HongPiri - The Month of Sorrow -part 14-

Here it is, you guys, the final chapter! Please don't forget to comment and tell me what you think!


~Final Chapter - The Day of Forgiveness~


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Christmas and New Year’s passed on like a breeze. After they had parted ways with Iceland, Philia says she would be staying with Vietnam from time to time to counter the travel embargo so that she and Hong Kong could go on their dates together. Hong Kong agreed to that and kissed her rather passionately, much to the joy of Finland and Denmark and Sweden (well, he was smiling slightly), but to Iceland’s slight disgust. “Get a room, you two,” he had whispered under his breath. Norway… well, not much has changed about him to say the least. Of course, that is Norway for all of you.

After the young couple had parted ways, Hong Kong headed back to his house, only to find Macau and China talking about something. Normally, he would shrug his shoulders thinking whatever those two were talking about is none of his concern. Until China brought up his previous behavior, which made him freeze right on the spot. But he shook it off and was about to come upstairs when he next heard him talking about the sketch drawing of Philia, which made his skin turn cold.

China says that he found the drawing while he was doing some household cleaning when Hong Kong was at the Nordics’ place. Macau was apparently stressing that the image came from a dream he once had while he was in a coma and it’s likely that he had been pursuing a girl that he had drawn. China notes that this has gone on for ten months and that there has not been any progress at all. Ten months of pursuing a cute girl, Hong Kong was thinking. As if he had not been pursuing Philia after he got the letter from her while he was in a coma. In fact, he never really got much thought; up until meeting Philia, he always thought that the letter had come from a human, so “pursuing” said human would be pointless beyond this point.

Not wanting to hear any more of the conversation, Hong Kong ran up the stairs to his bedroom as stealthily as possible and shut the door behind him. Instead of relief of being home once again, the air felt thick and heavy. Maybe it’s because this is what it would feel like if anyone lost their virginity to someone else. Or it might be because of the dreaded fear that China might find out that Hong Kong is in love with the Philippines, let alone dating the girl half behind his back. He doesn’t know how long the others, especially Macau, would keep him at bay. It’s going to be as long as he could until the time is right to reveal their relationship.

And then the spring came. Around mid-March, both Hong Kong and Philia texted privately between their friends and family (minus China) that they had started a romantic relationship in August and had been dating ever since. The reactions from them were mixed, although most of them are positive, others lukewarm, and a few just shocked at the unexpected news. America, Turkey, Taiwan, Italy, Japan, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Liechtenstein, and Canada sent their responses varying from congratulations to giving them full support despite the diplomatic tensions between both their countries. (Switzerland, knowing him, is rather neutral with the relationship.) Philia’s other Southeast Asian and Latino “siblings” reactions are also mixed; Panama and Puerto Rico sent their congrats as well, other Latin and Asian countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, Costa Rica and Chile were mostly shock. Costa Rica even noted that their dating and relationship is impossible because they all thought that they would hate each other following the Manila tour bus incident.

Unfortunately, though, a bit of the information was leaked, thanks to a few excitable countries such as Taiwan and Puerto Rico (well, almost Taiwan because Hong Kong had to convince her to keep it a secret as well as keeping her excitability under control). Romano, Spain, and Mexico all entered overprotective relative mode, thinking that this relationship was forced by either party. It even took both Hong Kong and Philia’s energy to calm them down and said that it took time for them to fall in love and start dating. Spain seemed to calm down quickly and accepted their love for one another (as long as Hong Kong doesn’t hurt his “hija,” in his words, in any way). Romano seemed to accept as well, defeated, and given the same warning to Hong Kong. Mexico, not so much. He was extremely disapproving of their romantic relationship, still thinking it was forced. In the end, though, Mexico finally accepted their love for one another. After all, it was rather embarrassing to lose to a teenage boy in a fighting match. (Using martial arts would be an understatement.)

And then April came. By this time Hong Kong had been wondering whether to advance her relationship with Philia. Four months since December, they have been dating and he has been falling deeper and deeper in love with Philia on each date. Plus, it is rather good that China had not found out. To ensure this, Hong Kong would erase all of his text messages and emails and calls to Philia so that he won’t find out. Although in hindsight, he would wonder if Philia had been feeling the same, though. Although, it would be best for him to wait a while longer. Until the time is right.

Hong Kong sat in his bed, playing Candy Crush Saga on his phone. He had heard from America that the game itself is as addicted as Flappy Bird, but he chose not to download it (after one episode with Iceland attacking him out of anger for playing Flappy Bird). But he chose to download Candy Crush Saga because he thought it might be interesting to look at. That reminds him, he should text Philia and Iceland about the game and tell them that it’s really fun to play with.

Just suddenly, a rock remix of “U.N. Owen Was Her?” began playing as Hong Kong’s ringtone on his phone. It automatically paused the game and Hong Kong glanced at the screen. It was Philia who was calling him. Smiling and without hesitation, Hong Kong swiped the green phone button and picked up the call. “Hi, Charice.”

“Li Xiao, quick, go to Yahoo News!” said Philia excitedly.

Sometimes, whenever they would be calling or texting each other, Philia would refer to Hong Kong as “honey-boo,” “cutie-pie” or “schmoopie,” though the latter doesn’t really seem to mind the girlish nicknames she gave him. Sometimes in turn, Hong Kong would call her “Cherry Berry.*” This time, though, it was rather different.

“Why Yahoo News for?” asked Hong Kong.

