Where Things Stand

Rated R

Chapter 52

Ruby and Nicole arrive at the Diner; they are meeting up with Joey, Charlie and Aden for lunch. The teens decide to wait for the others outside so they sit on the bench seat. After they are seated, Ruby asks pryingly, "so what's this year's Year 12 muck up day theme?"

Nicole smiles wickedly at her and mischievously replies, "sorry Rubes it's a surprise."

"Aww come on, I'm your girlfriend, you can tell me", Ruby wheedles and pouts.

"Hey no fair! Ya can't pull the girlfriend and pout card on this! It's not just my secret", Nicole explains crossing her arms and looks disapproving at her.

"But Nic, prwease", Ruby begs giving Nicole her puppy dog sad eyes.

"Babe that's so not fair", Nicole huffs, looking tempted.

"All's fair between love and me wanting to know this secret", Ruby giggles and gently strokes Nicole's arm.

Nicole leans in brushing her lips against Ruby's ear and seductively purrs, "I can play just as dirty as you hon."

Ruby shudders from Nicole's lips softly brushing her ear and her sexy honey tone of her voice. Ruby swallows hard, her heart rate increases and her face is flushed. She stammers, "Okay don't tell me, see if I care."

"Aww babe, don't be like that, you know I'd tell you if I could", Nicole responds trying to placate Ruby.

"Yeah right", Ruby snorts. "You're loving every minute of this", she growls frowning at Nicole.

"Just a little", Nicole chuckles brushing some stay hairs away from Ruby's face.

"I knew it", Ruby squawks. "You're so mean", she comments pouting.

"So what are you wearing to the formal", Nicole asks changing the subject.

"I'm not telling", Ruby retorts childishly. "I don't know if I want to go 'cause my girlfriend is so mean that she asked some nasty boy to it", she finishes off narkily.

"Ruby you know I asked Jake to the formal before we got together", Nicole softly states running her finger over the back of Ruby's hand. "You do know I really want to go with you, don't you", she pleads lifting Ruby's chin to look into her eyes.

"Yeah I know, but it sucks that we're not going together", Ruby responds with a slight hurt in her voice.

"Yeah it is babe", Nicole replies softly in agreement.


Just then Charlie walks up to the two teenagers, sees the sad look on Ruby's face, and is instantly worried. Moving to squat beside Ruby, Charlie puts her hand on Ruby's hand. She then gently asks, "Rubes what's wrong?"

Ruby is embarrassed to be caught in this state by Charlie. She quickly replies, "nothing Charlz. I'm just being silly", Ruby reassuringly squeezes Charlie's hand.

"It doesn't look like nothing sweetheart", Charlie utters concerned.

"Charlie, Ruby is a bit upset that she hasn't been asked to the formal yet", Nicole interjects coming to Ruby's rescue.

"Oh Rubes, I'm sure a boy will ask you to go to it soon", Charlie comments confidently, relieved that nothing serious is wrong with her daughter.

"Yeah but the one I wanted to ask me is taking someone else", Ruby pouts and quickly glances at Nicole, who grins and shakes her head.

"Well when the dance starts, you can always asks them to dance", Charlie suggests warmly.

"Yeah I suppose I can", Ruby replies giving Charlie a cheeky grin.

"So I take it you and Xavier have broken up", Charlie tentatively asks moving to the seat and putting her arm around Ruby.

"Yeah, but he isn't happy about it", Ruby answers sourly and snuggles closer into Charlie's body.

"And you", Charlie curiously asks, relishing the fact Ruby is allowing her to hold her.

"I'm relieved that it's over. But I do feel sorry for Xav, he did nothing wrong. I just fell out of love with him", Ruby sadly explains.

"I know you hurt for him, but he'll get over it", Charlie caringly responds kissing Ruby's temple tenderly. "So do I have to keep an eye on Geoff or this mysterious Year 12 guy", Charlie asks all protective.

"Geoff's just a friend Charlz and as for the Year 12, you have nothing to worry about", Ruby replies smiling, letting Charlie think the Year 12 person is a guy.

"Yeah right Rubes! Boys will be boys", Charlie snorts.

"You'll like this one Charlz, they're not your typical boy", Ruby states with a mirthful glint in her eye.

