I'll make you smile.

Dashiell Griffin but nobody calls me that anymore. It's just Dash. 18. Writing major in NW. "“I am both happy and sad at the same time, and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.” - Stephen Chbosky

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

Brielle smiled, feeling the sincerity that his words conveyed. There was no doubt that Dash and her would be something more than friends in the near future, if they weren’t already now. But first thing first, of course. They need to know more about each other. This thing that’s going on betwen them is pretty unusual in Brielle’s opinion. No sane person would want to engage in a relationship with another person they met only a few hours before. But here she was -no, here they were, nonetheless- in the middle of the water, kissing and holding each other close as if not wanting to get enough of the other. Brielle took it upon herself to rest her head lightly on his chest, so as to calm her heartbeat, before holding his hand and guiding them away from the water and to the shoreline. She took a seat on the sand and let her feet touch the coming and going of the water. “I know that, Dash. I’m into you as well. But you have to know that this isn’t exactly that much new to me,” she started, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Talking about how guys treated her in the past like she was nothing was hard, so talking to someone she didn’t know anything about would be equally hard.

"I’ve had guys wanting me the first time they see me and then end up hurting me after I don’t give them what they want. You don’t seem the type but since I don’t know anything about you, just something to at least hold on to, I don’t know if I can fully trust you yet." Brielle fiddled with her hands and tried to avoid looking at Dash. She didn’t want to bring the topic up, but she was tired of putting up with guys who only wanted a tall, beautiful brunette beside them for a show off. Sort of like a trophy wife, minus the privileges of actually being one. Brielle tucked her legs under her and ran a hand through her hair. She decided to stop worrying about those kinds of things, so she pushed the thought away. A heavy load has been lifted anyway from her shoulders the moment she told them to Dash. She sighed before saying, "Ughh I’m sorry for being such a buzzkill Dash. I just had to make sure, you know. Because I think I like you." She said, pursing her lips after. "Or at least I’m starting to."

[dashgriffin]

Dash followed Brielle to the shoreline, trying to keep his eyes from dwelling on her body too much. He knew what her mother would say and staring at somebody - especially a woman - just wasn't acceptable. He wasn't raised that way and he had eyes for a reason, which should be used for better things that personal and internal satisfaction. Dash sat down next to her and would have wanted to wrap his arm around her shoulders but held himself back. He needed to back off. Otherwise, Brielle might think that he was after something else, even though all he really wanted was to feel her warm body against his, to feel that glorious feeling that there was actually somebody out there who wants to listen to him, someone who wasn't a therapist. Dash looked down at his hands, not really knowing what to say. Guys out there who hurt Brielle were idiots, and though she didn't seem to trust him that much yet, it was fine by him. God knows how hard it was for Dash to trust anyone with what happened to his sister. "Yeah, I get that but I just want you to know that I'm not that kind of guy. I wasn't raised to be some asshole who give pain rather than love. I don't even want to be one of those people." He muttered, shrugging his shoulders before smiling softly. 

"You think you like me?" Dash asked, the smile slowly growing wider. He tilted his head to the side and looked down at her with a mixture of trepidation at the unknown, yet there was excitement there too. He knew this was the start of something really great and though it almost seemed as if they were rushing things, dash couldn't help but lean towards her and plant another kiss on those soft lips of hers. It took awhile but Dash finally pulled back long enough to look into her eyes. Cheesy at it sounded, he could actually feel his heart beat rather abnormally in his chest and his face split into a wide grin. "Yeah, I think I'm starting to like you too, Brielle." With a sigh, he looked out at the beach. "So is there anything you want to know about me?" He asked with slight wariness. He made a mental note not to say anything about his sister just yet. 

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

The way his hand wrapped around hers and rested on her back made Brielle feel secure, safe. She didn’t understand what was happening, but she didn’t mind. She just wanted to feel. Brielle was all smiles as Dash explained himself, occasionally letting herself get drowned in his blue orbs. If they both wanted something more in their ‘relationship’, Brielle knew she had to get herself used to seeing those eyes. It was just the start of the year after all. She has at least ten months of school to ogle over those. Brielle chuckled at his words. “Well, I know for one thing you don’t plan on drugging me after this so, your intentions are clear,” she started, chuckling “and you’re not pressuring me into anything. You’re just proving to me what I already thought of earlier: that you’re somehow in to me or something like that.” she said, finishing off with a wink and a grin. She was glad they were back into this comfortable zone again. Seriousness just wasn’t them although that didn’t stop the want in Brielle to know what it was that was bothering Dash.

