The next couple days went like they did on Monday. Orla would come by the park after school to spend some time with Niall while he worked, asking each other questions to get to know each other better. Seamus saw them talking on Tuesday, but said he didn't mind as long as Niall did what he needed to do. Wednesday was a very cloudy day, not many people coming to the park because of the possibility of a storm. On this particular day, Niall was tasked with putting away any items that might be damaged by the potential rain.

"Archery, eh?" Niall asked, arching an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Aye, it's cracker it is!" Orla exclaimed with a smile. "Won an amateur competition, I did!"

"That's certainly class, it is," he replied. "Surprisin' though hi."

"Why's that?" she asked.

"Just always figured if ye were gonna be involved in a competition, it'd be dance related," he shrugged.

"Really?" she asked.

"Aye," he replied. "Ye seem really into it. Saw ye dancin' the day we met. It was cracker, it was."

"Ach! Catch yerself on!" she chuckled and blushed.

"I mean it," he said. "Ye never entered any kind of dance contest?"

"No," she answered.

"Why not?" he asked. "Ye certainly got the talent fer it. Ye're plenty confident."

"My step aerobics instructor did say I had the talent to go all the way," she pointed out.

"I'm not exactly familiar with step aerobics," he said. "But if ye're as good at that as ye are dancin', then ye should absolutely do more with it. There's schools for dancin' too."

"Not sure I could afford that," she frowned.

"Well, there's scholarships, there are," he pointed out. "I s'pose it's too late in the year to look into that. But ye could always look into that when you start university. Are ye gonna attend university?"

"I've thought about it, I have," she shrugged. "I think Ulster has a dance department."

"Sounds like it's worth lookin' into then," he smiled warmly. "Cuz I think ye're cracker on yer feet, I do."

"Do ye wanna see one of my routines?" she asked shyly.

"Absolutely!" he exclaimed.

"I only got a portable cassette player on me," she frowned.

"I think there's a boombox in the supply shed," he smirked.

Niall did indeed manage to find a boombox in the supply shed, and a quick check showed it was in working order. Orla knew exactly what song to go with, Sunchyme by Dario G. She hit play, took a deep breath, and just let the music flow through her. It started off with simple bobbing of her head, but the rest of her began moving within seconds. Moving perfectly in synch with the beat, she started doing an assortment of taps, spins, leaps, all with ease. Niall was absolutely enchanted by the site like he'd been the day he first saw her dancing.

They were so distracted, that they didn't notice the first few drops of rain. Once Niall realized what was happening, he dashed to the shed to fetch an umbrella. He held it over the still dancing Orla's head, seemingly unaware of the rainfall. Once the song ended, so did the dancing. The two shared a gaze for an indeterminable amount of time, both panting and smiling.

"That was fuckin' cracker, it was!" Niall exclaimed.

"Really!?" Orla asked excitedly.

"Abosofuckinlutely!" he exclaimed more. "Amazin' shit, it was!"

Orla wrapped her arms around Niall for a big hug, which he reciprocated, albeit with one arm as he was still holding the umbrella. They pulled from the hug, still staring at each other intensely. Niall dropped the umbrella, placed his hands on Orla's cheeks, and leaned in for a kiss. She went wide eyed in surprise, but her eyes soon closed as she felt warmth and electricity flow through her.

When they parted lips, Orla's eyes were still closed, Niall's eyes never left hers. He couldn't believe he'd been that bold. He'd only ever kissed one other girl, back when he was 13. Couldn't even remember her name, not that it really mattered now. Orla slowly opened her erred as if she was waking up from a dream.

"Wow," she said almost in a whisper.

"Sorry, if that was a bit bold o' me," he lightly chuckled, grabbing the fallen umbrella.

"Can ye do it again?" she asked with a big smile.

Without answering, he gladly leaned in for another kiss, this time holding the umbrella. They both made satisfied moans. They were taken out of the moment by a loud crack of thunder.

"We better get ye home," he chuckled.

"What about the boombox?" she asked.

"I doubt it's still functionin' after all this rain," he chuckled. "But, I'll get your tape."

The tape appeared to not be dampened, and Orla manages to slip it back into her portable player. They two huddled together as they walked towards the Quinn/McCool households.

Clare was in full on panic mode! The rainfall had only gotten worse, and Orla still wasn't home. She was pacing like mad in the living room, Erin, James, and Michelle still sitting and trying to get the TV work properly. Joe had dozed off in his chair, and Anna was quietly coloring.

"Fucks sake, shite the tights!" Michelle exclaimed. "Calm yer tits already, will ye!?"

"How can ye lot be so calm right now!?" Clare screeched. "It's like pourin' out there like mad, an' Orla still isn't home!"

