AN: This is the first of a two-chapter section, with a healthy dose of angst (more to come). Parts of the story so far are based on my experiences of coming out, I hope you don't find what I have written to be too harsh. Please enjoy and review when you're done!

Chapter 10

'Nay, do we have enough wine out? And where is Ashley? She's supposed to be in charge of snacks'. Heather's stress levels were at an all-time high. Filming had drawn to a close in what seemed like no time at all, and now she was preparing to show the finished version to her closest friends… and family. It had seemed a good idea at the time, but now Heather was regretting ever picking up the phone. Knowing that her eldest sister, Crystal, lived less than an hour away from her, she had extended an invitation to the showing. Where she and Naya were going to come out. In front of everybody. After showing a scene in which they kiss. What was she thinking?

Naya motioned for Heather to come into her open arms. She held the girl tight, hoping that a gentle rub of her back and kisses to her forehead would relax her. It was obvious why she was worrying; Naya was pretty sure that the glee cast and their other friends would be incredibly supportive of their relationship, but Heather's sister was another matter. The two girls had only met once, briefly. Crystal had come to set to pick up Heather one evening and taken her out to dinner. It could only have lasted a minute at most, but the conversation between Crystal and Naya had been awkward and tense. It was relatively clear that Heather's character wasn't somebody Crystal wanted her sister to portray. Naya took a deep breath. She had to keep them both composed and enjoy the peace; this was most definitely the calm before the storm.

'Everything will be okay, H. I'm here for you.'

'I really don't think it will be. Naya, my sister has been raised a Christian with very strong beliefs about how people should live their lives. She's not going to like it; there's no point pretending that she's going to support me. It won't happen.'

'I love you.'

The words that came out of Naya's mouth were quiet, but sure. 'Wha… what did you say?' Heather looked directly into Naya's eyes. 'I said, I love you.' Heather leaned in and kissed her lightly. 'I think I love you too'. Naya raised an eyebrow; 'think?' Heather laughed softly. 'I know… I'm still figuring all of this out. I know that my feelings for you are stronger than they've been for anyone else. I have never wanted to be with someone so much in my life. If that's what love is then… I love you.'

Crystal arrived earlier than they were expecting. She greeted Heather with a kiss on the cheek, Naya with a half-hearted embrace and Ashley with a friendly wave. 'Anything I can do to help?' she said, looking around at the half-decorated living room. Heather took her by the hand and showed her what still needed to be done. Mid-conversation, she turned to Naya who was stood silently a few feet away; 'Nay, can you go up to my room and check that the film filters are prepped?' Naya was confused, but the look on Heather's face told her to go upstairs anyway.

Minutes later, the bedroom door opened. 'Sorry about that' Heather said, closing the door behind her and leaning against it, 'I just wanted some alone time with you before everyone arrived, but it's getting busy downstairs and Nate and Lucy should be here any second.' Naya walked up to the blonde and pulled her upright, her hands following the curve of Heather's hips. 'I meant what I said downstairs,' Heather leaned into Naya and kissed her neck as she continued to talk. 'I will stand by you, whatever happens today. I love you, you're my girlfriend and I'll protect you.' Heather moved her kisses back up towards Naya's mouth. 'Mmm, less talking' she said, in a throaty whisper that Naya couldn't resist.

Capturing Heather's waiting lips in hers, Naya lost herself. As she allowed Heather's tongue entrance, she let out a moan. She felt her girlfriend deepen the kiss, her fingers tangled in Naya's dark tresses. She wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, but a knock on the door forced them to pull away. 'Girls, people are starting to arrive. You should probably come downstairs', Ashley said through the door. After fixing each other's hair and checking their appearances in the mirror, they left the room and walked downstairs.

Once everyone had arrived and had been given a drink, Ashley ushered them into their makeshift cinema in the living room. Crystal sat next to Heather, who searched the room for Naya before finding her sat between Dianna and Jenna. Her legs were visibly shaking, and she was incredibly grateful when Dianna reached across and held her hand in reassurance. 'Nervous?' Dianna asked. Naya just nodded, and turned to Ashley who had just stood up in front of the screen.

'Okay, everyone. Welcome to our very informal premiere of our new short film, entitled 'Every Day'. I don't want to say too much, so I'll just let it speak for itself. I hope you all enjoy it.'

Naya settled into her chair as the film began. This would actually be her first time seeing it as a complete movie, although she kind of hated watching herself acting. The whole group was quiet as the film began. Heather remained nervously clinging onto the sides of her seat; Crystal wasn't laughing alone with everyone else. She so desperately wanted to look at her, to try to read her expression, but there was no way she could without drawing attention to herself.

'I think this is serious… I mean, I think I like her.'

Jenna turned to look at Naya. The smile on her face showed that she was enjoying the film and the story, which was more than could be said for Heather's sister. Even through the darkness, the look on her face was strong enough for Naya to read. She wasn't just disapproving, she was angry.

There were cheers and clapping when their characters kissed. Heather tried to hide a smile; she could sense Crystal's eyes on her as she faced forward, feigning intense study of the screen. A reassuring squeeze of the hand from Ashley reminded her to breathe. Everything would be okay.

The lights went up and the audience got out of their seats, helping themselves once more to drinks and food. Heather stuck with Ashley, who was deep in conversation with Chris.

'It was incredible, you guys. I love how you did it. I've never seen something so cute before!' he gushed.

'Thanks. It was actually Heather who wrote it. I was principal director, but she made it really.' Heather smiled; yes she did.

'So did you write it with specifically Nay in mind?' Heather gave a shy nod, Ashley squeezed her hand again.

