Tangerines That Are Bitter [3/?]
Decisions, Decisions
"…Excuse me?" He asked slowly.
"I said, you're pregnant Jett. And judging from your symptoms, I'd say you're about 5-6 weeks at the most." Yao replied, crossing his arms.
"5-6? How the-"
The Australian blinked. Suddenly, a smile grew on Jett's face. He started to chuckle.
"Ah, I see what you're tryin' to pull…"
"Good one Yao, you almost had me there." Jett chuckled.
"Seriously, what's wrong with me?" He asked smiling.
"You're pregnant." The Chinese man repeated with the same serious tone.
"Stop pullin' my leg."
"I'm serious Jett."
Yao watched as the smile on the Australian's face slowly disappear. His cheery face wrinkled into confusion. Jett's brain seemed to have trouble comprehending what the Chinese man just declared. After another minute of silence, Jett's eyes widen in horror.
"Y-You can't b-be serious-" The Australian said, fear rising in his voice.
"M-Me? P-Pregnant?" The words were slow, quiet, as if Jett couldn't believe they were coming out of his own mouth.
"N-No…" He shook his head disapprovingly.
"Jett, I know this is-"
"-No, no, no, no, no-"
"-but you have to under-"
"NO!" The Australian exclaimed, bolting right up.
Yao rose as well and watched as Jett paced in a circle, trying to understand what he's just been informed.
"H-How is this possible?" He demanded.
"Jett, calm down-"
"CALM DOWN?!!" He screamed, anger clear in his voice.
"HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT? I'VE JUST FOUND OUT THAT I'M FUCKING P-PREGNANT!!"
"Jett-"
"I CAN'T BE PREGNANT! YOU'RE FUCKIN' LYING! YAO YOU'D BETTER BE-"
"JETT!" Yao roared. Immediately the Australian fell silent.
"It's all right to be scared, but you need to calm down. All this screaming isn't going to change anything," Yao said slowly, rubbing his temples.
"You are pregnant and in the following months you willgive birth to a newborn infant."
"B-Birth? I-Infant?" Jett felt his stomach churn. He didn't even want to picture how that was going be like…
"B-But how is this even possible? I'm a guy and the last time I checked, guys don't get pregnant!" The Australian pointed out.
"True, but you're not a human 'guy'," Yao explained.
"Ok, so it isn't possible for human men to carry children. But it is for Nations. We may seem human, but do normal humans live to be thousands of years old? Are normal humans able to take extreme damage? How do you think Nations like Latvia, North Italy, South Italy, and Liechtenstein came into being?"
"Y-You're suggesting that-that-they-are-a-re-UGH!" Jett shuddered at the thoughts.
"Well…not all of them…just some." Yao added.
"Look…Jett…try to think on the positive side," The Chinese man stepped closer to Jett.
"You'll be bringing a new life to this world! Doesn't that sound wonderfu-"
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" The Australian screamed, swatting a hand reaching out.
He shrank away from Yao, fists trembling.
"Y-You're lying…you're fucking lying…" Jett hissed.
"Jett, I would not lie about something serious as this." Yao swore.
"T-Then I don't believe it; I'm not pregnant, there's no way I could be pregnant, guys in general can't get pregnant, a-and-a-nd-THERE'S JUST NO FUCKIN' WAY!" The Australian exclaimed.
With that, he stormed out of Yao's chamber, slamming into Lei on the way out. Bewildered, Lei turned to Yao who only sighed solemnly.
"What's with him?" The teenager asked.
"He's just…upset." Yao replied.
"I can see that, but why?"
"Let's just say he didn't take the…'good news'…well."
By eleven-thirty, most of the Kirkland 'family' had said their good-nights and retired to bed. However, in the still-lit lounge, Matthieu and Frederick were still awake. The Canadian sat in a lounge chair while the Scotsman sat on the couch. Resting his head on Frederick's lap was Alexei, whom was sleeping peacefully. In front of them was the coffee table, littered with all kinds of government documents.
"Y'know, he's kinda cute when he sleeps…" Frederick said, tussling Alexei's hair.
"I'm just glad he's sleeping for once." Matthieu remarked.
"Once?"
The Scotsman watched as Matthieu sighed deeply and his face changed to a troubled look.
"What's the matter Mattie?" Frederick asked.
"I-I," The Canadian's amethyst eyes looked directly into his olives ones, as if the subject he about to discuss was forbidden to converse.
"Honestly, I worry for Alexei. My brother is overworking him," Matthieu explained.
"Though he denies it, it's pretty obvious; the papers, the reports, the documents, having him run all his 'personal' errands, carrying all his stuff, demanding here and now instead of waiting…"
"But Alexei says he's fine." Frederick pointed out.
"…But he isn't. Alfred's workload is taking a toll on him. Remember how dreary and feeble he was this afternoon? Obviously he hasn't been sleeping, most likely staying up all nights to finish whatever Alfred assigned him too." The Canadian accounted.
"Is this why you've been all peeved at your brother?" The Scotsman inquired.
"Yes, but its more than that; I've tired many times to confront Alfred about this and yet each time he weasels himself out of discussing the matter." Matthieu said.
"It's like he doesn't-"
He was cut off abruptly when someone rapped on the front door. Excusing himself, Matthieu stepped into the foyer to answer the door. The Canadian barely managed to push it ajar before Jett rudely barged in, discontent clear on his face. Matthieu stumbled back as the enraged Australian stomped up the stairwell.
"What the-Jett!" He exclaimed.
"What?" Jett snapped.
"I know that you're sick in all but," Matthieu closed the front door.
"Can you at least try not to slam things around?"
"Yeah, yeah," The Australian waved him off and resumed his pace up the stairwell.
"Wait…"
Jett rolled his eyes, "Yes…?"
"Where have you been? You kinda disappeared after the meeting." The Canadian asked.
