So, I was lying on my bed staring up at the ceiling in utter boredom with absolutely no motivation to do anything when an idea hit me. With the holiday coming up, I've been trying to think of good ideas for a one-shot. I've been working on one for the little gang, but it's got a ways to go before I'll be done with it. This one is a little less Thanksgiving-y than it was in my head, but oh well.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Darkest Powers

Chloe's POV:

"Damn," I muttered when the can ended up just out of my reach.

Dropping back onto the soles of my feet, I looked around for something to stand on. Coming up short, I glanced back up at the can on the highest shelf. I already had two in my cart, but I really needed that third can of cranberry sauce.

"Maybe there's someone around," I muttered to myself.

I checked my watch. Almost midnight. The store was probably empty by now and the man at the register probably wanted nothing better than to stay asleep at his post like he was when I walked in. I looked around once more before turning back to the shelf. I lifted one foot onto the second shelf up and pushed myself up with the other. Grabbing onto the top shelf, I reached up and wrapped my hand the last can. Losing my balance for the briefest of second, the hand clutching the can pushed forward and something on the other side of the row fell, followed by a very audible 'ow.'

I dropped back onto the floor and stood still, waiting. Very carefully, I pushed aside the contents of the shelf at eye-level and peeked at the other side. A man was standing and rubbing his head while staring down at something clasped in his hand. He looked older than my twenty-two, maybe almost thirty. Thick, black hair was trimmed neatly which only added to the obviously very expensive suit that clung rather attractively to his tall frame.

His head lifted and turned. Angry green eyes met mine before I gasped and jumped back. I stepped away from the hole and closed my eyes, trying to get my racing heart under control.

"Hey!" a deep voice said from the end of my aisle.

I turned around to see the man, angrily clutching at what looked like a now-bent can of creamed corn. I winced. That must have hurt.

"I'm very sorry," I apologized. "It was an accident."

"Accident?" he asked. "You could have killed me!"

"I'm very sorry," I repeated. "Really, I had no idea you were there and that the can would fall. It really was an accident."

"Accidents arise from foolishness," he said. "And incompetency."

He was starting to piss me off. "Look, it was just a can of creamed corn. It wasn't like I pushed you into a knife display. If you're going to complain this much, I'll pay for your damn medical bill."

He looked me up and down. "Like you could afford it."

I bristled. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Listen, mister, I don't know who you think you are, but nothing gives you the right to talk down to people. For all you know I could own a multimillion dollar company!"

"And what do you produce?" he asked, that arrogant smirk plastered on his face. "Burger grease?"

I clenched my fists. I knew he could smell the odor from the diner where I just ended my shift, but I wasn't going to give him the luxury of admitting that I did work with burger grease. I really wanted to slap that smirk off his face, but he would probably sue me for harassment. Instead, I did the most mature, adult thing I could. I turned up my nose and turned my back on him. Tossing the can with the rest of my bounty, I pushed the cart away from.

"Hey!" he said, "I'm not down with you!"

I stopped and turned my head. "But I'm done with you."

Without waiting to hear more of his complaining, I headed toward the front counter. I wasn't done shopping, but I'd had enough of pompous, arrogant, bigots for the night. I was forced to grow up around them and when I left, I didn't look back. I hadn't even spoken to my father in four years, but it wasn't like he was trying all that hard to contact me.

I unloaded what I did manage to get off my list onto the counter. The rest would have to wait until tomorrow. The guy behind the counter woke from his nap long enough to ring me up and take my money. I lifted the bags with a grunt and trudged out of the store. It probably was for the best that I didn't finish all my shopping tonight. I doubt I would have been able to carry it all with all the trouble I was having at the moment. I only lived two blocks away, so I hadn't bothered to dust off my car. I was regretting not having the car heater, though. November wasn't exactly a warm month, but it was apparently going to be a rather cold and early winter this year.

My arms were almost limp by the time I stepped into my apartment. Careful not to let the breakables hit the floor hard, I lowered everything next to the counter and sighed when the weight was off my arms. Walking back over to the door, I hit the light switch and turned to look around my apartment. It was just a small, one-bedroom, but it was home.

Peeling off my jacket, I hung it on the coatrack and started to unload my groceries. My personal groceries were relocated to their normal spot, while the rest was squirrelled away in boxes for Thursday. Every Thanksgiving, I volunteered at the closest shelter. People from all over the city would flock in hoping for a hot meal. I couldn't afford much individually on my salary, but many people got together and did what they could. Most donated and then went on their way to spend the holiday with their own family. Some, like me, didn't really have anyone to spend the holiday with. So, like the last three years, I would spend my Thanksgiving with the community.

