Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or Killing Stalking, just the story.


Romano did not think through how they would get to the club Arthur picked for their Christmas Eve get together. When Feli told him Ludwig would pick them up and drive them over, Romano had no time at all to think up a quick apology. He ponders what exactly he should say, not wanting to admit the horrible experiences he went through as a kid. Who would just share with anyone they were constantly raped for years by their own father before he was taken in by his grandfather? No one. Still, the elder Italian brother sighs as he and Feli wait for the German brothers to arrive.

"I hope you patch things up with Gilbert," Feliciano says as he stares out the window. "He didn't deserve being punched like that."

"I know. I know, okay?" The irritation about it all seeps through Romano's tone. He sighs. "Sorry, I just don't know what to tell him. Why I reacted that way and shit."

"You can always be honest." Feli shrugs. "No need to share all the details, fratello. Just say you're kind of sensitive since you were…well…raped," he whispers the last word, knowing that Romano doesn't want their relatives to hear anything about this. "If he asks for details, just tell him it's a complicated topic you don't want to talk about. He'll back off."

Romano hums, considering the suggestion. He just might do that. No other information needed besides that. A shiver goes down his spine at the thought of uttering a single word about his past. He can say that at least. Alfred should know, too, but he'll talk with Gilbert first. Before they head to the club, he'll try apologizing. If Gilbert ends up being a prick, he'll just leave him be until he gets over himself.

Ludwig's truck soon pulls up front, horn beeping for them. Feliciano perks up, shouting to their relatives that they're leaving and will be back late. They bundle up for the cold weather and head out. Gilbert opens the passenger door, stepping outside so Feli can take shotgun. Romano nearly stops walk when seeing his friend's scowl. He breathes in and thinks it's now or never.

"Oi, I need to talk with you before we go," he starts.

"Same here." The platinum blond German gazes back at the other two. "We'll be just a few minutes." Ludwig nods and Gilbert walks a little ways away from the vehicle with Romano. They have some privacy now and the German gets right to it. "I want an apology for this," he points to his bandaged nose, "and an explanation."

A thought of Gilbert being a baby and exaggerating the pain on his nose passes through Romano's mind. He clears his throat, looking away. "I can't give you the full details for an explanation."

"I'll take what I will get." He crosses his arms tighter across his chest.

Cursing inside his head, the brunet grumbles as he locks eyes with his friend. "I'm sorry for punching you back in the bar. I only did it because I was… I was having an episode…"

Gilbert raises an eyebrow. "What kind of episode?"

"A fucking-." Romano growls, loathing that he's going to say it. "That stupid round and your pestering brought back unpleasant memories. And don't you fucking joke about it because it's not just some horrible sex memory." He points a knowing finger at the other because Gilbert would do just that and make fun of his reasoning. "I was raped, okay? I punched you out of a reflexive reaction because the memory came back of me being raped."

The German's eyes widen as his jaw goes slack. His arms fall to his side for a moment before one brings a hand up to rub his neck. "God, I… I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't know. I don't like broadcasting it."

"But…" he trails off, remorse filling his red eyes. "I'm sorry we triggered that memory. That was so not awesome of us…"

"No, it wasn't." Romano scowls. "Stop looking at me like that. It's done. It's over with. Let's just move on and do our regular crap. Just don't push it with the jokes." He gives the other a warning glare, smirking after saying those words. "You hear me, bastard?"

Gilbert grins back. "Whatever you say, Lovino." He wraps an arm around Romano's shoulders and guides them back to the truck. "Let's have some fun tonight!"

Rolling his eyes, Romano allows the close contact to last until they reach the truck. He hops inside the back of the vehicle, Gilbert following him in before closing the door. The four of them set off for the club. Feliciano's excitement pours out and infects the others a little as they go. Gilbert leans forward between the front two, talking nonstop with Feli about the club they're going to. He's been there several times with the others and the parties are off the top. Romano snorts, not sure what to expect even with the detailed descriptions Gilbert shares with them.

It doesn't take that long for them to arrive. Ludwig pulls into a parking lot nearby and parks the truck. They disembark and walk together toward the entrance, immediately seeing three others packed together in wait. Alfred notices them first and waves obnoxiously at them. Arthur shakes his head with a roll of his eyes, smirking as he sees Romano with the others. Their third member shyly smiles at them.

