Chapter 12: A Lesson on Children

A/N: My friend failed to get his scholarship. That's all.

Kugelmugel has always been a curious type of person. Being just a boy, he would spend hours locked up in his room, pondering, analyzing his surroundings to find a scene to paint with his talented skill. The run-down manor was full of his "artworks," which were paintings or small sculptures, mostly, of clay.

Most of our conversation took place every morning, as we shared breakfast. He even drank a little coffee with me. I guess I influenced him… And then, I would leave to work with my superiors. Kugelmugel seldom left the house, but when he did, he lost himself for hours without my knowledge. Where? Why? I never knew.

"And you leave him like that?!" Hungary shouted as I told her a little about the boy.

"But I am very bus-"

"Nothing of that!" she cut me off. "He's your responsibility, for you chose to take him in. Don't you remember how we raised Ita-chan?"

She paused, since I did not reply to her with nothing but a "forgive me" face. She announced that she wanted to meet Kugelmugel and eventually become his motherly figure, making me the "dad".

When we reached the house where we used to live, Hungary gave a look inside, contemplating how the formerly glorious house had turned into a shabby cottage. She was flustered, and I knew it. I was about to say something when she caught a glimpse of one of Kugel's paintings. It presented one of Salzburg's busy streets. She saw another one where one could see the Eggenberg Palace, in Graz. Her eyes sparkled, revealing her interest in this child.

Just then, Kugelmugel entered the living room. He held a grape juice carton in his hand, and a paintbrush soaked in green on the other hand.

"Kugelmugel, I present to you, Ms. Hungary. She is our neighboring country, you know? She wants to meet you." I told the micronation, who got near and greeted Hungary.

"Hello, Ms. Hungary. So you were Dad's girlfriend…"

His comment froze me. How. Could. . THAT!?

Hungary giggled briefly, and embraced him. She praised her artwork and told him that she was glad to meet him.

After a nice dinner with them, Hungary and I shared bed for the first time in a while.

It was quite a peaceful feeling when I woke up next to her. After a quick kiss on the nose I got myself ready for the day. Hungary woke up a few minutes later. She had her responsibilities, too.

I was done with my work by 3:00 PM. I got home, and found… Hungary?!

She was chatting with Kugelmugel, sharing ice cream at the backyard. She invited me to sit, and Kugelmugel announced me that we will go out to dine together.

He even called her "Mommy," much to our surprise. But Hungary hugged him, and commented how she loved him. She played with his long braids and wondeered if she should also wear braids.

After a week, Hungary and Kugelmugel agreed to paint the house. They wanted to restore its luster. They made a great job, with blue and green as the main colors in the house. White and purple were chosen for the house's front and back. They ordered the rooms, and harmoniously placed Kugel's artworks around the house. They kept asking me which color would suit the kitchen best, or where should a sculpture should stand, and so on. I ended painting with them. Our house was now a cozy home.

At nighttime, Hungary gave me some disappointing news…

She had to leave us. Just when we were transforming into a family, our obligations separated us. Again.