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Emmett had long ago learned that if anything good was to come his way, he had to fight for it. He fought to go to undergrad. He fought to get into Harvard law. He fought to pay the exorbitant fees and have enough money for textbooks and food and rent. He struggled to send back money to his mother.

Nothing had come easy for him. Nothing had been handed to him. He had had to struggle against the world for what he wanted. That was just the way of it. So when he looked back and saw Warner down on one knee in front of Elle, he knew with a sinking feeling he’d have to fight for her too.

Sure, he had just said he would see her later. For a second, he had been confident that she would send Warner packing. But Warner actually proposing? That was all she’d been working towards for months. All she had talked about in the beginning was the four carat princess cut diamond that was meant to be hers.

He knew he didn’t compare much when it came to Warner. Not materially at least, but he had heart. He loved Elle completely, something he could say with certainty Warner didn’t. He didn’t think Warner could truly make Elle happy. Not in the long run. Emmett would dedicate his life to doing it. He knew this, but he also knew how Warner affected Elle.

Emmett paced the lobby of the court room alone. Everyone else was out on the front steps of the building. Reporters had gathered to see the recently freed Brooke Wyndham and crack legal team that had gotten her off. Emmett turned once reaching the wall, his shoes following the same tread on the tile floor.

He knew he’d have to work fast once she was here to combat the idea of Warner. To throw his hat in the ring so to speak. He doubted she’d ever considered him as a potential partner. It stung, but it was simply the truth.

‘I’ve fought for everything else,’ Emmett thought to himself, determination filling his eyes.

One of the double doors creaked open and Elle emerged around the door. Her eyes found his and he stopped pacing abruptly. “Emmett..” Elle said, half surprised he had waited for her.

“Elle,” Emmett responded, walking over to her. “I need to talk to you.”

He glanced down at her hands and didn’t see a ring. His chest relaxed for a brief moment before he realized that didn’t mean anything. What if the ring simply hadn’t fit and she’d needed it sized? His chest seized back up.

“What is it?” Elle asked. At first she smiled but at Emmett’s serious expression, her smile faltered. “What’s wrong?”

“I…I realize the timing is odd, but I have to tell you.” Emmett’s gray-blue eyes burned into hers. “I’m in love with you.”

Elle blinked in shock. She tried to speak, but nothing came out.

“I know Warner proposed.”

“He—“ Elle began.

“—I know this has been your dream,” Emmett said, hands gesturing and eyes still intense. “Warner has a lot of things going for him now, but as a counter offer, I’d like you to consider me. I know I’m not as rich or handsome as he is. Hell, I don’t have any money at all right now.”

Emmett closed his eyes briefly. ‘Pull it together, Forrest! You’re really selling it here,’ Emmett thought.

“Emmett—“ Elle tried again, but Emmett’s eyes flashed open and he continued.

“—But I try a thousand times harder than him. I will be a successful lawyer. I doubt Warner will be. I promise to take care of you—

“—I don’t—“

“—I’ll make you happier than he ever could. It would be one of my top priorities. And I know you. He doesn’t. I will support you every step of the way. I promise.”

“Emmett—“ She was looking impatient now. He had to convince her. He didn’t know what he’d do if she actually picked Warner.

“I may not look like a great candidate now but I swear I will be in the future. I had little hope of getting into Harvard and I did that. I graduated with honors and now I’m on the next step—“

“—I don’t need your resume!” Elle burst angrily.

Emmett snapped his mouth closed. He stared at her as she huffed. Elle put her hands on her hips, looking down and trying to control her anger.

“I guess you don’t,” Emmett said quietly. Had he really lost?

Elle’s eyes found his again and anger still seared through them. She was furious. “What makes you think any of that is important to me?”

Emmett blinked at her, confused.

“What makes you think that you or Warner’s future success as a lawyer has any bearing on my decision? Did you think I was after Warner for the money?” She looked pained, her expression wrenching a hole in Emmett’s heart. “I thought you understood me,” she said. She turned away from him and started walking towards the outside doors.

He was losing her. “I-I do!” Emmett said, forcing himself to move. He made to grab at her arm but she whipped back around towards him.

“And I don’t need ‘taking care of’! I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Emmett!” She poked him in the chest, her eyes fiery.

“I know—“ Emmett began, but she was turning around and stalking off again. “I know you are!” He followed quickly behind her. This had turned into a mess. He grabbed her arm just as she opened one of the double doors to the outside. “I’m sorry. Please wait!”

