A/N: Like I said lots of car time. As I began this chapter I was actually on my way to my cousin's wedding reception. Congratulations Alex, you are now a happily married man and I wish you the best of luck, laughter and love in life.

Sadly I don't have reviewers for this chapter from the last because well, they were put at the same time. So I'll just say a double thank you to those of you from chapter three. Because you all waited so much longer for chapter four because of my trip, here's a second one to make up for my absence.

So read on chatons read on. And please, enjoy!

Feli did see them again, the next year on Tiberi for the festival. This time with Matthew carrying a three month old baby boy, Wolfram. He saw them the next year after that too, and then back on Kilowe with not only a toddling two year old Wolfram, but his new baby sister Amelia as well. They made a very happy little family, and Gilbert a very proud father.

At seventeen, Feli was beginning to wonder if maybe, just maybe, Ludwig really was gone, and he should start looking for someone new. He had less than a year before his deal with Kiku was up, and he was forced into it. Could it be better to just choose on his own, and at least be with someone he could enjoy, some who could love him and give him a family like that? At current he contemplated these same things as he walked the Docks as the sun set, burning out as the distant waves lapped at it and dragged it down.

Again, he was different that he had been three years ago when he first said goodbye to Gilbert. The golden sun only served to make now warm honey brown eyes drip gold, and his hair had turned curly at the nape of his neck again. He had probably finished growing at a solid five foot eight inches, he wasn't terribly tall, or terribly short, right about average. Kiku had been right when he thought he would end up being a very fine omega. All of the tribes new he had been promised to one of the Taken, as the victims of the attack had come to be called. And there was little doubt if he made it known that he was unattached, he'd have alphas and maybe even betas from all three running for his affections.

But he didn't want just any old alpha. He wanted his Luddy, and that was all he ever wanted. Stopping at the end of the dock, he took his customary place sitting with his feet dangling in the water. He created small swirling currents as he kicked back and forth dragging his toes. The idea of finding a new alpha had never sat well with Feli, but he knew he might have to sooner rather than later. His heats would start soon. Maybe even before the next storm festival when he turned eighteen. He knew he and his brother had been born just days before the annual holiday, so it could happen.

"Hey Feli. What are you doing out here?" A familiar voice asked. He turned halfway around to find Antonio waltzing up to him with a large basket full of fresh fruit on his arm. He looked more like an omega than a beta right then, but he never really cared, he had always been a bit more submissive anyway. He trotted over and sat down next to the other prince with the basket between them. As usual with the beta, it was almost entirely red, ripe, tomatoes. He swore by them. Though he did notice a few oranges, some peaches, a bunch of bananas, and a handful of peppers as well. For variety and cooking's sake.

"Just a watching the sun Tonio. Vee~ And you?" Feli asked looking at him. The two were identical in height, so he didn't have to look up of down.

"Picking up a few things, and I happened to notice you looked kinda down, care to tell me what's wrong mi amigo?" Everyone on the islands spoke different ways, but in most cases you could tell what one meant anyway. Antonio was no different, and Feli happened to know the term meant friend.

"It's a nothing really. Just..." He couldn't help but trail off, but Antonio knew anyway. It wasn't ever terribly hard. Feli could be read like an open book most days. Though there were times when no one could guess what he was thinking.

"Ludwig." He stated simply. The omega made a low hum in his throat, not particularly trusting his voice to it. Seven long years, and no sign anywhere of his promised or those that had taken him. He had stopped telling people that he would return at thirteen. He had stopped searching the island at fifteen. But he had never once quit watching the horizon for a small boat with perhaps a ragged wind torn sail flying.

He could still picture the younger Ludwig in his mind. Soft loving blue eyes, yet determined and fierce when need be, and hair as gold as the first light on the ocean. He used the old features to try and form a vision of what he might look like now. He had always been pale, even with all the time he spent in the sun, so he figured he still would be. He would still have blond hair pulled back by the wind, and eyes as blue as ever. From looking at Gilbert, he guessed that he would be tall, maybe six foot. He had always been built a bit bigger than his brother too, so he pictured him well muscled, but not overly so. He would have a strong square jaw, and broad shoulders, and a bullish strength to match even his Nonno's. Even if he was skinny, tanned, and had mysteriously become brown eyed with black hair he would love him just the same. Ludwig was Ludwig, and that was all that mattered to Feli.

