A/N: Well, hello. ;-)

Thanks again to all of you who have read, reviewed, followed and favourited this little tale of mine. This is the last proper chapter, I guess... The next one will be the epilogue that is going to be set some months ahead.

GloryMorgan pointed out the last chapter should have had a Goo Warning™ for the last part. It's probably true, now that I think about it, but didn't think of it at the time.

No clues for this one... Just read :-)

On with it, then...

Disclaimer: I do not own skins. I'm not a legal experts and all the cop admin stuff mentioned is probably all bollocks. Although I did a bit of research on the crimes, so some of that might be partially correct. Any and all typos are not my fault.

(Emily POV)

I woke up several hours later, not to an alarm, or a phone call, but to the feeling of Naomi nudging me awake. I shifted slightly, and heard her sharp intake of breath, which caused my eyes to flick open.

"You ok?" I asked, my voice both husky and croaky from sleeping as I looked at her with concern.

"Uncomfortable." Naomi said, her own voice tense. I immediately, though carefully, wriggled out of her arms and sat up. She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"How long have you been awake?" I asked.

"About an hour." Naomi replied.

"Please tell me you haven't been waiting for me to wake up?"

She bit her bottom lip. "I didn't want to wake you." She said, quietly.

I frowned, and shook out my hair, before looking into Naomi's eyes, sighing. "You should have... It's not right that you should be uncomfortable while I sleep, baby."

"Ok."

"Ok?"

Naomi nodded. "I'd...probably do the same, y'know?" She said.

I gave her a small smile, and reached over to brush her fringe out of her eyes. It was something that I seemed to do often, but Naomi didn't complain, and I quite enjoyed doing it. There were many little ways in which we showed affection for each other; Naomi would give me looks, and I'd return them, I'd trace patterns in her skin while we watched a movie, or just lay together talking, but my absolute favourite was to stroke my fingers through her fringe while staring into her eyes. What? You thought we just shagged each other's brains out? (Well, we do, but...y'know...)

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

She sighed, and then coughed slightly, wincing. "I feel like I was in a car accident." She deadpanned.

"Baby... I'm serious."

She nodded. "I know...sorry. Can't help it, y'know?" She replied. "Uhm... Apart from the pain in my ribs, I'm ok."

"Any headache, or dizziness?" I asked. Naomi shook her head. "You would tell me, right?" She looked into my eyes, and nodded. "Ok. I just...worry."

"I know, Em." She said, before very carefully sitting up, and leaning against the headboard. "Fuck..." She mumbled, with a screwed up expression of agony. "Ok...that hurts."

I let her catch her breath, and then spoke again. "I have to go to the station later. I have to return the car, and speak with the inspector."

"About the case?"

I shook my head. "No." I said, looking into her eyes. "About my relationship with you." I added, quietly.

She sighed. "Oh." She said, looking down at her hands. "How much trouble are you in?"

"Enough. But after last night... I still have a job, at least." I said.

"And...what about the rest?" Naomi asked.

"He's suspending me, temporarily."

"What?! Emily, that's not fair!"

I shook my head. "No, you're right, it isn't. But he's my boss, babe. He is following regulations set out by the department... He has an obligation... But he understands, Naoms. When I explained about you and me, he said he met his wife in much the same circumstances. He couldn't avoid falling for her, anymore than I could help falling for you." I explained.

"And how did he find out?"

I shrugged. "I told him you'd been abducted, he asked now I knew, and I showed him your text. Then he read through our message history. Wasn't hard to work it out."

"Oh." Naomi replied, wide-eyed. "I bet he got an eyeful." She smirked.

I blushed. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure when his eyebrows perked up he was reading the one where you mentioned that you wanted to fuck me on the roof of the club." I replied.

Naomi gave me a sly grin. "Still want to."

"Cheeky." I said. "You're lucky you're injured."

Naomi's smile faded, and she shook her head. "I'm lucky you were there for me."

I nodded, and we sat silently for a moment, and then a thought occurred to me. "Can I ask you something...about last night?"

"Sure."

"Effy told me you normally go up to the roof to smoke... Why didn't you last night?"

Naomi sighed deeply. "You have to promise me you won't take it the wrong way if I tell you."

"Ok..."

"It was busy at the bar, yeah? I wanted to take you up to the roof so we could watch the stars, or...maybe something a little friskier, I guess. But I didn't have time, and I knew you were spending time with your sister, and I didn't feel like being on the roof without you. So, I went out the side door, instead." She explained.

