This one is set nearly in current time. I wrote it before the trouble came up between Ukraine and Russia, and it is set somewhere between 2009-2011. There are no warnings and no worries in this one, except for a grumpiness from a certain Swiss man.
An Unusual Holiday
Winter's snow floated on the wind, reaching the iced tree tops and slipping in and out of the naked branches on gravity's way to the ground. The homemade shack working as a goat shelter had been filled with hay to keep the warmth, but the three goats seemed not to care and frolicked outside in the cold, bleating at their owner as he stumbled through the slippery layer of thick snow with a bucket of boiling water. It was cold enough for the water in the trough to freeze, and there was no way he would let his goats dehydrate in the low temperatures.
It took just a moment before the animals swarmed the gate, hoping for even the smallest pat on the head as the crystals fell into their white fur, melting from their heat. The smallest smile snuck onto their owner's face, one of the few he ever made as he let the hot water fall on top of the cold ice in the trough, then let the bucket fall to give them his appreciation.
"Jungfrau… Eiger…" He brushed them one at a time before the last chewed onto the end of his sleeve. "No, Mönch, be nice," he demanded, gently pushing the animal away, careful like he never was with human creatures. Then he scratched it between the horns to confirm he wasn't angry while the other two sniffed at the new water in the through. "Remember, all three of you, to go inside if you are cold. There is a lot of food in there, so you should be fine. I'll come for you if the weather gets worse, but they say there won't be a storm."
Three pairs of rectangular pupils stared at him. Then all of them gave a snort and lowered their heads as though saying they understood. He gave the last two another pet before turning to see Liechtenstein come out the back door. "Bruder?" she voiced, her hands clenching together, shivering slightly in the cold. She arrived just moments ago through the front door without his notice, but she had already dropped both jacket and gloves. He was usually inside at this time, but he had been too worried about his animals to leave them be.
"Ja?" he answered, nearly running back to the door and leading her inside again. She shouldn't be freezing now – it wouldn't be good to become sick for Christmas. Especially not when she always loved the holiday… especially not when he did, as well. If you forgot all the spent money and all the unhealthy amounts of food, like they did, it became an excuse to spend time together… a good excuse, too.
An excuse filled with traditions and warmth, filled with old habits and unity in the midst of a dark winter's night. The two of them barely gave each other presents – it weren't the material things that meant anything to the two of them. It was the fact that they could be together.
His arms came around her shoulders to warm her as he got her inside again, the smallest sign of a smile at their many memories of Christmas hidden behind the scarf protecting his nose. "You're here early," he announced, unable to hide the warmth in his voice and at this time of the year barely trying to. At least not with her.
"Yeah…" was her answer, slightly hesitant but not enough so to alarm him. The door closed behind the both of them and he let go of her to remove his extra layers of clothing. "How far are you with everything? I saw the stack of wood. It has grown since yesterday, so I guess you're ready, right?"
He gave a curt nod as the scarf was wrapped from his face. "Ja. I was actually wondering if we should get the tree tomorrow instead of the 24th, like we usually have done… it is only one day early, so it is not too different, right?" It was nearly as though he asked for her permission to attempt something new, and in his eyes you could see clear discomfort.
The smaller nation looked at him, hiding her tiny bit of shock at his request. For him to go against their usual traditions was special, no matter if it were traditions he shared with his people or traditions he had formed for his person and his person only. That meant, if he was serious, he had a thought behind it. And if Liechtenstein knew him as well as she dared to claim she knew this thought, this reason behind it, meant a lot to him.
So she simply decided to support him, knowing it was harder for him than one could imagine and many would believe. For things to be the same year after year was one of the most precious things for him, instead of letting his old traditions get tainted, depraved and corrupted by current thought and technology. To change even the smallest thing was a giant step for him.
"Nein, it's not too different," the therefore said, chuckling a little to lighten his mood. "It could actually be nice to look at it for one day longer. Is that why you want it early?" she questioned on, wanting to know his motives behind the change.
Instead of a nod she got a shrug for an answer as they moved into the living room. The only sign of Christmas in his house were the candles in the window. "Non, it is more because it is only the two of us." The answer was both unexpected and, to her, a little saddening. It seemed a reminder of the loneliness she knew her brother still enveloped himself in even if there was no hint of pain to feel in his voice or see in his eyes. It wasn't meant as a bad thing. "I realized… if we collected the tree at the 23rd instead we could decorate it tomorrow and solely focus on making the food at the 24th… It would make it possible to do things a little more slowly."
