Time After Time

	As Sharon stood in the confused huddle of shuffling people on the far side of the community centre, she prayed for the circulation to return to her digits. She was freezing, and knew she'd much rather be at home watching a random episode of Friends right now, even if she was bound to have seen it ten times already. She could barely remember why she'd agreed to this.

	"Kareena reckons the teachers got stuck in the snow." Vicki muttered, pulling lazily on the sleeve of Sharon's heavy winter coat.

	Aha. Suddenly, Sharon remembered, with a new wave of hostility. Darling Vicki. Even now, a supposed grown up at 18 years old, the cow knew she still had the ability to twist Sharon around her little finger, and she never missed an oppurtunity to do so even if she wanted something - so, constantly then.

	What with the Valentine's Ball less than two weeks away, Vicki had reasoned that the ballroom dancing classes that had suddenly materialised on the Community Centre Notice Board were a good excuse to one, look fantastically elegant on the dancefloor come Valentine's Night, and two, meet fit new blokes they'd have to partner when practising. Sharon didn't for a moment think that such a formal style of dance - or anything that wasn't a drunken lunge of a shoe shuffle - would appeal to any man in Walford, and she might even go as far as to say London, but was surprised when Garry, Spencer (who, of course, had only come because of Vicki), his mate Mickey, Gus & Ian turned up, as well as a host of men from out of town that Vicki & Kareena were very pleased to see.

	Sharon couldn't deny she was curious, but felt a fool having to rely on strangers while she tried (and most likely failed miserably) to master these new skills. She had to face up to her fears a lot sooner than she had hoped - Kareena was wrong, the dance teachers had only mislaid their car keys and there was not a flake of snow to be seen.

	"Hello everyone. I'm Jill and this is my partner Simon. We've been dancing together since we were fourteen and we're twenty-seven now." Jill flushed slightly pink and twisted strands of her loose ponytail around her fingertip. "Now, I'm sure you know what you're all here for, and Simon and me, we just want this to be as much fun for you all as possible - we're not asking you to go out and win any trophies just yet - unless you want to of course! So seeing as this is our first night, we thought we'd throw you in at the deep end with a Latin - just to see who has the natural rhythm!"

	She smiled brightly and waved her arms, causing everyone to shrug off their coats and leave them discarded by the wall and assemble in front of Jill & Simon, probably looking much like scared little children.

	"The rumba" Simon announced, his shoes tapping loudly against the wooden floor as she walked, his hands clasped behind his back, "is the dance of love. Romantic-"

	There came several groans, which Simon laughed off, almost as if he had been expecting them. "Romantic, slow and expressive. Dance isn't necessarily extravagance - not what you do, but how you do it."

	"Oooh, I bet he says that to all the girls!" Garry quipped.

	"Honestly Garry, you sound like Dot!" Ian replied scornfully, rolling his eyes.

	"The hold for Latin dance is the same across the board." Jill said loudly, hoping to cover the muttering of the crowd. "The woman's left hand goes into the man's right, then the other arm.... like this.... you can dance a little closer if you like, but you do need a nice open space between you."

	"So if.... you'd all like to pair up-" Simon added, his hand pressing against Jill's back.

	Sharon flinched. The dreaded moment. Spencer immediately stepped up towards Vicki.

	"I got mine!" Garry cried, pulling on Kareena's arm.

	"Get off Garry!" she replied stiffly, wrenching her arm away and going to pair up with Mickey.

	Sharon scanned the room and quickly considered the idea of going across the room and picking up her coat and going home, and she would have done so too, despite the warning looks from Vicki (who was struggling a little with Spencer's interpretation of the hold) if a handsome bloke looking as bemused as she felt hadn't sidled up to her and said "You're feeling it too huh?"

	"I feel daft." Sharon smiled.

	"Me too. I don't know why I'm here. Well I do actually.... Dinner Dance next month, got two left feet, me and I'm hoping to be a Senior Manager before I retire! Paul by the way." He held out his hand, which Sharon took.

	"Sharon."

	"Well, what do you think Sharon, shall we dare to dance?"

	With a laugh, they got into the holding position without Sharon having to give a reply. 

	"Let's start with the side step shall we? Ladies, start on your left, gents, on your right."

	Simon went on to explain the side step, which felt like moving one foot forward and flexing the other like a ballerina everytime Sharon tried it and she was sure it was wrong. The back basic felt wrong but in reverse - so did that make it right? Sharon didn't know, but no-one tried to correct her, except to remind her not to be afraid to swing her hips a little and to keep her legs straight. It seemed to hurt almost immediately, but she got it.

	"Sharon!"

	Turning abruptly to the sound of her name, she was met by Dennis hurtling towards her, unaware of the looks coming from the rest of the group in his own intrusive direction.

	"Dennis! What is it?"

	"Thought I should let you know - had to close the club."

	"What? Why?"

	"The electrics have died, I can't believe it, but we can't do business in them sort of conditions."

	"Yes, OK, I get it."

	She took his arm and led him from the room, shouting her apologies across to Simon and Jill and excusing herself from Paul with a smile.

	"So...." Dennis coaxed.

	"So, I was trying to do a dance class in there."

	"I saw. Ian didn't half look a poncy git!" He chuckled, and Sharon hit him square on the arm. "Ow! What was that for?"

	"Well, this is embarrassing enough as it is, I'm only doing it for the Ball, which we probably won't be able to have now anyway if we haven't got any electrics and having to dance the rumba of all things on the first night with a complete bloody stranger too!"

	"What's wrong with the rumba?" Dennis asked, propping himself up against the wall with one arm.

	"It's supposed to be a romantic dance apparently.... every time I step forward my bloody toe clicks, it shatters the illusion a bit!"

	Dennis laughed again, his eyebrow raised dubiously. "So it's the dance of luuuurve then is it?"

	"Shut it you! Just cos you didn't have the guts to come do this with Vicki and me!"

	"Excuse me?!"

	"You heard me." she smirked. "You're afraid it's too wussy for you."

	"I am not."

	"Ian's going to wipe the dancefloor with you come Valentine's and you know it!"

	"No chance! C'mon!" He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her back into the hall, which seemed to have descended into extremes of wincing as toes were stood on and hips swinging with a dangerous enthusiasm.

	"C'mon where?"

	"I wanna dance with you."

	Shaking her head and not able to do much but laugh, Sharon showed him the hold and he immediately decided he preferred the closer option. Sharon didn't think to ask for a reason.

	"So who was that bloke you were paired off with?"

	She heard the note of interest in his voice, though he tried to disguise by looking over her shoulder instead of into her eyes. "No idea. Just some stranger. Straighten your leg."

	"God, get you. Not even thirty seconds in and you already think you're the sodding teacher!"

	"I have an encouraging nature." she told him sweetly.

	"No - you're a bossy cow."

	Sharon deliberately stood on his toe on her next forward. He wasn't given a chance to protest as they were told to intitiate their first turn, which was surprisingly smooth seeing as neither bothered to look at Simon & Jill's example.

	"That girl over there's eyeing you up mate." she said, squeezing the hand that held hers.

	"What's she look like?"

	"Black hair, about twelve."

	"Ah, forget her then. Prefer the older woman myself."

	Sharon felt heat rush through her and her cheeks prickle. Was he flirting with her? And was she liking it?!

	"Hey, you alright?"

	"I told you, this is embarrassing."

	"Why? I'm not a stranger am I?"

	No, not at all, she thought, that's why it's so embarrassing! She didn't know where to look and so somehow found herself holding Dennis' gaze, captivated by it. She must have looked pathetic. God, this was all so hard.

	"N-No." she replied, somewhat awkwardly. "But I've never done this before."

	"Well me neither. But I like it.... sort of."

	"Like what?"

	"Dancing with you. Wouldn't be any good if you didn't have heels on mind, you barely come up to my shoulder as it is!"

	"Remember your expression guys!" Jill called out from the middle of the room. "Soon, your rumba will tell a story... a story about love. Try as best as you can to.... look at your partner like you're in love!"

	"You hear that Sharon? Look at me like you're in love darlin'." he told her confidently.

	Oh, but she had, so many times before.

	 "Nope, I'm not seeing it!"

	"Well, what are you seeing?" she cried, exasperated. 

	"You wanting to punch me! I'm sorry Sharon, but you're a titch and there's no denying it!" He hugged her tight for a brief moment and then went back into the holding position. "Now look-" he held her hand tight and once again she found herself helplessly immersed in those eyes, unable to look away as they danced. "-at me - in love!"

	She defied him still. "So why aren't you looking at me then?"

	"Oh, I'm looking Sharon."

	Gasping a little in frustration, Sharon tore her eyes away and was grateful at the next turn.

	"Turn... and lunge. Don't break the eye contact - that's it."

	The lunge was simple. They held one hand and straightened out their other arm behind them, holding it at an angle in the air, like a statement. But it was what followed that was difficult. She didn't hear what the step was called, she only saw what it looked like. She had to spin in towards Dennis, her back against him, and let him rest his head on her shoulder, his arms around her waist, swaying them both. The look on Jill and Simon's faces hurt. Their eyes were closed as they moved, enjoying their movement, and showing the whole hall just how in love they were. She knew that dancing was more about pretence than anything, but God, she was so crap at pretending.

	Softly, she spun, feeling the beat of Dennis' heart go through her back. He held her by the forearm across her waist and nestled his head against Sharon's, barely touching her shoulder. And slowly, he moved them together, his hips rolling gently into hers, and she didn't even know if her legs were still holding her up. Something in this movement was unspoken, she could feel it.

	"Mmmm, I like this one," Dennis murmured, his expression exactly as Simon's had been. 

	"I- I feel so stupid..." she stammered.

	"Well don't. Just enjoy it. Close your eyes Sharon."

	And she relaxed into it, loving the feel of his arms around her, his warm breath against her neck. She let it carry her away and it was only as she heard Jill sigh passionately and say "You two, far corner, that's perfect!"

	"She means us, darlin'." Dennis whispered in her ear and Sharon flinched, her eyes springing open and shattering her moment. They weren't alone after all. She spun out and demonstrated another lunge, not able to take her eyes from Dennis', drinking in their colour and sparkle and being comforted by the omnipresent mischievous smile on his lips. He was so perfect.

	"Lunge! Perfect. Now, bring your arms down, one arm across your partner's waist please, and place the flat of your other hand against thier cheek. Remember the expression, you're madly in love with this person, so as you turn... look into their eyes-"

	Even Garry had given up trying to be funny, and everyone got on with it. Sharon waited for Dennis to say something clever, but he was silent, gazing intently at her as he bought his cool palm against her cheek and turned. Sharon was a fraction behind him. She was scared touching him would do something to her, and though of course, nothing happened, she couldn't help but feel an uncomfortable charge go up her arm.

	Simon took over and called out the next instruction. "That's it.... right gents, how about you try and lift her slowly up.... give her time to wrap her arms around your neck, this is a smooth movement. Ladies, try not to look as though you're clinging on for dear life. Remember, you love this man and you trust him!"

	"So Sharon-" Dennis started, his arm around her back ready to lift her. "-love me?"

	Before she knew what she had done, she nodded. But he didn't act on it. He simply nodded slowly back.

	"Good.... but do you trust me?" 

	Unable to stifle a giggle, she grinned and shook her head fiercely. "No!" she cried out childishly.

	"Right!" And he lifted her quick into the air. It certainly wasn't the smooth, intensely felt moment Simon had been aiming for - because Sharon was holding on for dear life as Dennis spun her round, and she was laughing hysterically.

	"Stop it Dennis! Stop it! Put me down!"

	He laughed with her, she was so wonderfully infectious, so much fun to be around. He bought her back to the floor, running his hand affectionately across her cheek without even trying to disguise it as part of a step.

	"Do you trust me?"

	She eyed him suspiciously, laughing still and completely ignoring the looks of everyone they had interrupted. "I've heard that before somewhere!" She clicked her fingers. "Aladdin! God, you're so pathetic." She laughed again as he dipped his eyes to the floor. "You got a magic carpet too; we gonna go off and sing to each other?"

	"Shut it, or I'll do it again! Now tell me you trust me or we're never gonna get this soddin' step done!"

	"Alright! I trust you.... now-" She guided him round to her gaze with her hand. "Look at me."

	Sharon tried to go over the transitions in her mind as if they were mechancial, trying not to concentrate too fully on his beautiful face. She couldn't allow herself to see it because she didn't know what she would do. She couldn't feel the pretence she had expected from dancing and she knew it was because she was dancing with Dennis. Every emotion put into every step felt so real it hurt.

	Lunge.... hold arm.... down.....palm.... turn.... gaze.... kiss....

	No! No, shit, what was she thinking? But before she could even try and reason it out, Dennis had lifted her again, smoothly, and her arms were around his neck without her even realising she had done it. And those eyes still bore into her own as they spun. 

	She wanted to cry.

	The next hour of the class was a daze for Sharon. She knew there were still many people around her, strangers, friends, sisters and neighbours, and they were the only thing that kept Sharon from giving into the irrepressible urge to kiss him. She didn't think he would have protested - she had expected him to say this was poncy and head back home without even thinking to dance too. But he hadn't. He'd taken it seriously, every step, every turn, every gaze. He wouldn't just be pretending.

	And though she didn't kiss him, it was still as if  they were in their own little bubble, only ever penetrated by the occassional calls of "The expression, everyone! Hips!" from Jill. Their hips rolled gently together, and his hands pressed perfectly into her waist, his fingertips slowly dancing their own path across her charged skin under her top. She didn't even think to tell him not to, it felt so good to have him touch her again.

	She tried to force away the memory that last time he had been close enough to touch her, he'd just made love to her and she'd ran from that. She could barely remember why, even when she saw Vicki on the other side of the hall out the corner of her eye. Being immersed in Dennis as she was meant that nothing else mattered other than what she was doing.

	She tried so hard to work exactly what she was doing here. She couldn't help but look at him, to smile as he smiled when they moved together. And they moved very well, as both Simon & Jill had rushed over to tell them both more than once. As the class was dismissed, Sharon sighed, neither knowing or caring whether she was heard by anyone. She didn't want to step out of his arms, to let go of his hand. Dennis' smile seemed to have sank.

	Without words, they compromised - they broke apart, but stood, their hands still lazily laced together, and somehow thinking nothing of it. They joined the small crowd of people bustling to grab their coats from the floor and get out the door. Now they were no longer dancing, they found it hard to look at each other. They held each other's hand with a kind of gentle ferocity - it said what they could not. They just didn't know how and so they stayed silent, sneaking inquisitive glances at each other but never raising question.

	"So, did you two start dancing long after you got together then?"

	"What?!"

	"Sorry!" Jill said, flapping her hands and looking flustered at Sharon's obvious look of panic. Simon was just behind her collecting all their stuff together from against the wall. "I mean to say... you have danced before haven't you? I've never seen anyone take to this so quick and so well - the turns and lifts aren't exactly basic!"

	"Nope. Never danced before in my life." Dennis told her, realising that Sharon was looking awkwardly all around the floor for a place to settle her gaze.

	"And we're... we're not together.... together."

	"Oh! Well, er...." As her eyes slid pointedly down to their entwined hands, they fell away from each other, even though Dennis had wanted to keep hold of her. He liked being able to touch her again. She'd barely let him close in any capacity since the night they'd slept together. "Sorry, I didn't realise."

	"Not together." Sharon repeated, slipping past and and rushing out. Dennis immediately made to follow, accepting Jill's weak smile of apology. But he walked straight into Vicki, who had just come from the ladies.

	"Dennis!" she said brightly, barely noticing he'd almost knocked her off her feet. "Libby wanted me to give you this." And she handed him a telling scrap of paper.

	"Who the hell is Libby?" he asked irritably, just wanting to be out after Sharon.

	"Girl dancing next to me and Spence, long black hair-"

	"The twelve year old." he said quietly, not really to Vicki at all, but she heard and seemed to take offence, screwing her face up a little.

	"No, about my age actually."

	"Look forget it Vicks! I'm not interested in little girls." He pushed the paper back into her reluctant palm without even reading the numbers, and rushed off.

	But when Dennis got back to the house and found Sharon curled up miserably on the couch, she wouldn't talk to him. So he sat, cross-legged on the floor opposite her and neither knew how long it was they sat there, just gazing at each other. They didn't mention what Jill has said, in fact, they didn't say anything, until Dennis got up to go to bed, and went, hovering over Sharon, to drop a kiss on her forehead, when he said;

	"You were really good y'know, it was fun dancing with you.... let's do it again eh? I was hoping I'd get at least one dance with you at this Ball of yours-"

	She released a meek sound which he decided to take as confirmation rather than something which meant he would have to stay longer and fight.

	They didn't really see each other much until the next dance class three days later. Dennis had been right in supposing he'd find her supervising work in the club now that there were half a dozen electricians working on rewiring the place in time for the Ball. It had been really stressing her out. They walked together from there to the community centre slowly - it had taken a lot for him to convince her to come with him.

	He began to speak almost immediately, taking in a great breath of air and not daring to wait for the uncomfortable silence and pattern of sneaking glances at her, as it had been since the last class, to set in again.

	"Look Sharon- I meant it you know; I liked dancing with you.... and them two, Jill and whatshisface.... they couldn't stop telling us how good we were together."

	"Yeah, so good, she thought we slept together!" Sharon said. She realised she sounded angry at the idea, but it wasn't that - it was more the fact that they were so good at it - each step had made her want him more and more and she just knew she couldn't have him. It was unfair.

	Whereas Dennis was having to stop himself replying, "Well we have." Instead he managed;

	"It's because... we get on so well... you know-" He wrung his hands wondering what the dance instructors would call it. "-have a chemistry.... that's how dancing's meant to work isn't it?"

	"Well yeah, but is what everyone else is seeing between us sexual?"

	He wanted to say yes, he so wanted to say yes. "Doubt it. Our little sister was in there too remember, she might have had something to say about it, don't y'think?"

	Beat, Sharon nodded 

	"Right, good. So you'll dance with me?"

	"Yeah."

	"And we'll have a good time?"

	Knowing she could do very little else with him, she let the smile take over her lips and nodded again. "Yeah."

	Taking her hand and gripping it tightly, he led her into the community centre and straight into the main hall where most of the class were already milling. Dennis tried not to notice the black haired girl's eager look as he came into the room.

	"Evening everyone!" Jill said brightly from the front of the crowd, her eyes swimming over it and darting nervously away as she saw Dennis stood with Sharon. "Now we thought that we started a bit hard and fast with you all last week-"

	There was a nervous round of laughter. Jill however, seemed to subconciously seeking out Dennis and Sharon again.

	"-so tonight, we're going to observe you. Do what you will, and this is either going to become an over aged disco and we'll go back to basic, or you might have had a step or two inside you without realising!" She strode over to the hi-fi, her forefinger, hovering over a button, "so pair up-"

	She paused as she waited for people to do as much. Dennis and Sharon automatically turned towards each other, exchanging little half smiles stretching from one corner of their mouths.

	"So we're not even going to learn anything then!" Sharon muttered quietly into Dennis' chest. "I could be at home right now y'know!"

	"Doing what? Watching Friends?"

	"For your information, it's a very good-"

	But Sharon was cut off in her defence as the music started up. Dennis laughed outwardly, staring in disbelief at Sharon as the unmistakable sound of "I'll Be There For You" started up. 

	"I don't believe it!" Dennis chuckled, shaking his head, "It must follow you around!"

	Sharon looked bewildered for a moment or two, then shook her head and began to laugh too. Composing herself, although the amused smile remained, she said, "Shut up - and dance!"

	"Oh no. I don't do freestyle!"

	"Don't be such a spoilsport!"

	"I'm telling you Sharon - I can't do this!"

	She took his hands in hers and encouraged him to move.

	"Rubbish. Go with what you hear!"

	"Really trashy Nineties pop darlin'!"

	"Dance!" she demanded again, laughing still as they went into a looser lunge and she spun under his arm. "Just trust me!"

	"Oh now, where have I heard that before?" he shot back dramatically. "Oh yeah, I remember - trashy Nineties Disney film!"

	"Less of the trash!" Sharon told him as they began a side step, both absent-mindedly clicking their fingers for no reason. "That film's brilliant!"

	"Oh yeah, so where's the magic carpet and when do we start singing to each other eh?" He spun until he was behind Sharon and placed his hands around her waist and swung the opposite way he encouraged her to, and they grinned madly every time their eyes met. With that, Sharon humoured him, and began singing out the song to him, her face tensed in the style of true rock and roll emotion. He could barely hear her - the rest of the room seemed to be doing the same thing, but still, it was brilliant to watch. He could feel an undescribable buzz zipping through him.

	"I'll be there for you - when the rain starts to pour! I'll be there for you - like I've been there before-"

	He was laughing so hard, Dennis barely noticed, as Sharon span out again, that he had begun singing with her. God, how cheesy was this? He couldn't even sing and hadn't even known he knew the words; though it was hardly surprising - Sharon & Vicki must have watched every single episode at least a hundred times before. He'd never have done anything like this, he knew it was ridiculous, but he was having too much fun to care about anything other than being caught up in the spirit of improvisation.

	"I'll be there for you - cos you're there for me too!"

	And they span and turned and stepped and swang their hips, pulling dumb faces as they sang, laughing all the while. Oh, the chemistry was so definitely there.

	Leaning in on Sharon, she leant back, grinning as he sang - and it turned out he really wasn't that bad! Having such a great laugh, Dennis wondered whether she realised he meant the words he sang.

	"No-one could ever know me, no-one could ever see me - since you're the one who knows what it's like to be me!"

	Lazily, she hooked her arms around his neck and smiling wickedly, answered; "Someone to face the day with - make it through all the rest with!"

	And she span away from him. Spinning, spinning, spinning, and bending more to the right all the time; until she fell over! She recovered immediately and laughed her head off as she staggered back to Dennis, mouthing "Never again!" And she guided his arms around her waist, her arms back around his neck, and they totally went for the hip action, despite the fact it was obvious by the look on Sharon's face a big bruise was going to be appearing on her right thigh. She watched intently as Dennis took up his crooning, despite being helpless with laughter as he held her, and her eyes sparkled.

	"Someone I'll always laugh with - even at my worst I'm best with you, yeah."

	It was obviously true. Even with minimum effort going into their movement now, they looked amazing.

	Effortlessly this time, Dennis lifted her again. She barely noticed they were moving. She was still staring at him, his smile was teasing her, she needed to kiss it away. 

	As she met the floor again, she still held his hands. "Can we get out of here?"

	"Why?" Dennis replied softly, not being able to help but keep up a movement while she stood so close to him. He couldn't have cared less for her reason.

	"I need a drink. Medicinal.... my leg's killing!"

	"Oh poor Sharon." he simpered mockingly. "The Vic then?"

	"No." She didn't want audiences, she wanted privacy. The half smile was still there, taunting her. "Kiss me, kiss me!" "Let's go to the club, it's closer and-" She looked over at the clock mounted on the wall "-they should all be gone from there by now."

	They ducked out unnoticed, except the girl with the long black hair who scowled like anything.

	"Ow, ow ow!" Sharon whimpered, rubbing her leg and balancing against the wall. 

	"You alright? Want a piggyback?"

	"Piss off!" she laughed.

	But he stepped towards her, concern taking over his face. "No.... Sharon, I'm serious.... I'll carry you if I have to, I didn't mean to hurt you."

	"No. I did that fine on my own, honestly. Here, just give us your hand."

	He did so and they walked together back to the club, Sharon wincing occassionally. "It seems a shame to be going round hand in hand when there's no-one around to pick at our amazingly undeniable sexual chemistry y'know." 
	
	"Don't take the piss out of me Rickman. It made me nervous!"

	"Why? We just have a laugh, that's all."

	I don't want that to be all! said a screaming voice in Sharon's head, but she just simply smiled. "So that means we can't even dance together without people thinking we're doing it?"

	He looked at her out the corner of his eye, suppressing a grin. "Right, so that's not what we're going to do now then?"

	"No, it's not!" she gasped, giggling, and then wincing at the pain coming down her thigh.

	"Damn."

	"Dennis, stop looking at me like that! Just get me the drink alright?"

	He rushed down the stairs before her, and pulled out a chair, demanding she sit in it while he got her the drink. She cocked her head to the side as she watched him. He turned back from the dispenser, and seeing her, laughed awkwardly. "What's up with you?"

	"You look really good," she told him thickly.

	"Wha'?" he asked, looking himself up and down.

	"Dancing." she added quickly.

	"Oh!" He sounded somewhat relieved. "Yeah. You too. See, we are a good team."

	"Oh yeah!" she said suggestively as she swooped the glass from his hand and glugged.

	Dennis pulled a chair noisely across the floor and sat opposite her. He sat slouched forward, as if expecting something and absent-mindedly tapped his foot to a stilted rhythm only he could hear. He looked to the same spot on the floor as Sharon did, and cracked his knuckles while she ran her fingertip across the rim of the glass.

	"How you feeling?"

	"Better." she answered gently, searching for this smile in the corner of his mouth she was still burning to kiss away. But she couldn't see it.

	"Good." A loaded silence followed, waiting for one of them to pluck words from the air and break it.

	"I, er..." Staring hard at the floor, he scratched the nape of his neck, "...don't suppose you wanna dance do you?"

	She stared at him, not even blinking, and put the glass with a heavy clunk onto the floor before straightening up and looking back into his face, unable to keep a smirk from claiming her lips. "You've never said that before in your life have you?"

	He flushed pink, barely meeting her eye and trying hard to stop himself scratching his neck raw. "Is it that obvious?"

	She nodded slowly, almost seeming smug, before a single laugh burst from her throat and she dispersed it by shaking her head a little, hair flying about her face. "Unluckily for you-"

	"Oh shit-" he murmured, squirming in embarrassment as he realised what was coming.

	"-I'd love to."

	"What?" That wasn't what he'd expected to hear.

	"I'd.... love....to."
	
	"Are you sure?" he asked, eyeing her legs doubtfully.

	"Look, if you didn't mean it, just say so, I won't cry, promise!"

	"No, I just.... I wanna be dancing with you at this next class, don't want you to be too sore-"

	As Sharon's mouth gaped and she cried "Dennis Rickman!" giggling flirtily, Dennis suddenly realised what he'd said and hit himself on the forehead with the palm of his hand! "Argh, idiot!"

	She edged forward and pulled his hand, wrapping her own around it, away from his forehead. "It's alright, honestly! C'mon, you dancing or what?"

	And in spite of himself, he smiled, and let her pull him up onto the floor. She was so perfect, could put him at such ease. 

	Neither of them had even noticed that they had no music. They moved anyway. He held out his hand, and without breaking away from a perfect lunge, they started on a step sequence, before Dennis pulled hard on Sharon's arm, and though she winced, she was still pulled to him, pressed close against him and able to feel the furious hammering of his heart go through to her own. With a quivering hand, she brought it up against Dennis' burning cheek, just as his pressed lightly into her own. Their gazes didn't falter as they turned.

	Neither realised they'd done the step entirely wrong. They had been holding hands - not had their arm across the other's waist, or an arm stretched up behind them to bring down to press into the cheek before even considering the turn. But they couldn't have cared, and that much was obvious. It seemed to all be in the way they were looking at each other.

	Sharon's thumb wandered the little way across to Dennis' lip, which her thumb caressed. Dennis didn't say anything. It felt natural to him. However, he couldn't ignore the sad look he saw in her face, but daren't speak as she explored his lips.

	"Where is it?" she whispered heavily, not to anyone in particular

	"What?" he whispered back, trying his hardest not to move his lips.

	"The smile.... here...." she continued distractedly, running her fingers to the corner of his mouth.

	"What are you talking about?"

	And it was as though their spell was broken, because Sharon tore her eyes away and sighed massively. "My leg hurts." she muttered, sitting back down and sipping from the glass again. 

	Dennis sat opposite her again and again he sat clicking his fingers, staring and waiting. But she couldn't look at him.

	"Sharon, what's up?"

	"I- I won't be dancing again Dennis."

	"What?" he cried, sounding as gutted as he felt and trying desperately to recover some dignity from that exposure. "But.... we've had a good time haven't we?"

	She nodded, but still said, rather lamely Dennis thought, "But... my leg...."

	"Sharon, the Ball's not for another ten days, you'll be fine! What's going on?"

	"Can't dance with you."

	"Why not?" he blasted, irritably. Was this her next rejection?

	"Because.... I dance with you and I see things... I think things and I don't know why.... and it's so hard...."

	"Well.... what have you been thinking?"

	"I.... the bloody dance of love.... we're meant to pretend.... it's not real...."

	He said nothing.

	"You haven't stopped smiling the times we've danced, y'know that?"

	"I haven't?" He wasn't really surprised.

	"It's just there-" She traced out its location with her fingertip on her own mouth. "-I wanted to kiss it away.... I wanted to feel it.... but this is all pretend!"

	Feeling very self conscious at that moment, Dennis tried his best not to begin feeling around his mouth looking for this smile - even though he knew he was never going to find it.

	"You... you wanted to kiss it?" he stammered, disbelievingly. "You wanted to kiss me?"

	"Yes." She barely looked at him. "But I won't." she finished regretfully.

	"Why not?"

	"Because.... the dancing... with you.... it's been so much fun, and anyway - I'd barely realised it was there until just now." 

	She dared to glance at him for a second, and tore her eyes away, letting the words she spoke next get the better of her and be heard.

	"I want that smile so much."

	Dennis took in her words well, but was still stuck on the most important thing to him. "You want to kiss me?" he challenged, still unable to believe it.

	"Yes!" she cried, more agitated now. "But-"

	He cut her off mid-sentence, too consumed by his own selfish need to listen anymore. Cautiously, she met his eyes as he rose from his chair and said

	"Then do it. Get it out your system."

	Sharon laughed dryly and stared into her glass. "You don't understand. If I kiss you.... if I let it out... then dancing with you is going to lose all its passion, and I don't want that. I have to want you for dancing with you to work, and we both know that it does work - you said so yourself. I can't ruin that."

	Crouching down in front of her and daring to cover her hand with his own; as gently as he could, he said "I still don't understand."

	Sighing, Sharon pulled her hand out from underneath his and pulled herself up, putting her glass onto a table before looking to him again, her eyes glinting almost in panic as she spoke.

	"I'm scared OK?" she cried out, beginning to slowly step further and further back from him, even though he had made no effort to come closer. He was too absorbed in watching her. "I'm too scared to go after that smile, even though I want it so much, because I can't promise myself it'll only be a kiss! And I can't - I won't ruin how good it feels to have you close again, to have fun with you... or how I feel when I'm dancing with you, even if all it is is pretend!"

	"We're not pretending anymore Sharon." he told her simply. 	

	"No, I know." she replied meekly. "But just pretend I didn't say anything alright?" 

	"So that's what you want now is it? To pretend?"

	She rolled her head back, laughing nervously, maybe because she could think of nothing else to do to fill the awkwardness of this moment. Catching his eyes searching her face, she turned her back to him and tried to hide in the corner, with her hands over her flushed face.

	She went rigid as she heard Dennis stride across the floor and stop, just behind her ear.

	"Then let's pretend." he whispered, extending his hand. "Dance with me."

	Sharon didn't know how to refuse him because she knew she'd never want to. She turned slowly and took his hand.

	Side - hold - forward - hold - again - side - forward - hold - turn - lunge

	She spun towards him, her back coming up against his chest a little too hard and making him wince. She grimaced apologetically, although he did not see it. Their moment held fast for them - Dennis clasping Sharon's delicate little hand in his. For every pounding beat of his heart, the ridges of her spine seemed to press into him that little bit harder and he loved it. He loved the feeling of having her so close again.

	Dennis rolled his hips gently into hers, encouraging her to give into the sway. By some unknown instinct, she tilted her head a little further against his cheek. It felt right, and she murmured, appreciative of their rhythm.

	All Dennis knew to do now was bring his lips down against the curve of her smooth neck, he didn't think to stop himself as he slowly nuzzled her and at once knew not to as Sharon's murmuring became a distinct moan.

	The fingertips of her free hand rose towards him, gliding down his cheek to that mouth. Gingerly, she felt his beautiful lips, just wishing.... hoping.

	And it was right in that moment that she gave up pretending. Because the smile was there. She felt it right against her skin.

	Dennis knew she had by the flinching of her fingertips as they had come near, as if burnt by a charge in his lips.

	Wrapping his hand around hers as he lifted his kiss away fom he skin, he felt her begin to shake.

	"It's alright!" he whispered against her ear. "I'm scared too."

	Swaying gently in Dennis' arms, Sharon daren't open her eyes or say a word. She still hadn't told him as much, but right now, she felt as if she wanted this more than anything in the world. Just the sensation on his skin against hers made her want to cry out - and she was unsure whether biting on her lip to stop herself had in fact been successful. She felt his breath go across her neck - the hairs stood on end and her skin tingled brilliantly.

	She held onto his hand fiercely and he seemed to understand her, and did not let go, pushing her gently out into a turn she would have thought to protest if she had only had the time and capacity to think.

	Twisting back in, he caught her other arm, lifting them high and encouraging her to spin. Smiling, they established a pace between them, the rapid turns making them become light headed so quickly. It was the best rush, and had they not been so absorbed in what they both knew would come, they would have been laughing as loudly as they had been back at the community centre.

	Turning quick on his heel, Dennis couldn't allow the buzz pulsing through him to end and lifted Sharon into his arms again, harder and harder against him as he turned, so wanting to laugh, but he couldn't. He needed to rediscover the moment she had wanted to kiss him, and he reasoned that this was it. His speed wound down as his eyes came to hers. There was something in her face that told him he was right.

	She was fixated by the side of his mouth and he knew now what she was admiring. He watched her lips whisper "so scared", but he barely heard the sound.

	Not entirely surprised, more annoyed at himself for not letting her draw to her own inevitable conclusion, it was Dennis that moved first. It felt as if his desperate lips barely touched Sharon, but they had, and her own lips had been somewhat expectant, not pausing, even for a moment of shocked contemplation, before answering him, as softly as he had come to her. So softly, injustice beat in his chest as she drew back, eyes burning into eyes.

	Sharon came to the floor again without realising. Her arms remained around his neck, her eyes on his, allowing herself to drown in those beautiful emerald pools. She moved her hips into his, knowing he would follow, understand.

	And then.... he smiled a smile that made Sharon's stomach wriggle. It brought out the one from the corner, and it danced its way across his mouth, sitting there in its entire glory. She couldn't hold back anymore.

	"What?"

	She stretched up, and moaned into his mouth as their lips met again, obviously drawn. She bruised his mouth so hard with her own, she thought that she had hurt him, but no. He responded to her with the same force, telling her he understood and that his need was just as fierce as hers. His hands worked their way up from her hips into her stomach, his knuckles kneading her soft flesh, and teasing the band of her trousers, begging to touch as much of her as he could as fleetingly as he could, because he knew she wanted more. He could see it, he could hear it and best of all, he could feel it.

	Without necessarily meaning to, he pushed her hard against the wall. She whimpered as the uneven brickwork pressed into her, but she didn't stop kissing him, encouraging him to press harder against her. So she could barely breathe but she didn't care, completely taken over by the idea that his gorgeous teasing smile fitted her kiss perfectly. It was hers.

	It did not pass Dennis by that he hadn't seen Sharon at all since that night. Almost a week. They had had three more dance classes since that time, and Sharon had gone to great length to cry off them all. Dennis had gotten an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach that he recalled all too well from the last time each time Vicki had walked into the hall at the community centre and shrugged her shoulders at him. He could have just left, of course, Dennis knew that, but he didn't see why he should. So he'd contradicted himself totally by pairing up with the black-haired girl, who didn't do a very good job of disguising the fact she thought all her Christmases had come at once.

	Libby was a good dancer. Very good; the moves came easily with her and she was funny too. Funny, but not fun - not like Sharon. But Dennis refused to let himself think about her and concentrated on the moves, the hips and Jill's much loved expression. It showed in Libby's face that he was definitely getting it right, but he couldn't help but think there was something missing in what she reflected back at him. He saw too much of the little girl in her, even though she was actually incredibly good looking. It just didn't work for him. But the same could not be said for the effect their rumba had on Jill & Simon. They were beside themselves. And Dennis distinctly heard Spencer say to Vicki;

	"She's in there!"

	Twerp.

	The Valentine's Ball was five days away by the time Vicki managed to drag Sharon back to the class. Her eyes darted dangerously around, and had evidently been seeking out Dennis. But as soon as she saw him, he looked away. Just seconds later, he glanced over again, hoping for a scowl, a frown - anything, just some sign of emotion. But she was getting to grips with the basics of the tango with the guy she'd begun dancing with on the night of the first class - and was smiling broadly.

	What Dennis didn't know was that Sharon had shown the emotion he'd been hoping to see, but she was by now wise enough not to let it be at a time when he would be glaring over at her as he had done - and he did again, many times through the course of that night. Seeing him, swinging his hips into the svelte looking "twelve year old" - who Vicki had already told her had given her number indirectly to Dennis - she felt as though he'd swung his fist square into her stomach, and tears had prickled in her eyes that she had hastily wiped away as Paul had approached her.

	She was sorry for the way she had reacted to Dennis' kiss; she just hadn't said as much yet, and it was hard to know how. It was going to have made no sense to him, she knew. But she hadn't wanted to dance with him again, scared, so scared she would have ruined what they had built, and it wouldn't feel the same. Though, by the looks of it, he didn't care, so she momentarily hoped she wouldn't have to answer his questions.

	The tango was fun. It was just like a musical argument.

	Step there - pull arm back - spin away - look angry -

	It was brilliant.

	Brilliant - until the next night. More willing to go this time, Sharon took time over her appearance, spending ages slicking on lip gloss and teasing her eyelashes with the mascara comb. And she had to admit, she looked good. And she felt right at ease walking into the community centre, immediately seeing Paul stood in the centre of the floor, looking as handsome as he had ever done. He smiled as he looked up from the floor and caught sight of her, his eyes drinking in the image of her appreciatively. Well, that was good! Sharon thought, moving on forwards.

	She barely saw Dennis stride towards them. Paul's face fell as he clocked his dark, tight expression, which of course, Sharon did not see, until she looked around in surprise, Dennis pulling her by the elbow away from Paul.

	"'Scuse us."

	 "Ow! What the-? Dennis!"

	"I want to talk to you."

	She didn't feel the need to reply - and she wasn't sure she could have even if she had wanted to. Her stomach was wriggling so vigorously, she couldn't concentrate on much else besides what he was going to say to make it worse.

	"Dennis-" she began finally as he let go of her arm, practically flinging her into the empty corridor. "What the hell is your problem?"

	"I might ask you the same thing!"

	"Look.... we're supposed to be in there. We'll talk about this later."

	She tried to move past him, but he was one step ahead and barricaded her way. "Don't make me laugh. As soon as we're back in that house, you'll be out of there. See, I'm not completely dumb Sharon, I have noticed you've been avoiding me."

	"It's not li-"

	"You know what really gets me?" he hissed, not waiting to hear her finish reeling off her pathetic excuse. "I gave in to what you wanted, and this is the thanks I get for it!"

	She didn't know what to say in answer to that, and though all she wanted was for the floor to swallow her up, she couldn't help but stare uncomfortably into his face. "I'm sorry."

	He scowled at her. "Yeah right. Just like you were about last time?"

	"La- Last time?"

	"Pssst! Are you two coming in here or what?"
	
	Vicki stuck her head round the door, whispering as it was obvious from the movement that could be seen beyond her in the hall that the class had started. She didn't wait for a verbal answer, pacified by Sharon's unconvincing nod. Dennis looked quite disgruntled, but took Sharon's hand and led her in anyway.

	She really wasn't comfortable with the idea of dancing with him, now more than ever, and hastily stepped round him - and unfortunately stepping right into the idea of the tango with it. She seemed to be misinterpreted by everyone in the room except Dennis, who according to Simon was showing "great musiciality once again" - even though all he was doing was securing a grip on Sharon's wrist to draw her back, whether she liked it or not.

	"Last time Sharon." he repeated quietly, although the anger in his tone was undeniable. "Wasn't just a kiss then was it eh?"

	"I didn't want that." She closed her eyes to force out the image and the realisation that she knew herself now to be lying.

	"Oh you did." he replied, stamping his foot demandingly, in more than just a musical sense. "I can still hear you and believe me, you wanted it."

	"Stop it!" she said firmly, pulling her arm away but again being too slow and letting Dennis catch her wrist. She stepped backwards, flexing her hand desperately as he stepped forwards, gripping her wrist tight, with thunder in his eyes.

	"Why? Because that's what you want? Piss off."

	She laughed in spite of herself. Couldn't he tell she was trying?

	As she looked into his eyes, she realised what giving in to the desire that had built dancing with him before had done. His eyes were cold and steely - the passion was gone. And yet the moves still came to them so easily.

	"It's happened hasn't it? This is why I didn't want to kiss you Dennis - don't you see?!"

	"No."

	"It doesn't feel the same anymore."

	"We wouldn't have a problem if you hadn't gone so cold on me Sharon and you know it."

	"I was scared."

	"Well, me too! Do you not think all this has scared me? You barely talk to me for months on end, and then you suddenly want me like I- Forget it - you're good at that."

	"For God's sake, it was only a kiss!"

	"Course it was."

	Unable to tell even herself whether she ran the back of her hand down his cheek to comfort him or as part of their sequence, Sharon did it anyway, stung as he tilted his head away and instead held her hips, grinding into her, first on the left, then the right, forcing her to counteract his action as she stepped back trying to avoid his advancement.

	"I won't pretend I didn't want it - we've given up pretending haven't we darlin'? - but I'd never have done it if you hadn't so blatantly told me that's what you wanted too you stupid cow. I got enough of the self-torture last time round. Why did you say anything if you were going to be like this? You've got no bloody right to treat me like I've forced this all on you - I did what you wanted because you wanted it. I was just.... I thought we were having fun together with all this.... I'd have been happy with that-"

	Sharon lifted her chin defiantly. She didn't believe him for a second.

	

	  
	It didn't stop her feeling awful though, and resolved to find him and apologise before the class the next night. She searched the house, the club, The Vic, the bookies and even the gym before giving up and trudging to the community centre to tell Vicki that maybe she'd give it a miss this time too. But the hall was entirely empty, apart from Jill & Simon, whom she remained happily unnoticed by, as they were crouched on the floor, musing over a load of CDs spread out over the floor.

	Sighing, she turned and leant against the wall, and saw Dennis come through the door. He noticed her immediately and barely managed to raise a smile.

	"Hi." she murmured apprehensively.

	"Hi."

	"Alright?"

	He shrugged.

	"Look, there's no-one else here - can I just talk to you for a sec?"

	"I've said enough thanks."

	But she caught his elbow. "Please?"

	And he couldn't refuse her - he never had, had he? "What?"

	"Don't be like that. I want to say I'm sorry. And I mean it. I didn't mean to hurt you, and you're right; it's my fault - all of it." She looked at him pointedly, raising an eyebrow, trying to make him see that she really did mean all of it.

	"It's not about it being your fault Sharon. I just want you to realise that.... that first time.... I never did just decide I wanted to have sex with you.... and even if I had... I swear, I'd never have expected it to happen. And.... the other day...."

	"Was the same?"

	"Yeah."

	"I know that wasn't your fault - you're right - you were only doing what I wanted."
	
	"I'm not stupid or anything you know. You said that us.... dancing.... it made you think things.... that it couldn't be real-"

	"Well maybe it's not." she reasoned feebly.

	"Mmmm, maybe not - but you're not stupid either."

	Her lip curled in utter confusion and that made Dennis chuckle, perhaps at his own inarticulacy. "I just... I don't wanna have to feel like I've got to ignore you all the time cos things have gone on between us. We can still do stuff together can't we? This...?" He looked hesistantly over his shoulder in the direction of the hall, where Jill was screeching; "Punk rock? For God's sake Si, this is ballroom, not breakdancing!" 

	"I don't know...." Sharon began, having to choose her words wisely and quickly as she watched the corners of Dennis' mouth fall tellingly. "It's not that I don't want to, it's just- I really do think it died when we- if it doesn't feel the same anymore, it won't work the same will it?"

	"Then, let's make it work the same."

	The determination in his voice made a knot materialise in her stomach. Before she knew what she was doing, never meaning the words to be heard, she blurted "I can't feel like that again!"

	"What?"

	"Shit!" she cried, realising what had happened. "Dennis, I'm sorry, it's just... you said I went cold on you after...." 

	Knowing exactly what she was going to say next, he shifted uncomfortably on the spot without saying a word in reply.

	"And it was just a kiss right? If I feel like that again.... I really can't say that's all it'll be-"

	Weirdly, Dennis liked hearing that. But it was with panic that Sharon noticed the gentle smile stretching across his lips.

	"And I really won't risk it, not to that extent."

	"It's not anything we haven't done before though is it?"

	"You know that's not the point. That wasn't meant to happen."

	"But it did.... and you need to deal with it." he told her bluntly.

	"Oi! Don't be having a go at me, alright? I'm not in denial here-"

	"Really sounds like it."

	"Oh sod it!" she snapped, flinging up for her hands in defeat. "I'm not listening to this! I know I care about you; why does it have to be anything sexual?"

	"Because.... one, you're trying too hard to convince yourself it's not, and two, because you already know it's there." He straightened up, shrugging again.

	"Is there a three?"

	There was, but Dennis didn't say anything. There was no point. He sighed and shook his head gently. "No."

	"Good." she responded, laughing as she heard Jill say 

	"Piss off Simon. This track stays alright? We need to get 'em comfortable with slow dancing before they try for the moves.... still strangers remember?"

	"That sounds fun, don't it?" Dennis muttered dryly, nodding in the direction of the doorway, not really caring for an answer, which was good because he didn't get one.

	"Oh hello you two. Alright?"

	Sharon flinched in surprise as Simon's voice rose behind her, rather taken with staring at a certain point on the floor. "F-Fine thanks." she stammered.

	"Listen.... I don't suppose you'd do Jill and me a favour would you?"

	Before either of them could even formulate an answer, Simon was pulling Sharon into the room, and Dennis couldn't do anything besides follow.

	"We were thinking about using half of the time we have here tonight to go through the principles of slow dance...." he told them, looking between them for a reaction that only Dennis gave.

	"Oh yeah?" Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Sharon with interest.
	
	"Yeah. Obviously, what with the fantastic rumba we've seen come from you two, you'll have no trouble with that. It was more the other half I was worrying about."

	"The other half?" Sharon asked, her eyes fixed square into his, not daring to stray and meet Dennis'.

	"We were going to try the jive." He saw she looked confused. "Don't worry.... it sounds corny I know, but just try and think of it as rock and roll - you're not meant to think too hard.... and the steps do seem to come to you two quite well-"

	"Don't they?"

	Jill & Simon went on to show them a few basic steps.... kicks and jumps, that type of thing, and although Sharon and Dennis began a little awkwardly, their teachers were loving what they saw and Jill announced, hovering over the hi-fi again.

	"We're not expecting to be all-out energetic straight off OK so.... just go with what comes to you." She pressed the button and the song exploded into the room.

	Well honky-tonk baby - get on the floor
	All the cats are yelling - they're shouting for more.

	They began with a very energetic lunge, which despite her words, made Jill's eyes sparkle in anticipation of more. They stepped together, hip purposely knocking against hip. He moved behind her, his hips still rolling and pulled her quick down into his arms, holding her tight as her arms instinctively flew around his neck and she tried to look at ease. As he brought her to her feet again, she placed her elbow lazily on his shoulder as his other arm came up her back and they stepped forward in rhythm.

	My baby likes to rock 
	My baby likes to roll

	She span in front of him and her elbow came against his other shoulder, beginning to step forward again in time.

	My baby does the chicken
	And she does the stroll.

	They turned in against each other, both Dennis' hands now against Sharon's hips, and she grinned as he rolled his shoulders forwards, twisting his torso against hers and forcing her to lean back. She simulated his action brilliantly.

	Well shake it
	Yeah shake it
	Yeah shake it
	Everybody shake it
	Shake it at the high school hop.

	They straightened their backs quickly, meeting each other's chest again. Dennis brought his hands firmly back against her hips, almost able to hear the contact with her skin as the words continued to blare.

	Well sock hop baby
	Roll up her crazy jeans 

	He stamped his foot hard against the floor, Sharon turning the other way and doing the same before they brought their feet together again.

	Gonna rock to the music
	Gonna dig the scene.
	Shimmy to the left
	Cha cha to the right.

	They shimmied to the left and kicked to the right.

	We're gonna do the stomp til broad daylight.
	Well shake it
	Yeah shake it
	Yeah shake it
	Everybody shake it
	Shake it at the high school hop.

	Sharon went down to the floor barely thinking as she gazed up at Dennis, mezmerized by the action of his hips.

	We're gonna alley-oop on Blueberry Hill
	Party with Lucille - won't be standing still.

	She came up again in a moment, pressed hard against her partner, his leg wound around hers as his hips came against her again, grinding and making her quiver.

	She followed him, stepping just a fraction behind him and let him lift her arm into the air before they moved forward. Oh she so knew that had be not been part of it, he'd have scoffed and called it naff - but he was here and he was loving it! She couldn't help but smile as he pushed out into a spin under his arms, again and again and again.

	Hand jive, baby, do the stomp with me
	A calypso; do the slop - gonna bop with Mister Lee.

	Again, she barely felt him lift her she felt so wonderfully light-headed; feeling only the rush of cool air against her face. As he turned however, he made a sound that made her realise that her Stiletto heel against his stomach must have been quite uncomfortable and she quickly came to the floor again, immediately going back as he came forwards, the chorus sounding out.

	Well shake it
	Yeah shake it
	Yeah shake it
	Everybody sha-

	But Jill jumped up and cut it off, clapping furiously. Simon didn't say anything, looking astounded, but luckily Jill had the words for them both.

	"That was.... incredible! Are you sure you've never danced before?"

	Having just recovered their breath, Dennis and Sharon assured her "no" and then began to laugh with each other, not caring for their flushed faces, only for the buzz they had re-obtained. 

	Their hands still clasped together, they just stared, shaking their heads, humoured and hardly believing what they had just achieved.

	"God, that was-" she pushed out breathlessly. "I don't know.... it was-"

	"Fantastic?" Dennis offered, wiping his glistening forehead with the back of his hand.

	Laughing still, Sharon nodded and stepped up against his chest, listening to the beat in her ear as he wrapped his arms tight around her.

	"I've never seen anything like it." Jill cried, dumbfounded, and turning to gauge her partner's reaction. "Si?"

	"Me neither." he answered honestly, mouth still slightly agape. "But if we can get that out of these two.... well, then I'd say we're alright to go with it during the second half wouldn't you?"

	 

	
	 They were alright to go with anything in the second half as far as Sharon was concerned, it was the first half that was worrying her. The people had filed in and Simon was addressing them all before she even realised what was happening, so content to have Dennis rocking her gently against him. She hadn't thought to move back even as Vicki came into the room. There was no reason to, of course - she saw nothing wrong with it, it was nice to see them growing close at long last. So Sharon didn't move an inch, Dennis' thumb going idly up and down the same spot on her arm. God, it felt so good.

	That was until she registered Simon's words floating over the crowd towards her. "A lot of dances, both Latin & Ballroom are about love. Not just about.... but how you show it... the hold... the steps.... and, yes, the expression. But that's not any good if you're not comfortable with it. I know you didn't come here as life partners.... so you must learn to be comfortable. You all did very well with the rumba.... but Jill and I would still like some reassurance, so sorry lads, we're going to subject you to some intolerable slush."
	
	Nudging Sharon, Dennis said softly, "Hey. Ready?"

	Slowly she lifted her head, slipping her hand through his and feeling her back go that little bit more rigid as her eyes met his. They drew her in again, deeper than ever. So deep, she felt dangerously out of her depth as they swayed.

	Every now and then, I get a little bit nervous that the best of the years have gone by
	Turn around
	Every now and then, I get a little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes
	Turn around, bright eyes 
	Every now and then I fall apart
	Turn around, bright eyes 
	Every now and then I fall apart
	Turn around.
	
	His eyes drifted slowly across her face taking in the details, quizzicially as if he were waiting, pushing her out by pressing against the hand he clasped.

	And she realised, slowly, painfully; that it was back - that tiny teasing smile in the right hand corner of his mouth. He was testing her. And this time she wouldn't fail, she would not shatter her moment.

	She turned, coming back against his chest, quite deliberately. She closed her eyes, needing to blot out the image that seemed to have been burnt onto the inside of her eyelids. His arm came against her waist, his skin burning against hers. Again, he did not think before resting his cheek next to hers. He needed to be close to her, that was all, and he needed to be as close to as much of her as he could possibly be. 

	The outline of her lips was mere inches away from his ear lobe, her every breath tickling him. Gradually, he heard the words he could see her lips moved to.

	Every now and then, I get a little bit restless and I dream of something wild
	Turn around
	Every now and then I get a little bit helpless and I'm lying like a child in your arms	 

	She turned back and was met by those eyes - and a sob she hadn't known was there almost leapt from her throat, tears prickling. Dennis obviously saw the change in her face because his arms came up against hers, steadying her.

	"Sharon?"

	Every now and then I get a little bit angry and I know I've got to get out and cry 
	Turn around
	Every now and then, I get a little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes

	"I'm sorry" she gasped desperately, "I have to get out of here!"
	
	"Sharon!"

	He rushed after her and caught her by the elbow half way across the corridor. She whirled round, in such panic that she almost caught him across the face with a hand heavily laden with jewellery.

	"Sharon, look at you.... you're shaking.... what is it?"
	
	"Please.... just.... just go back."

	Turn around, bright eyes 
	Every now and then I fall apart
	Turn around, bright eyes 
	Every now and then I fall apart

	"No. Not when it's obvious you need me."

	"Need you...." she echoed gently.

	I need you now tonight
	And I need you more than ever

	Pressing her head against his stomach, she clung on, letting him know she wanted him to hold her, before she dissolved into tears.

	"Oh... oh Sharon..." 

	And if you'll only hold me tight
	We'll be holding on forever
	And we'll only be making it right
	Cos we'll never be wrong together
	We can take it to the end of the line.
	Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time.
	I don't know what to do; I'm always in the dark.

	"That's fantastic.... you.... there.... yeah.... brilliant!" Simon cried out, his voice rolling out into the corridor.

	"Oh God..." Sharon whimpered. "I wish I...."

	"Wish what?" Dennis whispered into her hair.

	I really need you tonight
	Forever's gonna start tonight
	Forever's gonna start tonight

	She didn't answer him, but he felt her lips move through the fibres of his shirt.

	Once upon a time, I was falling in love
	And now I'm only falling apart
	There's nothing I can do
	A total eclipse of the heart

	"Sharon.... please?"

	Sighing, her warm breath dancing across his chest, she lifted her head heavily, rushing her thumb lovingly across his jaw. His stomach jolted. He remembered this well. He didn't want to go through it again, and yet, gazing at her tear-stained face, there was nothing that told him to step back and save himself from that moment. Nothing at all.

	Turn around, bright eyes
	Turn around, bright eyes
	Turn around
	Every now and then I know you'll never be the boy you always wanted to be
	Turn around
	But every now and then I know you'll always be the only boy who wanted me the way that I am.

	She let her lips follow the path of her thumb, kissing him lightly. Not wanting to open her eyes, she did so as slowly as she could. But she couldn't mistake his stunned expression.

	"We just can't do this can we darlin'?" She shook her head sadly, stepping back from him and dropping his hands. "We just can't."

	

	He'd let her walk off from him. She didn't go far. He followed her out and watched, resting against the wall as she ducked under the railing and stepped into the playground, the bark crunching underneath her feet. Steadying the tyre swing she reached first, she sat heavily upon it, kicking weakly off the ground, resting her head against one of the rusty chains she held.

	If he strained, he could hear her, singing the same words to herself over and over again. "Once upon a time, I was falling in love and now I'm only falling apart." He thought understood what she was telling herself, but he scarcely believed it. Pressing his foot up against the wall, he rifled in the pocket of his jeans and pulled out his crumpled packet of cigarettes, sparking up and sucking the murky poisons in deep.

	Drawing it back, he looked at his hand, unable to hold the smouldering stick steady. He was shaking almost as badly as Sharon had been.

	"Dennis?"

	He flicked the cigarette away regretfully and brought his foot back down to the floor, following her calling of his name expectantly. Limboing under the railing, and hearing his back click, he wandered over, taking up the swing next to Sharon, straddling it and gazing at her around the chain.

	"Yeah?"

	"I'm sorry."

	"What for?"

	"You know what for."

	He shrugged. "S'pose I do. But you don't have to keep apologising."

	"Yes I do. Just then... I was a mess-"

	"Do you... er... do you want me to tell me what that was?"

	 She looked at him as he said that, in a way she'd never looked at him before; she looked shy.

	"I.... I was unfair to you.... behaving the way I did."

	"When?"

	"The other day.... when I asked you to-"

	"Ah." he said slowly, understanding. "It's alright. Wasn't as if I minded was it?"

	She laughed, pawing the ground. "No. No, it wasn't."

	And they fell silent for a moment, swinging and creaking.

	But then more words burst from Sharon's throat before she could stop them, shattering the comforting silence.

	"Did.... Did you mind.... just now...?"

	He blinked at her. "What?"

	"I think you heard me."

	He cringed, bowing his head, screwing his eyes up tight and sighing. "Oh Sharon, please.... not again...."

	"Again? What...?"

	"Yes Sharon - again. Please, just stop doing this to me."

	"I don't underst-"

	"Yes you do!" he cried, curling his fist in exasperation. "You know I didn't mind. You knew I wouldn't stop you, cos you knew it's what I wanted...."

	She watched him, shaking her head slowly. "It was-? No, I... did it because I wanted-"

	"Because you wanted to. Yeah, I know Sharon, you always do. It's only afterwards you change your mind, and I'm sorry darlin', but it's always too late by then, and I can't be blamed for that. Sharon.... I- oh, it doesn't matter."

	She took in his words and then uncomfortably brought her gaze away from his face, wiping her eyes. "I guess I deserved that."

	He nodded guiltily "You're right - we can't do this."

	And he got up and walked away, and with every step waited to hear her call out his name. But she didn't.

	
	Dennis sat brooding on his bed, playing rock records he couldn't even abide for no reason than to play them full blast and maybe drive out some of the thoughts whirring round in his aching head. But even they didn't want him to forget her. He recalled the questions he heard in the music, somewhere in a long forgotten memory, and spoke the reply to the still air around him.

	"On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?"
	 "Will he offer me his mouth?"
	"Yes."
	"Will he offer me his hunger?"
	"Yes."
	"Will he starve without me?"
	"Yes!"
	"And does he love me?"
	"Yes!"
	"On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?"
	"Yes."
	"I bet you say that to all the boys!"

	Dennis laughed scornfully, scared how true that statement was as he heard it leave his bitter lips. He felt so pathetic, sat there, answering the music but there was nothing else for him to do while he was in the house alone. So he began to murmur the words, with a painful sincerity.

	When I listen to your heart, I hear the whole world turning
	I see the shooting stars, falling through your trembling hands
	You were licking your lips, your lipstick shining
	And I was dying just to ask for a taste.
	We were lying together in a silver lining
	By the light of the moon
	You know there's not another moment
	Not another moment
	Not another moment to waste.

	"Thought I'd find you here." 	

	"Jesus!" he yelled, jumping a mile out of his skin and trying to regain composure as he saw her stood expectantly against the door. "What do you want?"

	"I thought that was obvious." Sharon replied nervously, bringing her knees up against the bed and sitting opposite from him.

	He immediately swung his legs to the floor and got up, pacing around the bed. "Do you think that's funny?"

	She chose not to answer him, perhaps not knowing how, and instead looked towards the CD player, taking in the words filling the room with an approving smile.

	"Do you think.... maybe...? Maybe.... we should talk?"

	When you hold me so close that my knees go weak
	And my soul is flying high above the ground
	I'm trying to speak but no matter what I do
	I just can't seem to make any sound. 

	Drawn back to her now she was close again, Dennis sank back onto the bed and moved the curtain of silky blonde hair back from her neck, letting his fingers tumble down that slender curve he admired so much.

	And then you took the words right out of my mouth
	Oh, it must have been when you were kissing me
	You took the words right out of my mouth
	And I swear it's true, I was just about to say "I love you"
	And then you took the words right out of my mouth
	Oh, it must have been when you were kissing me
	You took the words right out of my mouth
	And I swear it's true, I was just about to say "I love you"
	
	"Sharon....look at me..."

	She obediently followed the direction of his voice, absorbed in him as deeply as ever. She let his hand creep across the duvet into hers, holding him tight, and begin to tremor. It was something that just seemed to happen to the both of them in these moments, so pathetically desperate to touch.

	Now my body is shaking like a wave on the water
	And I guess that I'm beginning to grin
	Oh, we're finally alone and we can do what we want to

	"I don't want to talk anymore."

	She saw a hunger in his eyes as he spoke that made her burn with desire from the inside. "You don't?"

	"No, I don't." 
	
	The night is young
	And ain't no-one gonna know where you.....	

	And his lips came upon hers so suddenly and so fiercely that she gasped into his kiss. It registered just a moment later that he was looking for her reply, creeping up her body and pressing down into her, asking her to lie back against the bed, but not to break away from him, not for a moment. She daren't even have attempted to, letting the kiss pull her in, until she couldn't think about anything besides how soothing it was wrapping the single curl hidden in the nape of his neck around her finger, how incredible it was to feel his tongue force its way into her mouth, how tantalising the pressure of him felt against her groin.

	She wanted him so much; almost screaming in frustration as he broke away from her lips, gasping for the air he had missed.

	Ain't no-one gonna know where you....

	"Promise me...." he murmured, breathlessly ".....afterwards.... promise me we'll dance again...."

	She promised, begging for his lips. Oh, she'd have promised him anything; anything a thousand times - and she'd have meant it with all her soul - if only those lips would come to hers again. 

	Ain't no-one gonna know where you been.

	

	

	
	I got no regret right now, I'm feeling this.
	The air is so cold and so low, I'm feeling this.
	Let me go into the room, I'm feeling this.
	I wanna take off her clothes, I'm feeling this.
	Show me the way to the bed, I'm feeling this.
	Show me the way you move, I'm feeling this.
	Fuck it, it's such a blur, I'm feeling this.
	I love all the things you do, I'm feeling this.

	Sat on the edge of the bed in just his jeans, Dennis played idly with his shirt, making no effort to put it back on. He turned and looked over his shoulder, at Sharon sleeping lightly in his bed. So it'd happened then - they'd slept together again. Dennis tried his hardest to push away the fresh memory of her begging for his kiss, crying out for all of him.

	Once bitten, twice shy, that's how it went wasn't it? He knew what would happen when she woke up - her horror and her rejection were all too familiar and that was why he hadn't stayed lying beside her. He knew he'd hate what he heard, but he also knew it was his own fault. He'd seen the moments when he could have stopped this, he'd seen them all - Sharon telling him she wouldn't let herself kiss him.... running out on him at the community centre - hell, he'd even tried himself, walking away from her at the playground. But he knew he'd wanted her to follow and he couldn't deny it. He just wasn't sorry enough even to try.

	He heard a murmur from behind him, and knew those beautiful eyes were open. He grimaced, straightening his back and trying to prepare himself for this moment again.

	"You don't have to say anything." he sighed, getting to his feet and daring to face her. She looked utterly bewildered. "Because whatever you wanted to say, you know I didn't do this on my own-"

	Fate fell short this time
	Your smile fades in the summer 

	"Shut up." she shot back, sitting with her back against the wall, pulling up the sheet from the mattress and covering her breasts.

	"Look, I'll just get out of here.... you can get dressed and then I'll- oh Christ, I don't know what I'll do."

	"Shut up." she said again, telling him exactly what he would do. 

	His eyes came to hers nervously, and she saw a lump in his throat he hastily gulped back.

	"Shut up.... and come here."

	It was with incredible unease that he settled against the bed. Aware that Sharon did not stop watching him, his every muscle tensed. He flinched as Sharon's hand swept up his thigh, which made her laugh as she fed her hand clumsily into his. She gave him her most challenging smile, while he just continued to gaze back at her like a lost little boy that that made her want to cover every inch of him in kisses.

	Place your hand in mine
	I'll leave when I wanna.
	Where do we go from here?
	Turn all the lights down now.
	Smiling from ear to ear.
	I'm feeling this.

	Kissing his thumb, she released his hand and got up, waddling a little as the sheet trailed around her feet. Dennis watched her with interest, moving forward to anchor his feet on the floor. 

	She picked her way along a shelf, running her fingers along the varnished edge and then stopping, with an adoring gasp, and picking up a photo frame propped up on the end. Three smiling faces came back at her. She saw herself and Dennis with an explosion of red spiky hair and cheesy grin wedged between them.

