Chapter 10: America's Christmas Party

Soon the day arrived and the unusual family got onto a plane heading to Washington D.C. Both Germans were not huge fans of flying, but for different reasons. For Prussia there was just plain nothing to do and he can't do the Mile High Club when his brother is around, the spoil sport. For Germany, it's listening to the Italian talk and talk and talk, and he would either apologize to the persons who were just as annoyed as he was or try to quiet the Italian down, which usually caused the other to whimper and cry, and that just makes him feel guilty and the process starts all over.

But, before the nations entered the plane, Fern-Lui showed some anxiety and uncertainness about the plane. When asked she responded that she never once been on a plane before. Italy calmed her down that it wasn't something to be afraid of and to pretend they're sardines in a can, which earned a giggle from her and are now in this situation.

Germany looked at the girl between him and Italy, who was working in a sketchbook and the girl is his current model. So there was some peace for the first few hours of the flight. His brother, who had to sit at a different seat, snored loudly that there were complaints worse than if Italy talked nonstop. He sighed as he reached over and grabbed the snoring man's cheek and pulled it a bit before the snore became a yelp of pain.

"The hell West?" Prussia groaned, rubbing his abused cheek.

"You're snoring has risen the dead."

"Like you're any better?"

"Ve, but he doesn't snore at all." Italy cut in, careful not to use the nations' names. "He's really quiet."

Germany face-palmed as Prussia blinked.

"What else about Bruder that he does i-" Prussia was about to continue when Germany grabbed his tie, that Germany forced him to wear, and tightened it to the point where he could've choked.

"You didn't tighten your tie properly, Bruder…" Germany said as he gave him a look that promised of pain if he continued.

Italy didn't know what to do and looked at the girl, who was waking up and asked for something to drink, which he pressed the button to summon the stuerdess and made the small order, which Germany was back in his seat and the girl looked over to see Prussia rubbing his throat and glaring at the blond German.

"Onkel… Are you okay?" She said sleepily, making her just as adorable as Italy, and both Germans knew it.

"I'm fine… Your vati here was making sure that I look my best." He said.

"Oh, okay." She said with a smile. "You look great Onkel."

"Danke, at least someone can appreciate just how awesome your onkel is." He said, his pride renewed, much to the other German's dismay.

0o0o0o0

When they finally arrived, they saw America greeting them with a sign that even Prussia was embarrassed to look.

"Hey guys!" America called waving the sign saying 'The Happy Family Group', in bright colors and, dare they deny it, glitter, and heeps amount of it that it started to come off the poster board and land on top of the American.

"Hey!" Italy called out as the girl ran up to the American.

"Uncle!" She called out, which America responded by bending down and welcomed the tackling hug.

"Whoa! Ho!" He said as he was nearly knocked back. "You have your dad's strength! You nearly knocked me over!" He lifted her up, making her squeal in delight at being lifted so easily. "And yet you're so light as a feather!"

There was a crowd watching the crazy American that, unknowingly, is their nation personified as the trio made it to them and America set the girl down.

"So guys," America said, smiling that Hollywood smile and the enthusiasim similar to a child in a candy store. "How was your trip?"

"Long…" The Germans groaned while Italy whined.

"Sorry, but what can we do?" He said with a sheepish smile as he mentioned them to follow him. "My brother has the car, so just grab your bags and we'll head over to my house here. I assume you two are okay being bunked together?" He asked pointing to Germany and Italy, making the younger German blush while the older sniggered.

"Oh, they'll be more than okay with it." Prussia said as he laughed, which he was rewarded with the whack at the back of his head.

"Not a word from you." Germany warned as he said that it was fine.

"Okay! And is it okay if your girl bunks as well, I learned there are a few people are okay bunking together and those… not so much." He said with a bit of a nervous laugh.

"As long as there's a good lock in the room France is in, then there will not be a problem."

"Super!" He said as they reached to baggage claim. "So Fern, how did you like the flight here?"

"That was the first time I've been on a plane."

