A.N I have really struggled with writer's block this week its bizarre how suddenly it becomes so difficult to get the ideas from my head onto the page and I'm actually shocked I've managed to complete this chapter at all.

I have made more changes and tweaks than i ever have before but I made the decision to stop faffing with it and just hope that it lives up to your usual expectations.

Thanks as always for the previous comments, happy reading...

"Where is Mrs Scrooge then?"

Piper chuckled watching as Nicky ferociously threw fake snow across her living room floor while grinning at her like a lunatic. The room around her now resembled some sort of Santa's grotto every available surface had a different form of Christmas ornament adorning it and tinsel had been draped around the room glistening in the light. With her fire burning, bathing the room in a warm glow, it felt rather magical and Piper was immensely pleased at what she had managed to achieve in just a couple of hours.

"My dad's taken her out for a coffee and some fresh air she has no idea she's coming home to a belated Christmas!"

Nicky laughed loudly and Piper grinned at her in reply after receiving her gift yesterday Piper decided that they would have their own mini Christmas and she had coerced her dad and Nicky into helping. After all their drama she thought it would be nice if they all had a small belated get together and the plan was Nicky and Bill would stay the night so that they could all enjoy a decent drink without having to mess about with taxis or hotels.

"Why does Vause hate Christmas so much anyway?"

Piper didn't answer straight away she took her time tidying away the rubbish that was strewn across the room while she contemplated the best way to answer Nicky's question. Alex had never openly admitted exactly why she loathed the festive season but conversations over the years had hinted at the reason behind Alex's discomfort.

"I don't really know..."

Nicky frowned the look on her face telling Piper she didn't believe her at all.

"Honestly I don't Alex has never specifically said I just have my own theory"

Nicky nodded and gestured for her to continue.

"Alex had nothing growing up her mum used to work numerous jobs just to keep clothes on her back and food on the table and I can only imagine, when you're in that situation, that Christmas is a stark reminder of how little you have in comparison to everyone else"

Nicky looked pityingly in Piper's direction and Piper continued determinedly not liking the expression on Nicky's face it made her uncomfortable knowing how much Alex disliked pity from anybody.

"But at least she had a mother who loved her unconditionally who would literally do anything for her child's happiness. All Alex ever wanted growing up was money and all I ever wanted was my parents undivided attention it's funny how we desperately wanted what the other had"

Piper's voice trailed off and she blushed slightly as she resumed her tidying ignoring the slightly awkward silence that had descended at her words.

"Well I reckon she's gonna go bloody mad when she returns it looks like Christmas exploded in here!"

Piper laughed heartily pleased when her body relaxed and she was glad Nicky was moving on from the previous heavy conversation.

"Alex will pretend it's the worst idea ever until she sees the whiskey my dads brought with him that I've stashed away. Then trust me she'll have no complaints as long as her glass remains full"

"Ooh whiskey now your talking Chapman I reckon I might just be tempted to stay now you've mentioned that"

"You were already planning on staying"

"That's what you think if there had only been that non alcoholic beer crap on offer I'd have been making up any excuse to fuck off out of here at the first chance!"

Piper laughed at Nicky's teasing and continued laying the few small presents she had now bought for Alex under the tree along with the gifts for her father and Nicky it felt strange setting up the apartment like this in the first week of January but she was determined not to miss Christmas Day. Her favourite Christmas films had been purchased ready for popping into the DVD player and she had a turkey joint in the oven the only person missing was her mother who had stated that unfortunately she was away with friends and could not possibly cancel in case her friends thought her rude. Piper still couldn't decided whether she was miffed or pleased about her mother's absence.

"So is the Chapman matriarch away by choice or are you just trying to avoid having me and your mother in the same room?"

Nicky nudged at her side and laughed raucously and if Piper hadn't made her the coffee that was half drunk balanced on her end table she would have been convinced Nicky had already started drinking.

"She's gone to Florida to visit friends"

"Your Dad not fancy it?"

