Chapter XXIII – X for Xmas

"I swear it was not my idea!" Arthur pleaded to his family.

"There's a party organised at our house. On the 25th. A Christmas party at our house. And you're telling me you had nothing to do with this?!" Alistair growled, barely holding back his anger.

"I didn't! I had no idea the party was going to be here! My friends decided to organise a party at one of our homes and I thought it would be one of their super-huge mansions. Only yesterday, Francis phoned to say it was going to be here."

"You do know we'll have to bigger the house now. Having both our family members and Arthur's mates, we can't hold everyone in this." William motioned the large living room around them. Merwin nodded.

"Yes, I'll get someone to make it bigger."

"Right, and it won't look weird at all! A small house from the outside and a huge palace on the inside!" Patrick rolled his eyes as he shoved on a coat and prepared himself to leave.

"Relax, we can always make them forget the bigger on the inside part." William shrugged back.

"Whatever! I'm not Head anymore so this is none of my business! Just let me know the verdict when I get back. Dad, I'll be out all night on hospital shifts so don't bother keeping me some dinner."

"Alright, take care, love!" Edward called from the kitchen (where nobody is allowed in aside from himself – safety measure).

Peter was tucked in bed already and Fiona was out with some friends at the cinema. That left Merwin, Bridget, Alistair, William, and James (thought he was only there as a spectator) to argue with Arthur. Really, it wasn't his fault! It's the bloody frog who planned this fuck up!

"I don't think it's such a big deal. If Artie wants to invite his friends over, why not?" Bridget suggested but was shot with deadly glares from Alistair and Arthur.

"There will be Alfas among his damn friends!"

"I did not bloody invite them!"

"Alright! Sor-ry for speaking!" Bridget rolled her eyes and left to work in her office on some left-over paper-work.

"We can always force them away if you prefer?" Merwin suggested and he was next to be shot down by his two angry grandsons.

"How the hell is that going to solve anything, old man?!" Both Arthur and Alistair growled angrily. Neither really wished to cancel the party nor did they feel it wise to let their home host this many foreign faces.

"… Do you two practice this synchro-talking thing when we're not here?" William chuckled.

"Shut up, Will!"

"You're right, it's creepy when they do that." Merwin leaned to whisper in William's ear under the death glares of the other two.

Arthur took a deep breath to calm himself down. He couldn't let his grandfather and William drag him into their little game. Glancing at Alistair, he noticed how his scarlet haired brother also was forcing himself to peace, obviously having arrived at the same conclusion as himself.

"See? They're mirroring each other." William smirked maliciously.

"So cute~!" Merwin laughed.

He didn't laugh long as he received both Alistair and Arthur's punch in his face, knocking him out cold temporarily.

"Ah. Do you practice synchro-punching as well?" William turned a carefree expression to his fuming angry brothers. Winding them up is always a laugh!

James sipped his tea quietly as he witnessed another typical fight occur in the Kirkland household. He smiled excitedly. Soon enough, his family from across the seas would arrive. This house is soon going to become home to the largest, scariest gathering of Alfas in the world. Not only that, but this year, Grandpa Merwin will officially declare the next Head Alfa of the clan. Christmas has always been the one time of gathering of the entire Kirkland clan every year. Usually, only the Kohlers were invited but now, with Arthur's friends suddenly inviting themselves …

"This is going to be interesting."

The bell rang.

Again.

A-Fucking-gain.

Arthur groaned as he tried to slip out of the room packed with half-people he had never seen in his life-time, and half-people he didn't want to see gathered together under the same roof. For obvious reasons! You don't put 30 Alfas in the same bloody room unless you want a fucking war to erupt.

I say "room" but let's face it … This feels more like a town inside a house. Arthur groaned as he reached the front door, hoping dearly that none of this friends will go mad after tonight … or killed. You never know.

"Arthur! Wow, mate you look so cute since last time!" A cheery brown haired young man wearing a large Australian hat and his pet koala darting evil red eyes on the Kirkland Omega, hanging on the back of Arthur's cousin. Arthur's face froze into a blank expression as he got hug-crushed in his large cousin's embrace.

"Hi Jack. James' inside." The dull greeting voice of the blonde answered, already used to getting so many hug-crushes from all his visiting relatives. He was probably the only one receiving such treatment. Normal. He's the only Omega of the Clan so everyone is always extremely careful and extremely happy when seeing him. So overly-happy. God, this is tiring.

