Austin sat stiffly, his fork idly pushing a piece of scrambled egg around his plate. He couldn't bring himself to eat, his jaw tight as his thoughts churned. Across from him, Jace looked equally out of sorts, his usually vibrant energy replaced with a dull, distracted demeanor. His shoulders slumped as he half-heartedly nibbled on a piece of toast.

"Not hungry?" Jace asked, breaking the silence, though his voice lacked its usual teasing tone.

Austin shook his head, not looking up. "Can't eat," he muttered. His eyes flickered briefly to Darrick, who sat beside him, then darted away. "Still thinking about yesterday."

At the mention of the previous day, Darrick's posture stiffened. His hand moved instinctively to press against the pocket of his ill-fitting jumpsuit, his broad shoulders hunching protectively. "I'm fine," he said gruffly, though there was a sharp edge to his tone that warned against pushing further.

"Doesn't mean we're fine," Jace muttered under his breath, his fork stabbing absently at his toast. He avoided looking at Darrick directly, though his gaze occasionally flickered toward Cole, who was seated across from him.

Cole, however, wasn't paying attention to anyone at the table. His focus was across the room, where the red-headed girl from the day before sat, laughing at something one of her friends had said. Cole nudged Jace with his elbow, a lopsided grin spreading across his face.

"Think I should go talk to her?" he asked, already half-standing from his seat.

Jace tensed, his grip tightening on his fork. Forcing a smile, he shrugged, his voice light but strained. "Sure. Why not?"

Cole didn't notice the strain in Jace's response. He smoothed down the front of his jumpsuit, grabbed his tray, and sauntered across the room. Jace's eyes followed him, his stomach twisting as he watched Cole's easy grin and confident stride. He turned his gaze back to his plate, his heart sinking in a way he didn't want to acknowledge.

"Bad idea," Austin muttered suddenly, drawing Jace's attention. He wasn't looking at Cole but at Darrick, his brow furrowed in concern.

"What?" Darrick asked, his hand still firmly pressed against his pocket.

"You know what," Austin said, lowering his voice. "You've got Tess in there, don't you?"

Darrick's jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it. Instead, he leaned slightly closer to the table, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm not leaving her alone in that room. Not after everything that's happened."

So... you do got Tess in there, huh?" Jace's voice was just loud enough to carry, laced with a conspiratorial edge.

Austin's eyes flicked toward Darrick, whose entire posture stiffened. His broad shoulders squared, his hand hovering protectively over his pocket. The expression on Darrick's face was unmistakable: annoyed and ready to shut this down before it even started.

"No," Darrick replied sharply, his voice cutting through Jace's playful smirk.

Austin sighed internally. Jace was the type to poke the bear just because he could, and Darrick, as usual, was wound tighter than a spring.

"Oh, come on," Jace whispered, leaning in even closer. "Just let me say hi real quick. I'm not going to rat you out or anything."

Austin watched as Darrick shifted slightly, moving his body as a barrier between Jace and his pocket. There was a faint shuffle of movement—Jace edging closer, no doubt, testing boundaries as always. Austin stabbed a piece of scrambled egg with his fork, biting back the urge to roll his eyes. Jace's antics were going to get someone in trouble, and it was probably going to be Darrick.

"Jace," Darrick growled, his voice a low warning.

"What?" He whined, "I'm not gonna pull her out or anything." Jace's tone was light, almost amused, but Austin could see the glint of mischief in his eyes. He could practically hear the grin in Jace's voice as he added, "Tess, you in there? It's me, Jace. Blink twice if you can hear me."

Austin glanced at Darrick again, noting the subtle way his jaw tightened and his hand pressed more firmly against his pocket. Before anyone could respond, Darrick leaned forward abruptly, his massive frame pushing at Jaces shoulder to push him away, all the while being careful of Tess who was clearly in his pocket. Austin rolled his eyes, they were sickly in love

"Back off, Jace," Darrick snapped, his tone sharper now, his patience wearing thin.

"Alright, alright," Jace said, laughing softly as he straightened up and raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just trying to be friendly."

Austin couldn't help but snort quietly at the exchange. Friendly wasn't exactly the word he'd use for Jace's brand of curiosity. Poking at Darrick like this was only going to end one way, and it wasn't going to be good for anyone.

Darrick didn't respond, but Austin noticed his hand shift slightly, pressing lightly against the pocket as though to reassure himself that Tess was still safe. There was a tension in the way he held himself, like a coiled spring ready to snap if Jace pushed him any further.

