Archive of Our Own

"Andy, you can't be serious." Emily complained over the phone.

"I swear it's gonna be fun, Em, trust me!" Andy tried convincing her.

"This might be one of the worst ideas you've ever had. And that says something."

"So is that a yes?" Andy's grin was so wide Emily could almost hear it through the phone.

"I must have hit my head, but fine. We can go." Emily shook her head, still in disbelief she kept saying yes to Andrea's insane ideas.

"Emily Charlton, I knew you wouldn't say no to me." She laughed.

"I can still change my mind, Andrea, don't push."

"You won't. Remember my birthday?" Andy knew Emily wouldn't break her promise. She heard the redhead sigh on the other line.

"Fine. Just text me the time and place for us to meet."

"Want to get ready at my place?"

"Please, if you want to get ready together, we shall do it at my place."

"Excuse me, what are you implying?"

"Darling, implying is not an ability I possess. I'm being very clear that I refuse to get ready in a place that doesn't have an actual closet."

"Hey, I have a very nice dresser."

"For the sake of this friendship, I will ignore what you just said. 7 p.m. My place. Don't be late."

Emily hung up and stared at her phone for a second, smiling.

Their friendship had really started after that day at the restaurant around a year and a half ago. Ever since then, they tried going out together almost weekly, and eventually weekly became two to three times a week.

Emily couldn't tell you how it happened. Andy simply entered her life and decided she was there to stay. It was endearing and sweet, and also many things that she was not naming yet.

She knew that she was the one who called. She was the one who said, "I thought we could be pals." And apparently, Andy decided to take that as seriously as one can. Because now Andy was around for random lunches on busy Tuesdays, Roark's skate competitions, Bronwyn's singing recitals, Thursday dinners, weekends when the kids were with Frank, random events from Emily's work, and honestly, she was there for any time any of them texted or called. She was always there. Present.

On Andy's 44th birthday, Emily made the mistake of promising her that she would accept any of Andy's invitations for 6 months. Andy's grin was never as wide as that day. And she clearly decided that driving Emily to insanity was a good idea. Emily didn't realize at the time that this was Andy's way of forcing Emily out of her comfort zone and making her "live a little." So now, every time Andy calls saying, "So, what do you think of..." Emily already knows that something ridiculous is going to be the end of the phrase. And she can't say no.

And that's how she ended up agreeing to go to a nightclub tonight. In her 40s. One of those loud clubs. With a lot of people. Drunks. Some definitely high. Possibly with people making out in horribly dirty bathrooms. Honestly, appalling.

Andy didn't think it was remotely strange. Emily thought it was the most absurd thing ever. She had two kids at home, for God's sake.

But again, Emily couldn't say no. It was her birthday present to Andy. The whole "I'll agree to go anywhere you want for 6 months." Well, that and a very expensive luxury bag. But, of course, Andy was much more interested in having her agreeing to the most absurd things.

And Emily would never admit, but she was already having a hard time saying no to Andy before the promise. Andy was not only her best friend now. She was also the beautiful girl with those ridiculous wide eyes and an even wider grin. The stupid smile that greeted her with all the charm in the world every time. Everyone adored her. And after Emily stopped hiding so much behind her four hundred and thirty-seven walls, it ended up being quite hard pretending her charms weren't affecting her too.

But of course, she would never tell anyone that.

 

Emily arrived at her apartment at 6:40 p.m., and Andy was already waiting at the door.

"How are you here before me?" Emily frowned, almost shocked at the situation.

"Last time I was 2 minutes late, and you scolded me for 20 minutes."

"And your answer was arriving 20 minutes earlier this time?" Emily's lips couldn't hide the amusement.

"Well, yes? I was expecting I'd be a little praised." Andy replied, smiling.

"You expected praise? Do you even know me?" Emily asked while opening the door.

Andy didn't reply. She just tried not to laugh.

They entered the apartment and followed what seemed to be a routine for them now. Andy would hang their coats, and Emily would either grab them wine or tea, depending on what time of the day it was, and they just fell into easy conversation about their day.

It was around the time when Emily poured them the third or fourth glass of wine of the evening that they realized it was already 8 p.m. It was time to get ready to go out. On the way upstairs, Emily asked:

"Do you need anything? There are fresh towels in the bathroom."

