Author Notes- This story has gotten so much more love and support than I ever could have imagined! I really have to thank everyone one of you for reading, especially those who left reviews! You have no idea how happy and motivated you've made me! And out of all the odds I finished this on my birthday!

IMPORTANT- PLEASE READ THE "MORE AUTHOR NOTES" AT THE END

-Chapter 10-

Italy tightened his tie, as he looked into mirror. It had been five weeks since Romano's death. By now the gossip between nations had gone crazy. Everyone was wondering what happened and many had noticed that America and England had gone missing since being at his house. And even more were questioning the cause of death or Romano, although most were to polite to ask what had happened. His phone for the last few weeks has been completely bumbarded by nations and doctors with questions. When he had gone to the hospital he did fine with them patching him up, of course police and doctors wanted to know what had happened. However, there was no real way to explain without seeming insane.

So he told them that he and his brother had gone to bless an abandoned church, and some of the roof collapesed on him, giving him the wounds they treated. Also lying that when he crawled out from the rubble Romano was already ill. They suspected he was lying but didn't have any proof. The odtopsy lasted weeks, as Romano was killed by an illness they had never encountered. They had wanted to have his body burned, to be ensured that no one else would face this fate, but since no one else that had touched the body was showing any syptoms of illness and Italy didn't want to burn him, he got his way.

Italy brushed off a few hairs from his shoulders, the black suit showed every hair was on it. He sighed, looking at his bottle of antidepressants. He slammed it down, bitting his lip. He no longer had Romano to take care of him, and so he decided that he would take those pills anymore. Just like his big brother wanted him to.

Italy turned his head, he could hear the door being knocked on. It was Garmany, he was certain of that. "Just a minute!" He called out as he walked toward the front door. This would be the first time he's seen Germany since Romano's death. Despite how much Germany reached out to him, he had just want to be alone. He opened the door, where Germany stood. It was obvious that he wasn't quite sure how to act about this. Not that Italy could blame him. "Um, Prussia's waiting for us in the car." Italy nodded and walked toward the car, which was the only bright thing in the atmosphere. It was a BMW M3, that was dark blue. It would look very cool, if not for the fact that Prussia had covered the bumper with stickers. Italy took his seat in the back of the car, letting Germany take the front next to Prussia. Prussia glanced back at Italy giving a smile.

Italy could tell Prussia was trying to cheer him up, but he couldn't make himself smile back. "Hey, I got that new racing game from Japan's place! Maybe we could all play it together! That way you could witness my awesomeness!" Italy nodded his head, looking through the window. "...That would be nice..." He quietly responded, watching as they passed by other cars. The day was sunny, depsite the circumstance.

The car came to an abrupt stop, making Italy's seatbelt keep him from practically falling out of his seat. Italy unbuckled his seat belt as Germany and Prussia got out of the car. As Italy reached for the car door Germany opened it for him. "Oh, thank you." There was no cheerieness in his voice, nothing sing-song about it. His eyes closed as usual, but not in their relaxed or happy manner. Germany offered Italy his hand, cheeks slightly pink. "Hey, if you need me, for anything-" Italy interrupted him as he took his hand. "I'll be fine, I just need some time." Italy didn't mean to be distancing himself from Germany, he just had a lot on his mind.

Italy stepped out of the car, he could already hear all the nation's chatter. The funeral was very open, most nations had been invited, even those who barely knew Romano. Italy didn't even have to listen very hard to know what they were talking about, afterall, he was the gossip of the world right now. Roumors going around about Italy, some saying that he was the one who attacked England that night. And plenty of talk about his anti-depressents. Even more talk about how England, America, and Greece haven't shown up to niether the most recent meetings, nor the funeral.

The lastest idea was that this is all some mafia deal gone sour, that England and America's mafia pissed off Italy's and Romano's and so they fought, Greece getting cought in the gun fire. A lie, of course. But Italy didn't really mind the talk about him, however he could help but be upsetabout the other stories being told. The ones about Romano. The fact that they have the nerve to go to Romano's open castket and speak so vilely infuriated Italy. They talk about how they couldn't determine what killed killed Romano, some saying he poisoned. Many say that Italy lied about Romano's death, which technically was correct.

