I do not own Hetalia okay? I am glad so many of you like this story. I don't know how fast I can update before January again, and then it'll be really busy. Anyway enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Seeing that Ivan and Matthew were not back yet, Alfred took the gifts he had gotten for the both of them and ran them up into the closet in his bedroom into the section that was his side that Ivan would never look in, especially after he had found some of Alfred's old sweaty gym clothes in it. It wasn't going to stay there long anyway, he had planned to wrap them that evening but first had to call his parents, wanting to know their plans for Christmas. But as almost as if his parents were psychic, his phone began to ring with the tone of "God Save the Queen" "Speak of the ol man…." Alfred said as he lay back on his bed and look around. "Y'llo Dad"

"Why hello to you too Alfred." Arthur said with a laugh. "I was just wishing to give you a ring and apologize for not being there for your concerns the other day when you called. You know how Francis can be sometimes…."

"And you can never say no to him anyway….at least when it comes to things like that." Alfred teased.

"Oh very funny young man." Arthur said over the phone. "But speaking of that Frog, he wanted me to ask you if you and Matthew had plans for Christmas."

"Speak of the devil, that's what Katy was having me ask you." Alfred smiled. "She wanted to go shopping for Mattie and wanted to size a few things, so she dragged me along. And Ivan took Matt for the same reason. But yeah, so what did you want to know, because we haven't planned much here."

"Well I ask because the frog is wanting to have the family back here at your old childhood home." Arthur said as he looked at his notes for the classes he was going to have to teach next semester. It was nearly finals at the University he taught at and was determining what final touches to put in the test. He never let anything out and never printed them off until the early morning the day of. He knew very well what students would do so they didn't have to properly study. "Francis has been feeling quite sentimental since he learned he was going to be a grandfather and wanted to do something along those lines. "

"I though Papa would be freaking out at the prospect of getting old. Like him being a grandpa would be a final nail in that 'I'm not old' freak out coffin." Alfred laughed.

"Well I would have thought so too, but as long as I have been with him, Francis still is full of surprises." Arthur said sentimentally. Alfred laughed at this. "And just what is so funny young man?" He yelled, turning from sentimental to stern in the matter of seconds. "Now back to something I want to ask you that you were seeking my council on. When am I going to get a grandchild from YOU?"

"Ummmm you see Dad, that to make a baby you need a sperm cell and an egg cell and then the fetus needs to grow for 9 months in a womb, which Ivan and I obviously lack…." Alfred said teasing his father.

"You know bloody well what I mean! You think you and Matthew just were birthed from Francis?" Arthur said getting annoyed at his son's smart alecky attitude. It never failed, no matter how old Alfred had gotten he would always taunt Arthur like that.

"Why do you think Francis would be the one carrying a child anyway?" Alfred asked.

"I don't know; he seems more like to anyway…." Arthur said. "Anyway you did call a few weeks ago about thinking about adopting. I was not feeling my best when you called, you never call that early usually anyway." He said as Alfred rolled his eyes. "I will tell you that I was apprehensive of my ability to be a father. I knew it would be hard work to even get you two."

"But just what motivated you two to do so?" Alfred asked.

"Why do you want to?" Arthur countered.

"I can't quite explain it. I mean the house is big and we are comfortable but I just like the idea. I mean taking care of someone who needs it and just raising a child to have a good home and loving parents and all that." Alfred could tell Arthur was silent. "I told you I couldn't explain it!"

"No, no, I felt much the same. And I was worried we'd mess you boys up. From what I can see, we didn't do too bad." Alfred giggled. "Snigger all you like Alfred but I am right. You both have good educations and found love in good people. None of you are in trouble with the law. Sure, Matthew is facing some hard times, but I don't count that as none of it is his fault. Things like this happen in the business world. You stepped up and helped him when he needed it the most. If you want what I would do, I would say if you feel in your heart, you can love a child and Ivan too and that you both could be the good examples they need, then go for it. From what I can see Ivan is a very family oriented kind of guy. Just how protective he was of Katyusha and how he tolerates Natalya, if he didn't worry about family, by god. I know how it was with your uncle Alistair." Arthur said. "All in all, making the decision to have a child is never easy and you are going to be scared. I would be worried if you weren't and I can tell when you are scared Alfred, you tend to get really cocky or panicky. Or both." Arthur said as Alfred rolled his eyes. "And you just rolled your eyes at me, didn't you?"

"How did you know?"

"I am your father." Arthur smirked. "Now when Ivan gets in tell him and Matthew that we would like to have Christmas here and if there are no objections, let me know so I can plan. Natalya won't be coming will she?"

"Thank God no. She's going to Lithuania with her boy toy." Alfred said.

"Just what did you call Natalya's boyfriend?" Ivan said as he opened the door to the bedroom.

"Talk later Dad. Got to go!" Alfred said hanging up.

"Did you just call Toris a 'boy toy'?" Ivan asked.

"I'm sorry if I offended you but god…." Alfred said.

"I understand you don't like Natalya. She doesn't like you either and well, lets me know. All the time. It does get tiresome." Ivan said. Alfred's heart rate slowed down. Ivan wasn't going to be mad at him for saying that and understood how frustrating she could be sometimes. "Who were you talking to?"

