Delicate snowflakes danced through pale winter skies, slowly joining their predecessors in the white blanket encompassing the ground. The sidewalks of New York City were thriving with rosy- cheeked citizens dashing in and out of the weather. The sound of bells flooded one's ears the moment they neared a Department Store. Surely any other time of year these bells would be annoying, perhaps they still were. However, there was something magical about winter and the upcoming holiday. Something that compelled one to drop a few coins into the donation bucket.
It was December 23rd, just two mere days before Christmas. To be sure all the countries of the Earth were prepared; America had called a World Meeting. The bespectacled country fidgeted in his seat as he waited for the last of the countries to arrive. It was so hard to sit still! There was just so much to talk about!
The Meeting Hall itself was coordinated for the season, bearing almost as many decorations as the average Christmas tree.
At long last the meeting hall was filled, and America leaped to his feet, "Alright dudes, listen up! I called this meeting because the most extreme and awesome holiday in the universe is in two days! In fact this year Christmas is going to be so awesome; it will almost be as cool as me. No seriously, dudes, I went all out this Christmas!"
"Careful, America. If your ego gets any larger it might explode." Britain muttered dryly.
"Do not mind him, l'Amerique; Britain just has no artistic flair when it comes to decorating." France teased.
"That's not true, you wanker!" Britain snapped "I'll have you know my decorations are the classiest to be found anywhere!"
"Oh Hon Hon! More like the trashiest!" France retorted.
"And what would a frog know about decorating anyhow?!" Britain demanded.
"Hey dudes! Calm down! I still didn't get to tell you about the giant robotic Santa Japan helped me with!" America complained.
Switzerland made a face "I bet that wasn't cheap."
Japan shrugged indifferently "America-san says he will pay me back one of these days. Though I can't help but wonder when that day will come."
"America should take lesson from me. Make bootlegs of official items. Sell cheap, make money quickly." Hong Kong said.
"Aiya!" China groaned "How many times I tell you? When something is copyrighted, you no have right to copy!"
"Big brother…see the mistletoe? Isn't it nice, big brother?" Belarus was saying as she dangled the bit of green above Russia's head. Her expression darkened, "Now...kiss me! Kiss me! Kiss me..."
"Nyet! I won't!" Russia wailed.
Meanwhile, Spain was poking Romano in the arm, grinning all the while "Come now, mi tomate! Tonight why don't we bake some Christmas cookies together, Sí?"
"Ve~ that sounds like fun, doesn't it Romano?" Italy chimed in.
Romano growled "Mannaggia! Spain, I'm going to kill you if you poke me one more time!"
As the countries chattered, all the noises blended together into an indistinguishable mess.
Canada sighed "Why is it always like this with these hosers?" he thought to himself. He cleared his throat "Excuse me, but could everyone quiet down? Let's take turns talking so we can all be heard!"
Sadly, the Canadian went largely unheard apart from Mr. Kumajiro who was quick to reply "Who are you?"
With a defeated groan, Canada buried his face in his hands.
The garbled conversations continued until the point when one particular German had simply had enough. Slamming his hands on the table, Germany stood to his feet. It was time to take matters into his own hands.
"EVERYONE SHUT UP!" he shouted, silencing the room. Not skipping a beat, he continued "There will be time for socializing later, but I was under the impression we came here to discuss business. Our main concern should be making sure everyone is prepared for the holidays, nothing more. Now! Finland is the busiest country this time of year, so why don't we hear from him first."
Slowly, all eyes turned to the Finnish nation. Finland was hunched over a mountain of paperwork holding his head in his hands.
"I'm on the Nice List this year, aren't I?" Denmark piped up, peaking over his fellow Nordic's shoulder. "Well, aren't I?" he persisted.
Finland turned to look at the Dane, but before he could stammer an answer, his eyes widened.
Norway had gotten behind Denmark and put him in a headlock "Calm down. Finland has enough on his plate this time of year and he doesn't need to deal with you." He said coolly.
Slowly, Finland found his tongue "Th-Thanks Mr. Norway." He said a bit uncertainly.
Norway offered a slight smile and nod before locking eyes with Denmark "Now you aren't going to bother Finland any more, right?" he narrowed his eyes.
"R-Right." Denmark agreed hastily.
Satisfied, Norway released him from the headlock "Go ahead, Finland."
Finland inhaled deeply and let loose a sigh "Alright, let's see…"
"D' y' n'd any h'lp prep'rin f'r t'm'rr'w n'ght?" Sweden asked the other country.
"What? No, don't be silly Mr. Sweden! I have everything covered. Every good little boy and girl will wake up to presents 'Santa' left for them come Christmas morning!" Finland chuckled lightly, mouth drawn into a nervous smile.
"That is good to hear, Finland." Germany said "Now, who would like to speak next?"
As the meeting continued around them, Sweden eyed Finland, "He l'ks t'red." He thought to himself.
"AHHhh-chooo!" Finland sneezed, causing the Swedish man to jump with a start.
He narrowed his eyes at Finland, studying him.
