[ There's not a single, tiny part of Derek that reads Tate's skipped heartbeat as anything other than fear, or - maybe even disgust. Derek just admitted to being kind of selfish and manipulative, and there's no way Tate could come away from that without feeling something negative towards him. Derek rubs his bicep with his opposite hand, getting dirt on his sleeve without really thinking.

He's surprised, then, by Tate - staying. It makes his own chest feel tight, too. None of the others ever stayed. Nobody's ever stayed, other than Stiles. ]

I don't know. Maybe.

[ It'd be nice, if that were true, but - no. Derek cautiously shakes his head, looking ashamed himself for even entertaining the idea. Needing Tate and trying to keep Tate to himself led to that stupid fucking outburst he had in the hotel, and even though he wants him - Christ, he wants him, it's the most obvious thing in the world, he's fucking radiating that energy - he can't be that selfish again. Not if this is going to last, and certainly not if Tate's going to sign with him come July. He can't go into that contract being so... needy. ]

I don't think so. Most important thing is that you're happy. Safe. Doesn't matter if you need me or not.

[ Can't be controlling. Can't be demanding. That gets Erica killed. Tortured and locked away underground for an entire summer. That makes Isaac leave. Boyd's the only one who survived that part of him, and he didn't survive for long. ]