Before I get any further I just want to thank everyone who has reviewed, followed, or Favorited this story. I am probably one of the most self conscious people you will ever meet and it means a lot to know that someone is enjoying my story. Thank you for reading it.

There's a bit of angst in this chapter, sorry. Please, let me know what you think of things so far.

Chapter 8

Lovino didn't even care that it was raining. He needed to get out of the tavern. The whole situation had just served to make him upset and feel even more unimportant than he normally did. Nobody even cared that he was there. In fact, he doubted that they would even notice that he was gone.

Feliciano had spent the entire night talking to that potato eating bastard that Lovino couldn't stand. The way that Ludwig looked at his brother just made him flat out angry. He knew very well that Feliciano liked the German, but Lovino couldn't help but hate him. He was going to take his brother away and Lovino would never see him again. Not only that, but he was one of the few people that could actually hurt Feliciano.

On top of that, Antonio had completely ignored him. The bastard was so busy with his idiotic friends that he neglected to even notice that Lovino had stormed out of the place. Not that it mattered. At least, that's what he told himself. Lovino didn't care what Antonio did. After all, it was clear that Antonio didn't care what Lovino did.

A tear streamed down his face, mixing instantly with the rain. Who was he kidding? Nobody would ever like him. He was doomed to forever be the unwanted one. He didn't know why he had even gotten his hopes up. Antonio was no different than the others.

He stopped and turned to face the wall. In a swift movement, he pulled his arm back and punched it with all of the force he could muster. At least, that's what he had intended to do. However, before his fist could make contact with hard brick, he felt a strong hand grab his arm.

"What ever did the wall do to deserve that?" Antonio said from behind him.

Lovino heart stopped for just a moment as he felt the Spaniard turn him around gently to face him. His face felt warm as he realized just how close he was to the other man. They stood for what seemed like an eternity just staring into each other's eyes before Antonio brought him into a hug.

Lovino let himself fall into the man's comforting embrace. His senses went into overdrive as the rest of the world melted away. He could smell the spicy scent that seemed to follow the man everywhere and his nerves tingled slightly in response to the arms wrapped around him.

Antonio's voice was barely even a whisper as he spoke. "Don't ever do that again. Pensé…" his voice broke off and Lovino realized that he was crying. "I thought that they had taken you. I thought for sure… Dios mío…"

Lovino pulled away and looked at Antonio's face with wide eyes. "Antonio, what's happening?" Something was definitely not right. He had never seen the Spaniard cry before.

"I don't have time to explain, we have to get back to the Calista." He grabbed Lovino's hand and pulled him along the street in the direction of the ship.

Lovino didn't protest, but his legs felt weak and his heart beat faster. Something was really wrong. Thoughts of everything that could be happening flooded through his head. He stopped as one of the worst possibilities dawned on him.

"Where's Feliciano?" He couldn't keep the panic from rising in his voice.

"He's fine. Gilbert took him to his ship," Antonio said looking around the corner for any potential dangers.

The street, it seemed, was clear as he was once again pulled forwards. They ran into the next alleyway, only to be greeted by the sound of heavy boots running in their direction. The sound sent Lovino into a panic, but Antonio's hand only gripped his tighter.

"Lovi," he said. The tone in his voice made Lovnio's heart stop, but this time it was for an entirely different reason.

"No," he said. He knew what was coming next and he didn't want to hear it.

"You need to get back to the ship. Tell the men to leave as soon as you get there." As he spoke, he released Lovino's hand and pulled out his sword.

Lovino shook his head as tears streamed down his face. "You can't," he choked out. "I won't let you."

Antonio only gave him a sad smile before turning his back to Lovino. "Go!" he said in the firm voice he only used to give commands to his crew. Before Lovino could protest any further, the Spaniard disappeared around the corner. It didn't take long for the sounds of clashing metal and gunshots to reach his ears.

He couldn't breathe. He knew he had to move, but his legs seemed to forget how to. How could the bastard do this? It was stupid and foolish. Every part of him screamed to go and help, but he knew that if he did that, he would only get in the way. So instead, he forced himself to take one step and then another in the opposite direction. He ran towards the dock, hating Antonio for sacrificing himself and hating himself even more for listening to his orders.

Pensé… (Spanish)- I thought…

Dios mío (Spanish)- My God

Please don't despair too much, I promise it will get better.