Coffee

Chapter 1

Portia's POV

*ring ring* 

"Hello?" I hear the sleepy voice of my assistant answering from the other end.

"Hi Josh. Sorry to wake you but I just wanted to let you know i'm in the taxi on the way to the airport. Are you absolutely sure you can cope for the next month or so?"

"Yes Portia now stop asking me and get on that plane. Oh and if I find that you have attended the meeting and not stopped in LA for the rest of the month I won't be happy."

"This is ridiculous. I've already told you i'm fine. I don't need a holiday!" I exclaim knowing Josh has just foiled my plan.

"Portia you have never taken a holiday since you set this company up and after Jess I know you need a break so stick to the plan."

"Okay." I sigh.

"Now go before I have to send someone out after you to ensure you're having a good time."

"Grr you're really annoying you know that?"

"Well as best friend that's my job" he laughs down the phone.

"See you soon Josh."

"Bye Portia."

I hang up the phone placing it into my jacket and gathering my things as the taxi pulls into the familiar rank at Heathrow Airport. I spend most of my life in this place travelling from one meeting to another or visiting my family in Australia. I run through the familiar routine of paying the driver, checking in and making my way to the first class lounge. Eventually I collapse myself into one of the, supposedly comfy, plastic chairs in the waiting room. After a while my bum is completely numb so I decide to take a walk to the duty-free shop to buy myself some sunglasses. On my way back from the shop I hear the boarding call for first class passenger so make my way right to the gate. As I reach the gate I am pushed out of the way by two burly men leading a group of passengers to the front of the queue that has formed. I tut in disgust at how these celebrities get pushed straight to the front of the queue when everyone else has paid the same price. That is until I realise exactly who the celebrity is.

"Good Morning Miss DeGeneres" the flight attendant checking the tickets acknowledges and my heart stops. I have been a fan of Ellen's since I was 15. I watched as she came out to the world on her talk show. I would even go as far to say that she was my own inspiration to come out to my parents when I was 17. They hadn't taken it quite so well, particularly my dad. He still refuses to see me now when I go over to visit. For the first few years I took this hard and eventually moved to England to get away from the hostile environment I was living in at home. Mom took it a lot better, she accepted me for who I was and loved me unconditionally it's just a shame my father couldn't as well.

Eventually I snap out of my daydream just in time to see her being lead down into the tunnel but just as she rounds the corner she turns her head around and her eyes meet mine. I freeze as time seems to stand still as I just stare deep into her eyes. However, within seconds they are gone; disappeared onto the aircraft.

"Excuse me?" I hear echoing around me. "Madam?" the voice continues to echo. I focus myself back into reality and realise the voice I can hear is the attendant waiting for me to hand over my boarding pass. I quickly shove the boarding pass into her hand as she stamps it and allows me to continue. Quickening my pace I am now practically running down the tunnel hoping to catch another glimpse of my idol but she is gone. I sigh in disappointment before following the next attendants instructions to my seat. I settle myself in for the long flight ahead waiting for take-off so I can put on some music. Eventually the pilot gets us safely up into the air and I switch on my music almost immediately falling asleep. I wake some time later just as the food starts to come around.

"Food Madam?" a tall blonde man in the Virgin Atlantic uniform asks.

"Yes Please." I respond as he folds down the food table and places what can only be described as a plate of mush in front of me.

"Erm..thank you. Could you just tell me how long we have left?"

"We have been in the air roughly 6 hours m'am so we are about half way."

"Thank you."

I begin to tuck into my food and find it tastes just as unappetizing as it looks. I force myself to eat it, knowing that I won't get to eat anything until much later in the day, before settling myself down with a film from the on-board entertainment. A few hours later I look up to see two bodyguards slowly making their way down the aircraft with Ellen walking between them. My heart starts to speed up as she gets closer to where I am sitting. I follow her eyes as they look around the aircraft before meeting my own as she passes. I quickly look away embarrassed that I was caught checking her out. But come on who wouldn't check their idol out if they walked past? I am still hiding that embarrassment when I hear her walking back down the plane talking to one of the guards. I try my best to avoid eye contact as she draws level with my seat but just at that moment I hear shouting as someone runs down the aisle knocking Ellen and her bodyguards over. At that moment I feel hot liquid seeping through my suit trousers and a wave of pain seething across my leg.

"ARGH" I shout not able to control myself.

"Oh my gosh are you okay?" I hear a voice asking but my world is now focused on the pain which is gradually getting even worse.

Ellens POV

I suddenly feel something push me roughly against the aisle of the chair as the coffee I am holding falls from my hand. I turn around to see who pushed me as one of my bodyguards runs down the plane chasing whoever it was.

"ARGH" I hear from behind me causing me to turn back quickly. I notice the blonde beauty from earlier bending over in pain and I then realise that the contents of the cup I was holding are now seeping through the ladies trousers.

"Oh my gosh are you okay?" I bend down to her my heart racing at the thought that I might have hurt this woman. I don't receive a response as the pain is clearly too much for her too speak.

"ATTENDANT! EMERGENCY!" I shout down the plane and push my other bodyguard in the direction of the attendants cupboard. By now there is a lot of screaming going on around the lady as people realise what has happened. I watch as everything seems to happen in slow motion. An attendant comes running down to the woman and starts to ask her some questions but receiving the same response I got. My bodyguard helps to lift the lady out of the chair and to the back of the plane where the first aid room.

"Right m'am i'm afraid I have to ask you to leave now." one of the attendants replies to me.

"But-but I did this I want to be here."

"I'm afraid you can't. We will let you know." she say's more sternly this time as my bodyguard drag's me from the room and back to my seat. I spend the rest of the flight continuously asking the attendants for an update. Mostly the only response I get is something along the lines of 'it looks nasty' or 'she's doing okay'. I only realise the gravity of the situation once we have landed when the pilot's announcement is made.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentleman. Welcome to Los Angeles airport. The time is 10am local time and the weather is 74 degrees. If I could just ask for you to be patient for the next few minutes. We had a medical emergency to a passenger on board during the flight so we would like to get this passenger off the plane first. I would like to thank you for your patience and apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you once again for flying with Virgin Atlantic we hope you have had a pleasant flight and look forward to seeing you next time."

