A/N: And here we are back at the pub with our fab five. There's karaoke, Effy being super mysterious, Emily intrigue, Naomi navel gazing and Cook making sure it all gets messy. As for Katie, well sometimes she stops being KFF and shows her softer side. But most of all I hope you'll agree there's plenty of fluff, I just can't help myself.

Thanks to everyone reading this, anyone who has an alert and as ever thank you so much for taking the time out to review.

By the by, Kat Prescott is a Metallica fan and loves Tubthumping but Duffy's Syrup and Honey was all of my own chosing.

Emily

I smiled to myself as I filled out the karaoke slip, this would do nicely as a finale. Naomi and Cook were at the bar, leaving me, Effy and Katie at the table. I'd been concentrating at picking my next song which meant my sister and Naomi's best friend were left to make awkward small talk. I almost snorted out loud when they began to discuss the weather. Thankfully, that conversation ran out pretty quickly but that meant we were left in an uncomfortable silence. I looked up and gestured towards the corner.

"Do you mind if I hand my slip in? I won't be a minute." I asked.

Katie glared at me, "Can't you wait until the others are back?"

I looked at the time, "Not really, the DJ will be coming on soon and I really want to sing one more."

"Fuck's sake Em, you've already done two." Katie hissed at me through gritted teeth.

Effy stared at me, "Yeah but those were for her and the audience, this one's for Naomi, right?"

The mysterious brunette was beginning to unnerve me. Actually, that was a total lie, Effy had spooked me ever since she'd done that mind reading thing with Katie. I know it wasn't real ok? I'm not that much of an idiot. Even though I could tell her 'gift' was a mixture of intuition and being able to read people it was still uncomfortable when she stared at you. It was like she was delving into your head and dragging out your inner most thoughts.

I coughed, "Err, yeah, something like that."

Effy smirked at me, "You'd better get over there quickly then, I wouldn't want Naomi to miss out on her song."

I hastily got up from my seat and headed over to the corner where the machine was set up. That was another thing, I couldn't tell if Effy was teasing me or taking the piss. I trusted Naomi's judgement so I hoped it was the former and I was sure she would say something if it turned into the latter, but I'd known Naomi about two months, she and Effy had grown up together, so I couldn't be certain where the blonde's loyalty would lie. I mean, I know Naomi had said earlier she didn't care if Effy liked me or not, but I cared, I wanted Naomi's friends to approve of me.

I handed over the piece of paper and the bloke rolled his eyes.

"You again?" he muttered with a shake of his head, "What is it this time?"

He looked down and shrugged, "At least this is a bit slower and we won't get a repeat of your previous performances."

"Hey I've sobered up a bit and if it hadn't been for me and my enthusiasm, this lot would have been forced to listen to 'I will survive' and fucking 'Angels' on a loop all night." I stated crossly.

He paused, "I fucking hate this job sometimes you know? Alright 'drunk Emily' you can sing again but try not to kick over any furniture this time."

I nodded sheepishly, "Sorry about that, I always get a bit carried away when I sing Metallica."

He tutted and shook his head again as I walked away, "I'll call you when it's your turn."

Naomi and Cook were sitting at the table by the time I got back. We'd moved onto spirits after deciding beer was too gassy, although Cook burping the alphabet had helped a lot with that decision. I picked up my vodka and took a large sip as I sat back down next to my girlfriend.

"So karaoke queen, what's next and do we have to warn Uncle Keith to protect his windows?" Naomi asked with a smile.

I shook my head, "Nope, it's something a bit more low key this time."

Naomi raised her eyebrow, "And will you be singing it, as opposed to shouting I mean."

Cheeky cow, I had a good voice, well an ok one, when I wasn't screaming Metallica lyrics that was.

"Alright I might have been a bit shouty when I sang Enter Sandman but I received a standing ovation for my rendition of Tubthumping." I reasoned.

Naomi snorted, "Only because you'd smashed half the chairs."

I pushed her, "Oy! I broke one chair and you said yourself it was already damaged."

"Right, if you two lezzas can stop bickerin' for a minute, I think it's time we found out a bit more about Emilio. We already know she's good at pool, not so good at karaoke, she drinks like a fish and Naoms becomes a soppy twat when she's around." Cook interrupted.

"Stop bloody calling her Emilio and fuck off Cook or I'll show you how unsoppy I can be when my foot connects firmly with your balls." Naomi said angrily.

"Oh come on, he's got a point, it's all doe eyes and gormless facial expressions when you're around each other. Jesus you can practically see the cartoon hearts floating in the air." Katie chipped in.

My head whipped round, "Whose side are you on?"

"Come on ladies focus please," Cook started with a chuckle before he turned back to me, "So what was it, tits or arse?"

"That's the first thing I asked too," Katie said with a smile while Effy rolled her eyes.

I shrugged, "Actually it was her eyes, I don't think I've ever seen a pair so stunningly beautiful."

I noticed both Effy and Cook looked impressed until Katie spoilt it all by adding, "So when exactly did she become Hottie McNicearse then?"

Cook guffawed, "Hottie McNicearse? Where the fuck did you get that from?"

I started to go red, "It's from Friends, Ross makes up nicknames for his students and he calls them Something McSomething."

"So what would I be then?" I looked up into Effy's appraising stare.

Naomi put her hand on my arm, "You don't have to answer that."

