can't stop, addicted to the shin dig [jay, isaac, simon, sophia, micah, alicia, audie, ly open]

Abi laughed as Darnell jumped to the dancefloor, anything for the attention, a smile upon her face, no matter how embarrassing it was. After a while, Darnell seemed to spot someone over by the door, Abi grew curious, watching him walk over until she saw a little girl. He was talking to a girl who seemed a little unsure of coming in, she was quickly joined by someone else and eventually Darnell turned around.

Abi tried to seem as if she wasn't watching him, spinning her head around to notice Gerard and Saffies conversation, suddenly hearing "Abster!" yelled out by Darnie. He continued talking holding out his hand, Abi's eyes widened, dance with Darnell. It was so much funnier seeing him dance though! Rolling her eyes, she lifted her hands, placing it in his, "Alright" Abi dragged the word out like a long sigh, making it sound like a massive sigh but really it would be fun.

The music was chopping and changing, deciding on playing a slow song one moment and a fast one the next, Abi held onto Darnells hand, grinning as she looked up at him, hearing someone laughing. She drew her head away, Abi watched Gerard doing, the chicken dance?! She bit her lip trying to contain her laughter, surely he knew what he was doing. About to return to concentrating on Darnell, when he saw a couple of people turning to look at someone and then mutter something disapprovingly. Frowning, Abi darted her head until she realised that it was just Nyx Johns, creating a fuss as usual.

Abi rolled her eyes, taking a sigh she tried to ignore the stumble he made as she turned back to Darnell, wrapping resting her arms on his shoulders, practically wrapping them around him as the slow song came in full swing - as Abi noticed. She gave a sly wink, "So? Having a good time so far?" Abi asked curiously, it was turning into an ok night she thought.

Darnell was a mastermind- he had to be to function properly with his body acting normally and his mind running in a completely opposite direction, screaming and going mad. And you see, that was how it felt as he awaited Abi's "Alright" with that casual smile on his face.

He hadn't noticed that she'd been watching him, and honestly he'd barely noticed anything other than her from the moment she placed her hand into his. This was it- he had to dance. And it wasn't so bad at all really, it all kind of came naturally- he was a rhythmic person after all, like a human metronome- except with so much more style and flash and y'know... life.

He did catch Gerard's chicken dance- man- even Darnell in all his nervousness wasn't that bad. He chuckled softly, looking down to see Abigail holding in her laughter. Then her head turned, and Darnell followed the lead- oh no- it was Nyx. Really, how did he end up being Nikki's brother? Or rather... he-she end up being her brother-sister? Ahck. Too complicated. In any case, as long as that kid didn't look at him too long- Darnell'd be fine. He had this creepy feeling that Nyx might actually... uh... like being around him a bit too much.

Abi's arms around his neck brought Darnell back to her. A slow song had taken over the sound waves- and smacked Darnell right in the face. Woah. He was slow-dancing with Abigail Applebottom. This was pretty freaking awesome. He wrapped his own arms around her lower back, trying desperately to remember the advice given in that movie, Hitch about how high/low was the right place to put hands. Not in the friend's zone, but not too low either... ahh!

"So? Having a good time so far?"

If Darnell's smile weren't enough, then his reply have to suffice, "This is the best Homecoming I've ever been to." He laughed a little, recognizing with every passing moment how close they were. "Seriously, one of the best nights of my life. I think it can only one better was the day we became friends." Now this, Abi should know. If there was one thing that had stayed solid and unchanging and always been there for him all of his life, it was Abi. No lie- no surprise. Yet somehow his saying it made him a little red. Stay cool, man... he reminded himself."And you- having fun?"

Noticing how her limbs weren't quite moving in exact orders any more, Gerard smiled to himself and shook his head at Saffie. A complete lightweight when it came to alcohol, but then again, Gerard always had been able to hold his alcohol well, so pretty much anything seemed lightweight to him.

Though, he didn't exactly say anything when Saffie kissed him. He did pout when she took another swig of the vodka, but all the same...

"You know what? I don't think I'm giving you anymore of that tonight. I don't want to be carrying you all the way to your dorm, or having to explain exactly why you're in such a state. And as long as you don't touch the punchbowl... You'll be fine."

