A/N: So I have a couple of things to mention. Firstly, thanks for all the lovely comments on the last chapter. You were all right, I was (am) lacking self-confidence when it comes to my writing, so it was very gratifying to read all of the very nice things everyone said. I'm not sure whose ego you stroked more though, mine or my partner's. She was also most gratified, and pretty much said 'I told you so' every time someone left a new review. :D

Secondly, I better disclaim that Naomi's late-blooming Lily Allen love is most definitely my own. I'm not sure where I've been, under a rock or something I guess, but yes, I only discovered Lily Allen a couple of weeks ago. If I didn't write this here, I think my partner would set up an account just to comment and say that.

Disclaimer - I sadly don't own or have anything to do with Skins.

Chapter 10

The days after Harrison's visits were always a struggle for Naomi. The flat seemed too quiet, too empty. And there were little reminders which would tear at her heart each time – his towel, on the rail in the bathroom; his sheets in the laundry; the half eaten packet of crisps that was stuffed into the sofa cushions and forgotten.

Her usual M.O. was to withdraw from the world for several days, hole up until the worst of the ache was gone. This time, Emily didn't let her. And she found, to her relief, that the redhead's company made it bearable. Emily didn't question anything, not her frequent sombre moods nor occasional surliness. She would hold Naomi's hand, talk to her about her classes, the news, what book she was reading. Keeping it light, keeping a hold on her. Her tacit, gentle support was enough to get Naomi through. That, and the copious hours she spent in the gym each evening, pushing herself to exhaustion so she could sleep.

By Wednesday afternoon she was feeling much brighter. Harry had given her a call before school that morning, just to check in. And Emily had surprised her with a USB stick full of music that she wanted to share, which the blonde was itching to get home and listen to. As she sat in a seminar, taking stock of the preceding few days, she realised that Emily must have skipped several classes to keep her company. Couldn't believe she'd been so wrapped up in her own misery that she didn't notice before now. At the end of the session she rushed straight to a local florist, arranged for a delivery that evening. She carefully selected a lovely but neutral arrangement – figuring that anything more would likely cause issues for Emily at home. Naomi bent over the card for several moments, chewing her lip furiously, before she scribbled her message.

Thank you for being there for me, the past few days. It means more than I can say.

I'm sorry I've been so awful, and I promise to make it up to you.

She didn't sign it.

At home she immediately plugged the USB stick into the dock, letting the new music play. She absorbed it quietly as she pottered around the flat, made herself some dinner and washed up after. Felt absurdly comfortable, as if a little piece of Emily was there with her still. Settling down on the sofa, she intended to get through her class readings for the next couple of days, but was soon distracted by the vibrant sound of a female vocalist. Listened in rapt fascination through several songs. She was gathering herself to get up, find out the name of the singer, when her phone rang. Glanced at the caller ID, delighted.

'Hey, good timing, you can tell me who this is.' She held the phone in the direction of the speakers for a few moments, brought it back to her ear.

'That's Lily Allen. And hi, by the way.'

'Oh.' She chuckled, embarrassed. 'Sorry. That was probably a bit rude. I've just been listening to the new stuff you gave me. Lily Allen did you say? She's fucking brilliant, I love it.'

Emily laughed briefly. 'Well good. I love her too.' A pause. 'Naomi?'

'Hmmn?'

'Thank you. For the flowers. No one has ever actually sent me flowers before.'

'What? You're serious?'

'Mmm hmm.'

'Oh. Did you..?' She cleared her throat. Hesitant. 'Were they okay? Did you like them?'

'I fucking love them, they're beautiful.'

'Good. I wanted to... I realised this afternoon that you must have been skipping classes all week, to look after me. So I wanted to say thank you. For putting up with me.'

'Don't be silly. I'm glad that I could help.' She chuckled suddenly, deep and wicked. 'You should have seen the look on Katie's face, when the guy said the flowers were for me. I would have died laughing, if I hadn't been so surprised myself.'

'Does she get flowers often then?'

'Not really. But she's been shagging this one bloke lately, can't stop raving about him, so I think she just assumed.'

'Did it cause any problems? I tried to be... discreet.'

'Mum and Katie gave me the third degree, but you did a wonderful job. I just told them the truth in any case, that I'd been helping out a friend going through a rough patch.'

'Close enough.'

'Mmmm... So... What are you up to?'

'Not much really. I was trying to do some reading, but I got distracted by the music. What about you?'

