The Spaces Between - Story One

All characters are 18 (yeah Prom.. I get it).. This is my first attempt and I am expecting a lot of early errors. However I enjoy trying to put this down. The characters come easy.. the sex not so much. As the series goes on the sex will be more frequent but I will probably always retreat to telling the story rather than being great at sex.

### Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter

Michael Chadris adjusted his tie in the bathroom mirror. It was prom night, and while he had no grand expectations, a quiet excitement was simmering. He and Sarah Perkett agreed to go together, a platonic arrangement. He had been attracted to her for years, but Sarah never saw him as anything more than a friend. And he wouldn't push her tonight. Not now. Not after everything she had been through.

Sarah's older brother had taken his own life three months ago, and while she outwardly seemed to be managing, Michael knew she wasn't the same. She had discovered him and had even tried to revive him. It was a horrible experience, and Michael knew Sarah wasn't even close to past it. He had seen how her eyes sometimes lost focus and how she went quiet in the middle of a conversation. When she had asked him to go to prom with her, Michael didn't hesitate. He wouldn't let her face the night alone. His goal was to be supportive and check in whenever she needed a little cheering up. If there was one skill Michael had, it was lifting the mood.

"Ready to go?" Sarah's voice broke through his thoughts as he exited the restroom. She looked effortlessly beautiful in a blue dress, her auburn curls cascading over her shoulders. Michael smiled, pushing his feelings aside.

"Yeah, let's do this," he said, offering his arm. She laughed and looped her own through his, leading him out toward the awaiting limo. They shared it with several friends and were greeted with cheers as they entered. Even with the available space, Sarah perched on Michaels's lap, and he briefly worried that he would get an erection in his dress pants, which wouldn't hide anything when they got out.

The prom was being held at the Six Pack movie theatre in Victoria--a unique venue that set their high school apart from the others in town. Instead of a stuffy ballroom, the night was about watching contemporary films, dancing in the main hall, and creating the memories they'd carry into adulthood.

Sarah tugged him toward a small group near the entrance as they entered. "Hey, I want you to meet someone."

Michael followed her lead, his gaze landing on a slim girl with jet-black hair and a disarming smile. She wore a simple and elegant black dress that left her thin arms bare, the contrast making her features stand out even more. Her skin was golden in the dim light, and her eyes, dark and slightly upturned, carried a quiet intelligence that drew him in.

"This is Naomi Yin," Sarah introduced. "She's from Nanaimo, visiting for the weekend. Naomi, this is Michael, my date."

Naomi extended a hand. "Parksville, actually, nice to meet you, Michael."

Michael took it, noting the warmth of her skin. "You too. So, what convinced you to spend your weekend at a high school prom in Victoria?"

Naomi smirked. "Sarah made it sound too fun to pass up. And besides, I love movies."

That piqued his interest. "Yeah? What's your favorite?"

She tilted her head in thought before answering. "Four Weddings and a Funeral. It's funny, romantic, and sometimes makes you feel something."

Michael grinned. "Solid choice. Hugh Grant is at his awkward best."

She laughed, nodding. "Exactly. And that scene with John Hannah reading the poem? Gets me every time."

Michael's eyes lit up. "Yeah, but I loved his character in Sliding Doors even more. Both roles were so powerful, but his open, raw love hit differently in that one. It's rare to see a guy express love so simply yet beautifully on screen."

Naomi unconsciously nodded to his statement. Sarah looked between them and winked. "I'll leave you two movie buffs to it." She drifted toward another group of friends, and it was just Michael and Naomi.

They settled into an easy conversation, discussing favorite films, the best on-screen couples, and why romantic comedies had an unfair reputation. When the chime went off, Michael led Naomi to the theatre, hoping and then instantly rewarded with her sitting beside him.

Sarah joined them just before the movie started, her laugh and smile a welcome sight to both of them but for different reasons. She sat strategically on the other side of Michael, and he felt his excitement increase as the lights dimmed. Sarah reached into his popcorn, and he playfully slapped her hand.

"Get your own", a whisper from him.

"What? Your crush is over now that I brought you a new shiny," Sarah giggled.

Michael tipped his fake hat, acknowledged her verbal spar, and pushed his popcorn to her. He looked over at Naomi, checking in on her popcorn supply.

