Soft piano music filled the background, a melodic tinkering flooding onto the balcony. Two figures stood apart, one on the edge leaning into the air, looking over the side. Platinum hair caught the light, making this man appear otherworldly, like an angel. The other stood back, watching him with wide chestnut-colored eyes. He seemed in a trance, memories swamping his brain and keeping him from saying or doing anything. All he could do was stare.
All he could do is stare and watch as Holy Rome stood, observing the clouds with wisdom set on his childish face. He was frozen. His heart beat against his ribcage behind the uniform he was made to wear and his hands, clenched tight at his chest. His mouth opened as if to speak, to say anything, to make voice of the words he could barely bare to admit. How to be brave? How could he love, when he was afraid?
But watching the adult on the balcony now, all his doubt melted and hit the cement at his feet. He knew if he took one little step, he'd be within touching distance... one step closer...
A child stared out the window, tears threatening to spill over the corners of his eyes. He waited every day, his heart feeling like it was ripped open. He waited for his only love to return, expecting to see him running over the hillside with arms wide open, a rare smile blossoming on his face. Nothing was the same with him gone. It was grey. The child was grey inside too. On a piece of paper he sketched out the messy words, "I will find you." and believed every part.
One of his feet raised. He started to shift, but time seemed to stand still while he was still in motion. All around him, colors swirled and the beauty of everything took his breath away. The show of rainbow spectra encouraged him, and he looked back up at his counterpart. I have to be brave. I will not let anything him away from me, not this time. Every breath I've taken, every hour passed has led up to this.
One step closer...
I have died every day waiting for you. But all along, I believed I would find you. Time has brought you to me, and I won't take it for granted.
One step closer...
He swallowed hard and took the final step, laced his arms around the other's neck, and breathed, "I missed you."
"I-Italy?" the other said, visibly shaken up. His stunning eyes grew wide.
"Italy, yes, that's me." He smiled. "Holy Rome..."
"It's not... No, I'm Germany..." the man was confused.
"No, you're not. You're Holy Rome, and I'm the servant who would run around and pick you daisies and teach you how to paint. I'm... I'm the one you left behind."
His eyes grew wider and shone with a new light of intelligence. It was as if he had a flashback, then suddenly, he had Italy in his arms. Tears slid down both their faces. Italy smiled wide between tears and said, "I've loved you for a thousand years."
Germany sounded a broken sob. "I'll love you for a thousand more."