Sorry for late upload again, Life and Deviant got in my way again (and it didn't help at all that I had a massive writers block for three weeks D:) Don't think that I have forgotten about you guys!

And so *Dramatic music*

This last part of the one-shot goes to Mystery Fan!

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Hetalia... it does not belong to me! it belongs to... Hidekaz Himaruya! I only own my original character Claire from one of my actual non-fanfic stories, or you, only you belongs to you :D

The van stopped in front of the gates. 'Behave and study well kids!' your mother said as you and everyone got out of the van.

'I'm sure we will mum,' you replied. Your mother bent down and kissed everyone's forehead; you struggle to contain your laughter at Arthur's massive red blush on his face.

She kissed your forehead too before going back into the van. 'Watch out for each other alright?'

Again a chorus of 'yes' reached her ears. She smiled and waved before driving off.

'After you Arthur,' Francis gestured towards the class rooms. Arthur's left eye twitch, 'Oh no, after you Francis, ladies first.'

You, your brothers and the other students nearby giggled as Francis chased after Arthur who ran for his classroom. Ivan causally strode after Arthur towards the same class they shared.

'Aiyah! Don't be late for our home room!' Yao yelled, running after Francis.

Alfred grinned, turning to Matthew.

'Let's go, bro!' Alfred said, taking Matthew's hand. Matthew turned to wave at you.

You waved, watching them trot off to class before turning to a figure that gripped you into an instant tight hug.

'Claire!' you gasped. She let go of you as you bent over for air.

'Sorry!' she giggle before dragging you to class. Sitting down for homeroom, you looked out of the window, pondering how the other were holding up.

'Earth to _, Earth calls for you…' Claire said waving her hands in front of your face.

'I'm on Earth, Claire.'

'The bell just rang while you were in the clouds,'

You snorted at her. 'Well, what are we waiting for? Let's move,'

She chuckled, before noticing someone outside the window. 'Isn't that one of your brothers?'

You followed her stare. 'Yeah…'

'Who is he talking to?' She asked.

'His friends.' You replied, putting your book in your bag.

'But there's no one there…'

You sigh, 'Just because you see no one there, doesn't mean someone isn't there.'

Claire paused. 'Like ghosts?'

You shrugged. 'Something like that.'

'So… he talks to ghosts?'

You shook your head at your friend, 'No, he only talks to fairies, that flying mint bunny and other magical people.'

'So… like imaginary friends!' Your friend proclaimed.

You face-palmed. '… Sure, let's go, or we'll be late for the next class.'

Glancing out the window, you noticed him being … odd. Arthur's hands were gripped into fists as he seemed to be muttering something darkly under his breath.

You stopped as he waved his fist occasionally in the air, as if swatting away at whatever that was near him.

'_! We're going to be late!' Your friend dragged you out of the room before you could protest.

I'll have a word with him when school ends, you assured yourself.

Hurrying down the hall you crashed into someone.

'Sorry!' he said getting up from the floor before helping you up.

'Yao?' you said in surprise. Not because you bumped into him in the hallway. It was usual to meet him in around here. It was because of what he was wearing.

You rubbed your eyes.

From his saggy jeans to his checkered shirt, you stared at him.

He wasn't wearing his favorite Chinese clothes from this morning. He always wears those! Never anything … western.

'Hi Yao! Bye Yao!' Claire said happily oblivious, dragging you towards your next class.

'Wai-'

Your teacher glared at the two of you as you entered the room, sitting down, your friend heaved with relief.

'Just on time, I thought we were done for, I mean, imagine getting detention – you alright? You looked like you've seen a ghost? Is there one in this room?'

You barely shook your head at her before getting your book out.

Something strange was happening to her brothers, first Matthew, then Arthur and now Yao …

Shaking your head, you started to write notes down. You'll have to deal with it later, right now school was your top priority, and the idea of detention didn't appeal to you at all.

…

The bell soon rang, you started to put your things away.

'Woah! Slow down! Why are you throwing your things into your bag like that?' Claire remarked. You took your bag and headed out the door.

The hallway that was once full of students were empty, instead, the echoes of varying conversations bounced down the hallway from the canteen.

You glanced at her, 'There's something weird going on with my brothers…'

'Uh, isn't there always something w-' She stopped at your stare.

'Girl problems?' she continued, shrugging.

You shook your head, 'No, I don't thinks so…'

Claire tugged at your sleeve. 'You could ask your older brother!'

You followed her gaze towards a crowded table. Francis laughed while the girls surrounding him and his friends giggled.

You frown. Claire poked at your cheek.

'Hmm? Something wrong?' she asked.

'His laugh.' You replied, 'Doesn't it sound… hallow?' Claire looked at her friend's brother. He shifted uncomfortably before continuing to talk to his friends.

'I suppose so…'

'Claire,'

'Yes?'

'Stop poking my cheek, please.'

'Right!'

Your gaze shifted to your other brother within the same group, Ivan sat a bit away from the group as he gazed out into the open grass area.

'I'll get us some lunch!' Claire declared, joining the canteen line.

