we just l o v e the new year

The worst thing about the whole getting drunk thing- other than the fact that it usually turned Darnell into an incomprehensible idiot with no tact- was that it made him extremely exhausted. But... that might have also been due to the fact that he'd had like a crapload of yelling and woefulness in the past few hours and the whole clobbering Rob fiasco. So maybe it was just the whole da-- night that made him so friggin' exhausted. Either way, he was exhausted.

He walked Abi to his room, taking a back route around the lodge a bit so they wouldn't have to re-enter the party scene. He didn't even looking out for the other guys- he knew none of them would really care. Most of them had girls they wanted to take back to the rooms, too, so it was kind of this unwritten agreement: we won't rat on you, you don't rat on us. And it was working pretty well in all of their opinions.

Finally at the door, Darnell opened it up, it was the doorway to happiness- it was the doorway to the bed, a very good piece of furniture for more reasons than just one. He let Abi walk in first, and then entering himself, closed the door behind them, but not locking it- since no one else was in- he knew the guys might be coming back in at some point.

"Ah..." Darnell said, barely even at a whisper's volume- he didn't want Abi to hear, but his hand came up to his lip, which was beginning to hurt a little more- he figured that was just his buzz wearing off. He walked over to the dresser, mirror hanging above it, and inspected the damage. Not bad, not bad, just the lip was injured- but the shirt... there was a bit of blood... "Da--... my good shirt..." he shook his head, and came to the conclusion that all that was left to do now was take it off, which he did. Then walking over to Abi- shirtless- he smiled. He was glad she was there. "Are you tired?"

Abi didn't know if she was exactly sober, she couldn't still be drunk. It had been ages, and only one cup, she couldn't be that bad. It was a little high, hardly anything more than that. Darnell knew a way around the back, so at least they didn't have to walk through and run into Rob and that girl and all of their friends again. Darnie opened the door, leading her in first while she looked around. It was pretty much the male version of their rooms, a bed, a chest of drawers, a bathroom. She heard him say something behind her and turned around, concerned as she saw him walk to the mirror, Abi peeked over his shoulder.

He was gently touching his lip, the pain must be kicking in. She watched him, then his eyes slid down to the tiniest spot of blood on his shirt. His good shirt had blood on it. Abi thought he'd be a little bit upset about it, but takingi it off and just slinging it on the floor, she could hardly concentrate. He turned to her and Abi had to try very hard to keep her eyes at eye level. She smiled softly, "A little" They had been up all night pretty much so of course towards the end of the night she supposed she was 'a little' tired. "You?"

Abi hoped that no one would walk in, least of all a teacher. She really didn't want to be caught on new year, even just being in their room, at this time of night, teachers would automatically assume the worst. Abi walked over to the bed, unsure whether to just get in her dress. She tried to think, "You got something I can wear?" Abi asked. She didn't really want to get into bed with it.

It hadn't even occurred to Darnell that his shirtlessness might effect Abi. (lie) It was something that hadn't crossed his mind at all. (lie) In fact, it hadn't even occurred to him that Abi might want to change from her dress. (bigger lie) And he certainly hadn't given any thought at all to what he would do if she might have wanted to change. (still a lie) And he definitely wasn't hoping that she changed in front of him. (biggest lie) He didn't expect her to at least. (hey- the truth!)

"I'm kinda tired..." He turned back to his dresser. "Yeah... I've got some t-shirts that'll probably be like dresses on you." He considered this for a moment, grabbing two from a drawer. "And then again... I have some that won't..." His eyebrow rose. This was pretty much the perfect test. In one hand was the large t-shirt, which would probably fall past Abi's knees, in the other, the not so large one, which would come up quite a few inches higher. A sneaky smile was creeping up his face as he held the to options up to his girlfriend. Whichever one she picked, he'd still be glad she stayed the night but still...

Oh choices, choices. He certainly had no particular preference though. (lie)

soowwee short & I edited it from last night, just eff why eye

Abi smirked, turned around to look at him holding two t-shirts. The look on his face was priceless, walking closer to him, she looked between the two. There couldn't be much difference, and it wasn't as if she'd be running around in it or anything. Although, Abi could just grab the long one and tease Darnell a little. Nah. Who was she kidding, she reached over and took the shorter one from him. It wouldn't be too short. Abi turned around, and walked off into the bathroom, opening the door quietly. If he was seeing her in that, he wasn't going to see everything all at once.

Quickly unzipping her dress, she pulled it carefully over her head, and straightened her dress up. She pulled off her heels, but decided to leave the necklace, the last thing she wanted to do was lose it. She threw the t-shirt on over her head, how much truth was in what he said? It hung off of her shoulders, reaching near the top of her thigh. It probably had about 4 inches less than her dress, not too much. Abi pulled her hair loose and exited the bathroom with dress and shoes in hand, before she laid her dress on the seat in the corner with her shoes on the floor.

