***Welcome to another mini-chapter fic! This one is in light of the upcoming holidays, since I am super excited for Christmas this year on my end! I thought sharing in some good ol' holiday relationship sweet drama will do us all a bit of good! So I hope you like it. I don't plan on this fic being many chapters. Maybe 3 or 4 tops. Read and review, of course. ^_^

***Warnings: Language, drama, humor

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

***Summary: After breaking up with his boyfriend, Ivan, Alfred accepts an invitation to spend the holiday season with his friends at a romantic ski lodge. Hoping to escape his heartache and find Christmas cheer, he happens to run in to Ivan while staying at the lodge. Alfred wants more answers as to why they broke up and hopes to rekindle the relationship. But does Ivan still want a relationship? Will the joyfulness of the holiday season help to push the two back together?

Non-sexual pairings: GerIta, FrUK, TurGre, Spamano, and Gilbert = (He might find someone! XD)

Blue Christmas

Chapter 1

'Come on, Alfred! It'll be fun! You need the distraction, and no one likes to hang around an empty home on Christmas!'

That's what his friend, Feliciano, told him over the phone two days ago when he received an invitation to stay at a ski lodge with a group of his friends for the holiday.

Alfred stared lazily out the window at the passing evergreen trees and endless gray sky as the car climbed higher up the mountain road. He hitched a ride with Feliciano and his boyfriend, Ludwig, and Ludwig's older brother, Gilbert. Feliciano's twin brother Lovino and his boyfriend, Antonio, were already up at the ski lodge. His other friends, Arthur and Francis, were heading up to the ski lodge as well and were driving in the car behind them. Alfred would be the only gay guy at this place without a boyfriend.

He had recently broken up with his boyfriend, Ivan, who he had been dating for two years. Alfred still didn't know exactly what happened to end their relationship but they started to grow further and further apart. Dates and calls started becoming fewer and fewer. Ivan was always busy with his work and Alfred was caught up in his sports radio show. They used to share so much together when they had first started dating.

Alfred first met Ivan during their last years of college when he was hosting the school radio show. He had called Ivan in for an interview because the Russian was to discuss the growing interest in the school's science and biology department. Ivan wanted to be a scientist, and he's currently shadowing a top-rate scientist now. Alfred was talking about sports and gossip on the radio. The more Ivan progressed in his field experience, the further he pushed Alfred away. At least, that's how it seemed to Alfred.

"Hey, Alfie, turn that frown upside down!" Grinned Gilbert, who was wearing the most obnoxious and ugly ski sweater next to him. "You'll probably meet someone while we're at the lodge! All the gays are going to be there this year!"

Alfred turned from the window to look at him, straitening out his ski sunglasses. "Don't tell me this is one of those sausage fest type of lodges?"

Feliciano turned around in his seat to add to the conversation. "It's not just that! There's girls there too! Girls that aren't interested in us, but still lots of girls! It's a love lodge too!" He squealed. "They have heart-shaped tubs and mirrors on the ceiling-"

"Whoa, slow it down!" Alfred put his hands up. "You guys didn't tell me this was a love hotel! I'm not looking for someone right now!" How could they do that to him?

"Feli, sit down and buckle your seatbelt." Ludwig softly scolded. "It's not just a love hotel. Yes, they do have specialized rooms for that sort of thing, but I knew how you would feel so I booked you a regular room. The 'Mountaineer Room'. It's supposed to look like a cabin and it has a nice view of the ski slopes."

Leave it to Ludwig, the most practical of them all, to know how to handle any situation. "Thanks Ludwig."

"I don't have anyone either," started Gilbert. "But I plan to find someone!"

"Veh~ and you'll find someone too, Alfred!"

"I'm not ready for another relationship, Feli." Alfred reminded him.

Feliciano pulled down the passenger side sun visor and used the mirror to look at Alfred in the back. "But I didn't want you spending Christmas alone. Nobody in our group cares if you have someone or not! You're still our friend and deserve to celebrate the holiday season with friends."

Alfred thanked him with a small smile and turned back to the window, trying to admire the wintery wonderland they were driving in to.

"Oh, I just got a text from Sadiq and Herc." Said Gilbert, looking at his phone. "They're already there and met up with Lovi and Tony."

"Veh! Tell them we'll be there in-" he looked at the estimated time on the iPhone's GPS. "Twenty minutes!"

'Yeah, twenty minutes until a Christmas love-fest at a holiday centric ski lodge with lovebirds everywhere…and then there will be me. Alone.'

