A/N: Hello, my friends...welcome, welcome... Pull up a chair, or a cushion, a throw rug...whatever makes you comfortable..you are going to need it for this one, because it is LONG.

This is the final part of this story, and it's part chapter, part epilogue, I suppose.

You will require the following warnings. A Goo Alert™, a Tissue Warning™ (Quite possibly), and...yes folks, it's the return of my patented Cigarette Warning™ (Use it in good health...and ABIDE BY IT... I'm looking at you, GloryMorgan! And I forewarned you on twitter, so believe it! LOL)

I'm going to left the rest of the chapter speak for itself.

For the last time in this tale... On with it, then... :-)

Disclaimer: I do not own skins. I actually meant to finish this last night, but then I fell asleep. But, I think it's worth the wait, so... Ay and all typographical errors are not my fault, I swear!

(Emily POV)

(One Month Later)

There are some things that change your life dramatically. One is love, and another is tragedy. Naomi, it seemed, had her fair share of both in the preceding weeks. While sometimes I could tell it bothered her, I knew she was glad to have people around her during the time she was recovering from her injuries, not only from what she would tell me when we were alone, but simply just by sensing it. I had ended up staying at Naomi's flat for the month I was suspended from work. It was something that just happened. Every morning when we woke up, she would look into my eyes and I wouldn't want to leave. It was almost like I couldn't leave.

Sophia had been officially charged with three counts of murder, given Naomi's statement about what happened in the SUV that night, as well as the other charges the inspector mentioned. This information we found out from the officer who came round to take Naomi's version of events, which also added a few more charges to the list, relating to her being drugged and assaulted for the knock over the head outside the Unicorn that night. The three murder charges alone carried a life sentence each, and with the evidence of her guilt in the crimes, there was very little that could be said in her defence. We would, of course, have to wait until the trial, which was set for two weeks after I was due to be back at work.

Myself, I had spent a lot of time thinking about my own future. I could see Naomi in it, definitely, but one night, about three weeks after the night I nearly lost her, we were lying in bed together, talking as we usually did about everything and nothing.

"Are you glad to go back to work next week?" Naomi asked me.

I sighed, and stared my fingers through Naomi's fringe, as I loved to do. "I'm not sure." I said, softly. "I've been thinking about it a lot, y'know..."

"Look, if you're worried about me being on my own, I'll be fine. I'm feeling a lot better now, and the last x-rays I had show the fracture is almost healed." Naomi said, gently tracing patterns across my skin.

I shook my head. "It's not that." I said. "I know you're more mobile and capable now, and now that Sophia is in custody, I'm not so worried about something happening to you. It's just..." I trailed off.

"What, baby?" She asked, softly.

I sighed deeply. "I've been thinking about it a lot...my job. You know how much I love it... It makes me feel like I'm doing something good for the world, even if in a small way, you know?"

Naomi looked at me. "There's a but somewhere though, isn't there?"

I nodded. "I'm not sure I can do it anymore. I may have only been a detective for a couple of years, but I was a constable before that... Five years in all. Maybe what Sophia did just hit too close to home, I don't know. It's one thing to be investigating someone's problem, but another to be involved. I guess it's just made me rethink it, I suppose."

"What would you do, if you gave it up?" Naomi asked. I looked at her blankly. "It's a relevant question, Ems."

"I know...I'm just not sure." I replied. "It's something I've not really thought about. I'd obviously have to do something for money and just to keep active, I guess... I just don't know what."

She shifted next to me and pulled me close, kissing my cheek softly. "I'm sure a solution will present itself."

"Yeah." I whispered. "When you're on the other side... When it hasn't happened to you, or someone you know, it's one thing... But I've never come so close to losing someone I love. Not in that way."

Naomi sighed. "It wasn't just me, then...who got scared."

I shook my head. "No." I said. "I think, that night, I ran on complete autopilot until I saw that you were alive. All I could think when I was running to the SUV was 'please be alive'. I've never felt such relief wash over me as when I saw your beautiful blue eyes staring back at me."

Naomi stared at me, and I could see the concern on her face. "You've not told me any of this." She said, quietly. "Why?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. What can I say...I've been concerned that you were ok. Preoccupied, if you will. The only time I'd think back on it was when you were asleep and I wasn't."

"Has that been often?"

I closed my eyes and sighed deeply. "Almost every night."

"Emily..." Naomi started, before I leaned in and pressed my lips to her own kissing her slowly. She let me kiss her, whatever she was going to say lost to the contact between us.

