A/N So after last chapter's lack of Naomily, I may have picked up the intensity a bit (maybe more than a bit...)

I'll leave this A/N short. As always, let me know what you think, Improvements for future chapters/ criticism? And of course, thanks for reading :)

I woke up feeling relaxed and refreshed. The dream lingered in my memory as I rolled over to check my alarm clock.

10:54am

"Shit!" I cursed as I scrambled out of bed, swearing at my blanket as I struggled to free myself from its clutches.

I hastily folded my pyjamas, leaving them on my bed as I rushed over to my wardrobe. Tossing various items of clothing onto my bed as I rummaged through the drawers. I looked back over at the clock.

10:56am

I picked up my pace, wriggling into a pair of washed blue skinny jeans. A string of profanities erupted from my mouth as I stubbed my toe in the process.

"Em, love? ... You ok?"

My dad called from downstairs, his voice riddled with concern and puzzlement.

"Yup!...I'm fine... Just ... Getting changed..."

I yelled back over the distance, inhaling sharply through gritted teeth. 'No time to think about your toe...', I mentally repeated. I hopped, quite literally, into a pair of brown military boots and pulled on a charcoal grey knit as I fiddled with my hair straightener.

10:59am

The doorbell rang.

"Bugger it" I cursed quietly as I looked in the mirror, my hair wasn't too wild, just its usual wavy self. I sighed, it'd have to do.

I heard dad make his way to the front door.

"Oh! Naomi, what a surprise." He greeted her.

"Please keep her talking" I prayed under my breath, pulling out my makeup tray and applying mascara and liner hastily. I looked at my reflection. Not too shabby for a rushed job, I thought to myself as I examined my handiwork.

"Em?"

My dad was walking up the staircase, their conversation at the entry finished. A second pair of footsteps followed close behind.

"Naomi's here to see you".

He tapped on the door.

"Just a second!" I hastily answered, rushing over to spray perfume over my wrists and neck.

"Em?" He repeated, tapping twice more.

"Yup! Just... give me ten more seconds!" I answered instantly, wide eyed in horror as I looked at the mess of clothing on my bed.

I scooped the pile up in my arms, throwing the ball into my wardrobe's laundry basket and slamming the wardrobe shut, panting.

"Come on Em... Really..."

I breathed a sigh of relief as I swung open my bedroom door. I was greeted by dad, a smirking Naomi stood behind him.

"Hi!" I puffed, still catching my breath as my heart struggled to recover a normal rhythm. Nerves weren't helping.

My dad's face was a look of complete bafflement as he looked at me panting.

"Uh... I'll leave you guys to catch up then...", he glanced over his shoulder as he walked away shaking his head.

I held myself from pulling him back, I was too nervous to do this. Naomi looked stunning in distressed, white skinny jeans and a matching White knit jumper.

"Hey..." I repeated my greeting, blushing slightly, my breathing returning to normal.

"Hey to you too", She smirked once more, looking me over.

"Sorry for making you rush, you can finish getting ready if you like... I'll wait" She continued, still smiling.

"No!..." My pitch startled me, "I mean... no... It's fine. I wasn't-didn't rush" I stumbled over my words. "Why? Do I look bad?" I questioned suddenly self-conscious, was my makeup running? A hole in my shirt?

"No. Not at all. In fact the opposite... Gorgeous would be the correct word"

Naomi winked, causing my blush to deepen as my ears burned hot in embarrassment.

"You just sounded like you were rushed to get ready... Sorry. I have a habit of coming right on time".

"T-Thanks. Y-You too, and it's not a problem" I stumbled over my syllables, forcing a smile on my lips.

"Me too?" She looked to me, questioningly.

"...Look Gor-Good" I fidgeted as I mumbled my clarification.

Naomi's blue eyes stared into my own, twinkling with humour.

"So... You think I look good?"

I snorted aloud at her question, answering without thinking.

"What, as if you've never been told that?"

I immediately regretted my hasty response and looked away in embarrassment.

