12 Years of Christmas

by Miss.Maraudeur

[Discontinued] AU. It all starts with a chance meeting, a complete fortuitous encounter. But then it turns into some kind of silent tradition. For 12 years, Naomi and Emily meet in the same pub on Christmas Eve. A weird tale of a weird friendship that might just need the magic of Christmas to turn into something more.

11. Chapter 11

A/N: I have no good excuse to explain why it took me so much time to finish this. I do have 21 000 words worth of apology though which I hope will make you all feel a bit better about the horrible- horrible- wait. Know that I will 100% for sure finish the story and that I love- LOVE- you all for the mountain of praise and excitement you show towards this story. Knowing you guys are still reading and waiting patiently, knowing you guys still want to know how it will end, well it's the best incentive for me to get my ass down and write. And these days, I really need it. Thank you. A LOT.

That's it from me. Here's the chapter. Enjoy.

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Chapter 11: The Eleventh year

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The first few days after Christmas, Emily had been admittedly upset. She hadn't had any expectations about her relationship with Naomi before their yearly pub meeting, she really hadn't. She'd known going in that she'd share her feelings with the blonde, that was true, but she hadn't expected anything in particular from the other woman. It had all changed when they'd kissed though, or at least it had for her.

It wasn't that the kiss had awakened a sleeping part of her heart or that it had shaken her sense of the world or anything. Emily doubted those clichés were even real. But the kiss had been the kind of kiss you wanted to repeat. Several times. Preferably in a private environment where it could lead to clothes being discarded.

She'd known she was attracted to Naomi, she always had been, and she'd even known that she had feelings for the other woman. What she hadn't known though was how strongly it would make her feel. Emily didn't think she'd ever felt so aware of her senses, so filled with desire and need. She wasn't sure exactly what it was that she shared with Naomi, but after their kisses, she'd known she wanted to find out. So the fact that the blonde hadn't told her about her departure to Japan was more than frustrating and quite plainly disappointing.

Emily had every right to be upset.

She was upset that Naomi had lied to her. She didn't care about the old argument of whether or not omitting to divulge information counted as a lie. It counted for her. She was upset that Naomi had flirted with her for years, had kissed her back with the same burning passion Emily had felt deep within her chest, yet had then pretended it was all out of the blue. She was upset that Naomi had always been the perfect fucking girlfriend to her with her lovely support, thoughtful gestures and caring words, yet had never actually allowed herself to consider them seriously. She was upset that Naomi had signed a contract that had taken her far away from England. She was upset that Naomi hadn't known how she felt. She was upset for a lot of reasons, but above all, she was upset that she wasn't that upset at all.

She wanted to be angry. She wanted to be blindingly mad at the blonde, but when it came down to it, Emily knew she had a point. They had been hanging out as friends for 10 years. 10 long freaking years filled with nothing but light flirting and mostly friendly conversations. She could understand, in a way, why Naomi had been surprised. She could understand because if Emily was completely honest with herself, she had to admit she had been surprised as well. Surprised because wanting something didn't always mean it would happen. Even if she had very much wanted something to happen with Naomi, she hadn't known that it would. So if she- who had actually been honest with herself about her feelings, something she doubted immensely Naomi had been- had been surprised, it only made sense that Naomi had been as well.

So by the time New Year's eve rolled around, the anger and disappointment Emily had initially felt towards her situation with the blonde hadn't totally disappeared, but they'd diminished tremendously. It was perhaps for that reason that she stayed calmed and relaxed when Katie cornered her a few minutes before midnight.

"Okay, Bitch, I've given you like days to call me and you haven't. So now I'm not letting you go until you talk!" her sister said, one hand on the hip.

"Huh... Well... What do you want to know?" Emily asked slowly.

"Well first off, what happened with Naomi? I'm guessing you're not, like, shagging cause she'd be here now... So...?"

"No, we're not shagging," Emily confirmed.

"Did you even tell her how you feel?" Katie asked with a heavy and exasperated sigh.

"Sort of..." the brunette mumbled. "I mean... we ended up... snogging... So, I think she caught on..."

"You snogged! And you're just telling me now?!"

"Yeah well..."

"Fucking hell Emily! We're sisters!" Katie cut her off.

"Oh, are we? Is that why we look somewhat alike?" Emily deadpanned.

"Don't get cheeky with me! I mean, we're sisters. Like, we're supposed to talk to each other, confide and stuff."

"It's not like it's been ages Katie. More like... a week," Emily said rolling her eyes.

"Still! So? You're not shagging yet? Why didn't you bring her round tonight?" Katie asked excitedly.

Emily felt a pang inside her heart at her sister's enthusiasm. She was feeling better about what had happened, sure, but it still stung to be reminded.

"I didn't bring her because she's not... around," she explained carefully.

"What d'you mean she's not around?" her sister asked, her eyebrows scrunching together.

"I mean she's not around like... not in England... Look Kay... She signed another year contract. She's in Japan."

Emily waited a full second before Katie seemed to understand her words. Then, her confusion was replaced by a pure look of indignation.

"That cunt!" her twin spat.

"Katie..."

"So you tell her or I guess show her how you feel and she fucks off?!"

"In her defence, she signed the contract before we kissed..." Emily replied meekly.

"I can't believe you're defending her! Emily, fuck her! And not like that, you stupid lezzer! Just, forget that girl. She doesn't know what she's missing."

"Katie... It's not... It's not like that..."

"It's exactly like that! I tell you what, let's go to Ibiza next Christmas. We'll find you some fit girl, we'll party. It'll be perfect."

Emily felt herself blush and she shook her head. It was a very Katie thing to suggest and all things considered, the brunette guessed it was thoughtful of her sister, but she knew there was no way on earth it was going to happen. She had promised Naomi she'd be there the next year and she would be.

"I'm not going to do that," she told Katie.

"It doesn't have to be Ibiza, but like-"

"No, Kay. It's not going to be Ibiza or anywhere else. I'm meeting Naomi again next year."

"You're what?!" her sister exclaimed forcefully. "Are you completely mad?!"

"I'm not mad... Look it was all complicated... The kiss caught her by surprise and-"

"By surprise?! Jesus Emily how fucking thick is that girl?" Katie scoffed.

"Stop interrupting!" the brunette snapped. "She didn't expect anything would happen and Naomi isn't like me, alright? She hadn't like... sorted her feelings so she asked me for some time to do that. We're going to meet next year and see how things are then," Emily explained.

Katie looked at her sister for a beat or two, one eyebrow raised real high. The brunette waited patiently for her reply. Eventually, Katie opened her mouth.

"You agreed to this?" she asked.

"Yes."

"This is by far the stupidest thing you've ever done," Katie stated with a head shake.

Emily rolled her eyes.

"It's not. I mean, it's not ideal but... but I think with some time maybe she could get it, you know?" she said hopefully.

Katie looked at her, her eyes full of pity and doubt. It made Emily's stomach twist uncomfortably. She didn't want her twin to pity her. She didn't need that.

"What if she doesn't get it, Ems?" Katie asked her.

"I... Well... If she doesn't get it... if she doesn't... want to try then... then I move on..." Emily tried to say offhandedly.

"Why not move on now? It's not your fucking problem if she's too slow to get it," Katie replied, shaking her head again.

Emily bit her bottom lip and squirmed for a moment.

"I... I really like her Katie..." she whispered. "Like... really like her... When we kissed it was... I don't think anyone has ever made me feel so much... and I think... I think she feels it too. So what if she needs a bit more time to figure it out? It's not a big deal..."

Katie sighed in response.

"I get your point Emsy, I really do..." she said softly. "But I'm still not sure it's a good idea. I mean... you're just going to pine after the girl for an entire year? That doesn't sound healthy, babes. Because like... if it turns out she doesn't want to be with you afterwards, it'll fucking crush you... I don't want that to happen."

Emily's heart filled with love for her twin in that moment. Katie had always liked to appear tough. She liked that people were often intimidated by her, but underneath all that bravado, her sister was a real softy.

"Thanks Kay. It won't though... I mean... She didn't ask me to wait for her or anything. Actually, what she asked was to put this, us, on pause. So like... I'm not pinning..."

"You sure about that?" Katie asked doubtfully.

When Emily didn't reply, Katie threw her arms around her shoulders and hugged her tightly.

"Emsy... I get that you like her... but like... don't do that to yourself... Just... promise me to keep an open mind this year, yeah? Like Naomi said, this business with her is on pause so like... if someone interesting and lush comes along, don't let it go by just because Naomi may want something in a year's time," Katie muttered into her ear.

Emily didn't reply anything, but hugged her sister back. They stayed like that for a bit until someone announced that there was only a minute left until midnight. Katie let her shoulders go then and grabbed her hand instead. They walked through the crowd of people until they had found Jeremy and the few friends they'd come with.

Katie didn't add anything about Naomi and when the countdown to the New Year's started, Emily felt herself be filled with a new resolve. Katie was right. She couldn't just spend a year waiting for Naomi. She couldn't waste a year by pinning over a girl who was physically and most likely emotionally unavailable. She couldn't do that, not when the girl herself hadn't asked her to. Katie had said it. Naomi had put their relationship on pause. So Emily was free to do as she pleased. Sure, she still liked the blonde a lot more than she ever thought she did. Sure, when she closed her eyes and thought about it, she could still feel her perfect lips against her own. She really did think Naomi and she could be great together, but she would not pine after her for a year.

When the countdown reached zero, Emily knew what she would do. She'd just carry on. She would live the year as if the kiss had not happened. She would not force herself to date and move on, but she would not force herself not to either. She would see how things turned out and that would be it.

;;

In the weeks that followed the New Year's, Emily found it rather easy to just carry on with her day to day life and not focus on her uncertain relationship with Naomi. She was so busy with her upcoming exhibition that every day was spent working tirelessly and crashing into her bed at night.

When the opening of her show finally arrived, Emily was ridiculously nervous. She'd worked hard on the project and to see it finally coming to life was exhilarating, but more than a little scary. She was terrified that something would go awry or worse, that her work would be judged unworthy.

She needn't have worried though. If she'd almost been shitting herself with worry when the first photographs had been revealed, Emily had soon been reassured. The moment she spotted the people's faces while gazing at her work, the pressure that had been squeezing her heart uncomfortably was lifted.

After the opening speech, Emily started roaming around the room. She walked around the gallery without purpose and as the night progressed, her anxiety was replaced with an overwhelming sense of pride and amazement.

She walked as much as she could, gracefully accepting compliments from time to time, but really only wanting to see more. She wasn't even looking at her Art. She had no interest in her own pictures. She'd worked on them for months, she knew them by heart by now. No, what really mattered to her was the public's reaction to them. She couldn't stop staring. There was something about the way their eyes lit up when they travelled the images, her images, that Emily could not describe, like a slight change of colour, but so much more than that. She couldn't describe it, but she was hungry for it. She also could hardly believe the looks of awe she could see plainly written across some of their faces. It was an absolutely incredible feeling.

It took a few hours for Emily to be able to indulge in her roaming in peace. If she had had to entertain everyone every few minutes before, now, she was free to contemplate in pure silence and enjoyment. She'd been doing just that for perhaps just over an hour when she was brought back out of her little solitary bubble.

"Hi... You're the artist, right?" a voice said behind her.

Emily turned around and couldn't help but stare appreciatively when her eyes landed on a gorgeous woman wearing a pair of grey trousers, a white dressed shirt and a thin black tie. The woman had long sandy blonde hair braided to the side and falling on her shoulder. Her eyes were deep blue, so dark that they almost looked black and her lips were full and currently curved into a knowing smirk. When that information registered, Emily tried to stop her blatant staring and felt her cheeks burn.

"Oh huh yes! Yes I am, hi," Emily replied nervously.

"Thought so," the woman said, nodding to herself.

"Yeah? Why is that?"

"Well, first because people have been flocking towards you all evening..." the blonde began saying thoughtfully. "Also, there's a picture of you in the lobby, right next to the name of this exhibition," she finished.

Emily giggled in response.

"Oh, I forgot about that..." she replied with a shake of her head. "Guess I can hardly lie then, can I?"

The woman nodded, but didn't say anything else. Emily stared at her in slight disbelief and definitive discomfort. She waited for the blonde to say something and the longer she didn't, Emily could feel the awkwardness building around them. Why the hell had that woman talked to her if she had nothing to say?

After what felt like hours to the brunette, she decided to break the silence.

"So huh... do you like the exhibition?" she asked nervously.

"Oh yeah sure... I mean, I don't know much about photography, but your pictures look nice," the blonde replied with a shrug.

Emily felt herself frown at the answer.

"You don't know much about photography? Why are you here then? I mean, how did you find yourself at a photography exhibition?"

"I came with a friend. She didn't want to come on her own and I figured I might as well. Try to pull, you know?" the woman replied bluntly.

Emily let a strangled chuckle escape her lips in surprise.

