Hello! I regret to inform everyone that this story has been officially discontinued.

I'm just joking. o^^ (that is the new emoticon. It's official) Everything happened according to my plan. The time has been perfect.

Which is what I would say if that were true. I'm so sorry! I seriously feel so bad for not uploading. I'm sorry everyone! (Gomen'nasai, Gomen'nasai!) But it actually kind of worked out.

You guys have no IDEA how much pain this chapter caused me! I wrote and re-wrote it like three whole times! I had such writer's block for this chapter. But it worked out really well. It was good that I waited this long, because in the end I got so many ideas for it THIS WEEKEND alone. As I got more ideas I reread the entire story I wrote so far (I'll talk about that later because I don't want you to guys to wait too long, because I know how long you waited for this chapter (Gomen'nasai!)). So in the end, because I waited so long to develop my ideas, I think the chapter turned out great. I hope you guys think so too!

Enjoy!

I keep having to remind myself who he is. He's Italian. He's beautiful. He's funny. He's smart, and clever, and just a little bit airheaded sometimes. He loves to cook, his favorite dish being pasta of course. He loves art, although he would never admit that to his friends. He loves to laugh and play around, he loves his family and his friends. He lives in a big house with his friends, which he calls his family. They go out a lot. Sometimes, they kill people. Sometimes they steal. His family is a mafia family. He's Italian.

I love him, but... sometimes it scares me to know what his life is.

"Come on, it's easy."

"To you, maybe. Not to me."

"I'm not sugar coating anything. It really is easy. Just pull the trigger."

"I'm going to hit you, then you'll die, and I'll be very, very upset."

"You won't hit me. I promise."

"I am not doing this."

"Yes you are. I'll make you do this one way or another."

Ludwig sighed. He was holding a gun, blindfolded, and pointing the gun straight at Feliciano's head. Feliciano tried to convince him that he wouldn't hit him. But Ludwig was too afraid to pull the trigger. Feliciano called this "training". It was more like "come on, pull the trigger! You probably won't hit me!"

It all started about a year ago. Feliciano woke up from a nap around dinner time. He got up, saying he would help clean the kitchen before dinner was served. A few minutes after that, Lovino walked up to Ludwig, asking him where Feliciano was. Ludwig answered, and Lovino left without saying another word. There was some arguing coming from the kitchen, but Ludwig couldn't understand what they were saying. Lovino walked out a few moments later, pausing briefly to say to Ludwig, without looking at him, that Feliciano couldn't talk at the moment.

Dinner came, and no one spoke. Feliciano took his dinner upstairs in his office. No one spoke, or even looked at each other. Obviously they all knew something Ludwig didn't. Ludwig remembered how he thought how strange it was that that same morning, everyone had been laughing and eating together, and the very same night were now solemn and silent. And how things have changed since then. No one looked Ludwig in the eye except Feliciano and Lovino, and Lovino only did it to either glare at him or give this strange look of pity. Feliciano even kept his distance more and more, and starting this type of training, but he won't say why. Ludwig already had military training, but training to be prepared for the strange situations that people in the mafia somehow get themselves into is completely different. Today he was being taught by Feliciano what to do when you're captured and blindfolded. Which apparently happens more often than he thought.

Those long months that passed had been full of tension and pain. Several attacks had happened, lots of people getting hurt. Kiku went out to get some inside townsfolk that they recruited years ago in case of an emergency, only to find that all of them had been killed. The Braginskys have been keeping their distance, but now they were being attacked by someone else. Some new family that Ludwig hears the others calling Savages under their breath. He's tried asking Feliciano, but whenever he does, Feliciano just remains silent and walks away, obviously troubled. The strange thing is, is that it seems that the Braginskys have just fallen off the map. Feliciano said himself that this was worrying.

And, on top of all this, lately Feliciano has been saying that he feared that someone was planning on betraying him. Like Gilbert had betrayed Ivan Braginsky. He has been growing more and more worried about this every day, causing him more stress than he needs.

And now, here was Ludwig, pointing a gun at Feliciano's head, blindfolded, not even sure what type of training this was anymore. But Feliciano said to trust him, and, well, he did. Slowly, Ludwig pulled the trigger and felt the familiar kick of the pistol, heard the gun go off, and heard Feliciano gasp. Ludwig ripped his blindfold off, worried that he had hit Feliciano. Feliciano was looking at the right side of his head, and, a second later, burst out laughing.

