Feliciano and Lovino's fingers remained interlaced between the cages they rested in. Feliciano was sobbing silently, wiping his eyes with the one free hand he had. Lovino made no attempt to calm his brother, he was letting tears escape himself.

  The two of them had been together since birth, relying on each other in a world that had turned its back on them. Now they were nearing separation and feeling as though they were loosing a part of themselves.

  The truck bounced them around but they refused to let each other go until they were forced apart. "Fratello..." Feliciano blubbered through tears,"I-I don't wanna go away..."

  "Idiota listen..." Lovino said in a hushed voice, using his free hand to brush his brother's face. The truck began to slow. "Promise me right now that we...we'll see each other again."

  He released his brother's hand, holding his pinkie out towards him. The truck stopped and voices could be heard. Feliciano nodded, wrapping his finger around his brother's.

  The back opened up and two men ripped them relentlessly apart. Feliciano cried silently as he was crated away, tossed into another truck (literally) and watch it shut on his brother. The last image he saw was his brother scratching the man.

  Getting up, he cradled himself in his arms, shaking and crying as new cuts surfaced blood. He hoped his brother would be okay...

  _________________

  You looked at the small neko sleeping peacefully on your couch, now bandaged up and looking disturbed. The truck came near your home earlier and the child was crying. When the drivers weren't looking, you pulling him out and ran. Odds are that they hadn't even noticed his disappearance. He was burried under various other cages and boxes.

  Picking him up, you relaxed yourself and brushed his hair. He suddenly writhed in your arms, breaking free and looked around fearfully. His eyes were still shut for some reason.

  "F-Fratello...I-I need to find fratello!" You watched as he reached towards the door, trying his all to grab the knob, falling lower every time until he just sat there bawling. At that point, you quickly fled to his side and hugged him. This time, he didn't seem reluctant to move.

  His small fingers gripped onto your shirt and his face rested on top of them,"L-Lovino..."

  Lifting him up into your arms, you cooed softly,"Please calm down...we'll find your fratello...you're still really weak right now. I'll make you something to eat and let you rest..."

  "L-Lovino..." His said softly, resting his head on your chest. "Can I have some pasta mama...?"

  "M...Mama...?" You whispered softly. He looked up drowsily with a nod. Smiling softly, you kissed his forehead, brushing away his light brown hair,"Okay sweetie..."

  As you released him, you notice that he had no intention of being left alone. A small laugh escaped your lips and you picked him up, carrying him into the kitchen. You placed him on the counter, poking his nose softly,"I want you to sit right here and stay away from the stove, okay?"

  He nodded as you started to pull out ingredients for pasta. It was peaceful in the house for once. The young boy only watched as you cooked, his mouth watering and his tail twitching.

  "Do you have a name sweetie?" You asked while mixing the pasta in boiling water.

  He nodded, crawling slightly closer,"My name is Feliciano...but you can call me Feli if you want mama."

  Smiling, you picked him up and held him by the bowl of pasta, giving him the wooden spoon you were mixing with. "Well Feliciano, do you want to help mama make some pasta?" His expression lightened as you allowed him to mix the noodles in the water. "Be careful Feli, it's really hot."

  "I'm okay!" He stated enthusiastically, continuing to mix the noodles around until you assured they were perfect. The two of you continued to collaborate to make the best pasta you could.

  Feliciano quickly began eating, obviously hungry. "Feli, sweetie? Where are you from?"

  He stopped eating, looking towards you uncertainly. Maybe you shouldn't have brought it up. "Me and mio fratello were born in there...our mom and dad were like us..." His tiny hands grabbed his ears. "They took me and fratello away from her and then watched us grow up.

  "A few days ago, they told us they were separating us. I promised mil fratello that I'd find him..." Tears started spilling over once more, his hand clutching at his chest. "I...I miss him..."

  Before you could move, he climbed out of his chair and ran underneath the table, hugging your legs. Sighing, you put on a pained smile and picked him up, rocking him in your arms like a baby. "We'll find your fratello...for now, eat something. I'm worried about how skinny you are."

  Getting up, you went to his side of the table, beginning to feed him. His body was still shaking as he did. The poor thing probably went through hell since he was little.

  Reaching across the table, you got your food and began eating between Feliciano's bites. Before long, he had passed out in your arms, curled up in a ball like a cat.

  You finished eating before carrying him to the living room and cleaned up the kitchen. By the time you returned, he was standing in the middle of the room looking innocently up towards you.

  Picking him up, you let his chin rest on your shoulder. "Do you wanna come sleep with mama...?" He nodded, resting his head against yours. "Come on then...we'll take a siesta..."

  You carried him to your room, not even bothering to move the sheets over you as you snuggled together. "T...Thank you...m...mama..."

  Resting your chin on his head, you smiled. "You're welcome Feli..."

  "M...Mama...!" Your eyes opened to see little Feliciano curled up beside you, a sobbing mess. A bolt of lightning cracked outside, sending the boy further into your arms.

  Waking up more, you held the small child close and hid his face away. "Please calm down Feli...it's just a little storm..." Seeing there was no help, you sat up with him, cooing gently to calm him down.

  He stayed hidden, shaking like a leaf in fear and gripping tightly onto your shirt. "L-Lovino...please protect me...L-Lovino!" Your heart sank in your chest, hearing the boy cry out to his brother in vain.

  "M-Mama! Lovi is scared too..." He cried weakly into his shirt. "H-He doesn't like storms...I...I know he's scared...h-he's all a-alone!"

  You didn't have the heart to tell the shriveled child that his brother might not be anywhere near here, let alone hearing the storm right now. Rocking Feliciano in your arms, you began to sing to him as if he were a baby.

  Feliciano seemed to react to this, calming down and eventually resting his head between your arm and chest, instantly asleep. "I promise Feli...we'll find your little brother before this becomes a big deal...before the house becomes nuts again..."

___________________

  "C-Chigi!" Lovino squealed hearing another clap of thunder, hiding away under a cardboard box in the middle of nowhere. No one was around. He felt scared and alone. Even the comfort of his little brother's sobs would've calmed him down.

  Mere moments after splitting the brothers apart, Lovino managed to escape and follow the truck to somewhere around (hometown). Sure, he had no idea where he was, but his brother had to be somewhere.

  For the first time in awhile, Lovino let his head rest on his soggy knees and started sobbing uncontrollably. Ever pent-up emotion flowed out. The fear of the storm. His brother's life maybe already ended. This empty feeling he felt inside.

  "¿Como estas gatito?" Looking up, Lovino saw a handsome young man, skin kissed by the sun and slightly dampened by rain with a black umbrella over his head. "Were is your mother? Why are you outside all alone?"

  Lovino turned away, not easily going to trust this stranger. "I-I'm a big boy! I need to find mio fratello idiota! I..."

  The man knelt in front of him, ignoring that his nice dress pants were dipping into a puddle. "Por favor, come with me. I'm staying at a hotel...I'm going back home tomorrow. Mi comañera y yo will help you find your 'fratello' in the morning when the storm has let up."

  Lovino shook terrible, hunger griped his stomach painfully and needed to sleep before he passed out from exhaustion. Not even caring, the young boy ran into the man's arms, sobbing and crying while missing in some curses.

  "It's okay gatito..." Getting up, the man began to carry him away under the safety of an umbrella. "My name is Antonio, but you can call me Toni if you want." Silence. "Do you have a name? I don't want to call you 'gatito' all the time."

  Lovino lifted his face from the Spaniard's shirt and looked up with eyes glistening with tears. "L-Lovino..."

  Antonio smiled, pulling the child closer and offering some warmth. "Lovi...such a cute name!"

  "It's Lovino idiota! Don't call me Lovi! I'm to cute!"

  Antonio chuckled at the cat-boy's reaction and held him closer,"Let's get you back to my room and cleaned up. You can borrow one of my shirts. Then I can get room service to bring up some food for you, okay?"

  Lovino nodded, resting his eyes for a few moments. Still, he couldn't help but worry about what had happened to his little brother.

__________________

  "Lovino...wake up por favor..." Lovino's sleep was interrupted by the gentle Spanish lilt. He opened his eyes to see a pair of green ones looking into his . "Muy bueno. How about you get yourself washed up while I order some pizza, huh?"