"It's cute that you still ask as if anyone else stays in that room or uses that bathroom." Andy smiled mocking her.

Emily pursed her lips. "I'm a good host, Andrea. It's called manners."

"You're my favorite host, Em." Andy replied, touching her arm lightly.

Emily felt her face getting red. She decided to ignore that.

"Knock on my door once you finish showering." The redhead said and entered her room.

Emily had finished her shower and her 10-step skincare when Andy entered Emily's room. Andy's hair was damp, her skin a little flushed from the hot shower, and she was wrapped in her towel. She looked at Emily, who was now in front of the sink brushing her hair, also wrapped in a towel, and felt thankful she could blame the shower for her red skin.

'We are friends.' Andy thought to herself. 'Just friends. So, let's just ignore that she is hot, half-naked, and currently wet and flushed in front of you.'

Andy grabbed the dress she brought and showed it to Emily.

"Is this Emily-approved?"

Emily stopped looking at the mirror and looked at the dress. It was pretty. Nothing fancy, but pretty enough for her to accept it.

"I'll have to see it on you to be sure." She replied, pretending she was not sure. As if her mind didn't already imagine the short dress hugging the brunette's body.

Emily went back to the bathroom so Andy could get dressed.

Five minutes later, Andy had her dress on.

"What do you think?" She asked, smiling hopeful for the approval.

The dress was a deep dark blue, short enough to be almost questionable to wear anywhere else but the club, and tight enough to make sure that everyone would be looking at her. Emily smirked. She couldn't help it.

"Are you trying to be the hottest woman in the room?" Her teasing tone making Andy's skin burn slightly.

"As if this was possible when you're in the room." Andy replied so quick it was clear she didn't even have to think.

Andy realized what she said and just stayed quiet.

Emily's cheeks were now pink, and she didn't have an answer. So they just stared at each other for a second.

They both smiled. As if sharing a shy smile was enough of an answer.

The harmless flirting was a thing now. It started some months ago with small compliments and random smiles. Lingering eyes sometimes. Nothing that required much attention. For most people, just funny flirtatious comments between friends, for them… Well, no one was naming things.

"Well, I approve the outfit."

"Oh, I'm relieved." Andy mocked, grinning.

Emily rolled her eyes and went back to the mirror.

Andy finished getting dressed and went to the mirror with Emily. The redhead, still wrapped around a towel, had just finished drying her hair. Their shoulders brushed while both of them applied their makeup. Neither said anything. The random touches were also a thing that happened way more often lately. A hand on the wrist, arms intertwined, and a brush of the back of the hands. All friendly. Or at least, they acted as if it was.

"I'm going to get dressed." Emily said, looking at her through the mirror.

Emily decided to mirror Andy and chose a bolder outfit for the night.

Her dress was a dark shade of red. Not as short as Andy's dress, but with a neckline low enough to draw attention and an open back that she knew Andy would look at.

She was now ready. Looking as gorgeous as ever, and when Andy looked at her, Emily felt as if she had achieved the goal she wouldn't admit she had set. Andy couldn't help how her lips simply parted and she openly gaped at Emily for a minute. Emily was looking for her earrings, but she could see Andy completely still.

"I'm glad you enjoy the view." Emily said, amused, not even looking at her.

Andy cleared her throat and tried sounding normal.

"Well, everyone loves a hot redhead with an accent. The dress is just a very nice extra."

Emily shot her a look. Andy looked down, smiling.

They finished getting ready, and around 9:30 p.m. they left the house. They were about to get a taxi to go to the nightclub Andy suggested. Apparently it was a new club that everyone said was amazing, so she decided it made perfect sense to go there.

"I still don't know how you convinced me to go to a nightclub. You're aware that people will probably be in their 20s, right? We will be surrounded by children." Emily kept complaining as Andy knew she would do.

"Em, things are different now, everyone goes to clubs. A couple years ago I went to one, and there were people in their 30s and 40s too."

"You were on the hunt in a nightclub, Andrea? Dear lord." Emily looked at her horrified.

"Hey, I went dancing, not on a hunt." Andy tried defending herself.

"Sure. I'll pretend I believe you."

