[ All Derek needs to do is hear the word don't to freeze up immediately, putting the brakes on this as fast as he can. He doesn't pull away - wouldn't be able to even if he wanted to, with Kavinsky's hand around his neck - and he waits, patient, for things to keep moving. When Kavinsky croaks out his question, Derek just sees this as progress, if anything. There's a crossroads here, and Derek feels like he has to be the one to decide which path they take. ]

This place is taking its toll on you. You're sad. That's all.

[ He's not going to go any deeper than that. Not going to make Kavinsky feel more fucked up than he needs to. Reluctantly, and knowing that Kavinsky might take it as a rejection, Derek decides to peel back, giving him his space. He stares at Kavinsky from the middle of the bed, and then, sighing, finally looks away. ]

I don't know how to make it better. Long-term. Kids like you that I tried to help back home ended up either hurt or dead. This isn't - what I do.

[ A pause. He looks down. ]

I don't think fucking me will help you. Hurting yourself, getting high... that won't help, either. You're just going to feel like this again, if you keep going the way you're going.