sleepless nights (weston)

[DEREK JEREMY BRENSEN]

one hundred sleepless nights

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i might be holding on too tight[/center]

One thing Derek never did was go out and take advantage of his youth. He always looked at drinking heavily as something he couldn't do. Now he wanted to accept it with open arms. Derek would not even be able to express how hurt he felt. It was like all the things he prayed and prayed for not to happen did. His life felt unstable. Only thing he could turn to was school and taking care of business. Derek had been avoiding Vaeda and it was painful. He did still speak to her, but he was definitely giving her the cold shoulder. Derek couldn't even look at her the same. He loved her dearly. It was just like she wasn't even the same sweet girl he met.

Derek felt like his life was so empty without her there. She was the only person he really spent time with in his life. He hadn't realized how unhealthy that was until he found himself sitting alone in his apartment for the first time in awhile. Derek's instinct was telling him not to invite Vaeda over, but that was all he wanted. He felt lost and had no idea what had become of him. Derek had never realized he didn't really have friends. He was a friendly guy, he just didn't invest his time well enough with people since he was always so busy. It made him feel cold. Derek knew he needed to change that even if it did stress him out.

He tried his best to busy himself as he had a two day break from his classes. Derek wished he knew what to do. His apartment almost looked like it hadn't been lived in for ages. Derek just had time now to wonder what the hell he even did before he was with Vaeda. It seemed like it was just about nothing. He couldn't remember anything before her. Derek needed a big distraction. Maybe he could call someone up to just loosen him up. The thought made him incredibly nervous. He had basically no idea what was in store for him. Derek was used to benefit balls, business gatherings, galas, things of that nature. Thinking of the fast paced, sweaty, drunken atmosphere made his stomach churn and his anxiety go through the roof. Derek had never even stepped foot into the Club of Daggers in the town even for as long as he lived there.

Derek had gone to a club once when he was eighteen for his birthday and he had never thrown up so much in his life. The club wasn't a bad experience, they just weren't his type of people. Derek had grown up in a very calm and collected environment. It was a just different. Okay, he was dwelling on that too much now. Derek who was sitting on his wrap around couch, pushed himself off of it and began to search for his cell phone. There was bound to be someone. He scrolled through his contacts, sighing deeply when his eyes flashed onto Vaeda's name and right above it was Weston. Derek had met up with Weston a couple of times. He was an overall good and humble guy. They just merged well.

Before he realized what he was doing he was calling up Weston. A conversation later he had made plans with Weston to go out somewhere. He just needed to get out of that damn apartment. After asking Weston for his address, he walked into his room skimming what little of 'casual' clothing he had. Derek just threw on a t-shirt he never even wore and some jeans. He was apalled by how much he wore slacks and button ups. Derek slipped on a pair of converse he had bought long ago and pounded out the door with his wallet minutes later. He stopped to examine himself in the reflection of the elevator doors, messing with his hair. Derek's face turned a slight red when the doors opened revealing an old woman who gave him a very weird look. He gave her a small smile and got in the elevator before anyone else could come in.

Derek found himself in the parking garage and in front of his car in no time. He unlocked his car and climbed it, starting up the car. Derek backed out of his space and zoomed out of the garage and onto the streets of Manuka. After a short drive he found himself in front of Weston's place. He had told Derek the house party he had planned on going to was very close by so they could just walk. That worked for Derek because he wanted to get more than just a little tipsy and he had a thing against drunk driving. He parked in front and got out the car. Derek walked up to the door, giving a few knocks and taking a step back, rubbing his neck anxiously. He had on idea what to expect that night.

[/blockquote]

[WESTON LEE PATTON]

I'LL SING ALONG

[/color][/font]
cause i don't know another song[/center]

Most of the time, what Weston told everyone he was doing and what he was actually doing were very different. He had an image to keep up, and what he did in his spare time was somewhat a factor that always had to be taken in. When someone called, he had to be doing something important. For him, his leg was his biggest excuse. Those that heard his excuses said that he milked his leg too much, but the truth was he didn’t milk it enough. Weston felt like he should toughen it out. Honestly, this was nothing compared to what some of the troops came home with. At least he still had his leg. He was a physical trainer, so it was working properly most of the time. Sometimes it gave its complaints, but if anything, it was stronger. The house party that he was planning on heading to tonight wasn’t all that far and it had actually started a couple of hours ago. It started with a football game. After the football game came the regular house party. He’d go to that.

