A/N: Sorry for not posting for a while, I went a bit mad on the seaside trip but this is where I wanted to get to in the story plan, it was only supposed to be one chapter.

I really hope you like it and forgive me for the overindulgence. There is more Danny in the next chapter but only a bit and it is mostly about moving things on in Naomi and Emily's relationship.

Changing the subject, v happy there is going to be a Skins finale, ok so it's Effy, Cook and Cassie but Naomi and Emily are guesting and I really hope they do it justice.

As ever, thank you for reading, favouriting and reviewing.

Emily

I pulled the picnic blanket out of my rucksack and laid it on the sand. Effy sat down with a smirk and I joined her. Naomi and Danny were off exploring rock pools so it was just me and the brunette. We'd been ok chatting on the train and had definitely bonded over the whole mini golf horror but I was still a bit wary. Effy was Naomi's best friend and in spite of my promise to her in the pub, I had hurt Naomi.

"I've got some juice if you'd like?" I offered.

She smiled, "Thanks."

I handed her the carton and we sat in, maybe not uncomfortable, but slightly awkward silence.

"Effy?" I said tentatively.

She turned towards me.

"Thanks for coming along today, it means a lot to Danny and to me." I began.

She shrugged and took a sip of her drink, "It means a lot to Naomi too."

We stared off into the distance as the conversation lulled again.

I sighed, might as well go for it, "I wasn't really sure what to expect, you know, as it's the first time we've seen each other since, well since you came into the shop that day."

She stared at me, "Did you think I'd bring a rock? There's plenty here already Emily."

The panic must have fleetingly crossed my face, "No... not exactly... maybe."

"Like I said, I could see Naomi didn't want to disappoint Danny." she said matter of factly.

I pondered my choices, I could let it go, maybe it would be the wisest option, after all I wasn't sure if I wanted to apologise to Effy to make her or me feel better.

"Effy, I'm sorry I kept Danny a secret from Naomi and I hate the fact you fell out because of my lies, especially when you needed her to be there." the words burst out of my mouth.

She studied me, "Oh, she told you? I suppose I should have known."

I exhaled, "She didn't go into much detail honestly, but I could tell she was worried about you and I thought it might help if she could talk to someone. Please believe me I wasn't trying to be manipulative or work the situation in my favour..."

I trailed off as I realised how fucking desperate I sounded but I couldn't stand the thought of being the cause of any more tension between Naomi and her friends.

Effy shrugged, "Sometimes things get a bit much, overwhelming you know?"

I nodded, "You don't have to answer this, but how are things with your parents?"

Effy laughed bitterly, "Well they're at some sort of marriage guidance counselling, getting in touch with their anger and exploring their 'trust issues'. I don't know, maybe it'll work this time, but I doubt it."

I looked at the floor unsure of what to say, "Like I said I'm sorry..."

Effy touched my arm, "Emily, it's ok. Jesus I know you and Naomi talk about things and I also know it's good that Naomi has someone she feels comfortable discussing feelings with. Do you know how much alcohol we normally need to ply her with before she even acknowledges she has emotions?"

I half smiled, "I'm guessing lots?"

Effy returned my smile, "Shed loads and by the time she's ready all of her sentences are incoherent and I have to fucking try to piece it all together. It can get very tiring."

"But still, you needed her and because of me she wasn't around, so I'm..." I iterated.

"If you say sorry again, I'm going to twat you. Naomi may not be the best at understanding her own feelings but she always knows how to make me feel safe. My parents aren't the greatest role models, so I've always relied on her. Most of the time she doesn't even realise, she thinks it's all about talking about stuff, but actually it isn't, I don't want therapy, it's about knowing someone will just be there for you, whatever you need, they'll do it, no questions asked." Effy said quietly.

"I know. A lot of people don't understand my relationship with Katie, she's the gobby one, the confident one, sometimes people tell me to stand up to her. They just don't get the fact I don't need to, I love Katie unconditionally, she's my twin and I'd fucking die for her if I had to and in spite of what they think I know if push came to shove, she'd do exactly the same for me." I stated.