"You came here to pull?" she asked disbelievingly.

"Pretty much. I've always fancied the artsy type," the blonde replied with a confident smirk.

"And how are things working out for you then?" Emily asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Well, you tell me. How are they working out?" the woman asked, her eyes burning.

Emily felt herself blush heavily as the meaning of the woman's words hit her. Her heart sped up and she let out a nervous giggle.

"I'm Jaime," the blonde provided before Emily had time to answer anything.

"Emily," the brunette replied instinctively.

"I know," the other woman chuckled.

"Right, of course you do," Emily said nervously.

It had been a while since anyone had hit on her so obviously. She wasn't sure how to react. Besides, the fact that the blonde was insanely gorgeous didn't help her relax.

"Look," Jaime began after a few seconds of silence. "I know I come off a bit strong. But I think you're the most beautiful woman here and I know you don't find me unattractive because I did see the way you looked at me when I came over..."

Emily blushed. She didn't doubt for a second though that the blonde had seen her.

"I just figured I'd introduce myself, give you my number, see if you'd be interested. Here," she said, retrieving a pen from her trousers' pocket.

She stepped closer to Emily and grabbed her hand between hers. She smirked happily when the brunette shuddered and then wrote her mobile number on Emily's hand.

"Now you've got a way of calling me if you are indeed interested in going on a date with me," she said, letting go of Emily's hand, but not before she'd brush a teasing finger against the brunette's skin.

"I thought you wanted to pull," Emily heard herself say.

Jaime grinned in reply.

"Yeah well, I can wait a few dates if needs be," she shot back comfortably, throwing a wink at the brunette.

Emily giggled and blushed. The blonde seemed satisfied because she smiled warmly, shot Emily a last 'call me' and then disappeared into the crowd. The brunette looked at her go and it was only a few seconds later that she realised she was smiling broadly. Long after the night was over, Emily was still smiling.

;;

The day after the opening night of her exhibition, Emily wondered whether or not she would call the blonde. The woman had been bold, granted, but there had been something incredibly sexy about her confidence. Emily also appreciated the fact that she hadn't tried to push her and had simply left. Really, if the brunette was honest with herself, she had been charmed by Jaime and she had no reason not to call her. She wanted to.

Still, the lingering thought of another blonde made her hesitant. She was aware that there was no reason to take Naomi into consideration though. It wasn't like they were saving themselves for each other or something, Christ. She had no obligation towards Naomi, none at all. Yet, she couldn't help, but feel a bit uneasy about going on a date with someone else. Emily couldn't help it. It was making her feel a bit pathetic actually. She'd told Katie she wouldn't spend a year pinning after Naomi, she'd told herself. Yet... yet here she was, considering not calling a woman she'd found unbelievably attractive and charming, and for what? For Naomi?

It was a bit sad really. Especially since Emily was not sure at all if Naomi was having the same struggles on her side of the world. The brunette could easily imagine her with a nameless, faceless Japanese women having the time of her life. It tore at her heartstrings.

In the end, Emily remembered the resolution she'd made on New Year's, grabbed her mobile and called Jaime. They scheduled a date for the very next day.

;;

Life carried on, weeks passing quickly until it was summer. Emily's exhibition had been a success, getting many offers from various galleries outside of London once her contract with the first gallery had ended. The brunette could not have been more pleased. She'd spent a lot of mornings in discussion with her agent and executive teams from various venues, trying to sort it all out. On top of it all, she'd been working on another project in the hopes of putting together another exhibition. The project in itself was a lot more complex than her first one though, a lot more ambitious because this time around, she wanted to shoot short clips to present along with her photographs. It was exciting for sure, but a lot of work.

Despite how busy she was, she still made it a point to see her sister regularly. Actually, it wasn't really a choice. Katie didn't allow them to spend too much time without talking or seeing each other. It suited the brunette, it really did, but when she found herself unable to see her twin for two whole weeks, she grew nervous. She knew Katie would be furious, no one made her wait that long ever. It was done though and now she could only hope to make it up to her sister.

"About time, you selfish cow," Katie greeted her with a scowl as Emily walked into the restaurant they'd agreed to meet at.

"I'm so sorry Kay! Work has been ridiculous!" she apologize, stepping close to hug her sister tightly.

"It's your fucking fault for being so bloody successful," Katie grumbled into her shoulder.

Emily chuckled as she heard the hint of smugness in her sister's voice. Even if she was mad, Katie couldn't hide how proud she really was of Emily's success. The brunette would have lied if she said she wasn't flattered at all.

"I really am sorry," she repeated. "I promise to do everything I can so that this doesn't happen again, okay?"

"Huh, you fucking better or I'll like ostracize you or something."

"Katie, did you just use 'ostracize' in a sentence? I'm so proud!" Emily exclaimed falsely shocked.

"Oh shut up!" Katie snapped and the two sisters started giggling.

They settled down, sitting at the table and grabbing their menus once their laughter had subsided. If Emily had been a bit nervous before, if she'd been a bit scared that her sister would rip her head off, she was now reassured. Even if they did argue on a regular basis, there wasn't anyone else Emily felt this at ease with. She really had missed her sister.

"So what's new with you?" Emily asked after a moment of silence.

She knew this kind of open question would get her sister going and she wasn't left disappointed. Katie launched into a million stories after that, only stopping to order and take the occasional bite once their food had arrived. She told Emily about her work, sharing every tiny little gossip she'd stumbled upon during the last two weeks. This was often a topic of choice for Katie, so much so that Emily reckoned she probably knew the staff of her sister's job better than if she'd worked there herself.

After that topic was covered, Katie launched into a series of other stories sometimes involving their parents and sometimes Jeremy. She talked and talked and talked and Emily could barely place a word in. She didn't really mind though. At work, she was always talking, giving people instructions, voicing her desires and needs and every little whim. Some nights, she'd get home feeling like her throat would proper fall out. After two weeks of that, it was nice to just sit back and listen.

Of course, Katie wasn't completely self-centred, so after a lengthy story about Jeremy's brother's new girlfriend, she decided to switch the conversation around.

"Speaking of new girlfriends... When do I get to meet Jaime?" she asked with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

Emily rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"How many times do I have to tell you... Jaime's not my girlfriend..."

"Oh come on Ems! You've been seeing the girl for like what? A month and a half? Two months? She's you're bloody girlfriend, alright."

"But she's not," Emily argued stubbornly. "We see each other maybe once or twice a week, sometimes not at all if I'm too busy with work... We go on dates and we chat, but it's always very light. When we're not on dates, we don't really talk at all, not phone calls, not texts... It's just not really serious. She's not my girlfriend."

"Really?" Katie asked, genuinely surprised. "But like... you've slept with her, yeah?"

Emily felt herself blush.

"Yeah well... yeah," she admitted.

"Okay...So she's like a friend with benefits?"

"Actually... we're not really friends..." Emily replied.

"You're not friends?!" Katie exclaimed, looking shocked now. "What do you mean?"

"Well... She's nice, but like... we just don't really... well... We have like nothing in common," the brunette said with a shrug and she meant it.

She'd been seeing Jaime for two months now. After their first date a few days after Emily's gallery opening, they'd gone on dates regularly. They'd slept together on several occasions during that time and they still continued to see each other, but the more they did, the more Emily realised that they really had nothing in common. It wasn't that Jaime was a bad person or anything though. She was nice and funny and confident and fit as fuck, but she couldn't have been more different than Emily if she'd tried.

It wasn't even that the brunette considered it a bad thing to be with people different than her. Actually, she liked the diversity, but Jaime wasn't just different in personality, she had completely different values and interests as well. For starters, Arts had absolutely no importance in the blonde's life. She'd been completely honest the first day at Emily's exhibit when she'd said she'd been there solely to try to pull. Now that Emily knew her a bit more, she knew that Jaime had no interest in any form of Arts, whether it was drawing, painting, photography or anything else. Jaime didn't read for leisure ever and her one love in life seemed to be money. She worked as a rep for a big pharmaceutical company and she was only in it for the high pay check she got every month. For fun, Jaime liked to go out dancing and drink until she forgot her name. That last activity usually occurred several times a week according to the blonde.

It didn't make the blonde a bad person. It didn't make her any less valid. Emily was in no way judging her lifestyle or priorities. She just had to admit that they weren't the same as hers. She couldn't see herself with Jaime in the long run and she doubted Jaime saw her very long into her future as well. Whatever they were doing right now was suiting them both, but Emily was convinced neither of them had ideas of much more. This was the reason why she had never introduced Jaime to Katie or anyone else really.

Katie's eyebrows almost disappeared off of her forehead as Emily explained this.

"So like... why are you even seeing her if she's clearly a horrible match for you?" she asked, completely baffled.

Before Emily had time to reply, her sister's face turned into a grimace.

"Oh eww Ems! It's for the sex, isn't it? Oh gross! You're such a fucking lezzer!" Katie whined, looking thoroughly disgusted as the brunette's cheeks burned bright red.

"It's not like that..." Emily tried to defend meekly.

"It's exactly like that," Katie said, rolling her eyes. "Christ..."

"Look... She's just... She's not a bad person. I mean I like her, I think she's a nice woman..."

"But you don't love her and you're not going to," her twin finished for her.

"No... no I won't..." Emily admitted.

Katie looked at her for a moment.

"So she's like you're free slapper," she said matter-of-factly after a while.

Emily's face felt so hot afterwards that she was certain she looked like a lobster.

"Katie!" she exclaimed in shock.

"What?!" her sister shrugged. "That's basically it, innit? You go on dates, but like you know it won't ever lead further than good sex. That's just a fancy slapper job, really. Only you don't have to pay for it."

"It's not just sex!" the brunette tried to defend. "I mean we talk too... And we go out sometimes... I mean... I..."

"Emsy..." Katie interrupted. "Why don't you try to date someone with who you've got an emotional connection? Wouldn't that make more sense?"

Emily rolled her eyes.

"I would! Christ, I really would, it's not like I avoid them! I've just not met anyone..."

Katie observed her for a few seconds before sighing loudly.

"Urgh, fucking hell..." She swore. "I can't believe I'm going to say this... But well... I think... Can't bloody believe I'm going to say this... Maybe, you should just fucking wait and see how things turn out with that Naomi of yours..." she finished as if it was painfully difficult for her.

"What?!" Emily asked, feeling completely stunned.

"You had to make me repeat it, yeah?" her twin complained. "Look, this slapper arrangement thing-"

"Jaime is not my 'free slapper' Katie!" Emily snapped.

"Whatever!" Katie rolled her eyes. "That thing you're doing with Jaime is just not you. You've had your fun now, yeah? So like... end it. It's stupid and not you and just useless. And I think that like... if you've not found anyone you actually care about then... then I guess your best bet is that stupid slow cow Naomi," her sister grumbled, visibly annoyed.

Emily stared at Katie in total shock. She couldn't believe what her sister was saying. She'd been so adamant about Emily's need to move on from Naomi that hearing her say that the blonde might be her best bet was more than weird.

"What happened to you? I thought you said I shouldn't pine after Naomi..."

"I still think that, but apparently, you're gay and stupid and your bloody heart is set on that girl. So I guess... fucking pine, you idiot..."

Emily bit her bottom lip to keep herself from laughing. Her sister was looking so angry that it was hard not to.

"Don't look so mad..." she said, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Katie glared at her and Emily started laughing. It wasn't long before her sister joined her, albeit a bit half-heartedly. Still, when they finished laughing, they moved the conversation along.

;;

A few days after her lunch with Katie, Emily had still not changed anything about her life. She was still sort of seeing Jaime, although now she had that twinge of guilt deep in her stomach every time she did.

Despite that, the brunette was reluctant to break it off. It wasn't that she was afraid to hurt Jaime's feelings though. She knew the blonde would take the news well if she did break things off. The real problem was that Emily wasn't sure if she wanted to be completely available. Even if she had no romantic feelings for Jaime, it was easy to focus all her attention on her. She was a good distraction and Emily was afraid that, without her, her mind would go directly back to Naomi.

She'd made a resolution on New Year's eve and a promise to herself not to pine after the girl. Also, Katie had been right all those months ago when she'd said that if Emily dared get her hopes up and Naomi smashed them, it would fucking break her. The more she thought about it, the more she knew it to be true. She cared about the blonde a lot more than she probably should, but she couldn't help it.

They shared something, Emily knew it. They had a natural connection. As much as the brunette was sure of that, she wasn't sure if Naomi would admit it to herself.

Emily was so bloody confused. She wasn't sure what to do, so until she worked it out, she decided not to do anything. She'd figure it out eventually, she reckoned.

;;

Lucky for her, she had been totally right.

Maybe two weeks after her talk with Katie, Emily was sitting in her living room, her computer on her lap, editing some work. She was in deep concentration when her mobile started ringing loudly. Her heart somersaulted in her chest and she let a little yelp escape her lips.

