AN: Hey.

Sorry, guys. I meant to update yesterday, but I was sick all day. Anyway, here's the new chapter.

To those who reviewed:

Spamano4ever: Yeah, Lovi is having fun.. I can just see him growing up playing Pokemon.

Canadian Hero: I'm glad you like the story! And sure, I will be sure to do that as soon as I can get to a point where I can kinda pull them in!

Hope you enjoy!

The following morning, Lovino found himself nearly being tackled in a hug.

He glanced up to see Antonio there and gave a faint smile. "Ciao, Toni."he greeted, letting the spaniard draw him into a tight hug.

It was only then that Antonio noticed the guitar resting on Lovino's lap. He raised an eyebrow. "What were you playing?"

Lovino shrugged. "Nothing, really."he murmured.

Antonio nodded and watched as Lovino went back to fixing the tuning on his guitar. As soon as he had that done, he started playing.

Matthew smiled at the song.

Lovino grinned at them before he started singing as well.

"Don't give up, don't give in, don't let go cause you'll see in the end if you stay the course, it'll all be worth it, I promise, I promise. Keep your eyes right on me, don't look down. If you let me I'll be all the strength you need if you stick with me 'til then, it'll work out in the end."

The group ended up joking around until they had to head to first block. Antonio walked with Lovino to his class again, swinging their interlinked hands.

By lunch, they had all settled into a normal routine again. Lovino relaxed back against Antonio as they sat at their normal table. It had been a while since the group had seen the moody italian so at ease in school.

As such, nobody really wanted to mess with him.

It was only when Alfred and Arthur sat down, in the middle of a conversation, that Lovino really started getting involved.

The american made some comment about heros. Lovino shared a look with the others before he spoke. "Not the hero talk again.."he grumbled.

Alfred frowned at Lovino. "..what?"he asked.

Lovino shook his head. "Do you even know what a real hero is?"he asked.

Alfred blinked before shrugging.

Lovino nodded and spoke softly. "A hero is someone who helps others, despite image or their own safety. Berwald is one, he's always looking after Tino and the other nordics, placing himself right in the line of fire."

Matthew nodded and spoke. "There's a quote that I've found online somewhere - a real hero is someone who gets up even when he can't. By Jared Leto, I believe."

Lovino smiled faintly and Matthew and nodded.

Alfred thought it over before he nodded in understanding.

After that, things settled back down quite a bit.

Once school was let out, the group headed to the community center to hang out.

They ended up just goofing off for the longest time before the nordic group got there.

Lovino laughed lightly as he watched the group interact.

Antonio chuckled, drawing Lovino to him again.

They both understood one thing - this group was definitely a lot like family to them.

Lovino's smile didn't fade for a while. He was content to be with the group. After all, in some way, they were all outcasts at school. They understood each other due to that.

I know it's short! I'm sorry. I'll try to post a longer chapter soon!