She slowly turned to face him. He could see what little patience she had was quickly running out.

He licked his lips nervously. “Elle, I—“

“—Elle Woods! Miss Elle Woods!”

Both Emmett and Elle looked towards the sound. A crescendo of voices followed, calling her name. The reporters had seen her in the doorway and were swarming over to her.

“Miss Elle Woods, can you speak about the Wyndham trial?”

“How do you feel about being a first year law student and solving a celebrity murder case?”

Elle turned towards the gathering crowd and her arm pulled out of Emmett’s grip. He watched as she answered the reporters with confidence. Quietly he backed up, detaching himself from the crowd. Now wasn’t the time. She deserved the spotlight.

===

Elle frowned, looking around at the large party.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” her mother asked.

There shouldn’t be anything wrong. She was surrounded by her parents, her law friends, and her Delta Nu sorority girls. The bar was crowded with happy people. She looked over the party again. Enid was trying to impress Brooke Wyndham and failing. Paulette and Vivian were talking about pet parenting rights. Kyle was sharing workout tips with Serena and Pilar. Her father was trying to teach the bartender how to make a proper martini and Margot and Bruiser were holding a conversation based on yips.

“Are you all right?” her mother asked again.

“I’m fine,” she said, smiling back. Except she wasn’t. There was one person missing. She knew they’d had a bad conversation at the courthouse, but she fully expected Emmett to tag along to the celebration.

She took a sip of her drink, going over the talk they’d had in her mind. She hadn’t expected him to confess his love. Elle snorted. That was one of the worst confessions she’d ever had. It was like he was trying to sell himself to her.

And she certainly didn’t need selling on the amazing traits of Emmett Forrest. At least she hadn’t. Now she wasn’t so sure. She’d originally thought Warner had respected and understood her and look how wrong she had been about that. It had taken her winning a murder trial to convince him she was smart and capable. And all Callahan had seen was an easily manipulated blonde. Did Emmett think the same? Was earlier just a fluke or was she wrong about Emmett too?

“You look like someone told you orange is the new pink.”

Elle looked up to see Vivian and Paulette had walked over. She hadn’t even noticed her mother moving on. She caught sight of her laughing with Brooke.

“Yeah, what’s up Elle?” Paulette asked.

“Oh nothing,” Elle said, trying to brighten her smile.

Vivian scanned the bar. “Where’s Emmett?”

“He didn’t come,” Elle said quietly.

“Why not?!” Paulette exclaimed.

Elle shrugged going for a nonchalant air she didn’t feel. “He doesn’t like parties.”

“That’s insane!” Paulette said.

“He should be with us celebrating,” Vivian said. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

That’s true, Elle thought. He had stood up to Callahan, quit his job, and supervised the trial all for her. A warmth suffused her. Maybe he really did care about her. And really saw her for who she was.

“It was good of him to supervise the trial,” Elle said, her voice hopeful.

“I’ve never seen him as flustered as he was last night,” Vivian said.

“What’re you talking about?” Elle asked.

“When he told us you were leaving,” Vivian explained, frowning.

Elle stared at her. “He told you?”

“Oh honey. Did you not know?” Paulette grabbed Elle’s hand, rubbing it between her own.

“How do you think I caught you at the hair salon?” Vivian said, crossing her arms.

“I…I hadn’t thought about it,” Elle answered.

Vivian gave her a look of disappointment. “Really, Elle. He called Enid and I after you locked yourself in your room and wouldn’t come out. He reasoned you’d have to say goodbye to Paulette and that you wouldn’t listen to him.”

“He was frantic, sweetheart,” Paulette added. “He called me and warned me you might stop by. But I was supposed to act like I didn’t know and talk you out of it. I thought he was overreacting until you actually came.”

“He was frantic?” Elle’s head was swimming. She knew he’d been disappointed, but…

“He was desperate,” Vivian said.

Elle stared down at the sticky floor of the bar. Vivian and Paulette exchanged glances.

“You know he’s in love with you,” Vivian said.

“She’s right. Oh, the way he looks at you, Elle!” Paulette added.

“I don’t…” Elle began, but she wasn’t sure what she was trying to say. He had said he was in love with her, but he’d also said all those other things. And that had made her doubt him.

“How do you feel about him?” Paulette patted her hand again, trying to peer into her eyes.

