Circle of Time (PG) complete
Title: Circle of Time
Rating: PG
Summary: Will and Emma's journey from beginning to end. (AU mostly)
Emma and Will had been best friends since Emma arrived at McKinley. He took her under his wing helping her find her office and then telling her who to avoid and who to befriend. She in turn supported him through his tough students and gave him advice about his wife and Glee club. She became very instrumental in the Glee club becoming great again and when they ended their first season she received a plaque and many hugs from the kids. It hung proudly on the wall next to the Arts poster she had.
When Emma’s third year came to an end, Will got divorced and she was seeing someone pretty seriously. Both of them felt friendship and even when it was close to crossing the line a few times, it never did. They talked on the phone a few times that summer just to see what each other was up to and to keep themselves from going crazy. Will offered to help her paint and she offered to do coffee but both of them decided it was best to keep their friendship at a distance.
A few nights they thought of each other but Emma was so busy organizing and seeing Carl and he was busy getting music together for Glee and moving into a new apartment that their thoughts didn’t go much deeper.
When they arrived back at school they settled into each other’s offices helping organize and re-connect. Emma learned that Will liked being alone with just his music and Will learned that Emma liked the lake. He almost asked her if she wanted to come over for a barbeque and bring Carl but he thought better of it because for some reason, Carl annoyed him and he didn’t even know him. She thought of inviting Will to a Labor Day picnic that Carl was hosting to ward off the loneliness he may feel but stopped because she knew there was a young hygienist that would be all over Will and it bothered her to think of seeing that.
Emma came to every Glee rehearsal and became the cheering section on the days when practice wasn’t going well. She stayed with him afterwards for a few long nights offering up advice and encouragement. It was during a particular long day they sat in the choir room with Will shaking his head. She placed a hand on his arm and told him to keep going. He looked up and smiled, gently placing his hand over hers. They stayed close together for a long moment before he pulled away needing to get home to grade and she couldn’t keep Carl waiting.
When they left each other, in the dark parking lot they stared at each other for a long moment before she slid in to her car first. She watched him pull away and gripped the steering wheel hard. He lingered at the entrance of the school before pulling out on the main road, putting his head back and sighing loudly.
The next weekend Will ran into Emma at the grocery store. She was buying ice cream and cake and when he asked her what the occasion was she told him it was Carl’s birthday. Will nodded and went over to grab her favorite cookies and placed them in his cart because she didn’t do cake or ice cream. He would leave them in his office for her to have whenever she wanted.
The Monday after she told him about the party and how long and hot it was but fun as she handed him a bag of candy-all sugar free. She sat in his office and had a cookie as she talked about the gifts he got and he told her the cookout he had with his parents. When she left him she lingered by the door whispering thank you and he smiled just as a ray of light hit his eye. She never said she had gotten engaged.
That spring Emma spent most of her time in her office or in the choir room with Will. She insisted no wedding shower but the school staff threw her one. Will privately gave her a card and gift one afternoon before Glee. It was a cooking pan that she always wanted and that wasn’t on her registry and a gift card to J-Crew because he knew she was going to buy her wedding dress there. When she asked how he knew he shrugged and said he just did. She spent that evening after Glee arriving home and thinking about how he could be so right for her.
When the last week of school came Emma and Will spent their lunches outside in the shade, exchanging cookies and sandwiches. Emma found she liked turkey since Will introduced it to her months ago and Will found that organic peanut butter was much better than the processed stuff. It now was on his shelf at home. Emma talked about her therapy but never about the wedding that was coming up in five weeks. Will never wanted to talk about the wedding so it was ok by him, in fact he didn’t really want to go. He met Carl a month before and even though he was nice he just didn’t get Emma.
On the very last day he helped her load boxes into her car, another box filled with cards and presents from students. Graduation was that evening and they had made plans to meet up and sit together. It was going to be hard for her, saying goodbye to a few Glee kids. She already had her tissues and warned him she would be a wreck. He told her that he would be there, with her, feeling the same. When she lingered by her door, all set to go, he stood next to her and grabbed her hand gently. He didn’t say anything and she didn’t know what to expect next. And then he gently kissed her cheek telling her thank you. When she opened her eyes slowly she could feel her body go warm and her stomach flip. There were no words she could speak as he gently closed the door as she slid into her seat, her cheeks warm and red.
After Graduation Will watched as she reunited with Carl in the parking lot. He didn’t attend but was waiting for her. He put his head down and walked to his car, stopping a few times to congratulate students. Looking back once he saw her look his way. They locked eyes for a long moment before a student called out to him. He turned away from her and knew he was going to spend the evening wondering when he fell in love with her.
Emma looked back and kept looking back. Will was so wonderful, so caring, so everything. Carl’s hand was in hers gently pulling her towards the car but she kept looking back at him, as much as she could without arousing Carl’s suspensions. When he was pulled away she did the same, smiling at Carl as he told he was taking out and spending lots of money on a good dinner. She stopped a moment to say goodbye one more time to a few students and when Carl closed the door on her side, she looked out the window to see Will getting into his. She took a deep breath in and out, putting her hand to her heart to calm it before Carl could see. She could feel the tears coming again and they weren’t from sadness of the students leaving.
Will decided to buy a home. He had enough saved up and the apartment was cramped and causing him to go crazy. He needed a big change. He went out on his own, not wanting to pay a realtor and found a charming home in his price range only ten minutes from school. As he walked through he thought of the possibilities and the future it could hold. He signed on the dotted line two days before she was getting married. Her face entered his mind as he signed the last paper making it his. He received the keys the next day and when he sat on the empty floor of the dining room, he thought of her in her wedding dress dancing with him in this very spot.
Emma had family all around her, helping but really just suffocating her. She spent most of the evenings leading up to the day on the deck of her apartment looking out to nothing and thinking of what happiness was to her. Carl came out later and held her close, telling her of the grand plans he had for their honeymoon and for their future. When Emma closed her eyes as she leaned into him she thought of all those things he spoke of and realized the only things she wanted was at school, everyday.
The night before her big day he cracked a beer and sat on the porch. A few things were moved in but he had a lot of work to do before everything could be settled. He met a few neighbors and received lots of food which would come in handy. He didn’t know where his suit was for tomorrow but he didn’t think about it too much as much as he didn’t want to go. There was a light breeze and when he closed his eyes he thought of telling her to choose him. He went back inside and shuffled through his clothes and found the suit and put it on the bed that was just really just a mattress.
