‘It’s far too wet for this,’ Gilbert grumbled as he huddled under the giant umbrella. His jacket had been soaked a long time ago but he didn’t want to be in the rain anymore. Back in the morning of that same rainy day, he had come downstairs still feeling stuffed from the massive Thanksgiving dinner Alfred and Matthew had prepared the night before ready to eat more food only to see his living room transformed.

‘Holy Scheisse! Weihnachten!’ he exclaimed freezing in his tracks taking in the glittering baubles and sparkling lights. Gilbert managed to make his way into the kitchen only to see a very grumpy looking Arthur nursing a cuppa and an energetic Alfred bouncing around in a hideous reindeer sweater that lit up. He blinked at the odd pair then looked for his blond. Matthew was wearing a red sweater with little white snowflakes and maple leaves along the edges happily flipping pancakes while whistling a Christmas tune.

‘Welcome to the family,’ Arthur groaned. ‘These two love the bloody holiday.’ The twins really had gone all out. Gilbert wasn’t even sure they slept though he did vaguely remember Matthew with him last night.

‘It’s not even December yet!’ Gilbert said as he sat down at the counter.

‘Too bad dude! Have you seen the stores? It’s Santa Time!’ Alfred said loudly. Gilbert shuffled closer to his fiancé trying to escape his hyperactive (soon to be) brother-in-law. Gilbert had to deal with Alfred jumping around for the rest of the morning until the American bodily dragged Arthur out insisting on going shopping before they returned home. The albino sighed and went to crash on the couch until he was blocked by a very cute and very sad looking Canadian.

‘Gil, may I ask something?’ Matthew asked with an almost kicked puppy look he knew Gilbert couldn't resist. When the man nodded wearily he continued, ‘They’re lighting the big Christmas tree in the city square tonight and I was wondering if you would like to go with me?’

Gilbert pulled Matthew into a warm hug. ‘Of course I’ll go Birdie. And who else would I go with when I have the hottest date in town?’ The smile he got in return was enough to make his heart grow three sizes.

Just thinking of that smile brought a little warmth to the Prussian-sicle until someone bumped umbrellas with him, knocking his to the ground. ‘Arschloch,’ Gilbert muttered under his breath as he stooped to pick it up. He looked at it before sighing and losing the umbrella. He was already too soaked to care.

Matthew appeared at his side grinning. He had just gone and donated their canned food to the food drive. He pecked Gilbert on the cheek and huddle close wrapping an arm around the little Canadian. ‘Thank you for coming with me,’ Matthew said with a heartfelt smile. Gilbert smiled back at then turned to the stage. The announcer was telling the crowd to sing along to the peppy Christmas music that had started playing.

‘It’s not even December yet…’ Gilbert groaned.

‘We’re at a Christmas tree lighting. What did you expect? Death Metal?’ Matthew’s reply made the albino chuckle.

‘You never know about you Canadians.’

Matthew didn’t bothered thinking up a comeback; instead he went to sing along. ‘Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Fa la la la la la la la la,’ Matthew caroled, nudging Gilbert to get him to join in.

‘I don’t sing Birdie.’ Those soft violet eyes seemed to beg to their scarlet opposites. He finally cracked, grumbling, ‘Fine, maybe I’ll sing another song.’

Gilbert stood through at least four songs before Matthew’s puppy dog eyes took their toll. Silent Night was announced and Gilbert finally agreed to sing the German but only because Matthew had given him such a pleading look; and the song reminded him of Christmas eves spent with his little brother back in Berlin. ‘Stille Nacht. Heilig Nacht. Alles schlaft einsam wacht,’ He actually sang.  His voice rising slightly above the crowd as others stopped to listen to the true German voice sing the song perfectly. As the English started Matthew picked up form where Gilbert dropped out. Gilbert loved to listen to the blond sing. Matthew’s voice was flawless though he would never admit it.

It was coming time to light the tree and both men were soaked but in high spirits. They both sang the rest of the songs, breaking off for random conversation snippets and kisses. Suddenly in the middle of Silver Bells Gilbert thought of a question. ‘Why do you like Christmas so much?’

Matthew looked over and shrugged. ‘The holidays have always been a crazy time for me and Al. Being in two different countries made it difficult despite proximity. Whenever we were together we wanted to make the most of it.’ Matthew started. ‘I actually hated it. Al could get really into it because of who he is but being so busy people usually forgot about me. But as we grew up we began to spend them together. You know Al; you can’t help but smile when he’s so hyped up. I guess now I just love the warmth of it all. Winter is in the air and some people become a little more human at times. And now I like it even more.’

‘Why’s that?’

‘Because I have you, someone I truly love and who loves me back. Al found Arthur and it was fine but as you know I was never really good in the dating department.’ Gilbert placed a sweet kiss on Matthew’s lips. He wanted to pick up the blond and twirl him around but the others around them may not appreciate that.

‘Well Birdie, I plan on having many more Christmases with you.’

The two stared into each other’s eyes until they heard the start of a countdown for flipping the large switch to turn on the hundreds of twinkling lights that adorned the large Noble in the centre of the square. As the crowd yelled one the mayor flicked the gigantic switch and the crowd watched in wonder.

Hundreds of little white light twinkled, winking on and off. Soon a spiral of colour appeared. Reds, greens, yellows, purples, blues; one by one they shone with colour. A rainbow of little lights lit the dark green of the tree and made the crowd gape and cheer at the sight. Clapping started as did the band as the people officially started their Christmas season.

Gilbert tugged Matthew around and kissed him. He wanted their holiday to start out right and what better way that with a kiss? They stood for a moment simply enjoying each other’s company and savouring the warmness. Matthew pulled back slightly, a small smile on his face. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too, Birdie.’ Matthew looked around before grabbing Gilbert’s hand tugging him along. ‘What are we doing?’

Matthew turned with a grin and a look in his eyes that reminded scarily Gilbert of Alfred. ‘We’re going shopping!’