While Emma wouldn't consider herself to be a pessimist, she also wasn't as optimistic as she pretended to be. Honestly, the hopelessly romantic act was more to convince herself that there could be a happily ever after than that she actually believed it. And sometimes it was so hard not to give up hope, but she wouldn't let herself do it. Things had worked out for Emily. Why shouldn't they work out for her? Just because she was in love with Richard and not Alex now didn't mean things couldn't change. After all, he was her Merlin. Wasn't it possible that they were meant to be together? That she just wasn't ready yet and it was only a matter of time? Of course it was possible. And she would cling to that possibility because, quite frankly, it was easier than accepting the truth. The truth being that she couldn't be with 'the one'.
"If you were the one caught on film doing unspeakable acts, I think I'm the wiser one, honey," she said with a haughty smirk. "And there you go crushing my dreams again. I've always wanted to be older." She gave him a genuine smile. "Well. If Scout's honor is involved, I guess I'll just have to trust you, won't I? Not that I don't anyway, but you know. Whatever." And...yeah. This tension? Not exactly something Emma enjoyed. She didn't know where it came from but this anxiety coupled with a fierce desire to kiss him was, not only a completely moronic notion, but unwelcome as well. She chewed on her bottom lip and forced any of those thoughts out of her head while she listened to him. "I would, but that would probably only make things worse for you." She returned his smile. "I think you'd be great at 'the whole dating thing' if you gave it a shot. But if you're not ready for it, you're not ready. No sense in pushing things. When you meet someone you like, go for it. Don't hold back. But until then, no one should force you into anything." She leaned back into the couch cushion and her smile grew. "I love those kids. All kids. But those two are my favorites. And Amelia, of course. You think I'm willing? Do you know me at all?" she teased.