Six

Over the next few days Coulson worked on gaining Emily's trust. It took hours of awkward silence between them for her to finally crack under the pressure. When she broke down for the first time in front of him, Coulson had been there for her almost instantly. His comforting presence had left her numb with shock as realization dawned on her. He'd reassured her that he wasn't going to leave her… that he planned on being there for her just as a father would be. It was the first time anyone other than Captain Kirk had treated her that way. And for the first time in weeks, she finally felt oddly at peace.

Like he said before, the building they were in had been temporary. On the third week of her acclimating into a new style of life, Coulson received a call through his com. Emily watched him curiously from the corner of her eye as he spoke quietly through the com, looking more than resigned with himself. Yet he also looked relieved when he received what appeared to be good news. Within that time frame, Emily learned that they were moving.

Coulson had already made arrangements with Agent Hill to stop over and collect whatever belongings he'd picked up along the way. She was given a new set of clothing after they went out 'shopping'. She was more than surprised at how many different choices there were besides the usual Starfleet uniforms or the agency's uniform she had been given. Coulson almost smirked as he watched her go over whatever clothing she was interested in. Though he had been more than surprised with the fact that the clothing she wore was twice the size of that of a normal four-year-old. Most of the shirts she tried on hadn't fit properly, and it took a while for them to figure out that her muscles and other 'assets' were too large to accommodate them. Luckily it didn't take long for him to find a retailer that sold appropriate clothing for someone her size.

"Don't most girls her age like to dress in frilly dresses and pink sandals?" Coulson had asked one evening before the big move.

"Phil, I think it's safe to say that she isn't like most girls her age," Agent Hill laughed in response. They thought she was asleep at the time. After suffering yet another nightmare for the third time that week, she'd given up trying to sleep and focused on their conversation instead. "Have you made any progress with her yet?"

"She's started talking to me at least, even if it's to ask questions or permission for something she needs," he explained with a shrug. "I'm guessing whatever they put her through on that ship taught her not to speak up unless the situation demanded it. There's a reason why they didn't have many kids or families on Starships."

Emily couldn't help but flinch when she realized why that was the case. She'd known for some time that her parents wanted nothing to do with her. While her mother was less open about it than her father, eventually she began pushing her away as well. Emily had quickly begun to understand why families weren't all that common on ships. Not even Winona or George Kirk had been keen on raising their four-year-old son on the Kelvin.

"I've already spoken with Doctor McCoy about the issues revolving around her," he added. "We thought maybe it would be good for her to meet someone her age. It'll give her some exposure to the real world."

"Do you really think it's a good idea to introduce someone like her to a kid?" Agent Hill asked warily. Emily couldn't help but cringe when she guessed why she was so wary. She wasn't familiar with meeting other people her age. She had grown up surrounded mostly by adults in a world where they gave orders and children were expected to follow said orders. "What if she ends up hurting him by accident?"

She didn't want to hear Coulson's response. He'd given up everything to give her a second chance at life. All of that could be ruined if she ended up hurting Doctor McCoy's kid. The thought of that occurring left her stomach twisting with a knot of unease. She knew it was a possibility. She'd only lashed out at Coulson once, and that was because he approached her from behind or without warning. But if a child was involved, there was no telling what the consequences would be.

"He and the rest of his family are well aware of the situation," Coulson explained once her worry became clear. "And from what he's told me, Leo's a good kid. It may take a while for her to open up to him, but I'm sure she will eventually."

Her eyes squeezed shut for a brief moment as the kid's name rang in the back of her mind. His name was Leo. She hadn't met him yet, but she couldn't help but imagine what it must be like to live a normal life like he had. She couldn't bring herself to feel jealous even if she wanted to. She didn't know what it was like to live that sort of life. And maybe it was better that way. She decided not to dwell on the subject. After everything she had been through, it was impossible to imagine having a normal life. So it was better not to worry about someone else's life being the same way.

.

.

Emily peered outside the window curiously as the hover-car slowly but surely pulled into the driveway. After spending a good five hours out on the road – Coulson made a few stops here and there to catch his breath and give her a chance to breathe, though she hadn't really needed it – the hover car finally stopped at a nearby driveway. At the end of a long, narrow stone-filled driveway was a huge looking house that sprawled across acres of land. She'd never seen a house quite as large, and she wondered with a start if this was the house he planned on moving into. But almost as soon as she got a better view of the land, she spotted a much smaller looking home not far from the bigger house.

"I know it doesn't look like much, but it's home at least," Coulson reassured her when he let her out.

She rarely let herself out of the car for fear he would punish her. Coulson hadn't bothered addressing that issue, but she could tell he was worried about her. She hadn't taken her eyes off of the larger house or the pastures that sprawled around it. A huge, ancient looking tree provided a good amount of shade to both homes.

Then her eyes traveled over to the front porch that wrapped around the large yellow-painted house. To her surprise, people were already waiting outside. Coulson wasted no time in approaching them. One of them was a woman with reddish brown hair and tanned skin. The other was someone she had seen working at the facility more times than she cared to count.