Alfred had never felt so defeated and depressed before in his entire life. He was always bubbly and full of energy, the highlight of the party, the fun guy, the happy-go-lucky loud mouth who enjoyed anything exciting. From movies to clubs, Alfred loved to enjoy himself. But recently, after his breakup with Ivan, he's been withdrawn and depressed, almost alienating all of his social circles except for work. That's why his friends invited him to this ski lodge for Christmas, to hopefully see him enjoy himself. In his anger, it felt like his friends were pitying him. But in truth, they cared about him and wanted to see him happy, not just during the holidays but all the time.

They were a great group of friends and he was proud to have them. They all met at a gay rights protest in front of the court house. It was a small showing, but they quickly became friends afterwards. Alfred liked to joke that they had all escaped from the 'It's A Small World' ride in Disneyland because they were all of different ethnic backgrounds. He was proud to be an American! He bled red, white, and blue! Feliciano and Lovino were Italian, which often were referred to as the 'Macaroni Brothers'. Ludwig and Gilbert were German, with the sibling nickname, The Studdy Spuds. That, of course, was Gilbert's naming. Francis was French, often going off in romantic rants in his native tongue whenever he baked authentic French pastries. Arthur was English; snobby, uptight, snooty, and made terrible food. Antonio was from Spain and loved to sing with his guitar, which was both enjoyable and nerve-wracking. Sadiq was from Turkey and the eldest of the bunch. But he was the friendliest, often acting like a big brother. Heracles was Greek and lived his life in slow motion. The cat-loving, ever napping man was never in a hurry, even when he was in a rush.

Aside from having boyfriends, with the exception of Gilbert and himself, they all had better jobs than him too. Ludwig was an architect and Gilbert a private contractor. Feliciano and his brother owned a popular restaurant and pizzeria in center city. Francis owned a bakery mainly of sweets and fancy décor. Arthur ran a boutique, selling his own creations as well as other retailers with anything from clothing to perfume. Francis and Arthur actually work next door to each other, which is also how they met, with sexual tensions running high and battling businesses. Sadiq is part of a company that owns a chain of luxury furniture stores, mostly overseas. The one he owns and operates is in their city. Heracles is a veterinarian , specializing in cats, and runs a shelter for cats on the side. The Greek never went anywhere without his big black binder full of adoptable cats.

He had a couple of hours on the radio with a major program talking about sports. While his job wasn't as flashy or fancy as his buddies, he was a small city celebrity. There were fan sites for him, along with fan clubs, fan mail, and very high ratings. He had been interviewed on network television once or twice, which is more than he could say for his friends. But when they were all hanging out together, it was disheartening to know that his job was less than satisfactory in the social ladder. All he did was sit in a chair, press buttons, take calls, and speak into a microphone about everything and anything sports related. However he does have two radio award trophies for 'best sports program' and 'youngest radio star'. But when he is standing next to a contractor and a veterinarian, his radio job didn't match up.

'Just one more reason for this holiday season to suck.'

/

The lodge was huge, bigger than Alfred though it would be. Slopes and massive snow covered trees surrounded it. People were skiing or snowboarding down the slopes, looking like small colorful dots against the white. The front lawn stretched wide with walking paths of stones and decorated with lighted shaped hedges, most in the shape of deer or bears. There sat a large fountain in the center that they passed, which glows bright blue at nighttime and is lit up with lights. Wreaths with massive red bows hung on every window; two hung on the double glass doors of rooms with balconies. Through the large bay windows in the front of the lodge stood brightly decorated Christmas trees. The entire lodge was covered in lights, which could probably be seen from space during the night.

Alfred wished he had Ivan here with him. Already he had seen multiple couples, gay and straight, walking along arm-in-arm in warm holiday coats, hats, and gloves. He passed a young Lesbian couple on one of the benches, both giggling in glee as they sipped their mugs of hot beverages, all the while holding hands. To his left he saw two men, one trying to help the other learn how to use ski sticks. The smaller of the men fell with one ski going up in the air, making the other man laugh. They too were a couple, for the bigger man gave the fallen one a kiss on the cheek before helping him up.

It reminded Alfred of the time he took Ivan roller skating for the first time. Ivan didn't know how to roller skate, but Alfred assured him that it was no different than ice skating, which Alfred had no clue how to do. He had to guide Ivan all around the skate rink, trying not to laugh as the man's skates criss-crossed around constantly. Ivan landed on his rump more times than Alfred could keep count. Ivan wanted to teach him how to skate, but Alfred wasn't too fond of the ice in general so he declined. Ivan was sad about that, and now Alfred regretted it.

Inside the lodge was just as grand as the exterior, with high ceilings decorated with antler chandeliers and lit with electric candles. The bottom floor had a gift shop, a bar and lounge, a spa, a Ski Barn, a gym, a steakhouse and a coffee shop name he had never heard of. He would have to visit the bar and lounge…and stay there for most of the time. He would need it.

The couples banter was already going on behind him.

