A/N: Hello, I said I would try to update fairly quickly so here it is. I also said I wouldn't leave things hanging between chapters but I might have lied a bit about that. As I wrote this in one go and then split it into three the next chapter isn't far off but it needs a bit of re-writing and editing so hopefully it will be up in the next couple of days.

Thanks to everyone reading this and special big hugs thanks to all the great people who have left a review. I was a bit down when I posted the last chapter but reading your comments has lifted me no end.

Hope you enjoy it and chapter 10 will follow shortly.


Katie stared at Effy in horror, "What the hell are we going to do?"

Effy shook her head and there was a stony expression on her face, "I don't know, we tried to stop her but I don't fancy getting hit again, do you?"

"Not really but we've got to try something, she's going to go mental tomorrow." Katie replied.

They paused as Emily and Cook walked up to them.

"Where the fuck have you been? We've been looking all over." Katie said angrily.

Emily looked taken aback, "I went to the bathroom and then I was talking to Cook. Why were you looking for me?"

Effy sighed and pointed towards the middle of the room. Emily followed her finger and gasped as she saw what they were looking at. Naomi was in the centre of the makeshift dance floor twirling around with her arms waving wildly in the air. Suddenly she stopped and focused on a girl with dark curly hair that Emily vaguely knew from school.

"You, come and dance with me." Naomi slurred pointing at the dark haired girl.

The girl looked unsure so Naomi continued, "I know you from Parkview. I am head girl and that means I'm the boss, you have to do what I say."

The girl smiled shyly and made her way over to the blonde who immediately wrapped her arms around her neck and began to grind against her in time to the music. Naomi seemed to be oblivious to the stares she was getting from most of the room.

"Why didn't you stop her? You know she hates the thought of getting wasted in front of everyone." Emily said to Effy.

Effy snorted, "We tried, but she swore at us both and shoved us away. She wasn't having any of it. This was all while you were having your cosy chat by the way."

"Don't fucking start on me, if I was here I'd have had a bloody better go at stopping her making a fool of herself than you two." Emily replied angrily.

Cook began to laugh, "Come on leave her alone, she looks like she's having fun for once."

Emily looked in back towards the dancing pair and she gasped as the girl leaned towards Naomi and kissed her, the blonde seemed surprised at first but soon didn't look like she was objecting much. They stopped kissing and the girl said something to Naomi, who threw her head back and laughed.

Emily turned to Cook, "Don't think you're getting away without any blame either, you were the one who gave her the pill in the first place."

Cook held his hands up, "Hey, Naoms insisted, there's not much I could have done to prevent it."

Melissa walked over to the group, "My God, when Naomi lets her hair down she really goes for it doesn't she?"

"Shut up Melissa, it's not funny. Naomi will be horrified tomorrow." Emily snapped.

Melissa shrugged, "She's only having a good time at a party. Most people are relieved she's not behaving like a bloody robot for a change and she's human after all."

Emily scowled at her, "That's not the point, Naomi is going to freak and she'll be pissed off with all of us if we stand here and let her make a tit of herself."

Melissa looked at her with a confused expression, "Jesus Em, steady on. I thought you two weren't even speaking so what's it got to do with you? You almost sound jealous."

Effy, Cook and Katie all stared at each other with a slight smile.

"I'm not fucking jealous, why would I be jealous? I'm trying to be a good friend and I'm putting a stop to this once and for all." Emily stated as she went towards the blonde.

Naomi didn't notice her approach as she now had her head resting on the dark haired girl's shoulder so Emily tapped her on the arm. The blonde ignored Emily at first so she touched her again, this time slightly harder.

"Ow, what was that for?" Naomi said as she turned to see who had prodded her. When she finally focused on Emily a smile appeared on her face. She nudged the girl she was dancing with.

"Look, it's my good friend Emily. Uh oh, she looks cross." She said with a giggle.

"Naomi, stop this. You're totally embarrassing yourself not to mention her." The redhead said pointing at the other girl.

Naomi frowned, "What is everyone's problem? I thought you'd all be happy that I'm having some fun for once."

Emily rolled her eyes, "I doubt you'll see it like that tomorrow."

Naomi shook her head, "God Emily lighten up ok? By the way have you two met? Emily this is Sophia, Sophia meet Emily."