"They're definitely not Charlie", Nicole says concurring and smirks.

"Good to know", Charlie comments sharply. "But Ruby I'm letting you know, if you hook up, I'll be having the 'talk' with him", she states brooking no arguments.

"God Charlz, you're so old fashioned", Ruby complains rolling her eyes while Nicole giggles nervously.


Unbeknown to Charlie, Ruby and Nicole, Joey and Aden have arrived and are standing behind them. "I don't care, if he's seeing my little girl, he'll know the ground rules", Charlie remarks protectively.

"Meaning no hanky panky will be happening at all", Joey cheekily comments putting her hand gently on Charlie's shoulder.

The women on the seat are slightly startled because they had not heard Joey and Aden approach. "That's cold Charlie", Aden says teasing.

"Hey", Joey utters smiling.

"Hey yaself", Charlie replies smiling up at Joey. "And Aden it maybe cold, but I don't care", she tells him straight.

"Hi Joey, Aden", Ruby says rolling her eyes at Charlie's comment.

"Hi guys", Nicole says smiling and secretly grinning because hanky panky has definitely been happening between her and Ruby.

"Hi", Aden answers happily. "So Ruby who is this guy Charlie isn't letting you have your wicked way with", he curiously asks.

"Some mysterious Year 12 guy. By the way, what's his name", Charlie answers and asks, raising an eyebrow.

"His name is Nic", Ruby replies mildly.

"Not Nick Schaeffer, he's a geek", Aden snorts and gives a short laugh.

"You know Ruby, sometimes the quiet ones are the ones you have to watch out for", Joey teases.

"Yeah, you should know hey Joey, you being quiet and all", Nicole jests back at Joey.

"You're so right Nic, women just can't keep their hands off her", Aden jokes laughing loudly.

"Guys too I've heard", Nicole quips.

"Can we stop this line of talk now", Ruby huffs.

"I agree", Joey comments unimpressed and folds her arms, while Charlie tries to hide a smirk but fails.

"Aww okay", Aden responds still laughing. "Nic why don't we get everybody's lunch while Joey and Ruby calls us nasty names", he suggests grinning and knowing that Charlie and Joey need to tell Ruby they are back together.

"Sounds good. So what would you guys like to eat", Nicole agrees and asks.

"Can I get a prawn burger and a chocolate milkshake please", Joey replies with a slight scowl on her face still not happy about being teased.

"Make that two please", Charlie asks still smirking at Joey and Ruby's discomfort.

"I'll have a chicken salad roll and a coke", Ruby says and looks expectantly at Charlie.

"Still haven't be paid", Charlie asks with a raise eyebrow.

"I get paid on Friday", Ruby replies giving her mother her puppy dog eyes.

"Okay", Charlie concededly sighs opening her purse and handing a $50 note to Aden. "For Ruby, Joey and my lunch", she states giving him a small smile.

"Charlie I can pay for mine", Joey protests.

"I know you can, but you have a SC you have to pay for", Charlie firmly states.

"Thanks", Joey softly responds.

Aden pockets the money smiling and says, "won't be long, come on Nic." They both walk away with Nicole asking Aden what is really going on.


After watching Aden and Nicole walk away, Ruby turns to Charlie and suspiciously asks, "so what is really going on?"

"What do you mean", Charlie innocently asks.

"Aden drags Nicole away so you can tell me something, so spill, what is it", Ruby intuitively responds.

Joey nervously comes and sits the other side of Ruby with Charlie looking at her slightly guilty. "Well Rubes...I...I mean we...um", Charlie stutters.

"Spit it out Charlie", Ruby states anxiously.

"Ruby, Charlie and I have something to tell you and we hope you'll be happy", Joey intervenes, which Charlie is grateful for.

Ruby tenses an eyes them suspiciously with Charlie and Joey nervously looking at one another. An awkward pause follows then Ruby impatiently hisses, "For fuck sake tell me!"

"Well sweetheart, Joey and I are back together", Charlie quietly tells her with anxiety in her voice.

"Whoa, what about Storm", Ruby asks confused, frowning at them.

"Storm was the one who told me that I was still in love with Charlie and she was right", Joey gently explains.

"So you just kicked her to the kerb and went and asked Charlie could youse start over again", Ruby harshly asks, feeling pissed off for Storm.

