Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or any of the characters.

Chapter 11: Where Two Roads Merge and Another Begins

Romano laid on his bed, absently listening to the constant ticks on his clock on the wall. The ticks seemed to grow louder as each hour passed and distracted him from getting any sleep at all. They sounded like they were taunting him, making him painfully aware of the time slipping away. Was time some kind of bomb that ticked and ticked until one day it hit its last second and destroyed everything?

Opening his eyes, the Italian groaned and rolled flat on his back.

It was the day of the wedding. His brother was finally going to become Feliciano Vargas-Beilschmidt, and move in with a man Romano didn't even like.

That's not to say he wasn't supportive of his brother. The potato bastard made Feli happier than anyone, and, when it came down to it, that was the most important thing. Romano was no longer the one meant to look after and protect the little Italian. Even though it was the hardest thing for him to do, he'd give up his younger fratello and his position as his guardian.

He was no longer dependent on Feliciano for purpose. He had been aware of it for a while—his obsession with keeping his brother safe, his inferiority complex to all his brother's likeable traits, and the fact that he felt that he would never be as good a person as him. That's how he grew up thinking and what he believed for the longest time. Why should he consider otherwise?

And then Antonio came. Stupid, handsome Antonio. He was like a storm you didn't know was coming and hit you hard when it did. The Spanish bastard made him feel like he was finally worth something, that maybe he was better than Feliciano for once because Antonio picked Romano. Of everyone, he chose him. He may have been senseless, oblivious, and a little lazy, but he was also hardworking, caring, loving, sexy, and absolutely irresistible. Even if Romano tried, he couldn't seem to prevent himself from falling for the brunette and his wonderful smile. In his mind, Antonio was perfect.

And the Spanish boy hadn't talked to him since that night.

Grabbing his pillow, Romano put his face in it and yelled. The one thing he forgot to calculate was how the bastard himself felt. He had only know as much as the boy had shown him, and apparently there was a lot he hadn't revealed. After he had disappeared, Romano and the others had called him countless times, only to receive his automated recording.

The Italian was worried about him. The look in his eyes before he left scared Romano the most, like the boy had done something absolutely wrong and horrible. It was mix between anguish and terror, and—thinking about it—the Italian had seen a similar version the first time they had made love, when Antonio had thought he had hurt him. Romano's thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had with Gilbert and Francis about his Spanish boyfriend.

"We won't say too much, but we should at least fill you in a little bit." Gilbert said looked at Romano, who was every bit as confused as he looked. Francis, Gilbert, and Romano had moved to sit at a booth a few seats away to privately discuss the situation. The Prussian took a sip of beer.

"Toni used to live in Spain with his parents. Something happened, and he ended up being sent here to live with my family after we had moved to America." The Italian moved forward, eagerly awaiting an answer.

"What happened?" Francis stepped in and held up two fingers.

"Two things. I'll leave Antonio to clarify the other, but one I'll explain right now. That man you met," The Frenchman glanced over his shoulder at the two bickering blondes heading towards the exit, "Used to attend the same high school as Antonio and me. Due to unfortunate events, Antonio fell into a bad crowd and needed an outlet for his anger and agony. Even though I didn't approve, I stayed with him and watched him so he wouldn't get into too much trouble. He got into a lot of fights and skipped a lot of school.

"Arthur was an exchange student from England at the time, and immediately didn't get along with Antonio. They argued a lot, and got on the verge of fights, but nothing too serious. One day, after something particularly bad happened, they got in a really bad scuffle that escalated too quickly and…Arthur ended up in the hospital."

Running a hand through his blonde hair, Francis sighed.

"It was sort of a wake-up call for Antonio. He insisted on leaving the country and changing his environment. I think…he wanted to change for the better."

The two men stared at Romano, who was staring down at the table with a scowl.

"Wow. So that's what it was…But Antonio is so damn cheerful all the time…" Romano stated weakly. Gilbert nodded and crossed his arms.

"He wasn't always. A lot of it's a copping mechanism. Although he forced himself to be happy and easygoing, on the inside he had a lot inner demons that were always threatening to send him into depression and self-hatred. But that's changed recently…ever since he's met you actually." Romano looked up in shock.

