It was supposed to be a beautiful summer day, but the clouds had migrated over from the hills and covered the town of Storybroke in a grey overcast bringing with its nonstop rain trickling along the window. Emma was lost in her thoughts starring at the rain falling up the window only it wasn't the world that was upside down but Emma. Lying across the couch her legs dangling over the back cushion while her head rested on the seat and her hair almost reaching the floor.
Thinking about the last week and how much fun it has been to just spend time with her friends and be teenagers, the normalcy of it all had some downsides like going back to school in the next week. Something that Mary Margret was all too eager about, already organising a study guide. It had been an exhausting week in all the best ways, Emma was out late with Killian and Liam down by the Jolly Roger last night as the final touches were put making a home for the brothers Jone's once more.
From behind Emma, she could hear the smacking of lips bring herself out of her daydream she scrunched up her face looking across to the other side of the room to see her parents in a lip lock.
"Gross" Emma said with a frown.
"Hey, where in our room" David said with a smile pretending to be offended.
"Well close the door" Emma added.
"There is no door" Mary Margret replied with a shrug sitting down beside Emma.
"You think we need a bigger place" David replied walking over to the kitchen making a coffee, but the comment fell on deaf ears.
"Emma all the blood is rushing to your head" Mary Margret said frowning at Emma's now red face.
Emma smiled slowly sliding her legs down back beneath her head sitting back into place on the couch feeling lightheaded. Slightly bored having only just gotten up and dressed after realising early this morning when the thunder rolled in there'd be no beach trip today Emma managed to sleep until noon.
"What's got you down today" Mary Margret asked concerned.
"The plan was to go to the beach today, but the rain" Emma mumbled such a simple problem compared to the usual it seemed silly to dwell on it.
"Well, there is nothing better than staying in on a rainy day, snuggling up on the couch" Mary Margret replied.
As Mary Margret said the words Emma realised, she'd never really done that off course it had rained before and she stayed inside but it didn't quite have that feeling. That cosiness you get from having a home you can rely on to be there on a cold cloudy day. A place where you can spend the afternoon in a good book or just talking with your family like they were now. The bad weather outside just adding ambiance to a day spent lost in a good book or your favourite tv show.
"I wouldn't know" Emma replied glumly.
"Well then, let's do this" Mary Margret replied somewhat enthusiastic.
"What?" Emma asked confused only half paying attention while she messaged Elsa.
"Charming, time for some hot chocolate" Mary Margret paused thinking "And popcorn" Mary Margret added making her way over to the board games.
Mary Margret them jumped up from the couch and started rifling through some shelves in the corner her head popping up again with a smile as she held up a board game. Emma got up from the couch happy to have the chance to roll the dice, literally this time and not have lives be on the line. The set up the game pieces and tried not to get any cinnamon on the board as they sprinkled it over their beverages. Then just as they were about to start the game the doorbell rang. The three of them sat still for a moment confused wondering who it could be.
"Swan, you home?" Killian called out sounding apologetic.
Emma shot up quickly heading over to the door to find a soaked Killian and Liam dripping onto the floorboards. Emma was surprised by happy for the new guests inviting them in while Mary Margret quickly grabbed them some towels, sitting them over by the heater. Emma couldn't help but stare as Killian's shirt clung to his chest revealing more then she'd ever seen of him.
"Here" David said abruptly handing the pair some dry clothes.
"Thanks, turns out the Roger isn't exactly weather ready, there are a few leaks" Liam said not even noticing the awkwardness in the exchange between David and Killian who quickly headed into the bathroom to change.
"Well, where happy to accommodate, you two can stay here tonight" Mary Margret announced with a smile.
"That's great everyone here is so welcoming" Liam replied but there was a sense of mistrust behind this sentiment and confusion, like it was too good to be true. Emma was beginning to see what Killian meant when he talked about how Liam wasn't really here.
"I've always wanted to play this" Killian said appearing from the bathroom everything but his hair dry now, it drooped down over his face showing how long it truly was.
Emma walked over lightly moving his hair to the side so she could see his eyes just making sure he was ok. Killian had a tendency to put on a brave face, but Emma was glad to notice as she looked into his eyes there was nothing but happiness. Emma took his hook in her hand leading him over to the table to join them in a game. They selected their pieces and played together for the remainder of the afternoon it got pretty dicey, when Liam who was still trying to understand the concept of Monopoly bankrupted them all with beginners' luck. Killian getting frustrated his big brother had been able to swindle him, but it was all in good fun as they laughed and joked together.
