GerIta - Unbroken Promise

Unbroken Promise

"It’s simple Italy, really. Just tell me what you know, and I'll let you go, and all of this can stop, alright old chap?"

I raised my head up so that our eyes could meet, and England almost cringed to see the determination in my eyes as I spit out a mouthful of blood in order to grin, manic and unhinged as I laughed to see him picking up his knives and whip again, bringing them back to the table with a sigh as I strained against my chains, ready for the next round.

"You can torture me all you want, England, but I'll never give up Germany, it's not what good friends do. You, Mister Gentleman, should know that that is not polite, sir!"

And I was off in another fit of giggles at my witty comment for him, as he resolutely drew back the whip, the harsh sound of it cracking through the air and the sharp intake of breath I took when it connected with my back being the only sounds to puncture my demented laughter before it could resume, breaking again at the landing of the next blow, followed by the next, and the next, and the next…

It wasn't long though before my voice gave out, and my boy just shook with silent laughter, which could almost be mistaken for sobs as I rocked back and forth into the thrashings….

~~~~~

The noises coming from the hall were incredibly loud as my head throbbed once I came to, and just as I was thinking that they were unbearable, the door to the "Enhanced Interrogation" room was flung open, and a tall blonde man rushed in and dashed to my side, and I managed a weak smile as he lifted me up from the pool of my own blood that I had been lying in. He was careful to handle me delicately, and I was grateful for that as I felt my marred skin and open wounds sting against the air. But I did not notice the pain, only the concern on the pale face of the man cradling my rather limp form.

"Germany, really, I'm fine." But the statement was slightly lost as I winced upon Germany starting to move, walking briskly out of the room and back down the hall he came from, passing the slumped figures of all the guards he must have had to get by in order to reach me.

"Italy, I'm going to have to check your injuries now, okay? It might hurt, but it's necessary so that you can get proper treatment, and-"

"Germany." Only now did he stop moving to look at me, as we stood only just outside the building and our eyes met as I managed a tired but genuine smile.

"I really am fine, I'll be alright -  I'm a nation, they can't harm me. Besides, I have you now, you came for me, I'm okay now." At those words, Germany smiled, though thin and tight and scared for me, it was a real, caring smile. And that was all I need to return the gesture.

"And Germany?" I murmured, as he began walking again, though at a more leisurely pace, making sure I was comfortable and safe.

"Yes, Italien?"

"I didn’t give you up, they didn’t break me. Just thought you ought to know, since you might be proud of me -  all the training didn’t go to waste, I learned to stand my own ground. I don’t betray my friends."

And while the look he gave me was nothing short of wonderment, his next words were that much more important;

"Italy, the most important thing is that you are alright -  there is nothing I would not do for you. And I'll rescue you every day if I have to - it's just what friends do. And it’s okay to sometimes falter and sometimes fall, because you know that your friend will always have your back, no matter what."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

And the smile we shared then was enough to ensure that the darkness we were forced to walk could be illuminated, at least for the moment….