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.
Obediently, she followed. A faint flutter filled her stomach at the thought of being clean and warm (and maybe just a bit because of the idea of wearing his clothes). She had to pick up her jaw, looking around at the upstairs, so much more personality on display.
He led her into his room and went over to a dresser, searching for something that would be the smallest, getting a pair of sweats with a drawstring and a tee shirt he hadn’t worn in years but was still soft. Next he grabbed a towel from the closet and then turned to her. “Bathroom’s through there, should have everything you need,” he said, holding out the small bundle. “If not just come find me, I’ll stay out here in case you need me.”
Accepting the pile of fabrics, she slipped into the bathroom. She luxuriated in the shower; in the knowledge that she didn’t have to hurry, or be on her guard. She found some shampoo and washed her hair, scrubbed every bit of her twice, even rubbed at her teeth with a finger. That last was a bit inadequate, but she felt better afterwards.
Her hands remembered how to wind up her long hair in towels, and she pulled on the clothes. She didn’t exactly recognise the girl in the mirror, but she knew that bones shouldn’t be that visible, and there was just something about her own face that seemed wrong. Popping back out, she presented herself before him to be inspected. Clean, fed, and clothed, she wondered what was supposed to happen now.