A.N.

New chapter update! Yeah! So, this chapter is a little more light-hearted and brighter than the last. And we get a new character! I feel so lame for putting him in, but I felt like I should.

Also, Quint, I am starting to like you. You aren't crazy like I thought you were. You are rational and good. Also, thank you to everyone else who reviewed/followed/subscribed to this story and made me ever so happy :D Thank you again. You all get love!

xxx

As much as my mind tried desperately to deny it, I knew what Antonio told me had to be done and that it was true. He had come to the inevitable conclusion that we should stay away from each other for a few days, or perhaps even weeks.

In the past, this wouldn't have been so difficult, seeing as though it was my own decision and stubbornness to avoid him only to see how long he or I could last with this separation. Now, this seemed like the most impossible thing that bastard could ever ask of me. I thought thiswas the time when I needed him the most. I couldn't understand why he would want me away from him.

At first, I became angry then frustrated, but the more and more he held me and left time for me to truly understand his intentions. The thoughts began to sink in and I understood. It was to help me smooth things over with him fully, but most importantly, to smooth things over with Feliciano.

I do regret it. I can assure you, I do. As rugged and dysfunctional our relationship may be, how much of an ass I am to him, at the end of the day he is still my brother. One of the only people who can cause me the most stress, but also the most happiness at times.

That's just how he is.

xxx

I began to spend more time with Feliciano, much more time.

Although, it was difficult at first to even lookat him. Slight bruising had formed on his cheeks from the confrontation, but he never uttered a word about it. Every time I would lay eyes on him, I was greeted with those abused cheeks, reminding me of my overreaction and jealousy.

The morning after my ridiculous outburst, Grandpa immediately took notice. I had heard Feliciano and him through the thin walls that separated our rooms. It was soft mumblings, but I could dissever the voices almost immediately. I scrambled out f my bed, a blush tainting my cheeks as I hurriedly pressed my ear to the wall to better hear the conversation.

"Diomio, Feli! Dolcemio, what has happened to you?"

There was a silence. I could hear my own heavy breathing and erratically beating heart as I waited for my brother to admit everything to Grandpa. I knew he would. When the pressure became too great for him, that bastard would confess anythingto you.

"L-last night I…I fell."

Had I heard that right? He said he fell?

"You fell? Dio, what on earthdid you fall down from?"

"F-from the stairs. O-on my way t-to bed."

My brother, my whiney, kiss-ass baby brother was lying to our Grandpa. It was all to protect me! Or…at least that's how I seemed to think it was.

Grandpa never asked any more questions, thank God. He showed his pity and sympathy towards his "misfortune" to the point of utter obnoxiousness, but I ignored it. I was all too amazed by what Feliciano had done to care about the petty things he or Grandpa did that day.

I pardoned them.

xxx

"Fratello, hurry! I want to visit the sweet shop!"

"Si,si,calm down. We'll get there soon enough so calmdown!"

It had been ages since I had last been to the market. Five-years-old, yes that was the last time. The last time I could properly remember.

It had been a week since Antonio and I had actually spoken to each other. I couldn't say that it has helped, but I can't say that it's harmed either. I see him occasionally in the forest from the balcony of my room or my small window, or he will bring in fresh fruits and vegetables to Grandpa. All I can do when we lock eyes is bite the back of my hand and leave.

The only thing I could think to do today was leave. Grandpa gave Feliciano and me both a small pouch of silver to buy whatever we pleased. I had no idea what I would purchase, but it didn't matter to me. I just needed to get out.

As we entered the market's square, my eyes searched for the simple wooden sign labeled, "Dolce" to where Feliciano could go to and leave me a sense of peace.

"Fratello, where is it? Where is it?" Feliciano tugged impatiently on my sleeve, whining his pleas loudly over the bustle of the crowd like a child.

"I'm looking, idiota! Calm yourself!" I snapped back at him, yanking my arm away from his desperate grasp.

Coincidentally, right as my eyes turned away from his, they caught sight of that damn sweet shop sign.

"There! Do you see it, Lovi?" Obviously then, Feliciano had caught sight as well.

I sighed, "Sure. You go ahead, Feli. I'm going to look around some more."

As he darted into the overflowing crowd, I called out to him, "Oi! Stay there, Feliciano! Do notleave!"

He turned his head to me and smiled, "Si,si,fratello!"

I knew he would end up leaving. Dumb bastard probably didn't hear a word I said to him. Inwardly, I smirked. All I would have to do to find him would be to ask around as to where the crying girl ran off too.

xxx

I had barely spent any money. I bought a few tomatoes and ate them periodically as I strolled through the market's streets. Poorly dressed merchants and dirty children filled the streets. Shouts, animal calls, and the sounds of an unfair sale filled the air. It made me scowl in disgust. No wonder Grandpa wasn't a fan of this place. Antonio would fit right along here. Plenty of laughter ad music filled the streets, as well. Plenty of good-looking people in my opinion too. Although, the bad and the ugly overweigh them dramatically.