Though the music was loud, Gerard's voice waslow, but he knew that Saffie would understand absolutely every word he said. He gave her a cheeky grin, and ignored the muttering going through the crowd (this had to mean Nyx had arrived).

"You're wish is my command."

He pressed his lips back to Saffie, holding her tightly.

Abi felt his hands go slowly around her, not that it was awkward or anything. Her back stiffened slightly, then relaxed, it was just Darnell. She swallowed, a little nervous, things were different, it wasn't like she any of the other guys she danced with. "This is the best Homecoming I've ever been to." Abi grinned, it was the best one she'd been to in a while. This was his first homecoming, and before considering he hadn't been there it had pretty much sucked without him, it was fun but not as great as it could've been.

"Seriously, one of the best nights of my life. I think it can only one better was the day we became friends." Abi nodded seriously, that was pretty high up on the list, he must be having fun. They had known each other for a while, since Darnell had arrived at Harriman and they became friends. Before then, Abi couldn't remember ever being without Darnell, it was a complete blank. She saw Darnells face going red, she tried not to smile, it was a little sweet.

At this thought, Abi didn't really hear Darnells question, too wrapped up in her own thoughts. "Huh? Lots!" She smiled, Abi had never considered Darnell never being there. He just, was. A constant thing in her life, that she couldn't ever take for granted, they'd never really ever fought with each other, no amazing petty arguments they were just great friends and had remained that way.

It made Abi strangely uncomfortable, they're relationship jumping to best friends and practically like family to her, it was just weird for that to happen and now all of a sudden, this year. Abi felt different. She knew it wasn't fair, they were too close, he was too great a friend to lose, so why on Earth was she so desperate to take the risk? Abi bit her lip nervously, she wondered whether she should talk to anyone. Jay perhaps? They really needed, alot of time alone for that talk. "Let's get a drink"

Saffie pulled her arms up around Gerard's neck and pressed forward into the kiss. Yes, she'd heard boyfriend's words. No more flask. No punch. Party pooper. But all in all, she knew she'd be just fine. It didn't take much to get her buzzed after all, and if she really felt in need of a bit more she'd probably just drink from some random person's glass while Gerard wasn't looking.

Breaking away for a moment, Saffie laid her head on Gerard's chest. She really didn't like dances that much. Everyone was so into their little groups, it was hard to just float around without feeling awkward- and floating was what she did best- through social spheres of course. She knew just about everyone there. And oh- Nyx had come in! Saffie waved.

"Haha- look Nyx's dress looks better than mine!" she burst into a fit of giggles. "Pretty color Nyx!" She yelled across the room, still giggling. "Gawd I haaate dresses. I can't wait to get this thing off... How long d'ya even wanna stay?" She faced Gerard, tilting her head to the side just a little. She was fine with whatever he was fine with. Really, there was no rush. She just never knew what to do with herself at these things. Especially now that she was all sauced up.

Drinks sounded good. Drinks, mmhm- yeah. Yeah, drinks all around!

Darnell followed Abi over to the punch bowl- and being the gentlemanly gentleman that he was, poured her a cup before serving himself. He drank it down no problemo- although... something seemed a little off... hmm... what could that be? For the time being it just didn't occur to him what that tiny little off taste could possibly be.

"Okay, so pictures, check- dancing, check- punch bowl, check..." He poured himself another glass and drank that. What was that taste? "Seems as though I've had the full Homecoming experience already..." He nodded, knocking back that second glass. He was considering about going for a third when... "Oh snap."

He had it.

"Abi- no more punch!" He put his glass down. "This punch is sooo spiked. Freaking A- I should have figured that out sooner..." He hoped Abi was less of a lightweight than she looked. Otherwise, he might just be slinging her over his shoulder on the way out.

Grinning in the direction that Saffie had waved, Gerard tilted his head and gave the dress a good look-over. A bit poofy for Gerard's taste- his eyes were more fixed on the way the fabric clung to Saffie's legs without clinging. Which quite obviously made no sense. But whatever.

"Yeah, nice colour, the dress quite suits him really..."

Gerard mused absent mindedly, ignoring the giggles coming from Saffie.

