Darien

{{char}}: "..right? So, as I said, I was leaving the game on auto play, and when I come back I got THE best relic ever?" Darien felt as if he were in a loop, repeating the same general idea for the past 3 minutes. Yet it didn't bother him as much as it would've with other people, not when he was with his best friend.

After all, he was walking next to Olias, his hand in theirs. What was supposed to be a quick trip to the store winded up a yap session but that wasn't too shocking. Holding a bag that held the groceries they'd bought, Darien couldn't help but smile. Not when he was this excited.

"Are you ready? I mean, c'mon we're gonna be lighting a fire!" Squeezing Olias's hand, he could feel that same excitement grow. "We're gonna cuddle and make smores, right?" {{user}}: .. {{char}}: He paused at the silence before tilting his head to look at his friend. The usual grin he had faltered, a look of confusion crossing his face before he leaned over slightly to look at his best friend.

"...You okay there bud? You've been real quiet." He asked, now gently tugging Olias to a stop so he could truly look at them. His brown eyes softened, hand giving theirs another squeeze. {{user}}: yeah. i'm just thinking about it.. {{char}}: Darien paused, falling quiet for a moment or so as he watched Olias. He had seen this a good handful of times. His best friend seemed to be in a trance, thinking about who knows what, and the best way to bring them back was by being patient.

So he waited, hand still holding theirs. It was a comfortable enough silence but after a beat he spoke up again. "What'cha thinking about? You've got that look again." {{user}}: ..last night. while you were gone. {{char}}: Darien's eyebrow raised at that, a frown tugging at his lips slightly. Last night? Was something wrong? Quickly thinking back, he tried to remember if he had missed anything, if something happened when he had gone out with friends but he couldn't think of anything.

Confused, he gave Olias's hand a gentle squeeze. "..Last night? What about last night?" {{user}}: had to call 988.. {{char}}: Darien's expression suddenly shifted, concern filling his eyes as the gears in his head began turning. 988? No way.

Without thinking he let go of Olias's hand in favor of putting his instead around their shoulders. He pulled them close, pressing a hand on the smaller's back. The concern in his eyes grew. "..You called 988? Last night?" {{user}}: i couldn't stop cutting..even now my arm hurts.. {{char}}: Darien's eyes softened, the concern turning more to worry. He frowned but kept his hand where it was, holding them tight against him. It hurt, hearing that. And knowing it's happened before. His grip around them tightened just the tiniest bit.

"Oh buddy.." he murmured, gently rubbing Olias's shoulder with a thumb. "...Can I see..Your arm?" {{user}}: mhm. they sat down on a log. {{char}}: He followed, sitting down next to Olias. He shifted to directly face them, his other hand moving down to gently take hold of their wrist. He raised their arm up slightly when he noticed Olias reaching for their hoodie sleeve. He didn't stop them though, quietly watching as they pulled up the fabric of their sleeve. {{user}}: .. {{char}}: Darien looked at the thin red lines that decorated Olias's arm, his grip tightening in the slightest again. It hurt. It always did. He felt so helpless, wished he could do more to keep them safe.

He didn't say anything at first, simply tracing the lines with the very tips of his fingers. Finally, he softly spoke up, voice quieter this time. "...Can I ask you something?" {{user}}: yeah. {{char}}: Darien was silent for a beat, his fingers still gently tracing the lines. He took a deep, quiet breath as he carefully considered his words.

"..Do you think I can do more to help? To support you through this.." He paused, not looking up at them just yet. "...I hate seeing you hurt yourself, y'know..I hate feeling useless."

He finally raised his head to look at Olias now, brown eyes holding concern. {{user}}: you can always help. i love you, you know. i..i need professional help, too, though. {{char}}: Darien's expression softened at that, a small smile tugging at his lips. He moved a hand to take hold of Olias's hand again, intertwining their fingers.

"I love you too, ya know." He started. "...And I'm glad you're considering professional help, bud."

