Ah! You guys! One hell of a cliff hanger judging by your comments! AND HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW TRAILER FOR SKINS? IT'S COMIIING!

I think some of you may be having an inner battle within yourselves over who Emily should choose, and that was my whole point! You know personally what Emily is going through and I love it! That was my intention when writing this story. I know it took a while, believe me when I say that I was just as eager to get them together again as you were :) But obviously I didn't make you wait too long with my crazy updating :) So thanks for all of your patience, and this chapter is especially long because I was inspired by all of your lovely reviews. See what happens when you do the simplest things?!

So here's your present, Happy Birthday!... Maybe one of you out there has one today? Yes?

Naomi POV

Brown eyes. That's the first thing I see. And they are so familiar, the ones I used to fall asleep to at night, the ones I now have to dream about. The ones I've missed for so long, are now penetrating through me like a javelin. I just walked into the house of Emily Fitch, my Emily, and my new friend September. Did I just walk through a wormhole? Did I die in a car accident on the way here? Am I dreaming?

"Emily?" I croak

"…Naomi"

The way she says my name still sends chills down my spine and I just stand there in awe. I can't take my eyes off Emily, she looks so… beautiful. She has dark brown hair that is a little longer than I remember, and that vibrant shade of red I used to associate with her is now vanished. She has a little more color to her skin, which make the shape and hue of her lips stand out even more. She is wearing a loose grey cardigan which I can only guess is Septembers', seeing as it is way too big for her; hanging down just above her knees and she has the sleeves rolled up several times so that they are the right length for her hands to poke through. It has a giant leather cross embroidered on the back with black rhinestones around it, with a white tank top underneath. She has black leggings on that have little cut outs along the legs that show a little bit of skin peeking through, and it's all topped off with the cutest little moccasin slippers. I know she's eyeing me up too, and that makes me self-conscious. I shift a little on the spot, and stare at my feet because I can't bring myself to make eye contact with her again. Suddenly, there is a break in the silence.

"You guys know each other?" It's September, and by the sounds of it, she is a little freaked out. To be honest, she is definitely not the only one. I can't believe this is happening.

Emily pipes up, and I know that she still hasn't taken her eyes off of me because I can still feel her gaze "…yeah, hum." She clears her throat "Sept, this is that ex of mine I told you about, Naomi"

I see the shock register in her face and it's in this moment that I feel for her. Here, she has brought her girlfriend, who she has told me that she loves, together again with the 'infamous' I gather ex. The one that fucked it all up, the one who treated her like shit even though all she ever did to me was love me. She doesn't know what to say, so I try and take the heat off by speaking.

"I… this…" Fuck! I can't find words!

"I've missed you" Success! Although, not the words I wanted to come out of my stupid mouth right now. Emily's face darkens and her eyes narrow, and I can tell she is about to lose her shit, which can only mean one thing; she still loves me. Why else would she flip? It means she still cares at least. And that's enough for me.

"You've missed me?" She practically shouts, and September takes a step back at this. She clearly has never seen Emily this upset because she looks horrified.

"What the fuck, Naomi! I'm not back in the country a month and you weasel your way into my life again?" She is getting redder now and I know from experience that it's best to let her get it all out, interrupting will only make things worse.

"I don't fucking believe this. You can't show up at my door, the home I share with my girlfriend, and tell me that you bloody miss me. Not after everything you've done. To me, to us." My silence seems to tip her over the edge.

"Now what? After all this time, you have no sarcasm to hide behind? Nothing?" Now she wants me to speak up, so I start

"I'm sorry Emily, I didn't know I swear. I'd never met September bef-"

"I know that, Naomi!" She shouts this time.

"Look, Em. I'm so sorry okay? For everything. I could never expect you to forgive me for what I've done, because I've never been able to forgive myself. I promise I will stay away from you guys forever, I'll do anything-"

"I've heard that one before" She snorts

Regardless of her digs, that I rightfully deserve, I have to get this out. "I just need you to know how sorry I am, okay? There is no excuse for the way I behaved back then, and there's not a day that goes by where I don't wish I ran into you so I could just… I'm begging you" I plead "Just… I'm a fucking twat and I never deserved your love. You were and always will be the best thing that's ever happened to me. I know I'll never deserve you and that's a given. But I hope that one day; we will be able to smile when or if we pass each other on the street."

