Allison gave a hearty chuckle as she pushed open the doors leading into her local bar, arm linked with her fathers as the rest of her family followed quickly behind, each with a large smile playing on their lips. Today was Christmas. Allison's favourite holiday as it just so happened. Nothing put her in a better mood than spending the day with her family, sharing stories about past Christmas' and any other memories they had.
If there was one thing about Christmas that Allison had to pick as her absolute favourite, it would without a doubt be the traditions it brought with it every year. The Cameron family had just finished their Christmas dinner, comprised of Turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes and the much hated, but always included because it was traditional, Brussels sprouts.
And now, like every other year, the group were heading to the nearest open bar to grab a couple of drinks before returning to whichever family member happened to be hosting Christmas dinner for an evening of fun and games. This year was Allison's year to have the family over. So here they all now were, all seated in a booth at a local bar in New Jersey.
"I'll get the first round," Allison said as she stood up and leant against the edge of the table. "What does everyone feel like?"
Having been told her simple order, Cameron made her way over towards the bar and waited patiently until the bar tender gave her his attention. The red Santa hat that sat on top of his head made the blonde grin slightly.
"Can I get three beers and a glass of white, please," Allison requested as she dug into her back pocket and pulled out a couple of notes.
"Coming right up," the man smiled warmly before heading off to retrieve the order.
Allison stood waiting patiently against the bar, taking the time to take a good look at her surroundings. The bar was pleasantly festive with a few Christmas trees scattered about, decorated with various ornaments and tinsel. Flashing lights were draped around the back of each one of the booths, providing a warm glow that pleasantly lit the room. The booths themselves were filled with, what Allison assumed to be, other family's like her own, all smiling happily and talking to one another, ever so often erupting into laughter caused by a story.
Allison smiled again and glanced back over to her own family, laughing gently to herself as she watched her brother tell another story animatedly, flinging his arms around as he spoke. It was no wonder he always won Charades, Allison considered with a grin.
It was only when Allison turned back to face the bar did she see the first thing that day to put a dampener on her otherwise high, festive spirit. She looked across at a lone brunette, sat at the opposite side of the bar with a drink sat in front of her. Allison's smile dropped even further when she realised not only was this woman alone on Christmas, she knew who this woman was.
Noticing that the bartender was still busy with her order, Allison pushed herself off of the work surface and made her way over towards House's duckling, pulling up a bar stool and sitting down next to her when she was close enough.
Remy Hadley frowned into her drink as she registered the movement beside her and the familiar sound of a stool scratching against the wooden surface, signalling someone sitting down. She let out an agitated breath before snapping her head up and facing the person with a scowl.
"Look, I already told you-"
The brunette paused mid sentence as she came face to face with a now startled doctor Cameron. Guilt instantly washed over the other woman when she realised she had very almost yelled right in the blonde's face for no reason.
"Cameron..." Remy trailed off, not knowing quite what to say. The blonde's presence was certainly unexpected.
"Hi Remy," Allison greeted back with a little hesitance, suddenly unsure as to whether coming over here in the first place was a bad idea.
"Sorry," the brunette offered sincerely with a small wince after she regained her composure. "I thought you were someone else," she explained her previous behaviour, glancing over the smaller woman's shoulder to look at who she had thought it was harassing her.
Allison followed the brunettes gaze until it met with with the sight of a middle aged man, grinning drunkenly at the younger doctor. Allison cringed slightly, completely understanding why Remy had been so harsh on her before. The blonde turned back just in time to see Remy roll her eyes in exasperation and look back at her drink.
"So what're you doing here? Didn't really think the bar was your scene," Remy observed with a grin.
The perfect smile directed straight at Allison made her blush slightly, prompting her to remind herself why she never really spoke to the doctor whilst working in the hospital. Any interaction always left Allison feeling rather flushed.
"Christmas tradition," Allison offered as an explanation after she had recovered from the sudden uneasiness. "I'm here with my family," Allison gestured over in the general direction of the booth her family currently resided in.
Remy looked over towards where Allison had pointed, finding herself looking between two sets of families. After closer observation she deduced that the group sat on the right must be Allison's family. She had the older woman's facial shape and father's hair colour. Not to mention the other table's occupiers who looked very similar to their sister, Remy guessed.