Brielle’s hands found their way on his neck and she clasped it, with one of her hands clutching his hair. It was just the purest of kisses but it made her want something more. It was a good thing he didn’t pull away so suddenly, like what he did the last time. Brielle moved her lips slowly, closing the gap between them. She knew that if she continued kissing him things would lead to something more, so she slowly pulled away, regretting the moment her lips left his. She opened her eyes and found his boring into hers. She took a deep breath before moving a fraction away and smiling. “Well, we don’t have to rush things if that’s what you’re saying. I mean, look at us kissing already in the middle of the sea when the only thing I know about you is that you’re a gentleman,” she jokingly said, touching the tip of his nose lightly before placing a soft kiss on his lips.

[dashgriffin]

Dash continued to talk but he was constantly being distracted by Brielle. There was no doubt that she was one of the prettiest - if not the prettiest - girls he's ever laid his eyes on and the fact that she was looking at him and actually choosing to stay there in the water with him made him feel that he wasn't as bad of a person as he originally thought he was. Dash paused at that thought, biting down on his lower lip thoughtfully. He's never met a girl who has made him feel better about himself. In fact, he's never been with a girl, period. There didn't seem to be a point in discussing with Brielle that she was actually his first kiss. He didn't mind in the slightest and people usually made such a big deal about it that he stood there, wondering if he should have cared about it more, made it more special than just standing in the beach, having a short peck for a first kiss. He inwardly laughed at himself, thinking that if he was more focused on the setting than the actual kiss itself, there must be something wrong with him. 

"Trust me when I say that I'm definitely into you, Brielle. Most definitely." dash reciprocated the wink and felt himself start to relax again. He felt like a tightrope, one second so tense and confused, the next composed and secure. Maybe he should add bipolar to the long list of things that was wrong with him. Dash could feel her arms wrap around his neck, and he pulled her in closer, the gap between their bodies starting to become nonexistent with each passing second. This kiss was definitely better, and Dash made sure of that. He didn't want Brielle to think that he didn't know what he was doing (which was actually true) or that he was a bad kisser (which he hoped wasn't true at all). When the kiss ended, Brielle took a step back and Dash had to heave a sigh. "What exactly do you want to know?" He murmured as he pulled away from their third kiss, his eyes never leaving hers, his arms still wrapped around her waist, holding her close to him. 

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

Brielle's eyes went from Dash's body to his hands the moment it clasped hers. She didn't know how to react. She was supposed to be somewhat upset but he was suddenly holding her hand and guiding her towards the deep part of the sea and she just couldn't focus on anything but their hands linked together. He stopped when the water was the same level at his waist, and Brielle couldn't help but notice the specks of sadness and longing and hurt in his eyes and all she wanted to do was to be the one to make him stop hurting. To be the one he gets to confess his deepest secrets to, because suddenly she knew that she'd accept whatever it is that he was hiding. But she couldn't help but think that this was just a spur of the moment feeling. Dash wasn't more than a mere acquaintance to her right now. She didn't know who he was, what he's like when he's drunk or sleepy but she wanted to know that. Brielle couldn't help but blush with the look he was giving her. It was intimate, something that's meant to be given to someone important to you, but here she was, receiving this one from Dash.

Closing her eyes as she felt him bowing his head down, slowly meeting hers, Brielle clutched Dash's hands tighter. The sensation of his lips meeting hers, even just for a fraction of a second left Brielle breathless and unsurprisingly wanting more. The moment she hear him say sorry, Brielle almost wanted him to stop because she thought he was saying sorry for kissing her. She didn't feel sorry for what he did, but for the sake of propriety, Brielle kept her mouth shut. He was saying sorry for leaving her like that earlier. That was it. She wanted the kiss, and didn't want it to stop, but she couldn't bring the words to say it. She'd never felt like this in a long time. She'd never wanted something this much before. The last time Brielle was in an almost relationship was more than two years ago already, so the feeling that Dash was giving her was something she truly missed. When she felt Dash's hands leave hers, Brielle reached for it. "You're saying sorry as if you regret being with me right now." She said, looking up at him.

