"Get up, we're going out." Alfred said, his stern voice reaching Arthur's ear. The smaller blonde looked up, annoyed. This was the third time the American had said that and it was starting to sink in that ignoring him was not the best option. With a roll of his eyes Arthur replied. "And what do you suppose we do when we 'go out'." He said with a snarl.

Alfred smiled, his best smile, a grin that was goofy and playful. One that Arthur hadn't seen in a long time. "Well, we're going to eat dinner in China town, get desert in little Italy, and then we're going ice skating in Rockefeller plaza," Arthur blushed deeply at his words. It sounded like a date. Romance was a very new topic for Arthur and he was not the best at it. Things like these made his nervous. "I want you to see the city."

"Alfred I think I know the city-"

"No, you don't," Alfred interrupted sharply. Arthur was shocked at his bluntness. "You know the coast line and the areas that are covered by the mob. You don't know the heart of the city. Only the body. I want to show you around. So you know what you're fighting for." Alfred was right. Arthur had no idea what the streets were like. He always had it made in his comfy life that he never bothered getting to know the city. He has only been there a handful of times and none where anything near a pleasure trip.

The Brit thought it over for a second. "What if there's someone who recognizes me?" Alfred pulled a gun from his belt. "No one could hurt you with your bodyguard around." He said simply.

Damnit, I hate it when hes right! Arthur swore in his head. The thought of going out was alluring. He could be a normal person for once. He didn't need to sit behind a desk. He didn't need to kill or worry about being killed. Was there such a life? A safe life? One where he could live a happy life? The idea was bizarre to him. But it must exist. And this was his chance to get a taste of it.

"And we won't get hurt?" He asked Alfred. "I don't want to risk yours or mine." Alfred's eyes rolled. "Don't worry, I won't get you killed."

Arthur bit his lip and nodded nervously. It just dawned upon him that he would be going on a date with Alfred. A whole new wave of anxiety flooded through Arthur and he suddenly worried if what he was wearing was acceptable or if Alfred liked it. "Can I change first? I don't really think I want to go around in a suit and tie." Alfred agreed it wouldn't be the best of choices.

They dispersed, Arthur going up to his room. It was a large, empty room with only a dresser, bed and Television. It was dark as well, with a mixture of blacks and dark greens it seemed cold. Which it was. Even with the heat on, Arthur always shivered in the room.

He made his way to the dresser and dug out his street clothes. It's been a while since he needed them but they fit comfortably. He put on dress pants and a dress shirt, slipping a green sweater vest over it. Arthur went over to the mirror in the bathroom. His eyebrows were way too bushy and his hair wouldn't go down. After a while, he stopped trying.

Alfred was waiting for him in the entrance hall. He changed as well. Alfred was now dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and a bomber jacket that Arthur hasn't seen since Alfred's high school days. Arthur blushed at the sight of him. He looked so young and attractive. "Hey…" Arthur said softly.

The taller blonde looked up from his feet and smiled. "Hey. You look great," He said, sticking out his arm for Arthur to latch onto. "Ready to go?" Arthur nodded as he took Alfred's arm.

They walked to Chinatown from the mansion. It wasn't that far and their talking made it even shorter. The pair grabbed dinner. The American shoveled down two platters into his mouth while the Brit laughed and ate his single platter. When they were finished there they went to little Italy to get the world's best pastries. Alfred had two cannoli's while Arthur had one Panna cotta.

Once they had their fill they set off for the plaza. Arthur was on swept off his feet. Nothing so far had been overly romantic but it still seemed amazing to Arthur. He was never allowed to go out in the city alone or even with a friend. He always had a team surrounding him. Now, with only Alfred beside him, he felt free, light, and happy for the first time.

At the Plaza, they paid for skating time and rentals. Arthur was so oblivious on how to put on skates. Alfred smiled, thinking it was cute. His arms wrapped around Arthur's waist and pulled him into his lap. Arthur blushes furiously as Alfred started to tie his skates for him. Alfred's arms brushed his sides, the contact making Arthur blush even harder if possible.

"There you are," Alfred said softly once the second skate was securely on the other man's foot. "Good and tight." Arthur nodded standing and almost falling a moment later. He was able to compose himself in before actually hitting the ground. That's when Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Arthur, can you skate?"

"I can skate very bloody well, thank you!" Arthur snapped, pouting slightly at the accusation.

Alfred's eyes rolled. "When was the last time you skated?"

Arthur blushed and though back. He remembers skating when he was 6. Arthur looks down. "More than 10 years ago…" Alfred nodded and stepped onto the ice, extending a hand to Arthur. The Brit shyly took the hand and was swept onto the ice.

Friction was a factor that Arthur needed. The slippery ice didn't give him the graceful posture. Instead it was replaced by a position that included a hunched over back, an ass high in the air, and legs spread impossibly wide. He gripped Alfred's jacket for dear life. Arthur looked purely pathetic.

Green eyes were clamped shut until a pair of strong arms pulled him up so he was standing perfectly. He blinked up at Alfred then returned the goofy grin on the American's lips. "Come on, I'll teach you. If I can learn to do it, you can learn to do it," He smiled softly this time. "Move your legs with mine."