"Wait, what? Was that just an invitation for me to take off your dress? Why are still here Saff, if that's what you want me to do?"

The grin on his faced morphed a little until it was far more malicious and quite wolfish really. His eyes twinkled slightly, and he easily picked Saffron up, bridal style, her legs over his arm. He entrusted her the holding on part- carrying her wouldn't be easy if she didn't.

"Your room or mine?"

Despite being half serious, it wasn't like he'd go and force Saffie into anything. Just a bit of lounging around, and talking about nothing, before they got cooped up in the dance hall for too long. Well, unless Saffie told him no, in which case he'd pout and put her down. But this way also prevented Saffie from getting to the punch. Which, by the looks of it, Darnell had just drank. Silly boy.

Saffron laughed, squealing a little in surprise as Gerard whisked her up and off her feet. Wow. He was way more excited than she'd expected him to be.

"Act-choo-ahh-lee," Saffie sounded out quite slowly, "It wasn't- but now that you mention it..." She stuck her tongue out at Gerard, clasping her fingers around his neck and relaxing in his grip. She trusted Gerard even more than she trusted herself. And in any matter, trust wasn't exactly involved in this particular reply. It was more the light-headedness and the freedom and the thought of getting out of that dress! What Gerard chose to do after that point was all up to him. She was a free bird, remember- going with the flow. She thought a minute- but that was really no use. Thinking was over and done with at that point. She just picked. "Yours."

"Gooooodbyyeeee people!" She waved heartily a moment, before returning her hands to their previous position around his neck. She didn't want to make him fall.

They had walked over to the punch bowl, Darnell pouring her a cup before his, she accepted it gratefully. Taking a quick sip, and then a bigger one, it tasted pretty good. Nice and fruity, but a little different. There was a nice edge to it, Abi didn't realise she had finished her drink until the whole cup was empty, nodding to each of Darnells checks, as she poured herself another. Abi winked, "Not quite!" The whole homecoming experience wasn't just what you drank and did, it was actually surviving the whole thing. She took another gulp, feeling herself cool off in the warm room, Abi looked up at Darnells face, he looked shocked.

"Tastes pretty good" She shrugged, "Spiked?" She repeated, Abi couldn't really taste anything, frowning she was glad she'd not known that before, otherwise she wouldn't have even tasted the stuff. Abi had already finished her second glass, watching Gerard and Saffie, they were quite the couple tonight. Two glasses wasn't exactly enough to get drunk on was it? It was probably one of the younger one's, Abi hadn't exactly had her fair share of spiked drinks, and she hadn't been thinking about it, it was just a homecoming dance. She rolled her eyes at Darnell, "No more punch" She firmly repeated, soft drinks.

No fun. At all. Especially considering Darnell was here, Abi didn't want to embarrass herself, it would just be awful the next day in front of everyone. She was used to the nights with her roomates, just for fun and they weren't really drunk. Then there were all the parties, Abi didn't really consider herself a lightweight, but she couldn't tell, it'd happened once. The punch tasted good though, she pouted, "Not even a little bit?" Abi held out her hand, her fore-finger and middle roughly a centimeter apart. Her eyes big and wide, just like they were when she had asked for her car. Suddenly, hearing someone shout, she raised an eyebrow towards Saffron, she was particularly loud, she had definitely had too much to drink.

"I promise, first signs of slipping I'll stop" Abi reached out with her cup, pouring in some more, it wasn't as if she was the only one!

shoort. sorry. :[

Uuuugh. This made Darnell a little unhappy. But you could bet your bottom dollar he wasn't going to show it. He just didn't want to be a party pooper... but this was really tearing him up- he was torn between protectiveness and chill. Protectiveness said don't take "a little bit" for an answer, put his foot down, say no way Jose! Chill said hey dude- take a pill- a chill pill to be exact- have another drink- don't down the vibe, y'know?

Yeah, yeah. He knew. He knew alright. "I mean- yeah, yeah, more punch," He laughed. "But for the love of all that's awesome, if you start seeing double Darnies- no matter how amazing that will no doubt be for you- please stop."

