I do not own Hetalia okay? If you don't know that this far in I don't know what to tell you. I would like to thank all those who read and reviewed and faved this story. Without you I don't know where I would be on it. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!
Toris looked around in the kitchen to see what all Alfred and Ivan had and after taking stock of what was already in the house. "I didn't think they would have this much..." Toris said as he opened a cabinet seeing a surprising amount of potatoes.
"Anything wrong Tori?" Alfred said as he headed into the laundry room with the bag Natalya had given him, still hastily dressed from his and Ivan's near discovery en flagrante
"You have a lot of potatoes." Toris noted.
"Yeah I guess we do use a lot of them. Is there a problem?" Alfred said embarrassed.
"No, after seeing everything you have I can make Cepelinai for dinner." Alfred looked confused. "It's the national dish of Lithuania and something I pride myself on. It's just being in college I haven't had the chance to make things that take more than a microwave."
"Well it sounds good." Alfred smiled. "I guess I have to do some laundry huh?"
"Yes." Toris said. "Do not be too harsh on her. Nikita was playing and well, you know how they are at that age."
"Yeah." Alfred sighed. "You want me to pay you back for the clothes? I know how it is being in college."
"Do not worry about it. I guess that is my duty as the aunt's boyfriend." Toris said.
Noticing Ivan and Natalya and the twins were in the backyard watching the twins play in the sandbox, knowing that they wouldn't hear, Alfred went on, "So you going to be Uncle Toris one day?" Toris jumped and blushed, dropping the potato he had in his hand. Alfred went on. "Honestly I don't see what you see in Natalya but that's me. I'm married to her brother and I have the impression she's as protective of her siblings as Ivan is, if not more so."
"Why yes." Toris said regaining his composure. "That's part of the reason I took her to meet my parents back in Lithuania over Christmas. I know what you see of her is not what what I do."
"Well don't tell her I said this," Alfred sighed. "But I admire her determination and devotion to her family. I just hope you can keep her in check. She's cruising for burnout by my age if she don't watch it."
"Oh I am well aware of that Mr. Alfred." Toris noted.
"But she seems to be good with the kids." Alfred sighed. "The twins seem to like her."
"Oh they loved her, especially Nikita. She sees her as kind of an idol figure." Toris noted.
Lovely. Nikki couldn't you have idolized Katy? Well given her personality I could see that happening... Alfred thought. But it's what is best for her not the fact I do not like Natalya here. "Well that's good I guess that she looks up to her. I mean Nikita is very headstrong herself. "But yeah. I will tell you this, I wouldn't mind if you two did marry one day. Still waiting on Kiku's fiancee's dates and such." Toris looked at Alfred curiously. "Friend and gaming buddy of mine. Marrying this spaz girl who worked at a coffee shop and I swear she drunk a lot of it herself. But that's not the point, they asked for the twins to be the flower girl and ring bearer. And apparently I am Kiku's best friend so in their whole idea I got asked to be best man. Would like to know when they are handling the thing." Alfred sighed as he turned the washer on.
Felling comfortable talking to Alfred about matters like this, most out of all of Natalya's family, he began. "So, ummm if I were to say... ummmm..."
"Yes?" Alfred asked as he put the load on and walked away towards Toris. "Whatcha need?"
"So, and this is completely hypothetical..." He blushed as he pulled out a pan and began to make the sauce. "You would think the twins mind if I asked them to do the same? I feel like Nattie wouldn't mind."
"I have no problem." Alfred said. "I am sure they'd find it awesome." Alfred smiled.
A few days later, Katyusha and Charlotte were released and a doctor appointment was made to follow up for both her and Charlotte to make sure that everything was well. Matthew, Arthur and Francis had spent most of the time making sure that the house was ready for the baby. They were worried from the adjustment. It was kind of like Alfred had said. They had known Nikita and Dmitri for awhile before it was official, so knew about them and how they would be, much the same for Arthur and Francis. Matthew helped Katyusha in as she held Charlotte's carrier and carried the sleeping infant into her bassonett and laid her down on the bed. "It's been 3 days, how did our ancestors do it?" Katyusha sighed. "I had pain medications and everything."
"I am sure your great grandmother would love to have had what you had when you gave birth." Matthew smiled. "Heh, look at me, tired as can get out stressed out and I am just the guy. I didn't do anything but provide you a place to vent your frustration." He reflexively rubbed his hand at the memory of just how hard she had squeezed it.
"Nonsense." Katyusha said as she sat up wincing and kissing Matthew. "Without you, I wouldn't even have her. But I guess I can let you back to sharing the bed with me." She teased.
"We will be here for you two to help you two adjust. I am sure you are going to get many visits from your family." Arthur said.
"Do not worry about a thing." Francis said. "We are here to help you with just the everyday cleaning and cooking until you get your feel for this."
"You two are more than generous." Katyusha said. "I know that Natalya will come and help too as well as Ivan and his kids. They seemed pretty captivated with Charlotte."
"Little kids do find babies fascinating." Arthur said. "We will try to be quiet as we see the little one is asleep. You had left with such a rush that half the laundry is done and trash starting to smell."