  Lovino nodded, too tired to complain. Antonio helped him remove and trash his clothes before turning the warm water on and letting Lovino wash off all the mud covering him, along with the dried blood beneath it.

  Once feeling clean and refreshed, Lovino dried himself off and found a clean shirt Antonio left out for him before putting it on. Going out, he found Antonio eating a slice of pizza. Lovino ate once slice, not feeling too hungry in comparison to exhaustion.

  Laying down on the only bed, he curled up and tried to sleep. "Lovi...you need to eat a little more than one bite of pizza..." Lovino curled up tighter, his small shoulders shaking. "You've been through a lot, haven't you Lovino...?"

  A choking sob finally sounded before he was in the Spaniard's arms once more. "T-They took my fratello! H-He's the only family I got! H-He's not gunna make it...! M-My stupid brother...! F-Feliciano..."

  Antonio smiled, rocking the small child gently in his arms,"It's okay gatito...it's all over...we'll find your brother and we can live together happily..."

  "I'm a freak..." Lovino murmured, his voice still shaking. "N-No one wants us...I lost my only family...I...I just want Feli...my stupid brother...I miss...I miss him so much..."

  Antonio kissed the child's forehead, leaving a warm spot in its wake. "Don't worry...everything will end up alright! I promise...!" The Spanish man put on a brave smile to convince the child of the near-impossible.

  Lovino smiled sincerely before shutting his tired eyes and falling back asleep.

  Antonio whipped his phone out, quickly dialing a number while letting the small child sleep on his lap. Obviously, he needed to call his girlfriend and tell her about all that was happening.

__________________

  Your cell rang beside you not long after Feliciano fell asleep beside you. Groaning, you grabbed it to see your Spanish boyfriend, Antonio was calling you. Picking up the phone, you sighed. "Toni...three in the morning is not a good time to-"

  "Listen chica," He cut off,"I...I found a boy here...a little boy on my way home. I couldn't leave him alone in the rain so I brought him to my hotel room. He's looking for his brother so I told him we would let him stay and-"

  "What's his name!?" You snapped suddenly.

  "¿Que?"

  "His! Name!"

  Feliciano rolled over, looking over confused as to why he was awakened. "Mama..."

  "Hold on Feli..."

  "Feli...?" Antonio said on the other side of the phone. "Is he a little boy with cat ears and a tail!?"

  "Yes! You found his brother!?"

  "I...I think so...!" Antonio said in a prideful voice. "His name is Lovino. He's sleeping peacefully right now. He seems beat."

  "Oh Toni, I could just hug you!"

  "We can do that tomorrow. Right now, we all need some sleep." You could hear the smile in his voice. "Buenos noche mi bonita chiquita."

  Giggling, you smiled back,"Good night Toni."

  Turning your attention back towards Feliciano, you smiled. "Feli...I have really good news for you. I know where your brother is, he's coming home tomorrow."

  "M...Mio fra..." Smiling at his cute drowsiness, you hugged him close and lulled him back to sleep quickly, dragging yourself you along with him. Hopefully, this would all work out tomorrow.

  Gilbert awoke hours later with a start, something made him feel uneasy. His eyes immediately darted to where his brother once lay asleep. Fear filled him as he realized that neither his brother or you were anywhere to be found.

  Shooting up out of bed, he quickly escaped his bedroom and sought you out. In no time at all, terrible thoughts began to fill his head over what you might be doing.

  There was a loud explosion, sending pain into his fragile eardrums and then Ludwig's screams. Gilbert suddenly filled with adrenaline and rushed to where he heard Ludwig's cries.

  Bursting into the room, he instinctively readied himself to attack, almost missing the scene of you holding his crying baby brother and trying to calm him down. The second the door burst open, you quickly spun and quickly went back to calming Ludwig.

  "What...? Did you do anything...to mein bruder...?"

  You shook your head and went towards him, handing him Ludwig. "The storm woke him up, I can't get him to stop crying-" An explosion of thunder shocked both brothers and caused the white-haired one to cringe. "Gil...?"

  "It hurts...! My ears...!" He cried out, and you suddenly realized the problem with both of them. "G-Get the noise away...!"

  Getting Gilbert up, you managed to jostle him into a calmer and quieted room that refused to let any noise penetrate it. Ludwig looked towards you with teary blue eyes and Gilbert was frozen in fear and shock.

  Taking Ludwig into your arms, you began humming softly to lull him into a peaceful sleep, sitting on the ground. Gilbert, now overcoming his paralyzing feelings and came closer. He snuggled up against you like a cat and started drifting off himself too.

  Seeing Gilbert nodding off, you laid them both down on the ground within each other's embrace and laid a blanket over them. The two didn't seem to notice much as you slipped out of the room to let them sleep together.

_______________

  Gilbert awoke first the next morning, noticing the blanket over him and smiling. Pulling his brother in his arms, he escaped the room he was in and started shuffling down the halls to his bedroom to lay down.

  When he entered his room, he noticed a woman trying to make his bed. "Oh please, you don't have to. I was about to lay down again..."

  "Sure then hon. Thanks a lot for being there for our young madam. She's had it hard since her family died."

  This caught Gilbert's attention. "Died? Was...? She told me...she moved away."

  "No," The maid said in a soft voice. "Her family was killed in an accident. She was the only to survive. Her uncle took over her father's company and now sends her a majority of the money."

  Gilbert stood for a moment, trying to process the information before dismissing the young woman. He curled up in bed blankly and numb, trying to think of your sweet face, innocence, purity, not one of someone who has lost anything precious in this world.

  But how very wrong. Everyone she loved, her little brother, her father, her mother, gone. Tears surfaced at the man's eyes as he fell asleep, thinking about your precious smile. He wanted to make sure you kept that forever. He didn't want you to bare pain anymore.

________________

  "Gilbert...!" Ludwig pestered as he shook his brother's sleeping form. "Gilbert...! I'm hungry...!"

  Gilbert, in turn, groaned and turned the other cheek. Although, Ludwig didn't want him to ignore so he once more began to pester his older brother. "Gilbert. I think I heard ___________ say that you're awesome...!"

  Once the albino had a second to process, he shot up in a second. "She thinks I'm awesome!?"

  "Bruder, you're so stupid..." Ludwig growled under his breath. "Now can we go and eat breakfast?"

  Gilbert shot a look at his 'innocent' little brother before agreeing. He helped the small boy onto the ground and led him to your room. When they opened the door, they found you still completely asleep. Both of them exchanged a worried glance, knowing they would need to speak with the chef who was obviously not happy with there presence not too long ago.

  Ludwig seemed even more upset. Gilbert didn't blame him. He's had a rough young life thus far. Lifting the child up into his arms, he began walking towards the dinning room. Ludwig was shaking in his arms.

  "Bruder, don't worry...everything is going to be fine..." He whispered into his brother, gripping his hand softly. "Your awesome big bruder is gunna make sure nothing can even touch you."

  The last part had a hint of threat in it, convincing Ludwig that he was nearly safe. His brother was always dangerous when it came to protecting his brother. That's how he lost half his sight, fighting with a scientist who was trying to take his brother away. Unfortunately, the man had a knife and no remorse when he slashed his eye.

  When they went to greet the male chef, they found a female one in his place. She offered no threat, although she went to touch Ludwig's black ears only to have her hand smacked away by Gilbert.

  In the end it was decided that they'd have a simplistic breakfast buffet before they went to sit at the table and wait. In the meanwhile, you had awoken and come to join them.

  Gilbert's eyes softened at your appearance. Ludwig didn't seem to notice that your eyes were slightly red, as if you had been crying. Gilbert, however, spotted it miles away . Quickly, he hopped out of his chair and embraced you, his warm and strong arms wrapped around you.

  You could feel something was off with him when he did that but you returned it likewise with a warm laugh. "You're awfully affectionate today, aren't you Gil? What did you both want for breakfast?"

  "A buffet." Ludwig said plainly as Gilbert broke away. "Sorry about mein bruder, he's just delirious today."

  You giggled and kissed Gilbert's cheek, making his face turn extremely red. It took Ludwig a spilt second to realize before he started laughing. Gilbert shot a look towards his brother, quickly silencing him before sitting back down and waiting for food like the rest of you.