I gently broke off the kiss and leaned my head against hers. "I can't imagine it, Naoms. Being without you. It's occurred to me since, that even then... I knew you were it for me. Whatever brought us together... The circumstances...the chemistry... It doesn't matter what it was, because now, you're so much a part of me, I would feel empty if we were apart. I think it's why I haven't left here. Partially because I don't want to leave you alone, but also because I don't want to be alone, either."

"But you wouldn't be without me, Em. I'm not going anywhere. The danger is over, yeah?"

"Not until she's locked up for good, Naoms." I said. "We've spoken about this before, you said yourself you won't feel completely safe until she's behind bars for good. I won't stop worrying, for the same reason."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I haven't slept with any other psychotic people." Naomi smirked.

I smiled. "Good to know." I murmured.

"Em, I've been wondering...legally speaking...is there any chance she could get away with it?" Naomi asked.

I shook my head. "No, for a couple of reasons. The evidence against her is pretty damning, even without your version of what happened that night. Evidence doesn't lie. It's quite likely she will plead not guilty, which will mean the trial itself could take months, depending on how good a lawyer she gets." I explained. "But I think, based on the evidence... They would have a hard time defending her. The fact alone that you had neither seen, nor spoken to her since college is a huge factor against her. It puts into question her mental state."

Naomi thought for a moment. "So...if not jail, then..."

"She'll be committed, yes. I think there's a chance she could be declared criminally insane."

Naomi sighed, deeply. "Good. As much as it bothers me to think that way."

"It does?" I asked. "Why? She almost killed you!"

"Shhh...I know, baby." Naomi soothed. "But it's how I was brought up. Gina taught me to always see the good in people, no matter what. But I can't see any good in her at all. Not after what she's done. I'm glad she'll be put away, believe me. It'll make me sleep better at night, I suppose. But it doesn't stop me from having mixed feelings about the whole thing."

"Why is that?"

Naomi shrugged. "I've never felt...I don't know...remorse, I guess, for my actions in college. At the time, I didn't think that there would be consequences to my actions that would result in the death of other people. Three completely innocent people died as a result."

I pulled her close to me. "It weighs on you, doesn't it?" I whispered.

"Yes." She said, sadly. "I guess I regret being so blunt and so casual about my interactions back then."

"Baby, you couldn't know back then that all this would happen."

"I know that, Ems. But it still doesn't stop the thought." She said. "It was emotionless, you know? Just sex, back then... I never felt anything for any of them, with the exception of Effy... And I'm so glad we ended up becoming best friends, because without her, I don't think I would be where I am. Generally, that is."

"I know she means a lot to you." I said.

"Yes." Naomi said, softly. "She's kept me level quite a bit, over the years."

"And now?"

"Now... I've got you. And all this shit... It's woken me up, I guess."

"How do you mean?" I asked.

Naomi looked into my eyes, and I could see the honesty I'd come to admire reflected back at me, almost like a mirror. "It's time to stop fucking my way through life. It's been fun, sure... But... Then I met you. And I've fallen so much in love with you, I can't bear the thought of being without you. Much like you can't see being without me. And, it's not just because you saved my life... I loved you so much before that."

"Oh, baby..." I said, leaning in and kissing her softly. "I love you, too."

"Can I tell you something else?" Naomi asked.

"You can tell me anything."

"I'm worried about you going back to work, too." She said, quietly.

"Why?"

"I know I told you a while ago, it's the wankers I don't trust." Naomi said. "But I've sensed it... That you keep thinking it over...your future there."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

Naomi sighed, and rested her palm against my cheek. "Because even though I love you, it's your career. And I guess, just like you haven't had the chance to tell me about your concerns, I haven't had the chance to tell you mine, either. This time we have together... It's so precious to me. I've been perfectly content just being with you...even if we don't talk." She explained. "I love waking up with you, as much as I love going to sleep with you at night. And just the little things. It worries me that something could destroy our perfect little bubble."

"Naomi... If I quit...would it make a difference to you?"

"You mean would I love you any less?"

I blushed. "I didn't want to put it like that, but...I guess so." I shrugged.

Naomi shook her head. "I've grown to love you for who you are, Emily Fitch. I don't deny that I was fascinated by shagging a copper, I'd be lying if I did... But there's more to you than just looking dead sexy in a uniform." She smirked. "You are beautiful, kind, generous, smart and selfless. I'd be a fool to love you any less simply because you change your career. Whatever you decide, I'm right beside you."

