A/N: Here it is! i decided to upload earlier as a sorry for the short update at the weekend. And this is longer so hope you like it!
It was now Christmas Eve and Emily arrived back in Rosewood late last night after being stuck in Texas for a few days due to the heavy snow they had received recently. Luckily, Ashley had managed to get Hanna to agree, without much persuasion of course, to ask the other girls to stay for Christmas and of course they all said yes – Even Ali who was hesitant as she didn't want Charlotte to be alone. Emily was planning to surprise them later when they were all together.
"Alison open the door now!" Hanna shouted at the door of Ali's home. To those who didn't know it was her home, they would assume it was the home of Scrooge because Ali hadn't bothered to put any decorations up. She didn't even have a Christmas tree. "Alis-"
"Hanna I heard you the first time!" She shouted, trying to be louder than the other blonde to stop her from screaming. "What the hell are you doing here at 10am?"
"It's Christmas and I'm not having you moping around your house all day."
"Hanna I'm not in the mood."
"Well get in the mood because we are heading into town to the Christmas Eve Fayre," She said, causing a light hearted sigh to come from Ali's mouth. Even though they had received a heavy influx of snowfall in the last few days, the town still put on their annual Christmas Eve Fayre which consisted of several market stalls selling everything from gifts and food to face painting, an ice rink, a photo booth, fun fair rides, Christmas themed carnival rides, a Christmas parade and a carol service at the church.
"Han, can't we just bake some ginger bread or something? Go around the fayre later when we are all together after the carol service?" Her words came out as more of a desperate plea than a question.
"Okay fine, you win. But we are making it fun, none of this moping around business."
"Okay," Ali said, trying not to crack a smile at getting her own way.
"But you better put on a Christmas jumper." Hanna said, giving her a pointed look before walking into the living room to allow her to go and get ready. "Oh and pack a bag for tonight and don't forget everyone's presents including Emily's!" She screamed, hoping Ali heard her. She wasn't entirely sure why but her mom suggested that they all took Emily's presents with them so it would be like she was there with them when they opened them on Christmas morning. It boggled her to say the least but she just went along with it anyway.
It was around an hour later that Alison finally made her way down the stairs in a khaki parka with a fluffy white inside, along with a grey bobble hat and scarf. She paired it with a pair of grey jeans and brown Chelsea boots. She looked absolutely flawless and even Hanna raised her eyebrow slightly.
"Where's the Christmas jumper?"
"In my bag. I thought we were all wearing them tomorrow?"
"Point taken. Come on let's get back to mine before it starts snowing again." She said, helping Ali by taking her 3 bags of presents whilst she carried her two bags of 'essentials'. It made Hanna chuckle because it reminded her of old times when Ali would literally bring a medium sized suitcase full of stuff to a sleepover.
"Has someone died or something?" Ali said, before internally cringing at her words as they turned onto Hanna's street. The whole road was closed off and there were several police officers turning cars in the other direction.
"The Christmas parade is coming down here so they have to close all the roads off."
"What time?"
"Just before the church. Once the parade has passed everyone follows it to the church for the service. You should know this by now Ali jeez please tell me you haven't been a Scrooge all these years."
"Nooo, I haven't," She said, narrowing her eyes at the other blonde who was giving her a look of desperation, "Rollins and I have spent the last few Christmases in Montana with his family."
"Wait, so why were you so bothered about leaving Charlotte this year?" For someone who was supposedly dumb, Hanna could be a lot like Spencer sometimes.
"Because I actually would be in Rosewood and Jason is planning something at The Radley on Christmas day. Something about a big booking wanting to have Christmas there so he won't be around for her. But, she insisted that I came with you lot because she was going to help Jason so…"
"Oh well I'm glad, we've never done anything all together like this in over 5 years."
"Except we aren't all together…."
"Ali, is this why you are being such a Scrooge? Look, Emily is out there doing something she loves and when she comes back we will all have another Christmas together."
"It still isn't the same. I'm going to have to sit there tomorrow and watch you all open gifts from your loved ones with them sat by your side," Her voice cracked causing Hanna to stop dead in her tracks. She sighed sympathetically, feeling slightly guilty that she had being so selfish and not thought about that when she also invited everyone's other halves to stay.
