Derek Hale

He felt he traced a hint of suspicion in the wolf’s voice, but as he didn’t pursue the subject, Merlin said nothing more about it. Still following at the man’s shoulder, he asked, “So what brings you to New York? Are you a native or a visitor?” Surely casual conversation couldn’t hurt, and if he could keep tabs on the supernatural population of the area surrounding Arthur, all the better.

It wasn't long before they arrived at their destination, Derek gesturing, "Well, here we are then."

“It’s not that bad,” he glared at Derek, but he was finished, no longer interested in eating. Still, he wanted to defend the sad burger. “Cool. Well I’m around, you know. If you want anything… I’m here. I guess you need a new cell phone?” He smirked, shrugging. “I’m just with my aunt and uncle right now, and uh… they don’t know about the whole wolf thing, so let’s not creep them the fuck out, but I could give you my address if you wanted, too.” 

"It's not that bad, it's horrible." He finished his off, even though it tasted completely bland. A hungry wolf was a hungry wolf. Derek nodded, "Yeah, I do. Last one didn't live very long." He looked up at Jackson, nodding again. "Sounds good. Me and Cora don't live far from here, if you ever want to visit..." He shrugged, looking down at his empty plate.

To Derek Hale, from your very late Santa.

"I can take my break a bit early" she offered. "It’s only thirty minutes, though." She would be taking it around this time anyway, so it wouldn’t inconvenience her boss. "I’ll be in New York for a while though, so we can always meet later."

He paused, then turned his eyes back up to her. "We better get started on it, then." His hands were shoved into his jacket's pockets and his head gestured for her to lead him somewhere private.

Weighing the risk of giving his intentions, Merlin responded, “Looking for an old friend.” He suppressed a pang of emotion at those words.

"An old friend." He repeated and narrowed his eyes at the sudden smell of mixed emotions from the guy. He shrugged it off. Perhaps the two didn't keep in touch after who knows how long or something. Either way, it wasn't really his business. Not matter how curious he was about it, but as long as this witch wasn't here to cause trouble, Derek didn't mind as much.

"I can take my break a bit early" she offered. "It’s only thirty minutes, though." She would be taking it around this time anyway, so it wouldn’t inconvenience her boss. "I’ll be in New York for a while though, so we can always meet later."

He nodded, "Sounds good. Where are you living now?" He wondered if she was doing well on her own. She was a strong person, but Derek couldn't help but fret like an alpha. Even if he wasn't an alpha anymore. She looked healthy, considering what had happened.

Sometimes, Erica got mixed feelings. While she would admit that Derek hadn’t been the best alpha, she had to admit that he had definitely tried. And it was stupid of her to try and leave. “Derek!” She waved him over, seeing the guy she was helping earlier give Derek a dirty look. She tried to stifle a giggle at that. “What are you doing here?”

Well, by the look of how happy she was, he assumed he was forgiven. God, she looked happy, healthy, a good pack member. "So..." He looked around, not the best place to talk about werewolves. Hunters are everywhere in New York and one overhearing their conversation in such a public place would be bad. "Is there somewhere we could meet? After you get off work. We have a lot to catch up on." He smiled at her, small, but genuine.

At the expectant look on the werewolf’s face, Merlin hurriedly resumed his sentence. “-I was just looking for the, ah, the local university, I lost my way is all. But I know where I am now,” he blustered on, afraid of giving the other man an opportunity to offer guidance. However nice (and attractive (Dammit, focus, Merlin!)) the man may have seemed on the surface, he’d rather not get himself bogged down in another tangle of supernatural beasties. He’d had enough of that for a lifetime. Several lifetimes, actually.

Normally, Derek didn't like dealing with witches or wizards or magicians or whatever the hell they called themselves. This one seemed innocent in a way, ancient, but innocent. And he didn't smell any hostile scents even though the man had obviously figured out what Derek was now.

He shrugged and figured he should change the topic if that’s what Derek wanted though, taking a moment to eat a few bites. “Uh well… New York’s not that interesting. Surprisingly. I mean, I don’t live here in the city, you know. My aunt and uncle…” He sighed, rolling his eyes with a soft laugh. “They suck. Bigtime. And uh, werewolf or not, they don’t cut me any slack. Not that they know. But you know, not bad. There’s a few other wolves at my high school…” Jackson paused, but decided not to continue that thought, nodding slowly. “Yeah, just you know… boring. Which, I guess that’s not a bad thing in comparison, right? You staying long?”

Derek nodded at the last question, "Most likely. Even if there are more supernatural here, it's safer than Beacon Hills. That place attracts the evil ones." He poked a bit more at his food, before quickly downing the burger. Swallowing, he grimaced, "This food is horrible, I don't get how Laura could like it so much."

Why are you looking at me like that!

This is how you make me feel. Do you feel bad now?

Turning on the spot, he strode up to his follower without giving him time to slip away, and trying to look a little more intimidating than he could actually manage on command (which probably just contorted his face into the sort of grimace that makes one look like they need to vomit). “What are you playing at?” he hissed. He held eye contact with the stranger, unblinking, partially in an attempt to appear threatening and partially because he had some of the most stunning eyes Merlin had ever had the pleasure of viewing, and a face to match. He shook himself mentally - it would hardly do to go all moon-eyed over someone he was attempting to dominate. He squinted aggressively to make up for his distraction.

He held their look for a while, before crossing his arms and speaking, "You looked lost." What the hell was the guy doing with his eyes? He eyebrows raised even higher, "Do you need glasses or something?" He gestured to the squinting eyes, but then, why would someone with so much magical power that even Derek could smell it off him need something like glasses?

“Scott’s pack?” His frown deepened and he was thankful that his soda came along so he could take a large drink from that instead of staring at Derek. Of course, Jackson nearly regretted taking a drink because he just about choked on it. Did he really have to come out with all this information all at once? “Okay wait a second,” he sighed, not wanting to let him continue finally. “Why the hell aren’t you an alpha? And what do you mean Scott has a pack? How is that possible? Scott killed someone?” He knew he was slamming him with questions, but wasn’t it to be expected after information like that? “And your sister… how?” He sighed and shook his head. “But I mean, that’s great. That she is…” He bit his lip for a moment, not wanting to bombard him anymore. “And if you’re not an alpha…” He couldn’t even finish, and just left it at that, thankful for the interruption of their food coming. 

Derek gave a small smile, sad and almost invisible. "But all that's over now. We won and I'd rather not think about it anymore. What about you? How's New York?"

“Sure, alright,” Jackson muttered with a shrug, not even really caring at this point. Derek was back and on the inside he was doing flips and leaps for joy. He didn’t hesitate to start with the questions though as they started walking. “So are you staying here for good? Like… I dunno, did you leave Beacon Hills? Or you just here to visit me?” He chuckled a little bit as they slipped into the restaurant. He lowered his voice, knowing Derek would be able to hear it just fine even if he were whispering anyway, and looked around briefly. “What about the pack? You’re their alpha… My alpha… What’s going on with all that? You didn’t just abandon everyone, did you?” Of course, Jackson was sure that it was more complicated than that, but to what extent he couldn’t be certain. He would have to find out from Derek. Lunch was a perfect opportunity because Derek wouldn’t be able to avoid his questions. 

"There wasn't really...anyone left. The alphas weren't what you could call good guys. Isaac's the only one...and well, Scott's pack." He ordered a glass of water from the waiter along with a simple burger and fries. Taking a sip, he continued, "Good news, my little sister turned out to be alive. Did I tell you that?"