[ there's an honesty in tate that derek hasn't seen too often. a softness to him. something that drew derek to him in the first place, outside of the harsh, reactive explosions, the cutting insults and the constantly expanding black hole of pity and concern that makes up half of their relationship. this is the side of tate that's just... a scared, lonely kid. no razors, no drugs, just an interest in books and a longing for acknowledgment. if derek gives tate the bite, and all the confidence and security that comes with having a pack - maybe he'll be like this more often. someone... sweet. ]
Don't be stupid. We're friends.
[ he thinks. he's not sure. it's hard to say they're friends, after everything, but the word still fits right, especially after he's practiced using it so often with stiles. derek shakes his head a little, and he walks closer to tate, bridging distance. derek reaches out, and he lightly taps his knuckles against tate's shoulder, pumping his eyebrows up. his voice is quiet, almost monotone. still carefully neutral. ]
If I can make you happy, then - that's enough for me.
no subject
Don't be stupid. We're friends.
[ he thinks. he's not sure. it's hard to say they're friends, after everything, but the word still fits right, especially after he's practiced using it so often with stiles. derek shakes his head a little, and he walks closer to tate, bridging distance. derek reaches out, and he lightly taps his knuckles against tate's shoulder, pumping his eyebrows up. his voice is quiet, almost monotone. still carefully neutral. ]
If I can make you happy, then - that's enough for me.