I do not own Hetalia, okay? I really want to progress with this little arc, so I am updating this story more often. Things will be getting busier soon so I don't know how fast I can update then. But I plan to get this to you before it gets too crazy. Anyway, enough of this A/N, on with the fic!
Alfred sighed as he tucked a sleepy Dimitri in. The house was quiet now. Too quiet. It was New Year's Eve, and he was alone. Last year I wasn't alone. My leg was broken but it wasn't alone. Vanya was with me. He sighed as he flipped through the television looking for something to watch. His stomach growled so he looked in the kitchen, trying to find something. Part of the original plan before Nikita was in the hospital was to make up some traditional Russian foods so the twins would have the full experience. However, it was obvious that that wasn't happening any time soon. Sighing, he heard the phone ring. "Yulllo?" He asked.
"Where have you been boy!" Arthur said. "Your uncle says the house was empty as he tried to stop by earlier today."
"Oh shit, I forgot to tell you." Alfred said. "Nikita's been in the hospital. She apparently has a shellfish allergy. Found out at Vanya's birthday." He said as he could hear Arthur's disdain. "Sorry if I was more worried that my daughter was suffocating than calling you guys. You know how fucking traumatic it is to see your child gasping for breath?"
"Well, I understand you'd be distressed seeing something like that for the first time. It never does really get any easier. While neither you nor Matthew have had something like that happen, seeing you sick or injured really is traumatic. I recall when you had your tonsils taken out. It was traumatic. I had thought something like that would happen to Matthew, knowing how you two were as children and while Francis was keeping Matthew happy, I was sitting in the hospital dreading what was rather routine and not very dangerous." Arthur explained.
"Yeah, the doctors said something similar when it came to Nikita…." Alfred sighed. "Tell Uncle Al I'm sorry."
"Aye, I know now that you were worried about the little lassie." Alastor said taking the phone from Arthur. "Let me know when she gets out. I wanted to see her but well,"
"Yeah, she should be out tomorrow all goes well." Alfred said.
"Well, your ol man and I are catching up over New Year's even with your Papa and his one friend Antonio…." Alastor said, "you're welcome to join us laddie, what with your brother being the news star and all…."
"Thanks, but I'll pass guys," Alfred said. "I have to stay here and make sure Dimitri's okay. He had nightmares last night. Besides he's only 4. Can't leave him by himself." Thanks for being my way out…. he thought as he lay back on the couch and sighed. He wasn't sure what Alistair was thinking about going with everyone as he knew how they worked with their parties.
"Well, that makes sense. Who is watching Charlotte?" Arthur said.
"Natalya offered to watch Charlotte and the house." Alfred said. "Think she needs a break from Toris' friend Feliks."
"From what I have heard, I can see why she would need it." Arthur sighed. "Let us know when Nikita is out of the hospital. But your uncle and papa are wanting me to head out."
"Ah thanks, I'll order in." Alfred said as he sighed and hung up the phone. Looking at the clock he knew that Ivan was likely putting Nikita to bed if she wasn't getting a checkup or something and decided to call him.
"Fredka…." Ivan sighed "How are you doing?"
"God, I miss you." Alfred sighed. "There's nothing on and I can't get myself in the mood to play anything. How's Nikita?"
"Just got her to sleep." Ivan sighed. "Had gotten her a few story books from the hospital gift shop when the nurse and doctor were doing a few final tests and blood draws."
"Really?" Alfred said. "Things looking good?"
"She should be out by noon tomorrow." Ivan smiled.
"Thank God." Alfred smiled laying back on the couch. "I mean I know under trained medical care; it wasn't bad but…."
"I know, I know," Ivan smiled. "It is scary even if you know it will be okay."
"My dad said something to the same effect. Apparently, Uncle Al came by, and we weren't here. Dad got snippy about it."
"I know how your dad can be." Ivan sighed. "But good news it is just one more night."
"Yes," Alfred smiled.