"Jesus..." she mumbled under her breath as she reached for her phone.

She answered quickly when she saw it was her agent.

"Hey Joanna, how are you?" she greeted.

"Absolutely fantastic and so will you be soon!" her agent said excitedly.

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Oh yeah! Guess who got an article about her exhibition on The Guardian's website? Hint, it rhymes with Remily Pitch!"

"Oh my god, are you serious?!" Emily exclaimed in disbelief.

"Dead serious hun! Someone wrote you a wonderful review and it even speaks about your exhibition branching out outside of London! This could not have come at a better time!"

"I can't believe it!" Emily said, her heart hammering crazily in her chest.

"You better! Go check the article out, darling. You're going to love it! Even the comments are brilliant!" Joanna told her.

"Wow..." Emily muttered, still stunned.

"You deserve it Emily. You've worked hard for this. You deserve it all."

"Thank you, Joe."

"It's my pleasure, hun! Now, I have to go, but go read the article!"

"I will," Emily promised and her agent hung up.

It took the brunette a full minute before she could move. She simply couldn't believe how perfect yet unexpected this was. To be featured in The Guardian was a big deal. It didn't matter if she didn't always agree with every piece of news on there, all that mattered was that there was an article about her work, her art and that people would read it. People would read it and hopefully she'd sell more and more photographs and she'd do more exhibitions. It was all she wanted after all.

Emily saved the work she'd been working on with trembling fingers and opened her internet browser. Not a minute later, she had found the article and was reading greedily. Tears came to her eyes as she read the words of praise. She'd rarely been this proud in her whole life. She could hardly believe she even deserved so much.

Sure, Joanna had been right, she did work hard. Still, seeing all her efforts turn into this was overwhelming. She finished the article and moved onto the comments. Like her agent had said, they were just as lovely as the article itself. They were from a mix of people who had either seen her exhibition in London and were recommending it or hadn't and were hoping to. Emily had lost count of how many comments she'd read when she stumbled upon one that made her heart quiver with excitement.

Emily Fitch captures moments with the eye of someone whose own soul is filled with beauty. Her work is a testament of the gentle and kind person that she is. It's wonderful, inspiring, fragile, poignant and completely enchanting, much like the woman herself.

Ps: If the exhibition were to travel to Japan, I know of at least one fan who would be forever grateful.

Kate Moss

Emily felt like a current of electricity had run through her veins. Her heart beat like a hummingbird, her hands trembled and her throat squeezed. A shaky sigh escaped her lips as she re-read the comment, just to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Without thinking, one of her hands moved forward, tracing the name 'Kate Moss' with a curious finger.

She could hardly believe it, but it had to be her, hadn't it? Japan, a super model name, the comment had to be from Naomi. Emily's heart filled with warmth and the tears that had been brimming her eyes earlier now found their way onto her cheeks. Her breathes felt ragged, filled with emotion, filled with a surprise she hadn't been expecting. And just like that, Emily knew she'd been wrong to think that spending time Jaime despite them having no real feelings for each other had been worth it. Jaime left her empty even when she was all around her. Naomi, on the other hand, had the power to fill her up, to make her feel so much more and she wasn't even close to being here.

It didn't matter because, it seemed, the blonde was too powerfully embedded in her heart. If Emily had thought that perhaps she was moving on, she now knew she wasn't. She hadn't been pinning, not really, but her heart had been set on Naomi nonetheless.

Emily felt a surge of hope and grinned through her silent tears as she realized that Naomi had contacted her. Sure, it wasn't direct contact, but it was a contact. The blonde had left to Japan and Emily had told her to sort her feelings out and now she was reaching out, sending her words of praise and affection.

In that moment, Emily knew that she needed to make the blonde see that there would be no greater match for them than each other. What they had was special. It had taken Emily a long time to figure exactly which place she wanted Naomi to have in her life, but now she knew, without a doubt, what it was. They deserved to be with each other. Emily knew it and she felt sure that they'd make each other happier than anyone else could.

She just needed to make sure Naomi saw that too. She still had a few months to wait, but when Christmas Eve would finally arrive, she'd make Naomi see. She couldn't fail.

;;

The months seemed to go by slowly after Emily's epiphany. She tried hard to be patient, but it wasn't easy when she knew the date she was waiting for was so long into the future. Still, it wasn't like she really had a choice in the matter. The fact that she wanted time to move faster would not actually change anything. With that in mind, Emily set out to be the most calm she could be. A few days after her revelation though, she had broke things off with Jaime. As she'd expected, the blonde hadn't been that bothered. She'd asked the brunette for her reasons and when Emily had admitted that although it had been fun while it lasted, they were both not going to get more invested emotionally, Jaime had agreed.

After that being done, Emily had continued to do what she did best; focus on her work. She'd struggled a bit at first, her mind always prone to wander on thoughts of Naomi. It had taken her a long while to overcome that problem. Actually, Emily wasn't sure if she could really qualify what she'd done as overcoming her problem at all. She had needed to find a model for one particular part of her next project and had ended up hiring Annabelle, a woman with platinum blonde hair and sparkling pale blue eyes that reminded her forcefully of the object of her fancy. Because of that, Emily could truly focus on her work whenever she was working with the girl.

In fact, it was only when she was with the model that Emily felt like nothing could distract her. So much so that she reckoned that part of her exhibition might end up being the most striking when originally she'd thought it would be the weakest.

She could hardly complain. All in all, things were going well and before she knew it, summer had been replaced with autumn and then winter.

;;

Eventually, the day Emily had been waiting for finally arrived and she was a lot more nervous than she had thought she would be. She wasn't sure why exactly. Of course, she knew there was a chance Naomi would be turning her down, but although it didn't help, she was sure it wasn't what was making her so nervous. In the end, the brunette reckoned that simply seeing Naomi was what was making her so antsy. She had missed her horribly, a lot more than any year before, and just the knowledge that in a few hours she'd be with her, she'd see her, her smile, her eyes, her everything was overwhelming her. She longed for it, for her to the point it almost ached, more than she could hope to explain really and that was enough to turn anyone into a nervous wreck.

;;

The traditional Fitch family Christmas dinner felt like the longest in the history of mankind. Emily forced herself to smile and eat calmly though. Okay, so maybe she was checking the clock every two minutes, but apart from that, she reckoned she had done a fairly good job.

When dinner was over, she shot up from her seat so fast that her chair fell to the floor with a loud bang. She blushed hard and mumbled an apology as she bent to grab the chair.

"Oh my, Emily! What's gotten into you tonight?" her mother asked, shaking her head as Katie sniggered next to her.

Emily threw her sister a deadly glare before shrugging to her mum. Perhaps she hadn't been as subtle as she'd hoped. She sighed to herself and grabbed a few plates to bring into the kitchen. She breathed deeply and tried to relax. She didn't have much more time to wait before she'd see Naomi again. She could manage until then.

After doing the dishes, the whole family gathered into the living room to watch telly. Emily sat with them, her fingers tapping on her wrist in anticipation. She was stopped abruptly when Katie grabbed her hand roughly a few seconds later.

"For fuck's sake, calm the fuck down, will you?" she muttered under her breath. "You're driving me mental."

Emily giggled nervously in response. Okay so maybe she wasn't doing a good job of calming down at all. She really couldn't help it though.

She tried to focus her attention on the stupid program that was on and just when she was starting to feel herself relax, it was time to go. She got up shakily and moved to say goodbye to her family. She kissed her mum and dad on the cheeks and punched her brother on the arm before giving them all a final wave and walking to the entrance. Katie followed her to the door, trapping her into a tight hug before Emily had time to say anything.

"Good luck Emsy," she said with a grin and Emily felt her heart warm with affection.

"Thanks."

"If she's a bitch to you, call me. I'll come smack her." Katie finished with a pointed look that meant she wasn't entirely kidding.

Emily giggled and shook her head, realising that for the first time of the evening, her nerves had somewhat dissipated. She grinned happily at the fact and hugged Katie again. She had to love her sister, she thought as she finally departed.

;;

Emily had walked to the pub countless of times, but none had ever felt quite like this. Now that she'd left her parents' house a while ago, she no longer felt the calming effect of her sister's fierceness. Her entire body was shaking so much, in fact, that she was certain everyone could see it. She stuck her hands into her pockets, buried her nose into her scarf and tried to breathe normally.

It worked for the most part, especially when the brunette reminded herself to focus solely on her breathing. She arrived in front of the pub and stared at the decorated sign with a squeezed heart. She couldn't believe how much that place meant to her. 11 years of tradition, 11 years of Naomi sure had made it a really important place, a special place, but it wasn't just that. She loved everything about it, from its stale smell to its old yellow lights. She loved the old crooked tables and the sometimes loud patrons. She loved that it always seemed to be the same bartender and that he was always in a good mood and she loved the little dance floor they'd started because of them. The pub was filled with so many good memories that it was hard for Emily not to love everything about it.

She'd also had some rough times in that place though. She could still remember the year she'd hid there after her disastrous coming out. She'd been crushed, but Naomi had rescued her in a sense. She'd talked to her and turned her night around completely. Perhaps it was the reason why the pub felt like such a safe place to Emily.

She was still looking at the front door fondly when a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Hey," it simply said, but that was enough to send a huge heat wave through Emily's limbs right to the tip of her fingers and toes.

She felt herself blush under her scarf and turned around. Her heart exploded and a broad smile graced her features the moment her eyes locked with Naomi's unmistakable blues.

"Hi," she said a bit breathlessly.

Naomi smiled in return and Emily felt a light headed.

"God she really is beautiful," Emily thought dreamily.

Her long blonde hair were a bit messy, her gorgeous lips just slightly peeking out from underneath a thick wool scarf, the tip of her ears bright red from the cold. She sniffled and Emily thought she was perfect.

"Where's your hat?" The brunette asked after a moment of silence. "Christ you must be freezing... Come on let's go inside."

Naomi nodded and followed. It was only when they'd made it to the bar that Emily noticed that the blonde seemed to keep a distance between them. She frowned, but decided not to comment on it.

"I'll get the first round, what do you want? Cider, larger?" she asked with a soft, reassuring smile.

"Anything," Naomi replied with a shrug.

"Well, I'm not going to be drinking it so..."

"Cider is fine," Naomi said curtly.

"Okay..." Emily answered slowly.

Her heart had sped up a bit during the exchange. Naomi had never been this cold with her before. Why was she now? Was she nervous or was it something else? What if she had realised she didn't want to be with the brunette, but didn't know how to tell her?

"No," Emily told herself firmly.

It wasn't the time to start doubting everything. Naomi was probably just really nervous. It had to be that.

They waited for the drinks in an awkward silence and Emily breathed deeply. once they were served, they walked further into the pub to find a table and Naomi was once again brief and indifferent when Emily asked her where she wanted to sit. The brunette tried not to let it bother her and lead them to a table in a corner before sitting down. Naomi grabbed a chair and did the same, making sure that no part of their legs touched under the table or any other body part for that matter. As positive as Emily was trying to be, she couldn't help feeling a wave of disappointment grip her heart.

"So, how have you been?" she asked as cheerfully as she could.

"Good, you?" Naomi replied, barley meeting her eyes.

"I've been good, work has been amazing for me this year with my first solo exhibition and everything," she said, hoping to start a proper conversation.

It didn't exactly work, but the blonde did meet her eyes.

"You deserved all of it," Naomi said, smiling briefly.

Emily's heart fluttered.

"Thanks," she said very quietly.

She hesitated for a second or two before adding:

"I... I've missed you... It's good to see you."

Something in the blonde's eyes softened and Emily's heart pumped even harder.

"I've missed you too..." Naomi whispered, her cheeks flaming red.

Emily's heart burst with emotion and she smiled broadly.

"So how was Japan?" she asked.

Naomi's expression turned blank once more and she shrugged.

"It was okay. I mean, beautiful. It was beautiful," she answered.

"What? That's it?" Emily choked out, half amused and half shocked. "It's all you have to say? I can't believe that, come on."

Naomi shrugged again and her shoulders tensed.

"I was really busy with work... I didn't visit much," she explained, her tone flat.

Emily frowned and waited for the blonde to add something else. When she didn't, she sighed. Something was definitely up.

"Naomi..." she whispered, scooting her chair closer to the other woman. "What's going on?"

"No-nothing," the blonde mumbled uncomfortably.

"That's bollocks," Emily replied firmly.

"What? No, no it's no-" Naomi tried to defend, but was cut short when Emily reached across the table and grabbed her hand.

The blonde's eyes shot upwards to meet Emily's browns. Her hand shook in the brunette's so Emily brushed a thumb against her knuckles to try to calm her down.

"Just talk to me Naomi," she pleaded as the other woman bit her bottom lip.