"Really! Man did you miss out." He said. "Did you know that the idea of flight as transportation came from here?"

She nodded. "The Wright Brothers invented the first airplane, Kitty."

"You know your history."

"I'm a history nut." She said making the American laugh.

"That's good! One of my hobbies is archeology."

"Really? That's so cool!" She said as they waited for their bags.

Once the bags are in their procession, America called up his brother, who he reminded that it was Canada, and their ride came up.

"Hello Uncle Canada!" Fern-Lui called out to Canada, who was a bit startled that she noticed him as she sat next to his polar bear at the back seat.

"H-Hello, Fern-Lui…" He said softly as America told him to take the passenger seat.

"Hey Canada." Prussia said as he sat next to the girl in the back, the bear in-between them now.

"Hello Prussia, flight okay?"

"Long and boring. I hate flights like that." He said as Italy and Germany filled up the remaining two seats and America headed out of the airport.

0o0o0o0

When they arrived to America's house, they were immediately showed to their rooms, which the family of three were sharing one while Prussia was staying in the neighboring one, then joined with the other nations in the large room with a big, heavily decorated tree.

"Hey everyone! The family has arrived!" America announced, barely dodging Germany's headlocks. This was followed by a feminine squeal and Hungary appeared before anyone can blink.

"The lady of the hour!" She announced as she held onto the girl.

"Néni Magyarországon!" She said happily as she hugged the woman.

"Hello Hungary." Italy said happily.

"Hello Italy, I'm so glad you're able to make it. You too as well, Germany."

"Hallo…" Germany said as he looked to see his brother is missing. "Now where is he?"

"If you mean Prussia, he just swiped Spain and met up with France."

Germany groaned. "Nothing good 'ever' comes out when those three are together.

Hungary sighed. "Agreed." She said as she held the girl close. "Now, sweetie, you have to stay close to either me, your daddy, Japan, and anyone else who's not bothering you."

"Rendben Néni Magyarországon." She said as she looked mentioned to be let down and started to wander around until she saw the Sealand and the few other micro-nations, TRNC, and Latvia. (1)

"Hey! Fern-Lui!" Sealand called out. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas, Sealand." She said as she looked at everyone. "Happy Holidays everyone."

"Happy Holidays, Fern-Lui." Everyone said as Sealand announced a game for them to play and rushed off before anyone had a say in it and chased after him to talk to him before he does anything.

0o0o0o0

"Oh, Germany!" Finland called as he and Sweden went up to the German and the Italian.

"Hallo, Finland." He said as Italy cheerfully greeted them.

"Hello Italy, so, is Fern-Lui good to go?"

"It's the only thing she kept asking about since Germany mentioned it." Italy said as he was happy to see pasta at the table. "PASTA~!" He cheered as he went to get a plate.

Germany sighed as he rubbed his head. "He'll end up being in the kitchen before the party's over."

Finland laughed. "Well, he's Italy, it wouldn't be him without his pasta or pizza."

"You have no idea…" He said as he took a sip of punch and saw that Fern-Lui was talking to Sealand along with the rest of the child-like nation group. "Is Sealand going with you?"

"Oh yeah, he is. He hasn't stopped talking about her since the last time she came to the meeting. If you guys hadn't adopted her, he probably would've asked her to be his little sister." He said with a laugh. "I thought it was the cutest thing."

"Sealand! Listen to what me and Latvia are trying to tell you! That's a really bad idea!"

"She kinda sounds like you." He said as he, Germany and Sweden watched the strange chase.

"He's a handful, huh?"

"Greatly." Both Finland and Sweden said in unison. "And Fern-Lui?"

"An angel." He said, feeling a bit sorry for the two nations who adopted the youngest micro-nation.

"Well, maybe he'll learn a thing or two from her the more he gets to know her." He said with a hopeful smile when a crashing sound was heard, followed by an angry American and the boyish shout of "run" was heard.

Germany felt bad for Finland as Sweden tried to comfort the nation.

