~Above and below are some more ideas of how I had imagined Darrick and what he'd look like? Not sure, what do you think?? You choose ~

Also guys~ we just hit 40k! Thx you so much!





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Twenty-Three: Sweet Dreams

With the setting sun came exuberant colours of fire that spread across the sky, oranges and pinks reflecting against the clouds and onto the lake. It was the only reminiscence of the day as the cry of the gathering darkness and day began to turn to night, darkness only cut with the speckles of starlight. The shadows about the campsite were now twice as long as themselves, the air was warm and yet a soft cool breeze blew among them, smelling faintly of campfire smoke. As the sun dipped lower behind the horizon, disappearing from the sky until the trees that lines the length of the forest became like black silhouettes, their shadows dispersing until they melted into the blackness of velvet night.

As they yelled, laughed and danced to music. It was pure freedom and happiness in that moment, they were being teenagers, no parents to tell them what they could and couldn't do. They could run and scream, dance until their hearts gave out and drink. They were on top of the world. Smiling and drinking, talking about their futures whilst sat around a fire with hearts full of hopes and dreams. It was a flood of endorphins surging around them, sweeping them away to enjoy the moment with each other. Even Ava and Katy were intoxicated on both alcohol and the happiness that surged about them

Everyone around her seemed to have had more then their share of alcohol. Jace especially as his hands gripped the bottle loosely, eyes swiveling around the campsite where only a few were left sat upon the ground with Tess beside him. Only Jace, herself, Darrick and Ava were still sat about the fire. All tipsy, while Cole and Katy had gone to collect more firewood with Austin having decided he wanted to tag along. She tilted her head towards Jace every now and then as he took long swigs of the dark substance that affected him. She sigh as everyone's walls began to come apart and the fun house began, everyone seeming to change personality in a blink of an eye. Tess had only a few sips of her drinks, not enjoying the flavour and instead sipped on the bottle in her hand, soon loosing it in the long grass and instead remained seated with a blanket around her shoulders on Jace's sleeping bag by the fire, while watching everyone else around her with a small smile.

"You know what! I'm so glad we became friends" Jace leant down in the grass to lay beside her on the sleeping bag, his breath having the underlying smell of alcohol that entered her nostrils, she wasn't surprised he smelled with the amount of alcohol that he had poured down his throat. He cleared his throat as raises a hand to rest his head on, hair falling into his glazed eyes as he looked to her with rosy cheek. Only to fall back down on the grass in an unbalanced attempt to stay sat up, letting out a small groan as he lay on his back in the cool grass

Slowly she stands and moves towards the end of the sleeping bag, smiling but still a little concerned she moved across the sleeping bag she had been sat upon, gripping on to the blanket she had wrapped around herself "I'm glad we are too, Jace" she laughed softly, having a smile on his own face as she spoke.

"Yay~!" He lets out a belated breath and she couldn't help but laugh as he stayed collapsed into the grass, breathing heavily through his nose as if trying to hold down the contaminants in his gut.

"You okay?" She moved closer, keeping her blanket around herself as she came to stand beside his large head, seeing his eyes ever so slightly crack open to look to her beside him and then close again. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallows hard, then gently wetting his dry lips with his tongue

"Mhm~" he grumbles lowly, sinking into the grass and making out as if he was perfectly fine when he in fact wasn't, falling into a heavy drunken silence as if he'd dropped out of reality and into sleep. She couldn't help the snort of amusement and moved away in case of the Giant suddenly spewing, knowing he would or at least have a hangover the next morning

Sitting back down she looked toward the fire and a frown came to her face, she'd been trying to ignore it all after noon. Trying to focus on anything but that, it made her stomach knot and heart ache.

Ava and Darrick, sat beside each other. Ava was smiling toward Darrick where she sat beside him by the fire, giving a stupid giggle again at something he says. Tess had to hold her breath behind pursed lips to steel herself against the laughter. She knew what had happened, Darrick just told a lame joke and now their bonding over it with toasted marshmallows. Avas face was lit up brighter then a toothpaste commercial and she had that soft look on her face, watching every word, every movement that Darrick made. She knew that face, probably the same one she made when she looked at Darrick. It made her wanna hurl with the pain she felt in her stomach and heart. Darrick sent Ava a small smile, listening to her speak while he gazed into the fire watching the hot embers.

Tess couldn't help but stare also, using the flames as a distraction and acted as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. Trying to avoid catching Darricks eyes between the flames. She thought they were going good, they had been getting along Tess and Darrick. She thought on this trip something would happen between them but her hopes were now being crushed beneath the heel of Ava's shoe.

