In which England is a hypocrite (sort of).


Six nations arrived in Switzerland in May of 1956. All except for Italy, were rather skeptical about what they were in for as a result of entering his music contest.

"I can't be the only one who thinks there's a catch here?" Germany questioned as they all climbed the tall hill to get to Switzerland's modestly sized house.

"No, you are not." Netherlands replied, coming up behind Germany. France trailed behind the former, followed by Belgium and Luxembourg whom were close to leaning on each others' shoulders.

They continued the rest of the way without another word exchanged.


The six of them took their seats and sat down level to the small stage at the back of the room.

Switzerland watched as they deliberately seemed to avoid each other. The Benelux siblings for some reason didn't dare to sit too close together and the same could be said of France and Italy. As for Germany, he had distanced himself from the rest by sitting at the complete opposite side of the hall from them.

The event hadn't not yet started and they were already forgetting the very purpose it had been organized in the first place.

"Hey, you losers! Man up and look at each others' faces! Especially you, Germany! It's time you faced your guilt head on!"

Germany's pupils dilated and he uncrossed his arms, the frustration leaving his face and being replaced with shock. He remained in that state for several moments as if lost about what he needed to do, before snapping back to his usual alertness and moving seats.

Once they were all seated uncomfortably close together, Switzerland observed them with a flicker of triumph in his eyes.

"Good start. Now I expect all of you to stay where you are for the rest of the night." He explained brusquely before striding off to attend to some last-minute preparations.

Belgium shifted an inch away from Germany and a rare frown formed on her face.

"I guess I should be thankful that England hasn't turned up. The quarrelling would be unbearable."


England watched the results of the contest at home on television, hardly surprised at the announcement of Switzerland's win with the song 'Refrain'.

"So the host himself wins. Hardly remarkable, if you ask me. It just goes to show how fixed these sorts of events are."