This is it, readers. This is the epilogue, the final chapter of 'The Weakest Link'.

I just want to thank everyone who reviewed/faved/followed this story. You guys are so awesome, and your kind words have motivated me to write.

I started this all the way back in 2012, and while writing this was not always easy, I am glad I managed to complete it.

In particular, I want to thank Obiwanlivesforever and bow-of-burning-gold for drawing the two cover images that this story has used over the years. (Check out their awesome art, guys!)

Shout-out to TeamLNMM and YYLovergirl1 for previewing the chapters before I posted them; I loved hearing your thoughts. (Obiwanlivesforever also got sneak peeks, so big thanks go to her, as well.)

And while this story is ending, I was thinking of potentially writing some oneshots set in this universe, since there's so much more character development I can explore.

And now, without further ado, the epilogue…

*Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya.*

Chapter 28: Epilogue

One year later…

Latvia sighed as he rested his head on Iceland's shoulder. The mist from the waterfalls below where they were sitting made the air foggy and almost…magical.

"Are you enjoying Gullfoss?" From his position, Latvia could feel Iceland's voice as much as he could hear it.

Latvia said nothing, only closing his eyes and nodding. The year hadn't been an easy one—he could never get as much sleep as he needed, and his body was still getting used to being out of captivity—but being with Iceland had made it more bearable.

"I know I've said this before," Latvia began quietly, "but thank you for letting me live with you all these months. I don't know what I would have done if they made me stay in Riga by myself…"

Iceland shifted positions so he could wrap his arms around the shorter Nation. "It was no trouble. And since Hauksson was impeached for hiring someone to shoot Õnnela Tarvas, no one from my country was against it."

"I still can't believe he was poisoning your food!" Latvia exclaimed, frowning. "He was hurting you even before we were taken."

"He's gone now, though." Iceland gently squeezed Latvia's shoulder. "And speaking of my government welcoming you, how did yours take the news? You never told me."

Latvia couldn't help it; he winced. After he had left Denmark's house, he found being in Riga unbearable. Not only did he feel sick after seeing the signs of the bombing, but sleeping and eating were nearly impossible. All he could think about was Fletcher and his time in captivity. His eyes were almost always watering, and even the slightest unexpected noise sent him into panic attacks. All the progress he made at Denmark's house went POOF. Gone in a blink. And while eating and sleeping were extremely difficult, completing paperwork and other Nation assignments was impossible.

His boss was incredibly concerned, and when Latvia begged the man to let him stay with Iceland, he immediately agreed. The rest of his government was a different story, especially given the fact that a few of them had the idea that Latvia and Iceland were more than just friends. They were against the idea until their arguing and constant slamming fists onto tables sent Latvia into a very bad and very visible anxiety attack. Jansons helped him pack enough clothes to last for awhile, and he was sent off to Iceland that night.

"It was mixed," Latvia finally responded, not looking the silver-haired Nation in the eyes. "Some thought it was scandalous, but my boss was able to convince them that it would help me."

"And is it?" Iceland looked concerned, and he tipped Latvia's chin up gently so that their eyes met.

Latvia nodded. "You're helping me more than you could possibly imagine. I…I just hope I'm doing the same for you."

"You are," Iceland responded softly, a rare, vulnerable expression on his face. "I can sleep better, for one thing. It's still difficult for me to do so alone. And with you here, it lets me know that we survived, and that this isn't just a trick Fletcher played on us." He tightened his grip on Latvia. "When I first got back from Denmark's and tried to sleep, I panicked. When I woke up with no one beside me, I automatically assumed the scientists had taken you away."

There were tears in Iceland's eyes, now. "You being here is helping me as much as it's helping you. Don't ever think that you're a burden, because you're not!"

Feeling unusually bold, Latvia quickly kissed Iceland. Before he could filter his words, he blurted, "I love you." And he meant it. But he was worried he said it too soon in the relationship; his throat got tight, and he pulled away, ashamed.

He was surprised when Iceland reached for him and pulled him back embracing him tightly. The following kiss was powerful, yet still gentle, though the passion in it was obvious to Latvia.

When they finally ended it to take a breath, Iceland smiled, something the island Nation hadn't done in awhile. "I…I think I love you, too."

Latvia felt his face stretch into a smile, his hand finding Iceland's and intertwining their fingers.

As they sat silently, the beauty of Gullfoss in front of them, Latvia finally felt some tension leave his chest. Though his experiences could not be compared to the plots of his favorite novels, he finally began to realize that a happy ending was possible. It would take a lot of work, and there would most certainly be more hardships in his path, but happiness was within his reach.

/

"I've been thinking a lot about this," Sealand began, much to the interest of Sweden and Finland. The three of them, plus Ladonia, had been living together ever since Sealand left Copenhagen, though Finland flew back to Helsinki once a week to do his paperwork.