She couldn't help but shrink back when she felt Doctor McCoy's eyes land on her. He hadn't changed a bit since she last saw him. But he seemed much more open outside of the facility than he had surrounded by other nurses and agents. Emily eyed him warily as he greeted Coulson with a nod and a handshake - unlike the woman who'd given him a warm hug that spoke a thousand words – he was still entirely professional.

"She's taller than I expected," Doctor McCoy remarked after finally cutting through the tense silence.

"We've had trouble trying to find the right clothing size, but I think she's good for the rest of the year at least," Coulson said while giving her a side-long glance.

Emily hadn't taken her eyes off of the pair. She wasn't sure whether or not they were a threat or if they were friendly. But the woman hadn't greeted her the way she had Coulson. She watched curiously as the woman gave Doctor McCoy a strange look before reaching her carefully. She seemed friendly enough, yet that didn't stop Emily from freezing on instinct when she knelt down so they were within eye-level.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Emily," she greeted her in the same heavy accent as her husband. "Do you mind if I give you a hug?"

For a moment, Emily wasn't sure how to answer. No one had ever asked such a strange question before. She stood there for a while, still contemplating the possibilities before giving a hesitant nod.

The moment she felt a pair of arms wrap around her was unlike anything she had ever felt before. It was warm, soft and inviting, so unlike that of what she had experienced on the ships. Emily wasn't sure how to respond when she realized this was what it meant to be part of a family. She could feel the woman's love and acceptance wrapping around her like a protective blanket. The moment didn't last long though. She hadn't missed the fact that her husband and Coulson were watching the pair incredulously.

"Now that's just not fair," she heard Doctor McCoy mutter under his breath. When the woman finally pulled away, Emily was left feeling a sense euphoria. She wasn't sure what to make of it as the woman stepped back and offered a warm smile, knowing full-well this was anything but easy for her. "I know it's been a while since my last visit to the medical center—"

"I remember who you are," she finally spoke up.

She couldn't help but eye the man thoughtfully when he rose an eyebrow in surprise. It was the first time she'd ever spoken to him. Even in the facility, she hadn't said a word to him while he treated her injuries. The few times she had been awake he'd always reassure her in some way or form. Yet that didn't stop her from shying away from him. After everything her father had done to her, she wasn't in any hurry to fully trust doctors anytime soon.

"Well I'll be darned," Doctor McCoy shook his head in disbelief as Coulson smirked in amusement.

Emily merely cocked her head to one side at the incredulous tone of his voice. She knew he was likely wondering if this would be the one and only time she spoke. Yet the more she thought about it, the more she was beginning to see that this was a real family. Coulson had chosen wisely, despite her earlier misgivings.

"Why don't we go and check out the new house," Coulson suggested after guessing she was feeling overwhelmed with everything going on.

She agreed without missing a beat. She was trying to take everything in at once. From the sights, sounds and everything else. She was even more surprised with how hot it was when they left the porch. Humid air seemed to hit her lungs immediately, causing her to flinch in surprise. Weather was one anomaly she'd never witnessed above the lightning storm before Nero's ambush. It took some getting used to, especially with the temperature changes.

"They seem like good people," she said thoughtfully.

Coulson gave her an odd look when he realized she was addressing him. The family gave no indication of hurting her or pushing her away. If anything, Doctor McCoy's wife had welcomed her with open arms. That in itself was a bit of a shock to her… she wasn't used to that sort of treatment, especially after waking up in that facility.

"That's the good thing about moving into a place like this," he reassured her once they were inside. Emily eyed the place curiously. It was twice the size of the apartment he'd been staying at before, with a small kitchen to one side, a living space and stairs leading up to what she assumed were their sleeping quarters. "It's fresh open air and you'll always be surrounded by people who care about you."

She wasn't entirely sure what fresh air had to do with making life better, but the idea of people caring about her was enough to raise a red flag. After four years of being pushed to the side and losing everything she cared about, she knew better than to expect more. She tried pushing those uneasy feelings to the side as he led the way up to their sleeping quarters.

Her eyes widened in surprise when she noticed her own room was twice the size her parent's quarters had been on the Kelvin. Two windows looked out into the pastures stretching beyond the property. She couldn't help but peer out the window curiously when she noticed strange four-legged creatures grazing out on the fields. They were large, with tall, lanky legs and bushy tails that seemed to swat away pesky flies.

"You've never seen animals before, have you?" Coulson asked after noticing her staring. When she shook her head, he gave a small, almost sad smile as realization dawned on him. "Then you're in for a treat."

.

.

Once everything was settled on the inside of the building – the movers had finally arrived with their belongings and were helping with placing everything – Coulson led her out to the pastures. She watched in amazement as the animals he'd called 'horses' grew bigger as they got closer. They were huge compared to what she had seen outside the window. One of the 'horses' glanced in their direction as Coulson explained that they were meant for riding around the property and trails. Apparently some people raised them as work animals and sometimes even raced them, though that was mostly frowned upon these days.