That's it, that's all I've got. I've been looking her in the eye since I started my little speech and she hasn't taken her eyes off of me the entire time. So now, after all I've said, we're just left there, staring at each other. September has an expression on her face that I can't place, and when this is all over I owe her a huge apology. She is an amazing girl, definitely the kind that Emily deserves. And I can't help but think I've just fucked everything up by accepting her offer in the first place. I see September shift and lean her body against the wall behind her, and this startles Emily out of her thoughts because she finally breaks eye contact with me and looks to her. Then, Emily's face flushes and it's as if she has just realized that Sept has been standing there this whole time, watching the exchange between us with front row seats. Emily instinctively takes a step back from me and closer to Sept, and I think for the first time between them, there is tension. Emily opens her mouth and says "You should go, Naomi" without breaking eye contact with September, and I adhere to her wishes and leave. God knows what I have just done.

September POV

Emily still loves her. I can tell. I don't blame her, I liked Naomi and we had only met once. Not to mention she is absolutely gorgeous. And at this point, knowing that Naomi loves her back isn't at all relevant. But after everything we have been through together, I don't know why I thought she was over Naomi. She has told me a few times about her thoughts, feelings. I guess you can never get over someone you loved so much, and I have a feeling that it will end up like this for me too. I love Emily, with everything inside of me. But I know that in this moment; have to decide between my happiness and hers. And I'll be damned if I stay with someone that I don't make happy.

For the first time since we met all those years ago, I can't find words. I think that the only way I'll be able to speak is if I slice my throat and search for the words inside of my neck. But thankfully, I don't have to say much.

"Sept" She begins "I'm so sorry…"

I only manage a "Me too" Before retreating to my silent state. And I don't know if Emily knows that my apology means so much more than that. We just kind of stand there, saying nothing, still at the front door. She starts again, this time grabbing my hand first

"I'm sorry but I can't… I can't be friends with her… I don't really like the idea of you being…"

I know that she is asking me to stay away from Naomi, so I just nod. I can do that. Besides, It's not like she was my BFF or anything. So I squeeze her hand and we walk back into the living room to turn off the TV that has switched into some late night British drama, and Emily walks towards the bedroom. She notices that I'm not following, and turns around to say "I'm really exhausted babe. Are you going to join me?" I shake my head "I'm still on New York time, I'll be in later" I give her an apologetic smile. I feel horrible; because this is the first time that I have ever lied to Emily. The truth, I actually was exhausted. But there was just way too much on my mind. I wanted nothing better than to go to bed with her and just hold her as she slept, because that has always been my favourite thing to do. It beats kissing her, making love, holding hands, eating a burger and fries in the comfiest sweats while washing it all down with a shake for Christ sakes. The thing that gives me the most happiness in this world is being her pillow.

She always kind of nudges me when I go to lie on my side or my tummy, because she wants me to lie on my back. So she can wrap one of her tiny wings around my chest and nuzzle her head into my neck. She moves her entire body against mine, and the heat that radiates off of her body is beyond bliss. She will start off by tracing her finger along my collar bone, and I always know when she is about to doze off by the way her breath feels on my neck. It gets heavier and her finger starts to stop making its strums, and I always end up waking with a pinch in my arm because it has been wrapped around her all night while she uses it and my neck as a pillow.

So she nods after my lie, none the wiser, and instinctively comes back to give me a gentle kiss on the lips; and tells me not to be long before she retreats to bed. I touch my lips after she is gone, and there's a gentle buzz humming upon them. I'm petrified, that this is the start of the end. That this may be one of the last few kisses we ever share. Because I can just feel it. That slow pull of the Band-Aid ripping off the skin. It hits me then, the realization, and right now I'm pulled to lying to her and doing something I never thought I'd do; I grab my keys and head out to find somewhere still open that serves hard liquor.