I smiled at her protectiveness, "That's ok, Effy's nickname is easy."

The brunette raised her eyebrow, "Oh yeah?"

I nodded and finished my drink as they waited for me to elaborate, "Psychic McScary."

Effy did that voodoo stare into my soul stuff again and I started to worry I'd offended her until she burst out laughing.

Naomi leaned over to me, "She likes you."

I could tell deep down she was relieved, "Well I am pretty great."

Naomi kissed me, "Yes you are. Which is how you got your new nickname."

I stared at her, "Surely you're not tired of sandwich girl already?"

"I'm not tired of her at all; in fact I find it hard to keep away. Only now I refer to her as Sexy McAwesome." she replied.

I smiled before pulling Naomi into another kiss, "I suppose I can learn to live with that."

Naomi

I looked over to the bar where Emily was getting the next round in with Katie, Cook had gone 'for a slash' so it was just me and Effy left at the table. Emily caught my stare and smiled warmly, I smiled back and winked.

"Jesus, Cook was right, you become a totally soppy twat when she's around don't you?" There was no malice in Effy's words more a hint of amusement.

I sighed, "Sorry but I can't help it, she's just so fucking beautiful. I really like her, I mean I really like her."

"Hmmm." was the non committal reply.

I turned to her, "What's that supposed to mean? I thought you liked her too, you seem to be getting on ok. What's wrong with Emily? I'm lucky to have met her."

Effy held her hands up in protest, "Whoa there, I didn't say there was anything wrong with Emily, she seems very nice."

"So what then?" I challenged.

Effy rolled her eyes, "Naomi calm down, I'm not having a go at your precious girlfriend."

"You're jealous." I stated matter of factly.

She snorted, "Don't be such a wanker, why would I be jealous?"

"Because it's always been the three of us and now I want to spend time with Emily." I said in a knowing way.

Effy sighed heavily, "Naoms, I love you to bits but you are a self centred arsehole at times."

"No I'm not..." I began to protest but Effy cut me off.

"Naomi Campbell, I'm not jealous of your relationship with Emily ok? You're my best friend and I hope that will always be true and you might for once think I'm looking out for your interests rather than behaving like a five year old. Hmmm let me think who does that remind me of?" Effy said with a tut.

"Fine, I'm sorry. I know you wouldn't be so petty, unlike me. But I don't understand what the problem is, why do you think I need you to look out for me where Emily is concerned? She's the sweetest person I've ever met." I reasoned.

Effy looked at me with a pitying expression, "Naomi, surely the fact that you've just described someone as sweet tells you everything?"

I frowned, "She is sweet, what's wrong with that?"

Effy began to laugh, "Babe, I've known you since you were knee high and you have never, ever described anything or anyone as sweet before. You've spent the past however many years building a reputation for not giving a fuck and hiding how you're really feeling. Since you've been seeing Emily, total freak out at the beginning aside, you've been like an open book."

"I've already said I really like her, I thought you'd be pleased I'd finally admitted I was into girls." I said huffily.

Effy raised her eyebrow, "Naoms, I'm very happy that you've stopped trying to deny who you are but I don't think it's true to say you're into girls, plural."

I looked confused.

Effy sighed again, "You're into a girl, someone you've known a couple of months. All I'm saying is maybe slow down a bit and make sure you really know Emily before you fall head over heels in love with her."

I snorted, "What are you on about? I'm not in love with her. Don't be so bloody ridiculous."

I was grateful as Cook came back to the table, "What's up blondie, you look all flushed."

I pointed to Effy, "She seems to have got this notion into her head that I've fallen in love with Emily, I mean seriously have you ever heard such a load of bollocks?"

Cook chuckled, "Naoms, babe, you've seriously got it bad for Emilio. I've never seen you so hooked on anyone."

Effy smiled triumphantly, "See it's not just me."

"Fuck off the pair of you, stupid pricks." I muttered as Katie came back to the table.

She placed the drinks down, "I'll be back in a minute, Ems is checking on the karaoke."

As soon as she spoke Terry's voice came over the microphone, "Right you lot, this is the last one of the night. So can you all give a big welcome back to 'drunk Emily' who assures me this is much less rowdy than her previous attempts."

A collective groan went round the pub and I found myself glaring at some of the regulars, "Shut the fuck up and let her sing."

Effy leaned over to me, "Very protective of you, I think you might want to pay attention to this."

I looked over to where Emily was standing nervously with the mic in her hand and I smiled in encouragement. The grateful smile I got back was enough to send my pulse into orbit.

"This one is a bit slower and I'll try to sing it this time rather than shouting. This is for you Naomi, I hope you like it." Emily stated shyly as a chorus of 'ooohhhhhs' went round the bar.

As the intro started I focused on the redhead, I thought I recognised the song but I wasn't sure.

Katie sat down, "Oh I fucking love this one, we're in for a treat."

Emily started singing and the pub quietened down. As the first notes came out of her mouth I felt a bolt of electricity passing through my body as all the hairs on my arms stood on end. Fucking hell, she could actually sing, which surprised me given her earlier display.

Don't you be waistin' all your money

On syrup and honey, because I'm sweet enough

Don't you be usin' every minute on makin' a livin'

Because we've got our love

Listen to me, one, two, three

Baby, baby, baby

Spend your time on me

Her husky voice travelled clearly across the pub and there was a gravely edge to it that seemed to saturate my whole body making me feel like each and every one of my atoms were vibrating in tune to Emily's soulful voice.