"Me? I don't think that's…" Gilbert smiled.

"I don't know what you did, but Antonio thinks about you all the time. I think you make things better for him. You make him the happiest man alive." Insecurities filled Romano's brain.

"But…I have such a poor attitude. I couldn't possibly…"

Francis smirked at the Italian and placed a hand comfortingly on his shoulder.

"Only you could make him smile so beautifully like he does. He practically lights up whenever you enter the room. Antonio really loves you, you know that?"

Romano's eyes fluttered open. Was that all true? If Antonio really loved him, why had he just left him and vanished off the face of the earth?

Questions gnawed at the back of his mind and wouldn't let up until he distracted himself with something else. They soon returned, however, and went back to torturing him. What was he to do? Antonio was going to show up at the wedding, right?

What if he didn't?

I've got to do something, he thought. At that moment, Romano's door quietly squeaked open.

Feli popped his head in and offered his brother a gentle smile.

"Are you up, fratello?" Romano turned his head towards the boy and nodded.

"Have you gotten ready?" The little Italian grinned and pushed the door further open, revealing the rest of his body.

Feliciano wore the white suit they had picked out for him with a green tie and white dress shirt underneath. The jacket was synched in around his waist and connected by a small button, and on his feet he wore nice black dress shoes. He sported the same hairstyle as usual, with his unruly curl extending out to the left. Romano sat up and looked at his happy brother in awe.

"Feliciano…it's perfect."

The boy giggled. "I think so too! I hope Luddy loves it! Oh~ I can't wait to walk down the aisle, though I have to admit, I am quite nervous. I'm so clumsy, I hope I won't fall! Wouldn't that be—"

"Feli." Romano spoke, giving him the 'you're rambling again' look. His brother sighed and moved to sit next to him on the side of the bed.

"Sorry. I've been waiting for this day for all my life, and, finally, here it is. I just can't believe it's actually happening. What if something goes wrong? What if…Luddy realizes I'm no good and decides he doesn't want to marry me?" Romano shook his head at the sad expression on Feli's face..

"You're worrying too much. Everything is going to be fine. Ludwig should be happy to have you. I think you're too good for that bastard, anyway."

Dramatically, Feli looked at his brother as a ridiculous smile spread across his face.

"You…you called him Ludwig!"

The Italian realized his mistake and rubbed his head. God, he was out of it.

"Uh…urgh…yes, I suppose so. Just know this, I wouldn't give my little brother away to anyone who didn't love him or treat him as I think he should be." Feli grinned at his words and clutched onto his brother's arm.

"Ve~ So you approve of Luddy?" Pausing for a moment, Romano reluctantly nodded.

"He's still a potato bastard though." Feli giggled and suddenly held a more solemn tone.

"I wish Mama was here." Romano turned his head to Feli, who was staring up at the ceiling. Although neither showed it often, her death had hit both of them hard. She was a wonderful person filled with such wonderful happiness and love. Reaching over, the older Italian lightly squeezed his brother's hand.

"She'd be so happy and proud of you. She'd probably fight with Nonno over who would bring you down the aisle and get what she wanted because no one could ever win against her. But I know she'd have tears in her eyes as she watched you recite your vows and become someone else's loved one."

A lone tear ran down Feli's cheek. Giggling, the boy wiped it away.

"She would, wouldn't she? You know, Mama would be proud of you, too! So, grazie mille!" Feli assaulted him with a hug. Romano scoffed but didn't push him away.

"For what?" The younger Italian pulled him tighter.

"For being the best maggiore fratello ever~ I hope you and Big Brother Antonio get married and have lots of children like I want to with Luddy!" The older Italian blushed.

"That's impossible, idiota! Men can't have children! Besides…I haven't seen Antonio." Feli noticed Romano's distressed expression and gave him a small smile.

"Then why don't you go find him?"

Surprised, Romano looked over at Feli, who was holding his own phone out to him. The boy clicked the home button and read the screen. It took a moment, but suddenly Romano's eyes widened. Jumping up, Romano ran over to the tux that had been hanging on his cabinet drawer and started to slip the pieces on.

"I've got to go!" He pulled his pants on, "We'll meet you at the ceremony."

