Author's Note- As promised. How could I NOT keep it with such devoted, tremendous readers and reviewers. Especially the reviewers, some of you and you're keen eyes catch a few of the errors I seem to miss and I really appreciate that.

Hope you guys like it!

Don't think of it as an act of duty. Think of it as a community service... because that's the only lame ass excuse I've got.

Chapter 11- Staunching a Wound

Walking the colorfully prepped halls of Buffalo high early Monday morning was enough for Derek to finally pull out of how unbearably long and exhausting the Thanksgiving weekend had been. After five grueling days, this is what he had resorted to.

The previous Wednesday, Derek decided that Chloe really didn't want to talk to him, considering how she had hung up on him when he tried calling. He needed to catch her before third our and set things straight. It really bothered him when Chloe wasn't there.

Thursday, Derek let the day pass- oh, so very slowly- figuring Chloe was spending the day with- did she just spend Thanksgiving with her dad? After all, to Derek's knowledge, Chloe only had her father left. Or that's what he could safely assume, considering how she talked of him when she and Derek were figuring out their budgeting during the college phase of their project. Was Chloe's dad her only guardian?

In any case, Derek endured Thanksgiving with persevering glances from both his father and Simon, while Tori all but returned to her regular self since the bet was now over. It didn't matter what the situation was anymore, Derek had admitted defeat- because he had really lost, bad- and he was just waiting for Tori to claim her prize.

Friday afternoon, Derek tried calling Chloe again. Of course, as he had suspected- but truly hoped against- Chloe hadn't answered, hinting that she had figured out his number by now and had chosen to ignore it. Derek considered *69, but reasoned against it, not really wanting to freak Chloe out, or seem like a stalker. He hung up before the message machine finished its instructions.

Saturday, Derek itched to call every half an hour, but felt particularly proud of himself when he only called four times that day. By the fourth call later that night, Derek heaved a sigh into the message machine and left a message that sounded like, "Jesus Christ, Chloe. Will you pick up your damn phone?"

He had to stop himself before his rant went too far. He hoped his authoritative tone would bring out that side of Chloe that wanted to stand up to him, but she still didn't call back.

Sunday night, Derek gave one last desperate attempt, leaving a message that said, "Chloe, you can't avoid me for forever. I screwed up and I know I don't deserve to be heard out, but I'm going to give my case anyways. I'll see you tomorrow."

And now, here Derek was, making his way to his locker at 6:53 in the morning, planning to catch Chloe before school even started.

He wasn't too sure as to when Chloe got to the school, and he wasn't aware as to where her first hour class was. So he hoped that if he came early enough, he could snatch Chloe up once she reached her locker between seven and the time class started at 7:30. He wasn't going to let her escape; he wasn't going to let her walk away from everything they had been through the past month.

Keeping himself from gaining cold feet, Derek turned into the hall that held his locker- which was a couple away from Chloe's- and was greeted with a sight that, one, he hadn't expected, two, scared the shit out of him, and three, sent a possessive rage vibrating through his entire being.

"Tell me cutie, what brings you to school so early in the morning?"

"I-I, u-um I-"

Down the hall, placed against Chloe's locker was Chloe herself. Her back pressed against the metal door as much as physically possible, blue eyes wide with horror, skin pale with a light hint of Goosebumps that Derek was sure to be there upon a closer look.

What scared him was the sick, twisted animal that pinned her there, hands placed against the wall of lockers on either side of her head, caging her from any escape, leaning so dangerously close it made Derek's insides boil with hostility.

Liam.

Though Derek had seen a couple other students in the cafeteria, and faculty entering and exiting the teachers' lounge, the hall was completely deserted, leaving Derek in a state of wonder as to why these two were here in the first place.

But, in retrospect, that little tidbit of information didn't matter, especially with Liam reaching to touch Chloe's face. Because they were here and the reality wasn't good. At all.

"It's not often that I get to catch you alone, Chloe. We have some time before school starts. What do you say; want to have a little fun?"