“You’re not still obsessed with Warner are you?” Vivian asked.

Elle quickly shook her head. “No! No I—I thought that’s what I wanted, but I think…I think for a long time I’ve just wanted someone to acknowledge me. To recognize I’m so much more than just…”

“A blonde bombshell?” Paulette helpfully supplied.

Elle smiled and nodded. “And today I got that. From everyone. You all believed in me.”

“No one believed more than Emmett. I know he called up Brooke and told her. It was all his plan to fire Callahan and have you step in,” Vivian said.

Elle felt weak. She stumbled to one of the nearby barstools and perched on it carefully. She had dismissed him last night, caught up in her own world of pain. And then today she had gotten angry at him when he was probably just panicking.

“You okay, Elle?” Paulette said, concerned.

“I think I’ve made a big mistake, girls,” Elle said.

Visions of Emmett swarmed her. Him studying with her, quizzing her. Them at the department store. Emmett and her sharing meals between working. His eyes when she got something right in class.

How did she feel about him? She’d known for awhile she loved him. She’d just assumed it was as her best friend instead of romantically. She remembered him leaning close to her in the courtroom. His eyes had been dark when he’d said ‘Did you actually think I’d let you get away?’ Her body had broken out in shivers.

She let herself think about kissing him. It was as if she had been forcibly locking away her feelings and now they were drowning her. A wave of heat spread throughout her body.

“Well, are you going to let him get away?” Vivian asked, smirking.

Elle stood suddenly from her stool, shocking Paulette who jumped back. “No. I’m not.”

“Get to it then,” Vivian said, arms still crossed.

Elle smiled at the pair. “Oh, do you think you could take care of Bruiser?” she asked Paulette.

“Oh no problem, honey. He’ll have a great sleep over with Rufus! You go, girl, and you fight for him.”

Elle beamed. “Thanks guys.”

She had to say goodbye to the rest of the party. She promised the Delta Nu girls they’d hang out once more before they left, kissed her mom, dad, and Bruiser and was on her way.

===

Emmett couldn’t bring himself to work on any of the papers he was supposed to. He stared sullenly at the pile before him, slouching into his couch in a cloud of depression.

How could he have sunk so low? He’d insinuated she was only interested in shallow things. That she couldn’t take care of herself. He’d reduced her to the blonde material girl she had been viewed as her whole life.

Some confession, he scoffed. His fingers rubbed the suit he still wore between finger and thumb. The satiny inside was soft against his fingers. It was the finest piece of clothing he’d ever worn. And Elle had bought it. She had believed in him. That was until he proved he was just like every other guy in her life.

He wouldn’t be surprised if she never talked to him again. He’d have to try though. He owed her an apology.

He closed his eyes, her words from earlier echoing in his brain. ‘Did you think I was after Warner for the money? I thought you understood me.’

He groaned and flopped sideways onto the couch, his face pressed into the rough, brown material. How had he messed up this badly? How would he convince her to even look at him let alone hear his apology?

A voice that sounded suspiciously like Elle’s piped up in his head. ‘Are you really giving up now?’

He shook his head. No, he wouldn’t give up.

‘Good! Then stop moping and get up. You’re wrinkling the suit.’

Yep, that was definitely Elle’s voice. He wasn’t sure how she had invaded his mind, but he wasn’t surprised. She’d mentioned before she sometimes imagined a Greek chorus of her Delta Nu friends backing her up. It made absolute sense he’d picture her when he was in trouble.

He stood up, brushing the wrinkles from the suit. Right. So what was step one? He had to apologize and hopefully get her back as a friend. He didn’t think he could go back to being alone after having Elle in his life. Maybe if he didn’t mention the part about love, she wouldn’t either.

There was a sharp rap on his door and he froze. No one knocked on his door. Not unless it was the landlord and he was paid up this month. Moving to it, he looked through the eyepiece to be confronted by the sight of a pink Elle Woods.

“Oh my god,” he said.

She had come to him. She was always surprising him. He almost should’ve expected she’d do the opposite of whatever he thought she would.

She knocked again. He shoved his hands through his hair, trying to pat it down. His curls had long ago broken free of the hair gel he had used this morning. He closed his eyes for a second and breathed deeply. He could do this. This was his chance. Apologize, grovel at her feet, whatever he needed to do. And don’t mention the love confession, he reminded himself.

He yanked the door open. Elle stepped back in surprise and they both stared at each other over the threshold.