"You better have packed my electric toothbrush, Francis!" Hissed Arthur. "I refuse to use those brittle bristle cheap ones they have here! It's the same in all hotel rooms!"

Francis took off his scarlet beret. "I packed your stupid toothbrush! Just like I packed the large bottle of Scope you so insultingly use after-" Arthur had slapped a hand to his mouth to keep him from saying the rest.

Ludwig had his tablet out, tapping his finger on the screen as he went down the checklist, something he always did. He was fond of checklists. "Do we have the duffel bag with our ski clothes?"

Feliciano panted out, 'Yes' while trying to balance and carry their luggage with the help of Gilbert.

"And our cosmetic bag?"

"Yes."

Ludwig checked it off. "Our hiking gear and survival kit?"

Alfred couldn't help but interject. "Are you guys planning on camping outside or something?"

"No, but we do have some hikes we're going to go on." Ludwig answered. "Feliciano and I. We have a wilderness survival hike tomorrow morning. Today we are seeing the fossil and bark exhibit, and then we will be on the roof taking a sky tour of the winter constellations."

Feliciano made faces of disgust and boredom from behind Ludwig, which was almost getting Alfred to laugh. "And Alfie, you're more than welcomed to come with us!"

"Ah, no thanks. And isn't Gilbert going with you?" Alfred jutted his thumb to the albino.

"Me? Hell no! I'm hittin' up the bar and longue! The only petrified wood I need to see is-"

"TMI!" Shouted Lovino, plugging his ears as he approached the group with Antonio following behind.

Alfred watched as they all greeted each other with hugs and some kisses. Antonio liked to kiss everybody. Lovino wouldn't kiss or hug Ludwig but instead called him a 'potato bastard' and flipped him the bird. When it was Alfred's turn, he smiled with a greeting to Antonio and hugged him.

"Glad you could come, Alfred." Said Antonio, patting him on the shoulder. "Sorry to hear your relationship with Ivan ended."

Alfred shrugged his shoulders. "Eh. What are you gonna do. It happens."

Antonio grinned and pinched his pink cheeks. "That's the attitude to have! Oh, you have to come to the bonfire tonight! I brought my guitar and I am going to sing the night away with my rendition of 'O' Holy Night'!"

Lovino pushed his way in. "I brought extra earplugs if you want them." He said to Alfred, who just laughed as Antonio made an overdramatic show of hurt.

"So, where's Aladdin and the Genie?" Gilbert asked Lovino and Antonio, which was his code name for Heracles and Sadiq.

"They're out on the slopes already." Antonio answered. "Well, they're practicing right now, really. Sadiq's never skied before and apparently Herc has some sort of skiing trophy he won some years back. You can guess the amount of arguing and competition those two will be having while here."

"Ain't that the truth!" Gilbert said with a laugh, shoving his hands in his L. L. Bean coat. "Their arguing is the gift that keeps on giving!"

"Opposites attract has been an age-old love story that never fails!" Added Francis while wrapping his arms around Arthur's waist.

Lovino added, "If they break up it won't come as a shock to anybody." He quickly covered his mouth, looking at Alfred.

Alfred noticed that all of them had fallen silent, refusing to meet his gaze and looking anywhere but where he was standing. They had all heard Lovino's joke, which, in Lovino's defense, was completely harmless without any malicious intent behind it. Alfred had to admit that it hurt to hear those words along with the happiness all the other couples were sharing. It was like being the only person at a wedding table without a name card: Ludwig & Feliciano, Antonio & Lovino, Francis & Arthur, Sadiq & Heracles, Gilbert & Whomever at the time, and Alfred. They were all going to pity him this week, so he had to put on a brave front.

"Hey, don't look so glum, guys!" He said with a grin. "I'm fine, okay? There's no reason to tip-toe around me. My life isn't some Lifetime weekend movie! I'll survive just fine!" he rubbed his hands together. "We'd better get into our rooms and settle in because boy, am I hungry! And that steakhouse is going to be my first stop! Oh, they have a lunch buffet! Whoo hoo!"

/

After making an obvious ass of himself, everyone headed to their rooms. Alfred had the rotten luck to follow behind some of them, peeking into their lavish rooms fit for love making in the most romantic (and tacky) ways possible. Each room was bigger and better than the last. He had helped Feliciano carry in a bag and looked around the massive room. They didn't have a heart-shaped tub but it was a bed instead. Their 'bathtub' was a champagne glass! A large champagne glass tub that one needed steps to get up in to! They even had a tiny bar! There was a fireplace with two fainting couches and bear-skin rub. To make matters worse, on the center coffee table was complimentary gift basket of fruits and chocolates along with a vase of fresh cut roses and a bucket of chilled champagne.