As I turned a random corner, I was only seconds away from sinking my teeth into yet another succulent, juicy tomato, but something instantly stopped me. In the corner beside me were two small children. One was a little boy; his face dirtied and scratched, his eyes dark and full of want. The smaller girl to the right of him looked up to me as well. Her dark braids were matted, her eyes dark were large and full, and her face looked no different from the boy's. They were dressed in filthy rags and cloth. The girl slowly licked her lips as she saw the fat tomato about to be consumed by my greedy bastard self.

When I realized the situation, my eyes darted from the starving children to my succulent, last tomato. I bit my lip then handed it down to the little one.

"Qui," She snatched it from my hands then quickly scarfed it down.

The boy looked at me with disbelieving eyes. I sighed, understanding what was going on. I then dug into my pouch and pulled out two silver coins and tossed them down to him.

"Prendetequesto," I really was never one to give so freely, but what would youhave done in a situation like that?

His face instantly lit up with sheer joy and relief. He jumped swiftly to his feet, grabbed the girl's grubby hand, then sprint down the alleyway, but not before saying, "MadreMaria,tiringraziomolto,signore!Grazie!CheDiovibenedica!"

xxx

To my surprise, when I entered "Dolce" Feliciano was there, but there was also something that didmake me look twice.

Feliciano stood slightly bent over the wooden counter, his giggles filled the shop and his bright smile seemed to lighten it as well. On the opposite side was a tall, well-built blonde with clear blue eyes and a gentle smile. I knew he wasn't from here. He was so white compared to all the dark-haired, dark-eyed, and tanned skin people that inhabited Italia. I had an idea where he was from though.

I walked through the shop to where they were. I ignored the tempting chocolates and caramels and tried to focus on getting my brother out of there. Feliciano was completely oblivious to his surroundings, and to all of the suspicious onlookers. It was odd for them to see two males basically flirting with each other in public.

Feliciano twirled his hair and bit his lip as the blonde talked to him. It reminded me of how Iacted around Antonio only months ago before our feelings were confirmed for each other. Although, Feli's performance was more convincing than mine ever was.

"Oi, Feli, time to go." I pulled him from his love-sick trance to the exit.

"W-what? W-why?" Feliciano struggled from my grip, but then allowed himself to be dragged from the shop when he realized it was going to take a hell of a lot more strength for me to let go.

"Because I said so, now come on!"

"Oh," He perked up spontaneously, then waved his hand frantically to the blonde behind the counter and smiled widely, "I-I'll see you later! I had a wonderful time talking with you! A-arrivederci!"

The blonde looked up then smiled sheepishly before calling out, "J-ja, good-bye, Feliciano."

I rolled my eyes and groaned; all of this fluffiness was going to make me puke.

"Come on!"

xxx

As we walked down the empty road home, Feliciano and I began to pop small chocolates into our mouths and devour the delicious treats. Something was on my mind, though.

Who was that guy? More importantly, Feliciano was flirting with a guy. A male, you know, with a dick and all? I've seen how he acts around pretty girls and this was exactly how he acted around that blonde Hercules. Being extra sweet and charming, giggling and blushing. He was acting like a damn woman.

"Say, Feli, w-who was that guy today?" I asked, looking down at my bag of chocolates.

"Hm? Where, Lovino?"

I rolled my eyes and sighed, "At "Dolce", idiota!"

His eyes widened and he smiled when he realized what I had asked, "Oh him! Si, h-he just moved here from Germany only a few days ago. He's a wonderful chocolatier, no? He made these sweet for me." He smiled down at his bag with a little blush.

"I-I suppose…but what's his name?" I was a little uncomfortable with my brother's attitude towards this German. I always thought he liked the girls!

"He has such a cute little name, it's Ludwig!"

xxx

A.N.

Italian:Dolce English: Sweet

Italian:Qui English:Here

Italian:PrendetequestoEnglish:Take these

Italian:MadreMaria,tiringraziomolto,signore!Grazie!CheDiovibenedica! English:Mother Mary, thank you very much, sir! Thank you! May God bless you!

Well, now Ludwig is in the story. Yay! It's so easy to write these chapters while listening to Andre Bocelli. I love that man.

Hope you all like this happier chapter! You can, y'know, continue to review and stuff if you want. It just brightens the author's day. I am pretty proud of my self though, two chapters on two days! Boo-yah!