I stared at her for a long moment before I spoke. "Next time, go up to the bloody roof, yeah?" I said, taking her hand in mine and kissing the back of it gently. "I'll always be with you, no matter what...here." I said, placing my hand over her heart.

Naomi looked into my eyes and then shook her head. "There won't be a next time. I'm quitting."

"The Unicorn?" I asked, shocked.

"Oh, god, no." Naomi smirked. "Smoking. It's definitely proved hazardous to my health. So long as you can handle me being a cranky bitch for the next week or so."

I smiled. "I'm sure I can handle it."

Naomi nodded. "Ok." She slid her arm around my shoulders and pulled me in close, kissing my temple.

I nestled my head into her shoulder and sighed. "I wish I didn't have to go to the station."

"Why?" Naomi asked, softly.

I looked up to meet her eyes. "I don't want to leave you alone." I said, biting my bottom lip. "I'm sort of scared to, if I'm being completely honest."

Naomi sighed. "I'll be fine, babe." She said.

"I'm not sure how long I'll be." I said, nervously. "I just..." I trailed off before sighing. "Sorry, I'm being ridiculous."

"Why?"

"Because I'm scared for you, and Sophia is probably in hospital under guard or in custody right now. It's irrational." I replied.

Naomi's phone began to vibrate on the bedside table next to her. She carefully reached over and picked it up, answering it. "Effy, hey."

I went to move but Naomi held me close to her. "I'm just going to get some water." I whispered. She nodded and released her hold on me, and I got up out of bed, padding out to the kitchen. I took a glass out of the cupboard and filled it with water, drinking it down, and then refilling it. I popped a couple of painkillers out of their blister pack and took them with me back into the bedroom, just as Naomi was finishing her conversation.

"Ok, alright... I assure you I'm fine, but if it'll make you feel better... Alright...see you then." She said, ending the call. She tossed her phone back on the bedside table and leaned her head against the headboard, sighing.

"What was that about?" I asked, handing her the painkillers and the glass of water.

"Trying to drug me now, Detective?" She smirked taking the glass from my hand.

"Not intentionally." I said, with a soft smile. "But something tells me you aren't completely painless."

She looked up at me. "How do you know?"

I shrugged. "Call it instinct, I guess."

"Perceptive." She smirked, before swallowing the pills and drinking from the glass. "Effy's coming over, so you don't have to worry about me being alone." She said, quietly. The tone of her voice was slightly apprehensive as she said it, almost sad.

"You don't sound to happy about that...why?"

Naomi frowned. "Because I have a feeling I'm going to get the third degree from her over last night. I don't think she's mad at me, but... I just...don't feel like talking about it."

I walked around the bed and sat back down on it, scooting close to Naomi and crossing my legs. I took her hand in both of mine and squeezed it gently. "Naomi, I know you don't. I can't begin to imagine how it felt, what you went through."

She looked at me, her beautiful blue eyes all curious. "There's a 'but' in there, isn't there?"

I nodded. "Yeah, there is. I haven't asked you about it, because at the moment, I'm just glad you're safe. But you should talk about it. It will help you to deal with what you went through."

Naomi smiled at me and reached up to stroke her fingers through my hair. "My dear, sweet Emily..." She said, as her palm came to rest against my cheek. "I'm fine, really." She said. I looked into her eyes and felt my eyebrow raising. "Really!" She added, though her tone was nervous.

"Naomi Campbell..." I said, gently. "It doesn't make you any less of a strong person to admit it."

She shrugged, slightly. "Nothing to admit to, really."

I shook my head. "You might be an expert at running a club and seducing women, but I've seen enough, being a copper, of people who go through different things after trauma. Stress, depression, blaming themselves, you name it."

"I'm not-"

"Don't, Naoms. Please, baby...don't bullshit me and tell me you are ok." I said, looking right into her eyes. "I can see through it, and I'd hate for you to lie to me when I'm suggesting something that might help you. I'm only saying it because I love you, and it's hard enough to see you physically hurting, without knowing you're hurting up here, too." I said, reaching up to touch her forehead. I saw them, then... The tears welling in her eyes. She gave one long sniffle before they began to slip down her pale cheeks. I relented then, and carefully took her into my arms. "Fuck, I'm sorry." I muttered, holding onto her gently.

She shook her head against me. "No...don't be."