Emma simply couldn’t do it. She told Carl that morning after she got up and told him she just couldn’t. While Carl was upset and demanded a reason, it was clear to both him and her why. Her mother told her it was ok and they spent the morning making calls and cancelling. Will received a call as he was getting dressed. She wasn’t crying but she told him her heart hurt. He didn’t know how to react, didn’t know what to do. She made the choice for him, asking him to coffee the next morning. He spent the rest of the day in a daze, wanting to go over and support her, hold her or simply just tell her how he felt. But now was not the time.
Will and Emma met up late morning. She didn’t look like she had been crying as he pulled out her chair. She was very to the point of why she called the wedding off and why it wouldn’t have worked. She just needed to tell someone, a friend who really knew her that she made the right choice. Will felt his heart beat fast and his palms go sweaty as told her that she had every right and that in time she would find someone and love again. When they parted she felt like a part of her was back again and she could focus on being her again. She watched him walk away she realized that it was ok to feel something for him and not act on it.
Fall came and they spent their lunches in the courtyard talking about Glee and his big plans for the house. She told him that she would come over and help. He was grateful for her volunteering and she came over after Glee many nights painting and cleaning. Even though he had the house for months it seemed like he was finally making it to a home. He made salads and they laughed over the new teachers and tryouts over Glee. She would touch his arm and he would rub her leg when it got a cramp. They locked eyes a few times but one of them would crack a smile that would break the tension.
Will had a barbeque to celebrate finally moving in. Emma came with fruit salad and cookies and met his parents and friends from college. His father manned the grill while Will took people on the official tour. Emma stayed behind and chatted with his mother talking about how they knew each other and their relationship. When his mother prodded for more details and a possible romance, Emma put her head down and blushed. At the end of the afternoon with the sun setting and it getting cold, Emma helped Will clean up, putting dishes in the dishwasher and blowing out the candles. Before she blew them all out however, Will grabbed her hand and asked her to dance. She smiled and leaned into him as he hummed one of her favorite songs in her ears as they gently circled the deck. Will looked down at Emma and stopped; he framed her face with his hands, let out a breath and kissed her on the lips. Emma confused and elated at the same time, closed her eyes and let the feelings overtake her. When they broke after a moment, she leaned into him and smiled. He too smiled as he stroked her hair and looked up at the moon.
When Will went away on a school sponsored conference over the winter, Emma watched the house. She settled in, using his TV and his sofa. She bought her own food and spent the evenings in his bed, taking in the smell of him even though he told that he washed everything twice for her. As she went into his desk to grab a piece of paper to write him a note, (even though they spoke by phone) she discovered adoption papers. Curious she read the top sheet and saw he was looking into getting a child. Emma floored by his desire and motivation closed the drawer and spent the rest of the time thinking of what it would be like to have a child.
Emma met Sophie on a warm spring Saturday. Will asked her to come over and with no family or friends around, she played with Sophie in the front yard, kicking a ball around and playing hide and go seek. Will watched as the two of them ran around and his heart swelled. Emma spent the whole day as they watched Sesame Street and had macaroni and cheese for dinner. She showed Sophie how to clean her spoon and how to pick up her toys and arrange them in the proper bins. When Emma finished reading her a story and Will put her to bed, the two of them walked back into the kitchen and sat at the table. Emma overcome with emotion, cried and Will held her tight. Emma didn’t realize what love was until she spent the day with Sophie and Will told her it was wonderful seeing them together.
Will spent his free periods in Emma’s office showing her pictures and telling her of his plans to go to the park and maybe Nashville if he could afford it. Emma told him about her mother trying to set her up with some friend. Will asked if she would be around to hang with the two of them and Emma didn’t have to think twice as she already watched her when Glee ran long. When he left her office one afternoon he stopped and watched as she placed Sophie’s drawings on her board. Emma turned and smiled and he felt a tug on his heart.
When the last days of school came around again Will brought Sophie into school and she spent most of her time with Emma and the two of them cleaned her office and snuck some ice cream from the end of the school year party that was in the faculty fridge. Emma watched as she tried to dust her desk and wash her windows. Emma stood next to her and with her hand on top of hers, helped Sophie. Sophie giggled and wrapped her arms around her neck, telling her she was the best.
Will watched the two of them through the glass as Emma knelt beside her, helping her spoon the ice cream out of her cup. He felt his eyes water and he brushed them away quickly. He entered a few moments later and the three of them left school together. When they parted at the parking lot, Emma helping Will get her into her car seat, Sophie called for Emma to stay. When she couldn’t, Sophie became upset and Emma told her she would see them tomorrow.
Emma came around to him and wished him a good night. He did the same and as she watched him get into his car, her eyes shifted to Sophie who was holding her Ernie and looking out the window. She let the tears fall as she watched them drive away.
On the last day of school of yet another year, Emma watched Will play basketball while Sophie sat in her lap. When Will scored Sophie clapped her hands and Emma cheered. When the game was finished and Will had packed up his things, he invited her back to the house for dinner. When she said she had a date he shook his head in understanding and told her to have fun. She waved goodbye to the two of them as she walked to her car, packed with boxes. Will looked back and when Sophie asked why Emma wasn’t coming, Will told her that she had plans. When Sophie told her it was stupid Will told her not to use that word but agreed.
The air was chilly as she sat outside on the patio with her date. The cardigan she wore wasn’t really helping. Her date was nice and charming but he liked to talk. When the restaurant brought out their dinners, she picked at her salad and tried to seem engaged in the conversation. When he paid the bill and they left the restaurant he asked if she wanted to take a stroll. She agreed and they walked the park. She told him about what she did and her plans for the summer. She talked a lot about babysitting Sophie and Will. When he led her back to her car he kissed her gently on the cheek and told he would like to see her again. She nodded as she fingered the necklace that Will got her just because he thought of her. Why she was wearing it on this date, she didn’t know.
That evening she received a text from Will that hoped her date went well. She sighed into her pillow and didn’t sleep all that well. Will put Sophie to bed and went to his piano where he started to compose an original piece, hoping that next year Glee could do original songs. As he wrote the lyrics and melody Emma was always in his mind, with Sophie next to her. He looked at the clock and realized it would be too late to call her.