Patting Arthur's back as he walked in, Jack Oz Kirkland (Alfa) walked in laughing, soon in search for his younger blond brother. Arthur was dragged once more in a hearty hug by his uncle Henry, Jack and James' father. Tall man, tanned from his outdoor work in Australia, married an Omega woman from New Zealand. Henry had golden blond hair like James and Arthur, while Jack inherited the dark chestnut hair o his mother. Pretty woman too. With peaceful blue eyes like James'. Jack had the emerald eyes of his father … like most Kirklands.

"Arthur! How have you been? Has James been bothering you guys? This student exchange programme is a great idea! Jack now wants to do it too! Says he wants to live in England again!"

"Hello Uncle Henry. Hello Aunt Joy."

The gentle Omega wife of his uncle smiled warmly at him, nodding her head as a greeting. She is a mute but always seems to find a way to get her (pardon the expression) voice heard. She can keep her turbulent husband and sons in line, got to give her credit for that!

"Where's Peter? Move dad! You're blocking the way!" a high-pitched girly voice reached from behind the broad figure of Henry. Arthur looked down at the small 10 year old girl of brown hair in a side ponytail and usual emerald eyes. She was openly glaring at her dad but always smiled sweetly at her mother. Kaitlin Mary Kirkland turned her putting face to her cousin, Alfa mood on (unlike Peter, she could already use her dominance though it's still developing itself). Her expression softened upon laying eyes on Arthur and she quickly hugged him, her arms wrapped around his waist, lifting questioning eyes to him.

"Hi, Artie! Where's Pete?"

"Probably getting into trouble with Uncle Joe." Arthur answered, his mind drifting to an image of his red-haired uncle from the Highlands of Scotland, probably in a kilt for the occasion, and goofing around with an excited Peter on his shoulders. Hearing something break inside, Arthur guessed his mental image was probably quite close to reality.

In seconds, Kaitlin had rushed inside to join in on the fun, followed by her father and mother. Arthur closed the door. That was the last of his family members (including the Kohlers) … All that are missing are his friends. With a bit of luck, Francis will have changed his mind.

So much for that.

"Arturooooo!" Arthur felt his neck get strangled and his body tackled by a blur of red and white.

"F-Feliciano … Are you wearing that outfit again?" The blonde sighed upon seeing his friend dressed in his Santa costume again, a large Santa-like bag in his hands (probably the presents). The Italian grinned widely as he released his friend, blushing lightly, Arthur guessed from the cold.

"Si! It's Christmas! Thank you for inviting us, Arturo! Are there a lot of people? I heard your whole Clan would be here tonight! I brought pasta for everyone! Do they like pasta?"

Arthur interrupted the continuous flow of words by placing a finger on the Italian's lips, effectively shutting him up. Feliciano felt his blush increase but Arthur didn't seem to notice. Behind the hyper-Italian, Lovino, Antonio and Francis were patiently watching them. Though not with very pleased expressions … except Francis who was grinning like he was having the time of his life. Blasted frog!

"Before you come in, just let me warn you … My family is quite a bit loud, violent, and 90% made of Alfa. So try not to get on their bad-side too much. I can't guaranty your safety." Arthur calmly explained, aiming his words mainly at Antonio and Lovino. He didn't think Feliciano would have much trouble with his Clan since he was already a familiar face of his direct family. And the same applies to Francis.

"No problem, bastard. We can behave." Lovino shrugged dismissively as he pushed past his brother and inside the house, shoving a wrapped gift in Arthur's arms.

"Merry Christmas, by the way." He muttered and Arthur barely had time to thank him than he vanished into the crowd inside, his face red like a tomato.

Antonio chuckled, following after his cousin so as not to lose the moody Italian. He did however pause to kiss Arthur's cheeks and wish him a merry Christmas but kept his gift inside his pocket, not inclined to give yet. He'd wait for a quieter more appropriate moment. Francis shook his head, smiling of amusement and greeted Arthur with his usual brotherly hug and kisses, lots of merry Christmas escaping his mouth. His eyes quickly darted around though and Arthur smirked malicious as he whispered in the Frenchman's ear. Feliciano watched Francis' face turn red while he nods hurriedly and walks away into the crowd. Thus leaving Feliciano and Arthur alone. The two fidgeted nervously, neither really sure how to start a conversation. The mood was a bit off and the noisy party going on inside the house was not helping at all.

"Sooo … what's in your bag?" Arthur inquired pointing at the large brown bag hanging from the Italian's gloved hands.

"Ve! Christmas Presents! Ah! Arturo! I've got one for you too … um … do you …"

"Oi! There it is! See! It's Arthur! Arthur!" a loud happy voice called suddenly, interrupting the two.

Feliciano felt an arm swing around his shoulders and Alfred's happy grin flashed stars at Arthur. He was accompanied by the quiet Matthew, and it seems that on their way they had met up with the Germans Ludwig and Gilbert.

