Seventeen: An Idea

The rest of the night Tess was thrown a cheeky comments here and there by Austin, he going quiet as if in thought before filling her head with words that focused on the topic of Darrick as he remembered something as If it were important. He was crazy about the idea, acting as if he'd die if it didn't happen. No matter what she could say or do, he didn't let up. She could've fallen asleep and woken to him still talking.

"He's smart, he's sporty, he's creative oh and he owns a motor bike too. That's cool huh! What a baddie" he snickered down at her "he's actually funny you just gotta wait til he's not being so quiet"

He giggled and spoke more and more about how amazing darrick was like girls would at a sleep over, his chin propped up by his hands and legs kicking back and forth behind him where he lay on his stomach before Tess. He'd bite the edge of a smile when ever an idea sprung forth, a funny idea in his head, a memory of Darrick, a vain attempt to keep his creeping grin at bay. The intention behind his perking lips wasn't something that could easily be identified as mischief or genuine happiness when speaking of his friend so fondly. He seemed to be close with Darrick.

While he seemed completely obliged to continue, Tess on the other had felt practically trapped, she couldn't climb down the bed if she tried, being tiny and all and he wouldn't of let her even if she tried. She would've gladly jumped if she could have a moments peace. Laid upon the giants boy pillow, that smelled of shampoo and cologne, she had her hands smothered into her face from a mix of embarrassment and boredom.

"I get it Aust~"

"OH! And he's tall! I mean.. everyone is taller than you, Shorty. But you know what I mean" he scoffed glanced over at the little human bellow, the corners of his lips fighting a smile, his eyebrows slightly raised.

She had to look away before that mischievous look of his spread. She could've sworn that he was a magnet to mischief, the workings of his brain always moving looking for what to say next to add to his brilliant plan. She couldn't help but to peer over wearily at the giant boy who she could feel leaning over her, on purpose maybe, but he was looming his large head like a billboard looking for her eyes to catch with his own large green ones. He was so large and close she could feel his breath brush past slightly parted lips, a soft pink while his white teeth peeked out from within his large mouth. His dark chocolate curls hung from his forehead and if she tried she could've reached up and patted the soft locks. Distracted for a second, she looked to meet his gaze and In a few seconds she saw that pirate grin of his and she knew he means to go ahead with his plan and there was no stopping him at this point

