I am so sorry for the long wait between updates! School comes before everything else, even my own writing. I'll try to update more frequently. I've only got one more year of college, and the workload is definitely starting to kick my butt.

Sakura02: Lol, that's okay. Every time I write about Germany yelling, I hear the blooper from the movie XD

Thanks: Littlecosma001, erica. phoenix16, FanFictionlover1, Phoenix, and Dreamwalker20 for your reviews!

Arktos was awake even before the servants in his small mansion. He was amazed that he'd even been able to sleep at all last night. Today was the day. After months of hard work, and following America's advice, Arktos was finally going to be recognized as a country at today's meeting.

He looked out his window at the large township where there had once only been a tiny village. There were many villages and townships scattered throughout the country now. America had already drawn up plans for large cities to be built within months. Arktos wasn't sure how much he cared for the plans, but America insisted he knew best.

The sound of someone knocking on the door roused Arktos from his thoughts. He took the stairs three at a time before coming to a skidding halt before the door. He grinned sheepishly over at one of his startled servants, and answered the door himself. "Big Brother!"

America grinned down at Arktos, and hugged the little boy. "Are you ready for today? This is a big day for you!"

Arktos nodded excitedly. He latched onto America's arm, and began tugging him away. "Yes! We have to hurry. I don't want to be late."

America laughed, and allowed the little boy to drag him towards the car. "We won't be late."

"You're always late." Arktos pointed out as they climbed into the car. He stared out the window of the car. He tried to tune out America blathering about all the different possibilities for the open countryside. Arktos finally dared to say something. "I like the countryside, though. Can't we leave it alone?"

America was quiet for a moment, and finally looked at Arktos for the first time. Once Arktos finally made eye contact with America, the older country grinned. "Well, we'll leave a little bit of open country for farming, but the rest will need to be developed. It doesn't do much good for you otherwise."

"I guess you're right." Arktos said quietly. He was silent the rest of the to the airport. Silently, he berated himself for not speaking up to America. What could he do, though? America was his big brother, and was only trying to help him become the best country he could be.

The airplane ride was filled with America chattering excitedly about his plans for Arktos's farmland and city plans. Arktos was relieved when they finally landed. The two quickly rushed into the building, both ignoring Sealand. Arktos felt guilty, but he didn't have time to stop and talk to the slightly older boy. "I told you we were going to be late."

America waved his hand dismissively. "It's not like they can do anything without us."

England glared over at America as they entered the room. "So nice of you to finally join us."

Arktos took his customary seat between Italy and Japan. "Sorry, England-san."

England didn't turn his glare away from America. "I doubt this was your fault Arktos."

"It's not like we were that late." America snipped back.

Germany cleared his throat to try and get everyone's attention. "Now that everyone is here, let's begin the meeting."

Arktos shifted impatiently in his seat as they began dealing with the usual business of meetings. He blinked when he felt a hand on his head.

Feliciano smiled brightly down at him. "Congratulations, Arktos."

"It's not official yet." Arktos whispered quietly when Germany glared over at them. "Everyone still has to vote."

"They'll all definitely recognize you." Feliciano assured. "You'll make a great country."

Arktos gave Feliciano a small smile. "Thank you, Feli."

Finally, it was time for everyone to vote. Arktos held his breath while Germany called for those that agreed that Arktos to be recognized to raise their hands. There were only a couple that didn't raise them. Romano was one of them, but he quickly raised his hand when Feliciano turned watery eyes on him. Another was one of the countries that Arktos didn't know that well. He thought the man's name was Denmark, but he couldn't really remember.

Germany cleared his throat to settle the excited chatter down. "Well then, it has been officially decided that Arktos is now a recognized country. Congratulations, Arktos."

Arktos grinned widely as Feliciano and a few others cheered loudly. He'd been waiting for this day for what felt like forever.

"Party at my place!" America shouted, causing a new wave of cheers.

A few hours later and everyone was at America's home celebrating. Arktos did his best to say hello to everyone, but there were just so many countries. He was relieved when he finally saw Liechtenstein sitting on a sofa a few feet away. He went and sat beside her. "Hi, Liechtenstein."

Liechtenstein smiled and patted Arktos's head. "Hi, Arktos. Did you talk to America about your feelings?" She didn't miss the way Arktos's shoulders sagged. "It's okay. Sometime, the people we love the most are the hardest ones to talk to."

"He just doesn't listen to me." Arktos huffed out. "Every time I try and talk to him, he just ignores me, and just keeps talking about whatever he wants. What am I going to do?"

Liechtenstein pulled Arktos into a one armed hug. "Don't worry, Arktos. You'll figure out the right thing to do. In the end, you are the one that knows what is best for your people."

Arktos smiled at the sweet country. "Thank you, Liechtenstein."

The party finally died down around two in the morning. Arktos was exhausted, and didn't feel much like a long plane ride. America insisted that Arktos stay the night. America took Arktos up to his old room, and tucked the exhausted new country into bed. "Good night, Arktos. We'll talk more about the city plans tomorrow."

Arktos was too tired to argue with America. He looked up at America, wishing the older country could see how upset Arktos was about the whole business. He sighed when America simply grinned down at him. "Okay. Good night, Big Brother."