"Hey, you know, if...if you ever think you might try looking for someone new. I, I think I might now someone you might like?" Feli had been so lost in his thoughts that he almost didn't catch Antonio's comment. Someone... he might like? He looked up from the horizon to Antonio curiously. Could he really give up on his true promised returning, and mate another? And if it had to be anyone, someone that his brother's intended knew might be better than any random old alpha. Damn, he was contradicting himself a lot lately, today especially.

"Ve~ Maybe. Wha- uhm what's, what is he like?" He asked facing him entirely, drawing on foot up and put of the water, tucking it under the edge of his other pant leg. Antonio seemed to brighten at the idea that Feli was actually a little interested. And maybe he was, even the omega prince himself was uncertain.

"Well, he is a bit on the flamboyant side, but I promise Francis is a good guy, and just as good looking. He's flirty, and funny, and can be very romantic. He's one of the best navigators a fishing fleet could ask for. He strong, he'd take very good care of you." Antonio spoke very animatedly about his friend, and with high regard apparently. The name wasn't familiar, but he sounded alright to Feli. A good, strong, reliable alpha, someone he could lean on and some who would take him and all his heartache over Ludwig, for he knew he would never get over his first true love. Yes that sounded rather nice to him.

"Well he sounds okay." He said looking down at his lap contemplating this new information. It might be nice, to move on and live life, but he still felt as though he might be betraying his Luddy in doing so. Like he'd be breaking their promise. Antonio could see the uncertainty swirling in his eyes, and watched him glanced back at the horizon. He remembered the day of the attack as well as anyone else did. He had spent the night before playing with Lovi, the day he met his alpha. And the next morning all he remembered was using a spare Tiberi bow to fight alongside him. It was a blurred rush of sounds, stinging scrapes, and whirling bodies that haunted him at night sometimes still. But he doubted it was anything like what Feli must feel thinking about it. The hole in his heart where he must have held Ludwig close was still bleeding for him after all these years.

"Feli. I know it can't be easy, and I'm not going to tell you to just give up on hoping. But I do know one thing. No mater where Ludwig is, he'd want you to be happy, whether it's with him or not." Antonio for all his oblivious care free attitude, had a few good points to him. He often gave advice that seemed beyond his years of experience, and always seemed to know just what to say. But Feli's eyes remained on the distant ocean once again. He would want him to be happy? He would, that sounded just like Ludwig. Maybe, he could give it a try? And see if there was something else for him rather than a life filled with longing.

A gentle breeze picked up off the golden water and brushed their hair back from their faces. Feli smiled softly, a touch of sadness still lingered in his eyes, but understanding and perhaps love shone there too. He could only assume that was Ludwig, wherever he was, telling him it was alright. To let go, but that he would always be waiting with arms wide open if he decided he just couldn't go on without him.

"Hey Tonio, can I meet him, Francis?" The omega asked. Antonio almost couldn't believe what he was hearing. But he smiled. Brightly anyway. This was good, very good, especially for Feli. He didn't have to pick his friend, but it was a step in the right direction.

"Sure, come on, his boat docked almost an hour ago, so he should be up at his place." He said as he picked up his basket once again and stood, stretching and arching back. He offered a hand to the omega prince with his usual care free smile in place. Feli's smile softened to a friendly one and he took the offer and let Antonio pull him up. The two were dead even in height, same as Feli and Lovi were.

"Come on, he lives just south of the Docks, third level." There were only three levels to the tree top community's homes, unless you counted the forest floor. But no one actually lived there for fear of flooding during storms. And there was no forth level above because the branches up there were too young. Maybe by the time Feli was an old man there would be the beginnings of a fourth level in the trees.