"Oh, I, uh, went out." Jett answered.
"Y'know meet some 'mates, had a few mugs, enjoyed the nightlife, went to see Yao-"
"Yao?" Matthieu raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, during the meeting Ivan suggested I should see Yao about my sickness." The Australian explained.
"Well, what did the say?"
"You're pregnant."
"He said, I should eat properly and get plenty of rest." Jett lied.
"So if you don't-"
"-Ah, well…Goodnight then."
The Canadian watched as Jett waved him 'goodnight' and hurried up to his bedroom. Matthieu turned around and walked back to the lounge. Inside he found Alexei was now awake, rubbing his eyes groggily.
"W-What time is it?" The Russian boy asked.
"'Bout midnight." Frederick replied, glancing at the clock.
Alexei ceased his eye rubbing and turned to view the Scotsman with a shocked expression.
"Liar."
"…I'm not…?"
Frederick watched as Alexei buried his face into his hands and groan aloud. The boy then stood up and immediately began scrambling for the government documents littering the coffee table.
"Alexei, what's wrong?" Matthieu asked.
"These papers are supposed to be re-typed and due three hours ago. Since I fell asleep, now they're late and Alfred isn't going to be pleased." Alexei explained.
Gathering all his papers, the Russian teen stood up, "Now if you'll be so kind - I have to retype twenty-pages of government nonsense."
He was halfway up the stairway when Frederick, walking into the foyer, called out, "Why don't you get some rest first?"
"No, no, - I really should get these done…" Alexei replied with a hollow smile.
Matthieu stood behind Frederick, "But you look so tired…"
The Russian rolled his eyes.
"Look here; yes, I am tad bit tired, but I have tasks to complete." He waved his papers.
"Now, please, the both of you stop worrying about me. I'm fine okay?"
With that, Alexei bid them 'goodnight' and retreated to his guest bedroom.
Groaning, Jett turned to see the clock.
2:32 AM.
The bedroom was dark with the exception of moonlight that splashed through the window. Huffing, Jett slid out of bed and stepped into the bathroom. Switching on the light, he turns the faucet and cold water spills out. Despite its low temperature, the Australian splashes his face several times. Turing the faucet off, he stands there, head down, in deep thought.
Droplets of water cling to his face and fall into the sink below.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
"He's lying."
Of course he's lying - he had to be lying. Yao must be going crazy; pregnant? Impossible; he can't be pregnant. There was no way that he could be pregnant. It's a scientific fact that men (which, the last time Jett checked, he was) cannot bear children. They didn't have the…parts.
But…
Jett looked up and studied himself through the mirror.
What if he wasn't lying? What if Yao was telling the truth? The Chinese man maybe old, but he knew what he was talking about. You really couldn't count your word against someone who's lived for four millennia. Like Yao said, he was a Nation…their bodies weren't like regular humans…
"I don't believe this…"The Australian murmured. He leaves the bathroom and crawls back into bed.
Hopefully, this nonsense could be straightened out tomorrow…
He woke with a jerk hours later, his head in his arms and a pool of drool on the back of his hand. Wiping the drool off his hand, Alexei massaged the crick in his neck and checked his writing. The Russian managed to retype seventeen pages, which was impressive considering his lack of sleep lately. A yawn escaped from chapped lips as Alexei clicked and shut down the computer, plunging the bedroom into darkness.
"Time for rest…" He thought.
Alexei stumbled towards the bed, more asleep than awake, shedding clothes as he went. He kicked off his shoes and shimmied out of his jeans. Next to go was his black scarf, which he tossed without care to the floor. He would be up before Alfred tomorrow, so it might be best to catch some sleep while he can. By the time the Russian reached the bed, he was down to his boxers and over-sized blue-gray sweater.
Knowing that it would be a hassle, Alexei plops onto the bed, not caring to pull the sheets over him. A sigh of satisfaction escaped from chapped lips as the teen snuggled a pillow. The mattress was unbelievably soft and the pillows plush. 'Fit for royalty' Alexei thought while burying his face into the pillow. Closing his eyes, he found himself slipping away into the mystic realms of sl-
BEEP!
BEEP!
BEEP!
BEEP!
Alexei was suddenly, completely, and totally awake.
Bloodshot eyes blinked and he rolled to his right. Next to the bed was the nightstand with a small alarm clock. The Russian's eyes were fixated on the small alarm clock, which was blinking madly to accompany its God-awful screaming.
7:00 AM!
7:00 AM!
7:00 AM!
7-
Without thought or hesitation, Alexei lashes out and the clock is slapped clean off the nightstand. Rolling onto his back, he buried his face into his hands and groans in frustration; another night of sleep wasted. After a minute or two of cursing at himself, the Russian teen rises from the bed and gets re-dressed. Despite the lack sleep, Alexei is determined to go about today with a positive attitude. Considering what his job was and the people he dealt with, he needed every ounce of positively.
Every.
Single.
Ounce.
While Alexei struggled to get dressed, downstairs (particularly the kitchen) was alive with activity. In the kitchen stood Matthieu dressed in a white T-shirt and shorts. On the stove were several pans each simmering with ham, hash, eggs and pancakes. The Canadian hummed a pleasant tune as he flipped pancakes on the stove. Unlike Alexei, he good night of sleep and felt quiet refreshed.
"Finies les balades, Le long du canal, Les escaliers des cartes postales," Matthieu hummed.
"C'est fini, Paris, C'est decide, je me barre-"
Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around him from behind, and drew him back against a muscular chest. Matthieu gasped as he felt someone's breath against his shoulder.
"Mornin' Mattie."
"F-Frederick!" The Canadian exclaimed.
"Makin' breakfast are ya?" Frederick asked.
"Yes, yes, now if you don't mind," Matthieu tried to wiggle out of Frederick's grasp.