Then, he came to his room. 'The Mountaineer' suite, said the lodge tag key chain. Swiping the card, he opened the door and stood inside, dropping his luggage to the floor.

There was no heart-shaped tub or bed, just a king sized wooden bed that looked like Davy Crockett had carved it. An ugly quilted pattern of moose, bears and ducks covered the bedspread with matching pillows. How was it possible to even have curtains to match? The floor was covered with various area rugs overtop of the natural wood floor. The vanity and chest of drawers also had carved designs on them, only these were owls. He stepped over the luggage to peer into the bathroom; a whirlpool tub and stand alone shower with average crapper. The wallpaper inside the bathroom was so woodsy that even the Big Bad Wolf would have turned away if Red Riding Hood's grandma lived here. The only redeeming quality was the whirlpool tub, and the T.V. It had cable, a Roku box, a game controller and Blu-ray player. At least he could hide out in his room and be entertained if he wanted to.

He unpacked his things in the drawers and plugged in his cell phone and laptop. This was going to be his room for the next seven days until after Christmas. Alfred already knew what he was going to give all his friends for Christmas; a bottle of nice wine sent to their rooms with a card. His friends will want to share the majority of Christmas Eve and Day with each other, not with him.

"This sucks major donkey balls." Alfred said to himself in the vanity mirror. "But, I shouldn't let it get me down." He made himself smile proudly at his reflection. "Who knows, Alfred, maybe you will find someone else during your stay here. Maybe a hot ski instructor or a sexy dude at the gym! Maybe even a rough and tough lumberjack that knows how to make real maple syrup!" The thought of syrup and pancakes made him smile. "I bet this place makes awesome breakfast too!"

So he set up breakfast for tomorrow, signed up for an in-room massage as well, and flopped on the bed to enjoy some television.

Just as he was dozing off, there was a knock at the door followed by Feliciano's voice.

"Alfred! You ready to hit the slopes? We're going to ski for a bit and then hit the outside hot tubs for some good R and R!"

"Oh, yeah! I'll meet you guys in the lobby! Be there in a bit!"

/

The fresh winter mountain air was a real treat. Alfred took a big, deep whiff of the fresh air and blew out a cloud of smoke. He was starting to feel better, especially since he was sporting his brand name winter merchandise along with a remake of the current Americans Winter Olympics uniform coat. He didn't like to ski. Snowboarding was his thing and he rented a board at the lodge.

They finally caught up with Sadiq and Heracles on the bunny slopes. Sadiq was just coming down the small hill but his knees buckled and he fell backwards, sliding the rest of the way down on his rump.

"You make it too hard." Heracles scolded him. "There is nothing difficult about this."

"I bet you're putting a curse on me!" Sadiq hissed back. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Hey you guys!" Feliciano announced loudly, running to greet them.

Alfred, as usual, was the last one to greet them with a bro hug. "Good seeing you guys again!"

"Where's the big Russian?" Heracles asked flatly, looking around. "Too much reenacting of Rocky 4 in your room to make it out here?"

Everyone fell silent again, looking anywhere but at Alfred.

"I guess you two haven't heard." Alfred forced a smile. "Ivan and I broke up about a month ago."

"Sorry to hear." Sadiq pat him on the shoulder. "But, you're in luck! The holidays always bring out the romance in people, and no one wants to be alone on Christmas. Just keep your eyes peeled because I've seen a good chunk of single men walking around." He pointed to a man standing by the ski lift. "See that guy? He's one of the ski instructors here at the lodge. Handsome, single, owns his own gym, and he's Portuguese."

Alfred gave a crooked smile. "I'm not really looking for another relationship right now. I really just want to hit those slopes! Who's with me?"

"We'll do it tomorrow." Said Ludwig. "Feliciano and I have to get to the hiking trail or we'll miss the owl showing."

Feliciano mouthed 'help me' as he followed behind Ludwig, leaving the rest of the party.

Alfred took to the slopes along with the others. He was excellent at snowboarding. During one of the ways down he had accidently frightened Arthur, who fell off his skies and nearly got run over by Sadiq, who had no actual control of his legs. Lovino and Antonio both cursed him as he went speeding by, accidently spraying them with snow but Alfred didn't care. All skiers hated snowboarders. Francis was the only one of them not skiing, preferring to sit at the base by the hot drink stand and sip spiced cider instead. Francis would wave to them, like a proud parent, as they came to the base.

Alfred didn't stop snowboarding until the sun went down and the others had quit to do other things. When he got up to his room, there was a note on the door left by Feliciano telling him to come and meet them at the spa. It was for the soaking tubs. Alfred quickly got into his swimsuit, put on some casual clothes and UGG boots, and hurried to the spa. Soaking in a hot herbal tub would be just what he needed to ease his snowboarding muscles.