You joined Ivan. 'Privet, Big brother.'

He glanced at you, 'Privet, little sunflower.'

'Something up?' you asked.

He shrugged.

Glancing over to the giggling group, you turned to him.

'It's them, isn't it?'

He looked away.

'I'm back! … What's with the long faces?' Your friend asked.

'Nothing, just run along and play with your little air-headed friend of yours.'

'Airheaded?' She questioned, pointing at herself.

'Not now.' You cut in. The bell rang.

'But you didn't even eat-'

'Later,' you replied, shoving the food in your pocket.

'Won't that be all icky by the time school is over?'

You frown, he was being cynical. That wasn't usual for him.

'Hey! We'll be late again! Come on daydreamer!'

…

School soon ended. Claire grasped your shoulder. Her strange stern look stared into you.

'You've been distracted all day, you know? I know they are your brothers and all but don't forget about your education…'

You blinked.

Claire's usual grin returned. 'I hope it works out well for you and your brothers!'

Quickly hugging you, she soon dashed off after her bus.

'You better be focused tomorrow!' She yelled from the bus window.

You waved at her, 'Yeah.'

A horn echoed as you turned. Your mother waved from the Van.

…

'I've placed dinner in the mircowave, I won't be back until the early morning, Miss Grey will pop by somewhere after dinner to look after you as Mrs. Grey is currently sick.'

You nodded. Your mother mentally counted off all the things she needed to say to you and the boys.

You glanced behind you, Yao was back in his Chinese clothes; Ivan and Francis seem to avoid your gaze while Arthur sulked at the back of the van.

What worried you was the fact that they were silent. Too silent.

You longed for the constant bickering between Francis and Arthur about the superiority of English and French.

Ivan asking everyone, especially Yao to become one with him.

Alfred and Matthew playing Space soldiers or Pirates at the back of the van.

Yao's complaints at the other's nosiness and talking to his panda.

This felt unnatural.

'What's taking Matt and Alfred so long? I'm going to be late for work,' your mother suddenly spoke.

Everyone looked around the windows. The two boys seem to be nowhere in sight.

You opened your car door, 'I'll lo-'

The door slid close behind you as Matthew and Alfred sat in their seats. Closing your door, the van drove away.

'Boys, please, try not to be late next time? You know how busy I have to be in this profession?'

The two of them nodded. You stared at them.

Eye-patches? Where did they get those from? The drama room?

You continued to frown. I don't like this one bit.

…

Your mother left quickly as everyone hurried into the house.

The boys soon separated into their own rooms before you could have a chance to talk to any of them.

Maybe at dinner time then, you thought before entering the study room.

You stopped in seeing Alfred rolling bandage around Matthew's leg at the desk. 'What were you boys doing with the drama's props?' you asked.

They froze. 'We… We're playing pretend!' Alfred proclaim.

Matthew nodded, 'Yes, we're pretending.'

'As what?'

'Pirates!'

'Pirates?' you questioned. Sure they would play pretend but never at school, well, drama classes don't count.

Matthew continued to fiddle with his long sleeve. Alfred nodded vigorously.

Shrugging, you sat down at the desk. Taking out your homework you started on it.

The sounds of awkward shuffling echoed as Alfred moved from the desk, causing one of your pencils to roll off the desk.

You sigh. Picking up the pencil from the floor. You stopped.

'Why are there red marks around your ankle, Alfred?' You asked.

Alfred froze.

'Um…'

Matthew, fiddled with his black eye patch. 'He fell…'

That didn't convince you, striding over, you lifted the patch away from Matthew.

Flinching, he hit your hand away but it was no use.

'What happen to your eye? Did someone hit you?' you demanded.

They kept silent.

'That's it!' you threw your hands up in the air. 'Treehouse. Now.'

You left the two in the study room and headed downstairs, 'You too, guys!' you causally yelled over your shoulder at the rest of the boys who were trying to eavesdrop near the door.

The Tree house, built before your brothers came, loomed above you. You patted one of the tree's old bark before climbing up the ropes.

Sliding the latch open, you climbed inside. Its large interior loomed at you, you still found it strange at how it was possible for a small tree house to have such a large interior.

Must be Arthur's handiwork, you thought.

Sitting on the large beanie in the room, you watched as the other bags were occupied by the boys.

'Talk.' You said staring at them.

Silence greeted you.

'T-there's this boy in class…' Matt began, he turned red a little from all the attention. 'He was friends with us for a while-' Matthew's voice failed him.

Alfred patted his back as Matthew hugged him. Alfred cleared his throat before continuing for his brother.

'He didn't like how close me and Matt is, he tried to separate us from one another in activities, games, during lunch and when that didn't work … he got his big brother to make us stop hanging out with each other…'

You stared as Matthew continued to cling to Alfred, hiding his face.

You turned to Francis, who sighed.

'People say they doubt that I'll be a good big brother…' Francis spoke sadly.

Ivan shifted in his seat. You waited.

'They all call me freak, da?' Ivan spoke, clutching his fists as a purple aura formed around him.