"I didn't mean to make you cry, though..." I said.

"I know. But, you're right. I'm just a twat who is too stubborn to admit it. Too bloody proud." She croaked.

"Hey, listen... It takes more pride to admit it, than it does to wallow."

She laughed slightly. "Have you been talking to my mother?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Not since we had breakfast at hers, why?"

"That sounded very much like Gina Campbell style advice."

I giggled. "Aww. Well, maybe I'm channelling her or something. Speaking of which...you need to call her and tell her what's happened."

"Oh, now you're just making it worse." Naomi groaned. "If I do, I'll never get any bloody peace."

I smirked. "Why, Naomi... Anyone would think you don't want us to look after you."

"I don't need looking after!" She protested.

"Oh, really?" I said, looking at her quizzically. "Go on, then... Get out of bed and run around the room, or do star jumps or something. Go on!"

Naomi frowned. "Fine, point noted." She muttered, leaning her head back against the headboard.

"Besides, if you don't call her, I will."

Her eyes went wide. "You wouldn't." I went to reach for her phone off the bedside table. "OI! Alright! I'll bloody call her." She said, taking her phone before I could. I watched her expectantly, again raising my eyebrow, as if to say 'go on, then'. "What...now?" I nodded. "You realise you owe me for this?"

"Mmhmm... And when you're healed, I'll make sure you are repaid... In full." I said, seductively, leaning in to kiss her.

"Crafty bitch." She muttered, looking through her contacts, and dialling Gina's number.

I smirked. "Yes, but you love me, and you know it." I said, kissing her cheek before I crawled off the bed.

"Where are you going?"

"Shower." I said.

"But- oh, hi mum..." She said, glaring at me. I smiled sweetly and waved my fingers at her before walking into the bathroom and shutting the door.

(Naomi POV)

"Mum, I'll be FINE, Effy's coming round soonish." I protested. Once Gina had heard the short version of what had happened, she began to insist on coming around to (s)mother me.

"Nonsense, dear. I'm coming around to make you some chicken soup, and that's final."

"Mum, Emily's here as well. Really, I'll be ok."

"Naomi, do shut up and stop being a stubborn twat!" Gina scolded.

The bathroom door opened, and Emily came out in one of my black towels, which was wrapped around her gorgeous petite body. Oh, how I wish I wasn't injured at this moment.

"Did you hear what I said, Naomi?" Came my mother's voice in my ear.

"Huh?" I replied.

"I said I will be around in half an hour. I'll see you then." Gina replied, before hanging up on me.

"Mum...mum! Shit, she hung up on me." I muttered, tossing my phone onto the duvet. "If I've lost my marbles by the end of the day, or killed someone in a fit of rage, I'm blaming you." I said, looking at Emily. "Now Gina's coming 'round as well."

Emily grinned at me. "Well, now I don't feel so bad about leaving you all alone."

"Remember how I said you owed me?" She nodded. "Well, now you owe me twice as much, because I'm putting up with twice the grief, as well as chicken soup."

Emily's brow furrowed. "Where does chicken soup come into it?"

I sighed. "Gina's cure-all."

"Ahhh... Got it." Emily replied, as she finished drying off, and dropped the towel. "Mind if I borrow some underwear?"

"I'd prefer you without it, actually..." I smirked.

"Painkillers have kicked in then, I see." Emily said.

I shrugged as much as was comfortable. "Maybe."

Emily smirked at me. "As tempting as it might seem, you're not in any condition to." She replied. "Naoms, can I borrow some fucking underwear, or not?"

I laughed softly. "Sure. Top drawer, hun."

I watched her as she went to the dresser and opened the top drawer, pulling out a pair of boxer briefs, stepping into them and sliding them up her toned legs. It occurred to me then, how I'd very nearly been deprived of seeing this sight ever again. I took delight in watching, then... As Emily got dressed, seemingly oblivious to my roving eyes, until she pulled her shirt over her head and her eyes met mind. "What?" She asked.

I shook my head. "Just...enjoying the sights."

Emily blushed. "Perv."

I grinned. "Well, you're the one who pointed out my condition. At least allow me the luxury of perving on my girlfriend."

A knock came on the front door, then.

"I'll get it." Emily said, tossing me a shirt that was lying on top of the dresser and walking out of the room. I slowly put it on, in spite of the painkillers, my ribs still ached like hell. I heard voices from the sitting room, one of which was Emily's distinctive huskiness, and the other I recognised as Effy's. That was confirmed, when I looked up to see my best friend leaning in the doorway.

