All I Want For Christmas Is You

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas.

This is written for xx-SQ215-xx, as part of the CCOAC Christmas gift exchange. My pairing is JJ/Reid, with the prompts: All I Want For Christmas (lyrics from song quoted), Christmas Crackers, gift exchange and a Christmas tree. Throughout the story I have managed to use them all, though maybe not as expected. I have added the use of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol ghosts, as the idea fitted with what I wanted to do.

xx-SQ215-xx I hope you like this and to anyone else that chooses to read it then the same applies to you too.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

. . .

I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is...
You

. . .

Christmas Eve

JJ sat alone in the darkened house, her feet curled up under her as she watched the gentle sparkle of the white lights rippling across her dressed tree. The aroma of the real pine mingling with the spices from the cookies baking in her kitchen - the room was picture perfect.

JJ wiped a solitary tear as it tumbled down her cheek. It was a shame her life wasn't as perfect as the Christmas scene that surrounded her.

Pushing herself off the couch and heading towards the kitchen to remove the cookies and pour herself a glass of wine, JJ couldn't help but straighten Henry's scarlet stocking that hung by the fireplace. The very fireplace that Will had spent days making to their own specific design – how did what they had end like this?

Entering the warm kitchen, the cinnamon smell enveloped her as she padded softly, bare footed, towards the oven. Removing the hot tray she breathed deeply. Relishing the memories she had of Christmas last year – her, Will and Henry as a family. Was she looking back on her life with rose tinted glasses? After all it had never been perfect; Will and she had not had the easiest of starts and then they had Henry. It was all much quicker then JJ had ever planned - though JJ had to wonder if without Henry she would ever have made a commitment to anyone.

As she thought about it she soon realised all the good parts revolved around Henry, and she still had him.

Collecting a cool glass of dry white wine from the fridge JJ returned to the solitude of the lounge, curling up once more on the couch with a book and her thoughts. She had never been more confused in her life, not even when she had found out she was pregnant. She only had until the New Year to make her decision. That was the ultimatum Will had left her with. She had to decide this Christmas who she really wanted.

. . .

Sipping the last of her wine, JJ resisted the urge to stretch. She was warm and cosy just where she was. Glancing one last time at the pile of presents under the tree, she curled up tightly, pulling the throw from the back of couch over her body and closing her eyes, she settled into a restless sleep.

Within what seemed like minutes JJ sat upright, a sudden chill shooting down her spine. Scanning the decorated room she froze as she looked at the familiar pale figure standing by the fireplace.

"Katherine," she whispered hoarsely, her eyes blinking wildly as her mind tried to make sense of what she saw, "It can't be you. . . You're dead."

The figure stepped away from the fireplace, holding the family portrait that had held pride of place on the wooden mantle.

"Jenny," the blonde girl smiled, trying to reassure, "I am surprised you have never seen me before. I love to visit you, but I hate seeing you so sad."

JJ backed away along the couch, her feet tangling in the throw as cushions scattered onto the floor. She had never believed in ghosts. JJ was happy to accept that, even with the sin of suicide over her head, her sister Katherine was in a better place. Yet the idea of her 'visiting' had never crossed her mind.

"Katy, I don't understand . . . I . . ." JJ was stunned.

"It's ok Jenny," Katherine reassured as she sat softly on one end of the couch, "I'm here to help you. I know what has happened. I saw what happened with Will, why does he think that you are in love with Reid?"

JJ bit her lip nervously; with less than a year between them the sisters had been close, until that fateful day that had changed Katherine. From that point on everything had spiralled until Katherine finally took her life. Up to that point they had always been honest with each other and shared everything in the way that teenage girls do.

"Maybe because I do," JJ whispered.

"Do you?" Katherine's eyes widened at the confession, that was easier then she had expected.

JJ just shrugged, showing her confusion, "I honestly don't know, sometimes I think I do then I am not so sure. I love Will, I think. Oh this is such a mess, how am I supposed to know what to do? I don't even know if Spence likes me, not like that anyhow."

Katherine laughed at her sister's last statement, "Really you doubt it with those puppy dog eyes and how he hangs off your every word, come on Sis, really. I'm dead and I can tell he's head over heels in love with you. Maybe you should apply those profiling skills a little closer to home."

"I thought Will was head over heels in love with me, I was obviously wrong there."

"Oh I believe he loves you too, lucky you, two gorgeous men," Katherine smiled, tracing a cold finger over the image she held in her hand. The loving family she would never have as she had made the choice not to continue into a future.

"So what do I do Katy? How do I know which man I should choose?" relaxing slightly.

Katherine shook her head, "I wish it was that easy Sis. If I could I would just give you an answer and all would be good, but when have you ever listened to my advice. Plus you need to decide for yourself."

JJ blushed, knowing her sister was right, she tended to listen then do the opposite, no matter how much trouble it got her into. JJ had always thought she had been the rebellious one back then.

"So, why are you here, if it's not to help me?"

"To warn you," Katherine met her sister's pleading eyes once more, "Through the night you will have three visitors, each will share something with you, which will hopefully help you with the decision you need to make."

"Sorry, I don't understand, I thought you were here to help me," JJ pleaded as she watched her sister return the silver framed photo to its place on the mantel, between the two large white candles.

Katherine turned back to her sister, "As I said before, when do you ever listen to me?" as she spoke the words she walked forward into the dying glow of embers of the fire, leaving JJ alone once more.

JJ sat in the dark room, staring, unable to believe what had just happened. It had to be a dream. She stood slowly, stretching and rubbing her eyes, before she tidied away and moved upstairs - hoping for a better night once in her own bed.