She knew his response wouldn't be overly enthusiastic. for Derek, though, it was at least something. "I'm sure you'll meet him sooner or later, if you haven't already. I don't think it'll be very easy to stay complete strangers for long while we're all trapped here."
She felt his stare boring into the side of her face, and Chloe reddened even as she tried to appear nonchalant. Still. She didn't need to hide her feelings from Derek. He knew her better than she gave him credit for at times. Squeezing her arm around him in an affectionate show to prove she understood, Chloe suddenly felt selfish. Of course he missed them. He had only recently been reacquainted with his father, and Simon and Derek were practically inseparable.
It was her turn to look up at him. "I'm sorry." She would never say it aloud, but Derek and Simon and Kit had a close-knit relationship Chloe had never really realized she was missing while growing up. They were probably worried sick over him.
She forced a smile. "We'll get you home soon. They won't worry long." She tried to sound reassuring. "Then everything will be as normal as it gets for us." A laugh escaped.
Both eyebrows shot up at that, and Chloe actually had to pause and think of whether or not Derek was being serious when he said that. Finally she said, "You wouldn't. Would you?" The thought alone made her want to laugh.
"No, it probably won't be. Especially with these journal things." He was still trying to decide if he thought they were weird, or really interesting. Right now, he was settling for both, with an added bit of really wanting to know how they worked. "There's a couple of people I've talked to."
He wasn't buying the nonchalance either, and he gave her a very gentle squeeze back. When she apologized, he ducked his head slightly. "Not your fault," he said gruffly. And then, before she could take that the wrong way, he added, "I know. Me too." He hadn't meant to make her feel selfish, just wanted to let her know he understood.
"We'll get us both home soon," he corrected. He appreciated the effort, in any case, and he snorted slightly at her last statement. "Normal's boring, anyway."
He raised an eyebrow at her, amused. "What do you think?" Of course he would. In about two seconds flat, actually.
Pursing her lips, Chloe reached back for hers. "I don't really have the hang of it, either, yet, but I figure it can't be harder to use than a computer or a camera. I was thinking of turning my entries into a horror story about experimentation on supernaturals and--" She cut herself off. Maybe it was too soon. "I don't want to sit idly by until someone decides what to do with me. With us. It reminds me too much of seeing our names in Dr. Davidoff's computer. The question marks there." Goosebumps rose over her flesh, and she scowled. "And that's another thing! I haven't seen any gh--!" Cutting herself off, she quickly looked around, pressing her lips together and forcing nerves to calm. "We can talk inside. We're all in the same boat here, though, more or less. We'll need to work with others to get out of here, Derek." They might be able to do it alone, but she couldn't leave others trapped here.
Sending a grateful smile his way, Chloe finally settled her nerves and was able to relax.
"You know, when I first arrived at Lyle House, I would have done anything to be normal. Now it's so much a part of me I can't imagine life without everything supernatural in it." She laughed, bumping him lightly with her shoulder as they walked. "Good to hear, because I tend to make things bump in the night."
Literally.
And oh, she hoped he didn't take that--
"U-uh, oh! Um, yeah. I mean--" Breathe. She found her calm, ducked her head to hide the light rosy hue to her cheeks, and laughed at his teasing. "I guess you would, huh? I can see it now." She grinned, imagining the scenario in her head and shaking her head at the whole thing.
"That's - a good idea. If you want. Sometimes it can be helpful to write up stuff like that." That's what he'd read, anyway. Derek was never any good at the whole writing thing. He scowled a bit. "Just maybe not in these things. Everyone can read them."
He started to agree with her sentiments on just sitting around, but then nodded when she cut off. They were at the barracks now, they'd been in the room soon enough. Still, he couldn't resist adding, "I know, Chloe. I know how to work with people when we need to." Like Tori. Or Chloe herself, way back in the beginning.
Derek smiled hesitantly at her. "Good. Because normal's never really been part of my life. I-"
He cut off as she started stuttering. Oh. Uh. Yeah. But then he grinned at her when she laughed, pleased. He liked making her laugh.
