I don't own Hetalia okay? I am seeing a better response than I was thinking I'd get to this fic, so I am working on updating sooner. Not having much to do at work also helps as well. But enough of this A/N, on with the fic!

Matthew looked around as his brother dragged him along. It was true, he hadn't said much to them in the past few months, but he didn't think they would be this worried. Partially, he was hoping they wouldn't have been. The way his career was going, and with some recent discoveries, he felt like a total failure. His brother had a big house, husband with a great career, a great job of his own and could easily host a celebration like this while he could not. He could barely keep things comfortable for him and Katyusha. That was something he did not want either of them to know but he dreaded if Ivan to find out. Ivan was fiercely protective of his sisters and Matthew would never forget the glare he gave him at his wedding to Katyusha. Alfred had explained that it was just his way after their childhood but it still sent shivers down his spine.

Katyusha had explained that when she and her siblings were young, they still lived in Russia and did not come over until she was about 14 years old. Ivan was 9 and Natalya was 4. Their father had recently died and their mother could not support them in the horrible post-Soviet economy of the time. Fortunately, they had an uncle, the brother of their grandfather who had made it over to America just as the second world war had ended and offered to take them in in America. This great uncle helped to take care of them until he had passed when Katyusha was 18. She had just graduated high school and not wanting to see her younger siblings either sent back to Russia, or into foster care themselves as they were only 13 and 8, she got a job that paid modestly, not well but it was enough to get by, and was able to keep them going with what she made and pushed both Ivan and Natalya into getting degrees and good jobs themselves. She may have had to put her dreams aside but she wasn't going to let her younger siblings lose chances they had to do better for themselves. This was also why Ivan was very protective of his sisters. He was the oldest male of the family and saw it as his duty. While Katyusha would not complain about their state of living, Matthew did not want to break his vows.

"Hey, Vanya!" Alfred smiled, ignoring Natalya and Toris. "Mattie is finally here! And he can't avoid us like he's been doing over the phone." Alfred nudged him in the side playfully.

"Little brother!" Katyusha waved as she closed the umbrella and headed over. "I see you've arrived too Natalya, and who is this young man you brought!" She said as she hugged her baby sister close, nearly suffocating her.

"Calm down sister. This is Toris. I invited him over for the holiday." Natalya said simply.

"I've just missed you guys so much." Katyusha said as she placed her sister down and then hugged her brother close. "Matvey and I have been so busy lately." She did not want to tell them the full truth of their situation just yet. She knew Ivan would worry and even possibly get angry at Matthew. "That is why I just could not wait for the holiday."

"I'm so glad to see you big sister." Ivan laughed as Natalya just looked away with a scoff.

Letting Ivan catch up with his sisters, Arthur and Alfred then turned to Matthew who was trying to stay hidden in a corner. It did not seem like him. Sensing that Matthew had something he didn't want many people to know, he sent Alfred away. "Son, can you go get your Papa? He will want to know that Matthew is here."

"Oh crap, I left your guy's suitcases outside!" Alfred ran off, shutting the door.

"Maybe I should go help Al- "Matthew stated when Arthur cut him off.

"Son, we know something is out of the usual with you. Let's cut to the chase because once Al gets the suitcases and your Papa finds out you are here, he's going to come down and you won't get a chance to talk privately." Arthur said, knowing just how to read his sons. "I won't tell Ivan or Alfred if you don't want me to. I sense that they are part of the reason you won't speak up about what is wrong." Matthew sighed. "Francis packed the vintage suitcase, so no matter how strong your brother is, it is very awkward to try and carry that thing up those stairs of his. He won't get wheels and a handle installed because that wasn't what was with it originally. Makes going through the airport hell. I hate paying 5 dollars just to use a cart so he doesn't complain."

"Yeah they gouge you everywhere don't they…." Matthew blushed. "Last time I was on a plane was when we went to Ukraine for our honeymoon, Katy and I. She was right the Black sea is beautiful."