Abi nodded, she felt a little guilty, Darnell was always up for a good time but was it a bit unfair for her to turn around and be a little hypocritical? Truthfully, she didn't know how much, whoever had put whatever she was drinking in, and Abi didn't know how much she could take. She smiled happily, giving a little laugh, this was fun. Very. Fun. Abi couldn't remember how much fun she had had at the homecoming before. "if you start seeing double Darnies- no matter how amazing that will no doubt be for you- please stop." Abi gave a firm nod, no matter how amazing two Darnie's would be, it would suggest she had had a liiiittle too much.

"Scout's honour!" She held her hand up, sticking her forefinger and middle finger out as the peace sign, making what she hoped was the scout's sign, it was peace right? Peace, honour and all that jazz? Abi lifted her cup up to her mouth, feeling the warm feeling fill her up, it was nice.

"What now?" Abi frowned, placing her cup back on the table, she looked up at Darnell strangely, he was cute in a suit, tux thingy. Abi pouted as she scanned the couples, Darnell didn't need to worry about her. She was perfectly fine, Abi blinked, going from a frown to a smile as she saw Nikki and El again, then back to a frown. She was itching to ask a question, why wasn't she with anyone, why was she the only one without a date. Darnell was her date, but he wasn't her date date. Abi looked at him suspiciously, was he?

She took a deep breath, "Darnie?" Abi asked innocently, "Do you..." She paused, now she actually had to think of something to ask, "Um" Abi was stuck for words, she shook her head, facing the floor, she searched through her head, she was going to ask an important question and it poofed. "If there was anyone that you could take as a date, who would you take?" Abi grinned, she wondered if he had any crushes, it would be funny playing matchmaker. She hoped Darnell would go red and embarrassed, that was the best look. It made her laugh so much, that was until she had thought of something else, "Not a girl" She said slowly, hoping he got the hint. It was a strange question, but it would be funny seeing his answer.

Abi seemed to be faring well so far- and considering that he didn't want to burst her happy Homecoming bubble- Darnell felt that that was the best he could hope for right then. Still, it made him a little uneasy to see her continue drinking the toxic stuff- and he turned his head to look around the room, half of him searching to make sure Nyx wasn't too near, and the other half just plain stalling.

Abi's first question drew a shrug as a response. Darnell had no clue. He just stuck his hands in his pockets and waited for something to happen. Something, just about anything.

"Darnie?"

""Hm?" He quickly turned his attention to her again, smiling just slightly.

"Do you..."

Oh geez. What was this? What was coming? What was she going to ask? Stay cool, stay cool... He cocked his head to the side just a bit, curiously. "Do I..."

"Um"

Darnell laughed. "Well c'mon Abs, what can you possibly have to ask me that can make you look so nervous?" Though those were his words, his mind was going through about a million that she could ask that would deff make him more than a little nervous.

"If there was anyone that you could take as a date, who would you take?"

First reaction, red in the face. Second reaction, ""Uhhh... well, I..." Third, hand out of the pocket, and the nervous rubbing of the chin. "I would take..."

"Not a girl" she clarified.

Oooh. Well geez. "Ha! This is easy- I'd take El. Well... uh... wait... as a date date? 'Cuz I totally don't swing that way y'know Abs, I save all my love for the ladies. And I totally don't have any sort of thing for El. Whew. There's one rumor we totally don't need floating around." He eyed her suspiciously for a moment. "Are you sure you're not seeing two Darnies? Oh- and let me add- if one of the Darnies you're seeing is wearing a dress or has on makeup, then that means it's time to stop too."

Abi's smile grew bigger and bigger with each word coming out of his mouth. He looked so on the spot, as soon as he realised she meant who would he take that was a boy, it seemed to be a whole different ball game. She rolled her eyes, "Of course I know!" Abi dragged out the last word, 'I save all my love for the ladies.' She had to snort at that, his tone certainly suggested so.

Abi sighed, Darnell was still worried about her drinking the spiked punch, "Not yet?" She said, unsure, coming out as more of a question. Abi smirked, taking a long gulp and putting down the cup concentrating on it actually reaching the table, she was finished. Anymore, and that would not be good. "I'm still fine!" She stated, making sure Darnell really understood she was perfectly fine as she was.