The reason he told everyone he couldn’t join the big football rally was because he was resting his leg. Told everyone that it really bothered him on his daily morning run. Everyone grumbled but understood that something like that needed to be taken care of. The real reason? He was taking care of his puppy. The boxer- Toby- was sick with something. He was watching the game on his own TV with his dog next to him with a blanket over it. The Aussie had been nervously pacing back and forth, trying to figure out why her best friend wouldn’t come and play. Dogs seemed to have that other sense within them that was able to tell when something was wrong. Weston spent most of his time trying to calm the Aussie- Maggie- down. It was also hard to get excited for a particular play because both of them would perk heads up and bark to see why Weston was celebrating. They had not yet grown accustom to football season. They would. He also told everyone he got two hardcore dogs that would protect the place. Men had dogs. But the pair of them were probably the sweetest things he could have picked. Figures.

His phone shook violently as he was receiving an incoming call. Not many people he knew of would be calling him about a game unless they had a bet. However, he couldn’t remember that he made any bets with the first games (as he didn’t know who sucked ass and who didn’t quite yet). Looking at who’s name came up, he was glad he was sitting down. Now he hadn’t talked to this guy in forever. As far as Weston was concerned, he had way too much on his mind. Too many rules and obligations, which made him nervous beyond belief. Weston was so laid back that people that tense seemed to baffle him. At least, that sort of tense. Tense where they were yelling and snapping all the time was more of his style. Not stammering and stuttering. Where they even the same thing? Weston shook his head, but answered with his usual cool relaxed guy talk. Being what was referred to as the ‘leader of the pack’, he received these calls more often than not.

He wasn’t sure how it got there, but it ended up with Derek and Weston going to the party together. Which was fine. The guy needed to loosen up and from what it sounded like, he needed about five pounds of nothing but alcohol in him. Weston wasn’t a heavy hardcore drinker, but there were occasions where he drank probably more than he should have. But that was the fun of it. Especially after a football night. The guy was going to be stoked too, as his team was winning 69 to 7 and the game was almost over. He would be in the mood to party happily. This guy didn’t need an intense environment. Giving Toby the last of his medicine, he turned on the heater under the dog’s belly and went to get ready. His form of getting ready was basically taking off the clothes he had ran in and change into a white cutoff. Muscle shirt was more of the common name. He didn’t like to wear much to parties, as something was going to get spilled on it by the end of the night. Plus, it was fun to show off his arms. He worked damn hard on those things.

The knocks came and Weston didn’t take much time to opening the door. There was Derek. Who looked… stressed. Well the man always looked stressed, but Weston didn’t remember him being as nervous as he was at that moment. Wow, yes, this was needed a long time ago. Way to go Weston. Making the poor fellow wait this long. He had heard that he also got into a fight at the ball thing (an event Weston didn’t attend) but that was months ago. ”Hey, perfect timing!” Weston smiled cheerfully, patting Derek’s shoulder, ”Fresco won against Colorado Boulder, so this place should be fucking nuts.” Maggie ran to the door at the last moment, wagging her tail and rolling her tongue excitedly. Weston wanted to groan, but held a finger up at the dog, who’s tail stopped wagging at once. With a shake of his head, he closed the door behind him, ”Ready to loosen up?” He teased, striding across his grass to cut straight to the sidewalk. Oh the beauty of having the party a couple of blocks from the house.

WE CAN SING THIS

[/color][/size]
on the way home[/font]
[/center]

[DEREK JEREMY BRENSEN]

one hundred sleepless nights

[/font]
i might be holding on too tight[/center]

Derek and Weston were pretty much opposites, but the werewolf grew up knowing how to mingle with other people so their friendship did come pretty easy. Derek wasn't even sure if what he had with other people was called a friendship. Maybe acquaintances. He was just so busy with his school and work he didn't really have time to invest with other people. Now with Vaeda starting to get out of the picture he felt a bit lost. He couldn't focus on anything and he was already done with all his assignments so there wasn't much he really could do. Derek felt completely lost without the only person he truly loved. He had put his heart and soul with his relationship with Vaeda. It wasn't a healthy approach because now that he was completely unsure of their relationship he realized he had no life without her there. When it wasn't work or school, it had been his girlfriend. He had planned on marrying her and having kids with her. How could she had betrayed him like that?

