darkest timeline } { of starting over and trying new things

[braveandstupid]

Elena: [Every so often, in the days since her conversation with Peter, she's looked at her phone and thought about texting Derek. At some points, she even got as far as opening her texting app and starting to type something but then chickened out and decided to put it off a little bit longer. In a lot of ways, she doesn't know what to say, and in others the fear of rejection catches in her throat and she is a wimp. She, Elena Gilbert, is scared of her not-ex-boyfriend.

Which is so dumb.

Caroline also keeps telling her that she should just move on. Go find a rebound, as though Elena Gilbert has ever managed to successfully engage in casual sex in her entire life, and while she does know that Caroline is right - if she's not going to man up and see where things land with Derek, she does need to move on to a person who actually does want her - she also is dreading the idea of starting from scratch. Caroline, however, is relentless and has been sending her cute boys she's found on Tinder.

Half-awake after coming off an overnight shift at the hospital, she makes her way to her local coffee shop because if she's going to have to put up with Caroline trying to set her up on a blind date she should at least be caffeinated. She's in the middle of trying to swipe away the latest notification of a Tinder thirst trap, not watching where she's going, when she smacks into the person in the process of coming out the door] Oh my God. [ her phone drops, abs on full display, and while fortunately coffee was not spilled, she looks up and finds it to be the last person she would have wanted to run into here] ... Derek. Hi. Sorry about that.

Derek: [she happened to run into him as he was getting morning coffee for himself and his mother, and thankfully he is graceful and able to juggle the two drinks without spilling a drop. When he sees Elena, there is a moment of shock, his eyes widening, and then a chuckle] Fancy running into you.

Elena: [she stoops to pick up her phone and hopes he didn't see that in the chaos, shoving it back into her pocket where she doesn't have to worry about it] Yeah, I work at the hospital down the street. I generally try to avoid traffic collisions at the front door though. [to which she will step to the side and give the people around them space to pass by her so she doesn't hold up anyone else's day]

Derek: [nope, worried about the coffee, did not see the abs] Oh. Well, that's nice. Working at the hospital, not the traffic collisions. The place Peter booked for us is just down the street from here. I'm surprised I haven't seen you more often.

Elena: I guess our schedules have been off. My shifts have been kind of all over the place lately. [but good to know, that he's nearby. She lets the silence sit for a moment before deciding to be brave and just get it out there] I've been meaning to text you, actually. To see if you wanted to talk. [probably not. Stiles and Cora makes sense, they have to deal with each other as they both have Derek in their lives, and Peter is free to do what he wants with regards to Freya but Derek doesn't have to deal with her if he doesn't want to. He's going to be gone in a few days anyway]

Derek: I've... been thinking about it myself. I would like to talk.

Elena: [she brightens a bit at that, because this is already going better than expected. she does notice that he has two coffees in hand though] I should probably let you go before those get cold, but maybe we can meet for a drink later? The Abattoir?

Derek: That works. But, maybe not the Abattoir? Somewhere else? Maybe make a meal of it?

Elena: Sure. [a pause as she considers] Actually, I know a great place. Have you ever had Bulgarian food?

Derek: No. Not a lot of exotic food choices in Beacon Hills

Elena: Are you interested in trying it?

Derek: [shrugs] Yeah, sure.

Elena: Okay. I'll text you the address. I'm off the next two days so just let me know when.

Derek: Yeah. Sure. Um... do I have your number? [can't remember, and sure can't check his phone]

Elena: I was in that group chat? But I don't know if I was marked as me, so I'll just send it to you.

Derek: Thanks. I'll let you know what time works best. [and he'll smile and then just head off]

Elena: [and deep breath as she watches him go and that went better than expected. As she gets on line to wait for her breakfast she sends him the address for Kafana, with the menu so he can veto the choice if the Mediterranean vibe isn't something he's into. And after that she will head home to take a post-shift nap]

Derek: [and he will be fine with the place, and will be free for dinner the next night]

Elena: [fantastic! And she will spend the next day or so recovering from her shift, and be waiting for him at the door, wearing an outfit she might have spent a little too much time worrying over. Which is dumb. She just doesn't know how to handle this, and she felt like being cute was at least a step in the right direction]

Derek: [and he... didn't put that much time into his outfit at all. So when he sees her, he raises his eyebrows] I'm not under-dressed for the place, am I?

