Title: Love's Aftermath
Pairings: Italy/Germany, Spain/Romano, Spain/Italy, France/Canada, England/America, Japan/Greece, Prussia/Hungary, Austria/Switzerland
Italy's pregnant, Germany's gone missing and Romano just won't quit, have these kids STILL not got their act together?
Chapter 13 - Together in Union
Germany cast a worried glance beside him at his heavily pregnant boyfriend in the car next to him as he continued to drive. Almost nine months along now, the baby should arrive any day, and the German had been constantly at Italy's side over the last few weeks, fearful of a premature birth, despite how awkward it was to be with his boyfriend now.
After their little talk where by Italy had revealed to the German that he wanted to keep their child, to which Germany dismissed, things had been more than a little uncomfortable between the two of them. They hadn't discussed it since, Italy didn't see the point, Germany had made up his mind, they weren't keeping it. The German couldn't help feeling guilty about the whole thing, he loved Italy, and he just wanted him to be happy, but he couldn't bring himself to go back on the promise they'd already made, he wasn't doing it to spite Italy, if he could find a way round it he would but he just couldn't.
Germany sighed, slowing down for a red light and checking his watch, it was okay, they still had plenty of time until the ceremony started. He really wanted to enjoy the wedding and the reception party with Italy; he always had so much fun at parties when the Italian was with him. Although at that moment he was definitely sure he wouldn't be having a good time, regardless of whether Italy was pregnant or not. He'd been hoping that Italy would have just accepted the decision and try to get on with things, but over the last few months he'd been very cold and distant from the German, as if resenting him. Germany couldn't really blame him. He just hoped beyond all measure that Italy would be his normal self again once the child was gone, he'd probably be depressed for a while at first...but surely after some time passed he'd get over it...right?
Germany bit his lip, he couldn't be sure. Many times in the night he'd been awoken by a swift kick in the back from Italy's bump that pressed against him, and he'd roll over to find Italy wide awake, crying into his pillow. It was always silent crying, the worst kind in the German's opinion, Italy didn't even look sad, tears just rolled down his face as he stared at his boyfriend with dead eyes. Germany couldn't stand it, and every day it was getting harder and harder not to just turn around and say oh to hell with it, we'll keep the child if that's what you really want. The German was even starting to consider the ridiculous notion that maybe; just maybe...he wanted to keep it as well?
Pure nonsense of course the German always assured himself, I mean he wasn't against the idea of children, but he didn't want it right? For god sake he was eighteen! He couldn't be a father! Germany swallowed heavily, the prospect of fatherhood seemed to send tremors of terror down his spine, even if they weren't keeping it, he was still going to be a father whether he liked it or not. He couldn't understand why Italy wasn't terrified of the idea; the only thing that frightened the Italian was giving it away. Even still, Italy hadn't argued with him about it anymore, which wasn't any constellation to the German, if anything his silent depression just made him feel a lot worse. Germany wanted more than anything for Italy to cheer up, it seemed the only thing he could possibly do for forgiveness was let Italy keep their child, and would that really be so bad? The German himself was starting to wonder whether or not it would be as easy to give it away as he was making it out to be...was it really, truly what he wanted? Or was he just being held down by prior obligations?
Germany shook his head, if he thought too deeply about it it would all get too confusing, he just had to wait until it was born, give it to the couple expecting it and then re-enrol at the academy with Italy and everything would be back to normal...right?
He slowed the car down and pulled up beside a couple who waved at them from the pavement. Prussia opened the door for Hungary and she climbed inside, followed by her boyfriend, "Hey West! Hey Italy!" Prussia beamed, slamming the door shut, "Was starting to get worried you'd forgotten about us bruder!"
"Don't be silly he wouldn't forget, thanks very much for picking us up." Hungary said, smiling at the German in the front of the car as she buckled her seatbelt.
"It's no problem at all." Germany said, driving off again, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead on the road, heart hammering nervously in his chest...he hadn't told anyone about Italy's depression over the child, even Spain and Romano were oblivious to it the whole month they'd spent living with them until they went back to school in September (even though Romano tried to hide it, he and Spain were far too loved up to notice anything) and the German didn't want people finding out...least of all his brother.
"Whoa Italy you got big!" Prussia laughed, leaning forward and poking his head into the front of the car, "How you been little guy?"
Italy shrugged, biting his thumb nail, gazing out of the car window, "...fine."