I looked into the blue eyes that were regarding me with care and love. "You really mean that, don't you?" She nodded. "Hmm. Maybe it's me who doesn't deserve you..."

She leaned in and kissed me tenderly. "We both deserve happiness, like everyone else in the world. If I make you happy, and you make me happy... Then we truly deserve each other. We should cherish it for what it is. I know I certainly do."

"I do, too." I said, kissing her back softly.

We lay together silently after that... Our fingers intertwined, just enjoying each other's company, until we finally fell asleep in each other's arms.

(Naomi POV)

A few days after the night Emily and I had that long conversation about the future, I had one last check-up at the hospital. The bruising was all cleared up, and the fracture in my rib had healed up nicely. I still had to be careful what I did when it came to anything strenuous while the bone strengthened itself, but other than that, I was given the all clear.

I had done a lot of thinking, about what Emily had said. We had talked a little more about it since then, but she still hadn't come to a decision about what to do if she were to quit. I had meant what I said, that I would stick by her, no matter what her decision would be. But it was Effy that came up with an idea that made sense, if Emily did indeed decide to give up her job.

"Ems?" I called, as I entered my flat after my hospital appointment.

"In the kitchen, babe." Came the reply.

I walked into the kitchen, to find both Emily and Effy sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee.

"Hey." I said, kissing the too of Emily's head. "Coffee without me? I'm jealous..."

"Cheeky." Emily smirked. "Effy's only been here about ten minutes. She said she had something she wanted to discuss with both of us, but wanted to wait until you got here."

"Oh?"

"Sit down, Naoms, I'll make you a coffee." Effy said, as she stood up. I sat down next to Emily and took her hand in mine.

"How did you go at the hospital?" Emily asked, kissing me softly.

"All good. I still have to take it easy a little for a couple of weeks while the rib strengthens, but other than that, I'm all clear." I explained.

"That's great!" Emily smiled. "I'm so glad to hear that."

"That's good news, Naoms." Effy said, placing a steaming hot cup of coffee in front of me.

"Right...so what did you want to discuss?" I asked Effy, as she sat down across from us.

"Well, I've been thinking, about Emily, actually."

"Me? Why?"

"Mitts off Stonem, she's mine!" I smirked.

"Ha. Not about shagging her, you twat. I was actually thinking about her career crisis."

Emily shot me a look. "Is there anything you don't tell her?"

I smiled, sheepishly. "Don't worry, Ems, your bra size is safe."

"Touché." Emily smirked.

"I hope you don't mind that she told me, Emily... She had your interests at heart."

Emily sighed and then shook her head. "No, I don't mind." She said.

"Have you reached a decision yet?"

"Not really. I was thinking of waiting to go back to work to see if it still felt comfortable." She replied.

"I see."

"Well...what were you thinking?" I asked, curious.

"Naoms... I've been thinking about the club. In light of what happened with the shooting and everything. I know you've had a lot on your plate, but I was thinking about our security. I think we need someone who looks after the club security exclusively. The price we are paying the security company isn't cheap, in spite of the extra guards they've given us for free."

"But, we need security, Eff. You know because of the liquor laws we have to check ID's and such, and make sure no one gets up to too much mischief." I said.

"I'm aware of that. That's where Emily comes in."

"Me?"

"Yes." Effy said, looking Emily in the eye. "I'm guessing you have some pretty useful connections through your detective work, am I right?"

Emily nodded. "That's right."

She looked at the both of us, in turn. "Assuming Emily decides that she's done being a member of Her Majesty's finest, why doesn't she come work for us as our head of security? You would be responsible for overseeing the club security, hiring guards that we pay direct, so there's no middle-man mark up." Effy explained. "You can do all the relevant checks to assure they are licensed, and such. Plus, I know the two of you have become very close, so you wouldn't have to be apart so much while Emily is on shifts, and Naomi wouldn't have to worry about some wanker offing her while she's on duty." She paused, as I glared at her. "Sorry, I suppose I could have put that a little less bluntly, but you get the idea."

"Uh...yeah." I said. I looked over at Emily and she looked somewhat stunned. "What do you think, Em?"

Emily shut her eyes for a moment, and sighed. She opened her eyes and looked at Effy. "You're serious about this idea?"

Effy nodded. "I don't know what you intend to do about your career, Emily, but if you do decide you've had enough of the police, it's an option I'd like you to consider." She said. "And, it's the least I can suggest, given all you have done for Naomi."