"Shut up.." she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms yet had to hold back her own smile that wanted to reflect on the larger head that hovered over her.

~~~

Tess was beyond annoyed by the time dinner came along, seated at her small table with her mother atop of a giant table that was minuscule compared Brian and Austin. She stabbed at her food, not a word uttered from her mouth to either giant or her mother at first. Avoiding eye contact completely with the beaming brunette above. She could feel his eyes on her, could feel his eagerness radiating from his soul like daggers on her shoulder. Why he was so focused on setting her and Darrick up was beyond her, she still hadn't spoken a word to the huge boy and he didn't seem to want to anyways.

"So how was your first day of school, Tess?" Brian spoke after he swallowed his food of chicken and a selection of vegetables she knew and didn't. She thought of the fruit Cole shared with her that day and she smiled to herself finally, looking to Brian and nodding slowly

"It was okay" she spoke kindly like every other time she spoke to any adult, well mannered with a smile. While Brian gave a smile in return she couldn't help but notice Austin's tension above, his shoulders stiffening and he audibly cleared his throat. She knew immediately why and she felt empowered almost in that moment. She kept the smile upon her face., quickly realising she could get Austin in so much trouble, he'd surely be grounded or yelled at by his father.

Turning her gaze ever so slightly to Austin, mischief lurking in her lips and eyes with the intent of revenge. It was there to see, as plainly as the falling leaves in the park back home that would pile up in the gutters "the bus was a bit late though" she turned her gaze back to Brian, who's brows furrowed for a second before looking to Austin who was looking to her out the corner of his eye watching what she'd say next. She wanted to, wanted to spill everything that happened.

He forgot me! He left me! Austin is terrible at looking out for me! But she didn't, she didn't only because she had plans for Austin later.

"I'll give the school a call about that, but at least you got home safe. Hopefully they'll have Human seating for you soon" Brian smiled, his eyes so full of warmth and kindness, so gentle when he spoke to her and Austin "Austin isn't gonna always be around to drive you cause of Backnott practice, so it'll be good to learn to catch the bus if you get stuck" his eyes squinted when he smiled, the corners wrinkling as he looked to her then her mother who seemed to be admiring her large boyfriend "he'll drive you tomorrow, won't you Austin"

Austin didn't seem impressed by the idea, his eyes turned away slowly looking down to his food instead of anyone seated at the table. He pushed at some purple vegetable on his plate with the end of his fork, his fingers holding loosely to the knife in his other hand.. "about that~"

"It wasn't a question Austin, you'll be driving Tess to school. You'll have to tell your friends you can't pick them up, you have priorities now" Brian went from a soft old bear to a hearty lion, his eyes were ever so slightly narrowed and his grip tightened on his cutlery as he cocked his head to Austin. He never yelled, didn't raise his voice but the tone sent shivers down her spine

"But~"

"No buts, Austin" Brian spoke again, yet there was no fire behind his words. He seemed to absorb what was happening before him and then responded to Austin, stopping any reason of a possible argument before there was the chance to add any flames. She was rather surprised as this wasn't how her and her mother would act, if they started fighting the fire would burst into a hot wild fire. Shouting and words growing from nowhere into a tornado in seconds. She was so use to bickering she had become accustomed to it. It was nice to see a son listen to his father, it surprised Tess to see Austin act so.. civil.

She even noticed her mothers confusion written on her face, seeming also having expected a fight from the two giants.. but her confusion quickly turned to admiration and she grinned up at Brian like he was an angel. Tess rolled her eyes, her mother always seeming to be able to pick at her the wrong way and annoy her. Why she couldn't tell you why but just seeing the look of love on her face was.. irritating in a way.

Austin didn't fight or argue, giving a grunt then silent nod in a nonchalant agreement. As if knowing not to fight back. Dinner continued with a lot of small talk, her mother and Brian spoke of their days while Austin and Tess listened, Austin quiet for a long time before finally butting to express his own input.

~~~

Dinner finished and Tess was carried back upstairs by Austin in his warm palm, Austin being much more quiet after dinner compared to before. He walked upstairs without a word, onto his footsteps making a sound on the wooden floors. Moving into 'their' room he sets her down on his desk. She was finally allowed to step foot on the porch of her home, Austin setting her down by her little house upon his desk while he moved over to his wardrobe to change, already slipping out of his shirt and bundling it into a ball to throw onto the ground for someone else to pick up.

She felt warmth spread across her cheeks almost immediately, having to draw her attention away from the soft tan skin of Austin's bare back and moved to her front door. She couldn't have the same incident happen on the same day, especially not with Austin. It seemed to slip her mind that they'd probably be step siblings soon, that she couldn't look at him in that way. As hot, it was wrong on so many levels and she had to force herself not to blush madly at him whenever he looked at her.

She didn't mind not looking though cause bed sounded absolutely blissful in that moment, never seeming to catching a break. Her body ached for the softness, the quiet, for some rest. Her thoughts were already becoming slow, wanting to drift into a deep sleep like a beautiful carousel. Reaching for her door, she meant to step inside only to be interrupted.

"Thanks for not saying anything to dad, I appreciate it" Austin spoke, his voice low, having a quietness that whispers the truth. He was sat upon his bed, hands clutched together between his knees as he looked to her with a look that had a certain sense of warmth, he was thankful. She hadn't seen it before but she knew it to be true, she smiled in return and gave a short nod which in return she received a shy smile.

"It's okay" she spoke softly, smiling before turning to head into her home without another word as she moved to her bedroom.