It nearly brought tears to her eyes to hear his reasons. For a man who always worked and never sat still her brother had a special love of simply being in life, but in his usual way of living he never got the chance of that. Even today, on the 22nd of December, he'd worked. He wanted to relax and breathe life in the little time he had… and more than that, he wanted to do it with her. He wanted things to be relaxed for them a little longer, so they could be together in peace a little further. Meaning they should use two days instead of one on Christmas.
So all she could do was nod, and she did so too fiercely and excitedly for her age. "I think it is a wonderful idea, Bruder. Absolutely wonderful!"
She'd just tell him the other thing later. Right now, at least, he seemed to be at peace and happy. He wouldn't be happy by what she should tell him, so she wouldn't destroy that now.
The next day they spend finding their tree, debating how tall it should be, determining this or that was the most beautiful and if the current subject of attention had the best spots for Christmas candles. They were at a tree farm and the owner watched them from a distance with a worried glance at Switzerland's small stature.
When they finally chose a tree of 1.5 meters in height the owner stepped forward to help them, but while Liechtenstein approached him with friendly chatter, Switzerland ignored his attempts of helping, cutting down the tree with hundreds of years of experience and easily managing to lift it back to their car.
Back home they took it into the small living room and decorated it, using the same décor they had for at least fifty years. It were the same fifteen crystal balls, clear to look through, same ten stars made of solid gold, same ten ice crystals made of silver and same twenty five silver candle holders with pure white candles, all carefully protected and taken care of due to their incredibly great value. At the top they placed the star, made of silver, to finish the impression of the slightly cold, very simple
It was neither impressive nor outstanding, but it was exactly the amount Switzerland preferred. Rug and furniture was respectfully removed to let the tree stand in the middle, the candles lit and not tainted by the presence of electric light. Just for two minutes he wanted to see it, and they sat in each their own arm chair, watching it peacefully beside each other.
Liechtenstein turned to him, deciding to use now to tell him the news of their New Year's Eve. It stabbed her with a knife of bad conscience to see him, though, his eyelids drooping to sleep even after only a single day without the stress of working to keep him going. The time had only reached four in the afternoon. But the faster she told him, the faster he would accept it… she hoped. She wanted to spend the rest of the day as well as the next with him, just enjoying their time.
"Um… Vash?" she asked, making him open his eyes again, alerted. "Did you see America's email from the other day?"
The question seemed odd to the Swiss as he turned to look at her. "The usual one concerning the Christmas party?" he asked, speaking of the normal invitation to the party for the country incarnations. The one they always answered no to, and which he had begun simply deleting from when it was received. They had been there, on Liechtenstein's wish, three times, and he had never found it enjoyable.
"Nein, not that one. The one about the New Year…"
Switzerland shook his head for an answer, already now getting irritated. It was the same with that party, even if he had been there more often. In parts of Switzerland you celebrated New Year twice, so he didn't feel he lost as much by coming over to the American on the 31st – as long as he was ready again the 13th of January. But still… he preferred being at home, with her. The others were simply annoyances in the way, noisy and childish like always.
"Well, America encountered a problem, you see?" she softly said, knowing he wouldn't be even close to happy. "The crisis has hit him hard, so his boss won't allow him to host both parties, unlike normally. It costs too much money, apparently… So… he sent his message around, first inviting everyone to the Christmas Party, then apologizing that he couldn't hold the New Years. He sounded really sad in the mail, so I contacted him… just to make sure he was okay…"
This went against more or less every teaching he had given her, but one didn't simply turn off their social tendencies – at least not without good reasons, and simply being asked to stop contacting others isn't a good reason. Especially not if you are as concerned and caring as the little, German nation. The condemnation was in his eyes, but she knew he wasn't really angry with her. Somehow his anger always turned to the people around her instead.
"And really, he was very sad, and we ended up talking to each other over the phone…" The male's eyes narrowed but she simply acted like she didn't see it. Probably for the best. "I told him I had managed through the crisis quite well I might be able to do something instead… and he got so happy, even if I only said it to cheer him up… so I have now promised to host the party at my own home, and I would like to ask you to come?"
She sounded so very hesitant. The more she said, the more horrified the Swiss was. It took him a long while to answer, as though he had to collect his thoughts as to not yell at her. What he said, though, wasn't something she wanted to hear. "No. You are not going to hold anything."
"B-but, I-I promised him. I can't back down!"
The Swiss was quiet for another while, then nodded. "Okay." He sounded far too accepting for her comfort. A normal reaction would have for him to grow angry enough to curse, not for him to just give in to the idea. The oddness made her uneasy. "Have you sent the invitations?"
