It's the coming of the new millenium and almost every nation is at America's New Years party. But, little does everyone know, there's a small surprise awaiting everyone at the stroke of twelve. And it's not the realization that the world's coming to an end!
This is the final chapter so I hope you guys enjoy it! It was really fun writing this story and I thank everyone for sticking with me this far!
"Seamus! We're going to be late!"
"Just a minute! I had to find my jumper!"
"Will you hurry up?"
"Okay! Okay! I'm right here!"
Ireland walked into the main room while pulling on his dark green jumper. His glasses sat in a crooked position on his nose and his hair was messier once he pulled his head through the collar. He fixed his glasses and what bit of hair would stay down to appear the least bit presentable.
"Does this look okay?" Ireland asked once England had looked him up and down. Ireland was wearing one of his old outfits from his time in the United Kingdom: a dark green jumper, brown trousers, a white button up shirt, and brown dress shoes.
"You look fine. Can we go now?"
"I never thought I'd hear you worry over going to one of America's parties."
"I was 10 minutes late to his Christmas party one year, and he never stopped mentioning it when I was around. I don't want to give him another reason to say I'm always late."
"Even though I'm the one who's late to all the meetings."
It was New Years Eve and America decided to invite England and his brothers to his 'party of the century.' It was the coming of the new millenium and everyone was awaiting the arrival. Although, there were rumors going around that the year 2000 would be the end of the world. Some countries such as Japan and Germany stayed at home to prepare for the coming apocalypse. Other countries that have been through the first 1000 years already knew not to trust such hearsay. Even though America believed in it, he decided to throw the party anyways. 'If we're gonna die, at least we'll die having a good time,' he said.
Since the Atlantic Ocean made it slightly difficult for travel, England and his brothers took a plane to America's house and stayed at a hotel. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland stayed in one room while England and Ireland stayed in another. Honestly, this didn't surprise their brothers because they knew of their relationship.
Not long after Ireland and England began dating, the word spread throughout Europe. It started with France and then he told Prussia and Spain. Prussia told Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Spain told Romano, Belgium, and Italy. After that, most of Europe was aware of the incestuous relationship. Once Russia found out, the Asian countries and Belarus caught wind of it (though, this only further motivated Belarus into 'asking' Russia to marry her).
Eventually, the other members of the United Kingdom heard about the relationship and decided to confront them about it. They were a little off about it at first, seeing as the two still have a close relation to each other as brothers. After some time and thinking, Scotland and Wales consented to their relationship. Northern Ireland was all right with the decisions Ireland made at this point so he accepted the relationship as well.
However, this didn't mean the brothers decided to suddenly become nicer towards England. They still made fun of him and said rude things to him. They didn't refrain from doing this in Ireland's presence and told him they'll never stop doing it. It was something Ireland had to accept.
Ireland and England met up with their brothers and walked over to America's house to join the party. Once there, Scotland and Northern Ireland went over to the bar to have a drink. Wales ran off to talk to several of the other nations in the room. England and Ireland sat on the couch and watched everyone as they enjoyed the other's company.
It wasn't long before America came up to them with a beer in his hand, and a huge grin on his face.
"What are you two doing sitting around like that? This is a party! Not a funeral!"
"Maybe we want to sit here, Alfred!" England yelled in agitation. Ireland gave England's hand a reassuring squeeze before shooting the American a smile.
"All right, Freddy Boy! Do you want to dance?"
"Not if you keep calling me that!"
Freddy Boy was Ireland's nickname for America when he was still England's colony. America never told Ireland what the 'F' in his name stood for, so Ireland took it upon himself to give him one: Freddy. Later on, he thought it would be cuter to add on boy and address him as 'Freddy Boy.' Ireland would call America this name whenever the situation allowed it. Usually, Ireland will only say this from time to time and only to tease America.
Ireland chuckled before standing up in front of the American. He bent down and gave England a kiss on the cheek before saying, "I'll be back after a few songs."
"Have fun."
Ireland ruffled England's hair before going to the dance floor with America. The British nation watched them dance, becoming easily distracted by their movement. He was so caught up in their dancing that he didn't notice France walk up and sit down next to him on the couch. That was, until the Frenchman spoke.
"So, how are you lovebirds getting along?"
England looked over at his enemy to see the long-haired man wearing his usual smirk, and holding a wine glass in his hand. England looked back at his older brother dancing with Italy and Prussia to a different song.
"We're doing quite fine, Francis. Not that it should concern you in any way."
"Ah, do you forget that I'm Seamus' best friend? He tells me everything." France leaned closer to England's ear and whispered, "Everything."
England pushed France away softly, showing his discomfort for having the perverted nation so close to him.
"I'm sure he doesn't tell you everything," England replied to France's previous comment. France raised an eyebrow and his smirk widened as a sudden thought entered his mind.
"Oh? What do you think Seamus doesn't tell me?"
"A lot of things. Our morning routine, what we're doing, important dates-"
"Sex?"
England quickly looked at France and gave him a disgusted look. He was hoping he'd misheard him but, knowing France, it was always exactly as he heard.