Remy nodded with a small, almost sad smile. Allison noticed and wanted to say something, but found that she was completely unsure as to what to say. Logically the only reason Remy would be alone in a bar on Christmas was because she didn't have any family, she considered. Allison knew about the younger woman's mother but didn't have a clue about her father or siblings, if there were any even.
Thankfully the bartender chose this awkward silence to interrupt as he returned with Allison's drinks. Allison smiled in thanks as she paid for the beverages, awkwardly trying to gather the four glasses together. Remy was just about to offer some help when another young blonde walked up to the two of them.
"Hey Ally, need some help?" The woman asked with a smile, noticing Allison trying to handle their tables drinks.
"Yes, please." Allison replied with a grateful smile, glad that she now didn't have to ask for Remy's help. Not that the brunette would probably mind, Allison considered.
Remy turned towards the source of the voice as soon as she'd heard it, finding her eyes resting upon Allison's sister. Well, she definitely looked like Allison's sister, she noted with some satisfaction. She was probably the same age as Remy, maybe even a bit younger, and she was definitely attractive. Remy flashed a charming smile towards the new company as soon as their eyes locked, earning a flirty smile in return.
Allison frowned slightly at the interaction, not liking the way the two women were able to flirt with each other without having actually said anything.
"Ally, are you going to introduce me?" The younger Cameron asked with a small nudge to Allison's shoulder, causing the contents of a few of the glasses to spill over the sides and onto her hands.
"Oh. Right, yes, of course." Allison stuttered slightly as she put the glasses she was holding back on the bar surface, wiping the spilt liquid onto a nearby napkin. "Amy, this is Remy Hadley – we work at the same hospital. Remy this is Amy – my sister," Allison introduced the two of them.
Remy reached over to shake hands, grinning slightly at the small blush that fell over Amy's face and the reluctance of the other woman to let go straight away.
"Hi," Remy greeted, smile still plastered on her face.
Amy smiled. "Are you joining us for drinks?" She asked hopefully, wanting to spend some more time with her sister's colleague.
Remy glanced hesitantly at Allison before shaking her head. "Uh.. no, I don't want to impose. Family Christmas and everything," she rejected the offer with a small smile before taking another sip of her drink.
"You wouldn't be imposing."
Remy turned to Allison in surprise. "Are you sure?"
Allison nodded with a large grin. She wasn't sure why she wanted to spend some more time with the brunette, nut now seemed as good a opportunity as ever. Remy grinned back, slightly taken a back by the sincere offer. She knew that Allison Cameron was know for her generosity and kindness, but this was taking it to a new level. No-one had ever invited her to a family entered Christmas get together – even if it was just in the local bar.
"Well then, I would love to join you for drinks," Remy directed towards Amy, then at Allison, letting her eyes linger on the older Cameron for a few more seconds.
Allison couldn't help but grin as she picked the drinks back up and made her way back over to her family, completely flattered that the brunette had given her more attention then her sister. She placed the glasses down on their table and moved across to the far end of one of the booths sides. Remy slid in after followed quickly by Amy.
Mr and Mrs. Cameron glanced up in confusion at the new face but offered a friendly smile to the brunette anyway, both mentally coming to the conclusion she was a friend of one of their daughters. Allison's brother, Ian, also smiled at the new addition, deciding that his sister's had a good taste in friends after all.
"Mum, dad, this is Remy," Allison introduced her colleague to her parents. "I invited her to join us for drinks."
Remy smiled sheepishly, suddenly feeling awkward about the whole situation. She should have just said no, she mentally scolded herself. Who was she to impose on a family get-together. The awkwardness and doubt were soon eliminated, however, when Allison's parents gave the young doctor a wide, sincere smile.
"Lovely to meet you, Remy," Allison's mum smiled. "I'm Amanda, and this is my husband, George, and my son, Ian."
Amanda pointed to each person as she introduced them, earning a large smile from all three.
"It's nice to meet you all," Remy replied politely, wanting desperately to make a good impression. "Thank you for letting me join you."