"You see I was going to get that but-" Matthew began when Francis stopped him.
"You had a wife and child to attend to in the hospital. I remember soon after Charlotte was born that you were sleeping on the floor of the hospital room because you were so tired. Making it back home safely after the hospital kicked you out past visiting hours is achievement enough." Francis assured. "Now lay down and rest while you still have a sleeping baby and wife's good graces. These moments will be precious few."
"I know you were trying to be nice but that was foreboding." Matthew said.
"Just remember, your Papa and I had to raise you and your brother from when you two were younger than Nikita and Dmitri's age. We know a few things." Arthur said. "The only thing we could not help with is breastfeeding and the more feminine aspects."
"Oh I know that." Katyusha yawned. "Thank you so much." She whispered falling asleep. Noticing that she was deep asleep, Arthur had motioned for Matthew to come over.
"What's up Dad?" He asked quietly as he stepped outside the bedroom and shut the door behind him.
"I want you to read these." Arthur said as he pulled a few books out of his satchel and handed them to Matthew.
"Post Pardom Depression?" He asked as he skimmed the titles. "I don't think she has that..."
"I just want you to know what to look for." Arthur said. "I am not implying anything that Katyusha is less than capable of motherhood. Far from it as this is a natural thing that can happen but does need medical and professional attention if it does appear. I'm still wondering if there is something with adoption as I worry about Alfred and Ivan too in that manner. You know how your brother and his husband can be."
"I'll read them over Dad." Matthew said. "I'll also inform Natalya. She watches her siblings like a hawk when she's not at school."
"Good." Arthur said. "Now go get you some rest. I'll see what Francis is getting himself into in the meantime as to not ruin your kitchen."
"I'd be more worried about you ruining the kitchen Dad," Matthew laughed as Arthur looked at him crossly.
"Have one accident with a bowl of cereal and people never let you live it down." Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Hey Al used your scones as a way to get back at Natalya last Thanksgiving." Matthew smiled.
"Oh sot off." Arthur sulked, leaving Matthew alone.
After dinner, Toris and Natalya cleaned the kitchen while Alfred and Ivan played with the twins in the living room. It was getting closer to their bedtime and Toris and Natalya had come out of the kitchen having finished the dishes. "Aunt Natalya!" Nikita said as she hugged her legs looking up at her. "Want to play Candy Land with me and Dmitri?"
"She must really like you." Alfred laughed, knowing what Toris had told him earlier. "That is their favorite game."
"Sure is. And it would be nice for them to have new people to play with." Ivan replied. While he loved spending time with the twins with all of his heart, he was tired of playing that game and didn't like it as much as he liked just being with them in the first place. However, he could not bring himself to play a different game so he just let along with it. But having them play with Toris and Natalya would be a chance for him to take a break from it.
"That's a great idea, Tori, Nattie, play with the twins before they have to take a bath and go to bed." Alfred suggested as the twins ran up to them, grabbed one of their legs each and ran into the living toom.
"Come on!" Dmitri told Toris. "I set it up all by myself!"
"But I have to study for my MCAT..." Toris moaned.
"What's that?" Nikita asked.
"It's a test to get into medical school." Natalya explained.
"You won't have it all ruined by waiting a few minutes and keeping these two happy for a few minutes." Alfred assured them. "I have faith that Toris is a smart guy."
"Pweeeeese?" Nikita and Dmitri said looking up at him and Natalya with wide eyes. "It would be so much fun."
Natalya looked around and sighed. "I guess we have no choice."
"Yeay!" The twins cheered as they pulled the two around a side of the board.
"When are your birthdays?" Dmitri asked.
"Why do you need to know?" Toris smiled.
"It starts with the youngest. It's Dmitri then me then when we play with Daddy and Papa it's Daddy then Papa." Nikita explained.
"My birthday is August 25th and Toris's is February 16th." Natalya said.
"So it is you Aunt Natalya and then Uncle Toris, right?" Nikita asked looking at Ivan and Alfred. "Daddy? Papa?"
"You have it correct little one." Ivan smiled.
"I knew that too Papa!" Dmitri added.
"You're a smart kid too." Alfred smiled. "One game you two then off to bed."
"Awwwwwwww...but Daddy...Papa..." The twins said simultaneously.
"I am sorry but you need to go to bed and get plenty of sleep malen'kiye." Ivan smiled at them. "You will not grow big and strong if you do not."
"Yeah." Alfred added. "Trust me, staying up all night is not all you think it is. When you get older you will want to stay in bed much longer."
"But we're not older yet!" Dmitri moaned.
"Let's get this game started!" Natalya added. "I have always wondered if you two were as good players as your Papa and Daddy told me about."
This game, Dmitri had gotten to the Candy Castle first, followed by Nikita and Toris after a game full of Natalya losing turns and hiding her frustration to make sure the twins were having a good time. Once Natalya had finished the game herself, Alfred and Ivan got up and picked up the twins. "Bath time you two!" Alfred laughed.