"Ruby it wasn't like that", Charlie cries coming to Joey's defence.

"Well what was it like", Ruby asks raising her voice.

"Storm broke it off with me, when I couldn't", Joey whispers. "She did the right thing, I'm not a good person", she miserably states. "Charlie, Ruby's right, us being together is a bad idea. I'll only end up hurting you", Joey tearfully comments and starts to get up and leave.

"Whoa, what, Joey", Ruby splutters grabbing Joey's hand and pulling her back. "For a start I never said that you and Charlie being back together was a bad idea. I just feel real bad for Storm", she explains not happy that Joey had tried put words into her mouth. "She came here to support you and what did she get for her troubles? She got cheated on, then took you back, help Charlie pull herself together. She supported me and Aden, been yelled at by me and Aden and then finds out that you are really in love with Charlie. A real nice welcome back to Summer Bay for her", Ruby breathlessly rambles.

Joey looks down into her lap, tears still rolling down her cheeks. "I didn't mean to or want to hurt her", Joey softly utters.

"Yeah she knows that. Hell I know that", Ruby understandingly replies squeezing Joey's hand. "I think she might have had an inkling she was going to lose you. 'Cause she told me that you would decide who you wanted to be with when you were ready. She said this after we spoke about Charlie wanting you back", Ruby honestly explains.

"Oh god", Joey softly cries.

"Hey", Ruby compassionately murmurs and squeezes Joey's hand. "All Storm wants is for you to be happy. And if Charlie is the one that makes you happy, then she wishes you both all the happiness in the world", she gently tells Joey what Storm had told her. Tenderly Ruby brushes away some of Joey's tears. Ruby smiles at Joey, "so if that's the case, who am I to argue. I'm happy you're back with my Charlie and maybe now Leah and I can stop plotting Charlz' mercy killing", Ruby finishes off teasing and giggling.

"Hey I wasn't that bad", Charlie comments indignant, pouts and folds her arms.

Ruby looks at Charlie rolls her eyes and then gives her a cheeky grin. "Yeah, ya were Charlz. You had a continuous hang dog look on ya face, even when you were with Angelo", Ruby quips.

Joey frowns at the mention of Angelo's name and Charlie cringes. She knows that if she had of waited, she would have never have gotten with Angelo in the first place. "Well now you don't have to worry. I have my Joey back so you won't have to see that look ever again", Charlie adamantly states, trying to reassure Joey she is not the slightest bit interested in Angelo or anyone else.

"Good", Ruby replies relieved. Turning back to Joey, who is over the moon because Charlie called her, her Joey. Ruby runs a comforting hand up and down Joey's arm and warmly says, "I'm sorry for upsetting you. I like Storm and I hate that she got hurt. But I'm glad you're back to stay, because Charlie is a happier, freer, loving Charlie when she has you by her side." With that, Ruby hugs Joey tight.

Joey hugs Ruby in return and smiles shyly at Charlie. "Thanks Rubes, you don't know what it means to me that I've got your blessing", Joey thankfully responds.

Charlie puts her arms around both Ruby and Joey and kisses Ruby's temple. "Honey I'm so happy you're okay with Joey and I getting back together", Charlie mumbles into Ruby's unruly mop of hair.


Aden and Nicole arrive back with all the lunches, with the three women still in their embrace. "I see everything went well", Aden happily chirps.

"Yeah", Ruby simply replies, as they shift out of their embrace.

"Congratulation guys", Nicole kindly remarks.

"Thanks Nicole", Charlie replies smiling.

"Yeah thanks Nic", Joey shyly utters.

"Well whose hungry", Aden enthusiastically asks holding up their lunches.

"Me", Ruby happily squawks taking her lunch, which Nicole is handing to her.

"You're such a dick Aden", Joey chuckles shaking her head as Aden gives her and Charlie their lunch.


Later that day Joey is just turning on the gas stove to steam the vegetables, when she hears a knock on the front screen door. The singsong tones of Leah's voice calls out, "hey Joey it's just us."

"Come in", Joey happily calls back and she starts to walk towards the front door to greet her guests.

On the way, she hears Leah tease, "aww you were so cute."

"I was not", Charlie huffs embarrassed.