“Just do it! It’s really amazing! It involves both our people and our bosses! Well, my kuya’s boss, anyway.”

A spark of hope is what made Hong Kong so perplexed and anxious. Putting his Blackberry on speakerphone, he sat in his chair and opened his laptop and put it out of sleep mode. He restored the Google Chrome window, opened a new tab and typed in “Yahoo News” and it directed him to the Yahoo News home page. To his shock, the article was entitled “Hong Kong and Philippines Settle Spat Over 2010 Bus Tragedy.**” Skin tingling with excitement, he clicked on the article link and read through it, word for word. Joy, shock and relief overwhelmed the brunette Asian as he read through it. If this was a dream Hong Kong would have awoke by now. But this is no dream. This is reality. A beautiful reality he will never escape from.

He then picked up his phone and talked through the speaker, “Charice, that is awesome news! I can’t believe this!”

“Neither can I!” replied Philia on the other end. “It’s so great! I’m really glad that it’s solved now.”

Hong Kong let out a sigh. “Yeah. So am I.”

There was a long pause before Philia said, “I… really think it’s worth it, though.”

“What’s worth it?” Hong Kong asked.

“It’s been nearly four years after the incident. Three years of waiting to meet you again, with four months of going out together through the year of 2014… I think it’s actually worth the wait.”

Hong Kong smiled. “You’re right on that. I was thinking that, too.” And possibly worth the risk. Maybe. Someday, though… it will be.

“Anyways, I can go back to the Philippines now,” said Philia.

“Back to the Philippines?” Hong Kong asked. “Your brother’s missing you, isn’t he?”

“I guess… that and I have a country to take after. I am half of the Philippines, after all!”

“I know that. As nations we all have our responsibilities our bosses assign.”

“Eeyup. On a brighter side note, though, because the travel embargo’s very likely to be lifted because of this, I get to travel freely from the Philippines to you!”

“And me vice versa. Though…”

“Hmm? ‘Though’ what?”

“It’s nothing, don’t worry.”

“Oh well~!” Philia giggled. “Can’t wait to visit you again for our date on Friday! We’ll be going to Germany’s place for the meeting, right?”

“Yeah, I think so. Can’t wait to see you there.”

Philia giggled again. “Me neither! See you then, schmoopie!”

“Bye until then, Cherry Berry.”

Both of them hung up just as China knocked on Hong Kong’s bedroom door. “Lunch is ready, aru!”

“I’ll be down in a second, teacher!” Hong Kong replied. He then placed his phone on standby and bookmarked the article. I wonder if teacher would know about this, he thought. I mean, he doesn’t even know that Charice and I are in a relationship and all, but I think it’s something worth talking about. I wonder if his opinion on the Filipinos would change. I mean, what he would often say about them might be an exaggeration…

Hong Kong then went downstairs to have some lunch that China made up. Midway through the meal, he brought up the subject of both his and Philippines’ countries have settled the spat between them, with the former accepting the latter’s formal apology. China responded that he is glad that all that is under the bridge, although he says that still does not grant Hong Kong the right to see Philippines personally. Hong Kong flinched slightly at those words. He is just tired of hearing those words. He even hated the words said.

After lunch is eaten and dishes are cleaned and put away, Hong Kong went back upstairs to his room and laid down on his bed, thinking about the article Philia had him read. It is practically amazing that both their countries had forgiven each other for the Manila tour bus incident. Then again, he really can’t help but wonder if both his boss and the mayor of Manila--Luzon’s boss, respectively--had heard along the grapevine that he and Philia had begun a romantic relationship. It’s not very likely, but it is a possibility that they heard and, knowing that their flesh-and-blood representatives set aside the tour bus incident, it would have inspired them to forgive each other and put the past behind. Then again, with the fourth anniversary of the incident coming up in four months, putting the past behind would only be a general statement, but some people would pay respects to and honor the lives lost during that time. Hong Kong is the type of people, and it’s likely that Philia and Luzon would be too.

And it was just then, that Hong Kong had an idea. It’s too early to initiate it, though, he needs to plan this carefully or else it would not work. And it’s likely that Philia won’t accept if it’s too soon and too sudden. This idea would likely be the thing that would bring their countries “closer” in terms of economical impact, because they shared an economical relationship even during the spat. Although in Hong Kong’s case, it will be personal reasons. Just like his risking everything to fall in love with Philia and starting a relationship with her, this idea might be worth the risk after all.

The rest of spring came by rather quickly, however slowly transcending into summer. By mid-May, Hong Kong had purchased a ring from an online jewelry store. It is a beautiful ring made from silver and enbrooched is a moonstone--the birthstone for June and Philia’s favorite gemstone--inside this purple velvet box. Iceland seemed to take notice of this and asked him what was the ring for, and only Hong Kong replied, smiling, it’s a secret surprise. That answer made Iceland confused and a little bit angry (mostly from the jealousy, mind you).

And then June roll on, up until the eleventh. The day before Philia’s birthday. Hong Kong remembers that birthdate quite well. On the eleventh of June, both he and Philia went out on a birthday date together. Little does she know, though, was that all of this had been planned out by Hong Kong himself. The first phase is Hong Kong going to the Philippines by plane to visit her. Much to his delight, she was wearing that same qipao like she was on their first date together in December. The two of them went to downtown Manila to explore the city; Philia was the one who gave him the tour of the city, as her way of returning the favor for tasting excellent Cantonese cuisine. Among the streets, there were signs blocking the roadways for the parade which starts tomorrow. Hong Kong asked what this parade will be like and Philia replied, with a giggle, “You’ll see.”