Elena: [shakes her head] No, not at all. You're fine. [she pauses] I spend most of my time in scrubs, sometimes it's good to ... dress it up a little.

Derek: Well, you look beautiful.

Elena: [a shier smile] Thanks. [and then she'll reach for the door] Hope you're hungry because there's a lot of good stuff to try.

Derek: My being hungry is a given.

Elena: Good. [and she will talk briefly with the hostess and lead them over to a table near the window, take orders for drinks and leave them with the menu]

Derek: [and look he doesn't need to be facing the door.] So are you enjoying the hospital life?

Elena: I am. I find it really fulfilling, even if its exhausting.

Derek: That's good. Which department are you working in?

Elena: Emergency room. Which is probably not great for a banshee but ... I really like it? It feels really proactive, which is nice.

Derek: And well, the dead bodies come to you instead of you finding them? [trying to make a joke]

Elena: [she laughs] Yeah, that is an upside. Way less instances of me wandering city streets in my pajamas.

Derek: Not that you don't look cute in those pajamas.

Elena: [she narrows her eyes slightly] And what would you know about my pajamas? [not opposed just trying to feel out where this Derek sits with teasing]

Derek: I don't! I mean, I just assume... you have good taste, and you're already cute... [blushing]

Elena: [oh, she remembers that blush. Her smile widens and she nods] Well, you're not wrong. I do have very good taste. [except for in men sometimes, but she's trying to turn that around] So what about you? What do you do? Aside from help Stiles on his Price missions.

Derek: Me? I, uh... I'm the one who stays in Beacon Hills with our mother. She needs at least one beta around. Werewolf stuff.

Elena: Just the two of you all the time must be a lot.

Derek: Yeah, well Cora's here with Peter, and Laura's getting her degree so I, um, I just play my role.

Elena: Well ... if you could do or go anywhere you wanted, what would you do?

Derek: I.... don't know, actually. Not a lot back home to let you think of a future.

Elena: [that does make her a little sad, because she remembers Derek not sure what to do with his future. Still things holding him back, but different ones] Well, maybe that's something you should think about. Your sister's going to finish her degree eventually, right? Then it should be your turn.

Derek: Actually, she, uh, she's going to go back with Mom and I'm staying here... with Peter and Cora... through the winter.

Elena: [and then she brightens again because ...oh] Oh. That's good. That's good, isn't it? It's what you want?

Derek: Yeah. I mean, I like working with Stiles. So it's easier being on the same coast.

Elena: [she nods] Then good. I'm glad you're getting the chance. [she's also glad because more time means maybe more opportunities for them to be friends again at least but she's trying not to be pushy] I'm sure Peter and Cora will be happy to have you here too.

Derek: Cora's ecstatic. I'm pretty sure she'd planning out the next month for us.

Elena: Well, you have a lot of lost time to make up for.

Derek: Yeah, we do.

Elena: Then enjoy it. I'm sure you'll have a blast.

Derek: Thanks. I'm gonna try. [smiles a bit] Stiles and Cora both believe I need to experience different things so I can learn what I like again.

Elena: They're not wrong. I mean, I fled Mystic Falls like a bat out of hell, but it took time for me to... [there's a pause as she tries to figure out how to explain it] Build a life? Feel safe in something that wasn't my usual normal and make it normal? Does that make sense? Trying a bunch of new things kind of helped get me out of my comfort zone. Remember how to be me again.

Derek: No, that makes a lot of sense. Are you still doing that?

Elena: Sometimes, yeah. Not lately, because the reason why I ran is in town so most of my energy has been in avoiding them as much as possible, but once they're gone ... sometimes I take day trips out of the city when I have a day off. Or I pick a museum or a new restaurant. Keeping things fresh is easy, especially because there's so much to do here. [a beat] And, since I am a terrible cook, I am also able to keep myself fed.

