Another Lonely Night

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren couldn't believe what he had heard. She was offering to sleep in the nude? Admittedly, they would be in different rooms, but all the same, the thought of such a beauty naked was an almost unbearable pleasure. The fact he loved her so much simply increased the sensation. He penis was once again pushing embarrassingly at his jeans.

"Beth," he grinned, deciding to be honest. "I'm not sure what I'd give you to wear. I certainly don't have anything that would fit you, unless you just want to take my bathrobe to cover yourself with. I guess some of my boxers might allow you to change your underwear, and I have a pair of PJ bottoms that I never wear, but other than that..." He shrugged.

"And I admit, even if we're not in the same bed, you're so gorgeous I can't help but be turned on by the thought of you naked. But like I said," and his face, though still smiling, softened, "I don't want to be like the sickos who have used and abused you before. I love you, and when and if we ever... you know... make love, it's not going to be because you felt you had no alternative or something."

He took her hand as he walked towards the stairs. "You're right though, we do need to rest."

His hand flicked the switch to turn off the living room lights, lighting them only by the soft glow of the hall lamp upstairs. She was radiant.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Oh Lord... had he thought she was serious? She looked at his shocked face. She had intended him to burst out laughing at her cheaky tease. She hadn't meant it cruelly, and neither had she expected him to react in the way he was. She blushed as she noticed the tell-tale bulge in his jeans.

Darren met Beths smiling, pink-cheeked gaze as she raised her eyes from the .... place.. they had been drawn to.

"Beth I'm not sure what I'd give you to wear. I certainly don't have anything that would fit you, unless you just want to take my bathrobe to cover yourself with. I guess some of my boxers might allow you to change your underwear, and I have a pair of PJ bottoms that I never wear, but other than that..."
Beth considered the options. Boxers and any tshirt he could spare would be the most sensible, or PJ bottoms.. but..the idea of being naked and wrapped in his robe... well... she pinked again, trying to still her thoughts...

"And I admit, even if we're not in the same bed, you're so gorgeous I can't help but be turned on by the thought of you naked."
She let out a small gasp. His new directness and honesty had certainly suprised her! Darren continued to speak, his eyes taking in her voluptuous body, though his expression was reassuring.

"But like I said, I don't want to be like the sickos who have used and abused you before. I love you, and when and if we ever... you know... make love, it's not going to be because you felt you had no alternative or something."
She blushed again, under the intensity of his gaze. He was aroused by her... he .. wanted... her.. but more than that... he wanted to be good to her.

She allowed him to take her hand and followed him towards the staris.

"You're right though, we do need to rest."
His words were soft as he flicked off the light, a mere soft glow illuminating them as she turned a radiant face to his.

Softly she leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. Drawing back after only short moments, she walked up the stairs pausing at the top as Darren moved to one of the doors and opened it.

They stepped into the bedroom. Darren crossed to turn on the bedside lamp, choosing not to let the brilliance of the central overhead bulb dazzle them. He looked at her and asked her what clothes he would like him to fetch for her.

Should she be tempted, or should she make sure she was fully covered up? She looked shyly at him, deciding to follow her instincts, for what they were worth, and choose what she wanted to wear, rather than what she ought to.

"If I could just borrow your bathrobe, Darren. That'd be fine for tonight..." She asked softly...

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren smiled, stifling the urge to grin, as Beth asked to borrow a bathrobe. He couldn't help wondering if she had something in mind to make her want to wear so little, but she probably didn't and enough had been said on that subject anyway.

"Sure, no problem," he said, ducking momentarily into the bathroom to pick up the robe.

It was long and black, not excessively warm, but certainly enough to allow her to sleep, especially in late summer as it was now. He handed it to her, holding her fingers in his a moment longer than was necessary to just pass the robe. Then he walked over to the bedside table and set the clock for 5:30.

"That'll give us plenty of time to get up and get over to your place to pick up your things. Mentioning which..."

