Drum roll please. we have made it through to the end of another in-story year. Things are about to start picking up some steam and ho boy. just -looks at notes- yes. beautiful. this one is THICC with content too. normally I try and cut myself off around 5k words for a chapter but with this one, I threw that away and was like "It will be as long as it is". So enjoy my new favorite chapter.
Song Suggestions: All this and Heaven too by Florance and the Machine
Disclaimer: I don't own anything~ CapCom please don't sue
Emma hurried into the apartment building, closing the door behind her before tapping her shoes on the floor to knock the snow off and shaking her head a bit to try and toss any snow she could. It was getting cold again and an early snow had started to fall. Emma went through her usual routine. She took Duke out for a walk, fed him, made and ate her own dinner before getting something to drink and sitting down on the couch with her laptop.
"Maybe I could put on a movie in the background..." she thought as she scrolled through emails. "Hmm?"
Your Attendance is Requested: Company Winter Gala
"Oh, huh that's right," Emma says as she clicks into the email and reads it over. December 21st at 7pm. RSVP required by the 12th. she looked to the calendar to check. It was Monday the 3rd. she scrolled down the email to read more, the invitation includes a plus one. please include plus one's name in RSVP for seating card.
"Seating cards? gracious how fancy is this thing going to be?" Emma whispers and checks the email list. Well, that made some sense it was senior staff only. If it hadn't been for her recent success and promotion she probably wouldn't have been invited. The woman looked over to the kitchen wall with a slight frown and shook her head. It's not like he was home anyways he was on a mission. She thought as she sipped at her drink as her past words came to mind.
if a special occasion arises you'll be the person I go to.
Well, if there was ever such an occasion this was probably it. She thought as she clicked print to get a paper copy of the email to take with her. Once that was in hand Emma walks across the hall to knock on Bastion's door.
"Emma? What a pleasant surprise what can I do for you?" Bastion says with a gentle smile.
"Hey Bastion, I was wondering what your work schedule was like and if you have room for an appointment?" Emma admits sheepishly and offers the paper copy of the Email "I know I should probably wait and call you at work but. figured it was worth a t-"
"Oh don't even of course you can ask me whenever," Bastion says with a nod. "Okay, so where's the dress? I'm going to need some inspiration to come up with a design to match it."
"Right, dress um. I was just going to wear one of my office dresses?" Emma replies which earned her a hard stare from the nail tech. "I only just got the promotion that got me invited so I want to make sure I look professional."
"You're going to a Gala not a board of investors meeting. A fancy dress is a professional, you have something right?" Bastion asks and frowns as Emma looks away with a wince. He rolls up the email and swats Emma's shoulder with it. "That's it, I'm declaring a fashion emergency. Go get your coat and purse we're going shopping. If you're lucky the store's arent already picked clean."
"You're the best," Emma says with a grateful smile and turns around to head back to her apartment to get her coat and purse as she's instructed. Shopping was always so much easier with friends, and she trusted Bastion's taste.
"I know, now get going and meet me at the parking garage." Bastion replies as he grabs his own coat and keys before making a call. Before long the two are in Emma's car and make their way to the parking lot of the local mall. "So how goes the life of Emma Swanson, you said you got a promotion?" Bastion asks curiously as he gets out of the car.
"Yeah," Emma says as her proud smile returns "I got a first-time EP to the top of the rock charts and in the top twenty overall on its first week. So I was promoted from a junior marketing manager to a senior one. Kinda skipped the middle there," she explains as they walk inside of the spacious building
"That's right! I heard that song you showed me before on the radio back in November," Bastion says as if he was just putting the dots together "That was your doing?"
The woman nods "Kinda, I just took care of getting it to the right people and managed the release," she explains becoming more sheepish."In all honesty, any praise should really go to the band for making an easy-to-market song."
"That's still quite a feat. Say think you can introduce me to your producer friends" Bastion says with a chuckle as he nudged Emma "Just kidding I can't sing to save my life."
The two eventually walk into one of the higher-end stores as Bastion waves to a young man that Emma vaguely remembered. where did she see him befo- "The haunted fair." Emma says aloud as she remembers which causes Bastion to chuckle.