Ludwig was confused, to say the least. "Wha- What's wrong with you?! I didn't hit you, did I?"

Feliciano laughed. "No! You're just better at aiming than I thought! I was going to dodge the bullet to the right, but right as I moved you changed the direction of the gun and almost hit the middle of my head! I almost didn't make it there. Ve~ As to be expected from a German soldier. You really do have incredible aim!"

Hearing Feliciano's laugh (which it seems he hasn't heard in at least a year*) was so refreshing that, even though Ludwig was terrified after almost hitting Feliciano, he couldn't help but laugh too. Feliciano bounded up to Ludwig and gave him a huge hug.

"We're done with training for today. You did a good job. I'm very proud of you."

Ludwig didn't want to ruin the moment, but he had to. "Feliciano?"

"Yeah?"

"Um... Last time I asked you who the Savages were, you said maybe you'd tell me another time. I was wondering-"

Ludwig stopped his sentence short when he looked at Feliciano's face. A shadow had passed over his eyes, and he was looking down.

"I know." Feliciano said.

"Huh?"

"I know you want to know who they are. And I know you need to know who they are. And it's not fair for me- no, for everyone -to keep it a secret from you. So I'll tell you."

"Ah! You will? Danke."

Feliciano sighed. "I don't even know where to begin. I suppose them in themselves isn't very terrifying. They're another mafia family. Or at least they claim to be. They got the name "Savages" because of the brutal way they do things. They don't really make an appearance until some family hires them as mercenaries to destroy another family. They require a large sum of money for their service, though, and if they don't get their money then they will completely slaughter both families." Ludwig was silent. Feliciano continued.

"The reason why none of us want to talk about it is because we've all dealt with them before. When we lived in the Braginsky house. Our leader was actually the one that hired them to kill off another family. But when he couldn't pay the money, they turned on us." Feliciano stopped, remembering that day. He shook the memory from his mind, and again continued. "A lot of our friends were killed that day. A lot more were executed. All of us here only survived by running away and making a new family. The others only survived because since the leader was executed, Ivan Braginsky, his son, stepped up and payed even more money than was expected. The Savages left them alone after that. They've only resurfaced a few times after that, and every time they do, more people are executed."

"Executed? Like, hung?"

"No. It's they're signature. You see, no one actually knows who the savages are. They kill off and replace their own members about as often as they do other families. Most of them wear masks, so you can't recognize them when you see them on the street. But when they attack, everyone knows it because several people will be suddenly seen being shot on the Doge's Palace, then thrown into the water. That's how the media and the rest of Italy knows it was them."

Ludwig was silent. Feliciano walked over to the wall, Ludwig right behind him, and sat down heavily. Ludwig squatted in front of him. Feliciano ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

"We're all scared. That's why we haven't told you anything. These people- this family -is ruthless. And we're just scared that they'll kill us. Kill everyone."

Ludwig moved so he could sit next to Feliciano. He put his hand on Feliciano's knee. "That won't happen. I know you. And I know your family. That will never happen. Ok?" Ludwig turned to Feliciano and kissed him. Feliciano looked at him with pleading eyes, hoping that what he was saying was true. But all he found in Ludwig's eyes was uncertainty masked by comfort for Feliciano. Feliciano sighed and stood up.

"Training is done. You did a good job. Go back to the house. I have something to do in town." Ludwig sighed and stood up, following Feliciano out the door and turning in the opposite direction.

Feliciano went out in normal clothes, and a hat to cover his face from cameras or anyone else who could recognize him. Feliciano hurried down the street, holding down his hat, and went into the small church in the middle of town. He knew that no one but the Preacher would be in today. Feliciano walked up to the alter and kneeled down, closing his eyes and clasping his hands in front of him.

A voice came from behind the alter. "Well that's unlike you. You never pray right away, I usually have to force you."

Without bothering to open his eyes or look up, Feliciano laughed. "These are troubling times we're in."

"Hah, that's what I always tell you when you come down here. But you're always in trouble, aren't you?"

This time Feliciano looked up and smiled at the old, yet young looking, man. "As always, it's good to see you again, Preacher."

The Preacher smiled. "And you too, Feliciano. How's the family?"