"Dad." Alfred said. "Papa wants to host Christmas this year."

"Let him." Ivan said laying back on the bed. "Let them deal with that hassle."

"You sound exhausted." Alfred teased. "You were shopping with Mattie. Katy is very forceful when she wants to be."

"Meh there was a lot of people. And frankly, if there weren't things that needed fitting, I would have just ordered it all online. I don't know what it is, but people get crazy this time of year. At least I didn't have to fight anyone or get sprayed in the perfume department. Although what they would call perfume where we went would smell worse…."

"Huh?" Alfred asked.

"Stopped by the sporting goods store. So if they were testing deer hunting scents…."

"Gross…." Alfred said. " But we should ask Mattie and Katy if they are okay with going to Dad's for Christmas."

"As long as your papa does the cooking." Ivan said.

"Obviously. According to Dad it was his idea in the first place." Alfred laughed.

Ivan smiled. If there was one thing he did like, it was Alfred's laugh. So cheerful and boisterous. His family life growing up was rather quiet and stressful once his great uncle died. Katyusha was busy working and Natalya had kept to herself a lot and did not want to talk to many people. Seeing what he thought was a chance to have an afternoon alone with his husband, Ivan startled Alfred and kissed him deeply. "I missed you today my love."

"Me too." Alfred said staring into Ivan's amethyst eyes, pulling him closer to kiss him back when the door opened behind him.

"Oh sorry!" Matthew said as he placed a bag down. "I think something you got ended up mixed up with stuff I picked out." Alfred looked at his brother with a blank but confused stare while Ivan looked over at Matthew with a deadly ferocious glare. "Bad time?"

"Very." Ivan said simply. "Now. Get. Out." He said pointing out the door, causing Matthew to back out slowly and shut the door behind him. He then looked on at Alfred with lust in his eyes. "We could tell them later what your father asked, da?"

"Yes." Alfred said.

Note to self, knock before entering any room in this place…. did not need to see that and they were still dressed…. Matthew thought as he walked down the stairs into the living room where Katyusha was placing a few boxes under the tree. He smiled when he saw her and then sat on the chair beside her looking at the gifts. "Did you hear from Fredka what your parent's Christmas plans were?"

"No, I did learn I should knock on all doors that are closed before I open them." Matthew said starting off into the space behind the tree. Katyusha giggled. "Just what is so funny."

"So you caught Vanya and Fredka in the throes of passion?" She laughed.

"Just as they were getting started." Matthew said. "They were still fully clothed at that point." Katyusha kept giggling. "Come on, you're supposed to be an adult."

"Says the man who forgot to knock." Katyusha sighed. "Like I said, be thankful you caught them there. It could have been further." Matthew's eyes widened. "What's wrong?"

"Al and I have caught Papa and Dad in as you said, 'in the throes of passion' That far along. It's not a pleasant sight." Katyusha said. "But I will go with you instead of Fredka for your screen test. I want to wish my future anchor the best of luck. I have faith in you."

"That's good." Matthew smiled. At this his phone rang. "Why does everyone interrupt me?" Katyusha laughed as he answered it. "Yes?" He rolled his eyes.

"Oh Mathieu, why do you address your dearest papa like that, mon fils?" Francis said. "Arthur just called your brother on if you wanted to come here for Christmas and I figured I would reach out to you directly."

"Well all I got from Al and Ivan was yelling at when I put some of Ivan's shopping in his bedroom." Matthew said as he tapped Katyusha on the shoulder as she started to giggle like a preteen schoolgirl.

"From Madme Katyusha's giggle you walked in on your brother and his husband in a very tender moment." Francis said. "Did you not learn from our 'always knock' discussions we had with you two as children?"

"Guess not, I also did not know the ummmmmm libido those two can have either," Matthew said. "Ivan hadn't been home long."

"Well we are not here to discuss your carelessness nor your brother's sex life." Francis said. Thank god Matthew thought as he went on. "I was calling to invite you to Christmas. Your dad does not have an issue with Ivan and Katyusha but he doesn't want Natalya to come either. No offense if Madame Katyusha is listening."

"None taken. She won't be in country anyway." Katyusha replied.

"Oh?" Francis said.

"No, according to Fredka she's going to Lithuania with her boyfriend, he was at Thanksgiving." Katyusha explained.

"Well that solves that issue." Francis said. "Well Mathieu when your brother is free, ask him what he and his husband would like to do and call me back. Good luck on your screen test Monday."

"How did you know?" Matthew asked.

"Gilbert told me. We are friends after all." Francis said innocently. "Bonne chance."

"Thanks Papa." Matthew said as he hung up.

That Monday morning, Matthew got ready in the outfit Katyusha had picked out the night before and sat down sipping the coffee Alfred had made nervously. He had a project to finish up soon so he didn't offer to take Matthew, but had already brewed a pot of coffee that by the time Matthew had gotten to it, was three quarters empty. He really drinks this stuff down. Matthew thought as Katyusha headed over to him with some toast and jam. "Yes, your brother drank most of it already. Said he had something due soon so he needed it bad." Matthew rolled his eyes Typical Al He thought as Katyusha started fixing Matthew's tie. "But I did manage to talk him into not taking the whole pot nor drinking straight from it." Matthew looked at his cup slightly concerned. "I caught him before he started. So no, your brother's germs are not in it." She smiled as Matthew took a drink of the coffee and nibbled on the toast. "Do you want something more?"