She smiled, feeling a lightness in her chest as Derek's words. It was all the support she needed. "I think I will. One day." She smiled up at him. "What do you think would happen if I turned a few of my entries into screen shots with dialogue? About what really happened to us. Strangers--most of us--arriving here and reading that letter and not knowing what to believe? If I have to make an entry, I want it to be fact, at least. Maybe embellish a few things for artistic talent." She trailed off. If was something she felt strongly about, but if Derek didn't think it a good idea, she would listen, no matter the disappointment.
"I know you know, Derek. I'm just saying... there may be people here worse than Tori. Or people content with the situation, like Rae. They should all have the option of leaving once we find a way out. That's all I meant." She waited for his own opinion, knowing he would most likely support her in this.
Laughing, Chloe shook her head. "Normal had been a part of mine. I'm... kind of glad it's not, now, though." And this look she sent Derek's way spoke volumes about her feelings for him--along with any slight teasing she could add to it without diminishing the truth to her words. She couldn't hide her smile, nor her thoughts from reflecting in her eyes.
Then the emotion shifted and she laughed again. "Yes, I am as a matter of fact. I can see it start to finish, though the big, mean bully grabbing some poor, unsuspecting victim by the shirt and hauling said victim out to the hall to leave in a heap on the floor is a scenario I simply can't unsee." Beaming cheekily she added, "Though the victor grinning maniacally in the now vacated room was a nice touch."
"Should talk to Simon about it when we get back. You guys could work on it together."
Then he frowned a bit. "We don't know what really happened to us yet, probably not much more than someone who's just read the letter and doesn't know what to believe." He paused. "Or did you mean what happened to us before?"
Derek grunted slightly. "Course they do," he said gruffly. "We find a way out of here, we're not gonna keep it to ourselves." Especially considering there was at least one person Derek'd already offered to share anything he found with. Remembering that conversation, he frowned. "But - be careful, Chloe. Some people here might be dangerous."
Derek looked back, his entire face softening and an almost gentle smile tugging at his lips. Part of him felt overwhelmed, because he still didn't really understand how he'd managed to earn Chloe's affections, but the bigger part was just - happy. He reached out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ears, then dropped his hand back by his side.
"Always gotta cast me as the bully," he rumbled, but he was smiling. He knew she was teasing, and he didn't mind it, coming from her. "I wouldn't grin maniacally."
Both Chloe's eyebrows rose at that. "And this is not you trying to push me and Simon closer together anymore?"
"No, I mean now. It would be a film as you go kind of thing. So if anyone important sees it, they will know the truth." She gives a small shrug. There was a bit of hope there, yes, but it was a small one.
She grinned. She knew he'd feel that way. Then her expression sobered. "I-I'll be careful." As careful as she could be, which, being a genetically modified necromancer, didn't qualify for much.
The soft grin, the light touch--both made Chloe's heart hammer in her chest as she smiled in return.
Then she laughed. Loudly. She quickened her pace to step ahead of him, then her excitement faded somewhat as she remembered the red sky and the looming storm. No fun and games outdoors this evening. "C-come on. We'd better hurry. This doesn't look right, and even I can smell something isn't right with the air." She grabbed his hand, leading him to the barracks doors that would lead them both inside. Then, almost as an afterthought she tossed over her shoulder, "Oh really? Sh-should I have said: grinned wolfishly?" Her heart beat tripped over itself as the words left her lips, and she cast a hesitant glance his way, ready to run all-out to her room depending on his reaction.
"Simon can't have you," he informed her. He smiled, tone joking, though there was a very tiny part of him that was serious. "And no. This is me thinking two of the most important people in my life might have some fun working on something together."
When she clarified, he nodded. "Sounds good. If you need me for any of the filming stuff, just let me know." He didn't bother to tell her not to mention anything about them being genetically modified, or him being a werewolf. He trusted she was smart enough to figure that out.
He grunted when she agreed to be careful. "Good." They couldn't trust people they didn't know anything about too easily, after all.
Her laughter made him grin wider than he had since he'd gotten here. It was brief, though, and he nodded in agreement. He gave her hand a squeeze as they entered the barracks, lacing their fingers together. He raised one eyebrow when she glanced back, and both shot up at her words.
"Show you wolfish," he grumbled, a trace of a growl entering his voice as he pulled her to him by their joined hands.
Then he wrapped an arm around her, picked her up, and kissed her.