[dashgriffin]

Dash didn't know what had gotten over him. Maybe he just let the loneliness control him for a moment, tired of being left in the shadows, tired of being someone who had so much weight to carry, but still no one to share that burden with, though Dash would never dream of having someone share in whatever it was he was facing. There was no justice in bringing someone into the hell he created for himself and for a moment, a rush of hatred rushed through him. How dare he bring Brielle's hopes up for nothing? Even if there was a infinitesimally minuscule chance that she could ever like him back, there wasn't going to be a chance. Sure, Dash was a gentleman because his mother taught him and raised him that way and he knew he could love someone so damn much but she, of all people, definitely deserved better. If anything, she deserved the best this school had to offer. Why did he have to kiss her and make everything else much more complicated than it already was?

Dash didn't understand what his heart did when he felt her reach for his hand but he held onto gratefully, a small smile escaping and forming on his lips. "No, no. It's not that. Not that at all." Dash shook his head vigorously, the smile all but gone on his face as he realized what it must have seemed to Brielle. "No, I don't regret anything about that kiss." He answered truthfully, before letting his free hand wrap around Brielle's small body, letting it resting on the small of her back so that he could pull her towards him, her eyes never leaving hers. "If anything, I just regret that it didn't last longer." Dash chuckled quietly before sobering up and gulping. "I just don't want you to think that I'm using you or anything like that, like I'm pressuring you to enter something we're both not ready for. I'm not sure if I'm making much sense but trust me when I say that my intentions weren't that bad." He said, his other hand latching onto hers tightly as he asked with his eyes, before leaning down and kissing her again. This time, it lasted longer. Dash let his lips stay on Brielle's for awhile, letting her feel just how much he was enjoying this.

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

Brielle let him go into the waves first, thinking of how he reacted when asked about his hometown. Maybe it was a bad that she asked him about that. But it was just instinct that she does, since he asked her that same question. She thought it would be like a safe, common ground for them to talk about, but given the way he almost shrugged the answer off proved her wrong. Brielle then decided that all these personal questions about him should be asked in a later time, probably when they’re both close with each other. It would be weird if she had to go through the same thing again. Tucking a loose hair strand behind her ear, Brielle took off her sunglasses above her head and put it in her tote bag before following Dash towards the water. “You know that’s rude of you leaving me like that,” she said, willing herself to stop. Yet she couldn’t help but reason out that he was being somewhat rude. Maybe she thought of Dash wrong. Either way, Brielle wanted to get to know the guy more, why some personal questions makes him mad, and what part of him made Brielle want to be just close to him, both physically and emotionally. 

Adjusting her bikini top straps on her neck, making sure it wouldn’t come undone with just a medium gush of wave, Brielle looked over at the guy beside her and - unintentionally - checked him out. Dash was a good foot taller than her, which was rare since she was mostly the one who towers over everybody with her 5”10 frame, with toned body, as if he’s been spending lots of his time inside the gym. Brielle got a sudden urge to run her fingers over his chiseled chest, but forced herself to stop thinking about such malicious things. She only knew the guy for crying out loud, and now here she was, thinking of sexual things about him. She usually was the type of a modest girl. Coming from a family of doctors, her parents trained her to always be her decent self around other people or whenever in public. Sure it came around to being slightly different since the century changed and the teenagers nowadays were mostly wearing shirts that showed their midriff and she somewhat adapted to that kind of change but, Brielle was mostly the decent one in her family, so her weird reactions and urges were definitely strange to her. 

[dashgriffin]

It wasn't fair. Everything about this wasn't fair. That was the only logical thought that was going through Dash's brain. His sister's predicament wasn't fair and how she handled herself wasn't fair and the tragedy she left behind wasn't fair for anybody. He knew he shouldn't blame anyone but if he had to put the blame  on someone, he was going to point it on himself, since he knew that there was so much more he could have done. It wasn't fair the way he was treating Brielle as well, and with shame, Dash bowed down his head as he entered the water. He was turning his new friend into his emotional punching bag and once again, Dash found something that wasn't fair in this world. Unable to stop his eyes from roaming her body, Dash allowed himself to soak up the heat of the sun and the coolness and calming effect of the water as he watched her walk towards him. He nodded his head when he heard what Brielle had to say, showing her that he was agreeing. "I know." That was all he said at first, instead choosing to hold Brielle's hand as he slowly waded into the water and finally stopped where the water reached his waist. 