The spa attendant brought him to the outdoor tub where Arthur, Feliciano, Lovino and Gilbert were. They all had towels wrapped around their heads so he did the same, stepping into the hot water to join them. A floating tray of sake and cups bobbed in the middle as they all had their arms resting along the edge.

"So how was the hike, Feli?" Alfred couldn't help but ask.

Feliciano sighed. "It was so boring! I had to hike and hike and hike up this steep mountain! Ludwig was getting mad because I was way far behind everyone else! But it was so cold and long! And then we had to walk all the way back down!"

"That's usually what you do when you go hiking." Gilbert joked, pouring himself a bit more sake.

"Did you at least get to see the owls?" Alfred grinned.

Feliciano rolled his eyes. "Yes. Four different kinds of owls!"

Arthur laid a hot towel over his face. "You're better than me, Feli. If Francis wanted me to do something boring like that I'd tell him to stick it."

"Yes, but you two do a lot of wine and cheese tasting." Lovino pointed out. "My dumb brother has to do everything that Ludwig wants him to do!"

"Veh! That's not true!" Feliciano whined. "I don't mind doing the things Ludwig likes to do! He let's me pick things to do all the time! Antonio sings to you! Ludwig won't sing to me!"

"Pfft. And I have to endure that singing again tonight at the bonfire." Lovino shook his head. "I don't know why he insists on singing. He thinks that by singing loudly it somehow masks the fact that he's a shit singer."

"Please, Francis sings all the time in the kitchen making food. I caught him once singing, 'You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings' to a bottle of wine."

Feliciano gasped when he looked at Alfred. "Oh my God! Alfred, we're so sorry! You must think we're terrible friends!"

"N-no, I don't think you guys are bad."

Arthur dropped his towel in back into the water. "We're talking about our boyfriends in front of you. It's inconsiderate."

Alfred couldn't help himself. He felt the anger building up in him and he let it all out. "Why don't you guys just stop already?" He hollered. "I'm more annoyed and pissed that you keep pitying me like this! So what if I don't have a boyfriend anymore? That doesn't mean you guys can't talk about yours in front of me! Do you think I'm so lame that I would weep like a high school kid if you guys keep talking about your boyfriends? No! So stop being so damned subtle! I'm out of here. I'll be in my room!"

When he got back to his room he quickly changed into sweatpants and a tank top to go to the gym. Whenever he was stressed out or frustrated, he would go to the local gym and work out his problems. He knew acting out the way he did in front of the others was a little overdramatic but he had reached his breaking point and couldn't take it anymore. It had been on his mind all day. They were all trying so hard to make him comfortable, but that was no reason why they had to limit themselves to what they enjoy. They all have lovers; he doesn't have one.

'I never should have agreed to come here.'

While on the treadmill and playing his iPod, Alfred was lost in his thoughts as he ran. Yet when their song came on, 'Never Knew Love Like This Before', his thoughts were immediately on Ivan. They had truly 'fallen in love' during one of their dates at an '80's charity dance. This song came on and they danced to it, with Alfred mouthing the words to Ivan. On a karaoke night they had performed it together, put on a good show but didn't win the prize. It became 'their song', which held so much meaning to them in the beginning. Or at least he thought.

He had to skip the song halfway through because it was threatening to bring up embarrassing emotions. He ignored the rest of the music that played and thought back to when the relationship ended.

Ivan's exacts words had been 'we're just too different', which to Alfred was bullshit. There was something else going on that Ivan wasn't telling him because it was a pretty lame excuse to come up with to end a long relationship. Yes, their jobs were interfering with their relationship but it was something they could have worked out. Later, a short time after they broke up, Alfred found out from a source that Ivan was seen with another man. Alfred wanted to confront Ivan about it, to ask him if the reason for their breakup was because he had found someone else. And if that was the point, then why would Ivan lie to him? When it came to emotions and matters of the heart, Alfred believed in being truthful to your partner. In the end, he lost his nerve of confronting Ivan and just let it go. It was easier to forget than to cause more drama.

But he didn't forget. It was eating away at him. He turned off the treadmill and went to the juice bar, cooling his forehead with a glass of ice water.

'Cold, just like Ivan.'

Sitting down at a small corner table, he thought back to the earliest months of their relationship when they were happy. Ivan was sweet and caring, a little boring and stiff at times but he was a guy who liked to have fun. The sex was good, too. Actually, it was the best. Not that Alfred had much to compare to but the Russian never left him unsatisfied. They did so much together! They would go to movies, see plays, go to sporting events; normal things a couple would do. They even took a trip to Russia so Alfred could see Ivan's homeland. Yet all that fun began to change when Ivan started pushing away. Alfred didn't really notice it at first until the signs started showing more often, and he just knew that something wasn't right.

