Roma Vargas was not a patient man. After continuous searching for over two days, He was unable to find the bastard that had taken his granddaughter. The man who had shamelessly revived years of family rivalry and distrust. Roma scowled as he visited the remnants of Antonio's home. His gaze softened as he sighed. This was Antonio and Lovina's home. It pained him to know that she had been happier with the Spaniard than she had ever been with him. She was her mother's daughter, a feisty spitfire of a young woman.

Roma chuckled and shook his head as he turned. She was something else, so unlike her brother. He sighed and closed his eyes. "I think I would like to see her through this hell. It's the least she deserves…"

(-)

"Francis, get the hell off me or I swear to God!"

Lovina rolled her eyes as the French man clutched her tighter. "But mon ange, I missed you so much! Who can resist that cute little pout you always wear?"

"How about you let go off me now, or else I bite your hands off bastardo?!" Francis chuckled nervously and backed off. "She's back alright…"

Gilbert laughed and slung an arm around Francis's shoulders. "What did I tell you Francis? Back and fierier than ever! And hey, maybe even a bit more awesome…" Lovina stared at the ground and hugged her knees to her chest.

"No, I'm not awesome…" Antonio watched her guiltily from the doorway. He was such a coward, he couldn't even hold her and tell her everything would be alright. He was convinced she secretly loathed him for not being able to save her in time.

And Lovina was scared out of her mind that he wouldn't want her because she had lost their child. It was an emotional dead-lock. And neither wanted to talk about it. Lovina gave Antonio an awkward glance and he shot an uneasy smile back.

"A-Antonio, why don't you come sit down?" Lovina's heart sank when he slowly shook his head. "N-no, that's alright. I think Elizaveta said she wanted to speak with you after awhile. I'll go get her."

"Oh…ok…" Lovina trailed off as he left. Francis and Gilbert shifted uncomfortably as she laid down. "Mädchen, you know he just doesn't know what to do. It's not you." Gilbert gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

Lovina tried to swallow the lump in her throat and nodded unconvincingly. "I'm tired right now. I-I think I'll sleep" she responded softly. Gilbert and Francis slowly left to give her her space.

Lovina buried her head in the pillow. She hated how cold the bed felt without someone lying next to her. She was so used to having a warm arm draped across her and suddenly realized how much she missed it. Lovina gripped the sheets tighter and bit her lip. "Damn bastard" she mumbled before shutting her eyes.

(-)

"Toni, quit being such a dummkopf."

Antonio picked his head up and stared at Gilbert, annoyed. "Leave me alone Gil" he mumbled before pressing his palms to his forehead again. Francis groaned and plopped down beside him.

"It's really annoying to watch you. You're like a little boy who's still afraid of girls. Simply pathetic."

Antonio rolled his eyes and leaned back. "Would you want people all over you after you had just been completely violated? Did you ever think she might not want me near her? She probably can't stand me, I know I can't."

Francis shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Mon ami, how can you be so blind?" Francis paused to give Antonio a devilish grin. "I think she wants you. I think she really, really wants you."

Antonio grabbed Francis's collar and glared at him furiously. "Of all the disgusting, vile things that have come out of your mouth, this is the worst!" he snarled. Gilbert sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"The pervert is right" he sighed hesitantly. Antonio fixed his glare on Gilbert. "You've got to be kidding me Gilbert. After what you saw, I thought you'd be the last one to even think about her that way."

Gilbert rolled his eyes and shoved Francis off the couch and onto the floor to talk to Antonio. "Look, Francis got too…explicit. But she does want you. Do you know how unawesome it feels to think you're a failure? What do you think she thinks when you won't even look at her?"

Antonio turned away and ran his hand through his hair. "In case you haven't noticed mi amigo, she's the one who can't bear the sight of me."

"Mon dieu, You both are playing this infuriating game of 'I think the other hates my guts, let's avoid each other and leave things unresolved'. Make love and be done with it!" Francis groaned, still lying on the floor. Antonio frowned and kicked him in the stomach.

"You're not helping, burro."

"Excuse me, Antonio?"

Antonio looked up and saw Ludwig standing in front of Lovina's door with Feli happily clutching his arm. "We are going to try to have her stand. I think it would be best if you were there." Antonio nodded and stepped over Francis.

Feli, Ludwig, Elizaveta, Roderich, and Kiku were already there when he walked in. He smiled at Lovina when he saw her sitting up. She looked much healthier now that she had eaten and rested. He watched as Kiku looked her over like he did every day. Her bruises were less noticeable now, much to Antonio's relief.

Feliciano stood by his still sitting sister and smiled. "Come on sorella, don't worry! I know you can do it, you're the strongest person I know!" Lovina quickly looked over to Antonio. His smile faded when he saw the worried look in her eyes.

She shouldn't feel worried. She was safe; nothing was going to harm her. Antonio marched to her side. Nothing was going to make her worry anymore.

"Lovi, you don't have to be scared. Te amo."

Lovina's eyes widened as she nodded. Antonio gently grabbed her hands and helped pull her up. He smiled from ear to ear as she stood in front of him. "And you were so worried. See I knew you could do it" he teased. Lovina rolled her eyes then looked at her feet, concentrating as she cautiously stepped forward. "Oh shut up, bastardo" she mumbled as she found her balance.

Antonio chuckled and helped her move forward. Lovina yelped when she lost her footing and stumbled into him. Antonio quickly grabbed her waist and leaned her against him.

"Hey, hey, I've got you. No hay que preocuparse!" Antonio chuckled when he saw her blush. He realized how close he was holding her and smiled. "Lovi, have I told you that you look beautiful today?"

Lovina's face reddened even more as he pulled her closer. "I-I look like I've been lying in a bed for days. Which I have" she stammered. Antonio laughed and guided her back to the bed.

"You're still beautiful nonetheless" he chuckled as he eased her down. Feliciano cheered and sat by his sister. "You did it! I knew you could sorella." Lovina groaned a bit as Feli squeezed her. Elizaveta sat on her other side and embraced her as well. Antonio laughed while Lovina struggled between the two.

Roderich stayed back and chuckled at the poor girl. He smiled as she eventually gave in and let the two hold her, less than amused. The Austrian tilted his head and appreciated the frustrated girl in front of him. Her pout and furrowed brow never failed to make him smile.

Lovina's eyes widened when she caught him staring at her. Roderich cleared his throat a bit before beginning to leave, trying to hide the pink spreading across his cheeks.

"Roderich, wait!"

Lovina stared at him, making Roderich feel a bit uncomfortable as he turned to face her. Everyone else gave her puzzled looks. "We're very similar, you know" she said slowly.

Roderich only flinched slightly. She wasn't mocking him, or showing distaste. She was acknowledging him. He gave her a small smile before glancing away. "Yes, we are." He sighed before turning back around and going out the door.

"Thank you Lovina" he muttered as he smiled, a small smile gracing his lips.

THIS CHAPTER DIDN'T END IN A HORRIFYING WAY, YOU'RE WELCOME.

Dummkopf-idiot

Mon dieu- my god

Burro-jackass

No hay que preocuparse- don't worry