Effy smiled, "The only exception I'd make is if you wanted to kill Naomi over a game of mini golf, that I'd understand and let you go right ahead."

I smiled back, "I did come close."

"We've all come close." she replied with an eye roll.

I took a sip of my drink, I was grateful that both of Naomi's friends had seemingly drawn a line under the whole thing and were prepared to let bygones be bygones. Effy's next words made me realise I shouldn't have been so assured.

"Emily, I'm not going to make a massive deal out of this but there's something I need us both to be clear on." she stated seriously.

I nodded.

"I know you love Naomi and you didn't deliberately set out to hurt her, but you did. Everyone deserves a second chance and because Naomi is prepared to give you one, I am too. But that's it ok? No three strikes or nine lives, that was the only chance you'll get to fuck up. If you ever hurt her like that again, I will cause you serious, and I mean serious, physical harm." Effy stated coldly.

I gulped, "Message received and understood."

"Good." she said curtly.

I was grateful when we were interrupted by a squeal, we looked over to the rocks and found Naomi and Danny slipping until they steadied themselves.

"Babe." I shouted.

Naomi looked up. "Yeah."

"Try to be careful on the rocks ok? I don't want either of you to hurt yourself." I continued.

She smiled and I think she blushed, "Of course we will."

I turned back to Effy who had her eyebrow raised. Her earlier menacing mood had seemingly disappeared.

"What?" I asked.

"Seems Naoms knew exactly who 'babe' was." she said with a smirk.

"Shut up, it doesn't mean anything, we're just friends." I uttered lamely.

Effy raised her eyebrow even higher, "Hmmm, really?"

I sighed, "Look Effy, I'll be honest, yes, I hope that we can be more again in time, but please believe me, I really don't expect anything. I'm just enjoying the fact I can spend time with Naomi."

Effy stared at me quizzically, "Is that why you aren't putting any pressure on her?"

I nodded, "Hopefully she'll forgive me one day but it might take time, maybe lots of time. I do know that, I understand why she isn't there yet, because I'm not sure I am either."

"What do you mean?" Effy asked.

I sighed, "I'm not saying this because of the warning you've just given me but I totally accept that Naomi hasn't forgiven me because I'm not really sure I've forgiven myself for hurting her. So I won't press her or make her do anything she's not comfortable with, I'll wait and if she never gets there, then hopefully we can still be friends."

Effy smiled, "I told her you understood."

I frowned, "What?"

"Look Emily, I love Naomi to bits but she's does have the emotional intelligence of an amoeba. She's worried in case you thought she should have kissed you by now, especially when she was over at yours last weekend." Effy explained.

I exhaled, "Why? I mean, yeah, sure, if she wanted to I'd definitely be up for it, but I didn't think she was ready. I'd rather it happened naturally than she felt forced and then freaked out."

Effy shrugged, "I suppose she doesn't want you to think she's leading you on."

I snorted, "Jesus, I don't think that at all. She needs more time, I get that."

Effy paused like she was trying to make a decision, "It's also why Danny always needs to be around, for now at any rate."

I frowned, had I got this totally wrong? "But I thought she liked him being here, that she enjoyed spending time with him. Doesn't she? Has she said something to you? Would she rather..."

"Emily stop panicking. Naomi clearly likes Danny a lot and she loves spending time with him, no one could fake it that convincingly." Effy said gently.

I calmed down, "So what do you mean?"

Effy grinned, "She's far less likely to pounce if there's a seven year old around, because it's obvious she still fancies the arse off you."

I looked at the blonde, "The feeling's entirely mutual, I'm not sure I trust myself at the moment either. It's one thing saying I'll give her time emotionally, it doesn't stop me imagining ripping her clothes off on a regular basis."

I shut up abruptly and hoped I hadn't given too much away. It's hardly my fault entirely inappropriate but incredibly dirty thoughts entered my brain on a frequent basis when Naomi was around. Well actually she didn't have to be there, some of the dreams I'd been having were very graphic too. Let's just say my early morning showers were considerably colder than they used to be. I felt my face redden.

"What on earth are you thinking about? Oh let me guess, you, blondie, naked." Katie said smugly as she sat down.

"I was not!" I said indignantly.