Next, they stopped for dinner at a buffet where--in Philia’s words--they serve the best Filipino cuisine in this country, including balut. As they ate their select meals, they would often touch each other lovingly, exchange light feathery kisses, sometimes hold hands and whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears. They only got rare glances from the buffet patrons, which is a good thing for them. Philia almost noticed the strange “lump” in Hong Kong’s jacket pocket, but the latter pressured that it’s nothing, and much to his relief, Philia decided to not push any further.

After they split the bill, the young couple then returned home, when it became nightfall. Much to their relief, Luzon was busy playing video games in his bedroom (or else sleeping), so they started kissing passionately as they entered Philia’s bedroom. Hong Kong took little notice of the surroundings as he focused on the Filipina he is snogging right now. No, his Filipina.

After a while, their passionate kissing turned sexual and lusty. Hong Kong succeeded in toppling Philia on her bed and begins undressing her, giving her hickeys on her chest, neck, trunk and of course, suckling from small breasts, giving his young partner an unbearable ecstasy.

The kissing then became the panting and thrusting, and their skin rubbing off one another until some spots turned raw. They haven’t felt this much bliss in lust and ecstasy since their first date together. For those moments, it’s only them. Nothing else ever existed. Only them.

After they’ve reached their climax, they collapsed, kissing lovingly. Luckily, the air conditioner in Philia’s room was on, so the sheets wouldn’t be sticking onto their naked bodies, let alone suffering from hyperthermia. They looked at each other’s beautiful faces, sleep overtaking them.

“Magandang gabi, Charice,” said Hong Kong.

“Maan on, Li Xiao,” said Philia as well.

“And happy early birthday to you.”
“Thanks.”

The Filipina snuggled up against her boyfriend’s chest, both of them closing their eyes. A while longer, Hong Kong was thinking. A while longer until tomorrow…

Their steamy romantic night slowly transcended into a blissful heavenly morning. It also turned into Philia and Luzon’s birthday. The date of liberation from the Spaniards. And it would mean a very special present from Hong Kong to her. The last phase of his plan.

The morning sunbeams intruded Philia's bedroom, washing over her and her Cantonese boyfriend, giving her tanned skin a heavenly honey-milk glow. Her left arm was laid wrapped around Hong Kong's waist, her right hand on his shoulder. Hong Kong, in contrast, had his arm around his Filipina girlfriend's shoulder while his other hand was resting on her soft black hair. The two young lovers were sleeping soundly and deeply in Philia's cream-colored bed, with Philia contentedly listening to her Cantonese boyfriend's gentle heartbeat, as well as her cheek resting on the scar between his pectoral muscles.

Eventually the light rays of morning penetrated through Philia's eyelids, and she hid her head onto Hong Kong's chest to open her golden-brown eyes slowly. In due time, her face revealed itself to the morning sun rays, glowing radiantly due to her olive complexion. June 12th… She thought. My 116th birthday… I wonder if Li Xiao has a present for me?

Upon thinking this, Philia let out a cutesy smile and a little giggle. Then she kissed Hong Kong's nose bridge, which made his thick eyebrows knit together in disturbance. She giggled again. "Wake up, sleepy head~!"

In response, Hong Kong opened his tarnished gold eyes slowly meeting up with Philia's cute moe smile. Hong Kong himself couldn't help but softly smile back, thinking that her signature moe smile was cute, no thanks to China's cuteness obsession streak rubbing off on him (though he kept it under control). He then cupped her face with his free hand and planted a brief kiss on her lips. "Morning, Charice."

Philia then quickly sat up and stretched her arms, her small breasts being stretched vertically, though she winced slightly when the love bites Hong Kong gave to her slim neck during their sex contracted. Honestly, he was a little rough when it comes to giving hickeys, but at least it was made up for his gentle and loving thrusting into Philia's vertical smile opening.

Hong Kong also got up, wrapped her arms around the Filipina’s waist and kissed her ear. His loving breath sent a chill down her spine, but it also made her giggle because it tickled.

Wanting to get even, Philia turned around and wrapped her leg around her boyfriend's hips while sitting on her other, put her hands on his shoulders and pressed her lips against his, which he eagerly accepted. She wrapped her arms around his neck while his went around her torso, with his fingers resting on her shoulder so that the two could deepen their kiss. They separated when their need of air overcame them quickly and Philia nuzzled Hong Kong's nose. "Guess what today is~!"

Hong Kong smiled, amused. "Your birthday?"

Philia pecked Hong Kong's forehead. "You got anything for me? Huh? Huh?"

The Cantonese city-state had to resist laughing. "Yes, I have. But you need to close your eyes first."

The Filipino girl frowned in disappointment. "Aww, you're not gonna tell me?"

"If I do, it'll be ruined."

Philia finally closed her eyes and waited. Hong Kong took the chance and reached over to Philia's nightstand to grab a black velvet box. He opened it, removed the engagement ring that was in it, took Philia's right hand and put it onto her ring finger, though he still kept her hand in his.

"You can open your eyes now," he said.

Philia did as she was told, but her eyes widened as the ring on her finger. It was a beautiful silver engagement ring which consisted of an intertwining swirl and resting on top of it a gorgeous moonstone, her favorite gemstone, that glared brightly in the morning sunlight. "It's so... It's so... I love it! How did you know that I love moonstones?"

