Chapter 2
Italy sighed happily as he skipped jovially towards a small restaurant. He had agreed to meet up with Japan and Germany for lunch and he couldn't be happier to have his two best friends together again.
He hummed softly to himself and pushed the door open searching frantically for his friends. Feliciano had arrived a few minutes late on purpose. He knew his friends and predicted both would be early, or at least Germany would be. As much as he wanted to be friends with him again he didn't think he could face him alone, nor did he think Alfred would appreciate it.
Finally his eyes locked onto two familiar figures sitting across from one another in a booth. The Italian nation smiled softly to himself noticing the two were already locked in what looked like an intense conversation. Could neither of them lighten up over some coffee?
Feliciano felt almost bad striding over and interrupting the conversation with a cheerful. "Kiku! Ludwig!" The two turned towards him with identical looks of shocked confusion. Italy felt his stomach drop, were they not happy to see him? "Um," his voice dulled. "Ciao, it's so wonderful to see you two again!"
Japan stood up and Italy stared him down, feeling a wave of uncertainty and guilt hit him like a heat wave. He had never known anything but kindness, if a stern hand from the Japanese man. But people changed, was Japan going to yell at him? Would he hit him? The Italian flinched, preparing for the worst.
Feliciano gasped as Kiku advanced and enveloped the brunette in a tight hug. The Italian stood frozen for a moment before his face broke out into a bright smile and returned the hug, surprised and delighted at Japan's uncharacteristic affection. Italy had on many occasions attempted to hug his smaller friend to be denied by Japan's awkwardness and general displeasure at being touched. The two nations were complete opposites when it came to public displays of affection. Japan was never comfortable showing any skin, or touching, or anything of that kind in public or otherwise. Italy, honestly just didn't care. He showed the world how he felt towards the people he loved. Why be ashamed?
So, the Italian nation was more than happy to return the hug enthusiastically pulling his friend closer, very relieved. "I missed you so much!" Italy giggled, squeezing Japan a little tighter before he released him, his smile refusing to leave his face. "I thought you were going to hit me! You both looked at me and I thought you hated me-"
"Feliciano, you and Ludwig are my closest friends. War does not change that." Italy felt tears begin to collect in his eyes. He didn't deserve such wonderful friends.
"I'm sorry about being so distant." Italy sighed, trying to ignore the burning behind his eyes as he smiled brightly at Japan. "I guess I was afraid that you would hit me, or hate me and that was so stupid. I'm so sorry Kiku!"
"It's alright Feliciano, I understand." Italy felt the urge to hug his friend once more, but resisted. The first one was most likely just a one-time event that the Italian nation would always forever keep clutched closely to his heart.
Italy's smile widened and his gaze fell on Germany. The blond nation was looking on with a serene smile and warmth in his eyes the Italian hadn't seen in years. It brought a familiar swooping sensation to his chest, he missed his friends so much... Feli was already running the events over in his head, trying to file the moment completely untarnished in his memory for eternity.
The Italian nation sat down next to Japan, who was now looking a little embarrassed. "M-my apologies Feliciano." That was more like the old Japan.
Italy waved the apology off politely and smiled happily at the two countries. "So, what were you two talking about?" He asked, sweetly.
Germany coughed awkwardly and his face broke out into a light red. Italy turned wide-eyed to Japan, but the older nation was looking away. Pain pricked his heart, he knew those looks. Neither of them was ever good at lying to him. His smile slipped off his face and his whole figure drooped, a familiar ashamed weight settled in his chest, it hurt. Already he could feel walls beginning to build between him and the other two. The same emotional buriers that had kept him away for so long, the same feeling that took Alfred so long to melt away. In short, it was the reason this meeting had been delayed for so long. A feeling only America knew how to break with the smallest touch and the fewest words.
It was obvious to him what they had been discussing. It couldn't have been more obvious to him if they had come out and said it. They were talking about him, or Romano, or America, or someone he loved they didn't like or approve of. He hoped it was about him, then they could just fix it and be done, but something told him that wasn't the case. Italy wanted to be brave and stand up for them, but he didn't want anyone upset. Making a big deal out of things only left people hurt. He would play oblivious even if it hurt.
"Never mind," He said quickly, his smile back full-force, trying to pass it off as something he wasn't very interested in. He quickly racked his brains for a topic, any topic that didn't involve war, or him and America. He had never had a harder time talking in his life. "How are you?" he asked Japan. "I feel like we haven't talked in forever!"