Effy smirked, "Yeah you were."

"We're just friends..." I started lamely as my cheeks continued to burn.

"For now." Katie replied knowingly.

One subject change needed, "So what sights did you see, like we have to ask?"

Katie shrugged, "We walked around for a bit, went further along the beach..."

I snorted, "Really? You don't suppose the fact that you're covered in ten tons of sand was the giveaway there? And you have the temerity to call me obvious."

Effy held her hands up, "Girls please, not so much bickering. So Katiekins, are you going to admit Cook and you are an item at last?"

Katie frowned, "He is not my boyfriend."

As soon as the words left her mouth we looked over to find Cook grinning at us from the beach where he'd joined Naomi and Danny, he winked at Katie before turning his attention back to the other two.

"Hmmm, do you want my crown now or later K?" I said with a smile.

Effy looked confused, "Eh?"

"Katie accused me and Naomi of ruling the land of denial, looks like we're not the only ones." I explained.

My twin began to redden, "Well, ok maybe it is developing into something a bit more than just a screw. I mean for Christ's sake I told Cook I'd do anything if he stopped moaning about spending time with you lot. Do you know what he asked?"

"If you'd take it up..." Effy began.

"Effy! Do not finish that sentence." I instructed.

Katie glared at her, "Even I have some standards."

The brunette raised her eyebrow, "Really? You do surprise me."

"Come on you two, play nicely." I chastised, "What was Cook's request K?"

Her colour deepened, "He wanted to do it doggy style so we could both see the sea as we fucked."

"And people say romance is dead." Effy said with a smirk.

"Shut the fuck up, he's not my boyfriend." Katie said without much conviction.

We were interrupted by a squeal, we looked over and Cook was straddling Naomi and pinning her arms down.

"Surrender?" He asked.

She squirmed, "never."

I bristled and I saw Katie do the same.

Effy laid her hands gently our arms, "It's just what they do, it doesn't mean anything."

Katie frowned, "I still don't like it."

She got up and was about to go over when we stopped.

"Get off Naomi Cook, get off her." Danny charged at him.

Cook fell onto the sand as Naomi and Danny tumbled over him.

"Danny, my knight in shining armour, prepare to meet your death Cook." Naomi announced as they threw sand at him, both of them giggling away.

It was so cute my heart swelled. Naomi looked up and saw me watching, she grinned at me before turning her attention back to Cook.

"Christ she's adorable."

Shit, did I say that out loud? One look at the smirking faces next to me confirmed that yep the comment I'd meant to only think had in fact been audible.

"Now will you admit to the eye fucking?" Katie asked with a raised eyebrow.

I spluttered, "it wasn't anything of the sort..."

A snort from Effy, "Sorry Emily, but it really was, you've both been at it all day."

Katie looked triumphant, "See it's not just me."

Great now I had the pair of them ganging up on me, if it was obvious to them then Naomi can't have failed to notice the way I'd been looking at her when I thought she wasn't paying attention.

Naomi's voice pierced my consciousness, "So Em, I'm starving, how about some fish and chips?"

I stared up into the blue eyes twinkling at me as once more I began to blush, "Oh... erm... I'm not sure."

Naomi smiled, "Come on, it's the seaside, it's almost the law."

I turned to Danny who was looking hopefully at me, "Please Mummy?"

With the pair of them staring beseechingly at me what chance did I have?

I held out my hand and Naomi helped me up, "Alright, just this once won't do any harm I suppose."

Danny clutched his fists into his side, "Yes!"

My pulse quickened when I realised Naomi still had hold of my hand, I stared into her eyes, "so, let's eat?"

She nodded and let my hand fall, "fish and chips it is then."

I sighed, there was no way any of those inappropriate thoughts were going away any time soon.

Naomi

I put a chip into my mouth, mmmm vinegary goodness. I smiled as Emily patiently tried to explain to Danny the concept of them sharing meant he had to give her some food.

"But Mummy, they're delicious." He explained gripping the bag more tightly.

Emily rolled her eyes, "I wouldn't know about that seeing as I've only managed to prise a measly two chips from you."

"Here Em, have some of mine." I offered.