A few days later Emma came over and they went to the lake. Emma made lunch and Will packed everything else they would need. Sophie had on a little two piece suit that Emma chose and when they got to the lake, Emma made sure she had on sunscreen. Will pleaded with Emma to get into the water just a little bit after they had been there for some time. Emma was content with her book and when she the two of them smiling and making puppy dog faces she laughed and took his hand. As the three of them walked to the water Emma couldn’t help but notice a few women looking at Will. Heck, she was eying him all day but she didn’t like it. She was with him, not them.
The three of them entered the water together as Will picked up Sophie so they could go out a little further. Sophie seemed nervous but she had been a few times and once she got used to the water she was screaming in joy. Emma was able to get out a little further and when she finally felt she was comfortable, Will with his free hand splashed her face. Because Sophie was on his hip, she couldn’t fight back, declaring that was unfair. He laughed and the three of them played in the water a short time. As they packed up their things, a woman came over to Emma and told her they made a beautiful family. Will didn’t hear the exchange as he was helping Sophie pick up her bucket. Emma smiled and said thank you.
That evening, after they all showered and cleaned up, Emma poured some wine for her and Will. Will watched as she moved around the kitchen and he smiled, leaning against the counter. He asked about her date in more detail and was surprised when she told him she wouldn’t be seeing him again especially since she said he was a perfect gentleman. When he prodded she shrugged and the two of them walked to the porch where they sat on the swing, on opposite ends.
Emma watched Will as he sipped his wine looking out. Her heart sped up and she felt her body grow warm again. After some silence she thought of asking him why their timing was always off. Will watched as Emma looked down at the ground, holding her wine glass. He drew a sharp intake of breath as he moved his eyes up to her hair that was in a messy bun but so beautiful and he wanted to in that moment, grab her and kiss her hard.
The silence was interrupted by the sounds of kids playing next door. When Emma looked out and saw a few running in the sprinkler she looked back at Will who told her that they were a little too old to play with Sophie plus they didn’t seem to have good eating habits by the size of them. Emma giggled into her glass and they spent the next few minutes talking about fat kids and food.
When the moon was high in the sky Emma told him she had to go. He nodded and they both went back inside, finding it much warmer. When she put her wine glass in the sink and walked to the door to gather her things, Will was next to her, asking if she needed help. She declined and opened the door slowly, not to make too much noise. She lingered for a moment, adjusting her bag and putting her sunglasses on her head. He thanked her for a wonderful day and she said that was really perfect. His hand reached for the handle and she found herself looking up at him as his arm came between them.
It was silent for a moment and Emma could feel the rush of blood all over, mostly her hands and feet that seemed to make her unsteady. Her cheeks became hot and she could feel a blush all over her face and neck. Slowly he leaned in and she waited for a kiss, a big, passionate kiss to calm the storm within her. He watched her eyes, so big and so full and as he leaned in he thought of a million things he could do but only did what he should as he kissed her gently on the cheek. She felt warm but not all over and when she opened her eyes again he was away from her again. She sighed inside and put her head down, shifting forward as he opened the door.
She walked to her car slowly and looked back to see him standing, hands by his sides. When she turned back to him he squashed the urge to run out and kiss her. His hands became fists as she turned back around and when he closed the door he sighed against it, wondering how long he could stand it.
She spent the night in her apartment, crying and telling herself that she had her chance long ago and she blew it. She wanted to scream and run from him, from everything. Her therapist would sure get a earful in the morning as she tried to lay down and take deep breaths to get her heart rate back to normal. All the exercises and quirks to get her feeling ok was not helping and she found herself calling her mother. Her mother after she calmed down that Emma was fine told her to be honest with herself and with him. While her mother was a wonderful woman she rarely did anything but state the obvious. When the clock turned 1 and the rain started to fall outside her window, Emma hung up the phone and spent the next morning hours looking up at the ceiling fan and trying to tell herself that everything was for the best.
Will came by, by himself a few days later. He looked tired and worn out. She too had seen better days. He told her that he was having trouble sleeping and the heat was keeping him up. On top of all that, Sophie was battling a cold in summer and not being very helpful. Emma told herself she would avoid him because she could get past her feelings if she didn’t see him. Though of course he would always need her and she would always come. She told him to lay down and she would turn on some air conditioning. While he protested she took off his shoes as he sat on the couch, put a blanket out and a pillow. A few minutes later he laid out as the room became cool. She stroked his hair as he told her thank you. She smiled and watched as his eyes slowly closed, kissing him gently on the forehead as his eyes closed fully and the blanket wrapped around him.
She watched him for a long time before she realized she had laundry to do. She folded it and put it away, checking up on him every few minutes. When it was clear he was sound asleep she poured him a glass of water, putting it by him and leaving a note telling him to stay as long as he needed. As she went out on errands she picked up a few things, some food for herself and a few summer outfits for Sophie. Every time she was near a toy or kid clothing store she would stop in and see if they had anything. As she fingered the Elmo dress and story about Bert’s pigeons she knew she was becoming too attached. She loved Will yes, but she loved Sophie too which made things so much harder. She realized it last night as her brain was on overdrive unwilling to shut off. Clearly someone was telling her something and it wasn’t just her mother.
When she arrived back she entered quietly but realized Will was up and sitting on a barstool eating a turkey sandwich. He looked better and smiled as she walked in, coming over to help her with her bags. The blanket was folded and the air was turned down just the way she liked it. He smiled when he noticed the outfits through the plastic and she protested saying she had to buy them. They sat quietly together as she made a peanut butter sandwich and he thanked her for having turkey around. They talked about Sophie being under the weather and his mother for making Sophie run around outside by the flowers. When he asked her to come by for her birthday she couldn’t say no and they made plans that weekend to celebrate.
Emma came over early expecting friends and family to arrive. When Will told her no one was coming she looked at him funny. Emma spent the last few days deciding it was time to tell him how she felt. It had been too long and too many nights spent being in love with him and not telling him. Will decided to make it the three of them as it always had been. Sophie was in the living room in the air conditioning reading a book when Emma entered, carrying an Elmo cake and some more gifts. Sophie got up and ran over to her, hugging her. Emma knelt down and kissed her on the cheek and then gave her a hug.
The three of them all walked over to the table where Will had tied a balloon to her high chair. Will placed her in and they sang happy birthday in their best voices. Sophie clapped when they finished and Sophie blew on a fake candle that Will had put in a cupcake. They all clapped again while Will took pictures and Emma handed her the cup cake, letting her have fun with it.