He opened the wardrobe and took out the set of three suitcases he'd used to carry his clothes down when he'd moved here for college.

"I'd better pack my stuff before I sleep tonight, we'll have enough on our plates tomorrow."

He opened his drawers and started taking out his clothes. Sweaters, pants, tee-shirts, shirts, jeans, socks and underwear. He realised she was standing there, watching and turned to face her again.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to shut you out. I just want to get everything together. That way we'll be ready. Is there anything I can get for you while I pack?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

She watched him return from the bathroom and took the robe he offered to her and laid it across the bed. Beth noticed that he set the alarm clock for 5:30, giving them plenty of time to pick up her things.

She stood awkwardly as he took out three suitcases and started packing his things. Unsure what to do, she hovered watching him until he turned and looked up at her;

"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to shut you out. I just want to get everything together. That way we'll be ready. Is there anything I can get for you while I pack?"

"No.. no.. I'm fine."
As he turned back to pull out yet more clothes she picked up the robe and slipped out of the door and to the bathroom he had just returned from. Clicking the door shut she peeled off her clothes and laid them over the side of the bath.
her skirt, her top.. she kicked off her shoes and peeled off her stockings. Unhooking her bra she added that to the pile of
clothes.

She went to the sink, washing her face and hands... and running toothpaste over her finger between her teeth.... she pulled on the bathrobe and made to knot the belt..she hesitated..then reached to her waist and pulled down her panties. She tied the belt securely and picking up her clothes returned to the bedroom.

Putting her clothes on a chair she stood watching Darren. Unsure what to do next..ready for bed.... she smiled shyly as he turned to look at her.

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren packed his clothes away as he listened to her changing in the bathroom. He was packing his life away, he realised. Packing up everything he owned to give up everything he knew for the chance of something completely different to everything he had expected. He didn't have the courage for this, that was what his mind kept yelling at him. But he did it anyway. Shirt by shirt, sock by sock, he packed up all he owned until all that was left was a set of clothes for the next day. He brushed a tear out of his eye and cleared a knot in his throat as he heard Beth leave the bathroom. Then she was standing behind him. He turned.

"Oh my god..." he whispered, hoarsely as his eyes drank in the vision before him.

She was stunning. The robe rose across her breast and pulled in tight to her waist, complementing her beautiful form. He stood carefully and approached her, seeing the confusion on her face at his words.

"Oh my god..." he repeated, staring at her open mouthed. "Beth... you're gorgeous. You-you're like a goddess..."

He tried to control himself, tried to stop looking like such a geek, but he couldn't. In his wildest, most sexual fantasies, he had never pictured women as being this beautiful... no, he realised, this real. She was real, solid, and she was really here with him. He put his arms around her and held her close, kissing her neck as he whispered once more.

"I love you."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth stood watching Darren as he finished packing. He turned round and she blushed as his face turned to open admiration. His voice was hoarse as he whispered;

"Oh my god....Oh my god...Beth... you're gorgeous. You-you're like a goddess..."
She trembled. She'd been the object of..desire before. Too many guys had wanted her and taken what they wanted.... well at least taken as much as they could until she slapped them down. A few had even... well..did not know what "no" meant... but she had never been the object of such astounded admiration and looked shyly at the floor, not knowing how to react. Damn she thought, she was acting like a blushing virgin!

She looked up realising that Darren had crossed the room to her. Her instinct told her to expect to feel his hands over her, his mouth forced onto hers. She subconsciously braced herself, but merely felt his arms wrapping gently around her as he kissed her neck lightly. He whipsered softly into her ear.

"I love you."

"Ohh...Darren...." she sighed, wanting to say it was too soon, how could he know, but she knew deep down that he did. That he did love her.

"Darren...you're.. very special.... I... I.. don't know if I'm capable of love...but... I do care about you... very much... "
She broke off in confusion, hoping he did not feel rejected. She could not lie to him - she had never been in love.... she was in awe of how certain he sounded about how he felt.

"We ... should sleep..."
She commented shyly...

