Alfred sat awkwardly next to Felicija, holding her hand in an attempt to calm her. The Polish woman had been here in the apartment for a little less than twenty minutes, hysterical and unintelligible for the first five. She was now wiping her face with the already damp tissue in her hand, coming to the end of her story a second time, slowly so Alfred and Arthur could understand.

"And, she like, won't answer her phone- It totally scares me, we have no idea where she could be."

"I'm sure she's fine," Alfred reassured, patting her hand, "Tori's a tough chick."

"She's probably with Ivan," Felicija said the name with so much distaste, it was as though even saying it made her feel dirty.

Arthur, who was in the kitchen, came out at this moment carrying hot mugs of tea for himself and Felicija. He had heard the revulsion in her voice when she said Ivan's name. He was surprised at himself to be fiercely disgusted as well.

"Here you go," he said in a polite, almost paternal fashion. He felt extremely bad and could sympathize with her. Ever since she called the apartment, Arthur had been getting cold sweats and horrible scenarios running through his thoughts, worry settling in his stomach like a lead weight.

"You don't know she's with him," Alfred offered.

"Oh, I do," Felicija said, hostility permeating through her anxiety, "He's been horrible to her ever since they've been together. He started by putting her down and making her feel like nothing. Do you know what he does to her now? He hits her! She promised me she wouldn't go back or even talk to him. But she's there now. He's going to kill her, I swear to God!"

"Now, hold o-" Alfred was interrupted by his older brother speaking.

"No, she's right. I'm almost certain that he abuses her. The signs are much the same in humans as they are in animals. She's timid and flinches if you even move in her direction. Also, I've seen marks on her arms…"

Felicija looked up and caught Arthur's gaze. She had seen them too.

"You knew…?" she whispered, "And you didn't do anything?"

"It seems that you have known longer than I have, Miss Lukasiewicz," he retorted, "And as you've suggested, Viktorija is with Ivan now."

Suddenly, a soft knock came at the door. The three people looked at each other before Alfred stood up.

"I'll get it."

The other two watched as he got up, tiredly running a hand through his hair. When he opened the door, Viktorija stood on the other side, looking sheepish and meek. Both Felicija and Arthur stood up upon seeing her, the blonde woman rushing to envelop her best friend in a spine crushing hug.

"Ohmigawd, I've been worried sick! Like, where have you been?" Felicija interrogated the Lithuanian as she dragged her inside, "Ohmigawd, what happened to your head?"

The brunette's hand went up to her forehead, blushing as she continued to stare at the floor.

"It's-it's only a little knick…" she said quietly, "I, uh, should call Eduard and Raivis…"

She pulled out her phone and drifted slowly toward the kitchen as she dialed. Felicija followed, looking very protective over her. Arthur and Alfred stood there looking at each other dumbfounded, the younger sibling still holding the door agape.

"Oh god…she…she…" Alfred stammered.

"Looks like some one's hit her?" Arthur said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah." The younger looked down, shutting the door. He looked as though he might be sick. He almost stumbled as he made his way to the sofa, nearly tossing himself down onto it. "Wow."

Arthur took a deep breath and sat down next to him.

"You look down right poorly," he commented.

"What?"

"Sick," Arthur elaborated, "You look sick."

"Oh," he paused for a moment, "We should call the cops."

"That seems like a good idea, but we really don't have anything to go on if Tori doesn't want to turn Ivan in."

"Hmm, I guess that's true…"

The two men sat in silence. Alfred stared off into space, probably trying to comprehend what was going on. Arthur kept an eye on the doorway Felicija and Viktorija had disappeared through. Many things were going through his mind. Mostly he was enraged that anyone would ever do that to Viktorija. She didn't deserve that kind of treatment. No one did.

Arthur stood when they reentered the room, watching Viktorija with particular interest.

"Eduard and Raivis are spending the night with a friend," Felicija explained briefly, "I figured it would be, like, for the best if Tori stayed here tonight. I'm totally staying with her too."

Alfred looked over at them when he heard this, kinda staring at Felicija with a gob smacked look on his face. Viktorija looked a bit surprised at her friend's statement as well.

"Felicija," she said quietly, "Mr. Jones didn't offer, it's rude to stay…"

The American quickly jumped up. "No, of course you can stay here! It's just, um, I was trying to think of where you would sleep."

"They can sleep in my room," Arthur offered, ever gentlemanly, "I'll sleep out here on the couch."

Viktorija looked uncomfortable at this suggestion as well.

"You don't have to-"

"Please, I insist," he interrupted her, "It's no trouble at all."

"Well, now that that's settled," Alfred said, looking very relieved, "I guess it's about time we all turn in. Goodnight guys!"

He bounded toward his room, slamming the door. The door then opened again and then shut more quietly. Arthur shook his head, nearly smiling. His younger brother had always done that when he didn't mean to slam a door. The Brit noticed that the two woman stood aloof, neither of them saying anything as they watched Alfred.

"Ah, yes, come with me. I can offer you some of my clothes for pajamas, if you don't mind them being a little loose," he said, motioning for them to follow him to his room.

Felicija looked extremely thankful. "Ugh, thank god! I totally didn't wanna wear this to bed."


SO I got like four reviews on the last chapter, which made me super-mega-ultra-happy! You guys are awesome for reading, and it kinda makes me feel awesome when you review. It let's me know you guys like what I pump out here!