"I'm sorry, but I can only take three of you."
The four nations stared at him, mouths open, shock written across their faces.
"What do you mean you can only take three of us?" Spain snapped, glaring at the man.
"I didn't realise there were so many of you, I thought it was just the two of you. I'm very sorry."
Spain looked around at the silent group, then turned back to the man. "No man gets left behind. Thanks for nothing."
"If you change your mind, I'll be leaving first thing in the morning."
"Change our minds? Fat chance. We're an odd bunch, and we don't always get along, but there's no way in hell we'll be splitting up."
"I understand. Just know," he said, looking directly at Italy and Romano. "I'll be here if you want to come along."
Antonio stepped in front of Romano, blocking the man's gaze. "Move along, Sir." Spain didn't even attempt to hide the poison in his voice. The man sighed before he turned his back and walked towards the dock.
"What now?" Romano asked.
"We could always steal his boat," Spain answered, shrugging his shoulders.
"And leave the poor guy stranded here?"
"Poor guy? He's doing the same to us!"
"Stop being such an arse, Spagna. It doesn't suit you. It's not his fault he can't take us all, he looked genuinely sad when he realised. It's my job to have such little faith in people, you're supposed to be the forgive all sorta guy."
"Don't tell me what I'm supposed to be, Romano."
"I throw my hands up with you, Spain. Everything I say is wrong."
"Now you know how it feels to be me, don't you?"
"Guys! Stop fighting!" Germany yelled, stepping between the arguing nations. "What has gotten into you two?"
"Nothing," Romano spat, turning his back on Spain. "We should just head back to where we spent the night, rest up and make a new plan."
"Fratello's right."
"Fine. Let's go back."
It didn't take long for them to return back at the place they'd slept the night before. As soon as the door closed behind them Romano sat back in the corner he'd claimed as his, Italy and Germany sat against a wall, Italy panting quietly, whilst Spain lent against the door staring at a sulking Lovino. On the way back they'd got into yet another argument about Spain's recent attitude. It ended with a very angry Spain telling Romano hat he didn't love him anymore and to fuck off. Italy had cried. Romano had sulked. All in all, it was an eventful, long walk.
Spain was brought out of his thoughts by a small voice. "Big brother Spain?"
"What is it, Ita?"
"Why are you and Lovi fighting so much? I've never seen you actually fight before!"
Spain's gaze fell on Romano, who had his face hidden in his knees. "I don't know, Italy. He's just been really on my case since yesterday."
"You're just as on his case as he is on yours."
"I'm just giving back everything he's given me since he was a child."
Italy stared at him, his face serious. "Big brother Spain, is now really the time for your petty revenge? Fratello is really sad. He's not even trying to hide it, that's how sad he is."
Spain widened his eyes at the Italian. Italy had never spoken to him like that before. He felt his heart drop. He'd been causing problems for everyone, and he hadn't even noticed how badly he'd been hurting the one person he'd never dreamed of hurting. "No, I guess not."
"Then go say sorry!" Italy's smile was back and bigger than ever. "Romano will be more than happy to have you say something nice to him!"
"Right. You're right. Thank you, Ita."
"But remember this, Antonio," Italy said, his face shifting to something almost sinister. "Hurt my brother again, and I won't hesitate to break your legs with a bat."
"What?"
"Nothing!" He was grinning again. "Go!"
Spain watched as Italy crossed the dark room to sit beside Germany once more. He then made his way to where Romano was sitting, and sat down beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. Romano jumped at the sudden contact, pulling away from Spain's grip.
"Bastard! Get off of me!" Lovino's voice was croaky, and his eyes were red.
"Lovi, I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry."
"No you're not. You meant what you said. You don't love me anymore. Which is fine, because I don't love you either."
Spain rolled his eyes. "Lovi, I've never loved anyone more than I love you."
"You've never loved anyone then."
"You're really an idiot if you think I meant what I said. I love you so much, if I didn't, do you really think I would've stuck around for this long?"
Lovino thought about this for a second before he shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know what goes on in that small brain of yours."
Spain grinned. "We've been together for too long to just give up because of some small arguments."
"Small? You've never told me you didn't love me anymore before."
"I was just angry. I wasn't even angry at you, you were just an easy target to argue with, because you're always so willing."
"You make me sound like a terrible person." Lovino shifted closer to Antonio. "Not that I care what you think."