"I know it's going to be hard, especially now that you and Emily have actually confessed your feelings for one another but I'll make sure no one rubs anything in your face. And besides Aria doesn't have a loved one, although I am counting down the days until her and Ezra finally confess that they still love each other so we can all get passed witnessing this awkward 'we are just friends' stage," She said, using air quotes for we are just friends to exaggerate her point. Alison chuckled, Hanna really had a habit of making their lives sound like a cheesy soap opera. "They are honestly worse than you and Emily."
The pair of them spent the remainder of the morning dancing around the kitchen to Christmas songs whilst attempting to make a gingerbread house.
"Hanna you're making it wonky," Ali said through gritted teeth. She was one for perfection and she was almost at breaking point with Hanna just slopping on the decoration sweets when she had them all in a specific alignment.
"Ali no one is going to care about presentation, it's more about the taste."
"Well I care, and besides I want to put it on Instagram so if Em goes on she can see what we have all been up to."
"If she knew how much of a perfection freak you were I think she would rather stay there," She said playfully as Ali mocked a gasp before reaching for the icing on the spoon and flicking it at the other blonde, causing the icing to splat against her left cheek. Hanna squealed, reaching for a handful of icing sugar but Ali was already running off before she had the chance to turn around. She heard the front door open and then shut and she knew Ali was pretending to leave so she could sneak up on her so Hanna decided to hide next to the door, the hand full of icing sugar waiting to pounce as soon as she saw movement in the doorway. As soon as she saw the shadow of someone making their way into the kitchen her hand had released the icing sugar before she even had time to see who it was.
"HANNA," A voice squealed, a voice which was not Alison's. Hanna looked up to see Spencer stood in the doorway, her mouth dropped to the floor as she looked at the white icing sugar which was now sprayed all over her very expensive black trench coat and her perfectly curled hair.
"Shit, Spence I thought you were-," Hanna was cut off by Spencer launching herself for the bag of flour on the kitchen island. "Fuck," She said again, darting out of the kitchen and towards the front door. Hanna screamed as Spencer chased her around the garden with the bag of flour in her hand. With the icing still smothered on her cheek from Alison and Spencer with icing sugar in her hair and on her coat, they really did look like complete idiots. A few of the police men patrolling the streets for the parade even stopped what they were doing to watch the pair. Spencer eventually caught up with Hanna, pulling her to the floor before sitting on her and pouring the whole bag of flour over her head.
"Forget about the gingerbread house, this is going on Instagram," Alison chuckled, capturing the whole thing on camera.
"What the hell is going on?" Ashley said, as her and Pam made their way up the path with grocery bags and presents in their hands.
"Just your average Spanna greeting," Alison chuckled again, before offering to help them with the bags whilst Hanna tried to wrestle Spencer off her.
It wasn't until an hour later, at 4pm, that they were waiting to go and watch the parade. They had been joined by Aria and Caleb but Ezra was busy doing a hot drinks stall for the Christmas Fayre. Hanna being Hanna had placed a mistletoe above the door into the living room so all the couples kissed and shared a hug as they greeted each other at the door.
"TOBY?!" Spencer squealed from the door, launching herself at her boyfriend. They had been back together, officially, for a few weeks now but Toby had been in Chicago on a police course and due to the snow he was supposed to be stuck there until after Christmas. Alison couldn't help but feel the stab of jealousy as she watched the scene in front of her. All she wanted was for that to be Emily walking through the door but she knew there wasn't even a slight chance of that and it hurt so bad. It was literally causing her physical chest pain to think about. She all of a sudden felt like the walls were closing in on her and she needed to get out – needed to clear her head.
"I need some air," She mumbled, pushing her way past the two love birds kissing under the mistletoe.
"Wait Ali, what about the parade?" Hanna said, grabbing her arm.
"I'll see it next year, I just need some space. I'll meet you at the church?" Hanna saw the desperation in her tear glazed eyes and all she could do was nod. She couldn't even imagine what Ali was going through, especially since their conversation earlier on in the day.