Waiting for the hurried Italian to finish, Feli moved over to his brother to help him adjust his coral tie.

"Don't be late."

Romano returned the small, encouraging smile.

"We won't. Grazie." Taking a last look in the mirror and fixing himself, Romano darted out the door and out of the house. With a smile, Feli clenched the phone to his chest.

"Combattere, fratello."

xXx

[Text from BigBuffGermanHubby, Oct. 26, 11:38 a.m.]

Antonio's home.

Good luck, Romano.

~x~

Romano used Feli's car, since Nonno was picking the man of the hour up and taking him to the church, and headed in the direction of Antonio's apartment. To be honest, Romano's driving was like a mad man's and he may have run two red lights on the way there, but it was completely necessary. The ceremony started in two hours.

Turning into the trio's apartment complex, the older Italian skidded the car to a stop and jumped out of it. Running up to the third floor and breathing heavily by now, Romano jogged down to the fourth door and knocked on it continuously.

Open up. Open up. Open up, you bastard!

Romano heard a muffled voice from inside that he couldn't identify and waited for the door to open as the sound of locks shifting filled his ears. The door swung open to reveal a sleepy Antonio, who rubbed his eye and looked up at the person outside. The Spaniard held an expression of shock and confusion as he stared down at the Italian.

"Ah. Romano. What are you doing here?"

Pushing Antonio out of the way, Romano walked past him and into the apartment.

"Where is it?" He asked sternly. The brunette cocked his head.

"Where is what?"

The Italian pushed open random doors, and found Gilbert's and Francis' first by the immeasurable amount of women's and men's posters and pictures of themselves, before finding Antonio's. His room was fairly empty, with only pictures of his photography lining the room. Romano stepped in and started going through his drawers and closet. Finding nothing, the boy turned to Antonio, who looked uncomfortable and bewildered.

"Where the hell is your tux?" he spit out. His Spanish boyfriend started to shake his head.

"My…my tux? Romano I—"

"Shut up!" Romano stepped forward and pointed at him, "Just shut the hell up."

Antonio held up his hands and stared at the angry Italian. Romano breathed heavily, ready to give the Spaniard a mouth full.

"What the fuck was that at the club? First we're having a good time, and then you're saying crap like 'I'm sorry' and running off!" Antonio didn't answer, but held a look of guilt. Romano continued with a weaker tone, stepping closer.

"Why did you freak out when you ran into that Arthur guy? What are you afraid of? You can't just leave me in the dark and expect to…to get away with it, you bastard." The Italian forced out, trying his best to remain strong. Antonio sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he leaned against the door-frame.

"I don't think it's a good idea for you to be with me." Romano felt his heart constrict in pain as he bit his lip and growled.

"Don't you dare decide for me what is good for me or not. What I want right now is answers. So start talking, you son of a bitch."

The Spaniard stared at Romano, who sent him a 'you better talk' glare. It was like that for a few seconds before he finally gave in. With a sigh, the man pushed his hands into his pockets.

"I don't come from a good family. Not like the one you and Feliciano have. I know you lost your mother when you were younger, but at least you still had relatives that loved you…I didn't really have that. My father drank a lot, and when he drank he got violent. My mother would always send me out of the house to a neighbor's or friend's house to avoid his unpredictable rages. She was a good person and I loved her dearly. I hated to leave her alone to handle it, but she never gave me another option.

"One night, my father drank an excessive amount and got forceful quite quickly. My mother sent me out again, but my father wasn't happy and questioned her about it. I assumed he wanted to punish me for disobeying him, but my mother fought back and didn't tell him where I was. I snuck back in later that night to find my father passed out on the floor with a broken bottle in his hand. A few steps further, I saw my mother lying on the floor as well, blood leaking from her head. I was only fourteen, and, after I immediately called the paramedics, I cried for the longest time and sat there between them rocking myself back and forth."

Antonio shifted his sorrow-filled eyes down to look at Romano, who was standing there in shock.

"Turns out, he hit her with that broken bottle, which sent her toppling over and hitting her head on the side of the table. She couldn't be save."

Pulling his eyes away, Antonio focused on the wall.