  The meal progressed slowly and silently. No one dared to speak. You were very aware of Gilbert's tense actions. Gilbert held your secret to his rapidly-pounding heart. Ludwig could feel the thick tension and didn't want to say anything to make it thicken or explode.

  Eventually, you smiled softly and spoke up. "How about we do something today? It might be really nice to go out for some fresh air right now, won't it guys?"

  "Ja," Ludwig agreed, continuing to eat his breakfast in peace.

  Looking over towards Gilbert, you noticed he was grinning and breathed out in relief. "Ja, I really like that idea."

  When all of you had finished, you changed and quickly were out the door. Gilbert took your hand once more and nervously squeezed it. Not knowing the source of his nerves, you just gripped his reassuringly and smiled towards him.

  It seemed to work, his tenseness seemingly vanishing. As you walked along, talk commenced. You asked the boys how you slept, which they responded,'better than in any alley we've ever slept in.'

  "How'd you sleep ___________?" Ludwig asked softly, acting on innocence once more.

  Your grip tightened and you forced out a happy,"Good." Gilbert, who was still holding your hand, easily noticed and looked towards his little brother. His brother smirked and waved his hand forward.

  'Make your move.' His body language seemed to pester. Gilbert rolled his eyes and moved beside you, gripping onto your hand. "You know," He started,"If you want to talk about anything, the awesome me is open to listen."

  You nodded and moved forward, not really wanting to talk right now. Both of them were bound to find out eventually, about when you fall asleep. The only reason they hadn't worried last night was because Ludwig's cries droned put your own.

_______________

  Later that night, Gilbert tossed and turned in bed, thinking about why you wouldn't speak with him. Ludwig had fallen asleep on their walk home later and was sleeping peacefully in his own room.

  At around midnight, he was nearing sleep when he heard a cry in the dark. It wasn't Ludwig's though, it was yours. Quickly springing up, he dashed towards your room and noticed how pained you looked in sleep.

  Rushing to your side, he shook your shoulders and continually cried your name until you awoke in a shocked daze. Gilbert held such hurt and confusion before hugging you closely to him. Your face was forced into his shoulder and tears were suddenly spilling from your eyes.

  He gently hushed you, comforting you as your tears began to turn into sobs. "I d-didn't mean to wake you up G-Gil..."

  "Don't worry about me..." He said simply, now stroking your (h/c) hair. "I can take a cat nap if I want..." His tail brushed your arm softly, causing a giggle to sound from you.

  "Someone told me...what happened to your parents...to your family..." Your body shuddered once more. "You have nightmares, don't you...?"

  "They're so terrible Gil..." You breathed, holding him closer. "They've told me...the maids who work at night...that I scream in my sleep... "

  "Don't worry..." Gilbert whispered, laying you back down in bed and cooing you into calmness. "I'll stay with you tonight...I'll make sure that you sleep okay tonight..."

  You nodded, relaxing as he laid down in bed with you. He began stroking your hair, purring gently as if he really were a cat. Putting your head against his chest, you realized it was bare and began blushing.

  He felt so warm and comforting, brushing your arms softly. Snuggling closer, you curled up and sighed, shutting your (e/c) eyes. "I'm sorry for making you do this..."

  "Don't worry," He said in a warm tone, hugging you close. "I'm not mad. I'm just worried that you're not getting enough sleep. If you get scared, just wake me up."

  "Are you sure?"

  He kissed your nose softly and nodded,"Ja...gut nacht..."

  "Night..." You breathed, resting your ear against his chest, listening to his heart beating in his chest. "Thank you..."

  "Don't mention it..."

  With that, you both fell asleep in one another's arms.

  Squeezing through a small crack in the wooden fence, you limped onto another's backyard. The grass was cool and damp underneath your paws with the morning's dew and the sun had yet to raise completely over the forestry.

  Glancing around the person's backyard, you hoped to find no signs of dogs or abusive persons living in this house. As you continued your short trek, you found yourself climbing up wooden stairs on a deck, laying down as the fresh rays of the sun hitting your mangy (h/c) fur.

  Hopefully, you had found a good spot to not be seen, just somewhere where you could lay down and sleep in the hopes of keeping safe. Usually the bigger animals couldn't get to the backs of person's homes.

  Only now did your stomach knot in unbearable hunger and your body simply welcoming the sleep you so desperately needed. You hadn't gotten sleep for a couple of days, worried about bigger animals killing you.

  The back door of the person's home opened up, fear clenching your worn body as you stood back up. What if it was a dog? Shooting from your hiding spot, you tried to get out of wherever you were quickly, only to stumble into a body of water.

  Surely that was it for you. You tried to stay afloat, crying out in need for help as you began to go under. In your mind, you thought you heard someone else coming in nearby. The last thing you remember before blacking out was something grabbing the scruff of your neck.

__________________

  You felt the water from your lungs come up, causing you to cough it out and sputter. Right now, you were laying on warm concrete, your head against the ground and four bigger figures over you, two cats and two kittens.

  The smaller cat, a presumable tom came up closer to you, nudging your limp form,"Hey...are you alright there love...?" You lifted your head off the ground, only to have it fall to the ground again, your body too weakened. "Francecat, we need to take her in..."

  The other tom, a long-haired cat with fur of white and blue eyes stepped towards you. "I really hope our persons don't mind...come 'ere mon petite." His teeth bit into the scruff of your neck, lifting you up off the ground and carrying your small, shaken form. Every now and then, you'd let out a little cough.

  As you were carried, the two older kittens looked towards you with confused eyes. They looked rather similar to one another except the scruff of one's puffy neck was darker than the other.

  You turned your head towards the other tom, his green eyes filled with worry. As soon as you were brought back to the door, the tom began scratching at it until a person appeared.

  The person had stunning blue eyes and longish blond hair on his head. His expression was awfully tired until you were lifted into view whereas it changed to shock.

  He reached down, taking you from the tom's mouth and holding you very close to him. This person carried you inside, going through the house and grabbing a piece of cloth which he wrapped you up in.

  You were laid down on the person's couch with the cloth around you as he ran off once more, calling for someone else. The two toms approached you, jumping beside you on the couch. Only now did you notice the green-eyed tom's fur was drenched like yours.

  He laid down beside you, licking your fur dry as the other came up in front of you and copying. He was the first one to start interrogating you,"Mon petite...what were you doing all by yourself...? You could 'ave died..."

  When he said this, you felt the weight of exhaustion, hunger, pain...everything, just collapse on you. Before you knew it, your head was lowered and you were crying into his fur. He licked your back, coaxing some of the leftover water in your lungs out. "Look at what you did you git...the poor thing..."

  You curled up beside the multicolored tom, allowing yourself to rest a bit as you tried to calm down. "It's okay love...whenever you want to speak...just tell us..."

  "F-Food..." You meowed painfully. "I-I need food..."

  The tom curled around took the scruff of your neck, carrying to a bowl filled with food. He had to keep close to you, your body falling to the side in exhaustion as you ate. The person came back, another blond person in tow, only with messy, short hair and emerald eyes. Both persons watched you carefully finishing your food before the tom carried you back to the cloth.

  The emerald-eyed person walked off as the blue-eyed one dried you off under the toms' watchful eyes. When the other person returned, he copied the blue-eyed one's actions. "So can you tell us what happened love...?"

  "I-I ran away...m-my brothers and sisters...t-they all got sold and m-my momma..." Again, you felt your heart well up in sadness,"My momma left a-a'kuz she hated our persons..."

  The white tom nuzzled your cheek softly,"It's okay mon petite...we'll take care of you..." Again, he began cleaning off your fur while his assumed person did so. You rested your head, shutting your (e/c) eyes, feeling safe for the first time since you left that home.

  After what felt like a minute, you were being awoken by the green-eyed tom again,"We're just going to move you to the other room with us...don't worry love."

  You felt your body lift off the soft surface once more as you were carried away. A few moments passed before you were laid down once more, curled up beside another larger form while two others snuggled beside you. "Are you comfy...?"

  Opening your (e/c) eyes lazily, you saw the two kittens looking towards you, the violet-eyed one piping up again,"I-If you want...w-we can move..."

