Fake (Hetalia: FrUkUs)

.34.

"Alfred?"

"Yeah?"

I didn't have time to duck before his hand connected with the back of my head.

"What the bloody hell is wrong with you? Do you not know how to answer your phone?" I just stood there as Arthur shouted at me. I had barely got my foot through the front door before he began yelling.

Francis stood behind me, and I could tell without looking he was trying to edge out of view. Too bad Arthur caught sight of him. I was pushed aside, rather ungracefully, and he turned his anger on Francis.

"Francis! Do you know how worried I've been all day? He," He pointed his finger at me and I held up my hands in innocence, "calls me this morning, telling me he's worried because you won't answer his calls? I have enough on my hands right now without worrying a hole into the carpet because I'm scared you're in trouble!"

"Look, Artie-" Francis was looking pretty guilty, and it was my fault I hadn't called to explain things. "I'm sorry I didn't call, I- we were a bit... wrapped up, and I forgot."

He ran a hand through his hair and walked up to Francis. I watched as he reached a hand out and placed it on Francis' shoulder.

"You're alright?"

"Uh-" He glanced to me and I nodded, "Oui, I am better now." Arthur sniffled.

"Good, now come on," He walked into the house, "I brought Peter a day early and he wants to bake cookies."

He stalked off towards the kitchen and I chuckled as I slipped off my shoes and coat.

"I don't feel like baking right now," I scratched at my arm, "So, could you do me a favor and make sure Arthur doesn't burn my house down?"

"Of course," He took my hand but pulled it a bit so his lips were placed on my forearm, "be quick."

As I climbed the stairs I heard the conversation from the kitchen.

"Arthur was crying this morning you know."

"Peter!"

I shook my head and continued up to my room. Poofy and Princess were nowhere to be seen, so Arthur must have put them out in the backyard. Which was fine for the time being. The question was, where was-

"Dobroye utro." I looked up at Ivan as I entered the room. I had been too preoccupied with my thoughts to notice him on my bed.

"Don't you mean good afternoon?"

"I did not see you this morning."

"Something came up and I had to leave early," I told him as I rummaged through my drawers. Lucky me, I hadn't been doing laundry and had neither jeans nor long sleeves to change into. What are the odds? I was still in my pajamas from last night- sweat pants I may have worn one night too many and, and a short sleeve shirt. Lucky me, I didn't take off my sweater yet.

"Mmm," He said distracted.

"Is something the matter, Ivan?" I asked. He was being standoffish.

He pinched the bridge of his nose before standing with a heavy sigh.

"No, just tired. I was up late last night." He smiled smally at me.

"Up late- you were out-" His smile widened into a grin and my face flushed red.

He walked past me out the door, and pat my shoulder.

"Dobryy vecher."

I stood for a moment before dropping my head into my hands.

"Ivan!"

~

After starting a load of laundry I headed back downstairs to the kitchen. In there, I found Ivan had joined the others, as well as Chun-Yan. They were all making a mess of the kitchen, laughing and talking. I smiled at the sight. It made my home much more.... homely.

I caught Arthur's eye and he smiled at me, and I returned it. Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket, repeatedly, and I fished it out. My smile fell at the picture that popped up on screen.

I turned from the kitchen and shuffled my feet into the front hall, where I hit answer while pulling on my shoes and coat.

"Hello?" I greeted.

"I just wanted to call and say that I will not have my phone handy for the next couple of weeks," My mother decided not to greet, "So Merry Christmas, Alfred."

"... Merry Christmas."

She hung up almost as immediately as she had began speaking. I held my phone to my ears for a few moments more before looking at the black screen.

"What the fuck?"

Despite my confusion, I found myself smiling. She actually wished me a Merry Christmas this year.

I took off my gear once inside and went back tot he kitchen, where everyone was still enjoying themselves.

"Who was that, Love?" Arthur whispered as I walked in and washed my hands to help.

"It was nothing," I told him. He looked at me, skeptical, and I laid a hand on the side of his hand, finding myself thankful for the familiar touch of his soft skin and messy hair, and kissed his forehead. "I promise."

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Well, Here it is folks, the long awaited chapter. I know it's short, but trust me when I say that the fluff is going to make up for what's about to happen. I'm so sorry.

So, I'll see y'all next chapter

~Au revior