	She glanced at him, showing him the photo with a raised eyebrow. He diverted his eyes to the floor, and scratching the nape of his neck as he flushed pink, letting out a laugh that accompanied Sharon's own.

	"You're so amazing, you know that?" she said warmly, putting the photo down carefully and searching for Dennis' reaction out the corner of her eye.

	"So are you." he replied, standing up and beginning to move towards her.

	"Oh yeah?" she quizzed, tilting her head back and basking in the warm glow of that compliment. "How amazing?"

	"This amazing." As he spoke, he caught her around the hips and forced his lips onto hers as he swung into her, pressing quite deliberately on her groin. God, her knees went so weak, she wasn't sure she hadn't fallen over. But as she realised she was still on her own two feet, her next thought went straight back to how much she wanted him - he'd had that effect on her for longer than she dared to remember.

	He murmured against her lips as her fingers worked open his fly, but she couldn't, and didn't care to distinguish his words. He realised this and didn't try and stop her, instead drawing back the fold of the sheet across her breasts and kissing a path along them.

	His jeans pooling at the floor, their bodies instinctively crushed together, hands flying, dying to touch anywhere and everywhere they could reach. Feverishly caressing his shoulder with her mouth, so hungry for him once again, to taste him, she began to wind the sheet around him too, bringing him closer against her and making her gasp as the friction between them taunting her burning skin.

	Our breathing has got too loud
	Show me the bedroom floor
	Show me the bathroom mirror
	We're taking this way too slow.

	He thrust into her so hard, that she couldn't hold back a scream of surprise that he soothed away with his tongue, deep inside her mouth, shoving her back against the wall. Heat went through her like a relentless fire, and she really couldn't support herself anymore, feeling her knees go and begin sliding to the floor. Dennis held her up, unwilling to abandon his movement. He needed to feel her too badly to even consider it.

	"You're alright." he whispered into her ear, the warmth of his breath swimming in, tickling her and only making her moan louder. "I promise you, you're alright."

	It didn't sound as if she cared to believe him, catching her hand in his hair as he nuzzled her neck desperately. Curling her hand into a tight fist around his curls as her orgasm threatened, she cried "Oh.... Oh God.... Dennis.... I-"
	
	Take me away from here
	Fate fell short this time
	Your smile fades in the summer 
	Place your hand in mine
	I'll leave when I wanna.
	
	But he missed her insistent lips too much; reclaiming them, taking back what was his, as she shuddered out her hard orgasm, right down to the unanticipated twitching of her tongue fighting his, the sensation flooding his mouth.

	Withdrawing his kiss and surrendering her helpless moans to the room, Dennis' hands crept through the feverish sweat covering her body down into the small of her back, his thumbs skimming over her buttocks and drawing her as far over him as he could feeling the final vibrations of her orgasm against his groin, encouraging his own, which he released in loud and heavy gasps, calling Sharon's name, bucking harder against her, sending pulses through the greenish mark on her thigh.

	This place was never the same again
	After you came and went
	Look to the past and remember my smile
	And maybe tonight, I could breathe for a while
	I'm not in the scene, I think I'm falling asleep
	But then all that means is
	I'll always be dreaming of you.
	Fate fell short this time
	Your smile fades in the summer 
	Place your hand in mine
	I'll leave when I wanna.

	Sharon kissed his neck over and over as he recovered, furiously gulping in air and gasping still in her ear, making her heart beat just that tiny bit faster, robbing her of the little breath she herself had taken. But she was too intoxicated by him to worry about breathing. She needed him. Needed him to swear he'd always make her feel like this. 

	Are we alone?
	Do you feel it?

	"Fucking... hell!" he managed, still forcing air into his lungs. The hugest smile fought its way across his lips. Sharon just gazed up at him, her eyes sparkling, her lips moist and smooth.

	"I wanna do that again."

	By the time she left his room that next morning, Sharon had enough reasons to keep smiling throughout the whole day. With three days until the Ball now, happily, the electricians were done and she could get on with running her club. A delivery of mixers came at about half past ten, and there came a new buzz when flirting with the delivery bloke this time. Because it really was harmless. Before now, had she wanted to, she could have called any of them and landed herself a date and a series of late nights, she knew. But now, she wouldn't. Not for anything - because she was spoken for. At least she felt she was and it was the best feeling, and she spent well over an hour as she restocked the fridges happily recalling every breath of last night.

	It was almost a disappointment when she remembered she'd made an appointment at SophistiKate's, but she rushed over anyway, her heels clacking desperately on the uneven paving, worried she wouldn't make it in time for the two-thirty.

	But as she came close, she saw through the window that Kate was just saying goodbye to her latest customer, and stopped to pull in her breath, slipping quietly in when the coast was clear.

	"Hi."

	"Oh hiya Sharon, c'mon in." Kate told her brightly, taking her bag and sliding it over a hook. "Y'alright?"

	"Great thanks." she smiled, resting her fingers in the bowl.

	"Good, I'm glad."

	Kate drew up a chair and settled herself opposite Sharon, working gently on her nails with a file. They were silent for a few minutes, exchanging smiles whenever Kate looked up from her occupation.

	"Y'know...." she started, "....if you don't mind me saying so.... you seem unusually happy-"

	"Do I?"

	"Yeah, it's all over your face - you can't stop smiling! C'mon, tell us. You haven't got a fella have you?"

	"I might have." Sharon replied smugly, beginning to giggle as Kate grinned at her.

	"Never?! That's fantastic! Who is he; anyone I know?"

	Her smile drooped for a moment as she remembered. Kate and Dennis....

	"Er, no! Actually, he's someone from these ballroom dancing classes...."

	"Oh yeah.... over at the community centre?"

	"Yeah."

	"Is he any good then?"

	"What at?"

	"Dancing, of course!" she guffawed. 

	"Oh God Kate, he's amazing. I mean, I thought I'd be terrible... but with him, it's just...." She sighed passionately. "The instructors can't get enough of us!"

	"Neither can you by the look of it! I take it dancing's not the only thing you and this fella have been up to!"

	"Well, it was... until last night-"

	Kate rolled her eyes, painting on the strengthening gloss. "Go on then, what'd he score.... out of ten?"

	"Which time?"

	And they giggled again, hunching over all the little pots of varnish like teenagers. "Sharon!"

	"What?!"

	"Well, he hasn't got a brother has he?"

	"No, only sisters."

	"Damn." She drew back from her work, leaving Sharon to blow on her nails, more through force of habit more than Kate's instruction. But she chose not to look, instead mulling over which base colour to use.

	"Er.... Kate? Can I ask you something?"

	"Mmmm?"

	"Well.... I.... I sort of, already knew this bloke.... um, we've actually slept together before...."

	"Oh - right!" She looked up in surprise, setting down Barbie Pink and discarding it. "And....?"

	"He just turned up at these classes and we had such a great time, and he made me feel so.... oh I don't know, it'll sound so corny...."

	"No; go on."

	Sharon smiled uneasily. "Made me feel really special. Frightened me a bit cos last time round.... it was messy.... don't think he quite forgave me."

	"Well, he obviously has!"

	"Do you think.... it's alright to see him then; even with - everything before?"

	"Sharon-" Kate began flatly, pushing aside the little bottles and crossing her arms across the table. "From what I've heard, this guy is, what.... good looking?"

	"Gorgeous." Sharon corrected, blushing.

	"OK, so let me get this straight, he's-" She counted off his virtues on her fingers. "Very good looking.... he makes you feel fantastic.... he's great sex and he dances - and you're asking me what you should do about it?"

	"Y-Yeah."

	She shook her head disbelievingly, mouth agape. "To be honest Sharon, I think you should marry him and have his babies!"

	Sharon laughed weakly, staring at her nails. "Yeah, well, that might be a bit difficult."

	"Oh.... I'm sorry, I didn't think - I can be such an insensitive cow at times!"

	"No, no! It's fine honestly." And she tried to convey a smile that said as much. Kate's eyes fell back to working on Sharon's nails when suddenly an insistent beeping filled the room.

	"I left my mobile at home...." Kate muttered thoughtfully, putting down the varnish brush and looking around the room, as if expecting to see the sound.

	"Oh, it might be mine!"

	"Don't move!" Kate told her, pointed to her drying nails, and she leapt up and began rifling through Sharon's bag.

	"Inside pocket."

	Pulling it out triumphantly, she came back to the table and set it down next to Sharon, telling her to be careful not to crease the varnish.

	It was a message. From Dennis.

	Meet me in the community centre ASAP. D x

	"Oh Kate, I'm sorry, I have to go!" Sharon leapt up, stuffing her phone back into her bag and searching for her purse, not caring that she was bound to have creased the nail varnish by now.

	"That was him wasn't it?"

	"Yeah it was." she answered honestly, pulling a worn tenner from her purse and holding it out towards Kate, who just stared at it, resting her head against her chin. She slowly shook her head.

	"Nah, it's alright, keep it."

	"Kate, no!"

	"Yes!" She got up again and ushered Sharon out. "I insist. Just go and enjoy him. One of us might as well be having a good time!"

	  

	There was no-one in the corridors of the community centre. No-one. It was completely silent, and suddenly made Sharon feel really nervous and cold. Pulling open the main door into the hall, she heard her own echoing footsteps ricochet off the walls. She stood against the wall, feeling more uneasy than ever, hugging herself, rubbing her arms up and down.

	She heard a second set of footsteps, louder and much more unnerving than her own. Her spine locked and she waited in an anticipation she daren't define. The next thing she heard was a scream - her own; as something came against her shoulder, a vibration coming through her skin.

	"Hey, it's OK, it's me!"

	Looking, with a sense of relief, to her right, she realised what she had felt was a kiss. She turned and wrapped herself around him, so glad to have him close again. She kissed him fiercely, wincing as she felt him bite purposely on her lip to push his tounge inside, taking her mouth.

	"Mmmm, I've missed you."

	"Good."

	"Ohh!" she pouted, pulling back. "Is that all I get?"

	"Course."

	"Right!" She went straight for the door, but Dennis understood. Damn him, he understood completely, lurching for her hand.

	"I think we both know you don't wanna do that."

	"Why did you ask me here Dennis?"

	And he smiled that perfect sexy schoolboy smile. "To check you were missing me of course!"

	"Well, now you know maybe you'll just have to miss me an' all!"

	"Oh, I have." he said, kissing her hand and stepping away.

	And she turned back, drawn by that luscious voice, closing her eyes and listening to his footsteps go across the floor. Looking over at him, she saw him stood over the h-fi.

	"If you've missed me so much, then how come I'm over here and you're all the way over there?"

	"Cos you haven't come over here yet obviously!" he replied, rolling his eyes, smiling warmly as she laughed in spite of herself, rushing over.

	"Now, tell me again, what am I doing here?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning against his back.

	"Dancing, Sharon. Well, until four anyway. The baby gym's at half past."

	And he took her hand and led her to the middle of the floor. He held her hands in his, and she just stared at him, that beautiful mouth gaping as she shook her head in astonishment.

	"Hang on.... we're gonna be alone for over an hour.... and you wanna dance?"

	"Well.... yeah."

	It was only then he noticed the suggestion in her face.

	"Sharon!" he gasped in mock horror. "This is the community centre, darlin' - anyone could walk in.... Mo might be playing bridge.... Dot might be donating to the bring-and-buy..." He paled and Sharon laughed.

	"That's every bloke's worse nightmare isn't it? Their mum walking in on them doing it!"

	"God, imagine that - Dot as my mum!"

	"Well, she is practically. And you know that's not what I meant! Think about it.... she's just ironed your Sunday best... thinks you're in your room like the good little boy you are.... reciting Genesis-"

	Dennis grimaced. "Never did like them... songs are crap..... oh, I'm only kidding."

	"-and she wanders in.... and there's you, flat on your back.... in the middle of shagging some poor innocent virgin from the church choir!"

	"Ugh - you're so romantic, Sharon."

	"Well, have you?"

	"No! Sorry to disappoint you, but I've never done it with a choir girl!"

	"Wrong!" she blasted cheekily, flinging a finger in his face. "I was a choir girl."

	"When?!"

	"Ummm, I was about eighteen...."

	"There's no way I believe you were the "poor innocent virgin" then Sharon!" Dennis cried, snorting out his laughter.

	"Why not?!" she demanded.

	"Cos you're gorgeous.... look at you!"

	"You didn't see what I looked like then - hair a foot high!"

	"So?"

	"I was engaged to the vicar y'know."

	Resting his forehead against hers, he chuckled against her lips. "You're so pulling my leg! You - a vicar's wife?"

	"I fancied him - why do you think I was in the choir in the first place? It was bad enough he was seeing me, let alone me telling him I wanted to-"

	"Oh my God! No sex before-"

	"Before marriage." Sharon finished, laughing at his horrified expression. "Well done Sherlock!"

	"You wouldn't have-?"

	"Shagged him? I did - several times! Must have been my irresistible charm."

	"Married him! Would you?"

	"Piss off! Tea and cake in the vicarage every bloody afternoon? Sandwiches little wifey cuts into neat little triangles?"	

	"God, vicars have got it rough! Having to get married before getting laid! I mean, stuck with the same woman forever, and.... what if she's crap?"

	"Charming!" Sharon cried, her eyes widening. "Is that what you'd go by then Dennis, the sex?"

	"Of course!"

	She beat him across the chest with her hands, laughing in disbelief. "You- dirty- little- whore! So what am I then?"

	"You?"

	"Me."

	"You..." he murmured, pulling her arms from around her neck and deliberately forcing her to spin around. "....promised me we'd dance!"

	"Oh yeah!" she smirked. "One dance for one perverse sexual favour!"

	"So that's three dances then.... or was it four?"

	Even though Sharon knew there she was something she would much rather be doing while she and Dennis were alone, it was undeniable that dancing with him was as amazing as it had ever been, and just for a moment, it would feel as if she couldn't want to do anything else in the world, like she could have survived off the sound of his laughter. But then, his eyes would meet hers, going straight through her and making her feel open and exposed, and that familiar wave of longing would crash into her so hard, she'd splutter and shake.

	Every night I grab some money and I go down to the bar
	I got my buddies and a beer; I got a dream, I need a car.

	Music suddenly flooding the room, Sharon leant lazily against the wall, chewing on the inside of her cheek and watching Dennis move for her own entertainment. He knew she was watching with an interest, and played right up to her, making her giggle with his spinning and leaps and tapping and thrusting. 

	She shook her head and wandered aimlessly towards him, her head cocked to one side so she could admire him better, but did not managing to stop herself grinding slowly against him before stepping away, at which point, he fell to his knees like a true rock star and his lips began to move to the lyrics, his flawless face tensed in such a way that delivered the emotion as the words were his own, which only made Sharon laugh harder.

	You got me begging on my knees
	Come on and throw a dog a bone
	A man he doesn't live by
	Rock n' roll and brew alone.

	He seemed to climb his way up her body and she swung against him, clicking her fingers, her arms raised high above her head and singing unashamedly, knowing she couldn't help but tease him.

	Baby, baby
	Rock n' roll and brew, rock n' roll and brew
	They don't mean a thing when I compare them next to you
	Rock n' roll and brew, rock n' roll and brew
	I know that you and I, we got better things to do.
	I don't know who you are, or what you do, or where you go when you're not around.
	I don't know anything about you baby, but you're everything I'm dreaming of.
	I don't know who you are, but you're a real dead ringer for love 

	Dennis smirked knowingly at her, and threw his head back to release a single laugh that made Sharon tingle with excitement, dying to have him touch her again. With his lips, his hands, she really didn't care, she just wanted to feel him, almost gasping with relief as she felt his fingertips skim over her hips and into her stomach, splaying his hands across her flesh.

	She turned only to gaze at him and savour his breath tickling her cheek before she grinned at his voice became the song as they began a rather energetic step sequence. Forward - side - forward - side - in - hip - in - hip - forward - side -

	Ever since I can remember, you been hanging round this joint
	You've been trying to look away, but now you finally got the point.
	
	Turning quick under his arm, Sharon brought her arms around his neck, grinding harder and harder against him, delighting in watching the changes in his face until he moaned out loud.

	I don't have to know your name and I won't tell you what to do
	But a girl, she doesn't live by only rock n' roll and brew
	Baby, baby, baby, baby
	Rock n' roll and brew, rock n' roll and brew
	They don't mean a thing when I compare them next to you
	Rock n' roll and brew, rock n' roll and brew
	I know that you and I, we got better things to do.
	I don't know who you are, or what you do, or where you go when you're not around.
	I don't know anything about you baby, but you're everything I'm dreaming of.
	I don't know who you are, but you're a real dead ringer for love 

	And she pushed him back and turned her back to him, walking slowly back to the wall, well aware he'd be drinking in every detail with those hungry eyes. She couldn't resist glancing over her shoulder to check, and sure enough, his features were ablaze with lust. She smiled flirtily, spinning on her heel and facing him as the words came from his mouth.
	
	Oh, you got the kinda legs that do more than walk

	She stepped back as he came forwards, pacing and desperate - just the way she liked to see him; encouraging his frustration by casually raising an eyebrow, just to tell him she didn't care.  
	
	I don't have to listen to your whimpering talk!

	Dennis licked his lips and sang out once more, the corner of his mouth twitching in humour.

	Listen, you got the kinda eyes that do more than see

	Sharon threw her head back dramatically. He covered the distance to her with spin after spin, and almost threw himself against her, but she tore his hands away and leapt back.

	You gotta lot of nerve to come on to me!

	 Undeterred, he still came forwards, his lips reaching her before anything else did, capturing her mouth for just the briefest second.

	Oh, you gotta the kinda lips that do more than drink
	
	Taking her hands next, they twisted down to the floor, landing hard on the floor and their smoothness of movement suddenly ruined, but neither noticed or cared, moving around on their knees, waiting to reach each other. As soon as they were near enough, Dennis' hands were against Sharon's back, forcing her hard against his chest, her arms coming again around his neck.

	And you gotta the kinda mind that does less than think
	But since I'm feeling kinda lonely, my defences are low
	Why don't we give it a shot; and get ready to go?
	I'm looking for a night of fleeting satisfaction
	I wanna tell my daddy I'll be missing in action

	And though they still serenaded each other, unable to stop themselves laughing and smiling, the one thing they certainly weren't doing anymore was dancing. Sharon had started unbuttoning Dennis' shirt and kissing her way down his chest and it felt so good; how could he stop her? Luckily, such methods needn't have ever occured to him, because she stopped herself, loving the way she could tease him in any way she wanted and he'd love it. Pushing her knee into his groin, he let her force him flat on to the floor, leaning over him, her boobs pressed hard against him. God, he was trying so hard not to beg for her. All he could do was listen.

	 Ever since I can remember, I've been hanging this joint
	My daddy never noticed - now hell, just get the point!

	Running his hands down her back and around her perfect buttocks, so aware that he was aching for her, he gave in and delivered what she was waiting to hear, her voice mocking his need as she sang with him, moving further into him.... her mouth coming closer and closer.....

	You got me begging on my knees
	Come on and throw a dog a bone
	A man he doesn't live by
	Rock n' roll and brew alone.
	Baby, baby, baby, baby
	Rock n' roll and brew, rock n' roll and brew
	I know that you and I, we got better things to do.
	Rock n' roll and brew, rock n' roll and brew
	They don't mean a thing when I compare them next to you
	I don't know who you are, or what you do, or where you go when you're not around.
	I don't know anything about you baby, but you're everything I'm dreaming of.
	I don't know who you are, but you're a real dead ringer for love 

	The last words barely given to the room, and her mouth crashed down upon his, and he writhed underneath her, trying everything he knew to bring her nearer even though he could not and instead listened to her moan as her tongue met his, ravaging his mouth and taking everything she could for her own. Oh, no passion had been lost by giving into him. She wanted him too much.

	One dance down.... three to go.

	And they definitely wouldn't all be on the dancefloor....

	Unsurprisingly, Sharon & Dennis were late for the class that night, rushing in entirely unnoticed, too many bodies already writhing and grinding to the music shaking the whole room. Grappling for his hands, she laughed at the energy she could feel in the air. It felt fantastic. Dennis obviously felt it too, his face creased, his eyes teasing her as he mouthed the words.... oh this was becoming a nasty habit.

	You broke my heart
	Cos I couldn't dance
	You didn't even want me around
	And now I'm back to let you know
	I can really shake 'em down!
	Do you love me?
	(I can really move)
	Do you love me?
	(I'm in the groove)
	Do you love me?
	Now that I can dance?
	Watch me now!
	
	He spun on his heel, twisting down to the floor, Sharon swinging her hips into him, her hands high above her head.
	
	Hey, work, work
	Shake it up, shake it
	Work, work
	Oh, shake 'em, shake 'em down
	Work, work
	With a little bit of soul now
	Work
	
	Sliding his way back up against her, she spun round and ground her hips, his hands feverishly creeping all over her thighs.
	
	Work, work
	Oh, shake it, shake it baby
	Work, work
	Oh, you're driving me crazy
	Work, work
	Now, don't get lazy
	Work

	I can mash potato
	(I can mash potato)
	I can do the twist
	(I can do the twist)

	His lips came against her ear and she bit on her lip, suppressing a moan as his hands came unnoticed under her top, his fingers teasing every inch of skin.

	Now tell me baby
	(Tell me baby)
	Do you like it like this?
	(Do you like it like this?)
	Tell me
	(Tell me)
	Tell me!

	Sharon stepped back, stamping her foot and throwing back her head as he swing forwards, clicking his fingers with a twinkle in his eye.

	Do you love me?
	(Do you love me?)	
	Now do you love me?
	Do you love me?
	Now do you love me?
	Do you love me?
	(Now, now, now!)
	
	Jill cut off the music, crying "Fantastic!" as everyone grinned and panted, trying to reclaim their breath, when Sharon heard a familiar voice cry;

	"Sharon!"

	She turned, only just realising that her little sister had been absent from the class at all. 

	"Vicki, where have you been?"

	"Nowhere.... that's the point.... I've come to tell you, thanks for coming and doing this with me Sharon, but I'm packing it in."

	"Oh, and just when Spence was getting on so well eh?" Dennis smiled sarcastically.

	"Shut up!" she smirked back and then convulsing. "Anyway, it's your fault!"

	"Showing you up eh?"

	Vicki pulled a face to show how much she appreciated that comment. "No, it's worse. Libby.... Sorry," her eyes slid to Dennis, "-but I'm really not comfortable with hearing how great it is sleeping with my big brother!"

	And she rushed off, leaving Sharon stood in shock, waiting for Dennis to lift his eyes from the floor.

	When he didn't, she hissed, "I'm sleeping with you Dennis."

	"I know."

	"And, sorry if I missed something here, but I'm pretty sure I haven't told our little sister that!"

	"I know!"

	"So what the fuck was that?" she demanded, her eyes darting to Vicki's retreating form. She was struggling to keep her voice down, because Dennis was doing nothing to comfort her. He couldn't settle his eyes anywhere, licking his cracked lips.

	"I... oh shit! Sharon, I'm sorry...."

	"I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to say who. I want you to come out and say you screwed Vicki's little friend...."

	"No!" he cried.

	"Why not? That's the truth isn't it? C'mon, at least have the decency to admit you're cheating on me!"

	"Jesus...." he muttered, practically having to drag her from the room, scared she'd alert everyone else to a lot more than they needed to be aware. "I'm not cheating on you.... it was just once OK? Once!"

	She laughed, her voice cracking. "So you did screw her then?"

	He let out a pained gasp of air and finally managed to look her in the eye. "Yes. But Sharon, please don't-"

	But she sprang back from him, tears prickling in her eyes. "Don't touch me! H-How could you do this to me?" When he contined to stare at her, his mouth agape and shaking his head, obviously out of words for her, she scoffed and said bitterly, "Stupid question. I know how you did it, more than anyone."

	She stared at him, tilting her head to one side and narrowing her eyes, questioning each uncomfortable contraction of the muscles in his face.

	"Or do I? Hmmm?" And she grabbed his hand and pulled him back to the doorway, forcing him to register the random women she jabbed an accusing finger at. "What about her? She's pretty - screwed her yet? And what about her over there? Or her.... she young enough for you?"

	"Sharon, stop it; please!"

	"Why? Why should I?" she spat, glaring at him. "I hate you Dennis. I hate you so much!"

	"I know."

	"No, that's just it, you don't know! I fucking hate you, you bastard!" And seeing no reaction, she let fly, her tears rushing out as she rained her hands down on him again and again. "You- lying- cheating- bastard-!"

	Trying to defend himself, Dennis managed to catch her wrists and restrict her flailing movements until she gave up and just sobbed. As soon as his grip had loosened enough, Sharon savagely tore herself away, wiping her eyes.

	"When?"

	"Sunday."

	Silent apart from her heaving sobs as she did the calculation, she said, "But that was only four days ago."

	Guiltily closing his eyes, he nodded.

	"Where? In your bed? Where you.... with me.... after her?!"

	"No!" he told her immediately, rubbing his hands across his face, as if he wanted to rub away the guilt. 

	"Then where?"

	"Her place."

	"Oh, so she has a place? That's good, at least it shows she's not still dependent! Where in her place?"

	"What does it matter?"

	"It matters to me! Now tell me where!"

	"On the stairs." he muttered, lowering his eyes to the floor and wincing as Sharon scoffed bitterly. "I swear to you...." he bleated "it didn't mean anything!"

	"Obviously not if you couldn't wait to get her somewhere so the poor cow could actually be flat on her back. Bet she didn't mind though did she darlin'? Bet you more than made up for it."

	Then there came a silence that held uncomfortably fast and tense in the air. But neither of them brought themselves to walk away from the other.

	"Aren't you going to ask me why?"

	"No. I already know why. You find it impossible to say no to anything in a skirt. You can't keep it in your trousers because using sex as some cheap thrill is what matters to you the most. You always want whoever you can't have.... and you always have to make sure you get 'em - I won't be got Dennis, alright? I already know why."

	"Ask... me... why...."

	"Fine!" she yelled. "Why?"

	"Because you'd just done what you do best! You kissed me and then-"

	"You kissed me!"

	"Because you said that's what you wanted! And then-" his voice quivered. "-you kicked me right back to the curb, like it was all my fault.... like I'd attacked you or something.... trying to tell yourself you've never wanted me, and that was all just bollocks..... and you never once thought to let me know that!"

	"Oh what - so you screw the first thing that comes close enough?"

	"Yeah." he admitted awkwardly. "I know it's twisted, but it's the only way I knew how to deal with.... with you.... I needed to get you out my head or I was gonna go mad."

	"Right, so now..... all the times you've been with me.... you've been thinking about some eighteen year old?"

	"No!"

	"Why not? She's gorgeous-"

	"You're gorgeous."

	"You slept with her.... you must have wanted her at some point."

	"I want you."

	"Yeah," she answered bluntly, chewing on her lip as she slumped against the wall again. "Really feels like it."

	She shrugged him off as he gingerly put his hand on her shoulder. 

	"Get off me."

	"Sharon, please...." he pleaded, bringing his other hand near. "I just-"

	Whirling round, she yelled "I said GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF ME!" and this time, she couldn't not be heard by the people in the hall, and many of them rushed forward to file into the corridor, barely held back by Simon crying,

	"Sorry for that little disruption folks! No no, please - don't let it disturb you.... I'll sort it out, don't you worry! A one-two-three-four, and a one-two-three-four. Perfect... excuse me Helen...."

	before he rushed into the corridor, clocking Sharon's tear-stained face and the anger holding her lips in such a way. Then there was Dennis, about two paces away, shaking as bad as she was, his hands hovering in mid-air, his face ashen.

	"What's going on? What's happened to my star couple?"

	Sharon answered him, forcing the words out heavily, but with a surprisingly steady voice. Steady and cold, her eyes on Dennis' face the whole while.

	"They're over."

	

	Go ahead as you waste your days with thinking
	When you fall, everyone sins.
	Another day, and you've had your fill of sinking
	With the life held in your
	Hands are shaking cold.

	Sharon was curled up on her bed, willing herself not to cry, even as she felt the tears prickle and fall. She hated Dennis so much, the scale was hard to contemplate. She hated him and yet- oh fuck! - she loved him. Everything about him made her come alive, and it would have carried on doing so, if only Vicki hadn't opened her big mouth. But then, she wondered if she would have felt the same had she known - after all, hadn't Dennis been making her feel this way after he'd screwed Libby? It obviously hadn't played on his mind too much, forgetting about it and getting Sharon into bed no sooner than he was done.

	She heard the door creak open and she couldn't miss the footsteps that followed. She knew what it meant and she was dreading it. The mattress springs gave out a protesting squeak as he lowered himself down next to her.

	"Sharon...."

	"Fuck off!"
	
	"Alright. I just need you to know that I'm sorry."

	"Course you are." She sighed and struggled to sit up, the headboard digging uncomfortably into her back. "You're sorry you got found out."

	Silence. And then;

	"Well, I'm not gonna tell you I'm not if that's what you're waiting for."

	"Then there isn't anything else to say is there? Now get out."

	And she looked away, drawing her knees up to her chest and obscuring her face. With a defeated sigh, Dennis got the message and stood up. But as soon as his hand closed around the door handle, he heard sad and quivering words that drew him back, guilt swirling readily inside.

	"Why were you sleeping with me?"

	"What?"

	"You'd.... with her.... before you did it with me, so tell me why you were sleeping with me."

	"Why do you think?" he asked awkwardly, nervously trying to grip her hand, and surprised when she didn't wrench it away. "I wanted you Sharon, just like I always have... like I still do-"

	These hands are mine to hold
	Speak to me

	"That's not an answer. I'm asking you, why did you sleep with me, knowing full well you'd only just had a teenager? Why didn't you tell me?"

	"Oh yeah, cos that woulda really got you falling into my arms wouldn't it?"

	"No, but it would have stopped me falling in your soddin' bed, and believe me, there ain't anything I want more right now!"

	"Yeah well, I wanted you and you knew it; you'd always known it but you always ran. When you finally- I didn't even know if that was it; for real this time - so there was no way I was gonna-"

	When all you gotta keep is strong
	Move along, move along
	Like I know you do.

	"You make me sick. You haven't even got a conscience have you? Making me feel like that...."

	"I felt it too." he muttered.

	"I know you did, that's what's so awful.... you went ahead and let me think we.... I don't know.... were building something important... more than casual sex.... and all the time you know you've had some random girl a few days before! For Christ sake, I thought we were-"

	"Thought we were what?"

	"I don't know." she growled. "I just don't know."

	And even when your hope is gone
	Move along, move along
	Just to make it through
	Move along
	Move along.

	Dennis closed his eyes, wanting to block out his cruel reality, curling his hand into an agitated fist. He hated himself. Sharon wasn't even gone and yet he knew he wouldn't get her back, the hurt etched too deeply in her face. He leant across, seeing her muscles tense as he came near, trying her hardest to defend herself now that she knew what lying open for him had done. She convulsed as his lips brushed her bare shoulder, as if she was repulsed. It stung, but he didn't blame her.

	"Maybe.... when you do.... you'll let me know?"

	So a day when you've lost yourself completely
	Could be a night when your life ends
	Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving
	All the pain held in your
	Hands are shaking cold
	Your hands are mine to hold
	Speak to me
	When all you gotta keep is strong
	Move along, move along
	Like I know you do.
	And even when your hope is gone
	Move along, move along
	Just to make it through
	Move along
	(Go on, go on, go on, go on)
	When everything is wrong
	We move along.

	
	Refusing to find herself left alone in the same room as Dennis, Sharon didn't see him again until that next evening, back at the community centre. And she didn't do anything other than see him. He'd been stood against the wall by the door, waiting for her to come in, to grab her hand, to pull her away and to make her see how much she meant to him. She'd seen him first however, his hand twitching in the pocket of his jeans, which meant that he was fiddling with his packet of fags and dying to make use of one, and she'd held her head up and gone straight past him.

	"Sharon!"

	Oh God. She looked so good it hurt. She was wearing a dress, a really sexy red cocktail dress that clung to her in all the most perfect places.... he'd never seen her in a dress before. He vaguely remembered her telling Vicki that she wasn't comfortable with "getting her legs out" and, looking at them now, tantalisingly long and slender, he so wanted to know why not.

	She'd ignored him, going over to greet Paul. Kissing his cheek, her eye finally wandered in Dennis' direction, gauging his reaction. His lips were twisted and his eyes sparkled with so many different emotions that she was quivering, needing to know what they would choose. But they could not tell her.

	Dennis left immediately. He couldn't stay around and watch this. So, it was no more than he deserved; he knew that, but he wasn't going to roll over to make it easier for her to kick him. He went to the Minute Mart and bought a very large bottle of vodka. Then he did the stupidest thing he could have thought of - he went and sat on a swing in the playground. His clothes felt too thin against the freezing winds and his teeth chattered, clunking against the bottle every time he brought it to his lips, but still he did not move, his gaze fixed upon the door of the community centre opposite. Waiting.

	And though it felt an eternity, in reality, he did not have to wait long. Sharon stepped out first, some bulky suit jacket covering her shoulders as the biting air swept around her, leaving the creases of her dress billowing, laughing gently at something the bloke she was with had said.

	After a large defiant swig, Dennis pulled the bottle back, hearing it clink as he propped it against the frame. Suddenly Sharon's eyes were burning uncomfortably into his. She'd heard it. As much as he wanted to look away, he stubbornly held her gaze until she turned away, walking hand in hand with this guy and leaning against the wall, talking with him.

	I'm coming out of my cage
	And I've been doing just fine
	Gotta, gotta be down
	Because I want it all.
	It started out with a kiss
	How did it end up like this?
	It was only a kiss
	It was only a kiss

	Dennis rested his head against the chain, kicking lightly off the ground, his eyes not moving, the sheer torture of this moment beating against his chest, his temples; he knew she could hear every moment of the tyre and she still couldn't look at him.

	The bloke was whispering her ear, and she was nodding. She rifled in her bag for her phone and waved it around, shaking her head. No reception. So she moved around the corner. Dennis was more able to see her, even though the shadows hid her well. The only other light was the flickering embers of the cigarette the bloke had just lit, blowing out the clouds that lined his walk towards her, offering it to her as she pulled her phone back from her ear. And she took it, which made Dennis flinch in surprise. She didn't even smoke.

	Now I'm falling asleep
	And she's calling a cab
	He's having a smoke
	And she's taking a drag

	As she tried to pass it back to him, he shook his head, so she flicked it away, watching it fly through the air.... into the middle of the playground. So she met Dennis' eye again, and it hurt again and he was praying she wouldn't look away again. 

	She didn't, leaning in and whispering to the bloke again. God, Dennis was hating him more and more the closer Sharon got to him. He watched her point in his direction, and his stomach wriggled as he realised she was coming towards him, ducking under the railing. He listened to the bark crunching under her feet; feeling as though that slowed the moment down, and he tried, oh he tried so hard to think what he would say when she reached him, but nothing came to him.

	"What's this?" she asked, stooping to pick up the bottle.

	"What's it look like?"

	"Why's it nearly empty?" She swung the bottle round, causing the little liquid left to swirl around at the bottom.

	"Drowning my sorrows aren't I?" he bit back bluntly.

	"Are you alright?" Steadying the tyre next to him, she lowered herself onto it, gripping the freezing chains tight.

	"You don't care."

	"Yes I do."

	"No you don't; why should you? You know you don't wanna talk to me- and it's pretty obvious you've got better things to do anyway-" 

	He gestured towards Paul, stood shuffling from one foot to the other, watching their exchange awkwardly.

	"Yeah, well-" She got up again and took a step away from him. Then she looked back and gave him a weak smile that he could barely return.

	"Did you tell him who I was?"

	"Course I did."

	"What d'you say? "Oh look, there's my brother getting off his face, better go sort him out"?"

	"Do you really think.... after the way we've danced together he'd believe that's who you are?"

	"Why not? No-one else seems to have thought anything of it."

	"I did."

	He nodded slowly. "So he didn't mind you comin' over and talking to.... your what.... your ex?"

	"No, he didn't."

	And she tried to keep walking, but, glaring at Paul, Dennis saw his eyes light up at her approach, and Dennis wasn't gonna let him have her.

	"Where you going?" he asked, knowing he'd draw her back for another moment, watching her fall back on her heel. 

	But she didn't face him as she spoke, she just said, "Paul's place."

	"What are you going there for?"

	 Gazing over her shoulder, she smiled cruelly. "Well, he's just had his stairs recarpeted so I thought-"

	"You're going to fuck him." Dennis finished, aware that his mouth was running dry as he pictured her revenge.

	Now they're going to bed
	And my stomach is sick
	And it's all in my head 
	But- she's touching his chest
	Now- he takes off her dress 
	Now- let me go

	"Yeah. Yeah I am."

	"What about afterwards?"

	Taking up the swing again, Sharon shrugged, edging so close she could almost taste the vodka on Dennis' breath. "I'm not interested in afterwards Dennis, only during. What do you reckon he'll be like, hmmm? How hard do you think I'll beg for him?"

	"Stop it." he whispered, staring at where Sharon had left the vodka bottle and wishing he could reach it.

	But she didn't. "How loud do you think I'll scream? That's always the best bit..... always wanting more.... I'll be thinking of you, sat here, trying to find the words in the bottom of a bottle..... and suddenly it'll feel so good...." She got up again, but this time, Dennis went after her, pulling desperately on her hand.

	"Night then Dennis."

	"No, you don't have to do this!"

	"Do what?"

	"Please," he croaked "don't make me beg you. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry....  just don't- don't go with him... I'll do anything..... just please..... don't leave me standing here.... d-d-don't do this to me."

	She could see the tears in his eyes and for a fleeting moment felt sorry for him. But then, as if it were for the first time, she realised exactly what he'd done to her and sighed.

	"You haven't left me any choice."

	She leant across, feeling the vibration of his threatening sobs in his throat as she kissed his cheek.

	"We'll talk later, I promise."

	And he watched her leave him, not knowing what else to do, completely unable to hold back the sob as he sank back down onto the swing. The sound lingered in the air, but still she walked away. She looked over her shoulder, guilt stabbing inside her as she watched him sob, but she held onto Paul's hand tighter, trying to block out the sound.

	I just can't look
	It's killing me
	And taking control
	Jealousy
	Turning saints into the sea
	Swimming through sick lullabies
	Choking on your alibi
	But it's just the price I pay
	Destiny is calling me
	Open up my eager eyes	
	Cos I'm Mister Brightside.

	Hearing the cab pull away from the kerb, Sharon ran her hands through her hair, taking in a deep breath. She hadn't drunk enough, she wasn't ready to go home yet - she hadn't forgotten her promise. So she ran, oh Dennis was right, she was so very good at that. She took her keys and rushed into the club, relief flooding through her as the door to the office closed behind her. It was warm in here, which was a blessing because Sharon was freezing.

	Kicking her bag under the desk, she stepped back into the centre of the room, and unzipped her dress from the side, slowly revealing the curves of her breasts and hips.

	"Mmmm, you look good."

	I confess, I messed up
	Dropping "I'm sorry"s like you're still around
	And I know you're dressed up
	Said "Hey kid, you'll never live this down!"

	Almost screaming in surprise, Sharon barely managed to hold her dress up, whirling round and seeing Dennis slumped in the corner, his knees pulled up to his chest, propping up a bottle, his head lolling to one side, a lazy smile playing on his lips as he admired her.

	Zipping the dress hastily back up, she crouched down and firmly tapped Dennis on the cheek. All he managed in response was a non-commital grunt.

	"Oh fuck!"

	Drunk as a soddin' skunk.

	Pulling herself up, she made to go and get some cool towels or something, when she heard him say

	"Yeah, meant to ask - how was your fuck fest?"

	Cos you're just the girl all the boys wanna dance with
	And I'm just the boy whose had too many chances

	"I see you finished the bottle then?"

	"Hours ago, love. This is my second. Helped myself, don't mind do you?"

	Sleeping on your folks' porch again, dreaming
	She said, she said, she said
	"Why don't you just drop dead?"

	"No," she shot back sarcastically. "Anything I can do to help. How about I get you another one while I'm at it?"

	"Now that is one of your better ideas."

	"Oh for God's sake!" she cried, wrenching the bottle back from his lips. "What are you planning to do? Drink yourself to death?"

	"Haven't decided."

	"Well, either way, I've got standards. I'll go get you a glass, then maybe you'll pace yourself."

	I don't blame you for being you
	But you can't blame me for hating it

	"Pffft."

	Glaring at him, she went and got a tumbler from the bar, pouring some of the liquid in and gulping some back, gasping as it burnt her throat before she stepped back into the office, putting it pointedly down on the desk. He groaned at the effort it would take to go and get it, but he obviously wanted it badly enough cos he pulled himself shakily up.

	"What are you doing here anyway, besides necking all my stock?"

	"Waiting for you. Knew you wouldn't come back to the house."

	"What you waiting for me for?"

	"You said we'd talk. In fact, you promised."

	She sighed. "I'm not talking to you about anything when you're half cut."

	He slammed the tumbler down and glared at her, his hands shaking. "Why do you think that is? Hmm?!"

	"Don't start!" she cried, turning away.

	"I'm not starting anything. I just wanna know what he was like. Bet you're dying to tell me. Was he good? Was he better than me?"

	"I don't know."

	"What do you mean "you don't know"? That memorable was he?"

	"I don't know because I didn't sleep with him alright?! Happy now?"

	So say, what are you waiting for?
	Kiss her, kiss her.
	I'll set my clocks early, cos I know I'm always late.

	Sharon tore from the room before Dennis could even think what to say in reply.

	He found her in the toilets, chest heaving, staring at her reflection in the mirror, water dripping off her face as she steadied herself against the sink. She flinched as she saw him, propping himself up against one of the cubicles.

	"You didn't?"

	"No I didn't."

	"Why not?"

	Sharon tore some towels from the dispenser, drying her face. "Because I did exactly what I said I'd do. I thought about you sat in that soddin' playground, getting wasted and I couldn't."

	"Why not? If I'd been thinking about me, I'd have done him."

	Write me off, give up on me
	Cos darlin', what did you expect?

	"Which would make you a raving homosexual."

	"Yeah, didn't think about that."

	She smiled weakly at his reflection. "How long were you sat there in the end?"

	"Long enough."

	She turned, just in time to watch him stumble. "God Dennis, look at you, you can barely stand up."

	"Don't matter."

	"Yes it does." she murmured, reaching out to touch his arm and maybe steady him a bit. But he lurched away, bolting into the cubicle and throwing himself to the floor, gripping the sides of the bowl as he coughed.

	"Jesus.... are you... being...?"

	"Not.... yet-"

	"Well, what have you been drinking?"

	"Whiskey."

	"And two bottles of vodka? Bloody hell, why aren't you unconscious?"

	"Think I m-" Splutter. "-might be in-" Cough. "-in a bit." Gasp.
	
	"You idiot." she sighed, squashing next to him and, teasing the curls in the nape of his neck for a moment, before slipping her hand down his back and rubbing circles to encourage any vomit that was to surface. "Know they tell you not to mix your drinks?"

	"Ugh?" Cough.

	"This is why."

	"Was.... desperate."

	"Don't say that."

	"S'true."

	I'm just a lost cause, a long shot
	Don't even take this bet

	"Look, are you gonna throw up or not?"

	"Not."

	"Then get up."

	She backed out of the cubicle and back against the sink, curling her fingers round the basin as she watched him drag himself up. It was almost painful to watch, he was such a mess.

	"So.... what did you and..."

	"Paul."
	
	"Yeah, him. What did you get up to?"

	"We talked mostly. And drank."

	Dennis looked at her doubtfully. "And you didn't screw him?"

	"No! It's possible for me to spend time with a bloke and not wanting to "screw him" y'know Dennis."

	"But that's what you went there for wasn't it?"

	"Yes, but I've already told you, I couldn't."

	"Because of me?"

	She nodded slowly, closing her eyes, feeling heat prickle in her cheeks.

	"Because of you."

	"How close did you get?" he asked, stepping towards her. She tightened her grip on the sink, feeling her heart beginning to pound.

	"That doesn't matter."

	"Yes it does." And he kicked her legs apart, pressing himself against her and she gasped, closing her eyes and trying to regulate her breathing, it suddenly seem too heavy and painful to expel. "Did you get this close?"

	You can make all the moves
	You can aim all the spotlights

	She nodded, barely aware of her own fingers pulling back the curtain of her hair and revealing an angry purple mark at the base of her neck.

	"Oh," he murmured, admiring it. "you did. That's bad."

	She could only whimper in reply, biting down on her lip and waiting to see what he would do next.

	"Did you beg hard baby?" Another whimper. "No? Oh, that's very bad."

	And he lifted her up onto the counter, pulling her dress up from around her as her back hit the tiling under the mirrors extremely hard. But she didn't care, almost screaming as his mouth crashed down against the tender mark, pulling the flesh hard into his mouth, sucking her, biting her, making sure she knew she was his.

	"Oh fuck! Dennis please-"

	"What?" he asked, pulling back and admiring the furiousness of the mark he had left burnt upon her skin. "Want me to stop?"

	"No! Just..." And unable to find the words to describe what the friction in his jeans was doing to her when he was so close - she was going nothing short of crazy - she began tugging at his fly. "Please?"

	Get all the sighs and moans just right
	I'm just always
	Sleeping on your folks' porch again, dreaming
	She said, she said, she said
	"Why don't you just drop dead?"

	"Are you begging me?"

	"I'm doing whatever I have to! Just.... please.... now....?" He just gazed at her, humour playing on his lips as he saw the hunger in her beautiful eyes. "Yes, alright, I'm begging you!"

	"Are you sure?"

	"Aren't you?"

	And she scanned his face, just waiting.

	"Are you drunk?" he managed finally.

	You said you'd keep me honest
	But I won't hold you on it.
	
	"I've had about three bottles less than you."
	
	I don't blame you for being you
	But you can't blame me for hating it

	He chewed his lip thoughtfully. "So we can't blame this on drunken lust then?"

	She peppered his shoulder with desperate kisses. "Oh, I don't know; I'm up for that if you are."

	So say, what are you waiting for?
	Kiss her, kiss her.
	I'll set my clocks early, cos I know I'm always late.

	It was only half past eleven and already Sharon's feet were killing and her head was pounding. Sighing, she stepped into the caff and ordered a loaded coffee to go, knowing she needed to be back at the club going over the details for the Ball before lunchtime.

	"That sounds bad Sharon."

	She turned obediently to the calling of her name from behind her, and saw Kate looking back at her, a glossy magazine open in front of her, and a concerned look on her face.

	"I can see what the the ton of sugar's for though - you look shattered!"

	"Feel it." she answered weakly, flopping heavily into the chair opposite without waiting for an invitation.

	"It's not your fella is it? Keeping you up at all hours?"

	Sharon barely had the energy to laugh. "Something like that."

	"Why does that sound worse somehow?"

	"Uh... we've not been having an easy time of it recently Kate."

	She raised an eyebrow. "As recent as the day before yesterday recent? You were full of it then."

	"I know. But I found out..... seems he slept with someone else a few days before me."

	"What, and he didn't tell you that? Ech, what a scumbag."

	"Yeah. I know. Though I think.... think we kinda made up-" Sharon felt herself blush and she lowered her eyes to the chequered cloth.

	"Please tell me you didn't have sex with him." Kate whispered, leaning in to speak and shaking her head despairingly as Sharon looked back at her.

	"Yeah....?"

	"Sharon! He slept with someone else right?"

	"Yeah...." she said again, unable to stop herself scowling. But that's all sorted-"
	
	~*~
	
	Though maybe it wasn't. Because when Dennis came into the club three quarters of an hour later to sign for the newest delivery, he found Sharon crouched on the stairs, her arms wrapped tightly round her knees.

	"Hey you." he whispered, kissing her neck. But she pushed him away.

	"Don't."

	"Wha- why? What's wrong? Sharon?"

	"I've been talking to Kate."

	"Kate? Oh shit. Look, me and Kate-"

	"Not about you and Kate, you idiot; I couldn't give a toss about that. I've been talking to her about you and me."

	"You mentioned me? As in... me?"

	The way she glared at him told him his words had come out wrong. But she answered him anyway. "I didn't mention you by name; I'm not that stupid. You're just "the bloke I'm shagging" alright?"

	"Fine." he replied, settling himself next to her. "So how'd this conversation go?"

	"I told her about Libby."

	He winced. "Ah."

	"And I told her about what happened here last night and she said...." Tearing her eyes away, Sharon nervously wrung her hands, searching for the right words. "Dennis, when you.... when you slept with her.... when you slept with Libby.... you did use protection, didn't you?"

	Dennis stared back at her as uneasily as she looked at him, his mouth hanging open. When he finally allowed himself to register the seriousness in her face, he dared to laugh.

	"Oh. My. God. You really did just ask that didn't you?"

	"Well.... darlin', I have to know-"

	"Don't! Don't you dare call me "darlin'" like you've just.... when you've just - Jesus, Sharon, of course I used protection, what the hell do you take me for?"

	"W-W-Well, we never have...." she pointed out difficultly.

	 "Yeah, well I thought that was because we trusted each other!"

	Her laughter mocked him. "Yeah, everything to do with us trusting each other and nothing to do with the fact there's no chance of me getting pregnant you mean! Hell, if she's sterile, then condoms are just one less thing to worry about, aren't they Dennis?"

	"You're talking crap."

	"Fuck off then if you don't like it!" she spat hotly. "I had to know alright? You coulda caught anything off the filthy little slag and you'd never have thought to tell me while you were getting some!"

	Taking in a massive breath of air, Sharon sank heavily back onto the stair, muttering, "She thought I was a right whore."

	"Who?"

	"Kate. When I told her what we did here last night.... her face.... she was disgusted-"

	"Yeah, well she didn't always think that, hypocritical bitch." His shoulders heaving, he went and sat next to Sharon again on the stair. "But she doesn't matter anymore - I don't care what Kate thinks. I care what you think."

	She stared at him, her eyes taking in every detail of the face that haunted her every thought. "I think-" She laughed nervously. "I think we have a massive problem."

	"Why?" he coaxed softly, tucking her hair behind her ear.

	"Because I think I'm fallin' in love with you."

	It wasn't long before Sharon began to worry however. The way he had stared at her following that little admission had kept her from concentrating on anything all day. There had been a smile there somewhere, but he hadn't been able to let it claim his lips, his eyes too wide and doubtful to even let her hope. He'd gotten up and promised to see her later that night at the dance class, leaving without another word. She'd felt so stupid. It didn't get any better when she dropped a whole crate of mixers, intending on restocking, and instead having to watch, almost paralyzed as they smashed all over the floor.

	She seriously considered not going to the community centre at all, but was growing increasingly desperate to see Dennis, whether or not he was willing to see her. She found herself there at quarter to seven, which felt embarrassingly early even though a lot of people were already there, practising a step or two. Clocking Paul with a new sense of unease, she went and sat on the floor at the far side of the hall, happily concealed by the table there, so she occupied herself with tracing circles on the floor with her finger, or observing the people already around her.

	That's when she saw Libby, true, the very picture of teenage beauty. Her skin was perfectly clear and fair, her sleek black hair secured to her head, spilling playfully out as she moved. Sharon's envious eyes travelled down her form and took in her beautifully slender frame - she held herself so well, and suddenly Sharon realised exactly what Dennis had seen in this "twelve year old". Jealousy stirred in the pit of her stomach, and she found herself glaring at the poor girl more often than it was fair. Libby picked up on it quickly, looking uncomfortanly over her shoulder every once in a while and flinching as her eyes met with Sharon's angered own.

	Sharon looked up every time the door creaked, admitting someone else to the room, praying each and every time that it would be Dennis. But it felt like an age until it was actually him, shuffling in, his shoulders tensed in that telling way they always were, his eyes fixed to an interesting spot on the floor.

	Her gaze flew instinctively to Libby, who was nudging her friend, whispering excitedly behind the screen of her hand, tilting her head in Dennis' direction. Her friend pushed her forward and she stumbled a little, the sound of her heel clicking against the floor as she steadied herself bringing Dennis' eyes up from the floor. He looked panicked as he registered her hopeful look.

	He glanced hurriedly around the room, and Sharon rose defiantly from the floor, lifting her chin, and daring him to go with what Libby's gaze was suggesting. She saw a lump slide down his throat as he gulped it back and he rushed towards her, barely managing to keep it to a desperate stride, and suddenly his arms were around her, pulling her as close as she could come. She recognised the sniff she heard, hardly allowing herself to embrace him too, although she could not help but do it, as a threatening sob, as a thick, quivering voice whispered;

	"Oh God-"

	"What? Sweetheart, what is it?"

	He pulled reluctantly back from her, and she saw the tears making tracks down his cheeks. 

	"Oh...." She raised her thumbs and wiped them gently away.

	"Did you mean it.... when you said-?"

	She nodded dumbly.

	He took her hand, sliding his quaking own over her palm and leading her out. Libby scowled as they walked past, and Sharon would have thought to smile smugly had she not been so mezmerized by the sight of tears pouring from his beautiful eyes.

	Pulling her out into the freezing night air, he climbed down to sit against the step, saying nothing until he heard Sharon settle herself behind him and pulling on the curl in the nape of his neck, tilting her head so she could admire those eyes, still sparkling with tears.

	"Is this what it feels like?"

	"I hope so." she whispered, not thinking to question his meaning. "Why, what's it feel like to you?" 
	
	"Big."

	"Is that good....?"

	He laughed, pushing the tears away with the back of his sleeve. "Course it's good - it's fucking amazing - this is you I'm talking about."

	"So.... you're not freaking out then?"

	"I was. Never.... actually.... been in.... y'know-"

	"Love?" She kissed her way along his neck. "That's alright. I've got the time for you to get used to it."

	He placed his hand over hers and smiled. It gave her butterflies, so intense that she couldn't stop herself murmuring

	"I do, y'know. I love you so much."

	"Don't. I don't deserve it. I'm the "lying cheating bastard" you can't stand the sight of, remember?"

	"True. But you're my lying, cheating bastard."

	And she giggled, resting her forehead against his, comforted as she listened to him regulate his breathing.

	"Alright?"

	"Mmmm." he answered dreamily.

	"Soooo....." came an inquisitive voice behind them that made Sharon scream in surprise (God, she had to stop that!) and jump back from Dennis. Simon. "....now you've sorted that out... and bloody hell, it took you long enough.... are you two coming in here or what?"

	Sharon laughed and then grinned at Dennis, who pulled himself up, straightening his back, silently praying his face wasn't blotchy. "Are you asking?" she questioned.

	"Argh! Enough of the sexual tension already! I can't take it anymore! Bollocks to him asking Sharon - I want you two back on that floor as soon as! So.... are - you - dancing?"

	Dennis offered her his hand, and Simon didn't even bother to try and suppress his cry of "Oh, hurrah!" jumping up and rushing inside. Sharon's eyes slid dubiously to Dennis, and knew what she read in his bemused face, because she was thinking it too.

	Christ, could Simon be any more gay?

	They walked into the hall, and their mouths simultaneously fell open at the sight that greeted them.

	"Jesus!" Dennis yelped, springing back and rubbing his eyes.

	"Do not adjust your optic nerve!" Sharon chuckled, out the corner of her mouth. "It really is that bright in here!"

	And she wasn't lying; pink and red heart shaped balloons had swamped the room like an alien invasion, and Jill was still rushing round the edges of the room, lighting candles, and if you had managed to stand back far enough to admire it, you would have seen that was in a heart shape too.

	Dennis' face was a picture, he looked terrified, the hand that gripped Sharon's began to quake desperately.

	"I dare you to stay."

	He smiled, his lips trying to push out words of protest he could not find, so he stared at the floor instead, shaking his head in defeat.

	"Right ladies and gents!" Simon cried, clapping his hands to draw the attention of the masses, as Jill straightened up behind him, extinguishing the tiny flame left on the splint. "As you may have guessed, tonight is our last class together, and you've all achieved so much. Some of you have done a bit of back tracking-" Dennis couldn't help but feel that his eyes were searching for himself and Sharon. "-but you've gotten there and Jill & I are very proud of you. So tonight, practise your new moves ready for that dancefloor, breakdance, do the bloody conga, I couldn't care less, just enjoy yourselves!"

	And he turned away, running his hand across his face.

	"Is he crying?" Sharon asked, craning her neck to see.

	"Bender." Dennis muttered, rolling his eyes.

	"Oi! He's talented."

	"Yeah alright. A talented bender."

	Patting Simon on the arm, Jill turned back to them all, laughing nervously. "You'll have to excuse my partner here. This is a massive moment for a dancer - like your kids finally flying the nest. And of course, being helplessly homosexual, he's totally overemotional about it all."

	A ripple of warm laughter flew back at her as she wrapped her arms around him. Sharon felt admiration flood through her - she really liked those two.

	"Oh, and also, as a gorgeous man as Simon may be - girls, happily a lot of dancers that look this good are actually straight - and as brilliant a dancer as he is - his taste in music is appallingly bad and I want it known that I had absolutely nothing to do with the song selections here, so I apologise for the extreme likelihood of Doris Day and Abba! Do help yourselves to whatever you like-" She waved aimlessly to the several crates of alcohol stacked up against the wall "-we got a temporary licence for tonight so-" But Simon was crying  so hard, she didn't bother to finish her sentence. Not that it mattered, everyone was already huddled around it, pulling out bottles like they'd never see another.

	Apparently, the idea of watching Ian Beale get off his face and then try and dance to Waterloo didn't appeal to Dennis.

	"Please-" Dennis whispered through gritted teeth. "Please get me out of here."

	"No chance."

	He tried to step back as music filled the room, but with a wicked smile, she hung on tight to his hand, drawing him back. His arms instinctively came around her waist, sighing as he pulled her close and they gently began to move from side to side, hip against hip.

	"How do you always do this to me?"

	"Skill."

	I know I stand in line 
	Til you think you have the time
	To spend an evening with me.

	Stretching up, Sharon whispered the song pointedly in his ear.

	And if we go someplace to dance
	I know that there's a chance
	You won't be leaving with me.

	"Don't." he pleaded gently, nestling into her shoulder.

	"I'm teasing!"

	"Well, s'not funny!"

	"She's still eyeing you up you know." she told Dennis, spying Libby scowling over at her over his shoulder.

	"Sharon," Lunge. "I mean it."

	He enforced his point, he pushed her out into a spin, which made her giggle as she came back under his arm.

	And afterwards we drop into a quiet little place
	And have a drink or two
	But then I go and spoil it all
	By saying somethin' stupid
	Like "I love you."
	
	He stepped forward, pulling her round into a very impressive waltz. As she span, the room almost swimming in front of her, she was sure she caught Simon staring at them with proud tears stinging in his eyes.

	As they slowed, Sharon gazed up at Dennis. Something in his face had changed, like he wasn't really there, wasn't really looking back at her.
	
	I can see it in your eyes
	You still despise the same old lies
	You heard the night before
	And though it's just a line to you
	For me it's true
	It never seemed so right before.

	"OK, so maybe no-one in this room-" She tilted her head towards the hi-fi. "What about Nicole Kidman? Telling me you wouldn't shag her?"

	Dennis laughed, his eyes twinkling. "If she ever asks, I'll let you know. Anyway.... isn't it every woman's dream to do Robbie Williams?"

	Sharon laughed so hard, it came out through her nose. "Well, it's not mine!"

	"Well, who then?"

	She stared at him, her eyebrow raised. "Two words. Ewan-"

	"McGregor!" Dennis finished, rolling his eyes. He should have known better than to question the obvious. "You're way too obsessed with that film Sharon."

	"Excuse me, but- he sings.... he dances....."

	"... he shags Nicole Kidman...."

	Sharon's eyes widened as she gulped back her mock disapproval. "Exactly."

	"Well, I'm dancing aren't I?"

	"Not singing though are you?" she shot back. And she teased him further by singing out the words herself, watching this bemused and cocky smile creep up on his lips.

	I practice every day
	To find some clever lines to say
	To make the meaning come true.

	And she waited expectantly, flinching as Dennis lips came against her earlobe, planting the gentlest of kisses, his hands simultanelously creeping up to her hips and eased them into swinging rapidly against his own, before he sang, the words loaded with flirtation.

	Though I think I'll wait
	Til the evening gets late
	And I'm alone with you.

	He moved back a fraction and rested his forehead against hers, her eyes fluttering obediently closed.

	The time is right
	Your perfume fills my head
	The stars get red
	And, oh, the night's so blue
	And then I go and spoil it all
	By saying somethin' stupid
	Like "I love you."

	And her eyes snapped open, searching for a song in his eyes. She didn't find one. And yet she'd heard the words.

	"You're not just singing are you?"

	He didn't even try to raise the corners of his mouth. Had he not been so close, she doubted she would have felt the sway of his head, moving in time to their hips. He repeated the line to her, stirring up butterflies in her stomach. He was looking at her with so much sincerity, her skin tingled. She felt as though he could see right down into her with those eyes. She so wanted to reach the bottom and find what was there, but somehow knew she never would. It wasn't just a line. It wasn't. Lines didn't make you feel like this. 

	"I love you." he whispered. "I..... love.... you."

	The tone changed dramatically in that next moment. However mezmerized they had been by each other, Sharon & Dennis stepped back and joined the room in erupting into fits of laughter as Jill ripped into Simon, the latest track flooding the room.

	"Oh my God! Si, I can't even say "You've totally outgayed yourself!" cos I don't know if that's close to what you've done! I was expecting Dirty Dancing.... The Supremes even, but Alice Cooper? What the hell were you thinking?"

	"I just grabbed it." he shrugged back at her, barely able to hold back his own laughter, because aside from her disbelief, he could tell that was she was desperate to crease into fits of giggles. And most people had already started, er.... moving to the intro anyway, so it wasn't as if they were meeting any complaints.

	"Feel like creating some real drama?" Dennis murmured suggestively, stepping up behind Sharon. And she'd barely gulped back a moan of submission when he'd taken her hand and pulled her into the middle of the candlelit floor, as yet unnoticed by the crowd grouped in front of their teachers.

	"How obvious can I be here?" he asked her, raising his eyebrow, as if he were testing his limits. He laughed as her hand fell over the mark on her shoulder, luckily still hidden well by her hair.

	"They'll all be half cut, so I'd say it doesn't matter." she replied, smirking and started to feel giddy with the anticipation. "But no biting - they're not that oblivious!"

	"Ah, shit."

	So instead, he thrust his hips into her and she immediately moved round, meeting him again with each circuit. 

	His eyes were sparkling hungrily as she looked at him, burning want hitting her square in the chest. She didn't know how far he would go with this, and maybe she was wrong to trust him so implicitly but she wanted to go with him so badly.

	Your cruel device
	Your blood like ice
	
	He ran the back of his hand, slowly down her cheek and she savoured his touch, trying so desperately not to even blink, not wanting to miss a second where she could be immersed in those taunting eyes. His hand came down her arm and fell around her wrist, snatching it up and forcing her to back away from him to try and reclaim control of her own hand, because he wouldn't let go. In fact, he was holding on so tight that it hurt. But Sharon drank in that sensation too, assured that that was exactly the point.

	One look could kill
	My pain, your thrill

	He pulled her savagely forward, pain pulsing through her wrist as she found herself crushed against him, his hands travelling all the way down her body. She threw her head back without realising, letting go of a silent gasp of ecstasy. It hurt, but at the same time, he was making her feel so good. Then suddenly, he flung her back as recklessly as he had forwards, the darkness in his face telling her he didn't care.

	I wanna love you but I better not
	Touch (Don't touch!)

	Sharon waited, that next second dragging painfully by as Dennis' hidden smile emerged from the corner of his mouth. Extending his hand, she placed her fingertips barely against his, by now unsurprised by the shooting pain that went up her arm as he pulled forwards, and then back, his arms around her as she felt herself come closer and closer to the floor, the world suddenly turned on its head, or rather, hers. And then she was up again, on her own feet and spinning angrily away from him before she could draw another breath. Her chest was tight and she longed for air but at the same time, she couldn't have cared if she never felt any again.

	I wanna hold you 
	But my senses tell me to stop

	He threw himself to his knees, up on one in an instant, and covering the distance in a flurry of turns and knees up and down, one and two, until he was knelt at Sharon's feet, beginning to climb his way up her body, the friction between them feeling like electricity on their skin. Baring her neck, Sharon was more than aware of Dennis' hands cupping her chin, shoving her back. Oh, it must have looked so cruel, but the truth was, she barely felt him, wrapping her arms around his neck and letting him lift her into the air.

	I wanna kiss you
	But I want it too much 
	(Too much)
	I wanna taste you 
	But your lips
	Are venemous poison

	"Jesus Christ!" Garry cried, suddenly alerting the two of them that the whole group had been watching them, awestruck. "What's he trying to do to her?"

	Sharon heard the words, and she couldn't suppress a smile. Because she didn't know either, and she didn't care. Dennis could have split her lip and fractured her wrist and she knew she'd still have been on her knees, begging him for more.