And so the painfully polite conversation began. Feli didn't want to talk about himself, he had spent a lot of his time either moping or with America. He doubted either wanted to hear about that. So he focused the conversation on them, trying to remain as cheerful as possible.
But both nations were acting as though they were at a business meeting, neither was talking freely. Everything they said seemed carefully rehearsed and none of it sounded completely legitimate. Italy wrestled with the urge to huff in frustration; they didn't have to be so polite!
"Are you alright Feliciano?" Germany asked, and his eyes went wide with confusion.
"Of course! Today is so happy!" He forced himself to smile once again, he didn't realize this would be so hard. Wishing very much that Alfred was here, the Italian tried to think of something less seldom. He thought of America's bright smile and the way his eyes glittered behind his glasses. Suddenly his expression was no longer quite so pained. He opened his now shining eyes to stare happily at Ludwig. "Can we talk about something happy?"
"Uh, ja sure." Germany stammered, and Italy knew it was time to take control of the conversation.
"I heard that Gilbert came home the other day! How is he?" Feli asked cheerfully, his face still turned in a bright smile.
"Much better now that he's home." Germany replied curtly.
The conversation began to be more uplifting as the minutes ticked on. Italy ordered some coffee and he chatted happily with his friends for a good half an hour before-
"So, how are things with you, Feliciano? I haven't been hearing a lot about what has been happening at your home. Is Lovino not at Antonio's house?" Italy knew at once what Japan was asking him about, and he dreaded answering him.
He swallowed, and Germany looked him directly in the eye. He looked expectant. Was this what they had been talking about before he got here? "Sì, big brother isn't home very often anymore." That had been partially his fault and he knew it. At first Romano was angry at him for being in the Axis so long, so he began spending more time away from him to sort out his feelings at Spain's house. Before he knew it his brother practically lived there, and now... well he was almost never 'home' anymore.
The real breaking point was when he started dating America. Or course he couldn't really move out because they were in fact the same country and Spain didn't own or occupy him. Things had been a little frosty in that area considering Romano didn't really like America. Italy still tried to call him at least four times a week. He was still his brother after all.
Was that what Japan was getting at? He wasn't very good at trying to figure out what it was people wanted from him, so he just asked. "What do you mean? Things have been a lot better lately!"
Japan just shrugged. "I don't know, I just thought you might be feeling lonely."
What was Japan trying to pull out of him? He had that deep, all too innocent note in his voice. Japan knew about America and his relationship, did he think America was neglecting him? He didn't want to talk about it in front of Germany, who was still looking intensely at him with unwavering icy blue eyes and an unreadable expression.
He decided it would be worse if he lied or continued playing oblivious, so he just came out and said softly. "Well, I've been spending a lot of my time with Alfred lately. We've been living together for a little while now."
Germany looked away when Alfred's name was spoken and Italy had to fight the urge to glare at the blond, he didn't have to be rude. "Um, that's great Feliciano." Japan said awkwardly, and the Italian nation expected the questions to stop there, but the Japanese man went on. "How do you two get along?"
Italy cocked his head to the side, still confused. He didn't understand why Japan was asking about them. Italy couldn't stop the smile that broke across his face. "He's really sweet. We get along very well grazie." He didn't want to go on, Germany's jaw was tensing and his face was turning even redder. But he wanted to be clear that America was a good boyfriend. He wasn't sure if that was still what Japan was getting at, but he would comply with his questions.
Japan nodded and asked one final thing. "Please excuse the questions, I don't mean to be rude. How long have you two been dating? " Feliciano blinked his huge eyes up at his Japanese friend. He was usually the one who read the atmosphere and refrained from speaking. But right now Germany looked extremely uncomfortable and even Italy had a good idea of how awkward things had just gotten.
"It was…" He raked his brain; he was never good with dates. "About two years ago, I think."
"Really?" Kiku looked genuinely shocked. "I thought it was longer."
"Well," Italy mentally preparing himself, knowing how this would sound. "We did spend a lot of time together... we talked about it a lot but we, um, waited eight years to actually start dating." That pricked Ludwig's interest once more. The Italian looked towards him as Germany's head snapped at attention, and he leaned forward. The Italian nation swallowed nervously and took an awkward sip from his coffee.