"Um, no, not yet. I am planning to do it tonight, but I wanted to tell you first… Why so, Bruder?"
"Change your name to mine and the place to my place."
"B-but, Bruder, that's…"
"I don't want a horde of nations running around in your home. It's too dangerous" and I don't know if I can get them out, "so the location will be here instead." Quietly she watched him and recognized the usual stubbornness in his eyes. It would be impossible to stop him unless she found the stubbornness she had adapted from him.
But she didn't want him to do it – he hated strangers in his home, even if they were normal, Swiss citizens. Inviting people who she knew he more or less considered enemies and still saw as strangers wasn't high on his list. It wasn't fair of her to let him do that to himself. "I can easily take care of it, Bruder."
"Nein, I do not want you to."
"I-"
"I said no. It will be held here, I won't allow them to come at your place. It would even be best if you didn't come here, either," her eyes widened in shock at the thought, but before she could get to argue he had lifted his hand to silence her, "but I don't want you alone at New Year. So you can be a part of this year's party, but it will be here."
Eyes still widened she watched him, wanting to continue the argument but feeling she would lose and not wanting to anger him more than absolutely necessary. Not because she feared he would hate her, but because he had been so calm and relaxed just moments ago, and she wanted him to be in that state. In the little time he allowed himself to be free she didn't want him to waste it.
"Then I'll… I'll pay for everything. For the decorations and such, for I know we don't have them. I created the situation, so it is only fair…"
He sat in silence for a moment, for she had of course hit one of his sore spots. Whose bank account would this be felt on? His morals told him to deny her everything and buy it himself, his brain said it wasn't clever. Looking at the candles on the Christmas tree he mentally debated the problem, trying to get rid of the slumbering anger always combined with talking of the rest of the world.
In the end he simply stood up and started blowing out the candles again, on after one. "Okay," he mumbled after the first five had grown dark. "You'll pay, but we'll do it fifty-fifty." Watching him as he worked Liechtenstein gave a nod and a smile, and as he saw he couldn't stop the smallest twitch around the corner of his mouth before it disappeared again.
The sole way to make this better would be to make him smile for real. And, of course, for him to not feel annoyed and burdened but this new, unexpected thing coming up and destroying their traditional New Year. Even if he didn't show it she knew it was only because she was who she was that he wasn't screaming his head off. "I'll help you find things. You won't be doing this alone."
His face had once more turned from hers as he continued extinguishing the flames of the candles. "It's a deal, then…" he agreed as the last flame died.
The week after Christmas became extraordinary busy. Mainly because the Swiss nation refused to keep from working yet wanted to help his sister find the needed decorations they did not have at his home. As always the Liechtensteiner ended up worrying for him, but the two whole days of sole focus on Christmas had done him well and given him a excess energy to grumble over the New Year's party.
Usually everything was taken care of by America, but Switzerland demanded for people to either bring some form of food to share, bring money for the food or come after dinner was eaten. If you wanted to drink, bring your own or be satisfied with water. In general, the usual frugalness didn't stand back simply because it was a holiday, and as she was the one to take care of the emails, Liechtenstein chose to keep the complaints to herself.
Still, people agreed to come. Especially after America told them he totally agreed with the installment and was totally going as well, because it would be far more awesome than usually. America also had other surprises for them… as he suddenly knocked on the door the 29th, smiling bright as he met the Liechtensteiner standing inside.
"Hello!" he beamed, stretching out both arms to hug her, then retracing his steps a bit. Should he hug her? If he remembered correctly, her brother wouldn't approve, but he wasn't sure – he knew neither of them very well.
The female nation simply gave him a smile and a nod, making him settle for a handshake. It ended awkwardly as she complied – not out of fear of him, but rather due to the fact that she still kept the door between the two of them. She watched him from a small crack. "I didn't know you were coming. Why are you here?" Stranger-danger. But while she had only rarely spoken to him, she didn't think of him as a stranger. Yet she knew her Bruder did, and she respected his thoughts.
Or at least tried to.
"Well, I'm kinda the reason why you are in this situation, so I thought I might come and help you. I can clean and I can cook and I know a lot about hosting parties, so you might need help, right! It's not like you have been to many parties before! At least not mine."
He gave a laugh, but his words brought a little bit of bad conscience to her heart. The antisocial behavior of the two of them wasn't on her accord, and she now felt she had brought him a slight by not turning up a lot. Yet his smiling gave her confidence that he wasn't angry with her, even if she still suspected him to be hurt.