It probably was bad to think about her when he was only going out to escape the thought of her. Weston was generous for accepting to take him out. Derek had already explained everything to him, just in case things took a turn for the worse once alcohol was in his system. He wasn't the nicest person to be around when he was intoxicated, especially when he was going through hard times in his life. Derek had been in an atmosphere with Weston before where alcohol was present, but he never overdid in those situations. He was taught to only take small sips or at least pretend to be drinking a lot. Plus that was more casual and Vaeda had been there as well. Those two were always inseparable. Damn it, there he went thinking about her again. It was his new mission to actually put himself out there and make more friends. Actual friends that he could go to for help and go to have fun with. He had isolated himself so much and now he was just nothing but lonely.

Derek would need to embrace alcohol as his dear friend that night because that would have to be his confidence. Other drunken people wouldn't find his corny joke funny and would probably see him some creep. Weston would probably help to s steer him away from that. He really was a great guy from what he knew. People only spoke highly of the man. Derek hoped people only spoke as highly of him as they did Weston. Weston was probably the manliest of men. It wasn't even stereotypical either. He was perfectly himself. Derek always wondered what it would have been like if he grew up in a normal household and went to a normal public school. He probably wouldn't be as nervous to go in this social situation as he was.

What man, who was nearly thirty, was getting sweaty palms thinking about going to a party? Any normal man would already have had memories like that when they were far younger. Derek was getting far too old to still find himself getting nervous to something as simple as a party. He knew he would stick out like a sore thumb as he always did around people outside his little business circle his father had built. Derek needed to learn to loosen his tie and kick back and not worry about little things. He was overthinking every aspect of the night ahead of him. Derek jut wished it would all make sense to him.

Derek smiled at Weston when he opened the door to his home and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. His eyes glanced behind him to his dog running to the door. Derek chuckled, but felt a pang in his chest when he instantly thought of Vaeda when he caught sight of the dog. She would have fell in love with the dog. Derek pushed that into the back of his mind,"Those are f-football t-t-teams, right?" He let out a genuine laugh."I just n-need to make sure so, um, I d-don't make a complete ass of m-myself, acting like I a-a-a-actually understand sports." He shook his head. Derek always found it hard to connect with other men who were usually into sports. The most Derek paid attention to was probably when someone played tennis on the Wii.

He smiled down at the dog as Weston ordered it to stay as he shut the door. Derek sighed and shook his head, the smile still on his lips."Oh I'm shaking with e-excitement,"" He said sarcastically as he pulled his keys to unlock the car. Derek climbed in and waited for Weston. As soon a Weston was buckled in he drove off,"I just r-r-eally want to say t-thank, m-man. You didn't have to a-a-accept thi c-charity c-case," Derek laughed and began following the directions that Weston was giving him. He had no idea how far out the party was, but really was shaking from how nervous he was. Derek hid it pretty well though. He had no idea how people could handle that kind of social pressure. It was so odd.

They made it to the house too much later. Derek parked a pretty ways away so they had to walk. He shoved the keys in his pocket after he locked the door and waited for Weston to catch up to him. Derek could feel the bass always thumping along with his heartbeat. The house was out in the more remote parts of Manuka, so it was pretty dark out on the side of the road as they walked. The only lights were coming from the house. They finally approached the house and the door was already open. The two walked in and instantly the wave of heat hit him. Derek's eyes took in all that was going on around him. There were a group of people playing beer pong, people dancing almost as if they were having sex, and a lot of yelling and laughing. He looked over at Weston for some type of guidance, really unsure as of what to do with himself.

[/blockquote]

[WESTON LEE PATTON]

I'LL SING ALONG

[/color][/font]
cause i don't know another song[/center]

He couldn’t say that it was impossible for a man not to like sports, but it was hard to believe. Weston understood some of it. Some people just didn’t get it. They were destined for other things. But not to watch it? Or participate with people who knew? It was culture. American culture and living the dream and everyone knew how patriotic Weston was. He was all about living up to the country’s standards. Besides, he was a football player in high school. He tried to in college, but it was a little much for him. Juggling both of those activities. Doing it in high school as really enough, though he missed it sometimes. He missed the hard hits and the feel of victory running through his veins. He missed yelling in the huddle to get all the younger classmen to listen up and pay attention. Gah, all of it. Football season was his favorite. Although, he should have known that Derek wasn’t all that into sports.

