Derek smiles, his head tipped down to catch my eye and I know he's trying to make me smile, too. He isn't entirely unsuccessful; seeing him smile is enough to make my lips tug upward at least a little bit.

It fades just a little as he continues and I nod again, returning my attention to my glass. "I know," I tell him because I do. There isn't a single part of me that doubts his sincerity. "I'm pack and you're... you're here to look out for me." I don't really know how to tell him there are some things he can't take care of, though. He can't get me home. He can't fix any of my dumb mistakes. He can't make himself want me.

Swallowing hard, I look up at him again and give a tight nod. "And that really means a whole lot to me, so thank you."