"You wouldn't be my Lovino if you weren't willing to argue with me."
"Who says I'm your Lovino? I'm a person, not an object."
"You used to be mine."
"Yeah, in the good old days of being bossed around and walked all over."
"Come on, Lovi, we all know you were the one that walked all over me as a kid. I couldn't have bossed you around if I tried."
"You did try, I just refused. You spoiled me too much, you know that right?"
"You're right there. I did spoil you too much."
Lovino rested his head against Antonio's shoulder. "I love you too, bastard."
"I'm well aware, Lovino." He kissed the elder Italian's head. "I'm well aware."
That night, once Italy and Romano were curled up asleep, their heads in their respective partner's laps, Germany and Spain sat quietly. They listened to the light breathing of their boyfriends as they snored away almost peacefully.
"Antonio?" Germany broke the silence, startling at the use of his human name.
"Yes?"
"Sorry, that was rude. I shouldn't have called you that."
"No! It's fine. I don't mind. What is it?"
"I want you to take these two and leave."
"What?" Spain hissed, running his fingers through Romano's greasy mess of hair.
"I want you, Italy and Romano to get on that boat in the morning. I want you all to go back to Spain, get somewhere safe. I don't care where; I just need Italy safe. I'd never be able to live with myself if he gets hurt, or worse, killed."
"Germany?"
Tears were rolling down his pale cheeks as he stared down at the small Italian on his lap. "Please, Spain, do this. You don't owe me anything, but I'm begging you, take these two to safety."
"You know Italy would never allow this."
"Then force him away." Germany voice cracked. "I don't care how, but make him leave. We'll all walk down to the docks in the morning."
"You can't do this to him, Germany. It's not fair!"
"I'm not arguing. Don't you want to get Romano to safety?"
"Of course I do," Spain snapped. "But I meant it when I said no one was getting left behind!"
"Don't shout, you'll wake them."
"We're not leaving you here, Germany, don't be so fucking stupid."
"Spain, please. Get to Germany, find my brother. I'll be okay."
"Okay?! You'll fucking die here by yourself!"
"I'm stronger than all of you, I can handle myself. And I know you can too." Germany rubbed Italy's back lightly. "These two not so much. Just do this for me, please?"
Spain had never heard Germany sound so broken, so scared. He stayed silent for a moment, just stroking Romano's hair. "Fine."
"Really?"
"Yes. But don't expect Italy to ever forgive you for this, because I can't imagine he will."
"I don't care about that." He wiped at a tear tickling his cheek. "I just care about him, and Romano too, being safe."
"Why do you care so much about Romano? He's horrible to you."
"Because Italy cares about him. Italy would never forgive anyone who just let Romano get hurt, and I think you know that first hand."
Spain thought back to earlier that day. "Yes, I suppose that's true."
"So will you take them? Even if it means carrying Italy away forcefully."
"I will. I'll look after him for you, until you can get back to him."
"Thank you, Antonio."
"Of course, Ludwig." He smiled at him sadly. "You will come find him, right?"
"As soon as I can."
"Do you promise? Wholeheartedly?"
"Yes, Spain. I promise, hand on heart, I will find him again."
"You better. I mean that. You better keep that promise." He glanced down at Feliciano. "Or his heart might just break."
"He's stronger than people give him credit for, you are aware of that, right?"
"I'm more than aware of it, I have known him since he was a child after all. That doesn't make a difference in this situation though. He may be strong, but he loves you. He relies on you always being there, he's lost so many people. I'm not sure he could handle losing you."
"I'm not going anywhere. Not really."
"Who are you kidding? You could die staying here alone."
"I'm not going to die. My country would have to fall for that to happen, and as far as I'm aware, Germany is doing just fine."
Spain turned his head to look at Germany, his eyebrows furrowed. "Do we know that for sure?" He asked, his voice small.
"Yes. We're nations, we can't die unless our countries do."
"In any other situation, I would agree. As someone who's been involved in many hardships, and is still here today. But this is new, Germany. We've never seen anything like this. Who knows if we could survive this?"
"That's enough, Spain. You're just scaring yourself."
They both stayed silent after that. Both thinking the same thing. Spain had a point. Who knew if this was something they could survive as nations alone? For all they knew, they really could die after being infected. Germany knew this. He knew theoretically this could kill him. He might not live to find Italy again, but he also knew he had to stay strong. Keep his stoic facade up, and let Italy feel he was normal Germany until it was time to leave.