"Put your seatbelt on." Hungary hissed, pulling the Prussian back to his seat, "Can't be long now can it Italy? You look ready to burst sweetheart." she laughed slightly, reaching over to gently pat his knee.
Italy remained motionless, not even registering the hand on his knee, "...hm."
Prussia quirked an eyebrow, he stared into the car's rear view mirror for a few moments until he caught Germany's eyes and mouthed, 'What's up with him?' nodding in the direction of the Italian.
Germany sighed, shaking his head slightly, 'Doesn't matter.' he mouthed back as the Prussian settled himself back in the car for the speedy journey to Toronto...
~0~
"Oh wow it looks beautiful..." Hungary said dreamily as she gazed out of the car window at the hotel where France and Canada's wedding ceremony was taking place. The outside of this castle like hotel had a crisp layer of pure white snow that clung to the rooftop, rose vines that had been crystallised with ice crept up along the stone door columns, weaved in and out of the door frame and glimmered in the sunlight. Prussia hopped out of the car first, holding open the door for Hungary.
"I still can't believe I'm not France's best man." he grumbled, loosening the tie around his neck.
Hungary batted his hands away, fixing it for him, "I don't blame him for not choosing you...you'll say or do something inappropriate."
"France is all about inappropriate!"
"Oh yes and I wonder who taught him to be like that." Hungary droned, rolling her eyes, thinking back to the days when Prussia himself was a student at the academy, the younger France and Spain would follow him around like he was their wise older brother, getting into mischief and causing trouble...too much trouble on one occasion, it was a good thing Prussia took all the blame otherwise all three of them would have been expelled, not just the Prussian.
Germany climbed out of the car and went to the other side to let Italy out, keeping a tight hold of his hand as he carefully hoisted him up. Italy mumbled his thanks, pulling his hand away from the German's once he was stood, gazing down at the icy ground.
Hungary and Prussia exchanged a look, "Why don't we go inside and get some seats?" she said to her boyfriend, gently tugging on his hand.
"Yeah just a sec." he leant over to his brother, muttering in his ear, "Well that had to be the most awkward car journey I've ever had in my life..." Germany glared at him, pushing him away, Prussia laughed, chasing after Hungary, "Come on then!" he called back to them.
"Ja ja..." instinctively the German held out his hand to Italy, before realising the Italian wouldn't take it so instead he simply followed them towards the door. He stopped when Hungary suddenly looked back over her shoulder with concern, Germany turned to see that Italy wasn't following them, he was still stood, leaning against the car, tears started to trickle down his cheeks, Germany sighed deeply.
"What's his problem?" Prussia asked, wrinkling his nose in confusion.
"We'll go inside and get some seats; we'll meet you in there." Hungary said kindly, tugging Prussia inside with her as the German made his way back over to Italy.
"Aren't you coming in?" he asked softly, leaning against his car beside the Italian. Italy shrugged, reaching up to wipe away his tears, sniffling slightly, "Italy come on stop crying..." Germany gently wrapped an arm around his stiff shoulders, "You don't want icicles to form on your face do you?"
Italy smiled weakly at the feeble joke, "...sorry." he said softly, chewing on his thumb again.
"It's okay...I just wish you weren't so upset all the time Italy..." Germany gently kissed the top of his head, rubbing his forearm, "Come on it's France's wedding, this is a happy occasion."
"I know...I can't help it though..." Italy mumbled softly, hands gently cradling his bump.
Germany sighed, gently taking Italy's hands, pulling them away, "Italy please, you have to stop this. Look, I know it's hard for you ja? You've formed a bond with the child, I should have realised it would happen...but it's too late to change our minds about this."
"You said you'd be happy with whatever I choose..." Italy said defensively, eyes welling up again.
"I never said such a thing Italy."
"Yes you did! Don't lie to me Germany!" Italy pulled his hands away from Germany's, glaring at him slightly, "You said, you said you'd be okay with whatever I chose, so why aren't you happy with my choice?"
"Italy." the German sighed irritably, "That was a long time ago, you were hardly even a month pregnant back then, und you'd already decided to give it away-"
"No!" Italy shook his head in protest, "No I didn't! I never did that! It was Romano; Romano decided for me, I never wanted to give it away."
Germany bit his lip, placing his hands on Italy's shoulders, "Okay, it was your bruder, but even still Italy...I-I know it's not your fault, Romano decided it for you whilst I was away und you obviously went along with it because you didn't know whether I'd come back...it's mein fault...but Italy if you wanted to keep it you shouldn't have let Romano decide for you."