I feel my chest starting to tighten as I watch the medics carrying the lady from the plane. I am very happy to be first off the plane as my mind becomes consumed with guilt for hurting the poor woman. My bodyguards end up pretty much checking me out and collecting my cases as I walk through the airport and into the waiting car in a haze. I am so out of it I don't even notice the paps surrounding me as I get into the car. Usually I would have a laugh with them as I left the airport but not today. My mind can't seem to comprehend why I feel such a pull towards this woman and I am still reeling from the situation hours later sitting in my living room.

Chapter 2

"A woman injured by celebrity talk show host Ellen DeGeneres on a flight from London to Los Angeles remains in hospital this evening." I hear from the TV causing me to lunge across the sofa towards the remote. I turn up the volume as my eyes transfix on the screen.

"Witnesses state that DeGeneres spilled hot coffee onto the leg of the woman who is yet to be named. Steven Harris reports from UCLA medical center where the lady is being treated." I start to zone out as a so called witness that I have never seen starts to talk on screen. I turn off the TV and run out of the house grabbing my keys on the way. As I start the car I turn on my hands free system and dial my agents number.

"Ellen! I've been trying to get hold of you! What on earth happened today?"

"Look it was an accident i'm on my way over to the hospital now."

"I don't think that's such a good idea."

"I'm going Tom end of. Now you either support me and find a way in round the back or not?"

"I suppose so" I hear him sighing down the phone. "Let me make some calls."

"Okay." I say as I hear the phone click off and my music begins to blast through the speakers. I am almost at the hospital by the time he rings me back so I pull over to answer the call.

"Tom."

"Right if you go down the side of the hospital security are waiting to allow you through. They have spoken to the lady and she is okay for you to go and see her. But Ellen please be careful we don't want any law suits."

"Of course i'll be careful I just want to apologize in person it's the least I can do!"

"Okay let me know how it goes."

"Will do. Bye."

"Seeya Ell." I hear as I put the phone down and start up the engine. Eventually I find the side entrance Tom was talking about. As the gates close behind me I see the paps running down the sidewalk towards the entrance I have just drove through. I quickly exit my car and run towards the doors where two security men bundle me inside before the paps can get a photo.

"Jees that was close" I say almost to myself.

"Oh we've had closer" one of the men turns to me and says smiling as he points towards an elevator. By the time we reach the room we are engaged in conversation about some of the other celebrities that have passed through the hospital.

"Right here we are m'am."

"Thank you."

"No problem. We'll just be outside if you need anything." he says taking a seat next to the door. I compose myself before knocking.

"Come in" I hear a weak voice from the other side of the door. I slowly turn the handle slipping into the room shutting the door behind me. The sight that greats me when I turn around almost breaks me. I look around speechless at the wires and tubes she is connected up to and the amount of dressing she has on her leg.

"You don't have to stand over there you know." she giggles at me. My eyes shoot to meet hers as I hesitantly get closer to her.

"I-i'm so sorry." I whisper to her as a tear escapes from my eye. I can't believe I could ever do this to anyone.

"Look Ellen. You don't mind me calling you that right?" I shake my head not able to form coherent words. "Good. Look it was an accident okay? Please don't blame yourself."

"B-but I did this too you."

"But you didn't mean too. In fact I'm quite enjoying being in hospital if i'm honest. I didn't really want to come to LA but that's another story."

"No no no I must give you something. Some money, anything you want?"

"I don't want anything honestly." she says reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze. The jolt of electricity that shoots through me from her touch surprises me rendering me more speechless than I was before. I watch as her eyes search mine for some sort of response but I am saved by a knock at the door.

"Sorry" she whispers to me. "Come in!"

I watch as a plump lady enters the room clutching a phone in her hand.

"You have a phone call m'am." she says in a deep texas accent before handing the phone over and leaving the room.

"Do you want me to-" I say motioning towards the door.

"No no stay." she says pointing towards the chair next to the bed. I take a seat and listen to the conversation unfold.

"Hello?" she almost queries as she brings the phone to her ear.

"No no don't worry i'm fine" she replies nonchalantly.

"Yes i'm sure. I'm in good hands here okay?" she asks trying to reassure whoever is on the other end of the phone. I guess that they must be pretty close by how worried the other person seems. From what I can hear from the voice on the other end it sounds like a man. My mind begins to wander to thoughts of this lady having a boyfriend and for some reason I almost feel disappointed.

"Shit really? Fuck. This could gather bad press for the company." The woman startles me out of my daydream by her language.

"Oh okay but still we need to put out some kind of release just to reassure people. If you could get that done for me?"

"Right thank you. I am don't worry. As soon as I'm feeling better i'll be on the first plane home." I watch as she starts to get heated with the person on the other end of the phone.

"No Fuck Jess. I'm not letting her destroy my fucking company because I have to take a holiday to get over the-" she says looking towards me as she pauses. "Well you know the situation." she continues looking away from me embarrassed.

"Yes. Erm..Ellen DeGeneres is here." she smirks as she says my name which turns into a laugh at whatever the person on the other end replies to her.

"Oh come on it's not like that and you know it."

"Really? What for?" I watch as she nods before pulling the phone away from her ear. "He wants to speak to you is that okay?"

"Of course" I reply a little confused as she hands the phone over. "Hello?"

"Hey look i'm sorry to disturb you. I know your like a big celebrity or whatever and probably won't want to do this but it's worth a try and I don't-"

"No it's fine I'll do whatever you want me too."

"Really?"

"Of course." I reply intrigued as to what this man is going to ask me to do.

"Well, you see Portia's had a bit of a rough time lately and well she was coming to LA for a forced holiday." I smile to myself as I finally learn what this mystery woman's name is.

"Wait a forced holiday?"

"Yeah we had to force it onto her because she hasn't taken a holiday since she set the company up." I watch as Portia furrows her eyebrows questioning me as to what the man is asking me. I smirk at her shrugging my shoulders.

"How long ago was that?" I ask.

"15 years ago."

"Wait what?"

"You heard right. Anyway she wants to come home as soon as she leaves hospital but we want her to continue with her holiday. I don't know whether you could persuade her?"

"Look i'll try my best but as I put her here i'm probably not the best person to ask."

"Thank you."

"No problem. I'll pass you back." I say giving Portia the phone back. My mind wanders into a daydream for the rest of the conversation and I zone out of what is being said. I only snap out of it when I realize Portia is talking to me.