Without warning, Dash sidled up to where Brielle was, her hand still in his as he looked down at her. There was no doubt that she was beautiful, pretty and hot, but that was just the covering, the gift wrapping. It wasn't fair for her to be around him, because she didn't need to give herself that pain, the confusion of having to stay with him. Probably, she was just around because she felt forced to, not because she wanted to. All Dash wanted was somebody who understood. Having a little sister who was raped and then killed herself resulted in him having depression and that wasn't an easy life. His parents did the best they could but they weren't around and he surely wouldn't depend on them so far off in his life. No, he was alone. Feeling the sudden rush of feelings of loneliness, fear and trepidation, Dash slowly leaned down, looking at her softly before letting his lips rest on hers. It was faint, and didn't last more than two seconds before Dash pulled away. "I'm sorry." For being rude, for keeping you here when you could have chosen anyone else, for kissing you when you probably didn't want to. "I'm sorry." Dash repeated as he let go of her hand and turned his back, silently beating himself up for it. Over and over and over again.

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

Brielle let out a small yelp when she heard Dash talk. Without even realizing it, she was already dozing off. She looked over at Dash and lifted her sunglasses over her head. “Oh, god, sorry. I didn’t want to disturb you. You looked comfortable and I thought it would be rude of me to disrupt you from that so,” she rambled. Brielle bit her lip and smiled sheepishly. “Um, sorry. I tend to do that whenever I’m caught off guard.” she said, gesturing with her hands. She suddenly remembered that she had not put on sunblock and that if she continued dozing off every few minutes, she might put on one since she knew sunburns can be nasty. Looking over her bag and back at Dash, she said, “Do you mind if I just uh, put sunblock on? Don’t want to get all red and puffy and stuff.” Brielle slowly scooted a little further away from Dash, so as to be able to lift her cover up dress. She put it on her lap and began to put sunblock over her upper torso. 

She thought about his question for a moment, still putting sunblock, now on her legs. “Well, San Francisco’s nice, I guess. I was glad I was born in it. It’s such a peaceful little city with equally peaceful as well as beautiful people.” she answered. “Or maybe that’s just in our neighborhood but, you know.” shrugging her shoulders, Brielle offered the sunblock to Dash. “Do you want to put some on as well?” she smiled. “The thing about it is that, it’s somehow both on the old and new side of the country. You could see old couples walking the streets or riding the train with this wistful look in their eyes that you could almost see what beauty they’ve been through.” Brielle looked over at Dash and smiled. “The hills can be quite unforgiving, though. That’s probably why I’m not one to wear heels.” she chuckled and then leaned back with her elbows and shoulders supporting her, letting her skin soak up the sun. “What about Colorado? How is it?” 

[dashgriffin]

Dash couldn't help but laugh loudly when he heard Brielle yelp. He's always thought he was boring but now he just stepped it up a notch by almost boring someone to sleep. He knew he should feel sorry for himself but with the sun on his face, he didn't really mind that much. Dash had long since already understood what it was like to degrade himself so much. He had depression and though he would never admit it, sometimes he used it as an excuse to not get better. Right now, he should be making himself more interesting but does he? No, because he doesn't want to just yet. Dash isn't even sure he's capable of actually being that interesting, and staying that way for the long run. Deciding to spare Brielle the long and embarrassing explanation, Dash nodded his head. "Nah, don't worry about it. I'm pretty much used to it." Dash was glad he had on sunglasses because Brielle wouldn't see that he was rolling his eyes. Typical. "Go ahead." He said, shrugging his shoulders with a smile. It was nice of her to go out of her way to give herself some privacy and yes, he was a teenage guy but did she not think he could control himself or something? Maybe she was just conservative. 

Deciding to shake these thoughts away from his head, Dash focused instead on the water, the rhythm of the waves, propelling him back to a much easier time. Before he knew it, Brielle was beside him again and continuing the putting of sunblock. "Yeah, thanks." Dash said, smiling at her as he took the bottle and continued to listen to her. She made it sound like San Francisco was this magical place and though Dash wanted to believe it, it just didn't come up. Places like that were usually hiding secrets of too great value, some that wouldn't even be known to the public. Nevertheless, all Dash said was, "Sounds like a great place." He then shrugged his shoulders and said, "Colorado is... nothing special." It's the place where my sister got raped and killed herself, Dash thought to himself before standing up, done with putting sunblock on his body. "I'm going to go wade in. If you'd like, you can come join me." He put on a small smile before shaking the sand from his body and taking off his shirt before making his way down to the beach. 