It would be funny seeing Darnell in a dress, it wouldn't look so good. Abi looked him up and down, squinting, "I...don't think so" She laughed, her head shaking, Abi couldn't even imagine Darnell dressed like that. It wasn't something that would ever look good on him, "You look alot better in a tuxedo" She shrugged, seeing Darnell as a guy would mean ...hell had frozen over.

Weird feelings. Abi eyed the cup, it did taste good, but after trying to focus on it a couple of times, she decided that perhaps she had had enough. Shame. At least she was not drunk, Abi couldn't feel anything, she looked fine?

"Well thanks... and that's good that you're not sure... I guess...?" He'd shake that off. Abi was a big girl. She'd know if she wasn't feeling right, and then Darnie'd be right there to pick her up and get her where she needed to be.

Darnell laughed and shook his head slightly, his hair sweeping this way and that. He reached a hand up to mess with it. His face scrunched up and he tried to look up at his bangs, which he then gripped between two fingers.

"Aah, I think I need a haircut. What would you do if I buzzed this all off?" He was seriously considering it. Even if it was winter. Still staring up at his bangs, Darnie was going a bit cross-eyed trying to see them. He probably looked really funny... in any case- his eyes were no longer on Abi. Part of his subconsciously felt like he should be watching for her to pass out or stumble over or something. Ridiculous thoughts.

Out of the corner of his eye, Darnell spotted Will. He'd probably been there awhile, skulking around in that annoyingly sultry british way of his. Ugh. That guy was freaking revolting. All Darnie knew was he better not even walk his way- considering the whole Izz thing, and the fact that Darnie had even that slight amount of alcohol in his system already- the consequences could be bad. For Will.

The idea of Oz being too terrified to do anything was a surprise to Evalee. She hadn't realized he was just as scared as she was. Oddly, it ended up making her feel better about her own worries. But first, to respond to his reply. "Well, that can easily be remedied, Wizard. Just stick close and you'll be terrorized, I promise." She grinned at him.

As she lead the way through the slightly less crowded areas towards a nice area that was not nearly as crowded as the rest of the room, she flashed a glance back at him. His comment about being scared to go in by himself niggled at her. It had been much the same as she'd felt. Darnell's presence had done little to put an end to such a feeling. It wasn't until Oz had arrived that she'd felt she'd be okay entering the dance. Most likely it was because he was her age and not at all older than her. Yes, that made a lot of sense. It made her glad, once more, that he was someone she counted as a friend.

Once she'd drawn them to a stop again, she paused to look around. Yep, nobody was cramming too close or anything. She spotted Darnell rejoining a lovely blond and wondered if they, too, were friends. When Evalee's gaze fell on the dance floor, she was somewhat startled at just how close everyone's bodies were. She was left staring at them all until Oz's voice broke through her thoughts. She turned to him and flushed. "Well...I would. But I only know..ballroom dancing." Evalee couldn't help the embarrassment that flooded her voice.

Abi gave a vigorous nod of her head, her hair shaking everywhere, "Of course it's a good thing!" She laughed along with him, and stopped as he began fiddling with his hair, a look of confusion slowly appearing. "A haircut? You!?" She frowned, "I like it! It's Darnie style" Abi sighed, it would be a shame to see all of his hair gone, especially with the upcoming winter, "Sheep get their coats shaved in the Spring. So.. maybe you should do it then, in Spring" She tried to focus on his eyes, one looking this way and the other that, but Abi couldn't remember for the life of her what he was doing.

"You know, you're my best bestest bestie friend ever" Abi grinned, dragging out the last word for a little longer than normal. She was happy as she was, standing next to Darnell just talking to him, when she realised the room wasn't straight. Were they on a boat? Abi frowned, trying to concentrate on keeping upright, move with the waves, a little sway left and little sway right.

Just to keep upright. It was cool. "I've never had a friend like you and you're so special" Abi blinked slowly, as she blabbered out the words quickly, "You won't cut your hair will you?" Her eyes going wide, just as much as her pupils as she stared at him carefully. Something was off, "I didn't know you had a brother Darnie?" Abi sniffed, another exact image of Darnell standing behind him, "Why you gots a brother?" Her face fell, "I've never met him!" Abi reached out to poke him, her hand falling through mid-air, she swallowed, she could've been sure the real Darnell's arm was there. Abi smiled, "Is it that time now?" she asked, grabbing onto Darnells hand, to try and stop swaying the music was catchy, running through her head. "I think, we" She lifted her other hand onto his, "should dance" Abi slurred towards the end of her sentence, barely a whisper above her breath.

