Chapter 10

Thank you to everyone who is still reading this. It means a lot, especially since there have been no reviews, so I don't know if people like this anymore, or what other critiquing people may have. Though I have my mind set on finishing this story whether people will still read it or not.

Also, pardon the delay. The past few months were quite terrible.

I view Native America as a guy and America's grandfather. The picture described here is from a real picture, and if you want a link to the picture just PM me.

X-X-X

December 24, 1975

New York

South Korea really wanted a lazy day, though the children thought other wise as the age-old morning sickness kept him in the bathroom since 6:00 am. It was now 8:00 am and he just barely got over the worst of the nausea. He debated going back to bed or to check on America and make sure he wasn't doing anything stupid. The latter wasn't very appealing, but it was a necessity.

Ever since their agreement for a second chance, it felt like they were walking on eggshells. Their relationship never used to be like this. Normally they could talk about anything with each other. Now it's as if a single word could make their arguments rise again. He hated it, but he knew it was going to be like this for a while. There was going to be no such thing as starting over clean, but it would have been nicer if it had been.

He sighed, and walked out into the hallway. He at least needed to check on America then he would go back to bed. He passed by a mirror and stopped. He gazed at his abdomen, knowing his children were still there. It had gotten bigger since his talk with Japan in the beginning of December, and he was starting to feel quite moody.

Boy, was America going to need patience and nerves of steel if he was going to deal with Korea carrying his children.

He sighed, remembering the past arguments, and continued on down the hall. As he neared the stairs, he stopped. He heard America in the kitchen, and he smelled cooking. He noted the inherent smell of spices, figuring that America was trying his hand at some more of the Korean's native cooking. He sneaked into the kitchen, giving a long glance towards the said American.

America had his back turned to him, as he was busy with whatever was on the stove. As he turned around, South Korea saw a small, tired smile on the American's face. His glasses were slightly askew, and his hair was very ruffled, as if he just woke up himself. Though South knew better as he heard America wake up while he was in the middle of taking care of his morning sickness.

America noticed him and motioned him to take a seat over at the dining table near the patio doors leading out to the deck. South Korea stood near one of the seats, having his hand resting on the back. They were awkwardly staring at each other, not knowing what else to say.

Finally, America spoke, "I'm really getting tired from all of this."

South looked at him with mild curiosity, "Tired of what?"

America waved his hand at himself and everything else, "This! We never were like this before!"

South narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking that America was talking about the "sensitive issue", though he kept it open to debate, "Well, that's obvious, isn't it? Of course this is the first time it happened." He left a slight impression on "it" to get America to take a hint.

For once, America wasn't his oblivious self, and picked up on the hint, causing a little bit of a panic, "No, no! Not that! It's just… the awkwardness."

South batted his eyelashes in shock, and then straightened a little, giving America a little questioning look. "Well… yeah, you're right."

America leaned against the counter, and ran a hand through his hair. "We never had issues talking to each other… Why did we let this get between us?" He shook his head and stared at the ground, clearly in defeat.

South gave a sympathetic look and walked over to the American. America refused to look up, leaving South to awkwardly stand there for several seconds. South then raised his hand and hesitantly touched the other's cheek. He turned America's head to look directly at him. He gently stood on his tiptoes and placed a small kiss on the American's lips. It was enough to at least catch his attention.

South wrapped his arms around the taller man's shoulders, "… We both screwed up. I know I didn't react… the best way."

America tried moving his head away, "I'm the one who kept fucking instigating."

South pulled his head back, shushed him, and placed another kiss on the cheek. "We both fucked up. We were very stubborn and it nearly destroyed what we had, I know. But… when we made that second chance… I was willing to give this the benefit of a doubt that we could do this. I'm not saying we wipe the slate clean; we can't ignore what did happen. But we need to give this our best shot. I still love you. Even if this didn't work out… I could never love someone as much as you. You're my first love, and no one can replace that. I really want to make this work, but I don't want you blaming yourself constantly. I forgive you for now. Please. Don't keep acting like this. For me."

America gazed into the other's dark brown eyes, his own tears threatening to spill out from his own. He gripped the other in a strong hug, though careful about the unborn children, and rested his head against the shorter man's shoulder. South held the other tight, and let his fingers brush through the other's blond locks.

