reborn. - ONGOING

4.

The silence hanging between them felt increasingly uneasy. Ava had clearly left out a few details, but the fear lingered that he might sense just how much she needed his advice.

After showing him that she could also hear his heartbeat, the older man moved closer, settling down beside Ava, completely disregarding the tea. "So, let me get this straight... you could be a vampire?" he asked. She shrugged her shoulders. "Well... I guess so?" She laughed nervously.

"Okay, let me be clear. I had no clue vampires were even real until now. And honestly, what we're talking about is all just speculation. So, what did Deaton say anyway?" His gaze was locked on her, unwavering. Ava looked down at her tea cup, feeling uneasy under his intense scrutiny.

"He mentioned hearing some rumors about vampires, you know, old folks talking about 'Blood Drinkers' and stuff. But he's never actually met one, or knows anyone who has. So, it's all just hearsay, like you said. But..." She paused, going for a dramatic effect. Derek got annoyed and playfully hit her shoulder. "Cut it out with the theatrics, honey."

She laughed, not realizing how her heart raced at the endearing nickname. "Okay, okay, like you've never been dramatic. Anyway, Deaton did say most of the rumors and stories come from New Orleans. So, his idea was to start our search there."

Ava couldn't pinpoint the exact moment, but Derek was suddenly sitting a lot closer than before. He just looked at her with that look. "What?" she asked. He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Never mind. Don't you have vacation right now?" She nodded.

"Well then, let's go to New Orleans."

"But we can't—"

"Yeah, we shouldn't let Alli and Stiles know. I don't quite get your decision, and Scott doesn't either, but we respect it. And when I say 'we,' I mean you and me."

He grinned at her. Ava stared at him, utterly shocked. "Are you messing with me right now?" Derek burst into laughter. "No, Ava. If Scott came along, it would raise Alli and Stiles' suspicion."

"And you don't think it's suspicious if the two of us suddenly fly off to another state?"

"We can just say we're going on a trip together, you know, having some bonding time or whatever."

She rolled her eyes. "If you can come up with a better excuse and if Melissa agrees, then sure."

"Awesome."

"And since when do you smile so much?" She had noticed that very early on. Derek was never one for smiling nor outright laughing.

"Uh, forever, duh??" he replied, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

She shook her head, unable to believe what was happening.

They sat closer now, their fingertips barely grazing each other. Ava let out a soft sigh. How tempting it would be to lean in and kiss him right at this moment, she thought. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his, and her eyes caught him studying her lips. In a swift motion, his darkened gaze darted back to her eyes.

"Eyes up, Hale. Almost seems like you've got some other intentions in mind," she teased, offering him a sugary smile as she gently took his hand in hers. His eyes widened, and he glanced down at their joined hands.

It felt as if her body moved on its own accord. Her fingers lightly brushed against his cheek, and she noticed him exhale, his focus once again drawn to her lips. In a heartbeat, their lips met, and she heard him release a sigh. Time stood still for that brief moment, and all their troubles dissolved into thin air.

But then, abruptly, Derek pulled away, leaving them both breathless and bewildered. What just happened? Ava's mind raced in shock. Oh shit, Derek and I just kissed.

"Oh Fuck... Ava... I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I mean, you just ended things with Stiles, and you're in a vulnerable state of mind, and I took advantage of that. Oh God..."

His words spilled out in a torrent of anxiety, but she hushed him by placing her hand gently over his mouth. "Stop. It's not just your fault. Stop with those thoughts," she reassured him, removing her hand with a nod. "That all did happen quickly," she admitted, "but... I didn't dislike it... it's just..."

"Wait..." He stared at her in shock.

"You... enjoyed it?"

A shy smile tugged at her lips. "My racing heartbeat should've been evidence enough, Derek. But... I just broke up with Stiles today. If our friends' group is already on shaky ground, then, well... 'this' would only complicate things more."

His gaze roamed over her face, processing her words. "So, there's still a chance," he whispered. "Yes... maybe later," she replied. He chuckled. "Wow, okay... Wait... Now Scott's comments finally make sense."

Ava's face drained of color, her expression frozen in alarm. "What did Scott tell you?" The werewolf burst into laughter. "Ask him yourself, babe." She knew she would give her Alpha a piece of her mind.

Her mood had lightened considerably. Going to New Orleans with Derek...how exciting.

Little did she know, that in a few months everything would change.