"How could I tell him I wanted to keep it when I didn't know if we were still together?" Italy whispered softly, a tear slowly making its way down his cheek.
"I know Italy..." the German sighed, gently dabbing at his eyes with the corner of his jacket sleeve, "It was all just...bad timing, it wasn't your fault...but right now we just have to deal with the consequences of that decision."
"...consequences." Italy echoed softly, "Does...does that mean you'd want to keep it if...if we could?"
Germany bit his lip, hesitating slightly, "Nein I mean...I-I don't know...Italy lets not talk about this now ja? Lets go inside und have a good time, we'll talk later tonight."
"Okay..." Italy muttered softly, slipping his hand into Germany's, he couldn't argue with that, he wanted to enjoy the wedding like the German said, so the best thing to do would just be to try and put it to one side...at least only for the time being.
Very carefully, the German helped Italy across the icy path to the entrance of the hotel, where the Italian dawdled for a moment as he gazed at the shimmering crystallised roses, before waddling into the foyer after Germany. The German handed over their invitations to the usher, who pointed them to the right side of the venue where France's friends were sat, where Prussia and Hungary were waving at them from the front row next to some empty seats. Italy gazed around room as he was gently tugged down the aisle towards his seat. There was a very distinctive red and silver theme throughout the venue, roses were congregating in every corner of the room, rose petals had even been showered down the aisle, the seats all had white cloth draped over them and tied at the back of each one was a silver bow. A large, crystallised chandelier dawned above their heads, casting soft flickers of light throughout the room whenever the sun's rays reflected off the thousands of tiny crystals. A band stood waiting beside the alter with violins and cellos and everyone who had already arrived at the wedding was looking their best, all dressed up in suits and formal gowns.
Even the Italian himself had tried his best, even though the extra extra large pants, shirt and jacket he had stuffed himself into made him look a little silly, he wanted to look smart for the wedding. Despite Italy still being slightly miffed at the German, he couldn't help but noticed how attractive he looked in his own suit, a simple yet elegant black tie affair, however the German's tall, lean frame meant he carried it off beautifully; the only other colour in his outfit besides black and white was from the little German flag he had pinned to one of his lapels.
Italy sat down besides Hungary, letting out a sigh of relief as he was able to rest his feet, he was so big now even such a short walk was a strain for him. Hungary smiled kindly, gently hugging the Italian as Germany came to sit down next to him, "I'm so excited, I love weddings." she said, beaming as she looked around the beautifully done up room.
"Should be good." Prussia agreed, glancing over his shoulder to the back of the room, "Hey look it's Spain and Romano!" he beamed, getting up on his knees on his seat to wave and call at them, "SPAIN! ROMANO!"
"Stop that!" Hungary hissed, going red from embarrassment as people were staring at them, "Go over there if you want to talk to them."
"Alright, you come too though." Prussia said as he got up, grabbing Hungary's hand and tugging her down the aisle towards Spain who grinned, holding out his arms for a hug as the Prussian ran at him, "Hey Spain!" he yelled excitedly as he leapt into Spain's waiting arms, knocking them both to the floor.
"Oomph!" Spain gasped out as he hit the ground, smiling weakly, "Hola Prussia."
"Get off him you idiot!" Romano snapped, shoving Prussia off his boyfriend, glaring at him as Spain struggled to get to his feet.
"Sorry little guy, didn't mean to upset you, the awesome me was just so happy to see his awesome buddy."
"Stop saying awesome." Romano growled, circling his arms around Spain's waist protectively.
Spain beamed, kissing the top of his head, "I'm okay Romano, really, Prussia isn't this exciting! Our France is growing up..."
"I know! You better have an awesome best man speech prepared because I swear if you blow it I'm gonna be even more pissed that he didn't choose the awesome me."
Spain laughed, "Aww still? It's not anything personal amigo you know that, and sì I have one prepared...I'm so nervous though." the Spaniard smiled slightly, fiddling with the cuffs on his shirt.
"Imagine how France must be feeling right now!" Hungary said, laughing, "You'll be fine sweetheart."
"Thanks Miss Hungary." Spain smiled, stumbling slightly as he was getting pulled away by Romano, "Well I'll see you later, I'm gonna go stand up there and wait for France." he said, indicating to the archway stood at the top of some rose petal covered steps down at the bottom of the aisle.
