Chapter 9

Korea grabbed his now wife's shoulder, pulling their bodies together, and kissed her on the lips. But not for too long, he could feel everyone staring at them, which was definitely kind of awkward. So they broke of the kiss and Korea, who had decided to be a troublemaker, picked Liechtenstein up and carried her down the aisle, twirling like a madman as he did so. He was a little bit crazy after all the stress he had been through. Don't blame him. The nations at that point were all standing, clapping, and laughing. Some were laughing at Korea's antics, others were laughing out of relief, that nothing had gone horribly wrong. They all started filing out, and were eagerly awaiting the after party.

A reception, with alcohol, and most of the European and Asian nations. What could possibly go wrong?

The reception was in the other end of the castle- the only section with a hall big enough to accommodate the proceedings. The nations filed into the room, most of them quickly going for the wine, champagne and beer that had been brought by France and Germany, respectively. As soon as Korea had set Liechtenstein down, Poland and Switzerland had swooped in and ushered her away, uttering words of congratulations and praise, mostly on Poland's part. Liechtenstein ignored them for the most part, glancing out around the room, her smile quickly fading as she glanced around at all the other countries. "Lili. Like, what's wrong? Hey, look at me!"

"Where's... where's Belgium? And Germany? And Canada?" Liechtenstein glanced around, but she didn't see them anywhere. Then, all of a sudden, as if it had been on cue, the doors to the hall opened once again with a giant creek, and half of the nations turned to face them. From the hallway Canada emerged, one of his eyes looking slightly bruised, but a giant smile on his face nonetheless. Belgium trailed slightly behind him, and their hands were intertwined. When Liechtenstein noticed this, she smiled again. "Hey, look who finally manned the fuck up!" Lili called out loudly, which caused the room to erupt in laughter, except for Switzerland, who glared at Liechtenstein instead.

"Don't swear, Liechtenstein. It's not polite." Switz reminded gently, but his little sister merely shrugged. From somewhere behind them, Greece started to play something on the piano (where on earth had Austria ended up?), and Norway grabbed the mic. Although his Chinese wasn't perfect, he'd spent a long time trying to learn the song, and a lot of time with China trying to get the accent right. Everyone seemed to shift away from the bride and groom, leaving a path between them and the dance floor. Liechtenstein glanced back at Poland and Switzerland nervously, but Poland nudged her forwards.

"Go on," Poland murmured. "It's your first dance. And don't go saying, 'I can't dance'- it's ballroom dancing. No one knows how to do it, You just, like, learn as you go."

Liechtenstein stepped over to Korea, her face reddening all over again. "I really can't dance," she murmured sadly. All those dance lessons Switz had sent her too – for the sake of being 'a proper lady'– hadn't paid off at all. "B-but I guess we kind of have to, huh?"

Korea led Liechtenstein out onto the dance floor. "It's ok, I can't dance either." Which was the truth but also a lie. Korea could dance. But not ballroom dancing. Any other style - hell, he could probably do an interpretive dance if need be. No one really learned ballroom dancing anymore, unless you were forced to. Or weird. Suffice to say, their first dance wasn't exactly dancing. It started out as them clumsily stepping on each other's feet. Deciding that that wasn't really working out so well, they both started swaying to the music, not really dancing, but not just standing their either. It was just them; and it felt as if no one else was watching. While in reality that was untrue, it was a nice thought while it lasted.

The song ended and they went back to their table to sit down. It seemed like it had been forever since they had last seen each other. Nations, although they meant well, kept on interrupting them, and with preparations for the wedding taking up most of their time, both Korea and Liechtenstein hadn't really had any time alone. Many nations came up to them and offered their congratulations, sometimes including a hug (or a kiss for both if you're France), all of which were gratefully accepted.

A new song started playing; it was time for the father and daughter dance. All the female nations (and some of the male ones) got their tissues at the ready.

"China!" Holland stepped over to the elder nation, smiling warmly, while muttering something in Dutch before glancing towards Liechtenstein and Korea. "So, I was wondering. After all this craziness is over, do you think I could come for a visit? My bosses have been breathing down my neck for me to discuss an increase in the output of porcelain to my country. They want to start getting it from Spain." Holland's voice was dripping with anger, although he attempted to hide it. "But I insisted the best china comes from, well, China, and they agreed to let me talk it out with you first."