Piper shook her head a slight frown creasing her forehead "I think they're having a few issues at the minute, not that either of them are admitting, I reckon he'll be glad of the peace and quiet"

"Well he won't be getting peace and quiet today trust me I'll make sure of it!"

Piper laughed and her smile became brighter as she heard the tell tale sign of her front door unlocking.

"Brace yourself"

Nicky smirked and wrapped a piece of tinsel around her neck like a scarf and Piper turned back around at the loud gasp that sounded in the room.

"What the ... Fucking hell Piper it's like a fucking grotto in here!"

Alex's voice was incredulous and Piper beamed as her father too entered the room coming to a stop beside Alex his mouth falling open in shock, his eyebrows raising comically.

"Well darling it's certainly very festive in here I'm impressed we've only been gone two hours!"

"Well I've had my own version of a Santa's elf to help me"

"Merry Christmas!"

Nicky hurled herself at Alex almost knocking her off her crutches and Alex tried to scowl as Nicky wrapped the tinsel around her neck.

"Get off you prat its January. God if I had known this is what you were planning I wouldn't have come home. Did you know about this Bill?"

Bill smiled hesitantly the guilt clearly on show and Alex groaned rolling her eyes "I'm never trusting you again the next time 'shall just me and you go and get a coffee' fall from you lips I'm anchoring myself to the couch save Piper from creating Lapland in the bloody living room"

Piper rolled her eyes at Alex's grumbling and she held a sprig of mistletoe high above her head smirking in Alex's direction.

"You going to come over here and give me a kiss?"

Alex's scowl gave way to a small smile and she chuckled rolling her eyes as Piper batted her eyelashes pouting. Alex made her way over to Piper slowly, her crutches leaving tracks in the fake snow, before she could reach her however Nicky surged forwards and planted her lips straight on to Piper's.

"Nicky!"

Piper shoved Nicky off of her wiping at her lips with her hand as Bill laughed loudly only laughing harder when Alex shoved Nicky with her crutch knocking her backwards on to the couch.

"That was a poor effort Nic watch and learn this is how you give a kiss under the mistletoe"

Piper hummed as Alex's lips landed on her own and she eagerly opened her mouth as Alex traced her lips entwining their tongues in a heated embrace. Piper sighed happily losing herself in the sensation until she was pulled from the moment by a loud embarrassed cough.

"Ok you two that's enough"

Piper smiled sheepishly at her dad as Alex pulled away her signature smirk firmly in place. Nicky stood up from the couch and snatched the mistletoe from Piper's hand holding it over her own head as she batted her eyelashes and puckered her lips.

"You gonna come give me a smooch then Vause?"

Alex laughed and shook her head as Piper glared, her eyes flashing in warning. It was petty and she knew it but she just couldn't stop the jealous streak she seemed to have when it came to anyone trying to stake a claim to Alex. Even though it was Nicky and she knew nothing would happen she couldn't stop her body's automatic reaction. Piper caught Alex's eye and she blushed at the knowing smirk on Alex's face.

Seemingly sensing the message Nicky sighed theatrically and turned to face Bill "Chapman senior?"

Bill blushed and Piper chuckled letting her jealous irritation fall away feeling slightly ridiculous. Her cheeks still slightly reddened she plucked the mistletoe from Nicky's hand.

"Alright that's enough Christmas kisses leave my poor dad alone"

"Sorry Bill I'm only messing with you"

Bill took Nicky's proffered hand and shook it before pulling her into a one armed hug "Yes well Merry Christmas Nicky"

"Ok well as nice as these belated sentiments are can we at least get a drink make these dreadful festivities more bearable"

"Your favourite whiskey's in the cupboard but you might want to start with a beer I've got Christmas dinner in the oven"

"Proper beer?"

Piper nodded and Alex's face broke into a wide smile and she pressed a kiss to Piper's cheek.

