Snippet #1612617

"Wrong? Nothing, my love," said Derek, grabbing his satchel and fixing it over his shoulder.

He took notice of her unusually short attention span, a grin spreading over his cream colored complexion. He couldn't help but chuckle; in many ways, she resembled a puppy, and it was quite adorable. Anyone else would have probably found it a little strange, bothersome even, but not Derek. He nudged her when he saw that she was gazing almost longingly at Rikki, encouraging her to find out what was wrong. Though it wasn't uncommon to see Lance and Rikki apart, Derek himself knew something was wrong between them.

"Go," Derek stated softly. "She looks like she needs a friend. I'll see you at lunch."

Then he pressed his lips to her cheek, embracing her one last time before he departed quickly toward the music hall. His favorite teacher's company would have to suffice; Derek had no business comforting a female unless it was Evie anyway.