Hong Kong smirked. "Just a wild guess. Besides, I wanted to try something different."


He then kissed Philia's knuckles, which sent more chills down her spine. Then he entwined his fingers with Philia's and shifted himself closer so that he could touch her jawline with his fingers. "Charice... thank you... for breaking the seal on my heart once more. Thanks to you, I won't ever seal my own heart away ever again. I'm so glad I was able to fall in love with you. I was also glad that our officials finally settled the spat on the tragic incident four years ago. Since then, I've wanted to ask you this for nearly two months."

Hong Kong then kissed Philia on the lips and moved away.

"Will you marry me?"

Hearing those four words made the Filipino teen's heart skip a beat and her eyelids swelled with tears of happiness threatening to come out. She then threw herself onto Hong Kong (though he still kept his stance) giving him a big hug. "Oh, Li Xiao, yes, yes, YES! I will marry you! Mahal kita~~!"

Hong Kong hugged her back, gently entangling his fingers into his new fiancee's short black hair. "Aw oi lei.*** Always and with all my heart."

Not too long, the two lovers announced their engagement among their close friends and family, including the Nordics and Macau and Vietnam and Taiwan (while keeping their relationship a complete secret from China). All of them had congratulated their engagement (while only a select few was only begrudgingly). When asked when will the wedding take place, all the replied was there was no date yet. Eventually, upon Hong Kong’s idea, they agreed to marry on August 20th. On the anniversary of the incident. At first, Philia might be worried that it might offend her and her brother’s people, but decided that it would be a good idea after all.

Soon, preparations of the wedding came by. Both Hong Kong and Philia recruited Taiwan, Finland, France, and of course, Iceland so that they could all collaborate together on making the wedding party, such as the location of it and whom the should invite. Eventually, it was settled down to a small and intimate ceremony, and it would take place on the beaches of Manila. Everyone else took charge of their positions as well; Iceland and Finland was in charge of the bouquet of flowers, France making the cake, and Taiwan designing the dress. Taiwan, in particular, wanted to make Philia look like a “Chinese princess,” but Philia suggested the robes would be too heavy for her in hot weather. Hong Kong also suggested to his sister that she should design a dress that’s a qipao, but with some western elements, which she excitedly agreed on and went straight to work on it.

Eventually, rumors of Hong Kong and Philia marrying slowly carried out to the Hongkongers and Filipinas. While most are surprised, others were either delighted, indifferent, or bitter about the fact that they are marrying, as no two nations besides Austria and Hungary have married before in recorded history. However, the countryfolk decided to wait and see if their wedding has any meaning to the Manila tour bus incident and whether it’s linked to Philippines’ public apology to the people of Hong Kong.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Manila, Philippines, August 20, 2014~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is time. It has finally come. The day to further mend ties with the countries of Hong Kong and Philippine islands. While a selection of friends and family members are invited, others weren’t, though the former had promised to record the wedding on their cameras or on their mobile devices so that they could capture it on camera for their other friends and relatives.

The respective guests wore a combination of white, gold, and red for the wedding ceremony. The women wore either gold or white while the men settled with either red or gold. Opposite of where most of them are standing is a table designed like a formal dinner table consisting of various Japanese and Filipino courses ranging from balut and halo-halo to sushi and tempura. In the center of it is a two-tier wedding cake decorated with ribbons, tropical flowers and on top of the second tier, small flags of Hong Kong and Philippines standing next to each other.

Before the ceremony, Vietnam and Taiwan were waiting outside the restrooms, a gentle beach breeze running through their hair and gold and white dresses (Vietnam chose a combination of both, respectively). Eventually, Philia emerged, her bouquet in hand, and Taiwan squealed in delight upon seeing her future sister-in-law in the dress she has made, with Vietnam smiling warmly in addition.

Philia is wearing a white qipao lined with gold trimmings with very light pink petticoats underneath, white evening gloves with ruffled transparent fabric on the ends with pink ribbons tied in bows, pearl earrings, and a faux gold bridal headdress with a veil and two fabric roses on either side of her head, nude makeup with rose lipstick, and white shoes.

“Eeeeee you look like a princess!” Taiwan said in her squeals. “A Chinese lolita princess~!”

Philia giggled. “You think so?”

“We don’t think so, Charice,” Vietnam stepped in. “We know so. You look beautiful. Lin Yi did an amazing job on the dress.”

“Thanks, Viet-chan!”

“Yeah, Lin Yi, you’re a great fashion designer!” Philia added.

“Aww~ anything for my future sister-in-law!”

While the three girls are giggling, the groom himself is taking somewhat longer. Hong Kong himself is looking in the mirror, clad in a specialized duangua consisting of a gold long-sleeved qipao with dirty yellow trimmings, a red and yellow overcoat with short oversized sleeves extending almost to the elbow fastened with a dark green belt with black trims, black pants and black heeled shoes with white spats. (As much as he hates wearing these, he would admit it’s a nice touch to his outfit, especially for a wedding.) He didn’t want the others to know, but Hong Kong is excited that he is to marry Philia, but at the same time, slightly nervous. The whole time while he was in there, he had given himself some pep talk to pull himself together. Suppose if China finds out about this? What will he say?

Wait, hold on, why is he asking himself these questions? Then again, China would find out eventually, but none of this matters to him now. Even he protests, the wedding ceremony will go on.