"Beer it is then"

"I'll get them Alex"

Bill moved to the kitchen shedding his coat as he did and he made quick work of uncapping three beer bottles and pouring a large glass of white wine. Piper finished hanging the last of the decorations on the mantlepiece before she sat down in the chair heavily, gratefully accepting the glass of wine her father held in his outstretched hand.

"Thanks Dad"

With Bill and Alex taking up the couch Nicky settled on the floor next to her beer in her hand, her arms resting on her knees and she grinned up at Piper causing her to laugh, she looked like an overgrown child.

"This is ace Chapman if every Christmas is like this with you sign me up for next year!"

"Please don't encourage her Nic if this is what the apartment looks like with a day's planning can you even imagine what she would be capable of given time and preparation"

They all laughed at Alex's grumbling and Nicky just stuck her middle finger at her laughing.

"Don't be a sour patch Vause this is brilliant, miles better than my usual Christmas"

Piper smiled gently at Nicky who was still grinning but her expression had become slightly guarded.

"You'll always be welcome Nic ignore misery arse over there me and you can make it a yearly thing even if she doesn't want to get involved"

Piper winked at Alex who just shook her head smiling as she took a large gulp of beer.

"Are you ladies sure it's alright that I stay the night?"

"Oh are you staying as well Bill?"

"Yes it's fine that you're both staying me and Alex are happy to have you aren't we Al?"

Alex nodded firmly and Piper smiled at her father who still looked slightly hesitant.

"The spare beds made up for you Daddy and Nicky will you be alright on the couch?"

Nicky's face dropped comically and Piper raised her eyebrows.

"Well damn it Chapman and here was me thinking I was going to be bunking in with you and Vause! I was quite looking forward to snuggling up between you both having myself a little Vauseman sandwich"

Alex and Bill roared laughing as Piper just shook her head and rolled her eyes.

"I wouldn't trust you in bed with either of us Nicky I reckon you've got wandering hands"

"Vauseman?"

Bill looked at Nicky curiously and she winked at him smirking.

"Yeah Vause, Chapman equals Vauseman hey if you two do decide to get married it could be your new surname!"

Alex looked thoughtfully at the notion but Piper scoffed if she was getting married there's no way she was having anything other than Vause.

"Nice idea Nic but I don't thinks it's going to happen Piper's quite intent on being nothing other than Mrs Vause aren't you love"

Piper nodded smiling wistfully in Alex's direction pleased when Alex's face softened into a look of adoration.

Nicky went quiet a contemplative look across her face before she broke out with a teasing grin.

"Well if you don't get married you can always give any kids you have the Vauseman surname"

Alex almost choked on her beer a look of pure horror across her features and Piper found she couldn't help but chuckle. She reached down and slapped Nicky across the back of her head causing her dad to laugh loudly.

"Nicky! Are you trying to give my fiancée a heart attack!"

"I notice you don't appear to be saying no to the idea"

Piper groaned loudly and she looked at Alex who was now looking at her in pure panic like she wanted to be anywhere else but here in this moment. Standing up from her chair Piper moved across the room and settled herself in Alex's lap and pressed her lips to Alex's own.

"No Nic, no kids we're happy as we are aren't we Al?"

"Yes, yes we are"

Alex nodded forcefully and Piper chuckled pleased to see the colour beginning to reappear in Alex's complexion.

"Well that's a shame Piper I happen to think you would make wonderful parents"

Piper's head whipped around at the same time as Alex's staring murderously at her dad who was sat wearing a cheeky smirk.

"Not even funny Bill"

Bill laughed at Alex's horror, winked at Nicky then stood up making his way to the kitchen. Once he had checked the oven he made his way over to the table and turned to them a huge smile across his face.

"Right after that little minefield of a discussion who's up for Turkey?"

"Let me see, come on what did she get you?"

Alex smirked as she watched Nicky grumble before she hesitantly let Bill see what it was that Alex had bought her. Bill looked at the book held tightly in Nicky's hands eagerly before his eyes read the front cover and his face turned a brilliant shade of red causing Alex to laugh loudly and Nicky to glare.