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

It hurt. That she could not say she loved him too hurt. It brought up the well of rejection and ridicule he'd suffered from members of the supposed fairer sex throughout his life. But it didn't matter. Within a second he realised that that was exactly what it was. His desperate need to be loved was just because he never had been. She hadn't known him long enough to fall in love with him, and frankly, he doubted she ever would. The more she knew him, the less she would like him. Just like everybody else. Yet she had said he was special. She had said she cared. Even the women he'd had as friends had never said that before. A negative part of his soul wanted to believe that this was simply a gentle way of rejecting him, but that wasn't her. She wouldn't do that. He was sure of it.

He coughed away the lump in his throat over the supposed rejection and eased away from her, smelling the scent of her lingering in the air. Sleep. Yes, she was right.

He took her hands in his and once more placed a single delicate kiss on her fingers. "Goodnight, Beth," he said tenderly. "Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives."

It was corny. He knew it, but he hoped she understood the feeling behind it. He bent to pull back the covers on his bed to let her get in, then stepped back. With one final look at her, and a last "Goodnight," he left her to climb into bed and took his suitcases out of the room.

Darren knew he would not be able to sleep for a long time, so he walked back downstairs, careful not to disturb her. He went into the living room and picked up his holdall. This his stuffed with his cds and videos. Well, most of his videos. Just like any lonely guy, he had one or two he would prefer her to believe belonged to the landlord. These he left hidden among the landlords video stack. He took his holdall out to the car, again being careful to move quietly, and placed it in the car trunk, along with his cases. Then he returned to pick up the comics he had collected - several hundred of them in total. One stack at a time he loaded them lovingly into the trunk. No more X-men. No more Teen Titans. No more 2000AD or Judge Dredd. Now he had to be his own hero. That was both scary and exciting.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

She knew he would be upset that she couldn't say she loved him, but she just didn't know what that was, what it felt.... and with Darren, she had to be honest, she wanted to do it all ... right.
She softly reminded him they had to sleep. She knew they did not need...complications now...

She was moved as he kissed her fingers, tears starting at her eyes. If only she could love him, perhaps....she would.. in time.

"Goodnight, Beth. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives."
She smiled. He was so into words, writing, song lyrics, the things he said to her. He was sensitive, intense... but she liked that about him.....

Beth smiled Darren pulled back the covers of the bed, she moved between the covers, the bathrobe still tied firmly at her waist.

He smiled and looked at her lovingly.
He softly wished her a good night as he left the room.

She lay in the bed her mind playing back the events of the last hours. How far she had come in such a short time. She was worried about going back home tomorrow... but she needed her things and her money...but she hoped Darren wouldn't get ..involved.. hurt.... he didn't deserve to be dragged into it all.. but... he had chosen to run away with her and he loved her...

She smiled, unable to hold back the warm glow that filled her. Irritably she pulled at her robe. The house was quiet and Darren had obviously settled for the night. She untied her robe and let it fall to the floor over the far side of the bed. She closed her eyes and dosed... her mind filled with thoughts of Darren and his shyness and intensity.... she dreamt of him kissing her... and then his hand moving lightly ... exploring shyly as she smiled... encouraging him... but then the touch changed...she felt fingers dig into her... her arms.. her breasts... and this time as she looked up .... it was Matt... holding her and forcing his tongue into her mouth....she could n't scream as he held her and pulled at her body roughly... noo...no... she struggled...in her sleep.... as he began to ... force her.. no.. no... she was trapped silently in her terrror until she finally let out a scream.

The sound, real now cut through the darkness. The cry had woken her up and she lay disorientated shivering in the darkness... tears stained her cheeks...she fought for control... she knew it had been a dream, but still only half awake she could not remember for the moment where she was... the horror of Matt's evil face, the pain of his fingers and mouth... of his... she shuddered.... those images were still with her as she stared wide eyed, but blindly into the darkness...

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

"BETH!"

