Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

"Daddy?" a voice whispered, eyes peeking under the blankets, "why are you asleep?"

Groaning, Arthur shuffled further under the duvet, dragging the silk pillow over his head.

A small hand made its way to Arthur's hip, before the soft voice once again murmured, "Daddy? Didn't you hear me? Why are you-"

"SLEEPING!? Mattie's talking to you, Dad!"

"Alfred! I don't think Daddy's feeling very well..." As Arthur groaned once more and rolled over, Matthew pulled his head up from the bed and looked at his twin worriedly. "Maybe we should leav-"

"Are you sick, Dad!?" Jumping onto the bed, Alfred ripped the beige cover off Arthur and prodded his head repeatedly. "Let the hero save you! Just tell me, are," prod "you" prod "sick?" Prod. "Speak to me Daddy! Why aren't you listening!?"

"Enough, Alfred!" Sitting up, Arthur gently pushed the small hand away from him and nestled Alfred to him, breathing in his chocolate scent. Nodding at Matthew and beckoning him to join the cuddle, he spoke: "Mattie is right, lad. Daddy's feeling a bit under the weather, and would really like some rest. Where's your papa? Maybe you two could help him make the dinner?"

"Oh no! You can't get rid of the hero and his sidekick that easily!"

"Yeah," Matthew agreed, "you haven't even asked us about school yet."

Mentally slapping himself, Arthur ruffled Matthew's hair. "You're right, I haven't. Aren't I a silly Daddy? Now tell me, how was your play? Did you knock everyone's socks off with your talented acting? Was everyone clapping and cheering for my little man?"

"They sure were Daddy! Even Mr Beilschmidt was clapping." Staring down into Matthew's beaming face, Arthur cuddled him closer and grinned.

"I'm so happy for you, poppet, I knew you could impress everyone. Come on, Al, you tell me about your day now."

"I think we should watch TV. Batman is on," Alfred replied, reaching for the remote on the bedside table.

"Al..."

"He got into trouble with Mr Beilschmidt again," Matthew mumbled, fiddling with his curl, "fighting with Ivan."

"Alfred!"

"Tattle-tale! You're such a snitch, Mattie!"

"Hey!" Grabbing the remote and switching it to BBC, Arthur narrowed his eyes, "I thought we agreed you'd stop this nonsense? What were you fighting about now?"

"He looked at me," Alfred responded nonchalantly. Arthur paused for a second to sigh and rub his face.

"Just because he looked at you? Alfred, you're too old for this! Have you told Papa yet?"

"Yes."

"No."

"Shut up, Mattie!"

"Leave your brother alone, Alfred! Do we really have to sit down and discuss this with you again? I tell you-" Spluttering, Arthur began coughing, only continuing once he was certain there would be no interruptions. Clearing his throat, he continued, "I tell you, when I'm better, you, me and Papa are going to talk about this for the final time, do you hear me? I want no more trouble!"

"But Daddy, Ivan's mean and-"

"I am not listening to this right now, Al, I don't feel well. Now settle down and watch the news-"

"But-"

"If you're not quiet, you'll have to go to the hairdressers with Papa, and you know how long he takes."

"...Yes Daddy."

"Good lad. In fact, you're both good lads," and lying back down as the boys watched the news, Arthur fell into a fitful slumber, only awaking when he felt Francis kissing his lips softly a couple of hours later.

Thanks for reading my small one shot! I would really appreciate a little bit of feedback on this, as I'm in two minds if I should continue. Should I keep it sweet or make it angst-y?