Thomas schooled his expression into one of pure and utter innocence. He widened his eyes, tilted his head and leaned a little more against Derek's shoulder. Some of it was an act but most of it wasn't. The leaning wasn't. The leaning definitely wasn't.

"Do you think I'd do that?" Thomas asked him, barely suppressing a snicker. This whole day had been good for him. The weight that constantly lay across his shoulders had lifted, leaving him feeling light and relaxed. It was a rare feeling but one he'd embrace on the rare occasion it happened. "I wouldn't do that to you. Not today, at least."

The innocent expression dissolved and Thomas laughed, shaking his head and turning his face up to the warm sun again. "Nah, we can go to the diner. Save the cooking for another time when I'm not as dumb and can help you."