"Emma, meet my boyfriend Travis, Travis this is Emma," Bastion explains with a happy smile.
"It's nice to meet you," Emma says with a wave.
"Nice to meet you as well. This is the one you called about earlier right?" he asks as he walks over to join them.
"Yep, were you able to find anything?" Bastion asks receiving a nod in response.
"I did a bit of digging around ahead of time, she is definitely on the slender side so I think I got the right sizes based on your description," Travis replies before motioning for them to follow him.
"Hey, Tracy! I'm taking a client can you watch the register," Travis calls to the other side of the store.
"Got you!" a woman's voice calls as she hurries overwatch the storefront.
"Okay now try these on for now," Travis says handing her a few to try on. a soft pink and yellow one that she clearly wasn't comfortable in.
"oh gracious she looks like a tulip...mmhmm no. next," Bastion says shaking his head.
A very long loose white one that was not any better.
"lord no. we're trying to show her off, she'll be mistaken for a table cloth." Bastion says rejecting the dresses as well though his comments were more based on her expressions when she walked out. the more uncomfortable she looked the more adamantly he rejected the dress and insisted that it was to be put away. It took a while, but eventually, the three went to wander the store floor.
"Oh. I like that one," Travis complements as Emma picks up a dark blue dress.
"Let's go try that one on, I have a good feeling about it," Bastion says and walks with Emma back to the changing room. Once more she undresses and puts on the selected garment and walks out. It was rather beautiful, a high neckline sleeveless dress with an open back, the fabric held to her form just right and the silver accents which gave it a subtle shimmer that looked like freshly fallen snow against the dark blue of the fabric.
Emma smiled as she walked out and bastion happily clapped "That's your dress," he says with a chuckle and Travis nods in agreement.
"She looks like a snow queen. very regal," Travis says with a smile.
"You know that makes sense, she ice skates," Bastion replies while Emma Checks a mirror, it was a rather nice dress but maybe it was a bit much for her... she wasn't really used to this.
"And you didn't tell me? I would have picked that out much sooner," Travis says with a laugh. "One second I think I know just the accessories for this one."
"Talk to me girl, what's on your mind," Bastion asks as he notices the shift in her expression.
"It's gorgeous but. don't you think it's a bit much?" Emma asks as she voices her concerns. "I'm not one of the performers. Shouldn't I be more, subtle?"
"Nope. No, absolutely not," Bastion says as he gets up from his seat to walk over and stand next to her. "See, you're thinking about yourself as if you're different than them. you're not," he replies as he gently places a hand on her upper back to make sure she was standing properly. slouching would make her feel worse. "You. are an extension of them, you do what they can't as part of a team. So if anything, you need to make sure that you're just as loud as they are. You're not going to hide. You. Are Emma mother trucking Swanson and you're going to take the world by storm."
Emma giggles a bit at the peep talk but her smile returns "I hadn't thought of it like that before..." She admits as she looks back at herself with a bit more confidence. She could do this. She worked hard to be where she was.
"Here we are," Travis says as he walks back over holding a cluster of Thin silver chains attached to an ornate silver choker. "so this is a body chain, very trendy you put it over the dress. it will look great with the little bits of silver already speckled into the fabric." he explains and helps Emma put the thin chain accessory on over the dress. "And with a high neckline you're going to want to have your hair up," he explains and goes over a few options for what she could do quick and easy at home. Emma follows along with the instructions she was given using the spare hair tie from her wrist to put her hair up in a messy bun. "Perfect," he says with a smile.
"Tell me you're not going to this party looking this pretty by yourself," Bastion says with a chuckle. "you get a plus one right?"
"I do get a plus one," she replies with a nod. "Did you want to go?" She asks in response since Bastion mentioned waiting to be put into contact with a producer before, even if he was joking.
"No you beautiful dense woman whom I adore." Bastion says while pinching his brow "Chris. Ask, Chris."
Hearing that caused her face to flush again. "I mean sure I'd ask but." her mind wandered slightly.
'*'*'*'*'
Emma hurried past the trees of the orchard over to Chelsea. "Sorry about the shouting, I got some good news."
