Chapter 6: Foster

A week passed and Germany drove up to the World Conference building in France's house as Italy and Fern-Lui got out of the car. There was still snow on the ground, but that was expected in the few months of winter, and headed up to the buildings doors with a small suitcase in his hand.

"Ve~ I can't wait to tell Romano about the good news!"

Germany shook his head, knowing the older Italian brother's extreme dislike for him, and looked to see the girl skipping ahead in kid jeans, which was modified for her tail, black snow boots, and a dark green jacket as she turned and waited for them to catch up. He couldn't help but smile at the girl's energy and wide smiles similar to Italy's.

He had grown to get used to seeing the ears and tail, and Japan even had him convinced that he can just say she can be one of the excited fans of the convention and decided to break into her cosplay accessories.

Which, thinking about Japan, he had told the girl that she was going to spend at least a week with Japan for the convention and, if she wished, can spend another week to see Japan's house. She happily agreed and was going to tell Japan herself about the plans.

0o0o0o0

Once they arrived in the meeting room, it was the same until Fern-Lui called out her hello and everyone quieted down for a moment before all of them happily replied back.

"Mon cher!" France called as he immediately went and picked the girl up. "You poor dear! You must've been horrified to have such a change happen to you."

"No, not really, I'm quite used to them now." She said as her tail was lazily moving back and forth.

"Oh! You're too kind for your own good, mon cher!" He said as he hugged her.

She smiled as her tail still wagged lazily, but this time in content.

"Okay France, put her down." Germany said as the mentioned nation pouted as he did just that and the girl went up to him. "Now Fern-Lui, I want you to stay in the other room until the meeting is over."

"Yes sir!" She said with a salute.

He smiled and patted her head. "At ease." He said, earning a giggle as she went over to say hello to the other nations, who were touching her ears to see if they were real and earned a lot of comments of how cute she is once more.

"Oh! Romano!" Italy called out as he ran up to his older brother and Spain. "I got something to tell you!"

"Ita-" Germany started to say but let it go, because he knew everyone was going to know it anyway, may as well let the events take their course. That and he didn't know how to even bring it up.

"What is it, idiot?" Romano said as Italy went up to him.

"Ve~ I got great news to tell you!"

"You finally leaving that potato bastard?"

"No, Fratello, Germany and I are parents!"

And just like that the room became dead silent as Germany face palmed and felt eyes on him.

Romano looked like a fish out of water as his face started to become red.

"Are you pregnant, Ita?" Spain asked, not fully understanding what the younger Italian was talking about.

"No, no! No one is pregnant!" Italy said.

"We've become foster parents for Fern-Lui." Germany said as he gained back his composure.

"When was this?" England asked, his tea nearly out of his cup in his hand.

"A few days ago, so I'm still new to the whole thing." The German admitted as he noticed that Hungary was having that strange face.

America laughed. "Wow! So you're a dad! Then again, you've always been the serious one here."

"I agree with Amerika-san." Japan said. "But does this arso mean that Itaria-kun is a father as well?"

"Well…"

"I'm the Mamma!" Italy announced happily, making Hungary shrill in joy as she congratulated the two, a few laughed and many others were confused.

Romano however shouted. "But you're a guy, stupid! You can't be the mother!"

"Ve! B-But, doesn't Mamma Italia sound cute though?"

"N-N-No! No it doesn't! Stupid!" He said while blushing.

"But Romano, you could be the auntie."

"Why the hell do I want to be the aunt!"

"Waah! I'm sorry! You can be called the uncle! Don't hurt me!"

"What I want to know is why the hell you and the potato bastard have to be the parents!"

While Italy tried his best to explain to his enraged brother, Germany sat down and put his papers together. He knew the brother would grab everyone's attention for some time, therefore another unproductive day of the meeting. But this gave him a moment to remember the morning that he announced his decision to Italy and Prussia.

x0x

Few days ago

Germany, thanks to the unexpectant visit of the former empire, woke up later than his usual time, and found the two and his brother in the living room. Italy and the girl were sketching while his brother was watching T.V. and drinking a bottle of beer. Italy was the first to notice his presence and announced to the two, which he got a morning hug by the girl and Prussia simply teased him about waking up late and ate something quick and finished the small stack of paper, which he telephoned his thanks to his boss, and joined everyone for lunch.