	She didn't come back down to the floor gently either. She fell in a heap, but still she knew it was what he had intended, and lifted her chin defiantly as everyone around them gasped, stuck between admiration for the sher brutality of their movement and worrying that Sharon was hurt. But she wasn't, and poured everything she had into a look of sheer contempt she flung in Dennis' direction as he pulled her up again, stamping his foot demandingly, tilting his head to one side, and then the other - taunting her, avoiding both her eyes and her mouth.

	Everyone around them seemed enthralled in their every twitch, their eyes wide (Simon's jaw drilling a hole in the floor!) and forward, rolling their shoulders to the rhythm and drunkenly singing out the song to their entertainment by way of encouragement.

	You're poison 
	You're poison running through my 
	Veins

	She stepped out into a lunge and as she came against his chest again, she was sure, that while everyone else merely got the impression he was attacking her shoulder with his mouth, she had felt his teeth bite down into her flesh, and she flinched, her hand hovering unintentionally in the air a few centimetres from his cheek. Bastard. But she couldn't help but smirk. He might have been a bastard, but she loved him for it, and didn't resist as his other hand caught hers and brought it down against his face, swinging his hips gently into her.

	You're poison
	I don't wanna break these chains

	Lifting his mouth away, his lips were suddenly just a fraction away from hers. She could feel each of his gasping breaths tickling her skin, and suddenly she didn't care about anything, just willing him to kiss her, to thrust his tongue in her mouth and let them all see that this wasn't just a theatrical piece. But he didn't, and she damn near screamed as he stepped back from her, leaving her to writhe and try her best to support herself.

	She turned and sashayed towards him, raising a few wolf-whistles from the crowd, and she met his hips again, slower this time, resting her forehead against his, entwining their hands and raising them slowly into the air.

	Your mouth, so hot
	Your web, I'm caught

	Their hands falling away from each other, Dennis drew her closer, wrapping his leg around hers and pulling so she fell against him.

	Your skin, so wet
	Black lace, on sweat
	I hear you calling and it's
	Needles and pins (and pins)

	His hands roaming across her stomach and thighs and up her back, she saw danger burning his eyes, his smile forming wider as his hands came around her throat, his hold mercifully loose apart from his thumbs pressing into her windpipe, making her gasp, falling back against their audience's wincing and Dennis' ready arms.

	I wanna hurt you just to hear you
	Screaming my name

	He pulled her back up and forced her away, spinning and slamming his hip into her.

	Don't wanna touch you
	But you're under my skin
	(Deep in)
	I wanna kiss you but your lips
	Are venemous poison.

	Dennis rushed at her, his arm coming around her waist as she faced him and they span, the room becoming entirely out of focus, the cheers and words becoming muffled, and whether anyone else heard her or not, Sharon didn't stop herself saying;

	"I want you so much."

	The smile in the corner of his mouth flickered. He'd heard her alright.

	She moved away, not expecting this time to feel herself wrenched back and pulled down to the floor, and back up, the faces around her still naseautingly blurred. But she barely noticed, only paying attention to Dennis' desperate breaths as they moved and the sound of her own blood pounding in her ears.

	You're poison 
	Running through my veins
	You're poison
	I don't wanna
	Break these chains
	Poison.
	
	His hand skimming along her thigh and under the chiffon laps of her dress, he forced her leg up around his hip, holding her there, his eyes burning right through her with lust. 

	More through exhaustion than to embrace the (well-timed!) end of the song, Sharon found herself, collapsing against him. Everyone around them erupted into a buzz of cheering, clapping and whistling as Dennis steadied her, murmuring into her hair

	"Sharon.... if you don't get me out of here now, I'm gonna do something that'll get me arrested for public indecency-"

	Leading him outside, they got as far as the flats just by the playground before Dennis had pushed her up against the wall, forcing his desperate lips on hers, his hand immediately underneath her dress again. Anyone else, doing this to her, in public, and she'd have slapped them away, but him, God, she couldn't. She bit hastily on his lip, readily imparted and she teased him, sucking gently on his bottom lip before pushing into his mouth.

	"Someone might see!"

	Sharon knew it wasn't likely, they were hidden well in this alcove and he was crushed so hard against her, forcing her into the corner, her knees almost gone, that she probably wouldn't even have been seen, let alone recognised. And it certainly didn't look like she cared, but she thought she should say it anyway.

	"Let 'em." he murmured breathlessly, barely coming back from her lips. "I'm dying for an excuse to tell someone all the things I wanna do to you."

	Wanting so badly to laugh and take his lips again, instead all she managed was a shriek of pain.

	"Sharon?"

	Dennis leapt back and she regretted it, needing to have him so intoxicatingly close again. His face full of concern however, she let her fingers brush down her reddened neck.

	"I think you hurt me..... back there..."

	"Oh..." his smile fell. "Oh, baby, I'm sorry."

	She grinned up at him, proudly showing off the mark as she gulped back the pain. "Well," she said flirtily, clearing her throat, "you could always..... make it better....."

	Needing no more encouragement than that, his lips were against her neck in a moment, her shriek descending into a lustful moan as he caressed the pain away with his kiss.

	"Mmmm." she whimpered, daring to laugh at the way he tickled her skin. "And so much for no biting Rickman."

	He straightened up, holding her hips and loving the way that as he had kissed her, her one instinct had been to writhe against him, always wanting to touch more of him than she could reach.

	"You shouldn't tease me so much then should you? Christ, I was so close to-"

	She raised her eyebrow as his words trailed away. "So close to what?"

	"You know what."

	"Ohhh!" she mused mockingly, pressing her hand hard against his groin, and excited, although not surprised to realise, she couldn't rest her hand flat, his eyes bulging, not unlike his trousers; at her mere touch. "Really?"

	"Yes! And.... oh shit!...  unless you want me to do it here, you're gonna have to stop that."

	"What's that then?" she quizzed innocently as she wrenched open his fly and slipped her hand inside, beginning to tease him.

	"That!" he gasped. This was bad, he was getting harder by the second and he knew she knew it too, pumping him with her cool palm.

	"Are you sure?"

	And she smirked as she looked from his face, the muscles tightened as he pushed out each gasp and moan, to his left thigh, that seemed to have developed an involuntary twitch as her hand worked up and down his length. Bless him, he was as helpless as she was every time he touched her. It felt so fantastic to see that she could have such an effect on someone, she wasn't sure it had felt this intense before.

	"Y-Yes!" he managed, though that could have been more pleasure than protest.

	"OK." 

	Sharon moved back, stretching up and kissing his gasping mouth, and he responded desperately.

	"You're cruel." Dennis told her when he had finally gained enough breath to. "You know I couldn't let you. It's not fair."

	"What isn't?" she asked, sucking in a breath as he rounded on her, closer than ever, his eyes glittering in a way that told her there was more to come. This was her chance to pull back, to stop whatever it was. She knew that but it didn't even cross her mind, too many frustrations beating against her chest she needed to vent and there was only one way to do that.

	"You. Sexually harrassing me in that impertinent manner."

	"Oh you love it."

	"I know. But it's selfish-"

	"And messy." Sharon giggled.

	Dennis rolled his eyes, a throaty laugh hanging in the air. "Yes. So...."

	"So....?"

	He didn't say anything, just kissed her, making sure she could feel his irripressible smirk against her mouth. The next thing she was aware of was the fact that his fingers were inching up the laps of her dress again, brushing her thighs, higher and higher....

	"Mmmm!" she squealed anxiously into his mouth, gripping his hand. "Dennis!"

	"What?!"

	"Here?"

	He looked at her out the corner of his eye, his smile stretching so wide, Sharon wondered if he would fracture his jaw. "Don't tell me you've never done it alfresco?"

	"No!"

	"Oh Sharon - I'm disappointed, really I am. I at least thought that this vicar of yours would-"

	"Well he didn't!" she laughed, trying to push against him, but knowing only too well that she wasn't trying hard enough. "And I'm not planning to in the middle of February either!"

	"That's fair enough I suppose." he muttered, although the pout he couldn't resist displaying told Sharon he didn't believe it. "But you know I won't get you home don't you?"

	Aware that she was tingling, and it certainly wasn't through the cold either, Sharon smiled and the words "I hate you" seemed to be the only ones she could push out to make him realise that she was giving in.

	He lifted her hastily against the wall as her tongue took his mouth again. The wet brick was scratching at her back, but she didn't care.

	"No... no, that's not right!" he gasped into her ear, pulling her soaking underwear aside. "You're meant to tell me you love me."

	"Ohhh!" she cried as he thrust into her, her clit throbbing with need as he moved. "Oh, I love you. I swear I love you. Mmmm.... Dennis-"

	His lips did not leave her as he thrust into her again and again, letting each of her moans shudder through his mouth, too afraid that she would cry out his name too loud, even though that was all he wanted to hear.

	As she met the floor again, she was still shaking, and he still couldn't bring air into his lungs, although he was perfectly able to straighten out Sharon's dress for her, happily taking in the detail of every curve.

	"I love you too."

	Taken by the tenderness of his words, Sharon wordlessly let him lead her towards the music beckoning them back into the community centre. They practically skipped back into the hall, and the crowd moved back as they were noticed, leaving the floor bare and open for them. As they all clapped and cheered, Dennis stooped just above Sharon's ear and muttered

	"I feel like that Patrick Swayze bloke outta Dirty Dancing."

	She looked at him smugly. She knew for certain now that she caught him watching it the other day. She'd never heard him call it anything other than "that dancing flick with the gay bloke you and Vicki drool over" before.

	"Yeah, and they only ever wanted him for his body an' all."

	"Well, I didn't think I'd heard any complaints just now." he smirked.

	She pointedly ignored him. "What do you reckon? Are we gonna humour our adoring public?"

	"Dunno." he shrugged, and Sharon suddenly saw what he was like as a teenager. Indecisive, while knowing exactly what he wanted, that twinkle in his eye, that smile in the corner of his mouth, just waiting for her to give in to him. "Wanna?"

	She grinned indirectly at him, and Simon, catching her eye, leapt up, cutting off the track and starting over, knowing his "star couple" were about to put on another show.

	The opening bars fell into the room like rain, tinkling gently. Dennis took her hand, every feature in her face teasing her. She span against him, and found his arms around her, swaying her gently.

	The room exploded. Sharon wondered, for the split second when she should have been drawing a long overdue breath, why no-one had questioned the intimacy of their dancing. Were they really that blind? Or were they the ones doing the humouring, having no idea how else to address it?

	I put on my blue suede shoes
	And I boarded the plane

	Lifting his arm, she turned underneath, catching his eye and feeling the tingles go down her back again. Taking her other hand, he pulled her down to the floor. She barely felt her own knees bend, but knew she'd managed it flawlessly by the round of "Ooooh!" that followed.

	Touched down in the land of the delta blues
	In the middle of the pouring rain.

	Dropping his hands, he stepped to the right as she went to the left and back, countering each other.

	W.C Handy - won't you look down over me?
	Yeah, I got a first class ticket

	Dennis pulled her close, wrapping himself around her as they swayed, moving her swiftly with his hands against her buttocks. And still, no-one seemed suspicious, spellbound by them.

	But I'm as blue as a boy can be

	As Sharon straightened her back, she felt his arm hook around her waist, pulling her around.

	Then I'm walking in Memphis
	With my feet ten feet off of beale

	Sharon watched Dennis' gaze, previously locked on her, stray over to Ian, and she bowed her head, snorting out a laugh, which was luckily covered well as their audience began to sing out to them again. So it seemed they didn't need to try too hard, they were all too drunk to appreciate them much anyway, so they gave into their own need, pressing a gentle palm against the warm cheek of their partner.

	I'm walking in Memphis
	But do I really feel the way I feel?

	And they drifted parted, their entwined hands splitting slowly as Sharon strode back, swinging her hips in a way to counter Dennis' own as he advanced on her.

	I saw the ghost of Elvis
	On Union Avenue

	She threw her head back laughing as she suddenly realised that their public had split. All the lads were stood behind Dennis like an army, all trying to move with the same sexy swagger he had perfected, and most of them only managing to walk into each other.

	Whereas all the girls, Sharon realised with a spin, were shimmying and pouting behind her, taunting every desperate male they could see, all screaming for Sharon to tease her man with all her will. She tilted her head for a second, and watched Dennis step forward on the balls of his feet, trying to look non-plussed. But his eyes were sparkling too bright and he was clawing his lip back with his teeth, eagerly awaiting her next move. But she went straight past him, enjoying her moment in front of a hoarde of hungry men, who instantly rose a collective whistle. 

	I followed him up to the gates of Graceland
	And watched him walk right through.

	Dennis whipped his head round, and Sharon saw a flare of jealousy in his eyes. She simply jutted out her hip and then strode to the middle of the floor, Dennis stepped around her, looking her up and down like a predator.

	Now security, they did not see him
	They just huddled round his tomb

	Snatching up her hand, she span around and surrendered her other, letting him push her down and round in an arc, the world suddenly flipping.

	But there's a pretty little thing
	Waiting for the King
	Down in the jungle room
	 
	Her head span as she found he was pulling her round by the waist again.

	Then I'm walking in Memphis
	Walking with my feet ten feet off of beale
	Walking in Memphis
	But do I really feel the way I feel?

	Sharon hooked her arms around his neck and relaxed into pressing herself against him, and he teased her by holding her hips and swinging her down to the floor.

	Now Muriel plays piano
	Every Friday at the Hollywood

	As she felt him let go, she sprang back, standing tall (although she was actually incredibly surprised she hadn't overbalanced and fallen flat on her back!) and gazed down at him, up on one knee, his whole face glistening with sweat, chest heaving with exhilaration.

	They brought me down to see her
	And asked me if I would

	And he span around, just on one knee, rolling his head back and basking in the screams of the girls all still assembled behind Sharon. This whole dancing thing was becoming seriously addictive. He leapt up, almost crashing into Sharon, but instead managing to disguise as rolling his hips into her as she pressed her back into his chest, rolling back on her heel and turning out her toes, gasping as she felt the cool air (well as cool as the body heat of of thirty or so people surrounded by candles could be) against her thigh, Dennis having snatched up the side of her dress into his fist, which was met by the calls of "Go on, my son!" from the lads, which made Sharon laugh again. Clearly none of them remembered they were looking at a brother and sister here, and she was so glad.

	Do a little number
	And I sang with all my might
	She said 
	"Tell me, are you a Christian, child?"	

	With a stamp of his foot, Dennis pulled back into the greatest pose, dropping his arm slowly so his fingertips barely touched hers, but as soon as he felt her, he clutched at her desperately as she span in, his hand slipping down to the back of her thighs and lifting her from the floor into his arms, turning effortlessly as her arm looped around his neck.
	
	I said
	"Ma'am I am tonight!"

	A blaze of screams came from around them, like they were the only two people who could ever have done anything like this.

	Then I'm walking in Memphis
	Walking with my feet ten feet off of beale
	Walking in Memphis
	But do I really feel the way I feel?

	Gasping, and not knowing whether she could take any more movement of the walls, Sharon fell against Dennis and his arms came against her as they always did, swaying her. She looked up into his face and saw those tense rock n' roll lines and she laughed as he sang, backed up by his own fifteen strong rat arsed choir.

	The girls rolled their eyes, but seemed to be rocking side to side like some distorted conga line, singing out too. Simon was beside himself as he stood a few paces off from Sharon & Dennis, obviously not knowing who to support, like it was some desperate fight.
	
	I put on my blue suede shoes
	And I boarded the plane
	Touched down in the land of the delta blues
	In the middle of the pouring rain.

	Sharon laughed again, and Dennis immediately seemed infected by her too, and the whole room cried out the words together, sounding worse than worse, but having the most fantastic time, laughing, shouting and cheering as each word tumbled drunkenly out. 

	Touched down in the land of the delta blues
	In the middle of the pouring rain.

	In the midst of being hounded by everyone around them, clapped on the back and kissed and hugged enviously, neither Sharon or Dennis noticed Kate had slid into the hall halfway through their little show, and she had been watching with interest, biting down on her lip, tilting her head to one side as if the thoughts flying around inside her head would seem clearer that way somehow. But they didn't, because there was only one thought in her mind, and well.... what?

	A whole new set of excited screams exploding around her, many grown men jumping up and down excitedly before grabbing any random girl, and surprisingly meeting no protests before grinding themselves lewdly against her and singing out the song. These, Kate realised, had long ago ceased to be serious teaching sessions, it was now more a mess of drunken singing and even more unstable movement they all dared to call dancing. She laughed, suddenly feeling totally intergrated in the heady atmosphere.

	I saw her dancing there by the record machine
	Knew she must have been about seventeen.
	The beat was going strong, playing my favourite song.

	Kate picked her way across the floor towards Sharon and Dennis. She was laughing raucously, throwing her head back, that beautiful long blonde hair spilling down her back, and he was having a fine time with the grinding, his knee holding hers apart as he twisted his hips into her, his hands flying all over her before settling quite decidedly on her behind.

	Realising that she was the only person in the room not to have drunk her own body weight in alcohol, Kate suddenly understood why no-one was wrenching them apart, labelling him lecherous and her a tart. They just looked.... well in all honesty.... they looked like pure sex. Not that there was anything pure about it in the slightest. He was swinging her down to the floor as she thrust and his eyes glittered. Kate had never seen him like that before. Like he'd come alive for the first time.

	And I knew it wouldn't be long
	Til she was with me (yeah, with me!)
	And I knew it wouldn't be long
	Til she was with me (yeah, with me!)
	
	He pulled her back up again, her boobs pressed harder against his chest than it seemed possible for them to go. But he was evidently still enjoying himself, tipping his head back and releasing a soundless moan Kate only knew existed because of the way his mouth gaped, and yet was tight. She remembered that expression well.

	Singin'
	I love rock n' roll
	So put another dime in the jukebox, baby.
	I love rock n' roll
	So come and take the time and dance with me!

	"Mind if I cut in?" she called, having to rush round them several times to find a place on either of them she would be comfortable with touching.

	She smiled, so I got up and asked for her name
	"But that don't matter," she said "cos it's all the same."
	I said, "Can I take you home, where we can be alone?"
	And next, we were moving on - and she was with me 
	(Yeah, with me!)
	And sing that same old song (yeah, with me!)
	Singin'
	
	"Kate!"

	Dennis instinctively cleared his throat as he registered Sharon's exclaimation and felt her arms, previously so lithe and eager to embrace him, fall like lead to her sides. He took a guess that he had gone as red as she had, not knowing where the hell to settle his eyes now.

	"Alright?" Kate smiled brightly, although she was unsurprised that all she managed in response from Dennis was a grunt.

	"Yeah.... yeah.... what are you doing here?"

	"Ohh, I didn't really fancy the Vic tonight and I was closing up.... this place sounded like fun. Must say though, aren't the candles a bit much?" She was amused to see both Sharon & Dennis' gazes fall right to the fall. Figures, she thought to herself, they haven't had time to look at the floor yet!

	"Oh, yeah... aren't they?" Sharon continued, rather distractedly.

	"What about this mystery man of yours then Sharon? Where is he?"

	"I.... er, I don't know.... b-been expecting him though.... haven't I Dennis?"

	"Yeah, yeah you have!" he jabbered.

	"Hmmm." And Kate pulled him away without readdressing the fact she wanted to dance with Dennis. He looked, panicked over his shoulder at Sharon. She was nervous too, but understood from the way Kate looked at her what was about to happen and shrank away obediently in the crowd, surrendering her lover to his.... er, lover.

	Kate was a good dancer, considering she was improvising, her arms hooked around his neck and jutting out her slender hips rhythmically.

	I love rock n' roll
	So put another dime in the jukebox, baby.
	I love rock n' roll
	So come and take the time and dance with me!
	
	"So...." she began, with that telling docile tone. "Long time, no speak Dennis... y'alright?"

	"Kate.... we never did speak...."

	She laughed gently. "No, I know... always seemed to have other things on your mind.... what is it this time, hmmm? I-Is it Sharon, has she been stood up?"

	"Looks that way."

	"So he's not here then; her fella?"

	He glanced quickly over her shoulder, rolling his eyes in a bored fashion. "Nope, can't see him."

	"But I can, can't I?"

	"What?!"

	"I'm looking at him."

	"Kate, are you drunk?"

	"No, I'm not, and whatsmore Dennis Rickman-" she told him certainly, turning underneath his arm, which was a rather stilted movement in itself because he seemed to have gone completely rigid. "-neither are you and you know I'm telling the truth. It's you isn't it?"

	"Is what me?" He tried to look confused, but unfortunately, he understood her completely.
	
	"You're the fella!"
	
	Her smile instantly fell, her warm features clouding. 

	"Dennis, is it you?"

	He stared at the floor which he guessed was the exact same as screaming "Yes!" at the top of his lungs without drawing excessive attention to himself. He was right. The hold Kate had around him increased considerably - in fact, to the point of pain.

	"If you're him.... then you're the bloke she had frantic make-up sex with in the toilets at the club!" Her eyes narrowed, and Dennis' stomach hit the floor. Bollocks! Why did women only ever talk about shoes or sex?

	"Y-Y-Yeah.... that was me."

	"You bastard! You cheated on her?"

	"No!" he bleated indignantly, barely realising he didn't have to justify himself to her. "It was once and I.... Jesus Kate; this is our business, not yours!"

	"But you still cheated on her and then.... you let her screw you in the toilets? That's class Dennis, true class! Did you even get yourself tested?"

	"Oh for f*ck's sake! You know, me being with Sharon, I thought.... I thought I knew it was all gonna be "Oh My God, but that's foul, she's Den's daughter and he's Den's son!" only with you, it's "Have you given her Aids?" You're un-fucking-believable! What about you, eh?"

	"What about me?"

	"I told Sharon you were a hypocritical bitch; guess this proves it...."

	"Proves what?"

	"Well, when we were doing it, I wasn't exactly monogamous, and hell, neither were you - if I'm so repulsive and so irreponsible then, how do you know you haven't got anything nasty?" He mimicked her disgusted tone. "Did you even get yourself tested?"

	"You oughta be grateful that's my viewpoint mate, when everyone else on this Square finds out, they're gonna kill you!"

	"Yeah well," he bit back tersely, "she's worth it."

	Kate studied his face, although he tried not to catch her eye "Do you love her?"

	"What sort of question's that? Course I love her! What did you think I was doing.... checking that I was totally irresistable by getting my own sister to shag me?"

	"Sounds just about low enough for you Dennis, yeah." 

	"Oh, I'm not listening to this!" he growled, wrenching her arms from around his neck and flinging her away. "I love Sharon alright? I love her. She knows that and she loves me too. Nothing you can say about it matters so fuck off out of it!"

	Guilt stabbing as she realised how deeply she had offended Dennis, Kate rushed out after him, finding him hunched moodily on one of the swings, taking long and deep drags on a cigarette it looked as though he was already halfway through. As she entered the playground, she saw the muscles in his back tense, recognising her approach. But they relaxed again instantaneously, trying to show her he didn't care. But for the little insight months of casual sex with Dennis had given Kate into his subconscious, she knew he was lying to her. He cared, he cared more than she had realised.

	"Dennis? I.... I'm sorry."

	"Whatever."

	"No, I mean it. I didn't realise-"

	"You wouldn't." Dennis cut in, not really looking at her as he blew out the choking plumes of smoke. "You can't understand what it means; no-one can."

	"I understand love fine thanks."

	"Not this one. Aren't you gonna tell me I'm sick?"

	"I told you," she shrugged, kicking off a little from the ground. "I'm more repulsed at the fact you couldn't keep it zipped-" Her eyes fell instinctively to his groin. 

	"I love her." he repeated defensively.

	Kate smiled apologetically. "Alright. But.... how did this.... you came here as her brother Dennis.... I'm not trying to split hairs or anything.... I was watching you dance with her, and it's pretty obvious there's something big between you two.... but how did it happen?"

	"Usual way I guess. Boy meets girl, boy trashes flat seducing girl-"

	"So it was you that started it then? Why... Why... would you think...?"

	"That she was attracted to me? I dunno, I guess cos.... that's what I wanted to think.... she cared about me; like no-one else ever.... and I.... oh this is stupid-" Laughing nervously, he tore his gaze away from Kate's pretty and inquisitive face, staring at the bark instead.

	"No. No, it's not. Go on."

	He raised his eyebrow dubiously. "Never had a platonic relationship with a woman Kate."

	"I'd never have guessed!"

	"Never even managed a relationship with my mum... so I guess... the only way I knew to show.... show Sharon that I cared about her too was-" He looked uneasily over at her and she understood him perfectly well, not knowing whether to laugh or shiver.

	"What, so you tried it on and just got lucky?"

	"No. By the time we slept together.... I knew.... I knew she was trying to tell herself she didn't fancy me so....."

	"So you exploitated a vunerable woman?" As his features clouded, she laughed, finally giving in to the urge to do so. "I'm teasing Dennis. I'm listening, honest.... I wanna listen not least cos this is..."

	 "Terrifying?"
	
	"N-N-No...." she stammered, knowing that he'd offered her entirely the wrong word but didn't have a clue watch to substitute it for. "....why is that how you feel?"

	"I try not to think about it."

	"You know.... everyone will have to find out sooner or later...."

	He shook his head, glaring pointedly at her. "No, Kate. Not today. Or... or tomorrow.... I.... I just want it to be special for her...."

	"Valentine's!"

	"Yeah. Please Kate.... it's up to me and Sharon to-"

	She held up her hands. "It's alright; I won't say anything, I know it's not my place. Sharon's a mate and I..." She sighed, a smile claiming her pretty lips. "...this may seem pretty incomprehensible to you Dennis, but I care about you too; and I'm glad you're happy."

	"You are?" He couldn't keep the surprise from his voice.

	"Yeah, course."

	And Kate slid off the swing, accepting a sincere smile from him.

	"Thanks."

	She managed to go a few paces, before curiousity got the better of her and she turned back, leaning against the rickety structure of the swings. "What are you going to do?"

	He lifted his gaze heavenwards. "Pray someone up there listens.... that it doesn't change. I don't think I can stand being alone again."

	"You got it that bad?"

	He laughed, pushing the smouldering remains of his cigarette back between his quivering lips. "She's incredible. Still can't believe she actually wants to be with a waster like me."

	"Hey!" Kate soothed, leaning across, her hand falling heavily against his arm. "She obviously doesn't think you're a waster, and.... call it a hunch, but I'd say she wants you for the same reasons you want her."

	Dennis looked at her doubtfully, steadying the tyre next to him and motioning that she should sit down again. "Well, it's not just the brilliant sex, I know that much!"

	She laughed again. "Bloody hell Dennis, only you could make sex in some grotty toilets seem brilliant!" 

	He smirked back at her. "Less of the grotty, Sharon'll have you for libel - but thanks!"

	A contented silence fell over them, sneaking glances over at each other, knowing there was more to be said. As anticipated, it was Kate who said it.

	"H-How did you know that she was...."

	He didn't even need to let her finish. "Way she looked at me." he shrugged, as if it couldn't have been any more obvious. "She'd have this little smile and then.... she'd look away, or I'd suddenly be staring at the floor like.... just wanted to be around her all the time.... felt weird but it.... didn't want it to stop...."

	And as his face flushed, he began staring at the floor, tapping his foot and refusing to elaborate anymore.

	"God, get you. Never had you down as a romantic, Dennis!"

	"No, I know...."

	"Look.... no-one else around here has a clue because they don't want one.... it's going to knock them for six and you need to be ready for that. But I- I knew it was you. I came here tonight and when I realised it was you she was dancing with like that.... I just knew she wasn't waiting for any other bloke. And I knew because of the way you were so close.... the way you were looking at each other. So I get it. If you ever need to talk to anyone.... I'm not saying I understand but I get it."

	She stood up again, pulling Dennis up too.

	"Now, buggar off. Sharon'll be frantic!"
	
	Dennis grinned, flicking the butt away. "Yeah.... yeah, alright."

	Kate was surprised as he leant in and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. "What was that for?" she asked, blinking furiously.

	"For understanding."

	"Oh, don't be daft! Just.... hold on to her.... make her happy alright?"

	"I'll try."

	Dennis didn't find her in the community centre; though he eventually managed to prise Garry away from some poor unsuspecting woman long enough to discover Sharon had headed home. He got a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. She was going to be somewhere (which could have been anywhere, saying she was going "home" meant nothing!) and she was going to be thinking bad thoughts, probably thinking he'd have steered Kate into a darkened corner of the room and shagged her then and there. Sharon, after all, didn't exactly have any reason to trust him.

	He headed straight back to the house anyway, and was more that revealed to find the heels she had been wearing abandoned at the bottom of the stairs. She was here, thank Christ for that. Her name almost bouncing from his lips, he stopped himself just in time. Leaning slightly to the left, he saw her, in a rather arousing state of undress it had to be said, spinning away from the radio, singing out the song that greeted her efforts.

	I fell in love with you the moment that we met
	And til the end of time, I never will forget
	I lose it every time I'm close to you

	Kylie soddin' Minogue. Well, she was cute for a dwarf, but Dennis hated her songs. So why was he smiling as he went into the kitchen and wrapped himself around Sharon, who sang along right up until the moment she felt his breath against her ear.

	"Alright?"

	"Mmmm."

	Under your spell, you know there's nothing I can do.

	He kissed her neck and she whimpered as his lips came against the dying red mark that lay there.

	"Don't."

	"Does it still hurt?"

	"No. Just, don't."

	He blinked steadily. Aha, he was right then.
	
	"Sharon-"
	
	Catching her hand as she moved away, she came against his chest from an unintentional spin, and suddenly they were dancing, right there in the middle of their kitchen.

	Please stay, my babe
	Who knows when we'll dance again?
	
	"What happened between you and Kate then?" she asked, not even thinking to pull back from him. Dancing had become second nature now.

	Pushing out a small sigh, he replied; "Right, I didn't flirt with her, I didn't touch her, I didn't kiss her-" Ouch, that was a lie. Ah well, he wasn't gonna show himself up by correcting himself now "-and I didn't sleep with her."

	Sharon blinked at him in astonishment and Dennis was relieved to see a smile emerge from the corner of her mouth. "I didn't think you had, but it's nice to know."

	"So.... what....?"

	"She's guessed though hasn't she? About you and me?"

	"Yeah. Yeah, she has. Oh baby, don't look so scared; she said she was happy for us."

	From no matter what to no regret
	I'll do all that I can just to get you 
	To stay, my babe.
	Who knows when we'll dance again?

	Her arms fell away from around his neck, and she sighed heavily. "Yeah right. Just like Vicki's gonna be happy for us? Like Dad?"

	I don't wanna say goodbye
	But who knows where we'll be after tonight?

	"Hey, hey! Stop! This isn't about them. Kate knows that, she won't say anything. I know it's gonna be hard, I know, but I love you, and that's all that matters."

	"Promise?"

	"Swear it." As she smiled, almost in relief at him, he let the urge to dive on her lips overcome him and kissed her fiercely, sucking on her bottom lip and finally meeting her tongue.

	Slipping her hand into his, she pulled gently, but all she received in reply was a moan against her kiss, so she pulled back and heard another, the annoyance evident in the sound.

	"There's.... there's no-one here..."

	"So....?" he coaxed, knowing she had more to say.

	"So.... what do you think?" she grinned, her eyes sparkling tellingly as she took his lips again.

	Dennis knew perfectly well what he was meant to think. Take her upstairs, make love to her.... But the stairs were a trial he was loathe to face when the urgency of the moment beat inside him so desperately, when he couldn't bear to be away from her insistent mouth for more than a second.. So he kissed her deeper, his tongue flooding her mouth, making her whimper and moan. She came against the door with a squeal of pain that he siphoned away, and she suddenly realised she wouldn't be leaving this room at all as he began to pull at her dress, whispering how much he wanted her.

	She couldn't form the words to reply before he was inside her, pushing her harder against the door as he thrust. On her part at least, it wasn't so much want as need.

	There's nothing stopping us
	You don't have to go
	The night is young for us
	There's more we need to know
	I lose it every time I'm close to you
	Under your spell, you know there's nothing I can do.

	The morning sunlight was barely strong enough to penetrate the curtains, but still Dennis awoke at the inane hour of eight and found that Sharon was no longer lying beside him. He groaned in frustration as he rolled over, the warmth she had left behind enveloping him. He was missing her already, her perfume still lingering in the air, teasing him. And he wondered, just for a moment if he was dreaming. Was Sharon his? Had he really held her in his arms all night, or was he so desperate for that to be the truth that he had imagined it? Groaning again as he pulled himself up, resting on his elbows and wiping the sleep from his eyes, he reasoned that was probably right. Why would she want him?

	You only hold me up like this
	Cos you don't know who I really am
	Sometimes, I just want to know what it's like to be you.

	But as his vision cleared, he saw red smears on the pillow next to his. His eyes snapped open in alarm. Was that blood? With a huge, heaving sigh of relief, he realised it was lipstick. Sharon's lipstick. And they weren't smears - they were words, clumsily formed ones at that, but this was lipstick for Christ's sake, what was he meant to expect other than this desperate scrawl?

	LOVE YOU.

	It hit him square in the chest. He wasn't dreaming. 

	We're sleeping through all our memories
	I used to waste my time dreaming of being alive
	(Now I only waste it dreaming of you)

	He leapt up and pulled on clothes he barely registered, looking over his shoulder at the pillow and grinning like a loon before rushing out of the house and sprinting across the Square. Not a single greeting registered, though many came. He rushed straight to the club, and found practically everyone that was on the books stringing up fairylights and blowing up balloons or putting centrepieces on the tables.

	"Leigh," he murmured, tapping the girl with the long blonde ponytail on the shoulder. She turned obediently, and Dennis smiled. She was cute, about twenty and had been working here for about four months - it was only recently she had stopped blushing every time Dennis spoke to her. "where's Sharon?"

	"Office." she replied, passing a balloon up the ladder to Guy. "She's trying to work out what dress to wear tonight."

	"Right, thanks."

	"Dennis?"

	"Yeah?"

	"Tell her the black one. She looks incredible, but she didn't believe me."

	"Right, OK. Thanks, Leigh."

	He smiled at her and noticed the tiniest flush of her cheeks as she turned away. Laughing quietly, Dennis lifted his hand and knocked on the door.

	All that met him from within was an aggravated cry of "Oh for fuck's sake! Leigh, get in here, this is so not working!"

	So Dennis slid into the room, squinting against the artificial light. There was Sharon, evidently having been here for hours and not realising that daylight was here. She was trying to yank up the zip of a lilac dress, all its folds sweeping down to the floor. He gawped for a moment and then drew attention to himself by flicking off the light. Sharon looked up with a huff and said "Hmph, you don't look much like Leigh to me."

	"Don't tell me you're disappointed?"

	Her features softened, giving way to a smile. "No, of course not-" And in the same breath, she screamed, pulling at the zip again and stamping her foot. Dennis laughed, and she glared at him. "Bloody hell Dennis, why didn't you tell me I was so fat?"

	"Because you're not!"

	"Well, this zip ain't going anywhere is it?"

	"Hey!" He rushed over, planting an encouraging kiss on her shoulder. "Just relax OK?" Her shoulders immediately sank. Dennis took the zip from her quivering hands and slid it with ease the rest of the way up. "There."

	"Oh finally!" she gasped, throwing her head back and pulling her hands through her hair before meeting his eye again, flinging her arms helplessly before they slapped against her thighs again.

	"Well? What do you think?"

	 He looked her up and down appreciatively. But Sharon barely noticed.

	"It's not right is it?"

	"It's not that.... just - the black one?"

	She stared doubtfully. "It's backless."

	"So? You'll look gorgeous."

	"Don't look at me like that!" she warned, suppressing a smile as she saw the way he was looking at her; trying to plead and only succeeding in undressing her with his eyes.

	"Go on. Try it again. For me?"

	Smirking at him, she pulled down the zip and the dress pooled at the floor. Dennis looked her up and down again, his eyes sparkling with untold lust, particularly at the sight of her bare breasts. "Of course, you could always stay like that-"

	"Don't push it Dennis!"

	"Then don't tempt me!"

	And he settled back against the wall, happily observing every moment of her hips, every curve and every look that came his way as she stooped to pick up the dress and then slipped into the black one, hiding one slender leg and then the other, before sliding it like a glove up over her hips and then her breasts, pulling the halterneck strap over her head and straightening it against her shoulders. She shook her head, and her hair tumbled down and the curls at the ends bounced lightly as they reached there too. Bringing down her hands, she smoothed out imaginary creases and, finally satisfied, showcased the dress to her lover.

	"Well?"

	When he didn't say anything - he didn't quite know how to do this vision justice, she apprehensively turned on the spot, and Dennis suddenly understood what Leigh had meant. The dress clung to her in a way that drew all attention down the flawless sweep of her tanned back and then to that beautiful behind. The definite wiggle she had perfected as she walked made sure you could not hope to remove your gaze, unless tempted further by those deliciously long legs, and Dennis definitely was. He just didn't know where to look first. It almost constituted torture.

	"Well.... I-" He finally began, but when Sharon realised there was nothing more to come, she glanced over her shoulder and saw those wide eyes and that beautiful gasping mouth, all directed decidedly lower than her gaze.

	"Glad to see you approve darlin'. So is this one it then?"

	And she turned round, hoping that he'd manage at least a one syllable answer, but he was too captivated by the way the halterneck strap meant her breasts were held to even manage that in one breath.

	"Y-Y-Yes. Definitely."

	Beaming, she rushed at him, crushing herself against him as his mouth mashed with hers, each of them desperate to be the first to take the other's mouth. With that battle lost, Sharon forced Dennis' legs apart, pressing her knee into his groin and delighting in the moan that that brought forward.

	Turn off the lights and turn off the shyness
	Cos all of our moves make up for the silence

	"Did you get my message?" she panted, pulling mere millimetres back from the lips that weren't prepared to let her go.

	And, oh, the way your make-up stains my pillowcase
	Like I'll never be the same.

	"Yes." he told her, his hands sliding under her dress and his fingers slipping past her sodden underwear and against her throbbing clit. "Question is, are you getting mine?"

	As he worked harder against her, she released a desperate moan, tilting her head back against the wall and revelling in the pleasures he was choosing to bestow upon her. She was pretty much helpless, bucking against his fingers.

	"Jesus! Mmmm, Dennis, what are you....ohhh! God, that feels so-"

	And as she tried her best not to scream, biting down hard on her lip, Dennis nuzzled at her neck, his fingers sliding in and out of her easily, lubricated liberally by her wetness. Sharon gasping out her orgasm translated into the shuddering in his groin as her knee flinched continually against him. 

	I've got headaches and bad luck, but they couldn't touch you, no
	I've got headaches and bad luck, but they couldn't touch you, no
	I'm not trying.... you only hold me up like this.

	As she recovered - Dennis rather upset to hear her moans die away - she kissed him fiercely, making him wince as she bit down on his lip rather than sucking it gently to permit the admission of her tongue to his mouth, clinging to him as he did to her, his glistening fingertips lifting her a fraction away from the wall and into his arms, being the only thing that stopped the ridges of her spine making uncomfortable contact with the rough surface of the wall she was steadied against. The gasp he heard from her as he moved back from her told him she would never be done with his lips, anticipation stirring inside. 

	"Happy Valentine's, Sharon."

	Turn off the lights and turn off the shyness
	Cos all of our moves make up for the silence
	And, oh, the way your make-up stains
	Like I'll never be the same.

	It was Dennis who left first, silencing Sharon's protests by telling her that she had a lot to organise for the ball and he had something to go do anyway. It didn't help being reminded that the night she had been planning since the New Year celebrations were over was in less than twelve hours. She'd shouted at more people than she cared to realise and was only just stopped clambering up a ladder to secure the lights to the wall herself by Guy insisting she go and get a cup of tea from the caff - the air was apparently going to do her good. She doubted him massively, and gave him an odd look as she left... she was sure she'd seen the glimmer in his eye in another face.

	As she staggered through the market; cursing as she stepped right into the potholes fumbling with her purse, there came the revving of an engine that purred with ease as it rattled down Bridge Street. Sharon nearly jumped out of her skin as a voice behind her, preceded by evident slowing up, said

	"Ever wondered what it feels like going seventy miles an hour with the wind blowing through your hair?"

	Guffawing, Sharon straightened her back and let his voice wash over her. Before she could turn, she heard a low whistle from the traders behind her. Her stomach wriggled in anticipation - what could they see that she could not?

	"What's this Dennis - mid-life crisis mate?" Martin cried out. The amusement was evident in the tone of his voice. Sharon could bear it no longer, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. So she turned round, and immediately realised where else she had seem that glimmer. Her jaw fell without her even realising. Dennis chuckled and observed her features, leaning a little to the side.

	There he was, confidently astride a motorbike, resting against the gleaming handlebars, bemusement playing on his lips. Something stirred deep in the pit of Sharon's stomach as she registered the weak sunlight bouncing off the leather jacket hanging off his back. Oh God....

	"Dennis!" she began nervously, aware that at least three dozen pairs of eyes were on her at this moment, "What the hell is this?"

	He laughed again and swung his leg round the structure to the floor in a moment. Sharon flinched, he seemed way too at ease. He stepped around her, leaning close, his breath sweeping up her neck.

	"This.... is part of your present."

	"My...?" she stammered as he drew back. "What makes you think I'm gonna...."

	"I was joking about the seventy miles an hour!" he grinned, settling back against the bike, folding his arms across his chest, the leather straining over the definite muscles in his arms that made her stomach wriggle again. "I meant eighty obviously!"

	"No way! No fucking way!"

	He snorted out another laugh, resting his chin against his chest.

	"Where the hell did you-"

	"S'Tony's." he shrugged. He straightened up and came fowards, leaning in towards her ear, whispering "C'mon baby, don't you trust me?"

	"Why should I?"

	"Because you know you wan' a ride."

	Staring at the floor and knowing that a smirk to rival his was fighting its way across her lips, she shook her head, dispersing a throaty laugh. "If I break my neck..."

	"You won't - I'll protect you I promise."

	"Hmm.... that's what I was afraid of..."

	Their onlookers burst into spoteneous rounds of applause as Sharon lifted her leg over the bike and settled herself. God, she never thought she'd have been so glad to be wearing trousers - this was uncomfortable! But still she smiled across at Dennis, waiting for him to join her. He grinned, and she caught a flicker of suggestion in his eyes. She suddenly felt nervous, not just because she was going to find herself wound around him, scared for her life, but because she didn't know what he was taking her towards. 

	"Ready for this?" he asked her, suddenly so close that the warmth of the sunlight dancing across his jacket was burning deliciously into her own skin.

	Shaking her fringe from her eyes, she glanced at him nervously. "You do know what you're doing right?"

	"I'm not gonna hurt you! Just enjoy it.... and hold on!"
	
	So they roared out of the Square, Sharon unable to help but feel that something was going to go wrong. Her spine instinctively went rigid, and she tried to ignore the inquisitive looks of her friends and neighbours.... after all, wasn't suddenly becoming her own brother's decoration a bit off? She couldn't really bring herself to think on that much as they picked up speed. God, she was scared, and at the same time, she was so excited. He'd been right - she had always wondered what this felt like. Pretty good by all accounts.

	As they left Walford behind, her shoulders seemed to relax of their own accord and she nestled against his back, her arms wound tight around his hips, and her fingers drumming lazily into his lap, and it made her giggle as she received little gasping moans in response to her restlessness.

	"Mmmm, I like this." she murmured. He felt so warm, and although she was snuggled up to him like she couldn't have a care in the world, every turn made the knot in her stomach tighten and her legs twitch, adrenaline pounding through her much like the blood in her ears, that were in turn bitten by the force of the winds rushing past them - and quite logically, through her hair, lifting it from her shoulders like streamers. The sensation was.... it was incredible, and she wondered why she had only just bothered to chase the experience.

	Without a thought in her head, Sharon leant back, her hair tumbling down her back as the wind swept over her face, almost kissing her skin; viciously of course, her eyes watering, but the adrenaline did not give.

	Straightening her back and squealing as they rounded another corner and leant precariously to the left, she realised that her hold around Dennis' middle must have been uncomfortably tight. Breathing deeply in and out, she told herself to relax, a little - perhaps a little more vocally than she had intended as a laugh bubbled from Dennis' lips. Whacking him playfully with the back of her hand and silencing him, she edged further up against him, kissing just below his frozen ear.

	"I love you y'know." 

	"Really?"

	"Yep."

	"Even when I do.... this?"

	He leant forward, and they seemed to be going at least twice as fast almost instantly. Screaming in surprise and delight at the same time, not knowing which would win out; she clung desperately on, aware that her nails were clawing at his hips and taking just a moment to conclude that it was his own fault!

	"Stop it! Dennis, you bastard!"

	He laughed. "Awww darlin', I thought you loved me?"

	"I'll love you a lot less mangled!"

	"Charming!"

	He was somewhat reluctant to slow up, even though he knew he had to now. Sharon however seemed to breathe a sigh of apparent relief, and got off in a moment. But she wasn't about to protest or run so it seemed. She stared at Dennis, her big and beautiful eyes glittering. He scooted back and she took up his position, grasping the handlebars. His thumbs dug in just above her navel as he splayed his hands across her stomach, encouraging her to lean back against him.

	"Ignition's there, Sharon." He spoke warmly into her ear, his warm breath tickling her lobe. But she was too content in his arms to even register it.

	"Mmm, funny!"

	"Y'know, you make an incredible biker chick."

	"A chick?" she echoed scornfully. "Dennis, when I was a chick, you weren't even hatched."

	"Ah. True. I keep forgetting I'm your toyboy, see-" He sighed dramatically. "Christ, I feel so used."

	"Oh, my poor baby! Gratuitous sex is such a burden isn't it?"

	"Completely."

	She tilted her head back against his chest and he beamed down at her as she asked;

	"Wanna stop then? I'd hate to think-"

	"Then don't." he cut in quickly, pressing his lips down on hers. First time he'd ever kissed anyone upside down - it didn't work out too well either, and Sharon was giggling almost immediately. He wasn't far behind her, chuckling as he straightened his back.

	"Love you." he said gently, pushing the hair back from her face.

	"Don't lie to me Rickman. I know what you really want me for now don't I?"

	"Well yeah, but...." he began awkwardly, before reverting to the blistering smile that exploded across his lips and made Sharon's stomach flip. "....I love you."

	"Oh, get lost!" she laughed, elbowing him in the stomach.

	"Whattya gonna do? Hitchhike? Motorway's about a mile that way Sharon, good luck in them shoes!"

	But he knew she wasn't going to make any effort to move, tightening his grip around her and rocking her playfully side to side, causing the bike to wobble dangerously and for Sharon to squeal.

	"Dennis! Stop it.... for God's sake!"

	"Fine - you coming then?" He dropped a kiss on her head and lifted his leg, standing up. He turned and offered Sharon his hand so she could wriggle off. So there they stood, in the middle of a car park, clutching one another's hands. He was gazing intently at her, the sunlight playing on his face. He was making her nervous.

	"What?"

	He dropped her hands as he smiled back at her, his own hands coming up and framing her face, whispering; "So incredible." before his mouth came against hers, his tongue teasing apart her lips for a moment. As he pulled gently back, she fell slightly forwards, groaning at the injustice.

	"C'mon, I wanna show this place...." And he put his arm protectively across her shoulders. She stood frozen for a moment, and he stared questioningly at her, waiting for her to speak, but she smiled, shaking it away and slipping her arm underneath his jacket, able to feel all the muscles in his back press against her.

	As they went across the car park and entered the garden, Sharon looked up, surveying her surroundings and not being entirely sure whether to be amazed or annoyed.

	"Dennis....?" she began slowly, looking at him out the corner of her eye.

	"I know..... just another pub right?"

	"Well..." She struggled for the words. She hadn't been expecting to be overwhelmed or anything, but.... 

	She stopped herself. She was being so ungrateful. He obviously had his reasons, and from the outside, it was extremely pretty. For February, the flowerbeds were extremely bright, pinks, purples, red and oranges just a few of the colours that leapt out at her, rockeries peppering the vast lawn, that itself stretched out towards the quaint little building itself. The tables were set out, the parasols billowing a little against the gentle winds, This, in turn, drew Sharon's attention to the stairs leading up to a little terrace that was evidently a lot newer than the rest of the building. A couple more tables were set up there too, giving you a fantastic view of the rest of the grounds, presumably so parents could spy on their kids on the swings.

	"Wanna drink?"

	"Yeah, go on."

	And they walked up towards the pub, passing a little group of women hunched over red wine muttering about being Internet widows. Sharon smiled bemused as she ducked under Dennis' arm through the door, feeling his arm come heavily against her shoulders again as they stepped into the pub. Instinctively, although she did not mean it, she pulled away, trying to shrug off his arm. But he would not let up.

	"Sharon, relax, no-one in here knows who we are.... it doesn't matter.... no-one's gonna judge us alright? We can do what the hell we want."

	As he squeezed her shoulders, she let out a sigh of relief and smiled. God, she felt stupid. He was right, of course he was.

	"I'm sorry baby."

	"S'alright. What you drinking?" he asked, leaning against the bar.

	"Surprise me." she replied sweetly, stepping back. "I'm just gonna go to the little girls room."

	And she weaved her way across the room, glancing back at him as she came to the door of the ladies. God, he really was beautiful. Even if she was to forget the way his hair always looked like he'd just dragged himself out of bed (which of course, had more often than not been the truth these past couple of weeks!) and the way it curled perfectly around her inquisitive fingers, there was still those twinkling eyes, those ever smirking lips, always daring you to kiss him. The way he was leant across the bar meant that his jeans were straining over his perfect arse, and it was true, it was perfect, and Sharon knew that she wasn't going to be the only person there that couldn't help but admire it.

	Was she mad, wanting to make it look like she wasn't with him? Rushing into the toilets and staring determinedly at her own reflection in the mirror, she decided that, undoubtedly, yes she was! So she stood tall and turned around, the door creaking in protest as she slid out into the comforting familiarity of the pub. The familiarity of the beaten carpet trapping the smoke so that it was always around you, the smell of stale ale soaked into the very foundations of the place, the buzz of undecipherable chatter, and clanking of glasses.... everything about it was familiar except the people. Dennis was right.... they didn't know who she was, they didn't care... they weren't going to judge her.

	She reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm and catching his attention. The half smile stretched out as he realised it was her, straightening as he turned to face her.

	"Alright?"

	"I will be."

	Confusion washed over his beautiful face, adoration beating against Sharon's chest, and, framing his face with her hands, she forced herself against his lips, drawing him in close. He had to lean foward to keep with her, his arms coming up from his sides to hold her tight and as he replied, biting down on her lip just enough so she would wince into his kiss and impart her lips. But she had already figured his plan and claimed dominance first, taking his mouth and slowly probing his tongue with hers.

	She heard the astounded clunk of pint glasses crashing down on the tables. But there was no silence, nothing to make her spin go rigid with fear as it would have if she had been stood in the bar of the Vic. In fact, what came was a loud whistle of appreciation for the spectacle that made her laugh gently, sending teasing pulses through his mouth.

	As she edged back, she saw that his eyes were closed, savouring the moment, shaking as though he was just that little bit stunned. God, why was he so perfect?

	"Wh-What was that for?"

	She smirked.

	"Because I can do what the hell I want."

	"Oh really?"

	"Uh huh. And I want.... you."

	Climbing into ones of the benches on the lawn, Dennis dug his elbows into the table, staring across at Sharon, who was swirling her finger lazily round in her cocktail, her shoulders hunched, enjoying the albeit weak rays of the sun.

	"Mmmm, this is so nice. Thanks for bring me here darlin'."

	"Yeah...." he muttered, lowering his eyes. "S'Just a pub."

	"No! How can it be "just a pub" when I get to snog your face off in front of all these people?"

	"True!" he mused, coming closer and closer to her lips as he leant over the table. "That wasn't a bad moment was it? Highlight of my day in fact."

	"Ohhh, I bet it was!"

	The corners of his mouth lifted so far up that it seemed as though he was going to manage to split his own lips, but instead, busied himself by scuttling his hand across the table and curling it around her hand, entwining their fingers and squeezing gently.

	Crimson creeping into her cheeks, she ran her tongue around her own lips and said, "You... er, you look really good you know."

	"Think so do you?"

	"Ohhh yeah!" she shot back, gently sucking in her cheeks, and raising her other hand to lazily trace circles in his sleeve with her fingertip. "There's definitely something about a bloke in leather!"

	"Knew it." he grinned, clicking his fingers triumphantly. "You're a biker chick through and through!"

	"Guess I could be!" she giggled, slurping the liquid from her fingertip.

	"As long as you're mine...."

	"You didn't think I was gonna leave you unattended did you? Dennis, you'd have been having it away with everyone in that bar if you'd leant any further forward!"

	Bowing his head, he let out a shuddering laugh. "That really don't bear thinking about, darlin'."

	"Put a pretty image in your head though di'n't it?"

	"I was alright with the one in front of me!"

	"Oh really?"

	"Yes, really, but now I can't bear to look at you... you're sick."

	"Mmmm. And that is exactly why you love me!"

	And she flicked a few droplets of the cocktail at him, leaning over and wiping them against his nose laughing.

	"Christ, you're so juvenile!" he cried, flapping her away.

	"Oh, I am? Then maybe you should stay in your own room tonight eh?"

	"Oh no." he murmured, shaking his head. "No way."

	"Then tell me you love me."

	Cracking his knuckles and making Sharon wince, though her smile did not falter, he straightened up and countered, "Tell me you'll sleep with me."

	She slumped back, laughing hysterically. Her face was flushed, and she was undecided what to do with her hands, flapping them about as she tried to regulate her breathing and then covering her mouth to smother the sound. "You're awful! It really is about sex for you isn't it?"

	"No. No, it's not, but you have to admit, it's pretty damn good-"

	She nodded, swallowing a whole new wave of blasting laughter, trying to compose herself. "-even if you do say so yourself!"

	Winking, he knocked back the rest of his drink, slamming the glass down again. "Want another?"

	She stared at him, raising her eyebrow suggestively as she lifted her glass and glugged back the remainder of the liquid questioning "Who can resist Sex On The Beach?" before pushing her glass towards him. He took it, swinging his leg over the bench.

	"I don't know, fancy a trip down Southend to find out?"

	"Not funny!"

	When he got back, Sharon had wandered across the lawn and was settled on a garden swing, just off from the kids play area, kicking off gently from the floor and wiggling her toes as she moved.

	"Having fun?" Dennis teased, gesturing that he had the drinks, setting them down on the ground and flopping down next to her, his arm falling across her shoulders.

	"I am now." she replied, nestling against his chest, swinging her legs up alongside her and leaving the force of movement to the tapping of Dennis' foot as they moved forwards and then back.

	As she sighed heavily, Dennis looked concernedly to her, pulling her closer. "What is it?"

	She dropped her hand against his thigh, tracing patterns with her fingertip. "Nothing... it's just... this is too-"

	"Rusty?" he offered, noting the creaking of the structure. 

	She gave him a tight smile. "-too perfect. I wish it could be like this all the time..."

	"Oh, baby, I know." He took her hand, entwining their fingers and kissing her hair. "One day eh?"

	"One day soon?"

	"Name your day. Can't wait to tell everyone..."

	"Don't say it like that." she whispered weakly. "It's not gonna be easy."

	"I know that too. But as long as I have you, I can take it. I can take anything."

	"Oh I don't know." she continued, teasing him. "Pauline's pretty lethal with a frying pan-"

	His laughter drifted over Sharon like silk, awakening her every sense and making her skin tingle.

	"Let her try."

	"I couldn't. She'd hurt you, and I love you too much to let anything happen to you."

	Dennis could feel his cheeks flush as she dropped her head into his lap, wriggling round onto her back, shrieking as the swing moved beneath her, but smiling up at him as she settled, her stomach flipping as those beautiful eyes searched her face.

	"I don't know what I did to deserve you." he murmured lovingly, pushing wisps of hair back from her face.

	"Well maybe you'll just have to do it tonight eh?"

	He groaned, lifting his hand from Sharon's hair and scrunching it into a fist. "The Ball!"

	"Yeah...?" she said slowly, before letting out a nervous laugh. "Dennis, you knew that-"

	"I don't wanna.... bloody hell... the dancing...."

	"Hey hey, what happened to feeling like "that bloke outta Dirty Dancing"?"

	"Shut up!" he smirked, pulling on strands of her hair. "I... I... dance with you.... I don't wanna be making a fool of myself with random bloody strangers!"

	"Oh, but you're the club's biggest attraction!"

	"Piss off!" he laughed.

	"Well darlin', are you blind? You can dance! They're gonna love you!"

	"I don't want them to love me... I want you to."

	"You know I do."

	But he ignored her, pouting. "I won't get to dance with you will I? Between being your "biggest attraction" and making it look like I'm into every woman there when she only wants me for my cock-"

	"Well don't we all?"

	"Stop it!" he demanded, pulling on her hair again as she creased into fits of giggles. "Dirty cow, I meant cocktails!" He was trying to sound angry, but he gave himself away with the look on his face, his lips stretched out into a smirk as he tried to hold back a burst of laughter.

	"Course you did baby. But you and me both know that they ain't the only thing you can shake!"

	"Sharon!"

	Striking her lightly on the top of her head with the flat of his hand, she sang out an exaggerated "Owww!" as she struggled into an upright position.

	"I... wanna be able to touch you and not have to worry about it... I mean, the other night, they were all wasted-"

	Leaning forwards to retrieve her drink from the ground, Sharon gulped some back, gasping. "Agh - and they will be again if you're dishing these out!"

	"Oh no, see-" he reached over and pulled the glass from her hand, cheekily taking a sip himself. "Sex On The Beach... well it's reserved for special people..."

	She rolled her head back, cackling. It was infectious, and soon he was shaking with laughter too.

	"You are such a dirty bastard!"

	"Yeah well-" Tucking strands of her hair lazily behind her ear and revealing her lobe, he leant close and murmured "-it's just as well you're a special person."

	"Oh well, I am honoured!" She pulled back from his arms, swinging her hair across her shoulders, raising a moan from behind her.

	"See what I mean? How am I meant to spend all night with you tonight and not touch you when you look as good as this?"

	Before she could question him, she felt his hot mouth kiss its way slowly down her neck, and instantly, the moan that had previously been his came from her own mouth, deep and lustful.

	"So.... you wanna dance huh?"

	"Maybe." he mumbled, not moving from his occupation against her skin.

	"C'mon then!" She pulled on his hand and rose. He reluctantly let her pull him up and lead him across the lawn. She smiled as they weaved their way between the tables, people looking up with interest from their drinks and apparently muttering about the pair of them to their companions. They hadn't been forgotten just yet then. Sharon looked over her shoulder at Dennis, who was amused to find that having a woman kiss you in public (even when they didn't know she was your supposed sister!) could generate so much behind-the-hand gossiping. 

	But still he let her lead him, his gaze caught half between the grass he was covering as he walked and admiring her behind. Realising she was pulling him up the stairs towards the deserted terrace, nerves stirred in his stomach. She was gonna put them both on show... again. Kissing her publicly didn't worry him, nor had the idea of dancing before now, but these were strangers.

	Oh f*ck, oh f*ck, oh f*ckity-f*cking-f*ck!

	He tried to concentrate of something other than the inveitable, instead watching the delicious swing of her hips as she climbed the stairs, her hand gently sweeping up the banister.

	He stepped up onto the terrace, taking in an apprehensive breath of air and rolling his shoulders back. Sharon was looking out across the whole lawn, laughing quietly to herself before spinning on her heel; and tilting her head flashed him just the smallest flicker of a smile, more suggestive than anything she had said or done all day. Dennis felt his stomach drop as she stepped up against him, the pads of her thumbs pressing into his jacket as she pulled him forward, bruising her lips against his.

	"Wait here."

	Sharon disappeared into the bar, leaving Dennis to shuffle nervously from one foot to the other, trying to dispel the idea that everyone down on the lawn was watching him. He didn't even dare raise his eyes from the floor, preferring to root pointlessly round in his pockets and wonder what it was Sharon was doing and when she would return. She was, he thought, not for a moment doubting her cruellness, probably going to gather an audience that consisted of everyone within a five mile radius, so she'd be an hour at least.

	But she returned almost immediately, softly calling his name. As softly spoken as she was however, it didn't stop him whirling round in alarm, the knot extremely prominent in his stomach. 

	"Sh-Sharon... what's going on?"
	
	A gentle laugh bubbled from her lips. "Well... if baby wants to dance, baby's gonna dance."

 	She strode across the terrace, lifting his quaking hand and slipping her fingers through. As if it was by some instinct now, his other hand seemed to fall against her hip. Gazing up into his face, she saw a nervous flicker of a smile.

	"Uh... I know I haven't seen that film as many times as you have darlin', but I'm pretty sure that that ain't the guy..."

	She stretched up on her toes and left a kiss just below his ear, whispering, "Shut up. Dance with me."

	She nestled into his arms, swinging her hips, and was pleased to feel him move with her, their gazes not faltering from each other. He guffawed into her hair as he heard the otherwise gentle song float out onto the terrace, amplied massively by the abilities of the jukebox just off from the bar. Of course!

	Pulling her hand high, she span underneath, her gaze still coming round and locking with his. She was totally capitivated by him.

	Lying in my bed, I hear the clock tick
	And think of you
	Caught up in circles, confusion
	Is nothing new

	She stepped back into a lunge, her heart melting as he pulled her hand that little bit higher, brushing his lips tenderly against the back, making her skin prickle. She tried to ignore the devestatingly cute smile he gave her after that, this mischievous look taking over those glittering emerald pools that made her stomach wriggle.

	Flashback, warm nights
	Almost left behind
	Suitcase of memories
	Time after

	She span towards him, pressing hard against his chest. He'd caught her underneath her thigh and was holding her against his hip, pushing against her hand and forcing her down into an arc before she straightened her back and felt a tight twinge in her calf muscles as he lifted her a little, spinning her round, his heel clicking loudly across the floor. As she brought her foot back to the floor, Sharon bit back a whimper of protest, wanting to savour his touch. He obliged for the briefest moment, bowing his head and meeting her soft lips.

	Sometimes, you picture me
	I'm walking too far ahead
	You're calling to me
	I can't hear what you've said
	Then you say, go slow
	I fall behind
	
	Slipping his hands into hers again he stepped slowly back, the delicate lacing together of their fingers splitting. He span away from her, and actually half jumped up against one of the benches, twisting his hips so as he hit the floor again, he met Sharon's gaze, gulping back his anticipation. She smiled, apparently impressed, striding forwards to meet him halfway across the terrace. His arm came around her waist, and she span beneath his hand, feeling the back of his hand press into her spine, encouraging the smoothness of her movement, before pulling her round into a gentle waltz.

	The second hand unwinds
	If you're lost, you can look
	And you will find me
	Time after time
	If you fall, I will catch you
	I will be waiting
	Time after time.

	Keeping hold of just one hand, he raised it high, as the other fell to her side and she obediently span, her back pressing against his chest, feeling his warm breath dancing across her neck as he nestled into her shoulder, stroking his cheek with her hand. Straightening up, he pulled Sharon, and, looping her arm around his neck, revelled in the sensation of the soft winds against her face as she leant back into his arms, the sky seeming further and further away as she came closer to the floor, as ever, just stopping short of the floor, held up only by the man she trusted so faithfully.

	Standing tall again, she let the music wash over her, and was relieved to see he didn't try for any more moves, his hands sliding into the small of her back and allowing her to wrap herself entirely around him, her hand creeping up his back and hooking over his shoulder, without a word of protest.

	After my picture fades
	And darkness has turned to grey
	
	She looked up and before he could raise a smile in wordless reply, she brushed a kiss she had leant on her fingertips against his lips, which was met by the release of a happy smiling sigh.
	
	You're watching through windows
	And wondering if I'm OK

	"There's something about dancing with you darlin'-" he whispered, more mumbling and giving her a challenge; she was having to study those perfect lips to decipher his words. "-everytime, you... I just... I want you so badly..."

	Secrets stolen from deep inside
	The drum beats out of time

	She raised her eyebrows flirtatiously, letting him know that she had heard him as she stepped back into a lunge, pressing one hand into his hip and the other to his face, caressing the soft sweep of his cheek with her thumb before feeling him pull her down again, his arm falling down her back.

	If you're lost, you can look
	And you will find me
	Time after time
	If you fall, I will catch you
	I will be waiting
	Time after time
	Time after time
	Time after time
	Time after time

	He leant over her grinning; "So.... Southend?"

	Taking in the promise within those eyes, she shot back, "On your bike mate!" fearing for her balance before disregarding that point as trivial and bruising his mouth tellingly with hers.

	"Mmmm. I'll race ya then."  

