Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia

A/N: Kitty's Muse: What would Ludwig do for Feli? If you can answer that confidently, then you'll know exactly what Italy is going to do. LynnyLiz: Then tell me, friend, how is it supposed to work? A story without a few twists and turns isn't any fun. Yazuki Ookami: Your kindness continues to make me smile. Thank you very much. Again, I hope this cliffhanger doesn't upset you too much, my lovely. Keiko Sahara: You surprised me. To know of someone else who sees that are many sides of Feliciano Vargas and not that he's just an innocent, crazy, pasta loving bunny, lightens my heart. And thank you... I pride myself on the description of their house. I felt it was important to show my lovelies how much Feliciano loved it.

Well, my dears, I left you with a pretty big cliffhanger last chapter. I am truly sorry to tell you that I left you with an even bigger one this time. Enjoy...


Feli growled low, his entire body shaking. He looked up at his friends before saying slowly and quietly, "Russia has him."

Kiku took a tentative step forward. "We'll get him back, Feli…" The Italian turned and threw the crumpled piece of paper to the ground. He walked swiftly to the window, gripping the window ledge with all his strength. All he wanted was to hold Ludwig again. To hold him and love him and let him know that he was there. He breathed deeply, trying to get his anger in check. This was the side of him that no one ever saw…

Arthur took Kiku's hand gently and pulled him out of the room. When Kiku fought, Arthur just whispered, "Let the lad have a minute to himself, love…" He closed the door softly, leaving Feliciano alone.

The Italian didn't move for a while. He just stood and stared out at their Berlin and tried to get his breathing under control. Tried to control his temper.

Finally, he moved away, looking around the room. His easel still stood in the corner… Paintbrushes and closed paint jars lined in a row. Ludwig's bookshelf was erected, filled to the brim with all of his novels…

Feliciano had his apartment in Italy, of course. But they had spent more time together here than in Venice… His brain told him he was Italian, but his heart told him his home was in Berlin. He let out a shaky breath and sat on the edge of their bed. His fingers fiddled with the cross again.

He looked at the red comforter beneath him, remembering how long it had taken them to pick it out. He looked up at the black pillows, remembering the heated kisses that had happened there…

After a moment of staring, he fell off of the bed and onto his knees, his hand clutching the cross for all he was worth. "Oh God, why won't you let me have him? Why do you keep taking him?" He looked around desperately, as though he would just appear. "Please… I can't live without him anymore. I can't go back to… that shell… that I was living as… God, can't you see? Romano may be my twin… but Ludwig is my other half…"

He stared at the ceiling, hoping that some answer would come to him. Some reason why his God was keeping him and Ludwig apart. "I know… I know it is a sin, but, God, please… I cannot live without him…" He bowed his head and allowed the tears to crash over him again.

His shoulders shook with his sobs. He cried and sobbed and yelled, just needing to let his frustration and need sweep over him. He yelled at his God and he cried for his God's help, and he questioned everything he had been taught.

When he was finally able to pull himself together, he stood, stony faced and determined. He walked to the door and pulled it open. Arthur and Kiku looked up at him, concerned. "Feli…?" Kiku stepped forward.

"We're going to Russia."


Feliciano slept the entire plane ride, only after saying good bye to Berlin. He would miss it, but he was determined to return. He had taken his time walking through the streets, touching anything he could. He talked German with the people, the language sliding off his tongue as though he had spoken it every day for the past year.

When they landed in Moscow, Feli was groggy, half asleep. But he was ready. Ready to kill Ivan. If only he had brought Excalibur with him…

Kiku stood on one side of the Italian and Arthur on the other. They were there to hold Feli back or push him out of the way, which ever happened first. Kiku got them a taxi, him being the only one of them able to speak Russian.

Feli stayed quiet the entire cab ride, staring out at the falling snow. Arthur couldn't venture a guess as to what the poor boy was thinking…

Feli felt the household before he saw it. He felt colder and a shiver ran up his spine, like he had just been terrified out of his mind. When they stepped out of the cab and looked up at the intimidating castle, Kiku could have sworn he saw a bat fly through the air towards them. He grabbed Arthur's arm in fear.

But Feliciano began the long walk up to the double doors, every step he took clear and defined. He knew what he wanted and dammit he wanted it now. Arthur and Kiku had never seen him move so fast before… they had to run to keep up with the Italian. Ludwig would be proud to know that his training sessions paid off.

When Feli reached the double doors, he had no fear. He knocked on the doors loudly, waiting. Waiting for the moment when Ivan would open the doors and he could punch his face in.

The door opened slowly and a frightened looking Latvia peeked around into the entrance. Kiku and Arthur both breathed an audible sigh of relief. But Feli looked as stern and determined as ever. "Where's Ivan?"

Latvia squeaked under the frightening gaze. "H-h-he's in his o-o-office… M-maybe you c-c-could wait here… in the st-study. He's busy." Feli pushed passed him and looked around.

"Which one is his office?" He softened his voice, not really wanting to frighten the poor nation. It wasn't his choice to be locked in this terrifying castle with such a cruel master.

Latvia merely pointed, realizing quickly that there was no way to stop the enraged Italian. Arthur and Kiku ran after Feliciano. "Feli, wait, we have to be rational."

"Kiku's right, if we just go bursting in there, he could hurt Ludwig."

Feli ignored them, marching quickly down the hall that Latvia had indicated. "Feliciano-san!" Feli moved faster, his eyes trained on the door in front of him. It seemed an eternity before he reached them, his arms pushing it open with all the force he could muster. He looked around wildly, his eyes finally landing on Ivan, who was behind his desk, not even looking up to see the intruder.

"Well, don't just stand there, comrades. Come in." His voice was light, as though he had not taken the love of Feliciano's life. The Italian was silent as he walked in, not taking his eyes off of Ivan.

Arthur and Kiku followed, looking around nervously. After a few minutes, Ivan sighed and looked up at his unexpected visitors. "I suppose you have come for your prize, yes?"

Feliciano gave a single curt nod. "Very vell, you may have him."

Feli started. What? Ivan was going to give him up that easily? Something was up… he had done something. Feli's suspicion rose in his chest but he stayed silent. Ivan stood and unhooked some keys from his belt, a small smile on his lips. "Come with me, comrades…"

He left the office, the three friends in tow. Kiku and Arthur looked at the paintings and suits of armor in awe and fear. Feli stared at the back of Ivan's head, trying to figure out why he was able to just have Ludwig without so much as a backwards glance.

Ivan led them to a large staircase. "Be careful, comrades, it is slippery sometimes." He walked down swiftly though, not allowing the other nations to be cautious at all, as though he dared them to slip and break their necks. As they descended, it got even colder, until Feliciano was positive that it was below zero degrees.

They reached a door at the bottom of the stairs and Ivan clanked through his keys. "Oh, vhich one is it… I can never- Ah. Here it is." He stared into Feli's eyes and held up a large metal key for him to see, as though taunting the Italian with it. And then he looked slowly at the keyhole, inserting the key and turning. Feli heard a faint click before the door was pushed open. His hand fluttered to his cross and he gasped, his eyes widening at the sight before him.


R&R, if so inclined, my lovelies...