True to her word, Lily stayed where she was. How often did you get to spend time with someone you love, showing you loved them? Emma may have only slept for an hour, but it refreshed her more than anticipated.
They headed out, walking along side each other. As happy as they were, both knew Lily still wanted to leave.
"If you're going to leave, can I at least drive you back?" One request, that's all Emma wanted. If Lily was to shut Emma out of her life, to live off the grid like she had been, Emma wanted closure of some sort and seeing her off would have to work.
"I'd love that."
Seeing the pain in Emma's eyes was devastating, but somehow inevitable. Leaving was the right decision. If only she could convince herself of it.
Later that day they packed Lily's bag into the backseat of the yellow bug and headed out of the town. Lily locked her fingers through Emma's, and the grip was mutual. They talked off and on. The closer towards Lily's apartment was when she started giving directions. Night had fallen, fog was overcast when they arrived. Letting Emma drive home alone when she had already missed a few turns wasn't going to happen.
Pulling out a case of beers, Lily set it on Emma's lap before sitting beside her.
"Really?"
"Better than nothing, and it's all I've got. C'mon, we already agreed you shouldn't drive back tonight. Just throw a few back with me?"
"I guess." Emma responded as if being dragged by her heels.
After the first few consumed, they'd wandered to the bed, laying holding hands.
"Do you remember that time we stole beers?" Emma asked.
"Yeah. And we got drunk in that empty summer home."
"That was my best summer."
"Serious?"
"Mmmhm." She nodded, hand moving to lower Lily's shirt. Her fingers wrapped around the necklace she had made and given. "Was the day I gave you this."
Turning, Lily joined her hand on the necklace, settling it flat against her chest.
"We had just had sex.. My first time.."
"Mine too." Lily took Emma's hand, kissing her knuckle. "Lily..?"
"What's wrong?"
Emma swallowed thickly.
"I don't want to go back without you."
"I just need some space to think things through, Em."
"We're good together. Nothing's stopped us except for you, always trying to run." It was the alcohol speaking, but thankfully Lily recognized that. Her hand reached to Emma's face, stroking her cheek gently.
"We're not dating though, Emma. This was.. Iunno, just a one time thing?"
"I want to though."
"Baby I know.. But this is where I live, where I work."
Just considering the idea of dating Emma had Lily's heart aching. A longing, desire for her.
"You're there. Hell, you're the sheriff."
"What's the point, if I'm alone, without you? I feel so empty."
"What are you trying to say, Emma?"
Rolling Lily onto her back, Emma climbed atop. She held both hands above her shoulders. Leaning over her, Emma narrowed in on her lips.
"Live there, with me. I want you in my life."
"Emma..."
"I know you want me too, you're just avoiding it."
"It's hard not to want you when you're arousing me." She retorted, doing exactly what Emma was saying. Even whilst drunk Emma was still sharp.
"Do you want a relationship with me?"
"Yes, but-" interrupted by a kiss.
"-then we'll make us work."
"But I'm a mess of a person. I've fucked everything up at every opportunity."
"Start now. No matter what, we'll come back from anything. Nothing will break us apart."
"Since when did you turn all sentimental?" Lily rolled her eyes, wriggling her hands free, she pulled Emma down to intoxicate her.
Exhausted hours later, they had woken up but stayed in bed. Lily was smiling at Emma. It had been years since she last called Emma her girlfriend. Just thinking of the name made her feel ecstatic.
As Emma prepared to leave after her shower, they'd worked out a schedule of when one another would drive to visit. Maybe in time Lily's mind would be set, following where her heart was going. Every minute of the day she spent yearning for Emma. The final kiss goodbye lingered on her lips long after the blonde had driven away.
A/N. Thank you for reading, leave me a review :)