She shook her head, "Well. If I can barely fit in it, I don't know how you can!" Abi poked her tongue out, walking closer to Darnell. Her head was still ringing from the music, a complete buzz and it had her wanting to hit her head and get rid of it.
"I just want to sleep tonight, not yet ok?" It came out as more of a question, but she really didn't want to think of her first night with Darnell something that she may not have done if there wasn't a party around. It wasn't as if she never would, he-- she would love to, Abi didn't want to regret it.

Taking his hand in hers, she gently kissed his sore lip. The questions people would ask tomorrow, considering the people in that party, her friends would want to know everything. It wasn't everyday Darnell Allred got a busted lip.

Darnell was more than okay with how things were turning out- he was surprised- definitely- when Abi took the shorter of the shirts he offered her. What did that say? Just that she was that comfortable around him? Or what is something more? Or was he just thinking too much into it? He thought about it as he stuffed the other shirt into his drawer and waited for her to re-enter the room after having gone into the bathroom. He noticed two things when she came back in. One, she was still wearing his necklace- somehow he'd missed that in the past few hours. Two, one word: legs.

He quickly brought his eyes back up. "Yeah... that's fine," he replied, some concern, all genuine, in his voice. So she had thought there'd be a catch... "Only when you say it's okay..." He ran his fingers through her hair and rested the hand at her waist.

He kissed her back softly and walked backwards toward the bed. He wasn't thinking of anything but Abi, the fact that he was getting to wrap his arms around her and not let go for as long as they'd stay asleep. It was the best gift the new year could have brought. The whole fight suddenly seemed worth it. It somehow even made it better...

I'm at school! ^^"

Abi nodded, of course he'd say that. There had been too much drama, that would just tip it over the edge. Darnell bagan walking backwards to the bed, lifting up the covers and sliding into bed. It was cold! She was glad Darnell was here, at least she'd warm up faster than usual, her feet kicked under the covers as Darnell joined her. Plumping up her pillow, she pulled herself closer towards him, the mattress moulding to her body. Abi smiled up at him, before moving to rest her head on his chest, an arm casually slung around his waist as she shut her eyes.

"Love you" Abi drew a deep breath in as she gave a small yawn, she was tired. She wondered what the time was, but couldn't be bothered to look, late probably. The party might be over, but she didn't know how it was going down there. The music could still be blaring and she wouldn't know. She was just happy staying in Darnells room, with his arms wrapped around her and not having to think about anything else. Abi couldn't care less if they got caught right that second, she was too sleepy.

Her breathing evened out, as she fell asleep, she hoped Darnell was comfy because she wasn't moving anytime soon.

Getting into bed, Darnell found that the whole getting comfortable thing to be as easy as pie. The two of them just seemed to make it work without effort- it was like natural- like they'd been doing this forever- or maybe, like they should have been. The two words which left Abi's lips meant more than the many, much louder ones from only a matter of minutes before. Like the chorus of a song, it was what would always be remembered first.

"Love you," he replied, feeling her head heavy on his chest- but just the right amount of heaviness, of course. His arm came around her, holding her to him. For a little while, his hand rubbed up and down across her back, a sort of soothing sweeping motion that came instinctively, without thought. "Good night..." he said a little bit later- his mind preoccupied, as it often was when they were together. He was beginning to wonder now when that next step would be taken. He honestly didn't mind if it were months before Abigail was ready- he kind of wanted it to be soon- but then again... no- no then again. If he thought then again, that'd mean he wasn't serious about her- he wouldn't be expecting them to be together forever- which he was. He was banking on that. Darnie's heart was in now- one hundred percent.

Thinking these thoughts, Darnell, too, fell into sleep.

----------------------------------------------

Some time in the late AM, Darnell felt the world of sleep loosening from his grip and the real world tugging it away from him. He came into consciousness, somewhat ungratefully- you see- he'd been dreaming, and in his dream, he'd had this horrible fight with Abi, and he'd beaten up some loser jerk, and this drunk blonde chick with a blue streak in her hair had attacked him with her mouth, and he'd been drinking, but then he'd been in a room with Abi, and she'd been wearing his shirt and they were in bed together, just lying there, and... wait...

Blinking twice, Darnell realized that that was NOT a dream... Abi was right there... like a heavenly vision- in his arms. He slowly pushed himself down the bed, so his head, instead of lying above Abi's, faced hers. She was... she was beautiful, asleep as much as awake. He kissed her softly on the lips, and watched for a fluttering of her eyelashes... he didn't want to wake her... but he wanted her to wake.

