A/N1: Song played from Karen's IPhone in the night kitchen scene: Yeah by LCD Soundsystem. Go youtube or dl if you want the music experience (: Anw, news is that Phillip Spaeth playing Dennis wouldn't becoming back to Smash for second season, that's what he tweeted. I JUST DON'T GET IT! Honestly, outta the whole group I thought the show focused more on Bobby, Jessica, Sam and him instead of Sue. So, it doesn't make sense to keep Sue over Dennis unless we're talking abt keeping a balance of race...I shall not continue but you know what I mean. Alrighty, happy reading people (:

Chapter 26

Lord, this is a joke isn't it? Karen's mind was a frantic mess as she paced to and fro at the foot of the bed. Derek lay against the headboard with hands entwined and placed behind his head as he tracked her every move. His face was stoic, devoid of all emotion. Derek's poker face was on.

That childhood memory which had haunted her for years was now back in living and breathing form. Ruthless and calculative Derek Wills was the teenager that showed her care and compassion. The one that kept her calm even though her broken arm was throbbing in so much pain. He now lay in front of her. That Derek she met then was so different with the Derek now or was he? Karen spun on her feet and stood right in front of Derek, hands on her hips.

"Well..." she began. Derek's eyebrow rose at her, waiting patiently. "This changes things, doesn't it?" Derek shrugged from where he sat.

"How can you be so calm and collected?" Karen asked in disbelief.

"Oh I assure you, darling, that I'm far more than calm." Derek said softly as he pushed himself forward and crawled over to where Karen stood. Karen held her breath when him folding his legs under him left his face inches away from hers. She found herself admiring the furrows in between his eyebrows and then traveling down to hazel green eyes that now due to how close he was, she found that in there lay light gold specks. Her mind flashed back to the moment she was pulled up from the dark basement, her falling into his arms and that him supporting her to offer her comfort and then his eyes full of concern earnestly telling her she was going to be okay before she was pulled away on a stretcher with her parents following not far behind. Tentatively, Karen stretched out. Her fingers eager to touch his face when Derek flinched away and abruptly moved aside so that he was off the bed and quickly making his way out.

"Derek?"

Derek turned to face her. "I'll see you in the morning," he replied gruffly. "Sleep tight." Then he closed the door shut.

Outside, Derek leaned against the door. He closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. He was still trying to wrap his head around the whole situation. It didn't make sense to him. Some would say this was serendipity, others kismet, Derek thought it almost ridiculous to the point that he felt that his mind had just been blown apart and was still trying to rearrange itself. Was this the reason why he was drawn to her from the beginning? Fate. Derek Wills was a man of sense and order, he did not dabble in such whimsical fantasies or emotions as one usually ended up being fucked over. His parents were the living testimony of that. This was why the thought of going into a serious relationship appalled him, Ivy was probably the closest to a relationship or intangible bond that he managed to have stretch over a few months, even then he always kept his walls up dismissing it as a casual fling to cure the nights where he needed someone to share conversations with that did not revolve around the matters of work but sadly, with Ivy it was all about Marilyn and making sure that the ideas for blocking were perfect to a tee. Karen was right this changed everything, he could no longer see her as the green Iowan girl who climbed the ladders to become Marilyn neither could he see her as someone who haunted him in his dreams and left him wanting her in ways that were far more than friendly. He didn't have to open the door again to find out how Karen was feeling, her face told him everything like the open book she always was towards him and conveyed what he too was feeling. Uncertainty. Fear. Enlightenment and possibly hope to delve into this revelation. Derek could if he really wanted, walk away from this and be indifferent like how he knew he was able to. He could save her the heartbreak and drama he had caused Ivy because truthfully, it wasn't as if Karen and him were in a relationship. Yes, there was mutual attraction and yes, he did offer to take her out on date but surely he could avoid all the emotional entanglement. All he had to do was be cold and not look back. Derek opened his eyes and walked to his room. It was all up to him.

She woke up earlier than usual took her now clean laundry, packed them in her luggage and did a final once over to ensure that she was at least presentable. Then with her leather studded shoulder bag on one arm and lifting her drag on luggage in the other to avoid it rolling off and causing a racket, Karen quietly traipsed down the long flight stairs and headed towards the main door.

"Where do you think you're going?" his warm voice came from behind, a hint of amusement around the edges. Karen cringed. She was familiar with this scene alright as she recalled herself trying to sneak out of Derek's apartment a few months back. Karen slowly turned towards his voice and found him sitting behind the kitchen island, staring intently at her over a cup of warm tea. She presumed it was tea seeing that he was English and had one of those modern glass tea flasks that allowed the consumer to submerge and put pressure on the tea leaves at the bottom while a filter separated the liquid beside him. Stereotypical but it was the current truth.