“Nervous?” a familiar voice said.

Hong Kong didn’t bother to turn around to see where the voice is coming from. “Worried, rather,” he replied. “Even though I’ve been trying not to…”

“You shouldn’t be. It’s your wedding day with Charice.”

Hong Kong sighed softly. He then turned around to face Iceland, who is clad in a pure white and gold suit and tie. He thought it didn’t suit someone like him, although that’s not the case here.

“I know,” he replied. “But… I really just couldn’t help but wonder.”

Iceland shrugged. “For all I know, it’s likely Yao found out at some point.”

“I guess you’re right.”

There was a pause between the two boys, until Iceland spoke up. “I’m sorry, Li.”

“Ehh, don’t be, I’m used to him yelling at me--”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Hong Kong blinked. “Well, what do you mean, Ice?”

“It’s just…” Iceland shifted rather uneasily. “You know. About how I acted towards you. For once, you’re actually right. I was acting jealous.”

“I have a feeling that your reasons behind this are rather valid,” said Hong Kong. Because I kind of figured out why a long time ago.”

“Li Xiao…” Iceland said as he walked closer to him. “You are my best friend. I would never know what I would do without you. In all honesty… In all honesty, I really am glad that I met you in my life.”

Hong Kong said nothing as his friend continued.

“I think I’ve… figured out a reason why, even you said you do. The truth is… Well, remember last Christmas when you and Charice came over to spend it with us, that night? And I was previously explaining why but I stopped, embarrassed.”

“Yeah, I remember that.”

“Well… I think I’m brave enough right now to finish it. Ever since we, uh, came back together in Christmas of 2008, I felt… I felt as if something long dead had reawakened inside of me, and… I’m pretty sure you felt it too. I mean, we’ve managed to exchange numbers and Tumblr and Skype accounts so that we wouldn’t miss each other. But then…” Iceland swallowed. “But then, the tour bus hostage crisis came by in August 20, two years later.

“When I heard that you were among the nine shot and went into a coma, I… you could say I lost control at that point and eventually… I lost my energy. I couldn’t go through any of my daily routines, let alone eating and sleeping. Then I wondered. What if our friendship had gone somewhat deeper. Had I felt strongly for you then, but strangely enough not a romantic sense? I had been thinking whether or not… whether or not my own feelings towards you were platonic or romantic, so I would assume it’s in-between. When you recovered though…” Iceland shifted uncomfortably, massaging his neck with one hand. “I, I can’t deny that I was overjoyed to see you again, you know? But when you told me you supposedly have only a little bit of time to live after you got shot in the heart, I nearly got completely destroyed all over again.

“I think I figured out the reason behind all this, though. That and jealousy. Even before the other Nordics found me, I was always a solitude person, but deep down, I was lonely. All I ever wanted was a friend who would stick by even the most harsh of times. Because of this, I… felt like I would be abandoned. Like I said, we pretty much cured both our loneliness at some point upon meeting for the first time. When you came over, I kept thinking, ‘To hell with you and your new girlfriend, I preferred being lonely anyway!’ But… by the time you and Charice got engaged, I realized I was acting immature and childish. Naturally, I didn’t apologize because I figured you would tease me about you being right.

“But right now, I’m apologizing to you, Li. I’m sorry. You were right. I was wrong. Really wrong. I really do hope that deep in your heart you forgive me.”

Hong Kong was taken back by Iceland’s short speech. He had figured out the reasons why, but he never knew that the other would sound so sincere. In any case, though, it actually relaxed him with a wave of relief.

Hong Kong then embraced his friend in a hug, taking him by surprise. “Of course I forgive you, Emil. Why wouldn’t I? We are friends. We would never dare abandon each other, whether it’s for love or if any of us gets married. I know that you can be immature and childish sometimes, but… that’s what I liked about you.”

Iceland slowly hugged back, in spite of his blushing. He thinks that his might be the last time he would hug him for a while. He doesn’t know it, but Hong Kong would think the same as well.

After a long while of hugging, they had parted, still in their arms. “Thank you, Li Xiao,” said Iceland. “For forgiving me.”

“Why wouldn’t I, Ice?” Hong Kong replied.

There was a short pause, and Hong Kong bit his lower lip awhile before asking, “Can you, like… do me a small favor?”

“What would that be?” Iceland replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wedding on the beach is rather beautiful, beyond anybody’s words. All the guests were eagerly waiting for the groom to arrive, since Philia was walked down the aisle courtesy of America. Estonia was playing on Iceland’s keyboard (which had borrowed with the latter’s permission) a section of TAMUSIC’s version of “Eternal Shrine Maiden.”

Among the guests that are anxiously waiting, though, Norway wondered what would be taking his dear little brother so long. Both of them had accepted and approved of Hong Kong and Philia’s relationship, so there should be no reason for him to “giddy off” with his friend.

But before he could reach a conclusion, Norway took a glance at two familiar figures walking slowly towards the aisle, arm in arm. Eventually, the two figures are revealed to be Hong Kong and Iceland, respectively. Did they decide to walk down arm in arm? Well, whatever the case may be, Norway knows for sure that they will miss each other dearly, so this is likely be their last get-together before Hong Kong and Philia are officially married.

As Iceland and Hong Kong let go, they brushed their hands and fingers together, knowing that this may be the last time they will meet for a very long while. To them, it hurt on the inside, but they know they will meet again someday. They always do.