South looked behind him, and noticed the stove with the food still on it. He poked his boyfriend's cheek, "Aren't you forgetting something?"

America looked at him confusedly, until the shorter nation pointed to the stove. "Shit!" He ran over to save the food.

South Korea gave a small chuckle, and walked over towards the dogs, which had been sitting there for a while and were still waiting to be fed. Scout, the black lab, looked curiously over at America and then wined when South finally started working on filling his bowl. Lucky, the golden retriever, waited patiently unlike the other.

When South was done, he went back to the kitchen to check on America. America had just set the table for breakfast, and was currently holding a cup of coffee looking over the mountains through the deck doors. He was about to take a seat when he noticed a picture hanging over the large bay windows looking out towards another part of the state, a large open field. It pointed out towards where, much farther away pas the Virginia border, the Mississippi River would be, though the significance of this fact South Korea knew not. It was a picture of a man, one that looked a bit like America. He was tanned, and his brown hair had a similar style to America, but he had a long braid in the back and two going down the side of his face, with feathers sticking out in the larger braid. He wore bright colored beads amongst his deerskin pants and a quiver slung over his shoulder. He held his bow so that he could kneel on one knee. He had a soft smile on his face.

South looked over at America, "Al, who is this?"

America looked over, not bothering to move himself from his position by the door, "Oh, that's my granddad."

"Your granddad?" South tilted his head slightly in confusion, since America never talked to him about how he became a country, much less his childhood.

"Yeah, he's Native America." America looked at the picture, a glint of sadness passing through his eyes.

"Is he like… like China?" South was a little curious about this man, and he noticed America was a little unforthcoming with information.

America paused a bit then spoke, "Yeah, he's an Ancient…. I miss him a lot."

South stepped closer to him, "When was the last time you saw him?"

America looked back at the mountains, a sad look in his eyes, "I don't want to talk about it right now… You should eat."

South Korea went over to his seat, feeling a little uneasy at the new tension. A few minutes had passed, and America had yet to have his breakfast, leaving South to nibble every once in a while but not really eating.

America looked back at South after having refilled his cup of coffee, "Are you not hungry, Soo?"

South poked at his kimchi with his chopsticks, "Just wondering if you are joining me at all."

The western nation stood beside the Asian, "I made enough for you, I'll grab something else that's quick and easy."

The smaller nation pouted, and pointed to another chair, insisting on something the American did not quite grasp. He leaned down and looked at him with curiosity. It wasn't until South stuffed a chopstick full of kimchi towards his mouth that he understood.

He chuckled slightly, "You really have a mother hen complex, ya know?" He took the bite willingly and sat down beside the pregnant Korean.

The Korean mumbled half coherent thoughts going between bitterness, tsundere-like, and borderline crying, only to end up sounding happy. America noted the mood swing, and mentally started preparing himself for getting around them.

After some silent eating, with the occasional reproach from the Korean about how America should be eating proper meals, South Korea looked at America with excitement. "Can we have Japan and England over for Christmas?"

America looked a little bewildered by the question. "It's a little late for inviting them over, and since when did you like being around Japan so much?"

South Korea pouted, "I have my reasons… Please?"

America sighed, "Why do you have to pout?" He walked over towards the phone and dialed the number to call England.

South had his hands together making a pleading pose, until he felt nauseous again and excused himself. America watched him go up the stairs before England picked up. "Hey, Iggy, I have a few questions to ask. When does morning sickness end?"

X-X-X

About an hour later, after his nausea had passed. South Korea was feeling quite tired, and wanted to nap on the couch in front of the fireplace. As he entered the formal living room, he noticed America was sitting beside the couch in his favorite recliner reading a newspaper. He lied down on the couch, and he shortly felt America's hand brushing his hair soothingly.

"Be lucky it was a coincidence that they were in New York when I called."

South opened one eye, gazing lazily at his boyfriend. "They're still coming."

America chuckled lightly, "You are very stubborn when you want to be, I'll admit that."

