Chapter 22: Mistletoe

Everyone got settled into their own rooms, some needing to pick straws so an argument did not break out. The teenagers calmed down around 1:30pm for lunch. "Alright everyone," Emily said. "Since we're still getting settled into this place, today we're having sandwiches until dinner. Here are the different types of bread, the condiments, and the ham, boloney, or whatever else you wanna put in it. And if you're not gonna eat in the dining room, be careful to not drop anything on the floor, especially drinks." The food was gone in an instant, most of the teens having not eaten since the early morning before the sun rose.

"Hey Kiku, you wanna go outside and build a snowman?"

"Oh, yes Alfred-san, that sounds delightful."

"Why only Kiku?" Gilbert asked, a mischievous grin growing on his face. "Is he your favorite Al? We still exist too, hello." He waved.

Alfred cheeks reddened. "I-It's 'cause this is Kiku's first trip to the cabin so I just wanted him to get comfortable without overwhelming him! A-And he's my best friend okay?!"

Gilbert laughed obnoxiously. "Yeah yeah, I know! I'm just playing with you!"

Kiku kept to himself, eating more of his sandwich, occasionally taking a glance at Alfred whose face remained pink for the rest of the hour.

The teens were allowed outside for a little while, building snow sculptures and having snowball fights, although some remained inside to help decorating with the large tree. Elizaveta was the only current volunteer, the adults resting in the dining room as they ate, having done most of the work in setting up the cabin. Some of the other teens wanted privacy so they remained in their room to sleep or relax.

"Hey Liz."

"I thought you were outside in the snowball fight Gil?"

"Yeah I was, but I got tired and came inside. Gotta recharge so I can kick ass tomorrow, y'know?"

"Sure, if that's how you want to think," she smirked.

"I know it's not my business but I'm gonna ask anyway." He picked up an ornament and hung it on a branch. "Ever since we got here you haven't spoken to Rich, even once."

"Just because we're together doesn't mean we have to be joined at the hip."

"But c'mon, you gotta admit that's strange, even for you two."

She sighed and looked around. "Okay… well I'll tell you but if you tell my parents, I swear I will strangle you."

"Okay okay, sure."

"Look, my parents don't know that… we're together."

"…You guys have been dating for almost an entire year. How is that even possible?"

"My parents had a falling out with his over the summer. And because of that, my parents don't like him, and his don't like me. But when they're around other people, they act civil. I told my mom and dad we broke up because we fought but well… as you can see, we didn't."

Gilbert tried to stifle a laugh. "I can't believe the Romeo and Juliet shit I'm hearing right now."

Elizaveta growled. "It's not funny Gilbert. I can't even talk to him, otherwise they're going to suspect I'm lying."

"…Yeah, that's pretty lousy."

"The only reason I care enough to tell you is that you're a loudmouth and I know that you'd let it slip that we're still together. If it didn't come from me, you would've spread a rumor like the plague. So don't do it, okay?"

"I know, I know! But why can't you just explain to your parents that you love him or some shit, like in those romance movies? Uh, movies that I don't watch of course, but y'know… I've heard about them from Franny and Toni."

"I'm not going to say I love him if it's not true."

Gilbert caught the glass ornament that slipped from his hands before it shattered on the floor. "What?"

Huffing, the Hungarian girl replied. "I really like Roderich, and I'm glad he's my boyfriend. I'd do almost anything for him but… I mean, he's my first boyfriend and I don't know if I love him. It's not like I'm going to climb up to his window every night and serenade him with a guitar."

"Yeah, you're right. I think that's what Toni does to Lovi actually."

She managed a small smile. "But anyway, don't worry about it, okay? Just… shut your mouth and we won't have any problems. Because if you let this secret slip…" She cracked her knuckles. "You'll find yourself buried under six feet of snow."

He held his hands up in defense. "I got it, I got it! Geez! Lighten up, it's Christmas!"

"Not for another day, so you're not out of the woods yet."

Kiku walked back inside the cabin, setting his jacket and boots by the door like the others. He warmed his hands by the fireplace, giving a passing greeting to Elizaveta and Gilbert.

"Done for today Kiku?" she asked.

"…I'm not much of a winter person."

"Ha ha! Yeah, I can see that. You look really cold!"

"Well, being pelted by snowballs will do that to a person." He smiled. "Gilbert-san, I didn't expect to see you inside so early."

"Yeah I decided to save my energy for another day so I can kick the most amount of ass in a snowball fight. Besides, Liz was decorating all by herself."