Effy leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Are you listening carefully?"

"Shut up Eff," I hissed as Emily began the next verse, she stared directly at me as she sang and I gulped as all of the air seemed to leave the room.

Don't you be out all night long

Leavin' me alone

Because I, I need your love

Don't you be spendin', every day, workin' away

Because I'm waitin' for you

My ears zoned out as Emily went into the chorus again and I became lost in my thoughts. Was Effy right, had I fallen in love with Emily? I had nothing to compare it to, sure I loved my Mum, Eff and Cook but that was obviously different to how I felt about Emily. I was shit at analysing my feelings so as usual I reverted to my comfort zone and examined things logically.

Physiologically all the signs were there - when I was around her my heart rate automatically sped up, my palms grew sweaty and my stomach churned. When she smiled at me or I made her laugh my whole body felt lighter. I wanted to touch her all the time, not necessarily in a sexual way, just simply because I loved the way it made my skin tingle when we held hands or she stroked my cheek.

Physically I was attracted to her, I mean for fucks sake who wouldn't be? She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen and her eyes totally blew me away every time I looked into them, which was often as I really could spend all day staring at her and still crave more.

But it wasn't just her physical beauty that captivated me she had such a pure soul, Emily was a truly beautiful person, she was so kind and gentle and I never wanted anything to hurt her.

When we kissed, my God, it was amazing and no one had ever made me feel so much just by connecting their lips to mine.

"Stop over analysing things and go with the flow Naoms. Ignore your head for just a minute and concentrate on how you feel." Effy whispered breaking me away from my inner dialogue.

The sound came back into the room and I stared at Emily as she finished the song, I tried to follow Effy's advice but my brain was in overdrive.

Spend it, spend it, spend it

Your time on me

Please baby

Mmmmmm

Please baby

As the final strains of the song finished the whole pub was so silent you could have heard a pin drop, Emily took a small bow and handed the microphone back before she sought me out again, our eyes locked and she gave me a smile so perfect I thought my internal organs were going to explode. Suddenly the whole place erupted into a huge round of applause and cheers.

"Fucking hell, I don't think any of us were expecting that." Terry's voice came over the microphone, "I give you 'drunk Emily' everyone."

I watched Emily start to blush as the praise kept coming, this time there really was a standing ovation. My eyes never left hers as she made her way back to the table where she sat in my lap and gave me a soft kiss.

"So what's the verdict then?" she asked as she pulled away.

I switched my brain off and just let my feelings wash over me as the expectant brown eyes drew me in. The complex range of emotions I felt as I continued to stare intently at Emily confirmed it, for the first time in my life I was in love.

"Naomi, did you like it?" Emily asked gently with a slightly concerned look on her face.

Switch your bloody brain back on Campbell, that's it, now use it to form a coherent sentence and stop staring gormlessly at her like a total fucking idiot. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out so I promptly closed it again. Come on Naomi, you have a massive vocabulary, just string a couple of words together. But the only three words I could recall were you, love and I and not in that order.

"I love..." no, no, no, do not make an even bigger twat of yourself in the pub, "...d it. Yeah, that's right, I loved the song. You were really good." I stammered.

Oh for God's sake, you were really good? That's the best I could come up with?

A grin broke out across Emily's face, "I was only good?"

I shook my head, "That wasn't what I meant, you were incredible. Breathtakingly amazing. Stunning."

Emily laughed, "That's better and for that assessment you get a special reward."

She leaned over and captured my lips in a searing kiss and I felt my whole body melt into her as once more I turned into mush in her presence.

When we finally pulled apart Emily's eyes were twinkling at me and I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.

"You're perfect." I uttered without thinking but the look I got in return made me glad I hadn't stopped myself as Emily's face lit up in surprise.

"Thank you." she said as she started to redden.

Fuck it, if this was what being in love felt like, bring it on.

Effy

I stared at the pair of them dancing, they weren't even in time with the music but they didn't seem to care as they gazed at each other adoringly like they were the only two people in the world. After I had seen Naomi's reaction to Emily singing I knew it was already too late for her to heed my earlier words of caution, she was already in love with the redhead and there wasn't a damn thing anyone could do about it. Don't get me wrong I wasn't warning my best friend off Emily, I liked the redhead, really I did, but I also loved Naomi and didn't want her to get hurt.

If I'm being honest I was surprised at how easily she was taking it in her stride, I thought she'd be petrified and freak out, I mean this is Naomi we're talking about here, look at the mess she was in after she first kissed Emily. But far from it seeming to frighten her she was positively revelling in it. The only thing that might be worrying her was that Emily didn't feel the same way, but considering the emotion she had put into that song and looking at her dancing with her arms wrapped tightly around Naomi I didn't think there was much to worry about on that score.

I sighed as Katie and Cook placed a fresh round of drinks on the table.

"What's up Eff?" Cook asked as I nodded my head towards the dance floor.

Katie tutted, "Oh God, I know, it's sickening how cute they are together.

Cook laughed, "Oh come on you're two birds, you can't tell me deep down you wouldn't like someone staring at you like that."

I stared pointedly at Katie, "Yeah well, once upon a time I did have someone who looked at me like that, until some skank slept with him behind my back."