Emily shrugged. "I'll think about it. I don't know what I'm doing, but all that's happened has made me take stock a bit. My priorities are different, I guess."

Effy finished her cup of coffee and stood up, rinsing it out in the sink. "Take your time to think on it... The offer is there no matter what." She said. "I'm off. Naoms, are you coming in, tonight?"

I shook my head. "No, tomorrow, maybe. I'll let you know."

"Ok." Effy replied. "See you both later."

"Bye, Effy." Emily said, as she walked out of the kitchen.

Once the door had closed, Emily looked at me. "Did you have anything to do with that?"

My eyes went wide. "No! Not at all... I'm as surprised by it as you are." I said. "I haven't even been thinking about the club, I've let Effy handle it the last month. She's more than capable, she wouldn't be my assistant manager, otherwise."

"It just feels...conspiratorial, that's all." Emily sighed.

I threaded my fingers through hers. "She means well, Emily. I really hope I didn't cross a line by telling her about your dilemma."

She shook her head. "No, I know you meant well. And I know she does, too. It's just...huge, you know?"

"I know." I said. "Em... I know you are waiting until you get back to work to decide... But..."

"You want to know if I've partly made up my mind?" Emily asked.

I nodded. "Not for my peace of mind, but yours. You're the one who says it helps to talk things through."

"Yeah, I know." She replied. "I haven't completely made up my mind. I'll know for certain once I've gone back in..."

"What does your gut instinct tell you, though?"

Emily tipped her head back and gave out a long, deep sigh. "I may well resign." She said, quietly. "I don't think my heart is in it anymore."

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"I'll know once I go back." She said. "But yeah, I think I am."

I nodded. "I think you should at least go through one shift. To be completely sure."

"That's why I haven't resigned already."

"Oh." I said. "Emily, can I ask... I just... Need to know that this decision isn't because of me."

She shook her head. "It's not. Not completely. You are part of the reason, yes. But it's not because I nearly lost you. I love my job... Well, loved it. But while I was investigating your case... I got so frustrated, because I couldn't solve it. I've never had a case where the suspect was so bloody crafty and kept things so hidden, covered their tracks..."

"Did it stress you out, at all?"

"Yes, but for different reasons. At first, it was because there wasn't a shred of evidence that could lead me to her. And then...Candy was murdered. Even though I didn't know you well then... It bothered me. I knew then, that there was a link between everything." She paused, and a lone tear began to slide down her cheek, as she cleared her throat. Her voice wavered huskily as she continued. "I felt useless, really... Because I couldn't identify who it was. Not until she had you in the back of that SUV, and even then, it was Effy who found the link. I felt useless, but didn't have the time to think about it then. I was too consumed with getting to you before-"

"Stop." I said, interrupting her. "Take a breath, baby."

She took a deep breath, and I lightly stroked my palm up and down her back. "I felt like I'd fucked up."

"What?! How?" I asked, not believing what I was hearing.

"Because I was trying to protect you, and she got to you anyway!" Emily sobbed. "Fuck, Naoms! I feel like I failed at the one thing I wanted to do, to keep you safe. If I couldn't solve that puzzle, then how can I be confident I can solve anything else?"

On the one hand, I couldn't believe she was saying all this. I couldn't believe that I had no idea she felt this way about it all. I stood up, and pulled her up with me. "Come on."

"Wha- where are we going?" She asked, sniffling.

"To lie down." I said, leading her to my room. "You need me to hold you."

She didn't argue, and I kicked my chucks off and laid down, pulling her into my arms and holding her tightly. I could feel her breathing settle against my neck, and she finally sighed. "You were right."

"About?"

"Needing you to hold me." She replied, kissing my neck softly. "Thanks."

"What else would I do?" I asked.

"Mmm."

I waited a few minutes before I spoke, and gently stroked my fingers through her hair. "Emily, I had no idea you felt that way. Why didn't you tell me?" I asked, softly.

"You had enough to deal with. Are you mad?" She asked.

"Oh..." I said, before kissing her forehead softly. "Not at all. I just feel bad because I had no idea."

"I guess I'm a little hypocritical... Telling you to talk about what I'm feeling, and then not doing it myself... I'm sorry." She murmured.

I pulled her a little closer and squeezed her in my arms. "Apology accepted."

"Baby, you need to remember that Sophia was very careful. She was almost smart enough to cover all her tracks. But she made one huge mistake."

"Which?"