"See ya later." Prussia saluted him as he got pulled away before turning back to his girlfriend, "You know how to dance?"
"I might do..." Hungary said, looking slightly befuddled, "Why's that?"
"Cause we're gonna dance 'til we drop at the reception party later that's why! I'm super awesome at dancing."
"Oh super awesome now?" Hungary teased; wrapping her arms around the younger's shoulders.
Prussia grinned, pulling her close by his waist, "Oh yes, just wait until later and I'll show you exactly what I can do..."
Hungary giggled slightly, allowing the young man to kiss her briefly, she'd never really been one for public displays of affection but a wedding seemed like a suitable time to do so. When she pulled away Prussia gently rested his cheek on the top of her head, Hungary smiled, taking this time to look around the room at all the guests who had already arrived. Many of them she recognised as her French and Canadian home economics students from the academy, as well as some of the actual nations themselves. Russia and China were sat towards the back, perhaps out of courtesy to the other guests who wouldn't want to sit behind them and not be able to see, looking quite out of place as they held tightly to each other's hands. The Baltic trio looked even more out of place, sat as far away as possible from the Russian, and was that...? Was that Liechtenstein sat with them? She was almost certain it was, had she gotten with one of them? If so it could only be Lithuania because Hungary was pretty sure Estonia and Latvia had had something going on between them over the last half a year or so at the academy.
Still more people were starting to arrive, a few more of France's friends, a couple of Canadians and...and...
"Austria..." Hungary whispered, gently letting go of Prussia, her heart fluttering nervously as her ex-husband strode into the room, arm in arm with Switzerland, all dressed up in a white tailored suit with gold trimmings...the one he'd worn at his own wedding to Hungary.
Austria glanced around, stopping dead when he caught Hungary's eyes, swallowing slightly, "Hungary..."
Prussia didn't seem to notice the awkwardness between the two of them as he casually stepped over to the Austrian, "Hey Austria, it must suck balls to know that I'm doing your wife right?"
Hungary went bright red and Austria narrowed his eyes in an annoyed fashion, "Ex-wife." he corrected him, "So no, no it doesn't."
Prussia stifled a laugh, ignoring the glares he was receiving from Hungary as he let his eyes wander over to Switzerland briefly before turning back to the Austrian, a big grin on his face, "How's your toy boy doing?"
"Prussia!" Hungary hissed, grabbing her boyfriend's arm.
"Excuse me?" Austria shot back in shock, going slightly red.
Prussia smirked, nodding to Switzerland, "You're toy boy, you're little squeeze."
Switzerland glared at him, going red like the Austrian who was struggling to control his temper, "How can you even attempt to mock me with that? You're hardly even a few years older than Switzerland!" Austria snapped, Prussia's smug face making his blood boil, he turned to his ex-wife, "Shouldn't you have left that thing at home?" he nodded to the Prussian.
"Excuse me what?" Hungary stared at Austria in shock, "Don't talk about my boyfriend in that way!"
"Well tell your precious boyfriend to stop talking about mine in such a way!"
"Hey I only asked how he was doing." Prussia drawled defensively, sniggering at the conflict he was causing.
Austria shook his head, glaring at the Prussian, "You may be older, but at least my Switzerland can behave like an adult."
"Don't give me that shit Austria, you're just snarky cause I stole your girl." Prussia jeered, pulling Hungary close by her waist.
"Okay first of all you didn't steal her away from me; I left her, secondly-"
"Look can we all please stop this?" Switzerland cut in, holding up his hands to silence them all, "This is childish."
Prussia smirked, "You're the only one here who's a child."
"Bite me, arsehole."
Prussia glared at him, "Why you little-"
"Okay! That is enough." Hungary grabbed Prussia by the scruff of the neck, dragging him away, "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"He started it!"
"No you started it!"
"God what a pair those two make..." Switzerland growled, moving to Austria's side.
"It's mostly him." Austria nodded to Prussia, gently lacing his fingers with his boyfriend's, "I don't care what he says, I honestly don't care who Hungary's with since I have you." Switzerland blushed slightly at this, leaning up to kiss Austria deeply.
Prussia quirked an eyebrow at the two males kissing, "They call that a kiss? We'll show 'em!" he circled his arms around Hungary's waist, pulling her close towards him, pressing their lips firmly together before she could protest. Hungary squirmed for a moment or two before she caught sight of her former husband practically eating Switzerland's face and proceeded to kiss the Prussian back. Austria opened one eyes to see what they were doing, eyebrows furrowing slightly before he pulled Switzerland closer, deepening their kiss. It soon turned into a battle of who could go the furthest, both couples continued to make out side by side, several people had turned around in their seats to see what was going on, after only a few minutes Austria had Switzerland pinned up against the wall and Hungary was practically straddling Prussia's lap in midair.