It was really hard to understand him sometimes. He stammered so much that Weston wanted to groan and tell him to spit it out, but he imagined that would make it worse. Not only would it be worse, but Weston would be the giant ass in this case. Really had to point out or try to fix his stutter by yelling. That was a mental thing that Weston wasn’t even going to try to get into. There was no way he could try to do something that connected to something like phycology. Or whatever it would be. That was the only one he knew it would come closest to. Weston had a little bit of math and science on his side (obviously with his career), but as far as all that complicated brain shit went, Weston would prefer to stick to the basics. As basic as one could get, he supposed. Muscles and nerves for him were as easy as reading a simple black and white map. See? He wasn’t completely brainless. Better lucky than good probably wouldn’t have been a good motto for his business.

With a patient light laugh, glad that the guy was in the least honest about it as opposed to nodding and not having a clue of what was going on. Yes, he would have really made an ass out of himself if that had been wrong and he said something in front of everyone. The guy running the party would have had his buzz over victory killed over and dead. There was nothing worse when that happened. There was a guy who asked Weston what happened if a college team played an NFL team. Stupid. ”Yeah, football. See, you guessed right.” He tried to reassure, looking over at Derek again and seeing that this guy seemed more tense than usual. Weston wouldn’t have betted that was physically possible without the guy being in a hospital or something, but man, it was easy to see. He wanted to ask, but he figured that would be a conversation better saved after a couple of drinks. Loosen him up.

Even though Derek looked tense, he seemed to be making it more at ease the more they walked and talked. There was an even a sarcastic comment here and there with a couple of smiles. This was good to see. The guy was ready to do something fun. Hopefully, Weston was going to show enough that would be enough for the poor guy. It would be a shame if this party ended up only being ‘okay’. It didn’t happen often, but it did happen. Some of it was better than sitting at home, he guessed. Weston just wished that his puppy could stand it on his own. He was sure as soon as the door was shut, Maggie would continue to whine at Toby to try to get him to move again. Weston forced himself to treat his dogs like his kids because it was the closest he had. He should have honestly had kids now with how early he got married, but that went to shit in a hell hole, now didn’t it?

It was interesting- Weston didn’t’ hear thank you a too awful lot. He know he should have, but he didn’t. It was a detail he didn’t really realize until someone did tell him thank you. Made him feel good inside. Weston tried not to think about the last time he was told thank you by that Jenna girl considering she made it clear he wasn’t even to think of her again. ”Nah, not a charity case. It’s just a friend helping his buddy out with life. We have to start somewhere.” He teased, relating back to his first party. He hadn’t wanted to go, but that was the exact same line he received. ‘Gotta start somewhere’. Weston took the chance. He thought he was doing pretty well with himself. Never went to prison.

Derek seemed to be darting around like this place was a different planet to him. Weston supposed that in a way, it was a different feeling for someone that wasn’t use to it. He tugged Derek over to the kitchen where sure enough, people were crowding around the drinks. The perks of being a big guy, Weston hollered and everyone scooted as well as they could to let him through. Some good move makers for a couple of guys he knew as well. Weston went to the counter and turned around with two shots in his hand, handing one to Derek. ”Start with one. See how you feel.” New drinkers were pretty much all lightweights. Weston wanted to give him a good time, not kill him. Shots were so dangerous. So much alcohol in the smallest sip. A girl walked by Weston, and he made it very bluntly obvious of him checking her out, winking at her as she giggled away. He always seemed to forget that Derek was taken. The poor soul.

WE CAN SING THIS

[/color][/size]
on the way home[/font]
[/center]

[DEREK JEREMY BRENSEN]

one hundred sleepless nights

[/font]
i might be holding on too tight[/center]

Weston was truly a nice guy to have patience to deal with Derek. They were almost complete opposites and nearly had nothing in common, but he still chose to try and help him. Derek was good with interacting with just about anyone no matter who they were or how their personality was, so that might have been the case as well. The two got along very well, despite having not too many things to relate with each other. At the same time he was worried he was boring Derek because he had really spoken to someone who was a friend in quite some time. He really only spoke to business associates. Even at school he didn't speak to anyone besides whoever was lecturing. Derek only spoke when necessary because whenever he chose to mingle with others he found himself getting distracted. He did have a hard time balancing too many things at once. Derek would let himself get stressed over easily when he felt like he had too many things to do. He felt stressed out only because of Vaeda at that moment. Derek was so anxious to go to the party already. It was radiating off of him.

Derek hadn't even played one bit of sports in high school. He did like baseball, but he never played it. Sometimes when he had time he would watch a game. Derek wasn't much of a tv watcher though. In high school he was more of an academics guy. He went through high school with a solid 4.0 GPA. Derek had always despised gym because he would get picked on and people would call him gay. He was quite well known at school too, so it had gotten around that he was gay, even though he wasn't. That was a very sensitive topic with him. It had been years since high school, so it was long forgotten by him and his former classmates. Derek just kinda wished then he had payed more attention to sports because he was going into a place with Weston where people were drinking over the victory of their winning team and Derek had not a clue even how they scored points in football besides touchdowns or even if that was the only way. It was like rocket science to him. He didn't really grasp the concept of any of it.