"No, L-Liam," Chloe said with surprising authority. She shoved against his left arm, obviously attempting to break past him. Liam merely doubled back, firmly grasping her shoulder and shoving her roughly back against the locker, causing Chloe to wince and squeak in fear, looking more and more like the cornered cat Derek had told her not to look like. Liam's eyes sparked with apparent hunger, and an evil smirk danced across his lips.

"Come on, Chlo. Don't be like that. Think about it. We don't have your little team or that brute of a boyfriend of yours to interrupt us. I promise we'll have a good time."

Chloe's breath hitched and by the time Derek reached them, having briskly taken the hall as soon as he caught them, he was able to reach out and take hold of Liam's free wrist, which was seconds away from claiming the back of Chloe's neck.

Both of them snapped their eyes in his direction, Chloe's still wide before finally melting in relief. Whether it was to actually see him, or because she was saved from Liam's evident assault was beyond Derek. He still grabbed for her wrist, pulling her from Liam's grasp. He tugged her behind him before he released Liam, shoving him back a few feet to create a distance between him and Chloe. Liam's blue eyes were narrowed slits after finding his bearings from staggering quite a bit.

He straightened, facing Derek head on; eyes alight with dangerous ferocity and want.

To tell the truth, Derek surprised himself; having separated them so calmly- though on the inside he was fighting for every ounce of control he could muster- compared to what had happened in Albany. Reason being, he didn't want to repeat that accident and he didn't want to scare Chloe.

Said girl stood fairly close to his back, fingers of her free hand lightly clenching the back of his short-sleeved shirt as she peaked around him to survey what was happening. Her other hand was occupied by Derek holding tightly to her wrist, afraid that if he let her go, there would be a chance that Liam could- he just didn't let her go.

"How many times are you going to get in my way, Derek," Liam asked, a sickening, taunting grin spreading in a way that sent shivers down Derek's spine.

"Until you leave her alone. You will leave her alone," Derek threatened darkly, glaring Liam down with as much animosity as he dared to release.

"Yeah, I don't think I can do that. I told you already, Derek. She's got everything going for me."

Chloe's breathing staggered unevenly and she shuddered. Derek lowered his grasp, taking her tiny hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"The only way you're getting to her from now on is through me. And you and I both know that this isn't the time or place for anything hasty."

"You're right. Wouldn't want you to get caught starting more fights, huh," Liam teased and Derek tensed. He held his ground, trying extremely hard not to falter to Liam's knowledge that, if something were to break out between the two of them, Derek would possibly be arrested this time.

After God knows how long of a stare off they faced, Liam finally shifted his weight and chuckled menacingly.

"You better keep a good eye on her, Souza. She's quite the catch," Liam threatened, then turned on his heel and crossed the hall, making his way towards the cafeteria.

It wasn't until he was completely out of sight that Derek relaxed, where as Chloe released a shuddering breath behind him, bringing up Derek's frustration that was now directed towards her. She squeaked when he pulled her in front of him, releasing her hand, only to cross his arms to keep from hitting something. He glared at her as if she were a puppy who had just pissed all over the drapes. Her eyes flitted from her initial surprise to apathy and defiance.

"I thought you promised me you would stay away from him," Derek accused, vaguely aware that he was starting another argument before they had made up from their last. Chloe blanched before taking a hearty step his way, determined to get right in his face no matter the difference in their height and stature.

"Why the hell should I have promised you anything, Derek? You can't even stand me. Besides, how was I supposed to know that Liam stalked the halls before school?"

Derek wasn't ready to touch any of that. For one thing, she had a point. How was she supposed to know? Another thing, she was only partially right on the hint that he couldn't stand her, because half the time, it surprised him how much he could bear of this girl. But she had agreed to not find herself alone with him, and the fact that it happened disconcerted him. He wasn't about to let this go.