"Whoa...serious PDA in progress!" America called, laughing as he and England casually, (well the Brit more awkwardly) made their way through the two couples, who simultaneously broke apart, Switzerland and Hungary going bright red, "You guys wanna save that for later? Traditionally hook ups tend to happen after the wedding ceremony." the American laughed again as the four of them very sheepishly went back to their seats.
England shook his head, "Honestly, what on earth possessed them to do that in public?" he asked, gently bouncing Quebec in his arms.
America shrugged, "Beats me." he smiled at the happy child in England's arms, almost nine months old now she was starting to become aware of who she was with at any time, she kept glancing around with her big blue eyes, no doubt wondering where her fathers were, "Good thing she likes you England."
"Well...I wouldn't go too far as to say like." England muttered, trying to pull his head away as Quebec reached up to take a handful of England's messy locks.
America laughed slightly, "Aww come on she loves her uncie Engwand." he grinned, gently ruffling her hair, "Anyway someone needs to hold her while the ceremonies going on."
"Yes yes I'm very honoured." England drawled, rolling his eyes, smirking slightly, "I hope she doesn't start crying for her daddies when she sees them up there." he nodded towards the alter.
"I'm sure she'll be fine...it's kinda sweet how attached she is to them." America smiled, gently tickling her chin, biting his lip in thought, "Do you reckon our kid will be like that with us?"
England looked at him, "I'm sure it will...America are you worrying again?"
America shrugged, "A little, it's just, it's really soon you know? We'll probably get the kid in like less than a week! It's all so real..."
"Yes but it's not as if we're not prepared, we've got the nursery and everything sorted, and surely you've learnt all you need to know about babies from looking after your niece." England said, gently tugging his hair out of Quebec's little clinging hands.
"Yeah I guess..." America said, sighing slightly, "Just worried the kid might not like me..."
"Oh America why would it not like you? Kids love you!" England said laughing slightly, holding out Quebec to him to prove his point, she held out her little arms towards the American, babbling something incoherent.
America grinned, taking her from him, bouncing her in his arms, "Yeah, I guess you're right, sorry I'm just kinda paranoid."
England rolled his eyes fondly, gently tweaking America's tie for him, "Well there's no need, you'll be a great father."
"Thanks..." America smiled, leaning forwards for a soft peck on the lips, "You too."
England smiled, gently taking Quebec back from him, checking his watch, "Right, we'll be starting soon...I better go get France."
"Alright, I'll see if Canada's doing okay." America pecked his boyfriend once more before walking off and disappearing into a room just out of view of the guests, he opened the door only a fraction and slid inside, grinning when he saw his little brother, "Hey bro."
Canada turned around from the mirror he'd been looking at in despair, "A-America..." he sobbed slightly, dabbing at his eyes.
America frowned in concern, "Hey...what's up?" he shut the door and quickly made his way over to Canada.
Canada sniffed, holding out his white shirt to the American, "One of my buttons came off!" he cried, showing his brother the gab in his shirt where the button would be, "What am I going to do? I haven't got another one!"
"Okay okay calm down..." America said soothingly, resting his hands on his shoulders, "It's not that bad-"
"Not that bad?" Canada asked, staring at his brother in bewilderment, "Just look at it!" he showed him again, "I can't walk down the aisle like this..." he bit his lip, tears welling up in his eyes once more.
"Dude just close your jacket." the American grabbed the front of his black jacket, buttoning it shut for him.
"No!" Canada undid it again, "If I do it up it makes me look fat..." he muttered softly, wiping his eyes.
"It doesn't make you look fat." America said firmly, doing it up for him again, "And even if it did who the hell cares? France has seen you way bigger before."
"Being pregnant doesn't count..." Canada said softly, sniffling slightly.
"Dude seriously you look great." America said, smiling at his brother, taking a step back to admire him properly, he really meant it, his brother looked amazing in his black formal suit, red tie done up to the very top of his collar, hair all neat and tidy, except for his one curl that always stuck out. "You don't look fat, trust me."
Canada smiled slightly, turning to the mirror to get a look at himself, "Okay...but I still wish I could leave the jacket open...I don't like it closed."
