Chapter Four
And he did try.
"I hear French ice cream is amazing."
Sliding her seat out, Will smiled brightly in an attempt to be the perfect 'boyfriend.' He wasn't just himself anymore, he was hers. It was hard for him, being there for someone else with strings attached.
"Thank you."
Her hair bounced gingerly on her shoulders as she sat down, pleasantly surprised by his chivalry. Things were slightly awkward at times but he never failed to make her smile. Emma knew he had a loving side somewhere beneath that rough exterior and she couldn't wait to have all of it. One question hung on her mind though.
"When was the last time you were in a relationship?" She quipped.
Will looked up at her innocently in between spoonfuls of rocky road.
"I honestly don't remember. Is that bad?"
Her eyes widened and she stammered a response. "No - sorta. I don't know."
Emma could have chastised him for being so careless, but she wasn't bothered. She almost felt a sense of pride, knowing that she meant more to him than the rest. Though she would never ask how many.
"I think you know what my 'love' life is like." Will cleared his throat and leaned towards her. "What about yours, Em?"
He watched as she toyed with her spoon nervously, wondering why she was so modest. It was admirable – the way she didn't have to prove anything. She was so different and it made him all the more infatuated.
"I've been in a few relationships, but nothing recently. It's been kind of nonexistent until now... if this counts."
Will looked at her skeptically. "Kind of?" Her face went red. "You're blushing."
She covered her face in embarrassment, unsure of why she was so nervous. It must have been the Will Schuester Effect. Maybe by the end of the trip she'd be over it, but even that seemed too soon.
"Okay, okay. There is someone interested in me."
He muttered quietly. "Obviously."
Emma tried her best to feign amusement, and he laughed boyishly.
"No, back home. His name is Andy." Folding her napkin, she looked at Will reassuring eyes. "I haven't really paid him much attention though."
His lips parted. "And why is that?"
"Well he hasn't exactly swept me off my feet." Her tone was implicit, making it clear that no one measured up to the man across from her.
Before responding, Will noticed a dab of ice cream beneath her mouth. Ignoring his first instinct, he reached across with two fingers, slowly wiping the strawberry off her cool skin. He noticed her dreamy expression as he licked the frozen treat off his own fingers before speaking lowly.
"I could do that."
She bit her bottom lip. "You already have."
"I mean in more ways than one." He clarified suggestively, but as lighthearted as possible. "Unless me taking you to bed in your slightly intoxicated state counts as sweeping you off your feet."
They shared an awkward laugh, memories of that night still very vivid. Yes, Emma may have felt badly about it, but she was secretly glad it happened. And if didn't, they probably wouldn't have been sitting there in a small ice cream shop, learning about each other with nothing but complete devotion.
Will's ice cream dripped down his chin so he wiped it away, soon after wishing he had let her do it. Emma beamed at him then, and he raised an eyebrow, wondering if she read his mind.
She gave him a spoonful from her bowl before giggling shyly. "You have a chin dimple. It's cute."
His mouth slowly slid off the spoon and he tilted his head to the side in anticipation, expecting her to catch on, but she didn't. Instead, her spoon hung in midair as she stared him quizzically and Will decided to say what was on his mind.
"Well are you just gonna stare at it all day or are you going to kiss me?"
The low, seductive way he spoke did more than enough convincing. It was like he was a master of the universe and gravity would always pull her right towards him. Closing her eyes, their lips met and as usual, sparks flew.
When they pulled away, Will looked at his watch with excitement. "I have a surprise for you."
"I don't really like surprises," she told him honestly.
"But you like me." He stood up, radiating confidence; and within seconds, he was leaning down and whispering in her ear. "And there's so much we haven't done yet."
x
Emma couldn't believe that his surprise was a boat ride. She offered to help him with the rowing and he politely declined because he wanted her to relax. It was a lot of work but he enjoyed it – his smile said so.
"I hope Shannon doesn't mind me stealing you away for an entire day." Will quipped as he rowed their boat down the small stream casually, passing by stone buildings and picture-esque scenery.
She looked down at her shoes and smiled. In fact, she was encouraged to spend as much time with him as possible – something about experiencing new things. "No, she doesn't mind."
She began to giggle quietly at the thought, and Will smiled a genuine grin that Emma had become to grow fond of.
"What's so funny?"
Emma ceased all laughter and gulped. "Nothing."
