Disclaimer: Me no own Hetalia
"You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy." - Colin Powell
"So New York, umm…" New Jersey had no idea what to say. Frankly she didn't want to know what was going on in her brother's head, especially today. New Jersey ran a hand through her short dark brown hair, bright blue eyes raised up to the ceiling as she sighed, not knowing what to say. Though it had already been ten years, her brother still clammed up on this day.
The house was quiet for once, an odd feeling for a house full of nearly 60, including all the states, territories, DC and America himself. It wasn't a normal occurrence for everyone to gather since everyone had their own separate homes, but when everyone was at America's house, it got noisy. Except today.
New Jersey didn't know how she was the one stuck trying to talk to New York, it wasn't as if the two states were on the best of terms. She licked her lips and tried again.
"Hey New York," She tried again but didn't get a response. "Did you wanna come to eat dinner? Deleware made some clam chowder and Maryland brought over some crab cakes. I don't know what Virginia made but it smells good." She chuckled nervously. 'Wow awkward much?'New York still hadn't moved from the window sill, nor had it looked like he acknowledged her at all. New Jersey's eye twitched and she held her tongue and left in a huff. 'He can sulk all he wants to, not like I care.' She was at the door when she heard New York speak.
"Hey sis" New Jersey turned to look at him. New York had turned to look at her, the slight smile couldn't overshadow the deep seated pain New Jersey could see in his eyes. "Thanks" was the uncharacteristically quiet reply.
"umm.. no prob, bro" New Jersey felt a little uncomfortable. This whole day was just wierding her out. But thinking about it, at least she didn't have to deal with America and she almost felt sorry for the sap that did. "So are you gonna eat?"
"Yea I'll come down in a bit. You go on ahead"
New Jersey turned to go out the door but stole another glance at her brother, he was still wearing that small smile so she went downstairs. In some ways, New Jersey was proud of her brother for coming this far. Even half blinded, he still rebuilt and recovered. Everyone thought he was going to give up, but he pulled through and returned back to work as fast as he was physically and mentally able to. That was just New York's style. He didn't let anything keep him from doing what he had to do. That determination and drive truly made him the Empire State, and no one could ever question that.
"Ten years have passed since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest of nights. Since then we've lived in sunshine and in shadow, and although we can never unsee what happened here, we can also see that children who lost their parents have grown into young adults, grandchildren have been born and good works and public service have taken root to honor those we loved and lost."
- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, speaking at the memorial service in New York
Author's Note: Tried to keep it as short as possible. It is good to pay your respects, but it wouldn't do New York justice if he was bitching throughout the fic. My heart goes out to those that lost family on that day, and may those lost rest in peace as our country remembers on this ten year memorial.