Simon can't have you. A complete one-eighty from the way things used to be. It was nice though, and Chloe smiled, trying not to let her heart beat too quickly at his words. "I know. I know, Derek." She smiled, reached for him, let go.
"I'll take you upon that. Screenwriting, directing, and casting can only go so far with one person." She grinned. "Possible, but too sloppy for what I have in mind, unless I can a break through in ideas."
When her teasing words sunk in, Chloe had half a mind to bolt, but the majority of her wanted to see how Derek would react. She held her breath at the shocked look that came across his face, then saw something darker flit over his expression and a small squeak escaped her as she attempted to make a run for it--
Only to find their fingers were intertwined.
Eyes widening considerably, Chloe only found time to gasp as her heart tripped and sped up considerably as he tugged her to him. Then she was in his arms, and his lips were on hers, and it was everything she hoped and remembered and wanted it to be. Arms lifting to twine around his neck, Chloe pressed into his form so all she feel was Derek's warmth surrounding her petite frame. Her lips parted. She didn't need to wait for any signs of hesitance now.
It still felt awkward sometimes, that Simon had liked Chloe but hadn't gotten her - not only did that never happen, but it most definitely never happened because Derek had gotten the girl instead - but when Simon had moved on from telling Derek it was okay and started teasing him about it, Derek had relaxed.
Derek grunted when she started listing things they had to do, briefly wondering what he'd gotten himself in for. He wouldn't be any good at screenwriting, and he doubted he'd be much better at casting. But if Chloe wanted his help, she'd have it.
He couldn't hide the smirk that came when Chloe tried to make a run for it to find herself caught. Yeah, Chloe, next time you decide to taunt someone with the intent of fleeing before they can retaliate, remember it's hard to run from someone who's holding your hand.
But his smirk faded when her arms went around his neck and she kissed him back. Just like their first real kiss, back at the motel when everything was over and, for the moment, they were safe. Oh, they'd kissed since then, but it was gentle, playful stuff, holding back because he was mindful of the five other people who could interrupt them at any given time. Two of whom didn't like him very much, and one who could make things very difficult for them.
He still hadn't forgotten the way it felt like she kissed with everything she had, and he couldn't help but return it. It was longer than he'd intended, shorter than he'd like, before he broke the kiss and set her down again, absently brushing back her hair.
Here Chloe wouldn't have to worry about any of the others walking in on them. She wouldn't have to worry about her Aunt Lauren's look of slight disapproval. She wouldn't give Derek hell for sucking up to her aunt in attempts to prove he wasn't the Big Bad.
So this small moment was nice. Being held in Derek's arms, kissing him with renewed strength and emotion in an attempt to show how glad she was that he was here--this moment was enough. Even if they were at the start of some new, lengthy adventure with untold horrors before them, she knew so long as they were together they would be able to overcome any obstacle. They've done it before, haven't they? Even if Chloe could manage on her own up to a certain point, she knew one thing was certain.
Derek would always find her.
So when he pulled away, and Chloe attempted to keep her heart from going into overdrive, she smiled and let her eyes slip closed for a moment before murmuring, "You know... it's kind of nice having a super senses-enhanced boyfriend." Her eyes lazily slid open to meet his. "I know that if you're ever near, you'll find me. You always do."
Yeah, yeah. So relieving for Chloe, that she didn't have to give him hell. Derek was the one who got hell, and had to keep sucking up to Lauren or end up being hated even more by his girlfriend's parental figure.
Huh. And he said there was nothing normal about his life. Of course, she disliked him because he was a werewolf, which was less normal, but still. Strange to be worrying about something so typically teenager as being hated by his girlfriend's parents.
But at the moment, none of that mattered. There was no one here to interrupt them - or at least, no one Derek cared about getting caught by, anyway - and he was free to kiss her with as much passion as he wanted.
The corners of his lips quirked upwards a bit in an almost smile when she said it was nice to have a boyfriend with super senses. There was a big part of him that loved hearing that, even though she'd probably take it back later. The next time he used said super sense to eavesdrop on her conversation or something.
"I always will." It probably wasn't something he should promise, but it was true. As long as it was within his power to do so, and she wanted him to, he'd find her.