“Can I come in?” she started, her voice more timid than usual.

“Yes! Of course!” Emmett stepped aside, trying to gather his wits.

Elle flowed into his studio apartment. She set her purse on his brown, thrift store couch before walking towards the center of the space and slowly turning towards him.

Seeing Elle in the center of his brown, shabby apartment was always surprising. She never fit into his things, always outshining everything around even when she was in her ‘shabby chic’ clothing.

Emmett cleared his throat. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“I know,” Elle said. “You weren’t at the party.” She cocked her head.

He winced. “It didn’t feel like I belonged there.” There was an awkward silence. Elle looked like she was trying to figure out how to say something.

‘Come on, Forrest! Now’s your chance!’ Emmett thought. He cleared his throat. “Elle, I want to—“

“Emmett, I didn’t—“

They both spoke at the same time. They froze, looking at each other. Emmett gave a small awkward laugh. “I um, do you mind if I go first?”

Elle smiled and shook her head. Emmett felt a wave of relief. At least she was smiling at him. That had to be a good sign.

“I want to apologize, Elle. What I said, the way I said it…” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking down. “I know you’re not like that. That you’re not concerned about wealth or success or any of that. And you’ve more than shown you’re a capable, independent woman. It’s..It’s one of the things I like most about you.”

He glanced at her. She was quiet. He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his feet, his gut swirling in nervous waves.

“I…I guess I’m just used to fighting for anything good in my life. I had to fight to get into law school, fight to succeed. When I saw Warner propose, I thought…I thought I was losing you again. I panicked.”

“Emmett,” she said softly.

“That’s not an excuse!” He continued quickly. “Just an explanation. I shouldn’t have said what I said. I’m sorry, Elle. I swear I don’t see you like that.”

Elle swallowed. “I was too harsh on you.”

“No, I deserved it,” Emmett said.

Elle shook her head. “I know what you did, Emmett. How you rallied everyone to stop me from leaving.”

“Oh.” There was another beat of silence. “I had to fix Callahan’s mistake. I couldn’t let you go back to Malibu. You don’t belong there, Elle. You belong here. No one should be able to take that away from you.”

Elle smiled at him. He felt a hopeful warmth spread throughout his body.

“I know I don’t deserve it, but can you—can you forgive me? Can we go back to before?”

“Before?” Elle asked, slightly confused.

He crossed his arms. “Back before today. Back to normal Emmett and Woods comma Elle.” He smiled nervously.

“Oh, Emmett. I forgive you.”

Relief swarmed him. “Oh thank god.”

“I don’t think I can forget what you said today though.”

The relief abruptly stopped and his body tensed again. He swallowed. “Elle, what can I say to make it up to you?”

She moved towards him, a hand resting on his crossed arms. “You misunderstand.”

Emmett looked at her questioningly.

“There’s something you said today in all that mess that I can’t forget.”

Oh god, he thought. She was going to bring up his love confession. “We can just move past it,” he said, panicking. “I won’t bring it up again, I swear.” It was far better to have Elle Woods in his life as his best friend than no Elle Woods at all.

“Well that’s problematic for me.”

Emmett inhaled quickly. Was he still going to lose her even though she forgave him? “I was panicking, Elle. I didn’t know—“

“—I’m going to have to ask you to stop talking now, Mister Forrest.” She shook her head. “You’re really bad at this.”

He shut his mouth with a snap. Whatever she was going to say, he deserved to hear.

“I have to admit that was the messiest love confession I’ve ever gotten. And I’ve gotten my share of them.”

Emmett felt his face and ears heating.

“The second to worst one was on Spring Break in Cabo. The guy was drunk and he had just finished vomiting in my shoes when he looked up and said—“

“—Elle, please put me out of my misery,” Emmett said, not sure he could follow her on another sorority story.

“Right, anyway. This was worse.”

Emmett winced.

“Because my best friend was trying to explain all the ways he was a worthy person. And the worst part was, I already knew it. Not for half the reasons he said but because, Emmett, you’re the most kind, dedicated, loyal person I know. I don’t need you to tell me why you’re a great guy.”

“Uh,” Emmett responded, flabbergasted.

“I know you’re a great one. Everything you’ve done for me, seeing beyond my looks, pushing me, helping me, believing in me: you’re amazing, Emmett.”

He felt the blush spread across his face. This was not what he’d been expecting.