"Sure, you're welcome anytime, aru." China had to be diplomatic towards the Dutch nation, because although he kind of gave China the creeps, he couldn't afford to lose any major exports.

Liechtenstein stepped towards Switzerland, but to her surprise he stepped out of the way, revealing a very stunned looking Germany. He stepped towards Liechtenstein, gazing down at her with a smile. All of the resentment and anger he'd had since he'd returned (apparently, he and Canada had gotten in a little skirmish over Belgium earlier) seemed to melt away, revealing a gaze of all the love and affection only a father could feel. "You know, Lili, your named after Lily of the Valley. She used to be my horse. And dapple gray holsteiners are my favorite breed too." Liechtenstein gazed over at Switzerland, a hopelessly confused look on her face.

"This is the father-daughter dance. Don't you want to dance with your father?" Switzerland muttered, gazing away. He sounded, and looked, like he was about to start crying all over again. "E-excuse me." Switzerland excused himself over to the corner, where Poland and Hungary had been watching in anticipation. He turned his back towards Germany and Liechtenstein- not wanting to see the dance that should have been his given away to his Germanic counterpart. Liechtenstein felt her heart burst- Korea was telling the truth? She had a mother? And a father? Germany gazed after Switzerland and rolled his eyes.

"I'm sorry we've never told you... but you're still my little girl, kiddo." He reached out and patted the top of her head gently, making sure not to mess up her hair. "But I couldn't keep you. I know this is putting a lot on you all at once, but... Belgium and I always loved you. That's why we never told you about us- we wanted you to think Switzerland saved you from some horrible fate. We wanted him to be your knight in shining armor," Germany glanced towards Korea and frowned slightly. "But I guess that plan backfired."

Germany took Liechtenstein's hand and led her over to Switzerland, who hadn't seen them coming. He let Liechtenstein go, gazing off at the other wall. "Hey, Switzerland. Don't you want to have your dance?" Switzerland jumped and turned around, eyes red from crying.

"What are you talking about? Idiot. She's your-" Germany nudged Lili closer to him, and she reached out and took Vasch's hand. Switzerland glanced over at her, falling silent.

"She's not my little girl anymore. She's been your little girl for as long as she remember, and this dance doesn't belong to anyone except you and her." Germany rejoined Italy and Romano in the crowed. Switzerland stood there frozen for a moment, then stepped out onto the dance floor, Liechtenstein following at his side. Unlike Korea, Switzerland did know how to ballroom dance – in fact, he'd been the one to teach Liechtenstein what she knew (or, was supposed to know anyway).

"You're an idiot. You should be dancing with Germany. You're his daughter," Switzerland sounded slightly angry, but Liechtenstein caught the hint of relief in his voice. Liechtenstein simply smiled at the comment, which prompted an angry response from Switzerland. "Why are you smirking? It's not funny!"

"Oh, Bruder. There's a big difference between a parent and a father." Liechtenstein nodded slightly, but she was only met by confusion on Switzerland's part. "A parent is someone who's name is on your birth certificate. A father is someone... who chases away the monsters under the bed. Who chases away all the scary things. Who soothes the darkest dreams. A father is someone who teaches you how to ride a bike. Who fixes all your scrapes and bruises. Who builds pillow forts with you. And who takes you fishing. And who braids your hair every day even though you don't have a mother to do it for you. Who goes dress shopping with you. A father is someone who sits at the kiddy table with you and talks to the empty chairs and serves the invisible tea. A father is someone who cures you when you're sick. Who makes you happy when you're sad. Who reads you bed time stories and tells you you're the most wonderful person on this whole earth. Who never gives up on you even if the whole rest of the world does." Liechtenstein suddenly stopped dancing, forcing Switz to stop too. She gave him the tightest hug she could muster, and suddenly she started crying too. "A daddy is someone who doesn't want to let you go when you get to the end of the aisle because he loves you more than all the stars in the sky. A daddy is someone who is willing to step aside and give his dance away to someone else because he thinks it will make you happy. A daddy is someone who gives you the world and doesn't except or want you to give any of it back. A father is someone you love more than anyone on earth."

The rest of the countries were quiet, or crying themselves, while Switzerland and Liechtenstein tried to compose themselves. The song ended, and Liechtenstein finally released her brother. The two of them stepped back towards the crowd, and Lili stepped over to Korea. "I-I think we should go cut the cake now."