I was pleased when the twin reddened, "Effy, I can't change what I did back then, but believe me if I could, I would, it was despicable and I've always felt guilty about it. All I can say is that I'm genuinely sorry for being such a bitch and for stealing Freddie away from you."

I couldn't stop the surprised look that passed across my face. I thought any kind of apology was out of the question but never in a million years did I think that if one came it would be sincere, apparently Katie fucking Fitch actually had feelings.

I continued to stare at her until she made eye contact, "So why did you do it then?"

Cook coughed and rose from his stool, "Right ladies, I don't do all this girly crap so that's my cue to go for a slash and a fag."

We descended into another uncomfortable silence as we watched him leave but I was determined to get the truth, "Come on Katie, answer the question, what did I do to make you hate me so much that you wanted to hurt me so badly?"

"I didn't hate you..." Katie began until I cut her off with a snort.

"Don't fucking lie, you were always slagging me off or spreading rumours about me." I said with a sneer.

Katie nodded, "I know I was but it wasn't because I hated you."

I rolled my eyes, "Oh don't tell me it was because you more like your sister than you let on and you were secretly in love with me."

Katie looked horrified, "Don't be so fucking stupid, I'm definitely into cock."

I folded my arms, "So what then?"

She sighed heavily, "I was, I suppose, I was jealous."

That threw me a bit, I didn't expect it to be something as simple as the green eyed monster.

"You were jealous of me and Freddie?" I questioned.

She shrugged, "A bit but mainly I was jealous of you."

"Because I had Freds?" I ventured clearly not understanding what she meant, it was an odd feeling.

Katie shook her head, "No, like I said part of it was because you were like the 'dream couple', but mostly it was just you."

I frowned, "Why would you be envious of me, you were top dog, everyone wanted to be in your little clique, you waltzed around like you owned the place. I was just some lame fresher who was trying hard to fit in."

Katie smiled, "No you weren't, you were this effortlessly cool enigma, everyone was fascinated by you. Nothing seemed to faze you and you acted like you couldn't give a fuck about anything."

I shook my head in disbelief, Katie Fitch had just called me cool. Oh for fuck's sake Eff, focus here please, she made your life hell. "It's good to know my master plan worked."

"What do you mean?" She asked with a puzzled look.

I paused, I'd spent so long hating Katie for what she'd done I wasn't sure how honest I should be, but I suppose she'd been up front with me and the least I could do was open up a bit in return.

"Look Katie, sometimes appearances can be deceptive. None of it was effortless, believe me. I spent a long time working on my couldn't give a fuck attitude, just ask Cook or Naomi. I was 18 and away from home for the first time without my two best friends, I was shitting myself." I told her.

Katie looked surprised "Really? I'd never have guessed, you always looked so calm. That's why I was jealous, it'd taken me ages to get into the position I was and I knew deep down most of the people weren't really friends with me because they liked me, they were just scared of me. It was all a pack of cards, one that you threatened to tear down, so I thought if I was horrible to you then I'd still be queen bee. But it didn't work, no matter how mean I was people still ended up on your side."

"So you went after the one thing you knew would crush me?" I asked quietly.

She nodded, "It all spectacularly backfired though didn't it? I ended up looking like the biggest bitch in history, even Emily refused to speak to me. To cap it all off every time I looked at Freddie I found it hard to live with the guilt and I could see it was killing him too. He only ever really loved you. In the end neither of us could stand to be around each other and so we broke up. If I'm honest I've never been more relieved in my life."

We both paused, lost in thought.

Finally I shrugged, "What's done is done, let's face it Freddie isn't entirely blameless in all of this. If he loved me as much as he claimed he wouldn't have been tempted by you in the first place."

"I am spectacularly good at blow jobs." Katie stopped abruptly when she saw the incredulous look on my face, "too soon?"

I snorted, "Way too soon. Look Katie, thanks for being honest and all that shit but let's not kid ourselves we're friends now or that we ever will be. As I said earlier, I'll make the effort to be polite in your company but that's for Naomi and Emily, not you. I still think you're a cunt."

Katie looked sheepish, "Sorry, I'll make the effort too and try not to be such an arsehole."

Cook sat back down, "wow, you haven't scratched each other's eyes out yet, I'm impressed."

I shrugged, "Yeah, well we've reached a sort of agreement to hate each other politely from now on."

"I hope you're all still playing nicely." Naomi said with a smile as she plonked herself down at the table closely followed by Emily.

Cook grinned, "Had a proper little heart to heart didn't you girls?"

I glanced at Katie who looked nervous before I turned to Naomi, "We talked through a few things yeah."

Emily smiled at her sister, "See we told you this would be a good time to apologise."

I smiled wickedly and Naomi shot me a look, "Katiekins was just telling me that the reason she was such a bitch in uni was because she had a girl crush on me."

"I fucking well did not." Katie exclaimed as everyone burst out laughing.

I raised my eyebrow at her in challenge, questioning whether she wanted me to tell everyone the truth, I could see the panic in her eyes before she finally narrowed them.

"Fine, maybe I had a small crush on Effy." Katie said with a resigned sigh as I smirked at her.

Emily turned to Naomi, "See I told you she was a bit gay."

Katie glared at me but still didn't say anything.

Naomi gave me a wink before turning back to the twin, "Don't worry Katie, we've all been there."

I couldn't help the snort of laughter escaping as Naomi cried out in pain as Emily hit her.