Her eyes were filled with a soft sincerity. “All I needed to hear was that you were in love with me.”

Emmett stared down at her. Was this really happening?

“So I’d like you to try again. Are you actually in love with me or was that just a panicked confession? Because either way, you won’t lose me. I’m sticking around and you can’t get rid of me that easily.” She smiled widely up at him.

Emmett opened and closed his mouth several times. He didn’t know what to say to that. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The love he felt for her was there, pulsing along with the beat of his heart. He knew it wouldn’t be going away any time soon. It had grown over the past few months into something that couldn’t be ignored, though he had tried at first. He opened his eyes, taking in her pretty face and soft blue eyes. She deserved to know the truth.

“Elle, I’m irrevocably in love with you.”

Her beaming smile gave him the confidence he needed to go on.

“I don’t think I could stop if I tried. You’re so smart and funny and generous with everything that you do. You care about the world like I never have. I thought we all had to just take what we wanted, to fight. But you showed me how important it is to give back. To believe in people. I’m a better lawyer because of you. I’m a better person. I can’t imagine you not in my life. I don’t want to.”

Elle’s eyes shown with tears but her smile eclipsed them. “Oh, Emmett.”

“I love you so much, Elle,” Emmett finished quietly.

She reached her arms up and hugged him tightly. He immediately uncrossed his arms and swept them behind her back, pulling her close. He wasn’t sure if she loved him the same way but he knew she cared and that was enough. He held her tightly, relishing in the feeling of her in his arms.

“That was the best confession I’ve ever gotten,” Elle sniffled in his ear.

His face broke into a soft grin. “I told you I’m a hard worker. I eventually succeed.”

She pulled back from the embrace. He didn’t want to let her go yet, but he did. Thankfully she didn’t pull all the way out of his arms.

Elle looked up at him, her eyes still shining. “I love you too, butthead.”

His face fell in shock. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” she laughed.

“Butthead?” He said, eyes wide.

“Well you were being one.” Her eyes danced.

He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “You’re sure?”

“You don’t ask that, Emmett. I told you, you’re a great catch!”

“I am,” he said, half amazed.

“Now are you going to kiss me or what?” she said, laughing.

His grin widened even further if that was possible. He felt his cheeks aching. “That I can do,” he said. And he leaned down and captured her lips with his.

They were soft as down. A thrill went through Emmett. He was kissing Elle Woods. This was real.

She moved closer to him, her lips firming on his. Emmett tilted his head further and the sweet kiss deepened. He pulled back slowly, his eyes fluttering open. He took her in, her cerulean gaze just meeting his. And suddenly, a twinge happened in his chest. He felt like he was being drawn back to her. He had to kiss her again.

He slid his hand behind her neck and brought her towards him. He was bolder this time, biting her bottom lip gently between his own. She moaned, opening her mouth for him and Emmett swooped in. He kissed her passionately.

Finally, he released her and they both gasped, panting.

“Woah,” Elle said.

He gave her a lopsided grin. “Yeah.”

She pulled him back to her and he went easily. She kissed him deeply. His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her firmly against his body. Her hands were warm on his cheeks but they moved, sliding back and carding through his hair.

“Elle,” he moaned between kisses.

She kissed him one more time, then moved back. Emmett was savoring the feeling of the last kiss when he felt a tug on his tie. His eyes snapped open. Elle was pulling on it and backing towards the couch. He gave a delighted laugh and followed her.

She pushed him down onto the sofa, kicked off her heels, and then straddled his lap, leaning in for another kiss. His hands immediately went to her waist. She kissed him feverishly and he couldn’t think for several more minutes.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” he murmured when they broke apart again.

Elle smiled. “Me neither.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking at her thoroughly kissed lips.

“When did you know?” Elle asked.

“Know what?”

“Know you were in love with me, silly,” she said, hitting him lightly on the shoulder.

He raised his eyebrows. “You don’t want to know.”

“Yes I do!”

He dragged a hand across his mouth, thinking. “It came on so gradually. I don’t know when it started. All I knew was I didn’t mind being around you. Then I wanted to be around you. And then I had to be around you.”

She smoothed his collar, listening.

“I knew it had gotten bad when I was in the grocery store at Christmas and all I could think of was you. I was staring at a bottle of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for forever, wondering if I should buy it for you. A store clerk finally came over to check if I was all right.” Emmett closed his eyes in embarrassment. Elle laughed softly. He shook his head, opening his eyes again.

