Hey again everyone! This popped into my head, and i just couldnt get it out. So here you go! Emily is my own character, and Bec is one of my best friends in real life! So yeah, everything pretty much belongs to me... Have fun reading! Criticism welcome :)

Rebecca Hammond sighed for the millionth time that morning, checking her phone again for the time. ''6.45am, she should have arrived by now…' She couldn't help but think, brushing her long silky red hair away from her face. Her pink lips pouted as she thought of the flight being delayed, she'd been waiting here for ages. She knew she was going to be in trouble for it, but she didn't mind. One of her best friends was coming home! She smiled, looking at the arrival gate again. The airport wasn't that bad really, just small. Rebecca's thoughts were cut off as a shriek erupted from the other side of the arrivals lounge,

"BEC!" came the cry, from a brunette sprinting her way over.

"EMILY!" She shouted back, running forward and catching her friend in a big hug. They both laughed, grinning at each other as they pulled away.

"How was your flight?" Rebecca asked taking in the brunette's tired eyes and wrinkled clothing.

"Oh, horrible. My flight was supposed to leave at 3am, as you know, but it didn't leave until 5! I was so tired, Bec." She sighed, her red lips frowning at her horrible morning. "But what about you? Have you been here the entire morning?" Emily's chocolate eyes narrowed at the redhead, her hands on her hips instantly. "Rebecca Hammond, I told you I would call you when I got in!"

Rebecca laughed at her friend; she was in 'nurse mode', and scolding her already.

"Oh shush, you love it. Now come on, let's go. We have to grab your bag, and then we'll go to your parent's house." Emily's frown instantly turned into a smile, and her whole persona brightened instantly

"Then can we go to our apartment?" She squealed excitedly. Rebecca jumped up and down, nodding ecstatically.

Emily had been living in Brisbane for the last 4 years, 3 of them studying nursing and the last one getting in some experience at a busy city hospital. Now she had decided to move to her hometown, Tannum Sands. She and Bec were going to live together, in a 2 bedroom apartment near the beach. They laughed, linking arms and chatting about nothing on the way to Bec's car after grabbing her bag. It was a deep blue Mazda 3, given to her by her parents when they graded up a year or two back.

"Okay, so to the 'rents, then our very own apartment! Plan?" Emily asked, sitting in the front seat for the 20minute drive home. Bec nodded,

"Yep. Oh, and you know we'll have to stay for lunch at your parent's this arvo." The brunette sighed, agreeing.

"Yeah. I mean as if dad would let us go without feeding us! But it's okay, just one night. Then we can cook whatever we want in our apartment!" She laughed, getting even more excited. It was one thing to move out, but to live with one of your best friends? So much better! Rebecca laughed, flicking on the radio. A catchy song started playing and they both sang along, silently studying each other during the ride.

The girls were pretty much polar opposites; Rebecca was average height, a little taller than Emily. She had nice pale skin, a large contrast to Emily's natural golden tan. Where Emily had large, deep chocolate eyes, Bec had shining dark grey-blue eyes. Bec was very active, and naturally very thin. It suited her though, her legs were absolutely killer. Emily, while in no way fat, had soft curves and a bit more meat on her bones.

Rebecca had stayed at home for university, and chose instead to travel a few hours to Rockhampton for her classes. She had studied Psychology for 4 years, and had only graduated a few months back. She had long silky red hair in a straight sheet down her back and a block fringe across her face. She had dark grey-blue eyes, a straight nose and small pink lips. She had really gained her confidence in University though, which is when the men flocked to her. Bec was smart though, and after a few brief relationships was single. Bec had quite a temper, and got worked up very easily. But she was also really nice and incredibly random, always making Emily laugh. She already had a job lined up at the hospital; she would be shadowing the current psychologist around for the next few months until she could take over the job completely. Bec was really excited, because it was the same hospital Emily was going to be working in.

Emily on the other hand, had obviously decided to go abroad for her studies. She was keen to become a nurse and start helping people, and so threw herself into her education. She couldn't help but feel lonely though, in a big city where she didn't know anyone. Emily had long, silky chocolate hair, which curled around her face. She had large brown eyes, a small nose and plump red lips. Her self confidence had never been very high, which accounted for her lack of experience in the dating area. Emily was shy and sweet, and also incredibly loyal. 'Friends were family' was both her and Rebecca's philosophy, and they both knew they could count on each other. Emily also had a job at the local hospital and couldn't wait, the last year had given her a lot of experience and she was eager to jump into it again. Nursing was her passion, and something she knew she did well. It was the one aspect in her life she could take charge and really be strong and confident. She loved it.

