Hi!

Yet again, I'm sorry for being evil.

I should really do my homework, but I ended up writing a lot. I get too into this.

Writing this listening to Iris by Goo Goo dolls. I started crying because I know how this story ends, and the song is perfect for Ludwig and Feliciano. Ludwig really is the only one in the world who understands Feliciano completely. While Feli tries to hide his true face from the world to keep his reputation as mafia leader, Ludwig is the only one who's see Feliciano's real face. And I have this picture in my head about Italy, how it would be the same thing, just the other way around. Italy is always so happy and bubbly, but Germany is the only one in literally the whole world that has seen how sad and alone and dark Italy is underneath the bubbliness. And he still accepts Italy the way he is. (Spoilers for a new fanfic?! o.O)

Anyways, I won't keep you too long. I'll try to keep up with the posting.

Enjoy!

Feliciano said a couple of goodbyes as he headed off. He knew that Kiku was eyeing him, making sure Feliciano didn't break any laws. But Feliciano didn't care. He slammed on the gas, speeding out of the gate and over to Ludwig's place.

Ludwig shuffled a few papers, put some things away.

Feliciano sped through town, making sure not to go too fast. He didn't want another cop to spot him and pull him over.

Ludwig got dressed in a nice suit and tie, trying to look his best.

Feliciano pulled into the parking lot and raced up the stairs, dressed up. He had a suit and hat on, holding a bouquet of what Feliciano learned was Ludwig's favorite flowers.

Ludwig straightened his tie, and made sure his hair was in order.

Feliciano knocked on the door. Ludwig was about to run over to answer it, but something slowed him down. He cautiously walked over to the door, and opened it. There was Feli, a bright smile on his face.

Feliciano looked up at Ludwig's face and his smile faded. "Are you ok Ludwig? You look sick."

Ludwig gulped to try to get rid of a lump that was forming in his throat. "I'm fine. A little surprised is all. I didn't expect you to come over today. Uh, are those flowers for me?"

Feliciano completely forgot about the flowers in his hands, and looked down. But he ignored it, and continued. "Why would you be surprised? I've surprised you with a visit before."

"Yeah, but that time I knew you were going to surprise me."

Feliciano eyed Ludwig, but didn't show his suspicion. Instead, he smiled. "Of course these flowers are for you silly! Remember, a few days ago you told me that these are your favorite flowers."

Ludwig took the bouquet, gingerly feeling the flowers. "Edelweiss and Gentian... How did you get these? They only grow in Germany..."

Feliciano had let himself into the apartment, taking in the familiar surroundings. "I had them special ordered as soon as you told me. I checked in the flower shop today and the flowers were ready. The flowers are young, and still have the roots. Put them in some soil and water them regularly, you should be able to keep them alive for a while in your apartment."

When Ludwig didn't answer, Feliciano continued talking to fill the silence, oblivious to what Ludwig was doing and thinking. "Flowers are so delicate. The first thing I think of when I see flowers is how much they are like love between two people. Take care of them, they will grow to be absolutely beautiful. And make everyone who sees them happy. But if you don't take care of them" Feliciano broke a twig that he found in one of the boxes between his fingers, making Ludwig jump. "then the flowers die and everyone who looks at them wishes they would be thrown out." Feliciano glanced at Ludwig.

"Sorry about that... it was a little thing that I came up with when I was a kid. Sorry if it sort of freaked you out. But our love is totally being pampered, so don't let it freak you out. In fact just ignore everything I just said."

The lump in Ludwig's throat was growing bigger. "It's not a problem. Oh, and d-danke. F-for the flowers." Ludwig managed to finally say.

Feliciano floated around the apartment as Ludwig nervously organized a few things. "I see you have all of your things now." Feliciano stated.

"Yeah" Ludwig replied. Their backs were to each other. "I got all of my things this morning, actually. Sorry for the mess."

Feliciano turned and studied Ludwig with a keen eye. "You call this a mess? It's cleaner than I could ever get anything."

Ludwig could feel Feliciano's eyes boreing into him, probably wondering why Ludwig wasn't facing him. "Really? But I've been to your house. It's so clean."

