I do not own Hetalia okay? If you don't know this by now, as this is the 39th chapter, then well I don't know what to tell you. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!
Alfred looked in the mirror and tried to fidget with his tie when Arthur came over and placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "Everything will be fine. There's nothing that can possibly go wrong. I have asked many of my college in the legal department and they all say the same."
"God I know Dad...but just...uggghhh..." Alfred said heart racing. "I mean when all is said and done we'll be bringing Nikita and Dmitri home, they get to sleep in their own rooms, we won't have to take them back to Sherrie and Tom, not like they are bad people, but just...wow..."
"At least you are ready and know when they are coming. Poor Mathieu and Katyusha, they know they will have their child here in a few weeks but just when, well that is a painful unknown. I do not envy her one bit." Francis said as Ivan sipped his tea calmly, even though Alfred could tell that inside he was just as nervous as he was. Arthur and Francis were not as perceptive of it as Alfred was but from their own experience knew that everything could be ready but the official paperwork but you would still be worried.
"You know, as we went to adopt you and Matthew, I was just as nervous as you are." Arthur began. "And this was back in the 90s. Francis and I each had to act as single to adopt one of you because of the laws of the time. There was a chance that the judge could have decided against one of us and then it not gone through." Alfred looked confused. "I doubt either of you would remember this much, you were younger than Nikita and Dmitri are. We were assured by the lawyers at the agency that everything was smooth sailing but I was still nervous. Heart racing."
"He actually smoked more cigarettes than I did. Remember back then I was a more regular smoker than now." Francis said.
"You actually smoked like a chimney?" Alfred said.
"Yes. It was the only thing I could do besides drink and well that would not look good. I have to say I do not handle alcohol well..." Arthur said as Francis laughed.
"But it gets you to do things you would not normally with me..." Francis teased as Alfred stuck his tongue out in disgust. "Sometimes you need something to loosen yourself up."
"There will be time for you two to do that later." Ivan said as he put his mug in the sink. "But the hearing is soon. The twins will be there and I know they seemed to like their grandparents so I am glad you could make it."
"Happy to be there sport." Arthur said. "Now let's go." With this they got in their cars and headed down to the county courthouse where Sherrie and Tom were waiting with Nikita and Dmitri. Both twins were dressed up in nice outfits and looked rather uncomfortable being in such formal wear for a three year old child. Once they saw Alfred and Ivan, they ran up and hugged them around their knees.
"Daddy! Papa!" They yelled in excitement.
"Kids!" Alfred said as he picked the twins up. "So today is the day you'll be allowed to move in with us for good." At this they cheered. "And your grandpas are here too to join in the fun."
"Are they moving in with us too?" Dmitri asked.
"Oh no, we won't be doing that any time soon." Arthur said as he picked up his soon to be adoptive grandson. "You're getting so big." At this Dmitri smiled proudly. "And your daddy told me of your love of a certain pizza place."
"Pizza Party Planet?" Nikita asked hopefully.
"Yes." Arthur said. "And to celebrate, if you two are good and sit still and answer any questions asked of you honestly, your grand-pere and I will take you there."
"I even brought you two a new set of play clothes so you can do so without messing up those cute little outfits." Francis said.
"Your heart's still racing is it not?" Ivan asked Alfred.
"Yes." Alfred sighed.
"Mine too. But you did good keeping a brave face for the children." He smiled kissing Alfred on the cheek. "But soon this will be all over." Ivan said hugging Alfred.
"You two are so cute." Sherrie said as she followed along, causing Alfred and Ivan to blush. They headed to the courtroom and sat down, waiting for the judge to come in. They were told that this was all pretty much confirming some documents, everything was filed, but the judge had to just make it final. Ivan and Alfred were ordered to sit on the bench in front of the judge's and Alfred felt his heart race faster. Ivan held Alfred close, his heart racing as well.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Spicer." The bailiff said as everyone stood up as the judge came in. He was a grey haired man who gave off a stern air.
"You may be seated." Judge Spicer said. "We are here today to finalize the adoption of Nikita Rene Smith and Dmitri Reese Smith to Alfred and Ivan Braginsky-Jones. The state adoption agency has already performed a background check and employment and income verification. I am pleased to say they came back with nothing but glowing results, other than a few minor traffic violations. I will just need you to swear and affirm a few things. Alfred, you first." Ivan pat Alfred on the back as he stood up. "Raise your right hand and do you swear to tell the truth, the full truth to the best of your knowledge?"