He shook his head at his own stupidity and apologized. Derek was not like usual guys and it was showing a lot in that moment. He didn't even like to try and act like he was either because that always ended up bad. Derek would much rather stick out like a sore thumb for being himself than faking his way through friendship and failing at it horribly. He was very comfortable with himself, so he wouldn't pretend to be someone he wasn't regardless. Derek was only going to the party to drink and have fun and he sure a majority of those people were there for the same reason and could care less about the game. That thought calmed his nerves a bit."I-I just figured I m-might as well ask b-before I ended up p-p-pissing someone off." He laughed, thinking if that scenario happened. Derek knew what liquid courage made people do. That night at the ball was a perfect example. If he would have been sober he wouldn't have fought with Elijah and nearly killed him and he wouldn't have said those mean things to Vaeda and spoke to her like she was a piece of nothing. She was much more than that and he regretted being so rude to her, even if he was still mad at her.

As they made their way to the party he was trying to talk himself down so he wasn't freaking out so bad. Derek knew he was overreacting horribly, but that was just his personality and he couldn't really help it. He had been to parties before, so he had no idea why he was freaking out like he was. Yet, every time he had acted the same way. All the loud music and grinding bodies were not something he was used to. The parties he was used to played soft music, people mostly did ballroom dancing, and only the most expensive of alcohol was served. Derek honestly hated those type of parties as well, but he was still more familiar with it. He had to loosen up and try to care a little less about what he doing.

Derek smiled at Weston's comment and chuckled softly. That was very true. He had no idea how he had even made it through his first party as a teenager with his own friends. Derek had been just as awkward then as he was now, only a bit worse. He figured he could handle himself now. Derek just had to keep calm. As they walked into the party Weston instantly noticed his paranoia. He pulled him toward the kitchen and handed him a shot of something. Derek took a deep breath and threw it back without really thinking about it. He nearly felt it come back up, but he did a small cough. Derek hated taking shots. Whatever got him drunk faster he would like. He laughed and watched as Weston's eyes followed a girl who walked past him. Maybe it was because he was so in love with Vaeda, but he honestly wasn't attracted to any other girl he met. Sure, they were all beautiful, he just couldn't see himself behind closed doors with them.

Derek felt that was the only explanation for it really. He had no idea what else it could be. Derek rarely saw a girl he was attracted to completely. He looked back over at Weston and chuckled."Alright, what next?" Derek reached past two girls to grab two cans of beer. He set one down in front of Weston just in case in wanted one and he opened his and took a few gulps. Derek didn't really like beer either, but he sometimes drank it with his meals whenever he went out to dinner with Vaeda. There was few alcohol that he really liked drinking because the taste killed him. It was like he was drinking straight up bleach and puke to him. Especially shots.

[/blockquote]

[WESTON LEE PATTON]

I'LL SING ALONG

[/color][/font]
cause i don't know another song[/center]

After all of this, Weston just hoped that this was actually going to help him loosen up a little bit. That’s why he was there, right? To make sure that was the only thing that happened. Sure, Weston was going to get drunk too, but he was sure that he would be able to tell Derek to ease up on whatever they were drinking. Too much could lead to something horrible. One of the guy’s on his team had alcohol poisoning and had died from it. One of the biggest eye openers in his life. All the high schoolers saw what exactly happened when drinking too much. The guy had drank a ton. Not even something that Weston would drink now. And the guy was the kicker, so he was pretty small in size except for his legs. No, it wasn’t going to come to that with Derek. Weston didn’t know if anything about him being a werewolf was going to affect anything. Imagine this guy as a werewolf. It was hard to imagine, but he supposed he wasn’t the frilly guy singing all over the place either. Actually, Weston’s voice was the voice of angels, but he never sang. No, no, no. It wasn’t that he had a problem with gays but the man’s man did not want to be called that.