South gazed towards the fire, watching the flames flicker to and fro. He was content for the time being, with America absent-mindedly stroking his hair. He heard a small swish coming from upstairs, which overlooked the living room from a balcony. South Korea looked up and to the right to look, and he saw another man looking over them. He sat up a bit, never letting his gaze waver from the stranger.

The stranger looked very similar to the one in the picture he had previously looked at in the dinning room, copper-colored skin, dark hair and all. The man had a small, kind, gentle smile on his face, like one would give to a child. His gaze went from America, who had yet to notice the man, and back to the Korean, the smile never fading. He bowed his head, and then gave a small wave of the hand, as he was leaning on the railing.

America noticed South Korea staring towards the balcony, "What is it, Soo?"

The Asian nation looked at America, "There's some…" When he looked back at the railing, the man was nowhere to be seen. "… one there."

America glanced at the railing, and then back at his boyfriend, "I think you're just tired. Go on, go back to bed."

The Korean looked at him quizzically, "And what about when they come over?"

America rolled his eyes, "You know it's not going to be for another couple of hours. Just go, get some rest."

South Korea sighed lazily, "But I'm already comfy here."

America razed an eyebrow at him, "Sheesh, and you tell me not to be lazy."

South sighed in defeat and slowly got up to take a nap elsewhere. As he entered the bedroom, he noticed a wrapped package sitting at the foot of the bed. It was oddly shaped and somewhat unskillfully put together. The note on it said:

Wait until nightfall to open.

Have a merry Christmas,

Askuwheteau

The name threw him off; as he never heard of something like that, much less pronounce it. He put it over to the side on his nightstand. He didn't bother to put any covers on, despite it being slightly chilly in the room. His eyes slowly drooped close, and he could barely notice someone putting a blanket over him.

X-X-X

A couple of hours later

It was around mid afternoon when South Korea finally woke up. After many nights of sleeplessness due to his morning sickness, the nap very much refreshed him. However, he looked at the blanket, or rather a quilt, with wonderment, as he knew that wasn't there when he fell asleep. The package on his nightstand was still there, and he was tempted just to open it right at that moment. He was always terrible when it came to waiting, something that, oddly enough, America balanced out.

He heard other voices in the house, and assumed Japan and England had arrived, though it seemed they were in quite a deep conversation. He stretched and then walked out towards the little balcony over the living room. He noticed Japan had just entered, and was going to go upstairs, probably to wake him up.

Japan had just looked up at him once he reached the second landing. "Ah, I see you're awake, Korea-san."

South Korea rubbed one of his eyes, "Not quite. This is probably the most awake I'll get."

Japan turned to go back towards the kitchen where the Western nations were talking. As South Korea started going down the stairs, he felt his foot slip and about to fall backwards. He closed his eyes in reaction to the inevitable falling and pain. When he didn't feel anything, he opened his eyes to see that the strange man from before had caught him before he could fall down another step. He pulled himself up, and stared at the strange man.

He barely was able to stutter out a whisper, "T-thank you."

The strange man simply bowed his head. No words came out, and it was almost disturbing at how silent he was.

Before South Korea could manage to say anymore, Japan ran up to him. "Korea-san, are you okay!?"

South Korea looked at Japan, "I'm fine, why?"

Japan gave a shaky sigh, then reprimanded him, "Don't you know that falling down stairs when you're pregnant can harm the child!?"

South Korea blushed slightly in embarrassment at how close he came to possibly loosing his children. "B-but at least I didn't." He turned around to point out the strange man. "After all, this man saved-"

When he turned back around, the strange man had vanished again. "-me."

Japan quirked an eyebrow, "I think you're seeing things, Korea-san. P-perhaps you should speak to England-san."

South Korea looked at him confused, which led to Japan to roll his eyes, "You know, because England-san can see ghosts? Considering I'm thinking that's what this… man was."

The Korean shrugged, "I guess. But anyway, da-ze." He continued to go down the stairs, "Has he found out yet?"

Japan tapped his fingers absent-mindedly on the railing, "Not yet, I'm just waiting for the right time to tell him."

South Korea looked at him with slight quizzical humor, "Oh? You finally want to tell him? I'm surprised that it took you so long to come to that decision."