"He's a g'od boy, but som'tim's…"

"Aaah! Dad! Help!" Sealand called as he ran up to Sweden, which was followed by an angered America.

"I swear! If you can't control that kid to not touch stuff that's clearly labeled as a no touching zone, then this will be the last, I repeat! The. Last. Time. He's invited!"

"Uncle America!" Fern-Lui called out as she ran up to the scene and panted, holding her index finger to indicate a moment to breathe. "You guys are fast…" She said as she caught her breath and looked at the American. "Uncle America, the damage isn't that bad. Honest! Just let Sealand fix it and I'll watch him and it'll be fixed by the time the gift exchange comes up. Please give him a chance, all of us tried to warn him."

America took a deep breath and looked at Sealand and sighed. "Okay… I'll forgive you, Sealand, but only because Fern-Lui has faith in you." He said as he excused himself.

"Thank you Uncle America." She said as she looked at Sealand and looked like Germany when he's commanding troops. "Okay Sealand, you got a vase to fix and we have about an hour to do it. If you want to go back to America's good side, you better not let this chance go. Got it?"

"Y-Yes…" He said guiltily.

"Good, because after you fix the vase, you have better apologize to America like a man along with everyone who tried to keep you from getting into this situation."

"Right…"

She sighed as she held out her hand. "Let's go, we're wasting time."

Sealand nodded as he looked up at his adopted parents. "Sorry that I troubled you… again."

Finland smiled and patted his head. "Just fix what you broke and I'll give you an extra treat."

"Really!" He said excitedly.

He nodded. "But only until you apologized to everyone you've done wrong."

"I will. And sorry Dad."

Sweden smiled and patted the boy's head. "It's all g'od, Sealand…"

With that, he grabbed the girl's hand and they went back into the crowd.

"You may be right about him learning a thing or two from her." Germany said as Italy came up, looking a bit concerned. "Hello Italy, what's wrong?"

"Well, I was going to say hi to America, but he didn't look happy and I was wondering if it was because I ate all the pasta."

Not surprised on the last bit, he explained what happened and Italy was relieved that it wasn't him.

"I see…" He said as he looked around before hiding behind the German.

"Italy?"

"Russia's here…"

Germany looked and to his and many other nations' surprise, there was Russia with Belarus, staying close to the large nation for even the said nation's comfort, and Ukraine. He wasn't sure what the occasion was, but he had a feeling that the only reason why the large nation, who didn't celebrate Christmas until January, was because he wanted to see the girl again.

0o0o0o0

"Дядя России! Тетя Беларуси и Украины тетя!" Fern-Lui called out as she ran up to the tall Russian and the nation picked her up and hugged her. "С Рождеством Христовым!" (2)/(3)

"That's very kind of you, but I don't celebrate Christmas on this day."

"Oh? Oh right! You celebrate it on January seventh."

The Russian nodded as Ukraine wanted to hug the girl as well, which was granted and, for Germany's fear, the girl had more of the nation's breasts and arms than anything else, but she pulled through okay and was able to hug back. Belarus on the other hand, simply patted her on the head, but the girl was not going to have any of that and hugged the woman, surprising her.

"Hug!" She said happily, which, much to everyone's including Russia's amazement, Belarus did attempt to hug back, but she looked like she was in pain doing so. She mentioned to be put down and that was granted as she told Russia in his native language about something, making the nation nod and she ran somewhere back in the crowd.

"Hey Russia! I didn't expect you to come." America called out.

"I was going to decline like I usually do, but I wanted to see the girl again and see what kind of surprise she does. And I'm quite surprised to see Belarus returning a hug." He said as Belarus seemed to blush and looked away. "So, I hope I'm not intruding."

"Nah! It's no problem!" America said as he led the three. "We're just hanging out and waiting for the gift exchange thing."

"Oh, I didn't bring my gift." Ukraine said as she looked like she was about to cry.

"Hey, easy Ukraine, I think Finland may have something for you guys." He said as the girl came up. "Hey there!"