Showering and changing into her Pyjamas, taking out her contacts before clambering into her bed feeling her eyes already begun to close. She pressed her cheek to the cool pillows, feeling her head sink into the softness. The comforter was silky and soft like a cloud. She sunk into the mattress, relieved to finally have the chance to rest in a normal bed, wrapping herself in a normal blanket like a caterpillar in a cocoon. The warmth of her bed and the darkness enveloped her so easily she was quick to fall deep into sleep.

~~~

"Come on rise and shine"

"Get up, Shorty.."

"Ill get Jace up here"

...

"Is this gonna be a daily thing?"

...

"Get up!"

In one click her eyes snapped open, her brain taking a second longer to register what was happening around her and her body taking even longer to wake up. In her drowsy state she pushed back the comforter, wriggling slowly from her cocoon to get unwillingly up. The sun was bright and filtered into her room like honey, her eyes taking a second to adjust to the colours that filled her room from being so suddenly awoken. Grabbing at her glasses that sat on her bedside table she brought them onto her nose to look around her sweet room that had been made for her. She listened for a second, to the outside world, her body unable to move just yet from where she sat back on the side of her bed in an oversized shirt and messy bun.

She could hear movement before she saw it, slow, heavy feet creaking the floor boards. Slowly her eyes drifted up to raise and look to see Austin, his brown locks haloed about his head and green eyes peering down at her from where her rooftop use to sit

"Hurry Shorty, Jace is already downstairs and we gotta get Cole and Darrick along the way" he smirked, as clear as day even in her tired state she could tell he smirked at the mention of Darricks name. She grunted at the nickname and nodded loosely, her head lolling a little and eyes wanting to force themselves back closed. He chuckled lowly, deep from his belly before disappearing behind the roof as it's placed back on. She didn't move for a second, instead listening as he moves away, falling down onto his bed far away, making the springs groan beneath him as he waited for her to get ready

Letting out a groan, she finally gets up to wander to the bathroom. Her under eyes were dark and hair a mess, needing to grab a comb to rip into the nest on her head then fixed back into a neater bun. She washed her face and fixed herself with some light makeup and her contacts, blinking a few times before heading back into her room to change. She chose a simple outfit for the day of denim shorts and black top with white sneakers. She wasn't out to impress anyone, even though Austin had other ideas for her

She grabbed her school things, shoving them into her backpack and moved out of her house as if she weighed a ton of bricks, wincing a little prepared to close her eyes if needed in case Austin was butt naked again. Fortunately he was dressed and sat up from his position on his bed, standing to move over slowly and crouch down before her to give her a look over, his brow raising down at her before he gave a small nod

"nice outfit" he smiled which she found herself wincing at, so large and bright that it hurt her head. She didn't pay attention as he brought his large hand up to rest before her on the desk, allowing her to step out onto his elongated fingers and move to take a seat in the centre of his palm.

She eyed him, cautious as she sat and gave her head a shake "thanks?~" she said slowly, wearily tugging at the edge of her shorts to pull down a little over her legs. His skin was warm beneath her bare skin, could feel it sinking into her tired bones through her legs, the expanse of skin was thick and slightly calloused by his fingers. Much tougher and strong compared to Katy's hands which we're so small and delicate.

He just smiled and lifted her up, moving out of his room and heading downstairs to the kitchen. She soon noticed Jace sitting at the table having made himself toast and poured a large cup of juice. Lounged back in the chair, he looked half asleep until Austin appeared. The boy quickly jolting up to stand, looking down to Tess with a greeting smile and wave

"Morning! How'd you sleep?" Jace spoke loud; too loud for the morning and Tess groaned and held at her head wanting to topple over back into bed. She'd never be a morning person, never could just be awake so suddenly.

"Too early Jace, shhh" she hissed, looking up to the boy who quickly pursed his lips with wide eyes and slumped on himself raising his hand to his lips to cover, a look of guilt coming across his features

"Sorry~" he whispers now, which was better but still was louder than the usual human whisper. She sighed, raising her hand to rub at her eyes which were slightly irritated from the contacts in them.

"Better.." she murmured, using her backpack as a sort of pillow she hugged it to herself for comfort, her head coming down to rest lightly on top.

Austin rolled his eyes at the two and moved carefully around the room with Tess in hand, grabbing his keys and a piece of toast for him to eat on the go. "Come on, Shorty. Gonna have to wake up before we get to school"

