AN: Damn, it's been over a month already since my last update on this? Oops...sorry, guys. I know, you all hate me for the long wait. I just had no inspiration for the characters with it being summer, and now I'm back in school and back around the other dubs that we still have. And I learned something today! Our Prussia rides my bus! Him and his sister! I'm in chorus with his sister. She's become our Denmark, since the one at my church is homeschooled and we do so many cosplay things at school. Then Norway's boyfriend, Brandon, got dubbed as Estonia. We finally have one of the Baltics! It's awesome! Also, my brother, who is the group's Greece by his own choice, is a Freshman this year, and is in JROTC. No offense to any other RO kids, but it's kinda nice to have my brother being an army brat, because that means that I don't have to keep an eye on him. Dear God, I had dreaded that so much.

But, America, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Romano, Spain, and Russia have graduated. It's kinda sad. I miss them! And then the others just broke apart and everything after that. So..we have to start gathering again and get back to normal.

Also, guys, just to get you guys caught up and stuff, just so you know what's been going on outside of this. I have relapsed again, I'm all right now, though. I went camping this past labor day weekend with the family and got the living shit beat out of me, so I'm sore as fuck. I know I'll seem a bit off for a while. It's just all crazy right now. I've been considering going back to therapy or some sort, but I dunno. Any opinions..or alternative ideas? That WON'T get me put in foster care. Dani and Luke already told me they'd be taking me in if things kept up like they've been going..but I just need a guiding bit of advice. I don't know who else to talk to about this stuff. *EDIT* Luke and Dani have taken me in, as of last week. It's been a nice change.

To Those Who Reviewed:

ThatRandomReview: Just a bit.

ItalyAllday: Thanks! I'll have to check it out soon!

Spamano4ever: Indeed...

Guest: Yeah, it's understandable. Just find a focus for yourself, and it'll get easier, I promise. And I'm always here if you need someone to talk to! And thanks!

ChocoDonut: Not really. I just try to be. And yes, it's completely normal.

Enjoy!

Antonio was beyond worried. Lovino, who'd become much less snappish towards everyone, had slipped right back into snapping at everyone that morning. Gilbert had gotten snapped at as soon as they headed out to school and had given the Italian a searching look, but remained silent.

Feliciano was the first to speak up on the topic once they were all seated at lunch. "Fratello?"

Lovino looked up at Feliciano curiously, eyes glowing with a dark fire that told him to tread carefully.

Feliciano frowned. "Why are you being snappish again?"

Lovino shook his head. "I just didn't sleep well, 's all."
"You haven't slept well in a while."Antonio pointed out. "What's going on?"

Lovino shrugged. "Nothing."
"Are you letting your thoughts get out of hand again, mon ami?"Francis asked.

Lovino rolled his eyes. "Of course not!"he snapped.
Matthew sighed. "Okay, this isn't working. Lovino, what the hell is wrong?"

Lovino glared at Matthew for a moment before he huffed and looked away.

Raivis shared a look with Toris before he spoke. "Is your past still bothering you, Lovi?"

Lovino looked up and met Raivis's eyes before he sighed and looked back down. But what the two had seen in the Italian's eyes told them that, yes, the past was still bothering Lovino. And it was getting worse.

Antonio noticed as well because he spoke. "Lovi..can I speak with you in private?"
Lovino's flinch worried the others, including Antonio, who stood.

Lovino got up as well and allowed Antonio to lead him off to the side of the cafeteria.

Toris sighed. "Poor guy. He had it the worst, and he's still not willing to let someone help him for a change."he grumbled.

Feliciano frowned. "'Toni will talk him into letting someone help. Eventually."

"I hope you're right, Feli."Gilbert muttered.

Antonio was careful to keep his voice soft as he spoke. "Lovi, listen to me, angel.."

"Don't call me angel,"

Antonio ignored it and continued. "If you're still having nightmares and stuff, you need to let someone know. Because..we're all worried about you..and I've seen people like you before..who keep themselves together just long enough to get away from everyone and then they just fall to pieces, to the point they can't be repaired..and I don't want that to happen to you. I love you too much to watch something like that happen to you."

Lovino met his gaze for the barest moment before he sighed. "No..it's not really the past..it's just..I got to thinking last night about what's going to happen in the coming years because it's already all I can do to keep Feli and me alive without being dependant. And I guess I got stressed out about it."

Antonio nodded in understanding. "And before last night?"
"Nightmares,"Lovino admitted. "But not about the past. About the future. What if I lose Feli? Because once Feli and me are eighteen, then we're really on our own and I've seen this happen to people before..they try caring for their siblings after something happening with their family and I just don't want to lose my fratellino."

Antonio gave a soft, understanding smile. "You won't."he promised, pressing a soft kiss to Lovino's cheek.

By the end of the week, Lovino was alright again. Friday evening on their way home from school, it started raining on them. Lovino tensed up and froze for a moment before laughing softly and continuing his conversation with Antonio.

The Spaniard grinned at his boyfriend. It was nice to hear him laughing again. The two slowed enough for the others to get far enough ahead that they had their privacy.

Lovino smiled softly. "So.."he said softly.

Antonio pulled him to a stop, causing the Italian to give him a confused look. He only gave a smile in response and leaned down to steal a kiss.

Lovino met his gaze once he pulled back and snorted. "You are so cheezy sometimes. A kiss in the rain."he teased.

"Oh, you love it,"Antonio countered with a smile.

"Of course I do."

By the time the two got back into the house, they were soaked to the bone and shivering, but content and smiling anyways.

Again. Been a long while since an update. Here's the new chapter, about three weeks into the new school year. I'm back around my Hetalia friends, so we'll probably get a bit quicker with updates here eventually. Also..going back to actually watching Hetalia..and catching up with Doctor Who..and finishing Merlin..and waiting for the new seasons of Sherlock, Glee, Supernatural and..eventually, Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary special. So yeah. That's that.