A/N: Here's the first ACTUAL chapter. 13 pages long and roughly 6,300 words~! Yay~! Please review~
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Hetalia. Or the diary entries.
Chapter 1: Secrets Revealed
"So… Who wants to read first?" America asked, holding up the book.
"You can't honestly mean to read that, can you?!" England asked, appalled.
"Well, we can't get outta here 'till we read it, right? So we might as well get started now."
"I'll read, Да?" Russia stated with a big grin, as he snatched the book from Alfred's hand.
"HEY! I'm the hero! I should read first!"
"It doesn't matter who reads first, just someone read!" Germany snapped. With a smug smile, Russia sat back down in his seat, and opened the book.
"Ah, they're rather short~" Russia stated. "This one is only one sentence."
He cleared his throat, enjoying the nervousness of the nations around him. "It reads this, Dear Diary, How does one know that they are not being forgotten? –Romano" All eyes snapped to Romano, who was trying to sink down underneath the table. His face was redder than any of Spain's tomatoes.
"Roma?" Spain asked in worry. "Do you really feel that way?"
"Ve~ Fratello! I'd never forget you!" Italy cried out, flustered and obviously bothered that his brother would think so little of him.
"CHIGI! I know, it's just… I don't feel needed, okay?! Why the fuck are there two personifications for one damned nation?! I feel… FUCK! I don't know… Just drop it, okay?! Fucking bastards…"
England awkwardly cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should move on to the next entry?"
Russia looked down and read out the next entry. "This one is Italy's."
At the mention of his name, Italy paled drastically. There were things in his diary that he never wanted anyone to know—not even Romano.
"Dear Diary, I wish I wasn't so clumsy. Then maybe Germany and Japan would find me more suitable for friendship. If I wasn't as clumsy then maybe I wouldn't be afraid of them not liking me anymore as well. –Italy." Now all eyes turned to an equally red Italy.
"Italy?" Germany asked, shocked. "Do you really think that I'd stop being friends with you? Over something like that?"
"Or me, Itary-kun?"
Italy didn't answer. All of his attention was on the suddenly interesting pattern of the floor. Germany lifted Italy's chin so that they were staring each other in the eye. "Italy. I will never stop being your friend, Ja?"
"P-promise? Pinky-swear?" Italy asked, holding up a shaking hand.
"Ja." Germany's strong pinky wrapped around Italy's shaky one, steadying it. "I promise"
"As do I, Itary-kun." Japan stated, taking Italy's other pinky in his own. It was quite a touching moment.
"Grazie." Italy said simply, a small smile of relief on his lips.
"Okay~ Next entry~" Russia stated much too happily. Hungary shot Russia a glare for interrupting the 'yaoi moment'. "This one's South Korea's~" Said nation paled and shrunk into his seat.
"Dear Diary, I want to help him so bad. But how can you fix what 4,000 years of suffering has broken?"
South Korea couldn't help but stare at China, who stared right back in shock. China couldn't believe that he'd seen him break down. How many times had Yong Soo been watching him when he sobbed his heart out? How many times had Yong Soo seen him at his weakest without him realizing it?
No words were spoken, as England bravely took the book from Russia's hands, and sat back down in his own seat.
"Right, sorry, but the next one's also about you, South Korea." England said, apologetically. "It reads, Dear Diary, I act the way I do, so that no one will forget about me…"
"What, aru?" China asked quietly, staring, like the other Asian nations, at South Korea, who had now sunken in his seat again, face red, and eyes refusing to meet anyone.
"We'll talk about this later, aru…" China stated, hyper-aware of the stares of the room's occupants. South Korea visibly relaxed at that statement, as Japan grabbed a blank piece of paper to take down notes on things to talk about.
"The next one's about you, Italy." England said.
"Ve?! Again?!"