"I'm sorry, but Bruder isn't home yet." Her voice was small as his laughter died out. Slowly, after a bit of contemplating, she opened the door fully. "I think we need your help, ja, so… Um, if you don't mind, we can start immediately? If you place your baggage by the door we'll find an extra room. Or a hotel. It's all about what Bruder wishes for."
The American moved as she stepped aside, and his eyes immediately moved from corner to corner with pure wonder. The door brought him directly to the hall, but he could see the living room and found it wondrous. Everything was old, most furniture was homemade in wood and the TV wasn't even flat! "Man, I like your place! It's like stepping into an old home on the prairie, just a lot colder outside! I like the atmosphere."
The two bags he had brought fell to the floor and he stepped out of his boots, throwing his designer-jacket over the worn ones upon Switzerland's coat hanger. His behavior made Liechtenstein relieved her brother wasn't home. Had he heard the other's words he'd most likely have thrown him out again, feeling the other treated him like some form of specimen to observe. Like he was a freak accused of still living in the 17th century.
She could see the compliment, on the other hand, and she gave a single nod accompanied by an agreeing "mmh-hm." "That is what I love the most about this place. You can really feel…" him. The essence of who her Bruder was, and it wasn't as cold as everyone believed. At least that was what she thought.
Realizing she wasn't going to finish America simply gave a nod as well, moving into the living room to look around even more. "Where's the party gonna be- oh!" His eyes had fallen upon the Christmas tree, and though he thought it looked small, bare and dark without the electric lights he couldn't help but smile. Then he turned, continuing to speak. "This place is far too little, we're gonna be, like, many!" His eyes once more fell on the TV, trying to determine just how old it was and deciding it had to be from 2000 or older. Then he looked at her again, grinning. "Where is Switzerland even?"
His fast speech brought her a little out of balance, but until now she settled to find it amusing rather than annoying. There was little room for her to talk between his words, but she didn't care. It was the exact opposite of Switzerland and Austria, but if she compared him to what she had known of Hungary and Prussia she could pull from those experiences. "Vash is still at work." She didn't note the look of pure horror coming over the American's face at the thought of working in the Holidays. "And people aren't even allowed to come in-"
"What do you mean working?" the American questioned, and automatically Liechtenstein gave a shrug.
"He always does. I know he loves Christmas and the celebrations of New Year, but he always works in between." It was so normal she didn't even question it, and it was odd for her that the American did. "But what I was saying is that this part of the house will be closed off." She motioned for the American to follow her down the hall. "The house is big, as you can see from the outside, but Bruder has done a lot of work to separate some of the rooms with walls and make the ceilings lower. He doesn't like big rooms, you see? I think it's from habit. But the part of the house which he will use is this one."
They had walked all the way to the end of the hall to the part of the house most frequently covered by cobwebs. The door at the end was larger than the rest, unfittingly so compared the general theme of an aged farmer home. As she pushed the door open it creaked loudly, reminding the poor American of a haunted house, but inside it wasn't spooky or creepy.
The room was gigantic. The ceiling was high, reaching up four meters, and hanging from it were old, electric chandeliers from the start of the 20th century. The walls, their colors wasted with age, ornate with woodcarvings from a wooden panel by the floor up past the windows to a similar wooden panel under the roof. Each of those windows were placed high up, starting two and a half meters above the floor and ending half a meter from the flat ceiling. In front of them were curtains, moth-eaten and faded, but a deep burgundy could still be seen.
It was old, yes. But even more so…
"it's beautiful," America immediately spoke, moving inside and swirling around. "It's like those few times the Austria-guy invited to ball-thingies. Is it a ball-room? I thought Switzerland was-"
"Well, looks like one," the Liechtensteiner said before the American finished, not wanting to know what thoughts the man had of her brother. "I have never seen him use it, though." Not a single time in the years she had been here, and they had lived in this house forever. "Bruder has drawn present electrical outlets into the room now." The cables were clear on the floor, following the panels around the room. "I have been cleaning up all the while. We are nearly finished." Her gaze was constantly upon him, but now it got accompanied by a smile. "You wanted to help."
"Hell yeah!" the American enthusiastically said, and together they found the cleaning remedies together. When comparing his behavior to the American's usual one the Liechtensteiner couldn't help but be surprised by his determination in such a boring activity.
After helping him for a short while she realized he was doing fine on his own, running around with the mop and playing that it was a hockey field, so she slipped away. "I'm going to call Bruder so he knows you're here."
The other stopped working, frowning. "Huh?"
"Well, just so he can calm down before he comes home." She gave a last little smile before slipping out the door and into the kitchen. Dialing his number on her cell phone she took a deep breath, readying herself for his yelling.