Japan nodded and said softly. "I see. I-" There was a soft beep and Japan took out an adorable, tiny, gray phone with anime stickers littering the exterior. Italy smiled, the device was too cute! Kiku blushed. "Excuse me a moment, I have to take this." And he left the pair alone.
Italy smiled and decided to just ignore the German's obvious stare. "This is a lot of fun. We should do this more often, the three of us."
Germany nodded. "Ja sure. Um, so you waited eight years? Why?"
Italy's stomach squeezed uncomfortably, but before he could answer Japan returned with even more unsettling news. "My sincerely apologies Ludwig, Feliciano. That was my boss; there is an urgent matter I must attend to immediately. I do hope we can do this again sometime."
Germany nodded and Italy smiled. "It's alright, addio Kiku!" The Japanese man paid for his coffee and the two were left alone.
Italy felt his palms begin to sweat as he turned his face towards Germany again, preparing to change the subject, but Ludwig beat him to it. "I don't understand."
Italy sighed and took as long as he dared to sip at his coffee before he stared blankly at the German sitting opposite him. "It's not that important." He assured, trying not to sound nervous.
"What changed?" The blond nation asked, taking a sip of his coffee. "I'm curious."
"You're interested in Alfred and me?" He asked, hoping to put his friend off.
"Well, he is dating my best friend."
Italy bit the side of his cheek and decided to just tell him. He couldn't dance forever. "Ve, well um. He-he asked me right after the war ended. We were both hurt and recovering and I wasn't really…" He stopped himself from saying 'wasn't really over you yet'. That would be beyond awkward. "Looking for a relationship, I suppose. It wasn't the right time."
Germany wasn't buying it and Feliciano knew it. The blond nation leaned forward with glittering ice-blue eyes and said in a deep voice. "That wouldn't have stopped you."
"I- what?" Italy was bewildered, he hadn't expected that.
"I know you. No political issue or anything else would have stopped you if you really wanted him." Italy felt an uncomfortable prickling sensation at the back of his spine as a horrified look dawned on the German's face. "Why would you do that, Feli?"
He didn't know how to respond, he was panicking so he settled on the truth, like he always did whenever he even tried to keep information confidential. "Because I uh… Ludwig, you have to know something before I go on um…" Italy looked up at him, fighting back tears and swallowing the lump in his throat at the look on the Germanic nation. He couldn't believe he was about to say this. "I-I did like you a-as more than just a friend. I mean before the war! Not anymore, you have to understand-"
Italy gasped as Germany, in one swift movement leaned forward, grabbed him by the wrists and wrenched him forward, cutting off his air as he forced their lips together. Ludwig's hand slid in the back of Feliciano's head, while his other held onto his wrist with a vice like intensity. Italy's eyes widened and he immediately pulled back but the blond nation held fast.
Feliciano didn't know what to do. Germany wasn't letting him go even though he wasn't responding. Alarms were blaring in his head, he had to do something! He foolishly tried to voice his displeasure, but Germany deepened the kiss. Feli panicked and…
Snap.
Italy gasped and his newly freed hand flew to his mouth as Germany reeled back holding his now red cheek and bowing his head. Italy panted for a few more seconds, completely terrified. He had just slapped Germany! "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
"No, I'm sorry." He lifted his head his eyes closed as cleared his throat awkwardly. "I was out of line."
"I'm just trying to be clear." Italy sighed, wiping his mouth gently on his sleeve. He still felt petrified, his legs were shaking beneath him. He wanted to run, but he knew that wasn't an option. "It hurts to have to do that, you know."
"You're hurt?" Feli looked up, shocked by the despair in his friend's voice. "I'm barely out of a war, my brother has only just gotten away from that nutcase Ivan, and the one person I never thought I would lose doesn't even want to be alone with me."
"Can you blame me? I'm dating someone and you just kissed me without my permission." Feli looked down and leaned back. "But I understand." He didn't. He didn't understand why he didn't want to lose Ludwig so desperately. Why they couldn't just be friends or why his skin was still tingling where the blond had touched him. But it was his fallback, what he did when he couldn't take fighting anymore.
What a coward.
His heart was hammering in his chest but all he could think about was America. He would never let him see Germany again when he found out, and it made his heart ache. But that was nothing compared to the crushing guilt he felt thinking about how trusting his boyfriend was, he had to end this.