The Scotsman cocked a cheeky grin as he tightened his grip on Matthieu. A light shade of pink began to creep across the Canadian's face as Frederick nuzzled his nose into his wavy blonde hair.
"It's so nice of you to make us all breakfast…" He murmured.
Frederick started to kiss Matthieu's neck, which in return cause the Canadian to tremble and gasp.
"Freddie…"Matthieu whined.
He gasped again when the Scotsman kissed the crook of his neck, causing him to shiver and draw in a sharp breath.
"Very nice…"Frederick replied seductively. His fingers fluttered at the hem of Matthieu's shirt.
Matthieu gulped, putting his hands over the Scotsman's to stop their movement. He opened and shut his mouth a few times, unable to think of what words to use against the other.
"Not now."The Canadian whispered.
"Oh c'mon - it's just the two of us here~" Frederick cooed.
"I know, I know, but what if-"
"Ah-em."
Both of them turned to see Arthur standing in the kitchen doorway. The Briton was wearing a cerulean robe with matching slippers and held a newspaper in his hand. His bushy eyebrows scrunched together as he frowned at the scene before him. Matthieu quickly elbowed Frederick to escape his hold and turned to Arthur.
"G-Good Morning Arthur!" He exclaimed nervously.
"Yeah…Mornin' Arty…" Frederick also said, nursing his sore ribs.
"I wish you two have some decently, honestly in the kitchen?" Arthur snapped.
"Relax - it's not like I was taking him over the counter." The Scotsman retorted.
Matthieu turned bright red and Frederick chuckled. Arthur's eyebrow twitch in annoyance. Digested by the Scotsman's remark, he storms out of the kitchen.
"He is so perverse!" Arthur thought bitterly as he walked into the dinning room.
Eventually, the other members of Kirkland's 'family' awakened and made there way downstairs. Alfred was the first, marching proudly into the dining room with a confident grin on his face. Next were Karl and Patricia, who were still yawning. Following them was Alexei, whose bloodshot eyes and sluggish movement was overlooked as 'getting up'. The last person to enter the dining room was Jett, who wore green pajama bottoms and appeared agitated.
"Good God - put on a shirt Jett!" Arthur nagged.
"Fuck off." The Australian snapped bitterly. He took the seat next to Alexei and turned away from Arthur.
Glaring at Jett for a moment, the Briton sighs in annoyance and resumes his reading of the newspaper. Minutes later, both Matthieu and Frederick emerged from the kitchen doors carrying trays of food. With the food passed out, they sit down and everyone begins eating.
Jett sat there staring at his plate. Crispy bacon, sunny-side eggs, toasted bread with blackberry jam and slices of a tangerine were on the plate. Though it all looked delicious, the Australian didn't have the appetite. He was still trying to comprehend last night. Yao's words kept echoing over and over in his mind.
"You're pregnant."
Subconsciously, Jett placed a hand over his stomach.
"I can't be…I-I just can't…" He thought.
Karl noticed that his older brother wasn't eating. Which was odd - considering by now Jett would be on his third plate.
"Jett?" The Zealander said.
"Hmm?"
"You haven't touched your food…" Karl pointed out.
"Not hungry," Jett pushed his plate away.
"Don't like breakfast anymore?" Alfred jokingly commented.
"No…I don't feel like eating right now." The Australian scoffed.
"Is it because I burned your toast?" Matthieu asked.
"No-"
"You don't like tangerines?" Alexei asked.
"-No I-"
"You're not a 'bacon person' are you?" Frederick asked.
"-It's not-"
"But you always like blackberry-"
"SHUT UP!"
The dining room fell silent.
"…I'm. Not. Hungry." Jett hissed. He stood up and stormed out of the dining room.
"I've had enough with his attitude." Arthur slammed his paper down.
"What the Devil is wrong with him?" His vision fell directly on Karl.
The Zealander sighed; like it's my responsibility…
"He's been sick lately and-"
"-That doesn't excuse his foul behavior." The Briton stated.
"Maybe he's just upset." Matthieu said.
"About what," Alfred reached for another plate off eggs.
"What's he so upset about?"
"Life, current affairs, his wildlife, the economy, the environment," Frederick listed.
"The list goes on."
"Maybe he's having one of those 'mid-life' things?" The American proposed.
"He's twenty-nine Alfred, not thirty-nine." Karl pointed out.
"Well, whatever it is, Jett needs to learn some control." Arthur declared.
"I'll try to talk to him," The Zealander sat his fork down and stood up.
As he left, Alfred's attention fell upon Alexei who was dreary at the moment.
"Alexei."
"Vad?"The Russian tilted his head up.
"Did you get those documents finished?" Alfred asked.
"I-I," Alexei found himself stiffening under the American's gaze. He chewed on his lip and stared down at his plate.
"I'm sorry Mr. Jones, I-I didn't finish them."
"But I got-"
"Alexei…"
"-Seventeen pages-"
"Alexei."
The teen held his tongue.
"... I'll finish it before noon." Alexei meekly replied.
"Good…" Alfred said. He gave the Russian boy his trademark smile.
"I'd knew I could count on you."
Alexei titled his head up again and gave the American a smile back.
"Yeah…count on me…"
"This is awkward…"
"This is really, really awkward…"
When he first got to the pharmaceutical centre, Jett was rather surprised to see how many types and brands of pregnancy tests there were. He honestly didn't know which brand was the best and looking at the boxes did absolutely nothing to help him decide. They were all trying to outdo each other with boastful declarations that their tests were 'clinically' better and more 'accurate' than their competitors. What also didn't help were the occasional 'odd' looks people would give him as he looked through the different tests to try to find the best one. So the Australian stood there, hands in pockets, unsure what to pick.
"Excuse me…?"
Jett turned around to see an older woman standing behind him. She had brown hair and sapphire eyes. She had a name tag on her outfit, which read 'Hannah-Marie'.