His grip on Germany's hand tightened as they walked over to the funeral, that buzzed with chatter. As the walked into the gated cemetery packed with nation's in black they all hushed, acknowledging Italy's presence. They all stared as though Italy may suddenly whip out a gun. Italy quietly sighed, releasing Germany from his grasp. He looked over to Japan who was standing there awkwardly, not taking part of any conversation. He stopped looking over Japan and quietly stated, "The pills, they don't have that effect." Japan tilted his head, confused Italy's words. "They don't make you happy even when people you know and love die." He clarified before he continued walking.

The crowd parted for him, allowing him to easily make it Romano's open coffin, where one person alone stood. Spain, who hadn't been chatting with anyone. He was simply crying, holding a bouquet of plumeria flowers, which hands were strangling. Italy observed without opening his eyes for a moment. "...What was it..." He paused, allowing Spain to have a moment to notice him before continuing. "What was it that you two promised each other? One of the last things he had been thinking about was that promise."

Spain looked at Italy, his eyes teary. His eyes had bags under them, his hair was a mess. It was clear that he was having a tough time. "..." Spain thought for a moment before letting out what Italy couldn't tell between a laugh and another cry. "W-when I-I" He sobbed, trying to make himself say the words. Italy waited patiently, he could understand Spain's grief, better than anyone else. Spain's sobs quieted down after a few minutes of struggle, "T-there's this speech I tell myself when I'm having a tough time. Whatever it may be I use it to try and get myself going. When Romano was younger he heard me saying it, and looked up at me. He said stupid jerk! Using fake smiles! You're hopeless! Until every smile that come from you is real, I guess I have no choice but to stay with you." Italy nodded his head, it certainly sounded like something Romano would say.

Italy sighed, "...Romano asked me to tell you, bésame before he died." Spain practically chocked on his breath when Italy said that. He finally placed that flowers on Romano's chest, his sight blurred from his crying. He leaned over, giving Romano's cold, pale cheek a kiss. Even more tears poured from his face, knowing that Romano's face wouldn't turn red. That he wouldn't be shouted at by Romano for doing that. That this was the last time he'd ever see Romano. He sobbed as walked away, his hands cover his face. Italy turned his head to Romano, using all his strength not to burst into tears himself. He reached into his pocket, retrieving a silver cross necklace that belonged to him. He leaned over, carefully lifting Romano's head as he placed the necklace on his neck.

Italy's hand's balled into fists, he found himself becoming aware of everyone else again. At some point while he was speaking to Spain the room's chatter had started again, just as whispers instead. Italy turned his head to the podium, where those who knew Romano were to say something like a memory, a story, or a speech. Italy was sure that many had already said what they had to say. He walked up to the podium, his fingers curled tightly.

He coughed, clearing his throat. "I know a lot of you have heard rumors, and that a lot of you have told them." He started, every whisper had stopped, everyone's attention was on Italy. "I know a lot of you have questions, both about me and my brother...I suppose, simply to make all the rumors stop, at least while we are here I'll address them. It's true, I do take anti-depressants. And it's also true that some supernatural phenomenon did happen at my house. However, do not dirty Romano's name. He-He sacrificed himself so that another could live." He said turning his head to Prussia was watching in silence. "I have kept a secret from you, all of you for a long time." He stopped, opening his eyes.

He looked over to Romano, who stood nest to Spain. His soul wore the same outfit he died in, which included the blood stains. Romano gave him a nod, signaling him to go on. "I'm an exorcist."

More Author Notes- And so it ends. It's been fun! Also, I may write a prequel about Romano's discovery of Italy's secrets, resulting in him getting the same abilities, at the price of seeing a terrible vision, the same way England did. I also am considering making a sequel, all about England and America's journeys as Greece trains them. If I make the prequel, there will be Spamano. If I make the sequel, there will be USUK. I might even make both. Let me know in the reviews what you think of my ideas! Also, feel free to look through my other stories!