As the first movie started, Michael noticed Naomi stealing glances at him. Sitting next to her in the dim theatre, he became hyper-aware of the space between them--or the lack of it. Her arm rested lightly against his, and Michael felt a jolt of electricity every time she shifted. He kept his focus on the screen but wasn't fooling himself. He was drawn to her. Michael wondered if he should try to hold her or maybe her hand. He tried to be casual, but he knew the movie well and would run out of time if he didn't build enough confidence to try something.

Then came the pivotal death scene. Michael felt Sarah tense beside him, her fingers curling slightly. Without thinking, he reached for her hand. He squeezed gently, Naomi briefly an afterthought as his primary duty came to the fore. She pressed back, holding onto him for the remainder of the scene. He didn't look at her--didn't need to. This was why he was here and promised himself to be her rock tonight. He noticed that Naomi looked over briefly, and they shared a look that Michael tried to gauge as acceptance, approval, happiness, or maybe some strange slurry of all three.

When the movie ended, they moved toward the dance floor in the main hall. The energy was infectious, with laughter and music filling the space. Sarah pulled Michael into the group, and soon they were dancing, the rhythm easing some of the night's emotional weight. Sarah wasn't a great dancer, nor was Michael, but no one cared.

Michael found himself watching Naomi. Her dress clung to her slim frame as she moved, and her jet-black hair caught the light when she tossed her head back in laughter. Her smile was intoxicating, uninhibited in a way he hadn't expected. She turned toward him; her dark eyes caught him, and the rest of the room faded away for a moment. Sarah seemed to be handling everything fine, and Michael drifted towards Naomi, recognizing the need for him was low.

Naomi reached for his hand, pulling him into the movement of the song. And just like that, Michael knew--he was completely drawn to her. All too soon, the evening ended with movie staff herding people out of the dance area while bringing up the lights--lights that cleared the romance and allure of their venue as quickly as cotton pads and a rinse removed foundation and mascara.

Michael knew he was heading to Sarah's for the afterparty, and he looked around the coat check, searching for Naomi. Finding her slipping into her jacket, he stepped toward her, clearing his throat. "Hey, uh--are you coming to Sarah's after this?"

Naomi turned to him, her expression unreadable for a split second before she smiled. "Yeah, I am."

Michael felt a warmth spread through him, and he couldn't help but grin. "Cool. I'll see you there, then." Sarah was waiting, watching the exchange with a benign eye, clearly not even slightly jealous of what was developing.

### Chapter 2: The Afterparty

Michael followed Sarah into her house, the faint scent of vanilla candles and something fried hanging in the air. The living room was filled with people, laughter, and chatter bouncing off the walls. Naomi stepped in behind him, her black hair still slightly damp from the light mist outside.

Sarah nudged him with her elbow. "You look like a lost puppy. Get drinks, Michael. Kitchen's that way."

He smirked but obeyed, weaving through the crowd toward the fridge. When he turned back with two cans of soda, Naomi stood at the counter, her eyes scanning the room as if unsure where to settle.

"Hey," he said, handing her a drink. "Guess we survived prom."

She chuckled. "Easy. But this is better. Sarah has a great place."

Michael nodded, but his attention lingered on her. The dim glow of the kitchen lights softened her features, making her look even more ethereal than she had at the dance. He suddenly felt the awkward buzz of anticipation in his chest--he wanted to keep talking to her, but he wasn't sure where to start.

Naomi shifted slightly and looked at him with a softer expression. "Hey, Michael," she said lightly, "thank you for taking Sarah tonight and for being there for her."

Michael blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in her voice. "Of course."

Naomi nodded, offering him a small smile. "She needed that. And you did good."

Something settled between them for a moment, but before it could linger too long, Naomi turned toward the center of the room and called, "Hey Jody, where can I change out of this dress?"

Jody, lounging on the couch with a half-empty beer, gestured lazily. "Guest rooms down the hall. Second door on the left."

Naomi shot Michael one last glance before disappearing into the hallway. He watched her go, exhaling slowly before turning back to the party.

Michael stayed in his formal wear, moving through the clusters of lingering guests, exchanging nods and brief conversations with a few classmates. The party had settled into a mellow rhythm--some drinking, some sleeping, some locked in whispered conversations. He made small talk with familiar faces, but his attention never entirely left the hallway.

Then, she returned.

