Hetalian Old Alphabet- Chapter 4

F is for Family

Characters: Austria, Hungary, Holy Roman Empire, Italy Veneziano, Prussia

Hungary giggles as she feels the warm summer wind flap against her and the checkered blanket, her hair flying freely in the wind. In front of her was Austria, holding the other end of the blanket.

"Hmm? What's so funny, Hungary?" He asks her.

"Oh, it's just that… I don't know how long it's been since we've spent time like this," she replied, sneaking a peek at the two children over at the cliff as she and Austria set the blanket down. Said children were too engrossed into their activities to notice, one of them ogling at the beautiful view before him, and one staring at the former with a lovesick expression on his face.

Austria sorts with what sounded like pride. "You should be thankful that I even agreed to let you- with my supervision no less," Truth to be told, Austria was glad to come. He was just really relieved that Prussia wasn't with them today to check on his brother.

"Spit it out already, you just wanted to come with us," says Hungary with a mocking grin that she tried her best to hide as she set the plates and cutlery. To this comment, Austria attempted to ignore it as he sticks his nose into the air.

"Holy Roman Empire needed a break, so I let him. I was only so kind to allow Italy this break too." This was true to a certain degree. There was no way in the name of Hungary's frying pan would he admit that Hungary was right. He paid no mind to her giggles, but he did catch the two children having a moment of their own on the cliff. He sighed. "Holy Roman Empire! Italy! Don't play around over there, you could fall and I would have to deal with Prussia damaging my ears if you did!"

Catching the shrill and stern tone of his voice, Holy Rome and Italy turned around. Italy smiled and waved. "Okay Austria-san!" Grabbing Holy Rome's hand (which in turn made him blush several shades of red), he and the blushing empire made their way towards the nobleman. Running through Holy Rome's mind were thoughts about how warm and soft Italy's hand was.

Once he concluded that the children were a good tad away from the danger of falling, Austria then proceeded to help Hungary set the plates and cutlery.

Nothing like a peaceful day like this…

No annoying political disputes, no Italy trying to escape work, and best of all, no Prus-

"Kesesesese! What do we have here?" A certain silver-haired nation sneered at them from up on a tree.

Oh, why did he even bother…?

Hungary rolled her eyes at the sound of obnoxious laughing. "We didn't invite you, Prussia."

Prussia jumped down with his conquistador's cloak swishing behind him. "Yeah, yeah, but how come none of you are being grateful that I'm gracing you all with my awesomeness?" He says, his smirk never leaving him.

"Prussia?" Holy Roman Empire stared in question at the said Prussian, with Italy following in tow. Italy's eyes lit up with joy and recognition as he saw the laughing nation.

"Prussia! Did you come to have a picnic with us too?" asked Italy.

"Oh, so you're having a picnic? Perfect timing, I was starting to feel hungry," Prussia quoted his statement by rubbing his growling stomach.

Austria stood up in indignation. "Absolutely not. I will not tolerate your absurd presence, Prussia." he said to Prussia while sticking his nose up into the air.

Prussia simply waved his hand in dismissal at that comment. "Ah, don't be such a stick in the mud Specs, besides, I wanted to see how my little bruder was doing, am I right or am I awesomely right Holy Rome?"

Holy Rome just sighed. "I could do without you just fine, Preuβen." replied Holy Rome with a blank look on his face.

"Aw, come on, seriously, we could all use a break from our wars, right? Don't even try saying that you don't agree with me," Prussia shrugged. Italy nods in agreement.

"I really think that Big Brother Prussia should join us! It's not often that we get together without us trying to strangle each other," Italy told them with his face scrunched up in determination to let his big brother join in their peace.

"See! Ita-chan agrees with me!"

Letting out one final sigh, Austria caved in. "Fine, I suppose I could let this one time slide, you war-maniac." Prussia fisted the air ad went to bother the children.

Hungary then flinched and looked at Austria like he was crazy.

"But, Mr. Austria-"

"Just let him, he won't leave us alone if we didn't let him join." He whispered to so that Prussia would not hear. Hungary got distracted halfway because of his voice. It's not like Prussia can hear them anyway, he was too distracted Italy and Holy Roman Empire, with the latter glaring at him as Prussia ogled over little Italy. Seems like hanging out with Spain rubbed off on him.

Hungary sighed, but she was still reluctant to place a fifth plate for their visitor. 'Oh well, if Mister Austria says it's fine, I guess I could roll with it,' she says, shrugging as she placed the salad bowl. Truly, she could deal with Prussia, but if Austria wouldn't want Prussia in their midst it gave her a perfect reason to kick butt.

Meanwhile, since Austria permitted her to paint, Italy took out his art materials, and started to capture the perfect view before him. Holy Rome was right behind him, discreetly trying to hold her hand. Unfortunately for him, Prussia notices this, and smirks.

"Hey, Ita-chan, I think Holy Rome wants to help you paint!" said Prussia, while the said empire glared at him with red on his face- from embarrassment or mild fury, we will never know. The auburn-haired nation beamed at Holy Rome, who blushed harder, if that was even possible.

"Grazie, Holy Rome! Here, you could help me paint the roofs of the villas over there," He said, as he pushed the chocolate-tipped paintbrush to him, and got one of his own to dip in blue. "I'll be coloring the sky!"

Somehow, the stammering empire managed to paint with Italy in peace, with Italy humming a little tune as she brushed the blue-tipped paintbrush across the canvas.

The painting was halfway done by the time Hungary had called them to eat. Holy Roman Empire and Italy tidied up their art materials, and tucked them away for the time being as they wandered over to where Hungary and the rest are.

"Alright everyone, dig in!" said Hungary with her maiden's spirit aflame.

"Ve~ Thank you for the food!" With her mouth watering at the sight of delicious food, Italy immediately attacked the Bolognese the Hungarian prepared with Austria's permission. He couldn't be any happier.

"This is awesome-class food Hungary!" remarked Prussia, who had his face stuffed with sandwiches. "Though, I bet you couldn't top the awesome me at cooking, kesesese!" While laughing, bits of food were spraying from Prussia's mouth and landed onto Holy Rome and Austria, who both looked away muttering something about proper table manners.

Hungary just shook her head, sighing and chuckling as she ate her piece of the salad. Looking around, it looked like they were one, big, happy family. Silently, she thanked God for bestowing such a lovely moment among them.

The wind blew against them, and whoever passed by the hill that afternoon would be lucky to hear the sounds of laughter emitting from it.

Author's Note: I am so sorry! I've been feeling down lately, and the untimely death of my dog isn't helping either. Wah~ I really miss her…

To anyone who's been bearing with me and this horrible, horrible fiction, thank you so much. I don't understand why I seem like I don't try hard enough to make good stories…

Disclaimer: No, I do not own Hetalia. All strings are attached to Himaruya, the creator, so that would mean I own nothing. *sigh* That last sentence sounded corny