Emily waited patiently as the blonde's gaze drifted from her eyes to her thumb. Naomi seemed to follow the movement for a few seconds, before sighing and taking her hand away. Fear bubbled inside Emily's heart. For the first time, she allowed herself to doubt.

"Look, if you've... If you've like... signed another contract... just... you can tell me, you know? You don't have to feel that guilty about it," the brunette said with difficulty.

Naomi's eyes found hers instantly.

"No!" She exclaimed forcefully. "Emily I promised. I didn't sign anything... I mean I had offers, I still do... But I... I haven't accepted any... I promised I wouldn't... I meant it."

The pain inside the brunette's heart eased a bit.

"Oh... Okay... well... have you..." she started saying, her throat feeling insanely dry all of a sudden. "Have you met someone? You can tell me if you have..." She said fearfully.

"No... I haven't," Naomi replied very softly. "Have you?" she added as an afterthought.

For a second, Emily saw the fear in her beautiful blue eyes and she smiled in total relief, the last of her own fear trickling away. She shook her head.

"No one," she confirmed out loud anyway.

A small smile played on the blonde's lips, only to disappear a second later. They sat in silence after that, Naomi looking mostly at her drink, taking sips from time to time. Emily wasn't sure what exactly was going on with the blonde, but she knew now that she had kept her promise. She was without ties and if she wanted it, nothing was stopping them from giving each other a go. Just that knowledge was making Emily's heart beat louder and faster.

Sure, there was something with Naomi, but it was probably a combination of nervousness and vulnerability. And knowing Naomi, Emily knew this whole thing, the vulnerability and all, had to be new to her. The blonde had never had a serious relationship after all, so it made sense for her to be afraid. Emily would reassure her though. She'd show her she didn't have to be afraid.

Still, Emily knew she had to do something to break the tension that had settled between them and didn't seem to want to go away. They wouldn't be able to talk and make sense of anything if she didn't. She thought for a few seconds until she finally got an idea.

She grabbed her drink and chugged it down. She almost splashed it everywhere when Naomi's eyes widened in shock as she drank. When she was done, she placed the empty glass back onto the table and got up without a word. Still without a word, she put on her coat and scarf.

"Wha- what are you doing?!" Naomi asked nervously, getting up as well.

Emily smirked, feeling thoroughly satisfied with the blonde's alarmed expression.

"As much as I love this pub, it's a bit too stuffy tonight, yeah? I feel like going for a walk. Care to join me?" she explained simply.

"Yeah, okay," the blonde agreed, grabbing her own drink and finishing it.

Emily waited patiently as she did and after when she put on her jacket. A minute later, they were leaving the pub side by side, the cold air of the evening hitting their faces the second they stepped outside.

They didn't say anything though as they started walking into the night. They walked and walked in silence and Emily was surprised to find that she was actually okay with it. Even if things were tense right now between them, there was still that little something about Naomi's presence that was making her feel safe. Besides, it was hard to feel anything but happy on Christmas Eve. The streets were decorated as usual- sometimes they could even hear Christmas carols coming from various flats as they walked- and the locket Naomi had given her a few years prior was pressing against the brunette's skin.

They walked liked that for a while, the silence between them unbroken, until they reached a small park. Without thinking about it, Emily's feet changed their course and made their way towards the park. Naomi followed her wordlessly and when Emily sat on a swing, the blonde did the same right next to her.

Emily began to sway gently, her feet dragging on the sand beneath them. Naomi, next to her, stayed motionless.

"I've always liked parks..." Emily said, finally breaking the silence. "When we were kids, Katie and I used to harass our parents to come out every day, even when it was raining. We'd climb trees, see who could climb the highest. It used to drive mum completely mental, but we didn't care. At the top of the tree, Katie and I would tell each other stories. She of princesses usually and I of dragons. Most of my favourite childhood memories happened in parks... I've heard the parks in Japan are absolutely gorgeous, filled with Cherry Blossoms..."

Emily turned to look at Naomi once she was finished speaking. She smiled to herself when she noticed the very small grin on the blonde's lips.

"Some are..." Naomi said softly. "And those parks are gorgeous, especially when the trees are blossoming in like... late May. They look like big pink clouds, it was like nothing I had ever seen before. The Japanese have this huge respect for Cherry Blossom. They represent a lot in their culture. Mostly, I think they tie the tree to humanity, the beauty of it, but also the fragility, the shortness of human life. You'd have loved it... Probably would have taken many pictures..."

Emily chuckled and started tugging the chains of her swing, making her sway from side to side.

"I probably would..." she admitted thoughtfully. "Although, if you'd been with me, I'd have taken more pictures of you than the trees..." she finished with a shrug.

She chanced a look in Naomi's direction, but with the darkness of the night Emily couldn't see her expression really well. She felt sure the blonde was blushing though.

"I wouldn't make a very good model..."Naomi mumbled and Emily laughed.

"I'm sure you would," she affirmed.

Naomi didn't reply anything and the brunette stopped her swaying, now sitting sideways, facing the blonde's side. She extended her leg and hooked her ankle with Naomi's, turning the girl around until she was facing her. The blonde didn't fight it and even met Emily's eyes.

"So... I read your comment on that article about me... Kate Moss?" the brunette said, a smirk tugging at her lips.

A grin broke through Naomi's serious face.

"I was wondering if you had..." she admitted.

Something in Emily's chest roared in happiness, finding comfort and relief in the fact that Naomi hadn't denied writing it.

"Of course I did... It's not every day a supermodel comments on articles about me... Then again, I was a bit disappointed when I realised it wasn't really from Kate Moss..." Emily teased.

"Oi," Naomi said through chuckles, kicking Emily's leg softly.

The brunette bit her bottom lip to control her grin. A few seconds later, her expression turned more serious.

"Did you mean it? What you said..." she asked in a whisper.

"All of it..." Naomi replied thickly, her pale blue eyes shining under the moonlight. "You're... you're probably the most beautiful person I've ever seen... Inside I mean... Well, you're gorgeous outside too, but like... I mean... I... urgh... You know what I mean..." she finished, sounding upset with herself.

Emily smiled at the compliment and the blonde.

"You do realise I think just as highly of you, yeah?" she asked.

Naomi cocked her head to the side as she considered the question.

"I... Not really..." she replied truthfully.

Emily shook her head and stood up to face the other girl. She grabbed the chains of Naomi's swing, her hands only a couple of inches above the blonde's, her features set and serious. The other woman visibly tensed in front of her, but Emily didn't care.

"Naomi..." she began ever so calmly. "How can you not?"

Their eyes met, confident brown meeting uncertain blues.

"You've been there for me in ways that I can't express and I only ever see you once a year... You've made me laugh when I didn't think I could. You've shown me kindness and friendship when I you barely knew me..." Emily began.

She let go of the chain with her right hand and reached it forward towards Naomi. The blonde didn't move as Emily tenderly tucked a loose lock of hair behind her ear, but closed her eyes for half a second instead, breathing in deeply.

"You're the most thoughtful person I know..." Emily whispered.

"You seem to inspire it in me..." Naomi shot back, her voice shaking slightly.

The brunette smiled, her hand still playing slightly with the blonde hair.

"I've really missed you..." Emily said sheepishly. "D'you think I could... you know... get a hug?" she asked, feeling a bit stupid.

Her heart warmed when Naomi smiled and nodded. Emily didn't need telling twice and instantly bent lower, snaking her arms around Naomi's neck as the other woman circled her waist.

Emily breathed in deeply, her nose tucked into a mass of blonde locks. Her heart hammered loudly and her arms felt limp. Being this close to Naomi was intoxicating. She never wanted to let go. She did though, pushing herself half way back up. Before she had time to stand up fully though, her eyes caught Naomi's and for a moment she saw a multitude of feelings floating in them. Emily's own heart filled with tenderness and desire. Her body never made it back to standing properly as she dipped her head forward again, catching the blonde's lips with her own. Her lips trembled and she felt sure Naomi's did as well, like they'd both been waiting for this for so long. It warmed Emily's heart to think it could be that. Their lips brushed together for a moment, nervously and softly, but somehow, that simple touch was full of longing and need.

It last only a few seconds, Emily moving back slightly, her eyes still closed, her breath ragged. She waited anxiously for what felt like an eternity and something deep within her stomach howled as she felt Naomi's long fingers find the bottom of her spine and dragged her back towards her. Emily straddled her awkwardly, her knees settling on the swing. The whole affair felt a bit unsafe, but the brunette couldn't have cared less. Not when Naomi's arms were around her, not when her lips were on hers again.

Her hands found the blonde's neck, her fingers gripping the skin as their mouths moved together, their tongues soon finding each other. Emily moaned loudly and she felt Naomi's own fingers twitch against her back. They kissed with more energy than they had before and the need inside Emily climbed with incredible speed. When her hips jerked on their own accord against Naomi's stomach and the blonde half gasped, half growled inside her mouth, Emily disconnected their lips with a loud smack. She stayed only a few inches away though, feeling a bit out of breath, her chest heaving. She brushed her nose against Naomi's and gave her a small peck before licking her own lips nervously.

"T-tell me..." she said with difficulty. "Tell me if you feel this... Do you feel it, Nai?"

She felt the blonde nod and smiled.

"I do," Naomi confirmed. "Fuck, do I ever..." she scoffed.

Emily chuckled and kissed her again, indulging just a bit before she brought their lips apart again. Her fingers played with the blonde's hair affectionately.

"So... What... What does it mean?" She asked nervously. "Where do we stand?"

"Christ Ems..." Naomi croaked, her body tensing.

"What?" the brunette shot back defensively.

"It's just... It's a big question for a park... a big question to have while we're, you know, both sitting on the same swing," Naomi explained.

"Oh... right... shit..." Emily said as she blushed.

She hid her face into Naomi's hair and chuckled, hearing the blonde join in shortly afterwards. She pulled back, kissed the blonde briefly just because she could and bit her bottom lip.

"I... I don't live really far from here actually..." she started. "D'you want to come with me? I could make you a cup of coffee or something and we could talk..." Emily offered.

"You live close by?" Naomi asked, an eyebrow raising. "So you just happened to walk us closer to your flat, did you? Emily Fitch I thought you were a respectable woman," she teased.

Emily blushed and pushed one of Naomi's shoulder gently.

"Shut up," the brunette said through chuckles. "My intentions are pure, I'll have you know. And I am offering coffee... So... what d'you think?" she asked, a bit anxious.

It was Naomi's turn to bite her bottom lip, looking uncertain. After a few seconds though, she sighed.

"Yeah okay... I could use some coffee right now..." she conceded.

Emily grinned happily and began to move to stand, but Naomi's grip on her back tightened as one of her hand found the brunette's neck and dragged her down. Hungry lips met her and Emily claimed them happily. They snogged for a moment before letting go, panting.

"One for the road..." the blonde muttered and Emily giggled.

She stared into Naomi's pale blue eyes and her heart just about stopped. Something in her stomach stumbled and she realised then that she was beyond screwed. She cared far more about that woman than she'd ever admitted to herself, but right now, in her arms, Emily could deny nothing.

She extricated herself from the blonde anyway, standing up and extending her hand to the other woman for help. Naomi grabbed it and pulled herself up. Once she was up, Emily didn't let her take her hand away and laced their fingers together. Naomi gave her a nervous smile in response, but didn't move. Emily took it as a good sign and led the way.

Again, they walked in total silence into the night. Emily's entire body was vibrating with the fact that they'd just kissed repeatedly and now she was bringing the blonde home for the first time ever. She'd meant it though when she'd said that her intentions were pure. She knew they had to talk, had to try to figure their feelings out, even if it was really hard to focus on that when the blonde was nearby. When she was, as it turned out, Emily wanted nothing more than to kiss her again and again until her lips bruised.

Luckily for the brunette, she had also not lied when she'd said she lived close by and before she had time to dwell on her feelings, they had arrived. She let go of Naomi's hand and dug out her keys from her pocket. She noticed that her fingers were shaking as she tried to unlock the door. She hoped Naomi hadn't noticed.

If she had, the blonde didn't say anything and before too long, Emily had managed to open the door. She walked inside, trying to will her heart to slow down as Naomi followed, closing the door behind them.

Emily took off her jacket, throwing it on a nearby coat hanger and tried to appear calm and in control as she grabbed Naomi's and put it beside hers. Her eyes travelled along the length of the blonde's bare arms and she licked her lips almost unconsciously. She blushed hard though when she realised what she'd done. She could not control herself when she was around the blonde. That woman would be her undoing one day and Emily felt like a total prick for not wanting to fight it.

"Well... this is it," Emily announced a bit awkwardly. "This is my flat."

"Looks nice..." Naomi mumbled just as awkwardly.

They stood there for a beat or two until Emily giggled. This was turning out more awkward than it needed to be. She shook her head when she met Naomi's frown.

"Come," she said, determined to get past this. "Kitchen's through here."

Again, Naomi followed as she walked further into her flat. They reached the kitchen seconds later. Emily's apartment wasn't that big after all.

