[ His heart aches for her when there's some hesitation like she has to think about whether she really wants to let someone in a little bit. He knows the feeling and that's why he aches. It would be so easy for Derek to shut out everyone around him and be a recluse and, honestly, he did that for several years. It just...gets too lonely and he's a pack animal. He needs a pack. He's trying to slowly build one for himself; they don't have to be werewolves to be pack. Scott taught him that. He'll probably never admit how grateful he has been for that lesson from the younger, bitten wolf.

But then she smiles and nods and Derek returns the smile. If she's willing to give him a chance, he's willing to give her a chance and they can both learn together that not everyone is out to get them. ]

Good, I'm glad. And yeah, it's definitely better than getting coffee alone. I meant it when I said I'd come to you next time. We can take turns. That way, neither of us is going out of their way a hundred percent of the time.