"Of course!" Amanda replied with another wide smile. "So how do you and Allison know each other?" She asked, genuinely interested.
"Through work, mum," Allison replied vaguely, not really in the mood to chat about anything to do with the hospital during her limited time off.
"I'm part of the new diagnostics team," Remy supplied with a smile, earning an even brighter smile from Amanda.
"That's fantastic! Are you on-call tonight?" The older woman asked curiously as she took a sip of her wine.
Remy furrowed her brows slightly in confusion, wandering what had caused her to think so. She briefly looked down at her clothes. They were pretty casual as she hadn't felt the need to dress up, but they definitely weren't work clothes. "Erm, no."
Allison could see where this conversation was heading and quickly tried to stop her mother from what she did best; prying. Before she managed to say anything though, Amanda had already started talking again.
"Oh," Amanda replied with a perplexed look. "Why are you not with your family then?"
"Mum!" Allison whispered harshly, giving her a death glare as she did so. Amanda looked between the two of them with some confusion before noticing the pensive look now spread across Remy's face, now recognising she had asked the wrong question.
"Sorry.. I didn't mean to pry.." Amanda trailed off awkwardly, hoping she hadn't offended the new addition.
Remy shook her head with a small smile. "It's okay.. my mum died a while ago and me and my dad.. don't get on so much," Remy answered with surprising honesty. She turned to face Allison as soon as she felt her comforting hand placed gently on her thigh. Allison quickly removed the hand when she realised what she was doing, turning away with a slight blush, causing Remy to smirk slightly.
"Well.. I'm sorry dear," Amanda apologised again, throwing Remy a sympathetic smile.
Remy shrugged nonchalantly. "No big deal."
"So.. who's up for another round?" Amy chipped in, saving the moment form becoming any more awkward and quickly changing the subject.
There was a resounding nod across the table as each glass quickly drained the last of it's contents. Amy stood up, ready to get the next lot of drinks before being stopped by Remy.
"Please, let me get them. It's the least I could do." She smiled and walked off, not allowing any time for anyone to protest. Allison quickly got up and followed.
"I am so sorry," she apologised as soon as Remy was in hearing range again.
"Allison, don't worry about it," Remy sad sincerely as she turned to face the obviously concerned blonde.
Allison couldn't help but smile back, pleasantly surprised by how Remy had handled the situation. Maybe she shouldn't take the hospital rumours so seriously, she thought with a frown, having clearly gotten the wrong idea about the doctor stood before her.
"You okay?" Remy asked with concern as she touched Allison's arm.
The sudden warmth that spread through Allison jolted her out of her thoughts. She nodded after a few seconds, eventually recognising the question. The idea that the brunette was worried about her after what had just happened couldn't keep the smile from her face.
"Great, let's go back to the table," Remy said as she handed Allison a few of the drinks she'd just bought and led the two of them back.
One hour turned into two which turned into three. Both the Cameron's and Remy completely lost track of time as they sat talking, sharing stories with one another. Remy had just finished telling a story about a school trip she had taken which ended in an eruption of laughter from the whole table. Remy grinned as Allison affectionately touched her arm whilst wiping away a tear. It was in that moment that Remy realised just how beautiful Allison Cameron was. Sure she'd noticed the ER heads obvious beauty before, but not like this. Just seeing the blonde so relaxed and care-free provoked a warm feeling inside Remy.
The eye contact and touch between the two of them lasted well into the laughter and it was only when the laughter stopped did Remy realise she was staring. Amy smiled knowingly. She had been flirting with Remy the entire evening, but it was obvious which of the Cameron's Remy was attracted to. Even Ian, with his good looks, didn't stand a chance.
"Oh my god, look at the time!" Amanda announced rather loudly, mainly thanks to the fifth glass of wine, as she glanced at her wrist.
"We should probably get going if we want to get any games in," George announced regretfully, having enjoyed spending time with his daughters friend.
Remy tried to hide her disappointment with a smile as they all stood up and exit the booth. This was genuinely one of the best Christmas' she'd ever had, and while she knew she was lucky to have had it at all, she was sad that it was now over.
"Where do you think you're going?" Amy asked with a grin as Remy started to say goodbye.
"Home?" Remy questioned with confusion.