Without turning around to look at her guest, the brunette walked to her cabinets and grabbed two mugs and a kettle. Still without looking at Naomi, she walked to the sink, filled the kettle and plugged it in.

She was letting the tension get to her and she felt silly for it. They were here to talk and nothing else. Well, perhaps something else. When they'd talk. If Naomi was willing. God, Emily really had to get her mind out of the gutter or that talk they really needed would not happen.

She wasn't sure how long she'd been standing in her kitchen, her back to the blonde and her fingers playing with the mugs, when she felt a presence behind her. Her heart expanded naturally and she felt the urge to lean back.

"Is that... Is that mug shaped like a tardis?" She heard Naomi ask, humour heavy in her voice.

Emily blushed.

"I huh... well..." she mumbled, but shut herself up when she heard Naomi giggle.

She turned around and gulped when she realised just how close to her Naomi was standing. She gripped the counter behind her hard to steady herself.

"I didn't know you were a bit of a geek..." Naomi said softly, an affectionate grin on her lips.

"Then please don't look at my DVD collection," Emily chuckled nervously.

"It's adorable..." the blonde whispered.

Emily tried to swallow the lump inside her throat, but didn't quite manage. Naomi was standing so close to her that it would take nothing- barely any movement at all really- to close the gap between them, Emily reckoned.

"We... we should talk..." she muttered, her eyes having a hard time looking at anything, but the blonde's lips.

Naomi winced and her jaw tensed.

"Yeah... I guess... But do we have to..." she shot back, moving almost imperceptibly closer.

Emily's entire body shivered in response. It wanted nothing more than to lean forward into the blonde and yell that, no, they didn't have to talk. It was her head however that replied.

"We kind of do..." she said sheepishly.

"Okay..." the blonde replied reluctantly.

Then, she pouted in the most adorable way and Emily knew she was a goner. She sighed exasperatedly and grabbed the blonde by the hips, pulling her towards her. Just before her lips connected with Naomi's she saw her smirk in victory. That didn't stop her though and she pushed herself up to meet the blonde. She'd wipe that smirk off her face, just not with words.

Their lips crashed together clumsily, but Emily couldn't have cared less. She clutched the hem of Naomi's t-shirt between her hands and kissed her harder, making the blonde moan and push into her. Emily almost growled. Christ, she had wanted this. Without disconnecting their kiss, Naomi moved so she could trap the brunette's bottom lip between hers and her hands reached lower, settling on the side of the other woman's hips. Emily's senses were all meshing together. Her heart was beating like a hummingbird inside her chest and she was feeling more and more breathless by the second. She pushed back into Naomi fiercely, her hands clutching desperately, pulling the blonde always closer.

She had said her intentions were pure and as much as she had meant it then, pureness was the furthest thing from her mind now. Forgotten as well was the idea of talking about anything mature and relevant. Emily could feel a fire burning stronger and stronger inside her stomach, an all consuming force that was slowly taking over her entire body. She was absolutely besotted with the blonde. Besotted in a way she could hardly understand. All her senses were invaded by her, by the feel of her body against her own, the feel of her lips moving with hers. She needed her, needed to feel more of her.

As if sensing her need, Naomi brushed her tongue against the brunette's bottom lip and Emily opened her mouth eagerly. Their teeth clang together unceremoniously, but it didn't stop their kiss, didn't stop Emily's desire from growing. Maybe it was the blonde's taste, the cider still present on her tongue, the sweetness of it, but whatever it was, it was driving the brunette wild. So what if it was a bit messy? So what if their lips slipped a bit and they teeth connected sometimes? It didn't make the moment any less intense, didn't make Emily's body stop trembling with want.

Emily's fingers twitched and she let go of the t-shirt. Her hands moved on their own, finding the end of the fabric and delving underneath. Her fingers settled on the bare skin of Naomi's back and she groaned in pleasure. The blonde was warm and soft and it was entirely debilitating. Emily couldn't get enough of it. She dragged eager fingers along the smooth surface, clawed at the skin when that wasn't good enough. Naomi moaned from somewhere deep within her throat and pushed back into her forcefully, their lips disconnecting with a heavy gasp. Emily didn't have time to miss the feeling of the blonde's mouth on her though, because the next second, Naomi had planted her lips on her neck.

Emily shuddered, her moan reverberating loudly into the empty apartment. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and one of her hand found Naomi's head, fingers losing themselves into silky hair instinctively. She kept her other hand on the blonde's back, her nails scratching along Naomi's spine, pulling her in.

Emily's breaths were ragged and laboured. It was hard to breathe properly when Naomi was kissing patterns on her neck, biting and nipping at her jaw line, her teeth grazing the brunette's skin in the most wonderful way. Emily moaned again, her insides feeling like jelly, her body completely surrendering to Naomi. She wanted her so much, she couldn't think properly. Her hips pushed into the blonde demandingly and Emily heard her gasp and groan, the sounds vibrating against her throat. The next second, the blonde's hands which had still been on the brunette's hips moved until they'd caught the back of her thighs and Emily felt herself being lifted onto the countertop.

"Oh Christ, yes!" Emily thought, cupping the blonde's cheeks between both her hands, crushing their lips together once more.

Naomi met her readily, their mouths opening together as the blonde's hips found the space between Emily's legs. The brunette groaned in appreciation as she felt Naomi move against her.

She was too hot, this was too hot, she thought. She needed clothes off and as she moved her hands to grab the other woman's t-shirt, a loud noise echoed in the room. Both women pulled apart fast, their breathing hard. Emily felt a bit lightheaded as she searched for the source of the noise. She didn't have to wait long to find out.

"Oh fucking hell!" Naomi exclaimed forcefully, a look of pain on her gorgeous features.

"Wha- what's wrong?" Emily asked her utterly confused.

"Bloody fucking twat! Can't I do anything right?!" the blonde continued, completely dismissing Emily's question. "Jesus Christ..."

Before Emily had time to speak again, Naomi had stepped back and bent down. It took a few more seconds for the brunette to get her head out of her daze and look down. Her eyes widened when she saw a mumbling Naomi pick up the pieces of what had to be the remnants of the mug she'd taken out earlier.

"Fucking useless idiot..." Naomi rambled, her cheeks red, her fingers visibly shaking.

"Naomi," Emily tried to call out.

"And I bet it was like a collectible or something..."

"Naomi,"

"How much of a moron can I be, honestly..."

"Naomi!" Emily shouted as she stepped off the counter and bent next to the blonde.

Naomi stopped moving, but didn't turn to look at the brunette.

"Naomi..." Emily tried to coax.

She smiled when the blonde turned around and looked at her, her eyebrows furrowed.

"I'm sorry!" she said quickly. "I didn't mean to break your mug I... I didn't think, I just... I huh... I sort of just moved on instinct and huh... I wanted to move aside everything on the counter but like... I didn't think I'd smash it to the floor really... I'm such a tit and I-"

"Naoms!" Emily interrupt with a smile. "It's fine."

"No, it's not! It was your tardis mug! I'm sure it was hard to find and I just broke it."

"I bought it in a gift shop in Cardiff," Emily snorted. "It's hardly special, yeah? Besides, I can get another one online," she reassured.

"You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?"

"No," Emily grinned. "I'm not."

"Oh... okay... Well... I'm still sorry," the blonde mumbled, standing up with the pieces in her hands. "I'll pay for the new mug..."

"I don't want you to pay for a new mug, Naomi. It's fine."

"Yeah, but-" the blonde started to argue.

"Naomi!" Emily interrupted immediately. "I promise it's fine! Don't worry about it."

"Okay..." the blonde whispered back, turning towards the counter to put down the glass pieces she'd picked up.

She turned back to face the brunette after that.

"Do you have like a broom or a vacuum? I wouldn't want you to get cut..." she asked politely.

"That's very sweet of you, but let's not do that now, okay?"

"Oh? Oh... I... Yeah? I mean... I thought... With the breaking of your stuff and all... I mean... I've killed the mood... I've ruined it, yeah?" Naomi rambled uncomfortably, her cheeks bright red.

Emily grinned and took a step closer to the blonde. She moved a hand towards the blonde, her fingers settling on the line of the girl's jeans. She dragged them along the edge slowly, tracing a hipbone when she reached that particular part. Goose bumps erupted on Naomi's arms and Emily moved just a tad closer again, lifting her head so her eyes locked with the blonde's. When she saw the other woman gulp slowly she smirked.

"Does it feel ruined to you?" she asked softly, well aware that her voice was a bit huskier than usual.

Naomi gulped again and shook her head, her eyelids looking just about ready to close. Emily smiled in satisfaction and pressed her lips against the blonde's for a moment. She let them rest there almost lazily, just savouring the feeling, before moving back slightly.

It was Naomi's turn to look a bit dazed. Emily took a step back, unplugged the kettle and the next second, she was back in front of the blonde. She grabbed her hand and confidently laced their fingers together.

"Come with me," she said softly.

"Whe-where?" Naomi asked nervously.

"My room's through here," Emily replied simply.

Naomi's beautiful eyes widened and Emily almost giggled.

"I... I thought you wanted to talk..." the blonde said.

"I thought you didn't," Emily shot back cheekily. "Changed your mind?"

"No," Naomi said with a small smile.

"Then, shut up, yeah?" the brunette teased, making the blonde chuckle.

Naomi didn't argue further as Emily tugged on her hand and walked them in silence to her bedroom.

Somewhere deep inside herself, Emily was aware that she was far more relaxed about this than she'd ever thought she'd be, far more relaxed than she'd been just moments before. She wasn't sure why though. Maybe it was because she knew she wanted this, wanted it more than anything else right now. It wasn't just a question of being turned on though, it wasn't because their little snogging had created an itch that needed to be scratched, it was more than that. It was about connecting with the blonde, taking that step with her that would forever move their relationship into the next phase. She was sick and tired of the awkwardness, sick and tired of the levels of grey. She wanted more than a friendship with Naomi, on some level she probably had always wanted more. She'd been hesitant before, she'd worried that perhaps the blonde didn't want the same thing, but now she was passed that. She could feel it, deep within her soul that her feelings weren't one sided. If she hadn't seen those feelings in the past, now she could. It was in every look and every word. It was in every laugh, every touch and definitely in every kiss. Emily liked everything about the blonde from her snarky attitude to her secret tenderness and she was pretty certain the blonde felt the same way about her. What was there to talk about when there was so much certainty?

They'd talk eventually, of course they would. It was mandatory to every relationship. But tonight Emily didn't need words. She could wallow in feelings and gestures and it would be just the same. Tonight, she wanted Naomi, the entirety of the person.

They reached the brunette's room in a short time. They stepped inside and Emily let go of Naomi's hand to close the door. It wasn't as if it was actually needed, but somehow, it felt right. Like closing the door would turn her room into a little cocoon, a safe haven just for the two of them. Once that was done, Emily turned back to face Naomi and walked towards her. When she was just a few feet away, she noticed how nervous the blonde looked. She stopped mid step just to look at the other woman in wonderment.

"What?" Naomi asked self-consciously.

Emily shook her head. For the first time in their quirky little relationship, it seemed like it was the brunette who was more confident. Emily wanted to soak in it if only for a moment.

She continued to walk until she reached the blonde. Without hesitation, Emily placed her hands on the girl's hips, her thumbs tracing patterns on her t-shirt. She had locked her gaze with Naomi's and neither of them felt like saying anything. The brunette could almost feel the electricity in the air and she wondered for a moment if she'd get a shock when she'd press her naked skin against Naomi's. Somehow, it felt entirely possible. She couldn't wait to find out.

Emily stayed like that, just inside the blonde's breathing space, for a few seconds. She could tell that her eyes were burning with all the unsaid passion she felt for Naomi and she could only hope the girl wasn't too intimidated by it. If the blackness of the blonde's own eyes was anything to go by, Emily would have thought she wasn't.

Slowly, Emily pushed herself up, making sure to keep their gazes locked. When she was close enough that they were breathing the same air, she closed her eyes. Just before she'd closed them completely, she saw Naomi do the same. As much as Emily wanted to kiss the blonde in that moment, she restrained herself, brushing her nose against the other woman's instead. Naomi breathed in deeply, languorously, as if this simple movement was something she'd waited for all her life. Emily's heart caught in her throat.

The brunette had meant to complete the movement, but found herself stuck in the moment. She wasn't disappointed she'd waited though when a second later, Naomi cupped her cheeks between her hands, her thumbs caressing the skin she found there tenderly.

"Are you sure about this?" the blonde asked in a barely there whisper.

Emily nodded without opening her eyes, their noses still brushing. She felt Naomi hum against her.

"Wouldn't you rather I take you out on a date first?" the blonde continued.

Emily chuckled softly.

"What do you think we've been doing for the past ten years then?" she murmured back.

