Teaching Emily (Closed for marauder13)

K, be there in five, Emily pressed into her phone, smiling before sending the text to Andy. It was Friday night and like usual Emily's only plans were to sit home alone and read a book or watch bad television. Those plans had changed however when she'd come home from school to find her father in another one of his drunken rages, screaming at the walls, throwing punches at the air. He was typically a quiet drunk, who'd sit and mourn the loss of his wife, and Emily's mother, who died when she was nine. Her father would drink away his tears and pass out on the couch, leaving Emily to clean up his mess and go about her own business. But on occasion something would set off his temper and cause him to be mean. His anger was never directed toward Emily; he may be a drunk and neglectful father, but he never laid a finger on his little girl. Unable to deal with her father's state, she'd called the only person she knew she could talk to .. Andy.

Andy and his family had moved into the house next door when Emily was six years old. Being the bit of a tomboy she was, Emily quickly made friends with the new little boy who lived next door. The two of them became inseparable, and they did everything together. Despite high school leading the two of them into different cliques, the two had remained as close as ever, and Andy was still the only person she could count on. He was there for her when he mother died, and Emily'd never forget the countless nights her father drank and she'd sneak away to Andy's house to sleep and be comforted by her best friend. Emily had friends, but she kept to herself mostly, especially after her mom died. Kids at school felt sorry for her, and she hated seeing people's faces when they realized she was the poor girl who lost her mother. High school wasn't necessarily hard for Emily, being a petite and very pretty girl, she never got picked on or anything like that; but she wasn't the type to go out every weekend with the girls and meet up with boys or anything like that. She didn't want to get close to anybody, because she didn't want anyone to know about her shitty home life.

That's why Emily was so excited to start college. She and Andy had gotten into the same nearby college and both decided to stay home for at least their first year. Emily, because she didn't want to leave her father alone, and Andy probably because he didn't want to work to support himself. Her freshman year of college opened up many doors for Emily and nobody knew her as the "girl without a mother." She'd made a few friends in her classes, and had even managed to start talking to a sophomore she met in one of her science classes. Things were looking up for her this year, and she was anxious to see what else college had to offer her; it was one of the few positive things in Emily's life.

When she'd come home from class to find her father in this state, she'd immediately called Andy and requested an emergency movie night. She didn't have to say what was wrong, because Andy already knew. Emily never asked him to cancel his plans on a Friday night unless something like this was happening, and Andy never let her down. He was always there for her. After making her father a quick sandwich and ignoring his cursing, she sent Andy the text letting him know she'd be there. She ran upstairs to change into her yoga pants and a tshirt, knowing she'd end up there for the night, and pulled her auburn hair into a loose ponytail that fell just below her shoulders. She raced through the family room, saying goodbye to her father before exiting and locking the front door. With a heavy sir, holding back her tears, she made her way across the yard to her safe haven, to her escape, to Andy's house.

Andy winced as he closed his phone, hearing the muffled yelling from Em's dad next door. He dragged himself off his bed, grabbing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that didn't look too dirty and pulled them on before heading down stairs to greet Em when she turned up. He'd seen her dad passed out drunk on the sofa more than once, and he felt sad and sick that the man was like that. Since her mum's death, Em had become more of a sister, well, maybe a cousin, to Andy than a friend. The good news was that even blind rotten drunk, he never did anything bad to Em. Not a bruise, not even raising his voice at her.

He had no one closer to him as a friend. It didn't feel strange at all to talk to her about the girls he dated in high school. She asked him about them, and he told her. Never left anything out. None of his male friends knew as much as Em did. He never had to be anyone else but Andy.

"Hey, Mum. Em's coming over to watch a movie. Her dad's in a mood again."

"Ok. I don't want any mischief while she's here?"

"Mum! We were six, and no one had told us that it was wrong, and when will you let it go."

Andy's mum laughed, and smiled warmly. "When you stop biting like that, Andrew. Which means sometime after I die at a guess."

"Thanks, mum. I love you too."

He dropped his lanky, runner's frame on the floor. When they first met, Andy was just a little taller than Em. Now, he towered over her. The basketball coach of the college was still trying to get him on the team, and Andy was still telling him 'Not interested'. He wasn't skinny, but he had a wiry build and a stamina that allowed him to keep going when many of his peers gave up. He sat quietly, staring at the TV while his mum watched her show. His own father retired an hour earlier, having pulled an early shift at work, and was completely wiped out.

He was looking forward to Em coming over. The week had been hectic, and they hardly had a chance to even saw hello to each other through the week. He'd been busy all weekend with Charlotte, his current girl, so he didn't see Em at all the previous weekend. He felt a little guilty about it, but he was sure that Em had something doing with her friends from college. It was something to ask about.

He pushed his dark brown hair back from his face as he looked up at the door, waiting for the silent knock from Em to announce herself. Andy wondered if she knew that she always knocked the same way when she came over. The same soft pattern that told everyone inside who was on the other side requesting to come in.

When the knock finally came, Andy was up in a flash. He covered the distance between the sofa and the floor in maybe two steps, opening the door politely.

"Hey, Em, come in." He closed the door behind her, and followed her through to the lounge room.

Andy's mother was getting up, giving Em a warm smile. "Hi, sweetheart. The spare room's ready for you." She looked at the two of them. "Don't play the movie too loud, and keep your raiding of the fridge to reasonable levels." She gave Andy a look, coupled with a cheeky grin.

"Don't." Andy replied as his mother chuckled, leaving the two alone.

"Nevermind, just a bad in joke between Mum and I. Sit down and get comfy. What shall we put on in the background while we talk the night away?" He headed over to the rather extensive movie collection, squatting down to be closer to the titles. "And I want to know who he is. I need to know what I will be up against if he breaks your heart."

Andy opened the door, and Emily was greeted with his smile, immediately making her feel better. She returned the smile, though hers was only half-hearted, and made her way to the lounge where they'd always spend their nights together. Andy's house was so familiar to her, she knew it as well as she knew her own home, and there wasn't another place on Earth that made her feel more safe than being under the same roof as Andy.

"Thanks so much. I love you guys for nights like this," she said with a sincere smile this time to Andy's mother, who gave her a quick pat before exiting. She loved Andy's mother, and his father. With a dead mom and drunken father, they were the closest things to parents she'd had for the past nine years. She knew that she'd never be able to thank them enough for everything they've done for her. She hid her smile as Andy stared down his mom as she laughed and walked away. Emily knew she must have made a prior reference to the time she'd caught Emily and Andy kissing in the backyard. They were only six, but his parents liked to give them a hard time about it. It didn't really bother Em, but Andy seemed to get pretty embarrassed when it was brought up.

"What shall we put on in the background while we talk the night away?" Andy asked, heading for the movie collection. They'd had so many nights like this that they'd seen every single movie Andy and his parents owned at least twice. But Emily didn't answer him, she set her stuff on the couch and hung her head, trying to fight the tears. Andy caught her eye, and she held her arms open waiting for his embrace. When he hugged her and she felt his arms around her she couldn't hold it in. The flood gates opened and she sobbed against Andy's chest (because that's as high as she could reach) while he hushed her and let her cry like he always did.