"He was sent to jail after that. He tried calling me and sending me letters, but I never answered or read them. I…couldn't forgive him. I didn't know what to do. My mom was gone, my dad was in prison, and I was put in the care of a close neighbor until they could find me somewhere to go. I lashed out at the world and closed myself off, and when I ran into Arthur, it was just the wrong moment to get into a fight. He was usually pretty snippy and mentioned some bad things about my parents and that's when I lost it. I just went blank. Next thing I knew, he was on the floor bleeding profusely and I was standing over him with a bloodied fist.

The man shook his head with furrowed brows.

"I had never lost control like that. It was a good thing he made a full recovery from the injuries, but I was still left with knowledge that I could hurt another human being—just like my father. I didn't want to be like him. It scared me to death. Gilbert's family took me in and treated me like their own brother, and I repaid them by being the happy and friendly guest they would want."

The Spaniard's weary eyes were back on Romano as he sighed.

"When I thought I hurt you after we had made love, it brought back a flood of unpleasant memories and worries. What if I was turning into him, even after all this time? Then I receive a call when you visited with your friends at the coffee shop from the court office in Spain that told me that my father had been sentenced to life in prison after a thorough investigation. I guess my thoughts had finally come to light when they mentioned his name, and I was constantly battling myself. I was so afraid to hurt you. To lose you."

Antonio chuckled weakly and rubbed his forehead, closing his eyes.

"Then the thing with Arthur happened, and it was like the past was telling me that it was dangerous to be with me. If I was close to you, I could hurt you, too. So…maybe it's better this way. Maybe I'm not meant to be with you. You deserve someone so much better, who can protect and cherish you—"

The man was cut off by the feeling of Romano around his waist, hugging him tightly. The Italian tugged on his shirt from behind and rubbed his face into his chest.

"Bastard, that's you isn't it? You're the kind-hearted, good, foolish, and overprotective Antonio. You would never hurt me." Romano looked up at him with tears dotting the corners of his eyes, "I only want you. It can only be you, idiot."

Antonio looked taken aback and turned his face away.

"B-but I'm not safe, Romano…What if I hurt someone? What if I hurt you—" The boy cut him off.

"I don't care," Romano clenched the man's pajama shirt, "It doesn't matter because I…I love you so much and I want to be with you.

"I'm really sorry about what happened to your Mom. That was horrible of your Dad…but you're your own person, and there's no way you could ever be bad to me or anyone. Besides, you're not alone. You'll never be alone again."

Remembering those last words from the pep talk that Antonio had told Romano himself, the Spaniard stared at him for a long time before cupping the Italian's cheek and wiping away his tears.

"Romano, thank you."

Wrapping his arms around his back, Antonio pulled Romano closer. They stayed like that, in each other's arms for a while before the Spaniard lifted the Italian's chin to look up at him. Giving each other a smile, the couple shared a loving and chaste kiss before pulling away a few seconds later. Romano leaned into the Spaniard's touch, which softly petted his hair.

"Now, we have a wedding to get to. So, go get your tux, bastard."

Antonio smiled and saluted him as he went to his closet and pulled a plastic black cover from the back. So that's where he had put it. Pulling up the wrapping, Antonio showed him his crisp black tux that was remarkable similar to Romano's.

"Look~ We're matching." Romano scoffed and waved his hand.

"Hurry up and put it on. We're in a time crunch."

Antonio started to pull off his ridiculous tomato pajamas, revealing the man's toned torso and sexy body. Staring, Romano felt a blush come over him as he remembered the last time they had seen each other naked. The Spaniard noticed his gaze and locked eyes with him.

"Were you—?"

"No! I-I wasn't staring! Hurry up, bastard!" Romano sputtered out and turned away indignantly.

Antonio only chuckled and pulled on the rest of his clothing. Fixing his red tie, the man turned to Romano.

"How do I look~?"

Immediately prepared to knock the cocky bastard down a few inches, Romano turned around and, yet, nothing came out of his mouth. Damn. Stupid bastard and his hotness. As the Italian bit his lip, Antonio tugged down on his jacket and straightened it.

"That good? I'm so happy~" He grinned like a fool. Romano growled.