"I think I understand why you and Sweden never discussed your deaths with me."

Finland nearly choked on his coffee; he was not expecting this.

"Peter?"

"Back then, I thought that Nations dying and coming back was the coolest thing ever. Ladonia and I would talk about it all the time. But I was wrong…" He clenched his fists. "Dying hurt a lot, and it was scary. I didn't want it to happen again."

He bit his lip. "But it was even worse seeing my friends die. Especially Raivis. Did you know I was supposed to be the one sliced open, in the beginning? Raivis stuck up for me, and sacrificed himself so I could stay alive. I can still hear his screams…"

Sweden gently pulled the micronation to his chest, stroking his hair, trying to stop his panic before it started.

"I miss them. I tried to hang out with Ladonia, but it's not the same anymore. He just doesn't get it!"

"He's young, Peter," Sweden gently reminded him. "As're you. But you've been through so much. Too much. An' it wasn't fair. But you're safe now, an' that's'll that matters."

Sweden wasn't usually a man of many words, but Sealand needed him to be one.

Finland nodded. "He's right. You're safe now. Latvia is safe now. So are Estonia and Iceland." He brushed away one of Sealand's tears. "In fact, I was talking to Lithuania, Norway, and Denmark the other day, and we all agree that the four of you should get together for a week. You get to pick the destination."

"Really?"

The look on Sealand's face almost made Finland cry.

"Yes, really."

"I love you guys."

Finland gave up holding his tears back and let them fall down his cheeks. When he looked at Sweden, he saw that he was crying as well.

"Now, go on," Finland said once he was able to speak. "You left Ladonia in the middle of your chess game. I'm sure he's getting pouty."

"Fine," Sealand grumbled, though there was a new, amused glint in his eyes. "Raivis taught me well; I am so gonna beat Ladonia. And next time I see Arthur, I'll beat him, too."

After Sealand left the room, Finland embraced Sweden, who leaned down to kiss him.

"He'll be all right," Sweden murmured between kisses. "He jus' needs time."

"And we can give him that," Finland agreed, pressing himself closer to his partner. "We can definitely give him that."

/

"I want to show you something." America took Lithuania by the hand and gently pulled him over to a field of flowers. The two had come to South Africa to talk to the personification about possible Sunrise Party activity, but they also got a vacation out of it.

"Alfred, it's very pretty, but why?"

"It's a grave," he said slowly, biting his lip, pointing to a small memorial that one would have missed if they weren't looking for it. "To honor a friend of mine. She was a hero."

As they sat amongst the flowers, America introduced Lithuania to Amelie. By the end of the story, both Nations were in tears. After their eyes could cry no more, they shakily stood up, intertwining their fingers.

"It was an honor to know her," America finally said, exhaling deeply. "Even though she was only around for a short time, I miss her."

Lithuania said nothing, though he squeezed America's hand gently. The two stared out into the flowers until their legs got stiff.

/

Though he felt rude for it, Denmark found himself staring at a just-waking Estonia. He was the last of the four captured Nations in Denmark's house, though he didn't mind. Luckily, his boss was okay with it. The bespectacled Nation was clothed only in a pair of thin shorts, since he found sleeping in more clothing to be constricting, so Denmark could see every scar, some fading, some fresher. As his eyes moved to his lower back, the Dane sighed. A few months before, Estonia had surgery to get Strike's cruel handiwork removed, covered by new skin.

"I'm so weak," Estonia had spat, digging his nails into his palms. "I should have been able to get over this, but I…I couldn't stand to have it on my skin anymore. I felt dirty, because of it!"

As the shorter Nation broke down crying, Denmark had held him, whispering that there was no shame or weakness in removing the brands and if anything, it showed strength.

"Is there something wrong?" Estonia's soft voice snapped Denmark out of his thoughts. "You're staring at me." He flipped over onto his back, grabbing his glasses from the nightstand.

Before he could really think about what he was saying, his response was, "You're beautiful."

Estonia's eyes widened, and he pulled the blankets back over him. "You're wrong," he muttered. "My skin's too thin, and I'm covered in these awful scars. I'm appealing to no one."

"Who said that?" Denmark demanded, though not unkindly.

"Fletcher," Estonia whispered. "That's all he said to me. Even as he killed me…"

"Well, he's wrong. Very, very wrong. Scars don't make a person ugly, Eduard. And, for the record, you are beautiful. Your eyes, your hair, your personality? You? All beautiful."

"Mathias…" Estonia shifted closer to Denmark, who wrapped his arm around him. "Thank you."

Denmark nodded, changing positions so that he faced the thinner blond. He was hesitant to say what he was about to ask out loud, but he said it before he lost his nerve. "Can I kiss you?"

Estonia's eyes widened in surprise again, though this time, it was a positive one. "Yes," he murmured.

End.

So, this is the end. I hoped you all enjoyed the story, and that the ending was worth the wait!