"That's great," she says with a smile "quick pause on that for a second. what was that?"
"what was what," Emma asks confused.
"you making googly eyes at your neighbor that's what" Chelsea points out with a concerned frown.
"I wasn't" she started but stopped as Chelsea gave her a familiar stare of 'don't even try that'. "It was nothing," Emma replies as she rubbed at the back of her neck.
"Good, because I was worried that you decided to give me the brain cell for the day. We went over this. He's a walking-talking Red Flag. It's one thing to have secrets but the guy's an excessive question mark." Chelsea says with a concerned tone as she voices her disapproval. "I can appreciate that he helped keep you and the girls safe before but that doesn't mean he's a good person overall. Relationships require communication and that's not going to happen if everything is 'Confidential' and 'Classified'." Chelsea adds "I just don't want you to get hurt... Being friends is well and fine enough but danger is best kept at a distance..."
'*'*'*'*'
As her wandering thoughts returned she bobbed her head "I'd ask but Chel had a point about the fact that he gives off some pretty bad red flags... He's very secretive," Emma admits, she felt like she knew him well enough at this point but at the same time did she? "And besides he's away for work. so it's not like I can ask."
Bastion winced at that. Yikes, sorry Chris you have an uphill battle here if her friend is already trash-talking you. "Emma you don't seriously believe that," Bastion says with a concerned expression.
"Not really?" she replies hesitantly. The nail tech gives a quiet sigh.
"Okay. for a second forget what I said. forget what Chelsea said. Heck, forget what anyone else said. What does EMMA want?" Bastion says trying to see if that helps.
Emma paused one more to think. What did she want... Thoughts of earlier came to mind as she first read the email and her initial instinct was to look to the kitchen wall. "I think." She nods "If I could I would ask Chris to go with me. Even if I don't completely understand why, being around him makes me feel stronger... more confident? As I've gotten to know him, when I can't do something alone he's been there... He has secrets and maybe isn't the best with communication but he's kind and always tries his best."
Bastion smiles and nods "Okay. so let's do this then. Hold off on RSVPing. Just for a bit. See if he makes it back in time. and if he doesn't then I'll go with you." He says and gently offers her a hand which she accepts. "Luckily for you, I'm not the jealous type," he adds with a chuckle which causes Emma to chuckle as well. "Okay now go get changed back, so we can go check out then get you some make-up. You are going to be the show stopper I guarantee it."
Some makeup, a few silver bracelets, and earrings later the two had their haul for the night. Bastion had been helpful with the whole process as he helped her pick out a lip tint instead of lipstick and explained that it was better because it wouldn't smudge if she got nervous and rubbed her face and that it wouldn't leave marks against any of the glasses she drank from.
'*'*'*'*'
Chris reached into the back of his car to get his bag with a tired sigh, 3 weeks of running around the states again in a chopper. He could have sworn he was done with the mini-mission spurts but HQ was pretty clear that they wanted hound squad to stay over in Europe while wolf followed the server trail that went back to the states until it would inevitably jump back to Europe. It took a while but they finally found the end of the trail as far as the states went and handed off the next EU location to the hound squad. "Sorry about that guys," Chris says quietly, they'd probably be working through the holidays because of it. He shook his head as he took out his phone from his bag while walking back to the apartment.
December 11th 8:49 pm
"Sounds about right, they never can let us get home at a decent time," Chris says with a grumble as he heads into the building and up the stairs over to the first door on the right. knock knock knock.
The door opened, "Chris! Hey, you're back. Er welcome back," Emma says with a chuckle. "Come on in," she says as she gets out of the way.
"Hey to you too. You seem surprised," Chris points out as he put his bag down by the door and heads over to his usual seat by the Island.
"A bit yeah, last year you weren't back until, I think it was the last week of the month," she points out.
"I'd be surprised if anything ended up consistent with my schedule," he says with a tired sigh.
"Fair enough," she replies with a smile as she goes to get him a glass of water and puts that down on the island "How was your trip?"
hearing the question causes him to smile as well. "It was work."
"I see," Emma replies as she heads to the fridge "So a quick meal or a tasty one?"
"How much time do you have?" Chris asks, it was a bit late.