"Bastard, did you get any sleep last night?" Romano sat up, cracking his sore back from sleeping on the hard concrete floor.
"Huh?"
"You really should sleep, Antonio," he said, rubbing his thumb across the bags under Antonio's eyes.
"I did sleep, don't worry about me." Lie. Antonio had sat there throughout the night, trying to think over everything he and Germany had talked about. Even long after Germany had dozed off, his hands stopping abruptly in Feliciano's hair, Spain stayed awake. He couldn't get his head around how Germany could just ask him to take Italy away, as if that would be an easy job.
"Hey! What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Lovi, I'm fine."
Lovino nuzzled his head into the crook of his neck. "I wish you wouldn't lie to me."
"I'm not lying, seriously, I'm fine."
"You're not, but whatever." He pressed a light kiss to Spain's jaw. "What's going to happen today?"
"Germany suggested we go back to the harbour, figure something out from there."
"Isn't that just a waste of time?"
"Maybe, but it's worth a try."
"You're way too optimistic."
Spain laughed bitterly. "Yeah, I suppose."
"Let's play a game!" Italy exclaimed, clinging to Germany's arm.
"What game do you want to play?" Germany asked, staring straight ahead, not risking making eye contact with the Italian.
"Let's play chase!"
"Serious, Vene, you're a fucking child."
"Don't, Lovi. Just let him be."
Feliciano pouted. "But, Romano, it's boring just walking! Let's make a game out of it!"
"Count me out of your little games, Veneziano. Some of us actually want to still be able to run if we get attacked."
"Maybe chase isn't such a good idea, Italy," Spain piped in, glancing at Germany who was still staring ahead, his body stiffer than Antonio had ever seen it.
"Let's just walk, we don't really have time to waste," Germany said, momentarily glancing at the three people behind him.
"The potato bastard is right." Romano grimace. "And you won't hear me saying that often."
Spain chuckled bitterly. "No, I don't suppose we will."
"Spain, hold your tongue."
"Don't talk to him like that. Vene, keep your German on his leash."
"Lovi, don't. It's fine. Really."
"Ve, Luddy isn't on a leash?"
"He should be."
"That's not very nice, Romano. Ve, Germany's perfectly fine without one!"
"Whatever. How much longer have we got to walk? I'm exhausted."
"Are you feeling okay, Lovi?" Spain placed his hand on Romano's head. "You're really hot."
"I know," Romano replied, his voice weak. "I don't feel so good."
"Do you need wat-" Spain was cut off by Lovino dropping to the ground, his breathing hitched. "Lovi!"
"What's wrong with him?"
"I don't know." Spain dropped his bag, pulled out a bottle of water and slowly tipped it into Romano's mouth, making sure not to choke him. "He's burning up. Germany, what do we do?"
"We need to get going, I'll take your bag, you carry him."
"Can't it wait?"
Germany glared at Spain. "No. We need to go, now."
"Ve, but Luddy, Romano's not well!"
He huffed, but agreed to wait a few minutes for Romano to join them in consciousness.
It wasn't more than five minutes later when Romano slowly opened his eyes. Antonio hugged him close, despite Lovino's objections.
"Ve, Romano! Are you okay?"
"Can you walk?"
Romano glared at the tall German, before pushing himself to his feet. "Yes, I'm fine. Let's keep moving."
"Are you serious, Lovi? You just passed out, you're sitting down for a minute. Have a drink." Spain shoved the bottle of water into Romano's hand. "Take a drink, then we'll keep moving."
Romano downed half of the bottle, before he handed it back to Spain. "Happy?"
"Not really." He glanced at an antsy looking Germany. "But let's go."
Germany's heart was racing as they approached the harbour. He could see Garrett attending the small boat, tiny was the right word, he was filling it with a few bottles of water, and some tins of what they presumed was food. Garrett turned to face them, waving as he caught sight of the small group.
"I'll be back in a moment, Roma, stay here."
"Where are you going?"
Spain glanced at Germany, who was looking down at his feet, his hand grasping Italy's tightly, before turning back to his boyfriend. "I'm going to apologise to Garrett. For yesterday, I was rude."
"I'd say. Just be quick."
Spain turned his back on them and jogged across to where Garrett was tending his boat.
"Didn't expect you to come back," he said, smiling at Antonio.
"I didn't expect to come back, I'll be honest."
"Then why did you?"