"I'm sorry Andy, I didn't want to do this to you tonight. I know there's much more fun things you'd rather be doing on your Friday night. I just couldn't take it.. It was bad this time Andy, really bad." She sobbed even more and held tighter to Andy. Being with him made everything better, and just hugging him already brightened her mood.

Once the tears stopped and Emily lifted her head to meet Andy's eyes, she laughed at herself, wiping her puffy eyes dry. Andy gave her another warm smile and pushed his hair away from his face again, an act that Emily had always seen as endearing. Out of the blue Andy's smile changed to his sinister grin he got when he was up to something, or knew something that she didn't before asking, "I want to know who he is. I need to know what I will be up against if he breaks your heart." This made Emily laugh, because she couldn't picture Andy fighting anyone .. ever. But she knew that he meant it, because he'd always protected her and he always would.

"How'd you know?" Emily asked, surprised at how he got this information. She'd planned on telling him tonight and asking for his advice about the matter. "I was gonna tell you tonight. His name's Michael. Just a guy in one of my classes. It's nothing serious really," she said, looking away, unable to hold his gaze. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink and she couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face.

Holding Em reminded Andy how much of a woman she really was. He saw her as Em, then a friend and after that it didn't matter. But with her tiny body pressed against his, he felt the way her body was shaped, and remembered that she was no longer the girl he used to chase, or be chased by, wrestle and climb trees with. Just as he had grown up, literally, she had grown too. But it didn't change how he felt knowing that he was there for her when she needed that comfort. It made him feel really good inside to do that for her.

But it was her reaction to his declaration that made him feel better. He got a pure, genuine happy laugh from Em, which drove away whatever brought about the tears. Andy was sure that it was her father's inability to let go of the death of Em's mother. If he listened hard enough, he could still hear the man screaming out his rage. If the past was anything to go by, he'd still have a good hour left in him before the booze and exhaustion caught up with him and he passed out wherever he was.

"How'd you know? I was gonna tell you tonight. His name's Michael. Just a guy in one of my classes. It's nothing serious really."

Andy picked out the extended version of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, queued everything up for continual play, and joined Em back on the sofa. He sat far enough away from her to face her, but got as close as he could comfortably.

"Well, that look and red cheeks tells me that it's serious to some degree. And how did I know? Well, you've never shown and desire for the ladies like I have, and when I saw you starting to carefully dress yourself a little nicer, and wear a touch more makeup than usual, I knew that there was someone you liked enough to look pretty for. Knowing you, he had to all but throw himself at you to get you to acknowledge that there was some interest from him."

He looked at Em with a beaming smile, genuinely happy that she found someone special. He caught a slight twinge of jealousy as well. He quashed it quickly, because he had been seeing girls for a while now, even having had sex with a few, and Em didn't seem to care that much. Well, she didn't get jealous. So, he knew that it would be rather rude of him to harbour such feelings for her with someone who she felt was important.

"Seriously, Em, if he does anything wrong, I have a baseball bat upstairs that I have been keeping for just such a day. If he breaks your heart, Em, I'll break him.

"Now, as for tonight, I had nothing on. I needed some time away from Charlotte and I was going to see if you wanted to do something over the weekend. Having you over tonight, even better. Now, tell me a little more about Mr Wonderful, otherwise known as Michael."

The opening scenes of the first movie covered the sounds of Em's father, allowing them both to pretend that he was not there causing anyone any problems.

Emily situated herself on the couch while Andy put a movie on, and as soon as the previews started she knew it was the damned Lord of the Rings. He'd always forced her to watch it, but she was thankful for its length because it gave them more time talk.

At the mention of her red cheeks, they only grew a more deeper red. Emily couldn't hide her smile, but with Andy she didn't care. As he listed all the things that gave her away, she was a bit surprised to know that he noticed little things like that. It made her happy knowing that even with a new girlfriend every week, her best friend still paid attention to the details.

"Pipe down there killer, nobody needs any weapons yet," she teased with a playful smile. "But There really isn't much to tell. We haven't hung out or anything like that. Just flirty texts and talking in class that kind of thing." Emily paused, trying to compose her excitement at telling Andy the good news. "But, he did ask me out! Tomorrow night! Nothing special, just dinner and a movie, but ... Well you know, it's like my first real date." Her smile faded a bit and she shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. "I'm really nervous Andy. I don't wanna do anything stupid. I really like him, but .. You know my experience in the dating department is nonexistent. You do plenty of it for the both of us," she teased again, her smile returning.

Taking advantage of her chance to change the subject she added "Speaking of, how are things with this Charlotte character and why do you need time away from her?" Emily hoped it would be nothing serious so she wouldn't have to scold her best friend for the hundredth time about how to treat girls. That was the one and only part about dating that Emily was more knowledgable about than Andy, and she often had to put him in his place when hearing about all his sexcapades. Generally, Emily didn't care what Andy did, and she found his stories a wonderful form of entertainment. It was just when Andy was on the verge of hurting someone, either accidentally or just not caring, that she stepped in. She didn't want him to get a reputation as the 'bad guy' and honestly, she felt he could do a lot better than some of the girls he chose to hang around. Maybe she was holding Andy to a standard that was too high, and she had no say in who he hangs out or has sex with, but she couldn't stop herself from adding her two cents every now and then.

"Killer? Me? I'm not going to kill him. My Dad might. No, I'd only maim him. You know, work over his knee cap, that kind of thing. Anyway, he'd understand it. The men of the family have to protect the honour of their women. He'd expect no less. Hell, if he's got sisters, he'd be willing to do the same.

"He's asked you out?!? That's fucking fantastic, Em. He's playing it safe I see, good lad. Can't go wrong with a dinner and movie combo. Careful with this one, Em, he may be in for the long haul. Which is good, I'd hate to clean the dust off the bat.

"Oh, don't worry about it too much, Em. Be yourself. If it helps, he's probably just as scared as you are about the date." Andy smiled, thinking back to the first few serious dates he had, and how nerve wracking they were.

"Speaking of, how are things with this Charlotte character and why do you need time away from her?"

Andy's bright expression dropped a little. "Well, Charlotte and I started out similarly to you and Michael. Met in class, got talking, hung out together, things got a little more serious. Anyway, last weekend we had sex for the first time. Then, she tells me about what she's been wanting to do with me, and wanted to try it out." Andy blushed noticeably at that point, taking a deep breath before plunging on. "She wanted to be tied up so she couldn't move much while, and in her words, 'I fucked her into oblivion.' I wasn't so sure, but gave it a try. Who knew that boy scout badge would pay of like that. Anyway, it was different, I was so so about the idea, but Charlotte was ecstatic. I got texts, emails with links and phone calls begging me to come over and do it again, and do some other stuff. She said I was a natural, and couldn't wait to have me collar her, what ever that meant.

"So, I told her I needed some time this weekend to catch up with studies and get some other stuff done. She begged and whined, and I told her that was what was going to happen, and then she got all weird and was happy and thankful and would look forward to seeing me on Monday."

