Here's another chapter for you lovely people, the response I received from Chapter 9 was truly mind blowing and I can't thank you all enough, so I decided to stay up late even though I have work in a few hours just so that I could give you this chapter. I'm hoping you'll like this, it's a little short but it's purely Naomily interaction! Let me know your thoughts and I love you all. :)

Chapter 10

Naomi's POV

"Thank you, Naomi, thank you for believing in me." Emily said for what was possibly the hundredth time within a couple of hours of solid drinking as she pecked my cheek and giggled.

Emily Fitch. I had no idea why I seemed to be so infatuated with a girl who I barely knew but she intrigued me. She was so small, so beautiful and she appeared to be so strong but there was something fragile beneath the surface. I could see it poke out occasionally, it flashed through her eyes, her smile would falter slightly but it would vanish as quickly as it had appeared. She knew how to hide and she did it well but I knew how to read someone's actions, I wasn't a mind reader like Effy seemed to be but I could feel the change in vibes and I always sensed it whenever we offered a compliment to the red head, it was as though she didn't know how to accept such a thing. She was absolutely brilliant, how could she not believe that?

"I…I'd make them show that it's okay to hurt, and they shouldn't blame themselves if somebody else fucks them up."

Her words had stuck with me; I couldn't shake them from my mind. It was so powerful, so heartbreaking and I knew that she was it from that moment. The way that she spoke with such delicacy made my heart ache, was she speaking from her own experiences? Was she hurting but blaming herself for someone else's actions? I hated the possibility of her being in pain.

The way her face had lit up when she finally allowed the realisation that she was now our new writer to sink in was just so beautiful. I couldn't understand how she really seemed to believe that she wasn't going to get through and that was when I realised that there was so much more to Emily than what met the eye. I wanted to know her, I wanted to discover every little fact about her and I didn't mind spending the rest of my life doing just that. I was addicted to the way that she made me feel and I couldn't understand why, I didn't care either. Her voice made my heart flutter and the mere sight of her made me smile uncontrollably.

After we finished up at the studio, we all went straight to the pub for pre drinks before moving onto the clubs. Emily and TJ were so easy to get along with, there were no awkward silences and I could see how comfortable everyone was around the two girls. They were perfect for the group, they fit straight in with everyone and they made the effort to get to know everybody equally.

"Again, you're welcome; Emily, but we should be thanking you. We've been so worried about the show but you and TJ have saved us with your brilliant minds. I haven't seen everybody so relaxed in a long time and it's all down to you." I said softly, smiling at the girl as she blushed at my words. She took a hold of my hand and stroked her fingers across my knuckles, I shivered at the contact.

"I know but seriously, this is everything that I could ever want and you've given me the chance to follow my dreams. It means everything to me; I haven't felt this happy in a long time." Emily ducked her head to avoid looking at me, seemingly embarrassed by her honesty.

I squeezed her hand gently. "Your writing is fantastic, Ems. I don't understand why it's taken you so long to do something with it."

Emily shrugged her shoulders and I felt the vibes coming from her change once again, just as it always did when I complimented her. "Honestly, I've always thought that I'm not good enough."

My eyes widened in shock at her comment. "How, I mean, you have read your writing, right? I don't get it."

Emily chuckled lightly and shook her head. "Of course I've read it, obviously. I've just never thought anything of it."

I shook my head and poured a large amount of alcohol into my mouth, cringing slightly as I swallowed. Emily managed to surprise me with each and every conversation since the night that I had first met her. She amazed me from that moment and it was as though the universe had shifted just to bring us back together again. I didn't believe in fate and all that crap but if I had to put it down to anything, it would be that. I had never met anybody quite like Emily and now I couldn't imagine not knowing her. There was something locked behind her tough exterior, something that was causing her to not realise just how good she really was and I wanted to find it and bat it away.

"Well trust me when I say that we're so lucky to have you with us. We couldn't ask for anybody better." I spoke truthfully, my lips curling up into a smile as my eyes found hers, holding them for as long as possible until Emily smiled weakly, her eyes flickering up and down awkwardly until she decided to look away.

"I'm gonna get another drink, you want one?" She asked, quickly changing the conversation as she held up her empty glass.

"Sure." I replied, sighing when she quickly departed, leaving me alone at the booth as everybody else was on the dance floor.