'Now here I am. Alone, in a beautiful ski lodge with Christmas just around the corner and I'm boyfriend-less.'

At this point in his life, he wouldn't think something so simple as a bad breakup could have such a profound affect on him. It was getting harder to hide his depression, something he really didn't believe in until he began experiencing it himself. Perhaps this was his karma for thinking that no person should be depressed, that every person should just snap out of it and be happy. But if it were that easy, then wouldn't HE be able to snap out of it and move on? The answer was a big, fat 'no'.

To further his relationship depression, Alfred went back to his room to change for dinner, which would be at the steakhouse. A large, medium-rare prime rib would suit him this night. Food was always good for comfort, even if it did tend to put 'weight' on a person. Then, after the steak, he'll have a big dessert, maybe two servings of cheesecake. Food could always make him happy. He had brought his winter gear with him for he planned to take a holiday lighted walk around the lodge to work off a quarter of the fat he would consume at dinner.

The steakhouse was full of couples sharing in a romantic dinner of meat and potatoes. Alfred was lucky to have gotten the single table in the far corner by the fireplace where he could hide and play on his phone while waiting for his food. The waiter brought him the Sam Adams Boston Lager and a glass, pouring it for him. He thanked the waiter and placed his order for the prime rib, with an extra side of mashed potatoes and some corn as an add-on.

Up above him was the speaker for the steakhouse, now playing 'Baby It's Cold Outside' with Dean Martin. Alfred had to take a long swig of his beer for it seemed the Fates were playing a cruel joke on him. Ivan used to see this song around the holidays while doing various little things, like making dinner or cleaning. Sometimes Ivan would sing it to him, which would make him laugh because for such a large guy, Ivan had a high singing voice. That was just one of the many sweet things Ivan would do for him, so why did it have to end so badly?

'So we are a bit different, but like Francis said, opposites attract. So why couldn't we make it work?'

He thought about his friends and their relationships, with each one seeming like it wouldn't work out; or at least the two didn't seem compatible. Francis and Arthur were polar opposites, yet the two had been dating the longest out of all of them. Ludwig was strict, firm, punctual and obedient while Feliciano was a lazy flake and a bubble-head. Sadiq and Heracles fought all the time; there wasn't a time when he remembered they weren't fighting. Ivan told him once it was hate-sex that kept those two going for so long, but Alfred couldn't believe that. And lastly, there was Antonio and Lovino, another pair of opposites. Antonio was sociable, fun-loving and romantic, always putting Lovino first. Lovino only bosses him around, calls him names, and makes it seem like Antonio is stalking him. There was Gilbert, but that guy was in a league of his own. Gilbert didn't care for romantic relationships, or so he claims. Whatever the reasons, all his friends have strong relationships even if they don't seem to match. So what was wrong with HIS relationship? Where did he go wrong?

The prime rib didn't stand a chance, nor did the double layered chocolate lava cake he ordered afterwards. Alfred had stuffed himself fat, burped into his napkin, and pat his belly with a smile. Sometimes good food could solve all your problems, at least for a little bit. He paid the check and took a bottle of beer with him. Since it was an all-adult lodge, drinking outside the lodge was allowed.

Outside it had begun to snow light flurries; a romantic evening indeed, except when your only date was a thick cut of meat and chocolate cake. Alfred grumbled, pulled his hat down grumpily over his ears and began a fast paced walk around the grounds.

'Stupid snow. Stupid lodge. Stupid Christmas! Just call me the Grinch!'

"Hey! Wait up, Alfie!" That was Gilbert.

Alfred looked around for Gilbert, seeing the man hurrying over to him and waving.

"Hey Gilbert."

"The others are looking for ya! The bonfire's about to start and Antonio doesn't want to sing until he knows you're there."

Alfred gave a light smile. "Oh, yeah, forgot about that. It's okay, though. They have a bonfire every night here in the winter. I'll just catch it tomorrow."

Gilbert gave him a suspicious look. "Are you being a Scrooge?"

"I'm not a Scrooge!" Alfred puffed. "I'm just-" he couldn't bring himself to say 'depressed'. "-not happy tonight."

"Hey, you're making a big deal over nothing." Gilbert put his arm around Alfred's shoulders. "Sure, you had a bad breakup. It happens to all of us. But you're only, what? 26? 27?"

Alfred frowned. "24."

"24! You've got your whole life ahead of ya!" he slapped Alfred's chest. "And let me tell you something, it's easier to find someone in the homosexual world than it is in the heterosexual world."

"What do you mean by that?" Alfred scoffed. "That doesn't mean anything. Assholes are assholes no matter which way they swing."