She felt the grin of Naomi's response against her lips half a second later.

If their previous kisses had been either fast and a bit sloppy or slow and very hungry, this one was completely different. It was slow, painfully so, and delicate, just like they were both worried the other one would break if they dared press their lips too hard against each other. They moved together, exploring their mouths, getting acquainted with their lips. It was gloriously tender and unhurried and the simplicity of it was making Emily tremble.

Naomi kissed her top lip, her mouth only brushing hers lightly, her hands still cupping her face delicately. Then she moved to the bottom lip, nipping tentatively before brushing the tip of her tongue against it. She was so careful in every movement, so gentle that Emily could feel herself choking with emotion. She moved her hands from the blonde's hips and slipped them beneath her t-shirt until they were splayed against her lower back. She began moving her fingers against the naked skin, instantly tracing the girl's spine up and down.

Naomi held onto her cheeks and kissed her more firmly in response, her need building and slowly replacing the tenderness. She moved their mouths together, coaxing Emily's lips apart so she could slip her tongue into the brunette's mouth. Emily welcomed it with a deep moan, a moan she felt sure Naomi felt vibrate inside her chest when the blonde gripped her a bit harder and brought their bodies closer. Emily's stomach lurched with desire and her fingers flexed against Naomi's back, travelling higher and finding more skin.

She let her hands roam Naomi's back, marvelling at the softness of the skin she found there. The tip of her fingers touched the fabric of a bra and she stepped closer to the blonde, moulding their bodies together, pressing their lips together more forcefully. Naomi gasped and bit her bottom lip, tugging slightly until Emily groaned against her mouth and clawed at her back. The fire she'd felt in her stomach when they'd snogged in her kitchen was coming back more powerful than before. Emily feared that if she didn't do something soon to let it out, she'd implode. She had loved their slower pace at first, but now it was killing her. She needed the blonde too much.

She grabbed a fistful of Naomi's t-shirt and tugged it upwards. Sensing the move, the blonde let go of her cheeks and lifted her arms in the air. She didn't stop kissing her though and Emily lingered with the shirt just because she didn't want to stop kissing the blonde either.

After a quick nip on the blonde's bottom lip though, she snapped her head back and tugged the t-shirt off completely. The sight that awaited her afterwards was enough to make her heart stop inside her chest. Naomi was looking at her, her eyes slightly hooded, her lips swollen, her hair messy and her chest covered with nothing but a simple black bra. Emily stared blatantly, her eyes shamelessly tracing the line between the fabric and Naomi's breast. It amazed the brunette how a garment so simple could look so fucking sexy on Naomi. She reckoned anything probably did.

"Have you had a good eyeful?" Naomi asked her, an eyebrow raised cheekily.

"Not nearly enough," Emily winked back. "But it'll do for now, come here," she finished.

Naomi didn't need asking twice and quickly closed the small gap between them. Her hands reached for Emily's neck, tugging her closer while the brunette's own hands found her pale skin. Naomi hummed and shivered as the other woman's fingers travelled all over her. The sound spurring Emily on. She felt drunk on it, like every time Naomi moaned or groaned against her, a jolt of pleasure was sent directly to her brain, heart and stomach. She let her fingers move to the blonde's sides, scratching lightly as she pushed herself firmly into the kiss. Naomi gripped her tighter, her hands losing themselves into the brunette's hair. Emily smiled and moved her right hand so that her thumb brushed the underside of the blonde's breast excruciatingly slowly, the digit dipping just slightly underneath the fabric.

When Naomi gasped loudly, a flame roared inside Emily's heart and she disconnected their lips with a smack, planting them immediately on the blonde's neck. Her left hand gripped Naomi's hip firmly to secure the girl against her as her lips travelled the perfect skin. Emily kissed and licked along the blonde's gorgeous neck, feeling the appreciative groans against her tongue. Her right hand clawed at the blonde's ribs, raising goose bumps in its wake as her mouth descended onto Naomi's collarbone. She licked it, tasting the blonde's skin. Her heart was beating fast and her insides felt like they'd been set alight.

"Jesus Christ," Emily heard Naomi pant.

She growled, grazing her teeth on the blonde's pulse point to make her squirm as she collided their hips together. She felt Naomi's fingers clutch her scalp desperately in response, her breathing becoming completely erratic. Emily felt herself trembling all the way to her heart and kissed the skin harder. She'd probably leave marks, but she couldn't help it. The more vocal Naomi was being, the more restless Emily felt. She wasn't sure she had ever wanted anyone so much before. She was sure though that no one had ever made her feel so goddamn much. She could barely hold it together her hands twitching every few seconds, her lips moving in a frenzy.

Emily continued her descent, dragging her mouth down Naomi's chest, her nose brushing against the skin. She teased the blonde, kissing and licking the space between her breast, before finally moving her kisses on the skin peeking out from Naomi's bra.

"Fuck!" the blonde yelped loudly.

Emily smiled into the skin only to be taken by surprise when, the next second, Naomi pushed against her shoulders. The brunette barely had time to frown though because not a beat after she'd pushed their bodies apart, Naomi had grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it off of her in one swift motion.

Emily blinked and Naomi looked like she wanted to move right back in, but something stopped her. The next second, the blonde's beautiful long fingers reached forward and pressed themselves against the locket around Emily's neck. The brunette smiled in surprise, having forgotten she was even wearing it, the metal warm because of her boiling skin.

"You still wear it..." Naomi said in a daze.

"Of course I do," Emily said.

The blonde grinned goofily and Emily moved to kiss her cheek.

"Pretty much every day," she said. "It's one of my most precious possession, you know..."

Naomi bit her bottom lip and grabbed the chain. She tugged on the locket and removed it carefully from the brunette's neck.

"I'm glad you feel that way..." she muttered against Emily's ear once she'd placed the necklace on a nearby desk and moved back in closer.

Emily exhaled shakily and gripped the blonde's hips before connecting her lips with the blonde's. It took only a few short seconds for their kiss to heat up and Emily's stomach churned with longing. She gripped Naomi's hips harder as if to anchor herself to the blonde and she felt the other woman's hands move behind her. She felt her bra pop open and fall along her arms. Her mouth had barely had time to let out a small 'oh' of surprise before Naomi moved against her, her lips finding Emily's nipple.

The brunettes eyes rolled all the way to the back of her head and she let out a long moan of pleasure as she felt the blonde's tongue connect with her.

"Oh my God! Oh Jesus, Naomi," she panted, the fingers of her right hand automatically threading through the other woman's blonde locks.

Her stomach lurched with desire and a wave of heat travelled directly between her legs. Naomi moved her mouth to her other nipple and Emily cried out in pure pleasure. She felt the blonde smile against her and she felt herself smile along involuntarily. Naomi's long arms circled her waist, bringing their bodies closer and Emily whimpered, completely unable to utter proper words. She wasn't sure what she would have said anyway, but she was feeling so much that simple sounds didn't seem like enough. Emily was putty in the other woman's hands and when Naomi bit her nipple gently before soothing it with her tongue, Emily knew she really didn't mind at all.

After a moment, after Emily felt like she would truly explode, she grabbed Naomi's face between her hands and dragged it back towards hers. Their lips found themselves naturally, their tongues reconnecting with a blissful shudder. Naomi kept her arms tightly around Emily 's waist and the brunette didn't think she'd ever felt as equally excited as she felt safe. She could feel her tits brushing against Naomi's bra and moved a hand to remove it. Her fingers trembled a bit on the latch and Emily swore into their kiss. Naomi giggled against her lips just as the brunette managed to unhook the bloody garment. She pulled it off the blonde almost aggressively and they both groaned together when their tits brushed against each other.

"Fuck, I want you so much right now," Naomi panted as she disconnected their lips.

Emily kissed her briefly in reply and walked her backwards until the back of her knees hit the bed. The blonde fell easily, dragging Emily down with her. The brunette didn't mind one bit and just straddled the other woman where she sat, Naomi's arms still firmly around her.

Emily grabbed her face and kissed her hard, so hard that she could almost feel her lips swell from the pressure. She didn't care though and Naomi didn't seem to care either. They kissed like that for a while, Emily wasn't even sure how long. She could feel her heart swell as much as her lips, her chest expand with lust and desire. She was slightly lightheaded, everything apart from Naomi completely forgotten.

After a moment though, even this, even the feel of the blonde's hard nipples brushing against hers, even the feel of the blonde's tongue dancing with her own, even that wasn't enough. She needed more. Her entire body was throbbing, screaming with need, need to touch and be touched. Emily couldn't deny it much longer.

She pushed against Naomi's shoulders and tried to move off of her. When the blonde tightened her hold on her, Emily chuckled and kissed the side of her face, nipping the corner of her jaw. She continued to kiss Naomi until she slowly let go.

Quickly before the other woman changed her mind, the brunette moved away from her lap, her hands finding the front of the blonde's jeans. She kissed the blonde's lips as her fingers deftly unbuttoned her jeans.

"Fuck..." Naomi muttered.

Emily's stomach lurched as she teased her thumbs inside the blonde's waistband. Then, Naomi leaned back onto the bed, extending her arms behind her and Emily felt her centre throb. She'd never dreamed of this, of seeing Naomi, naked from the waist up, offering herself to her. She could hardly contain herself from devouring the girl right then and there. It was incredibly sexy and from the glint in Naomi's eyes, Emily felt certain she knew exactly the effect she was having on her.

Emily bit her bottom lip and kneeled in front of the blonde, her hands parting her legs apart so she could settle between them. Her gaze caught Naomi's. The blonde's eyes who usually were so blue were completely black now. Emily smirked in satisfaction and cocked her eyebrow sexily at the other woman before licking her lips in anticipation and taking one of the blonde's nipple into her mouth. She sucked it with a hum, letting it go to flick it with the tip of her tongue. Naomi moaned, her hips bucking against Emily's lower stomach. The brunette gripped them and brought them as close as she could to herself and moved her mouth to the other nipple. She teased it with her teeth and tongue for a moment, enjoying the soft swears and low moans coming from the blonde. When she deemed it hard enough, Emily let it go with a peck and moved her mouth lower to meet Naomi's ribs. She traced each one with her tongue and teeth, bringing a hand to the side she wasn't kissing, her nails scratching lightly.

She moved slowly and purposefully and it seemed to drive Naomi wild. Emily was loving every second of it. She kissed a path down the blonde's torso, pausing slightly when her lips reached the waistband of the woman's jeans. She dragged her nose along the hem, stopping only when she felt one of Naomi's hipbone against her mouth. She bit and licked at it while she dragged her thumb to massage the one on the other side, her finger slipping beyond the jeans' waistband teasingly before coming back out.

When a very long and very low growled seemed to erupt all the way from Naomi's throat into the open air, Emily figured she'd teased her enough for now. She smirked, stepped back a little and hooked her fingers around the waistband of the blonde's jeans. She shot Naomi a look before standing up and dragging the trousers down the girl's deliciously long legs.

She tossed the clothing aside and her stomach flipped when she caught the sight of Naomi in nothing but her pants on her bed. Her chest was heaving quickly, her eyes hooded and her legs parted. Emily didn't think she'd ever seen anything so gorgeous.

She licked her lips and kneeled again between the blonde's legs. The brunette grabbed her by the hips, pulling her forward until her core connected with her lower stomach and kissed the moan off her mouth. Emily could feel that she'd managed to work Naomi up quite a bit so she slowed their kiss, coaxing her lips apart gently and massaging her tongue with her own. She brought her hands to the blonde's cheeks, her thumbs caressing softly as they continued to kiss.

The mood shifted naturally and even if the blonde was still pulling Emily in by the waist, their kiss was unhurried. When the brunette finished it with a light peck a moment later, Naomi sighed against her lips. Emily opened her eyes and found her gaze lock with the blonde's instantly. She continued to trace patterns on her cheeks, her heart filled with an indescribable feeling as she stared deep within those gorgeous blue orbs. Emily allowed herself to stare a while longer, but soon found that she could barely take it. She kissed the blonde's mouth tenderly, feeling like something was just on the brim of her lips, about ready to come out, but she wasn't sure what.

Emily snapped herself out of her silent contemplation a second later and moved to continue what she'd started. She dropped her hands to Naomi's knees and shifted her body downwards, catching a nipple swiftly between her lips before continuing even lower. She waited half a beat, inhaling deeply before gently parting the blonde's knees and then moving her mouth to the inside of the girl's thigh. Naomi gulped loudly and breathed heavily when Emily began to lick a path onto her skin. Her legs began to shake slightly as the brunette continued to kiss her higher up. One of her hands found the back of the other girl's head and Emily smiled as she switched legs.

"Oh fuck, Ems..." Naomi groaned loudly when the brunette found the joint of her hip and licked it shamelessly.

It became entirely hard to breathe for Naomi when Emily moved her mouth to the very edge of her pants, her tongue tracing the edge of the fabric.