"That book will teach you how to become an expert Nichols"

"Oh is this were you learnt your trade then Vause"

"No I'm just naturally talented ask Piper" Alex winked and she turned smirking as Piper came back into the room a glass of wine in her hand.

"Ask me what?"

Nicky smiled wickedly holding up her gift '101 ways to please a woman' so that it was clearly on show.

"How talented Vause is in bed? She reckons she's an expert"

Piper slapped at Alex's arm playfully scolding her "You are so crude"

Alex smirked and pulled Piper closer so that she could whisper into her ear "I've got you a copy as well we can have a look through it later I'm fairly sure they'll be things in that book even me and you have never tried"

Piper blushed her cheeks becoming redder when her father raised an eyebrow in her direction and she placed a chaste kiss to Alex's lips before she whispered back "Not tonight we have guests"

Alex scowled gently feeling put out and Piper shoved her playfully before Nicky interrupted her by grasping at more gifts under the tree and throwing them in her direction.

"My gifts to you Chapmans get them opened"

"Oh Nicky you shouldn't have"

Nicky just shrugged and also handed Bill a small present awkwardly her face becoming slightly embarrassed when Bill looked at her in shock.

"Well this is lovely surprise Nicky thank you"

"Yeah well you haven't opened them yet"

Alex laughed loudly as both Bill and Piper's faces became slightly apprehensive and she raised her eyebrows in Nicky's direction, she two was curious to know exactly what Nicky had bought. Bill recovered first his face returning to a slight nervous smile but he slowly began to unwrap the small gift in his lap. Once the paper had been peeled away Bill's face broke into a wide grin and he chuckled eagerly holding up the small book entitled 'The little book of whiskey tips'. Bill eagerly started thumbing through the pages his smile only growing wider as he did.

"This is brilliant Nicky! There's some recipes in here I've never heard of"

Nicky looked incredibly relieved and Alex could tell the nerves had fallen away as Bill shook her hand in thanks. Alex truly admired Bill and it seemed Nicky did as well she wondered whether it was due to the fact that they both had absent fathers which made them now grateful for Bill's presence. Alex turned to look at Piper who was watching the scene in front of her with a small content smile playing across her lips and Alex nudged her gently before she whispered quietly.

"I'd open that while your dads distracted"

Piper's face turned to one of concern and she looked nervously between the gift in her lap and Bill.

"Do you know what it is?"

"No but I have an idea"

Piper quickly opened the present trying not to distract Nicky or her dad who were engrossed in the book for whiskey lovers. When Piper pulled back the paper she let out a relieved smile and Alex laughed as the worry fell from her features. Looking over she saw that although Piper's gift was underwear they seemed to be perfectly innocent black lace.

"Oh Nicky these are lovely thank you"

Nicky smirked and Alex narrowed her eyes suspiciously, turning again this time to look more closely at the knickers Piper was now holding up in front of her. This time she noticed something she hadn't the first time and Alex started to laugh just as Bill's mouth dropped open in horror.

"Babe those are crotchless put them down you're about to give your father a heart attack"

Piper turned the French knickers around and as soon as she saw the front she blushed bright red and quickly stuffed them back into the paper.

"Nicky!"

"What? There damn good quality Chapman so you best get your wear out of them"

"Oh don't worry Nicky she will"

As Nicky fell about laughing Alex reached over and plucked the knickers and matching bra from Pipers hands and placed them onto the small pile of gifts beside her. Alex had loved each of the presents she had received she had been truly pleased. Piper had bought her the usual bits a new silk negligee, some posh underwear of her own as well as some new books which she was itching to read. Nicky's gifts had been typically raucous edible body paint and a g string made of candy and she was glad she had opened them without Bill's knowledge she was certain he would have endured a small fit. Bill had bought her a thin sterling silver chain and Alex had adored it from the moment she had laid eyes on it and it was now securely fixed around her right wrist.