"Trying to find the right one?" Hannah-Marie asked.
"Yeah, I'm-I'm just…" The Australian stammered. God this was embarrassing!
"Now, now, you shouldn't be so embarrassed - a new baby is something to be happy about!" Hannah-Marie beamed.
"I'm guessing the mother is enthusiastic as well?"
"…You could said that." Jett replied, averting his eyes.
Eventually, the Australian grew frustrated with choosing and grabbed two separate pregnancy tests. Once purchased and placed into a plastic bag, Jett was quick to get out of the centre and he was even quicker returning to Arthur's residence. Arriving at the British man's house, the Australian immediately secluded himself to his guest room. Opening the first box, Jett carefully read the instructions.
"Let's see…remove test device from…obtain a cup for…result(s) in five minutes…" Jett read silently.
"Sounds simple enough."
He went over to the bathroom and drew a cup of water to drink. Finishing, Jett poured himself another glass and after downing that one, he poured again. After his twelfth cup of water, nature called and the Australian grabbed the first box and went over to the toilet. Seven minutes later, Jett finished and waited anxiously for the tests' results. When the five minutes expired, the Australian looked over all the tests.
To his horror, all of them came out positive.
All of them.
"I-I don't believe this…" Jett said, fear rising in his voice.
Panicking, the Australian tried the second box. Twenty minutes later, Jett was pacing around the bathroom, waiting for the second batch's results. Five minute-mark expired and the Australian looked again in vain, hoping for the 'negative' signs to say he was not pregnant.
Positive.
He was utterly shocked.
Jett Kirkland, the Commonwealth of Australia was pregnant and no amount of denial was going to change that.
The Australian left the tests on the counter and stumbled out of the bathroom. He collapsed onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling in shock. Without even realizing it, Jett placed a hand on his stomach and grasped it tentatively. He was pregnant. He was fucking pregnant.
Now what?
Jett's mind was in a whirl of troubled thoughts and worries. What was he going to do now? What could he do now? He was a Nation, a man, who had a baby growing within him and in the upcoming months that baby was going to be born. The Australian chewed on his lip; he didn't want this, he wasn't ready for this, he didn't plan for his, and it was most certain that he wasn't going to enjoy this.
I could-
Fingers held tighter to his stomach; what if…what if he aborted? He wasn't planning this, he wasn't happy about it, so he could get an abortion…
It would be so easy…one simple visit and-
NO!
The Australian frowned and the thought of abortion was quickly cast out of his mind.
This was a child, his child, that was growing in within him and he was not going to kill it. After quick internal debate, Jett decided that he was going to keep the baby. It was his child after all and the thought of just getting rid of it was rather unpleasant. To think, a child growing up on its own without it even knowing its parents...
After the decision to keep the child, questions arose in Jett's mind that made him worried for himself and his child. How is this going to work for him? Will the pregnancy be slower or faster since he was male? Will he show sooner or later? What will he tell the others?
The others…
Jett felt his heart sink; how will the others react? No doubt the reactions aren't going to be…pleasant. Rolling to his right, the Australian grabbed a pillow and held it close his chest. They would probably be digested, Jett thought to himself. He could see them now; Karl, Patricia, Frederick, Lloyd, Alfred, and Matthieu all staring at him with various shades of scorn and contempt. Arthur came into mind and Jett envisioned the British man with his arms crossed and shaking his head solemnly.
"I'm disappointed in you."
"I thought I'd raised you better."
"I thought you were mature."
"I thought you were responsible."
"I guess I was wrong."
"Jett…where did I go wrong with you?"
Irresponsible.
Reckless.
Immature.
"Damn it all…" The Australian cursed. He hugged the pillow a bit tighter.
He was mature, he was responsible. It's like he got pregnant on purpose, it was an accident. Jett didn't want his family to think he was a disappointment or a failure. Nor did he want them to think that he was some young, boisterous fool who couldn't keep it in his pants. Groaning, the Australian rolled onto his back again and stared at the ceiling.
…
…
…
Keep it hidden.
Keep it out of sight.
Keep it unknown.
It's a painful decision, he knows it, but Jett agrees.
He was going to hide his pregnancy and not tell anyone, not even Karl, about it.
He shivered. It felt strange and even lonelier than usual to keep a secret like this from his brother, his family, and friends that he'd known for a long time now. It scared him, too. Because he'd been so used to sharing all his thoughts and opinions with all of them, and now he was all... alone... with this huge, frightening responsibility.
A child, his child, all alone…
Raising by himself…
Without anyone else's help…
"I'll be great father," Jett reassured himself.
"I know I will…"
"Father knows best right?
"Right...?"
A/N
My God…I want to punch myself in the balls.
The first two chapters took me only one fucking week to write,
This fucker took me a fucking month, A MONTH, to fuckin' write.
A FUCKING MONTH.
…
…
I feel so angry with myself.
To be fair, I do have other things that preoccupied me, like school, family, and…personal drama.
Again,
Much, much, much, apologies for the long delay. I'll promise to be more manageable with my schedule for the next chapter(s).
To be honest, I'm quite worried about how this chapter turned out. I feel like I wrote too much or too little for Decisions, Decisions.
That, and the beginning seems kinda narmy.
Translations & Notes
Finies les balades - The walks are over
Le long du canal - Along the canal
Les escaliers des cartes postales - The stares of postcards
C'est fini, Paris, - It's over Paris
C'est decide, je me barre - It's decided, I'm running off
Vad - What
- I know Wales is…absent in this chapter; he does have his own house y'know…
- The song Matthieu (Canada) is humming, 'Paris'; by French singer Camille
- In addition to speaking Russian and English, Alexei also speaks Swedish. (Mainly from his father's side/inheritance)
- Yeah…Scotland/Canada… :U
- My friend's drawing of Alexei. (Though she changed the eye colours, blue is left not right.)
