Derek doesn't take long at all with the cocoa and I've mostly figured out how to breathe by the time he returns, smiling up at him as he places one of the mugs on the table next to me.

"Why, thank you, Mr. Hale," I say, picking up the mug and holding it in two hands as he takes the seat next to me.

We're both quiet for a moment, the silence more tense than it ever is between us and I glance over eventually to see him looking out the window, his expression thoughtful.

The cocoa is still a little too hot to drink but I keep it held close to my face, letting it warm my hands while I inhale the delicious aroma. "You suppose?" That sounds... a little unsure," I tell him with a quiet laugh and my voice turns teasing. "Does it not meet your standards?"