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

"You’re not a schmuck," Brielle said softly, smiling. Sometimes without realizing it, Brielle finds out certain stuffs about herself. Like now, for example. She suddenly hated it how, even though there was a tone of lightness to the way Dash said it, he called himself something negative and something that’s not him. She hated it when people do that, especially when they bring themselves down. In her opinion, nobody deserved to be brought down because they’re unique in their own ways. Having been bullied when she was growing up, Brielle learned to appreciate and love herself more, and she made it a point to let other people do that to themselves as well. Brielle tucked her legs under her as she sat down in front of a big box, shuffling through its contents. "That’s good then," she said. "That you’re having fun. Sometimes people get bored while talking to me that they just resort to their own phones for company." Brielle said, chuckling at the thought.

Brielle nodded at what he said. “San Francisco has its moments too, but yeah, nothing like this. She gave an awkward smile as he patted her shoulder. The moment he stepped closer to her, Brielle thought he was going to give her a hug. She briefly wondered how that would’ve met. She looked at him and said “see yah,” with a grin. Trailing her eyes back to the pile of clothes she had packed. She forgot were she put her bikinis, so she was grateful that after a few minutes of rummaging through the box, she found it. She and Dash would meet at the beach, so Brielle decided to hurry up. She put on white sundress over a triangle bikini and slipped on her flip flops. The beach wasn’t that far from Northwood, which was a relief if since she was going to walk there alone. Putting her beach essentials in a tote bag, Brielle grabbed her sunglasses and keys and headed out. She saw Dash almost immediately but didn’t want to disturb his peaceful trance so she sat down beside him, as quietly as she could and leaned back to let her skin soak up the sun. 

[dashgriffin]

Dash smiled unconvincingly. Nobody really knows about his condition, except maybe for his family and there was no way that he was going to let Brielle know about it. Admitting it made him feel weak but actually acknowledging it and making it known to a woman he was severely attracted to made him feel like not only was he ruining his chances, but he was ruining his life. Dash was depressed enough as it was. "Thanks." He nodded his head, the smile still on his face, making a mental note to never slip up like that again. The school year was just about to begin and he didn't want to start it on a sour note. "I don't know why people would do that?" He furrowed his eyebrows together, unable to understand why anyone would find Brielle boring. "I can assure you that I would never do that. At least, I won't do it when you're watching." Dash chuckled before making his way out. 

At the beach, Dash was pretty much zoning out. He wasn't aware of much except for where he was and how he was still alone. With a little jump, Dash realized that Brielle was already beside him. "Woah there. You scared me for a sec." He smiled his crooked grin at her once again before scooting over, closer to her, making sure his eyes weren't going down her body. His mother taught him to be a gentleman and he's never really forgotten all the values that are pretty much rooted to him already. Maybe going to the beach was a bad idea, not with Brielle in a bikini - which was barely being concealed by a white sundress - and Dash already starting to sweat. Smiling softly at her, Dash asked, "So, tell me about San Francisco."

[dark-sarah-deactivated20180331]

[dashgriffin]

Off to the beach.

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

Brielle scoffed playfully and then put her hands on either side of her hips. Since they were both on the playful mood, she decided to go along with it. “Those kinds of girls just irks me.” she started, “And I don’t just suffice! I’m more than enough!” she exclaimed, putting a hand on her chest for emphasis. She burst out laughing at what she herself said. Being comfortable around a stranger has never been Brielle’s thing. She’s always the kind of person who’s cautious about the things and people around her, always making sure that everything’s right and nothing wrong’s going on. So being this open and carefree self of her was being brought out by Dash. There was something in his demeanor that make Brielle just want to let loose. That’s it’s okay to actually not think about the consequences of what she’s doing. She smiled at what he said, noticing how sincere he was. “Why, thank you.” Brielle looked at him from the other side of the door and smiled. “Are you having a good time here?”

Brielle noticed the change in Dash’s smile when he mentioned his sister. There was adoration in the way he spoke of her, but there was also something else she couldn’t pin point. With his body language, Brielle noticed that it would be another topic for another time, probably when they were friends longer. “Little girls tend to do that, I guess. Lots of imagination and nothing to actually put it place.” she replied, instead of pinning him more about his sister. “Oh, my sister got a hold of them, so. I don’t know where they are now. She probably tore them to pieces. She’s wild like that.” Brielle looked around her and noticed hefty pieces of boxes littered across the room. If she decides to unpack now, then they wouldn’t be able to go to the beach. She just couldn’t miss an opportunity like that since she hasn’t had LA sun in a while and since a hot guy like Dash would be joining her. “I’ll save the unpacking for later. I think my body needs to feel fresh water. I can’t believe how hot it is here!” she exclaimed before going through one of the boxes that contained her clothes. “How about we meet each other in 30 minutes, get our beach stuff and the go from there?” she suggested, turning her head to him. 

