A/N: Hello there. The second part of the date (or rather the actual date) is here and I hope you like it. It's a bit of fluff, some flirting and a wee bit of soul searching. Things have progressed and in one or two chapters it's going to be right back on track. As ever, you are all really brilliant and I'd love to hear what you think.

Naomi

I returned my glance to the menu, I didn't want to blush but I couldn't help it. Emily's words and the look on her face had pretty much guaranteed this evening was going to be like the start of our relationship, the bit where we became tongue tied and reddened at the slightest hint of flirting. I didn't think it was necessarily a bad thing, the butterflies and palpitations were an instant reminder we were on a date, but they also made it near impossible for me to look at Emily without my stomach churning.

I risked a look up, there she was, smiling at me in a way that made me unsure whether I wanted to cuddle her or do something else entirely less innocent.

"Are you ok?" Emily asked in a concerned voice.

I snapped out of my thoughts, "Yeah, I'm good."

Emily smiled, "You had a weird expression on your face, that's all."

I smiled back, "Sorry, bit of stomach cramp. Nerves I suppose."

Her eyebrow raised, "I though we agreed to forget about those and have a good time?"

"I am...having a good time I mean..."

Inwardly I groaned, we'd barely got the evening underway and here I was already declaring it a success.

"Naoms?" Emily said gently.

I looked up.

"Relax, we're having dinner, on a date. This isn't the condemned prisoner's last meal you know?" She stated.

I started to laugh, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so intense. I just want it to feel different to us hanging out."

"It does." Emily said as she held my gaze.

Cuddles, cuddles, cuddles.

We were interrupted by a loud cry, "Naomi! My darling girl!"

I turned just in time to avoid being suffocated, eventually I unravelled myself, "Hi Maria, how are you?"

She shook her head, "I am heartbroken, that ungrateful wretch, he has crushed me."

I hid a smile, "Why? What's Mr F done now?"

She shuddered, "Not my husband, he is flawed, but it was always the same. His mother told me not to marry him you know? She told me I was in for a lifetime of disappointment."

"So it's Matt then?" I played along.

Maria sniffed, "Yes, my only child, how could he ruin me like this?"

She turned to Emily, "I was in labour for 40 hours, almost two days trying to get him out and this is how he repays me."

I could tell Emily didn't know how to react.

"Maria, this is my date Emily. Em, this is Matt's Mum." I introduced them.

Emily smiled, "it's very nice to meet you, I'm a big fan of your pasta."

"You see Naomi? Your beautiful girlfriend understands she will get the best food this side of Napoli tonight. Why does my own flesh and blood heap shame on the family by taking this girl he is trying to impress to some bistro?" She practically spat out the last word.

"Sorry, that might be partly my fault. Matt knew we'd be here and maybe he wanted to take Effy out without the added pressure of being watched by her friends." I explained.

Maria calmed down a little, "I see, so he's not ashamed of his mamma's food?"

I spluttered, "Of course not! Everyone knows how wonderful your food is, what a ridiculous thing to say."

"You're right. It was foolish of me to doubt it. Next time my Matteo will bring this Effy girl here and she will love my food." Maria said as she patted my shoulder.

Both Emily and I jumped as she called across the restaurant to berate her husband.

"Men! They are useless. You lesbian people have the right idea, staying well clear." She stated with a weary sigh as she wandered off.

Emily bit her lip until Maria was out of earshot, then we looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"I think there might have been another reason why Matt was reluctant to eat here tonight."

"Is she always that formidable?" Emily asked.

I nodded, "That was actually quite tame. I managed to avert the wails of despair and nothing got smashed."

Emily's eyes widened, "Really? And they get repeat custom?"

"The customers love it. Some of them only book nights where Maria is in. It's part of the act. All bollocks of course, she and Mr F have been together since they were 12 or something and she absolutely dotes on Matt. But she loves to play the permanently disappointed wife and mother. " I explained.

