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Marrying was common between the countries. A lot of those marriages didn’t last, but a few did. That’s why Netherlands wasn’t actually concerned at first. He figured that the marriage between Prussia and Canada wouldn’t last long. France of all people arranged it after all, he had nothing to worry about.
But when he’s standing in front of a mirror, trying to remain collected, everything seems just a little bit too real.
Canada gets up with a groan, clearly not satisfied with what’s about to happen. He moves towards Netherlands, obviously feeling his discomfort. He glances in the mirror, just watching Netherlands. Canada pulls him close, and fixes his tie.
“I’m so sorry, Neth.”
It’s just a whisper, but it's still a comfort.
“It’s okay. It’s not your fault. It never was.” Netherlands responds.
There’s a brief silence between them, a moment of peace before the day would begin. They pull each other close, and hug tightly, before Canada starts talking again.
“I need to go now. I’ll see you at the wedding.” Canada pulls away, leaving Neth alone in the room.
Netherlands sinks onto his bed, just to think for a moment. Well, the thinking’s not going very well, with America and Britain screaming at each other, so loudly it can be heard through the wall. The ceremony was starting in an hour. Physically, he was prepared, but mentally, he was not.
He’s just going to power through it. He’s the best man, after all. If there’s anyone who needs to stay composed, it’s him.
Two knocks sound at the door of his room.
He gets up, knowing exactly who it is. It’s Japan. Even Japan seems better prepared than he is. They greet each other and bow.
They walk down the hallway, and Japan breaks the silence.
“There’s a carriage waiting for us. China is already outside. There’s also another country we had to bring, but don’t worry about her. She’s a very nice person.”
Netherlands follows the Japanese woman outside. China was waiting outside, fiddling with her yellow qipao. She grins at Japan, and steps into the carriage. Japan enters after China, and Netherlands goes in last.
Japan was right about another country joining them.
“Who’s this?” He asks.
“This is Joseon Dynasty.” Japan responds.
Light conversation filled the carriage, distracting Netherlands from what was about to come. The rest of the ride went smoothly, and they arrived at the church shortly after. Netherlands couldn’t stop his hands from shaking, so he put them in his pockets to not seem suspicious.
Austria was already there when the carriage arrived. She was the maid of honour, and she didn’t seem concerned about anything going wrong.
China, Joseon and Japan went inside. Malaysia arrived shortly after. She was the ring bearer after all, she couldn’t afford to be late. Poland, the flower girl, came with her. They all greet each other, and have a conversation about something. Netherlands doesn’t actually remember what it was about.
Vatican City came out of a bush– strangely. Apparently he had been there the entire time.
More guests arrived, but everything just seemed like a blur to Netherlands. All the groomsmen and bridesmaids had arrived by this point. Austria struck up a conversation with the other bridesmaids- Acadia, New Zealand and Fiji. The other groomsmen also started to talk to each other, but Netherlands just zoned out the entire time.
“Is that the music starting? I can’t tell.” Australia pointed out. Everyone was looking for Canada at this point.
“Am I late?”
Neth turned around faster than lightning. He wanted to say something, but Vatican City interrupted him before he could.
“A little. But we need to start now!”
Vatican walked through the main entrance first, and he was followed by Britain and France.
While everyone entered, Netherlands had a good look at Canada. He loved the way Canada’s suit was tailored. It showed off his best curves. Canada grinned at him when he noticed Netherlands looking.
Canada entered next. Acadia linked arms with Netherlands, and they walked in together. All the other bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the ring bearer and the flower girl entered after them. Poland was having a wild time throwing around flower petals, and Malaysia held both of the rings on a velvet pillow, careful not to trip over those flower petals.
Prussia was an orphan, and she had decided to walk herself down the aisle. Her dress was absolutely gorgeous, and there was no doubt that that must have been extremely expensive. As soon as she arrived at the altar, Vatican signaled Austria to read from the Old Testament. Most of the countries looked bored out of their minds once she had finished. Japan was asleep, Joseon was staring into the distance, and China was trying very hard not to wake Japan up.
Netherlands’ turn came straight after. He was bored out of his mind, but he didn’t make a single mistake. He walked back over to Austria as soon as he was finished.
Vatican continued reading from the Testament himself.
“Do you, Prussia, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband for better or for worse, for poorer, or for richer, in health and in sickness, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
“I do.”
“Do you, Canada, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife for better or for worse, for poorer, or for richer, in health and in sickness, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
“I do.”
They exchanged their vows and rings. Prussia was smiling. Not a smirk, just a smile. A loving smile.
“Does anyone have a reason for these two not to be married? Speak now, or forever hold your peace.” Vatican spoke, not expecting a response.
He wanted to object, he really did. But right there and then, he found himself frozen, unable to speak. And that was the most terrifying moment of all.
“Okay, with that, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Canada lifted Prussia’s veil, and planted a kiss on her lips.
“Are you okay?” Austria whispered.
“I’m just so happy for them. So, so happy.”
Austria didn’t actually believe him. She knew better than that.