Chapter 25: Closure (This is the final chapter.)

Somewhere between the sofa and the bedroom door, his hand began to feel loose in her perspiring grip. Her legs continued to move but the hallway narrowed as her head spun.

She stopped when they reached the side of the bed and turned to face Will, his uneasy expression a reflection of her own. She recognized the early signs of panic and slowly sat down on the bed, focusing her attention toward her dresser, on the green ceramic lamp that dimly lit the room.

Will sat down next to her, worry creasing his forehead.

"Are you okay, Em?"

"I'm fine. I just need a moment," she replied, still concentrating on the small lamp and working to inhale and exhale in a regular pattern.

With pleading eyes, Will said, "Emma, please know that I will wait forever for you. I don't want you to feel any pressure at all. We don't need to do this."

Emma ignored him and closed her lids, breathing deeply and evenly.

Will sat patiently, holding her hand.

When she opened her eyes several minutes later, she turned to him with a quiet smile and began stroking the top of his hand.

"I love you, Will."

"I love you too, Emma, but…"

"Stop," she interrupted.

"I'm okay. I think I'm just a little nervous because I've never done this before. So maybe we could just go slow?"

He looked down at her hands, still massaging his.

"Emma, I..."

"Those words...in the kitchen...were... You can't imagine... God, I have wanted... I can't even..."

Emma chuckled lightly, relieved he was nervous too.

"Sorry, I am still trying to wrap my head around this," he said, as he stood up suddenly, leaving Emma's fingers to mourn the loss of his warmth. He kneaded the back of his neck with one hand and began to pace in the small corridor between her bed and the walk-in closet. He paused next to her dresser and looked up, breaking his concentration to scan the room.

"Emma, I've never even been in...Wow, that's a large closet...I'm sorry, it's just...This is big. I've never even seen your apartment and now I'm in your bedroom and you say you're ready and I'm so happy...Oh god...out of my mind...but I'm scared too and..."

He had turned toward the artfully curtained window when Emma interrupted his monologue by wrapping her arms around him from behind. With her cheek against his shoulder blade, she could feel the angst in his stiff muscles.

"Why are you scared?" she asked gently, tightening her own muscles to hold him closer.

Will turned around in her grasp and tucked her head to nuzzle against his neck.

"Em, I need to know why now. I mean, you nearly had a panic attack just then," he worried, stroking the back of her hair.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a feeling of bliss washing over her as she felt the depth of his love. It was as she had described it to Dr. Stone, like melting into him.

"Em?"

She smiled warmly at the sound of his voice, eyes still closed until she felt him remove his hand from her head and ease back.

Her serene gaze met his perplexed one and she struggled to remember his question.

He replayed it without prompting. "Why now, Emma?"

She blinked away her confusion, grasping his forearms while she steadied her mind. And in his searching eyes, she found clarity.

"I am tired of living in fear. Fear of germs. Fear of relationships. Fear of failure. I have held myself back from so many experiences, so many people. And now you are here, Will, giving me everything."

Emma raised her hands to his face and cupped his flushed cheeks in her palms.

"I want to give you everything too."

She stood on her tip toes and brought her lips to his, conveying her feelings with a kiss that unfolded in layers, slowly and deliberately offering him a glimpse into her heart. They parted with a whimper.

"Emma, you just did," Will whispered, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"And that is enough. I don't want to make love because you feel like you need to prove something to me or to yourself."

"Okay," she replied, smiling assuredly as her fingers danced lightly down his chest.

Languorously, she unclasped each button of his blue oxford, then pulled it out of his pants to finish the last two. She slipped the shirt off his shoulders, and noted his disbelieving yet amused expression as she discarded it to the floor. She grabbed the t-shirt he had worn underneath and pulled it over his head in one motion, casting it in the same direction where it came to rest on top of his other shirt.

Returning to his naked torso, Emma's eyes popped open in wonder. She had seen his chest once before, but not like this. She ran her hand daringly across his model-like pectoral muscles.

Will grinned adoringly as he said, "Emma, what are you doing?"

"I'm touching your incredible chest," she answered as if he had asked whether the sky was blue.

"Yes, I see that, but..."

She closed her mouth over his collarbone and with just the tip of her tongue, she tasted his skin, moving from the outside of his shoulder into his neck. He sighed with pleasure, softly, tentatively.

"Emma, you never answered me," he reminded her.

"Sure I did. I said, Okay," she mumbled as she kissed his elusive Adam's apple on her way to his other shoulder.

"Okay what?" Will continued, lifting his head involuntarily, his body accepting more than his head would authorize.

"Okay, we won't make love because I need to prove something."

"Then why are you undressing me?"

"I wouldn't know, but I have heard that's what people do before they make love."