He squeezed their hand, pausing a moment as he continued tracing the lines. "But don't be scared to lean on me too." {{user}}: mhm. {{char}}: Darien's smile grew at that, a hint of fondness in his eyes. He watched Olias for a moment or so, the silence growing just before he spoke up.

"Can I ask something else?" He murmured. {{user}}: ..yeah. we can..do the fire now. just put some rocks around it first. {{char}}: Darien nodded, releasing Olias's hand before standing up. His eyes stayed on the smaller, though, his worry still visible.

He moved over to the edge of the woods to collect some rocks, occasionally glancing behind him to check on Olias. Once he had collected a bunch of rocks he brought them back, creating a circle around the fire pit. {{user}}: ..hm..mm..hm.. {{char}}: Darien paused and looked at them, noticing their fidgeting. He watched in silence for a moment before he spoke up. "You okay there?"

The stones were finished, and he had a pack of matches. But he wanted to make sure Olias was okay first, concern still in his eyes. {{user}}: yeah. {{char}}: He watched Olias for a moment longer, looking for any signs of hesitation. He wanted to make sure his friend was truly okay before they continued.

When he was satisfied, for now, he nodded and sat down next to Olias again. He picked up the pack of matches, holding them in his hand.

"You ready?" {{char}}: Olias nodded in response, watching as Darien reached over to the fire pit and lit up the small stack of wood. When the fire began to burn he sat back, leaning against the log behind them.

Darien let his eyes drift to Olias, his smile returning as the soft glow of the fire danced on their face. He scooted a bit closer, their shoulders now touching. {{user}}: hmm.. he gently rocked back and forth, bouncing his leg. {{char}}: Darien noticed Olias's rocking, his smile growing a bit as he watched for a few seconds. He found the action almost adorable.

He let his eyes remain on his friend, his head tilted slightly. After a moment he spoke up. "Can I ask ANOTHER question?" {{user}}: mm. {{char}}: He could tell Olias was spacing out slightly, mind probably going a million miles a minute. It was cute, but he let them have their moment and continued.

"Have you been sleeping well lately?" He asked as he scooted closer to them, his hip now pressed against Olias's. {{user}}: uh..not really. i was up at 12:00 last night when i..cut. and then i called the hotline. {{char}}: Darien frowned as he heard that, concern returning to his face. He hated knowing they didn't sleep much, especially with what happened last night.

He gently bumped his side against theirs, a small gesture that he hoped would comfort them. "Hey.." He murmured. "I'm sorry to hear you haven't been sleeping."

He was quiet for a moment, before he spoke again. "..Can I ask another question?" {{user}}: hm. {{char}}: He let his head lull to the side, now leaning his head on Olias's shoulder. He still felt worried, but at least this way he could hopefully soothe them a bit.

He paused for a moment, looking at them before he finally spoke again. "...How often are you cutting, buddy..?"

The question had been on his mind since he noticed the marks, and he didn't want to pry..but he still needed to make sure they were taking care of themselves at least. {{user}}: ..mm..i..don't know. not..frequently.. {{char}}: Darien nodded, listening to their answer. He knew the response was a bit vague, but he appreciated any answer he could get.

He shifted a bit, moving to wrap an arm around Olias's shoulder, pulling them closer.

"That's good..That's good.." He murmured, trying to sound reassuring. "...Can I ask you something else?" {{user}}: yeah. s'mores? {{char}}: Darien's smile returned at the mention of s'mores, the sweet treat something both him and Olias loved. He nodded and sat up straighter, turning to reach for the bag of chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows he had bought.

"Hell yeah."

He then paused and looked at Olias again before he continued, a hint of teasing in his tone. "..Can I ask something else BEFORE the s'mores?" {{user}}: yeah, yeah. {{char}}: He couldn't help the small grin that formed at their quick response, their answer seeming to excite him. He sat the bag of ingredients down on the log and shifted to face them again, the excitement clear in his eyes.

"..Well-" He started, pausing for a dramatic effect. "-I'm just curious..." {{char}}: He looked at Olias, a small smirk playing at his lips now. He leaned in slightly, his hand reaching out to take hold of theirs. "..When you called that hotline last night.."

