I'm Not Okay [UsUk]

Snow

December 25th, Christmas

"Alfred, wake up!"

A light tap on the shoulder and three gently spoken words woke up a certain sleepy American on a Christmas morning, making him stir in bed a little before he finally opened his eyes and looked at the face above.
It was Arthur.

"What?" Alfred replied in a confused tone, removing hair from his eyes so he could have a clearer vision of his surroundings.

He was not aware of today's date or what this sudden waking up early was for, but in all honesty he didn't really mind.

"Merry Christmas! Come open gifts with us in the living room. You're the last one awake", Arthur softly chuckled and patiently waited for the other to stand up and get ready.
It was exciting and fun every year - a long ongoing tradition of the Kirkland family in which they woke up early on each Christmas morning, opened presents with family and drank hot chocolate all together.

Matthew and Alfred didn't expect it at all, so they were shaken with the sudden celebrations.
When the younger boy woke up that morning - first as always, he stared at some wrapped up boxes underneath the flashy decorated Christmas tree in awe, sustaining himself from looking.
Actual presents? The two hadn't experienced that in years now. But all in all, it was quite a pleasant surprise for a change.

"G-gifts? But... I don't have a gift. F-for you. I didn't, uh, I'm sorry--" Alfred stuttered awkwardly as he pulled on a sweater over his pyjamas and quickly put on some socks before Arthur took him to the living room.

"Who gives a damn! Let's celebrate!"

"Merry Christmas!"

The entire family was gathered on the big sofa, shouting out the greeting all at once, everyone smiling brightly and as if they didn't have a single worry in their lives. And truth be told, this was the right time to get the mind off the bad. It was the best time to be warm, hang out with family, smile, sing, relax with all the food spread out over the table and just... Be happy.

Alfred didn't expect it to be so bright. He gave a gentle smile and sat on the kitchen chair which was brought into the living room - they knew that this year, they would need more seats.
Matthew was singing a familiar Christmas melody with Connor, Liam and Dylan which all tightly embraced each other in hugs as Alice and John brought out presents from under the tree. There was a whole bunch of boxes suddenly spread over the floor surrounding them, and everyone was impatient to see what they got. Alice and John were always happy to see their children's reaction - it was a small thing that never failed to satisfy them.

"What did I get? Can I open?" Dylan was almost grabbing for the box with his name on it, but it was Connor who shushed him and pulled him back, telling him to be polite and not rush anything.

"You didn't really get me a gift, did you?" Alfred leaned over to Arthur who was sitting in the armchair next to him, and whispered the words so that no one else could hear. "I'm not used to gifts."

"I didn't, we did. We carefully chose what to get you, I'm sure you'll love it." Arthur responded with a confident, but mysterious grin on his face.

A moment later, they found out from Alice that Allistor was coming home from college in the evening to spend time with family, which excited Arthur the most. He was the one with the closest relationship to their half - Scottish brother, and they wished to see each other more often.

"Alright, now when that's set, we can finally open the gifts."

That sentence excited the youngest ones the most, while the older ones looked joyful to see them happy.