"Could be better. Kind of falling apart right now. Yours?"

"Good as always. The wife and kids are currently visiting some relatives up in Rome. Speaking of which, have you run into any family lately?"

Feliciano chuckled. "Yeah. Several times in fact."

"Oh? And how did that go?"

"Horribly. We all started fighting right off the bat. I was forced to go to their house and wait around to be let out."

"And Lovino?"

"He's fine. Scared to death for me. And the rest, of course. But other than that, he's doing fine."

"Yeah, what has been going on? I've been meaning to ask. I've heard on the news that the Savages have been showing up lately. They haven't shown their faces for a few years. What's happening with your family?"

"We think the Braginsky family set them on us. They've been wanting to get our money for a while now, and with the new leader, things are going to hell faster than usual."

"New leader? You couldn't mean-"

"Gilbert. He killed Ivan right in front of me, then blamed it on me and took the crown. I can't believe that guy is so sleazy."

"You know what? I believe it. Haven't I told you from the start?"

"Yeah. But it's still hard to hear. He used to be one of my best friends."

"I know." The Preacher went over to the front of the alter and sat down next to Feliciano. Feliciano turned to sit next to him, sighing heavily. "You seem to have a lot on your mind. Mind to tell me what's bugging you?"

"Well... a new member joined our family. The others have doubts but..."

The Preacher took a long look at Feliciano and smiled. "This new member... you're in love with them, aren't you?"

Feliciano turned bright red and nervously twiddled his thumbs. "Well, uh, yeah, I guess. I mean..." Feliciano sighed. "Is it ok? The new member... it's a man. And I know that that's not right but-"

"Did you know, Feliciano, that it says in the bible that we can't eat lobster or any other shelled sea foods like that?"

Feliciano looked up surprised. "What?"

"Yep! And guess what. I had lobster with my family two days ago. And some pork the night before. I love pork. It's my favorite animal to eat. Do you know what else it says in the bible? That man shall not lay with man. You shouldn't take everything so seriously. We all break rules all the time. And I for one, don't really care. If you're in love, then you're in love. It doesn't matter who it is, and it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say about it. As long as you care for each other. Does he care for you?"

Feliciano smiled and looked at the ground. "Yes."

"Then that's all that counts. But I have to ask. What doubts do the others have exactly?"

Feliciano stopped smiling. "They support him being with me, it's just... the Savages and the Braginskys know about him, too. My family believes that they will try to kill Ludwig in order to get to me. So Lovino told me that I have to tell Ludwig to go back to Germany and never see him again in order to keep him safe."

"Do you believe that's the right thing to do?"

Feliciano didn't answer.

"Feliciano." He looked up at the preacher. The preacher had a stern expression on his face. "Tell me what you think. Will this man be safer in Germany than with you? You're a strong leader, and your family has never become even close to collapsing like the Braginsky family. So what do you think?"

Feliciano sat, staring at the ground, tears welling in his eyes. "I shouldn't be the leader anymore." he whispered. The preacher was surprised, but said nothing. "No one follows my lead. No one believes I'm strong enough anymore. My family is on the verge of collapsing. Someone has been plotting to overturn me for almost a year now. In all the chaos of this past year, Lovino has told me several times that I should take a break and he should step up to the platform until this whole thing blows over. Everyone has told me that Ludwig should leave. And I think so too. It would be safer. But I can't so it. I need him." Feliciano buried his face in his hands. Though he was whispering, the Preacher heard every word. He slid his arm around his slender, softly heaving shoulders.

"Do you remember the time I first met you?" Feliciano slowly looked up, confused. "Oh yes. I remember it very clearly as if it was yesterday. But of course, it wasn't yesterday. It was about five years ago. You had just run out of the Braginsky house and was separated from the rest of the people that followed you out. You were seriously injured from fighting with the Savages, and had collapsed in a nearby alley, trying to get out of the way of pedestrians and media. I was walking home very late from closing up my church, when I just happened to look into the alleyway and saw what I thought was a homeless man. I was going to offer money until I saw the blood. Of course I knew who you were immediately. It was unmistakable by the battle wounds and the gun in your hand."

"What did you think, seeing me there? Didn't you want to turn me in."

"Oh, as soon as I saw you there was no doubt in my mind. I knew right away that I would take you into my church and heal you myself."

"Why?"

