I do not own Bates Motel.
But, in some ways, I do own a Dylan. And I love him so much.
Yeah, Whatever
Facing Forward
Well that was an embarrassing display.
Way to go, dumbass.
But it had felt so good.
To finally let go and not hide his love for her anymore.
Well, like.
Love might scare her away.
But I do.
I love you, Emma.
Walking along together. Strolling even. Holding hands.
Secret, shy smiles brightening their rain drizzled faces.
Her 'pet' rattling over the gravel along beside them.
And he didn't care.
He just cared about her.
"Thank you for the note," he suddenly remembered to say. "And the brownies and flowers."
Emma grinned happily, leaning into him a little bit in a way that made him . . .
Smoosh.
. . . feel really good inside.
"You're welcome. I just wanted to make you feel better."
Aww, she wanted to make me feel better.
"You did. Thanks, Emma."
She cleared her throat.
"You didn't share any with Gunner, did you?"
He shook his head, more than a little amused she'd had the same thought as he had.
"Uh, no."
I'm not sharing with Gunner anymore.
"Good."
They grinned at each other and walked on.
Peaceful for the moment.
Content.
Not denying the harsh, frightening, exciting reality of her impending surgery.
Just . . . letting it be up ahead.
Instead of here between them.
Just for a minute.
Before Dylan opened his mouth again.
"I want to follow you home. If that's okay."
She side-eyed him mischievously.
"Making sure I don't run away again?"
Dylan shook his head.
Maybe a little.
"No. I told your dad I would try to find you."
I'm responsible. I can be depended on.
I want him to see that.
"And . . . I just want to make sure you're okay."
Emma smiled softly.
"You're sweet, Dylan. You can follow me home."
She rested her head on his shoulder for a second and he had rarely felt happier.
Then she straightened.
"We'd better say goodbye now though. I don't want to talk about this with my dad right before surgery."
It's okay. I know I'm not good enough for you.
She seemed to sense his thoughts and plunged on.
"I'm not embarrassed of you or anything. He's just really really stressed right now. I don't want to make a big deal of anything else."
Dylan nodded, deciding to continue enjoying the present.
With her.
Who pulled him in for a kiss.
Or two. Or three.
He let her.
Emma.
I love you.
Emma's battered yellow Bug eased to a stop in front of Artful Artifacts, Dylan close behind.
Before she or her self assigned chauffeur had even shut off their vehicles, Will Decody practically ran out the front door.
His face was strained but not angry.
Anxious but not livid.
"Where the hell have you been?! I've been worried sick about you, Dylan!"
"Chill out, Norma. You'll give yourself a heart attack."
"Don't call me 'Norma'! I am your mother!"
"Whatever."
Will Decody also appeared relieved as he approached his daughter.
And she him.
While Dylan stayed at a respectful distance.
"Hey, baby girl. Are you alright?"
Emma, hand finally still and calm on the handle of her oxygen tank.
"Yeah. I just needed to get away to think."
Will nodded, eyes searching her closely.
"It's okay to be scared. I am too. But this may be our only chance and we have to take it."
"Don't pressure me. For anything."
But she didn't say that to her father.
"I know."
Only hugged him tight, kissing his cheek before letting go and stepping back.
Will was smiling now, though blue eyes still tense.
"Can you be ready go to in thirty minutes?"
Emma smiled bravely.
"Fifteen."
Then with a backward glance at Dylan . . .
Emma.
. . . she went inside.
His hungry eyes followed her.
Until she was out of sight.
And Will Decody turned to Dylan.
"Thank you for finding her, Dylan. For talking to her."
Dylan nodded, not sure exactly what to say.
I kissed her too. But I didn't mean to. I mean, I did but . . . never mind.
"Will you be joining us in Portland?"
Mild, pleased surprise rippled through him.
"Oh, I, uh, hadn't really thought about it."
He hadn't really considered an invitation.
Please.
Until now.
I just want to make sure she's okay.
Will Decody shrugged, then spoke casual but warm.
"Well, do what you want. But I think she'd be glad for you to be there if you can."
He handed Dylan a scrap of scribbled on paper.
"Here's the name and address of the hospital. The surgery is Wednesday morning."
Dylan took it, feeling strange and surreal.
"Thanks."
He paused.
"I'll be there. If it's okay."
Will Decody nodded.
Seemed to want to say more.
Then with purpose, headed back into the darkened building.
Dylan stood with his hands stuffed in his pockets for moment.
Then returned to his truck, climbing back into the cab.
Shutting the door.
And stared up at Emma's window.
Chest tightening. Hands clenched into fists.
He glanced down and the red Tupperware lid caught his eye.
The brownies were long gone, only crumbs remained.
I forgot to give it back to her.
And suddenly that thing that been causing him . . .
"I feel like I'm floating outside of my body, Dylan."
"That's just because I hit you."
. . . him to feel so funny hit him fullforce.
That if the surgery went wrong, he had just seen her alive for the last time.
He briefly considered getting back out of the truck and nonchalantly returning the plastic container to her.
Maybe taking time for another hug.
A kiss.
Just drink her in, her in all her goodness and light.
Just once more.
His hand gripped the door lever, holding tension tight.
She needed to go.
They were waiting for her.
Her new lungs.
Some poor braindead person was dying.
So Emma Decody could live.
And if he was weak and selfish and held her up, she might be too late and not get another chance.
Dylan Massett let the latch go.
Started the engine.
Please let this work.
Please let her be okay.
I love you, Emma.
And then he forced himself to drive away.
I sure hope this story isn't dragging for you, my gentle readers, because everytime I think I'm getting ready to move on, I have another thought that grows into another chapter.
Thank you all for reading so far.