"How sweet of you Gil," the Hungarian girl said in a mocking tone.

"It's your early Christmas present."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah really. It's me not being an obnoxious dick to you during the holidays."

"You think you're obnoxious?"

"No! People've just… said some things. I'm the most awesome person here, and because of that, I need to act awesome! And not being an annoying piece of shit is awesome."

She giggled. "Okay, whatever you say. Thanks for the present."

"Yeah, whatever. You're welcome…" He began to decorate the back side of the tree, hoping his reddening face would die down sooner than later. Kiku chuckled to himself, rubbing his hands together near the fire. The next day was much more organized as nobody wanted a repeat of what happened at dinner last night. The adults decided it was in everybody's best interest to take turns getting food, and so they put their hope to the test during breakfast. It worked, but half of the inhabitants still being asleep at 7am might have helped things.

Kiku happened to be an early riser so he could enjoy the serenity of the morning before any of the louder folk (Alfred and Yong Soo) woke up. He looked through his camera, organizing the photos he took yesterday. He got a lot of good ones of the snowball fight, but some he deleted because they were copies, and others because he simply did not like the composition.

"Good morning Kiku!" Mei plopped down next to him. "I didn't think you'd be awake this early."

"I like mornings, and it makes the day seem longer. Why are you up at this time?"

"I dunno. I couldn't really sleep. I mean, I could, but I guess I was just excited. It's Christmas Eve after all! Oooh, I already picked out the outfit I'm going to wear for dinner! What about you?"

"Fashion isn't that important to me. I just wear whatever I think is appropriate."

"Ah, I see. Mm, can I see the pictures you took?" Kiku handed her his camera and she began to flip through them. "These are so good Kiku!"

"Thank you."

"I especially like this one of Arthur getting hit by snowballs from all his brothers ha!" Her eyes sparkled when she reached a photo of Alfred facing the sky, waiting for snowflakes to fall onto his tongue. "He looks great here."

"Yes, I suppose."

"…There are a lot of photos of Alfred in these shots." She smiled, a light blush dusting her cheeks. "He looks so happy… and cute."

"Mei-chan?"

"Huh?"

"You spaced out for a minute there. Are you okay?"

"Oh, y-yeah! Just uh… I was thinking silly things ah ha!" She handed him his camera back. "K-Kiku can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Do you like Alfred—?"

"NO!"

Her eyes widened. "You didn't let me finish! I was going to ask if… if you liked Alfred… f-for me…"

"Uhm, pardon?"

She nervously twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. "I'm asking because… I planned to tell Alfred that I liked him… maybe at midnight tonight, or even on New Year's Day. What do you think? Or if not that then… then maybe get a kiss under the mistletoe…"

"Who allowed for there to be such a thing here?"

Mei giggled. "Why do you sound so angry? It's a Christmas tradition! It's under the staircase, or that arch thing leading to the dining room." She pointed, and Kiku gave an "Ah" as confirmation. "People have already used it, like some of the adults, or the couples. And I wanna be next!"

"Why are you asking me for permission?"

"I'm not asking permission; I'm asking for an opinion. You know Alfred better than anybody else, and you're my cousin… I don't feel comfortable asking Matthew either."

Kiku was not sure how to respond, or even sure if he should give a response at all with the jealousy beginning to boil inside him again. "I think… You should wait to tell Alfred-san your feelings. What if he can't return them? It will ruin your holiday and make it awkward to be around him."

"…Oh, that's true. I didn't think about that. What about the mistletoe?"

"I'm not sure how to respond to that, other than don't force him to do things he doesn't want, otherwise I will be… very, very… angry."

"Hee hee, you sound like a mom."

"I-I'm not a mother. I'm being serious, Mei-chan. He's important to me so if somebody does something to him that makes him uncomfortable or upset, then I begin to resent them."

"Wow that's… a little much?"

"I didn't mean I resent you. I'm just saying… in general, I begin to dislike anybody who hurts Alfred-san in any way."

"If I didn't know any better Kiku, I'd think you have a crush on Alfred too."

His face turned pink, but he refrained from letting the expression on his face fall into embarrassment. "I'm just trying to be a good friend. This is his favorite holiday of the year, so I want him to enjoy it to its fullest. And that's my opinion on the matter, Mei-chan."

"It's not exactly the… opinion I was hoping for, but I guess you're right. Oh! But if it happens to be a coincidence that we're under the mistletoe, then it doesn't count, right?"