"Nah. Maybe after. I am too nervous to eat much." Matthew said.

"Well you are eating something. I guess that is fair." Katyusha said as she looked at the clock and noticed it was 9:30. "Oh! We must get going! I have the directions written down but early is best." Matthew took a quick sip of his coffee and finished the piece of toast and followed Katyusha to the car who drove him to the station with plenty of time to spare. They sat in the waiting room, looking around, waiting for Gilbert to call Matthew back for his screen test. Katyusha noticed Matthew hold his hands on his knees shaking. Katyusha placed her hands on his and kissed him on the cheek. "You will do fine. More than fine."

"How do you know?" Matthew asked.

"I know you. Heck at our wedding if Fredka hadn't informed me of how nervous you were beforehand during the reception; I would have never have knowing. Love must have sedated your nerves. Stop thinking on the negative 'what ifs' and just be yourself. Besides, it's like Fredka said. You two are twins and while he has a high opinion of his looks, I say I married the better looking of you two." She said knowing how he often put down his looks."

"Ah, how sweet. This must be the lovely Katyusha that you and Francis spoke of." Gilbert said bowing. "Charmed my lady. Let me just say your husband is one of my favorite applicants here."

"Why thank you Mr. Beilschmidt." She said. "Please do not treat my darling Matvey any differently."

"Rest assured I am not." Gilbert said. "Now, if you please Mr. Williams? We have just a few things I want you to read over as if you were reporting them. One is a typical news story, nothing really bad, nothing really good, that kind of thing. Then you will report a bad breaking news story, a weather warning and finally a human interest story about cute puppies in a shelter. You're not really on TV and these are all stories that aren't real but modeled after the typical ones we see here. So no worries, Ja?" Matthew nodded. He was still worried but knowing what to expect he took a deep breath and looked over at the director. He motioned to begin and Matthew did as he was told by Gilbert.

Gilbert sat back and noted just how Matthew looked for the various segments. Placing his fingers in a pyramid shape, he stared at the screen. He had a good feeling on Matthew and these recordings were going to prove it. He had wanted to hire him and was going to do so. Maybe as the guy who wrote the stories but he was determined to have him on the team. He was the station manager so he selected who was on his team who made his station run. He had to compete against so much these days and something told him that Matthew would bring in more ratings. "He seemed good with the regular news. Not quite strong enough for the bad news report. A warming stern on the weather warning and seemed really happy on the human interest story. He had the look of a charming young man that was not too arrogant like his brother was. This was a trusting sweet face that conveyed that and the voice was soothing. All in all, it was a good fit for the team. One of the biggest complaints he had against Ludwig was that you couldn't differentiate the tone of the story. He had to cover an adoption drive at the local animal shelter and while he knew Ludwig loved dogs, had 3 himself all rescues in one form or another. His German Shepherd was not accepted into canine police training for being too nice. But because he was so stern, the drive did not work as well as the shelter hoped. Matthew however seemed that he would not have that same effect. The recording light stopped and with that Gilbert knew just who he was going to pick as a new junior anchor. He had fought the upper management before and won and he would do it again. Walking out of the booth, he headed to Matthew and shook his hand.

"I liked your style there kid." Gilbert said. "In fact between you and me the rest of the tests will be for HR humoring. I will tell them my pick tomorrow and call you when I want you to come in and fill out the paperwork. You won't be on the air until the new year, start fresh then and all. But I liked your style. Go have a beautiful evening with your wife."

"Thank you Mr. Beilschmidt…." Matthew said stunned. He headed out to the reception area where Katyusha was sipping a cup of water, her face fell seeing Matthew's look.

"Mrs. Williams!" Gilbert said. "Come the new year, you will be married to this stations' brand new junior anchor."

"You aren't joking with us, are you Mr. Beilschmidt?" Katyusha asked nervously.

"I would not be so mean. I will call him in to do the HR paperwork in a few days and boom, he's got a job." Gilbert said as he thumped Matthew on the back.

With this Katyusha squealed and hugged Matthew tight. He slowly cracked a smile as what Gilbert said sunk in. "I have a job. I have a job and we can get a house soon and have our own place and the baby won't have to share with Al and Ivan. God knows it's bad enough when I've walked in on them starting to get down."

"I love you so much Matvey." Katyusha said. "You just needed to believe in yourself. "And at the end of this week, we'll find out if you have a little baby girl or boy." She said placing her hand on her abdomen.

"I'm going to love to see the look on Al's face when I tell him I got the job." He said as he pumped his arm in triumph.

"He's sure to be proud." Katyusha said.

"And jealous." Matthew added with a smirk kissing her.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. Thank you guys so much for your response on this fic! It makes me feel so good to see you guys liking it so. But anyway remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

realm.