'I'm procrastinating.' Emily sighed, long and loud. 'I mean, I wanted to call you anyway, to say thank you. But I have this paper due on Monday, that I need to start. I've been putting it off all afternoon.'

'So you need an incentive, hmmn?' Eyes closed, she mentally ran through a list of possibilities.

'You know...' The redhead's voice lowered to a deep sexy burr. 'You could always promise me another one of those kisses. Believe me, that would be a very good incentive.'

Naomi's eyes snapped open wide. 'Errr, well, I was...' Cleared her throat. 'I was more thinking I would take you out for lunch, on Sunday.' A pause. 'But I suspect some more kisses could probably be arranged.' She smirked at the sudden, audible intake of breath.

'Excellent. Well, I'm off. I've got a paper to write.'

'That's the spirit.' They both laughed. 'Good luck then. See you in class tomorrow.'

'Thanks. Yes, I'll see you then.'

Naomi waited for Emily to finish her last class on Thursday. She leant against the corridor wall, arms crossed. Watched the flow of people exit the lecture theatre. She saw the tell-tale blaze of red, watched as Emily exited the door and walked towards her, chatting to the woman alongside her. The smaller woman glanced up, and Naomi smirked as she did a double take. Her stomach dropped, along with the smirk from her face, when their eyes locked, and held.

She watched as Emily quickly excused herself, threaded her way across the corridor until she was standing in front of her. 'Hey.'

'Hi. This is a lovely surprise.' The redhead took advantage of Naomi's slumped position, kissed her quickly. 'I didn't expect to see you again today.'

'I thought, it's a pleasant afternoon, seems a shame to waste it. Do you want to go and have a drink somewhere, in the sun?' She paused. 'Just a quick one, before you get back to your paper.'

'That sounds lovely. I know a great place.' She tugged on Naomi's arms to uncross them, took one of her hands. Linked their fingers.

As they made their way off the campus, blue eyes discerned a few curious glances, a few second looks. But no one really seemed to give a shit, and for that she was grateful.

They ended up in a local pub. One that had a nice beer garden, where they could enjoy the mild afternoon and lingering sunshine. Naomi teased the smaller woman, telling her she should be home writing. Emily kidded right back, telling her that with that kind of inducement she'd almost finished the whole thing last night, so she'd better be ready to pay up.

Their easy banter and light-hearted flirting wrapped a warm blanket of happy around Naomi's heart, soothing the last of the upset away. They lingered longer than she expected, and she was about to suggest that they head home when Emily's phone buzzed.

'H'lo.'

'Emilio man, you comin' out wiv us tonight then?' The man on the other end was speaking so loud that Naomi could hear it clearly from the other side of the table.

'Cook, hi. Can't do it tonight, I've got something on.'

'Does that something involve a fit bird and some action old Cookie will want to come over and watch?'

'Cook!'

'What? I keep trying, you know me. No really Ems, bring 'er along why don't you?'

'No thanks Cook. I'd rather not frighten her off with the likes of you. '

'Eh, harsh. You sure you don't want to come along then? We're goin' to get right fucked up, it'll be mad.'

'Sorry Cook, I've really got something I need to be doing.'

'Okay, man. Next time, yeah?'

Naomi waved her hand in front of Emily, waited until she looked up.

'Cook, hold on. What is it?'

'Why don't you go, if you want to. You keep telling me you've got most of the paper finished anyway. I'm sure you can finish it up tomorrow and Saturday.'

'No, I'd rather get it done. There is no way I'm going to miss out on Sunday!'

Naomi shot her a fondly exasperated look. 'Ems, we'll still go out on Sunday, no matter what. Seriously, go.'

'Not unless you come too. You can meet all my crazy college friends.' Emily quirked a grin, licked her lips quickly.

From the phone blasted 'Yeah tell her, come along. We are crazy, but we're mad fun.'

'You heard the man.'

Naomi shook her head, knew she'd probably regret it. 'Alright, but no pills or anything for me.'

'That's fair. Alright Cook, we'll come.'

'Outstanding, man. 10, 10.30 at the usual?'

'Okay, see you then.' Emily hit the end button, and the silence was almost deafening.

'You went to school with him? He seems... exuberant.'

'Cook is great. He's larger than life and so awfully crude, not to mention that he will try to fuck anything in a skirt. But under all that he's very sweet. Never tell him I said that though!'