“I knew I had a problem at Christmas but it wasn’t until you got the internship that I realized I loved you. You shone so brightly when I showed you the list. I was so proud of you for making it, for being happy about it even though Warner had just proposed to Vivian. I thought Callahan was lucky to have you on the team, and then I thought…I was lucky to have you in my life.”

“I remember you left early that day,” Elle said, putting the pieces together, “and I didn’t see you until we met at Callahan’s.”

Emmett shifted. “It was an awkward moment to have a revelation. I had to come to terms with it and I knew I wasn’t exactly on your radar.”

“You were in a way,” Elle said.

“You can’t tell me you’ve been in love with me this whole time,” Emmett said, extremely dubious.

“I knew I loved you when you gave me my Christmas present. Paulette said something like ‘Haircare? I love this guy!’ And I remember thinking ‘me too’. But..” She picked up one of Emmett’s curls and toyed with it. “I thought I loved you as my best friend. I didn’t think…”

Emmett nodded in resignation. “You didn’t think it was romantic.”

“No,” she said. “I think I was so focused on school and winning Warner, I didn’t think about it.”

“What changed?” Emmett asked. He was surprised she had ever changed her mind.

“I realized I had been wrong. You don’t stare at your best friend as much as I did. And in the court room, you…” Elle blushed, looking down.

This was an interesting reaction, Emmett thought. “In the court room?” he asked, craning his head towards her.

“When you pulled me close and said you weren’t going to let me get away..that was—that was pretty hot,” Elle finished, blushing redder.

Emmett smirked. “It was, was it?”

“So in closing, you shouldn’t want to kiss your best friend. At least, not if they’re only your best friend.”

Emmett grinned.

Elle blushed harder.

“I like this. This is new,” he said, pinching her pink cheeks.

Elle hit him lightly, rolling her eyes. “Pink is my signature color.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” Emmett said dryly.

Elle hit him in the shoulder again, laughing. He laughed with her.

“So what do we do now?” he asked, his hand playing with the a ringlet of blonde hair.

Elle bit her lip. “Well, my stuff is all packed up,” Elle started, “..and I could use a place to stay.”

Emmett looked at her a bit shocked. “I hadn’t thought of that. You could stay with the Delta Nu girls in their hotel room.”

Elle looked at him flatly. “Or…”

“Or I guess maybe with Paulette?” Emmett frowned.

“Or,” Elle said. She waited a second but Emmett was flummoxed. “Or I could stay here.”

Emmett’s eyes widened. “Oh. Oh.” He looked her up and down, swallowing. “You could—yeah, you could stay here.”

“Do you not want me to?” Elle asked, feeling a little self conscious.

“No! No that’s fine. It just honestly hadn’t occurred to me. I only have the…one bed.” Emmett looked down at the couch and patted it. “But I guess I do have the sofa.”

“I like the one bed idea,” Elle said firmly.

“Right,” Emmett said, feeling a little weak. He’d be sharing a bed with Elle. With Elle.

Elle looked concerned. “We don’t have to do anything. I just think it’d be silly to sleep apart since we…” She shrugged. “You know. But if you feel more comfortable, I’ll go stay with the girls.”

Emmett frowned. He didn’t want her to go. Waking up tomorrow morning without her, it would seem like none of this ever happened. If her staying was an option, he’d gladly take it. “No,” he shook his head. “Stay here.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes,” he said firmly. “I just might need a little while to get used to the idea.”

“Of me staying?” Elle asked.

“Of us together,” Emmett answered. “It’s still—I mean I can’t believe I can kiss you now. Or hold you.”

Elle smiled softly. “Awww, Emmett. That’s adorable.”

He gave her a mock glare. “I’m not adorable.”

“Yes. Yes, you are.” She pet his hair.

“I’ll show you adorable,” he said, voice deepening. And he leaned forward and kissed her soundly.

Emmett’s tongue melded with hers. Elle leaned further into him with a moan, her hands going into his hair. The next several minutes were taken up by the activity.

Finally, Emmett detached himself slowly. He leaned his forehead to hers, eyes closed. He had to stop. If he was going to innocently share a bed with her, he didn’t need any temptations beforehand.

He leaned back and opened his eyes. She was dazed, her lips swollen from kissing. He smirked at her.

“All right, let’s get up. Have you had dinner yet?” Emmett asked.