America shrugged, "Gotta work with what you've got." he smiled, patting his back; "You know France will think you look great no matter what."
"Yeah I know..." Canada smiled, going slightly red, fiddling with his cuffs, "I'm so nervous."
"Of what? Canada it'll be great." America beamed, giving him a friendly, perhaps too violent, punch on the arm.
Canada stumbled slightly, "Ouch...okay urm, thanks."
"Seriously what can you possibly be nervous about? The only thing I can think of is if France leaves you at the alter!"
"...okay, now I'm worried."
America laughed, "Dude seriously? You're insane!" he grinned, hugging his brother close, "You know France wouldn't do that."
"Yeah...sorry." Canada smiled slightly, biting his lip, "I guess I'm just worried in case something goes horribly wrong like I forget my vows or something."
"If that happens just improvise." America smiled reassuringly, gently patting his back, "Give it all that romantic French crap France always does."
Canada smiled, blushing slightly, "Okay...thanks." he said, fiddling with his cuffs again.
America watched him, suddenly remembering something, "Oh yeah dude, I got you a little something." he delved into his back pocket and pulled out a small, square black box.
"Really? Oh wow." he beamed, taking the box from his brother and carefully opening it up to reveal a stunning pair of red, diamond encrusted maple leaf cuff links, "America...they're beautiful." the Canadian smiled, genuinely touched as he removed the plain silver ones he'd been wearing to replace them with the maple leaves.
"Yeah I saw them the other day and thought they'd be perfect." America smiled, helping him to put them on.
"Thank you." Canada smiled, hugging his big brother close, getting slightly emotional again.
"Don't mention it." America pulled back slightly to look at his brother, "Look urm...I don't really know what I'm supposed to be saying but uhh...I just want you to know that it means the world to me that I could be your best man at your wedding, you're really special to me bro...I love you."
Canada bit his lip, tears welling up slightly, "I love you too."
America smiled, laughing slightly to break the gooey moment, "Yeah...anyway, we'll be starting soon, England's gonna text me when France is ready so yeah...should only be a few more minutes now..."
~0~
"France?" England knocked on the door of the room France had been getting changed in before letting himself inside.
France looked up from the mirror he was holding, "Aww bonjour my sweet little angel..."
England smiled, closing the door, "Hey."
France rolled his eyes, putting down the mirror before taking Quebec out of England's arms, "Oh as if zere was a chance I meant you."
England chuckled slightly, "Yes yes, are you ready? You should probably get out there we're starting soon."
France nodded, carefully tossing his daughter up in the air, she squealed, gigging uncontrollably as France swung her around, "Oui okay, is everyone 'ere?"
"Pretty much, a few empty seats but they might just be caught up in traffic." England took Quebec back from France, "Spain's here though so don't worry."
"Alright well I better get out zere." France smiled encouragingly yet still cast a slightly worried glance back over his shoulder at the mirror one last time before he left with England. He was greeted with slight cheers and applause as he jogged up to the alter, arms held out to Spain, "Bonjour mon ami!" he sang happily, pulling him into a hug as England took his seat on the front row, sitting Quebec on his lap.
"Hola France!" Spain beamed, hugging him tightly, "Wow you look great!"
France smirked slightly, tweaking the open collar on his light pink shirt, "Merci."
Spain laughed, shaking his head, "So you're the one wearing white?" he asked, noting the white jacket, trousers and even white leather shoes, "I thought the bride wore white?"
"I think zat is why Canada refused to wear white." France said chuckling, looking around the room slightly nervously as all of his friends were either conversing with each other or staring at him and Spain, starting to quieten down.
"Hello Italy, is anyone sitting here?-"
"JAPAN!" Italy screamed in excited hysterics, being furiously shushed by Germany who was going slightly red at the noise his boyfriend had suddenly made, "Hi! I haven't seen you in forever! Hug!"
Japan looked slightly wary as he bent over to let Italy cuddle him around his middle, "It's good to see you both..." he said, nodding to the German.
"Sorry, it's my fault we're late." Greece said softly, taking a seat beside Japan, "I accidentally turned off our alarm."
"Hai, accidentally." Japan said sceptically, narrowing his eyes slightly at the Grecian.
Greece smiled slightly, slipping his hand into Japan's, "You know me too well."
"Hai well it was lucky I was able to wake up."
"Japan you look amazing!" Italy commented on the extravagant kimono the Asian was wearing.