Japan glared at him and gave a slight smack to the back of the other's head, "And I'm quite frankly surprised it took you and America-san so long to reconcile."

"Touché," South Korea admitted with slight mirth. However, when he reached the bottom of the stairs, he quietly stated, "Well, at least partially."

Japan raised an eyebrow, "Nani?"

The Korean sighed, and rested a hand on the railing, "Even when we agreed to try again, sometimes… I feel nothing has really changed. We both know that there is no way we could talk about the children without getting into another argument, and as it is… our bosses are already thinking of either doing a partial custody or… taking them away."

Japan leaned in close, "Are you serious?"

The taller nation nodded slightly, averting his gaze to the carpet. "I'm really worried that's what they'll do. Yet I really don't know if America and I can ever agree on this."

For once, unable to say anything, Japan bit his lip in silence.

X-X-X

Hours later, both couples were sitting in front of the fireplace. Both Japan and South Korea had fallen asleep, the latter resting his head on America's lap on the couch, the former sitting in a loveseat with England curled up facing away from England. England was beside himself, starring at Japan in deep concentration.

"Dude, are ya going to stop starring or do you find it entertaining?"

England looked over at America, "You know it's still bothering me."

America rolled his eyes, "Look, I'm sure Japan isn't cheating on you. He's not like that."

England reached over to brush some stray bangs out of Japan's face, only for Japan to flinch away. England retracted back into his seat, still starring at him.

America, already knowing what the other was thinking at that moment, rhetorically said, "Well, how would you feel if something kept poking at you when you were trying to sleep?"

England glared at him, "I thought I raised you to act better than that around your elders."

America jeered, "And I thought you to be one who didn't care if he had a friend. Seriously dude, you are over thinking this."

England rolled his eyes, continuing the jeer without really listening to him, "And I thought I taught you to speak the Queen's English."

America laughed and, in a terrible English accent, said, "And you good sir, forgot about the bloody dialects."

England cringed at the accent, "Don't remind me of dialects, bloody git. I have Scotland and Ireland to thank for giving me headaches from trying to decipher what they said."

America gave his, very loud, signature laugh, only to realize that maybe he should have kept his voice down. But even that realization probably came to late as he noticed Japan was glaring daggers at both him and England, though mostly at England. He had leaned over and his face was about two inches away from England's face if he turned around.

America pointed nervously towards Japan, "Um… I think we were to loud."

England turned around and his face blanched, especially when he saw a dark aura form around Japan. Japan off-handedly told America, "Speak for yourself."

America blanched as well, looking down to see South was awake too, though not as much as Japan. The glare was there, nonetheless. America laughed softly, "S-sorry, we'll keep it down."

South Korea huffed, sat up, and snuggled closer to America, letting his head rest slightly on the other's shoulder. He wrapped his arms around one of America's arms, like it was some sort of pillow. Meanwhile, England and Japan were having a starring contest. Well, more like England was afraid to move since Japan was giving him a death glare. He took a chance and brushed a strand of hair back in its proper place, and lightly brushed the other's ivory cheek with his thumb as a way to distract the nation. The Asian calmed down, the death glare and dark aura dissipating, and rested his head on the Englishman's lap in exhaustion, despite it being early in the night.

As England was petting Japan's head, South Korea finally spoke up about the ghost that had been following him, which, even now, was watching them from above on the balcony. "Yeong-gug (England), you can see ghosts, right?"

England momentarily paused petting Japan and stared at the Korean in confusion and vague curiosity, "Yes."

South Korea's curl twitched, which happened when he was thinking his words before speaking. "Well… I've been seeing one recently."

England continued lightly petting Japan's head, who was on the border of the living and dream realm, "What do you want me to do?"

South Korea's curl twitched again, causing America to lean away slightly so as it stopped tickling his exposed skin, "… I don't know. I guess you could ask him why he's here."

England raised one of his bushy eyebrows, "You know it's a he?"

The taller Asian let out a sarcastic laugh, "Ha, I've seen him so many times I know what he looks like."

England made a face that showed he was quite impressed, "Most people can't even see a ghost, much less be able to remember exact details of their figure."

South Korea shrugged, "Well, he keeps disappearing whenever I look away from him and turn back, da-ze."