As the car pulled up into Emily's parent's driveway, she couldn't help but laugh. There, in their pyjama's and trying to hide their yawns, was both of their family's. Emily's parents and two sisters, and Bec's parents and twin brother. They both got out of the car smiling, while Emily ran up to give her parents a hug. It had been a few months since she'd been home, and she'd missed them deeply.

Rebecca and Emily waved sleepily at their families as they gathered their things to leave, it had been a few hours and they were so ready to get home. They piled into Bec's car quickly, wiping their cheeks to get the lipstick off them, and waving to their family as they pulled out. The car ride home was silent, Emily wiped of previous excitement to see their new home. She was only glad her dad had set up her new king size bed while she was away. It had cost her a whole 2 months pay, but so worth it. Emily loved her sleep, and her new bed was the epitome of perfection. She said good night to Bec (it was only like 6pm, but they had been up at 3am) and went in the direction Bec pointed her. She fell into bed and the world faded blissfully away.

It was 11am the next day when Emily finally jumped out of bed (the girl could sleep for years if she wanted), sprinting around the flat screaming. Bec just laughed, drinking her tea at the kitchen table. The flat was pretty nice; it was a 2 story in a complex of 6. Both bedrooms upstairs, one with an ensuite (which Bec had won in a game of scissors paper rock) and a bathroom downstairs. There was also a recently renovated kitchen and a large lounge room. They were about 5 minutes from the beach, which Bec particularly loved. She liked to go jogging most mornings, and the beach really is beautiful.

Emily sat down at the table panting (excersize was not her friend), and grinned at Bec.

"I like it."

"Good."

"Pancakes?"

"Alright."

Bec sat reading the newspaper as Emily started on pancakes, both in a great mood.

"Oh hey, it says there's a big sale on in town today. Want to go?" Bec asked, reading the notice in the paper. Sounded pretty big, and she did need some new boots…

"Oh yeah, sure! I want to buy some new dresses, and shoes, and a kitten, and some more dresses!" Emily blurted out quickly, grinning at Bec's death glare.

"A kitten? Emily, come on." Bec said, sighing. Do they really need a kitten?

"Oh pretty pretty please! I'll buy it, and its food and I'll look after it all by myself, I promise!" She cried, begging Bec. She loved cats, and she wanted a pet.

"Fine." Bec muttered, scowling at her excited cries, "But if it poops ANYWHERE in the house…" She threatened, glaring at Emily again.

"Yeah yeah I'll clean it up. Yay! I have the perfect name too! Winston." Bec ignored Emily's continued rant about why Winston was the 'most perfect name ever', and instead focused on her cup of tea. A kitten. Just what they needed.

Emily ran into the pet store, ignoring Bec's shouts that she was going to put their shopping in the car. She ran into the store, grinning like crazy. The store attendant noticed her and called her over,

"Hi, is there anyway I can help you today?" He smiled charmingly, raking his eyes over her.

Emily blushed, and muttered, "Im looking for a kitten, can you show me where they are please?"

The attendant frowned, "I'm sorry we actually have no kittens in the store today." Emily's smile faded, and she pouted. "Really?"

He looked hesitant, "Well there is one.. But no one has wanted him because he only has 3 legs. We take on a shelter kitten every few weeks," He explained, "and well no one wants him." Emily's eyes widened, the poor thing!

"Can I have a look at him?" She asked, mind already made up.

"Yeah, I'll just go grab him. Give me a sec."

Emily quickly grabbed a basket as he went out back, and put in 2 bowls, some food, a collar and some kitty litter, as well as a litter tray. She noticed the sign by the edge of the counter that said, 'Engraving Done Here', and grinned even wider. Winston will be so happy! She hastily put her basket on the counter as the attendant came back, holding the smallest ball of fluff she had ever seen. The attendant handed him to her and she gasped, already in love. Winston was tiny, and black as soot all over. His big green eyes looked up at her pleadingly, as if begging her to take him home.
"I'll take him!" She cried, "As well as the stuff in the basket. And can I get the tag engraved please?" She didn't look at the man as she asked, too preoccupied with Winston. But the man rung everything up, and pulled out a cat carrier for her as he went out back with the tag, rolling his eyes at 'Winston'.

