[ Tate defends him, and it's... fuck, it's really, really nice to hear, and Derek's so visibly, genuinely touched that for a second, he doesn't know what to do with himself. He's happy and warm and there's a genuine, incredibly rare expression on his face of just - hopeful joy, but.

It doesn't last, and his expression falls. He doesn't say it, but - c'mon, man. He gives Tate a look. He just spent days pulling a ripcord on their relationship because-- what, because he was scared of watching Tate get hurt? He's not a good person. If that hadn't been establied after his reaction at the Hotel, it should be by now. ]

Doubt she'd agree with you.

[ Anyway. ]

Peter was my uncle - he was my best friend, for a while. The less said about him, the better. My dad - died when I was a kid, and my mom...

[ He - hopes he won't sound like a dick, given what he knows about Constance, and he speaks carefully, like he's testing a landmine. ]

She was the best. I was lucky. She died too young, but - everyone did, I guess.