Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.
AN: This chapter was inspired by my last Thanksgiving. I'm studying abroad so it was the first I wasn't home for and my flatmates were kind enough to help me throw one for our flat. It's a tradition in my family to go around the table and say something we're thankful for, and when I told my Italian flatmate that she decided we'd do the same.
I never realized how strange a question it was until I saw them struggle to answer it. When my Swiss flatmate said he was thankful he'd gotten us as flatmates the Italian started crying, and my Spanish friend took five minutes to think of something.
So yeah...hope you enjoy the ending of this fic!
Thanksgiving was, as the name suggested, a time for giving thanks.
"What are you thankful for?"
That was written on a little card placed on everyone's plate, and America expected them to answer it before they started eating.
It was a lot more difficult than any of them expected.
China shifted in his chair, even though they had all been told to dress casually. He was thankful for many things, but he wanted to say something more meaningful than his continued prosperity and general wellbeing. He felt like the occasion called for more, and he was certain the others were saying they were thankful for the newfound loves in their lives.
He didn't want to sound cliché, but if he had to tell the truth…
"I am thankful that we are acting like a family again."He broke the contemplative silence, hoping that the others shared his thanks.
He had always been the one that pushed for them to be closer. His younger siblings were the ones that kept turning against him and leaving. He had waited so long for there to be a time where they could put the hurt behind them, where they would no longer see his offer of being an older brother as an attempt to sabotage their autocracy. A time like now, though there was still room to improve.
"I am too, Old man."Hong Kong agreed, pausing a moment before adding,"I am thankful for your support of my relationship."
China didn't exactly approve, but the Nordics were not a group he wanted to mess with and it was almost impossible for him to see Iceland as a threat.
"I am thankful that all of you have found love."Taiwan raised her glass, winking at Macau, who blushed,"Or at least, companionship."
He raised his glass and successfully did not snort. America had been rather sly in his matchmaking, but India did not seem to care. He would stop at nothing once he found out two people wanted to be together. Yao had to kick him out of their house one day when he started on hour three of his lecture about how Monaco and Macau were meant to be based on Hindu astrology.
"I am thankful you are still single."Macau shot back, making Taiwan stick her tongue out at him. His other province raised his glass,"In all seriousness, I am thankful for this family as well."
South Korea rose in his seat,"To the East Asia Family."
Mongolia copied him,"To our continued insanity."
Japan smiled,"May we relish this contentment after centuries of hardship."
North Korea solemnly nodded, and they began tapping their glasses to each other.
China almost didn't realize he was crying until he was being enveloped in hugs from his siblings.
He had never been more grateful for anything in his life.
"I'm thankful for…"Iceland trailed off.
Why was this so difficult? There were many things he should be thankful for. He could just say he was thankful for his relationship with Leon and that would be acceptable. But it didn't feel like enough. He glanced towards his boyfriend's table, seeing the giant hug they had going on over there. Japan was voluntarily letting all those people into his personal space.
This was supposed to be meaningful, and he'd never been the best when it came to words.
That was why he still struggled with magic.
He felt his face heat up,"I'm thankful for…"He tried again.
"You look constipated, Icey."Denmark chuckled before getting elbowed by Finland.
Easy for him to say. He'd said he was grateful that the world was learning to have fun again. It wasn't something common, it wasn't too sappy that it made his brother irritated. It was the perfect thing to say.
"Take your time."Norway encouraged.
His brother had said he was thankful that he was finally acknowledging they were related, which meant a lot considering how long he had denied it.
He couldn't say the same thing as Norge, even if he was thankful for it too. He felt that saying he was thankful he was now competent with a weapon was too superficial compared to that.
He bit his lip, before holding out his glass,"I'm thankful that I no longer feel alone."
Not that he'd ever truly been alone, but he'd pushed them away enough in his life that he'd felt isolated. It was his own fault…but this last year had inspired him to change.
"To never being alone again."Sweden toasted, getting a kiss on the cheek from Finland.
"Hear! Hear!"The rest of them agreed.
Thailand squeezed Vietnam's hand under the table. He had never realized how much happier he could be in life, even if she had requested they not tell the other nations about their relationship until she was certain it would last. He was fine with waiting and he was even better at ignoring India. None of them were quite sure what to do about the question they'd been given.
"I'm thankful for free food."Laos laughed.
"I'm thankful for more parties."Cambodia snickered.
"And more alcohol."Singapore agreed.