"I have to go." He whispered, pulling out some money to pay for his now cold coffee. "I'm so sorry for all of this. It was a mistake and-" He got up and placed the money on the table.
"Feli wait." He stopped dead and turned to face the Germanic nation, why was he still here? He should leave, he should go and tell his boyfriend and never see Germany ever again. Ludwig took a few steps closer and cupped Italy's cheek in his hand. "I know why you waited. You were waiting for me and I'm here now."
"I- not exactly." He denied, closing his eyes and tilting his head down. "I was hurting for you and I just didn't want to date someone when I had another person on my mind."
"I know my best friend."
Italy felt tears gathering in his eyes. "Don't do this to me." He begged softly.
"I want you to be happy. I could make you happier than he ever could." Italy didn't want to hear it; he couldn't allow himself to fall back into that pit again. It was too painful.
But he was helpless to Germany's icy eyes piercing passionately into his own. He was completely breathless, speechless. Everything was dead still as they stood there for what felt like forever.
Then Germany took a few steps forward leaning in, and for a moment Italy thought he was going to kiss him again but instead the blonde moved past his cheek, his lips inches from the brunette's ear as he whispered. "If there is anything left here, anything at all, meet me at my place tonight. If not, I swear I will drop it forever."
He felt himself nodding, why was he nodding? He shouldn't even be considering this! Italy closed his eyes and shook his head, pulling back from the blond, reality hitting him like a train. "No! Don't expect me Germany," He pleaded, not looking back at the German. "I have to go." Feliciano scurried out of the restaurant, wiping sparkling tears from his chocolate eyes.
...
Italy felt the worst mixture of guilt and dread as he stared down his own door. What on earth was he suppose to say to Alfred? He had let himself alone with Germany, the one thing his boyfriend hadn't wanted him to do. America had been faithful and given up a lot for him, and this was how he spent his time? He felt sick.
Feliciano knew what the right thing to do was. He had to tell America what had happened before anything else.
Italy took a deep breath and turned his key in the knob, opening the door with a loud. "Alfred? I'm home!"
"Feli?" Italy turned and felt the American nation's warm lips against his. He sighed contently and looped his arms automatically around the younger nation's neck. All doubt was draining rapidly from his mind. There was no way he was giving Alfred up. What had he been thinking? "How was it? Did you have fun?"
The American was smiling warmly down at him with his beautiful cerulean eyes. Italy frowned guiltily, looking up at his boyfriend with pleading eyes. "Um, sì. Alfred something happened…"
"Hm? Was it Germany again?" He asked, looking down sympathetically at the older nation. His heart gave a painful squeeze. He didn't deserve that look.
"Sì, um, Al?" He asked, backing away from the blonde with huge watery eyes. "Germany kissed me."
Alfred's blue eyes widened dangerously with both shock and anger. Italy gasped with surprise as the blonde's arms tightened around him. There was a long, scary silence as the information settled. Suddenly the American's face completely contorted with rage and Italy wilted under his gaze. "That bastard." He spat murderously. Italy felt a shiver run up his spin at the look on America's face; It scared him. He had never seen the easy-going blonde so livid before. Feli would never forgive himself if one of them got hurt because of something stupid he did.
"Wait Alfred, please don't do anything irrational-!"
"What? You're kidding me!" He shouted, his blue eyes blazing with a fire Italy had never seen before. "He kissed my boyfriend after I gave him a chance to-" He gasped, his blue eyes going impossibly wide as he gazed down at the Italian. "Oh my gosh, you didn't-"
He pushed Italy away from him, causing the older nation to suck in a breath of air as he fell against the wall. "You're here to break up with me!"
Italy's eyes swelled with shock and he strode forward. "No of course not, I-"
"Why were you alone? I thought Japan was supposed to be there! What the hell Italy!" He screamed, tears began to drip down Feli's tan cheeks.
"J-Japan left for an urgent message from his boss." He stuttered, his voice wavering with tears. "He had to leave. Then Germany asked about us and-" he buried his face in his hands, to hide his eyes from Alfred's condemning stare. "I tried to stop it as soon as I could, I slapped him and then-"
"You tried? He forced you to kiss him? I'll kill him!" Alfred screamed. Feliciano jumped up and grabbed the American's arm.
"Please don't hurt anyone!"
"Why are you defending him?"
"I don't want anyone hurt!" He screamed. "You or him!"