She groaned quietly and shakes her head, not wanting to wake up. It was too early, too early to be up. Too early to be so loud and so energetic. But she forced her eyes open, tired and still a bit puffy but she kept them open, forced them especially when she was poked and gently shaken by the giant that held her. He wasn't just about to let her sleep, it didn't come that easy

The car wasn't much different to when they had driven to the shops, it was large and smelled of boys. It was still dirty, maybe even dirtier from what she could tell. Austin drove and Jace sat in the front, Tess sat upon Jace's lap, on their way to Coles house and from what she knew Darrick was there too. The thought of Darrick made her blush and she looked to Austin amidst her thoughts and gave a little glare.

Jace didn't seem to shut up, which she already knew but he seemed excited to be driving to school together. He talked so much she thought her head was about to blow off. Austin didn't seem to be in the mood because he didn't reply to Jace much either, pretty much leaving Jace to talk to himself until they arrived to Cole's house. Cole and Darrick climbing in and it then becoming a two man conversation with only Cole and Jace speaking to each other, loudly.

Darrick was in the back with Cole and was quiet as per usual, his eyes peering out to the outside world through the window to watch the world go by as Austin drives. Now that's he knew more about Darrick, she suddenly became more interested in him then before. Why he was so quiet, she knew now because he was shy around girls sometimes from what Austin said. He didn't seem like the type to be shy around girls, he was handsome and large, he could've been a bully with the typical bad boy look he had going. But he was the complete opposite, shy and conservative. She wanted to linger on his face, see him from different points of view and figure him out without the multiple explanations from Austin. Making a fool of herself really wasn't high on her priority list by being caught staring at the black haired boy. But every time she thought of him she found her eyes wandering into the back of the car, watching Darrick with curiosity

He wore a black beanie again upon his head, hiding his messy black hair and covering the red scar that she'd seen earlier on his forehead. Along with a long sleeve black band shirt with a jacket over the top. he paired this with black skinny jeans and checkered slide on vans on his feet. She couldn't see the tattoo this time, finding herself to be still curious wanting to know what it was but didn't ponder for too long on the thought until she felt a nudge to her side, her gaze snapping up to see Jace looking down at her with a cheeky grin and his finger which had just poked her side

"What" she whispers, turning her gaze away only to hear him begin to chuckle, making her cheeks well up into a deep red like tomatoes and her stomach begins to knot.

He smirks "you should talk to him" Jace says, turning his head ever so slightly to look to Darrick who was caught up at looking outside still. Her heart hammered and her face was red, she shook her head looking up at Jace and scowled in his direction, shut up she wanted to say. Austin was enough now Jace was in on the gig too. She really couldn't catch a break.

"Why?" He whispers, his fingers coming around her body to bring her up holding her close to his lips as they spoke. Cole was talking to Darrick now in the back about Backnott, but Darrick wasn't really listening just grunting in reply. She even noticed a small smile from Darrick as he spoke to the blonde, gently pushing at Coles knee with amusement.

She looked to Darrick then back to Jace and gave him another look, shaking her head causing her hair to fall out of its bun "because I don't know him" she said softly, making Jace squint trying to hear her.

"Well~ that's why you gotta talk, to get to know each other" he spoke soft, his lips close to her ear and sending shivers down her spine. His breath was soft on her cheeks and smelt of coffee a little. He suddenly began to move her, not knowing where she was going she gasped and clutched onto her bag only to be placed upon his shoulder, hiding her from Austin and Darrick behind his giant neck. Stepping off she leant into the side of his warm neck for support, the car bouncing a little trying to knock her off her feet

Her eyes widened quickly realising she could see, she could finally see out the windows that had been so high before. They were moving so fast, down simple streets with houses either side of them. It was rather beautiful, trees were large coated in colours of green and pinks. People, giants, were everywhere. Walking or running, driving or riding bikes. It was like back home but everything ten times bigger. A smile appeared on her face as she admires the view before her, she could get use to sitting up here so high.

"I-I don't know.. just be quiet for now, I don't want him to hear" she spoke into his ear now being so close to him, feeling the blush burn down into her toes as she thought about speaking to the other giant, he was scary and so large. He made her anxious in a lot of ways, she wanted to hide not open up and try talking. Yet even being scary, he seemed troubled like a sad pup. Could she help him? First she needed to speak to him but how?

Before she could think they arrived to school

Hope you enjoyed! As promised an update that came quicker and it's longer too so you don't get bored if I disappear!

Would love to see your comments! I love reading your thoughts and opinions!