"Where's Ali gone?"
"She just needs some space."
They all got their coats on before they all made their way outside to watch the parade. Lucky for them, they could just stand right outside Hanna's house with it going down her road. Just as the parade was about to start, Aria shuffled her way over to them with 4 hot chocolates with her.
"Where's Ali?"
"If you were here on time you would know," Spence said.
"I'm sorry, there was huge queue."
"How much do we have to pay?" Hanna said, digging into her pocket.
"Oh no they're free."
"Oh they are," Hanna said, quirking an eyebrow. "And what persuasive technique did you use to get that offer?"
"None," She said, thumping her arm. "Ezra wanted to say thank you for inviting him to spend Christmas with us tomorrow."
They all huddled together, soon joined by Ashley, Ted and Pam as they watched the parade. Although it was only 4pm, the dark winter nights and the dark snow clouds made it almost pitch black but it made the parade even more magical as the Christmas lights on the floats illuminated the streets.
"Mrs Fields are you okay? You're not too cold?" Spencer asked concerned, Pam had been fidgety for the best part of half an hour. She was practically bouncing up and down.
"I'm fine dear, just excited to see the end of the parade," She laughed lightly. Although slightly confused, Spencer smiled and turned her attention back on the parade as the last few floats made their appearance at the other end of the street.
The last float that came into sight was Santa's sleigh and there was someone sat in it although they could make out who it was. As it got slightly closer they could make out that the person was wearing a Santa hat and it must have been a woman as they had long hair.
"What the-"
"Is that-"
"EMILY," Hanna screamed, as the sleigh stopped right in front of them and the brunette stood up and got off the sleigh.
"Surprise," She beamed, taking her hat off. She didn't even have chance to blink before there was blonde and brown hair being thrown at her. She laughed, pulling them all into a hug as she looked around for the only person she had wanted to see in over 3 months.
"What are you doing here?" Aria smiled, wiping the tears from under her eyes.
"One of the crew in my team got injured when we were on a mission and he flew to Germany to receive critical care and they flew me home too." Spencer also removed herself from Emily's hold as she looked up to check that it really was the tanned brunette stood in front of them.
"This is going to be the best Christmas ever," Hanna said, making no attempt to pull away from Emily.
"It is, everything is now perfect," Spencer smiled.
"Where's Ali?" Emily finally managed to ask.
"Oh my God Ali! She is going to freak out! She was having a hard time seeing us all with our partners with you not there and now you are and oh my God this is the best Christmas ever," Hanna smiled even though she was now completely bawling her eyes out.
"Han it's okay, shhhh" Emily said, pulling her tighter into the hug in an attempt to comfort her.
"So this is why we all had to bring Emily's presents?" Spencer smiled, looking over at Ashley and Pam's smug faces as they watched the scene in front of them.
"You knew?" Hanna said, pulling away to look at her mom. Ashley nodded and laughed. "As much as I want to stand here and take in your beautiful face you should go find Ali."
"I am, don't worry I know where she will be."
"Okay, should we meet you both at the church?"
"Yeah sounds good."
"Oh my God will you two be together the next time we see you?"
"I don't know Han, maybe. Well, I hope so," Emily smiled, pulling them all into a hug again and telling them how much she has missed them before heading off in the direction of the one place she knows where the blonde - her blonde - will be.
As she walked down the snowy trail in the woods to the kissing rock, she couldn't help but admire how magically beautiful it looked. There were fairy lights in the trees and the snow that clung to the branches really made it look like a winter wonderland.
As she made her way out into the opening where the kissing rock came into sight, her heart skipped a beat causing her to take a sharp intake of breath. The blonde sat with her back to her, her hands placed at her sides as she sat perched on the rock. Emily just stood and admired her for a few moments, unable to control the feelings of lust and desire that were beginning to pool around in her stomach. She was about to move towards the blonde when she froze to her spot due to a sudden movement by the blonde. She looked up at the sky as the snowflakes began to fall softly to the already snow filled ground. Emily couldn't help but smile at the sight of the blonde reaching out to catch one in her palm. It was so cute that she herself almost melted. Despite the smile on her face, Emily could see the deep sadness in her eyes and it gave her the courage to step forward and finally reveal herself.