"Yes sir." Alfred said.
"Good. You are Alfred F. Braginsky-Jones, birthday July 4th 1988, correct?"
"Yes."
"And you are married to Ivan Braginsky-Jones and share a residence?"
"Yes."
"You are employed and able to provide for the children?"
"Yes."
"And you are of no known relation and not aware of any possessions of the child other than clothes and toys?"
"Yes sir."
"You understand that with this adoption, that Nikita and Dmitri would be your ward and upon your death inherit your estate?"
"Yes sir."
"Good." The judge noted quietly. "And Ivan?"
"You are Ivan Braginsky-Jones, birthday December 30th 1987, correct?"
"Yes sir." Ivan said, heart pounding. He was full aware that many of the older officials in America would look down on him because of where he was born and from.
"And you heard the questions I had asked Alfred?" The judge said looking down sternly. "I know we don't want to be here any more than we have to."
"Yes sir, the answers would be the same." Ivan said. "Other than the birthday of course." He added.
"Of course." The judge nodded. "Now if the children can come up here."
"Come on, no need to be afraid." Arthur said as he helped the twins up.
"And you, sir helping the twins, you are?"
"Oh I am Arthur Kirkland, Alfred's father and soon to be grandfather to these two lovely twins."
"Okay. But I have a few questions to ask of them for legal reasons. You can wait with Alfred and Ivan while I do so."
"Fine." He guided the twins along. "No need to be afraid. Just answer the nice judge's questions. Be brave like your daddy and papa."
"Okay..." They said as they sat in front of the judge.
"No need to be afraid." Judge Spicer smiled. "You remind me of my grandchildren. You are so sweet. But you do know why you are here?"
"To be adopted." Nikita said quietly.
"You know what that means?"
"Daddy and Papa will be our daddy and papa officially and we can live with them." Dmitri said.
"Do you want to?" He asked friendly.
"Yes!" The twins said happily at the same time.
"Well I see no more reason to hold this up." The judge said. "I hereby grand the adoption. Alfred, Ivan if you could just double check the spelling my assistant has for the children's adoption, make sure they spelled the new last names right."
"Sure." Ivan said as Nikita and Dmitri hugged Alfred.
"So how do you like it Braginsky-Jones twins?" Alfred said.
"Yeay!" They smiled. Then they had turned to Arthur with a greedy smile.
"Oh..." Alfred smirked. "Grandpa, were they good and brave enough for Pizza Party Planet?"
"Yes, I guess so." Arthur said. "I swear that name will get some getting used to."
"Well you are quite the handsome grandpa, so distinct in your age." Francis said.
"Papa!" Alfred said. "You two can be all lovey dovey like that when the kids are not here. They just want to play and have pizza."
"Oh pooh." Francis said. "You are right."
"Well I am so glad to see that Nikita and Dmitri have such a good home." Sherrie said as she gave the twins a hug.
"Feel free to call any time." Alfred said. "You guys were great through this all."
"You are the best parents, you and Ivan that I could have hoped for these two." Tom said. "I just feel so good knowing that two kids we had looked after have a good set of parents. I knew you'd be perfect for them when you first played Candy Land with them."
"Thank you so much for your kind words." Ivan said.
"Can we go to Pizza Party Planet?" Dmitri asked.
"Yeah Grandpa said he and Grand-pear would take us if we were good." Nikita added, not having quite the grasp on the French pronunciation of gran-pere.
"Sure." Ivan said. "Grandpas?" He said picking Nikita up and looking at Arthur and Francis.
"We have a promise to keep to them." Francis said. "To Pizza Party Planet it is!"
"Yeay!" the twins cheered.
Meanwhile, Matthew was getting ready for work while Katyusha laid in bed. She had only a few more weeks before she was due to give birth and the baby was moving a lot. Her back would hurt often and her feet were swollen. Lately she had been taking rests a lot as she was beginning to feel the braxton hicks fake labor contractions. "Oh. Matvey!" Katyusha said as she looked at her phone.
"Is it okay? Are you alright?" Matthew asked panicked, his tie half tied, and pants held up hastily.
Katyusha saw her husband's worried, half dressed appearance and laughed. "Oh, I am fine. I still have to rest a little. This girl is really active."