Emily sighed, "I know all about that."

I remembered Emily's comment the other night, I leaned in, "So Miz Fitch, tell me about your muzza?"

She laughed, "Is that supposed to be an Austrian accent?"

I nodded, "Ja."

"It's appalling." Emily stated.

I nodded again, "Ja."

She looked at me coyly, "Do I need to lie on a couch for this?"

I held her gaze for slightly too long and was grateful when the waitress came over to take our order.

"So where were we?" Emily said flirtatiously once she had left.

"You were on my couch, just about to tell me all about your relationship with your mother." I shot back with a smirk.

Emily rolled her eyes, "Mood killer. What do you want to know?"

I reached for some bread, "Don't know really, you implied the other night that you don't always get along, I was just wondering why."

Emily reached into the basket and I felt a jolt as our fingertips accidentally brushed against each other. I knew the redhead had felt it too when she quickly withdrew her hand and cleared her throat.

"I suppose my Mum and I have what you'd call a fractious relationship. We bicker quite a lot and although I love her to bits, I often find it really hard to spend more than 10 minutes with her without getting irritated." She explained.

I smiled wryly, "I know that feeling."

Emily snorted, "Good God, Gina's like a breath of fresh air compared to my Mum."

"Jesus, I'm not sure I want to meet her..." I stopped when I realised what I'd said.

"Don't worry, I'm not sure I want to inflict her on you either..." We paused as our starters came to the table.

"Sorry, I didn't mean that the way it sounded. It's just sometimes she's all about appearances and what other people think, even if that means I'm the one that gets it in the neck." Emily said slightly bitterly.

I swallowed a mouthful of food, "She hasn't got a problem with you being gay has she?"

Emily shook her head, "No, not at all. That's one thing I can never accuse her of, both my parents were really supportive when I came out. To be fair, I think they were expecting it, so when I told them my 'good friend' Gemma was actually my girlfriend, there wasn't a lot of jaw dropping."

I sighed, "I wish I'd been braver when I was a teenager. It wasn't like my Mum would have been distraught or anything is it?"

"No, but if you're not ready, it doesn't matter how much other people accept it. Anyway, my parents may have been ok, even Katie, but that didn't mean everyone was. I still got abuse and called names, often from random strangers." Emily replied.

"I hope you gave as good as you got." I exclaimed.

Emily tutted, "I would have done but my family often got in first. It was a bit embarrassing at one point when Mum went down to school on a weekly basis to give the idiots a piece of her mind. I mean being gay is one thing, but being told you're 'tied to Mummy's apron strings' is shameful on a totally new level."

I laughed, "Maybe that's why you bicker, to prove it's not true?"

Emily shook her head, "It really isn't true. Ever since I was little I've always been a Daddy's girl. I was always far happier helping out in the tool shed or messing around with my Dad's bikes."

I stroked my chin, "Hmmm, so the signs were there from an early age?"

"Oh yeah, I think I was born wearing overalls. I've still got some now..." Emily replied playfully.

Again I silently thanked the waitress for appearing at the right moment to clear away the plates.

Emily tilted her head to one side, "I'll give you a minute to get rid of that image if you like?"

I stared at the twinkling brown eyes, "I'll save it for later..."

She laughed and sipped her wine, "So, I was the tomboy and Katie was the girlie girl who dressed up in Mum's clothes even before she became obsessed with fashion."

"It must have been nice having the choice. All I got was protest marches, bra burning and rabid feminists. I might have liked some peaceful carpentry in a shed." I said forlornly.

"You don't have to tell me, but do you think you missed out, not having your Dad around?" She asked gently.

I smiled wryly, "I can't really answer that. Part of me does but how will I ever know? There was only Mum, that was my normal, it's difficult to imagine anything else. From the very vague memories I have and what Mum's told me I doubt there would have been much father/daughter bonding anyway."

"You don't know that for sure." Emily said kindly.