"Merry Christmas Ali," She said, her voice sounding a lot quieter than she intended but by the way she saw the blonde freeze Emily knew she had heard her. Alison turned around, the caution in her movement evident as if she didn't want to be disappointed when she eventually did fully turn. When her eyes met Emily's they grew almost twice the size, lighting up like a Christmas tree.
"Emily?" She whispered, almost scared that this was just a dream. Emily just smiled, the glow in her eyes matching that of Ali's. "It's really you?"
"Surprise," She said, her gaze not leaving the blonde's as Ali hesitantly made her way over. As she got closer she reached out to touch Emily's arm and she took a sharp breath when she realized it wasn't a dream and Emily really was stood in front of her. She looked Emily in the eyes, the brown orbs sparkling back at her making her heart flutter.
"I missed you," She whispered, desperation and heart ache evident in her voice as it came out almost inaudible. Emily didn't say anything, she just placed her arms around the blonde's waist and pulled her into a long embrace. It was nothing like the hugs they had shared before, this was full of love, a comforting love that both Ali and Emily knew they would be seeing a lot more of in the future.
"I missed you too," Emily whispered as she pulled away from the embrace and wiped away the tear that was gracefully making its way down Ali's cheek. With one arm still wrapped tightly around her waist keeping the blonde flush against her body, Emily reached into her pocket with the other.
"What's that?" She said, averting the blonde's attention and she looked up when she saw the blonde turn and give her a confused look. Looking up, Ali saw the mistletoe Emily was holding up and couldn't help but let out an adorable giggle because Emily Fields was so freaking cute and romantic. She grabbed the collar of Emily's jacket to pull her down, closing the few inches in height difference as she caught the brunette's lips is a kiss that made the both of them feel like they were levitating off the ground. Alison was the first to pull away, taking Emily will her as the brunette's lips stayed firmly locked with her own. When their lips finally parted, she looked up to see the glisten in her eyes and Alison swears she has never seen anything so beautiful.
"I've waited so long to do that," Alison whispered, Emily's face only centimeters from here own. Her warm breath tickled Ali's cold, rosy cheeks. Whether they were red because they were flushed or because of the cold Emily wasn't sure but she didn't care as she once again met Alison's lips with her own, wrapping both her arms tightly around the blonde as she moved to sit down on the rock whilst pulling the blonde onto her lap.
With the snow gracefully falling onto the pair of them, they really did look like they were in a real life snow globe. Emily moved her hands under the blonde's jacket and top so her hands were in contact with her bare flesh. The warmth of Ali's skin was like fire compared to her ice cold hands but she didn't care because she needed to feel the blonde.
"As much as I would love to do this for the rest of the night, the carol service is starting soon," Ali said, pulling her lips away but keeping their foreheads pressed against one another.
"I know but I've waited over 5 years for this," Emily pouted, playfully tickling the blonde's back causing her to shiver. She gently pressed her lips against Ali's one more time, "Come on then."
"Wait, Em," Ali said, as Emily began to walk ahead, stopping her in her tracks as she turned around and took a few steps back towards the blonde. "Where does this leave us, I mean what happens now?"
"What happens now is we are going to go to the church and then we are going to go around the fayre. Me, my best friends…" Emily trailed off as she saw Ali's face drop slightly as she looked down at the floor. "…And my girlfriend." Ali looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears and a smile that was only ever reserved for the brunette.
"You want that?"
"I've wanted nothing more since I was 14," She nodded, once again pulling the blonde towards her and placing a gentle kiss on her slightly plump lips.
"Thank you," Alison said softly, reaching up to caress the brunette's cheek.
"For what?"
"For making me the happiest person in the world. For being you. For -" She was cut off by the brunette once again locking her lips with her own. It was literally like they were magnetically forced to one another.
"I love you."
"I love you too." It was the first time that the pair had said that to each other and actually meant it. It was a truly magical moment. "But we really should go now," Alison giggled, causing Emily to smile before taking her hand and interlocking their fingers before leading the way to the church.