Liechtenstein and Korea grabbed the knife after Belgium helped them remove the top tier of the cake- England and America insisted they had to freeze it and eat it on their first anniversary, "Or the christening of your first child- whichever comes first ha-ha!", Switzerland had smacked him upside the head for that comment. Liechtenstein, on the other hand, merely smiled and answered gently with, "I don't think we'll get them baptized. We'll probably just end up waiting until they're older; then they can chose for themselves what to do." It took a moment for the rest of the countries to register what she'd said – Estonia and France were among the first, the latter of whom nearly choked on the wine he was drinking. There was an uproar of chatter, but it soon died down as the newlyweds cut into the cake.

With a mischievous grin, Liechtenstein reached forward and grabbed the piece they'd cut off the plate, and smooshed it in Korea's face. The Western Nations all burst out laughing, some of them who had cameras taking pictures. Poland had a fit about Liechtenstein getting some on Korea's clothing – which he'd taken forever to make – but eventually he too was laughing. The Eastern Nations, for their part, looked completely horrified at the spectacle.

But they were happy. And for now, so was everyone else.

I love you. Forever and for always. The letters were all lies. Everything about his existence was a lie- he knew that full well now. He knew that full well. But they'd be sorry- they'd all be sorry. A twisted smile appeared on his face as he hoisted himself up onto the holsteiner's back, urging him on down the path. The castle behind him feigned kindness; the basis for all his happiness as a child was preserved in that castle, as well as in Bern. This place had been his place, her place, their place. But now it was tainted with her love for another. It would always be remembered as their place in his mind, but everyone else would see it as their place. His teeth gritted together, almost painfully, as he urged the dappled beast onwards, into the gardens. They'd been neglected ever since Liechtenstein had started seeing Korea- and the flowers who once bloomed so beautifully this time of year seemed nonexistent. Of course, there were flowers- their blooming was as unstoppable as the turning of the tides. But to him, the one who knew this place as if it was the very fabric of his existence – and in many ways, it was – he could see it. The vines of the ivy had become greedy, and with no one there to stop them, to re-direct them and make them grow as they should, they had begun to strangle the lilies. Irony, sweet irony. The roses were doing well, though, for he had taken care of them himself in Liechtenstein's absence. The roses were her favorite. He thought if he'd taken care of things, she'd be happy and love him again. He was a fool. He brought Scout up to a canter, attempting to jump him over a fence. The horse resisted, suddenly stopping and backing away from the fence. "It's a jump you...

...stupid beast! Walk on!" Latvia was flustered. The palomino Tori he was riding – a gift he'd received from Estonia for his birthday – had refused to jump over the garden's fence. Although the fence was low, it seemed his horse had no idea what it was doing. He looked back at Liechtenstein, who was riding what appeared to be just a mixed breed little pony. "My horse is broken." He smiled weakly, turning the horse around. Liechtenstein burst out laughing, dismounting and walking over to where Latvia was riding.

"Off." She commanded. Latvia looked down at her, confused. "Oh, come on. Get off, Ravis. Let me have a talk with her." Latvia rolled his eyes, dismounting as well and walking over to where Liechtenstein's horse was standing, grabbing his reins. Liechtenstein smiled up at the Tori, patting her forehead. "Now. What's all this nonsense?" Liechtenstein smiled broadly, running her hand down the horse's neck. She quickly checked all the horse's legs, feeling for any warm spots or bumps, and upon determining there was nothing physically wrong, she walked back and patted the horse's cheek. "You're just being stubborn." The horse snorted, and Liechtenstein frowned. "Yes. You are." She poked at the equine's shoulder, and the horse shifted away.

"Your owner is insane," Latvia murmured to the pony, who shook his head as if he was agreeing. Liechtenstein glanced back with a glare, and Latvia gazed off towards the sky, whistling innocently.

"Your owner clearly just doesn't know how to handle you," Liechtenstein murmured, mounting the Tori. Latvia's eyes went wide as she brought the pale horse back around, then up to a trot.