Feliciano noticed how tense and nervous Ludwig was, and continued to study the tall German. "That's just because Kiku and Roderich clean it. They're sort of the clean freaks. They clean the house at least ten times a day." Feliciano strode over to Ludwig.

"Yeah, I can imagine that." Feliciano reached up and began to message Ludwig's shoulders, who didn't protest.

"I was right" Feliciano sighed. "You really are tense." Feliciano slipped his arms around Ludwig's waist, burying his head into Ludwig's back. "You've been this way since before I came, haven't you? Come on, won't you please tell me what's wrong?"

Ludwig wanted to. He wanted to tell Feliciano everything. But he couldn't. The lump in his throat prevented him from saying a word of it. "I'm in the mafia now... with you and the Vargas family. My bruder... I ran into him the other day." Feliciano looked up, concerned. Ludwig continued. "D-don't worry... he... ignored me, more or less... But it just got me wondering. He's going to still be after both of us. What if you get hurt again?"

Feliciano was surprised that Ludwig was also so worried about it. And he couldn't help but laugh. "You're right. I shouldn't worry." Feliciano squeezed Ludwig tighter. "If Gilbert attacks us, I'll protect us. I'll make sure he doesn't hurt you. I know you're scared. Believe me when I say that family is the scariest thing to go up against. But don't worry, Ludwig. I'm right here. Gilbert won't get to either of us."

This didn't make Ludwig feel any better, but he forced himself to take a few deep breaths and relax. He couldn't have Feliciano getting worried or suspicious.

"You're right." Ludwig said, turning around and hugging Feliciano back. "I shouldn't worry. Danke, Feli."

Feliciano felt Ludwig relax, and was happy. He nuzzled Ludwig's chest. *"Ti amo, Ludwig. Now how about we go have fun?"

"That sounds good." Germany smiled. They left, arm in arm. Ludwig looked nervously over his shoulder as they left the apartment.

The flowers were left unattended on the counter.

Ludwig was in the front seat, driving, Feliciano merrily sitting next to him, humming the tune to some sad sounding Italian song. When Ludwig had asked Feliciano about it earlier, Feliciano had merely replied "It's a song that io e mio fratello made up. Or heard, non riesco a ricordare quale."** Ludwig had no idea what any of that meant, so he didn't ask again.

"So..." Ludwig began after a few minutes of silence. "It's about noon. What do you want to do?"

"Hm... maybe we can go to the galas? Or that great little art museum... Ha-ha, we've done pretty much everything already! But it's not where we go that matters, just as long as we're together. Right?"

"R-right."

"Where do you want to go? Maybe a landmark here that you've always wanted to see? I would be happy to show you around town."

Ludwig thought for a moment. "You know, I would love to see where you used to live. I'm sure it was a beautiful place."

A shadow passed across Feliciano's face, much to Ludwig's surprise. Feliciano put his head down. "I know it may seem odd, but you've been there already."

"I have?"

"Yeah... I was raised in the Braginsky house." Feliciano said.

Ludwig nearly stopped the car. "W-what?"

"The former leader of the Braginsky house took me off the streets when I was less than five years old." Ludwig stared at Feliciano, surprised by what he was hearing. He had always figured that Feliciano grew up normal, then got dragged into the mafia by his brother. But this... "It wasn't Ivan, if that's what you're thinking. At that time Ivan and I were actually friends. There were others, too. Lovino was there. That's actually how we met." Wait... Feliciano and Lovino weren't blood related? But they looked so similar... "Roderich and Kiku were there. So was Mathias and Arthur. We all grew up in the same house. Then I killed the Braginsky leader when I was fifteen years old. We all ran off to make our own house, our own family. Several others came with us. Ivan and Gilbert almost came with us, actually, but they both were loyal to the former Braginsky leader. So Lovino and I created the Vargas family and became our own mafia house under our own rules."

Ludwig didn't know what to say. "I-I'm sorry, Feli. I didn't mean to bring it up."

Feliciano looked up, his usual smile on his face, which surprised Ludwig the most. "Why so sorry? I'm the one who told you. And besides, you know how much I love my family. I have a good life now, and I wouldn't wish it be any other way." Feliciano closed his eyes. "That's not true" he thought to himself. "Just the other day you were wishing to be normal so Ludwig wouldn't get hurt."