"Emily... Jesus..." she panted when the brunette moved to kiss the skin just above the waistband of her knickers.

Emily, for her part, was enjoying herself all too much. She could feel Naomi's need building more and more. She knew she was teasing her mercilessly, but she didn't want to hurry. She wanted to take the time to appreciate the blonde's body completely.

Emily continued her ministration, biting the blonde's hipbone gently and feeling her hips jerk excitedly. She kissed the bone and moved her face downwards. Her nostrils flared as she dragged her nose on top of Naomi's pants and smelled her arousal. Naomi growled and yelped when Emily kissed her centre on top of the fabric.

The brunette couldn't help but smile, licking the fabric as she brought her left hand right to the side of Naomi's knickers. She continued to lick, finding the other woman's clit easily even through the material. The blonde's hips jerked uncontrollably as her breaths thickened. Her moans lost an octave or two as Emily brushed a thumb just beneath the edge of Naomi's pants.

"Oh my fucking God!" the blonde growled when Emily began to trace patterns on the side of her lips, never exactly hitting the place where Naomi needed her most. "You're fucking killing me."

Emily grinned and gave one last peck on the blonde's clothed clit before removing her lips completely. Then, she hooked her fingers around Naomi's knickers and stood to pull them off her body. She tossed them to the side just as she'd done with the jeans and turned her eyes to look at the blonde.

She'd fully intended to move back to her, cover Naomi's naked body with her hands and her kisses, but as her eyes fell on her, Emily felt herself freeze. She was entirely too beautiful and the brunette was completely breathless. She felt her stomach lurch and her legs wobble. She knew there was no way she could feel her pupils dilate, but in that moment she swore she could. She knew she was being completely silent, but inside, she was screaming, boiling with desire and awe. Her eyes roamed the naked skin. She gulped and exhaled shakily. She really wanted nothing more than to touch the other woman, but somehow she just couldn't move.

Somewhere inside her brain, she noticed the way the blonde smiled fondly at her and she felt a bit relieved. The next second, Naomi's hands had found her stomach and Emily closed her eyes and hummed. Naomi trailed her hands on her skin, moving at one point to her back to pull her closer. The brunette's breathing increased in speed and her heart filled with warmth when soft lips kissed her stomach.

Then, fingers moved to her jeans and unbuttoned them carefully. Emily opened her eyes and placed her hands on Naomi's shoulders. The blonde looked up at her as one of her hand delved inside Emily's jeans, caressing her hip sexily.

"I think we need to even this out, don't you?" Naomi asked her in a whisper.

Emily felt herself nod, completely unable to say anything. The blonde didn't seem to mind and kissed the skin just below her belly button as her thumbs grabbed the waistband of her jeans and knickers and began to pull them both down at once. Emily kept her hands on her shoulders to keep herself steady as she stepped out of her last items of clothing.

Once she had kicked the clothes to the side, she stood there, completely naked feeling her heart beat erratically as Naomi just looked at her.

"You're beautiful," the blonde muttered. "So fucking unbelievably beautiful," she continued, bringing her lips forward to smooth her tongue just underneath the brunette's hipbone.

Emily moaned and grabbed onto Naomi's shoulders harder. She let the other girl tease her with her tongue, gasping audibly when the blonde's hands moved behind to her back and then her ass. Emily kept one hand on Naomi's shoulder, the other finding her hair. She shuddered and stepped slightly forward, feeling the blonde grin in response. Her legs almost gave out when, a second later, Naomi's right hand moved to her thigh, a lazy index grazing the space just beneath her butt cheek.

"Fuck..." she breathed.

Naomi moved her mouth to her other side and Emily was extremely aware in that moment of how close her face really was to where she really wanted it and it was too much. She let go of the blonde hair and brought both her hands to push against Naomi's shoulders. They moved back onto the bed together, as if it had been planned this way all along.

When Naomi was comfortably sitting near the head of the bed, Emily straddled her easily, letting herself sit into the blonde's lap, her arms hooking around her neck, their torsos flushed together. They stared at each other, eyes examining the other's face in awe.

Emily's heart contracted almost painfully with unsaid feelings. She didn't know how to begin to let out the entirety of what she was feeling so she brought her lips to the blondes and kissed her tenderly.

Their mouths moved together like that for a moment, their bodies so close together that there was no space left. Naomi had wound her arms around Emily's waist and it felt to the brunette like she'd never let her go. It was a pretty amazing feeling, she thought.

Emily kissed the blonde, nipping at her bottom lip gently before coaxing her mouth open. Their tongues met in the middle and the brunette's fingers began to move lazily against the back of Naomi's neck. It was a total bliss and Emily almost didn't want it to end, but then she also wanted more, so much more.

Emily pushed herself into the kiss more firmly, moving her tongue a bit more boldly when she felt the blonde shiver against her. She shifted her head back instantly, a worried frown on her face. Her heart wrenched painfully when she saw a hint of fear in Naomi's eyes.

She brought her fingers to Naomi's forehead, moving aside locks of blonde hair with all the tenderness she felt for the other woman. The blonde's shivers didn't subside and she breathed nervously against Emily's lips.

"Baby, are you okay?" Emily whispered worriedly.

Naomi nodded, but it didn't feel completely sincere. Emily bit her bottom lip and continued to caress the girl's face, her fingers wanting nothing more than to touch the gorgeous blonde. She kissed the girl's cheek then, just to show her that she was there, wasn't going anywhere.

"What's wrong?" she asked carefully.

Naomi shook her head and half chuckled.

"Nothing... Nothing I... It's just... Christ Ems... do you have any idea what you do to me?" she replied, her blue eyes opening up.

Emily's breath caught in her throat and her eyes widened in awe. For the first time ever, Naomi was completely open, her pale eyes showing more vulnerability then the brunette had ever seen. It was beautiful, deliciously so. Emily didn't think the blonde had ever been so breathtaking now that she was displaying herself with such rawness. Her heart leapt in her chest and fluttered excitedly. She pressed her mouth against the blonde's after that because it was the best response she could imagine. She kissed her with confidence, her fingers scratching lightly at her scalp. She kissed her until she couldn't breathe and then moved her mouth to the blonde's jaw line. She licked and kissed and continued until she reached her ear lobe. She bit it gently.

"I don't know, babes..." she said so low that Naomi wouldn't have heard her had she not been this close to her ear. "I don't know how I make you feel..."

Emily moved her hand behind herself and grabbed one of Naomi's. She squeezed the fingers between her own and brought them between themselves.

"But if it's anything like what you make me feel... It's pretty crazy," she finished with another bite to the blonde's earlobe, pushing their hands down until Naomi's fingers collided with her wetness.

They both gasped loudly, Emily exhaling shakily into the blonde's neck as she let go of her hand to grip the other woman's back.

"Oh my God Emily..." Naomi mumbled, her fingers moving automatically against her. "You feel so fucking good."

"Naomi..." Emily moaned. "I... Jesus... Fuck..."

The brunette didn't think she'd ever been so excited. She could feel how wet she was, Naomi's fingers slipping easily against her. Her entire body was on fire, her limbs shaking, her eyes rolling to the back of her head. The blonde seemed to be enjoying the effect, her fingers teasing the brunette as she moved them between the girl's clit and her entrance. Emily's hips were jerking uncontrollably, her body screaming with the need for release. She pushed herself closer still, her fingers flexing against pale skin, a line of sweat forming on her forehead as she tried to turn her whimpers into words.

"Naomi... Mm, I- Christ- I need... I need... Fuck!" she moaned loudly as Naomi's lips found her neck.

Emily's brain shut off for a moment as she felt the blonde's tongue on her pulse point. Her right hand scratched the back of Naomi's neck and she continued to groan in pleasure.

"Fuck!" she repeated forcefully. "I fucking... I fucking- Oh God- I fucking need you," she continued between pants.

Naomi kissed along her jaw line and licked her earlobe.

"Good," she muttered sexily. "Because I can't wait to know how fucking good you'll feel inside."

Emily growled, her hands digging into Naomi's silky hair, turning her face towards her so she could crush their lips together, opening her mouth right away to feel the blonde's tongue against her own. They kissed sloppily for a few seconds and it was wonderful, but Emily had to wrench herself away with a loud moan when the blonde pushed two fingers inside of her.

Her cries of pleasure echoed into the room, reverberating onto the walls. She clutched at the blonde desperately, breathing hard against her neck as Naomi peppered her cheek and jaw line with kisses.

"Ohhhh fuck, Oh my God... Christ this feels so good" Emily husked.

"Mmmm," Naomi hummed in response.

The blonde's fingers were pumping into her slightly deeper with every thrust and each one felt like it was undoing her just a that little bit more. Emily could feel her entire body heating up, her legs becoming numb and her hips jerking on their own, responding to the blonde's touch. Her heart was beating fast, like the flapping wings of a hummingbird. She lost sense of the world for a minute, her sole focus on the sensations the blonde was eliciting in her and only mildly conscious of the soft 'Fuck, you're beautiful' she was whispering in her ear.

Emily could feel the pressure building inside her lower stomach and she knew she wouldn't last much longer before she exploded. She wasn't sure she wanted to last anyway. Her body was aching with the need of release. So much so that she almost let out an angry swear when she felt the blonde withdraw her fingers.

"Don't stop," she whimpered helplessly and heard the blonde chuckle in response.

The next second, Naomi had grabbed her by the waist and turned her so that she was lying back into the bed. Then, the blonde moved on top of her, parting her legs with her knees, and pushed her fingers back inside the brunette as her mouth found the other girl's. Emily groaned appreciatively, loving the feel of the other woman's weight on her. She kissed her hard, her hands gripping her back and shoulders, her nails digging into the skin. That only seemed to spur Naomi on. Emily moved with her and when Naomi angled her wrist so that she hit her just in the right spot, she cried out loudly into her mouth. The blonde didn't let out though, pushing her thumb against the brunette's clit and ending their kiss to catch an earlobe between her teeth. Emily whimpered in pleasure.

"Christ, you're so sexy," Naomi huffed into her ear. "Come for me," she asked and Emily's body started shaking.

She could tell she was seconds away. She wasn't sure where her body began and ended, just conscious of the heat she felt, the electric current running through her veins. Her heart expanded and shook and Emily knew that was it. Naomi thrust into her one last time, her fingers slightly curved and it was really like the brunette had exploded. Her hips began to jerk erratically and her cries became a lot more high pitched. The warmth invaded all her senses and she gripped onto Naomi hard as they rode out her orgasm together.

It felt like ages, but it was probably just a few second and the next moment, Emily's body was relaxing. She felt Naomi pull her fingers out of her and she grabbed onto her waist to bring her closer. The blonde let herself cover the petite's body, her lips making a lazy trail of kisses on the brunette jaw and neck. She didn't speak and just waited as Emily's breathing slowly returned to normal.

"Oh. my. God," the brunette eventually mumbled, making the blonde giggled into her neck.

"Yeah?" she asked, with an uncertain smile.

"Oh yeah," Emily nodded vigorously. "Fucking hell Naomi... That was just wow..."

The blonde laughed again and Emily pushed herself up a bit to catch her lips with her. They kissed slowly for a few seconds, the brunette's hands caressing the skin of Naomi's back absentmindedly.

When they emerged for air, the blonde moved off of her and laid down on her back beside Emily. The brunette didn't let her go that easily though. She moved onto her side, bringing her left hand on top of Naomi's stomach.

"Mmmm," the blonde moaned appreciatively.

Emily continued her caresses, stroking the skin lightly and marvelling at the softness of it.

"Fuck Ems..." Naomi mumbled, her voice drowsy. "You're going to make me fall asleep..."

Emily chuckled and shifted closer to the blonde. She kissed the side of her face, her temple and then licked an earlobe teasingly.

"Well that wasn't exactly the plan..." she muttered, moving her hand lower on Naomi's body.

"Oh?" the blonde inquired, her voice not so sleepy anymore. "It wasn't?"

"No," Emily replied, her index finger tracing one hipbone, before moving to the joint of her hip.

"What's- ah- what's the plan, then?" Naomi asked, her breaths becoming more laboured now.

Emily giggled and began to suck on the blonde's pulse point. She continued her caresses, her fingers travelling from Naomi's hip to her thigh and back again. She let go of the blonde's neck and shifted onto her elbow, descending her lips to lick a collarbone and then the swell of a breast.

"Well..." she mumbled between kisses, making sure to go around the blonde's nipple.

"The plan involves a lot less sleeping..." she started to explain, brushing her nose against a nipple and hearing the blonde gasp. "And a lot more orgasms..." she finished, catching the nipple between her lips.

Naomi groaned and squirmed.

"Oh God," she said under her breath. "I think I- Mmm- I think I like that plan..."

Emily chuckled and moved her lips to the blonde's other nipple.

"Oh, trust me. You will," she said confidently before moving her fingers between the blonde's legs, feeling her wetness for the first time.