Yao unfolded his arms in frustration.

'They say my clothes are funny and they think I am a girl for keep long hair, aru!' Yao crossed his arms together again, glaring at the floor.

You looked at Arthur. 'And you?'

Arthur shrugged. You tilted your head.

'… The boys I hang around tell me that I'm weird because I talk to my 'other' friends.'

You nodded before asking. 'Why didn't you tell Mum or Dad?'

They look at you as if you were crazy.

'They're always busy that's why! And anyway this isn't as important, we can solve it ourselves,' Arthur interjected. The others, for once, nodded in agreement.

'But what? Being like the others? Changing yourselves to what they want?' You scoffed. 'You don't need to change just so you could fit in!'

'Why not?' Yao asked.

'Oui, what he said.'

You shook your head at them, 'If we were all the same, not unique and different, then it'll be boring!'

They continued to look at you.

'Look, Francis, you are a great big brother! Why do you think Mum asks Mrs. Grey to always come around after dinner? It's because she trusts you to look after us!'

Alfred titled his head as Matthew peeped from Alfred's shirt. You continued.

'What that kid did was wrong, he shouldn't have done that since it wasn't very good or nice of him, what you guys have is pretty good, and that's a bond to cherish, like a treasure chest! Most of my other friends don't have that kind of bond with their siblings,'

You turned to the other three boys, Arthur, Ivan and Yao. 'They only call you that because they can't understand you, for them, what is different is considered 'weird', but who cares? It's only them, it's a big world out there, with many different types of people from all walks of life! They won't have the same definition of what's normal or weird! You're just different and in a good way too!'

You dusted your hands together. 'Now, I'm going to tell mum once she gets back alright?'

They nodded. Your smiled dropped slightly once they were gone. How were you going to tell them?

…

You rubbed the back of your neck. It was Saturday night, your mother was surely on video call with your father.

Taking a deep breath you entered the bedroom.

She looked up from her laptop. 'Say hello to your dad.'

You waved as you father returned the questure before resuming to read off the newspaper on the stock market to your mother.

'Hey…'

They didn't hear you, you cleared your throat. 'Um… the boys seem to be having issues at school.'

Your mother paused. Looking over towards your father, he placed his newspaper down. 'What sort of issues?' he asked.

'Well…' you started.

They listen as you explained to them the troubles that the boys were having at school.

Your father sighed, 'I had feared something like this would happen…'

Resting a comforting hand on your shoulder, she spoke. 'I hope you are aware, how… life changing these things you told us are?'

You nodded.

Silence passed. You couldn't help but fiddle with your thumbs.

'Thank you for telling us this,' your father started, 'Don't worry we will help resolve these issues.' He patted your head.

'Ok,' you replied before sliding off the bed.

'_?'

'Yes Mum?'

'Do check up on the boys, will you?'

You stopped at the doorway and smiled. 'Sure thing, Good night!'

'Night Sweetheart!' your father replied in tune to your mother's 'Good night!'.

Heading upstairs towards the playroom, you turn the corner.

Catching whiff of Arthur's and Francis' latest argument, you peered into the chaotic room.

Matthew sat on the table, feet dangling in the air with his polar bear tucked neatly under his arm. His gaze was fixed on the two boys, Alfred and Ivan, as they continued to spar with their toy guns.

'Take that!' Alfred shot out a foam bullet in the direction of Ivan, it rebound against his cushion shield.

'You missed me! Take this one, da?' Ivan replied as he shot one at Alfred, it flew by him and bounced off a cookbook that was being held.

'Aiyah! Can you stop making so much noise! Also stop shooting that into my book!' Yao complained, his panda fell off his lap.

'You dropped this,' you said as you placing the panda back on his lap.

'Thank you, aru!'

'Look out!' You felt something hit your head. You stared at the foam bullet before turning towards Alfred pointing at Ivan while Ivan smiled sweetly at you.

You couldn't help but start laughing.

'You boys are so going to lose against me!' Grabbing another toy gun from the floor, you charged at them.

Francis laughed merrily as Arthur shook his head, muttering something to one of his fairy friends whilst Yao continued to read his book. Matthew smiled to himself before cuddling his bear, the eye patch was nowhere to be seen.

Your mother smiled before closing the door quietly.

…

Sure your family was what you would call weird and dysfunctional.

But.

They were still family. And families stick together no matter what. After all, it won't be as interesting of a place if everyone was the same.

Wow, I think Reader's future job could be as a counselor or another similar profession :P (also aren't they all cute? especially Matthew :D) So sorry if it feels rushed and also if some of the Hetalia characters are too OOC (and if they are, let me know so I can fix it!)

Before I go, I'd like to say... Merry Christmas!

Have a wonderful Holiday, dear readers!

Till the next time I upload another random one-shot.

CommandoCherry off to edit earlier Chapters for typos and such before my lovable brothers find this Fanfic. And if they do... with all the typos and grammar mistakes (and paragraphing issues) they will break my legs! :D

Don't you love living with the Grammar Police? (They are still lovable though I wasn't kidding about that)