I was waiting patiently for Emily's return when Effy suddenly reappeared and slid into the seat next to me. I could tell that she was already drunk from the way that she wouldn't stop smiling; Effy only ever smiled that much when she was wasted.

"Why aren't you partying?" She slurred slightly, throwing an arm around my shoulder.

I smirked at my best friend. "Emily's getting us a drink." I informed her which she wiggled her eyebrows at.

"I bet you're nice and cosy over here by yourselves." She giggled as I smacked her arm playfully.

"Shut up, we're just talking." I laughed lightly but I was beginning to wonder what was taking her so long.

"You're worrying." Effy said rather than questioned.

I rolled my eyes at her blunt insight. "I am not."

"Yes you are, you have your worry face on."

"And what is my worry face, exactly?" I asked, looking at Effy who pouted her lips slightly and looked at me with big, doleful eyes.

We burst out laughing and I shoved her. "Piss off; I do not look like that."

"You should go and find her." Effy stated and I sighed, knowing that she was right and she wouldn't let it go if I refused.

I downed the last of my drink and stood up, smiling at Effy as she allowed me to slip out of the booth. I glanced towards the crowded dance floor and the even more crowded bar and realised that I stood no chance in finding Emily just by looking, considering how small the girl was. I pushed my way through the mass of bodies but she was no where to be found. I sighed again, worrying that I might have scared her off.

I was about to go back to the booth when I caught a glimpse of a small figure quickly retreating through the back exit of the club and I found myself following, if there was a chance that it was Emily then I wanted to catch her and apologise for making her uncomfortable. I stepped outside and was hit by the rush of cold air and I shivered slightly. I looked around, seeing no sign of the little red head but I pushed on, hoping that I hadn't missed her.

I rounded the corner and was frozen to the spot by the scene before me. Emily was on the phone, pacing back and forth with a hand through her hair as she shouted at the person on the other end. Her voice was huskier than usual and cracked with every word, I wanted to wrap my arms around her and tell her to forget about whomever was upsetting her but I didn't want to invade her privacy, so I did nothing but watch.

"For fuck sake, Katie, I'm an adult; I can do what I like." Emily yelled into the phone and I assumed that she was talking to her twin sister who she had briefly mentioned before.

"Are you fucking kidding me? Have you forgotten about all those years that we spent alone?" She snapped and I suddenly felt awkward, I didn't like listening to a private conversation without Emily's consent when it was obviously personal.

"That's not my problem! That was her choice, not mine but she made us fucking suffer for it. No, Katie, this is bullshit, she put us through so much shit and I'm not going to just forgive her because she claims to be "sorry."" She shouted shakily, holding a hand across her eyes.

"Oh fuck off; I can't believe you're even saying this to me after everything I've told you." I could hear the tears in Emily's voice and it made my heart ache for her. "I don't need your permission to live my life, I'm not coming home."

Emily hung up the phone and growled in frustration, both hands were pulling at her hair as she continued to pace. She stepped towards a brick wall and pressed her fists to it before leaning her head against it, she turned and slipped down into a sitting position so that her knees were pulled up to her chest. The action suddenly made her appear even smaller than usual as she wrapped her arms around herself and a small sob rung out into the night.

I couldn't have stopped myself from moving towards her even if I had wanted to. I couldn't stand it; I hated seeing this strong, beautiful girl who had seemed so happy look so broken. I didn't care if she shouted at me for intruding; I didn't care as long as I got to wrap her safely in my arms.

"Emily?" I called out anxiously. Emily's head snapped up towards me and her eyes widened in shock.

"Naomi, what are you doing?" She asked quickly, rubbing her hands over her face frantically.

"I…I'm sorry, you were taking a while and I was worried that I might have made you uncomfortable with all the compliments so I came to find you and I accidentally overheard the end of your conversation but I couldn't leave without making sure that you're okay." I spluttered, rambling nervously. Emily's expression didn't change as she continued to stare at me.

"I'm sorry, I should go." I murmured shyly, turning to leave.

"No, don't." Emily said suddenly. "I'm sorry, I was just surprised, that's all."

I nodded, continuing forward until I was sat beside the petite red head. She smiled weakly when are eyes met and I could see the streak of tears than ran down her cheeks.