Abi smirked, turned around to look at him holding two t-shirts. The look on his face was priceless, walking closer to him, she looked between the two. There couldn't be much difference, and it wasn't as if she'd be running around in it or anything. Although, Abi could just grab the long one and tease Darnell a little. Nah. Who was she kidding, she reached over and took the shorter one from him. It wouldn't be too short. Abi turned around, and walked off into the bathroom, opening the door quietly. If he was seeing her in that, he wasn't going to see everything all at once.

Abi was relaxed, dreaming of absolutely nothing but she was comfortable. She had probably just woken up, but she wanted to go back to sleep, stay right where they were, hopefully still in Darnies arms. Abi felt movement beneath her, her head slowly jerking she tried not to hit her head against whatever was moving. Yep. She was definitely awake now. Then, Darnells lips reached hers and she opened her eyes, he was staring back at her. She blinked quickly, "I was sleeping" She whispered dozily, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "You moved!" Abi said accusingly, she wanted to go right back to sleep.

"Whazza time?" She asked bleary-eyed, jerking up. Her friends were probably wondering where she was. Yawning, Abi looked around the room before her gaze landed back on Darnell as she smiled at him. "How about we stay in bed? Or have you got somewhere to be?" Abi slid down slowly, resting her head back on the pillow. "Because, there's no where else I'd rather be right now" She shut her eyes as she felt a blush coming on, why now? She cursed inwardly, it had to happen at the most awkward of times. Abi pulled the covers up closer to her, shivering and drawing herself closer to Darnell.

"I don't think anyone came in last night either" Abi didn't know whether or not to be surprised, quite clearly they had certainly had a good night.

Darnell laughed softly, and pressed his lips against Abi's cheek as she asked for the time. His nose crinkled up a little- he had no idea- and he really couldn't have cared any less. Her next suggestion was much, much better than the first.

"Why would I want to be anywhere else?" he shook his head softly, his words and motions muffled by the proximity- he was still pressing his face against hers. He smiled, spotting the pinkness in her cheeks and finding it to be quite encouraging. His lips tugged very gently at her skin, moving from her face, slowly to her neck, down to the edge of the neckline of the shirt she wore.

Abi was pulling closer, and Darnell felt his hand coming around her and securing a grip on the back of her leg, a couple inches above the knee. He began inching his own body up and over hers. Anyone coming in, she'd said something about? No- he looked up for a moment, eyes scanning the room- it didn't seem like anyone had. Or maybe... someone had come in... and then left? No matter, really.

"And I doubt anyone will be in for awhile either..." Was she catching his drift? Hm... Darnie thought back to what she'd said last night... not yet, okay? Was that still the consensus? He didn't know. He looked back down at Abi, and pressed a full long kiss to her lips before coming forth with the statement, "You are so beautiful."

Abi smiled, trying to keep her breathing in check as his lips moved across her and down, swallowing. Was it hot in here? She felt him pull closer to her, Abi could see where this was going when he looked down from on top of her. A small smile presenting themselves on her lips, she happily responded to the kiss, her eyes softened. "I don't deserve you" Abi hardly ever was told she was beautiful, at least in the way he said it. How could she have ever argued with that face? She understood where this was leading, and she didn't mind, "Y'know. When I said not yet. I was talking about last night? Right?" Abi bit her lip, staring up at him.

She was happy to carry on, brushing his hair out of his face, Abi stretched up to kiss him again. Darnell was everything she wanted, and they would be shot of this place at the end of the year. Hopefully, they would still be together. She wanted this to happen, it was a logical descision and she loved him. So much. Now, she was in bed with him, and perfectly sober. Abi wanted this.

With each passing moment the room seemed to get hotter and hotter- being beneath blankets only made this more noticeable. But there was a certain amount of security- in the back of Darnie's mind he was considering that at any moment someone might try and open that door. Although he definitely didn't want to get out of bed, he also didn't want any peeping Toms...

Chest thrusting outward and inward with each excited breath, Darnie nodded, "So then...?" He didn't need the answer in words- it was all in the way she brushed the hair from his face... and in the kiss. He rolled out of bed reluctantly, trudged across the room to press the lock of the door and then to his dresser, where he rummaged for a good while in a drawer. He turned back to Abi; he had protection.

Then before he could think any more about it he was back to her, over her, hand creeping beneath the shirt now, gliding up over the fabric of her underwear and working away at the clip of her bra. This was even more intoxicating than alcohol for sure. Darnie couldn't recall being sober for something like this before, now that he thought about it. Last time... which brought him to wonder... was Abi a virgin? Not that it'd really bother him either way... though it kind of... well... he'd never told her about his sexual experiences... so why should she have? Da--, this was just the kind of thing Darnell did not need to be thinking about while doing this. He felt the back of the bra unclip and the cloth pull away and gratefully lost his train of thought, lips pressed to hers again as things began to take the major turn from just making out to "the act." He was completely ready for this- he had been for a long time...