"I'm sure she's on her way, Clare," Erin shrugged. "Won't be the first time she got caught in the rain."

"Niall's no doubt walking her home like usual," said James. "So at least she's not alone."

"What if she gets sick!?" Clare exclaimed. "Then she can't go to the dance with Niall!"

"Orla rarely gets sick," retorted Erin.

"I swear to Christ, Clare," groaned Michelle. "Shift yer hole to a seat, or I'll do it fer ye!"

Clare let out a mild squeak and finally sat down.

Mary was preparing dinner, while Sarah worked on her nails, and Gerry was reading the newspaper.

"Jesus, but it's comin' down out there, it is," Sarah commented casually. "Orla will no doubt be soaked hi."

"She best not be draggin' all that water and possible mud past the front door," said Mary, still focusing on the stove. "Last thing I need!"

"I hope Niall is with her, I do," said Sarah. "Hopefully he has an umbrella."

"I don't see that doin' much good in this weather," Gerry casually replied, eyes still on his paper.

A moment later, they heard a rapid knocking. Clare was the first to jump up and run towards the front door. She was still gasping when she opened the door and saw Orla and Niall completely soaked.

"Sweet sufferin' Jesus!" Clare shrieked. "Ye two are soaked to the bone!"

The two stepped inside, both shivering.

"Don't ye two move any further!" Mary exclaimed. I won't be havin' water and God knows what else dripped throughout this house!"

The rest of the Girls looked to see the fuss. Michelle chuckled at the site of her brother drenched.

"Fuck-a-doodle-do!" Michelle exclaimed. "Guess that umbrella did shit for ye!"

"Language, Michelle!" Mary exclaimed. "Erin get some towels!"

"Aye, Mammy," Erin nodded and ran upstairs.

"Ye two," Mary pointed to Orla and Niall. "Off with them clothes. Ye'll catch yer deaths."

Mary ran back into the kitchen to quickly check on dinner.

Niall looked a bit reluctant, but he knew there was no arguing with Mary. Orla slid her jacket off with no real qualms, with Niall taking immediate notice that her white school shirt was now see through and clinging to her. It was very difficult for him not to notice that she had a nice figure. Also her bra was white!

Niall turned away and pulled off his hoody and shirt at once. The rest of the Girls was taken aback by not only scarring on his right side, but also his lean but muscular physique. Even Clare had to admit it was impressive. Erin was almost down the stairs when she caught a glimpse of Niall's muscular arms, causing her to drop the towels. Orla was distracted getting her skirt to unhook, when she noticed the shocked expressions.

"What are ye lot starin' at?" she asked before glimpsing over at Niall, who was now in his boxers.

She too was very surprised by the site in front of her. This was her first time really noticing a fella's body. Even with the scarring, he had defined muscles and visible abs. It was another new feeling for Orla. Her mouth dropped open as her skirt fell down, her shirt still clinging to her.

Niall finally noticed everyone was staring at him, at first thinking it was his scarring. He notices Orla mouth the word "Wow" and he began blushing brightly.

"OI! Stop bein' a bunch of fuckin' perverts!" Michelle exclaimed, breaking everyone out of the staring. "What the fuck is up with ye havin' that body!"

"Not a whole lot to do in prison," Niall nervously chuckled.

Mary finally came back to check on Orla and Niall, shocked by the site of them.

"Sweet Jesus!" she exclaimed. "Why are ye two strippin' in front of each other!?"

"Ye told us not to move past the front door, Aunt Mary," Orla shrugged as she nonchalantly continued to unbutton her shirt.

"Don't keep goin'!" Mary shouted.

The Quinn matriarch blushed as she saw Niall in just boxers.

"Fer Christ's sake, Erin, give the man a towel to cover up with!" Mary commanded.

Erin tossed Niall a towel, he wiped himself some then wrapped it around his waist.

"What's all the cackin' about, Mary?" Sarah asked as she walked in to check on everyone.

She too was quite surprised seeing her daughter and the fella she fancied dripping wet and half naked.

"Jesus, but this is quite a site, it is!" she exclaimed. "Nice to see ye were able to stay in shape in prison, Niall."

"Enough!" Mary exclaimed. "Sarah, take Orla to yer house so she can shower and change clothes! Niall, ye can use our shower, an' I'll try to find ye somethin' ye can wear!"

"I seriously doubt any of Gerry's clothes'll fit 'em," Michelle chuckled.

Before heading upstairs, Niall gave Seamus a quick call to explain where he was. The old groundskeeper was understanding as usual.