"Sorry. It reads, Dear Diary, Romano was at Toni's house for the weekend and Ludwig was with Gilbert for a few days. Three days ago was the first night I've slept alone in years. I had nightmares so bad I haven't been able to sleep. I keep making sounds to help, but the house still feels so empty. It's so scary. I haven't told anyone how afraid of being alone I am. And for some reason, I can't stop crying and over thinking. I'm not useless. I'm not a waste… So why am I so hollow in loneliness?" England's voice trailed off. The whole room was in shock. Italy himself was trying his best to pull a Canada and vanish, but to no avail.
Nobody quite knew what to say. "Is that why you sleep in my bed every night?" Germany finally asked. Italy nods slightly. Even Romano looked to be at a loss for words; at least, until he blew up. "You told me that you were staying at the Potato Bastard's place, Damnit! If I'd known, I would've fucking come home!"
"That's why I didn't tell you, fratello! You needed some time alone with Spain! You hadn't seen each other in awhile, and I didn't want to ruin it for you…"
"Chigi. You're my fratellino. I don't want you to suffer at all, idiota."
After another long, awkward pause, England moved on to the next entry. "Ah, this one's Germany's."
"Great. Just get it over with."
"Dear Diary, Italy asked me last night why I grabbed one of my potatoes out of the bowl by my bed. I couldn't tell him that when I have nightmares, I have a huge urge to eat a potato… That's just embarrassing… so I told him I was hungry. I hope he doesn't find out about the nightmares, it only makes him pry more into my life…"
"Ve? Doitsu lied to me…?" Italy looked like he was about to cry.
Prussia snickered next to Germany. "Kesesese… Nice job, West. Try getting out of this one!" He muttered under his breath.
"Nien! I mean, Ja, but… I was just embarrassed, okay? I didn't want to worry you with such small things…"
"Really?" Germany nodded. "Okay, but you have to tell me from now on, okay? It isn't good to keep these things bottled up inside… trust me, I know." He muttered the last part so quietly, that Japan and Germany—who were sitting on either side of Italy—barely heard it.
"Okay. I promise." Italy nodded, apparently satisfied with Germany's answer, and looked back to England to continue reading.
"Okay, this one is Prussia's." Gilbert's head whipped up in shock.
"Wait, what?! I'm not a nation anymore! The Awesome Me should be exempt from this! I'm too Awesome!"
"Well, you're in here, so deal with it." Hungary stated coolly.
"Fine, fine, whatever. YOU DON'T APPRECIATE ZE AWESOMENESS OF ME!"
England rolled his eyes, and started reading. "Dear Diary, Today I decided I'm gonna be awesome. Life is short and there is not much time, so I won't waste a second of it. I'll conquer every land and kingdom. I'll save Elizabeta from that posh Austrian guy and we'll rule together over everything. I'll become the greatest kingdom in the world and, when I die, I'll leave my legacy behind me. Everyone will remember my name, and I'll live forever!"
"I AM AWESOME!" Prussia yelled, startling the room. He then snatched the book from England, and opened it to the next entry. "Let's see here… Greece?!"
Greece looked up from his cats, startled to hear his name.
"Dear Diary, I am breeding an army of cats. No one will be ready. And I will rule as cat king." There were a few snickers and comments about that, lightening the atmosphere greatly.
"Darn…Now I…have to come up with…a new…plan…" Greece said sleepily.
"That wasn't Awesome enough! NEXT! Belarus?!"
"What was that?!" Belarus shrieked, pulling out her knives. "You will not read about me!"
"Sorry, but we have to." America stated, not sounding sorry at all.
"Please little sis? I am interested to hear about everyone's secrets." Russia stated, quieting Belarus' rage.
"Okay. If Big Brother wants to hear it…"
Prussia cleared his throat nervously. "Dear Diary, I heard England, Norway, Sealand, Wy, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and apparently Japan can also see these weird creatures. I'll try to talk to England later." Silence.
"Wha?!" England spluttered, as did Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Norway, and—though much more discreetly—Japan. Thankfully, nobody was stupid enough or suicidal enough to directly confront Belarus on the matter.
"Next one, then… Ita~ Another one on you, though nothing heavy."
"Ve~ Okay~"
"Dear Diary, I wonder if China would have some pasta with me? I mean, we both like noodles, so why not?" There were a few chuckles at that.