Well Aunt Lauren wasn't here to pester Derek about giving Chloe space, and Simon wasn't around for them to feel awkward around him while they were in the beginning stage of dating, so perhaps this was the break Derek and Chloe needed to settle into their relationship and find out more about themselves and each other.
And yes, Derek, Chloe probably will take that comment back later on when he overhears something private, or does some other instinctual thing Chloe is unamused by. But...she'll probably end up doing something he considered dumb at some point, so at least they'd be even?
She smiled. "Even without door opening poltergeists around?" That teasing spark is back in her very blue eyes.
And all it took was both of them being captured - again - only this time, by unknown forces in an unknown location for unknown reasons. That - actually, that was about on par with their lives. Of course that's what it took.
Hmph. Derek'll have to do a lot of eavesdropping for them to be even over the dumb stuff she did.
"No closed door'll stop me from getting to you," he informed her, smirking slightly in response to her teasing. He might've even made a joke about biting the doorknobs, if he wasn't worried about someone overhearing and wondering why he had to bite doors to get them to open.
They should be used to it by now. They really should.
Chloe would disagree, Derek. She will only admit to some of those things being dumb, and continues to tell herself you would have come around and agreed with her. Eventually.
Beaming, Chloe nods before saying, "Yeah. Locked doors can't keep us out." They had to snoop around for answers too often to allow such things to stop them.
Derek hoped Chloe was happy in her delusions, then. No, wait, he didn't, because that meant she was going to go right on being dumb. Maybe if she changed 'some' to 'most,' they'd have a deal.
He grunted his agreement. Well. Most locked doors, anyway. He didn't have any illusions about his ability to get through some high tech vault lock or anything. Not that he wouldn't try if he had too. He'd been doing research on it, after all.
He lead them up to the second level of the barracks where their rooms were, then paused, eyeing them. "Which one?" It didn't really matter much, after all.
She felt his stare boring into the side of her face, and Chloe reddened even as she tried to appear nonchalant. Still. She didn't need to hide her feelings from Derek. He knew her better than she gave him credit for at times. Squeezing her arm around him in an affectionate show to prove she understood, Chloe suddenly felt selfish. Of course he missed them. He had only recently been reacquainted with his father, and Simon and Derek were practically inseparable.
It was her turn to look up at him. "I'm sorry." She would never say it aloud, but Derek and Simon and Kit had a close-knit relationship Chloe had never really realized she was missing while growing up. They were probably worried sick over him.
She forced a smile. "We'll get you home soon. They won't worry long." She tried to sound reassuring. "Then everything will be as normal as it gets for us." A laugh escaped.
Both eyebrows shot up at that, and Chloe actually had to pause and think of whether or not Derek was being serious when he said that. Finally she said, "You wouldn't. Would you?" The thought alone made her want to laugh.
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He wasn't buying the nonchalance either, and he gave her a very gentle squeeze back. When she apologized, he ducked his head slightly. "Not your fault," he said gruffly. And then, before she could take that the wrong way, he added, "I know. Me too." He hadn't meant to make her feel selfish, just wanted to let her know he understood.
"We'll get us both home soon," he corrected. He appreciated the effort, in any case, and he snorted slightly at her last statement. "Normal's boring, anyway."
He raised an eyebrow at her, amused. "What do you think?" Of course he would. In about two seconds flat, actually.
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Sending a grateful smile his way, Chloe finally settled her nerves and was able to relax.
"You know, when I first arrived at Lyle House, I would have done anything to be normal. Now it's so much a part of me I can't imagine life without everything supernatural in it." She laughed, bumping him lightly with her shoulder as they walked. "Good to hear, because I tend to make things bump in the night."
Literally.
And oh, she hoped he didn't take that--
"U-uh, oh! Um, yeah. I mean--" Breathe. She found her calm, ducked her head to hide the light rosy hue to her cheeks, and laughed at his teasing. "I guess you would, huh? I can see it now." She grinned, imagining the scenario in her head and shaking her head at the whole thing.
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He started to agree with her sentiments on just sitting around, but then nodded when she cut off. They were at the barracks now, they'd been in the room soon enough. Still, he couldn't resist adding, "I know, Chloe. I know how to work with people when we need to." Like Tori. Or Chloe herself, way back in the beginning.