Sarah gathered Orla's clothes and took her to their house for a shower. Mary showed Niall to the upstairs shower. She found a bathrobe large enough for him to wear after, as well as some sweatpants, while she put his clothes in the dryer. Niall felt a bit uncomfortable having to wear someone else's sweatpants with nothing underneath. But he didn't have a real choice in the matter, he couldn't just sit around in someone else's house in a bathrobe. He'd already provided one free show that evening. The bathrobe itself, which belonged to Mary, was bright pink with flowers on it.

When Niall got back downstairs to the living room, Orla was already there. Her hair hadn't completely dried yet, and she was wearing what appeared to be a fuzzy hot pink zip up onesie. He wasn't exactly surprised by this, in fact he found it absolutely adorable. James was sitting on the live seat, with Erin on his lap, while the others were on the couch. Joe had woken up since, and was told the situation before Niall had come back downstairs so he wouldn't jump on him. Everyone noticed him immediately.

"Fuck-a-doodle-do!" Michelle chuckled. "Aren't ye just cute as a fuckin' button!"

"Fuck off, Michelle," Niall chuckled, sitting next to Orla on the couch.

She immediately rested her head on Niall's shoulder, which he didn't object to.

"Ye smell grand," she smiled.

"Thanks," he chuckled. "Sam to ye."

"Boke-o-fuckin'-rama," groaned Michelle. "Yer almost as bad as those two eejits."

"Ye get pretty lovey dovey 'round Fin, ye do," Erin retorted.

"That's fuckin' different hi!" Michelle exclaimed. "My Fin's a ride, he is!"

"Well, I happen to think my James is a ride," Erin smirked, nuzzling against her fella's neck, making him blush brightly.

"Ach! I'm gonna boke up my lunch!" Michelle feigned sickness.

Anna walked up to Niall and Orla, tugging on the bathrobe.

"Oh, uh, hello there, little one," Niall greeted. "What's yer name?"

"I'm Anna! I'm 4 years o' age!" she exclaimed, smiling and holding up 4 fingers. "Are ye Orla's Champin?"

"That's Champion, Anna," Orla corrected with a smile.

"Ye can just call me Niall," he chuckled.

"Why're ye wearin' Mammy's clothes?" Anna asked.

"Got caught in the rain walkin' Orla home," explained Niall. "Didn't have my own clothes to change into while yer Mammy gets mine dried."

"Did ye get into a fight with a polar bear?" Anna asked, pointing to Niall's face.

"Good God, Anna," Erin groaned.

"She's only 4, Erin," James retorted.

"Not exactly," he chuckled. "Let's just say... when yer Mammy or Daddy tells ye not to play with matches, ye best listen to them hi."

"Ye was playin' wif matches?" Anna asked.

"Far too many," Niall replied with a smirk.

"Does it still hurt?" Anna asked.

Everyone else in the room was actually curious to hear Niall's answer. They knew he was hit with shrapnel, it's why he walked with a slight limp. They also knew he was burnt by the heat of the shrapnel and the fire caused by the explosion. But they hadn't asked if they flared up or anything like that.

"Nah," he shrugged. "Might feel a little itchy from time to time though."

This wasn't exactly true, the scars did still flare up and cause mild irritation for him on occasion. But he figured there was no reason to worry the wee wain.

"I dropped somethin' on my toe the other day," Anna randomly said. "Still hurts."

"Ach! That's the worst!" Orla exclaimed.

"Definitely not somethin' ye want to happen," Niall agreed.

"Dinner's ready hi!" Mary exclaimed from the kitchen. "Shift yerselves in here!"

Dinner was a traditional Irish stew, which some had mixed feelings towards, but for Niall was exciting. Sure, it's what he'd had most nights with Seamus, but nearly anything beat the slop he had in prison. Plus, this stew had a lot more flavor to it then what Seamus made.

"Oi! This is cracking good stew, it is, Mrs. Quinn!" he exclaimed with some still in his mouth.

"That's very kind of ye, Niall," Mary smiled at his compliment.

"Ye're s'posed to kiss up to Sarah, dickhead," scoffed Michelle.

"I'm not kissin' up," retorted Niall. "It's seriously cracker. The stew Seamus makes it's alright, it is. But I don't think he adds much flavor to it. Could be his age.

"He looks like a skinny version of Father Christmas, he does," Orla chimed in with a big smile. "Just missin' a hat."

"How's workin' at the park goin' for ye, son?" Gerry asked.

"Not so bad," Niall shrugged. "Mainly pick up discarded rubbish, tighten any loose nuts on playground equipment."

Michelle let out a chuckle when Niall said nuts.

"Honestly, Michelle," Clare sighed.

"Trim hedges, make sure the plants are properly watered," Niall continued, ignoring his sister's chuckle.