"Excuse me?"
"Do you think he leaves that out in our conversations?"
"I would hope-" England stopped himself once he saw the smirk on France's face. He soon realized what the long-haired nation was trying to do.
"Oh, no. I know what you're doing, and it's not going to work."
"Oh, what ever do you mean, Arthur?"
"You're trying to get me to admit that Ireland and I are having sex, aren't you?"
France's smirk became bigger as England finished his sentence. The Englishman gave his enemy a cross look before saying, "I didn't say we were having sex, I merely stated what you were thinking."
"Sure you were, Arthur."
"You bloody-"
"Hey you two!" Ireland exclaimed as he ran up to his younger brother and best friend. The red-head looked a little exhausted from dancing.
"Seamus, make him leave," England said, voicing out his annoyance towards France.
"What happened this time?" From many years of watching the two fight, Ireland always had to be the peace keeper between them (though, peace wasn't restored until after the two were far apart from each other).
"Francis was-"
"Seamus, don't you two have sex?" France interrupted England, only further irritating him. Ireland sighed before sitting down between the two in an attempt to keep them from fighting.
"I thought I already told you, Francis. What Arthur and I do in our private life is none of your business."
"Still, do you do anything at all? Even a little groping here and there?"
England was about to yell something when Ireland covered his mouth to hush him. He knew the French nation always had a way of making England mad.
"Francis, if I tell you something, will you at least leave us alone for the night?"
"That depends..."
Ireland leaned in and whispered something to France that raised his interest. His smirk grew bigger once more as he rose from his spot on the couch, wine glass still in hand.
"Well, I'll see you and Eyebrows in the new millenium!" was all France said as he walked off in the direction of the kitchen. England looked over at Ireland with a disappointed expression on his face.
"You didn't actually tell him anything, did you?" England asked.
"No. But I gave him a reason not to bother us."
"What did you tell him?"
"I told him Canada might be feeling awfully lonely by himself in the kitchen."
"How did you know Canada was in the kitchen?"
"I saw him in there talking to Cuba a minute ago. They might still be in there since I'm not sure what else they'll do at this party."
"Except Canada will be too busy doing something else."
A sudden thought went through England's mind as he realized what this could only mean.
"Oh, that poor boy..."
"Well, they have been dating for a while now."
"They have? This is the first I'm hearing of this."
"Oh, I guess because France told me and America probably failed to mention it to you."
"That loud mouth, arrogant fool? He probably doesn't even know they're going out yet."
"Probably not."
Hours passed by with the party still raging on. England would refuse every dance offer Ireland asked, saying he would never dance to such boisterous music. Ireland drank plenty of whiskey but made sure England didn't drink too much. He told England he wanted to ask him something important later that night that required him to be sober. England wasn't sure what Ireland wanted to ask but his curiosity increased by each hour.
Soon, it was five minutes before midnight and every nation in the room was around the clock, counting down to the new millenium. Several of the nations were fearing of the coming apocalypse while many others were excited to be around for another 1,000 years. There were even couples in the room that were hoping to give each other a kiss at the strike of twelve, hoping for another successful year together.
Ireland held England's hand as they awaited the coming millenium. It was always exciting to welcome a new year and leave the previous one behind them. There was a whole new year for them to become closer, to earn good luck, and to try and get along with the other countries.
Finally, as the last minute ticked away, the nations started counting off the seconds to the new year:
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, ONE! Happy New Year!"
Everyone cheered and rejoiced as the year 2000 was finally reached. Couples kissed, some countries toasted their drinks, some nations threw up their hands in good spirits, and several others let out a sigh of relief that the world did not end.
Ireland kissed England on the cheek while wrapping his arms around the island nation's waist. England blushed lightly at Ireland's display of affection, hoping his brothers weren't around to tease them.
"I know how you hate clichés but I just had to," Ireland whispered.
"Well, I guess I can understand that..."
"You're so adorable when you're shy, Deartháir Beag."
"Shut up!"
"Ah! Which reminds me..."
Ireland grabbed England's hand and led him to the little bar in the corner of the living room. Ireland then stepped onto a chair, stood up on the counter, picked up two glasses, and clang them together repeatedly until everyone in the room looked over at him. Only someone like Ireland could be able to cling two glasses against each other and not break them. Once Ireland had everyone's attention, he stepped down onto the chair, almost getting off the counter.
"Everyone! I have a huge announcement to make!"
"Seamus? What are you doing?"
"You'll see..."
Ireland got off the chair and faced England, blocking the crowd out of his thoughts. Scotland and Northern Ireland were sitting in the chairs next to them, staring at the two in curiosity. Wales had managed to break through the crowd to the front to see what was going on. America was also wondering about the sudden silence and wanted to see what it was Ireland had to say. France stayed within the crowd of nations, his arms around Canada. He already knew what this was about.
"England, there was a time when I was a part of you as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Those were mainly hard times for me as I didn't want to be bounded to you in such a way. But, now that I'm independent again and have pursued a relationship with you, I've decided to be bounded to you again. Only... I wish for us to be connected in a different way..."