"Are you ok, Feli?" Ludwig asked.

Suddenly Feliciano perked up. "I know! Let's go to the ball game today! There's this really important soccer match going down today, and we should really go see it! I think it starts in an hour, which is plenty of time to get there."

Ludwig smiled. "I used to watch soccer matches in my home town all the time. Who's playing?"

"Italy against Great Britain I think. It should be really interesting." Feliciano practically cheered. "So are we gonna go see it?"

"I think I remember where the stadium is. It's one of the first places you showed me. Yeah, let's go!"

"Yay!" Feliciano sprang up and hugged Ludwig, who was barely able to keep hold of the wheel.

"Two tickets please." Ludwig asked the ticket master in front of the stadium.

"Sorry, all sold out." the ticket master replied.

Ludwig sighed and turned to Feliciano. "Maybe another time?"

"What's the name of the guy taking the tickets?"

"Um, Nate. Why?"

Feliciano smiled and walked up to the ticket booth, a devilish grin on his face.

"Ciao Nate. Long time no see."

Nate choked on the soda he was drinking and sat up "Feliciano! What are you doing here?"

Feliciano frowned. "I'm here with a friend. Didn't you see me?"

"Y-yes! W-wait, I mean no, no I didn't!"

"Well which one is it, yes or no? Because you haven't forgotten our deal, have you?"

"N-no! Definitely haven't forgotten the deal, and definitely did not see you! You and your friend can go in. Here are the tickets. S-so sorry for all the trouble." Feliciano took the tickets.

"Grazie Nate! You're a huge help!"

Feliciano skipped back to Ludwig, a big smile on his face.

"What was that all about?" Ludwig asked. "Or do I even want to know?"

Feliciano grinned and handed a ticket to Ludwig. "You don't want to know. But basically he owes me, so he promised that every time I came around, he would give me and anyone I was with free tickets to the game. But not just any tickets. Look at the seats."

Ludwig looked at the ticket he had received and stared at it. "These seats are right behind one of the goals. The best seats you can get."

"Yep!"

"What sort of favor does this guy owe you?"

"Like I said, you don't want to know. But come on, we had better go save our seats. The game starts in thirty minutes, so we have time to get food and everything first. And I should probably call Lovino to let him know where we are, or else I'll never hear the end of it when I get back."

"Alright. I have to find the bathroom. You know where it is?" Feliciano got his phone out and pointed to the left of where they were standing. Ludwig thanked Feliciano and went off to find the bathroom.

Feliciano heard the phone ringing. "I should thank you, Ludwig." Feliciano said to himself. "I needed to talk to Lovino in private."

After a few rings, Lovino picked up his phone. ***"Chi è questo?" Came Lovino's voice from the other end.

"Ciao Lovi! It's me, Feli."

"Fratello? I didn't expect you to call so soon. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Ludwig and I are just at the game."

"The UK soccer match?"

"Yep!"

"Sounds like fun. You should tell me how it goes later. But that's not why you called. So why did you call?"

"Ve~ You know me so well, Lovi. Well I'm calling because I don't know how long I'll be here, but you should just be on guard."

"Hm? Why?"

Feliciano paused, making sure Ludwig wasn't there. "Ludwig's been really nervous all day. Apparently he ran into Gilbert while I was at the house."

"What?" Lovino said alarmed.

"Don't worry, It's probably nothing. They haven't attacked yet, and I don't think they will anytime soon. I'm just a bit worried about the way Ludwig keeps looking around like he's making sure no one is following us. So just, be alert. And don't tell anyone except Kiku about this."

"I don't like this, Feliciano. Are you ok? Have you seen anything?"

"Like I said, I'm sure Ludwig's just being paranoid. I just wanted to let you know so you know what's going down on my end. If I find out that it's more than Ludwig running into Gilbert, I'll let you know. Ok? You know all my signs of danger."

Lovino hesitated, worried about Feliciano. "Are you sure? I can come over, scope the place for you. You don't have to tell Ludwig."

Feliciano chuckled. "I'm fine! Lovino, don't worry. I can handle myself. Just tell Kiku, and be on the look out."

