Chapter Text
Slowly Emily blinked the sleep from her eyes and squinted as the sun lit up her childhood bedroom, highlighting the many soccer posters and trophies that crowded the very pale pink room. She chuckled a bit as she thought about the little princess that her parents must’ve been expecting when they picked the ruffled white curtains and instead they ended up with a pair of rough and tumble soccer twins. Life has a funny way of not working out like you expected. Take today for instance. Never in a million years did Emily think she’d wake up on her 19th birthday next to the girl of her dreams. She felt Kelley’s warm, snuffly breaths on her neck and she smiled.
Careful not to wake still sleeping Kelley she reached for her phone on the nightstand and her grin grew wider as she saw birthday texts from friends both old and new. As she was typing out a response to her roomie (who had excellent gif game) a text from her sister flashed across the top of the screen.
Twinkie: Happy Birthday wombie! I was gonna come give you our birthday hug, but I figured I should check to see if you have any company and if you’re clothed… Fair warning, Mom and Dad will not give you this courtesy and I heard them moving around already this morning!
“Shit!” Emily whispered as she realized that she hadn’t thought about how she was going to get Kelley out of her room unnoticed. Maybe her sister could stall her parents?
Emily: Can you keep the parentals occupied for the next 5 minutes for me? Pretty please! Oh and happy birthday to you too!
Emma’s response was mercifully quick.
Twinkie: You’re lucky it’s your birthday.
Emily: It’s your birthday too doofus! But thank you and I love you.
Emily chuckled and turned to her freckled sleeping beauty. Gently brushing the hair off her cheek she kissed her forehead and softly spoke to wake her up.
“Kel sweetheart, you have to get up. We have to sneak you out of here before my parents see you.”
Kelley’s eyes flew open and she sat up quickly.
“Crap, where are my pajamas??”
Emily laughed and couldn’t help but stare in appreciation as her naked girlfriend scrambled around the room, pulling on pieces of clothing as she went. Just as Kelley was about to peek her head out the door to see if the coast was clear she twirled around with a guilty expression. She walked back and gave Emily a soft, slow kiss.
“Happy Birthday babe. That’s how I planned to say good morning to you today. I’m sorry, I got all flustered at the idea of facing the wrath of the Sonnetts!”
Emily grinned and waved her hand, indicating it was all good.
“Just get your cute butt out of here and you can wish me happy birthday all day. You can’t do that if you’re dead!”
Kelley’s face turned white with fear (a new emotion Emily hadn’t seen before), but she squeezed Emily’s hand and stealthily made her exit from Emily’s room without being caught. Emily sighed with relief as she quickly pulled on her own PJ’s and made her way to the kitchen to greet her family. She saw 2 small stacks of presents (one for her and one for Emma) on the table and a fresh pot of coffee and her heart felt full at the small gesture. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned around to see her Mom smiling at her.
“Happy Birthday muffin! You ready for your special birthday breakfast tradition?”
Emily’s grin grew wide.
“WAFFLE HOUSE!” she shouted excitedly and her mom chuckled in response and Emma ran into the kitchen answering the call.
“You know it! Let’s go get our waffle on.”
………………………
Emily absentmindedly twirled her pony tail as squeezed her eyes shut, thinking hard, trying to come up with the proper answer for her Italian final take home exam. December had arrived without warning and the end of the semester loomed over her. As the needed vocab word popped into her mind and she wrote it down gratefully, her glance passed over the framed photo on her desk and she smiled.
Kelley had given her the cutest photo of them in a lovely handmade frame (who know Kelley was crafty) for her birthday a few weeks back. Emily’s mind wandered back to the birthday celebrations. After a whirlwind day of family and old high school friends, all of whom were incredibly gracious when Emily introduced her girlfriend, Kelley had finally given her the gift when they were alone. A friend from their dorm had gotten an awesome shot of them celebrating together at a game and it showed their joy for soccer and each other so beautifully that it always put Emily in a good mood. The whole visit had been a smashing success with both sets of parents and siblings getting along well. It almost felt surreal, Emily’s friends had been so nonplussed about her new gayness that she suspected they may have been more in tune with her possible sexuality than she had been. Emily chuckled softly as she stretched and looked out the window. Her eyes grew wide and she made a high pitched squealing sound.
“MORGAN!!! It’s snowing, it’s snowing!!!”
Emily’s roomie looked up from her own desk with wide eyes and ran to the window. Confirming the sparkly magic falling from the sky, she looked back at Emily with glee in her eyes. Both girls had grins that could be seen from space. There’s nothing like snow for girls who grew up in the South and didn’t really get to experience it as kids.
“No way! Sonny this is so perfect. We can make snowmen and have a snowball fight at the Secret Santa tonight! Oooo I wonder if we will have a snow soccer practice for our last practice before winter break!!!”
Morgan was mumbling excitedly to herself as Emily’s mind hummed with electricity. While Morgan’s ideas were excellent, Emily had an even better one. She scrambled up from her chair, quickly pulling on the closest layers that she could find. Grabbing a plastic cup from her nightstand, she ran for the door as Morgan shouted to her hustling frame.
