This wasn't good. No. Something was very very wrong. Germany could feel it as he watched Italy's movements around the kitchen.he was moving so slowly and he definitely wasn't smiling like the Italy he knew. Italy's smile was weirdly crooked. And he seemed to having a hard time standing straight.

"Italy?" Germany asked an unspoken question on his lips.

"I am fine." Was all the Italian said in reply.

But in a moment Germany realized that his dearest friend was anything but fine. Because Italy fell to the ground.

"Italy!!" Germany rushed around the counter to his friend. Italy was on the floor trying to get up by leaning onto the bottom cabinet of the kitchen island. His breathes were...

Watery.

That was when Germany called for Romano. His panicked sound brought not only Romano but also Gilbert and Matthew rushing in form the living room.

Gilbert immediately took action.

"Ludwig...we need to get him off the floor. Italy can you talk?" He said kneeling down.

"Si. But it hurts." Italy said gasping.

"Okay good. Me and Romano are going to get you to the living room couch." Prussia explained allowing Romano to grab Italy's upper body as he grabbed his legs.

Germany was confused as he followed them. What was wrong. What was happening.

"It's okay...Germany...it is l just Venice." Italy called out in shaky breaths.

"I don't understand?" Germany answered. "Gilbert shouldn't we be calling a doctor or something?"

Gilbert didn't answer.

"There would be no use. Don't you realize. You potato idiot. It's Venice and it's sinking. No doctor can help that." Romano whispered he was holding his brother's hand tightly.

"But it sinks all the time?" Germany was beginning to understand but prayed to God that what his mind was jumping to wasn't true.

Gilbert put a hand on his shoulder. "It's sinking for good Luddy. It is sinking for good." He said.

No but that meant. No

He sunk down on the floor next to the couch. "But that means."

"It means. I am dying for real." Italy answered his eyes were missing their normal glow.

Germany reached and grasped Italy's hand. "How long did you know and not tell me?"

"Since the darkness started. Since the world ended. I haven't told you so much...I don't think I have time to now. I am sorry Germany I am so sorry but I wanted you to be happy so I didn't tell you or anyone but Romano." Italy gasped out.

Germany looked at Romano who wouldn't meet his eyes but only stared at Italy. His face wet. Gilbert still hadn't let go of his brother's shoulder.

"Italy? Why?" Was all Germany could muster to say as thoughts swirled around his mind.

"You know I hate Lying. Did you know that I hate it so much, but I have done it so much. Maybe there is time for me to say some truth. Romano, I love you. Your the best brother ever and and and you were always Grandpa Rome's favorite. I know it didn't seem that way but you were. I alway's wanted you to realize that." Italy paused as Romano struggled to say something anything. "Feliciano...I don't"

"You were always supposed to be Italy. And you better get used to it. Cause you made a promise and and."

"Thank you." Romano held Italy's hand up to his cheek.

"Okay." Italy glanced over to a terrified looking Canada who had taken up a spot near the top of the couch. "Matthew..I know these last few months have been so hard for you. I want you to know that everyone here is supporting you and..America will wake up. I know this in my bones. I know he will. So don't give up hope okay?"

Matthew wiped away tears and glanced back at America in his chair next to the fire place. "I won't. I promise."

Italy nodded as his set his sight on Gilbert. "Prussia. You are irreplaceable. You have saved so many people so many of my people. Thank you. no matter your official status, you will always be a country to me and I should have said that to you a long time ago."

Gilbert nodded thankfully.

As Italy turned toward Germany, he struggled not to cry. "Germany. I am sorry for lying. I really am. I have lied to you so much. I...Do you remember so long ago we were kids and you thought..haha.you thought I was a girl...You probably don't remember. Austria said you wouldn't..I guess it all boils down to the fact that you will always be in my heart. I love you Germany. Don't be sad..I like it better when you smile. You don't smile a lot but when you do it brings me such joys. So just smile for me okay?"

Germany's didn't know what to say not at all but he could feel the grip of Italy's hand start to get weaker and weaker. He forced himself to look at the Italian. Italy had sparkling tears in his eyes. Germany did what he always did and give in to his friend's request. He smiled as he felt Italy loose the last of his breath.

————————

The world was white.

Italy wasn't surprised by that. So he walked forward ready to finally rest but then he saw him. Young. blonde. Tall. And with a cow lick.

America stared for a moment as he broke the silence. "Italy?"

"America." Italy smiled. "You're waking up aren't you? Matthew will be glad." He began to walk past the 200 year old teen. "You watch after them okay? Do what you do best and save the world. It needs some light in the darkness."

America watched him pass. "Okay. I will." He said in the way he always did as if he knew for sure.

Italy slowly left the American behind. Pondering if the world that was filled with darkness would ever go back to normal. As he saw the figure of a tall man with red hair and a scratchy beard come into view. He remembered. Countries can rise and fall but as long at someone remembered then perhaps the future would be as bright as the sun.

Fin

Hey finally uploaded it. I want to thank everyone who read this story and just thanks 3