5 Days of Christmas

5 Days of Christmas

It was a cold December day in London. December 20th to be exact. Arthur Kirkland, the personification of the United Kingdom was sat in front of the fire, a cup of tea in hand, in a foul mood.

For one, England was not one who particularly enjoyed the cold. He didn't despise it like some did, but he would much rather be in the southern hemisphere where it was summer, not winter. So why wasn't he off visiting with New Zealand and Australia?

He was waiting on another one of his former colonies to come knocking at his door, Alfred F. Jones, also known as the United States of America, who was the main reason for his bad mood.

Usually around December 10th America would fly his plane all over the world handing out invitations (that were actually more like orders) to come to his annual Christmas party he threw every year. A few decades ago this severed a problem for the countries that didn't celebrate the 25th. But now that almost everyone participates for the boost in their economy that wasn't the issue. What was was having America burst in at any time insisting you come, no matter what.

This meant most of the world was in a state of unease, since the due date for those invitations had passed a whole 10 days ago. Rumors went about as to why no one had heard from the exceptionally loud country for a while. Some said he'd locked himself in his home, hibernating to pass the chilly season by. (America was one of those who detested the idea of winter, unless it snowed and he could play in it.) Others said he had gouged himself over Thanksgiving and had fallen into a tryptophan induced coma.

What pissed the Englishman off the most however, was that he was also left out of the loop and had no idea what his own boyfriend was even doing.

But that all changed that chilly December day when he heard a knock fall upon his door.

Alfred continued to repeatedly bang on the door. He had been planning this visit for some time now, partially because England always complained about how lonely he was every Christmas even if it was in that oh so stubborn way. Al had decided to make sure he wouldn't continue his annual complaint and spend this festive time with his boyfriend. America had come very unprepared, all he had as luggage were the clothes on his back.

He shuddered and shivered as he waited out in the cold rubbing his arms up and down at an attempt to produce any sort of heat. Alfred was wearing an outfit consisting of; a white button up shirt with a graphic tee shirt underneath, a red tie round his neck, black dress pants (he was really regretting those as they were the least warm part of his attire), bright red high tops with candy cane striped fuzzy socks, his signature glasses (these days he couldn't let Texas out of his sight), and to top of the look a classic Santa's hat. If he was trying to hide his flushed face Alfred shouldn't have worn so much bright red.

Hmm let me guess, probably his tea time? Or he's reading a really good book? Maybe he's finally gone batshit crazy and only talks to his magical friends?... Wait... that last one has happened... The American thought to himself as he continued to knock on the door. "Damn Brit has probably seen me and is keeping me out here on purpose..." America said through gritted teeth. He wanted to yell to England that it was his lover at the door, but then that would just ruin the surprise wouldn't it?

Meanwhile Arthur was getting up to answer the door with a groan. He reluctantly left his place by the fire. Yes, England knew that persistent knocking anywhere.

"Hello America, you’re late this year." He said as he opened the front door speaking curtly as if he were only talking to a business associate. While his mood had slightly improved the tone of his voice didn't give it away.

Alfred collided into the Brit with a tight hug, full of energy and excitement completely ignoring the cold greating he'd received. "I'm sooooo happy to see you!!!" The American exclaimed with joy. "Did you miss me?!" He pushed past England and flopped down onto the couch without waiting for an answer.