Sophia backed away slightly as the redhead turned to her with a scowl "Hey Emily, I've seen you at school."

Emily calmed down a bit and nodded, "Yeah I've seen you around too. Sorry about her, she's a bit wasted."

Sophia smiled, "I sort of worked that out."

Naomi stood with her hands on her hips, "Err, hellloooo. I am still here you know. Em, just bugger off and let me dance with the lovely Sophia here."

She turned back to the blonde, "I'm not leaving until you stop behaving like an arse and come with me."

"What's the matter Em? Are you jealous? She's really pretty don't you think and she's a very good kisser." Naomi said with a smug smile.

Sophia stared at the pair of them, she was starting to feel uncomfortable, she looked at Emily, "Look I'm sorry, I didn't realise she had a girlfriend."

Emily looked shocked, "I'm not her girlfriend and will people stop telling me I'm jealous when I'm not."

Naomi snorted, "You are a bit, just admit it."

Emily sighed of course she was fucking jealous but she wasn't about to admit that in front of a crowded room, especially now someone had turned the music down and everyone was staring at them as they listened to the conversation.

She looked at the blonde pointedly, "Naomi, you can kiss anyone you want, male or female. I just don't want you to make a fool of yourself and be mortified when you wake up tomorrow, especially if you don't wake up alone."

Naomi smirked at her, "Hmmm, is that an offer Em?"

Emily sighed exasperatedly, "Look I give up, do what the fuck you like ok? But don't blame me when you feel like crap tomorrow and are dying of embarrassment. I'm sick of trying to be your friend and having it thrown back in my face."

"At least I didn't slap you." Naomi said quietly.

Emily started to blush, "I'm sorry I did that, I shouldn't have hit you. But you make me so angry sometimes I could scream."

Naomi and Emily continued to stare at each other, neither of them blinking. Naomi bit her lip as she glanced down at Emily's mouth and Katie nudged Effy as she saw her twin gently lick her own lips in response.

"Do you think they realise how obvious they're being?" she whispered quietly to the brunette.

Effy shook her head, "They never think they're giving anything away but you've only got to look at their body language to see how much they fancy each other."

Although she hadn't heard the exchange between Katie and Effy Melissa was staring at Naomi and Emily with a strange expression on her face.

She leaned towards the brunette, "Is there something going on between those two?"

Effy shrugged, "Doubt it, Naomi's not gay remember. Why?"

"Well they look like they either want to punch each other or screw each other and I can't work out which one." Melissa replied.

Katie snorted, "I think it's the former. Oh no, I think they might have worked out everyone is staring at them."

Sure enough Naomi broke eye contact with the redhead and stared around them, finally focusing on the room. She coughed and started to turn red as she became aware of the looks the pair of them were getting. She briefly glanced at Emily again who had a strange expression on her face.

"Well you said you wanted to see me make a fool of myself, so there you go, ringside seats." Naomi said in an embarrassed tone.

Emily sighed, "Naomi..." but the blonde simply turned and walked out of the room.

Cook clapped his hands together before saying loudly, "Come on folks, show's over. Let's get the music back on and enjoy the rest of the night."


Naomi stood at the sink in the kitchen shaking slightly, she couldn't believe what had just happened but it was enough to suddenly make her feel very sober. She groaned, the fact that she'd thrown herself at that poor Sophia girl in front of everyone was bad enough but once you'd added flirting with Emily into the mix, the situation became a reputational disaster. She'd made a total arse of herself and she'd never live it down at school.

I can't face Emily ever again, she thought before she shook herself, who was she trying to kid? They couldn't help it, the sexual tension between them was obvious. Emily Fitch was a drug and Naomi was addicted. It had taken all her strength not to kiss the redhead in the lounge. They were staring intensely at each other and Emily had licked her lips. All Naomi could think about was how much she wanted to feel and taste those lips again. She could tell from the look in Emily's eyes that she was thinking the same thing. That was why she broke eye contact and left the room. If she had stayed she wasn't sure she could have stopped herself pushing Emily onto the floor and fucking her right there.

She chuckled to herself, now that would definitely have got people's attention.

She jumped as someone poked her in the ribs, she turned around to find Cook smiling at her.

"Alright blondie, kissed any other girls since the lounge?" He asked.

