Ten

The warm smell of food filled the air as McCoy slaved away at the stove early the following morning. Emily hummed quietly to the music playing in the background as she kept in touch with Clint and Natasha. Laura had already called her to see how they were doing. Much to Emily's amusement and McCoy's chagrin, Lila had been the first to greet her when that video call went through.

McCoy was well aware of how close she was to the little girl, having watched Lila grow up from the day she was born. She never got tired of spending time with the family or helping them out in whatever way she could. The only difference now was that she had enlisted in Starfleet, and her life had somehow gotten even more hectic than it already was.

She'd always known that her life would get busier since she had gotten involved with Starfleet. She just wished there were other options besides following direct orders from the boss. He of all people knew how uneasy she was around Starfleet. Though, McCoy had slowly but surely been opening her up to the rest of the world around her since they enlisted together.

She realized with a start that his decision to enlist alongside her had been one of the best choices either of them could make. It meant more to have a good friend by her side than anything she could have admitted out loud.

"Jim's late," McCoy grumbled under his breath when she reached him.

"That surprises you?" Emily quipped with a snort of amusement. McCoy threw her an incredulous look when she handed him a glass of bourbon. "At any rate, I'm just enjoying the time alone we have together until the guests arrive."

After discussing who would be invited to said party, it was decided that most of the Cadets McCoy hung out with for poker night would attend. She'd already met Hikaru Sulu and his partner, Ben, along with Nyota Uhura and Pavel Chekov. She doubted Chekov would show up – he was normally shy around those older than him, and that basically included everyone in the party.

Though Emily knew there was a deeper reason behind Chekov's avoidance towards them. When they first met out of the blue he hadn't reacted well. Unease crawled through her when she noticed an eerie similarity to someone she'd seen in her past, though she refused to admit out loud who that someone was.

She also talked to Steve a couple of days before they decided to have everyone gather at their place. Apparently he wasn't comfortable enough to leave the base just yet. She could tell that something else was eating away at the Super Soldier though when she noticed how on-edge he was.

"What'd your Pa say about stopping by?" McCoy suddenly asked.

Emily chewed the bottom of her lip thoughtfully. Coulson had already informed her that he was stopping by for the holidays. Despite the obvious tension that would likely rise between himself and McCoy, Coulson hadn't argued with the idea of them dating again. Sure, he hadn't been thrilled when Clint told him. But after putting up a fight against him he finally seemed to realize she wasn't going to back down from the challenge.

She was surprised that he hadn't put up too much of a fight against her. Then again, he would have likely realized she would only turn her back against him and the rules. McCoy meant too much to her. After everything they had been through over the years, she knew he would always be her Imzadi. That part of their relationship had never changed… at least to her.

"He said he might stop by when he's free," she replied after taking a deep breath. She'd helped around the stove whenever he needed a break or a drink. Working together was something that hadn't happened in a long time. At least not when it came to something so domesticated like this. Emily couldn't hide the small smile that followed when she realized this could be her future. "He wasn't thrilled when he found out we are seeing each other again, but I think he's come to realize I'm willing to break the rules if it means doing the right thing."

McCoy snorted at the thought of doing the right thing. He of all people knew she would likely break a few rules just to piss someone off. She'd been doing so for years before she even joined the agency, and long after. Though that didn't stop him from casting her a look of doubt. He was well aware of how Coulson really felt about them being back together. Try as she might to deny it, Coulson, Clint and Tony had a fair point about what happened between them.

They were worried that she would spiral again like she had the first time they split up. Emily grimaced as she remembered the way Clint would always find her after a rough day of training. He'd always be there for her despite having to be around for his wife. Then there was Tony, who had always found ways to lift her up regardless of how badly she treated him.

"I'm surprised he didn't put up more of a fight," he said quietly.

Emily held back a sigh of her own as he kissed the back of her hair affectionately. She relished these moments where they could be themselves. No one was around to judge them or call them out for such crude behavior. And she was beginning to suspect that McCoy enjoyed the privacy her apartment offered. From what she had seen through Uhura and Gaila, the dorms were far too loud for her liking.

"I think it's safe to say you're stuck with me for the time being," she said with a cheeky grin.

"Let's hope that time being lasts a little longer than you plan," he retorted with a roll of his eyes.

