Skylar left the hospital with Italy and Germany. They met up with Spain and Romano not long after and the five of them went to the party together.
It was held in a huge ballroom with loads of different foods from nations all over the world. The displays of food were as elaborate as the decorations that hung from the walls and ceiling.
"This is... Amazing." It was really too much. She didn't know what to do with herself.
Sure enough the room was already filled with familiar faces. Nations from the show. Austria was actually playing the piano when she arrived. It was light, airy music that attributed to the mood perfectly.
Someone rushed up to her.
"Hey! Do you, like, think that's her?" A blond jumped into view with bright green eyes that she recognized immediately.
"Hey, you're her, right?"
She nodded. "I think so."
"Your name is Skylar, isn't it?" Another young man followed behind Poland, with long brown hair.
She nodded. "Lithuania, right? And you're Poland."
Poland seemed pleased. "Wow, so you, like, really do come from another world and saved everything?"
She wasn't really sure how to respond to that. "Kind of."
"She is being modest." A large arm wrapped around her shoulders and she was overwhelmed by the smell of vodka. "You should be more confident!"
She looked up at the towering nation. "U-uh. Hi, Russia. How are you?" She could help but notice how Poland and Lithuania both tensed at his appearance.
"I am glad to see everyone having a good time! Right, Lithuania?"
Lithuania laughed uncomfortably. "Y-yes, of course."
Russia rustled Skylar hair, as one might a child's. "You have fun too! And next time you come back you will visit my house."
As he walked away Skylar was left to wonder-
Wait, next time?!
...Will there really be a next time?
She should be happy. She'd had an experience a lot of other people might wish for. A lot of it had been scary but it was still fun, exciting, an adventure... But now it was over. Back to her normal life.
Lithuania sighed thoughtfully. "Huh, Russia really seems enamored with you."
She stiffened at that. "You really think so?"
"You should, like, stay away from him. He's a creep." Poland glared at the direction Russia went.
She couldn't exactly say Poland was wrong, historically Poland had plenty of reasons to not like Russia. And while people might forget and trespasses might seem less important over time, she imagined it was much harder for a nation to forget...
"You're probably right." She shrugged. "But I promised I would be his friend..." She'd meant it when she said it. It had been so easy to promise when Russia was a sad, lonely little kid.
Lithuania looked slightly alarmed. "I see."
"What?!" Poland gaped at her in disbelief. "Like, why would you do that?!"
She shrugged again.
"Stirring up trouble again, Poland?" A tall man with blond hair and glasses approached them, followed by a younger looking boy with brown hair who was a little shorter then her.
"I'm not doing anything!" Poland insisted, before pointing a finger at Skylar. "She's the crazy one!"
Estonia smiled at her, ignoring Poland entirely. "You must be Skylar, I'm Estonia. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
Latvia came forward, eyes gleaming mischievously. "So, is it true that you saw the fantasies of all the nations? Did you see Russia's? Was it really embarrassing?"
She flushed at his blunt questions as Estonia hissed, glancing around. "Latvia! Shh! Russia's still here you know!"
Latvia didn't seem to pay him much mind, still staring at Skylar in anticipation.
"Not embarrassing... He just... Wanted to be in a warm place with all his friends."
Latvia looked surprised and Poland scoffed. Lithuania's face showed a glimmer of pity.
"Oh! Estonia! Is that her?" A loud, cheerful voice came from behind her and... Was that bouncing?
As Skylar turned around she found herself embraced, pulled into a tight hug. She could tell be the... ample chest size who it had to be.
"You must be her! The brave girl who rescued my brother! Thank you! Thank you so much!" God, Skylar was being smothered.
Upon finally being released from the vice-like grip, she gasped for air. "N-no problem."
Ukraine was a big girl, not only referring to her... ahem. But she was also very tall, it seemed she was almost as tall as Russia. She didn't know what the show was talking about, she was very pretty. Maybe not supermodel looks or anything, but she had a very natural beauty. Skylar noticed she wasn't wearing any makeup, she'd probably look gorgeous if she did.
Another slender ran wrapped around her neck from behind and tightened. "Yes. Thank you so much."
She shivered as the hug from behind suddenly felt like a choke hold. A soft, light voice cooed in her ear. "Thank you for helping my big brother."
Oh god, Belarus.
"My pleasure." She squeaked. "It's the least I could do..."
Ukraine laughed. "Come now Bella, be nice."
Belarus held on for a moment longer before releasing her and glaring daggers into her back.