Lovino sighed. "Alright. But you totally owe me for this. Pasta for a week should suffice."

Feliciano laughed. "Grazie! And I'll make sure the pasta tastes extra good."

Lovino laughed a bit, which reassured Feliciano. "You'd better. Have fun at the game with Ludwig. And don't forget to report back to me before you fall asleep tonight. I want to hear every second of what happened at that game."

"Roger that. I'll see you later Lovino. And don't try to burn the house down."

"As long as you don't shoot anyone in the head." They both laughed.

"Arrivederci."

"Arrivederci." Feliciano hung up as Ludwig walked up.

"So how's Lovino? Did he chew you out?"

"No he was surprisingly calm about it. How was the bathroom?"

"They have good smelling soap."

"That's good."

"Yeah." They looked at each other, and burst out laughing, not being able to keep a straight face anymore.

"Let's get some refreshments, then find our seats, ok?" Feliciano smiled.

"Sounds good." Ludwig laughed. Feliciano turned to lead them towards the venders.

"Please God, don't let anything happen to Feliciano." Ludwig silently prayed as he followed the Italian through the crowd.

The game was a blast. Ludwig was rooting for the UK team, while Feliciano rooted for his home team. At first it seemed like the UK team was winning, but the Italians pulled through in the end, and won by one point. Feliciano was cheering while Ludwig was disappointed, but both of them agreed it was a great game.

They left the stadium and walked to their car, laughing about the match.

"I can't believe it ran this late!" Ludwig exasperated. "It's nearly sunset!"

Feliciano laughed. "Well they were both really good teams! They had to keep extending the time because once they tied, neither team could get a goal for almost an hour!"

"Matches like that always happen around here?"

"Nope. Most of the time our team wins right away. The other teams can't even get close. Especially not the German team." Feliciano teased. Ludwig's mouth fell open, a smile still on his face. He chased Feliciano through the parking lot, picking him up from behind once Ludwig caught up, and threw Feliciano in the air.

"Ah!" Feliciano screamed. "S-stop! I hate being picked up!" Feliciano laughed. Ludwit threw Feliciano in the air again and caught him, Feliciano screaming the whole time. "L-Ludwig!"

Ludwig put Feliciano down and laughed. Feliciano turned to Ludwig and pouted. "Ludwig's mean. I don't like being picked up." Feliciano whined.

"I'm sorry Feli! I couldn't resist." Ludwig moved towards Feliciano, wrapping his arms around the little Italian. Feliciano looked up at Ludwig, trying his best to stay angry. "Can I make it up to you Feliciano?"

Feliciano smiled and wrapped his arms around Ludwig's neck. "Maybe you can." Ludwig smiled and bent down to kiss the also smiling Italian. They stayed like that for a while, Feliciano never stopping from smiling and laughing.

"Dear God, please let us stay like this forever. Don't let anyone or anything hurt Feliciano." Ludwig prayed.

They broke from their kiss. Feliciano slowly took Ludwig's hands into his own and muttered sweet Italian nothings into them.

"Protect him"****

Feliciano kissed Ludwig's hands, saying a few times "Ti amo, Ludwig. Ti amo."

"I'm sorry Feliciano. I'm so sorry."

Ludwig could feel the lump in his throat growing again as his throat and eyes burned. "H-hey, it's getting late." Ludwig tried to hide his emotions as best he could, putting on his best smile even though he was about to cry.

"I want you to pick where we need to go." Ludwig thought.

"Maybe we should think about getting dinner then going home."

"Hm, you're right." Feliciano said, looking up. He was still holding Ludwig's hands.

"I wish you would just hate me so I didn't have to watch you get your heart broken."

"Where would you like to go for dinner Ludwig?"

"Me? O-oh... h-how about Al Covo?"

Feliciano looked up at Ludwig, delighted. "Really? The food there is so delicious! You'll really take me there?"

"That's not what I wanted to hear..."

"Of course, if you want to go."

"I wanted to hear that you hate that place."

"Yes!" Feliciano jumped up and hugged Ludwig. "Of course I do!"

"I wanted you to say that you were too tired. We could have gone home. Feliciano..."

"Ve~ Look Ludwig! Isn't the sunset so pretty? The clouds are all pink and the sky is yellow and red."