He cried out as he slammed his car trunk shut and darted back into the house. Her scream had carried loudly into the street. What had happened? Was it a nightmare or was she hurt physically, he had to know.

"Beth!" he said, opening the bedroom door and turning on the light. "Are you ok..."

He blinked for a second, seeing her naked form sitting up in bed, gleaming in a faint cold sweat. He turned away, trying not to embarrass her, knowing now she had had a screamer. He knew them all to well. In the supposed safety of the small hours, how you could be visited by a savage monster from your past without warning, without time or ability to prepare.

"Beth, I-I'm sorry..." He said, facing away from her. "I didn't mean to burst in on you. I just heard you scream and wanted to see what had happened. Is there anything I can do?"

What he would wonder about later, was how, on seeing her naked beauty, he had not become aroused again. The truth, he would realize eventually, was that he was focused on caring for her, not wanting her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

She heard him say her name.

It was reassuring, but somehow she could not rid herself of the image....the feelings.... she shivered...

"..Darren...?"
She said brokenly... "...Darren...?"

Tears ran down her face still... and she knuckled them away childishly....

She remembered where she was.. and why... knew he was there..somewhere... needed his .. reassurance somehow....

She whispered his name once more as she wound herself in the sheet wrapping herself into a protective ball... shaking..the vision difficult to shake.... feelng so... alone....

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

He saw the movement out of the corner of his eyes and realised she was safely covered now. He turned to look at her, his heart sinking as he saw her, sitting curled into a fetal position, rocking back and forth. He stepped across to her and sat down on the bed next to her.

"It's ok, Beth," he said, trying to sooth her.

What should he do? Just speak to her? He didn't want to seem as if he didn't know what to do, as if he was incompetent or just didn't care. More than that he wanted to help as much as he could. Should he hold her? But depending what dream she had had that could trigger her badly. All he could do was hope that what he did was right. He reached out and placed an arm aroung her shoulder, resting the hand on her head and drawing her into his protective body, rocking with her.

"It's ok, Beth," he repeated, hoping his voice would calm her. "I'm here. You're safe."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"It's ok, Beth," she heard his voice..soft.. reassuring..

She felt alight touch around her shoulder... gentle... not Matt.. she felt pulled against Darren's warmth... as he rocked her soothingly....

"It's ok, Beth," he reassured.

"I'm here. You're safe."


"Matt...?" her voice was hoarse with terror...
She knew Matt wasn't there..but still...she wanted to check...

She moved closer to Darren..letting go of the sheet... unaware of her nakedness... she wound herself round his body and held on tight....

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

He put his other arm around her shoulders, holding her coccooned against him, not hard, just securely. He continued to rock gently with her, as if soothing a child. He knew when he woke up, he had about as much control as a child, so hoped this was the right thing to do.

"Matt?" She asked the question as if seeking assurance.

"No, Beth, Matt's not here. Just me. Just me and you, Beth. Matt's not here."

He continued to hold her, ignoring the beauty revealed to him from the fallen sheet. He didn't even think about wanting her being for another time, he thought about what she needed now.

"Beth, can I do anything for you? Would you like a drink? Some water? Something else... Or do you just want me to hold you?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Still distraught.. but reassured by his touch, his words, Beth holds onto Darren.

She hears him confirm that Matt is not there.. and she should feel foolish then calmer..but she doesn't.. she still has an irrational fear...

"Beth, can I do anything for you? Would you like a drink? Some water? Something else... Or do you just want me to hold you?"

"hold me... stay with me... don't want to be alone..."

Beth doesn't think through how her need for comfort could be misinterpreted... she is scared and needs him.

"Darren.. please...."
Her barriers down, she asks him simply....

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

He held her softly, cursing Matt silently for having done this to her. But it wasn't just Matt, he knew. She was haunted from way back and Matt was just the latest in a long line of abusive assholes. This was one of those times he just wished he had the courage to go round to someones house and knock ten barrels of crap out of them. Not that he could, but still he was furious.

"It's ok, Beth," he said. "I'll stay, I don't mind."

