#006;

Audrey Emerson: Audrey smoothed out the dress she was wearing, staring at herself in the town hall's window for what seemed to be the longest time. She had gotten it when shopping with her mother and her nerves meant she couldn't stop playing with the black fabric. She could see her parents across the room talking to their friends and she had managed to sneak off, saying she was going to get a drink before waiting in the corner for Miles. Her finger moved from her dress to her hair, twirling the loose strands around as she waited.

Miles Knox: Miles had arrived only fifteen minutes before the events starting time. With Audrey and her parents making an appearance, Miles found himself in the "make a good impression" mode. But instead of dwelling on the nerves that were starting to consume his entire mind, the male decided to venture off in search of Audrey. Soon enough he stumbled on a petite brunette who was standing off in the hall next to the main ballroom. Coming from behind, Miles placed his hands on her waist and placed a gentle kiss on her neck. "Hello beautiful,” he whispered.

Audrey Emerson: The girl smiled as she felt Miles's breath tickle her neck, her nerves made her eyes flash quickly to where her parents were standing, but they were blissfully unaware and besides, they were too far away to see her. "Hi handsome," she whispered back, smiling, turning around so she was facing him, "You clean up nicely." And he did, Miles was usually all kinds of gorgeous and tonight was no exception.

Miles Knox: The grip on her waist became a little tighter as they turned to face each other. Her eyes gleamed with the lights of the great hall, hypnotizing the male into deep admiration. "I have to make a good impression," Miles replied looking in her parent’s direction. The attraction was uncanny and his lips locked with hers for the first time that night. "And you? Are you trying to impress anyone?" Miles teased, biting his bottom lip.

Audrey Emerson: With Miles' lips on hers, she forgot about the ever pressing issue on her mind, letting herself sink into the kiss. She really liked Miles and ever since they had reconciled at the party, she didn't want anything to come between them while it didn't have to. She smiled, her eyes flicking back to Miles' lips, "I think we both know the answer to that," she mumbled, pressing her lips back onto his

Miles Knox: "Baby you don't have to do that--my attention is all yours," Miles assured her, going in for another kiss. This time he pulled Audrey in closer, letting the tips of his fingers stroke her bare back. It brought chills to his spine, the thought of having her so close. "I just don't know how I'm going to survive tonight. You're going to be so close yet so far."

Audrey Emerson: She shivered under Miles' touch, his hands on her back, and his lips on hers. She only wanted him to be closer as she wrapped her arms around his neck, closing the invisible space between them. "I know" she muttered softly, glancing up at him, "But I don't want to lose you."

Miles Knox: "You don't have too," he began, as Audrey reeled him closer, “I’m going to do whatever possible to spend tonight with you." Miles glanced in her parents direction, and when he saw them still mingling and laughing with other guests, he went in for another kiss. This time letting it last a little longer. "How did you get them off your back?" he asked, curious as to why they hadn't sent a search party for her.

Audrey Emerson: Audrey smiled against the kiss, she couldn't get enough of him and his words only made her happier. "I said I was getting a drink and they haven't seemed to notice I haven't come back, which is strange but I don't mind if it means I get to do this," she said, kissing him again, wanting to focus on Miles.

Miles Knox: This time around a chuckle from Miles lips nestled between their kiss. "You realize that if you keep doing that I might not be able to keep my hands off you?" Miles picked a loose strand of Audrey's hair and laid it softly behind her ear. She always looked gorgeous, but having her in his arms in a public setting just made her glow ten times brighter. "The longer they stay in there," he said referring to the ballroom, "the longer we have together."

Audrey Emerson: "What if that's what I want?" Audrey replied with a teasing smile. Every place Miles touched made her skin tingle and her body ache for more. She nodded softly, "I know." She bit her lip, glancing back at her parents, "I think we'll be okay. They're having fun for once." A small smile spread across her lips, despite how controlling they were, she liked to see them having fun and not stressing about her for once.

Miles Knox: "Then I guess it's a win-win situation." Like Audrey, Miles loved to see her parents enjoying themselves. He'd never gotten the chance to properly meet them, but knowing they were Audrey's parents he wished them nothing but the best. Especially if it meant getting them off her back. "What are we supposed to do here? I've never been to one of these, so catch me up will you Miss Emerson?" Miles said, trying his best to act appropriately.

Audrey Emerson: She grinned at him, "I think we're supposed to dance Mr Knox, although I could be wrong -- I've never been to one of these either. However, I think the people dancing might be a good indicator," she teased. Her face changing to something more serious she said, "We could actually dance, I don't think Mom and Dad would see us in the crowd."