Feedback? Thoughts? Opinions? Comments?
Please?
"…Excuse me?" He asked slowly.
"I said, you're pregnant Jett. And judging from your symptoms, I'd say you're about 5-6 weeks at the most." Yao replied, crossing his arms.
"5-6? How the-"
The Australian blinked. Suddenly, a smile grew on Jett's face. He started to chuckle.
"Ah, I see what you're tryin' to pull…"
"Good one Yao, you almost had me there." Jett chuckled.
"Seriously, what's wrong with me?" He asked smiling.
"You're pregnant." The Chinese man repeated with the same serious tone.
"Stop pullin' my leg."
"I'm serious Jett."
Yao watched as the smile on the Australian's face slowly disappear. His cheery face wrinkled into confusion. Jett's brain seemed to have trouble comprehending what the Chinese man just declared. After another minute of silence, Jett's eyes widen in horror.
"Y-You can't b-be serious-" The Australian said, fear rising in his voice.
"M-Me? P-Pregnant?" The words were slow, quiet, as if Jett couldn't believe they were coming out of his own mouth.
"N-No…" He shook his head disapprovingly.
"Jett, I know this is-"
"-No, no, no, no, no-"
"-but you have to under-"
"NO!" The Australian exclaimed, bolting right up.
Yao rose as well and watched as Jett paced in a circle, trying to understand what he's just been informed.
"H-How is this possible?" He demanded.
"Jett, calm down-"
"CALM DOWN?!!" He screamed, anger clear in his voice.
"HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT? I'VE JUST FOUND OUT THAT I'M FUCKING P-PREGNANT!!"
"Jett-"
"I CAN'T BE PREGNANT! YOU'RE FUCKIN' LYING! YAO YOU'D BETTER BE-"
"JETT!" Yao roared. Immediately the Australian fell silent.
"It's all right to be scared, but you need to calm down. All this screaming isn't going to change anything," Yao said slowly, rubbing his temples.
"You are pregnant and in the following months you willgive birth to a newborn infant."
"B-Birth? I-Infant?" Jett felt his stomach churn. He didn't even want to picture how that was going be like…
"B-But how is this even possible? I'm a guy and the last time I checked, guys don't get pregnant!" The Australian pointed out.
"True, but you're not a human 'guy'," Yao explained.
"Ok, so it isn't possible for human men to carry children. But it is for Nations. We may seem human, but do normal humans live to be thousands of years old? Are normal humans able to take extreme damage? How do you think Nations like Latvia, North Italy, South Italy, and Liechtenstein came into being?"
"Y-You're suggesting that-that-they-are-a-re-UGH!" Jett shuddered at the thoughts.
"Well…not all of them…just some." Yao added.
"Look…Jett…try to think on the positive side," The Chinese man stepped closer to Jett.
"You'll be bringing a new life to this world! Doesn't that sound wonderfu-"
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" The Australian screamed, swatting a hand reaching out.
He shrank away from Yao, fists trembling.
"Y-You're lying…you're fucking lying…" Jett hissed.
"Jett, I would not lie about something serious as this." Yao swore.
"T-Then I don't believe it; I'm not pregnant, there's no way I could be pregnant, guys in general can't get pregnant, a-and-a-nd-THERE'S JUST NO FUCKIN' WAY!" The Australian exclaimed.
With that, he stormed out of Yao's chamber, slamming into Lei on the way out. Bewildered, Lei turned to Yao who only sighed solemnly.
"What's with him?" The teenager asked.
"He's just…upset." Yao replied.
"I can see that, but why?"
"Let's just say he didn't take the…'good news'…well."
By eleven-thirty, most of the Kirkland 'family' had said their good-nights and retired to bed. However, in the still-lit lounge, Matthieu and Frederick were still awake. The Canadian sat in a lounge chair while the Scotsman sat on the couch. Resting his head on Frederick's lap was Alexei, whom was sleeping peacefully. In front of them was the coffee table, littered with all kinds of government documents.
"Y'know, he's kinda cute when he sleeps…" Frederick said, tussling Alexei's hair.
"I'm just glad he's sleeping for once." Matthieu remarked.
"Once?"
The Scotsman watched as Matthieu sighed deeply and his face changed to a troubled look.
"What's the matter Mattie?" Frederick asked.
"I-I," The Canadian's amethyst eyes looked directly into his olives ones, as if the subject he about to discuss was forbidden to converse.
"Honestly, I worry for Alexei. My brother is overworking him," Matthieu explained.
"Though he denies it, it's pretty obvious; the papers, the reports, the documents, having him run all his 'personal' errands, carrying all his stuff, demanding here and now instead of waiting…"
"But Alexei says he's fine." Frederick pointed out.
"…But he isn't. Alfred's workload is taking a toll on him. Remember how dreary and feeble he was this afternoon? Obviously he hasn't been sleeping, most likely staying up all nights to finish whatever Alfred assigned him too." The Canadian accounted.
"Is this why you've been all peeved at your brother?" The Scotsman inquired.
"Yes, but its more than that; I've tired many times to confront Alfred about this and yet each time he weasels himself out of discussing the matter." Matthieu said.
"It's like he doesn't-"
He was cut off abruptly when someone rapped on the front door. Excusing himself, Matthieu stepped into the foyer to answer the door. The Canadian barely managed to push it ajar before Jett rudely barged in, discontent clear on his face. Matthieu stumbled back as the enraged Australian stomped up the stairwell.
"What the-Jett!" He exclaimed.
"What?" Jett snapped.
"I know that you're sick in all but," Matthieu closed the front door.
"Can you at least try not to slam things around?"
"Yeah, yeah," The Australian waved him off and resumed his pace up the stairwell.
"Wait…"
Jett rolled his eyes, "Yes…?"
"Where have you been? You kinda disappeared after the meeting." The Canadian asked.
"Oh, I, uh, went out." Jett answered.
