It was a sunny day, not too hot. The birds were chirping and the world seemed to keep moving forward like it always had. But Germany could not help but feel a sense of dread as he walked on a shiny cobblestone road to his old acquaintance's house. It had been a long time, far too long, since he had visited Italy. He would have said they were friends but after what happened in WW2 he couldn't seem to forgive himself for harming the beloved country. He had to push himself away, not only scared of the consequences of his actions but of remembrance of the face of pure terror Italy had shown when the awful events unfolded. Ordered by his boss, Germany had done this... this terrible thing to precious Italy, without even barely trying to fight back against the orders of his boss. It had been many years since then, but Germany could not forget. No, he could never forget, the disgusting way he had treated Italy without even showing sympathy. Finally he had beckoned the courage to apologize to the Italian. He only wondered if he could ever feel relieved even after saying sorry. He knocked on the door, not twice, before the Italian came and opened the door. Germany was relieved to see it was Veneziano and not his brother, Romano, who would've slammed the door in his face.
" ..ge..Germany?", he stuttered, almost in disbelief.
"Ja, Italy it is me. I have come to tell you I'm sorry. I know I will probably never be able to make up for the past, but I couldn't live a moment without regret. I willingly followed my boss, even though I knew he was wrong to hurt you."
He was sincere. How could he not be? He loved Italy. He had said what he needed to. There was no longer a need for him to be here, so he turned away, starting to walk slowly in the direction of the gate that surrounded the courtyard in front of Italy's house.
Italy was still standing with the door cracked, tears welling up and streaming down his cheeks. He had waited so long to hear these words. Germany was wrong, saying sorry was the best thing he could have done, even after so long. After what had happened Italy's hyperactive-fun-loving self had turned as cold as stone, Italy was battered and beaten. He had no one, not even his Germany to help him this time, because Germany was the one who betrayed him. But after a while, Italy had forgiven him. Italy was not one to hold grudges, and it had become the past. Even so, these words comforted Italy and had brought back a part of himself he thought he had lost.
He broke out of his thoughts, "Germany... wait." Tears cascaded from his eyes as he chased Germany to the gate. He jumped on him, hugging him from behind.
"Don't leave me again, Germany", he whispered.
Germany was shocked. He had never expected this. If Italy had done that to him he would never have been able to forgive him, yet the Italian still willingly ran towards him, even embracing him. Soon he too, found himself crying.
"Germany, you can't leave me now. I won't let you. I missed you, even when you hurt me. I wanted to see you, I wanted an apology and a hug, even if I knew it wasn't enough.", the Italian said, dragging him by his hand into his house.
"Italy.", He said in a way you might even consider was endearment. He was slightly shocked, yet he kept his composure except for the few tears that had managed to escape his eyelids.
He walked into the house, Italy dragging him to a table and leaving him to get pasta while he let the German collect his thoughts.
How can this be? Did Italy still love him? He felt foolish, of course he did. Italy loved him no matter what had happened. Italy had shown this everyday when they were still in the Axis. He should have realized this sooner, but he had taken Italy for granted. Now poor Italy had suffered in silence all these years, only to finally recieve an apology. Romano may have been right all along. Maybe Germany really was just an untrustworthy potato-eating bastard. Regardless, he would never hurt his precious Italy again. He would protect him at all cost, but if he didn't want him here, he would except it. Italy's feelings were to be put first from now on.