Naomi re-entered the room, now dressed in a brown oversized wool sweater draped over her frame, falling past her hips. Tight jeans hugged her legs, and as she moved, the loose fit of the sweater occasionally gapped, offering fleeting glimpses of the black tank top beneath. She looked different--comfortable, effortlessly alluring in a way that made Michael's stomach tighten slightly.

He didn't move toward her immediately. Instead, he drifted from one conversation to another, keeping her in the corner of his eye, feeling the pull of her presence like gravity. Slowly, subtly, he worked his way toward her, knowing that, eventually, they would end up face-to-face again.

The house was alive with Sarah's post-prom friends. People lounged in the living room, some laughing, others half-asleep. Bottles and cups littered the coffee table, and a faint haze of alcohol and warm bodies thickened the air.

Jody clapped his hands together loudly, gathering attention. "Alright, everyone, it's time for a game! Truth or Dare!"

Groans and cheers erupted as people shuffled closer, forming a loose circle. Michael found himself sitting beside Naomi as the game began. The dares started off light--chugging drinks and embarrassing text messages--before escalating.

Naomi nudged Michael. "What are the odds you end up kissing someone tonight?"

Michael smirked. "Pretty low. I'm selective."

"Right," Naomi said, her eyes twinkling. "We'll see about that."

A few rounds in, the inevitable happened. "Michael," Jody announced, grinning mischievously. "I dare you to kiss... Mark."

The circle erupted into laughter and cheering. Michael rolled his eyes but grinned, leaning toward Mark, who shrugged and met him halfway. The kiss was not chaste and exaggerated enough for effect. When he pulled back, he dramatically wiped his lips. "Hope that was as good for you as it was for me."

Mark laughed. "I think I need a cigarette."

Naomi chuckled. "Not bad. You really committed."

Michael smirked. "I aim to please."

Moments later, Naomi was put on the spot. "Naomi, truth or dare?"

She tilted her head in mock consideration. "Dare."

Jody grinned. "Kiss, Sarah."

Naomi turned to Sarah with a playful smirk. "What do you say, partner?"

Sarah rolled her eyes but leaned in. Naomi made a show of brushing Sarah's red hair back before pressing a lingering, teasing kiss to her lips. The room whooped and whistled as Sarah dramatically fanned herself when they parted, every inch acting the Irish belle.

Naomi turned back to Michael. "Beat that."

Michael chuckled. "I don't think I can."

As the game continued, some truths dug into the sexual exploits of the couples in attendance, earning reactions ranging from playful laughter to awkward squirming. Michael and Naomi mostly sat back, exchanging quiet commentary on the unfolding spectacle.

"That's so funny," Michael murmured as one of the guys admitted to getting caught by his girlfriend's parents.

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "You ever been caught?"

Michael laughed. "Not yet. You?"

She smirked. "No comment."

People drifted in and out of the game, and Sarah eventually excused herself to check on things around the house. The game ended abruptly when Jody and the girl he had been flirting with stripped down to their underwear and bolted outside and around the house, laughing wildly. Sarah reappeared just in time to see them darting back through the kitchen and groaned, running a hand down her face. "Guys, seriously? This isn't funny! If the neighbors call the cops, we're all screwed. Get it together before my parents find out and shut this down for good."

Michael and Naomi made their way outside as the party wound down, slipping onto the second-floor deck. The night air was crisp, and the stars shone clear above them. Naomi leaned against the railing, her breath visible in the cool air. Michael stood beside her, hands in his pockets, stealing occasional glances at her in the moonlight.

"This was a good night," Naomi said softly, looking at the sky.

Michael nodded, the moment settling between them. "Yeah. It was."

Naomi shivered slightly, instinctively leaning into him. Michael took the chance, slipping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer as the night air wrapped around them. His hand rested lightly on her upper arm, close enough to feel her warmth but careful not to push too far.

He let his other hand drift down, hesitantly grazing her thigh. She didn't move away, and he took it as silent permission, rubbing slow, idle circles through the fabric of her jeans. Her body softened against him, her head tilting slightly, just enough to rest against his shoulder.

"Tell me about your future," he murmured, his voice low, coaxing.

Naomi exhaled as if gathering her thoughts. "I'm going to UBC, Sauder Business School. Economics. My older sister went there, so I won't be alone."

Michael smiled. "Smart choice. Seems like you've got it all planned out."

