Derek's appraisal was as obvious as Thomas's earlier lie. He wasn't an oblivious guy but even if he had been, the look he was getting from Derek would have been hard to miss. Without really meaning to, Thomas found himself watching Derek look him over. He felt himself flush and started to say something when Derek looked away.

Derek's words help to push his thoughts down for the moment because he really was chilly despite the flush that had spread across his neck and cheeks. After Derek went down and surfaced, Thomas followed suit. He lowered himself underneath the water, eyes closed, and stayed there for several long seconds.

The feeling of being completely surrounded by water amazed him. It nearly took his breath away and he had to push up and out before he started panicking because he couldn't breathe. Shaking his hair out of his eyes, Thomas blinked water away and sputtered a bit.

"Better," he said once the chill had settled and he didn't have water streaming into his eyes. "Is swimming always like this? It's very...it's kinda overwhelming. In a good way, though. Good way."

It was all encompassing and all around him, making him feel weightless and light. Unburdened.