"Shhhh, Cook. Don't say that so loudly. Everyone will think I'm gay." Naomi hissed.

Cook raised his eyebrow, "And aren't you?"

Naomi sighed, "Not here, come on."

She grabbed a bottle of tequila and led him out to the garden where she handed him a fag. He lit it and patiently waited for her to continue while taking a swig from the bottle.

Naomi paused before staring him with an unsure look, "I didn't really feel anything when I kissed Sophia, no excitement, no tingles. Nada. I might as well have been kissing my Mum."

Cook snorted, "Not like that I hope."

Naomi smiled as she downed some more tequila, "Obviously not like that, but you know what I mean. If I was gay, wouldn't I have enjoyed it more?"

Cook thought for a minute, "Not necessarily, maybe you didn't fancy her."

Naomi shrugged, "Why not? She's pretty and funny, she seemed to like me. I mean I didn't want to rip her clothes off but you'd think I'd at least fancy her enough to feel something when we kissed."

Cook smiled at her, "You don't really need me to answer that do you?"

Naomi looked confused, "What do you mean?"

"Oh come on Naoms, you know exactly why you didn't feel anything." Cook said with a chortle.

"No I don't, which is why I asked you dickhead." Naomi replied.

Cook stared at her, "You really don't get it?"

The blonde shook her head. She was surprised as Cook leaned over and kissed her, she tried to move away but he held her tightly. After a while he pulled away.

"Bet ya didn't feel a thing then did ya?" he asked.

Naomi thought back to the kiss and realised he was right, she hadn't felt anything. She'd spent years with Cook and slept with him tons of times so she must have been attracted to him. Why didn't she feel anything now? She leaned over and captured his lips with hers again, this time she was determined to concentrate on what she was thinking and feeling. They kissed and her mind went blank. Except that wasn't strictly true, there was one thought which wouldn't go away and the realisation of what it was hit her like a brick. She pulled away quickly and Cook could see from her face that she'd worked it out.

"Well?" he gently coaxed.

"All I could think about was Emily and how you weren't her." Naomi said quietly.

Cook grinned, "See, I told ya it was obvious. It's a good job you hate labels cos I don't think it matters what you call yourself, gay, bi or straight because it seems to me that red has spoilt ya for everyone else. If it ain't her from now on you probably won't get excited about anyone."

Naomi held her head in her hands and groaned loudly, "For fucks sake Cook, how could this have happened to me? I'm Naomi fucking Campbell, I'm a hard bitch who doesn't need anyone. You know how long it took me to build that 'couldn't give a fuck' reputation, and now she comes along and after five minutes it's in tatters."

Cook shrugged, "Sorry darlin' but it looks like you're a one woman girl from now on."

Naomi grabbed the tequila bottle and took a massive swig, "Have you got any more pills?"

Cook nodded, "I'm not sure I should give you any though, they're stronger than the last lot."

Naomi took another long drink, "Give me the fucking pill Cook. My love life is so complicated I may never have sex again and if everyone is going to be talking about me making a prick of myself on Monday I might as well go the whole hog and do it properly."

Cook shrugged his shoulders as he handed her the pill, "Alright but don't say I didn't warn ya."

Naomi swallowed it whole and washed it down with the tequila, "Cheers granddad, I bear your wise words in mind."


Emily was standing in the kitchen chatting to Melissa, or rather she was listening and grunting as the dark haired girl fired questions at her. Luckily Emily was getting progressively more drunk because Melissa was really starting to get on her nerves and she wasn't sure she could stop herself being rude if she were sober.

Emily sighed "For the last time Melissa, there's nothing going on between me and Naomi. We're friends, that's all and we happen to have fallen out at the moment which is why things are a bit tense."

"So what did you fall out about then?" Melissa questioned.

Emily rolled her eyes, "It's none of your business."

Melissa moved her hands onto her hips, "Look Em, if we're going to get back together you need to be honest with me."

Emily stared at her, "Who said anything about us getting back together?"

"Oh come on Emily, if you don't want us to get back together why have you been spending all of your time with me? Why did you describe us coming to this party as a date earlier?" Melissa asked accusingly.

Emily seriously didn't want to answer that question so she glanced over to Katie on the other side of the room and mouthed, "Help me."

She was relieved when both her twin and Effy came over.

"Everything ok Ems?" Katie asked.