"What makes you think I was on a hunt?"

"You're you." Emily replied looking at her. Andy looked confused. So Emily continued with her slight sarcasm: "You keep trying to charm everyone around you."

"That's not true." Andy pretended to be offended. "I only try to charm some people." She said smirking at her.

Emily laughed while rolling her eyes at her.

"You're an idiot."

 

The nightclub could be considered Emily's idea of a nightmare. Completely packed with an insane amount of people who didn't dress according to what she would consider appropriate. Of course, Emily Charlton would probably not be happy in any nightclub, but she was looking at the line as if it had personally slapped her.

"I think I just saw an 18-year-old." Emily looked at Andrea in horror.

"How would you know their age?" Andy asked with her brows furrowed.

"Their outfits screamed 18-year-old."

"But look, there are people that are obviously in their 40s… Look at those people there." Andy showed her a group near the door.

"If that man is in his 40s, I'm in my 20s. He is awful." Emily's face showed his disgust.

"He doesn't look that bad." Andy tried to be nice.

"Darling, you're tasteless. I remember the Australian."

"Oh, he wasn't bad. And he had an accent." Andy tried to defend herself.

"It disturbs me that all it takes to get you is an accent."

"Not true. I have much better taste now."

"So no accent required anymore?" Emily asked teasingly.

"It was never a requirement. But I do still appreciate it."

"Is that why you keep me around?" Her tone still mocking Andy.

"Yes, to be constantly turned on by you." Andy answered without thinking.

Emily looked at her.

Oh god.

"I'm joking." Andy said immediately. She wasn't. But well… Her face turned the same shade of Emily's dress.

"I need a drink." Emily replied as they entered.

The bar was on the corner of the night club.

The club was pitch-black with the exception of a few spots of neon light in various shades of blue. The place was already packed, and the dance floor was crowded. The music was good and the vibe was fun. However, even though they were both happy to be out together, this kind of setting made alcohol feel like an absolute necessity.

The atmosphere had shifted after the casual flirtation exchanged earlier. None of that was exactly new to them. But when you combine the situation with the choice of venue for their Friday night out, that subtle tension underlying their friendship became a little more palpable and harder to ignore. But, of course, they would still pretend nothing was happening.

They had already drank a bottle of wine at Emily's house. But the night was very young, so they started drinking at the bar before heading to the dance floor.

They had just ordered their second drinks when a man approached them.

"Hey, gorgeous, can I buy you a drink?" He asked, looking at Emily.

She looked at him as if he was trash personified.

"No, thank you."

Andy smiled before she could even think about it. The guy nodded and left.

"Ouch." Andy said, looking at her. Emily smirked.

"What? He was horrendous."

"I don't know if horrendous, but definitely not good enough for you." Andy smiled at her.

"So you only have standards when it comes to me? Because you don't have these standards for yourself." Emily teased.

"I'm just protective of you."

"I know. But you should maintain these standards for yourself too." Emily laughed.

And again, another guy appeared. And once again, Emily was the target.

"Hello, beautiful." He said, trying to sound sexy.

"Hi." She replied cold and politely.

Andy simply kept smiling. She was very sure Emily would just give the cold shoulder to every man in the club. And she was simply happy for it. She didn't feel remotely jealous. Her friend knew how to take care of herself.

"Would you like a drink?" He asked.

"I already have one. Thanks." She answered without even looking at him.

"Can I get your number?" Ok, this one was more persistent. For a second, Andy thought Emily might give him her number, and her chest did something she can't explain.

"Of course not."

Relief settled in Andy's chest.

"Ok… My apologies. How about you?" He dared to ask Andy. That was bold. Or insane.

Emily looked at him as if she could kill him.

"Get out."

Andy couldn't help but to openly laugh.

The guy left after seeing Emily's expression.

"God, you're so funny." Andy said, looking fondly at her.

"You brought me to ugly men's Disneyland. There are way too many horrible men here."

"I can't blame them, though. I told you, you're the most beautiful woman in every room you're in." Andy said. Her fingers tracing the rim of the glass while her eyes looked at the redhead softly.

Emily smiled at her and focused on her own drink.

After 15 minutes, 5 different guys had approached Emily. 2 approached Andy, and things were starting to get annoying.