He looked over at Em, an apologetic look on his face. "Don't get me wrong, she's a great fuck and all the rest. Just all this other stuff she sprouts on about is a bit... I dunno. The emails have all kinds of links to stuff explaining it, but I haven't looked at any of it."

Andy's eyes narrowed as he canted his head slightly. "You sneaky little thing, you just tried to deflect me from grilling you about your date. Well done." He grinned broadly. "So... what's the plans? What are you going to bedazzle this lucky fellow with? Most importantly, what are you going to permit this... this... potential sleaze to steal from you?" Em would know he was teasing her about Michael being a sleaze, but he couldn't help it.

Emily smiled and took all of Andy's advice; he did in fact know what he was talking about, and she was thankful to have his expertise. She'd never thought that Michael would be nervous for the date too, and that made her feel a little bit better. But there was still that lingering fear in the back of her head about what happens at the end of first dates ...

Her thoughts were interrupted by the mentioning of tying, fucking, and collaring. Her brow creased as she tried to make sense of what this girl was trying to pull on her best friend. She wasn't bothered by his vulgar language and the way he said 'fuck" over and over. She kind of liked it actually, which she found odd.

"Don't get me wrong, she's a great fuck and all the rest .." Emily couldn't stop her mouth from dropping and a scowl forming on her face. \

"Andrew .. you should not stay with a girl simply because she is a 'good fuck'' Emily scolded him, using air quotes around his term. "That's leading her on and you could hurt her. You didn't have to ditch her tonight .. but I'm glad you did." Emily couldn't hide the smile on her face. "Besides, she seems kinda weird. Especially if the stuff you're seeing online is freaky .. I'd be careful Andy." She laughed out loud again, "Listen to me, giving YOU sex advice, that's funny eh?"

"Andy! He's not a sleaze," she laughed, giving him a playful slap. "And I don't know. I guess that's what I'm worried about. I mean, I like him a lot and I want to ... to kiss him I guess. But I haven't kissed any one but you, and we were six then so it doesn't really count. I don't know how to kiss .. I've never been kissed before ... What if I do it wrong? Do I stick my tongue down his throat? Do I just open my mouth and see what he does? I just don't know Andy I'm way too nervous about this. I just wish I could skip the whole first kiss thing and be good at it with Michael." Emily couldn't stop herself from spilling all of her fears to Andy. She got that all out in one breath and sighed a huge sigh when she was finished. She couldn't meet Andy's eyes, and she fiddled with her fingers, embarrassed by her lack of experience. She truly was terrified of her first kiss, because what if she was bad at it and Michael didn't want to see her anymore? She knew it was probably stupid because Michael wasn't that shallow .. but she couldn't help it.

"I don't know Andy. I'm just being dumb I guess. But it's scary ya know?" she shifted on the sofa and continued fumbling around her hands, unable to look up at her best friend.

"Andrew .. you should not stay with a girl simply because she is a 'good fuck'' That's leading her on and you could hurt her. You didn't have to ditch her tonight .. but I'm glad you did. Besides, she seems kinda weird. Especially if the stuff you're seeing online is freaky .. I'd be careful Andy. Listen to me, giving YOU sex advice, that's funny eh?"

"Yes, it is funny, Emily. Besides, I haven't looked at any of the stuff on the 'Net yet. Besides, Charlotte started out as a friends with benefits kind of thing, but she's taking way more seriously than I am. That's why I'm taking the time off to have a think about what I want to do about it. You know me, I don't want to hurt her or any of the other girls I've been with. So, you can just calm yourself down, oh protector of the weaker sex. I do happen to have some idea of what I am doing."

Andy took the playful slap as intended with a melodramatic display of mortal pain from the life ending blow, which was ruined by his own laughter.

"Andy! He's not a sleaze. And I don't know. I guess that's what I'm worried about. I mean, I like him a lot and I want to ... to kiss him I guess. But I haven't kissed any one but you, and we were six then so it doesn't really count. I don't know how to kiss .. I've never been kissed before ... What if I do it wrong? Do I stick my tongue down his throat? Do I just open my mouth and see what he does? I just don't know Andy I'm way too nervous about this. I just wish I could skip the whole first kiss thing and be good at it with Michael."

"Of course he is. All young men are sleazes at this age. Some hide it better than others." But as she continued telling him of her concerns about even kissing Michael, Andy started to see just how important this was for his good friend. He cast his mind back to when he first kissed a girl with intent. He was scared about how good he would do. But he was able to laugh about it afterward, disarming the potential embarrassment by getting in first. Em was really, really nervous about it. When she was concerned about something, always watching the ever moving fingers.

He tried taking a step back, figuratively, and looked at Em as a young man looked at a young woman. It took him a long while to get his mind in the right space, but what he saw was a very attractive woman. A rather borderline terminally shy woman, but still very attractive. Lots of women applied makeup, and wore clothing to enhance themselves, but Em seemed not to need that. She was who she was, comfortable with that. She didn't need to work on attracting attention. He thought she was being way to hard on herself.

"I don't know Andy. I'm just being dumb I guess. But it's scary ya know?"

While he was still looking at her a little more distantly than normal, the idea flashed through his head on how to change at least one aspect of her fears.

"Hey, Em." He rose up onto his knees, bending over to get closer to her. When she looked up, her face was a fraction of an inch away from his. Forcing himself so he didn't loose the momentum, he closed the distance and kissed Em just as he would give any other girl a first kiss.

His lips brushed hers lightly for a moment, then pressed back to cushion themselves on both of hers. He moved his lips to bring them into contact with as much of hers as he could, before slowly shifting the positioning a little to change the feel and sensation. To his surprise, he found himself liking the feel of Em's lips on his own in that way. But then, he let himself move away from her slowly, their lips peeling apart gently until Andy was sitting opposite Em again.

"Well... there you go, Em. You have been kissed. Properly. And if you can do something like that with Michael, you'll have no problems about him thinking you're silly, or anything else." Andy nodded. "That, Em, was a good kiss from a novice."

"Hey Em," she looked up and was surprised at Andy's close proximity. Before she could say anything, his lips were pressed against hers in a kiss .. Her first kiss. It took Emily a second to process what was happening before she had to tell her lips to move in turn. She closed her eyes and tried to find the right way to position her lips against Andy's. In this moment she wasn't thinking of him as just Andy, her best friend. She was seeing him as a guy. An attractive one at that who she loved and admired, even moreso now that he was doing this for her. Too soon Andy pulled his lips away from her and she slowly opened her eyes to see him smiling at her.

"Well... there you go, Em. You have been kissed. Properly. And if you can do something like that with Michael, you'll have no problems about him thinking your silly, or anything else." Andy nodded. "That, Em, was a good kiss from a novice."

Emily blushed at his words. She unconsciously raised a hand to her lips, already missing the sensation of Andy's lips against hers. She wanted to do it again, she didn't feel that simply one kiss was good enough. What if Michael wanted to kiss her more? What if he wanted to touch her? She shook the thoughts from her head and decided she'd worry about that later. She'd had her first kiss. It was over, and thinking about it, she wouldn't have rather had it with anyone else.