He thought about lying her down, covering her up and putting his arm around her, but that could be misinterpretted and the last thing she needed right now was to feel like someone was trying to take advantage of her despair. So he sat with her, holding her snuggly against him, murmuring words of support and comfort. He would spend the whole night that way if she needed it.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

"It's ok, Beth," he said. "I'll stay, I don't mind."

She sighed softly, her panick subsiding.. she was held snuggly against him as his words washed over her...lulling her... she dosed.. until..naked she slept in his arms...

Darren sat immobile not wanting to disturb her as she slept... her rest peaceful now... for what might seem like hours later, but was in fact little ove half an hour... Beth merely dosed, Darren holding her and murmuring words of comfort each time she sighed or tensed.... but eventually as she realised she was safe, she fell into a deep sleep.

At some stage, Darren must have nodded, for when he awoke, mere moments later or so he thought.. Beth had drawn him down to the bed and was laid curled up to him. As Darren tentatively moved to get comfortable Beth pulled the covers overthem and settled own with a sigh.. her body trustingly pressed against Darren's....

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

He didn't get undressed that night. He didn't want to disturb her, but he was pleased to lie curled against his love. He was pleased to hold such a beautiful woman in his arms, but he was even more pleased to hold someone he had been able to help. It was purifying to someone who had long since believed himself a pervert. He drifted easily to sleep next to her.

He slept peacefully. There was a dream. Something about a soft face smiling down on him peacefully. He couldn't recall more than that. But since his sleep was always either nightmarish or blank, that was a surprising change for the better. They moved against each other a little during the night, each subconciously finding peace in the solid calm of the other. Then, at 5:30...

"...and the weather remains fine, the storm threatened last night having passed ten miles north of here. Thats your weather for today from KLCT Radio."

Darren woke slowly to the sounds of the radion, smiling into the face of the woman before him.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

"...and the weather remains fine, the storm threatened last night having passed ten miles north of here. Thats your weather for today from KLCT Radio."

Beth stirred slowly.... the noise of the radio cutting through her sleep. After the nightmare she had slept soundly and was unaware of any further images disturbing her unconscious mind. She woke feeling warm and secure. As her eyes fluttered open she found herself face to face with Darren and met his smile.

"Good morning, " she spoke softly. Her cheeks pinked slightly in shyness. She moved slightly feeling his arm round her and that she was pressed against him, but realised in suprise that although she was naked, Darren was fully clothed. She looked up at him, relieved and grateful and overwhelmed all at once. She remembered hear fear and that Darren had been there... and then she'd fallen asleep, but she had not realised that he had infact stayed the whole night... he could so easily have... but. he didn't. She looked up at him lovingly, her eyes shining filled with an emotion she could not yet name.

She let her head rest against his shoulder and continued,
"I hope you managed to sleep Darren... I... I'm sorry I was such ... a .. nuisance.."

The radio chattered noisily in the background. She looked up at him reluctant to move and break the intimacy of their waking...

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren looked at her softly, and tapped her nose with his index finger, tweaking it in a very gentle, loving and playful way. "You were not a nuisance, Beth," he said. "I know what it's like to wake up from a screamer. I'm just glad I could be here for you. So don't worry about that."

He held her close, feeling her warmth through his clothes as they lay together. He hoped she didn't mind him not having gotten undressed, and didn't think it was a way of trying to shut her out. She seemed ok though, so he tried to shut out the irritating mental voice that was calling him a loser. He kissed her softly and embraced her in love. They lay that way for several minutes.

Eventually he broke apart from her. "Well, we better get this day moving. I'm gonna go put some coffee on and make some toast. If you want to shower, that's cool. I'll take one once we're done eating."

He stood, looking down at the brunette beauty in his bed and feeling the gentle stirrings as his groin considered the passion they could have shared. He blushed slightly, glad he didn't gain a full erection and upset her. Then, blowing her a soft kiss, he went down to make breakfast.