"You're sure- one hundred percent?" he breathed heavily, his free hand pushing back her hair. Of course he was hoping for a yes on this one- but at the same time... he just wanted to be sure they were on the same page on this.

She couldn't help smiling at Darnells reaction, whether it was nervousness or excitement it was sweet. Abi wasn't sure whether he had even slept with anyone before, the bed was warm and seemed to get colder just as he left. She looked up, hardly concentrating on anything else, this was it. So it continued, she was surprised at how quickly he unclipped her bra, but he seemed a little side tracked, but he seemed to shake it off as he pressed his lips against hers. Abi smiled against him, sliding his underwear off until he asked again. "I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't sure"

Darnell was more important to her than anyone else, he knew that. At least, she hoped he knew that, even before she did this she felt like that. She didn't exactly what to reminisce at this point, but just thinking about the start of their relationship to know, it was odd. She never would've seen it with her own eyes but know.. Abi thought it was obvious how she felt. Continuing the kiss, she slid down underneath him, the covers over them, coming up to their waists. This was it. Abi pulled him closer to her, without breaking the kiss.

She was laying there, Darnells arms wrapped around her. They had been laying there, who knows how long. No one had interrupted, and they probably wouldn't have been able to, unfortunately, now seemed to be the time. She didn't realise she could ever be happier than she was, but it had happened, it was the most amazing moment of her life. It surpassed everything and she meant everything.

Her phone had gone off, very loudly too, a sharp vibrate came from underneath her dress making her groan. Who was going to make her get off the bed? Whoever it was, it couldn't be important. Lifting herself out of the covers, she glanced back to Darnell slyly, trying not to laugh, Abi pulled off all of the covers and ran to the phone. More like divebombed towards the phone, with a laugh escaping her.

"Hello?" Abi frowned, she didn't know what the number was. Who would think to call in the middle of the day. It was irritating. "Oh! Hello Abigail! It's your mother" Abi pulled the phone away from her ear, staring at it incredulously. Her mum was calling, today? Today of all days, right when she was with her boyfriend?! "Why are you calling? Is something wrong?!" Abi heard laughter on the other end, followed by a mans voice. She couldn't tell if it was her dad, of course it was, it had to be. She scratched her head, "Of course not! I just called to tell you happy new year! Or did you forget?"

She heard Darnell say something in the background and a gasp of delight from her mother, oh dear lord. This could be a long conversation. "Is that a boy with you?! Oh, Abigail, honestly. In school time? I think we both know what you were doing" Abigail growled under her breath, "Mum! Now is not the time, happy new year!" After a couple more embarrassing minutes with her, her mother finally decided she had more important things on her mind and hung up. Abigail sagged her shoulders, falling back onto the covers she had wrapped around herself, her hair spreading around her, as she caught sight of Darnell. "Sorry. Couldn't help myself" She grinned.

Of all the times- well... not that Darnell had that much experience- but still, of any time he'd ever been with a girl... this was definitely the best. He couldn't help, still, but to think that there had to have been something he could have done to make it more... something- maybe romantic? Ah, well, it was pretty da-- romantic enough. Ha- wasn't that a romantic thing to say?

It was obvious, after he'd asked the question, that Abi really had been ready. She had been sure- and that was all he had needed to know.

And when everything was calm again- Darnell was still kissing the side of Abigail's face. His hands, having explored pretty much every curve of her body, were settled around her- and he was very very happy that way. Then something buzzed. Darnell's face scrunched up in frustration. Who would call Abi now? It had to be her phone- his phone was on silent.

"Don't answer it," he called a little too late. She'd already thrown the covers away- and then- he thought, as she turned to look slyly at him- maybe the phone going off wasn't so bad after all.

As she dove for the phone and answered it, Darnell sat up a bit, covers covering his lower half, but leaving exposed the chest that was beginning to feel a bit cool- the warmth of Abi's close body gone from it.

"Hello?" Darnell smiled. He loved her voice. "Why are you calling? Is something wrong?!" He cocked his head to the side, not sure whether or not to frown just yet, but thinking about it. Who was this?

"Everything okay, Abi? It's getting cold over here..." He ventured the question with a smile, considering he had no idea who was on the line, so no reason to stay quiet.

"Mum!" This produced an immediate cringe on Darnie's part. "Now is not the time, happy new year!" Crap. He'd gone and given himself away. Oh, crap. Now he could be sure Abi's father wouldn't want him staying for the summer. Oh well. No point in wallowing- especially when your girlfriend is crawling back into bed with you- clothe-less.

"Sorry. Couldn't help myself" Darnell laughed.

"Of course you couldn't." He winked. "So that was your mother then?"