"Sorry I was in a world of my own."

"No problem I just asked if you were okay?"

"Yeah I just don't know how to fix this."

"You don't need to okay. As soon as i'm fixed i'm heading home."

"No you're not." I say suddenly finding my confidence.

"Excuse me?" she say's getting a little riled up now.

"You can do whatever you want but you are not going home. You need a holiday. What kind of mad woman doesn't take a holiday in 15 years?!"

"Look you don't know my story. I'm passionate about my company and I don't trust it in the hands of someone else."

"How about I make a deal with you?" I look up to her as her anger changes to confusion.

"What kind of deal?"

"How about you stay with me for a few days at least until you can actually walk properly then if you hate it and want to go home I'll let you? It's the least I can do for putting you here." I watch as her features soften a little as she contemplates my offer.

"Can I think about it?"

"Of course. Look here's my number for when you have decided." I say grabbing a pen and some paper from the side table, writing my number and handing it to her.

"Okay. Thanks."

"No problem. Look i'd better go it's getting late but please at least consider my offer?"

"Sure." she says smiling a little. I stand up and turn to walk about but she reaches for my hand pulling me into a hug. I freeze as I feel her arms wrap themselves around me. I feel my heart start to quicken but I can't force myself to pull away. Eventually I feel her arms loosen around me as a signal to pull away.

"Remember Ellen this is not your fault okay?" she says firmly as I recompose myself.

"Okay." I smile at her before heading for the door. Before I open it I turn to see her beautiful brown eyes lock onto my own. I get lost for a moment taking in her beauty before grabbing the door handle. "For the record Portia's a beautiful name" I smile before turning the handle and exiting the room.

Chapter 3

It has been a few days now since I visited Portia in hospital. I have since found out that her name is actually Portia De Rossi and that the company she owns is one of the most exclusive events management companies in the world. I realize now why she was not phased by my offer of money in return for the accident. The press began to take her side and started to really hound me. That was until yesterday when Portia uploaded a video on the company website stating how it was a complete accident and not to blame anyone. I just can not understand how amazing this woman is. I am beginning to think that she has forgotten about me and my offer when I receive a text waking me from my slumber. I look at the clock to see 2:04 illuminating towards me. Confused as to who is texting me at this time I reach out for my phone.

*788-999-101: Hey Ellen, It's Portia. Really hope I haven't woken you up. I didn't know who else to text. The docs have said I'm okay to leave hospital tomorrow but I can't fly for two weeks. I know you made me that offer and I have been rude not to answer it. I just wondered if it still stood? P x*

I read the text and sigh a little disappointed that the only reason she is accepting my offer is because she can not fly. I tap out a reply then place my phone back onto the bedside table not expecting a response.

*Oh gosh please say I didn't wake you? Thank you. I will pay you back I promise. P x*

As I am now fully awake I feel a little bad for the previous text I had sent. I had been a bit harsher than I intended too and I know this is not personal against me.

*No honestly Portia it's fine. I'm off work for summer at the moment so no early mornings. Please this is my pay back for landing you in a hospital :P E x*

*Oh so you wouldn't mind keeping me company for a bit then? ;) Literally can't sleep in this place all I can hear is screaming. P x*

I feel my heart start to beat a little faster as I question whether she is flirting with me. I debate for a while what to send back hovering over the send button. In the end I just go with it and take the plunge.

*Of course not for a beautiful lady like yourself ;) Surely if they're screaming a doctor should be helping them? E x*

*Hmm..whatever you say ;) I think you got the better end of the deal where looks are concerned :P Oh no she constantly screams. I think she's a bit loopy. She told me demons were chasing her the other day... P x*

I can't believe how much this woman is driving me crazy. I don't even know whether she is gay but surely she wouldn't be flirting if she wasn't? But is she flirting? My mind starts swirling with all sorts of questions that I know I cannot ask.

*Oh really? I have to disagree on that i'm afraid ;). Wow okay maybe she needs to be sectioned? So what did you want to do when you leave hospital? I am happy to take you wherever you need/want to go? E x*

* Well we will have to agree to disagree then :P Yeah I though the same thing! I don't know really other than something decent to eat. The food here is disgusting! P x*

*Okay i'll grab something to make on the way to pick you up. What time can you leave? E x*

*Thank you! I think anytime after 9am. P x*

*9am?! Yeah i'm not going to be there by that time ;) How does 12 sound? E x*

*Fantastic to me. Oh and customs have kept my suitcase is there any chance we could pick that up too? No worries if not. Gosh this feels so weird I barely know you :P P x*

*Of course that's no problem and you don't have to worry about that. I am very happy to do whatever you want to make it up to you regardless of not knowing you. I'm hoping we can get to know each other a little better whilst you're at mine anyway ;) E x*

*Okay, thank you. Well I guess I wouldn't oppose to that ;) Anyway I should let you sleep! I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight Ell. It's okay if I call you that right? P x*

*Good ;) Yes I suppose you should :P Of course as long as I can call you Porsche? ;) E x*

*I suppose it'll have to be ;) I quite like it actually no one's used that one before :P Goodnight :) P xx*

*Good I like to be individual ;) Goodnight Porsche :) E xx*

8 hours later...

"You are absolutely crazy! You can't look after this woman in your home! You barely know her!" My manager Tom screams at me down the phone.

"Look it's happening i'm on my way too pick her up now so get over whatever fit your having quickly and sort out some security."

"No Ellen this is a step too far this time! We don't know who she is?!"

"Tom it's Portia De Rossi. Multi-millionaire company director of De Rossi Events. Ringing any bells?"

"Well yes but that's not the point."

"What is the point then? She's hardly after my money when she has enough of her own! She has no one in LA Tom. I can't leave her stranded. Sort out security. Goodbye." I say angrily putting the phone down. I don't understand why he is so mad. When I reach the hospital my anger has subsided a little but it soon returns when I step out of the car to a wall of press waiting to pounce onto me. I sigh as I begin to walk through the crowd up the steps of the hospital.

"ELLEN! WHATS HAPPENING? HOW IS SHE? IS THERE SOMETHING GOING ON WITH YOU TOO?!" I hear screamed from various sources. When I reach the top of the steps I turn around to face the crowd who are now watching with baited breath.

