The Draw

5

The evening had gone rather smoothly compared to their normal antics. No one got punched or arrested. No one passed out. No one had cried, yet. They'd gone for some food in an Indian restaurant in Covent Garden and then a few beers at a nice little pub. The four boys Mums and Dads were all there as well as sisters, brothers, old friends, new friends and Stacey. Actually it had been a rather upbeat and happy evening. Less of a funeral, like Stacey had been expecting, and more of a celebration for the success the band was having.

Even when it came to say goodbye, it was just a load of hugs and good lucks. Wills mum cried a little. Then they all parted ways and Dan and Stacey headed home on the tube. Once they'd gotten off, they stopped at their local for a quick one. It was a small, friendly real ale pub that had Jenga and Guess Who to play. It had become Dan and Stacey's Sunday lunch pub whenever they were both off work. It seemed rather fitting to go there one last time.

'That was nice.' Stacey told him. She started setting up the Jenga. Which made her quite aware of just how much she'd drank. There had been free flowing wine all night.

'It was, wasn't it? Nice to have a civilised night out once in a while.'

She laughed. 'Yeah. Let's not make a habit of it though.' Dan chuckled quietly to himself. He'd really scrubbed up nicely that night. He had on a pair of clean jeans and a smart shirt, not one of his usual ones with silly pictures on it. It was his turn to take a piece out of the Jenga tower first.

'I was going to tell you earlier, but I didn't want to make you feel uneasy...' He began, running his hand nervously through his hair. It was then her turn but she wasn't properly paying attention anymore. What was he about to tell her...? 'I think you look beautiful tonight.' He didn't look at her as he said it, but pulled another block out.

'Thank you.' She took a big gulp of her pint, buying herself time to think of a reply that didn't contain the words 'ohmygodiloveyou'. She must've gone bright red, because her face burned. 'So do you, but then you always look nice.' She smiled politely at him before going for a top left piece of the vertical puzzle.

'I am really going to miss you while I'm away.' Again, he wasn't looking at her as he continued to play.

'I know. Who's gonna clean your clothes, hey?'

'Don't do that.' He said calmly but he was slightly annoyed. 'You're more than my housewife.' He met her eyes as he said it with a cheeky smile. He kept looking at her as he took a sip of his beer. She had to look away. Anywhere but at his face. Unfortunately the pub was fairly quiet on a Tuesday night so there wasn't much to use as a distraction. 'Its your go again.' He reminded her.

She took a middle piece out and put it back on top. It was getting difficult now. Dan prided himself on being the reigning champion. And he wasn't about to let that reign end tonight. After Stacey's tenth go, the whole tower came crashing down. Dan whooped in victory.

'Whats that now? Nine nil?'

'Eight nil.' She corrected him, laughing. 'Just you wait til you're back, I'm going to practise every single day so I can bring you down.'

'Bring it on, Jones. Bring. It. On.'

They downed their pints, said goodnight to the barman (who wished Dan good luck) and walked round the corner to their little home. Stacey fumbled around her in bag looking for her keys. Dan had already reached into his pocket and got his out. He leaned over her, brushing her shoulder and put his key in the door. But he didn't open it right away. It was only a seconds delay, but it made Stacey's heart beat a little faster. He let himself in first, waited for her to shut the door behind herself, and then put his key back in the door, once again leaning over her. She heard the click of the lock and he put his other hand just above her shoulders. Everything seemed to be moving rather slowly in her mind. Their faces were just millimetres apart. He was gazing right into her eyes. He came closer still so their foreheads were touching. She refused to break his stare this time. She could feel her hands and legs shaking, but they felt like the were no longer joined to her body. Still his eyes boared into hers. She was certain he could hear her heart pounding. Her mouth turned dry. Daniel brought his tall, slender frame closer to hers, so now she could feel his heartbeat too. And it was racing just as much as hers. She made her shaking, paralysed hands graze across his forearms. She could almost taste him on her tongue as they breathed in each other's scent. And finally, after what felt like hours, he pressed his lips up against hers, with his hand running softly through her hair.

He was so gentle but there was urgency and lust on his tongue. He swept her off her feet, never breaking their kiss. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck as he carried her up the stairs to his room. After kicking the suitcase onto the floor with his knee, he lay her down on the bed and stopped their embrace for just a moment.

'Are you ok?' He whispered. It was dark, but she could see the concern on his face. Instead of answering yes, she guided his face back to hers with her hand on the back of his head, playing with the long bits of hair at the nape of his neck. Their bodies entwined effortlessly and Stacey had begun to discover the soft skin of his back, his chest, his stomach.

He nuzzled into her neck, gently kissing just under her ears, sending shivers throughout her body.