Yes, he would have pissed someone off. But Weston knew that if there was a fight to break out, the drunken merman would come to his rescue. Really. No matter how much he agreed or disagreed, Weston wasn’t going to leave the poor guy hanging. Fights didn’t really break out on a huge level or the cops were called and then everyone was upset and livid. So they always tried to do something else to keep the peace. Rather someone big like him saying that it was okay. Because if one punch was thrown, the whole place was going down in flames. High school had been worse, but of course it didn’t change a whole lot. Weston probably shouldn’t have been actually partying in his job and his condition. Not really a professional aspect to look at someone who was a fitness trainer. All the calories in drinks were one of the biggest problems. Yet, Weston worked hard to keep it up. It just worked itself out. ”Ah, smart man. If one guy does come at you for whatever reason, just make sure you let me see it.” Weston was very cocky about his abilities of fighting. Alcohol was going to make it worse.

Weston choked down the drink in no time, but he seemed to look at it as a process. He tried to remind himself that he was dealing with a newbie here. He wasn’t sure if he had ever been to another party like this before. Weston wanted to ask, but he was afraid that it would make him more nervous. Derek would just become more uptight because he was so new at this. It wasn’t like he was trying to really impress anyone. This night was so that the guy could relax. Not worry about whatever it was the other people thought of him. Unfortunately, Derek was like the guys that Weston picked on when he was with his friends. Alone like this- he was great. Once gathered in a crowd, there was this giant cocky asshole that came out. It was only lucky that he met Derek alone or it would probably result in some taunting. Something that had been pointed out to him recently. Blinking, he realized that he too was starting to get into his worries. Time for new drinks.

Finally the guy gulped it down like cough medicine. Weston couldn’t help but chuckle at the guy. Man, he was trying. He was trying so hard. Weston was handed a beer and everyone started sitting down. Oh, guy, mixing drinks. That was great but it was so dangerous. Good thing was ‘liquor before beer, never fear. Beer before liquor, never sicker.’ Beer was the only other thing they were having tonight. Weston looked over at him, ”Before you drink, I want you to take whatever is wobbled in that head of yours.” He lifted his hand, not touching Derek but hovering over his head, ”And make it disappear. Drinking with strong emotions can lead to dangerous stuff. Get into your nothing box part of your mind and stay there for the remainder of the night.” He hoped that made sense to him. Derek was a smart guy, he would figure out Weston’s wisdom. If someone as dense as Weston could say it, he was sure that he would be able to decode the blabber.

With that, he took a large chug from his beer, washing almost what the shots taste had in his throat. Derek was probably going to stick with this. Which was fine. Whatever the guy preferred. Shots weren’t for everyone and for the right occasions. Weston looked around to see almost everyone was in muscle shirts or jerseys. Women with the booty shirts. Derek must have been dying right then. Weston wasn’t sure if what the man considered cheating, and he wasn’t going to ask. That was none of his business. ”Now drink your beer. Go dance. Mingle.” Weston said as if they were steps, looking over and seeing one of his girl friends. She waved back and giggled, glancing over to Derek and Weston called her over. ”Hey, who’s you’re new friend?” She asked twirling her hair. Weston figured a little talking wouldn’t hurt him. ”Ah, this is Derek.” Looking over at Derek. He wasn’t sure how much the alcohol was going to affect his language, but with this chick, she honestly wouldn’t notice if he were a mute.

WE CAN SING THIS

[/color][/size]
on the way home[/font]
[/center]

[DEREK JEREMY BRENSEN]

one hundred sleepless nights

[/font]
i might be holding on too tight[/center]

Even he was far past the legal drinking age, Derek rarely drank. Sometimes at parties he was forced to have a glass of champagne or wine, but he always pretended to sip away at it. There had only been about three times he had just drank whatever was in his sight and that had only ended badly. One of those three times was at the Winter Ball when he attacked Elijah like a madman. Derek knew if Vaeda had held him back the human would have been badly damaged. He seemed like such a level headed person who hated drama, and he swore he was, but when alcohol was in his system he became a cocky little bastard who thought he was better than anyone. Derek was yelling all types of profanities that was completely out of his character. Only when he became agitated or angry do those type of words come out of his mouth. Derek did have a bit of a short temper, yet he had learned how to separate himself from the situation. There were many times at school where he would have to leave a lectures over a small disagreement that he had taken a bit too far. Derek usually knew how to calm himself down when he got that way, but once alcohol was in his system all forms of common sense left him.