In the middle of the conversations, he cleared his throat and got everyone's attention. "I have something to ask you, Fern-Lui."

"Me?" She said as he nodded.

"Well, I'm out." Prussia said as he tried to get out of it.

"It concerns you as well, so sit."

"That's so unawsome." He said as he did what his younger brother told him.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Well, it's been almost a month since you stayed with us and you are considered an orphan in this… world…" He said, feeling awkward mentioning it but continued. "I've been thinking that, if you would like, I can be your foster father until your family comes and picks you up. For however long it takes."

"Hold up!" Prussia said. "You saying you're going to be a dad?"

"If it is okay with her then that is what I'm saying. I can't replace her real father, and as a nation my responsibilities also lie in my people. But since her real family hasn't shown up and any records of her are still being put in order, with that she would most likely be picked up by the child services because she isn't claimed as far as care and protection is concerned."

"So just her staying here isn't enough." Italy asked, seeing this as very serious.

"Exactly." He said as he looked at the girl. "I know this is probably a difficult decision for a child your age, but it's important to know if you would like me to be your foster father, even though I am a nation, as so is everyone you have met back in the World Conference."

She looked surprised to hear all this but then smiled. "I've already seen you as mein vati, so of course!"

"Are you sure, you don't have to answer right away." He said, a bit taken aback by the sudden response.

"I'm sure Herr Deutschland, I really like everyone already, and I know there are things that you have to take care of. It's no different than real parents."

Germany smiled as he nodded. "Then it's settled. From now on I'll be your foster father."

"So…" Prussia said. "Does this mean I'm the Onkel (1)?"

"You are my Bruder, so yes."

"Umm, can I ask something?" She asked.

"Sure."

"Since you're going to be my foster vati, is it okay if I start calling you Vati Deutschland?"

He blinked. "It'll be a while to get used to that, but I don't mind it."

"Ve! I wanna adopt her too!" Italy said. "Since I'm mostly here than at my own house, I can also be a foster parent!"

"I-Italy?" Germany said as Prussia laughed.

"A lot of the other nations believe you two are married already, so why not?"

Germany gave the other a look before looking at Italy. "Are you sure, Italy?" He asked as he was responded with an energetic nod of approval.

"Sì! I've already seen her as la mia bambina (2), so I'll be Mamma Italia!"

Germany looked like a fish out of water as Prussia laughed.

Fern-Lui smiled as she hugged the Italian next to her. "Mamma Italia!" She said happily.

x0x

Present Time

Germany sighed as he looked at the paper work he did after that talk and talked to his boss about the sudden custody arrangement. He did catch his boss off-guard with the request, but after a few hours discussing the matter, he was approved custody with the joint custody to Italy, who also returned home to talk to his boss, who met the same surprise of the request.

Even the agency weren't sure what to make of it when the papers were brought to them and had an audience with them and the girl. It took a couple days, the agency looking around both houses, how both lived when they're not being nations, and anyone that the girl can get in contact if anything ever were to happen. The agents, although not sure how to make of this strange arrangement, approved both nations to the girl.

Then he felt someone pat his shoulder and looked up to see Italy.

"Hey Germany, everything okay?"

"Ja. Just thinking about what we went through that last few days before the custody approval."

Italy smiled as he sat next to the German. "I told you some time ago that you would make a great dad, and here you are."

"It's only temporary…" He said as he couldn't help but smile. "But it does feel good." He looked up to see that Spain was talking to Romano, who was munching on a tomato, but his face was still red. "How did your brother take the news?"

"Ve~ It took me a while to tell him that this was a good thing and that he would be happy with this, since this was Fern-Lui. But once Spain helped quiet him down, he told me to come back to you and not talk to him ever. But I know Romano likes to hear from me, he just doesn't like to show it."

He nodded, knowing a bit about the older Italian brother than he cared to know, as America finally decided to start the meeting.

0o0o0o0

It took an hour and a half until the meeting was adjourned. Germany was getting his papers together when America went up to him.

"Congrats being a dad, dude!"

"Er… Danke…?" He said as the American patted him on the back.