"Hey guys! What's up? Arthur! You look amazing in that tuxedo!"

Arthur rolled his eyes. Yes, he was dressed formally like every Christmas. A Clan meeting is still something quite special that you'd need to at least look decent. Dressed in a dark slick tux, emerald green shirt and silver lining on his collar and the edge of his tux jacket. He had a red rose pinned to his chest pocket and his hair was for once, neat and brushed back from his face in an elegant manner. Though he felt ridiculous and too stuffy in this outfit, his mother had insisted, like she does every year. He felt out of place compared to his friends arriving in elegant but casual clothes.

Alfred felt himself lick his lips one too many time and he quickly frowned at this. He averted his eyes from the delicious sight of Arthur and instead dragged his brother inside for an exploration-tour of Arthur's house! Not without hugging his host, wishing him a merry Christmas and dropping a large … no, huge present specially delivered by a truck in front of Arthur's door. What on earth had Alfred bought him?! It was actually tagged as a gift from both Alfred and Matthew with a small not of apology from Matthew concerning the size of the gift.

"And he's off!" Arthur sighed as he watched the childish grin of Alfred and his amazed expression at the town he was walking into. It literally had that kind of effect when walking inside Arthur's house. Making some average house on an average street into a place where you can fit more than 50 people … you'd need at least a palace. And Merwin had made the inside of their house bigger which was obviously disturbing yet none of Arthur's friends had mentioned their surprise. Arthur shook his head in derision, seriously if they were his friends to start with, there's nothing more that could shock them now.

"Nice place you got there, birdie." Gilbert hummed with a small whistled of impressment. His red eyes laughed at Arthur's annoyed frown. A seductive smirk curled his pale lips. Birdie was so cute~

"I told to stop with that silly nickname. And yes, my house is weird. I know. Get over it." Arthur felt his cheeks flush under Gilbert's teasing and he hated that silly nickname the albino had adopted for him. It felt too familiar and sweet. Arthur knows that he's not sweet.

"Not that weird … it just seems big on the inside really." Ludwig pointed out as he walked in politely handing his and Gilbert's gifts to Arthur. The tall blonde German smiled softly at the Omega and Arthur looked away quickly. He didn't like it when people looked at him with genuine care and kindness. It was so unusual for him to get such looks outside of his family that it made him feel all fuzzy every time. Feliciano watched quietly, not noticing how his clenched fist was now bleeding small drops of blood.

"Alfred was right. You do look beautiful. I feel under-dressed now." Ludwig chuckled at his own simple pullover and dark jeans. Arthur shook his head.

"You're fine. It's just my mum forces us to wear this every year. Clan gathering and everything."

"So how's the party going inside? Sounds pretty noisy!" The albino walked behind Arthur and peered inside the house, his attention soon got caught by some silly game Arthur's relatives were having: Arm wrestling while drinking (you lose if your hand hits the table or if you stop drinking). The looser gets a Glasgow Kiss (head-butt on the forehead) from the winner.

"Hell yeah! Artie, your family looks awesome! Luddy, come and see!"

Ludwig jumped at the nickname his brother used. It had been years since he was last called "Luddy" by his older brother. Excusing himself, he followed after Gilbert, smiling excitedly as he too watched the game. Arthur chuckled. He didn't know why but it felt as though Gilbert was not being as much of a jackass as in the past and included his brother more in his life. And Ludwig had stop being as stoic and robotic and was warming up to people. It's a nice change.

Turning back to his friend, Arthur's eyes widened in horror and he grabbed Feliciano's hand hurriedly.

"Feli! You're bleeding!"

"Ve? O-oh … I am. Veee … I didn't notice." The Italian mumbled. He lowered his head, partly because he felt guilty for worrying Arthur, but mainly he was trying to hide the satisfied grin on his lips from getting Arthur's whole attention focused on him. Was he selfish? Was it wrong for him to wish to be Arthur's focus in life? He felt as if Arthur was the whole purpose of his existence … was it wrong to wish a reciprocal feeling?

"We need to clean this and bandage it … let's go upstairs and …"

"Ah! Arthur-san! Feliciano-san! Konichiwa!"

Arthur held back the groan of annoyance and plastered smile on his face, still holding Feliciano's hand in his and this hiding the injury from their newly arrived friends. Kiku, Ivan, Ivan's sisters, Yao, Leon (Yao's brother) and their cousin Mei all arrived in the same set of twin limousine. Of course. Why do all his friends always show up in fucking limos all the time? Neighbours will get silly ideas if they see this.