"Ok, I'm officially irritated with all these men here." Andy said with an annoyed expression after another guy had tried to put the moves on Emily.

"Not enjoying the offerings of mediocre men around you? You've changed." Emily mocked her.

"Some of them are attractive, but they are still annoying."

"Well, all your exes that I heard about were also annoying, and yet you dated them."

"Nate was ok, and he cooked." Andy tried to reason.

"Ok, cooking is useful, but is that reason enough to date someone?" Emily asked, frustrated, wondering how Andy could find these men attractive.

"I don't know, he had pretty blue eyes."

"Bloody hell, Andrea. So many people have blue eyes. Do you find them all attractive?" Emily teased.

"No. But you have blue eyes and I find you attractive." Andy replied with her flirty voice.

Emily almost choked on her drink. But quickly recovered.

"Good to know you keep me around to remind yourself of your exes. You and your thing for blue eyes and accents…" Emily tried to joke.

"Baby, it's not my fault that you're my type." Andy grinned at her. "But I don't keep you around to remember them. You're much more interesting than any of them."

Their knees were touching. Nothing much. But with the words they were exchanging, suddenly any touch felt deliberate.

"Of course I am." She tried to tone down the flirting before it reached somewhere she wouldn't know how to react. Emily saw another man coming their way, but before he could arrive, she looked at Andy.

"Let's go to the dancefloor before another man approaches us here. I have a limit before I actually murder one of them."

 

Was the dancefloor crowded? Yes. But at least they were less visible to other people, so they were left alone for a while. Andy tried to convince Emily to really let go and just dance and go a little crazy. But Emily was only partially drunk, so she still had a lot of her limits intact.

Andy took Emily's hand, acting as if it were so they wouldn't get lost, considering there were too many people around them. Emily didn't question it. She simply held Andy's hand while they danced.

During one song, with the crowd being so excited, they were pushed onto each other a few times. At first, they tried to recreate the space between them, just out of politeness or whatever. But after a while the distance simply kept getting smaller and smaller.

At some point, they were dancing almost completely pressed against each other. The shift in the air kept happening every time their faces got a little closer than what they were used to. And the subtle smiles that flashed on their faces were getting more obvious by the minute.

Still, they were acting as if this was completely normal.

Because technically, it could be totally normal to dance with your friend.

Their hands were on each other's backs. Maybe even looking a little possessive. Completely normal girlhood behavior.

Right?

Well… Maybe? Sometimes?

Who knows.

But anyways.

Some people tried dancing with them, but they ignored them or just moved to another part of the dancefloor. Overall, it was much easier than dealing with the men by the bar. However, not even the dancefloor saved them from brutally irritating people.

And that's when a tall guy appeared. His eyes glued on Andy. Emily noticed before she did.

The man was tall, with pretty dark hair and really pretty blue eyes. Almost looked like a model. He was one of those guys that you would see on a cover of a magazine. Emily noticed his eyes on Andy and immediately felt irritated.

"I think you have the most beautiful smile I've ever seen." He said it really close to Andy's ear, so she could hear him even with the loud music.

Emily's arm was around Andy already, but she shifted a bit when Andy turned to see who was talking to her.

"I'm James." He offered his hand to Andy and gave her a smile.

Emily was even more annoyed. The guy had perfect teeth. Ridiculous.

"Hi." Andy replied politely smiling. Emily was already annoyed. She was always too nice. Why was she being nice to this man?

Emily couldn't hide her bothered expression.

The jealousy growing from the inside.

Oh God, she was jealous.

"You look really beautiful. Can I dance with you?" He was all smiles and trying to get close to her. She shifted in Emily's touch, as if getting closer to her. Emily understood that as a sign that she didn't want to talk to the man and felt relief.

"Sorry, I'm with my friend." Andy replied trying to be nice.

"I'm sure she won't mind." He replied, looking at Emily for just half a second before smiling to Andy again.

Emily would absolutely mind. She was furious by now.

It was great that she didn't have a gun. Because she was considering murder.

"I'm good, thanks." Andy tried to reject him nicely again.

"Please, just one dance." He insisted. His hand now trying to pull her hand. That was enough for Emily to snap.