[dashgriffin]

"Of course you're more than enough, m'lady. Don't let anybody else, especially a schmuck such as myself, tell you otherwise." Dash smiled gently at her, wanting Brielle to see that even though there was a saying that most jokes were half meant, his was definitely not meant. He knew he just met the girl but there was something about her that put him completely at ease. It's been a long time since he's been comfortable with a stranger, but Dash was happy to know that Brielle was quickly before more than just a pretty face he helped. Her laugh was a tinkling sound of high notes that made Dash want to record it and add it to the list of audio notes he keeps hidden, just in case he hit writer's block again. A sense of longing washed over him, and it was the first time in a long time that Dash wished he was with someone. Not just with someone as in being with their body, being in their presence, but being with someone. He knew that if he tried a bit harder, things might be different. Looking at Brielle, Dash wishes that was true. "Oh, I'm having lots of fun over here." He laughingly waves at her before nodding his head. 

"I've got a wild sister too. Believe me." With a chuckle, Dash decided to quickly change the topic, switching it to one that was much lighter. "Colorado was really hot too, but nothing like this." Nodding his head to her suggestion, he quickly agreed and walked closer to her. "See you in thirty minutes, Brielle." Dash didn't know what to do. A hug seemed a bit too close, since they literally just met each other a few minutes ago. Deciding to just go with it, he patted her on the shoulder a few times before smiling a crooked smile aimed at her as he walked out the room. A pat on the shoulder? That was all he could come up with? Rolling his eyes at himself, Dash quickly opened up his suitcase as soon as he arrived in his room and got what he needed. He changed into board shorts, a plain V-neck t-shirt and slippers. Bringing his wallet, phone and his keys with him, Dash took his time in making his way to the beach. It was near, but not near enough that it was just a stroll. Dash was pretty sure he got there before the thirty minutes were up, so he took a seat on the warm sand and decided to just sit back and relax, let the hot sun beat down on his slightly aching back and let the warm sea breeze ruffle his hair. 

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

Brielle gave a lighthearted laugh about his comment. “You mean girls who fuss about their appearance every now and then?” She was never one to worry about what she looked like, but she did think about it sometimes. She knew she was good-looking, but then everyone had their own insecurities. She’d never had a boyfriend because what guys wanted with her was never what she wanted with them. Everything was about physicality, but Brielle wanted something more. She always did. Brielle smiled as Dash looked back at her, having picked up the last of the boxes up her room. “Oh, they’re missing out, alright. Missing out on having to carry things that aren’t even theirs. Maybe they were just being lazy or something.” she shrugged her shoulders and held the door open for Dash. 

The way he pat her shoulders was just something. It made Brielle’s stomach tingle with something - excitement, maybe - but she shrugged it off. She ran her hands through her hair, a habit she does every now and then. She thought about his question for a while. “Well, Northwood’s academic excellence is superb, so I knew I just had to study here, and I’ve always loved designing clothes.” she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back against the pale wall. “I used to design clothes for my barbie dolls when I was little so, I guess that’s how it all started.” Brielle couldn’t help but give a slight chuckle at the mention of her dolls. Her mom used to give her a fright every time she’d see the dolls as Brielle used to dress them up with leaves and table runners. 

[dashgriffin]

"Well, maybe not those kind of girls." Dash let out a light laugh. He's never actually had a girlfriend before, but he had an idea of what exactly he wanted in a girl. His girl had to be nice and be able to keep up with him and is willing to accept him for who he is and what he has to cover up. "Maybe girls like you would suffice. Maybe." Dash teased her with a small wink as he grabbed the last box and started to make his way up the stairs once again. "I wasn't talking about that. I just think they're missing out on spending some time with an interesting human being such as yourself." Dash smiled at her gently, wanting her to know that he was being sincere about it. He's never actually been pegged as a flirt, but for some unknown reason, being with Brielle has brought out a side of him that was so rare to see. Maybe he was just flirting a lot because she was too pretty for her own good. 

