Mellow! Ok guys since the big secret is out, there will be more of 'Understanding Romano' posted. So yes I felt that a double update was necessary. I hope to get it catch up to this story, but we'll have to see. And I do plan on writing Antonio's side story still, just haven't gotten there yet :P and those OC characters, remember them? They should be making at least a few more appearances since several people said that they liked them. Oh, look for some hints in here for future plot!

Thanks for the reviews (omg, I love you guys so much for these!):

Anakin-Jason-Skywalker-Kenobi , Jolt, GothicKitty1313, confusedblondie, Bookslover21, Anonymous (fine, I'm cool with that as your name), TheDeadOne28, BlueStar1937, Black Kaitou, Flying-Mustache-Bunny, and DianaS97 (you seriously check that often?! I hope I meet those expectations!)

Chapter 14

Antonio sighed, that didn't go well at all. He would have to see her later, when she wasn't as angry. Like in a few days. For now though, he would have to get Lovino home, safely.

Lovino was waiting for him right outside, like he had hoped. For a brief moment, Antonio saw a gang member starting at them across the street. It looked like it was Alonso Escárcega, who was used mostly for intimidating others. It wasn't good if they were keeping that close of an eye on them. "Oi, ready to go?"

The boy hesitated for a moment, "S-si."

Antonio walked quickly; he could sort out the mafia if he was by himself, but he didn't want Lovino to get hurt. That's the worst part about those types of people, they played dirty. He might need France and Prussia for backup as well. He hated having to ask that they come back, since they had been in town only a few days ago, but he knew that if he was really in a pinch they would help without question. Best friends were always like that.

Antonio thought about how he might need to start carrying his battle ax around as well. Better to be always prepared. Maybe he could give Lovino a weapon of some sort too. Not that the child would be needing it, but in case anything went wrong.

Suddenly, Antonio felt something latch onto his arm. He looked down to find Lovino clutching his arm, like it was a lifeline. The Spaniard was surprised that the boy had done so.

At once, Lovino let go. "Scusa."

It hit Antonio hard when he realized that boy's hand was trembling. Anyone with half a brain could see that Lovino was terrified. "I won't stop you from doing that, however they're watching you." Antonio whispered.

The teen's brown eyes grew wide with even more fear.

Antonio felt like kicking himself. He was suppose to be reassuring Lovino, not making things even worst. "They won't touch you as long as you're with me" Antonio said in a low whisper, hoping that would calm him down.

Lovino nodded and licked his lips nervously. It was obvious that he was still freaked out. Something had happened when Antonio had sent him outside. And although the Spaniard wanted to shake the teen down for answers, he knew that now wasn't the time or place.

"Come Lovi," Antonio said, pulling the Italian with him through the crowds.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Hetalia~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Antonio wasn't giving Lovino the change to escape to the library when they got home. He steered Lovino straight to the kitchen sink and sat him in a chair. "What happened while I was in the shop chico?" Antonio asked.

"N-nothing." Lovino stuttered.

Antonio didn't believe him. "No lying to me, I don't think we want to taste soap again so soon." The man warned as he picked up the bar of soap.

Lovino's eyes grew wide, "H-he told me that he would kill you if I said anything."

Antonio wondered what the kid could possibly be talking about, "Explain." He was still getting the soap ready. Although it wasn't for Lovino's mouth, rather that cut that Antonio wanted to clean to ward off infection.

Lovino bit his lip, "T-this guy, not one of the ones from earlier, told me that they wanted me to meet them tonight to finish this business." And by finish business, it was likely meant either beat him until he's unconscious or dead. Both choices wasn't in the Spaniard's favor.

Antonio paused for a moment, "Don't tell me that you were thinking about going through with it." Surely the boy couldn't have possibly.

"No, I didn't." Lovino shook his head and looked close to crying, "They said that they would come get me if they had to though…"

"Look at me Lovino," Antonio said calmly. The man waited patiently until the brown eyes drifted up, "They won't touch you with me around ant I'm going to make it so that they don't ever hurt you again." No one was going to hurt Lovino without paying dearly for it.

"But," Lovino protested. "What if they do come?" There was no mistaking the fear in his voice.

"I'm a nation," Antonio exclaimed. "It takes more than a few humans to take me down." Antonio has 'died' many times, but since nations can't truly die from mortal wounds he was still standing.

Lovino still didn't looked convinced. He opened his mouth again, but Antonio cut him off. "You need to stop worrying about it, I'll take care of it." Antonio grabbed the bar of soap and a rag. "Hold still, I'll clean that cut."

"Ow, not so hard." The Italian squirmed as Antonio attacked him with the rag. "I can do it myself you know." he mumbled.

"Si, I know." Antonio answered. Finishing up he looked down at the worn out teen. "Where else does it hurt?" He doubted that Blas had left him without more marks. Rumor has it that he even fought a bear once.

"My stomach and back." Lovino said rubbing his cheek a little.

"Bruises?" Antonio asked, knowing that they was nothing he could do other than give the child some ice if that was the case.

"I think so, it really hurts." Lovino said.

Antonio sighed, there was that scared look again. And to Antonio the worst part is that he already tried all that he can. "Why don't you go lay down for a while?"

"Am I in trouble?" Lovino asked timidly. Antonio was going to wait until later to discuss that.

"You think that there is any chance that your not?" Antonio asked. He let Lovino off a few times, but there was no way this time. The child had done something much worst than a little swearing.

Lovino blushed and shook his head. "No, but…"

"Let's just say that your in big trouble," Antonio started. Lovino slumped down in his chair. "I'm not going to spank you, because you got hurt pretty badly today." To Antonio that would be a little cruel, he was pretty sure the boy knew not to steal now. "However, you are grounded for now. So no going into town or going even out to the fields without telling me." Antonio knew that he was sounding a little hash, but it wasn't just for punishment. He needed to keep Lovino safe some how.

"For how long?" Lovino squeaked.

"I don't know," Antonio said honestly. He wanted to keep Lovino safe until the whole mess was sorted. But that was an undefined time. "Well see what happens, ok?"

"I guess." Lovino mumbled, looking absolutely miserable.

"You'll live through it." Antonio patted his head.