Please see the previous disclaimers. If you don't know that I don't own Hetalia by now, I don't know... I have a good streak going for this story, so I will be updating more often. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!
Ivan and Dimitri sat in silence while Ivan looked at his phone, hoping to get a call from Alfred soon. He had read all up about anaphylaxis and how it was treated before the adoption was final so he would know how to handle it if it were to happen to Dimitri with peanuts. But this, discovery of a similar allergy in Nikita, caught them off guard. He had wanted to go with her to the hospital but knew they wouldn't want Dimitri around while Nikita was being treated, so he took him home and they just sat in quiet while waiting for the call. "She'll be okay." Dimitri said. "Don't worry Papa."
"I know, I know." Ivan sighed as he hugged Dimitri close. "It's hard not to worry though sometimes."
"It is scary." He nodded.
Meanwhile Alfred stood by the doctors in the emergency room trying to keep his cool as they treated Nikita. He had wanted to scream and yell at the doctors to make his daughter all better and that if this was so easy to treat as the paramedics told him on the way there. However, he knew that she needed him to be strong and fearless around her so she would not be so afraid herself. Seeing his daughter there with IVs hooked up to her and an oxygen mask and she still was wheezing, maybe less than when she first had her reaction, but it wasn't the same as how she was normally. Alfred could also tell she was crying or at least trying to. A nurse moved aside and took his hand.
"Here," she said as he guided her to where Nikita was laying. Alfred took her hand and then sighed as she blinked slowly.
"She's doing better." The nurse explained. "We had to give her some additional antihistamines to help fight the reaction. I have never seen such a severe one since I started working her."
"I have." The doctor said. "Comes with experience." He said as the nurse looked at him annoyed. "Don't worry Mr. Braginsky-Jones, your daughter is in good hands. Yes, she did have a severe reaction, but we have her stable now. This is her first episode like this with any kind of allergen?" He asked as Alfred nodded.
"Her twin brother does have an EpiPen for a peanut allergy." He told the doctor. "I mean we adopted them, and I haven't seen any of his reactions, but I mean that's how we helped before the ambulance arrived."
"And it is good that you did." The doctor reassured him. "It helped make this much easier when she got here. But since there is a familiar relation with a similar reaction and this is her first one, we want to keep her overnight and monitor her condition, make sure there is no relapses and do further tests to see if we can determine if there are other allergens that she may have a similar reaction to. And of course, she will have to have an EpiPen like her brother and of course it is important to avoid all the allergens to help avoid this. Sometimes it won't be helped."
"Yeah." Alfred said. "Guess no more Thai peanut shrimp huh?" He laughed.
"No." The doctor said. "We are getting the room ready now. She'll be transferred in a little bit. Then your husband and son can visit her as well."
"Thank god." Alfred said as he headed over to Nikita's side where she was trying to sit up. "Take it easy Niki."
"This stink." She pouted quietly. Alfred could tell that she was out of breath and tired.
"Yeah. But your papa and brother will be here soon." Alfred reassured her. "They're worried about you."
"But it's Papa's birthday and I am sick." She moaned. "And I heard the doctor. I have to be here tomorrow too..."
"Yeah, but that's to make sure you're all better and see if you have any other things this will happen with, you know like Dimitri and his peanut allergy." Alfred said.
"But that's when Ded Moroz and Snegurochka will come to visit." Nikita cried. "And I was hoping that he'd give me a game I could play gold with Grunkle Al when he has to go back to Scotland..."
"Don't worry..." Alfred panicked as she did have a point. She was going to be stuck in the hospital when she was expecting to get visited by Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. Yes, it was nothing more than Ivan and Natalya dressed up like them, but she didn't know that. "Remember how we told Santa we were at your grandpas' house for Christmas, and you still got your gifts?"
"Yeah..." She started to cry.
"Well, I am sure I can call both Ded Moroz and Snegurochka and they would be more than happy to visit you in the hospital. They only want you to be happy and I am sure would come to you." Alfred said.
"Your room is now ready Miss Nikita." A nurse said as she came in. "You and your dad can come up to the room. You'll get a nice comfy ride while he has to walk."