"I was about to head to Jessica's," she explained. Derek motioned her to sit opposite him, apparently taking no heed to what she'd just informed him. Karen left her luggage near the door and headed towards the kitchen, placing her bag next to them on the countertop once she sat down.

"Eat," he commanded and handed her a plate of warm pancakes that was almost flooding in honey. Just the way she liked them.

"I like eating them like that and I assumed you do too," he stated as if he knew she was wondering how he managed to be spot on on her preferred way of having her breakfast.

"Thanks," she said softly. "I'll be out of your hair in a jiffy once I'm done."

Derek pushed the papers that he was reading aside and leaned forward, "Why the hurry?"

I think you don't want me here. Why am I staying in your apartment in the first place? I think after last night you probably do not want to acknowledge finding that out, seeing how you walked away. I think it's also best to pretend that you weren't the teenage boy that saved me.

"I called Jessica this morning and asked if I could bunk in with her, seeing that I'm practically homeless, and I shouldn't keep her waiting." Karen replied without a hitch and gave him a smile.

"I offered you a room and you are currently residing here, if you haven't noticed," Derek stated. "So you are practically not homeless."

"But..."

"No buts. Finish up quickly; we need to be heading somewhere and I'd rather be there early," he looked at the time on his phone and without looking up he added, "I'll say 30 minutes would be sufficient? That includes you eating, brushing your teeth and informing Jessica her kind offer is no longer needed." Without another word, he dumped his mug into the sink and walked off leaving Karen gaping at him. She watched him head up the stairs.

Bloody bossy director. Don't I have any say? Karen glared at the pancakes and stabbed at it furiously.

"Why are we here?" Karen asked looking up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with part awe and curiosity in her voice. From Derek's point of view, Karen was looking very much like a young girl who was just awarded for something she wasn't quite sure about. Tentative happiness.

"I wanted to go to the museum so here we are!" he proclaimed while Karen continued giving him dubious looks. "Oh c'mon, it's just a trip to the museum," he said exasperatedly and linked his arm through hers.

"You simply decided to just make a trip here..." Karen's implication was clear, that she wasn't buying his claim at all. Derek sighed and dragged her up the steps.

Karen felt her jaw drop once she entered the building. The place was huge and though she had stayed in New York for quite some time with Dev, they did not venture out to such areas seeing that he was always busy with politics and she waitressing at the cafe or going for any auditions she could find. Moments with each other were usually rushed lunches in between breaks, him eating at the cafe she worked or dinner at home.

"Morning, Mr Wills." the ticketing officer greeted pleasantly when his eyes lay on Derek. "And you are?" The friendly old man gazed at Karen, his light blue eyes dancing with merriment.

"Karen Cartwright. Nice to meet you, sir," Karen offered her hand and shook his.

"Oh, you can call me Alfred," he said warmly and turned to face Derek. "She's a pretty one."

Derek chuckled, "Yes indeed." He glanced at her and Karen found her face warming up. "May we proceed?" Karen nodded.

"Thank you, Alfred." Derek still with an arm hooked around hers, pulled her in.

"He seems to know you really well." Karen stated once they were out of ear shot..

"It happens since I'm always here when I need a place to clear the chaos in my head." Derek scratched his jaw, "Quiet and all."

Karen quietly processed this as she went into the corridor that had Medevial art. Derek walked alongside her and Karen noted that he would glance at her every few seconds as if profiling her reactions to each piece.

As they turned into a showroom that was dimly lit, miniature spot lights focused on the various centerpieces behind glass showcases, Derek headed towards a center piece. Karen stood opposite the showcase so that they could now see each other through the glass if they wanted to. After a moment he peered up with unnerving intensity and looked at her through the glass.

"Is there something on my face?" Karen asked breaking the silence. Derek blinked, shook his head and walked away. Karen watched him from afar as they passed a few exhibits and soon felt that instead of clearing his head like he proclaimed that this place helped him to, Derek appeared to be delving more into his thoughts.

"Let's play a game," Karen said loud enough for her voice to echo through the empty halls. Derek faltered in his steps and looked at her curiously. "Let's play catch me if you can, loser has to treat the other for lunch."

"The guards will throw us out, don't you think?" Derek asked, rationally.