Ignoring Jace groan as he had passed out where he lay in the grass by the sleeping bag that he had set up by the fire, his bottle of beer having fallen out of his hand and tipped into the grass. The light cast by the flames danced across the dark trunks of the trees that surrounded them, twisting and curling in obscure shapes and providing a small radius of light. The fire itself was pulsating, the glowing embers seemed to move in rhythm with the flames, matching every dip and sweep. It was mesmerizing to watch, colours of orange and red gave way to yellow and white near the centre, flickers of blue sometimes licking at the wood where the emanating heat was the greatest.

Sighing, she wrapped her small blanket around her shoulders more finding herself beginning to stand and manoeuvre her way away from Jace since she couldn't help him and headed toward her tent. There was no reason for herself to stay, darrick and Ava were busy, the others were drunk and probably lost in the woods. The tent wasn't that far from the campfire, but it was a bit of a walk.. she didn't mind so she decided to walk without the help of anyone, not wanting to interrupt she started her journey, enjoying the darkness and cool air against her cheeks. She needed the space to think and regain composure, trying to ignore darrick and Ava who were both a little tipsy sitting beside each other like a loved up couple.

Bed sounded nice, her mattress and blankets. To be warm and cozy, it being rather cold the further she moved away from the fire. Hugging herself, she pushed back her hair off her cheeks and kept her eyes down as she hurried along, glancing up every now and then to check for any wandering drunk giants. She was close to the tent, could see it against the glow of the fire. All she had to do was climb in and then she'd be able to get into bed.

Hearing a crunch she hesitated as she walked, the sound similar to a twig snapping beneath a shoe And she turned her head ever so slightly up to see what the sound had come from. She didnt even have time to scream as she suddenly fell back as she came crashing face first into something hard that had come down before her. Her heart fell into her stomach as she fell to the dirt, scrambling quickly back away from whatever had came to block her path.. her eyes widened when she sees a large shoe, sat in front of her to rest like a giant wall, blocking her path. She fell over again, stumbling on the blanket around her feet and collapsing to the ground with a groan.

"Shit~ sorry sorry. I didn't mean to startle you~ do you need a hand?" She looked up through the darkness, squinting as her eyes tried til they adjusted. His eyes were like the stars in the sky, sparkling in their rich darkness. His hair was messy like usual and brows pulled together with concern. Her eyes widened as she saw Darrick standing over her. His features illuminated by the orange flames, his eyes looking down on her looking worried, brow furrowed and mouth lightly resting open "you shouldn't be walking around in the dark like that" he spoke softly, a light smile on his face as he looked at her and began to crouch, making his long pants slightly bunch around his crotch.

"No~ I'm perfectly fine walking alone" she couldn't help but hear the snap in her tone. She felt her heart hammer, eyes turning away slightly in embarrassment but also anger, her eyes moving back to look at the fire pit to look to Ava. She was rather surprised to see that she wasn't seated by herself, instead Cole was now curled up beside her with one arm around her hip and was whispering sweet nothings into her ear, having simply replaced Darricks spot.

"I know hey I'm sorry. I just wanted~ would you wanna come into my tent? Uh~ Instead of being alone" he said with somewhat confidence and a hint of embarrassment in his voice while he motioned toward the girls tent that was currently dark and empty, where she wanted to be. Alone, to not able to see Darrick right now. But deep down she wanted to go with him, craved to be held and be close to him. Turning her eyes back up, she could see Darricks cheeks had turned a light shade of pink going against his facade, she could see it even against the shadows that cast across his strong face from the fire.

Her face turned red itself, holding the blanket closer to her body she felt herself feel nervous under his eyes "What about Ava?" She motioned her head back to the camp fire , making Darrick look up and chuckle awkwardly, shaking his head and rubbing at the back of his neck.

"Shes a bit busy right now" he waves the idea away, crouching down closer he brings his hand down to rest on the ground before her. She hesitated looking at the open hand in front of her, her heart ached a little still able to see the picture of Ava and Darrick replaying in her head. Looking back toward Cole and Ava, she suddenly gasped seeing the two were practically eating each other's faces off, clambering on top of each other like wild animals. The two laughing as if they wrestled for each other's attention, Cole pulling Ava onto him to straddle his lap. She felt her face turn red and have to look away feeling as if she was invading their privacy.

It made her heart thrum, had he left Ava for her? Little ol her.

She gave a small sigh and looks to his hand, so large and radiating warmth. His fingers were so long, she was probably just shorter then a few if she were to size herself up beside them. Her brows furrowed as she contemplated going into his tent, what would they do.. what was his intentions? Was he going to try anything or did he simply want her company. she swallowed tightly and decided to take the chance, she gives a final nod, yes.. clambering up into his palm with her blanket still wrapped around her body, looking like a caterpillar in its cocoon while sitting and making herself comfortable.