Naya searched the room for Heather as soon as the light went on and people began to move. She spotted her with Ashley, but was pulled to one side by Dianna and Telly before she had a chance to walk over. 'I would congratulate you on your brilliant acting, but…' Naya gave Telly a playful slap on the arm, before pulling him into a hug. 'Shut up, you know I'm amazing', she whispered into his ear. Her trademark laugh filled the air; Heather's heart melted.

She searched the room for the location of the sound. Spotting the girl in the corner, smiling with Telly and Di, she excused herself from Ashley and the others and walked over. There was no need to put up a front, Dianna and Telly saw how they were on set as friends, so she was comfortable enough to approach Naya from behind and put her arms around her. 'Hi'. Naya smiled, recognising the voice immediately. 'Sorry to steal you away' she said, acknowledging the others, 'but it's now or never.'

The pair, hand in hand, stood in front of the now blank screen. 'Guys' Naya began, 'we have a few things we would like to say.' The chinking of glasses and the sound of shuffling bodies dulled. 'First of all', she continued, sensing that Heather needed to concentrate on just breathing in and out for now, 'thank you all so much for coming. We really hope you enjoyed it.' Applause broke out; Ashley beamed from her spot- front and centre. 'Thanks, it really means a lot.' Heather had found confidence to speak. 'So, our first announcement is that this film will be shown at an LGBT film festival in San Francisco next month and, we hope, plenty more after that!' The applause began again, but Naya raised her hand, causing silence to wave across the room once more. 'Our second announcement is a little more… personal. Since beginning this project, Heather and I…' she snuck a glance at her beautiful girlfriend, who was searching the room with her eyes, 'Heather and I have realised our feelings for one another. So we wanted to share our new, official, relationship with our closest friends.' Applause erupted, followed by a 'KISS HER!' from Cory. Naya nodded in his direction, as Heather took her by the hands and did just as he had asked.

Heather broke away from the kiss and looked around the room again. As chatter resumed, she left Naya giggling at Mark and Cory's inappropriate lesbian jokes. There was something wrong; Crystal was nowhere to be found. Accepting a drink from Lea and downing it in one gulp, she made her way out of the room and up the stairs.

Crystal was sat on the bed, the framed photo of Naya and Heather from tour discarded next to her. 'Are you okay? How long have you been up here?'

'Okay? How could I be okay?' There was a tone to her sister's voice she hadn't heard before, 'And, I've been up here since the film ended. I couldn't bear it down there any longer. You are not who I thought you were. I don't know which of you little friends has been manipulating you because no sister of mine would ever make a film about something so disgusting. Heather, it's completely immoral. Don't you see that? You know what? If Dad were here, I think he'd die all over again if he heard what is daughter was promoting.'

Through a curtain of tears, Heather found the energy to open the door. 'Get out'. She could hear her voice tremble, but she was sure of what she was saying. 'Now'. Crystal gathered up her things and left. A minute later, she heard the front door slam shut. Letting her body go weak, she fell against the wall. The tears came but she didn't stop them. She didn't do anything; she was numb.

Naya noticed Crystal walk down the stairs and straight out the door without saying a word to anybody. Sensing something was wrong, she headed across the room. 'Hey Le, have you seen Hemo?'

'Last I saw of her, she was headed upstairs. I don't think she's come down… hey, is everything okay?'

Naya shrugged. 'I need to find her. I'll speak to you in a bit?' Lea gave her a sympathetic smile.

'Heather?' the voice from the other side of the door pulled her to her senses. 'Heather? Are you in there? It's Nay.' Heather moved away from the door, allowing Naya to open it. She could see the panic on her face as soon as she saw her. God, she must look awful right now. Naya shut the door behind her and took Heather into her arms. 'Shh, baby. It's okay. I've got you.' Stroking her hair, Naya allowed Heather to relax into her, her tears slowing to quiet sobs. 'I'm here, baby. I'm here.'

Once Heather's tears had subsided, she stood up and walked to the bathroom. Naya took the opportunity to throw a few things into a bag and send a quick text.

To: Ashley L.

Message: Can you distract everyone away from the door? Heather's really upset so I'm going to take her back to my place. Will text in the morning. Thanks, N x

Heather emerged from the bathroom with a wad of tissues in her hand. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she was sniffling. 'Heather, I think you should stay with me tonight. You don't want to be around all these people. I've packed a few things, so why don't we just go and get in the car?' Heather nodded, offering her hand to Naya. Silently, they made their way out of the door and into the night air.

As soon as they were out of Heather's street, she spoke. 'Crystal hates me'. Naya couldn't say she was surprised, but hid it well. 'Why do you think that, baby?' Heather shook her head. 'She told me that the film was sinful and that if my dad… if he… ' Naya used her free hand to hold Heather's and stroke it with her thumb. '.. If my dad would still alive, he would have died again because his daughter supports disgusting things'. She couldn't hide the shock in her voice; 'Crystal said that? Oh my gosh, Heather.' The blonde looked down at her knees, trying not to cry. 'It hurt so much for her to say that to me.' Naya nodded. 'So she left the room before the big announcement? ' Heather had barely registered what her sister had said before her outburst. 'I guess so. She would have had more to say if she had. I think she said she left straight after the film.'

When they reached Naya's place, she opened the door and helped a trembling Heather out of the car. Once they were inside, she set her down on the sofa before entering the kitchen and pouring both of them a vodka. 'I need it, I wondered if you did too'. Before she had finished her sentence, Heather had taken the glass Naya was offering and choked half of it down. 'Yes I do.'