Without thinking, she launched across the sofa and wrapped her arms around Andy. "Thank you so much Andy. I swear I'd die without you." She released him and sat back down on her knees. "And no wonder you get so many ladies, you're a great kisser. Not that my opinion is based on anything else," she said with a laugh. "Really Andy, thank you so much. I'd have never thought to ask you to do something like that."

Andy had a slight bout of nerves once the reality of what he did settled in. He had kissed Em like a girl he was wanted to date, or get to know a lot better. It felt really good and slightly wrong. He was a little worried about how Em would take being kissed by him. Kissed like that at least. But the lovely blush, and the way her hand went to her mouth eased a lot of the tension he was feeling. At least she wasn't going to tear his head off.

Without warning, or even time to ready himself, Em flung herself at him giving him a strong hug. It took no thought on his part of what he should do as his own arms wrapped around her. There was something just right about holding Em. He held lots of women close like that, but the feelings were more lusty when it happened. With Em, it was comforting.

"Thank you so much Andy. I swear I'd die without you."

"Let's not test that, huh?" Then she was gone from his arms, sitting back beside him, still happy and bubbly. He felt warm inside that he was able to lift her out of her doldrums so easily.

"And no wonder you get so many ladies, you're a great kisser. Not that my opinion is based on anything else. Really Andy, thank you so much. I'd have never thought to ask you to do something like that."

"Yeah, I know you wouldn't. So, I thought I would, you know. It was nothing planned, just a spur of the moment thing. Not that scary, huh? Kissing is easy if you just relax and do it. Assuming that you want to do it with the person you're kissing. Plus, the more you do it with someone, the better it gets. So don't panic if he wants seconds, or if you do.

"Now, I don't know about you, but I'm felling a little hungry, and I could definitely go a soda. You want anything?" Andy got off the sofa and headed to the kitchen. He found an unopened bottle of cola, along with a large packet of potato chips. He dumped the chips into a bowl, grabbed a couple of large plastic glasses, and brought the lot back to the lounge room.

"I know... 'Um, Andy, just get something. I'm fine with whatever you get.' So, chips and cola it is. House rules from here in, so help yourself." He grabbed a handful of chips, busily munching the handful trying to ease the hunger he was starting to feel.

"So, you hoping that Prince Michael will want a kiss from maiden fair at the end of the night? It don't let him go any further than kissing you on the lips. Holding hands is fine too. If he's a good fellow, that'll be enough for him. What else is there...?"

He poured himself a drink, and filled Em's glass as well. He took a mouthful of cola, staring off into space while trying to think. "Well, I guess that you'll ask if you have any other questions, won't you, Em."

Before she could respond, Andy had already answered his own question. The annoying part was that he was right, because Emily really was hungry and thirsty herself. "Thanks Andy," she snatched the bag of chips from his hands and he shoveled a handful in and attempted to talk to her.

"Well, yes. Now that you've um .. helped me, I'm not so nervous. So I mean .. yeah, I uh. I hope he kisses me. That'd be nice," she unconsciously touched her lip as her cheeks grew pink, remembering the feel of someone else's lips against hers and she smiled. "Yeah, that'd be real nice," she said, with more confidence this time.

Holding hands is fine too. If he's a good fellow, that'll be enough for him. What else is there...?"

Her cheeks turned a deep red at the thought of the millions of other things Andy could be referring to. "Thanks Andy. I about had a nervous breakdown over a kiss, and now you're gonna freak me out about this stuff!" she teased with a smile, though there was some truth to what she was saying. She didn't want to think about the many things that followed a first kiss. One obstacle at a time, she told herself.

"You've been so much help Andy. I knew I could count on you to give me the best advice. I feel fully prepared for my first official date," she said is a mock professional voice. She wondered if indeed she did have any more questions for Andy at the moment, but she didn't. She knew she'd have millions in the future, if and when things progressed with Michael, but how could Andy help her with that sort of thing? Certainly not the way he helped her with the kissing problem .. though it would be nice..... She shook the thought from her head, embarrassed that it had even entered her brain.

She cleared her throat a bit too loudly. "Oh yes Andy, I'll definitely let you know if I have any questions." She added quietly, "I'm sure I'll have plenty."

Andy watched Em with clear delight as she adjusted to everything that had happened. She was blushing over the kiss, which had him wondering a little. But then she was more confident about her first date with Michael.

Andy thought back to when he told her about his first date with Susan, the first girl he was serious enough about to start dating. 'Shit, did Em get jealous about that? Was she happy? Nervous? Scared a little? Of course she would have been some of those - she's a girl after all.' He frowned a little at the last thought, but pushed it aside. focusing again on his good friend next to him.

"Em, it's good to see you a lot happier than when you turned up. It makes me feel so much better knowing I have helped you. So, what do you want to do now? We can... actually watch something we want to watch, rather than have something on as a reminder of when to stop talking and go to bed, or we could actually retire and let you get a good night's sleep before your big date," Andy took a sip from his glass, "or we could practice kissing some more so you'll feel even more confident with Michael."

The last suggestion caught Andy by surprise. He moved quickly, before Em said anything in response. "I mean, who couldn't blame for making that last suggestion. Getting a chance to kiss a pretty girl again... besides, I'd be doing to help you out... as your friend."

'Christ, that sounded lame to my ears. What the hell will Em think? That I'm trying to stake a claim on her or something? I'm not jealous of some other fella who's caught her eye. Nah, I'm just trying to help out. Yeah, being a dating mentor. Fuck, I'm clever at times.'

He grabbed another handful of chips, slowly working his way through them as he brought his inner turmoil under control. The last thing Em needed now was for him to appear unsettled about her dating another guy. He wouldn't fuck that up for her. Not intentionally.

"So, what will it be, Em?"

"or we could practice kissing some more so you'll feel even more confident with Michael."

Emily was so caught off guard she wondered if she'd actually said her thoughts out loud. Here she was, indeed wanting more practice but not knowing how to ask, and Andy was offering his services to her! She smiled on the inside, excited to feel his lips against hers again. But then, her conscious kicked in.

Was this really a good idea? It's one thing to have one kiss as just a friendly gesture, but to practice more? Would this ruin out friendship? Would it make things awkward? She couldn't stop from asking herself all of these questions, and she was fighting with herself whether she should or not. If she said no, would it hurt Andy's feelings? And plus, saying no would be a complete lie, because she really really wanted to kiss him again.

She was wringing her hands constantly, and she knew this was her give. Andy knew her like the back of his hand and when she wrung her hands like she was now, he knew she was battling inside herself. Her breathing picked up also with her nervousness, and she willed her heart to slow down. She reached up to place a loose strand of hair behind her ear and swallowed hard.

"So, what will it be, Em?"