"Y'know meet some 'mates, had a few mugs, enjoyed the nightlife, went to see Yao-"
"Yao?" Matthieu raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, during the meeting Ivan suggested I should see Yao about my sickness." The Australian explained.
"Well, what did the say?"
"You're pregnant."
"He said, I should eat properly and get plenty of rest." Jett lied.
"So if you don't-"
"-Ah, well…Goodnight then."
The Canadian watched as Jett waved him 'goodnight' and hurried up to his bedroom. Matthieu turned around and walked back to the lounge. Inside he found Alexei was now awake, rubbing his eyes groggily.
"W-What time is it?" The Russian boy asked.
"'Bout midnight." Frederick replied, glancing at the clock.
Alexei ceased his eye rubbing and turned to view the Scotsman with a shocked expression.
"Liar."
"…I'm not…?"
Frederick watched as Alexei buried his face into his hands and groan aloud. The boy then stood up and immediately began scrambling for the government documents littering the coffee table.
"Alexei, what's wrong?" Matthieu asked.
"These papers are supposed to be re-typed and due three hours ago. Since I fell asleep, now they're late and Alfred isn't going to be pleased." Alexei explained.
Gathering all his papers, the Russian teen stood up, "Now if you'll be so kind - I have to retype twenty-pages of government nonsense."
He was halfway up the stairway when Frederick, walking into the foyer, called out, "Why don't you get some rest first?"
"No, no, - I really should get these done…" Alexei replied with a hollow smile.
Matthieu stood behind Frederick, "But you look so tired…"
The Russian rolled his eyes.
"Look here; yes, I am tad bit tired, but I have tasks to complete." He waved his papers.
"Now, please, the both of you stop worrying about me. I'm fine okay?"
With that, Alexei bid them 'goodnight' and retreated to his guest bedroom.
Groaning, Jett turned to see the clock.
2:32 AM.
The bedroom was dark with the exception of moonlight that splashed through the window. Huffing, Jett slid out of bed and stepped into the bathroom. Switching on the light, he turns the faucet and cold water spills out. Despite its low temperature, the Australian splashes his face several times. Turing the faucet off, he stands there, head down, in deep thought.
Droplets of water cling to his face and fall into the sink below.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
"He's lying."
Of course he's lying - he had to be lying. Yao must be going crazy; pregnant? Impossible; he can't be pregnant. There was no way that he could be pregnant. It's a scientific fact that men (which, the last time Jett checked, he was) cannot bear children. They didn't have the…parts.
But…
Jett looked up and studied himself through the mirror.
What if he wasn't lying? What if Yao was telling the truth? The Chinese man maybe old, but he knew what he was talking about. You really couldn't count your word against someone who's lived for four millennia. Like Yao said, he was a Nation…their bodies weren't like regular humans…
"I don't believe this…"The Australian murmured. He leaves the bathroom and crawls back into bed.
Hopefully, this nonsense could be straightened out tomorrow…
He woke with a jerk hours later, his head in his arms and a pool of drool on the back of his hand. Wiping the drool off his hand, Alexei massaged the crick in his neck and checked his writing. The Russian managed to retype seventeen pages, which was impressive considering his lack of sleep lately. A yawn escaped from chapped lips as Alexei clicked and shut down the computer, plunging the bedroom into darkness.
"Time for rest…" He thought.
Alexei stumbled towards the bed, more asleep than awake, shedding clothes as he went. He kicked off his shoes and shimmied out of his jeans. Next to go was his black scarf, which he tossed without care to the floor. He would be up before Alfred tomorrow, so it might be best to catch some sleep while he can. By the time the Russian reached the bed, he was down to his boxers and over-sized blue-gray sweater.
Knowing that it would be a hassle, Alexei plops onto the bed, not caring to pull the sheets over him. A sigh of satisfaction escaped from chapped lips as the teen snuggled a pillow. The mattress was unbelievably soft and the pillows plush. 'Fit for royalty' Alexei thought while burying his face into the pillow. Closing his eyes, he found himself slipping away into the mystic realms of sl-
BEEP!
BEEP!
BEEP!
BEEP!
Alexei was suddenly, completely, and totally awake.
Bloodshot eyes blinked and he rolled to his right. Next to the bed was the nightstand with a small alarm clock. The Russian's eyes were fixated on the small alarm clock, which was blinking madly to accompany its God-awful screaming.
7:00 AM!
7:00 AM!
7:00 AM!
7-
Without thought or hesitation, Alexei lashes out and the clock is slapped clean off the nightstand. Rolling onto his back, he buried his face into his hands and groans in frustration; another night of sleep wasted. After a minute or two of cursing at himself, the Russian teen rises from the bed and gets re-dressed. Despite the lack sleep, Alexei is determined to go about today with a positive attitude. Considering what his job was and the people he dealt with, he needed every ounce of positively.
Every.
Single.
Ounce.
While Alexei struggled to get dressed, downstairs (particularly the kitchen) was alive with activity. In the kitchen stood Matthieu dressed in a white T-shirt and shorts. On the stove were several pans each simmering with ham, hash, eggs and pancakes. The Canadian hummed a pleasant tune as he flipped pancakes on the stove. Unlike Alexei, he good night of sleep and felt quiet refreshed.
"Finies les balades, Le long du canal, Les escaliers des cartes postales," Matthieu hummed.
"C'est fini, Paris, C'est decide, je me barre-"
Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around him from behind, and drew him back against a muscular chest. Matthieu gasped as he felt someone's breath against his shoulder.
"Mornin' Mattie."
"F-Frederick!" The Canadian exclaimed.
"Makin' breakfast are ya?" Frederick asked.
"Yes, yes, now if you don't mind," Matthieu tried to wiggle out of Frederick's grasp.
The Scotsman cocked a cheeky grin as he tightened his grip on Matthieu. A light shade of pink began to creep across the Canadian's face as Frederick nuzzled his nose into his wavy blonde hair.