"I'm thankful Australia is seated all the way across the room."Brunei clinked his glass to the others.
"Be serious."Vietnam chastised with a small smile,"I am thankful India is seated across the room from us."
"To happiness!"Thailand cheered, nearly spilling his champagne.
"May we all be as happy as Somchai someday."Myanmar did spill his drink.
They all laughed and stood to reach each other's glasses.
It was a sort of silly thing to do, but at the Philippines cry of,"To the ASEAN Squad!"He pulled his secret girlfriend closer to him and kissed her.
He was forgetful, okay?
That only brought more cheers from their group, and they opened another bottle of champagne.
"Whoops?"He smiled, hoping she would forgive him.
She rolled her eyes,"I knew what I was getting into."And she kissed him again.
It didn't last long, mainly because he could not stop smiling. He laced their fingers together again, this time resting them on top of the table. Everyone settled back into their seats, and they exchanged glances.
Finally, the others raised their glasses to them,"Put all those other couples to shame."Singapore said.
"Oi."Philippines narrowed her eyes.
"Seriously."Laos smiled,"I hope the best for you two."
"To Vietnam and Thailand."Brunei beamed.
"Vietnam and Thailand."The others enthused, before downing their glasses again.
So much for not getting wasted at this dinner.
"I'm thankful Bulgaria finally realized we're dating."Romania said, making Moldova giggle and said nation blush.
"I'm thankful I have a house that feels like a home again."Bulgaria managed to say through his blush, then leaned down to fix the child's hat,"How about you, little one?"
"I'm thankful to be living with big brother again."The boy chirped, immediately getting held tighter by said older brother.
Hungary smiled at the trio. This was a nice tradition, if a little strange. She wondered what was going on at the other tables. Southeast Asia kept shouting, the East Asian table had been hugging for a few minutes, the Nordics were already moving to get food, and she didn't want to know who said what to make Russia annoyed at his table.
She swirled the liquid in her glass.
What was she thankful for? She would say all the lovely couples that were undoubtedly getting up to something interesting behind closed doors, but she knew better than to say that in the presence of Moldova and Lichtenstein.
Switzerland crossed his arms,"This is stupid."
"Brother…"His little sister picked up her glass,"I'm thankful for our continued peace and prosperity."
"I'm thankful no other countries have come to me when they have relationship issues."Their hedgehog grumbled, completing the task.
Austria kissed the back of her hand,"I am thankful you decided to take me back."
"I'm thankful you still love me after all this time."Hungary returned.
Czechia raised her glass,"I am thankful no one has bothered me about Slovakia."
Hungary wouldn't be too sure about that.
Slovakia pouted,"Aw, I thought you said I had some good points."That made the other young woman's stern expression soften,"I would be ever so thankful if you agreed to go on a date with me."
Her spa competitor dropped the glass. It didn't shatter, but it did spill on the table,"What?"
The messy-haired nation messed up his hair more, and for a moment she thought he was going to back down. He had never been the most assertive person in the world. Slovakia managed to smile,"I do miss having you around, and I like having you by my side…it would be an honor to have you as my girlfriend."
"Why did I think coming here was a good idea?"Switzerland muttered.
"Brother."Liechtenstein scolded,"It's sweet."
Czechia blushed,"I miss having you around too, idiot."
"Is that a yes?"Slovakia asked carefully.
"Yes it's a yes."
Hungary tapped her glass to Austria's. A strange tradition indeed, but not a bad one.
Now if only they could find someone for their hedgehog.
It was Latvia that messed up.
Sometimes Estonia wondered if the boy had any verbal filter besides his trembling. They had just about finished answering the question when the shortest of them had raised his glass, filled with an alcohol he was certain wasn't champagne,"I am thankful Russia's in a relationship with China and doesn't bother me as much."
No sense of self-preservation whatsoever.
"Am I a bother?"Russia asked.
"Of course not, brother."Belarus glared at them, while Ukraine worried.
"You've just been less intimidating."Lithuania explained,"It's nice that you're happy."
Happy and on the other side of the continent. He certainly didn't miss the intimidating nation dropping by his house in his free time. He was enjoying his newfound free time where he could relax with his computer and not have to worry. That was what he had meant when he had said he was thankful for the newest advancements in technology.
Russia narrowed his eyes at his southern neighbor, his aura darkening. Estonia quickly set down his glass while the stronger man leaned forward,"I sense you are not being truthful."
Poland tensed,"You better stop Russia, or I'll make Warsaw your capital."
