Thanks to TheSilentLilac, ScandinavianTrash and Mondmaedchen for reviewing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
FrEst: Graduation
"I'm so nervous," Eduard said.
"Don't be," Francis said. "You've worked hard for it. I'm so proud of you."
Eduard smiled, looking at the stairs leading up to the auditorium. He then turned his attention to the side, where he could see stairs leading downwards. He gulped, before following the stairs.
There were a few people waiting in line, and he watched them carefully to see what they were doing. He sighed in relief when it seemed simple enough. Before long it was his turn.
"Proof of payment?" the girl asked.
He handed the receipt, and she placed it with some others, before asking for his student ID. He gave it, and she typed on the computer.
The other people working there were already busy, and Eduard saw them placing the gown and sash there.
"Congratulations on your degree," the girl said, distracting Eduard. "Enjoy the ceremony."
"Thank you," Eduard said.
While he went to retrieve the gown and sash, another one of the workers stopped him, measuring his head. He then retrieved a cap, fitting it on Eduard's head.
"There," the man said. "Enjoy the ceremony."
"Thank you," Eduard said again.
He went back upstairs, and Francis smiled when he saw him.
"Let me help you put that on," Francis said, taking the gown.
Eduard held still as Francis helped put on the gown. Once it was finished, Francis smiled.
"Très bien," Francis said. "You look très beau."
Eduard blushed.
"Thanks," the Estonian said.
"So, what's the next step?" Francis asked.
"We have to give the order forms for the photos."
"Then let's go."
They went up the stairs and into the auditorium's lobby, and they could see the sign for the photos. Eduard sighed, holding the forms and walked towards the table. The woman smiled welcomingly. Eduard handed the forms over, along with the correct amount of money. The woman handed over a receipt.
"Go over there," the woman said, pointing to another area in the lobby.
Eduard nodded, and he reunited with Francis to have their photos taken together.
The first picture was taken of Eduard alone, posing with a cylinder that was supposed to act as a rolled-up diploma. A few pictures were taken, and the photographer gestured for Francis to stand next to Eduard.
The photographer ordered them into position, and the two were starting to get annoyed. Finally Francis sighed, before placing a kiss on Eduard's cheek. The Estonian blushed, and to his horror he heard the camera shutter.
The two stood like that for a moment, before the photographer indicated that they could go. Eduard rounded on Francis as soon as they were away.
"What were you thinking?" Eduard demanded.
"I made you relax, didn't I?" Francis asked.
"It was supposed to be a formal photo…"
"She seemed to like it. So, what now?"
"Report in to get the tickets."
They went to that table, where Eduard had to give his name. He was given a programme, with a paper stapled to the front page.
"How many guests?" the woman asked.
"One," Eduard said.
The ticket was given to him, and he handed it to Francis.
"Congratulations on your diploma," the woman said.
"Thank you," Eduard said.
The paper stapled to the front page contained instructions for what to do on stage, as well as the ticket and Eduard's seat number.
"Looks like you need to memorise those," Francis said.
Eduard didn't answer, instead looking pale. He was starting to grow nervous again. Francis noticed and gave him a hug.
"Everything will be fine," Francis said gently.
"I hope so," Eduard sighed.
After a while it was time to go in, and Eduard went to the area designated for the graduates, and Francis went to find a seat of his own.
Eduard was at least sitting between two people that he knew. It would have been awkward if he had to sit between strangers. But they were all agreeing that they felt sorry for the guy that went first.
They were relieved when someone showed them what they had to do. And Eduard could see quite a few people go before him. He was around seventieth on the list.
Though he wished that Francis could be sitting next to him…
Finally his row would be going to the stage. They stood in position, waiting to climb the stairs. Eduard gave the receipt for the photos to one of the assistants, before the other assistant signalled for him to go on.
It was simple. When he came up on the stage, he handed the ticket with his name to the dean. As the dean read his name he walked to the centre of the stage, where the rector was sitting with a chair in front of him. Eduard used the chair to kneel in front of the rector, and a cap was tilted on his head.
"Congratulations, Eduard," the rector said lowly.
Eduard smiled in gratitude, and walked to the other corner of the stage. He handed the sash, which had been draped over his arm, to the chancellor. Facing the crowd, the sash was draped over his shoulders. A flash of the camera, and Eduard left the stage and followed the path back to the lobby, where he received his diploma in an envelope. There was one more photo to be taken.
After that was over, Eduard went back into the auditorium, retaking his seat. He slumped in relief. It was over.
While waiting for the others to finish, he checked inside the envelope. There was the certificate, along with his academic record. Holding it in his hand… It made it real. All of his hard work… Finally rewarded.
After some time they had finally finished. They left the auditorium and Francis found Eduard. The Frenchman hugged the Estonian, planting a kiss on his cheek.
"You did it," Francis whispered. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"No," Eduard said. "Come on. Let's go take some pictures."
I had my own graduation some time ago, and this is how it went. And the first character I see when thinking of college graduation is Estonia, and France is the supportive and proud boyfriend.
And in case you're wondering, the photographer was Hungary.