Though he didn't bother hiding the smirk that followed when he kissed her on the lips. Emily easily gave in to his kiss. She knew in the back of her mind she would have lost control in that moment if there wasn't anything special happening that day. The only thing keeping her from doing so was the fact that the doorbell rang. McCoy rose an eyebrow in amusement as he guessed who that was.

She merely rolled her eyes at his expense while reaching the door in the process. And sure enough, Kirk was standing at the doorway with a cheeky grin of his own written across his face. Emily crossed her arms over her chest as she noticed a case of beer in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. Judging from the sheepish look written across his face, he hadn't meant to be so late.

"Sorry I'm late," he started when she crossed her arms over her chest. "I couldn't decide whether to get beer or wine, so I went with both."

"Leonard prefers beer over wine any day, and I have no preference," she replied with a shrug.

Kirk lifted a brow in amusement when she led the way inside. It wasn't until getting inside that he began to notice that she seemed like a different person outside the Academy. He also noticed the pictures lining the wall along with a hologram of herself with McCoy and his family when they were younger.

Kirk's expression wavered for a brief moment as realization dawned on him. He'd always known that they were close even before getting to know them at the Academy. But seeing as they'd known each other long before enlisting made him realize there was something bigger going on between them.

"You and Bones grew up together?" he asked after reaching the kitchen.

It was strange to see McCoy in such a domesticated setting. He was hardly used to the sight, though he suspected Emily was far more used to it than she should have been. He didn't say anything though as he set the case of beer down on the table along with the bottle of wine he'd bought from a nearby liqueur store.

"We were neighbors," McCoy answered before she could.

Kirk merely gaped at them when he realized what he meant by that. He watched curiously as they seemed to work around each other, almost as if they'd done this before. At least that explained a few things.

"So let me get this straight, the two of you were neighbors and you just decided to enlist in Starfleet together?" he asked curiously.

Emily shared a knowing look with McCoy. She didn't miss the fact that Kirk had been quietly observing them since arriving. Or that he'd been looking at the pictures she had of herself and McCoy. She knew that sooner or later, she would have to tell him the truth. Kirk had become more aware of the fact that she would sometimes spend hours away from the Academy just to get Steve caught up on modern technology.

Things hadn't gotten much better since her schedule was even more hectic than it had been before. She constantly kept in touch with Coulson just to keep him updated on what was happening with her progress towards the Captain, along with how life was fairing at the Academy as well.

"It's kind of a long story," Emily replied with another shrug. The last thing she wanted was to give Kirk a reason to hate her for enlisting in the Academy based on reasons he didn't understand. She had a feeling he wouldn't react well to knowing that she worked for SHIELD. Or that she had been sent solely to gain Starfleet's trust. "I had my reasons for enlisting just as Leonard has his reasons."

She heard McCoy snort when she mentioned having her own reasons for enlisting. She nearly rolled her eyes once more when she caught him looking at her incredulously. He of all people knew why she'd enlisted, though luckily he kept that information to himself. Kirk just kept looking between them as he tried piecing two and two together.

'Kid's gonna figure it out sooner or later,' McCoy warned her through their link.

'Yeah, and when he does it'll be the end of me staying at the Academy,' she reminded him coyly.

He clearly wanted to say more, but luckily he kept his mouth and thoughts shut when a knock sounded on the door. Emily smirked in amusement when she recognized the knock immediately. Coulson was the one who decided to use Morse code as a form of communication between them. Kirk frowned in confusion as he set down the case of beer on the kitchen island, followed by the bottle of wine. McCoy was quick to grab a can, knowing full-well he would need one once Coulson arrived.

"Papa, it's good to see you again," she greeted Coulson with a welcoming hug, not missing the way Kirk watched their exchange.

Coulson returned the gesture without missing a beat, knowing full-well how true that statement was. They didn't see each other nearly as often as they used to. Even before enlisting in the Academy, their schedules would often clash. She tended to jump from one mission to the next, while he would sometimes take long breaks in between or work with new recruits.

"Likewise," he replied without hesitation. Then his gaze flickered over to where McCoy was standing. Emily rolled her eyes in annoyance when she noticed McCoy had put some distance between himself and Coulson. "McCoy."

"Coulson," McCoy nodded in return, though not without looking as tense and nervous as possible.

