Italy was on his knees. Roses in hand and tears in his eyes. Holy rome had died for too many years as of today. Today had been a gloom day for italy. Germany was infuriated at him for who knows why, the world meeting went to hell as always, and the anniversary of his first love's death had come back to haunt him. He knew this day had been coming for about a month now, but he still couldn't comprehend his sadness. He kneeled in the ashes of the abandoned, burned down house that used to be his home, imprisoned as a slave, but still his beloved home. There was a small tombstone in the middle of the ashes with Holy Rome's initials on it, naming off his day of birth and today's date, many years ago. Italy's tears rolled down his face as he read the words on the tomb again. He came here every year since holy rome's death with a bouquet of white roses, but one red rose sat in the middle of the pure masterpiece.

As Italy's tears mixed with the remaining ash of the mansion, memories rolled out in front of his eyes as fast as the tears came out. As he saw and heard holy rome again, he cried harder. The tears rolled out and got worse for the longest 10 minutes of Italy's life. Until something came from outside his mindful hell and laid a hand on his shoulder. Italy looked up into blue eyes, he had to wipe away tears to see clearly. Germany offered his hand to help Italy up from the ground. Italy took his hand and laid his head in Germany's chest, still crying. Germany said nothing, nothing at all. All he did was stroke italy's head and held him into a comforting hug. Italy finally got his senses back and looked up into Germany's light blues and forced out a smile. He was confused that Germany had said nothing. Honestly a little scared.

Italy noticed that Germany had brought a black duffel bag that laid beside him. Italy was confused. very confused.

Italy- G-Ger-Germany? What's in that bag?

Germany still said nothing he bent down and grabbed the bag, then handed it gently to Italy. Implying to open it. As if it were a gift of some sort. Italy, still scared and confused, took the bag and opened it. He stopped and stared at the content of this bag like it was all his dreams came true and was just handed to him. Probably because of the fact that it was. Italy, now shaking, reached into the bag and pulled out a small black hat. He stared at it in wonder, he held and even caught the scent of holy rome from it. Germany stared at the expression in Italy's face, smiling. Italy put the hat down gingerly and reached into the bag once more. This time pulling out a small black cape. Italy was now in tears. He was in shock. The sadness of the past was erased in this moment, Happiness replaced all the tears and sadness of Italy's past. Germany's and Italy's eyes met, and Italy realized something he had never noticed before, he couldn't speak, he just put the small black hat on germany's head and broke down in happiness. He realized that his greatest friend, his first love, and his soulmate, was kneeling right before him. He hugged germany with a feeling he hadn't felt in so long, it felt new to him. Love.

Germany pushed him off and stared into Italy's tear-rushed eyes and smiled. He slowly got closer to him until Italy couldnt wait any longer, leaned in and kissed Germany passionately for a moment then leaned back and stared into the light blue eyes of Holy Roman Empire. It was only then where Germany said softly to Italy...

"Happy Birthday, Italy"

Im soooooooo sorry this took so long to publish. i kinda forgot about this story until i read over 'Close To Death' again. Im so sorry to the people who waited for this story, i hope it was worth the wait. If not, sorry.

~Felicia Penn

(I changed the spelling on my name, please dont be confused)