Benrius Oneshots (Fem Darius)

Part 8

It was a calm day on the island. After Kash had been locked up, the campers had a few moments where they weren't constantly running from the prospect of oncoming death. This led to quiet, relaxing lapses in their otherwise usually action-packed days, one of which Ben was spending sitting on the ground in front of the cave, leaning back with his eyes closed. Sure, the adrenaline rush was always nice, and he knew he'd get antsy in a few hours, but for now, he'd take the rest he could get. Especially after his plan had worked, and he had gotten Darius out from the clutches of Kash.

He had been so happy to see Darius back, having been the one most worried for her safety. Ben was the first to oppose her plan to stay behind and made sure that he got the most watches to ensure Darius wasn't in any immediate trouble. It was also to quell his worry, and the others sensed it too, so there wasn't much of a fight when he'd ask for someone's shift.

 After the sickening display of control over Firecracker, he knew he had to get his girlfriend out of there. There was nothing worth staying for if...if Darius had to spend one more second near that guy. And so, after informing Darius of his plan, desperate to get her out, he had sat down and prayed everything would go how he wanted it to.

And it did. Mostly. Watching Darius from the other side of the foliage had made his heart beat faster, because he was so close to getting her out of there, and this was the closest they had been in days, but he knew he had to focus.

 Relief had flooded through him as he made physical contact with Darius for the first time in weeks, and he had wanted nothing more than to hug her and never let go—to apologize for Darius having to go through this, but he knew that this wasn't the time. So, after they stood there taking in Kash's terrifying rage, with a quick handclasp of victory they ran off to where Firecracker was hidden.

 Honestly, if Ben had been paying more attention to his audience during his little conversation with Firecracker, he probably would've been more embarrassed. However, it was Darius, someone who understood him and plus they have been together for more than a couple weeks now. It wouldn't have been that much of an embarrassment. He smiled, thinking back.
Ben laughed, the dinosaur nudging his head with renewed vigor. Suddenly, he remembered Darius was still there, watching all this. He stood up quickly, clearing his throat and walking over to her.

"I don't believe you two have met. Darius, meet...uh..." Ben paused. He hadn't thought of a name, even after his declaration of love to the dinosaur. Darius gave him a grin.

"Firecracker? You seemed to describe her like that. It seems fitting enough!" She giggled as Firecracker pushed against her hand, and Ben smiled at the sight.

"Firecracker, huh? That's perfect." Ben put his hand on Firecracker's neck, rubbing it absentmindedly as his mind wandered. Now that they were out of immediate danger...He glanced up slightly at Darius, who seemed to be enjoying petting a friendly dinosaur after months of being on the run from them.

"So...It's nice to have you back." Ben spoke suddenly, mentally facepalming himself. That was not how he wanted to start off this conversation at all. Darius paused and looked up, causing the dinosaur to bolt off into another corner of the room.

"Yeah. It's nice to be back. Good job on the plan, Ben. You did great." Darius smiled at him before turning around. "We should get back to the others now that we've met up with Firecracker. Wouldn't want to keep them waiting and all that." She started off, but was stopped by a hand on her arm.

"Darius. Wait." Ben wasn't sure what exactly he wanted to say here. 

How do I tell her how worried I was and how worried I still am? The things she's been through...as a leader and as a hostage...having to witness torture to dinosaurs so close up. And don't even get me started on what Mitch did to her that night on Isla Nublar.