Phenomenal

5~ Ho Hey

Clarissa laughed as Brett opened the car door for her that night, holding out a hand as she stepped out, sweeping her aquamarine dress aside as she straightened up from the car and Brett closed the door, wrapping an arm around her waist as they walked to the front doors.

"Are you coming up tonight?" she asked as he opened the door and they stepped into the reception.

He smiled, turning her towards him and wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

"What did I say at dinner?" Brett asked as he pressed her closer to him.

"You have an early start tomorrow," Clarissa said, draping her arms around his neck and titling her head to the side.

"So why are you making it hard for me to walk away?" Brett asked, grinning and pressing his lips to her neck.

"I don't know what you mean," Clarissa said innocently, laughing, slipping a hand into his hair.

"Oh! Now really, is this the place for such behaviour?"

They jumped and looked towards the front doors as one of the O'Catháin triplets walked in.

"Ooh, if it isn't Classy, aren't you living up to your name tonight, you're looking gorgeous."

"Hey Darcy," she said, smiling and Darcy gave her a dazzling grin.

"You recognise me already? I'm flattered."

"You're the only one who calls me Classy," she replied, stepping away from Brett. "Brett, this is Darcy, Damien's brother."

"Yes, I guessed," Brett muttered, giving Darcy the same once over he'd given Damien.

"Darcy, this is my boyfriend, Brett Cole."

"Nice to meet you," Darcy said, grabbing Brett's hand and giving him an energetic shake.

"Darcy is the one with the daughter," Clarissa continued, "Her name's Violet, absolute sweetie."

"Oh yeah?" Brett said, raising an eyebrow, "And when did you have her then?"

"I was eighteen," Darcy said and Brett let out a soft laugh, managing to look down on Darcy even though he was an inch shorter.

"Speaking of Violet," Clarissa said quickly, "It's nearly midnight, what are you doing down here?"

Darcy's smile never once wavered as he looked from Brett to Clarissa again then held up a bottle. "Child's Calpol," he said, "I hadn't bought a replacement between moves and Lettie's not so well tonight. Too much excitement I think. Just had to run over to a friend's place to borrow some."

"Oh no," Clarissa said, quickly walking over to him, worry creasing her features, "What's the matter? Is it serious?"

"No, no," Darcy said, patting her hand, "A small fever, nothing serious. She'll be fine by tomorrow, just needs watching."

"Do you need any help?"

Darcy looked at her in surprise, then his smile softened. "Thanks, Classy, " he said, "I'll have to take you up on that offer at some point." He looked at his watch. "Not tonight though, I don't want to ruin your evening and Donny's up there with her already for the night and Damien said he'd look after her tomorrow."

"Are you sure?"

"Clarissa," Brett said.

"Just a sec, love," Clarissa said, smiling back at him before looking at Darcy again.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Darcy said.

Clarissa opened her mouth then paused before she pushed anymore and laughed slightly. "Sorry," she said, "I'm totally barging in here and we only met yesterday."

Darcy also laughed. "Nah, it's good to see that you care and take an interest. Damien told me you have a brother who's a lot younger. Clearly the caring instinct is right there."

Clarissa laughed and Brett caught her hand.

"Let's go, Class," he said, easing his body between her and Darcy. Darcy took a step back, putting space between himself and the couple.

"Here, I'm holding you up," Darcy said.

"Sure, see you tomorrow," Clarissa said, smiling at him as he walked past.

"Catch you later, Class" he said with a grin, leaning down and kissing her cheek before heading for the door, slipping a hand in his jean pocket, tossing the medicine up and snatching it out of the air again, walking out into the courtyard.

"Now, what were we talking about?" Clarissa said, smiling as she turned back to Brett.

"I was going to stay the night," Brett said and Clarissa raised an eyebrow.

"You are?" she said.

"Yeah, I am," he said, taking her hand and leading the way back to her apartment.

~~~~~~~

Next up: In a minute (since it's such a short chapter)

Art/Music By: The Lumineers - Oh Hey