Meanwhile, Katyusha was going over every little thing that needed done for both Kumajiro and Charlotte while Matthew rolled his eyes, causing angry looks from her. "Now at 8 pm I put Charlotte to sleep, and she often will go to sleep easily when you play the forest rain recording I have. It's high enough that she cannot reach it, but it should be easy for you. Often, she will wake up anywhere from 11 at night to 2 in the morning in which case a fresh hot bottle and a little bit of pureed vegetables helps put her to sleep." Katyusha said as she opened the cabinet to show the food. "I had stocked up the other day, so you can pick anything you see here that you think she'd like."
"Is there anything she really doesn't like?" Natalya asked.
"hmmmm….." Katyusha said looking at the jars. "She really doesn't like apple avocado one, nor the prunes…. she really likes ones with chicken and pumpkin and sweet potatoes,"
"We haven't given her dinner just yet because we'll be out when we usually do, so" Matthew sighed, knowing how fretful Katyusha was with the idea of Natalya babysitting. "Here, the turkey and sweet potato and a few of the yogurt puffs. She's still teething so if she wakes up and they're hurting her, there's some baby orajel and some melba toast snackers she likes that are banana and peach flavored, she seems to love those. Diapers are under the changing table along with wipes. We'll give her a bath tomorrow and Katy laid out her pajamas as well. So, no worries." Matthew smiled.
"But Matvey- "She began.
"Gilbert won't like us being late. He says you make a wonderful mistress to push the button for the New Year's marshmallow drop. Your dress is lovely, and Natalya can handle Charlotte."
"Kumajiro?" She asked.
"Just give him a cup of dog food before you feed Charlotte and let him out when he scratches at the door. Backyard's fenced so he won't run, and he will bark when he wants back in. He does play with Charlotte some with her big soccer ball. He's also very gentle with her but do keep an eye on it. He's a dog after all." Matthew said as Natalya nodded. "And she sometimes likes to sit on his back and walk around. You'll need to walk behind them naturally, but Kuma is good with that too."
"Understood." Natalya noted. She then looked over to her sister. "I have this. Go enjoy your spotlight." She said mostly to Katyusha.
"Are you sure?" Katyusha asked.
"Positive." She said.
"But- "Katyusha said.
"Do think about who is sitting. Is there anyone else who could handle her as good as you? Big brother maybe, but do you honestly trust his fathers?" Natalya said as she pointed to Matthew. "No offense."
"None taken. And that's when Antonio isn't over for a party… I shudder to think what would happen if Gilbert wasn't already tied up with the news station." Matthew said. "Speaking of which, we need to go."
"Fine." Katyusha sighed. "If anything happens feel free to call my cell phone or the station."
"I have this." She reassured Katyusha. "Now go."
"But- "Katyusha began as Matthew cut her off.
"We have complete faith in you." He smiled.
"Bye!" She waved.
"See you next year!" Matthew laughed.
"Yes, yes, very funny." She sighed as she shut the door behind them as to hopefully not wake Charlotte up as she was down for her afternoon nap while Katyusha and Matthew went over her care. Looking over at Kumajiro, she sighed. "You know she is lucky to have a dog like you." She sighed as she headed over the couch and picked up her backpack and began to read her textbook. "I have to study before the semester starts." She said, looking over the textbook.
"Aye! I did it!" Alistair said coming from the kitchen. "It's not like what I can make back home, but it is as good as ever."
"You made it?" Arthur asked.
"What did he make?" Antonio asked.
"Haggis." Francis said. "Scottish delicacy." He explained
" I have been trying to find a way to make it with what is available around here. I would rather have lamb and mutton, but beef works too." Alistair said. "And found a decent whiskey as well."
"And I brought some of my tapas as well." Antonio said. "Why won't Gilbert let us on the set?"
"You know him." Francis said as he poured himself a glass of wine. "He can be very much fun, but when it comes to work, he's dedicated and serious. He is determined to make that station the best." He took another sip. "And you know just how Mathieu has really been a boost for the ratings according to Gilbert."
"Yes, yes, Matthew has done a good job." Arthur sighed. "But let's try to keep this celebration civil."
"Ah, you are such the schoolmarm mon amour" Francis smiles. "Now, let's get ready for this party."