Emily took a deep breath, bit her bottom lip, and in a motion so minuscule you'd have to be studying her hard, like Andy was, she nodded her head. She didn't make eye contact with him because her nerves were taking over. She felt like she was talking to a stranger, but she wasn't. She steadied her breathing and told hersel to calm down. This was Andy, her best friend. He of all people would be the last to judge her on her kissing skill. She shook her head, ridding her nerves, and for the first time locked in on Amdy's gaze. His eyes had a different look to them, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

"Yeah, okay. I think that could be a good idea. I mean .. As a friend.. It's a really nice thing to do ... And it would really be helping .." as she babbled her nerves won and she looked away again, her confidence leaving after making a very short appearance.

He was trying to figure a way out of the spot he put himself in, without hurting Em in the process. His offer was not a good idea he realized, but he could see how she was thinking on it. Hard, really, really hard. Everything was telling him he had put her on the spot, and she was tearing herself up inside over what was more a joking option than anything serious.

Then came the nod. Her 'I'm scared but I'll do it because you'll be there with me' nod. Andy knew straight away that he had his out, and he knew exactly how to get them both out of the place they weren't comfortable with.

"Yeah, okay. I think that could be a good idea. I mean .. As a friend.. It's a really nice thing to do ... And it would really be helping .."

Andy smiled, reaching out to cup her chin and guiding her to look at him again.

"The absolute, cardinal law of dating, Em. If in doubt, don't do it." He let go of her, keeping her gaze with his own. "Given how much time and effort it took, I think us practicing would not be a good idea. Tell you what. I'll find us something relaxing to watch, then we'll get some sleep so you'll be all ready for your first ever, real date with a guy." He leaned forward with a mock frown, and stared at her through his eyebrows. "And I want a complete blow by blow run down of the date afterwards. I need to know whether or not to dust off the bat."

He jumped out of the sofa, popped in '10 things I hate about you' into one of the empty spots in the player, then got it going. He got back to the sofa, planting himself right beside Em, dropping a friendly arm around her.

"No more dating talks, or any of that boring stuff. Let's watch Julia and Heath get on each other's nerves."

For a split second, when Andy touched her chin, Emily thought he was going to kiss her. When he didn't, she felt a slight tinge of disappointment... and hurt. Why didn't he want to kiss her again? Andy was talking to her and looking her in te eye, but she wasn't comprehending what he was saying. Her mind was racing. She was over thinking this way too much, like she always did. Over thinking a stupid first kiss is what got her in the position in the first place.

After a moment, a wave of relief came over her because she realized maybe Andy was having the same concerns that she was battling herself. She was thankful that he could tell what she was thinking, and is no doubt why he changed the subject.

"You'll be first to know every detail Andy. But dot get your batting gloves on too soon, who knows what'll happen," she laughed as he got up to put in a movie. Of course he picked one of her favorites, and her mood immediately was lifted, again, thanks to her best friend. He plopped on the couch next to her, placing his arm around her. Instinctively she nestled her head against him in a position that until right now seemed completely innocent. They'd always been affectionate towards one another, but now something seemed different... No. Emily shook the feeling. Nothing had changed. They were still the same two best friends, and there was nothing different accept for one kiss.

She reached an arm across Andy's belly and hugged him close, the events of this day catching up with her, her mind inevitably wandering to her father back at home. She hadn't heard any yelling for a while, so he wasn't likely passed out on the couch, where he'd be tomorrow afternoon when Emily went home. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, realizing how lucky she was to have Andy. She couldn't imagine anyone ever knowing her like Andy did, or ever even wanting to.

She sighed and gave him one more squeeze. "Thank you Andy. You really are my best friend. I love you more than you could ever know," she said just above a whisper. Her eyes opened briefly, but she quickly dozed off before the DVD had even reached the title screen.

Andy liked the hug Em gave him. It was really the most telling part of their friendship. They hugged each other lots. It was, in his mind, their way of shaking hands, saying hello, and making sure the other was still there and OK.

"Thank you Andy. You really are my best friend. I love you more than you could ever know."

He was about to reply when the last sentence slipped through a gap in the sound track. He was surprised, a little, but then he felt that same way about her. She was his best friend too, and after some thought, he loved her too.

"Anytime, Em. That's what best friends are for. I love you too." He held her in place, enjoying the contact. Any other girl, he'd be having a partial boner at least, thinking of how he could entice her head into his lap to enjoy what was down there, before sneaking in a little of the same in return later on. But those thoughts never crossed his mind with Em. It took him a while to figure it out.

"You're not casual fuck material, Em," he whispered very softly as the movie played. "You're someone who is to be loved. I think that when you're ready, Michael is going to be one very lucky fellow to have earned your trust enough to share yourself with him. But if he ever treats you like a casual fuck, so help me I'll kill him."

Andy watched the movie all the way through, then carefully carried Em up to the spare room. His family casually called it Emily's bedroom given that she seemed to be the only person who slept in it. He laid her in the bed, tucking her in. He gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. "Sleep well, Princess. Prince Charming will sweep you off your feet tomorrow."

Andy retreated to his own room, flopping down on his bed and falling asleep.


The following weeks Andy barely saw Em at all. He hoped to see her the following Sunday, but she wasn't home, or she was too busy to surface. He never saw her through the week, mainly due to classes and his time with Charlotte. He wanted to see if he could enjoy the things she did. By the end of the week, he realized he didn't, and it wouldn't be fair to Charlotte to keep things going. They talked about it that Friday night, and she took it very well when he told her the truth. She asked him to come over Saturday, stay the night, and let her say "goodbye" to him.

It was a weekend that almost made him change his mind about her. By Sunday night, he was exhausted, but almost on a sustained high from the sex they had. Even in classes, she was still on good terms with him, but the flirty wasn't there. It felt good to have that confusion gone from his life.

In that second week, he saw Em a couple of times, always in the company of the same guy. The fellow was nothing spectacular, very average in just about all visible ways. But the smiles they shared spoke whole volumes, as well as the one time they held hands. The bat was going to safely gather dust for a long time to come.

The second weekend, he scared his parents by doing assignments all weekend. They thought he had been abducted by aliens, and some doppelganger had been put in his place, or he was delirious with fever. His efforts got him two As and a B+.

Half way through the third week, he finally caved. Wednesday afternoon, nothing from Em, not even another brief sighting of her anywhere. He got his phone out, and fired off a quick text.

Em, you up for a chat over the weekend? Don't bump anything, but if you're free, let me know. Andy.

"Nah... why the fuck would I be jealous? She's been kissing the fellow and holding hands. Em's never bitched once when she's heard about me fucking some gal or other. It's not like I think about her that way. So chill, dickhead. Be happy for her. She's happy, so I should be happy too. I just hope Michael let's her up for air soon."

He went to his classes, and waited for her reply, not giving a fuck about anything else.

"Who's so important that they're stealing your attention?" Emily heard Michael ask as she read Andy's text with a smile. It did make her feel bad though. They hadn't had any time together in almost three weeks, and she really did miss him. The past two weeks had been pure bliss for Emily. She and Michael were very much enjoying one another's company and Emily enjoyed every minute she'd spent with Michael. But she needed to see her best friend.