"That's where the fun comes in, you have to be really quiet, no running when you spot one and the prey has to stop movinh but the chase continues when they're not around," Karen stated.

Derek's eyebrows rose, intrigued. "Who's the pursuer?"

"You are, Mr. Wills." Karen announced with a wicked grin and was off in a heart beat. Adrenaline coursing through her, Karen began searching for places which she could hide if Derek was near by. The sound of chasing footsteps was not far behind her as she ran. Blood pumping through her muscles Karen sprinted, only turning once in awhile to look behind and Derek was always just a few feet behind her. His faced focused and eyes honed in on her. Truely, he was now looking like the wolf he was and Karen felt like deer that was scared out of her wits. Karen turned to face the front and had to screech to a halt when a security guard came walking in. She heard a soft chuckle behind her and cursed when she found Derek now swiftly walking confidently towards her. No way was she going to give him the satisfaction of being caught easily. His grin grew bigger as he neared. Derek was now a few steps away and Karen still could not move because the guard was still in the room. Karen cursed just as Derek reached out, his hand nearing her wrist and then she saw the guard exiting the room. She was on her feet in a second just as his hand was almost within a breadth's reach. Karen heard Derek curse out loud as she flew.

This scenario continued consecutively in the next few hours, Derek always close to catching and her managing to break away in time. Karen jogged up the stairs and heaved a sigh of relief when Derek was no longer within sight. She was getting tired and wondered how Derek who was chasing her somewhere did not appear as if he had broken a sweat. Stealthily, she rounded around the banister and ran towards towards the end. Suddenly, two strong arms burst out from the corner and grabbed hold of her waist. Karen screamed in shock and horror as she was pulled into the room. The door slammed shut and a warm instantly covered her mouth, silencing her as she was pushed up against the wall.

Karen stared up at her assailant with rounded eyes as they slowly adjusted to the dark.

"Got you," he whispered as his face neared hers. Derek's hazel green eyes glint in amusement as Karen's eyelids fluttered. Her body was still trembling due to adrenaline and shock. "Relax," he continued Derek's voice now like dark satin silk against her warm skin. "Relax..." he breathed while his hand slowly moved away from her mouth, coursed down her jawline and rested on her neck. Karen felt a tremor go through her and it wasn't because of fear. As she knew time and time before being alone with Derek in any forms of seclusion was always nothing but trouble especially with mutual acknowledgement of attraction and also the times where they had both tasted each other. Karen's eyes instantly flew to his lips which turned into his usual cocky smirk. She licked her bottom lip in anticipation of his next move when he came closer. "This was fun," he said softly. "Never knew chasing someone could be fun." Derek's warm breath tickled her ear and the way he said chasing, the tone, it was enough to make her insides clench. "I win." His lips were now centimeters away from hers. As sudden as he had caught her, Derek pulled away leaving her feeling empty. "Shall we go for lunch?" Was this how he felt when she teased him that night on the couch? Oh, it was painful to be left high and wanting. Wordlessly, she nodded.

I cannot believe I'm doing this, Derek thought to himself as he rifled through the food he had in the brown paper bags on the countertop. Stocking up food in my own kitchen? Hell, even if I did it was never this much. Derek pulled out a jar of peanut butter and then toiletries that he knew he would never touch. What in the world? With a frown he left the toiletries and began packing the cold food in the fridge. After lunch which Derek had insisted in paying despite him being the winner Karen had suggested going to the market to stock up on necessities seeing that she was now bunking in his house, for how long that was another matter. Honestly how is loads of dark chocolate a necessity?

"Jessica has been trying to get me." Karen's voice suddenly came from somewhere behind, startling Derek and thereby causing him to whack the back of his against the chiller compartment.

"Bloody hell!" Derek cursed as he straightened himself slowly, rubbing the back of his head. "Why do you have to cree-"The words dried up in his mouth when he finally focused on Karen, she was wearing a big light blue cotton shirt that had a few buttons left unbutton from the top and its hem fell very provocatively not quite to her thighs but safe enough that she was not revealing too much underneath. Her large brown eyes even more emphasized due her drawing her hair back into a high pony tail, now stared back at him with questions in them. Awkwardly, Derek scratched the bristles against his jaw and then headed towards the brown bags to appear busy.

"Right," Karen continued with one hand propped on her hip and the other holding her IPhone. "As I was saying, Jessica has been asking me where I'm staying…" Derek paused to look up and coughed to clear his throat before speaking, "Didn't you tell her this morning?"