Dash laughed a little at her explanation. "You're just like my little sister." With a seemingly forced smile, Dash started to remember how his little sister did the same thing, getting ever fabric she could find that could be made into a dress or any piece of clothing for her dolls. "So where are you barbie dolls now, Brielle? I would have wanted to see them." Dash joked before putting the last box down in her room. "That's the last of them. Beach time? Or do you want to stay here and actually unpack?" With a grin, Dash leaned against the door frame, smiling at Brielle softly, wondering why it was that he could look at her all day. He was a good deal taller than her and for the first time in a long time, Dash started to think of what it would feel like to have her in his arms. Call him a sappy romantic, but Dash knew that he would definitely be able to love any girl and make her feel like she was the only woman in the world. 

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

"Yes," Brielle replied to his question about her being a Fashion Design major. "A true girl through and through," she chuckled and then bit the inside of her cheeks, a habit she seemed to develop whenever she was nervous or curious about something. What she was nervous or curious about, she didn’t know. Maybe the presence of a guy was doing this to her, especially since she didn’t know Dash. He seemed like a good guy, though. A gentleman, in her opinion, since he volunteered to help her with carrying her stuff. Or maybe it was because he was damn handsome, with his eyes and that smirk he seems to be fond of, or that little smile of his. How, in the matter of minutes that they had been talking, Brielle noticed those little things about him she didn’t know. And it shook her off a little, to be honest. 

Brielle smiled at his comment about her carrying stuff. She knew those boxes had to be heavy, or else the movers would’ve been the one to put it up inside her room. She mentally noted to never call those movers again since they only do their job half-baked. “I could help. I hate feeling helpless, actually.” Brielle bit her lip again once they reach the front door to Dartesman building. She suddenly felt like it was easy to talk to Dash about certain things in her life she’d rather not talk to anyone else since his presence alone made her blurt out a truth about her that she’d rather kept hidden, as it made her feel weak. “Um, I could take out some stuffs I could carry with both hands so as to lighten the weight?” she asked in an ascending voice. 

[dashgriffin]

"I've always liked true girls." Dash chuckled with her and mentally noted just how adorable her laugh sounded. It didn't even sound forced whatsoever, making him start to wonder what exactly a girl like Brielle had for a story. Everybody had one, no doubt about that, but he was curious to know more about her, like what made her tick, what made her laugh because strangely enough, that tinkle of laughter was one Dash looked forward to hearing again. "You shouldn't feel helpless. You asked for help and you're going to get it. Guys who just walked past you when you asked for help are just missing out." Dash smiled gently at her before heaving another box into his arms. It wasn't nearly as heavy as the first one so he shook his head at her offer. 

"I'm not trying to be all manly by refusing but it's fine if I carried these boxes. Really. You don't have to worry." Dash said, using one hand to pat her arm reassuringly before making his way to her room, memorizing the way to it already. With a smile, Dash looked behind him to get another glimpse of Brielle, a pretty girl with high cheekbones, pale skin, divine eyebrows and dark, luscious hair Dash had to stop himself from reaching out to touch. "So, tell me. Why Northwood? Why Fashion Design? Why Fashion Design in Northwood?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, lowering his body towards to floor to gently put the box down as soon as they entered the room, only to go out of it and down the stairs again to bring in the last box. 

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

[briellesadler]

Brielle bit her lip when she turned her back against Dash as she was asked to lead the way. As corny as she thought, she did like to be treated somewhat nicely. Not many guys did that to her, especially since they were usually interested in her because of her looks and looks alone. No guy ever tried to play nice with her, always brushing their arms “casually” on her side boob when they thought she wouldn’t notice, or pretending to drop their drinks on her chest so as to “dry it off” by patting her chest repeatedly. It all ended with Brielle kicking their balls or slapping them straight in the face. She was glad for the extensive Taekwondo lessons her dad got her into a few years back. She didn’t think it’ll come in handy, but then expect the unexpected, right? 

"Are you sure you could carry them alone? I could help you." she turned sideways slightly so as to face Dash and glance at his ocean blue eyes. They were the most gorgeous once she had ever since. She noticed how it changed colors while out in the sun, turning almost sea-green but then returning back to cerulean once inside an enclosed building. Such beautiful display of colors, she thought. They reached the top floor, so Brielle took a turn to the right before arriving at the door at the end of the hallway. She pushed the door open and held it so for Dash to get in. “Oh, put it down slowly. That’s the box for my sewing machine, I guess.” 