"Hello Uncle America, Sealand's done fixing your vase."

"Oh, did he cause trouble?" Russia asked with an innocent smile.

"Just a vase that was given to me by Teddy when he was in one of his presidential trips."

"Teddy? As in Theodore Roosevelt?" She said, her eyes widening.

"Yeah, but I accidently broke it once, but still if I broke it, that's on me."

"Well, he's waiting for you to give the okay and to apologize in person."

"Okay, thanks for keeping him in line."

"I try, but I wouldn't want to do it every time." She said with her arms crossed and pouted.

America laughed as he headed to where the micro-nation was waiting.

She looked up at the large nation, who picked her up and carried her around.

"You enjoying yourself?" He asked.

She nodded. "I am, except for when Sealand didn't listen to me or Latvia about running around the room, thus lead to the knocking and breaking of the vase. Uncle America got angry, Sealand ran, and I ran after the two and asked America to give Sealand a chance. So now Sealand owes me for him to get invites to future parties."

Russia laughed. "You have Germany's commanding spirit."

"I'm still a bit mad at him because he ran while I saved him. And I'm sure he knows this after all his years of being a nation." She said as she placed one fist on her hip.

"Sealand is actually the youngest out of all of us."

She sighed with a bit of a pout. "Still, I'm eight years old and I have to help him when he should've known better."

Russia chuckled as he patted her head with his free hand. "He will learn one day, малютка, but until then he'll just have to get used to being ordered around you." (4)

She laughed. "I hope not, otherwise it'll seem like I've become his wife or something."

It was Russia's turn to laugh when they reached to where Germany is. "Ah, hello Germany. How are you?"

"I'm well, I didn't expect you here."

"I expected as much, but that is okay. I rather enjoy the surprise looks I'm seeing by my arrival." He said with a little laugh, which Germany grinned uncomfortably while Italy laughed a bit, but also nervously.

"So, are you enjoying yourself then?" Germany asked, figuring that making a conversation would get rid of the awkwardness.

"So far I am." He said as the girl asked to be let down. "Oh, I'm sorry, I bet you're bored with the talk, da?"

She shook her head. "No, but I have to get something from the room right quick."

"Oh? Is it a gift?"

She smiled and nodded. "Да, это." (5)

"Ah! I would love to see what you have brought." He said as he set her down, which she went to Italy and grabbed his hand.

"Come on, Mamma Italia, you have to help me." She said, which Italy followed happily, leaving the German to talk to Russia as Ukraine dragged Belarus to meet up with everyone, which Russia helped by telling them to have a good time and he would like to talk to the other nation for a bit.

"Germany." Russia said, gaining the German's attention. "How is it being a father?"

Germany was a bit shocked to hear that question, but he answered. "Well… to me it's not at all that different when I was trying to train Italy and when I have to keep Bruder out of trouble. But she is what one can call the calm child."

"The exact opposite of what Sweden and Finland have." Russia said, the same innocent smile on his face.

"Ja…" He said. "But Sealand is a micro-nation while Fern-Lui is mortal… their life spans are different…"

Russia's smile lessened to that of a serious consideration. "That is true…" He said as he looked at the other nations. "In a setting such as this when we know that what mortals mistake as one of their own, we know that we are not like them completely. We were once small, barely knowing just who else is like us and how many there are. But now here we are, all of us are known to each other and our people know us by name alone." He looked back to Germany. "But Fern-Lui is the first mortal after so long to know of our existence since those last couple of wars after that one. And she's become yours and Italy's child, if only briefly." He closed his eyes. "I envy you. But at the same time I know that this will last only until her true family comes and takes her back to the world where she truly belongs to." He opened his eyes to see that the German nation was surprised. "I don't think I can handle that kind of pain. I've felt the same pain when I was younger, and it never goes away."

Germany understood what the other was talking about and knew a bit of what Russia's life was like. "You're talking about Anastasia…" He said as he saw the large nation seem to stiffen at the name, but he saw the other nod.