Since Sophie was occupied, Emma handed Will the gifts all wrapped. She told him it was some more clothes and a few books. She also snuck in some soap but it had Sesame Street characters so she knew Sophie would like it. They both walked towards her room, putting them in the corner. As Will stood again she looked at him with wide eyes, not knowing the best time to blurt out how in love she was.
Will watched as Emma looked concerned and nervous as he led her to the deck, Sophie having a grand old time with her cupcake by herself. He let go of her hand as he reached the grill and looked back to see her hands in front of her jeans, eyes down. It concerned him but he didn’t want to draw attention to it so he talked about his plans to go to Nashville the following week.
She wondered why he wasn’t saying anything. She was very uncomfortable and as talked about his upcoming trip she wondered why he hadn’t asked. It was clear that she needed to say something and she found herself as the time ticked more and more anxious.
As he turned to go back inside he saw tears running down her cheeks. He shut up and went over to her, gently pulling her towards him, letting her arms wrap around his. The last thing he wanted was for her to be upset even if he didn’t know the reason. As he pulled away from her and wiped the tears away with his thumbs he couldn’t breathe. He was so wrapped up in her and had been for so long that he didn’t think the feelings would ever go away.
She felt her breath hitch as his hands lingered on her face. Now was the time, it was this moment. As she opened her mouth to speak, to say it, finally, the shrill yelling of Sophie interrupted them. She heard Will sigh and then take one last long look at her as he entered the house calling to her. Emma stood on the deck for a long moment and tried to breathe.
After they each had a hotdog, (well Sophie and Will) as Emma stuck to her veggie burger that Will specifically bought for her, they made their way outside where Will put her in her little car. She got in right away and used her little feet to pedal around the driveway. When she went too close to the road Will asked her to stop but staying near the house next to Emma. She smiled and turned to them, yelling ok.
Emma sat on the porch, her glass of water next to her. Will sat next to her as the both of them kept their eyes closely on Sophie but Emma would look at Will from time to time, trying to find the words. Will did the same, but quickly turned when she would look his way. He too was tongue tied, realizing now was the time to finally say something.
Sophie came up the driveway in her car wanting to get out. Will stood first and helped her out and Emma went to play with her on the grass as she rolled around. Will joined in a little while later, tickling Sophie and then Emma, as Sophie piled on the both of them happily yelling and laughing.
Once it was decided that playtime was done and it was bedtime, Sophie got a quick bath as Emma helped her into her pajamas and read her a story while Will did the laundry and cleaned up her dishes. Will came up a few minutes later and sung her a song and Emma watched from the doorway as he finished, tears in her eyes yet again. She wiped them away quickly realizing how in love she was with the both of them and watched as he gently placed her favorite stuffed animal next to her and whisper I love you and goodnight.
The both of them gathered back in the kitchen and Emma went to the sink, rigging out the sponge and wiping the counter down with a paper towel. Now that they were truly alone this was the time with no interruptions. She felt Will behind her and when she turned he was right across from her, pinning her against the counter. When she looked into his eyes she saw his passion and desire and she hoped his love for her. When she looked away because his stare was just too much she felt his hand in hers, squeezing it lightly. Without a word he leaned in and kissed her softly at first and then stronger, until she had to wrap her arms around his waist for support. This is what she had wanted, needed and so much desired.
He broke, breathless and rested his forehead on hers. He was so sure now, that this was it. That everything he waited for, hoped for was in front of him. It just took time. As he whispered his declaration of love, keeping his hands around her for both their support, he felt her breath on his lips and cheeks and then he saw a small smile form.
She was elated or maybe just a little bit over the moon. She couldn’t believe she was here, in his kitchen, kissing him or more like him kissing her. But it was all so wonderful and perfect and just the way it was supposed to be. All the other things that got in the way are now no longer there and she was more than ready as she brought her hands up to cover his that were now framing her face to affirm her feelings too.
They stayed there for some time, just whispering I love you to each other until he gently pulled away and with his hand in hers, led her to porch swing where he got on first and then she next, pulling her close to his chest, letting her legs stretch out. He kissed her hair and she interlocked one of his hands with hers, noting how perfect a ring would look.
The next morning, after she went home very late, Will made pancakes and both Sophie and him went to her place to bring them over. Will made sure Sophie had her instructions and when she said ok he knew it was now or never. He put Sophie in her car seat and on the way to Emma’s he couldn’t stop sweating or his heart from beating out of his chest. As he approached her door with Sophie’s hand in his and pancakes in the other, he took a breath and knocked.
Emma was busy cleaning the kitchen floor still tired from the night before. She placed the paper towels in the trash and pulled off her gloves as she walked to the door. Without looking to see who it was she opened it to reveal Sophie holding a piece of paper and Will with pancakes. Smiling she ushered them in and took the paper from her as Will instructed.
Before she could even speak, she put a hand to her mouth to hold back the sobs. There on the piece of paper was the words, Will you marry me, with Sophie’s drawing of a ring and the three of them, or as she could make out from a two and half year old.
Will had the ring in his pocket but he couldn’t produce it because the pancakes were still in his hand and Sophie was jumping up and down, still holding the other hand. Emma looked like she was about to faint and he was still sweating. This wasn’t exactly how he planned it but when he saw Sophie let go of his hand and run into Emma’s arms, crying now, he knew it couldn’t have been any better.
He produced the box and put the pancakes next to him as he knelt down on her clean kitchen floor formally prosing. She was still on her knees as she gasped and didn’t even let him finish the question already responding with a yes. She threw her arms around him, almost knocking him over and soon Sophie joined in, trying to jump on top of Emma. It wasn’t until Will rolled over that he realized pancake was all over the back of his shirt.
A month later they married in the backyard of his house. A few friends and family came and they all had cake, to Emma’s liking. The reception was quiet and when everyone shuffled home and Sophie in bed, Will and Emma spent the night making love until the sun came up.
The rest of the summer they spent going to the lake, teaching Sophie new words and colors and going to get ice cream at least once a week. Will and Emma would spend nights on the porch swing talking about the future and the possibility of adding another child. Will would sing softly in her ear as she drifted off to sleep and she taught him the right way to clean a microwave.
As they arrived to school for another school year Will stopped and gave her a kiss before entering the building. Emma told him that she would see him at lunch and he smiled, his lunch all nicely packed from the night before. They entered school holding hands, the rings shining in the sunlight, as best friends and husband and wife.
