It was a beautiful day when Lovino arrived in Spain. He would have stopped to appreciate it if he wasn't a man on a mission. He purposefully strode through the crowds, occasionally smiling at pretty girls or glaring at motorists who cut him off. It was good to be full-sized again. It was good to drink wine, drive and be respected again. It wasn't good to pay bills again, though.

Now there was only one thing he was missing.

He found it when he heard the music, and followed the masses to a small makeshift stage upon which sat a guitarist. The musician had amassed quite an audience, but he never once looked up at them.

It was a different kind of song than what Lovino usually heard him play. It was much sadder than usual, and filled with a lonesome emptiness that was fairly familiar to the Italian.

The crowd loved it.

After the plaza had quieted and everyone returned to their daily lives, Lovino watched the guitarist slip behind the stage to put his stuff away. Lovino followed him.

The Italian man leaned up against the back of the stage, watching the lean figure close up his guitar case. He smirked slightly, anticipating the Spaniard's reaction.

"That was a beautiful song." Lovino remarked.

"Gracias." Antonio said, straightening up. "It's based off someone I-"

He stopped short, having finally gotten a good look at the shorter brunet.

"... Lovi?"

"Yeah, I've returned from the grave. I need you to avenge me." Lovino said.

"Wha- really?"

Lovino actually laughed.

"No, you idiot!" he said, stepping forward and giving Antonio a playful shove. Really, he just wanted to touch him again. To make sure that they were both real. "I'm alive, I'm really here and god, you look awful."

Antonio looked like he hadn't slept in days. Plus, there were tears welling up in the corners of his eyes.

"I mean, not inherently awful. You actually look pretty good, usually. I just mean that at this moment you look like you haven't been taking very good care of yourself. I'm gone for hardly a year and this is what happens? I'm almost fucking impressed, Antonio."

Lovino was rambling now, a habit picked up from his brother.

Antonio moved suddenly, wrapping his arms around the Italian and lifting him off the ground in a warm embrace.

"Lovi..." he said shakily. "I can't believe... am I dreaming?"

In response, Lovino pinched him. Antonio put him back down.

"That hurt..." the Spaniard remarked, looking slightly dazed.

"You're not dreaming, then." Lovino said.

It took a moment, but a wide grin found its way onto Antonio's face.

"After all this time..." he began, pulling Lovi into another hug. "You came back?"

"I came home." Lovi replied.

Antonio laughed in joy and relief.

"Mi carino, where have you been?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Lovino replied.

"We'll see about that!" Antonio chuckled, cupping Lovino's face with his right hand. "You'll have to tell me everything."

"Only if you pay for dinner." the Italian told him.

Antonio laughed again and, after a moment of not knowing what to do with himself, leaned forward and pressed his lips to Lovino's. The Italian reacted almost immediately, pulling his boyfriend closer and kissing back fiercely.

"Te amo Lovi." Antonio breathed between kisses.

"Shut up and let me love you." Lovino replied.

Guys, these chapters AREN'T FILLER. They've been part of the story from the start and they've taken up most of my planning time.

Anyway, I've opened up a poll which you may find relevant and/or tiring. Check it out.