Ivan looked at the clock and sighed. Dimitri was watching television while Ivan held onto him as he looked worried over at the phone. They sat in silence when after a while, the phone rang. "Hello?" Ivan asked worried as Dimitri looked up.
"It's me, they've got Nikita stable." Alfred said as he turned on the television and put it on the cartoon channel. "They want to keep her overnight so that they can observe and run some tests tomorrow. I'll need to talk to you about Ded Moroz and Snegurochka visiting. I'm sure they can work something, but we need to talk to them about it." Ivan was wondering why he was talking about that but then he must have known Dimitri was nearby.
"I understand." Ivan said.
"Can we visit?" Dimitri asked.
"Sure, it's open till 8 for visitors. And I was thinking, I would stay with Nikita tonight. They allow one parent in overnight visits and stays and well, since someone needs to look after Dimitri..." Alfred began.
"Can I look after Nikita?" Dimitri asked. Since he had a similar issue as her, he felt like he should be the one to take care of his sister.
"While you were the one who helped let us know something was wrong, but they will only allow one of her parents to stay with her." Alfred sighed.
"I understand." Ivan said. "We will be over soon." He said as he hung up. Looking over he saw Dimitri getting up and putting on a jacket. "You really want to see your sister?"
"Yes." Dimitri replied. "I just want to make sure she is okay."
"Well, let's get ready." Ivan said as he put on his jacket and took Dimitri's hand and walked to the car.
They drove in silence as Ivan blinked. He knew that Nikita and Dimitri thought that this ruined Ivan's birthday and that she having to stay in the hospital when they were not going to get their gifts because she was in the hospital. I am sure that I can get Natalya and Katyusha to come visit in the hospital. It would not be hard and even though and Natalya would tell Toris and his friend to put up with that. Once they arrived, Ivan asked the admissions clerk where Nikita was and walked along until they found the door and knocked.
"Come in." Alfred said as Ivan opened the door and Dimitri broke free from Ivan's hand and ran up to his sister's bedside.
"How you doing?" He said as he tried to climb on the bed.
"Calm down," Alfred said as he grabbed Dimitri. "Niki, mind your brother sitting on the bed with you?"
"Sure…." Nikita said.
"Here you go." Alfred said. "Just be careful, she's got an IV hooked up."
"What's that?" Dimitri said.
"It helps get medicine right to her blood and help her out." Ivan explained. "And it can hurt really badly if a doctor does not pull it out when it's not ready."
"Oh." He said simply then looked at his sister who looked tired and sleepy. "You okay Niki?"
"Yeah." She said simply. "But I'm stuck here. I will miss Ded Moroz tomorrow…."
"Which reminds me, your papa and I have to make a call…." Alfred said.
"But Fredka, who will watch the twins?" Ivan asked, nervous about leaving them alone after something like this.
"I will keep an eye on them while you make the calls you may need." An orderly said as she came in. "It's time for dinner." She said as she pushed a cart along.
"Okay." Alfred said as he pulled Ivan out of the room and aside. "So, I had an idea that maybe you and Natalya could come visit both Dimitri and Nikita here while she's in the hospital. Bring like the game we got her and some of those other things we got them and maybe a card with pictures of the bikes we got them and say you as Ded Moroz left them in the house as you couldn't bring them in the hospital. I think it might help Nikita feel better. She still blames herself for ruining your birthday."
"She didn't ruin it. The fact she is on the road to recovery is the best gift she could give me." Ivan sighed.
"I told her that, maybe you should too." Alfred said. "Because coming from me, she doesn't believe me."
"I'll call Natalya." Ivan said. "She would certainly be willing to do this."
"Good." Alfred said. "Now go in there and tell her what you told me."
"These are two sweethearts. Her brother kept reassuring her and encouraged her to eat something." The orderly reported.
"That's my boy. Taking care of your sister." Alfred said. "Niki, your papa has something to say."
"Papa?" She asked looking at Ivan.