Jace was long gone, still asleep in the dirt outside resting peacefully it seemed from what she could tell while the other two did their thing across from him. Cole was busy with Ava and who knew where Austin was and what Katy was upto. Darrick lifted her up off the ground, so easily bringing her close to his chest while he climbed into his lone tent. She could tell he was still a little tipsy with how he shuffled inside, seeming to take extra time to sit and make sure she was safe. It was dark inside the tent, only the sound of the distant symphony of insects buzzing in the background. Darrick moved to sit down in his make shift bed which was a sleeping bag rolled out on the ground. Carefully crossing his legs, he made sure he was comfortable before setting Tess down beside him.

While looking around the tent, she noticed it was empty of any other life, no Austin in sight. Austin's sleeping bag being sat across from Darricks and had candy wrappers on it which she could tell came from the bag of candy that sat between the two bed along with more beer. The tent smelt strong of deodorant as if someone had gone crazy with the can, along with a hint of bug repellent and beer. There was two bags on the ground, one blue and was spewing clothes and shoes while the other was black and was neatly zipped and clean. Only a single black hoodie sitting on top.

She could only guess who's bag was who's.

"Comfy?" He asked softly, looking down on her and giving a small smile. Looking up finally, she swallowed and gave a nod in return, holding her blanket tighter feeling her heart thrumming in her ears, her eyes turned down to the large sleeping bag she was sat upon, it rustling with every movement they made. She didn't know why she was here, what he wanted and why she agreed. She was beginning to regret this, he was a drunk boy and they were alone.. she began to feel uneasy. Even more considering his size, so big, so tall.. she couldn't escape if something were to happen.

"Good good.." he nodded, pursing his lips and looking around at the tent they were in. They fell into a silence, neither knowing what to say. It Made her even more uneasy. She noticed Darrick twisting the rings on his fingers as he looked into his lap, looking to her every now and then and catching her eyes before quickly looking away

"So~" she started and turned her eyes up toward him "do you like Ava?" Tess says, looking up to Darrick with a curious look in her eyes.

"What. oh no no" He scoffed and shakes his head quickly, his eyes wide as he looked to her "she's nice and all but definitely not" he swallows tightly and gives a chuckle, looking to her with raised brows "if I liked her I would be out there with her right now and not in here with you"

"Oh~ okay" her jaw clenched under his gaze, nodding her head slowly she lets her eyes close a little feeling her body crave sleep. So he didn't like Ava.. good. Her heart began to beat slowly, a sudden wash of relief coming over her body and now replaced with a blush. She wanted to smile but didn't, having to hold back the need to practically jump for joy

"Aren't you gonna ask if I like someone else?"

Looking to him quickly, eyes opening she purses her lips feeling her face turn redder feeling stupid as he looked down on her, as if mocking her "oh~okay~ do you like someone else?" She said quickly, huddling close to herself and finding herself begin to frown not really wanting to know the answer anymore.

"Yeah I think I do actually.. and it's not Ava" his voice was low and warm, a little slurred at times but he was considerably sober. If he wasn't sober he was a pretty good actor.

"Who is she?" Her heart sank hearing that, wanting to completely sink in on herself, let the world swallow her up whole and never spit her back out.

"You'd maybe know her.." she could feel his eyes on her as he spoke but chose to not look up, feeling her body warm and heart beat harder, she could see him as he smirked and leant into the wall of the tent before he continued "well shes blonde and she's really sweet.. I just always wanna hold her and keep her safe. " she swallowed and looked to him slowly, seeing his eyes were still on her. She had a strange feeling come over her and she felt like getting up and running , but couldn't instead feeling herself become heavy.

"Does she have a name?" Tess asked and her brow raised a little as a smile cracked across his face and his let his head lean back, his hair falling about his forehead as he lets out a chuckle.

"Oh of course she does. It's a matter of whether I can trust you with my secret?" He hummed deeply and raised his head to look back at her, their eyes meeting and making her feel like she was about to burst with his intense gaze.

"You can trust me~" she spoke soft, unable to break eye contact with the large boy that looked over her so carefully, his eyes grazing every inch of her body. She jumped when she felt something warm lightly brush against her cheek, her eyes turning to see Darricks large finger brushing her cheek. He pulled away slightly, his hand beginning to retreat back to his lap. Her heart was hammering and she swallowed a few times feeling her mouth go dry, she felt like cowering into a ball and hiding but also curling into his lap and staying there all night . Grab his finger and hold it against her, to keep and hold.