"You look like shit, Naoms." She said, her ever-present, ever-annoying smirk gracing her lips.

"Ha." I replied. "Nice to see you too, Elizabeth."

She raised her eyebrow at me, and then looked at Emily. "Sense of humour still intact, then?"

Emily laughed. "Looks that way. Although she's being very stubborn. Maybe you can talk some sense into her."

"OI... No digs at the injured person, yeah? It's bad enough you've sicked my mother onto me."

"Gina's coming 'round?" Effy asked.

"Yep." Emily replied.

"Ah, I love Gina's chicken soup." Effy smirked. "Good thing she always makes plenty."

"I thought Gina cooked vegetarian?" Emily said.

"Mostly." I corrected. "One of her exceptions is chicken soup for when you're sick."

"Or injured, in your case." Effy said, crossing the room and sitting beside me on my bed. "How are you feeling?" She asked, her blue eyes meeting my own, with that stare that always saw right through me.

"I should get going." Emily said, and a cold flickering sense of detachment went through me.

"Uhm...are you coming back?" I asked.

Emily nodded. "Yeah. I'll stop off home after, but I'll come back. I may be a couple of hours, though depending." She said, coming towards me. She leaned down and kissed me slowly. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Save me some soup." She smirked, as she walked out of the room. I sighed, closing my eyes and leaving my head back, hearing the front door shut quietly.

"She's a keeper, that one." Effy said.

"Yeah...I know." I said, quietly.

"Naoms-"

"Don't, Eff. I know. It was majorly stupid of me." I said, sorrow in my voice. "I didn't think...at least, not about that. I couldn't tell you what I was thinking."

Effy slid back against the headboard and sat with her hands in her lap. "I'm to blame too, y'know?" She said. "I should have come out with you, but... It was busy."

"I know it was, Eff. But it's my fault for not going onto the roof like normal."

"Why didn't you, then?"

I shrugged slightly. "I wanted to take Emily up there, to show her the stars. But she needed to spend time with her sister, and I didn't feel like going up there alone. The side door was quicker." I said. "I obviously wasn't expecting to be jumped and abducted."

Effy nodded. "How do you feel?"

"I've felt better." I replied. "The doctor said I have bruising around one rib, and a small fracture in another. I've also got a bruised and swollen knee, but that should clear up in a few days. They gave me painkillers to take if I need them."

"And did you?"

"I did last night, it hurt more this morning, so Emily made me take some more about half an hour ago... The pain isn't so bad, now."

"And the rest?" Effy asked.

"What d'you mean?"

"Don't play coy with me, Campbell. I'll just drag it out of you eventually, and I'd rather not have to."

I sighed. "I don't know, Eff. I don't think it's caught up with me, yet."

"Shock?"

"Probably. It just seems so...surreal." I said. "Like it was a dream, y'know? One minute I was finishing my smoke, and the next thing I woke up in the back of a car with a bad headache."

"What happened then?" Effy asked.

I looked at my hands, remaining silent for a moment. "I'm not sure how long I'd been out. I don't know where Mandy took me."

"Mandy?" Effy asked. "Wait, you mean...from college? The Neanderthal who was taller than you?"

"Yeah, that's the one." I said. "God knows how she got mixed up with Sophia. I can't even thank her for stopping Sophia from shooting me."

"What?!"

"Emily didn't tell you?" I asked. Effy shook her head. I sighed. "I was in a room...the windows were boarded up, and all that was inside was a very uncomfortable bed, and a table with a bible on it, as well as a lamp. After a while, Mandy brought me some food. But it was drugged with something... I passed out. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the back of the car again... My hands tied behind my back this time, so I couldn't reach my phone where I'd stashed it in the back seat." I explained, pausing for a moment. "Sophia had a gun. She was probably going to shoot me when Mandy tried to intervene. The gun...it dropped behind the front seat, so she couldn't get to it. Then they started arguing, or maybe were still arguing. I'd just come to from being drugged, and it was a bit hazy, until the car started weaving... Then I took note of the conversation and put two and two together."

"Why a bible?" Effy asked.

"Out of all that, you ask about the bible?" I asked. Effy shrugged. "I don't know why. All I know is it was bookmarked with a highlighted passage which referenced homosexuality as being against nature."

