[ The shift in conversation, in tone, takes Derek by surprise. He thought this would keep going - that Tate would find a weakness and dig, try to drive a wedge between him and Reggie now that he found an opening. What does it say, he wonders, that that's something he considered a genuine possibility. ]

I don't know.

[ He could run through the deeper things - that Tate's someone worth protecting, someone he loves. Someone who has suffered and needs someone to care for him. A dozen different things that are too personal to share with a stranger. He could limit his description to the surface things he loves about Tate, his intelligence, his perceived kindness, a gentle, artistic soul. Somehow, that doesn't fit right, either. ]

It frustrates me that you never seem to understand my point of view. Kavinsky, Reggie. The bite. Wanting to keep you safe. It's -

[ Selfish. Maybe he'd call Tate selfish. Derek cuts himself short, shaking his head. ]

I don't know why you do that. [ a pause. ] What would you say about me?