She gave a slight shrug. "My dad wanted it. He was a fisherman back in China. He and my mom worked hard to get us here and ensure we had options. This is the least I can do."

Michael felt a pang of admiration. "Sounds like they raised you right."

She smirked. "You make it sound so grand. Really, I'm just following the safest path. What about you?"

Michael hesitated. "I... don't know yet. Might take a gap year. Maybe enroll in UVic for computer science."

Naomi turned slightly, looking up at him. "You don't sound convinced."

He let out a quiet chuckle. "I guess I'm not. But I'll figure it out."

Truthfully, he was choosing his words carefully, wanting to sound like someone with potential who could match her drive. But part of him also wanted to steer the moment back toward her, the way her body fit against his, toward the lingering electricity between them.

Michael swallowed, acutely aware of just how close she was to the delicate shape of her body beneath the thick sweater. His hand, still resting at her side, hovered just shy of the soft curve of her breast. He forced himself to stay chaste, to let her decide how far they would go.

He shifted slightly, his lips brushing against her temple. "You know... that kiss back there."

Naomi turned toward him fully now, her dark eyes catching the dim glow of the house behind them. "What about it?"

Michael reached up, his fingers grazing her chin, tilting her face toward his. "I think we should try that again."

This time, she didn't hesitate. Michael closed the space between them, capturing her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. It started soft, almost tentative, but quickly deepened as Naomi responded, her fingers curling into his jacket.

Michael's grip on her body tightened, pulling her in and molding her to him as their breath mingled in the cold night air. He could feel a nervous energy in her, an almost imperceptible reluctance--yet she didn't pull away. Instead, she let herself be drawn in, surrendering to the moment.

Michael could feel Naomi's hesitation, her breaths shallow, as if she were contemplating something unspoken. The night air wrapped around them, crisp and biting, but neither moved away. His fingers lingered just beneath her jawline, feeling the delicate warmth of her skin beneath them.

Then, she pulled away slightly, just enough to rest her forehead against his shoulder. They stood like that for a long moment, letting the silence settle between them. He wanted to take her further, to feel her closer, but the moment began to dissolve, slipping through his fingers like the breath of cold wind that swept past them.

Naomi shivered slightly. "We should probably go inside."

Michael swallowed, trying to tamp down the frustration of letting the moment fade. "Yeah. Let's go."

## Chapter 3 - The Encounter

When they stepped back into the house, the energy had shifted. The party had died down; most guests passed out in tangled groups or curled into makeshift beds of pillows and jackets on the couch. The bedrooms were occupied--some with couples making out, others with exhausted guests who had collapsed for the night.

Michael felt creeping anxiety, a quiet dread that the tension they'd built outside was slipping away, leaving only an awkward lull in its place. He stole a glance at Naomi, wondering if she felt the same.

Still half-lucid on the couch, Jody lifted his head when they walked in. "All the beds are taken. Hope you two are good at improvising."

Naomi smirked, unphased. "We'll manage."

They scavenged for pillows and couch throws, creating a makeshift bed on the floor near the coffee table. It wasn't perfect, but it was warm. Michael hesitated before settling in beside Naomi, feeling the awkwardness of the proximity now that they were lying down.

They whispered softly, their voices barely carrying over the muffled sounds of the house. Naomi spoke about Vancouver and how she was nervous and excited to leave. Michael tried to match her energy, explaining his uncertain plans while measuring his words, trying to present himself as someone with options, even if he wasn't sure of them.

Eventually, the conversation faded into silence. Michael turned slightly, slipping his arm around her waist, pulling her closer as they adjusted against the cushions. One of his hands hovered near the top of her jeans, his other arm resting just above her chest, fingers grazing the soft fabric of her sweater. She hadn't pulled away. She was still awake, her breath steady but deep.

He hesitated for a moment before leaning in, nuzzling his nose against her neck, pressing the lightest of kisses against her skin. Naomi inhaled sharply but didn't move away. Encouraged, he let his lips brush against her again, slow and unhurried, his body molding against hers.

His heart pounded in his chest, uncertainty and anticipation warring within him. Naomi turned slightly in his arms, her gaze meeting his in the room's dim light. Something unreadable was in her expression--cautious yet wanting. Michael's hand tightened slightly at her waist, anchoring her to him as he sought out her lips again, deepening the kiss that had started hours earlier under the stars.