"Dudes, so glad you could make it!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Gilbert laughs as he bro-hugs with Alfred. "Had to clean up a mess with Lovino."

"Right! You two good now?" He looks between the two, smiling when they each nod. "Sweet. Actually, I have my own apologizing to do, so if you don't mind later…?" He points to Romano, not finishing his question.

"Sure. Whatever. You deserve some kind of explanation."

"I could just tell him for you if you want," Gil offers.

"No, it's something I need to do." Romano eyes the silent new face. "So, who's that with you?"

"Oh!" Al immediately brings the near lookalike forward by wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "This here's my bro. Here for Christmas before heading back to France."

"My name's Matthew," the new guy says as he wiggles free from Alfred's grip. "I've heard a lot about you all. Thanks for dealing with my brother. I know he can be a handful."

Romano laughs as Alfred pouts at Matthew. "Okay, I like you," the elder Italian states. "You and I will probably be quick friends."

Matthew perks up with a bright smile. "I hope so."

"All right, lads," Arthur claps his hands for attention, "let's head in before it gets too crowded."

"Hell yeah!" Alfred takes lead, Gilbert right at his side as they pass by the bouncer with a nod.

Arthur walks in with Romano and Matthew, Ludwig and Feliciano coming in together before going off their own way. The three stand at the side of the entrance, admiring how hyped up the place already is. Romano's eyes scan the inside, spotting the bar easily to the left of the establishment before noticing another on the right side as well. The middle is the dance floor and it seems everyone there is taking up its space. Very few groups are out sitting at the tables scattered around the outside. He also notices a short spiral staircase leading to an upper area full of other tables and resting areas. Usually those spots are for VIP, which means Romano will not go anywhere near there.

"Do you want to drink first?" Arthur asks loudly, wanting his companions to hear him over the loud music.

"That probably would be best," Romano replies, motioning for Matthew to follow. "So, you're Alfred's brother, huh? What's it like dealing with him 24/7?"

"It's not as bad as you think," Matt answers, taking a seat beside Romano as they sit at the bar. "He's calmer around family that he likes to chill with. It's only the outgoing friends that he acts really wild around. I'm not sure if you've noticed that or not."

The time when Alfred was studying for midterms with them comes forward. Romano nods. "Yeah, I guess I have noticed it. At least when he's with my brother and me, he's not as energetic."

"That's rubbish," Arthur mumbles, already drinking some alcohol he ordered. "You can rile Alfred up to the point of chasing him out of the room. Which is impressive."

"Really?" The Canadian's eyebrows raise. "What did you do for that to happen?" He orders a light beverage, not really wanting to get plastered when out with everyone. He's also designated driver so he knows when not to drink a lot. "I haven't heard of anyone flustering my brother up badly besides myself."

Romano grins as he orders the same drink he had at the bar with the trio. "I was teasing him about a professor he thinks has a romantic and maybe sexual interest in him."

"What?!" Matt's eyes widen.

"It's true," Arthur confirms, "he did it right in front of me. Al turned beet red and left my office. It was hilarious." He chuckles, gulping a good portion of his drink.

"A professor? Isn't that against campus rules, though?"

"Yeah, which is why he's freaked out about it," Romano continues. "It doesn't help that Al's kind of attracted to him as well. Or at least he's starting to acknowledge that he might be attracted to him."

"Mon dieu," Matthew's French slips out as he processes this. "I never thought he'd actually be attracted to a man." He sees a look from Arthur and fixes himself. "I know he said he might be bi, but he's never dated a man before. And I've never heard him being interested in actually dating a guy."

"He mentioned that before." Romano remembers the bickering Gilbert and Alfred had that night at the bar over it. "He's never even kissed a guy, so he said. How the hell does he know that he'd want to be with a guy if he's never done anything with the same sex?"

Arthur slaps a hand down in front of Romano for their attention. "It doesn't matter if you'd done shite or not with anyone. If you're attracted to the same sex and want to do things with the same sex that don't appall you, then that's that. No one can help who they're attracted to or what gets them going."

"Are you drunk already?"

"What? No." Arthur grins at the two, face flushed red. "I can 'old my liquor bett-ah 'han you any day."

