/It's okay, it's okay/. The words went through Anna's head, but the smiles on his face made her know he wasn't lying. He was okay, even though he was crying. Anna hadn't seen Derek like this for months, although it was one of her favourite sights. Seeing him let down his guard and just let her slither her way into his sweet side for a few hours. "Okay.. okay," she smiled, gently wiping the tear away and rested her forehead against his, taking in a deep breath in the meantime.
Derek’s expression softened. He cupped the side of Anna’s neck in his palm, his thumb running over the smooth skin just behind her ear. “Did anybody ever tell you how cute you are when you first wake up?” Derek asked, his voice deep and gravelly, yet quiet and smooth at the same time — kind of like asphalt. He smiled, pressing his forehead against Anna’s with a little more pressure. “Your hair’s a mess and your eyes look… sleepy,” he chuckled slightly, closing his eyes. Still, his thumb moved over Anna’s skin as he brought his lips closer to hers. Their mouths were maybe a centimeter or two apart when Derek spoke again in a whisper, grinning widely:“If I kiss you, will that give me cooties?”Â