They all converge in the lounge room at the same time. "Hi Leah", Joey says brightly giving her a hug. "Where's VJ", she asks releasing her.

"He has Scouts tonight", Leah answers smiling.

"Hi babe", Joey shyly says.

"Hey", Charlie simply utter grinning and leaning in and giving Joey a quick kiss on her lips.

There is a slight awkward pause, then Joey, with her arm around Charlie waist curiously asks, "so what was so cute Leah?"

"Nothing", Charlie quickly answers frowning at Leah and wraps her arm around Joey's waist.

Leah giggles and promptly crows Joey, "the way Charlie shyly asked you on the phone would you like her to stay the night."

"Aww babe", Joey softly murmurs stroking the side of Charlie's face. Charlie gives Joey a heart-melting smile.

"And when you told her yes, it was like all her Christmas' came at once", Leah chortles poking fun at Charlie.

"That's enough, she gets the picture", Charlie remarks grumpily moving her and Joey slowly towards the kitchen.

"So you don't want me to tell her about the 'happy dance' you did after you hung up the phone", Leah howls with glee following them.

Charlie face gets a mortified expression on it, then she blushes and shakes her head. Joey gives her a peck on her lips and lovingly croons, "I'm glad you want to be with me hon."

"Always", Charlie whispers, gently touching Joey's face.

"Aww, I'm so happy for you guys", Leah sincerely remarks, wishing she could find someone to love and be loved again.

Joey turns to Leah and sweetly utters, "thanks Leah." After a moment of silence, Joey clears her throat and asks, "what would youse like to drink? I got wine, beer and even some bourbon."

"A wine would be nice, thanks", Leah warmly replies.

"Yeah a wine sounds nice", Charlie gratefully responds.

"Wine it is", Joey happily states, releasing Charlie and walking into the kitchen.

Joey grabs the wine glasses and fills each glass with Asti Riccadonna. After she hands Charlie and Leah their wines, Joey turns the heat down under the steamer. When Joey picks up her glass of wine, Leah curiously asks, "so, Joey what are we having for dinner, because whatever it is, it smell delicious."

"We're having 'Tradition Shepherd's Pie' with steamed carrots, broccoli, squash and cauliflower", Joey cheerfully informs her.

"Sounds wonderful honey", Charlie smiles, her mouth already watering.

Leah glances around, "so have we got time for a quick tour of the house before dinner", she inquisitively asks.

"Yes", Joey answers seeing the curious excitement in Leah's dark eyes.

Joey shows Charlie and Leah around, even though Charlie has seen most of the house. Charlie and Leah gush over the characters painted in both Tara and Kurt's rooms. Once they are back in the kitchen, Joey turns off the gas under the steamer and oven and prepares to dish up dinner. "Joey would you like hand", Charlie kindly offers softly stroking Joey's back.

"No hon, you and Leah sit and relax. It won't take me long", Joey warmly replies turning and giving Charlie one of her beautiful smiles.

After Joey has set Charlie and Leah's dinner in front of them, she sits down. Leah raises her second glass of wine and merrily states, "here's to good food and good company."

They all lightly clink their glasses. "So did Ruby decline to come tonight", Leah softly asks after taking a sip of wine.

"Yes, because she had to work, but she asked for a rain check", Joey lightly answers before putting a forkful of food into her mouth.

"Pity Charlie and I have to work tomorrow, 'cause we could have had a girls night in", Leah sighs wishfully then puts her fork in her mouth.

"Yeah, that would have been good", Joey heartily agrees.

"Well Ruby and I still have to cook for Leah, so we should make it than", Charlie offers, enjoying the meal.

"That's right! So we'll have to make a date", Leah exclaims eagerly. "Joey this shepherd's pie is wonderful! I love that it's made with diced lamb and not with mince", Leah finishes off delighting in the meal.

"Mmm, that's what I like too. I watched Storm make it, so I thought I'd give it a go", Joey answers, pleased that Leah likes it.

"It's lovely honey", Charlie murmurs enjoying Joey's cooking.

"So Charlie, what are you and Ruby going to cook", Joey casually asks.

"I don't know. We haven't had a chance to discuss it", Charlie answers her.

"Well I hope it goes better than the last time youse cook together", Leah chuckles and Charlie pulls a disgusted face.

