Dear Francis,

It is with a heavy heart that I decide to write this email. Over these past few months, you have become…a great friend to me; this, and so much more. But I am afraid that I cannot continue to communicate with you. My life has simply become too stressful to go on with this, as nice as it has been. This experience, and you, have taught me more than I ever could have hoped. I am truly grateful for all you have done for me. Do not think that I don't care about you greatly – it is because I care about you that I am doing this. I hope that someday, you may be able to understand. And when you do, I hope that you will be able to forgive me. Goodbye, my friend, and thank you.

- Vado

"Antoniooooo…" Francis whined, sprawled out on his friend's bed. "What do I do…he's so perfect, I just want to see him…"

Antonio sighed softly, smiling at Francis weakly. "Well, some people just aren't comfortable with meeting people they met on the internet in real life!" he said. "I bet your friend Vado is like that. He's probably the shy type." These words didn't seem to ease Francis's sadness though, and the other man rolled into Antonio's lap.

"But it's not fair," Francis said, pouting. "I want to see him. I like him."

At this, Antonio laughed softly and shook his head, smiling down at Francis. "That's funny Francis. Come on, it isn't that bad—"

"I'm serious, Antonio!" They both fell silent, Antonio meeting Francis's eyes as he cleared his throat. "I mean it. I like him…I like him a lot."

The Spaniard folded his hands in his lap. He knew Francis was telling him this in confidence, but…he also knew who Vado really was. He knew what was at stake, both for Francis and Lovino. For Francis to be so…open about his real feelings, ones that were beyond simple infatuation, showed him just how serious his friend was. "Are…are you sure you mean that?" he said stupidly, at a loss for anything else. He could feel his heart sink when he saw Francis nod.

"I think I'm falling for him, Antonio. I'm falling in love with a man I've never met, and it seems strange, but I feel this…connection with him. I haven't met a person like this since…a long time," he said quickly, though they both knew what Francis was thinking. "I just want to see him once. And then I won't say anything about it ever again, but…please, Antonio, tell me what to do. Give me some advice?" Francis smiled half-heartedly, and Antonio could feel his heart breaking. What could he say to that?

"I think…I-I think if you want to try and see him just once, that's fine," he said weakly, forcing himself to smile. It was a lose-lose situation; if Francis saw Lovino his heart would break and they would stop speaking, but if Lovino continued talking to Francis without seeing him they would both be upset about this for another human lifespan. "Just be careful," he managed, looking away as he saw Francis checking his phone for emails, the small 'ding' of the phone alerting him to one new.

"Ah! One from Vado!" Francis said, smiling brightly. "You know, he hasn't replied since we were supposed to meet, and I was…worried about…"

The sentence died before Francis could finish it, and Antonio looked to him with concern – Francis's eyes were now locked on his phone, tears building in them. Antonio peered over his shoulder to see the message, his face falling when he saw what was there. What was Lovino doing? And now, of all times? He hadn't known, but…Francis was in love with him, and to end their communications with one single email seemed a bit cold. Even for what it was…

And now Francis was crying silently, knees pulled to his chest and face buried in them as he shoved his phone aside. Antonio could do nothing but put an arm around him, whispering quiet, sad, 'I'm sorry's to him. The other man didn't respond beyond broken sobs and a near vice grip on Antonio's hand, almost tight enough to break his bones. He didn't care, knowing Francis's pain was a thousand times worse than what he would feel if that did happen.

Antonio wondered if, somewhere in Italy, Lovino was crying too.

(AN:

"Guest chapter 3 . Feb 2

I'm giving up on this story it's been forever since you updated :( I'm sorry I'm so impatient but please update soon"

This is a review I got. Don't send reviews like this. This is a bit rude, considering it had been two weeks from my update when I got this. I have a life outside writing.

But thank you to those of you who are polite and leave kind reviews. I'm posting this as a very short chapter because school is starting and I'm going to have to pause work on this story until things even out, but I wanted to let you all know. Thank you.)