Spring had come to the North at last. It had been a long, cold winter.
Finally, the snow (and there had been quite a bit of it) melted, and the purple heathers had bloomed.
In fact, this seemed like the warmest spring Norway could remember.
Shaking his head, he turned back to the mirror. He really disliked the fact that fashions from the 1800's were once again "in". Stupid ascot…
Someone knocked on the door. "Who is it?"
"It's Iceland, Norway."
"Come in."
Iceland stepped into the room. "Are you ready yet?"
"As soon as I figure out this infernal ascot."
Iceland laughed. "You were never good with those. Want some help?"
"Yes, please," Norway grumbled. Iceland stood in front of him. And, with nimble fingers, he straightened Norway's ascot.
"Why are you so good at this, Little Brother?" Norway asked, picking up the wrapped gift off the dresser.
Iceland shrugged. "Denmark could never do it, either." He paused. You're not… nervous, are you?"
"Nervous? Why would I be nervous?"
"Seriously, Nor, you're making small talk."
"Fine. Scotty told me that he and France have a gift for me. They wouldn't tell me what it was."
"So? Surprises can be fun."
"I don't like surprises, Little Brother."
Iceland shrugged again. "I'm sure it will be fine."
Norway nodded. "Probably. Are the other ready?"
"Almost. Denmark had to have Finland help him with his ascot, and Sweden got jealous. It was resolved, and no one has any broken bones, so…"
"Well, that's good."
"Yeah, we can go as soon as Denmark's nose stops bleeding."
"Helvete, can't they just stop fighting."
"It's Denmark and Sweden, Norway."
"True. We should go now."
About five hours later, all five Nordics, Prussia, Hungary, England, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, both Italies, Canada, Wales, the Ireland Brothers, France, and Scotland were all seated around a very large dinner table.
The meal had been eaten, and the dishes cleared away; now all of the countries relaxed over glasses of wine whilst making conversation. Prussia and Hungary were off in a corner, dancing to the classical music that played.
Finally, France tapped the side of his glass lightly with a spoon. "Mes amis, thank you all for coming, and thank you all for your lovely gifts."
"Skål!" Denmark shouted, draining his wine glass in one gulp.
"Denmark, that's extremely rude," Norway hissed at him.
Scotland stood. "To friends and family!"
"To friends and family!" Wineglasses were emptied; England was already red in the face.
"Now, to our good friend Norway," France began.
Norway's head snapped up.
"We have a gift for you."
That could not be a good thing.
Norway was sitting a few seats down from the happy couple and before he knew what was happening, a wicker basket was placed on the table in front of him.
He cast a glance at the two. "What is this?"
"You left it in my house many years ago; I zhought you might want it back," France said with a wink and a half-stifled laugh.
Frowning, Norway reached looked into the basket. The rest of the countries watched in shock as he lifted a sleeping child out.
"What is this?" he repeated.
"Normandy," Scotland replied.
"Well, she is your child, Norvège," France said.
"Ja, I suppose that is true." Norway was only half-paying attention now, since he was busy tickling the child under her chin, making her giggle. He decided she had his eyes.
"I never knew you vere good vis children, Norvay."
Norway smiled. "I had lots of children to take care of." He cooed softly and the little girl giggled again.
Hungary came over. "This is your child, Norway?" she asked. "Yours and who else's?"
Norway just smiled.
Hungary cooed at the baby, who giggled and grabbed one of Hungary's fingers. "She has such tiny fingers!"
"She's still just a baby."
Hungary tickled the baby under the chin, then left to go talk to Prussia. Norway turned to thank France and Scotland, only to find that they were having a "moment".
Normandy had fallen asleep with her thumb in her mouth. Gently, Norway removed it.
In a short while, it seemed that France and Scotland were through with their "moment".
"It's gettin' late," Scotland said. "We've got a few rooms if ye cannae drive home."
A few countries accepted (Scotland made England accept -it is not a good idea to go driving when you're questioning your religion), but most said goodbye and left.
The Nordics were last to leave. Norway made Sweden drive (he'd had the least to drink and didn't have a child to worry about either), and they made it home at about 2 in the morning.
A/N: Norway has children. Deal with it.