Chapter Three: Time
Italy was the first to break the silence, "So France wasn't lying…" Italy looked down sad. "It wasn't his fault, our bosses made us. He was just better than me." Holy Rome was about to shrug but Italy's face made him stop. "What is it Italy?" Germany had never seen Italy look that mad or serious since he met him.
"Never say that. No one's better than you." Italy stared right into Holy Rome's eyes and Holy Rome stared back into his. Holy Rome saw an emotion he'd never seen from Italy before that made him feel pure guilt for his choice of words. "Alright. I'm sorry. But don't be mad at him when you see him." Italy nodded and looked at his hands twiddling his thumbs.
Holy Rome felt awkward a bit, then he turned to the only other person in the room. "In all of this confusion I've caused I neglected to ask you who you were. Can I assume you're Germany?" Germany nodded. "And Italy lives with you?" Holy Rome asked in earnest. "No! He lives with his brother he just keeps coming over." Germany looked embarrassed, Holy Rome wanted to laugh but he decided it would be best to figure out what he missed.
"Brother?" He looked to Italy. "So you and your brother were reunited?" Italy now back to his normal self, smiled. "Yes in 1871. It took longer than we would have liked. But that's okay! It's fun to someone to talk to when you get home." "What year did you say?" That can't be what he said. Holy Rome thought. That just can't be.
"He said 1871... Something wrong?" Germany watched Holy Rome turn paler than Prussia did when he ate England's food on a dare. "What year is it now?" Holy Rome asked frantically. "2014? Are you alright I could get you some water-" "No, No there's no need." Holy Rome cut off Italy who was looking very worried. "I just didn't know it had been that long. Time must have been different where I was." Holy Rome trailed off for moment. Germany stood up suddenly, checking the time. It was six o'clock.
"We should get to Austria's house around eight. Are those the only clothes you have right now?" Germany looked over his clothes, and wondered if he'd have anything that would fit him. Holy Rome didn't respond immediately to Germany, only after he asked him the question again did he seem to break away from his thoughts to answer him. "Yes, I didn't really think about that. Do you think Austria would care if I came in this? I used to have a silk cloak instead of this one to go to parties in before I left." Here he lifted a fold of his cloak, inspected it and let it fall sighing. So many years and I had to come back like this. I wish I was more prepared.
"I should have something that will fit you." Germany said watching worry fill Holy Rome's face. "I'll be back soon." He left the room and went upstairs to find something suitable for him.
Italy was being uncharacteristically silent. His mind was racing. Was Holy Rome really here after all these years? He felt reaching out and touching him to see if he was real but he was scared that he might disappear. All of this felt so surreal but he was happy most of all to have Holy Rome back.
Italy opened his mouth to speak but he noticed Holy Rome was staring at the push broom he had laid next to him. He gave off a strong air of sadness. "Holy Rome, are you alright?" Did I do something to offend him? Italy began to mentally backtrack to the events that had occurred but everything was a blur.
Holy Rome picked up the object he had held on to for all this time and held it out to Italy. "I know time changes feelings, but I still feel the same way I felt in the tenth century." His hand that held it started to tremble as he realized the weight of his own words. "I don't know if you feel the same way. We were just kids then, but I meant what I said. If you want it back you can have it." He couldn't look Italy in the eyes as he felt something warm roll down his face.
A few moments passed before he felt a force pushing the push broom back toward him. He locked eyes with Italy for a brief moment who gave him a warm smile. "I gave it to you for a reason. Please, keep it. You accepted it after all."
Holy Rome nodded, but the touching moment between the two was short lived. Hungary burst into Germany's house and shouted Germany's name. He rushed down the stairs quickly carrying a small bundle of folded clothes.
"Austria said to be over his house around eight, and he'll see you all there." Hungary's words made a smug look appear on Germany's usually stern face. "And be prepared to meet a lot of-.. Holy Rome why are you crying?" Hungary and Germany were now looking from him to Italy and back again.
A/N: Thank you everyone for the nice reviews and followers I hope you like what I have coming up. I'm only able to post during the school week since I have work but I'll update as soon as possible the most chapters I'm going to post a week will be five since they're so short, but look out for them. Keep writing reviews and I'll take whatever you guys have to say into consideration.