"Because, you were so young. For a man who has been in the mafia all his life, who chose to be in the mafia, is unsalvageable. He cannot be saved unless he came to church to repent for his sins. But I saw you and saw that there was still some innocence left. I figured that if I could take you in and condition you to the church, your soul could still be saved."

Feliciano laughed. "Well that didn't go so well, did it?"

"Actually, I think it did."

"...Ok, now I'm confused."

"Well I brought you into my church. I healed your wounds, and you soon woke up. As soon as you did, you tried to shoot me in the head."

Feliciano laughed again. "I remember that! I tried so hard to threaten you, but somehow I found your threats scarier."

"I can be a pretty threatening man. Maybe that's why I'm a preacher." They both laughed. "Well after I calmed you down some, do you remember what I told you?"

At first Feliciano was confused, but then he understood. "You told me that a preacher is there to listen to people and help, not decide what god wants."

"Which is why I still believe I saved you. You continue to come to talk to me of your own free will. I haven't seen or heard of any other mafia member doing that. You are truly one of a kind. And every time you come, you don't pray for yourself. I have never known you to. You always pray for your family. I think that is truly special. You are unselfish. And you care deeply for those who are connected to you, even those in enemy territory."

Feliciano said nothing. There was nothing to be said.

"Tell me now, Feliciano, what would you pray for?"

"What?"

"If you were to pray for yourself, what would it be?"

"..."

"Oh come on, there must be something."

"Everything I have to pray for involves my family or other friends. I just never want to be separated from them."

"Yes, but what do you want? It's not a sin to wish for something for yourself, it's only a sin when your desire will harm others along the way."

"Then I guess I want nothing."

"Oh there must be something."

"I can't-" Feliciano was cut off by his phone ringing. He swore under his breath, but quickly remembered he was in church and apologized for cursing. The preacher just smiled. "It's a text from Ludwig. He's home, and wondering where I am."

"Ludwig?"

"The new recruit. Well not necessarily new, he's been here about a year."

"Ah. Would you like to go."

Feliciano sighed. "I probably should. But I don't want to. There's still so much I have to talk to you about."

"How about you come back in a few days, once you've decided what to do with this Ludwig fellow?"

Feliciano smiled almost sadly at the old preacher. "Thank you, Father."

"Oh, there's no need to call me that. I'm an old man. Call me Grandpa Rome."

Feliciano chuckled. "Alright. I'll see you soon then, Grandpa Rome." Feliciano stood up and turned, saying a final prayer about the safety of his family, gave the Preacher a final nod, then swept around and walked swiftly out.

Gilbert say in a brightly lit room, warmth seeping through the windows. He couldn't believe it. In a few months, it will be a year since he had first called the Savages asking for help. The original deal was a month, but it was instead the Savages who kept extending the date. So many fights had broken out since then, but amazingly enough the Vargas family had held their own. Now the Savages not only wanted revenge, but knowing that the Vargas family had a large fortune, wanted all of their money. So the date was extended after every fight.

And not only that, there were dealings going on between the Braginsky and Vargas families. The Vargas leader knew nothing about it. But those rowdy boys- Mathias and Felix -were plotting to overthrow Feliciano. So of course, everyone in the Braginsky house would have a part in that. Then some, Gilbert knew, were talking to simply try and find a way out. He knew who of course. There was little doubt when you had known them your whole life.

And on top of everything else that was going on, Francis had suddenly decided he wanted the Bad Touch Trio back. He kept trying to make friends with Gilbert again. The two had even talked to Antonio a few times. And Antonio had some interesting things to say. Some of which Gilbert actually agreed with. The most important one being, they were all sick of this. No one wanted to fight anymore. They all wanted an end to this. And they had a common enemy- the Savages. Every person in both families had had some bad dealings with them. And now that the Savages were back, they were getting antsy by not being able to capture their pray right away. Several people had reported that the Savages tried to attack them. Gilbert wanted to cut off the deal with the Savages for this, but he couldn't; they denied everything, and had threatened Gilbert if he said another word about it, then they would turn on the Braginsky family.

So Gilbert sat in the warmth, debating over what he should do. Should he support the Savages or give in and join the Vargas family? Some part of his mind told him that joining the Vargas's now would only further complicate things. It would never work. But another part of his mind said that he had wanted to do this all along. He couldn't deny any longer that he held a certain amount of respect and affection for that small Italian. They did, after all, used to be friends. While thinking this over and reminiscing, Gilbert fell asleep with the sun from the open window washed over him.