Naomi paused, waiting for my attention. Uncomfortable by the silence, I turned to her, once more caught in her intense gaze.

"Mmm... Just never by you".

She gave a wry smile and nodded her head towards my room.

"Your new room?"

I gave a bashful half smile as I nodded, silently thanking her for the topic change.

"It's a bit messy at the moment" I lied as I opened the door wider, allowing Naomi to view the room.

"If that's your messy remind me never to let you in my room" She laughed as her eyes scanned my room.

I flinched unintentionally at the statement. Naomi noticed.

"You can always help me clean it" She laughed, winking. "Nice room".

I led her in, sitting on the end of my bed as she took a seat on my office chair, spinning herself around several times.

"Comfy", she noted as she pat the leather arm rest. "So! What's the plan for today?"

I tapped my feet in thought.

"We can have a look around the area and the shopping centre, you said you haven't been out yet?"

Naomi's eyes lit up in excitement.

"Sounds great!" She exclaimed, swivelling another 360 degrees on the chair.

We headed downstairs to the front door and I yelled a goodbye to dad who was in the living room watching a sports channel. We'd had cable TV connected when dad got tired of the basic channels, complaining at the amount of advertisements and lack of sports.

"What? Where are you going?" He switched off the TV as he lifted himself off the lounge and made his way over.

"Just to the Shopping centre and to have a look around the area" I replied sighing.

"How do you plan on getting there?" He asked and eyebrow raised as he rested a hand on the open door.

I waved my phone.

"Bus?"

He looked slightly hurt that I hadn't asked him to drive us. Reaching into his pocket and pulling out the car keys he held them out for me. I hesitated, unsure whether to accept them or not.

"Oh come on Em, I didn't spend half a day in that damned RTA fixing up your license to have you take the bus everywhere. Besides, if anything happens, I've got insurance and you've got a phone."

He pushed the keys into my hand and I accepted them, embracing him in a firm hug and thanking him as I turned to leave.

"And Ems, home before dark yeah?" He added in a serious voice, nodding at both Naomi and myself.

"Got it!" I turned once more to leave.

"Take care... I love you"

"Love you too dad" I replied as I hurried out the door.

I pulled out two magnetic provisional driver plates from the boot and stuck them to either end of the vehicle.

"Thankyou Mr. Fitch, I'll take care of her" She smiled as she stepped into the passengers seat.

My dad nodded and smiled in appreciation.

"Nice new car smell" Naomi commented as she clicked in the buckle.

"Right?" I replied, smiling, as I waved to dad who stood by the front door, looking as concerned as ever.

Naomi waved a cheerful farewell as I reversed out of the driveway and up the incline.

We spent the better part of the drive in an awkward silence. Not that I cared, Naomi was probably busy taking in all the sights, and I was concentrating on driving. Naomi broke the silence as we drove by the beach.

"I've always wanted to learn how to surf", she sighed, enchanted as she watched the waves .

"A bit cold for that now, wouldn't you think?" I replied as I pulled up at a red light.

"...Not to them..." She noted as she pointed to the tiny figures of surfers riding atop the waves.

I shrugged. Looking back to the road, watching as pedestrians crossed before the car.

"I guess when you love something so much you'd do anything... Even brave the cold winter water" I laughed.

There was a hesitation from Naomi.

"Mm..." she agreed, maintaining her gaze.

We lost track of time whilst exploring the vast Shopping centre, entering every store that piqued our interest. Resting only for lunch when we came across the food court.

"So, have you and your dad decided on a school yet?" Naomi questioned over the meal.

I chewed hurriedly, smiling apologetically as I raised a hand over my mouth.

"Yea we decided back in England...Seaview high, it's only a short ways from home" I removed my hand, taking a sip from my bottle. "How about you?" I asked, gulping down the mouthful of water.

"Ah..." Naomi smiled shyly, "I think mum might have someone come to home tutor me again..." She looked to her tray, disappointed.

"Oh... That's a shame... Well maybe not, I don't really know much about home tutoring so I can't really judge" I smiled, shrugging apologetically.