Emily put Winston gently on the counter 20minutes later, as the man handed her the tag and asked for the money. She was about to pay him when a shrill beeping suddenly sounded, and Emily widened her eyes as she realised there was a fire. She grabbed her bag and sprinted to the door, as the guy ran out back. She opened the door and the smoke and heat hit her like a wave, where was the nearest exit outside again? She was headed in the direction she thought was right when she realised, she had left Winston back in the store!

Emily turned around and sprinted to the store, barely seeing it through all the smoke. She coughed heavily, searching frantically around the shop. She heard a little mew and went towards the sound just as a voice rung out behind her,

"What the fuck are you doing in here?" Cried a man behind her, and as she spun, Emily saw it was a fireman. She ignored him and went forward, trying to find her kitten.

"What the fuck ar- you know what? You're coming with me. Idiot." He growled, just as she spotted Winston behind the shelf. She smiled and picked him up, just as the fireman picked her up.

"Hey! Put me down!" She shrieked, banging her free hand on his back and kicking her legs frantically.

"Stop it! Im rescuing you! You know there's a fire right?" He shouted, pushing through the doors outside. Emily instantly breathed in a gulp of fresh air, soothing her burning lungs. She was thrown down in front of the ambulance, and she hugged Winston to her chest. The fireman glared at her and walked away, a faint "Stay out of the burning building next time' floating after him. She glared back, and turned around only to face a very angry Bec.

"Emily Jane Shepherd, tell me right this instant why the fuck you were not out here with everyone else the instant the fucking fire alarm went off!?"

Emily cringed, mumbling something under her breath.

"What was that?"

"I said I had to save Winston…"

"Who the... Wait a minute, the cat? You risked your life for a fucking cat?" Bec glared sharply at her, and Emily unconsciously took a step back.

"…yes?"

Bec sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. "Whatever, lets just go. You are going to get it tomorrow!"

The harshness of her tone was destroyed by the monster hug she enveloped Emily in though, and Emily felt instantly guilty, but better at the same time. As they walked out to Bec's car, Emily turned her head to look for the fireman who had saved her and saw him fleetingly, wearing a jacket with 'King' written on the back. She lost sight of him as they got to the car though, and left Emily thinking on how to repay him.

Bec stumbled into the kitchen around 3am, glaring at the perky, flour covered Emily. What the fuck was she doing baking, at 3 in the morning?

"What are you doing?" Asked Bec, her voice rough with sleep. Emily smiled, and opened her mouth just as the oven dinged. She turned around and worked on getting something out of the oven as Bec noticed what she was actually doing. The kitchen was covered in cookies. They were everywhere, and looked at Emily questioningly as she put the fresh batch of cookies on the counter.

"You're probably wondering about the cookies. Well, I couldn't sleep because I felt so bad that I didn't get to thank that fireman for rescuing me, and so I figured I could bake him some cookies and take them down to the station tomorrow." Emily explained. Bec sat down on the counter, enjoying the smell of hot cookies.

"And you expect him to eat all of these?"

"Well no, but I figured all the other firemen helped out with the fire, and so I'd bake them some cookies too! They do a wonderful service. Would you like to come with me? Come on, hot firemen!" Emily begged, winking at her. Bec sighed, nodding. Who was she to resist some hot firemen? And she knew the cookies would definitely go over well, Emily could bake like a master. Back in high school, they had raised thousands just by selling Emily's cake's and cookies. Bec took another sniff before heading back to her bedroom, "Just wake me when we're leaving!" She shouted, not bothering to wait for a response before she closed the door.

At 12pm the next day, Emily and Bec pushed through the doors to the fire station with Emily holding two bags of cookies. She had put them in the oven again for a little bit before they left so they were still warm. She walked up to the guy at the counter and smiled, introducing herself.

"Hi, my name is Emily and this is Bec, and we were in the mall yesterday when you guys put out the fire. We just wanted to thank you, and so we baked you some cookies!" She grinned at him and he smiled back, though his eyes were on Bec.

"Sounds great, I'll grab the boys." He replied, smiling. Emily handed him the bags of cookies, holding on to the tin she had clutched in her right hand. Bec smiled at the fireman helping them.