"What was that for? I was only joking." Naomi asked while rubbing her arm.

"Remember our conversation about me punching people in the face?" Emily replied sternly. "You wouldn't want me to be forced to hurt Effy would you?"

Naomi grinned, "What harm could you do? You're far too small and cute to inflict much pain."

Emily smiled at me knowingly, "I'm a lot tougher than I look."

I didn't doubt it for a second but I was still in a slightly devilish mood so I nudged Naomi and as soon as she saw my expression a look of panic spread across her face.

"Eff don't, please." Naomi pleaded.

"So you haven't told Emily about the times we've kissed then?" I asked winking at the redhead.

Emily narrowed her eyes, "Right that's it, you and me outside, now."

I got up and had to stop myself laughing as Naomi looked on in horror.

"Em please, it was only a couple of times and I was really drunk." Naomi explained.

Emily paused, "So it was more than once? That deserves a good kicking in my book."

Naomi tried again and it was getting harder to control the giggles that were threatening to escape my mouth, looking over at Emily I could tell she was struggling too.

"It didn't mean anything, honestly. The only person I want to kiss is you." Naomi begged.

Emily shook her head and started to laugh before she kissed Naomi, "in that case I'll let Effy off, just this once mind you."

Naomi frowned as the rest of us started to laugh too, "Oh ha, ha, very funny. Am I the only one who didn't get it was a wind up?"

Emily smiled indulgently at her, "I think so babe, I keep telling you not to be so gullible."

Naomi turned to me with a death stare, "Bitch."

I shrugged and smiled at Emily, "I thought you'd like me bonding with your girlfriend."

"Maybe, but not if it involves ganging up on me." Naomi grumbled.

"You might have to get used to it, she's a keeper." I said finally letting Naomi know that I most definitely liked Emily and thought they were good together.

Naomi smiled gratefully at me before kissing her girlfriend, "I think so."

Emily

I swayed slightly as I stared the brunette in the eye, "Oh go on, do it again, what am I thinking now?"

Effy laughed, "I don't fucking know, I can't just switch it on and off at will and I'm far too pissed to concentrate."

"Let me have a go." Naomi said turning my face towards her. She stared directly at me and I couldn't help sighing happily as the blue eyes bored into mine.

"You're thinking that you'd like a gorgeous blonde to walk you home and give you a goodnight kiss." Naomi said with a smile.

I glanced quickly over to Katie, who gave a slight nod, before I turned back to Naomi, "It's like you read my mind. Do you know where I can find one?"

She smiled, "Don't push it Fitch, when do you want to leave?"

I was about to respond when Cook placed a bottle of tequila and some shot glasses on the table, "Nobody is going anywhere yet, the night is young and we're going to play I've never ever."

I looked at Naomi and shrugged, "It might be a laugh for a bit?"

"Ok we'll play for a while but I don't want to be too drunk to get you home safely." she replied with a frown.

I loved the way she was so chivalrous, "Thank you, it's really sweet that you care."

Naomi stared at me, "I do care about you, I always want to make sure you're ok."

Cook slammed his fist on the table, "right you soppy fuckers, I've never ever, come on!"

Effy started, "I've never ever been drunk before."

We all took a shot.

Katie continued, "I've never ever shagged anyone before."

Again we all sank a shot.

I smiled, "I've never ever been in love."

Only Effy and I drank a shot but the brunette leaned over and whispered something to Naomi who merely hissed at her in return.

Finally she turned to me shyly, "You've been in love?"

I shrugged, "A few times."

Naomi bit her lip and smiled sadly at me. "Oh, I see."

Oh fuck, what was I going to do now? Naomi looked hurt and that was the last thing I wanted. I was pretty sure she knew how I felt about her, especially after the not so subtle words of the song I sang, but I didn't want her to think it was something I took casually.

"Look Naoms, some people are just more open than others, they allow themselves to love more easily. It doesn't mean that they do it half heartedly, it's usually the opposite." Effy interjected as I smiled gratefully at her. I knew she'd understand and I hoped that Naomi would too.

Katie looked at Naomi, "I think it's nice that Em isn't a cynical bitch like the rest of us."

I held my breath because I wasn't sure if Katie's words had helped but I released it when Naomi smiled at me.

"Yeah, your big heart it one of the things I.." she paused, "Erm...like... most about you."

Effy smiled, "Right, back to the game, I've never ever wanted to fuck Emily."

I laughed as Cook downed his shot immediately. "Not a chance my friend."

Naomi slapped him but didn't take a drink herself. Cook tutted and placed a second shot glass in front of her.

"Come on blondie, that's a stonewall penalty if ever I saw one." he stated with a grin.

I must have looked confused because Effy jumped in to explain, "If we know you're not being honest we can challenge it and make you drink double the amount. Naomi was clearly lying as she's always looking at you like she wants to jump your bones so now she has to take the penalty."

Naomi shifted uncomfortably, "I don't objectify women like that, I respect Emily."

Cook tutted and placed another shot glass in front of her, "Double denial babe, you know the score."

I raised my eyebrow and looked at my girlfriend, "Seriously? Have you seen me? I'm very fuckable."

Naomi swallowed nervously before downing all three shots with a slight grimace, "Fine, I think about it all the bloody time alright?"

Cook guffawed and slapped her on the back.

She smiled at me and shrugged, "What can I say? You're very hot and I'm only human."