Alfred glided his left leg forward as he held Arthur's hands tightly. Arthur mimicked him down to the very tempo of his actions. Left leg then right and repeat. It was like when Arthur used to slide across the marble floor in his socks. Though it was much more slippery and Alfred wasn't holding him.

The American's arms were tightly around him, securing his spot, and making sure he didn't fall. The last thing he wanted was a bruised Brit. The poor thing would bump into a table and have a huge purple mark for a month. It was a goal of Alfred's not to let anything happen it Arthur, even if it was only falling on the ice.

Arthur looked around at his surroundings; the light was perfect in the cold night. Each star could be seen, even though it was the city. Other couples went past them along with small children. The air was brisk but he was kept warm by Alfred's arms. The thought made Arthur blush and his heart beat quickened. He could feel Alfred on him and it made him extremely happy.

The Brit never thought his affection towards him would evolve. It started when Alfred hit puberty. It was not long after Arthur went through his confusing years as a teen. By that time Arthur had made the decision to keep his sexuality a secret. Then Alfred sprang up. His voice changed and he lost his sweet, innocent façade. The boy started act more malicious, cold hearted even. It drove Arthur mad. He fantasized about the boy over powering him and taking him on his desk. Though something deep inside told him that Alfred wasn't gay and even if he was, he wouldn't be looking for anyone. Which is why this whole thing was a surprise to him. After they made love for the first time Arthur was sure it was only a one-time thing or they would start a 'friends with benefits' thing. Nothing of the sorts happened. Alfred actually wanted more and Arthur couldn't be happier.

A sudden change in direction pulled Arthur from his thoughts. He was now facing Alfred's chest. The taller griped his sides making sure he would slip. A hand tilted Arthur's chin up so they were eye to eye. Arthur could see the snow dusting his hair and eye lashes.

"I love you, Arthur."

Romano went on a walk after his encounter with Francis. It took two hours but his head was finally clear and he was able to go back to his room without reliving the traumatizing experience. Once he opened the door he saw his brother scribbling on a sheet of paper. The smaller Italian was mumbling to himself in their native tongue as he wrote.

"Feli what the hell are you doing?" Romano groaned, not wanting to deal with a mentally ill brother at this point in time.

Feliciano looked up, saw his brother and smiled widely. "Fratello it is amazing! Mr. Antonio said that we could write a letter to Celia and Marcello! Isn't that great?" He squeaked, his voice getting higher as his excitement grew.

Romano blinked. That bastard said what? As if his decision wasn't hard enough. Now the Spaniard did an extremely sweet and thoughtful thing like this. "Fuck I hate my life!" Romano groaned as he face planted onto his bed.

"Why is that Fratello? We get to tell our family we're alright!" Feliciano cheered. Romano bit his lip, deciding to tell his brother about Antonio. Everything. At first Feliciano only stared at his brother. Then he spoke up. "I think you should do whatever you think is right… If you have feelings for him, even if they're miner, I think you should pursue them… It couldn't hurt…"

This made Romano think even though he just came back from his long walk. The Italian groaned and got up to go to the door. "I have to think." He announced before leaving his brother.

Matthew curled up to Gilbert, holding onto him tightly. He couldn't stand, or move very well but it was worth it. He was in the arms of someone who cared about him. Gilbert pulled Matthew's jacket over the two of them to compromise for a blanket. It was cold in the underground bunker and all they had was their discarded clothing.

"Gilbert… I'm glad you're here…" Matthew said happily, lacing their fingers together. The albino smiled and kisses the top of his head. "I'm glad I'm here, too," He brought up the intertwined hands and kissed Matthew's. "I would be fine if I never got out here."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "But….what about your best friends? Don't you miss them?" Gilbert nodded slightly. "Well of course I do. But you make for much better company these days. They aren't the same as they use to be. Neither of them. Antonio was so happy before and now he just so twisted. Then Francis… He wasn't the same after Joan was killed."

The Canadian frowned. "I'm sorry… I had no idea."

"No, it's fine… I love them both but they need help…"

"Everyone in this business needs help."

France looked out the window. He didn't like the thought of his best friend obtaining a lover. It was a dangerous company when it came to love. You think you can save the ones you love but really, they are vulnerable and no one is safe.

"One year… I've gone a year without you…" December 17th 2011, the love of Francis' life was taken from him.

Joan and Francis met while Francis visited France. They bumped into each other at a café and by the end of the trip Joan was applying for American citizenship. They lived together in France's house not far from the docks.

Though one night, she didn't come home. That's when Francis got a call. It was Arthur. He wanted information or he would harm Joan. Francis could hear her screams from the phone. They pierced his ears and punctured his heart. Francis begged him to let her go. Though Arthur wasn't merciful. He said if he didn't give him the information by the end of the phone call he would kill her.

Arthur didn't hang up the phone. The last thing Francis heard that day was a scream and a gun shot.

Francis has never been the same. He wasn't fond of lovers within the company. He didn't want others to go through what Joan did. He didn't want others to feel what he felt. That's why Francis doesn't like Romano. The kid was young and smart, a life that shouldn't be taken. Antonio would be heartbroken without repair.

This business kills more than people. It kills love as well.

So um this kinda sucks but I needed to get it done so… Have fun^^ I'm going to be gone for 12 days and I didn't want to come home to an unfinished chapter. So here it is! I hope the UsUk fluff will make up for it^^;

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