Abi shrugged, lifting herself up and the covers before snuggling back up to Darnell again. "Yeah. That was not worth getting out of bed for" She rolled her eyes and sighed, leaning on him as she shut her eyes. Abi sighed as she opened her eyes again, looking at Darnell "I think I should go" She bit her lip as she pushed the covers off and slowly got out of bed again, grabbing her dress as she frowned. What had happened to her underwear. Scouting the room, Abi began searching until she stopped and rolled her eyes picking everything up. Abi didn't want to leave, but her mother would only call again later, it was an annoying time to leave. She was with her boyfriend after all. "If she called now wanting to talk, she'll just call again later" Abi started putting on her clothes again, walking back to wear her heels were.

She stared at Darnell for a moment, slowly walking towards him again until she dropped back down on the bed. "Ugh. Why do you make this so difficult!" Abi fell back, blinking up at the ceiling. Her dress only half-zipped up at the side although she made no effort to get back up again. No doubt her friends would be wondering where she was by now, and if they had half a brain cell they would believe her to be with Darnell. Abi would die if they walked in asking for her though, especially in this state, how embarrassing. She tried to forget her friends for a moment, taking a deep breath in and out. Her mother would wanting to know all about 'him'. Abi wasn't sure she wanted to tell her mother all about 'him' yet, she knew about Darnell as a best friend so how would she feel knowing that Abi loved him?

Abi still didn't want her parents to have an image of their daughter that was completely unrealistic. No matter how much she wanted to please them, she didn't want them ruling her life and Darnell was one of the things she didn't want any arguments over. Her father might have a few words to say but ultimately, nothing was going to stop her. Abi decided to call her mother later, unless her friends grabbed her and she got stuck in talking to them, that could last a long time. That could mean putting off THAT dreaded conversation, making her friends seem even more appealing, although. Abi could just stay there and not do anything?

Darnell was content for a little while longer, Abi against him again. He realized his hand was sneaking up her leg again as she told him she had to go- or, that she thought she had to, rather. Hand at the upper thigh-ish area, he pulled away with a sigh. He sat up again, leaning his weight onto the elbow pressed against a pillow on the bed, and he watched Abi collect her things, and get half-dressed, her dress wasn't even zipped up all the way when she flopped back beside him, declaring that he was the one making things difficult.

Darnell felt a swelling, starting in his lower stomach, and rising as he looked Abi over. It hit him that he'd really just made love to Abigail Applebottom. And God, it had been amazing.

He smiled, "I don't know. I'm not trying to." He shuffled through the covers, found his underwear and pulled them on. He laid down beside her, on his back, staring up at the ceiling, too. Turning his head towards her face, he stared at her. "Where do you plan on going, anyway?" He knew it would be very easy for them to just stay in the room the rest of the day. They could get dressed, so anyone coming in couldn't immediately suspect anything... He just didn't want to watch her walk away right now- though he would- if she insisted on leaving.

Darnell hadn't thought about how his parents- father really- would react to Abi. He probably wouldn't react at all. Mr. Allred didn't hold women in very high esteem, unfortunately, and so Abi just wasn't going to be able to win many dad points- and Darnell was going to do his damnest to avoid their meeting altogether. At least... for as long as possible. It wasn't necessary, really, unless Abi wanted to meet his father. But they'd talk about it... she'd understand. His life just wasn't that perfect little open book so many teens had. It was closed. A lot of it was shut up tight, locked, key thrown away kind of closed, and he was in no hurry to open it. He'd rather just leave it behind him.

"I wish we could just go off on our own right now..." he thought aloud, his hand coming over and settling on Abi's cheek. "You'll never have to worry about a thing, when we're together- you realize that?" His smile brightened. "I'd do anything for you." He sighed. "Your parents- they'll be okay with us living together... being together... just... with us, you think?"

She snorted, trying not to? He was just 'naturally' making this difficult. Of course. That was it. "Hmmm. I don't think you can help it really" Abi didn't know if Darnell knew what effect he had on her, she just wanted to stay there and never leave. She would if she had the chance, though, life unfortunately had to move on. She shrugged at his question, "Back to my room? Where I'm supposed to be?" Abi frowned, perhaps not. She really needed a clock, a rough time could only be so much help. She wanted to know if it was worth going out today, or just go to the hot tub or even just the complex. Abi didn't know if she wanted to be around people when her mother finally called.

She could be a little... loud at times. Causing Abi to shout back down the phone, which meant weird looks from everyone and wishing the floor could just eat you up right there and then. Her mother could not be discreet in the slightest! Asking the most insane questions and wanting to know every little detail, even things Abi would die before she knew. Therefore, Abi didn't tell her everything. She didn't know if that meant she asked more questions than before or not but it meant that things were going to stay that way. Abi had no idea how to even break the idea to her. 'Yeah mum. This is my boyfriend, Darnell Allred. He's been my best mate for like... years'.