Emily nodded and took another sip of her drink, "Yeah it's fine, I just thought we could hang out a bit you know. I've hardly seen you all night."

"Err, I thought we were having a conversation?" Melissa said pointedly to Emily.

Emily shrugged, "Sorry I thought you'd finished."

Effy hid her smile as the dark haired girl huffed, "Have you seen Naomi anywhere?"

Emily shook her head, "She's probably avoiding me. I thought she was going to kill me when she realised everyone was watching us."

"She looked like she was going to kiss you, not kill you," Katie muttered quietly so Melissa didn't hear.

Emily began to blush, so it wasn't just her then. Katie thought the blonde wanted to kiss her as well. Emily wasn't quite sure how she stopped herself from grabbing Naomi and shoving her tongue down her throat but in the end it was the blonde who'd walked away. Emily hadn't seen her since.

As if on cue the back door opened and Naomi came bounding in followed closely by Cook who had hold of her hand. Emily's heart sank, I really hope they didn't do anything while they were out there, Naomi seems to be really happy now.

The blonde walked over and grinned at them, "Hey everyone, where have you all been?"

Effy smiled back before saying slowly, "We've been in here, you're the one who disappeared."

Naomi giggled, "Oh yeah, I've been outside with my mate Cook. He's lovely and he gave me drugs and tequila, so now I feel all happy and floaty."

Even though she was a bit pissed herself Emily shot Cook a dirty look, "She's taken more drugs, what did I tell you after last time?"

Naomi reached over and put her arm around the redhead before gently tapping her on the end of her nose "Don't worry Emsie, I'm a big girl and can look after myself."

"Er, excuse me, but only her family are allowed to call her that." Melissa interjected.

Naomi squeezed Emily, "She won't mind me calling her that, we have a special relationship don't we Ems?"

Emily stared into the blue eyes for any sign that the blonde was being sarcastic or cruel but Naomi was looking at her tenderly with a big grin on her face.

"I'm only trying to look out for you because I care." Emily said gently.

Naomi's arm dropped away from the redhead's shoulder as she nodded her head vigorously, "I know but you've got to lighten up and stop being so boring otherwise everyone will fall fast asleep. 'I'm Emily Fitch, I have water every other drink.' YAWN."

Katie tried and failed to hide the snort of laughter erupting from her mouth, she was silenced by a look from Emily, who had folded her arms.

"Well that's better than 'I'm Naomi Campbell, I have to have everything just so because I'm the world's biggest control freak." Emily countered.

Naomi paused as she worked out if she had just been insulted, she furrowed her brow and then grinned at the redhead again, "I like being a control freak, it makes me shit hot in bed."

Emily began to blush, "Well I wouldn't know about that, would I?"

Naomi gave her an exaggerated wink, "Oh right I get it. But Em, if you play your cards right tonight you could find out."

"Right, so what were you two doing outside all that time?" Effy interjected, quickly changing the subject.

Naomi laughed, "We were cond... condu...doing an experiment, weren't we Cook?"

Cook nodded and smiled, "Yeah but I'm not sure it was very scientific."

"HEY" Naomi yelled suddenly causing them all to jump, "I should do it on more people to check, that would be more con...clus...ive."

Cook laughed, "Like who?"

Naomi swayed slightly as she stood in front of Effy, "Eff, you're my bestest friend, you'll do my experiment won't you?"

Effy smiled at her, "Depends what it is."

Everyone gasped as Naomi leaned over and kissed the brunette on the lips. They continued to kiss for about 15 seconds until Naomi pulled away, she shook her head and looked at Cook, "Nothing, absolutely nothing at all."

"Oh cheers very much Naoms, I really feel special now." Effy said indignantly.

The blonde pouted at her, "Sorry, but it's an experiment I can't change the results."

She briefly glanced at Melissa, "No, I'm not that desperate yet." Her gaze fell on Emily's twin.

Katie immediately put her hands in front of her, "No fucking way Naomi, I don't kiss girls and even if I did you wouldn't be my first choice."

"Oh please Katie, it's for science. You look like her so it will be a really good test." Naomi pleaded.

Katie shook her head, "I don't care, I'm not letting you kiss me..."

She was surprised as the blonde lunged and quickly kissed her. As Katie pushed her away Naomi sighed, "Nope, nothing again. I think you were right Cook."