Two nights later America, Switzerland and Liechtenstein stood waiting by the front door. It had taken a while for Switzerland to accept America's presence, and the American had kindly been moved to a hotel, but when the younger nation was willing to pay a little of the costs the Swiss could no longer deny him.
It took not long before the rest arrived. Flamboyantly France came in as the first, his clothes wet from snow but him face still smiling widely. He contacted Switzerland in fast speaking French as he dragged him closer, kissing him on each cheek a few times. Neither America nor Liechtenstein understood him, but they recognized words like 'merci', 'invité', 'grande' and 'difficulté'. The Swiss answered back with a grumbling answer in the same language, moving away from the newcomer sooner than it was appropriate, but both reactions simply made the Frenchman laugh as he turned to the rest.
"As I just told dear Switzerland, it was very nice of you to invite me. I'm sure the evening will be great!" Returning her smile France took Liechtenstein's hand and gave it a kiss, deliberately ignoring the lightning sent for him by the Swiss' green eyes. America simply got a wink before France moved on into the house, looking around to see if he could get a glimpse of the introverted Swiss' life before getting stuffed away into the presented part of the house.
Being who he was, the Frenchman didn't hide his intentions, and the Swiss sent an angry yell at him to go on straight ahead. The only thing keeping him in his place was the fact that other people came along, the sound of Prussia's annoying laugh alerting him that the next idiot was coming to his home and invading his privacy. Luckily he came with Germany walking a little behind him, looking annoyed, so there might be one to keep both idiots at bay.
It was a conscious decision for Switzerland to ignore the presence of the noisy Italian. Even when France arrived he hadn't been in the mood of showing off language skills.
"Guten Tag," Germany properly nodded, probably the only sensible being present other than Switzerland and his sister. At least in Switzerland's mind and he could already now feel he would hate this evening.
Still you had to at least try to be civil, right?
For this reason both Switzerland and Liechtenstein answered in kind with him while America laughed and made a "you too!" He was kind enough not to attempt to speak German among the German-speaking nations. Yet his reaction still seemed to annoy both of those 'sensible' males.
Prussia, on the other hand, simply gave him a high five, asking who else had arrived and grinned when he heard France was there. "You're coming in, too?" he asked the American, wanting already now to party and have fun. As they were supposed to.
"Nah, I'm helping out here," the American explained, though, and Prussia gave a shrug and continued, leaving Germany and the Italian clinging to said blond.
"Ciao!" North Italy said while Germany was sighing over his brother, and further behind came yet another man – the other Italian – with Spain tagging along behind him. Switzerland nodded to either of them as they came inside without even attempting to smile, the Spaniard respecting his space unlike the Frenchman.
Even as the rest of the group moved past him, the Northern Italian trying to drag him on, Germany hesitated while looking at the Swiss. "Where should I put our things?" He had brought their share of food and drinks and held it in four bags hanging from his hands.
The Swiss simply gave a look at the American, then back into the blue eyes of the far taller, far broader man. "America will show you," he answered, and the mentioned nation gave a nod, a smile and a thumbs-up before moving in with them. The look on Germany's face at the knowledge that he was momentarily forced to be in America's company nearly got Switzerland in a better mood.
But that better mood stopped immediately afterward. He felt Liechtenstein secret tug a warning at his sleeve, but his head was turned towards the leaving group. Therefore he was absolutely not ready as he turned his head. "Guten Tag, Vash, Lily," a thin voice announced, curt and strict.
"Schweiz," the Swiss immediately corrected, his stare finding the Austrian's violet ones without kindness or hesitation. "Nicht Vash." Don't call me by my name when we are not friends. The Austrian simply wrinkled his nose, and it was first when the outstretched hand from the other fell that Switzerland realized they should have shaken hands.
To help the two get out of the uncomfortable situation Liechtenstein gave a bright smile and tried to stir a conversation which was a little friendlier. "Are you coming alone?" she questioned, stretching out her own hand to let him greet her. And he did, letting her knuckles touch his lips as he bowed and she automatically curtsied.
When he once more stood up straight and Switzerland still glared daggers at him, he slowly shook his head. "Nein, but Elizabeta is getting our things from the car," he explained.
"For you are of course unable to do it yourself," Switzerland could not help saying.
"Had it not been for your greed we would not need to bring anything."
"Had it not been for the world's economic stupidity I wouldn't have been forced to hold this in the first place. But neither of that excuses your inability to get off your lazy ass and actually do just a tiny bit of proper work and help out a woman."
