"... and he even bought me a new wok, aru," China exclaimed proudly. He was showing said wok to Rome and Germania, who had come to say goodbye to him.

"It's very nice," Germania commented. Rome just grinned.

"Shi, it is," China replied happily. "It's the nicest one I've ever seen, aru."

"It's wonderful that the two of you have reconciled, you and Kiku," Rome remarked.

"Oh, it is," China replied. "And it was good to see him again... but I wonder, why now? After all this time, aru." At that, Rome's face turned bright red and he coughed a little... Germania glared at him. China looked at them both suspiciously...

"Romulus... what did you say to him, aru?" China asked. Germania started to say something, but Rome quickly grabbed his arm.

"I just told him that it would be nice if he'd make peace with you, " Rome answered hurriedly. China frowned... Rome giggle nervously. "Well, Yao, we must be on our way. It was so nice to see you," and with that he hustled Germania out the door, leaving China shaking his head as they departed.

"As full of mischief as ever, aru," China muttered, with a wry smile.

On the way out, Germania asked in an exasperated tone, "Romulus, what was that?"

"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Rome retorted. "All that matters is that they're on good terms again."

"Gott..." Germania muttered, slapping his own forehead.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Later that day, Rome and Germania's families gathered at Sweden's home to see them off. The mood was much more subdued, but at least everyone was getting along- even Turkey, who usually got along with no one.

"Papa, we are all going to miss you so much," France told Rome. His eyes were watering... "I hope you come to visit again very soon." Spain, Greece, Egypt, and Turkey all nodded in agreement.

"Nonno, we wish you could stay longer," Italy said in a pitiful little voice. He was leaning on Romano, who was fighting to contain his emotions. "Come back again soon? Please?" Romano just bit his lip and tightened his arm around his brother's shoulders.

The Germans, who were usually so stoic, were also having a hard time staying composed. "... 'll h'p' y' c'n c'm 'r'n'd 'g'n," Sweden said to Germania. "Y'r' l'v'ng f'r t' s'n. W' l'v' y'..." Sweden drew a deep breath and continued, "W' w'r gl'd t' h'v y' b'th... w' 'll w'sh y' d'dn't h'v' t' l'v'." It was a lot of effort for Sweden to speak so much in front of others... Germania smiled and patted his cheek.

"Ja, Vati," Austria said quietly. "It seems like you just got here." Hungary had returned just in time to meet her father-in-law, who was surprised to find that the wild little boy that used to torment his sons had grown into a lovely young woman. She, too, looked sad to see him leave.

Liechtenstein was openly crying. "G-goodbye, Opa," she sniffled... Switzerland moved to console her, but he too looked close to tears.

"I feel like I'm finally getting to know you, and now you're leaving," Germany said a little despondently. He felt a little cheated that he didn't get to spend more time with his father.

The worst, however, was Prussia. "Nein, Vati," he blubbered, clinging to Germania. "Don't leave us... bitte..."

"My babies... my precious children..." Germania struggled to keep his voice even. "I will come see you again." Rome said nothing, just began hugging his loved ones with tears streaming down his face.

After some time, the two reluctantly took their leave and with both families standing at the door waving goodbye sadly, they departed for the afterlife.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"I wonder if the Big Guy even noticed we were gone," Rome remarked as he and Germania sat side by side. They'd just recounted their adventures to Gaul, Britannia, and Hellas.

"I am sure that he did," Germania replied jokingly. "Without you here, it was probably very quiet.

Rome pretended to pout. "Now that hurt," he quipped. "I thought you were my best friend."

"Well, it is true," Germania retorted, lightly slapping Rome on the arm, who just laughed.

"You have to admit, that was fun," Rome continued. "We need to do that again sometime..." Germania groaned.

"Gott, Romulus, I need to recover from this time," he answered, lying back on the grass and closing his eyes.

"All right, old man," Rome countered, poking his friend. "But it was good to see them all again."

"Ja," Germania replied with a smile. It was very good to see them again."

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Aaand... fin! So sad it's over. Sorry for the long time between updates. I've been really busy at work... and in my free time... I sleep. So... yeah.

Germania facepalming! He learned something from his kids, huh?

Swe-speak, translated: "We all hope you can come round again. You're leaving far too soon. We love you... we were glad to have you both. We wish you didn't have to leave..."

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Rome: You know what we never did?

Germania: What?

Rome: We never went to Sea World.

Germania: Aww, you're right! We didn't. Maybe next time? *looks hopefully at Lady*

Rome: Si, and Vegas too...

Germania: Ja, and Ve... what? Nein! Not Vegas. We are not going to gamble, remember how much money you used to lose gambling before?

Rome: *playing dumb* No...

Lady: You guys have run me ragged trying to keep up with you, not to mention eating all my potato chips! *Germania looks guilty* And my ice cream! *Rome looks guilty this time* I think the two of you are going to stay in the afterlife for a while where you can't get into any trouble.

Rome and Germania: *okay face*

Lady: Good boys... but I am going to miss you.

Rome: So, can we go to Vegas next time?

Lady: *facepalm*