Ireland kneeled before England, reached into his pocket, and produced a small black box. Everyone was straining to see what was in Ireland's hands, but the other members of the United Kingdom, America, and France could clearly see the box. There was no doubt as to what was inside.
Ireland opened the small box to reveal a silver wedding band. It shined in the light for the other countries to see. They started to whisper to each other in anticipation and excitement.
"England, I wasn't given a choice to become a part of you years ago, but I'm giving you a choice to become a part of me. England, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will you become my husband?"
There was an eerie silence through the house as everyone strained to hear England's answer. England was utterly shocked to learn that Ireland wanted to be married to him. He never thought that the red-head would want to be connected to him again after his time in the United Kingdom.
England realized this most likely wasn't something Ireland's boss put him up to. If this was a political affair, Ireland wouldn't make this so public. So, this could only be Ireland's idea.
England blushed lightly as he stared down at Ireland's hopeful, smiling face. He could see that Ireland was willing to do this. The older nation knew full well that doing this would connect them once more but not as brothers this time. This is a commitment between two countries that are willing to be united as one.
"I accept," England said a little too quietly for everyone to hear. Ireland heard him loud and clear but knew everyone else wanted to hear his answer too.
"I'm sorry, I don't think the rest of us heard you. Could you say that again?"
"I said yes you bloody git!"
The whole room erupted into a roar of cheering as the two island nations embraced each other. The rest of the United Kingdom gave Ireland a small smile for having the courage to ask their youngest brother's hand in marriage. Even America congratulated them in the upcoming marriage by offering them some beer. France smiled in content at seeing his best friend and enemy finally coming together. Canada tried looking over the crowds to see what happened.
"Francis?" the curious Canadian asked, "What happened?"
"Ireland and England are getting married."
"Ah... I hope they're both happy..."
"So do I, Matthieu. So do I..."
The United Kingdom and Ireland made it back to the hotel at around 2:00 in morning. Most of them were drunk and stumbling at every step they took. They eventually made it to their rooms and wished everyone a good night and a happy new year.
Before going into the room, Northern Ireland looked over at England before shouting, "Remember! I get to help pick out your dress!"
"Shut up you wanker!"
England tried to run up to Northern Ireland and attack him, but Ireland caught the Brit by the shirt collar to stop him. England fell back slightly, Northern Ireland laughing at him before disappearing into his room. Ireland unlocked their door and dragged England inside, leading them to their bedroom.
"I told you to take it easy, Deartháir Beag," Ireland chuckled as he helped England remove his sweater vest.
"No... You said that before you proposed to me..."
"Okay, I did say that. But that didn't mean you had to drink like a madman right after."
"It was a celebration... You're suppose to drink at a celebration..."
"I should've never told you that..."
Ireland had managed to undress England before putting on his pajamas. He then led the blond-haired nation to their bed before putting on pajamas as well. They laid next to each other, Ireland wrapping his arms around England. England was slowly drifting off into a drunk induced sleep while Ireland was coming down from a buzz.
"Seamus...?" England muttered.
"Yes, Deartháir Beag?" Ireland spoke in a soft voice.
"Do you really want to do this?"
"Of course. Why do you ask?"
"You didn't want to be bounded to me before."
"Is that what you're thinking about?"
England didn't answer, causing Ireland to lift his chin and look him straight in the eyes.
"Deartháir Beag, don't think about those times. I love you and I really want to be with you in this way."
"But what if you change your mind? What if you split away again?"
"I told you I would never hurt you again, remember? I never break my promises."
"You swear on it?"
"I swear. If I break this promise, you can be the first one to deliver a blow to my face."
"You bet your arse I will..."
Ireland chuckled softly before running his fingers soothingly through England's hair.
"Go to sleep, Deartháir Beag. Love tú..." (T: I love you...)
"I love you too, Seamus..."
England was truly happy inside. He was so glad that this wasn't a dream. He was finally able to be with Ireland and now they're getting ready to be married. This was all he'd ever asked for and more.
Ireland was so happy to be close to his youngest brother again. He didn't have to sneak around and creep into England's dreams at night. He didn't have to relive the reoccurring nightmare of being killed by England on the night they ended the Irish War for Independence. He didn't suffer as much anymore because his little brother's love kept him going through the tough times. Ireland was in paradise, despite the other hardships of his country.
The year 2000 was a year of new beginnings. The countries were preparing for what the new millenium held for them. Several countries were much wiser towards rumors of upcoming apocalypses. Ireland and England were preparing for a wedding and a long life together as lovers. The year 2000 held promises of new beginnings and better experiences for the countries as another century passed for the world.
If you don't understand what Ireland's reoccurring nightmare is about, it's the dreams he's been having since he left the United Kingdom. Refer to chapter 8 when he says he's been having such horrible nightmares while England has great dreams. This is also why he says it's "already happened" because it's about the night his war for independence ended. If you need more details, read the first chapter to my story I Love You, Deartháir Beag and imagine the scene where Ireland removes his collar.