Broken

Emily woke up slowly, trying not to forget her dream. But of course the more she was trying to hold on to it, the faster it was seeping away from her.

Emily sighed. It had been a good dream, she was sure of it. She heard someone stirr beside her. Better than reality, anyway, she thought, shuddering.

She turned around slowly and stared at the girl sleeping next to her. Her blond hair was tousled, her mouth slightly open.

How cute, Emily thought, but the thousand other thoughts connected to this girl stopped a smile from spreading on her lips.

'I love you so much it's killing me.'

Those words echoed in Emily's head. Naomi had meant what she had said last night. Emily was sure of it. And yet the memory of Naomi's speach didn't make Emily feel happy, or relieved, or excited.

No, this very moment Emily actually felt as if she was going to be sick.

Last night, for the first time in months, they had made love to each other. And it had felt right, so very right.

"Damn, I missed you so much," Emily whispered to her own surprise. But Naomi's chest was still rising and falling in the calm rythm of her sleep.

The speech... it had been painful to hear it, and yet soothing. And then the feeling that she could forgive and continue to love her... Yes, it had been wonderful to feel the touch of Naomi again. For one beautiful night Emily had felt complete again.

But now she couldn't stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks. She was broken, still so terribly broken.

The sound of a door being closed softly seemed incredibly loud to her, in the quiet of the morning. Sometimes, after waking up, it took you some time to remember where you were.

Not so today for Naomi. She knew exactly where she was, and what had happened last night.

And she refused to open her eyes.

She had done it. She had fought for Emily last night. She had exposed all of her feelings, she had let Emily – and all the others – see a part of her, she usually kept hidden. It had been necessary, her last chance.

It had worked, Emily had embraced her, tears running down both of their faces. They had laughed again that night, they had kissed, they had loved each other. It had been wonderful.

That had been yesterday. Now was today.

Naomi didn't now how long she lay there, holding on to that recent memory.

When she finally did open her eyes, she had to blink away the tears to see what she had known she would see: an empty space beside her.

And a note. Trembling, Naomi picked up the little piece of paper.

I love you, Naomi. But I can't, I just can't. I'm sorry.

Naomi nodded, once, twice, blinded by tears. I'll give her time, she thought, as much time as she needs.

She breathed in deeply. Then she got up, took a shower, and got dressed, all the time thinking that she'd wait all her life if she had to.

A/N: I love Emily and Naomi - season 4 broke my heart. I was really happy when Emily forgave Naomi - but I don't think it's that simple. Emily is hurt, and even a great speech like Naomi's can't just make you forget. But time may mend a broken heart.

Thanks for reading!

- Elanor