  "I-I'm okay..." You squeaked, still intimidated by the bigger cats surrounding you. Resting your head, you quickly fell into a comforting sleep, food finally in your stomach and your eyes able to safely shut.

_________________

  By the time you awoke hours later, the sun was high in the sky and the fluffy white tom was awake beside you. "'ow did you sleep my little petite?"

  You nestled closer to him, relaxing once more,"I wanna sleep..."

  He purred in delight before you were jostled up from your seat. "You can sleep in a bit...how about we all introduce ourselves ___________...?"

  "_-___________?" You squeaked out in confusion.

  The tom licked your ear softly and helped you to your own two feet only for you to fall under the weight of them. They felt as if they were being tied down with cinder blocks. "Zat's ze name you were given. Do you not like it...?"

  You laid your head down again,"I-I like it..."

  "Did you wake her up you git?" Looking up, you saw the other tom padding in, the two other kittens running in from behind. "She needs to rest...she's still very weak right now. ___________, just go back to sleep..."

  You watched as the two toms argued back and forth over who was to watch you. "Well my fur is ze most comfortable...stubby-haired Brit!"

  "At least I'll let the poor kit sleep! You were thinking of dragging her out of bed you git! She's hurt and weak!"

  "But wis you, she 'as to worry about being charmed by your person!"

  You relaxed yourself as they argued on by themselves, falling asleep once again. Right as you were falling asleep, you felt a rough lick on your cheek,"Just a few minutes...then you can sleep dudette." The blue-eyed kit mustered.

  Both kittens sat in front of you,"I'm Amerikit and this is my bro, Canadakit." He continued before pointing at the two cats who were still quarreling,"The fluffy white one is Francecat and the stupid British one is Iggycat."

  "Amerikit..." Canadakit silently complained,"That wasn't really nice...Iggycat took us in as his own..."

  Both brothers noticed your confusion and quickly jumped on the chance to explain. "Well you see, me and Canadakit were abandoned by our mother when we were really little...like a little littler than you are now. Both of 'em found us and took us in."

  "So...does that mean I get to stay too...?"

  "O-Of course..." Canadakit interjected. "I-I do think our p-persons could kick you out...they seem to like you already...

  Letting out a yawn, you lay down once more as the two kittens snuggled up beside you. "They'll stop fighting in a little bit. They always do this...but for now, you need to rest up. The hero'll watch over you."

  Both kittens laid their fluffy tails over your form as you fell back into sleep willingly, knowing that you'd have a nice home to wake up to and a new family to care for you.

  The next time you woke up-which was sometime in the middle of the night-you were awaken to rather loud noises. A new person, unfamiliar to you, literally threw the door open and woke the three of you up to a start.

  Once Spaincat laid eyes on the person, he calmed down,"Oh, it's just him. Relax you two." He fell back into a comfortable state, Romakit poking his head through your front legs.

  Turning your head to look at Spaincat, you gave a confused look. "He's a friend of our person. He makes a lot of noise and can be kind of mean but he's actually really sweet."

  "What-?" Without warning, you were lifted up into a pair of arms. The new person brought you up for closer inspection before resting you in his arms.

  "Since when did Spain get you...?" He doted silently, carrying you into another room. The person let you lay down beside him in bed, something your previous persons never allowed.

  Unsure of what was going on, you looked towards the door. The new person laid down beside you, lifting you onto his chest,"Stupid fratello...stupid potato bastard..." He mumbled complaints while stroking your fur, lulling you sleep rather easily.

  Back in the living room, Spaincat and Romakit were just settling back down together. "Papa...is __________ staying...?"

  Spaincat gave the kitten a lick on the forehead,"Of course she's staying. Why, are you worried about her leaving Roma?" He purred in amusement, thinking he was embarrassing the kitten.

  "Yea..." Spaincat stopped purring,"I miss my mama...I never saw her...I don't know what she was like..." He buried his face in Spaincat's pelt,"I just want a mom damnit..."

  Spaincat licked his kitten's ear comfortingly,"I didn't know you felt like that Roma...why didn't you just tell me sooner...?"

  "I thought you'd make fun of me...jerk..." His body was trembling lightly by now.

  Spaincat nudged the kitten who responded similiarly. "Of course I wouldn't. Roma...you're so important to me...I wouldn't make fun of you over something like this..."

  Romakit lowered his head on Spaincat's side. "You don't need to be embarrassed Roma...do you want to go sleep with ___________...?" Romakit nodded before getting picked up.

  The door to the room you were in creaked open, Spaincat padding in. The person was already sleeping at this point so you broke free of his grasp to meet the two.

  Spaincat jumped up beside you and gently placed the kitten at your paws,"Romakit was having a bad dream and wanted to come lay down with you."

  The kitten glared at Spaincat before laying down beneath you. You nestled yourself with the kitten and licked his forehead,"Don't give your dad such a hard time...he worries about you."

  "Sí mi tomate pequeño." Romakit snuggled closer to you as Spaincat lay down beside you,"Try to get some sleep mi familia."

  "Good night papa..." Romakit squeaked before curling up to you, resting his head against your stomach. "Good night ____________..."

  When he had fallen asleep, Spaincat licked your cheek softly. "I need to talk with you about something..." You looked towards him a bit worried,"It's okay, it isn't anything bad.

  "Roma told me that he was worried about you leaving...I think he looks up to you as a mother...probably because he's never had one..." You looked at the sleeping kitten and brushed your tail over him. "Just...of its not too much to ask-"

  "I don't mind." You purred, settling down with the small kitten,"I think it's kind of cute actually..."

  Spaincat purred happily,"Just don't say it out loud. He'll get all upset if you do niña."

  Shutting your eyes, you couldn't help but purr amused. The person shifted over and sighed,"You know your all being loud...I'm trying to get some damned sleep here..."

_________________

  Romano woke up early the next morning, looking over to the small family of cats clumped together. 'What the hell did they do to the poor ragazza though...she's all cut up.'

  He wanted to lift you up but decided not to disturb the peace. Getting out of bed, he ran into Spain in the hallway. "Lovino, you're here early." The Spaniard responded with charm in his voice. "What happened to spending time with your brother?"

  Romano crossed his arms and scowled,"Stupid fratello brought that idiot potato bastard back in his house." Averting his eyes, he sighed angrily. "Where did you get that other cat?"

  "She was attacked by a stray...Spaincat took care of him." Spain approached the younger nation, slinging his arm around his neck and leading him to the kitchen,"I'll let her go if she wants but, I think she really likes it here."

  "Maybe she just likes Spaincat..." He mumbled in a frustrated tone.

  "Maybe she does..." Spain pondered aloud. "Then maybe they'll have kittens...wouldn't that be adorable Lovi~!?" Spain started gushing,"Then your little Roma would be a big brother~!"

  Romano groaned as he took the arm off his shoulder,"You never shut the hell up, do you?"

  "Come on Lovi~! It'd be adorable and you know it!" Romano couldn't help but crack a small smile. "See! How about we go pick some fresh tomatoes so we can have some fresh sopa tomate tonight."

  Romano's personality returned to normal,"Yea. Whatever you damned tomato-sucking bastard..."

  Your eyes opened up, hearing the two persons outside the door. "They're so loud..." Letting your head fall back on the warm blankets, you tried once more to fall asleep with little success.

  "Mama...stop moving..." Romakit whined, stretching out before cuddling with you once more. "It's too early..."

  Your eyes softened at the first word he said. Mama. He had called you mama. Licking his forehead, you purred while he continually complained,"I can clean myself mama!"

  You pulled away and meowed softly,"Let me just wash you without complaining." Continuing, you licked the creamy fur on his side while he mumbled in protest. Moving away, you licked his forehead once more, messing his fur up,"There."

  "Mama..." He whined again, fixing his fur again.

  Spaincat rolled over, stretching his legs out and yawning. "What are you both doing up so early...?"

  "Your person woke me up." You stated plainly, getting up on all fours and being sent back down by pain in your shoulder.

  Spaincat approached you in a heartbeat, worry in his eyes,"Chica...?"

  "M-My shoulder just hurts..." His eyes moved towards the bandage which was turning red,"I-I'll be fine..."

