So, I have had this female friend since preschool. She's a HB8. We had lots of fun last summer, getting drunk and sleeping over at each others houses. However our friendship has kind of drifted away lately.

The first time the suggestion of being friends with benefits came up, we were pretty intoxicated and kinda whiffed it off as "something that could ruin our friendship and make things awkward". I since have changed standpoint.

What is the best way to entertain the idea of being fuck buddies? How should I come across?

Well, you said you guys were friends first but now you havent talked in a while. I would just start talking to her, but instead of being a friendly-catch up chat make it sexual from the get go. After some initial flirting, push/pull, cocky/funny,kino, DHV (whatever your game is) THEN invite her over for a low-pressure get-together at your house and fuck the shit out of her. But whatever you do, the first thing you shouldnt do is say "Lets be fuckbuddies" from the first conversation, seduce her instead and just make it look like thats how it ended up happpening. And whatever you do, dont settle for just friends. If shes not biting it (maybe cause of the past, might be tricky depending on your history) then just peace. Why? Because your standpoint has changed and you dont talk to her that much anyway- might as well give it a shot. Lets hope your game is on par...