Thanksgiving was two days away, which meant I didn't have as long to prepare. Besides canned goods and the like, this year I was bringing as many rolls with me that I cook bake. Luckily, I did manage to get the flour that I needed tonight instead of tomorrow. That jerk may have put a little dent in my night, but that didn't mean my whole night was ruined.

Gathering together my supplies, I stayed up the next few hours making the door. I didn't have to work until noon tomorrow, so I had time to bake them before I left for work. After leaving everything to rise, I finally gave in to the aching muscles and hauled myself to bed. I sat down on the bed to pull off my socks, but the sinking mattress was too inviting and I found myself falling backwards into it. I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

…,,,…

The blaring of my alarm jerked me out of a dream I couldn't remember that clearly, but I know I was enjoying it. I was in a giant canopy bed, surrounded by pillows and the thickest, plushest comforter I could imagine. I'm also pretty sure I was naked, but as to why, I have no idea. Snippets of a muscular god ran through my mind. Realizing I was dreaming about that jerk from last night, I angrily through my pillow across the room. Curse my fickle weakness to hot, muscular men. I didn't even know if that jerk was muscular under that overly-expensive suit. Of course, when he walked, it did seem to put across rather taut….

Bad, Chloe. Having erotic dreams about attractive assholes you meet in grocery stores is not acceptable. I sat up and pushed my mussed hair out of my face. I pulled my hand back and caught a disgusting odor. Grabbing a lock of my hair and brought it to my nose and took a whiff. Ugh. I forgot to shower after work. Now my comforter probably reeked of it as well.

Tugging off my odorous clothes from yesterday, I headed into the bathroom and showered and scrubbed until my skin was raw and my hair had almost fallen out. Stepping out, I wrapped my hair in a towel, pulled on my robe, and stuffed my feet into my slippers. I'd dress later. Right now I had to get the rolls in the oven.

The temperature had dropped a little since yesterday, which meant my apartment had chilled. I checked the thermostat and turned it up a few notches. A few extra dollars for a couple hours of extra heat was worth it. Plus, once the oven was up and running, I could turn it back down.

Once the rolls were safety baking, I finally headed into the bedroom to prepare for my day. Pulling on a sweater and a non-holey pair of jeans, I deemed myself acceptable. Probably not to some pig-headed businessmen, but whatever. I checked my calendar to see my hours and saw that I only had a single shift today. I could hit the grocery store before midnight tonight.

At noon, I headed off to work. The wind was biting, but the diner was only a block away. It wasn't a large diner. We saw basically the same customers every day. Once in a while we'd get someone blowing through town who stopped by to use the restroom and grab a quick cup of coffee before hitting the road, but that was pretty much as different as it got. So, when I stepped into work and saw a suit standing at the front counter talking to Rae, who was batting her eyelashes and flirting up a storm, I was shocked. Based on the fact that Rae wasn't taking any money or writing down any orders, he probably was just asking directions or something.

I bypassed the pheromone show and headed directly into the kitchen. Tossing my coat onto an empty hook, I tied on the overly bright apron and pulled my hair up in a messy pony. Showtime. The suit was still standing at the counter, but his back was toward me. I really couldn't care less, but based on how much cleavage was leaking out of Rae's dress, I'd say he was gorgeous.

I picked up a couple of menus and walked over to where a couple has just sat down.

"Hi. My name is Chloe, I'll be your server today," I said, repeating the same lines as every day. "What can I get you to drink?"

The woman, maybe eighteen, looked over at the man, who seemed to be the same age. She giggled and said, "I don't know. Maybe a hot chocolate. Oh, but I'm trying to lose weight. Do you have a sugar-free hot chocolate? Oh, with whipped cream."

I stared at her. The guy looked at me apologetically and I instantly knew that intellectual conversations was not the reason he was dating her. Big surprise.

"I'll have a coffee," he said. "Black."

I nodded and wrote down their drink orders. "I'll let you look through the menu."

I stuffed the pad into my apron and, still looking down, ran head-first into a hard mass. I bumped back and blinked. Looking up, I felt my mood plummet. The gorgeous suit Rae had been drooling over was standing in front of me and that smirk still hadn't been wiped off his face.

"Still trying to kill me?" he asked, brushing off his coat.