"I-Idiot, only you would flirt when we're in a hurry." Antonio fixed his cuffs and ruffled his own hair.

"It's ok~ We'll make it in time," Holding out his hand, the handsome brunette smiled, "Come on."

Rolling his eyes, Romano took it, and they headed through the apartment and out the door.

It was time for his brother to have the best day of his life. And maybe, with Antonio next to him, he could give him that.

~x~

Twenty minutes later, the couple arrived at the church and valeted the car. The building had gorgeous stain-glass windows that were framed by red bricks. There was a bell tower and a large round window that Romano assumed was close to the altar. Antonio took his hand and pulled him through the doors. There was a long hallway that had two widely spaced doors, one of which there seemed to be more people coming in through. Assuming that was the right one, they moved towards the entrance.

The inside was even more beautiful. A large amount of the traditional brown benches made two rows, where the middle space would be where Feli would walk down. It was like looking at a movie set with an actual priest standing in front of an altar and the groom, Ludwig, fixing his tie and looked incredibly nervous. He was wearing a traditional black suit and a tie that matched his blue eyes.

The couple ran up to him, hands still interlocked as they passed people they knew and didn't know.

"Oi, potato bastard! Where's my brother?"

As he looked up, Ludwig let his eyes linger on their linked hands before answering.

"In the room across from this hall. He's probably expecting you any moment. We're starting soon."

Romano grimaced. "I know. Ok, I'll be back in a bit."

Giving Antonio a silent squeeze and smile, he pulled away rushed back down the aisle to find Feliciano. The Italian moved past incoming people and looked for the right door. Finding one and hoping it was the right one, Romano entered and found his grandfather standing and his brother sitting at a vanity with a thin, white veil over his head. Nonno noticed him first and gave him a quick, big hug.

"Romano, my boy! You look dashing, don't you? That's how Vargas men do it!"

"Ciao, Nonno."

Feli instantly brightened once he saw his brother's face and lifted it up over his head.

"Fratello! Ve, how'd it go?"

"Good. He's here." The groom grinned.

"I'm glad~ How does Luddy look?" His brother had gone the traditional route and insisted on not seeing Ludwig at all until he entered the hall. Not really wanting to give him answer, Romano shot him a look before sighing.

"He looks fine, idiota. Exactly the way he should look for a wedding."

Feli giggled happily as he turned back to the mirror to check himself. The boy stood up and gave his family a confident smile.

"Ve! I think I'm ready!" Nonno stifled a manly sob.

"My boys grow up so fast! Romano, are you walking down the aisle with us?" The older Italian shook his head.

"I'll leave that to you. But Feli, when you do get up there, I'll be right behind you."

The boy gave Romano a cheerful squeeze on the shoulder.

"Grazie, fratello."

The older Italian looked at Feliciano, and, as if seeing him in a new light, saw a strong, young man that was no longer his wimpy, useless younger brother. He was independent and all grown up—a man looking forward to the future. And of all things he felt right now for his brother, it was pride and happiness.

"Good luck with the potato bastard for the rest of your life."

With a swift turn, Romano exited the room, letting his brother's happy laughter fill the air.

~x~

It was eerie how the room suddenly turned quiet as everyone waited for the groom/bride to enter. It was like a moment that people could sense even though there was no signal or indication. Even the rowdy trio was respectfully silent as they stood in anticipation. Although Ludwig was usually a reticent man by nature, he wore his emotions on his sleeve today. Constantly fidgeting, he kept adjusting his clammy hands and wetted his lips that seemed to dry up too fast. His eyes, however, stayed fixed on the large, carved doors at the end of the room.

A few seconds later, the wedding song began and Feli walked in. He linked arms with Nonno while holding a bouquet of white and purple flowers, and flashed a hidden smile at the audience watching him.

It wasn't a large wedding, since the couple only wanted close family and friends bear witness to their union. In addition to being a successful columnist, Francis also was a great wedding planner, and took on managing Ludwig's and Feliciano's as well. Romano hated to admit that the perverted bastard had done a pretty good job.

The older Italian shifted his eyes to look at Ludwig, who was looking at his groom-to-be with a unique expression on his face. It was filled with admiration, joy, and, most of all, love. It was all directed at the Italian's little brother, who was staring at his groom through the thin veil with the same pure-hearted look. Stuck in the same world, it was as if no one else was in the room with them.