"Lucky bastard." He added before he left the room when England came up to the German.

"I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised, after what happened a week prior I suppose you have what it takes to be a foster father."

"That's kind of you to say…" He said as he saw the calm look in the Englishman's face.

"Reminds me back when America was just discovered and became a colony. They grow up very quickly."

He nodded as the Englishman left and France went up to him.

"Well! I don't see why you have to have custody of such a fille chérie and have Italy as your wife." (3)

"He isn't my wife, he's a foster parent who doesn't mind being called a mother…"

"Still so unfair!" He whined as he left as well.

Germany was glad that France was away, but then was faced with Russia. "Hello Russia."

The large Russian smiled innocently. "I never knew nations can adopt."

"Well… It's actually never been done before, so… It took both of our bosses by surprise when we asked for custody rights…"

"Oh, so that's how it is." He said, a bit sadly. "Then again, we are in the modern times, da?"

"J-Ja…"

"Will you still bring her here? I really did enjoy her company from the party."

"W-Well… it all depends if she has schooling. Right now she doesn't and has an appointment to take a test to see which grade she's most likely to be in…"

"I see…" He seemed disappointed. "I do hope she comes to visit though, da?"

"O-Of course…" He said, seeing the innocent smile on his face.

"That's good to hear. Have a good day and good luck being a father. Sounds so much fun, da." With that he left with his sisters.

A few others told him and Italy congrats, even Hungry seemed overly zealous about it as she waited to see the girl join the two to get a 'family' picture in. Even Austria said his congrats to the two, as well as added to the girl that if she needed escape from Prussia's annoyance, all she has to do is call Hungry and she would take care of it, which she laughed.

"I will have to discuss with music lessons with your child." He said after talking to the girl.

"Music lessons?" Germany said as they discussed the matter until Japan came up. "Oh, Japan, are you ready?"

"Hai. I've got everything at my home ready for her."

He nodded and looked at the girl. "You got everything you need?"

"Ja, Vati Deutschland." She said, which Hungary squeeled.

"Remember to mind your manners." Italy said.

"Sì, Mamma Italia." Another squeal.

"Hungary dear, I understand this is possibly the best day of your life, but can you control yourself?" Austria asked as he saw that Hungary was close to taking every shot until there was no film left.

The girl smiled as she hugged, Hungary, which is what the nation needed desperately as she rambled in her native tongue and petted the girl's head before she finally calmed down.

'That worked.' The guys thought as the female nation set the girl down, who then went up to Japan and all of them headed out of the meeting room and went their separate ways.

"Don't forget to call when you get to Japan's house."

"Okay! See you later Vati Deutschland, Mamma Italia! Tell Onkel Preußen that I'll see him later!" She said as she entered Japan's car and they headed out.

"I hope she and Japan get along." Italy said.

"I'm sure they will, Italy." Germany said. "If there were some problems, then Japan will call us."

"Okay…" Italy said as he and Germany went into Germany's car and headed back to the German's house. "It doesn't feel the same when she's not around…"

"It's only going to be for a week. It will go by before you know it." He said, but he did admit he felt that there's something missing. 'Looks like we're so used to having Fern-Lui for some time that it's like when Italy…' He thought about the war and sighed.

"Germany?"

"It's nothing Italy." He said as he stopped at a stop light when he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to see the concerned and calm face of the Italian and gave him a small smile. "It's really nothing Italy. I just miss her too. Even though it hasn't been a day. But Japan can look out for her."

"Sì, Japan is a very nice guy. And she did like Japan's cooking back at the party, so I'm sure they'll make a lot of onigiris together."

Germany smiled and nodded. "Either way, both will have a great time."

0o0o0o0

With Japan and Fern-Lui, they arrived at Japan's house and the girl saw that it was a modest traditional home with a stone garden at the front before taking the small step to the front door, where a small white dog seemed to be waiting for them.

"Fern-Rui-chan, this is Pochi-kun."

"こんにちは、ポチくん(4)." She said as she pet it, earning a happy yip before a black and white cat came out as well.

"And that's Tama-kun."

"こんにちは、多摩くん(5)." She said as she followed Japan's example of taking off shoes and following him into his home.

