You'd seen Darius around campus, he was who all the teachers called on to assist in physical tasks, and who typically hung around the study hall since he didn't have many classes---senior year, and all that.

What you didn't see was the less than obvious pining he'd had for you, that is, until he'd abruptly asked you out to dinner.

Up to those days until said dinner date, you got to learn more about him. The eldest of a big family, always either busy with helping out at school or helping out at home. The type to take charge---but in a rude or controlling way, in the way that still let others make their own decisions while he stood to the side lending guidance where he could. Smart---really smart---but never able to fully apply himself due to how much of himself he had to give at home.

And, of course, that polite and gentlemenly southern charm that drew you to saying yes to the date in the first place.

So, here you were all dolled up (but not too much, this was only a first date after all), and he'd of course come to pick you up, dressed in a simple but clean outfit with his sleeves rolled up.

He seemed a bit squeamish when he explained on the drive there that his family would also be going---but quickly promised that they'd be far away from their table.

And, they were, but that didn't mean his big brother duties stopped then. You would've been annoyed if it wasn't obvious just how frustrated he was getting over it as well.

But, even still, watching him handle both his parents and all his younger siblings was also charming. You could tell he was trying his best both with helping them and getting to you.

After a while when the food finally came, Darius had been able to sit and stay this time, which you were both internally cheering for.

"Sorry it's been less 'f a date an' more of watchin' me play house," He apologized with a bit of humor and genuine guilt as he sat down across from you. "You at least enjoyin' the show?"