"I can have a reasonable guess. It's more likely my Dad would have been at the front of the march, not spending quality time with me." I said ruefully.

"Again, don't answer this if it's too personal, but have you ever tried to track him down? I mean with things like genes reunited or Facebook, it's got to be easier these days right?" Emily opined.

I looked away, "Don't ever repeat this but I did try once."

"I'd never say a word." She said sincerely.

"I was in my early teens and not getting on with Mum. I concocted this whole fantasy where I'd find my Dad, who'd naturally be rich with a massive house. He'd have a big family, lots of brothers and sisters who'd welcome me with open arms and be excited that they had a long lost sibling they didn't know about. My Dad would tell me that not a day went by without him thinking of me. And obviously my evil Mother had thrown away all of his letters to stop us being in contact." I paused as I found myself getting emotional.

Emily took my hand, "oh Naomi..."

I pulled myself together, "It doesn't matter, I was a stupid kid trying to escape. I sometimes think that's why I got the travel bug you know? If the settled down, rich family man didn't work I could always fall back on the dream of walking into a bar in Goa and instantly recognising him, then he'd tell me stories about his travels and offer to take me with him on the next one. Christ, I sound totally deluded."

She shook her head, "No you don't. Anyway if you want to compare delusional notes, try the stressed new Mum suffering from sleep deprivation, who dreamed of escaping in a camper van and travelling around Europe."

I smiled, "Really? Sounds pretty cool to me. You could do it one day."

"Maybe when Danny goes to uni, until then I can't see it." Emily said wryly.

"Everyone needs dreams Em." I replied with a sad smile.

She squeezed my hand, "I know and I'm sorry you didn't find your Dad."

I shrugged, "You can only find people who want to be found. The reality was he fucked off and left me and my Mum to fend for ourselves, he hadn't wanted to be trapped or tied down, so he went. I could create this perfect reunion in my head, but he could have contacted me if he'd tried, the truth was he wasn't, actually no he isn't, interested."

"I'm still sorry. Both that you didn't have your Dad around and the fact that he isn't here to see what a wonderful person you are. I'm sure he'd be proud." Emily stated.

I blushed, "Thank you, but all he did was give me some of his genes like a sperm donor, my Mum is the one who has made me who I am."

She held her glass up, "Then I think we should toast Gina, to congratulate her on an excellent job."

We chinked glasses, "Now who's turning on the charm?"

Emily

I smiled, "As someone not a million miles away once said to me, you say I'm being charming, I just call it telling the truth."

Her eyebrow raised, "Using my own words against me, sneaky."

"It's hardly using them against you. Honestly do you have to exaggerate so much?" I said in amusement.

Naomi nodded, "Of course I do, melodrama is my middle name. Anyway, we're digressing far too much. Back to you and your Mum please."

I sighed, "Where was I?"

"Being a Daddy's girl and I distinctly recall overalls." She replied with a grin.

"You didn't drift off that much then?" I quipped.

She winked, "Like I said, I'll store that very nice mental image for later. But seriously, you were saying that Katie was the girlie girl?"

I nodded, "Yeah, her and Mum would bond over make up and clothes, they'd spend ages pouring over magazines and commenting on celebrities. They even set up an events company together, party planning, weddings that sort of thing. It's partly why I started catering, it was going to be a family business."

"Fitch and Daughters?" Naomi says with a smile.

I snort, "Not exactly they'd run it and 'hire' me if I proved to be any good."

"So what happened?" Naomi asked with genuine interest.

"Mum's tv career took off so she didn't have any time, I got pregnant and every waking hour was spent looking after Danny and Katie went to uni. Just wasn't meant to be I guess." I responded.

Our main courses had arrived, I was surprised because I hadn't really noticed, but I suppose I was too busy enjoying the company. In spite of Naomi's reservations, tonight did feel different, it wasn't the same as us just spending time together.

"So was that it then? The only time you and your Mum bonded?" Naomi quizzed as she took a mouthful.