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Rating: PG
Summary: Will and Emma's journey from beginning to end. (AU mostly)
Emma and Will had been best friends since Emma arrived at McKinley. He took her under his wing helping her find her office and then telling her who to avoid and who to befriend. She in turn supported him through his tough students and gave him advice about his wife and Glee club. She became very instrumental in the Glee club becoming great again and when they ended their first season she received a plaque and many hugs from the kids. It hung proudly on the wall next to the Arts poster she had.
When Emma’s third year came to an end, Will got divorced and she was seeing someone pretty seriously. Both of them felt friendship and even when it was close to crossing the line a few times, it never did. They talked on the phone a few times that summer just to see what each other was up to and to keep themselves from going crazy. Will offered to help her paint and she offered to do coffee but both of them decided it was best to keep their friendship at a distance.
A few nights they thought of each other but Emma was so busy organizing and seeing Carl and he was busy getting music together for Glee and moving into a new apartment that their thoughts didn’t go much deeper.
When they arrived back at school they settled into each other’s offices helping organize and re-connect. Emma learned that Will liked being alone with just his music and Will learned that Emma liked the lake. He almost asked her if she wanted to come over for a barbeque and bring Carl but he thought better of it because for some reason, Carl annoyed him and he didn’t even know him. She thought of inviting Will to a Labor Day picnic that Carl was hosting to ward off the loneliness he may feel but stopped because she knew there was a young hygienist that would be all over Will and it bothered her to think of seeing that.
Emma came to every Glee rehearsal and became the cheering section on the days when practice wasn’t going well. She stayed with him afterwards for a few long nights offering up advice and encouragement. It was during a particular long day they sat in the choir room with Will shaking his head. She placed a hand on his arm and told him to keep going. He looked up and smiled, gently placing his hand over hers. They stayed close together for a long moment before he pulled away needing to get home to grade and she couldn’t keep Carl waiting.
When they left each other, in the dark parking lot they stared at each other for a long moment before she slid in to her car first. She watched him pull away and gripped the steering wheel hard. He lingered at the entrance of the school before pulling out on the main road, putting his head back and sighing loudly.
The next weekend Will ran into Emma at the grocery store. She was buying ice cream and cake and when he asked her what the occasion was she told him it was Carl’s birthday. Will nodded and went over to grab her favorite cookies and placed them in his cart because she didn’t do cake or ice cream. He would leave them in his office for her to have whenever she wanted.
The Monday after she told him about the party and how long and hot it was but fun as she handed him a bag of candy-all sugar free. She sat in his office and had a cookie as she talked about the gifts he got and he told her the cookout he had with his parents. When she left him she lingered by the door whispering thank you and he smiled just as a ray of light hit his eye. She never said she had gotten engaged.
That spring Emma spent most of her time in her office or in the choir room with Will. She insisted no wedding shower but the school staff threw her one. Will privately gave her a card and gift one afternoon before Glee. It was a cooking pan that she always wanted and that wasn’t on her registry and a gift card to J-Crew because he knew she was going to buy her wedding dress there. When she asked how he knew he shrugged and said he just did. She spent that evening after Glee arriving home and thinking about how he could be so right for her.
When the last week of school came Emma and Will spent their lunches outside in the shade, exchanging cookies and sandwiches. Emma found she liked turkey since Will introduced it to her months ago and Will found that organic peanut butter was much better than the processed stuff. It now was on his shelf at home. Emma talked about her therapy but never about the wedding that was coming up in five weeks. Will never wanted to talk about the wedding so it was ok by him, in fact he didn’t really want to go. He met Carl a month before and even though he was nice he just didn’t get Emma.
On the very last day he helped her load boxes into her car, another box filled with cards and presents from students. Graduation was that evening and they had made plans to meet up and sit together. It was going to be hard for her, saying goodbye to a few Glee kids. She already had her tissues and warned him she would be a wreck. He told her that he would be there, with her, feeling the same. When she lingered by her door, all set to go, he stood next to her and grabbed her hand gently. He didn’t say anything and she didn’t know what to expect next. And then he gently kissed her cheek telling her thank you. When she opened her eyes slowly she could feel her body go warm and her stomach flip. There were no words she could speak as he gently closed the door as she slid into her seat, her cheeks warm and red.
After Graduation Will watched as she reunited with Carl in the parking lot. He didn’t attend but was waiting for her. He put his head down and walked to his car, stopping a few times to congratulate students. Looking back once he saw her look his way. They locked eyes for a long moment before a student called out to him. He turned away from her and knew he was going to spend the evening wondering when he fell in love with her.
Emma looked back and kept looking back. Will was so wonderful, so caring, so everything. Carl’s hand was in hers gently pulling her towards the car but she kept looking back at him, as much as she could without arousing Carl’s suspensions. When he was pulled away she did the same, smiling at Carl as he told he was taking out and spending lots of money on a good dinner. She stopped a moment to say goodbye one more time to a few students and when Carl closed the door on her side, she looked out the window to see Will getting into his. She took a deep breath in and out, putting her hand to her heart to calm it before Carl could see. She could feel the tears coming again and they weren’t from sadness of the students leaving.
Will decided to buy a home. He had enough saved up and the apartment was cramped and causing him to go crazy. He needed a big change. He went out on his own, not wanting to pay a realtor and found a charming home in his price range only ten minutes from school. As he walked through he thought of the possibilities and the future it could hold. He signed on the dotted line two days before she was getting married. Her face entered his mind as he signed the last paper making it his. He received the keys the next day and when he sat on the empty floor of the dining room, he thought of her in her wedding dress dancing with him in this very spot.
Emma had family all around her, helping but really just suffocating her. She spent most of the evenings leading up to the day on the deck of her apartment looking out to nothing and thinking of what happiness was to her. Carl came out later and held her close, telling her of the grand plans he had for their honeymoon and for their future. When Emma closed her eyes as she leaned into him she thought of all those things he spoke of and realized the only things she wanted was at school, everyday.
The night before her big day he cracked a beer and sat on the porch. A few things were moved in but he had a lot of work to do before everything could be settled. He met a few neighbors and received lots of food which would come in handy. He didn’t know where his suit was for tomorrow but he didn’t think about it too much as much as he didn’t want to go. There was a light breeze and when he closed his eyes he thought of telling her to choose him. He went back inside and shuffled through his clothes and found the suit and put it on the bed that was just really just a mattress.