How did she take her coffee? Cream? Sugar? Milk? Black? He had no way of knowing, so he made it black and put two cups on a tray along with the accoutrements. Then he made four slices of toast, buttered them, and as an afterthought, put a knife and a jar of marmalade on the tray too. His thoughts were on his good fortune, and, he had to admit, his excitement at what his life now held. Eventually he was ready to go back to her and made his way back upstairs.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

"You were not a nuisance, Beth," he said.
She giggled as he tweaked her nose.
"I know what it's like to wake up from a screamer. I'm just glad I could be here for you. So don't worry about that."
She smiled relieved. She did not want to... take advantage of him or... indeed be a nuisance. They both had their fears. He seemed to understand so much.... screamers..yes.. she'd had a few of them...

She revelled in the warmth of their shared body heat, grateful once again that he had not pushed the situation and content to just lay there and feel close to him. She smiled as he reached across and kissed her softly she felt herself drawn closer in a loving embrace.. but his hands did not rove round her body to explore. She was merely held, securely until minutes later he gently moved away from her.

"Well, we better get this day moving. I'm gonna go put some coffee on and make some toast. If you want to shower, that's cool. I'll take one once we're done eating."

She smiled softly knowing that there was alot to get through today... decisions to be made.. She grinned as he blew a kiss to her and made a hurried exit.

She slipped out of bed and moved to the bathroom. Showering quickly she washed using his spicy shower gel and dampened her hair. Rubbing herself dry on a small towel as she moved back to the room, she took a last look round, as if memorising the room... a room she had been safe in... before she slipped into her clothes once more. She frowned, somehow they seemed unsuitable and she longed for a change of clothes something less..well..more...

The door clicked open and her eyes widened in suprise as she saw Darren enter with the tray... He placed it on the bed... and sat beside her...
"..This looks..lovely Darren!"
She reached for the coffee and added a small amount of cream, stirring it she watched the swirls spread and pale the colour in the cup. She raised it slowly to her lips and sipped. Her mouth breaking into a grin as she looked over at Darren who seemed to be watching anxiously.
"mmm... perfect..."
She reached over and took a bite of the toast... her tongue flicking out to capture stray crumbs.
"You know.. I can't remember the last time I ate breakfast.. I usually leg it out of the house as soon as I can in the morning...!

She paused... suddenly the reality of what they were about to do came flooding back.

"Darren...." she said tentatively.. her toast forgotten and held aloft in her hand... "Darren... what if my mum's up...or..more likely... Dan.. my latest... "uncle"?.... what do we..say..?"

She continued crunching her breakfast.. "we have to get in and out as quickly as we can... that's all... she muttered half to herself...

Licking her fingers, she picked up her coffee and wrapped her hands around it warming them. She glanced over at Darren. God she hoped it would be straightforward and that he wouldn't get hurt...

The smile she turned on him as he met her eyes was radiant,
"You spoil me..." she said softly...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

OOC:

Tried to attach image (AV) too post and failed... grr.. <S>

love
DM x

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren took his own coffee in his hand as he saw Beth enjoying her light breakfast. His nerves about doing the right thing once more began to dissipate. She seemed to appreciate everything he did, and he was beginning to grow in confidence from it. Then she asked her question. What if her 'uncle' was there? Darren was a geek, not a jock. It wasn't like he could fight well for her... but...

"Beth..." his fear was noticeable as he spoke. "Beth, if your 'uncle' is there... Well, I don't know. We'll tell him you're leaving and if he tries to stop us... I'll do something. Get between you or something. Buy you some time. Let you get out of there. What's he gonna do to me? Kill me? I doubt it. Not many people are that stupid. So, I'll buy you some time. Anyhow, it's not going to happen. We can be quiet and quick. So don't worry."

Despite his fear, saying that made him more certain of what he was doing. He saw the look cross her face, but that only increased his determination. He would get her out of that house one way or another. If he got a beating, he'd either manage to get out or go to hospital. But she'd be safe, and he'd survive. He always had, he always did. He hoped it wouldn't be necessary though.

