December 24, 1814. 11:30 PM
Surrounding a small fire place was 18 little children. Some were cover in bandages. Some had blonde hair with blue or green eyes. Others had light brown hair that clash with each other. They wrap their thin blankets around them as they wait. Flinching when a slight whimpers echo through their small house. They died off as the snow begun to wind was whipping against the window panes like crazy animals attacking. Snow thumps on the wooden roof so loud that the oldest had to hum over it. Jumping up when the front door was open, they wait for a young man to appear.
"Sorry it took me a long time to get home," a cheerful voice echos as the man wipes snow off himself. "How to negotiate a peace treaty with England and Canada."
"It no problem," The oldest one states as he stares at Alfred with an unemotional face. "Is our parents coming to visit this year?"
Alfred looks into their young eyes before rubbing his head. Looking around before noticing letters on the long wooden table. Smiling as he grabs them, hands them out to the older children.
"These are letters from them," Alfred nudges the hair on a girl with long blonde hair with soft brown eyes. Her skin a little dark then the rest like the other with green eyes. "Do you want me to read your letter Dianne?"
"Çi papa," Dianne nods her head as he pick her up.
"I'll read all your letters to you if you want," Alfred exclaims happily as the children nod before following to the table. He watches them sit in their spot before opening the letter to the oldest.
"Dear Kauke or Delaware...Merry Christmas. I hope you are keeping warm, and you're not acting like your father." Alfred pauses to look at Kauke. He had a smile on his face with tears. "I got cut this short since I need to get ready for tonight. Love your Finland and Sweden."
Kauke laugh slightly before picking up the small girl with with bushy eyebrows. She hugs him around his neck. Alfred pats her back as he continues to the next letter.
"Dear Larz and Victor, or as that young America calls you, New York and Connecticut. I hope you enjoy your Christmases. Love... no name. Topical, sorry guys. Here a letter to most of you guys!" Alfred holds up a letter.
"Flashy France, or Grumpy Old England?" The little girl that Kauko was holding sucks her thumb.
"It's from... now who is that at this time of night?" Alfred pauses when there was a knock on the door. He walks to the door opening slowly, he was tackle by a small polar bear. "Get off me Kumajirou! "
"Eh! Sorry about that Alfred," Matthew pulls Kumajirou off his brother.
"What are you doing here," Alfred hiss and glares at Matthew. He whispers in hush tone. "Trying to ruin my family Christmas even more? Can't you go back to Arthur and spend time with him? Or do you want to hurt Serena even more?"
"I'm sorry for going overboard, but I had a right to do the same back to you...screw it I was trying to be nice and bring my nieces and nephew presents." Matthew crosses his arms leaning against the doorway.
Alfred pauses for and moment before looking back and his children. He notice they were sad and hurting from the war. Some still had bleeding wounds with broken bones. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Alfred let him in. Turning back to the children to notice they froze to stare at Matthew and the sack.
"Look who came to visit, it's Uncle Matt. He brought gifts for you guys if you have behaved this year."
"Yah!" The children dog pile him as they hug him tightly. He laughs quietly as Kumajirou drags the sack away. Opening the sack, he hands items to each child.
"For Kauko and Boston, a new boots for the harsh winter. Dolls for Adalina, Dianne, Maria, Adison, and Mary. Some bonnets for the twins and Virginia. Some soldiers for the Larz, Frederick, and Victor." He looks at the rest before smiling. "Paint set for Nico and Gabe. A small violin for Adam and Elizabeth. And a baby Ruffed Grouse toy for Penny from your father."
Penny smile as she hugs the toy as she runs to play with her siblings. They girls play with their dolls as the boys are playing war. Nico was painting something quickly as he look at everyone. Alfred hugs Matthew softly as he leans against him.
"I'm sorry for earlier Matthew," Alfred smiles happily as his children laugh and play.
"It was also my fault so I'm sorry also." Matthew hugs Alfred.
"Done! And just in time." Nico holds his canvas to them. His soft brown hair with a small curl bobs as he swings on his feet. "Merry Christmas Dad."
Alfred looks at the painting to see his family Smiling in a st group painting. Matthew and Kumajirou were in it too. It was perfect to him as he hugs hugs his son with tears in his sky blue eyes.
"Merry Christmas Nico... Merry Christmas everyone!"