  Spaincat jumped off the bed and looked down the hall where the two person's were walking away. Sprinting after them, he bit down on his person's pant leg, catching his attention.

  "What is it Spain-" Before he could finish, Spaincat took a sprint back to the house before looking at the two expectantly. They were going to the tomato fields. If they did, they'd be gone all day. "I think he wants us to follow him Romano..."

  Following their guts, they followed the cat, bringing them back to Romano's room where your wounds were now seeping blood through the bandages. Spain came to your aid immediately, pressing his hand softly against the wound,"Lovi, could you be a doll and get the first aid kit?"

  He rolled his eyes at the man but quickly came back with the kit in hand. Spain took the bandages off and started dabbing the wounds with rubbing alcohol once more.

  Noticing your discomfort, he scratched behind your ear,"You're okay siñorita...the bleeding stopped...I know it hurts but you'll feel better after this..." Romano sat beside you, stroking your head.

  When he pulled away, he smiled,"There you go...we need to be careful with that injury then...Spaincat, make sure she doesn't move around too much for the next few days."

  Spaincat meowed softly as you were picked up and carried into the living room where you were laid down on the couch. "Now listen siñorita, Spaincat is going to watch you and make sure you don't rip open that cut again...but you need to watch what you do too."

  You meowed in understanding, laying to your good side and breathing out a bit. Spaincat licked your ear and plopped down beside you. Romakit was off somewhere chasing a bug that had gotten into the house. The two persons left once more, leaving you both alone.

  "I guess you need to be careful...don't worry chica...I'll watch out for you..." His tail brushed yours and entwined with your own,"I'll be sure nothing happens to you..."

To Be Continued...

  Hungarycat padded beside Spaincat, worry glistening in her green eyes. "Spaincat...how has ___________ been...? She hasn't come out here for awhile now..."

  Spaincat purred, his tail swaying enthusiastically,"She's alright chica. Just a cold, doesn't want to aggravate it any further than she needs to is all."

  Her eyes still held a bit of uncertainty within them. "But...are you sure she's feeling okay...? I'm really worried about her..."

  "Trust me chica, there's nothing to worry about." It took a moment before the persistent she-cat padded off to her own mate. He watched with lighter eyes as they snuggled closer to one another.

  Looking back towards his person's house, his paws itched slightly. He really didn't like leaving you alone with them for a long period of time, especially with the way his person could be.

  He turned his head slightly, looking at his own kitten, growing to be a much bigger young cat. Currently, he was following Monacokit from behind, trying to put the moves on her.

  "Roma!" The young tom turned his head to look at his father,"Come on, we're going home quick!"

  "Are you kidding!? I don't wanna go back yet!" He hissed back.

  Spaincat shook his head slightly, his tail twitching in agitation. "Fine. Can I trust you be by yourself for a little while?"

  "Yea, whatever." He rolled his green eyes. "You're more paranoid than she is..."

  Ignoring the last comment, Spaincat left, walking back towards the house by himself. He knew Romakit was more than capable of being by himself for a few long minute but still felt sour.

  By the time he was back home, he was feeling bad about leaving his child by himself. He scratched at the door until his person came and opened it for him, quickly rushing to where he knew you were.

  Sure enough, you were sleeping, three fluffy kittens napping beside you as well. "Chica..." He used his paw to shake you slightly. "Chica...wake up..."

  You rolled over, opening your (e/c) eyes to look at him,"Why are you back so early...? And where's little Roma...?"

  "Listen...do you want to go outside with them...?" Spaincat suggested, resting from his short trip. Your eyes held uncertainty, looking at your little kittens,"Chica...they'll be safe...I promise..."

  "But...they're so little..."

  "I brought Romakit there when he was this age...besides, everyone thinks your dead." Sitting up now, he nudged your cheek. "Come on..."

  Getting yourself up, you sighed,"Fine...Perukit...Mexikit...Paraguaykit..." You nestled up each individual of the three, easily taking the two closest to you by the scruffs of their necks.

  Spaincat took the one straddling kitten and padded towards the back door. The three small kittens were meowing in protest, wanting to sleep off the afternoon.

  By the time they were carried outside, they seemed to stop their complaining and took in the sights. They all seemed to take interest in the smallest things, the first time outside in their short lives.

  When you approached the others, the three spoofed their (half-) brother near-instantly and broke away from you. As soon as Romakit saw his younger siblings, he groaned as they pounced. The other cats watched curiously as the new kittens attacked him so happily.

  "Spaincat, you're such a liar!" Hungarycat hissed, coming up to the two of you. "I thought she was dead!"

  "I'm not dead. Just tired out from them." You watched as the three began to run off after a bug. "You three! Stay here where I can see you!"

  Romakit ran after them, rounding them up and bringing them back where they began to chase Itakit. "I'm watching them! Geez, you two were made for each other..."

  "I-I don't want to keep them out here too long..." You stated softly. "I mean they're still so young and all-"

  "Oh, they're fine." Hungarycat convinced you,"The sooner they get used to being outside, the more street smarts they'll get. Trust me, they're old enough. So which one is which?"

  You pointed to one who was alone trying to pounce on Romakit's tail. It was a girl with creamy beige fur, a single brown spot around her left eye, shimmering a beautiful (e/c). "Well, that one is Perukit...she's the oldest of the three and tries imitating her older brother. He doesn't seem to mind usually."

  The next one you pointed to was a little tom, was near entirely brown save the white fur that ran down his chest and tipped his right ear. His eyes were green, much like Spaincat's. "He's Mexikit...energetic little thing he is too." Both of you watched as he knocked Amerikit (and all his loveable 'fluffy') over.

  The third was another tom, crouched down and watching Itakit's tail twitch anxiously. His fur was much like yours, (h/c) except for a spot on his back which was a chocolate brown coloring. "And that one is Paraguaykit...between him and Mexikit, I have a handful."

  Hungarycat purred softly,"And how long has it been since you have gotten a break...?"

  "Um...since they were born...I think." You pondered in a low meow. "They're just a handful, you know?"

  You heard Romacat scolding Perukit about attacking him, causing you to look up. Sure enough, he was scolding the three for acting so immature. "I'm lucky Romakit's been being a good brother...he usually keeps them in order."

  Hungarycat purred,"I'm surprised he eased into it so easily."

  "Trust me, he didn't like the idea of having younger siblings at first." You explained,"Besides, he was the oldest of his litter already. I guess that's why he fit the role so well."

  "I kind of understand." 

  You watched at the three scattered off, causing the already upset Romakit to start hissing at them, chasing them all around. "And this is the energy they have when they're tired..."

  "Maybe you should make Spaincat watch them for a bit," Hungarycat suggested,"I did that when I had my first litter. Not only is it relaxing but it's fun to watch."

  "It wasn't fun." Austriacat stated coldly, coming close to the three of you. "My own children...jumping around like monkeys."

  Looking towards Spaincat, you held joy in your eyes. He knew that was an oblivious bad sign. "Maybe you can watch them tomorrow so that I can't rest my paws for once."

  "Oh...Dios Mio..." He groaned to your pleasure. "Fine chica..."

  "Mama!" Perukit bounded over to you,"Mama! Mexikit and Paraguaykit were being mean to me!"

  "How were they being mean to you...?" You asked softly.

  She lowered her head. "T-They were calling me names and t-they knocked me over when I was chasing a-a butterfly..."

  You licked her ear softly,"Just ignore them. They're just jealous because you're older and better at hunting than them."

  Romakit came from in front and licked his little sister's hair lightly,"Come on you, we're sorting this out." He looked up at you, a glint of wanting in his eyes before picking the kitten in his mouth.

  You licked his head softly,"You're such a good boy Roma." His head lowered in oblivious embarrassment before padding off to the other two kittens where he proceeded to scold the two.

  "He really is a good kit, isn't he?" Spaincat purred, licking your cheek softly,"All of them are...our beautiful children..."

  You leaned your head slightly on his, purring softly as you watched the four play. "I'm still making you watch them all day tomorrow, you little sneak..."

  "Crap..."

The End.

  America poked his heads in one of the tents, surprised to see the German man up and moving. Both blue eyes locked for a second, sharing the same amount of worry and anger in them for the same reasons.

  "Where is she Lud?" America said in a sharp tone.