"Yes… out of everyone in the long line of her family, she has and always will be, special to me…"

"I'm sorry for brining her up…"

Russia shook his head. "Don't be. It makes it seem like she's still around if someone mentioned her." He then chuckled. "America even gave me a copy of that movie that isn't historically correct, but it's a good alternative than what she really faced…"

"R-Russia?" He said, seeing that the large nation was thinking back to that time, only for the girl and Italy to come up.

"Hello!" She called out happily, which Russia put on a smile and acted like the talk never happened.

"Привет, did you find what you were looking for?" (6)

"Da." She said, her arms carrying large envelopes, Italy also carrying similar envelopes.

"Ve~ We didn't interrupt anything?" Italy asked.

"Oh no, we were just talking random stuff to kill time." He said.

Germany was a bit unnerved by what just happened a moment ago, but he let it drop as he smiled at the girl, who showed her excitement of handing out her gifts he didn't know she made when America announced the gift exchange.

"Ah, I know I'll get Fern-Lui's gift since no one expected me here at all this evening." Russia said.

"I'm glad you came though." She said as she and the group went up to where the other nations were gathered for the gift exchange.

0o0o0o0

"Well!" America started. "Normally I would draw a name out of a hat and all that, but since Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine unexpectedly joined us here, I think it wouldn't be fair since he didn't bring a gift to exchange with nor did any of us think it was possible. But it seems our angel of the evening has brought something and that's going to be our first gift of the evening! Come up here Fern-Lui!"

The girl went up, envelopes in her arms and each with a name on them. She was blushing, but she picked up the first of the envelopes and handed them out to each of the nations, surprising many that none of them were over looked or forgotten. Even Canada was shocked when he heard his name and handed his envelope.

When each have an envelope in their hands, she announced to everyone that they can open it and hoped they liked their gifts.

Germany and Italy opened theirs and saw pencil sketches of them. Germany's was him standing out in the field, looking proud with one hand on his hip and the other hand holding his army hat.

Italy's was him outside with an easel, paints, and a canvas that seemed to show a faded outline of the landscape that was in the picture.

Each nation had a different picture that seemed to describe them perfectly well."

"This is way beyond awesome." Prussia said when he saw his picture, which was him at the bar, a tall one in hand, his bird fluttering around his head, and looking awesome.

Spain was in his matador outfit in a bull fighter arena.

Romano was in the tomato field, grinning while holding a good looking tomato.

Japan smiled as he saw himself in what looks like he was back in the Edo Period, among the sakura trees.

Greece's was him standing at the buildings before they've become ruins, and the large stature of Athena was behind him as the cats were still on him.

Turkey's was in one of the religious buildings, surrounding by candles on the ground.

France was on the top of the Eiffel Tower, the city at night just below, giving a nice glow as he looked casually relaxed.

Hungary's was at a wide field, camera in hand, and some flowers in her hand, but she also noticed the frying pan hanging off her hip like a sword and couldn't help but giggle.

Austria's was in a music room but he was on the piano, eyes closed and looked as if he was letting the music move him by the position he was in.

England's was happy to see that his showed his pride as nation as well as his loyalty to the Queen with a royal guard's uniform and sword at his side. He looked like he did when he was in power, full of pride and respect.

China's was something calming as his was in the bamboo grove and he was sitting by the stream, a panda bear by his side as he looked like he was enjoying the calmness of the moment.

Canada's was him in a mountain ranger uniform and overlooking from the top of the mountain as the scenery was green and fresh.

Sweden's was him standing guard, but there was a soft smile on the face feature, as if it was a peaceful time as a light snow was present among the flowers that were hardy enough to grow beneath his feet.

Finland's was him on a sleigh, petting a reindeer as he was looking up at a shooting star.

Sealand's was him standing on a rock, surrounded by the raging sea, but he looked determined with his nation's flag in his hand, raised above.

Latvia's was in a field and he had a bird on his finger and he looked so much at peace with a content smile on his face.