He paused for a moment, expression turning more serious (but still caring). "..Why didn't you call me first?" {{user}}: ..you were out with your friends. i was planning to talk to you tonight. {{char}}: He listened to their response, the smirk fading from his lips. It made perfect sense, but the reminder that they had resorted to calling a hotline instead of him still hurt.

He sighed quietly, his grip on their hand tightening a tiny bit. "..I know, bud. But..promise me, next time..you'll call me first. Alright?" {{user}}: ..m. {{char}}: He noticed their hesitance, the silence speaking louder than words. He didn't want to force them to promise if they weren't going to, but the worry still gnawed at him.

His expression softenedslightly, his thumb gently tracing the back of their hand. "Please, buddy. I want you to rely on me."

He paused, before adding. "And just so we're clear, you never EVER bother me. No matter what." {{user}}: if i..do it again..i'll call you, okay..i just really needed a professional..at least... {{char}}: He nodded at Olias's response, a soft expression on his face. He believed them, and he was glad that they recognized the need for professional help.

He let his hand drop from theirs, instead reaching out to gently ruffle their hair. "You better." He teased, before his expression turned serious again. "And like I said, don't hold back on calling me, alright? I'm always here for you." {{user}}: love you. {{char}}: Darien's smile returned, warmth filling his eyes. He didn't hesitate to wrap his arm around Olias's shoulders again, pulling them close.

"Love you too, bud." He murmured, his hand gently rubbing their shoulder in comfort.

For a moment they sat silently, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the air. He then spoke up again, a hint of excitement in his voice. "So..S'mores?" {{user}}: yeah! {{char}}: He grinned at Olias's response, their excitement matching his own. He reached down and grabbed the bag he had set down, quickly pulling out 3 marshmallows, 3 pieces of chocolate, and 3 graham crackers.

He handed Olias their food, keeping one marshmallow for himself. "So, which one of us is gonna burn ours?" He teased, waving his marshmallow. {{char}}: Olias took the food, a small smile tugging at their lips. They chuckled at Darien's question and gave him a playful nudge.

"Definitely you." They teased back. {{char}}: He feigned offense, a hand placed over his heart as he gasped dramatically. "Rude."

He couldn't help the smirk that formed, though. He always loved bantering back and forth with Olias.

"I {{user}}: mm.. {{char}}: He chuckled at Olias's response, watching as they went about preparing their food. He mimicked them, setting his marshmallow on the stick and holding it over the fire.

He was quiet for a moment, but his thoughts soon drifted back to the earlier conversation. He couldn't help but worry, even though they were having fun now. He decided to bring it up again.

"Hey..can I ask you something else before we eat?" {{user}}: ..can we just relax? {{char}}: Darien paused for a moment, his expression turning softer. He understood Olias's request - and he didn't want to push them too much.

He nodded, a small sigh leaving him. "Yeah..yeah, of course."

He set his marshmallow down and scooted closer to them, a comfortable silence between them. He stared at the fire, his hand reaching out to gently take hold of Olias's again. {{user}}: .. {{char}}: Darien sat by Olias's side, their hands still holding each other. He watched the fire, the crackle and pop of the wood creating a peaceful atmosphere.

He was worried, of course - he always was - but he tried his best to put it aside for now. Instead, he focused on the present moment, trying to enjoy the silence and the company.

He gave Olias's hand a gentle squeeze, a silent gesture to show that he was still there, still caring. {{char}}: Despite the peace of the moment, his mind couldn't help but wander. He silently wondered if Olias was feeling better and if calling the hotline had helped at all.

He wanted to ask, but he also didn't want to ruin the tranquility. So he stayed silent once again, simply enjoying the warmth of the fire and the feel of Olias's hand in his. {{user}}: ..hug. {{char}}: He was pulled from his thoughts by Olias's simple request. He turned his head to look at them, a small smile tugging at his lips.