	

	The hour to Southend that meant Sharon was nestled against his warm back astride the bike was as thrilling as the last time, though happily, the knot in her stomach was lessened somewhat. She just enjoyed watching smiles creep across his lips every time she whispered to him, or her hands fell back into his lap. He wasn't so much laughing as scolding her as she started quietly singing verses from "Bat Out Of Hell" everytime they went through a tunnel or even so much as round a corner. 

	He'd mutter out of the side of his mouth, and she'd whimper, that pathetically sweet whimper she knew meant he would forgive her anything. But she did stop, on occassions, to tell him she loved him, or that she was loving being with him, and sometimes she didn't speak at all, moaning as she tilted her head back, revelling once more in the sensation of the rushing winds viciously lapping at her skin. That's when Dennis would deliberately go that little bit faster so she'd squeal, so he'd hear the beautiful sound again, feels her arms tight around him, begging him to "Stop it darlin'! I'm scared, I'm scared!" Maybe it was wrong, but it was one hell of an ego trip.

	They stopped on the sea front, at which point, he felt her press her cheek into his back, sighing heavily. She was apparently loathe to stop. Ah, he knew she loved it really.

	Pulling the key from the ignition, he stuffed into his pocket and swung his leg round, which earnt him another moan, though this time, it was most definitely one of displeasure.

	She fought her way into his arms, feeling his every toned muscle press into her. "Remind me what we're doing here again-" she asked thickly. She heard the laugh that escaped him with the smile that greeted her as she looked up.

	But he didn't say what she had expected to hear - after all, she was well aware what they were doing here!

	"Ice cream?"  
	
	"You're teasing me."

	"No," he replied, unaware that in a bid to retain this false look of innocence, he was actually fluttering his eyelashes at her, making her smile. "I'm not... I'll even let you have a flake if you want."

	Whacking him in the stomach with the back of her hand, she shook her disbelieving laughter away, slipping her arm across his back and giggling as he pulled her as close as was possible, continually dropping kisses on her head as they walked. God, it felt so good to be able to do that - finally, she was just his girlfriend. Nothing else mattered apart from how close they could be. No-one was gonna look at them like they were freaks, unless of course Sharon's giggling got any louder!

	Somehow stumbling upon an ice cream parlour about a quarter of a mile up the prom, Sharon looked excitedly around, but as she caught sight of Dennis' evident smirk, she creased into fits again, and he turned towards her, rushing his thumbs against her cheekbones and tilting her chin just so her lips were more readily available, and they seemed to crash into one of the chrome tables set up outside, laughing and squealing as they kinda fell on top of each other, hardly managing to secure one chair! Sharon clung desperately onto him, drilling her fingernails into the base of his neck, scared that she would fall. But that wasn't going to happen, he wanted to touch her too much. He wriggled underneath her, so she was sat more on his lap than on his hip and she couldn't contain herself, pulling back from his mouth (and that was a shame in itself, cos he'd just been about to try for the tongue; oh he hated being beaten at that!)

	"What?"

	"You! What are you trying to do to me?"

	"For me to know and for you to find out..."

	"Stop it!" she whispered, as a waitress approached, giving them weird looks because Dennis, completely ignoring the warning, had begun nuzzling Sharon's neck.

	Sharon tried to smile at her and pretend like nothing was happening, taking the menu from her and scanning it.

	"We'll, er, make up any... erm... extras... for you..." the waitress, whose pin told Sharon was called Lizzy. Poor girl was trying to not look directly at her.

	"Mmm, OK. Oooh, knickerbockerglories, I have to get one, I haven't had one since I was a kid! Dennis? Uh... Dennis?"

	"Wha'?"

	"What d'you want?"

	He just laughed, his lips not moving a milimetre from her skin.

	"Better make that two spoons then. With, er... extra fudge, chocolate sprinkles-"

	Dennis stopped, just for a moment. "Bloody hell, why don't you just scoff two and be done with it?"

	"Mmmm!" she mused, tightening the muscles in her face to hold her face in a way that said she was really amused. "And cream..." she continued slowly, staring at Dennis so he took in the flicker of her lips, even though she wasn't actually addressing him, dropping the menu across the table.

	 "Don't you realise you're gonna be wearing knickerbockers if you carry on like that?"

	"Well that's attractive!"

	"It is from where I'm sitting." 

	She grinned and leant in towards him, feeling him capture her bottom lip between his own, sucking on it gently and then ramming his tongue into her mouth before she thought she could get the better of him. She moaned into his kiss, fighting him just because she could, working deep into his mouth. It took them several minutes before either considered coming up for air, by which time, Lizzy was back at their table, setting down the knickerbockerglory, which was about two foot high not including the cloud of cream on top.

	"It's... er... here." she mumbled, putting the spoons down with a clink.

	"Ahh, leave 'em lovie!" Lizzy turned to the address of an elderly lady sat at the next table, who then said, nodding knowingly. "Honeymooners."

	That definitely got Sharon & Dennis' attention! Breaking off hurriedly from her kiss, Dennis looked over at the woman, utterly stunned, amused that Lizzy had just nodded back, taking the information as gospel and scuttled over to serve less embarrassing customers! Sharon just laughed, resting her forehead against his and staring into his eyes.

	"She- She think we're married!" he stammered.

	"I know! Hilarious isn't it? Who said romance was dead eh? Travelled forty whole miles on that bike for this honeymoon darlin'."

	"That was probably like a round-the-world cruise in her day!"

	"Mmmm, can't quite see her on the bike though!"

	"Oh stop!" He couldn't help but grimace, putting up his hands to try and push the very idea away.

	"Make me."

	"Oh, like that is it? Fine!" He leant across her and dipped his finger into the cream. She squealed as it came nearer but knew she was going nowhere and ended up with cream all the way up her nose. He smirked as he surveyed his handiwork. "That was for what you did with your drink earlier!"

	"Oh!" she cried innocently, trying to suppress a laugh that would give her completely away. "You're so looking to not be getting any aren't you?"

	Snatching up a spoon and twisting it right down into the bottom of the glass, it re-emerged heaped with jelly, fruit, fudge and ice cream. He shovelled it straight into his mouth, Sharon laughing at him as the jelly slid off and splattered onto the table, leaving trails of ice cream on the surface.

	"Getting plenty thanks darlin'."

	"Yeah, you mean you will be once you've figured out where your mouth is!" She snatched the spoon off him just before he'd scoffed a particularly large chunk of fudge she was determined to have for her own.

	"That sounds like an offer I can't refuse!" he whispered silkily, wiping the cream off her nose with his finger and sliding it into his mouth.

	"Stop it! Here, shove this in there!" And she rammed the replensished spoon back into his mouth, smirking as he gagged on the troblesome chopped nuts hitting the back of his throat.

	"Oww! Cheers darlin'-" he choked. "-no need to be so gentle!"

	"I'll remember that!" she replied, putting down the spoon and grabbing a serviette to clean off her nose.

	"Mmmm, please do!" he smiled, finally catching his breath and raising a suggestive eyebrow.

	Guffawing, she caught her plan around his jaw and peppered his lips with kisses as she spoke. "You... are - a - very - bad... man!"

	But in the next moment:

	"Mmmm!" she murmured, blanching her lips. "And you taste like chocolate sauce."

	He heaped up the spoon again and tilted it against her so she opened her mouth a fraction. "Now that is an idea!"

	"Enough!" she laughed, pushing the spoon away and getting up. Dennis slouched forward and looked her up and down appreciatively, realising her gaze had fallen to his groin. God, she was so perfect. But when she saw that he was looking at her the way he was, that little glint in his eye, she composed herself and tilted her chin defiantly, pulling on his hand and dragging him to his feet.

	"No!" she giggled as she found his mouth mashed against hers again. "Not yet!"

	"How can you be so cruel?"

	She ignored him, and pulled a wrinkled ten pound note from her bag, dropping it onto the table next to the barely touched dessert

	"Sharon!"

	"What?!" Then she saw the way his mouth was gaping at the note and she snatched up his hand. "It's only money Dennis. Christ, let the poor girl put the rest towards therapy! Now, come on - I've got plans for you!"

	"Donkeys?"

	"Yeah."

	"Oh no! No, no, no, no, NO!"

	Sharon was trying hard not to laugh, really she was. Because he was looking at her, trying so hard to make it seem look like he was nonplussed when she could actually see untold fear in his eyes.

	"Dennis, this is the beach - you can't come to the beach and not go on the donkeys - it's practically illegal!"

	He licked his lips nervously, staring at the floor for a moment before looking up at her again. "I've broken the law before Sharon, and I'm alright with doing it again - there's no way you're getting me on one of them!"

	"Oh but, look at them!" she cried, patting one on the nose. "They're so cute. How can you say that-" She quickly read the headband. "-Posh isn't cute?"

	"Posh?" Dennis hissed disapprovingly, stepping up next to Sharon. God, they were loads of them, all trying to butt their way into the bales of hay. His stomach was twisting in on itself, they were repulsive.

	"That's right." came a gruff and heavy voice from his left which made him jump. Sharon had left go of half a blast of laughter before she checked herself, squeezing Dennis' hand.

	The bloke, who had grey curls and rumpled greasy skin, lazily chewing on something as he tilted his wide straw hat by way of a welcome, leant past them to pat the donkey stood next to Posh. Dennis leapt back.

	"And this 'ere is Becks."

	"Well that's original!" Dennis said, snorting out a laugh. "And I suppose that's Kylie & Jason and that's Brad & Angelina?"

	"Nah. That's Jen. Had her for a few years now. No plans to trade her in..."

	Shaking his head disbelievingly, he cried "I was joking!"

	The bloke just stared at him, his eyes cold. He chewed pointedly. He obviously didn't find it funny. He didn't look like he found much funny.

	"Sharon-" Dennis tried desperately to shake off the whole creepy image of the guy and looked desperately to her. "I'm not doing this.

	She scanned his face, and saw his lips quiver as he tried to give off the impression he had no reasoning. But she gasped.

	"You're scared!"

	"I am not!" he bleated a little too readily.

	"I don't believe this. I get on a sodding motorbike with you - clinging to you screaming when you're doing eighty on a motorway and you're scared of a donkey?"

	She wanted to sound angry, but the urge to laugh was too great.

	"Oh, my poor darlin' - scared of the little donkey-wonkey!"

	"You're gonna be wonkey in a minute if you don't shut it!" he muttered, feeling himself flush.

	"Excuse us a sec!" she puffed to the guy, dispersing her laughter with a wave of the hand and pulling Dennis away across the sand, slamming him against the wall and wrapping her arms around his neck.

	"It's not funny!"

	"It is, how can you be scared of a donkey?"

	"Well, look at 'em, they're like multilated ponies with a follicle problem! God... all that hair." He gagged as though he'd gotten some of the hair stuck in his throat. "And I practically got trampled by one of them little bastards when I was a kid!"

	"Eh?"

	She pulled back as his arm came down, pulling up his jumper, tracing out a line across his stomach.

	"Massive bruise all across there for about two months! Killed, couldn't sit down, couldn't stand up... couldn't even piss without crying!"

	"Oh, poor baby!" she simpered, sliding down his form and kissing her way all along the area he had pointed out. 

	Biting back a moan at just the feel of her mouth, he managed to stammer "W-What are you d--doing?"

	Then she gazed up at him, her hands pressed into his calves. "If you do this... " she said sweetly. "I promise.... next time... I'll go lower..."

	"Oh you will, will ya?"

	"Have I ever lied to you?" she asked as she got up again, taking his hand and pulling him back towards the dreaded donkeys. "C'mon!"

	

	And yes, she managed to get him on the donkey. He pointlessly argued with her as they were trying to pick out a pair of poor things to break. Kylie & Jason were immediately out the question. Dennis said he thought the idea of the perm Sharon had had would put her off Kylie, so giving him a slap, they carried on walking round. Meeting Sharky & George, he'd stared at the floor, snorting out another laugh, muttering "They're the masters of the seeeea!" earning him another odd look off the creepy guy.

	They'd settled on Ren & Stimpy. Sharon's hand over Dennis' hand like he was three and not thirty, he'd even managed to stroke Ren, his hand quivering as it slid over all that disgustingly bristly hair. ("It's like a bloody bog brush!" he'd cried, trying to pull his hand away.)

	Fearing his response had she answered "And how do you know what a bog brush feels like? You're not meant to touch them you twat!" Sharon preferred to crease into fits as he'd gone on to warble "Stiiimpy! You eeeediot!" 

	"What are you on?"

	"I dunno!" he'd grinned back, obviously very amused too. "But I can tell you now there ain't no way you're getting me on an animal called Stimpy. I do still have some self-respect y'know."

	"Course you do."

	Climbing onto a donkey was almost easier than getting onto the bike although Sharon was pretty sure she heard Dennis wince and saw him tenderly rub his side. Bless him, traumatised by a donkey.

	Sharon's balance was awful. Last time she'd been on a donkey, she'd been about ten stone lighter and thirty years younger! But it was hilarious, they just seemed to keep going round in circles, calling out insults to each other that they couldn't help but laugh away. The ride was too shaky to care much about anything than staying upright, and that sentiment definitely showed in Dennis' face, his eyes wide and a nervous laugh always caught on his lips.

	"Wow, wow, Jesus mate, calm down..."

	He slowed up at the earliest available opportunity and leapt off, backing away. Sharon laughed as she drew up next to Ren.

	"What are you laughin' at?" he challenged, striding over to her and swinging her off the donkey, making her squeal.

	"Dennis! Stop it, put me down!"

	"Awww, you're no fun!"

	And just to prove his point, he kissed her, pushing his tongue into the depths of her mouth, feeling hers move into his, teasing him.

	"No fun at all."

	"Mmm, is that right?"

	Cupping her face with his hands, he tilted her head, directing a kiss at her forehead. Or so Sharon thought. But she felt the kiss against her eyelids, her eyelashes tickling his lip as they flickered in surprise.

	"Yep. That's right."

	

	Ten minutes later, and having walked up the pier hand in hand, knowing they didn't have to avoid each other's eye, or try to not look so obvious, they found themselves halfway up the pier, sat on a bench. Well, Sharon was sat. Dennis was lain out, his head in her lap like it was a pillow. And it felt good, it felt so good. He could just admire the state of the clouds, the sky, and she could smile, tenderly pulling her fingers through his hair.

	"We must look stupid." he murmured softly, a smirk playing on his lips that told her he was too relaxed here to care. So she just laughed it away.

	"No, we don't. We look like honeymooners remember?"

	The fingers of her left hand, tapping a rhythm out against his chest were seized by one of his own idle hands and he spread her fingers, stroking the bare wedding finger. "D'you... D'you think we ever will be?"

	"Bloody hell Dennis. Not even two weeks ago, all you wanted to do was dance with me; and now you wanna marry me?"

	"If we get to have days like this..."

	"Oh baby... no-one even knows about us yet. Give it... Give it a couple of months eh?"

	"That means years then."

	Watching his face fall, she nudged him. Where was all this coming from anyway? Weddings? That seemed way too heavy for Dennis, even as just a passing thought! But it scared her too much to think on it, so she did the next best thing and made light of the situation.

	"Don't you go all dejected on me now. Just cos I made you go near a donkey-"

	"Get on a donkey." he corrected, shuddering. "There's a world of difference!"

	"Awww, and here was me gonna book some up for the wedding-"

	She giggled as his lips twisted into this sloping smile. "Mmm, you know what? I don't think I'm ever gonna wanna marry you at this rate!"

	"Oh!" she cried dramatically. "Oh no, Dennis, please don't leave me!"

	He slid his fingers slowly through hers. "As if I would. Not yet anyway... I'm on a promise as I remember it."

	Sharon raised an eyebrow. Nothing he came out with could surprise her anymore. "Oh you are, are you?"

	"Yeah. I am. I've been on my best behaviour all day-"

	"Oooh, you lying git!" she scolded, pressing her nails into the back of his hand to make him wince as she held his hand.

	"What?!"

	But she shook it away with a smile, unable to stop herself giggling. But then, she drew in breath and collected herself, just gazing down into his beautiful face. He really was beautiful, and she coulda watched the way the sunlight went across his face forever. He had to squint against its evasion, and that tense look of concentration made Sharon's heart melt. She sighed contentedly, and felt him shift in her lap and suddenly he was looking up at her, those glittering eyes questioning her, his lips flickering without expelling words.

	"You make me so happy y'know." she told him gently.

	"What?" he said again, although this time, he said it with utter disbelief in his voice rather than feigned innocence. "Don't be stupid."

	"Why's that stupid?"

	"Me? Making you happy? Sharon, how the hell would I do that?"

	"By being here! Here with me... like this. You don't need to know how, you just need to know you're doing it-"

	"No-" be began, baffled. "Tell me. What am I doing?"

	Sharon felt the heat prickling in her cheeks. She was embarrassed, but then, maybe she didn't care.

	"Alright. You're lying here... you're holding my hand... you're telling everyone you're with me. You're looking at me, with that tiny little smile in the corner of your mouth... the one I always wanna kiss... and you're telling me you'll never stop me. And that's great, cos I'll never want you to."

	"Well, maybe I just like indulging you-"

	"Yeah..." she shot back flirtatiously. "...and maybe you just like the rampant sex that usually follows hmm?"

	He writhed happily in her lap for a moment as he let the memory of such sensations pass through him. "God, I love it when you talk like that."

	Sharon raised her eyebrow, questioning him, although the smirk playing on her lips told Dennis there wasn't really much point delivering an answer, even though he couldn't resist.

	"You... talking to me about... about us."

	"I can do more than just talk to you Dennis. You know that."

	He chuckled. tilting his head that little further back against her lap as she twisted his tousles around her finger. "I know you can. I just... hearing you say it... after everything... y'know?"

	"Well, darlin', sex is always gonna be sex... it doesn't matter when... or where... or how-"

	He wiggled her hand. "Er... no. I think you'll find that the "how" is actually very important. There are many, many different ways in which to..."

	"What have you been doing - reading the bloody Karma Sutra?"

	"No... although now you mention it, that is a bloody good idea-"

	"Oh no! I'm sure you've got plenty of, er... imagination."

	"Of course I have!" And he lifted his other hand, counting off the ideas as he raised them. "There's the chocolate sauce... the cream-"

	Sharon guffawed, feeling herself shake as the laughter took hold. "That bloody ice cream!"

	"Mmm, tasted good on you though, you know that?"

	"I don't care what it tasted like, now c'mon, get off!"

	And she wriggled underneath him, trying to force him up. He resisted for as long as he could, but eventually, he had to admit he was beat and get up, racing her all the way up the pier and into the pavillion.

	Squealing as she tried to avoid him, Sharon felt Dennis slam up against her, his laughter coming out with great, heaving gasps as he reached out, curling his arms around her and steadying her.

	"Hey... you didn't think you were getting away from me did you?"

	"Nah! C'mon... what we doing?"

	"I have absolutely no idea! I'm not good with this sort of thing-" he admitted, nestling into her shoulder.

	"Better not risk the ghost train then eh? There might be.... donkeys!"

	He pressed the hand she was clutching roughly into her stomach to make his presence felt. "You are so looking for a-"

	"Please don't finish that sentence!" And without another word she pulled him round the floor, taking in everything and spending a good five minutes telling him he wasn't allowed to go into the under-twelve's play area - whatever he thought he could do to her in the ball pool!

	He got rather nervous as she stopped, pointedly glancing between him and the dancing stage, which he had already seen had previously been occupied by a couple of teenage girls in bikinis losing their flip flops in their haste to keep up with the floor flashing an alarming green underneath them.

	"What?" he asked, even though it was probably best if he didn't dare.

	"I will if you will!"

	"Not even if I was pissed!"

	She pretended to gasp in horror. "What, so now I have to ply my own boyfriend with drink just to get him to dance with me?"

	Laughing, he shook his head. "That's not dancing Sharon; that's making an absolute tit of my-" Then he stopped, realising what he had heard. "Boyfriend?"

	"Sorry." Sharon rolled her eyes, lifting her hands and making quote marks in the air. "Partner."

	He pulled her hands down again, feeling her fingers slip instinctively through his again. "Nah. I think I like boyfriend better."

	"Yeah, I bet you do. Probably reminds you of ramming your tongue down a different girl's throat behind the youth club every Friday night!"

	He raised his eyebrow dubiously. "Youth club? Sharon by the time I was old enough for youth club, I was already in all the pubs-"

	"-pulling barmaids!"

	"Well, yeah-" His warmth breath tickled the inside of her ear and he stooped and whispered; "Ain't it just typical that the best one's the last one?"

	"Oi! I own that club in case you'd forgotten!"

	"How could I, you're a bloody slave-driver! I swear you get off on ordering us all about!"

	Cocking her head to one side, she stared at him, this wicked smile playing on her lips. "Course I do. And I'm ordering you to dance!"

	"Oooh, and what are you gonna do about it?" he teased, leaning in and kissing her quickly, before obediently stepping up on the stage.

	"Well, at least now, I won't have to give you the push!" she stated with a smirk as she stood next to him.

	He looked her up and down and realised she was having trouble balancing. "Ha, never mind me making a tit of myself - you're gonna go flying in them darlin'!"

	"Oh you reckon do ya?" And though he shot back a look that said yeah, he did reckon, she wasn't fazed. She wasn't about to be underestimated, especially not by Dennis. The music started to blare around them, vibrating through the flashing tiles, and she tried to follow where the screen told her she was meant to be going, all she found herself doing was bumping into Dennis, who barely managed to steady her because he was doing as bad as he thought he would be. They were laughing hysterically before the first verse was done, jumping across the little stage to try and keep in time, even though they knew by now they were going to completely the wrong tiles. Pretty soon, they didn't care where they were meant to be going and were dancing round anyway.

	This thing called love
	I just can't handle it
	This thing called love
	I must get round to it
	I ain't ready
	Crazy little thing called love.
	  
	"Given up then?" he teased, pulling her close. She leant against him, and was comforted by the pumping of his chest, even though she couldn't help but retort

	"Not knackered already are you Dennis? This is gonna be a long night you know..."

	"Hmmm, that's what's keeping me going!"

	"Oh, so you are knackered?"

	He just stared at her without saying a word and pushed her back, straightening her arms. She seemed to understand straightaway and began swinging her hips, pleased to see that as ever, he was countering her every action. Looking like a tit; but having so much fun. She jumped forwards and then back before he'd stolen her hand and spun her round, jumping back and kicking out a leg before pulling her harder against him and revelling in the sensation of her grinding against him, going so low that the ridges of her spine jutted into his navel. Luckily, there was just a split second before he was level with her, although he'd have much preferred to prolong the previous moment and let her go lower.

	This thing called love
	It cries in a cradle all night
	It swings and it jives
	It shakes all over like a jellyfish
	I kinda like it
	Crazy little thing called love

	Leaping from the stage in a great spin that made Sharon laugh (and hope that he might stumble just to teach him for being such a show-off) he turned back to her and waited for her to wrap her arms around his neck before swinging her to the floor. Steady, she took up his hands and raised them above their heads, and they both span continually underneath this arch, laughing every time their eyes met, the blood swirling in their heads. When they could take no more, his arms fell around her back once more, pushing her down, the most perfect arc forming in her back as he swung her from left to right. As she straightened her back, Dennis released one of her hands, diving underneath the other, spinning round on one knee as he met the floor. She was definitely impressed, her expression softening into a look of adoration as his lips brushed the back of her hand. 

	There goes my baby
	She knows how to rock n' roll
	She drives me crazy
	She gives me hot and cold fever
	Then she leaves me in a cool, cool sweat

	 Oh where was the part of her that would have called this corny? She was looking for it and drawing nothing but a blank, too swept up in it. She loved dancing with him too much. Clicking her fingers as she watched his hips, she was suddenly aware of his pulling her into a hold and laughing as they moved into a step sequence, swinging side to side. Sharon span round, his hands on her hips again immediately. As he ground into her, she wrapped her arms around his neck, with a suggestive smile and met him each time, til he lifted her up again, letting go of a throaty laugh as he listened to her squeal in surprise.

	I gotta be cool, relax
	Get hip, get on my track
	Take a back seat, hitchhike
	Take a long, long ride on my motorbike
	Til I'm ready
	Crazy little thing called love.

	When she came down again, she did a half turn to his side, clicking her fingers and watching the spell-binding movement of his feet as they swaggered forwards. Then he turned against her, his fingers splayed on her hips, enjoying the movement, pressed hard into her, leaning forwards just past her shoulder and back, his own hips rolling into her, forcing her to step forwards, and round before they leapt apart, Dennis extending his hand and pulling her in, spinning til she came up against his chest, swaying her roughly, her hair swinging wildly about her shoulders.

	There goes my baby
	She knows how to rock n' roll
	She drives me crazy
	She gives me hot and cold fever.
	Then she leaves me in a cool, cool sweat

	Sharon was too close now for Dennis to let go, revelling in the sound of her heaving breaths. He clutched at her hand, feeling her sweat mingle uncomfortably with his, but still not caring enough to continue... to do anything except kiss her, feeling that her lips were cracked and dry, that they needed him...

	Sharon pulled Dennis around the rest of the pavillion, laughing everytime they got an odd look off a little kid or their parent. They'd obviously caused a bit of a stir with their little display, and though she noticed him go pink and stare at the floor quite often, she just laughed it softly away, squeezing his hand that little bit tighter. He became determined to win her a teddy bear out of one of the claw machines. She'd shaken her head, trying to make him see that they were designed cons and that he wouldn't manage it. He saw that as a challenge, and spent well over twenty minutes jabbing furiously at the few buttons, cursing under his breath. 

	So she'd stepped back, leaning against the glass and ignoring his calls for her to get out of the way. She was having too much fun admiring the way his jeans strained over his buttocks as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

	She was fighting the urge to lean forward and pinch it when a loud clanking just past her knee told her he'd finally done it. He'd won the teddy. He stooped to collect it, smirking at her as he straightened his back and delivered it into her hands.

	"Won't manage it eh?"

	Sharon snorted a laugh as she stroked the soft glossy bear. "And how much did it cost you to get him hmmm? About a tenner?"

	"Did it though didn't I?"

	"Yes, alright, you did it." And she stepped up to him, pressing her lips against his. "Thank you."

	And she wandered off before he had even realised she was gone, too busy savouring her kiss. When he opened his eyes again however, he caught sight of her almost immediately, pushing her way through the stile into the crazy house. When she turned round, grinning at him, he raced over, jumping over the stile and pushing her against the wall as soon as he had touched her.

	"Mmmm!" Sharon squealed, trying to fight off his lips and somehow just not managing it. "Dennis!"

	"Wha'?"

	"You're a... mmm... show-off, that's what!"

	So Dennis pulled back, pushing out his bottom lip just a fraction, toying with the little teddy bear Sharon still held. "Aww honey, don't you love me anymore?"

	 "You know I do, and that's just my trouble!" she muttered, slipping past him and stepping onto the turntable, gripping the pole and stumbling, creating an amused throaty chuckle from Dennis as he joined her.

	"So now I'm not just your boyfriend, I'm your trouble an' all?"

	"Got it in one!"

	"Oh, you are so looking for a- get back here!"

	But Sharon refused, shaking her head and squealing as she bolted up the moving staircase to get away from him. "No! No, Dennis, don't-"

	"Too late darlin'!" he called, leaping up the neighbouring immobile stairs three at a time. "You want trouble, I'll give you trouble!"

	When she saw that he was barricading her way, or at least he would be when she was within touching distance, she made a quick assessment with darting eyes. She could go to the left and veer into the wall to surrender to him, or she could go to the right, out onto the landing. She quickly chose right, and he realised as much almost immediately, and lunged at her with a laugh, but she wrestled him away, her heels clicking noisely against the floor and screaming in surprise as the air vent began to hiss and the cloud of rising air exploded underneath her.

	Dennis leapt back in alarm and watched her as she pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the desperate hammering of her heart underneath. But he laughed and purposely dodged the vents as he rushed at her. She caught his eye and ran quickly, her chest still tight as she pushed her way through the swirling cylinders, the movement of their pattern making her head spin. She realised a second too late that she had stepped onto a moving disc and slumped against the pole, having to drag herself up again. Dragging in a breath, she opened her eyes and realised Dennis was stood right in front of her, his hand pressed lazily around the pole. She almost screamed again, her stomach wriggling as a little smirk crept out across his lips. But instead, she turned, stumbling towards the next pole.

	"Uh uh, not so fast Sharon!"

	"Leave me alone!" she sang out childishly as she was spun in his direction.

	"What, and miss out on the thrill of the chase? No chance, can't wait to see you and Rupert there go flying!" 

	"Oh, and I love you too!"

	"Then why don't you come over here and say that?"

	"Oh, so now you want me to say it?"

	"Amongst other things, yeah."

	She jumped forwards, straightening her back before sliding through the door to the staircase. "Don't think so honey."

	The last thing she saw was his gaping mouth, eyes twinkling as mischievously as ever as he leapt across the floor, crying "Right!"

	He chased her down the stairs, and she was screaming with laughter as she fought her way past scores of kids turning back and going through the house again without having to pay. Cheap trick, but she didn't exactly have the capacity to be thinking about them, just thinking that she had to run. She didn't know why, after all, she was desperate for him to catch her up, but it was exciting. A buzz zipped through her each time it hit her that it was Dennis chasing her. Chasing her.

	She stopped for just a moment, aware that that thought alone had stolen her breath away. She watched, almost hypnotised as the giant hamster wheel clicked rhythmically around, again and again and again...

	"Agggh!"

	Thud!

	Hitting her back uncomfortably against the slats of the wheel, which of course, did not stop moving underneath her, Sharon was immediately crushed by Dennis launching himself on top of her, falling harder and harder with every moment because they were never still, constantly rolling back.

	"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

	"Causing trouble."

	"Dennis, people are staring!"

	She wriggled underneath him, trying to point out that people were slowing and giving them dirty looks before ushering their kids away, who were in turn, narked about not being able to have a go on the wheel.

	"Let 'em!" he laughed before diving onto her lips. More of her own laughter bubbled as she tried to fight him off, but he was too insistent and too heavy against her. So she gave into him, mashing her mouth with his, battling his tongue as he fought his way past. The vibrations passing through this desperate kiss as they laughed, completely aware that soon they were gonna tumble off the wheel completely, made them break apart, even though Sharon had been desperate to encourage his hands to work up her thighs, not really caring where she was, completely intoxicated by him.

	"Ahem!"

	Sharon whacked Dennis in the back. He looked expectantly down at her, an eyebrow raised but she shook her head, pulling on his hand. He paused for just a moment as realisation dawned and he slowly looked over his shoulder, slipping. Trying to keep the smirk from his lips, he looked the stony faced woman up and down, but her lips remained tight with disapproval.

	"Alright love, fancy joining us?"

	"Dennis!"

	"Sir.... Madam-"

	"Nah, I'm definitely just a Sir darlin', ask her-" He nodded towards Sharon, who, although she was literally dying with embarrassment couldn't stop laughing. So much so, her sides hurt. "-she'll be able to tell you all about it..."

	"I would be grateful if you could both remove yourselves from this facility-" she said sternly.

	"Yeah, so would I... this thing's a fuckin' death trap." He gasped innocently at the unchanged look on her face."What, you think I haven't been trying? That I like being on top of her? Let me tell ya darlin', that's not the way we do things..."

	She cleared her throat and tilted her head, trying to address Sharon, still caught firmly beneath Dennis. "Madam, I'm sure you appreciate, this is a family establishment-"

	Somehow standing on Sharon's ankle and only realising as she cried out in pain, Dennis pulled himself up, supporting Sharon and kissing her apologetically as she straightened up.

	"I could kill you." she growled, flopping against him.

	Dennis didn't say a word in reply, just smiled at the woman, twisting a ring from Sharon's finger behind his back. She began sentences of protest but was too baffled to see them through, and just waited as he slipped back the ring onto her fourth finger, pulling her hand down into his and stepping away.

	"Sorry love. Bit overexcited see..."

	"I saw."

	"We're, er..." Sharon began awkwardly, blushing and quickly giving up.
	
	Swinging her hand for a second, Dennis lifted it, watching triumphantly as the ring glinted. "...but we are family... we're newlyweds. Just got married. On honeymoon." He saw out the corner of his eye that Sharon's jaw had dropped and she was shaking her head, so he pulled her close again, and she rested her head against him, almost in defeat. "Probably should have gone somewhere warmer, Tenerife... Cyprus maybe but no... she wanted to come back here... proposed to her somewhere round here see.." As he craned his neck looking for a place to lay this charge, Sharon cheekily took up the thread.

	"Ferris wheel. Poor darlin'... petrified of heights... and he's shaking, wants to get down... so I'm holding his hands... sweating weren't you baby? And I told him to think of something bigger than being scared... something better... I felt awful cos I'd spent about half an hour trying to get him up there. Musta told him I loved him about a hundred times, that I'd look after him... protect him. And he just came out with it when we were right at the top. "Sharon, will you marry me?" He was practically crying, and I still don't know whether that was cos he was mid panic-attack or cos he'd suddenly realised what he'd said and couldn't take it back. Cos I said yes. I mean, not quite the Eiffel Tower is it... or even Blackpool Tower... no offence or anything... but it got me Dennis... so this place is special to us... we're... we're sorry..."

	"...and we're getting out of here..." Dennis muttered slowly, pulling her away. "C'mon darlin'!"

	Sharon was settled on the sea wall, her feet tucked underneath her, picking at a battered sausage and chips before Dennis, hunched moodily opposite her so much as spoke to her again. She tried to raise a smile out of him, leaning across and pointlessly nicking one of his chips.

	"Get off." he muttered, slapping her away. She slumped back, shaking her head.

	"Dennis, what's up with you? You've been  funny ever since we... bloody hell, if either of us should be having a strop, it's me - my back's killing me and -"

	"It's not a strop."

	"No?" she quizzed, raising a doubting eyebrow. "Well it looks like one from where I'm sitting and it sounds like one too!  I don't understand ya... it was you who jumped on me for Christ's sake!"

	"So?"

	"So I don't know what's gotten into you all of a sudden because you won't talk to me!" She reached over, her hand curling around his own, just about stopping him stabbing the same chip over and over again viciously with the chip fork. "Darlin', tell me... what is it?"

	As he finally met her eye, she saw that his bottom lip was protruding, a grey storm taking over his eyes. He was sulking. "The Ferris Wheel?" he hissed scathingly.

	She flinched. "Wha'...?" And then she realised what he was talking about and dropped her gaze laughing. "Is that what all this about? Bloody hell Dennis, I thought it was something serious!"

	"If you'd just given me a couple of seconds, I'd have come up with something... something that didn't make me seem so goddamn pathetic."

	"Dennis-" Sharon began thickly, "-if you hadn't been all over me like that you wouldn't have had to come up with anything because that woman wouldn't have wanted to chuck us out! You were the one who told her we were newlyweds... what were you thinking? You were the one sticking the ring on my soddin' finger and you were the one who suddenly decided you'd proposed to me on Southend Pier of all places!" She rolled her eyes. "If we were in Paris or somewhere remotely romantic, I wouldn't have minded... besides you were crushing me on that thing... all these little kids walking past with their grans... I was so embarrassed..."

	His eyes were suddenly locked on hers again, those beautiful lips twisted, and she felt her stomach less wriggle than squirm. He was looking at her so coldly.

	"So that's what I am now is it? An embarrassment?"

	"No! That's not what I meant!"

	"Isn't it?"

	"No! Dennis, why are you being like this? I love it alright? I love being here with you, I love that you can just decide to snog my face off in front of anyone, everyone, and I love you but... I'm thirty four, not four. I'm not used to rolling around on some giant hamster wheel like a little kid - or with a bloke on top of me, basically trying to tear my clothes off in front of a load of kids! If I have to get used to it... then I will, but yes, it was embarrassing. That don't mean to say I don't love it!"

	"So why did you make me out to be such a twat?"

	Sharon was dumbfounded, shaking her head. "What did I do?"

	He scoffed bitterly and then recounted her words in a mockingly high pitched tone, "Poor darlin'... petrified of heights... and he's shaking, wants to get down... so I'm holding his hands..."

	She laughed. "Don't be stupid. I'm holding your hand now, does that make you a twat?"

	He glared at her, tearing his hand away.

	"Oh for God's sake. I was teasing you... thinking of the stupidest things I could and saying them, just... just to get back at you... just like you "marrying" me so you wouldn't get a rollicking!"

	"So now it's stupid that I might wanna marry you?"

	"Dennis... you're really scaring me now. Why are you attacking me? And why do you... why do you keep talking about marriage?"

	"Why d'you think?"

	"Oh right, yeah, course." She flung up her hands. "So we manage to sleep together for a couple of nights without one of us fucking off and screwing someone else and that's it, we'll just dance our way up the aisle shall we? Yeah, that's a really clear thought darlin', well done!"

	"That was nasty."

	"Yeah well, your games are really starting to get on my nerves!"

	"My games?" he repeated, sounding undeniably stung. "Sharon, I don't wanna play games anymore... can't you see that's why I..."

	"Please-" Sharon heard her voice crack before it had even raised that one word. "-don't ruin this eh? I'm sorry. Whatever I did, whatever I said, I'm sorry. Just don't spoil today. It's been too good to waste and I... I don't want you to be upset... I want you to keep chasing me, I want you to keep falling on top of me and I even want you to mentally scar little kids by ramming your tongue down my throat... I just... I don't want this." And she got up, quickly taking the few steps towards him, framing his beautiful face with her hands, wiping imaginary tears gently away. "Yeah?"

	He nodded shakily, nibbling on his lip. "Yeah."

	"Good, now shove up." And she pushed the chip papers away, pressing against his knee, pulled up towards him as she settled against his chest, content at feeling his warm breath against her skin. He sighed, defeated, and dropped his arms around her, rocking her gently for a few moments. Sharon still lay there rigid, worried she had offended him, relaxing only as she heard him titter just above her ear as he leant forward, pulling the heap of chips back towards him, the excess vinegar sinking into his fingertips.

	"You told her I proposed to you because I was afraid of heights... do you know how twattish that sounded?"

	"Would you rather I'd told her what you were really afraid of then Dennis? Oh yeah, he just popped the question cos that donkey over there was looking at him funny and he needed something else to think about!"

	"You're not funny."

	She smiled warmly up at him, a gentle laugh escaping the corners of her mouth with it. "Do I not get a bite of your sausage then?"

	They walked up the prom, hands clasped tightly together. They didn't say much, and neither knew how long they walked. They just knew they were together, arguments and all. Reaching the rather deserted end of the beach, which was less sand and donkeys than rocks and shells, Sharon kicked off her shoes by the wall and, still clinging onto Dennis' hand, heaved herself up onto the rocks and began wobbling across them, pulling him with her.

	"What are you doing?"

	"Well, I dunno do I?"

	"If you fall..."

	"Then you're coming with me!"

	Dennis shook his head in disbelief. She thought so wrong, but he followed her away, narrowly avoiding disappearing between cracks in the rocks no smaller than the Grand soddin' Canyon! Sharon was flinging out her arms to balance against the extremely uneven surface of the rocks, her pretty painted toes clawing at the jagged edges as she rushed across. Slamming up against the wall, which was actually the side of a cave she had no intention of acknowledging despite Dennis' misguided encouragement, she waited for him to join her.

	Peeling off his jacket, he spread it out onto the floor, and Sharon clambered down onto it, grinning up at him and lifting up her arms, suggesting that he accept her embrace. He shook his head again, laughing gently, but did what she was asking anyway, feeling the rise and fall of her chest go right through his back. They were silent, content. He was watching the lapping of the waves, and she was pulling her fingers through his hair again, teasing his messed curls.

	Her free hand was wrapped in Dennis' own, and when he brought his gaze away from the shore, he began toying with the jewellery weighing down her hand. Sharon felt her skin tighten as he pulled the ring from her third finger.

	What an odd situation
	What an odd situation
	What an odd situation

	"No." she'd said, before she'd even realised. "Leave it."

	Sighing, he pushed it up again. "I'm sorry."

	"What for?"

	"All that back there... the married stuff- it's just... it didn't sound wrong saying it... you're it... I know you are and I wanna be with you forever y'know?"

	What you got is basic emotions
	Can you feel them?
	I want to be your lover
	But you're so shy

	"I know. But wanting it and it happening... Dennis, you don't know what's gonna happen when everyone finds out about us... you don't even know if we'll make it til the end of the week-"

	"Don't say that! I don't care what it takes Sharon, where I have to go, I'm not giving you up."

	"Really?"

	"Really."

	"So what if I said "Great, then marry me now"...would you do it?"

	What you need is perfect assistance
	Let me guide you
	To a land you've never seen before

	"Yeah. Yeah I would. I love you; nothing and no-one's gonna change that."

	And I guess you see
	I have another daydream
	I guess you see
	I have another daydream

	He shifted a little so he could look up into her face as she cradled him. A nervous smile captured his lips as he saw the way her eyes were twinkling in the dull light. He did the only thing he knew he could do to ease the sensation - he straightened up and kissed her.

	"What if I said you could never kiss me again... would you still love me then?"

	He grimaced for a moment, before a smirk hijacked his lips. "Yep - I don't just have to kiss you-"

	Come and be a dancer
	Dance into my daydream
	Join me in my daydream
	Wet and wild
	Come and be a dancer
	Dance into my daydream
	Join me in a jungle
	Wet and wild

	Twisting round, Dennis' gaze was suddenly level with Sharon's before he was pressed hard against her, his fingers creeping down across her stomach and under the waistband of her trousers. She pulled his hand away, slipping her fingers through his.

	"And what if I said you couldn't touch me either - would you still love me then?"

	"What; ever?"

	She nodded. "Ever."

	Deflated, he dropped their entwined hands into her lap, Dennis muttered, "I'd probably break both my wrists trying to get over you!"

	She giggled, tilting her forehead against his, demanding, "Would you still love me?"

	"Well I dunno. Not even allowed to touch you... are you still mine?"

	"That's what I'm trying to find out."

	"I think.." he began after a few moments contemplation. "Can I still talk to you?"

	Chewing the inside of her cheek thoughtfully, she replied "Hmm, yeah, I think so."

	He took in her words with a steady nod of the head. "Then yeah, I'd still love you."

	"But you can talk to anyone."

	"That's true." he agreed, weaving his arms around her hips, dropping his voice to nothing above a flirtatious whisper, his lips right against her ear. "But I wouldn't tell just anyone all the things I'd be dying to do to you... where I'd touch you... where I'd kiss you..."

	To help another person
	Will make you feel important
	You've got my invitation
	But you're so shy

	Sharon listened, for there was nothing else she could do, gasping in breaths where they had been lost to the sensuality of his words, longing stirring fiercely inside.

	"You... can't!"

	"Yes I can... I'm not kissing you... I'm not touching you... I'm just telling you... where I'd put my hands... my fingers... my tongue..."

	Come and let your wild side show
	And be a dancer
	A dancer in a daydream
	We can share

	Dennis watched happily as she closed her eyes, her eyelashes flickering as she let go of a desperate and lustful moan it was obvious she had been trying to suppress.
	
	I guess you see
	I have another daydream
	I guess you see
	I have another daydream

	He pulled back from her ear, his eyes level with hers again, watching, waiting for her to look at him. As soon as she did, she took in a sharp little breath in the next second that seemed to linger in her mouth, just as she registered how very close he was. And without a moment for either of them to draw a breath, she'd crashed her lips against his, her kiss so urgent she didn't even bother with the pleasantry of sucking slowly on his lower lip before thrusting her tongue into his mouth. She purposely bit him so that he would gasp in pain and she could take him by surprise. Or force, she really didn't care how he looked on it. He countered her immediately, fighting her with every moan. It annoyed her, but at the same time, it excited her. They were completely alone in a deserted corner of the world underneath a steadily sinking auburn sun. He wasn't going to fight her for long.

	But just to prove she wasn't prepared to wait, she began fumbling with his jeans, tugging at his fly. The corners of his mouth lifted away from her kiss as he grinned against her.

	"Sure?"

	"Whose wrists are we trying to break here?" she muttered breathlessly.

	"Ohhh, I see!" he shot back as he eased down her trousers. "So you want me to touch you now then baby?"

	She whimpered, the quivering of her voice telling him she was holding back another moan as he pressed the pad of his thumb against her swollen, sensitive clit. Gasping almost before he had touched her, she cried, "Mmm! Ohh fuck... Dennis!"

	Help me take control of my full imagination
	I'm looking for a man who can match my situation

	Dennis laughed. "Wanna do that too huh? Alright... but that means I get to kiss you too..."

	And before she could even consider negotiation, he'd bowed his head, his mouth was hot against her mound, lapping up her juices, the tip of his tongue flicking up against her clit with each leisurely stroke.

	"Ohhh my... God... y-yes!... fu-"

	But he silenced her with his own desperate kiss, pressing against her, forcing her legs apart with his knee as he sank on top of her, before moving gently into her as she laid back on his jacket. Her own taste had been imprinted on her lips and the rock scratched at her back, at the backs of her legs. But she just didn't care, lost to utter perfectness of Dennis moving inside her, her walls squeezing him as he thrust, wanting him to stay, to make her feel like this forever.

	"Uhhh! Jesus Sharon, you're... you feel..."

	She cut him off with cries for him to be harder, faster; demands he was more than happy to meet; happy to feel the desperate pounding of his heart tighten his chest, robbing him of breath, making his head buzz, until he knew he was nearly there. His name was carried all around by the gentle breeze as Sharon gave in, screaming in ecstasy, and soon she was not alone. It felt even better just knowing that he would not be heard for a mile around, that he could have made love to her all day, yelling her name, telling her how amazing she felt, how sweet she tasted, and no-one was around to care, to judge. It was heaven on earth. Recovering, and hovering above her with just the support of his own arms, Dennis laughed as he realised the irony of such an idyllic paradise turning out to be Southend, of all places!

	"Ha!" he quivered, which was more another moan of fading pleasure than laughter although that too was battling against his ribs. "You're... You're incredible!"

	She beamed wordlessly up at him, the sunlight catching beautifully in her face. She lifted her hand, stroking his cheek gently, before murmuring, "Get up."

	He looked at her confused for a moment and then obliged, hauling himself up slumping against the wall as he pulled his jeans up around his hips.

	"Er, what are you doing?"

	"What does it look like I'm-"

	Wading across on her knees, Sharon grappled at the denim covering his calves with her drenched palms and yanked them down again. "I said get up, not dressed."

	And she pulled his cock free of all material confinement, feeling it swell just at her touch, running her hand slowly up and down his full length.

	"Ahh!" he cried passionately, clamping instinctively down on his lip. "Oh God.. oh, that's good..."

	"Is it?"

	I'm thinking about the people
	Waiting down the line
	I am in the limelight
	Now's my time!

	"Uh-huh... mmm!"

	Smiling, and loving the way his facial muscles always seemed to go into spasm when he was having a good time, Sharon tilted her chin and slowly kissed the head, flicking her tongue out against the underside before sliding him into her mouth, her lips working his charged skin as he began to thrust gently in and out.

	I guess you see
	I have another daydream
	I guess you see
	I have another daydream

	"Oh fuck Sharon... ohhh... that's it... just like that..."

	I guess you see
	I guess you see
	I guess you see, yeah

	Inwardly, Sharon was smirking. She knew it was. She could see it, she could hear it and she could taste it, drinking down everything he had to offer as he encouraged her to continue sucking him, taking in the saltiness of his skin; his hand caught in her hair. Once spent however, he let Sharon button his fly and climb her way up past his groin, his navel and his chest til she was level with his lips, returning some of his own taste as she kissed him, just like he had done with her. 

	I guess you see
	I have another daydream
	What ya gonna do?
	I'm a bold explosion!

	"What was that for?"

	"I keep my promises, Dennis."

	

	Dennis, having put the jacket back on, clambered back across the rocks with Sharon to reclaim her shoes. She didn't put them on however, dragging Dennis down to the water's edge and letting the cool foam seep between her toes as they walked back. His arm was round around her waist and she was leant heavily against him, just because she knew she could rely on him to hold her up, to embrace her.

	She was admiring the still sinking sun, disappearing behind cliffs and even smaller islands, flinging out some last glittering rays of farewell against the surface of the water, that carried the golden streaks back to the shore, kissing the sand.

	"Oh..." she murmured, a little breathlessly. "...it's so beautiful."

	"You think?"

	"Yeah I do. Just makes today all the more perfect."

	"What, you reckon it won't get any better then?"

	Catching the mischievous look in his eyes, she pressed a kiss against his lips with her fingertip. "It could do. Whattya gonna do - drop down on one knee now?"

	"I might..." he said so slowly that shivers went up Sharon's spine. "Maybe we'll just keep walking... watching that..." He nodded towards the sunset. "...and I'll just say it... or maybe I'll say it... you'll never know when... and I'll just come out with it..."

	"I think all this sea air's getting to your head a bit mate." she managed finally. He was scaring her, he was truly, truly scaring her. So she kept walking, holding his hand that tiny bit more loosely as they made their way back to the part of the front they'd left Tony's bike. She wasn't quite sure how she felt as they left the beach... the sunset they had been watching so intensely, behind and he had said not one word, let alone those four.

	Dennis slowed up when the bike was within spotting distance, pulling on Sharon's hand to draw her back. "Sharon... are you alright?"

	She sighed as she settled her gaze awkwardly on the floor. "Yeah... Yeah... Look, c'mon, we should head back... this is gonna be a long night."

	He gave her a weak smile. "Yeah. Course."

	And he led her back towards the bike, realising that three teenagers were clambering all over the bike, making revving noises and running their hands lovingly across the bodywork.

 	"Oi!" he laughed, harder as he watched one of them flinch.

	Sharon stepped in front of him, and he watched that perfect wiggle as she strode forwards, her hand falling around the tallest lad's hand around the handlebars.

	"'Scuse me, lads."

	They leapt back whistling appreciatively, their eyes practically falling out their heads as Sharon lifted her leg and settled back.

	"Is she yours, mate?" the one in the black hoody called out.

	"Yeah." Dennis shot back smugly, pushing past one of them, his hands falling against her shoulders. "Yeah, she is."

	"Dennis... they meant the bike."

	He smirked at her, and the guys backed off, shaking their heads and fearing that they were about to become bystanders to a game of tonsil tennis.

	But Sharon just settled happily against his back, holding the little bear in his lap. "Well that got rid of them didn't it?"

	Darkness was well on the way to falling by the time they arrived back in the Square. Dennis played with her hands, still in his lap, fiddling fondly with the "wedding" ring, and Sharon was savouring the warmth caught in his jacket by the sun that had beat against his back on the ride home. She didn't want to pull away, sighing sadly as she considered it.

	"I wish we coulda just kept going." she said quietly.

	"Yeah... well... don't worry darlin', I'll ride you off into the sunset one day."

	"Mmmm. You promise?"

	"Uh huh."

	"Can't wait."

	And before the resolve left her completely, she got up, propping up the teddy. Dennis admired her for a moment, her hair billowing around her face, before he couldn't bear her being away from him and pulled her down against him, loving the way she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck as he drew her close.

	"Someone might see." Dennis murmured thickly as her lips came against his. He could just imagine Pauline Fowler twitching her curtains as Sharon worked her tongue mindlessly into his mouth.

	"I don't care. We could just get back on the bike... we could go anywhere..."

	"Yeah," he chuckled, pressing his thumbs against her jaw and tilting her chin so he could stare up into those bewitching eyes, "and that's exactly where we'd end up!"

	"So? We'd be together wouldn't we?"

	He moaned back into her kiss. "Stop, or we'll be in Australia before morning!"

	"That sounds so good..."

	"Fine. I'll take you, I swear. I'll take you tomorrow if you want, but tonight's our night!"

	Sharon raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

	"Shut up. You know why... and you have to go and get ready! You've only got an hour and a half, and I know you... you'll be fighting Vicks for all the mirror time you can get!"

	Sharon beat him across the chest but didn't retort, just looped her arms back around his neck. "What about you? You gotta take Tony the bike back?"

	"Nah, he wants to come get it himself. Probably wants to check for scratches-"

	"Ahhh, so he doesn't trust you then?"

	Tilting his head back to release a mocking chuckle, Dennis met her eye again with a smirk stealing away the little smile in the corner of his mouth as he lovingly pushed her hair back from her face. "Would you?"

	"Never." she shot back huskily, kissing him again. His hands crept up her back, pulling her closer and closer as the kiss deepened, but with another moan, he pulled her back, which was met by a wordless gasp of protest.

	"No... stop...! Don't look at me like that! I'm just a man Sharon, I'm weak..."

	"So that's why we just did it on the beach then? I did wonder..." And she tried to dive on his lips again, and she caught him for just one tantalising second before he pulled back again, shaking his head gently.

	"Mmm... yeah, but that's the beach... I don't think a bench would be quite so..."

	 "Romantic?" she offered, stifling a giggle.

	His mouth seemed to fall into a gaping pout, his eyelashes flickering in a way that made Sharon's heart melt. "Oh, so it was romantic now then? What happened to "If we were in Paris or somewhere remotely romantic, I wouldn't have minded... "?"

	"Oh I don't know... but I think you just about made Southend work-"

	"Just about?!"

	"Well, it's not Paris is it? You'll have to take me there too... we should go up the Eiffel Tower, cos you know-" And she drew close to his ear, her very breath loaded with suggestion as she whispered, "-I've always wondered what it would be like to do it in a lift..."

	Dennis had to gulp back a moan of submission. How was she so perfect? He wanted to take her there now... he was more than willing to give in to her. He could feel himself getting hard at just considering how it would feel. So he composed himself, in the emotional sense at least, and hit back with good old innocence.

	"Do what?"

	Biting down delicately on the edge of her thumb, Sharon let out a warm laugh. "You'll just have to surprise me there won't ya?"

	"Fuck..." he breathed, mashing his mouth against hers, swiping at her lip to allow him to ram his tongue into her mouth, to at least let out some of the frustration this conversation had created.

	"Call Tony... give him back his baby..."

	Sharon stepped back from him and propped herself up against the bike as Dennis rose up off of it, toying with the bear as she watched him pull his phone from his back pocket and stab at the buttons with his thumb before raising it to his ear.

	"Tone? Yeah, s'me. We're back... you can come get her now... no, don't worry! Not a scratch on her, I was careful!" And he rolled back on the balls of his feet, projecting a "Uh-hmm," down the line before freezing, and then spinning round to face Sharon, his eyes burning into her and making her tingle as he continued to speak.

	"Did she like it, yeah, I reckon she did. Terrified to begin with, got scratchmarks all across my stomach-" Sharon's mouth falling open at the injustice of that remark, Dennis laughed, pulling the phone back a little and mouthed to her "-and my back..." and she smirked, still picking at the bear. "Practically deafened me mate, screaming at every corner.."

	"Right I've had enough of this!" she cried, stalking towards him, her hand curling around the handset that he refused to let go of as she tried to pull it away, shouting into the mouthpiece; "Tony? Yeah, so I was scared... riding a motorbike... shall I tell you what Dennis is afraid of riding? Shall I Dennis?"

	"Piss off, you!" he laughed, shaking her off. "Nah mate, not you.... wha'... me? I ain't afraid of anything... don't listen to her! She's a lying little bitch... she'll get what's coming to her!"

	"Is that a promise?"

	Dennis had left Sharon as soon as he'd hung up from Tone, letting him know where the bike was and where he'd hidden the keys. Sharon was looking forward to a long hot bath before she started getting ready for the Ball, but before she'd even turned away from Dennis in the direction of the house, she was panicking about what would be happening down the club, what wouldn't have been completed or even done in her absence. Covering her in kisses to placate her, he promised that he'd head down the club at that very moment to make sure that everything was alright. She'd whimpered out a protest or two, but Dennis was already gone.

	Rushing down into the club, he found that practically everyone on the books was there, lighting the candles on the centrepieces, checking the electrics were fine, that the lighting was soft, that the fairylights twinkled. There was a little CD player propped up on the bar, blasting out "Addicted to Love" of all the god awful tunes. Dennis didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he settled on stunned silence as he crept round the room. Leaning over the bar he saw Leigh & Guy stocking the fridges, and Christ, Dennis had never seen so many bottles of champagne in his life, and when he straightened up, he almost screamed in surprise as he saw Vicki, where he was sure she hadn't been before, stirring up a bowl of punch as she sang.

	You can't sleep, you can't eat
	There's no doubt, you're in deep
	Your throat is tight, you can't breathe
	Another kiss is all you need.

	"Vicks." he smiled as she met his eye.

	"Dennis!" she cried, beaming. "You're here! Look, try some of this will you? Harry reckons it's too sharp-"

	He obediently slurped off the spoon she lifted to his lips, regretting it almost immediately as he gagged. "Fuckin' hell, what is that?"

	"I'm not sure exactly-" But as she looked up at him again, he saw the twinkle in her eye. "-s'got a lot of spirit though!"

	"Yeah, I'll bet it has. And I'll bet that some of that "spirit" is vodka, gin and whiskey an' all! It's lethal!"

	"So... too sharp then?"

	"Vicks, I'm not joking. There's a reason you don't mix stuff like that, and believe me I know!" He peeled off his jacket and chucked it against one of the chairs. "What's wrong with cocktails, for God's sake?"

	For a moment she looked hurt, but as he slid around the bar and began pulling out shakers and bottles, a grin split across her face. "Roll up girls, Dennis is gonna go all Tom Cruise on us!" 

	Whoa, you like to think you're immune to the stuff
	Oh yeah

	Dennis shot her a look as most of the girls around did get up in interest. But he didn't mind, he thought it was funny. Besides, he liked attention, of course he did. So as Vicki leant across and pushed the song up as loud as it could go, he eased into this show, barely noticing as Vicki heaved herself up onto the bartop, her heels clicking as she walked across before jumping back down onto the floor and joining the gaggle to watch. 

	He didn't exactly have a cocktail in mind, he was just pulling whatever bottles he could reach from out underneath the bar and squeezing a shot or two into the shaker. The music picked him up quickly, and he was swinging his hips and spinning towards his next grab, making Vicki laugh and the rest of them whistle and cheer. He wondered if they'd all been at Vicki's punch because they all started singing at him. But he just grinned, refusing to let himself blush.

	It's closer to the truth to say you can't get enough
	You know you might as well face it
	You're addicted to love

	All the guys left in the room carried on, Guy having pulled Leigh from the bar as soon as Vicki had suggested Dennis was gonna start showing off, which, from what he had heard about these dance classes, was very likely. And now he was pointlessly straightening the picture frames on the walls and looking over his shoulder at Dennis, a disbelieving smile on his lips. It wasn't that he was jealous, although somehow Leigh didn't believe him.

	You see the signs, but you can't read
	You're running at different speeds
	Your heart beats in double time
	Another kiss and you'll be mine
	A one-track mind

	Throwing the shaker around a bit, up into the air and around his back as he carried on jutting out his hips, Dennis was amazed although massively relieved that he caught it each time and that it didn't conk out on the floor. It was a bit of an ego trip to hear them all go on as they were, screaming his name, like he really was Tom Cruise, when really this was just a fluke. A fun fluke, but still, a fluke.

	Mid-spin, he sank down to the floor, making them all gasp, thinking he'd have quite literally disappeared through the tiles, and crying out in delight when he reappeared, two glasses wound around his hand, cracking open the shaker and pouring a rather scary looking concoction into them.

	Whoa, you like to think you're immune to the stuff
	Oh yeah
	It's closer to the truth to say you can't get enough
	You know you might as well face it
	You're addicted to love
	
	"There you are ladies!" he yelled.

	"What's it called?"

	Vicki grinned at his blank expression and turned to address them all for him. "It's called Dennis."

 	They all whooped, each clamouring to be the first to taste it.

	And when Jeannie and Liz had just about wet their lips, moaning rather enthusiastically, Vicki leant over and cried, "Ah see, they all want Dennis!"

	"Piss off, squirt." he laughed, shoving her away. 
	
	Might as well face it, you're addicted to love
	Might as well face it, you're addicted to love
	Might as well face it, you're addicted to love
	Might as well face it, you're addicted to love
	Might as well face it, you're addicted to love
	Might as well face it, you're addicted to love

	Though they all seemed to calm down after a while, they weren't exactly working. Vicki changed the CD and the tunes got progressively worse. The girl obviously had no shame as she had the lot of them up doing the YMCA. Watching all the arm waving with a smirk and glad he had more dignity than to be part of this, Dennis decided Vicki had forced her punch on the lot of them to get them to be as embarrassing as this.

	I'm sure you will find 
	Many ways to have 
	A good time
	It's fun to stay at the
	Y-M-C-A
	It's fun to stay at the
	Y-M-C-A
	They have everything 
	For young men to enjoy
	You can hang out with
	All the boys

	"C'mon Dennis!" Vicki yelled over her shoulder when she realised he was not out the floor with her and everyone else. "You're letting the side down!"

	"I'm alright on this side thanks!"

	"What are you scared of?"

	"Oh no!" he cried, lifting up his hands and shaking his head in disbelief as another laugh escaped him. "Don't you pull that one on me! I ain't scared, I just don't wanna end up looking like one of you lot!"

	"It's called having fun Dennis; so what's wrong with looking like one of "us lot" eh?" She flicked her hand mindlessly over her shoulder. "Worried we might look better than you?"

	"You know..." he began, leaning in close. She just looked at him in a bored fashion, resting her chin against her palm and tapping her fingers against her jaw as she waited for him to continue. "...Sharon said that to me when we started at those dance classes. She wanted to prove me wrong an' all, and just like I didn't let her... I ain't gonna let you either!"

	"Ohh, I'm scared! Whattya gonna do? Poke me in the eye with your Y?"

	"I'm gonna throw you across the room in a minute if you don't shut up!"

	"What, and miss the chance to be swept up in my big brother's strong arms? I'll keep going, thanks!"

	"Not to this you won't!" And he reached across, yanking up the lid of the player, cutting the music abruptly off as he did so.

	She gasped, her glossy lips set in irritation. "Why is it so incredible that I might wanna dance with my own brother?"

	"Dance with me, fine - get me to make a twat of myself, no!"

	"So you'll dance?"

	"Yeah, alright." he sighed, finally nodding. "Just change the soddin' record yeah?"

	"Done. Oh, thank you!" she sang gleefully, reaching up and planting an entirely unexpected kiss against his cheek. He smiled at her a little stunned, and walked out onto the floor, watching as she changed the CD.

	"C'mon guys!" she announced, looking straight at Dennis as she did so and making him incredibly nervous. Were they all about to mob him or something?

	But no, they all seemed to fall into some sort of line behind her.

	 "Vicks...?" he questioned apprehensively, but she just smiled. That made him feel worse. He didn't trust her, not for a moment.

	And almost immediately, he realised why not.

	It's astounding
	Time is
	Fleeting
	Madness
	Takes its toll
	But listen closely
	Not for very much longer

	"No!" he yelped as she took his hand.

	As ever, she wasn't fazed. "Turn around. Now."

	I've got to
	Keep control.

	"No!"

	"Oh Dennis, we're just having a laugh! C'mon..." And her eyes went wide in that way she knew damn well went right through him as her bottom lip swelled and began to quiver. "Do it for me."

	Rolling his head back as a laugh escaped him, he dutifully turned round. Honestly, what was it about the women in his household that meant they could get him jumping through hoops like he'd lost all sense of self-respect?

	A cry of appreciation went up from behind him as Vicki placed her hands against his hips, encouraging him to swing as he could feel her doing against the backs of his legs.

	I remember
	Doing the Time Warp
	Drinking
	Those moments when
	The blackness would hit me
	And the void would be
	Calling
	Let's do the Time Warp again!

	And unfortunately, so unfortunately, Dennis knew exactly what to do as her hands fell away, slipping into smaller lines that seemed to spread out across the floor space like a disease. But still, his heels joining the dozens of others clicking against the floor as they leapt to the side.

	It's just a jump
	To the left

	It sounded like a herd of elephants as the lot of them obliged, but at least they were in time!

	And then a step
	To the ri-i-i-ght

	His hands crossing across his groin and against his calves, the vibration of stepping out on his right foot continually as he was sent a painful tingle shooting right up his leg.

	  He caught Vicki's eye, and she beamed at him, looking him up and down with the tiniest amused little smile on her face, like she approved. Well, of course she did, he though bitterly, here he was, making a twat of himself, just for her! She was clicking her fingers, as Guy seemed to be behind her, and Liz behind him and Flynn behind her, before hands flew instinctively against hips.

	With your hands on your hips
	You bring your knees in tight

	And that was attractive - made each and every one of them look like they were suddenly desperate to pee - which they probably were what with the effect of all that punch!

	Spinning around, Dennis found himself part of a massive circle that had again spread out across the room. He caught sight of many stupid grins as they thrust lewdly out at everyone around them, and just not giving a damn. The way his skin suddenly felt so tight across his face told Dennis that he must have been smiling as broadly as they all were.

	But it's the pelvic thrusts
	That really drive you

	And spinning out of the formation again, intent on returning to the compact little lines, Dennis caught hold of Vicki's hand, making her laugh raucously as he continued thrusting against her. She caught the gist almost immediately countering him before moving away behind him back into the line. Hell, it had looked foul, but who cared? Of course it had - this was Rocky Horror! 
	