"Oh it's just Andy," she replied as she responded to his text eagerly. "We're gonna hang out this weekend. Probably Friday night." She spoke as she typed Yes please! Movie night Friday? Miss u so much! before pressing send and putting her phone down and moving closer to Michael on the couch. She snuggled close to him but he seemed stiff, and she knew why.

"It's just Andy! Don't be that guy Michael," she teased. "He's my best friend!"

"I know I know. I'm just being stupid. Have fun babe," he answered, giving her a kiss on the forehead and pressing play on the movie. Emily smile to herself, excited to see her best friend, but also a little disappointed and Michael's lack of affection. They never actually watched the movies. They spent their nights together doing plenty of kissing, and Emily had gotten very good at it, but kissing wasn't all they could do forever.

She knew why Michael wasn't even trying to kiss her. The night before last things had been getting a little intense. They were touching and feeling, something Emily had become comfortable with and actually enjoyed. She got a weird sensation when Michael touched her, and it felt wonderful. But that night, Michael attempted to touch her.. below the waist. Not expecting it at all and not knowing what to do, Emily freaked out and stopped things immediately. She'd never had anyone touch her there before, and she was taken back to the feelings she ha about kissing Michael for the first time. Where was Andy to help her through this time?

Michael had been taken aback of course, and when he asked if Emily had ever done anything like that before, she lied and said yes. She didn't want to say no and look silly because she knew that Michael had had plenty of experience. She told him she just wasn't ready yet, and that she just liked to move very slow.

Now she had herself in a predicament. She'd lied to Michael, and now when he wanted to try again she would have no clue what to do. She couldn't tell him te truth because he'd be mad that she lied, ad maybe e wouldn't even like we after he learned she had zero experience.

She prayed that Andy would agree to Friday night and she could ask him for advice. For a moment she even considered asking him for more 'hands kn' advice, because she really wanted to impress Michael. But she figured that would be taking advantage of Andy's willingness to help her. She'd decided that she'd just explain her problem and that if he offered, she would not refuse.

Andy fumbled his phone when the unique ring tone told him that Em had finally replied.

"Thanks, Michael, for letting her come up for air." He cycled his way through the options to get to the message, mucking it up along the way twice, before he got to what he was looking for.

Yes please! Movie night Friday? Miss u so much!

Andy sagged with relief, as he sent back his own reply of c u then. He sighed and laughed a little at himself. Slipping the phone back in his pocket, he headed off. Things were going well for her, and he was looking forward to seeing Em, especially when she talked about Michael.

"Knowing Em, she's probably just been kissing him, and little else. Well, if the fellow's any good, he would have figured out how to entice her out of her shell. Either way, I'll find out on Friday."


Andy found it hard to concentrate on anything between getting Em's text and Friday night. He sat on one of the chairs, watching the TV while his parents split their time looking at the TV, him and each other.

"You think something big is going on?" Dad's whisper was loud enough for Andy to hear. Andy ignored him.

"Mhmmm. Em's dating a guy." Mum kept the same volume.

"Oh... no wonder I haven't seen her recently."

"Yes, she's coming over for them to gossip about it, like he does about his girlfriends."

Andy went slightly red.

"He's a good lad. Not the slightest ounce of jealousy in him at all."

His mother turned her head in surprise to look at her husband.

"The bat is still gathering dust in his room after all." Dad's voice was deadpan flat, but his mother's laughter was almost musical.

"Men."

"Yep, we know how to deal with our own, when it comes to the important things. Right, son?"

"Right, Dad." Andy replied with the same whisper his parents used.

All three of them broke up laughing.

Andy was out of the chair in a flash when Em gave her distinctive knock. He was grinning broadly as he brought his laughter under control opening the door. "Hey Em. Don't worry, the oldies were just being senile again."

"What? Who was that? Did you say something then, Cheryl?" This led to the parents bursting out into more laughter as they stood up. "Good night, you two. Enjoy the movie, and talking all about the lucky young fellow."

"Night, mum. Night, dad."

He flopped onto the sofa, not bothering putting on a movie to disguise what they were going to be doing. He was smiling happily at Em, patting the seat next to him.

"Well, I don't have to ask if things are working out or not. The few times I've seen you, you've been smiling and not very far from the new man in your life. So, spill. How did the first date go? How are things now?"

Emily's week flew by, most of it being spent with Michael to make up for their separation on Friday night. The two were basically glued at the hip, but they were still in that 'honeymoon' phase of their relationship. Emily, however, hadn't been too focused on Michael since that 'incident'. All she could think about was how she was going to tell all this to Andy.

Her dad was passed out on the couch as Emily was leaving for Andy's. She wrote him a note like normal he wasn't in a rage, and she kissed him goodbye on the cheek. He'd been getting worse lately, and she was starting to get worried, but that wasn't something she needed to deal with on top of everything else.

She made her way quickly across the lawn to Andy's, eager to wrap her arms around him and feel that warmth. Despite the connection she had with Michael, she still didn't have that feeling of being safe, and the no fear of judgement that she felt when she was with Andy. She wasn't sure if she ever would.

She was greeted with a smiling Amdy, and laughter from his parents in the other room. She smiled and said goodnight to them as they exited before practically tackling Andy to the couch. She wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled into his chest, and breathed a sigh of relief. "I missed you," she whispered against him before releasing him.

He sat on the couch and Em plopped down next to him, ready for the interrogation. Seeing how eager he was to know about her and Michael only made her feel more guilty for neglecting her friend over the past few weeks. She faced Andy on the couch, resting her head in her hand which was propped on the back of the sofa, and couldn't help but smile.

"Things are good Andy. I really really like him." She proceeded to tell Andy every detail of the past few weeks, leaving out her little 'problem', deciding she woukd drop that bomb later. She told him how much of a gentleman Michael was on the first date holding doors, pulling out her chair and how he'd kissed her only after ensuring she was okay with it. Despite the girlie, oo's and ahh's of her story, Andy stayed attentive and genuinely interested in her recount of the last two weeks.

Despite going weeks without seeing each other, they picked things up right where they left off. It was like no time had passed at all, but their kiss seemed to have happened ages ago. Emily wondered if they would talk about it .. If they even should talk about it, and it was a weight that she kept with her while they caught up with one another.

"I really missed you Andy. I'm sorry I haven't seen you as much as you know I'd love to. But apparently you've been pretty busy yourself eh? How's Charlotte?"

Andy listened as Em spoke of her first date. He was pleased with how Michael had treated her, and that she was fine kissing him on their first real date. He was equally happy to hear about how well things were going for the two of them, enjoying lots of time together. He found that there was some tension there that disappeared with the news. He realized that he was nervous about things going wrong for her. That made him feel better for many reasons.

"I really missed you Andy. I'm sorry I haven't seen you as much as you know I'd love to. But apparently you've been pretty busy yourself eh? How's Charlotte?"

