hot cocoa
Emma x reader
genre/type: fluff
warnings: nope
synopsis: wholesome time with hot chocolate and all the kids in the shelter + emma fluff
The rain was barely audible among the children in the shelter, but soon they grew quieter as they gathered around Lucas in one of the bigger rooms. You and a few others have laid out blankets and pillows on the floor, making it cozy for everyone for the storytelling. Even though it was winter time, most days would greet you and your family with gray and cold, rarely allowing snowflakes to decorate the area. But that didn't stop you all from enjoying your time together.
a/n: I’m kinda proud of how much better I’ve gotten at writing since the time I wrote this piece over on wattpad
You placed new mugs on the tray, preparing another portion of hot chocolate. This was finally the last tray you had to prepare, but it's not like you minded the work, you really enjoyed the happy and joyful appreciation of the children when you brought them their mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows along with sprinkles or the cocoa powder on top.
Soon you felt someone hug you from behind, their rested chin on your shoulder to watch you work. You smiled as Emma hummed at you when you offered a marshmallow over your shoulder and you chuckled at her smile as she enjoyed the melted sweets with her eyes closed.
She freed you from the hug and took the tray when you were done. "It's the last one right?" she asked as she stopped mid step on her way and turned to you.
"Yeah, I'll be right there, I just gotta clean up a bit," you said.
"Alright," she hummed as she disappeared in the doorframe.
Shortly after, she came back with the empty tray and set it on the counter. She leaned on one of the cabinets with her hip, arms crossed over her chest. "I'm glad this worked out," she said.
When you raised your head you noticed Emma's gaze was directed to the children. Following it, the corners of your lips turned up at the smiles and laughs in the room. To think that it would be so much different if only Emma didn't insist on taking everyone. Your eyes returned to Emma, and your smile softened before you went back to wiping the counter.
"It's thanks to you," at the words, you looked up again, eyes locked with Emma's bright green ones. "it was your idea,"
It was. You were the one who thought of having this night all together and have someone read stories. You also dragged out the recipe for snacks and hot chocolate from the back of your head, back when you used to make it with Mom at Grace Field.
"You organized it," you said. "you even designed the lights," you said with amazement as you glanced up at the glowy creation of light bulbs and cables. "and if it weren't for you, we wouldn't call this family a family," you added, your tone softer. You finished your work and put some other things away.
"Do you like it?" Emma asked, which made you raise your brows. "Our new family?"
You froze, looked up at her and glanced further behind her at what you now call family. "It's not new," you said without a glance back at Emma. "we were always family, it just happens that we found each other now," you leaned on the counter beside her. "it feels good, having all of them here be so carefree while they know what's out there,"
You felt Emma take your hand and intertwine her fingers with yours. "I'm glad," she said.
You both locked eyes again, and stayed in that position for the next few seconds. "Do you know what day it is?" you asked, but when Emma didn't respond you continued. "it's the day you and Norman went to the gate, discovered the truth. We survived a whole year with our family only growing," you yourself didn't notice, but Emma did as she stared into your eyes that seemed to glissen.
"Let's celebrate over the great hot cocoa you made!" Emma exclaimed as she pulled you along.
Emma led you to an empty spot among the blankets, you both made yourselves comfortable before curling up together under a blanket, your hands still intertwined together.