"I think we are both aware that Elizabeta is fully capable of carrying-"
"Hello, Lily!" a female voice finally stopped them, making all three look over at the woman they spoke of. Switzerland's eyes darkened another bit when Hungary physically moved in between him and Austria to get an arm around Liechtenstein. The arm was weighed down with bag, but that didn't stop her from hugging her friend tightly. "Thank you for inviting us," she continued as she let her go, then looked up and Switzerland.
Her smiling continued, but the Swiss felt sure he could see it stiffen just a bit. None of the others seemed to notice, Liechtenstein simply smiling widely. "And thank you, too, for allowing us in your home."
"Sure," the Swiss simply answered, forcing himself to be at least a little bit proper and taking the hand she offered him. The usual phrases of polite and proper social guidance weren't really rehearsed with him, so he left it there.
This meant Liechtenstein was forced to take over, and she clearly noticed the obvious strain in her brother's body language when he looked at the two. "I will show you where to place your food and where the party is held," she said, motioning them with her. Switzerland looked after her, clearly not wanting to leave her with them, but she simply smiled. "I'll be back in a moment, Bruder."
He didn't get to argue even one bit. Vaguely a feeling of betrayal spread in him, and it only worsened when he turned around again and found himself staring right into the chest of another individual wearing a far too familiar beige coat. And when he raised his head he found sparkling violet eyes on top of a sickening smile. "Privyet!" a high-pitched voice greeted, and automatically the smaller nation took a step back, not wanting to be too close to this particular person.
Part of him didn't want to be alone now, with this man, while another part was quite satisfied his sister wasn't present. "Welcome," he managed to choke out, first noticing the two sisters as he forced his hand forward to shake the other man's. The younger's eyes were on him threateningly, like just touching Russia challenged her position to her brother, while the older sister clearly felt misplaced and uncomfortable.
"Spasiba," the giant man sang, taking the other's hand in a challenging grip compared to the disarming smile on his face. With all his willpower Vash made sure not to flinch, standing his ground until the greater nation let him go. "Where to go now?" the Russian questioned in a childish manner that got on Switzerland's nerves, letting go of his hand.
"At the end of the hall," the Swiss simply said, nodding and waiting till all three siblings were turned away before he rubbed his aching hand. Ukraine's head was lowered, constantly diverting her eyes to the people around her, and even before they had come all the way down America and Liechtenstein moved back towards him together, meaning a staring contest was initiated between the two great powers as they moved past one another.
Still the American was at the Swiss nation's side along with Liechtenstein, letting go of his annoyance to keep helping. He could kill the guy later in the evening. "So, 'sup dude, we're back!" the young nation informed, grinning a wide grin from ear to ear. As Switzerland had no idea exactly how to acknowledge this while the two nations placed themselves beside him he simply moved away, thereby not seeing the American's confused look at his silence.
Once more not a long time passed before the next guest arrived, England coming through the doors and removing his hat and coat in a proper, classy manner. Then he turned around, regarded the American with his prominent eyebrows raised before he stuck out his hand to greet them all one by one. "Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Switzerland," he first said, then went on to Liechtenstein, complimenting her appearance.
America simply got a nod before the younger nation tackled him into a hug. "Thanks for coming, ol' man," the American grinned, letting go of his body only to drag him by the hand. "Come on in! I helped cleaning up!"
They disappeared through the door and Switzerland unenthusiastically turned away, waiting for the next person to come along and invade his personal space. It didn't even take two minutes before you could hear England yelling loudly within the room while France's distinctive laugh resounded, and a deep sigh came from the Swiss nation.
Even after everyone arrived and after the music was flowing, after the food had been placed and when the socialization began for real, Switzerland showed no improvement in his mood. Rather than even trying to make the best of it he had found a corner and sat, sulking and keeping an eye on everyone. If the wrong people dared to talk to Liechtenstein, he'd be there. If someone dared destroy something on his property, he'd be there. Until then he wouldn't move to mingle, barely taking his role as a host into account.
His guests had noticed, but believing that they knew him pretty well after a few hundred years they decided to let him sulk on his own. Even if the most considerate worried about ruining the New Year for him, they weren't interested in getting yelled at for contacting him… and with the mood he seemed to be in, getting yelled at was really the only possibility.
The night went on as usually, the people normally causing trouble creating trouble, the people normally attempting to get a peaceful night trying to get the troublesome apart. Mostly it was laughter and innocent teasing, the mood light for this celebration despite tensions between specific countries and the odd place it was kept.