"I have time," she says with a shrug. "See I can do the vague answer thing too," Emma adds with a chuckle.
"Suppose you can. Let's go with tasty," he says with a shrug. This was nice.
"Can do," she says as she starts up the stovetop. Some chili would do nicely. It's cold out and he seems to like spicy food. Should only take 30 or 40 minutes so not too long. "Do you like Chili plain or over rice?" she asks as she gets some beef browning in a pan.
"Plain is fine," he says with a nod. "How have you been?" he asks in return.
"I've been well," she replies as she works. "Same old same old really. Busy at work, trying to keep work at work and rest at home. Oh, the rink is open again so I've been visiting there every so often," she lists off as she thinks over what she's been up to since they last talked. She eventually gets to a point in cooking where it's a matter of waiting. "Ah, I almost forgot," no she didn't. "I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor since you're back."
"Sure," he replies with a nod, and Emma walks away eventually returning with the printed-out Email for the Gala.
"I got invited to the corporate Holiday party but I'm a bit nervous about going alone," she replies which was partially true, she more so felt like she needed an excuse to ask. "Would you be willing to go with me? I know it's probably not really something you're interested in."
"I'll go," he says with a shrug that surprises Emma.
"Really?"
"Did you want me to say no?" Chris asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Huh? oh! Nonono, that's not it, I just. I thought you'd be against the idea is all," She admits.
"It's a favor right?" Chris asks and Emma nods "Then I don't mind. Besides, it's just a few hours."
"I appreciate it, thanks a bunch," She replies.
"Not a problem," he replies and taps the paper on the counter. "Mind if I keep this so I can put it on my calendar?"
"Go for it," Emma says as she walks back to her laptop and clicks away to send a quick email confirming that she's going and that she was going to have a plus one before heading back to check on the chili.
"The place is actually pretty close to the office, is it okay if we meet there?" She requests.
"Sure, would make it a bit easier to head straight there and avoid traffic," Chris agrees with a nod since that also worked well for him.
Emma smiled as she worked with her cooking, she was excited about this now that she'd have someone to go with. The two continued to talk about just about anything while the food was prepared and served. Before long Chris washed up his bowl, put it in the drying rack, and went back to his bag.
"Thanks for the meal as always," he says as he picks up his bag. "See you around."
"See you," Emma replies, making sure to lock the door after he left.
Chris walks to his own apartment and takes out his phone.
[Chris] This was your doing wasn't it.
[Bastion] Oh you're home!
[Bastion] As much as I would love to take full credit, I can only take partial. I will accept the 'thank you' in advance for the part I am responsible for though.
'*'*'*'*'
The 21st eventually rolled around and pretty much no one in the office was paying attention to work. Emma chuckled as she noticed this, even if she wanted to pay attention she was having a little bit of trouble typing since she already had her nails done. Bastion still kept them short enough to look natural but did apply enough acrylic to give her a cute ballerina style nail that was a similar dark blue to her dress at the tip and faded to her natural nude tone and had a few silver details to it. She had to admit they were very pretty, but she was going to have to have to stop by Bastion's salon to have the acrylic removed come Sunday or they were going to drive her insane.
Around 4 pm an email was sent to the senior staff members stating that they were allowed to clock out so they could go and start preparing for the Gala which would start at 7. Emma smiled at the email and went to her car, heading to the event location to go to one of the rooms that were rented ahead of time for visitors to change. A lot of the women ended up sharing rooms and helping each other get ready. It took a while but she felt she was as ready as she was going to get.
Meanwhile, Chris had to wait until his usual clock out time. The BSAA didn't really care much for the holidays and he had more than enough work to finish but 5 o'clock came around. He used the gym showers to wash up ahead of time, dry off and change into the suit he'd packed. Bastion was pretty insistent on the vest and tie being dark blue, not that he really minded but it was a bit odd. He made his way to the venue and walked inside. The place was decked out in holly, silk, and lights as it leads into a large grand room full of neatly decorated tables topped with fine china, silver, and crystal ware. To the far end of the room, there was a stage set up for various performances. Oh gosh, this really was some fancy gathering... maybe Emma was right to be surprised that he agreed to go with...
