Chapter 11: The Nordic...Six?

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

The Nordics pulled up to Alfred's house about an hour later, their luggage in the trunk and feeling exhausted. That airport was horribly busy and, frankly, Denmark felt like pulling his hair out. So, needless to say, he was very thankful they'd finally gotten out of that hell hole. He never did like airports, anyways. Hopping out of the car, he swung the door shut and went back to help Sweden with the luggage. Finland seemed to be on edge, a mixture of hope and disbelief in his eyes. Denmark could understand, he hadn't believed the possibility that America was Alfred at first either, but now they had irrevocable evidence of it.

"You're the one that stole my car!" An exasperated voice came from the door

There stood America, dressed in a simple outfit of jeans and a blue T-shirt with no bomber jacket, looking relived and slightly angry. He quickly rushed out from the house and checked his car over before nodding to himself. Mutters of 'you're lucky there are no dents' and 'one scratch and I swear to god' were heard as he turned to look at the Nordic family.

"Hey! Nice to see you all again!" America smiled widely, teeth showing

Finland's eyes were wide as he looked at the young nation. It was quite obvious, know that he thought about it, that America was Alfred. Sure, he was a lot tanner nowadays, but other than that he was so much like that little boy they had raised. The same hair that he shared with Finland, and America definitely had Sweden and Denmark's eyes. That smile was even the same as Alfred's was oh so long ago. Resisting the urge to tackle him in a hug, Finland forced a polite smile and greeted the American with the rest of his family.

"It's almost Christmas, so I'm sorry if boxes are kinda everywhere!" Alfred laughed sheepishly as he led the Nordics into his house, "I always decorate for Christmas, but a bunch of things came up, so I haven't gotten to decorate yet!"

As Finland set his luggage down, he smiled softly and put his hand on Alfred's arm, a parental look in his eyes, "Maybe after the meeting we can help you decorate for the occasion. Christmas is my favorite holiday, after all."

Alfred's eyes lit up like a child's as the other Nordics nodded in agreement, a warm feeling spreading through him at the kindness showed to him, "Really? That's awesome! My favorite holiday is Christmas, too! Thanks, Finland!"

The blonde man shook his head and smiled, "Call me Tino."

Alfred froze, blinking with wide eyes. Nations rarely trusted other nations with their human names, it was something saved for a family like bond. Opening his mouth and then, he realized, how could he respond to that? Smiling hesitantly, Alfred was about to say a shaky thank you when the other Nordics began to speak.

"Berwald." Sweden grunted, nodding at America

"Emil." Iceland spoke up, smiling softly

"Lukas." Norway's face was emotionless, but his eyes showed happiness

"My name's Matthias!" Denmark practically shouted, seemingly excited at the turn of events

If Alfred was stunned before, he was going into complete shock now. There was only one thing he could think of to repay that kindness, that trust that they crazily put in him.

"My name is Alfred F. Jones!" America smiled the brightest, most natural smile he had in awhile

Finland's eyes widened, and his lips trembled slightly. Grabbing Alfred in a hug, Tino wrapped his arms around Alfred like a parent would a child. Now, Alfred simply blinked in confusion, smiling nonetheless. Seeing that Finland seemingly got very emotional very quickly, Alfred was quick to try and make him feel better even if he didn't understand why the nation was upset.

"It's okay, dude." America laughed, "It was the least I could do for what you guys just did. If you trust me that much, I don't see why I can't trust you!"

Yes, Alfred knew there were many reasons why he shouldn't trust people. They could turn around and stab him in the back, gain his trust and take him down from the inside. However, as he looked at the Nordics, he was reminded of those dreams where they were a family. Family doesn't betray each other, right? Stupid, Alfred chastised himself in his head, they're not actually you're family. You're delusional.

Denmark, meanwhile, shook his head. Despite being a bit smarter than anyone ever expected, the kid still had a little bit to learn.

The meeting rapidly approached and, before anyone knew it, they were getting up and getting dressed to head down to the meeting hall. The days had passed so quickly, and so much had been done. Alfred had taken the Nordics out shopping, showing them his stores and buying extra Christmas presents along with Tino. Another day Finland and America had both collaborated and made sugar cookies from scratch and then made a mess of the kitchen when they decorated them. Another day Berwald and Alfred had sat down and watched cheesy Christmas movies all morning while everyone else was still asleep from staying up late. Board games, general craziness, and all around fun that made Alfred really wish he was a part of their little group.

Standing in front of the doors to the conference room, all the Nordics insisted Alfred stay with them in their little group. Whether it was just a look telling him to stay put, like Berwald did, or if someone grabbed his arm anytime he tried to leave, like Tino did. Opening the doors, Alfred quickly counted the seats where the Nordics usually sat and shook his head.

"There aren't enough seats." Alfred sighed

"What?" Finland did a quick count, "There are six seats. Exactly enough for all of us."

Eyebrows furrowing, America still looked concerned, "What if Sealand comes this time? The only other seat is beside Russia."

"So? He's a kid, I doubt Russia will bother him." Denmark shrugged

"Don't say that!" Finland hissed, "Besides, I doubt Peter will be here. England very rarely lets him come to meetings. Unless...unless you would prefer to sit by Russia?"

Denmark snorted, "Who'd voluntarily sit by Russia? Everyone knows he's got evil plans to pick us all off, one by one, no matter who it is or who people like."

Alfred laughed a little, "What is this, Game of Thrones? Cause if it is, I'll be Daenerys and kick his ass!"

At the blank stares, he shrugged, "It's a show based of the book series A Song of Ice and Fire by an American novelist George R. R. Martin!"

"Who's...Dinosaurs?"

Alfred shook his head, "Not Dinosaurs, Daenerys! She's really badass!"

"Okay." Finland nodded slowly, "Anyways, I doubt Sealand will be here, so you can just sit with us."

"Gotcha!" America smiled widely, "I usually sit between England and Canada, but I'm sure they won't miss me!"

With that, the group of six sat down beside each other and forgot all about America's interesting choices of books and television shows. Waiting for the meeting to begin, America struck up a conversation with Finland and Norway, who he was setting in between. Soon enough Iceland and Denmark got involved in the discussion with occasional inputs from Sweden. None of them noticed the annoyed looks they got from England, Canada, and France as the Nordics and America were just enjoying each others company.

A/N: Had a bit of trouble with this one two, writers block is still kicking my butt to next week, but I hope you enjoy!

Question of the Chapter: What will happen when the meeting starts?

TRANSLATIONS (Sorry if they're off, I use Google Translate!):

NONE!