Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia or HetaOni.
Quick note: This is all Romano's POV and the italics in the beginning is his thoughts during a dream.
A green field dancing in the wind.
Beautiful flowers scattered around.
I saw it all rush by me as I ran,
Ran as fast as I could
Calling for him at the top of my lungs
Why didn't I see him anywhere?
Does that mean he is gone?
It can't be true.
I can't allow that!
I won't!
I WON'T!
My eyes snapped open suddenly. The field and flowers were gone and replaced with the sleeping figure of my brother. It took me a moment to realize where I was and what has happened, as well as to realize that I had fallen asleep against my arm and it fell asleep. I grimaced and shook it, trying to get some feeling back. I haven't slept in a long fucking time. I shouldn't be surprised that keeping watch like this bored me to sleep.
I rubbed my eyes, which were irritated and a little crusted from crying earlier. Thinking of that reminded me of the resident tomato bastard that is probably still in the kitchen. I scowled and patted the top of my head. Dammit, how is it possible that your whole head can feel cold except for one spot? Or is it just that one spot feels hotter than the rest of my head? Either way, it was annoying as hell. Stupid bastard, kissing my head like that without warning. If he hadn't run off, his legs wouldn't even fucking work anymore.
I sighed. There were bigger things to worry about it than a Spaniard's sudden affection attack. Veneziano, for one. He was still asleep but it looked like he was ready to wake up any minute. I stood up and began to pace impatiently. I hated having to wait any longer. He had to wake up so I could help him with his memory, dammit. Speaking of memories, I couldn't help but frown at the dream I had, if it even was a dream. I can't be sure of who disappeared or who I was even looking for, but I had a bad feeling about who it could be. Was it something that already happened? If so, was it at this house or way further in the past?
I paused to look at my (now restless) little brother. Talking to him about his memories made me realize that a lot of the memories he had from before the house have faded away. He remembered people, but he also admitted that he didn't remember when the Axis alliance was established or when he and I united. It was scary to think about ever forgetting things like that, things that make us nations. I felt myself fighting to hold onto my memories as a younger nation and the wars and alliances I was a part of. We were humans here, with no more memory capacity than any person, and I don't know about anyone else, but I scared shitless of that possibility.
I had paced over to where Veneziano's head was when his eyes suddenly opened. He was groggy at first, but after he rubbed his eyes, he spotted me. To my relief, he smiled in recognition. "Hello fratello!"
"Hey. You doing okay?" I knelt beside him. He nodded brightly and sat up to stretch.
"Yeah, I'm feeling better. A little confused, though. Where are we?" He looked around with a dopy look on his face. I felt my heart drop into my stomach.
"Um, we're at the hideout." I said, slowly standing.
"Oh, right! The one Mr. Germany made." Veneziano grinned and started to get out of bed, but stopped and blinked several times. "Woah, dizzy."
"Dammit, don't get out of bed so fast." I forced him to sit back down and sat down beside him. "Do you remember all of the people who came here?" I asked him. He thought for a moment.
"Hmm, I think so. I might've forgotten a few." I sighed and began reciting names and faces, just like I did with him in the bath. He remembered them a whole lot faster this time. This raised my spirits a little. Maybe Spain was right and his memory is improving. I began questioning him on some of the events that happened in the house. Those took a lot longer to remember for him, even more so when he remembered and started crying. I held him until he stopped. "I-I'm sorry, fratello. I don't mean to get upset." He sniffled.
"Forget it. I'm just glad you're remembering and feeling anything." I admitted. He smiled and leaned into me, even though I had dropped my arms already. I sighed and put one arm around him to pat his back.
"What do you remember, Romano?" He suddenly asked.
"Huh? The hell does that mean?"
"What memories of this house did you get from me?" He looked at me curiously. I frowned and hesitated. "Please tell me?"
"I… I know what some of the rooms look like, I knew about the clocks, I know about the piano and some of the keys to the rooms…" I continued down the list, sharing every memory he has passed onto me. I left out the memories of his many deaths. Those were just too painful to remember. Some of them required further explanation for him to remember.
"Wow, so you pretty much know everything." He said when I finished. I shrugged.
"I'm pretty sure there is a lot more that I don't know. You just don't remember right now." He nodded and looked down at his hands.
"I'm going to have to tell them everything… aren't I?" Veneziano murmured sadly, shoulders slumped. It was scary just seeing him like this. Never thought I would say this, but I actually miss the goofy, cheerful dumbass he used to be.
"Yeah. They need an explanation." I told him softly. He nodded slowly.
"Yes, they do. You all do. I just… " He trailed off, but I understood what he was getting at.