It didn't help either that he was more of a light weight than a first time drinking teenager. Derek was grateful he had Weston or else he'd stick out more than he already did. He was very proper and sometimes it was hard to break out of that uptight attitude. Derek was hoping his lack of knowledge of the sports aspect wouldn't be a disadvantage. There had to be some people there just for some fun. He never understood the big hype over sports. Derek was in shape and fit all of his life, but once you put some type of ball in his hand it was like he had noodles for legs. He no idea how people had the patience and dedication for that. Or how someone could be so passionate about a sport in general without even playing it. Derek had always been an outside and couldn't get into current trends. In school he was probably only popular because of the amount of money he had in his bank account and that was probably still the same. He was a friendly guy, but most of time he was a bit weary that people were using him for money.

In high school he was even more awkward than he is now and yet he had tons of friends. It was sad to think of it in that way. There had to be some genuine friends here and there for him. Derek didn't like to be a pessimistic about things because that never got you anywhere in life. Even though he was scared shitless of the night's outcome he had high hopes. Derek had every right to go and find himself in another girl's bed, but he wouldn't do that to Vaeda. The darker side of him wanted him to make her feel how he felt. Vaeda had only kissed Elijah though, they got no where near sex. Derek didn't know if she was lying about that either and he sure as hell couldn't trust Elijah anymore to give the right answer. Derek wasn't sure who he trust anyways. He had invested all of his everything into Vaeda and now he doubted everything.

Okay that was enough thinking about his girlfriend. He focused back on the conversation he was having with Weston. It took a few seconds to remember what they were discussing. Sometimes he got so engrossed in his thoughts. He chuckled,"You'd p-probably scare them o-o-off better than I c-could." Derek wasn't menacing when he was being his usual friendly and smiling self. He had actually scared himself a bit when he let things get out of control with Elijah. Even when he was sober and went to his house to "apologize" he had nearly lost control. Derek was known for his good self control so that was really startling to him. He had wanted to rip the human apart limb by limb. It took everything within him to walk away from that doorstep as soon as that first smart remark came out of the asshole's mouth. Derek pushed those thoughts out of his mind before he actually would let himself become angry again.

Derek was trying his best to relax himself in the atmosphere around all these people. He was good at adapting and handling himself in situations usually. For some reason this was just a little different. He was adapting pretty well with just a little bit of difficulty. No matter how drunk he got he knew he would still hold back. Derek knew he was an emotional drunk and he hoped Weston wouldn't have to see that because it was rather pathetic. He took another sip from his beer as as Weston began to talk again. Derek laughed, following his hands as he raised it above the werewolf's head. He nodded and put his free hand around his face to make an imaginary box as if he was vogueing,"Okay I'm in my nothing b-box. I t-think I'll be fine." Derek smiled at his friend and took a few more quick sips from his beer. He really hoped he would be fine. Vaeda was constantly on his mind no matter what. Derek scanned the area for a possible distraction. He would possibly just have to find some random girl who had an interesting enough personality to keep him busy. He doubted that would be possible though.

Derek snapped out of his thoughts to look back at Weston. He chuckled because it sounded like he was coaching him. The werewolf really was rusty when it came to this stuff. He followed Weston's gaze briefly that was on a girl. She bounced herself over to the two and Derek smiled kindly at her when he realized she was asking who he was and not only talking to Weston. He blinked in surprise for a few seconds before asking the girl what her name was and she closed the gap in between them just slightly. This girl was not playing any games she was getting straight to the point. Derek looked down at her with a slightly amused expression as she began to ask him random questions. He looked over at Weston for a second and looked back at the girl. Derek quickly finished off the last of his beer when the girl suddenly dragged him out of the room to go dance. He had no problem with dancing, at least he didn't have to talk. She ground against him and he moved along with her body just as easily.

He was trying his best to not think of Vaeda as they were dancing. Derek always had to make some kind of connection with his girlfriend when it came to anything. This girl smelled badly of liquor and some overpowering perfume. She was probably sexy to any other guy, but he honestly wasn't feeling it. Derek was dancing face to face with her then and there was barely any space between them. This girl really went for what she wanted with no hesitation. Derek felt himself pull away abruptly as she tried to lean up and press her lips to his. That was where he crossed the line. He apologized and quickly tried to search the house for Weston. He had seem him not to far off before, but the alcohol was starting to get to him. Derek went back into the kitchen and grabbed another beer and finally caught sight of his friend after he took his first sip. He was talking to a girl. Derek pushed himself into the conversation and
introduced himself to the girl. He looked over at Weston again,"T-that girl was l-l-literally trying to monkey fuck m-me." Derek laughed loudly and backed away slightly and looked back at the girl and apologized. He was starting to feel the buzz a bit after that little incident. Derek set down his drink, not wanting to drink anymore before he made himself sick. At least he knew his limit somewhat.