"And that is what we are going to do," Emma stated definitively before parting her wet lips against the side of his neck. Then with her mouth hovering beneath his ear she added sweetly, "Because I love you..."

She fluttered her tongue across his pulse point. Will tipped his head to the ceiling and moaned softly.

"Because I want to be closer to you than I have ever been to anyone," she went on, pausing to capture the light in his eyes in her forever memory before returning to his mouth for another kiss.

And when she finally pulled away, breathless, she tried a sexier tone. "Because I want you."

Courageously, she moved her hand down his stomach, past his waist, and ran her hand over his zipper.

Startled, Will muttered, "Emma, I..."

"Shhhh..." she interrupted as she began to stroke him through his jeans. "Will, I want you to stop worrying about me."

"Do you like this?" she asked, massaging the area where she could feel the strength of his desire.

"Oh god, yes," he said roughly.

She tugged at the button and felt his hardness straining against his jeans.

He held his breath as Emma slowly pulled down his zipper.

"Breathe, Will" she said tenderly, their roles suddenly reversed.

She peeled the denim away from his body, sliding her hands over his hips as she pushed his pants down to his knees, revealing the reality of his expectations.

Emma stifled a gasp and brought her hands to her face to cover her crimson cheeks. Her stress filled the air and Will froze, knees locked together by bunched denim, nearly naked before her.

"Emma?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine," she responded blankly, eyes still fixed below his waist.

"Uh," she coughed, "Do you think it would be okay if we, um, get under the covers?"

"Of course, Em, of course."

While she walked to the other side of the bed, Will quickly pulled off his jeans and climbed in, sensitively covering that part of himself that had clearly startled her.

"Come here," he said, pulling back the covers on her side.

She considered removing her robe, but decided to ease under the covers first, cuddling into his outstretched arms.

"Emma, you have no idea how sexy you are."

He raised himself on his elbow, pinning her gently underneath him as he rolled toward her, and he began to kiss her with a new intensity. As their tongues thrashed fiercely, Emma felt Will's hands opening her robe and she shuddered with anticipation.

He pulled away from their kiss and stared at her near naked body with a look of wonder. "So beautiful," he said as he cupped her breast reverently, and lowered his mouth to her skin.

Emma closed her eyes and enjoyed his soft lips, but when he flicked her nipple with his tongue, she moaned. Will smiled triumphantly and moved to the other side. Emma held his head against her chest, running her fingers through his curls absentmindedly, overtaken by the sensation of his warm, wet mouth.

While he worshipped her breasts, one hand roamed her belly. He ran his finger around the waistband of her panties.

"Em, is this okay?" Will asked tenderly.

"Yes," she replied with a slight hitch in her voice.

He stared into her eyes as he carefully removed her underwear. Emma locked her gaze on his, sharing her nervousness and also her desire.

Will's hand moved slowly between her legs. "Oh my god, Emma," he groaned.

She sucked in a breath and closed her eyes tightly, suddenly wishing she could disappear.

"I'm sorry, Em, I didn't mean to embarrass you," Will responded quickly. "It just feels so good."

Emma breathed out and tried to relax into the mattress.

He rested his hand chastely on her waist and returned to her lips.

As they kissed, Emma resolved to conquer her nerves.

Against his lips, she whispered, "Will, I think I'm ready."

"Yes, yes you are," he replied, pulling away with a sly smile.

Emma knew he was trying to lighten the mood and she acknowledged it with a bashful grin before sitting up to open the drawer of the bedside table. She pulled out a condom and handed it to him.

She watched as he kneeled above her, the significance of the moment briefly interrupted by the awkward latex object.

He lowered himself carefully on top of her, putting much of his weight on his forearms and knees. Will kissed her forehead softly.

"I love you, Em," he said sweetly.

"I love you, Will," she replied.

"I have dreamed of making love to you more times than I can count, Emma, but I want you to know that we don't have to go through with this right now."

"Are you trying to make me beg? she said with mock exasperation.

"It's just…"

"Make love to me, Will," she demanded with a certainty she hadn't felt until that very moment.

"Okay, but please tell me if...I don't want to hurt you, Em."

She nodded her head and took a deep breath.

Will reached down and guided himself to her opening. He watched her eyes clamp shut as he slowly pushed inside her.

The physical sensation was like nothing she had ever felt before but unremarkable compared to the sense of relief that they were finally here. She could feel her world opening up and her body softened into his.

"Emma, I'd like to see your eyes."

She opened them to his loving gaze, and realized the physical sensations would be only a small part of becoming one with Will.

He pulled back and then pushed himself into her a little deeper.

She sucked in a breath as she saw a flash of concern in his eyes.

"Am I hurting you?" he asked, holding himself still.