Originally, Philia was shaky even while America walked her down the aisle. But upon seeing Hong Kong, she felt okay. She has to admit, though, he looks very cool and handsome in that duangua he is wearing.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong thinks that Philia looks very beautiful in the wedding dress Taiwan had made, as well as the bouquet of wisteria and pink roses in hand. She looked like an angel sent from heaven. No, she is an angel. And not just an angel; his own angel. An angel he had loved very deeply for almost a year.

They had stood opposite of the city of Manila as the priest from one of the churches Philia and Luzon go to for worship went through the traditional sayings in English, upon Philia’s request. However, not one of them could focus on the words. Soon they will be husband and wife. It will be one of the most amazing feats the world has ever seen by the people of Hong Kong and Philippines.

At last, it is time to speak their wedding vows, written by themselves. Hong Kong was the first to do so.

“Charice… I would never think I would meet a person amazing and wonderful as you. When we first met in the park, I thought you looked cute in an adorable sense. But, as time went by, I realized that I had become smitten with you.

“Charice, you are the most beautiful girl I’ve met, and I am glad for that. You’ve helped me open my heart to you, you’ve helped me forgive you for the tragic incident on this day, in this city. Not as a nation, but as a person. Together, we have overcome the boundaries of hatred and anguish and despair, so we could come out as two people in love. Next to Emil, you are the light in my darkness. I could not imagine my own world without you or him in it.”

Iceland seemed to blush at the comment Hong Kong made.

“I have no words to say how grateful I am to become your husband. It feels amazing and an honor to be so.”

“Li Xiao,” Philia began next. “I remember the first time I met you, four years ago. You were in a hospital bed, surrounded by machines and tubes in your hand and with an oxygen mask on your face. I could sense your cut was still fresh, in stitches after you had the bullet surgically removed from your heart. In my hand, there was an envelope, with the letter I had written in it, sealed within. I took a breath and walked in, and placed the envelope on your middle. The words I said that day were, ‘Please forgive me.’

“The next day, I decided to come and visit you again, while you were still in a comatose state. Thankfully, the letter has not budged an inch from your body. From that point on, I had talked to you about how life was going on for me and my kuya. Then, without thought, I kissed you on the cheek. And then I left. But while I was walking, I felt really embarrassed that I kissed you while you’re still in a coma.

“But, as time went by, I visited you everyday, talk to you, and give you kisses at the end of my visitation. On each visit, I realized I was falling in love with you, even while you were in a coma, still holding onto the hope that you would read the letter that I had written, and that you would forgive me for it.

“And then, three years later, my feelings for you emerged again, and I got to know the true you: you are kind, loving, easygoing, and also a bit of a daredevil with a devil-may-care attitude.”

Iceland silently exhaled at that notion.

“And best of all, you had forgiven me for the incident that happened on this day, four years ago. This made me fall in love with you even more. I never thought that I would fall in love with you either while you were in a coma, but I am glad I did. And… I never realized this until this point, but… the best part about being with you, is that I get to fall in love with you all over again. And becoming your wife is… it feels amazing. More amazing than anything I could have imagined.

“Li Xiao… thank you. For your forgiveness.”

And then it is time for the wedding rings. Luzon, the appointed ring bearer, walked towards them with two silver rings on a satin tassled cushion and extended his arms slightly extended out. Hong Kong and Philia took the rings and placed them on each other’s fingers, exchanging the famous traditional words of “I do.”

Hong Kong then cupped Philia’s head in hands and pressed his lips against hers. His arms slowly snaked down to wrap themselves around her waist as the other wrapped her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss.

The guests and bridesmaids went into a round of applause and cheered for them. Some yelled enthusiastically, few whistled, others cried in tears of joy, especially Spain, Italy, and Taiwan.

After they are done kissing, Philia threw the bouquet high in the air, with a few of the girls and Italy and Denmark clamoring on who would get to catch it. Taiwan was able to catch it, but stumbled onto Iceland’s person, holding the former to help balance herself.

Upon seeing themselves in this position, a blush began creeping on their faces. Perhaps for once, their suspicions were right about their deep unspoken crushes on one another.

“I think I know who’s going to marry who~!” said Denmark as noticed the two of them like… that.

This made the two blush even harder. “Shut your pie-hole, Mathias,” was all Iceland could say in a steady pace.

“Veee~ Charice~!” said Italy as he embraced the Filipina in a hug.

She then laughed. “Feliciano!”

“Congratulations on your union, you two,” said Japan.

“Thanks!”

“Best wishes of a happy and healthy marriage to you both!” Finland called out.

“The same from me!” said France as well.

“Thank you!” Hong Kong responded.

As soon as Italy let go, Philia was again met with another hug, only this time a little bigger.
“Ohhhhhh~~~ Charice, boss cannot express words how proud he is of you right now!” said Spain enthusiastically.

Philia giggled. “P-Papa, please let of me, you’re hurting me with your hug!”

“Ah! Lo siento!” Spain responded as he let go.

Hong Kong once recalled that the reason behind Philia calling Spain “Papa” was because she described him as like a caring father during her and Luzon’s colonial days. He thought it would be weird that Spain might acknowledge him as his “son-in-law.”

“Congrats to you both,” said Vietnam, who was approaching the newlyweds along with Taiwan.

“Thanks, Kim, Lin Yi,” Hong Kong responded.

“Mmm~ now I have a new sister-in-law!” Taiwan said endearingly. “Now we can talk about girly stuff!”

