Secrets and lies. (Hetaoni and 2p fanfic)

Chapter 24

Romano's POV

I didn't remember getting to my feet. I don't remember stumbling over to my fratello and giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead. I don't remember gently pulling the duvet cover over his motionless body. I really don't remember punching the wall above his head or pleading to whatever religious deity that would listen. I don't remember my voice giving out, chest heaving, pleading, pleading, pleading that this was a fucking nightmare.  

I do, however, remember the cold feeling of numbness settling within my heart. I remember the hollowness of my soul, torn in half. I remember the feeling of hot tears running down my cheeks, not even close to evening out the cold numbness. I remember the burn of the whiskey running down my throat.

 I remembered all the times we fought, whether against each other or beside. I remembered all the times we have fought, shouting how much we hated each other and wished to never see each other again. I remembered making up after those fights, tears, and apologies from both sides. Watching movies on the couch with two huge containers of homemade gelato, curled up next to each other just enjoying each others company. 

I remembered all the good times and the bad times. The times where we hated each other (that was mainly my fault) and the times we were best friends (before we were split up as kids). 

I remembered everything. 

My fratello's fighting spirit and his will to never give up. The glint of steel in his eyes before he went into a fight. His warm personality to everyone despite how bad he was treated that made me proud. The weariness in his eyes when I found out about how he was mainly alone in that Mansion. His stubbornness that he was going to succeed no matter the means, and his righteous anger for those who harmed his loved ones and innocents. Veniciano was a good man, amazingly loyal friend, best brother, and a devoted lover. 

  We never realized just how much he meant to us until he was cruelly ripped from our lives.  

For you Veniciano, also known as Feliciano Vargas, Personification of Northern Italy, I will take your place as the keeper of time until time itself is reversed again. 

 When we meet again I will protect you, catch you when you stumble, and pick you up when you shatter. I swear upon my nationhood and the oath of brotherhood, I will never fail you again like I have our entire lives. This is my promise to you, dearest fratello of mine. 

With my oath, I stood. I wiped my tears away and walked away from my slumbering brother. Unlike the other nations, I know what he sacrificed before this fucking mess, and what he is currently sacrificing and what he will sacrifice. I alone know my brother will not stay in Death's kingdom forever. Until time is reversed, I will take his place. But once time is reversed we will share the mantle, side by side. As we were meant to do since the beginning of time.