So this is my new Hemma fic. It's a brewing romance between Holly and Emma, and they will be together in the end. It's set right after the episode "Sexy" in Season 2. I hope you enjoy. Reviews are really appreciated. Let me know if I should continue on this idea!
Emma walked out of the school's big glass doors, heading out to the staff parking lot. She walked quickly, her head facing the ground. A mild breeze flew through Lima's atmosphere and the crisp, chilly air cooled Emma's warm, darkened cheeks.
She was still embarrassed about what had happened not more than ten minutes ago. The humiliating events replayed in her mind, despite her futile attempts to block them out.
It had started with the song, of course. That sweet, innocent song that turned out to have a not-so-innocent hidden message. God, why did Emma always have to be the last to find out these things? Having Will Schuester and his beautiful, confident girlfriend inform her that afternoon delight was not, in fact, a dessert was the most humiliating thing Emma had ever experienced.
And then Carl had to go and tell Holly all about their marital problems. As if she could even 'counsel' them. Emma shook her head and let out an irritated sigh as she walked. That might have been even worse than the afternoon delight mishap. Carl telling Holly about their… issues.
Emma was self-conscious enough as it was. She was extremely embarrassed and ashamed that she didn't have the ability to give Carl what he wanted… in the sex department. The last thing she wanted was for Will's model of a girlfriend to hear about her insecurities. Holly was so perfect and superior already, Emma didn't want to give her another reason to make her feel better than the troubled redhead.
For some reason, Emma had always wanted to come across as confident, cool, and sexy to pretty substitute teacher. It was extremely important to Emma, and she had no idea why. Maybe she just wanted to show her that she wasn't just an obsessive freak, that she had actually given up Will because she wanted to, that she could do much better and was, with Carl. But Emma had clearly displayed the opposite qualities to Holly. She had demonstrated that she was naïve, stupid, and pathetic. And she cursed herself for it.
"Hey wait… Emma!" The confident, slightly nasal female voice broke Emma from her thoughts and halted her purposeful walk as she turned around to see who was calling her name.
It was none other than Holly Holiday, waving her long, slender arm and hurrying up to catch up to the surprised guidance counselor. Emma wanted to run away, to ignore Holly, maybe pretend like she didn't hear, but it was too late. Holly was already within 10 feet of her, and Emma could already smell the sweet berry scent that Holly wore.
"Hey… thanks for waiting." Holly was slightly out of breath as she finally caught up to Emma, her cheeks and nose a soft shade of pink from the biting cold air.
"Um… ye-yeah, of course," Emma stuttered, looking up at the tall blonde nervously.
"Okay, I can tell you still feel a little weird about what went down today."
Emma's cheeks reddened even more.
"…and I owe you an apology. I was rude and insensitive back there. I mean, clearly you have your own issues, whatever they may be, and I have no right to judge you for them at all. So… I'm sorry."
Emma stood there, her mouth opening slightly in shock and bewilderment. It was true that she was a little miffed that Holly had been so unsympathetic when she had found out that the good-looking couple hadn't yet been together. But she never expected her to admit her mistake and apologize for it.
Holly stood there, looking at Emma with a sort of confused face, waiting for her to respond. She did feel really bad about making the insecure counselor feel uncomfortable. But that was just how Holly was. She spoke her mind, even when it could possibly hurt other people's feelings, and didn't worry about it afterwards. But this time was different. Seeing the pretty ginger's dejected, ashamed face when her hot dentist husband left the room really made Holly feel terrible. And she wanted to make it up to Emma.
"Uhm… it's okay. Don't uh… don't worry about it."
Holly's eyes squinted subtly as she listened to the redhead's words. No, it wasn't okay. She could easily tell that Emma was beyond embarrassed and miserable. She shook her head and put her hand on Emma's small shoulder.
"Don't be so nice, Emma. I was a bitch to you. I don't deserve your forgiveness."
Emma looked at Holly's bright blue eyes, and was surprised at how honest and sincere they looked. She wasn't used to such sincerity coming from the wild, outgoing woman. But she just shook her head and gave a small, unconvincing smile.