Gilbert paced around the stage, sighing. Matthew and Katyusha were supposed to have been there 15 minutes before in order to get everything ready for when the New Year's program was to begin. There was still plenty of time and it wasn't anywhere near showtime yet, but Gilbert preferred to have everything there on time and ready to go when it was time for the cameras to roll. Come on, come on, don't tell me something happened to my star... He sighed as Matthew and Katyusha came up. "Sorry we're late Gilbert." Matthew panted.
"Oh, I am just so nervous leaving Charlotte with my sister." Katyusha sighed. "I know she does well with the twins but..."
"Natalya is better than my dads." Matthew reassured her.
"Ja, I can attest to that. I know them well. How Alfie and Mattie came out decent is beyond me." Gilbert said. "But let's get this started. Your first whole year here as an anchor, how was it?"
Matthew paused, having never really thought about it himself. "It's certainly something else. I am still getting used to people knowing who I am no matter where I go."
"You are certainly a lucky woman Katyusha." Gilbert said as Katyusha giggled and hid her blush. "Matthew is a very good man and trust me, no matter how many times someone has made a pass at him, he's never even looked at them. Stayed true to you,"
"That's good..." She smiled looking at Matthew who smiled back. It had helped to ease her mind somewhat hearing this but at the same time she could still never shake that her husband was in the spotlight as much as he was. Would there be someone that would eventually catch his eye?
"Now, let's get this set up and get this going." Gilbert said.
Toris looked up at the clock and sighed. He knew that Natalya had to look after Charlotte, and he was feeling like he had to babysit Feliks too. It had been nice to meet up with his childhood friend after such a long time, but it was too much at times. "So, how was it seeing your niece and nephew?" Feliks asked as he brought out a bottle of vodka. "Polish. The best." He smiled.
"Nikita is doing better. That's good. Mr. Alfred has told me that they are expecting to release her tomorrow. It's going to be busy from what he explained to me, that everyone wants to make sure she's okay once she's out of the hospital." Toris sighed. "And she seemed to really like the game we got her."
"Awesome." Feliks said. "You're going to be a great uncle and hopefully Nattie does a good job with her sister's kid." Toris looked at Feliks confused. "You two would make some awesome parents. And I call godfather. I will be their fun uncle getting them into all sorts of trouble."
"I'm just marrying her in June." Toris said. "We are not having children yet."
"You will someday." Feliks said. "And when you do, I will be their best uncle ever."
"Sure, whatever." Toris sighed.
Alfred sat on couch, looking at his pizza and wings with a sigh. Dimitri was sound asleep. It had seemed long as he was alone. Taking a sip of his coke, he sighed and thought about just how much things had changed from this time a year before. Last year it was just Vanya and I, Mattie and Katy were here while they got themselves on their feet. Adopting was something that we just kind of talked about. He smiled as he looked around. While there are times these kids scare the bejesus out of me, I can't deny it's great. At this, the door opened to Dimitri's bedroom, and he came out looking around.
"Daddy?" He asked.
"Dimitri?" Alfred asked.
"I couldn't sleep..." He said walking over to Alfred who looked at his watch, and saw it was now 11:45, and soon to be midnight.
"Nightmares again?" He asked.
"Yeah..." He said looking down. "I miss Niki..."
"She'll be home tomorrow big guy." Alfred smiled. "But it's almost midnight." He reassured Dimitri. "You want a piece of pizza and to watch the marshmallow drop."
"Sure." Dimitri smiled as he sat beside Alfred and took a bite of the pizza.
"But it's right to bed when this is done." Alfred smiled.
"Fine." He said as he looked at the television.
"And you'll see your Uncle Matt as well." Alfred smile.
"And Aunt Katy." Dimitri pointed out.
"Yep." Alfred said.
Ivan had wanted to see the new year's broadcast but did not want to wake Nikita. He recalled how the day went, most of it was her complaining about being stuck in the hospital, having him help her with the in-room shower and taking one himself when she had taken a nap after her afternoon medicine was given, they were both exhausted. But he knew how much Katyusha loved being a part of the New Year's Broadcast and it always made him happy to see his big sister happy, so he made it a point to watch it. As he went to the station's web broadcast so he could see it, he heard a faint, "Papa…." From bed beside him.