I shook my head, "There was the whole doctor thing too. She latched on to it as soon as I mentioned I'd been thinking about it. I think she liked the idea of saying my daughter, the doctor."

Naomi frowned, "Or maybe she thought you'd be good at it?"

I shrugged, "Who knows eh? I got pregnant and had Dan so no university or anything else for me."

"But your Mum wouldn't want there to be no Danny?" She asked.

I laughed, "Oh God no. He's the apple of her eye. She absolutely adores him and the feeling is entirely mutual."

Naomi stared at me, "Can I ask you something a bit personal?"

I nodded.

"Do you think maybe that was your thing?"

I paused, "what do you mean?"

"You and your Mum, being a Doctor was the ambition you had in common." Naomi explained.

I stared at her, clearly intrigued, "Go on."

She shifted, "With Katie she had fashion and girlie stuff, you said yourself they were always pouring over magazines. You always favoured doing things with your Dad and I'm guessing he wasn't as pushy about you being a Doctor?"

I shook my head, "It wasn't like he didn't care or wouldn't have been proud. He's just much more laid back than Mum, as far as Dad's concerned as long as I'm healthy and happy it's good enough for him."

Naomi smiled, "So maybe you going to medical school was the one thing your Mum could share with you without your Dad being involved too?"

I frowned, "Do you think so?"

She shrugged, "It's possible? It was something where she didn't have to compete with your Dad or be disappointed she'd come second."

I sighed, "Then I didn't do it. Christ, maybe you're right, I've never thought about it like that before."

She bowed, "Dr Campbell at your service."

I glanced up, oh God if only that were true.

Naomi smiled, "Wow, so this is what Effy feels like."

"Hmmm, it was a good call, but I'm not sure you're quite up to her standard yet." I responded.

Her eyes rolled, "Don't ruin my victorious moment."

"So sorry." I said sarcastically.

"Hmmm, said with such sincerity." She responded.

I paused, "So what I said earlier, about not liking surprises I meant it you know? What have you got planned?"

Naomi grinned, "you're a hard task master Fitch. There's a jousting day at Cardiff Castle in a few weeks. I saw it on internet and thought Danny would like it. We could make a proper day of it, get the train over in time for lunch and watch the tournament in the afternoon. What do you think?"

I gazed at the expectant blue eyes, "I think... you're utterly wonderful."

Naomi blushed, "It's only a day trip."

I held her gaze, "I wasn't just referring to that."

"I know." Naomi said shyly.

We lapsed into silence as we became fascinated with our food. I cursed myself, I was the one who said I wanted tonight to be light and flirtatious, now I'd totally ruined it by coming on too strong again. I stabbed at the plate a few times and sighed. I felt Naomi take my hand and her thumb stroked calmingly across my palm.

I glanced up to find her giving me a lopsided smile, "Thank you."

I frowned, "What for?"

"For being utterly wonderful too and having so much patience with me, most people would have given up ages ago." She explained.

"I guess I'm not most people." I replied.

She squeezed my hand, "No, you're not."

"Naomi, I've never had feelings this strong for anyone before, what we've got is special and if that means I have to wait for you to be totally comfortable with there being an 'us' again, then I will, because I love you." I continued.

"I..." She hesitated.

My heart rate hit the roof as I thought Naomi might be about to say it back but she looked away briefly.

"Sorry, I just can't, not yet." Naomi said in a distressed tone.

Now it was my turn to give her hand a reassuring squeeze, "It's ok, I understand."

She finally made eye contact again, "I don't. I mean I obviously care deeply about you, I'm seriously attracted to you, and I mean hugely, I love spending time with you and with Danny but something's holding me back."

I smiled, "You're saying all the right things."

"Yeah, all except the most important one." She said ruefully.

"Naoms, stop stressing about it and putting yourself under pressure." I soothed.

She sighed, "I'll try, but it's so frustrating."

I laughed, "In more ways than one."