"She used her own bloody car to abduct me. Under full view of our security camera, which she must not have even known was there. Effy helped figure it out, yeah..." I said, "...but all the evidence beforehand, piecing most of the puzzle together...that was all you, baby. I'm so proud of you for doing what you did, even though it put your career at risk. I can't begin to thank you enough for it."

She hugged me closer then, if that were possible. "You're sure about that?"

I looked into her eyes and rested my palm on her cheek. "We're all responsible for catching her. You persevered when you couldn't find any evidence, and protected me when you didn't have to. I installed that app on my phone and remembered to keep it activated. Whichever one of them bashed me over the head was stupid enough to not check me for my phone, or tie me up so I couldn't get to it. Effy knew how to find me, and I knew she would help you, which is why I told you about it."

Emily sighed, and then sniffled, and the tears welled up in her eyes again.

"Even Sophia is responsible. She was stupid enough to start arguing with Mandy while she was driving. If she hadn't, it might not have crashed, and I might be-"

"Don't." Emily said, cutting me off. "Please, don't... I don't even want to think about it."

I leaned in and kissed her slowly. "Ok, I won't."

She shuddered next to me, and I held her tightly to me. Now that I wasn't in pain anymore, it felt good to hold her as close as I wanted to, to comfort her. It was then that the sobs overtook her, and I whispered affectionately to her that it was ok to let it go, and that I was there for her. It took her a while, but she calmed down eventually, enough to talk a bit.

"I feel like an idiot." She mumbled.

"Don't. I don't think you are at all." I replied. "Emily, you've spent the last month looking after me, making sure I was ok. I could never think you were an idiot for that. Effy and Gina would agree with me. I just wish you'd talked to me about how you were feeling."

"I know."

"Promise me you won't keep what you're thinking from me anymore?"

She looked at me, with wide, sad brown eyes and nodded. "I promise."

(Three months later)

I stood behind the bar - Carlotta's - inside the Unicorn. The club wasn't open yet, and Emily was on the other side of the bar facing eight security guards.

"Right. You boys are in for a busy night, as per for a Friday. Keep an eye on the patrons, let them have a good time, but don't let it get out of control. If you spot anything of concern, let me know via the radio, got it?" I saw nodding all around. "Ok. Look out for the public, and for each other. Dismissed."

In the preceding three months, a lot had happened. Emily had gone back to work a couple of days after she broke down and confessed to me about her apprehensions regarding her future as a police officer. It turned out that her gut instinct was the right one, and after a long meeting with her inspector, who was desperate to not lose a good detective, he accepted her resignation. When she came to my flat and told me, I can't really say that I was shocked by her announcement, because after what she told me, I expected it. It was just something in her eyes that told me, I suppose. They are brown, and downright beautiful, and I love them... But they are also very expressive, and we had spent so much time in each other's presence that something would be amiss if I didn't notice.

I don't think I'll ever forget the morning she came in and told me. It was the second day she had been back, and she came in, looking more drained than I had ever seen her. She came and sort of slumped next to me on the sofa, and sighed deeply.

"I resigned." She said, softly, and feeling the need to comfort her, I immediately took her in my arms and held her tightly as she sobbed quietly. "I just can't do it, Naoms." She croaked. "The inspector tried so hard to talk me out of it. He really didn't want me to go."

"I know, sweetheart. I know." I whispered.

She gave a long sniffle and then looked at me. "Does the offer still stand... About the Unicorn?"

I nodded. "Effy is true to her word, Emily. If you're interested, it's there for you."

"Well, I'm sort of unemployed, now. Gotta pay the rent somehow..." Emily joked.

"You're not broke?!" I asked.

"Oh, god no. Not at all. In fact, I've got loads of holiday pay saved up, it'll all be paid out next pay cycle. And I've got some savings in the bank. I'll be alright for a while." Emily explained.

I sighed in relief. "Well, that's something at least."

"When I joined the police force, I intended on a long career. I didn't really have a backup plan, as such. Not the smartest way to do it, obviously..."

"Possibly not."

"I wanted to ask you, though... Do you think it's a good idea? Me doing the security?"

"I would have said something when Effy told us her idea, if I didn't think it was a good idea, babe." I replied.

"But it's your club, Naoms. I know how much it means to you. Can you trust me with it?"

I made her face me and then kissed her slowly. "Emily, I trust you with my life. I trust you with my heart. Why wouldn't I trust you with the other big part of me?"

Emily smiled. "Soppy fucker."

I grinned, and kissed her again.

