latched onto the blond in a desperate embrace. "I was a maid at Mr. Austria's house, so I had to clean up and sometimes I was s-stepped on like a little bug. And sometimes I wasn't fed." America's grip intensified on Italy. He pressed a chaste kiss to Feliciano's forehead, his heart aching to comfort him, though he knew interrupting wasn't the best idea at this point.
"But Holy Rome was so nice. He gave me food when I wasn't given it by Mr. Austria. He was so shy and liked to watch me sweep sometimes." Italy sensed the American's discomfort and added reassuringly. "Living with Mr. Austria wasn't all bad. When I got my work done, sometimes he would let me sit with him while he played the most beautiful music on his piano. And sometimes he would even give me a break from chores so I could paint.
"For a while, everything was perfect." Italy's eyes brightened, his voice quieted. It was almost as if he had forgotten he was talking to anyone at all. "Holy Rome and I were together, Austria and Hungary were happy," The Italian nuzzled Alfred's chest, his eyes wondering about the room, looking at nothing in particular. "but then, everything started to change. Holy Rome had to leave for war and left me behind with nothing but a kiss and a promise to return."
Something clicked in Alfred's mind.
Alfred didn't know what to say, though Italy seemed to have given him a rather short version of the story, his actions made it painfully evident just how much the Holy Roman Empire had affected him.
"He never came home."
America nuzzled the top of Italy's head, holding him tight and petting his hair softly. "Italy-"
"And I know that what I'm going to say next sounds crazy but, for a while I decided I would never love anyone ever again. How could I? I made a promise that I didn't want to let go of..." Alfred shut his mouth, feeling embarrassed for having interrupted at all.
He rested his cheek against Italy's head as the silence stretched he nudged him gently slowly prompting him to continue. The Italian seemed to snap out of a daze and went on in an even more hushed tone. "Then, after what felt like forever, I met Germany." Italy leaned into his embrace once more and sighed, he sounded exhausted. "And he was so much like him, though he wanted me gone and didn't want me around at first. I won't say much more than: he made me believe that everything was going to be ok again. He reminded me what it was like to love again…"
Alfred wanted to comfort Feliciano to the best of his ability, but this topic was so uncomfortable; how was he suppose to react to all this?
"I don't want to pain you with the details, but that's why he's so special to me. He didn't just open up that option, he made me want to risk everything and make friends again. It's hard to explain, but everything just sort of, burst back into color when Germany entered my life, and I've always wanted to repay him for that.
"I know that was a lot to take in, I'm sorry that didn't come out sooner. I probably should've talked about it I just-" Italy looked up at America, his eyes strangely blank. "I-it's hard…"
"It's alright Feli." America murmured. "That was something huge you just told me and I understand if you want a few minutes to yourself…"
"I-I don't want to be left alone again." despite his shaky speech tears were no longer threatening to fall from Italy's usually expressive eyes. It was strange seeing him like that.
It was clear to America how much Germany meant to Italy. Now he understood why his betrayal must've hurt so much. Why it took so long to get over him…
He was still waiting.
"You really loved him, didn't you?" America whispered, pain seizing his heart once more.
Italy nodded. "I did." He looked up. "But I want to be with you now, it took a very special person to capture my heart." He smiled. "You're that person."
But guilt was weighing him down and making him feel almost as though he had stolen something precious, ruined the perfect end to the perfect lovestory. That atop all the their other problems were starting to pile up...
"You… you really care about Germany, don't you?" Alfred sighed.
Feli nodded. "Si. But I would do anything for you." Feliciano sighed, his smile still in place. "If giving up Germany is what I have to do, I'll do it."
America paused, took a deep breath and said, though it pained him greatly. "You don't have to stop seeing Germany."
The Italian looked up at him with equal parts shock and gratitude. "W-what?"
Alfred blushed. "You don't have to stop being his friend. I'm sorry that I thought it was fair to ask you to do something like that. It was ridiculous and I feel guilty… just promise me nothing intimate will ever happen between you two, alright?"
Italy nodded rapidly, snapping out of a daze. "Si of course." Feli held him tightly and peppered his face with light kisses. "Oh I love you so much! Grazie! Grazie America!" He squealed.
The blond blushed heavily at the affection and playfully nudged him. "Go on then you little thing you." He smiled softly when Italy pressed one last kiss to his cheek and skipped back downstairs.
Alfred watched him go with a heavily feeling in his heart. He didn't realize what he had done when he had asked Italy out those many years ago. From Germany, he knew he'd taken Italy. But he didn't realize he had been taking much more, and almost regretted how nearly pushy he had been in his advances. Well, he hadn't been put off in his actions back then, but still.
Maybe he hadn't been the hero in that story at all…
(An):
Yay it's finished!
Thanks for everyone who stuck with this, I'm sorry for the messy ending. Everything turned to shit in this chapter and, well, I pretty much hate this ending but I wouldn't know what else to add.
This one is honestly so old, I put a lot of time into it but I think it's a little too messy. I didn't want to waste the time I took on this, but I promise I won't post anything this old again. It took a lot of editing to make this even a little presentable, but I hope you liked it anyway.
Thanks for the reads and reviews! Love you all!