Derek: Perhaps then you can share with me the sights you've already seen and enjoyed, so I can profit from your knowledge.

Elena: Definitely. [and then, to put out a tentative feeler] And maybe on some of my days off I could go with you to a few?

Derek: [nods] I think I'd like that.

Elena: Good. [her smile widens and she points to the restaurant around her] This is actually one of those places I found. I was looking for it because my birth family is actually from Bulgaria so I wanted to try the food and this was the best one.

Derek: So you'll guarantee that I'll enjoy the meal?

Elena: Yep. This restaurant is Elena Gilbert Approved.

Derek: [chuckles] Good.

Elena: [and the waiter will come and take their order - Elena will recommend a few meals for them to share, and while they wait she'll play with the edge of her glass] So ... how much do you want to talk about the other stuff? Just ... to get it out of the way.

Derek: That's the thing. I want to know it all, because I'm curious like that. But at the same time, I don't know if knowing the details of this other reality would be a good thing. I mean, I want to get to know you, but I don't want to feel subconsciously that I need to emulate the version of me you know. It would be bad for any kind of relationship that may come between us.

Elena: That's fair. I get it. I don't want you to feel like you have to be him either. And I like you. I liked you even before I remembered the other one. [she hopes that helps, that there was a spark, even before all these memories came into play] I just don't want you to feel like ... I'm only here because of that guy. Because I'm not.

Derek: [relaxes in relief] Good. And I'll admit I didn't really get to know you back then, but I'm grateful for helping keep Paige safe and all.

Elena: Honestly, I'm glad I could save someone for once. [she's a banshee. She sees ... so many dead bodies. So many] But I also want to be upfront and ... not want it to seem like I'm not being transparent? I've had someone do that to me - keep things from me that were important and I don't want you to feel like I'm putting you in that position.

Derek: I understand. And I know you can't just, forget those memories. But I'm hoping maybe I'll be an improvement over the other one.

Elena: [she considers for a moment before nodding] Maybe. What's your opinion on chocolate chip pancakes?

Derek: They're good with whipped creme?

Elena: [grins] It's a step in the right direction. [much better than only buttermilk, not that she really held that against him before. She considers for a moment] How about this - if something comes up that was relevant to the other guy, he's my ex. Part of my past but not holding a bearing on my future.

Derek: [he sits back and thinks on that, then nods] That... actually would work. And it's not a lie either.

Elena: Okay. Then we'll do that. [and that honestly makes her feel better, because she doesn't want to feel like she's keeping things from him. and the waiters start to bring over the dishes that look delicious] But for now, time to eat. [and they'll have some fun light conversation while they enjoy their meal?]

Derek: [yup, and the food is good and he's a werewolf so unless she stops him, there's going to be no leftovers]

Elena: [nope, that's totally fine. And it's good to see him with a healthy appetite. But after dessert and paying the bill, they venture out into New York streets, and she hesitates just outside the door] This was nice.

Derek: Yeah, it really was.

Elena: I'm on back to back shifts for the rest of the week but I do have a day off next weekend. Maybe we could make a day of it? [Damon, Isobel and Stefan will be gone by then, and she might be able to actually relax]

Derek: Sure. Just, um, let me know what day and I can see if the summit is still going on.

Elena: I will text you and let you know. [she nods] And I'm really into texting by the way. If you want to.

Derek: Me too. My phone is my only lifeline so I use it all the time.

Elena: Good. Then I will make use of that. [she'll linger for another moment, before jerking her thumb back over her shoulder] So I should probably let you go.

Derek: You could. But I don't have anything else tonight. You probably need to sleep for work tomorrow though.

Elena: [she glances down at her watch] I have a little bit of time. Want to walk me home? [it'd be a decent length of a walk, and they can talk some more]

Derek: Sure.

Elena: Okay. [smiles and turns to indicate which way they're heading] We're heading this way.

Derek: [and he will follow, hands in pockets] Walking around is helping me learn the city.

Elena: [she nods] Has your sister taken you to all the cryptid-friendly spots yet?