“What in the world?! Where are you going??”
“I’ll be right back, just gotta do something.”
Zipping up her jacket, Emily ran down the stairs and out the front door. She gasped sharply as the cold air hit her, but the excitement bubbled up in her warmly as she reveled in the magical white snow dropping on her face. She stuck out her tongue and caught a snowflake, giggling to herself. Focusing on the task at hand, Emily carefully picked up handfuls of snow and packed them into the cup she’d brought with her. Once she filled it to the brim, she carefully but quickly moved back into the dorm, going as fast as she dared so the snow wouldn’t melt. Once she reached her destination, she knocked loudly.
“Hey Kel! It’s me. I know you’re studying, but I wanted to say hi. Can I come in?”
“Coming! One sec.”
Emily stealthily held the snow filled cup behind her back and she heard the shuffling sounds of her girlfriend on the other side of the door. She had to work hard to keep her mischievous smiled off her face and her heart thumped with adrenaline as she waited to put her prank into action. Kelley’s eyes were bright with happiness at the surprise visit from her girlfriend and she reached out to put her arms around her to hug Emily. Knowing that would lead to Kelley finding the cup, Emily leaned in for a kiss on Kelley’s cheek instead and scooted quickly past her into the bedroom. She hastily leaned against her hands with the cup onto Kelley’s lofted bed.
“I know how stressed you’ve been and I thought I’d come give you a neck massage while you read! Just sit at your desk and keep studying and it’ll be like I’m not even here.”
Kelley’s eyes widened in surprise and her gaze melted with delight at the suggestion. She appreciatively sank into her desk chair and rolled her shoulders, ready for Emily to relieve her tension.
“That’s so sweet! You have no idea how tight my neck is, this semester is destroying me.”
Emily moved behind her and brushed Kelley’s soft, brown locks to the side and gazed and the smattering of freckles at the nape of her neck. Resisting the urge to place a soft kiss there, Emily massaged gently with her left hand and Kelley sighed happily, none the wiser. Cautiously Emily pulled Kelley’s tshirt neck out just enough to give her the space she needed and she quickly poured the snow filled cup down Kelley’s back and bolted for the door.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
Kelley’s scream was glass shatteringly shrill and she whirled around from her desk chair, shaking the wet snow out of her shirt. Her eyes flashed with annoyance, but Emily could see the laughter bubbling up as well. Emily smirked as she stood with her hands on her hips in the hallway, daring Kelley to come get her. The speedy brunette didn’t need any time to decide and sprinted towards the skinny blonde, who ran straight for the stairwell.
“You are so dead Emily! I’m gonna get you!”
The pair raced around the hallway, shrieking and laughing like little kids. Kelley, not to be matched in her endurance finally caught Emily and tackled her. Panting and glistening with sweat she looked down at Emily and smiled. She stood up victoriously and held out her hand to pull the taller girl up.
“What do you say I get my coat and shoes and we go enjoy the snow for real?”
Emily grinned and nodded, watching her favorite person walk back to her room to get ready to go outside. Her heart swelled with gratitude for the world giving her so much to be happy about. She had no idea what she did to deserve this kind of happiness, but she sure felt lucky. Studying would just have to wait. The first snow of the season was always special, but her first snow with Kelley would only happen once and she wasn’t gonna waste a minute of it.
………………………
“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOUUUUUUU!”
Emily chuckled behind her hand as she watched Crystal and Ashlyn scream sing Mariah Carey on the karaoke machine. She looked around to survey the party. The Jingle Juice was flowing and her teammates were rosy from more than the exertion of playing in the snow earlier. Pinoe and Ali were taking photos in the homemade ugly sweater photo booth, Lindsey and Rose were in a heated argument about if the Harry Potter movies counted as Christmas movies, and Becky was gathering newspapers and kindling to make a fire in the fireplace. Other teammates were scattered about snacking and enjoying each other’s company. Little twinkle lights in red and green were strung up all around the room giving it a sparkly glow. Emily sighed contentedly. It was cozy and festive and perfect. She felt Kelley snuggle into her side as she and Alex chatted over the sounds of music in the soccer house.
“Don’t you think Blue is gonna love this collar? Emily you did such a good job getting my Secret Santa gift! I’m impressed you didn’t blow the secret. I was hounding you about going shopping with me last week and you were cool as a cucumber!”
Alex’s words were extra loud from her inebriated state and Kelley shushed her, putting her finger to her lips.
“Oh my gosh drunky pants, you don’t need to shout. We’re right here.”
Alex shoved Kelley playfully and Kelley protested feebly, her lips turning up into a pout. Emily giggled and pecked the pouty lips to placate her. She turned to whisper into Kelley’s ear.
“Hey, can we get some fresh air? Porch time?”