"I bet you're hungry."

"I am." She said as she saw a kotatsu.

"Would you like some ramen?"

She nodded happily with sounds of approval.

He smiled and chuckled, finding the girl's enthusiasm is similar to Italy's. "It wirr only take a few minutes. I have some mangas if you rike to read them."

Her eyes seemed to brightened as she went to look and found a shelf full of mangas. She made a happy cheer as she looked at the books, picked one, and went to the table and waited for Japan.

0o0o0o0

When the ramen was done, Japan walked out and set the bowls and chopsticks down and she set the manga aside so that if there was a mishap then the book will be spared.

She clapped her hands together and thanked the meal before digging in. Japan didn't expect her to know his customs without explaining, but he smiled and did the same.

He remembered the time when he introduced the dish to Germany and Italy when they got together during the second World War. Germany was beyond shocked to see that Japan was slurping and eating the noodles quickly like Italy with his pasta. But once the German is informed that this was the proper eating edicate when presented a bowl, otherwise it would seem he was not enjoying it. Needless to say Germany was out of his comfort zone when it came to any hot noodle foods at his house.

But he could see the girl was a pro at the customs of his culture, for when she was done, she thanked the meal once more and got up to put her bowl away. "I can do that, Fern-Rui-chan."

She turned and smiled. "You can call me Rui-chan if you like. I don't mind."

He smiled at the sweet natured girl. 'She's definitery rike Itaria-kun.' He thought as he took the bowls and placed them in the sink. He looked back to see that she was back to reading the manga and saw the title. 'xxxHolic… What an interesting choice.' He thought as he cleaned the bowls and soon saw the time. "Rui-chan, I understand if the time difference is giving you some difficurty, but I do berieve it's time for you to go to bed. We do have a rong day ahead of us."

"Okay, Nihon-ojisan." She said as she placed the book back into the shelf and headed to her assigned room, missing the slight blush at being called 'uncle'.

"If you need anything, I am just in the other room."

"Arigatoo gosaimasu, Nihon-ojisan." She said as she finished changing and settled onto the futon and under the comforter. "See you in the morning."

"おやすみなさい,(6) Rui-chan." He said as he shut the sliding door.

0o0o0o0

Back in Germany's house, Prussia was groaning pitifully.

"What's wrong, Bruder? One too many?" Germany asked as he came down to check on his brother, who had been acting like that since they got home.

"I hate to say this, because it's not awesome for me to say it, but I miss the kid." Prussia said as Germany grabbed two beer bottles and gave one to him.

"So do Italy and I. And everyone else here." He said as he saw that his dogs, the two cats, and Prussia's bird joined them.

"This is just as worse than the time in World War Two…"

"Don't remind me…" He said gruffly as he downed his beer.

Prussia saw the irritated look on his brother's face and sighed. "Still not over that, huh?"

"Who would? I'm stained for eternity…" He said as he stared at the now empty bottle.

"Italy is over it, so has Japan, America. Hell, even France and England." He said in his moment of actual seriousness. "You're the only one who hasn't really gotten over it. Don't forget that I'm a part of it as well as long as you're alive."

Germany sighed as he threw away his bottle and said that he was headed to bed.

"She wouldn't care what you did, West. She knows you're a good person and nation alike just like all of us." He looked to see Germany's back. "It was never your fault."

Germany didn't say anything as he headed up the stairs to his room.

Prussia sighed and took a swing of his beer. "I worry about you… And it's so unawsome when I get like this."

Translations:

(1) uncle - German

(2) my little girl - Italian

(3) darling girl - French

(4) Hello, Pochi-kun - Japanese

(5) Hello, Tama-kun - Japanese

(6) Good night - Japanese

Okay... That's all I got for today. Let me know what you think and I may post more up later on this week. I'm still working on the other chapters that I worked on before I had to go back to look over these few plus chapters. Plus, I saw a kind of doctumentary called "The Fatal Attratcion of Adolf Hitler" on the Military Channel, and I learned a bit more about what kind of man Germany and the people had to deal with. If you could find it, I would recommend watching it.

Anyway, these are the chapters I've been looking over for three days now and hope you still enjoyed them. As you can see, I didn't change too much of the original.