It was his little brother who had found him, blood seaping through the carpet. It was his brother who had to face the medics and police, and the family members, reassuring them it would only be a little bit longer until Romano awoke from his coma.

It was the bright light that awoke him from his slumber, the din of some unknown machine echoing in the background. His body trembled with inconstant tremors as if awakening itself as well. Something acidic was forcing it's way up his throat, but he could no longer taste. His tongue had been reduced to a dry, brittle state, and his ears slowly adjusted to the frantic buzzes of near-by onlookers.

And it was his little brother who called in the doctors.

Soon enough, foreign hands were everywhere, probing, experimenting on his body, but it was no longer under his sovereignty. Instead, it jerked as every warm touch made contact with his ice-like skin. Hah, usually it was only his glare that stayed icy.

As Romano's eyes opened to the smallest extent, a gurgled mess forced its way from his mouth. In actuality, he was trying to call out for his fratello, desperate for his reassurances. He could no longer talk, for he had forgotten.

It felt like hours before he was finally left alone, coughing up a mess of stomach acid and salvia. But the pain overwhelming his body was nothing compared to his head. Romano felt something pressing from the inside of his skull, threatening to split it open if something immediate was not to be done.

After his bodying had purged itself of excessive, acidic liquids, Romano sat back, panting softly in the quiet room. Meeting the eyes of his brother, Romano flinched. There was no sympathy in the younger boys expression, only solid anger and frustration.

Why did he expect any different? Ashamed of his own actions and state, his eyes lowered to his fiddling hands.

The room's silence was broken by one question. And even when Feliciano's voice wavered slightly, Romano could not meet his eyes.

"Why did you do it?" It should've been simple enough to answer, just list one of the many reasons, but it will never be that simple. His emotions would get the better of him, and he would not have that, not in front of the object that caused him the most trouble, the most insecurities.

"Everyone was worried about you."

"We love you Romano.."

His fratello embraced him softly, tears staining the hospital gown.

Then his curiosity got the better of him.

"Feli.. How long have I.."

"A year, fratello.."

AN:It was hard to right this but I pushed through my emotions and did. Honestly, I feel better.. I guess high school really does wonders to the ego..