Darrean’s expression became one of surprise and genuine flattery when Amelia gave her compliment. “Thanks for saying as much, Amelia, but really I’m…Just doing what you deserve. Making sure you’re alright, and happy. That you have what you need. I’m glad you like it, there’s more where that came from. Two is an incredible brother, nothing could ever replace or over shadow him. But, I’m glad I could add to that for you. You deserve it.” He nodded, a knowing twinkle in his eye a she admitted that she hadn’t eaten. “Is that okay with you, Amelia? Me, taking care of you? You deserve it. I want to make sure you’re okay. I know it’s easy to get lost in a place like this one. To get drowned out by all these personalities and voices that are so loud. But…I won’t let that happen to you. I don’t want it to.” His eyes dropped, though a smile formed on his lips when he noticed her hugging the bear to her chest. Darrean felt her weight leaning into him, and he held her tighter then, rubbing circles across her back in a comforting gesture. While she explained what was happening, he kept his eyes on hers, nodding his understanding and continuing his physical comfort. “Do you want to talk about what happened to lead you to that thought? We don’t have to, I won’t be the one to push. But you can. I’ll listen to anything you have to say, Amelia. Either way, I’m sorry that’s how you’re feeling. I won’t pretend to know what happened, but I can say without a doubt that you’re one of the toughest people I’ve ever met. You get up every day, and you face all this crazy stuff with a smile and the brightest sense of humor. You’re there for others, even when they aren’t there for you. You’re smart, and you’re kind. And all of that adds up to one tough cookie in my book. But…Even with all of that, I’m glad you’re back here too. Not because I think you need your brother to protect you. But because it’s…Given us a chance to get to know each other. I’m glad you aren’t lonely anymore. I’ll keep being here, I’ll keep showing up, because I can’t stand the thought of you being lonely. But…If there’s more you’re feeling, or more you want to say, please say it. Let it out. Don’t hold onto it, because that’ll only make things worse. No matter what it is, I’m here. I’m here, and I’ll hold you through it all.”
Being a greaser, Amelia wasn’t really used to people outside of her little clique wanting anything to do with her. So to have Darrean being so kind to her was so different it softened her and it saddened her a bit too. What had happened to her was vividly recalling itself as the other Switch spoke, imploring her to open up and let him in. As a greaser, opening up was not only soft, it was a means for other people to use that softness against you. “You ain’t like many other people, I reckon. Definitely none I’ve ever met.” Of all the things Amelia thought he was capable of, betraying her wasn’t one of them. She didn’t know him though, they were still new acquaintances as of a few weeks ago. At the same time, having Two-Bit there to protect her her whole life had made her a little naive too. Besides, this particular information could only hurt her if it got back to her family because then it would hurt them. “I cain’t say it’s a huge deal. I told ya as much. I just always had Two there to beat off the boyos and do whatever to keep things smooth for me. I didn’t really notice how much he did for me, I guess. He came here first, I spent some time in Tulsa without him and some of the people back home took advantage. On account’a Two not bein’ there to protect me. Ain’t much was physical, but you know how people get sometimes. The bad ones. You tell ‘em no and they go tellin’ the world ya said yes. Then everyone says ya said yes and then... you’re the town slut.” Deflecting and depersonalizing, the real nasty bits came out less like she was saying they happened and more like they tangibly could or did to other people. The hurt in her eyes and the silent few tears betrayed the attempt to smile through.