A/N: Here's chapter 5 which is a bit of a filler update but ok I think. For those of you who have expressed frustration because it is taking so long for Naomily to get together, bad news I'm afraid - they're both stubborn and I love me a bit of drama. But please keep reading, I hope it will be worth it. The next couple of chapters will see things progress quite a bit but they won't be without their angst.

I'm also going to try to update always with you this weekend or early next week as it had been too long and it's definitely overdue. I can only apologise and say in my defence I'm in the head of 17 year old Naomily rather than the older version. Also the first few chapters are likely to be sad to write before it gets more positive.

Thank you so much for all of the alerts and reviews. It really does prove to be my biggest motivation so please continue to let me know what you think.

Naomi stood in the girls' toilet and stared at her reflection, she looked tired. She rubbed her eyes and sighed,

"Oh great now I've got panda eyes to go with the dark circles" she said as she looked back into the mirror.

She knew the reason she looked tired was because she hadn't been able to sleep properly for weeks, or to be more precise ever since she had kissed Emily in the bathroom of the pub. Since that night she had avoided being alone with the redhead, afraid that being on their own would mean they could talk about what happened, afraid that Emily would have the opportunity to tell her that she didn't feel the same way as her. By avoiding the redhead Naomi could keep the faint hope alive that their relationship could be something more than friendship.

The blonde went into one of the cubicles and tore off some tissue which she used to wipe round her eyes. She knew she hadn't been acting like herself recently and that people were starting to notice. She'd overheard some of the whispered conversations between her fellow sixth formers, the ones that speculated she was going a bit mad or worse, soft.

"Maybe I am going crazy." She said to her reflection and then smiled, wasn't the first sign of madness supposed to be talking to yourself? She groaned loudly, Emily Fitch was driving her insane, she couldn't stop thinking about her, couldn't stop wanting her no matter how hard she tried and she had tried, very hard. Nothing worked, nothing stopped the dreams, asleep and awake, nothing displaced the thoughts. She knew her schoolwork was suffering but it was hard to conjugate French verbs or argue why the Russian revolution happened when all her brain could concentrate on was the kiss they shared, the feel of Emily's soft, perfect lips on her own, how much she wanted to do more, much more.

She jumped as the door opened but she breathed a sigh of relief when she realised it was only Effy.

The brunette smiled at her, "So this is where you've been hiding? I've been searching for a while."

Naomi shrugged, "I needed some peace, Eff, I think I'm losing the plot."

"Looking so crazy in love's, Got me looking, got me looking so crazy in love. Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, oh no, no," Effy sang to her friend with a smirk. The brunette only just managed to move out of the way as Naomi took a swipe at her.

"It's not fucking funny, I'm a total wreck and it's all Emily Fitch's fault. I mean you've known me virtually all my life, when have you ever seen me like this?" Naomi asked.

Effy paused, "Never, but then again I don't think I've ever seen you in lurve before."

"Effy, I'm warning you, shut up. I'm all over the place as it is, I really don't need you taking the piss as well." Naomi looked as if she was about to cry.

Effy grew serious and walked over to the blonde, "Sorry, I was trying to lighten the mood. I didn't realise this was getting to you so much."

"You're about the only one and you're usually so perceptive." Naomi replied sarcastically.

Effy held out her arms and pulled her friend into a hug, initially Naomi froze, she and Effy weren't really the tactile type, well not when they were sober anyway, but eventually she returned the embrace. She was glad of the contact, no matter how unusual.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Effy asked as she released the blonde.

Naomi shrugged, "Get her expelled?"

Effy laughed, "You don't mean that. I'm serious, apart from the obvious 'I want to fuck Emily's brains out' problem what's your biggest headache at the moment?"

Naomi snorted, "That's fucking easy, two words for you - 'evil twin'."

Effy paused, she'd noticed Katie's behaviour over the past couple of weeks, she was increasingly dismissive of Naomi and often stood up to her in front of the rest of the sixth form. At times it was like she was challenging the blonde in an attempt to push her too far, up until now Naomi had controlled herself but Effy could tell she was getting to the end of her tether. Effy had a fairly good idea why Katie was being so cocky but she hadn't mentioned her suspicions to Naomi. I'm going to have to tell her, she thought with a resigned sigh.

"Naoms, you don't think Katie's standing up to you so much because Emily's told her about Cyprus do you?" Effy ventured, planting the seed into the blonde's mind.

Naomi paused before snorting, "of course, it all makes sense now. She was squaring up to me because she knew about me and Emily. She even dropped hints about keeping her mouth shut and having secrets but I was so annoyed I didn't get the significance at the time. How long have you known?"