"There is a way to check..." He responded mischievously.

The blonde put her finger to her lips, "Shhhh, I can't."

Cook shrugged, "I'm just requestin' you check, it's for science remember?"

Naomi pointed at him, "You are a fucking genius you know that?"

She turned to Emily, who still had her arms folded and was staring at her with a difficult to read expression, "Oh, so it's my turn at last?"

Naomi nodded, "Last but by no means least."

Emily couldn't help smiling, "You're far more charming when you're wasted."

Naomi smiled back, "Come on then, pucker up."

Emily rolled her eyes and leaned in to kiss the blonde, it was more of a peck on the lips but she still heard Naomi moan as their mouths pressed together. After about 20 seconds she pulled away and Naomi opened her eyes.

"There it is, the exploding fireworks and erupting butterflies," she whispered to the redhead so no one else could hear.

Cook coughed, "So do we have proof?"

Naomi turned around, "Yep it's official, I'm ruined."

"What's official?" Emily asked quietly.

Naomi started to answer but suddenly she felt woozy, Emily grabbed her to stop her falling. They all watched in horror as Naomi swallowed hard and then promptly threw up all over Emily's top.

"Ewwww. Naomi's not the only thing that's ruined tonight." Katie said with a grimace.

Effy shook her head, "Right I think that's the end of the night for Ms Campbell here, in fact Cook get rid of everyone. Em, help me get her upstairs and we'll get you cleaned up too."

Emily looked despairingly at her top, "This was brand new."

Naomi looked at her with bleary eyes, "I'm really sorry, I'll buy you a new one."

"It doesn't matter. Let's get you cleaned up, undressed and into bed." Emily replied.

Naomi giggled, "Oh Em, I thought you'd never ask."

Emily rolled her eyes as she and Effy carried the blonde towards the stairs, "Seriously Naomi, not the time or the place."


A short while later Emily walked into the kitchen and found Katie glaring at Melissa.

"Melissa, what are you still doing here?" Emily asked.

"That's what I keep asking her." Katie said sharply.

Melissa looked at Emily, who was wearing a clean t-shirt and some boxer shorts "I was waiting for you. Can you get changed and then we can go?"

Emily shook her head, "Sorry Melissa, I'm staying here. I've only come back down to get a glass of water and some tablets for Naomi."

"Is she ok?" Katie asked with a concerned look.

Emily nodded, "Eff and I managed to get her undressed and put her under the shower. She didn't make it easy though. She's in bed but will probably feel awful tomorrow hence the need for the tablets."

Melissa stared at her, "What is it with you and Naomi? Why are you always going out of your way to help her?"

"For God's sake Melissa, just let it drop ok? I told you we're friends, this is what you do for your friends." Emily replied with a sigh.

"Yeah, especially when you want to fuck them." Melissa mumbled.

Emily finally lost her patience, "Listen Melissa your jealousy is really starting to get on my nerves. You cheated on me remember? So who I may or may not want to fuck is none of your damn business."

"So you admit you want to fuck her then?" Melissa said with a scowl.

"Jesus Christ, you just can help yourself can you? Would it make you feel better if I said yes? There you go I've said it, yes Melissa I want to fuck Naomi ok? Every time I see her the only thing I can think about is getting her into bed and screwing her brains out until she screams the house down and begs me to stop. Do you feel vindicated now?" Emily shouted at her.

"I knew there was something going on, I could tell by the way you look at her when you think no one is watching. It's all love dovey and puppy dog eyes." Melissa glared at her.

"Aaaaggghhhh. For the last fucking time there is nothing going on between me and Naomi, not that it's got anything to do with you if there was." Emily screamed.

Cook came into the kitchen, "What's all the noise?"

"Cook can you make sure Melissa get's home ok, she lives not far from here. I need to get these to Naomi." Emily said wearily.

Cook nodded, "Of course, come on pixie girl. I'll walk you to your house."

As she was leaving Melissa turned to Emily, "She'll break your heart you know, straight girls always do."

Once she was gone Katie turned to her sister, "Are you ok? That was a bitchy thing to say."

Emily shrugged, "I'm fine it's the sort of thing I expect from Melissa. I'll see you tomorrow, night."

"Night sis" Katie replied as she watched Emily go back up the stairs.