"Um, it was nice to meet you all!" She spoke, a little too quickly. "I just, uh, need to go try some of that food! See ya later!" As she rushed off she heard them talking to one another.
"She seems like a sweat girl!" Ukraine announced.
"She's, like, kind of an oddball."
Skylar rolled her eyes. Look who's talking.
Skylar found France by the food tables, next to the sweets. As she approached, she recognized them... They looked just like the ones in his shop in his fantasy. France looked up, smiling. As he saw the surprised look at her face his smile dimmed, just a bit.
"...Are you okay?" She asked softly.
He laughed. "I have my moments..." He sighed thoughtfully and grazed the tray of pastries. "It's pathetic, isn't it? How such a blatantly fake fantasy can effect me so."
"It's not pathetic." She replied firmly.
"Thank you for saying so..." He sighed, shrugging off his melancholy like an old coat and masking the pain she knew he felt with a smile. "But please, try the food. Especially the French cuisine. I guarantee you've never tasted anything so delicious." He gave her a cheerful wink before returning to the party.
She sighed, sadly, then noticed England approaching her. He was frowning, again.
"He's still thinking about it, isn't he?" England asked.
She nodded. "Yeah... Have you two... Talked at all since then?"
England fidgeted. "N-no. Not really."
"I see..."
"You think I should."
She nodded. "Yeah, eventually."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe you're right."
"It's not like you two are on a deadline." She admitted. "But I wouldn't wait too long, either."
England glared at her. "I know that." He huffed, indignantly.
She shrugged. "Yeah, sorry." She smiled, head lulling to the side slightly. "How are you feeling?"
He turned to her, confused, then scoffed. "I'm fine."
She nodded, approvingly. "Good, glad to hear it."
England cleared his throat and straightened his jacket. "Enjoy the party, it's in your honor after all." With that, he walked away.
She sighed softly, then decided she would help herself to some food.
She was just in the middle of tasting a German dish when someone approached her from behind.
"Skylar Smith, isn't it?" The voice was refined and the accent sounded German.
She spun around and found herself looking at Austria. He held out his hand, cordially. "I am Austria and my companion is Hungary. But suppose you already knew that."
Skylar stared at it for a moment stunned. Now he was absolutely gorgeous in person. She shook his hand. "Nicsh toh-" oh shit! She'd been so star struck she'd totally forgot to swallow. She did so quickly, face turning a deep shade of red. "S-sorry about that. It's, uh, nice to meet you s-sir."
Hungary laughed, making her go more red. "We've heard a lot about you!"
Skylar did her best not to stutter. "Good things, I hope."
Hungary nodded, still smiling. "I would think so."
She coughed a little, feeling immensely uncomfortable. "That's uh, good."
Just then, arms wrapped around Austria's neck and shoulders. "Hey there! Are these losers giving you a hard time?"
Austria huffed, squirming. "Get your hands off me!" He turned his head to glare at the albino that currently had him in a head lock.
Skylar tried to speak. "N-no, I-"
Hungary revealed her frying pan. Where the hell was she keeping it?! "Get your hands off Austria! I'm warning you Prussia!"
Prussia grinned wickedly and shot a wink to Skylar. "What's the matter Hungary? You don't like to share your toys? I promise I won't rough him up too badly!" He laughed, loud and devilishly, loving every minute of it.
Hungary lunged at him and Prussia ducked, releasing Austria and howling like a madman as Hungary chased him off.
Austria huffed, straightening his clothes and glasses. "Some things never change." He turned back to Skylar, smiling pleasantly. "It was a pleasure to meet you miss Smith. I hope we meet again in more pleasant company."
She just smiled in response. "Thank you."
Eager to not repeat the same mistake, she quickly finished the food on her plate, just in time to receive a rather hard slap on the back.
"Hey! I found her!"
She was twisted around at a dizzying speed, leaving her light on her feet.
"Oh, you're right! It must be!"
She recognized the voices but she could confirm it right away as her vision was spinning.
After blinking a few times she saw a group of fair-haired men. The Nordic countries. The one slapping her back was Denmark. Finland was smiling warmly at her next to Sweden, who was really scary in person. Norway and Iceland not far behind.
"Hallo! I'm Finland! It's nice to meet you!" She shook his hand. "And this is Sweden."
Sweden's eyes were fixed on her. She knew from the show that he really didn't intend to look so angry but it just looked like he was glaring at her!
He nodded. "...'lo." She assumed that was a 'hello' his accent was a bit difficult...
"Nice to meet you, too. My name's-"
"Skylar!" Denmark cut her off. "You're the hero everyone's been going on and on about. Not bad girl! Not bad at all! Man, I wish I could have been there! I'd have loved a shot at those copies!"
