Chapter 4

Romano turned onto the pathway that lead to Spain's house. He stopped halfway and looked up.

There were no lights on inside of the small brown house. Hopefully Spain had gone to bed.

He looked down at the rocks on the pathway. Slowly taking a step and then another. He really didn't want to go inside...

Soon he found himself at the front door. He took a deep breath and opened it.

The door made a loud creek and Romano flinched. 'Oh shit, I hope he didn't hear that!'

He snuck in the door and looked around. It was dark and smelled like pizza. He must have had that for dinner.

He closed and locked the door quietly. He quickly took off his shoes and ran as quiet as he could to him room.

Once in his room, he changed and laid in bed.

'Man I'm tired!' He thought as he yawned. Today was too much! He pulled the covers over him and began to fall asleep.

It must have been 5 minuets Romano was asleep before he felt something move in his bed. He instantly froze.

"Lovi? Are you awake?" It was Spain! Why was he in Romano's room?!

"No." Romano said just wanting Spain to go away and let him sleep.

Romano jumped when he felt an arm wrap around his waist and Spain press up against him.

Before Romano could say anything, Spain said, "Where did you go today? You left so suddenly, I was so worried!"

Spain, worried about him? "I went to see my brother. What's it to you anyway?!" He felt the arm around his waist loosen. It made Romano a little sad.

"I was just cleaning and when I turned around you were gone..." The arm tightened again. "I looked all over the house and garden for you..." Spain looked for him?

"I'm not a kid. I can leave without telling you." Romano felt kind of bad for saying this but it just sort of came out.

When Spain spoke again it sounded like he was on the verge of crying, "you were acting weird again today... I thought... I thought you ran away... I was so scared you wouldn't come back!"

What?! He was worried about me leaving? "Why are you so upset about it? It's not like I'd leave and never come back!" Oops that last part kinda slipped out...

The arm tightened even more, pulling him even closer to Spain. He felt Spain's head burrow into his back.

There was a long pause. All Romano could hear was his own heartbeat and Spain's staggered breathing.

Finally Spain broke the silence, speaking in a soft whisper, "because I love you."

Romano's world expanded around him and then imploded. What had Spain just said? D-did he say he

l-loved him?

The only thing Romano could make come out was a shaky " what?" The loud thumping of his heart was all he could here at that moment. His face had long since turned bright red and unbelievably warm.

Spain sat up and looked down at Romano. Romano glanced at him only to hide his red face. What he had seen on Spain's face was a bright blush as well.

Now Spain didn't hesitate, "I said I love you. I really do. I don't want you to leave me, or to hate me..." He looked down at his hands while Romano looked at the wall in complete shock. Spain continued sadly "I'm sorry for saying that... You probably hate me. But I just wanted you to know..." Romano couldn't speak, his throat was painfully chocked up.

When Romano didn't respond, Spain said, "Well I'll go back to my room then..." Spain started to get out of the bed.

Romano finally snapped out of his shock. Seeing the leaving Spaniard he panicked and grabbed Spain's hand. He didn't want to lose the thing he had waited for so long to have. Spain turned around shocked and looked down and the Italian.

With his head down, Romano said quietly, "I-I l-love you too..." He then continued even quieter, "a lot..."

This was all Spain needed to hear, he flung himself at Romano and gave him the tightest hug he had ever given him.

Romano hesitated at first, but then quickly wrapping his arms around Spain. Hugging him back for the first time. This obviously made Spain happy for he pulled Romano onto his lap.

Romano was not used to this kind of contact so he flinched a little when he was pulled there. Surprisingly the contact didn't irritate Romano at all. He actually enjoyed it.

They sat there hugging each other with their heads on each others shoulders, breathing in each others smell for what seemed like forever. Romano didn't want to move. He felt so safe and happy.

Spain broke apart to look at Romano. "So you really don't hate me! I'm so glad!" Spain paused and realized how late it was"Oh hey, I'm sorry it's so late you must be tired!"

Romano had actually completely forgot about the time. But now that Spain mentioned it, he was tired again.

"Well you should get some sleep. Do you mind if I sleep with you tonight?" Spain asked so innocently and adorably. How could Romano say no.

Romano looked to the side and blushed slightly, "no I don't mind..." He made a little noise as Spain tackled him again making him fall over onto his pillow. So they laid there, wrapped up in each others arms, happy and warm.

Spain began singing the old Italian lullabies and Romano could feel himself drifting. Not really wanting to fall asleep. He wanted to enjoy this time a little longer... He had never felt so warm and happy with anyone before.

Romano was thinking about how right it felt in Spain's arms as he was almost asleep. Right before he entered the sleepy darkness, he heard Spain whisper 'I love you' in his ear. All he could make out was a very groggy 'I love you too' and then he was asleep.