Dershana | Homecoming Details

[Derek Mathaw]

Derek had called up Shana for a coffee date only fifteen minutes before they decided to meet. He showed up early, which was typical for him. He had a coach once that would say "If you're on time, you're late," and he never forgot that lesson. Pacing a little bit in front of the coffee shop, he admired the surroundings. It was getting colder outside, but he figured they could sit on one of the benches that over-looked the rest of the town square. It was quaint - he could see every shop in the square, decorated for Halloween and full of Fall colors. It made him want a warm pumpkin mocha coffee. Entering the shop, he ordered for himself and picked up Shana's favorite (which he knew from all the late-night studying they would do over coffee and snacks).

Sitting on the bench outside, he crossed his legs and tried to lookimportant. He wore a weather-appropriate charcoal-grey wool trench coat, which made him look very fashionable. Underneath, he wore a button down white shirt and black vest, with a pair of nice jeans and black loafers. With his coffee in one hand and her's in the other, he waited for her to show up, his heart fluttering a little at the idea of the question he would ask her today.

Homecoming, Shana? Just like that. Simple and sweet and to the point. He assumed she'd only go as his friend, not a date, but part of him wished she would be his girl, if only for that night. He knew it was short notice - Homecoming was tomorrow for god's sakes, but he knew Shana was the only girl he really wanted to go to the dance with. She'd definitely be fun to hang with.

[goodgollyalex]

It made Shoshana feel all warm inside spending time with Derek. She didn't think she would ever become friends with him and yes, she could go a day without being immensely sarcastic to him. Something told Shana that she needed to loosen up and quit being so tense and serious around him. Sure, sophisticated women went quite far in life but she didn't want to spend the rest of her life worrying whether or not she was being a proper lady or not. Not around Derek, not at all. Shoshana knew how to act like a lady naturally and she didn't need to keep reminding herself throughout her whole life.

The crisp Autumn air felt nice, she admired the Halloween decorations and window displays as she passed by and made her way to the coffee shop. Shana decided to wear something casual but presentable. A faux leather camel colored jacket, a flannel over a white tank top, dark denim skinny jeans and her favorite boots that fit her comfortably yet gave an appealing touch. Elegance is key but being comfortable came first.

In the back of her mind was homecoming. Ah yes, the celebration that took place in American schools in which the students are warmly welcomed back — after being in school for two months. It was something Shoshana never quite understood but people seem to like it and well, why not join the festivities? She was prepared, she had her dress and shoes and an idea of what she was going to do with her hair and make up. All she was missing was a date but that wasn't very important...

"Hey there." Shana greeted Derek, coming up beside him and placing a hand on his shoulder before taking a seat beside him. She looked to the drinks in his hand and smiled warmly. Her cheeks got a little rosy. Shana noticed and appreciated the small detail, how Derek knew what she liked and what she didn't like. "Grande mocha, whipped cream, two sugars?"

( www.polyvore.com/coffee/set?id=70950924 )

[Derek Mathaw]

Derek was thinking about homecoming when she popped up beside him. Smiling warmly, with a little bit of a slanted smirk, he handed her the coffee he had bought her. "Exactly how you like it, I remembered." He nudged her with his elbow gently. "Not too bad, eh? Derek can be a nice guy!" He chuckled and took a sip of his pumpkin flavored warm drink. It tasted like drinking a pumpkin pie - the spices were just right, and the whipped cream on top made it all the more awesome.

He shrugged back into the bench, putting his arms up on the back of it, to seem normal. But, that was part of the plan. He'd seen enough movies to know that little tactic, when you put your arm behind her without putting it around her, and then slowly ease into getting closer... Maybe getting close would be a little weird but if he was going to ask her out, he was going to do it right. Flirty, cute, simple and perfect - he wanted to look good doing it. He didn't want her to turn him down, either.

Deciding to strike up conversation, he took another sip of his coffee and pulled up the collar of his coat to protect his neck from the slight breeze. It was a bit too chilly, but it felt comfortable at the same time. "This weather," he laughed, shaking his head. "I love New York in the fall but I hate the cold. What about you?" He turned his head to look at her. There was about a half of foot of space between them - something he was going to change, soon.

[goodgollyalex]

Someone was looking great. Shoshana's eyes discreetly lingered from his face down to his shoes. Another reason why she thought Derek was exceptional, he had interesting choice of fashion and that was a good thing. Shana took a sip from her cup of coffee and then smiled brightly, "Perfection, never have I tasted a better mocha." she complimented with a laugh before pursing her lips together softly.

When Derek shifted in his seat, Shana relaxed her back and overall relaxed herself. The cool wind blew gently and it was almost soothing. Nonetheless, the natural heat coming from Derek's body made it all better, too.