"You're dodging topics. I need to know why you are being so evasive to everyone when they love you two and are worried. If I know I can help steer the conversations to things that make you more comfortable and may ease your brother's worries." Matthew looked away. "Matthew, I can read you like a book."

"Fine Dad." Matthew conceded. "But you cannot tell ANYONE." He whispered urgently. "Especially not Ivan. He'd kill me if he found out what happened."

"Well what did happen?" Arthur said. "No matter what, I will not judge. I am your father and it is my job to help you in life. No matter how old you get. Even if you have a wife and family of your own, you may need my advice and I will give it freely. And I can assure you it would be so much better than what Francis would give."

"Except on Valentine's Day and wedding anniversaries and anything needing romance. That's his territory…." Matthew giggled.

"Yes yes, you cheered up at my expense, now out with it boy!" Arthur demanded.

"Well I lost my job a few months ago." Matthew said.

"What happened?"

"Well it's the usual, downsizing at the publishing company, those who aren't as experienced or there as long get laid off and I was unfortunately picked. Unemployment didn't pay a lot of the bills so Katy decided to get her a job while I looked for one." Matthew began to explain.

"Jolly good for her. She's such a good wife." Arthur said. "I assume you've been keeping the house in order while she was working."

"Yes, but she can't keep it up for long, and the job doesn't pay as well as what I was bringing in before I was fired, even with unemployment added in. She just got a job at the farm supply store." He clarified. "Naturally they don't pay much above minimum wage, despite the fact she knows how to grow most anything anywhere. I've been looking but there's not a lot out there. I mean what do you do with a BA in English anymore?"

"Stiff upper lip. I'm sure there's something you'll find." Arthur said. "None of this is your fault and Katyusha is very matronly. She would not rest if she could not find a way to help pick you up when something like this happens. It's only natural to do so in marriage."

"Yeah but we can't afford to stay at our place much longer either. Maybe enough savings till the new year. Then we'd have to find somewhere else, and the security deposits are nuts and…" Matthew grabbed his head and shook back and forth.

"Relax. I'm sure we'll think of something to help you guys out." Arthur said grabbing Matthew's arm. He paused and heard a door shut with some French cursing. "And your secret is safe with me. I will not tell anyone unless you say it is okay. Will Katyusha tell anyone though? You did say she had an announcement she was waiting for the dinner for."

"Trust me, it's not involving what I just told you and part of the reason I am so stressed out about the job thing. But she wanted to be the one to reveal it to all, so I'm not talking." Matthew said hugging his father.

"No love for your dearest Papa, mon fils?" Francis said coming behind Matthew and hugging him. "Alfred is coming with me to the grocery store."

"What for?" Arthur asked.

"Directions. I get so lost in areas like this." Francis said.

"You get lost going half a mile to the coffee shop back home." Arthur said. "You never use a GPS or a map."

"And why I am driving." Alfred said.

"Great, more road rage." Francis rolled his eyes "You swore at an ambulance once! And people will know when you flip them off."

"No they won't." Alfred said. "Why do you think Ivan and Natalya get so mad when I put the thumbs up to her?"

"Mon Dieu, you know a secondary hand gesture too…." Francis sighed. "Why won't either of you let me drive when you go somewhere with me?"

"You got lost once and got so annoyed at the GPS you threw it out the window. You drive horribly and I don't know how much wine you had at any given time…." Arthur began as Alfred and Matthew laughed.

"I get it." Francis said. "Besides the weather is getting unsightly out there. I do not drive in that merde…" He added trying to regain his composure."

"I just need to get a final tally to make sure I got everything" Alfred ran into the kitchen He figured that if Natalya brought her new boyfriend Toris he should at least get some extra of the usual staples like potatoes, stuffing It's stuffing, not dressing like that neighbor of ours who lived in Kentucky keeps trying to say…Alfred thought. sweets. Writing down everything he'd think he'd need, he headed out of the kitchen and to Ivan. "Papa wants to make dinner tonight so he needs to head to the grocery store and I'm driving him."

"That man could…. what was that saying you told me?" Ivan asked.