Effy thought for a moment. "Well, that makes even less sense than Sophia doing all this shit to begin with. I mean, it was years ago, Naoms. She's gay herself, so why would she reference a bible passage condemning her own kind? Furthermore, why would she go after you to begin with? College is ancient history."

"I don't think she ever let go of me, Eff. Emily said when the broke into her flat they found a wall full of pictures she'd taken of me. She'd been stalking me for months."

"Christ. How did we not notice?" Effy said, in disbelief.

I shook my head."I don't know. The tragic thing is, there are now three innocent people who are dead because of her." I said, sadly. "I sort of feel bad, to be honest."

"Why? It's not your fault."

"Not directly, no. But I can't help but wonder if I'd been nicer about it in the first place...let Sophia down more gently-"

"Oh, that's not good, Naomi. That's 'what if' territory, and that never helps." Effy said, cutting me off.

Another knock came at the front door.

"Christ. Don't answer it." I groaned, running my fingers through my hair. "I can't handle her right now." I said, sadly.

Effy glared at me and got up anyway, walking out to the front door. I counted in my head backwards from ten. Five...four...three...two...

"Oh, my poor baby!" Mum said, as she entered my room, rushing to my bedside to hug me.

"No! Don't... Broken ribs. I know what you're like, you'll fucking crush the hell out of me, and I'm in too much pain." I said, sternly.

"Oh, don't be silly. Are you alright? Well, of course you aren't. Tell me all about it."

So I did, giving her the same version of events I have Effy.

"It was Emily and Effy that saved me." I concluded the tale with.

"Don't forget, your paranoia helped, too." Effy piped up.

"I suppose... But you helped. And Emily took a massive professional risk to rescue me." I said, falling silent as I thought about her meeting with her inspector.

"Yes, speaking of... where is Emily?" Gina asked.

"The police station. Facing the music." I replied. "She basically had to confess our relationship to her inspector to get help to find me. She's lucky to still have a job."

"I see." Gina replied.

I looked down at my hands, again. "Emily loves her job." I mumbled. "And she risked it for me." The tears began to prick at my eyelids. "Christ."

"She must love you more." Gina said.

"Yeah." I croaked. "Yeah, I guess so."

(Emily POV)

My meeting with the inspector wasn't the most pleasant thing I've had to endure in my career, but rules are rules.

"I find myself a little torn over this situation, Fitch." He said.

"Torn, sir?"

"Mmhmm. Because I can't imagine what you've gone through in the past twenty-four hours. As I told you last night, Emily, I do understand...about your relationship with Miss Campbell."

"I'm aware." I replied.

"I can also tell you are very fond of her. It must have been hard for you to come to me about her abduction."

"Very, sir. I knew I could very well put my career at risk by doing so. But I was also worried about her safety."

"I know. And I've taken all that into consideration in my decision." He explained. "Emily, you are one of my best detectives. I know this Sophia Moore case has been lacking in evidence, and I hope you will accept my apology for blaming that on your relationship with Miss Campbell. It's now obvious that the lack of evidence we had was nothing to do with it at all."

I nodded. "I can accept that, sir."

"Miss Campbell..."

"Naomi."

"Naomi...how is she?"

"One rib has a small fracture and she also has some bruising to her ribs. Also a bruised and swollen knee." I said. "It could have been much worse."

"Jones said you found a gun in the SUV?"

I nodded. "Wedged under the front passenger seat."

"I see." He said. "Well, I have some good news."

"There's good news?"

"Oh, yes. Sophia Moore is currently in the hospital, in an induced coma. She suffered a broken leg, fractured wrist and a collapsed lung as a result of the crash. She also had bleeding on the brain, which is why she is in the induced coma."

I swallowed. "Will she live?"

"From what the doctors have said, yes. They are going to bring her out of the coma tomorrow, and when she is coherent, we are going to formally arrest and charge her." He explained.

"With what?"

"At least eleven charges. Conspiracy to commit armed robbery, accessory to armed robbery, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping/deprivation of liberty, two charges of murder, criminally negligent manslaughter, breaking and entering, theft, aggravated criminal damage and stalking." He said.

"Manslaughter?"

"Unless we can find out more about how the vehicle crashed, the driver's death falls under manslaughter because it may not have been intentional."

"I see."

"Regardless, with the evidence we have, she's going away for a considerable amount of time. Some of those charges carry very long sentences."

"Right." I said, pausing for a moment to take it all in. "And what about me, sir?" I asked.