As they were walking to the church, Alison couldn't help but stare at Emily from the corner of her eye. It was the first time she actually allowed herself to fully take in the brunette's beauty in over 5 years. From the way her perfect cheek bones rose when she smiled to her chiseled jawline, she was literally the definition of perfect.
"What?" Emily mumbled, a shy blush creeping into her cheeks when she noticed Alison watching her.
"Nothing," She replied innocently, causing Emily to turn her head to meet her gaze. She smiled sweetly, showing off her perfect teeth and reflecting the shy, timid Emily Alison fell in love with all those years ago. "I'm just taking in your beautiful face. And this," She said, indicating to their interlocked hands.
"You aren't having second thoughts are you? We aren't taking things too quickly?" Emily asked, panic dancing through her eyes.
"No, I'm not having second thoughts. No I don't think we are going too fast. I love you and it's about time I was allowed to show it."
Emily instantly stopped dead in front of Alison, crashing their lips together as Alison practically walked into her. "I'm never going to get tired off this," She mumbled against the blonde's lips as Alison chuckled before placing another soft kiss on Emily's lips.
"Me neither, but we really do have to get a move on. There won't be any seats left," Alison said, pushing Emily away from her as she grabbed the brunette's hand and practically dragged her along the sidewalk.
When they reached the church, it was fair to say that there was a few pair of eyes on the couple. Although most of the town knew of Alison and Rollins' separation, it was news to them that Emily was home and that she and Alison were together. To be honest, Emily was absolutely petrified that Alison didn't want everyone to see them holding hands so she instantly let go of her hand when they entered the church. However, as if reading her mind, Alison instantly intertwined their fingers, squeezing her hand gently before leading the way down the aisle to a few rows from the front where everyone was sitting.
"Oh my God, you guys are adorable," Hanna screeched as she turned around and saw the pair holding hands. It caused the pair to laugh and everyone else to turn to them. "Sit down Em," Hanna said, grabbing the brunette's free arm and dragging her down next to her and linking their arms together.
"Han, Ali can't fit on," Emily said, laughing as Hanna refused to let go of her arm but Ali was just stood next to them in the aisle with their hands still locked together.
"Aria, budge your little butt up you're taking up enough space for a bus," Hanna said, pushing her whole weight against Spencer to try and shove everyone up – and failing drastically. When everyone did manage to move up, Ali sat down beside Emily. It was a tight squeeze but she didn't care because it meant she was even closer to Emily.
The whole service consisted of Hanna fighting for Emily's attention even though her attention was fully on Ali. When they left to church to head around the fayre, Hanna was already practically dragging Emily off towards the dodgems. Emily turned to Ali, shooting her an apologetic smile.
"Go have fun with her Em," She smiled, watching as the duo raced off to have fun.
"Where's Em?" Spencer asked, stuffing her face with a cookie.
"Hanna dragged her off somewhere."
"I swear she only thinks about herself sometimes. We haven't seen her in God knows how many months as well. Come on, let's go find Aria and have our own fun."
Although disappointed that she wasn't with Emily, Ali went with Spencer to find Aria before the three of them went around the fun fair rides together. It was a miracle that they were operating with the amount of snow that they had received. They had been at the Christmas fayre around an hour before the 3 of them decided to go ice skating in the ice skating rink. Alison had just got her ice skates on and was about to enter the rink when a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
"Hey Beautiful," Emily breathed against her ear, her warm breath sending shivers down Alison's spine.
"Hey, where's Hanna?" She smiled softly, turning around in Emily's arms.
"Over there with Caleb," She said, nodding to the ice rink where Hanna was clinging on to Caleb for dear life. "He managed to drag her off me eventually."
"I'm guessing you're my skating partner then?"
"I mean unless you want someone else," She smirked, already knowing the answer. Ali just shook her head, giggling, before leading the way into the ice rink, Emily's arms not leaving her waist.
"You've never done this before have you?" Emily said, chuckling as Ali wobbled trying to keep her balance.