"…Uh, yes I suppose—"

"Thank you Kiku!" She hugged him and ran up the stairs.

"…I think I made a mistake."

The day went on as usual, the teenagers playing outside or holed up inside their rooms, absorbed in whatever hobbies they brought with them. Manuel in particular was cooped up in his room, having been tuckered out from yesterday's snowball fight. He lazily sketched a bird he saw outside earlier in the quiet serenity of his room. A knock on the door broke his concentration, and he looked up. Antonio walked in, being one of his roommates on the trip, and sat down at the edge of the bed. "There you are. I've been looking all over for you!"

"Well if you don't find me buried outside in snow, your other best bets would be here or the kitchen," he joked. "Do you need something?"

"Can't I just sit in here? It's my room too you know," he chuckled.

"I guess, but shouldn't you be with Lovino?" Manuel brought his attention back to his sketchpad. "I mean, what better holiday to be romantic than on Christmas? Valentine's doesn't count since that's a given."

"Well, can't I be alone with the other person I love?"

"Eh?"

"C'mon Manny! You've been my friend longer than anybody else ever has, and for that reason you're special to me too you know!"

"Oh… Well… thanks, I guess."

"And?"

"Aaaand… what?"

Antonio pouted. "This is the part where you say I'm also special to you!"

"Why would you think that?" His tone hinted at playfulness, a smirk beginning to form on his lips. He cracked into a toothy grin when he heard Antonio groan.

"Because! Aren't I special to you?"

"Well yeah, so I don't see why you have to ask… I thought that was obvious. If you weren't special to me, I wouldn't have forgiven you, or even attempted to mend our relationship, like how it used to be."

"You could've just said yes…"

Manuel laughed. "Fine, fine. Yes, you're special to me too… pendejo." He heard a laugh from the other.

"So who'd you get for the Secret Santa?"

"It's not you if that's what you were hoping."

"Do you mind if I ask who it is?"

"Take a guess. A really hard one. No it's not Lovino either."

"…Ah, I'm going to say… Alfred?"

"Yeah… just my luck too. It would've been slightly better if it was Matthew but it's not so… it's going to be very awkward and uncomfortable. It still… haunts me."

"I'm sorry Manny…"

"Eh, don't worry. With the trial coming up and all… I gotta get used to it, don't I?" He shrugged. Antonio said nothing as he watched Manuel's concentration targeted on the paper again.

"Hey, look at this." From his pocket, Antonio pulled out a decoration and presented it to Manuel. He raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

"…It's… a plant?"

"Mistletoe!"

"Yeah, I kinda see that? And?"

"You know what its purpose is right?"

"Why are you asking me that like if I'm some kid? Of course I know what it's for; you and Lovino were actively using it yesterday when the adults and most of our friends were elsewhere. More specifically right here in this very room. I had to leave because I felt like throwing up."

Antonio laughed. "Sorry about that."

"Yeah sure…"

The taller of the duo held it over his head, smiling and pointing to himself. "Well then, can you adoring best friend have ¿un besito?"

"What the actual fuck."

"Eh, what's wrong? You used to give me besitos all the time!"

"When we were five! Now we're nearing eighteen! It's kinda late to continue that stupid gesture 'cause it's gonna read wrong to everyone else!"

"But Manny—!"

"No!"

"Lovi won't get mad. I even told him!"

"What?!"

"You know how jealous he gets, so I just told him since it was sort of a thing we did when we were little, but then you stopped wanting me to exist whenever I was near so we didn't do it any—" A pillow was thrown at his face; Manuel was visibly embarrassed, cheeks red with a scowl to compliment it.

"I'm not doing that!"

"Pleeeease? It's a one-time thing!"

"No!"

"Manny, porfavor. No seas malo…"

"¡Dije que no idiota!"

"But it's Christmas Eve!"

"That isn't a valid excuse!"

"A kiss on the cheek will suffice."

"Argh, why do you want one so bad?! That's what Lovino's for!"

"Because I miss how it used to be… and even if it's silly to you, it's important to me! This way it feels like our relationship really is mending, because you aren't embarrassed to do things we used to as kids…"

Manuel crossed his arms, leering at Antonio, who only smiled sweetly at him. A solid minute passed in silence until the former sighed heavily. "Fine, but I swear if you tell anybody this happened, I'm not above waking up early and dumping snow on your bed."