  "I told you not to call me zat." Germany rebutted, crossing his arms across his chest. "Ivan already took her avay from me so you can go."

  America pushed the entrance of the tent open and stormed in, glaring at the slightly-taller German man,"I swear, if you did anything to hurt my little girl while I was gone-"

  "It vas a mistake." Germany cut off, pushing America away from him,"Italy though she vas a girl kidnapped from one of our countries und took her. Ve had no idea she vas a country until now. Ve didn't hurt her."

  The fire in the American's eyes died down, his selfish anger out of the way now revealing something in the German's eyes as well. Pain.

  "You liked her...didn't you Lud?" Germany nodded solemnly, shutting his eyes and sighing. "That's why you wouldn't have hurt her even if you were told to, right?"

  "Ja. She started calling me 'mom' vhile you vere gone." Both enemies shared a soft laugh.

  "Well hi. I'm the dad." America tried to joke once more but finding no success. "I guess I'm gunna go. I'll untie your friends before any of your soldier's wake up."

  America turned to leave, opening the door and whistling a signal before turning to Germany once more with a smile,"Thanks. Old friend."

  With that, he dashed out to untie the other two axis members and get back to camp where you were probably relaxing comfortably.

__________________

  Alfred was hugging you tightly as you woke up. He was sleeping but showed no signs of letting you go anytime soon. "D...Daddy...wake up daddy...I can't breath..."

  His grip released quickly, allowing you fresh air,"I'm sorry sweetie. You're okay, right?

  "Mhm..." You mumbled, looking up towards the American with a smile. "They were nice to me daddy, I promise."

  He chuckled softly at your innocence,"I know. Ivan told me how you scraped up your knees."

  Taking your wrists, he examined the scratches on your hand and lifted you up into his arms with a smile,"How about we clean up your hands while Yao gets some more of those dumplings you like, hm?"

  "I want to try daddy's food." You said happily as he carried you to the others in another part of the base. Francis took you in his arms as Alfred went to get you food.

  "Your papa said zat you 'urt vos petites mains?" Nodding, you showed him the scrapes on your hands. "Mon dieu! You are such a strong little fille, non? We'll fix zis up in no time."

  Sitting you down on a table, he smiled at you before looking towards Caterpillars,"Angelterre, can you fetch ze first aid kit for ze petite ___________?"

  He mumbled something in the background before fetching a white metal box with a red cross on top. Caterpillars left, but not before kissing the top of your (h/c) head.

  Taking your wrist, he began to clean off the dirt with a painful piece of cloth. "I know zis 'urts a bit but bear wis me." You did as he asked and bit your lip to keep from complaining. "You're such a good girl, non? All better."

  Yao picked you up while Francis cleaned up the kit,"Ai yah, why are you such a cutie? We were so worried about you aru."

  Ivan enveloped you both into a hug,"She's okay Yao-Yao. I'm happy they did not hurt you little sunflower."

  "Give me the little bugger." Caterpillars somehow grabbed you in the mess of people gripping onto you. "Why don't you just leave her alone-"

  Francis came up from behind, wrapping his arms around Caterpillar's waist and kissing his cheek. You knew he was going to boil over from just that simple gesture. 

  "Bloody hell you goddamned frog!"

  "Watch your language in front of ze petite Angelterre! Or I will 'ave to wash your mouse out wis soap!"

  Alfred came in, taking you from the two quarreling men and handing you over a hamburger. You ingested it happily, watching at the others fought with each other.

  Somewhere, you felt like you never wanted this to end.

__________________

  It's been a few years since the war has passed, your age relevantly the same when Alfred took you somewhere. He told you that you'd be seeing England, France and another friend there.

  The whole flight over to your destination, you were fidgeting and jumping in your seat. But you didn't realize what country you were in until later. Caterpillars and Francis drove you and your daddy somewhere but you were unconscious in the backseat.

  When you awoke, you weren't with your daddy. You weren't with Francis and you weren't with Caterpillars. "M...Mutti...?"

  Yes, you were relaxing upon a beaten-up figure of Ludwig. He was sitting up, resting against the backboard of a bed while you rested in his lap. Bandages. Weariness. All these signs of the passed war polluted him.

  His black wife's beater wasn't present, only white bandages covering most of his torso with the iron cross necklace hanging near the center of his chest. On his shoulders, his green jacket hung freely. You didn't even realize, you had won the war. Ludwig lost.

  "I'm glad you're doing vell ___________..." He spoke softly, cupping your cheek in his larger hand. You rested your hand within it, shutting your eyes as tears surfaced. "It's okay liebling..."

  Nodding, you let a few tears shed as he caressed your cheek gently. "I...I missed you Ludwig..."

  "I know. But I promised zat ve vould see each ozher again, didn't I?" Letting you lay down comfortably, you found yourself falling asleep once more.

  "I was gunna come in a minute ago," America said from outside the door,"England and France wanted to see her before she fell asleep again but I guess I'm too late."

  "Just let her sleep..." He said softly, watching as the door opened to the American man. "But if you vant, you can take her..."

  America walked in, sitting at a chair beside Germany and sighing. "I think I'd rather have her stick with you for a bit. If you don't mind I mean." He grunted slightly in response. "Are you okay...? I mean, with your brother and all..."

  The room was silent for a moment, as if he didn't want to talk about it. "Mein bruder is an idiot...but he's strong...I'm just hoping zat he'll be okay..."

  Again, the room fell silent as America tried to think of something to say. "I wouldn't worry then. How do your wounds feel...? Need anything before I go?"
  "Nein, I'm fine. Danke."

  He sat for a moment, completely still before standing up and taking you into his arms. Placing a kiss on your forehead, he allowed you to rest with Germany once more.

  Turning around, there was a smile on his face,"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask...honey."

  "Ja, ja..."

  As he slipped out of the room, America added one more comment,"Wait until your big brother finds out your a mommy."

The End.

  As you came to, you expected Alfred's arms to be wrapped around you, your body on his with his stomach raising and dropping you. But rather than muscular arms and (a chubby) stomach, you were laying in a bed, someone's pencil-like arms around you.

  People were talking silently in the room, probably only two people at least. Their voices were unfamiliar and hushed, as of trying to keep from awakening you. The second you opened your eyes, you realized you weren't in the same tent as you fell asleep in. Beside you lay a man, light-brown hair with a curl sticking from the side.

  Pushing him away, you squeaked in fear. This must've woken him up, only his eyes didn't open. "Ve~ what's wrong little ragazza...? Are you feeling okay...?"

  Holding yourself, loud sobs irrupted. The boy in front of you had no clue what to do, a panicked look on his face. "D-Daddy...! I-I want my d-daddy!"

  "Shit..."

  The boy in front of you took you in his arms and hugged you,"Please...bella...stop crying...! E-Everything is okay...! Don't cry...!"

  You fought your way out of his arms, looking towards the other two men in the room. One was a short, Asiatic man and the other was a tall, blond, muscular man.

  Unintentionally, you ran towards the taller man, grabbing onto his leg and buried your face within the pant sleeve. His muscles tensed, you could easily tell. After a moment, the other man pried you away from him. As you were, you screamed as if being stabbed, immediately causing him to drop you.

  Gathering yourself up off the ground, you went back over to the taller man and stayed at his side. You just felt safe with him, maybe because he had a similar build to your daddy. It felt more familiar.

  After a hesitant moment, he lifted you into his arms and sighed. His cheeks were dusting pink with embarrassment. You could easily tell he wasn't used to, nor good with children.

  The Italian boy came over, looking towards you, then back at his assumed friend. "Just rock her and forth. She's a little ragazza, what's the worst that could happen?"

  "Don't say zat..." He replied under his breath with a sharp tone. Looking back at your crying form, he allowed a small smile to tug the corners of his lips as he brought you closer to his chest.

  Snuggling closer, you noticed his face turning even deeper red. He was completely uncomfortable with the situation at hand. Your sobs had ceased moments ago, a smile now shining through the tears.

  "A...Ah...h-hallo kind. I'm Ludvig...erm..." Just his nervousness made you laugh, making the three look at you in disbelief. Relaxing in his arms now, you felt tired and worn. "Vhat's wrong?"