Darnell looked at Abi oddly, letting his hair slip from between his fingers.

Uh. Oh.

"Abi..." He watched her begin to sway. There was something very attractive about the way she moved... WAIT. She was totally drunk! He couldn't think those things when she was all alcohol-ed up! "You're my best friend too! Thank you, you're special too... I don't have a brother..." He stepped forward. "You're seeing two Darnies now aren't you?" He took the "I've never met him!" as a yes.

"Time? Time for what? Other than putting the punch away..." Darnell watched Abi grab for his hand. "Abi..." He sighed, half smiling. "Y'know- I'd love to dance with you- I enjoyed the last dance, really but..." With a deep breathe and a made up mind, he placed one hand behind Abi's back, and one arm beneath her knees and scooped her up, like Gerard had done to Saffie earlier. Shaking his head softly, he smiled at her. "I think it's about time you head back to your dorm party girl."

"I'm special too" Abi repeated slowly, her eyes screwing up "Well, you can't both be called Darnell can you?!" she giggled, wondering why she never giggled. It was a bit strange, never giggling, perhaps she should do it more often. It made her feel funny, all happy and light. Abi felt like she was walking on cotton wool, all soft and fluffy, maybe it wasn't a boat that was swaying. Just the cotton wool bouncing her around, Abi was about to open her mouth asking why he wouldn't want to dance again when suddenly his arm was on her back. "Whaaaat?" She was drawn up into his arms, her eyes wide, holding tightly onto his arm, "are you doing?!" She shouted.

Abi let go of his arm, as the movement steadied, her eyes no longer spinning, had he just taken her on a roller coaster? She gulped, "Put me down!" Abi demanded, her hand waving out to smack him on the shoulder, at least, she certainly hoped that was his shoulder. It looked like it, swinging her arm out, "Let me go!", pushing her arm forward as she shut her eyes, making contact with something soft and hairy.

Blinking her eyes open, she realised that her aim had been a little off and she had in fact slapped Darnell across the head, "How'd your head get there?!" Abi struggled, kicking her legs, "I'm warning you!" All of a sudden, the arms from under her dropped, her dress flying as her bum made contact. Her arms flailed out at the side of her, while her head dropped to the floor, Abi winced. She waited for a moment until she lifted herself up. As soon as she opened her eyes and lifted her upper body up the room began spinning like a tea cup.

"That wasn't very nice" She rolled over, drawing her legs up as she leaned on her arms, lifting one up to touch her head. "I told you to put me down, not drop me!" Abi sniffed, holding an arm out. The least he could do was help her up, unless he was completely incapable. She wasn't that heavy! Abi shook her head, "No. It's not that late" She rolled her eyes, her head drawing back and forward slowly in a little nod, although it had no meaning.

This was just plain ridiculous. Darnell knew he should have insisted that she stop with the punch. He should have been the party pooper- knocked the glass away- done something! Now she was a bumbling fool! And she'd just hit his head!

"Ow!" He scrunched up his face. "My head was always there!" He was struggling to hold on- oh geez, he'd never guessed Homecoming would come to this! "Abi- if you don't be careful you're going to-" She fell- right between his arms. Fell- right onto the floor. And then yelled at him!

Women. Impossible creatures at the best.

"Well then," he crossed his arms, frustrated. "What do you say that we do, party girl?" This was sooo way out of hand. And Darnell was absolutely going to be insistent this time. "You know what- no- it is that late Abi. And in case you haven't noticed, you're drunk. So one of two things can happen here- you can let me help you out of here, or I can lift you over my shoulder and carry you out, myself- without dropping you this time- if you'd please. Either way- you're making a fool of yourself- and I won't let my best bestest bestie friend make herself look foolish while I can stand for it, mmk?"