Andy looked relaxed. "Well, I tried things Charlotte's way for the week after we last talked. It was interesting, but it just didn't feel right. She was in heaven, and couldn't get enough. But on the Friday after we talked, I sat down with Charlotte and told her I couldn't keep going. I even told her why, keeping nothing back. I said it all nicely, but I told her the truth. She asked me to come back on the Saturday, so she could 'say goodbye'." Andy went a little red. "Em, I was with her for nearly a day and a half, and I got maybe four hours sleep. What she did... was amazing. Almost made me decide to keep things going it was that good.

"But she explained some things to me as well. I am like the third guy she's had the guts to ask to do that stuff with her, and the first that didn't screw it up for her or make her feel worthless. I felt kinda bad about breaking it off with her, for how she felt about it. But, she was happy, Em. She told me that she understood. She felt that she wasn't the right one for me, and she liked how I respected her enough to tell her. We still hang out, as friends. It's odd, but I'm getting used to it now. She's sort of like you, only a bit more distant. She's going to be a good friend in time, Em. I've never had a girl like her who wanted to keep around afterwards. It's nice to know it can happen."

He fixed Em with a cheeky stare and a wicked grin. "So, I gather that you didn't mutter my name by mistake when you first kissed him. Have you been keeping him on a tight leash, or have you allowed him to wander a little? Have you wandered at all, beyond hugging, tonsil hockey and holding hands?"

Emily couldn't stop the blush that filled her cheeks as Andy referenced his sexcapades with Charlotte, but she has to let him get his side out. If he could sit through her gushing about Michael for a half an hour, she certainly could handle his few moments of sex talk. Besides, she needed I get more comfortable talking about it right?

As he talked about how well he and Charlotte continued to get along, she felt a hint of jealousy. When he said that Charlotte was a lot like her as he could see her beig a great friend, the little green guy made his appearance. She didn't want Charlotte moving in on her best friend. Had she been neglecting him that much that he was trying to replace her? She didn't think things were that bad...

No. She was just being stupid and jealous. It was a weird feeling. Em had never been jealous of any of Andy's girlfriends before, but then again Andy had never really been 'friends' with any of them after he dumped him. Either way, she had no right to be jealous .. Especially of Charlotte. Andy was allowed to have girl friends. She'd always be his best friend, and she knew that deep down, but it didn't make the jealousy any better.

"I'm sorry things didn't work out Andy." She wanted to question him about the sorts of things they tried and what exactly Charlotte explained to him, but she didn't want to pry. Andy would tell her in time if he felt the need and if he even wanted to. Maybe some things were too private for her to know. That wasn't going to stop her from spilling her guts to Andy though; he wouldn't let it go until she did.

She chuckled at his way of asking things, but her smile didn't reach her eyes. With a heavy sigh and her wringing her hands, she proceeded to tell Andy every detail of that awful night with Michael. "He's never touched me under the clothes, just over them, and only .. here," she said gesturing to her upper body. She explained how she'd panicked when he tried, and how he lied to him about her experience.

"I don't know what I'm going to do Andy. I tell him the truth and I look like an idiot, I don't tell him the truth and I look like and idiot because I don't even know how to touch a guy ... there." She looked away from him when she said this, fighting the tears. She didn't want to cry over something so ridiculous, but she was embarrassed, and mad at herself for getting in this situation. She wanted so bad to ask for Andy's help, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She wouldn't be able to handle it if he reacted badly. She didn't want to be embarrassed around another guy, let alone the most important one in her life. "I don't know what I'm gonna do Andy," she barely got the words out before a tear fell from her face. Wiping it away angrily, she turned away from Andy on the couch, not wanting to see the 'i feel so bad for you Em because you're so pathetic' look on his face.

Andy sat almost dumbstruck as Em told him about what happened and how she reacted. He false smile was the first warning, but not even that prepared him for the social minefield Em had put herself in. Sure, he had girls react the same way as Em had, but they never lied about having the experience. Well, not openly. At worst, they dodged and claimed they weren't in the mood, or rolled out the 'that time of the month' excuse, which said it without actually saying it.

"I don't know what I'm going to do Andy. I tell him the truth and I look like an idiot, I don't tell him the truth and I look like and idiot because I don't even know how to touch a guy ... there. I don't know what I'm gonna do Andy."

She was fighting back the tears, and rightfully so after what happened. He knew Em was prone to panic, but that badly? She turned herself from him as the tears finally broke free. He gave her a few moments to let them out before he shuffled over and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Em, I'm sorry that this has happened to you. But... why? Why lie about it? Everyone has a first boyfriend or girlfriend, Em. Not everyone is experienced. I know you want it to be perfect, or as close as possible. But doing silly things like that isn't going to help." He let his head rest against her shoulder, sighing softly. "Helping you with kissing was one thing. It was... safe. Helping you with the rest of it... that get's trickier, Em. I mean, you weren't thinking of asking for my help again, were you?"

He thought it through, seeing how she panicked over something simple as touching somewhere through clothing, even if that was tackled, like kissing, would she do the same when nakedness came into play? His head slowly lifted from her shoulder, and he moved himself back far enough to allow Em enough room to turn around.

"Em," he said in a very cautious and serious tone, "look at me. Were you thinking of asking me to help you out with other dating stuff?"

Feeling Andy's arms around her only made the tears flow more steadily. She was embarrassed and tried to will them away, but she gave in and sunk backwards against Andy and cried.

"I don't know Andy, I just don't," she squeaked out through tears. "I panicked. Michael ... he's plenty experienced. God, nearly as much as you, he told me all about it. I .. I didn't want to look stupid. What if he didn't like an inexperienced girl? Ugh ... I don't know Andy. It was stupid, I freaked. But now there's nothing I can do about it." Emily felt defeated. She knew she was jug going to have to tell Michael the truth, and surely he'd dump her after she lied to him within the first few weeks of dating. He'd think he couldn't trust her. "I've ruined everything Andy. Why do I do stupid things like this?" She still couldn't bare to face him.

"Helping you with kissing was one thing. It was... safe. Helping you with the rest of it... that get's trickier, Em. I mean, you weren't thinking of asking for my help again, were you?"

Emily's body went immediately rigid as Andy mentioned this. He must've noticed her reaction because he released her and repeated the question. Great! Now I've ruined my relationship with Andy too! She could hear the shock, and what she perceived as disgust, in his voice. Why did he have to ask! She wasn't going to say anything, but now ... Emily didn't know what to do. It was obvious by his reaction that asking him or help would've been a bad idea. It's a good thing she lied to Michael, even Andy didn't want to deal with an inexperienced girl.

Wiping her tears she turned to look at Andy, and the look on his face ruined her. The dam broke and tears flooded her face. "just forget it Andy. It was stupid okay? The idea crossed my head but I wasn't going to ask because I was afraid that this might happen." She flung her hands in the air and stood up, looking for her bag.

"I'm just gonna go home. I'm an idiot. I knew you'd react this way and that's why I didn't ask Andy. I don't know what I was thinking." As she headed for the door she heard a faint and distant banging, and she knew immediately that her father was in a rage again. Fuck me. Is the whole world just gonna crash down on me today? Em knew she couldn't go home now, and truthfully she didn't want to. And now with her dad, she knew that Andy wouldn't let her.