"Go sit down, Jace," Darrick interrupted, his voice low but commanding, leaving no room for argument.

For a moment, the air around the table stilled. Jace hesitated, and Austin half-expected him to push just a little further. But then, with a dramatic sigh, Jace relented.

"Fine. I get it. Protective boyfriend mode. Sheesh." He turned and plopped back into his chair, smiling softly, though the tension lingered in the space he'd left behind.

"Hey Jace~" Tess spoke softly from the confines of the pocket, so soft most would miss it but Jace smiled and wiggled in his seat

Austin let out a slow breath now annoyed, rubbing his temple. "I get it, man. I do. But if anyone catches you—"

"No one's going to catch me," Darrick interrupted, his tone sharp. His eyes scanned the room, his gaze darting toward the staff stationed by the walls. "I'll take her back before anyone notices."

"You better," Austin said, leaning back in his chair. "Because if they find out, they're not just going to punish you. They'll punish her too."

Jace, who had been trying to block out the conversation, looked up at that. His frown deepened, but he stayed silent. The weight of Austin's warning seemed to hang over the table, the unspoken consequences all too clear.

Darrick's hand shifted slightly, pressing more firmly against his pocket. "I won't let that happen," he said quietly, his voice filled with a conviction that left no room for argument.

Inside the pocket, Tess shifted slightly, her tiny hands brushing against the fabric. Darrick felt her movement and the faint pressure of her hand pressing against him. It was a small gesture, but it grounded him, reminded him of why he was taking this risk.

"I trust you," her soft voice whispered, muffled but clear to him. Darrick's chest tightened at her words, a mix of guilt and fierce determination welling inside him.

Leaning down slightly, he whispered back, "I won't let anything happen to you."

~~

Across the table, Austin watched him with a wary expression. "I hope you know what you're doing," he said softly, though there was a flicker of understanding in his tone.

Darrick didn't respond. Instead, he straightened in his seat, his broad shoulders blocking any curious glances from nearby tables. His focus remained split between protecting Tess and keeping up appearances, his movements careful and deliberate.

Meanwhile, across the room, Cole was doing his best to charm the red-headed girl, though his approach seemed more awkward than smooth. Jace tried not to watch, but his eyes kept drifting in their direction, a knot tightening in his chest each time Cole laughed. Austin, noticing the tension, leaned closer to Jace.

"Why don't you just tell him how you feel?" Austin asked quietly, his tone blunt but not unkind.

Jace's head snapped around, his cheeks flushing. "What are you talking about?" he asked, though his voice betrayed him.

Austin raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. "Come on, Jace. It's written all over your face."

Jace glanced back at Cole, then quickly looked away. "You don't know what you're talking about," he muttered, his voice low.

"Right," Austin said with a smirk, though it lacked its usual bite. His gaze softened as he glanced at Darrick, then at Jace. "You're not the only one who gets that feeling, you know."

Jace frowned, studying Austin, but whatever Austin meant was lost as Darrick suddenly stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"I'm taking her back," Darrick muttered, seeming paranoid and not waiting for a response.

Austin's eyes widened. "Now? What if someone sees you?"

"No one's paying attention," Darrick said, his tone firm as he moved toward the exit. "I'll be quick."