Japan went slightly red at the compliment, "Thank you, you look..." he struggled to think of a word for a moment as he took in the sight of his incredibly large friend, "...fashionable."
Germany smirked slightly, "I'm surprised they made fashionable suits in that size." he gently ruffled Italy's hair, pecking him on the cheek.
From the other side of them Hungary looked around as everyone was quieting down even more, "Ooh I think we're starting!" she squeaked excitedly, taking Prussia's hand.
Sure enough, on the other side of the room, England stood, still holding carefully onto Quebec, and turned to face the back, signalling for everyone else to do the same. With some difficulty, and help from Germany and Japan, Italy stood with the rest of the guests as the band started to play a soft tune as the door at the back of the room opened, and out stepped Canada and America.
America took hold of his little brother's arm as they both slowly made their way down the aisle. Canada was gazing at France the whole time, smiling shyly up at the man soon to be his husband. France couldn't help but grin, shaking his head slightly at the sight of his beautiful Canadian, his heart pounding nervously with anticipation. He held out his hand, slipping it into Canada's once he'd finally reached him, Canada smiled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as he stepped up to the alter with the Frenchman, the guests took this as their cue to be seated once more.
America gave his brother a quick peck on the cheek before going to stand opposite Spain at the couple's side. Spain was already getting slightly teary eyed, getting out a tissue just as the marriage commissioner stepped up to the alter.
"You look beautiful..." France murmured softly, briefly kissing the back of Canada's hand.
Canada grinned, his chest swelling with love, "...you too." he whispered back, lacing their fingers together.
The old man smiled, waiting for the nod from France before he cleared his throat to start the ceremony, "Dearly beloved, friends and family..." he called out in a loud, booming voice, "We come here today to celebrate the coming together in union of France and Canada."
"Dada!" Quebec cried out suddenly, waving her little hands at her parents from where she sat on England's lap.
"Shhh..." England soothed softly, quieting her down, looking apologetically at the people around him.
France smirked softly, blowing a kiss at his daughter before nodding at the man to continue, "Matrimony is not to be entered into lightly. It is a solemn and sacred commitment between two people to love without judgment, support each other through all of life's challenges, and be a constant source of comfort and guidance."
Canada smiled up at his love, eyes already shining with tears that threatened to fall; he thanked the lord that he was holding France's hands because he felt they would shake uncontrollably if they weren't anchored together. France tilted his head to the side, giving him a slight questioning look, Canada nodded his head, "...I'm fine." he whispered softly, and France smiled in a way that reached the heart of the Canadian, right down to his soul he felt a rush of warmth...France could always read him so well.
The old man smiled, "I believe Canada and France have their own vows in which they wish to exchange."
Canada bit his lip, he was going first, he could feel his heart fluttering madly inside his chest and for a just a moment, he was completely tongue tied, he couldn't think what to say. France squeezed his hand gently, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead. Canada let his eyes shut as he felt those soft lips against his head, his nerves vanished and the fluttering feeling ceased down to a pleasant deep thud. When France pulled back the Canadian only had to take one look at those love filled eyes to know exactly what he wanted to say.
"France, before I met you, I was happy, but something was missing in my life. Since we've met my life is complete. Our love is built to last, it grows stronger every day. You are my friend, my confident and my love and this day, in front of our friends..." he glanced around at all the tearful faces in the room, "...and my family." he let his eyes drift over his shoulder to his brother, whose glasses were misting up, "You become my husband." he let both his hands in case one of France's own, bringing it to rest over his heart, "From this day forward I promise to honour our marriage vows, respect your views and love you dearly...and nothing would ever make me happier then to share the rest of my life with you..."
"Awww!" Hungary accidentally let slip before clamping her hand over her mouth, "...sorry." she whispered, going bright red, Prussia face palming beside her.
Canada regarded the outburst for a second but didn't let it faze him, keeping his eyes fully locked with France's, gazing at him intently to let him know that every word he was saying was the truth, "You make me happy, you make me smile, you make me feel loved, I promise to spend our life together making you happy, making you smile and making you feel loved. Whatever life may throw at us I will always love you, from now until the end of time."