His smile that brow across his face was large and he also refused to break eye contact, her eyes finally turning down as he lightly bit at the corner of his lip. It made her insides melt and her heart stammered, "hmm~ your gonna have to do better then that~ persuade me" he smirked and began to lean down closer til he lay on his stomach before her, his legs too long and came off the end of the sleeping bag. His face was so close to her, she could feel his warm breath graze her cold skin and his hazel eyes looked down upon her, waiting. His head rested on top of his hand, chin cupped in his palm while his fingers lightly playing against his cheek

Her brows raised toward the large boy and she tilted her head, her heart was still hammering and she felt like collapsing but she also felt a burst of energy. Face with a challenge made her body warm and her interest peak, "persuade you?" She smiles up at him finally, finding herself intrigued seeing him nod and give a cheeky smile in return

"Uh huh~ I cant be just telling me secrets to just anybody. No one knows, not even the boys" he swallows as he looked to her, giving a nod as if to hurry her along

"Fine" she smirked and let down her walls as she slowly pushed back the blanket from her shoulders to let fall behind her. Climbing to her feet she moved to walk closer to Darricks face, she shivered never being so close to the large boy before. his gave was gorgeous, his eyes were so beautiful and she was enjoying this playful side she'd never seen before. She was beginning to understand how Austin and all the boys we're friends. They had their similarities and differences that made them a good group, cocky but good.

"I'm very good at keeping secrets you know, I would never tell a soul. I've got plenty of secrets bellow my belt which I'll hold with me til the day I die. My lips are sealed" she smiled as she looked up to him, tilting his head be purses his lips

"Not convinced" he smirks and turns his head away from her a little, making her groan. she wanted to grab him there and kiss him, her heart was hammering and her face was warm and flustered. She could tell that he was beginning to become sleepy; his head ever so slightly lolling to the side and the muscles of his face relax, as if releasing the tension of his day.

"Come on, I thought that was pretty convincing" she huffed and crosses her arms, making him look to her and his features instantly softened, moving his hand from beneath his chin he moved it closer so that he could lightly run his finger down her back. It made her tense, feeling the warmth spread from beneath his finger to spread across her entire body. She was surprised at herself as she raised her own hand and let it rest on his finger, their eyes meeting as he rubbed her back. She didn't know why, why she still couldn't believe he meant her. How he ran his finger down her back, the way he was looking at her. No he was being nice, he had to like someone else. It couldn't be HER

"Almost but not quite~" he smiled and pulled his finger away, resting his head down further to let it lay on the sleeping bag "how bout I'll give you to the end of this trip, then I'll decide whether I want to tell you or not" he smirked at her obvious frustration, but she nodded slowly in agreement.

"I'll get it out of you"

"I'm sure you will, Tess" he smiled and let his eyes close a little, giving her a view of his long lashes. Letting out a low yawn, she noticed as his nose scrunched as his mouth opened. She had to hold back from needing to yawn, even though her entire body craved the sleep that it needed

"I think it's time for you to go to bed" Tess smiled at the large boy who lay so sleepy before her, his eyes cracking open to look to her and give a smile in return. His eyelids drooped, drunk with fatigue after a few bottles of beer and a day of driving and setting up camp. Even his feet barely skimmed the sleeping bag and altogether his limbs bore the appearance of being too heavy for him, like he was personally struggling against far more gravity than herself.

"Mhm.." he murmurs closed his eyes again, making her smile as she got the chance to admire the softness of his features, "ill take you back to your tent.." he murmured beneath his breath but didn't make an effort to move, instead seeming to sink deeper into his sleeping bag as if weighing a ton of bricks. She rolled her eyes at the sight before her and moved to lightly pat his large cheek, her fingers tingling against the warm skin beneath her palm. His skin was so soft, smooth yet she could still feel a light stubble. Her eyes turning up, she looked at his scar, so harsh against his soft face, so calm within his sleepy state.

"Don't worry.. just sleep" she hums and smiles seeing the large boy so tired, keeping his cheek pressed into the sleeping bag with his legs hanging over the side and shoes still on. He looked so peaceful, so calm and delicate even with his size. She didn't want to be a pest and stay for him to wake and find her but couldn't help but want to stay so she could sit and watch. Moving over to collect her blanket, she wrapped it up around her shoulders again to keep warm, moving til she came to sit on the sleeping bag again but a bit further away from Darrick to keep her distance. Feeling strange being so close to such a large sleeping being, but also comforted knowing she was protected.

She kept replaying it again and again in her head, his finger lightly brushing her cheek. The remanence of his touch on her spine, sending shivers across her skin and goosebumps to tickle the back of her neck. Huddling close to herself, she couldn't hold back her Cheshire grin that grew into her lips until her cheeks hurt. She felt like screaming, her heart was warm and she could feel it spread throughout her body. Covering her head with her blanket to hide, she had to bite into her palm to keep herself from giggling. She couldn't believe it, what just happened!

A/N: I hope this was good I kinda just pushed it out cause I felt like i hadn't updated in a while! Ahh hope it's up to your liking and I hope you liked the flufff xo

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