"Oh, great," I said, ignoring his comment. "It's the asshole from last night. Come to ruin this day, too?"

I shoved past him and walked behind the counter to get the drinks. He followed me and leaned his elbows on the counter.

"You're not much of a people person," he said. "Are you?"

"When someone deserves my respect, they get it," I said, pouring the steaming coffee into the mug. I turned and slammed it down in front of him, where it sloshed over the edge slightly. He drew back his elbows to avoid the hot liquid. "However, when they feel inclined to treat someone like garbage, I think they've earned equal treatment."

"Everybody is prone to a bad day once in a while," he said, watching me prepare the hot chocolate.

"And misery loves company," I said. "So of course it's acceptable to ruin someone else's day."

"You're putting words in my mouth," he said.

I turned around and shoved the other half of the chocolate bar I was grating into his mouth. His lips instantly closed around it, briefly catching my finger. Just as I was pulling my hand back, I felt his tongue sweep across the entrapped finger. I'm sure my face was red, but I kept my resolved face. I refused to meet his eye. Picking up the two cups, I walked past him and back to the couple.

Setting the cups down in front of them, I pulled out my pad and said, "Ready to order?"

"I'll take a cheeseburger," the guy said. "And a side of fries."

I nodded and looked at the girl. "I'll have the chef salad. Oh, and a side of ranch. Light."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and wrote it down. She must really be good in bed. I walked back behind the counter and hung up the order. The suit was still standing at the counter.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, looking him in the eye. "If you're going to order something, then I'll be happy to take it so you can be on your way. Otherwise, I'm working and socializing with customers isn't allowed."

"Well, I was going to return something to you," he said, raising his eyebrows. "But I'm afraid my lunch break is over. I'll just have to return it later."

"Sorry to disappoint," I said. Flashing him the fakest smile I had, I said, "Have a nice day."

He kept eye contact for a few more seconds, the smoldering look putting a heated blush on my face. It wasn't long, but it was enough for me to taste the sexual tension and make my heart skip a beat. When he glanced down at my lips, I felt them part and a small gasp of breath escaped. He looked back up at my eyes and smirked. Turning around, he walked out of the diner and disappeared from view. I stared at the spot where he left. He was baiting me. He knew I'd react like that and I couldn't help but be a little ashamed that I reacted just like he expected. He was sexy. That lush, black hair, those smoldering eyes, that arrogant smirk.

But he was also an asshole. The door opened and a familiar group of girls walked in. I welcomed the distraction and headed over to give them their menus. I needed to get my mind off the suit. Erotic dreams were one thing, but one more minute under that gaze and my hands would've had a mind of their own.

After work, I stopped at different store than last night. I didn't want to run the risk of bumping into a certain someone. Luckily, I was able to get in and out without any fuss. I didn't as much as last night, so the walk back to my apartment wasn't as painful. I had turned down the heat before I left, so there was a little bite to the air when I walked in. I quickly put away my purchases and jumped into the shower. The faster I could wash off the stink, the less time it would have had to sink in. I was in a hurry, anyway. I wanted to run by the shelter and drop off the rolls and canned goods so they can prepare.

I had to take my car on this outing. There was no way I could carry everything. Luckily, traffic was down and there weren't any major time-eaters on the way. I pull up to the curb and killed the engine. Parked in front of me was a sleek, black, new model of whatever the hell it was. Something that you really didn't see in this neighborhood. Dismissing it, I pulled out the rolls first and headed inside. Inside was warm and inviting. Many of the volunteers were there to prepare and take stock. I recognized many of them and sent friendly smiles their way as I passed by on my way to the kitchen.

"Hey," I said, announcing my arrival as I walked into the room.

"Hi," Liz said, taking the top box from me so that I could see better.

I set my box on the counter and looked around.

"We have a great turnout this year," I said, smiling.

"Yeah," Liz said. "And more is coming tomorrow."

"Yeah, I have a few more boxes in the car," I said. "I think we're going to do really good this year. I don't think anybody is going to be turned away."

I walked out into the main room in the direction of my car and froze when I heard a familiar deep voice. I slowly turned around to see some of the volunteers talking to a man with his back to me. He was wearing dark blue jeans that molded to firm, muscular thighs. His coat as still on, which hid what was underneath. Looking up, I groaned. I knew that head of thick, black hair.