	Insa-ay-ay-ay-ane
	Let's do the Time Warp again!

	Shifting his weight from one foot to the other so that his hips shook, he listened as they all sang out around him. This was charmed, wasn't it? They were all getting paid for this!

	It's so dreamy
	Oh, fantasty, free me
	So you can't see me
	No, not at all
	In another dimension
	With voyeuristic intention
	Well-secluded
	I see all.

	They all leant back, in fact, Dennis thought he might have heard a spine or two crack, straightening up quickly, eyes glinting. Then, standing with their legs just that extra distance apart, dragged themselves across the floor to meet the other foot, heels clicking against each other once this was done.

	With a bit of a mind flip
	You're there in the time slip
	And nothing
	Can ever be the same
	You're spaced out on
	Sensation

	With another telling amplified thud, they all turned around, so that the set-up of the lines were reversed, Vicki now in front of Dennis before she fell to the side, limp in her brother's waiting arms. But he could not be fooled, because as he held her, she looked up at him and poked out her tongue. She straightened her back as soon as he brought her back to her feet, flinging up her arm just in time.
		
	Like you're under
	Sedation!
	Let's do the Time Warp again!
	Let's do the Time Warp again!

	Then he pulled her away, forcing her to spin underneath his hand before he dropped his hands around her hips and lifted her from the floor, spinning her anyway.

	I was walking down the street
	Just a-having a think
	When a snake of a guy
	Gave me an evil wink

	But he did not bring her back down to the floor. He tilted her in his arms so that her ankles brushed past his hip and, weaving his arm around the backs of her calves and feeling her cling on all the more desperately where his support had lessened, and he swung her down, and she squealed as the world was flipped. Had he not brought her up again so fast, the adrenaline buzzing round in her head (or was that just the alcohol?) she was sure, a very tight knot present in her stomach, that she would have hit her head against the floor, but as it stood, or rather, as Dennis stood, it had looked and felt incredible. He'd obviously learnt something at these dance classes then.

	He shook me up
	He took me by surprise
	He had a pick-up truck
	And the devil's eyes.

	Spinning her again, Vicki took the decision to this time anchor her feet to the floor, her head feeling light and her legs incredibly weak. So her arms stayed around Dennis' neck as she tried to regain the strength to hold herself up.
	
	He stared at me
	And I felt a change

	She was searching his face for some clue as to why his eyes glinted as they did as he looked at her. He didn't say a word, but with a smirk pushed her back down into his arms, holding her up from the floor like a precious doll.

	Time meant nothing
	Never would again
	Let's do the Time Warp again!

	Pulling her up to her feet again, she more fell against him as they all seemed to slip back into their chorus lines.

	It's just a jump
	To the left

	Dennis thought he heard a sound other than them all bouncing to the left, something more violent, more forceful. And he actually looked over his shoulders to check that Vicki hadn't slumped to the floor. But no, she was stood and she was stepping - even if she did look really pale!

	And then a step
	To the ri-i-i-ght
	With your hands on your hips
	You bring your knees in tight

	But she must have rediscovered some energy from somewhere because as they all fell into the circle, she totally went for the thrusting. Dennis bit back his laughter, afraid that if he started, he wouldn't stop!

	But it's the pelvic thrusts
	That really drive you
	Insa-ay-ay-ay-ane
	Let's do the Time Warp ag-

	They all noticed immediately as the music stopped, a groaning protest filling the void immediately, all eyes snapping towards the CD player... and finding Sharon stood above it, a smirk on her face so big it looked as though her lips might crack. Dennis felt himself blush immediately, scratching at the nape of his neck and so wanting to look away, but finding he couldn't.

	"Sharon!"

	She nodded slowly, just to recognise his address. "What's this?" she asked, imminent laughter evident in her voice.

	"It's, er... it's... nothing... sorry."

	"It's alright." she replied, her fingers curling around the set of keys she had barely laid down on the bartop before they were in hand again, pacing backwards towards the office. "Would have preferred Hot Patootie though..."

	That rose a laugh from the staff, still making no effort to look like they were working. Sharon was easy-going enough.

	"Hot Patootie?" Vicki cried out despairingly.

	"Oh yeah." Sharon hit back, the tip of her tongue curling suggestively as she spoke, making Dennis burn from the inside. Here she was, wordlessly taunting him in front of all these people - in front of Vicki. "Not saying I think much to the guy, but if I could find someone who looked good enough in the leather... who could look incredible riding and dancing..." Dennis' heart began to pound, sure she looked fleetingly up at him from underneath those long lashes. "I'm sold."

	Easing himself up onto a barstool, Dennis tried to look disinterested as she swept into the office, but the way she swang her hips as she walked drew attention to her arse, attention that would not go unnoticed if he did not look away quickly. So he did, immediately becoming suspicious of the little gaggle huddled around Vicki, whispering excitedly to her as she fiddled with the CD player.

	But before he could intervene, they were hurriedly whispering "Shhh, shhh! Here she comes!" and they all straightened up as Sharon came striding back into the bar, a telling bundle of pink slips in her hand.

	"Invites." she told Dennis as he stared at them. "Had people phoning and telling me their's haven't come through, so I'm gonna go across the Square, stick 'em through letterboxes, that sort of thing..." And with a sigh, flicking back her hair, she dropped them messily onto the bar top, and he leant across her, scooping them up.

	"I can do that..." 

	But she wasn't listening, having just caught sight of Vicki's tight grin, and like Dennis before her, becoming immediately suspicious, watching with interest as Leigh dived in on the CD player, Flynn and Guy stepping out from behind her and dutifully positioning themselves in the middle of the floor, looking halfway between the floor and Sharon with bemused smiles.

	"Dennis...?" she questioned out the corner of her mouth.

	He shrugged. "Nothing to do with me."

	She nodded slowly. And then burst out laughing as she realised what was flooding the room. Vicki's grin had split right across her face and was by now closer to her ears.

	"This is what you'd have preferred right Sharon?"

	And Flynn and Guy started swinging their hips. Sharon laughed, Dennis rolled his eyes.

	Stepping forwards, Sharon immediately found Guy pressed against her, energetically counting her sway, his hands against her hips, before he'd lifted her up, spinning her around and surrendering her to Flynn, who snatched up her hand, and got her to spin back against his chest, thrusting his hips into her. The smirk on Sharon's face raised a cry of jealous encouragement (if such a thing was possible!) from all the women in the room, who were jutting out their own hips and snapping their fingers.

	Whatever happened to Saturday night?
	When you dressed up sharp and you felt alright?
	It don't seem the same since cosmic light 
	Came into my life - I thought I was divine!

	Pressing against Flynn's hands as she stepped towards him, springing back and towards him again, she felt Guy's hands around her waist, as if he was catching her as she bounced back from Flynn's hands, but all he was truly doing was countering the action of her hips as she stepped back, just as Flynn was doing as she stepped forwards - caught fast between two gorgeous men.

	But Guy reclaimed her in the next moment, forcing to spin away and grind against him as he leant over her and ran his hands down her thighs, oh what a hardship it was to endure.

	I used to go for a ride with a chick who'd go
	And listen to the music on the radio
	A saxophone was blowin' on a rock n' roll show
	You climbed in the back seat, you had a really good time!

	He raised her hand high and left her to spin again and again underneath, encouraging her to keep going by pushing the flat of his hand against her hip. Then he stopped, swinging her from right to left so rapidly that she seemed to go limp like a rag doll against his arms, but as soon as her back was straight, she leapt back, her hands still in the air just like the women all around her, and them all singing out to her, apparently finding an unsuspecting bloke to grind against also, swept both her and her movement up.

	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll
	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll
	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll
	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll

	Flynn and Guy both swung forwards, and to a screaming blaze of adoration, lifted Sharon effortlessly from the floor, something she hadn't been expecting but relaxed into, even as the ceiling seemed to come closer. But she was back down in a moment, as if she had just glided gracefully down a really steep hill. She was caught somewhat off guard mid-spin as she realised that Dennis had slowly risen from his stool and was pushing his way through all the staff to stand in the middle of the floor. To be seen, clawing back his lip, looking across at her with those gorgeous smouldering eyes. To be seen craving her attention.

	Her breath was caught in her throat as she watched him come closer. His lips were practically against hers by the time he touched her, pulling her closer still, his fingertips stretching down against her buttocks and swaying her wildly. She barely managed to stop herself moaning.

	My head it used to swim with the perfume I smelled
	
	Crushed so close together, no-one saw anything expect the movement of their bodies as units. But Dennis could feel Sharon tugging desperately at his jeans, pressing her warm palm against his excited groin, and watching innocently, with those bewitching eyes as he gasped silently, fighting to compose his facial muscles in a way that said nothing at all had happened.

	My hands kinda fumbled with her white plastic belt

	Stepping back from each other, Dennis was forced to watch as she was passed between Guy, who stroked her cheek and Flynn, who kissed her hand. She revelled in watching the jealousy flare in those eyes and barely realised that she was the one rushing at him, feeling his arms come around her lifting her up as she wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his, and having to fight every urge to move just that little bit closer and kiss him; his lips made all the more desirable as he beamed, spinning her round.

	I'd taste her baby pink lipstick and that's when I'd melt
	She'd whisper in my ear tonight she really was mine.

	Sharon saw out the corner of her eye that all the guys seemed to be giving the girls a hand up onto the bar, and there they all stood, clicking their fingers and kicking out their feet as they sang out appreciatively towards Sharon and the three men out on the floor. She couldn't help but feel she'd just leapt straight into a musical.

	As she hit the floor again, she span out, her arm straightening as Dennis kept hold of her hand, Flynn stepping up behind Sharon and rolling his hips into her as Guy took up her other hand, brushing his lips against her skin.

	Get back in front, put some hair oil on
	Buddy Holly was singing his very last song

	Her hand slipping away, she felt herself spinning again, her back coming up hard against Dennis' chest, his arms falling around her waist, pulling her tight against him as they swayed, Sharon sinking down into his embrace.

	With your arms around your girl, you try to sing along
	It felt pretty good - you really had a good time!

	Straightening, Dennis pushed her out under the arc created as he raised her arms against his; the ridges of his spine grinding against her own, and when she chose to abandon such a heady moment, she framed his face with her hands, her lips full and pouting as she mouthed the words to him, a smile in the corners of her mouth, flickering almost in time to the swinging of her hips, rolling her pelvis full into his own and causing a certain amount of friction.

	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll
	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll
	
	His hands dancing across her hips, restraint being exercised in going no further, however desperate he was, he swung her down to the floor, and as she leapt back, Dennis seized her hand and kept a hold on it, even as she rose back up to her full height, and she grinned down at him, just for a moment, pretty sure she knew what was coming. And yes, she had been right as he span up on one knee underneath her hand, crushing himself against her as he leapt up, keeping her legs apart with his knee and swinging her while his restless hands again took to exploring every curve. Striking out into a lunge, Sharon span in again, her head feeling light and wondering whether the walls would ever stop shifting, and whether she'd still feel this happy if they did. And as his arms came around the backs of her legs, hers around his neck, as he swung her still, left to right, her hair billowing and almost touching the floor, she concluded that, no, she wouldn't. She wanted to dance with him forever.

	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll
	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll.
	
	Vicki's Americianisms crept back in as everyone seemed to stop "rockin'", gasping and cheering at seeing the way Dennis held Sharon, their little sister crying "Alright!" that would have made both her siblings cringe at any moment except this one; too absorbed in each other, and besides, it was perfectly in keeping with the atmosphere around them.

	As her long legs dropped back to the floor, she purposely lifted the left and wound it around his hip, leaning against his chest, her lips against his ear, whispering "Nothing to do with you eh?" before letting herself go limp, her spine practically curved in on itself, the world suddenly on its head. Sharon could feel the blood rushing to her temples as Dennis held her there, letting her soak up the admiration of those around them as he gasped in breaths of air where they had been missing for so long.

	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll.
	Hot patootie, bless my soul
	I really love that rock n' roll.

	

	Dennis, Sharon & Vicki all left the club together for the house in a great laughing rush, reaching out for hands, arms coming around shoulders as they stumbled out into the cool night air.

	"You two were fantastic! God, I wish I'd stayed at these classes now - might have gotten a dance out of Dennis myself! It was... it was brilliant. I'm jealous!"

	Sharon looked over Vicki, sliding a smirking glance in Dennis' direction, which he returned before obediently dropping his gaze - but not before the self-same smirk had captured his own lips.

	"Yeah, me an' all!" she grinned back at her little sister. "I'm sorry I missed the er... pelvic thrust..."

	His hand reaching round the oblivious girl between them, he hit Sharon in the back.

	"Ow!"

	"You deserved that!" he laughed, pulling back.

	"Awww, Dennis is getting all defensive! Whaddya reckon Sharon... our brother gonna Time Warp his way into some poor unsuspecting girl's heart?"

	"Vicki, for f*ck's sake..." he muttered quietly, looking away as he rolled his eyes. He glanced quickly back at Sharon, and a jolt went through him as she caught his eye, the humour playing right across her face as she tried to find the words to satisfy their little sister.

	But it was Vicki who spoke first. "Sorry, was I being a bit optimistic? Some girl's knickers then?"

	And Sharon creased up laughing, practically bent double. Vicki stooped too, laughing with her as she tried to straighten her up. Dennis ignored them both pointedly, shaking his head in despair as he walked on without them.

	That left the girls to stagger back to the house. Vicki rushed through to her room and came back into Sharon's, her dress wrapped over her arm, her make-up bag clutched in her hand, dumping them both on the bed. Sisterly bonding was high on the agenda! Although, Sharon couldn't deny, as Vicki leant over the stereo, running her finger along the tower of CDs, that she was nervous, especially as she straightened up enthusiastically, crying "Aha!" slamming the disc into the tray before Sharon could so much as guess at what it was.

	She hadn't even got as far as lifting her arms to pull off her top before they were at her side again, and she was cringing desperately.

	"Oh darlin', give me a break, I was thirteen when this film was about!"

	"I know, but if you're so embarrassed, why haven't you gotten rid of it?"

	Sharon stared at the floor, realising she was beat. "I... I don't like throwing stuff out..." she muttered pathetically, feeling the laughter bubble in her throat.

	Vicki just continued to grin that unfaltering grin, and brandished a hair-brush, thrusting it into Sharon's hand. With a defeated giggle, she took it, and span around against the intro, and Vicki leant obediently forward so she was hanging over her shoulder, grinning helplessly into the mirror as they began to sing, their voices not really gelling, but hell, what did it matter? It was bad enough that Vicki, who had still been four years in the making when this shameful film was around, knew the words in the first place! Sharon was a bad, bad sister.

	You really wanna know
	What I want in a guy?
	Well, I'm looking for a dream
	On a mean machine
	With hell in his eyes
	
	Rolling her shoulders back against Vicki, and unable to stop herself swinging her hips; with a smirk that her companion put down to the utter campness of this moment, Sharon found herself instinctively thinking of Dennis, longing stirring inside.

	I wanna devil in skin-tight leather
	He's gonna be wild as the wind
	Then, one fine night
	I'll be holding on tight
	To a 
	Cool rider, a coo-oo-ool rider
	If he's cool enough
	He can burn me through and through
	Whoa-whoa!

	And they rolled their heads shamelessly back, Sharon's hair flying about her face as they sank down, bending their knees a little. They both knew the scene, and its movements too well.  Holding back a laugh as Vicki's eyes sparkled with true rock n' roll emotion, Sharon realised, at the time Michelle Pfeiffer had been singing her way round Rydell High, dreaming of wild rides on the back of a motorbike, her own "cool rider" had actually only been eight years old. Christ, how ancient did she feel now?

	And if it takes forever
	Then I'll wa-a-ait forever!
	No ordinary boy, no ordinary boy is gonna do
	I wanna rider that's cool!

	So she shook it off, spending the interlude between verses raising her hands and snapping her fingers, swinging her hips. Vicki's reflection joined her, but soon afterwards, she let out a high pitched giggle that recaptured Sharon's attention. The mirror showed her that Dennis was stood behind them, a smirk on his face so wide she thought he was gonna fracture his jaw. His arms were folded lazily across his chest, so he'd obviously been stood there a while, just enjoying the spectacle. Bastard. 

	Sharon definitely swung her fringe out her eyes and cleared her throat as she stared at him, which only made the wave of laughter it was pretty obvious he had been fighting to keep back, leap from his throat.

	"Oh my God! I thought I could hear something... though I thought it sounded more like a couple of strangled cats..." He flung himself out the way, arms up to protect himself as Vicki seized the first thing to hand, which happened to be a can of hairspray and threw it at him, it caught him off balance and he bounced back against Sharon's bed, struggling into an upright position before carrying right on. "...and I come in 'ere, and there's you two, singing that! Oh that's just classic! It's so... so naff!"

	"Oh yeah? Well I heard you and Sharon went for a little ride yourselves!"

	Fumbling with the CD player, Sharon's head snapped round at once. "Wh-Who told you that?" she stammered nervously.

	She guffawed. "Half the Square, that's who!" And she turned back to Dennis. "What did you think would happen, turning up in the middle of the market to whisk her off like that? Did you think no-one would see?"

	"There was nothing "cool" about that Vicks - he's awful!"

	His mouth fell open. "Excuse me?"

	But Sharon just smirked. She didn't have to answer him, because Vicki cut in. "Well, I'm not surprised, but you-" She hit him across the stomach with the back of her hand. "-are such a show-off. And where'd you get the bike huh? Why didn't you take me for a ride?"

	"Cos I'd kill him if he did."

	"Sharon!" she whinged, her shoulders sagging. "You just want him all for yourself, don't you?"

	"Damn, she's so transparent ain't she, Vicks?" Dennis laughed, sliding his arm across her shoulders as he watched Sharon try to find somewhere to settle her gaze. Vicki had really thrown her, and yet Vicki was the only one who didn't know it.

	"Fine!" she said with a giggle, shaking her head as she pulled her dress up from the bed. "Well, I'll go back to my room then! I'm not getting changed in front of him!"

	"Awww, darlin', I'm sure if you asked him nicely enough he'd do it for you, maybe show you the "skin-tight leather"?"

	"Vicki... say goodbye to your sister darlin', she's about to die!" And Dennis dove across the room. Sharon leapt back, shrieking and trying to fight him off with her hands.

	"Leave me alone!" she cried as his arms fell around her, trying to pull her close... pull her to the floor... she didn't know... and Vicki didn't so much as care, snapping the door shut.

	As soon as they heard the sound announcing their little sister's departure from the scene, give or take a few of Sharon's heaving breaths of anticipation, Dennis' mouth was upon hers, sucking desperately on her lip, moaning into her enthusiastic kiss, his hands travelling down her back and settling against her bum. He shoved her hard against the dressing table, the ridges of her spine knocking against the buttons of the stereo and somehow releasing the song to the room again.

	"F*ck... I'd have mentally scarred the poor cow if she'd stayed-"

	Sharon giggled, pulling back, her arms looped around his neck. She ignored his whimper of protest and said, "Me and Chelle brought her up on this-" She tilted her head towards the stereo. "She's already halfway there!"

	"Mmm, I dunno how you can be so cruel. I remember this film being about... girls walking round singing... what is it... "Reproduction" before they could even spell it!"

	She kissed him again quickly. "Aha, and did little Dennis ever work out where the pollen goes?"

	"I got there!"

	"I bet you did!"

	She stepped back from him, ignoring his grappling hands intent on pulling her back. When he realised this, he straightened up and she stepped round him, giving him ample opportunity to wrap his hands around her hips. She launched herself forward, her pelvis moving into his, and letting him he needed him to move back. He obediently did so, his contact with her not faltering as she forced him back, straddling his lap as he fell back on the bed. She leant over him, her hair hanging down and stroking her lips as she sang to him. He rolled his head back, groaning, but as he looked back up into her face, he grinned and didn't try and stop her! 

	That's the way it's gonna be 
	And that's the way that I feel
	I wanna whole lot more
	Than the boy next door
	
	But of course, the reason for that wasn't that he didn't mind being subjected to tracks that had pretty much maimed his childhood, as they apparently had Vicki's, because he did mind, massively; it was much more the fact that Sharon was pressed hard against him, grinding down on his groin, lowering herself onto his chest, her pouting lips so tantalisingly close as she sang, and get somehow never close enough for him to capture.

	I want hell on wheels.
	So, move aside
	Cos I'm gonna ride
	With a
	Cool rider, a coo-oo-ool rider
	If he's cool enough
	He can burn me through and through
	Whoa-whoa!

	And he thought he'd gotten her as her lips finally sank down onto his, he was wrong, because she pulled back after the briefest second, and he was truly fighting the loudest groan of frustration, but even the thought of Vicki rushing in and finding Sharon on top of him almost wasn't enough, so he busied himself with straightening his back and sitting up, feeling Sharon's knees flinch as they slid around his hips, pressing into the bed linen.

	And if it takes forever
	Then I'll wa-a-ait forever!
	No ordinary boy, no ordinary boy is gonna do
	I wanna rider that's cool!

	As amused as he was, Dennis was soon bored. She was too close for him to not want to touch her and she wouldn't let him. So in the moment she took to draw breath, he began to nuzzle at her neck, and she moaned, Dennis able to feel the very essence of it pulsing in her throat. But she composed herself, working her fingers gently underneath his chin and tilting it up so he would look at her.

	I don't want no ordinary guys
	Coming on strong with me
	They don't know what I'm looking for
	They don't know what I need
	They're gonna know it when he gets here
	Cos they'll cry and I'll be shaking
	I'll do anything anything to let him know
	That I'm his... his for the taking!

	And before she could take another breath, he pounced upon her mouth, ramming his tongue inside before she could even try forcing out a whimper of protest. He stood up, and she did squeal into the kiss, but clenching her legs around his waist, the balls of her feet pressing into the small of his back, was more important than pulling back to speak. The smirk playing on his lips transmitted as an amused sigh as he turned, laying her down onto the bed and sinking on top of her, his hands pulling at her trousers. Her hands met his, pulling him away, but he couldn't be deterred, murmuring how much he wanted her.

	He did however, break away from her lips, to congregrate with his hands, kissing a trail down her stomach. Biting down on her lip and fighting her every resolve not to surrender to him, Sharon wriggled.

	"No. No, darlin', stop."

	"You don't mean that." he replied, the sound so muffled as he spoke against her skin.

	And she tried, she tried so hard to say that she did, but the words she heard herself speak were wrapped in a moan of submission. "No... No... I don't... ohhh, Dennis - don't!"

	And she struggled up, fighting him off. But still he looked at her with those big, sad eyes and pulsing lip, knowing full well that is waqs going right through her.

	"Don't look at me like that. As much as I'd love to indulge in passionate sex while our little sister across the landing... it's not a risk I'm willing to take."

	"I didn't mention sex..." he said cheekily, kissing the slope of her neck again.

	"You didn't have to - I know you! Please, don't make this so difficult! Just go... yes, go!" And she pulled him up by the hands, forcing him out the door. "Just go... I'll see you later!"

	Almost as soon as Dennis had left her, Sharon was missing him and wanting to call him back. She stared at her own reflection in the mirror, that dopey little smile on her face. God, she was pathetic. But still as she set about curling her hair with Vicki's tongs, Dennis was all she thought about. Could today get any better? Had he made today so fantastic that this night was doomed to fail? There was nothing he could to top what he had already achieved, and that was almost disappointing. Did the progression of events in that case lie with Sharon?

	Lifting her dress free from the confines of the wardrobe, she thought about what she wanted from him. She wanted the impossible. She wanted today to last forever and she wanted him forever. It hadn't been easy, it truly hadn't, but he had always come back to her because that was where he worked best. Picking at her words, sulking at her, shouting at her, falling on top of her, dancing with her... making love to her. But how was she meant to demand an eternity from him when no-one around them was likely to give them a week?

	She didn't want to be stood here, pulling the strap of her dress over her head thinking that on this, the most romantic night in the calendar, the most romantic day Sharon could ever recall experiencing, wondering when her own romance was going to be over, when her heart would inveitably break over losing him. She shouldn't have been thinking about the pain of looking at Dennis as her brother, when she was so desperate to keep him as her lover. She loved him too much to go back to that. She wanted to be with him forever. But what did that mean? There were so many fights to come and Sharon was scared. He'd told her he wanted her always, but what if she lost him? Ever, it didn't matter how. God, she just needed some reassurance.

	I'm tugging at my hair
	I'm pulling at my clothes
	I'm trying to keep my cool
	I know it shows.

	"Sharon?"

	Settling her hair back against her shoulders, the loose curls lapping at her skin, she turned rapidly round to the calling of her name, relieved to see Dennis and yet simultaneously feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. Was it that he looked so incredible, the definition of his every muscle showing through the thin fabric of his shirt, or was it the fear she daren't address for the future she dreaded becoming her present?

	She smiled apprehensively, and he stepped further into the room, his mouth hanging agape. The expression alone complimented her more than words could. But they came too.

	"Oh God... you're so beautiful..."

	"No I'm not." she replied instinctively, feeling herself blush.

	"Yes, you are." he shot back, rushing across the room and snatching up her hands. "Don't argue. You look... so much more than amazing."

	I'm staring at my feet
	My cheeks are turning red
	I'm searching for the words inside my head
	Cos I'm feeling nervous
	Trying to be so perfect
	Cos I know you're worth it.
	I know you're worth it, yeah.

	"It's a good job it's you I'm doing this for then isn't it?"

	And he just grinned at her, shaking his head and barely able to believe how incredible she really was. It was like an instinct to wrap his arms tight around her, pulling her against his chest and rocking her.

	"Dennis...?" she began, hardly knowing where the address had come from, so many words she daren't speak burning the inside of her throat.

	"Sharon?"

	She wound herself so tight around him, squeezing him fiercely tight as he held her, wanting to feel him close, to hear those shallow little breaths in her ear, to inhale his scent always... what was she meant to do if he wasn't hers forever?

	"I... wanted to say..."

	If I could say what I wanna say
	I'd say I wanna blow you away
	Be with you every night
	Am I squeezing you too tight?  
	If I could say what I wanna see
	I wanna see you go down on one knee
	"Marry me today!"
	I guess I'm wishing my life away
	With these things I'll never say.

	But the words did not come and she pulled regretfully back with a sigh so huge, Dennis couldn't have avoided hearing it as she fell defeatedly down against the bed, not meeting his eye.

	"Honey?" he murmured quietly, scrambling down next to her, his foot wound underneath him. "What is it?"

	When she finally looked at him, Dennis nearly began to cry. Why did she look so broken? Tears were brimming in her eyes she knew he could see, and it was several painfully long seconds before she lifted her hand to wipe them away, laughing weakly.

	It don't do me any good
	It's just a waste of time
	What use is to you
	What's on my mind?
	If it ain't coming out
	We're not going anywhere
	So why can't I just tell you that I care?
	Cos I'm feeling nervous
	Trying to be so perfect
	Cos I know you're worth it.
	I know you're worth it, yeah.

	"I promised myself I'd never sound as desperate as this... Dennis... when you say all the things you want for us, do you mean 'em?"

	"What sort of question's that? Course I do."

	"So you wanna be with me forever... it don't matter what people say... what they try and do... you're still gonna be with me?"

	"Yeah, I am. I'm gonna be right here."

	"And you won't ever leave me?" The desperation crept thick into her voice, making it crack.

	The horror was evident in his tone. He shifted against the duvet and wrapped his hands around her jaw. "No! Don't you dare even think it!"

	And he bruised her quivering lips with a determination she couldn't help but feel, whimpering against him. "I want so much with you... but I'm so scared. I'm scared that's something's gonna happen and I'm gonna lose you, that I'm gonna have to make myself pretend I never felt like this..."

	"Listen to me." he said sternly, looking her full in the eyes, the glimmer in his own somehow finding it's way deep down inside of her. "I'm not to be lost alright? Nothing's gonna happen to us, and soon you won't have to pretend about anything because we will be together, and I'm gonna give you everything you want OK? That's what I'm always gonna do... and I'm going precisely nowhere without you. Cos me and you... we're getting back on a bike, and you can scream your way round as many corners as you like, as loudly as you like. You can hold on so tight, I'll bleed for ya. And I'll love it, cos I'm gonna be right there next to you when you see all the things you ever wanted to see-"

	"Everything?"

	"Name it."

	 If I could say what I wanna say
	I'd say I wanna blow you away
	Be with you every night
	Am I squeezing you too tight?  
	If I could say what I wanna see
	I wanna see you go down on one knee
	"Marry me today!"
	I guess I'm wishing my life away
	With these things I'll never say.

	But she couldn't, shrugging his gentle instruction away and wiping her eyes. He'd lovingly wiped the dirty great mascara tracks from her face with a tissue before kissing her eyelids and getting up to leave her to re-applying her make-up. Sharon never did find out why he'd wandered into her room. And it didn't matter much, because she was so consumed by the idea that, no matter what he said to her now, the one thing she wanted from him was the one thing she had spent all day ensuring he would no longer be prepared to offer.

	Sharon made her way over to the club alone. Vicki had bounded over practically as soon she had pulled her dress over her head, her make-up bag still in hand. Sharon could just imagine her to be desperate to get back over there to get on with the Macarena! Sharon didn't feel quite so steady, reapplying her eye make-up at least five times before she could bear to look at her reflection. But she steeled herself and left the house, concentrating on nothing besides the clanking of her heels against the pavement as her club... this night drew nearer.

	She slipped past the buzzing queue spilling out across the street with a weak smile at Flynn. She barely realised that Dennis was stood there too, until he rushed down the empty stairwell after her, pulling on her hand and pushing her into the corner, the uneven surface of the brickwork pressing uncomfortably into her bare back.

	"Hey."

	"Hi." she gasped, feeling completely surrounded by him, light-headed.

	"Alright?"

	"Yeah. Course." And she wished he would kiss her, but knew he wouldn't because an audience was imminent. Looking over his shoulder, she could already see people striding through the doors in force. In fact, it sounded as though one poor girl had already fallen off her shoes, and that had only risen raucous laughter from her very caring companions, while others tried to surge past her. "Look, you better get back out there yeah?"

	Dennis gnawed at his lip, reluctantly surveying the scene in the doorway. "Sure?"

	"Uh-hmm, positive."

	He surprised her in the next moment as he lowered his mouth, his lips working hers, teasing them open with his tongue before slipping in, flicking in and out of the cavern of her mouth for another moment, quite determined she would not miss a single sensation.

	"Love you." he said simply before turning obediently back up the stairs, leaving her barely steadied against the wall, stunned. It was pretty probable they had been seen. All the girl who had fallen over would have to have done was look round. But why would she care? And why didn't Sharon?

	And as the night began, the realisation crippled her still, so much so that sometimes she could barely stand, leaning heavily against the bar as she reached into the fridge underneath for mixers or whatever. Her eyes were always searching for Dennis, and wherever she found him, he was still too far away, and if he appeared to be talking to, God forbid, a woman then he was doing her a great injustice, even though she had no trouble recalling that she had described him as the Den's "biggest attraction", she hadn't expected to feel like this as he complied with it. She was jealous. And it was in that moment, she realised how deep she had fallen. She could lose him to any woman in this bar tonight, and only because she couldn't let it show that he was hers, however much she wanted to keep him.

	And the sickening feeling rising in her stomach only intensified as she recognised Libby propped up against the bar, inspecting the cocktail list, raising her eyes in Dennis' general direction every minute or so. Damn, the little bitch looked so good - but what was she doing here, in Sharon's club, still eyeing up Sharon's man?

	Even from across the room, he seemed to understand the look her saw in her eyes, and he meandered across the filling bar, and it took a good five minutes to fight his way through to the other side, stepping up behind Sharon, and thankfully not having to worry about the projection of his voice, but still stooping to her ear, wanting to be close, to be able to take in her sugary scent.

	"What's the face for gorgeous?"

	"What's she doing here?"

	"Who?" And Dennis was so close to Sharon that as he turned to follow the direction of a rather venemous glare, his cheek was pressed against hers, her warm breath playing against his skin. And then he saw her. And he tried to ignore the feeling of his stomach dropping. Shit.

	He sounded a lot less bothered than he felt. "Same as everyone else I expect, darlin'."

	"Yeah... drooling over you!"

	"Oh stop it. You're gonna make me blush!"

	"Am I bollocks - you have to have a sense of shame to blush!" He just shrugged and moved out onto the floor, well aware that her eyes were going to be burning into him, wanting to survey him, to check he was not lost.

	You're standing there alone 
	And so am I
	But I want you here
	By my side
	Ohhh
	You smiled at me
	Is everything this staring game?
	That song of love.
	
	He turned round with a smirk, his hands slapping against his calves. He didn't say anything. The glimmer in his eyes told Sharon that he was just waiting, so muttering to Liz to cover the bar, she strode towards him, her own eyes wide with question. As soon as she was close enough, he'd lifted her hands into his and was pulling her close, murmuring into her hair as they moved.

	"Forget her. This is about you and me."

	I look you in the eyes
	I try to read your thoughts
	I ask you to go with me 
	To a far off place

	As they moved back into the crowds, Sharon just stared into his face, so many words once again burning dry in her throat. There was so much she could say to him as he smiled intently at her, that perfectly kissable teasing smile edging out across his lips for her to admire. They said nothing to each other, just savouring the innocent way they were touching because it had come to mean so much to them both. And yet Sharon still heard something, something fierce she couldn't bring herself to acknowledge as the music flooding the room swept her away like an ocean wave. She heard promise. With nothing except the unnerving desire flaring in those depthless eyes, he was promising her everything. And she so wanted to take it.

	I look you in the eyes
	I try to read your thoughts
	I ask you to go with me 
	To a far off place

	She felt the sway of his hips encouraging her back, so she straightened her arm and span in, his arm came around her waist before she settled against his chest, and she span beneath his hand, feeling the back of his hand press into her spine, encouraging the smoothness of her movement. Her arm wrapped around his neck, he lifted her gently from the floor, spinning her round again as he grinned up at her, able to see the laughter sliding out from the corners of her mouth as she clung on.

	You and me dancing the night away
	You can feel my heart beating so hard
	We look eye to eye
	But I'm swept away.

	When she came back to the floor, she took up his hand again, slipping her fingers through and swaying gently.

	On a moonlit walk on the beach
	Watching the sunrise for the first time
	I'm in a trance... for that one slow dance

	We don't have to talk
	We don't have to live at all
	I just want you here with me
	We don't have to talk
	We don't have to live at all
	I just want you here 
	You and me.

	She stretched up, gently kissing his cheek as his hand brushed down her thigh. Without even pausing for thought, not even thinking that thanks to the many, many couples packed in around them that perhaps she would be heard however low she kept her voice. It didn't matter to her. She was protected within this little bubble, where only she and Dennis existed, dancing in each other's arms. So, she whispered

	"You're so incredible... I wanna kiss you so much...."

	
	Sharon hated having to surrender Dennis back to the club. She wanted to dance with him forever, but knew that if she did, looking at him the way she was then she may as well have announced to the whole world that she'd been shagging her own brother mercilessly for the past fortnight and had no intention of stopping. He'd whispered that he was sorry, sorry he'd have to pretend that he wasn't looking at her, when really he was gonna be undressing her with his eyes from across the room, whoever it seemed he was looking at, whoever she saw him talking to, she only had to know that he couldn't wait to be undressing her for real. The corner of his mouth caught her cheek as he slipped away, resulting in a tender half-kiss that made her quiver, savouring the sensation before she was spinning round searching him out again. She quivered again as she realised he was gazing over his shoulder, smiling as his smoky eyes locked with hers.

	Sharon only managed to stop herself rushing forward and snogging his face off by hearing a voice she immediately recognised as Vicki's calling her name. Regretfully she turned away, smiling sweetly across at her sister, who was half hanging off a barstool, looking thoroughly miserable in comparision to the girl who had been Time Warping like there was no tomorrow no more than two hours ago. What had happened?

	For one sickening moment, as she went towards her calling "Alright, darlin'?" Sharon wondered if she had been sussed. It's not as if Dennis hadn't given Vicki enough clues, enough chances to work out what was really going on between them.

	But no. She just thrust her chin into her palm, looking pointedly at her watching muttering "Spencer."

	"Oh!" God, how relieved was she? "He's probably forgotten what time we started... lost his phone..." She reached across and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

	She spent several minutes clock watching with Vicki as she waited for Spencer, and constantly reassuring her that she looked gorgeous and that he would be here very soon, Sharon turned around, to the call for more cocktails at the other end of the bar. Vicki gave her a weak smile of permission, not lifting her chin from her palm, her eyes not moving from her watch. So Sharon moved off, smiling apologetically at the women clamouring for more Manhattans. Of course, she could have made them up herself, but Sharon knew full well it wasn't her skill they were paying to admire. So she craned her neck round, looking for Dennis, aware that there was a slight pang right in the centre of her chest that told her she was missing him.

	But she didn't have to miss him much longer. As she sought him out from the crowds, the feeling went as quickly as quickly as it had come, and she felt her smile vanish from her lips in a moment. Because, there he was, in the corner, chatting rather cosily with Libby, heads bowed and smiles a-plenty. The look she flung in that direction must have been pretty filthy as it gained Vicki's attention on the thousandth time she looked up to see if Spencer had arrived yet.

	"Sharon... Sharon what's wrong?"

	"Tell your brother I need a word eh darlin'? Now."

	Vicki knew there was something wrong immediately, and though her eye fell anxiously back onto her watch, the seconds still ticking by, she seemed to get the message and sloped off to go and get him.

	Sharon knew Vicki understood there was a problem, because Sharon had been extra careful when mentioning the fact Dennis was a brother. She'd apologised to him for it many times since they had asserted themselves as a couple, but when Vicki was around, she threw about "our brother" in abundance. She couldn't have Vicki suspecting anything until she was ready, and so for her to deliberately cast Dennis off as her blood meant, to the younger sister particularly, that there was an argument brewing.

	Dennis came through the crowds, Vicki pulling at his hand. He was smiling, until he saw Sharon's stony glare. Then that smug look she'd have otherwise smacked right off his face dropped from existence, and he hunched his shoulders, looking awkwardly between the two women.

	"What?"

	Luckily, Spencer came rushing in, seemingly tripping over himself in his haste, and Vicki dropped her brother's hand and rushed over to her boyfriend. "Er, later guys!"

	Her departure just left Dennis to sneak uncomfortable glances at Sharon, whose expression remained unchanged as she snarled "In the office, now!"

	Sighing, Dennis straightened out and pushed his way through. Sharon stormed after him, her heels clacking angrily against the floor. She barely noticed the cry of uproar from the gaggle of women still waiting at the end of the bar.

	She slammed the door shut behind her, and Dennis flinched, taking in steady breaths for several seconds before he turned to face her, clawing back his lip in apprehension.

	You don't have to move, you don't have to speak
	Lips for biting	
	You're staring me down, a glance makes me weak
	Eyes for striking

	Sharon was angry. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew what she had seen, but still he didn't seem fazed by it. She had many options at that moment. She could have thrown something at him, she could have screamed at him, but then... she realised there was only one way of getting through to him. She stood close, pulling in a breath, and watching him search her face. 

	She forced her lips onto his, her fury spilling out into her kiss. He felt it too as she pressed her nails hard into his jaw, and he winced, sure he already felt the stinging scratches, but he could not pull back, surrendering to her, his drenched palms sliding down her back. But as she felt him try and balance the control of this situation, she shoved him back hard against the sofa. He stumbled but he didn't care, experiencing too many emotions to give it thought. He was confused. Vicki had said she was pissed off, and that had certainly showed in her face and the way she had spoken to him. So why was he so eager to kiss her back? Why wasn't he demanding to know why she had been so hostile only to be all over him in the next moment?

	In a way, he understood. Her possessiveness was exciting. But only in a way that didn't scream for him to pull away. She'd never been like this. It was much more his style than it was hers, but he knew he already loved it. Her mouth upon his own was too insistent for it to even become a proper thought. He groaned just for that split second when she wasn't crushed against him. Her kiss came back, hard and desperate as she straddled him; knowing but not caring that her heel was digging in most uncomfortably just above his knee. He deserved it, he deserved it all.

	Now I'm twisted up when I'm twisted with you
	Brush so lightly
	And time trickles down, I'm breathing for two
	Squeeze so tightly

	"You... bastard..." she gasped between kisses, refusing to let him push his tongue into her mouth, grinding against his excited groin each time she pulled that little way back from his lips. "You wanted her... again.... didn't you? Thought you'd... f*ck her in... here too did you? Thought you'd f*ck her like... like you're gonna f*ck me hmmm?"

	He stared at her, before attacking her neck with his mouth, sucking on her and making her cry out, pressing harder against him. His nose struck the slope of her neck several times in quick succession, and it took her a while to realise he was nodding, before swirling his tongue around the section of skin he had just bruised, wanting to soothe it.

	I'll be fine, you'll be fine
	This moment seems so long
	Don't waste now, precious time
	We'll dance inside the song.

	With a frustrated groan, she leant back, literally pulling herself free from Dennis' mouth, before fumbling with his belt. She lifted herself a little from his lap and his drenched palms swept up her thighs, pulling her dress up away from her legs, knowing that she at least had his attention as his hungry eyes took in every detail of the thigh she was revealing.

	"You'll... never... do that... to me... again... understand?"

	What makes you one to shake me down?
	Each touch belongs to each new sound
	Say now you want to shake me too
	Move down to me, slip into you

	Yanking the belt free from the loops with one determined yank, Sharon let it slip through her fingers to the floor. "If I... ever see you with her again... I'll castrate you with your own vodka bottle... got that?"

	He moaned wordlessly that he had as she clawed at his shirt, so desperate for it to be gone that she couldn't master the buttons, literally tearing it from his back with a definite rip. He managed an amused whisper of a laugh before she was forcing his trousers over his calves, searching out his hot, hard cock. His hands were against her buttocks, guiding her down to him, letting go of a shallow moan as the muscles in her walls clenched around him.

	She sinks in my mind as she sheds through her skin
	Touch like taste like fire
	Hands do now what eyes no longer defend
	Hands to fuel desire.

	His hands casing her jaw, Dennis kissed her, sucking desperately on her lip, just wanting to be inside her mouth... to be completely inside her. She permitted him, but she fought him with her own tongue for every moment he was there, flicking in and out of her mouth, gasping each time his thrusts up into her were met by one of her own.

	"Tell me you're sorry." she demanded, using a lot of her will to lift herself from him, his length still rubbing against her engorged clit.

	"Alright..." he managed somewhat breathlessly, so wrapped up in what she was doing to him. "I'm sorry."

	"I mean it. I ever see her again, I'll break her legs... see if she can get you to screw her then!" 

	His hands were still against her buttocks, and though he nodded, trying to make it look as though he was paying attention; all he wanted was to feel himself move inside her again, he wanted to hear her cry out his name; so he pulled at her, trying to force her back down onto him. Sharon obliged, shifting just the tiniest distance so that just the tip of his cock was inside her, swelling, so desperate was he to be further inside her.

	"... and if I see you anywhere near the little slag, or anyone, I'm gonna break your neck. Alright?"

	"Yes!" he cried, which could have doubled as a gasp of pleasure. Sharon figured that that was probably it because he was shifting underneath her, trying to move into her. 

	"You're mine... no-one touches what's mine... no-one... and I'm telling you now... I get jealous... very... very... jealous."

	She edged down onto him, with each of her words, revelling in the way it showed such a slow action taunted him. With her final huskily spoken wordm she sank down into his lap, loving the way it felt to finally have all of him buried deep inside her, stretching her as he moved.

	Not left with the power to answer her, he thrust harder into her, a guttural moan accompanying this exertion. She understood him and began to kiss hot trails across his bare glistening chest as he fucked her. By the time she'd gone up his neck and across his jaw to his quivering lips, she knew she was wet enough to come, but he was loathe to allow it yet, slamming into her again and again, not willing to stop til she told him how good he felt, til she screamed it.

	I'll be fine, you'll be fine
	This moment seems so long
	Don't waste now, precious time
	We'll dance inside the song.
	What makes you one to shake me down?
	Each touch belongs to each new sound
	Say now you want to shake me too
	Move down to me, slip into you

	Unable to hold her off any longer, Dennis let her rest against his chest, her arms looped around his neck, gulping back those first blistering cries of release as she rode down onto him, teasing him, prolonging this moment.

	Ooh, ah
	Ooh, ah
	Ooh, ah
	Ooh, ah
	Ooh, ah
	Ooh, ah
	Ooh, ah
	Ooh, ah

	But they fought against her throat, and he watched, mezmerized as she screamed his name, begging for him, so tight around him that the sound was soon not just hers. And somewhere, in this heavy haze of vicious perfectness, Dennis realised that they could be heard and though he'd have loved to tell someone, anyone that he was here with Sharon, enjoying her mouth, her moans, the idea petrified him all at once. Not for himself, but for Sharon, because he thought he knew what she would do the moment they were discovered, and he just wanted to keep hold of her, to enjoy it that little bit longer. So he forced his lips upon hers, and she did not try and fight him, surrendering each shuddering moan to the depths of his mouth, his own cries bouncing off her tongue as their respective orgasms went through them.

	I'll be fine, you'll be fine
	Is this fine? I'm not fine!
	Give me pieces
	Give me things to stay awake
	What makes you one to shake me down?
	Each touch belongs to each new sound
	Say now you want to shake me too
	Move down to me, slip into you
	What makes you one to shake me down?
	Each touch belongs to each new sound
	Say now you want to shake me too
	Move down to me, slip into you
	Move down to me, slip into you
	
	Without words, Sharon stayed against him only to watch a smile appear on his lips, to know that he had definitely understood her. She climbed up, smoothing down her dress and heading towards the door. Dennis began forming words of protest, but Sharon laughed them quietly away with a smirk and glanced back, prompting him to flush in embarrassment and leap up to recover his belt.

	"I'll go home - get you another shirt shall I?"

	Sharon was barely noticed, stealing out across the Square, with the exception of the security staff at the door, who were too busy pulling invites out of sweaty hands to even acknowledge her clattering past. Though it was pretty obvious, Sharon didn't realise it was raining until the torrents of it slid down her back, seeping through her dress and sending shivers rocketing down her back. It was like a soddin' monsoon. Her hair was practically slicked back against her crown, the curls dropping out, it was immediately so drenched. Fantastic. She could feel damp tracks on her cheeks too - she was gonna be looking like a clown then. Great.

	So she raced the rest of the way home, slamming into the empty house and rushing up the stairs to Dennis' room without pausing for breath, banging open the wardrobe and pulling out a shirt that seemed to have been hanging there waiting for her to come and claim it. It was black and it was beautiful. At least that's how Dennis would look. Just imagining it was making her tingle. Pathetic, but the shirt definitely did something for her.

	You are a getaway car, a rush of blood to the head
	But me, I'm just the covers on top of your bed

	She crashed her way through the rest of the house searching for a bag to carry the shirt back to him in, but not before she'd left Dennis' room with a rather longing look in the direction of the bed.

	Finding a book bag in the back of Vicki's warbrobe, Sharon slipped the shirt inside, the cool silk sliding through her fingers. She didn't bother with putting the strap over her head, she just rushed through to the bathroom and pulled what must have been half a loo roll off the wall, winding it round her hand and wiping off the rivers of mascara across her cheeks and hoping that she didn't look too awful without it. Then with a sigh to prepare herself, she turned and forced herself to run back outside into the relentless downpour, squealing as this time, she realised immediately how cold it truly was. Perhaps she should have been grateful that her dress went little past her knees and did not drag into the puddles - but she rushed straight through so many of them anyway, she managed to splash herself right up to the thigh. By the time, she got back to the club, she felt extremely attractive. The queue outside had dwindled somewhat, a poor dishevelled looking Flynn herding everybody through, barely able to see past his own nose.

	"C'mon in now!" she yelled above the thundering of the rain. "Let them sort themselves out, you're gonna catch something if you don't come dry off soon!"

	So he followed her down into the bar, smiling away the odd looks they received from those who had been fortunate enough to arrive dry.

	"Liz, get Flynn a drink eh? I'm just gonna go and get him some towels from out the back, see if we can't dry him off a bit!"

	"You an' all by the looks."

	"Yeah."

	And she slipped into the office, still clutchin the book bag, shivering as she shook the rain from her hair.

	"Jesus, what happened to you?"
	
	You steer in the rear view mirror, and make my head swim
	I'll keep you warm and not ask you where you've been

	She followed the voice and found Dennis on the couch much as she had left him - topless - but lazily slurping gin from a tumbler, the smirk evident upon his lips even as he sipped.

	"Heavens... opened..."

	"Well, it definitely looks that way don't it?"

	"I must look a state..." she muttered, raking her hands through her hair.

	He pushed himself up and wandered towards her, pulling the bag from her grasp and letting it drop to the floor with disinterest before leaning in and kissing her lightly, his arms snaking round her, the glass of gin pressed into her back.

	In your backless black dress soaked to the skin
	When it's said and done, they're all scrambling
	We're friends... we're friends
	Just because we move units.

	"You? Never."

	"Mmmm." she murmured against him, not really believing him as she pulled back to stoop for the bag. "So... no-one ask any questions?"

	"Well, Vicki did come in..."

	"What did you tell her?"

	His eyes glittered mischievously as he stared at her for a moment. "Well, of course I told her that her wonderfully sensible sister had shagged me senseless on this here couch-"

	"Dennis..."

	He laughed gently. She was too easy. "It's alright - she just wanted to know what had happened to the shirt-" He eyed the shredded remains of it where it still lay on the floor.

	"And what did you tell her?"

	He lifted the glass from over her shoulder. "Told her I'd spilt this."

	Sharon raised an eyebrow. "What and that you just happened to tear the shirt off your own back in the process?"

	"Well yeah." he shot back flirtatiously. "Anyway, don't you go looking at me like that. This is your fault..."

	"Yeah... you're just jealous this is backless and you couldn't do the same!"

	"Do you know how selfish that makes you?"

	"Hmmm... selfish enough to bring over another shirt... to catch my death for ya, that's how." And she pulled the shirt out and threw it at him, taking a moment to admire his chest as he slipped into it, the silk hugging his every muscle and giving her butterflies. He caught her looking at him, smirking as he worked the buttons through.

	

	Feeling herself blush, she turned away, rifling through the cupboards for the towels she only just remembered she had promised poor sodden Flynn. Reaching right to the back to pull a couple free, she tossed them onto the couch, just catching sight of Dennis again out the corner of her eye.

	Oh God, he was so beautiful.

	She could feel that her mouth was gaping, and the reception of it showed in the undeniably humoured look on his face. She half stumbled towards him, feeling his arms come around her and hold her up before she even considered herself to be close.

	His fingers slipped under her chin, tilting her head up, her lips so tantalisingly close. She took in a great heaving breath that only excited him as she smiled, daring him without words to do what she would if he didn't. So he brushed his lips against hers, met immediately by the force of her own kiss that nearly made him lose his balance. But up he stayed, desperate to touch her, his hands falling everywhere as they fought to pull each other closer, wanting to be the first to thrust their tongue into the other's mouth, wanting to feel the reaction.

	Sharon's hands were sliding up and down his chest, trying to catch her nails into the material.

	"Mmm, what you gonna do, rip this one off an' all?"

	"Yep."

	"And with that she rammed her tongue into his mouth, her fingers this time creeping round to the buttons and teasing them open.

	She nearly screamed into his mouth as there came a soft knock at the door. "Sharon?"

	Sharon shoved Dennis regretfully back. "Flynn." she murmured, kissing him hurriedly just one more time, not really wanting to leave his lips at all. "Come in." she said, directing her words to the door as she cleared her throat.

	Flynn came into the room looking little better than Sharon remembered. He looked just as drowned as her. With a sympathetic smile, she lurched for the towels, handing them to him.

	"Here. Look, we'll go... get out of your way. Take as long as you like. I'll go dry myself out.. somehow." And she smirked at Dennis, taking his hand.

	"Oh yeah, and how are you gonna do that?"

	"You're gonna dance with me!"

	As she pulled him out onto the floor, everyone was up and dancing, arms raised, hips swinging and smiles wider than the bar. It was infectious, and Sharon wasted no time in pushing herself out into a lunge and spinning beneath his hand and stepping round to meet his hips.

	Strike us like matches
	Cos everyone deserves the flames
	We only do it for the scars and stories
	Not the fame.

	They sprang apart, their hands above their head, fingers laced together as they span underneath this arch. It was always the most incredible feeling, because the walls would move and the people around them would become out of focus, creating a buzz that just couldn't be described. It was like they were weaving their own world around them, and no-one mattered because they were always creating something beautiful when they danced. It was all about just them, as they held each other.

	At least everyone is trying, everybody's shining
	Everyone deserves the flames but it's such a shame
	Such a shame.

	Stepping to the right, Sharon pushed forward against his hand so he stepped back on his right, pulling her round into a lazy waltz.

	The sounds of this small town
	Make my ears hurt

	As they stopped, he leant over her, forcing her to bend her spine and accept the position of the world as he swung down into an arc, clutching her hands. As she straightened up, she span around, pressing against his chest, the silk of his shirt causing a delicious friction across her bare skin. He kept hold of her hands, raising them again and lunging to the right, meaning she dropped against him, down into his arms.

	Oh yeah, you caught me, but I caught you one worse

	Getting up, she found Dennis' hand against her thigh, lifting her leg (a nice shooting pain went right up her calf but she ignored it, too exhilarated by his touch) around his hip, her heel pressing into his buttock.

	They say "You wanna war?"
	"You gotta war.

	And he spun round, lifting her from the floor, her arms tightening around his neck.

	But who are you fighting for?"

	On the floor again, Sharon stepped back, straightened her arm and felt Dennis immediately pull her back so she was crushed against him, sliding down his form to the floor before leaping up again, stepping round him by slipping her knee between his.

	The tide's out, the ship's run aground
	We drown traitors in shallow water! 

	He rushed at her, pulling her so close the sweat prickling against his skin leapt to hers as they swayed wildly, laughing against each other's ears.

	In your backless black dress soaked to the skin
	When it's said and done, they're all scrambling
	We're friends... we're friends
	Just because we move units.
	Strike us like matches
	Cos everyone deserves the flames
	We only do it for the scars and stories
	Not the fame.
	At least everyone is trying, everybody's shining
	Everyone deserves the flames but it's such a shame
	Such a shame.

	Definitely more able to trust him now, Sharon let Dennis move off from her as he pleased, amused to watch him preparing cocktails at one end of the bar for the self-same crowd of clamouring women - women who couldn't have him. Vicki sidled up to her, sounding a little out of breath. She'd obviously been dancing pretty hard herself. But she still found herself amused enough by her brother's snaking hips to mention the spectacle Sharon made missed earlier, and was she sorry she had.

	"You should try his speciality... Liz loved it."

	Sharon gestured towards Dennis' arse with a laugh. "Wouldn't you?"

	"Probably. So you want one then?"

	"Nah, let him enjoy his audience." she said dismissively with a wave in the hand, although she couldn't deny she was impressed with the way the shaker seemed to sail through the air and still find its way back into his hands.

	"Then I demand you dance with me!" she cried happily, perking up immediately.

	"Well... what about Spencer?"

	She pressed her palm against her forehead, laughing. "Sharon... it didn't take many of those classes to work out that Spencer doesn't dance - it's like a physical impossibility. It's driving me mental - I wanna dance!"

	"Then ask Dennis..."

	"Nah." she said rather listlessly. "He wouldn't get it. I wanna... do something stupid, and not care how it looks... oh c'mon Sharon, let's be spontaneous!"

	"Alright, alright!" Sharon laughed flinging up her hands. "C'mon then Miss Fowler, what's your plan?"

	Vicki grinned, swivelling in her seat and lifting herself up onto the bar top, scrambling to her feet crying "I wanna dance!"

	And it was as if the whole bar heard her, cos there was a split second's silence and then as if the music flooding the room could have been conversing with her. It made Sharon laugh. This could only have worked for a not-nearly-drunk-enough Vicki, tapping out the beat with the twitching of her knee, clapping her hands, raised high above her head as she clattered around the bar top.

	Do you wanna dance and hold my hand?
	Tell me baby, I'm your lover man.
	Oh baby, do you wanna dance? 

	"You dancing there then are you darlin'?"

	"Yeah. But I'm lonely! C'mon Sharon!"

	"No! No way!"

	"Oh please!" The really irritating thing was that Vicki was well aware that doing the little pouty thing with her mouth melted Sharon's heart, and could persuade her into the most ridiculous of things. So with a defeated sigh, shaking her disblievingly, she went round to the other side of the bar, swept up in Vicki's whooping in response to her approach. She snatched up one of the glasses Dennis had just prepared and knocked it back with a gasp, barely allowing the taste to hit her tongue. It seemed to go right through her and with a cry up to Vicki said

	"Right, I'm ready!"

	"Yes! C'mon Sharon."

	And just as she was about to move to pull herself up onto the bar, she instead felt someone pulling desperately on her hand. She whirled round so fast that she saw the ends of her still dripping hair whip Dennis across the face. But with a sigh, he forgot about it, returning to the wide eyed look he had been displaying from the moment he had realised what she was about to do.

	"Are you mad? You'll break your fuckin' neck! You'll trip over glasses... or her!"

	"Oh baby, live a little!"

	And she clambered up anyway. Dennis sighed in exasperation, but then settled against the bar to watch, telling himself that he was probably gonna have to catch one, if not both of them in a minute or two.

	Do you wanna dance under the moonlight?
	Hold me baby all through the night
	Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

	Vicki rushed over at Sharon, everyone around them seeming to snatch up their glasses to clear the way, and flung her arms around her with a happy shriek, hugging her tight as if she hadn't seen her for a year. Then they leapt back, hands clasped together, tracing out figures of 8 with thir hips as they worked their way down to their feet, crouching for a moment amongst whatever was left on the bar top. Dennis leant forward at that moment, realising that such a corkscrew action was causing Sharon's dress to ride up her thigh.

	Do you... do you... do you
	Do you wanna dance?
	Do you... do you... do you
	Do you wanna dance?
	Do you... do you... do you
	Do you wanna dance?

	As they straightened up, they wrapped an arm round each other's waist and anchored their heels to initiate the perfect turn. It was only then that Sharon caught the look on Dennis' face. He was leaning a little to the side trying to admire what had now been hidden from him. So she sashayed past Vicki, rolling her hips into her as she passed, delighting in watching her giggle, and crouched down in front of Dennis, who drank in her closeness appreciatively with his eyes. Smirking, she closed his gaping mouth with a flick of her fingertip.

	"What d'you think you're gawping at hmmm?"

	"Oh, that'd be telling."

	"You looking for another go on that couch?"

	"You offering?"

	Sharon just smiled and pushed herself up by pressing against her knees. "You getting up here or what?"
	
	"I'm enjoying the view thanks."

	"Oh I'm sorry. Maybe I didn't make myself clear. Get up here now... or you're gonna get very lonely come kicking out time."

	"Oh, I am, am I?"

	He slipped out past her and worked his way across the floor, Sharon distractedly dancing with her sister as she looked for him. She thought she saw him muttering in the DJ's ear, and the smirk she found in his face as he fought his way back to the bar pretty much confirmed it. Oh God, what had he done?

	Vicki had seen it too, and leant back towards Sharon, yelling: "Don't worry... I have this timed!"

	Eh?

	She didn't have time to think about it, cos as she turned round, she realised, with a jolt of her stomach, that Dennis was stood tall behind her, swinging his hips, catching her own and spinning her round, his arm falling around her waist. The instinct came to brush her hand lovingly against his cheek, framing his face, just as it did with him. They smiled, concealing laughs as they registered the round of drunken "Ohhh!" that met them. Perhaps some of them were about to jump up there an' all and yell "She's shagging him in case you hadn't realised - and he's dying to get his hands into her knickers while he's up here - look at him!"

	Do you wanna dance under the moonlight?
	Kiss me baby all through the night
	Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

	He moved off over to Vicki, knowing that he couldn't neglect her. He leant over her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her waist and swaying with her, nestling his chin into her shoulder, almost relieved to hear the same reaction come from the crowds.

	Do you wanna dance under the moonlight?
	Squeeze me; squeeze me all through the night.
	Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

	He stepped back, about the same distance between both women, taking up one of each of their hands and stepping out so they locked their arms as he raised their hands high, his wrist clicking as he encouraged them to spin. He watched them grinning at each other as they did so, and he realised pretty soon that he was the envy of almost every bloke there, much to the anger of their girlfriends. But oh, it was so great being able to be the one that showed off, and didn't have to give a damn!

	Do you... do you... do you
	Do you wanna dance?
	Do you... do you... do you
	Do you wanna dance?
	Do you... do you... do you
	Do you-

	Vicki span away from him as the music died, and Dennis smirked as Sharon stumbled against him. He'd get these two.

	Only, it was Vicki that was grinning as the next song started up, grinning over at the DJ. Dennis felt his lips shift into a scowl as the women around them all screamed appreciatively, jumping up and down and throwing up their hands before they began singing along mid-line, the one's before drowned out by their own reception. 

	Humidity's rising
	Barometer's getting low

	Sharon and Vicki did everything to encourage them from their heightened positions on top the bar, and it took Dennis a moment to realise that he was stood up there too. Oh shit - he really should get down. He tried, but found he was stuck fast, both of them hanging on fiercely to his hands, drilling in their nails - God, Vicki had nails? - so hard that he was in pain. But of course, he couldn't let that show. 

	Cos according to all sources
	The street's the place to go.
	Cos tonight for the first time
	Just about half past ten

	Dennis could feel his stomach tighten, sure that over his shoulder he could see many if not all of the female bar staff climbing up onto the bar too, creeping... crawling... like an army of the undead or something. They all straightened up with a determined flick of their hair and click of their heels. Oh bloody hell, it wasn't just the women. Flynn and Guy, Harry & Jamie were all up there as well. About a dozen gyrating, laughin, clicking swinging people had hijacked the bar space, and Dennis' only gut-wrenching thought was: Why didn't anyone cover the door... the cloakroom anymore? Anyone? Anywhere? Please?!

	But no-one was paying any attention, too engrossed in yet another show of the night. The girls; punctated well by the men who had decided that this time they would not miss out; sank down to the floor, jutting out their hips and pressing their splayed fingertips against the bar top.

	For the first time in history
	It's gonna start raining men.

	They leapt up again, throwing back their hands and lifting their lithe arms above their heads, wiggling their fingers as their hands drifted down, falling in a crossover across their pelvises before throwing up their arms again, spinning enthusiastically underneath this incomplete arch.

	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!
	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!

	Sharon tossed her hair over her shoulder as she came up again, knowing that rain droplets that were hanging fast shook over them all. There were cries of protest that were squandered by raucous laughter and whoops and cheers. They got her point then!

	Humidity's rising
	Barometer's getting low

	All the girls stepped forward, rolling their shoulders back against the man they were closest to as they would done their hips, resting their heads lazily against the shoulder they came to first, cheekily placing their hand against a cheek, caressing their way along the not-so-poor bloke's cheekbone. Dennis had flinched, but the smile that sat casually in the corner of his mouth had won out.

	Cos according to all sources
	The street's the place to go.

	Snatching up Sharon's hand, not really noticing or caring that everyone seemed to be following his lead now, Dennis extended her arm and wrapped it around his neck, lifting her up into one quick and light spin.

	Cos tonight for the first time
	Just about half past ten

	On their own feet again, the girls stepped out a fraction in front of the guys, pulling their hands from around their backs and slipping their fingers through before lifting them into the air, the exchanged body heat prickling at skin.

	For the first time in history
	It's gonna start raining men!

	Pulling the girls arms down into a hoizontal line against their own with one stilted movements, the guys released the right hand, leaving the girls to step round and meet their other hand, pushed out into a spin that brought them precariously near the edge of the bar.	

	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!
	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!

	Dennis hands crept around Sharon's hips, and she clamped her hand over his, spinning round to face him and feeling him lift her again, higher and higher, spinning round slowly. She didn't wrap her arms around him; she stretched them out behind hind, a satisfied smile on her face as she savoured the feel of hot, sticky energetic air on her burning skin.

	I'm gonna go out
	I'm gonna let myself get
	Absolutely soaking wet!

	He brought her down away from the edge, grinning at her, unable to make himself stop, as his hips met hers at each circuit.

	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Every specimen
	
	He snatched up her hands again, almost snapping them into a tight hold.

	Tall, blonde
	Dark and lean

	Then he leant over her, pushing her down into an arc again, his tight hold on her hands making sure she knew that he was controlling this. as she swung down and across, in jerky and yet definite movements.
	
	Rough and tough
	And strong and lean.