  "She tired Luddy." The Italian mumbled, ready to take you away once more. In a swift motion, you gripped his shirt tightly and hid your face. The only one you were going to trust right now was Ludwig, you made that perfectly clear.

  Nodding, he went to the bed you were just laying on and tucked you in. But he didn't climb in beside you. "Come sleep with me..."

  "I need to go over a few zings...zen I'll lay down vith you, okay kind?" Not able to do much, you nodded and curled up. All three of them seemed tired, making you quickly suspect that they were awake for most of the night.

  It was impossible to sleep, you felt uncomfortable without someone sleeping with you. Peering over at them, you could feel tears welling up in your eyes once more. A sniffle got all of their attentions.

  The German man went over towards you, sitting on the edge of your bed. "I zink ve should go to sleep...ve'll talk about zis once ve're all rested enough, alright?"

  Both nodded and left you alone. Ludwig scooted in bed beside you, not expecting it when you climbed on his chest and started falling asleep. "G-Gut nacht kind..."

  "_____________..." You said in a low voice, resting your head on his chest,"Your heartbeat is strong. But it's also really gentle...really soothing and calming..."

  He didn't know how to respond so he just wrapped his arms around you and mumbled something to himself. Giggling, you kissed his nose and rested yourself again.

  Ludwig turned his head so that in the case you were still awake, you couldn't see the massive blush spreading across his face at break-neck speeds.

___________________

  Alfred didn't feel like a hero. A girl who he met days ago who considered him her father had been taken. Any why? Because he was too busy that night to make sure that his little girl was being watched by someone.

  He had been thinking of ways to get you back since you had been taken, the easiest idea had been to just storm in and get you back. The allies had always seemed to be able to hold their own against the axis.

  If they had you though, they could easily use you against them. He didn't even want to know what the axis trio might be putting you through right now. He would try and help configure a plan, but he felt so useless.

  The other allies weren't much better. All of them seemed to be off without the zesty little child running around the base. America already missed the company of having you resting with him at night.

  Maybe you'd be okay. Italy wasn't much of a violent person and could easily get either of them to leave you alone. Besides, he loved children so the odds are that you'd be safe around him.

  Then again, at night, he'd be deep in sleep. These mental battles went along for days at a time. When they raged, he couldn't concentrate on anything but that no matter how hard he tried.

  A few days of withdrawing, he came with an idea of how to take you back. It looked rather surprising to see him out of bed. That or to see the state of dishevel he was in.

  "Listen guys, I know I've been kinda...out of it lately, but the hero is back!" His old personality seemed like a good sign. "And I'm determined to get our little ____________ back!"

  "You have an idea?" Yao asked, straightening his posture to look better at the taller nation.

  America nodded, slamming his hands on the table,"We go right in and demand to take her back. But here's the thing..."

To be continued...

  It hurt to walk, to keep pressing forward. But you knew you'd have to stay strong until you could have a night's rest. Earlier this morning, you ran out of your person's home to never return. They had gotten a kitten not too long ago and have been neglecting you since.

  Peering into an alleyway, you were met with a pair of eyes. One eye was a dark green and the other was blind. As he stepped out into the light, you could see all the scars underneath his shaggy, unkempt grey pelt.

  His eyes narrowed seeing you standing there. "Hey there pretty kitty. You have some nerve stepping on my land." Now his one working eye danced with amusement. "Maybe you wanted to stay awhile..."

  Your (h/c) fur stuck up at end. Something was definitely off about this tom and you didn't want to stick around to find out what. He started coming towards you, his stubbed tail twitching. "Go away! Don't come close to me!" You hissed empty threats towards him.

  When he stood in front of you, you swallowed in fear. He was much bigger and stronger than you. All you had to one up him was your lean and agileness to dodge. Unsheathing your claws, you gave a claw to the face before sprinting off.

  Looking back behind you, you saw the tom running towards you, slower than you were, that's for sure. His eye held such anger in them, he wanted your blood for sure, the thought making yours run cold.

  Seeing a corner, you took a quick cut, diving into a pile of trash and peering out of a small crevice. The tom came into view, his nostrils flaring,"Where the hell did you go you little twerp..."

  His nose was lifted into the air, sniffing you out. Your body tensed up as he began to approach where you lay hidden. Looking desperately around, you spied a person's home. It was the only chance you had.

  As soon as the big tom's nose was near the one crevice, you reached out and scratched it, dashing off and through the fence, going to the back of the person's home where you hid in a bush.

  The tom was howling in anger at this point, him now knowing you were at this person's home. "Chica!" Poking your head out of the leaves, you saw a tom inside the person's home, a screen door separating him from the outside. "What's wrong-!"

  As he said that, the stray tom entered the back and spotted you quickly. In fear, you dashed up to the tom inside,"You have to help me! Please!" The tom watched in horror as the bigger tom jumped you, digging his claws into your back and dragging you off the steps and onto the grass.

  You could feel the blood on your haunches raising up as soon as the claws retracted. Not even a second after, you felt his teeth bite into the skin once more. Your attempts to claw him were in vain, he didn't even seem to notice your attacks.

  When you got a clear shot, you scratched him in the only good eye as fast as you could. He released you, shaking his head. You took the second to back away, only to collapse on the ground. The tom's eyes opened and gave you a deathly glare,"I'm going to kill you!"

  "To hell you are!" The tom from inside sprang out of nowhere, knocking the stray as he sprung towards you. The smaller tom easily pinned the giant stray on the ground. "Chica! Go inside!"

  At the moment, you felt weak as could be. Looking towards where the Tom once sat, a person waited. In front of you, there were two toms hissing and brawling one another. "Go!"

  When he hit a crescendo, your legs automatically sent you inside the person's home where you crashed to the floor in pain. The person rushed to your side, taking you in his arms before going back to the door and crying out for the other tom.

  Hearing the okay and as if acting in sync, he slithered into a small crack of the door while the person shut the door on the stray, shooing him off by hitting against the screen. Once gone, the person carried you into another room, laying you down on the couch.

  The tom that saved you jumped beside you, licking your ear softly. "Are you okay chica...?" Both of you looked towards the bloody wounds,"My person will take care of those, don't you worry."

  You rested your head,"Thank you...I owe you and your person my life..."

  The tom purred in amusement. Looking towards him, you looked at the mainly light-beige fur with only a strip of brown stretching from the top of his head to his tail. He wore a red collar with a cross at the end of it. He now wore minor injuries, little scratches compared to your own wounds.

  The person came back in and began tending to your wounds. What the person used stung a bit but, the strange new tom kept you comfort. "My name is Spaincat by the way. I never caught your name chica..."

  "I don't have one..." You muttered,"I was left behind by my persons when they brought a kitten..."

  You were nudged lightly,"It's okay...we'll take good care of you..."

  "Papa..." You hear a soft meow from below. A small kitten, similar in looks to Spaincat, save the one hair that stuck out, was looking up towards the two of you.

  The person noticed the kitten and brought it up to you. He gave you and unsure look and hid behind Spaincat,"Shhh...shhh Romakit...she's a nice cat...some stray just caught her..."

  The kitten poked his head out, giving you a deathly glare before stubbornly putting his head on Spaincat's waist, still keeping a keen eye on you. "Is he your kitten Spaincat...?"

  Spaincat gave the small kitten a lick to the ear,"Yes..."

  "But..."

  His eyes dampened a bit. "I used to a stray before my person found me. When I lived on the streets, I met the most beautiful girl. Both of us fell deeply in love..." The person finished cleaning your wounds and began wrapping them up,"She found out that she was going to have my kits, only when she was having them, something went wrong after Romakit was born..."

  The kitten crawled into his dad's lap and snuggled, still watching you. "I tried to help her but in the end, I couldn't save her. I took Romakit away and cleaned him off before trying to find some shelter." You winced in pain and the person wrapped your wound too tightly. "I traveled for hours but I couldn't find anywhere. I thought I was going to loose the last piece of her I had.

  "While I was giving mi pequeño some time to rest, my person found me. At first I couldn't trust him, scared that he might try to hurt mi Roma..." Ignoring the person, you went up to Spaincat and nudged his cheek,"Gracias..." The person continued to wrap your wounds. "I knew that if I didn't do anything, he would die. So even if he meant harm..." The cat shook his head, trying to get the thought away.