"Chris?" The familiar voice caught his attention as he turned to face it only to end up staring in shock as he found Emma all dolled up.
"There you are I was wondering how I was going to find you," Emma says with a smile before noticing the stare "Is everything okay?"
Thank you Bastion. "Yeah... Yeah, everything's fine. Just taking in the setting, this place is gorgeous," Dang it all. complement her not the room!
"Yeah, the new parent company really went all out," Emma agrees as she looks around "I wasn't sure what to expect but it wasn't this. Hopefully it's not too stuffy," she says with a chuckle that causes her jewelry to create a small jingling sound.
"Emma!" Rang a chorus of deeper male voices as a group of 4 Scruffy-looking guys walked over. Emma looked over to see them as well.
"Well if it isn't the new Kings of Punk Rock," Emma says with a laugh as she walks over not noticing that Chris, among others, was staring. "You cleaned up nicely, one second," she says as she fixes up the bow tie of one, adjusted the jacket of another, and moved some hair out of the face of another. "There, all spiffy. You're going to do amazing. Now, Go have fun," she says and they nod with a laugh, each one giving her a quick hug and a thank you before going on their way.
"They seem nice," Chris replies with a chuckle as he walks over and gently rests a hand on her lower back which she barely notices as it felt familiar.
"They're sweethearts, you'd never guess they were rockers," She says with a chuckle that was cut short by a shrill voice.
"Emmy!" Says a blue-eyed blond woman wearing a sheer nude and rhinestone dress she hurries over and clings to Emma.
"Veronica, Hi," Emma says with a smile. oh gosh her...
oh shit. Chris thought as he instantly recognized the woman as the one that was in the director's office.
"So when are you going to work on the promo for my next album," she says with a smile.
"It would be an honor to work with you," Emma starts with a polite smile. "I'm already assigned to work on the full album release for the boys though."
Veronica frowned at that, "Yeah an album you already gave the best possible start by knocking mine out of the sky. Come on, you clearly know what you're doing. My team could use some fresh blood."
hearing that caused Chris to tense up as he continued to stare at her wondering if he was seeing things, what was SHE doing HERE.
The difference is, the world knows who I am. If something happens to me. They're going to want answers.
Fuck. This wasn't good...
"That's very kind of you," Emma says "But I'm sure your team has this covered, they're all putting in a lot of hard work and it will show in their success."
Veronica gave a quiet unimpressed hum as she let go of Emma before noticing Chris. It took her a second but recognition crossed her face. "Emmy why haven't you introduced me to your cute friend?"
Emma looked over to find Chris staring at Veronica, it made her heart feel like it was sinking... she was rather pretty...
"R-right um, Veronica Meet Chris, Chris, this is Veronica. She one of our best Pop performers as well as the controlling owner of the label that is acting as our new parent company thanks to the merger back in April."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she says with a snake-ish smile as she held out her hand for Chris to take.
"Pleasure's mine," he replies quietly. this was bad.
"What is it that you do if I may ask," she says knowing well enough.
"I'm a contractor," He replies shortly.
"Interesting, well, I'll have to look you up sometime," she says before giving a short wave. "Have a nice night you two, and don't you worry Emmy I'll make sure to talk to the CMO about getting you on my team next. It's a great opportunity for your career I promise." She adds before walking away "Toodles."
"She's certainly an interesting CEO to work for," Emma admits quietly.
"Yeah, seems like it," Chris replies while watching to make sure this Veronica person got a good distance away from them and stayed away.
Her heart sank further as she noticed Chris watch veronica leave rather than look at her when she spoke. Maybe this was a mistake...
"Hey everyone~ are you ready to have a good time?" Veronica asks having made her way onto the stage "Make your way to your assigned tables please, we'll be starting dinner with live performances from some of our best throughout the year as we celebrate another successful year of creating what moves this planet."
This bitch. Chris thought as he gave a quiet sigh. "Do you know where our table is?" he asks Emma quietly.
"Yeah it's this way," she says walking away from him to lead the way.
