America stood in the archives, at the center of his house. He appeared nearly unrecognizable without his usual stupid smile. It was supposed to be a happy day – his birthday, in fact – but as he aged, it stopped feeling quite as right as it had.
.… All political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved….
"Damn it, I couldn't have become a hero in my former brother's house! Maybe even Canada could have been my sidekick if he didn't let himself be ruled so long!" America tried to pump himself up, and convince himself that he was correct in writing the document in front of him all those years ago.
"Maybe you're right, despite still being a childish idiot." America spun around to see a very pale-looking England behind him. He coughed into his handkerchief.
"Duuude, are you okay?"
"Of course, I'm always splendid this time of year, you prat." England flashed him a sarcastic smile. He walked slowly towards the encased Declaration of Independence; his younger brother's declaration of disowning him. "My boss once said that today should be a celebration for us both. She said that you gave me a rough lesson in being a gentleman to those under my care."
"Yeah, I remember that. I still can't believe the present you gave me! It must have killed you to admit that you believed in the freedom we had fought over."
"Well, it made me wish I had realized it sooner. Maybe then we could still be brothers."
"Haha! As if!"
"Even if I had accepted you? You're still an immature, self-absorbed prat of course, make no mistake, but you had already grown enough to be independent. I just didn't want to see it."
England brushed his fingers over the glass, over the list of his supposed wrongs to his former charge. America took his hand, surprised how familiar it still felt after all this time. England gave him a sad smile.
"Would you forgive me, Brother England? I needed my freedoms, and I have friends, but I've only really had one brother who I've had any kind of 'special relationship' with…"
"I would love to have you come into my commonwealth, Brother." England looked down at his polished shoes. America squeezed his hand in response.
"I'll have to talk to my boss, but thank you! I would love to be closer to you again, I'm so happy!"
"Heh. You really are still a child at heart, aren't you?" England smiled and kissed America on the forehead.
"Aww, dude!" America backed away, wiping his forehead. "I thought you said you recognized me as a full-grown country!"
"You're also my little brother, who I haven't gotten to show much affection to recently. Deal with it." England smirked, obviously a little bit too motivated by annoying America. "Come on, I imagine you have some parties to attend." America followed England back outside as a bell chimed 4 o'clock.
"First, could you please show me again how to prepare quality tea?" England smiled.
"Of course. I have been a little worried about how much coffee you drink."
A/N: Just a little fic I thought of when I saw debates around America becoming a member of the Commonwealth. I kept thinking about how England still seems heartbroken over America breaking away, and how he might be happier if America was at least tied to him by Commonwealth membership. And maybe, this far away from being controlled by England, America might be comfortable getting that close again.
It's also occurred to me that I may need to force myself to take a break from Hetalia if I ever need to think objectively about foreign affairs. XD
I'm referring to Queen Elizabeth II's speech when presenting the bicentennial bell, which was actually rather touching in itself.
Oh, and please no flaming! Constructive criticism is good (I feel like this should go without saying…)