	Straightening her back, she pushed him back and leapt to the side before he could pull her back, rolling her hips into Liz as she passed instead, encouraging everyone to sing on with a flick of her hand. Spinning past Jamie, she leant over Vicki, bending back with a grin as Vicki immediately countered her action before turning her attentions back to Jamie.

	God bless Mother Nature
	She's a single woman too

	Taking a deep breath, Sharon prepared herself, her arms poised a way away from her waist as she held herself up. And she span the the length of the bar, again and again and again, thinking that she was bound to topple off the edge in a minute... that the walls would stop spinning that second too early and she'd overbalance. But when she did, the blaze of impressed screams did not let up, because she'd sunk beautifully into Flynn's arms, who seemed to have leapt across the bar from the end of the line when she could not see him.

	She grinned, hooking her arm across his neck to pull herself up, but not before she'd looked across at Dennis... and yes, there was that gorgeous jealous flare in those mezmerising eyes. Ah yes, perhaps now he knew how it felt.

	She took on the heavens
	And she did what she had to do! 

	Sharon framed Flynn's handsome face with her hands, rolling her hips into him and sliding slowly down his form.

	She taught every angel
	To rearrange the sky

	Levelling him again, she put one arm against his shoulder, her hand cupping around the back of his neck, and then the other, clasping her hands together around, before he'd lifted her up, giving her the support to throw out her arms again.

	So that each and every woman
	Could find the perfect guy!
	It's raining men!

	She smiled at Dennis again as her heel clicked against the bar again, moving over to the centre, knowing her every movement was teasing him and loving it. She looked over her shoulder at the girls stepping in front of the guys again, excitedly awaiting Sharon's next wordless instruction. She bent her knees, hands pressed against them as she anchored her feet slightly apart. She swung her hips into a figure-of-eight, working down to the floor and swinging her hair too.

	I feel stormy weather
	Moving in!
	About to begin.

	They swung the other way, raising a different kind of whistling from the previously disgruntled men in the crowds, each wanting to be one of the guys up on the bar, stock-still, mouths gaping as they admired the girls.

	In the thunder
	Don't you
	Lose your head!

	Straightening their backs with a jerk, they raised their palms heavenwards and span slowly round. Their backs to the crowd for a moment, the appreciative noises seemed to increase.

	Rip off the roof
	And stay in bed

	Then they all spent time stepping from side to side, hips still a-going, clicking their fingers and enjoy the roar of mismatched singing that met their hearing, grinning as the guys began leaping from the bar amongst the loudest of all the screaming blazes, oh it was fantastic - and apparently truly raining men!

	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!
	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!
	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!
	It's raining men
	Hallejuah!
	It's raining men!
	Amen!

	

	The guys all turned as the song died away, helping the girls clamber down. Sharon was sat against the bar top before anyone could so much as consider it, but Dennis was not to be beat, and with a smirk, rushed at her, swinging her away, holding her thigh against his hip and listening to her shriek as she tried to cling on.

	"Dennis... you idiot, put me down!"

	"No, no, don't!"

	They both snapped their hands round in the direction of the voice, but were not met by a face - it was a camera.

	"Excuse me?" Sharon said, narrowing her eyes, a little baffled, and barely realising that Dennis hadn't let her touch the floor as yet.

	"Sorry, Sharon. Mike Wallace... photographer."

	"Oh!" she smiled, remembering a rushed conversation she'd had with a bloke a few weeks ago from the most expensive photography business she could pull out of the phone book. "Right, yeah-"

	"I thought I should really get a photograph of the boss lady! Shame a still won't show you're all singing, all-dancing side eh? That was pretty impressive..." And he looked at Dennis for a moment. "... and this is your er.." His eyes travelled to her exposed thigh, clocking the way he was holding her. "...husband...?"

	Dennis laughed gently, looking down and rubbing the pad of his thumb lovingly across her thigh. Sharon gulped as she realised he had dropped his gaze. Oh damn, what she meant to say? Her reply was in her mouth but, shit, no - she couldn't. 

	"No. No... Sharon Watts... Dennis Rickman... Dennis is my brother."

	"Never mind that darlin'..." Dennis murmured thickly, so sensually that Sharon could practically taste the smile on his lips. "Just smile."

	And he pulled her that little bit closer and she relaxed her arms around his neck as she turned towards the lens, feeling Dennis tilt his head against hers. If he came any closer, she was gonna have to do something.... oh damn, oh damn, be strong Sharon!

	Luckily, Mike was done almost immediately. "Beautiful."

	Sharon heard a whisper of "Isn't she?" escape the corner of Dennis' mouth as he met her eye and smiled, but luckily, no-one else seemed to.

	"Won't keep you. Sure you're dying to dance..."

	"Hmmm." Dennis had nodded, before pulling Sharon away back into the crowds. She was just a fraction behind him, trying to recover from the twinge in her leg having been held against him so long. But that wasn't gonna stop her dancing. And, well... even if it did, there was gonna be nothing to stop her admiring him.

	But luckily, music was on her side. This wasn't gonna be a full out few minutes. It was gentle. Dennis' smile flickered, as if he was annoyed, but it passed before Sharon could be sure, and she just watched as he slipped his fingers through hers, his other hand falling into place against her hip as they began to sway.

	For what it's worth I think there's nobody like you
	You've got grace, got a heart beating despite your fun
	
	She pulled her hands back and snaked her arms back around his neck, lacing her fingers togther around the curl that sat in the nape, just letting herself fall forward into his eyes.

	As I grew up, I was terrified of darkness
	Now you're around, I've no reason to be frightened.

	With a smile that said he understood what she couldn't say, Dennis let his hand drop from her hip and she stepped back, straightening her lithe arm and spinning into him, underneath his hand.

	Cos even if the sun came tumbling down
	You light the ground I walk on

	He pulled her round into a clearing on the floor, spinning again and again, wanting the walls to swim, to watch her throw her head back as she laughed... to see her grinning at him as she felt that buzz go through her too.

	And even if the moon fell out of the sky
	You light the ground I walk on.

	They slowed again, just gazing at each other. Sharon had butterflies, feeling her heart swell. How was it possible to love him this much so... so soon? Was it wrong to... to fantasise like she found herself doing everytime she looked at him? Was she making plans she shouldn't? She could keep hiding behind the reasoning that sooner or later, someone was going to know and were gonna wrench them apart... oh God, she felt sick just contemplating the idea... or was she brave enough to fight for him? If she was so sure she wanted to feel like this forever... that she was meant to be with him always, then shouldn't she find the courage to show it? To anyone, to everyone?

	Now that you're mine, I can't picture life without you
	(You're mine)
	You're my friend, you're my lover - wanna bite you.

	Dennis caught sight of the smirk on Sharon's face and felt it leap across to his own lips as she met his eye. So he dropped her hand again, pushing her out by the arm, waiting for her to spin back.

	Cos even if the sun came tumbling down
	You light the ground I walk on
	And even if the moon fell out of the sky
	You light the ground I walk on.
	(Even if the moon fell out of the sky)

	In the hold, they stepped round, and Sharon stared at his feet, mezmerised by them. He smiled, working his fingertip and tilting it up so he could look into her beautiful face again, which he did for just a second before spinning her clear of the floor again. She giggled, resting her forehead against his as she clung on.

	The world just goes on spinning and I can't retrace
	My heady footsteps to this place
	I'm in heaven right now - and I don't wanna come down!

	"I love you." she whispered through her laughter.

	He brought her back down to the floor and took her hand, pulling her further through the crowds wanting to get her away. She understood and hid herself in the darkest corner of the alcoves, waiting for him to join her.
		
	Even if the sun came tumbling down
	You light the ground I walk on
	Even if the moon fell out of the sky
	You light the ground I walk on.

	Dennis framed her face lovingly with her warm palms and smiled at her. "I love you too." And she waited, her heart missing a beat as she watched him come closer, his lips catching hers for one determined moment, kissing her so deeply, she almost fell forwards in encouraging it, his tongue creeping into her mouth. There was the thought that someone would see them, recognise them... but what did she care? All she'd needed to know was what he was telling her now. She was meant to be with him always.

	Now we're alone, I wanna show how much I need you
	I'll kiss you so - you won't ever wanna leave me

	And she would have had him kiss her always too, but she wasn't entirely stupid, however dizzy the heights of such an all-consuming love could make her. So she leant him break off gently and pull her back into the dying light of the room, clasping her hands again and swaying with her, countering the rocking of her hips, before she stepped back again, intent on locking her arm and meeting him again in a spin.

	Cos even if the sun came tumbling down
	You light the ground I walk on
	And even if the moon fell out of the sky
	You light the ground I walk on.

	He pulled her close, not intending to let her go again, just wanting to feel her move into him. And she didn't fight, nestling into his shoulder and letting him control their movement. Her head felt too light and yet too hazy to think of anything besides how perfect he was. She wasn't going to lose him. She brushed her lips against his ear, promising herself she was going to keep him forever as she summoned the courage to whisper the words.	

	Even if the sun came tumbling down
	You light the ground I walk on
	Even if the moon fell out of the sky
	You light the ground I walk on.

	"Marry me..."

	Sharon felt him go rigid against her almost immediately. So she hadn't just thought of herself saying the words in some hazy flawless dimension then. She really had said them. In a reality that felt anything but flawless. Why did it suddenly seem cruel that she'd spoken with sincerity, that she meant it. She felt Dennis push her back, gently and yet with a gut-wrenching firmness she couldn't escape as his hold around her dissolved and he just stared at her, searching her face with manic and darting eyes. The smile was there in the corner of his mouth, and if only it would have danced out across his lips, even if he could not speak; then she would have kissed it away. She would have. In front of all these people, and she wouldn't have cared. She loved him so much she was past caring. She just needed him... she needed him to speak.

	She heard a gentle laugh and for a moment wasn't sure whether it had come from her own throat or his. Then she realised it was both... two gentle.... nervous, disbelieving laughs mingling together. Dennis was smiling, he... he was mocking her, shaking his head, murmuring

	"No... No... No... No.... No."

	And he turned away from her, pushing his way through the crowds, without another word. Sharon's stomach plummeted as she realised what had just happened. She looked desperately for him, trying to tell herself that she was just hot and uncomfortable, that there were not tears prickling in her eyes.

	But he was lost... and so was Sharon, her chest tightening with every breath she had to force into her lungs as everyone moved around her as units to music she could not hear above the erratic pounding of her heart, of the blood in her ears. But she knew, however hard she tried to deny it that there was a great racking sob beating painfully against her ribs, battling for its release. And she was all at once powerless to fight it. Her knees sagged underneath her a little as she clamped her hand over her mouth, not wanting to be heard as she bowed her head and cried hard.

	"Sharon?"

	Damn, damn, damn - noticed already. But she turned towards the voice, folding into the arms she knew so well.

	"Oh Vicki... Vicki... I..."

	"What is it?"

	"I can't... I can't... oh why did I....? I love him... I love him so much... I sh-shouldn't... but I do... I'm sorry but I... oh I can't!"

	But Vicki didn't know how to question her. She had an idea, a nasty one, and she hadn't wanted to mention it, but now, as she drew Sharon out of the crowds and forced her to sit at the bar with the promise of fixing her a stiff drink, she realised she'd probably have to.

	Just as Sharon did, Vicki saw Dennis looking at them, particularly at Sharon, flinching as he saw what a state she was in. He gulped as her eyes locked with his for a second before she wiped her eyes and smiled weakly. She didn't want him to see her cry. But he gave her reason to feel nothing but forlorn, because he did not even try to return her smile before tearing his gaze away.

	"Dennis?"

	Hearing Vicki raise his name urgently from his side, Dennis practically leapt out of his skin, although he just about managed to cover that fact.

	"Wha'?"

	"What do you mean what, look at her!"

	But he couldn't. "What d'you think you're doing?" he snapped instead as he realised she was raising a glass underneath the dispenser. "You can't serve."

	"Don't be stupid - I'm getting Sharon a drink, I'm not gonna be taking her money, so I'm not serving am I?"

	He closed his hand around hers and made sure it was the flick of his thumb that caused the rich amber liquid to slosh generously into the glass. "You know the licencing laws Vicks, you're not eighteen... and since you don't pull the pints, you don't play with the pumps, now get off."

	"Well, fine, you give it to her then!" Vicki didn't notice the nervous look on his face as she spoke the words, leaving the glass stood there untouched. "But Dennis... you know just now?"

	"Just now...?" he asked nonchalantly. But of course, he knew. He knew all too well.

	"When you two were dancing dummy. I think... and I didn't wanna say anything cos it's not right.... but it seems pretty obvious now... you should know it too seeing as you're part of it..."

	Dennis fought to keep his jaw steady, feeling his mouth dry out. Oh shit. No, no, no, no, NO! They'd been sussed. She knew, oh God, Vicki knew, and at probably the worst moment possible too.

	"This is the first Valentine's Sharon's celebrated since... since Tom died."

	And he almost laughed the relief was so immense. Scrap that, mate, he thought to himself. It's alright, she really is totally blind.

	"What?"

	"Yeah, I'd just gotten here last year, and she wouldn't have anything to do with it. When it came, she just sat in the flat, going through all her photos of him. So this year... I thought... I convinced her to have the Ball because... well, it's just a stupid celebration right? It doesn't mean anything, and I thought it might help her get over... well, no... but I just didn't want her to be moping round the house... and those dance classes... thought it'd ease the build up see, but this is it... this is the night and she's gonna be thinking about him... and you... you're a guy..."

	"Really? Can't say I've noticed!"

	"Shut up. I mean you're the guy that's here, dancing with her... slow-dancing... and she's just gonna be thinking she should be doing all these things with Tom... not having her brother humour her..." And she gave him a piteous look that he wanted to fling away. He'd never been humouring Sharon. And he wished he could say as much to Vicki, but... after what had just happened?

	"Look... just give us that." he muttered, leaning over her, his hand closing around the glass. He stepped back from his sister and drew in a breath to prepare himself as he crept over to Sharon.

	"Here." he murmured, realising that he couldn't quite look at her as she straightened up fighting off her tears, with a weak smile. 

	He put the glass down with a clunk and pulled his hand away as hers came near. She realised his hurry immediately, and muttered, with a bitter laugh.

	"Careful, wouldn't want anyone getting suspicious would we?"

	Dennis sighed. "Sharon..."

	"In fact, maybe it's better you don't even talk to me eh?"

	"Jesus Christ Sharon, do you even know what you just did?"

	"Of course I do! And I know what you just did an' all! I... I just don't understand you... I thought that that was what you wanted."

	Inwardly, Dennis was battling himself. He couldn't help recalling every not-so-subtle hint he had dropped throughout the day, and he knew... he knew she was right. But, somehow, just somehow, he felt cheated... cheated and off-guard. Never would he have expected her to take the initiative. As far as he was concerned, she could take it as often as she wanted when it came to jealous sex, but... never would he have expected her to...

	"So that's why you said it... because you thought that's what I wanted to hear?"

	"No!" she bleated, knowing she'd have to keep her voices to a rushed whisper, but wishing she could scream the words at the top of her lungs. "Dennis... I said it because I love you... I'm in love with you... these past couple of weeks, I've been falling in love with you every day... even when you betrayed me by screwing that troll, I was still doing it. And I don't wanna stop. Please don't make me stop..."

	"Oh, so that's what you'll do is it, if I don't... you'll just stop loving me, when you apparently love me so much?"

	"Don't you dare mock me! I'm scared OK? I'm scared I'm gonna lose you!"

	"And I told you... I ain't going anywhere."

	"So why did you walk away from me?"

	He leant closer, lacing his hands together and shaking his head disbelieving as he guffawed. "Sharon, news flash honey, you proposed to me."

	"Yeah well," she muttered, knowing her cheeks were flushing and suddenly feeling very stupid as she dropped her gaze and stared into her glass. "I'm sorry."

	"Are ya?" he shot back immediately.

	"No! No, if you want the truth I'm not! I meant it - I said it cos I meant it."

	"Right, so you want me to say yes... you want me to..."

	"Marry me?" she finished scathingly, realising that the words were stuck in his throat. "Nah, Dennis, said it for a laugh. Don't really give a fuck about you... well, a fuck maybe... but nah. I thought we could run off for a laugh... break our little sister's heart cos there's nothing much else to do! But hey, go ahead and break mine instead, I don't care."

	And she flung her hair defiantly over her shoulders, suddenly aware what a state she must look, and trying to ignore the sob pulsing in her throat as she slid off the stool. Dennis lunged across for her hand to draw her back, and she scowled at the connection he had dared to make between them.

	"Sharon... I never said that I would-"

	She cut him off. "You turned me down flat. I think you're a hypocritical bastard, but I get the message. So I'm sorry alright? I'm sorry I meant it, I'm sorry I said it, and I'm sorry I gave more than a fuck!"

	"Sharon!"

	"What?"

	"Please, calm down. Vicki thinks... she thinks you're in a state over Tom."

	And though she was shivering, angry and desperate to be away from him, she fell back, stunned. "T-Tom?"

	"Yeah, y'know... the last bloke you decided you wanted to marry?"

	"You're not being fair." she snarled.

	"Yeah well, neither are you!" he cried, his wide eyes glittering. "If you were being serious, then you're saying you want to run from everyone, everything you've ever known to marry me. Why would you do that?"

	"Because I love you." she said again rather pathetically as she wrapped her hand loosely around his. "I wanna be with you... always. I mean, isn't that why people get married?"

	"I know all this Sharon. But when most people get married, they're not still hiding from people... they're not having to pretend they feel nothing."

	So many sentences began in her throat but dried out as soon as they lay against her tongue. She was looking at him, and he was looking at her. And all she saw was his stubbornness, screaming out to her that he didn't want to be kept forever. Glaring at him, she knocked back her drink in one, slamming down the glass as she stood up, both feet coming to the floor this time.

	"You know what? I don't think you're pretending..."

	And before she dissolved into tears again, Sharon pulled herself away and promised herself that the tears would not fall. Dennis would not win. She moved into the crowds and pulled Jamie away from Liz, muttering into his ear. He nodded at her, and took her hand, lifting it so she span underneath and he pulled her close. She moved her hips slowly into him, looking out over his shoulder towards the bar. Dennis wasn't looking. Fine, be like that.

	She moved back from Jamie, backtracking in elegant strides as he came forwards, just a whisper away. She felt another pair of arms come around her, and knowing that it couldn't be Dennis, because she could still see him, she span to face her suitor, and came face to face with Flynn, which she realised with a gentle smile. She rested her arm against his chest and stretched her hand up around the back of his neck, driving him into her shoulder as they turned.

	Straightening her arm as she stepped back, Sharon felt another presence behind her, and Guy's knee came between her legs, forcing her back against Jamie, who pulled her close with a little half-smile, swaying with her, his hands falling down her back. Then she turned, her arm hooked around his neck and sank down into his arms.

	Roxanne
	You don't have to put on that red light

	The world levelling again, Jamie pulled her back as he bent his knees, and she raised her leg, kicking out her heel, before she was on her own two feet again and being flung forward into Harry, throwing her arms around him as he lifted her up into the air, one leg straight against his and the other rested against his hip.

	Walk the streets for money
	You don't care if it's wrong or if it is right

	Sharon rushed her shivering hand down his cheek as he lowered her to the floor and stole up her hands, forcing her down into an arc.

	Roxanne
	You don't have to wear that dress tonight

	Harry pushed out against her arm and surrendered her into Flynn's waiting arms. She span round immediately without encouragement wanting to admire his handsome face. A smile flickered at the edge of his mouth in the second before, his hands around her hips, he lifted Sharon into the air. Her spine seemed to curve automatically as she savoured the rush of air licking at her prickling skin.

	Roxanne
	You don't have to sell your body to the night.

	Her heel clicking defiantly against the floor, she span round and finally saw Dennis looking over at her, that little half-smile set into a definite scowl which made her heart pound happily. She was aware of Flynn's hands working across her stomach, his fingers splaying into her pelvis as Guy crept towards her with a definite swagger. He kicked Sharon's legs apart, and she bit down on her lip as she just waited, looking pointedly over at Dennis before she refocussed her attentions, having to suppress a moan as Guy slid down her frame, to bended knee in front of her. 

	Leaning against Flynn, he caught her wrists, and she threw her head to the side, wincing as she felt him force her down onto Guy's knee. Before she was sat fully against him, she broke off from Flynn's force and lifted her leg over Guy's knee, hitting the floor and spinning round. Guy was suddenly on his feet, snatching up her hand and lifting it against his into a pose before she span against him, feeling him sway her as he nestled into her, his warm lips brushing her shoulder.

	Sharon's eyes were meant to close, she was meant to be enjoying the sensuality of this movement - the fact that everyone had moved back in stunned silence to clear the floor and admire them all. But she couldn't, because she was here, doing this, purely for Dennis' reaction. And finally she had one. He'd slipped out from behind the bar and was skulking around the outskirts of the room like some sort of predator, his eyes dark and yet still sparkling with something she could not decipher. In this moment, she hated him. But still, she wanted him, and prayed he would come closer.

	His eyes upon your face, his hand upon your hand
	His lips caress your skin - it's more than I can stand!

	Straightening her arm, she felt Flynn step up behind her, his hands against her hips, the rolling of his hips forcing her to stride forward. She lifted her arm, wanting to reach back and curl it around his neck, but he snatched at her wrist, squeezing it painfully tight as he ripped it away and span her round to a half turn, so she faced away from him. She sucked in a breath as she steadied herself, striding across the floor and meeting Jamie's eye again.

	Why does my heart cry?
	(Roxanne!)
	Feelings I can't fight...

	But what she couldn't see was Dennis pushing his way through the by-standers. OK, so maybe he couldn't reason with her by talking, but he wasn't stupid. They'd already done enough of... of this. She was trying to make him jealous. And for all his words, he truly was. And he wasn't prepared to give her the opportunity to let it continue.

	You're free to leave me but just don't deceive me

	Reaching the clearing on the floor, the feeling that he was being suffocated suddenly leaving him as he took in the image of Sharon, he stepped forward, reaching round for her hand, lifting it up and forcing her to spin round and meet him.

	And please, believe me when I say I love you.

	Sharon, as if by some new instinct that screamed she was repulsed by him, tried to pull away when she realised who it was that was holding her. She stepped back into a furious stride, but Dennis countered her, coming forwards and never once surrendering his grip on her hand.

	"You don't have to do this."

	She scoffed and tilted her head away, which meant Dennis only yanked her forwards, satisfied as she seemed to collapse against him, lifting her chin with his fingertips.

	"I'm not doing anything... not compared to you... are you getting off on this?"

	"Oh honey..." he drawled sarcastically. "...it looked as though that's exactly what you wanted."

	She stopped moving and pressed her palm forcefully into his chest, keeping him back even as he clutched at her hand. "You... bastard. You... You kept... I thought you wanted..."

	He span away from her enquiring eyes, his arms falling around her waist as he stepped up behind her instead, nestling into her shoulder as they turned; his lips practically against her soft neck, muffling his words as he spoke.

	"I never say things I don't mean. You know that."

	She struck out, stamping her foot as she moved away.

	Why does my heart cry?
	(Roxanne, you don't have to put on that red light)
	Feelings I can't fight
	(Roxanne, you don't have to wear that dress tonight)
	Why does my heart cry?
	(Roxanne, you don't have to put on that red light)
	Feelings I can't fight
	(Roxanne, you don't have to wear that dress tonight)

	"No! You... You refused me. After everything you said... you refused me... you don't want me!"

	He stared at her dumbfounded for a a moment. He could feel the expectation in the air, it was obvious in the every breath that those around them daren't breathe; wondering why the show was halted, for none of them had heard a word they had managed to each other. He could hear the unease in the guys around the dance floor - so he spun round quickly, his arms raised to his sides, pointedly blocking their advancement on Sharon.

	He drew in a breath to prepare himself, covering the floor space to her in a flurry of spins he could only acknowledge thanks to the spinning walls and the clicking of his heels as they met the surface of the floor, again and again. As soon as he knew she was near, he was steady, pulling her close with a force that brought her whether she wanted to come or not.

	He kneaded her stomach with his knuckles for a moment, before sliding his arms around her waist and lifting her hand high, straightening his arm against hers as he threw her back onto her knees onto the floor, dragging her back up into a standing position by pulling on her wrist and forcing her arm around his neck, lifting her and spinning quick on his heel.

	Instinctively, Sharon clenched her thigh around his, her knee practically pressing up into his buttock, kicking her heel skywards too. 

	"I want you." he murmured certainly. She had to know he meant it. "I've always wanted you."
	
	Her other foot met the floor as the movement wound down with the last bars of music. But she did not move the other, and Dennis took the opportunity to lean over her, slipping his straightened leg between hers to hold her up as she leant back, curving her spine in one final striking pose, her free hand flying out to her side, an aching tingle zipping up her arm as she quivered - damn him - he'd won her over - literally.

	Roxanne!

	

	

	There was barely time for the raving applause to die away before the DJ spoke, Dennis sneaking a glance at Sharon as he slipped his arm around her.

	"Now, by special request, to round off the Angie's Den Valentine's Ball 2004, can we have the management on the floor for the last dance?"

	Sharon's stomach went down to her toes as she suddenly realised how Dennis was looking at her.

	"This is what you did isn't it?" she muttered out the corner of her mouth.

	"It might have been."

	Sharon's mouth gaped as she shook her head disbelievingly. Then she saw Vicki bounding towards her, arms flung wide with the biggest smile on her face. 

	"Sharon, this is fantastic - get out there!"

	"No!"

	"I don't think you have a choice." Dennis chuckled against her ear, looking pointedly towards the booth again. 

	"So that's Sharon... Vicki..." The DJ called, lifting his eyes to scan the room for them.

	"What?" Vicki squawked, her smile dropped clean from her face. "I'm not management!"

	"I'm not going out there alone Vicks, whatever your brother thinks he's gonna do!"

	"Guys..." Jamie said nervously, stepping up beside Vicki. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this your cue?"

	"Yes, it is!" Dennis nodded, nudging Sharon in the back with his elbow.

	"Oh alright!" she cried, feeling that she was beat. Beat, yeah right. So how was she to explain away the excited butterflies in her stomach if she didn't want to dance? She looked over her shoulder with a half smile at Dennis as she slid her hand through his and led him to the clearing on the floor, the applause starting up again as Vicki dragged an unsuspecting Jamie with her, completely ignoring the scowl that came from Spencer in her direction.

	So the two couples were stood in the middle of the floor, sneaking uneasy glances at their partners. Dennis grappled for Sharon's, and Jamie for Vicki's hands as they waited for the music to surround them, and as it did, Sharon laughed, catching sight of Vicki's elated face before she faced Dennis, more aware than ever that her heart skipped a beat.

	They didn't move as they heard the words, just enjoying each other's gazes. Sharon could feel heat prickling in her cheeks as she watched his lips flicker silently to the notion of the lyrics, and she dropped her gaze with a smirk.

	Now I've had the time of my life
	No, I've never felt like this before
	Yes, I swear it's the truth
	And I owe it all to you.

	Dennis pushed her back as the tempo exploded into existence, straightening her arms and rolling his hips into her as he moved close into the step sequence. As she went to his right, he pushed again against her left hand so she would let it drop and turn to level with him. He lifted the hand he held, and they stepped forwards, jutting out their hips.

	I've been waiting for so long
	Now I've finally found someone
	To stand by me.
	Saw the writing on the wall
	And we felt this magical
	Fantasy.
	Now with passion in our eyes
	There's no way we could disguise
	That she's with me.
	So we take each other's hand
	Cos we seem to understand
	The urgency	

	Straightening her arm again, thus bringing her hand down, Sharon span in towards him so she faced him again as he took up her other hand, holding both once more and turning quick. And as he did, Dennis wondered, why those around them began to cheer. Were they looking at Vicki & Jamie? Or were they catching the way that Sharon looked back at him as he looked at her, and believing every emotion that they danced with.

	Just remember!
	You're the one thing I can't get enough of
	So I'll tell you something

	Feeling his arms snake around her waist, she looped her instinctively around his neck, her fingertips bouncing off his shoulders as he lifted her, almost like a trophy into the air, gazing proudly up at her, before he turned, loving the rush of aching adrenaline that flooded his head, and just wishing, hoping that it felt the same for her before he lowered her back down, loathe to, wanting to hold her there forever..

	This could be love!
	Because I've had
	The time of my life!
	No, I never felt this way before

	So instead he stole up both her hands, pushing her back again before raising one of her hands and having her spin and pulling her down into his arms, holding her from the floor.
	
	Yes, I swear it's the truth
	And I owe it all to you.
	Hey baby!

	As she straightened up, she span around him, pressing her hand lightly into his right shoulder as she strode around him, taking in every detail of every muscle in his back with hungry eyes.

	With my body and soul
	I want you more than you'll ever know

	Spinning away from her touch, Dennis practically driled himself into the floor, falling to his knees to much cheering.

	So we'll just let it go
	Don't be afraid to lose control

	Sharon offered him her hand, expecting him to pull himself up. She saw the look of chance in his eyes a second too late, feeling him kiss the back of her hand before it served its intended purpose, bringing him so close against her as he pulled her arm into the air, she could barely breathe. And just as he had intended, she pretty much fell helplessly against him for a moment, which he showcased as a very impressive drag.

	Yes, I know what's on your mind when you say
	"Stay with me tonight!"
	(Yes indeed!)

	Though finding support in her own legs as soon as he was done, Sharon remained close, burying her head in his shoulder; the cool silk soothing her burning skin and allowing her to take in his intoxicating scent. She wrapped herself entirely around him, pushing her leg gently, teasingly, between his own, which was not unnoticed. But she didn't care, too preocuppied with letting her inquisitive fingers dance their own rhythm into the nape of his neck, caressing the curl.

	Just remember!
	You're the one thing I can't get enough of 
	So I'll tell you something
	This could be love!

	Sharon lifted her head from against his shoulder, and feeling his hands press encouragingly against her spine, she leant back, stretching her other arm out to her side and enjoying the head-rush as it became apparent that Vicki was dancing on the ceiling.

	Because I've had
	The time of my life!
	No, I never felt this way before

	As she met his chest, Dennis pushed her out to his side and loosened his grip on the one hand he held, giving her oppurtunity to spin away to Jamie. Vicki had forseen this somehow and was already away from her partner and covering the dizzy distance to her brother.

	Yes, I swear it's the truth
	And I owe it all to you.

	Jamie laced his fingers through Sharon's immediately, raising them high and creating an arch for them to spin underneath, laughing happily at the continued energy pulsing through them both as they met one another's eye each time.

	Because I've had
	The time of my life!
	And I've searched through every open door
	And I found the truth
	And I owe it all to you

	As they stopped, fingers still laced, Jamie pushed her out, meeting her again and again in a step sequence that it made her dizzy to watch, let alone consider herself part of as she span underneath his hand, only to return to the footwork as the instrumental saw them through. Sharon stole away to Vicki as soon as she had taken a step away from Dennis.

	Vicki received Sharon with a grin, picking up her hands and turning so their places were switched and she could admire Jamie, as Sharon could Dennis, the beat apparently pulsing through their legs as they swung their hips and clicked their fingers, taking in the sisters' meeting to dance with each other before returning to their partners. Or so they assumed. Vicki had realised this too, and was just as determined as Sharon to tease them both, rolling back on the balls of her feet as she turned away, her hips meeting Sharon's own.

	Then she span in to face her sister, flinging out her arms at a ninety-degree angle to her sides and meeting Sharon's hands, slipping her fingers through before raising their arms into the air and watching each other's sequence on the floor. As their hands fell away, one arm came against the other's waist, pulling them both round into a smooth turn before their hands were linked again as they stepped to the side.

	They span in towards each other at the same time which meant that while one arm was around their sister's back, the other fell diagonally across her chest, pulling her closer. Then they struck out into a lunge again, but Dennis could not bear it and sntached up the hand idle at Sharon's side to pull her back to him in an unanticipated spin. How pathetic was it that he was jealous seeing her dance with her own sister? And somewhere, somehow, he just knew that it wasn't that he considered her his exclusively on the dancefloor. It was that he dared to consider her his exclusively forever. So what was he doing saying that he...? 

	She watched his face with interest as his lips flickered tellingly. He gazed at her, thinking how much he loved her, how much he wanted her. And he could tell in the changes of her facial muscles that she could feel him lovingly caressing the back of her calf, lifting it against his own in own quick movement that was very much admired by their almost forgotten audience.

	Now I've had the time of my life
	No, I've never felt like this before
	Yes, I swear it's the truth
	And I owe it all to you.

	And they seemed to get a lot more vocal as he lifted her further up his leg, cultimating in her knees clenching around his hip bone as she spun her round.

	Cos I've had the time of my life
	And I've searched through every open door
	And I found the truth
	And I owe it all to you
	
	The last beats of the song played out as she came against the floor, spinning in against Dennis' chest. She could feel the hammering of his heart going through her back and knew that hers felt pretty much the same. Everyone around them went wild, but nothing could have sounded more incredible than what she'd heard next, just above her ear, which had previously let in only Dennis' gasping recovering breaths. She heard but one word.

	"Yes."

	She knew what he meant, of course she did, how could she mistake it? But it didn't stop her from whirling around in alarm. As she saw in the amusement in his face, she felt sure that he was playing with her. But as she spent time scrutinising the position of every facial muscle, he smiled softly, making sure she could feel his hold on her hand. She cast her eyes to it doubtfully, but as he swung it gently, something seemed to fall into place for her and she pulled him from the crowds, up the stairs and out into the dreary and deserted night, the cold night air not even touching her.

	As soon as she realised he was out too, she dropped his hand and turned to face him; her gaze this time not faltering as she stared at him. He watched the uneasy heaving of her chest as she dragged in breaths, but before he could think of the words to say, he found himself shoved hard against the promotions board, feeling the bare wood scratching at him through his shirt, sure he could feel also a loosened nail digging in uncomfortably to the ridges of his spine.

	But it was not as though he could care, because what was against him next was Sharon, clamouring desperately for his lips. Her hands raked at the material of his shirt, and his at her back, wanting to bring her closer, to touch wherever he could reach as he surrendered to the delicious sensation of Sharon forcing her tongue against his by swiping impatiently at his lower lip and exploring the depths of his mouth with an urgent moan.

	"You mean it?" she gasped, pulling the most teasing fraction back from his kiss.

	"Well if I didn't... I do now." he grinned, pulling her closer with an untold urgency to meet her lips again.

	She kissed him gently, a complete contrast to the way she had as she had pulled him out here. But he didn't mind, able to feel her wide smile against his mouth as she launched her arms around him, and he swept her up from the floor, spinning her round, feeling more and more elated as he listened to her squeal in delight.

	"Oh my God - we're really gonna do this aren't we?"

	"Yeah." he nodded with a bemused grin. "Yeah we are."
	
	And she squealed again, framing his face with her hands and kissing him again. But as she drew back, she shocked him into letting her slide back to the floor by saying "What changed your mind?"

	"Nothing changed my mind." he replied, baffled. And Sharon's sparkling eyes clouded over with confusion. Oh God, she'd misunderstood somewhere.

	"But I thought..."

	"I never said "No." Sharon."

	"Yes you did!" she cried, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "You must have said it half a dozen times!"

	"Yeah, in panic!"

	"Baby, when someone proposes to you, and the next thing you say is "No" and walk off, what are they meant to think?"

	"They aren't meant to think anything because you know... oh alright, so I'm an arse! But I love you.... Bloody hell, it was me that started the whole "let's get married" thing" y'know!"

	"Yeah, I do know." she shot back, nodding furiously. "Which is why I couldn't understand you... being like that!"

	"You freaked me out! Honey... I never thought you'd ask."

	"Why not?" she demanded defensively.

	"Because every time I mentioned it today, you clammed up, you got just as freaked!"

	"Well... maybe I did. But you're right. If we're gonna be together, then let's be together."

	"What..." he began, raising an eyebrow. "So you just wanna run off and get married... without a word to anyone?"

	"Dennis," she replied, feeling her happiness deflate steadily as she tilted her forehead against his. "if we tell anyone, they'll take you away from me."

	"No, they won't. They can't."

	"Yes they can." she informed him sadly with a nod before daring to smile. "Marry me... then let them try."

	 And before he could reply, try and reason with her and explain that announcing they were together was much more unlikely to freak everyone out than the two of them strolling into the Vic and announcing that far from being the brother and sister they all remembered from the previous day, they were now husband and wife; Sharon was kissing him again, her tongue soothing away the words from where they lay in his mouth.

	"You really wanna marry me huh?"

	"Yeah..." Dennis mused flirtatiously. "...though I can definitely think of a couple of things I'd like to do first!"

	"No!" she giggled gently, pushing him back with her hands, whispering; "Tell me where Tony lives."

	"What? Why?"

	"Cos that's where we're going. Don't you want your best mate to see you get married?"

	He chuckled, his eyes sparkling wide and bright. "Right, so, are we gonna take a detour to America and knock on Michelle's door an' all or is it just Tony you're interested in?"

	"Yeah, it is. We're madly in love, see, but what with him already being married and all that, he convinced me I should stick with you."

	"Ah!" Dennis clicked his fingers smirking. "I knew you were looking at him funny when you met him a couple of months back."

	"What can I say? The only reason I'm with you is cos I needed a passionate affair to mend my broken heart."

	"Oh right! So we're getting married because...?"

	"It'll last longer." she shot back silkily, making him laugh again as she began to trace patterns in his shirt. "Now... the sooner you tell me where he lives, the sooner he can see me marry you, then we can move on to these other "things"..."

	~*~
	
	Having to follow her back to the house, snatching up birth certificates and whatever else and knowing that she wouldn't let him push her back against the bed was pretty much torture for Dennis, and as for the half hour's ride in the back of a cab to Tony's house in Wilton... oh God, it didn't even bear recalling! Sharon drove him mad with sexy little smiles every couple of minutes, her hands falling into his lips, her fingertips dancing up the inside of his thigh.

	As soon as they'd slowed up outside the house he recognised so well, he jumped out, afraid that if he didn't, he'd be jumping on Sharon. She scrambled out after him, giggling softly as he slipped his arm around her back, guiding her towards the door, lifting his fist to knock.

	"He's gonna think we've lost it y'know."

	"Then you'll just have to tell him this whole thing is so we don't lose it then won't ya?"

	"Well, I can try!"

	Tony answered the door immediately, pausing for a moment in shock to take in the image of the two of them wrapped around each other. His mouth gaped, and he blinked furiously, raising laughter from his visitors.

	"Mate, what's the matter with you?"

	"Sorry." he managed, shaking his head and composing himself. "Sharon..." he said, smiling at her, before his gaze slid questioningly. "...your sister right?"

	Sharon and Dennis looked at each other out the corner of their eyes, and dissolved into fits.

	Tony backed up, clearing the way for them both to move into the hallway. "What?"

	"Er... nothing... we just might need to talk to you about that!"

	

	"You're what?"

	Tony fell back against the coffee table with a thud, looking across at the two of them on his couch.

	"We're getting married."

	His eyes darted between them both. "But he's... she's your..."

	"Fiancée." Dennis finished with a smirk, realising how good that sounded. "As of about an hour ago anyway."

	"No... No... hang on." his friend shot back, laughing nervously and lifting his palms to halt the rush of his words. "Just... let me get this straight." He glicked his finger in Dennis' direction, who scooted forward, pulling Sharon's hand into his lap as he waited expectantly. "Your dad... is Den Watts. And..." Dennis nodded uneasily.

	"Not through choice..."

	"And Sharon... Watts..." He smiled awkwardly at her again as she looked expectantly at him. He felt nervous just looking at her. He knew nothing about her apart from the fact she was Dennis' big sister, and now, suddenly... she was going to marry him! Something was missing, somewhere... "Den Watts is your dad too?"

	"Adoptive, yeah."

	She laughed sweetly as she watched his chest heave, almost in relief, as he sloped back. "You were adopted?"

	"Yeah, I was. When I was three."

	Tony's wife, Faye crept in, mugs of tea clattering in her hands. "Honestly, Tone... even I knew Dennis had told you that. What were you hoping for, a bit of friendly incest? Here you are Sharon, one sugar wasn't it?"

	"Yeah it was." she smiled gratefully, dropping Dennis' hand and curling her palms around the warm mug, letting the delicious warmth sink through her skin. "Thanks Faye."

	 "That's alright." she replied, leaving Tony's on the table and settling back against the armrest and gazing over at Dennis. It didn't go unnoticed, and he nervously sipped his tea, looking right back at her suspiciously. 

	"What?"

	"Nothing. I was just trying to work out how you did it... y'know, proposed... can't quite see you on you on bended knee, so c'mon, how did you...?"

	"He didn't!" Sharon cut in. "I did."

	"Oh!" she cried, surprised, but obviously impressed. "I like it - shows him who wears the er..." She looked dubiously at Sharon's bare legs. "...trousers."

	"Doesn't it? He turned me down to begin with..."

	"No I didn't!"

	"... probably scared... or pissed off cos I didn't wait for him to do it!"

	"Yeah, that sounds like the Dennis we know, don't it Tone?"

	 Dennis looked across at his friend, immediately concerned at his stillness. "Mate?" he muttered, shaking his shoulder. "You alright?"

	But Tony didn't address him. He looked at Sharon, rather apologetically. "So... you're tying Rickman down on a technicality?"

	"Tone!" 

	"Dennis, Dennis, don't, it's fine honestly." Sharon gabbled, pressing down hard on his arm to make him sit. She flicked her fringe out of her eyes, clearing her throat. She caught sight of Faye's horrified expression out the corner of her eye, but ignored the disbelieving shake of her head and refocussed her attentions on Tony. "Yeah. I guess you could say I am. The way I see it is... we have no bloodlines... I didn't even know who he was this time last year. It's not like my... our dad ever thought about Paula or Dennis is it? I never knew I apparently had a brother... we didn't grow up together or anything - we're just two strangers in the same family unit, that's all."

	He nodded. "Right, so... your other sister... Vicki, is it... and your dad... they don't mind that you're... engaged?"

	"They... er... they don't know. We're kinda eloping..."

	"But they... they know you're together right?"

	"No."

	Sharon could feel herself blushing. She felt so stupid, but she wasn't here to be judged.

	"Then how long have you been together.... together?"

	"Two weeks." she said slowly. She saw Faye look at Dennis and then glare at her husband and as Sharon felt Dennis slide his arm across her shoulders, she could pretty much guess that that was the way he had looked at Faye himself.

	"Tony babe, they don't have to justify themselves to us." Faye said, as sweetly as she could, although the warning in her tone was evident. But he didn't heed it.

	"Two weeks? Don't you think you're being a bit drastic?"

	"Oh, for fuck's sake, I'm not listening to this!" Dennis hissed. "OK, so it's not the greatest set up, but... I'd have thought you could at least be happy for me, mate! I'm only gonna be doing this the once!"

	"I am happy for you... I am.... I'm just... how are you gonna explain this one to the folks back home?"

	"That's why I asked him." Sharon admitted softly, even though she knew it was probably the last thing in the world she should do. "I love Dennis, Tony, and if I don't prove how much, I know I'm gonna lose him, because our sister... our dad... they'll hate the idea of us being together. I need to prove to them... to myself and to him..." She looked quickly in Dennis' direction, her heart melting as his eyes locked on hers, drinking in her every word with glittering eyes and a half-smile. "...that they can't break us."

	"Still... ain't it a bit rash?"

	"Tony, for God's sake! It's romantic! They love each other, that's all there is to it, let 'em enjoy it - and try asking what it is they're here for!" Faye cried out, exasperated. As she puffed the words out, she smiled at Dennis. She knew he wasn't just here to share his good news. Dennis Rickman always wanted something.

	"We... We want the two of you to be our witnesses."

	"Us? Are you sure?"

	"Course we are." Sharon assured her, looking uneasily to Tony, but relaxing as she saw that he was grinning.

	"What are you after Rickman? C'mon, you can tell me..."

	Dennis pretended to look confused, and then returned the grin. "Well..." he said slowly. "Can we take the bike?"

	"Dennis!" Sharon gasped, whacking him on the arm. But he just raised an eyebrow at her, as if silently imploring her to acknowledge the butterflies playing in her stomach at the thought.

	"Do I get to sit on your lap?"

	"Very funny Tone, you still got the rust bucket ain't ya?"

	"Ooooh!" Faye winced, laughing. "Careful, that car's his pride and joy! But yes, of course you can! Can't they, babe?" she added warningly, in a way that said he had no choice in the matter, however he looked at her. "Am I to assume you two are wanting to go now?"

	Sharon slipped her hand through Dennis', squeezing it lovingly. "Yeah, yeah we are."

	Faye beamed as she heaved herself up. "Well, I best go get changed hadn't I? I can't go to a wedding in me jim-jams! And my own darlin' husband here-" she stepped up behind Tony, her hands falling around his shoulders as she dropped a kiss on his head, "-will go and get the bike out the garage for you both... won't you honey?"

	Tony got up and led them both through the house, back out to the front. Sharon settled against the step and watched with a happy sigh as he wrenched upon the door and wandered in. Dennis clambered down next to her, pulling her into his arms just as they heard the engine revv, and they cheered appreciatively as Tony slid out onto the driveway astride the bike. He swung and stood proudly, waiting for them.

	Dennis stood first, and glanced back, offering Sharon his hand. She pushed herself up and slipped her hand through with a smile. She listened to the scraping of her heel against the damp pavement for a moment, before she ducked her head, giggling softly. "Oh no."

	"What?"

	And she stopped, turning to face him and taking up his other hand, gazing up into his beautiful face and loving the way the moonlight danced across it. And with a smirk, she began to sing softly.

	Looking in your eyes, I see a paradise
	This world that I found is too good to be true
	Standing here beside you, want so much to give you
	This love in my heart that I'm feeling for you

	And he laughed, rolling his head back. Oh yeah, he could see why she hadn't wanted to elaborate. Poor darlin', she'd seen way too many trashy Eighties flicks. But his attentions were caught once more as she pulled lovingly on his hand.

	Let 'em say we're crazy, I don't care about that
	Put your hand in my hand baby, don't ever look back.

	They walked a few steps as she carried on singing to herself, just loud enough so she would hear it too. The laughter bubbled against her throat, but to Dennis it didn't matter. He was almost frightened to be so captivated by her.

	Let the world around us just fall apart
	Baby, we can make it if we're heart to heart

	Almost without thinking, she was moving into him, gently swinging her hips and nestling her chin into his shoulder. He knew not how to do anything except met her, closing his eyes and savour her singing gently into his ear.

	And we can build this dream together, standing strong forever
	Nothing's gonna stop us now
	And if this world runs out of lovers, we'll still have each other
	Nothing's gonna stop us... nothing's gonna stop us now

	"Baby... Tony's staring..."

	Sharon just smiled into the fibres of his shirt, and pushed a little more of her weight against him so he slowly turned around, at which point, she gave an even brighter smile over his shoulder to Tony.

	"I'll just go sort myself out shall I?" he managed finally, slipping into the house without so much as being noticed.

	Sharon straightened up triumphantly, wrapping her hands around Dennis' neck and lazily playing with the curl again. And they spent a few moments in complementary silence, each admiring the image of the other as they moved together to nothing but the silence enveloped them.

	I'm so glad I found you, I'm not gonna lose you
	Whatever it takes, I will stay here with you

	She stepped back, straightening his arms and pulling him towards the bike. It was only as she felt it behind her that his hands shifted, lifting her on. She lifted her foot over to the other side, without even considering the length of her dress, just leaning back against the handlebars and watching him settle. She admired him for a moment. 

	Take you to the good times, see you through the bad times
	Whatever it takes, it's what I'm gonna do

	Dennis scooted forward with a lazy smile, toying with the edge of her dress, and loving the way it had ridden up her thigh. His arms feel around her, his hands pressing into her bare back as she pressed close against him, beginning to murmur again as she brought her arms against his shoulders again.

	Let 'em say we're crazy; what do they know?
	Put your arms around me baby, don't ever let go!
	Let the world around us just fall apart
	Baby, we can make it if we're heart to heart
	And we can build this dream together, standing strong forever
	Nothing's gonna stop us now
	And if this world runs out of lovers, we'll still have each other
	Nothing's gonna stop us... nothing's gonna stop us now
	All that I need is you, all that I ever need
	And all that I want to do is hold you forever and ever and ever.
	
	And when he saw that she was done, they laughed together, bowing their heads and wrapping their arms tight around each other. He worked his fingertips under her chin, searching out her lips and kissing her firmly for a moment.

	"I don't know why... but I really love you."

	"I love you too."

	But their moment was stolen by Faye bashing out the house, apparently having discarded of her pyjamas and gotten changed. Dennis knew from the amount of times he'd sat round waiting for her to be ready to come down the pub with him and Tony that that was most definitely a record for her. She must have been pretty eager to see him married off, maybe she figured it'd stop himself sloping off to her house every couple of weeks! He watched her clamber into the car, throwing her stuff into the back, and beaming at the two of the as they sat entwined on the bike. God, he loved her and her not-so-subtleties so much.

	Sharon dropped her gaze giggling again, as she concluded it was probably best that she and Dennis swapped sides. She'd swung her leg over just as Tony reappeared, bundling a tie into a bag. But he stopped as he slammed the door shut, to admire the view, letting out a low whistle of appreciation.

	"D'you mind? That's my missus you're eyeing up!"

	Sharon looked round and laughed, flinging her hair over her shoulder as she settled against Dennis' back. "Sorry!" she called, winding her arms into the now familiar position around his hips. "As medieval as he's being about it, he's right - I'm spoken for!"

	"Yeah, and I can see why!" Tony agreed, pulling open the car door, and chucking his bag into the back too. "But, would either of you mind telling me where the hell it is you're planning to tie this knot of yours, cos I somehow don't fancy the twelve hour drive to Gretna!"

	"Nah, don't worry mate!" Dennis assured him, content at letting the engine revv again, before pulling slowly off the driveway to clear the way for the car. "Will take us an hour, tops!" 

	Sharon revelled being back on the bike. Tony & Faye were never more than ten metres behind them in the car, and Faye had wound the window down and every so often would call out to Sharon, stupid little things like "You go girl!" or "Bloody hell, you nearly lost him on that corner babe!" as she squealed her way around the corners, enjoying the rush of the air against her face. God, she made Dennis laugh. He was beginning to think that he was gonna have to invest in one of these, after all, he was gonna be devoted to keeping his beloved for the rest of his life soon anyway, whether he liked it or not. But it was just as well he did like it. His wife. Wow, it was just gonna be so incredible
	
	When they reached the sea front, Sharon just leant against his back while he toyed with her hands, waiting for Tony & Faye to draw up alongside them, exchanging a wordless smirk as they caught sight of the pier, stretching out intothe deserting sea, ablaze with uncomfortably bright neon lights. But, oh the memories, had that really been today?

	"What are you two smirking at eh?" Faye laughed, joining them as she left Tony cursing the parking meter.

	"Nothing!" Dennis grinned cheekily, getting up and offering Sharon his hand, pulling her into his arms and seeking out her lips. 

	Faye dutifully averted her eyes as she realised that tongues were coming into play. 

	"Euch, spare me!"

	"Oh you managed it then?" she asked disbelievingly as she felt Tony snake his arms around her waist.

	"Piece of piss. Just had to give it a good - oh give over!"

	"What?" Dennis questioned, with wide innocent eyes as his friend's exasperated cry forced him to break off from Sharon's kiss. She giggled as she straightened up, pushing away the smudged edges of her lip gloss.

	"Mate, I have plenty of good pornos at home I could be watching. Y'know, where it's warm and I ain't freezing me bollocks off while you cop a feel of your missus?"

	"You ain't gonna have any bollocks at all if I find any of that filth in my house mate, I can tell you!" Faye muttered, shooting him a warning look.

	"Hey hey, you'll be getting the queue if I find out your husband's been getting off on thinking about my wife!"

	Sharon hit him the chest with the back of her hand. "We ain't married yet y'know!" 

	"No." he replied, kissing her again. "But we will be this time tomorrow."

	And while Faye was happy to watch them both with a dopey smile on her face, fighting the urge to say "Awww!" Tony was fidgeting and couldn't settle his gaze.

	"Right c'mon you lot, we gonna go find a club or summat?"

	Sharon smiled, but she had felt Dennis tense. "Wha'ssmatter baby?"

	"Nothing... it's just... we've been at Angie's Den for hours... do we really wanna be surrounded by a load of puking fourteen year olds for the rest of the night an' all?"

	"Excuse me, but if you did what I pay you for, there wouldn't be any puking fourteen year olds in our club!"

	Tony chuckled, raising his eyebrow as they all started to walk aimlessly. "Oh yeah, what's this she pays you for then Rickman?"

	Dennis lifted his hand and clumped Tony round the back of the head, which made Sharon gasp in horror as she nestled into him, and Faye snigger. "You are one sick bastard Tony." he told him, shaking his head and pulling Sharon closer.

	They stumbled upon a club called Mickey's about ten minutes later. That just had Sharon and Faye looked round for each other and for some completely baffling reason that Dennis and Tony just didn't want to contemplate, starting singing "Oh Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind, hey Mickey!" before creasing into fits of giggles.

	"Mate, are you sure we should let these two drink?"

	That was met by a snigger from the girls as they turned towards their respective partners, looping their arms round their necks and singing still.

	"Oh Mickey, what a pity you don't understand; you take me by the heart when you take me by the hand. Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey - oh what you do Mickey, do Mickey, don't break my heart Mickey!"

	Within seconds of each other, the girls found themselves been kissed fiercely.

	And when they drew back and asked "What was that for?" they were astounded to be met by the same answer.

	"Had to shut you up somehow!"

	Having clubbed together the £50 to get into this place from worn notes they found in wallets and back pockets, they rushed through, hopefully before Sharon and Faye decided to start singing again, cos yeah, the security of this place really looked like they'd find it funny to have the millionth and one person belt out Toni Basil at them. Tony almost immediately decided they'd been ripped off, after all, they were only being blinded by God knows how many different colour lights, swinging this way and that, and everyone there seemed to be at least a foot shorter than them. None of them knew it was the class Faye convinced him the place possessed, or the size of the bloke he'd have to challenge that stopped him demanding his money back.

	And they didn't really care. Dennis was pretty smitten by the length of the spirits list and for Sharon & Faye, it was the sheer size of the unashamedly large dance floor. Mickey's obviously hadn't forgotten it was Valentine's either, the disco ball was throwing little heart shaped lights all over the floor, raining down on the throng of bodies, and there were bright shiny garlands everywhere, candles flickering in the centre of the tables. But it seemed to pass them all by. Dennis wanted to get to the bar, but Faye was leaning on him, pulling over her shoes and abandoning them under an empty table. And when she straightened up, Sharon grappled for his hands, pulling him onto the floor, crying "I love you!"

	"You think that one'll work do you?" he yelled back with a laugh, drinking in the rhythmic sway of her form as she absorbed the beat around her, raising her hands and clicking her fingers, turning to meet Faye, who was simulating her with a grin..

	They're picking up the prisoners and putting them in a pen
	And all she wants to do is dance, dance!

	"Always does!" she told him sweetly as he snatched up her hand and forced her to spin against him, holding her hips and loving the way she moved underneath his finger tips.

	Rebels been rebels since I don't know when
	And all she wants to do is dance!

	She struck out and wandered a length to her side, loving the way it felt to have him swing into her as he countered her.

	Molotov cocktail, the local drink
	And all she wants to do is dance!

	She span underneath his hand again, over and over as she savoured the sensation of her head going light, before he forced his knee quick between her legs and lay her back his arms for a split second, pulling her up again in a moment.

	Mix 'em up right, in the kitchen sink
	And all she wants to do is dance, dance!

	Pressing her hand into his shoulder, she stepped slowly round him, drinking in the image of him stood there, the outline of every muscle, before she was in front of him and her arms were around his neck again.

	Crazy people walking round with blood in their eyes
	And all she wants to do is dance, dance, dance!
	Wide eyed pistol wavers who ain't afraid to die

	Hooking her arm around his waist, she pulled him roung quick, and he pressed against her almost immediately, making her skin burn.

	And all she wants to do is.... all she wants to do is dance!
 	And make romance
	She can't feel the heat coming off the street
	She wants to party (ooh!)
	She wants to get down (ooh!)
	And all she wants to do is.... all she wants to do is dance!
	
	Sharon stepped back from him and raised her arms again, closing her eyes as she let the music take her and concentrated on tracing perfect figures of eight with her hips.

	Well, the Government bugged the Men's Room
	At the local disco lounge
	And all she wants to do is dance, dance!

	Moving towards Dennis again, she wrapped her hand around his chin, looking him deep in the eyes as, oh-so-innocently, her groin happened to play against his.

	To keep the boys from selling all the boys from selling
	All the weapons they could scrounge.
	And all she wants to do is dance!
	But that don't keep the boys from making a buck or two
	And all she wants to do is dance, dance!
	They still could sell the army all the drugs that they can do
	And all she wants to do is.... all she wants to do is dance!
	And make romance

	He bowed his head a little and seemed quite content to spend the considerable break from the lyrics working her willing mouth, Her arms were around his neck again, pulling him in that little bit deeper. After all, she knew it was very wrong of her to deny the man who was going to be her husband anything he so desired!

	When they broke apart, he stepped forward on his left foot, and her on her right, so the movement of their hips countered. His hands settled against her, enthralled by the sheer simplicity of the action. Bless him.

	Well, we barely made the airport for the last plane out
	As we taxied down the runway, I could hear the people shout
	They said "Don't come back here yankee!" - but if I ever do
	I'll bring more money, cos all she wants to do is dance!

	They regrouped after that and Dennis & Faye happily disappeared off to the bar before Tony could fight off his fifteen year old admirer, who for some bizarre reason had latched onto him on the dancefloor and... something to do with his shoes... had decided she was going to marry him and give him at least six babies before she was twenty. She wasn't to be deterred by him flashing his wedding ring either, even though it was pretty obvious by the way he was tremoring that he was showing her it in the way you'd show a crucifix to a vampire who decided to make you into breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

	He collapsed opposite Sharon without realising she was the only one there. She smiled at him, and he'd barely returned it before he was craning his neck, searching out his wife and friend. And when he spotted them, he rose immediately, muttering something about "giving them a hand." So Sharon had to reach across rather desperately, dropping her hand on his arm and exerting the pressure to get him to sit again.

	"Tony... can I just talk to you a sec... please?"

	He waited silently.

	"Look.... I... I know you're not thrilled about Dennis and me... who we are... why we are... I know how close you two are... and I suppose it's only right I should thank you... today has been one of the greatest days of my life... and he wouldn't have done it without you... just... know that he makes me really happy yeah? And whatever happens when we do head home, he's gonna keep doing that, and me... I'm just gonna keep him... cos we'll be married... and I know that probably sound really naive but... it means a lot to us both... you'll probably find this hard to believe, but Dennis... he's been talking about it all day... us getting married... and it scared me... it scared me for all the reasons it scared you. But why shouldn't I? When I know he means it?"

	Tony took in her words silently, gracefully, nodding as she finished. "I can't judge you Sharon. I don't know how it is for you and Rickman. But I do know I ain't never seen him as happy as he's been since he found you and your sister in Walford... and I've known 'im since he was fifteen. So if it's you that makes him happy, then go for it. I can't stop you. But that's guy's like my brother..." Sharon smiled as she realised what he'd said, and where her own error with this whole situation lay. He was like her brother too. Only, this time tomorrow, he'd be like her husband as well. "...but if you hurt him, so help you, and that's all I'm gonna say alright?"

	"Fine." she beamed, squeezing his hand thankfully. "Cheers Tony."

	"No problem."

	"Hey, hey!" Dennis cried warmly, arriving back at the table carring two cocktails that didn't look a healthy colour at all. Aha, Sharon recognised them. "What's going on 'ere?" He set the glasses down and settled next to Sharon, laughing as Tony wrenched his hand away, dropping into his lap as Faye and two double vodkas, no ice appeared on the table too. "You really are having it off with her ain't you Tone?"

	"Eh? Oh.. Oh yeah, been shagging her senseless for months mate, sorry."

	"Well that's the first I've heard of it!" Faye guffawed, reaching over for one of the cocktails. "Dennis?"

	Sharon slid off her seat onto Dennis' lap, his arms falling around her waist as she put her arms around his neck, dancing up the nape and looking to play with the curl.

	"Nah, Sharon told me earlier."

	"Early wedding present. Never mind baby," she simpered teasingly, "that's the passionate affair all over with, just for you."

	"Oh, I am loved." he grinned, kissing her lightly. But then he drew back, brow furrowed in confusion. "Hang on... I thought you said I was the passionate affair? Mending your broken heart and all that?"

	"What's this?"

	"It's him she really wants, Faye babe. I'm the rebound, engagement and everything."

	"Sorry." Sharon muttered, but Faye just giggled as she watched Tony flush. 

	"Don't be, I'm flattered... didn't think I could pay anyone to take him off my hands! So does that mean I get Dennis? Christ I must be the only woman under forty he's ever met and not slept with, I must admit, I didn't half feel left out. Fancied him rotten when I was a teenager, bastard went through all my mates, and by the time it was logically my turn, I was with 'im over 'ere. I got bored waiting for you Rickman."

	"Well that's a shame, I coulda shown you a good time."

	"Excuse me, that's my wife you're talking to!"

	"Yeah, talking to, you've been jumping mine!"

	"I wish I had, that'd stop you being so cocky about landing her wouldn't it? No offence Sharon, but you must have a screw loose if you're willing to spend the next forty years with this guy..."
	
	"I'll take my chances."

	"So I don't get him then?"

	Sharon shrugged apologetically. "Sorry Faye, truth is... the sex is just too good."

	"Oh Jesus Christ!" Tony groaned, knocking back the rest of his drink with a desperate gasp. "Why do women only ever talk about sex?"

	"Oh sorry, should we just throw in a mention for the footie here and now?" Faye demanded sarcastically, rolling her eyes at Sharon.

	"Rickman, back me up h-" But his voice trailed off and he threw up his hands in despair. "No, you don't care do you? Not while you've got her there bragging about-"

	Dennis just grinned at him while Sharon seemed to ponder her next words.

	"Hang on, aren't you guys meant to think about sex every six seconds?"

	"Better make that five." Dennis murmured flirtatiously, slipping his hand gently under the edge of her dress, working his fingertips up her thigh. "Or maybe even four..."

	"Oh yeah?" she challenged, catching his lips for a second. "Tell me how it goes."

	"Vodka... Page 3.. you... sex... Vodka... page 3... you... oh look..."

	"Mmm, what is it baby? Page 4?"

	"Oh, you're funny you ain'tcha?"

	Murmuring her agreement, their lips met again, but Tony seemed to have blocked out all images that concerned exchanges of saliva and began to talk casually.

	"So Dennis, if you can go from that... to that... does that mean you wanna see your missus on Page 3?"

	Faye whacked him on the arm with one of the flyers left one on the table as the question caused the two of them to seperate, rather reluctantly. But she decided to pay more attention to the flyers. What was the point of having them inside anyway? It wasn't like you could take one back and say "Come to the this club night with me - it was a couple of nights ago, but hey, we're still good!" She just supposed they'd had too many printed out. "Tone, shut up."

	But Dennis didn't seem to care, answering the question outright. "Nah mate, I don't. Why do I need to see it on paper when I've got the real thing waiting at home?"

	"Well, listen to him!" Sharon laughed, rolling her eyes. "Maybe you should make some room in that self-assured little mind of yours for the footie eh?"

	He didn't answer her, nuzzling gently at her neck, and making damn sure they could all hear him murmuring ""Vodka... Page 3.. you... sex...vodka... Page 3.. you... sex..." against her skin, thus proving he evidently had no room for the football.

	"So c'mon then!" Faye cried, drumming her hands into the table and making it shake. "As a fellow woman Sharon, it's pretty much my right to gossip unashamedly about your sex life!"

	"Mmmm... this could get interesting..." Dennis said quietly, lifting his head and nestling into Sharon's shoulder instead.

	Tony only groaned, rubbing his bleary eyes and knowing he could do nothing but listen.

	"OK, ummmm... let's start with the basics... when did you last do it?"

	"What time is it?" Dennis asked immediately, making Faye shake her head disbelievingly as she looked to her husband who dutifully peeked under the cuff of his shirt.

	"Quarter to one."

	"Almost four hours ago then."

	"F*ck, is it that long?"

	"Uh-oh... get the man a dark corner!" Faye giggled, obviously having heard him.

	"Someone get me another drink." Tony groaned. But he was ignored as Sharon turned the question back on his wife.

	"What about you?"

	"Lunchtime. I was meant-" she looked pointedly at Tony. "-to be doing the ironing, but someone got other ideas, so please excuse the fact my husband looks like he's been sleeping in that shirt for weeks..."

	Dennis snorted out a laugh. "Over the ironing board Tone? Bloody hell..."

	"No... more the living room floor... I always did love that carpet!"

	"Faye!"