"After our live performers are all wrapped up we're lucky to be hosting a selection from the local orchestra which will play through the night, we'll be opening up space for dancing in roughly 2 hours. So please take your time and enjoy your meals." She explains and gets applause in response before music cues up. She performs first and bands from various genres perform after. It was far too loud to hear anything else and it made talking a moot option. This wasn't their usual comfortable silence.
All the same, Emma quietly focused on her food and ate her meal. She was overthinking this, she already knew he didn't feel the same way about her, he's doing this because she asked for a favor. It wasn't a date.
Chris caught himself staring at Emma a few times throughout the dinner. It's not that she wasn't usually beautiful. This was just, different. Like seeing a garden from a different angle and finding a new appreciation for it. He'd try to speak only for his voice to be swallowed by the sound of the music. It was frustrating.
Before long 2 hours had passed and much softer orchestral music replaced the cries of guitars and rhythmic thumping of drums. That was much better. As tables were cleared away Chris and Emma stood up.
"Did you want to dance?" Chris asks curiously which surprised Emma.
"Oh um su-" She was about to reply as a familiar shrill voice returned.
"Emmy~ Emmy I couldn't find a date, can I borrow yours for a dance please? just one?" Veronica asks as she grabs onto Chris's arm causing Emma to look away. He did seem interested in her before.
Emma, please don't leave me with the witch.
"Sure" Emma says with a nod. "I was thinking I might get a drink instead anyways."
Emma no.
"You're just the best," Veronica says as she starts leading Chris away and Emma walks in the other direction.
Once the two were dancing Chris speaks through a frown. "What do you want?"
"Did the BSAA really think I wouldn't notice them sending a Meathead to crash my party?"She asks quietly, "I'm pretty sure I explicitly stated that I was to be left alone."
"I'm not here because of that, the BSAA is not involved with this," Chris replies quietly.
"I. Don't. Care," she says with a smile before bopping Chris on the nose. "But I think you'll find I'm very forgiving," She says as her smile becomes more venomous. "Since you're here. Why don't you send a message back for me? It would save me the trip." She says as the song started to come to a close. "Tell them, 'Strike one'. You're not going to like what happens if you get to three."
Chris remains silent as the song ends and Veronica lets go of him.
"Welp, I'm bored of you now. Goodbye Chris, If you know what's good for you, I'll never see you again," she says with a smile as she gives him a gentle pat to the chest over his heart and walks away.
Shit... he needed to find Emma. Now. He quickly moved around the large crowded room with little to no luck in finding her. It took him a good 20 minutes but he eventually found her standing by a wall holding a half-empty glass with the four bandmates from before, exaggeratedly dancing to the music around her as she laughs into her hand to try and hide her smiling.
"You guys are ridiculous, I'm fine. I promise," She says through her laughter.
As Chris approaches the group he finally can hear her speaking "You should be out there and enjoying the party." Why wasn't she then?
"Hey," Chris says as he walks over to get her attention which causes her to turn and look at him.
"Oh there you are," she says with a sheepish smile. "I was wondering where you went. I tried going back but I couldn't find you." I figured you left...
Chris stares for a moment before giving a short laugh "I was looking for you. You ditched me," he points out which surprised Emma.
She kinda did do that didn't she... oh gosh... "I'm so sorry."
"It's fine, I'm just glad you're okay," he says shaking his head, he was starting to worry that something had happened to her. "I don't think you got to answer me before we were interrupted." he points out. "Did you want to dance?"
She nods. "yeah, I'd like that," Emma admits and Chris offers her a hand and takes her back to the more spacious dancing area since not many seemed to actually be interested in dancing as much as they were watching others and trying to decide if they wanted to or not. He held her hand in one while the other rested on her lower back and she gently rested her free hand on his chest. They did their best to follow along with what everyone else was doing as they stayed to the edge of the dancing area.
This was nice, he was a good friend. Emma thought with a bittersweet smile.
Chris found himself staring once more as she was looking away making it easier for him to notice the hint of sadness in her smile. He knew it well enough when she was putting on a front. He shook his head at this before pulling her arm up to try and get her to spin.
"What are you doing?" Emma asks amused as she spins a few times before he stops and steps forward to hold her again.