She wanted to tell him that it was the most beautiful feeling she had ever experienced. She wanted to describe the meaning of this moment, of finally giving herself completely to the one man she knew she would love forever. But her throat closed up and all she could do was shake her head. No, it didn't hurt in any way that mattered.

Will rested his forehead against hers as he carefully began to rock, establishing a slow, gentle rhythm.

Emma was content to breathe with him, but when he kissed her, her body responded by matching the rhythm of his hips.

"Oh Emma," Will sighed sensually.

The sound of her name on his lips brought an unexpected tingle and she bent one leg up against his hip bone.

He pushed into her completely and Emma gasped in pleasure and pain.

Will hesitated, but she pressed her hands into the small of his back and pulled him into her again.

He started to move faster as Emma panted underneath him. She had tried to keep her eyes trained on his, but it was getting difficult to process so many feelings at once.

"Are you okay, Sweetheart?" he asked, shifting slightly and slowing down again.

"Will, I didn't expect…..it to feel this good."

"Oh Emma….Honey…." he said between kisses. "Probably not for long."

Will smiled impishly and turned his head next to hers on the pillow, placing the full weight of his body on her.

"You're driving me crazy, Em," he whispered passionately in her ear.

Emma's pleasure only intensified the more aroused Will became. She felt a surge of sexual power and lifted her hips toward him as he moved inside her. She knew it was having the intended effect when Will's breathing became louder and rougher.

"Emma…..Oh, Emma," he repeated, his pitch getting higher and tinged with desperation.

He lifted himself above her and she could tell by the excitement in his eyes that he was getting close. She was mesmerized by the vulnerability of the moment and overcome by pure love.

Will cried out her name in release, then collapsed onto her body, sobbing.

"I love you so much, Em."

It was more perfect than she had ever imagined. Her heart swelled.

Will tucked his head next to hers on the pillow, breathing heavily, still covering her body with his trembling frame.

"Emma, it has never felt like that before," he said, another sob escaping his throat. "My chest feels like it's going to explode."

"Thank you…..thank you for trusting me to share that with you," he gushed.

She smiled at the love of her life through happy tears.

"And forgive me if this sounds patronizing," he said, raising himself up to look into her eyes, "but I'm very proud of you, Em."

"Thank you," she replied, leaning in to kiss him softly.

"Although I'm slightly afraid to tell you that we've made a bit of a mess in your bed," he joked as he looked down, surveying the damp sheets.

"Actually, not too bad," he remarked. "It'll dry."

Still glowing, Emma rolled her eyes.

"I need a second to deal with this, um, thing," he said, pointing down. "Be right back."

He laughed when she snapped her eyes shut, refusing to look as he headed for the bathroom.

She registered running water a few seconds later, but most of her brain was occupied by the wild range of emotions that accompanied her new status. She smiled as she thought, I'm not a virgin. Or at least she thought she said it in her head. She realized she had said it aloud when Will sat down on the bed, wrapped in one of her plum bath towels. "No, you're not," he grinned. "How does it feel?"

Emma opened her eyes to his bare chest and reached out to touch him. "It feels strong, soft, warm...unbelievable, really."

"Not my chest, Silly."

"I know," she giggled, propping herself up against two pillows to get a better view of his face. She dropped her hand from his chest and held her palm open on the mattress, waiting for his hand to join hers.

"Um, I feel so many things. I'm not sure I can sort it out just yet. So I hope you don't mind if my first answer is amazing. It feels amazing."

Will matched her grin.

"How would you like to jump in the shower with me, Miss Amazing?" he asked.

Soap, hot water and Will. The idea thrilled her on more than one level. "I'd love to," she smiled.

-X-

A/N: Hi. Long time no see. :) Sorry it took so long to update. I have been busy with a new friend.

I REALLY struggled with this chapter because in my heart, I didn't think Emma was ready. But most of you did so I went with it. Sex scenes are weird to write and I hope it wasn't too, um, mechanical. I had a vision of their first time being somewhat awkward and more emotional than sexually gratifying. I know others have written nice versions of multiple synchronized orgasms, but I happen to think that takes practice! And as much as I wanted to write about Emma the minx, I think it will be a while before she can truly let herself go.

I can't believe this journey has come to an end. I started this story about 7 months ago and I think it's up to almost 90,000 words. I've heard a typical book is 100,000 so holy cow! Anyway, I would like to thank all of you who stuck with me and reviewed regularly. You know who you are. It has been so nice to know that there are fellow Wemma fans out there who appreciate my version of their story.

It has been even more fun to connect with other writers. I've been inspired by your storytelling and impressive prose. I still have so much to learn!

I don't have another story idea in mind so I might write some one-shots once season 3 starts. I'm also considering an epilogue to this story because there's one more detail I'd like to return involving an item that has been tucked away in Emma's drawer for quite a while now. :)

Thanks again for your interest and support.