Derek: Some of them.

Elena: She's way more integrated than I am. I always worry how people are going to take my ties to Damon. But I've been to Freakshow a couple times.

Derek: Stiles told me about that place.

Elena: It's ... something else. [she shakes her head] But good if you want something more loud and crazy in your New York night life.

Derek: Sometimes loud is good. It's too quiet in the preserve sometimes.

Elena: Also true. Mystic Falls was the same way. A sleepy little hamlet, tucked away from everything.

Derek: The time Stiles took me to Vegas, I felt alive. Of course I was also under the influence of a creature using me as a juice box.

Elena: Well, maybe you can find the same vibe here. Just ... on your own and with people who aren't using you to feed on your emotional energy.

Derek: Yeah. I'd like to not end up almost married again for awhile.

Elena: I'd stay out of Atlantic City, but otherwise most chapels in New York have way higher standards. [she pauses before tipping her head to the side] But one day? Getting married, I mean.

Derek: Oh yeah. Just not right away.

Elena: [she nods. just making sure] Me too. I'm probably the most monogamous person I've ever met.

Derek: [and his ears are totally not pink] It's been a long time since I've been in one.

Elena: [she remembers those pink ears, and she can't help the way her mouth curls up slightly] If it makes you feel better, technically in this timeline it's been a long time since I have too.

Derek: [confused] Were you not in the previous timeline?

Elena: Well, I was, but ... there was you. [she makes a face] I'm not really what that means for my relationship status, honestly, but either way, the last time I was in a relationship was sophmore year of college and that ended really badly.

Derek: I haven't been in a relationship since Paige. [shrugs. She knows what happened, so he can talk about it] Just didn't really trust myself, and I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop with Ennis.

Elena: I just have a lot of trauma tied up in what I am and it's hard to find people that get that. Stefan also didn't really make things easy for me, either. Part of the reason why I fled to New York for med school. [she glances back to him] Ennis hasn't reached out for anything at all?

Derek: No. It's been radio silence since then. And I'll admit, it does make it easier to talk to you since you know who I really am, and everything about... that time.

Elena: Then I'm happy to help. [she nods with a small smile] That's what made things with other you easy too. Not that we had exactly the same experience, but we were both members of the same crappy clubs.

Derek: [smiles back] We really need better clubs.

Elena: We really do. I, for one, would prefer to belong to much happier clubs. Being the sad girl everywhere you go gets old real fast.

Derek: Yeah, I've been told I'm a brooder.

Elena: I had a period when I was sixteen where I would sit in graveyards, writing dramatically in my journal.

Derek: ... You win.

Elena: [laughs] Not an award I want, but thank you. I'm getting better, though. Not nearly as much lonely moping.

Derek: You know, we could be anti-brooding partners. A support group. Text each other when we're sad and the other sends cat pics or something to cheer each other up.

Elena: I did recently get a cat, so I'm uniquely equipped for this challenge.

Derek: Oh, that's good. Cats aren't fond of wolves though.

Elena: This one is from a shelter run by one. I think he's used to them.

Derek: Oh, well that's good then.

Elena: [she nods] He's been doing pretty okay with Tyler, so I think he'd be okay with others.

Derek: So if I came up to visit, he won't claw me to death.

Elena: Nope. More like hide under a chair until he decides you're acceptable company.

Derek: Ah.

Elena: He's a good cat. I think he was just at the shelter way too long, so he's still getting used to people.

Derek: Well, he got real lucky with you.

Elena: I'm pretty lucky too. He's a good boy.

Derek: I look forward to meeting him one day.

Elena: Me too. [and they round the corner on her block and she points ahead] Not too far.

Derek: You know, I'm pretty good at finding my way back to places where I've been. I was always a good tracker.

Elena: I'd say come over any time but I live with Bonnie and Caroline so that might end in uncomfortably personal questions. [she sounds like she's teasing but she's not] But my overworked doctor brain would not be opposed to movie dates if I can get the place to myself.