"True, but we tend to have a more…open community. At least in my experience and the people I know. I'm not speaking for everybody so let's not chop my head off over it. I'm just saying that it's not the end of the world." Gilbert's voice softened a bit. "You're still young. There's so much you have to offer the world, so don't pine over one guy. You'll have many more Christmas' in the years to come with a lover by your side. Nothing is forever. Except maybe death, but that's another topic for another day." He stuck his tongue out to catch a snowflake.

Alfred leaned against a stone wall. "Hey, Gilbert? Can I ask you something? Why is that you don't want a relationship? Don't you practice what you preach?" Alfred grinned.

Gilbert shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I just haven't found anyone worthy of me, of my awesomeness. I'm tough to handle." He blew some clouds with his breath. "Wild. Untamable. Mysterious." He changed his tone of voice and it made Alfred laugh.

"Well, thanks for that, Gilbert. You made me feel a little better." He looked up at the lit lodge with all the wreaths covered in a thin layer of snow. "It just sucks to be alone on the holidays. And I've always loved Christmas. It's been my favorite holiday for like, ever! I'm glad to be sharing it with friends at least." He gave a smile. "That's more than some people have, right?"

"Exactly! Now come on, lets get to that bonfire!"

The bonfire was crowded with couples cuddling each other and standing around the large blaze. A vender was selling hot chocolate and funnel cakes, which Alfred had to have one of each. He took a seat on a wooden bench once a couple got up and left. The cocoa was warm in his gloved hands. He sniffed the lovely aroma of real hot chocolate, rich in flavor and made with creamy milk! He was used to the packaged kind with powered milk in it, so this was a nice treat. The snow flurries had multiplied, coming down in a heavier flow. Alfred had to quickly eat his funnel cake before the snow mixed with his powered sugar!

That's when Alfred saw him.

His blue eyes slowly widened in disbelief, his funnel cake and cocoa forgotten. The last person he thought he would see here is his ex-boyfriend, Ivan Braginsky. But there was no mistaking the large Russian. He was wearing his trademark scarf around his neck, still the same color of tinted pink. His hands were tucked in the pockets of his black Timberland long coat with a white and silver snowflake wool cap on his head. Ivan was staring blankly at the blaze, barely moving as the people walked around him.

Alfred felt a hot blush come to his cheeks after seeing Ivan after so long. Seeing Ivan again was rekindling the old feelings he had for him. It all came flooding back. Their nights of sex together, cuddling on the couch, going to movies and traveling, playing house; all of these things were overloading his mind and threatening tears. Was this some kind of Christmas miracle? Or was it a Christmas disaster?

'Go up to him, Alfred! Just go up to him and say 'hi'!'

Alfred's rump seemed frozen to the bench. His heart was saying 'go', but his mind was saying 'stay'. He wanted to get up and speak to Ivan, but he wasn't sure what he should say. It would be awkward. What if Ivan didn't even want to talk to him?

'But I need to know.' Alfred said to himself. 'I need to know more about why we broke up. I need more answers!'

He found the courage to get up and go over to him.

"Well, well, fancy meeting you here!" Alfred greeted him with a big smile to hide the anxiety and heartbreak he felt once those violet eyes met his. Ivan seemed to have a surprised reaction.

"Oh, Alfred. I didn't know you were staying here."

Alfred crossed his arms, suddenly feeling annoyed. "I bet you're going to leave now that you know I'm here, right? Just like before?"

Ivan looked back towards the bonfire. "I understand that you're still hurting, Alfred. I don't know what more you want me to say."

"I want to know more about why we broke up!" He clenched his fists at his sides. "I…I've been thinking and…and a lot of what you said…and what we did…well, it just doesn't add up! Why did you start to pull away from me? Why didn't you want me anymore? Can you at least tell me that?" Ivan wouldn't answer. "Someone told me they saw you with another man! Were you seeing someone else when we were dating? Is that why you began to pull away from me?" Still, Ivan didn't answer. Alfred was growing angrier now. "If you hated me that much you should have just said so! But now I know your answer with your silence!" He roughly shoved passed him, not caring that he was putting on a show for the crowd.

'That bastard! Who does he think he is?' Alfred fought back the tears. 'I don't cry! Men don't cry! I'm Alfred F. Jones! I cry for no one, least of all myself!' He found another open wooden bench and sat on it, staring at the snowy ground around his boots. 'Don't cry, damn it! He's not worth crying over! He's not!'

Someone came and sat down next to him. Something in him hoped it was Ivan, yet when he looked up, all that greeted him was the warm amber eyes of Feliciano. Another came and sat next to him. He turned to see Arthur, who was showing a bit of concern in his heavy brows. Alfred shrunk a bit, feeling stupid and embarrassed now that he had made a scene in front of so many people.

"I bet you think I'm a stupid teenager now, huh? I acted like a kid."