"I promise!" he exclaimed with a grin. He pointed to his cheek. "A besito will be fine here. I know you won't willingly kiss on the lips like we were children."

"Sexuality at that point was null and void to us so it didn't matter because we were innocent as children."

"What do you mean—"

"Nothing. Shut up." He quickly pecked him on the cheek. "There. Happy? You better be 'cause you're not getting another one."

"Hmm, only satisfied. Now can I give you one?"

"Why? That should be enough!"

"Wah but Manny! This is a mutual activity!"

"I can't fucking believe this—FINE."

"Why are you closing your eyes?"

"Because I don't wanna see. You've got a problem with that?"

Antonio laughed. "No no, it's fine."

"Then get on with it so I can continue this drawing. Honestly, I don't know how Lovino puts up with your constant gestures of affection. Or you in general."

"You two can talk that out later then, since it's what you both have in common," he joked.

"Just hurry up… before somebody walks in." he sighed. "Not everybody has the common courtesy to knock on doors."

The Spanish teen chuckled, and then raised the mistletoe over his head as he heard Manuel mumble, "I can't believe I'm doing this shit." He leaned in to kiss his cheek, but at the last split second, diverted and gave the other boy a quick peck on the lips.

"What the hell?!" he shouted, heat rising to Manuel's face as he covered his mouth. Antonio laughed, stowing away the mistletoe.

"I couldn't help myself! And you didn't say where I could kiss you either!"

"On the cheek! Where else?!" He threw another pillow at him. "Get outta here before the lamp becomes the next thing I toss at your head!"

"Okay okay!" Antonio stood up, unable to cease his laughter. "I'm sorry, but you're just so cute!"

"This obsession with me being cute is unhealthy!"

"Can't somebody compliment you on your features?" He received a growl in response. "Ha ha, I know I know, I'm leaving. I'll come back up and tell you when the big dinner is ready, okay?"

"Whatever." He looked away to the side. Antonio smiled at the Mexican boy, ruffling his hair. He kissed his forehead and left in a hurry lest he be pelted by more solid objects. Manuel watched the door, his face continuing to burn. He placed a hand over his forehead, the embarrassment washing over him in full-throttle, wishing the rapid beating of his heart would slow.

The dining table was filled to the brim with food, so much so that another had to be placed next to it. The adults served their food first, and the kids went next. It was a noisy feast, but a jolly one nonetheless. Alfred was the first to ask for dessert, followed by Peter and Feliciano. The rest of the evening was spent socializing until the Secret Santa was announced. Arthur had given his recipient—Lovino—his gift without much conversation, and sat down on the couch to continue his book from the day prior before his siblings could pester him with whatever embarrassing story they had to share for everyone who was not deaf.

"Not much for festivities, are you?" He raised his head to find Francis standing in front of him. Arthur blinked, looking confused.

"Uh… no, no I'm… not really, no."

"You are surprised I'm actually speaking to you, hmm? I can hear it in your voice, and see it in your face. May I sit down?"

"Go ahead." Arthur watched him carefully as Francis sat next to him. The Briton hesitated before asking, "If you don't mind, I'd like to know… er, why exactly you've decided to speak with me after all this time?"

"Angus told me an embarrassing story about your childhood that I can now use against you."

"Ugh, for the love of—"

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." Francis chuckled. "No, it's for this." He handed Arthur a present elegantly wrapped. "You were my Secret Santa, coincidentally, so I would've had to speak with you anyway."

"Oh…" Arthur unwrapped the gift and laughed softly at the book cover. "Sherlock Holmes?"

"He's your favorite literary character, is he not?"

"Yes, but I just didn't think anybody would care to remember."

"For the past few years, you've dressed up as him on Halloween, so it's a little difficult not to remember. I was going to get you a box set of the TV show—British one of course, not the American one—but I figured you'd appreciate stories better in literary form."

"Thank you Francis. I do appreciate it." He tapped his fingers on the book. "So… Francis…"

"Yes?"

"Is that… it?"

"Hmm?"

"I mean, are you going to cease conversing with me for the rest of the year?"

"I thought about it, and I decided to apologize instead—apologize for my behavior, both before and after our argument. So, I'm sorry."

Arthur was stunned into momentary silence before speaking up again. "I'm… I'm sorry as well, honest. I was being an arse and… I was quick to judge you… that's something I shouldn't do… to a friend."

"Oh, so now you're openly calling me a friend?"

He grumbled and crossed his arms. Francis put a hand to his ear, smirking. "What was that? I'm afraid I didn't hear you."