That didn't deter him.
Estonia sighed,"Don't cause a scene, Russia. Not at America's party."
That was the last thing he needed in his life.
"I have always considered you three my friends."The Siberian nation relaxed slightly, though he could still tell he was upset. Whether this was the throw a violent fit sort of upset or something else he couldn't tell. Which put him on edge.
"Friends don't wish other friends to fail and have to become dependent on them."Lithuania explained patiently,"Nor do they enjoy when the other is afraid."
With the exception of scare pranks, but teaching Russia that was not going to lead anywhere good.
"I don't consider you an enemy."The longer haired out of the three of them continued,"But we don't treat each other like friends, either. Not in a long time."
"Then I will try to modify my behavior."The tall man raised his glass,"Let us try to be friends."
Estonia was still somewhat terrified, but it would be rude to turn down what sounded like a genuine olive branch. He lifted his glass,"Let us succeed in being friends."
It wasn't like he was the one with the problem. And if Russia was managing to keep China happy as his lover, then maybe he would be able to control himself around them to the point where he could consider his former boss to be a friend. At the very least he would have less knives pointed at him from Belarus, and the less unnecessary stress he had in his life, the better.
Friends with Russia?
A year ago he would have thought that impossible.
But crazier things had been revealed since then. Perhaps there were crazy things yet to come in his future.
England stared at his siblings, all of them silently daring each other to go first. They had been getting better at actually talking about things beyond business, but this felt like something more. Why did Americans do this to themselves every year? Granted, they were all allowed their weird celebrations and traditions. He should be happy he was finally allowed to celebrate this one with the superpower.
"This is making me thankful I was not raised with siblings."France broke the silence,"Can none of you think of one thing to be thankful for?"
"I'm thankful Arty took that stick out of his arse and replaced it with your-"
"Scotland."Northern Ireland interrupted, before sighing,"I am thankful that you've all stopped being horrible to each other."
"Small miracles."Wales grumbled.
"Do we have to say something nice?"Ireland asked.
"America said it just has to be something."England glowered,"But it's traditionally something nice."
Silence descended on their table again.
"Mon dieu."France ran a hand through his hair,"Lie if you have to, but I will not tell America we failed in such a simple task."
England inwardly sighed. It looked like he was going to have to set the example, again. Honestly, how their nation continued to function was beyond him,"I am thankful for all your support."It was surprisingly not a lie,"We have never been the most…functional of families, but I am thankful for your continued presence in my life."
That made them soften a bit.
Scotland crossed his arms,"I am thankful we've stopped the pissing contests."
Ireland snorted,"I'm thankful for the decrease in family crises."
Wales almost smiled,"I'm thankful that we've managed a year without one of you shaving a cock on my sheep."
"There."France drank his champagne,"Was that so difficult?"
"Yes."Scotland produced a flask, and proceeded to refill his glass with a different liquid,"What about you, frog?"
"Is it not obvious?"His lover smiled,"I am thankful my patience has finally paid off and that my greatest love is returned."
His siblings all made disgusted noises.
Monaco giggled,"I am thankful for the opportunity of love as well."
England huffed. That wasn't as terrible as he thought it would be.
If they only had to do this once a year, they'd be fine.
Maybe one day it wouldn't be like pulling teeth.
"Is this really what your people do?"North Italy inquired.
"Well, mostly families with children but I thought it would be nice."America shrugged.
Prussia looked at the other tables. Iceland was allowing himself to be hugged by Denmark. East Asia had gone from one giant hug to various smaller hugs, China still crying from happiness. He caught sight of Vietnam and Thailand kissing, so ASEAN was having a good time. France looked about ready to murder someone, and by the blush on Czechia's face, Slovakia had finally manned up and asked her out.
An awesome night all around.
"So you just say something you're thankful for?"South Italy asked.
"I don't see why this is so difficult."The superpower chuckled,"I am thankful for all that I have learned about others in the past year. It's truly a blessing to be able to consider myself closer to more personifications."
"I'm thankful that the interfering ways of my brother produced something good."Canada teased,"For once."
Germany cleared his throat, the next in their little circle,"I am also thankful for America's assistance in the events leading to my current happiness."
"Okay."America interrupted,"This isn't a thank me thing. What are you thankful for, not who do you need to thank."
His little brother nodded,"I am thankful for new friends, and expanding my family."
North Italy bounced in his seat,"I'm thankful for pasta!"