"It's nice actually, knowing that someone worries about me." She admitted sadly. I pulled a cigarette out of the packet and lit it, handing it to Emily before I lit one for myself. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and pulled her against my side, rubbing her arm affectionately.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked and she chuckled softly.

"There's no point." She said simply, I frowned in confusion at the statement.

"When I try to talk about something, I hesitate, stumble over my words and make a fool out of myself so I'll quickly change the conversation. It's a habit." She elaborated quickly.

"I don't think you'll make a fool out of yourself, and I don't mind if you do." I smiled reassuringly but Emily shook her head.

"Why do you do it?" She asked quietly.

"Do what?"

"You constantly point out the good in me." She explained and I was shocked by the question.

"Because it's what I see in you, isn't that a good thing?"

"Probably, I'm just not used to it." Emily stubbed her fag out and snuggled against my side, resting her head against my shoulder. I had to resist the temptation of kissing the top of her head.

"It's just…well…I..." She stopped suddenly, cursing under her breath before taking a deep breath. "My family are wankers. We've been through a lot over the past few years and…my mum, she did something that I can't forgive her for. I… thought my sister would be the one person who would understand but she doesn't, she forgave her because she's so wrapped up in her perfect life with her perfect boyfriend that she just doesn't care anymore and she doesn't understand why I won't let it go."

"What did your mum do?" I asked when Emily stopped again.

She pulled away at the question and her face contorted slightly like the memories physically hurt her. She looked up at me, her soft brown eyes filled with sadness.

"I don't want to talk about it." She whispered. I smiled, nodding my head and took her hand in mine. I was glad that she seemed to trust me enough to open up even a little, I wasn't about to push her out of her comfort zone.

"It's okay, but just know that I'm here if you ever do want to talk about it, alright?"

I meant every word and Emily nodded her head, smiling gratefully but it didn't quite reach her eyes. We stayed like that for a while, just staring at each other until my stomach began to flutter with butterflies and a nervous lump rose into my throat. I reached out and pressed my hand against her cheek, rubbing my thumb over her tear marks. Emily's eyes closed and she leant against my hand, a ghost of a smile was still visible on her lips.

"God, you're so beautiful." I whispered accidentally, I hadn't intended to voice my thoughts. Emily's eyes snapped open but she didn't pull away. My heart pounded within my chest as I slowly leaned towards her.

"Shit."

The sudden sound of voices caused us to jump apart just as our lips were about to touch. I glanced up quickly at the group of giggling teenagers who were stumbling away from us, obviously just leaving the club. When I turned back to Emily, her hard exterior was back in place and she grinned at me, jumping to her feet before pulling me up like nothing had happened.

"Come on, everyone's going to wonder where we are." She said, linking her fingers through mine, dragging me along in my dazed state. What the hell just happened?

We reached the back door of the club when Emily suddenly stopped and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me into a tight hug. Although confused, I instinctively slipped my arms around her small waist and pressed her against my body, resting my head against hers which was buried into the crook of my neck. The warmth of her breath against my skin made me inaudibly gasp, she felt so good in my arms.

"Thank you, Naomi, for everything. I'm really glad I met you." Emily said sincerely, pressing a kiss to my cheek before she stepped back with a bright smile on her face and walked back into the club.

I stood there with wide eyes and my mouth agape, my skin was tingling from where she had kissed me and my heart was pounding at an increased rate. I swallowed hard and followed after the red head, knowing that I was certainly doomed from that very moment. I didn't care what I had to do as long as I got to see that smile again.

.x.

Aww, they are so cute! So Emily has opened up a little, I know it doesn't reveal much about her past but I promise that we will get there eventually, it's just going to take some time and it won't be a smooth ride either. Please let me know whether or not you liked this chapter, your reviews make me so happy!

Chapter 11 – Emily's POV

Naomi and I had nearly kissed and I wasn't sure if I was disappointed or grateful for the distraction. I knew that she was confused by my actions; I could see it in her eyes every time that she looked at me. I wanted to kiss her, god, I wanted her so bad but I was terrified. I couldn't do it; I couldn't allow Naomi to like me. It would only be matter of time until she realised that I was not worth the hassle, but at least this way I would avoid getting my heart broken by another person who acted like they cared.