CS Writers Challenge. Theme: Storm.
Bad memories of the night she disappeared come to Emma during a storm. She decides to build new happy memories with Killian.
English is not my native language, so apologies for any mistake.
The storm begins as Emma walks near the docks, to meet Killian in the Jolly Roger.
When the first thunders and lightnings appear Emma feels that her whole body is paralyzed. The memories of that night begin to invade her mind. The light illuminating the sky and the deafening sound of thunder are too similar to those of the night when darkness took her. Fear catches her, she can't move a muscle, can hardly breathe, she wants to scream, but no sound comes from her throat.
She doesn't know how much time she spends under the rain, perhaps a few seconds, maybe minutes. Emma can't move, but she feels like her wet clothes stick to her body and the wind ruffles her hair. She gets put her hands to her ears in a vain attempt to stop the sound of the storm. Finally she comes out of her trance to hear someone shout her name.
"Emma!"
Killian is getting closer to her, his face is marked by concern. Few minutes ago Killian was worried, since after the beginning of the storm Emma had not yet arrived, so he went looking for her. When Killian is in front of Emma he seeks her eyes, trying to connect their glances to reassure her. "Emma, love, what happens? Are you okay?"
"Killian ..." The words come out of her mouth finally, but her thoughts are still unclear ... "The storm began ... it was like ... like that night, when I disappeared ..." Emma cannot suppress a sob escaping from her throat.
"Emma ..." Killian hugs her while he whispers words of encouragement "Everything is fine, love, it's just a storm. You are safe, I will not let anything bad happen to you."
Emma believes him and clings desperately to Killian. She notices his strong arms around her body and she feels protected. His voice has always had a calming effect on her and this time is no different. Just a few words are enough to make her body relax.
"Can you walk?" He still holds her in his arms, as he seeks her gaze again. "We have to get to the ship, you're soaked." She nods and is guided by Killian.
When they reach the Jolly, Emma is still dazed, she lets Killian take control. He leads her to a chair, and explains that he will seek dry clothes, Emma nods and Killian still giving her soothing words while searching for a towel and some clothes. Fortunately Emma left a few days ago some clothes if she needed them at some point.
Killian returns to her side, he whispers words of encouragement as he removes the wet clothes, their eyes are connected at all times, he doesn't want her to lose herself in her thoughts again. Emma is shaking, so Killian wraps her in the towel and rubs her back so she comes into heat. They smile, recalling a similar time lived a few months ago. Finally the heat back to the Emma's body and she gets dry clothes.
"Love, I need to go to the next room, I also have to change my clothes. Everything is right, I'll be back in a moment." He wants to make sure that Emma will be fine. She smiles slightly as assents.
While Killian is out, Emma moved to the bed and sits there, waiting for his return. The storm is not over, but the presence of Killian beside her causes all her fears go away. Suddenly she is aware that she needs more. Since Emma was brought back from darkness they returned to settle in the same routine. He didn't ask her for more and she was afraid to take the next step.
Emma knows that both love each other, but now that is not enough, she wants everything of him, she wants to go to sleep with him every night, to wake up next to him every morning, to have breakfast together ... she wants to share every moment of her life with Killian.
Emma feels she is ready to take the next step. The fear will not dominate her life. She will start today building new memories for the days of storm.
When Killian returns she is smiling, happy for the decision just taken. With a gesture, she invites him to sit beside her.
"Killian, I was thinking ... I don't want this to happen to me again, so I need to create new memories for stormy days." It's an important decision as Emma wants to be sure that she have the full attention of Killian. "Tomorrow ... tomorrow we will begin searching for an apartment, our own apartment, to build our memories together."
Emma notices a glimmer of hope in the Killian's eyes, but he seems to not believe what he hears "Are you suggesting what I think, love?"
Emma could get lost in his deep blue eyes. She strokes his cheek gently, running her fingers through his scar with a light touch. "Yes Killian, we will live together, a new start for us."
Killian's face lights up, he cannot be happier, but he didn't want there to be any doubt on the part of Emma, he doesn't want her to repent for taking a decision based on a momentary feeling of fear. "Are you sure, love? You know I'm here for the long term, we have all the time in the world."
Emma can't believe that just a few minutes ago she was terrified and now the idea of moving in with Killian makes the happiness floods her. She has no doubts, she's taking the right decision, Killian gets calm when no one else does, Emma feels safe at his side thanks to his constant support.
Emma kisses him in response. It's a tender kiss, full of hope, a foretaste of those coming when sharing every moment of their lives. "Emma ..." Killian tries to speak, but it's difficult because their lips are in contact in every moment. "Swam ... how about if we make any enjoyable activity to add to the memories of the days of storm?" Emma laughs pleased, it seems that the night will end very well for them.
From that day, during the days of storm, Emma and Killian cuddle on the couch at home, recalling the last moments and adding new memories to their life together.