He gently sat his marshmallows down, then shifted closer to them. He wrapped his arms around Olias, pulling them into a tight hug. He held them close, his chin resting on their shoulder.

"You're getting clingy," He teased lightly, his voice filled with affection. {{user}}: ..i like..cuddles..when we get home can we cuddle.. with no shirts.. {{char}}: Darien's eyes widened at the request, surprised but not opposed to the idea. He felt heat rise to his cheeks, the thought of cuddling with Olias that way sending a shiver down his spine.

He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Uh..yeah, sure." He responded, his voice slightly rougher than usual.

He quickly added, "But we better make these s'mores first." {{user}}: yay! it's yummy. {{char}}: He chuckled at their enthusiasm, a warm fondness in his eyes. He couldn't help but smile at how cute they were sometimes.

"You're adorable." He mumbled, still holding Olias close.

After a moment more he finally let go, reaching for his marshmallows again. They had cooled down by now, but he didn't mind. He stuck it onto a graham cracker and topped it with a piece of chocolate. {{char}}: He took a bite, a content sigh leaving him as he savored the sweet taste. He looked at Olias, noticing they were preparing their food too.

He watched them intently, a small smile playing at his lips. He loved how comfortable the silence felt between them.

He finished his s'more, quickly grabbing another before his hands would get too sticky. {{char}}: He devoured the second s'more, his sweet tooth fully satisfied for now. He leaned back against the log behind him, a small content sigh escaping him.

He glanced over at Olias, now chewing on their food. He couldn't help but stare at them for a moment, the sight of them eating being adorable for some reason. {{user}}: .. {{char}}: Darien continued to watch Olias, his brown eyes fixated on their face. He was quiet for a moment, feeling an overwhelming sense of fondness.

He then spoke up, a teasing lilt to his voice. "You're messier than me." He pointed out, nodding at a small splatter of chocolate on Olias's chin. {{user}}: hm. {{char}}: He chuckled at Olias's response, finding their lack of a reaction amusing. He couldn't help but smirk, an idea coming to him.

He shifted closer to them, his hand reaching out to gently tilt their chin up. He leaned in, getting a better look at the spot of chocolate.

{{user}}: can we go home? {{char}}: Darien was slightly taken aback by the sudden change in topic, his hand still holding Olias's chin. He studied their face for a second, noticing the tiredness in their eyes.

He sighed quietly and nodded, letting go of their chin. "Yeah, yeah. We can go home."

He stood up, offering a hand out to Olias to help them up. {{user}}: y-you'll drive..? {{char}}: He paused for a moment, his expression softening as he looked at Olias. He could tell they were tired just by looking at them.

He nodded and gave them a reassuring smile. "Yeah, of course. I'll drive." he said, his hand still out for them to take. {{user}}: wanna hug. i want. {{char}}: His smile grew at Olias's request for a hug. He couldn't resist their cute pouting.

He stepped closer again and wrapped his arms around them, pulling them into a tight embrace. He held them close, one hand rubbing their back in a comforting gesture.

"You're so needy." He teased lightly, his voice filled with affection. {{user}}: bad. {{char}}: He huffed out a small laugh at their response. He shook his head, amused by their denial.

"Nah, not bad. Just cute." He said, giving them a gentle squeeze.

He held them like that for a few more moments, savoring the embrace before finally pulling away. He kept an arm around their shoulder as he led them back to the car. {{user}}: i'm...feeling..bad.. {{char}}: His expression shifted to concern at their words, his arm still wrapped around their shoulder. He paused in his steps, turning to fully face Olias.

"Feeling bad? What do you mean?" He asked, his tone much softer now. {{user}}: mmm.. they began to cry. {{char}}: His heart jolted at the sight of their tears, concern immediately washing over him. He quickly wrapped both his arms around them, pulling them into a tight hug.

He didn't say anything at first, simply holding them close and allowing them to cry. He gently rubbed their back, offering silent comfort. {{user}}: darien... {{char}}: He kept his arms around Olias, his hold firm but gentle. He could feel the weight of their emotions in the way they clung to him.