Shoshana turned her head to look at Derek when he started speaking. She smiled as he did so, both of her hands were holding her drink for warmth. "I've become fond of New York and it's weather. Just the hurricane last year surprised me." Shana answered, slightly widening her eyes before shrugging, "I had never experienced any sort of hurricanes in Wales — just raging blizzards." Just the thought of them made her spine shiver. Shana scooted closer to him, she didn't want him to be cold. Did he not just say he didn't like it?

[Derek Mathaw]

He pretended not to notice her discrete little once-over with her eyes. Grinning to himself, he figured that allowed him a look of her. Perfect, as always. She never left the house unless she looked fabulous. He could bet she was always amazingly beautiful, no matter what. She could run a thousand miles and still look cool, calm, and collected in whatever outfit - or, so he assumed. He kind of thought of her as a magical fashion wizard or something.

He liked hearing about when she was in Wales. He found it interesting, how well adjusted she was. "Blizzards - brr! I would much prefer warm weather. Or, at least, fall weather. I think I just love the color of fall... orange, gold, red, crunchy leaves and spindly trees. Carving pumpkins and having Halloween parties - well, this year we're having a Halloween homecoming. But that's still a party." He smiled when she moved closer, and adjusted himself so that his hip bumped against hers.

"Did you have the same idea as me? Sharing body heat?" He made sure his hip did more than just bump hers, but now they were close enough that he could feel her thigh against his through the fabric of his jeans and coat. He moved his arm in just the slightest so that it almost touched her shoulders, but just barely. "So, what about you? What season do you like the most?" He was truly interested - he hadn't really gotten to know all the tiny details like that about Shana yet.

OOC// Maybe a post or two after this one, he'll ask her, if that's ok?

[goodgollyalex]

Hearing Derek speak was just like listening to an audiobook. His words weren't plain and he always used interesting vocabulary. Shana loved any human being that had broad use of words and could make the simplest topic in a conversation interesting. She could just relax listening to him or could very much fall asleep if that was the objective. If possible, she would love for him to read to her before going to bed. Hopefully it wasn't much to ask. He'd surely be dramatic about it and turn the text of a book into a script.

Shoshana smiled to herself as she looked forward. The thoughts that circled around her mind were different but she very well enjoyed them. She wanted to tell him all of this but it wasn't like her. Not for the moment, that is. "I love the Spring time. It's neither hot nor cold, just the perfect weather. But, winter! Oh, I love it. Snowmen, hot chocolate by the fireplace and well all the cooking. I also get the chance to see all of my family which is probably why I enjoy it so much." she said with an excited, but soft spoken tone. Shana turned her head to look at him. She focused on his lips for a second before looking to his eyes.

The closeness made Shana feel safe. She didn't think anything could harm her at the moment. She smiled softly before slowly taking a drink from her cup of mocha that was surprisingly still warm before raising both eyebrows. She took a deep breath before nodding, "Yeah..." she gently bit down her lip smiling softly. Her body shifted slightly so that there would be no more space between them. It made her heart skip a beat but suddenly then feeling became warm. As if she was close to a soft, fluffy bear not that Derek resembled to a bear but Shana felt protected in a way. She knew that if anyone were to try to hurt her, Derek wouldn't let that happen. Despite what he has said about throwing her in front of him, it's all joking.

"Warm enough?" Shoshana asked him with a smile. Her arm gently pressed to his side. She felt her waist touching his which was the closest she had ever gotten. Maybe if it had been another guy, she would have felt like an loose woman but she wouldn't had let just any other guy get as close to her as Derek was.

[Derek Mathaw]

Derek loved when Shana talked about herself. He always liked learning about her, on a personal level. They never had time like this, sitting to enjoy a coffee without any distractions like homework or studying. He rather enjoyed her company when they weren't working. When it came to academics, they were always neck and neck, working against each other to be the best. Now, it was just comfortable companionship, no obligation to work or school or anything but them. He liked sitting with her in the chilly morning, his hip to hers and and a warm coffee in his hand, the shops in the town decorated for his favorite season.

"I enjoy the spring-time, too," He mentioned. "The flowers, the trees blossoming, all that. It's the perfect warmness - but, there's rain, and I'm not so much of a fan of rain. I prefer the summer and the fall, when it's sunny with a slight breeze, and the colors are perfect. If I was artistic in any way, I would paint a perfect scene to capture what I mean." He paused, then cracked a smile. "Hey, that rhymed!"

As she moved even closer, he drew in a deep breath through his nose. Now or never, Derek, now or never... He thought to himself. Shifting his arm so that it found it's way around her shoulders, he leaned in and kept his gaze fixed ahead. He would never admit it, but he was a bit embarrassed. He had never really thought out how to ask a girl to homecoming - most of the time, he had a girlfriend already who just assumed they were going, and that took care of things nicely. But there weren't any girls who really interested him in that way at Somerset - except for Shana, and he had to ask her out first. "I have a question," he announced, then smiled at her warmly. Turning his head as to whisper into her ear, her murmured, "Come to homecoming with me, Shana?"