"…es."

"Mm?"

"YES, I consider you a friend. Is that so hard to believe?!"

"Well, taking into account all that has happened, you can see where I had doubts."

"Then you should stop having them, because I said it and I won't say it again. Just know that I don't hate you as much as… other people think."

"Oh, so am I now a friend with benefits?"

"FRANCIS."

He laughed. "Sorry, sorry, I just needed to get in one last jab of innuendo." Arthur released a heavy sigh but then began to chuckle, Francis smiling in response. "I'm going to go have myself a dessert. Would you like anything?"

"I'll come with you. I think I've done enough reading on this trip." He smiled at Francis who led them both into the dinning room to exchange pleasantries.

Alfred sighed heavily as he retrieved his gift and walked over toward Manuel, trying not to let anxiety take over. He stood hovering next to him as the other played with the contents of his phone. "H-Hey!"

"…Hey." He lifted his eyes to look at him.

"Uh so, as luck would have it, you're the person I got for the Secret Santa. Ah ha, weird, right?"

"Yeah, I guess… 'cause I got you for the thing too."

"Oh! So… uhm… here then, I guess. Merry Christmas."

"Yeah… here you go." Manuel opened his gift and found five movie tickets inside an envelope. "Oh, well these'll come in handy. Thanks."

"You're welcome. Ah ha, and thanks for this shirt!"

"I know you're all about the superheroes so… I saw it and decided it'd be something you'd wear."

"Thanks Manny."

"You're welcome… Alfredo."

"Ah! You—!"

"Look, I really am trying, okay? It's gotten better. I don't get as anxious anymore. I think Kiku's photos really helped."

"His photos?"

"Eh… nothing! But anyway, thanks for the gift, honestly. Maybe one day we could… uh, hang out, like we used to? Go see a movie or something?"

Alfred grinned widely. "Yeah, of course! Uh… uhm, I'm really sorry about…"

"You didn't do anything. It was your father, not you. Er, one of my New Year's resolutions is to stop blaming other people for things they didn't do, so I'm very, very sorry for avoiding you for this long. I just… needed time?"

"I understand." He bounced on his feet. "Uh, can I…?"

Manuel sighed. "Yeah, I guess you can hug me." Alfred brought him into a tight bear hug, even lifting him up off the ground with the embrace. "Ow! You're gonna crush my spine! Okay, okay! I get it!" He could not help but laugh.

"I'm so happy!"

"I can tell!"

Mei watched the duo from near the tree and straightened our her skirt, swallowing hard. You can do this Mei. Yes, yes you can! She walked up to them with a sweet smile. "Sorry to disturb you two, but Alfred, would you like to take a picture next to the tree with me?"

"Oh, sure thing Mei! Hey Manny, can you hold this?" He handed his shirt to the shorter boy. "I'll be right back." The blonde followed Mei toward the large Christmas tree littered with presents and glowing lights.

"Ah! I forgot to ask. Do you like my outfit?" She twirled around.

"Yeah! The reindeer on your sweater is cute."

"I'm glad! It's supposed to be Rudolph."

"Hey Al, nice timing," Gilbert said as he passed by them.

"Eh? What do you mean?"

The Prussian pointed up, and Alfred and Mei looked to the ceiling. Mistletoe was hanging above their heads. A blush grew on her face, and all Alfred did was laugh nervously.

"Aww c'mon Al, don't leave her hanging!"

"I agree with Gilbert," Arthur said, a half-eaten gingerbread cookie in his hand. "Never thought I'd say that… but there it is. It's a tradition after all," he added with a smirk. Arthur put up a halting finger before Francis could make a smart comeback to his comment.

"B-But—!"

"It's… It's okay Al. I understand if you don't… don't want to do it… Uhm, why don't we—"

"It's not that I mind but…"

"C'mon before Yao gets back inside and tries to murder you!" Gilbert goaded.

Alfred scratched the back of his head as he smiled down nervously at Mei. She knew Gilbert was right; Yao would be furious if he saw them, or any boy kissing her for that matter. She heard the door open, followed by her big brother's voice, and decided to take the initiative. She stood on her tip-toes and held the sides of Alfred's face, and gave him a kiss.

Three things happened then.

One, Yao walked in with Ivan and saw the scene, shouting angrily.

Two, the friends in the room teasingly wooed them, Francis and Angus commenting on the joys of youthful romance.

