Sorry to Hear That

Chibi-Romano eyed the candle suspiciously as it flickered back and forth, threatening to throw him into darkness. Then he blotted into his journal:

“Today Spain was an idiot. Again. Of course, nothing’s changed, except that that witch (Name) has come again. She is annoying. Spain likes her a lot, but I don’t. She always smiles at me and rubs my head. I hate it.”

At this point, Romano furrowed his brow and muttered, “Idiot…” Then he brought the quill down with a click.

“Spain always acts weird around her. He is pathetic. I told him to act like a man, but somehow she always seems to throw him off. Many times, I would find him blushing or being stupid. I slapped him. She is mean. If she comes again, I will tell her she is mean. I don’t like that Spain loves her.”

There were footsteps in the hall, and Romano snapped up, hastily stuffing his quill and notebook under the desk and puffing his cheeks to blow out the candle. He slipped under the blanket and squeezed his eyes shut. He squeezed his eyes shut with all the might he could muster in his body. Spain stepped in, quietly watching Romano breathe in and out, a squirrel on his chest. No one moved.

“Cheh, cute little guy.” Antonio smiled good-naturedly. He tiptoed over and ruffled  Romano’s head. Romano tensed, but soon Spain quit it and walked away. The door shut. Romano scowled, his eyebrows smashing together. “Grrr… you annoying…” He clenched his teeth. “Who you calling cute…” His entire chibi form trembled.

Deep down inside, he felt like smiling, just the slightest. In that deep part of him, he muttered, “Why do you have to feel so happy over such a mean girl…? Have you forgotten me? … Do you still love me?”

He felt horribly scared. It was scary to lose someone you loved. Where was grandpa Rome? Where was Feliciano? Why were they all gone?

Maybe they were all really glad they had left. Maybe without Romano, everyone was happy. Everyone laughed so much, smiled so much, but could he remember a time when it was for him?

The darkness seemed to get darker.

“I hate (Name).”

"I'm sorry to hear that..." Someone whispered. "Because both of us love you..."

Maybe it was a dream, but hearing her say that was wonderful.