The bedroom was quiet, save for the slight snoring coming from under the sheets. The door to the room was opened followed by the quick pitter pattering of feet against the wood floors.

The footsteps stopped right next to the bed, a tiny head of black hair with sapphire eyes peered into the the bed and carefully peeled back the sheet to reveal a man the small child was quite familiar with.

"Daddy." She whispered, patting at the man's face gently. The white-haired man let out a soft groan and turned away from the little girl, settling back into snoring. A pout appeared on her tiny face.

Mommy was downstairs making breakfast and had explicitly said that they couldn't open presents until they all ate breakfast together. The only one standing between her and her presents (along with mommy's chocolate chip pancakes) was her father.

She tried again, calling out to her dad again. Still nothing. This was her final straw as she began to back away from the bed.

With practiced movements, she got into position before pouncing. The loud grunt from impact was heard throughout the home. The woman downstairs in the kitchen couldn't help but let out a snort.

"Ow, ow. Anna, didn't we talk about you not doing that to Daddy?"

"Well, this is the only thing that wakes you up. Not my fault you're such a heavy sleeper."

Jason only had himself to blame for his daughter's smart mouth.

"Mhm. Mom making pancakes?"

"Yeah! She said that we couldn't open presents until you got up. I'm gonna go eat."

Anna had jumped off her father's chest quickly and with renewed energy, ran out of the room and downstairs to go eat.

"Mommy! Dad's up, so can we eat?"

The woman whose leg she was latching onto only laughed and gently pet her head. "Of course we can eat. As long as you go set the table."

The little girl with hair the exact same as her's and rolled her eyes before going to get the plates and tableware from the cabinet. Being seven apparently gave her more responsibilities. One of those responsibilities was to set the table and then wash the dishes.

"Jules, did he stay awake?"

[ Yes, Host! The ML is actually coming downstairs right now. ]

"Thanks, Jules. Merry Christmas."

[ Merry Christmas, Host! 🎄🎄🎄 ]

"I keep forgetting I got that emoji pack for you." She laughed quietly witin her mind.

Anna's head popped back into the kitchen, eyes sparkling. "Table's set!"

Annabell couldn't help but smile at her daughter's adorable face. "Alright, alright. Grab the orange juice and bacon, please."

The little girl nodded excitedly and practically ran to the fridge to grab the orange juice. Annabell carried the pancakes and syrup to the dining room, placing them on the table near the center. Luckily, Anna had gotten better at putting out the dishes in their usual order. Three plates, three sets of cutlery, two cups for orange juice, and one mug for coffee. Speaking of coffee. . .

"Morning. . ."

"Good morning, honey. Merry Christmas."

"Mrry Christmas."

"You're not up all the way yet, are you?"

"Nah."

"Coffee, black."

"Mhm."

"Coming right up."

Annabell kissed her husband on the cheek with a giggle and passed her daughter on her way to the kitchen.

"Daddy, I don't see why you like coffee. It tastes gross."

"It wakes me up."

"But it tastes so bad."

"Nuh uh."

"Mommy! Tell daddy that his drink tastes gross!"

"Not part of this argument~"

Christmas mornings were always especially cheery in the Yate household.