Abi laughed, "I am a party girl" She grinned, until his tone of voice changed. Her grin fell, as she quickly stood up a little rocky, while the world spun around in front of her eyes. Abi's shoulders fell, as her eyes softened, she bit her lip. Darnell was mad. Very mad. He had never spoken to her like that before, and she was just having fun!

Darnell was the one that had picked her up. He was the one that dropped her. Now he was having a go at her! "I'm not drunk!" Was the immediate reply as she folded her arms giving a firm wavy shake of the head. She had no idea what the time was but Darnell was being completely out of order and a big party pooper. Abi's eyes filled, she wasn't making a fool out of herself, he was embarrassing her in front of everyone! A sob emitted from her, as she tried to catch herself as her breath hitched.

"You're mad" Abi stated sourly. She turned her head down at the ground, all traces of her happy mood having disappeared while a lone tear ran down her cheek. Darnell had never been mad before, and the look on his face. Abi licked her lips, "No" She shrugged, "S'pose not" Abi sighed, "I'm not making a fool out of myself though" She glared at him, her arms folded as she looked up sharply at him. There was no way she was leaving anytime soon, he may as well just go without her and Abi would find someone else.

"In your dreams, dude" She muttered, rather incoherently coming out as a mess of words jumbled together. Abi shook her head, there was no chance he'd ever embarrass her, she turned around back to the table and wondered if she should have another drink. After the rough and tumble she was feeling a little fuzzy, Abi wanted to sit down. Her legs hurt, it was probably because silly Darnell dropped her because he was a massive klutz.

"I'm still your bestest friend though?" She turned back worriedly, if he said no! Abi lifted her hand up to her cheek wondering why it was wet. She wasn't crying was she?! "You could always sit down and we can stay?" Abi gave a shy half-laugh, it didn't look as if he was joking though..

Darnell didn't mean to look so upset. He just was. It was his superman complex, y'know? He just had this feeling inside him that he had to help people- especially his best friends. And especially Abi, 'cuz she was like his Lois Lane, y'know? She made being superman worth being superman, y'know? Maybe?...

"You are Abster," he tried to lower his voice. "You're swaying right and left like we're on the Titanic- as it's going down- for that matter." She was accusing him of being mad, but really, what did she expect? He was going to be all holly and jolly, dance around while she was stumbling around like she was? She could hardly get her sentences out right. Her crossed arms made him frown even more.

"Hm, well consider me dreaming then." He was about to move in when the best friend question came up. He looked up at her face. Were those... ohhhh noooo... He shook his head. "C'mon Abbbbbiiiii." He took a deep breath, and taking Abi's hand tried to guide her as close to the exit as he could get her- so as to attract the least amount of attention when he grabbed her around her waist and thrust her over his shoulder. "Don't be mad at me too long for this, please?" His mind had been made up. He was taking her out.

Abi couldn't understand what was going on with Darnell, he should know what happened at Homecoming's. People got drunk. It happened. Alot of stuff happened and he was spoiling it all just to 'protect' her. It was rubbish. Abi scowled as he disagreed with her, ignoring the comment about her movements, until she noticed him fold his arms and frown. It made him look scary, this wasn't happy Darnell. This was bad-stay-away-Darnell. Abi rarely saw him, if ever.

She sniffed shakily, as he dragged out her name, "Don't 'Abi' me!" Abi shouted, waving her arm in front of her to try and stop him from being so ridiculous. He should just stop! Stop. Stop. Stop! Darnell grabbed her hand, wrapping his rather large hot hand around hers, it didn't feel like he was helping her rather than making her. "Stop embarrassing me!" Abi mumbled.

It was exactly what he was doing. She moved along with him, if any of her friends were watching, Abi hoped they weren't seeing him embarrassing her like this. He was causing such a scene! Luckily, he was leading her away from the crowd, no one was around this part, all caught up in the music.

Abi frowned, "You're so annoying" She growled, about to open her mouth with some sort of insult when his arms were around her waist? Feeling him lifting her up into the air, until she landed onto his shoulder, right under her ribs, Abi was getting a truly wonderful view from the back.