"It's so nice of you to make us all breakfast…" He murmured.
Frederick started to kiss Matthieu's neck, which in return cause the Canadian to tremble and gasp.
"Freddie…"Matthieu whined.
He gasped again when the Scotsman kissed the crook of his neck, causing him to shiver and draw in a sharp breath.
"Very nice…"Frederick replied seductively. His fingers fluttered at the hem of Matthieu's shirt.
Matthieu gulped, putting his hands over the Scotsman's to stop their movement. He opened and shut his mouth a few times, unable to think of what words to use against the other.
"Not now."The Canadian whispered.
"Oh c'mon - it's just the two of us here~" Frederick cooed.
"I know, I know, but what if-"
"Ah-em."
Both of them turned to see Arthur standing in the kitchen doorway. The Briton was wearing a cerulean robe with matching slippers and held a newspaper in his hand. His bushy eyebrows scrunched together as he frowned at the scene before him. Matthieu quickly elbowed Frederick to escape his hold and turned to Arthur.
"G-Good Morning Arthur!" He exclaimed nervously.
"Yeah…Mornin' Arty…" Frederick also said, nursing his sore ribs.
"I wish you two have some decently, honestly in the kitchen?" Arthur snapped.
"Relax - it's not like I was taking him over the counter." The Scotsman retorted.
Matthieu turned bright red and Frederick chuckled. Arthur's eyebrow twitch in annoyance. Digested by the Scotsman's remark, he storms out of the kitchen.
"He is so perverse!" Arthur thought bitterly as he walked into the dinning room.
Eventually, the other members of Kirkland's 'family' awakened and made there way downstairs. Alfred was the first, marching proudly into the dining room with a confident grin on his face. Next were Karl and Patricia, who were still yawning. Following them was Alexei, whose bloodshot eyes and sluggish movement was overlooked as 'getting up'. The last person to enter the dining room was Jett, who wore green pajama bottoms and appeared agitated.
"Good God - put on a shirt Jett!" Arthur nagged.
"Fuck off." The Australian snapped bitterly. He took the seat next to Alexei and turned away from Arthur.
Glaring at Jett for a moment, the Briton sighs in annoyance and resumes his reading of the newspaper. Minutes later, both Matthieu and Frederick emerged from the kitchen doors carrying trays of food. With the food passed out, they sit down and everyone begins eating.
Jett sat there staring at his plate. Crispy bacon, sunny-side eggs, toasted bread with blackberry jam and slices of a tangerine were on the plate. Though it all looked delicious, the Australian didn't have the appetite. He was still trying to comprehend last night. Yao's words kept echoing over and over in his mind.
"You're pregnant."
Subconsciously, Jett placed a hand over his stomach.
"I can't be…I-I just can't…" He thought.
Karl noticed that his older brother wasn't eating. Which was odd - considering by now Jett would be on his third plate.
"Jett?" The Zealander said.
"Hmm?"
"You haven't touched your food…" Karl pointed out.
"Not hungry," Jett pushed his plate away.
"Don't like breakfast anymore?" Alfred jokingly commented.
"No…I don't feel like eating right now." The Australian scoffed.
"Is it because I burned your toast?" Matthieu asked.
"No-"
"You don't like tangerines?" Alexei asked.
"-No I-"
"You're not a 'bacon person' are you?" Frederick asked.
"-It's not-"
"But you always like blackberry-"
"SHUT UP!"
The dining room fell silent.
"…I'm. Not. Hungry." Jett hissed. He stood up and stormed out of the dining room.
"I've had enough with his attitude." Arthur slammed his paper down.
"What the Devil is wrong with him?" His vision fell directly on Karl.
The Zealander sighed; like it's my responsibility…
"He's been sick lately and-"
"-That doesn't excuse his foul behavior." The Briton stated.
"Maybe he's just upset." Matthieu said.
"About what," Alfred reached for another plate off eggs.
"What's he so upset about?"
"Life, current affairs, his wildlife, the economy, the environment," Frederick listed.
"The list goes on."
"Maybe he's having one of those 'mid-life' things?" The American proposed.
"He's twenty-nine Alfred, not thirty-nine." Karl pointed out.
"Well, whatever it is, Jett needs to learn some control." Arthur declared.
"I'll try to talk to him," The Zealander sat his fork down and stood up.
As he left, Alfred's attention fell upon Alexei who was dreary at the moment.
"Alexei."
"Vad?"The Russian tilted his head up.
"Did you get those documents finished?" Alfred asked.
"I-I," Alexei found himself stiffening under the American's gaze. He chewed on his lip and stared down at his plate.
"I'm sorry Mr. Jones, I-I didn't finish them."
"But I got-"
"Alexei…"
"-Seventeen pages-"
"Alexei."
The teen held his tongue.
"... I'll finish it before noon." Alexei meekly replied.
"Good…" Alfred said. He gave the Russian boy his trademark smile.
"I'd knew I could count on you."
Alexei titled his head up again and gave the American a smile back.
"Yeah…count on me…"
"This is awkward…"
"This is really, really awkward…"
When he first got to the pharmaceutical centre, Jett was rather surprised to see how many types and brands of pregnancy tests there were. He honestly didn't know which brand was the best and looking at the boxes did absolutely nothing to help him decide. They were all trying to outdo each other with boastful declarations that their tests were 'clinically' better and more 'accurate' than their competitors. What also didn't help were the occasional 'odd' looks people would give him as he looked through the different tests to try to find the best one. So the Australian stood there, hands in pockets, unsure what to pick.
"Excuse me…?"
Jett turned around to see an older woman standing behind him. She had brown hair and sapphire eyes. She had a name tag on her outfit, which read 'Hannah-Marie'.
"Trying to find the right one?" Hannah-Marie asked.