"Sorry you're such a pro," She huffed but Emily laughed knowing the comment was light hearted. Emily was stood in front of Ali, holding onto her hands as she guided the blonde around the ice rink.
"Em," Ali warned, noticing they were skating straight towards a wobbling Hanna and Caleb. "Em watch-"
"EMILY," Hanna screeched as Emily glided straight into her, bouncing right off the blonde and into Alison, knocking her straight to the floor but as Emily had hold of her hands Emily tumbled on top of her.
"Well I didn't think we'd be in an ice rink the first time we were in this position," Emily said cheekily causing Ali to gasp, a small blush creepy to her cheeks as she thumped her chest playfully.
"When did my sweet Emily become so confident?"
"Not so shy on the streets anymore huh?" She smirked, getting off the blonde before helping her up.
"As much as shy is cute, confident is extremely hot," Alison replied matter-of-factly. Emily smiled, placing a gentle kiss on her lips before grabbing her hands and leading her off around the rink again.
They finally managed to get away from the ice rink and back to the Marin household where they had all agreed to spend the night without their men. However, Ashley hadn't yet told them all that they were all going to have Christmas dinner together at The Radley with all their families. After an hour of moving mattresses into the living room, blowing up air beds and gathering duvets and pillows, they had transformed the living room into a cozy little den. Just like old times, they all gathered on the mattresses, engulfed themselves in the duvets and snuggled up to watch Elf with gingerbread and hot chocolate.
It was around 1/4 of the way through the film when Ali sat up from her laid down position and rested her back against the couch. Not even a minute later Emily decided to join her, wrapping her arm around Ali's shoulders and bringing her into her shoulder.
"No body fondling you two please," Hanna said, reaching back to get some more gingerbread when she spotted them.
"We aren't hormonal 14 year olds Han, we can control ourselves."
"Well," Emily said, causing Ali to smack her thy playfully.
"You two are so freaking cute," Aria said, her attention on the film soon lost as she turned to the newly born couple. Emily began to play with Ali's hair, smiling when she heard her sigh and shift closer to the brunette.
"Can we play Sing Star?" Hanna said, jumping up when the end credits came on.
"Shhhh Hanna!" Spencer scolded, noticing a sleeping Ali on Emily's shoulder.
"Aw I need to get a picture of this," Aria said, getting out her camera from who knows where and snapping a couple of pictures of Alison asleep on Emily's shoulder. However, as If sensing 4 sets of eyes on her, Ali opened her eyes.
"Yes you're awake! We are playing Sing Star!" Hanna exclaimed.
"How about we just sing Christmas songs, it saves you digging out your old PlayStation?" Spencer said, trying to compromise with the now extremely hyperactive blonde (somethings never change).
"Okay," She sighed, heading over to the docking station to plug her phone in.
Half an hour later and they were all dancing around, bouncing on the couches, chairs, anything, to Christmas songs. They were currently listening to All I Want For Christmas Is You and Hanna had dragged Emily up to dance with her. At first Emily thought that Ali might be jealous, after all she hadn't really been there to see her and Hanna's relationship blossom but by the huge grin on her face as she let out an adorable giggle, Emily knew she was fine.
As per Spencer's demand, they all settled down for bed after that song. Even though Hanna had insisted that Emily slept next to her, Emily managed to snuggle down beside Alison and as the blonde had her back to her, she slipped her arms around her waist.
"Before we all head to sleep, I just want to say how grateful I am that I get to spend Christmas with you all. That you could be here with us Em, it really is going to be the best Christmas ever. I love you all, Merry Christmas," Spencer said into the darkness.
"Merry Christmas," They all chorused. The room was, finally, filled with silence and Ali turned in Emily's arms. Although it was dark, she could see Emily's eyes shining back at her through the darkness. Before she even had chance to wish her Merry Christmas the brunette had leaned in to steal a kiss from her lips.
"All I want for Christmas is you," She whispered, placing another kiss on the blonde's lips. This time more forceful as if a promise that her words were true. Alison knew those words were true and she felt the same because like the Grinch stole Christmas, Emily stole her heart.
A/N: Let me know what you think! Next chapter is Christmas day :)