Would Darnie really want to meet her batty mum. Her dad was never around anyway and when he was there was always glued to his phone. Darnells family was probably so different to hers, but she didn't really want to bring up that subject. It felt like Darnell had read her mind for a moment, go off alone. It would be perfect. "Read my mind" Abi smiled as his hand rested on her cheek, but she wouldn't have to worry about anything. Why was he so adamant about that? Darnie was so sure. She watched his smile grow and she gave a sigh, the perfect world. Would it be real?

Unfortunately he asked the dreaded question, causing her to tense up as she cringed. "Er. I think so?" Abi really didn't want to be telling her dad about that, he would probably yell about she was chucking her career away, staying with someone that wouldn't last. "I've sorta... not said anything" She played with the duvet, the stitching a significant interest of hers. "They don't get a choice in the matter anyway, they don't even live there half the time" Abi rolled her eyes. Even on the off chance that they had to stay at hers for a bit, her dad would be out of town on business most likely. The only one home would be her mum, and she would think it was all romantic or something else equally sappy.

Darnell chuckled and shook his head as Abi talked about going back to her room, where she was supposed to be. With every passing moment he was coming to believe that the only place she was really supposed to be was with him; and not in that creepy possessive way- the totally adorably infatuated way.

He smiled up until Abi mentioned her parents not even knowing about them; then his nose wrinkled up a little, the corner of his mouth coming up like he'd tasted something back, his eye squinting just a bit. It wasn't that he'd expected her to have said anything, necessarily... it was just, he knew then that things were going to be hard- like he'd pessimistically expected them to. Darn it. Pessimism was supposed to make life seem easier, not just validate the fact that it sucked.

"I think so," he shook his head. "Very convincing." Thinking of this somehow made him laugh. It was no matter, really. Darnie would have hoped that Abi's parents would be there for their wedding- girls usually liked that. But he had no problem eloping- it was very rockstar. But from what Abi said, he was pondering on how bad an idea that would be- she seemed not to care. "What a rebel," he laughed, running his hand through her hair. "Well... I'll try to impress- but if mom & pops don't like me I don't know what I can do but just take you away anyway. Hey- how does a cruise sound? I think I have a cousin who's a cruise ship captain- maybe we can hitch a ride and elope." This was a joke. Well- kind of. He didn't really have that cousin... but he knew he could figure something out if the idea was ever taken seriously.

Abi couldn't imagine what her parents would think. They would at first believe he was too old for her, until she reminded them that actually they were the same age, in the same year and that wasn't exactly a good enough reason. Then they would take her off in private and probably bring out a whole list of reasons, Abi could hear it now. 'He's a rockstar' "No dad, not exactly", 'What does he want to do with his life' "Live it?" Abi could imagine a whole fight about it, it wasn't a pretty sight. She smiled at Darnells suggestion, "A cruise! To get away from them" Abi shook her head, grinning "Elope? Sounds like a plan" She winked, before sitting up and moving closer to him. "I can feel the headache coming on when I try and explain that to my parents".

Abi shrugged, "It's alright. If they don't like you, that's their problem, I'm not going to go out with some rich spoiled idiot they think is perfect for me. When he really isn't" She sighed, turning to face him, "I think they'd have a hard time beating you" Abi bit her lip trying not to smile. The thought of eloping, she didn't know if it sounded more appealing because it was Darnell saying it or if she knew it would just irritate her parents. Despite the latter, she thought it would be quite exciting, acting on impule, spur of the moment when Abi wasn't exactly that type of person.

She hadn't really thought about her big day, the happiest day of her life, it never crossed her mind. Abi didn't know what she wanted out of it, "Eloping or a wedding. Hmm" She tilted her head to the side "If it was a wedding, then I don't know. I like small stuff, and I don't know if I'd want my whole family there if my parents didn't like you. Psh. They'd get over it. The whole dress thing, and the bridesmaids. I've never.. really thought about it?" Abi stopped wistfully, imagining what it would be like.

"What about you? Have you thought about what you would want? Big? Small?" She asked. Abi was just curious, she hadn't ever asked a boyfriend this sort of stuff, come to think of it she hadn't asked anyone. It just seemed a funny topic to talk about but, something that she didn't mind talking about.

Darnell laughed. Abi was right. Eloping might not really be the best way of avoiding incurring the wrath of her parents. In fact, it might just be the way to incite the most of it. Oi. Life was just a big puzzle some times. And like, a hard one, even harder than those Sudoku puzzles Darnie could never figure out.

"Beating me?" He laughed at this as well. "I'm glad that you feel like nothing could change how you feel about me... but I don't want it to come down to one of us- your parents or me- beating the other." He sighed, and entwined his fingers with Abigail's. Was dealing with her parents going to be that difficult? What if it was too much for her? What if rich, spoiled, handsome guy ended up seeming like less trouble? And Darnie ended up cruising on his own? Or what if they just ignored Abi's parents and eloped? Did he really want to be the reason her relationship with her parents deteriorates?