She looked pointedly at Danny, "Thank you Naomi, that's very kind."

Dan looked unimpressed, "Naomi had large fish and chips, there's loads more to share."

I smiled at the redhead, "You have to admit the logic is spot on."

Emily shook her head, "It's not funny, anyone seeing this would think I starve him or something."

We watched as Danny shovelled another handful of chips into his mouth, "Mmmmmm."

I raised my eyebrow, "Seriously Em, you don't look like you'll win this one."

She tutted, "Honestly, I really don't know where he gets his stubborn streak from."

I hid a snort.

Emily's eyes narrowed, "Excuse me?"

I started to giggle, "Oh come on Em, you and Katie are two of the most stubborn people I know. Neither of you ever wants to back down."

Emily reached over and grabbed a big bit of my fish along with a handful of chips.

"Oy, I said you could have some, not all of my food." I uttered in protest.

Emily smiled sweetly, "That's what you get for being cheeky."

I was about to grumble again when I was stopped in my tracks. My mouth opened slightly as I watched her eat the food while a series of small murmurs came out of her mouth. Seriously? How the hell can she make eating fish and chips look sexy? I almost dropped the bag as she studiously licked her fingers clean as what seemed like a thousand very dirty thoughts screamed across my brain. Emily looked over with a slightly puzzled look which turned to a broad smile when she saw the expression on my face. Look away Naomi, look away right now, but I was like a statue, not that they could blush as much as I was currently doing.

"Can I have some more?" Emily asked innocently.

I held out the paper, "Here, have the rest."

Emily took the bag, "Are you sure?"

I nodded, "I'm... um... full actually."

Emily's eyebrow raised as she ate another chip. For fuck's sake Naomi, get your mind out of the gutter, not even Emily can eat a bloody chip seductively. Oh God, yes she could. Suddenly I couldn't stop staring at the redhead's lips and thinking about eating chips off her naked body. My gaze travelled upwards and met the brown eyes twinkling back knowingly.

Time for a quick escape Naomi before you combust on the spot, "I'll just see how Effy's doing."

Emily smiled, "Thanks for the chips."

I coughed awkwardly, "No problem."

By the time I caught up with Effy, my breathing, pulse and colour had returned to normal so I thought I'd got away with it. That was until I saw the smirk on her face.

"Can you two please just get a fucking room?" She said wryly.

"What?" I played the innocent.

She snorted, "You're not seriously trying to bluff this one out are you?"

"Gimme some of your chips, I'm starving." I said as I reached over.

She quickly pulled the bag away, "Oh no Naomi. It's not my fault you gave yours to Emily because you wanted to perv."

I frowned, "That's not why I did it, Danny wouldn't share so I gave her some of mine."

Effy didn't look convinced, "So the open mouthed staring and drooling was just an unfortunate by product?"

"I wasn't that bad." I mumbled as I tried again to grab some food.

She waved the chips tantalisingly in front of me and my stomach rumbled, "I'll give you some if you admit you were picturing Emily naked except for a fine coating of batter..."

"Christ! I'm not that weird." I protested.

Her eyebrow raised.

"Alright, you win." I said as I grabbed a handful, "but it was chips."

Effy burst out laughing, "Oh that's so much more normal Naoms."

I swallowed and sighed, "I know it's tragic, but I seem to find anything Em does sexy at the moment."

"If it's any consolation I don't think you're alone." Effy replied.

"Did Emily say something earlier?" I asked curiously.

Effy smiled, "She didn't really have to Naoms, the pair of you are totally obvious and she seemed fascinated by you at the beach."

I smiled sheepishly, "I sort of noticed her looking."

"Yeah she was pretty distracted most of the time we were talking but she listened to the important bits so I didn't mind." Effy replied seriously.

Alarm bells started ringing, "What did you say to her Eff?"

She shrugged, "Nothing much."

"Effy..." I said in a warning tone.

She rolled her eyes, "Look it was nothing, I just made sure she understood that she wasn't going to get another chance from me if she hurt you again."

"Oh great, Emily invites you out for the day and you threaten her." I said indignantly.