At the house, about half an hour later, Feliciano met Ludwig at the gate. Ludwig asked several times where he went, but Feliciano didn't answer. Defeated, Ludwig finally followed Feliciano inside. Feliciano, after seeing the Preacher, had made up his mind. He was going to settle everything today. He walked through the living room, where Mathias, Elizabeta, Felix, and Toris all abruptly stopped their conversation. Feliciano eyed them suspiciously out of the corner of his eye, but none of them noticed. He walked to the stair case, Ludwig following after, and walked to a spot where people downstairs couldn't see them, but those upstairs could see and hear everything. Ludwig tried to ask why Feliciano had stopped, but Feliciano quickly stopped him from talking and brought him out of view. Motioning for Ludwig to be silent, the two waited. After some time, conversation continued.

"I can't believe you haven't done anything yet." Felix said in an annoying, yet hushed tone.

"Shut up, will you?" Mathias responded. "I was going to, but then we got busy. It seems we'll have a break for a while, so I'll do it now."

"I still think this isn't a good idea." Toris said.

"No one asked for your opinion." Felix responded.

"Well if you don't do it soon, then you'll never get your chance. One way or another, Don will go down. Whether it's by the Savages or not." Elizabeta said.

"I know, I know." Mathias responded.

Feliciano heard everything he needed to hear, so he quietly swept into his office, pulling Ludwig behind him. He closed the door.

"What was that?" Ludwig asked, perplexed. "Who is Don?"

"Me."

"But your name is Feliciano."

"'Don' is a term for a leader. Usually it's used for respect, but in their case, they used it in total disrespect."

Ludwig felt outraged."What?! So they intend to betray you?"

Feliciano, now standing behind his desk, looked up at Ludwig who was still by the door. "Why are you so upset? Didn't you once do the same thing?"

Ludwig was hurt. Feliciano sighed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. It's just not very surprising to me anymore. I knew it had been them for a long time now, I just needed proof before doing anything about it. And there has been so much going on that I never got the opportunity to find my proof. Well I just got it."

Right then, the door opened, revealing Kiku. "I thought you were home. How was training today?"

"Fine, fine."

"And Ludwig?"

"He's fine" Ludwig was behind the open door, so Kiku couldn't see him. "What did you want Kiku?"

"Ah nothing. Just came to see how you were doing. You've been very stressed lately."

"I'm fine. If that's all, then there is something I need you to do for me."

"Hai?"

"Bring up Elizabeta. Don't tell her why. And while you're at it, tell Antonio and Arthur I need to see them in a little while."

"I will do that with haste."

"Thank you, Kiku."

Kiku walked out. Ludwig came out from his hiding space and walked up to Feliciano. "What are you going to do?"

Feliciano stood up to his full length and straightened his suit. "You'll see. I want you to go in that closet and conceal yourself. This won't take long." Feliciano walked to the middle of the room, staring at the door. He looked so serious and intent that Ludwig didn't argue. He quietly walked to the closet, careful to leave enough room for him to see and hear, but not enough for him to be seen. About a minute later, in walked Honda Kiku with Elizabeta.

"As you requested, I brought in Elizabeta immediately."

"Good. You can stay if you like." Kiku knew that that meant Feliciano wanted him to stay and witness this, so he stepped inside with a bow and remained silent. Elizabeta looked nervous. She took a few steps forward, Feliciano walking to meet her the rest of the way.

"Do you know why Kiku brought you in here?"

"I-I'm guessing you wanted to s-see me."

Feliciano smiled. "And I did. No need to be so nervous. I just have a few questions to ask you." With that shark-like smile and how straight and composed he was standing, Ludwig determined that Feliciano could be very threatening if he wanted to. It was making even Ludwig a little scared. Kiku, on the other hand, seemed to be unaffected. He had obviously seen this side of Feliciano before.

"W-what questions?" Elizabeta asked, not able to conceal her nervousness any longer. Feliciano took another small step forward, forcing Elizabeta to take an involuntary step back.

"Nothing really. Just checking in is all. How are you?"

Elizabeta relaxed a bit, but was still clearly on edge. "I've been good. Talking to Roderich a lot. He seems to be very worried about our finances."