"Yeah, I'm-I'm just…" The Australian stammered. God this was embarrassing!
"Now, now, you shouldn't be so embarrassed - a new baby is something to be happy about!" Hannah-Marie beamed.
"I'm guessing the mother is enthusiastic as well?"
"…You could said that." Jett replied, averting his eyes.
Eventually, the Australian grew frustrated with choosing and grabbed two separate pregnancy tests. Once purchased and placed into a plastic bag, Jett was quick to get out of the centre and he was even quicker returning to Arthur's residence. Arriving at the British man's house, the Australian immediately secluded himself to his guest room. Opening the first box, Jett carefully read the instructions.
"Let's see…remove test device from…obtain a cup for…result(s) in five minutes…" Jett read silently.
"Sounds simple enough."
He went over to the bathroom and drew a cup of water to drink. Finishing, Jett poured himself another glass and after downing that one, he poured again. After his twelfth cup of water, nature called and the Australian grabbed the first box and went over to the toilet. Seven minutes later, Jett finished and waited anxiously for the tests' results. When the five minutes expired, the Australian looked over all the tests.
To his horror, all of them came out positive.
All of them.
"I-I don't believe this…" Jett said, fear rising in his voice.
Panicking, the Australian tried the second box. Twenty minutes later, Jett was pacing around the bathroom, waiting for the second batch's results. Five minute-mark expired and the Australian looked again in vain, hoping for the 'negative' signs to say he was not pregnant.
Positive.
He was utterly shocked.
Jett Kirkland, the Commonwealth of Australia was pregnant and no amount of denial was going to change that.
The Australian left the tests on the counter and stumbled out of the bathroom. He collapsed onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling in shock. Without even realizing it, Jett placed a hand on his stomach and grasped it tentatively. He was pregnant. He was fucking pregnant.
Now what?
Jett's mind was in a whirl of troubled thoughts and worries. What was he going to do now? What could he do now? He was a Nation, a man, who had a baby growing within him and in the upcoming months that baby was going to be born. The Australian chewed on his lip; he didn't want this, he wasn't ready for this, he didn't plan for his, and it was most certain that he wasn't going to enjoy this.
I could-
Fingers held tighter to his stomach; what if…what if he aborted? He wasn't planning this, he wasn't happy about it, so he could get an abortion…
It would be so easy…one simple visit and-
NO!
The Australian frowned and the thought of abortion was quickly cast out of his mind.
This was a child, his child, that was growing in within him and he was not going to kill it. After quick internal debate, Jett decided that he was going to keep the baby. It was his child after all and the thought of just getting rid of it was rather unpleasant. To think, a child growing up on its own without it even knowing its parents...
After the decision to keep the child, questions arose in Jett's mind that made him worried for himself and his child. How is this going to work for him? Will the pregnancy be slower or faster since he was male? Will he show sooner or later? What will he tell the others?
The others…
Jett felt his heart sink; how will the others react? No doubt the reactions aren't going to be…pleasant. Rolling to his right, the Australian grabbed a pillow and held it close his chest. They would probably be digested, Jett thought to himself. He could see them now; Karl, Patricia, Frederick, Lloyd, Alfred, and Matthieu all staring at him with various shades of scorn and contempt. Arthur came into mind and Jett envisioned the British man with his arms crossed and shaking his head solemnly.
"I'm disappointed in you."
"I thought I'd raised you better."
"I thought you were mature."
"I thought you were responsible."
"I guess I was wrong."
"Jett…where did I go wrong with you?"
Irresponsible.
Reckless.
Immature.
"Damn it all…" The Australian cursed. He hugged the pillow a bit tighter.
He was mature, he was responsible. It's like he got pregnant on purpose, it was an accident. Jett didn't want his family to think he was a disappointment or a failure. Nor did he want them to think that he was some young, boisterous fool who couldn't keep it in his pants. Groaning, the Australian rolled onto his back again and stared at the ceiling.
…
…
…
Keep it hidden.
Keep it out of sight.
Keep it unknown.
It's a painful decision, he knows it, but Jett agrees.
He was going to hide his pregnancy and not tell anyone, not even Karl, about it.
He shivered. It felt strange and even lonelier than usual to keep a secret like this from his brother, his family, and friends that he'd known for a long time now. It scared him, too. Because he'd been so used to sharing all his thoughts and opinions with all of them, and now he was all... alone... with this huge, frightening responsibility.
A child, his child, all alone…
Raising by himself…
Without anyone else's help…
"I'll be great father," Jett reassured himself.
"I know I will…"
"Father knows best right?
"Right...?"
A/N
My God…I want to punch myself in the balls.
The first two chapters took me only one fucking week to write,
This fucker took me a fucking month, A MONTH, to fuckin' write.
A FUCKING MONTH.
…
…
I feel so angry with myself.
To be fair, I do have other things that preoccupied me, like school, family, and…personal drama.
Again,
Much, much, much, apologies for the long delay. I'll promise to be more manageable with my schedule for the next chapter(s).
To be honest, I'm quite worried about how this chapter turned out. I feel like I wrote too much or too little for Decisions, Decisions.
That, and the beginning seems kinda narmy.
Translations & Notes
Finies les balades - The walks are over
Le long du canal - Along the canal
Les escaliers des cartes postales - The stares of postcards
C'est fini, Paris, - It's over Paris
C'est decide, je me barre - It's decided, I'm running off
Vad - What
- I know Wales is…absent in this chapter; he does have his own house y'know…
- The song Matthieu (Canada) is humming, 'Paris'; by French singer Camille
- In addition to speaking Russian and English, Alexei also speaks Swedish. (Mainly from his father's side/inheritance)
- Yeah…Scotland/Canada… :U
- My friend's drawing of Alexei. (Though she changed the eye colours, blue is left not right.)
Feedback? Thoughts? Opinions? Comments?
Please?