The McCoy's apparently had an operation going where people could keep their horses on the pastures for a small fee. They owned a few themselves and bred them, which was part of the reason some of the horses were kept in smaller pastures. She was beginning to feel overwhelmed with all of this new information. But almost as quickly as she began processing the information, Coulson led the way further so they could actually reach out to the horses. A small part of her was terrified with the notion, but when she spotted Doctor McCoy with one of them, she realized they weren't as dangerous as they looked.

"They won't hurt you as long as you're quiet and careful around them." Emily froze when Doctor McCoy cut into the conversation after noticing their arrival. She couldn't help but stare at the scene with renewed fear as she realized he wasn't alone either. Sitting on the back of a black horse was a boy with unruly looking brown hair and hazel eyes. It only took her a split second to register that this was his son, the very kid he had been talking about that day at the facility. "Seri's one of the best mares we have here; she wouldn't hurt a fly."

She didn't say anything as Coulson gestured for her to approach. Her legs felt frozen on the spot when she felt the kid's eyes finally reach hers. For a moment, neither of them were sure how to react towards one another. She had never met another kid her age. After growing up around mostly adults and being forced to address them as such, she wasn't sure how to act around kids her age.

"Who is she?" the boy finally asked.

He'd obviously met Coulson before. Her jaw clenched as she realized he was expecting an introduction. Fear suddenly wormed its way into her chest. She couldn't do this. She turned and ran before Coulson or anyone else could make sense of what was happening. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, churning and tossing violently like a storm.

Who the hell am I kidding? she thought bitterly.

She certainly wasn't in any position to live a normal life. Coulson could try and play the part as best as he could. But she knew in the back of her mind that she was anything but normal. She would only end up hurting someone if she got too close to them. And the thought of hurting people who actually seemed to care about her left her gut wrenching. She wasn't going to let that happen. She couldn't.

.

.

Coulson's brows furrowed together with concern when he noticed her freeze up after seeing Doctor McCoy's son. He had been worried about how she would react towards meeting someone her age. They'd never taken into consideration whether or not she had met other kids in the past. The moment she seemed to seize up was when he knew something was wrong. It didn't help when the kid finally noticed her for the first time and blurted something out unexpectedly.

"Did I say somethin' wrong?" Leo asked after realizing she'd run off.

"She's just been through a lot, Leo," Doctor McCoy shook his head as he carefully helped his son back to the ground. "Might take a while for her to warm up to you."

That was only half of the problem. Coulson let out a heavy sigh as he shared a knowing look with Doctor McCoy. He knew she wouldn't go too far. After realizing this was the best possible scenario for her, he suspected she was well aware of the risks involved with running away. One nod was all it took for him to silently thank his friend.

Once that was established, Coulson wasted no time in looking for her. That in itself was easier said than done – they had acres of land to look after, and Emily could have disappeared into some of the many hiding places they had to offer. Yet as he reached one spot in particular – a pond surrounded by thick trees and boulders – he spotted her sitting on a rock overlooking the pond. Coulson frowned when he noticed her arms were wrapped around her legs, with her face buried into them.

"Why did you bring me here?" Coulson's heart sank when she asked that. He'd known something was off the moment they went into the pastures. Her wariness around McCoy's kid hadn't helped matters. "This only proves I can't live a normal life."

He thought back to what he said to Maria days ago. He had been hoping this would be a good change for her sake. After the progress he made with her, he didn't want her to revert back to the way she had been prior to meeting her.

"I chose this place because I know this'll be good for you in the long-run," he let out a quiet sigh as he reluctantly sat down beside her. "It may seem overwhelming now, but eventually you'll get used to this sort of life."

"What if I end up hurting them?" she asked warily.

Coulson frowned at the thought of her lashing out at someone. He'd known that was a possibility as well. Director Fury had warned him that if she did lash out at someone, the agency would take the situation personally. He held back another sigh, knowing full-well she wouldn't do that unless the situation demanded it.

He had seen a real change in her for the first time since taking her out of that facility. She'd begun opening up more to him. She was talking now more than she ever had in that facility. He knew in the back of his mind that sending her back to the agency was the worst idea anyone could think of. They would only break her and mold her into something far worse.

After debating whether or not he was sane, he finally wrapped his arm around her in a warm embrace. The moment he did that was when he felt her stiffen in surprise. But almost as quickly as she reacted to his touch, she seemed to relax seconds later. Coulson couldn't hide the small smile that followed when she finally leaned into his side, accepting his warmth for the first time. He couldn't imagine how anyone could treat a child the way those people had treated her.

"I know you won't hurt them," he reassured her when they sat there in silence for a few seconds. "Doctor McCoy knows you wouldn't either… at least not on purpose."

He let those words sink in, hoping that she would accept them. Thankfully she didn't argue. And as he held her close for the first time since bringing her home with him, he was beginning to realize there was more to her than meets the eye. He knew in that moment that adopting her was one of the best choices he could have made, and he had no regrets in doing so.