He wondered what she thought about when she thought about a wedding. Probably something beautiful and fancy. She said simple, but what did simple really mean? He'd never thought that far. He'd only just gotten to the point where he realized he might possibly want to spend the rest of his life with this one person. Oh, well... guess that did kind of relate to marriage. Now that he thought about it, he had no idea. He still didn't know where his mother was, and his dad was... not really a family guy. But how disappointing would it be if he couldn't deliver on his half of the family part of the celebration? Ugh. He shook his head.

"I don't know about my family. I'd want my sister there..." he shrugged. "I'd kind of want my mom there too, but... He sighed. He really didn't like that particular topic. It made him feel all weird inside, kind of tense, kind of, teary-eyed. Kind of like he really wanted a beer, or a smoke.

Abi rolled her eyes, she didn't want it to come down to that either, but she knew who would come out top no matter what "It wouldn't matter, if something else happened I'd still choose you no matter what. I love you" She squeezed his hand, pulling him towards her for a small kiss. Abi couldn't think about whether or not that did happen, the here and now was more important. Her relationship with Darnell couldn't be any better, she had never felt this way about anyone before and even if it was a little scary it was good. Abi hadn't thought about marrying someone from Harriman, it never crossed her mind. She always just thought, she'd move on andthat would be that, no real thoughts about anyone else. They had talked about it, but it never seemed as if that would materialise.

Abi shrugged, "As if I would want tons of people there I don't know!" She shuddered at the thought, no matter what her mum said there was no way she would pick up her mothers address book and invite EVERYONE. Abi smiled, wrapping her arms around him, "It's not as if anything is happening now. Just like... what you would want to happen. Like.. if you could have anything" She frowned slightly, it was a rubbish way of putting it. She couldn't think of any other way, but she wasn't talking very seriously about it either!

Abi grinned, "Maybe eloping would be better" She said trying not to laugh, "At least then it would just be us... less complicated" She wasn't bothered at the moment, whatever happened, happened. So, why bother thinking about it now? She couldn't imagine Darnell being a groom, it was so old. "I just had a funny thought" Laughter appeared in her eyes, but it didn't appear any where else, "I think you'd be more worried than the bride! I've just got this picture of you being totally sweet!" Abi finally couldn't help the cheeky grin appearing at her boyfriend's expense. She did love him.

While the kiss was appreciated, Darnell couldn't help but feel the lingering sadness that came with mentioning- even thinking about his mother. He still had vague memories of her from when he was younger. Good ones... Reflexively, he pulled Abi closer to him, hugged her to him.

"Yeah, we have tons of time to think about it," thoughtfully, he added in his mind, tons of time to find her... He'd thought about it before, tracking his mother down. He tried for about a week when he was in middle school, but it wasn't a full effort- just a disappointment. He was thinking about this when he realized Abi had asked him a question.

"Well..." Perhaps it was the long amount of time it was taking him to answer, but then Abi moved back to the eloping plan. "Hey," he smiled, snapped out of his funk a little bit. He sat up, and squeezed Abi's hands in his. "Complication does not matter. You do. We do. We only get married once- we better-" he laughed. "I want it to be something you'll always remember, and smile about. When we do get around to planning this thing... the only thing I want is for you to be happy," and my mother. He smiled, regardless of the sinking feeling that only one of those would be possible- and even that one was dependent on how well he organized later on. But this was too early to be freaking out. He just needed... to relax. And maybe... find a phone book.

"You still need to go back to your room, baby?" Hoisting himself up, Darnell reached across the bed for his shirt and began to pull it on. "I'll walk you over... when I find my pants." His smile lit up; he recalled just why he had lost them.

Abi smiled, noticing that Darnell seemed to be out of it a little bit. Not quite all there, his mind wasn't foccussing on the moment they were in at the moment. Finally it seemed, it had taken him a long time to think of something to say, worrying her that perhaps Abi should've just kept her mouth shut. She was so sure that he hadn't been listening that she was a little shock when he replied to what she said 'Complication does not matter. You do. We do. We only get married once- we better-'

Abi looked at him, her eyes glazed over with tears that threatened to fall. She couldn't believe Darnell sometimes, of all things to say to her. Sometimes, Abi just didn't know what to say back, she was speechless. He just continued on talking while Abi stared in disbelief 'I want it to be something you'll always remember, and smile about. When we do get around to planning this thing... the only thing I want is for you to be happy,'

"You mean..?" Abi was speechless, staring at him, her eyes wide. Her shy smile appeared, slowly creeping onto her face. She was a little surprised how quickly everyting was going, they had only been together a couple of months! Although, Darnell hadn’t seemed to notice what he had said and she copied his expression as he began searching for his pants. “I suppose so” Abi sighed, not wanting to leave, although she knew she had better. She shrugged, her eyes still watching him. Abi supposed she was lucky that no one had come in and caught them already; Abi knew she was pushing her luck by staying even longer. “I’ll just watch you tip the place upside-down searching for them” Abi smirked, kicking the dark trousers further underneath the bed as she pulled herself up.

