slow burn // derek discanio

three

I woke up in a dark hotel room, confused. I looked around and tried to make out objects in the dark, not seeing any people. I shot out of bed. How did I get to this hotel room? Who else was here?
Suddenly, light poured into the room as the bathroom door opened and I gasped. I let out a sigh of relief when I saw Derek walking out.
"What happened?" I asked.
"You kind of passed out at the bar last night," he explained. "We didn't know where you lived so we just put you in our room."
"Was...anyone else...in the..." I stammered while I pointed to the bed. I was embarrassed to ask if I had slept in the same bed as anyone.
"No, no, no. That was mine but I just shared Tyler's bed."
My heart kind of fluttered knowing that he let me sleep on his bed. I should've appreciate the smell of him before getting out of bed so fast.
"Thank you so much. Again," I told him.
"Don't worry about it," Derek said, hugging me. "And we'll make sure we take you all the way home."
I sighed, breathing the scent of his shirt. "Thank you."
He let me go but then grabbed my hand as he said, "Let's go get breakfast downstairs."
He led me down the few flights of stairs before we got to the buffet breakfast area. I was sad to let go of his hand to get my food, but I was also extremely hungry. He stayed close to my side as we both filled our plates and then I followed him as we joined the rest of the band.
Everyone gave me looks of concern as I sat down but Evan, sitting across from me, was the only one to actually say anything. "How are you feeling?"
"Just fine!" I said, digging into my breakfast.
Nick, the band's manager, appeared at the other end of the table looking annoyed. "Eat up quick, because we need to head out ASAP."
"Wait, we have to take Albany home," Derek retorted.
"There's no time, Derek, our meeting is at 10," Nick said firmly.
"Well she needs to get home safely," he sighed.
I put my hand on his arm. "I can walk home, it's fine."
"I'm sorry, we'll make sure we find you a way home," he told me.
We all finished breakfast and headed back upstairs. In Derek and Tyler's room, the two of them were very annoyed with Nick.
"If I had known there was no time, I would've gotten up early and driven her home myself!" Derek exclaimed.
Tyler shook his head. "Should we call a cab?"
"I guess," Derek said. "That's the best option I can think of."
I stood there awkwardly with my backpack as they talked about me. "Is that alright with you?" Derek asked. I nodded and he whipped out his phone to dial for a cab.
"We'll make sure we're here when the taxi comes," Tyler assured me. "We aren't going to leave you by yourself."
I smiled. "Thanks."
The cab was supposed to get there in less than five minutes so the guys grabbed what they needed and walked me downstairs. A taxi was already parked outside waiting for me. I turned to the two boys. "Thank you so much for taking care of me."
"Hey, don't worry about it," Tyler said. "We just want you to be safe."
"I really appreciate it," I said. I have Tyler a huge hug, followed by Derek.
"Call me if you are ever just the slightest bit scared," he told me. "I'll be here."
I single tear escaped my eye hearing those words. "Thank you," I whispered.
He finally released me and helped me into the taxi. I waved as the taxi pulled away until I couldn't see them anymore.
We made it to my apartment building and I got ready to pay the driver when he told me it was already taken care of. I couldn't believe Derek paid for it, New York taxi fares are so high.
I walked into my building feeling a little guilty. If only Derek knew that I could have easily afforded it. For him, it was a much bigger deal to need to cover. I was still grateful nonetheless.
Max was very excited when I walked in the front door. The poor dog hadn't eaten in forever so I quickly poured him some food. I took a nice long, warm shower while blasting State Champs to wash away the events of yesterday.
When I got out, I saw I had a text.

Derek: made it back? you okay?

I had never given him my phone number, but I noticed he had texted himself right after he added his contact. I didn't think he'd care much about me after I was out of his watch. There was no need for him make sure I was safe when I'd probably never see him again, even though I really wanted to. Him and the whole band were so fun to be around.

Albany: Yeah and thanks for paying for the cab!! You didn't have to do that

Derek: i couldn't make you take a cab home and then expect you to pay for it

Albany: Thank you so much

Since I had no obligations the rest of the day, I decided to lay around and stalk State Champs on the internet. I felt creepy finding out so much information about the guys when they knew hardly anything about me. I followed them all on Instagram and twitter and was quickly followed back.
Even though I was so infatuated with Derek, I knew deep down that I may never see him again and I couldn't get my hopes up.
But maybe one day.