"We want to take up your offer for a trip to Spain."
"I already told you, I can't take all four of you. I wish-"
"I know. We know. That's why I came over here alone actually."
"Just you?"
"No, we're leaving Ludwig here."
"Did he do something to bother you?"
"No, of course not. And trust me, if it were up to me we wouldn't be, but he wants Feliciano safe."
"I'm not following. Why does that require you to come over alone?"
"Feliciano doesn't know. We'll only board the boat once it's ready to go."
"To stop him refusing?"
"Exactly. As soon as he realises what's happening, he's not going to be happy. Please, give me a sign when you're done sorting everything out."
"It's all done. It just needs its passengers."
"Already?"
"Yes. Honestly, if you'd been any later I'd already be on my way."
Spain's mouth trembled. "Okay. I'll." He swallowed. "I'll just go get them."
"All good?" Germany asked, once Spain had joined them again.
"Yeah, it's fine. He said we could go."
"Did the nice man change his mind about all of us going?" Feliciano grinned, getting back onto his feet. Spain wanted to say something, ask him why he was on the ground, but a single look from Romano stop him from saying anything about it, and instead answering Feliciano's question.
"Something like that."
"Spain, Romano, can you give Italy and I a moment?"
"Why bastard?"
"Lovi, let's give them a second."
Romano glanced between Germany and Spain, clearly realising something was off, so he followed Spain away.
"What's going on, Spagna?"
"Nothing!" His voice cracked, giving him away.
"Stop bullshitting me! You and that potato freak are hiding something! I demand-"
"Spain, come on."
"You'll find out soon, Lovi." Antonio and Lovino made their way back to the two nations, Italy was grinning and bright blush on his cheeks, Germany on the other hand looked like he was about to break down, his mouth twitching slightly. "Are we ready?"
"Yes."
"Hey, Feli?"
"Yes, big brother Spain?"
"Come here." Spain opened his arms, signalling the younger Italian to hug him.
"Okay!" Feliciano walked into Spain's open arms, but as soon as he did he was picked up and thrown over Spain's shoulder. "What are you doing, big brother Spain?"
"I'm so sorry, Ita. So fucking sorry."
"Spagna, what's going on?"
"Come on, Romano. We're going."
"Why are you carrying my brother?"
"Let's go, Romano!"
"Why are you crying? And why is Germany crying?" Romano refused to move, instead he was looking between Spain and Germany in confusion.
"Put me down, Spain!"
"I can't do that, Italy."
"Thank you for doing this, Spain."
"Ve, Germany?"
"I'll see you soon, okay? I promise I'll come and find you."
"What are you talking about Luddy?"
"I'm sorry," he choked on his own words, wiping at the tears that had escaped from his eyes.
"No! Spain put me down!" Italy was sobbing, kicking at Spain, trying to wiggle out of his grasp. "Put me down! Put me down!" He was screaming. "I'm not leaving Germany! Fucking put me down you Spanish twat!"
"I'm so sorry, Italy."
"Feliciano," Germany said. "Please, stop screaming."
"Wait!" Romano yelled out, grabbing Spain to stop him walking. "What the fuck are you doing? You said we weren't leaving anyone behind!"
"Can we just go? I can't stand this."
"What about him?" He pointed at the squirming Italian, who could no longer speak through his tears. "How do you think he feels?"
"Pretty fucking terrible, I imagine, Lovi. I know that. I fucking know that!" He yanked his arm from Lovino's grip and continued down the path, trying his hardest to ignore the heart-breaking sobs from the man over his shoulder, and the painful kicks to his legs.
Italy was reaching his arms out to Germany, screaming his name.
"Italy, please don't make this any harder than it already is," Spain said, tightening his grip on Feliciano's thighs.
"You can shut up, Spain," he sobbed, punching Spain's back.
"Feliciano," Germany spoke out, jogging to close the distance between himself and the struggling Italian.
"Ve, please don't let them take me from you! How can you be letting this happen?" Italy asked, pausing from his punches to grab onto Germany.
"Germany, we really should be going."
"Shut up, Spagna." Lovino pushed Germany closer to Italy, letting Italy fully wrap his arms around the German. "Just let them say a proper goodbye."
Germany rested his forehead against the Italians, his hands on either side of Italy's face.
"Please don't let them take me," he sobbed again.