He looked at me with sympathy. "That is where I'm torn, Fitch. According to regulations you should be suspended and then have to face a disciplinary hearing for gross misconduct, the outcome of which is normally dismissal." He explained.

"Oh. I figured as much." I replied, sadly.

"However..."

I looked up at him. "However?"

"Even though you knew the risk of owning up, you did it anyway. It was selfless, and the right thing to do, under your duty as a police officer. You acted in an honest and professional manner coming to me, and did so with integrity, rather than going out on your own to find her, which could have ended very differently."

I nodded. "Thank you for the compliment."

"As to my decision... I'm suspending you for one month on full pay, effective immediately. After that, a probationary period of three months will apply. I can't fire you, Emily. You did save Naomi's life, after all, and you're too good a detective to lose. But you understand I'm bound by regulations to discipline you in some way."

"Yes, I understand." I replied, relief washing over me. "I'm very grateful."

"Also... Unfortunately, I can't allow you to continue with the Moore case. You are far too close to it." He said, frowning. "It pains me to take you off it, because you worked hard on it. But you're personally involved, and it's not ethical."

I nodded. "I know. And that's fair." I said, sadly.

"You're not happy about it, though."

I shrugged. "Not really, sir, considering all the time and effort I put into it. But, I understand why. Conflict of interest, and all that. It doesn't look good."

"The other reason is because of your suspension. We need to work quickly to get the case to court. While Sophia might be incapacitated, we need to at least get her charged, etcetera. And it's not possible to do that quickly if the investigating officer has been suspended." He said. "Time is of the essence. We will send an officer around to Naomi's home address to take her statement tomorrow morning."

"I understand."

He stared at me, and smiled softly. "Ok. That's all, Emily. You can go now."

I stood up. "Thank you, sir. For everything."

He nodded. "Just one more thing, Emily. If anything like this happens again... I won't be so lenient."

I nodded my understanding. "Goodbye, sir."

"Take care, Fitch."

I left the station and took the long way home. I had mixed emotions, and felt awful about doing so. I'd saved Naomi's life, and that was important to me. But in doing so, I'd put my career, that was also important to me, at risk. Happy about one, but sad about the other. Still, it wasn't all bad, I suppose, I still did have a job, just with a sort of extended holiday followed by probation. I don't know what that is going to entail, and it's not like I actively look for people to shag while working. I'm a copper, not a hooker, for fuck's sake,

I sighed to myself, as I finally made it back to my flat. I took my phone out of my pocket, and opened a new text message.

"Hey. I'm at mine now...picking up some clothes then coming back to yours. Explain when I get there. Love you xoxo xEmsx"

I rummaged around my closet packing a few things into an overnight bag, and then left my flat again, locking the door behind me. I zoned out enough on the walk to Naomi's flat that is almost walked straight past her building. I trudged up the stairs, and knocked on her door. Gina smiled at me when she opened the door, and the delicious aroma of something cooking filled my senses.

"Emily! Do come in, dear!" She said, cheerily.

I entered the flat and put my bag down, only to turn around and be almost tackle hugged by the elder Campbell.

"Oof! Jesus!" I half-laughed, as Gina hugged me tightly.

She kissed my forehead firmly. "Thank you, Emily. For bringing her back safe." She said her eyes tearing up.

"It was the least I could do." I murmured.

Effy stood in the doorway of Naomi's room. "Don't smother her, Gina." She smirked.

"Oh hush, Effy. She saved Naomi's life!"

"OI! Stop bloody smothering my girlfriend!" I heard from Naomi's room. I smiled, and blushed hearing her call me that, with just that little hint of protectiveness in her voice.

Gina laughed. "Go on, Emily. I think she's missed you."

I walked into her room and stood in the doorway. She looked up at me with a big smile on her face. "Hi."

"Hi yourself." I replied. "How are you feeling?"

She motioned for me to come in, and so I did, sitting on the bed next to her. She slowly lifted her arm and put it around my shoulders, drawing me close. "Better now that you are here. Those two out there are driving me barmy." She said, kissing my temple softly.

"Is that your mum's chicken soup I can smell?" I asked, gently stroking through Naomi's fringe.

"Mmhmm." She replied. "Best recipe ever."

"Mmm." I smiled.

There was a short pause. "So? How did it go?" Naomi asked.