She chuckled, "Yeah. It's like the physical and emotional sides are still slightly off kilter you know?"

I nodded.

"Part of me wishes I could just say sod it, let's have sex and the rest of the stuff can catch up later." She continued.

I raised my eyebrow, "I see, so whether we have sex is purely your decision is it? I might turn you down."

Naomi snorted, "Don't think I haven't noticed the hungry way you look at me, you're gagging for it as much as I am."

"I do not look hungrily at you!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah you do, just admit it." She teased.

My eyes narrowed, "I wasn't the one who drooled on the floor earlier."

She smiled. "True, it was touch and go for a while whether we even got to the restaurant."

"I'm glad we did, because I'm having a great time and it's been nice, just the two of us." I replied.

"It has." She concurred.

The waitress gave us the dessert menus and we studied them in comfortable silence.

"I'm not sure I can manage anything else, do you fancy coming back to mine for coffee?" I asked after a few minutes.

Naomi smirked, "Emily, I keep telling you I'm not emotionally ready yet."

I kicked her gently under the table, "Arse, you know that's not what I meant."

"I'll get the bill then?" Naomi said as she caught the waitresses eye and did the internationally understood scribbling mime.

I went to get my purse but the blonde stopped me, "Don't even think about it. I'm paying."

"Please..." I protested but she shook her head.

"Em, I said I'm paying." Naomi stated firmly.

I sighed, "Fine, I'll get the cab. I must say for a feminist you do have some out dated values."

Naomi put some notes down on the tray, "Oh don't start, can't you just say thank you and be gracious?"

I poked my tongue out, "Thank you."

She shook her head, "God you're immature."

"Jesus that's rich coming from you." I said indignantly.

The taxi arrived and she held the door open for me again. We bickered good naturedly on the way back to the house and ok, maybe we touched each other slightly more often than is strictly normal but it was a fun way to pass the time.

I put the key in the door and as we entered the hall there was a scuffling sound from the lounge. We entered the room and found Katie and Cook looking very guilty about something. I shot Naomi a look that said, 'three guesses what they've been up to' and she mouthed 'lucky sods' back. We started to giggle.

"No need to ask how your evening went, the soppy grins say it all." Katie said with a sneer.

I smiled sweetly, "We had a lovely meal thanks for asking, the food was delicious and the company was even better. How were the DVDs?"

Katie and Cook glanced nervously at each other, "Er, yeah, they were good."

A puzzled look crossed my face, "So I'm making coffee, any takers?"

They both shook their heads and mumbled thanks.

Naomi followed me to the kitchen, "How shifty are they? Do you think they were watching porn or something?"

I laughed, "Probably, there was definitely something weird going on."

"I had a really good time tonight." She said handing me the cups.

I smiled, "As I've already said, so did I."

There was a pause, "Em?"

I looked up and nearly lost my balance with the intensity of the stare, "yeah?"

"I will get there you know?" She stated.

I smiled, "I hope so and when you do, I'll be waiting, like I promised."

We locked eyes until Cook interrupted, "Come on blondie, I'll get you home for a decent night's sleep and then we need to interrogate Eff."

Katie and I walked them to the door, Naomi and I stood awkwardly as Katie and Cook kissed. We smiled at each other. Eventually they pulled apart.

"I'll call you tomorrow." Naomi stated.

I nodded, "I'll look forward to it."

Cook finally moved away from Katie, "the cab's here babe."

She leaned in and whispered something. He smiled and kissed her. "Me too."

They walked away as Katie and I waved.

Naomi turned, "So how was it Ms Fitch?"

I grinned, "Another near perfect date Ms Campbell."

She said something to Cook and turned back, she walked towards the front door.

I frowned, "Have you forgotten something?"

Naomi nodded as she approached me, her hands cupped my face and the softest lips pressed against mine. We continued to kiss for a few minutes until we needed air.

"How about now?" Naomi asked as she pulled away.

I smiled, "Now? It's pretty much perfect."