The Witch's Ichor

Scream Into The Void [31]

The usual stampede of students fleeing campus pushes Zoe along. She wonders if this is how a leaf floating down a river feels. Someone grabs Zoe's wrist and pulls her out of the deluge of teenagers. Derek smirks casually at her.

"You looked like you were getting swept away, haha." Derek comments.

Zoe smiles up at Derek. The strength behind Derek's grasp doesn't go unnoticed. Her eyes flicker across Derek's toned arms for a brief moment. Zoe refocuses on his face.

"It's just because I'm in my small body." Zoe replies pointedly.

Zoe feels a hand gently sit on her head. She turns to see Tracy petting her like a dog. Zoe pouts, pushing Tracy's hand from atop her head.

"What? I was just petting the bunny." Tracy defends.

"I am not a bunny!" Zoe huffs.

"You're small enough to be one. You said it yourself." Derek argues.

The hallway they're standing is deserted, so Zoe proves her friends wrong with magic.

"Swap!"

Zoe's body rearranges itself into her taller self. She smiles smugly at her friends. Tracy rolls her eyes whilst Derek smirks down at Zoe. He gently pats her on the head, making his height advantage apparent even when Zoe is in her taller form. Zoe pouts.

"We should get going." Zoe changes the subject.

"Sure, Bunny." Derek replies.

Derek follows an embarrassed Zoe toward the doors. Tracy trails behind them until they make their way outside.

"I'm gonna head home for today." Tracy says.

Zoe looks at Tracy with puppy dog eyes, but it doesn't sway the athletic girl.

"Can't you just come with us to hang out?" Zoe whines.

Zoe doesn't notice Tracy exchange eye contact with Derek. Derek tilts his head as if to say something, and Tracy moves her gaze back to Zoe.

"Sorry, I have homework to do. I'll hang out next time, ok Bunny?" Tracy promises.

"Fine. I'll hold you to it!" Zoe replies.

Derek nods to Tracy as the three teenagers part ways. Zoe follows behind Derek, oblivious to the deal made between her two friends.

Their shoes scrape softly on the sidewalk as they make their way toward the edge of town. Suburban homes serve as the backdrop for their long walk. Derek turns slightly toward Zoe, and reaches out. Zoe's eyes widen a little in surprise as Derek takes her hand in his.

"Derek?" Zoe asks softly.

Derek doesn't reply. His larger calloused hand holds hers firmly. He keeps walking with Zoe in tow, but now they're holding hands. The lack of words being exchanged does little to dampen the mood. Zoe's soft fingers gently intertwine with Derek's.

Is this what I think it is?

They walk like this for several minutes. Zoe doesn't try to pull her hand away, and Derek doesn't try to do anything else. He looks content with this. Derek tries not to make his joy obvious, but he's smiling from ear to ear.

I guess he likes me.
At this rate I'll wind up with a harem, haha!

Finally the pair arrive at the edge of the woods. The majority of the trees have lost their leaves now. The forest floor is covered with the tree's shedding. The autumn wind is chilly, but Zoe's sweater keeps her relatively warm. Derek guides her into the forest.