A/N

So this chapter has been a long time coming, (I've been bombarded with uni assessments and tests). Finish one, get a notification of another etc. Not to mention work, I've had little to no extra recreational time these past couple of weeks... That stress is behind (for now) thankfully!

As always, let me know what you think, criticism/ Suggestions? :)

P.s I'm really sorry if there are any issues with this one I hurried a fair bit (many late nights where I finally had time) to finish it.

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I woke up early, unplugging my phone from the charger as I sat up in bed. I tapped the screen in preparation to contact Naomi. It was no use, no matter how I started the text I was too nervous to form a message. I sighed and tossed the phone on my unmade bed in frustration.

The ecstatic feeling returning as I thought back to last night. Naomi, the most beautiful girl I'd ever met, likes me. I ran a thumb over my lower lip lightly, reminiscing on last night as I walked downstairs to the kitchen. I stab of nervousness ran through me. I'd kissed a Naomi. I'd kissed... A girl. My thoughts moved onto my father. What would he think if he knew. Would he be angry? Disappointed? Would he care?

Back at home... Katie used to bully this one girl because she was open about being gay. She'd talk to mum about how 'disgusting they were' whenever Katie spun an exaggerated story of how a girl tried to hit on her at a party.

I sat down to eat cereal, turning on the television and looking out the large glass panes. A feeling of drowsiness washed over me as I bathed in the morning sunlight, absorbing its warmth.

"Em?"

My dads voice broke through the haze of sleep.

"Em love... Are you alright?"

I blinked groggily and yawned as I looked up to his concerned face.

"Are you still sick?... I did tell you to take it easy..."

He shook his head, his brow furrowing with worry.

"I'm fine dad, I was just tired... What's the time?"

I realised it must have been late afternoon, judging by the sunlight and the fact that my dad was home from work.

"Just after Five..."

My eyes widened as I realised I had slept the day away. Panic setting in as I remembered I hadn't messaged Naomi. I jolted upright, almost head butting my dad in the process. He recoiled, the concerned look turning to one of confusion as I jumped off the lounge and proceeded to bolt up the staircase.

"Em? You alright?" He called after me as I tore through the blankets in search for my phone.

"I'm fine dad really, thanks for the concern!" I called back to him, grabbing my phone and checking the screen. A message from Naomi. A pang of guilt muddled with excitement ran through me as I hastily unlocked the phone to the message.

Hey Em,
I wanted to thank you for last night, it's the most fun I've had in a long time. I hope I didn't push you into anything you're not comfortable with or regretful about. I don't want to come off as clingy either so if I don't get a reply, I got the message and I'll give you some space. :)

I grimaced as I checked the time stamp. 2:24pm. I hastily replied.

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I promised to text you and I didn't, I was just so tired today, I can't explain it. I had breakfast and just ended up falling asleep on the lounge. I'm really sorry! I really enjoyed last night too.

I blushed as I typed the words, recalling the events of last night before continuing.

You didn't and I couldn't possibly. I'm really sorry for the late reply.

I paused, unsure how to end the message.

You should come over sometime, we still need to watch that movie you bought.

I read over the message several times, nodding as I tapped send.

Within five minutes, Naomi had replied.

Don't be sorry, you probably strained yourself going out yesterday, I completely understand. I hope you're feeling ok. To be honest though, I had started thinking up ways to apologise to you. I'm glad you had a good time, we should go out again sometime soon, it was fun. So we do, I almost forgot about that. Let me know when's good for you and I'll come by.

My chest tightened in eagerness as I replied quickly.

Could be, I'm feeling fine, just really lethargic. Are you free tomorrow? You can come over anytime.

The reply was almost as instant.

Well I hope it's not a recurrence. I'll come by around 1pm then? Let me know if you're not feeling up to it. x

The rest of the evening was a blur. Dad made a roast chicken for dinner, along with other oven vegetables. He wouldn't stop asking if I could taste the herbs and complimenting the tenderness he'd managed to achieve. In all honesty it was very good, both taste and presentation wise.

"You feeling better love?" My dad asked as he offered to take my plate.

"Much" I forced a tired smile as I turned to him.

"Maybe you should have an early night..." He paused, looking to his watch.

"I think I will" I agreed and I did just that.

I woke late in the morning the next day. Just past 11:30am.

"Shit" I hissed, throwing off the blanket.

I'd slept in too long. I scrambled out of bed, doing it up as neatly as my haste would allow. The lounge room still hadn't been cleaned. I looked in the mirror, I hadn't showered the night before. Shifting into a new gear, I cleaned and tidied, showered and dried my hair as fast as I could possibly manage.

Right on time, as usual, Naomi pulled up in her vehicle. I finished applying mascara and bound down the stairs, yanking open the front door. Naomi paused, slightly startled, mid reach as her finger hovered over the doorbell.

"Hey" she spoke up, smiling as she recovered and leaned in for a hug.

"Hey" I replied, an excited grin glued to my face as I accepted the embrace.