He turned around and spotted me staring at him. That sexy smirk flashed my way and I glared. Stomping off, I headed out to my car to get the rest of my things. Opening the back door, I leaned down and pulled out the two boxes left. They were heavy and I knew I should take two trips, but I pulled them both out. I managed to get them out of the car and my back straight before they started to slip. Warm arms wrapped around me and caught the falling boxes. I stiffened.

"I'm okay," I said shortly. "I have them."

"You sure?" he crooned in my ear, his warm breath rolling down my neck and sending heat pouring farther than I'm proud of. "Because I'm happy to help."

"Positive," I said.

He pulled back, but not before taking hold of both boxes and lifting them from my arms. I gasped and turned. He was already halfway to the door.

"Hey!" I said.

"You're welcome," he said.

I glared at his back, but I had no choice but to follow him inside. People turned when he walked in. I ignored them as I followed him to the kitchen. Liz turned around and gave me a questioning look to my glare. She knew better than to ask, though. The suit dropped the boxes on the counters for the volunteers to sort through. He settled for leaning against the wall and staring at me. I refused to look. I would not fall victim to him again.

"This is great," Liz said. "We'll be able to feed a lot of people tomorrow."

"What time do you want me by?" I asked.

"What time do you get off work?" she asked.

"I work 7-3 tomorrow," I said. "I can come by right after."

"That sounds good," she said.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I said.

I walked past the suit, ignoring him. I heard him get back to his feet and I knew he was following me out. I few people turned, but they didn't say anything when they saw my annoyed expression. What's with this guy? I pull out my keys and put them in-between my fingers just in case. He did follow my out to my car, just as expected.

Spinning around, I demanded, "What do you want? And how do you keep finding me?"

He reached down and grabbed my hand, making me gasp. He lifted it and pried the key ring from my hand. I watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a keychain mace. He attached it to the ring and lowered it into my hand. I could only stare at it stupidly.

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice lower this time. I didn't look up from the key ring.

"I've got something of yours," he said. "When you want it back, I'll be home."

He turned and walked to the black car. I didn't stop him from getting in and when he drove off, I could only watch. What did he mean?

…,,,…

I tossed my keys down on the counter and sagged into a chair. My feet were killing me. I eyed my keys and sighed. My as well put them back in my purse or I'll forget where I put them tomorrow. I pulled my purse over and looked inside. Probably should clean it out first. I dumped the contents out and sorted it. Most of it was old receipts and the like. I put the stuff I actually needed back in: keys, mini flashlight, keychain sized mace…. I looked at the pile. My mace was gone. I began searching through and froze. Turning my head, I eyed the keychain mace now on the ring where I almost meant to put it. How did he…. I ignored it. It wasn't important. I pulled over my wallet and opened it, but something was missing. My driver's license wasn't in its slot.

Panicking, I looked around. Did I leave it at the shelter? Or at work? Or maybe-

"Oh no," I groaned… I was going to return something to you… I've got something of yours…

The suit has my license….

I dropped my head onto the counter with a thud. It must have fallen out of my purse that night at the store. That's how he knew where I worked. He probably used some rich connection or something to find out where I work. What was I supposed to do now? He said he'd be home, but how was I supposed to know where he lived? I don't even know his name.

…,,,…

"Table three."

I absentmindedly picked up table three's orders and served them. As much as I hated to admit it, I was really hoping the suit would show up. It would make finding him a hell of a lot easier. How did he expect me to find him? I didn't even know his name. I looked over to where Rae was organizing the cash register and it hit me.

Running over, I said, "Rae! Do you remember that guy that came in the other day? Tall, gorgeous…"

"Uh huh," she said, not looking up.

"Did he tell you his name?" I asked, fingers crossed.

"Uh huh, sure," she said. "It's Derek."

"Derek…?"

"Derek Souza," she said. "He owns some huge company or something."

I was grinning like an idiot. I had a name.

"Rae," I said. "Do you think you can cover for me if I take off early?"

"Sure," she said. "But you owe me."

"That's not a problem," I said. "I'll see you later."

I grabbed my coat and rushed out the door. I ran the entire way home and up the four flights of stairs. Slamming the door behind me, I rushed over to my computer and typed 'Derek Souza' into the search. After waiting a few seconds, it gave me my results.

I spent the next few hours searching for him, but it was like he didn't exist. Looking up at the clock, I saw it was three. I needed to head to the shelter. I gave one last longing look at my computer. My license could wait.

…,,,…

The shelter was busy when I arrived. Everybody had showed up to help prepare. I walked into the kitchen and inhaled the delicious aromas. One smell hit me and I tried again.