"That's good to know. I'll have a little chat with him later to calm his nerves a bit." Ludwig thought that was nice of him. Kiku knew that that conversation would never take place. "What else has been going on?"

Elizabeta relaxed a bit more. Feliciano remained smiling. "Been practicing a lot with Mathias and a few others. We figured we needed to build our strength for the upcoming battle."

Feliciano's grin immediately turned. Elizabeta didn't notice. "Oh? And what battle would that be?"

"You know, there's going to be that big duel between-" Elizabeta stopped, realizing she had said too much. She instantly paled and backed up, trying to leave, but Feliciano slammed the door on her. His face was inches from hers. She shrunk from fear, which wasn't a good idea, because now Feliciano seemed to be towering over her.

"Don't forget your manners, Elizabeta. Finish your conversation before trying to leave." Trying was the key word. "Who is this big duel going to be between?"

Elizabeta's mind raced, trying to think of an excuse. "I...I forget. Maybe I can go ask Mathias..."

Feliciano slammed his other hand against the door, grin completely faded, cornering Elizabeta like a rat. "But I'm asking you. This duel wouldn't happen to be a Duello, would it?" Elizabeta was so terrified that she could only nod her head. She was on the verge of tears. "And who would this be between? Tell me, Elizabeta."

Elizabeta completely froze. She didn't want to betray her friends. But she knew she couldn't betray her current leader. The fear had gotten the best of her, and slowly she said "Mathias." Her voice was so quiet that both Kiku and Ludwig had to strain to hear her. But Feliciano, being so close, could hear her fine. "Mathias decided you weren't in a position to lead anymore, so he decided he would challenge you to a Duello when you were at your weakest and take the crown." Her voice broke at the end. Feliciano stopped and laughed.

"Mathias? Mathias doesn't know anything about a Duello. I have nothing to worry about. Thank you, Elizabeta." He stood up straight, letting Elizabeta loose. "You are free to go." With those words, Elizabeta ran out of the room as fast as she could. Feliciano remained laughing. He turned to Kiku.

"When it comes to Mathias, his only chance at winning is a shady fight like what Gilbert did. He doesn't know the first thing about Duellos. That is my territory."

Kiku smiled. "I agree. You will win it without a question." Feliciano relaxed. He turned to the closet.

"Don't get out yet, Ludwig. We still have Antonio and Arthur to deal with."

"Would you still like me to stay Don?"

"Yes, Kiku. Right now you're the only person I can trust with this information. Other than Ludwig, of course. But he can't do much with it."

"Hai. It is much appreciated that you still trust me so much."

Feliciano waved Kiku's statement off. "Of course I do. You've proven yourself how many times? I've lost count."

"It is my duty, Don Feli. And always an honor to serve you."

Feliciano smiled genuinely. "Thank you. I needed to hear that right now."

There was a knock on the door. Feliciano looked at Kiku, who nodded. Feliciano walked to his desk and sat on top of it while Kiku opened the door. In the doorway stood a very confused Arthur and Antonio.

Feliciano beckoned them in. Slowly the two walked in, Kiku closing the door behind him.

Again, Feliciano smiled. "Hello Antonio, Arthur. Sit down." The two stole quick glances at each other then walked forward and sat in the two chairs across from Feliciano. "And how are you two today?"

Antonio responded first, as Feliciano had expected. "Oh great. I found out that Lovino's tomatoes are ready so I've been munching on tomatoes all day. Couldn't get better than that!"

Feliciano chuckled. Tomatoes were pretty good, so he understood. "And you, Arthur?"

"Pretty good, just been reading. Now may I ask what you called us in here for?" Feliciano again had expected this. Arthur was always the more analytical type, while Antonio didn't understand things until the last moment.

"I just haven't seen a lot of either of you in a while. I feel like you two are out all the time." Arthur had guessed this was the reason, so he remained composed. Antonio, on the other hand, turned pale.

"We've just been inside the house. I'm flattered that you are concerned, but there is no reason to worry." Arthur began standing up, and motioned for Antonio to do the same. "No if you'll excuse us-"

"I wasn't done." Feliciano said patiently. "So if you both will sit down." They both slowly sank back into the chairs. Antonio remained as panicked as ever. Arthur was still composed, but beginning to show some signs of unrest. Feliciano expected nothing less. "Now that we're settled, allow me to ask: Where have you two been disappearing?"