"You're scared that we'll have to turn back time again and that they'll forget what you told them." I inquired. His head jerked up to look at me in surprise for a moment before smiling slightly bitterly. Yet another expression that didn't look right on him.
"That's right. I guess you speak from your own experiences, big brother."
"You could say that." I agreed quietly. We were silent for a little bit before he spoke again.
"It was hard, wasn't it? Having to tell Big Brother Spain about your troubles over and over, having to relive the memories I gave you each time you explain?" I nodded once, just barely. "I felt the same. I felt very hopeless, because no matter how many times I explained, they either didn't believe me or it was too late for it to matter."
"It was frustrating for me." I admitted softly, frowning down at my entwined hands. "For the same reasons, plus I always had to work fast so I could try to catch you and everyone else before they left. Once you went out that meeting hall door, there was nothing I could do."
"You didn't try to follow us before the clocks?" He wondered. I paused, biting my lip for a second.
"No, I didn't. I knew it was too dangerous to try." Veneziano nodded. We sat in silence for a little longer.
"Italy!" We both instinctively turned to see Germany standing a few feet away, rocking back on his heels and looking relieved and a little awkward. I scowled. I thought he went with Japan and his group, but I guess I was mistaken.
"Germany!" Veneziano jumped up and ran over to throw his arms around the macho potato.
"Is your memory all better?" He slowly patted his back as the pasta idiot almost squeezed him to death.
"Almost! It's improving and everything! Romano has been helping me out a lot!" He flashed me a smile over his shoulder. I rolled my eyes. The whole scene made me feel sick. A little lonely, too, for some odd fucking reason.
"That's good. I came to tell you and your brother that dinner is ready." Germany pointed toward the kitchen. Veneziano pulled away and pouted.
"Aww, and I didn't even get to help? Oh well, I'll go help them set up, then~ Come on, Germany, you can help too!" He grabbed the potato bastard by the arm and all but dragged him to the kitchen. I slowly followed them, sick to my stomach about the whole thing. As if Veneziano's memories about the German and his deaths and talks weren't enough to make me gag.
"Hola Roma!" I froze mid-step as a voice sounded from the tables. I looked over to see Spain sitting at the tables, waiving at me like he hadn't just seen me less than an hour ago and like I wasn't standing a few feet away. I looked at him, then back at the kitchen, where Veneziano was chatting with the cooks (France and China) and still holding onto Germany like a lifeline. Weighing my options, I walked over to where Spain was sitting. Nearby was Prussia, resting his head on his arms and looking both bored and sick. Before Spain could say a word, I smacked him in the head and sat down across from him.
"Ouch! What was that for?"
"That was for rubbing your lips on my head!"
"Oh, that. I thought it would make you feel better." He pouted.
"How in the hell is that supposed to make me feel better?" I glared at him. He just shrugged, unaffected by my anger.
"So, how's Ita?" I narrowed my eyes and looked at the wooden table.
"The hell should I know? Go ask him yourself." I grumbled. I noticed France bringing plates of food to us.
"Okay, and you?" I looked up to see him smiling at me. I opened my mouth to answer him, but then the door opened. Russia came in with Japan on his back, America, Canada, and England following close behind. Russia lowered Japan to his feet and he immediately went to talk to Veneziano while Russia went to chat with Canada. America and England also disbanded to sit at the tables nearby and talk to others and amongst themselves. I looked away from them and back to Spain, who was still grinning at me for some odd reason. He didn't even seem to notice France winking at him and just what are you winking at him for, wino bastard?
"What do you mean? What about me?" I asked him. He chuckled lightly.
"How are you doing, Roma?" He reinstated his question. I furrowed my brow. He really cared about how I was feeling? Maybe he was just being polite, since he asked about Veneziano.
"Fine." I shrugged. He tilted his head.
"That's not much of an answer, Roma."
"Well, it's my answer."
"Could you explain further, Roma? Please?" He gave me a puppy-dog look. I stared at him evenly, trying to make it seem like his eyes weren't effecting me. They weren't, but even so, I gave in anyway.
"Veneziano is getting better now with my help and he is going to explain everything to everyone soon. It's a load off my shoulders." I put my elbow on the table and propped my head up on my hand, reaching for a bit of bread that France had set down on our table. Spain frowned at my answer.
"Well, that's good for Ita, but I thought I asked how YOU were doing." I blinked and scowled at him. He just stared back innocently.
"Ugh, fine. I'm still a little scared, alright?" I admitted, feeling my face burn.
"Of?"
"Of… of what happens next. Will the thing attack us again? Will we be able to fend it off? If we can't, would we survive long enough to turn back time?" I glared at the table. "I don't want to go back and do all of this over again, especially when we made it this far. I don't want to see any more memories of another loop from my brother. Plus, what if we end up outside of the mansion again? I just want us to be done with this." There was a long silence between us. I looked at the table as I waited for him to talk, ripping at the piece of bread in my hands. I barely paid attention to the others.