[dashgriffin]

Dash could see that Brielle bit her lip before she turned around and into the dorm. He didn't know what that meant because he was neither an expert on women nor was he a very confident man. For all he knew, she did it because she had to stop herself from laughing at him. It wouldn't be a complete surprise if that happened because it's not like it would be new to him. Once before, a girl had laughed at him because he couldn't stop crying at the funeral. It was all he could do not to physically hurt the girl, but instead lash out at the wall of the nearest building he could find. Dash sighed and hoped nothing would trigger something like that from him again. It wasn't exactly his proudest moment, nor was it was one he was fond of remembering. 

"Oh, it's no problem at all. Wouldn't want you to suffer with this kind of torture." Dash gently teased her, wanting the lightheartedness to stay, because as much as he didn't want to admit it, Dash has been feeling a bit lonely, and it didn't only start when he moved here. So, he's been a bit distant since his sister's death, but who could blame him? Oh, right. He blamed himself every single day for it. Deciding to push those thoughts away from his head, Dash went inside Brielle's room to find it as sparse as his when he left it a few minutes ago. "I'm guessing you're a Fashion Design major?" He asked as he slowly set it down on the floor and led the way back down the stairs to get the two remaining boxes from outside the dorm building.

[briellesadler]

Stay the Night ☯ Brielle & Dash

Brielle resisted the urge to shout at the last person who just walked by her when she asked them for help. She just needed someone to help her carry some heavy boxes that were filled with her books and her sewing machine because the movers just left it lying there outside. She didn’t know a single school could contain that much rude students. Good thing an angel dropped from the sky and offered to help her. She was so, so close to giving the rude student the finger when Dash arrived. 

Putting up the last of the boxes she managed to carry, Brielle tied her hair up in a ponytail as beads of sweat were making their escape to her forehead. She had forgotten the feel of Los Angeles sun beating down so harshly, even though it’s the middle of November. She had been so secluded in San Jose that the cold climate was what she had gotten used to. “Well, better get myself used to the LA climate then,” she said to herself. Brielle went down the first floor of her dorm building to find Dash outside. She went over him and waved. “Hi. I was just putting up the last box I could carry.” she said with a smile.

[dashgriffin]

Dash wasn't prepared for another school year, especially because he was accepted to a boarding school hundreds of miles away from his home in Colorado. It was a stroke of luck that he immediately met a friend in the beautiful Brielle. Dash still couldn't believe how a girl so pretty as Brielle would talk to him, but he had to remind himself that nobody knew his story, and it was going to stay that way for as long as he wanted. Nobody had to know about his sister and his issues, especially some girl he just met. That wouldn't be fair to her or to him, so after dragging his boxes and heavy luggage up the stairs and into his room in the Trophellis building, Dash immediately went outside again to walk towards the Dartesman building. 

He got there quickly and immediately saw Brielle coming towards him, waving as she did so. Dash quickly put on a smile and waved back. "So these are the boxes that are left?" He gestured towards the few humongous boxes that were by his feet. "Shouldn't be too much of a problem." Dash smiled reassuringly at her before slowly sliding down to the floor and by using his knees to carry the weight, he hefted the heavy box into his arms. "Lead the way, m'lady." Corny. Dash thought as he inwardly rolled his eyes at himself. How was he going to impress Brielle when he was going to seem like a complete dork?

[briellesadler]

Oh, why thank you. 

I know. But the school is beautiful, nonetheless. Dartesman, 209. 

[dashgriffin]

Everything in California is beautiful, it seems. The beach is calling my name, but maybe we can go together when we get tired from all the unpacking?

[briellesadler]

Oh, gosh, sorry. I’m Brielle. It’s nice to meet you, Dash.

And thank you for agreeing to help me. Various students have walked straight past me as if they heard nothing while I was asking them for help!

[dashgriffin]

Pretty name, Brielle. Suits you. 

Some people in this school are rude, so it seems. I'm in Trophellis 118, by the way. What dorm are you in?

[briellesadler]

I take it you just got here as well? I do need a hand in putting some more heavy boxes up in my room. 

[dashgriffin]

Just arrived like an hour and a half ago. I'd love to help you out, stranger. 

[briellesadler]

Unpacking your stuff can be a bitch sometimes.

[dashgriffin]

I know the feeling. Need any help with that? I'm Dash, by the way. 

[kiriandraa]