Finland sniffled, idly rubbing at his nose. He chanced a glance at Sweden and squeaked, promptly turning back to his paperwork "C-calm down Finny" he coached himself, "Mr. Sweden isn't mad at you… he was just glaring about something else… I hope…"
The Finnish country let loose a sigh "Ohhhh…I'm so tired and my head aches, but there's still so much to do."
He sniffled to keep his nose from running, how he'd love a tissue right about now. He thought perhaps it was the cold weather that was giving his nasal passages the desire to leak. Then it occurred to him, he was used to the cold. Winter weather in America was mild compared to how cold it could get back home. He stared at the papers before him for a few moments on end, as if his glare would vaporize them.
"I've checked the list once… but I have to finish checking it twice." He reminded himself, "Not to mention I have to clean and press my Santa suit when I get home." He sighed "And I can't forget to…" an insane itching in his nose sent his mind a blank.
"AHHhhh! Ahhhh! Ahhh-chooooooooo!" Finland sneezed loudly. He grimaced as he felt mucus sliding down his throat.
"That sounded like it hurt…" Iceland commented.
"H're t'ke th's." Sweden said calmly, holding out a handkerchief to the Finn.
"K-Kiitos." Finland said gratefully, blowing his nose.
"Are you getting sick, Finland?" Denmark piped up, feeling incredibly bright for having come to that conclusion.
Norway shot him a glare that told him to tread lightly.
"No, I just had a tickle in my nose. It's all better now though." Finland said, offering a smile.
Denmark opened his mouth to say something more, but let it drop when he met Norway's gaze.
The Norwegian man sighed in mental relief. Denmark should have known better than to suggest something like that. Finland loved Christmas more than anything. Should he fall ill for the holidays… Norway was fairly certain the Finn would be crushed.
Finland returned once more to his paperwork. Why was he having such a hard time focusing? It had to be this stupid headache. His throat felt cold, slimy, and disgusting, making him shudder inwardly. He swallowed thickly in an effort to be rid of the feeling. He grimaced, not a good idea. Now his throat felt raw and a dull ache was settling at the base of his ears.
He sighed "Maybe when I go home I can make some tea… Yes… Nice, hot tea followed by a long hot bath…Mmmmm" Finland smiled blissfully at the thought, "And then maybe…just maybe… a nice, quiet nap."
He leaned back in his chair, eyes closed as he reveled in the fantasy. "Absolutely perfect." He sighed aloud.
He was snapped harshly back to reality by the obnoxious vocals of one unmistakable American, "…And so that about raps it up, dudes! Don't forget to meet back here around 8 o' clock Christmas night for the par-tay! That's 'party' for the losers out there!"
"America!" Britain snapped.
"Chillax, dude!" America winked "Have a rocking Christmas, everybody!"
"Veee~ And Germany and I will come back to decorate the big Christmas tree tomorrow night!" Italy added "So anyone who wants to help, just stop by! I'll make lots of pasta!"
Germany shook his head, but couldn't help but smirk at the Italian "Now then, it is still snowing. So everyone travel safely, and have a good holiday, ja?"
As the nations began to disperse, Finland carefully gathered up his paperwork. He almost wanted to cry "Get real, Finny. You have too much to do to be having selfish fantasies." He mentally scolded himself "That warm bath will have to wait until Christmas morning, after your travel… You'll REALLY need it then."
With a sigh, the Finn headed out the door.
"Finland seems really down." Denmark said when the Finnish country was out of earshot.
"He'll need to get plenty of rest if he hopes to make it through his entire route Christmas Eve." Norway said calmly.
Sweden nodded " 'll t'lk t' h'm."
"Hopefully you can convince him." Denmark said; a hint of doubt in his voice.
"If anyone can do it, Sweden can. They're best friends after all." Norway said calmly.
"Like you and me, right?" Denmark piped up.
"Well everyone, let's get home." Norway said, ignoring the Dane.
"Hey! Don't ignore me!" Denmark snapped.
"You act like such a child." Iceland said coldly as he walked by, puffin in hand.
"Hey, watch it kid!" Denmark snapped.
Norway smirked to himself, following his younger brother out.
"Oh, I see! Everyone ignore the Dane, right?" Denmark crossed his arms.
"Th'y 're l'ving w'thout you." Sweden stated plainly.
"Shoot." Denmark blanched and chased after the other Nordics "Wait up!" he called.
With a shake of his head, Sweden followed.
And so here is Chapter One of my little Hetalia Christmas Special! It may turn out to be a bit cheesy, but once the idea came to mind I simply had to write it. Yes, Finland= Santa Claus. Hidekaz Himaruya decided that the first time he ever drew the Finn in a Santa suit. *laughs* I hope no one is annoyed at the prospect of another sick fic, but the plot just wouldn't flow smoothly without said dimension in play. Not entirely sure how many chapters this will be, probably not very many. I actually started writing this November 30th in an attempt to get it written in time *laugh* I hope you enjoy the story so far! Reviews are more than welcome and I'll see you in Chapter 2!