She opened the door to smell the cool breeze. She smiled. It reminded her of the way the air flew in Italy. Sharp and crisp, yet still smooth. It brushed against her pale cheek, kissing it softly. She looked up to see the stars twinkling in the sky. They seemed to be shining just for her, calling, "Emily, Emily." Just the same way the carolers were calling to her: "Silent night, holy night…" Emily shut her eyes. She let their sweet song fill her home. She tried to absorb as much of the winter holiday spirit as she could. She hadn't been able to appreciate the calm and quiet in a long time. Ever since she returned from Europe, she was rather tense and on edge. For the first time in months, she closed her eyes without worrying about who was standing behind her.
A particular strong wind sent a chill down her spine.
"Meow?" called Sergio. Emily turned around. Sergio had tilted his head, and was looking up at her. Emily chuckled. "Sorry, Serg."
She turned around and shut the door behind her. She walked into the kitchen to open a can of food for Sergio. By the time she walked back into the living room, Sergio had disappearing. Emily rolled her eyes and smiled. "Serg? I brought you some food. Serg? Where are you?"
The Christmas tree shook. She saw the star on top start to shake a little, and the tinsel surrounding the tree began to rustle. Sergio popped his head out of the tree.
"Oh, Sergio." Emily walked over to the tree, pulled him out, and placed him in front of his food. She smiled, but there was something sad behind it.
Yet another Christmas alone, she thought. The last Christmas she spent with someone was spent with Doyle. She shuddered. Somehow, after that, Christmas wasn't quite the same.
She could hear her fireplace crackling. She imagined that it was calling to her, bringing her in closer to the warmth. She had been feeling so cold, so… alone lately. She needed to feel that warmth again. But how could she? After all that had happened? After all that she had felt?
Ding dong.
Emily was puzzled. She didn't know who would be coming to her house, on Christmas Eve, no less. She looked through the window.
It was Hotch.
She smiled and opened the door.
"Hotch," she said. "What are you—I mean, what can I—"
"I brought you a little gift. A Christmas present. I didn't think you should be alone."
Emily smiled and looked away. Hotch handed her a gift basket, elaborately wrapped. She could see bottles of wine and fancy chocolate, covered in bows and Christmas themed gift wrap.
"Thanks, Hotch," Emily grinned. "I appreciate this. I really do."
"Good," Hotch replied.
They looked at each other, not saying a word. But they both were smiling. No words were needed to express how they were feeling at that moment.
"Would you, um, like to come in?" Emily asked.
"Thank you."
Hotch stepped into her apartment. Emily looked at Hotch. Wow, she thought. That's so nice of him. To come here on Christmas Eve. When I know he's got plenty of other things to be doing.
She smiled.
"What?" Hotch asked with a smile on his own face.
Emily blushed. "Nothing. I was just thinking how nice it was of you to drop by."
"Well, I wanted to make sure that you were having a good Christmas Eve."
Emily smiled. "I am now, Hotch. I am now."