Kelley nodded and stretched her arms as she stood up from the couch. The two carefully wove their way through teammates sitting in groups on the floor, hearing a well-timed wolf whistle from Allie, who noticed the pair sneaking away for some alone time. Flipping off the smirking blonde without a second glance, Kelley led the way to the porch, snagging their coats from the hall closet as they moved. The porch door thwacked loudly in the quiet late evening hour and the pair shivered a little as they settled onto the porch swing. Snow was still softly falling and the air felt crisp and invigorating. Kelley leaned in and started kissing the pulse point on Emily’s neck and Emily reluctantly pulled away. Kelley’s face flashed with concern.
“Did I do something wrong? I thought get some fresh air was code for some old fashioned making out.”
Emily hurriedly reassured the worried girl.
“No, you didn’t do anything wrong at all! I just wanted a couple minute alone with you. I have something for you!”
Kelley grinned excitedly.
“A present? I thought we weren’t doing Christmas presents until actual Christmas when we’re back home in Georgia?! I don’t have your gift with me!”
Emily looked down sheepishly.
“Honestly I thought I’d need more time to find the perfect gift, so when you asked when we should exchange gifts I suggested as late as possible. I did a lot of thinking over Thanksgiving on your gift though and what you mean to me and Emma helped me come up with the perfect way to show you how I feel and I don’t want to wait any longer. Is that ok?”
Kelley took Emily’s hand and squeezed gently.
“You know how adorable you look right now? Of course it’s ok! Maybe you’ll even decide to get me a second present for actual Christmas when you see how excited I get!!”
Kelley’s eyes twinkled as she teased the blushing blonde. She brushed back a loose piece of hair from Emily’s neck that had gotten dislodged from her ponytail during Kelley’s premature kisses and sat back, waiting for her present. Emily could sense the eagerness emanating from her pores. She really was so childlike sometimes. It was precious how much joy she experienced in the world. Emily reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box decorated with penguin wrapping paper. She held it in her hand for a moment and took a deep breath. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and hoped that her hands weren’t shaking. Looking up at Kelley’s golden eyes, she steadied herself and handed the gift to her eager girlfriend.
Kelley used every ounce of her self-control and carefully peeled the wrapping paper from the box, sensing this was important to Emily and that ripping the paper wasn’t the right strategy in this moment. She pulled out a gold necklace with a rectangular bar on the end with wavy symbols on it. She looked up at Emily quizzically.
“It’s beautiful, but what does it mean?”
Emily looked down quickly and ran her finger over the engraving.
“Have you ever heard of how sound waves make visual representations of the sounds being made? And if you say something you can actually see the different words in a voice recording?”
Kelley nodded, understanding starting to register on her face.
“Ohhhhh, so these are the sound waves of you saying something? Of your voice? That’s so cool! What are you saying on it?”
Emily grabbed Kelley’s hand again, stroking her thumb over the soft skin. The words tumbled from her mouth before she could re-think it.
“Kelley, it says I love you. You are so loved. I know you feel like you’re unlovable, but you are the most joyful, wonderful person I’ve ever met and I couldn’t not love you if I tried. I didn’t know until I met you that I could feel this way so fast about someone, but I do and I want you to be able to remember every day. When you doubt yourself or feel down or just need a reminder, it’s here. My voice next to your heart.”
Kelley’s eyes glistened with tears and she dropped Emily’s hand, bringing her own up to Emily’s cheek. She pulled her in for a long, slow kiss and Emily could feel a tear drip onto her chin. She wasn’t even sure if it was from her or Kelley. It felt like time was standing still and yet the earth was shifting beneath them. Finally Kelley pulled back and spoke softly.
“I love you too Emily. I feel like I’ve loved you from the moment I met you, but was afraid of scaring you away! You saved me. Last year I was drowning in despair and it’s like you threw me a life jacket. You are my light, my joy. This means the world to me Em. Thank you, really.”
Kelley quickly pecked Emily again and squeezed her in a hug. She held out the necklace and Emily pulled back Kelley’s hair and fastened it around her neck. Kelley broke the tension with a soft laugh.
“You set the bar so high for me Em. How am I ever gonna get you a present that measures up to this?!”
Emily wiped the remaining tears from her face and smiled.
“Hmmmm well I wouldn’t say no to a puppy!”
Kelley playfully smacked Emily and snickered.
“I bet if I got a dachshund, Moe would pledge her undying love to me as well. You could be sister wives!”
Emily joined Kelley in her laughter and then the pair fell into companionable silence. They watched the falling snow, snuggling close together. The porch door opened and Tobin poked her head out.
“Hey lovebirds, we’re gonna make s’mores, wanna join?”
The pair looked at each other and squealed in unison.
“YESSSSS!!!!”
They hopped up quickly and ran back inside. When they reached the living room, Emily let out a contented sigh. She looked around the room at so many of the people in her life who she deeply cared about. She had found family in college, people who would support her no matter what, and she had found one particular person who she loved with all her heart. Kelley looked at her from the fireplace with her s’mores stick and beckoned her to join her. Emily knew she’d follow that girl anywhere and that didn’t scare her. It filled her with excitement and anticipation for everything still to come. She knew not every moment would be perfect, but right then she felt the world could not be any better. Life was so good.