"Look it's not my place to say how Portia is doing. I am helping her out as she doesn't have anyone else out in LA and she can't fly back. Now if you would excuse me." I say turning and walking into the hospital. I decide to take the stairs to burn off some of my anger. I run so fast that I am out of breath by the time I reach Portia's room.

"Hey." I say walking into the room.

"Well Hello. What's up with you?"

"Oh I just ran up the stairs."

"Why?"

"I'm not really sure to be honest" I say realising all of the anger I had vanished the moment I entered the room.

"You are odd." she mutters to herself hoping I wouldn't hear. I smirk before making my way over to the chair next to her bed. "Look i'm sorry about all this -"

"I thought we had settled that" I say giving her a stern look.

"I suppose" she whispers but before I have chance to continue the conversation the doctor barges into the room.

"Right Portia you are free to go. Here is some pain relief if you need it. If you come back in two weeks we will assess whether you are ready to fly okay?"

"Sure thanks."

"No problem. Any problems just come back and see us. In the meantime you will need that dressing changed so if you contact me with a doctors surgery you can go to to get that done I'll let them know your insurance details."

"Of course. Thank you." she smiles at the doctor as he exits the room. I watch as she swings her legs around the bed wincing in the process. I lean down to pick up her crutches for her and hold out my hand to help her up.

"It's fine Ellen." she tries to assure me. 

"No Portia i'm here to help now accept it" I say sternly forcing her to place her hand in mine as I help her up. I almost instantly regret my decision to force her to accept my help as I start to feel faint from the feelings rushing through as she takes my hand. I manage to keep my cool as she retrieves her crutches and heads for the door. I pick up her bag and follow her out of the room and into the elevator.

"I have to warn you there are paps here."

"Oh don't worry about that. I made a statement last week."

"Yeah erm..thanks for that by the way."

"Well I couldn't let them continue to blame you could I?"

"I suppose not" I smile at her. As we reach the main reception of the hospital I can see all of the paps pushing their cameras up against the glass front trying desperately to get a good photo. "Are you sure you're going to be okay?"

"Yes now come on i'm craving some decent food." she says hobbling ahead on her crutches towards the door. I quickly snap out of my daydream and run ahead to hold open the door for her. As soon as the door opens we are met with a chorus of screams and shouts from various sources.

"ELLEN" "PORTIA" "HOW ARE YOU?" Are some of the thing's I can just about make out. We both walk in silence to the car not answering any of the questions as I help her into the passenger seat before making my way to the drivers side.

Chapter 4

Driving around picking up the cases and food has helped me to get to know her a little better. Despite her hard exterior she seems to have a soft side that i'm guessing not many people get to see. Luckily we have both started to see the funny side to the whole accident situation and have started to relax in each others company. Relaxed is not the word choice I would use to describe how I feel every time she looks at me though. My heart seems to be leading all of my actions today and I can feel the electricity between us. As we enter my house I give her a quick tour before helping her onto the sofa.

"You have a nice house Ell." she says looking away from the programme we have settled down to watch.

"Thanks." I say coyly.

"I hear you have a thing for moving."

"Not so much the moving more the architecture." I laugh at her apparent ignorance at believing what the press report.

"Same thing."

"So not the same thing."

"Whatever you say" she giggles causing my pulse to begin to race again. After a few more hours I notice her starting to yawn.

"I think it's time you went to bed."

"Me too."

"Come on then lets help you" I say helping her from her spot on the sofa, up the stairs, into the bathroom and then finally into bed.

10 days later...

Over the last week or so I have really grown close to Portia. We have spent a lot of day's, like today, sat on the sofa in front of a good film or TV show. I just hope I have helped ease some of the pain she has been in with her leg. We have made regular trips to change the dressing on her leg as the wound has taken longer to heal than anticipated. Although she is walking a little better now she is still having to use the crutches occasionally. I watch her from my armchair as she focuses on the film. I turn back to the film we are watching after a while in case I am caught staring.

"Have you ever been in love?" Portia asks from no where still looking at the screen.

"Wow loaded question." I laugh in response.

"Sorry I just these two got me thinking" she says pointing at the screen.

"No it's fine was just surprised. In answer to your question yes."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Have you?"

"Yeah. What happened? I'm guessing she's not around anymore?"

"No since i've been famous I haven't really met anyone who wasn't after my money. I would say I was around 18 when I met her. We were friends at college before I dropped out. We quickly became best friends and then more. We were together for two years before she died."

"Oh gosh i'm sorry."

"No don't worry it was a long time ago. I guess I've always just wondered what would have happened if she hadn't have died."

"How did she-?"

"Car accident."

"Oh no i'm sorry Ell."

"I don't like to dwell. How about you?"

"Oh gosh I was like 24 when I met Jess." I gulp in response to the name I had heard on the phone a few weeks ago.

"How did you meet?"

"Oh I planned a party for Jess's mom, we met and things went from there really." I smile in response but my heart sinks back from it's excitement at the lack of gender identification.

"What happened?"

"Oh we were together for 10 years this January and then I found out she'd been cheating on me with my now ex-best friend."

"Oh wow. I'm sorry that sucks." I say trying not to sound happy at the identification that Jess is in fact a woman.

"Oh don't worry I'm over it. I think we both realised our relationship had run it's course." she says smiling back at me before turning back to the film. After a while I hear soft sobs coming from across the room. I look over to see Portia curled into a pillow on the sofa.

"Hey, what's up?" I say standing from the armchair and making my way over the sofa. I kneel down so my head is at the same height as hers and pull her into a hug.

"I-I" is all she manages to say through her sobs.

"You're not over her are you?" I say quietly as my hand rubs her back. I am surprised when she quickly pulls away from my hug.

"No no no it's not that" she says shaking her head.

"Then what is it?"

"I-I feel guilty."

"How come?"

"Well we've been together so long that I've found it hard to adjust to being single again."

"I completely sympathize with that."

"And well.." she starts but stops and looks away from me.

"Hey. You can tell me anything you know." I watch as she hesitates before seemingly making her mind up.

Portia's POV

"And well.." I start before stopping with embarrassment.

"Hey. You can tell me anything you know" Ellen replies calmly. After hesitating for a while I finally decide to just tell her.

"I've met someone I like and well I feel guilty because part of me still feels attached to Jess in some way." I say releasing the breath I have been holding, looking to the floor before slowly bringing my eyes up to meet hers.

