Authors Notes:

I'd just like to point out I am new to writing and that this is my first fanfiction.

I love LietPol but I've been seeing more fanart of Baby Poland recently and I love the idea of Poland as a baby with Papa Liet taking care of him. An animated piece by SaucyMcFuzzy (DeviantArt) / saucybroswithbenefits (their Tumblr account)(be warned that some of their art is NSFW) of Baby Po inspired me to write this fanfic and I've been working on this since then, doing a little bit each day and then when it was complete, I panicked and considered not posting it because it reveals how much of a lunatic I am. xD

Oh! And one last note. I suspect American users are in the majority here so I've tried to remember to use American words for certain things to reduce the amount of confusion but I am English so I use British English spelling.

Disclaimer: Hetalia Axis Powers and all its respective characters belong to Hidekaz Himaruya and not me.


Chapter 1: Left Holding the Baby

November 4th

Vilnius - Lithuania

*click* *creak*

The door swung open and revealed a disheveled young man. He was tall, lean and as smartly dressed as an experienced working man attending a job interview. However, his tie was a little crooked. His tousled hair looked as untidy as ever. His eyes were blue and weary and he looked completely exhausted. His name was Lithuania.

"I'm home" He announced to no one in particular as he collapsed on the sofa. He lived alone and had for some time now. Russia had apparently grown bored with tormenting him. Belarus still hated him. Estonia had practically become a recluse after discovering the internet. Latvia was growing up and increasingly enjoying being independent. And Poland... He hadn't seen Poland for a while. They'd gotten into another fight regarding their respective languages and it had ended with the Pole shouting that 'he hated him and never wanted to see him again' as he stormed off back to Warsaw. He doubted Poland meant that. The petulant blonde had said something along those lines so many, many times before but he always returned. Poland would find him and often surprise him with a sudden glomp attack from behind all the while grinning like an idiot. Apparently, he forgot every argument they had. The time that would elapse between Poland's leave-taking after they quarrelled and his rowdy return, varied. Once, as little as eighteen minutes had passed. His longest absence was the current one; He'd neither visited nor spoken to him over the phone in almost a month.

The Phone... I should check to see if I have any messages... He proceeded towards the hall.

Lithuania had called in on Mr. America that weekend just to pay him a friendly visit. Lithuania didn't have many friends and he rarely ventured outside his own region despite being free to do so now. Initially he'd been joyous after regaining his freedom following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Those that had caused him so much pain had left. Finally his house was in order. His home was peaceful, neat and tidy. He answered to no one. He could do as he pleased. He didn't have to run around after others anymore. No one relied on him anymore... No one needed him. Everyone had gone. Lithuania didn't know what to do with himself. He would never admit to others that he felt lonely and that the oppressive silence in his own home had driven him out and halfway across the world to see a former employer.

Mr. America had greeted him warmly and had taken him on a rapid tour of anything and everything that was of interest to him. The younger, louder nation had talked endlessly about things Lithuania had little to no understanding of. He struggled to follow the conversations they had. He'd forgotten Mr. America was like Poland in that respect. Lithuania had stayed until his pounding head and distressed stomach (he'd eaten the hamburgers his host had offered him every day) could take no more. He'd politely excused himself, told a few white lies about being urgently needed back home and thanked Mr. America for having him. He was told he should call in on him again and he assured the American that he would (though he'd need several months to recover from this visit).

Lithuania sighed and tapped the button on his answer machine.

"You have... 39 new messages" The electronic voice echoed through the hallway.

Lithuania almost collapsed.

"Thirty-nine!? In five days!?" He yelped.

Something must have gone badly wrong. Russia had declared war. His economy was collapsing. Latvia had been in an accident...

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring* *Ring*

He almost jumped out of his skin. Lithuania swallowed hard as he picked up the receiver, moistened his lips with his tongue and tried to speak normally.

"He..Hello? This is Lithuania speakin..."

"FINALLY!" He was cut off by a very loud, female voice. "Where have you been!? I've been trying to get hold of you for days!"

"Erm... I was visiting Mr. America... I'm sorry but... who is this?" Lithuania asked nervously.

The woman on the other end of the line made a noise of disbelief.

"It's Hungary"

"OH! I'm so sorry, Miss Hungary, I haven't heard from you in such a long time tha..." He was cut off again.

"Yes. Yes. I get it. We can catch up later but right now I need you to come to Warsaw"

"Warsaw? Has something bad happened to Poland?!" He asked hurriedly.

"Well...You could say that... I think it's better if you see for yourself though. Can you travel here now? You must be suffering from jet lag..." This time Lithuania interjected.