Effy shrugged, "I suspected straight away but it's only been the past week that I've been sure. I didn't want to say anything too early in case I was wrong."

"So then wise old oracle, what do I do? I can't confront her as she'll tell everyone but I can't ignore it either, her insolence is starting to rub off on the others and soon all the sixth form will think I'm a pushover." Naomi stated.

Effy frowned for a minute while she was thinking, "You're right you can't do anything, but I can."

"Eff, don't make things worse please." Naomi pleaded.

"Naomi Campbell, have a little faith, like you said we've known each other forever, have I ever let you down?" Effy chastised.

"Well there was that time in primary school when..." Naomi started.

Effy tutted, "Oh for God's sake let it go Naomi it was 10 years ago and I didn't know Tommy Marshall was going to steal your clothes. Look just trust me ok? I promise I'll sort Katie out and it will make things better not worse."

Naomi narrowed her eyes, "What exactly are you going to do?"

Effy smiled sweetly, too sweetly, "You don't need to know the detail but let's just say Katie Fitch has seriously underestimated how evil a bitch I can be and I think it's time I pointed it out to her."

Naomi gulped, she was always slightly scared when Effy was in this mood. She almost felt sorry for Katie, but then she shrugged. What goes around comes around, she thought with a slight smile.

Katie poked her head out of the common room doorway and checked if the coast was clear, she didn't want to run into Emily again. They'd had another disagreement that morning about that stupid cow Campbell. Emily had told her to back off and stop giving the blonde cheek in front of everybody as it was embarrassing for her and horrible for Naomi. Katie didn't understand why Emily kept sticking up for the blonde after the way she'd treated her, I suppose that's why she's the sappy twin, she always lets people walk all over her, Katie thought as she made her way down the corridor.

Katie sighed, she thought she'd been pretty supportive of Emily after she'd found out about her Cyprus fuckfest with the Head Girl but Em didn't seem to appreciate that Katie was only looking out for her, standing up to the blonde where Emily either couldn't or wouldn't.

Suddenly someone grabbed her arm and dragged her into one of the empty rooms. After the element of surprise had gone Katie's instincts kicked in and she spun around, pinning her assailant to the wall in the process.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" she asked.

Effy chuckled, "Hmmm Katie, this is all very sudden but I'm game if you are."

The brunette watched as a look of confusion passed over Katie's face, "What?"

"Sorry, I thought you were propositioning me. I mean our bodies are incredibly close and I could easily lean over and kiss you, if that's what you wanted." Effy said licking her lips.

Katie sneered, "Sorry sweetheart but Emily's the twin that drinks from the furry cup, not me. I'm 100% straight."

"Don't knock it until you've tried it Katiekins, "Effy said with a wink.

Katie gasped, "Fuck off, you're disgusting."

Effy's demeanour changed, totally gone was the air of flirtation and it was replaced with a cold determination. She pushed Katie backwards into one of the chairs. She leaned down and whispered into the twin's ear.

"Don't worry Katie, I wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire. That was just a little demonstration of how appearances can be deceptive and hopefully now you're starting to realise that you might not be the biggest bitch in the room after all." Effy hissed.

She stood back and was pleased to see the twin's self assured cockiness had been replaced by an element of fear. "You and I need to have a little chat."

"Wh..wh..what about?" Katie said nervously.

Effy folded her arms, "First you need to back off giving Naomi a hard time, she's the Head Girl and regardless of your personal feelings that means you will show her some fucking respect."

"Why should I? Respect needs to be earned and she's not doing very well so far." Katie responded.

Effy leaned forward again so their faces were close, "You will show her some fucking respect or I will beat the crap out of you and I don't mean handbags at dawn, I mean hospital food here we come. Have you seen that girl Stella?"

Katie paused, "What the one with the limp?"

Effy nodded, "How do you think her leg got broken so badly she can't walk properly anymore?"

Katie's eyes widened, "You did that? What did she do to you?"

Effy stood up and shrugged, "She was sitting in my seat in English, when she wouldn't move I made her. I'm not even sorry, I gave her plenty of opportunity to sit somewhere else."

Katie gulped, "Fine I'll try to be more respectful towards Naomi, but you don't know the reason why I have an issue with her, if you did you might be more sympathetic."

Effy smiled, "Which brings me nicely onto the second half of our chat. You and I are going to team up and make sure Naomi and Emily get together."

"Over my dead body," Katie scoffed.

Effy raised her hands, "We can do it that way if you want but I'd prefer that we worked together."

Katie started to get annoyed, "Look you've obviously only got Naomi's take on these things, which is bound to be skewed in her favour. She hasn't treated Emily very well."