"Naomi, it was a friendly warning, Emily was fine with it, in fact I think she was expecting worse." Effy continued.

I knew all about Effy's 'friendly warnings' but Emily seemed ok so maybe I was worried for no reason. "So what else were you talking about?"

She shifted, "Just general stuff, you know, nothing in particular."

There was something about the almost too casual way she said it that made me uneasy. Effy might be the queen of observation but that didn't mean I hadn't picked up a few things over the years. I still knew her better than anyone else and I could tell when she was trying to be evasive.

"Effy." I said smiling sweetly.

She glanced over and then looked away.

"What did you tell her?" I pushed.

She tutted, "For God's sake Naomi, I've already told you, we were just chatting."

Far too forceful, wait a minute, oh no, she wouldn't, "Did you mention what we were talking about earlier?"

A snort, "Of course I didn't."

Oh yes she would, "I don't believe this, that was between you and me."

"Emily's not a mind reader you know Naoms." Effy countered.

"She doesn't have to be as long as you're around." I scoffed.

"I'm not the only one though am I?" Effy replied defensively.

I frowned, "What are you on about?"

Effy smiled tightly, "Emily seemed to be very well informed about my parents and the state I was in after we argued."

Shit.

"I was worried about you and I didn't want to lie about why it'd taken me so long to come over after Katie turned up." I stated honestly.

"So I'd say we're pretty much quits. At least I was trying to do you a favour." Effy said.

My eyes narrowed, "How does making me look like a neurotic basket case help?"

Effy rolled her eyes, "Don't be such a drama queen. Emily totally understands you need more time and she'll wait until you're ready."

I half smile, "Yeah?"

Effy nods, "Yes Naomi, you prick. She even said it was ok if all you could ever be is friends."

I chewed my lip, "Is that what she wants?"

Effy laughed, "No, she definitely wants to jump your bones as soon as possible... Shhh they're coming."

I turned to find the redhead and Danny catching up with us, he threw his empty chip wrapper in the bin and rubbed his stomach.

Emily threw her paper away too and smiled at me, "that was delicious, thank you for letting me have yours."

I blushed, "Like I said no problem."

"I think you deserve a special thank you for that." She said teasingly.

I gulped.

She kissed my cheek and pointed to a sign, "How about I finally buy you that ice cream I owe you?"

We ambled along the sea front eating our ice creams, even Effy who had protested at first gave in by the end. Danny was so excited when he saw the amount of flavours to choose from and I suppose even for the hardest of hearts it was infectious. We saw Katie and Cook heading towards us, they'd gone to see 'more sights' but it was obvious from their appearance what they'd been up to.

"So there's a train in fifteen minutes or an hour which one do you want to get?" Katie asked.

I grinned, "So thoughtful of you to go and check out the train times Katie. I mean Cook could just have looked on his phone like the rest of us but you always give the personal service."

She glared at me, "Still eating? You'll be the size of an elephant soon Naomi."

"No she won't, Naomi's really pretty." Danny countered.

Emily smiled, "Naomi's beautiful."

I smiled back goofily, "Thanks."

Emily shrugged, "Just telling the truth."

We stared at each other until I felt a cold sensation on my hand, I looked down and the remains of my ice cream had melted, "Bollocks."

I sucked the melting cream off my palm and methodically licked my cone until all of the dribbles were gone before I sucked the last of the mint choc chip into my mouth. I swear I heard a groan and I looked up to find a pair of very dark brown eyes focused on me. So Effy was right, I wasn't the only one struggling.

Emily coughed as she looked away, "So we could fit in the wheel, apparently it won't be here next year so we'd better make the most of it."

Katie smiled cruelly as Cook whispered something to her but she was undeterred, guess it's true, a Fitch scorned is a dangerous creature indeed, "Yeah, the wheel sounds good and we can still make the later train. It's only fifteen minutes up there."

The thought filled me with dread but I looked at Danny's eager expression and made up my mind, "Great, the wheel and then home."

Emily snapped out of her fug, "Sounds like a plan."

As we approached the queue I went quieter, I gave myself a pep talk, come on Naomi, it's only a quarter of an hour and it'll make Danny and Emily happy. I could do this, there was a bench in the middle, I could sit down, not look out and grit my teeth.