Amy shook her head before looping her arm thought the brunette's. "Nope. You're gonna come back to Ally's with us and watch me kick ass at charades," she announced rather loudly with a wink, causing everyone but Allison and Remy to roll their eyes good naturedly.
Remy was too surprised by the offer, and Allison was too busy staring her sister down as she watched her arm link into her colleagues.
"Thank you for the offer.. but I've already imposed enough.. I don't want-"
"Nonsense!" Amanda cut Remy off as she stepped towards her with a smile. "We would love your company, Remy."
Remy couldn't help but smile back, glad that they didn't mind her tagging along, and glad that she now got to spend more time with Allison. With that thought she glanced over to where the blonde stood and smiled at her, causing another blush to spread across her cheeks.
Twenty minutes later and the six of them had all arrived back at Allison's apartment, making themselves comfortable. Amy hadn't let go of Remy the whole time they were walking so Allison had simply settled for walking beside the brunette, occasionally joining in the conversation between her and her sister.
Scrabble was the first game they opted to play, deciding to make three teams of two instead of all playing individually. Amy paired up with her brother, while Cameron's parents stayed together, leaving Allison with Remy, not that either of them minded. In fact the two of them turned out to make a pretty good team.
"That's not fair," Ian whined as the game finished, Allison and Remy giving each other a victory high five in front of him just to rub it in.
"Oh you're just a sore loser," Allison teased with a wink.
"How are we supposed to beat two doctors who use words like-" Ian glanced down at the finished board game, scrunching his face up as he tried to read the unfamiliar medical terms "-lix.. lixivi... that one!" He tried to pronounce before giving up and pointing accusingly at the word 'lixiviate,' which had just so happened to score them eighty one points no thanks to the double letter and triple word blocks.
Remy chuckled lightly. "Hey, it was in the dictionary," she defended with a small shrug, knowing full well that Allison and her using their shared medical knowledge for a game of scrabble probably wasn't fair on the others.
"Exactly," Allison grinned before giving Remy another well deserved high five, their hands lingering in mid air for a few moments.
"Well, whatever, we're totally going to beat you at charades," Amy shot back with a smirk, effectively forcing Remy and Allison to break physical contact and look away from one another. "Same teams?" She questioned, knowing her sister wouldn't reject the offer.
After clearing up the table which had held their first game of the night, everyone made their way through to Allison's living room, the rest of her family taking the large sofa leaving a one person chair between Remy and Allison.
"Let me go and get the-"
"No!" Amy interrupted Allison before she had chance to leave the room. "It's fine, I'll go get it," she smiled sincerely as she pushed herself up and out of the room. Allison frowned at her sister's odd behaviour but quickly disregarded it as she sat on the floor next to Remy, having eventually been successful in telling Remy to take the last available seat.
Amy returned a couple of minutes later with game in hand and a grin no-one could quite place. Mischievous maybe?
"Ready?" She asked as she quickly glanced at everyone in front of her and then at the first card in her hands, taking it upon herself to start the proceedings, Ian already sat on the edge of his seat in concentration.
"Finding Nemo!" He yelled within the first five seconds of Amy signing. Amy chuckled in delight as she went to sit back down; her brother really was the best at charades.
Allison rolled her eyes at the mocking she received as she too stood and made her way to the front, grabbing a card on her way. She frowned slightly at the book she had to somehow sign. Remy chuckled at the apologetic look Allison threw her way before starting.
Remy focused intently at Allison's movements as she tied to figure out what the hell Allison was trying to sign. After a minute of getting nowhere, Remy looked across at the other game participants, slightly relieved that they all looked as clueless as she did and that she wasn't missing anything.
"Come on, Rem!" Allison almost whined at the brunette's lack of answers.
Remy grinned at her new found nickname as she shook her head apologetically. "Allison, I have absolutely no idea."
"Three.. two...one...time!" Ian shouted out smugly as he watched the last of the sand drip through the timer.
Allison pouted slightly as she made her way back over towards Remy. "So what was it?" She heard her mother ask. Allison mumbled something incoherently as she picked up her drink and failed to make eye contact with any of them.
"What was that?" Her brother teased playfully, knowing Allison was a bit of a sore loser.