“Yeah!” Philia said enthusiastically.

“Just not right now, though,” Hong Kong interjected.

“We’ve still got those guys’ wedding to celebrate,” Vietnam added.

“She’s right, you know.”

“Killjoy,” both Taiwan and Philia muttered under their breaths.

Something suddenly clicked in Hong Kong’s mind, and his spine tingled in response. Could someone be here? Wait, how can someone be here when they’re not even invited to begin with? Unless it was an assassin? Why would an assassin come all this way to attempt to kill a nation with they’re already immortal to begin with?

“You guys go on ahead,” Hong Kong told the girls. “I’ve got something I need to do.”

With those words, and before they could respond, Hong Kong jogged off, in hopes that something would ease his nagging, uneasy feeling. He immediately recognized the figure in the distance, hiding behind the restrooms. He stopped in shock. What in the world is he doing here? Why him, of all people? Needless to say, Hong Kong wants answers. Even if it means being possibly disowned by him.

_________________________________________


|China’s P.O.V|

_________________________________________


Though he was the only one not invited--and he was the only one who did not know until Macau told him of this whole ordeal--China only watched the ceremony from the distance. He knew that it would be too late to stop it, but against his own words, he had accepted it. His most precious “child” is being married off to one of his rivals. And not just his rival; he has had a personal grudge against the Philippine twins for allegedly almost killing Hong Kong and put him a coma for six months. It had filled him with such unimaginable despair and anguish and emotional pain he was forced to endure once more during that time. You might think that he was overreacting and acted too protective over Hong Kong. But, it’s a lot more than that.

China himself remembers the first time he and Hong Kong met. It was nearly four thousand years ago, but to China, it felt like yesterday. China was walking along a sandy beach of his land, golden sun shining, exploring new areas of his countryside and looking for new territories or regions to possibly take in. All of a sudden, he had heard small soft sounds, as if from a baby. Thinking it might be a new territory or region, China looked for the source of the sound and to his amazement, he was right. It is coming from a baby. A baby boy lying on the sands wrapped in wool blankets.

With curiosity, China had picked the infant up from the ground and examined him, and the baby looked directly at him with wide, curious eyes. His skin as a very light rosy tint, his eyes gold as the sun, and his hair a slightly different shade of brunette. China thought he looked adorable with his cute chubby face and wide, curious eyes. Without any hesitation, the Chinese nation then took him back to his home, with the goal of raising him into a region.

As time went by, more people had been populating the area China had found his new baby region, and he had been growing rather slowly and steadily. He had gotten to know the little boy as a cheerful and hardworking personality, and often wants to play and go on his shoulders for piggyback rides after each play date with his adoptive siblings. China also took note that he was starting to become more and more like him in physical appearance, almost like a mini version of himself. The boy was also fascinated with martial arts and China had always been glad to teach him a variety of moves. The boy himself was a quick learner, although there are a couple areas of martial arts he had some difficulty with. He also greatly enjoyed his cooking and hearing him recite great Chinese legends of people and animals. He never thought that he would love his younger brother more than he loves his country. He had thought that they would be inseparable as a family. Until the end of the Opium Wars several centuries later.

England was beating down on China on a depressing and foggy day. Hong Kong, only seven years old at the time, watched from behind the doorway. Seeing his master, caretaker, and loving big brother in such a position like that brought tears to his eyes. Having enough and without thinking, Hong Kong darted in front of England, still crying, and yelled at him to leave him and his “gege” alone.

Surprised, but with a sneer, England suddenly grabbed the boy’s wrist and dragged him away, against his will. Hong Kong screamed and cried for China, trying to break free of the Englishman’s grip.

China seemed to run towards him in response, but tripped and fell into the mud where it once rained. As he got up and wiped the mud off his face, he saw that England had disappeared, and so did Hong Kong. Tears had formed into his eyes and screamed to the heavens in agony, which had got him into a long depression, almost an empty shell of what he once was.

When World War II rolled in, China’s depression worsened when Japan betrayed him by slashing him in the back with his katana, leaving him bleeding on the floor, combined with the flowing tears streaming from his face, mixing in with the blood from the cut.

As time went by, his slash had healed, forming into a scar, and tried to move on from Japan’s betrayal after World War II. He focused more on advancing forward to keep himself up with the other wholly developed nations, including America and England. Every time he thought about the latter, though, all he could think about was Hong Kong. The questions he asks every time are, ”What if he’s being abused at Opium’s place?” “What if I never see him again?” He pushed himself not to, in order to advance himself forward into modernizing himself. He could only wonder, though, if the city-state of Hong Kong is advancing as well.

And then finally, 1997 came, on the first of July. Hong Kong was finally granted independence, so its personification is allowed to return to China any time he wishes, which brought joyful tears to China as he wanted to see his younger brother again, with him, in his arms.
However, much to his shock, Hong Kong was no longer the China duplicate he once was a few thousand years ago up until the 1800’s. His ponytail had been cut off and his eyebrows are now thick because of the British influence. What’s worse, he could no longer see the joy in his face and eyes. Emotions were no longer there. His once-bright gold eyes are now dull and tarnished like a gold head of a cane from wear. China fearfully wondered if whatever trauma Hong Kong endured while he was England’s colony robbed him of his emotions. As he had embraced him into a hug, he could hear crying sounds coming from him. Both of them know that it’s wonderful to be reunited once again after 150 years of English reign. To them, those 150 years felt like an agonizing, painful eternity.