She frowned for a second, “Darnie?” Abi said slowly as realization struck. “You know it’s midday right? I’m wearing…the dress I wore last night? Well, I think some people might notice if I look like.. I didn’t stay in my room last night” Abi finished, not really exactly sure what she was saying. She pulled the zip up further, trapping her in the dress as she walked towards the bathroom, to try and sort out her hair. Abi stared at her hair, wondering how to proceed, combing her hand through her hair as best she could. “Found them yet?” She asked with a grin.

As Darnell had spoken, he hadn't really... thought about what he was saying. This meant two things. He did really mean what he said, it came naturally enough, and he had no idea that saying what he said could be important in any way. He might as well have said, "Hey, I wanna sandwich." It was just that kind of normal.

He ducked his head underneath the covers of the bed in search for his pants, as Abi began to say, "You mean..?"

His hearing a little muffled, and his mind intent on finding his pants, he missed the importance of this. "What?" He came up and she was swinging herself off the bed rather suspiciously. Mischievously. Was Abi up to something? He grinned, unsure, but amused.

Then her smile on her face was replaced by a look of realization, and he listened with furrowed eyebrows as she explained the clothing dilemma. But it really wasn't a dilemma was it? It was if she didn't want anyone to know that they'd... well, maybe she didn't. Darnie never planned on going around and declaring it to the world, but he wasn't hiding it, either. He pushed himself toward the end of the bed where he sat, watching Abi for a moment as she walked toward the bathroom, but mostly scanning the room for those pants of his...

"Well," he began, "if I'm walking you back to your room, in this dress you wore yesterday, then connections should be made that you weren't just anywhere in any room last night." He chuckled a little. "Just mine." At this point, Darnie was getting a teensy bit frustrated with the disappearing pants act. He looked up abruptly at Abi when she asked if he'd found them yet. There was this little innocent edge to her voice...

He came around her from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. "You little pant thief."

Abi didn't think that she'd laugh so hard .. inside in her life. Seeing Darnell blindly searching for something, in the strangest of places and after fiddling with her hair for just a minute decided it was a lost cause. "Well. I know that. So long as the teachers don't catch us then we'll be fine. Otherwise." She paused, "We're kinda screwed". Abi wasn't too worried about students knowing, but she would be mortified if the teachers ever worked it out. She stared at herself in the mirror, as she silently, slowly looked around the bathroom, through the mirror. Seeing herself, her blonde hair, entangled and wavy, brushing her shoulders and behind her. A -Darnell!

Darnell quickly came behind her, wrapping his arms around her Abi laughed. She hadn't heard him come up to her she was too busy processing her own thoughts to notice. "Me? Thief?!" Abi turned her head, looking over her shoulder at him, "Do you see me wearing them?!" She pointed to her dress, her eyes wide, her voice a tiny bit - Sarcastic. Abi pulled away from Darnell, into the bedroom, towards the chair. Picking up her shoes, she turned and sat on the chair, dropping her shoes to the floor.

"Ok. Fine..Did you check the bed?" Abi shrugged as she offered an answer and slid her feet into one of her shoes, fiddling with the strap. She watched Darnell for a moment, her eyes running over him as she remembered last night, a smile spreading across her face.

So it was the teachers that were the concern. Hm. Darnell hadn't even considered that, honestly. See? This was exactly the reason why they should be together, Abi & Darnell. She was the Ying to his Yang, the Sunshine to his Rain, the peanut butter to his jelly... mmm. He needed to stop thinking there, he was going to get hungry.

He laughed as she continued on in her little act of innocence. All an act, he knew it, he could tell now. "No, I definitely don't see you wearing them," he admitted, "or feel them..." His one hand lowered and swept along her leg a little bit as though to be sure the pants weren't somehow there. Of course, this really just meant he wanted to touch her leg.

When Abi pulled away toward the chair he turned and with a lifted eyebrow watched her. His posture stated the fact that he still didn't know where the previously discussed pants where located. It was then that she caved. The bed, hmm, he thought he'd checked everywhere already... then it became clear- beneath the bed- her slick little kick as she'd jumped off the bed. Oh yes. But did he really want his pants? As he crouched under the bed, he saw them, and he frowned, pushing himself back into the open room empty-handed.

"So what if," he began thoughtfully, approaching Abi. "I went back to your room, let your roommates know you're safe, blah blah blah, got you a change of clothes, and kept you here another night?" His smile grew hopefully.