"Are you deaf? She said no." Emily said in her serious tone. The tone she usually used at work when she wanted people to fear her. But her eyes were much more intense than the usual.

"Come on, ignore your friend, one dance, that's all I'm asking." He ignored Emily and just talked to Andy again.

If Emily was only considering murder before, now she was actually planning it in her head.

Andy was not one who knew how to easily say no to people. She always tried being nice. Even when she didn't really want to. And that was killing Emily because Andy's sweet refusals were not enough to make the man go away, and for a second Emily considered that Andy might want to go with the guy, and the reason she didn't was to not leave Emily alone.

The thought of that made her blood boil. Andy saw Emily's face. Her expression was different from anything she had ever seen. It wasn't the disgusted look she offered the average guys from before. It was as clear as water that she was extremely jealous. And Andy had to really focus not to have a happy reaction to that.

Emily was jealous. Andy was happy Emily was jealous. But she had to deal with this man first. She was almost thanking him for his service, because Emily's jealousy was everything Andy didn't know she wanted.

"No, thank you. Really." Andy tried saying no once again.

"Let me get your number."

Emily couldn't hold herself anymore.

"Are you actually dumb? She rejected you three times already."

"She would accept if you weren't acting as the annoying friend. She is being nice." He replied, annoyed at her.

"She is nice to everyone. It doesn't mean she wants to fuck you." Emily replied with all the disdain she could.

Andy didn't really know what to do. Part of her just wanted to laugh at the situation.

"Em, let it go." She looked at Emily, pulling her hand in, trying to calm her a bit. But at the same time, she was kind of turned on by the redhead's reaction.

"Yes, let it go. I'm talking to her, not you." The guy had the audacity to say to Emily.

That was enough. So Andy looked at him again.

"Look, James, right? Can you please just go? I'm staying here with her. And I'm not interested in dancing with you. Thank you." Andy tried to smile politely. Emily was one step away from fighting with her too.

"Oh, come on!" He was clearly still shocked and annoyed with the rejection. And looked irritated at Emily, who was already looking at him with all the anger her face could show.

"She's staying with me." Emily replied to him, smirking. Her hand was still on Andy's.

He ignored her and looked at Andy.

"You could have had fun with me." He said, as if still hoping she would change her mind.

"Oh darling, don't worry, she will have more fun with me." Emily replied, her hands now looking for Andy's waist.

And he tried to say something.

But they didn't listen. Because as soon as he started saying something, Emily's patience had left the building, and she was just a pure ball of jealousy and possessiveness.

So she pulled Andy in one swift motion.

And she kissed her. Kissed her hard. One arm went around her back, and her other hand went straight to the back of her neck.

James's expression would have been priceless if any of them could see. But they were clearly way too busy, and as soon as he saw how fast Andy responded to Emily's kiss, he understood he didn't stand a chance. So, he left.

Andy had just half a second to be shocked when Emily pulled her into a kiss. She made a startled sound before immediately melting into her arms. It didn't take her ten seconds to pin Emily against a wall and kiss her back with the same intensity Emily had kissed her. She laughed in the middle of the kiss and felt Emily laughing with her too. They had waited way too long to do this, and now they didn't seem to want to stop.

Emily tasted like wine and her perfume reminded Andy of happiness. Andy's lips were soft against Emily's, even though their kiss was anything but soft. It was messy, sexy, and hungry. Emily's jealousy made it that way, and Andy matched her intensity as if she always knew what to do.

After a while lost in themselves, they unfortunately felt the need to breathe, and Andy couldn't help but grin again against her lips. Their hands still holding each other close. Their faces only inches apart.

"Didn't think you were the jealous type." She teased. Her hands cupping Emily's face.

"I wasn't jealous." Emily tried to lie. "I just wanted him to leave."

Her eyes avoided Andy's for a second.

"Really? So you weren't jealous at all?" Andy smiled teasingly.

"No. He was not leaving you alone."

"I could have handled him." Andy replied with her fingers stroking Emily's hair.

"Did you want to go with him?" Emily's jealousy still screaming from inside out. "Just go if you want. I was just trying to help." She tried to push Andy's hands away and create some distance. She couldn't hide her annoyance and the situation. She felt vulnerable, as if her feelings were on display. But at the same time, they had just kissed, and she was still dizzy at the feeling.

