This just entered my head, and I had to write it down. Takes place just after "Bad Reputation." Originally intended as a one-shot, but I might be persuaded to continue. *wink wink*

"When your standing at a crossroad, there's a choice you gotta make." - Carrie Underwood

Emma Pillsbury didn't often receive visitors. As a matter of fact, the last time she'd had her family over last summer she'd spent the following week scrubbing every single surface. The neighbors had learned early on that she didn't like to be bothered with niceties such as block parties and dinner gatherings. And the no soliciting sign on her front door kept away even the most determined salespeople.

So it was with great surprise that Emma heard a definitive knocking on her door at 9:30 on a Friday evening. She had just curled up with a cup of hot cocoa (dairy free, of course) and My Fair Lady when the noise cut through her haven.

When she opened her door, however, she received another shock. Standing there, looking for all the world like a man with a mission, was Will Schuester. She'd really let him have it earlier that week, and even though he'd apologized with flowers, Emma had stood her ground. After a night's deliberation, she had told him in no uncertain terms that he needed to sort out his life before he invaded hers. And he'd agreed, albeit reluctantly. He'd looked like a kicked puppy that day in her office, and her heart clenched now even at the memory of him walking dejectedly from her office. They hadn't spoken much since, but tonight he didn't look defeated; he looked determined.

"You were right," he said bluntly, kicking his shoes off at the door and stalking toward her living room. She was too shocked to even remind him to sanitize his hands as she watched him in interest. Suddenly, he whirled on her, his face resolute and expressive.

"You're absolutely right. I'm not ready right now to commit to another relationship; my actions, however debase and regrettable, speak for themselves. And I know I've apologized before, but I'm doing it again. I'm sorry I ever did anything that caused you pain." Her eyes were filling with tears, and Will had to look away to continue. If she broke down, God help him so would he. He took up pacing in front of her sofa in his stocking feet as his words rushed out.

"After you decided to marry Ken, I told myself it was for the best. He's a good guy; he would have treated you with respect, which is the least you deserve. So I backed off, promising myself that I would never do anything that brought you grief or heartache. The look on your face when…" he relived those horrifying moments in the teacher's lounge once again, and he could see she was too.

"Will, I –"

"Don't apologize, Emma, please. Nothing you did warrants an apology. As a matter of fact, I am thoroughly impressed you didn't slap me. God knows I deserved it."

"I…I had just washed my hands, and…well…I was so angry I wasn't thinking straight, and I think I wanted to…" she was rambling now, as well, and Will allowed himself a small smile. She was just as adorable as the day he'd met her. But he couldn't think like that; not now. He'd come here with a plan and he was determined to see it through.

"So, since you're the guidance counselor, I'm taking your advice. I need to figure out who I am – Will Schuester – before anything else happens between us."

"Well, I'm glad I could be of assistance." She still had no idea why he was standing in her living room, but she didn't retreat when he took a step toward her.

"Emma," he admonished slightly at her professional tone, "I have news to tell you, a favor to ask of you, and a question. Which would you like first?"

"Uh…" her brain tried to process his tone and pick the best choice, but finally she just gave in. "T-the news, I guess." He nodded and squared his shoulders as his eyes caught hers.

"I'm going away for a while," he said firmly. She felt her knees weaken and she slumped against the love seat for support.

"Oh," was all she could manage.

"It's only for two weeks," he explained, and she felt her strength returning. Angry at him or not, Emma could not imagine her world without Will in it. "I already cleared it with Figgins, I just wanted to tell you personally because…well, you know…" She nodded, understanding his reasoning and feeling that small flutter in her chest that was oh so familiar in his presence.

"Wh-where are you going?" she managed to choke out.

"One of my old high school friends has a cabin in the middle of nowhere in Colorado. He said I could do my soul-searching there." He smiled grimly, and Emma chuckled at his attempt at humor.

"Um…there was a favor, I think?"

"Yes," he shoved his hands in his pockets, "Could you take over Glee Club for a couple weeks? I just…I don't want Sue to get her hands on it, and I know how much those kids love you." Emma laughed at that and shook her head.

"It's you they adore," she told him, "They were so heartbroken that you couldn't make Sectionals. But when I told them I'd called you and let you hear, they were so excited." She smiled as she remembered the chorus of thank you's and aborted hugs from the group of teens.

"And yet it's you they go to when they have problems," he countered.

"I'm the guidance counselor, Will. It's my job."

"True, but these are hormonal, moody teenagers we're talking about. And they come talk to you voluntarily. That's pretty spectacular." He crossed his arms over his chest, smiling proudly at her. "It's just…I would feel a lot better if I knew the kids were being looked after. And you're the only one I trust to look out for them. They just need an adult sponsor. They've got the songs for Regionals, and Rachel and Finn can lead rehearsals. All you have to do is sit in with them and enjoy the music." She found herself agreeing before her brain could give her a thousand reasons not to. She knew she couldn't retract it when she saw his shoulders visibly sag in relief.

"Thank you, Emma, that means so much to me." He moved past her toward the door, toeing his shoes on quickly. "I'm sorry for barging in here unannounced; I just had to tell you tonight because my flight leaves in the morning. Take care, Emma, and don't hesitate to call if you need anything." He opened the door and was two steps out before Emma called his name. When he turned, she was gripping the frame tightly with one hand.

"You…you forgot the question," she said softly, watching how his eyes danced in the porch light. He took two strides toward her and leaned over, kissing her sweetly. He didn't press, and he pulled away just as quickly as he'd begun. When her eyes opened – when exactly had they closed? – she saw him staring at her intently.

"Will you wait for me?" She made her decision in a split second and stood up on her tiptoes as she returned his chaste kiss. When she pulled away there was hope in his eyes.

"It was only ever you, Will." An honest, joyous grin split his face, and Emma thought it was the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen. He turned from her and walked back to his car, waving to her as he opened the driver side door. He blew her a kiss from behind the wheel before driving off into the night. Emma didn't shut the door until well after his tail lights faded into the darkness.

Well there you have it folks. Thoughts?