"Sure, aru~ I'd love to have pasta with you, Italy." China stated with a grin. Italy's return grin was only matched by his enthusiastic reply, which was much too fast for anyone but Romano to understand.
"Last one for the Awesome Me to read, Dear Diary, Why does everyone think I'm obsessed with Iceland? I missed his childhood, after all. But was it wrong to miss what could have been more time between myself and my little brother?" The Nordics glanced at one another, agreeing to speak on this later, in a more private area.
"HAHAHA! The HERO will read now!" America yelled out, snatching the book, and opening it to the next entry. "Yo! Kiku! This one's on you~"
"N-Nani?! Onigai, wait a moment!"
"HAHA! Nope~ It's a good one, don't worry! See? Dear Diary, America-san asked me to say 'election' today… and burst out laughing when I did so… I do not understand what is so funny… Someone please explain?" Many in the room burst out laughing alongside America, as Japan looked rather confused and flustered. "Nani? I do not understand…?" Germany, taking pity on the Japanese nation, leaned down, and whispered something in Japan's ear. Said nation quickly turned quite the interesting shade of red.
"Alright, dudes! Next~! Ah! My favorite Commie Bastard~"
"Capitalist Pig."
"Haha! Still reading! Dear Diary, I wish people would stop judging me due to my Soviet days. Don't they get it? I suffered as well. And calling me a 'monster'. Those were my boss's decisions, not mine." The room suddenly became very heavy.
"Don't worry, Big Brother! I still love you!" Belarus yelled, causing Russia to shrink away.
"No! It's okay! Go away!"
"You're still a Commie Bastard… but… I'm sorry." America forced out, startling the room.
"Come again?" Russia stated in shock. Surely he must've heard wrong. America apologizing? To him?
"You heard me. I said I'm sorry, okay? There, I said it." America turned away from the room, so he could say it easier. "We've all done things we didn't want to do on our boss's orders. I'm no exception. But let's get one thing straight, I'm only apologizing for the stuff I said that relates to the things you did against your will, got it? You're still a Commie Bastard!" America was obviously embarrassed, and apologizing to Russia of all people, was something that was visibly difficult for the Superpower Nation. But before America could turn back around to face Russia, he found himself enveloped in a hug.
"Ogromnoe spasibo, Америка." Russia stated as he released a shell-shocked American from the hug, before smiling softly to himself and sitting down.
"Per'aps, I'll read, Non?" France grabbed the book from America's hands, and started the next entry. "Mon Cher, zis is Canada's entry."
"Who?" Many nations started asking. America grew somewhat angry that they forgot his twin so easily.
"Canada~ My Bro! You know, the guy above me? He's standing right over there!" America pointed to a rather transparent Canadian holding a polar bear.
"I'll just start reading. Dear Diary, Why does it feel that sometimes, I'm just fading away? Most of the time, it feels like no-one notices me…"
"As proven by the events just 10 seconds prior…" Canada added aloud, surprising many nations, as they actually heard him this time.
"Sumimasen, Canada-san, for forgetting you. I must be getting old…"
"Me too, aru!"
"T-thank you. You remembered my name! I'm so happy~" Canada said with a big grin, shocking the room. How had such a simple gesture as remembering his name—something that should've been expected of all of them—made the silent nation so happy? The man was practically glowing with all the people staring at him, not through him, but at him. They all silently vowed to pay more attention to their favorite Canadian. Especially Prussia.
"Let's see 'ere. Ah! Hungary, you're next~"
"What?! It has me in there?! But! But! What could I have that could be of any interest to world peace?!"
"Well, we'll never know if you don't let Francy-pants read~" Prussia stated as he slid into the chair next to Hungary. Sensing a frying pan or fight brewing, France decided to quickly read.
"Dear Diary, Prussia came by for the first time since his dissolution. He said something stupid, like usual, and I hit him with my frying pan, like usual. He's in the hospital right now, not at all like usual. It didn't even cross my mind that he would be as fragile as a human. I hope he wakes up soon…"
"Aww, crap." Prussia muttered under his breath. Hungary just had to write that, didn't she? He didn't want anyone to know about his human-like body; that he was, indeed, as fragile as a human, now. Only Hungary and West knew this, and he wanted to keep it that way.
