Five days.

It had been five days since Antonio had seen a single hint of the Italian that had so very easily wormed his way into his heart. Lovino hadn't even tried- instead attempting to push him away since the second they had met, but somehow that had only caused the junior to become even more attached. The other was obviously in need of love and affection- and secretly Antonio suspected he had not received that in a long, long while. It was for this and other reasons that he got up early on a Thursday morning, something he would have never done otherwise.

"Antonio, vas a la escuela antes de las ocho *?" his mother asked as he left the house at 7:30, tan fists clenched around the charcoal black straps of his backpack. He shot an easygoing (yet determined) grin back.

"Si, mama... un amigo necesita mi ayuda." Another reassuring smile was shot at the woman, but Antonio didn't wait for a reply (yet another uncharacteristic action) before closing the door behind him, and it was only then that he let the concern reveal itself outwardly, deepened into light lines around his eyes and mouth. His usually strong and confident features seemed almost fallen... Even if he hadn't known the teen long, still... He needed someone to be worried about him. Besides that brother of his, he hadn't seen anyone else he was even remotely close to, which was not remotely healthy for a sophomore.

As his fingers tapped against the leather steering wheel in a steady rhythm in a ineffective coping mechanism. He had a bad feeling. An awful feeling. But it wasn't like everyone knew Lovino like he did... there wasn't like there was anyone who would agree there was something terribly wrong. It was not like he'd ever had any visible bruises or cuts, but the mental scars... well, that was another story. Antonio hated jumping to conclusions, especially with how optimistic he usually was, but the evidence was not painting a pretty picture in the least... He wasn't sure if he'd be believed, especially since he'd only known the other for a month...

Then it hit him.

Instantly, he did a complete (illegal) u-turn, and praying to God, he hoped that the person he was thinking of was home... he was just lucky that he knew where the house was, but that's what happens when you were friends with someone for years and years... but never mind that person. He wasn't relevant right now.

His entrance to the driveway was a little sharp, but Antonio couldn't find himself to care at this point. It was so trivial... there were much more important things right now. He left the keys carelessly in his truck, and it was only seconds before his fist rapped against the wooden door. It was answered within moments, a taller blond answering the door, opening his mouth to call his brother but was consequently interupted by Antonio.

"I am not here for Gilbert. You are Ludwig, si?"

Yes, I am not dead. Yes, I will finish this fanfic. Hope you guys aren't too angry with me ^^; But yes, after two years, the next chapter! And yeah, it's short too. Sorry...

* Translations:

Antonio's mom: Antonio, are you leaving for school before eight?

Antonio: Yes mom, I need to help a friend.

Without further ado, the reviewer's responses! There are so many but I really put this on myself...

Guest: Well, they will find out soon, and it won't be pretty!

Cardfighter By Maple: Here you are.

Fred and George Weasley Twins: Yup, very sad. Trouble does not end here.

Baylee1100: Lovi is very protective.

Akayuki Novak: He didn't go to school... not when Feli is so sick. He's worried if he does, then something will happen to Feli because of their foster parents.

harmlessmelody37: Oh no, everything will be sorted out. How is just the question~

BlueFeatherStar:Yes, and has for a while. And yeah, last chaper was the start of the serious part of this fanfic.

Spamano4ever: They will get what is coming to them :)

CheshireKitKat: They won't get away with it.

2P Italy: Things will get better, my friend

Bluemist45: You are completely right! I'm glad someone other than me noticed! That will become more clear the more I write from Antonio's POV, however.

Pippy: Here you are.

whatever: You could ask a little more nicely but okay.

AlphonseSohma: As you wish.

taurus2001: It's okay! Everything good ends. I just hope you're alright with me ending!

fanofmusic9292: Thank you for the compliment and sorry it took so long.

crazy and random child: They will be a much bigger part, now. You will see a lot more of them in the upcoming chapters.

PartGerman203: I... guess I love you then?

KittiKat97: Aw, what a cute image~ And I intend to finish, I assure you..

vivabellaforall: I have to say this is my favorite review. Thank you for the thought you put into it and the wonderful compliments. I do know my chapters are short; I've always had trouble with longer pieces of writing, and I apologize for taking so long to update, especially when you defended me! Anyway, thanks so much, and I hope you're still on to read this chapter.

KittiKat97: Way ahead of you.

WickedInk: Happiness is close :)

~Julia