Emma simply couldn’t do it. She told Carl that morning after she got up and told him she just couldn’t. While Carl was upset and demanded a reason, it was clear to both him and her why. Her mother told her it was ok and they spent the morning making calls and cancelling. Will received a call as he was getting dressed. She wasn’t crying but she told him her heart hurt. He didn’t know how to react, didn’t know what to do. She made the choice for him, asking him to coffee the next morning. He spent the rest of the day in a daze, wanting to go over and support her, hold her or simply just tell her how he felt. But now was not the time.
Will and Emma met up late morning. She didn’t look like she had been crying as he pulled out her chair. She was very to the point of why she called the wedding off and why it wouldn’t have worked. She just needed to tell someone, a friend who really knew her that she made the right choice. Will felt his heart beat fast and his palms go sweaty as told her that she had every right and that in time she would find someone and love again. When they parted she felt like a part of her was back again and she could focus on being her again. She watched him walk away she realized that it was ok to feel something for him and not act on it.
Fall came and they spent their lunches in the courtyard talking about Glee and his big plans for the house. She told him that she would come over and help. He was grateful for her volunteering and she came over after Glee many nights painting and cleaning. Even though he had the house for months it seemed like he was finally making it to a home. He made salads and they laughed over the new teachers and tryouts over Glee. She would touch his arm and he would rub her leg when it got a cramp. They locked eyes a few times but one of them would crack a smile that would break the tension.
Will had a barbeque to celebrate finally moving in. Emma came with fruit salad and cookies and met his parents and friends from college. His father manned the grill while Will took people on the official tour. Emma stayed behind and chatted with his mother talking about how they knew each other and their relationship. When his mother prodded for more details and a possible romance, Emma put her head down and blushed. At the end of the afternoon with the sun setting and it getting cold, Emma helped Will clean up, putting dishes in the dishwasher and blowing out the candles. Before she blew them all out however, Will grabbed her hand and asked her to dance. She smiled and leaned into him as he hummed one of her favorite songs in her ears as they gently circled the deck. Will looked down at Emma and stopped; he framed her face with his hands, let out a breath and kissed her on the lips. Emma confused and elated at the same time, closed her eyes and let the feelings overtake her. When they broke after a moment, she leaned into him and smiled. He too smiled as he stroked her hair and looked up at the moon.
When Will went away on a school sponsored conference over the winter, Emma watched the house. She settled in, using his TV and his sofa. She bought her own food and spent the evenings in his bed, taking in the smell of him even though he told that he washed everything twice for her. As she went into his desk to grab a piece of paper to write him a note, (even though they spoke by phone) she discovered adoption papers. Curious she read the top sheet and saw he was looking into getting a child. Emma floored by his desire and motivation closed the drawer and spent the rest of the time thinking of what it would be like to have a child.
Emma met Sophie on a warm spring Saturday. Will asked her to come over and with no family or friends around, she played with Sophie in the front yard, kicking a ball around and playing hide and go seek. Will watched as the two of them ran around and his heart swelled. Emma spent the whole day as they watched Sesame Street and had macaroni and cheese for dinner. She showed Sophie how to clean her spoon and how to pick up her toys and arrange them in the proper bins. When Emma finished reading her a story and Will put her to bed, the two of them walked back into the kitchen and sat at the table. Emma overcome with emotion, cried and Will held her tight. Emma didn’t realize what love was until she spent the day with Sophie and Will told her it was wonderful seeing them together.
Will spent his free periods in Emma’s office showing her pictures and telling her of his plans to go to the park and maybe Nashville if he could afford it. Emma told him about her mother trying to set her up with some friend. Will asked if she would be around to hang with the two of them and Emma didn’t have to think twice as she already watched her when Glee ran long. When he left her office one afternoon he stopped and watched as she placed Sophie’s drawings on her board. Emma turned and smiled and he felt a tug on his heart.
When the last days of school came around again Will brought Sophie into school and she spent most of her time with Emma and the two of them cleaned her office and snuck some ice cream from the end of the school year party that was in the faculty fridge. Emma watched as she tried to dust her desk and wash her windows. Emma stood next to her and with her hand on top of hers, helped Sophie. Sophie giggled and wrapped her arms around her neck, telling her she was the best.
Will watched the two of them through the glass as Emma knelt beside her, helping her spoon the ice cream out of her cup. He felt his eyes water and he brushed them away quickly. He entered a few moments later and the three of them left school together. When they parted at the parking lot, Emma helping Will get her into her car seat, Sophie called for Emma to stay. When she couldn’t, Sophie became upset and Emma told her she would see them tomorrow.
Emma came around to him and wished him a good night. He did the same and as she watched him get into his car, her eyes shifted to Sophie who was holding her Ernie and looking out the window. She let the tears fall as she watched them drive away.
On the last day of school of yet another year, Emma watched Will play basketball while Sophie sat in her lap. When Will scored Sophie clapped her hands and Emma cheered. When the game was finished and Will had packed up his things, he invited her back to the house for dinner. When she said she had a date he shook his head in understanding and told her to have fun. She waved goodbye to the two of them as she walked to her car, packed with boxes. Will looked back and when Sophie asked why Emma wasn’t coming, Will told her that she had plans. When Sophie told her it was stupid Will told her not to use that word but agreed.
The air was chilly as she sat outside on the patio with her date. The cardigan she wore wasn’t really helping. Her date was nice and charming but he liked to talk. When the restaurant brought out their dinners, she picked at her salad and tried to seem engaged in the conversation. When he paid the bill and they left the restaurant he asked if she wanted to take a stroll. She agreed and they walked the park. She told him about what she did and her plans for the summer. She talked a lot about babysitting Sophie and Will. When he led her back to her car he kissed her gently on the cheek and told he would like to see her again. She nodded as she fingered the necklace that Will got her just because he thought of her. Why she was wearing it on this date, she didn’t know.
That evening she received a text from Will that hoped her date went well. She sighed into her pillow and didn’t sleep all that well. Will put Sophie to bed and went to his piano where he started to compose an original piece, hoping that next year Glee could do original songs. As he wrote the lyrics and melody Emma was always in his mind, with Sophie next to her. He looked at the clock and realized it would be too late to call her.