As Emily neared Effy's bedroom she could hear raised voices, she smiled Naomi was obviously being difficult again.

"No, don't want you, I want Emily." The blonde said petulantly, slightly slurring her words.

"And I've just told you 10 times Emily is downstairs getting you some pain killers and will be back in a minute. Now for the last time put this bloody t-shirt on." The brunette said exasperatedly.

"No, I want Emily to do it." Naomi stated again.

Effy sighed, "Jesus Naomi, please stop acting like a two year old. Emily must have the patience of a saint to put up with all of your moods."

Emily pushed the door open and found Naomi dressed only in a pair of knickers sitting on the bed. Naomi looked over at her and smiled, "You look like an angel standing there in the doorway like that.

Emily rolled her eyes, "As well as being charming you're also very corny when you're wasted."

"I'm not wasted, well not as much as I was, puked it all up. Can you put my t-shirt on for me?" Naomi replied holding her arms in the air.

Emily put the water and tablets down and pulled the t-shirt over the blonde's head, "There you go. All better?"

Naomi nodded, "I like it when you take care of me."

Effy walked over to the door, "I'll leave you to it Em. And you, you're getting a good slap in the morning for this."

Naomi smiled at her, "Thanks Eff, I love you, you're my best mate, you know that?"

Effy rolled her eyes, "I know and I love you too, even if it is only the drugs talking. I'll see you tomorrow."

Emily pulled up the duvet and ushered the blonde inside before she handed her the tablets, "Here take these two now and there's two more for the morning."

Naomi did as she was told and afterwards she lay down against the pillow. Emily sat on the edge of the bed next to her and pushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.

"What are we going to do with you eh?" Emily said gently.

Naomi wiggled her eyebrows, "I can think of a few things I'd like to be doing with you right now."

Emily rolled her eyes, "Honestly Naomi, sometimes it's easy to see why you and Cook get along so well."

"Sorry." The blonde slurred before growing serious. She reached up and tenderly stroked Emily's cheek causing the redhead to close her eyes and sigh.

"You're so beautiful." Naomi uttered as she rubbed Emily's face with the pad of her thumb.

Emily opened her eyes, "Thank you."

"I mean it, I think you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Naomi said earnestly.

Emily smiled, "Like I said, thank you, even if it is only because you're trashed."

Naomi shook her head, "It's not because I'm trashed, it's the truth. The fact I'm wasted means I've got the guts to tell you, that's all."

Emily blushed, "Ok, well seeing as we're being drunkenly honest, I meant what I said in the pub you know. You are the most stunning woman I've ever laid eyes on."

Now it was Naomi's turn to go red, "What like more than anyone else?"

Emily nodded, "More than anyone else, real or famous, alive or dead. I think you're probably the most gorgeous woman in the whole world."

Naomi paused before she took the redhead's hand and placed it against her lips before gently kissing each of her fingers. The sensation caused goosebumps to appear on Emily's arm and he was so busy enjoying the feeling she almost failed to hear Naomi's next comment.

"If you think I'm gorgeous why don't you want to be with me?" Naomi asked quietly.

Emily sighed, "Oh Naomi... I'm not sure now is the right time to talk, it's late and you've been through the ringer a few times."

Naomi frowned, "Seriously, what's wrong with me?"

Emily shook her head, "There's nothing wrong with you, where did that come from?"

Tears sprang into Naomi's eyes, "Why doesn't anyone want me? My Dad left me, Cook cheated on me and you keep fighting with me."

"I hate it when we're not speaking. It makes me totally miserable." Emily replied honestly.

"Then let's stop arguing all the time and be together, you know properly, like a couple." Naomi stated.

Emily sighed before kissing her gently on the forehead "I'm going to get you a bucket in case you need to be sick again."

As she was getting up Naomi grabbed her hand, "You didn't answer me. Why are you so afraid?"

Emily stared at her before replying, "I'm scared of getting hurt again and I'm afraid if I let you in that's what's going to happen."

"I'd never hurt you" Naomi said looking directly into her eyes. "I...I...love you."

Emily stared back into the slightly blurry blue orbs that were still so intensely focused on her, before making her way to the door, "Well that's definitely the drugs talking. Sleep well Naomi."

"That's it, you're going to walk out on me after what I've just said?" Naomi asked incredulously.