And, as if compelled by a magnet, Romano couldn't not look at Antonio across the way. The man was staring straight back at him, hands folded politely in front of his body as he sent the boy a beautiful smile. Romano's heart did a little toss and roll in his chest. The Italian swallowed and coyly looked away. When was he ever going to get used to that?

Reaching the altar, Nonno gave a respectful yet warning smile to Ludwig before handing Feliciano off. When Feli took his rightful place across from his groom, the blonde lifted the veil and smiled shyly at his giddy bride.

They turned to the old priest as he began to recite the ceremonial introductions.

"Ludwig Beilschmidt and Feliciano Vargas - Today you enter as individuals, but leave here as husband and husband, blending your lives, expanding your family ties, and embarking upon the grandest adventure of life. Let your love and friendship guide you, as you learn and grow together."

Feli sent his fiancé a warm smile before focusing back on the man. The priest went on to describe the importance of marriage and how it bonds people in the ties of love before reaching the vows, which the couple had decided to write themselves. The younger Italian began.

"Luddy," he giggled as he looked at his blonde lover.

"From this moment forward,

We shall take on the world together,

Hand-in-hand,

With the promise of love, laughter, and pasta,

And my devotion and faith to you,

I give you my heart and my soul,

You are my everything,

I will love you,

Forever, ve~"

Smiling with tears of joy in his eyes, Feli finished and looked up at Ludwig, who too was getting a little sentimental. Swallowing, Ludwig shakily began his.

"Feli—it's always been you,

Since the day we met,

I couldn't deny your wonderful smile or infectious happiness,

And I instantly fell for you,

And will be falling forever,

So I promise to love and take care of you,

To protect and support you,

Till the end of time."

Tears spilled down their cheeks as they exchanged rings and performed the "I do's".

And when the priest had proclaimed them "Mr. Beilschmidt and Mr. Vargas-Beilschmidt", Feli jumped into the Ludwig's arms and kissed him silly. Cheers and claps rang out for the married couple as they walked back down the aisle towards the white limo waiting for them. The audience followed as they stood in front of the car door, smiling and waving to their friends and family.

Romano stood at the back, quietly observing and smiling at his brother's happiness.

"Looks like everything turned out well." A voice spoke. The Italian looked at his brunette boyfriend, who was next to him and staring out contently at the happy crowd. His professional camera was wrapped securely around his neck and his hands hung casually in his pant pockets. Romano scoffed and crossed his arms.

"Of course, bastard! I knew it would. Did you get good pictures?" The Spaniard hummed and slipped his hand into the scowling Italian's.

"Yes, many. They are lovely subjects~ So, what do we do now?"

"Drop your ass home." The boy immediately said, which caused Antonio to pout.

"Aw, Roma…" With a huff, Romano turned away.

"We need to go pick up your stuff."

The boy cocked his head. "My stuff…?"

Reddening, the older Italian rubbed the dirt on the ground with the point of his dress shoes.

"How else are you going to move in with me? You jerk." He mumbled cutely without meeting Antonio's eyes. The Spaniard paused for a moment and began grinning like a fool.

"Ok~ One question."

"What's that, bastard?" Leaning down, the brunette whispered into the boy's ear.

"Before that, can I get you out of that tux?" Blushing madly, Romano jerked away and covered him ear.

"D-don't say those kind of things in p-public, stupid idiot!"

Antonio flashed his signature smile and took his hand.

"So is that a yes~?" Romano glared at him, but didn't pull his hand away.

"…That's a maybe, you perver—"

A dangerous bouquet of flowers smacked Romano in the face.

"Roma?! Are you ok?"

"What the fuck is this?"

"Aw, the little Italian caught the bouquet. It iz very romantic~"

"Not awesome! Birdie was supposed to catch that!"

"Congratulations, Romano-kun."

"Not you too, il mio nipote! Stay with Nonno forever!"

Romano really could not deal with these idiots.

But this was his happily ever after, so—maybe, just maybe—this was how it was meant to be.

There will be an epilogue :)