"Katie, I get the fact that you want to protect Emily, which is actually quite nice. But you're wrong, I've talked to both of them at length about what happened in Cyprus and since the start of term. They're crazy about each other but both of them are too stubborn and scared to take the plunge in case the other one rejects them. Seriously at first I thought it was sweet but now it's starting to do my head in." Effy responded.

Katie frowned, "So how long have you known then?"

"Naomi told me the day she got back from Cyprus, it was all 'Emily this and Emily was so sweet and hot and fuckable'. Blah blah blah. I worked out who Emily was on the first day of term after I saw their meet and greet, I mean you must have noticed the flirting?" Effy said.

Katie nodded, "I accused Em of eye fucking her, I suppose I didn't think to look and see if Naomi was doing it back."

Effy snorted, "Oh God she was, really blatantly as well which isn't like her at all. She couldn't help herself."

Katie scowled, "So if Naomi is so into Emily why is she still with Cook?"

Effy waved her hand, "Don't worry about that, they never got back together. Naomi let Emily believe they did because she wanted to hurt her when she described their holiday romance as a fling and said she hadn't told anyone. Naomi thought it didn't mean anything to Emily."

"Oh for fuck's sake, so why hasn't she told her, you've got to admit that's pretty mean?" Katie replied indignantly.

Effy raised her eyebrow, "Is it any worse than Emily letting Naomi see her all the time with Melissa?"

Katie paused, she knew her twin was encouraging Melissa by paying her attention. It was annoying her but she hadn't actually said anything to Emily. She shrugged, "I suppose not. Emily has no intention of taking her back so it is a bit cruel to lead her on to make Naomi jealous."

Effy nodded, "So we're agreed, they are as bad as each other and the sooner they admit how they feel the better."

Katie stared at her, "Why do you care so much, I mean you hardly even know Emily."

Effy smiled, "Naomi is my best friend and I want her to be happy, if Emily is the person to do that then I want to do everything I can to help. Surely it's the same for you and Emily?"

"I suppose so, I just don't want her to get hurt. Melissa really fucked her up, I'd hate Naomi to do the same." Katie replied.

"That's why we need to team up, to make sure things run more smoothly than if we leave them to their own devices. Anyway, you owe Emily as this is partly your fault in the first place." Effy said to the twin.

Katie frowned, "How do you work that out?"

Effy shrugged, "You were the one who booked Emily on the holiday because you didn't want her cramping your style in Ibiza, if you'd let her come with you she'd never have met Naomi."

"How fucking dare you, that's not true." Katie started. She paused as Effy raised her eyebrow, "Alright it might be a bit true." Another pause and another raised eyebrow. "Ok, it is mostly true but Em is much quieter than me I did think she'd prefer the tranquillity of Cyprus to the party scene in Ibiza."

"So do we have a deal?" Effy held out her hand, she could see that Katie was still not totally convinced so she made one last push to finally persuade her. "Look Katie I'm going to do this with or without your help, like I said I'd prefer to have you as a friend but don't think I won't make an enemy of you and believe me I will make your life a living hell if that happens. So the choice is simple, friends or enemies, enjoyable year at school or face waking up every morning wishing you were dead?"

Katie gulped before making up her mind and taking the brunette's hand, "Ok we have a deal, I'd prefer not to be your enemy if I can help it."

Effy smiled at her, "Excellent choice Katie. So I suggest we go away and have a little think about what we can do to expedite things between our two reluctant main players. We can meet again later in the week to work out a plan. Oh and don't say anything to Emily about Naomi and Cook, it's Naomi's place to tell her, not yours."

Katie sighed, "Ok, but I don't like keeping things from Ems so Naomi had better come clean soon."

"Don't worry she will, well assuming we can actually get them speaking to each other." Effy replied.

"With your brains and my looks it'll be a piece of cake," Katie responded.

Effy paused before bursting out laughing, "I'm glad you have such confidence."

Katie was surprised when the brunette leant over and pecked her on the lips, "What the fuck?"

Effy winked at her and walked off, "I think you and I are going to get along just fine Katiekins."

I'm sure we'll get along great as long as she stops freaking me out like that, Katie thought as she watched the brunette leave the room.

Emily stared at the book in front of her, the words were beginning to swim around the page as she struggled to take them in. She was good at history, in fact she'd been top of her class at Kingsmead when they took their GCSEs, it was one of the main reasons she'd decided to take it for A level.