France resisted the urge to pull the young man closer and kiss him, his words setting alight a warm glow in his heart. He took a step closer to Canada, this time taking their joined hands and placing them on his own heart, "Canada...from ze first moment I saw you, I knew you were ze one. I cannot find ze words to explain how I felt, I just knew zat I wanted you to be mine." France smiled, letting his fingers curl around Canada's, tracing softly around his palm, "We've had our tough times, but we've managed to get through zem, together. No matter what life throws at us, I feel we can always get through it, as we 'ave each other and zat's all zat matters to me. You're ze only person in zis world who I can truly be myself with, you love me for who I am...and I love you for all you are."
"Aww jeez..." America muttered softly, turning away as tears were starting to uncontrollably rain down his face.
France brought their joined hands to his lips, kissing them softly, gazing deeply into his love's shining eyes, "I will always love you, no matter what, I want to spend ze rest of my days with you by my side. I'll never leave you and I'll always be zere to cheer you up when you're down, to love you when you feel unloved, and to hold you when you need support, as I know you would do ze same for me. I'm so...amazed and blessed zat I get to spend ze rest of my life with you...I love you Canada."
Canada reached up with one of his shaking hands to wipe away the tears falling down his face before mouthing, 'I love you too.' as his brother was fiddling in his pocket to take out the ring.
The old man turned to Canada first, "Do you, Canada, take this man and this nation to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to care for, as long as you both shall live?"
Canada spoke without hesitation, gazing deeply into France's eyes as he whispered, "I do." he took the ring from his brother, carefully sliding it onto France's finger.
France felt his heart swell, his own eyes filling with tears of pure happiness as he gazed down at the golden band that bonded him and Canada together. The man turned to him, "And do you, France, take this man, to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, until death do you part?"
France took the ring from the tearful Spaniard, kissing the back of Canada's hand before gently sliding the ring onto his finger, "...I do."
"The two nations of Canada and France have stood here today before this congregation of family and friends pledging themselves to one another. They have exchanged rings as a symbol of that commitment and vowed to love each other for as long as they both shall live. I therefore now declare them beloved husbands. You may kiss."
They didn't need to be asked twice. France slipped an arm around Canada's waist, drawing him close, letting his index finger tilt the Canadian's chin up towards him. Canada allowed himself to gaze deeply into France's loving eyes once more before he was pulled into a deep kiss, bounding their love.
An eruption of cheers and applause sounded from the guests that echoed throughout the room. America sniffed slightly, wiping his eyes, England shook his head at his big old softy of a boyfriend, but he couldn't help but be touched by whole wonderfully romantic it was as he gazed across at the married couple, for a moment England couldn't tell where Canada ended and France began. They completed each other that well.
When France finally released him they both had tears spilling down their faces, their tears joined halfway down their cheeks, dripping onto the rose petals at their feet. Canada nuzzled France's neck as the older man lifted him into his arms, carrying him off down the aisle. America and Spain went to grab their boyfriend's before abruptly following, the rest of the guests filing out after them. Germany helped Italy to his feet and went to follow as well, stopping when he realised Italy was just stood still by his chair, "Aren't you coming Italy?" Germany asked softly, he and the Italian now the only ones left.
Italy sighed softly, gazing up at the alter, "Sì..."
"What's wrong?" Germany asked in concern, walking back over to him.
"Nothing." Italy turned to him, managing a smile, "You go to the party I'll be there soon...weddings just make me emotional."
Germany nodded slowly, "Alright, are you sure?"
"Sì, I'll see you in a minute."
"Okay." Germany kissed his cheek softly before following the rest of the congregation to the hotel dining room where the reception party was taking place.
Italy stayed where he was, still gazing at the empty alter, a heavy weight on his chest. It wasn't the actual wedding that had got him so dismal, it was going so well, he'd pushed all his sadness to one side to concentrate on France's wedding...but then his daughter had called out dada...and it had stung the Italian deeply. 'That's what mine would call me and Germany...' Italy let his hand rest on his large bump, his eyes prickling with tears, even though it wasn't kicking he could still feel it, inside him, fully formed and wanting to come out and say hello to the world...and to its parents which it would never know. 'This isn't fair, it wasn't my fault you're being given away, but I'll never get to be your daddy...' Italy let his tears fall, his quite sobs echoing throughout the room for the loss of his child that hadn't even been brought into the world.
I'm so sorry about the wait! D: I don't know whether it was because this was so long or if I was just being lazy but I should have got this done ages ago :/
This wasn't even supposed to be the whole thing XD I was supposed to do the reception party in this as well but this was already so long I thought it would be a nightmare to read haha
So yeah next one will start with the reception party :)
Hope you enjoyed the gooey mushyness of this one XD
Reviews are love :)