He drank his coffee and ate his toast in silence, watching the woman he was escaping with. Now where would they go? Like he had said the day before, anywhere. They would head out to the open road and work it out from there. They just had to get past this one last obstacle first.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

"Beth...Beth, if your 'uncle' is there... Well, I don't know. We'll tell him you're leaving and if he tries to stop us... I'll do something. Get between you or something. Buy you some time. Let you get out of there. What's he gonna do to me? Kill me? I doubt it. Not many people are that stupid. So, I'll buy you some time. Anyhow, it's not going to happen. We can be quiet and quick. So don't worry."

She smiled over as he reassured her. She could hear the fear in his voice, but he'd not made her false promises and he knew he would do everything he could to protect her and keep her safe. She looked over his body. He wasn't big or muscular, but he was taller than her and she remembered, her expression softening that he was gentle and tender and... loved her... he didn't just say it, but showed her in the way he looked at her, the way he had comforted her, the way he was sticking by her ... even the way he was open with her, his awkwardness, even his fear. She knew she could trust him.


All the time she watched him hoping he would be distracted as he drank his own coffee and ate his toast in silence. His glance occasionally travelling over to her as they exchanged a nervous smile.

As he finished his breakfast she looked over her voice brusque and businesslike to cover her nervousness.

"When we ..get there.. I have a case which will be enough for my stuff... but.. can you let me have a holdall or something... there are a few.. personal things I want to take if possible...?... and I'm taking all my ID papers and passport ... It'll be easy, all that is well hidden in a box, so I'll just need to pack the clothes in. It shouldn't take too long."

She paused.

"Darren.. if... anything happens... I want you to leave.... leave me to deal with it.... it's been..happening..for years..so... it'll be ok... I'll meet you back here.. and we'll leave afterwards... ok?"

She looked at him earnestly, willing him to agree...
"Dan's not violent, well he wouldn't attack you, certainly not kill you... it'd be.. me.. he wanted.... Mom'll be spark out... she always is... at this time.... "

Looking over at Darren's unreadable face... she hurried on awkwardly...
".. but it..should be alright...we'll do it all quickly...."

She stood up and paced the room in nervous impatience,

"... so.. we'll just get the holdall and go ha?"

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

He put his hand on hers, not knowing quite what to say. So, they both wanted to save each other from a possible fight. Well, he would not respond with what was in his heart. Not this time. He just smiled at her while thinking to himself that if anything happened he would do something - he wouldn't desert her.

He almost always lost fights he got into as a kid... but he always remembered that one time. Ray Anthonys, one of the school bullies, had come up behind him with a knife in his hand and grabbed him. It was unexpected, and somehow, Darren had just grabbed him and pivoted, subconciously thinking about the physics lessons on levers, and the dumbass wrestling shows he'd seen. It worked, that was the most surprising thing. Ray had gone flying, losing his grip on the knife and, for a second, looked scared. He made as if it had all been a big joke immediately, but that had always stuck with Darren.

It was like that goal he'd once scored playing soccer as a kid. He didn't think about it, he just suddenly found the ball moving past and astonished keeper. That was the thing with him - if he thought, he was weak and a coward, but when he had to act without thinking it was a different story. He just figured it must be some survivor thing, and he hoped he could rely on it if Beth's uncle got in the way.

"I just have to take a shower, Beth," he said, as he finished his toast. "There's another bag in the closet you can use. I'll be right back with you."

He gave her another smile as he stood to head for the shower, hoping his thoughts didn't show on his face.

He showered quickly, listening to her finishing up getting ready. He considered pleasuring himself as the eros of the situation flowed through him, but he knew they were in a hurry. Besides, the last thing he needed was for Beth to hear that. So, a couple of minutes later, he stepped out, dried, brushed his teeth, and threw his toiletries into a plastic bag. Then he walked out of the shower, out of the house and into the future.

"Where to?" he asked her as he started the car.

 

[BadForm]

Mariah Dozier

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