"How are you feeling?" She continued, looking slightly concerned as she pulled away.

"I'm feeling fine, honestly you're just as bad as my dad, he wouldn't stop asking me..." I laughed, rolling my eyes.

She looked down shyly, the expression hinted hurt and I quickly added;

"Thank you ... For worrying about me"

She looked back up to me, smiling once more. She really was beautiful. Naomi waited patiently as I shamelessly examined the figure standing before me.

"Oh. Uhm. Sorry! Come in!" I stuttered, shaking myself from the stupor and blushing deeply as I turned aside, allowing Naomi to pass.

Naomi smirked, nodding a thank you as she stepped into the house.

"So I was thinking we could have lunch first" I announced as I closed the front door behind her.

I turned back to find Naomi staring intently at me.

"Sounds good, did you want to go somewhere? Or eat here. I don't mind either" She smiled warmly, her gaze exploring my figure.

I blushed and looked away.

"I can make us something here... If you're ok with that? " I questioned as I made my way to the kitchen.

Naomi sat on a kitchen stool opposite, watching as I pulled out various items from the fridge and pantry. I attached my phone to the docking station and tapped a playlist, turning the volume dial up.

"Music?" I asked.

Naomi nodded and smiled, bobbing her head to the pop beat.

"So what's for lunch chef Emily?" She stood up and winked as I produced a frying pan from a cabinet.

"Chicken wrap? If that's ok?"

"Yum! Can I help with anything?" She cheerfully replied.

I looked to the ingredients I had pulled out.

"You can put whatever you want on yours" I replied, shrugging to the bench of ingredients.

Naomi smiled broadly, tying her hair in a ponytail. She headed to the sink, rolled up her sleeves and washed her hands before handling the food.

"Shall I prep yours while you fix that?" She questioned, nodding to the chicken I had finished stripping and was now scraping off the cutting board onto the fry pan.

"Sure, thanks" I replied, smiling.

She turned back to her task, my gaze lingered upon her figure as she swayed to the tune.

"What do you want on yours?" She turned around abruptly.

I panicked. Naomi gave a wry smile as I shifted uncomfortably, knowing I'd been caught eyeing her over. I blushed deeply and turned my head, maintaining a sidelong glance. She approached me slowly, bringing her face inches from my cheek. I leaned back reflexively, planting my palms on the kitchen bench behind me for support. I froze, my senses able only to concentrate on her heady scent and the breath against my skin.

"Shit," a sudden trace of smoke snapped me out of the frozen state and I spun around. Pushing the pan off the element as I turned the dial to off.

There was a momentary silence before Naomi spoke up.

"So what did you want on yours?" She asked once more, her ever cheerful attitude returning as she swayed her body gently to the music.

"Ah... Just put the same as yours" I blushed in embarrassment, remembering why I hadn't answered.

She smiled and obliged. Her bubbly attitude soon relieved the tension I had felt lingering from before and I found myself relaxing into the mood of the upbeat music. Somehow an hour had passed by the time we concluded our lunch.

"Thanks," Naomi smiled as she offered to take my dish.

I refused and removed the plate from her hand as I stood up.

"You did all the work." I laughed, adding the plates to the dishwasher.

I searched the pantry once more, pulling out a bag of popcorn before leading Naomi to the lounge room. I sat on the couch, fiddling with the remote while Naomi inserted the disk to the DVD player.

"Sorry... By the way..." I mumbled as she sat down, a small distance from me on the couch.

"For what?" Naomi looked to me confused.

"Not asking you what you wanted to watch on the plane" I continued, hitting play on the menu screen.

"Are you seriously still going on about that?" She laughed loudly, "You think it mattered to me?"

I flinched unintentionally as she laughed at my expense. Though I knew she didn't mean it maliciously it somehow hurt to have the apology tossed aside. Noticing my discomfort Naomi lay a hand atop mine, resting on the couch.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way... I meant that I'd have been happy to watch whatever you'd picked out."

My heart rate accelerated at the touch. I laughed nervously, dragging my hand out from under her own and tucking a stray hair behind my ear in an excuse.

"Sorry..." She said again as she watched me drop my hand back to my lap.

"For?" It was my turn to look confused.

Naomi didn't answer, instead she looked blankly to her hands, now resting on her lap. I realised that my nervousness could have been taken as rejection. The film started and her attention was taken by the screen.

"Don't be..." I leaned over to Naomi, taking her hand in my own once more.

She looked to me surprised as I gave her a warm smile.

"You have beautiful hands..." I paused as I examined her smooth hand.

"Slender..." I smiled once more, tracing a finger along each of hers.

I looked back to Naomi, a blush visible on her cheeks as she looked away shyly. I felt a thrill run through me as I revelled in the ability to affect her usually confident composure. A strange animalistic urge took over as my own confidence grew. Gently swiping the hair from her neck as I leaned in, my lips caressing her smooth, warm neck. Her fragrance was strong, adding to the intense euphoria I felt washing over me. Naomi moaned softly, shuddering reflexively at the touch. My sudden confidence surprised me.

