Derek was a little startled at the sudden hug and rush of emotion, though he caught her and tentatively patted her back soothingly, still a tad bit stunned at the force of her gratitude but glad he could help and make someone feel so thankful.
Summer took a handful of shredded cheese, meant for the eggs, and dumped it over Isaac’s head before darting out of reach. She liked the way teasing made her feel. Them picking on her, her teasing back, it felt right. The fact that it was three of them, that felt right too.
Isaac yelled out indignantly and pegged her in the butt with a sugar cube and Derek tried to call them to order but was chuckling too much so he just focused on the food instead, getting it all ready and serving it up to three big plates.
She shot after the sugar cube, mouth opening in a soundless yelp and came up ready to pike it right back at Isaac, scraping her hair out of her face with the other hand. Then she abandoned it, scrambling to sit down at the table as soon as she saw the plates in Derek’s hands. Hastily she pushed her hair back, arranging the robe and her face for innocence.
After all, Derek wouldn’t know she was kicking Isaac under the table.