"I am very tired, yes, but I'll make my way there right now. I'll be driving so it might take me a while" he explained. Flying would be faster but somehow Lithuania felt he might need his car. Poland was a terrible motorist, in fact, within ten seconds he could write off any mode of transport that was ground-based and had wheels. Lithuania had confiscated his roller skates on a number of occasions because he was so dangerous on them.

"I'll still be here; I can't leave Poland alone" Hungary said simply. Apparently whatever the matter was it wasn't one of life or death and he was fine to drive there. It also seemed as though Hungary wasn't going to reveal anything over the phone. She advised him to drive slowly and carefully and Lithuania nodded, forgetting Hungary couldn't see him.

"I'm setting off now. Be with you as soon as I can" he added unnecessarily.

Lithuania glanced at the clock. It was 11:17 am. It would take him approximately seven hours to get to Warsaw. He was glad it was still quite early and that he'd gotten some sleep during the flight home. He should be able to manage the drive. He put the phone down and hurried out the front door.


Warsaw - Poland

Lithuania practically launched himself out of his car and jogged towards Poland's front door. He was about to let himself into the property when he remembered his manners. He knocked on the door loudly four times and was not kept waiting long. Hungary opened the door almost immediately, she must have been nearby.

"Hello. Long time no see." Hungary said as she retreated back into the hall before he even had time to respond. Lithuania followed her in.

"Hi..." He responded rather awkwardly. He'd never been good at talking with her. They were acquaintances really... She had always been closer to Poland.

Hungary stopped at the door to a reception room and turned around to face the Lithuanian. Her facial expression was grave.

Lithuania was getting more and more anxious and frustrated. "Listen... However bad it is, can you please just tell me what is going on?"

Hungary, seemingly distracted, had turned her head to the right and seemed to be staring at something in the room.

"Miss Hungary?" He tried again. He stepped into the doorway and tried to follow her gaze. He was quite taken aback by what he saw and surprised at himself for not noticing the obvious; there, on the sofa, nestled securely between several cushions was a little person. A baby. Physically, most of the nations appeared to be young but they were in fact all very old. Hundreds of years could pass between the arrivals of new nations so many of the countries had not seen or had experience with children, particularly newborns. They were even less involved with the offspring of their citizens.

His mouth opened but no words came forth. He slowly made his way over to the infant and crouched down for a better look. The child was small and chubby and dressed in a light pink romper suit that... well... really suited him (despite pink normally being associated with girls, he was certain he was looking at a little boy). He had a fine head of blond hair that reminded him of the summer sun. A lot of the hair at the front had been pulled up into a small topknot and tied with a pink ribbon. It looked like the head of a rope was standing to attention on top of his head. The youngster had a soft toy within his grasp and was thoroughly investigating every millimetre of it using his hands.

"Poland...?" He asked quietly. The baby's head snapped up as he finally realized someone was right in front of him. But he didn't look surprised. His eyes hadn't widened in surprise yet they looked far too big for him. They were a brilliant green. He was carefully scrutinizing the Lithuanian man and he didn't look too impressed with him. He returned to examining his stuffed unicorn, apparently already bored with Lithuania. Lithuania felt even smaller than the baby he was currently admiring... "You are definitely Poland" he declared.

Lithuania got to his feet and turned to question Hungary. "That is Poland, isn't it? How did this happen!?"

Hungary sighed. "The Britannia Angel paid a visit"

"The what...?" Now he was even more confused.

"England. He turned up drunk one evening wearing a fairy outfit or however you want to call it... He waved a wand around, said something I really couldn't understand then..." She paused trying to think of an appropriate word. "Zapped! Zapped Poland with it then staggered off home I think. You know how he gets!"

Lithuania didn't know how England got when he was drinking and he also didn't know what to say so he let Hungary continue her story uninterrupted.

"Poland has been a baby for four days now. I spoke with England as soon as he was sober and ordered him to change Poland back but he said he didn't know how to. He wasn't even aware that he was capable of something like this and he that our best hope is that the spell will break on its own"

"Have you been taking care of him since it happened?" Lithuania asked.

Hungary nodded. "Of course. He's my friend and, well, just look at him! He's completely defenceless! So far the only nations who know are myself, England and now you. We can't let anyone know. There are many who would take advantage of this situation. He probably wouldn't survive if someone attacked him." Hungary looked upset.

Russia... That cruel man was at the forefront of Lithuania's mind.

"I understand... and I agree." Lithuania affirmed. "What do we do now?"