"Hey.." he murmured softly, leaning in slightly. "I'm here, okay? I'm right here." {{user}}: .. {{char}}: He continued holding them closely, his hand now gently stroking their hair in a comforting gesture. He could feel their body shaking slightly with their sobs.

He didn't rush them, allowing them to take their time and cry. He simply stayed there, holding them tightly and offering silent comfort. {{user}}: ..m. {{char}}: He continued to hold Olias, his hand still running through their hair. He was silent again, knowing that they needed this moment of vulnerability.

After a few minutes, their sobs began to slowly subsided. Darien gently spoke up, his voice soft.

"Talk to me, buddy. What's going on?" {{user}}: ..let's..go home first. {{char}}: He nodded in understanding, his expression still filled with concern. He loosened his hold on Olias marginally to move one hand to wipe away their tears.

"Of course. We'll go home." He said softly, his hand then moving back to their shoulder, ready to lead them to the car. {{user}}: .. {{char}}: He guided them to the car, his hand still holding onto their shoulder. He opened the passenger door for them and helped them get in before quickly moving to the driver's side.

He then got in and started the car, glancing over at Olias before pulling out of their parking spot.

The car ride was mostly quiet, aside from the sound of the engine. Darien kept stealing occasional glaces at them, worry still in his eyes. {{user}}: mm...hmmm......hmmmmm.. {{char}}: He couldn't help but steal another glance at Olias as he drove, worry still gnawing at him. He noticed Olias’s quiet hums and murmurs, unsure of what they meant.

His grip on the steering wheel tightens slightly as he forces himself to focus back on the road.

"You okay?" He finally speaks up, breaking the silence. {{user}}: they nod. {{char}}: He sighed quietly in relief, the answer providing him some comfort. He could sense that something was still off though, the worry still present in the back of his mind.

He chose not to pry further, figuring that Olias would open up when they were ready.

For now, he focused on the road, driving them back home in silence. {{user}}: you could see in the corner of your eye, oli was kicking his legs and happily looking out the window. hm. mm. {{char}}: He couldn't help but steal a glance at Olias as they kicked their legs and looked out the window. Despite the previous worry, he couldn't help a small smile tugging at his lips.

There was a mix of emotions in his chest - worry, fondness, and now a hint of amusement.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he spoke up again, a teasing lilt to his voice. "You're in a good mood suddenly." {{user}}: .. {{char}}: He kept his eyes on the road, his hands steady on the steering wheel. He still wanted to know the reason behind their sudden change in mood, but he couldn't help teasing them a little.

He glanced at them again, a smirk forming on his lips. "You were just crying a few minutes ago, and now you're happily kicking your feet." {{user}}: home. {{char}}: He chuckled lightly at their response, the realization hitting him. They were probably happy at the thought of being home, and maybe that was the reason for their better mood.

He nodded, a warm fondness in his eyes. "Yeah, we're almost home." He replied, his smile still visible. {{user}}: . {{char}}: He continued driving in silence for a few more minutes, his eyes focused on the road ahead. The worry still lingered in the back of his mind, but he pushed it aside as they neared their destination.

Finally, they arrived at their home. He parked the car and turned off the ignition, his eyes glancing over at Olias again. {{user}}: bed. {{char}}: He couldn't help but smile at Olias's blunt response. He unbuckled his seatbelt, his eyes still on them.

"Bed, huh?" He teased, his voice softer now that they were home. "Someone's impatient." {{user}}: ..in the elevator.. {{char}}: He chuckled again, a fondness filling him at their impatience. He couldn't help but find it adorable.

He unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car, walking to the other side to open the passenger door for Olias.

"Alright, come on." He said, holding his hand out for them. {{char}}: Olias took his hand, and he helped them out of the car. He closed the door and then led them towards the elevator, his heart skipping a beat at the feel of their hand in his.

He pressed the button to call the elevator, glancing over at Olias as they waited.

"You're clingy today." He teased again, a small smirk on his face.