Miles Knox: Audrey's sense of humor had Miles filling the hallway with his subtle laughter; it wasn't loud but the emptiness let the sound bounce much quicker between the walls. "Well that much I figured out on my own, thank you very much--" he replied, "So it's just a party for some guy who is visiting Northpoint? I wish I got that kind of treatment." Upon her proposal though, the male’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I don't mind a challenge, are you okay with it?"

Audrey Emerson: "You're welcome" she said with a nod, the sound of Miles' laughter only making her smile wider. "He's a senator, so I guess they wanted to go all-out and show their support." She let out a chuckle, "Well when you become a famous and super important oceanographer I will arrange a ball in your honour myself." She bit her lip before nodding, "I'm okay with it. I want to dance with you."

Miles Knox: "You better keep your word," Miles warned, referring to the ball she said she would arrange in a future. When Audrey admitted to wanting to dance with the male, his lips turned into a smile. "Then what are we waiting for?" he said, opening his arm for her to link her hand in. As they began walking into the ballroom, his nerves were at a peak. At any moment the Emerson's could turn to the dance floor and stumble upon the young couple. It made him nervous, but if it were to happen it would mean that they would know about them. "I'm not very good at this," Miles admitted as he placed one hand on her waist and the other in mid-air holding hers.

Audrey Emerson: Audrey linked her arm through his and followed him through to the ballroom. Her eyes kept nervously flicking to where her parents stood, yet they were still blissfully unaware of the situation that was taking place across the other side of the room. She didn't like to think what would happen if they found her. Audrey placed her hand on his should and placed her hand in his, giving him a smile. "I wouldn't worry, I don't think everyone here are what you would call professionals." She gave his hand a squeeze, "It's pretty easy when you know how, like taking tiny steps around in different directions -- Dad used let me dance with him standing on his feet when I was younger."

Miles Knox: Miles felt his lips forming into a smile as he imagined little Audrey learning to dance with her father. Those cherished memories outweighed they stress they put her through. Without noticing, the males feet began to take control swaying their bodies in sync with the music. "I guess I kind of got it--" he suggested, looking down as his feet. By the looks of it, his level of dancing surpassed some of those around them. "Would it be too much if I sneaked in a kiss?" he asked.

Audrey Emerson: Audrey felt her small smile growing into something bigger as they swayed together, in time to the music, staring into the other's eyes. Her eyes flicked over to her parents who were still chatting and sipping their champagne, not having spotted the pair amongst the crowd of dancers. She shook her head, leaning in until their lips met, her eyes fluttering shut.

Miles Knox: It was almost impossible for Miles to reject one of Audrey's kisses. So when she went for it, the male simply went along; allowing his mind to be consumed by the taste of her lips. "I really do like you, Audrey." Miles whispered as he rested his forehead against hers. It seemed a little too quick to say the "L" word, but one thing was for sure was that he liked her. A lot. With his mind preoccupied, he's failed to notice that Mrs. Emerson was now looking through the crowd of dancing people. And the feelings he was going through were now replaced by nervousness. "I think she saw us," he mumbled, lightly jerking Audrey behind one of the many couples. "Keep your head down," he ordered through a couple anxious chuckles.

Audrey Emerson: Audrey lost herself in the taste of Miles' lips, linking her arms around his neck as they did so. "I really do like you too." she replied, smiling, the butterfly feeling she got with Miles springing into her stomach. As soon as Miles had jerked her away and uttered some hushed words her relaxed body quickly stiffened turning into one of panic. She bowed her head, her heart racing double the speed than before and for a reason she didn't like quite as much. She bit her lip, scanning the room for her parents who she quickly found, Mr Emerson had now joined his wife and their faces had changed from laughing and chatting to one of concern, their brow's furrowed. Moving her hands from around Miles neck, she entwined one of his with hers, leading him through the crowd towards the nearest door out of the ballroom.

Miles Knox: The butterfly's that filled his stomach has disappeared in the blink of an eye. Her parents had definitely seen them, and Miles would have no case. What was he supposed to say to the Emerson's if they asked questions? Would the love Miles had for Audrey be enough to convince them that what they had was real? His train of thoughts were jerked from his mind as they left the ballroom. "That--was--close.." he exclaimed in between quick breaths. "Do you think they saw us?" he asked, wanting an assurance that they were in the clear.

