Enemy Basis | COMPLETE

19| awkward revelations

DARCY

Hours blurred into a hazy eternity beneath the dim bar lights. The world outside faded as I focused solely on the sensation of the cool glass in my hand, the icy liquid sliding down my throat, and the comforting weight of oblivion settling over me. The blissful ignorance that descended with each gulp was a dangerous seduction, a temporary escape from the harsh realities I desperately sought to avoid. And with that came a comforting numbness that erased all worries and anxieties. Without the stress of them, it finally felt as if I could enjoy tonight.

However, with one look at the clock, I realised I had been out a lot longer than I expected and my mum would check up on me soon. With this thought, I decided it would be wise to stop drinking, sober up and head home, no matter how much fun I was having now.

When my vision cleared slightly and I once again became aware of my surroundings, I forced myself to find a particular set of eyes, eyes belonging to someone who I had been trying to forget all night. I looked up towards where the guys had been sitting to no longer see Dorran's intense grey gaze or any of the others in sight. Had they gone home?

The thought only felt a little bit dreadful as disappointment flowed through me. Perhaps I was lying to myself and I liked having his steely eyes on me, no matter what he had done. Was I masochistic? There couldn't be any other reason.

The people around me kept on drinking and laughing but I was now sober and it became harder and harder to be part of that bubble. With one goodbye smile to Gina, I slipped away from the group.

Tay's eyes caught mine from the other side of the bar and he smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back, affection rushing through me. It was crazy that I loved that man more so than my own flesh and blood but it made sense - Tay was leaps and bounds a better man than my father could ever be and I was very lucky that I had met him.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I got it out, glancing at the notification.

Lennox:

I'm outside, about to leave. Do you want a ride?

Needing to spend some time with my friend and check he was feeling better about everything, I decided it was time to call it quits and head home.

Tay walked towards me as if he knew I was leaving, putting his arms around my shoulder, "I'll walk you out."

My body relaxed in his hold as he led me out to the side door. When we got outside, the cool midnight breeze tickled the exposed skin and Tay handed me the hoody that I had taken off earlier. Shrugging it on, underneath the warm comfort of the beautiful dark sky, I added another layer of soft support onto my chilled skin.

Tay turned me towards him with tender dark eyes that I had always reprieved so much solace from over the years, muttering gently with a lot of admiration lacing his tone, "We miss you here Darcy, don't be a stranger girl."

I stepped into his arms, hugging him with so much love. Tay had raised me and he had become my father in all the ways that mattered. His solid arms, full of muscle and warmth, reminded me of the safety of my childhood when he was around. And now, underneath the sweltering moon, in his warm embrace, I almost didn't want to be let go.

He released me from his arms after a while, still gazing at me with such tenderness. He tapped me on my shoulder to send me away, "Off you go, see you soon."

An affectionate smile remained on my lips as I turned away and headed towards Lennox. The warmth of his hug still lingered, a comforting ghost against my skin. I gazed into the inky blackness of the night sky, my footsteps echoing on the deserted road. Then, a sudden sense of unease prickled my skin. Looking up, I saw them – all five of them – standing beside the lone car, their figures silhouetted against the distant lights.