"I have no idea," he admits smiling back at her which causes her to laugh.
"I think you stole my line," Emma says as her laugh quiets to a small chuckle to avoid drawing attention.
"Temporarily borrowed it," He replies quietly as they both chuckle. He reaches down and picks her up similarly to how he did back at the orchard and spins once more which causes Emma to relax and Laugh more openly. he puts her down on her feet after the single spin and returns his hand to her back. they continued along with the others before giving Emma another quick single ground spin and pull her into a hold halfway through so her back was against his chest. Emma smiled knowing what to do as she broke the hold finishing the spin with a handheld out to take the one that she knew would be there waiting for her. It was different than what everyone else was doing but it was their song and dance, their own rhythm that only they knew.
I have feelings for him,
I have feelings for her.
"I didn't know you knew how to dance," Emma says amused.
"I don't," he admits with a laugh. "I am completely making this up."
"It's fun," she replies with a grin.
Not now. Chris's subconscious shouted to hold him back. They were still being watched. She was already in enough danger because of him...
The two eventually stopped dancing as their feet quickly grew tired since they weren't used to it. It was a little after 10.
"It's starting to get a bit late," Emma says as she considers there was still another hour-long ride home to make.
"A bit yeah..." he agrees. " Did you want a ride back to the apartment?" Chris offers out of habit.
She did drive here. "Sure, that would be great," She says with a smile, she'd just get an uber back tomorrow and go to the grocery store on the way back. She wanted to spend time with him. It was probably a good thing that she went with him in the end as it started snowing, he had an SUV that was better suited for this than her smaller sudan.
The two quickly hurried from the parking garage into the apartment building and quietly spoke as they made their way up the stairs. It was past 11 now and neither wanted to end up earning the wrath of their neighbors by waking them up. Emma opened her mouth to say goodnight but stopped short.
"I know it's late but, do you have a minute?" she requests with a sheepish smile.
it wasn't coffee, but, he could make this work. "Sure," he agrees with a nod. Emma turns to unlock her apartment and leaves the door open for him to follow her as Duke sleepily and silently greets the two seeing no reason to bark since he knew them both well enough.
Chris closes the door behind them and watches Emma walk to the far end of her living room, over to a neatly decorated tree. He follows part of the way and moves to sit on the couch he'd spent a week sleeping on a few months before.
"Here, it's not much but," She says as she takes a seat next to him and offers him an oddly wrapped package. "you're schedule is a bit finicky. so I figured I might as well give this to you early." she says with a short chuckle. he looked it over and cautiously opened the gift to find a few different-sized books.
"Books?" he says as he looks them over.
"I noticed you're collection shrunk after the water damage. I'm not sure which were lost but. I thought maybe a few travel books would be nice?" she explains as he looks them over. "This one was pretty unique it was more of a checklist than a book. it lists different places around the world and things to do before leaving."
He smiled a bit at that. She really didn't get what he did at all but all the same, she tried. "Thanks," he replies and she nods.
"Right." oh gosh that's not how you reply to a thank you, now she was being awkward. "It's late though so I won't keep you too much longer," she says as she gets up to walk to the door. damage control, damage control.
No, dang it. Not again. He got up as well and reached out for her arm. It was a simple hold she knew well enough how to get out of, but instead of breaking it and pushing him away she stayed and looked at him with curiosity. To hell with plans and ground rules. He gently held the side of her face with his free hand as he rested his forehead against her. 90%. He could do this. He wouldn't be able to backpedal from this but he had to try.
Eyes drifted shut as the gap was closed and hesitant lips brushed. For at least this one moment, red flags, insecurity, past pain, future threats, none of that mattered. It was patient, it was gentle and understanding as he moved to let go of her arm so they could hold each other close.
I have feelings for him,
I have feelings for her.
Hahaha~ hohoho~ Marry Christmas. We're not done yet, not by a long shot. The plot thickens.
Review Response:
Guest 1995 - Hopefully the chapter lives up to what you were hoping for.
InkScribble - Yeah they did~ honestly I missed writing them. I had to bring them back for at least a little bit lolol you've always been so supportive of the story so i hope you enjoy the chapter. :)