"Well... England said he'd see if he could find a way to turn him back... how exactly I don't know. We could wait to see if the spell does break on its own. Poland just needs someone to take care of him for now." Hungary looked him straight in the eyes as she said it. Lithuania nodded. It seems he hasn't caught on... She sighed.

"I was hoping that perhaps you would take him...?" Hungary gave him a pleading look.

"WHAT!?" "Why me?" He spluttered.

"Because I've stayed here too long! I need to go home. My economy won't run itself. I'm back with Austria and he is wondering why the hell I've not returned yet. I wanted to take Poland home with me but Austria isn't an idiot; whatever lie I told he'd eventually realize who this baby actually is and as much as I love the man I'm afraid I couldn't trust him not to do anything to Poland or inform others!" She explained frantically.

"You're his friend and you're right next door to him. You're trustworthy. You're intelligent, can speak polish and understand his economy. And I'm certain you're capable of managing both your economies for a little while." She looked at him hopefully. "Say you'll do it"

Lithuania was slightly embarrassed and surprised that Hungary thought so highly of him. She was right; he could do it. He'd find a way to do it.

Hungary couldn't miss that determined look in his eyes. "Great!" She grinned. "I really need to get going" She said, suddenly serious once more.

"Right this second?! You can't. I agree with you that I am probably capable of managing two countries but I have NO IDEA how to take care of a baby!" Now he was starting to panic.

"What's so difficult about it?" She asked as she wandered about the place, grabbing her things. "When he's tired, you put him down for a nap. When he's hungry, you feed him. When he soils himself, you clean him and put a fresh diaper on him." She stated matter-of-factly.

"I have to wipe his ass?" He asked. He'd always thought this day would come. He'd been expecting to do it for adult Poland though, given how lazy he could be...

A thought hit Lithuania like a brick wall.

"Is he breast-feeding...? How am I supposed to..." He looked flustered.

Hungary didn't want to dignify his silly question with a response but the man sounded hopeless! She gave him a no-nonsense look. "He's drinks formula milk and he's starting on solids. You'll find the formula, puree food and instructions in the kitchen."

"Diapers, wet wipes, baby powder et cetera are in the first bedroom to your left. We were sleeping in there. He has a crib. You do not fall asleep with him in your bed in case you roll over on top of him and smother him." She warned.

"So, he'll just sleep when he needs it and I'll just have to put him somewhere safe and warm till he wakes up. And he'll cry when he needs a diaper change or food. It shouldn't be hard to figure out which he needs... but what abo..." Again, he was interrupted by Hungary.

"Oh! No! Poland doesn't cry"

"Come again?" He replied. He was sure he'd heard it right but it seemed implausible.

"He doesn't cry..."

"Not at all...?"

"Not at all. He doesn't babble or make any noise at all really. I was a little concerned about him at first."

"Isn't that a little strange? I mean, when you hear 'baby' you also expect to hear crying, screaming... Are we sure this is Poland? I really can't imagine him being quiet... and I can't imagine him not crying. He cries all the time! He cries when his online game freezes!"

"I thought the same" Hungary admitted with a grin. "I actually took him to the doctor and he said there was nothing wrong with him although he confessed he thought it was a little bit odd. It is a little creepy when he stares at you in complete silence..." She shuddered.

"I really need to get a move on. It's a long drive for me too." She continued to gather her belongings.

"No! Not yet, I'm not ready!" Lithuania exclaimed as Hungary pulled on her coat and reached for her car keys.

"Frankly, Lithuania, I don't think you'll ever be ready with that mentality. You need to calm down, use your common sense and you'll figure things out. It's not difficult. You're bound to make a few little mistakes... with feeding I'd imagine. I still haven't figured out all his likes and dislikes. He liked cherry and melon flavoured puree a few hours ago..." She trailed off. "A lot of the food is going to end up on you."

He didn't want to ask.

"Right! Time to say goodbye to my Babu!"

Babu...?

Hungary plucked Poland off the sofa and started planting sloppy, motherly kisses all over his chubby little face. "There's my little snookum! My little cutie-pie Ba Ba Babu! I'm going to miss you, yes I am!" Poland didn't appear to be enjoying the attention. Nor did he appear to hate it. He looked more confused than anything. Lithuania thought it might be due to the baby talk because it was certainly worrying him...

Hungary's goodbyes were coming to an end. "I'll be back to see you as soon as I can but now you need to be a good boy for Lithuania" she said as she handed Poland over to him.

