FOR THE PERSON THEY LOVED THE MOST

A year ago…

Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!

The church's bells tolled mournfully at Piazza dell Arengo, flock of pigeons soared away from the Duomo di Milano and the people of the once North Italy passed to and fro the Italian Gothic cathedral, unaware that their representative has been laid to rest within one of the chamber of the place of worship. The ceremony was quick and was only attended by Ancient Rome, South Italy, Spain and Japan. North Italy's imminent death was not publicly announced as the enemies of the state might take advantage of the demise of the former representative to wreak havoc among the newly reunified of the two Italy. More than that, Ancient Rome had personal reasons why he did not inform the world of the demise of one of his grandchild. He wanted for their farewells with Feliciana Vargas to be more meaningful to them, more solemn, away from controversies surrounding her death.

"Why did you have to die, Feli?! We promised that we will be together! But, why?! Why must it end this way?!" the only representative of Italy wailed his heart out, Lovino still could not believe that his younger sister would become human after losing her status as a representative, because he was fully aware that the inevitable of a mortal was laid before her after surrendering herself to mortality.

"Now, now, now Roma please don't cry. There was nothing we could do that time!" tears of sadness flowed freely from the emerald eyes of Spain, he too could not move on from that painful of memory of yesterday. He was also present at the meeting room with Ancient Rome from witnessing the sealing of the fate of North and South Italy; from hearing the declaration of the reunified people of Italy that Lovino Vargas, former representative of South Italy would be the only personification of the new Italy.

The world does not need two Italy, only one shall remain… And Feliciana Vargas was meant to be that other half that needs to be gone for eternity.

"You don't know what I am feeling right now, Spain! You don't know that gut wrenching feeling that tore your existence! She was my sister…" Lovino's voice trailed, the unbearable pain of losing North was undeniably too much for him. Was…

"If only I could take half away of your pain…" Spain whispered diligently as he embraced tightly Romano, he doesn't care if bypassing priests saw them together at the floor, condemning them from their unacceptable relationship.

"Spain… Why does it hurt so much?" Lovino was crying, he never expected that time will come when he will lose one of the most important person in his life. He lived, that's for sure – but his sister, she was now lying six feet below the ground; the greatest distance that no representatives could measure except mortals. Spain held him tighter, he had lost the cute Ita-chan from the cruel grasp of destiny, he would not risk his Roma from being taken away either.

"Great pain comes with great love, Roma. Your love to Ita-chan was so immense, more than the sister-brotherly love between siblings. The reason why it hurts so much to say goodbye to Feli because you had loved her so much" Spain buried his head on the nape of South Italy, even he was powerless to save Lovino and Feliciana from being separated. He failed North Italy as a big brother.

Lo siento, Ita-chan! I failed you! I am such a sore loser! I should not be called big brother! I am sorry, Feli! Please forgive me…

Ancient Rome stood before the apparent tomb of his grandchild, Feliciana Vargas. Even he was never prepared that he and Lovino would outlive North Italy owing to the reunification of North and South Italy. The preference of the people to Lovino Vargas over Feliciana was plausible; Rome was once a mighty city and the fact that it was located at South Italy, Romano should have the crown. Ancient Rome wore a masquerade of detachment, concealing his chaotic inner self from escaping out and exposing the bitter truth. A part of him wanted to comfort the weeping nations but the other half refrain him from doing so or the overpowering torrent of his emotions would swallow him whole. From the corner of his eyes he witnessed in heartbreaking agony his only grandson and his lover, Lovino Vargas and Antonio Fernandez Carriedo, both mourning the ultimate loss that was never been in fact, true at all.

"Excuse me, Rome-dono" a short, slim man with black hair and brown eyes in his traditional hakama approached him. "I do not mean to intrude on your family's personal affairs, but shouldn't the other nations closest to your family be aware of Italy's recent death?" Ancient Rome look to the Japanese, he was trapped in his swirling of thoughts, unsure how to give Japan a logical answer to his prudent question.

"I… I am still thinking about it, Japan. Right now, I would like Feliciana's death remain untroubled so far. What happened to her on that fateful day until this moment of separation were so much more than the wounds we had suffered when we were protecting for our lands. We had lost someone who is now unobtainable for the rest of our lives. That one person alone we never thought that would be taken away from us" Ancient Rome was getting claustrophobic on his secrets, he really wanted to let go of his burdens and come what may happen into their lives; but from where he was at his life right now, he had reached this point of no return. If everything falls according to his plans then there was nothing Ancient Rome could be afraid of unless the very person he feared the most spoils all his hard works, the only nation that loved North Italy since the 900s. Remembering that spawn of Germania stirred his hatred not only to the ancient nation, but also to his descendants including the Holy Roman Empire as well. There was bad blood going on between the two ancient nations, Germania and Rome. Despite the friendship they had before Romulus would never, ever forgive Germania even if the mighty Rome ceased to exist.

"Rome-dono, are you all right? I suggest the three of you retire for the meantime. If you would like I could handle the remaining matters of this burial for you. Italy would be sad if she knew her Nonno and her fratello are not handling their health well" even if Japan rarely express his feelings he was more than hurt when he found out Feliciana's fate. At first he thought the Italian was joking but when he saw the tears falling from her amber eyes, he knew she was telling the truth. Out of all the people in the world chosen by destiny to relinquish the status as a representative it should be North Italy. She was one of those few people he ever let in his life then all of a sudden she would be gone for eternity.