A few days later Emma came over and they went to the lake. Emma made lunch and Will packed everything else they would need. Sophie had on a little two piece suit that Emma chose and when they got to the lake, Emma made sure she had on sunscreen. Will pleaded with Emma to get into the water just a little bit after they had been there for some time. Emma was content with her book and when she the two of them smiling and making puppy dog faces she laughed and took his hand. As the three of them walked to the water Emma couldn’t help but notice a few women looking at Will. Heck, she was eying him all day but she didn’t like it. She was with him, not them.
The three of them entered the water together as Will picked up Sophie so they could go out a little further. Sophie seemed nervous but she had been a few times and once she got used to the water she was screaming in joy. Emma was able to get out a little further and when she finally felt she was comfortable, Will with his free hand splashed her face. Because Sophie was on his hip, she couldn’t fight back, declaring that was unfair. He laughed and the three of them played in the water a short time. As they packed up their things, a woman came over to Emma and told her they made a beautiful family. Will didn’t hear the exchange as he was helping Sophie pick up her bucket. Emma smiled and said thank you.
That evening, after they all showered and cleaned up, Emma poured some wine for her and Will. Will watched as she moved around the kitchen and he smiled, leaning against the counter. He asked about her date in more detail and was surprised when she told him she wouldn’t be seeing him again especially since she said he was a perfect gentleman. When he prodded she shrugged and the two of them walked to the porch where they sat on the swing, on opposite ends.
Emma watched Will as he sipped his wine looking out. Her heart sped up and she felt her body grow warm again. After some silence she thought of asking him why their timing was always off. Will watched as Emma looked down at the ground, holding her wine glass. He drew a sharp intake of breath as he moved his eyes up to her hair that was in a messy bun but so beautiful and he wanted to in that moment, grab her and kiss her hard.
The silence was interrupted by the sounds of kids playing next door. When Emma looked out and saw a few running in the sprinkler she looked back at Will who told her that they were a little too old to play with Sophie plus they didn’t seem to have good eating habits by the size of them. Emma giggled into her glass and they spent the next few minutes talking about fat kids and food.
When the moon was high in the sky Emma told him she had to go. He nodded and they both went back inside, finding it much warmer. When she put her wine glass in the sink and walked to the door to gather her things, Will was next to her, asking if she needed help. She declined and opened the door slowly, not to make too much noise. She lingered for a moment, adjusting her bag and putting her sunglasses on her head. He thanked her for a wonderful day and she said that was really perfect. His hand reached for the handle and she found herself looking up at him as his arm came between them.
It was silent for a moment and Emma could feel the rush of blood all over, mostly her hands and feet that seemed to make her unsteady. Her cheeks became hot and she could feel a blush all over her face and neck. Slowly he leaned in and she waited for a kiss, a big, passionate kiss to calm the storm within her. He watched her eyes, so big and so full and as he leaned in he thought of a million things he could do but only did what he should as he kissed her gently on the cheek. She felt warm but not all over and when she opened her eyes again he was away from her again. She sighed inside and put her head down, shifting forward as he opened the door.
She walked to her car slowly and looked back to see him standing, hands by his sides. When she turned back to him he squashed the urge to run out and kiss her. His hands became fists as she turned back around and when he closed the door he sighed against it, wondering how long he could stand it.
She spent the night in her apartment, crying and telling herself that she had her chance long ago and she blew it. She wanted to scream and run from him, from everything. Her therapist would sure get a earful in the morning as she tried to lay down and take deep breaths to get her heart rate back to normal. All the exercises and quirks to get her feeling ok was not helping and she found herself calling her mother. Her mother after she calmed down that Emma was fine told her to be honest with herself and with him. While her mother was a wonderful woman she rarely did anything but state the obvious. When the clock turned 1 and the rain started to fall outside her window, Emma hung up the phone and spent the next morning hours looking up at the ceiling fan and trying to tell herself that everything was for the best.
Will came by, by himself a few days later. He looked tired and worn out. She too had seen better days. He told her that he was having trouble sleeping and the heat was keeping him up. On top of all that, Sophie was battling a cold in summer and not being very helpful. Emma told herself she would avoid him because she could get past her feelings if she didn’t see him. Though of course he would always need her and she would always come. She told him to lay down and she would turn on some air conditioning. While he protested she took off his shoes as he sat on the couch, put a blanket out and a pillow. A few minutes later he laid out as the room became cool. She stroked his hair as he told her thank you. She smiled and watched as his eyes slowly closed, kissing him gently on the forehead as his eyes closed fully and the blanket wrapped around him.
She watched him for a long time before she realized she had laundry to do. She folded it and put it away, checking up on him every few minutes. When it was clear he was sound asleep she poured him a glass of water, putting it by him and leaving a note telling him to stay as long as he needed. As she went out on errands she picked up a few things, some food for herself and a few summer outfits for Sophie. Every time she was near a toy or kid clothing store she would stop in and see if they had anything. As she fingered the Elmo dress and story about Bert’s pigeons she knew she was becoming too attached. She loved Will yes, but she loved Sophie too which made things so much harder. She realized it last night as her brain was on overdrive unwilling to shut off. Clearly someone was telling her something and it wasn’t just her mother.
When she arrived back she entered quietly but realized Will was up and sitting on a barstool eating a turkey sandwich. He looked better and smiled as she walked in, coming over to help her with her bags. The blanket was folded and the air was turned down just the way she liked it. He smiled when he noticed the outfits through the plastic and she protested saying she had to buy them. They sat quietly together as she made a peanut butter sandwich and he thanked her for having turkey around. They talked about Sophie being under the weather and his mother for making Sophie run around outside by the flowers. When he asked her to come by for her birthday she couldn’t say no and they made plans that weekend to celebrate.
Emma came over early expecting friends and family to arrive. When Will told her no one was coming she looked at him funny. Emma spent the last few days deciding it was time to tell him how she felt. It had been too long and too many nights spent being in love with him and not telling him. Will decided to make it the three of them as it always had been. Sophie was in the living room in the air conditioning reading a book when Emma entered, carrying an Elmo cake and some more gifts. Sophie got up and ran over to her, hugging her. Emma knelt down and kissed her on the cheek and then gave her a hug.
The three of them all walked over to the table where Will had tied a balloon to her high chair. Will placed her in and they sang happy birthday in their best voices. Sophie clapped when they finished and Sophie blew on a fake candle that Will had put in a cupcake. They all clapped again while Will took pictures and Emma handed her the cup cake, letting her have fun with it.
