Authors Note: Hey, this is probably going to be the last chapter of this fanfiction. If I'm honest I'm not sure if I have the time. But oh well, I hope everyone who has read this has enjoyed it. Words cannot describe how sorry I am for not updating this more often. I'll probably start a different story but for now this is goodbye. Thank you again for all of your kind words, I really do appreciate them.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or the characters.
Warning: Swearing and not much else really.
"Holy Roman Empire! You should know him you, you asshole. He's blond, should be tall by now. Probably strong as well. He must be a relative of yours if that platinum thing is your brother." Starting to feel quite desperate Luciano stood in front of the other and looked him up and down. He looked like him, sort of. As a grown nation he would look like him, but this was Germany. Not Holy Rome. He had to know him though, but clearly the blond's face simply was confused, it was clear he was in the dark for who this was. Sighing the Italian slouched and looked away, a little embarrassed that he had lost his cool. "Fine, but that Prussia, he knows. He and the others know where he is, and they won't tell me!" Mumbling a bit his hands tensed whilst he kept his eyes to the ground.
Watching him carefully Germany had no idea what he was talking about. Or who. He wasn't aware of any other 'siblings'. They didn't really have siblings since they only called each other brother or sister based on who raised them, or who they were raised with. "Apart from Prussia who else knows this other nation?" Asking calmly so that he didn't set the other off again Ludwig couldn't bring himself to say the name. He wasn't sure why but, he knew it would leave a bad taste in his mouth. He hadn't heard about this from Italy before, maybe in his sleep he had mumbled something similar to the name, but he usually woke up so quickly and pretended to be asleep after. Maybe if he solved this he could get /his/ Italy back. He missed him, but he knew it wouldn't be fair for, this Italy, or this side of Italy to be told to leave.
"Them! Austria, Prussia, Fratello, and Hungary! They know something and they're keeping us from it!" Growling a little Luciano pointed it out like it was obvious, surely he knew their past. They were kept by Austria, his brother sold to that asshole Spain, and he was pushed around by everyone. Thankfully he came around and put a stop to all of it, really it was his right to be here, making sure that Feli wasn't always alone.
Internally Germany sighed as the other started to get mad again. This was really starting to make this break into a full lunch break. At this rate they were going to need another day at the meeting, although it's not like they were going to resolve anything anyway. "Fine, if you promise to stay calm and will not start anymore fights, and you will sit quietly through the rest of this meeting." Emphasising the last point he started to see an end to this pointless arguing and fights. Hopefully they could settle what's happened and whoever this was could be found. "I can go get Romano and Prussia." They more or less stayed close to the meeting hall during meetings since they couldn't be bothered, or they were busy. Satisfied when the Italian nodded he went back into the hall leaving Italy on his own. He didn't notice him pulling the knife from his shoe.
As he entered the meeting room the first thing that anyone would notice really was the groups of nations that usually stuck together were still gossiping about what had happened. The German also realised that a few of the nations still had to come back. To his relief Spain, Prussia, Romano and France seemed to have formed a type of 'clic'. Clearly they were still explaining to France what had happened since he had been arguing with England at the time. Walking over he was of course greeted by a glare from the elder Italian, but he had seen a first from his own brother. He looked almost sympathetic, like he felt bad for him having to find out this way. Or at least that was his guess. "Italy, wants to talk to you both, he's promised to behave and-"
"He's not Italy you fucking asshole, no way in hell is he our Italy, I'm not fucking talking to him unless he gives back Feli." Cutting Ludwig off Lovino crossed his arms and decided to keep arguing and fighting with the two of them until things were back to the way they were before. He didn't care if the other gave him disapproving looks, he wanted his brother back. Now.
After sighing Ludwig looked to his brother and allowed himself to show a slightly confused expression. "He wants to know about a Holy Roman Empire. I don't think I know them. They aren't one of the smaller nations that you two often humour are they?"
