Twilight's Last Gleaming - Epilogue
Hello again everyone, it's been far too long. My apologies. My second semester of my second year of college is going well so far, but it sure has kept me busy! Now I want to just mention before I start that my intention is for this to be the last chapter. This chapter is an epilogue actually. However, I am a huge fan of the USUK pairing, so I might make another USUK story. We'll see. If anyone has any suggestions about what I should write about next, let me know! Also, I still do not own Hetalia or it's characters. Or Thomas Hobbes or the Leviathan for that matter. This chapter is inspired by actual historical events.
The date was September 3rd, 1783. It was a day that would change everything. The balance of power would be shifted, and the whole world would be shaken as a new world power arose from nothing. From now on, the country of America was officially free. Alfred's leg had healed nicely, and Arthur had left the American camp to return back to his own fort. Most of his men had already left. Only the most important men had stayed. Also, Arthur's boss had insisted that a small force of soldiers stay positioned at the fort, even though the war was over. Arthur had begrudgingly agreed to do so, and so the broken wall had been repaired in order to protect the remaining soldiers. Now Arthur and Alfred were in Paris, to sign the treaty that would end the war officially, and give America it's freedom. The two blonde men were standing on a semi-circular stage in front of a huge crowd of people. Alfred and Arthur each stood at a podium, and behind them, were their bosses and other high-ranking officials. The large gathering hall was completely filled, and there was much excitement in the air. The crowd looked at the stage in anticipation and the combination of thousands of voices together created a roar. Arthur looked over at Alfred and his emerald eyes met happy, sparkling blue ones. Alfred gave Arthur that lopsided grin of his, and nodded. He then reached to a piece of parchment on his podium stand and held it up so that everyone could see. Slowly, a hush fell over the grand hall.
"Everyone, I am very happy to be here today with this man here, Arthur. Arthur is a very special individual."
Arthur smiled softly, and looked down shyly at his podium.
"I am also very pleased to see so many people here today. I want to thank you all very much for joining us today on such a special occasion."
"And I thank all of you as well", Arthur added. "If anyone would like refreshments, there are scones and tea in the back. Now without further a due, I'd like to explain how I came to be standing here on this stage today."
Arthur looked out at the crowd, into the eyes of thousands of individuals, all fixated on him. Some of these people had traveled quite far. Arthur spotted a man who he recognized to be none other than Gilbert Beilschmidt. He was easy to pick out due to his unusual hair color. Arthur also saw Francis, who was hosting the event since it was in his home country. He also spotted Richard, who had Quincy on his shoulders. Quincy was waving at Arthur, and his tiny, crooked teeth were lit up into a smile. Arthur smiled back, and continued his speech.
"As expressed by Thomas Hobbes, all men are inherently evil. It is something which I have recently discovered for myself. We all have the ability, whether down somewhere deep inside of us, buried by morals, or just at the surface, about to boil over, to commit evil deeds. Hatred is man's worst enemy. It can consume, like a fire might consume a house, very quickly. It can muddle the mind and make even a seemingly good man go insane. Sometimes we hate because we are afraid of people who are different than us. Other times, hatred is caused by jealousy or past happenings. And sometimes, hatred is kindled when we don't understand the other."
Arthur paused from his speech, and looked over at Alfred.
"The world would be a much more peaceful place if we would all just try to understand each other better. Sometimes, you must put yourself in the other person's shoes in order to resolve an issue, or in order to forgive someone. A lot of the time, there is a reason behind the other's actions. A good reason. The world needs more understanding and it needs...it needs...more love."
Once again, Arthur looked over to his right at Alfred. He saw that Alfred was smiling at him happily. Arthur smiled back.
"I encourage you all not to jump to conclusions, not to judge too quickly, but instead to try to understand others more. I myself have been a bit ignorant. I did not understand...many things. I did not understand the importance of freedom and how valuable it is. I also did not recognize the fact that Alfred did not need my assistance anymore, and I continued to try to force it on him. His response, I have realized, was understandable. I put myself in his shoes. Today, I give him and the nation of America as a whole the freedom to do as they please. Also, I wish to re-kindle an old, sacred bond between the western world and the east. For we are far stronger together than we are apart."
