Butterflies -Benrius

Afternoon Games (pt 2)

(Darius POV)
All thoughts stopped in their tracks. Who I LIKED??? I dont like anyone! Well... no. But... Just say something!!

"Yeah....?" I drew out the word as if it wasnt the right thing to say. My eyes drifted to Ben and immediately I looked back feeling my face warmer than before. Thank god the sun is setting.

Everyone was looking at me with surprised and happy faces. Although Kenji looked a little... jealous?

"Who is it?" Sammy asked, getting a bit too hyped.

"I cant tell you, you have to wait," I shrugged my shoulders. She looked disappointed but still kept her cheery mood as the game went on
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The next morning I was the first to wake up. Well, not the first, Yaz was supposed to be keeping watch. As I collected my thoughts, looking around I see that Ben wasn't anywhere to be seen. Guess I really wasn't the first up. I practically rolled out of the bottom bunk, stumbling up to Yaz.

"Heyyyy.." I groaned groggily.

She turned around fast a little startled, "Oh, goodmorning darius"

"Mhm.." I rubbed my eyes, "Do you know where Ben went?"

"Ben? Oh he went on a walk with Bumpy," Yaz responded, "probably going to go see the herd."

Sounds like ben. I waved at her happily and went to go find him.

(Ben POV)
Last night was... wild. Darius had a crush? Who? Could it be me? My mind was scattered, walking to where Yaz was posted unconsciously. Still thinking, and ignoring Yaz's calls, I crawled down the ladder and signaled Bumpy to follow.

We stopped in a clearing and I let out a big sigh. Bumpy groaned in response. She waved her tail expectantly, it was like she knew I was going to rant to her. Again.

Letting out another sigh, I couldnt help but start up about Darius. I knew I liked him. I couldnt deny it. But does he like me?

"Its just..." I trailed off, "I truly do love h-" I was cut off from a twig snapping behind me. My heart sank. Was it a dinosaur? Did one of the others hear me? But Darius walked out casually, his face lighting up when he realized it was me.

His hair was a little messy and he looked tired. Even that couldnt stop me from blushing a little. Bumpy had turned around to graze.

"Hey there, dinonerd" I joked, he chuckled. It was magnificent.

"Heyy ben" He tried to sound casual but it came off derpy and kind of cute.

I invited him to continue our walk. I didnt have a place in mind so I just wandered to the watering hole. Darius got excited about that. Seeing his excitement I grabbed his hand and ran down to an empty spot by the large body of water.

Realizing what I did, I let go of his hand. He looked at me curiously and I just turned back to the water. Everything was awkward.

"Hey look, its that raptor" Darius pointed out. He truly was fascinated by her.

I nodded. Darius eyes dropped to the water to see three twigs floating against each other, parallel and a leaf resting on top of the mini raft. Wait. Raft! I looked at Darius, seeing his eyes shine at the idea. The butterflies started up again. We were excited to share our idea with the group and trekked back to the camp.

(Darius POV)
Why does he always seem nervous around me? Well, nervous isnt the correct word. Ben just seemed disoriented whenever he looks at me. Like hes thinking hard or something. He walked ahead of me and I was burning holes in the back of his head. I just want to tell him, but will he feel the same?

We were about a mile away from the camp when we heard thumps in the distance. They were getting closer. I prepared myself to run, Ben had stepped forward partially in front of me.

I suspected right as an Allosaurus hovered over us. What was it doing here? It looked slightly panicked but looked at us in a hungry way. I knew what this meant. Without thinking I reached to grab Ben's arm and I bolted. Not to the camp. Not to main street. The signage was familiar and I followed it, Ben was trying to say something but the rush made me ignore it.

Ben took initiative and stopped in his tracks. I tried tugging him along, but he stayed firm.

"It abandoned us a few meters after we bolted," he stated between breaths. I still clung to his arm. But I didnt want to let go.

He followed my gaze and I couldve sworn he blushed. I did the same. I let go and we just kind of looked around awkwardly. Thats when I realized we werent at where the signs lead. The lab wasnt anywhere in sight and we were surrounded by a dense and dark part of the jungle. Had a storm or dinosaur broken the signs?

I grew a bit nervous. We were lost. Ben seemed calm but I could tell that he was silently panicking. He was awkwardly holding his arms and glancing at me before looking at his surroundings.

I stepped up to him, placing an arm on his shoulder. He responded by blankly staring at my hand, "We'll make it back, dont worry. This jungle cant be that big, right?"

Ben looked confused like he hadnt heard a word I just said. Was he really thinking about my HAND? Maybe I did have a chance...