Looking between themselves Lovino and Gilbert frowned a little and shared an almost pitying look to Ludwig. "Nein, he's not, maybe we should talk to him." Sighing Gilbert was the first to speak and crossed his arms, his thick accent serious as he looked to Lovino. He needed him to give the okay since it was his brother, despite what he said.
"If that will get rid of the bastard then fine." Sighing as well Lovino knew they had to as well and started to head towards the exit. This was a massive pain but he needed to do it, if anything it will hopefully get his brother back. With the two German brothers following him Lovino left the hall room and were greeted to Luciano leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His expression concentrated and concerned. It definitely didn't look right on the usually cheerful Italian's face. It was clear he was watching though. "Make it quick Asshole."
"You're the ones that should make it quick. Tell me where he is now." Immediately being demanding Luciano pushed off of the wall and looked to the three as they got to him. Lifting his arm he had decided to use his knife as a bit of extra persuasion. He really did handle it as if it was an extension of his body. It was so natural for him to handle it but it looked out of place.
Ludwig was surprised that Luciano had hidden that from him, especially considering he thought that he had confiscated it. Looking to his brother and the other angry Italian he hoped that whatever they needed to say to him they said nicely. Prussia was the first to step forward and speak to the knife wielding Luciano. Hands up he tried to do this as gently as he could. "Luciano, put the knife down, you don't need that. I'll tell you, you und Feliciano are old enough to know." Speaking slowly he knew this had to be done delicately or else he could go for him, Ludwig or even Lovino.
Lovino stayed silent and watched, he was admittedly a little intimidated by the knife. He didn't want to get stabbed and it wasn't like he was going to purposefully hurt Feli's body. Luciano also stayed silent, usually he was loud and brash yet right now he seemed, serious. Lowering the knife slowly he narrowed his eyes and wondered what he was going to say, although he felt as if he already knew the answer.
Taking a deep breath Gilbert gave him a sympathetic look and finally told the nation the truth. "Holy Roman Empire is gone. That war killed him, und, Austria and Hungary just wanted to protect you." Feeling like now isn't the time to insult the two other nations Gilbert stepped forwards in order to comfort him. Hand grabbing the wrist of the hand that held the knife and pulled him into an embrace before he processed it.
Both Luciano and Ludwig's expressions dropped, Ludwig's in shock and Luciano's in realisation. All the Italian could think was he couldn't be gone, he couldn't be dead. He had fought to be free to find him. He had fought so that they wouldn't be alone anymore. They were going to find him and never have to be alone. They'd take up his offer and rule the world together so that no one picks on them ever again. Dropping the knife Luciano shook his head and scrunched his face up a little, like a child about to have a tantrum. "You're lying, he's not, where is he?!" He couldn't accept this, there was no way he could.
Keeping hold of him Gilbert sighed and looked to Ludwig, he couldn't help but feel ashamed. He couldn't help but feel slightly at fault, he had gotten stronger after he died. Although if anyone was to blame it was France, but even then. They were nations, they had to follow what their government and rulers wanted. They could suggest things, but when it came down to it, they didn't really have much power. "I'm sorry." Unable to say anything else he hoped that the other would understand. They never truly told Feliciano, but they assumed he had worked it out... Maybe he never wanted to work it out.
Lovino watched him and stayed quiet for once, he never liked Holy Rome. In his eyes he kept bullying his little brother, although back then he didn't even like him much either. But he guessed they grew quite close during their time at Austria's place.
"Just, go die or something." Not getting the reply he wanted Luciano pushed the nation off of him. He had to get away. Think ahead. Like hell was he going to believe these two. If it was then, and this was really how things were run now, then was he even needed anymore. Feliciano had friends, he wasn't alone. He didn't need to fight. If he did he had others to help. Feeling as if he was having trouble breathing Luciano looked between the elder nations, tears starting to form in his eyes. He couldn't be seen like this. He couldn't let them see that he cared! Turning he ran down the hall expecting no one to follow him.