Arthur reached over his left hand, and extended it out to Alfred. He grabbed hold of Alfred's hand and raised it up so that the whole crowd could see. The crowd cheered loudly and Arthur almost wished that he could let go of Alfred's hand so that he could cover his ears. However, he didn't want to because Alfred's hand was warm, and fit perfectly in his. It was as if their hands were designed for each other. Arthur and Alfred shared yet another look. To the crowd, it would appear that two friends were happily making up. However, in their eyes there was love. Only they knew the true extent of the situation. Alfred then dropped Arthur's hand and picked up the same piece of parchment from before. He handed it to Arthur, who spoke again.
"This document was created only hours ago, and we have already agreed upon it's conditions. Firstly, The United States of America will be acknowledged as free, and England shall give up its powers over the region. Secondly, Alfred has agreed to return all property stolen from Loyalists. Lastly, we have collectively decided to remove our troops still remaining in America."
With that being said, the crowd cheered loudly again. Arthur picked up his quill from the ink bottle, and signed his name onto the bottom of the document. He then passed the treaty and the pen to Alfred, who also signed it. Alfred held up the signed document enthusiastically. People were hugging each other, people were crying, and people were laughing in disbelief. Alfred and Arthur shared yet another smile, after seeing how happy their citizens were.
"Alright everyone, now don't forget that there's refreshments!" exclaimed Arthur. There was a sudden silence in the crowd, and a hesitation before a few brave souls ventured up to the refreshment table.
"Alas, some things never change", said Alfred with a smirk.
"What do you mean?"
"Well even though you're not being an asshole anymore, you still can't cook."
Arthur's mouth fell open.
"YOU TWAT! I BET YOU HAVEN'T EVEN TRIED A SCONE YET, HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?!"
"Well they are visibly blackened", replied Alfred calmly. "Also someone just projectile vomited after trying one. And that person looks dead."
"WHY YOU..."
"Will you two shut up?" Asked an angry, familiar voice with an Italian accent.
Arthur spun around, to see Lovino and Feliciano Vargas standing there with Antonio. His face lit up and he completely forgot his argument with Alfred for the time being.
"I-I didn't know that any of you three would be coming! What a wonderful surprise! It's really been far too long."
"Yes, it has!" said Feliciano, before attacking Arthur with a hug. "Oh wait! Does Alfred mind me hugging you Arthur?"
"W-wait what?! W-why would he mind? What on God's good earth are you implying here Feliciano?"
Feliciano only smiled.
Alfred looked over at Arthur and smirked. Arthur responded by blushing an intense shade of scarlet. Alfred was still staring at him.
"You know what he means Artie."
"No I have absolutely no idea actually."
"Sure, whatever. Anyway, how are the three of you?"
"Well I have kept myself very busy with exploring lately. Also, Lovino has been accompanying me on most of my recent voyages. We like being around each other a lot. I enjoy having company during a long trip." Antonio then smiled innocently at Lovino, who stammered and looked taken aback.
"I-it's not that bad I guess."
"Wow Lovino, really?" Antonio's eyes lit up.
Lovino did not respond. Instead Feliciano started talking.
"Lovino and I have been going to art classes! We are learning a lot! And Lovino doesn't like them quite as much as I do, but he gets free food! And..."
"Excuse me, I just wanted to say to you that I thought your speech was very moving Arthur," said a voice from behind Arthur.
Arthur turned his head to see Richard standing there with Quincy.
"I want to be like you when I grow up Arthur!" Piped Quincy. Arthur looked down at the young boy and smiled warmly.
"Thank you very much Richard, you're always so supportive, and Quincy I have something for you."
Arthur reached into his coat pocket and removed a small pair of shoes, finely made with real leather. He bent down to Quincy's height and placed the shoes in Quincy's small hands.
"These are for you. Don't go splashing in any mud puddles with them though, do you hear me? You'll ruin them."
Quincy smiled, and hugged Arthur. Arthur paused, before smiling and hugging Quincy back.
"Ok I promise."
"Hey Artie, I hate to ruin the moment, but I'm pretty sure that guy actually is dead. We should probably do something about it."