He grunted softly as the blonde nation threw him off for a second time. "I can't believe you would do this to me. You're still in love with him, that's it isn't it?"
The Mediterranean country felt fat, hot, tears roll past his soft cheeks in streaming rivers as he stared at America's red face twisted with rage. How had they gotten here? "I told you there's nothing there anymore." But was that true? This afternoon had been so confusing he didn't know anything anymore.
The American scoffed, marched out of the room and grabbed his brown jacket along with his keys. There was a long, uneasy pause when he reentered the room. "I need to think for a bit." He snarled the door slammed shut, leaving Italy in painful silence.
He didn't know how long he stood there. It felt like hours while the tears stung his cheeks and his body shook with sobs. Finally he emitted a shaky breath and forced his stiff limbs to move. He had a huge decision to make.
Where was Alfred going? Was he coming back? What was he suppose to do now?
He sighed again and came to the conclusion that Alfred would have to come back eventually. He had to get his stuff, right?
And the Italian nation realized with a jab to the heart that America in fact, might not be returning. Would he really come back for a pile of clothes and a suitcase? He didn't understand, he just didn't understand!
Why did everyone leave him?
Now he had proven to be just like everyone else. Leaving him all alone in a haunted house. A house haunted by the ghost of Romano, of Germany, of himself and now Alfred's angry form filled the empty space, it broke the dead silence and it shattered Italy's heart.
He had to leave; his chest was being ripped apart, it was too difficult to breath. Tears were raining onto the wooden floor as he breathed heavily, nearly panting as though he had run a marathon. All the oxygen seemed to have been sucked out of the room. If he stayed another second he would surely go mad.
He flew from the house, flung himself away from the ghosts and the memories and out into the evening. Light was slowly slipping away. Italy's heart seemed to pound harder and harder every inch he put between him and the safety of his house. Where am I going?
He stopped in front of a pine tree, gasping to put out the fire burning in his lungs. He leaned against the tree, his tears illuminated by the dying golden light. He knew what the right thing to do was. He should go home, wait for Alfred with an apology and dinner ready and just forget today ever happened. He should talk it out with the blond, and fade back into his life with Germany forever banished from his mind.
And yet…
What if America didn't come home? What if he could never look past their kiss? What if he blamed him forever? What if the blonde doubted his feelings and broke up with him?
All he knew for sure was that Ludwig was waiting for him and willing to take all those risks with him. He was putting himself on the line and risking everything for the mere chance of Italy's arrival. What was he suppose to make of that? Was this not Germany choosing him, and America abandoning him? He couldn't be sure.
He shivered as the cold night air coiled around him and nipped at his tan skin. He needed to get inside. But where should he go? Back home? Should he meet with Germany? His head was spinning into a thundering headache as he sat there, cold and alone on the hard dirt packed ground.
He leaned against the tree, wishing beyond anything else that he had someone he could trust in the world. Someone who he could always rely upon and never have a fear of losing. He wished he had a friend who wasn't selfish like his brother, in love with him like Germany, or emotionally distant like Japan.
Pain seared through Italy's heart as he thought this. He loved all of them so desperately, so fiercely. So much that it hurt. He felt like the most ungrateful person in the world thinking like that. He had a brother who he loved, two wonderful friends and a sweet, handsome boyfriend. He had no right to complain.
Feliciano closed his eyes, his breath was puffing out into small white clouds in the frigid air, and for the second time he decided he needed to get up to move. He had to get inside, and again the problem arose. Where should he go?
He had to make a decision. It was getting late and he either had to go looking for Alfred or run back to Ludwig.
He let out another puff of air and stood up opening his eyes to the dark scenery about him. His body was locked on a destination, his mind oddly blank. He knew what this decision was cowardly and selfish, but it had to be done.
It was a mistake he just had to make.
...
Alfred tore his glasses from his face and vigorously rubbed the perspiration off the fog-clouded glass as he leaped out of his car. The blonde nation felt rage course through his veins as he approached a vastly remote desert-like area and pulled out a .22 magnum from his coat.
He huffed angrily as he stared out into the vast outback, night rapidly descending on the usually golden scenery. He turned and stomped hotly over to the shooting range. He knew it was well after hours, but a few clips would usually set him straight. He was America for goodness sake who was going to stop him?
He saw red as he stared down the target venomously as he hastily loaded his gun and fired, imagining Germany kissing his sweet, innocent little boyfriend. Ok, innocent was a little strong. But in the blonde's eyes the Italian nation was about as bright eyed and optimistic as a child.