'Schtum it is. So where are we going exactly?'

'Same place we used to go back in college. You'll see when we get there.'

'Well, I was thinking that we'll probably need to meet there.' Rushed on at Emily's downcast look. 'Not that I don't want to spend the rest of the afternoon with you, but we will both need to go home to change - I know I'm not dressed for going out. And it might be easier to just meet up there, seeing as we live on opposite sides of the city.'

'You're right, as usual. Alright, I'll text you the address. Don't you dare pike on me though, you've agreed to come.' Finger pointed accusingly, brows creased, Emily tried to pull off stern but ended up looking adorable.

Hands in the air. 'Okay, okay, I said I'll come. Watch where you're pointing that thing, then.'

She laughed, twisted the finger through her red hair instead. 'There'll be big trouble if I don't see you tonight.'

'Understood.'

Several changes of clothes later, Naomi still could not work out what the fuck to wear that evening. She stood in front of her closet, dressed only in underwear and a bra, rifling through the clothes on the rack and moaning pitifully. 'Fuck, I've got nothing I want to wear.' A pile of discards was building on the bed behind her as she tore items out, gave them the once over and groaned in frustration.

From somewhere buried in the pile her phone rang. 'Shite.' Shirts and pants flew around the room as she desperately searched for the phone.

'Hello.' Breathless.

'Well hi. I thought you weren't going to answer.'

'Couldn't find the bloody phone.'

'Right.'

'S'true. Was buried in a pile of clothes. Should see my bedroom right now, looks like a fucking clothes bomb exploded here.'

Laughter through the phone, Naomi couldn't help but chuckle in response.

'So you're still coming then?'

'I said I would. Though I still can't work out what the fuck to wear.'

A snort. 'Can't be that hard. You always wear the same kind of stuff.'

'Well thanks, that says a lot about how you view me and my rubbish dress sense.'

'You always look good to me.'

Naomi felt a lurch in her chest, caught her breath. 'Thanks.'

'So, what have you managed to decide on so far?'

'Thus far I'll be coming out to meet your friends in my underthings.'

A stifled chuckle. 'Really? Intriguing. Cook will be impressed - or maybe we should skip the whole thing and I'll be right over.'

'Ems!'

'What?'

'Be reasonable.'

'Reasonable is overrated. No I want to go out, it'll be fun. I want you to meet these guys. Understand how I was lucky to get out of college alive.' A pause. 'Wear something... revealing. No, something tight. I want to see those muscles that I know are there.'

Naomi swallowed convulsively. 'O.. o..' Cleared her throat. 'Okay, I'll see what I can find.'

'Great. See you in a bit then.'

'Bye.'

God. A breath. Tight. Revealing. God.

Naomi spied a newish pair of jeans hanging off the edge of the bedside table. They'll do. She slipped them on, turned around to check her ass in the mirror. Pretty tight. Not too bad. Have to do.

Delving further into her closet she found a sleeveless shirt. It pulled a little around her shoulders, but gave the desired effect of highlighting her hard earned muscles. I'm going to fucking freeze. Hope she appreciates it.

Naomi surveyed the people lining up to get into the club, surmised their average age was probably around half her own. Well, that was possibly exaggerating somewhat, but not by much. Got to get over it, here for Emily, remember.

The bouncer took her money at the door, eyed her in a slightly puzzled manner, but shrugged and allowed her to pass. Probably thinks I'm some damn paedophile or something. Christ. Why am I here again?

A familiar flash of red in her peripheral vision served as a reminder.

She elbowed her way through the crowd, ended up behind her target. It appeared as though Emily was haranguing a couple of guys. The taller of the two was staring at her vacantly, as if he was not really present at all, not even flinching when she jabbed a finger into his chest repeatedly. With some force. The other seemed alternately to be placating and laughing at her, fending off the jabbing hands and grinning like an idiot. Naomi took another good look at the redhead, noted the provocative outfit, the spike heels. The bling. This wasn't Emily.

She stepped to the side of the smaller woman, raised her hand to catch her attention. 'Hi. You must be Ka...'

'I'm Katie fucking Fitch, who the fuck are you?' Challenging.

Naomi gulped convulsively. Jesus. 'A friend of your sister's, I'm supposed to meet her here.'

The shorter of the two men perked up at this, stared at Naomi intently. 'You Emily's new bird then, the one she was with earlier? Fuck, didn't realise she'd gone and shagged an older woman.' Naomi winced. This must be Cook.