"I'm sorry"

"Yeah. It's wunderschöne."

Feliciano hugged Ludwig. He knew something was wrong, but Ludwig obviously didn't want to talk about it, so Feliciano didn't bring it up. Feliciano took Ludwig's hand and laced their fingers together.

"Ti amo, Ludwig."

"That's not what I wanted to you to say."

"I-ich liebe dich, Feli."

They drove to the restaurant, Feliciano humming happily the way there. It was dark by the time they got there. They got a table for two, and ordered wine and food. A bouquet of white lilies was on the table, dying.

"That's so sad." Feliciano remarked, touching the wilted flowers. "These could have been so beautiful if someone had cared enough to look after them. But now they're dying."

"Yeah. It's really sad."

Feliciano looked at Ludwig, studying his face. He knew that something was wrong, but he couldn't tell what. Obviously it was more than just running into Gilbert. Something else had gone down. Ludwig stared behind Feliciano, a pained expression in his eyes, as if pleading Feliciano for something.

Then it hit him, as if a bullet had pierced his heart and stopped his breathing. The wine glass Feliciano was holding shattered on the floor. Feliciano stared in shock at Ludwig.

"Ludwig, don't tell me you-" He was interrupted by a hand covering his mouth from behind. Feliciano immediately started kicking and struggling, trying to get away. More hands came down and grabbed both of Feliciano's arms. Feliciano struggled more, trying to get away, trying to make sense of what was going on. Gilbert walked around behind Ludwig, who was crying.

"I got you Feliciano. You're going to pay for everything. And it's all thanks to mein kleiner bruder right here.***** He's the one that told us that whenever you visited he would take you to this restaurant. And a little birdie on the inside made sure that you left today."

Feliciano couldn't believe what he was hearing. Not only did Ludwig betray him, but someone on the inside? It couldn't be...

The man covering Feliciano's mouth (Feliciano figured it was Kaoru) loosened his grip a bit. Feliciano took the opportunity to bite his hand as hard as possible, Kaoru yelping in pain and pulling away immediately. Feliciano struggled some, but more hands grabbed his arms, staying as far away as possible from his mouth.

"Fuck you, you fucking bastard!" Feliciano yelled, hot tears streaming down his face. "Fuck you all! You can all burn in hell for all I care!" Feliciano yelled at Ludwig more than anyone. Ludwig covered his face with his hands. Feliciano stopped fighting and hung his head, tears falling off his cheeks onto his lap.

"Good." Gilbert laughed. "When I do burn in hell, I'll make sure to say hi to you there and ask how the weather is." Gilbert grinned. "Take him. We have some unfinished business to attend to."

Those holding Feliciano lifted him out of the chair, Feliciano immediately struggling and fighting again. He managed to get one arm free, and grabbed a knife that was in someone's pocket. He threw it at the wall where it stuck, and they managed to take his arms again. When they left the restaurant, Feliciano tried to look back at Ludwig, but his head was forced forward. Feliciano stopped struggling. Someone knocked him unconscious, and the others shoved him in a car.

Ludwig uncovered his face. Everyone in the restaurant had already fled. He was pretty much alone, except a few people who were wandering around confused, and Gilbert, who wouldn't stop laughing.

"Look at our victory, bruder. Isn't it glorious? Rejoice. Now you are a member of the Braginsky family. Those Vargas's don't stand a chance with their leader gone and you on our side. So I must say, danke. For a job well done. We really couldn't have done it without you. Kesesesese!"

Gilbert walked to the door. Ludwig watched as the last petal fell off of one of the wilted lilies before standing up and following his brother through the doors of the restaurant and into one of the cars that were parked outside.

Ludwig's throat and eyes burned.

"I'm sorry Feliciano. I'm so sorry..."

They all heard the news right away. Lovino had every news channel and radio station on. The incident was reported about two hours after it happened. Kiku and Mathias went down to the restaurant to confirm it. Feliciano's car was parked in the parking lot, and a knife with a skull carving in the handle was lodged in the wall- a little sign that Feli had made up to signify that he was attacked here. Though the knife wasn't his, the Vargas knifes and daggers had no carvings, but Braginsky daggers did. Kiku and Mathias came back in two cars at around eleven o clock to report the news.

