Chocolate Flap Jacks

The Rest of My Night

I pulled on the clean clothes. They hadn’t found me anything that actually fit but Germany’s pants and Prussia’s shirt worked pretty well. I smiled and stepped out of the shower area to the main part of the room where Lane was waiting for me. I took his hand and led him out into the hall. “Do you want to meet my family, Lane?”

He nodded and followed closely.

“Lane, what do you think about me being your mom from now on?”

There was a long pause. “I’d like that.”

I smiled. “I’m glad.” We came to a stop at the road block of people in the hall way. “Lane this is my family.”

“I know Gilbert. He has a birdie and he gave me one.”

“Yep. He’s my big brother. So is this man.” I touched Germany’s arm to catch his attention.

He turned and looked at us. He kneeled down and smiled at Lane. “Hello, Lane. Mein name is Germany put you can call me Ludvig. I’m Kinter’s big brother.”

Lane stayed half hidden behind me. “Hello.”

“Little schy?”

“Yes.” I smiled at him. “Especially around German men.”

Ludwig didn’t ask for a reason why. He didn’t need one.

I looked at Lane. “Those are my German brothers and this is my French brother.” I touched France lightly and he spun around happily.

France smiled his dashing smile, as flamboyant as ever. “Hello, Lane. You can call me Francis.”

Lane stared at the man before him with wide eyes as though he’d never seen anything like him. Honestly, he probably hadn’t since men were usually clean shaven and France was not.

I smiled and set my hand on Lane’s shoulder. “Don’t be afraid, child. You can talk to them.”

“Hi…” Lane his himself further behind me.

I sighed. “Lane, this is America. He’s going to be our neighbor.”

“Hiya kid! You can call me Alfred!” The extreme energy in America’s voice seemed to relax Lane a little as he willingly peaked around my leg.

“I’m Lane.” His voice came out small but strong like he was trying to act brave.

“That’s a totally rad name, dude!” America put his fist out for a fist bump.

Lane looked up at me as though he was asking permission. I nodded and Lane bumped his fist against America’s.

America made an explosion sound and splayed his fingers as he drew back.

Lane gave a small giggle. “You’re funny.”

“I try.” America smoothed his hair back but it fell back into its messy position.

“One more Lane.” I grabbed Canada’s hand even though we had everyone’s attention now. “This is Canada.”

Canada kneeled in front of Lane. “Hi there Lane. My name is Mathew. I’m Kinder’s boyfriend.”

“So since Kinder is my new mom that makes you my new dad, right?”

Canada was surprised at first but he smiled a wide, happy smile. “I guess I am.”

“Good. I hope you’re better than the last one.” Lane said. He moved forward and hugged Mathew. “Thank you.”

Canada wrapped his arms around Lane with a smile. “I will be. I promise.” Canada released the boy and looked up at me from the floor with a big smile.

Lane wrapped his arms around me. “Thank you.”

I patted his back and smiled at my family around me. My German brothers were staring at us and America was watching us but peeking at his phone every so often. I was so happy. The sorrows of my people couldn’t even drown the happiness I felt. “Thank you all.” Lane stepped to the side as I moved to step forward and hug my brothers. I wrapped Germany and France in my arms tightly. “Thank you for freeing me.”

They hugged me back. “You’re velcome, little zister.”