Emma swore loudly as she rushed to extinguish the burning pot on the stove. Between this and the Grinch escaping, nothing seemed to be working out for her this Christmas Eve. "What's wrong?" Regina asked from the doorway, looking like a vision in a red and black dress Emma had bought her for the evening.

Slumping down to the floor, Emma said in a tone of defeat, "I just wanted everything to be perfect for our first Christmas together."

Regina walked over to the stove, turning it off before kneeling down next to her. "It is perfect, Emma." Emma looked at her in confusion before Regina explained, "Last Christmas, I was alone. I didn't even know if I would get to spend Christmas with Henry or if I even deserved it. You two rescued me that evening and taught me that nobody should be alone on Christmas. Now I have a wonderful son, a perfect girlfriend, and for the first time in a long time I am happy. I appreciate the gesture, but all I want for Christmas is to spend time with you and our son."

Emma looked up, wiping a tear from her eye. "You really mean that?"

Nodding, Regina declared, "I love you Emma Swan."

"I love you too," Emma smiled, kissing Regina.

A second kiss and Regina pulled away, "What do you say about picking up Henry and going to the party at the diner."

Emma nodded, "That sounds great." A thought crossed her mind and she smirked, "We don't have to go right away, do we?"

Regina smiled, "The party doesn't start for a few hours and I'm sure Henry is having fun with his friends." Regina stood up and helped Emma up. With a quick kiss, Regina led Emma out of the kitchen.

Aurora led a blindfolded Mulan out of their apartment. "Where are you taking me?" Mulan asked curiously.

"Granny's," admitted Aurora.

Mulan scowled, "Why am I blindfolded then?"

"It's a surprise," Aurora said excitedly, yet apprehensively. She really hoped that Mulan liked what she had planned.

Aurora guided Mulan through Storybrooke, making sure that she didn't run in to or trip over anything. When they reached the diner, Ruby opened the door for them and the two stepped inside. Aurora took off Mulan's blindfold and a collective shout of, "Surprise," reached her ears before Mulan's eyes could adjust to the light.

She took in her surroundings and her jaw dropped. Granny's had been completely transformed to look like the tavern from her own village. Beautiful red and green lanterns hung from the ceiling and the walls were decorated with the same wallpaper that had adorned her bedroom. The tables were stacked with plates of dim sum and other foods that she hadn't eaten in years. Several of her friends stood in the diner beaming at her.

Aurora looked at her expectantly, "What do you think?" As Mulan shed a tear, Aurora panicked and blurted, "I'm so sorry."

Mulan put up her hand to quiet her. "I love it." Aurora grinned and Mulan asked, "How did you know about all of this?"

Shuffling nervously, Aurora confessed, "I kind of read your diary." She averted her eyes from Mulan's, staring at a spot on the ground.

Mulan's eyes narrowed, "That's private."

"You wouldn't talk to me about what was wrong," Aurora defended herself, "I know I shouldn't have, but I didn't know what else to do."

To her surprise, Mulan smiled, "It's alright. I'm sorry I've been so distant lately. I'll try to be more open with you in the future. Thank you for all of this." Mulan kissed Aurora and they smiled at each other.

"I don't mean to be a buzzkill," Grumpy called from the bar, "But can we eat now? I'm starving."

Several people laughed and the party got underway. Hours passed and everyone was having fun, especially Mulan. The worry about the Grinch's escape disappeared, even if it was only for a moment. It was Christmas Eve after all and everyone just wanted to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones.

Tinkerbell was sitting at the bar, sipping eggnog, when August sat next to her. Tink acknowledged him, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," August replied. "So I've been thinking about the other night."

"I thought that it was a one-time thing," replied Tink.

August nodded, "It was, but I was wondering if it could be a more-often thing?"

Tink considered this, "I like the sound of that." August grinned as the two clinked their glasses and took a sip of their drinks. Around them, a bunch of partygoers began singing Christmas carols.

Soon it was almost midnight and the group dispersed to get to their homes. Granny waved goodbye to the guests as they left, her crossbow sitting in her lap as she prepared for the Grinch's possible arrival. Christmas Day was almost there and the town was buzzing with excitement.