We went to the ticket booth, "We might as well get a pod to ourselves."

Then no complete strangers would see me in meltdown.

Effy leaned in, "you don't have to do this."

I took a deep breath and looked at Emily and Danny chatting excitedly, "I do, I'll be fine."

Katie sidled up to me, I prepared myself for challenge, to my surprise she looked embarrassed.

"Naomi, I'm sorry for being a bitch. Tell Em and then you won't have to endure this, she won't think you're weak honestly." She said sheepishly.

I shook my head, "Everything once yeah?"

We climbed into the pod and I sat firmly down on the bench as I started to sweat. Fifteen minutes, just fifteen minutes, I could do that, I mean how hard could it be? The wheel juddered and I whimpered. Effy stayed by my side.

"Naoms, it's ok, it's going to be ok." She soothed.

Emily turned back towards me, "Come on Naomi, it's actually pretty spectacular."

I took a deep breath, "No, it's fine, I can see Wales from here."

Bile rose in my throat.

She turned away, clearly puzzled.

Effy stroked my hand, "you're being incredibly brave."

I didn't feel brave, I felt like a total wimp.

Emily turned back again and saw my complexion, her brow furrowed. Danny tugged her sleve and she leant down. He whispered something and Emily's whole demeanour changed, she walked over and sat down. Effy let go of my hand.

"I'll stay with Danny." She walked off.

I stared at the floor, this was utterly humiliating.

"Why didn't you say?" Emily asked quietly.

I shrugged, "I wanted you to have a nice time"

She sighed, "Naomi, how can I have a nice time when I know this is terrifying you?"

"It's not exactly terrifying." I muttered but my hands were shaking which said otherwise.

Emily took them in hers, the contact did actually make me feel better. She rubbed her thumb across them and gave them a gentle squeeze, "You silly thing."

I smiled sheepishly until she gasped, "Oh God, I made you go on that roller coaster."

"You didn't make me do anything, I wanted to go on." I countered.

Her eyebrow raised, "No you didn't, you were screaming your head off. At the time I thought you were enjoying it but now I think back you sounded scared."

"The screams were real." I conceded.

"I'm so sorry, I feel awful." Emily uttered with a frown.

I returned her expression, "Don't feel bad, I just want you to be happy, you and Danny."

Emily's face clouded over and I was worried I'd done something wrong, she took a deep breath, "Naomi I apologise if this makes you uncomfortable but I love you, you're the most amazing person I've ever met. I won't pressure or push you for anything because if all we end up being is friends I don't mind because as much as I want to be with you I'd rather have you in my life somehow than not at all."

I looked at her, "I don't want to be without you either."

We continued to stare at each other as I reached over and gently stroked her cheek causing Emily to sigh. I bit my lip and slowly moved towards her. Our mouths nearly connected when a sudden noise reminded me where we were. I hastily changed course and kissed Emily's forehead. When I pulled away the disappointment was clearly etched on her face.

"But I thought..." She began.

I motioned with my eyes towards the glass, Emily followed my gaze and turned back with a smile, "I didn't realise the Bristol Channel was quite so fascinating."

I smiled wryly as both Effy and Katie loudly pointed out landmarks as Cook and Danny nodded while staring out of the pod, "I didn't think you'd want our second first kiss to be in front of an audience."

Emily's grin widened, "So there's going to be a second first kiss?"

I grinned back, "I'm pretty sure there will be, aren't you?"

"I hope so." Emily held out her hand, "come on, you should see this."

I took it and she led me over to the glass, I gasped slightly but relaxed, she was right the view was pretty amazing.

She guided my hand around her waist and wrapped her arm around me before she leant her head on my shoulder, "it's not so bad when you know I've got you."

I smiled as I stared at the skyline and pulled her closer to me, "It doesn't feel bad at all."

She wrapped her other arm across my body and softly kissed my neck before she squeezed me, "See there's nothing to freak out about."

I sighed, "I'm not freaking out anymore."

We turned back towards the view and I smiled, I think we both knew it wasn't just about being on the big wheel I was talking about anymore.