[goodgollyalex]

A laugh escaped Shana when Derek commented about the spring time. She rose an eyebrow when he had managed to come up with a rhyme. "You don't like the rain?" she asked with a slightly surprised tone. She couldn't think the rain did any harm to anyone. It was perfect for walking under an umbrella, walking without, jumping on puddles — and kissing. "It's a pretty sight. Personally, I love the rain." Shana nodded before moving her cup to take a sip from it. She then placed it beside her and turned her head to Derek.

When Derek moved his around her shoulder, Shoshana flinched a little but it was a habit of hers. She wasn't used to physical contact like this. However, she became calm suddenly knowing that it was only a reflex of hers. Her eyes continued to look to his. When his face came in closer to her, the apples of her cheeks suddenly flashed hot, despite the crisp air. Her chocolate brown eyes followed his lips as he spoke, they widened slowly at each word he said until he finally went on with his question. Shana moved her hand to her lap while the other was placed idly against the bench.

A wide smile grew on her lips and she nodded, her eyes still meeting his. "Yeah, definitely!" she knew it was a little childish of her but she was just fifteen; Shana moved to hug him tightly but very quickly before waiting to see what his reaction was.

[Derek Mathaw]

Derek smiled when she commented on the spring time. Sure, rain was nice for visual effect, but he just didn't like being wet... or cold... or cold and wet. He couldn't concentrate on reply to her about the rain, however. His arm around her shoulders felt nice, like some sign that they were close. It was like he was holding her, without actually really pulling her to him. She was warm and it felt like she fit right next to him, like she was supposed to be there. Not to mention, it was the perfect position to be in when he asked her to homecoming. His hand hovered over her arm, and he felt his fingers touching her jacket lightly as he traced a few patterns, almost unconsciously.

He noticed her flinch and took a moment to furrow his eyebrows. What was that? Did she not... like this? He didn't even know what he meant by putting his arm around her shoulders, but if she seemed uncomfortable... Then she relaxed, and he figured he would, too. She didn't seem so opposed to his asking her to homecoming, so why dislike his arm around her? He reminded himself that maybe the movement was too sudden, and that he should try not to surprise her next time.

Next time... There had to be a next time. If he enjoyed just his arm around her, what would it feel like to hold her hand? To feel her leaning up against his shoulder, or have his arms around her waist for a hug? Derek didn't know what was happening - did he like Shoshana? His biggest competition in the world? How did that happen? All the sudden, he just felt this attachment to her, this pent up emotion that was dying to be let out. Maybe it was his romantic side, but maybe it was more...

When she said yes, he breathed out a happy sigh of relief, and it felt like all of the tension he had built up was released. He had been sure she would say no, before. She never seemed to be that interested in him, even when they were just joking around. The quick hug she gave him was endearing, made her look adorable. The way she waited for a response for him was just as cute - and he realized how much younger she was, at that moment. Two years... it wasn't that bad, but he hoped she wouldn't think that he was weird for being a senior who asked a sophomore to homecoming.

"Um, great, I'm glad you want to go," he found himself stuttering. "Yeah, sorry it's last minute... I just, wanting to ask someone who uhh -- yeah, I just thought I'd ask you." Did he really almost just say that he wanted to ask someone who was as close to him as she was? It sounded so sappy! "I figured you would want to go as friends, I don't know..." He blushed and remembered that flinch when he put his arm around her. Was that because she didn't want to be more than friends?

{http://www.counsellingservicesuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/couple_on_bench_11880918_std2.jpg I'm just sayin.}

[goodgollyalex]

Age was not a factor here. Shoshana didn't think about their age difference. After all, they still seemed around the same age. Anyways, did it matter? What mattered to Shana was that out of all the guys in the school, Derek was the one who asked her to homecoming. She felt honored to go to an event like that with a senior. Not just any senior but one of her closest friends, too. What confused her was her feelings for him but she told herself she wouldn't do what she did two years ago. It was a big mistake and despite that nothing bad happened, thank heavens, she did panic. Now that Shana looked back to it, it made no sense at all.

When Derek began apologizing about his invitation being last minute, Shana shook her head slowly and then moved a hand to his lap. "It's alright. Better late than never." she hoped she hadn't looked too afraid when she flinched. Although she had hugged him to make it up, to show him that she wasn't weary about him touching her. "Yeah, as friends..."

Why was that a question? Shoshana was second guessing herself and that wasn't common of her. She glanced up at Derek before slowly taking her hand from off of his lap. Where she was going with that? At this stage she would have already tried something suggestive but the occasion wasn't appropriate. Everything was so perfect it scared her.

Shoshana wasn't the innocent child that everyone thought she was. However, she did a good way of hiding it and it had been forever since she's felt this way. It started with Victor but when he proved to be like the rest of them, she left him. So she didn't want to mess this up with Derek — whatever it was. Whether it be just a beautiful friendship or something more than this.

ooc: ❤❤❤ YES.