Kirk watched the tense exchange curiously. It was the first time he had ever seen McCoy look so out of place. But after seeing how close Coulson was to Emily, it all suddenly made sense. The older man was her father. More than likely McCoy had been sleeping around with her even before they enlisted in the Academy, and it suddenly clicked that this man was likely pissed with McCoy for doing so.

"Jim Kirk," Kirk introduced himself after making sure it was safe. It seemed the man's annoyance was aimed more towards McCoy than anything else, which Kirk was perfectly fine with. "I'm roommates with Bones, that's how we all know each other."

She rose an eyebrow in surprise when Kirk didn't bring up the fact that they had been on the shuttle together. Then again, he didn't need to add to the fact that they'd arrived together. Or that McCoy was also drunk that morning and had thrown up all over his shoes. Emily shook her head in amusement at those less-than-pleasant memories.

"Classes have been going well," she explained as McCoy gave them the chance to catch up. She'd finished prepping the corn and making sure the potatoes were fully peeled before throwing them into the boiling water. McCoy was already working on the rest. Another burner had begun cooking the gravy for the mashed potatoes and turkey. "Jim's been helpful with the command track."

"You mean I've actually been doing something other than goofing off?" Kirk asked in mock disbelief.

She couldn't hide the cheeky grin that followed when McCoy rolled his eyes at Kirk's question. She knew McCoy would often berate Kirk for acting like a child. But in all reality, Kirk's IQ was off the charts compared to most Cadets she knew. Plus, his charm and the way he seemed to irritate McCoy any chance he had was a bonus.

"Believe it or not, you actually do have some intelligence," she quipped. "Whether or not you use that intelligence for the right reasons is a different story."

Kirk wasn't deterred by her retort though. The conversation went on like that for a few more minutes before everyone else arrived. Uhura and the Sulu's arrived promptly on time, though Emily wasn't surprised to see that Chekov hadn't gone with them. Hikaru gave her an apologetic look when his partner greeted Coulson apprehensively.

"Pavel said he wanted to go, but he wasn't sure how he'd feel being surrounded by so many strangers," he explained. "He's still new to this country, and his Standard isn't exactly that great."

"I get it," she nodded in understanding.

She of all people understood what it was like to suddenly be thrown into unexpected situations. She'd been through similar situations herself throughout her career as a SHIELD agent. Then there were the many times she and McCoy had unexpectedly been thrown into unknown situations. Neither were willing to admit when they were uncomfortable with said subject, though she knew McCoy would do so now without any remorse.

"Gaila mentioned something about the two of you reeking of sex the other day," Uhura said quietly once they had some time to themselves. Emily wrinkled her nose in annoyance when she realized what the brunette meant by that. She knew the Orion was poking fun at her relationship with McCoy. Gaila seemed to have a blast pointing out whenever they'd had sex the other night after meeting up in the mess hall the following morning. She was disappointed that Gaila hadn't shown up with Uhura, but apparently she had family matters to attend to on Orion. "So what is the story behind you and Len? You've mentioned knowing each other when you were kids but we never got past that."

"It's kind of a long story, truthfully," she admitted after letting out a quiet sigh. She glanced in McCoy's direction, not missing the fact that he would look at them every now and then. She rose an eyebrow in amusement after noticing how easily he fell in with the rest of the small group. Even Coulson got along easily with Sulu and his husband. "Papa knew his father before he adopted me. When he finally chose to adopt me, it was his father who convinced him to buy a place in Georgia. He wanted me to have a normal life after… unwelcoming circumstances happened."

The last thing she wanted was to explain that she had been aboard the Kelvin when it went up with Kirk around. As it was, he was struggling to hear what they were talking about. She snorted at the thought of him getting any details from her. If his mother had never mentioned her when he was growing up, she didn't plan on getting him involved with that incident.

"So you're both connected that way," Uhura remarked after giving it some thought. Emily couldn't hide the small smile that followed as Uhura gave her a thoughtful look. "It's nice to see some family connection."

She nodded in agreement to that. She couldn't help but think of the many times she and McCoy had been together as friends during some of their family gatherings. His family had always gotten together for the holidays or just for the heck of it. Since his mother and father were pretty well-known within the community, they had always been the host to some of the best summer parties around the area.