"Just trying to help?" Andy couldn't stop smiling. Emily's jealousy was so obvious now. And Emily had kissed her. So nothing would stop Andy from being the happiest with the situation. No mixed feelings from her.

"Yes. Just go if you want. It's fine." Emily replied trying to sound normal.

"Tell me you were jealous." Andy asked, putting her hands on Emily's waist.

"I wasn't jealous, that's ridiculous."

"Tell me you were jealous." Her hands went to the top of her hips, and her body got closer. Emily tried pretending she didn't want her touch, but her body reacted faster than her head.

"I wasn't." Emily's voice now a little lower. Her eyes betraying her, focusing on Andy's lips.

"Tell me you were jealous." Andy squeezed her ass and got closer. Their lips now only inches apart.

"Bloody hell, Andy!" Emily whimpered.

"Just tell me you were jealous." One of her hands went to Emily's neck. Her breathing mixed with Emily's breathing. They were too close. It was too intoxicating.

"Fine, I was jealous. Happy?" Emily replied, closing her eyes. Her lips already parted. Her legs giving in.

Andy gave her the biggest grin.

"Very."

And kissed her again.

This time, none of them were startled. They both simply gave into the kiss desperately. Emily's hands traced Andy's back and went up to her hair. She pulled her hair while Andy grabbed her ass and pulled her closer. Their lips remained together. Their tongues meeting in a hungry need for the other. The kiss was hungry, heavy with desire, almost bruising. Both women drunk enough to feel dizzy, but not enough to forget. Those feelings and tension that had been present for the past few months were now exploding on their lips.

The tension of the beginning of the night finally snapped. And every feeling they had was in this kiss. Emily's lips looked for Andy's neck. The brunette's eyes were closed, just feeling Emily's lips touching her skin. Emily felt an intense need to mark her neck. Completely possessive. Her knees went to the middle of Andy's legs, and she made a sound that Emily would not forget anytime soon.

Andy kept Emily close and looked for her lips for a kiss again. They forgot for a second where they were and just got lost in each other's arms.

Nothing else mattered.

 

After what could be five minutes or an hour, their hands were still holding each other as they kissed and danced and touched each other without remotely considering discussing further what had just happened. There were no love confessions being spoken, just glittery eyes, laughter, and their hands on the other. There were no certainties, and they were acting as if tomorrow didn't exist.

Andy, as usual, couldn't stop smiling as if the world had personally given her the best Christmas gift ever. And Emily, who avoided public displays of happy emotions as if they were poison, could not stop herself from smiling.

Emily leaned in to press her lips against Andy's and the brunette smiled.

"I need to go to the bathroom." Andy said.

"Go, I'll go get another drink and wait for you at the bar, ok?" Emily replied, giving her an easy smile. Andy was still breathless just by seeing that smile.

"Ok."

Andy headed to the restroom. The club was still packed. People were more intoxicated since it was getting late, so she had to be extra careful to avoid bumping into anyone. The vibe was fun, but these trendy spots always ended up becoming overcrowded and stressful after a while.

She arrived at the restroom and had to wait, because, of course, there was a huge line to go inside.

While Andy waited, Emily headed to the bar to order another drink.

It took Andy a while to get back to the bar because the bathroom line was gigantic and the whole club seemed to be there. But as soon as she got closer to the bar, the scene in front of her made her stomach turn.

Emily was by the bar, with a drink in her hand. And next to her, there was a woman.

The woman was brunette, a little bit taller than Emily, with pale skin and big eyes. She was similar to Andy in many aspects, but she was obviously more stylish and almost Hollywood-like. Her hand was touching Emily's arm, and her smile was open and charming, as if she was trying to convince her of something. She was obviously flirting, and Emily didn't exactly look like she was being open to it, but she wasn't rude as she would have been with men.

It was enough to make Andy freak out.

She had never seen women hit on Emily. She never knew her reaction to it.

So, of course, Andy was now terrified that perhaps Emily wouldn't say no to the stunning woman who looked like a much better version than herself.

She reached them and put her hand in Emily's waist. The woman stopped touching Emily as soon as Andy arrived.

"Oh hi! I was waiting for you." The woman said to Andy.