"I really wanted to go to a school after moving here, I thought things would be different" she added, poking her fork at the various ingredients of her meal.

"Well, have you spoken to your mum about it?" I offered.

She paused her action, only to continue after she replied.

"Only about ten times..."

"Try an eleventh?" I laughed.

Naomi forced a smile.

"Why do you get home schooled? If you don't mind me asking" I continued, chewing on my fork.

"...My mum's job doesn't really let me have too much contact with other people... Well no... Just my mum".

"Oh..." I replied somewhat confused. The look on her face was of one of such unhappiness that I didn't ask more on the topic.

Even after the event at the food court, Naomi's bright and bubbly attitude returned as we walked. Passing a sale sign outside a Movie and CD store she paused. I waited, rolling my eyes as I examined the sign.

'Winter 'May'hem'

"Hilarious" I muttered as Naomi looked back to me in a silent question. I smiled, nodding and she darted into the store.

I flicked through the videos in a 50% off sale bin until Naomi returned carrying a small bag.

"I thought we could watch a movie when we got back, if that's ok of course... I wanted to watch this one on the plane but didn't get a chance to" she smiled, holding up the bag.

"Sure... Sorry" I apologised remembering how Naomi had let me choose which movie to watch.

"For what?" She looked at me confused. "Anyway we should probably start heading back it's getting a little dark" She noted, looking at her watch and pointing at the darkening sky through a wall of large glass panes overlooking an intersection.

I looked at my phone, 4:32pm. We'd somehow managed to kill four hours looking around the Shopping centre.

"Probably a good idea" I agreed.

We arrived home by 5pm with just enough light to keep our promise.

My dad greeted us, inspecting his new car from the doorway.

"There's no scratches dad...I'm pretty sure I'm more afraid of scratching it then you are."

He smiled bashfully.

"I never said there was...Can't a man admire his new car?"

I rolled my eyes at his evasive response.

"Thanks for letting me borrow it" I replied, handing him back the keys and embracing him in a hug.

"Thank you very much Mr. Fitch, it's a lovely vehicle" Naomi added, smiling warmly.

Dad beamed at the compliment.

"She is isn't she... Will you be staying for dinner?" he added.

Naomi looked away shyly.

"Oh I'm quite alright, I ate lunch while we were out-"

"Naomi that was at one twelve o'clock" I cut her off. "She'll have dinner with us" I nodded, making the decision final.

Dads grin broadened.

"Excellent! I made pasta"

Dad was a good cook, though he liked to show off his skills as often as possible, sometimes too often. He had a blog, dedicated to his 'masterpieces' as he called them. I think Naomi gratefully accepting the offer made his day.

"Emily didn't tell me you were a world class trainer and an accomplished chef" Naomi commented sincerely.

Dad grinned broadly, puffing out his chest.

"You should stay the night, it's already dark" dad commented after dinner, pointing a thumb over his shoulder to the window behind him.

Naomi looked up at the sudden offer.

"I'd drive you but, aha" dad chuckled, embarrassed "I had a glass of wine to drink, I think I'll head to bed shortly... You always cook better with a glass of red". He smiled shyly.

"I could drive her?" I offered

"Absolutely not, I don't want you driving alone at night, not yet" he rebutted immediately shaking his head vigorously.

"Naomi told me her mother hasn't bought a car yet and I don't want her to walk home in the dark, especially when she's new to the country. Just like you are young lady" He added, looking back to me as I rolled my eyes.

"Dad, Naomi's seventeen, and you're not her father, maybe you should ask her to see what she says..."

Naomi took a breath to speak only to be overrun by my dad, still trying to prove his argument.

"I'm sure Naomi is fully capable of making her own decisions but as a single parent, I would not appreciate it if someone made my daughter walk god knows how far in the dark, in a strange country and I'm sure Naomi's mother wouldn't either". He looked to Naomi for support.

"I-I'll give my mum a call and see what she says" she stammered, excusing herself from the table and leaving the room.