Derek: Personal questions--not so much of a fan. But movies are good. My mom went all out in letting me get streaming services. You want to watch it, I'll have the way to see it. [grins]

Elena: [grins as well as she comes to a stop at her door] Perfect. I look forward to your recommendations. [then she tips her head to the side] This is me.

Derek: [he looks up and takes a deep inhale, getting the scent of the place and how her scent mixes with it. Then he rubs at his nose] This city is way too smoky for me sometimes.

Elena: That's one thing you'll probably miss from home. The fresh air.

Derek: I've been told I'll get used to it.

Elena: Probably. Ty's still not fond of it but I guess your mileage may vary.

Derek: It's just like a sour film that sticks to the inside of my nose.

Elena: He runs in Central Park. Sometimes it helps.

Derek: It is more bearable there, that's true.

Elena: [she nods, before glancing up again] Do you want to come up for coffee or something?

Derek: Are Bonnie and Caroline upstairs?

Elena: No. Care and Tyler are out for date night and Bonnie had a gig in the village so worst you'll run into is Matt.

Derek: As long as it doesn't turn into a spanish inquisition, I think I'm game for some coffee

Elena: No inquisition. Just maybe some suspicious looks from my slightly overprotective ex-boyfriend. [but she will go and open the door, pulling it back to let him in ahead of her] Matt and I have known each other since I was five and he does not trust my judgement in men.

Derek: And yet you dated him.

Elena: And I also dumped him, so clearly my judgement is flawed.

Derek: Oh yeah. And now you're interested in me? Yeah, completely lack of good judgement

Elena: Yep. I'm just clearly making all the mistakes. [and up they go to the four bedroom apartment they share, and she slides her keys in the door, pushing it open and poking her head inside] Anyone home?

Matt: [nope, he left a note on the fridge though: Left to go play pool. be back later]

Elena: [she takes the silence as a good sign and gestures for Derek to come in behind her. Once she finds the note, she relaxes] Looks like we have the place to ourselves.

Derek: So no glaring. Good.

Elena: Very good. How do you like your coffee?

Derek: Black and sweet.

Elena: Me too. [and she'll go to start making it. They live in a fairly sizable place, subsidized by Carol Lockwood in an effort to keep her son safe and out of Mystic Falls. The kitchen looks over a comfortable sitting area for visitors, while a hallway leads back to the bathroom and bedrooms] Make yourself at home.

Derek: [and he will go exploring, taking in the size and scope of the main room] Seems like the designer here and the one Peter hired have similar tastes.

Elena: That is seventy-five percent Caroline, twenty-five percent Tyler's mom. I don't think a designer can take credit.

Derek: Well, they did a good job. Either of them looking for a handsome detective to date?

Elena: I think Caroline and Tyler are in it for the long haul. On the other hand, Carol Lockwood is single, but she also is the mayor of a small town in Virginia, and I'm not sure your detective wants to give up the city life to live on Damon Salvatore's turf.

Derek: No. From what I've heard, Peter would try to rip Damon's heart out.

Elena: Oh, yeah. That would not end well. [she makes a face as she pours the coffee] Besides, Damon thinks it's bad enough that I work with him at the police station. Probably for the best if Peter doesn't make himself a problem that Damon thinks needs to be solved.

Derek: Don't count Peter out yet. [grins and looks down around the ground] What's the cat's name?

Elena: Barry. [and if Derek looks low enough he'll see the long-legged tabby laying flat to the ground and watching him from under a nearby chair]

Derek: [and he will find the tail eventually and slowly sit on the ground] Hey Barry. Your mom's talked my ear off about you. [he holds a hand out to the cat, palm up, as an offering]

Barry: [lifts his head and leans out to sniff, pressing his nose up against the skin as he takes him in and deciding whether or not he's an acceptable person]

Elena: Are you above bribery?