"You did not make my birthday bad. I know you and your dad wanted to make it good, but this was something no one could help. You did not know of your allergy and how bad it was." Ivan said as he moved Alfred out of the way and moved closer to her to show her some affection. "I am however very happy you are making a good recovery." He hugged her. "That is the best birthday you could have given me. I just want you to be happy and healthy. That's the best thing you could do for me."
"Awwwwww…. Thanks Papa…." Nikita said. "But Ded Moroz can't visit me."
"Oh, I don't know." Ivan smiled with a wink. "I think your dad and I can arrange something."
"Really?" Dimitri said.
"Really." Alfred smiled. He then followed the orderly out as she left the room, knowing he could ask his questions there. "Mam!"
"Yes sir?" She asked.
"Do you know how many people can visit a patient at time. I know there's rules for that sort of thing…." Alfred began.
"There's no limit for your daughter's case." She explained.
"Good. We were going to have a little Christmas like thing tomorrow but if she's in the hospital, well, you know." Alfred said as the orderly nodded. "So, I was thinking we could do some of it in here provided we don't have too many people in. We're a very close family as well my husband only has his sisters, so they like to have celebrations together and such…."
"Oh, I understand." The orderly replied. "Well as long as she isn't in critical care, you should be fine."
"Good." Alfred said. Although I don't know if Katy would want to bring Charlotte into the hospital. It would be kind of crowded but wouldn't want her to come if she wasn't comfortable. At this, he pulled out his phone and called Natalya. Save Vanya the trouble. He thought.
Meanwhile, Natalya was still with Katyusha helping her around the house while Matthew was at work. It gave her a chance to connect with her sister more and get away from Feliks who said he was planning on having a 'bitching' New Year's Eve party. Frankly Natalya wasn't sure how to handle him. But if helping Katyusha got her away from him and prevented any frustration then it was best. Thing is that while she found Feliks annoying, he hadn't done anything that bad. As Katyusha prepared a bath for Charlotte, Natalya's phone rang. Seeing it was Alfred, she answered. "What is it you want?" She scoffed.
"Okay, ouch going to let that one slide because you don't know what the fuck is going on." Alfred replied venting his frustration out with a swear knowing no one was around. "In case you don't know, Nikita is in the hospital and will be here overnight. We went to a seafood place and well found out she has a shellfish allergy. And before you say anything, no one knew of that because she didn't have shellfish before!" At this Natalya felt Katyusha looking over at her as if to know she was going to say something.
"Natalya, do you mind putting that on speaker for me? Sounds like you are speaking with Fredka, and it must be important as he does not normally call you." Katyusha said as Natalya rolled her eyes and put it on speaker. "Hello Fredka, is everything okay?"
"Well, not exactly. Like I was telling Nattie there, Nikita had a bad reaction to some shellfish and they're keeping her in the hospital for a few days for observation. So obviously Ded Moroz and Snegurochka can't visit them at the house like we were planning." Alfred sighed as he walked past a soda machine and put some coins from his pocket in. "So, what Vanya and I were thinking is we have the celebration at the hospital with Nikita and Dimitri and Charlotte if you feel like brining her Katy, they haven't limited visitors because she's not in critical care right now."
"I will see." Katyusha said. "I do not want her catching a flu or some other nasty thing in the hospital. But Natalya, since you will be playing Snegurochka, I am sure that it will brighten up the twin's day if you do that."
"I see no reason not to." Natalya said. "I think Vanya and I will just act like we are going to the bathroom before changing. Keep the illusion you know."
"That's not a bad idea…." Alfred said. "I would have said two cars, but I have to stay here with Nikita overnight. They let one parent in the room with young children for an overnight stay. Although you will be very proud of Dimitri ladies. He was the one who could tell that Nikita was starting to have an attack."
"That's so precious." Katyusha said. "I must ask Matvey if it is a twin thing."
"Maybe." Alfred laughed. "I've been too worried to recall if Mattie and I were like that at all…."
"No, of course, we'll do that. Just have big brother pick me up and I will go with him to the hospital."
"What about Toris?" Alfred asked.
"I'll see if he wants to come, I guess." Natalya said. "He's been getting kind of tired of Feliks sometimes, even though they are best friends."