"I'm serious, Chloe. What if I hadn't shown up? What would you have done?" Chloe shrugged, transparently trying to seem indifferent by the way her eyes shifted away from him.

"Scream, spit in his face, kick him in the crotch. That's about all the self defense I know."

"Chloe," Derek growled.

"Look, I didn't know he was going to be here alright? It's not like I went looking for him in spite of you," Chloe snapped. Derek sighed. He knew she would never, in her right mind, go purposefully looking for trouble, let alone Liam.

"What are you doing here so early anyways," Derek asked, deciding to let his anger simmer until distractions rendered it miniscule. Chloe was safe now, and that was all that mattered at this point.

"Considering it's partially your business, I was here to talk to Mr. Beck about dropping our project and starting with someone else," Chloe said coldly, causing Derek to start in realization. He had all but forgotten Chloe's current dislike of him- by means of their last farce that is. But he felt oddly relieved that Chloe hadn't dropped him as a partner sooner. Like he had ordered her to.

"Why?" Chloe snorted.

"Because you said I didn't have a choice. Besides, I rather work with someone who can tolerate me, someone who actually likes me."

"Chloe," Derek sighed with a role of his eyes.

"Don't," Chloe interjected before he could speak. "After everything you said to me-"

"Simon told me," Derek put in, feeling as if it was an important attribute to this conversation.

"Oh, well good thing you listen to Simon."

"Simon's my brother," Derek added innocently. Of course he was going to listen to him.

"And because I'm just your partner you really think that you could just apologize and think I would take it lightly?"

"Oh, I knew you wouldn't take it lightly." Derek smirked, making Chloe scowl deeper.

"Yes, Derek. Because I don't take lightly to being insulted, degraded, and hurt, only to have the one doing so blow up my phone all weekend, and halfass an apology, thinking that what had happened would just be forgiven, or forgotten. I won't just let you come up to me, tail between your legs, ask for my forgiveness, then turn around and do it again just because you know you can."

"Chloe, I'm not going to make this mistake again. I-" How Derek wished he were talking to Simon or his dad. If Derek messed up, he did just as Chloe suggested. Tail between his legs, puppy dog eyes and all. They eventually gave in, because they could understand how Derek could be sometimes. But Chloe didn't know him that well yet, and she wasn't putting up with it.

Derek had insulted and emotionally hurt her twice, and he knew for a fact that he was not going to again. Now, he couldn't promise that he wouldn't be difficult, or vice versa. Especially with her current predicament with Liam. She just had to give it a chance; a chance to understand where he was coming from. And it was now or never.

"I had a hard time trusting you, and believe me; I don't trust that many people. I got paranoid, okay? I screwed up, and I can't guarantee that I won't do that again. But I can promise that it won't be like this."

Derek knew he could do so much better than what he was giving right now, and if it came down to it, Derek would do anything for Chloe to forgive him. He didn't like it; her upset with him. And though this feeling was entirely new and frightening in itself, Derek was willing to fight for it.

It wasn't a question of whether Chloe was worth it anymore. She was worth it. It just took him this long and this much trouble to figure it out.

She shifted her weight, eyes surveying him intently until Derek felt self conscious. What was she thinking? Was she debating?

Time ticked by way to slowly for Derek's patience.

"You do realize I'm not going to leave you alone about this," Derek added with a frown. Chloe's brows bunched together in slight question.

"What does that mean? You're going to stalk me until I forgive you?"

"Well, stalk isn't the word I would use. But, with Liam-"

"Are you kidding me?" Chloe's eyes widened with incredulousness, leaving Derek slightly perplexed as to how slow she could be.

"Did you think I was bluffing when I told Liam he had to get through me to get to you? I was being serious, Chloe. Liam's not going to hesitate if there is a break between us."

"So, what? Are you going to make yourself my own personal body guard or something," Chloe asked with a hint of scrutiny. Did he really have to spell this out to her?

"I believe that was in the job description once I became your partner for this project. What just happened with Liam was me signing the contract," Derek huffed.