So how come I'm finding this such a struggle then? She thought. Part of the reason was that there was a significant step up between GCSE and A level, so it was bound to take some time to adjust. She sighed, who was she trying to kid, while the new curriculum was by necessity demanding she knew that some if not most of the reason she was struggling was to do with Naomi. Naturally she'd seen the blonde around at school but they never seemed to be alone and if they spoke to each other at all it was polite but not particularly friendly. At one point she'd started to think Naomi was doing it on purpose, making sure they were always surrounded by fellow pupils but Katie had scoffed at her and said she was paranoid. Her twin was probably right, it was pretty arrogant of her to think Naomi would need to avoid her, I doubt I feature in her thoughts at all really, Emily thought with a resigned sigh.

She turned back to her book and tried to concentrate. She was frowning slightly when she sensed someone walk into the library, she heard a quiet "shit" being mumbled and looked up into the blue eyed stare of Naomi.

The redhead smiled at the blonde before saying, "Hi, I don't often see you in here."

Naomi shrugged as she walked over, "Normally I study at home but I needed a book and there's a bit of a free for all at my place at the moment so it's not that quiet."

"How do you mean a free for all?" Emily asked as she moved some of her things so the blonde could sit down.

Naomi pulled out the chair, "Thanks. I'm not sure if you remember, I mean there's no reason why you would, but I told you my Mum was a bit new age?"

Emily nodded, "I remember although I think you used the term 'nutty hippie' rather than new age."

Naomi smiled, "I meant it affectionately. Anyway she's always going on some rally about this or that to do with Human Rights or Eco policy or political protest. She's off on one at the end of the month and this week her and her weirdy beardy mates are planning their strategy, at my house, loudly. Hence the need for some peace and quiet."

They sat and stared at each other for a while before Emily broke the silence, "Naomi, can we talk please?"

The blonde shifted uncomfortably, "Alright, what do you want to talk about?"

Emily looked at her hands, "Maybe I've got it all wrong but I've got the impression you've been avoiding me."

"Why do you think that?" Naomi asked staring at the redhead. Naomi felt bad pretending not to know what Emily was on about but it felt a bit childish to admit she had been keeping out of the redhead's way.

Emily shrugged, "I'm not sure but it seems you don't really want to be anywhere with me on our own."

Naomi sighed, "Well we're in the library on our own aren't we? I don't seem to be in a hurry to get away."

Emily nodded and then took a deep breath, "Naomi, you need to understand that my first thought when I see you isn't 'I want to fuck that girl'. We shared something in Cyprus and we've kissed since, it was nice but it's also nice just being with you, when you're not being a prick that is."

Naomi smiled, "I like spending time with you too. I'm sorry if it's been a bit strange. I suppose I don't really know how to act around you here in Bristol, apart from being a prick."

Emily finally looked at the blonde, "Can't we try to be friends? Everything seems so intense and it's horrible. Don't get me wrong what happened in Cyprus meant something to me, it was amazing, but as I said to you at the time I'd rather have you as a friend than not have any kind of relationship with you at all."

Naomi studied the redhead, "I'd like us to be friends too. Listen I know you said it as a distraction to Melissa but maybe we could study together, if you want to?"

Emily smiled and it caused Naomi's stomach to flip, "Study buddies, I like that."

Naomi reached over and took the book Emily was reading, "So what are you trying to digest at the moment?"

Emily sighed, "The causes of the French Revolution, I mean I know it was political and social unrest coupled with financial meltdown but that hardly writes a 2,000 word essay does it?"

Naomi paused, "Do you want me to take a look at what you've written?"

Emily smiled shyly, "Thanks that would be really nice."

The redhead handed over her fledgling essay and watched as Naomi quickly scanned the text. After she had finished Naomi looked up.

"It's good but I'm not sure you've conveyed the American influence enough." Naomi stated.

Emily looked surprised, "I've mentioned the War of Independence, what do you mean?"

Naomi sighed, "Yes you've mentioned it but it was far more significant than that. France sent a lot of troops over to help, they were submerged in the war they saw how the power of the majority, even if they were lower or working class, could change things. The soldiers that survived came back with very definite ideas and ideals, they believed they could change their own country, not be treated like second class citizens."

Emily watched as Naomi spoke about various themes, she had heard other people in her class talk and even the teachers, but it was never as passionately as the blonde. She thought back to the day trip they'd been on in Cyprus and could now understand why Naomi was so knowledgeable.

She focused on Naomi's lips and watched as they moved as the blonde spoke. God, I think they're the most kissable lips I've ever seen she thought as she drifted off into a daydream. She was mesmerised and it wasn't until she felt Naomi's gaze on her that she realised she had been staring.

"Sorry, did you ask me a question?" Emily enquired.

Naomi looked at her, "I asked you if you wanted to come over to my house and study on Saturday? My Mum won't mind and maybe after we've revised we can get a pizza and watch a film or something."

