Derek's Room-I9DT

[Chloe Grant]

"Maybe." Chloe said "Its hard to explain."

[Derek Scott]

"Do you want to try? Or do you just want me to shut up about it?"

[Chloe Grant]

"I can try." Chloe said "Its like, you're a human right? But you have a lot of...instincts, holdovers from being a monkey. I've got a bunch of instincts from all the time I spend as a bird."

[Derek Scott]

He nodded. "Like what?" he asked, obviously listening to her very carefully.

[Chloe Grant]

"Well, I'm really shy around people I don't know, but I tend to cling on to people, once I get to know them, because I want to have a flock around me all the time."

[Derek Scott]

"Um... Chloe, that's hardly a bird thing," he said. "Just about everyone shy is going to cling like crazy to the people they can talk to."

[Chloe Grant]

"Yes, I know." Chloe said, feeling a bit frustrated "Its just...different than it was before my mutation manifested. Its hard to explain."

[Derek Scott]

He nodded, giving her a little squeeze for reassurance. "Tell me about it. No rush, we've got all the time in the world, babe."

[Chloe Grant]

"Thats what I'm trying to do." Chloe said "Its just a bit hard to explain, but after my mutation manifested, I needed to be around people more."

[Derek Scott]

Derek nodded. "Well, I guess it makes sense. And I can see it making you more comfortable. But at the end of the day, you're human. I mean... it's different for birds to mate for life. They just worry about other birds being strong enough, skilled enough... stuff like that. With people you've got a whole other can of worms to deal with. So... I don't know, maybe your instincts are freaking out right now, but that's all it is... freaking out. Your life's not over. You've still got a human mind, and a human heart, and those can both move on and do what you want them to," he said quietly.

[Chloe Grant]

"Yeah." Chloe said "I think thats part of it. I'm not sure I want to move on. And if I did.....how will I find a guy who isn't a creeper?"

[Derek Scott]

I'm going to shoot myself. God damn it. "Well, you don't have to want to move on. I mean, it just happened. It's pretty normal to not want to move on yet. Just... don't panic over it, okay? As for non-creepy guys... just keep your eyes open. They're all around."

[Chloe Grant]

"If you meet one, maybe you could introduce me." Chloe said, trying to joke "Anyway, I'm sorry I woke you up."

[Derek Scott]

"Never knew I was that creepy," Derek said dryly. "And don't worry about it. I'd rather wake up than find out you were in here crying alone for hours, y'know?"

[Chloe Grant]

"Silly." Chloe said "You know that wasn't what I meant. And I am lucky to have you for a friend."

[Derek Scott]

He sighed and nodded. "Yeah, so am I," he said. Dammit, dammit, dammit... seriously.

[Chloe Grant]

"Do you want to stay in here?" Chloe said "I don't mind taking the couch."

[Derek Scott]

He yawned. "Nah, you get the bed. I'll head back out there if you want me to."

[Chloe Grant]

"Ok" Chloe said "I'll see you tomorrow."

[Derek Scott]

"All right," he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. Dammit. "See you in the morning." And then, cursing the fact that he was a nice guy, he headed back out to the couch.