"Tell me." Will's curious gaze gleamed under the moonlight.
"No."
She resisted his interrogation, keeping her mouth firmly shut. The rowing ceased, leaving the boat at a standstill. Emma eyed him with scrutiny as he rolled up his sleeves. With a serious expression, he eased his way over towards her, one knee sliding across the worn wood beneath them.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm being persuasive."
Something in his tone caused Emma to put up her guard, though she immediately lost all control as he grabbed onto her waist and began to tickle her merciless.
"Wait no! "
She pled to him in between laughter and he continued to try and coerce what secret she may have had out of her. Her stomach clenched tightly, and she could barely speak. Will smiled relentlessly as the boat began to rock beneath them, enjoying the charade as she squirmed beneath him. He was no longer concerned with what she was hiding, but the sheer sound of her laughter alone.
"Stop Will! Please!" Emma couldn't take the assault any longer. Somehow, she managed to slip from beneath him, quickly bringing herself up to lean one side of the boat.
Will reached for her once more, concerned by her position.
"Emma, come here."
She slid back fearfully, bringing herself on top of the boat's edge. With a shrill scream, Emma fell into the water, causing a huge splash. The tilt of the boat caused Will to fall back and his eyes widened with panic. Quickly, he jumped up and moved towards the edge of the boat, gripping the sides tightly.
"Shit, Emma!"
Without time to think, Will jumped into the cool, glistening water. Emma's head bobbed up above the surface, grasping for air. He grabbed her then, a wave of guilt washing over him. She shut her eyes closed tightly, thankful for his embrace. The water splashed their faces gently as they struggled to float against each other. Slowly, he brought them both to the side of the boat, helping her up to reach the edge.
Will climbed in after her and muttered apologies as he held her shaking form from behind, protectively.
"I got you." He kissed her wet hair comfortingly. "I'm so sorry, Emma. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Emma managed to cough out as she evened out her breathing. Had he have ever sounded so… loving?
They sat on the floor for a few minutes in silence, his arms wrapped around her middle protectively. If it wasn't for his warmth, she'd probably be shaking from the cool breeze. Finally, she began to relax as he broke the silence.
"I really didn't mean for that to happen." Will murmured softly.
"I know." Her tone was understanding, knowing it wasn't only his fault. The mechanics of a row boat in water weren't hard to grasp, and she wished she had been more careful.
He shook his head, "I was trying to keep you from falling, but I just made things worse – "
Emma grabbed onto his hands and silenced him.
"And you saved me, Will."
"I'm far from a white and shining armor." His tone was almost sorrowful and he hastily diverted the conversation. "You're probably mad at me, aren't you?"
"Yes." She admitted and shivered slightly. "I'm soaked!"
"We can dry off together if you want…"
His voice trailed off as she turned to slap him playfully on the chest. He laughed with amusement, and her face flushed from frustration. The boat swayed gently beneath them, and they stared at each other under the night sky.
Will chuckled. "Do you know how sexy it is when you get angry, Em?"
"Really?"
Emma spun her body around to fully face him, feeling anything but how he described her at that moment. The blush on her cheeks showed just how bewildered she was and she bit her bottom lip nervously. Will narrowed his eyes with want and leaned towards her.
"Really." He cupped her chin and closed the space between them. "I'm so glad you're here Emma."
Her eyes fluttered closed as their lips touched, rekindling all the adrenaline that was coursing through her veins just moments before. Will's hands found their way to the base of her neck as he lowered her beneath him, deepening the kiss in complete and utter paradise.
x
They found themselves in the same position later that night, though this time much more comfortable and lying on his bed. Emma felt adventurous and scared both at the same time, not because the moment but of what it could lead to. Taking it any farther than his teeth tugging on her bottom lip would cause red lights to flash her mind and she almost didn't notice his hands tugging at the hem of her shirt. Breaking the kiss, she reached for his hands, pushing them away gently.
"I can't."
Will pulled away reluctantly, her words playing in his head like a crash landing. Everything was going great, at least he thought.
"I'm sorry?"
"No." She closed her eyes. "It's me. I think we should wait."
He lowered his head in frustration. His mind flashed back to the conversation they had only days ago, just now realizing the value of his promise. Did she not know how hard she made it for him? Having to suppress all the urges and feelings he had, knowing there was such little time to show her; show Emma how much he wanted – no, needed her?