"Oh no," Matthew whispers, shaking his head with a laugh. "That's a lie, if you don't know."

"Oh I know. Went drinking with him the first time we hung out outside the college." Romano laughs. "Oi, jerk-face, don't you want to spend your time dancing as well? Not being piss drunk?"

"Only if y'u dansh wif me 'andsome." Arthur grins, ghosting his free hand over Romano's cheek.

Suddenly the Italian feels slightly uncomfortable with his best friend hitting on him while drunk. Then he pushes the feeling away because he thinks Arthur's just messing with him like they do with each other. Arthur did say he loved Romano, in a friendly joking manner, so this is probably more of that friendly joking around. He rolls his eyes, taking a long drag of his drink before standing.

"Fine. Let's go." He glances at Matthew as Arthur stands next to him. "You coming or…?"

"I'll save your drinks," Matthew declines the invite. "You two have fun." A glint shines in his eyes, one Romano recognizes but can't place at the moment. "Just don't lose your clothes. He tends to do that at times."

Romano chuckles. "Okay. Suit yourself." He walks onto the dance-floor, Arthur basically clinging to him as he does so. "Hey, come on. Get yourself together, ass-hole."

"I am put together, twat." Arthur leans off of him and starts dancing with his arms above his head. "This is mah jam!"

"I thought punk was more your jam?" Romano joins him, swaying more with his arms closer to his torso than anything. It's too crowded to do anything fancy but it's not like he could. No dancing skills accrued in his life. "Like Sex Pistols or even the Beatles, though I'm not sure they're really punk."

"Any fing with a beat is mah jam." The Brit's eyes gleam as he gets uncomfortably closer to his friend. "But Sex Pistols would be fun to listen to while doing other things."

The suggestive comment sends sirens off in Romano's head. He moves away a little only to feel someone pull him back into their chest. He panics, ready to fight the person, but his body relaxes at the familiar presence. Arthur pouts at him.

"Oi, I was danshing wif him first."

"Lo siento, amigo." Antonio's voices appears next to Romano's ear, making the Italian blush and shiver. "But I'd like to dance with my boyfriend. Is that okay?"

Romano doesn't see what kind of face Antonio has but he watches Arthur straighten and sober. The Brit scowls. "Whatever." He passes the two, heading back to the bar where Matthew sits.

Antonio's hands circle around Romano, resting on his pelvis as they're left alone. "Sorry for cutting in like that."

"No, no, it's fine." He doesn't want to admit being grateful for the interruption. He might need to talk with Arthur about that later. "How'd you find me?"

"I saw you from the second floor and couldn't help but come down and take you away for myself." He sways, making Romano sway with him. "I haven't seen you in a while," he breathes, kissing behind the Italian's ear. "I've missed your company."

Romano wishes he could see Antonio's front but decides to stay as is so the guy doesn't see his red face. "Well, what about hanging out tomorrow?" He wanted Antonio to be the one to suggest a Christmas date but maybe he should take lead sometimes. "Do you have time for a Christmas date?"

He can feel Antonio light up at the question. "Of course!" Antonio turns Romano around but keeps his hands on Romano's hips. "Should I pick you up? Should we meet somewhere?"

The shorter brunet hums in thought as he rests his hands on Antonio's shoulders. "I'd like to meet up somewhere. Is it all right if I plan something out?"

"Absolutely!" The Spaniard dips in and kisses the other. "I'm happy that you asked first, Roma," he whispers. "I'll be eager for tomorrow, then." He locks eyes with his boyfriend, grinning. "Would you like to go upstairs with me? We can spend some more alone time. Nothing to…risky. Unless you'd want to try more PDA."

Warm waves ripple over Romano's body at the option. He thinks it over, wondering if it's okay to just go with Antonio and leave his friends to their own fun. He hasn't really been with Antonio that much over the break like he has with his friends. Same goes with Arthur, and he originally wanted to go to a club with the Brit to enjoy themselves. Now he feels conflicted. Then an idea pops up into his mind.

"Not just yet, you sneaky bastard." He grins though Antonio frowns. "Let me stay with the guys for a bit longer. Then I'll join you up top. Okay?"

Antonio isn't entirely pleased with the answer but caves. "Okay." He hums in delight, though, when Romano initiates a deep kiss. "I'll be waiting."