A smile broke out across Emily's face, "That would be really nice."

Naomi took out a pen and wrote on Emily's notebook, "So here's my address and I guess I'll see you on Saturday."

Emily nodded, "I'll be over about twelve is that ok?"

"Perfect." Naomi replied with a smile as she walked over to the desk with her book, ready to check it out.

Emily searched through her wardrobe again, she cried out in frustration, "Why the fuck can't I find anything to wear?"

She checked her watch, it was 11 o'clock and that meant she only had about half an hour to get ready before she'd need to set off to Naomi's. She flicked through the rails of clothes again mentally discounting each one, no, no, no, what on earth was I thinking?

She was so focused on her task that she didn't notice Katie walk into the room, the twin paused for a minute watch her sister and a puzzled look crept across her face.

"What exactly are you doing?" Katie said making Emily jump.

"I'm cooking breakfast, what does it bloody well look like I'm doing, I'm trying to find something to wear." Emily replied sarcastically.

Katie paused, Em had been acting strangely for most of the week but wouldn't tell her why. She and Effy had speculated that it might be to do with Naomi but Effy had said the blonde was equally evasive when questioned.

Katie pulled a top from her sister's wardrobe, "What's wrong with this? It's normally what you'd wear on Saturday."

Emily shook her head, "That's a staying round the house top, I'm going out."

Katie raised her eyebrow, "Really? Where are you going?"

Emily paused and chose her words carefully, "I'm erm, I'm going to a study group." It wasn't exactly a lie, even if it wasn't quite the whole truth either.

"So who cares what you wear? It's just you and your geeky friends at the library, if you manage to turn up with a pair of matching shoes on you'll easily be the most stylish person there." Katie responded.

Emily shifted and looked down, "Actually, it's not at the library, it's at Naomi's house."

A smile spread across Katie's face, "Oh now I get it, you want to look hot so blondie will spend more time with you than the others."

Emily coughed and started to blush, "Hmmm, I think it's just going to be me and Naomi."

Katie began to laugh, "Oh my God, you've got a date."

"It's a study group." Emily corrected.

"Study group my arse, is that all you'll be doing?" Katie questioned.

Again Emily could feel the colour rising in her cheeks, "Well Naomi did mention something about getting a pizza and maybe watching a movie afterwards but I'm sure she only meant it to be friendly."

Katie shook her head, "Naomi and Emily up a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g."

"Fuck off Katie, now are you going to help me chose something to wear or not?" Emily said in an annoyed voice.

Katie stopped her teasing and ran through her twin's clothes, she picked out a top and skirt and handed them over, "Wear these, you always look cute in these."

Emily sighed, she knew she was going to have to be honest, "Actually, I wanted something a bit more, you know sexy maybe."

Katie grinned at her, "So you admit it's a date?"

Emily rolled her eyes, "Ok you win, I don't think it's a date but I hope it's more than just a study group."

"Now that wasn't too hard was it?" Katie picked out a skirt and cardigan before she went over to her own wardrobe and pulled out a lowish cut top. "This dear sister, will make her eyes stand out on stalks."

She watched as Emily frowned slightly before putting the clothes on, once she had dressed a small smile appeared on her face, "I know it's not totally my usual thing but I look pretty good."

Katie checked the clock, "Isn't it about time you set off?"

Emily looked at the time, "Shit, I'm going to be late if I'm not careful. I'll see you later."

Katie watched her go and immediately picked up her phone. She dialled the number and waited for it to ring a few times before being picked up.

"Hey it's me. Our job might be a bit easier than we thought. Guess who's having a very cosy study group at her house today?" Katie asked

She paused, waiting for the reply.

"Yep, just the two of them. Studying first then pizza and a movie." Katie said.

Another pause.

"Of course I did, she looked good. It's a pity there's not enough time for you to do the same but I rang you as soon as I could. I'll speak to you later if there's an update."

Katie hung up the phone and smiled to herself, maybe Emily and Naomi didn't need that much of their help after all.

Naomi stared at her reflection in the full length mirror, she'd changed her clothes at least 10 times already until finally she settled on her current outfit. For God's sake get over yourself, it's just Emily, your friend, coming round to study it's no big deal, she thought for the millionth time before she shook her head. Who am I trying to fool? It's Emily, the object of my obsession, coming round to study and hang out, where she's concerned it's always a big deal.

She snapped out of her thoughts as her phone started to ring, please don't let that be Emily phoning to cancel. She was relieved when she saw Effy's name on the display and she answered straight away.

"Hi Eff, can you make this quick, I'm in the middle of something." Naomi said.

