As the others delivered gifts all over the world, the group at Finland's home didn't have all that much to do. Sure, when Finland had woken up Sweden had been sure to provide him with cold medicine. However, the moment he'd taken it, Finland went back to sleep. This occurred more than once, and it began to get worrisome. Finland's dazed caramel eyes would bat open, he'd seemingly listen to what he was told, and then wordlessly return to slumber.
So when Switzerland knocked at the door, it was a troubled gaze that met him on the other side.
"Err… Is everything alright?" Switzerland asked, slightly unnerved by Sweden's awkward stare.
"He k'ps wak'n up in a d'ze. He w'n't t'lk, j'st goes b'ck t' sl'p." Sweden said quietly.
"Do you think he's getting serious enough to need a doctor?" Switzerland asked with mild alarm.
"No… I th'nk he is j'st d'pr'ssed." Sweden replied.
"Have you tried telling him everything is under control?" Switzerland asked.
"Mm. B't I d'n't th'nk he's r'lly l'st'nin'." Sweden said.
"Well, don't get discouraged, man. He'll come around once he snaps out of the shock." The Swiss man encouraged.
"Mm." Sweden paused, "So wh't're Icel'nd and L'cht'nst'n doin'?
"When I left them, they were trying to coax your dog out from under coffee table." Switzerland replied calmly.
"I see." Sweden replied.
"Is there something you need?" Switzerland asked.
"No… I w'll st'y h're in c'se F'nl'nd w'kes up."
"Alright then, suit yourself. We'll be in the living room if you need us." Switzerland said as he began to walk away. He heard the bedroom door close once more as he made his way back into the living room.
"Big brother." Liechtenstein grinned as the Swiss man walked into the room, "Look we got her to come out and play." She said as she patted the small white puppy on the head.
Hanatamago yipped excitedly.
In all the earlier commotion, she'd been temporarily forgotten and was grateful for the attention.
"She is so little and fluffy." Liechtenstein giggled as she stroked the soft puppy's fur.
Hanatamago rolled onto her back as she pleaded for a belly rub.
"She's cute alright. At least compared with Mr. Puffin." Iceland said calmly.
The bird glanced at his owner, as if deciding whether to be annoyed or relieved he wasn't 'cute'.
"Aw, Mr. Puffin is cute too." Liechtenstein said lightly as she rubbed Hanatamago's belly.
The dog's feet kicked happily in the air as she enjoyed her belly rub.
"If you two get hungry, let me know. I'll check with Sweden to see what is okay for us to have." Switzerland replied.
"Okay!" the two younger countries replied in unison.
"What does he think we are? Children?" Iceland thought coldly.
"If you get to have big brother's cooking, I'm sure you'll love it." Liechtenstein chirped brightly to the Nordic.
"Uh, yeah… I'm sure I will." Iceland murmured.
And so ends Chapter 4: Part 8. And by extent, Chapter 4. Initially this mini chapter was going to be part of chapter 5. However, for smoother flow I decided on the format you've just witnessed. I'm really getting down to the wire here on time with only one week to spare. In an ironic twist of fate, I came down with a cold the very day I posted chapter 1 of this fic on ... I've heard of having a connection to the characters you write about, but this is ridiculous *laughs* Anyway, this fic is almost done! Reviews make me happy, and I'll see you in Chapter 5!