"Really, Holly, it's fine. It's not a big deal," Emma lied. It wasn't that Emma wasn't angry about what had happened. She just didn't want to start up a big fight. The truth was, Emma hated drama of all kinds. She hated confrontations and she really hated showing her feelings, especially when they were feelings of hurt and sadness. And Holly read right through her.
"It's not fine," Holly insisted. "Listen, no matter what you say, I'm still gonna feel bad about it. And I want to make it up to you."
Emma bit her lip nervously. She didn't want this. Why was Holly doing this?
"Look, let me at least give you a ride home."
Emma's brow furrowed in confusion, until she looked around the small staff parking lot to see that there was only one car left in it: Holly's. Oh yes. Carl had taken off right after their little meeting to go to a last minute appointment.
"Oh… no, no it's fine. I was… I was just going to take a taxi. Really, it's no problem."
"Emma, come on. Taxis are way overpriced these days. It would be my pleasure to give you a ride home."
"No, I-"
"Emma, stop. I insist. Now come on. Get in the car." Holly smiled warmly at the protesting smaller woman.
Why is she being so nice? Does she really feel that bad? Emma wondered as she pulled a tissue out of her purse, cleaned off the car door handle, and slid into the car. Holly noticed Emma's strange action and raised her eyebrow, but said nothing.
Holly's car was old, but it was nice. It was small and cozy, and had a nice lemony smell to it. Sliding into the driver's seat, Holly smiled broadly and said, "Pillsbury household, here we come!"
Emma smiled hesitantly and looked out the window as Holly began to drive out of the parking lot. She probably just feels bad for me. Yes, that's it. She has the perfect Will Schuester and she wants to flaunt him in my face.
But during the car ride home, Holly demonstrated that Emma was completely wrong. Holly tried to make random conversation, and Emma was grateful for that, but Will's name didn't come up at all.
"So! How long have you and the hot dentist been together?" Holly teased, nudging Emma's arm. "By the way, great job on that. He is to die for!"
Emma flinched at the touch, and smiled uncomfortably at Holly's words.
"Um, we've been married almost three months."
"Ah! Newlyweds! Congrats, girl!" Holly grinned.
Emma bit her lip, her smile tiny. Holly could sense Emma's hesitation and decided to bring it up again, but nicer this time. Definitely nicer. She really wanted to help Emma.
"What's holding you back, sweetie?" She asked gently.
Emma turned her head to look at Holly. Although her eyes were on the road, her face was concerned and caring.
"Why do you even want to know, Holly? You've got the perfect relationship with Will; why do you want to bother yourself with my silly problems?" Emma's voice sounded bitter, and it was the most Holly had heard her speak since they had gotten in the car.
Holly nodded approvingly. Now they were getting somewhere.
"I want to help you, Emma. Just talk to me." Emma sighed as she looked into Holly's honest eyes.
"I just… I just can't." Her voice broke and she covered her face with her hands.
"Why not?"
"I'm afraid."
Holly nodded. "What are you afraid of?" They had reached Emma's house and were stopped at the curb in front of it.
"Having… you know… it's messy."
"Sex?" The word rolled off Holly's tongue so effortlessly. Emma blushed and looked down at her lap.
"Yes… that."
"I see…" Holly was beginning to realize that Emma was a hardcore germaphobe. Like, it was more than just a funny quirk. She had real problems with messes. It confused her and intrigued her at the same time.
"Well, in my opinion… if Carl really loves you… he'll wait for you. Sex isn't something that should be rushed."
Emma's eyes began to fog up. She shook her head and her eyes conveyed so much pain.
"He won't though… he's so frustrated. You saw. He already has one foot out the door as it is." Her voice became higher and sobs escaped Emma's throat. This was so embarrassing. She was so happy when she found Carl; she had someone handsome and wonderful to show off. But now… he was nothing but another disappointment.
Holly put a hand on top of Emma's. Seeing the redhead cry was heart-wrenching. She couldn't figure out why she felt for Emma so much, but she did. Emma sniffled quietly, rather enjoying Holly's comforting touch. She didn't understand why Holly was being so nice, or why she felt like she could talk to her about anything.
It was a mystery to both of them.
But something clicked between the two women that day. They both could feel it. And as they sat in Holly's warm car, just enjoying each other's presence, Emma gave Holly a real, genuine smile for the first time since they had met.