"I told her I was staying with a friend," Karen said sheepishly before her eyes widened in horror at how her female toiletries were lying out there in the open. Swiftly, she snatched a now empty brown bag from Derek's hands, gathered her items and dumped them all in. Derek gave her an amused smirk before turning back to the fridge to pull out a bottle of wine and two tall glasses from the top cabinet.

"A friend." The words rolled out of his mouth as if he was testing to hear the sound of it. Derek pulled the cock out and poured a glass for Karen before pouring another for himself. "She didn't believe you, did she? You don't exactly have friends here in New York." He watched as Karen's cheeks began to turn a slight shade of pink as she looked back at him indignantly. "It's the truth isn't it?"

"My friends are all back in Iowa." She shot back.

"Precisely why the lack of believe." Derek clinked his glass against hers, earning a deathly squint from Karen. Karen pushed her paper bag aside and then headed towards the fridge. "What? May I ask are you doing?" He watched as she opened the door and bent to look in causing the shirt to ride up and reveal a pair of coloured polka dotted boy shorts underneath. In an instant, Derek felt his eyebrows shoot up as he watched in fascination while she rummaged. His head snapped back just as Karen spun to show a raw steak of salmon in one hand and a few bottle of herbs in another, "I'm going to cook dinner since you didn't allow me to pay for your lunch."

"Will we need to call the fire department?" Derek asked while continuing to track her every move as she searched for pans, olive oil, returned to look for vegetables and thus presenting her fine looking ass again.

"Har dee hah," Karen muttered as she took her IPhone, her fingers danced over the screen and then music began playing from the speakers. This was going to be interesting. Derek got off his seat and decided to seat across so that he now faced the inside of the kitchen. "You call that music?" Derek looked at her incredulously as a skitzy kind of beat began thumping out. Karen waved her hand to silence him as she began skinning a bunchful of asparagus. He watched as Karen soon began sucked into her own world of fast chopping skills, humming, drizzling olive oil onto the skin of the salmon, sprinkling some sea salt and then laying it on the hot pan. As if Derek wasn't sitting there she suddenly started bopping as the catchy tune got into her.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!" she mouthed with angst and attitude in her face as her shoulders rocked to the beat. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!" Karen wiggled as she continued cooking. Karen in the kitchen was entirely different from the Karen in theatre; she was less reserved and far more entertaining. Karen stopped in mid bop as she turned to bring two beautiful plated plates and gave an embrassed grin, "Oh...Sorry, you had to watch that. Gosh, I totally forgot you were there."

You should forget more often.

"You don't have to apologize, it was...entertaining." he finished before diving into the food. After a few bites he looked up, "This is really good." Karen preened with a proud and knowing look before gazing back at her phone. "Are you going to tell her that you're sleeping with me?" Derek's mouth formed into a small O when he realized what he just said as Karen spluttered on her glass of wine. "Wha...what I meant to say was that you're staying with me." he scrambled, trying to recover himself.

"Not…sur…sure how that will help me," she sputtered, still trying to regain composure.

Deciding to take a leap of faith, Derek leaned towards her in a conspiring manner. "I would like to take you out tomorrow." Karen pushed her plate away and mirrored him, "Didn't you do that today?"

"I meant a proper date," Derek stated. Karen gave him a quirky smile, "I thought today was one already." He looked at her in surprise when he realized she was already way ahead of him in this game of attraction and what her words meant. Derek felt his heart swell with emotions he had not felt in a long while, anticipation and joy. Karen gave a small wink in response as she began clearing the dishes.

Ivy was laying in bed with her eye mask on when her phone rang. Groggily, she shifted her eye mask up to her blonde curls and stretched towards the side table, aimlessly feeling her way through her things. Her hand finally found purchase and she brought it towards her face, squinting in the dark as the lighted screen glowed in her eyes. "What took you so long?" she mumbled once she answered the call. A murmur came from the phone in response. "It's been about four days since I last heard...Yeah, we just got back not long ago." Ivy went silent for awhile before answering, "You weren't able to find out? That's a surprise. Well, you know what I want...but what is it in it for you?" She gave a short bark of laughter, "A game? C'mon given everything I've heard about you, you and I know that's not true. Oh fine, whatever. Yeah, yeah...I'll ask. Honestly though, how are we...Hello? Hello?" Ivy looked at her phone and realized the call had been disconnected. Grumbling under her breath, she returned her phone back to where it first lay and went back to dreaming about being Marilyn.

A/N2: Anyone think we should start a forum about Smash for season 2? I wouldn't mind creating one.