"I am so grateful that my grandchild met a nation like you, Signore Honda. Grazie for your sympathies, we will never forget you're kindness" Romulus bowed deeply to Japan and the Japanese returned the curtsy. North Italy was right after all; Japan was very affectionate despite his quiet and shy demeanor. "There is only one thing I would like to hear from you" Japan thought that he saw the former glory of Ancient Rome in a fleeting minute – a proud and mighty empire of the unforgotten past.

"What is it Rome-dono?" the Japanese eyed the tall personification with respect and pure interest.

"What happened today stays between the four of us, Signore Honda. Now that several countries including Italy is in conflict, warring countries might took advantage of our situations. We must contain this issue as effectively as we can or war will be upon us"

"I understood, Rome-dono. How about the Germanic Empire? They have been in constant movement. What shall we do?"

"You do not need to worry, Signore Honda. I am sure that Feliciana will not allow you to be dragged in this mess. She loved you and your beloved country" Grandpa Rome took a great liking to the Japanese, he was proud that his granddaughter met and befriended a nation like Japan.

"Do not worry about me Rome-dono. I promised Itaria-sama that I will protect her nation as much as I keep my nation safe and sound. She is my friend and will always be" Japan bowed down to the great nation; albeit, strings of bittersweet memories with her flooded his very being again. For so many times and until now he could not still accept the fate of North Italy. Then again, with two personifications like North and South dissolution of a representative was forthcoming. Unknown to him, the former representative of North Italy was alive but was in a deep state of slumber - the secret that Ancient Rome was ardently hiding from the rest of the world.

Ancient Rome and Japan watched Spain and South Italy pay their farewells before the four of them left the cathedral. No one spoke a word as they leave the place, whispery prayers of the priests could be heard from afar and their footsteps broke the stillness of the hallway. As they stepped out of the cathedral, flocks of pigeons and people greeted them. But something was amiss; Rome especially South Italy noticed the sudden influence of North Italy's dissolution. Lovino could feel it in the air, could see it in the sky, could hear it among the flapping wings and singing of the birds and bustling activities of his populace. Feliciana… My dearest sister… Romano woke up from his stupor when Spain intertwined his fingers on his own.

"I will not leave your side, Romano. Spain will always be here for you" Spain kissed his lover, unperturbed if people see them in broad daylight. The Spanish man cannot imagine living his life without the Italian. It was already gut-wrenching feeling losing North Italy, what was more if it was South that was chosen to relinquish his status as representative. He cannot live a life without his Italian. Romano was his love, his life, and his world. And if keeping him by his side meant fighting against the world, Antonio will not hesitate to become a conquistador again.

"Spain…"

"Stay with me, Romano"

Present day…

"Eh? Lovino will not go anywhere without informing me. That cute tomato of mine!" Spain cheerfully opened the locked door with his spare key only to be welcomed by deafening silence. As dense as always, Spain went directly to the kitchen and placed the groceries on the countertop. Seeing the sliding door opened, he went out to find his Italian tending his numerous tomatoes, his back towards him. "Loviiii!"

"What's up tomato bastard?" Lovino threw a newly harvest tomato on the approaching personification which he easily caught. Antonio took a seat beside Italy, the tomato was almost eaten.

"Say ahhhh, Lovi…" Spain's usual demeanor enlightened the somber mood of the Italian.

"Chigi! What brings you here? You know that it isn't safe to travel aimlessly nowadays" Romano forcefully shoved another tomato on the mouth of his lover. Deep inside, he was absolutely worried that something unkind will befall on the representative. He had lost North Italy, he does not know if he could exist if Spain will be taken from him also.

"My promise, mi tomate" Spain stood up and carried the basket full of tomatoes back to the house. South Italy blushed like the color of the tomatoes. Spain hasn't forgotten his promise to him all along. Good thing the Spaniard didn't saw him smiling or Antonio will be overly doting representative on him again just like the old times. Lovino followed him and both of them sat at the backyard porch. They were silent for a long while; the two of them remained in observing the shapeless clouds float in the blue sky.

"I do not mind if I see you seldom, Spain. I'd rather see you infrequently than allow you be captured by opposing nations. Even if you are in good relations with Prussia that doesn't mean you are exempted from their plans. Sooner or later they might go after you" South Italy rested his head on the stomach of the lying representative still staring at the distant sky, his mind was as far as the distance of the sky and the earth. Spain playfully tugged his curly hair.

"CHIGIIIIII!" The Italian reddened furiously and barraged the Spain with countless swearing in his mother tongue. "The fuck you trying to do?!" South Italy was highly aroused with the simple, childish act of Spain. It was his erogenous zone after all.

"You look so funny, Lovi! Come here, mi tomate!" Spain cooed, and when Romano didn't budge from where he was the former began throwing the tomatoes to his lover.

"You're wasting my tomatoes, bastard! Idi—"

"No one will hurt my Lovi as long as I am alive. I will protect you at all cost. I will not allow the man I fell in love be taken away from me, friends or foes are they" Spain cut-off with reverence and pure love for the Italian, but the flame of his conquistador days remained behind the oblivious personality of the Spaniard, only to be unleashed if South Italy is in danger.

"Spain…" Lovino smiled – that one of a million smiles only reserved for a certain Spaniard. Antonio grinned and he closed their distance with a kiss and a string of colorful vocabularies coming from Romano.