There was no hesitation this time. Everyone knew that they had to save Feliciano. They all got up and began to get ready. Mathias was outside on guard duty, since all his things were always packed.

Lovino was about to head outside, too, when he heard gunshots fire off. He ran through the front door with Kiku and Antonio not far behind. Outside, he found Mathias against the wall, injured. Grinning outside the gate was Alfred, Wang Yao, Tino, Sadık, Bella, Natasha, Gupta Muhammad, and Berwald. Eight Braginskys trespassing on Vargas territory. This was payback for last time, Lovino just knew it.

"Sorry to crash in on you like this." Alfred smirked. "But we're a little busy. If you don't mind, we want to make this quick."

"Fuck" Lovino breathed. Almost everyone was outside by the time the battle began.

Gilbert walked to the cell and opened the door. Feliciano was sitting on the floor in front of the bed, his head bent so low that his hair covered his face. Gilbert smiled.

"We would have killed you right away, but some of our family members are out having fun. So we'll hold off on your execution till the morning. Besides, there's usually a grace period between the prison and the execution, right? And sorry you couldn't be invited to the party, but I'm sure your family will tell you about it in hell. Kesesesese! Have fun, Feliciano." Gilbert shut the door.

Feliciano was falling apart. "Great" He said out loud. "Not only am I stuck here, but they're off killing everyone else that matters to me. I'm the worst leader ever."

"No you're not." a voice said. Feliciano looked up to see Ludwig standing in the doorway. Feliciano glared.

"Get the hell away from me, or I'll kill you."

"Feliciano-"

"I said get out! You sold me out, you fucking bastard! I trusted you! Now look what's happened. I should have never talked to you in the first place."

"Feliciano, look, I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't cut it, you bastard. Treachery is the worst thing you can do in the mafia. Betraying your own family. And wasn't I the one who let you in the Vargas family? I should kill you here and now. That's what a leader is supposed to do. But you just took everything away from me in one sweep. I hope you're happy, Ludwig."

"Why would I be happy? I never wanted this!"

"Oh yeah? Well you fooled me. It seems this is exactly what you wanted."

"The deal was Gilbert captured you, and left the rest of the Vargas family alone! That's all I wanted!"

"And you believed him? He's a liar, Ludwig! You should know that better than anyone! How long have you been plotting this with him?"

Ludwig paused. "...He's... he's been asking me to do this since the day I found out that he was here also. But I didn't actually say yes until a few days ago. I'm so sorry Feliciano." Ludwig's voice cracked.

Feliciano hung his head again. "I can't believe this... I guess you can't trust anyone, is that right?"

"No-"

"Just leave, Ludwig. You made your choice."

"Feliciano, just here me out!"

"What don't you understand?!" Feliciano shouted, getting on his feet. "I hate you! You betrayed me! There's nothing you can do or say to fix that, Ludwig! Just get the hell out!"

Ludwig took a deep breath. "I was sort of hoping that this could fix that." He held a key out to Feliciano. "A skeleton key I swiped from Gilbert's office. It should unlock those shackles, the front door, the gate, and the door in between the living room and the room where they're taking you tomorrow."

Feliciano stared at the key in Ludwig's hand, but didn't take it.

Ludwig saw that Feliciano wasn't going to take the key, so he sighed and threw it across the floor. It skidded to a stop about a foot from Feliciano.

"In case you were interested. The best time would be tomorrow morning when they're taking you from the cage to the other room." Ludwig left, closing the door behind him.

Feliciano picked up the key and stared at it in his hand. "What should I do?" he thought. He fell on the bed, holding the key loosely.

Arthur was exhausted, but everyone needed to be taken care of. Lovino was hurt the worst, but he was still out there trying to hold off whoever was still out there. The battle was such a surprise. No one but the Braginskys was ready for it, it seemed. Arthur was fighting next to Lovino for a while, but eventually he was told to take care of anyone that was wounded.

Which was everyone.