"Prussia…?" France asked, hesitantly. How could his long-time friend have kept such important information away from him?
"Prussia, you should've told us…" Spain added in, France's thoughts mirrored in his mind.
"The Awesome Me doesn't need people to worry about me. I'm Awesome, and I always will be Awesome. That's all there is to it."
"Oui, but we will talk about zis later."
"Fine."
"Okay, next is… Ahonhonhon~"
"What is it, you bloody frog?!"
"It's you, Angleterre~!"
"What?! Bloody Hell…"
"Let's start, non? Dear Diary, I have tried it, just ignoring the cruel words, pretending as if they aren't everywhere… But bloody hell, I can not do anything, go anywhere without hearing some kind of comment about my cooking! Is that all anyone knows me for? Or do they just enjoy my frustration? What do they want? I can not be perfect, and I want nothing more than for people to leave my mistakes alone. I am a country, but I am likewise a human. I still feel the pain of verbal torment."
"Iggy… Why didn't you tell us?"
"Why? What good would it have done?"
"We didn't know zat our comments hurt you, Mon Cher, we would've stopped if we'd known."
"Yea, Iggy~ If it really buggs ya that much, we'll stop harpin' on your cooking, okay? I'll even give you some lessons, if you want?"
"You would do that…? For me…?"
"Yea, dude! Of course I would!"
"Oui. I suppose I could try giving you some cooking lessons, as well, but only if someone else is zere, too. I don't want us to get into one of our spats and somehow blow up my beautiful kitchen."
England simply smiled. Who knew that simply telling them about how much it bothered him would help? Sure, they'd probably slip-up sometimes and make fun of his cooking skills—or lack thereof—again, but now he knew that they didn't truly mean it.
"What's the next entry?" England asked.
"Ah, Germany, again."
"Mein Gott. Please get it over with…"
"Dear Diary, I keep hearing about this whole "bringing sexy back" thing… it's a bit childish, really. However, I did hear something about brainy being the new sexy, and sometimes, I do feel as if I'm the only one with any sanity around here (especially with Prussia, but he doesn't need to know that)…" There were many snickers and laughter throughout the entry. Even Germany himself chuckled a bit.
"Sorry, bruder. But you must admit, you are a bit… wild."
"Ja, Ja. Vhatever you say, West."
"My turn to read~!" Spain said, whipping the book out of France's hands.
"'ey! I wasn't done with zat!"
"Fusososososososo~ My turn~" He looked at the next entry, and was surprised to find the passage familiar. "Oh, I'm next."
"Yes, yes, we've got it. You're reading next." England was cut off by Spain.
"No, I mean, my passage is next. See? Dear diary, I wish Romano could see how perfect he is to me. I love his foul language, how rude he can be, that one curl that he has in the front and many other things. But one thing that does bother me is the way he compares himself to his brother. If I wanted him to be like Italy, I would have just went after him. The thing that makes me love Romano so much is that he is so different. I just wish I could tell him all this…" well, looks like I got my wish, huh, Roma?" Spain finished. He had read the entire passage staring straight at Romano, who grew steadily redder with each passing sentence.
"Stupid Bastard. Fucking embarrassing me. Damnit."
"Ah~ There's the Lovi I love~"
"Just read the next passage, bastard."
"Okay~ Ah~ France, this one's you."
"Moi?"
"Si. Dear Diary, People keep saying that I'm a rapist. I don't understand why they think this. I'm the country of love, not rape. There's a difference. I know I flirt a lot and that I come off a little strong, but that's not a reason to accuse me of such disgusting acts. I just want everyone to know they're loved, even if they think I'm being creepy. Is that really such a bad thing?"
"No, dude, it's not." America stated; calm and serious for once.
"Papa… I admire you for spreading love. Though it's true you come across a little strong at times, your intentions are admirable and pure." Canada said, saddened by his papa's low self-esteem.