"After that you will brush your teeth and then we will put you to bed." Ivan said as he and Alfred took the twins to supervise their bath and tooth brushing.
"Okay." The twins said, admitting defeat and heading with their fathers to get ready for bed. Natalya and Toris waved at them goodnight before the bathroom door shut behind them.
Natalya looked at her phone and clicked on a few things. Toris looked over. "Okay I have a MCAT study guide online and a hard copy ordered and being sent to your dorm. I can help you study. Let me see how you are now." She said as she headed to a study guide website. "I will also look for Youtube videos. Some teachers post guides online and they helped me with a lot of my issues on some classes..."
"Natalya..." Toris moaned. "We don't have to act all serious student alone. You know, it is just us..."
"And my brother, his husband and children would see what we are up to when they are done getting a bath. I would rather not have him break your neck and then explain to them what they had seen." Natalya noted. "I want to be a good example for them so they will think education is okay as they are going to be going to school soon. Just Kindergarten but they will be up against a nation that does not value it."
"You're quite good with them." Toris said. "You have a knack with young children."
"I am not going to go into elementary education or anything like that!" Natalya said repulsed. "I don't care about young children in general. Just Nikita and Dmitri and Charlotte too I guess, haven't met her too well yet."
"Charlotte is hardly a week old and you know Katyusha wants to make sure that she settles in at home well before letting more people over." Toris said.
"I know, I know." Natalya sighed.
"Nikita really likes you. You're like her hero, her favorite aunt." Toris said.
"She is?" Natalya said.
"Yep." Toris replied moving some of Natalya's hair behind her ear. "Mr. Alfred doesn't like it," Natalya laughed and rolled her eyes as Toris continued. "But Nikita loves you. She wants to be just like you. Just be the first girl in Major League Baseball." Toris smiled. "She told me this while you and Dmitri were at the prize counter."
"Well obviously things like that would change by the time she is my age..." Natalya blushed, floored that Nikita took her for such a role model. She often was called a bitch, too absorbed in her work and too protective of her family.
"Well obviously." Toris said. "I wanted to be a knight with my friend Feliks at her age." He laughed. "My mother still has the pictures of the costumes and swords we made out of cardboard." Natalya smiled at that. "But I remember my mother saying children and animals have a way of sensing people. I think she sees something in you that is worthy of becoming and I have not seen that rather harsh side around her."
"Of course not, she is my niece. My brother's daughter. She deserves nothing but the best." Natalya said. "I know he can give it to her, and well, as much as I hate to admit, Alfred will be a good father as well..."
"And you will be a good mother one day." Toris said kissing her. "That is what I love about you."
Natalya wrapped her hand in his and kissed him quickly back. "I will not lie, I have wondered about it. But I will not allow it before we marry."
"Oh you are saying you want to now?" Toris smirked.
"After graduation." Natalya added, blushing deep red. "After you pass the MCATs and get accepted in the hospital's program and..."
"I slay the dragon for my princess?" Toris laughed.
"Well it's about as Herculean a task," Natalya said.
"And you tell my brother you are asking me to do so. I am sure you have expressed your thoughts to Alfred, I know you are very friendly with him." Natalya replied.
"You are right, that is a Herculean task..." Toris said as he noticed Alfred and Ivan take the twins to their bedrooms and put them to bed for the night. Ivan had Dmitri in his arms and Alfred had Nikita.
Nikita looked over from Alfred's shoulder. "Good Night Aunt Natalya!" She waved.
"Night Aunt 'Talya!" Dmitri said as he noticed his sister waving and did not want to be left out.
"They like you." Alfred said as Ivan smiled.
"You seem to have won the twins over little sis..." Ivan smiled.
"You're cool!" Nikita and Dimtiri said at the same time.
"God the thing these two have about saying the same thing at the same time." Alfred said. "I'll have to ask Dad if Mattie and I were like this at that age, because I don't remember..." He mused. "But yeah, we can talk once we get these two to bed. Got to read them their stories and such."
"See you in the morning!" Natalya smiled as the twins were taken off to their rooms to go to bed. Once the doors shut, Toris looked back at her smiling. "What?" She asked.
"Nothing. While I'd rather slay a dragon to assure your hand, I think I can work up the courage to tell your brother." Toris said.
"Well you don't have it yet." Natalya warned him. "You must finish the degree, pass the test and get accepted before you even tell him. You could bomb it all and then I will have to find someone else..."
"You know that won't happen." Toris smiled.
"I don't know it until it happens." Natalya sighed kissing him on the cheek and turning back to her study guide. "Question 1,"
"Do we have to?" Toris asked as Natalya looked at him. "Fine read it!"
"You will come out of that test with a score so good, they will have no choice to accept you." Natalya said.
"I'm scared, but you have what is best in mind..." Toris said.
"Damn right. Now let us begin." Natalya said as she read the question.
So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I know it took me a little longer to update than normal but hey things happen. Other than that, I don't have much to say this time, so remember to read (well you just did) and to review. Ciao for now,
otherrealmwriter
aka
Realm.