Italy was unaware he was crying, until he felt big, familiar hands around his wrist. He ever so slowly, let his hand fall from his face and allowed big, yet trembling palms to cup his wet cheeks. Italy dared to raise his gaze and was met with Germany's equally sad one. The smaller nation had nestled closer to the broad chest, his soft, brown eyes, filled with sadness and grief, fixed on watery, blue ones.
Germany tightened his hold on Italy's tear-marked face, but said nothing. He just looked at his beloved, before letting his hands slide downwards, from Italy's wet cheeks to his hunched shoulders and then his narrow chest. Then, Germany's large hands fell to his sides, but remained open, inviting Italy in. And Germany couldn't resist, for his body was feeling heavy, tired, and cold. Strange thing, to feel his body heavy, considering that Italy was sure he had never felt so weak and empty before. So, led by sheer willpower, Italy let his body fall into Germany's waiting arms.
The warmth of Germany's body, the steady beating of his heart, the sound of his breathing, engulfed Italy, and he just surrendered to that embrace, letting his tears fall. Germany murmured into Italy's downy hair, the warm puffs of Germany's exhales making Italy shiver violently. Or maybe it was the chill of the early morning which was creeping in from the windows. Or maybe, it was the fact that Italy was crying silently in the crook of Germany's neck.
Italy mumbled brokenly and Germany could only hold him closer to him. Germany breathed in Italy's scent, and all of sudden an ache tore his heart in half and his face twitched, making Germany nuzzle him passionately. He rasped his name, taking a hold of Italy's blank face with his hands yet again. Italy blinked a couple of times, and then he fixed his gaze on Germany, because he was still there, by his side, equally hurt, yet always ready to comfort him, to be the rock he could lean on.
Italy moved then, driven by fear and love, pressing his lips with Germany's, in a kiss so filled with pain and desperation, that one could drown in it.
Their lips moved in sync for quite a while, before Italy slid away, quietly taking in fresh breaths. Germany cut him off, pulled him closer again, and they kissed anew with Italy's hands reaching out and stroking Germany's hair. They looked at one another for a long moment and Germany leaned into the touch, letting some of his pain drift out from him.
They separated and sat beside each other. Italy whispered his name weakly, then Germany rested his head onto his shoulder. Germany hesitated for a moment, but his own sadness took the better of him, and he nestled as close to Italy as possible, holding his arm around him.
He pulled Germany even closer, who soon became so comforted by his touch, that he began to drift away. Germany soon floated into a peaceful, untroubled sleep, so relaxed due to Italy's fingers which were constantly running through his ungelled hair. Italy lay himself and Germany down onto the bed, dragging the blanket over them both. Then, he wiggled into Germany's limp hold, sharing his warmth and filling himself with hope for a better future.