How could this have all gone so wrong? What was she thinking that Andy would want to help her? Well .. he was the one who kissed her! She never would've asked him that, but he did. Didn't he think that would give Em te impression he was willing to help? But then again, kissing and ... other stuff are very different. How could she expect Andy to do anything else? Emily couldn't stop arguing with hersel in her head, but she didn't know what else to say. She heard another banging and she turned again to look at Andy, feeling more miserable and pathetic than she had ever felt in her life.

Andy had no idea what was going on with Em. For the first time in ages, he was clearly confused by what was happening. Tears were pouring down her face, and she looked a right mess.

"just forget it Andy. It was stupid okay? The idea crossed my head but I wasn't going to ask because I was afraid that this might happen."

While she was verging on another of her panics, Andy was replaying things in his mind trying to see where this came from and what she was referring to. She wanted his help, and he was making sure that is what she was going to do. He wanted to be clear, and somehow, she took it differently?

"I'm just gonna go home. I'm an idiot. I knew you'd react this way and that's why I didn't ask Andy. I don't know what I was thinking."

"What? Wait a -" He saw Em stop, and he listened, hearing the telltale sounds of Em's dad in a mood again. It was just what he needed to keep Em from dashing home. He would run after her if she did, but in her state, she would probably not open the door for him. He saw what could have been defeat in her stance. She slumped, turning to look back his way. He felt horrible that Em looked and felt so bad.

He did something he never had done before with Em.

"You. Sit!" He pointed at the sofa where she had been sitting before. He kept his stern gaze on her until she sat down. He steeled himself against the way she was almost cringing from him, and he walked over, and squatted down near her.

"Now, Emily, you listen to me carefully. You trust me, don't you? When I guessed that you were going to ask me for help again, I wanted to make sure that I understood things right. I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm fairly sure that it's way off the mark." He took a deep breath, pushing his hair away from his face to help him focus. "Your panicking like this, right now, is going to be the death of you, Em. Seeking help on stuff like this is... not usual." He took a deep breath, calming himself down further.

"Look, you know I am here for you, however I can, as long as I don't break any laws. I know you'll do the same for me. Hell, we've both helped each other through some shit in our times that no one else could have done. You mean more to me than my parents at times, Em. No shit. But this is what you have to ask yourself, Em, and have absolutely zero doubts about any of the questions.

"If you are serious about this, Em, are you prepared to do whatever I tell you to do? You're asking me to do some very intimate things with you, Em, so you can learn. So, you'll need to do as you're told. You'll have a chance to ask questions and experiment, but for the most part, when I tell you, you do it.

"Do you trust me? Really trust me? It would be really easy to think that I would just take advantage of you by doing this. But that will be the last thing on my mind. I'll teach you what you need to know, but you will need to do it first hand, so to speak.

"Can you be fully honest with me? If you have a question, will you ask it, no matter how silly you feel it may be? I also hope that you will believe the answers I give you as well.

"Finally, and most importantly, how far do you want this teaching to go, Em? I know you very well, and I will tell you this. Whoever is your first will know you're a virgin. No ifs, buts or maybes. But your first can never be changed, and will be with you forever - good or bad. So, you can be taught about that, but Michael will know that someone else got you first. Or, you can let him be the first, but there is no way you would have any experience worth a damn."

Andy rubbed his face, and shifted his position a little. "Look, I don't know what you thought when I asked you. But this is important stuff, something that I don't want to screw up, and wreck what we have. I'm not going to take an answer from you now. We need to talk on this more, Em, before the final decision is made. But most importantly, you need to get it clear in your head, then prove to me that you have got it clear, and you have no doubts. Cause if you do Em, you'll have to face Michael by yourself, and whatever fallout occurs."

Emily was so schocked at Andy's forceful tone, she obeyed without saying a word and sat down on the sofa. She felt like a child, being scolded at while she was crying. She was so mad at herself.

"Now, Emily, you listen to me carefully. You trust me, don't you? When I guessed that you were going to ask me for help again, I wanted to make sure that I understood things right. I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm fairly sure that it's way off the mark."

Emily was confused. What did he mean she was 'way off the mark?' Wait ... was Andy actually going to help her? Her brow creased as she listened to Andy speak and tried to make sense of it all. She fought hard with herself to keep eye contact with him, not wanting to miss a hint of anything negative in his eyes. He took a breath in between each statement, undoubtedly trying to calm himself down. Emily felt bad now for getting him all worked up, but what was she supposed to think? As Andy admitted that he actually was considering helping her, Emily had realized she'd just put herself on the defensive way to quickly before Andy could reject her; just like she'd done with Michael.

Can I do whatever Andy tells me? Of course, she answered herself. She knew that Andy knew what he was doing and she didn't. He'd be telling her things only to help her out, and it would be disrespectful for her to question him after asking for help. She nodded yes as he continued to speak.

Trust him? Absolutely. Emily knew that Andy would never do anything to hurt her. She trusted him with her life. And although yes, it would be extremely easy for anyone to take advantage of her, she knew Andy would never do that. That's why she was asking him in the first place.

Honesty? Check! Look at the situation! Emily never would've gotten into this situation if it wasn't for her inability to lie to Andy. There's no way she could ever hide anything from him. And her curiosity would force her to ask any questions she had.

How far did she want this to go? Now that's something Emily hadn't considered. If there was anyone she'd trust and care enough for to take her virginity it would be Andy .. but was she sure she was ready for that? And how could she be sure she wouldn't fall in love with Michael and want him to have that honor later on down the road? And she also didn't want to give away her virginity just because Andy was 'helping' her. She'd want him to want it to of course. Then there was the whole thing about it supposedly hurting ... She knew Andy would never hurt her, maybe he should do it. Had Andy ever taken someone's virginity? Maybe it could be a first for both of them, and she'd be teaching him something in the process. It was a nice thought, but she just wasn't sure. She wanted to think about that later.

She grabbed Andy's shoulders and pulled him onto the couch next to her, her knee still shaking against his, and held his hands to keep from wringing her own. She stared him in the eye, taking a deep breath and regaining her composure.

"When you asked me I thought .." she swallowed hard, and spoke barely above a whisper. "I thought that you were appalled. The way you reacted, you were shocked of course, but I didn't think you'd ever actually consider it. I took it in the worst way possible as usual. I freaked, and I thought I'd ruined us." She glanced at her hands for a moment, then back at Andy.

"But yes Andy. Yes, yes, 100% yes to everything. I trust you with all my heart, you know I'd never lie to you, and you know I'm a good listener." Her lips twitched with a faint smile, knowing that she was always the one bossing him around as kids. "As for the last part ... I don't know how far I'd like this to go. Couldn't that be something we decided along the way? See how it feels?"

"But you have to promise me something too Andy. I don't want to ruin our friendship over something like this, and if you aren't comfortable with this idea then don't do it. You won't hurt me. I don't want to force you into something. And if we do this, and at any point you're uncomfortable, you'll end it. Please, promise me that?"