England gave a nod of understanding, "I guess you can sense and see ghosts to a certain extent."

America raised an eyebrow, "Don't ya see them, like, all the time, dude?"

England cringed at the English, "Technically yes. I remember it was hard to tell which was a living person and which was a ghost half the time. Anyways, what did he look like?"

"He looked like the one in the picture in the dinning room, da-ze."

America looked at the Korean with a questioning facial expression, like one would make when they were skeptical. "Are you sure?"

South Korea pouted, "Do you doubt me?"

"I'm just saying you could have been mistaken."

The Korean's eyes narrowed as he thought about the comment. "Are you saying that I can't tell the difference between two Westerners like you can't tell the difference between two Asians?"

America's expression turned from shock to disbelief. "I was not suggesting that! And don't lump my grandfather's people with Europeans! They are native to this land and should be treated with higher respect than that!"

South Korea rolled his eyes, "And look at the hypocrite! Don't your people do the same thing to Asians as well? Isn't that your golden rule: treat people how you wish to be treated?"

"How dare you!?" Before the argument could continue, an unknown voice echoed.

"You two are almost as bad as England and France were when I was still on this Earth."

The voice caused all four people, including the slightly asleep Japan, to jump in their seats and America to look around in paranoia and fear.

"Okay, Granddad, that was not cool." America, recognizing his grandfather's voice, was looking around to find the source of it, though he wouldn't see him no matter how hard he looked.

"I told you it was him, da-ze!" The Korean looked around until his eyes rested on the balcony over looking the living room to see the said nation watching them.

England looked up in astonishment at the old nation he remembered from the Age of Exploration. Though he seemed older, like age was catching up to him, and his hair, which he remembered was jet black, was now a duller shade and he could have sworn he saw some gray. How a ghost was able to age he didn't quite understand, though he also didn't understand why his ghost was here at all, either.

Native America looked over at England, "Long time no see."

England sat up straighter, "Uh… right, like wise."

America looked over at England, "Where is he? What did he say?"

Native America's soft smile faded rapidly, and he looked out one of the windows in the hall way in deep thought. He sighed and turned back towards the group and muttered under his breath, not intending anyone else to hear him, "You don't know how much I wish I could let you see me, Alfred. But you don't know how much it hurts to see you go down this path as a country, and what will happen to you in the future, when I remember seeing so much potential in you as that little boy. So, so much… And you don't know how much it hurts and disappoints me to see you arguing with your loved one, when I saw from afar how you promised to protect him and make him happy… And it disappoints me greatly to see the boy that wanted to protect life to lengths beyond his capability at that moment… to be on the verge of destroying two lives that have yet to even live. I wish I could share all this with you. You might be able to change for the better… But I guess even some wishes the gods will not allow, no matter if they feel generous or not, or to whatever lengths I could go to."

England, however, could hear the faint murmurings of the elder nation, and he felt a pang of sadness and sympathy for him. He shyly looked over at the couple on the couch, feeling the similar sense of agony that Native America might have felt. Native America, he thought, must have been in such agony that he couldn't help his grandson correct those mistakes and to direct him to a safer path.

"…Oh well, maybe I need to learn to sit back and watch a lot more, after all, my name would suggest I do that. Nations do need to learn to work on their own without the aid of parents or grandparents at some point." Native America finished; saying it a little louder than intended, leaving the other three nations to question what was going on.

Native America leaned forward a bit more and gave a wink, "By the way, Alfred, I would appreciate a grandchild if you don't mind."

America, upon hearing that remark, looked at the floor with a cherry red blush. England and Japan gave a small chuckle, and South Korea gave Native America his own laugh. "You do realize I'm having twins, right, daze?"

Native America's smirk drooped into a frown for a fraction of a second, before going to a soft smile. "Yes, of course." He wished he didn't have to bite his tongue.

He looked up at the clock on the wall, "Ah, I guess I should be returning to heaven for a time."

America still looking at the balcony, only knowing that England and South Korea were talking to someone there, asked, "Do you have to?"

Native America, while turning away to start going down the hallway, looked at him, "Yes. But I would like to see you two get along from now on, got it? Otherwise I'll send some of the spirits after you."