"Oh." she replies looking a little disappointed. I start to tempt myself with thoughts about her liking me back but quickly shrug this off.

'Who would like me anyway? Especially not Ellen DeGeneres' revolves round in my head kicking me back to reality. I look back to Ellen who is looking at me as if expecting a response. I quickly realise I have completely missed what she said.

"Sorry I zoned out completely there what did you say?"

"I asked who you like" she says giggling a little now taking away some of the tension from our conversation.

"I don't know if I can tell you." I respond teasing her a little now.

"Do I know them?"

"I guess."

"Oh that helps on the guessing front."

"Hmm...what about you anyway?" I tease deciding to flip the questions onto her for once. I see her noticeably tense up at this question and the tension returns. Immediately regretting asking her the question I start to backtrack a little but Ellen interrupts.

"I-I don't really know how to say this but I guess I like someone too. In fact I think i'm falling in love with them." she says looking up towards me as the colour runs into her cheeks.

"Aww that's cute. Do I know them?"

"Very well in fact."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. Now i've said enough, i'm just going to go pop to the loo." she says quickly standing up and practically running from the room leaving me thoroughly confused. This is the most we have opened up to each other in regards to how we feel about people now. Sure i've told her about my relationship with Jess and she's told me a little about her relationship with Anne but we both seem to have avoided talking about our current feelings. After a few minutes something clicks and everything seems to make sense. For some reason I can't seem to believe it though.

'I know all these clues lead to the possibility of her liking you Portia but come on it's Ellen DeGeneres. But why else would she refuse to tell you who it is?'

My heart wants so badly to follow her into the kitchen and tell her everything but my brain just won't allow me too. I hadn't realised until now how badly Jess hurt me and destroyed my self-confidence. The old Portia would have strode into that kitchen and made Ellen her own but not anymore. 'God if only' I think too myself. I am still lost in thought when I feel the other end of the sofa sink and a cup of coffee being thrust towards me. I look down at the hot cup in my hands before bursting into laughter.

"Really?" I look over at Ellen.

"Don't worry I'm at the other end of the sofa this time."

"Well you were in a completely different section of the plane last time and it didn't stop you then" I giggle giving her a cheeky wink before relaxing into the sofa.

"Fair enough" she giggles. I look over at her deciding whether to continue our conversation from earlier but before I speak she does so herself. "So who's this mystery woman then? I presuming it's a woman?"

"Well you tell me and I'll tell you." I reply playing along with her game.

"Oh I don't think I can do that."

"How come?"

"Who say's I can trust you to keep it to yourself?" she replies wittily. I struggle to find an answer and Ellen can tell she's starting to win this little game were playing.

"The same goes for you though. I might not be able to trust you." I reply refusing to be beaten.

"We'll just have to keep wondering then won't we." she responds raising her eyebrows and placing her empty cup onto the coffee table. I watch silently as she restarts the film we were watching.

Ellens POV

I look away from the film to Portia who is sat deep in thought still clutching her empty coffee mug. As much as I am falling for this woman she is still a complete mystery to me. Part of me wants to hope that she feels the same about me as I do her. The other part doubts this as I have given her so many opportunities to tell me. By the time the film ends I am almost falling asleep but Portia is still sat in the same position.

"You know there are better things to hug than a coffee mug." I quip clearly causing her to jump a little as she looks up at me confused. "I said there are better things to hug than a coffee mug."

"Oh" she replies looking from me down to the mug in her lap then back up to me. "Yeah i guess so." I watch as she places the mug next to mine on the table and retreats back into the same position.

"Are you okay?" I asked slightly concerned now.

"Erm...yeah look I think i'm going to head to bed now" she replies hastily before grabbing her crutches and lifting herself from the sofa.

"Look are you sure you seem I don't know...weird?"

"Yeah Im fine. Night Ell." she calls continuing to make her way upstairs. I stand from the sofa running after her before grabbing her arm and turning her to face me. As she turns I watch as one of the crutches slides from under her and she starts to fall. I pull her into me to stop her from falling but I can't seem to let her go.

"Sorry I just-" I stutter before looking into her eyes expecting to see panic but I don't. What I do see is pure lust. I slowly release her from my grip but to my surprise she stops me.

"Don't." she whispers giving me the only indication I need to close the gap between our lips. I feel every dip in her chapped lips as mine rest against hers. After that I barely remember anything as my heart falls to the floor and the butterflies in my stomach take over. I am so lost I get caught by surprise when I feel her rough tongue force it's way into my mouth. By now I am holding her full weight as I completely immerse myself in her.

"Mmm" I moan into her mouth as my primal instincts begin to kick in. I run my tongue along hers and around the sides of her mouth trying to take in every part of her that I can. Eventually though I have to pull away to keep breathing but the smile on Portia's face makes me want to do it all over again. I decide that as I am holding her full weight it might be better to get somewhere more stable first.

"As amazing as that was" I begin before noticing Portia's face drop completely as she starts to try and wriggle from my grasp. "Hey you at least let me finish my sentence first" I say gripping her more tightly and smirking at her desperate attempts to free herself. "As I was going to say as amazing as that was if we continue right where we are you are going to end up on the floor."

"Ellen!" she exclaims laughing but taking what I have said in the complete wrong way.

"No no no I didn't mean it like that! I meant because I am currently holding all of your weight."

"Oh" replies looking down and realising that her feet are no longer on the floor but lifted up behind her. I drop her down onto her one leg and she tries to continue her way to the stairs walking on her injured leg. Although she is getting much better at putting weight on it now by the end of the evening she is back to using her crutches due to the pain. I follow after her scooping her into my arms and beginning to ascend the staircase.

"AHHH ELLEN PUT ME DOWN!" Portia screams making me laugh so much I almost drop her.

"I'm only carrying you upstairs I can see how much pain you are in." I reply reaching the top of the stairs and instinctively taking her towards my own bedroom before putting her down on the bed.

"Erm..Ell wrong room." she smirks at me from where I put her down.

"Oh yeah damn I suppose you'll just have to stay in here tonight won't you?" I say cheekily before running into the bathroom to get changed. By the time I am finished in the bathroom Portia is clumsily trying to change herself on the edge of the bed.