Derek smiled hesitantly at her. "Good. Because normal's never really been part of my life. I-"
He cut off as she started stuttering. Oh. Uh. Yeah. But then he grinned at her when she laughed, pleased. He liked making her laugh.
"Setting the scene?"
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"I know you know, Derek. I'm just saying... there may be people here worse than Tori. Or people content with the situation, like Rae. They should all have the option of leaving once we find a way out. That's all I meant." She waited for his own opinion, knowing he would most likely support her in this.
Laughing, Chloe shook her head. "Normal had been a part of mine. I'm... kind of glad it's not, now, though." And this look she sent Derek's way spoke volumes about her feelings for him--along with any slight teasing she could add to it without diminishing the truth to her words. She couldn't hide her smile, nor her thoughts from reflecting in her eyes.
Then the emotion shifted and she laughed again. "Yes, I am as a matter of fact. I can see it start to finish, though the big, mean bully grabbing some poor, unsuspecting victim by the shirt and hauling said victim out to the hall to leave in a heap on the floor is a scenario I simply can't unsee." Beaming cheekily she added, "Though the victor grinning maniacally in the now vacated room was a nice touch."
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Then he frowned a bit. "We don't know what really happened to us yet, probably not much more than someone who's just read the letter and doesn't know what to believe." He paused. "Or did you mean what happened to us before?"
Derek grunted slightly. "Course they do," he said gruffly. "We find a way out of here, we're not gonna keep it to ourselves." Especially considering there was at least one person Derek'd already offered to share anything he found with. Remembering that conversation, he frowned. "But - be careful, Chloe. Some people here might be dangerous."
Derek looked back, his entire face softening and an almost gentle smile tugging at his lips. Part of him felt overwhelmed, because he still didn't really understand how he'd managed to earn Chloe's affections, but the bigger part was just - happy. He reached out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ears, then dropped his hand back by his side.
"Always gotta cast me as the bully," he rumbled, but he was smiling. He knew she was teasing, and he didn't mind it, coming from her. "I wouldn't grin maniacally."
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"No, I mean now. It would be a film as you go kind of thing. So if anyone important sees it, they will know the truth." She gives a small shrug. There was a bit of hope there, yes, but it was a small one.
She grinned. She knew he'd feel that way. Then her expression sobered. "I-I'll be careful." As careful as she could be, which, being a genetically modified necromancer, didn't qualify for much.
The soft grin, the light touch--both made Chloe's heart hammer in her chest as she smiled in return.
Then she laughed. Loudly. She quickened her pace to step ahead of him, then her excitement faded somewhat as she remembered the red sky and the looming storm. No fun and games outdoors this evening. "C-come on. We'd better hurry. This doesn't look right, and even I can smell something isn't right with the air." She grabbed his hand, leading him to the barracks doors that would lead them both inside. Then, almost as an afterthought she tossed over her shoulder, "Oh really? Sh-should I have said: grinned wolfishly?" Her heart beat tripped over itself as the words left her lips, and she cast a hesitant glance his way, ready to run all-out to her room depending on his reaction.
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When she clarified, he nodded. "Sounds good. If you need me for any of the filming stuff, just let me know." He didn't bother to tell her not to mention anything about them being genetically modified, or him being a werewolf. He trusted she was smart enough to figure that out.
He grunted when she agreed to be careful. "Good." They couldn't trust people they didn't know anything about too easily, after all.
Her laughter made him grin wider than he had since he'd gotten here. It was brief, though, and he nodded in agreement. He gave her hand a squeeze as they entered the barracks, lacing their fingers together. He raised one eyebrow when she glanced back, and both shot up at her words.
"Show you wolfish," he grumbled, a trace of a growl entering his voice as he pulled her to him by their joined hands.
Then he wrapped an arm around her, picked her up, and kissed her.
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"I'll take you upon that. Screenwriting, directing, and casting can only go so far with one person." She grinned. "Possible, but too sloppy for what I have in mind, unless I can a break through in ideas."
When her teasing words sunk in, Chloe had half a mind to bolt, but the majority of her wanted to see how Derek would react. She held her breath at the shocked look that came across his face, then saw something darker flit over his expression and a small squeak escaped her as she attempted to make a run for it--
Only to find their fingers were intertwined.
