Dinner went smoothly, I was able to eat my fill because of there being so many people milling around. Everyone couldn't fit at the table so people were seated all over the place. I kept my head low through most of it, barely listening to Tess' ramblings about who is what supernatural type. Most of these people weren't going to be here more than a few days. I figured the more I blended in with the background the better.

Now I sat in my room, watching the sun sink. Thinking about a future without safe houses and running. It would be nice to have a permanent home.

Tori had more than her share of the food as well and was already fast asleep in her bed. Snoring loudly as usual. I blinked sleepily here and there but wasn't really ready to call it in yet. I had a another coughing fit a few minutes ago that resulted in a blood covered washcloth.

There was a light rap on the door as it opened. Derek poked his head through and stepped in after seeing Tori was asleep. He shut the door behind him quietly and walked over to me. Then sat down beside me.

"What are you doing in here?" I asked. Keeping my voice low.

"Going to bed of course," Derek replied.

I just watched him confused. Derek laid back, resting his head on the pillow. He wanted to stay with me tonight.

"Are you coming?"

I unsuccessfully tried to hide my smile as I laid beside him. Derek pulled me closer and I laid my head on his chest. Breathing in his intoxicating scent. Listening to the thump thump of his heart.

"I'm so sorry about earlier," he said. His arm wrapped around me and his fingers traced up and down my arm giving me goosebumps. "I know there's a lot for me to work on."

I hushed him and drifted off to sleep. Comfortable and safe.

I dreamt of a future with me and my friends. Derek and I lived together with a daughter, Simon lived next door with a wife and son. Tori next door as a successful independent business woman. We were happy and safe.

"Chloe," a distant voice said. "Wake up."

I opened my eyes and yawned. The morning light momentarily blinded me. I sat up but I bumped into something. An arm.

"Morning sleepyhead," Derek smiled. A bottle of pain killers laid next to his hand that sounded empty as it rolled.

"You're still hurting aren't you?"

Derek shushed me then said, "We are having a good day today. No way out."

I rolled my eyes, "Ok."

I got up from the bed and stretched out for a moment. Then we headed downstairs. Not everyone was awake yet. Tess was setting the table while a man cooked breakfast.

"Good morning," Tess smiled. "Hope the rooms are cozy enough."

We both nodded. Another man, probably mid to late twenties, came downstairs. He was one of Tess' guests that were leaving this afternoon.

"Have a seat, pancakes are almost ready," The cook said.

Derek and I sat across from each other and the newcomer sat at the opposite end of the table.

"Coffee anyone?" Tess asked.

Derek and the newcomer said yes, I shook my head. She grabbed the pot, poured the coffee into the newcomer's travel mug. Then in a regular mug for Derek.

"Freshly made," she said and walked back to the kitchen to grab the pancakes.

Tess came back with the plate of pancakes. She set it on the middle of the table and handed empty plates to each of us.

I ate quickly because I was starving, Derek was quick because he wanted out of the kitchen I think.

I was finishing up my juice when Simon came downstairs. I quickly waved for him to sit next to me not Derek. Simon looked at me confused but sat beside me.

"Watch," I mouthed smiling.

Tess walked back up to the table to pick up the dirty dishes. Derek tensed every time that she got close to him.

"Morning Simon," She smiled. "Sleep well?"

Simon saw the look on Derek's face and tried not to smile as he responded.

"Yes, thank you."

Tess went back into the kitchen. Simon fixed up his plate then stood.

"I'm going to eat outside Tess."

"Enjoy the fresh air," she said.

Derek and I followed Simon to the back porch. The moment the door was shut, Simon and I burst out laughing.

"Shove it," Derek grumbled.

We gave some more playful jabs at Derek's tension while Simon finished eating then parted ways to get dressed. I entered my room expecting to find Tori still asleep but she wasn't there. I must have not seen her downstairs. I changed and brushed my teeth and went back down. One by one everyone was still waking up. I met Derek and Simon back on the porch.

"So what's the plan for today?" I asked.

Simon shrugged, "What is there to do around here?"

We tried to think of ideas but came up blank. We settled on working on the comics.