In another corner, keeping to themselves when Prussia or Hungary didn't drag them into social situations, Austria and Germany spoke, a can of beer in Germany's hand while Austria twirled wine in his glass. In the beginning the conversation was focused between them, their eyes only diverting out to other people every once in a while when they either got too noisy or their conversation touched the particular person. Liechtenstein got invited, spoke to them for a while and then got caught up with the girls usually speaking to her, and both the men nodded goodbye.
But as time went on the Austrian's gaze hung more and more on to their host as said man stared out over the crowd, green eyes falling deeper into a deadly mood with every passing mood. "He's not even trying to enjoy this," the man complained in a sudden outburst, making the blond German raise his eyebrows. It was normal for the two men to clash during meetings or parties when both were present, but the German didn't know it was Austria who started their arguments. Switzerland was a little more hotheaded, after all, and more often it seemed they just ended up passing by each other and suddenly negative words were exchanged.
"Do you care?" the blond therefore questioned, watching his cousin closely. The German could easily admit that he felt slightly bad for putting the Swiss in this situation, but what could he do about it? The Swiss had done it himself. Though of course the German didn't know the details of how the yearly New Year's Party had ended in the hands of one of the most antisocial nations alive.
"I, eh, no, I don't!" the Austrian spluttered, his composure for a moment flickering at the bold yet obvious accusation. Then the brunet realized the slip he managed to pick up, his face once more going emotionally blank while his back straightened. "I just… think it isn't proper for a host to entertain his guests in that manner. And as I have experience in hosting balls for many years, I know how a man takes care of the people he's invited."
There were slightly stubborn lines on the Austrians face, and Germany simply sighed. "Just don't go over and say it to his face. We don't need an argument," the blond instructed, afraid he might have started some horrible bad mood in the other, oversensitive man.
And the look he got was insulted, yes. Very insulted, even, as the violet eyes stared into the blue ones with hidden fury. "I would never speak to him with the intention of arguing. He is simply overreacting, that's all. I have nothing to do with his lashing out at me."
Knowing all too well the self righteousness of the Austrian Germany let it be, also letting his eyes grace the Swiss again. Somehow France had managed to slip away from his noisy friends and moved over to the smaller man, attempting to start a conversation. The Frenchman was clearly slightly tipsy, and his smile was wide and charming. Obvious annoyance and discomfort filled the Swiss' face, and clearly the German could see this wasn't going well.
Beside him Austria shifted, keeping his face void of too much movement but unable to keep his body still. It was hard not to sigh again over the complications the two allowed to have between them. Germany honestly wondered at time if they couldn't just talk about it instead of masking everything – at least he knew his cousin well enough to know his façade hid something more. For the Swiss he didn't know if it was simple, pure hate that caused the arguments, but Austria would never be fazed like that by someone he simply couldn't stand. Prussia was proof of it.
The fidgeting from the Austrian continued, and the German was just about to move over and find a more comfortable conversation partner – maybe he could get Italy's attention away from Sealand and the other micronations. That was when Austria's eyes moved to him, obviously demanding something. Him demanding something wasn't unexpected, but the vibrations he received were odd, confusing, out of the aristocrat's normal character…
When the German finally got it, understood what he was ordered, he blinked. The silent demand from hard, violet eyes continued staring, the look getting harder for each passing second. In the other corner the Swiss stood, loudly demanding something from the Frenchman – it was in French, so Germany couldn't understand – while backing up a little. Finding no other choice the German rolled his eyes, stepping forward and taking a great mouthful of air into his lungs.
"EVERYONE!" He had not expected to use his military voice to a party. It actually annoyed him to have to go through the trouble, for he already had trouble socializing with the other nations… and continuously being a party pooper and yelling at people didn't help at all. "GET OUT, NOW!" All eyes were on him. Had he not been so used to leading people, or had the attention come from anything else than yelling out for them, his face would have been flushed a deep red.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Switzerland shouted, unconsciously pushing away France as he stomped through the room to get to the bigger nation. The Frenchman showed no hint of anger by the treatment, instead confused by the sudden and apparently unprovoked yelling.
Germany simply gave the Swiss a knowing look as the smaller stopped right in front of him, causing the Swiss to get even more annoyed. "I am getting everyone out of your house," the German calmly explained, then turned away to the rest of them as the Swiss blinked uncomprehending. "YOU HEARD ME! GET A MOVE ON!"
The complaints were many but quickly silenced. In an attempt to lighten the guests' mood Liechtenstein advised them on other places they could go for a good celebration still within the Swiss borders even if Switzerland weren't much up for it. Midnight was still far away, meaning they had time to move to the possible parties they decided to visit.