Effy appeared at the door, and so did Gina. "Do tell, Emily." Gina said, as the two of them came into the room and sat on the end of the bed.

I sighed. "First of all, let me say that it could have been worse."

"Do you still have a job?" Naomi asked, her voice timid.

"Yes, I do." I replied. "I got off with a suspension, and three months probation afterwards. I've also been taken off the case."

"But you saved Naomi's life!" Gina said, in disbelief.

"Yes, and that's why I still have a job." I said. "I broke the rules, Gina. By being with Naomi. But, I knew the risk when she and I got together."

"Well, the rules aren't fair."

"True, some aren't. But it's mostly to protect both the public, and the honour and integrity of the police force."

"Honour and integrity?" Gina laughed.

"Mum..." Naomi said. "Don't, alright?"

"Naomi-"

"No! I mean it. I know you have your issues with the establishment, but this is my girlfriend you are talking about. I won't stand for it."

I placed my hand over Naomi's and gently squeezed it. "It's ok, babe. It doesn't matter. At the moment I'd probably agree with Gina."

"You see?" Gina piped up.

"What about Sophia?" Effy interjected.

"Well. She's in hospital in a coma. Broken leg, collapsed lung, head injuries... And a list of charges a mile long, a lot of which carry very long sentences, and an evidence trail she wasn't smart enough to get rid of. They're going to bring her out of the coma tomorrow and formally charge her." I explained. "Which is another reason why I've been taken off the case. My suspension is for a month, effective immediately. The inspector said they wanted her charged quickly, and they can't do that if I'm still the lead detective on the case. They would have to wait until I was off suspension. It's for the best, believe me."

"But Emily, your job..." Naomi said, squeezing my hand.

I looked up at her and smiled. "Right now you're more important to me than a job, Naoms. Besides... It's a suspension with pay, so I can still pay the rent."

"But they could have sacked you." Gina said.

"Yes. They had every right to under regulations. But because I'd owned up about my involvement with Naomi, coupled with the events of last night, the inspector took it into consideration and was lenient." I said. "I was lucky. Very lucky."

A timer went off in the kitchen, and Gina got up, presumably to check the soup.

"I'm going out for a smoke." Effy said, seeming to effortlessly float out the door.

Naomi turned to me and kissed me softly. "What are you going to do for a month?" She asked, softly.

"Oh, I don't know... Maybe take a trip to the Bahamas, or something. I hear Goa is nice this time of year..." I joked.

Naomi laughed, softly, before wincing. "Ow. Babe, don't make me laugh...it hurts a bit."

"Sorry." I replied, gently stroking across her ribs. "I don't know what I'm going to do, Naoms. I thought I might stay here for a few days, if that's alright with you."

"I thought you'd never suggest it." She replied. "I'd be grateful if you would. Mum and Effy will drive me around the twist if you leave me alone with them."

I laughed, and kissed Naomi's temple softly. We sat silently for a few minutes, Naomi's fingertips tracing hearts into my palm.

"Em?"

"Yeah?" I replied.

"No matter what happens... I'll always be grateful to you for saving my life." She said.

I looked into her eyes, my own filling with tears, and leaned my forehead against hers.

Gina stuck her head around the doorframe. "Sorry to interrupt... Who is for soup?"

I smiled. "I'd love some, thanks Gina."

"Yeah...I'm hungry." Naomi replied.

"Alright! Coming right up." Gina beamed, before disappearing again.

I leaned my head on Naomi's shoulder. "Did you talk to Effy?"

She nodded. "Yeah. And you were right, I think it did help a bit."

"Good. Oh, before I forget... An officer will be here tomorrow to take your statement. While it's all fresh in the mind."

"Ok." Naomi nodded. "Will you stay with me through it?"

"Of course, baby." I replied, reaching up to stroke my fingers through her fringe. "You're not alone in this, I'm here with you too."

Gina came in with the soup, then, and we ate our meal together, while Effy and Gina chatted in the kitchen to give us some privacy. I think maybe she sensed that Naomi and I were very attached to each other at that point, having shared an experience only the two of us really knew about.

But whatever her reason for it, I was extremely grateful, and even though it was something as simple as eating soup with Naomi, it was a simple pleasure, and right now, for the both of us, it was the little things we were cherishing.

A/N#2: I'm going to post all my thank-you stuff at the end of the epilogue, which will be up ASAP.

Reviews? Comments? Bacon? You know what to do...

Until next time...

~GN~ xo