"Yea, bloody frog. Though I have no interest in love, I wouldn't call you a rapist, either. Such a disgusting term. And as much as I dislike you, I wouldn't stoop that low."
"Merci, mon ami."
"I'll read the next one. This one's England's. Dear Diary, Do you know why I passed so many laws on America after the seven years war? It wasn't because I was mad at him and it wasn't because I wanted to infringe on his rights. He was just growing up too fast… and I didn't want him to leave me." China gave England a sympathetic, understanding look. He'd been through the same thing multiple times.
"Iggy…? Is that true? That's why you passed all those laws and taxes?"
"Yes, America. It is." America looked at England. What could he do to make him feel better? He wouldn't change the past, he loved his freedom, but he needed to make England understand… He didn't want to leave him to escape him, but to prove himself to him. He did the only thing he could think of; he pulled England into a hug.
"Alfred…?"
"Arthur. I didn't want to hurt you when I left, but I needed to spread my wings and soar. When I became independent, I left England… I didn't leave Arthur."
England searched America's eyes. He found only truth. Everything that he'd thought he'd been imagining all these years, he found to be true. America, no, Alfred really did still care for him. Didn't want to leave him just his rule.
"Thank you." England whispered, hugging America back tightly, hardly believing that they could patch things up. Could he still be that strong big brother? That father figure to America? Did he still have that chance?
"Ah, sorry, but can we continue?" Spain interrupted.
"Sure…" England said awkwardly, as America returned to his seat next to Arthur.
"This one is South Korea, again. Dear Diary, I think Gege's still sad about everyone leaving, even if it was so long ago. When I ask him about it and if he's okay, he just smiles and lies about it. It really hurts to see him like that. I will never leave Gege's side like everyone else and that's a promise. I just don't want him to be sad anymore."
Yong Soo looked Yao in the eye, and nodded his head, confirming his words then with his thoughts now.
"This'll be my last one before letting Romano read~"
"Hey?! Who the fuck said that I wanted to fucking read?!"
"Eh?! But Romano~ you love reading!"
"Sh-shut up, you fucking bastard…"
"This one's China's." China winced. There weren't many good things written in his diaries now-a-days. After 4,000 years of life, one's thoughts tended to run a little darker than most. "Dear Diary, Sometimes I wonder if I should have shared my invention of gunpowder with the world. I wonder how many people I am responsible for ending the lives of…" The room stared at a rather quiet and bashful China. Surprisingly, or maybe not so, Japan was the first to react.
"Chuugoku-san. Did you pull the triggers?" China blinked at the unexpected question, but shook his head 'no'. "Then you are not responsible. It would've been discovered one way or another. It wasn't your fault."
"Yea, and it's not just used to kill, but to protect. For every life lost, there's another saved." America stepped in. After many, many assurances that China was not responsible for the deaths of countless people, Romano was handed the book.
"Damned Tomato Bastard. Why the fuck do I have to read?! Che. Whatever… The first one's from… Awww, shit. It's mine. FUCK! This one?!" Romano shouted to where the light orb once was. "Damn fucking assholes. FINE! D-Dear diary, I'm still wondering what Spain sees in me. There's nothing special about me. I'm rude, I'm lazy, I'm not artistic or good with trade like my brother. I'm the complete opposite of him! Feli is perfect, and I'm just his stupid older brother. What does that tomato eating idiot see in me?"
"Roma—" Whatever Spain was about to say was cut off by an open-eyed, and rather serious-looking Italy. He even looked almost angry.
"Fratello." He stated, making Romano look at him. "You shouldn't compare yourself to me. I'm me, and you're you. That's what makes you unique. There are many things that you can do, that I can't. You're much better with firearms than I'll ever be, and… Roma, I don't want you to change. I love you the way you are, fratello, and so does Spain. I was blessed with the artistic talents, but you were blessed with the militaristic skills, whether or not you choose to use them; that's up to you. I've never told you this, but I sometimes envy you… You could fight, if you wanted to… You could be strong… But you choose not to, because you know it could hurt me."