He'd probably have just attacked them like Spain and Prussia. "It's too bad."
Norway took a step forward, examining her. "Impressive magic."
She blinked, confused. "I'm sorry?"
His face was blank as he explained. "The magic that brought you to this world. It's impressive."
"You can tell just by looking at me?" She asked, uncertain.
Norway took a sip of his drink. "Yep." And strolled away. What was Poland saying earlier about oddballs?
"GET BACK HERE YOU TWAT!" England's shouting broke the mood instantly as Skylar noticed a new face rush passed. Bright orange, wild, with the same eyebrows and eye color as England. The new face ran right up to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. She gasped at the sudden contact. The man snickered then pulled her into a kiss.
"Mmmph?!" The reaction was delayed due to the shear insanity of it. She froze, unable to move or think about anything but the warm mouth smiling against hers, the tongue that playfully teased her lips, and the taste whiskey.
"What in god's name are you doing you sexual deviant?!" England's familiar voice.
Skylar was pulled away, but not by England. Romano, of all people, glared daggers into the man. "Get your hands off her you bastard!"
The nation just laughed and shrugged before winking at Skylar. "Thanks for saving the wee shite." With that he ran off and out the door, laughing all the way as England stopped trying to chase him, completely out of breath.
Skylar cleared her throat, blushing madly. "W-who was that?"
"Ir'lnd." Sweden replied. His accent was a little think but she was pretty sure he'd said 'Ireland'.
"Oh."
England let out on indignant squawk. "Who keeps inviting him?!" He glared at Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Each of whom looked away innocently.
She laughed, still a little breathless. She hadn't been kissed like that in... In fact, she'd never been kissed like that. Never so skillfully.
She stumbled away, totally overwhelmed. There were so many characters from the show and webcomic. Watching the interactions play out all around her was almost more then she could take. She felt like everything was moving too fast, for her at least.
A soft hand grabbed hers, a feeling that was beginning become familiar as she turned to see Italy, smiling brightly. "Are you having fun?"
She nodded. "Yeah, this is all..." She laughed. "It's great."
Italy's smile fell a bit. "...do you really have to go back?"
He looked at her with pleading, puppy-dog eyes. She steeled herself and shook her head. "I'm sorry. I have to go back."
Italy sniffled, sadly. It broke her heart to see him look to dejected...
No. She had to be strong. She had to go back.
Then a little smile slowly crept over his face. "Okay, I understand." He perked up. "So, when can I come over to your house?"
Her jaw dropped. "You- what?!"
"Da! I want to visit your house too!" Russia was suddenly next to her, leaning over slightly and grinning.
"Dude! You can't go on an adventure without me!" America bounded in.
"I'd like to go, too." Canada added. "If that's alright."
"Bloody hell, again? We just got things settled and all of you want to go running back to that other world?!"
France laughed, a stereotypical 'oh-hoh-hoh'. "You're just a stick in the mud! Naturally, I'll be going as well."
England turned to Germany. "Well?! Aren't you going to say anything?"
Germany looked thoughtfully at Skylar, then turned to Italy. Italy shone those sad, puppy-dog eyes at him, batting his eyelashes. A small blush crossed Germany's cheeks before he finally sighed. "I suppose if Italy goes, I will have to go as well."
England sighed. "Unbelievable."
Spain ran up and took a spot next to Romano. "Ooh! Can I go too? And I'm sure Romano wants to go, right?"
Romano cursed under his breath and looked away.
Skylar was suddenly surrounded. Unable to respond.
Exasperated, excited, and totally overwhelmed. She laughed.
It seemed this wasn't quite the end of her adventure after all.
Author's Note:
So, it's finally done.
I kept thinking the ending was gonna be all sad and bitter sweet. But Italy was like "LOL NOPE VEE~"
I love that little bastard. XD
(I couldn't resist bringing in Ireland as I actually visited Ireland two years ago for the same study abroad program that sent me to Spain.)
I don't know if I'll write anymore with this character (Skylar) I would like to, but I'd need some kind of conflict. Since the second players are gone I'm not sure what that would be. I considered accidentally winding up in another dimension (Like the Nyo Hetalia universe XD) or meeting versions of the Hetalia characters in Skylar's world but those haven't clicked with me yet. I considered time-travel too, but I'm afraid that might end up being too much like 'A Matter of Time' by cultureandseptember. If you haven't read that story.
SHAME ON YOU IT'S GREAT.
Anyway, we'll see what happens. I hope you enjoyed it. :)