A badly knit sweater, a clumsy drawing, a child's attempt at pottery

by Iceflight398

Germany may be pretty good with instruments, but some other artistic pursuits... no. Just no. For example, knitting. Unfortunately, after asking Israel what he should get China for Christmas (why?) Germany decides to knit China a sweater. Spoiler alert: it sucked. But for some reason, China simply loves it... (contains: Israel, North Korea, East Asian family, and a cameo from FrUK)

1. December 20

12/20

Germany had no clue what to get China for Christmas.

For that matter, he wasn't even sure if China even celebrated Christmas.

But since China was coming to the nation's annual Christmas/Kwanzaa/late Hanukkah/early Lunar New Year party (simply known as the Christmas party), and they were exchanging gifts at the party, plus the party (officially) was for Christmas, Germany had to assume that yes, China did want a gift.

And since they were dating, the gift had better be good. China could be quite temperamental (probably who Taiwan got it from).

But what do you give someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas?

"Hey, Luddy." Someone was poking him.

Germany was about to snap at the person/nation not to disturb his very important thoughts, except that person/nation was Israel.

"I want to talk about this trade deal," Israel said, "And- hey, are you listening?"

Israel was glaring at him.

"Sorry," Germany muttered.

Israel huffed. "What's eating you? Is the catering for the super-racist party not coming? I'm not pointing any fingers, but I may or may not have seen an already-sick-of-Trump Al lurking near a truck. And maybe I was with him. Maybe."

Germany sighed. "Whatever. Yao can cook."

"Ooh," Israel drawled sarcastically, "Chinese food for Christmas. Perfect."

"It tastes good."

"Argh, whatever," Israel grumbled. "I don't care. Anyways, the catering obviously isn't your concern. Spill."

"Are we teenagers or something?" Germany grumbled.

Israel smirked. "Ah-ha. It's romance related. Unfortunately, I suck at that. About the deal-"

"Wait!" Germany yelped.

Israel raised an eyebrow. "What? I just told you, I suck out romance."

"What do you give someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas?"

"That's easy," Israel scoffed, after a beat of silence. "Give them nothing. Problem solved. The terms of the d-"

"But we have to!"

"Says those stuffy politicians. But whatever. You don't need to give me a gift, since you're obviously so stressed out about giving Yao a gift." Israel smirked.

Germany groaned, kneading his forehand with his calloused hands. China's hands were nicer. Perhaps even more calloused than his own, but beautiful and gentle nonetheless.

"Please," Germany said, in a tone close to begging. "I need help."

"A self-knit sweater," Israel suggested, "I think sweaters have something to do with Christmas. Not sure. I wasn't really listening to America at the time."

"Thank you," Germany said, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Now, the trade deal…"