Just when the game was wrapping up Emma received a message from Elsa looking for an escape from spending the afternoon helping her aunt clean out the attic. Before Emma had time to process both Anna and Elsa had come by, followed closely by Red and Mulan and before they knew it the whole apartment was full. They did bring with them some party favours in the form of food and drinks they headed to the kitchen to start cooking a feast. Still as more people pilled into the small space Emma felt more and more like she never wanted to move from her new home.
"If I had to spend one more moment going through boxes of dusty old tea sets, I might have to build another ice castle" Elsa said as she dropped the groceries on the bench.
"Yeah Emma, you saved us once again" Anna added making her way into the kitchen with bag full of groceries.
"mi casa es su casa" Emma replied excited noticing David and Mary Margret where not bothered at all by the intrusion.
David was in the kitchen explain the perfect temperature to set the oven for the baked Mac and cheese while Mary Margret was explaining to Liam how YouTube tutorials could help him fix up the Jolly Roger leaks. Emma giggled watching him scratch his head not sure if Killian had even gotten to explaining the internet to Liam yet. Killian came from behind Emma wrapping his arm around her waist.
"You ok love?" Killian asked seeing her standing alone.
"Perfect" Emma replied turning to face him she leaned in pulling him close for a quick kiss happy that that everyone had made their way over here today.
"How are things with Liam?" Emma asked.
"Little better, but I told him that a" Killian paused stuttering a little "That the crocodile is in town and why I followed him here" Killian finished.
"Well, he doesn't seem to be upset, see I told you it will be alright" Emma said trying to reassure Killian. But even she was still sceptical after what talking with Liam.
"No that just tells me there is something worse going on, it's like he doesn't feel anything" Killian replied frustrated.
"He'll get there, if anyone can get someone to open their heart it's you" Emma replied "Give it time" Emma finished squeezing Killian hand bringing him over to the Kitchen bench where Anna and Red where preparing appetisers that consisted of a half-eaten bag of potato chips and some pop tarts.
"Nice" Emma said grabbing the bowl feeling extra hungry today.
"Hey, save room I'm not cooking for nothing" Red said eyeing Emma as she shuffled the chips into her mouth.
"Trust me, she'll have room" Killian replied remembering Emma refusing to leave anything on her plate the last time they went out.
"Never waste food" Emma said mouthful of chips.
"Agreed" Anna chimed in as she grabbed a handful.
"Alright I have selected a movie" Elsa announced as she appeared from the corner remote in hand Mulan closely followed.
"Great" Anna replied rolling her eyes thinking she was in for another night sitting next to them cuddling onto the couch to a rom com.
"I know you secretly love movie nights" Elsa said eyeing her sister with a grin.
Anna shrugged not wanting to be honest, but she was always a believer at heart and fell for any love story even if she tried not to. The all slowly made their way over to the couch trying to find the best spot. There wasn't an abundance of room for them all, but it was enough. They pulled some of the chairs over from the kitchen table and made it work.
"Alright what are we in for" Liam asked making his way over, looking more dazed and confused then usual after his little lesson in the workings on the world wide web.
"Elsa didn't answer simply pressing play on the John Hughes classic the breakfast club as they finished settling into their seats. When Red finally made her way over from the kitchen all seats where occupied and decided it was best just to squish in lying across the laps of Elsa, Anna and Emma on the couch. After the much-enjoyed meal David and Mary Margret made their way to bed freeing up some room. Emma moved over closer to Killian and they sat entwinned together on the small one-person armchair.
As they group all clustered around the television snuggled up in various blankets and armchairs Emma finally felt it. That indescribable feeling of absolute comfort and relaxation able to get lost in the inner workings of a board game or movie. Knowing they were all safe and loved a roof over her head, rain or shine. Filled with people to lean on, laugh with and snuggle up to. That cosiness Mary Margret mentioned earlier finally settling in, Emma didn't tell anyone of her little moment of clarity. Just enjoyed it as she looked around at those who loved her with a smile. The sense to protect this family almost overwhelming her she could feel her power growing with every passing moment that loved filled her heart.
Suddenly Emma's phone began to vibrate, and she saw an unknown number flash up on the screen her heart starting pounding wondering if it could be Lily. Answering the phone quickly and getting a frown from the others for interrupting the movie before they realised why.
"Lily?" Emma gasped out.
"I'm not your missing friend, but I think I saw her" The unknown caller said.
Notes: Thanks for the continued reviews and support, next chapter driving lessons and dates