I leaned over and whispered into her ear, "I think about it all the time too."

She blushed and turned her attention back to the game. There were a few more questions that were fairly innocuous and we were all starting to get pretty drunk. I was enjoying myself especially when Naomi took my hand under the table and interlaced her fingers through mine. I looked up and found her smiling at me, it wasn't an uncommon occurrence but there was something different about the way she was looking at me that made my stomach flip even more than usual.

"I've never ever shagged a bloke." Cook said with a smug grin.

Effy, Katie and Naomi drank their shots. Shit, what did I do? I'd never discussed this with Naomi, I suppose she'd never thought to ask because I'd always been so sure I was gay, in any case I'm not sure bringing it up in the pub in front of her friends was where I wanted to have that conversation. I looked at Katie who shrugged slightly.

Cook winked at me, "Come on Emilio, are you sure you never tried it to prove you're a lezza?"

I started to redden, "Why have you tried it to prove you're not a poof?"

Naomi giggled next to me as Cook spat some of his beer across the table. I thought I'd got away with it until I looked up to find Effy regarding me thoughtfully.

"I think I'd like to challenge Emily." She said before placing a second glass in front of me as she continued to stare intently.

Again I looked to Katie for guidance but she just raised her eyebrows noncommittally.

Naomi tutted, "Don't be daft Eff, Emily has had a girlfriend since she was 14 or something, she's a gold star lesbian, right Em?"

I shifted uncomfortably and realised I couldn't lie to her. I quickly downed both shots and turned to face the blonde whose mouth was now an O of surprise.

Cook clapped Effy on the back, "Good call Eff, I knew I might be in with a chance."

My head shot up, "Look it was just the once and it wasn't to test anything, I've always known I was gay. It was a favour for my best friend ok?"

Effy suddenly rose from her seat, "Katie, Cook, come and help me at the bar."

Once we were alone I glanced towards Naomi who was seemingly fascinated by her hands, "Sorry, I should have told you before."

She shrugged, "There was no real reason to, I mean it's not like I haven't slept with guys too."

I could tell there was still something worrying her, "Naoms, what's the matter?"

Finally she faced me, "Was he, umm, was he one of the people you've been in love with?"

I shook my head and laughed, "I loved JJ but not in that way. He was a total geek and completely hopeless with women. There was no way he was going to lose his virginity unless it was with me, so I offered to sleep with him as a sixteenth birthday present. Honestly, it was one friend helping out another nothing more."

She brightened, "So I don't need to be jealous of him?"

I kissed her gently, "Believe me, you don't have to be jealous of anyone."

She frowned, "So how come you don't see him anymore?"

I sighed and could see Naomi noticed the sad look that passed across my face because she reached out for my hand and gave it a squeeze.

"He died when we were 18, he had a brain tumour. At first he just started to get a lot of headaches and in typical bloke fashion he ignored them so by the time it was diagnosed it was too late and they couldn't operate." I said as tears welled up in my eyes.

"Oh shit Em, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be insensitive." Naomi said in horror.

I shook my head, "You weren't to know. I just find it a bit painful to talk about, even after all this time I still miss him."

She reached over and wiped away a single tear that had trickled down my cheek, "I'll just pop to the loo and then I think it's time I got you home eh?"

I nodded, "That'd be good, thanks."

As she walked towards the toilet she stopped and said something to Effy, the brunette nodded and made her way back to the table. We sat in silence for a while until she spoke.

"Naoms told me about your friend. I'm sorry I challenged you like that, I wasn't trying to be a bitch." Effy said contritely.

I sighed, "It's ok, I know you only thought it was a bit of fun. Sorry I've brought down the mood of the night."

Once again we lapsed into a contemplative silence.

"Totally changing the subject, it looks like I was right about the answer to Cook's earlier question." She stated with a smile.

Sure enough I looked around and my sister and Cook were nowhere to be seen. I couldn't stop the giggle escaping. "So you really are all seeing then."

She cleared her throat and stared directly at me, "I can be and I wanted you to know your secret's safe with me."

What the fuck? I felt the panic start to rise in me, she couldn't know could she? I stared at her wildly, "What... I mean how..."

She smiled kindly, "It's ok, I don't know what it is exactly, I can just tell you're hiding something."

"How?" I questioned.

"Mostly a gut feeling but also watching you tonight there were a few tells like some of the looks you exchanged with Katie. Don't worry, the others didn't pick up on it." Effy replied.

I sighed with relief, "It's nothing bad and I will tell her."

Effy nodded, "I know you will, which I why I promise I won't mention anything. Just don't hurt her ok?"

I looked across the pub to where Naomi was making her way back to the table, "I don't think I could ever forgive myself if I did."

"Good." was the simple response I got.

"Sorry, as usual there was a queue." Naomi held out her hand, "shall we go?"

I quickly rose from my seat and took the hand offered to me, "See you Effy, say bye to Cook for me."

Naomi frowned, "Where is he?"

Effy rolled her eyes, "Getting a blow job from Bristol's finest."

"Typical, are you sure you'll be ok on your own? We can always stay." Naomi asked with a concerned look.

The brunette shook her head, "I'm fine and I've just spotted the lucky boy who is going to get the full on Stonem experience tonight."

Naomi laughed, "Right, we'll leave you to it. I'll call you tomorrow for a debrief."

I gave Effy a small wave, "Have a good night."