The Spaniard slips away into the crowd back to the stairs, leaving Romano behind easily. Romano snakes his way out of the crowd so he can sit with Arthur and Matthew again. His eyebrows raises as he sees Arthur slumped on the counter with Matthew rubbing his back.

"What happened to him?"

Matthew looks up at him. "When he came back, he ordered more drinks for himself and chugged them down. What made him upset out there?"

"Blo-hic-ody Spaniard, 'at's who," Arthur drunkingly mumbles.

Romano sighs, taking the free seat next to Arthur. "He just wanted to dance with me, Arthur. We can dance some more if you want."

The Briton slowly moves his head and stares at his friend. "He'd just come back down and take you from me."

"I told him I'd spend more time with you guys before going up to him. He won't be disturbing us."

"Lies." Arthur rests his forehead on the countertop. "You'd rather be with that piece of shite than me- your friends."

A fire lights up inside Romano at the comment. "I thought we were done arguing about that."

"Nope! We're not." He sits up and sends a dull gaze at the other. "I know what's going to happen to you wif him and it won't be nice."

"You can't see the damn future, Arthur. How the hell will you know what happens?"

"Because I'm friends with his exes."

"So? Do you only know their sides of the story?"

"I know him."

"No you fucking don't." Romano stands up, angry. "I'm not going to bicker with you. Sober up and I'll come back, otherwise you'll find me upstairs with Antonio."

"See, Mattie? Boyfriend over friends." Arthur turns to his cousin. "S'not right."

The Canadian pales at being brought into this. "I, uhm, think you should just let it go, Arthur. It's not your business."

"S'so mah business! He's mah friend. Don't want him to get hurt."

Romano snorts. "I'm outta here."

"Sorry, Romano…"

"Don't. I need to hear that from him." He motions with his head toward Arthur, who slouches against the counter again, grumbling. "He's in your hands."

He leaves the two alone and heads for the staircase in the club. Reaching the top, he's stopped by another bouncer. With the irritation from Arthur there, he nearly explodes on the man preventing him to go by, but Antonio prevents that. He comes up and tells the bouncer Romano's there with him. When he's let through, Romano smugly grins at the bouncer. The man doesn't react but Romano feels good.

"That was fast," Antonio says as he takes his seat. He pulls Romano onto his lap before the other can take the chair next to him. "That eager to be with me?"

Romano's neck hairs stand on end as he glances around. This area seems a lot more private but there are still people around. He doesn't want to be treated like some female that can be dragged around, but he doesn't move. "Arthur was being stupid so I told him to fuck off and decided to be with you for the rest of the night."

He expects Antonio to ask what exactly Arthur was doing but receives a kiss on his neck instead. "That's fine with me, corazon," Antonio purrs. "Anything specific you would like to do, mi tomate?"

The warm waves come back, this time with shocks pushing their way down somewhere specific. Romano breathes, closing his eyes as he revels in this feeling. "Not really," he answers, "just don't go too far. We're in public and I don't particularly enjoy the idea of being exhibitionists."

"Someone's thinking ahead too quick." Toni chuckles as his boyfriend turns redder. "That's fine. Let's just enjoy our intimacy, then." He pulls Romano down for a passionate, hungry kiss.

Romano instantly reciprocates, hands slipping behind Antonio's neck. He repositions himself on Antonio's lap so he's straddling him, knees pressed into the back of the couch. Antonio's one hand stays on Romano's nape while the other goes down then under the Italian's shirt. Romano shivers in Antonio's arms, grinning as he takes in some air. He grinds a little into Antonio's pelvic region, chuckling lowly as the Spaniard moans quietly. Their next kiss is steamier, hungrier, but both know they can't do more than play around and tease.


Note: Buncha stuff happened on Christmas eve. Yep. So, I've got this who first arc planned out to at least 46 chapters, just so you guys know. If I need to increase it, I will. I haven't written all the rest out yet but I have a timeline summary sheet for this Freshman Year and it goes to 46 chapters. That can always change since I always get new ideas when writing of what else to have happen. I can't wait to get to the end of this first year of college for Romano, though. Sophomore Year will be interesting when I finally get to it.

This is not beta-ed so there might be mistakes.

Ciao: I hope you enjoyed the updated, lovelies! Thanks for reading! R&R.