Feliciano took the gloved hand in his own, patting the top. "You have feelings like everyone. It's nothing to be sad about!"

"We saw what happened and overheard." Said Arthur. "We brought you here to help you escape from him, and yet here he is."

"Yeah." Alfred replied flatly. "I think…I'm going to go back to my room."

Feliciano squeezed Alfred's hand. "You shouldn't be alone tonight."

"I'm not afraid of him."

"That's not what we mean." Arthur pat Alfred's back. "We mean you shouldn't be alone because of how you're feeling. Sadiq is always being thrown out of the bed. He can stay with you."

That made Alfred give a snort of a laugh. "I'd really rather be alone tonight. Just for tonight. I appreciate all you guys are doing for me but I would like to just watch shitty T.V., soak in the tub, and go to bed." 'Maybe drop the hair dryer into the tub with me.' He added silently to lightened up his mood. It didn't work.

"Can we at least walk you back to your room?" Feliciano asked in a whimper.

"That's cool. Thanks you guys."

A hot soak in a whirlpool tub is just what he needed to forget this night. While he knew it wouldn't actually work, it was worth a try.

/

Standing around the funnel cake and cocoa vender, Ludwig, Sadiq, Francis, Antonio and Gilbert were choosing to stay out of the little tantrum Alfred threw with Ivan. Lovino was off getting some wine and Heracles had fallen asleep on one of the benches with a thin layer of snow covering him. The other five enjoyed their cocoa while trying not to make eye contact with Ivan but constantly peeking at him.

"Do you think we should go over and say something?" Antonio asked.

Ludwig shook his head. "It's not our business."

"But Alfred's our friend," said Gilbert. "We owe it to him."

"Ivan's our friend too." Sadiq reminded them. "We only stopped talking to him when he broke up with Alfred."

Francis sipped his cocoa before answering. "That's only because he kept out of contact with us. I tried getting in touch with him but he never returned my calls. It's very rude." He said with annoyance.

"Oh shit!" Gilbert turned his head. "He saw us! Is he coming over?"

Ludwig glanced to the side and saw Ivan heading towards them. "He's coming here."

"What do we say? Do we ignore him?" Antonio asked, looking a little panicked. "This is becoming too awkward!"

"There's two sides to every story." Ludwig pointed out. "We never really heard Ivan's side of the relationship."

"I don't even know what to say to him!" Gilbert bit his lip.

Ivan finally came up to them, in speaking range, but it was Sadiq who spoke first.

"I love that coat, Francis! Where'd you get it?"

Francis caught on, gave a delightful laugh, and twirled on his tip-toe. "Do you like it? I had to special order this one! Isn't it such a magnificent and radiant red?"

Ivan frowned, staring at them.

"I can't wait to hit the slopes again tomorrow!" Gilbert grinned wildly. "You can just call me, 'The Powder King'!"

"Doesn't that mean heroine too?" Ludwig pondered out loud, making sure to keep away from Ivan, feeling the awkwardness.

"Not when we're skiing!" Antonio added with nervous laughter.

Ivan turned away from the others and stalked away.

They all let out a deep sigh of relief once Ivan was gone.

"Oh, that was real mature of us!" Francis said with a slap to his face.

"It's all Sadiq's fault!" Antonio pointed a finger at him.

Sadiq rolled his eyes. "I was tired of all of you pissing your pants like two year olds! He's just one guy. What's the worse that could have happened?"

"You're the asshole who started it!" Gilbert pointed out.

"None of you had to play along!" He countered. "No one else was stepping forward with a solution so, like usual, the old guy has to save the day!"

Antonio just shook his head. "We acted like mean girls! We should be ashamed ourselves. Maybe one of us should go after Ivan and apologize."

Gilbert quickly said, "Loser says 'whaaaat'."

Ludwig looked up from his cocoa. "What?" He realized they tricked him and he growled. "I'm the least likely one for this job!"

"But Ivan's scary when he's mad!" Francis whimpered, cowering away. "You can see the dark aura coming off of him when he's pissed! I'm waiting for his head to turn all the way around! He'll eat our children!"

"Ludwig's the bravest!" Gilbert grinned and gave his little brother a thumbs up.

"I have my constellation tour soon!" Ludwig countered. "I have to go find Feli." He cleared his throat. "However, I will say this. Like Francis said, some of us reached out to Ivan. It was Ivan's choice not to answer back. It's clearly none of our business, so keep your big noses out of it! If Ivan wanted our opinions, he would have asked for them when the breakup first happened." He sighed as he walked away. "I can't believe I'm even having this conversation."

The others all exchanged awkward glances and slurped loudly at their cocoa.

End Chapter 1 TBC

***It's a holiday story. It's supposed to be tacky and light-hearted! ^^ Reviews please! Thank you!