"Liz?" I asked. "Do I smell turkey?"

She turned around. "Smells good, doesn't it?"

"Where'd we get a turkey?" I asked.

"Four turkeys actually," she said. "They were donated early this morning."

"By who?" I asked.

"That guy that stopped by yesterday," she said.

I was shocked. "Did he say anything?"

She looked thoughtful for a minute. "Oh yeah. He asked if this earned your respect. I don't really know what he meant by that."

My heart skipped a beat. "Did he leave anything? Like an address?"

"Mmm hmm," she said, reaching into her pocket and drawing out a piece of paper. "This is for you."

I gratefully took the paper and smiled when I saw it indeed was an address.

…,,,…

It was almost eleven when I arrived at his door clutching the Tupperware filled with half a pumpkin pie. I softly knocked, hoping he was still awake…or even home. I waited a minute before the door opened. I had to look up to see him. He was dressed in jeans, lighter this time, and a blue sweater that hugged his chest.

"Took you long enough," he said, leaning against the door frame.

I bit my lip and held out the Tupperware. He stared down at it in confusion.

"I really hope you like pumpkin pie," I said. "Because I didn't really think about it until after I was standing in front of your door."

He took the dish and held open the door. I hesitantly walked inside and was surprised. I don't know what I was expecting. He wore an expensive suit, drove a new car, and his apartment…was normal. Nothing lavish. It was like what I had, just less worn. I followed him into his kitchen and he set the dish on the counter. I waited as he retrieved something from the other room. When he came back in, he held out his hand, my license cradled in his palm. I took it from him and stood there awkwardly. I don't know why I was so nervous all of a sudden. He was still the same guy I met in the grocery store. Except now, standing in his kitchen, he seemed more human.

"Thanks for returning this," I said, looking at my feet. "And I don't need the container back, so you can do what you want with it."

I took a deep breath and looked up. Smiling politely, I said, "Well Happy Thanksgiving."

I turned to leave and I felt a hand on my elbow. I looked up to see him standing over me. He opened his mouth to say something, but ended up closing it. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he leaned back and nodded.

"I'm sorry for coming so late," I said. "You're probably tired. Probably had a long day with your family."

He looked confused for a second and I said, "Or somebody."

He didn't say anything, but a look flashed in his eyes.

"You did spend it with someone, right?" I asked.

"Doesn't matter," he said.

I stared up at him. I bit my lip and looked down. I glanced around for something and spotted the Tupperware on the counter. I looked back up at him.

"Want some pie?"

He looked at me for a second before letting out a breathy laugh.

"Sure," he said, a small smile gracing his handsome face.

I followed him into his living room and sat down next to him on the couch. Whatever he had been watching on TV was muted. He turned on the volume, but I wasn't really paying attention to it. I accepted the fork he held out and he lifted off the lid to the Tupperware. After a few bites, I took some initiative and brought my feet up and tucked them underneath me. I was becoming a little stiff from holding myself up. The hand bracing myself slipped and I fell into his side. Before I could utter my apologies, he lifted his arm and wrapped it around me, drawing me in closer. I looked up at him and my eyes traveled to his lips. He leaned in closer and stopped just far enough to fit a piece of paper between us.

"I don't usually do this," I whispered.

"Do what?" he breathed.

"Kiss assholes I meet in grocery stores," I said.

The gentle upturn of lips in a smile made them just that more kissable.

"I don't usually kiss woman who try to kill me in grocery stores, either."

I scoffed and he cut off any further talking. His lips were warm and soft and tasted like pumpkin pie. I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought myself up against me, letting out a soft moan. He cupped my ass with both hands and drew me onto his lap. The action was followed by a loud clatter and we looked down to see the Tupperware had fallen on the floor, pie side down.

I grimaced. "Think it'll come out of your carpet?"

He hesitated and sighed dejectedly. "Probably should clean it up before it stains."

He lifted me out of his lap and set me on the couch next to him. I instantly missed his warmth. He left the room to get something to clean it up with and I glared down at it.

"You were supposed to be a peace offering," I said. "Not a mood killer."

He came back in and I watched as he worked to get the pie out of his carpet. After some hard elbow grease and a little soap and water, there was no stain. He sat back and looked up at me.

"Think it's still edible?" I asked.

He threw back his head and laughed. When he did, he seemed younger than he did in a suit. It really made me want to dig my fingers into that thick hair and kiss him until we both saw stars. So, I did.

I know it's still like a week and a half away, but Happy early Thanksgiving.