America paled, and South Korea leaned and asked, "Can he really do that?"

England moved his collar in a nervous habit, "Yes, I remember when he used his shaman magic on me once."

"He did that once to me too, dude."

"Perhaps it will teach you to settle your differences." Native America chuckled darkly.

From farther in the hallway, one could faintly here a familiar voice of a certain Roman. Native America quickly said, "I'd better go or you'll have Rome to deal with as well."

Japan waved goodbye, "I'll make sure China knows you said 'Hello'."

"Ah, yes, please do." And Native America disappeared, quickly throwing out, "I'll see you later Alfred, and make sure your boyfriend opens that gift I gave."

America gave South Korea a quizzical look, "He gave you a present?"

South Korea shrugged his shoulders in an unsure way, "I guess that was him." He then got up and went to go look for the gift.

Japan looked back up at the balcony, and noticed on the first door at the far edge had a package hanging on it. "You mean that one?"

The Korean, after going up the stairs, noticed the peculiar placement. I thought I put that in the bedroom.

He reached for the package and started opening it carefully. America, along with the other two came to see its contents, particularly in curiosity at what Native America could have given the Korean. When the package was opened, it revealed a hand-carved, wooden plaque, with a black chain on the back to hang it. On the wooden plaque, there was a design of tree branches with little cherry blossom flowers, and on each side was the Korean variant of the magpie. At the top center, there was a carved relief of an eagle, and underneath it was two words, one in Hangul and one in the Romanization version. It read: Yun.

"What does 'Yun' mean?" America peaked at the word. Even though he had been learning Korean for a few decades, it was still difficult for him to do translations.

"It means melody." South Korea ran a finger over the words, then over the eagle. He thought to himself, I like it. And the name…

Japan looked closely at the carving, taking in the technique and craftsmanship and focusing on every detail, even the minute ones. "He really must have taken a lot of time to carve all this. There's even a slight wave in the wood." He ran a finger over the top edge of the wood, and the finger waved slightly.

"I didn't think your grandfather would have known how to use wood polish." England looked at the shinny, pale surface.

America gave his signature laugh, "Well, since he probably has a lot of time off in heaven, he might have wanted to learn something new, dude!"

The Asians of the group couldn't help but chuckle at the remark.

X-X-X

Hours later, around 10 pm

The two couples went off towards their respective bedrooms to retire for the night. Japan was in front of one of the attached bathroom's mirror brushing his hair. England snuck up behind Japan wearing nothing but his boxers and put his hands on Japan's shoulders. Despite the fact he should have seen him, Japan had spaced out momentarily, thinking about the best way to tell England about the pregnancy.

Jumping in his seat he turned around and lightly smack England's cheek, "Baka!"

England chuckled and rubbed his light red cheek, "I'm only playing!" Then his voice took a sultry turn. "How about we take a shower together love? We hadn't done that in a while…"

Japan swallowed hard, very tempted to take the offer. However, he restrained himself as he realized that if he found out about the pregnancy, which the stomach had gotten to a point that it was slightly showing, while they were in the shower… it would be quite an awkward situation. Plus, they were in their host's house! He did not want to do that here!

Japan lightly pushed him away, "No, I'm not feeling up for it. And you should be ashamed, Arthur!"

England raised one of his bushy eyebrows, "For what?"

Japan blushed, trying to be convincing, "F-for trying to have sex in someone else's house!"

England blinked a couple of times with a bewildered expression. He then started laughing. He held his sides and leaned against the wall to maintain his balance and not fall on the floor.

Japan looked on strangely, "Eh? …Nani?" Then, he made his best attempt at annoyance, and his blush deepened in anger, "What's so funny?!"

England wiped the tear that formed at the corner of his eye and calmed his laughter down, only for it to pick up again after he said, "I guess we're not on the same page."

Japan stood there, again questioning, "Eh?"

England said, in-between small bouts of laughter, "I only wanted us to have some bonding time. We haven't been doing that a lot lately, like we had grown apart sometimes."

Japan, grasping for a logical thing to say, as he didn't quite know how to sound like he wasn't trying to push him away, quickly muttered, "Well… sex is considered bonding time, too."