Emily groaned in approval while Naomi whimpered in pleasure. She continued to tease the blonde's tits with her teeth and tongue and moved her fingers between her wet folds, feeding on the different sounds she could make Naomi do. It was intoxicating, every different gasp and moan invading her brain like viruses.

Emily could feel Naomi's wetness coat her fingers, could feel her body squirm under her touch and her nipples grow harder against her tongue and for a minute she felt fucking invisible. Her heart was beating fast and her own body was warm and full of desire. Even though she'd just climaxed moments ago, there was something about making Naomi feel this way that was shrouding everything else in her mind, eclipsing every single thought and replacing them with hot, burning need and want.

She kissed and licked and nipped and Naomi's moans turned into desperate cries. She moved a bit faster against the blonde, dipping the very tip of her middle finger into her pussy only to take it off not even a second later to rub it on her clit.

"Jesus fucking christ Emily!" Naomi panted loudly. "Stop- Mm- Stop- Fuck!"

"You want me to stop?" Emily asked, letting go of the other woman's breast with a pop.

"No!" Naomi almost shouted. "I want- unf- I want-"

"You want?" the brunette asked calmly as she dipped her middle finger in again.

"Fucking hell! This! I want- Ohhh- I want this!" Naomi panted desperately.

"This?" Emily inquired as she pushed her finger deep inside the blonde.

Naomi cried out in pleasure and her hips jerked.

"Oh my God! Yes!"

Emily chuckled and kissed her cheek before removing her finger. The blonde growled angrily and it was clear to the brunette that she did not appreciate the move. It didn't faze Emily though and she only laughed.

"Not yet, baby," she whispered, moving on top of the blonde. "Not quite yet..."

She covered Naomi's body with hers and the blonde looked up at her instantly.

"I'm so fucking turned on right now..." she whispered.

Emily smirked as she pushed a thigh between Naomi's legs and heard her gasp.

"I can feel that..." she shot back cheekily, bending down to catch the blonde's lips into a searing kiss.

Naomi pushed her tongue inside her mouth and Emily welcomed it eagerly. As they kissed, she grinded her hips into the blonde, swallowing every resulting whimper. The brunette could feel Naomi's wet centre rubbing against her skin and it was driving her crazy. She wasn't sure why she couldn't get enough of her, but she definitely couldn't. She had started touching her and now she never wanted to stop. She wanted to take her time, make the other woman desperate for release. She hadn't even meant to tease at first. She had wanted to pleasure Naomi, make her come hard just like the girl had done for her, but now the plan had changed. Now, Emily wanted to make her feel something. She wasn't quite sure what though.

When she could no longer breathe, Emily reluctantly detached her lips from the blonde. She continued to grind into her though, taking a second to just look at her. The woman was flushed, the hair around her forehead mated with sweat and her eyes half closed. Her eyebrows were scrunched in pleasure and her mouth kept changing shapes. Emily didn't think she'd ever seen anything as beautiful before. She kissed the blonde's forehead and started to move against her body.

This time, as she shifted downwards, she no longer wanted to tease. If this was how beautiful Naomi looked when she was brimming with lust, Emily wanted to see how striking she'd look as she came. She only wanted that now.

Still, as she passed hard nipples and a taut stomach, the brunette couldn't help, but give them some attention. She didn't linger long though and soon enough she was kissing the space beneath Naomi's hipbone.

"Oh yes... God Ems..." Naomi encouraged her.

The brunette licked the skin and settled herself between the blonde's legs. She grabbed the girl's right leg and opened it wider as her lips began to kiss the inside of her thigh. Emily's stomach lurched and heat travelled directly between her own legs when she felt Naomi spread her legs even wider for her. God she wanted her so much. She'd teased her without hesitation, but it seemed it had slightly backfired because now it was Emily who just couldn't wait a second longer.

With one last peck on the inside of the blonde's thigh, Emily moved, wetting her lips before pressing an open kiss on Naomi's clit.

"Ohhhh fuck!" Naomi dragged out loudly, her hips jerking upwards almost violently.

Emily hooked her left arm around the blonde's leg, her hand gripping her hip to keep her steady as her tongue moved against her centre, parting the girl's lips before moving back to her clit. Naomi was moaning loudly, her hands clutching the duvet hopelessly. Emily could tell it wouldn't take long to make her come. She slowed her pace accordingly, not quite ready yet for this to be over. Naomi whimpered against her, but Emily didn't relent. The blonde's taste was too addictive for that. With every swipe of her tongue, every nip of her lips, Emily felt her own body heat up more and more. She could only imagine how Naomi was feeling.

"Emily..." the blonde begged after a moment. "Emily please... I can't- I can't- fuck! Please!"

The brunette increased her pace a bit under the pleas, but something was still holding her back. There was this feeling in her guts she couldn't shake. She needed something, at least she felt like she did, like she was waiting for it, but she didn't know what. So she continued, pressing her tongue just a bit more firmly against Naomi's clit.

"Ems..." The blonde said, finally threading a hand through her hair. "I need you baby... please..."

Emily shivered as she heard the tenderness in Naomi's voice. Something deep inside herself shifted, she felt shaken to her core and she knew then that this was it. This was the something she'd been waiting for. She sucked Naomi's clit between her lips and let it go, before settling herself back over Naomi in one swift movement, her thumb replacing her lips as two strong fingers entered the blonde without warning.

Just like she had known right away that the moment she had been waiting for had arrived, Emily knew that she needed to see the blonde come. She felt it in her bones, like it was the most important thing. She curved her fingers as she thrust them into the blonde, hitting the right spot instantly. She watched Naomi studiously as her face contorted in pleasure, aligning her hips with her wrist to use them to steady the pace.

Not even 30 seconds later, Naomi's striking blue eyes were rolling to the back of her skull and she was letting out the most delicious of moans. Her hips jerked and Emily felt her clench around her fingers. The brunette's eyes widened as she watched waves after waves of pleasure wash over Naomi's face. Her heart clenched in her chest then and she realised with sudden clarity what it was she'd been wanting to make Naomi feel.

It wasn't lust or desire. It was love.

"Oh..." Emily muttered to herself as she continued to ride the blonde's orgasm with her.

She'd known she really liked the blonde, but she hadn't expected this, yet, there was no denying it. She loved her. Fully and completely, with all the love her heart could muster. It was irrevocable.

Emily continued to look at Naomi until the blonde's body relaxed completely. She withdrew her fingers and cupped the blonde's face before pressing herself into her, connecting their lips firmly. Naomi welcomed her although Emily could feel her surprise. She didn't care though and just coaxed the blonde's lips apart so she could feel the girl's tongue on hers. Naomi let her, her arms wrapping around her waist and Emily almost sighed into the embrace.

She really fucking loved that woman and she wasn't sure what to do with the feeling. She had a feeling she shouldn't voice it to the blonde, yet it was all she wanted to do. Her love felt so immense, like it was taking all the room inside her chest. She wanted to say it, but she wouldn't so instead, she poured it into her kiss. She kissed Naomi with a purpose, kissed all the passion she had. She told her in every way she could without saying it. When they could no longer breathe, their lips came apart and Emily breathed out shakily. Naomi looked up at her in wonder.

"What was that for?" she asked curiously.

"Because I love you," Emily thought desperately.

In reality though she only shrugged.

"Just... you," she tried to explain. "This was... just... this was pretty great, yeah?"

Naomi smirked and chuckled.

"Think it was a bit better than that," she said smugly and Emily felt herself nod.

"Yeah, okay. It was," she admitted shamelessly.

Naomi smiled and pecked her lips, humming in satisfaction when she laid back down properly.

"Christ I'm fucking knackered..." she said sleepily.

"Then sleep," Emily grinned.

She moved the duvet back, shuffling until both she and Naomi were underneath. Then, she laid her head against Naomi's shoulder and snaked an arm across her waist.

"But I wanted..." the blonde started, but drifted off.

"Hum?" Emily asked, poking Naomi in the ribs.

"Well, just like... I wanted to... have you... again, you know?" she explained awkwardly.

"Mmmm," Emily hummed with a smile. "I appreciate the sentiment, I really do, but it's okay, hun. You got me pretty good earlier."

"Yeah?" the blonde inquired, uncertainly.

"Yes," Emily confirmed. "You were there, weren't you?" she teased.

"Course, but I mean... I wanted to impress you with all night long sex romps and an unending chain of orgasms," Naomi half joked as Emily chuckled.

"I'm already plenty impressed.

"You promise?" she said sweetly and the brunette nodded.

"I promise."

"Brilliant."

"Besides... There's always the morning..." Emily teased.

"That is true," Naomi agreed with a chuckle. "Night Ems,"

"Night," Emily whispered, her body relaxing completely against the blonde's.

Her heart filled with her unspoken words of love and her hand traced Naomi's ribs lazily. They'd been silent for a minute perhaps when something occurred to her.

"Tomorrow, we should have that chat, yeah?" she whispered.

She felt Naomi tense underneath her and grinned. That girl really had an aversion for serious talks.

"Yeah okay..." Naomi mumbled. "Tomorrow."

"Mmm."

They settled back into complete silence and Emily fingers continued their caress. After a moment she felt that Naomi's body had relaxed once more and her breathes had evened out. Emily was rather certain she'd fallen asleep. Her fingers stopped moving and Emily felt the heaviness of sleep overcome her as well. Just as she was about to lose complete consciousness, she lost her last restraint.

"I love you..." she mumbled into the empty night and knew no more.

;;

The next day, Emily woke up feeling more rested and happier than she had in a very long time. Her limbs felt heavy with sleep and slightly sore from her late night activities. Emily smirked to herself. This was the best reason to be sore ever.

She breathed in deeply and stretched her arms and legs. When she felt nothing, but emptiness on both sides of herself, her eyes fluttered open in confusion. Her heart faltered when she saw no one next to her.

She sat up in her bed, her eyebrows furrowed. She looked around the room to try and find something, anything, but everything seemed terribly ordinary. Her heart accelerated nervously when she looked at the floor and only spotted her own clothes.

Emily dragged herself out of bed, quickly putting on an old t-shirt and a clean pair of knickers self-consciously. She moved calmly, methodically even, careful not to make a sound. She strained her ear to listen to the sounds of her apartment, but nothing came back.

Fear gripped her heart faster than she wanted to admit. It gripped her heart and seeped through her veins. She felt a bit sick.

Emily left her room behind, walking cautiously into the flat. As she walked, she noticed how cold the floor was against her naked feet. Her floor was always too cold, but somehow, it was more unpleasant, more painful today than it had been yesterday and the days before that.

She made her way to her kitchen. She stopped and looked around. There was no one there, just a smashed mug on her countertop. She breathed in with difficulty, air feeling like knives down her throat.

She continued to walk, passing through her living room and her small office. Both rooms were empty. Both rooms were painfully normal. She moved towards her front door, checked the bathroom for good measures and found both devoid of anything remarkable.

An emptiness settled deep inside her stomach when she realised she had no more rooms to check. Her flat contained exactly one person and that person was her. Her heart squeezed painfully as she checked her coat hanger and saw only her jacket on. She looked at the front door and noticed the lock was opened. She left it like that and walked back to her room like a ghost.

Emily climbed into her bed, throwing her duvet over the side of her head. She stared at her door for a long time after that.

She lost track of time for a bit, feeling like she knew nothing apart that last night she'd gone to sleep with Naomi, in Naomi's arms and today she'd woken up alone. She didn't want to face what that implied though. Maybe the blonde had only left to get breakfast. Maybe she'd be back in a few minutes and they'd laugh at Emily's panic attack.

Emily didn't know if it was foolish to cling to that hope, but it was certainly easier than telling herself that the woman she'd just realised she was madly in love with, the woman she'd spent the night shagging- no, making love to, had left her naked in her bed without a goodbye or a note.

When the natural light of the sun had all but disappeared from her room though, Emily could no longer fool herself. She wrenched her eyes away from the door and looked at her clock. It was four pm.

Her heart screamed in pain. Naomi was not coming back, that much was obvious now. She'd left. She'd left her in bed and she wasn't coming back.

Emily brought her knees closer to her torso and hid her face behind her hands as she felt the tears coming. She wept, the sobs making her whole body shake violently. She hid her face into her pillow in shame and insufferable pain, feeling like her heart had been torn right out of her chest and smashed to the ground.

Naomi had left and, just like Emily had always known she would if the blonde ever hurt her, she felt fucking broken.

.

.

.

I'll go put myself in time out for this, shall I? Yeah... So hum... Hi? Do you hate me now? Because I sure as hell still love youuuuu. :D

Please forgive me if the sex was total crap. I am not really used to writing them out. I do that thing called avoiding it usually. But here, I felt like it was needed.

Anyhow, please let me read your comments (death threats? who knows). I do cherish every single one of them. Until next time...

MM xx