Andy's expression couldn't be less warm.

Emily looked at her and was almost scared. She never saw Andy with an angry expression. She was always soft. Grinning. Open. Sweet.

Well, not this time.

"Hi." Andy replied coldly. Her hand around Emily's waist.

"I'm Anne." The woman smiled at her. "I saw you two before."

Andy simply raised her eyebrow. She wanted to tell the woman to leave. She was not being able to deal with the audacity the woman had.

Emily put her hand around Andy too. As if trying to reassure her. But her expression was trying to hide a very subtle amusement.

"So I came here to talk to this gorgeous girl." Anne smiled at Emily who didn't react. "I was wondering if you guys wanted a third."

The woman was smiling. Charming. She was gorgeous, yes.

"Anne, as I told you before, thank you for the offer, but we're good." Emily replied very politely. Not open as Andy normally would have. But she was certainly much sweeter with women than she was ever with a man.

Anne smiled.

"Are you sure you're not just waiting for her answer?" She asked, looking from Emily to Andy.

Emily was going to answer, but Andy had immediately laughed at Anne's question.

It wasn't a sweet laugh.

It was almost a mean laugh.

"Do you really think I'd share my girl with you?" Andy asked in the meanest tone she could. Emily was stunned. She looked at her.

"Look, I don't mean to disrespect anyone. I just thought we could have some fun." Anne replied, still smiling. Slightly amused with Andy's reaction. "We look kind of similar, so I thought maybe she'd like me too."

Andy's expression showed nothing but anger and disdain. 'So she can be mean,' Emily thought to herself.

"Well, has she said yes to you?" Andy asked the woman.

"No, but I—"

"Then you have your answer." Andy's eyes narrowed. "And she has me, so why would she want a cheaper copy?"

Emily almost choked on Andy's words.

"Okay, I think I hit a nerve. My bad. I didn't mean to overstep. Sorry I hit on your girl." Anne replied, now smiling with a guilty expression.

Andy's face was still as angry as it could be. "Yes. She is my girl. So you can go now."

Anne looked at Andy and then at Emily. "Sorry." She whispered to Emily and smiled again before leaving.

Andy watched Anne go to the dance floor, and Emily stared at Andy with the most amused expression her face has ever shown. When Andy finally turned to see Emily, the redhead was smirking at her.

"Andy Sachs, the sweetest and most gooey human being on the planet, acting bloody mean with a random girl at a nightclub?" Emily asked mockingly.

"She was hitting on you." Andy replied.

"She wasn't the first person to hit on me tonight." Emily answered, amused.

"I am well aware of that." Andy replied with bitterness in her voice.

"So, your girl?" Emily asked, biting her lower lip.

"Did I overstep saying that?" Andy asked now that the ghost of the jealousy starting to sober up and uncertainty crept in.

"You claimed me in front of someone else, but now that we're alone you act scared?" Emily teased, her hand still around Andy. Her fingers pressing deeper on her waist. Her lips couldn't stop smiling lightly.

Andy smiled back and leaned against her. Their bodies now pressed against each other and Emily's arms around the brunette's waist.

Andy's arms went straight around Emily's neck.

"You're my girl." Andy said, staring at her and smiling.

"All yours." Emily replied with a smile and kissed her softly.

Andy opened her stupidly wide grin.

"But I swear, if another person hit on you today…" She started saying.

"You shall kill them with your angry expression and mean words?" Emily teased. "Yeah, I'm still shocked about it. Didn't think you had that in you."

Emily was laughing.

Andy could only focus on the beautiful sound of her laugh. She didn't even regret being mean to the girl. Emily was her girl.

"Well, I can't even say that I'm sorry. I had to fight for what's mine."

"Who would think that you're so jealous?"

"I usually am not." Andy answered honestly.

"Just with me?" Emily asked her and gave her a quick kiss.

"Just with you." Andy kissed her.

They smiled at each other.

"Em?"

"Yeah?"

"In case my jealousy outburst wasn't clear… I'm in love with you."

Emily's eyes softened before narrowing.

"I can't believe you're saying that to me in the middle of a filthy night club."

Andy laughed.

"Just tell me you love me too."

"I really do." Emily smiled. "I love you, you idiot."