She smiled knowingly and gave me a wink, "You too Em."

We watched in amusement as Effy walked over to the lad and whispered something to him, his eyes widened before he followed her onto the dance floor where Effy immediately began to kiss him.

"He doesn't stand a chance does he?" I said with a grin.

"Nope, another poor soul about to be lured to his doom." Naomi said returning my smile. "Come on Em, let's get you home."

I stared into the twinkling blue eyes and my heart rate sky rocketed, I knew exactly how he felt.

Naomi

I glanced towards Emily again but she looked lost in thought. She'd been quiet since we'd left the pub and I wasn't sure if it was because she was tired, drunk or if there was something wrong. The silence wasn't uncomfortable so I didn't want to make a fuss. Besides I was a bit worse for wear and I wasn't totally sure I could manage walking and talking at the same time. It wasn't until she sighed that I decided to speak up.

"What were you and Eff talking about?" I asked quietly.

I felt her grip on my hand stiffen slightly and she paused before answering, "Nothing much, she was doing the obligatory 'you hurt my best friend and I'll break your face' speech."

I smiled, "We can be a bit over protective of each other at times."

Emily shook her head, "No, it's nice that you've got her looking out for you like that."

"So is that why you're quiet?" was my next question.

She stopped, "Sorry I was just enjoying the silence, I never feel like I have to fill it with you, it's nice for a change."

"Oh ok, I just wanted to make sure you were alright." I replied.

Finally she smiled, "I'm fine, just a bit tired."

That gave me an idea, I moved in front of her and motioned to my back, "Come on then, hop on."

She giggled, "Don't be daft."

"I mean it, let me give you a piggy back, it's the least I can do after subjecting you to my friends." I ordered.

Reluctantly Emily rested her hands on my shoulders and she squealed as I lifted her up. I shifted a few times until her weight was balanced and she wrapped her arms around my neck before we set off again.

"This wasn't exactly what I had in mind when you offered to walk me home." she whispered huskily in my ear after about five minutes.

"Em you need to stop with the sexy voice if you don't want me to drop you." I admonished.

She laughed.

"And the sexy laugh." I added.

She stayed silent for a while but I could hear her brain whirring, "Do you find everything about me sexy?"

I gulped as I became acutely aware of her breasts pushing into my back as she held on tightly.

"Right that does it, if you can't behave then you'll have to walk." I said as I put her back onto the ground.

She pouted at me, "I was enjoying that."

I took her hand again, "So was I, possibly slightly too much."

She shrugged, "Doesn't matter we're nearly there."

After a few minutes we found ourselves outside a modern detached house and I could tell the surprise was registered on my face, I'd been expecting a flat or a smaller house.

"It's our old family home. When Mum and Dad got the TV show they bought a bigger place in the country and they gave this to Katie and me as it's easier to get into the shop." Emily explained.

"It's alright for some." I said with a whistle thinking of my own much smaller home.

Emily rustled around in her bag and drew out a set of keys, "Do you want to come in?"

I shifted awkwardly, "Erm, I'm not sure. I should get going."

Emily smiled, "You can call a cab from the warm and besides I was promised a goodnight kiss and we have very nosy neighbours."

I paused briefly before nodding, "Ok then, I wouldn't want you to get a reputation as the scarlet woman of the area."

Emily laughed as she opened the door, "Don't worry, Katie's got that one well and truly covered."

I followed her inside and quietly closed the door behind me. She threw her keys on the hall table and quickly pressed a code into the alarm before she led me into a large lounge.

"Coffee?" she asked.

I nodded, suddenly overcome with shyness. Somehow it felt different that I was in her home rather than being in the shop. "Just milk thanks."

Emily laughed, "I do remember. Make yourself at home, put some music on if you like, I'll be right back."

She left the room and I could hear cupboards being opened as she set about making the drinks. I took a look around, there were two comfy looking leather sofas and a chair at one end of the room all pointing towards a massive flat screen TV. The other end was taken up by a number of shelves some of which were filled to bursting with books and others that had what looked like hundreds of CDs. I wandered over and smiled at the eclectic mix of music which was all sorted by genre and then alphabetically. I was unsure what to pick, my normal choice would have been something indie but I didn't think it was appropriate. On the other hand I didn't want to go the other way either and pick something that screamed 'romantic mood music for seduction.' In the end I selected an old cafe del mar album and put it in the player before I sat on one of the sofas before continuing to look around the room. Something was bugging me but I couldn't place what it was.

Emily walked back in carrying two mugs, she handed one to me before she joined me on the sofa tucking her legs beneath her. "I didn't have you down as a cafe del mar kind of girl, this is Katie's"

"I'm more of an Arctic Monkeys or Chilli Peppers kind of girl but I thought it was a bit late. I can change it if you want?" I answered with a shrug.

She shook her head, "This is fine, can't beat a bit of chill out every now and again."

I took a sip of my coffee, "Your house is nice, very spacious."

For fuck's sake Naomi, what the hell was that? You're not some lame estate agent trying to sell it. I looked over to find Emily smirking.

"I'm glad you like it, you can have the grand tour if you want?" she said staring directly at me.