"Oh that's charming. I just wanted to see if you fancied going to the pub this afternoon." The brunette replied.

"Sorry, I can't I have plans." Naomi replied.

"Really, what plans would they be then, you never do anything on a Saturday." Effy stated.

Naomi paused, "Err, nothing that special I just need to study while the house is quiet."

Effy chuckled, "Will you be studying alone?"

Naomi sighed, "Who told you?"

"Katie has just given me a call, I knew you were hiding something this week." Effy replied

Naomi frowned, "I wouldn't exactly call it hiding something, I ran into Emily in the library and asked her if she wanted to study with me today. It was her idea initially if you remember."

"Hmmm, and do you have any other plans after you've finished studying, pizza, a few beers, a film perhaps?" Effy asked in an amused tone.

Naomi sighed again, "Look I may have mentioned we could hang out afterwards but it's no big deal, just two mates spending some time together."

Effy laughed, "So it's definitely not a date then?"

Naomi became indignant, "No it's not a date. I mean honestly why would I ask Emily on a fucking date that consisted of coming round to my house to study?"

"Ok calm down. Jesus Naomi don't stress so much. But just so we're clear if it's definitely not a date you won't have changed your outfit at least 10 times will you?" Effy questioned

"Err, no I wouldn't have." Naomi said cautiously.

"If it's not a date you won't have picked a horror movie so you'll have to cuddle up together, you'll have picked something funny, right?" Effy continued.

Naomi swallowed, "Yeah, that would be correct."

Effy laughed, "Don't lie to me Naomi. How many times have you changed?"

"About 10." The blonde replied

"What's the movie?" Effy asked.

"Paranormal activity 2." Naomi answered sheepishly.

Effy sighed, "It's a date Naomi."

Naomi suddenly heard the doorbell ring and was grateful for the interruption "Sorry Eff, got to go that's the door."

She made her way downstairs and as she reached the front door she heard her phone beep, she checked the message, it was from Effy.

"Saved by the bell Naoms. Don't think I won't be calling for a full debrief later. X"

Naomi tutted, "It's not a fucking date." She muttered under her breath.

She opened the door and found Emily standing nervously on the doorstep. Naomi ushered her inside and took her coat. Finally she noticed what Emily was wearing, the redhead had managed to look seriously cute at the same time as looking incredibly sexy. It took all Naomi's strength not to moan out loud as she stared at Emily.

Oh God, I wish it was a date she thought as she led Emily upstairs so they could study in peace.

A number of hours later they sat in the kitchen, there was a half empty pizza box on the table and Naomi smiled at Emily as she opened a beer and handed it to her.

"Thanks," the redhead said as she accepted the bottle and took a large swig. "I found today really useful, it's great having someone to bounce ideas off."

Naomi nodded as she sat back down and took another slice of pizza. "Yeah me too, even though we're at different stages of the curriculum it's been a big help having a different perspective."

Emily picked up a slice of her own and took a bite, she suddenly pulled a face and spat it out, "Sorry, that must have looked awful but I really can't stand anchovies."

Naomi started to laugh, "So I see. One of mine must have crept onto your half. I mean I know the half and half pizza is a great invention but it still has a margin of error."

Emily eyed her slice suspiciously, "You don't think there's any more on there do you. My mouth tastes all fishy."

"Oh wow a lesbian who doesn't like the taste of fish..." Naomi said with a smirk.

"Naomi! Don't be so bloody vulgar." Emily admonished the blonde.

Naomi looked embarrassed, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."

"Anyway, it's just anchovies, other fish is fine, in fact I wolf it down whenever I can." Emily replied with a wink.

Naomi felt herself blushing, "Who's being crude now?"

They descended into awkward silence, punctuated only by the sound of chewing and the slurping of beer. Finally Emily spoke, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be offensive. It's just we used to joke like that all the time in Cyprus, even before we, well you know, slept together. I know it's not the same now and I shouldn't expect it to be but I miss it, I miss being totally relaxed with you."

Naomi smiled, "I know, I miss it too. It felt so easy when we were there, I felt like I'd known you for ages. Now it feels a bit more uncomfortable and I don't even really know why."

Emily frowned, "I can't speak for you but from my point of view it was because we'd agreed to be whoever we wanted to. I felt much freer and under less pressure to behave in a certain way. The ironic thing is that I was probably more myself with you for those two weeks than I manage in a year in Bristol. Here I'm Emily Fitch, Katie's twin sister, there I was just Emily."

Naomi nodded in agreement, "I think you've hit the nail exactly on the head. I felt like I was able to be a bit of a sap or make a fool of myself and you wouldn't think any less of me because of it. Here I've spent so long building a reputation for being a bad ass bitch or aloof and superior I sometimes think I've forgotten how to have fun in case people use it against me or see it as a weakness. It can be quite lonely at times."