"I have got to teach her how to play hockey as soon as she is old enough to learn to skate." Matthew smiled as his pants dropped to his feet, causing Katyusha to laugh.
"Oh you won't go pushing her into anything she doesn't want to." Katyusha scolded. "But no, Fredka posted on Facebook that the adoption is final. Nikita and Dmitri Braginsky-Jones. You know neither Vanya nor Fredka would take the other's name so they just combined it." She laughed. But apparently they are at Pizza Party Planet. It's so darling."
"Yeah it is." Matthew said as he quickly pulled his pants up and corrected his tie.
"That restaurant isn't too far from your office, is it not?" She asked.
"Yeah. Why?" Matthew asked as Katyusha dug up two gift bags from beside the bed.
"I crocheted a blanket for both of the twins. Jungle for Dmitri that little dinosaur fan and pink white and blue for the baseball star Nikita. Fredka tells me so much about those two, he's so proud of them and I would be too." Katyusha pleaded. "I wish I could go too but you know what the doctor said."
"You need to take it easy." Matthew said. "I'll take them your gift and drop in on them. I can't be late though."
"I will see you on the television tonight." Katyusha said as Matthew kissed her. "And it will be soon and we will have our own bundle of joy."
"Yep." Matthew smiled. "Soon." he said placing his hand on Katyusha's bump. "But I have to get going if I am going to drop this off."
"See you later tonight." Katyusha said. "On TV and in person."
"I love you Katy." Matthew said kissing her.
"I love you too Matvey." Katyusha smiled as Matthew headed out the house and to the Pizza restaurant where the twins were. Driving along, he noticed the colorful family restaurant and Alfred and Ivan's car parked beside Francis' car, causing Matthew to smile. He had been told that his fathers would be there for the final hearing as a good will and to give the twins confidence from their grandpas but he hadn't imaged that Francis would drive. He knew how Arthur was when Francis was driving him and the car bore the signs of neglected safety mirrors and back up cameras that the Englishman was tired of fixing. Parking next to his papa's car, Matthew stopped and took the gift bags and headed inside where he saw Ivan talking with Arthur and Francis was playing with Nikita at a skeeball game and Alfred following Dmitri in the ball pit playing like it was a dinosaur dig. As he walked in, the twins both looked over and spotted Matthew.
"Uncle Mattie!" They both said tugging on their respective chaperone's arms and making them follow them to their table. Hugging him around his legs, they looked up at him with a smile.
"It's official now." Matthew asked them.
"Yep." The twins replied at the same time.
"Grandpa and Grandpear took us here for lunch for being brave for the judge." Nikita said.
"Grandpear?" Matthew asked Francis.
"They have not the French for grandfather just yet, but it is close." Francis said. "So stopping by on the way to work my boy?"
"Yeah. Katy made these for the twins. Might want to take it over to the table." Matthew said as they sat down and he placed the bags in front of the twins.
"Wipe your hands off first." Ivan said. "Take it these are from Katyusha?" He asked noticing her handwriting on the tags.
"Yeah." Matthew said.
"Can we open them?" Dmitri asked looking at the bag.
"Sure." Ivan smiled as the twins opened the bags and looked at the hand crochet blankets.
"These are my favorite colors." Nikita commented.
"This is all jungley." Dmitri said.
"Yeah your Aunt Katy made them special with you in mind." Matthew smiled.
"What do we say?" Arthur prompted.
"Thank you." The twins replied as they looked at the blanket. The stitches were tight together so rough 3 year old play could not unravel it and a note fell out that Ivan picked up reading that the blankets were indeed machine washable. Giving a smile he took the bags and set them by his seat.
"I will keep an eye on these while you play." Ivan said.
"Have one." Alfred said as he offered Matthew a pink churro.
"Just what the hey is this?" He examined the colorful baked good.
"Unicorn churro. The pink are cotton candy, green sour apple and blue is blue raspberry. It is certainly different." Alfred said.
Matthew bit down and chewed on it and swallowed the fried dough. "I'd rather have it be a normal churro."
"Me too." Alfred said. "I love Mexican food."
"To a point." Francis said. "I keep telling you, you must not limit your tastes to mere Taco Bell level Mexican foods. Tacos de lingua are quite delicious for the food that they are."
