This is set right after Finland becomes independent from Russia in 1917. It's in the same world as 'Goodbye, Mr. Sve" so I guess it's kind of a sequel.

Hetalia and all these characters belong to Hidekaz Himaruya.

Who knew becoming independent would mean so much paperwork, Finland thought as he stared at the huge stack of paper sitting in front of him. As he reached for the first document, a hand landed on his shoulder. At the same time, a voice mumbled, "Fin?" in his ear. Finland sprang up and spun around, fear evident in his eyes. He relaxed slightly when he saw it was only Sweden.

"Oh, hi, Mr.—I mean, Sweden," Finland said awkwardly. I haven't seen him in over a century. He's no longer 'Mr. Sve' anymore.

"You okay?" Sweden asked. The bespectacled country looked a bit uncomfortable, which in turn made Finland uncomfortable.

"Yeah, I'm alright, just a little jumpy," Finland assured him. "One hundred years at his house does that to you." At this, Sweden looked at his feet and muttered something.

"Sorry, I couldn't hear you," Finland admitted. He sure is acting strange.

Sweden cleared his throat and repeated, "'m sorry. For abandonin' you."

"It-it's okay. I've had a long time to make peace with that," Finland replied shakily.

Sweden reached a hand forward to cup Finland's chin and whispered, "Fin…" He pulled back immediately when he saw the smaller man flinch.

"I'm sorry!" Finland cried when he saw himself reflected in Sweden's eyes, alone and frightened. "It's not your fault, I just, please, don't touch me. I don't like to be touched." Finland's mouth fell open in shock when he saw a lone tear slide down Sweden's cheek.

"What did he do t'you?" Sweden questioned. "You used t'be so… happy."

Instead of answering the question, Finland revealed, "You know, I waited for you. I waited for years, thinking, 'He didn't mean it. Of course he'll come for me. He always does.' But you never came." Finland didn't realize how angry he was until he took a breath and felt himself trembling with the unfairness of it all. Apparently I didn't make peace with it. It's just been bottled up.

He continued, yelling now, "You told me you loved me! Remember?! You said you'd never let anything bad happen, but you lied! You lied! I hate you!" Finland broke down crying, overwhelmed by all the conflicting emotions coursing through him. When Sweden wrapped his arms around the short blonde, Finland buried his face into his shoulder and sobbed. They stood like that for what seemed like hours, until finally Finland stepped back.

"Sorry—" Sweden immediately cut off Finland's apology with one of his own.

"No. 'm sorry. You're right; I lied. I told m'boss I'd cut m'losses if I had to. I never expected m'loss t'be you. Please, give me another chance." Sweden looked at Finland with hope, waiting for an answer.

"I-I can't," Finland finally replied.

Sweden's face fell, but he nodded and said, "I understand. I won't bother you again." He turned to leave, but Finland jumped forward and grabbed his arm.

"What I meant to say was not yet. I'm stuck in the past, and I don't know how to get out. I'm just not ready right now," Finland clarified. "But that doesn't mean I'll never be ready."

Sweden allowed himself a small smile before saying, "Let's start over." He straightened up and stuck out his hand, continuing, "Hi. M'name's Sweden."

For the first time in a hundred years, Finland felt his heart flip at the sight of Sweden's clumsy grin. Maybe this won't take as long as I thought.

Meeting Sweden's smile with one of his own, Finland grasped the man's hand and answered, "Hi, Sweden. I'm Finland."

Thanks for reading!