Derek watches Thomas' expression change and finds himself unable to look away. His skin feels molten hot where they're pressed together, and Derek resolutely does not look any lower than Thomas' chin, acutely aware of how little they're actually wearing.

"I think you might," Derek replies, voice pitched low as he smiles. But then his expression changes, turning into a confused frown, and he shakes his head. "You're not dumb, Thomas. Far from it."

He watches as Thomas looks up, skin glowing radiantly under the sun. He tears his gaze away and looks out at the waves gently lapping at the shore. "Besides, if I teach you to cook, what will you need me for?"