Romano felt his stomach constrict.

That image was still plastered in his mind like some sort of horrid fresco, and he wanted to be sick. This wasn't supposed to happen. This was not how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to pull out of that mess of a hell hole and call it done, so he could focus on other things.

But he could still see it. He could see Feliciano's tear streaked face, Antonio trying to scream at them to stop.

He was still staring at his computer screen, willing the image to come back so he could at least say something to them. He wanted to scream at those men, convince them to let his measly family come home. But he knew that wasn't how it worked with these people. They took what they wanted to get what they wanted. And right now, they wanted influence. And they new Romano could give them that.

Those idiots.

Who where they to manipulate him like this!? It was just becoming some sort of sick game now. He felt like some sort of toy, or object. He was sick of it. That was why he left. He could feel heat rising up in his cheeks, his eyes narrowing. He found himself grinding his teeth, staring at the computer screen.

Who the hell did they think they where.

They had taken away everything that he loved, everything that meant anything to him at all. His sweet, innocent, naive brother. His homely, caring, open hearted best friend. He couldn't bear to see them suffer for some stupid reason. He didn't want that.

He pulled out his phone. He knew someone who could help, he hoped. But he hated him. He hated him for having his brother spend so much time with him. That guy. Ludwig was that guy, and Romano despised him for it. But he wasn't the creepy kind of guy, Ludwig. He was commanding, sure, but more of a figure to look up to than anything more. But Feliciano always spent time with Ludwig.

The thought of Feliciano caused that feeling in the pit of his stomach to return again.

He dialed the man's number, pressing the phone to his ear.

He waited, holding his breath as he waited for the tone to dial.

"Hullo, zhis is Ludwig Beilshmidt."

"Shut up and listen, idiota." Romano hissed. He paused as he heard the sound of his own, shaking voice. "I need your help."

He heard the man sigh on the other end of the phone. "Vhat do you vant."

The two didn't get along well.

"It's Feli. And Toni... but I knew you would listen if it was about Feli."

Ludwig paused.

"Vhat's vrong?" He asked, clearly worried.

"I had a job... With some bad people. And I quit."

"Ya?"

"And now they want me back."

Ludwig scoffed. "Vhat does zhat have to do with anything?"

Romano bit his lip. "I have a week, Ludwig. They have Antonio and Feliciano. I have one week before they're wiped off of the face of the earth."

"Are you saying-"

"Si."

Ludwig paused.

"M-mein gott... They have Feliciano? Is he okay?"

Romano felt like crying. "No... No! He's not! It was because of that video call. Feli was crying, and the guy had a knife and... And Antonio... Oh my god..."

"Do you know vhere zhey are? I swear, I'll break down every door in this city..."

"No! Ludwig help me. Piacere... I know I've been an asshole to you, but please..."

"I'll be over in the next five minutes. Vee vill figure zhis out."

"Si. Okay."

Romano hung up, setting the phone down on the table. He stared at that computer, willing the screen to come up again. He felt as if his heart was breaking slowly, his stomach sinking down to his knees. He was worried out of his mind for the two. That man had hurt Feliciano. They had hurt both of them. There was no doubt they would hurt Antonio.

He made his way downstairs, his phone in his hand. He slumped down on the couch. He found now that he simply couldn't comprehend what had happened.

He heard a knock on the door.

Shakily, he stood to answer it, pulling the door open to find himself face to face with Ludwig. Ludwig was a big, strong guy,towering s few inches taller than him, his blonde hair slicked back in a fitting manner. His face was stoic, but it was clear he was worried.

"Tell me everything."

The man seemed to know what to do, taking the Italian's arm and dragging him to the couch. He sat the smaller man down on it, before sitting beside him with a stern expression.

Romano swallowed. He could feel his hands trembling.

"I was working. I was doing some paperwork or something for my boring new job, or whatever." Romano blinked. "And then I got a video call. I thought it was important so I answered."

"Ya." Ludwig encouraged him.

"It was my old boss I think. But he was hiding his face. He wanted me back. He wanted my influence again. But I kept telling him no... So he stepped back and I saw them." Romano felt his voice quiver. "They looked so cold and afraid, Ludwig. I wanted to just walk through that screen and help them, you know? But... They started beating Feli... Oh god... Ludwig, I don't know what to do..."

The man was starting to become stone faced.

"And you have a week before they try to kill them."

"... Si..."

"Zhey vhe need to find zhem. I vill help you as best I can. Do you have any idea where zhey might be?"

Romano shook his head.

"No... But that's why I'm afraid for them. What if we can't find them? What if I can't give them what they want?"

Romano felt like breaking down.

"I swear, we vill find zhem, Romano." The man placed a comforting hand on his shoulder."

"Grazie, Ludwig."