She shook her head as if to clear it and blinked at him. “Uh no. Not yet.” She moved off his lap and he stood.

“How about Thai?” he asked, going to the kitchenette.

“Sounds perfect,” Elle said.

He fetched the appropriate menu and they ordered. Soon, they were back on the sofa surrounded by food.

“Pass the Pad Thai?” Elle asked.

“Only if you hand over the Pad Krapow,” Emmett replied. They switched styrofoam containers. Emmett had long ago realized Elle liked to share food. She was never just satisfied with one dish, so their orders often looked like miniature banquets.

“I think Enid has a crush on Brooke Wyndham,” Elle said.

“Really?” Emmett’s eyes widened.

Elle grimaced sympathetically. “I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere. Brooke didn’t seem impressed.”

“Well, I can’t blame Enid. Not with Brooke’s b—ahem! How’s the Pad Thai?” Emmett asked suddenly as Elle narrowed her eyes at him.

She laughed. “She does have a pretty rockin’ bod. Her workouts are hard core.”

“They looked it. Every time I saw my mom doing one she looked like she was dying.”

“Sounds about right.”

They finished dinner and cuddled on the couch afterwards, watching bad movies and laughing. After an hour and a half, Elle started yawning. On Elle’s fifth yawn, Emmett started to get up.

“Okay. Let’s get you some pajamas.”

“Oh! I want to pick them out.” She rushed to follow him.

“You want to pick them out?” He asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Guys have the best shirts,” Elle said, excited.

“How many of Warner’s clothes did you steal?”

Elle looked at him guiltily. “Not too many. His were mostly scratchy and uncomfortable.”

“Uh huh,” Emmett said, not buying it.

He moved to his dresser and opened up his shirt drawer. Elle immediately rifled through it. “Where’s the one?”

“Uhh…”

“The student council one.” Her fingers caught a grey shirt with blue lettering and she pulled it out of the drawer. “Aha!”

He looked at her like she was crazy.

Elle glanced at him, blushing. “What? It’s super soft.”

“And how do you know this?” He folded his arms on his chest.

“The first hug I gave you, you were wearing it.”

Emmett opened his mouth, speechless.

“Besides, it’s cute. Knowing you were on student council.”

“Cute?” Emmett said, his voice strangled. He didn’t think anyone paid much attention to what he wore.

“Yeah. I can just see little teenage Emmett fighting on behalf of your fellow students against the grown-up establishment. And you still have the t-shirt. It’s cute!”

“Okay, student council is not cute. It’s a very important lawful body—And you’re laughing now.”

Elle bit her lip, trying to reign in her laughter.

“Sorry, sorry. It’s not adorable at all.”

Emmett rolled his eyes, blushing. “Fine, fine. It is a really comfy shirt. That’s why I kept it.”

“Were you president of student council?” Elle asked, tucking the shirt to her.

“Treasurer,” Emmett grumbled. “I wasn’t popular enough to be president.”

“Ooooh. So you handled the big money.”

“Okay, okay. Quit laughing. Let me get you some pajama bottoms. They’re probably going to be way too long on you though.”

Elle waved him off. “No need. I’ll just kick them off in my sleep anyway. This should cover everything.” And she disappeared into the bathroom.

Emmett had paused. Elle in just a t-shirt? His t-shirt? Oh boy was he in trouble. She’d probably have those legs that went on for days and—yep. Not thinking about it. He couldn’t think about it if he was going to share a bed with her. He collected his own pair of pajamas, thinking. Worse case scenario, he could sneak off to the couch and say he kept tossing and turning and didn’t want to wake her.

The door to the bathroom clicked open and Elle stood in the doorway. Emmett kept his eyes straight ahead. He scooted past her with a quick “Excuse me” and then he was safe in the bathroom, door shut. He congratulated himself. He’d managed not to ogle her. She’d probably be in the bed by now, safe from view under the covers. Hooray for self control.

He performed his night time routine, checking the mirror several times. The hair gel had held surprisingly well all day, but now his natural curls were breaking free. He should probably take a shower to rinse all the gunk out, but it’d hold until tomorrow. Finally, he deemed he was ready. As ready as he’d ever be, anyway, to share one bed with Woods, Elle. He took a deep breath, exhaled, and then swung the door open.

Elle was waiting for him on the bed. She was perched on the edge, her long, bare legs cascading down from the mattress to the floor. The shirt, though large on her, was hiked to her hips.