Estonia's was in a library, looking up from a book and grinning.

Poland's was him outside with a pony and posed in a way that said 'yeah, I'm here. What are you gonna do about it?' And that just made him smile and laugh.

Lithuania's was him in a park of some kind, reading a book with a pile of books next to him and he seemed to be at ease.

Switzerland's was him out by the lake, face serious, but with a slight grin, with a pistol at his side.

Liechtenstein's was in a quaint village with a bunny at her lap and smiling with joy.

Norway's was in the forest at winter time, and he smiled when he can make out the trolls and other Nordic mythical creatures hiding among the trees.

Denmark's was him holding his flag up while he was poised with his foot on a rock and looking proud and smiling as if he were the king of the world.

Iceland's was him overlooking the ocean with his puffin by his side. He saw that there was a smile on the picture and he looked like he was at peace and couldn't help but smile a little.

Belarus's was her in a snow covered forest and seemed to be catching a glowing snowflake with some wonderment. Normally she wouldn't care about a picture like this, but she did like how this one looked.

Ukraine's was her in a field, smiling as if she had known that she had a great harvest as she was carrying a pitchfork and a pail.

Russia's was him in a field of nothing but sunflowers, and he seemed to be laughing. He was really touched to see a picture like this and knowing that the girl had done this purely on memory alone.

America laughed when he saw his, which was him standing on the flame of Lady Liberty's torch, an American flag in his hand and looking out at the city with jets overhead. "Man! You got an elephants memory! These are great!" He said as everyone else agreed on their pictures as well.

She blushed and smiled. "It's my way of thanking everyone for being so kind to me." She said as a tear came down. She rubbed her eye and giggled. "So, thank you everyone."

Italy went up and hugged the girl and said something in rapid Italian, which the girl understood and laughed.

America rubbed his eyes to stop any tears trying to come out as everyone gathered around the girl and talked to the girl before resuming back to the party before Finland came up and mentioned that he has to start going, which the girl gave her foster parents a hug and joined Sealand on the sleigh, which she was confused, but went along with it.

"Listen to Finland, alright?" Germany said as she nodded.

"I know." She said as Germany rubbed her head.

"I just want to make sure."

"I know, Vati Deutschland." She said with a smile as she gave him a kiss on the cheek before Finland announced that he's ready for takeoff.

"You're going to love this, Fern-Lui." Sealand said.

She smiled. "I'll take your word for it." She said as the reindeer started to move and they were up into the night sky. From there she was surprised at what she saw. "We're flying!" She said as she looked back of the sleigh and saw that America's house is barely a speck out in the distance. She gripped the sleigh as she couldn't help but a feeling of excitement and fear mixed together.

Finland laughed. "Amazing huh?"

"Yeah." She said as she sat back down and looked up at the clear night sky with the full moon. "It's so beautiful."

"I know, I love when nights are like this. You can imagine the few storms I get caught in."

"I wouldn't be surprised, but most of the time your runs are like this."

Finland nodded. "Yes."

0o0o0o0

Back at America's house, everyone turned in for the night, everyone but Germany was asleep. He was reading, yawning a few times, but other than that wasn't tired enough to sleep. He got to the near end of the book when he heard a knock on the door. He got up and opened the door to see Finland carrying the girl in his arms while Sweden was carrying Sealand.

"Sorry if we woke you up." Finland whispered.

Germany shook his head as he took the girl from the nation. "It alright, I wasn't even asleep." He whispered as he told them a Merry Christmas and tucked the girl in bed, which she immediately latched onto Italy, who did the same, making him chuckle. He turned off the light, climbed in bed, and fell asleep as well with his arm over the two.

0o0o0o0

Hours later, the sun was up and Fern-Lui woke up with a pitched groan. She remember being in the sleigh going over Italy and saw that the lit mountain was pretty and then she must've fallen asleep when they were heading back to America's house. She saw Italy, a bit of a drool was present on the corner of the man's mouth. She smiled as she wiped the drool off before looking to the other man and knew that he must've stayed up, otherwise he would've been up by now. But then it was Christmas Day, so the German had the right to sleep in.