  "He brought me and Romakit back home with him. Immediately, he gave Romakit the food he desperately needed. If I didn't trust him, I might've lost my only child..."

  Your (e/c) eyes softened and watered up slightly,"I'm so sorry about your mate..."

  His eyes sparkled slightly,"It's okay chica...I'm glad she left me my little Romakit...isn't that right Roma?"

  Spaincat licked the kitten's ear roughly, making the kitten whine in protest,"Papa! Stop licking me! I'm not a little kit anymore!"

  You couldn't help but purr in amusement at the two. Spaincat looked towards you once more,"I'm sorry about him. He's a bit of a stubborn one. You must be hungry, how about we get you something to eat...?"

  "Yes please..." You meowed softly.

  Spaincat stood up, the small kitten weaving through his legs and laying down beside you. Looking up at his person, he meowed softly, receiving a laugh and a stroke of the head.

  The person began to walk off, Spaincat padding behind. "Follow me."

  Nudging the small kitten off you, you followed the tom, the small kitten running past you and to his dad, weaving under his body. When you made it into the kitchen, you found a bowl getting filled with fresh food.

  The three of you started digging into the food. Spaincat allowed you and his kitten to eat more than himself. When you had finished, you sat beside Spaincat, your tail brushing his.

  He gave you a lick on the cheek, his tail intertwining with yours. "How do you feel chica...?"

  "My body just hurts..." You muttered,"I'm sorry if I'm causing you and your person any trouble..."

  "It's no trouble at all. Why don't you go lay down in the living room so my person can watch you." You agreed and padded out of the room, returning to the person who had saved you.

  On his head were curly locks of brown and his eyes shined a magnificent emerald green. His skin was kissed by the sun and a beautiful tanned color. He lifted your form off the ground and placed you beside him, allowing you to rest your weary legs and fall asleep.

  The person stroked your (h/c) fur, remaining weary of your bandages. You began to purr in content as he did so. "So what am I going to name you siñorita?"

  You meowed in response, shifting in your spot. "How about __________...? Is that a good name for a little lady like yourself...?"

  Licking his fingers as they danced across your fur, it confirmed your new name. Spaincat re-entered, his kitten's scruff in his mouth.  He jumped up beside you, letting the kitten go.

  To your shock, the kitten curled up by your stomach, his head leaning on your front legs. Spaincat plopped down beside you, his arms folded under his body,"I like your new name chica...____________..."

  Laying your head down, you fell asleep right beside them.

To Be Continued...

 "Italy!!!" You screamed at the top of your lungs, watching as he was lashed out against, his face being struck by Russia and his pipe. His nose was bleeding and his right eye was swollen shut.

 England pushed your arms against your back, twisting them more and sending a painful scream out of your body. "_-__________..." Italy spoke weakly, looking over towards you with saddened copper eyes. "I-I'm sorry-"

 America yanked Italy back up on his knees, letting Russia give him a few more hits before letting him drop to the ground. England released you and you slowly crawled to his side, brushing his face gently, your tears blotching on his pale and beaten face.

 Brushing his cheek, you tried to calm yourself down as a sob escaped your lips. Russia began to pull you off with his pipe, but you clung tightly onto Italy. "Move off him da? We still have unfinished business."

 "No!" You snapped, holding his head to your chest, hugging him close. "I won't let you hurt him anymore! He doesn't know anything! He never did!"

 He chuckled softly but your skin crawled at the sound. Suddenly, a sharp blow was administered to your head. Red blood began to run down the back of your neck but you didn't budge. You were scared of getting hit again when one of the nations spoke up.

 "We're trying to get information from her! Don't kill her yet!"

 You and Italy were roughly separated, both of your limp bodies being dragged behind. Then, you were thrown into a cell and locked up. Italy's eyes opened up gently, their golden sheen not leaving.

 In an attempt to try and show him you were fine, you got on your hands and knees and crawled towards him. Before you could get to him though, a wave of nausea hit and you barely had enough time to aim away and vomit on the ground beside you.

 Laying back on the ground, you forced the pain-filled nausea down and took Italy's hand weakly. "I-It's okay Feli...w-we'll m-make it out of this somehow..."

 "____________...go t-to sleep f-for awhile..." He whispered, stroking your cheek with a shaky hand. You didn't complain, nodding gently as he soothingly began to brush away dirtied strands of short hair. "It'll be over soon...don't worry...G-Germany and J-Japan'll s-save us..."

 Your eyes shut, looking at Italy's face, a warm smile on his broken face. Once your eyes were nearly shut, you could see the tears beginning to fall from his eyes.

_________________

 You awoke with a start, breathing heavily. A sharp pain exploded in the back of your head, making you freeze in place. A pain that nearly blinded you until it ebbed away.

 The first thing you noticed as your sight slowly came back was that you were laying in bed, wrapped up in white bandages and wearing oversized green military pants and a wife's beater.

 Around your shoulders was a blue military jacket which smelt like pasta and spices. 'Italy.'

 Getting out of bed, you wobbly made your way out of the room and struggled to get downstairs where there were light voices. You made it to the kitchen where a few countries had gathered, including Italy who was being handed a coffee mug by Germany.

 The blond looked up and his eyes connected quickly with yours. He calmly laid the mug down in front of Italy before quickly rushing to your side, helping to support your body weight. Japan, another one in the room, stood up and offered his seat to you.

 Shakily, you clutched at Italy's blue jacket as you were led to sit down. The room had fallen silent when you entered, sitting down. Germany went took reheat some leftover potato soup he had made earlier as you relaxed in your spot.

 Italy slowly reached over, taking your hand gently and rubbing it. Before you could stop it, a sob sounded from you. All eyes in the room suddenly went on you as you began crying. "Feli...this is all my fault...I should've...I should've done something...b-but I...I was too weak..."

 Japan came over rubbing small circles in your back while Germany helped Italy to a chair closer to you. He broke away though, his arms wrapping around your body and his face burrowed in your shoulder. "I-It's not your fault...I'm not mad at you...I could never be...I'm just happy you're still here...you lost so much blood when you fell asleep...I...I thought..."

 He began softly crying in your shirt and you started to run your hand through his amber hair. "I'm right here...I'm right here Feli...calm down..." You noticed that he was cleaned up and his head was wrapped carefully. "Come here...

 "Calm down..." You whispered, feeling tears falling from your eyes. "I don't want you straining y-yourself anymore..."

 He nodded into your shirt as a warm bowl was placed on the table in front of you. Germany forced Italy to sit on the chair, giving Italy some time to calm down. Romano came in, groaning when he noticed his brother crying and Germany trying to comfort him.

 Japan began to feed you, telling you to relax as Italy calmed down. Once you finished, you could feel drowsiness kicking in once more. Germany helped you to your room once more while Romano helped Italy to his.

 He covered you and made sure you were snuggled in. The door opened and Italy hobbled in with Romano supporting him. "He won't lay down. He's worried about you..."

 Romano laid Italy down who immediately clung onto you and began to nod off quickly. You settled down with him, letting his head rest on your stomach. Your hand gently brushed his hair, his breathing slowing down and his body limp.

 "How did we get out of there...?" You whispered, trying not to disturb his sleep,"I mean...last I remembered...I..."

 "We broke you out," Germany stated simply, starting to unravel the bandages on your head. "When we found where you two were, Italy was curled up beside you, laying in a pool of blood with you. He was crying and holding tightly onto your unconscious body...it took two people to pry him off of you so Japan could get to working on your wounds."

 "How long...?" You asked softly. "How long...h-have I been asleep for...?"

 "A week...about 8 days." He stated simply, taking a gauze from the side of the bed and began to gently wrap your head once more. "We've been watching you since you got home. But you are getting better now."

 You nodded lightly, resting your head and shutting your (e/c) eyes. "Thank you Ludwig..."

 He left your and Italy alone, your eyes shutting and sleep taking over. "I'm glad you're okay...I love you...I can't bare to see you so weak..."

 "It's okay..." He murmured back, coming closer and giving you a kiss sloppily on the lips before resting his head on your chest. "I love you too..."

 Smiling, you began stroking his arm gently as if he were a child and sending him to sleep along with you.