Since Sophie was occupied, Emma handed Will the gifts all wrapped. She told him it was some more clothes and a few books. She also snuck in some soap but it had Sesame Street characters so she knew Sophie would like it. They both walked towards her room, putting them in the corner. As Will stood again she looked at him with wide eyes, not knowing the best time to blurt out how in love she was.
Will watched as Emma looked concerned and nervous as he led her to the deck, Sophie having a grand old time with her cupcake by herself. He let go of her hand as he reached the grill and looked back to see her hands in front of her jeans, eyes down. It concerned him but he didn’t want to draw attention to it so he talked about his plans to go to Nashville the following week.
She wondered why he wasn’t saying anything. She was very uncomfortable and as talked about his upcoming trip she wondered why he hadn’t asked. It was clear that she needed to say something and she found herself as the time ticked more and more anxious.
As he turned to go back inside he saw tears running down her cheeks. He shut up and went over to her, gently pulling her towards him, letting her arms wrap around his. The last thing he wanted was for her to be upset even if he didn’t know the reason. As he pulled away from her and wiped the tears away with his thumbs he couldn’t breathe. He was so wrapped up in her and had been for so long that he didn’t think the feelings would ever go away.
She felt her breath hitch as his hands lingered on her face. Now was the time, it was this moment. As she opened her mouth to speak, to say it, finally, the shrill yelling of Sophie interrupted them. She heard Will sigh and then take one last long look at her as he entered the house calling to her. Emma stood on the deck for a long moment and tried to breathe.
After they each had a hotdog, (well Sophie and Will) as Emma stuck to her veggie burger that Will specifically bought for her, they made their way outside where Will put her in her little car. She got in right away and used her little feet to pedal around the driveway. When she went too close to the road Will asked her to stop but staying near the house next to Emma. She smiled and turned to them, yelling ok.
Emma sat on the porch, her glass of water next to her. Will sat next to her as the both of them kept their eyes closely on Sophie but Emma would look at Will from time to time, trying to find the words. Will did the same, but quickly turned when she would look his way. He too was tongue tied, realizing now was the time to finally say something.
Sophie came up the driveway in her car wanting to get out. Will stood first and helped her out and Emma went to play with her on the grass as she rolled around. Will joined in a little while later, tickling Sophie and then Emma, as Sophie piled on the both of them happily yelling and laughing.
Once it was decided that playtime was done and it was bedtime, Sophie got a quick bath as Emma helped her into her pajamas and read her a story while Will did the laundry and cleaned up her dishes. Will came up a few minutes later and sung her a song and Emma watched from the doorway as he finished, tears in her eyes yet again. She wiped them away quickly realizing how in love she was with the both of them and watched as he gently placed her favorite stuffed animal next to her and whisper I love you and goodnight.
The both of them gathered back in the kitchen and Emma went to the sink, rigging out the sponge and wiping the counter down with a paper towel. Now that they were truly alone this was the time with no interruptions. She felt Will behind her and when she turned he was right across from her, pinning her against the counter. When she looked into his eyes she saw his passion and desire and she hoped his love for her. When she looked away because his stare was just too much she felt his hand in hers, squeezing it lightly. Without a word he leaned in and kissed her softly at first and then stronger, until she had to wrap her arms around his waist for support. This is what she had wanted, needed and so much desired.
He broke, breathless and rested his forehead on hers. He was so sure now, that this was it. That everything he waited for, hoped for was in front of him. It just took time. As he whispered his declaration of love, keeping his hands around her for both their support, he felt her breath on his lips and cheeks and then he saw a small smile form.
She was elated or maybe just a little bit over the moon. She couldn’t believe she was here, in his kitchen, kissing him or more like him kissing her. But it was all so wonderful and perfect and just the way it was supposed to be. All the other things that got in the way are now no longer there and she was more than ready as she brought her hands up to cover his that were now framing her face to affirm her feelings too.
They stayed there for some time, just whispering I love you to each other until he gently pulled away and with his hand in hers, led her to porch swing where he got on first and then she next, pulling her close to his chest, letting her legs stretch out. He kissed her hair and she interlocked one of his hands with hers, noting how perfect a ring would look.
The next morning, after she went home very late, Will made pancakes and both Sophie and him went to her place to bring them over. Will made sure Sophie had her instructions and when she said ok he knew it was now or never. He put Sophie in her car seat and on the way to Emma’s he couldn’t stop sweating or his heart from beating out of his chest. As he approached her door with Sophie’s hand in his and pancakes in the other, he took a breath and knocked.
Emma was busy cleaning the kitchen floor still tired from the night before. She placed the paper towels in the trash and pulled off her gloves as she walked to the door. Without looking to see who it was she opened it to reveal Sophie holding a piece of paper and Will with pancakes. Smiling she ushered them in and took the paper from her as Will instructed.
Before she could even speak, she put a hand to her mouth to hold back the sobs. There on the piece of paper was the words, Will you marry me, with Sophie’s drawing of a ring and the three of them, or as she could make out from a two and half year old.
Will had the ring in his pocket but he couldn’t produce it because the pancakes were still in his hand and Sophie was jumping up and down, still holding the other hand. Emma looked like she was about to faint and he was still sweating. This wasn’t exactly how he planned it but when he saw Sophie let go of his hand and run into Emma’s arms, crying now, he knew it couldn’t have been any better.
He produced the box and put the pancakes next to him as he knelt down on her clean kitchen floor formally prosing. She was still on her knees as she gasped and didn’t even let him finish the question already responding with a yes. She threw her arms around him, almost knocking him over and soon Sophie joined in, trying to jump on top of Emma. It wasn’t until Will rolled over that he realized pancake was all over the back of his shirt.
A month later they married in the backyard of his house. A few friends and family came and they all had cake, to Emma’s liking. The reception was quiet and when everyone shuffled home and Sophie in bed, Will and Emma spent the night making love until the sun came up.
The rest of the summer they spent going to the lake, teaching Sophie new words and colors and going to get ice cream at least once a week. Will and Emma would spend nights on the porch swing talking about the future and the possibility of adding another child. Will would sing softly in her ear as she drifted off to sleep and she taught him the right way to clean a microwave.
As they arrived to school for another school year Will stopped and gave her a kiss before entering the building. Emma told him that she would see him at lunch and he smiled, his lunch all nicely packed from the night before. They entered school holding hands, the rings shining in the sunlight, as best friends and husband and wife.
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