Now that all the presents had been unwrapped Alex winked at Bill as she gestured to the kitchen "Shall we crack open that whiskey then Bill?"

Both Nicky and Bill's expressions lit up and she smiled as Piper shook her head at the matching glee on their faces.

"Well we're going to need a drink especially if you're going to insist we watch one of the many Christmas films I noticed have made an appearance"

Pipers face lit up and she kissed Alex hard on the lips causing Alex to sigh happily "Does that mean you will watch them with me?"

"As long as there's whiskey Chapman we'll watch whatever the hell you want"

Bill laughed at Nicky's words and Alex found she couldn't agree more.

Piper leant back heavily into the couch sighing happily Alex's comforting weight was leaning up against her front and the warmth from her body along with the five glasses of wine she had eagerly consumed with Christmas dinner could easily have lulled her into a restful sleep. Instead of giving in to the pull of allowing her eyes to close she turned to her dad who was sitting in the arm chair nursing a whiskey a small content smile etched across his features.

"What's that smile for?"

Bill shrugged slightly a hint of a blush spreading over his complexion.

"It's just been a really lovely day and I've come to appreciate how much you all mean to me"

Piper felt the emotion rise in her throat and she struggled not to let it show in her voice as she joked.

"Even Nicky?"

Piper gestured to her friend who was spread across the floor a Christmas cracker hat draped across her head drool making its way down her chin as she slept laid out across the discarded wrapping paper and she giggled at the sight.

Bill laughed but he nodded eagerly "Yes even Nicky she's a good friend to both of you and a decent human being"

Piper smiled and shifted her legs slightly being careful not to disturb Alex who was still slumbering gently against her and she moved her arm slowly wrapping Alex's hand into her own loose hold.

"I think the whiskey has beaten these two what do you reckon?"

"Pfft and look at me I think I've had at least two more and I'm still sat upright, awake and sober"

Piper raised her eyebrows and Bill shrugged his shoulders.

"Well relatively sober"

Piper laughed softly and turned her attention back to the flames dancing in the fireplace. The clock on the wall chimed and as Piper counted the strikes she was surprised that it was already 12 o clock and she knew she should wake Nicky and Alex shortly so that they could get a proper nights sleep.

"It was a brilliant idea to do this Piper"

Piper was pulled from her thoughts and she blushed slightly at the sincere praise but she nodded at her father.

"I just didn't want us to miss out"

Her voice caught in her throat slightly and she turned her head away from her father's probing gaze as she felt emotion build in her eyes.

"It won't be the last one Piper"

Bill Chapman's voice burnt with conviction he had obviously picked up on the fear that she had been determinedly trying to hide all day not wanting Alex to realise exactly why she had been so eager to celebrate the missed holiday.

"I hope so but I just felt like I needed to have this memory just in case especially after coming so close to losing her"

Bill nodded sombrely "I understand but you shouldn't worry this one's going nowhere darling I promise you that"

Piper shook her head as she squeezed Alex's hand in her own.

"Don't make promises you can't keep Daddy I'm just trying to be realistic"

"I have utmost faith in Alex Piper and you should to, she's going to be fine"

Piper not wanting to talk about the cancer anymore gestured to the pocket watch that adorned her father's waistcoat.

"Do you like it then?"

Bill looked down confusedly until he saw what Piper was gesturing to. He plucked the watch into his grasp and studied it closely.

"It's beautiful, it must have cost Alex a fortune, she really shouldn't have"

"Well even if it did it doesn't matter she was intent on making sure you had the perfect gift this year. I don't think you will ever know how grateful we both are for what you have done for us"

Bill's eyes became slightly misty and Piper felt her own eyes water with the rush of love that washed over her for her father.

"I did what I had to do Piper nothing more nothing less and look" Bill gestured to Alex and Piper tightened her arms that were wrapped around her other half and pressed a kiss to her dark locks "It was worth every penny"