"Oh the cookies were all Emily, I didn't help at all. But I would like to thank you, in any way I can." She winked at the guy, Emily read 'Kyle' on his shirt, and he grinned back at her charmingly.

"Yeah, I wouldn't say no to some thanks." Emily rolled her eyes as they flirted with each other; thanking the gods he'd already called down the crew to eat the cookies. She blushed at their thank you's, looking for the man who saved her last night.

She finally saw him enter the room, shirtless and his pants hanging low on his hips. He was covered in a light sheen of sweat, obviously just been working out she reasoned. Emily still had to swallow when she looked at his amazing, chiselled chest, and incredible arms. Blushing, she tore her gaze away from his impeccable body and gathered her courage as she walked over to him. His eyes widened when he saw her, and he blurted out "You!" without thinking.

She smiled at him, and held out the tin. "I just wanted to come by and thank you for saving me last night. I made you my special chocolate chocolate chip cookies." Her voice was optimistic, she knew cookies were in no way an equal substitute for saving her life but she hoped he could see the effort in her actions. He raised an eyebrow as he opened the tin, taking a bite out of one of the cookies. His eyes widened, and he moaned at the taste. She blushed, looking away as her mind went to a whole other place with that moan.

"These are fucking amazing! I think I just came in my pants." Her jaw dropped, and her blush intensified. Who said those sorts of things to strangers? He smirked at her discomfort and she looked away again.

"Well, that's all I really came for, so thank you again." She turned to leave, just as he spoke up again.

"I still can't believe you went back into a burning building to save a fucking cat." Emily turned around and glared at him, her anger rising. She usually buried her anger, preferring to be logical and calm instead. But this man, he just infuriated her!

"Excuse me? I went back into a fire to save a life, isn't that what you do for a job?" She growled, poking him in the chest. "So by making fun of me, you are essentially making fun of you and your team mates." She upped her glare from a 6.5 to an 8, and she saw him tense up. The rest of the firemen were laughing, cheering her on as she ripped into him. Bec was watching from beside Kyle, and was shocked. This was Emily, Emily who hated confrontation and preferred to be peaceful. Emily who didn't have the confidence to scream at someone. She looked over at the fireman, who Kyle had informed her was Taylor King, and wondered. Maybe this guy was good for Emily? She watched on, interested.

Taylor fumed, glaring back at Emily.
"I am trained to save lives in a fire, you aren't!" He shouted at her, feeling a little guilty for shouting a woman.

"Yes well it ended up fine didn't it? I saved my kitten, and you saved me. So thank you." She gritted out, turning on her heel and storming out of the building. Before promptly coming back in.

"Goodbye, and thank you again!" She cried out over the voices, she may have been angry at one of them, but that didn't mean she couldn't be polite. The men all yelled good bye back, with one of the braver men asking for a kiss. Emily blushed, and nodded, getting on her tip toes to kiss his cheek. The rest of the firemen demanded one as well, and they lined up for a kiss. Bec was asked to join, but Kyle blocked her off. She had just said yes to a date with him, and there was no way he was now letting her near any of them!

"Oh no, she's mine!" He shouted, while the men laughed and teased him about it. Taylor just stood there glaring at the self righteous brunette. How dare her! He saved her bloody life. But she did bake him some cookies, and try to be nice… he sighed, and gathered himself up before stopping her from leaving again.

"Hey, uh wait up!" he yelled, grabbing her arm. It was like an electric shock, and he quickly dropped it again. "I just wanted to say thank you for the cookies, and sorry about being a jerk." He noticed her eyes widen, and smirked. He could be a jerk, but his mother had raised him right.

Emily smiled softly at him, "Im sorry to. I don't usually snap like that!" she giggled. "Um, so maybe you could tell me your name?"

"Taylor. Taylor King."

"Emily Shepherd." She replied, smiling shyly.

He looked around, and tried to lower his voice. "So maybe, I could make it up to you, by taking you to dinner some time?" Unfortunately the others heard, and comments were thrown out such as, 'Run, run for your life!' and a particularly crude, 'So Taylor, when did you grow a vagina?'

She just smiled and nodded, keying her number in on his phone. She leant up and kissed his cheek, lingering for a second longer than she should. "Call me." Emily said over her shoulder, as she pulled Bec out of the fire station.

There we go, first chapter done! Hope you all liked it :) Review and let me know!