Three, Kiku stood at the foot of the steps with Matthew. The younger Jones twin shook his head in disbelief, and then glanced down at Kiku who seemed to be frozen in time. His eyes grew increasingly wider, the hands at his sides slowly clenching into small fists. He swallowed hard, and silently walked up the steps.

"Kiku—"

"Matthew-san, I'm going to retire early. I have already delivered my gift. I don't feel too well, so I want to lay down."

"…Okay, then I guess… I'll see you later?"

"Perhaps." He hurried to his room and closed the door softly. Kiku fished through his luggage and put on his nightwear. After taking a few minutes to brush his teeth, he sat in his bed and turned on the desk lamp. He took out his laptop and camera, and began to organize the pictures he took for the day. There was a knock at the door shortly after.

"…Yes?"

"It's me, Matthew."

"…I'm going to head off to sleep."

"Kiku, I think both you and I know that's not gonna happen for a while. Can I come in? It's my room too." The door opened slightly, Kiku looking down at the ground. Matthew smiled and pushed the door ajar, closing it behind him as Kiku returned to the bed.

"So… what're you doing?"

"I'm sorting through the photos in my camera."

"Ah, I see."

"Did Katyusha-chan like her gift?"

"Wh-What?"

"You still haven't delivered the rabbit plush you bought at the national forest."

"How did you—"

"Alfred-san told me earlier that you planned to give it to her."

Matthew groaned. "That brother of mine…! No, I… I chickened out again…"

"Ah, I see. Well, you still have the rest of the school year to present it to her."

"Yeah, you're right, I do." He sat down on the edge of the bed. "Uh, do you want to… talk or something?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Kiku, about what happened down there, I'm sure Mei didn't—"

"I don't care what happened down there. She's free to kiss whoever she likes."

"But you like Alfred so I just thought—"

"No, I'm glad this happened. Now it's been confirmed that he is in fact, heterosexual, but then again, I should have known this begin with. Now I can cast away any illusions that have clouded my mind."

"…Kiku, I'm sorry."

"You did nothing wrong, Matthew-san." He unplugged his camera and closed his laptop. "Now, I'm sorry to ask this of you, but could you please leave the room? I want to attempt sleep, if that's alright. Unless you're going to do a quiet activity like reading, then you can stay."

"No, I think I'll go. Uh but, if you still need to talk—"

"I know, I know. You'll be there for me." He smiled weakly. "Thank you, Matthew-san."

"Well, okay, if that's what you want. Good night Kiku, and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Matthew-san."

The younger Jones twin waved at him and then exited the room, still feeling sympathetic for his Japanese friend. Kiku cocooned himself in his blankets, turning off the desk lamp. He shut his eyes trying to rid his mind of noise, both from downstairs and the clutter in his conscious. The image of Mei kissing Alfred would not leave his mind, and envy boiled green inside his veins. He gritted his teeth together, shaking his head softly.

"No… No, I won't. Kiku, Kiku, calm down," he whispered to himself. "You should have seen this coming. You never stood a chance with him. You can never have a chance with him. The best thing is to be his closest friend and support him with whatever decision he chooses. You have to. You have to." His voice cracked. "You have to…" He bit his lip, and gave a small sob. "You… have… t… to…" Tears dripped down his cheeks; he could taste blood on his lips from biting them so hard. "…have to let go… have to…" He let out another sob, burying his face in the pillow. "…have to let him go…" Kiku pulled the covers over his head, the tears lulling him to sleep.

A/N: I am pretty sure some people thought something was going to happen because of the chapter's title, but alas... not yet friends. The characters were in good spirits, so I decided somebody had to suffer to balance it out. But anyway, finally, finally the Christmas chapter is complete... four months late. I wanted to include more of Arthur's siblings in here, but I couldn't think of a specific role at this time; they'll come back though.

Spring break is ending for me so I had to get this chapter done before going back. I would've finished this a long time ago, but my friend was being a devious little thing and introduced me to Fire Emblem: Awakening. (There always seems to be an excuse for my procrastination, huh? -laugh-) I did something bad and started writing a fic now that I finished the main storyline. Novelizing a game is a lot harder than doing it for an anime... Oh Chrom, if only you weren't such a dork, I wouldn't have had the urge to write about your universe. Maybe I'll publish it after this story has run its course; it's still pending. Anyway, hope this chapter wasn't too disappointing! Thank you everyone for continuing to read this fanfiction! We're getting closer to the end, so please just stick around a little longer! I'll see you next chapter!