Audrey Emerson: Audrey bit her lip, her stomach turning over. She didn't want to have to give Miles up but she also didn't want to hurt her parents. She shrugged, "I don't know, they weren't looking at me when I saw them..." She trailed off, her heart still racing. She had lead Miles down a way from the door to the ballroom, so their bodies would be obscured from view if her parents took the same exit as she had. She let out a nervous and slightly shaky sigh, "I don't know though" she mumbled, sinking into Miles' chest in attempt to calm herself.

Miles Knox: "That didn't last long," Miles said as he realized they didn't even finish one entire song. There wasn't anything in the world the male wanted more than to be able to go about town with Audrey by his side. Although it would take awhile, Miles was willing to go through it all. Just as he was about to rest his head on hers, the sound of footsteps following their exit made him jump. He looked back and quickly moved himself away from Audrey as the Emerson's appeared through the doorway. "Fuck...." he mumbled to himself.

Audrey Emerson: "I know. I'm sorry," she mumbled into his chest. Sometimes she wished that her parents weren't so over protective or that they didn't care so much so maybe she could kiss Miles in public, or hold his hand, or even finish a damn dance. She wanted her parents to see Miles the way she did, but they never would, they never had seen any guy as anything but trouble. Her eyes jumped open as Miles jumped, the sound of footsteps echoing from where they had come from, growing closer. Just as Miles had moved away, she looked up, her eyes locking with her parents. She swallowed. "Audrey!" her mother tutted, wrapping her arms around the girl, "You said you were going to get drinks -- when you didn't come back we got worried." Audrey gave her mother a guilty smile, something that came easily when her parents showed that they loved her "I'm sorry" she mumbled, "I... I just got hot in there so I came out here for some air and to cool down." She tried to give her most convincing smile to her mother, although the uneasy way her father, who had not yet spoken, was eyeing Miles made her feel sick.

Miles Knox: The mixture of emotions was causing his stomach to turn, making him even more uneasy. He didn't know where to turn, standing there watching her parents lecture Audrey would only draw attention to himself so instead he turned to a nearby window. He did, however, feel Mr. Emerson's eyes wander in Miles direction. The male stroked his sweaty palms down his slacks, hoping to dry them up. 'Please don't notice me. Please don't notice me," he thought to himself.

Audrey Emerson: As her mother wrapped her arm around her, going on about what she missed while she was away, Audrey found it hard to look away from her father, his eyes flicking back and forward between him daughter and Miles. She tried her best to keep up the cherry, innocent daughter persona, although she was afraid her performance was failing. There was nothing more Audrey wanted to do than grab Miles' hand and tell her parents that she really liked him, that he was sweet, kind, smart and he made her feel the most amazing that she had ever felt in her life before, and that then they would say he was wonderful and give them their blessings, but, it wasn't her reality and doubted it ever would be. Instead she stood there, a wave of panic rushing over as the words fell from her father's mouth "Hey, Aud -- Who's this?"

Miles Knox: As the sound of Mr. Emerson's voice interrupted his thoughts, his heart dropped six feet below ground. His legs wanted to run as fast as he could, past the crowd and out the door. But his heart pleaded to stay and maybe make things clear between the four. Miles looked up and glanced at her father, "Um--- I'm Miles. Miles Knox, pleasure to meet you sir," he said shaking his hand as a common courtesy. He didn't know what else to say, Audrey's look scared the words from his tongue. One bad word could result in disaster.

Audrey Emerson: She watched her father shake Miles' hand and opened her mouth, trying to convince herself to explain what was going on between them, fooling herself that it would be okay. But, with one look at Miles she knew she couldn't, she didn't want to lose him just after she had gotten him back, just after Northpoint had become something more than where she lived. She couldn't. It would destroy her. She shook her head at her father, "Dad! You can't just walk up to people we've never met before and suddenly ask who they are! I told you, I just needed some air. He was minding his own business!" As the words tumbled out of her mouth she just felt like she was digging herself deeper and deeper into a hole she could never come out of. She turned to Miles, "Sorry," she said, hoping he could see that she really was sorry, "My father is too nosy for his own good! -- Miles was it?" At least her father didn't seem suspicious anymore, just slightly embarrassed at his daughter's remarks.

Miles Knox: It felt almost natural to speak with both Audrey and her father, and when things seemed to feel like they were going okay it all suddenly went downhill. The fact that Audrey had chosen to hide it, shattered his heart. Miles had convinced himself to speak the truth and face the consequences, but Audrey. Audrey had other intentions, which did not include introducing Miles. Let alone admitting to being in a relationship with a stranger. "Yeah-- don't worry about it," he mumbled as he turned back at the window, ignoring Audrey's look. "Your parents are just looking out for you---but um don't mind me. I'm on my way out."