Feli fallowed Antonio willingly, just a half mile south and up into the trees, and from there, another quarter mile back into the jungle. The house the green eyed beta pointed out was modest is size, with the trap door in the floor leading inside and every window curtain thrown wide open. The lithe beta easily scaled the rope ladder hanging down to the second level deck they walked on and up into the home without invitation. Feli thinking he must've known this Francis well enough to be allowed to let himself in fallowed with little more than a shrug.

"Oh Francis! I've got someone here to meet you!" Antonio called as he poked his head up through the floor. They had entered a main room, with several cushion piled about and a black jungle cat skin laid out of the floor. Antonio helped pull Feliciano up onto the floor as foot steps sounded down a hall to the left. There was a corner so he couldn't see exactly who was coming yet, but he would soon.

"Someone for me to meet? If zey 'it me like your Lovino did Cher I'm a not gonna be happy Antonio." The voice was smooth, and sweet, with a funny speech pattern that although strange, suited the tenor level. The face that accompanied it as he rounded the corner and emerged also fit quite well. Francis had long chin length wavy blond hair, and blond stubble along his chin, in a tasteful way though. Dazzling dark blue eyes looked slightly startled to see him standing almost awkwardly beside Antonio. He was taller than him by a good three inches, but not quite Gilbert's height, and built strong but lean. And the scent that drifted around him, was most definitely that of a strong alpha. His current attire consisted of dark blue knee length pants, and a maroon colored vest, rare colors, but simple fabrics of cotton and thin leather.

"Well chaton you certainly did bring me someone new, zough for a second I zought you 'ad brought Lovino back. You must be his twin brozer I 'eard about." He said holding his hand out to shake. His eyes had lost the startled look from before and now were warm and inviting. Feli took the offered appendage, but instead of shaking it, the alpha lowered his head and brought his hand up to press a kiss to his knuckles. Flirty and flamboyant indeed.

"Francis, alpha of Bonnefoy house." He said against the sanative skin of his hand while looking up at him. Feli felt his cheeks heat up with a faint dusting of pink. In just the first minute of meeting him this alpha was trying to woo him.

"Feliciano, royal omega of Vargas house." It wasn't often Feli used his full title, he usually just introduced himself as just Feli and nothing more. It helped people to treat him like an ordinary omega rather than the prince he was. But since Francis had given him his full title, he felt compelled to do the same for once.

"I figured. You are everyzing anyone has ever said about you cher, adorable. Now please, come in, I can only assume zat you came to chat for awhile hm?" He said stepping out of the way to usher them into the hall. However as Feli moved to step forward he suddenly felt his ankle giving out under him and falling backward. He hopped trying to regain his balance and footing but ended up on the edge of the still open trap door. He began tumbling backwards through the opening.

He knew of mothers who grieved over children who fell from one level to the next. It could kill, or at least severely injure and probably cripple. It happened to grown men and women too on occasion, particularly young love struck couples who were so caught up in each other that they didn't look where they were going. He wondered briefly if he wouldn't be seeing Ludwig soon in the after life and join him as another star in the night sky for people to morn.

But he never hit the ground, or even the next level down. He never felt his head hit the edge of the trap door on the way down. In fact he felt wrapped in a strong and warm embrace. Had it all happened so fast and painlessly that he was already in Ludwig's arms? He slowly opened his honey eyes to see the bamboo ribbed roof of Francis's house. And that embrace? He was being held close to Francis's chest, one strong arm wrapped around his back and his waist, the other held tightly to his head. As Francis stepped back and away from the door he took Feli lightly with him, the boy's feet not quite working again yet.

Antonio hurriedly flipped the door down and shut it tight so that they wouldn't have to worry about that again. He looked paler than usual, probably in shock of seeing his friend nearly tumble to his death. Wth the door taken care of he fallowed Francis as he half carried him to the pile of cushions and set him down in them. Feli shakily sat back, still unsure of exactly what had happened himself, only knowing that he wants those arms back around him.