Normally children would run to get their presents while they wake their parents with cries of presents. But she liked the peacefulness of being between the two people she holds dear to her. But then she felt a sadness and a clinging shadow called guilt for being here.

She sighed. 'This is what they wanted me to do. To live and be safe…' She thought. 'I'm suppose to stay until they come and find me.' But the feeling of never seeing her real family started to cling to her heart as much as she wants to deny it. But there was nothing she can do but stay with the nations that she had come to feel as family. She loved them the same as her real family, and that's what's important to her.

"Have you forgotten?"

She hitched her breath as she looked at the German's face, sighed lightly in relief, and ran her hand through the blond hair and smiled as she could see her real vati clearly now. She turned to look at Italy and did the same, seeing her mamma's face. 'I'm not replacing them with my real parents, but it's hard not to when they look the same.'

Soon she heard the door being knocked rapidly, followed by the voice of her Onkel asking if anyone was up, which caused Germany to groan and held her and Italy tighter. She lightly giggled, which seems to be the thing to wake up the German as he opened one lazy eye as the knocking continued.

"Oi! West! You alive in there? Do I have to go in and give you another rude awakening!" Prussia called out from outside the door.

"I'm up!" Germany called out, waking up the Italian.

"Ve~?" He sighed out before the day registered in his mind. "Ve! It's Christmas morning!"

Germany got up and nodded. "Ja, Italien." He said as the girl got up, followed by the Italian.

She stretched and yawned when Prussia let himself in. "Guten Morgen, Onkel Preußen." She said as she rubbed her eyes.

"Good morning to you too!" He said as he looked at the three. "And why are you still in bed? Everyone else is waiting for you guys."

Germany sighed. "Give us a minute." He said as he rubbed his eyes.

"Okay. But be quick about it! Ja?"

"Ja, ja… Now go!" He said as his brother left and he got up from the bed to grab his, Italy's, and the girl's clothes and threw the articles to them.

Fern-Lui dressed quickly as did the German, the Italian however wasn't as fast and needed help with the snagged button to be loose in order to get his head through, which amused the girl a bit as the German sighed and fixed the problem, which made the other very grateful, making the other blush a bit and mentioned to head out.

0o0o0o0

They headed to where everyone was talking amongst themselves before they walked in.

"Alright! Time to open gifts!" Prussia announced, making his brother face-palm.

"Kids first!" America called out, which Sealand, dragging Latvia, the Cyprus brothers, other young micro-nations, and Fern-Lui went up to the large pile of gifts and it became a search for theirs.

"Hey! Fern-Lui!" Sealand called. "Found one with your name on it!"

"Thank you Sealand." She said as she received the found gift and looked to see who it was from. "From your awesome Onkel."

"Yes!" The mentioned ex-nation said as she carefully opened the wrapped gift.

She looked into the box and saw a necklace with a beautifully craved circular locket. The locket had a bird that resembled a goldfinch, an eagle, flowers that looked like birds of paradise, and a heart. She blinked and looked at the Prussian. "Danke Onkel…"

"You know what those pictures mean?" He asked, sounding a bit serious but his grin was still present.

"The goldfinch means good luck and happiness, the eagle is strength and courage, the flowers mean friendship, and the heart means love."

This caused a few to look at the Prussian, some a bit shocked to know that the crazy ex-nation could give such a meaningful gift as he chuckled, but he was surprised that the girl knew what they mean.

"You do know your stuff, kiddo." He said. "But you summed up what those symbols represent."

She opened the locket and found that it was still empty inside, which she knew it was going to be occupied sometime today.

The next gift was from Hungary, which was another dress with her own frying pan, which got Prussia to complain and couldn't help but giggle at the two arguing like brother and sister.

