Sorry for the delay in updates! I've been really busy with work and stuff plus my computer broke so I haven't had much time to write again. I'm about to leave on a 3 hour drive to Pennsylvania right now so I can finish a few more chapters!

Without further adeu, chapter 4 of Wildflower.

We sat on the rock under the stars, the cold wind nipping at our red faces as we shared the warm coffee from my thermos. Dell was staring at me intently as I took another sip. I looked up at him and offered him a sip. He nodded and I went to hand him the cup but he leaned over for a sip instead. I tilted the cup slightly as his lips touched the rim. He sipped softly bringing his own hand up in contact with my own, guiding the cup back to a level position.

"No wonder Sniper asks you t'make his coffee this stuff's pretty good." He said to me, "I'm kinda jealous."

"I could bring you coffee too." I refilled the cup, "I know you are up late at night working. So.. Y'know.. I could bring you some and maybe keep you company sometimes?"

He nodded and hummed softly, "I'd like that much, darlin'."

The wind suddenly picked up and the gust nearly knocked me back off the rock. I dropped the lid with the coffee in it on the ground in surprise as Dell grabbed me before I could fall back.

"Ah!" I gasped as his arms wrapped around me and he held me close. His warm embrace heating my body to the very core, even through my light jacket. I could feel the scruff of his cheek on my face and his warm breath on my face.

"Ah-You okay?" He asked, his voice shaking a bit, his grip on me lessening. I could feel his heartbeat quicken as his gaze avoided my eyes. He smelled of machine oil and of the strong coffee we had just shared.

"Dell.." I turned my body a bit to face him as I leaned into his embrace, "I'm okay." His smell and warmth were almost intoxicating. I could feel him shake nervously in response to my affection. I could tell that he was hesitant as to what to do or even say. We sat there in silence for a minute.

"Are you cold?" He finally spoke up.

"Just a little.. But it's warm here in your arms.." I looked down at my hands shyly, fussing with my bandages.

"Well if that's the case then-" he lifted me into his lap, and held me tight. My eyes widened with surprise as he placed his forehead onto mine. Our hearts racing wildly as we made eye contact. I felt like my face was on fire. I tried to avoid his gaze but he lifted his hand to my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb, "...miss (y/n)... I ..." He paused momentarily trying to muster as much courage as he could," I...reckon I've fallen in love with you..."