We're going to flood this house

Derrick supposed it was a last chance. He wasn't expecting much, but it would have been nice to rekindle something with Dorian. Besides, winter was coming and he needed sex.

He hated to think it, but it was true. But then when he saw that guy at Dorian's, Derrick got the impression  his roommate did not like him. And what if they were more than roommates?

He'd lost Dorian's number because he got a new phone. He was on Kyle's friends and family plan and somehow, he just didn't have it. So then he'd asked Jules at the coffee shop a day or so before, and he'd told him where Dorian lived.

He'd taken his chances and got nothing. Wasn't that the usual?

Not that he was looking for a warm body to hump. It was just the thought that maybe they could get back together. So he'd gone to the concert alone. Hadn't expected to spot Hansen at the door. Still, he worked with the guy. They'd shared a cigarette at work once. Derrick was trying to quit. Still Hansen let him have a drag.

Perhaps Hansen wasn't trouble. But what if he was? And what if it might be Derrick's doing?

Nix that. He sighed now, having Daisy all to himself. He'd found her home alone. What were the chances of that?

But she was in a weird mood.

"What is your problem?" He followed her from one room to the next. Shouldn't she be a little kinder to him? He'd saved her ass, from an unwanted pregnancy, hadn't he? He was the one who texted. Who called. He would give her a lift anytime, possible. They were friends. However, he might need some benefits.

"Nothing." But she was tense.

"You're not seeing Van again, are you?" He looked her over hoping she was keeping away from the football player who was never going to acknowledge her.

"Of course, not." She winced hard.

"Then what is it?" He watched her fret. It really wasn't a good look on her, but he wasn't going to press the issue.

"Its my parents." She flung herself on the couch and he was right by her, putting an arm around her for comfort.

"What's going on?"

"Mom left and Dad..is practically a ghost now." She was so sad.

"I'm sorry." He did his best to be concerned. It was just...

She turned and hugged herself tight. No way was he getting her in the mood.

"What can I do?"

"Nothing." She was grim. He didn't think she'd take to alcohol or anything. He leaned in more. Stroked her chin length hair. She was in her black sweater and yoga pants.

"Are you sure..there isn't..something?" Derrick nursed his bottom lip. He didn't want to go back into the cold. He could think of so many ways to warm this evening up. But she looked as if she were coming down with something.

Derrick brushed a fat tear from the dark circles of her eyes. Maybe, just maybe she'd let him in, if he held her long enough. Even in sadness, he had a way of getting what he wanted.