"Are you alright Feli? You gave us quite a scare. What happened cher, come on tell us." Francis said he slipped down and rewrapped his arms around the trembling omega. Feli turned into Francis's chest once again and reached up latching onto his neck to to hurry his face in his shoulder.

"I-I don't know. I just, l-locked up." He stuttered. Francis gently stroked his hair back from his eyes, soothing him some. it was very unusual for him indeed. Feli was among the quickest and most nimble of the Maykelo hunters. He had never 'just locked up', or taken a near tumble lime that. Granted he could be clumsy sometimes but that was usually on the ground level, where there were things to trip over. He made a mental note to see Kiku when he left, though that wouldn't be for a few hours, he was content enough to stay in Francis's embrace.

"Its alright Cher. Hey Antonio, zere's some fresh cut fruit in a bowl in ze next room, can you go get it?" The blond alpha asked looking up at his beta friend. With a nod he swept from the room on light feet and disappeared into the hall. Francis turned his attention back to the omega prince in his arms and hey gently pulled his back to look him in the eye. His pupils were wide blown black holes with just the thinnest ring of honey amber still around them.

"Come now cherie, you're still in shock, deep breaths Feliciano." He said bringing his face up to really look him over. Feli closed his eyes slowly, and tried to slow his yet shallow breathing. He focused solely on the in and out of his breath, the expansion of his chest. As it evened out he settled more and leaned back against Francis's locked hand behind his shoulders.

"Here you go." Antonio called as he returned with a carved wooden bowl in hand. He passed it over to Francis as he took a seat on the other side of Feli in the pile. Francis held the bowl in one hand in front of him while the other remained in between his shoulder blades.

"Here, try and eat a little, it'll help bring your color back." He picked up a piece of what Feli assumed was mango and held it out to him. Well the gods knew, if there was one thing he loved more than fresh pineapple it was mango. So he picked through the bowl for more after that first offered bite and was pleased to find quote a bit of it.

As he sat quietly eating Francis and Antonio began to chat about their days and what had happened since they had last gotten together. As it happened Francis and Gilbert had been rather good friends along with Antonio since they were little. A real hell raising bunch, always causing trouble. They chatted, Feli tossing in his two cents every now and again until things turned towards Antonio's relationship with his brother. Then he began rapidly talking about their younger days as children. From the earliest memories, of stumbling around Gladiator's big feet, to when they began loosing their baby teeth at five. He smiled at each memory, the grins getting bigger and bigger until he was rolling into Francis's arms with gut wrenching laughter.

Antonio could not remember having ever heard so genuine a sound coming from the omega's mouth. It was so happy, and light. He had only gotten to know Feli after Ludwig had been taken, and therefore, he knew the most depressed and lethargic side of him. He had never heard him laugh so brightly, or smile at all really, unless Gilbert was around. He had latched onto him first, but with that life line to his lost love out of reach now too, he hadn't seemed even vaguely in the slightest bit happy at all.

Antonio did not take Feli home that night. Not to say that he never made it home, no it was just very late or very early when he did. Francis walked with him to his home on the other side of the village, where his Nonno waited worriedly on the front deck. He explained what had happened, and Romulus thanked him for taking such good care of his grandson. One could see a glimmer of hope yet in the old man's eyes in the torch light. As they disappeared inside for the night and Francis returned to his home, no one seemed to notice one very important thing.

It was the first time since the Storm Festival Attack that Feli had not watched the sun completely go down, and return home with a saddened frown.

A/N: So we get some character development for Antonio, and have completed the BTT. As I end this chapter on the night of the fourth of July I say happy birthday to myself for the third, happy birthday to America, and I say goodbye to one of the best friends I have ever known. My old buddy Ryan died on the morning of the fourth drowning under a waterfall near his house in Virginia. He was incredibly smart, he read and solved college algebra problems at 7 and 8 years old. I swore I would marry him at 5, and though that infatuation died when I was 11 the love of a good friend never did. So in his memory and honor I will dedicate this chapter and maybe the rest of this story to him.

He is a lost love now too.