He'd never held a baby before. Lithuania hesitantly stretched out his arms to take hold of, for the very first time, the child that was now in his care. He was initially surprised that Poland didn't weigh as much as he'd expected him to. He wrapped his left arm around him and held him snug against his chest. He could comfortably carry him with one arm. Poland was so warm and soft. Very huggable. An unusual scent emanated from the little boy. His nose could detect various oils and creams combined together with something else... something he couldn't put his finger on. This must be 'that baby smell' he'd heard countless people mention over time. How peculiar it was! He was distracted by Poland's podgy fingers as they clung to his shirt. He looked into Poland's eyes and Poland looked into his. Poland raised his free hand to his mouth and began to suck his thumb. Baby Poland certainly was a cutie-pie as Hungary had said.

"Lithuania!" Hungary's voice snapped him out of his trance-like state. "I gave him his last bottle moments before you arrived. I'm afraid his routine has been a little disrupted this evening but at least you shouldn't have to worry about feeding him tonight. Poland has my number on speed dial and his cell phone is near his house phone in the hall; call if you need me"

"I will, thank you, Miss Hungary. Take care on your way home."

She nodded and waved at Poland. "Bye bye, Po! See you soon"

Poland and Lithuania watched her leave. Lithuania waved goodbye to Hungary but Poland did not. He wondered if she'd actually expected the baby to wave back at her. He wondered if Poland could wave. The realization came to him that he was now completely alone with a person he no longer knew. Baby Poland was a stranger to him. They were starting anew and one of them couldn't talk. Panic was beginning to set in again.

"Let's go in and get warm, shall we?"


Lithuania had got the fire going while Poland was on the floor, being both surrounded and propped up by scatter cushions. He had borrowed the idea from Miss Hungary. He happened to agree with her that this was an ideal seating arrangement for him; gently being kept in one safe, warm place where people could keep an eye on him.

He asked the little one. "Can you crawl?"

Poland was sucking on the corner of a blue cushion. He looked deep in thought. Lithuania hoped that Poland wasn't thinking about doing a demonstration of his crawling ability right now. He could turn his back for a few seconds and the child could be off! It would be dreadful if he lost him on the first night. Poland released the blue cushion from his tiny mouth but a string of saliva still connected the two of them. He swivelled slightly to the left and into his mouth went the white cushion. He seemed to like putting things in there.

"Are you still hungry?" Why was he asking when Poland couldn't tell him?

Hungary had mentioned instructions regarding feeding earlier. Perhaps she'd left a note telling him how often he should be fed. He told Poland not to move as he rushed into the kitchen, hoping to find some useful and concise notes that he would also be able to read. He quickly spotted several sheets of paper on the table, snatched the lot and hurried back into the living room. Poland was where he'd left him and still alive. Things were going well!

Lithuania sat cross-legged in front of Poland, placed the three sheets on the floor between them and examined them. Poland saw them and decided he wanted them. He tried to reach forward, opening and closing his fist in a grabby motion to show that he would please like to have that item in his hand right now. Lithuania noticed.

"No, Poland. I need these and I know what you'll do with them" When he caught the frustrated look on the infant's face he added "Tomorrow, I'll get you a newspaper to eat, okay?"

Poland looked crestfallen. Lithuania looked troubled.

He looked around. "Don't you have a pacifier or something else you'd rather have?"

He felt about his person, wondering if maybe he had something in his pockets which was safe for a baby to maul. He heard his keys jingle in his lower left pocket and suddenly remembered his keychain. It was a squeezable football roughly the size of a small egg. There were several tiny hexagons on it in Lithuanian colours. He presented Poland with it who instantly grabbed the ball and shoved it into his mouth. He hadn't accounted for the effect the added weight of the keys would have as Poland's head dipped forward and his chin came to rest on a cushion. Poland seemed surprised and a little uncomfortable but there was no way he was letting go of his new chew toy. And seeing all the dribble leaking out of the corners of Poland's mouth, Lithuania decided he really didn't want it back.

With Poland occupied, Lithuania could focus on the information before him. The sheets seemed to be in the correct order. There wasn't much to read but he particularly appreciated the feeding schedule.

7.30am - Bottle
9.00am - Porridge
11.30am - Bottle
12.30pm - Puree (about 10 - 15 small baby spoons, choose any)
3.00pm - Bottle
5.00pm - Puree (same amount as before, choose any)
7.30pm - Bottle (just before bedtime – he's usually asleep by 8:00-8:30pm)

Lithuania glanced at the clock. It was already past Poland's bedtime. Poland was slumped over the fortress of cushions and he was sucking the key chain with less vigour. His heavy-lidded eyes were barely open. Lithuania rushed through the rest of the notes.

Always test the temperature of the milk before you give it to him. He's a fussy eater. What he likes one hour, he'll hate the next. Hence all the jars of food.