We met with Effy the next day, and thrashed out the terms of her appointment. As a sweetener, we offered to pay her more than she was making as a police officer, which we were able to do, once Effy had looked at the numbers side of it. We had hired eight private security guards, and had at least five other casuals on the books in case of staff absences. Emily had looked over every aspect of the security, and Effy and I let her oversee it as she saw fit. She did a damn good job of it, too, and Effy told me privately that she knew she had made the right decision in suggesting it in the first place.

As to the court trial, that was a complete and total shambles where Sophia was concerned. She clearly showed just how cracked in the head she was, by opting to forego a lawyer and deciding to represent herself. The judge looked down his nose at her, and strongly advised her to seek representation, as the charges against her were severe, and she was being foolish, and had very little chance of a defence if she insisted on representing herself.

But she was having none of it, she smiled a sick, crazy smile and defiantly claimed that she wasn't guilty, and didn't need a lawyer to defend her. Surprisingly, the judge allowed her to do it, and she pleaded not guilty. Unluckily for her, the huge piles of evidence that mounted against her, as well as my testimony, and Emily's were no match for her repeated insistence that she was innocent. On the fourth day of evidence, she got onto her feet, and supported by her crutches, began to laugh, much like a maniac, and couldn't stop herself. Until she looked at me and started screaming at me.

"I should have fucking gone after you FIRST, and not the slut I beheaded! Why couldn't you just LOVE ME, damn you?! You fucking heartless BITCH, I hope you fucking ROT! I should have fucking shot you when I had the chance that night. But instead you made me kill Mandy!"

The judge banged his gavel several times, and murmurs ran around the court as Emily held my hand tightly. I'm glad she was, because I was shaking like a leaf. "ORDER!" The judge shouted.

The court fell silent, and the judge levelled his eyes at Sophia. "Miss Moore. By your own outburst, you have just admitted your guilt in at least two of the charges against you. Do you understand?"

"I'M GUILTY OF IT ALL, YOU FUCKING CUNT!" She screamed, her voice echoing around the courtroom, before descending into what I can only describe as chillingly cold and sick laughter.

The judge banged his gavel again. "Bailiffs, restrain the defendant please." Two bailiffs stood either side of Sophia, and thought she attempted to struggle away, they held her fast in place. The judge turned to the jury. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you are dismissed, as due to the admission of guilt by the defendant, you are no longer required and may be excused."

Emily and I sat in shock as the jury filed out of the courtroom. Gina and Effy were there too, and they were just as surprised by what was happening. What the judge said next just rounded it off more or less neatly.

"Miss Moore, because of your reluctance to seek legal representation, which might have given you a fighting chance, in the face of the insurmountable evidence against you, I have no choice but to find you guilty of all charges. At least three of these crimes carry severe sentences of life imprisonment, the others also having long sentences. I have no choice but to impose the maximum terms for all charges, due to the severity of your crimes against Miss Campbell, the deaths of Candice Cartwright, Thomas Tomone and the passenger of your vehicle the night of the abduction. Furthermore, because of your actions today, I have no choice but to recommend that you be incarcerated in a secure mental hospital, pending proper psychiatric evaluation. Regardless of the outcome of that evaluation, I'm recommending that you remain in custody without the possibility of parole. That is all, case dismissed." He said, banging his gavel loudly. "Bailiffs, take her away."

I sat there slightly numb for a moment. I think Emily was numb with me. She had expected that this might happen, but it didn't really hit me, until Sophia was literally dragged from the courtroom, kicking and screaming like a complete lunatic. Well, as best she could with a broken leg, and a fractured wrist, I suppose...

But...that's all past us, now. Emily fit in quite well at the club, just like Effy thought she would. Her and I got to spend lots of time together, which we enjoyed, and never seemed to get bored of each other. If anything, we fell further in love with each other, which was apparent by the increasing amount of time Emily had spent at my flat. She rarely went to her own, these days, only to pick up the odd change of clothes, or to pick up the mail. I ended up officially meeting her sister, and while she was a bit standoffish at first, after a while we formed a tentative friendship, based on sarcasm and the occasional lesbian digs we levelled at each other, making Emily roll her eyes.

I must have been deep in thought, when Emily nudged me gently. "Hey, you ok?"

I turned to her and smiled. "Yes. I was just thinking." I said.

She slid her arms around me. "About what?"

I grinned. "Come with me, and I'll show you." I said, threading my fingers through hers, as the first crowds of the night came through the door.