I pulled back, smirking as Naomi tried to recover her usual self-assured composure. She looked to me, her eyes dark with longing. Naomi seemed as though she wanted to speak but was unable to form words as she breathed erratically, her chest rising and falling at drunken intervals.

After several moments Naomi regained her composure somewhat. There was a momentary hesitation from her.

"Can... We replay?" She looked briefly to the television.

I picked up the remote, pressing a thumb on the previous scene button.

"I didn't mean the movie..." Naomi teased, causing me to blush.

The self confidence I had previously felt, dissipated as quickly as it had come. Naomi laughed, a smirk glued to her face knowing so.

"I'm kidding..." She winked and turned to watch the television.

I gave a nervous laugh and turned my attention to the film. After several minutes, the tension subsided and we sat in comfortable silence as the images played across the screen.

Why did it have to be a horror film... Even though it was only 3pm I knew I'd have some kind of nightmare tonight. I huddled into myself, bringing my knees to my chest and hugged them tightly in fear. Naomi noticed my discomfort and offered a hand which I gratefully took, squeezing hard enough to break bones every time a jump scare arose.

The film came to a rather abrupt close leaving Naomi cursing at the screen in irritation.

"They always do this... Always leave it hanging so that for 10 months you sit there anticipating the next one..." She shook her head in annoyance.

I squeezed her hand gently, drawing her attention to me.

"I'm sorry... I didn't realise you weren't fond of horror films" She smiled apologetically, intertwining her fingers with my own.

"...Can we replay?" I murmured hesitantly, looking down to our joined hands.

Naomi looked to me confused for several seconds before realisation dawned. A cheeky grin played on her lips and she leaned in obligingly. Keeping her hand entwined with my own, she used her free hand to shift the stray strands of hair behind my ear. The motions were slow, unhurried and I grew drunk on her soft touch. I closed my eyes, my head rolling back as her breath teased my sensitive skin.

"Emily?..."

My dad's voice snapped me out of the euphoric bliss and my eyes snapped open to see his figure standing in the threshold to the lounge room. His face was a mixture of confusion and shock. Naomi recoiled hurriedly. Neither of us had heard him enter, he was home earlier than usual anyway.

"M..Mr. Fitch. I... " Naomi stood up quickly.

She stood frozen, a mortified expression glued to her face. My dad looked from Naomi to me several times, his mouth opening and closing, unable to form words.

"Emily?" He repeated, looking to me.

"It's not what it looks like Mr. Fitch... It was me..." Naomi offered in an attempt to defend me.

There was a brief pause and I stood up beside Naomi, taking her hand in my own.

"No... It's fine Naomi... Dad... It's exactly what it looks like."

He looked from Naomi to myself, to our clasped hands and back to me before he spoke.

"Why didn't...All these years..." His face sank, disappointed.

It was my turn to hesitate as I answered.

"I didn't know... I didn't know for sure until I met Naomi... I didn't know how you would react. Mum and Katie, they always slagged people like... Like... Me...I was afraid of admitting it...To myself." I stumbled over my words, my shoulders shaking as I withheld sobs.

Naomi's grip tensed slightly.

"Em... I don't care what those two ever said about anyone, all I care is that you're my daughter and I love you... Unconditionally." He smiled warmly, opening his arms, offering an embrace.

Naomi released my hand, nudging my still tense body toward him gently. It was all I needed. I practically leapt into his arms as he pulled me into a tight hug. I broke into tears, my emotions getting the better of me.

"I don't care if my kids like men, women or even goats... No... Scrap that, I'd probably care about the last one..." He jested, in an attempt to lighten the mood. "You can put on a hundred kilos, grow a moustache or shave your head and you'll still be beautiful."

I laughed through the sobs, pushing myself slightly off his now tear stained shirt. He looked to me his eyes holding nothing but affection as he planted a kiss on my forehead and wiped the stray strands from over my eyes.

"I love you Em... More than you could imagine, I just wish you felt like you could talk to me... About anything... I'm here for you whenever." He looked to Naomi, his expression turning serious.

"You promised to take care of her..."

I looked from dad to Naomi, panicked as he targeted her. She looked equally as worried, shifting nervously.

"Don't break that promise..." He smiled warmly once more and with those words he turned to leave.

The room was quiet as both Naomi and I worked through the mix of emotions. I couldn't help but smile as the relief washed over me. Naomi had stayed for dinner upon my father's request. Though still anxious she responded cheerfully to my dads jokes, questions and remarks.

"I'll see you soon..." Naomi smiled as we stood at the front door.

Before I could respond, she pecked a kiss on my lips and turned to leave. I grabbed her hand pulling her back, rougher than I had anticipated. She jerked backward, falling into me as her balance was lost. I gripped the door frame for support, keeping us upright.

"Replay..."