'Er, we're not exactly... shagging... as such, we're friends, in the same class, study together.' She realised she was babbling, shut her mouth with a snap.

Katie was glaring at her with murderous intent. 'What kind of sick fuck are you, hanging around my baby sister when you're a million years old? Why don't you just fuck off back to the nursing home where you belong.' Naomi was shocked but vaguely impressed. She thought she'd never met anyone before who was so instantly, openly, scathingly venomous.

Cook began 'Katiekins, wait a minute now...'

Katie whipped her head towards him, tossed a furious 'Fuck you Cook, stay out of it'. Pivoted back to Naomi. 'Well, what are you then, some sick old perv who hangs out at university to prey on pretty girls or what?'

Naomi felt slightly singed by both the glare and the attitude. She fought the urge to retaliate in kind, this was Emily's sister for god's sake.

'Actually, I'm a third year student, mature age obviously, and we have a politics class together. I certainly don't hang around perving on pretty girls as you say.'

'Just perving on Emily then.'

'I do not perv at her.' Much. Still trying to be reasonable. 'I find her very attractive, that's true, but then I think any person on the planet with a pulse would find your sister attractive.' Deliberate emphasis. Whoops, that was a bit pointed. Naomi widened her stance, crossed her arms. Engaged.

A low chuckle distracted her momentarily. She glanced over to see Cook and the other guy watching them avidly, now accompanied by an emo-looking waif thin brunette, the source of the laughter.

Katie's eyes narrowed, fury evident. She stalked right into Naomi's space, finger extended and ready to jab. 'You fucking crazy lezzer, stay the fuck away from me and my sister.'

'I'm so more than happy to oblige the former. I think Emily can make her own decisions about who she associates with, though.'

'Bitch. I'm going to fucking mess you up!'

Naomi could see a slap coming, was trying to decide whether to just brace or to actively try to defend, when a horrified 'Katie!' came from behind her. Oh god, how much of that did she hear?

Emily brushed by Naomi, got in between her and Katie. 'Katie, what the fuck?'

'What do you mean what the fuck? I'm the one should be saying what the fuck. What the actual fuck, Ems, what are you doing hanging around with this old lezzer? Jesus.'

'Like she told you we have a class together and we study together. We're friends.' Oh great, she heard the whole thing.

Emily stepped back beside Naomi, put a hand on her arm. 'Everyone, this is Naomi. Naomi, this is Freddie, Cook and Effy, and my sister Katie who it seems you've already met.' Emily shot a glare at Katie.

Freddie aimed a glassy eyed smile in Naomi's direction, Cook hailed her with a cheerful 'Nice one blondie'. Effy aimed a wink and a smirk at her.

Katie rolled her eyes and scoffed. 'Fucks sake Em, are you out of your fucking mind?'

'Nice to meet you all. Sorry if I've caused some... tension.'

'Ah, don't worry about it blondie.' Cook sidled up to her. 'Not often someone puts the wind up Katiekin's sails like that, fuckin' top shelf that was.'

At that Katie's temper apparently boiled over. With a strangled 'Fuck you all' she turned on her heel and stormed off, thrusting people violently out of her way.

Shooting a cryptic glance and a whispered 'Wait here' at Naomi, Emily took off after her sister.

Naomi watched her go, saw her intercept Katie and the commencement of what should prove to be a scorching argument, judging by the thunderous looks on both their faces.

Cook stroked her arm to get her attention. 'So Naomi was it?'

A nod.

'So what's the deal with you and Ems then, not getting it on?'

'Errr, no.'

'Right then. Well, if you're in the market, I'm up for it, for sure.'

Naomi stared at him, incredulous. God, Emily was spot on, he really would try to fuck anyone. 'Er, thanks, but no thanks. Katie may have been well out of line, but she was correct in calling me a big old lezzer.'

Cook actually winced at her caustic tone. 'Katie can be a bit of a bitch, sometimes.'

'No, really?'

Another chuckle from the slender brunette. Effy. Naomi rolled her eyes. Cut the sarcasm, idiot. 'Right, sorry. I shouldn't take it out on you.'

'That's orright, man.' Cook's face warmed, and he resumed leering at her. Naomi briefly considered poking his eyes out, settled on rolling her own once more. 'Katie needs her eyes seeing to, anyway. You don't look that much older, and you're well fit.' He was staring at her biceps. 'Actually really fit.'