Next was from Austria, which was a music box with a very pretty song by Mozart, followed by another of Prussia's, which was a gold bracelet with etched in flowers.

Japan's gift was a beautifully decorated fan, Greece's was a necklace with the glass charm he found in one of the ruins he was in, Turkey was a small Turkish rug that was in a beautiful earthly colors, Cyprus and TRNC gave her a metal flower that she can open up and close, Sealand's was a picture of him, which she had to be kind and thanked him, but not knowing what to do with the picture. Latvia got her a scarf, Estonia and Lithuania got her some books, Poland got her a toy pink pony, Romano got her a soccer ball that was painted to look like a tomato, which she questioned on what to do with it.

"You've heard of futbol, haven't you?" Romano asked and was surprised when she shook her head that she didn't. "It's only the best international game in the world!"

"I… didn't know that." She said, surprised as she looked at the ball like she has found the Holy Grail.

"When you come around my house, I'll teach you the basics of it." He said as she continued to open her other gifts.

Spain got her a rose flower clip, France got her the fanciest child's dress she'd ever seen, making Germany wonder what on earth was she going to wear it for. Italy got her an artist's case, which she was excited about, England, much to everyone's relief, got her a decent winter coat that was in a light tan color, China got her a panda toy, Egypt made her a pot that was beautifully crafted as if it was from the ancient times, and America got her a laptop with the lid cover to have a Picasso painting on it.

After getting the other gifts from the other nations, except Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, she thanked all of them with a hug and a kiss on each cheek, which made a few nations, notably Japan, Cyprus, TRNC, Latvia, England, Austria, Switzerland, and Sealand, blush deeply of the affectionate gesture.

Even Russia blushed lightly from the gesture while Belarus was painfully red from embarrassment and slightly angered of the fact that she didn't do that to her brother, which many know that Russia avoids those kinds of things of her like the Plague.

0o0o0o0

Soon the party was coming to an end and everyone turned in for the night before they head back to their respectful homes. The girl was out as well as the other young child-like nations as they were all found asleep in front of the grand fireplace that America has. Germany picked her up and he and Italy headed to their assigned room, changed her and tucked her in.

She held onto the cream with dark grey spot cat plush that Germany got her and the two nations couldn't help but look over their adoptive child.

"Ve~ She looks like an angel." Italy said as he leaned against the taller nation.

"Ja…" He said as he unconsciously wrapped an arm around the Italian's waist, and for that moment it all seemed perfect. He suddenly realized this and cleared his throat. "Do you wish to return to everyone or are you tired?"

"Not much left to do." Italy said, a bit confused that the other suddenly brought that up before smiling. "Come on Germany, let's say good night to whoever's up and join our daughter." He said, not noticing how the blush on Germany's face seemed to intensify, but nodded as they headed out, said their good night to America, who was going to stay up to clean the place.

Germany was going to help when America, with the rare force of authority, told him to not lift a single crumb and march back to the room and rest up, which he did with Italy dragging him there.

When both did settle to bed, she groaned and was slightly awake, but said her good night to both of her foster parents with a kiss and fell back to sleep with a happy smile, making the two nations smile and fell to a fitful sleep.

Once they were fully asleep, Hungary came out from under the bed and aimed her camera just right and was about to take a shot when Italy wrapped his arm around the girl, followed by Germany wrapping his arm over the two and bringing them together. She bit her lip to keep herself from fangirling and took the shot. 'Thank you God for sending her here, otherwise I wouldn't be doing this right now!' She thought as she snuck out of the room.

Translations:

(1) Okay Auntie Hungary - Hungarian

(2) Uncle Russia! Auntie Ukraine and Auntie Belarus! - Russian

(3) Merry Christmas! - Russian

(4) little one - Russian

(5) Yes, it is - Russian

(6) Hello - Russian

Okay then! I still got to review and all that for chapters 11 - 16, and, if all goes well, continue the fic with a few chapters after. How are you liking this so far? The same as the first time around? New theories? Random?

Anyway, I hope you all have a great day and see ya!