[ Derek doesn't get defensive, exactly, but he does seem a little more firm. For a second, he's - worried. Stiles isn't cool with it. Of course he isn't cool with it. The last he heard, Derek wanted Tate out of his life for good. He doesn't know a thing about July.

But if he says he hasn't run this past Stiles - that's just going to make Tate put his tail between his legs and run. Derek's not willing to do that. And anyway, why should he? Stiles is-- Stiles will be okay with it. He has to be. Stiles is the one who reminded Derek that Tate's kind of a liability to let loose. Stiles has seen how Tate gets, when he feels scared, or angry, or abandoned, and Stiles is the one who wondered if Tate would do something stupid if Derek fucked with his head too badly. Stiles told Derek not to cut Tate out of his life. Stiles is smart, and Stiles is empathetic, and Stiles has to know that Derek wouldn't be okay with letting Tate stay with fucking Kavinsky.

He'll get it. Of course he'll get it. Stiles is the best. Derek's not worried, even though - well, maybe he should be. He's not going to let himself be worried. That firmness goes, and he just shrugs. Casual, reassuring. He offers a smile, completely calm. He lies, because it doesn't even feel like a lie, it just - feels like a truth that hasn't been told yet. That's what he tells himself. ]

Yeah. You don't have to worry. It's all going to work out. I promise.

[ He nudges Tate's knee with his own, shuffling a little further towards Tate, keeping close. ]

You're an irreplaceable part of my life. Stop... comparing yourself to him.