It wasn't until spotting Coulson among the small crowd of friends that Emily noticed a real change in dynamics. As much as he tried to hide his annoyance over McCoy, the grudging respect they'd earned for each other was still evident. Emily didn't miss how easy it was for Kirk to acclimate with the sudden change in people he was surrounded by. Or that everyone at least seemed to tolerate one another.

'I told you Papa would back down,' she reminded McCoy through their mental link.

'You and I both know he's just waiting for the right moment,' he retorted as she reached him.

Though that didn't stop him from wrapping an arm around her as she leaned into him. She realized with a start that this was the family she had always looked for. And now that she finally had said family, she wasn't in any hurry to give it up.

.

.

"You know I still stand by what I said about McCoy," Coulson warned her as they walked side-by-side. After everyone spent most of the day either talking or eating, Emily knew a breath of fresh air was desperately needed. McCoy had reassured her that he would wash the dishes once all was said and done, though that didn't stop her from reminding him it was her place. She knew this was his way of giving them some much needed space and alone time. "But as much as I hate to admit it, you do seem happier than you have in years."

"Saying that had to hurt," she snorted in grim amusement.

"More than you realize," he retorted with equal annoyance. Emily glanced at him warily as she guessed what was really on his mind. He hadn't seemed agitated most of the day. But the moment they left was when his demeanor changed. She knew in that moment he was trying to hide how annoyed he was for her sake, and that left her stomach twisting with guilt and worry. "Look, it's just going to take time for me to adjust to this… I know what you were like when everything happened. And regardless of what you say, you'll always be my baby girl."

Emily held back a sigh when they stopped in front of a large fountain. The moment their eyes met was when she saw nothing more than the same emotions she'd felt when they first met. Though he had a harder time showing it when she was younger, Coulson cared far more than she would ever admit out loud. And she found herself appreciating that aspect now more than ever.

Coulson was the reason she had a second chance at life. She realized with a start that if he hadn't adopted her, she would have likely been out on the streets. Her parents would have given up on her if they'd kept her or if she was sent to a foster care system. At the end of the day, she was better off under the care of someone who actually looked out for her.

"I know," she let out a quiet sigh. She allowed his warmth to wrap around her like a protective blanket. There were times when she desperately missed moments like these. She and Coulson hadn't been able to spend as much time together as they used to. While his schedule had always been busy with the agency, hers was even more hectic now that she was also enlisted in the Academy. "I miss you, Papa."

"I miss you too, Em," he let out a sigh of his own as he held her closer. She would always be his baby girl… she was grateful for that notion, especially in light of recent events. "If you ever need anything don't be afraid to call."

She merely rose an eyebrow at the thought of calling him. She'd always been more independent than most kids her age. That was partly due to the fact that she spent the first four years of her life on Starships. She grew up having to learn quickly and accept the fact that life could be difficult at times.

Once that was established with a final parting hug, she let out another sigh and headed back to the apartment. By now most of the guests had already left, along with Kirk. She was grateful for that notion, because it gave her and McCoy enough time to discuss what to do from there.

McCoy was already halfway finished with the dishes when she got back. Emily watched in amusement as the radio was switched on with country music playing in the background. She shook her head as she reached the kitchen and grabbed a dirty plate, ignoring the look that followed as she started cleaning.

"Your Pa didn't seem too annoyed," he said thoughtfully.

"I think even he knew not to overstep when everyone was here," she explained with a shrug. "Plus like I said before, it doesn't matter what he thinks of my decision."

His face softened as he realized what she meant by that. She was tired of having to put up with everyone else's expectations. While she was always far more independent than most women her age, that didn't stop her from breaking the rules religiously when she was younger. It was a quality of hers that McCoy had always secretly admired, and Coulson had always been infuriated with.

"Darlin', you are amazing," he reassured her with an affectionate kiss.

Emily couldn't hide the sheepish smirk that followed as they finished the last of the dishes. She hadn't missed how McCoy avoided using the sonic dishwasher. His mother was the one who taught them the values of daily chores such as dish washing and laundry.

Emily was only just beginning to realize that McCoy had given her and Coulson enough time to talk before he had to leave. The more she thought about it, the more she began to realize that she appreciated this style of life now more than ever. And a small part of her never wanted to let that sort of life go.