I led her upstairs to the door that led to the roof. "Close your eyes." She did as I asked, and I opened the door, leading her out onto the roof. It was chilly, because it was getting close to winter, but it was still just warm enough to be outside without needing to be rugged up under a flock of dead ducks. I led her over to what I had set up previously. "Ok, you can open them, now." I said, sliding my arms around her waist from behind.

She opened them, and I heard her gasp. "Oh my god...it's beautiful!" She said, taking in the scene I had set up. I had laid down a picnic blanket, as well as several candles surrounding it. I had also placed a bucket of ice with a bottle of Moët in it, but that was hidden under a cloth for the moment.

"C'mon." I said, with a smile, taking her hand and leading her over to the blanket. We both sat down, and I lifted the cloth off the bucket. "I've decided to give us both the night off." I said.

"But-"

I placed my finger over her lips to silence her, shaking my head. "No buts. You and I both deserve this. Things are more or less back to normal now... Even though we've been busy lately. I haven't had the time to show you as much as I wanted to exactly how much I love you..."

"Oh, babe..." Emily said, leaning in and kissing me slowly. I returned the kiss, moving closer to her and wrapping my arms around her. She reached up to the collar of my shirt and began to slowly undo the buttons one by one, and I wasn't about to stop her. She had worked hard to get the security going for the club, and this was my way of thanking for her...

...Ok, I might have also not been kidding about wanting to shag her on the roof, so it was sort of killing two birds with the one stone.

I leaned her backwards and attacked her neck with my lips, as her fingers ran over my shoulders and down my back, taking my shirt with them. I leaned back and pulled her up, pulling her shirt off quickly, and reaching behind her to unclip her bra as she kissed me passionately. I slid the straps off her arms and tossed it aside, gently pushing her back down to the blanket. I then removed my own bra, tossing it over onto hers. I leaned back down, my nipples barely brushing against her own as she slid her fingertips through my hair and kissed me deeply, sliding her tongue against mine, and increasing in intensity.

I reached over the picked up the bottle of Moët, and began to twist off the cork, it coming out with a loud pop, and champagne beginning to foam out of the top. It splashed over Emily's skin and she squealed because of how cold it was. The cuteness of her squeal turned into a soft moan when I leaned down and began to lick up the liquid that was on her skin, that caused me to twinge between my thighs, and I knew I had her now.

She slid her hands up my stomach, pausing to cup my tits firmly in her hands, and leaned up to take one of my nipples in her mouth. My fingers threaded through her hair as she sucked and flicked her tongue over it, the flesh becoming harder between her lips. Her hands then drifted to my jeans and began to unzip them.

"I need to feel your skin..." She murmured, before pulling me into another deep, languid kiss. God knows how, but we managed to both get undressed rather quickly, and the chill in the air ceased to matter as our body heat and excitement kept us warm enough.

I sat up and admired her petite naked form underneath me, every beautiful curve exposed to my eyes. "So beautiful." I whispered.

"Think anyone can see us up here?" Emily smirked, seductively.

"I hope not." I giggled in reply, before leaning back down, running my tongue up her throat. "I remember I said something similar...on the balcony." I whispered in her ear, feeling her shudder beneath me.

"Mmhmm...I remember." She sighed, as her hands trailed up my back.

I slid my hand between us, and down to her folds, that were slick with arousal. She repeated my action, and found my, presumably, just as wet.

"Jesus..." She whispered, her eyes looking very dark indeed, even with the lit candles around us. "I want you...so much..." She groaned, as I began to gently rub against her swollen clit with my fingertips. She bit her bottom lip and groaned, followed by a small whimper.

"I want you too..." I whispered. "I'll never stop wanting you like this... I love you so much..." I continued, before rubbing my fingers more firmly against her.

I was in the middle of kissing her, when I felt her fingers begin to rub against me, causing me to arch towards her, which made us both moan. "Fuck..." Emily muttered, as we moved together. I kissed my way down her throat and sucked on her pulse point as I slid my fingers down further and pushed them inside her. She was warm, wet and beautiful under me, as was the loud groan that came out of her against my ear.

"You feel...so good..." I murmured, as I began to thrust inside her, as she whimpered beneath me. She rubbed my clit in insistent circles before slipping her own fingers inside me, and I sharply inhaled at the unexpected feeling of it. "Oh, god..." I groaned, as we began to move against each other. I looked into her eyes, as she bit her bottom lip, they were so dark and full of want that it sent a delicious shock right through me. She pulled me down and kissed me deeply, the storm inside me beginning to rage out of control. Her fingers twisted inside me as mine did inside her, curving and rubbing against every pleasurable spot.