	"Oh baby, what? This is what us girls do... and I know for a fact you've spoken to 'im about me before now..." She glared over at Dennis. "I still haven't forgiven you for that..."

	"What?! What did I do?" he cried, feigning innocence.
		 	
	"You know damn well what you did!"

	"I don't." Sharon said slowly, looking between them both with interest. "What did he do? Dennis..."

	"I mighta told a couple of people..." he admitted, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze.

	"Oh, and what a couple it was! You told Karen of all people... it was her you were shagging at the time right? And she told Jasmine... or were you shagging her? And Jasmine told Leanne, who told Briony down the newsagents, who dogged me up proper when I went in for a pint of milk the next day, and she passed me over to her boss who tried to sell me God knows what filth!"

	"What was it?"

	"I don't know exactly, but from the look of the free instruction DVD, you needed to be naked and be very handy with a leather strap... I swear, he didn't see me for dust!"

	"Oh my God!" Sharon gasped, covering her mouth with her hand instinctively. "Dennis, you evil bastard!"

	"Yeah well, if these two will insist on playing Doctors & Nurses..."

	Right on cue, Faye blushed. Oh, bless her. But she recovered quickly enough and quizzed "Weirdest place?"

	And Sharon & Dennis met each other's eye, each searching the other's face for their answer without requiring words. The longer they spent on it, the clearer the answer became and they broke out into wide smirks as they faced their companions again, laughing gently.

	"That would have to be the beach."

	"Never?! Which one?"

	Sharon bit down on the edge of her thumb before she cleared her throat and oh so casually said "This one."

	Faye, her glass lifted to her lips, slammed it back down, spluttering on the liquid in her mouth as she realised precisely what she was drinking. "Eurgh!" she gasped, just trying to breathe. "When?"

	"About eight hours ago..."

	Tony laughed as he toyed with a flyer, folding down the edges to make a paper aeroplane it seemed. "Well, if she has the bucket... he's got the spade..."

	"And how would you know?"

	And they collapsed into fits as he darted off to get more drinks. Sharon's sides hurt and Dennis was clinging desperately to her, afraid that if he shook much more, she was gonna slide off his lap.

	Faye was wiping tears from her eyes. "Oh God, I'm sorry, I never knew he was so sick."

	When Tony returned with the drinks, he was little less red, and the rest of them were barely breathing. Sharon was resting her head against Dennis' shoulder, laughing so hard she was crying, and he was just cradling her, forcing out his own laughter. As they heard the glasses clink against the table, they all tried their best to draw breath and calm down. Sharon pushed against Dennis' shoulder and straightened up.

	"I have to go... powder my nose!"

	Faye cackled, making the liquid in her glass bubble. "Mmm, no! Sharon, don't go in there!"

	"Why not?"

	"It's Valentine's night - that means there's fourteen year olds copping off in the toilets!"

	That raised a very loud and vocal grimace from the lot of them. The problem was, it was probably true!

	"C'mon, we should go dance, see if we can't pull you a gorgeous bloke..." And she knocked back the rest of her drink, slamming her glass down with a gasp before getting to her feet, pulling Sharon up too.

	"Er, excuse me..." Dennis coughed, rather reluctant to let her go. "...she's gonna be married to this gorgeous bloke in the morning!"

	"Exactly! This is her last night of freedom, she's entitled to one last fling!"

	"Not while I'm watching she's not!"

	"Then don't look." Sharon told him flirtatiously, moving in to meet his lips. She left him with a soft and lingering kiss, skipping off with Faye to a clearing on the floor while Dennis slumped back, sighing passionately and shaking his head gently in disbelief as he admired the way she was moving, pretty sure she was only doing it cos she knew he couldn't help but watch.

	"F*ck." he breathed lustily. "What's she doing with me?"

	"Well, last I heard mate, she was gonna marry you..." Then Tony leant close, smirking, "...as long as she don't find herself a twenty year old blue eyed boy out there that is..."

	"Nah, she wouldn't... I mean... miss all these trips to the beach?"

	He tilted his head back laughing. "You really are sick Rickman, you know that?"

	"Oh yeah? Well, maybe I should go to the doctor eh?"

	"Oh for God's sake, that was once!"

	"Course, it was mate!"

	And they spent several minutes throwing insults back and forth as they laughed into their drinks, one eye always on the girls, unashamedly strutting their stuff. But Dennis couldn't deny a stirring inside as he saw Sharon pulling Faye by the hand back towards the table.

	"Look out." Tony muttered teasingly out the corner of his mouth. Dennis ignored him and smiled brightly at them both.

	"Have fun?"

	"Well, we tried, but her over here was desperate to get back to you."

	"Is that right?"

	Sharon just pouted, sliding back onto his lap. "Yeah." she simpered. "I was missing you."

	"Aww, I was missing you too baby."

	And as Faye squeezed round the edge of the table, Tony reaching out, pulling her against him and kissing the base of her neck; Sharon was surrendering to Dennis' kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and slowly fighting him to allow her tongue to dominate his mouth.

	"Oh shit..." Tony chuckled into Faye's ear. "...there's something I never thought we'd have to suffer - Rickman in love..."

	Faye just grinned and kissed her husband's words away, only breaking off with an excited "Mmm!" as she saw the tall bloke with the drop dead gorgeous blue eyes and dark ruffled hair glance longingly over at their table.

	"Sharon, your admirer's back!"

	Sharon knew immediately who she was talking about. The guy was truly gorgeous, and she'd loved it when she'd realised it was undoubtedly her he had been eyeing up, his gaze continuously upon her as she deliberately moved around the dance floor, just to test him. She grinned at Faye, and wriggled round on Dennis' lap, catching the guy's eye and smiling. Out the corner of her own eye she caught Dennis' disgruntled scowl, and though that made her just want to cover him in kisses, she pulled his arms back and got up.

	"Sorry baby, you're just gonna have to miss me a little bit longer, that was my cue."

	"Cue for what?" he asked suspiciously, his eyes narrowing. As Faye creased into giggles, he whipped his head round and glared at her. Tony was pushing her hair back, trying to get a better look of her face. But her laughter was making her shake so much, it was pretty pointless, and they just waited to hear her announce.

	"I told him she was getting married tomorrow and she offered to do him in the toilets..."

	"Right, that's it... you are going nowhere..." 

	And just to keep Sharon's attentions focussed, Dennis, with a bit of encouragement from Faye, decided they were gonna throw some vodka around and play some drinking games. As Tony went happily off to discover some vodka and some shot glasses, Faye was gleefully rubbing her hands, looking towards Dennis and promising "I'm gonna get you so wasted you ain't gonna know where she's gone..."

	"Try it babe." he shot back, lips twisted into a very obvious smirk. "I'm doing the choosing here..."

	"Oh, you are, are you?"

	Dennis just raised his eyebrow; and barely a breath after that, Tony staggered through the crowds carrying a small and round chrome tray, with two bottles of vodka and the four required shot glasses. He set it down gently and as the rest of them cheered and clapped appreciatively, he took up his place next to his wife, waiting for someone to take charge.

	"Oh God." Sharon whispered, eyeing the bottles dubiously. "I'm scared."

	"Ah, you'll be fine." he told her warmly, though he definitely saw where she was coming from as he caught the way his friend was eyeing Faye up, and the way she was drinking it in, smiling back at him.

	"Fuck Me." he said simply.

	"Oh finally, he asks!" she roared, choking on her laughter as she unscrewed the cap on one of the vodka bottles and sloshed the liquid into the glasses, passing them round.

	Sharon went rigid and slid off Dennis' lap back to her own stool with a bump. "OK, I'm very scared."

	"You mean you've never played?" Tony asked, astounded.

	She couldn't ignore the possibilities contained in those words and snorted out a laugh as she shook her head.

	"Well..." He placed his palms against the edge of the table, and lifted one and then the other, resulting in two beats before he followed it up by clapping his hands twice. "And you just keep going."

	"Right..." she said slowly. 

	"And we all need names..." Dennis murmured at her silkily. "And I think we should call you... oh after your little stint earlier, I think... Jealous... and Tone...?"

	"Desperate." Faye quipped without giving him chance to answer his address, but he didn't protest.

	"I like it." Dennis laughed "And for Nurse Harrison over there-" He grinned at her as she reddened again. "-I think... Dirty..."

	"That makes you Frantic, then!" she shot back and he did nothing but nod in approval.

	Tony shook his head disbelievingly, although the corners of his mouth rose tellingly as he looked back at the still bewildered Sharon as he tried to keep up the beat - that was about all she had mastered.

	"Alright, so... Desperate Fuck, Desperate Fuck, better than a Dirty Fuck..."

	Faye pounded her hands against the table top. "Dirty Fuck, Dirty Fuck, better than a Frantic Fuck..."

	Tony looked back at Sharon. "Got it? No returns, no hesistation, no messing up the names or the beat, or you'll be glugging the necessary for ten seconds..."

	She laughed, ducking her head and pinching the bridge of her nose to prepare herself. "Alright then." she nodded, joining them in the beat.

	"OK... 1...2...3 - Fuck Me!"

	"Fuck Me!" they chorused back at him, hardly able to hold themselves together as they eased into the rhythm.

	"Desperate Fuck, Desperate Fuck, better than a Jealous Fuck!" And Tony swung round to look at her, smirking.

	"Jealous Fuck, Jealous Fuck, better than a Dirty Fuck!"

	"Dirty Fuck, Dirty Fuck, better than a Frantic Fuck!"

	Dennis assessed his options. With no returns, that meant he either Fucked Tony or Sharon... oh the choice!

	"Ah, hesistation!" Faye cried, flinging her finger in his face accusingly before slamming a bottle in front of him.

	"No, hang on, that's not fair... he's my best mate and she's my fiancée!"

	"So do both, they don't care! Shut up with the excuses and drink!"

	And they carried on with the beat to encourage him, yelling "Drink, drink, drink!" He completely ignored the glass, just snatching up the bottle and wedging it between his lips before tilting his head back defiantly and glugging. He straightened up again, gasping his way through the burning sensation on the back of his throat. They all whooped, evidently impressed. He put the bottle back down and rejoined the beat.

	Tony restarted the chain. "Desperate Fuck, Desperate Fuck, better than a Dirty Fuck!"

	"Dirty Fuck, Dirty Fuck, better than a Jealous Fuck!"

	"Jealous Fuck, Jealous Fuck, better than a Fra-" And meeting Dennis' glittering eyes, she collapsed into giggles, crying out in her defence. "But it's not!"

	"Course it's not honey, now come on!" he insisted, passing her the bottle. She shot him a look that, if she had not been smiling so wide, would have left him in no doubt as to how much she hated his arrogance, even if she loved it simultaneously!

	"Go on, Sharon! Drink, drink, drink, drink!"

	As she pulled the bottle back, she shoved it back into Dennis' hand as she lunged across, mashing her mouth against his. Tony & Faye laughed, childishly raising an "Ooooh!" between them to acknowledge him letting the bottle drop onto the table (and he was bloody lucky it settled on its base rather than tilting and upturning) and pulling Sharon closer, sharing the taste of the liquid glistening on her lips.

	"Mmmm." she breathed huskily. "I think I like this game."

	"Me too..."

	Playing for the next twenty minutes, the contents of the two bottles was diminished, and they were all starting to slur somewhat! And Faye was the one that had to go and get the third bottle; not that any of them really needed it, or even thought they would be able to bring themselves to touch it. But anyway, they decided that since Tony had managed to turn Jealous F*cks into Yellow Ducks that it probably wasn't wise to send him off to the bar this time.

	Sharon seized the interlude with vigour, sliding back onto Dennis' lap and loving how his hands roamed across her abdomen as she forced her tongue into his mouth, received warmly by his own. Tony looked up through his bleary eyes and groaned, slouching back down onto the table. When it was that his wife finally found her way back to the table, however, he was the first to straighten up and greet the new bottle, pouring it shakily into the glasses, managing to lose a lot of the liquid and leave it on the table. But he didn't know or care.

	"OK, new game! Have You Ever?"

	"Yes, I have." Dennis shot back, not missing a beat as he drew back from a reluctant Sharon, who instead let her head flop onto his shoulder, groaning.

	"He probably has an' all!" Faye laughed as she glared at Dennis.

	"Brilliant question babe - have you ever had anal sex?"

	As Faye gasped, lifting her glass and emptying it over his head, Dennis and Sharon creased up, worried that they might just fall off the stool because the floor seemed to be moving underneath them.

	"None of us are answering that! Now, watch yourself, or it won't be the vodka next time, it'll be the... hic! bottle!"

	"Have you ever downed a bottle to yourself?" Sharon asked, thinking she may as well tone it right down to begin with.

	"You're just wriggling off the hook there baby, if you'd mentioned wine, you know you'd have been knocking one of these back!" Dennis told her as he obediently poured a shot, passing the bottle over to Tony as he knew he must, before tipping the liquid to the back of his throat.

	"True. Maybe I'll share that one with you then!" she murmured, kissing the taste from his lips. As they moved back, without taking his eyes off Sharon, he asked;

	"Have you ever covered anyone in booze... just to...?"

	Sharon grinned and reached for her shot, toasting him as she leant back against him.

	"Whiskey don't half taste good on you, y'know babe." Tony slurred affectionately to Faye as he clinked his shot against her glass.

	"You too mate.." Gasping as the taste of the vodka hit her tongue, she rolled her head back before asking "Have you ever been in bed with more than one person?"

	"What, you mean, like a threesome?"

	"Yuh huh."

	"No!" Sharon laughed, happy to see that Dennis looked just as bewildered.

	"Me neither." he said sadly. "Not to say I didn't dream about it every night when I was a teenager though. Oh yeah, me, Kate Moss & Claudia Schiffer would have got on like a house on fire, I just know it!"

	"Yeah, I'll bet you would have. So have you ever been sleeping with two - or more-" Faye looked pointedly at Dennis at that point, and he just smiled back at her. "-people at the same time?"

	Sharon leant over and found herself fighting Dennis for a glass. Giggling as she straightened up, she offered him her glass just as his came towards her.

	"Here."

	"There you go darlin'."

	And they tilted their glasses so they clinked together before disposing of the liquid. "Down the hatch!"

	"You dirty bastards! Yours is gonna be a great marriage ain't it?"

	"Oh yeah!"

	"Have you ever done it up against the wall?"

	"Yes mate!" Dennis grinned, reaching proudly for the bottle. And seeing as they all required a shot, they raised their glasses to each other, total and utter respect flooding their little circle.

	"Have you ever..." Faye gave the two opposite a knowing look, raising her eyebrow as she spoke. "...done it outside?"

	"Oooh, Faye, anyone would think you were trying to get us drunk darlin'!"

	"Me?!"

	She giggled, but Tony drowned her out. "Have you ever done it under water?"

	"Oh yeah." Dennis enthused. "Me & the Little Mermaid are like that!"

	"Shut it you." Sharon warned, hitting him weakly in the chest with the back of her hand. "You mean like, in the bath... the shower, that kind of thing? Cos no."

	"Jesus Sharon, the men in your life aren't very passionate are they?" Faye observed, a sympathetic edge to her tone as she oh so subtlely knocked back a shot.

	"Excuse me, but I'm the men in her life... and believe me, we're gonna fix that one!"

	"I love you, you know."

	"Oh now you love me. That's charming that." But his smile teased her as he glugged the vodka too. She seized the glass, pulling it away.

	"Who was she?"

	"She was crap."

	"Oh, I'm so glad!" she muttered sarcastically.

	They heard a thud and all looked round in alarm, Sharon and Dennis closer to tumbling off the stool than ever before. But thankfully, they remained upright, wound together as they took in the image of Tony sprawled out on the table top, his eyes barely open, slurring

	"Actually, I meant the sheeee... sheeex in the seeea..."

	Faye sighed, lifting up Tony's lifeless arm and realising he had really and truly conked out. "Goodnight Seattle!"

	"Awww, bless him, he looks cute!"

	"Sharon... he looks like a tosser... " Dennis told her flatly. "...kinda fitting really cos that's what he is, never could handle his drink..."

	"Oh, and you can I suppose?"

	"Yes ma'am!"

	"C'mon then!" And she clambered unsteadily up, and he let himself be pulled up with her, his arms still wound around her waist, the ridges of her spine pressing harder into his chest, as she wandered towards the dance floor, pulling him with her. His hands feel obediently round her hips as she began to swing her hips rhythmically to the beat pounding through the place, shaking the very walls. He tapped out the beat against her hip with his fingertips as he moved into her, meeting each circuit.

	I don't know what I'm doing wrong - maybe I've been here too long
	The songs on the radio sound the same, everybody just looks the same
	But then last night was so much fun - and now your sheets are dirty

	Pointedly Sharon dipped down on her knees, the sway of her hips causing her to sink down his form, and she knew that if she was to go down to the floor, the small of her back would play against his groin.

	The streets are dirty too - but you never look back over what you've done
	Remember when you were young - you'd lose yourself!

	She looked over her shoulder as she rose again, and caught the fleeting expression of suppressed pleasure in his face. Feeling rather pleased with herself, she span round, her pride only increasing as she realised that although the walls were still moving, she'd managed to do it without succumbing and falling over, that she was pressed hard against Dennis' chest, although the buzz pounding in her head made sure she knew she was bound to trip up at some point if she insisted so on dancing when she was so much more than intoxicated.

	She stepped forward on her right, and Dennis on his left so that their hips slanted each time they moved forward and make, always meeting each, always being close.

	In the morning, you know he won't remember a thing
	In the morning, you know it's gonna be alright.

	She lifted her arms, wrapping first one, and then the other around his neck. 

	Wake him up, warm him up - put him on the stage

	His hands were still against her hips, drawing her in as they swung down to the floor

	Well, the boy can't help it - it's not his fault
	Just a dangerous, dangerous age

	Coming up again, Dennis leant over Sharon, smirking. She let him dominate the movement, bending back, and only straightening up again when the beat allowed it, jumping back. She raised her hands high, dropping her gaze, just as his did, drinking in the delicious sway of her hips before he could bear it no longer, snatching up her hand and pulling her close so fast she fell against him. She laughed, recovering and pressing hard into him as she laced her hands together teasing the back of his neck. 

	She raised her eyebrow at him and he retorted wordlessly by lifting her up and spinning her round. That in itself was pretty precarious, but she barely noticed, taking it in her... in his stride, her hands bouncing off his shoulder, before she met the floor again, stepping forward against his hip just as he met hers.

	But then every night's been so much fun and you're still out there darlin'
	Clingin' on to the wrong ideas but I never regret anything I've done
	Remember when you were young - you'd lose yourself!
	In the morning, you know he won't remember a thing
	In the morning, you know it's gonna be alright.
	In the morning, you know he won't remember a thing
	In the morning, you know it's gonna be all - oh!

	When Dennis moved back, straightening out Sharon's arms as he clasped her hands, he only let them drop, with an apologetic smile when he refused to let her fall forwards to keep their contact. But she stumbled anyway, confused and wanting to know why he had left her.

	"Dennis?"

	And she weaved her way through the throng, trying to keep him within sight. But she was somewhat preoccupied, almost falling over as Faye crashed into her, flinging out her arms to steady her and nestling drunkenly into her, offering her embrace.

	"Mmm!" she cried, giggling. "Where's your boy Sharon?"

	"I have... no idea..." Sharon answered distractedly, craning her neck.

	"Ha, bastard... f*ck him, let's dance!"

	She smiled, spinning into the crowds, and laughing as Faye began to jutt her hips, clapping her hands furiously to the beat high above her head, a couple more girls staggering over and copying her stance, like a little troupe. And it was definitely infectious, as more and more of the crowd seemed to be sidling over to them, spinning, clicking their fingers, clapping their hands, dragging their feet, leaping right down to the floor, anything just so's the energy didn't leave them behind, anything so there were moving, hair flying back, feels scraping against the floor. Sharon fought her way into the formation, rolling her shoulders back and leaning to her right and back, out to the left, before turning and reserving the order of the line. 

	In the morning, you know he won't remember a thing
	In the morning, you know it's gonna be all....

	"Oh my God!"

	Their rhythm was broken, and they all straightened, just trying to pinpoint who had contributed to this mixed cry. But as they searched, each and every eye fell open the bar, and they erupted into screams caught half between hilarity and adoration. Because it seemed while every woman in the place had been getting down on the dance floor, every bloke had been climbing up onto the bar.

	God, they all must have been out of their heads. And there... oh she should have known... there was Dennis, er... doing his thing... how did she love the bloody show off so much? She let herself be swept up as those around her rushed forwards, and she found herself pushed to the fore, pulling Faye with her for protection. Everyone seemed to have spread out the length of the bar. ignoring the the look of sheer bewilderment on the faces of the bar staff, backed up against the dispensers. Ah, the work space had been taken by force then!

	In the morning, you know he won't remember a thing
	In the morning, you know it's gonna be alright.
	And-
	
	Faye screamed, more in horror as she recognised Tony, still looking half dead but managing to put across a dam impressive drag and spin. How the f*ck had he gotten up there?

	Sharon however, having turned in on her side, leant back against her, crying "I really hope you still have a husband in the morning babe!"

	"Shit, me too! Never mind yours eh... where'd he learn to move like that?"

	"I might have taught him a couple of things..."

	"I bet you did!" she grinned back, dropping her gaze and watching as she swung her foot forward and back, jutting her hips and clicking her fingers, before looking up at the bar, yelling amorously "Go on baby!"

	Sharon moved with those around her, planting her feet a distance apart, dragging one across to meet the other, swinging her head and her hands in time to her hips, and she caught glimpses of the action in the bar and could pretty much see that the guys were taking their cue from their audience - uh huh, too pissed to think for themselves, that sounded about right. And her head span as she did, and the floor seemed to lurch underneath her, but still she was standing amongst the swinging and turning and rolling and cheering and clapping, the buzz too huge to ignore, even if she was zoned out, even if it didn't feel like this was her body. She was floating - she was fucking wasted.

	She caught Dennis' eye mid spin and didn't think before grinning and blowing a kiss from against all her fingers. He beamed back at her and threw up his arms as he faced the crowd again. Starting from the far edge of the bar, one of them leapt off for every drag and spin sequence. Sometimes it was scary, as they overbalanced and landed hard on their chests, unable to breathe, and sometimes they didn't bend their knees enough, having to come crashing to the floor like they'd just leapt off a diving board, and Sharon was sure she saw a cut lip or two. Amazingly, Tony came off very well, and she heard Faye breath a massive sigh of relief at her side.

	The bar staff seemed to have gotten over themselves, despite the warning looks from the security and were suddenly up there too, but they'd all caught the way Dennis' eyes were glittering wildly, and they'd all shook their heads, smirking. That meant he was still the only one who had a promise to fulfill for the crowds. But he was teasing them. They were clapping out the rhythm with him, carrying on through to every drag, every swing and every spin, but he never once made effort to jump.

	And very soon, they were screaming the lyrics at him as they all danced wildly, demanding the spectacle they felt they were owed. Sharon's heart was pounding against her ribs, and she was buzzing, torn. He could have done it, she'd seen him do it, but he was intoxicated... he was bound to break something and yet... she wanted him to prove her wrong, she wanted him to prove he could do it.

	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?
	
	He was searching her out, and as she grinned at him, he leapt forward,  hitting the floor without so much as leaning a little to either side. The way the screams defeaned her, defeaned him, Sharon knew the lucky bastard had done it!

	"Oh f*ck Sharon, I'm in love..."

	"Oh me too, Faye, me too..."

	Faye nodded, and dutifully moved off to go and locate Tony, he was probably in desperate need of needing to throw up or at least get some air that wasn't as hot, sticky and charged as this... come to think of it... she was too.

	But Sharon stayed where she was, her stomach tying itself in knots at just the anticipation of seeing him again, craning her neck round so much as she searched for him that she pretty much developed a crick. So she tilted her head, clicking it out, and as she straightened up, she saw him finally come through the crowd, more stumbling thanks to the mount of times he was being pounded proudly in the back.

	She rushed at him, kissing him fiercely before he had chance to so much as muster a "Hello". 

	"You could have... you should have broken your neck!"

	"Awww, you know I'm just too skilled for that honey..."

	(Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?)
	In the morning, you know he won't remember a thing
	
	"Mmm, course you are!" she mused, her hands sliding around his back as she captured his lips again. But she flinched almost immediately, her fingertips brushing against something smooth and very, very cold he was holding behind his back.
	
	"What's that?" 

	He let her draw back and then proudly showcased a bottle of champagne.

	(Are you really gonna do it this time? Are you really gonna do it this time?)
	No, not a thing!
	
	She smiled at him, drinking in the mischief in his eyes with an indechiperable hunger. So she should probably never drink again but... she couldn't refuse him could she - and he knew it.

	"C'mon." he murmured, slipping his arm around her waist, assured that he had won. "I think we should all get out of here..."

	 (Are you really gonna do it this time?) 
	In the morning, you know he won't remember a thing.

	The four of them fell out of the club in a great laughing heap. In fact, they were hysterical, over nothing in particular. It was more to do with the amount of alcohol they had consumed, how quickly they had consumed it than anything else. God, they'd had so much fun, even if, by rights, Sharon should have mindlessly screwed that bloke in the toilets and Tony and Dennis should have been down A&E having bones reset. But none of them cared, arms slung around each other as they spilled out onto the street, stumbling swaying, and forever trying to locate the bottle of champagne, reaching out to wrench it from the present hands and lifting it defiantly to their lips, savouring the taste of the sweet bubbles.

	"To Sharon!" Faye cried out at the top of her voice, lifting the bottle like a trophy. She leapt back, screaming as she realised that she'd leant it over too far and the liquid was splattering down at her side, catching her ankles. And that only made the rest of them crease up laughing, hardly able to stay on their own feet.

	And when Faye looked up again, Dennis was grinning at her.

	"Oh alright! To you too, I suppose!"

	"Oh well, don't force it!"

	Sharon hit him lightly in the chest with the back of her hand. "Leave her alone you!"

	And she staggered towards her friend, squealing as the beat from the clubs rolled onto towards them, pounding in their ears and making their hearts race that little bit faster. She couldn't stop herself jumping up and down in excitement, amazed that she remained standing as she met the floor again, clutching Faye's hands and leaping back and forth, swinging her hips.

	She's in to superstition, black cats and voodoo dolls
	I feel a premonition - that girl's gonna make me fall

	They pulled back, hands still lazily clasped as their gazes seem to simultaneously wander the length of the glittering beach. Dennis' stomach dropped a little as he caught the way their lips flickered as they met each other's eyes again, dipping down and wrenching off their shoes, rushing off down onto the sands, shrieking and giggling.

	Dennis and Tony looked at each other out the corner of their eyes, barely able to manage a full smile between them. "What the f*ck are they....?"

	She's in to new sensations, new kicks in the candle light
	She's got a new addiction for every day and night

	"Dennis!" Sharon called, spinning round to face him as she backed up against the water's edge. "Don't let me get lonely down here!"

	He laughed, murmuring at such a level that only Tony heard, "As if I would."

	"What do you reckon she's up to mate?"

	"I don't know, but I'm sure as hell gonna find out!"

	And he raced down the length of the sand, feeling the corners of his mouth lift into a smirk as she greeted his approach by cheering and dancing round in the surf. But as she turned to face them again, both Dennis and Tony were rendered motionless, falling back and watching with their mouths agape as she lifted the strap of her dress over her head, pulling the material away from her bust.

	Faye whooped appreciatively, before slumping forwards over the bottle as she choked on her laughter and quite probably a mouthful of champagne too. "Go on Sharon!"

	"D'you dare me?" she shot back as she raced further and further into the biting, glinting water.

	"I dare you, girl!"

	So Sharon pulled the dress up over the curve of her hips and brandished the material triumphantly in the air.

	"F*ck..." Tony managed to breathe after many false starts.

	Dennis was shaking his head gently in awe. She was so incredible. 

	She'll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain
	She'll make you live her crazy life but she'll take away your pain
	Like a bullet to your brain!

	"Baby, you'll get cold!"

	She stopped for a moment, following his voice. Then she nodded slowly and stepped forward, everything about her driving him crazy as she came nearer... the swing of her hips as she walked... her very near nakedness... the beautiful sweep of her every curve... the way the water glistened on her skin... everything. But the thing that was really sending him over the edge was how she was smiling at him, knowing that he was taking in every detail as she slipped her hands underneath the glossy curtain of her hair against her neck, fumbling with what only could have been the tie of her bra straps.

	"Then you'll just have to come keep me warm, won't you?"

	And she turned back towards the sea, lifting her arm and dropping her bra in a sandy heap on top of her dress and shoes before rushing back towards Faye, kicking up the spray.

	"C'mon now boys... that was like having your own personal stripper... don't tell me you're not gonna return the favour?"

	"No!"

	"Tone!" Dennis yelped, possibly even before the word was out, gripping him fiercely and shaking him a little. "Mate, you don't seem to understand... Sharon's out there... and she's pretty damn near naked... and if Faye necks anymore of that champagne, then I'd say it's a pretty safe bet she will be too! So if your beautiful wife tells you to strip - then let me tell you - you strip!"

	Upside, inside out - she's living la vida loca
	She'll push and pull you down - living la vida loca
	
	He did so obediently, apparently catching the way Faye's eyes were glinting as she passed the bottle over to Sharon. Their clothes poolling at their feet, they stepped over them and moved across the sand.

	"Mmm!" Sharon cried, shaking her head as she pulled the bottle back from her lips. "Those go too!"

	Dennis dropped his gaze with a smirk, his fingertips playing against the edge of his Calvin's. "Ah, no... that's for private audiences only."

	Her lips are devil red and her skin's the colour mocha
	She will wear you out - living the vida loca
	She's living the vida loca (She's living the vida loca)
	
	"Miss Watts requests a private audience with Mr. Rickman!"

	"Oh does Miss Watts?" he shot back, unable to ignore the stirring of intense longing deep in his stomach.

	Faye was practically hysterical, wrapping herself around Tony, clinging to him as she laughed. "Don't look, don't look!"

	"Yes she does! I told you not to let me get lonely!"

	Grinning, he kicked his way through the water, shivering as it slipped up his form the closer he came to Sharon. It was a little way off his shoulders by the time she pressed herself hard against him, wrapping her arms tight around his neck, forcing her kiss against his lips, the chilled glass of the bottle burning into his bare back.

	"Feel better?" he whispered flirtatiously when she drew back a fraction.

	"I will... when these go."

	"Excuse me.... but from what I saw... you're not naked.... close... but just not close enough..."

	"What do you know?" she teased, pulling her arms back, and pressing her hands over where his lay against her hips, guiding them down her thighs, pushing down her knickers underneath such a movement.

	Woke up in New York City, in a funky cheap hotel
	
	And as she tugged at his waistband murmuring "Now... these don't have to go far..." he gasped just as she had done at the cold water licking at his sensitive skin.

	She took my heart and she took my money 
	She must have slipped me a sleeping pill!

	Sharon rolled the bottle across his back, smiling affectionately as he gasped again, his lips set so innocently Her other hand now around the slender neck, she lifted the bottle over her shoulder, staring hard at him as she glugged at the sweet bubbles. As she lowered it again, he scanned her face, and chose to capture her lips, kissing her desperately to lift the taste from her mouth.

	She never drinks the water - makes you order French champagne
	Once you've had a taste of her, you'll never be the same
	(Yes, she'll make you go insane!)   	

	She giggled, in that beautiful girly way - which probably only existed because she was so drunk - and she leant back against his arms, bending her back and watching the stars leap back as her hair slipped back into the water.

	Upside, inside out - she's living la vida loca
	She'll push and pull you down - living la vida loca

	When she straightened up again, she was harder against Dennis' chest than she had been before, her nipples hardening instinctively thanks to the friction so being so close. The water held her up as she pressed against his shoulders, lifting herself up and wrapping her legs around his waist. She could feel his hardening length between her thighs as his hands fell around her buttocks, looking quickly over his shoulder to check that Tony & Faye were a safe distance away, because he knew he wouldn't be able to stop himself. 

	Her lips are devil red and her skin's the colour mocha
	She will wear you out - living the vida loca
	She's living the vida loca (She's living the vida loca)
	
	"Hmmm, you know, you're gonna have to tell Tony about this..."

	"Oh, am I?"
	
	She'll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain
	She'll make you live her crazy life but she'll take away your pain
	Like a bullet to your brain!
	
	"Yeah.... he'll be so proud... sheeeex in the seeeea!"

	Murmuring, Sharon rolled over onto her side, jolting awake as she realised her arm was stretched out a soft, deep pillow. Her surroundings sort of swam into focus, her head instantly pounding. OK... she was in a bed, a very large bed with a canopy. But Christ, why was everything so white? She groaned, not appreciating the rush of blood to her head as she struggled up, pushing the sleep from her eyes.

	"Hey, you."

	"Urgh."

	Dennis was leant against the wardrobe, his arms looped lazily across his chest, grinning as he watched her.

	"Feeling it too huh?"

	"What the hell did we do last night?"

	He raised his eyebrows, faking a pout. "Don't tell me you don't remember?"

	"I seem to remember saying "f*ck" a lot..."

	"Oh... you weren't just saying it honey."

	"Oh God..." She groaned, not being able to stop herself smirking as she met his eye. She remembered that bit... graphically.... hadn't been a dream then.... how brilliant was that? And she suspected the dangerous amounts of vodka weren't a figment of her imagination either. She shook away the rhythm pounding away in her head - thud-thud...tap-tap... oh God, she'd been hearing it all night without knowing why - and swung her legs to the floor. 

	It was only as Dennis leant forward expectantly, his eyes glittering that she realised she was in fact, naked. She felt herself blush, shooting him a look as she pulled the duvet up around her breasts.

	"What time is it?"

	"Twelve."

	"Urgh. What time did we rock up here?"

	"About three."

	Ah, yes, she remembered that too, having a rather sickly argument (and when she said argument, she meant simpering at Dennis' while she took every chance to cover his mouth with hers) as he'd tried to hand over his credit card to pay for the two rooms. She'd pulled his hand back, putting down her own card with a click.

	"Nuh uh darlin', this is on me - you have a ring to buy after all."

	"Mmmm, I do, don't I?"

	She could tell that the receptionist didn't believe that either card would cover the £800 bill (two suites, two nights) - after all, all four of them were off their faces and were covered in sand, they didn't look like the sort of people who would blow nearly a thousand pounds on a hotel! Unless of course, they were planning something... untoward...

	Nausea rose up from the floor of her stomach at the idea, but she shook that away too, pushing her hair back from her face.

	"Why didn't you wake me?"

	"Because I had to sort our clothes, you know, seeing as neither of us thought to bring anymore with us... and besides, you look cute when you're asleep... you don't sound it though, bloody hell..."

	She didn't let him finish, picking up the pillow from behind her and throwing it at him. Laughing, he turned to his side to fend it off, and it bounced off his shoulder. She scowled in response to the triumphant way he looked at her as he stooped to pick it up and toss it back on the bed.

	"So..." he began slowly, sinking down onto the bed a little way off from her, leaning in to capture her lips for a moment. "...up to much today?"

	"I don't know... maybe you'll have to surprise me!"

	"Hmmm, maybe I will..."

	And he got up again, meandering across the room and pushing open the door on the far wall.

	"Where are you going?"
	
	"Bath... it's huge you know..." He slid into the room, poking his head round the door as he drew it shut, grinning at her cheekily before pulling back completely and making sure she heard the msost definite click of the handle. She took that as her cue, kicking back the duvet and stealing across the room, pushing down the handle, hoping that maybe he wouldn't hear her over the gush of the water...

	Dennis hadn't been wrong. The bath truly was huge, more of swimming pool proportions, she was sure- there were steps up into it for Chrsit's sake. But then her judgement had been somewhat altered by God knows how much vodka. She swore, she was never drinking again. The steamy clouds rising from the bath as the gushing water encouraged more and more bubbles to form was making her feel hazy. Hell, she could probably have slept for a couple of days, but then, this wasn't gonna harm was it? If she was ever likely to drown, she'd have done it earlier that morning, God knows how far out to sea.

	He hadn't heard her come in. She smirked as she pondered all that advantages this presented. Perving on her own fiancé, while she stood naked three foor behind him, whatever next? He leant over and shut off the taps, and Sharon sucked in a sharp breath of appreciation for the way his trousers strained over his arse. He straightened up and pulled his belt free from the loops, dropping it to the floor, unzipping his trousers letting them pool at his feet, stepping over them. Next went the shirt, but Sharon could tell in the movement of his elbows that he was teasing them open excrutiatingly slowly. And she wondered for a moment if perhaps he could see her, if he knew she was there.

	But then, she didn't care, grinning as she realised he had in fact gone commando, how could she miss the delicious exposure of such a gorgeous arse? She loved it in its own right.

	As he slipped underneath the hot foam, Sharon allowed herself to breathe, but it came out more as a moan, a loud moan he was bound to hear. She waited for desperate splashing to signal that he was turning round in alarm, but it didn't come. All she heard was an amused chuckle as he swished his hand gently round in the water.

	"Come on then Sharon."

	"H-How did you know I was here?"

	"Honey, you're about as subtle as a brick." he teased, pulling against the edge of the bath so he could face her, drinking in her nakedness with glittering eyes and a smirk that said he was going to enjoy whatever was to come... oh damn, such bad choice of words, and yet so good, so apt.

	"Hello," she breathed huskily, pushing the side as found her way over to him, the temperature, the scent of the water embracing her skin.

	"I wondered how long it would take you." he murmured as her mouth crashed against his, giving him ample oppurtunity to suck gently on her lower lip.

	"Mmm, well..." she shot back, climbing steadily across his lap and snaking her feet around his hips, loving the way he was reduced to whimpering as she rested against his rather obvious arousal. "...you shouldn't be so damn irrestible then should you?"

	"I do try."

	"Try harder."

	He raised his eyebrow at her, challenging her suggestion. "You know, I'm beginning to think Faye was right about the blokes you've had... poor neglected Sharon..."

	"Aren't I just? But you promised you'd sort that..."

	"Oh, so you remember that!"

	"Like you didn't want me to." And with a perfect innocent smile, she lowered herself onto him, the resistance of the water making the whole process a lot slower, and a lot more frustrating for Dennis, which was brilliant as far as Sharon was concerned, biting down on her lip to suppress a moan as he filled her.

	His hands rested just underneath her buttocks, she let him aid her in rising a little way from him a little to establish a rhythm, though little was the key. The resistance of the water was teasing them both, causing a friction that they could not escape. Their movement was ruled by it, and they were resigned to the fact that this was going a long and drawn out ascent to the most incredible climax.

	They never once broke eye contact as they moved, every sensation meaning something so amazing to them both. But as Sharon reached her peak, she abandoned her movement, Dennis deep inside her and rendered helpless as she clenched around him instinctively with the force of her orgasm. His gasps became distinct cries as she moaned his name. But it seemed as though this alone could not satisfy her, that her lover was not close enough. She edged forwards, causing an unintentional thrust that made him gasp again as she pressed herself hard against his, forcing her kiss onto his lips. She couldn't even be irritated that he answered her with an untold desperation; his mouth did not fit hers as it usually did. It was all because his facial muscles were paralyzed as he let go, and to Sharon.... that was beautiful.

	

	Despite her pleas and her most imaginative attempts to dissuade him, Dennis announced he would never again make love to Sharon Watts. So she clambered out of the bath and covered herself with one of the huge fluffy bath towels from the radiator and promised that given half-hour or so, she'd be ready to accompany him to the registery office to sort the authorisation of their marriage.

	Dennis himself was ready in fifteen, and promising Sharon he really was only giving her another fifteen; he did after all "want to marry her before he was forty", he pulled all the documentation out of her bag. Passports... birth certificates... and the gas bill. He laughed, shaking his head disbelievingly. Well, just how romantic was that? And as for his credit card bill, well that brought more tears to his eyes than any wedding could have - including his own.

	The last piece was probably the worst. It tore at him a little bit. It was Sharon's decree absolute. He knew she needed it, of course he did, but even looking at it made him shake with jealousy. Jealousy, God, how pathetic was that? But the point was, Sharon had loved another man (Grant Mitchell no less, but Dennis had to ignore that fact or he was gonna go nothing short of crazy) enough to marry him, to at least believe she was gonna be with him forever; even if the whole thing, as this piece of paper proved, had lasted less than four years. And that was just on paper, Dennis knew it had all been over long before then, it was just that this MItchell bloke hadn't known as much! 

	But still, the point was, that while this thing proved she was free to become Dennis' wife, what if one day, he found himself seeing his own name next to Sharon's on something like this? Oh God, he hadn't even made their bloody engagement official enough to get her a ring yet and he was already making his way to the divorce courts. 

	Assured now that they had all they required, (he wouldn't allow himself to look at Sharon's adoption certificate) he busied himself with putting it safely back in Sharon's bag. He looked nervously at the clock, and just knew he couldn't give her the remaining eight minutes he had promised her, leaping up and knocking nervously on the door to the bathroom.

	"Sharon?"

	"Bloody hell, you're keen! I'll be out in a sec." 

	He stepped back and waited, surprised to find that she was true to her word, the handle going down after about twenty seconds. She stepped into the room, stretching up a little on her toes to kiss him.

	"I really must love you, you know.... going out like this." She grimaced as she gestured to her face with a wave of her hand. Dennis didn't say anything for a moment, he didn't exactly know what he was meant to see in her that was so worth criticizing. In fact, hers was probably the most beautiful hangover he'd ever seen, and he'd seen thousands.

	"What?"

	"What d'you mean "what?" No make up, that's what!" She shuddered, exactly as though she had just said a dirty word. "This is like... indecent exposure... like going out there naked!"

	"You can if you want..."

	She nudged him with her shoulder. "Do you want to marry me today or what?"

	"What."

	Showing that she didn't appreciate his mocking, Sharon scowled at him for a moment, catching his hand as she moved past and leading him from the room, stopping only to retrive their bag and jacket respectively.

	"Well, c'mon then!"

	 All the bits of paper spread out in front of them as the registrar looked over them, Dennis barely managed to let Sharon grip his hand. He was just waiting for that inevitable moment, working himself up on the defensive.

	"OK, so, Dennis... 28th August '74..." She pushed his certificate back and reached out for Sharon's. "Sharon Ann... 20th October '69... and you're both currently at No. 5, Albert Square, Walford?"

	"Yeah, we are."

	"Right, brilliant... decree absolute... that's great..." Her face fell as she scanned it. "Sharon Watts? Hmm, I sure your... yes, Sharon Hanley... am I missing something here or...?"

	"Er..." Sharon laughed nervously as she had to physically tug the adoption certificate from underneath Dennis' hand. "...this might explain a few things..."

	"Ah!" she smiled as she took it. "Right, yes, that helps! Angela and Dennis..." Looking up fleetingly to Dennis for a moment and flinching as she saw the sullenness in his face, she sifted through the paper, and he knew it was here. "Sorry, is this just a coincidence or... Dennis... Paula Rickman... Dennis Watts... I was sure I'd seen the name before..."

	"No... no..." Sharon told her, trying to smile as sweetly as possible at her, squeezing Dennis' hand tighter. "No coincidence. My adoptive dad is Dennis' biological father..."

	"Oh! Right, well, OK... that's the paperwork done..." And she pushed it all back with a smile, drumming her hands against the table. Dennis' tensed shoulders dropped a little. That was it? No weird looks, no nothing?

	Sharon leant over, whispering into his ear, "Relax will you darlin', you're making me nervous!"

	"Sorry." he mumbled, watching as the woman lifted a large leather book off the floor, flipping through the pages, her pen poised.

	"Bought the appointments book in through from the office for you, sort out the date. When were you looking at?"

	"As soon as possible really."

	She sucked in a breath as she nodded, studying the pages. "How soon?"

	"How soon can you do?"

	"Well, actually... immediately. We have a window at four this afternoon. No, no, don't be ridiculous Jennifer... I expect you haven't planned a thing-"

	"We'll take it."

	Jennifer looked up in alarm, but when she saw that even Dennis had managed a smile. Gazing between them both, she realised that these weren't two people with a plan that encompassed anything except the marriage. They'd eloped. Oh God, she was such a sucker for romance, this was definitely her kind of job. Beaming over at Sharon, she'd bowed her head and scratched in their names.

	"Alright fine. Guess, I'll be seeing you both at four then. Oh and before I forget, any personal touches you need me to clear?"

	"No." Sharon replied brightly, and her fiancé snapped his head round immediately, staring at her with his mouth hanging agape like she'd lost it.

	"Sharon... baby, are you sure? I mean, this is your wedding..."

	"I know... and I'm marrying you... maybe that's all that matters eh? We can do all the showy stuff for Dot and for Pauline... the whole bloody lot of them when we go back home... but right now, all that matters is you and me. So shut up with the questions and say you'll marry me already!"

	They thanked Jennifer and Dennis had pulled Sharon from the little room by the hand, onto the street, pulling her close and kissing her fiercely.

	"That's not an answer." she said warmly, falling back on her heels and dropping away from his lips.

	"Well!" he shot back, his gaze falling to his hands clasping hers, his thumbs working comforting paths along her fingers. "How can I say I'll marry you when you're not so much as engaged to me yet?"

	She smiled. Now he mentioned it, her finger didn't half seem naked. And as he pulled her into a jewellers ten minutes off, back on the sea front, excited butterflies flittered up from the floor of her stomach. She studied each case carefully, eyed every tray, took in every ring, blushing each time she was robbed of breath by a beautiful band here, a gorgeous diamond there; and he laughed behind her, his arms around her waist, nestling into her shoulder.

	"Darlin', this is stupid... you're marrying me in less than three hours... I want a wedding ring, not an engagement ring..."

	"Oh right... so you don't want a massive diamond ring then?"

	"N-No."

	He chuckled into her ear. He knew she was lying, but he was happy to humour her, steering her away and instead admiring the rings they could see through the glass of the counters.

	A gentleman is a burgundy waistcoat, with a gold pin that announced him to be "John", sidled over to them, wordlessly joining them in scanning the merchandise from his own side of the counter. But then Dennis caught his eye and his wrinkled lips lifted into a polite smile.

	"Can I assist Sir... Madam in any way?"

	"If you have a spare decade mate, then maybe."

	"Dennis!" Sharon murmured, looking over at the man apologetically. "We're getting married."

	"Oh, congratulations Madam... Sir. So, you'll be looking for an engagement ring then?"

	"Er, no. Wedding rings."

	"Oh. Well, yes of course." But they both saw his gaze drop questioningly to Sharon's bare wedding finger. "Has this been a... long engagement?"

	"About fifteen hours."

	Sharon couldn't stop herself giggling. John gave her a strange look but remained polite and lifted a jangling bunch of metal rings from a drawer far underneath the counter. He reached for Sharon's hand, pushing hoop after hoop over her third finger until one was snug, repeating the process of Dennis', until he was satisfied he had found a fit.

	In about ten minutes, they had decided on plain platinum bands. John set them both down proudly down on the counter for them, nestled into the blue velvet cusion of the presentation box. The one that he announced as "Sir", Sharon snatched away, clicking it shut.

	"What are you doing?"

	"I'm buying my husband his wedding ring, what's it look like?"

	"Sharon, you don't have to-"

	But she ignored him, turning to John with a smile. "D'you engrave?"

	"Yes madam, we do, at a cost of ten pounds per item."

	"How long's it take?"

	"If you leave it with me, they'll be ready before three."

	Grinning as she took in Dennis' bewildered look, she leant across and whispered her request into John's ear.

	"Lovely, madam."

	Handing over her card to pay for Dennis' ring and the engraving, Sharon rushed outside, having caught sight of Faye & Tony on the street. When Faye caught sight of her, she leapt up and down, squealing and throwing her arms around her.

	"Will you keep it down please? My head's killing me."

	"Oh sod off Tone - she's getting married today! How are you feeling babe?"

	"Well, I'm worse for wear an' all, but oh my God, Faye, I'm so excited!"

	"I know, so am I! And... oh, that hotel room, it's so gorgeous, I swear, it's bigger than our bloody house!"
	   
	"Alright?" Dennis called, sauntering out of the shop and joining them, slipping his arm around Sharon.

	"Here he is, the condemned man!"

	"Not me mate... not sure about my credit card though."

	Sharon was immediately suspicious. "Why? What have you done... what took you so long?"

	But he ignored her, looking pointedly at Tony and Faye as he spoke. "What are you two up to later?"

	They looked back at him, eyes narrowed faces a picture of confusion. "We were hoping you'd tell us that."

	He grinned. "Four o'clock. We're getting married at four."

	The pair of them exploded, Tony threw his arms around Dennis, and neither of them seemed bothered at their current lack of masculinity. "Well done mate!" 

	Faye leapt across at Sharon, hugging her tight and rocking her side to side as she clung on, laughing happily. "Oh, I'm so happy for you. This is brilliant!" And then she moved over to Dennis, and he just grinned at her. "And you... oh God, c'mere you!" she choked, stretching up on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tight.

	Tony seemed to have forgotten his misgivings with Sharon and she relaxed immediately as she saw how wide the smile on his face was, and how brightly his eyes were shimmering. He pulled her close, and managed to lift her clear of the floor, spinning her round without realising. She clung on, her laughter mingling with his.

	As soon as she met the floor again, Faye was pulling her away - there was only one thing girls could do at a time like this - shop!

	Despite Faye's pleas to go into every bridal boutique they passed, Sharon always shook her head with a gentle laugh and pulled her into the first deliciously expensive looking department store. They were like a pair of ten year olds as they chased each up the escalators, practically falling over each other. Racing across the department floor, giggling as their heels clacked desperately across the floor, earnt them a lot of strange looks from other shoppers, but what did Sharon care, she was only ever gonna do this shopping trip once!

	They were like kids in a sweet shop, gasping in awe at the dresses smoothed out over the mannequins, their fingers dancing nervously over the smooth material hungrily drinking in every detail.

	"Oh God..."

	"What?" Faye asked, stepping forward, concerned at the way Sharon's voice was quivering.

	She turned quick on her heel to face her friend, her face seemingly full of fear before she was grinning. "He wants to marry me. He actually wants to marry me."

	"Well, of course he does you daft cow!" she replied, drawing her into a hug. "Why wouldn't he?"

	"Ha! The sixty four million dollar question!" Sharon cried bitterly, grimacing at a pale green dress. "My track record with men sucks!"

	"Well, at least you've been with more than one! I've been with Tony since I was sixteen!"

	"Did you get married young?"

	"Twenty-two." Faye shrugged, chewing on the inside of her cheek.

	"Me too. I thought I was ready for all this when I married Grant y'know... lasted a year and then I was shagging Phil. How pathetic is that? Couldn't even be bothered to work at my own marriage."

	"Hey. These are the Mitchell brothers right? Tone's told me about them... you don't need to justify it, not now. You're marrying Dennis, none of it matters. And..." she added cheekily, just wanting to bring a smile to Sharon's face. "...he doesn't have any brothers!"

	Sharon smiled weakly. "But that's because he's mine."

	"You know you don't mean that."

	"No... No, I don't. It's just weird y'know, I can't believe this is actually happening."

	"Well it is - in two and a half hours to be exact, so stop panicking and start shopping!"

	"I don't know where to start!" Sharon cried, fighting her way past and throwing herself down on one of the footstools around a column mounted with long mirrors. "C'mon Faye, it's pretty obvious I don't have a clue!"

	"Darlin', why are you panicking so much? If there's one thing Dennis has told me about you... it's that you know how to put your credit card where your mouth is! You're a red blooded woman Sharon, splurging on the plastic is like... your destiny."

	She couldn't help but bow her head, laughing in spite of herself. "Is it?"

	"OK..." Faye sighed gently, sitting down next to her and resting against the column. "So, this is a big thing. You want it to be perfect right?"

	"Something like that. I want him to think I'm perfect."

	"You telling me he don't?"

	"I don't know..." Sharon admitted awkwardly, feeling herself blush as she realised what she obviously meant was "Well, he certainly makes me feel that way!"

	But Faye gave her her moment, pulling on her hand and guiding her away from the overwhelming gorgeousness of all the gowns towards a woman's best friend. Shoes. She could tell by the way Sharon's eyes glittered as she took in the rows and rows of tall, exquisite heels that she'd chosen the right distraction. She steered Sharon towards the new gathering of footstools, pressing her hands against her shoulders and forcing her to sit.

	"Right, c'mon then Cinderella, what size are ya?"

	"Five."

	"Ahh, me too. Off with the sandals darlin'... I'm thinking.... height... gorgeousness... girlyness..."

	"Girlyness?" Sharon echoed, raising her eyebrow doubtfully as she reached down, loosening the straps of her shoes to shake them off her tired feet. "Faye, I'm thirty-four, not fourteen!"

	Faye gasped, putting her hands on her hips. "Excuse me, but are you or are you not getting married this afternoon?"

	"Am."

	"And as effortless as it is for you Sharon, you have no choice but to look gorgeous alright, so girlyness it is! Ivory... cream?"

	"I'm not doing the bride thing!" Sharon cried, looking up in horror. "Wear white? Me? I'm hardly an innocent virgin am I?"

	"Oh I think Dennis knows that!"

	"Well he should given what we did in the-" But she trailed up, looking away as a grin captured her lips rather tellingly.

	"Oh no, c'mon... spill!" Faye pressed eagerly.

	Grimacing as she contemplated her words, butterflies stirring in her stomach, Sharon blushed. "Er... just a pre-marital... in the bath..."

	She gasped. "You lucky bitch! The bath?"

	"Mmmm!"

	"Brilliant Sharon, that's it, get the ring on his finger girl! Don't let that go!" Sharon assured her through her soft laughter that she wouldn't and Faye moved off, muttering something about being "so jealous" before she gasped crying "Oh my God - they're adorable!"

	And she came rushing back, throwing herself at Sharon's feet, slipping shoes onto her feet so fast she barely had time to realise what they looked like. But then as Faye moved back, grinning at her and encouraging her to admire her feet. And Sharon had to agree, they were adorable. They were silver and strappy and the heel was high. There were charms dangling down from the ankle strap, tickling her feet as she took in the beautiful diamante decoration that went all down the front and across her arches.	

	"If you don't wear them Sharon, I will."	

	"Not so fast!" she laughed, standing up. Her toes shifted that little further forward and beaming at Faye, she moved across the floor back towards the formal wear. Pressing her hand against a mannequin, she turned back, looking over her shoulder for Faye's reaction. She was beside herself, shaking her head in awe, both thumbs up before she pulled herself to her own not so gorgeously adorned feet.

	"So, you want me to find the perfect dress too?"

	Amazingly, Faye managed it - and in less than an hour too. They drew the box the shoes had nestled in closer to them, because Sharon refused to take the shoes off as she moved in and out of the chaging room trying on dresses. She was completely in love with them. They made her feel like an utter princess and that was of course important on a day like today. But she needed a dress to make her feel the same way, and that began to feel like an impossibility - unless of course she was willing to marry in a LBD, which, strangely enough - she wasn't!

	Blue was too... it was trying to be stark while only making Sharon feel like she was fading away. Lilac, although beautiful was too pale. Green was not to be considered, and Faye snaffled the champagne gown, telling Sharon she needed to make a bolder statement than that! So they arrived at the natural conclusion of red. Sharon liked that idea, it was romantic, and after trying on just one dress, even though it wasn't the right one, Faye told her that red really suited her. It bought out the colour of her shimmering lips and made her hair brighter and even more irritatingly gorgeous.

	So she went in and out of the changing room, bashing the bolt across with an even stronger sense of frustration each time. Sometimes she would laugh when she couldn't get the straps to sit right on her shoulders, and sometimes she cursed when she couldn't master the zips. She felt foolish each time she had to call Faye in to help her. Each time, it was simply a case of the zip sticking, or Sharon shaking too much to exert the right pressure, but even so, none of these dresses were right. There were too long, too unflattering.

	Sharon could feel it getting harder and harder to breathe as her frustration built. Hot tears still prickled in her eyes, regardless of how hard she was fighting to keep them back. But Faye realised, wrapping her into a tight hug and rocking her gently.

	"Oh Sharon! Darlin', it's alright! C'mon, dry your eyes eh?"

	"No it's not - it's hopeless!"

	"Shhh! If Dennis knew you were talking like that... tell me babe, what would he say?"

	Sharon drew back, pushing her tears away, laughing softly. "He'd tell me not to be so over-bloody-emotional!"

	Faye rolled her eyes, but reasoned "Yeah alright, so he probably would, the bastard - but he'd also tell ya that it wouldn't matter what you were wearing... you'd still be the most beautiful woman in all the world... he'd say all he wants to do is marry you. Wouldn't he?"

	"Yeah." Sharon agreed weakly, slipping down onto the bench, seeminglu lost in reminiscing. "He kept on earlier... teasing me... told some woman on the pier we were newlyweds... kept saying that maybe he was just gonna ask me... and I... in the end I had to ask him cos I thought I mighta scared him off... but yeah... he wants to marry me alright."

	"Exactly. So give me a sec yeah?"

	And though Sharon didn't understand, she nodded and watched as Faye carried the latest dress carefully out to the floor. She came back a few minutes later, although it had felt like an eternity to Sharon, left alone with her own miserable reflection. She forced herself to smile as Faye slipped in again. She was being ridiculous anyway, she knew.

	"OK, so I saw this... and I think it'd look incredible on you... I just didn't know if it was your thing..."

	Gently, she pulled her arm from underneath the folds of the skirt of the dress, letting the whole thing drop vertically to recommend itself to Sharon - who gasped in awe as she took it in.

	The dress was a deep red, much like the glass of wine she seriously felt like right now. The straps were thin, offering all the attention to the deep plunge of the neck line.

	"Yeah?" Faye asked as Sharon wordlessly took it from her. She didn't necessarily require an answer - she'd seen the look on her face as she'd noticed it and that was enough for her, so she backed out again, leaving Sharon to try it on. 

	And on, Sharon just knew why it had held her attention so much. She couldn't help but see it as she registered her reflection. The folds were clever; they hid all that should have been hidden and otherwise just fell down her body, bringing in her waist, making her appear slender and her legs deliciously longer. The hemline swished part way between her knees and her ankles, not wanting to overshadow the shoes. The beautiful, beautiful shoes. She took in every detail again as her eyes travelled up the length of the mirror and she noticed the way the bodice ruched, accentuating her bust.

	Drawing in a breath, she turned and pushed open the door of the booth, the way the hinges creaked annoucing her arrival onto the main floorspace and Faye leapt up as she caught sight of her, ramming the lid back on the box of the most fabulously strappy champagne heels.

	"I... I think this is the one..." Sharon managed nervously, smiling in spite of herself as she waited for her friend's reaction.

	"I knew it." Faye told her faintly, covering her nose and mouth with the screen on her hands as very obvious tears crept thickly into the words she spoke. "You look... ah..." She lifted her hands away from her face and wiped her eyes before letting her arms to fall to her sides, her hands slapping her thighs. "Sharon, you look... sensational..."

	They headed back to the hotel. Sharon was a lot happier; one because she'd bought the dress and two because they'd stopped off at the Clinque counter and blown a small fortune, which meant that she'd dived into the toilets and emerged with her faithful mask of make-up. Thankfully, her card hadn't quite given up on her after paying for everything, although it was definitely having trouble breathing! Faye had had her own plastic in hand before Sharon had even turned round at the till, flatly refusing to let her pay for her dress as well!

	They were each carrying three massive bags, and the ropeyness of the handles cut into their hands, but they just didn't care. Faye was laughing and joking and Sharon... Sharon was pretty much walking on air, however pathetic that sounded. They rushed into the foyer, quickly realising that the nearest lift in relation to their suites anyway, was just outside the bar, so they moved through, weaving past the tables. Luckily, there weren't many people around, but Faye did manage to catch someone over the head with the bag which unfortunately had contained the shoes.

	"Ow!"

	She gasped, spinning round in horror. "Oh God, I'm so- Tone!"

	He laughed, rubbing his head with his hand before pushing himself up and kissing her, leaning over all the bags. "Hey baby. Have fun?"

	"Mmm-hmm!" she nodded gently. "We're all ready."

	"You? But you've only been gone an hour... are you ill or something?"

	"Very funny! How did you and Dennis do?"

	"All done." he grinned, looking over at Sharon, whose facial muscles immediately relaxed, allowing her to reciprocate the smile.

	"Where is he?"

	"Toilets... want me to drag him out?"

	"No." she shook her head, chuckling. "Let him zip his trousers up eh, just this once? We'll go dump these and see you in a sec yeah?"
	
	"Alright then Sharon."

	Divvying up the bags, Sharon & Faye hung up their dresses in their wardrobes and kicked the shoeboxes underneath the bed, dancing round excitedly as they met again in the corridor, arms outstretched, swinging each other round in a loose hug before they staggered back towards the lift, moving back into the bar. Catching sight of Dennis propped up against the wall, Sharon stopped, momentarily robbed of breath, as she always was when she saw him. He was so beautiful and he was hers.

	He looked gently round, his eyes glittering as he saw her stood there. She relaxed her stance, weakened as their eyes locked. Straightening his back, he meandered towards her. She met him halfway, desperate to be close to him again. Their lips met before anything else.

	"Bloody hell Rickman," Sharon murmured, amused at the way he was studying her face. "You must be something special if I can miss you from across the room..."

	Deciding they should all spend an hour or so together before they'd have to get ready for the ceremony, the four of them somehow found themselves on the pier. Sharon stopped off to grab an ice cream, even though nobody else wanted one. That didn't matter, because she didn't either. Dennis moved up behind her, wrapping his arms round her waist. She tried to pay no attention as he kissed the base of her neck, more preoccupied with wiggling the flake out and drinking away the ice cream melting into the ridges of the chocolate. She caught the way he was looking at her and elbowed him lightly in the chest, biting the flake purposefully, and loving the way he smirked at her, his beautiful eyes widening suggestively.

	She extended the ice cream towards him. "Did you wan' a lick honey?" And she promptly creased up laughing at the sickness hidden in her words, but she forced herself to straighten her back and move closer to him; but with a grin, he was moving back, shaking his head.

	"No!"

	"Awww, Dennis, come back here!"

	And he hit the sea wall, which gave Sharon ample oppurtunity to rush forward, the chocolate resting between her teeth, and swirl her finger deep in the whirl of ice cream, drawing it out and wiping across Dennis' lips before he even knew what she'd done. He cried out "What the f*ck?" before pushing himself forward. Sharon saw the danger in his eyes, and giggling, turned and ran up the pier, knowing that he was following her, yelling her name.

	"What the hell did she do?" Faye laughed, snuggling into a bemused Tony as they wandered up the boardwalk too. But as he dodged the abandoned ice cream, splattered all over the ground, he suggested, "Could that have anything to do with it?"

	"Probably!"

	By the time they drew near, Sharon had kicked off her shoes and clambered up onto the benches running the whole length of the jetty, sitting against the backrest and giving in as Dennis stepped up beside her, kissing away the residue of the ice cream and nestling into his arms, with a contented sigh. But the sound had barely left her lips when she flinched as music poured from a speaker hidden in the corner of the awning. Shaking away her embarrassment, she got up, and Dennis followed suit, intrigued if nothing else, empowered as Sharon stood against him, circling her hips, and clicking her fingers.

	So at the show on Monday
	I was told that someday
	You'd be on your way to better things.

	Though he tried to catch her hips and counter her - damn her... just because it was her, she could get him dancing anywhere, that wasn't very becoming was it? - she moved off, spinning round to face him. She gave him a moment to limit the distance between them before she strode backwards, watching her feet and encouraging him to come forwards and catch her.

	It's not about your make-up
	Or how you try to shape up
	To these tiresome paper dreams

	And soon he was close enough and Sharon greeted him with nothing more than a smirk, savouring the feel of his hands pressed hard into her hips as she looped her arms around his neck, swinging her pelvis into his.

	Paper dreams, honey.

	She dropped her arms, catching his hands in hers as she straightened them, stepping back again and pulling him with her.

	So now you pour your heart out
	You're telling me you fall out
	And you're about to lie down for your cause

	Looking at Sharon out the corner of his eye, Dennis barely managed to shake his head before he released her hands and jumped off the bench, turning back and swinging her off, bringing her to the floor and pulling her round into a turn before she had time to so much as draw a breath

	You don't pull my strings
	Cos I'm a better man
	Moving on to better things

	He pushed against her hands so she sprang back, spinning away, lifting her arms and circling her feet.

	But uh oh, I love her because
	She moves in her own way

	Taking up her hand as he moved close, she span into him again, her hand curling around the base of his neck as she nestled into his shoulder, laughing as they turned again.	

	But uh oh, she came to my show
	Just to hear about my day.

	Sharon's hands casing around his jaw, she kissed him firmly before moving back, spinning round and grinning at Faye, wound around Tony against the railings, shaking her head disbelievingly.

	And at the show on Tuesday, 
	She was in her mindset

	Dennis stepped up behind her, his hands creeping across her stomach and she leant to the side and down to the other, grinning up at him.	