The next ten or so years seemed like a rehabilitation period. Noticeably, Hong Kong was initially depressed. China thought it must be the trauma from the horrible abuse he endured (verbal abuse, to be more precise). When he asked him about this, he only replied, “Yes… and something else.” Those last three words confused China at first, but eventually decided to take him to a psychotherapist. The psychotherapist diagnosed him with a moderate form of depression, possibly caused by child abuse. China notioned to her that Hong Kong said something else. Hong Kong responded that it was a boy older than him with “hair white as snow and eyes purple as the evening sky.” When asked again if said boy was a bully, he only replied no that he was a “friend.” The psychotherapist later deduced that whoever this person is, he must be very special to Hong Kong and that said person might be the only one to keep him up.

Since then China had been protective of Hong Kong, often calling him on his cell phone and asked if he is okay, which would often irritate him to no end. From Hong Kong’s viewpoint, China was pretty much of an “overbearing mom.” But, China has to be protective over Hong Kong to make up for not being able to protect him during the Opium Wars.

The only time China had laid off was that Hong Kong got a plane ticket for himself to go on a tour in the Philippine islands, which is a one-week vacation. Little did China know, though, it was another mistake he had made. He realized this when Hong Kong sent him a text with the words, “I love you.” on August 20th, on the day of the Manila tour bus incident. It was enough for China to break down in tears again.

After Hong Kong recovered from his coma, went through rehabilitation and went back home, China had forbade him from seeing or consorting with the Philippines ever again, as a last-ditch effort to make up the mistake he made. All he ever wanted, was to be a good older brother to Hong Kong, even if he becomes overbearing and overprotective.

China was the only one who did not know of Hong Kong’s apparent romantic relationship with Philia until Macau told him the day before their wedding. He felt a mixture of emotions, including panic and anger, but Macau assured him that the two of them loved each other very much and have every right in the world to marry, even if it’s for personal reasons such as for love. Once he figured out the meaning behind Macau’s words, China decided to go to the Philippines. Just so that he could say his last goodbye to Hong Kong.

And there China is right now, watching the whole ceremony from start to finish. As the priest pronounced them husband and wife and when they kissed, the guests invited applauded and cheered for them. Somehow, deep down, he had felt happy for them.

He was thinking about leaving until Hong Kong approached him, which is the last thing he had expected, with the look of surprise in his eyes.

_____________________________________

|Neutral P.O.V|

_____________________________________

“Teacher?” asked Hong Kong. “What in the world are you doing here? I get it, you’re like, pissed at me for dating Charice behind your back even if you forbade me to do so. Look, it’s not like I couldn’t help it, okay?”

“You’re right, aru,” said China. “You really couldn’t help it, could you?”

Hong Kong stared at him, slightly wide-eyed. “Well, you still haven’t answered by question.”

China sighed, searching in his head to find the right words. “I came here… to say goodbye, aru.”

This time Hong Kong looked more surprised. “Seriously? You came all the way here just to say that?”

“That’s not all of it, Hong Kong, aru,” said China. Then he took Hong Kong’s hand in his. “Hong Kong… I know I’ve been overprotective of you for all those years, aru. But… the reason behind it all is that…” He swallowed. “I’ve had my heart broken far too many times. As such, the reason I forbade you to see the Philippines ever again was because that my heart can’t take being shattered yet again, aru. And I know… I did not always did my best with you. One of the things that I am truly sorry about, aru.”

Hong Kong was still initially surprised at China’s response. The reason behind all that is because he doesn’t want this heart broken ever again? Then again… it does make a lot of sense otherwise.

“Teacher,” he began. “It’s okay. You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. Kim, Hyung-soo and Yong-soo, Lin Yi and Kiku may have left you because of the war, but for me… I’m only leaving you, so that I can be with the one person I truly love with all my heart and my life.”

China’s face morphed into a sad but satisfied smile. “Yes. Apparently, you are, aru.”

With those words, the two Chinese nations embraced each other in a passionate hug. This could probably be the last hug they would get from each other, but there is a possibility that they would meet again.

“I love you, teacher,” Hong Kong whispered the words.

However, China had heard them, and felt tempted to let the tears flow down. Those three words were different from the last time that he was texted them four years ago today.

They steadily let go, looking at each other one last time, and Hong Kong walked away and then jogged to the others, a few of them asking them wondering what he was doing at the corner of the restrooms.

“Saying goodbye to someone,” was all that he had replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The newlyweds cuddled with each other in Philia’s bed, in the nude, content after their post-wedding sex. First, things had finally worked out between both their countries, and next thing they knew, they are married on the day of the tragedy. Their marriage symbolizes as a way to honor the Hongkongers lost and never forget them in their name. It was amazing on how well the Hongkongers and Filipinos took their marriage and saw it as further atonement for the tour bus incident. They could only wonder how in the world that a tragic incident such as this, leading Hong Kong into a six-month coma led them to this strange but wonderful conclusion. Only Hong Kong knows for sure: it was truly worth the risk. Everything is, including overcoming the barriers of negativity. Memories flashed within Hong Kong’s mind up until this point where he lies in bed with his new beloved wife. Including the red string of fate Koishi Komeiji had showed him one day.

Perhaps for once, France is right. It was fate that truly brought him and Philia together, till his point. And he only has him and Koishi Komeiji to thank for that.




~*The End*~