"Roma, you have to have more faith." I looked up at him from under my lashes. He was smiling at me again.
"Faith in what?" My eyebrow rose.
"Faith in our abilities. You have good reason to worry for everyone, but now, they've gotten stronger and smarter. Plus, they have something they didn't have before: two more strong and capable fighters." He reached across the table to brush my hair back, making my face more visible to him. I snorted softly at his words, turning even redder as well as I leaned away from his touch.
"You're too full of yourself, bastard."
"Whaat? Do my centuries of fighting civil wars and wars over you and other protectorates mean nothing?" He cried, insulted but playfully so. I rolled my eyes, but couldn't keep myself from letting out a chuckle. He heard it and also chuckled.
"Plus, I taught you to fight myself, not to mention your wartime and mafia years gave you some fighting experience. We'll both be fine if we stick together and stick with the others."
"I don't even have a weapon, moron."
"Germany was supposed to give you one. Once you get it, you'll be an unstoppable fighting machine!" He punched at the air. I rolled my eyes again (if this keeps up, they'll roll back into my head) and looked away from him. My eyes landed on Japan and Veneziano having a conversation nearby.
"…we should have a party at my house or something like that." I heard Japan say. Veneziano looked surprised but excited.
"At your house? That sounds like fun!"
"I also have to work till late, so everyone should arrive late at night." Japan continued. "I'm sure we'd all be tired, so I think we should sleep soon afterwards on that day. I have a kitchen garden. I could get up earlier than usual the following morning and go there to pick vegetables."
"Hey! That's a nice idea!" America announced in his usual loud voice and came up to join Japan and Veneziano. Looking at America and around at everyone, I could see that everyone had stopped their own conversations to listen. Even Spain was intrigued. "I'll try to get up early and help you, too!" America offered. Japan chuckled.
"Thank you. When we come back from the garden, we will make breakfast." He continued. China chimed in, walking out from the kitchen.
"That's my cue! America can wake those who are still sleeping!"
"Yes. And then… well…" Japan looked uncertain. "Maybe we could all go out somewhere?"
"Let's go to the—wacha call it—the amusement park or something!" Prussia suggested, walking over to join the conversation. At this point, it was obvious that everyone was eavesdropping.
"Well, I suppose I can refrain from hitting on everyone at least for that occasion." France chimed in. I eyed him critically. I highly doubt he would handle that.
"I'm sure a day or two won't be enough." Japan inquired. A few people, myself included, snorted softly. France frowned, insulted, but Japan pretended not to notice and continued. "Oh, yes, we could go shopping."
"Yes! I suppose I'll take a look at the suits!" England mused, strolling over to the group.
"I want some clothes to wear while I'm at Japan's place." Russia stalked over, looking amused at the conversation. "What was it called again? Yukata? Let's all buy one!" A few people nearby nodded in agreement.
"I can hardly wait." Japan smiled at the snow bastard. "And when we go back to my house, we'll all have a banquet."
"With lots of food from all over the world!" Canada said softly, walking closer to the group. "Let's see, what should I make…?" He mused. Veneziano finally spoke up.
"Um, well, I'll… make… pasta and pizza…" My eyebrow rose. Like hell he was making that without me.
"I'll contribute with beer and wurst." Germany announced. My nose wrinkled instinctively.
"And then we'll all sleep together in a huddle!" Spain cheered, jumping up in excitement at his idea. I restrained myself from making a snide remark and stood up as well.
"Then I'll lay out the futons in the other room. You can go to sleep whenever you like." Japan offered. Spain nodded happily.
"Sounds interesting." I said, walking over to the group. "Hmm… what should we bring as a gift?" I looked at my brother. "Maybe we should send it beforehand, don't you think, Veneziano?" He nodded happily.
"Yeah! I'll bring the best ingredients—lots of them!" He exclaimed.
"I'll bring the beer." Germany said again.
"It'll be fun. Really fun." Japan smiled at everyone. "That's why, Italy…" He turned back to my brother.
"Yeah?" Veneziano tilted his head.
"That's why we all have to escape." He gestured to the entire group. "With everyone who is here, without losing a single person." Veneziano looked at Japan, then at everyone around him.
"…Yeah." He nodded slowly. "Yeah." He looked down at a piece of paper he was holding, then back at everyone. His smile faltered a little and he looked down. I blinked, confused by the action.
"Italy? Why are you looking down?" Japan put a hand on my brother's shoulder, looking at him in concern. "Do you still feel unwell?"