As the last few disappeared only Germany, Austria, North Italy, Hungary and a sulking Prussia remained as foreigners in the house. Awkward silence ensued, with a little bit of awkward shifting as they wondered what next step should be. The party being a success would be the lie of the year, and the Swiss still seemed in a bad mood, but these people had just helped him protect his New Year's experience, and throwing them out seemed unkind.
Yet that was all he wanted to do.
After another moment the German cleared his throat, taking the attention again. "I do not expect you to want us to stay?" It was a mix of a question and a statement, followed by silence. Aware it would be impolite but barely caring the Swiss shifted a little more, trying to figure out how direct he could be when throwing them out as well.
He didn't get to, though. For Liechtenstein noticed a clock on the wall and realized the time.
"Oh! We're missing it!" Everyone's attention fell on her, all of them confused. She just continued speaking, explaining. "Der 90. Geburtstag. If we should see it at the usual time we have to go in now."
A light of understanding dawned on all the German-speaking nation's faces while Hungary couldn't help rolling her eyes, and Germany and Prussia collectively turned to Switzerland. "Do you see it, too?" they questioned as one, making the Swiss cross his arms with annoyance.
"Of course I do! I even recorded my own version of it – you should know that!" he snapped, clearly annoyed with them.
"Ah, do you really have to see it again? You have to have seen it more than fifty times at this point," the Hungarian complained, having found the sketch fun the first fifteen times she had been forced to watch it with either Austria, Prussia or both of them. After that it seemed unnecessary to her.
"Veeh, it's that normal movie-thing we see every year, right Germany?" the Italian asked, looking between the other male nations faces. "That funny thing with the butler and the pretty old lady?" A sigh sounded from the Hungarian, but she couldn't help a small smile at the honesty in Veneziano's face and the passion she could detect in the other male nations. It was just an old sketch to her, nothing more.
"Ja it is, Italy," Liechtenstein answered with a nod, smiling innocently as Switzerland and the two German brothers held a small, annoyed staring contest.
"Excuse me, everyone, but…" the Austrian began, pausing to wait until all of them had their eyes on him. When it happened he finished. "If we want to see it, shouldn't we find a TV and then leave afterwards? If that is what is decided?"
Reluctantly the Swiss found himself agreeing, and the other German nations seemed to do so as well, not wanting to miss the program. And for the first time all evening the doors to one of his personal rooms were opened to reveal his living room. As it was only supposed to be used for him and his sister there were seats fit for four people only, meaning they needed extra.
His eyes moved through the room, trying to think of a solution before he sighed in defeat. "Take some chairs from the ballroom," he mumbled, Hungary immediately moving out to follow his request. At this he had to grit his teeth to hide his annoyance until Germany followed her. "And Lily, can you find the right channel?"
"Yes, Bruder," the younger nation said, smiling as she found the remote controller. While she did the Swiss went to the Christmas tree still standing in the room, finding a lighter to turn on the candles one more time.
Behind him Prussia was staring in wonder, as though finding a Christmas tree at New Year's was the most wonderful thing. "See, Bruder!" the albino nation burst, his eyes fixed on Germany as the man came back inside with more chairs. "Christmas trees are awesome! They should stay for as long as they want, not get taken down before the New Year! It's so unawesome!"
The bigger blond just gave a sigh. "It's messy to keep. But come on and sit down now."
"Why are you lighting it, though?" the Prussian continued, not even caring for his brother's explanation and watching the Swiss intently.
"Tradition," the Swiss simply said, daring the Prussian to taunt him for it, but what he found in the man's eyes was simple curiosity. Still a part of him felt targeted, and he was just about to say something more when his sister spoke again.
"Found it!"
"Awesome!" Prussia shouted, jumping over to the TV. Reluctantly Switzerland followed, sitting down as well among most of the people who were supposedly his family. Yet as the program started they could not help enjoying it, and at some points they laughed. Switzerland even cracked a smile in front of them all. Watching the poor butler's suffering with them nearly made it nice to be with the others…
And when the show had ended they spent the rest of the celebration together.
I don't know how much you know of that program, but it is widely seen in many parts of Northern Europe. Here in Denmark it is my own tradition to see it as well, and it is incredibly stupid how an old program like that can keep being funny and can make people come together. It creates family truces in the midst of the New Year's celebration, and even when I celebrate New Years outside my family I watch it with my friends. It's truly an odd program.
But other than that, I hope you like my writing! It is far from my favorite of these, but I am still quite satisfied.
Enjoy in joy ^^