"Goodbye, Feliciano." Germany wiped the tears from Italy's cheeks. "We'll be together again soon. I promise." He pressed a hard kiss to Italy's mouth, before he pulled away from his tight grip. "Go, now. Run."
"No!" Italy screamed as Spain picked up his pace, running towards the boat. Lovino joined them at the boat a minute later, his own eyes ringed red from tears.
"All ready?" Garrett asked, as Spain settled down in the boat.
"As we'll ever be." He glanced over his shoulder at Germany, who was watching from afar.
"Please calm down, Vene," Romano begged, holding Italy against his chest tightly as to stop him climbing off the boat and running back to the tall German standing so far away.
"Don't tell me what to do! I want Luddy!"
"I know you do, I fucking know you do."
Spain watched them, tears flowing freely down his cheeks. He hadn't seen Italy cry like this for a very long time, nor had he seen Romano so attentive of his brother in what he thought was ever. Romano's hand rubbed Italy back and he held him tightly. He was crying too. Spain wasn't really sure the exact reason Romano was crying, but he didn't ask, he just turned his back on the brothers, waiting for the boat to start moving and Italy's screams for Germany to resume.
"Are you sure? He doesn't sound ready." Garrett pointed at Feliciano.
"He's never going to be ready, so let's go. And prepare your ears, he's going to start screaming the minute the boat moves."
Spain's intuition was right. The minute they felt the boat begin to move across the water, Italy pulled his head from Lovino's chest and began screaming to Germany again. Spain was pretty sure he could hear Italy's heart breaking.
"Luddy!" He screamed, repeating it over and over.
Spain turned to look at Germany once more. He'd run closer to the docking area, and Spain could see him wiping tears from his face.
"Ich liebe dich, Feliciano!" He shouted, his hands cupped around his mouth.
"Te amo anch'io, Ludwig," he replied weakly, his voice now hoarse. Spain was sure Germany wouldn't have been able to hear him, but he didn't say anything, he just waved sadly at the German, avoiding eye contact with Romano, who was glaring at him.
Spain wasn't sure when Italy stopped crying, or when he stopped trying to struggle out of Lovino's grip. He wasn't sure when he'd finally stopped hearing his pained cries echoing in his ears. It was safe to say, Spain felt awful. He couldn't remember a time he'd ever felt worse for doing something. He wished Germany had never asked him to do it. He wished they'd all just stayed together in Italy. Sure, Italy was falling apart, that was made obvious by Lovino's sudden weakness, and passing out, but at least they'd all have been together. At least he wouldn't have to picture Germany, dying alone. At least they'd have died together.
"Antonio?" Romano whispered, breaking the silence of the boat.
"Yeah?"
"Why did you do it? Why are we leaving him?"
"He asked me to. He wanted me to take you and your brother to safety. He just wanted you both safe."
"Why didn't you tell me? I wasn't prepared for Feli's outburst."
"I didn't want you to try to stop me. I promised Ludwig. I promised I'd keep Feliciano safe until he could get back to us."
"That bastard. How could he do that?"
"I'd do the same."
"What?"
"I've thought about it, and yeah, I'd have done the same. To keep you safe."
"We were safer together. The four of us."
"That's not true, and you know it. I know you can feel it. Italy's fallen, or at least the South half." Spain glanced at Garrett, happy to see he'd fallen asleep, so there was no way he'd be listening in on their conversation.
"You noticed?"
"Of course I did. You're weak, Lovino. You're exhausted."
"I can die."
"Don't you dare, Lovino. You are not going to die. Neither is Germany. No one is dying."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I'm Spain, the forever optimist." He smiled sadly at Lovino. "I made a promise, and you of all people should know that I keep my promises."
"You know he's going to hate you right? Feliciano I mean."
"Probably, and I don't really blame him. I took him away from the man he loves, I wouldn't forgive me either."
"I'd hate you, you know?"
"What?"
"If you made the potato bastard take me away from you, I'd never forgive you. If I'm going to die, I'm going to die with you by my side."
"I think that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me, Lovi," Spain joked, kissing the Italian's cheek.
"Shut up, bastard."
"Te amo, Lovino."
"Ti amo anch'io, bastard."
A/N: Germany and Italy are SO ooc in this chapter, it was hard to keep them in character considering what happened.
The last bit was so hard to write, I knew exactly what I wanted to happen I just couldn't get it across without it losing the emotion (Which I feel it did). It was too long winded, and frankly, I didn't know how to fix that.