	Tempered firs and spangled boots
	
	Then, his knee came between her legs, keeping them a distance apart, but she defied him. Gripping his hand, she lifted her leg over his knee and span away with an argumentative click of her heel. But he pulled on her hand, forcing her to slide across and meet her other foot, meaning that her hips swang against his as she faced him.

	Looks are deceiving
	Made me believe it
	And these tiresome paper dreams
	Paper dreams honey

	But as Sharon's arms came against his shoulders, her hands lacing around his neck, his phone began to ring and she fell regretfully away, stepping back as he drew it from his pocket. Sensing Faye and Tony step up around then, the happiness within the little circle drained away with the colour in Dennis' face as he registered the name on the display. He looked nervously up at Sharon, and she could feel herself begin to tremor.

	"Vicki." he managed before accepting her call and lifting the phone to his ear. "Vicks... whoa-whoa-whoa, calm down sis! I'm... I'm fine... have you? Well, I haven't had anything.... phone must be playing up... where... where have I been? Around, you know... y-yeah... Sharon's here too..." Sharon felt herself flush as he looked at her awkwardly. "...We just needed to get away... I'm sorry... we shoulda called... no, not today, tomorrow... well, we're in Southend... making a day of it... well, because... no! Calm down... well, stop yelling for a start! Jesus... we're not coming home Vicks... just because! Well... no... nothing special..."

	Though she knew he could hardly tell Vicki any different, Sharon felt stung as she took in his words, turning away in disgust.

	Dennis was silent as he listened to his younger sister, ending their conversation with a distracted "Yeah, see ya. Bye." before pulling the phone back, ending the call and sliding the phone back into his pocket. Sharon span round to face him as soon as she knew his attentions were no longer held, and he felt sick as he took in the way she shook and the way her face was glistening. Faye stepped forward, pressing her hand into Sharon's arm, and though she acknowledged it with a weak smile, she stepped away, closer to her lover, drawing in desperate breaths and trying to compose herself.

	"Dennis... darlin', I'm gonna ask you this once alright... are we OK?"

	And she had hoped he would tell her he didn't understand, but he did, and she knew it. And that second's hesistation was all she needed, watching him chew on his perfect rosebud lips as he looked at her. And all he did was look at her. He didn't speak, and she felt sick, falling back from him and shaking her head.

	"No... No... No...."

	And she turned and ran towards the pavillion, just needing to get away from him, not even realising that she didn't have her shoes. And Dennis' reaction was delayed, Tony & Faye just looking at him in horror before he realised what he needed to do and chased after her.

	"Sharon!"

	She whirled round, almost staggering as she followed the direction of his voice, her beautiful eyes wide with a fear he couldn't understand, her smooth lips set in a scowl. She shook her head a little and turned away, moving quicker. So Dennis accelerated his pace, reaching out for her wrist.

	"Baby, please!"

	"No!" she yelled, having to face him as she fought to yank her hand away. "Don't call me that! That's not who I am is it? I'm not your "baby" - I'm your sister, that's what you want isn't it?"

	"No!"

	She scoffed, tilting her head away, before moving round to meet his eye again, with such venom in her own that she made him flinch. "What did she say to you Dennis, hmmm? She made you feel it hmmm? Oh my fucking God... in a couple of hours, I'd have been married to my sister. That's what you're thinking ain't it? And don't think you can lie to me... I asked you if we could do this... I asked outright, even though I shouldn't have had to... and you couldn't answer me. Look, you don't wanna marry me, that's fine, truly it's fine." 

	Dennis dropped her hand, stunned as he took in her words. 

	She stepped back, laughing bitterly. "But then I knew that didn't I? You said no... you said no and you meant it... stupid of me..."

	"Sharon..." he said gently; stung when she shrank back as he moved to touch her.

	"Get off me."

	"Alright, fine. But we have to talk and you know we do."

	"Do I?" she challenged. "I don't think we do. It's pretty clear to me what's going on, so call Vicki, tell her you're heading home."

	"I'm not going anywhere without you."

	"Why not? Seems that whatever she said to you made you realise that's exactly what you have to do! I can't come with you Dennis... I won't come with you. You just have to walk away and I'm gonna get on a tube, I'm going anywhere... but I am not going back to Walford. You seriously think I can be around you, pretending you're nothing more than my fuckin' brother when we came so close to..."

	"Exactly." he pointed out, as soon as he realised the words were caught in her throat. "Have we even thought what this would do to Vicki? "Oh hey babe... yeah, it wasn't bad... we got married by the way... here, have a stick of rock..." It's not fair..."

	"No!" Sharon cried, pressing her hands against her face and raking back her hair. "No, it's not! Dennis, I'm scared alright? I'm just as scared as you are, but I asked you because... I have to be with you.... and whatever anyone thought of us... including Vicki.... it wouldn't have mattered... at least, not to me... because I'd have known that you meant it too. Tell me you don't... Tell me and I'm gone."

	"I can't. But.... Vicki..."

	"Darlin', go to her if that's what you want. Just don't expect me to come with you. I mean it, I can't be around you when I feel like this because I know it won't go away. I can't pretend I'm not waking up every morning wanting to find you next to me alright, and I won't pretend cos you know that's the truth. I'm still gonna want you like I do right now... so please... don't hurt me like that." She gazed up at him, tears brimming in her eyes as she sadly studied his face. "I know you're scared.... that's OK..."

	He shook his head gently, gulping back his own tears and composing himself. "It's not though is it? Sharon, I don't know if I..."

	She wiped the tears away, laughing again as she rolled her eyes. "Might have known. Lover not a fighter right? Christ, that's such a fucking cliche! You absolute bastard!" He didn't try to protest, motionless until Sharon turned on herself. "Oh Sharon, will you never learn? Stupid bitch...your fuckin' lover..." She spun round to face him so fast, he winced as her hair whipped him across the face. "That's what all this comes down to ain't it? The bloody sex! All this is only happening because, what... couple of weeks ago, we got bored... decided to start screwing each other senseless just to pass the time?"

	"No!" And Dennis reached out, curling his hands around her elbows and pulling her in, his fingertips going up her arms and being unable to ignore the way she was shaking so furiously. "Sharon, I love you!"

	"Do ya?"

	"You... You know I do..."

	"Do you wanna be with me?" 

	He fell silent, with each second that passed wondering why he was staring at the floor, examining the slats in the boardwalk like they were diamonds. Why wasn't he answering her? So he steeled himself to look up at her, and she took in a sharp, scared little breath as he met her eye.

	"Please..." she pleaded weakly, trying to force back more tears. "...don't lie to me."

	He nodded solemnly. "I want to be with you."

	She was frozen as she listened, a painful silence following, leaving Dennis to listen only to the clicking of her heel against the walk as she went over and climbed up against the railing, hunching her shoulders against the breeze that lifted her hair, causing it to billow around her as she studied the scene. 

	Dennis watched her, watching everything else for a moment, aware that his heart was hammering and that his throat was dry. He felt so heavy and for a few moments couldn't move. But eventually, he made it over to her, lacing his hands together as he leant against the railing, looking to her expectantly.

	Sharon gave him a weak smile before her gaze returned to a gaggle of little kids on the sands playing with a frisbee.

	"I do know this is stupid y'know. I mean, we've been together what - two weeks? But I'm desperate. I can't let you go... I can't have you taken away from me, and you know as well as I do that if we don't... then that's what'll happen. They have to know. I won't sneak to your room every night. I won't be made to feel like this is wrong... because it's not... not if I can love you this much. I know we can be for real, but you have to know it too."

	"I know, I know."

	"I want to marry you Dennis, because I really feel like we could be forever... you made me feel like that... and Vicki... Dad... they'll just have to get used to it because forever... forever's something I can't let go..."

	"What are you saying Sharon?"

	She drew in a breath that came right back out as a great heaving sigh. She turned and looked him right in the eye with such a fierocity, his stomach jolted.

	"I'm saying... it's all or nothing. You either marry me, or you leave me. It's your choice."	

	Do you want to go to the seaside?
	I'm not trying to say that everybody wants to go
	I fell in love at the seaside
	I handled my charm with time and slight of hand.

	Dennis walked the water's edge, hating himself, and all for the sake of the few words he couldn't find at the right time. Why was he such an idiot? He looked up and down the length of the beach desperately, as if hoping the answer would come to him. But it didn't. All that did were the memories, all packed into less than the last twenty-four hours. He'd walked this whole stretch of sand, clutching Sharon's hand, loving that it was her walking beside him, drinking in the romance of the sinking sun, knowing that they had just made love, that he was so in love with her. So what was he doing back here, alone?

	He'd left Sharon alone on the pier, his head too stuffed full of thoughts as he moved away to address her, but she didn't seem to notice, watching him go before turning back with a sigh and admiring the way the sunlight danced across the water, as he was doing now, occassionally stopping to pick up a pebble and throwing out it out to sea, crying out in frustration, just knowing that it wasn't vented.

	Sighing, and feeling painfully bereft, Dennis headed back towards the rocks, taking him further away from the pier, which he kept scanning as he went, looking up for Sharon and never finding her. He tore his gaze away and concentrated on clambering across the boulders, settling miserably on the spot he tenderly remembered from the previous day.

	He'd barely been sat there five minutes, rushing his palms absent-mindedly across the surface of the stone, remembering what had been, and what he had quite probably lost, when a voice cut through his despondent thoughts.

	"You... are such an idiot!"

	He barely turned his head to acknowledge Faye's approach. He didn't even speak as she sat down next to him.

	"What are you doing Dennis?"

	He hunched his shoulders, attempting a shrug and picking pointlessly at the rock. 

	"Well, I'll tell you shall I? You're throwing away the greatest thing to have ever happened to you... and all because you couldn't say "Yes Sharon, we're fine. Love you darlin', can't wait to marry you darlin'", which by the way, you're meant to be doing in about an hour and a half! What happened with that phone call eh? Who the hell was it?"

	Do you want to go to the seaside?
	I'm not trying to say that everybody wants to go
	I fell in love at the seaside
	She handled her charm with time and slight of hand.

	"It... It was Vicki. M- Our sister. Wanting to know where we were. I mean, you would wouldn't you? Brother disappears with your sister from your own Ball, doesn't come home, doesn't phone... doesn't give you a second thought!"

	"Well..." she reasoned weakly. "You've been busy..."

	He scoffed. "Doing what, lying to her? If I... if me and Sharon go ahead with this wedding... what's it gonna be like eh? Oh Vicks, hiya darlin', sorry we abandoned you, but we fancied a little trip to the sea... married each other, does that freak you out at all?"

	"Well, I'm not gonna pretend it makes any sense to me, doing any of this without telling your family, but I haven't questioned it, cos any bloody idiot can see you're crazy about each other!"

	"Yeah." he agreed bitterly. "Just not poor little Vicki eh?"

	"So... Sharon... you didn't answer her because... talking to your sister... threw you... burst your bubble a bit?"

	Dennis didn't say anything, closing his eyes and tilting his head in the direction of the lap.

	"Dennis... do you still want to marry Sharon?"

	That got his attention immediately, and he glared at her before pushing himself up a few inches, and withdrawing a little box from his back pocket and tweezing open the two halves of the lid to reveal the two bands presented inside. He handed the box to Faye murmuring "Look at 'em."

	She did, not exactly sure she was meant to be looking at til she tilted the box in her hand and the weak sunlight caught lettering on the inner rim. She moved them round, reading the inscriptions off quietly. "Sharon... Dennis... oh God, that's... beautiful... so sweet."

	Dennis leant over her taking the box back and admiring them sadly. "Picked them up from the jewellers before I came down here. Curiousity got the better of me I guess. Probably shouldn't have bothered - it's not like we'll be needing them now."

	"Isn't it? You still haven't answered my question. Do you want to marry Sharon?"

	He leant back on his arms once he had slipped the box back in his pocket, laughing. "Not when she wants to railroad me into it!"

	"What are you talking about... railroad?"

	"When I followed her... after... she said, I either marry her... or we're over."

	As Faye watched the anger flare in her eyes, she felt her anger and frustration boil over on Sharon's behalf. She loved Dennis, the selfish pathetic bastard, she'd loved him all the years she had known him, but when he wanted to, he made her so angry!

	"Christ!" she cried, pouding her fist into the rock and watching him flinch in surprise. "You are such a man! You don't wanna lose Sharon do you? No matter what anyone says... your sister... your dad, no-one, because you love her and you wanna be with her right?"

	"Yeah..."

	But I'm just trying to love you in any kind of way
	But I find it hard to love you girl when you're far away
	Away.... away...

	"And she wants to marry you because she doesn't want to lose you you prat! So yeah, the girl's demanding you marry her - but what's so huge about that? I know that when you brought her here yesterday, you were dropping hints... telling her you wanted to marry her, to be with her always right... and you know, if I hadn't seen the look in her eyes, the way you were with her yesterday... I'd never have believed it, not you... but you're in love with her Dennis... if you weren't... you'd never have told her you were gonna propose to her-"

	"But I didn't did I?"

	"Is that what this is? I'm telling you now mate, it better not be, or I swear, I'm gonna kill you. She was scared. She was scared for all the reasons you are right now, and you know that. But she wants you... she really wants you, and I'm pretty sure you know that too after what you two did in the bathroom this morning-" She waved her hand dismissively as he looked up at her in alarm. "-Sharon told me. But that don't matter - what matters is that she realised... that she loved you too much to lose you... so she said "Look darlin', you're right... I want everything you want," and she proposed to you. And you know, she's booked it, she's chosen the rings, she's bought the dress... and she still can't believe you want her." Faye could feel her eyes misting in spite of herself as she recalled the words, relaying them to Dennis. "Oh God... he wants to marry me... he actually wants to marry me." That's what she said, like she don't think she deserves you or something and Dennis, as much as I love you, you know that ain't the way it works. You're damn lucky Sharon wants to marry you, you know that?"

	"Yeah." he muttered, feeling pretty ashamed. "Yeah, I know."

	"She's giving you her life. She's battling everything she's ever known to keep you close, because she loves you so much. Don't hurt her like this. Don't make it seem like she's fighting for no reason. Because the second she does, you've lost her. You don't want that and neither does she. So don't be angry that she's "railroading" you into this... let her do it... and be happy.. be happy with her."

	Dennis couldn't help but take in her words, groaning as he hung his head. "Oh Faye, what have I done?" And as he flopped against her shoulder, she drew him into her arms, gently tousling his hair.

	"Got your timing spectacularly wrong as usual. The woman you love is currently wandering around this place wondering whether she's going to marry you or not... whether you still want to marry her.."

	"I do. Bloody hell, I do."

	Faye grinned, nudging him with her shoulder and forcing him to straighten up. "Then go and find her. Make sure she knows that."

	Nodding, he kissed Faye's cheek as he pulled himself up straight into a run.

	"Dennis?" she called immediately, surprised to find him such a distance away already. 

	He slowed just a little, looking over his shoulder expectantly.

	"I mean it. Don't leave any room for doubt alright?"

	Do you want to go to the seaside?
	I'm not trying to say that everybody wants to go
	But I fell in love at the seaside
	At the seaside.
	At the seaside.

	
	Sharon, meanwhile, was actually still on the pier, curled on the bench she remembered from yesterday, kidding herself that she could feel Dennis lying across her lap as he had done then. She couldn't decipher how she felt, besides heavy and lonely. He'd gone past her without a word and wandered off, and she... oh God, she was so stupid to have let him go on an ultimatum. She should have followed him, cried out that she didn't mean it. But she hadn't because she did. She'd seen Faye race down onto the prom after him, but after that she'd lost sight of them both, and had been here.... twenty minutes now... not thinking... not feeling anything but the cold as she waited for Faye to come back and tell her that either she hadn't managed to track him down, or she had and... and he didn't want to marry Sharon at all. Not like this. So it was over. He'd left her.

	But as yet, Faye hadn't come and Sharon was anxious, drawing her knees up towards her chest, her toes curling round the edge of the bench. Miserably, she watched the way they gleamed, flinching as her shoes appeared on the boardwalk in front of her.

	"Thought you might want those."

	Tony didn't seem to mind the look of disappointment in her face as she looked at him. She smiled in thanks as he settled hesistantly beside her, but he knew that her heart was sinking. It wasn't him she wanted to find here. They were quiet for a couple of minutes, just listening to the rustling of the wind, the way it beat mercilessly at the waves of the sea. But then Sharon drew in a breath that didn't hide the tears she was holding back. And as they burst through, she dropped her gaze to her lap, pulling on her fingers.

	"Oh Sharon..."

	"He... He doesn't want me does he?"

	"Faye'll find him, don't worry!"

	"I sh... I should never have said... oh Tony, what if he leaves me?"

	"Rickman? Not his style Sharon, honestly... he loves you babe."

	"But you didn't think that was his style did you? What if... oh God, Tony what have I done?"

	"You're expecting me to show an understanding for the workings of the female mind? Don't look at me Sharon, I've only been with Faye for thirteen years!"

	She managed a weak laugh, wiping her eyes and sniffing back the rest of her tears as she scooted forwards and pulled on her shoes. "You don't have to stay you know, I'm fine."

	"Are you? C'mon, you don't have to pretend." And as he saw how doubtfully she was looking at him, he smiled coyly, pushing down on his knuckles, just as Dennis would do to alievate his embarrassment. "Look, I know I wasn't exactly... welcoming, but you mean a lot to that guy. If I remember anything about last night, and trust me, besides a lot of "fuck"ing and a lot of vodka, that ain't much... it was the way he was looking at you. He's never looked at a woman like that from what I've seen... and the way he talks about you... like today... everything was about what you'd think... how you'd feel... I didn't know he had that sort of consideration in him..."

	"Oh!" she cried bitterly. "Dennis can consider a lot of things. He makes me nervous! Just when I think we're OK.. but... when... if Faye finds him, I bet he won't even say it to my face, bet he'll just send her up here... oh for f*ck's sake..."

	As her tears overpowered her. Tony hestitated, but scooted over and pulled Sharon into his arms, relieved when she didn't resist him. She swung her feet up alongside her, curling up like a frightened little girl as she cried into his embrace, murmuring over and over again, "I can't lose him, I can't!"

	"You're not going to Sharon, you're not..." he whispered into her hair, teasing her waves with quivering hands.

	And to begin with, he didn't believe the words as he heard them leave his mouth. If there was one thing he knew would never change about Dennis Rickman, it was that he was unpredictable. But he wasn't gonna give up Sharon was he? Sharon, the woman who "drives me crazy Tone!" "...is so gorgeous Tone." "I don't get why she's with me Tone!" "I'm never letting her go Tone!" when no other woman had ever made him think anything like that, ley alone say it.

	But as Sharon lay against him, taking his acceptance in the place of another when she needed it so bad, Tony saw him. Dennis. The one she needed. Faye was nowhere close. Did that mean she had yet to find him? Thinking about it made Tony feel quite sick, but then, as he took it the way his friend was moving, craning his neck round desperately with every step, agitated to say the least, he realised that something was about to happen. A right, a wrong, he didn't know - but it was obvious that Dennis was looking for someone and it was hardly gonna be him was it?

	But it was him that he saw first, his lips flickering before surrendering to a weak smile, slowing up, his shoulders dropping instinctively as he moved closer. Then he heard the soft, sad noises, his brow furrowing in confusion, then sadness as he recognised Sharon, wound into Tony's arms, her chest going unsteadily up and down as she whimpered out her sobs.

	Looking to him desolately, Tony could do nothing in return but shake his head slightly, shushing Sharon as Dennis crouched down in front of her.

	"It's all gonna be alright babe, you'll see. Shhh... it's all gonna be alright..."

	"No! Not it won't, not unless... oh!"

	She gasped, flinching as Dennis reached out to touch her. Shivering, she straightened as she recognised him , pushing her billowing hair back from her face.

	"Dennis..."

	"Hey."  

	Silence fell, and Sharon found herself looking to Tony for reassurance. He nodded at her gently, and she smiled thankfully, turning back to Dennis and waiting to hear his words.

	That stumped him a little bit, and the words that weren't there only resulted in a nervous choking sound.

	"Charming." she said flatly, swinging her legs round and planting her feet on the floor. "Haven't you got something to tell me?"

	"Course I have." he managed, sounding a lot more desperate than he had intended. She raised her eyebrows and waited, but he stared at his knees, licking his lips nervously. "Not here..."

	And she threw her head back, scoffing. "What's wrong with here? All you gotta say is three words. I'll help you shall I... you fill in the blanks... The-" she pursed her lips to sigbify her silence and Dennis scowled at her. "off. Now I know the middle word's a big one, but you're a clever boy... very clever, I honestly thought we were gonna be OK."

	"Sharon, for f*ck's sake!"

	"Yeah, yeah it was wasn't it?"

	Growling in agitation, he got up, snatching up her wrist and pulling her up too, with such force that he flung her hard against the railing. Tony immediately leapt up, glaring at his friend, who looked back at him with equal venom.

	"Rickman, don't piss her about!"

	"Who the fuck asked you?"

	"No-one, but you left her here, I came looking for her, make sure she was alright while you went and had your strop-almighty! Did you even notice she didn't have shoes on? No, of course you didn't, you twat! Too wrapped up in yourself as usual - all she needs is a bloody answer! What's wrong with you, were you just feeding me lines today or summat? You been lying to her all this time? You either want her or you don't, Jesus, even I can see it's not hard - and I'm telling you, if you let her go, you're an even bigger idiot than I ever thought you could be, and I'm saying that as your best mate! Just sort it out for fuck's sake - she-" He looked hard over at Sharon. "-deserves better than this!"

	Dennis wanted to retort, but he just couldn't. Before Tony's words had even sunk in, he'd shoved hard so fast, he was caught off balance.

	"Tony!" Sharon cried out, wanting to avoid having to meet her lover's eye. "Where are you going?"

	He spun round, lifting his hands in defeat as he paced backwards. "To find Faye. Good luck Sharon!"

	She felt a lump rise in her throat. She definitely needed luck right now. She was so scared, and she was just waiting to hear the words that would destroy the dream these last twenty four hours had been, all the while knowing she wanted nothing less than to hear them. So she turned away from Dennis and rushed up towards the pavillion, her newly placed heels clicking against the boardwalk. Dennis groaned, pressing his palms to his face before pushing his weight forward and rushing after her.

	"Sharon!"

	But he didn't catch up with her until he was inside, spending a few frenzied seconds searching for her. There she was. Resting against the railing surrounding the entry slope to the crazy house, her chin thrust onto her folded arms, sadly watching the kids tumbling about on the hamster wheel as they had done the day before.

	She saw his approach out the corner of her eye, and straightened up, thankfully not trying to move away; and though she looked disgusted as she reached for her hand, she let him take it and lead her across the floor. She couldn't fit it cos she, the moment had to come, she had to let him go. She had to surrender her every magical memory of being with him, and all cos they'd stayed out all night! She wanted to scream, especially as he pulled her onto the Ferris wheel. She tried to fight him, pulling her hand away, but her caught her elbow, and wouldn't release her.

	"Please... just come with me..."

	Was he determined to ridicule everything? She hated him.... or at least wanted to... desperately.... but she couldn't, because more than anything she wanted to carry on loving him.

	So there she was, slumped in this tiny, shaking pod, him no further away than a flex of her hand, her lips set trying to fight off the pressure of her building tears. She stared into her lap, wishing it wouldn't blur so much. Sometimes, as they rose higher into the air, she'd look at him, and find him looking back at her. Why... Why wouldn't he just do it? Say it, end it... anything to quash the hope that she alone couldn't.

	"Sharon, I'm sorry."

	She flinched as he took up her hands. Why.... Why was he doing this when he was about to leave her? Was he trying to make it seem like he still cared? Gulping back a sob, she steeled herself to meet his eye, look at him in a way that said she didn't care... she didn't care if he was sorry... and she didn't care about him. He held her gaze for just a second, before looking out and realising how far from the floor they were, nodding slowly and dragging in a breath as he looked at her again.

	"Oh for f*ck's sake!" she sneered. "Just say it will you? Whatever you've got to say, say it before I scream!"

	"Alright.."

	He closed his eyes, blocking out her words, her beautiful kissable lips set in such an angry way. He just took in deep breaths, staring at their entwined hands, wondering why when she was shaking with such fury she hadn't moved away. He was silently coaching himself to find the strength not to let go, to have the courage to say these words, even if it could all go so horribly wrong. They were at the top on the wheel by the time the words came unstuck from the roof of his mouth.

	"Sharon, will you marry me?"

	Sharon didn't answer him. In fact, all she could manage to do to the rest of the way round was stare at him. Was she happy? Was she angry? What the hell was she? God, he infuriated her so much! As soon as she could, she was out of there, her heels clanging desperately against the chrome steps as she rushed out onto the floor. But she didn't miss Dennis muttering "Bollocks!" not very quietly as he came after her.

	"Sharon!" he cried, wondering if he ever actually stop having to chase her. He almost fell into her in his haste to reach her, touch her, make sure she couldn't escape him. But she shrugged him viciously off, running her hand over her face. She glared at him for a moment, making him wince, but then, she began to laugh, shaking her head in disbelief.

	"You want to marry me?"

	"Yeah... course I do..."

	"Wha... What happened, what changed your mind? Was it Faye? Did she find you?"

	"Yeah she did, but, oh Sharon, like that matters!"

	"It does matter! Why the hell are you proposing to me?"

	"Because that's what I'm meant to do... it was what I was gonna do... you know that... but then, you thought you scared me off... so you..."

	She nodded knowingly. Why was she looking at him with such disgust in her face? "So I asked you... as far as I was concerned that was it... is this you getting one over on me?"

	"No!" he bleated, scrunching his hands into fists as slamming them down against his calves. "I just needed to show you... I never doubted us, never. I'm scared... but I... wanna marry you... oh f*ck I do, and there's some appointment book in some registry office with our names in it that says as much. Hour's time, I wanna marry you... and I'm asking you because I never... I never dropped all those hints lightly, I meant it." He looked back up to the Ferris Wheel, hoping she was following the direction of his gaze. "Don't you remember what I said to that woman yesterday? When she came to chuck us out?"

	"So that was your plan eh? Make me think you were gonna fuckin' leave me... just you could make some stupid...!"

	He shook his head sadly. "I never wanted you to think... just threw me, I mean... Vicki... and then you... saying-"

	"Vicki's gonna be there still you know... we'll still have to face her..."

	He gave her a weak smile and dipped his eyes to the floor for a moment, before looking her so fiercely, her stomach dropped and she began to tremor.

	"Marry me."

	But she smirked at him, cocking her head as she finally let herself relax and step towards him. "Why? Cos you wanna marry me? Prove it."

	And her tongue flicked flirtatiously out of her mouth before she rolled it lazily in her cheek, just waiting.

	He looked quickly around the pavillion with darting eyes, pulling on her hand as he led her into a clearing. "Is that a yes?"

	"It's a prove it."

	He grinned at her and stood close, taking up her hands and positioning them in an unmistakable hold. They turned immediately, and Sharon was lost to the sensation of dancing with him again, though she wasn't actually registering the music she could hear and knew that it didn't fit, but she didn't care, her heart was racing just waiting. As he pushed her out, she went quite a distance across the floor, and people seemed to be stopping all around them as he came close again, snatching up her hands and forcing her to spin, leaning back against his arms, having to trust him, to know she couldn't fight him off as his lips came hard against hers, imparting them with his tongue, pulling back and leaving her pathetically breathless.

	There was a most definite crowd around them now. Brilliant, Sharon thought, still not knowing whether she was happy, irritated... whatever! Just draw massive amounts of needless attention to us both then Dennis!

	He came back for her hand again and seemed to disappear from view. There he was... on bended knee... Dennis who conformed to nothing and no-one. Oh shit, they definitely weren't dancing anymore.

	And those around them seemed to know it too, some gasping, some gaping and some gurgling and cheering with anticipation.

	"Dennis... please tell me you're gonna get up!" she hissed desperately out the corner of her mouth, but he shook his head, grinning.

	"Just proving it to you honey..."

	"Don't be ridiculous... you don't go down on bended knee unless you've got a... oh my God!"

	"Ring?" he finished for her, tweezing open the little box and practically blinding her with the band of diamonds.

	"Oh my God!" she said again, covering her mouth with her hand. "You bought a ring..."

	"Course I did! You didn't think I believed you when you said you didn't want a rock did ya? I know you Sharon Watts... I love you and I wanna marry you... so say yes... and I'll give you the ring, I'll get up, I'll snog your face off, and then we can get out of here and we'll get married... cos you know... we ain't even got forty-five minutes now... and my knee kills!"

	Sharon's laughter was swept up in that of everyone around them. She took the box from him and took up his hands. So he pulled himself up and pulled the ring out from the cushion as she held the box out to him. She let it drop with a clatter to the floor. She just didn't care, mezmerized as he brought the diamonds up to his mouth, and rushed it across his lip, kissing it. Then, he brought it down to her left hand, holding it in his, his eyes imploring her to splay her fingers. He smiled as she did, sliding the band across the third.

	"Well, well..." he murmured, pulling her close. "... you took the ring..."

	"Mmm!" she shot back, looping her arms around his neck. "I did, didn't I? You best snog my face off then, hadn't you?"

	"Well, it took you bloody long enough to come to your senses!"

	"I know, Tone, I know alright! Now are you sure you've got the rings?"

	Tony leant against the wall with an amused sigh, that was culled as Dennis glared at him, so he obediently slipped his hand into his pocket.

	"Why... Why are you pulling faces like that... what's wrong... where are they?"

	"Shit, mate, I'm sorry, I must have have left them back at the hotel..."

	"What? You can't have... you had them a minute ago!"

	"Yeah I did-" he grinned, pulling the box from his pocket, brandishing it triumphantly and leaping back out the way as Dennis came forwards, hand curled. "-which is why you have gotta stop falling for that one! It's just too easy! Relax will you? Take deep breath, admire the seagulls, whatever! These are your last moments of freedom."

	"I don't want 'em."

	"Jesus, Sharon's got you bad ain't she?"

	He could feel himself flushing. "Yeah, she... she's... f*ck!"

	"What are you gawping at?"

	Faye grinned over at the two of them, jaws simultaneously dropping, blinking furiously and failing miserably at trying to compose themselves. She looked at Sharon out the corner of her eye, and with such a view as the lads had, she saw a whole new beauty to her friend. She really did look incredible. And it had been totally effortless. Sharon had raced back to the hotel, thrown off her shoes and stepped into the ones from under the bed, teasing the charms as they kissed her feet. By the time Tony & Faye had somehow collided and made their way back too, Sharon was done, except for pinning her loose curls to her head, and Faye had immediately leapt in to help her, admiring the finger now miraculously weighed down by a gorgeous glittering engagement ring, 

	So Dennis was an arse but he was an arse with incredible taste! And that showed in the way he was looking at his fiancée now. Yep, she'd taken his breath away. Smiling coyly, embarrassed by such tentative attentions, she took Faye's hand and went forward, surrendering to Tony who hugged her close, drinking in the image of his wife murmuring "You look incredible baby."

	Sharon laughed gently at the way Dennis admired her, and pulled on his hand, drawing him away from their friends.

	"Hey, hey! Aren't you two forgetting the wedding bit?"

	Seeing off Faye's inquisition with a distracted shake of her head, she looked back at Dennis. "Tell me we can do this darlin'."

	"We can." he assured her, wishing she'd given him chance to at least say how gorgeous she looked. "And we will."

	And with his last words, he captured her lip, sucking on it gently and drawing her deep into his kiss.

	"Excuse me!" Faye coughed from just behind them, clicking her fingers impatiently. "Wed-ding! Your wedding!" And she pulled Sharon back, who whimpered as she fell back from Dennis' lips.

	"You're getting married?"

	"Apparently so." she shot back, lifting her hand and splaying her fingers so he couldn't miss the way her diamonds sparkled. It seemed to reflect in his eyes as his shoulders sloped back, sighing.

	"Damn. I was really getting into you an' all!"

	"Oh-oh!" she guffawed, raising her eyebrow to acknowledge his sheer brassiness. "Is that right? Well, you don't wanna mess with my husband mate."

	"Oh yeah, and why's that?" he teased, moving towards her again and completely overlooking the way Faye was stood around her, protecting her like some sort of dragon.	

	 "Because that's my job."
	
	His eyes widened with suggestion. "Well, I'd say your husband is a very lucky man..."

	"Mmm, he thinks so too."

	And he was by now so near that he was kissing her again, and there wasn't a thing Faye or Tony could do about it except watch... or look away, he really didn't care. All that mattered was there Sharon felt him here and that she...

	"Right, that's it you two... ceremony... now."

	Sharon & Dennis had literally been wrenched apart by their friends, which was probably just as well otherwise they'd have stayed out in the courtyard flirting with each other til God knows when, but they didn't half feel cheated, laughing into their chaperone's ear. Jennifer herself welcomed them all, reeling off the usual speech about being their registrar before ushering them through to their destination, shepherding bride & groom to just in front of the table where they could see the register laid out. Apologising, Jennifer went off to hurry her colleague along, leaving Tony pointing past the flowers to the document and calling across to Dennis, "There it is mate... you sign that and the shackles are on! Ow... Faye, I was only kidding."

	Dennis however, didn't seem to have paid any attention, staring at the floor, Sharon reaching down and squeezing his hand before leaning over and whispering "Sweetheart, are you OK?"

	"Hmmm?"

	"You keep staring at the floor... you getting cold feet or summat?"

	He chuckled warmly, turning to face her and lovingly twisting the few wisps of hair framing her face, around his finger. She was so far from the truth, it just... well it wasn't true! "No. Nothing like that. I'm wondering what that dress looks like on the floor..."

	She dropped her gaze, laughing too before stretching up and whispering huskily against his ear, "Give us twenty minutes and maybe I'll let you find out,  eh?"

	"I knew there was a reason I wanted to marry you." he grinned, his arms falling around her back and drawing her in.

	"Mmm, you best do it then hadn't ya?"	

	"Where do I sign?"

	But the voice that answered him wasn't Sharon's. It was Jennifer, back in the room, sliding round to the other side of the table. "Right here."

	They looked round to her, almost in alarm as her fingers danced across the register.

	"If you're ready of course?"

	Sharon knew Dennis wasn't looking any higher than her chest as he pulled on her hand, nodding. It was nice to know the dress was having such an effect on him. Bless him, such a man. Her man.

	"I am." she smiled at her, before looking round to round to Faye and scrunching her shoulders as she beamed, fighting back a giggle of excitement.

	"Right well, sorry, I have to do the formalities... So..." she drew in a breath and held her hand to Sharon and Dennis in turn. "My name's Jennifer Armstrong, and I'm the Superintendant Registrar for this borough, and I'll be the one authorizing the marriage, so... if you'd like to remain standing..."

	Not trying to suppress the volume of his words, Tony muttered. "Are you sitting comfortably children? Then we shall begin..."

	Laughter rippled through the room, even Faye, who was trying hard to be a good wife and stare her husband down. Even Jennifer was caught, dipping her eyes as she sniggered, covering her mouth apologetically and forcing herself to breathe deeply. But to Sharon and Dennis, it didn't matter, their moment could not be lost, standing close, just admiring each other. Eyes sparkled as they took in every detail of each face, not being able to stop themselves smiling afectionately as their hands hung laced together. Ready to speak at last, Jennifer looked at him and he dropped Sharon's left hand, her engagement ring in his hand, stowing it into his pocket before looking up expectantly again, rediscovering Sharon's hand and slipping his fingers through.

	"We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the wealth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Dennis & Sharon in marriage. Should there be anyone with cause why this couple shall not be united in marriage, they must speak now, or forever hold their peace."

	Sharon laughed gently as Dennis shivered, squeezing his hand tighter, shaking her head a little and murmuring, "They're not here baby. It's just you and me now..."

	Jennifer listened, brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you holding then?"

	"Held." Dennis assured her with a smile.

	"Dennis & Sharon... I would ask that you treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves always of what bought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage, as they do with any relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only what seems wrong. If each of you take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."

	They both just watched her, as if waiting for it all to be true. Her lips twisted gently into a content curve as she looked between them, her gaze settling on Dennis.

	"Dennis, do you take Sharon to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honour, cherish and protect her, and forsaking all others, hold only unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

	 He lifted his head back, drawing in an audible breath as he absorbed Jennifer's words. Pride sparkled in his eyes as he gazed at her, that teasing smile dancing full out across his lips, caressing the delicate hand he held, murmuring two simple words that until he'd set eyes on Sharon, he never once thought he'd hear himself say.

	"I do."

	The sounds Faye was making from that little way across the room, the way Tony was having to hold onto her so tight made it pretty obvious that she was having massive trouble stopping herself bursting into spontaneous applause. But neither bride nor groom looked in her direction, too transfixed by each other. Pulling her left hand back from his, Sharon lifted it to Dennis' face, lovingly acressing his cheek with her palm. He smiled at the sensation, but gently pulled her hand back, watching it curl around his own, kissing her third knuckle, which made her beam, knowing that he was just waiting til the moment this finger would be adorned in a way that said she was his.

	"And do you Sharon, take Dennis to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honour, cherish and protect him, and forsaking all others, hold only unto him for as long as you both shall live?"

	"Suppose I'd better." she whispered filrtatiously, gazing intently at him. He pretended to look wounded. God, she was so in love with him, it wasn't true. Except this was. Right this second, she was marrying him, he wanted her forever. She looked to the floor, laughing quietly as she realised she was blushing and she looked fleetingly up to the bemused registrar.

	"I do."

	Tony stepped forward obediently, not so much as needing a cue from the previously agitated groom. Nope, too swept up in his prospective wife that one. It was cute. Standing just behind Sharon, he leant across the table, putting down the box with a gentle click. Dennis smiled at him, unspoken words passing between them. So he moved round, facing Sharon and forcing Dennis back.

	"Tony." she said warmly as she saw the smile flicker across his lips. But he didn't reply to her, he just stooped and kissed her cheek, only speaking as he moved back. 

	"Good luck Sharon."

	"Cheers darlin'."

	He nodded, and turned away to Dennis, extending his hand. Dennis took it with a dubious look, feeling Tony pull him forward into a hug he couldn't query.

	"Be happy mate alright?"

	"Yeah." he murmured, reaching for the box as Tony moved back towards Faye, who snuggled down into his arms to watch the exchange.

	Dennis had spent enough time down on the rocks admiring these rings to know that his name was engraved on the one on the left. Pulling it free, he lifted Sharon's hand and waited to hear Jennifer speak. She did, laying out his vow, and he drank in the words, praying he would relay them right, that his sincerity wouldn't make him falter or mess up. He pushed the band over Sharon's fingertip, and could feel her beginning to shake just as he was. But he forced himself to look into her face, to realise her reaction to his every word. And the love in her eyes pulled him in as the words drifted from his mouth.

	"With this ring, I take you as my wife. To have and to hold... in sickness and in health... for richer, for poorer... in joy... and sorrow, for as long as we both shall live."

	Sharon admired the ring on her finger, feeling tears prickle in her eyes. It was there. She was his wife... right from that moment... and there was nothing anyone anywhere could do about it... it was all going to be OK. She reached for the remaining ring, her hand still wrapped around his, spreading his fingers as she spoke softly.

	"And with this ring, I take you as my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer... in joy and sorrow, for as long as we both shall live."

	They signed the register with surprisingly steady hands. Faye had barely laid down the pen, now the one shaking with excitement when Jennifer was addressing them again.

	"Dennis and Sharon... as the two of you are brought together in marriage.... on this day affirming your love and faith in one another, I must ask that you cherish every day you may share as husband and wife. From this day forward, you are to be each other's home, refuge and comfort. Your marriage is to be strengthened by your love and respect for one another. To make this relationship work will take love, the very reason I oversee your marriage today. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other. It will take dedication - to stay open with one another and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey have today promised to share." 

	Knowing they'd all heard her, Jennifer stopped talking, smiling broadly as she looked down at the newly signed register, her hair falling about her face. 

	"Now..." she managed finally, lacing her hands together. "...in my professional capacity, I'm done, so please... go ahead and kiss your bride!"

	

	They all stumbled breathlessly out into the courtyard, laughing and buzzing with the excitement of the occassion. Dennis was clutching the marriage certificate in one hand, Sharon's hand in the other, prouding reading off the paper like he'd just won the Lottery.

	"Dennis Rickman... married Sharon Ann Watts on the fifteenth of February 2004... well look at that..." he mused, pulling her round across the paving so that she faced him. She gazed at him, shivering as she giggled, pushing her hair back from her face, grinning. "...my wife..."

	Sharon squealed as he lifted her into his arms, clinging to his neck as he held her proudly up, spinning her round. She didn't think to protest. It was too perfect.

	 "...my gorgeous wife!" 

	Meeting the floor again, Sharon felt light headed, sort of stumbling into Dennis' embrace, his arms falling around her waist and steadying her as he nestled into her, planting a kiss at the base of her neck.

	"C'mon then, let's get back to this hotel eh? I wanna propose-"

	"Probably wise babe, you don't wanna wait for him to do it again do ya?"

	She grinned, accepting Faye's words with an amused nod as she swayed against Dennis. "I wanna propose a toast to my marriage, that means I wanna drink... I wanna drink a lot... and I wanna dance with my new husband."

	"Well," Dennis murmured, pretending to do so quietly against her ear, "that ain't all your new husband wants to do with you darlin'..."

	~*~

	Twenty minutes had certainly passed by the time they were within sight of the hotel again, and somehow Sharon's dress was still very much on. She always caught the way Dennis looked at her however and knew exactly what he was thinking and was battling with herself to stay strong and not give in to the same desires, even they were prominent!

	She shook her head gently as she stooped to pull off her shoes, rubbing her sore sole. Because Dennis stood behind her, capturing her in his arms and kissing a trail across the back of her neck whilst his hands played across her thighs, rustling the material of the dress.

	"No..." she moaned, obviously contradicting the way she felt as his lips went across her skin. "Dennis, stop..."

	"Make me." he demanded and pointedly not complying. So Sharon pulled his hands back and raced down the slope of the lawn, clutching her shoes, and crying out as she realised she was probably going to lose her balance and fall over. But Dennis of course was right behind her, and was thankfully there as she finally overbalanced as her foot made contact with the step.

	"Hi." she said quietly as she looked up at him, hugely glad, if not hugely embarrasssed to feel his arms around her.

	He chuckled as he guided her back to her feet, pulling her close. "Falling in my arms already eh, Mrs. Rickman?"

	She basked in the hearing those words, smirking at him, and rushing up the steps into the hotel, her hand woven through his. She'd kinda guessed by the sounds radiating through the walls that they were going to be swamped by a throng of people, and it just so happened to be that they'd moved into the humongous function room, and there were a good hundred people milling around, at tables drinking, at the bar ordering or on the floor dancing. Looking at Denns out the corner of her eye, Sharon knew he understood she wanted to dance. She dropped her gaze to her bare feet however, and realised she couldn't do very well without her heels, so propped herself up against the wall and replaced them. By this time, Faye & Tony were beside them, grinning "Champagne!" before scuttling off to the bar.

	Sharon and Dennis moved off to a clearing on the floor, stepping into the hold and slowly becoming immersed in each another, pressing closer together at every oppurtunity until they were nestled into one's another's shoulders. His breath tickled her ear lobe as he moved down and whispered

	"Have I told you how incredible you look?"

	"You don't look so bad yourself."

	She heard a warm sound escape him that told her he was smiling and it spread to her own lips as she drew back, her stomach jolting when she met his eye. The moment that they were drawn to each other to search out their next post marital kiss was however ruined as a new track filled the room.

	Dennis fell back from her laughing. "Well this is romantic!"

	OK, everybody put your hands in the air
	And everybody sing now!

	Sharon grinned, and stepped towards him anyway, swinging her hips and defying him not to counter her and dance.

	Hey... hey baby!
	(Ooh, ah!)

	She stepped together, moving closer still, happy to see that her husband... yes, her husband, had lost and was dancing, though he did look thoroughly ashamed of himself.

	I wanna kno-oo-ow
	If you'll be my girl!

	Turning her back on him, she strode away, but he came up behind her, and as she felt his presence, spinning around and already missing looking into his face.

	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!

	But still she moved back, counting off her strides as he was forced to move forwards to stay close to her. She was teasing out his every move. 

	When I saw you walking down the street
	I said that's the kinda girl I'd like to meet

	Dennis stood against her, drinking in the image of her with a raw appreciation as he placed his hands in turn against her hips and let them travel lustfully over her curves, drawing her hard into him.

	She's so pretty, looks so fine
	I'm gonna make her mine, oh mine!

	Pressing her knee between his meant that Sharon forced Dennis back a fraction as she tilted his chin, and primarily his gaze from where it was lingering so he would look her in the eye. 

	Hey... hey baby!
	(Ooh, ah!)
	I wanna kno-oo-ow
	If you'll be my girl!

	Smirking, she turned on her heel again, she felt Dennis' calves press into the backs of her legs as he caught her and rolled into her. Lewd, but so fantastic!

	When you turn and walk away, 
	That's when I wanna say

	He snatched up her hand and forced her to spin underneath it. She thought she'd lost her balance as she sank, arms flailing and just somehow ending up around Dennis' neck, and it took her a moment (well, two... one to actually breathe!) to realise she could feel Dennis' arms around her, and his lips were coming closer.

	C'mon baby, give me a whirl! 
	I wanna know if you'll be my girl!

	And she cheekily pushed him back, and scowled he guided her up, feeling his anger melting away as she simpered at him with that beautiful pouty mouth. How could she get to him like this, let alone actually get him dancing to trash like this!

	Hey... hey baby!
	(Ooh, ah!)

	"You know, this really isn't dignified for a first dance!"

	I wanna kno-oo-ow
	If you'll be my girl!

	Sharon was about to scold him - e.g. erase his words with her tongue, when Faye came hurtling towards them with the champagne bottle in her hand, looking horrified.

	"What the hell are you doing?" And with her one free hand, she was trying to wrench them apart, flapping and slapping and tugging, making the most exasperated noises. "You can't do this... to this! It's just not right... get off!"

	"I told you!" Dennis laughed, stepping back obediently, shaking his head as Sharon looked, utterly bewildered at Faye.

	"What did I do?"

	Obviously ashamed of them beyond words, Faye dragged Sharon & Dennis towards a table, where Tony had expectantly set out the champagne flutes. He took the bottle from Faye, and set about trying to release the cork. Dennis looked at him dubiously, and Sharon, quivering as she anticipated the explosion, wound herself tight around her husband, nestling into his arms and whimpering childishly. He humoured her, swaying her gently against him, holding her close, and laughing as she bit back a shriek of surprise.

	Tony just about managed not to lose any of the foam, tilting the bottle, the smooth neck clinking against the glass. Soon, all four were brimming and fizzing and the bottle stood stationary as they each swept up a glass. Tony cleared his throat and with a smirk, toasted his best friend and his bride in turn before raising his glass and crying "To Sharon Rickman! Brave or deluded?"

	"Fuck off you!" Dennis snapped, scowling and nestling into Sharon's shoulder defensively.

	She laughed and soothed him. "Awww, baby! It's alright... I'm brave... brave and besotted."

	"Mmmm, I don't half love you."

	"And I love you too."

	Their companions were forced to watch with nothing but affection as Sharon stretched up and brushed her mouth against his, his lips unwillingly to settle for such a teasing whisper of a kiss.

	"Well, you finally made it!" Faye beamed, raising her own glass. To Sharon & Dennis."

	"Cheers!"

	And Faye put her glass back down on the table with a click, pulling Sharon's from her hand, taking in that omnipresent smile on her face, before flapping her hands as she felt herself get teary, demanding "Oh c'mere!"

	"Oh Faye! Thank you... you've been so brilliant!"

	"Hey, anything to get him off me hands yeah? No... it's been brilliant Sharon, honestly!" And she kissed her cheek as she moved back, grinning at Dennis and slipping away. The three left there exchanged looks out the corner of their eyes, but none of them could help the others out by way of an explanation, so they shrugged it away, moving around the table and supping at the champagne.

	Tony looked at the way Sharon's hand was laced instinctively through Dennis', and he still found himself surprised to see the ring on his finger. Jesus, Dennis Rickman was married. He barely realised as Sharon reached over and placed her hand over his own.

	"Tony?" she said gently, smiling gently as he looked up, confusion etched in his handsome face.

	"Sharon?"

	"I... I just wanted to thank you for... for being there for me earlier... and maybe for shouting at him..." She tilted her head in Dennis' direction. "...if you hadn't, then... we wouldn't be here... and I'd probably still be dripping mascara all over you!"

	"Yeah well... I was wrong Sharon, you're a fantastic woman and I hope him over there deserves you!"

	"Er, excuse me, but I am here!"

	But before either of them had to answer, Faye came back. She didn't sit down She just laced her hands together and kept looking between them all and the floor, swinging gently from side to side and smiling as if she'd just done something very naughty.

	"Faye...?" Tony coaxed slowly.

	But attention was stolen away from her. Everyone seemed to have shrunk back from the floor, leaving one woman stood in the centre. She was smartly dressed, hair secured in a clip, tight business jacket on her shoulders and a pin on her lapel. She was quite obviously staff, her eyes darting all around the room, seeking attention from all as she raised her hands in preperation for speaking. Oh God, what was going on? Where the toilets blocked? Was there a fire... was this an emergency evacuation or something?

	"Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, my name is Elaine Joyce, general manager here at the Northolt Grand. And it gives me great pleasure to announce to you all that this afternoon, a select few of our guests celebrated a very happy occassion..."

	Sharon's grip on Dennis' hand tightened. She felt queasy, and Faye was practically bursting with pride. Oh shit, what had she done? Elaine was by now craning her neck around the room.

	"Sharon & Dennis?"

	Very audibly groaning and feeling heat prickle in her face, Sharon dropped her forehead against her palm, ducking from view, while Dennis just stared at her, disbelieving laughter bubbling from his lips.

	"Ah." Elaine smiled, moving over towards them as she recognised Faye, squirming excitedly on the spot as she pressed against the wall, wringing her hands and looking very pleased with herself. Standing next to the table, she waited for Sharon to meet her eye. "Sharon... Dennis... on behalf of everyone here at the Northolt Grand, to congratulate you on your marriage, we'd like to offer everything you should desire on the house for the rest of the evening. We wish you both every happiness together."

	Between them, they barely managed a gracious nod, every eye in the room upon them and making them feel really uneasy. But Elaine didn't seem fazed by it and moved back onto the floor.

	"Ladies and gentlemen, I would ask that you clear the floor for the duration and enjoy as I present the first..." She caught Faye's eye and smiled, rectifying her words. "the second attempt at the first dance of the new Mr & Mrs Rickman!"

	Sharon guffawed as she caught the expectant way that everyone in the room was looking at her, including Dennis who still had hold of her hand, amusement playing in his face.

	"No!" she hissed quietly.

	"Awww, baby, please!"

	"No! Dennis, you might wanna draw attention to yourself but I-"

	Her voice trailed off as she released the stony way in which his facial muscles were set as he looked at her.

	"What?"

	"Well, think about it... if you'd never told me that I'd never have the guts to dance with you... we wouldn't be here would we? So... we kinda owe it to the dance..."

	He smiled at her so coyly, eyes dropping to their entwined hands, that she was fighting the urge to throw her arms around him and declare how much she adored him. For it had been that smile, that small definite smile in the corner of his mouth, the one that had begged her to claim it, the one that had brought her through the last two weeks and surrendered her to this, here, as his wife. He was right, and for a moment, she wished Jill & Simon were around. There was so much she owed to those daft dance classes. They'd brought her Dennis. How was she meant to refuse him?

	She met his eye again, nodding slowly, and not missing Faye's excitable intake of breath from behind her.

	"OK."

	The smile widened as he rose up, and pulled her slowly out from around the table. He stepped in front of her as they moved across the floor, and as the applause and fawning came from all those around them in a great appreciative rush, she kept her eyes to the floor, seemingly fixated by her toes. She didn't make effort to push back the wisps of her hair as they fell about her face, instead wishing there was more of it to hide her flaming cheeks. But Sharon's attentions were refocussed as she turned to face her husband, his arm falling into that familiar position around her waist, splaying his hand across her back to pull her close, his fingertips teasing her skin. 

	Raising her hand to complete the hold, he held on that little bit tighter as the music swept over them, edging forward and beginning that gentle sway.

	Such a sad love
	Deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel
	Open and closed within your eyes
	I'll place the sky within your eyes

	Gently, he pulled her round into a turn. She went with him as smoothly as she ever had. Every movement worked with them. So the walls moved, the faces blurred and the floor shuddered, but, each and every time they danced, they were so captivated by each other that nothing and no-one else could matter as long as they could find themselves drawn into each other's eyes, happily drowning in those sparkling depths.

	There's such a fooled heart
	Beating so fast in search of new dreams
	A love that will last within your heart
	I'll place the moon within your heart

	Shivering with desire as he touched her, Dennis allowed his hand to move up Sharon's back, only to retrace his path as it tumbled back down. There had been no purpose to such an exercise other than to prove to his already knowing self that he was completely and utterly intoxicated by her. She was nestled into his shoulder, wanting to be as close to him as he should want, and he tremored all the more as he felt her smile form against his neck, so close her lips were.

	He forced her back with a subtle twist of his hips and she straightened her arm as he kept hold of her hand, and Sharon just looked at him, knowing that she was falling deeper in love with him for every moment she did so. The pain in the centre of her chest told her however, that she could not remain so far from him, even though it was no distance at all. She span in towards him, her back pressing into his chest.

	As the pain sweeps through
	Makes no sense for you

	Her stomach flipped as she heard him give out a passionate sigh with the faintest expulsion of breath. He nestled into her, and she could tell by the friction of his lips against her skin that he was contemplating nuzzling her, and she so wished he would. Closing her eyes and surrendering to the bliss of their sway, she lifted her hand and rested it against the nape of his neck, trying to suggest her desire by driving his lips harder against her.

	Every thrill has gone
	Wasn't too much fun at all
	But I'll be there for you
	As the world falls down

	But Dennis resisted her, as hard as that was, and moved back, so that the hand he clasped no longer rested across her stomach, and was pulled straight and she had to spin in to meet it again, this time facing him as he took up her other hand and slipped his fingers through.

	Falling
	(As the world...) Falling
	Falling in love

	They moved back across the floor, and Dennis lifted her hand again so she span again, slowly, never losing that desperate contact with him.

	I'll paint you mornings of gold
	Spin you Valentine evenings
	
	Stepping to her side as she came back against him, they turned again. Sharon leant back as they slowed, curving her spine and surrendering to him completely as his knee slipped between hers, drawing as hard against him as she could come. She didn't care that there were dozen upon dozens of eyes on her at the moment, scrutinising her. All that mattered was that she was with Dennis, dancing with him as she had always done, trusting him, loving him with her every move, her every breath. But even that was taken from her as he guided her gently up and gazed at her, every emotion burning fiercely in those eyes.

	Though we're strangers til now
	We're choosing the path between the stars
	I'll leave my love between the stars.

	Pushing against his hands, she let them drop away from her and paced back. He watched her intently, his lips scrunching in frustration as he went forwards, needing to be close to her again. She was gazing at the floor, only faltering as he took up one of her hands. Smiling as he realised he held her attentions once more, however desperately she wished for it not to show, he slipped his fingertips under her chin and tilted her head, startled as he always was by her eyes.

	As the pain sweeps through
	Makes no sense for you	
	Every thrill has gone
	Wasn't too much fun at all	

	Without really knowing it, she was against him, stepping round by instinct as they swayed, dancing softly. She nestled down into his shoulder, her hand sweeping up his back and curling around the base of his neck, drawing him close again.
	
	But I'll be there for you
	As the world falls down
	
	Falling
	Falling
	Falling
	Falling in love
	As the world falls down

	Relaxing as he held her, Sharon let herself move back, resting her forehead against his, feeling his warm breath dance across her face.

	It makes no sense at all
	It makes no sense to fall
	Falling
	As the world falls down

	Dennis could not fight off the invitation of her kiss, marking his lips gently, imploring him to keep her here as she came back with more urgency,  whispering promises that only he could hear as she kissed him, greeted by the adoration of all those around them. But they were barely there, the bride & groom... lost in their own bubble, alone together... husband and wife...	

	Falling
	Falling
	Falling in love
	Falling in love
	Falling in love

	

	
	Clasping her hands as she finally stepped back, Dennis led Sharon away from the crowds, gazing intently at her in such a way that she could think of nothing but to follow him across the room and slip out onto the steps when he gestured for her to do so, pushing against her hips. She noticed the way that as she stood there against the dark velvet of the night that he faltered when he moved to follow her out the door, leaning back, searching someone out... Tony most probably, inclining his head and grinning. Why, as he straightened up and joined her, moving close and taking her hand, did she feel suspicious?

	Turning obediently the way he pulled her, she let him take her down the steps and across the lawn, her heels sinking into the dewy grass. She kept wondering if she was going to get stuck, tug too hard and break her heel, but somehow she made it to the point that Dennis stopped, gasping in tender awe as she realised what was lain out in front of her. It was so simple, yet so effective... and for her alone.

	Candles were strewn out across the table, the flames blazing and flickering as if they were welcoming her as they bathed everything she could see with their glowing light. Their heat seemed to radiate across to her own skin, making her feel relaxed and warm, though that could also have been the anticipation of drinking the champagne settled in an ice bucket, that was still amazingly cool, the residue of the ice glistening on the bottle, two flutes stood close to it fizzing away. And though she couldn't see the slender glass vase (in fact, little wider than the stem itself) behind the bucket without pushing forwards on her toes and raising herself up off her heels (which Dennis watched her do with quiet amusement) the single rose she could see, and oh God...

	Dennis moved forwards, settling himself on the bench and swinging Sharon's hand as she stood above him. Catching her eye, she smiled and feeling his arms come around her, sank obediently down onto his lap. He pushed out a contended breath as she, having leant over him to pluck the rose from the vase, rolling it between her forefinger and thumb, wrapped her arms around his neck.

	"What's all this for?"

	"Just wanted you to myself for a bit..."

	"You didn't need to do all this just to grab time with me, Dennis, we're not sneaking round anymore remember, we've got forever."

	"Yeah I know." he muttered, dropping his gaze and circling his fingertip over her wedding ring. "It's just... tomorrow we have to go home to... Vicki.. and I know that so far she's been blind as a bat when it comes to me and you, but I'm pretty sure even she's not dense enough to miss the fact that we're both wearing rings on suspect fingers..."

	Cupping her palms around his jaw, she tilted it so that he would look at her, holding onto him fiercely.

	"Are you scared?"

	"Brickin' it darlin'." he answered honestly, his lips barely able to hold a smile. He couldn't deny his surprise as she shot back,

	"Well, good!" She rolled her eyes as she registered his alarm. "Dennis, you wouldn't be human if you weren't. I'm scared too, but maybe it doesn't matter. Me and you... we've done more to us over these last couple of weeks than Vicki... or even Dad could do in a lifetime. I meant what I said when I asked you to marry me y'know, and you have... so just let 'em try... anything they want. I wrecked one marriage, and I'm damned if I'm gonna let anything happen to this one. So I know whatever happens, I'm still gonna have you..."

	He beamed at her as she moved down and kissed him, like she was searching for and eradicating his fears. He couldn't help it, it was like she could make anything OK. She was brave, she was clever, she was gorgeously sexy and she was his wife. She was right, there was nothing anyone could do about it, not if he had anything to do with it. He'd never believed that marriage had held any sanctity... after all wasn't his very existence due to the fact that Den had held no respect for his own wife? But, with Sharon, he believed it, so fiercely it scared him. He'd have died before he let anyone damage this... their marriage. They'd come too far, through too much to give up before the going got tough.

	"I've got a surprise for you..."

	"Mmmm, you've been a bit full of them these past couple of weeks haven't ya?"

	He laughed, shifting so she'd get up. She did so with a reluctant moan, but busied herself with pulling off her shoes as he slid past her, letting her toes sink into the cool dewy grass, it's scent hanging in the air. When she saw how far away Dennis was striding, she clambered up onto the bench, her toes curling around the slats as she cried out his name.

	Stopping, feeling smug as he realised she was missing him; he turned, pacing backwards and continuing on his way.

	"Back in a minute baby." 

	Pouting, Sharon stood there and waited. When he came back again, he saw she hadn't moved, searching for him. He grinned and pushed himself forward, racing across the lawn. Almsot stumbling as he halted so quickly in front of her, he wound his arms around her waist. She looked down on him, the wisps of hair falling down as she pressed her hands into his shoulders, waiting for the words she knew were to come by the way his lips were flickering and fighting off a huge smile.

	"Do you trust me?"

	Sharon began to tingle as she remembered those words of old. "Where have I heard that before?"

	His smile exploded across his lips. "Do you.... trust me?"

	She nodded eagerly, squealing as he swung her off the bench, regretting having to let the head rush go as she met the floor. Dennis didn't seem to take notice of the fact she had no shoes on, and gripping her hand, rushed back to the middle of the lawn before turning and pulling her against him, his other arm around her back and swaying gently.

	"What d'you hear darlin'?"

	Thinking that it probably wasn't wise to answer "Crickets!" Sharon waited expectantly, immersed in those sparkling eyes as she danced with him. Though she didn't exactly know where it was coming from, she heard a melody as clear as anything that she simply couldn't mistake, bowing her head and giggling. "We never did do this did we? Everything else, but never this..."

	"Closest I could get to the magic carpet..." he murmured, turning with her to greet the lyrics.

	I can show you the world, shining shimmering, splendid
	Tell me Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?
	
	Pushing against her hands, Dennis forced Sharon to step back, forcing his knee between hers, so she leant back, allowing him to guide her round into a gentle arc and allow the return of the coveted head rush, so that every step with him would make her buzz and wish for more. That was how he'd always wanted her to feel when she was with him, and this, this had become the way he could show it and be understood implicitly.

	I can show you the world - take you wonder by wonder
	Over, sideways and under on a magic carpet ride.

	She straightened up and he moved forward, twisting his hips so she countered him and moved back.

	A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view

	Sharon stepped away, pulling on his hand so he straightened and she span in towards him, loving how he instinctively nestled into her, his breath hot and close on her skin just as she had wished. And she almost melted as she heard him murmur the words in her ear. No magic carpet, it was true, but she had all the magic she could handle right here. She couldn't believe he remembered... they really had run off and were singing to each other, and it was as if everything right from those early days (which she could barely believe had been less than a fortnight ago) was made right, perfect, by these few moments in his arms.

	No-one to tell us no, or where to go
	Or say we're only dreaming.

	Spinning beneath his hand, she caught the look on his face, and knew he must have loved her with everything he had to be here with her, making a bigger prat of himself than he had feared he would with that first dance. But she loved him utterly for it, because he remembered every detail that was them. And she knew what she had to do as she looked into his eyes, she owed it to every moment she had spent falling in love with him. She sang back.

	A whole new world

	Straightening her arm, she span into him again, her arm looping around his neck, and having to bite back a squeal as he swept her up into his arms, raising her proudly.

	A dazzling place I never knew
	But when I'm way up here, it's crystal clear
	That now I'm in a whole new world with you.

	Grinning, Dennis brought her down upon his lips and she savoured his kiss for the briefest moment as her nose caressed his before pushing her feet into the grass and beginning to move again, closing her eyes and savouring the bliss of this moment. 

	Unbelievable sights, indescriable feeling
	Soaring, tumbling, free-wheeling
	Through an endless diamond sky.
	A whole new world

	She felt Dennis' fingertip, woven through her own hand brush her cheek, and she looked at him, jerking forward into those eyes as he shook his head slowly, that smile dancing across his smooth lips as he murmured

	Don't you dare close your eyes!

	She grinned. He was a fibber, he was into this.

	A hundred thousand things to see

	His words were whispered against her ear, warm and tender.

	Hold your breath, it gets better.

	Sharon shoved him back and smirked at him. 

	I'm like a shooting star, I've come so far
	I can't go back to where I used to be!

	Dennis kissed her shoulder softly as he heard her words. He didn't want her to go back. He wanted her to go forward, with him, and he hoped she understand as much as he edged back and pushed against her, pulling her round

	A whole new world, every turn a surprise!
	New horizions to pursue, every moment gets better.

	They slowed, and Dennis let his hands drop, discovering her every curve as he went, her arms moving slowly back up around his shoulders, before Sharon allowed her her hands to get caught around his neck, bringing him as close to her as she was to him, as they murmured to one another. She wanted to fade into him, here. Silently, she wished tomorrow didn't have to come. she wanted to stay with him, to dance. So she sent up a prayer to the stars that Sharon Rickman might remain in the arms of her lover, dancing until the stars themselves were no more.

	I'll chase them anywhere, there's time to spare	
	Let me share this whole new world with you!
	A whole new world, that's where we'll be
	A thrilling chase, a wonderous place
	For you and me. 

	The End