"Yes, my dear little Nikita?" Ivan asked turning to her.
"Whatcha doing?" She asked, peering over the railing of the bed.
"Watching the news New Year's broadcast." Ivan said.
"Uncle Mattie is on there?" She asked.
"Yes, along with your Aunt Katyusha." Ivan said.
"How do you say Aunt and Uncle in Russian Papa?" Nikita asked.
"Tetya i dyadya" Ivan said
"Te-tea-yeah e da-dee-ya….." Nikita said. "Cool. I want to learn more Russian from you. I can already say Privet, da and nyet." She said. "Mr. Allen says learning another language makes you smarter."
"It can do that." Ivan smiled. "You know I taught your daddy Russian when we first got together. He may not be the best at reading it."
"Why?" Nikita asked.
"Because it uses different letters." Ivan said. Nikita looked confused. "Let me show you." He took a notepad and wrote out a message to Nikita.
"Uhhhhhh….." She said as she looked at it. While she and Dimitri were learning to read basic stories, that was with the usual English alphabet. Я люблю тебя, мой дорогой маленький Никита. Поскорее поправляйся.was what was written on the notepad. "What's with the backwards R and all these funky letters?"
"That's called Cyrillic, how Russian is written." Ivan explained. "It says 'YA lyublyu tebya, moy dorogoy malen'kiy Nikita. Poskoreye popravlyaysya.'"
"What's that mean?" She asked.
"It means, I love you my dear little Nikita. Get well soon." He added with a hug. "Now, let's turn on the TV and watch your aunt and uncle help the town ring in the New Year."
"Cool." She smiled.
Meanwhile, Matthew and Katyusha were standing at the station platform, waiting for the signal to begin. It was a half hour before midnight, and it was getting closer and closer to the time they were to start, and they were both anxious to begin. However, Gilbert took the lead. "So, as the year winds down and a new one is about to begin, we are getting ready to drop the town marshmallow." Gilbert said to the camera. "Any thoughts Matthew? What with it being your first full year."
"I have to say it has been an honor to work for the station and to bring the news to you fine folks in this area. I look forward to it for years to come." Matthew said.
"Right you are." Gilbert replied. "And it seems were are getting on the lovely witching hour. Katyusha if you please," He smiled.
"Certainly," she said as she hit the button. "Let's ring in a new year."
"Yes indeed." Gilbert said. "And I love having your energy here on the special. I hope to have both of you on for years to come as well." He then looked towards the dropping marshmallow.
"And here we go." Matthew smiled as the marshmallow dropped. While they weren't all in the same spot, Matthew knew his family would be watching him and Katyusha and it made a warmth come over him. Knowing that he had a family who was behind him no matter what happened, who helped him and Katyusha who looked out for each other, was something he was grateful for. So much had changed for them all in the past year. He had a good job, one that people paid attention to him and part of him knew that people were thinking Alfred was him and he loved it. But he had a beautiful wife, lovely daughter and good house. Katyusha looked really happy watching the marshmallow fall.
"10…9….8…7…6…5….4….3….2….1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Gilbert, Matthew and Katyusha said. He then grabbed Katyusha kissed her on the lips.
"Aww. Love it." Gilbert said. "And for our viewers. Love is all you need." At this Matthew and Katyusha looked up and blushed. "Ah, it's New Year's tradition and I am sure you all love it. Have a happy new year and keep watching us here! Your best news source with the best anchors ever! We are an awesome station!"
"Keep watching!" Katyusha smiled.
"With your best anchor." Matthew smiled.
"And cut!" The cameraman said. "Nice work guys, really festive."
"See you later." Gilbert said. "Go tend to your little baby"
"Indeed." Katyusha said. "Come on Matvey."
"See you later Gilbert." Matthew waved.
"Ja Ja," he said. "You know the drill."
So how was that? Good? Bad? Short? Long? Let me know in a review. I only have a few more chapters planned and then a time skip fic after this. I don't know how fast I can update but I will. Not much else to say but remember to read, well you just did, and review. Ciao for now,
Otherrealmwriter
Aka
Realm.