He hadn't checked the cupboards yet but it sounded like he was going to be in for a surprise.

When he doesn't feel like eating something he'll let you know. Do not feed him in your best clothes.

That sounded ominous.

You don't have to feed him puree all the time. You can try him on soft foods like oatmeal, bananas, mashed veggies... ect.

There were a few bullet points on preparing formula milk and that was all she'd wrote on the subject of food. The next notes were about... hygiene. There was a step-by-step on how to change a diaper. He praised the heavens. He'd make sure he had that to hand later on when he needed it. He also learned that Poland was to have one bath per day an hour prior to his last bottle of milk before being put down for the night. This meant that Poland was ready for bed right now unless he'd had a little accident. All Lithuania had to do tonight was check to see if Poland needed a clean diaper on and then place him inside his crib.

The sudden unexpected noise of his keys dropping to the floor startled him. His eyes shot to Poland who had all but collapsed in a heap. The keychain had slipped out of his mouth. He'd have literally fallen asleep had there not been a wall of cushions propping him up. Lithuania chuckled at the thought.

"Come on, little man. Let's find your bed" Lithuania carefully picked Poland up and held him close. Poland snuggled into his chest as he carried him up the stairs. He knew Poland's house like the back of his hand, he'd stayed there so often. He walked directly to the room Hungary said she'd been sharing with the baby and entered.

He noticed the crib first. It was a plain and simple thing made from solid wood which was light in colour. The bedding was equally simple; fairly basic pale pink and white sheets and pillows. He thought it looked sweet but he couldn't imagine fashionista Poland being too impressed with it.

He walked with Poland over to the changing table he'd noticed second. It was actually just an ordinary table with a changing mat placed on top of it. He laid the youngster down onto his back and attempted to gently wrestle his legs out of his romper suit without disturbing his slumber. Poland stirred in his sleep but didn't wake. Lithuania pulled on the adhesive strips fastening the diaper together and peeled the front half back. Next, now following Hungary's notes, he closed his hand around Poland's legs and slowly lifted his lower torso so he could inspect the diaper. When Poland returned to normal, he was going to be mortified after learning that Lithuania had seen his doodle and his naked rear end, he was certain of it. The diaper appeared to be clean. At least, it looked clean and it didn't smell of urine. Feeling brave, he decided to touch it with his little finger. It was dry. Baby Poland was making this evening very easy for him! He quickly refastened the diaper and dressed him again then carried him back over to the crib.

The sheets had already been pulled back, ready to accommodate the weary little lad. Lithuania tenderly lowered him, head first, onto the mattress and tucked him in. Poland was sound asleep. He was flat on his back with his arms up and either side of his head. He looked like he'd collapsed after running a marathon. Lithuania strained to hear him breathing. He could see Poland's chest rise up and down but there was no sound. It was fascinating to watch him sleep. Sleep. He could do with some of that himself.

He switched the bedside lamp on and the ceiling light off as he silently left the room and ran back downstairs to collect his notes, extinguish the fire and turn off the lights. This time, when he returned to the landing, he entered a different bedroom. It was the one he usually slept in when he stayed over. If Poland hadn't been angry enough with him to dispose of them, he should still have a decent amount of clothing here. There were a few changes of casual clothing, a suit or two, socks and underwear and something he could sleep in. He pulled out an old t-shirt and a pair of boxers and wandered back to the room he'd now be sharing with Poland.

He dashed quietly over to the crib and checked on Poland again. He was still asleep. Lithuania really craved a shower before bed so in he went. He'd decided to undress in the en suite bathroom because, even though Poland wasn't watching him, it felt strange to be getting naked in front of a child, a child that wasn't even his. It took him fifteen minutes to shower, dry off his body and pull on his clothes. He stepped back into the bedroom with a face towel around his neck and realized his hair was still soaking wet, he'd need a hairdryer and he couldn't use it in here. He sighed and fled to another room to dry his hair thinking that the next time he needed a shower, he'd wait until morning.

That bed was looking more and more inviting and Lithuania hoped the sheets were fresh. Hungary had been sleeping there. He didn't dislike Hungary or her scent; he just wasn't very comfortable with sleeping in a bed that had recently been used by someone else's girlfriend. He sniffed the pillow and the sheets. It seemed she had changed the bedding for him so he flopped down onto the bed face first. He could barely muster the energy to turn his head to check the time on the alarm clock. It was only 9:00 pm and he couldn't recall ever going to bed so early. Lithuania groaned and switched off the lamp. He fell into a deep slumber moments later, too tired to even dream.