"I don't need you to take care of me, Derek. I'm a big girl and-"

"And if it were any other situation aside from Liam, Chloe, than I believe you could watch out for yourself. But Liam is dangerous. In case it didn't register through your head today, he will hurt you." The fact angered Derek all over again. He curled his fingers into fists at his sides, looming over Chloe with eyes that screamed for her to get that.

At first, Derek could see- clear as day- that she did. Her eyes flashed with acknowledgment as to what could have happened today. Derek could literally see the gears turning, as if she had a film strip playing through her head, turning ideas, running through possibilities. She shuddered and cast her gaze away, looking at anything but him.

"This isn't something you can stubbornly overlook, Chloe. You just can't." She took in a deep, shuddering breath. One that informed Derek of how strong she was trying to be. She still wouldn't look at him, like she knew that if she did, she might break or slip from a facade that was seemingly meaningless. This wasn't normal for Chloe; having someone target her was unsettling and scary. In truth, Derek hadn't really thought about it this way. Not to mention everything he had contributed to her chaotic lifestyle this past month. This whole semester must have her emotionally exhausted.

"Chloe."

She finally looked at him, that breaking point evident in her blue orbs. There was almost a pleading look about her features. A look that confused Derek as to what she wanted of him, and what he wanted of her.

"Are you okay?"

She kept his gaze as he did with hers until her eyes finally held some sort of certainty. After a few more deep breathes she nodded.

"Yes. I'm okay. But, Derek I-"She looked around exasperatedly now, leaving Derek slightly muddled by her sudden change in mood. "I don't expect you to- I mean- you can't keep a promise like that."

"Like what?"

"You can't always be there to protect me from Liam and others like him. You know, between classes, away games. Besides, I should be able to depend on myself instead of burdening someone else. I-"

"Chloe," Derek interrupted before she could continue off of her very forceful rant. "I'm not going to let him hurt you," he stated sincerely, softly. She opened her mouth then closed it. For once she remained speechless. She didn't like the idea, but she couldn't argue. She sure did try her damn best though.

"Why are you being so difficult about this? It's not like you can just hop the bus for every away game, Derek." He shrugged, tossing that enticing idea through his thoughts.

"If only there was a way that I could," Derek mumbled, mostly to himself, but loud enough that Chloe heard. She shifted her weight and crossed her arms, snorting and tossing a smirk his way.

"Yeah, Derek. What are you going to do? Join the team? No offense, but you don't particularly fit the Guido, jock picture. I mean, sure, at first glance, but now that I know you a little better, I'd say you'd loath half the guys on the team. All bronze, no brains." Her joking banter sparked a thought that hadn't occurred to Derek since moving here. It was seamless, almost coincidental, and tremendously beneficial. Derek returned Chloe's smirk, earning him a quirk of her slender blonde brow.

"I could do something like that. Joining the team doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"Haha, you're hilarious, Derek. You can't be serious."

"I'm serious," Derek inserted innocently enough before lightly grabbing her elbow and turning her towards the cafeteria and the other side of the school. Her look was now quizzical and perplexed, even minorly shocked.

"We have about twenty-five minutes before first hour starts. I need you to help me find the football coach." Chloe started, sputtering incoherently before spitting out, "You're impossible, you know that?"

The corners of Derek's lips twitched upwards as he led her down the hall. He couldn't deny that her act of fuming and pouting were sort of... cute? She had to be as ferocious as a deranged kitten- to her misfortune and his own if Chloe's immediate safety were in question- but he felt an aura of relieve wash over him knowing she was less upset with him compared to a mere five minutes ago.

"I've been told. For the record, I'm taking your insults as forgiveness."

Chloe threw him a sideways glare that had his frame vibrating in silent chuckles. So he was close, and she was safe. Hopefully, with his plan, she would be safe for good and, for now, he couldn't ask for more.

OhMyGod, finally! This took so long to write. Comments, concerns, critic? You guys know what to do! Review :)