Playing the Fool

Chapter 25

"Sam... Saaaam... D.C.?"

Waving his hand in front of the Capitals face, Canada looked concerned. Shaking his shoulder slightly, which caused D.C. to jump slightly. 

"I'm awake! Oh hi Mathew..."

Looking around at the others staring at him, D.C. face turned bright red in embarrassment. Rubbing the back of his neck, D.C. looked down at the table sheepishly.

"Are you feeling alright D.C.?"

Japan asked, looking slightly concerned at the capitals odd behavior. The young American quickly waved it off, saying quickly he was fine. This didn't comfort the concerned countries, it had been a few months since the capital had recovered yet the teen was always distracted. A distant, far away look in his eyes until someone snapped him out of it. There was something off about the capital, but they couldn't quiet place what it was. 

"Your presenting today aren't you?"

Canada gently reminded, causing the capital to turn an even darker shade of red before scrambling to get ready. Repeating sorry under his breath, D.C. hurried to the front looking really flustered and embarrassed. Germany stepped down as the teen reached him, giving the boy reassuring pat on the shoulder as they passed.

"Okay, ah..."

Swallowing nervously, D.C. glanced down at his notes. This was the first time he actually had to present, and being the extreme introvert that he was even among friends this wasn't easy. The capital wasn't at all good at speaking in front to large groups, his legs trembled as he glanced down at the floor.

"The issue I ha-have to present is... is not a world issue. M-more of a..."

Looking down at his notes, D.C. tried to keep calm. Everything had been mixed up in the mad scramble earlier, remembering what he'd written the best he could. D.C. tried not to think about the eyes focused on him.

"Personal issue that, that I feel... That I feel needs to be discussed after recent events."

Voice growing much stronger now, D.C. focused only on the reason why he had to do this.  

"The issue is Capitals being allowed to attend World Meetings. Looking back on these last few months I've come to the conclusion that my fellow capitals should be allowed to attend world. I do not only say this as a Capital myself, but as personification that would have died without the other capitals help. Without Beijing's knowledge of poison cures, or Rome's knowledge of the plant where about... Or Charlie, who scarified so much in order to prevent another world war where would we all be now? America would have destroyed Italy while in a wave of grief, which would have resulted in the start of world war III. Where America would fall, and without Al as much as you'd rather not admit where would we all be with out that nosey always wanting to help Captain Hero complex America? Capital personifications aren't for decoration only, they have as much of a right to attend these meetings and be heard as County personifications."

Taking a deep breath, D.C. ended with.

"Maybe some of us haven't been around as long as our countries, and maybe there aren't as many of us as there are countries. We are loyal, we are strong, and we want to help solve to worlds problems as much as you do if not more. Consider the idea of tackling world problems with fresh minds of those who can look at the problems from a new perspective. It won't be perfect, but nothing ever is. Even if you don't agree, even if you all decide no. At least you'll remember what you heard today, and remember Charlie... who gave everything he had including his own life to save us all from our selves... That is all, thank you for listening."

Stepping down, D.C. took a shaky breath in. He did it, he said what he need to say. It was out of his hands now, but no one could ever say he never tried. He'd taken his first step towards completing his cousins dream, where ever Charlie ended up D.C. had a feeling the former Capital was smiling.

(To be continued...)