"Why, what happened", Joey asks intrigued. There is a moment of silence, "Charlie", she gently pushes.

"Well you see, Ruby thought it would be nice if we cooked dinner for Leah to try and get me out of my sad mood", Charlie tentatively starts to explain. "It started off okay, but somehow we ended up having an argument and we had to order takeout dinner instead", Charlie cryptically finishes off embarrassed.

Leah snorts, "you should have seen the kitchen Joey. It was a bloody mess, her and Ruby had a food fight. And do you know what it was over? Ruby not cutting the vegetables properly!"

"Well you might like eating whopping great chunks of veggies, but I don't", Charlie states sulking.

"It's okay Charlie, it was nice to see you laughing and having some fun. Even though the kitchen resembled a battle ground", Leah chuckles. "you should have seen them Jo, they were sitting in the middle of the mess, covered in food, laughing and still flicking bits of food at each other", Leah explains with mirth in her voice.

"Joey, at the time she didn't find it funny. She scolded us and ordered us to clean up the mess and to have it done by the time she got back with the takeout", Charlie mildly informs her.

"I was tired, I was promised a meal and I had my monthlies", Leah states defensively. "I was looking forward to coming home and just relaxing. But instead I found no tea cooked, my kitchen a disaster area and my housemates acting like a pair of two years blaming each other for the mess", she remarks brusquely.

"So was the mess cleaned up when you got back", Joey asks, grinning at Charlie's slight discomfort.

"Mostly, but for the next day or so I keep finding bits of food here and there", Leah answers smirking.

"Well when they do cook together again, I'll come and referee", Joey snickers.

"I suggest you wear your wet weather gear", Leah teases.

"Oh how droll", Charlie huffs while Joey giggles. "So babe how was your day", she gently as changing the subject.

"Okay. Aden and I hung out together for most of it. How was yours", Joey lightly answers and asks.

"Fine. I spent a lot of the time interviewing the suspects in regards to abalone poaching", Charlie replies slightly weary.

"I heard that Angelo ended up in hospital after nearly drowning. Is he alright", Leah asks concerned.

"He's doing better now, but it was touch and go for awhile. He ended up with pulmonary oedema, so he'll be in hospital for a bit longer. That's why I'm interviewing the suspects", Charlie sighs slightly worry for him as she tells Leah.

"I hope he's going to be okay", Joey states genuinely concerned for him.

"Yeah, so do I", Leah seconds, even though he has been an arsehole to Charlie.

"He'd appreciate your concerns", Charlie utters, amazed by these two women's compassion.

"So are youse ready for dessert", Joey asks mischievously.

"Sure. What are we having", Leah asks with anticipation.

"Pavlova", Joey exclaims triumphantly.

"Ooo, yum", Charlie responds like an excited little kid.


Sometime later over at the caravan Nicole is staying in, she is happily setting up tea candles all over it. She is also lighting some incense and putting on some soft romantic music as she eagerly waits for Ruby to show up. She has showered, moisturised and is now dressed only in her silk dressing gown. She sits on the bed, nervous and excited, waiting for her girlfriend to arrive.

After twenty minutes, a knock on the door comes. Nicole gets up and opens the door to see Ruby standing there. "Well it's about time! Did you get lost", Nicole bristles, she was starting to get worried that something had happened to Ruby due to the fact she was suppose to be here twenty minutes ago.

Ruby pushes through the door sourly, brushing pass Nicole and huffily replies, "fuck that woman is a bloody sticky beck!" Ruby flops on the bed.

"What woman", Nicole asks confused closing the door, locking it and comes and sits beside Ruby.

"Colleen fucking Smart! The damn busy body saw me coming here and wanted to know, why I was here? Who was I seeing, does Irene know I'm sneaking about? And she is sure that Charlie wouldn't approve! Fuck, what a nosy old bag", Ruby angrily rants.

"So how did you get away babe", Nicole gently enquires trying to suppress her giggle and softly strokes Ruby's hair to calm her down.

"I was about to tell her to mind her own fucking business, when Kirsty showed up and told Colleen to leave me be. That I wasn't hurting anyone and everyone who needed to know where I was, knew", Ruby replies still annoyed.