"Says the man who eats snails." Alfred said.
"You do like those Fredka." Ivan teased.
"Don't tell Papa that." Alfred moaned as Francis smirked.
"Well I have to go you guys." Matthew said.
"See you on TV tonight!" Alfred waved as Matthew headed out of the restaurant.
"See you later Uncle Matt!" The twins waved, each munching on a churro.
"See you two." Matthew smiled.
Later that day, after a tiring day playing at the pizza parlor, Ivan and Alfred went home with the twins and helped them to settle in and pack their toys and clothes that Sherrie and Tom had given them. "I want you two to call your Aunt Katyusha and let her know you are thankful for these blankets. It was a lot of hard work she had done all because she loves you." Ivan said as he laid the blanket on Dmitri's bed.
"Okay." Dmitri said.
"Nikita?" Ivan asked.
"Sure Papa." Nikita said.
"I'll get you guys something to drink while they're at it." Alfred said to Francis and Arthur.
"That would be nice." Arthur said.
"You must be tired Mon amor." Francis laughed. "Normally you hate when Alfred makes tea."
"Age is beginning to catch up to me I guess. I am a grandfather now." Arthur laughed.
"Do you want me to get you slippers and a pipe when we get home?" Francis teased.
"Oh you are one to talk. You still dye your hair." Arthur teased back.
Ivan rolled his eyes, but content that the bickering was mild as he dialed the phone to Katyusha's house and had Dmitri and Nikita stood by. "Oh privet starshaya sestra" Ivan said. "How are you?"
"OOooooooooh." Katyusha moaned. "How are you? Enjoy being a papa now?" She winced.
"Is everything alright?" Ivan asked concerned. "I know Matvey is at work now..."
"Oh it's fine. Just been getting bad cramps that are like fake labor. They have been happening about 5 times an hour or so..." Katyusha said.
"Okay..." Ivan asked skeptically. "But the twins want to say something to you." He handed the phone to Nikita and Dmitri who grabbed it.
"Thank you for the blankets Aunt Katy." The twins said at the same time.
Katyusha laughed at the twins saying the same thing at the same time, thinking it was adorable, she smiled. "Well it is good to hear you like them so much. You are welcome." She winced again in pain. "Can you give the phone back to your papa?"
"Here you go Papa!" Nikita said. "Aunt Katy wants to talk to you."
"Is everything alright?" Ivan asked, sensing that his sister was in pain. "Do you need me to call Matvey?"
"No, just, can you take me to the hospital malenʹkyy brat?" She asked. "I think I may be going into labor."
"What?" Ivan yelled. "Now?"
"I know it is a little early but I need some help and I cannot call Matvey right now, he's on!" Katyusha moaned.
"Alright, alright, I'll take you." Ivan said as he hung up and grabbed his keys.
"What's going on?" Alfred asked as he looked over with the twins confused.
"Katyusha is going into labor!" Ivan said as he ran though the house. "Can you call Matvey's studio?"
"I'll do it." Francis said. "I have Gilbert's personal number too."
"Are you going to be alright?" Arthur said.
"Da, da, I can handle this, I am taking Katyusha into the hospital. Just let Matvey know." Ivan said.
"What do you want me to do?" Alfred said as Ivan pulled him close and kissed him.
"Look after our children. I'll either come back when Matvey is in or if the birth is quick I will let you know when the baby is born." Ivan said. He then turned to Nikita and Dmitri with a smile. "Moyi malenʹki, my little ones, you will soon have a new baby cousin. Be good for Daddy and your grandfathers. I will let you know when the baby is born and they will let you see her."
"Okay." Nikita said.
"Ya tebe lyublyu" Ivan said as he ran out the door and headed to Katyusha's house to take her to the hospital.
Translation Guide
(obtained via Google Translate)
grand-pere-French-Grandpa
privet starshaya sestra-Russian- Hello big sister
malenʹkyy brat-Ukrainian-little brother
Moyi malenʹki-Russian-my little ones
Ya tebe lyublyu-Russian-I love you
So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. The court preceding I got from reading The Family We ChooseIt's a fic in the faves of mine on fanfiction dot net so be sure to check it out. And yes Unicorn Churros are a thing at Chuck E Cheese, which I used for Pizza Party Planet inspiration. I don't have much else to say here so remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,
otherrealmwriter
aka
Realm