"Mess up a two car funeral. Papa is horrible at driving and directions when it isn't sleeting." Alfred kissed Ivan on the cheek. "Be back soon big guy." He waved as he motioned for the scowling Frenchman to follow him. Ivan tossed a few scones their way. "What's this for?"

"Survival biscuits if the weather gets too bad. I mean they are no good as scones." Ivan laughed.

"See, you got a sense of humor after all." Alfred said as he and Francis headed out hearing a loud 'you tit!'

"Poor poor Arthur…." Francis said. "Cannot face the truth about those things…."

"Well it's bound to be crazy there, so we can use these to keep assailants off us. They may be considered weapons in some states." Alfred said as Francis laughed.

The next day, as soon as it struck noon, Alfred entered the kitchen and put the turkey in, occupying himself with the meal preparation so that he would not get into a fight with Natalya. Toris did often sneak away and help Alfred when he needed it, confessing he did indeed find Natalya interesting, he just was a little intimidated by her and that she did not force him into anything. Much to Alfred's dismay. He couldn't see what anyone could see in her. The main course of the Thanksgiving meal was finished without much incident. Natalya did nearly stab Matthew over the last roll with her fork, despite Ivan having gotten up to get more and Francis did have more of the wine than the rest of the family and even offered some to Katyusha multiple times who had refused saying it was bad for her in her condition which had Francis look at her curiously. Once the pie and other desserts, some of which Alfred had reluctantly let Ivan make as he had argued this what their Thanksgiving, not just his and his family was there too. As everyone began on their desserts, Katyusha tapped on her glass to have everyone fall silent.

"I know I had told you Matvey and I have big news that we were waiting until the whole family, his and my side, were together to tell you about." Katyusha began leaving her baklava unattended. Matthew gripped the seat of his chair, nervous about what was going to come next. She's going to tell everyone. Yeah she should, we can't hide it forever but I'm still not ready for this. I don't have a good job to take care of her again yet and I cannot imagine Ivan would be too happy with it.

"Yes big sister, you've been alluding to it for the past day or so. What could be so important you can't just tell us?" Ivan asked.

"Yes, out with it miss…." Arthur said. Katyusha giggled at the 'miss' knowing it was his way to say it like that.

"Well, here goes nothing. Matvey and I are expecting a baby." Katyusha smiled. With this, two thuds were heard as both Ivan and Matthew fell back in their chairs to the floor.

"Big brother!" Natalya said as she headed over to Ivan and helped him up.

"You okay Vanya?" Alfred asked running over to his husband while Francis, Arthur and even Toris, who had grown to like Matthew headed over to make sure he was okay.

"Go tend to your brother who can apparently do the deed with his wife but is shocked when the natural consequences happen." Natalya said.

"That was kind of rude." Ivan said as he started to get back up. "But as rude as she was on the comment, I do have to wonder, why you are so shocked Matthew?"

Matthew gulped. Ivan only pulled out his proper name when the topic was serious. "I was worried on how you would react. I mean you do know what one does to make a baby…."

"Yes I am not an ignorant child." Ivan said, staring into Matthew. "You are indeed married to my sister, meaning that action is to be expected. I would only be extremely angry at you if you two were not married. You kept my sister's virtue. Unless there is another reason that becoming a father would bring such a reaction to you…." He headed over to Matthew and continued to stare him down.

"Well Vanya on that, there was Eduard before I even met Matvey…." Katyusha said growing nervous. She knew when Ivan's overly protective side well. Eduard was a previous relationship that had gotten physical and when Ivan found out, he had hit the IT professional with a metal pipe so bad that he needed carpal tunnel surgery on his hands and couldn't work for a few weeks, which caused him to leave her and one of the few times where Katyusha got mad at Ivan. This was part of the reason she didn't tell him about Matthew before he and Alfred found out. Matthew respected her concern, knowing his brother was dating hers and didn't tell him in case he let it slip, as Alfred did have that unfortunate habit when excited.