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.." Allison answered again a bit louder.
The silence lasted all of five seconds before eruptions of laughter spread between the rest of the Cameron family and Remy, each replaying what they had just witnessed and trying to mentally connect the two.
"Wait.. is that what the lion was?" Remy asked as she copied Allison's earlier action, clawing two of her hands out in front of her in a very un-lion like manner.
"Yes.." Allison mumbled out weakly, blushing slightly as the room burst into laughter again at her poor attempt. It was only when she glanced at Remy did she start laughing, eventually finding the whole scenario rather funny.
With a smile, Allison went to sit back down, only to find Remy tugging gently on her arm and pulling her down so that she was securely sat on the brunette's lap. She glanced back at Remy with a shy smile, earning another charming grin in return.
The two of them stayed that way through the entire next round, Allison eventually resorting to lulling her head slightly against the other doctor's shoulder after much mental dispute. It was the comfiest position and Remy didn't seem to mind, she considered with a small smile. Remy had rested one of her hands casually on the side of Allison's waist whilst the other held her now empty glass.
"Allison, why don't you get us all another round of drinks?" Her father asked her, completely oblivious to her current position on the younger doctor, both him and the others concentrating on her mothers signing.
Allison frowned slightly but eventually nodded in agreement, smiling as she felt both of Remy's hands on her lower back helping push her up. Amy chose this moment to turn her attention towards them both, grinning slightly as she noticed their position, which had since become slightly more intimate compared to the last time she looked at them. Now would be a perfect opportunity to put her plan into action.
She waited until Allison had been gone for a few minuted before calling over to Remy. "Hey Remy, why don't you go and help her out."
Remy looked at Amy uneasily, not quite sure how to read her facial expression, much like she hadn't been able to earlier. She gave a small smile and nodded in agreement, pushing herself off of the chair before making her way down the short corridor and into the kitchen.
"Whoa, sorry!" Remy apologised as soon as the door swung open, nearly crashing into the blonde now mere inches away from her. She rested her hands on either side of Allison's shoulder making sure the smaller woman hadn't lost her balance.
"It's okay," Allison's voice was quiet as she gazed at the woman only a short distance from her.
Remy smiled and was about to pull back before something above the two of them caught her attention. She glanced upwards and smirked, suddenly knowing why Amy had had those looks earlier on. Allison frowned in confusion as she watched Remy's face before following her gaze and resting upon the same object.
Allison blushed as her eyes came to rest on some mistletoe hanging above the two of them. She had no idea how it had gotten there, not that she was about to argue. Her eyes fell back down to meet the beautiful eyes of Remy Hadley still stood only inches from her.
Remy smirked again as her eyes flickered down to Allison's lips, subconsciously moistening her own at the same time. Allison's heart rate quickened and her breath hitched as she watched the brunette gradually drift closer towards her. The feeling of soft, steady breaths against her own lips forced her to shut her eyes and close the distance between them.
The kiss was soft, sweet and perfect. Their lips moved together in sync for the first time as hands found their way onto waists and gently grasping the back of necks, trying to pull each other even closer. Allison let out a small breath when Remy pulled away, feeling both completely exhilarated and disappointed that it had only lasted a few seconds and only involved the other woman's soft lips.
Remy smiled at her before pulling completely out of her personal space and taking a few of the drinks Allison had prepared, opening the door for her before leaving the kitchen.
"Where have you two been?" Amanda questioned sincerely, completely oblivious to the giddy looks on both her daughters and Remy face.
Amy cut her sister off before she even had time to answer as she reached over and took one of the drinks the two women were holding. "Just enjoying the Christmas tradition's, I'm sure." She winked at the two of them and then went back over to her seat, earning a confused look from the rest of the Cameron's and a knowing grin on both Allison's and Remy's face.
Yes, If there was one thing about Christmas that Allison had to pick as her absolute favourite, it would without a doubt be the traditions it brought with it every year.
Yeah I know, it's not Christmas any more :P In my defence I started writing this on Christmas Eve... then completely forgot about it. So, I'm thinking I may write a second chapter, just for new years.
Let me know what you thought and If you would like another chapter :)