England's laughter picked back up again, this time adding a snarky remark, "I really didn't peg you to be the perverted one, Kiku."

Japan, whose face was a deep cherry red in embarrassment, glared at him and did the first thing that came to mind, which so happened to be flipping him off, "Fuck you!"

England's laughter increased in volume, and then he said in a cheeky voice, "I'll make sure to do that to you, don't worry."

Japan, having the last straw in this embarrassment, stormed out of the room. When he crossed the door's threshold, England turned around and smacked his rear, causing Japan to let out a very unmanly squeak. Japan whipped around to glare at the still laughing Brit.

England, deciding to be even cheekier, spoke, "I'm looking forward to it."

Japan slammed the bathroom door shut in response, causing England to continue his laughing fit. He really couldn't help teasing Japan when he gets him so worked up.

Japan glared at the bed, then got an idea as revenge.

X-X-X

About half an hour later, England walked out of the bathroom. He noticed that all the blankets that were on the bed were wrapped around Japan, like a cocoon, leaving nothing for him.

He sat on the edge of the bed, and lightly prodded Japan. "Hey…"

No response.

He continued his prodding, "Hey, I'm sorry." No response.

He lightly shook Japan, "Come on, love, it's cold tonight. Please may I have a blanket?"

Japan mumbled, "This is what you get for embarrassing me."

England tried to peal one layer of blanket so that at least he would be slightly warm. However, Japan pulled the blankets tighter around himself, and, while England couldn't see it, had a cocky smirk.

After about ten minutes of England's pitiful plight in gaining a blanket, Japan allowed himself to share the blankets. However, he quickly smacked a pillow over England's head for added punishment, which he found enough amusement in England's countenance that he let out a small giggle.

Japan then rolled over back to his spot on the bed facing away from England, who had a slightly hurt expression. He tried wrapping his arms around the smaller nation's waist only for his hands to be gripped by Japan's smaller ones. He frowned until he felt his hands guided up towards the Asian's chest and left there. Assuming that cuddling was still allowed, he wrapped his arms tighter around the upper half, and was encouraged when he heard a small chuckle from Japan.

He left light, peppered kisses on Japan's neck before whispering, "Goodnight, love."

Japan murmured back before falling asleep, "Goodnight, Asa."

X-X-X

America scrubbed his hair dry with a towel as he exited the bathroom. South Korea looked out the window from one of the chairs by a bay window with a distant look on his face.

As America sat down on the bed, South Korea got up and started walking out the door. "Where you going, Soo?"

"I need to make a phone call, da-ze."

"At this time of night?"

South Korea ignored the other's question and walked down towards the kitchen where the phone was kept. He dialed a number and waited for the technician to speak. "Hello."

South Korea replied, "Hello, could you please connect me to Pyongyang."

"Would that be through to Kim Il-Sung?"

"Yes, please."

A moment of silence as the connection was made to Kim Il-Sung's office.

Kim Il-Sung answered the phone with apprehension as he was told that it was an American phone line. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Mr. Kim. This is the Republic of Korea calling for permission to speak with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

Kim Il-Sung relaxed hearing that it was the Korean nation speaking instead of one of the American politicians. "I see, you want to speak with the North?"

Taken aback by the relaxed tone of the president, South cleared his throat. "Yes, sir. That would be correct."

Kim Il-Sung laughed a little at how quickly he turned the tables on the South then commented, "Well, I would let you speak with him. However, he is living in Moscow for the time being, so I think this phone call was a bit of a waste."

South Korea questioned, "Moscow?"

Kim Il-Sung chuckled, "I see you don't know, yet."

There was a slight pause, "…Well, I guess it would be okay for you to know."

"Know what, sir?" South Korea spoke with slight apprehension.

"You're going to be an uncle." Kim Il-Sung spoke without a moment's hesitation.

There was a moment of bewildered silence as South Korea took in the information. "…Seriously?"

Mr. Kim spoke, "Indeed."

"I thought he would have been the last person I'd expect to have a child. No offense, sir."

Kim Il-Sung chuckled at the comment. "That's what I thought, too, young man. But I think it might prove an important step for your brother."