Neither was sure how to respond. Kiku remained in the corner, as still and poker faced as ever. Ludwig hadn't even noticed that those two had been missing. Then again, he didn't see much of anyone these days. It was expected of the leader to keep tabs on everyone. And yet it was hard to imagine that Feliciano, who was falling apart only about an hour ago, was now so composed and calm. He really was a real leader.

Finally, Antonio spoke up. "Arthur already told you. We've been here all along. Why do you say we've been disappearing?"

Feliciano smiled. "Well I'm glad you asked. I've seen both of you sneaking out before, not to mention the fact that half the time Arthur's car is missing. When I asked Lovino where Antonio was, he would always respond by saying that he last saw him with Arthur. So I figured you two were going together." The last fact was, of course, a lie. But they didn't know that. Feliciano had simply made a few educated guesses from the information he had.

There was a long silence. Antonio sheepishly asked "And where do you suppose we would go, if we went anywhere?"

"Well that's why I'm asking you. That's exactly what I want to know."

What happened next was unplanned, and a surprise to everyone, including Antonio and Feliciano. Arthur stood up, so he could face Feliciano on an eye to eye level. "Antonio and I have been talking to the Braginskys." Antonio gasped. Kiku raised an eyebrow. Feliciano remained poker faced, although inside he was shocked that Arthur was the first to speak up. Arthur continued. "At first, I was just calling Alfred to check up on him after we heard the Braginskys were attacked by the Savages also. But we kept calling each other. Then I found out that Antonio had been doing the same with Francis. So the four of us talked it out and decided we would meet up. And, as you have clearly noticed, we weren't as sneaky as we thought. Punish us how you see fit."

Arthur looked calm, but anyone would be nervous after admitting such a thing. Antonio looked terrified. Ludwig was a bit scared as to what Feliciano would do. Feliciano smiled.

"And how is Alfred and Francis? I haven't talked to those two in years. In fact, I haven't seen them at all, not even when I was captured those times."

They were both taken back. Antonio spoke first, slowly and carefully. "Francis is good. He's been saying how he wanted to bring back the Bad Touch Trio again. The three of us could do what we used to without worrying about either of our families. I didn't agree with that, but I did agree that it would be nice to be friends again."

Feliciano smiled sweetly, almost sadly. "That would be nice. You should put that group back together again. You three were a joy to watch. And Gilbert? Do you know how he is?"

"Not really. He still doesn't talk to Francis much after their last fight, but apparently he's been opening up more. Francis said he just seems tired all the time. I said that you seemed the same way."

"Yeah" Feliciano chuckled lightly. "It makes sense. And you, Arthur? How is Alfred?"

Alfred was more cautious. "Good. Arrogant as usual. Still calls me a stupid Brit."

Feliciano chuckled again. "That's very in character. Have you two done anything with each other?"

"A few things. Last week we went to get ice cream for old time's sake."

"Oh? How did that go?"

"The owner still remembered when Alfred threw him across the store and promptly kicked us out. Alfred wanted to throw the whole mafia card, but I told him that that was a really dumb idea."

"Did you ever get your ice cream? I know how much Alfred loves his junk food."

"Yeah, we got it. It was actually more delicious than the ice cream at the shop, being genuine Italian ice cream and all. So we agreed to always go there instead."

"Of course. Anything Italian is always the best. Haven't you figured that out by now Arthur?"

"I'll be sure to remember that from now on."

"How are the other Braginskys?" No one responded. "Oh come on, you guys must have spread dirt to each other. I already know everything you could have said about me, but I'm curious as to what they talked about. I promise that this will only stay between us here. I won't say a word of it to the others."

There was a long silence. Arthur didn't want to say anything. Antonio did, but he wasn't sure if he should. Eventually the silence became unbearable and Antonio burst. "Gilbert wants to ally with us!" Antonio gasped. Arthur glared him down. Feliciano smiled.

"I had a feeling. I thought he was thinking this because I had been thinking the same thing." This came as a shock to everyone, especially Ludwig. Ludwig had figured this whole time that Feliciano was scared of Gilbert, still hated him. But now he wanted to be allies? It didn't make sense.

"Why would you think that?" Arthur asked, his guard now completely down.