Kiku bowed gracefully, smiling at his friends and was warmly welcomed. Leon was being as vague and uninterested as usual, though he did smirk at Arthur once he spotted the linked hands of the English teen and the Italian. Unlike Yao who glared and huffed, walking inside after getting into an argument with his host. It took all of Arthur's self-control not to punch the irritable git. Why was he here anyway?! Mei bowed respectfully and thanked Arthur for his kind invitation before following after Yao.

Ivan had brought along his sisters: Katyusha and Natalya. Natalya was glaring at Arthur for some weird reason, her arms hooked to her brother's. She was Alfa no doubt but had some weird unexplained hatred towards Arthur. With every smile Ivan give Arthur, Natalya would glare more hatefully. Katyusha apologised for her sister and quickly explained (after Ivan and Natalya had both walked inside) that her younger sister had always been obsessed with her brother. Katyusha, being a calm and composed Omega was the sweetest thing on earth and a body just as sweet. Many eyes followed her as she walked in. Many eyes. Except Feliciano's. He only had eyes for the beautiful blonde dragging him up the stairs to his room and away from the guests to handle his injury.

As Arthur went to fetch bandages, Feliciano was left alone in Arthur's room to wait for him. The Italian felt his pulse race of excitement as he looked around. He had been many times in Arthur's room but every time he feels like walking into a foreign land full of unsolved mysteries. When he believes he had solved them all, upon his next visit he discovers others.

For example, Feliciano knew that Arthur hid a large red captain coat that belonged to his grandfather in a safe under his bed, along with ancient golden coins that date back from Ancient Aztecs from before the Great War and were brought to Europe by Spanish colonisers and then stolen by the English to now end up in the Omega's hands. On Arthur's desk, an unfinished attempt to a book that the blonde is writing, with the dream of becoming a writer. Arthur had never told anybody else aside Feliciano about his dream. A few sheets of poems lay around in a bundle of papers, some fleetly escaping from the half-opened draws of his desk. Next to the desk, a large shelf of books rested. Books by thousands and in various languages though mainly English. In a corner of the room, there is an old wooden staff with ancient ruins. When Arthur showed Feliciano his magical abilities (an inheritance all Kirklands have) he had explained to his friend that this staff was legend to have belonged to Merlin himself. But there is no proof of such a story. On the wall, a sheathed sword hung, beautiful in its silver line and sharp blade. This sword had seen battles dating from the Crusades and through years of warring. Next to it, an old baillonette with old cracks and carves in it was used in the American war of independence and later on even during the less well known first two world wars. Frames of thousands of pictures or paintings covered the walls all with some sort of significance or story.

Feliciano marvelled at this place. It portrayed Arthur so well: full of hidden stories yet to be uncovered. The Italian lay down happily on his friend's bed, excited grin on his face. He couldn't help it. He was delighted. Because Arthur was taking care of him. He didn't really feel like joining the party at all. He just wanted to spend time with Arthur. He hoped his present would please him. Rolling around on his side to reach for the wrapped up gift in his large bag, Feliciano caught eye of something odd. Something that not quite fitted in Arthur's room.

A package.

A very odd red package. A gift? For Christmas maybe? But why would Arthur leave a gift standing on his bedside shelf?

Walking up to it, Feliciano picked up the small gift. The size of small box a bit bigger than the palm of one's hand, it was neatly wrapped in a crimson red simple paper, with a label pinned on it along with a white rose. Before Feliciano could read the name on the label, he was surprised by the sudden clash of things dropping to the floor behind him. Spinning around, Feliciano was faced with a stunned pale Arthur whose beautiful emerald eyes were wide in horror as they stared at the gift in his hands.

"Veee … Arthur? I'm sorry. Should I not have touched this …?"

Arthur didn't answer, bandages and healing kit laying at his feet where he had dropped it, Arthur nearly jumped towards his friend and grabbed the gift from him in a rushed panic. Feliciano grew more and more concerned by his friend's behaviour. The English teen looked positively terrified. He had never seen Arthur terrified. Was there something out there able to make his strong Arthur this scared? Feliciano can't even imagine it.

"No way … Impossible …" Arthur muttered as he read over and over the name on the present's label.

"Arthur … what's wrong? Eh? A-Arthur?!" Feliciano watched with wide eyes as his friend ripped the paper off the gift with a savage fury and paled significantly as he saw the small sketch book. It was old and used, with a sketch on every page and it looked like it had been cared for. Small and easy to carry around it looked the size of an address book. After leafing through the sketch, Arthur suddenly dropped to the floor, unconscious.

"Arthur! Arthur! What's wrong? Arthur! ARTHUR!" Feliciano yelled in a panic as he tried to wake up his fainted friend. On the small label that had dropped to the floor along with its rose, Feliciano could only read confusing words:

Twinkle twinkle little star
I can see now where you are