'I'm older than I look. But yes, I do try to stay fit and healthy.'

'It's definitely paying off, blondie.' Cook reached out to stroke her arm, but his hand froze in place and then retracted quickly when he spotted the glare being directed at him.

A snort from Effy. 'So, how old are you then? If you're so much older than you look.' Effy's voice was low pitched, the tone mocking.

'Old enough to know better. Although, apparently not, because I find myself here.'

'Come on, tell us. You can't be more than 5 or 6 years older than us anyway.' Cook joined the fray, took the question as an opportunity to ogle her body up and down.

'It's none of your fucking business.' Emily appeared beside Naomi suddenly, looking flushed and annoyed.

Naomi quirked a small grin at her, raised an eyebrow in question.

Emily licked her lips, then smiled. 'I'm okay.'

'So am I. Actually Cook, I am older than that.'

'No, can't be.'

Naomi laughed at his insistence. 'I'm not sure who you're trying to convince. I am older than that. I'm turning 33 next month.' Her laugh deepened as she watched three jaws drop in front of her. Emily was smirking beside her, eyes twinkling, clearly delighted by their reaction.

'No fucking way.' Cook shook his head violently, the look of disbelief quite comical.

'Look, do you want to see some ID or what?' Beside her, Emily let out a belly laugh. Naomi thought it was quite possibly the best sound she'd ever heard, and instantly determined to try to make it happen as often as possible.

Unexpectedly, Freddie joined the conversation. 'That's cool man. Nothing wrong with shagging older women.' Naomi tried, but failed, to contain her laughter as Emily, Cook and Effy turned to stare at Freddie in shock. What a farce this was turning out to be.

'Freds, is there something you're not telling us?' Cook was staring at Freddie intently.

Before Freddie could answer, Emily grabbed Naomi's arm and tugged her away. 'Naoms, come and get a drink. I don't really want to hear what Freddie's been up to.'

Naomi shrugged, waved at the others. 'Nice to meet you. Later.'

As they waited at the bar Emily kept a hold of her arm, leaned her head against the taller woman's shoulder. 'Listen, I'm sorry about Katie before. When she walked in tonight she saw the guy she's been shagging all week snogging some other girl. And Katie... Katie doesn't get upset, she gets angry.'

'Oh. Right. That's shit. On both counts, really.'

'Mmm hmm.' A pause. 'I'm actually quite worried about her. She's been going through guys like tissues lately. And the ones she spends any time with... they end up being complete tools, like this one tonight. I can see that she's unhappy. Fuck, we all can, she's been fucking hellish to live with lately.'

Naomi was saved having to come up with a diplomatic response to that when the bartender asked for their orders.

'Listen, will you come and help me find her? I'd really like to introduce you properly.'

'Alright.'

Emily grabbed onto her hand. They stepped into the mass of bodies, followed the ebb and flow of the crowd. Naomi spotted the red hair, squeezed the hand in hers and gestured with her head when Emily looked up. A determined look dropped onto her face, and Naomi thought it was one of the cutest things she'd ever seen. God, you're so soft, Campbell.

Katie was dancing. Naomi wasn't quite sure how it was possible to move that way, in those heels. Kudos to you, Katie. A collection of guys were clustered around, and she was obviously flirting outrageously with all of them. There was a collective gasp when Emily appeared next to her sister. Naomi could practically see them salivating. Tossers.

Katie's genuine smile of greeting turned to a scowl when she noticed the blonde, the look darkening further when she spotted their linked hands. 'So much for just friends.'

'I never said just friends. Katie, please...'

'What Ems?'

'Come with me, just for a minute. I want you guys to meet properly.'

Katie scoffed, rolled her eyes. But she took Emily's outstretched hand, allowed herself to be led off the dance floor.

A/N: And just because I haven't written enough already... Please, don't accuse me of Katie-bashing. I will put my hand up and proclaim that I love the fabulous Ms Katie Fitch. I wrote a lot of this chapter right at the beginning, there were a few scenes that just hounded me until I got them down. But Emily and Naomi haven't quite cooperated, and so my plan is kind of useless now, and I had to do quite a bit of an overhaul here. In any case, they weren't supposed to be quite as together yet, and so it didn't matter so much how nasty Katie was. Rest assured, she will come around. I've written a very nice moment between Naomi and Katie that will come up later. I just need to figure out how to get there...