Looking up, Will found a blush had crept on her face, and climbed off of her slowly. Emma watched as he moved to sit on the end of the bed, his fingers steepled under his chin. Reminding herself that she doing the right thing, Emma sat up at the far end and began to speak.
"I know this isn't what you hoped for, but we agreed to take it slow, Will." She was surprised by her confidence which was usually done away with in his presence and continued, "I want it too, but not now."
Will sat silently, absorbing everything she said and trying to process it at the same time.
He tilted his head to the side, "And what do you want, Em?"
"I already told you," her voice wavered, taken slightly off guard by his question.
"You never actually said you wanted a relationship but I know, Emma. You want all these things that I can't possible give to you – at least not here."
Will spoke softly, trying his hardest to be honest and gentle but failing miserably. He was sure he had heard a shaky breath, and crawled towards her on the bed, sitting at a distance. Her eyes were cast downward, and it killed more than anything not be able to be on the receiving end of her, loving, accepting gaze.
"Emma look at me." He pleaded with concern, not caring if he sounded narcissistic or controlling.
For what seemed like lifetime, she finally looked at him and Will sighed with relief, "I didn't come to Paris, looking for this – what we have. And I think you know what I mean. But when I first saw you in that bookstore, I knew then that I would do whatever it took to be close to you. I've compromised, Em, and I really hope you see that."
"I do." She smiled sorrowfully. "You've been wonderful."
Emma brought her legs to her torso and wrapped her arms around them, looking for some solace. She knew what he was saying was right, and it was the worst feeling in the world. They were so close, but he still wasn't hers. Biting her bottom lip, she watched the lines on his forehead crease before he opened his mouth again to speak.
"I think we both know you have very high expectations," he let out a contrite laugh. "So now I need you to promise me something."
Her eyes widened slightly, "What?"
Will held his hands out as if reaching for something and sighed.
"In two weeks, all of this," gesturing between them, he went on. "It'll be all over – me back on Broadway and you in Ohio, being there for the people who really need you. Just promise me that whatever happens from here till then, you won't let it take anything away from you, because I can't have that on my conscience."
He reminded himself that this was about her and somehow he found himself kneeling directly in front of Emma, holding onto her shoulders loosely. Kissing her forehead, he murmured against her skin.
"The way your eyes light up when you talk about something you love." Titling his head down, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips, "And the way you smile that makes everything else wrong, seem so right."
Will pulled away slightly, this time with reverence and he searched her face with some kind clue to what she was thinking. He was surprised to learn just how reserved she could be over the time they spent together, but he loved to try and figure her out.
His breath was still hot on her skin when she spoke.
"If you keep saying things like that I'm gonna have a hard time not missing you."
Emma blushed softly before bringing her hands to rest on the back of his neck and she kissed him slowly. Will cupped her face before she pull away.
"No regrets?" She said with optimism and he chuckled with mirth.
He repeated her words deeply. "No regrets."
They sat there for a few minutes, drinking each other in before Will reminded how late it was. He offered to ride back with her to her hotel but she politely declined having other ideas in mind.
"Can I sleep here tonight?"
He raised his eyebrows, pleasantly surprised. Observing her eyes with any hint of uncertainty, he found none.
"Are you sure you want to?"
"Yes." She grabbed onto his hand. "Please."
Will smiled, "Alright."
Quickly, he sprang into action and walked towards his dresser, tossing clothes to the side haphazardly. Within a few moments and returned to her holding the same shirt and boxers he had let her sleep in before. She took them from them with a sardonic grin and with a kiss to the cheek walked into the bathroom to change. During that time, Will changed into his own sleepwear and waited for her come back into the room.
When she walked through the door he pulled the sheets on the bed back and Emma slid in gratefully. Turning off the light, he crawled in behind her slowly, wrapping his arm around her middle. He almost pulled her as close as possible, but then remembered that he hadn't exactly done anything to fix his problem down there.
"Is this okay?" He asked with care.
"Is there any reason why you're so far away?" She asked with a small giggle.
Will drew circles around her stomach, coyly. "I think you know why."
Emma scooted herself against him anyway, snuggling as close to his chest as possible. His breath hitched for a moment, but he could control himself. Will heard her steady breathing, and kissed her hair contently before going to sleep himself.
"Goodnight, Emma."