Derek: Depends on the bribe

Elena: [brings over their two cups of coffee and holds up Barry's bag of treats]

Derek: So I'm the briber here. That works. [he'll take the treats and puts a few in the space between him and the cat]

Barry: [will go for the treats because of course. you don't say no to free food. Then he'll sniff his way over to Derek's hand and lick at the remaining crumbs on the tips of his fingers]

Elena: [smiles as she settles on the floor next to him with the coffee]

Derek: [and he will smile and slowly turn his hand over to try and pet the top of Barry's head]

Barry: [yeah, you're okay. He'll brush his hand against his palm and move closer to scooch into his lap]

Derek: Good boy. [and he'll smile and let the cat snuggle, idly petting with one hand while finally reaching for the coffee with the other]

Elena: [and she'll pass it to him, inching a little closer to give Barry some chin scritches] Very good boy.

Derek: So is there anything you'd like to know about me? I mean, I don't know what you do and don't actually know.

Elena: I heard bits and pieces of things from Stiles? And I mean, you started in the same place. Beacon Hills werewolf, mom's an alpha, two sisters and an uncle. But I guess ... if there's anything you think I should know? I have things I'm curious about but a lot of them are gonna feel like inside jokes you're not in on.

Derek: Well, I already told you I didn't date after breaking up with Paige. But I learned control after that so I got to keep playing basketball. I got to be a letterman in my senior year.

Elena: Nice. Do you still play?

Derek: Well, not while I'm here. But I help out at the local Y in Beacon Hills.

Elena: Maybe you can talk Matt and Tyler into a game while you're here. Mystic Falls was more of a football town, but Ty played sports all year round.

Derek: I could do that. Stiles played lacrosse, so he could probably match Matt.

Elena: It'd be fun. They could probably stand to make a few local friends themselves.

Derek: Same here.

Elena: Do you still like to read?

Derek: Yeah. Mostly history or fiction.

Elena: That's how we met. In the library. I fell asleep while I was studying for my boards and you opted to not let me get trapped in the library for the night. We debated the merits of reading non-fiction for fun.

Derek: [smiles] I hope I won that debate.

Elena: Well, I was arguing for, you were against, and I offered some suggestions to whet your appetite. I think you and David Sedaris got along pretty well. But I don't think we ever had a decisive conclusion.

Derek: Wait, are you telling me that this other version didn't like history books?

Elena: I think your phrasing was that they were good for learning information but not something you'd pick up for fun.

Derek: Oh, then it's a good thing he's gone. He was wrong and didn't sound like a lot of fun.

Elena: He had his moments. [she shrugs] He had been through a lot and was learning how to be in the world again. Figuring out what he liked and what he didn't. So I tried not to hold his blander moments against him.

Derek: Well, the whole learning to be in the world again I can get. I'm doing that, but in a way, I never really was in it.

Elena: He ... was stuck in a position where he couldn't have more than what was utilitarian. He wasn't one to consider things he could have just because he wanted them when the other was just fine. It was a process. But believe me, I'm definitely a fan of someone who's not going to tease me about chocolate chip pancakes.

Derek: Only if you steal them from me. [sits back, thinking, idly petting Barry still] But yeah, I could see that. I'm surprised that he even lived that long.

Elena: He had something keeping him going. [she's not going to bring up Allison because it's too complicated and too messy] And for a while, he was free. [until he wasn't, anyway] For the record, we were friends a lot longer than we were more than that. I really worked hard to earn his trust.

Derek: And he had a lot of reasons not to trust others. [still internalizing thoughts] Is it weird to think that he might be the better of the two of us, all things considered?

Elena: [she shakes her head] No, I don't think it's weird. But I also don't think it's a question of better or worse. I think it's just a matter of different experiences. And honestly, as hard as I worked for every laugh and every smile, I like that you've had a life where those things aren't so hard for you. I like that things were better, even if they weren't perfect. [she reaches up slowly giving him the chance to push away as she brushes her thumb against his cheekbone, and if he lets her, she follows with:] And I like that you don't flinch away if I reach out and touch you.

Derek: [and he'll automatically lean into the affection] Yeah, my family was always very affectionate. [sighs] I think he's a lot braver than me. He took Cora's place and endured all that. I don't think I could've. I would have just taken Cora and run before even she was taken.

Elena: That also would have been brave, in it's own way. Defying your mother like that. Putting her first. Same instinct, just different timing.