"Roma…? What does he mean, it could hurt him?" Spain asked confused, he'd been nodding his head along with everything Italy had said, until he had reached the end.
"He means that we're each one half of a whole country. It's one of the main reasons we hate to fight. Any physical pain one of us feels, is carried over the link between us, and felt, in full, by the other. No matter the distance. I remember one time; I had been beaten up pretty good, put in the hospital and everything. Veneziano was also hospitalized, because the pain of my wounds was felt by him, and he needed the pain meds."
"Si. When we fight alone, we're only fighting with half of the power of our nation. But when we fight as one…" Italy explained, thinking of their Priest forms...
"I'll start reading the next entry…" Romano continued, bringing the attention back to him. "This one's Toni's… Dear Diary, I loved the days when I could go out and be a Matador and everyone would be excited and scream my name. Now, they call me an animal abuser. Should I stop participating in something that's such a large part of my culture to make people happy?"
Spain rubbed the back of his head, before giving Romano a not-so-subtle hint to move on. Romano rolled his eyes, but went to the next entry.
"This one's the Vodka Bastard's." Russia lifted his head, more alert. He really hoped that these diary entries of his would help people see that he only wanted to make friends.
"Here goes, Dear Diary, Today China was telling a story about how I used to think he was my mother. I guess he thought he was embarrassing me for fun… but it really just made me sad. He never figured out that when I used to tell him I loved him, I didn't mean it like he was my mom. He used to tell me he loved me too; did he mean it like I was his son, or was he just joking? It hurt, a lot. All this time, I thought he felt the same."
Well, hello, heavy atmosphere, how're the wife and kids?
China and Russia looked distinctly uncomfortable. Russia, because he was afraid that this would ruin any chance of a relationship with China, and China because he had never thought that the cold Russian would've reciprocated his feelings. He'd need to talk to him when they had a break, but for now, he walked over to the Russian man, leaned down—as Russia was still sitting—and whispered something into his ear. Russia's expression changed from stormy-ish neutral, to sunny and happy instantly.
"Really?" He asked hesitantly, afraid that it was some sort of cruel joke.
"I wouldn't lie to you." China stated softly, smiling as Russia's expression turned into one of pure bliss as China pecked Russia on the cheek. The other Asian nations shared a knowing look; they'd support China fully so long as he was happy; but if Russia ever did anything to hurt Yao…
Belarus, on the other hand was not happy. Her beloved Big Brother loved China?! How could this have happened?! How did she not know?! She could've already killed him by now, and wouldn't be in danger of losing her precious love! She decided that she needed to take some drastic actions. If China was out of the picture, then surely Big Brother would see only her? Then they could finally become one! This has to be the reason why Big Brother kept running away from her! He was brainwashed by China!
While Belarus was busy planning China's demise, Romano read one last entry, seeing as it involved Russia again, and mentioned Belarus, he thought it was best to read it before said crazed nation (Belarus) returned to reality.
"Dear Diary, I am terrified of insanity. It horrifies me, it disgusts me, and I am glad I never was like that. I hope to never become like Mongolia or Belarus. That is why I keep my distance from them, yes, even from my own sister, Natalia."
"I am thinking that someone else needs to be reading, now, Да?" Russia stated in a listen-to-me-because-I-am-Mother-Russia voice. Needless to say, Romano flung the book across the table as quickly as possible. It just-so-happened to land near Japan, who picked it up, and started reading the next entry.
"Ah, this one's about America-san." Alfred's head shot up at his name. He knew that a lot of the stuff in his diar– journal— because heroes didn't keep diaries—was rather… personal, and some of it downright depressing. His façade would be broken irreparably. Perhaps, though, there would be others whose facades would also be broken.
"It reads, Dear diary, Today I realized that I only listen to my people on my birthday. Really listen, not just feel anyway. It's the only day where the things they say aren't hurtful enough to break me down."