[/blockquote]

[WESTON LEE PATTON]

I'LL SING ALONG

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cause i don't know another song[/center]

No, Derek wasn’t the intimidating type. He was large enough for it, but after about thirty seconds of being in the same room with the guy, Weston didn’t think he would have been a big threat at all. Sure, there could have been that side that Weston hadn’t seen (as he saw it all the time in people that came into the gym), but he wasn’t expecting this other side to come out. It was supposed about to be relaxing and meeting people. Hookups. Not that Weston would really know about any of that, but he was going to walk around and pretend that he did. He knew about everything else to at least guess about that sort of thing. Especially for Derek’s sake and purpose of the night, he was going to act like he normally did. Derek wasn’t exactly the type to really fit into the rest of this crowd either. A bunch of jocks doing what they had been doing since freshman year. Weston didn’t know much about Derek’s growing up, but he didn’t think that he did this often.

Not that Weston was all that scary of a person to really deal with either. He was large. He knew how to fight, but honestly, by the first glance at him, the blonde hair and blue eyes wasn’t doing him much justice. He could give a pretty good frown face, but it probably just looked like a bully stepping up and attempting to do something versus a man that was dead serious. For some reason, he had a slightly friendlier face. Maybe that was just his own little bias opinion. Very well could be. Still, it hadn’t really worked in the past. Actions spoke louder than words he guessed. That didn’t happen very often however. The most that came was the stitches on his hand from punching that guy at the bar from frustration. There was also the incident in the alleyway when he saved Jenna. Again, popping up into his mind. She had left quite the impression on him, hadn’t she? Weston was even thinking about her during this time, and he hadn’t seen her since then. It worried him. He wanted to make sure that she was okay. Finish the job he started. ”Naw, just puff up. He’ll leave you alone.” He teased.

Weston couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to have to actually think about going into his nothing box. He was the typical guy that could really think about nothing rather easily. That had been most of his problems during classes. Maybe if he had done that during his ex-wife and his arguments, they would have less problems. It was sometimes hard to believe that at one point, Weston had been in love and married with full intention of spending the rest of his life with someone. It had indeed happened. It was known, but not really talked about. Just didn’t blend with his personality very well. At least, that was what people thought. As long as they continued to think that and only that, Weston wasn’t going to have any problems with anyone. It was sort of a sensitive subject to the merman, even though he wouldn’t have showed it at all. Maybe that was Derek’s problem. The man looked too prone to showing how nervous he was. Although Weston wouldn’t recommend shutting everything in either. He smiled when Derek announced he was in the ‘nothing box’. Now the man could relax.

After Weston introduced the girl he knew to Derek, he hadn’t expected Derek to be dragged to the dance floor. He should have expected it, but he didn’t. Weston just watched, figuring that the man was going to able to take care of himself if he really didn’t want to. He didn’t seem like the type of guy to really give into peer pressure to cheat if it came upon him. Weston didn’t have a clue on the details of Derek’s relationship, but like most of the guys here, he was probably trying to get away from it. It was just his job to make sure the man didn’t start throwing punches or something. There was very little that Derek could really do to have Weston step in and take care of things. If it got that far, he would be pretty shocked and surprised a guy like that could cause so many problems. Oh the effects of alcohol.

Whenever Weston drank, someone couldn’t really tell when he was tipsy or when he was drunk by the way he talked. He slurred like none other when he was tipsy just as much as he did when drinking way too much. So his friends always teased him as being a light weight, but they knew better. It was more of Weston’s actions that defined it. All the little things. After a couple of beers, he was pretty buzzed. Almost like he was wandering around dizzy. Now that Derek had found his own little place on the dance floor, Weston had already found someone else. The man may not have slept around, but he was the biggest flirt in the world. He knew what to say to ease someone and make them giggle. There was much practice with this especially with the attractive selection in Manuka. Derek came back a little later, seeing that a fresh new drink was in his hand. Ah, that a boy. Getting into the groove. At what he said, Weston started bursting out laughing, along with the girl that he found. ”No need to apologize, she’s heard worse.” He told him, looking over and winking at her. Derek was like a fun little fresh meat in this place. All the chicks were looking at him. ”And sorry. Didn’t mean to send you to that particular bitch.” He slurred a little lower. ”Look at you. Getting all this attention.” Truly it was pretty average, but Weston was sure Derek wasn’t planning anything. Good job buddy.

WE CAN SING THIS

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on the way home[/font]
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[JURATE]

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