Emily shrugged, "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can have this conversation right now."

Naomi looked at her sadly before turning away, "I had you down as a lot of things Emily, but a coward wasn't one of them."


Effy looked up from her glass as the redhead entered the kitchen, "Emily, come and have a vodka, I hate drinking alone."

Emily picked up the half empty bottle from the work surface, "This was almost full when I left so you seem to be doing ok so far."

Effy smiled, "Katie had some too, but she's a lightweight and went to bed."

Emily poured herself a glass, "Have you got a bucket Eff, in case Naomi needs to be sick again?"

Effy nodded and got up, "Wait right here, I'll be back in a sec."

The brunette left the room, stumbling against the doorframe as she went. Emily stared at the glass and downed it in one before pouring another measure. The blonde's words were echoing around her head, swirling and swirling until they reached a crescendo.

I love you, ...love you, ...love you... love you

why don't you want to be with me?"...with me...with me...with me

Coward...coward...coward...coward

Emily took a deep breath, she knew they'd have to talk eventually, but she'd meant what she said to Naomi, she really couldn't deal with it at the moment. Right now all she wanted to do was get drunk and forget about everything.

She took another large sip as Effy returned carrying the bucket. The brunette placed it on the floor and swayed as she got back up, "Woah, I think I'm a bit pissed."

Emily sighed as she finished her drink, "You're lucky, but this is my second so hopefully I'm not far behind."

Effy sat next to her, "What no water in between?"

Emily smiled and poured them both another, "Not tonight. Tonight I'm drinking to get shit faced, fuck the hangover."

Effy clinked her glass against Emily's, "Here's to being pissed and reckless."

Emily rolled her eyes, "Everyone doesn't really think I'm that boring do they?"

Effy paused slightly too long, "No of course not."

Emily pushed her, "Hey, I can be wild you know."

"Name a time you've been crazy then." Effy challenged.

Emily thought really hard, there weren't that many things that sprang to mind, "Nope, can't think of any. I am dull, dull, dull. The only time I've even vaguely let my hair down was in Cyprus and look how that turned out."

Effy noticed the slight frown on Emily's face as she spoke, "Hey, what's happened now?"

Emily waved her hand, "Nothing, it's nothing. I just had a bit of an awkward conversation with Naomi that's all."

Effy snorted, "Honestly why can't you two just screw and be done with it?"

Emily sighed, "Naomi asked me why I didn't want her."

"What did you say?" Effy enquired.

Emily blushed, "Nothing, I chickened out and said I didn't want to talk about and then I left. I don't understand why it's always so complicated between us, it shouldn't be this hard right?"

Effy placed her hand on top of Emily's, "Sorry Em but you're asking the wrong person. My opinion of relationships is so fucked up because of my parents. That's why I never get into one, they're not worth the hassle if you ask me. I see someone I fancy, male, female or both on occasion, it doesn't matter, I shag them and then I get the hell out of there. No messing about with exchanging numbers or seeing them again, just hot sex with no strings attached.

Emily looked surprised, "I didn't know you slept with women."

Effy nodded, "Hell yeah, some of the best sex I've ever had was with girls, they're usually a lot more willing to do the dirty stuff."

Emily laughed, "I couldn't possibly comment."

Effy shrugged as she poured them another drink, "Doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl though. Fuck 'em and flee that's my motto."

Emily smiled at her, "Hey, maybe that's how I can be more wild. I could be more like you and forget about relationships, they're too much hard work. I should just see someone I fancy and screw their brains out. No strings, no having to deal with feelings, no heartache."

Effy smiled back, "There you go, happy I could provide the perfect solution. Let's face it someone as pretty as you will have no problem finding plenty of gorgeous women to take advantage of."

Emily blushed, "Thanks."

Effy shrugged, "I'm just telling the truth. You're seriously fuckable."

Emily stared into Effy's eyes and didn't know if it was because they were both drunk, had been talking about sex or a combination of both but at that moment she knew she really wanted to kiss the brunette. She saw Effy's eyes widen slightly and the redhead knew she felt the same. They almost moved in slow motion towards each other and Emily closed her eyes as their lips met. A picture of Naomi flashed into Emily's mind, but she pushed it away as she continued to kiss Effy and thought, no strings, no having to deal with feelings, no heartache.