"You're not going to get her to jump. Estonia didn't have her trained for jumping. She's a cart horse. Lili- listen to me!" Liechtenstein didn't listen. She brought the Tori up to a canter, headed for the fence. Latvia panicked. "You're going to run right through it- are you an idiot!" But Lili didn't stop; and after a moment of what appeared to be hesitation, the mare hurled herself over the fence, landing both she and Liechtenstein safely on the other side. Liechtenstein slowed her to a walk, then brought her back to the fence, a snarky smile appearing on the young girl's face.

"You were saying?"

"You just got lucky!" Lili laughed and opened the gate, and a very embarrassed-looking Latvia hoisted himself up on the mixed breed pony, trotting him to the other side. Liechtenstein giggled again, but he merely rolled his eyes. "You really do have a way with these guys." He patted the pony's neck. "You could be even better than Belgium or France."

"France can't even get his own horse to listen to him." Liechtenstein reminded gently, urging the Tori to walk on.

"That horse. Have you even met it? It's like, the demon spawn of Satan or something." Liechtenstein burst out laughing all over again, and Latvia brought his new mount up to a trot and caught up with her. "I'm serious! I thought it was going to kill me when Russia took me to France's house. It was super scary." Latvia shuddered at the memory.

"You've gotta stop being such a scaredy cat!" Liechtenstein frowned. "You've gotta be reserved sometimes, Laddie. But other times you've just gotta man up! Speak your mind!"

"Don't call me Laddie." Latvia murmured, glancing away. He faltered in his posting and somehow managed to lose a stirrup, crashing down into the saddle. The pony spooked, bucking harshly. Latvia went flying over his head, and the pony ran off. Liechtenstein dismounted quickly, rushing over to where he was laying in the dirt. The Baltic sat up quickly, holding his head.

"Are you alright?" Liechtenstein cooed, kneeling down next to him.

Latvia pushed her away. "I don't need help!" He growled, looking away.

"You hit your head." Liechtenstein gazed at him sadly. They sat there in silence for a moment, until Liechtenstein leaned foreword quickly and kissed the part of his forehead that was bruising gently. "Getting help doesn't make you weak, Laddie. Neither does being called cute nicknames. You're not like everyone else, Ravis. You may be small; but you are not weak. You may be someone's underling; but you are not an idiot. You have great strength, and great smarts. You're like a serval; you seem so small and insignificant that the rest of the world counts you out as powerful. But in reality, you hold great power, and are just lurking in the shadows, waiting for a reason to use it."

Latvia sat there in silence for a moment, beet red, before speaking up again. "Es mīlu tevi." He murmured, reaching up and adjusting her hairband.

Liechtenstein smiled softly. "Tu es comme un frere pour moi." Latvia frowned slightly. He hadn't meant that. He loved her; he wanted her to love him. Not pity him.

Latvia had dismounted, and was sitting on the edge of one of the giant stone fountains that lined the garden. He glanced at his own reflection in the water, catching his own gaze. "I just wanted to be the one to make you as happy as you made me," he murmured, tears forming in his eyes. "But I can't even make myself happy. How did I expect to make you happy?" He slunk down to the cobblestone path, leaning his arms against the fountain's edge. "I can't even make myself happy." He started crying, and sat there for a long time, until a voice snapped him out of his self-loathing.

"Hey!" Latvia suddenly felt himself being pounced on. He shrieked, trying to shove whoever had tackled him away. It was to no avail, and he soon found himself practically shoved onto the ground. "Big Brother told me that someone needed cheering up, so cheer up!" Latvia gazed up, expecting to be met with a look of hatred or anger- but he was met with only a bright smile and kindness.

"...Cyprus?" Latvia's eyes widened. He'd never actually met the young nation in person; he'd only heard about him through the grapevine. He was TRNC's younger brother, as well as Greece's... well, Latvia wasn't sure how the two of them were related. He supposed it was like Liechtenstein and Switzerland; not related by blood.

"Big Brother said you were sad. So, I says to myself, Cyprus! No one's gonna be sad with you around! So here I am!" Cyprus let him up. "You're going to be my friend now. I just hope you know that." Cyprus looked out at the gardens with a frown. "Jesus, this place needs to be taken care of! Do you like gardening? Oh well, you're going to help me fix this place up anyway. What's your favorite kind of flower? Roses are my favorite."

"...roses are my favorite."

A/N: Sorry for the short chapter that was mostly flashback/filler. This fic is going to end soon, unfortunately. Reviews are treated like porcelain. Carefully.