Emily reached over and took the blonde's hand, "How about we make an arrangement?"

"Go on." Naomi said, clearly intrigued by the redhead's suggestion.

"When we spend time together we can always act however we want without fear of judgement. So if I want to go a bit crazy, you're the friend I'll turn to. If you want to be silly, you'll come to me and so on. We'll be able to cope with our designated, straightjacket roles and behave exactly how everyone expects us to because we'll know we can always spend time with each other and be different." Emily finished and looked expectantly at the blonde who was frowning slightly.

Slowly a smile spread across Naomi's face, "I like it, no in fact I love the idea. I'm more relaxed with Effy but usually only after half a bottle of vodka, it'll be good to act out of character sometimes."

Emily shook her head, "It's not out of character, it's just the aspects of our personalities we don't get to show very often. So for you that might mean admitting you have a sense of humour."

Naomi stared at her, "Are you taking the piss?"

Emily laughed, her eyes twinkling, "Most definitely, piss taking is an integral part of our friendship and if you can't hack it then we might have to forget the whole thing."

Naomi stared back at her before taking a slice of pizza, she picked up one of the toppings and flicked it at the redhead. "Anchovy attack." She said nonchalantly.

"You fucking bitch," Emily replied with a gasp, "I'm going to stink of fish now."

Naomi smiled at her, "Hate to tell you Em, but you already do."

Emily got up from the table and made her way to the blonde, "Right I'm going to get you back for that, it was totally out of order."

Naomi jumped in surprise as she felt the remains of her beer being tipped over her head, "What a fucking waste. This is war Fitch, and I don't take prisoners."

Gina let herself into the house carrying some shopping and did a double take as she reached the kitchen. The person chasing the redheaded girl round the table carrying what looked suspiciously like a slice of pizza certainly resembled her daughter, in fact the likeness was uncanny, but it couldn't be Naomi.

She's normally so prim and proper, I haven't seen her this relaxed in a long time, Gina thought as she smiled to herself. She continued to watch as her daughter finally caught the redhead and pinned her against the table holding the pizza near her face.

"Do you surrender?" Naomi said.

The redhead shook her head, "Never, do your worst Campbell, I can take it."

Gina entered the kitchen and coughed, "I do hope you're going to clear up this mess once you're done."

They jumped apart and Naomi turned to face her, "Hi Mum, I didn't hear you come in."

"Evidently not, you were too busy running around the table I expect," Gina replied with a smile.

Both Naomi and Emily started to blush. Naomi placed the pizza in the box, "How long have you been standing there?"

"Not long I've only just got back from the supermarket. So are you going to introduce me?" Gina said nodding towards the redhead.

Naomi nodded, "Sorry of course, Mum this is my friend Emily from school, Emily this is my Mum Gina."

Emily finally looked up, "Hi Mrs Campbell, it's nice to meet you. I won't offer you my hand as it's a bit sticky from the beer and pizza."

Gina took it anyway, "Oh don't worry about that love, I've shaken worse believe me, and it's Gina."

"Right um ok Gina." Emily said shyly.

"So are you in Naomi's year, she hasn't mentioned you before." Gina asked.

Emily faltered unsure of how to answer, "Err, no I'm in the year below, I've only just transferred from Kingsmead."

Naomi interjected, "Actually we met when I was in Cyprus over the summer didn't we Em? Neither of us knew the other was going to be at Parkview so it was a bit of a shock on the first day of term. We're both taking history and French at A level so we thought we might as well study together. We finished a while ago and were having something to eat and then we're going to watch a film."

Gina watched her daughter with interest as the words tumbled quickly from her mouth. Naomi hadn't mentioned she'd made any friends on holiday but Effy's words came back to her, she'll tell you when she's ready. So there was something Naomi wasn't telling her, but she couldn't pinpoint what it was.

"So are you staying over tonight Emily?" Gina asked.

Emily glanced at Naomi, "I'm... I'm not sure. I hadn't planned to."

Naomi smiled, "You can do if you want? I mean friends stay over each other's houses all the time. It'll probably be quite late after we've watched the film."

Emily nodded, "If you're sure it's ok Mrs Cam... I mean Gina. I don't want to be any trouble."

"Of course it's fine love, we're used to having a full house here. Do you need to check it's ok with your Mum?" Gina said

Emily nodded and reached into her bag for her phone. She had a brief conversation with her Mum before she sighed. She turned to Gina, "Sorry she wants to speak to you."

Emily rolled her eyes at Naomi as they pieced together the whole conversation based on the half they could hear.