"Good." Alfred said. "I'll let Vanya know as he takes Dimitri home tonight." He hit the button on the vending machine for a coke.
"Sounds good." Natalya said as she hung up and Katyusha turned back to Charlotte whom she was giving a bath.
"Poor dear. And on Vanya's birthday too." Katyusha sighed. "At lease she is doing better if she's not in critical care. I know how worried I was when Charlotte was early, despite being perfectly fine."
"Well, I am at ease knowing she is in good hands." Natalya said.
"When you become a parent, anything that puts your little one in the hospital, even if they have the world's best care, is some of the scariest things that you will ever know." Katyusha said as Natalya rolled her eyes. "Of come back to me when it happens to you. Children will get sick; they will hurt themselves and you can do everything right, but something will still happen. I have to tell myself that a lot."
"You're a good mother." Natalya said hugging her older sister. "Never doubt yourself."
"Oh Natalya." Katyusha smiled.
"Well, I have to get home to Toris and give him a break from Feliks." Natalya said.
"Well, I will see you later little sis." Katyusha said.
Alfred stood outside the room waiting for Ivan and Dimitri. It was getting close to the end of visiting hours, and it was best for both Nikita and Dimitri to get to bed at their usual bedtimes despite of what was going on. "Of Vanya." Alfred said as he headed back towards Nikita's room. "Natalya wants you to pick her up tomorrow so she can visit. Help with what we were talking about…." Ivan nodded, understanding what Alfred was meaning.
"I understand." He nodded.
"Good." Alfred said as he kissed Ivan. "Gunna miss you big guy." He then turned to Dimitri "And you too." He ruffled Dimitri's hair.
"Can't I stay too?" Dimitri asked.
"Nope, they only allow one parent." Alfred said. "But have fun with your Papa." He smiled as Dimitri yawned.
"Maybe a bubble bath before bed." Ivan sighed. "See you tomorrow Fredka."
"See ya." Alfred said as he headed back in to see Nikita watching some of her favorite cartoons. "A new Bluey huh?"
"Yep." She yawned.
"Once it's over, you had better go to sleep unless a doctor needs to see you." Alfred said.
"Okay…." She said laying back in the bed.
"That's how I know you're sick." Alfred smiled ruffling her hair. "You're not fighting me about bedtime." He said as he pulled out the parental cot provided.
Meanwhile, once back home Ivan gave Dimitri a bath and put him to bed and watched some television and tried to read while sipping a glass of vodka, missing his husband and daughter but knowing they had to be there. Seeing that it was not much use trying to watch TV and thinking that Dimitri was asleep himself, he went to bed and laid down, trying to sleep himself. It was weird not having Alfred beside him, missing the snoring and occasional hogging of the blankets in his sleep and having more room to himself. As he started to drift off to sleep, he heard a light tapping at the door. Opening it, he saw Dimitri with a stuffed dinosaur. "Can I sleep with you Papa? I had a nightmare."
"Sure, little one." Ivan said.
"I usually go to Nikita when I have nightmares, but she isn't here, and I dreamed she would never come back." Dimitri said as Ivan tucked him and the dinosaur in and got back under the covers himself.
"She had a reaction like you had sometimes, and you came home fine after a few days yourself." Ivan reassured him. "Your sister will be the same."
"I know…. but I'm still scared." Dimitri said hugging Ivan.
"Let me tell you a secret." Ivan said as Dimitri perked up. "I am scared too, but we must be brave for her. We know what she is fighting and that if you can do it, she can too." Ivan reassured him with a hug.
"Thanks Papa." He said with a yawn and fell back asleep.
Everything will be okay. Ivan told himself. This is nothing serious. He reminded himself as he imaged the look on the twin's face when he and Natalya, dressed up as Ded Moroz and Snegurochka, gave them the last of their gifts.
So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I don't know how fast I can update but this story has a good streak going so I will get it up soon. Work and school man, it can be quite the feat at this time of year in my industry. But seeing your comments, faves, hits and kudos do wonders for me. Anyway, remember to read (well you just did) and review. Ciao for now,
Otherrealmwriter
Aka
Realm.