Thanks to UniAina and Count OCD for reviewing.

And this is officially my shortest multichapter. Thanks for everyone that's read it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Epilogue

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Canada asked.

"Matteo, we're already at the airport," Portugal said. "It's a bit too late to get cold feet."

"But… I haven't been back here since…"

Portugal wrapped his arms around Canada, kissing him lightly on the top of the head.

"I know it has bad memories for you, but we're here, and there's no turning back."

Canada took a deep breath, before he nodded. The two made their way to the entrance, where they hailed a taxi. Portugal then gave the driver instructions on how to get to Canada's house.

Canada looked at the passing landscape. The memories flashed through his mind. He remembered how he succumbed to the demon. How he killed his oldest companion, before killing one of his friends, his brother, his father and his uncle. He supposed that he should have been happy that more people didn't die, but it changed nothing. Those countries had only started to recover a few months ago, but they were still in states of anarchy.

Canada gripped Portugal's hand when the taxi stopped. Portugal smiled at him, before they got out. Portugal paid the driver and the two of them fetched their luggage. Canada reminded himself that it would only be until it was time for the next world meeting. He needed to return to his country at some point, but he still wasn't ready to be left alone.

He'd started going to the meetings again, but he had the feeling that some nations were still afraid of him. Italy certainly was. At least Netherlands and Ukraine treated him as they did before, and England no longer forgot about him.

And, of course, since America was dead, no one mistook Canada for America anymore. The feeling was bittersweet. He'd never wanted recognition at the cost of his brother's life.

But the worst would have to be Spain. He had taken to teasing both of them. And he was far too familiar with Canada. Portugal tried to protect Canada as much as possible, but not before Spain had successfully managed to get Canada's face to heat up. Sometimes Spain actually made him miss the days when he was invisible.

"Are you ready?" Portugal asked.

Canada nodded. He swallowed nervously, before he unlocked the door. The two of them stepped inside. He couldn't help but notice that the inside of the building seemed cleaner than it was supposed to be.

"SURPRISE!"

Canada jumped in surprise as nations jumped out of their hiding places. His ears were popping from confetti cannons. It took him a moment to recognise his friends and family. He then turned to Portugal with a bewildered look, and Portugal just smiled.

"I know your birthday is tomorrow," Portugal said. "But we all decided that we wanted to throw you a party. And this way, the two of us get your birthday all to yourselves."

England cleared his throat before he stepped forward.

"I hope you remember to take it easy," England said. "And that you're not doing anything inappropriate with him."

"Of course not," Portugal said. "I'm more of a gentleman than you are."

England glared at Portugal before turning to Canada. His face softened as he smiled.

"We each brought you presents," England explained. "But first, why don't we have some cake?"

"Don't worry," Spain said. "England didn't bake it."

"Bastard."

Canada smiled. Already, he could tell that this would be the best birthday he'd ever had.

…

Canada watched the sunset the next evening as he knew his people prepared the fireworks. He was content. Far happier than he'd thought he'd be.

He sensed Portugal sitting down next to him, before the older nation wrapped his arm around him. Canada smiled when Portugal kissed his cheek.

"Did you have a good birthday?" Portugal asked.

"It was perfect," Canada said. "Thank you."

"I got you something," Portugal said, removing a small box from his pocket. "I wanted to give it earlier, but I thought that now would be as good a time as any."

Canada opened the box to see another locket. This one appeared far simpler than the other one.

"Open it," Portugal instructed.

Canada did so, and he beamed when he saw a photo of the two of them together.

"Happy birthday, Matteo," Portugal said.