"Because this has been going on for a year. With the Savages now out and about for this long they're most likely threatening the Braginsky family as much as, if not more than, us. Lately I had been thinking about how sick I was of all this, how I wished we could all just settle our disputes and get over it, how much easier it would be if we could just get together and take the Savages out like we were in a unified family." Feliciano closed his eyes as if he were dreaming. "It's comforting to know that Gilbert had been thinking the same thing, even though it will probably not happen." Feliciano opened his eyes and smiled at the two in front of him. "Thank you both very much for your time. If that's all, then you may go. And Antonio?" Antonio looked up at Feliciano. "If you want, you can go tell either Francis or Gilbert what I said. I don't mind."

Antonio smiled and nodded in response. Feliciano stood up, bowing his head- their signal to go. Antonio and Arthur both respectfully tipped their hats and walked out of his office. Feliciano walked behind his desk and organized a few things before settling down. Ludwig slowly came out of the closet. Kiku walked up to Feliciano's desk. Kiku was the first to speak.

"So?"

Feliciano looked up, surprised as if he had forgotten that there would still be people there. "Huh?"

"So what shall we do now?"

"Oh... Hm. Do what you want. Both of you are dismissed. Stay or go as you please. I think I'll just shift through my things for a while." Meaning, Kiku knew but Ludwig didn't, seeing what people he had that would still be loyal. He wanted to check and possibly double check all the pieces he had. What pawns he could move, and which he couldn't. All in anticipation of a possibly soon to come battle. Which was, everyone knew, inevitable. The Savages weren't ones to wait this long so patiently. Feliciano needed to make sure he was prepared for everything. Kiku decided it was best to leave him alone, but not yet.

"What do you wish me to do?"

"Whatever you want. I don't care."

"Don Feliciano. I mean what do you want me to do with this newly required information?" Feliciano understood and finally looked up.

"Spread it around. Not all of it, but just enough to make sure everyone remembers who their leader is."

"Wakarimashita. I understand." Kiku liked doing things like that for Feliciano. It was interesting to see people's reactions when they hear that their leader is back in business. With a bow, Kiku was off, leaving Feliciano and Ludwig alone. Feliciano was going over some financial reports that Roderich had recently turned in to him. He had again forgotten that there was still someone in the room with him, and began to hum softly an old Italian tune. It sounded quite sad to Ludwig; like an old church hymn that was sung when someone died. But still, Feliciano smiled when he hummed it, probably bringing back some memories he didn't often think about. Realizing Feliciano wouldn't notice his presence any time soon, and that there was nothing more to talk about, Ludwig quietly stole out of the office, carefully closing it behind him. He stood on the other side of the door for a while, just listening to Feliciano's serenading voice humming that sad song.

Although Ludwig knew it wouldn't last long, for now there was peace.

So... I actually don't have much to say about specific things in the chapter, so I guess I'll just talk.

Like I said before, it took me forever to finish the chapter (Gomen'nasai) but I had fun writing it. I was sick the whole weekend and although I had TONS of homework (IB. It sucks so freaking bad) I really didn't want to do it because I felt so horrible, so that's when I was going through my stories. I was reading another one (which so far only I know about, but I might post it. Not sure. It's a Homestuck one. And yes, I do read and write fanfictions on Homestuck. Hussie is a genius) and suddenly got this awesome idea for this chapter, so I quickly found it and re-wrote the chapter, making it amazing.

I'm listing all these reasons, but all I hear coming out of my own mouth is "I didn't upload for a year, I got sick and procrastinated on my homework, and here we are!" But hey, at least I'm finally uploading it, huh? I wonder what you all must think of me? I mean be honest, what do you picture me as? I know when I see people's work or only know they're personality, I'm always picturing certain things. Especially with singers. And then I see what they really look like, and I was totally off. I'm curious as to what you guys think of me? Probably you're average creeper (France rape face anyone? Did anyone imagine me being a total creeper like France while writing this story?)

Anyways, I love you all! I will be attempting to upload more often, but with homework it may not come so quick. Still, I'll write as much as I can! Have a great day and thank you everyone for sticking with me this long! I love you 3

Don't forget to follow if you enjoyed! You don't have to though. I kind of just said that cause I watch a lot of YouTube :P

Anyways, bye guys! It's been awesome writing for you again!