As the door swung shut behind Darrick, Austin leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "He's playing with fire," he muttered under his breath. Jace said nothing, his gaze flickering back toward Cole and the red-headed girl. The table fell into silence once more, each of them lost in their own thoughts.

~~~

[T E S S]

The soft fabric of Darrick's pocket cradled me, swaying gently with each of his purposeful steps. I pressed my hands against the material to steady myself, my breath quickening in tandem with my heartbeat. Every movement he made felt like a calculated risk, and the possibility of being caught gnawed at my mind. I couldn't see the hallway, but I could hear the hum of fluorescent lights and the faint echo of footsteps—giants going about their day, blissfully unaware of the secret Darrick carried close to his chest.

The cafeteria noise faded as the door swung shut behind us, replaced by a stifling quiet. His heartbeat, steady and deep, filled the silence around me. I'd come to know that sound well, and now it told me everything I needed to know—he was nervous. Darrick never showed it outwardly, but I could feel it in the way his steps quickened and his fingers brushed the outside of the pocket, reassuring himself that I was still there.

"Almost there," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through his chest.

"Be careful," I whispered back, knowing he probably couldn't hear me. My hands trembled slightly as I braced against the motion of his body. Trusting him wasn't hard—it was everything else that terrified me. If anyone found me like this, what would they do to him? To me?

The white walls of the human sector came into view as he slowed his pace, and I felt the shift as he stopped in front of my door. The air seemed heavier here, the tension between us thick and unspoken. His hand reached into the pocket carefully, and I felt his fingers close around me with a warmth that calmed my racing heart. I clung to him instinctively as he lifted me out, my legs wobbly as he set me down on the platform outside my room.

Darrick crouched low, his hazel eyes meeting mine. "I told you I'd get you back," he said softly, his voice more gentle than I'd heard in a long time.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice shaky but sincere. My fingers brushed against his as he lingered, his expression unreadable.

"Tess," he began, hesitating. I tilted my head, waiting for him to continue. "I'll... I'll pick you up for your first class later, okay? They're going to expect you to start joining in."

His words hung in the air between us, heavy with uncertainty. I could see the tightness in his jaw, the flicker of doubt in his eyes. He was worried—not just for me, but for how this would all play out. Darrick wasn't someone who got nervous easily, but the idea of me being thrown into this program clearly unnerved him.

"I don't know if I'm ready," I admitted quietly, my hands twisting together as I tried to keep my voice steady. "I don't even know what they're going to make me do."

"Neither do I," he said, his brows furrowing. "But I'll be there, okay? I'll make sure you're not alone."

I wanted to believe him, to trust that he could protect me no matter what. But the look in his eyes—like he was already blaming himself for something that hadn't even happened yet—made me hesitate.

"You'll really be there?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

His hand reached out, his thumb brushing lightly over my arm. "Always," he said, his tone firm despite the tension in his face. "I won't let anything happen to you, Tess."

I nodded again, the warmth of his touch grounding me. "Okay," I said softly, though the knot in my stomach refused to loosen. "I'll try."

The hallway was silent, the sterile white walls making every sound echo faintly. Darrick was crouched as low as he could, his massive frame seeming to shrink the already narrow corridor. His hazel eyes were soft as they met mine, filled with a mixture of affection and hesitation. He knew he couldn't linger, but I could see he wasn't ready to leave just yet.

I stood on the platform outside my room, feeling impossibly small under his gaze. He reached down carefully, his hand a massive, warm presence as his fingers curled slightly, offering me a place to step closer. I hesitated for a moment before climbing into his palm, the warmth of his skin soothing the nervous energy buzzing through me.

He lifted me slowly, his other hand rising instinctively to shield me from any sudden movement. As he brought me closer to his face, I could see the faint stubble on his jaw and the soft curve of his lips. His sheer size was overwhelming, but his gentle demeanor was enough to make me feel safe.

"I hate this," he murmured, his voice low but rich with emotion. His breath washed over me, warm and familiar. "I hate leaving you like this."

"It's okay," I said, though my voice was small and shaky. "We'll see each other soon."

He nodded, but his eyes still searched mine as if trying to memorize every detail. His thumb brushed lightly against my side, a gesture that was both tender and grounding. "I just wish I could stay with you all the time."

"You've already done more than enough," I said softly, my hands pressing gently against his thumb. "You're here now. That's what matters."

For a moment, he didn't say anything. He just looked at me, his expression a mix of love and longing. Then, slowly, he tilted his head forward, his lips parting slightly as he brought me closer. The sheer size of him made every movement deliberate and slow, ensuring I wasn't startled.

His lips brushed against me, impossibly soft despite their enormity. It wasn't like a normal kiss—it couldn't be—but the feeling was just as intimate. His breath warmed my skin, and I pressed my hands lightly against his lower lip, letting myself lean into the gesture. It was tender, protective, and full of the words he couldn't say aloud.

When he pulled back, his eyes searched mine again, as if seeking reassurance. "I'll come back for you before your class," he said quietly. "I promise."

"I know," I whispered, my chest tightening as I forced a small smile. "I'll be waiting."

His fingers brushed over me one last time, his touch lingering before he set me gently back on the platform. He stayed crouched there for a moment longer, his gaze never leaving me. Then, with a deep breath, he straightened up, his presence once again towering and commanding.

"I'll see you soon," he said, his voice softer now.

And with that, he turned and walked away, his footsteps heavy but careful as they faded down the corridor. I watched him go, my heart aching with the weight of his absence already, even though I knew he'd be back.