Matthew looked at Ivan and gulped. Alfred looked on nervously, knowing he may have to break something up. Arthur knew what was going to have to be confessed and while he did not know what Ivan would do, he knew he would have to be there to mediate or just offer something. "I got laid off back in the middle of September. Our savings are almost depleted and might have to find somewhere else to live by the new year."

"Have you been looking for work?" Ivan asked darkly.

"Of course!" Matthew said. "It's just hard to get a new job in my field when you've been downsized."

"I've taken work at a farm supply store on my own accord Vanya to help his unemployment." Katyusha spoke up. "It's not like I haven't been in similar situations where I needed to work to keep a household going. Remember when you were a teenager Vanya?"

"But you shouldn't have to again, especially in your condition." Ivan said looking at Matthew to his sister.

"I'm surprised you got the time off you guys did." Alfred said trying to change the subject. "I mean tomorrow is the start of the Christmas shopping season and the store you work at is sure to have some of those crazy sales."

"I'm lucky to have a good manager who gave me the time." Katyusha said.

"That's good." Alfred said. He looked around the house and then to Ivan. "A word Vanya." He pulled Ivan into a corner of the living room. "I got an idea to help Matt and Katy."

"What?" Ivan said with an angered glare. "He is supposed to take care of her…. And the baby."

"Yeah but what happened is no fault of his own. Companies pull that shit all the time, we're lucky to have jobs that you have to really fuck up to be fired. Him, not so much. But his degree is pretty broad and I did hear something interesting at the supermarket yesterday."

"Which is?"

"Local school district is hiring. Various positions too. Not starting interviews or anything till the new year, and I was going to bring it up as just a suggestion so he could move closer to us so you could keep a better eye on Katy, but we have a ton of space."

"Just what are you suggesting?" Ivan asked.

"We let Matt and Katy move in here with us till they get back on their feet. He can get a job at the school and keep their savings to get a place closer to here. Katy wouldn't have to work unless she wanted to and they'd have the help they need until they're good on their own. Yes, Matt is to take care of his family, but we're their family too and we take care of each other when we need it."

Ivan paused and nodded. "Sounds fair Fredka. Although if I catch your brother slacking off or not being a good husband…"

"You and I will both have at him." Alfred said as they headed back in the kitchen where Matthew had a glass of wine and drank it down quickly when he saw Ivan.

"Relax bro." Alfred said. "Ivan and I were talking and until you get a good job where you can support yourselves, you and Katy will stay here."

"Seriously?" Katyusha asked with a smile.

"You took up so much to make sure Natalya and I got good grades and had what we needed after veiliky dyadya passed, it's only right we do the same when you need it." Ivan sighed. He knew Alfred had a point and he had to let it be that Matthew fell into this hardship. It wasn't his fault.

"Shchyro dyakuyu, bratyku " Katyusha said hugging Ivan.

"Dobro pozhalovat', starshaya sestra" Ivan said. "And you." He turned to Matthew.

"Yes?" Matthew gulped.

"Thank you brother. He proposed this idea and talked me out of hating your guts. He convinced me that this wasn't your fault."

"Thanks Al…." Matthew said.

"I got to look out for my family after all." Alfred smiled.

Translation guide:

mon fils-French- my son

Mon Dieu-French-My God

Merde-French-shit

veiliky dyadya-Russian-Great Uncle

Shchyro dyakuyu, bratyku- Ukrainian-Thank you very much little brother

Dobro pozhalovat', starshaya sestra- Russian- You're welcome big sister.

So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. The comment on the stuffing is based on the fact in southern states like Kentucky (where Alfred mentioned the neighbor is from) it gets kind of fun with the term 'dressing' it's used to mean stuffing sometimes they'll break it down to stuffing if it is in the bird, dressing if it is on the side. I just say 'stuffing' and leave it at that. And in Russia, if you give the thumbs up, that is seen as a vulgar sign. So don't do that in Russia unless they know what you mean, otherwise you'll have a pissed off Russian at you. So anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now

Otherrealmwriter

Aka

Realm.