Derek: Yeah. But thank you... for making sure that never happened. To either of us

Elena: I was glad to help. Really. [she drops her hand to his shoulder and squeezes gently] But I'm also glad you decided to come visit New York. As much as I was prepared to never see you again, I still really wanted to.

Derek: [licks his lips] When we first met... when I was fifteen, when I caught you coming out of the window... I might have memorized your scent. Before I got a concussion. I thought back then that I'd like to get to know you, not really realizing what was actually happening.

Elena: [she can't help but smile at that, tipping her head to the side] Yeah? It would have taken a while to track me down.

Derek: Maybe. But I'm a good tracker.

Elena: I can see that. [she smiles] Well, I'm really glad you're here now.

Derek: Me too. I still don't know half of what I'll do while here, but I like knowing that you're here so I can get to know you.

Elena: Good. Because I really want to get to know you too. So long as you don't mind working around my crazy hospital schedule.

Derek: It's not like I have anything else to do at five in the morning.

Elena: Well, if you want to come meet me after my graveyard shifts, I know a great place for breakfast.

Derek: With chocolate chip pancakes, I presume.

Elena: Obviously. They are the superior pancake.

Derek: As long as their coffee's good, I'm sold.

Elena: Oh, good coffee is always a priority.

Derek: Great. My mom's a tea person, so that's what I usually have in the morning. I need to go to town to get coffee.

Elena: Well, there is coffee on every corner here in New York. You won't have to go far.

Derek: I know. It's wonderful.

Elena: [laughs] Peter is also a fan of good coffee, so if you're staying with him, you'll only have to go to the kitchen.

Derek: Serious? He's been holding out on me then.

Elena: At least that's been my experience. Your uncle strikes me as someone who prefers the finer things.

Derek: Oh no, you're right in that regard.

Elena: And he's always complaining about how the precinct coffee is terrible.

Derek: You can just say it. My uncle's a snob.

Elena: [laughs] The precinct coffee is pretty bad though.

Derek: I'm sure that's true.

Bonnie: [she's about to say something else, when the front door opens and Bonnie makes her way in] Elena? You home?

Elena: Yeah, we're in here.

Bonnie: [rounds the corner and sees them sitting on the floor with Barry] Hey, Derek. Looks like you've been bamboozled by the cat too.

Derek: Hi Bonnie. [scritches Barry's ear] Yeah, but he's a good boy.

Bonnie: Yeah, he is. I'm surprised you're still here, given the time.

Elena: [blinks then glances down at her watch and winces] Oh, yeah. That's ... not a good time for me to be awake.

Derek: We got caught up in conversation. Sorry. I guess I should get going.

Bonnie: [shakes her head] Not your fault. Elena is very much the "will talk all night" girl if you give her the leeway.

Elena: It's true. Not the first time I've lost track of time with really good conversation. [she slowly pushes up and reaches over to take his coffee cup] I'll walk you out.

Derek: [nods and looks down at Barry] Sorry, bud. You gotta get up now.

Barry: [dejected noise. nooooooo why he was comfortable]

Bonnie: [sighs before reaching over to scoop him up] C'mon buddy. I'll tag in for some snuggles.

Derek: Thanks for the save. [and he will get up and stretch before heading to the door] I hope you do get some sleep at least.

Elena: I'll manage. But I'll text you with my schedule and we can pick a day for breakfast.

Derek: Alright. I'll see you soon, then.

Elena: See you soon. Sure you'll be able to get home okay?

Derek: Yeah. I'm gonna call an uber. It'll be easier.

Elena: Good. Then ... good night. [she lingers at the door, not quite ready to let him go]

Derek: [ yeah he inches out the door, not ready to go, but knowing he should for her benefit] Night.

Elena: [her gaze lingers for a moment, and after a brief moment of awkward indecision, she starts to close the door. as much as she wants to kiss him, she should let him make that first move this time]

Derek: [and while he wants to, he's not sure about it while Bonnie's in the house. So he gives an awkward wave, then waits until the door is closed before turning and leaving]

Elena: [alas. maybe on the next date]

Derek: [more than likely]