Because I think, actually I know, that I have always been Emily's band aid.

Emily POV

I can't believe the 'friend' September invited over was Naomi bloody Campbell. She has lost her blonde hair and it's turned into a light shade of brown, and her wardrobe has gotten a little hipster, what with the colorful birds printed on her top with an Irish wool sweater loosely draped over her shoulders... Fuck sakes! Focus! that's not the point, Emily. Thinking about the ways that Naomi's appearance has changed and how beautiful she always looks is so NOT the bloody point!

What are the chances? It's like the universe knows that I want to be with Sept so it will stop at nothing to keep Naomi in my thoughts. It never fails, I thought about her at least once a week or more. Granted, it did slow down a lot being with September, but it never fully dissipated like I thought it would. And I was fine with that for a while, until I graduated Uni and knew I had to come back to the UK. I panicked, because I somehow knew that I would run into Naomi somewhere. Obviously, I didn't think it would be like this, but I didn't want to run into Naomi and risk falling for her again. So I thought, if I bought Sept a ring and proposed that my brain would be in marriage mode and I would be okay if I ran into Naomi. She has never made me okay, so I just wanted to feel secure. Is that bad? Was I being rash? Should I even propose now, knowing full well that it might not be for the right reasons? I slammed my fists down on the pillows, because I wanted so badly to be happy with what I have. I ended up with one of the most amazing people I've ever met, and I can't even love her proper. I know how much she loves me and I just can't handle it. I feel like I owe Sept a proposal. Wait, I what? Owe her a proposal? What the fuck is happening? Why do I feel like this? Why, even after all this time, does Naomi still make my insides do flips? I don't want to love her anymore. I have something great and she won't ruin it for me. She won't take Sept from me. I can't do that to September... I love her!

I have to sort this.

I was brought out of my self-deprecation by my phone buzzing. I look at the screen and see the name "1st Brit Friend:)" show up on the ID before I take to reading the text:

Hey Sept, I am so sorry for what happened tonight. Emily has every right to be angry with me. I know you said I need to give myself a break, but I can't. Do you see now why I can't? Emily is the most incredible human being in the world, and what I did to her was unacceptable. I hope you can forgive me, but we can't be friends. I owe it to Emily to stay away from her. I know she is in good hands with you, and I am so happy for both of you. I wish you both all the best. – N

I read the text that was meant for Sept, and I don't know why I do what happens next.

I understand. Can you meet me? We need to talk.

As soon as I've sent the text, my phone buzzes again:

Sure, I can do that. Where? - N

I get off the bed and put on my shoes, I know I heard September leave a little while ago. So I grab my keys and am out the door, and text Naomi to meet me at the coffee shop up the street, and I know this is reminiscent of what Katie did to Naomi back in college. In another lifetime I might even find this humourous, history repeating itself.

What are you doing, Emily?

'

'

September POV

I end up walking onto some random pub because it seems to be the only one that plays music I am kind of familiar with, so I sit at the bar and tell the bartender to give me something strong. I've never actually drank before, so I leave it up to the bartender to do what he's got to do. He sets down a glass with some auburn liquid in it and a few ice cubes, and points to a girl across the bar and says "This is from her. And don't worry, it is very strong" He winks at me before setting it down in front of me. I look over the bar to the girl who ordered my drink, and she is actually quite beautiful. She has piercing blue eyes and smoky eye makeup, with wavy brown hair that is a little messy around her face. She is wearing a black tank top with a red hot chili peppers logo on it in red, and she has on a pair of light blue jeans that are torn apart at the knees with a pair of red converse. She reminds me of the girls you'd see in my brothers' group home. Battered, bruised, and beautiful. So I smile at her and take a sip, fuck me it burns. I see her chuckle and then get up to join me. As she walks over, it's as if she moves in time with the music.