Audrey Emerson: Audrey could feel her heart break at the look on Miles face she wanted to run over and throw her arms around him, but she couldn't. She took one last look at Miles, vowing to apologize before turned back to her parents, who both seemed much happier than they had a few minutes ago, unfortunately in her case, their feelings had been reversed and Audrey was left with the worried feeling. After a couple of more minutes chat with her parents about leaving -- they just wanted to meet with one more person before they left, saying she would meet them back in the ballroom after she'd been to the toilet, she walked up behind Miles, tapping him on the shoulder. She had double-checked they had gone, they were on the other side of the ball-room by now. They were alone. She tapped Miles on the shoulder softly, "I'm sorry" she murmured, "Really."

Miles Knox: Miles state of mind, now, was more confusion than anything. Part of him was angry; this had been their chance to admit what was going on between the two but Miles seemed to be the only one on that list. While the other part understood why Audrey had denied knowing him. Her parents would have cut all strings both Miles and Audrey had built over the years. Yet he fell weak to his knees when he heard the females soft apology. "It's okay--" he admitted, letting out a sigh. "I thought it was a good time to tell your parents. But I thought wrong. You're obviously not ready, and I get that." Sort of, he wanted to add. "You should probably go before they come back looking for you."

Audrey Emerson: She had forgotten what this had felt like, the joy and happiness and the feeling of falling head of toes for someone, but she had also forgotten how hard it was, the sneaking around and the worry -- hearing Miles' sigh made her wonder if she really had done the right thing. Sometimes she wondered why he even put up with it. At least he had accepted her apology, but there were times where she felt as young as ever around Miles, and this was one of them. "I just don't want to lose you." she said, her voice still quiet, "I only just got you back." She gave him a small smile, trying to hide how she was feeling, distracting herself by intertwining her fingers with his. "I know," she said softly, although making no move to head back towards the main room, staying next to Miles, not wanting to go.

Miles Knox: "You're not going to lose me anytime soon," Miles said, wanting to put those nerves at ease. His hands reached forward, placing themselves around her waist. "Its just--- it bummed me out when you didn't say anything." Although it bothered him, Miles understood and didn't want to completely put this on her. Because dealing with her parents was something they had to do together. "We should just sleep on this. We need to think about how we're going to make this work, because like I said we're not losing each other, again." With that said, Miles glanced into the doorway leading into the ballroom, When the Emerson's didn't appear, Miles went in for a goodnight kiss. "I love you," he whispered.

Audrey Emerson: His words made tension fall away that she hadn't even realised she'd been holding in, relaxing against him as he placed his hands on her waist. She nodded, "Okay," she wanted to tell him how she knew they were going to react and that it wasn't going to be good  -- it never had been when it came to things like this. But, Miles was one of the best things that had happened to her, though she might just sound, young and stupid and in love, he was. Despite the short time they had spent together, now and in the summer when they had first met, she had grown to care about him more than most and if he wanted to tell her parents, it wasn't just a matter of her saying no. But, like he said, they could sleep on it. With so much racing through her already busy mind, his kiss made it all slow down for a second, she let her eyes shut and restated her forehead on his, wanting her time with him to last forever. His words made her eyelids flutter open bringing a smile that lit up her face. Hearing those words from Miles made her feel the most amazing she ever had, it was like a warmth bubbled up inside her and spread over her body and knowing that she loved him too made it so much better. In fact, she had loved him ever since that Summer, but had always been too afraid to say it, doubting herself, she was sixteen and what did sixteen-year-olds know about love? And ever since he had come back she had been too scared to say it. Even if she felt it, saying the words made it seem much more real and naturally, inevitably making the pain worse too. But, he loved her. He really did. And it didn't matter if she was scared because when Miles was there with her it felt like she could take on the world. She pressed her lips to his, one more time, letting their kiss last for longer as she pulled him closer, wanting to savour the moment -- something she would remember forever. Her first 'I love you' with someone that she loved just as much. She placed her hand on his cheek, "Miles, I--" and then that perfect moment was interrupted. Her phone buzzed, the caller ID showing it was her parents. Her expression that only a second ago had been filled with joy - love - had now shattered. She knew she had to answer it, and picked up the phone, sliding the answer button across. "Yes, I should just be walking through the door in a couple of seconds." It became apparent she was going to have to leave straight away and even though it hurt her, she would say it back, even if she couldn't right now. Instead, she squeezed his hand and mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' for seemed like the hundredth time that night before turning away and heading back towards the ballroom, her mother’s voice still nattering in her ear, the once warm feeling had gone, leaving nothing but cold.