All three of the others stood watching him go down the hall, it was best to leave him alone right now. Clearly it had come as a shock and Ludwig had questions. He wanted to know why this person seemed to mean so much to him. Italy had never once asked for him before, or mentioned him. Picking up the knife Ludwig suggested that they return to the meeting room, they could finish the meeting and then discuss what just happened between those that knew the facts. The facts being Feliciano's other, more violent side; Holy Roman Empire, and why they meant so much to the two of the personalities.
It took a couple of hours for them to finish up the two meetings but in comparison to most of their meetings that was quite productive. Ludwig was the first to leave however, not quite sure what to do with the information that he now knew. He couldn't help but feel that he understood Feliciano more however. The way he clung to him when scared, the constant need for company, and the fear of him not returning his feelings of friendship, sometimes even more than that. Searching for the Italian, Ludwig felt a little anxious. He hadn't made a reappearance and he wasn't in a place, or time that he knew.
It took him another hour to find the other curled up in a corner of an empty room, cheeks slightly pink and eye lashes still damp from tears. He must've come in here to calm down and ended up falling asleep. "Italy..." Grumbling to himself Germany tried to work out what to do, he could carry him but he really didn't want Luciano getting angry at him. Not after that... With that kind of thought he was starting to think about the more innocent brunet. Sitting back on his heels he tried to work out what to do, rubbing a tired eye as he looked at the other. As he looked him over he saw a small folded note on Italy's lap. After carefully taking it the blond unfolded it and read.
'Germany, if you're reading this and you're not him then put it down or I'll hurt you.
This is hard for me to say and I'll deny it if you tell anyone, but I'm sorry. I'm going to not force Feliciano back and I'm not going to let him have me in control unless he really needs me. There's no reason for me to be here, he doesn't need the company and he doesn't need the protection. But if you hurt us like Holy Rome has, I swear I will come back and make you wish you never did. Look after the cowardly idiot for me, god knows fratello doesn't... Maybe he does now, what do I know?
Hopefully I'll never see you again.
Luciano'
Reading through it Ludwig couldn't help but feel relieved that he was backing off. He missed Feliciano. This strong, unafraid and brash persona didn't suit him. Not in his eyes at least. Crumpling the letter up and shoving it in his pocket Ludwig smiled. Gently shaking Italy, he prayed that the letter was true and that Luciano wouldn't be here. Dropping the smile when the Italian began to stir he held his breath, playing close attention to his eyes.
After a moment of trying to shake Ludwig off hazel eyes opened and winced at the light. He was still sleepy, but he was actually in a meeting room. Realising where he was Feliciano looked around, wondering what was going on. He remembered Luciano saying something when he was asleep and then... "Luddy?" Looking to the blond at last he wondered what happened.
Sighing out in relief Ludwig was glad to see the cowardly Italian back, looked like the letter was right, he was back for good. "Ja. Do, do you know about what Luciano learned? About Holy Rome?" Getting straight to asking if he knew Ludwig didn't want to be like the others, keeping a truth hidden away from him. He deserved to know.
Looking away as soon as he asked Feliciano felt like tearing up again and wiped his eyes with the palms of his hands. Nodding he gave a quiet 'si', at some level he always knew, he just wanted to deny it forever. It was too painful to accept. "I knew."
"I'm sorry." Unable to say much else about it the German kept his hand on his shoulder. He knew that coming to grips with it was hard but, he seemed to fully accept it now. "The meeting's over, we can go home, you need rest." Trying to think of a way to comfort him he stood up and held his hand out to help him up.
"Grazie." Looking up to him Feliciano smiled brightly and took the hand. As soon as he stood up he jumped up and took hold of Ludwig's broad shoulders, pulling him into a hug. He missed this. He remembered what Luciano told him after properly waking up. He believed that he was strong enough to stand on his own now, and when he wasn't, he had friends to back him up now. Getting off Feliciano gladly left with the taller nation clinging to his arm like usual. Ludwig's view of the other might have changed a little but things were finally back to the way they should be.
Well in the words of Porky Pig, that's all folks. Thank you again for the kind words, without them this would have never been written. I hope you've enjoyed it and I hope to get some new stuff out in a little while.