without you¹ | derek morgan. ✓

37 | river of tears

charlotte's pov.

*flashback*

Derek's eyes search mine for a moment as he lets out a heavy sigh, "I'm sorry..." He mutters.

I shake my head slightly, "You don't have to be sorry." I state in a soft tone.

"I don't?" He asks as I shakes my head again.

Derek lets out a heavy, defeated sigh, "But I thought that- I shouldn't have done that if you don't feel the same- I just-" He begins to ramble on.

I place a comforting hand on his chest, my eyes searching his for a moment as I think.

Do I really want to ruin this friendship? Do I really want this to happen?

I close my eyes as I slowly lean in, kissing Derek's lips softly.

I slowly pull away, my eyes fluttering open as they meet Derek's, "Of course I like you, huckleberry." I mumble, letting out a small exhale.

The both of us smile softly, as our eyes search the other's as we let out breathless laughter.

"Who knew we would've ended up acting like a married couple half the time, and then acting like a middle school couple the rest of the time." I joke, giggling softly.

Derek tosses his head back in laughter, "Oh the things that you do to me, newbie." He states as he leans his head back forward, his eyes searching mine.

We both lean in again, our lips reattaching once more. The kiss is passionate, yet soft. We both stand in the middle of the parking lot, soaked from the rain. Both of our touch cold, yet so warm and comforting.

-----------------------

*present*

I pull away from the kiss, a small smile dancing on my lips as I look up to Derek.

A grin spreads across Derek's face as he presses his forehead against mine, "Are you sure you want this to happen?" He asks in a raspy tone.

I nod, my breath shaky as I shiver from the cold touch of the rain pouring down on Derek and I, "I've been pushing you away for way too long, huckleberry. I can't keep doing this--pushing you away, I mean." I state.

Derek nods, "It's about damn time." He states with a soft chuckle, leaning in once more.

I place my hand on his chest, causing his actions to come to a halt, "What? What's wrong?" He asks in slight confusion.

I shake my head, my longing eyes searching his, "I cannot let myself be another one of your conquests. If this..." I pause, gesturing between the two of us.

"Whatever the hell this is that's going on between us..." I begin, letting out a soft, nervous giggle.

Derek nods in understanding, "It'll be real. A hundred percent." He states in a reassuring tone, his eyes searching mine.

I nod, letting out a relieved exhale. I look down at the ground, my mind racking itself with millions of thoughts.

"Hey, look at me." Derek states as I feel his finger linger under my chin, tilting my face upwards to look at him.

"This will be real--no secrets, no lies, no hiding in the shadows--none of that." He states, his eyes looking down at mine.

I nod, letting out a small sniffle as my eyes begin to water.

Derek shakes his head as his lips begin to part, "Oh, baby, no...it's okay." He mutters, pulling me into a hug.

I let out a small sob, shivering from the cold and the rain, "Here, let's get you out of the rain and then we can talk." Derek states in a low, comforting tone as I nod.