"Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies"
A soft voice sang from within an unused meeting room drawing the attention of a stoic blonde with bright blue eyes.
"Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream"
The blond peaked into the room and saw his Italian friend sitting by the window gazing out the frosted window to the snow filled courtyard of the building.
"So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need"
His voice was so clear but still soft and gentle as he sang. It was a few days before Christmas and the nations were forced to have a last minute meeting over the holiday. They had made the best of it and gotten the meeting hall decorated, they'd even convinced America to haul in a tree and let someone else put on decorations.
"No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list"
Germany felt a hand settle quietly on his shoulder as Italy reached the chorus of the song. Looking over his shoulder he saw his brother and his friends listening in as well. All three seemed subdued by the gentle voice still singing.
"As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree"
Germany's attention was brought back to the singer. The words being sung brought back memories of when he had been smaller and Prussia had been his big brother and brought him handmade gifts on Christmas. How he had been so happy with just that simple joy.
"Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul"
The next verse brought to mind all the wars that had been fought, how even now many nations could not put their pasts behind them and fought with each other at every meeting. And now especially with many of them having to work through the holiday they were all rather disgruntled with each other.
"No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list"
It made Germany think of Italy and how he always tried to cheer everyone up and get them to forget their differences. He remembered how even during war Italy had taken time for Christmas and invited Santa onto the battlefield to bring a ceasefire.
"What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth"
Even in meetings the silly brunette had tried to stop the fighting with silly jokes and offerings of food. His innocence was his greatest asset Germany concluded.
"No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up Christmas list
This is my only life long wish
This is my grown up Christmas list"
As the song drew to an end Germany was drawn back by his brother and his friends and down the halls.
"We should grant his wish."
The other three men looked at Spain, who for once looked rather serious.
"As much as I would love for that to happen mon ami, how exactly do you propose we do that?"
"Ja, not like the idiots will just stop fighting with each other."
"No tiene por que ser siempre. It only has to be for one day. Navidad."
The others all blinked at him as they thought over the suggestion.
"So you are suggesting we convince the world to not fight or argue or bicker for just one day?"
"Si!"
"I'm in. What about you West? You going to help us with granting Feli's wish?"
Germany looked between his brother and his friends, glancing back at the room that still held the Italian.
"Ja, of course."
With that the four began discussing how this would work out and who would tell who about the plan. It was also decided that this would be kept secret from the Italian until the day of Christmas to preserve the element of surprise for him. The group broke up and they all made their ways to find the nations they were responsible for for recruiting. Germany found that many of the nations at first were hesitant of the idea but after he explained to them that this was being done for Italy many agreed quite quickly.
By Christmas Day the whole world was in on the surprise and was more than happy to help grant such a friendly nation his Christmas wish. When Italy walked into the meeting hall on Christmas morning he had been expecting to be greeted by cursing, loud yells and shouts, and other sounds of violence. What met his ears was nothing like he expected and he looked up to see the other nations chatting happily and peacefully with one another. Glancing around he spotted Romano being held by Spain, and while still scowling, he wasn't fighting to be let loose or cursing. In fact he seemed to actually be happy with his situation. Looking around he saw Russia and America talking and smiling, sharing a joke without forcing any emotions, genuinely being friendly with each other. All around the room enemies, rivals and even those that never spoke with each other were chatting happily with one another.
"Frohe Weihnachten, Italien."
Italy turned around to see Germany entering behind him.
"Felice Natale, Germania."
Then Italy got the biggest shock of his long life. Germany smiled at him. It was a small, gentle smile but it was there and Italy could tell it was meant just for him.
"Ve~ Germany everyone is acting so nice to one another. Isn't it wonderful?"
"Ja Feli. It is."
The two friends spent a moment smiling happily at one another for a moment before turning to take their seats. Germany began the meeting and for once it went smoothly with everyone behaving themselves. All in all for that one day there truly was peace on earth.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
"Ve~ That was wonderful, Thank you all so much for making my Christmas wish come true." Feliciano bounds around the room giving hugs left, right and center to everyone there.
"Aww, it was no problem Feli, I'm glad you liked it."
"Of course I did. It was wonderful."
As Feliciano moves on I turn to you once more.
"I do hope you've enjoyed these Christmas tales. Please leave a review and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Even if it is a bit late for that now."