[ Tate's - trying. Derek's been a pretty big hardass since coming back, but he can tell that despite any anxiety he might be feeling about his plans, Tate's doing his best to take the kindest approach to them that he can. Derek's not sure if Tate's genuine about his advice to avoid rushing into this, or if he just doesn't like the idea of Derek giving anyone the bite - but either way, it aligns with Derek's feelings about the whole thing. He thinks rushing it is a bad idea, too, and he's grateful for the call out. ]

Just scared of being alone.

[ He's gotta stand up. Give Tate a break from having to sit there and be stared at while Derek cuts his hair. He stands, leaves the scissors on the safety railing overlooking the beach. Being here still makes him think of Stiles, more than anything else. He misses him. ]

If I had my way - it'd just be us. We'd stay out here, like we always did - you in the treehouse, me in the den. I'd move some of my shit to the woods, you'd bring some of your shit to the beach. We wouldn't need anyone else.

[ But - that's not how things played out. Tate's got his own life, and Derek's trying to find one, now that he's lost his anchor. He doesn't like opening himself up to new vulnerabilities, and he doesn't like letting Tate off of his leash, but that's just how things are. Nothing is as comfortable as it used to be. ]