“I didn’t know what side of the bed you normally sleep on,” Elle said.

He closed his eyes for a half second but it was no good. The image was burned into his retinas. “The only side that has a night stand.”

“Right,” she said, blushing softly.

He looked at her face again. She looked a little..shy? Did she do this on purpose? Emmett walked over to her. She sat up straighter but didn’t move.

“Guess we should get in bed,” Emmett said, one eyebrow raised.

She bit her cheek, but unfurled from her position. Elle slowly walked around the side of the bed, then made a show of stretching. She arched her back, the shirt brushing the tops of her thighs. She got in but stayed on top of the covers, her long legs flowing down his bed.

Emmett turned towards her, having gotten in. He raised both eyebrows.

“I’m hot,” she said after a moment.

“It’s February in Massachusetts. At most it’s 67 degrees in here.”

Elle flushed pink. She plucked at the shirt, looking down.

Emmett rolled to his side, propping himself up on his elbow. “What’s going on here?”

“What do you mean?” Elle wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“This. This act. What’s going on?” He gestured to her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Elle said, huffing. She got under the covers, pulling them to her chin.

Emmett wasn’t fazed. There was something going on here. He was sure of it. He gently traced Elle’s cheek, turning her face to meet his. “Tell me what you’re thinking. ..Please?”

She frowned grumpily and mumbled something under her breath.

“Excuse me?” Emmett asked, leaning closer.

“Usually the t-shirt works,” Elle grumbled.

Emmett blinked. “The t-shirt works how?” And then it hit him. “Wait, are you trying to seduce me?”

“No! I just—I just wanted a little appreciation is all!” Elle exclaimed, hitting the covers lightly.

“Appreciation?!” Emmett stared at her in shock. “Elle, you realize you’re very attractive, right?”

“You don’t act like it!”

“Because I’m trying not to! I thought I was being respectful trying not to ogle you!”

Elle looked at him doubtfully.

“I’m incredibly attracted to you, Elle.”

“Even when I wore short things, you never looked my way,” Elle argued.

“I was trying not to! You were my best friend. Also, trust me, I did look,” Emmett added.

“…Really?”

Emmett dragged a hand down his face. “Elle, I was trying not to look earlier because I knew how hot you were going to be. If I’m going to sleep with you in this bed…and actually sleep…then I need to—“ And he made a cutting motion with his hand. “Otherwise I’m not going to get to bed at all.”

“Oh,” Elle said quietly, thinking it over.

He closed his eyes, shaking his head. He saw her in his student council t-shirt again, perched on his bed and took a deep breath. “You have no idea how attracted I am to you.”

“Well it just seemed like you never reacted.”

“Because I was trying not to. I was trying to be a decent guy.”

She was silent for a minute. “I guess I haven’t known many decent guys.”

“Are you okay with just sleeping? I just want it to be Emmett and Elle. No expectations, no playing roles,” Emmett asked.

“That…That sounds nice,” Elle said, thoughtful. “I’m sorry, Emmett. I guess I’m used to how guys have reacted in my past. It’s..nice that you were trying to be thoughtful. I don’t mind you looking though. I know you won’t judge me based on my appearance.”

“Well in that case,” Emmett said. He lifted the covers and looked at her long legs, wiggling his eyebrows.

Elle laughed, shoving him. “Stop it!”

“You said I could look,” he protested. He made a wolf whistle, still holding up the blanket.

She covered her face, laughing and rolled into his chest.

He grinned and dropped the blanket, scooping one arm around her to hold her.

“I’m in love with you little Miss Woods comma Elle.”

Elle peeked up at him, smiling. “I’m in love with you, Emmett Forrest.”

He tucked a finger under her chin, lifting it, and kissed her gently. She reciprocated, kissing him back in slow waves. Emmett pulled back slowly, touching his nose to hers.

“Sleep?” He asked quietly.

Mmmm. Mmmhmm,” Elle hummed. She yawned.

He smiled and shut off the bedside light. Elle tangled her legs with his and cuddled into his side. He relaxed, an arm tucked around her. It was still hard to believe he was allowed to do this. But he’d take every opportunity he was presented.

He couldn’t believe they had made it here. He wondered what the future would hold. What tomorrow would hold. And he found, he couldn’t wait to live it. Somehow he knew each day with Elle was going to be an amazing adventure. One he couldn’t wait for.