"Like what you see?" she say's looking up at me from where she is now completely naked and looking round for something to sleep in.

"Absolutely."

"Pfft sure."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh come on. Believe me that kiss was amazing Ell and yes it was something I wanted but come on like someone like you would ever find me attractive!" she say's sadly finally finding one of my t-shirts in my bedside table and slipping it on.

"Oh Portia. How could you ever think that? You're beautiful, stunning in fact. I don't understand what someone so beautiful would see in me. When I saw you the first time when I went down the tunnel I couldn't think straight. I was captivated by you and still am." I take her hand into my own as I say this but when I finish I notice tears rolling down her face. "Hey baby what's up?" I whisper silently cursing myself for slipping up and calling her baby but she doesn't seem to notice.

"Sh-she never said that." Portia whispers as I pull her head into my chest.

"Who?"

"Jess, she never called me beautiful so I presumed I wasn't."

"Oh Portia baby you're soso beautiful." I say gripping her tighter now as she sobs into me. Eventually her tears subside and I reach over to the table to grab her a tissue before helping her to the bathroom. By the time she hobbles her way back into the bedroom I have got into bed and opened the duvet on her side. I watch as she awkwardly gets into bed before turning to face me.

"Sorry by the way I shouldn't call you that I mean I don't we're not yaknow" I start fumbling over my words a little trying to explain myself but before I can finish I am cut off by Portia's lips on my own. This time though there's nothing slow or exploratory about the kiss just pure passion. I let myself be led by Portia as the heat rises between us. Before I really understand what is going on my pyjamas are on the floor and I have stripped Portia naked above me. My hands explore her body getting to know every nook and crevice. Determined to really show Portia how beautiful she is I start to take control flipping Portia beneath me. I kiss my way down her face to her neck slowly sucking and stroking my way round and underneath her chin. I bring my hand and mouth to her nipples gently rubbing them between my fingers and tongue.

"Fuck Ell." Portia moans beneath me.

I smirk slightly at how I am making Portia squirm beneath me before continuing my descent on her body. I go straight past where she is trying to force my head, to her legs. Caressing and kissing her legs I can feel Portia's body screaming beneath me.

"Please." she begs now which turns me on even further. I can feel the wetness between my own legs starting to build. I decide to give her what she is desperately asking for by bringing my fingers to her clit and beginning to stroke it backwards and forwards gently.

"Oh my - oh fuck" Portia continues to moan beneath me. Every moan in her smooth yet strong Australian accent turns me on so badly. By now I am aching for her touch so much I hurridly bring my mouth to her clit and slip my fingers inside her. The moment my tongue tastes her for the first time I am hooked. I can't even begin describe how good she tastes. I suck slowly and gently as my fingers do the complete opposite pounding in and out of her. I feel her muscles start to tense up beneath me as her fingers tangle themselves in my hair and within minutes she is shuddering beneath me. I know from this moment I cannot ever live without this woman.

Portia's POV

8 hours later...

*RING RING*

"Fuck what is that noise?" I hear a grunt next to me. I shoot up quickly realising that it is my phone.

"Hello?" I say groggily into the phone.

"Portia is that you?"

"Yeah."

"God you sound rough."

"Thanks" I giggle a little at Josh's response.

"What have you been up to?"

"Erm..." I say smiling over at Ellen who is looking at me inquisitively. 'It's Josh' I mouth over to her.

"That sounds interesting. Wait who is that giggling in the background?"

"Erm...no one." I say unconvincingly as I start to laugh myself.

"PORTIA DE ROSSI TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW!"

"Nothing."

"NOW!"

"Okay but don't tell me I didn't warn you okay?"

"Sure."

"Well basically I've spent the last 8 hours making hot passionate love with the most amazing woman I've ever met." I say half seriously as I look over to Ellen who is now looking back at me with the cutest smile on her face.

"EWW! Too much information!"

"Well you asked."

"Hang on a minute did you seriously just sleep with Ellen DeGeneres?"

"Maybe. Anyway I have to go."

"Hey wait! You can't leave me like that!"

"Goodbye Josh! I have a hot lady waiting for me!" I respond before shutting off the phone and lying back down into Ellen's arms. I look up into her eye's watching her pupils dilate as she looks into my own.

"Thank you" I whisper to her.

"What for?" she asks.

"For taking me, for last night, for reassuring me, for everything basically."

Babe it's my pleasure and I intend to make you realise just how beautiful you are. Look" she pauses looking me in the eye. "I know it's only been a few weeks and we still have a lot to figure out with you living in England but, and i'm sorry this isn't more romantic, please be my girlfriend?" she asks calmly but I can feel her racing heart beat underneath her rib cage. My heart soars at her question and for the first time ever I don't have to think about the answer to that question carefully. This time I am willing to risk everything for this woman and do not get me wrong that scares me but man does it thrill me as well.

"YES YES YES YES" I shout showering Ellen with kisses.

Half and hour later....

"And for the record that was pretty romantic" I say after we both calm down from another round of love making.

"Really?"

"Yeah I think i'll find anything you do romantic though if i'm honest." I giggle.

"When do you have to go back to the hospital for your final check up?" Ellen asks as I watch her face suddenly become serious.

"On Friday."

"Wow that's like what 4 day's away"

"Yeah I hope I get the all clear." I reply then watch the happiness drain from her face. "Oh no not because I want to leave, I-I just need to go back and check on my company. The only person I can trust is Josh."

"I'm sure he's done an amazing job babe."

"I know I just need to check and well I need to ask a few questions is all."

"Okay."

"It won't affect us I promise now let's get up otherwise we're gonna be in this bed all day."

"Okay and I wouldn't mind that." she say's giving me a cheeky wink.

"I'm sure you wouldn't."

Chapter Five

Ellen's POV

1 week later...

I watch as Portia disappears through the security gate the tears still stinging my eyes. I give her one last wave before turning and heading back towards my car. The doctors gave her the all clear on Friday so she booked her flight home for today. She has promised me that this is a flying visit to check up on the company and that any chance we have of making a go at a relationship is still very much alive but I'm struggling to hold onto that hope. After hearing that this was her first holiday since setting up the company I very much doubt she is going to be willing to give up her entire company to move here for me. Despite this I've had the best 2 and a half weeks of my life and I wouldn't have swapped it for anything. I am rather glad the show starts filming again in a few days it gives me the chance to go into the office and prepare whilst taking my mind off Portia. I'm going to guess that the media are going to make it difficult for me to let go as well. They are already printing stories about our romance despite both of us denying these stories. Due to living on different continents we haven't really told anyone we're properly together yet. I was also a little hesitant of this incase things don't work out.

