His Last Smile

epilogue | new beginning

"America!" I called out to the person, or rather, nation. I was already all dressed and ready to go to my first World Meeting ever! I've met most of the European nations, as well as the North American nations, but it'll be the first time that I would ever see all of the countries of the world, gathered in one spot. America said that it was boring, but he thinks most adult things were boring, so I didn't listen to him.

"Hey, Artie! How're you doing, little kiddo?" he asked. I hated being called a "kiddo" by him. I'm already 10 years old, and he acts more childish than me, so he shouldn't have the authority to call me that. But I didn't want this good mood to pass by, so I ignored the little comment and replied, "I'm good, how are you?"

"Haha, I'm super! Are you ready to go to your first World Meeting ever? Prussia's been filling in for you, and for quite some years, but still, they'll love to see you, you know." I nodded, letting a wide smile take over my face.

We walked to the meeting, since it was taking place in England. I held Alfred's hand, grinning all the way there. Unlike him, I walked in a very dignified manner, and did not jump around with him.

America spread his arms wide, gesturing toward the tall, important-looking building. I stepped inside, and we climbed some flights of stairs and went through a long hallway. America stopped in front of a door, and I gulped, feeling nervous now. My hands became sweaty, and America held open the door. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.

There were so many people! The desk was tall and long, and America once again took my hand. His hand was so big, I wondered if mine would grow big like that once I was older.

Many of the nations have spotted our entrance, and stared at my back as America led me to my seat. "There. You'll be sitting next to France, and I'll be across the table, so call me if you need it!" I nodded, mentally grumbling that I would be seated next to the froggy.

I could hear the whispers about me, everyone looking and pointing at me. I felt so small in that room, and I wished that I was as big as America. At least then, I wouldn't be so physically small, too. I wondered lightly if America ever felt this way when he went to his first meeting, but I shook my head. America wouldn't have been so small, he's so big now! No way that he used to be a baby. I held my head high, I can do this.

There was a sound of a hand slamming against wood, and I jumped a bit (well, maybe just a little more than a bit). When I turned my head, I saw Germany, standing up. Most of the nations were paying attention to him, and he announced, "Let us start the World Meeting!"

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It's been more than twenty, more than thirty years since Arthur, the personification of England committed suicide.

It's been ten years since the new representative was born.

When I came across him, he was no older than when I met England. The kid was so much like him: the huge eyebrows that I always made fun of, the messy sandy blond hair that felt surprisingly soft (I've felt it when I was younger, don't question me), and his eyes.

England had said that the eyes were the window to the soul. Maybe this kid had England's soul, so I took him to the next World Meeting.

Needless to say, all of them were surprised. Everyone confirmed that he is England, the new representative. I should have been less surprised, after all, they said that this happened once before, with some country that I don't remember.

Of course, we named him Arthur.

It was decided that I would become his "mentor country," as Germany calls it, and "older brother," as England calls―no, used to call―it. I would take care of him, and the rest, France and the other European nations would take care of.

He was like the exact copy of Iggy, only younger. Way younger. He ate the same way, he dressed the same way, he talked the same way, and he sucked at cooking (A/N: yes, Alfred let a six-year old cook―with supervision of the amazing himself―of course he's awful). Every time he smiled, at me or at someone else, I wondered what Iggy would have looked like without the scowl constantly on his face.

Today was the first day that he was going to a World Meeting (or one that he was actually aware of, anyways), and he was so excited. He had a bounce in his steps, and his little hand held mine tight.

His hand felt so small encased in mine. I wondered if this was how Iggy felt as well, and I wondered, for a brief moment, how he felt when he realized he can hold that hand no more. I quickly shook the depressing thought away and brought him inside the building.

I led him to his seat, the seat labeled: UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND. It was his seat, and even though Prussia filled it during his absence, it always seemed so empty, and most people either ignored or avoided the chair. Oblivious, the little dude sat down, his now sweaty fingers gripping the arms of the chair.

"There. You'll be sitting next to France, and I'll be across the table, so call me if you need it!" I said, a cheerful tone to my voice, and he nodded, grumbling under his breath, probably about how he has to sit next to the "bloody frog."

I flashed a smile that he didn't catch, and took my seat across from him. As soon as I did, I spaced out completely.

I wondered, again for the thousandth time and more, if he wouldn't have done it if only I paid a little more attention, minded a little more. I wondered what he would say if I told him that a kid would be sitting in his spot. Laugh? Scowl? Yell at me, scold me for having such an idea?

I don't know, and I don't think I would ever. But now, this... this is a new beginning, and I want to give Artie the most I can, for as long as I can.

'Tis a new beginning... 

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This is the epilogue, and therefore the last chapter of "His Last Smile." Thank everyone for reading this shabby excuse for fanfiction, and thank you for staying until the end. I would appreciate a comment and/or criticism on any part of the book! This book had been very fun to write (and kinda depressing too, I killed myself) and I hope you had enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it! Thank you again, and if you liked this, please check out my other stories, like my hetalia oneshots or one of my other fandom works.

Thank you for all your support and everything,

Renee, @stillnotfictional