At this time, no one asked how he was healing everyone. And Arthur was grateful for that. Lovino, Kiku, Antonio, and Elizabeta were the only ones standing at that moment in time. Wait, scratch that, Lovino and Kiku were the only ones standing. Elizabeta was taken down by Wang Yao, Antonio by that terrifying man in a ridiculous mask. Arthur sighed and went outside to retrieve them, Mathias (who was only mostly healed) helping carry them in. Before going inside, Arthur quickly scanned the situation.

Kiku and Lovino were outside the gate, trying to keep three Braginskys at bay. Some of the Braginskys already left, a few were waiting in the car, injured. Arthur was about to turn inside, when one of the Braginskys shouted something. Arthur turned to see Lovino and Kiku suddenly liberated as the remaining Braginskys ran to their car, wicked grins on their faces. Arthur rushed over when he saw Lovino nearly collapse.

Arthur and Kiku picked up Lovino. "They left" Arthur stated. "Any idea why?"

"Feliciano..." Lovino muttered. Arthur and Kiku understood right away. It was a big deal to kill the leader of a mafia family. They probably got the call saying that Feliciano was about to be executed.

Everyone was inside, and severely injured. Arthur hadn't even given his own wounds a chance to heal before treating others. Lovino tried his best to get up and get to the car, but Arthur forced him down every time.

"You need to rest. Your wounds are too serious to go running around blindly on enemy territory."

"S-shut up. I don't need rest." Lovino's words came out slowly and heavily. It was so much of a struggle for him to breathe, why even try sitting up? "But" Arthur thought to himself with a sad smile on his face, "I used to do the same thing for my little brother."

Anyone who was in good enough health travelled around, wrapping wounds, giving others water, and cleaning out wounds. Arthur did his best to heal wounds with the tricks that his dad had taught him, but the others didn't need to know that. He was getting tired, though. It wore him out. And every time he looked down at his own clothes, he saw the blood stain on his shirt getting bigger and bigger.

Kiku was the only one to notice, and he forced Arthur to sit down.

"Kiku, what are you doing?" Arthur asked.

"You're injured." Kiku replied, grabbing some gauze and disinfectant. "The others are fine. But you also need to be healed."

Arthur didn't complain. He knew that he was injured worse than he was letting on. So he let Kiku take care of his wounds.

Arthur looked outside. "Morning..." he muttered.

"Hai." Kiku replied almost sadly. "I pray that today, morning doesn't mean what I'm sure it does."

Even though Kiku was very confusing, Arthur understood. "Please, Feliciano," Arthur silently prayed "be alright."

Feliciano unknowingly fell asleep. He was roughly woken up the next morning by the loud banging of a door, and several hands lifting him off the bed and putting prison shackles on his feet.

"Guten morgen, Feliciano" Gilbert sneered. "What a lovely day, isn't it?" They shoved the still sleepy Italian down the hall.

"Please be safe" Ludwig silently prayed, loading his pistol.

Everyone arrived. Feliciano was forced to his knees in the middle of the floor. He didn't bother listening to Gilbert ramble on about why Feliciano had to be executed, because all he heard was "blah, blah, blah, I am so awesome." Not. Feliciano looked down at his own hand, not daring to open it. Inside his hand was the key that Ludwig gave him yesterday.

He was torn, but ultimately decided not to use it.

"Finally" Gilbert concluded with a laugh. "We get to see you die. Are you ready, Feliciano?"

"I hope you know what you're doing." Ludwig prayed.

Feliciano held his breath. Gilbert undid the safety.

A gunshot fired off.

*"Ti amo,...": "I love you" in Italian.

**"It's a song that io e mio fratello made up. Or heard, non riesco a ricordare quale.": "It's a song that me and my brother made up. Or heard, I can't really remember which."

***"Chi è questo?": "Who is this?" When I was translating this line (from google translate, that website is really helpful) I saw the "chi" and started laughing when I thought how perfect it was that Lovino was saying it. Cause the first thing I thought was Romano screaming "CHIGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" whenever he's surprised or scared.

****"Protect him": For this chapter, all the italicized and centered lines are pretty much just Ludwig's inner thoughts, in case you were confused about that.

*****"And it's all thanks to mein kleiner bruder right here.": "And it's all thanks to my little brother right here." Oh, Gilbert. Rubbing it in both Feliciano's and Ludwig's face.

Sorry about this chapter.