"Perhaps." South murmured quietly, though Kim Il-Sung still heard it through the speaker.

"If you wish to contact him, just call the Representative of the Soviet Union. He's living with him." The Korean president advised the nation.

"Would I also be correct in assuming he's the father?" South questioned.

"I hope so. Otherwise this would be incredibly awkward for the two, wouldn't it?" Kim Il-Sung laughed a little at the end, causing the Korean on the other end of the line to laugh as well.

"Well, have a good night, young man." Kim Il-Sung spoke after his fit of laughter.

"You too, sir. Sorry if I called you at a bad time."

Kim Il-Sung chuckled, "It's 11 in the morning here, no worries." He hung up, leaving the Korean personification to dial the Soviet Union.

The phone rang for a few times, making the Korean wonder if they were going to pick up at all.

Then a voice answered, "Annyeonghaseyo, who is this?"

A sigh escaped the Southern Korean's lips as he heard the familiar voice of the Northern Korean, "Annyeonghaseyo, Hyung."

The Northern Korean questioned, "Yong-Soo? Why are you calling, do you even know what time it is?"

While it was 11 in the morning for Pyongyang, it was still rather early for Moscow. "Sorry, but I just thought…"

There was a moment of silence before the Korean on the other end of the line sighed, "It's alright, I've been up since 4 in the morning so it doesn't matter. What do you want?"

South Korea smirked, "You've been having morning sickness already?"

His smirk grew as he heard his older brother stutter in embarrassment. "How did you know that!?"

"Your boss told me, Hyung."

He heard the smack over the phone, indicating that the other had smacked his forehead in frustration. "He really should know when to keep quiet about that kind of thing."

South chuckled, leaving the other Korean to groan in frustration at his younger brother. "You still haven't answered my question, little brother."

He asked innocently, "Hmm?"

The other gritted his teeth and hissed in annoyance, "I hope that you and that capitalist's children aren't as dimwitted."

He brushed off the insult, as he was used to his brother acting like that, then, in shock, asked, "Wait! When did you know I was having twins?"

He could almost hear North Korea's grin on the other end, "First, word gets around quickly amongst nations. Second, thank you for telling me they're twins."

South Korea was silent in embarrassment at how easily his brother could get information out of him, before he finally spoke again, continuing the conversation, "I just…wanted to talk… I guess."

North Korea sighed, "Geez, calling me when it's 5 in the morning here just for a chat… well, I guess it can't be helped. What do you want to talk about?"

Just then, South Korea remembered the medal, "Hey, remember when you hid in the closet here and you nearly broke America's nose when leaving?"

North straightened in his chair at the mention of that day, "Yes… Why?"

South set a slight reproach to his tone, "Be lucky I found the medal you lost before America did. Can you imagine what he would have done if he found out it was you in there?"

North let out a sigh of relief before whispering, in fear that he would accidentally wake up Russia. "Thank you for finding that."

South, slightly questioning the whispering, responded, "I'm going to have to give it back to you soon, before America finds out where I've been keeping it. If you're not at the next meeting, I can give it to Russia-"

Before he could continue, North Korea frantically interrupted him, "No no no no! I'll be there! Don't give it to him!"

South Korea was taken aback by the response, "O-okay?"

He heard shuffling on the other end, "Shit! I think I woke Russia up. I got to go."

"O-oh, okay. I guess goodbye, then," He said in slight sadness.

Before he could hang up, North quickly spoke, "Hey, wait! …It's going to be Christmas for you, right?"

South put the phone back to his ear, "Yes."

He heard him shuffling some more, and before the line went dead, he heard his older brother say, "Merry Christmas, then."

He gave a small, soft smile, and hung up the phone. He started walking up the stairs when he started thinking about the wooden plaque that America's grandfather had given him. The name seemed rather odd to inscribe on the wood, but it had a nice ring to it.

He played with the word in his head for a bit before thinking, I think I know what to name one of you if you're a girl.

X-X-X

End of Chapter 10

Reviews are welcome.

Have a nice day.

Notes:

- Native America's human name, Askuwheteau, means, "he keeps watch"

- Annyeonghaseo means "Hello" in Korean, from what I've been learning I think it's the formal hello.