A/N: Written as a request, including HRE/Chibitalia memories in a story.
Lost Times and Memories
Italy's incessant whining was grating on Germany's ears, his patience finally snapping when Italy began to sneak away. His arm shot out to grab Italy's collar and kept hold so he couldn't leave.
"Listen and listen closely," Germany said, almost growling. "I can't stay. I'm needed elsewhere. You know what happens if we lose and I can't afford that again."
"But…" Italy trailed off, a memory flashing before his eyes.
"This is goodbye, so don't worry."
"W…what do you mean?"
"I…I meant what I said."
"Y…you're really going? No…Don't go, Holy Roman…"
"I'll definitely come see you when the fight is over!"
"I'll wait, I'll always wait!"
"No matter how many hundreds of years go by, I'll always love you more than anyone else in the world!"
Germany shook Italy out of his reverie. "But what?" Throwing his arms around the other man, Italy held him tight and mumbles his answer into his uniform. Germany pulled him off with a long suffering sigh of one who's had to do so too many times. "Speak up!"
"I..I said," Italy whispered quietly. "I don't want you to leave and never come back." He stared at the ground and wouldn't look up at Germany.
Silence stretched on between them, Germany not knowing how to reply and Italy unable to look Germany in the face, a voice from centuries ago still echoing through his mind. Finally, Germany broke into one of his grimacing-like smiles – it was the best he could do – and forced Italy to look at him.
"I'm not going to be gone forever," he assured. "Just a few battles, then you can come join me when I need you."
Italy hugged the German once more. "You'll come back?"
"Don't worry, you'll be fine." "So long…stay well, all right?"
Italy nodded and gave Germany a friendly kiss on the cheek before stepping back and smiling. "I'll wait." "I'll always wait." He waved Germany off to war before falling to the ground and crying for his lost love.