"No, I'm fine." He looked back up, rubbing an eye with the back of his hand. "There's something I… want to tell you—" He began, but was interrupted by a phone ringing. Everyone jumped and I cringed. By unfortunate placement, I was the closest to Spain and his obnoxiously loud phone. I glared at him in annoyance as he looked for his phone.
"Sorry, sorry." He apologized to everyone and finally pulled out his phone. He looked at the caller ID and his eyes went wide.
"Aaaargh!" Everyone jumped (again) when he screamed. "Damn it!" He turned to me, looking panicked. "What are we going to do, Romano?"
"Wh—" I eyed him, confused as hell. "What the hell are you going on about?"
"I forgot to tell Austria and the others that we found Ita…" He admitted, looking sheepish. I stared at him and, for the second time since we've been here, smacked myself in the forehead with my palm. Well, this was just fantastic.
"Euh, quoi, is he coming, too?" France asked curiously. "Wait, 'the others'? You mean…" He trailed off.
"Almost everyone who came to the world meeting." I finished for him, not lifting my hand from my head.
"Romano threw a fit back there." Spain explained. "He was really desperate to save his brother, you know. I'd never seen Romano being that honest before!" Why the hell did he sound so impressed? I moved my hand to glare at him.
"Shut the fuck up, bastardo!" I snapped at him. "What's wrong with swallowing my pride to save my brother?" Spain blinked and raised his hands defensively.
"Yeah! You're right, Brother Dearest!" Prussia cheered. I ignored him.
"I'm sorry, Roma. I didn't mean it that way. Honest!" Spain pouted.
"Hmph." I huffed.
"Romano…" Veneziano smiled at me, looking touched. "Thank you." I sighed and looked away, blushing a bit.
"I just want you to come back… I don't want you to go through that again." I admitted quietly.
"Since we fixed the time quite a bit, our phones also work at least a little, right?" Russia spoke up, effectively ignoring the current conversation and moving on. Thank god.
"Good timing!" China grinned. "I'm sure we'll be able to hear their angry voices even from here."
"All right! We'll all watch Spain get an earful of it!" America cheered. Spain held his phone like it was a bomb.
"Oh, God. Romano, can't you answer it instead?" He looked at me pleadingly. I rolled my eyes. What a fucking baby.
"Just answer it already." I told him. He nodded slowly.
"Okay." He flipped it open and pressed 'call', as well as' speaker phone'. "H-hi. Long time no see." He began nervously. We all heard Austria's voice through the speaker.
"Yes. Long time." His speech was stiff. He was clearly pissed, which made Spain even more nervous.
"H-how are you?"
"I'm fine, thank you."
"Well, um… I'm really sorry." He frowned, ashamed. "I forgot to call you, huh? I was with Romano and… er… um…" He stammered, trying to say more.
"Yes, yes." Austria interrupted him. "There are a mountain of things I want to say to you. Or a lot more than a mountain, actually." Spain shrunk slightly. We all waited to the ultimatum. "When Romano didn't contact us, I was worried sick, you fool!"
"Huh?" Spain looked up at me. "Roma?" I looked away. Like it was my fault that I also forgot to call? I was a little too busy dealing with a brother who had temporary amnesia, dammit.
"… idiot." I grumbled. Spain frowned, looking beyond confused, and looked ready to ask, but Austria began speaking again.
"Italy, you can hear me, can't you?" Veneziano made a sound of acknowledgement. "Come down for a bit. Look outside from the window."
"What?" Veneziano blinked. "Oh, o-okay." He began walking toward the door.
"Wait, don't go by yourself!" Canada fretted, making him pause. "Let's all go together." Veneziano nodded and everyone slowly joined him to the door, England insisting on being in front of him to keep him from being detected. Spain walked ahead, still holding the phone and listening to Austria's continued rant at him. I began to follow.
"Romano." I stopped and looked toward the voice to see Germany walking over with a gun in his hand. As he came closer, I could see it was a semi-automatic rifle. "Since we're going out, it's best that you take a weapon with you. I brought this gun just to be safe, but since I normally use my whip, I don't need it. I only ask that you take good care of it." He handed it over to me. I slowly took it. Attached to it was a strap for carrying the gun on my back. I slung it in place and nodded.
"I'll make sure nothing happens to it. Th-thanks." I reluctantly forced out the word. He nodded once and went to join the others as they headed downstairs. I was the last one to leave. Germany was almost out the door, but when I followed him, he tossed something to me. I caught it. It was a key, steel just like the door.
"Lock the door, please, Romano." He ordered. I felt uncomfortable taking orders from him, but I shut the steel door and locked it anyway before walking out of the room. Once everyone was together, we headed out into the second floor hallway.
You guys should know the words in Spanish and Italian that I used here :\
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