"Poor baby", Nicole quips and leans in and gives Ruby a tender kiss. When Nicole pulls back, Ruby moves forward capturing Nicole's lips and kisses her passionately while pushes her down on the bed. Ruby half lays on top of Nicole, kissing her deeply with her tongue exploring and tasting her girlfriend's sweet mouth. Nicole's tongue caresses Ruby's and then she gently sucks on Ruby's tongue, they both moan in pleasure.

Ruby breaks the kiss and rolls slightly so she is on her side. She props up on her elbow with her head in her hand looking down at Nicole. Ruby then lightly caresses Nicole's face, causing Nicole to smile. "So did Miles and Kirsty agree to you moving in with Aden", Ruby curiously asks as she lets her hand slowly slide down Nicole's neck.

"Miles didn't think it was a good idea because he is worried that Aden might say or do something to hurt me in his grieving state of mind", Nicole softly replies. "But Kirsty argued that this might be what Aden needs to help him come to terms with Belle's death. She also agreed that having less distractions about will help me with my studies", she informs Ruby breathing through the pleasure Ruby's touch is giving her.

"So they said yes", Ruby quietly states, running her fingers between the dressing gowns opening where it opens at the Nicole's neck and down to between her breasts.

"Yeah they did", Nicole replies giving Ruby a dazzling smile. "So I called Aden to let him know that I'd be moving in this weekend", she excitedly finishes off.

"That's great babe", Ruby utters, gliding her fingers over Nicole's right breast.

"Thanks hon", Nicole whispers breathy.

Ruby leans down again and kisses Nicole lips. The kiss becomes fiery and out of control. Their tongues wage a battle, lashing in and out of each other's mouth. This kiss fans the flames of desire in each teen. In the process of this kiss, Ruby has opened up Nicole's dressing gown, cupping and kneading Nicole's beautiful breasts. Nicole on the other hand, has snaked her hands under Ruby's singlet top, unclasped Ruby's bra and is gently caressing Ruby's back with her fingernails.

After awhile, Ruby tears her mouth away from Nicole's. "Nic I need you now", Ruby huskily pleads, her clit pulsating with desire.

Nicole sits up and with nimble fingers, she undresses Ruby quickly and removes her dressing gown. Moving up the bed, Nicole sits and helps Ruby into a half sitting position. Nicole then opens her legs and scissors their legs together. She slides up Ruby's legs until her centre is pressing into Ruby's hot slickness. She can feel Ruby's pussy lips against her own. Nicole then moves her hand down between then bodies, opening up Ruby with her fingers and moving her body tight against Ruby's, pushing their swollen clits together. "Fuck Nic", Ruby cries out, enjoying the feeling of their pussies kissing.

Their wetness increases, coating them both. Nicole gently starts to rock and rub herself against Ruby's vibrating point of desire, her own clit tingling with want. She then reaches out and brushes her hand over Ruby's breasts, Ruby mirrors her actions. Each moan loudly with pleasure. "Fuck Nic, make me come", Ruby desperately begs, rocking and rubbing faster.

Nicole matches Ruby's movements, pushing harder and gyrating faster. The sustained contact on each other engorged clit, makes Ruby shudder and groan, she is close. Nicole pulls closer to Ruby, she leans in and sucks on Ruby's pulse point on her neck. Ruby arches back and screams, "Fuck Nic", coming hard, her honey juices flow over both of them.

Nicole grunts as she sharply thrusts a couple of times into Ruby and comes, crying loud, "oh Ruby", as she spills her sweet nectar as it combines with Ruby honeyed juices.

After a moment, they are both able to breath, "wow", is all they can both say. Then Ruby giggles, "so I take it you've been reading the books Storm gave us."

"Well I had to keep myself entertained while you were at work", Nicole playfully replies.

"It was definitely time well spent", Ruby cheekily remarks. "So what else have you learnt from reading those books, my saucy little minx", she asks mischievously.

"Oh lots of things", Nicole purrs and pulls Ruby to her and gives her a quick kiss.

"Care to share", Ruby seductively whispers in Nicole's ear.

Nicole looks at Ruby with a hungry glint in her eyes. "I thought you'd never ask", she growls with desire.

With that, Nicole pushes Ruby back onto the bed and crawls up Ruby's smooth luscious body and starts to show her what she has discovered.