"Alfred…" England pulled him into a hug, as the American remained stony-faced for a few more seconds. Alfred then pulled away, a large grin on his face, and gave a laugh. "Dude! I'm fine! Really~! This is all old junk, anyhow~! I'm strong, I can deal with it!"
"You idiot," England said, pulling him back into a gentle embrace, "You're not supposed to have to 'deal with it'. Not alone."
"Yea, I'm here for you, too, bro." Canada spoke up, though only America and Prussia saw/heard him. Poor guy… Japan, sensing the mood, which had now begun to get awkward, started the next entry.
"The next is Romano-san's"
"AGAIN?! Why the fuck are there so many of mine?!"
"Roma~ Come on, I'll pick fresh tomatoes tomorrow with you~"
"You'd do that anyways… stupid bastard…"
"Dear diary, Ever since I got my independence, I feel so lonely, and sometimes, when I'm sad I find myself listening to "Non c´è/Se fue" by Laura Pausini thinking of Antonio, I miss him. Even nowadays I listen to it if I haven't seen him in awhile or if we have a fight… If only he knew… no, he shall never know… I wouldn't be able to tell him…"
"Aww, shit." Romano muttered under his breath. Why did that entry have to show up?!
Spain, on the other hand, was thrilled. Could Romano like him back?! Was it really possible?! It was like a dream~! He hugged Romano closer, making the Italian blush hard, but he didn't protest.
"We'll talk later, si?" Spain whispered in his ear, receiving a nod from Romano.
"Let's continue~!"
"Hai. The next entry is by Prussia-san. Dear diary, Honestly, I don't know what I would do without Francis and Toni; they're my best friends. But sometimes I think that they'll forget about me and just… leave. …It's happened before."
"OKAY, NEXT!" Prussia yelled out, obviously not wanting to talk about this right now. Spain and France shared a glance, silently promising to never leave Prussia out of anything again, and never forget him—even when drunk.
"The next entry is by Itary-kun."
"Ve?" He had a bad feeling about this one; it was a personal one, he could tell. His instincts had always been spot-on. He didn't want anyone to know. His mask would shatter into a million pieces and be beyond repair. Would Germany and Japan still like him even if they knew that their Italy was just a façade? He didn't want to acknowledge the sadness that'd been steadily growing since Holy Rome's death. He didn't want to face it. But he had a feeling that this next entry would start the process of removing his carefully constructed mask.
"Gomen. Dear Diary, I really wish people would think of me as something more than a happy-go-lucky goofball. I can be serious when the time calls for it. Also, I wish people wouldn't treat me like an idiot. I really am smart. I took an IQ test and got a score of 132. But sadly, I bet if I showed that to someone, they wouldn't believe it. Even Germany wouldn't believe me. Maybe acting the way I have been to make friends wasn't the best idea after all…"
Everyone stared at Italy in shock. For once, the Italian wasn't smiling his usual smile, but a rather sad one.
Germany couldn't believe it. Italy, Italy had a IQ of 132?! That was… Borderline genius! How had he not noticed?! (And why would someone with such a high IQ purposefully—as it must've been—throw a grenade the wrong way?) Did Italy really think that he wouldn't have believed him?
Japan, on the other hand was also in a state of internal shock. Italy-kun, his good friend, had been acting like a goofball idiot for centuries to make friends. He hid his intelligence so that he could fit in better. But it ended up backfiring on him. He should've been able to put the pieces together; he had, after all, always suspected that Italy was smarter than he let on, but to have such a high IQ?
Romano, while aware that his brother's bubbly personality was merely a mask to hide his pain, and the overenthusiastic personality was to make friends, had no clue that his brother's IQ was so high. Did he really think that he wouldn't have believed him if he'd shown him his score? Was he really that bad of a big brother…?
"Italien." Germany stated at last. "You don't need to pretend anymore, Ja? We're friends. Period. Always. You don't need to hide your intelligence any more, but mein, Gott! That's a high score." He gave Italy a rare smile (as did Japan behind him).
"Hai, Itary-kun. Perhaps you could help me with some of my inventions some time?"