"Jesus, baby...don't fucking stop..." Emily moaned, as we writhed against each other. Her fingers slid up my spine and gripped my shoulder tightly as our rhythm intensified and we drove each other closer to the peak that was going to consume us both. Her thumb rubbed against my clit as her fingers moved inside me, and it started... Twisting and coiling inside me, the same as it was doing to her. Burning hot pleasure ran up my spine, and I cried out into the night, feeling Emily's nails dig into my shoulder as she joined me on the edge of it all. My body stiffened as hers did under mine, and a mutual explosion coursed through our veins as we came hard together.

Our lips met, then, in a kiss so tender that I thought it would overwhelm me entirely. We disentangled ourselves and I lay next to her, snuggling into her side, nuzzling against her neck and kissing her softly. We lay silently for a long time, just enjoying the feel of each other's bodies.

"Em?" I finally whispered, as I watched the stars stretch across the sky.

"Yeah?"

"I've been thinking..."

"About what?"

I placed my fingers on her chin and turned her head to face me. "You already spend so much time at my flat... Why don't you just move in?" I asked.

Emily's eyes went wide. "Baby...are you sure?"

I searched her expression for a moment, it was as curious as it always seemed, and it made me smile. "Ems, we already wake up together every morning... I can't imagine not having you in my life, I love you so much, and can't bear to be apart from you... So yeah, I'm sure." I said.

She closed her eyes briefly, and I wondered for a brief second that she might disagree. I'm not sure why, really... Call it just a little flicker of nervousness, I suppose.

"Naoms?" Emily said.

"Hmm?"

She smiled softly, and then totally made my night complete.

"Yes."

I smiled so wide I thought my lips might fall off. I reached for the bottle of Moët and took a long sip of the cool effervescent liquid, handing it to Emily, who did the same. She then rolled me onto my back and straddled me. "You know... I've always wanted to make love drenched in criminally expensive champagne..." She said, huskily, as she began to pour it over my chest and stomach. I squealed and giggled, because it was cold, and reached for the bottle, placing it back down beside us. Emily leaned down and curled her tongue around my nipple, flicking it until it was as hard as a bullet. I then picked the bottle back up.

"Drenched, you say..." I smirked.

"Uh huh..." Emily replied, looking up at me with mischief in her eyes.

"Why you dirty little Fitch..." I grinned, tilting the bottle and emptying it all over her back, making her squeal and squirm on top of me. "Looks like I might have to shag you clean..."

"I won't complain one bit..." She grinned, leaning in to kiss me passionately.

There were moans...there were cries... And definitely more orgasms on that rooftop... But definitely no complaints.

The rest, as they say...

A/N#2: ...is history.

I think this might have an open ended conclusion, what do you think? ;-)

At this point, I would like to humbly thank you all for reading this story. I didn't expect it to be this well received, considering I've never written anything crime/mystery related before. It was a nice change, and allowed me to, I guess, stretch my writer's legs in a way, and try something different. I'm glad it worked, because I was nervous about it not working (obviously, and I guess I should just quit worrying.).

You guys are all awesome. The feedback you have given me has been great, and again, thank you all for your continued support, comments, tweets and general fabulousness.

I would also like to thank all my regular reviewers: marsupial1974, SkyBlue, GloryMorgan, Michelle1017, Crevette, , and of course mynameislizzie, and all the other guest reviewers and anyone else I've missed. You guys have amused and amazed me by your reviews, and I'm glad I could keep so many of you on the edge of your seats through the mystery, action and intrigue.

So, what's next, I hear some of you asking. Honestly, I'm not sure. Not a hiatus, that's for sure, I have too much free time at the moment to not write anything, and I think it's sort of in my blood, now. Plus, I think GloryMorgan might hunt me down if I stopped lol... I'm going to sort through all the files I have on my iPad and find where I've left TPA, and post some more of that soonish, and I suppose I should get on with SF/GA, which have been written entirely unplanned, but I think where I got stuck with them is that I've had no skeleton to work off, so to speak. So I'm going to try and plan out the rest of those two like I've done with this story, because I've learned it's actually helpful to do so, and works as a memory jog when I get stuck. (Who knew?)

That's all, folks! (To quote Porky Pig...ha!) thanks for tuning in, reviews as always are more than welcome!

Thank you ALL, each and every one of you. If some of you didn't have partners and weren't so far away, I'd happily snog all of you in thanks LOL

Until we meet again...

~GN~ xo