Don't feed me scraps from your bed

And I won't be the stray coming back

Just to be fed

Don't be waves

Come to seal my fate, marine

Just pretend

That you want me

And be my babe

She takes the seat next to me and hasn't once broken her gaze from me. I start to feel uneasy, because I think maybe she wants to hit on me. I've never been good at picking up on these things, and there have been a few times where Emily has had to tell me that they're flirting. But to be fair, I don't usually care because I'm happily taken. But this time, I just need to think. I don't have the energy to gently turn someone down right now. She looks at me a bit longer, then swivles in her bar stool so she is facing the bar, mirroring my position. She looks ahead and says:

"You looked like you could use that drink. Don't do it often?" She asks, as if trying to start a conversation. So I just reply with a simple "Yeah. Thanks"

She nods again, and starts to play with her drink. Then she speaks a second time, letting the words leave her tongue before taking another sip of her alcohol.

"Whatever it is, I'm sure it will pass" And as soon as it's out of her mouth is when I officially crumble. Tears start to well in my eyes, but I don't let them fall. So I just look down and play with my drink just as she does. She looks at me and her face goes from uncomfortable to concerned when I make eye contact with her. I see a little flash in her eyes, and it's as if her whole demeanor changed the second I met her gaze. This girl is extraordinary. She shuffles herself closer to me and places her hand on my shoulder, which causes my eyes to fall to my drink again. She doesn't stop looking at me though, and I can feel her eyes pleading with me to tell her what is wrong. So I decide to give her a bone, and I say

"I think my girlfriend is still in love with her ex"

She takes in the information and nods, as if I've just given her my life story in one sentence. She removes her hand from my shoulders and orders two more drinks from the bartender. When I give her a questioning look, she shrugs her shoulders and says simply

"love bites"

'

'

We end up on the roof of that pub at some point, and there's actually quite a nice terrace up here. There are strings of lights of all different colors above our heads and we are looking out at the street a few stories below us. I am resting my elbows against the railing, hunched over a bit so my drink-free hand can hold my face. She is standing straight beside me with one hand on the railing, still sipping her drink. We haven't spoken, we've just stayed in the gentle shadow of each others' presence. She is an odd girl. Very observant, and very clever. But also, very troubled. It seems as if she makes other people around her nervous, but it doesn't bother me. It actually has a soothing effect for me, because right now, I need someone observant. Someone who isn't pretending, someone who doesn't have an ulterior motive. She doesn't try to pry information out of me, but she's stuck around because she does genuinely care, even if we may never see each other again our entire lives. Somehow I think, this is all new for her too. I can tell she is surprising herself, because even though they are little, she does odd things that seem to come unnaturally to her like play with her drink or fixate on something in the distance for an elapsed amount of time.

I don't know what prompts me to finally allow myself to ask her the question that's been tugging at me the whole night, but I must have needed to ask it because I turn to her and ask:

"What can I do?"

And what comes next is entirely unexpected. She leans over, takes my cheek in her hand, pulls me in close; and gently kisses my lips. And it strangely doesn't feel sexual. It's as if this is the strongest way she has inside of herself to show endearment in it's most raw form; affection. Comfort. Tenderness. She pulls away, and places another soft kiss on the tip of my nose before whispering:

"You just burn, kid"

Dun dun duuuuun! Was it worth the wait? Just a little? Like, a paquito? Don't worry, more chapters are coming since I didn't get the job. Something about her neighbour's kid applied... Feeling obligated... Anyway! I have a favor to ask you lovely viewers. I would like to take a poll, who is on team Naomily or on team Ember? :D Like what I did there? huh? lol Of course! We are all team Naomily, why else would we be here! I just know some of you are having a hard time, saying you are shipping? them? Wanting Emily to propose anyways, or not... So if you could be so kind and vote, and don't be shy about it! and if you are, then feel free to PM me your vote so you don't have to worry about getting hate mail. I won't tell a soul I promise. So! as always, would love to hear your feedback, and feel free to let me know what team your on! Thank god it's between two pink teams though, AM I RIGHT?! Ha. Sorry.

Cusoon!

Violet