I panicked, a grand tour would involve going upstairs, to bedrooms, with beds, where people have sex. Calm the fuck down Naomi, this is not some master plan to get you into bed and even if it was, would that really be such a bad thing? You admitted earlier it's something you think about constantly and you love her, not that you've had the guts to say it. Oh God, why did I have to think about that? So now as well as having my mind filled with a whole host of inappropriate thoughts I was becoming anxious about blurting out how I felt about her. What if it was just me and Emily laughed or worse thought I was a total idiot? What if... I jumped as I felt a hand on my arm.

"Naomi, relax ok? You need to breathe." Emily said gently.

I stared into her concerned eyes and felt some of the panic begin to subside.

"Dance with me?" she requested.

I nodded, dancing was good, I could do that. We put our coffee down and she pulled me over to the middle of the room before she wrapped her arms around me. Our bodies easily found a rhythm and as we swayed gently in time with the music I felt the tension in my muscles begin to dissipate. Emily rested her head against my shoulder and I buried my face in her hair before inhaling deeply. The strawberry aroma was one of the things I loved most about Emily, it suited her perfectly and I could never smell it without immediately thinking of the redhead nestled in my arms.

After a few minutes she pulled back and smiled, "So how was your date with drunk Emily?"

"I love her." Fuck me backwards with a pitchfork, "I mean I loved it... the date... not her...or you..."

Jesus Christ, shut your mouth Naomi so no more verbal diarrhoea escapes, stop talking, just stop it. I glanced nervously at Emily, she didn't look like she was about to laugh in my face.

"Oh? Because she loves you, that was sort of the point of the song." Emily said smiling.

Brain where are you, some help would be good. Remember our chat earlier about forming sentences, with real words and everything? I stared into the deep brown pools focused on me. What did I have to lose? Apart from my dignity and any vestige of self respect I might have left that is, but fuck it was a small price to pay.

"And what about sober Emily?" I asked tentatively.

She paused and I could see her weighing up her answer, "Why don't you stay and you can ask her yourself in the morning?"

Oh God, panic returning, what do I say, think Naomi, I searched the room desperately trying to focus on anything apart from my girlfriend, "Erm, I um, I'm..."

Emily turned my face back towards her, "Naomi, it's ok, I've already promised you I'd never push you into something you weren't ready for. I don't mind waiting, you're in control here."

I didn't feel in control and it scared the shit out of me, I felt like running away again but I couldn't do that to Emily, she led us back towards the sofa and we sat down. My eyes were closed and my breathing was laboured.

"Talk to me, please." Emily said quietly.

I exhaled slowly and opened my eyes, "It's not that I don't want to. Have sex with you I mean."

She smiled but didn't interrupt.

I bit my lip, "I'm just, I don't know, scared I suppose. What if I can't go through with it? I know how I feel when we kiss and I'm pretty sure I want more, but I've never slept with a woman before, what if I freak out again?"

Emily tilted her head, "I remember how scary it was when I first realised I liked girls, there was almost this unspoken rule that it had to be easier right? You were both the same sex so you would have some sort of telepathic connection and just know what to do. But when you think about it sex between a man and a woman is a bit more obvious, his dick, your cunt, bingo. Doesn't necessarily mean it will be any better but you know what's supposed to go where."

I smiled, "It's clear you haven't slept with that many blokes."

She laughed and I found myself relaxing again, "Naomi, everyone you sleep with is different, just because one person likes to be touched in a certain way doesn't mean everyone will, it might be a massive turn off for someone else. That's why it's important to talk and take your time to explore each other, to find out what feels good and what doesn't."

I bit my lip, "I've only ever had one night stands and usually we've both been pretty drunk, it was more of a race to come before you fell asleep. Don't get me wrong I've had some pretty good fucks with blokes but it was just a physical act really, taking your time didn't feature much."

Emily frowned, "And I've had crap shags with women, I'm not trying to imply it's always this magical experience. It doesn't matter if your gay, bi or straight there are always going to be people where there's just no chemistry when you sleep together."

I nodded my understanding, "That's something else worrying me. What if I'm rubbish at it?"

Emily laughed out loud, "Well I'd have to give you the 'it's been great, but why don't we just be friends?' speech."

My face fell, that's what I'd been afraid of. I looked at my hands and sighed.

"Naomi, look at me." Emily commanded and I reluctantly raised my head, "I don't think I've ever been attracted to someone as much as I am to you and you can't tell me you don't feel the chemistry?"

I smiled unsurely, "I've never felt like this about anyone before."

"There you go, so it might take us a while to totally click but I can tell you right now we're going to have a lot of fun trying." Emily replied with a grin.

"So you really don't mind I'm not that experienced?" I asked tentatively.

Her hand stroked my cheek in reassurance, "You make me feel like a teenager again, I'm nervous as hell too."

I grinned, "Really?"

"I'm bloody petrified. Come on let's go to bed." she saw the anxious look cross my face, "to sleep Naomi, well maybe we can kiss and cuddle a bit but I don't want our first time together to be when we're too drunk to remember it."

I nodded, "Ok I'll stay, it's a bit late to think about going home."

"Good, and I promise I'll keep my hands to myself." she said with a smirk as she led me upstairs.

When we reached the bedroom I paused, "You won't keep your hands totally to yourself will you?"

She looked at me with a wicked glint in her eye, "Of course not, we may not be having sex tonight but even I'm not a saint when faced with a totally gorgeous woman in my bed."

I blushed as she ushered me into the room.

"Now how about that goodnight kiss I was promised." Emily said as she pulled me towards her and kicked the door shut behind us.