*RING RING*

"Hello?" I answer my phone over the speakerphone in my car.

"Ellen!" my producer Mary's voice booms over the speakers.

"Hey Mary."

"How are you? How's your summer been?"

"Really good thank's Mary how about yours?"

"Great thanks Ell. Now I'm just gonna get this over with. What is going on with you and this Portia girl?"

"Oh I don't know Mary. I haven't really spoken to her about it let alone anyone else. In fact are you free for coffee later today or tomorrow? I could do with speaking to someone about it?"

"Yeah sure thing. I'm free this afternoon actually Julie's took the kids out with her sister for the day. How about we meet at that place on 26th street? I could do with chatting to you about when you are going to be in the office the rest of this week as well."

"Yeah sure that sounds good. I'm actually in the car now so i'll probably get there before you so i'll get us a table."

"Sure thing see you in a bit."

"Bye" I reply shutting the phone off and heading off for the coffee shop. I order us two coffees and choose a private booth in the corner of the shop so no one can overhear our conversation. It would be just my luck for someone to earwig and go to the press about it.

"Hey" Mary shout's walking over to the table. I stand up to hug her before sitting down opposite her in the booth.

"Hey you."

"So i'll get the work stuff out the way first. Are you coming into the office this week?"

"Yeah I was planning on coming in the rest of the week to take my mind off stuff."

"Oh gosh this doesn't sound good Ell you okay?"

"Yeah i'll fill you in in a minute."

"Okay well we've got the guests for the premiere show. Did you want anything special added in?"

"Well having look at the order yesterday if nothings been changed that sounds great. I'll get my monologue sorted tomorrow and thursday so we can get the script written on Friday."

"Yeah that's good with me."

"Who's in tomorrow?"

"Pretty much everyone I think. Most people have been in all week apart from me."

"I'll call a full staff meeting then just to get everyone on the same level."

"Sounds good. So what's this you have to tell me?"

"Well I guess you've heard about me and Portia?"

"I've certainly heard what the media are saying about you is it true?"

"Well yes and no. We slept together and then agreed to be together but as soon as she got the all clear she went back to England."

"Oh."

"Yeah. I did speak to her friend and assistant manager at her work who told me this is her first vacation since she started the company up."

"Seriously?!"

"Yeah I know I had a hard time believing that as well. She's very passionate about her company."

"Is this an England only company or?"

"Yeah."

"Ah so your worried she's not going to come back?"

"Yeah."

"Well I can completely understand why."

"I know I just I really like her but I don't want to get hurt if it's not leading anywhere. I'm not the best person for long distance you know that I work too much and by the sounds of it she's always in the office so it's not going to be much of a relationship."

"Hmm..yeah."

"I can't give up my show and move to England either and I highly doubt she's prepared to do that with her company."

"Is it a family company?"

"Oh no her family live back in Australia where she comes from."

"Wow she's well travelled then."

"Guess it comes with the job and her fathers not the most supportive of her being gay."

"Oh I see. I never understand those people. It's the 21st century!"

"Your telling me."

"So your stuck in no man's land really."

"Exactly. What would you do?"

"Hmm..I don't know really it's hard to say because i'm not in your position. But then I know if it was Julie I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. Has Portia given you any reason not to trust her?"

"Well no but oh I don't know I guess the fact she just upped and left has kind of thrown me a bit. I thought she might stay a few weeks longer to see if we were going somewhere."

"Have you spoke to her about this?"

"Yeah well I told her I was worried about how we could try to start a relationship with her in England."

"What did she say?"

"That she had some sort of idea and some questions to ask."

"Ah..it sounds like she's not just forgotten about you then."

"No that's true."

"Look i'd just trust that she's coming up with a plan and try to take your mind off her."

"Yeah. Thanks Mary."

"Hey Ell I'm always here."

"I just hope it works out."

"It will I know it."

"Thanks."

"So what time shall I get Andy to call the meeting for tomorrow?"

"Is 9am okay?"

"Yeah I'll just text him now."

Chapter Six

Portia's POV

I stride through the doors of our headquarters, down the corridor and through the double glass doors into my office. I have spent a few day's adjusting to being able to walk again not returning to office as quickly as I would have wanted too but I wanted to be able to do my job properly when I did return.

"Portia!" Josh exclaims in shock as I burst through the doors.

"Josh."

"What are you doing here?"

"What do you think i'm doing here? This is my company."

"But what happened to America?" he looks at me flabbergasted.

 "Well once this thing had healed I wanted to make sure my company is being run properly." I reply pointing at my leg.

"How are you?" he asks concerned now rising from his chair.

"Better. Much better in fact."

"Good now come here. I was worried about you when I got that phone call."

"I know." I say falling into his embrace. Josh has been there for me since day one. I met him the day I moved to England, a very lost 20 something girl looking for someone to love her. I remember climbing the stairs of the dilapidated high rise in the middle of London completely drenched and with far more luggage than necessary.

*FLASHBACK*

"Hey there!" I hear a rough voice shouting from the staircase below. I turn around to see a tall man with dark thick-rimmed glasses standing behind me. 

"Erm...hi" 

"Australian? What on earth are you doing here?" 

"Erm..long story. I now live somewhere up here." 

"Ah I see. Let me help you" he replies grabbing my suitcase from me and practically running up the stairs. "What number?" 

"Oh gosh erm..." I say trying to make out the number on the piece of paper which by this point is completely illegible. "Yeah I can't read this." 

"Not used to the rain hey?" he laughs.

"Not exactly." 

"Well i'm going to take a guess it's this one opposite mine as the landlord told me he'd managed to find a tenant. Where's your key i'll give it a try?" 

"Here" I say handing over the key. I watch as the key fits perfectly and the man swings the door open before placing my luggage onto the floor. "How about you find some clean clothes and come use my shower? If you turn the water on now it'll take at least two hours to get warm enough to have a shower and you can't sit around in those wet clothes." 

"Oh erm...I dunno I don't know you." 

"Hey come on i'm hardly a serial killer." 