Prussia laughed alongside the superpower. America grinned,"See, it doesn't have to be anything serious."
It was his turn. He considered what to say. It was an odd thing to have to announce what one is thankful for. It was like a prayer, except prayer was done in the comfort of one's own head. He smirked,"I'm thankful for every awesome moment in my life."
South Italy sent him a knowing look, before picking up his glass,"I'm thankful that this idiot is now my idiot."
Another laugh, and then they were permitted to go get food buffet style. France, China, and Turkey had volunteered their services to assist the superpower and his twin in making this dinner, mostly so he had a reasonable enough excuse to not accept England's offer of help. The food was good, conversation was even better, and he let himself enjoy the moment.
He was thankful for every moment in his life, not just the awesome ones.
But he was more thankful to see Germany expanding his group of friends. His little brother had typically reserved himself to just Italy and Austria, occasionally Hungary because those two came essentially together. Japan as well after the second world war. He didn't have many friends. Co-workers, sure, but few actual friends.
It was his main worry in leaving his brother.
It was a massive weight off his shoulders to see him socially excelling.
"You better not go and die on us anytime soon."South growled, leaning in closer so they wouldn't be overhead,"Or I'll find a way to resurrect your ass and kick it."
"Promise?"He grinned. He'd never asked any of the magicians if it were possible to resurrect the dead, because that would mean he'd have to admit he was dying. England would accidentally tell someone the second he was drunk. Romania would feel obligated to tell Hungary. Norway might keep it a secret, but now that he was dating Denmark that wasn't an option either.
He thought it best not to encourage hope that there was a way to avoid the inevitable.
He'd accepted his fate.
"Stupid macho potato."The Italian grumbled, but moved back before they drew attention.
Prussia just laughed.
Besides, with all the talk about the twins' mom, it made him sort of want to see his father again, along with all those he had lost over the centuries.
That was what he had to look forward to. Seeing them again.
From beyond, the former nations watched their descendants feast.
Germania was proud of his sons, though for the memory of him he could not see what endeared his youngest to Rome's grandson. Everything he found annoying in the former empire only seemed to make his son fall further in love with the Italian. Granted, he had not fallen in love in his time in the physical realm so he was no expert in these matters.
He was happy with his happiness, even if he did not understand it.
And he looked forward to seeing his eldest again, though there was still time yet before that day.
Rome was ecstatic about his grandsons' lives. One had managed to get a descendant of Germania to fall in love with him, and the other was sleeping with the global superpower. The superpower who paraded so many of his symbols around. He felt bad about leaving his namesake with so many insecurities, but it had turned out for the best so he could only hope for his forgiveness.
He made a plan to visit soon and officially meet his grandson-in-law.
Hispania shook her head at her boys. She was proud that they had made it through everything and still managed to be happy and carefree. Even if the shorter haired of the two snapped from time to time. She could tell both were happy with the partners they had taken on, and while neither were empires anymore they did not seem any worse off without the burden or power.
Britannia stood next to her brother, Hibernia, watching their children resolutely not talk about their feelings. She found it entertaining how they went to such great lengths to act like they didn't care about each other, only to end up helping each other out. She glanced over to where Gaul was lovingly smiling at her son. Perhaps young France would be of some assistance to her descendant's plight. He was much more in touch with his feelings, almost disgustingly so.
Scandinavia chuckled at her two sons' antics. She was glad Denmark's perseverance had paid off after all this time. Her sons truly were loyal once they set their hearts on someone. She was even more relieved Sweden had someone by his side who understood him. They'd built themselves quite the little group, and she wished them well in all the time they still had on the Earth.
Ancient Greece laughed as she watched her son start a fight with Turkey. It always amused her to see the abrupt change in his personality whenever his eastern neighbor was nearby. Though she was beginning to enjoy the sight of him and his boyfriend together more. Japan was a choice she never saw coming when she was alive, but it was one she approved of from afar.
Native America was relieved to see the sadness that had plagued one of her sons for centuries finally abating. It had nearly convinced her to owe Rome a favor just to use his way back and reassure America that he should be happy. Canada was a little ignored, but he had not lost his good heart and kindness. Of that, she was extremely proud. She was content in how they both grew up.
It was hard for any of them to watch their children stumble and fall.
But they were thankful each day that they could watch them succeed when they got back up again.
They loved their children.
Please like and review! I have some idea for a sequel to this but I want to know what people thought of this first!
Thank you for reading this far!
