Hello everyone! After much contimplation and consultation with my beta, I have decided to end this story here. Later, I may add an epilogue, though. Anyways, enjoy this chapter and let me know if you have criticism.

Chapter 11

Antonio had hardly spoken to Lovino since that night. It hurt to be away from him, but it hurt even more to see him upset. He hadn't been actively avoiding him per say, but he had given Lovino jobs where he wouldn't be near him. When he wasn't acting as the ship's captain, he was locked in his room. Nobody said anything, but it was obvious that they knew something had happened.

He let out a sigh as he looked down at the papers in front of him. His mind had wondered off once again and Antonio knew that this futile attempt at work was pointless. For the past two weeks, he had known it. That night played over in his mind refusing to let him think of anything else. The feeling of Lovino so close, the moment that their lips had touched, the look on Lovino's face as he ran away, everything.

Antonio stood and realized just how stiff he felt. Ordinarily, he would be running around giving orders and making sure that everything was working properly. The Spaniard was not suited for sitting at a desk. Perhaps a walk across the ship would help. There was a chance he would run into the Italian, but he couldn't avoid him forever, nor did he want to.

He made his way to the deck and was surprised to see just how empty the ship was. Of course, he had known that it was night, but he hadn't realized that it was quite so late. Antonio shivered as a rather large gust of wind hit him. Despite how hot it could be during the day, the night was brutal.

Subconsciously, he drifted towards the spot that he had found Lovino stargazing so many times before. Not only had they spent hours talking there, but it was also the one place that they had shared a kiss.

Part of him hoped to find Lovino there, but part of him still regretted leaving his quarters in the first place. Who knew what would happen if they ran into each other? It was difficult to be so close to something you wanted so desperately, but not be able to have it.

His heart sank a little when he saw that nobody was there. Antonio slowly walked over and sat against the wall. He spent a short time just staring up at the stars and taking in the peaceful night. After a while, his eyes grew heavy and he found himself drifting off. However, before he could get into too deep of a sleep, he heard loud, familiar footsteps. His eyes flew open and he looked up to find Lovino staring at him.

"I should get back to work," Antonio said as he hastily stood up.

Lovino didn't say anything as he began to walk away. Instead, he stood with balled fists and a look that combined frustration and hurt. It wasn't until Antonio had made his way past him, that he finally spoke.

"Do you hate me?" Lovino's voice was shaky and weak. It was a far cry from the confident tone he usually used.

"Oh, Lovi," Antonio said turning to face him. "I could never-"

"Then why are you avoiding me?" Lovino's voice was sharp as he cut him off. The pained expression he wore broke Antonio's heart. "And don't say that you weren't because we both know that you were."

Antonio wasn't sure what to say. Of course, he had played this scenario over and over in his head, but this was nowhere near what he had thought would happen. He couldn't say anything, he couldn't do anything.

"Fine." Lovino finally said. Unlike before, when he would shout and swear and do whatever he could to hide how he truly felt, this time he held no expression what so ever. He didn't meet Antonio's gaze and he didn't try to move. "I'm sick of fighting myself. I'm sick of feeling like nobody cares about what happens to me. I'm sick of all of this. Don't talk to me or do, but I can't lie to myself anymore."

Antonio stood for a couple moments unsure of what to do. He attempted to speak, but the words wouldn't come. There was so much he wanted to say, but his body refused to obey his commands.

"I'm sorry," he started when his mouth finally caught up with his brain. "I'm such a fool. I just didn't know what to do. You ran away, Lovino. You rejected me."

"I was, I mean, I…" Lovino's face flushed and Antonio realized that he had misread what had happened. A soft smile made its way onto his face and grabbed Lovino's face, gently raising his head so that their eyes were locked on each other.

"It's ok to be afraid," Antonio said. "In fact, I'll gladly admit that I'm terrified. I'm terrified that you'll run away again and I won't get you back. I'm terrified that something will happen to you. I'm terrified of what other people think of me. I'm terrified about what you think of me."

Lovino stared at him for just a second before pulling away. He crossed his arms and looked away like he always did when he was flustered. "Who said I was scared, Bastard?"

Antonio couldn't help but laugh as the old Lovino returned. When Lovino punched him, his laugh grew even stronger.

"Stop laughing," Lovino said attempting to glare, but he couldn't manage that as a smile broke out on his face.

Antonio's heart lept when he heard the Italian's laugh. It felt like he hadn't heard it in forever. He was reminded about the times that they had spent just sitting with each other and looking up at the stars. He hadn't realized how much those times had meant to him. He sat down against the wall and looked up at the sky.

"Hermosas, ¿no?" Lovino said before sitting next to Antonio and leaning his head on the other man.

Antonio chuckled remembering the conversation that they had a year ago. He wrapped his arm around Lovino's shoulder before looking down at Lovino and smiling. "Si, muy hermoso."

Hermosas, ¿no? (Spanish)- Beautiful, aren't they? (Referring to the stars)

Si, muy hermoso. (Spanish)- Yes, very beautiful. (Referring to Lovino)

Thank you for reading this and giving me all of support you have. I'd like to thank my beta, Mrs. Stockholm, for being awesome and helping me make this the best story possible. Next, I will be working on Gilbert and Elizabeta's story.