"You could be." 

"Point taken. Look it's 11pm do you really want to be unpacking and sleeping on the floor tonight?" 

"Sorry?" 

"Well you don't have furniture" he say's pointing to the empty room in front of us.

"Shit." 

"Wait you thought you were getting furniture?" 

"Well I don't know I guess I hadn't really thought about the time I'd arrive." 

"Look take me up on my offer." 

"I don't even know your name." 

"Josh. Pleased to meet you." 

"Portia." I say shaking the hand he is holding out. 

"Come on let's get you warm. You can take my bed I'll have the sofa." 

*END OF FLASHBACK*

From that moment we never really looked back. Within a year we'd set up the company and moved into a more luxurious apartment together. We were so close when my real brother followed me to the UK he was jealous I'd replaced him.

"I thought you were with Ellen?" he asks me.

"Well we are" I say before pausing knowing how hard this might be for him to take. "I really want to give myself a chance with her."

"Wow you really are taken with her aren't you?"

"I guess." I say shyly.

"How are you going to make it work though with her living in the US?"

"Well this is part of the reason i'm back. I haven't told her yet because I want to be sure I can do this before I give her any hope."

"Right..."

"Well you know how we were going to have to hire someone to set up the US side of the company now we've agreed the deal on the premises? Which by the way I have whoever took my place to thank. I'm so sorry I couldn't attend it."

"Oh Portia you were in hospital you couldn't attend but yeah I think I know where you're going with this."

"Yeah well could I be that person?"

"Of course you could."

"But are you going to be able to keep the UK part going?"

"Oh come on I'm not useless."

"I know this company is just as much yours as it is mine and I'm sorry I forget that sometimes. I just needed to check you'd want the responsibility."

"Yes I would. Don't get me wrong I'd bloody miss you kid but I want you to be happy and don't interrupt but I know you haven't been for a long time, if ever."

"That's not fair."

"Isn't it? You were happy for what 2 years with Jess and after that she treated you like shit and there was nothing I could do about it."

"I know. No one can regret staying with her more than I do. I hate that it took what she did to show me how much of a bitch she was."

"Yeah well that's what love does to you. Just please don't let it happen with Ellen."

"I won't I promise. I think i've learnt from last time."

"Good and for the record Port."

"Yeah?"

"She wouldn't do that."

"I know." I say smiling thinking about Ellen.

"So what happens now?"

"I don't know I guess I have to hire some people to sort the premises out, get the furniture and computers then assemble a team."

"Well I'm sure there'd be some people from here willing to go with you."

"You reckon?"

"Yeah just hold a staff meeting get a few names then sort out some contracts for them."

"Okay. Wow this is real. Shit I'll have to sell my own house and everything."

"Do you?"

"Well I can't just assume i'm going to move straight in with Ellen can I?"

"I guess not that would be the definition of a U-Haul."

"Hey!"

"Well it's what you lesbians do isn't it?"

"So not true."

"Hmm...sure. Anyway whilst you're here you can get to work on setting the premises up. You don't get money for standing here chatting with me you know."

"Ahhh shut it you." I say punching his chest before walking through to my own office. I spend the rest of the day on the phone sorting out the new premises before browsing houses in the same area. When I finally get home I have already sorted out most of the furniture for the office and employed some contacts to start assembling a team for me to work into shape. I have seen a few houses but none of them seem to really excite me enough to put a bid in for them. Part of me hates how quickly this is going but the other part is so excited I can't stop pushing on with it. I decide it's probably time to fill Ell in on what's going on.

*RING RING*

"Hello?" An unfamilar voice answers the phone.

"Erm..hey is Ellen there?"

"Who's speaking?"

"Portia."

"Oh! Portia! Hey! I've heard a lot about you." the voice replies causing me to blush a little. 'Gosh Ell's telling other people about me!' I think to myself starting to feel a little guilty for not having contacted her in the last few days.

"Hi."

"I'm Mary by the way. I'll just get her for you. ELLEN! PHONE!" I hear her shouting almost deafening me down the phone. "Sorry about that she's the other side of the studio. So how are things in England right?"

"Yeah erm.." I start to reply but before I can answer I hear Ellen telling the lady off before what I presume snatching the phone from her.

"Hey sorry about that. She didn't ask you anything personal did she?"

"Hey Ell. No don't worry!" I reply laughing at the panic in Ellen's voice.

"Phew! She can be a little embarrassing sometimes. She's my assistant producer."

"Oh gosh are you at work?"

"Yeah just in the studio rehearsing."

"Shit sorry do you want me to ring back?"

"No course not! I've barely heard from you since you went back!"

"I know I'm so sorry! There is a good reason though."

"Oh is there? I don't have to keep you in the dog house then?"

"No not quite" I laugh. "So you know how we agreed making it work from the US to England would be stupidly hard if not impossible?"

"Yeah." she says hesitantly this time.

"Well remember the meeting I was meant to attend before some beautiful woman split coffee on me?"

"Hmm not so sure about the beautiful bit but yeah"

"So are. Anyway that meeting was to set up a possible expansion of the company to the US. Now we were originally thinking of employing a third party to set it up if it went through. So do you want the good news or the bad news first?"

"Right erm...good?"

"Okay well the good news is the deal went through."

"Wow congrat's that's amazing!"

"I know right! Anyway the bad news is I don't trust anyone to set up the company so a certain lady has to come set it up and probably run it myself."

"WHAT?!" I hear Ellen squeal down the phone.

"Jesus! Way to give a girl a heart attack!"

"Did I hear that right? You're moving to the US?"

"Yep. Premises is 34th Street Los Angeles to be precise. As for somewhere to live that's coming along a little slower. Everywhere's either too big for me or a dump!"

"Ha! That's Los Angeles for you. You know you could always move in with me?"

"Awww Ell. Look as sweet as that is and as much as I want to I think we both know it's probably more sensible to wait for a bit?"

"Babe we've already lived together for 2 weeks and if you don't like it I promise i'll help you find somewhere?"

"Hmm..look can I think about it?"

"Course babe. Wow I'm so excited."

"Me too!"

"Anyway I'm sorry to dash but they're waiting for me now."

"Shit sorry! You go have an awesome show and I'll ring you tomorrow to update you."

"Aww thanks. You get a good sleep. Night babe."

"Night Ell."