She couldn't help bursting into a little fit of laughter, maybe Darnell was a little tipsy too. It was a funny thought. "I'll! I'll stay mad! So long as I like!" Abi shouted, wacking his back, with the side of her hand, there was no way he'd ever forget this. "You're not the boss of me, mister!" She rolled her eyes, hoping that her dress covered enough of her, it was certainly long enough. At least she couldn't be embarrassed by that.

"You just throw your weight around!" Abi shouted, "Like a big gorilla" She was not going to go quietly, it was his fault and she was going to be just as mad as he was. This wasn't exactly how she pictured her exit from the dance, but the view was certainly nothing to complain about.

He wasn't supposed to come off so mean! Why was it that when ever he tried to help people they always thought he was being mean? It wasn't his fault that he actually cared about them! Weren't they- Shouldn't they- be happy about that?! YES! THEY SHOULD!

Okay, wait. Abi was drunk. She didn't mean any of those things she said. They were just words- slurred words, in fact. She probably wouldn't even remember in the morning what had happened. She probably would end up thanking him. She probably would say he was her hero or something like that. Yeah... it was just the punch making her all crazy.

As she hit Darnie's back, he chuckled. "A massage? Oh how nice of you!" Taking her outside was no problem, he used the ramp instead of the stairs though- just in case. And as he felt the cold air hit him- he realized Abi must be freezing. Uh... he'd let her down to use his jacket- and that he did. Setting her down, he took off his coat and cloaked it over her back. His hands rested on her shoulders. He stepped closer to her. "Abi, I'm sorry you think I'm a big gorilla- I'm sorry you're mad at me... but please, please... please don't be..." He leaned in to give her a hug. "I'm sorry I annoy you, too..." Then standing back, he asserted. "But regardless, we're leaving now- 'cuz I really do know what I'm talking about! And I really care about you! And I really like you, too!" Woah. Uhhhh... "I really like you to-... to... to not embarrass yourself!" Phew. Quick save. She'd never notice. Not in that state.

Abi groaned, she wasn't giving him a massage! For some reason, he was going down a ramp, an icy cold breeze knocking into her making little goosebumps along her arms. Abi felt herself moving, her head jerking trying to lift herself up to see what was going on, once her feet made contact with the ground, albeit she was a little wobbly, Abi quickly stood up. Watching Darnell although making no response - she found no need, his warm coat wrapped around her shoulders, nice and warm. She tugged it tightly around her, she stopped figiting with his coat when she felt his arms on top of her shoulders.

What now?!

Abi blinked dumbly at him, he was apologising? That was nice. He pulled her in for a hug, she quickly complied, nice Darnie was back and she was taking full advantage. Abi gave him a tight hug, until he pulled away, he was rambling on about everything she said, unfortunately, no matter the amount of apologies. Darnell was firmly set on leaving.

"I know you know!" Abi gave a sad smile.

"And I really care about you! And I really like you, too!"

Woah. She frowned for a second, a large smile spreading "I li-" Abi stopped, rolling her eyes, whatever he was saying couldn't be that important. He had just said he liked her! Was he apologising for embarrassing her. "Good! Whatever!" She laughed, "I care about you too" Abi gave a little laugh, her features brightening, "Isn't that funny!" She took a step forwards towards him, he was directly in front of her! Now, reaching her arms out, until she fell forwards, he was a little off center. Clumsily, her lips reaching his cheek, was there a target she was missing?

She was falling short every. single. time.

That was a very odd mix of words. It sounded to Darnell for a moment there- as though Abi might have actually said that she liked him back. But no- that was probably just his imagination- mixing things up- being optimistic- being hopeful and all that jazz.

And then, very quickly, Abi fell forward- her lips meeting for the second time this night with Darnell's cheek. He caught the rest of her as she nearly fell to the side she'd leaned to. Which made him think... leaning Abi... was she trying to kiss him? Aaah... drunk Abi liked him?

"Yeah- uh- Abi..." This was very difficult. Darnell sighed. "If you really want to stick around the dance awhile longer... I guess that's fine... I just..." Her face was right there. Right there. Right. There. Darnell turned his face just slightly, so his nose was touching hers. He was breathing down on her lips. So. Close. "I can't..." He pulled back, turning away from her for a second to run his hand through his hair. That was close. He'd really really almost kissed Abigail Applebottom.