"This is Gina Campbell, Naomi's Mum." Gina said as she picked up the phone

"Hi Jenna, it's nice to talk to you. Of course it's fine if Emily stays, she's welcome any time. She's such a polite girl, a real credit to you."

Naomi pulled a face at Emily at that point and the redhead responded by poking out her tongue.

"Well apparently they met in Cyprus over the summer and now they're both at Parkview but I had no idea." Gina continued to listen to the reply.

Gina laughed, "I know exactly what you mean, I'm lucky to get more than a grunt these days. Anyway I'll hand you back now, take care."

She handed the phone back to Emily who listened to her Mum patiently, "Mum it's fine, I'll make sure I'm back in time for dinner ok. Alright I'll ask her."

She covered the mouth piece and whispered to Naomi, "My Mum wants to know if you want to come round for tea one night next week?"

Naomi shrugged, "Yeah, I suppose so. Is Wednesday any good?"

"How's Wednesday?" Emily asked and gave Naomi the thumbs up, "Ok I'll see you tomorrow."

She hung up the phone and sighed, "Jesus, you'd hardly believe I was 17 would you? It's not like I'm out on a school night and I told her where I was going about a million times."

Gina smiled at Naomi, "You never stop worrying about your babies."

Naomi groaned and grabbed the redhead's hand, "Oh God, kill me now. Come on Em, let's get cleaned up and watch the film, we can watch the it in my room. Night Mum."

"Yeah, night Gina, it was nice to meet you." Emily said.

"Night both." Gina said as she watched them leave the room.

Katie wandered into the kitchen and found her Mum reading the paper. "Is Em not back yet?" she asked.

Jenna looked up, "Hmmm, no she's staying over her friend's house."

Katie raised her eyebrow, "Really?"

Jenna nodded, "Who is this Naomi by the way, Emily hasn't mentioned her before."

"Err, she's the Head Girl at Parkview and they were studying together today." Katie replied.

Jenna rolled her eyes, "I know that Katie, I do listen when you or Emily tell me things. What I mean is how come they are close enough to have sleepovers but this is the first I've heard of her."

Katie shifted, "I'm not sure, you'll have to ask Emily."

"Naomi's Mum mentioned something about them meeting in Cyprus this Summer, did your sister say anything to you?" Jenna questioned.

Katie paused as if she was trying to think, "Don't remember her telling me. Jesus Mum, what is this, the Spanish Inquisition?"

Jenna studied her daughter, she could always tell when Katie was lying or hiding something. Clearly there was more to this than met the eye but she knew Katie would clam up if pressed. "Anyway I'll have a chance to grill her myself on Wednesday, she's coming over for tea."

Katie smiled, she needed to tell Effy straight away. "Well don't scare her too much with your questions or your cooking Mum. Why don't you go into the lounge and watch telly and I'll bring you a cup of tea."

Jenna eyed her with suspicion but rose from her seat, "Ok that would be nice sweetheart."

As soon as she'd left the room Katie put the kettle on and got her phone out to text Effy.

"We might have lift off! Em is staying over tonight."

Her phone beeped almost immediately in response.

"No way, this is far better than we'd hoped at this stage."

Katie tapped in her reply.

"I know, and Naomi is coming to ours for tea next week."

Again she didn't have to wait too long for the phone to beep.

"That's brilliant. Here's the plan, you collar Emily as soon as she gets home and I'll go over to Naomi's. Then after we've eaten you and I will meet up to compare notes. Deal?"

Katie poured the boiling water on the teabags and sent back a reply.

"It's a deal. See you tomorrow."

She finished making the tea and took it in to her Mum, "Here you go."

Jenna looked up, "Thanks, what are you smiling about."

Katie shook her head, "Nothing much, I just had a funny text from my friend Effy."

Jenna rolled her eyes, "Who's Effy? Honestly I can't keep up these days, there's all these new friends appearing from everywhere."

Katie smiled at her, "don't worry Mum, I think you might be seeing a fair bit of Naomi and possibly Effy in the future. Anyway I'm off to bed, night."

She walked up the stairs and got ready for bed. Just before she lay down she looked over at Emily's empty bed, she couldn't wait for tomorrow to arrive to find out what happened between her twin and the blonde.

Operation Naomily, we are go, she thought as she fell asleep with a smile on her face.

Meanwhile on the other side of Bristol two girls, one blonde and one redhead, lay soundly asleep. The redhead was snuggled into the blonde's side with her head resting on her chest. The blonde had both her arms wrapped protectively around the redhead and one of her legs was resting across the redhead's, providing a further shield.

They both had serene smiles on their faces as they slept.