"Yea~ Sounds fun!" Italy cried out in relief. He was still accepted, IQ and all. It would take a little while to get used to the idea of being able to be himself, but he was sure he'd manage somehow. Now if the diary entries only shy away from the topic of Holy Rome, I'll be fine. He thought to himself.
"The next one is Romano-san's."
"FUCK! ME AGAIN?! WHAT THE FUCKING HELL?!"
"Ah, Sumimasen."
"Whatever. Just get this fucking shit over with, already, damnit."
"Hai. Dear Diary, Something terrible has happened. I don't know how, when or why, but… somehow I've fallen in love with Antonio. This is terrible! He raised me and that's so screwed up! I should love him like my dad! I'm such a pervert. Plus, he's a man and I'm Catholic and this is all so very wrong! I'm going straight to Hell!"
Silence. Spain stared at Romano in shock. Did Roma just… confess his love for me?
"Roma…?"
"Yes, okay?! I FUCKING LOVE YOU, ANTONIO! There! I said it! I've loved you for ages, now, and I'm going straight to fucking Hell for it!"
"Romano… I love you too." Romano stopped his ramblings.
"Wh…at?" Surely he heard wrong. Sure, he knew that Antonio loved him, but he loved him as a son, right? Not… not like he loved him.
"I said, I love you, Romano. Would you please go out with me?" Romano thought that there should've been some sort of cheesy music playing or something. He was so shocked. He felt like slapping himself. Had Toni really loved him back? How long had he, Romano, sat at home, alone, and cried himself to sleep because he thought he could never have the love of his life, when all he had had to do, was simply say three simple words? He realized belatedly that Spain was still awaiting an answer, as was most of the room (Somehow Hungary and Japan had pulled out cameras…).
"Si. I love you, Antonio."
Spain looked overjoyed. Italy smiled at his fratello. At least one of us got a happy ending… I'm still waiting for mine.
"Ehem… Perhaps we should read a few more before we take a break?" Germany supplies, thoroughly ruining the happy moment, but the new couple didn't care (though evidently, Japan and Hungary did, as they each sent him an annoyed glare). Spain knew, though, that he'd have a hard time convincing Romano that he didn't deserve to go to Hell for loving a man.
"Hai. The next one is you, Doitsu-san."
"Great. Fine, just read it."
"Dear Diary, While I seem angry when the other nations make jokes about me, whether it be my own personality or my history, I don't actually want them to stop. I just wish I could laugh along with them and not have to seem like I take it so personally. But I am stuck in my ways, I suppose. I am just glad they still think of me, to be honest."
"Well, if you really want us to continue making fun you…" Prussia trails off with a smirk.
Verdamnt. He should never have put that in there! Now they'll never leave him alone.
"Alright, next is China-san."
"Me again, aru?"
"Gomen. Dear Diary, Every time I look back at the past 5,000 years I cannot help but feel how much the world has changed. It feels like all those years have been a blur, as if time has been moving too fast. I can remember it clearly, the day when my..." Japan stopped himself there. Looking at China with well-hidden horror. But China knew this entry well, and nodded his head solemnly. Japan started up again. "when my little brother betrayed me. And as of lately, it seems as if most of my "family" seems to hate me as well. It is at times like these when I wish that I could return to the peaceful days…" Japan trailed off with the passage. He knew he'd done something unforgivable that day, yet somehow China didn't look at him with disgust or hatred, just brotherly love. How had it come to this? How long had this been weighing down on his aniki? Aniki… How long had it been since he'd called him that, even in his own thoughts? Too long… Far, too long.
"Chuugo—" Japan cut himself off, before starting again. "Aniki." That one word made China's head whip up so fast, that he thought he'd break his neck.
"What did you just call me…?" He asked in near-silent disbelief. How long had it been since Kiku had called him that? How many years, decades, centuries had his heart and soul ached with longing to hear his precious dìdì call him by that beloved name again?
"Aniki. Sumimasen. Hontoni, Sumimasen." Japan then stood up, placing the book on the table, and gently led China to another room to speak in private.
It was unanimously decided, then, that a break was in order.