Blasting gunfire broke the silence. Bullet after bullet was shot blindly as tears clogged Alfred's vision. What had Italy been thinking? What had he been thinking? He shouldn't have let Italy go, why had he let Italy go? And why did his boyfriend want to meet with the German so bad?
He yelled out in frustration and he fired off the last of his bullets rapidly. The rush of adrenalin left his heart pounding against his chest. He gulped down a breath of frosty night air sending chills down his spine and freezing his chest.
What was he thinking? What the hell was he thinking? Italy wasn't his property. He had every right to hang out with Germany. It wasn't his fault Ludwig kissed him. Besides that Feliciano had the grace to tell him right away, he hadn't hidden it from him and Feli certainly wasn't going to leave him. He knew he wouldn't.
Panic pierced America's nerves and his bloodstream ran cold. He had left Italy alone, stormed out of the house, and said 'I need to think'. His poor little boyfriend must be terrified! He was supposed to be the hero, Italy's hero. What was he doing here alone with a gun? He had to go home and apologize! Alfred stuffed the gun back into his coat and sprinted back towards his car. His breathing intensified as he opened the door, dug his key into the ignition and turned.
He had to get home.
He didn't know how long he had been standing there thinking, but it was at least a forty minute drive home and he had no time to waste.
America gripped the steering wheel with an iron grip, still gasping for breath as he sped away. Oh man, what on earth was he going to tell Feli? He was such a dumbass! It felt like forever as he drove rapidly through the night, hoping his Italy was all right.
He finally stopped as he pulled into the driveway. Alfred slammed on the brakes, yanked out his key and ran back into the house. He stopped short of crashing into anything, and decided on a more subtle approach.
"Um, Feli?" He called softly. He sounded as if he was calling a frightened kitten. "Hello?"
Alfred walked throughout the house, softly calling for the little Italian. He lapped around at least twice. Finally, panic fully gripped America, where was Italy? He had been all around the house; everything was how he left it. Which unfortunately included Italy's cellphone which he'd found on the kitchen table.
He felt beyond panicked for the third time that night. His heart was physically aching; he had to find Feliciano!
He ran out into the backyard and yelled into the night. "Feli! Feli?" He scrambled around the yard like an idiot, helplessly calling out Italy's name into the darkness. Finally, he gave up and ran inside, desperate for some direction.
So he dove for the phone and dialed a familiar number, his foot thumping on the floor at a mile a minute. Finally, and a groggy voice answered. "Hello? Who is this eh?"
"Mattie! Bro, I so need your help right now!" America went on to hastily explain everything that happened, desperately begging his younger brother for help.
"Wow, you're in a real pickle eh Al?" Canada calmly stated, causing the American to feel half angry, half terrified.
"I really need help Mattie! I can't find Feli and I'm about to have a heart attack!"
"Alfred." The Canadian sighed, sounding tired and a little irritated. "Go to sleep, eh? Italy just needs time to cool down and be away."
"But I don't know where he is! What if he's hurt? Or what if something happens and he leaves me in the morning? Germany kissed him for crying out loud!" He yelled, hoping his Canadian twin would sympathize.
"I know Al, and that's something you two have to work out but if Feliciano wants to be alone you should give him his space." The Canadian nation murmured, sounding even drowsier than before. "Here's what I think you should do." Alfred's ears pricked and he stood ridged, ready to take his twin brother's advice. "Have something to eat, go to sleep," America glanced at the clock, it was almost one o'clock in the morning. "...and wait for Italy in the morning. If he isn't back home by tomorrow afternoon call me and we'll figure it out, ok?"
Alfred smiled serenely, that sounded reasonable. "Alright, thanks Mattie." After a few moments of satisfaction, his heart began to sink. What if he never came back? He felt an uncomfortable weight settle in his stomach. "Damn it Matt, I miss him already. I don't want to sleep alone!"
"Go to bed Al."
The line went dead.
(AN):
Holy cow the escalated quickly!
I'm sorry for the poor quality of this writing! This fic is a little old and I've been spending all day editing it, but I know it's still pretty bad. Hopefully I'll be done with this one-shot I've been working on by next week and upload that. I think the quality is at least a little better for that one anyway.
Thanks for all the reviews! You guys are seriously the best!