Eyes widening considerably, Chloe only found time to gasp as her heart tripped and sped up considerably as he tugged her to him. Then she was in his arms, and his lips were on hers, and it was everything she hoped and remembered and wanted it to be. Arms lifting to twine around his neck, Chloe pressed into his form so all she feel was Derek's warmth surrounding her petite frame. Her lips parted. She didn't need to wait for any signs of hesitance now.
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Derek grunted when she started listing things they had to do, briefly wondering what he'd gotten himself in for. He wouldn't be any good at screenwriting, and he doubted he'd be much better at casting. But if Chloe wanted his help, she'd have it.
He couldn't hide the smirk that came when Chloe tried to make a run for it to find herself caught. Yeah, Chloe, next time you decide to taunt someone with the intent of fleeing before they can retaliate, remember it's hard to run from someone who's holding your hand.
But his smirk faded when her arms went around his neck and she kissed him back. Just like their first real kiss, back at the motel when everything was over and, for the moment, they were safe. Oh, they'd kissed since then, but it was gentle, playful stuff, holding back because he was mindful of the five other people who could interrupt them at any given time. Two of whom didn't like him very much, and one who could make things very difficult for them.
He still hadn't forgotten the way it felt like she kissed with everything she had, and he couldn't help but return it. It was longer than he'd intended, shorter than he'd like, before he broke the kiss and set her down again, absently brushing back her hair.
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So this small moment was nice. Being held in Derek's arms, kissing him with renewed strength and emotion in an attempt to show how glad she was that he was here--this moment was enough. Even if they were at the start of some new, lengthy adventure with untold horrors before them, she knew so long as they were together they would be able to overcome any obstacle. They've done it before, haven't they? Even if Chloe could manage on her own up to a certain point, she knew one thing was certain.
Derek would always find her.
So when he pulled away, and Chloe attempted to keep her heart from going into overdrive, she smiled and let her eyes slip closed for a moment before murmuring, "You know... it's kind of nice having a super senses-enhanced boyfriend." Her eyes lazily slid open to meet his. "I know that if you're ever near, you'll find me. You always do."
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Huh. And he said there was nothing normal about his life. Of course, she disliked him because he was a werewolf, which was less normal, but still. Strange to be worrying about something so typically teenager as being hated by his girlfriend's parents.
But at the moment, none of that mattered. There was no one here to interrupt them - or at least, no one Derek cared about getting caught by, anyway - and he was free to kiss her with as much passion as he wanted.
The corners of his lips quirked upwards a bit in an almost smile when she said it was nice to have a boyfriend with super senses. There was a big part of him that loved hearing that, even though she'd probably take it back later. The next time he used said super sense to eavesdrop on her conversation or something.
"I always will." It probably wasn't something he should promise, but it was true. As long as it was within his power to do so, and she wanted him to, he'd find her.
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And yes, Derek, Chloe probably will take that comment back later on when he overhears something private, or does some other instinctual thing Chloe is unamused by. But...she'll probably end up doing something he considered dumb at some point, so at least they'd be even?
She smiled. "Even without door opening poltergeists around?" That teasing spark is back in her very blue eyes.
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Hmph. Derek'll have to do a lot of eavesdropping for them to be even over the dumb stuff she did.
"No closed door'll stop me from getting to you," he informed her, smirking slightly in response to her teasing. He might've even made a joke about biting the doorknobs, if he wasn't worried about someone overhearing and wondering why he had to bite doors to get them to open.
That'd have to wait for later.
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Chloe would disagree, Derek. She will only admit to some of those things being dumb, and continues to tell herself you would have come around and agreed with her. Eventually.
Beaming, Chloe nods before saying, "Yeah. Locked doors can't keep us out." They had to snoop around for answers too often to allow such things to stop them.
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He grunted his agreement. Well. Most locked doors, anyway. He didn't have any illusions about his ability to get through some high tech vault lock or anything. Not that he wouldn't try if he had too. He'd been doing research on it, after all.
He lead them up to the second level of the barracks where their rooms were, then paused, eyeing them. "Which one?" It didn't really matter much, after all.
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