Dad turned to me with a serious yet satisfied face, noting my sour expression.

"I'm not trying to embarrass you in front of your friends. But you have to see it the way I do..."

"Well why couldn't you sit beside me while I drive?" I retorted.

"I already told you, I'm exhausted Emily".

I rolled my eyes, sighing in exasperation as I folded my arms over my chest.

Naomi returned, an apologetic look on her face as she looked to me.

"She asked if it was ok I stay the night..."

My dad had a smug look of triumph as he answered Naomi.

"Of course...You're welcome here any time" he added.

Naomi smiled abashed as she excused herself once more, making a second call to her mother to confirm she would stay the night.

"Uhm dad, you do realise we don't have a spare bed yet..." I noted, waiting until I heard Naomi speaking on the phone.

We had two spare bedrooms. One was being used as a rumpus room. The other had only a computer table and chair.

"She can share your bed for one night I'm sure... You seem to be getting along famously, I don't see why there would be an issue. And if there is, we have a very comfortable lounge." He answered.

My heart rate accelerated at the prospect of having to share my bed with Naomi. I could feel my cheeks and ears flushing a deep crimson. I hurriedly excused myself, collecting the dishes and escaping to the kitchen.

Why did it panic me so much? We were both girls... I shared a bed countless times with Effy and panda and a room with Katie. Dad was right, I was as close with Naomi already as I had been with Effy and Panda before leaving. I was wondering why that was, why it was so easy to get along with Naomi when I heard her return to the dining room. With a brief conversation and a multitude of thanks, she joined me in the kitchen.

"Can I help with anything?" she offered, scrunching up her sleeves.

"You can dry the dishes if you like?" I replied gratefully, unable to make eye contact.

She picked up a dishcloth, expertly drying each plate.

"Your dad told me you don't yet have a spare bed. I don't mind sleeping on the couch..."

"Don't be silly" I immediately responded, my voice wavering. The dish I was soaping slipped and I cursed under my breath. My knees wobbled unsteadily.

"Em? Are you ok?" Naomi looked at me concerned, "You look a little pale".

I dropped the dish once more as my knees collapsed on me. I came to a moment later, the concerned face of both Naomi and my father beside me as I lay on the couch. Naomi held a glass of water to my lips, forcing me to drink as my dad helped me sit up.

"You've got a fever" He diagnosed as he took the thermometer from my mouth.

I sighed dejectedly.

"Naomi, would you help Emily to her bed?" My dad requested, turning to Naomi and smiling apologetically.

"Of course" she responded, offering both her hands as leverage to help me up.

"Weren't we going to watch that movie?" I asked

"We can watch it some other time when you're feeling better, what's more important is your health". She smiled, taking hold of my hands as I reached out. She pulled me up gently.

Naomi maintained a close step as I walked up the stairs to my bed, collapsing across the mattress and groaning as my head spun.

"Here, it's not good go to sleep like that when you're sick". Naomi helped me sit up, pulling off my socks and shoes and placing them neatly by the side of my bed.

Though my subconscious was shouting at me to stop the embarrassment, the headache and disorientation won over and I accepted the assistance. It didn't matter. We were both girls. I repeated the statement as she tugged off my jeans, helping me into the pyjama pants I had left hastily folded on the end of my bed.

She hesitated after pulling the knit over my head, moving to sit behind me as she unclasped my bra gently, pausing a moment before sliding the tank over my head and guiding my arms through the shoulder straps.

"You smell really nice by the way" she commented as she pulled the blanket up to my chin.

"Mm?" I responded still disoriented.

"What is it?" she questioned, folding my garments.

"Mm? Miss Dior?" I slurred.

"...I really do hope you feel better soon" she commented, a concerned look on her face as she stood up to leave.

I tugged on her hand with a weak grip.

"Stay", I mumbled through a fever induced daze. "Stay with me".

My hand dropped, exhausted. Naomi tucked my hand back under the covers as I teetered on the brink of sleep.

"Anything for you" were the last words I heard as I fell into a fitful sleep.