"Aye, it's important to trim, it is," said Michelle. "Can't find nothin' if it's too overgrown."

She then burst into full on laughter, and there was a mixture of groans, eye rolls, and smirks from everyone.

"Jesus, give me strength," Mary rolled her eyes.

Once dinner was done, Mary checked on Niall's clothes to make sure they were fully dry. Niall, meanwhile was washing some of the plates.

"Ye don't have to be doin' that, son," said Mary.

"Least I can do, Mrs. Quinn," Niall shrugged. "Ye let me use yer shower, dried my clothes, an' fed me."

"I was just showin' some common courtesy hi," Mary retorted. "An' no more of that Mrs. Quinn nonsense. Just call me Mary."

"Alright then, Mary," Niall agreed with a smile.

"Go spend more time with Orla and the others," Mary commanded with a smile. "Shouldn't be much longer on the clothes."

Niall sat back on the couch with Orla, who immediately snuggled closer to him. He wasn't familiar with what they were watching on tv, not surprising given his 5 years locked up. But he wasn't really paying attention anyway, he just kept looking at Orla who's eyes were glued to the screen.

At some point, their eyes locked onto each other, and they smiled warmly. Orla couldn't help reach up and plant a kiss on her Champion. Niall was a bit surprised, as their first couple kisses had been initiated by him, but he wasn't complaining.

"What the fuck is this shit!?" Michelle exclaimed.

Orla and Niall broke from their kiss, both sat straight up and were blushing. Everyone else was staring at them in utter shock.

"Stall the ball!" Erin exclaimed. "When did this start happenin'!?"

"It's only our third kiss, it is," Orla admitted shyly.

"Third!?" Clare exclaimed.

"When did the other two occur?" James asked.

"In the park, just b'fore we got here," Orla replied, then hid her face in Niall's bathrobe sleeve.

"Ye cheeky motherfuckers," Michelle smirked. "Never knew ye moved so fast there, Niall."

"I don't!" Niall retorted defensively. "I've only ever kissed one other girl!"

Niall felt really embarrassed admitting that just now, turning more red than before. More looks were shot his way. Orla had sat back up to look at him.

"Seriously?" Michelle chuckled.

"Really?" Orla asked. "Who was she?"

"Fuck-a-doodle-do! I think Orla's jealous!" Michelle chuckled some more.

"I don't recall her name," Niall admitted. "I was 13 an' it was some random party."

"Sounds like a Michelle moment," said James.

"Fuck off, Dicko!" Michelle retorted, even though she knew he was right.

"So... are ye two... goin' steady now hi?" Clare asked nervously.

"We hadn't exactly had a chance to discuss that," Niall replied.

"I figur'd we'd been goin' steady since Saturday, I had," Orla shrugged.

"What gave ye that impression?" Erin asked.

"When I asked him to the dance an' he accepted," Orla answered matter of factly.

"Askin' someone to a dance doesn't make ye boyfriend n' girlfriend, Orla!" Erin exclaimed.

"Oh, I see," Orla replied, sounding disappointed.

The quirky Derry Girl immediately smiled and looked back at Niall.

"So, how 'bout it then hi?" she suddenly asked.

"How 'bout what?" Niall asked, not really understanding.

"Ye wanna be my boyfriend?" Orla asked as if it were obvious.

"Oh my god," Clare squeaked.

"Fuck me," said Michelle.

"Jesus, Orla," Erin face palmed.

"Bloody hell," James chuckled.

"Ye serious right now?" Niall asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Aye! Sounds cracker, it does!" Orla exclaimed, her smile growing.

"Doesn't it seem a bit fast to ye?" Niall asked.

"Why?" Orla asked. "I fancy ye n' ye fancy me. Ain't that what people who fancy each other do?"

"S'pose it is," Niall admitted. "I wouldn't really know. Never had a girlfriend b'fore."

"I never had a boyfriend b'fore," Orla shrugged. "So, ye wanna be my boyfriend, Niall Mallon?"

So much flashed in Niall's head. It hadn't even been a full week since he left prison, but so many good things were happening to him. He was still nervous, like he didn't deserve this happiness, and it was all gonna backfire somehow.

These worries melted away when his Golden Princess grabbed his right hand, their eyes locked on each other. She had that affect on him from the very start. He said to his Ma that he wouldn't let his past define him, an' Orla said she'd fight anyone that tried to hurt anyone she cared for.

"It would be absolutely cracker to be yer boyfriend, Orla McCool," Niall finally answered.

Orla immediately wrapped her arms around Niall's neck and planted a series of kisses on him. The others let out a series of aw's and happy sighs.

"Boke-o-rama," Michelle groaned, but then immediately smirked.